#FF: Wow four friends in one night. I am on a ROLL.

[jtl-fics]

Fluent Freshman - Part 22

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Y’know how sometimes you have something that you need to do or something that you know is going to happen but you just keep…putting it off? Like you know at some point it is going to happen but you put it off over and over and over and over again? You’re getting increasingly anxious every time you put it off because you know it has to get done but you also know that the longer you wait the worse it is going to get. Finally, FINALLY, the anxiety is just a little too much and you end up having to deal with it.

You finally deal with it and the whole ordeal takes maybe five minutes tops and it was in no way shape or form worth the level of anxiety that you put yourself through. Like you worried about this for a good and long while and it wasn’t even that bad?

That is currently how FF feels about being stabbed by Andrew Minyard.

This is what he was so worried about that he had lost sleep, had nightmares, had lost weight, and had exacerbated his stress ulcers over.

Getting stabbed wasn’t anywhere near as bad as he had thought it was going to be. Maybe it was the fact that it was just a single stab wound instead of the Psycho levels that he had been imagining (Wow, showers were going to be so much less stressful now that he didn’t have to confirm Andrew Minyard’s location before triple checking the lock). Maybe it was the fact that he is PUMPED full of adrenaline from his fights against Jackson and Romero but the stab wound didn’t even really hurt at the moment.

This isn’t even the worse thing that had happened to him this year!

That honor still goes to the joint winners of when his Step Family and mother found out that he had a full-ride to Palmetto and when he had tripped up the same step on the stairs at school three times in a row as people watched and laughed.

(Maybe also the solitary congratulations from his Grandma in regards to his graduation but FF doesn’t let himself think about that, won’t think about it.)

He wouldn’t necessarily call being in a state of ‘stabbed’ a pleasant time but Andrew was being so NICE about it.

“Stop trying to sit up you fucking idiot!” Andrew shouts at him.

Well….Andrew’s version of nice.

(This is the same version of nice that he had misunderstood for months at this point. Maybe FF is just enough in shock from the stab wound in his stomach that he’s starting to grasp the basics in the difficult language of Andrew Minyard’s niceness.)

Andrew had gotten off the phone with 911 and then started pulling off his own jacket before draping it over FF’s upper body, wedging his phone between his shoulder and his ear, and then Andrew started to apply pressure to his stomach wound.

Ow.

That is not a great feeling. This stabbing may eke out past the great triple trip of March 2010.

“No, take back your jacket. You’ll get cold if you don’t have it on.” FF argues because his own jacket is barely doing the job. Maybe it’s the cold pavement of the alley, maybe it’s the blood loss, or maybe it’s the cooling sweat he’d worked up but he is shivering pretty badly.

A thought occurs to him as he feels the weird wet stickiness of his own blood sticking to Nicky’s shirt. “Can you help me get my jacket off?” He asks looking pleadingly at Andrew, “It’s my dad’s. I don’t wanna mess it up with my blood.” He clarifies when Andrew looks at him like he’s a lunatic.

Except his second call must connect right then because Andrew’s answer is non-sensical to what FF had asked, “Neil, let Roland know the police and ambulances are en route.” There’s a brief pause and the pressure against his stomach increases as a muscle in Andrew’s jaw jumps. “Smith got stabbed.” He says and he looks angry, angrier than FF had ever seen Andrew when he’s talking to Captain Neil. There is another pause, more than likely Neil saying something or asking a question, “No, it wasn’t them.” Andrew grits out and the pressure on FF’s stomach hurts, “Just get out here, I need help with smith and making sure these two assholes don’t go anywhere before the police come and grab them.” He says before he pulls one hand away from Smith’s stomach (wow he really is bleeding isn’t he?) to hang up the phone.

Andrew’s gaze turns back to him fully, “You’re not moving an inch Smith, your jacket can be cleaned.” He hisses. “Now stay still and don’t fall asleep.” He orders.

Andrew seems stressed so FF complies. He can’t help but notice how Andrew’s hands seem to be shaking as the press down on his stomach. He kind of wishes he had a pillow or something for his head because he’s starting to feel a little dizzy. Andrew’s jacket would be safer from his blood if it was a pillow instead of a blanket. Still, FF would sooner die than spit on any of Andrew’s current efforts to make him more comfortable.

He looks at the knife sticking out of his stomach. Well, he might die regardless of whether or not he spits on Andrew’s efforts.

He needs to take his mind off this.

“Should we take it out and pretend the Dundee knife stabbed me instead??” FF asks letting his mind go to the first thought in his head so that he could be distracted from his own mortality. “I think it’s still under the dumpster over there.” He moves to point one of his hands towards where the knife had remained throughout this entire ordeal.

Andrew’s knee pinned his arm before he could move it, “Stop moving Smith.” Andrew reminded him before moving his knee. “We have to leave the knife in. You’ll bleed to death otherwise.” Andrew reminds.

“I guess that’s true, so do we just say that Romero got a handle on your knife and stabbed me?” He asks fighting his own shivers since he’s a little worried that any shaking on his part would just make the stab wound worse.

“I stabbed you Smith.” Andrew says looking at him with a furrowed brow.

“Yeah, I know,” FF agrees, “but we’re not going to say THAT to the cops.” He says and shock really is one HELL of a drug because he thinks he might have actually given Andrew Minyard an incredulous look with his atrophied face muscles. It’s either Shock or the knowledge that even if he irritates Andrew, what’s Andrew going to do about it?

STAB HIM?

“You’re going to lie to the cops?” Andrew asks, “I STABBED you Smith.” Andrew repeats.

“Yeah, I know!” FF repeats back, “You stabbed me on ACCIDENT.” FF makes sure to use the same intonation that Andrew had used to emphasize the word Stabbed. “Jackson wanted to stab me on PURPOSE. You saw that knife Andrew.” He tries to gesture towards the knife again but again Andrew’s knee pinned his hand.

He could use his other one but the reminder to stay still is enough.

“I still stabbed you.” Andrew says removing his knee again when it’s clear that FF wasn’t going to try and gesture again.

“Well, if I was going to get stabbed by anyone, I guess I’m glad my first time was with you.” Andrew let’s out a bark of a laugh that sounds more like it was punched out of him than anything, “Honestly, I don’t think Jackson would have given me his jacket afterwards or try and help me keep my blood in my body.” He says and it feels like a victory (not a both hands in the air victory cry level victory but it was close) when Andrew’s face settled into one of faint amusement.

“Probably not.” Andrew agreed, “He doesn’t seem big on Aftercare.” He says.

FF doesn’t know what that means but nods like he does, “So, Romero got a hold of your knife during our tussle and he’s the one who stabbed me. Okay? That’s the story I’m going to stick with no matter who asks me.” He looks Andrew in the eye.

“Alright Smith,” one of Andrew’s hands leaves his stomach and clasps around his shoulder and FF can’t help but notice how neither of Andrew’s hands are shaking anymore. “We can lie to the police.” He squeezes FF’s shoulder.

“Nice.” He says and lets his head fall back onto the concrete. He hears a siren in the distance and hopes it’s coming for him.

They sit in silence for maybe 30 seconds before the door slams open and only Andrew’s hands on his stomach and shoulder keep him from shooting straight up in a panic. Captain Neil seemed to take in the scene at lightning speed but it was Andrew who spoke first, “You left Aaron and Nicky with Roland?” He asks.

“Yeah I did,” Captain Neil confirms and FF can see the moment that his eyes land on the knife handle jutting out of FF’s stomach, “Andrew, what are we going to tell the police?” Captain Neil asks and FF could already see Neil crafting a lie to cover Andrew. That’s one of the things that FF likes about Captain Neil and Andrew’s relationship. He thinks it’s nice that both of them have someone who no matter the circumstances would be there with a shovel to help bury a body. He even thought it was nice when he thought it’d be his body!

“The second guy stabbed me.” The lie comes out smoothly which is good because he is planning on committing to it and Captain Neil blinks and looks at him, “He got hold of Andrew’s knife during the tussle.” He adds.

Captain Neil looks to Andrew, “You said it wasn’t-“

“I guess Smith can lie to a liar.” Andrew interrupts.

Captain Neil’s eyes widen before a wicked grin spread across his face that made FF just a little uncomfortable but only because Andrew’s grip on his shoulder suddenly tightened and his nostrils flared the way they did before the two usually started speaking in Russian.

He can handle being stabbed, he cannot handle being in shock and pretending that he doesn’t know what the two of them are saying to one another.

“Can you tell Nicky I’m sorry I got blood on his clothes?” He asks and both Captain Neil and Andrew’s gaze snap away from eye-fucking each other. He looks down and the clothes are black and they haven’t moved the knife so the wound is plugged still but yeah there’s definitely blood seeping into the shirt, not to mention the hole. “Could you tell him I’m sorry about that?” He asks.

“You are going to tell him yourself Smith.” Andrew hisses, “You are going to be fine. Do you understand me?” He asks before turning to Neil, “Can you bunch your jacket under his legs, it’s better to keep them higher than his head and heart?” He asks.

Aw.

Andrew is just so nice.

He can’t BELIEVE he thought Andrew wanted to hunt him for sport.

He’d apologize for thinking that but he thinks it’d be better to just let that particular misunderstanding go unmentioned.

Captain Neil bunches his jacket up and puts it under FF’s legs before he goes over to check on Romero and Jackson. In the corner of his eye he sees Captain Neil pause at the sight of Romero before moving over to Jackson.

“Why is he in these?!” Neil asks baffled.

“It’s a weird sex alley Captain Neil! I don’t know WHAT to tell you!” Yeah he’s definitely going into shock. The sirens are getting closer though so he’ll probably be okay.

***

The cops all have a bit of a laugh about Jackson’s cuffs until Neil tells them exactly who they are taking into custody. Neil could admit that he’s a little irritated with Andrew that at no point did the man clarify that the people who FF and Andrew were dealing with were Romero and Jackson.

Those are his father’s goons.

“They were here for me.” Neil says to the police officer and Andrew’s hand tightens in his, “They tried to take Smith because he’s my friend.”

They had decided on their story before the cops came. FF had no idea who any of these people were and was just defending himself. He’d gone out to catch his breath in the alley when Jackson had shown up. Neil had asked how in the world FF had handled Jackson on his own but FF must have been getting kind of loopy from blood loss because all he said was, “He told me to sing so I did.”

Neil can find out the full story later.

The important part is.

“Jackson went after Smith but Smith won the fight.” Neil says looking at where the cops are trying to decide how to get the fuzzy pink handcuffs off of Jackson to get him in the far more secure police issued handcuffs.

“Your friend said that you and he took out Romero together. That Romero is the one who stabbed him with your knife.” He says.

“Yes.” Andrew answers simply and Neil squeezes his hand as a reminder, “I went out to grab a smoke and Romero followed after me. Romero got hold of one of my knives in the struggle and stabbed Smith.” Andrew says with his usual deadpan affect.

“Yeah that’s what your friend Smith was saying too.” The officer says. “Well, I’m sure the FBI will want to talk to you all further but for now it’s a pretty clear cut case of self defense and no one but your friend has any serious injuries.” The officer pats Neil on the shoulder and Neil manages not to shirk away from the touch. The officer retracts his hand, “You guys are free to go tonight.” He says and turns back towards the car where a dazed Romero is in the back seat.

“Where did they take Smith?” Andrew asks since they’d been shepherded away from Smith the moment the ambulance had come. They hadn’t been able to ask which hospital Smith was going to be taken to so they could go and get updates.

“Lexington.” The cop answers, “Go on and see your friend. He seemed pretty loopy he kept talking about some beauty contest thing when he was getting loaded into the ambulance. I’m sure he’ll be a riot on painkillers.” The cop goes for a joke but it twists something in Neil’s stomach to think of FF so out of it that he’s talking nonsensically.

He feels Andrew’s hand stiffen in his and knows he’s not alone.

“Thanks.” Neil says before they head towards the front of the club. The club had been emptied out when the cops had come so Roland was babysitting Aaron and Nicky for them while they talked to the cops and FF was loaded out to the hospital.

In a way it’s almost a blessing that Nicky and Aaron are both so blasted that they aren’t comprehending any of what’s going on. They’ll have to drop them off back at the house before they go to the hospital. They’ll beat Wymack there easily even after the interrogation and drop off.

FF had asked them to call Wymack to let him know what was going on “I gave him the rights to make health care decisions for me if I’m incapacitated.” FF had said so Neil texts Wymack the hospital and the address after Andrew rattles it off for him.

“I don’t like that you hid it from me.” Neil says in the car.

“They wanted to kill you.” Andrew won’t apologize.

They still hold hands on the drive back to the Columbia house.

Andrew takes care of getting Aaron into bed while Neil helps Nicky.

Nicky who looks at Neil with a loopy smile and Neil hurts knowing that tomorrow when Nicky finds out about tonight and how he was too blasted to do anything to help FF.

Andrew and Neil reconvene in the Maserati and make their way to the hospital before either of them realize the issue.

“What is the name of the patient you’re looking for an update on?” The receptionist asks.

Both Andrew and Neil freeze.

Fuck.

MASTERPOST FOR ALL PARTS OF FLUENT FRESHMAN AU

NEXT

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The requests to be added to the tag list keep being spread out across a few different areas. If I missed you please just ask again in the replies I promise I just missed you.

As stated before if you’re up here and I spelled it right but you didn’t get a notification there might be something switched around in your settings that won’t let me tag you properly?

[misssophiachase]

For @klaroline-events​​ KC Bingo - School on FF and AO3

When his Porsche convertible blows a tire, private school student Klaus Mikaelson needs it fixed. Enter townie and daughter of the local mechanic, Caroline Forbes.

The Preppy and the Townie

Friday PM, Forbes Garage, Exeter, NH

“Excuse me?” Klaus hadn’t frequented this part of town all that much during his time at Phillips Exeter Academy and given the outdated exterior he wasn’t sure if it was still operational or if he’d stepped back in time.

It was eerily quiet and the small gas station on the outskirts of the town centre seemed unattended. He’d blown the tire on his Porsche not far down the road but had managed to get there just in time.

Given he attended the local boarding school, cars weren’t usually allowed on campus but his father had sent it the other day in lieu of his presence. Mikael Mikaelson never quite understood the concept of fatherhood and considered monetary gifts an alternative way to show affection. 

Klaus also knew there was another reason for his guilt but pushed it to the back of his mind, it was easier that way. 

“Can I help you?” Her voice was gruff, bored and almost resentful of the intrusion. Klaus turned to the source not expecting her to be so indescribable.

And he meant that in a very good way.  

Her denim shorts were frayed at the edges, her white, fitted tank covered in black, grease stains and a red, checked shirt tied around her waist was doing nothing to hide a delectable pair of creamy, toned legs.

“Hey jackass, my eyes are up here,” she barked.

Yes, they were. Blue, expressive and teamed with her golden waves pulled back into a high ponytail, Klaus didn’t think he’d seen anyone so breathtaking in his life.

He didn’t usually stare so obviously at girls, generally it was the other way around, but he couldn’t stop if he tried.

“Is that how you speak to all your customers?”

“Only the ones who look at me like that.”

“And how exactly am I looking at you, love?”

“You know exactly how you’re looking at me,” she countered. “You’re not the first and I know you won’t be the last. Also, I have a name but before you do the completely predictable thing and ask what it is, I’m not going to tell you.”

“That’s quite a speech you seem to have prepared there,” he offered. “Is there any point in me asking about my tire then?”

“If you can’t fix it, then sure, I can do that for you.”

“Are you insinuating that I can’t change a tire?”

“Well, if the shoe fits,” she responded, shrugging her shoulders. Klaus wanted to be offended, he wanted to dislike her immensely and tell her so but there was no hope in hell of that happening.

“Actually, I can change a tire but I don’t have a jack on me,” she snorted by way of response. “You are incredibly judgemental, anyone ever tell you that?”

“Oh, p-uh-lease,” she drawled. “Your type swan around this town like you own it but, newsflash, you don’t. We’ll all be here long after you’ve finished school and left town.”

“I don’t swan, number one,” he replied, “and number two, I don’t think I own your town, even though it is lovely, especially during the Fall.” He held her gaze, and he could see her face soften slightly. But, unfortunately, it didn’t last long. 

”How about we just stick to the tire,” she murmured begrudgingly. “If you’re lucky, I’ll even give you some pointers.”  

Saturday PM, Front Row Pizza

“So, tell me more about this hottie from Philips?” Kat asked, handing a customer their slices on a plate.

Katherine Pierce was her oldest friend and the two had been working at Front Row the past two years. Saturday was their busiest night of the week but thankfully business was starting to slow down. 

“Shhh, would you keep your voice down,” she hissed, wiping the counter and keeping her head down to avoid any embarrassment. “You know how small this place is at the best of times.”

“I didn’t name names, mainly because you haven’t told me yet,” Kat muttered. 

“He’s your typical, preppy jock, nothing groundbreaking around these parts. And I never said he was a hottie, nor would I ever use that term.”

“No, I found that out when I visited the garage this morning and spoke to your DILF.”

“Kat, please don’t talk about my dad like that, it’s extremely disgusting,” she growled. “And when exactly did he decide that Klaus was...”

“Oooh, he has a name. So, tell me more about him and his Porsche?” 

Caroline fought the urge to roll her eyes. As much as she loved her best friend, Kat liked the finer things in life a little too much. Sure, their upbringing was relatively simple in comparison to people like Klaus but Caroline didn’t need money to define who she was and what she wanted out of life. 

“He blew out his tire.”

“Wow, how exciting,” she pouted. “You never tell me anything.”

“He’s English and his surname is Mikaelson, happy?”

“Not in the slightest, next thing I know you’ll tell me his favourite colour,” she pretended to yawn. “Okay, one last question and then I’ll leave you alone for a full five minutes. How would you score him on a scale of one to ten?”  

“It’s blue, well actually it’s more of a french navy if I’m being specific,” a familiar voice interrupted. Caroline closed her eyes wishing she could melt into a puddle on the floor. Of all the times for him to just show up. “As for a score, I think it’s probably best Caroline takes that one.”

She really shouldn’t have told him her name. Why did it have to sound so good rolling off his tongue too? Damn his English accent and those dimples. Why hadn’t she noticed just how disarming they were yesterday?

“If it isn’t the hottie,” Kat smiled, turning to face Caroline giving her an extremely indiscreet thumbs up. “It’s okay, no score necessary, I can work it out just fine on my own.” 

Before Caroline could really die of embarrassment, Katherine had conveniently flounced away to make it even more awkward. 

If she thought he looked good yesterday in his school uniform sans tie with his shirt sleeves rolled up, he was absolutely gorgeous today. Dark jeans, sitting low on his hips and a navy henley that only accentuated his eyes.  

“She’s, uh, friendly.”

“That’s one way of putting it,” Caroline agreed. “Are you following me or something?”

“Someone has an incredibly high opinion of themselves,” he said, cocking his left eyebrow. “Maybe I was just hungry, did you ever think of that?”

“Did my dad tell you where I was?” She asked, arms crossed over her chest. “I noticed you two talking yesterday, but here I thought he was just drooling over your speedster.”

“He may have mentioned that Front Row has the best four cheese pizza in town,” he shared. “You know, while he was drooling.”

“Just because you think you can charm my father with your expensive car, doesn’t mean I’m powerless to your charms.”

“My charms?” He smirked, leaning closer. “Are you trying to flirt with me?”

“If you think that’s flirting then I need to teach you more than how to change a tire,” she scoffed. “Now, would you like to order something? The kitchen is going to be closing soon and I can only take so much of your over inflated ego in a confined space.”

“Your customer service skills really are second to none, love,” he laughed, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. She wanted to hate him so much but Caroline swore those crimson lips had superpowers of some kind. 

“Sorry, what?” She asked, noticing he’d said something but not quite sure what it was. 

“My over inflated ego and I would like a four cheese pizza to have here,” he joked, his knowing smile telling her she’d been caught out. 

“You are taking it to go,” she demanded, scared of what his lips might do next. 

“I think I’m going to nominate you for employee of the month,” he suggested, taking a seat and making himself at home. “There’s something about your rare skill of being charming but rude at the same time.”

“Kat, can you tell the kitchen there’s an order up,” she called out, not bothering to respond to his remark. “To go.”

“If I agree to leave this fine establishment, how about you do something for me?”

“I changed your tire yesterday and I’m now serving you pizza today,” he attempted to interrupt but Caroline continued. “And before you try to be cute about my impeccable, customer service skills, it’s abundantly clear that, if anything, you owe me, Mikaelson.”

“I was getting to that part,” he promised. “I was hoping you could come to the river tomorrow morning and help me out with my rowing?”

“Excuse me?” Caroline wasn’t expecting that. “I’m curious about what exactly the preppy needs help with?”

“Motivation,” he murmured, his double meaning not lost on her. “Coach says I won’t be up to championships if I can’t improve my times. So, I figured what better way to do that then have you yelling at me from the bow?”  

Katherine let out a not-so-subtle groan from the nearest table. Caroline really shouldn’t have been surprised she was eavesdropping. “Be careful what you wish for, french navy.” 

“I’m willing to take my chances, Katherine,” he smiled in her direction before returning his attention back to Caroline. She really wanted to hate him and his smug, good looking ass but it was becoming more and more difficult. Now, she knew why her best friend and father were so easily convinced. 

“Can I push you in the water if you annoy me?” He took her by surprise and laughed. Caroline had to admit she liked hearing it. 

“I think we’ll need to define what’s annoying from the outset but you’ve got a deal.”

“Well, when you put it like that.”

Sunday AM, The Exeter River

“You need to keep your back flat and make sure your core is engaged,” Caroline offered from the front of the boat.” Now that instruction Klaus wasn’t expecting. 

“Trust me, my core is very engaged,” he teased, unable to help himself. 

Klaus was still shocked she’d agreed to come today, he figured it had everything to do with pushing him in the water. Which luckily she hadn’t done...yet. 

“I think we decided that innuendo was annoying.”

“You decided that and who said it’s innuendo? I was merely confirming the fact that my core is, in fact, engaged. And let’s not forget you asked the question.”

“It’s textbook rowing technique and that smirk you gave me was a dead giveaway.”

She looked stunning today, the breeze blowing through her blonde waves that were loose and flowing. Her make-up free face, simple t-shirt and shorts only highlighting her natural beauty. 

“How do you know so much about rowing?” Klaus was surprised, given she didn’t indicate any interest the night before. 

“I might have dated one of you before.”

“One of me?” Klaus was immediately offended by her reply. “I didn’t realise I had a twin.”

“He went to Philips and was on the rowing team too. But instead of a Porsche he had a Mercedes.”

“Wow, you really know how to hurt a guy,” he shot back, unable to disguise his disappointment. “Is this why you’ve been so hostile?” He stopped rowing needing to know the answer.

“I haven’t been…” 

“Yes, you have,” he interrupted. “I don’t know what this guy did to you but…”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“Perhaps not but I’d hate for you to unfairly judge me based on some idiot who couldn’t see what was right in front of him.”

“I’m a townie, yes my house is only a few kilometres away, but we lived in totally different worlds,” she murmured, her gaze downcast. “He had a trust fund bigger than I could ever imagine and I work two jobs just so I can afford college if I don’t get a scholarship. I stupidly thought that someone like him actually liked me.”

“Well, he’s an idiot and you’re not stupid.” His hand was on hers before he had time to think. “I get you’ve had a bad experience but I’m not who you think I am.” She faltered, her eyes finding his again. “Ask me anything.”

“Can I push you in the water?”

“Cute.”

“On Friday, you didn’t seem to care too much about your new car, why is that? At first I assumed it was the fact you had another ten of them waiting at home in your garage.”

“Only two,” he admitted. “But I’m not really that enthused about them either.”

“What happened?”

“My mother died last year, my siblings are scattered around the country at different colleges and schools and my father sent the car in lieu of his presence at Philip’s family weekend. We’ve never been that close but I guess I thought…”

“He’d want to see you.”

“It’s ridiculous I know.”

“It’s not,” she smiled, placing her other hand over his. “You know what is silly though? How lazy you’re being, now get moving before I push you into the water, Mikaelson.”

Turns out they both ended up in the water that day but neither minded. Klaus won the rowing championship with plenty of core engagement instruction from Caroline. He also sent back the Porsche to his father because he didn’t need it anymore, he had everything he needed right there. 

[karmathecat]

Firewhiskey Is Not the Best Mixer

| Part 1 |

| AO3 | FF |

The second part to my next-gen time travel fic! Let’s meet the marauders and see what they have to say! 

A special thank you to @siriuslychessi for looking this over for me! She is an angel sent from above. 

The first coherent thought that registers when Lily comes to, is that she is cold! So cold that she could feel it seeping into her bones as she lied there. Lied where? She opened her eyes to see the clear night sky filled with stars. How long had she been out? The sun was just setting in the early summer night when she was outside with her brothers. Her brothers!

Sitting up, Lily found she was sitting in what looked like a foot of snow, her two daft, and soon to be deceased brothers, to her right. They had made it snow? That wasn’t a part of James’ plan, because if it was she couldn’t see the point. Sure she was cold but knocking himself out was not James’ style. She equally couldn’t believe that Al would agree to being knocked out. They hadn’t moved from what she could tell, the castle was still in clear view and everything was the same except for the introduction of the drastic weather change.

The groans to her right indicated her brothers were returning to consciousness. The dazed look in both their eyes was not comforting to Lily.

“Oh jeez James, are you completely incapable? Not only am I still the correct age, but you produced snow? Oh wow, I’m so embarrassed!” The sarcasm dripped down her chin, as she stared at her oldest brother as he blinked and rubbed his eyes under his glasses. Lily stood and wrapped her arms around herself, happy to note that the wet patches on her dress were minimal. She pulled her wand from down her dress to dry herself, ignoring Al’s objections to not wanting to know where she stored her wand whilst wearing a dress like that. Lily felt silly with it being May, but casted a warming charm, because if her brother had brought winter weather she was damned if she was going to suffer the consequences. The blessings of being on Hogwarts ground meant she was able to perform underage magic easily.

“Jamie what’s with the snow?” Al was blinking owlishly around him, seeming to come to the same confused conclusion that James had somehow produced a layer of snow around the castle.

“I won’t lie to you lads, I have no idea what’s with the snow.” James shrugged and stood brushing off his robes and pulling Al up after him.

Lily rolled her eyes, another well executed plan by James Potter. Unsteady on her feet, Lily made her way back towards the ball. She heard her brothers following behind her and threw a look over her shoulder.

“What was in that stuff anyway, my throat is burning.” She rubbed her throat to punctuate her statement and lifted her eyebrows at James as she pushed the entrance hall doors open.

“Just a potion that Fred got from Uncle George. I feel like you can’t complain at least you aren’t wearing it!”

“Yeah Lil, ever heard of say it, don’t spray it?” Al joined it.

Lily was about to reply, when all the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She quickly turned her attention to the Great Hall and stopped dead in her tracks.

“Where is everyone?” The Great Hall was deserted. There was no sign of the event that they had just left, no decorations, no music, and most importantly no people.

“How long were we out for?” Al was looking at the hall with the shock that Lily knew was also on her face.

“There is no way that Dad and Mum would leave without us.” Lily looked at James and silently agreed, but she also had to admit that as a group they had been known to ditch these kinds of parties early, so perhaps her parents would think that they would meet them at home.

After voicing this opinion,  James conceded that they should head to Professor McGonagall’s office and floo home, as the HeadMistress' office was one of the few fireplaces that was connected to the Potter’s residence.

The three Potters made their way through the familiar halls, with James reminiscing about his times here. Lily knew that he was jealous that his siblings still resided at the castle whilst he had to start “being a boring adult” as he had put it. However, Lily also knew that James was really coming into his own in his curse breaker training. Not that she would ever admit it in words, but Lily was very proud of her eldest brother and the looks that they shared made her know that he was aware of her admiration. When James had been accepted onto the training program two years prior, he had sought out his little sister first, before their parents or his best friend, James wanted Lily to know that he had been accepted.

“Alright, Evans!”

Lily was pulled from her thoughts by a very loud call down the hall. She looked around and saw that her brothers were also looking very confused by the very random proclamation. The hall was completely empty. No sooner had she exchanged confused looks with her brothers, when a disembodied head appeared not three feet away from her. The gasp that escaped her was involuntary. After the first head appeared it was followed by three others, and Lily recognised an invisibility cloak being removed. She was standing face to face with someone she had only seen in pictures, his long dark hair was perfect, his Gryffindor tie hanging slightly loose around his neck and he was grinning at her with mischief and humour.

Sirius Black.

Behind him stood her brother. Well, not her brother. James Potter, the original. And next to him what could only be Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew.

“When did you cut your hair it looks different, nice.” James Potter reached a hand forward to touch Lily’s bluntly cut bob that didn’t quite brush her shoulders. However, before he could quite reach her, Lily spun and launched at her eldest brother, pushing him hard in the chest.

“What did you do!”

Her eldest brother stuttered, seeming a loss for words while Al simply stood there staring open mouthed at the group of boys in front of them. It seemed to be Lily’s outburst that brought the attention of Lily’s brothers to the older boys. In that moment, havoc ensued with everyone talking over one another demanding to know what was going on. Al launched to grab Lily as she lunged for James again demanding to know how he had managed to pull the most morbid prank that could ever be concocted.

A shrill whistle pierced the air and the noise stopped. All turned to see Professor McGonagall, her wand raised in the air staring at the group with a stern gaze.

“What is the meaning of this? Curfew was two hours ago, the last thing I expect to find whilst on my patrol is an all out brawl ensuing in the hallway. Now will you please explain to me how James Potter has managed to perform mitosis?”

“Mitosis?”

“The biological process of multiplying” Remus muttered to the group at large. 

“Thank you Mr Lupin, now I am waiting for an explanation.” Her stern gaze turned to the Potter siblings, Lily was still being restrained by Al, and all three were looking at the much younger version of Lily’s Godmother in open shock. Professor McGonagall, or Minnie as she despised but allowed the three Potters to refer to her as, was clearly not the same woman that they knew. Her hair was still a dark brown, no sign of the grey that they were accustomed to seeing, her face was free of the lines and scars of the war that she clearly had not fought in yet. Lily looked back at Al as she released her arms. Minnie knew the four marauders, she did not in fact know her or her brothers. They were the outsiders, the confusing aspect for her Godmother, not the other way around. 

“You’ve really fucked it this time James.” Every head swivelled to look at Lily as she looked at her eldest brother as comprehension was dawning on all three of the young Potters’ faces. 

“I see that I am not going to be getting any decent answers out of the lot of you, we’ll see what the Headmaster’s has to say about this.” 

As the group were practically frog marched down the halls under the watchful eye of the Professor, the four marauders were openly staring at the newcomers. They couldn’t figure out who they were, why did these boys look like their friend? And how did Lily Evans know them? And when did she cut her hair? 

Lily followed the group of boys into the Headmaster’s office followed closely by her brothers, after being granted permission to enter. She stared around the room in shock examining all of the drastic differences between this office and the one she was used to. The confusion continued to mount, where was her Professor’s canvases of the countryside, her tartan tapestry? 

The gasps of her brothers brought her eyes upon another man she had only seen in photos, however not simply family photos like in Sirius’ case, but history books both from the first war and the second. Not to mention that her brother was named after the man. Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk gazing at the group in open interest. On instinct she grabbed Al’s hand and squeezed, feeling a squeeze back she felt slightly calmer that her confusion was shared.

“And what brings this large, and slightly unexpected group, to my office this evening?” The legendary Headmaster’s gaze swept across the group as a whole and landed on James Potter and Sirius Black expectantly. It was James Potter that answered. 

“I can honestly say, sir, that we had nothing to do with this one.” He looked around at his three companions who all nodded along with him. “I admit that we were taking a little trip to the kitchens, but on our way we passed Evans here and then out of nowhere there are two of me behind her, and then McGonagall shows up. Honestly Evans, you don’t need to worry I’m enough of a man to please you on my own, you don’t need to clone me to make two more.” He punctuated his last statement with a wink towards Lily that confused her and on a deep level disgusted her. It felt like her brother was coming onto her, was this boy flirting with her? 

Dumbledore chuckled, before looking at Lily directly. “Miss Evans, I must insist that you enlighten us as to what has occurred to place you in the presence of these two gentlemen who do hold a striking resemblance to our Head Boy.” 

Lily looked around her, and then back at the Headmaster. “Who is Miss Evans?”

This seemed to confuse the Headmaster more, and caused the group of boys to move towards her. Jamie and Al stepped in front of Lily to create a human shield in front of her, much to her annoyance. 

“Guys, it’s fine. I’m just confused. Jamie, how have you managed this? Was that a hallucinogenic elixir? Because I am seeing Albus Dumbledore and if I wake up in Mungo’s after a bad trip because of you I’m going to be so pissed.” Lily looked expectantly at her brothers, but Al also looked at James expecting answers. 

“I swear, it was a de-ageing potion. Like I said I got it from George. Why would I make us all have a bad trip? But we weren’t meant to de-age, only you were, so what did you do?” James turned to his sister accusingly. 

“If I might interrupt,” Professor Dumbledore interrupted, “Might we get your story from the beginning and we can see what has happened here?” 

James, Al and Lily all looked at each other. Finally James sighed, as the silent communication of “you’re the oldest” was clear. 

“Well you see,” James ruffled the back of his hair in a fashion that seemed to make all the marauders look from each of the James Potters in amazement. “We were at a ball for, well, we were at a ball. And we have been having a kind of war between us,” he gestured between himself and his sister, “so as part of that I got a de-ageing potion to try and make her look silly in front of everyone, harmless really. But when we got her to drink it, well she started coughing and then we gave her a drink from her flask and she spat it all over us. And then we kind of woke up in snow. And now is now.” 

Lily did everything she could not to pull a face and roll her eyes, but from the look of amusement on the Marauders’ faces she wasn’t quite successful. 

“Okay Jamie, I’m going to play along,” Al started, and Lily was vindicated that it seemed he was now on her side in this prank and not James’, “So you accidentally spiked us, we wake up in a time where both Albus Dumbledore is alive, Minnie looks at least 40 years younger, and me and you have a clone who happens to be surrounded by Sirius Black and the other Marauders?”

Sirius and James shared a look. Confused was a word that James thought he understood before tonight, but he clearly had no idea the depth that confusion should go. Lily Evans, who claimed she wasn’t Lily Evans, stood next to what could only be his twins, but he had no extended family, no one to produce cousins or even distant cousins that could explain the likeness he was seeing in these two men. James eyed this girl closely, not Lily Evans was different from the girl of his affections now that he was looking closely, the resemblance was striking but this girl was shorter; her hair was noticeably different not only in style but also colour, Lily Evans had a deep auburn tone to her hair whereas this girl’s was lighter, more ginger. And her skin, it was dusted with freckles that were absent from the Lily he knew. She was also clearly younger than the seventeen he knew that Lily Evans was.

“You’re not Lily Evans.” He spoke directly to the girl, and she shook her head confirming his statement. “Who are you then?” 

James heard agreement from the boys behind him as she watched the three newcomers exchange glances. James was not convinced he was going to get an answer to his question, so he stepped forward and held out his hand to the younger girl to introduce himself. 

“James Fleamont Potter, it’s nice to meet you.” The gasp seemed to leave the girl involuntarily and a look of panic filled her eyes. James quickly retracted his hand and watched as the two boys rushed to the redheaded girl. 

Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat, and had a pensive look on his face, but a small smile that calmed James. 

“I think some information might be in order. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmasters of Hogwarts. The year is 1977, soon to be 1978 in approximately two weeks time.” James was confused by the Headmaster stating the year, but from the look of panic that filled the newcomers' faces, perhaps James had underestimated Professor Dumbledore’s understanding of the situation. 

Al stared at his namesake and then back to his siblings. He should be thrilled, he was meeting the man that his father had stated was the bravest man he ever knew, he could ask him questions and get to know him. But the only feeling that consumed him was dread, Sirius Orion Black, Remus John Lupin, the Headmaster continued introducing the people in the room and Al tried to not let the panic consume him completely. 

“So we’re in 1977?” Al let out a breath as the Headmaster nodded his head. “So either, George really messed up that potion, which is doubtful, or something went wrong.” All the occupants in the room watched as Al paced in front of his siblings clearly in thought. 

Sirius was amused by the antics of the new group. They were acting like landing at Hogwarts was the worst thing that had ever happened to them. 

“What was in that flask we made you drink after the potion?” Sirius watched as the young redhead turned an alarming shade of red and mumbled under her breath. Firewhiskey. Sirius smirked, the young girl had been sneaking alcohol to this ball that they were attending, now that was a girl after his own heart. 

“What the hell! What are you doing bringing that to these functions? Do you know the kind of excelerant effect that firewhiskey can have on potions? It must have mixed with the de-ageing potion in your mouth and then you spat it all over us! We’re lucky we’re not dead! No we’re not dead, just 40 years in the past!” James was glaring at his sister with such intent he didn’t realise the impact that his words had on the rest of the room. 

The younger girl frowned and stood up to her full height and glared at the older boy, turning an alarming shade of red and shouting about how it wasn’t her fault he force fed her a potion. The scene of these two standing toe to toe and screaming at each other was so similar to many arguments that Sirius had witnessed between his best friend and the Head Girl it was hard to hold his laugh in, so he didn’t. 

The barking laugh behind her brought Lily back to where she was. She shouldn’t be shouting at James, they were in this together. She glanced behind her to see Sirius Black laughing at her and her brother. The situation was beyond strange, but her life was strange, and this was just another strange event that the Potters were going to have to take in their stride. 

Albus Dumbledore smiled at Sirius and raised his hand to get everyone’s attention. “So is it safe to assume that the current year comes as a surprise?” Receiving three nods he continued, “And you were not expecting to be here?” Again the nods confirmed his conclusion. “Well then, time travellers are not unheard of in the wizarding world, rare yes, but not unheard of. Would it be revealing too much to ask for some introductions?” 

Lily shared a look with her brothers and James mumbled under his breath to skip the middle and surnames for the sake of ending the conversation quickly. 

“James.” 

“Lily.”

“Albus.” The Headmaster raised his eyebrows at the boy and smiled. He would be blind to not realise the familial resemblance between the three young men in the room, and concluded that he must have had a large impact on a Potter at some point in their lives and couldn’t help but be flattered. 

“Well I must say what a fine name you have young man,” Professor Dumbledore winked at Al who gave his namesake a small smile. “Now, I noticed that your surnames were conveniently left out, I’m sorry to say that the family resemblance that the two young men have means that their anonymity is removed, but young Lily here is a slightly larger mystery. Is it safe to say you are related to Lily Evans?” 

The Headmaster’s eyes fell on Lily, and she stared around at her brothers. The truth was, she wasn’t sure. She didn’t know her grandmother’s maiden name, but she knew she was named after her and she looked a lot like her. She didn’t feel comfortable revealing the future. 

“I only know her by her married name, but I think I am quite certain that the answer is yes.” 

James Potter frowned, she had confirmed that she was related to the girl he loved. Her married name? Lily Evans got married and had children, and he didn’t know who with. But this Lily Evans reincarnate was with what were clearly two Potter boys, maybe he stayed friends with Evans, he didn’t dare hope that Lily Evans was only known as Lily Potter and that was why this younger girl was confused. 

Everyone was nodding at Lily’s statement, and James watched with a small smile as she looked at the two Potter boys who smiled encouragingly.

“So what are with the fancy outfits?” Sirius gestured to the three young adults who were still in their finest clothes. Lily glanced down at her emerald green dress, she had forgotten she was dressed in such a way, realising her warming charm must have been in place still.

“Like James said, we were at a ball. It was to celebrate unity, so we had to wear the colours of a house that wasn’t your own, hence the Slytherin green.” The four boys nodded, but Lily noticed that their expressions changed when their eyes landed on Al, whose suit was clearly representing Gryffindor house indicating that he was not a lion. 

“Why’s he in red then?” Sirius gestured at Al, and her brother’s face immediately flushed. Lily could never stand to have her brother criticised for his house, not by people in her own time and certainly not by people in this one. 

“Because he’d look shite in Hufflepuff yellow.” Lily spoke with a finality and fierceness that ended the line of questioning. 

“I for one, think it is a lovely show of house unity.” Lily had quite forgotten that her Godmother was still in the room, she glanced over and saw Professor McGonagall looking at her with an approving gaze and Lily smiled at her. 

“Well, I think this is quite enough excitement for one night. James as you are Head Boy, I believe that I am able to place the responsibility of our guest onto you? The term ends tomorrow and students who are not staying for the Christmas holidays will be gone by tomorrow morning. As you and Miss Evans have elected to stay, I think it would be safe to place these three in a guest bedroom in the Heads’ dorms. I will wish to speak with you more thoroughly tomorrow morning, so I expect all of you back here after breakfast so we can see what can be done about this situation. Goodnight all.”

[theawkwardanglophile]

Her Better Life

I wrote a Single Parents fic! This story just perfectly came to me after the season finale. This is 100% Will x Angie.

Read on AO3 here.

Read on FF here.

Will turned the key to his front door, feeling like weights were attached to his every limb. Whether the sensation was from sleeping on the floor, his hangover from this morning, or having to say goodbye to his best friend, he couldn't say. Actually, he could. The goodbye was tearing him apart. Could he even still classify her as his best friend anymore? She was so much more than that.

The silence of the house devilishly greeted him in an explosion, sending emotional shrapnel to every nook and cranny of Will's heart. It finally hit him just how lonely he was going to be this summer. Stupid Lance Bass Space Camp taking his daughter away. Stupid Derek and his stupid turtle taking the woman he'd fallen for away.

Oh sure, he'd have the guys around, and Poppy, but it wasn't nearly the same. When Sophie, Angie, and Graham were here together, the house felt alive, buzzing with energy and contentment. While Sophie was, of course, the most important person in his life, somehow the four of them had become this quirky, thriving familial unit, one that meant the world to him. He loved Graham like his own, and Angie, well, he would do anything for her to be happy.

Even step aside and let her have a shot with Derek.

He collapsed on the couch, trying to figure out how to keep from spiraling. While he would try his best to prevent it, he knew he was going to end up spending most nights this summer binging way too much TV, eating way too much junk food, sending way too many texts checking up on everyone.

And thinking of Angie way too much.

In fact, he almost swore he could hear her voice now, faint and distant. He laughed. "Oh no, I'm already going crazy," he muttered to himself.

A series of thumps coming from outside got his attention, though. Maybe he wasn't going crazy at all. Something was happening outside his house.

Having made a beeline for the door, he opened it to find Angie standing there holding a trash bag, a pile of boxes and bags behind her. Derek was backing out of his driveway. When Will made eye contact, Derek gave him a knowing nod and drove off.

The sight of Angie here, fully present and real, took his breath away, considering he didn't expect to see her again for weeks. But she's really here! Why is she here?

"Angie? What's going on?"

She looked nervous, her eyes larger than ever. Scooting past him, she purposefully strode inside, reached inside the trash bag, and pulled out a candle, one he recognized from last night during their "candle jazz" sesh as they had dubbed it. That much he did remember.

"Will, I…look, I remembered what happened last night, and…but even though I wasn't sure if you meant…it's like scary...why would you even want…but maybe we should try to—"

Will placed his hands on her shoulders to still her, unsure if he'd ever seen her quite so unhinged. "No offense, but you are making zero sense right now. You can talk to me, Angie. Please, whatever it is, just tell me."

She looked up at him, her eyes boring into his. He watched as her gaze turned resolute, and she nodded, as if to reassure herself she was doing the right thing.

"I think I'm in love with you, too."

He released her in shock, stumbling backward a bit as his reality shifted on its axis. "Wait, what? You're…you're what? Wait, too? What do you mean, 'too'?"

"Will, I heard you last night. You said it when we were going to sleep. You think you're in love with me," Angie answered in a quiet voice.

"I did what?" He still hadn't been able to piece together the events of last night, not completely anyway, but he certainly didn't expect something like this. He had just casually admitted his feelings without a second thought?

She brought the candle right under his nose. "Does this help any?"

He took a deep whiff and was almost instantly transported back to Angie's living room. Every piece of missing memories started to come back. The way she cuddled into the crook of his neck, the softness of her in his arms, and sure enough, his words to her, those words that had spilled out in the comfort of cushions and candles. Even though he'd nearly succumbed to sleep in the moment he had told her, the memory couldn't be any clearer in his mind.

"Wow, yeah, it does help. I…I…um, ok. But we were drunk."

"So you didn't mean it?"

"Yes, I mean, no! That's a strangely worded question, ma'am!" He felt as if he was coming undone, needing a moment to just process.

"It is not!"

"Yes, it is!"

"Dude, can you just give me an answer?"

He couldn't fight his heart anymore. He wanted to tell her everything he was feeling, but it was scary when he wasn't sure how she would…wait a minute.

She'd said it back.

"We're not drunk now," he reasoned with himself.

Angie looked confused. "Ok?"

"And you're saying it back to me. You're in love with me, too."

A smile started to build on Angie's face. "Yeah. Soooo, are you? Really?"

Her confirmation was perhaps the single greatest thing he'd ever heard; with the exception of "you're going to be a father". He exhaled with relief, his limbs no longer feeling heavy. He honestly felt like he could fly.

"Yes. So much."

His grin matched the one now on her face until he remembered his conversation with Derek, and how confused she'd seemed before this afternoon. "But I don't want to be the reason Graham misses his chance to have a complete family. Are you really sure this is what you want?"

Angie sighed. "I guess I deserve that. Things have been complicated with us lately. Yes, I'm sure. Will, you're more family to Graham than Derek has ever been."

She began to pace around the room, gathering her thoughts. "I had some time to think in the car coming back here. When I remembered what you said, I had to rethink everything. I had just wanted to go to Barstow with no consequences and not have to think, not figure out my future, or my…feelings," she grimaced, and Will couldn't help but smile at her. Typical Angie.

"But I couldn't do that. All those memories on that slideshow just kept playing in my head. Derek and I…we just wouldn't work together. He's never even seen Joust. He doesn't get me the way you do. Nobody has. Some of the best times I've ever had have been with you, Will. I started to wonder what Derek and I would even do in Barstow, what we would talk about. I came up with nothing. I think I'm finally starting to see him for who he really is, just Graham's really hot dad."

Angie's eyes bugged out. "Sorry, force of habit. Forgot my audience for a second."

"I'll let it slide this one time," Will said with a dramatic sigh for effect.

She moved a little closer to where he'd been standing. "His hotness doesn't mean anything, though. He's not who I need to be with, who I want to be with."

Man, could he get used to this Angie, the Angie who actually shared her feelings.

"Is he ok?" Will couldn't help but ask, remembering Derek's resigned expression as he drove away. He couldn't help but feel a little compassion for the guy.

"Yeah, he's alright. He understands. Apparently he could tell my heart wasn't in it. He's still going to be there for Graham, though, and I want him to be. Graham so deserves that."

Will nodded.

"Geez, that's so you, Will, to be concerned about the 'other guy'." Angie looked at him with nothing but tenderness.

"Well, I know what it feels like to lose you," he admitted.

She moved the rest of the way toward him then and placed her hands on his chest. "Not anymore. I'm not running anymore. I'm here."

He wasted no time in reaching up to gather her hands in his. Just that simple touch was overwhelming, and he could tell she was reacting the same way. Her breathing was heavy, and he listened, relishing in the fact that the deafening silence from before had been shattered.

"I just can't believe you came back to me," he said, his voice breaking.

Angie smiled and shook her head. "What am I going to do with you, you big pile of mush?"

Will laughed, feeling lighter. "Shut up."

"You shut up…and kiss me."

His right hand moved to her cheek, and she leaned in as he caressed it. It was a heady feeling finally being able to touch her like this. He leaned forward to gently brush her lips with his, testing the waters. After all, he was kissing his best friend. There was no going back after this. But the spark that ignited caused him to press in further, deepening the kiss as her arms wrapped around his neck. His hands slowly moved down her back to her waist, pulling her closer, needing to feel her secure against him. He could hear a line from the song 100 Years start to play in his head.

She feels better than ever

And we're on fire

 When they eventually pulled apart, for need of oxygen rather than want, he leaned his forehead against hers.

"We should've tried that a long time ago," Angie said.

A chuckle escaped Will. "Absolutely."

"Hey, Will?"

"Hey, Angie?"

"What exactly were you going to tell me at the end of the slideshow?"

"Hmmm, I'm not sure if you can handle the mush."

It was Angie's turn to laugh. "I can, I promise."

He linked their hands together. "Well, I was going to say you've been the best friend I've ever had, and everything we've been through has led us to this moment. I need you to know that I've fallen in love with you. I know it's not the best timing, and I'm risking losing your friendship, but I need you to know. You make me laugh. You're the most fun person I know. You're an incredible mom. You're beautiful. I fully came alive when I met you, Angie. And even if you don't feel the same, I have no regrets."

He could see tears in her eyes as he finished speaking, a sight he rarely saw. She looked away but he tugged on her chin to turn her face back to him. His thumb caught a tear that began to roll and he wiped it away.

She gave him a quick kiss. "Well, mister, lucky for you, I do feel the same."

Will grinned at her.

"Now, not to change the subject, but do you mind helping me lug my stuff back to my place before it gets stolen?"

"Right, your stuff!" Will quickly opened the door to check if it was still there, and it was. Perhaps it was smart of her to pack everything in trash bags after all.

"Just out of curiosity, why didn't you have Derek drop you off there?"

"I wanted to see you first."

"Awww."

"Come on, Will. You can help me kick the subletters out."

An idea was taking root in his mind, an idea he really probably should not be thinking at all. It was insane. But yet, the more it took shape, the more it felt absolutely right.

"Or," he began, "You could just, I don't know, stay here for the summer?"

"What?"

"I know. I know it sounds crazy. But you were going to live with Derek for the summer. You're over here all the time anyway. You could keep the subletters, and make some money while you look for a new job."

Angie stayed quiet, thinking it over.

"It's not conventional at all, but that's never really been us. We haven't even been on a date yet, and I'm already asking you to move in with me, albeit temporarily."

She smirked. "A whole summer of just us and no kids? This could be dangerous."

"Is that a yes?"

"Yeah, let's give it a try."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure, Will. It feels like home here. We'll be fine."

He threw his arms around her, lifting her off the ground. She squealed and laughed in delight.

Setting her back down, he said, "And do me a favor? Keep your gross candles at your house." He picked up the snowman candle again. "Except for this one."

"Deal."

"And Ange?"

"Yeah?"

"Welcome home."

Will pulled her in to kiss her once more. Her better life, their better life, was finally ready to be explored.

[bemystarsandroses]

Tough bad boy love

So, this was on Wattpad but since that platform is mostly on luck and whatnot, I think I will post more on here. So, these characters are mine and so is the story. It's... Kinda cliche, but who doesn't love the whole "bad boy loves dorky boy" trope? It's so. Effing. Cute. And I don't think it's used enough in writing. Especially since I have my own lil twist on here. Anyway! If you see any errors or something, please tell me! Also, if you see this on any other place except Wattpad, please tell me! Thanks!!!

Warnings: death mention, death by car crash, greif, new town, new people, arithmomania, rebellious teens, slight bullying it may be considered bullying but yikes this dude is rude,fam fluff, brotherly fluff

Ships: ;) you'll know later

Extra: Kaden is an Oc who, true to his character, has a nickname. This means that in this story, and probably only this story his name is not Kaden. I got too excited when I first made this and made his name Kaden. Didn't even remember the whole nickname thing. So if you find any errors at all, tell me and please let me know!

Arithmomania. The act of counting things as a form of OCD.

We just moved in at 4156 at New Banks Road. Fourth house on the left, it's the blue one with a red roof. Three blocks away from South New Haven High. In the middle of New Haven, in the middle of California, in the middle of no where. This town can almost be called 'off the map.' It felt so remote to me. Then again, I was used to large cities, and this was a small town. Everyone knew everyone. So of course, after we finished unpacking, three people came to our house with baked goods. Cupcakes, cookies, and the other one was an actual cake. My mom looked at me while she put them on the kitchen counter.

"Well if everyone is this nice, then Eric, this place will be perfect for you!" Her smile seemed to make every dark corner of the room brighten. She was my light in the dark when everything was gone to crap. I loved her the most out of everyone in my life, and I would do anything for her. I smiled back, nodding as i spoke to her in my own deep voice. I'm 16, puberty sucks, that's about it.

"Yea, hopefully." I hummed out, I felt my face set into a soft smile as I bit into a chocolate chip cookie. I stared at it for just a moment, counting the chocolate chips in it. As I could see, there was thirteen. I would probably find more as I ate, so I took a bite.

As I chewed, the flavor burst into my mouth and I stood there in awe. "Wow! These are amazing!" I cheered, devouring the cookie quickly. My older brother, Thomas, laughed at me.

"Hey, did you enjoy the cookie?" He mused as he got into a cabinet for a cup. I nodded furiously, my black hair swishing along. After I had my little headbanging session, I smoothed back my hair, which was straight, straighter than me. My brother and I shared our mother's hair color, but according to mom, our father had the curliest hair known to man. That's what my brother got. It was shaved on one side, and on the other he kept most of his hair. It was pretty cool, and his hair got him a lot of girlfriend's who just loved to run their hands through it. I've never really had a date, but since it's a new school year, I hope that would change.

"Eric, have you unpacked your room yet? Decorated or anything?" I shook my head as an answer. She tsk'ed, using her index finger to point at where my estimated room was. "Then go unpack, do something. Maybe it can get your mind off of moving?" Her smooth words strikes me, and I head out of the kitchen with a cookie still in my mouth.

I walk up two steps that lead from our kitchen to out living room, then turn right onto the stairs. I walk up 30 stairs, walk five feet, then turn right once again. I was met with a brown oak door, a golden handle that I put my hand on and turned the knob. I was met with white walls, a dark blue carpet, and a brown door that lead to the closet. I had a dresser near the window which was in the middle of the room, wall opposite of the door. While my bed was to the left of me. Boxes which had my radio, books, and laptop ( and other things). Though I went to my bed, with blue covers and a green pillow, I laid down on my back. I have to be careful, so I don't hit my head on the black nightstand. I stared at the ceiling, which had a fan with... "1....2....3....4...5....6!"

Six blades on it and one lightbulb. I loved counting this house, it made me feel like I was doing something worth while in this town. I may have picked the habit up from my old friends, who loved math. I sighed, remembering my old school and why I was here. That day, one month ago, ruined my life. One of my closest friends, who also did the counting habit, died. She was very sweet and kind, always putting herself before others, but she's gone because of one mistake, of one party night, of one friend who was a little too drunk. I sighed, thinking of her. She was just like me, born with this ocd type, arithmomania. For her, everything had a number. Plants had low numbers, animals around thirty or so, and humans had above fifty. With that, she would add up things with those numbers. The numbers were her trick, and it never made sense to me.I always just counted the basics of things, how many people there were, along with who in the room had brown hair or something. It used to hurt me in elementary and middle school, but being a junior now, and having the last two years with a friend who was just like me helped a lot. Now she's gone. Now, I am all alone...

I sigh once again, now getting up and leaning over my bed to stand. I walk slowly over to a box, it's beside my dresser. I open up the four flaps, and dig through the packing peanuts to find a laptop. The top cover was a dark green and blue Galaxy. It was beautiful to me, space is amazing. I stand and walk back to the bed and sat down. I open it up, and type in my password. 'imissyou' then I open up Google Chrome, and go on a website called After School. I had signed in a few days ago, when I found out the school I will be attending tomorrow. I posted something :

Erictheman

Hey, I will be your new student tomorrow. I cannot wait to meet everyone!

I watched as everyone told me hello, being nice and polite to me, welcoming me to the school and such. However, one person stood out from the rest, like he didn't belong in this chat at all.

Coffeishowisurvive

Welcome to hell, hope to see you never, nerd.

He seemed rude. I huffed, reading it over and over again. "Well I certainly hope I don't run into you at all. You sound like buckets of fun." I rolled my eyes, closing my laptop. Seems like it's time to stop for a while. I put it under my bed, I then start to unpack once more. Clothes where now scattered across the carpet, so I stood up and got out some hangers. Then opened my closet, slowly doing the process of putting the shirts, jeans, and other things into the multiple colored hangers then I hung them up. It wasn't a hard process, and I tried my best to resist counting. My mother told me it's okay to count the house, just not the actions, or I'll go mad.

I gave a small sigh, thinking about songs that we're stuck in my head. I started to hum a bit, which slowly but surely escalated to full on singing.

I was a complete nerd, but now the music was all that was in my head. I sang Bon Jovi. "Oooohh, we're halfway there. Oooohh! Living on a prayer! Take my hand we'll make it I swear. Ooohh-! Living on a prayer!" I rocked out, smiling quite a bit. My mom knocked on my bedroom door, interrupting my rock session. "Hunny, c'mon downstairs. Time for dinner! It's pizza today, since I thought it would be a good relaxing day." I nodded, putting away one more clothing and went outside my room. I closed the door behind me, and walked down the hallway, down the stairs.... And turned in to the kitchen. There, my brother was eating pepperoni pizza and sipping on a glass of soda. I think it was Pepsi? I sighed, sitting down beside him and grabbing a slice. I bit into it, until I heard a rev of a Motercycle.

I was quick to get up, wanting to know who in this small town was driving such a cool thing! rushing out the door and twisting the gold knob. I open it, to find a teenager, probably my age, on a cherry red motercycle. As the boy did a stop at a stop sign, I got a pretty good look at him, since we lived on the corner. His body was in black, with what looked like leather. On the back of it was a bright red A with a circle around it that was covering a good portion of it. The shoulders seemed to have pads on, making his shoulders look bulkier and wider, Along with jeans and a pair of dark boots. I couldn't see his face. All I saw, was his bright Blue hair poking out of the sides of the helmet. We kept eye contact for about.... 10 seconds until he rode off. I stared in awe, did this town have a ' bad boy' like in the books? But damn, did he look hot as hell in leather.