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musicforastylesrestaurant · 1 year

Note

Anything dadrry 🥺 I love your work!!!

I just imagine Harry having a child that is just so feral and adventurous 😂 that maybe she need the walking reins (if you know what i mean) when they go out on walks and on trips with people just looking on in adoration and she just wants to run everywhere and talk to people but Harry has to hold her back 😂

Styles On The Reins.

my masterlist || ask my anything <3

word count - 2k

my blurb masterlist!

in which, harry’s looking after his two year old son, parker whilst you go out with your aunt, so they decide to go on a walk around the small streets of italy where your currently residing, but that’s easier said then done when the little one is just as feral as his father.

authors note - i’m not really happy with this, but i hope you like it:)

Once upon a sunny day at their beautiful Italian villa, Harry Styles found himself in charge of his energetic two-year-old son, Parker, while you, his wife, and his sister Gemma went out for the day. The two of you were going to an art museum and Harry had decided to stay at home with his mini me.

He was happy to spend some quality father-son time together.

In the cosy kitchen, Harry poured some juice into Parker's sippy cup, humming a tune as he did so. He screwed the lid onto the blue cup.

"Alright, little man, juice is ready," he called out, carrying the sippy cup into the living room where Parker was playing with his toys.

To his surprise, Parker had left his toys and was standing by the front door, pointing towards it.

"Hey there, buddy, what are y’doing by the door?" He asked with a smile, placing the sippy cup on a nearby table.

The two year old beamed up at his dad and replied with enthusiasm, "Walk!"

Harry chuckled, delighted by his son's eagerness.

"Y’want t’go on a walk? That sounds like a great idea!" he said, playing along.

As soon as Parker heard Harry say they could go on a walk, his eyes lit up with excitement. He quickly darted over to the shoe rack, his tiny feet padding across the floor, and grabbed his favourite blue crocs.

“Walk, walk!" he exclaimed, waving the shoes in the air as if to remind Harry of their adventure.

Harry grinned at his son's enthusiasm and crouched down to help him put on the crocs.

"That's right, little explorer, we're going on a walk!" he said, guiding Parker's feet into the shoes with gentle precision.

Once the shoes were on, Parker proudly wobbled around, testing them out and making sure they fit perfectly.

"Big boy shoes!" he declared, his eyes shining with pride.

Harry chuckled, ruffling Parker's hair affectionately. "You're absolutely right, buddy! Now, let's get ready."

As Parker excitedly explored the room, Harry slipped on his trusty Vans, knowing they would keep him comfortable during their walk. He then grabbed a small rucksack filled with all the toddler essentials they might need - a water bottle, some snacks, a favourite toy, and a small blanket.

"Are you all set, Parks?" Harry asked, holding out the rucksack for his son to inspect.

Parker nodded eagerly, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"Ready!" he exclaimed, reaching out for the rucksack and holding it with both hands, trying to imitate his dad.

"Great job!" Harry praised, giving his son a thumbs up. "You're going t’be a fantastic little explorer. Now, shall we head out and see what adventures await us?"

Parker squealed with delight and nodded vigorously, his excitement palpable.

"Yay! Walk with Daddy!" he said, taking hold of Harry's hand with a firm grip.

As they approached the front door, Harry bent down to pick up his son, as he usually did when they went for walks. However, to his surprise, Parker pushed his hands away gently and shook his head.

"No, no, Daddy," Parker babbled in his adorable baby talk, a determined look in his eyes. "Big boy!"

Harry chuckled, amazed by Parker's newfound independence.

"You're right, buddy. Y’are a big boy!" he praised, trying to hide his slight disappointment at not being able to hold his son.

"But, big boys still need t’be safe," Harry continued, his voice gentle but firm. "We have t’hold hands when we go f’walks, so y’don't wander off t’far, okay?"

Parker seemed to consider Harry's words, and then he reached out his small hand towards his dad.

"Hold hand, Daddy," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"That's m’parks," Harry spoke, beaming with pride as he took Parker's tiny hand in his own. It was a heartwarming moment for Harry, realising that his son was growing up and embracing his independence.

But bittersweet at the same time, it felt like yesterday that he held him in his arms for the first time.

Hand in hand, they walked out of the villa, and Harry couldn't help but marvel at the sight of his little one walking beside him with such determination and excitement. Parker's steps might have been small, but his spirit was as big as ever.

As they strolled along the familiar paths, Harry was amazed at how eager Parker was to explore the world around him. He pointed out butterflies, curious stones, and even tried to mimic the chirping of the birds they encountered.

Half an hour into their walk, the Italian sun had grown stronger, and Harry could feel its warmth against his skin. As they walked past the beach, Harry noticed how the waves shimmered and the sand glistened in the sunlight. He turned to Parker and asked,

"Hey buddy, do y’want some water? It's getting pretty hot out here."

Parker nodded enthusiastically, his face flushed from the heat.

"Yeah!" he said in his adorable toddler language, reaching out his hands eagerly.

Harry smiled and quickly pulled the rucksack off his back. He crouched down to retrieve the water bottle, intending to quench his son's thirst. However, as he looked up to offer the water, his eyes widened in surprise and concern.

Parker was no longer standing beside him. Instead, he had run off a few feet away and was gently stroking a random person's dog that they had encountered on their path. The dog seemed friendly, and it wagged its tail happily at Parker's touch, but Harry couldn't help feeling worried.

"Hey, Parks! Wait up!" Harry called out, hastily putting the rucksack back on his back before jogging up to his curious son.

As he reached Parker, Harry gently touched his shoulder to get his attention.

"Hey there, buddy," he said, trying to keep his tone calm. "Y’can't run off like that, okay? Y’need to stay close t’daddy so I can keep y’safe."

Parker looked up at his father, his face showing a mix of innocence and curiosity.

"Doggy, Daddy!" he said, pointing to the furry friend he had made.

Harry smiled and nodded, acknowledging the dog.

"Yes, I see the doggy, and he's very cute," he said, giving the dog a friendly pat. "But next time, y’have t’let Daddy know if y’want to go see something or someone, okay?"

Parker seemed to understand, and he nodded, his eyes still fixated on the dog.

"Okay, Daddy," he replied, before finally letting go of the dog and returning to Harry's side.

Harry then turned to the old man who was with the dog and apologized, "Mi dispiace molto per questo. È solo un ragazzino curioso."

(I’m very sorry about that. He’s just a curious little guy.)

The man smiled kindly and waved off the apology.

"Nessun problema. È un tesoro, e il mio cane ama le attenzioni," he said, patting his furry companion.

(No problem at all. He's a sweetheart, and my dog loves the attention.)

"Grazie." Harry said gratefully, relieved that the man was understanding.

(Thank you.)

As they continued their walk, Harry remained vigilant, holding tightly onto Parker's hand to ensure he stayed close. However, as they neared a main road, Parker's curiosity got the better of him once again. He spotted something interesting on the other side and suddenly pulled his hand from Harry's grasp.

"Wait, Parker! Stop!" Harry called out desperately, but he was too slow to catch his son's hand in time. Panic surged through him as he saw Parker darting towards the road, oblivious to the dangers of the passing cars.

"Parker, get back! Stop!" Harry shouted, his heart racing with fear for his little boy's safety. He ran after Parker as fast as he could, praying that nothing would happen.

Just in the nick of time, Parker halted at the edge of the road, tears welling up in his eyes as he looked back at his dad, startled by the urgency in Harry's voice.

"Daddy!" he cried, his lower lip trembling.

Harry reached Parker, scooping him up in his arms and holding him tightly.

"Oh, Parker, y’scared me! Y’must never run into the road like that, it's very dangerous," he said, trying to control his own trembling voice.

"I'm sorry, Daddy," Parker sobbed, feeling overwhelmed by the combination of his dad's shouting and the frightening experience.

"It's okay, buddy, I'm not mad, I'm just really worried about you," Harry said, his voice softening as he held Parker close. "I know y’want t’explore, but y’have t’listen t’daddy and stay close t’me when we're near busy roads. I need to keep y’safe."

Parker nodded, tears still streaming down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, Daddy," he repeated, feeling guilty for causing his dad distress.

"It's okay, sweetheart," Harry reassured, wiping away Parker's tears with gentle strokes. "I love y’so much, and I just want to keep y’safe. Let's sit down f’a’moment, catch our breath, and then we'll continue our walk, okay?"

Harry found a nearby bench and gently placed Parker on it. He sat down beside him, pulling him close and wrapping his arms protectively around his little boy.

"I love you too, Daddy," Parker whispered, sniffling as he leaned into Harry's comforting embrace.

Harry kissed the top of Parker's head, his own heart still racing from the close call. "I love you more than anything in the world, Parker. Y’mean everything to me, and I want to keep y’safe always."

Parker nodded, feeling reassured by his dad's words and warm embrace.

"I'll stay close to you, Daddy," he promised, understanding the importance of staying by his side in unfamiliar or dangerous situations.

"Parker, I know y’don't like the reins, but they're important to keep y’safe," Harry explained gently, trying to reassure his little boy.

Parker looked up at his dad, tears still glistening in his eyes.

"But I don't like them, Daddy. They're uncomfortable," he whimpered, shaking his head in protest.

"I understand, buddy, but sometimes we have t’do things we don't like t’stay safe," Harry said, his voice filled with love and concern. "The reins will help me hold y’hand and keep y’close, so y’can still walk, but I can make sure you don't run off near the roads."

Parker sniffled and wiped away his tears with the back of his hand.

"But I want to walk without them," he said, his little voice filled with frustration.

Harry sighed softly, understanding his son's desire for independence.

"I know, sweetheart, and when we're in safer places, y’can walk without them," he said, trying to find a compromise.

Parker looked uncertain, still not entirely convinced.

"Promise?" he asked, his eyes searching Harry's face for reassurance.

"I promise," Harry said, nodding sincerely. "But right now, we need to use the reins for y’safety.”

With a deep breath, Harry took out the reins from the rucksack and showed them to Parker.

"See, they're like special straps that go on y’shoulders and connect t’m’hand. That way, y’can walk, but I can still keep y’close," he explained gently.

Parker studied the reins for a moment, his little brows furrowed in thought.

"Okay, Daddy," he finally said, albeit with a hint of reluctance.

Harry smiled, relieved that Parker seemed to understand the importance of the reins.

"Good boy," he praised, gently putting the reins on his son's shoulders and securing them in place.

As they continued their walk, Parker walked alongside Harry, holding onto his dad's hand as the reins kept him securely close. At first, Parker still wasn't entirely comfortable with the reins, but Harry was patient and understanding, explaining that they were for his safety and that they would take them off once they were in a safer area.

Gradually, Parker's initial resistance faded, and he grew more at ease with the reins. He realised that even with them on, he could still explore and enjoy their walk together. Harry made sure to praise and encourage him every step of the way, making the experience as positive as possible.

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fairlyang · 3 months

Text

Meant to be 🕷️

⋆˙⟡♡✧˖° love island au x miguel o’hara ⋆˙⟡♡✧˖°

★‧°𖦹｡⋆ miguel o’hara x mexicana!bombshell!reader ⋆｡𖦹°‧★

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ W/C: 9.1K

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ CONTENT: meeting the islanders, interesting reactions, learning about the islanders, more interesting reactions, spilling some tea x2, maybe turning multiple heads, girl talk, miguel being honest, grand tour

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ SUMMARY: you finally get to meet the other islanders, will there be tension in the air? will any heads be turned? keep reading to find out!

NOTES: there are two peters! the second I imagine to be a mix of andrew’s and insomniacs peter parker bc I love them both!! hopefully it won’t be too confusing 🫢 I’ll always try to refer to Peter B w the B!! (and I’m picturing the liuk s5 villa!)

previous part — series masterlist

Chapter 2. Sparks

You let go of Miguel’s arm and all the guys walked over to you both with wide smiles, “Guys this is Y/n.” He introduces you to them and you first hug Peter B, who was grinning his face off and the first to come up to you.

“So nice to meet you.” You say and he pulls away, checking you out for a second before grabbing your hand and giving you a quick spin.

“Nice to meet you too, wow you are stunning.” He says making you laugh then smile.

“Thank you! You’re so sweet.” You respond and go in to hug another islander who you recognized to be Daniel.

“Hi nice to meet you!” He says in your ear and you pull away saying the same.

You remember him being from Colombia which definitely also had him on the top spot of your list because you loved your fellow Latinos.

Up next was the second Peter and his hug was a little awkward but he seemed like the most introverted of the group so you understood. “Ooo I love your tattoo!” You compliment and point to his spider tattoo on his forearm.

“Oh thanks! It’s one of my favorite ones.” He says with a small smile making you aww.

After him was David, who was the literal definition of tall, dark, and handsome. He was for sure above 6’0, had a body sculpted by gods, and had some neat braids.

He was checking you out as Peter showed you another tattoo to which he just joked to stop hogging you.

You laughed and Peter just mumbled an apology to which you just replied saying you’d love to see them tomorrow so he wouldn’t feel bad.

You hugged David, having to reach up more than the others, and he hugged you back before realizing you were still wet and quickly pulled away from you. “What are you scared of a little water?” You tease and he scoffs.

“No… I just didn’t expect it.” He sassily says which almost had you gagging because huh?

“We just came back from the hot tub? Why wouldn’t we be wet…?” You challenge and he’s left speechless.

All brawn no brain, how sad.

And somewhat of an immediate ick, not a good sign.

The last two were the newest bombshells, Raul and Jordan. They both pulled you in for a hug at the same time making you smile. “Welcome to the villa!” Jordan said with a wide grin as they pulled away from you.

“Aww thank you!” You say excitedly, feeling at ease with other people that have been in your shoes.

“What an entrance I gotta say!” Raul compliments making you laugh.

“I wasn’t sure how exactly to go about it I can’t lie.” You laugh and they both give you smiles.

Raul is from Puerto Rico, has brown curly hair, and pretty hazel eyes. He was just gorgeous and from what you’ve seen, such a sweetheart. He was the one always making coffees for anyone who wanted one and even breakfast.

Jordan has brown skin, some locs, and from what you could remember he said his nationality was Nigerian but has been living in the states since he was a teenager.

At this point all of them caught your eye and you’ll be so busy tomorrow.

All the guys were behind you as the two new guys started a conversation with you, well mostly giving advice on toe stepping and to not be afraid to do it since you were in here for you.

You heard some murmurs behind you and you turned around to find two of the girls came into the kitchen.

“Oh my god you look so hot.” MJ says with wide eyes before pulling you in for a hug.

You laugh and pulled away checking her out too, “you’re pretty hot yourself girl.”

“Stop it.” She waves you off then gives you a kind smile.

“Now that is how you bombshell.” Gwen says, playfully pointing a finger at you and you giggle before hugging her.

“Yeah y’know someone had to do it.” You joked making them both chuckle.

“You guys are so gorgeous.” You say and admire how pretty MJ looked in red as well as how Gwen was rocking a black suit.

“Literally so hot.” You compliment making them both go on to compliment you.

You went on to say how you loved specific things about their outfits meanwhile you could somewhat hear Peter B yell behind you. “Girls come say hi!”

You tried to not make a face, given three of the girls didn’t come up to say anything since you got here. You weren’t going to say it was rude but you sure were thinking it.

It didn’t help that you heard groans as they stood up from the daybeds and at that point they shouldn’t have even bothered.

The guys in front of you were giving them slight glares and just confused on why they were acting like this because not even the guys were this petty when the guy bombshells came in.

You looked at Miguel and he was shaking his head, he then locked eyes with you and gave you a sympathetic smile. You gave him a shrug and gave him wide eyes then looked to your left and right.

He chuckled and finally you heard the clicks of heels getting closer. You looked over and there were the rest of the girls with annoyed looks on their faces.

“Geez if it’s that much trouble they shouldn’t even come.” You mutter and MJ sighs.

“I don’t know why they’re like this, it’s just unnecessary and rude.” She says and grabs your hand, giving it a squeeze.

“The guys don’t look too happy about it either.” Gwen whispers to you and you look at them.

Sure enough they were all shaking their heads in disapproval. Especially Miguel and the Peter’s.

“What is wrong with you guys?” Peter mumbles under his breath and Jazmin just rolls her eyes.

“We weren’t like this when Raul and Jordan came in and they took four of you on dates..” Daniel mutters, making Dana scoff.

“Well they didn’t take-“ she said but then cuts herself off because her point wasn’t even going to make sense considering Jordan snatched Jazmin from Daniel last night.

“Have some hospitality, come on you girls are better than this.” Miguel mumbles and shakes his head.

“It’s not like we’re gonna be the bestest of friends. She’s gonna steal one of you from us.” Valeria complains and pouts.

“Ah so now you don’t like that the shoe is on the other foot huh?” David chimes in and she folds her arms against her chest realizing he had a point.

At this point Gwen, MJ, Raul, and Jordan were all trying to distract you by letting you ask questions about them which let you know that MJ was an aspiring actress, Gwen had a biochem degree (which had you questioning why Miguel wished there were science nerds in here), Raul was a chef, and Jordan was a model which didn’t surprise you in the slightest.

The girls sighed then looked at each other and just shrugged, now walking over to you. Valeria was the first to introduce herself, the fake facade going away and actually giving you a genuine smile. “Hi I’m Valeria but you can call me Val. Nice to meet you girl.” She says and going in for a hug.

You hug her back then pull away, your eyes gravitating to her cute planet necklace. “Your necklace is so cute! Where did you get it?” You ask and she squeals.

“It’s from Vivienne Westwood! They had a small line of jewelry with these pendants. This was gifted by a family friend.” She says enthusiastically making you aw.

“That’s such a sweet gift, it’s so pretty.” You compliment once again and she grins.

It seemed like she was easily swayed to act one way because this Val seemed nice once she wasn’t just with the other two.

She was on the shorter side, had long navy blue hair, and fair skin. She was really gorgeous.

“It’s nice to meet you Val, hope we can befriend each other this summer.” You say and she nods.

“I’d like that.” She replies and steps aside so the next one can go.

Up next was Jazmin, who gave you a wave, then went in for a hug. It was short but sweet and you were just astounded they had the mindset of not even greeting you because you went on one date.

On the first week too, which makes it like ten times scarier.

She then quickly introduces herself then stands by Val, not at all bothered to hear your response.

She was tall, had brown skin, with cornrows in a high ponytail, and wearing a black bodycon dress. She was also a stunner.

Lastly was Dana, who couldn’t wipe that look off her face as hard as she tried. And how could she?

You had just gone on a date with her so called soulmate and yet he was beaming as soon as he got back. She quickly noticed the way he and Peter B began whispering in each others faces after Peter spun you.

She couldn’t even be bothered to act nice because she needed to know Miguel’s thoughts on the date but knowing damn well he’s going to tell the guys first.

“Welcome to the villa.” She says dryly and the energy with everyone there just felt so off.

That was until Peter B yelled that everyone should go to the firepit.

“Let’s go!” He yells and everyone scrambled out of the kitchen.

Dana and Jazmin zoomed to the firepit and were whispering to each other while Daniel and Raul both offered you their arm so you linked arms with both of them as you headed down.

The rest all walked down together and your nerves grew once again. You were going to be the center of attention and it was really hitting you of what it was you had to do here.

You were going to step on so many toes and half the girls were already giving you the stank eye. All the guys were fine and you’d probably have to make you mind up after 48 hours and that’s just your anxiety thinking far ahead.

Raul must’ve somehow sensed it and just whispered some calming words, saying he felt the same way and everything turned out fine, for the most part.

You just nodded and took a deep breath as they led you to the middle of the firepit. You sat down and unlinked your arms but they still sat next to you.

You felt a shiver go down your spine and because the sun was setting, it was already getting darker which meant it’s slightly getting colder and you’re in a bikini while the girls are fully clothed.

At least Miguel was also in the same boat as you, but maybe he was good with the cold considering he was from New York.

You looked for him, quickly finding him to be next to Raul, who was on your right. He was fine. Not even shivering a tiny bit. And he was still looking as fine as ever.

As everyone sat down they all turned to look at you and you quickly remembered what you had prepared in your head nearly all day. “Hi I’m Y/n, I’m twenty four, I live in Houston, just graduated from nursing school, and I’m looking for the love of my life!”

Peter B was the first to yell, “FUCK YEAH!!” Everyone else followed suit and you quickly realized that Peter would instantly be an amazing hype man.

“What’s your type?” Jordan asks and you hummed.

“Physical type all I ask for is someone taller than me. I’ve gone out with all kinds of people and personality is a big thing as well. Also need someone I can laugh with over the dumbest things.” You reply and he nods while some of the other guys hum.

“How about last relationship?” Peter asks and you quickly respond.

“Two years ago! He was very childish by the end of the relationship and it made me realize I didn’t want to date a boy.” You explain while looking around to not have just eye contact with one person.

“Ah so you’re looking for a man?” David asks and you nod.

“Exactly. I don’t want to play any more games and hopefully I won’t have to.” You say and chuckle.

“Who do you have your eye on?” MJ asks making you laugh.

“On to the bigger questions huh?” You joke and she nods.

“Hmm… Well I think I gotta keep my cards close to my chest but all the guys are fine so I’m in for a wild ride.” you say and a few of the guys cheer but you laughed at Peter B giving Miguel a fist bump.

“Honestly I think I’m just going to get to know everyone and see where it goes!” You add and some murmur in agreement.

“Well welcome to the villa!” Raul says and wraps his arm around you, giving you a little side hug as some of the other guys cheer.

“Hey Y/n do you wanna have a little girl’s chat?” MJ asks and you nod.

“Let’s do itttt.” You say and stand up along with the other girls.

“Where do you wanna go?” Gwen asks and you look around as you all walk away from the fire pit.

“How about the swing set?” You suggest and you all start making your way there.

As soon as you were out of ear shot the guys all immediately gather together and are silent but with sly hand motions and reactions, they all get their point across that they find you attractive.

Then once they saw you were all sat, they all started talking at the same time.

“Dude-“

“I know-“

“We’re so in trouble.”

“That bikini..”

“She’s stunning.”

“Wait so how’d the date go?!?” Peter B impatiently asked and wrapped his around around Miguel’s shoulder.

They all remembered and quickly turned to look at him, wanting to know the details.

“It went… very well.” He says slowly, trying to carefully think of what he wants to say.

He knows the guys won’t entirely snitch on him but if any of the girls press hard enough one of them might crack so he’ll be safer than sorry with carefully selected phrasing than careless ones that could potentially hurt Dana.

“Come on Mig, give us more than that!” Second Peter nagged making Miguel chuckle.

“Alright, it went really good. Honestly such a nice first date, better than I could’ve imagined.” He says and tries to stop a smile from taking over his face but the guys called it out quick, and loudly.

“OH MY GOD I KNEW IT!”

“So happy for you bro.”

“It’s what you needed.”

“Mans is cheesin’!!”

After Peter B’s loud outburst, he shushed them so their reactions wouldn’t give him away just yet. He still had to have that conversation with Dana before they went to bed.

“I didn’t think an instant spark would happen for me, let alone a bit of love at first sight-“ he starts but gets brutally interrupted with the guys patting him on the back and struggling to not yell in excitement for him.

“Explain!” Daniel mutters under his breath and the rest nod their heads meanwhile Peter B next to him was nearly shaking in anticipation.

“I don’t know when I walked in and saw her I was just kind of speechless. I thought I was just going to be up there nearly drooling and not able to snap out of it but we got to talking as soon as she said hey and I can’t believe how effortless our conversations were.” He admits, feeling his face grow hot which prompted the guys to laugh and Peter B to poke his cheeks.

But he could tell they were happy for him, their wide grins were a dead giveaway.

“She was just so energetic and we had so much in common. It really felt like I could talk to her about absolutely anything.” He says and the guys nod.

“Bro I’m so happy for you.” David says and daps him up.

“Clearly the public knew what needed to be done.” Jordan snickers, making the guys burst out laughing.

“Stop-“ Daniel mutters and covers his mouth in shock.

After a few more seconds of them just laughing Miguel remembered something he wanted to tell them.

“Oh and she’s a latina. Fluent in Spanish and the conversation was flowing I forgot to ask from where.” He says and Raul gasps.

“Nah really?” Raul says sarcastically, making Miguel roll his eyes.

“To be fair Val is Mexican and isn’t fluent.” Daniel chimes in and Raul hums.

“Have a point there. Pero Y/n esta hermosa y habla el lenguaje.” He says and has both Miguel and Daniel murmuring in agreement. (But Y/n is gorgeous and speaks the language)

“Is she turning your head already then?” Peter jokes and he just shrugs.

“It’s just a plus when a girl speaks the mother language.” He admits and then gives a sheepish grin.

“Fair enough.”

“I get that.”

“Y saben es un poco coqueta..” Miguel says making Raul and Daniel both widen their eyes a little. (And y’know she’s a little flirty..)

“Nomas un poco..?” Raul asks with a raised eyebrow, curiosity getting the best of him and Miguel shrugs. (Only a little..?)

“Tal ves lo tienes que confírmalo tu mismo.” Miguel suggests and Raul just nods. (Maybe you need to confirm it yourself)

“Tal ves si lo haré.” He responds and look over at the girls on the swing but more specifically looking at you. (Maybe I will)

Miguel chuckled and looked at how confused the rest of them were before quickly translating the first thing he said, “I said that she’s a bit flirty.”

“Oh is she?” Jordan asks and Miguel had to do the same thing he did to Raul.

“Maybe you should find out for yourself.” He says earning himself a laugh from Jordan.

“Maybe I will.” He responds back and Miguel, Raul and Daniel all burst out laughing.

“Oh my god you guys do share a braincell-“ Daniel jokes and Jordan just groans.

“We said the same thing again?” He asks and just shakes his head when the guys answered.

“Best bromance love island’s ever seen.” David teases and Jordan flips him off.

“Wait Miguel what rating would you give the date then?” Peter asks and Miguel calms himself down then hums.

“Thirteen out of ten.” He replies and the guys scream and cheer, completely forgetting about being quiet.

“You’re gonna pursue her right? Like come on you have to.” Peter B says with a cheeky grin.

He takes a few seconds for a dramatic pause just so Peter B can get annoyed at him making him wait. “I’d be the dumbest man alive if I don’t.” He admits, looking at them giving him the cheesiest of grins imaginable.

“Good man.”

“Absolutely.”

“Wait Miguel did you kiss her?” David asks and he shakes his head.

“No, it would’ve been too soon and I really need to pull Dana before we go to sleep.” He says and Peter B lets out some coughs.

“Should’ve just done it.” He mutters between coughs making Miguel roll his eyes.

“I wouldn’t wanna hurt Dana like that, it’s not fair to her.” He mumbled and they nodded.

“It’s going to be tough.” Raul says, giving him a sympathetic smile.

“Knowing Dana, she is not going to believe you and will just assume Y/n turned your head, which she might have… but that’s besides the point.” Peter B rambles and continues, “she might just assume you’re only having these feelings because a new girl came in.”

“That’s why I’d like to talk to her before it’s too late.” Miguel says making the guys hum.

Luckily all the girls were preoccupied listening to your side of the story to go off on the guys for how disrespectful they were being. Luck was on your side boys!

As soon as you had sat down on the swing all the girls bombarded you with questions and you really should’ve seen it coming.

“How was the date?”

“So who do you have your eye on?”

“What’s your actual type?”

“Did you kiss him?”

You nervously laugh and look at them as they’re awaiting your answer to probably all their questions.

MJ was the only one who didn’t ask something and she was just as stunned as you. Gwen also didn’t expect for the other three to ask you anything considering how they’ve been acting since Miguel got the text.

Dana was a mess and started bawling her eyes out because she didn’t even get to say anything to him or hug him before he left. The other two instantly got into cliquey mean girl mode and said things like no girl could take Miguel from her and that you wouldn’t be prettier than her which had MJ and Gwen feeling so uncomfortable.

To them it just felt like an unnecessary thing to say and they were all in the earliest of days getting to know one another. There’s no point in trying to bring Dana up by bringing another girl down.

They tried to make her feel better but their actual kind words just weren’t what she wanted to hear. So of course the other two told her what she wanted to hear to cheer her up, not like any of them would now say any of that stuff to your face right now.

“Honestly the date was amazing, I think we just clicked and bounced off each other so naturally and quickly found out how much we had in common.” You start and pray you wouldn’t get your ass beat then and there.

“He was very sweet and I was pleasantly surprised that he could actually hold a decent conversation with me.” You added making MJ giggle.

“Honestly he’s such a sweetie, just very playful when he wants to be.” she says and you nod.

“I definitely got that vibe! He looks like he’d break some hearts but that date just showed the total opposite.” You reply then chuckle. “At least for now y’know.” You quickly add because you didn’t really want to jinx yourself.

“And as for who I have my eye on… genuinely I don’t have any names. I’d like to talk to them all tomorrow and see what’s up with them all because they all seem so sweet.” You explain and that clearly did not sit well with the cliquey trio, even Val.

“I didn’t lie about my type and no I did not kiss him.” You say and look at the two who asked.

Dana looked like she was going to explode and Jazmin didn’t really care, the difference in their reactions was very telling and you were astounded that they were this judgemental.

“Did you feel any sparks?” Gwen asks and Dana’s face got red fast.

You collected your thoughts and debated on whether or not you’d be honest. They might be able to tell if you lie but even if you did, you’d just feel guilty of it.

“I did feel some sparks but we’ll just have to see if they were reciprocated..” You say and shrug, but mentally praying that they were.

Dana’s eyes were twitching and she was very clearly not expecting to hear positive things from the date.

Now she was the one praying that he didn’t feel a thing and they’d be fine until the end. She wanted to be one of those day one couples that had an absolute perfect run, no turmoil, no heads turned, well behaved in casa, and have a smooth finish by splitting the money.

It’s something that’s rare because a lot of people find it hard to be loyal and to just stick with one person for the whole two months. She was thinking it’d be smooth sailing for her and Miguel, having no idea what was to come for her.

“Well Mig seemed very happy when he got here! I feel like it’s good to explore different connections during the first week.” MJ says and Dana gave her the biggest death glare possible.

“Oh for sure! I feel like it’s just gonna be a part of the experince.” You say and she nods.

“Exactly! It’s like a ‘what if’ situation y’know? Like what if you just click with someone more than you expected because you didn’t give them a fair shot to begin with?” Her example made perfect sense and you wouldn’t expect whoever you’d end up choosing to couple up with to just be closed off so soon. Sure some jealousy may occur but that’d be a normal reaction.

Especially if you do end up feeling Miguel more because that date really was the epitome of a perfect first date. Just getting along well, making each other laugh, and a side of flirting? What else could you have asked for?

And him being a perfect gentleman was an extra plus that was so nice to see.

“I feel like because being in here is such a different situation to the outside, you may as well get to know everyone while you can. As long as everyone’s being honest, why not?” You say and MJ nods.

“I’ve been telling Peter he could get to know other girls but he’s the one that has all his eggs on my basket.” She playfully rolls her eyes making you chuckle.

“To be fair it does look like you guys get on incredibly well.” You say truthfully, earning yourself a grin from the redhead.

“Do you really think so?” She asks and you scoff.

“No doubt about it!” You wave her off and she shrugs.

“Well I’m glad what we have is noticeable on the outside then.” She says, feeling her cheeks go warm.

“How are the rest of you in your couples?” You ask looking at the other girls and Dana just chuckles.

“Shouldn’t we be asking you more questions?” Dana asks with a raised brow.

“I mean you could… but I kind of wanted to hear how you guys feel in your couples.” You say and she hums.

“Well Miguel and I are doing great. I’ve never been so happy to meet someone right off the bat that just gets me. I honestly see a bright future with him.” She says and you nod, slightly feeling bad knowing Miguel has been wanting to tell her the truth.

“How about you Gwen?” You look to your left and she tries to hide a smile.

“I’m happy with the pace we’re going, I definitely feel sparks when I’m with him and the more I talk to him, the more I feel myself liking him.” She admits making you aww.

“He seems so sweet! I wish you two the best.” You say and she smiles, “thanks babe, you’re so sweet.”

“I honestly don’t know which I like more. I was feeling a little something with David but then Raul came and kinda sweeped me off my feet which is just making it harder for me to distinguish which I like more.” Val rambles making you chuckle.

“Go with your heart! Just continue chatting to both and I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” You say and she nods.

“I think I’m liking Danny more.” Jazmin says and shrugs.

Right after she was done talking you noticed all the guys got up from the firepit and began to disperse. Three were on their way to the swing while the other four went to the kitchen.

“Oh they must be up to something.” MJ mutters and watched as the three amigos walk towards you guys.

“Wouldn’t be surprising.” Gwen jokes making Val chuckle.

“With Peter B too, it might be over for us.” She says under her breath and they finally come up the steps.

“Y/n would you like the grand tour of the place?” Raul asks and you nod.

“Of course! Can’t say no to that.” You exclaim and get up.

He sticks his arm out for you as Peter B looks to be the second tour guide with Miguel behind him looking nervous.

Uh oh.

“Dana can we go for a chat?” He asks and she eagerly nods.

She quickly stood up and attached herself to him as they made their way to the daybeds.

Jazmin and Val walked off to the kitchen and the rest of you were looking at Dana and Miguel sitting on the daybed. “Well that’s going to be the reason for world war three.” Peter B jokes making you stifle a laugh back.

Too soon.

“Peter!” MJ hisses and he shrugs.

“Just being honest.” He mutters then looks away from them and looks to you, “well we owe you a tour.”

“That you guys do.” You say finally getting up and linking your arm to Raul’s.

“Are you guys gonna join?” He asks and the girls hum.

“It might be a good idea…” MJ mutters and Peter B was about to crack a joke but she stopped him, “don’t even think about it.”

“Yes ma’am.” He says sarcastically then chuckles.

“Alright let’s go!” He yells and wraps an arm around MJ as you all head over to the kitchen.

Dana is hearing wedding bells any time she looks at Miguel, he on the other hand looks like he’s preparing a restraining order! How poetic.

Miguel led Dana to the daybed that was on the right side, he sat down first then scooted over so she could sit next to him.

She plopped down next to him and he was already feeling so guilty. He felt even worse because he really was prepping for this very conversation before the date but now it’s just looking like he’s jumping ship because of the date which really wasn’t the case.

“So… how was the date?” She asks through gritted teeth and he turns his body to look at her.

Her blue eyes filled with worry and her hands slightly shaking just made it ten times worse.

“It was a good date, I did enjoy it but first I want to be honest with you about my feelings overall.” He starts and she slowly nods, not sure what to expect from him.

Her eyes were already getting glossy and she just had an overall bad feeling about this. Her intuition was rarely wrong and right now she wasn’t feeling too good about where this was going.

“I have been thinking a lot the past few days. Firstly I’d like to say that I was going to have this conversation with you after I was done talking to Peter B earlier but I got the text and then I wasn’t able to talk to you until right now-“ he rambled and she cut him off, “Just get to the point!”

“Right... So I didn’t feel an immediate spark with you and I thought it’d be one of those things where maybe it’ll grow after a few days so I gave it a few days to get to know you better and see if I would feel it.” He says and takes a deep breath.

Her lip started to quiver and she already felt her whole future come crashing down in front of her eyes.

“I didn’t feel it. I feel so bad about it because you’re such an amazing girl and I’ve had such a good time talking to you, getting to know you, and making you laugh. But I’m not feeling a romantic connection and it was time for me to not only be honest to you, but to myself as well because it’s not something that can be forced from either side.” He admits and she’s just sat silent.

She looks away from him, tears threatening to spill but she takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. She quickly wipes under her eyes with her left hand then takes another deep breath before turning to him.

“Fuck.. I really didn’t expect to hear this from you.. at all.” She mutters and gulps.

“I know I’m so sorry. I didn't think things would turn out this way. I genuinely did love getting to know you but I just… didn’t feel it.” He says and she nods.

She quickly thinks of something to say and although she did feel a sting in her heart, she knew she couldn’t really blame him for it.

Sparks might not always come up and she had to accept that one way or another.

“Well thank you for being honest, I can’t say I’m happy about it obviously… but I appreciate the honesty and hope you do find someone.” She says and gives him the smallest of smiles.

“I know you’ll find someone who’ll give you all the iced coffees and sarcasm you could ever ask for.” He says and she chuckles as a singular tear falls down her cheek quickly.

“I sure hope so.” She whispers and wipes the tear away then fixes her hair.

She stands up and he quickly follows suit, “Friends?” He asks and opens his arms wide.

“Friends.” She says and accepts his hug.

What would now probably be the last one ever and she can’t believe it. She could tell from his eyes that everything he said was true. Especially how he looked almost panicked when he said he wanted to have the conversation before he got the text.

She probably would’ve believed him nonetheless because there have been signs the past two days. Signs that she swore would just go away or a part of her imagination, but they weren’t.

Like how he didn’t cuddle her in bed. Or how he never tried to kiss her outside of a challenge (which she was always waiting on).

The good thing was he definitely was trying with her because he didn’t get to know any other girl so that counts for something.

They both pulled away and he gave her a small smile. “If you want I could leave you the bed, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything. You could have your space.”

She hums and shrugs, “Hmm I’m not sure.. ask me later and I’ll decide then.”

He nods and they both walk together for a few seconds but Miguel heads to the firepit while she goes on to go to the kitchen to talk to her girls.

Never been so gutted a couple split up before….. well let’s move on to new girl Y/n getting a grand tour of her new home!

“Obviously up first has to be the kitchen! Drama free, filled with delicious food, and underrated part of the villa to have a chat.” Peter B says and gasps at seeing an opened bag of Lays chips.

He grabs a handful then throws half in his mouth, “Tho now we cun go inthide.”

“What?” You laugh and shake your head.

“Babe, manners please.” MJ pleads, making him roll his eyes.

He swallows and leads the way to go inside, “tough crowd.”

You giggle and Gwen whispers to you, “he is the definition of a goofball.”

“I can tell.” You whisper back making her giggle.

He opens the door for you all and you’ve already seen the beds but now you looked at the neon lights on each side of the room. They illuminated the room a bit more and Raul let you go so you could walk around a bit.

“It’s so much prettier in person.” You say and Gwen quickly agrees.

“We fell in love as soon as we walked through the doors.” She says with a chuckle.

“You’ll get use to the bright light soon enough.” She adds and you nod.

“Ooooh Y/n your bed is already ready.” Peter says and points to the corner bed.

“Oh fuck yes!!” You scream and run towards it then jump on it.

At this point you were more or so dry, so you didn’t hesitate.

It was so soft and was luckily like a cloud. Good thing it’d help the back problems and you’ll get to sleep like a baby.

“A bed all to yourself huh?” Raul says and you flip to look at them.

“Just for the night but better believe I’m gonna enjoy it.” You say and sigh, just letting yourself sink into the bed.

“Alright, alright let’s get going.” Peter says and you pout but get up anyway.

“Are you on a schedule?” You joke and he playfully nods.

“I am so if you don’t mind and keep your hands in the ride.” He says and pretends to point to a file line.

You laugh and walk over to them, now Raul opening the door for everyone while you walk to the main entrance.

Peter takes a right and you follow suit, now walking into the lounge room. There were a few couches with brightly colored pillows on them, plants, more neon light signs, a coffee table, and cute bunny chairs.

It was a cute little hangout spot and right behind the couches was the doghouse.

“I feel like my boy Mig might be sleeping here tonight.” Peter says earning himself a smack on the arm by MJ.

“WHA—!“

“Don’t say stuff like that Pete!” She says in a hushed tone and he waves her off.

“Okay listen most of us already knew it was coming so it’s like… getting used to the idea.” He explains and she just raises a brow.

“We’re gonna have to work on your big mouth.” She playfully jokes, making him groan.

He wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him then kisses her cheek.

He then points to the door that was straight ahead “This is the hideaway which you already knew but you’ve been one of the first to see!” He says and you chuckle.

“Wasn’t really paying too much attention to the actual room…” you say, earning yourself a gasp from him.

“Naughty.” He mutters then lightly elbows your side.

“Oh my god not like that-“

“Yeah yeah sure.” He cuts you off and leads you all to the stairs.

“Let’s keep it going before I feel the need to puke.” He jokes, making you groan.

“Ladies first.” He says, letting go of MJ.

She lets you go first and you’re grateful because this bikini was starting to feel tight and didn’t want to give either guy a free show.

You carefully go up all the stairs and MJ points to the left. You both head their first but Peter catches up to you and just shakes his head. “It’s the beach hut, you’ll be called in before and after challenges, after a date, and all throughout the day.” He explains and you nod.

You do a 360 and Peter leads you straight ahead. You turn to your right and there was the bathroom. You could peek through from the little hallway and see the showers and all types of products on the left and right side of the walls.

Peter ushers you to go in and you do. You walk in and there was a huge mirror against the wall as soon as you walk in and to the right is a bathtub sandwiched between two sinks.

Across from the sinks were two showers and a door to the left of them. “The toilet.” Peter says and you turn to look at him with wide eyes.

“Toilet? As in singular?” You ask, completely stunned.

“Unfortunately.” Gwen groans and you gasp.

“That’s- that’s fucking insane.” You gasp then wince at the thought of having to share a toliet with men who might not know how to aim correctly.

“Well sometimes they occasionally let us use the hideaway bathroom. On rare occasions…” Raul says and you nearly let out a cry.

“Listen, we all get used to it and swear it’s not that bad.” Peter says then lets out a burp.

“Give me a second.” He says and opens said door to utilize it.

One of your eyes twitches and the girls unfortunately don’t have anything to say that’ll make you feel better. It’s been hell.

“Can’t even say it’ll get better girls?” You ask nervously and it was crickets.

“I’m not gonna name any names but some of the guys apparently just don’t know how to piss.” Gwen says with a gag.

“This is probably the worst revelation to all mankind.” You say and shake your head.

“Hope you’re not a night owl either because out here you’re gonna be an early bird.” Raul says and you gasp.

“Y’know what guys I think I can make tinder work…” you half joke and pretend to walk off.

But then you look at the second mirror that was next to some face and hair products on the wall. You fix some stray hairs and your bikini top when you hear a flush.

You look behind you and Peter walks directly to the sink. Everyone looked at him, just patiently waiting while he made sure to wash his hands for a solid minute.

He dries his hands with a small towel then claps his hands, “alright let’s go.”

He took a right and after a few steps you were inside the dressing room. It was somehow the brightest room in the whole villa but it made perfect sense since this was where the girls would do their hair and makeup.

“Oh my god-“ you say and take it in.

In the middle was a big circle table with small chairs below them, and on top were mirrors, hair curlers, Dyson airwraps, and makeup scattered all over it. “Sorry we didn’t clean up our mess..” Gwen chuckles and you wave her off.

“Understandable.”

To the left side were drawers and cabinets of just makeup and hair products.

To the right side was the closet where some of the sliding doors were slightly open which showed how filled of clothes they were. The best part was that the doors were all mirrors, and took up two walls so it was perfect for group selfies or just checking out how your fit looks without bothering someone else.

You walked a step to where there were makeup products, probably from sponsors that production will make you wear, and open two different drawers. One was filled with lip liners and the other with lip sticks.

“This might just be heaven.” You mumble making the girls giggle.

“You’re gonna blend in fine girl.” MJ says, now stood to you and held your hand.

“I hope so! Not sure I’d be able to deal with awkwardness too well though.” You joke and Peter just scoffs.

“I think you dealt with awkwardness just fine earlier. With pure grace if you will.” He says and you shrug.

“Thought I was going to get eaten alive with that girl's chat.” You joke and fake shiver.

“Oh my god you haven’t even seen the best part.” Gwen gasps and grabs your other hand, spinning you to follow her along with MJ, who didn’t let go.

Gwen opens the door to the terrace and the sun has now set, it was pitch black until you walked out and got to the couches and saw the beautiful fairy lights illuminating the garden.

You had a view of the entire garden, besides the kitchen because it was right below the terrace. You saw a few of the guys on the firepit and could barely see the girls by the beanbags which was right by the long pool.

“Wow.” Was all you could manage to think of.

“It’s even more beautiful in the mornings!” MJ excitedly says and you sigh.

Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.

You sit on the cushioned sofa to look over at the garden before facing them and seeing a cute coffee table in the middle of all the little sofas. There were plants by the walls next to the door and you were stunned by how pretty and surreal the villa looked.

“On second thought I might stick around for a while…” you joke making them chuckle.

Suddenly you heard noises below you and your eyes lit up, “can I finally shower?”

“You gotta go beat everyone else!” Peter exclaims and you get up and run as fast as you can inside.

Luckily your suitcase was in the dressing room so you quickly put it down and opened it, quickly scrambling to find a pair of undies and some pj’s.

Today must’ve been your lucky day because your cute pjs sets were right on top and found your underwear to be on a side pocket. You chose a random one and sprinted to the bathroom as the rest of the islanders went inside to get ready to go to sleep.

As you quickly hopped in to one of the two showers, the three other girls were coming up the stairs and the guys were in the bedroom getting undressed.

At this point Miguel had had his chat with Dana and spilled the beans with the guys. Dana had done the same, or at least tried to because she started to sob before getting a single word in.

Raul and Peter went downstairs as the girls went into the dressing room and Dana’s smeared makeup was not a good sign so they sprinted downstairs to know what happened.

“What happened?!?” Peter yells as they walked into the bedroom and Raul quickly closed the door.

“I ripped the bandaid off.” Miguel responds then sighs.

“She took it better than I thought, at least in front of me she did.” He said sadly and Peter frowns, walking up to him.

He gives him a bear hug and pats him on the back as Miguel hugged him back. “You had to do it. You weren’t feeling it and there was no point in letting her fall in love with you while you didn’t feel jack shit.” He says bluntly making a few of the guys murmur.

“Brutal.”

“When it comes to love, you have to be.” He quickly says and it sounded much deeper than he wanted.

And coming from him was just something else.

“You’re here for you alright? Don’t forget that.” He says and lets him go.

Raul then steps him and gives him a shorter hug, “he’s got a point, we’re all here to find love so it’s only fair you’re true to yourself.”

“Thanks guys.” Miguel chuckles as Raul pats his back.

“Alright well I think I have to hit the showers.” He says but Peter makes a face.

“Y/n’s up there right now, maybe wait a bit so it won’t look a type of way.” He advises and Miguel nods.

“That’s fine by me.”

After you had finished your shower now feeling all clean and refreshed in your cute pj set, you only caught Jordan brushing his teeth.

“Oh here are the toothbrushes by the way!” He says and pulls a little bin under the sink to show you sealed toothbrushes.

“Thank you!” You exclaim and grab a red one.

“After you’re done most of us put them in these little tube boxes and you just write your initials on it, and then put it in your own cabinet over there.” He shows you another bin with the boxes and pointed to the drawers on the sides of the wall.

“It’ll take some time to get use to but you’ll catch on quick.” He adds and you nod.

“Thanks.” You say and open the toothbrush then throw the packaging in the garbage below the sink.

“Gonna have to assume the toothpaste is….” You guess a random bin next to the tootheburshes and of course, there they were.

“See you’re catching on already.” He teases making you chuckle.

You open up the tube and put a dollop on your toothbrush when you see a shirtless torso walking by through the opening on the wall. You follow it then look away once they’re in the bathroom. You brush your teeth looking at the mirror and the shirtless torso made an appearance behind you, it belongs to none other than Miguel.

You check him out in the mirror and you were just admiring his biceps as he grabbed a towel and put it on the rack by that shower. You shook your head and spit into the sink before quickly finishing up.

You take another looks at the bins to find out with floss and it only took two tries to find it. You took out a decent amount before flossing your teeth, getting closer to the mirror so you could see better. At that point Jordan had left and you were alone besides Miguel who was in the shower.

You threw the floss into the garbage and were wondering what they used to write on the boxes. You bit your lip and wondered if there were sharpies or something around.

Then an idea clicked and you put your wet toothbrush into the box before walking over to the empty dressing room and going through the drawers until you found eyeliner. You wrote your initials in cursive just to be a little extra.

You put the eyeliner back into the drawer then closed it before walking back into the bathroom. You grabbed all your things and opened drawers until you found an idea one to put them in.

Just then the water turned off and that was your cue to leave because you didn’t know if you could handle shirtless wet Miguel at that moment.

So you saw yourself out and went downstairs and into the bedroom where everyone was on each others beds, Gwen was racing Peter B from jumping to bed to bed. You closed the door and shook your head in disbelief.

You covered your mouth as Peter nearly knocked over the second Peter, who didn’t see him coming.

“Bro move!!” Peter B yelled and Peter gave him a scoff.

You walked to your bed and sat on the edge so they could still finish their race.

Gwen was beating him by two beds and with her fast speed she beat him by a landslide. MJ clapped for Gwen which prompted Peter B to give her a playful glare before he sprinted towards her like a bull.

He then began tickling her and she immediately started yelling for him to stop but that devious look on his face did not look like he was going to stop anytime soon.

You looked at the bed next to you and it was Jordan and Jazmin’s. Jordan was already snuggled to the blankets but Jazmin was in Dana’s bed.

Then as if remembering something Dana got up and walked out, going upstairs. She went directly to the bathroom and Miguel was coming out of the shower.

Droplets we’re dripping down his body and she had to remind herself to stay focused. “You can sleep in our bed, it’s absolutely fine.”

“Are you sure?” He asks as he dries his hair with a towel and she nods.

“Yes.”

Meanwhile Peter B made his way to your bed and was giving you a fat ass hug while saying, “I hope your first night was good.”

“Honestly was better than I expected.” You said and hugged him back.

It felt as if you had been friends for years. He was so laidback with a good amount of playfulness and goofiness, you didn’t even mind the gesture.

That was until MJ and Raul followed his lead and jumped on top of you, making you both fall back onto your mattress. “Fuck-“ you groaned and felt Raul’s body weight on you.

“Get your fat ass off the poor girl Raul.” You hear a voice say as you fake groaned some more.

He was then off you thinking they were real and you gave him a laugh when he realized you were playing. He was about to pounce on you again when Miguel held him back, “let her be man, come on it’s her first night.”

Raul shrugs and goes in for a normal hug which you accept, “Buenas noches, duerme con los angelitos hermosa.” He whispers in your ear and you felt a shiver go down your spine. (Goodnight, sleep with the little angels gorgeous)

Damn.

“Igualmente.” You whisper back and he pulls away with a grin. (Likewise)

MJ then hugs you and pulls away with Peter B giving you yet another hug. He pulls away and they went on to their own bed.

You then notice Miguel leaning against Jordan and Jazmin’s bed, just looking at you. “What did you want me to tuck you in?” You joke and he chuckles.

“I wouldn’t mind that.” He jokes back making you laugh.

“But I’m luckily not in the doghouse tonight.” He says and you chuckle.

“Good for you!” You say and he shrugs.

“Still feels bad.” He mumbles and you nod.

“Obviously it would but you did what you had to do!” You whisper and he nods.

He then gets up and sits next to you before leaning in, “Thank you for an amazing first date. Espero que hayan más en nuestro futuro.” (I hope there’s more in our future)

“Me gustaría eso.” You whisper back and he tried to hide his smile back. (I’d like that)

“Goodnight, sweet dreams.” He says and hugs you.

You hug him back and feeling his arms around you just felt so.. right. You felt safe and it was sending loads of butterflies to your stomach.

He pulls away and you whisper, “goodnight.”

He smiles and gets up before making his way to his and Dana’s bed which was by the middle of the room.

You now got into bed as all the other couples, and two singletons, got comfortable in their own beds.

All the lights turned off and you turned to your ideal spot to sleep in then pulled the covers over you.

“Goodnight Y/n!!” Peter B’s voice yelled and it was followed by the same from all the islanders.

“GOODNIGHT!”

“Night pretty.”

“Sleep well Y/n!”

“Goodnighttttt.”

You yelled a loud goodnight to them all then closed your eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep, completely oblivious to a handful of noisy couples and individuals snoring their heads off.

#miguel ohara #miguel ohara imagine #across the spiderverse #miguel ohara x reader #miguel o hara #atsv miguel #miguel ohara oneshot #miguel ohara smut #miguel ohara x y/n #miguel o’hara x reader #miguel o'hara #miguel o’hara smut #spiderman 2099 #miguel o’hara

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heygerald · 3 months

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Falling Without A Harness - Chapter 8

AU where Tom Ryder is still an asshole, just not a psychotic one. Invited along to his party, Parker spends the entire time trying to compare the Tom Ryder being celebrated with the one that she was starting to know. Oddly enough, it seemed that no one else knew him like she did.

Read the story here: prev / next

"Ho-ly shit."

Parker peeled her sunglasses off the bridge of her nose to cast a bug-eyed glance towards the looming mansion. The driveway, long and filled to the brim with parked cars worth more than her entire life savings, led up to one of the nicest houses she had ever seen. Gail's was the only one in competition, but while the producer's house had been a modern deco build with glass walls and white washed everything, this one was a Mediterranean style villa. Cobblestone led up to the front porch, large pillars jutting up to a three story foyer, with ivy sprawled over the entirety of the front half.

Holy shit was right.

"I can't believe this is where he lives," Colt muttered with a shake of the head. They were slowly ambling towards the valet parking, and music could be heard pulsing in the distance.

Parker leant between the two fronts seats, seatbelt unbuckled, to angle her head back for a better view. "Really?" she asked with a laugh. "Because this is exactly the type of place that I would picture him living."

"No way," he argued, petering up the drive. "Tom is all about fancy and new and having his face plastered on everything. I pictured him living in a Tom Cruise style mansion. Huge windows, glass ceilings, a petting zoo. That type of thing."

"Does Tom Cruise have a petting zoo?" Jody mused from the passenger seat.

"Well... probably," Colt shrugged.

Parker sighed, tilting her head to spare Jody an over the top eyeroll. "Colt thinks that all rich people have petting zoos. Something about the illegal zebra trade."

"Ivory trade."

"He watched one documentary and now he thinks he's David Attenborough," she chirped.

Her brother didn't take kindly to that, however, and planted his palm squarely into her face to push her into the backseat. She swatted him away, but the damage to her hair had already been done, and as Jody giggled into her hand, Parker tried to smooth it down. "It's Sir David Attenborough," he corrected her. Jody, amused as always by his antics, listened intently as he added, "and it wasn't just one documentary. There's a whole bunch out there about the exotic animal trade. Really heinous stuff, you know. Tom Cruise is definitely knee deep in it. He's the A-lister, after all. I bet he has one of those safari themed rooms with taxidermy endangered animals stuck up all over the walls. Rhinos for sure."

"Oh, for sure," she agreed.

They smiled at one another as Colt drew his truck to a stop. A valet appeared on both sides, opening a door for both Colt and Jody. Parker clambered out behind them—a disgruntled glare shot towards the valets that had completely ignored her—as Colt handed over the keys.

"Be easy with her, yeah? She's hard to handle if you don't know what you're doing," he said. Of course, with all the other cars surrounding them being Ferraris and Range Rovers, his pickup was the least expensive thing they had to worry about. When one of the boys coughed into his fist, Parker grabbed her brother by the elbow and hauled him towards the door. "What—it's a 2015!"

"I think they know what they're doing," she said.

"It has a wonky shift!"

"You're a wonky shift."

Colt snatched his arm out of her grasp as they approached the front door. He looked scandalized at her comment, and Parker couldn't help but return the favor by running a hand through his hair.

Of course, he had a problem with that, and as he shoved her away she could only laugh. A good thing she wasn't wearing heels; the cobblestone entry way was hard enough to walk on in sneakers, and if Jody hadn't been there to catch her, Parker may have gone face first into Tom's expensive garden. But, the blonde was there to catch her, and as Colt fixed his hair, the girls linked arms with matching smiles.

"Well, I for one can't wait to see what the inside looks like," Jody said conversationally. "I still can't believe that he invited us."

"Why not?"

Colt popped up on her other side, fringe back in place. "Because he's never invited us to his house. For anything. Ever. Like... ever. In the history of working for him. Literal years, Park. I'm not even allowed inside his trailer."

She shrugged. "First time for everything, right?"

Her brother didn't share her sentiments. In fact, as a pair of staff opened the front door for them, he almost looked trepidatious with a frown firmly in place.

Jody, on the other hand, was smiling excitedly. "First time for everything," she echoed.

Parker grinned at her. Then at her brother.

He rolled his eyes, but eventually a smile cracked through his apprehension. "Whatever. You think they have Bud Light?"

Music and chatter met the trio in a wave as they stepped through the front door. Jody was right to be excited—the inside of the house was far more gorgeous than the outside—and though the mass of people were all arguably important, respectable figures in Hollywood, all of them seemed to having good times with smiles and drinks in hands. No different than any other party they had been to before. Not really, anyway.

At the far side of the room was a fully stocked bar, waiters moving to and fro to serve the guests.

"Yeah, Colt," Parker laughed. "I think they have Bud Light."

---

Tom Ryder's house was exactly what Parker pictured it to be; a little bit Gucci, a little bit modern, a whole lot of colorful stucco decorated with oddly shaped mirrors, and an insurmountable number of pictures and self-portraits propped up throughout the room. Cardboard cut-outs of Tom in costumes from some of his most famous movies were sprawled throughout the living room, fashion shows and MTV interviews playing soundlessly on the large TVs, with balloons and banners stuck to every available space. If she didn't know better she might have thought that he was running for presidency with how many surfaces his face was plastered on.

Even standing at the bar, elbow propped on the cool marble surface, there were napkins with Tom Ryder quotes and trivia questions scattered along it.

"To see yourself on the screen is to be loved," one quote said. Another, printed, "Hollywood isn't just about believing, it's about doing."

Parker snorted, but tucked them into her purse anyway. Every quote was as ridiculous and vapid as the last. In one sense, she could absolutely picture Tom Ryder, face of the new Versace cologne, saying these things completely seriously to whatever reporter was listening. On the other hand, she also couldn't ever picture anyone saying these things outside of a movie script.

A bad one, too.

She was in the middle of reaching for the next in the pile when someone slumped against the bar beside her. She thought for a second that it was Colt—blonde fringe carefully swept away from the forehead with meticulous detail, beard trimmed neatly along his jawline, white toothed smile in place—but she had also left her brother in conversation with some directors outside by the pool with specific instructions not to move until she came back.

Besides, something about his presence just felt different.

Parker was smiling before she even met his gaze.

"I was wondering where you were hiding," she chirped.

Tom rolled his eyes. He was dressed in a silk button down with patterns of black and gold that accentuated the color of his hair, and a pair of black jeans. Last week's sunglasses had been replaced with his funky pair of yellow tinted glasses. Casual, yet she knew his outfit likely cost over a grand for the designer tags alone. "Are you already drinking?"

"Hardly," she huffed, glancing at the overcrowded bar. "I can't get anyone to take my—"

All it took was for him to wave a hand for a bartender to materialize, and Parker blinked in surprise. "Doubleshot vodka soda on the rocks, and a cosmopolitan," he said.

"Oh, I don't drink cosmos—" she started, only for the bartender to vanish before her eyes to get their drink orders started. She blinked a second time, mouth agape. "Huh. Now I know how pretty girls at bars feel."

"You think I'm a pretty girl?"

"You definitely have the attitude of one," she teased. Tom bent an elbow, turning to face her, and although they were in a room full of people overcrowded with music and chatter, there was something so captivating about Tom's attention that made it feel like she was the only person around. She cleared her throat, waving a napkin around languidly. "These are fun."

He rolled his eyes. "Gail loves that shit."

"I think this one is my favorite. To act is to be another person ," she quoted, wiggling her brows exaggeratedly. "Very insightful."

"Who invited you?"

Parker shrugged, plopping the napkin down onto the bar. "Some asshole I think," she mused. "I really only came for the chance to snoop through his house. I bet I could sell some hand towels for a couple hundred dollars each on eBay if I said you used them before."

He harrumphed. "Unlike Gail, I lock my doors."

"Spoilsport."

He shook his head with a chuckle just as the bartender set two glasses down in front of them. The cosmopolitan, though pink and delicate, had Parker crinkling her nose distastefully. She glanced up, hoping to flag the bartender back down, but the woman was gone.

The sound of clinking glass drew her attention, and Parker watched as Tom settled the vodka soda on her napkin, before taking a sip of the cosmopolitan. "I can't believe you don't like cosmopolitans."

"I can't believe you do. I feel like I read a quote of yours citing toxic masculinity as the best thing to come out of the older generation," she mused, glancing around at the mess of napkins she had made. "Pretty sure you said pink was for babies."

"I never said that."

"I'm telling you—"

"And salmon is the color of the season," he corrected her with another sip of his cocktail. She laughed, chancing a sip of her own, and though it was strong, it was fucking good. "Ask Melissa, she'll tell you that pink is very in right now."

"Oh, Christ, don't get me started," Parker groaned. The entire week had been spent getting Melissa up to speed on how to work the cash register, how to log new books, and how dreamy Tom Ryder was. Every other question out of the girl's mouth had been about the actor, and while Parker put up with a lot, even she had to put her foot down when Melissa started throwing around the boyfriend term. "She's pretty much the de facto president of Winward High's Tom Ryder fan club, you know. Now that she knows we're friends she's never going to leave my store."

He shrugged, casting a lithe glance around. "What's wrong with that? She clearly has good taste."

"Clearly," Parker deadpanned. "Her friends have started hanging around the store too thinking they'll spot you."

"Maybe they will."

She paused, straw pinched between her fresh manicure, to arch her brows at him accordingly. "You plan on coming by every Sunday to judge our progress or something?"

Her tone was teasing and light, but there was a weight behind the question. Are you planning on sticking around? she was asking without really asking.

Maybe he sensed that or maybe she wasn't as suave as she thought because in response Tom cast her a dry look. "You expect me to go to a real bookstore every time I need a recommendation?" he asked. And though it was quite clearly an insult against her little store, in another sense, it was also quite clearly not. "At least at your store I know I won't get mobbed with attention."

She huffed. "Well, you might, if Melissa's friends stick around."

Tom took another long sip of his drink before saying, "she's not so bad. And who am I to turn away some adoring fans, huh?"

"I almost forgot. You love attention," Parker deadpanned through a growing smile. It was hard sometimes to remember why she had disliked him so thoroughly when they first met—regardless of what Colt said, Tom was certainly charming. "Nice party, by the way."

He shot her a smug look. "Oh, this?"

"Oh, this? Whatever," she laughed. Her vodka soda was going down a little too easy as they talked, and with a shake of the quickly emptying glass, she had to remind herself that she absolutely could not get drunk at this function. Colt's birthday party was one thing, but this was altogether something else. "A very casual afternoon for you, I'd guess. I'm surprised you're not being mobbed by fans right here, too."

He waved a hand at her. "I've been networking all afternoon. Besides, most of the people here are advertisers or producers that I've already worked with in one way or another. If anyone wants to sign me for something they have to talk to Gail, not me. Really, it's more her party than mine with how much attention she's getting today."

Parker glanced at the large cardboard cut-out of a shirtless Tom Ryder from his movie The Puncher. She lifted a brow. "Really? I could hardly tell. You ever get creeped out from seeing your face everywhere?"

He followed her eyeline, and smirked. "Not when I look like that. I had to put on twenty pounds for that role."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah," he said, nodding, something offended in his tone that she didn't believe him. A lot of things could be said about Tom, but no one could claim that he was lazy when it came to his acting. "I had to give up sugar for six months."

Parker blinked at him. "Seriously?"

"Alcohol too."

She glanced back at the cut-out, paying more attention to the cut of his muscles and the leanness of his body. It felt odd ogling the man that was literally standing next to her, but when she passed her gaze back over the real Tom, he seemed to be greatly enjoying the attention. Smugly, he flexed a bicep at her.

Parker couldn't help but throw her hands up with a laugh. "Alright, alright! I believe you. Not to say I'm an actor or anything but I can't believe you gave up alcohol for that role. I don't think I could do that. Not that I'm an alcoholic or anything, but, I don't know. That sounds awful."

"S'not as easy as everyone thinks. Being an actor."

She tilted her glass at him. "Well, I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Mr. Ryder. Good thing you can drink now, right?"

He blinked at her for a moment, assessing how serious she was, and when she gestured to him a second time with her glass, his shoulders lost some tension she didn't even realizing he was carrying. Smirking, Tom clinked his own glass against hers.

Together, they finished their drinks.

She wiped some spilt vodka off her chin as Tom glanced around. Despite him being the center of attention, he was right. It seemed that the party was happy to exist around him without even needing him. Though, every odd glance his way earned a wave or an acknowledging nod of the head, no one seemed desperate to interrupt his drink.

He turned to her. "Colt here?"

"Over by the pool. I think Jody was trying to introduce herself to some people from Warner Brothers when I left. You want to go say hi?"

He licked his lips, before gesturing to the bartender. "Four shots of vodka," he said. Parker lifted her brows at him in surprise. "What?"

"I thought we were supposed to be on our best behavior."

Tom shrugged with an indifferent sniff. "Yeah, well, it's my party right? Besides, I've spent all day entertaining these assholes. May as well see what kind of shit Colt has going on. I've got to talk to him about the movie schedule anyways."

Four shot glasses with lime wedges were set down onto the bar. Tom picked up two, and when Parker did nothing but blink at him, he gestured to them impatiently.

"Fuck, come on before someone does decide they want a picture."

"Why would they want a picture when they could just steal a poster?" she mused, though she did pick up the shot glasses. After stashing another wad of napkins into her purse, of course.

"Don't steal my shit, Parker."

"What—I didn't say I was going to!"

He scoffed, but there was a laugh hidden in there as well, and when he gestured at her a second time she figured there were worse ways to get into trouble then a few measly shots. Besides, he was offering. Where was the harm in that?

The crowd parted for Tom without him even having to ask, and as she hustled after him, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have everyone worship you, but from a distance.

"Hey, listen," she said, crowding up against his shoulder. "Colt might ask you some weird questions about the exotic animal trade. He thinks all rich people secretly own zebras. Something he saw on a documentary."

"Do you really think I'd let a zebra in here? I'm allergic to them. Plus they bite."

"Wh—how could you possibly know that?"

Tom glanced at her over his shoulder with a look she couldn't quite interpret. She was pretty sure from the flatness of his brows that he was judging her, but then again, she got the distinct impression that Tom was always judging her in one way or another. It seemed a default setting for him. "I had to get allergy shots when I did that Dior commercial," he said, voice almost swallowed by the music around them. When he shrugged, she felt the ripple of muscles from where she was pressed up against him. "Besides, you ever been to Tom Cruise's house? The place is crawling in them."

That sparked more questions than she could rightly keep track of, but Tom kept on walking as though it was an entirely normal thing to say.

So, with a huff, she just followed after.

---

The afternoon sun was warm on her shoulders, but Parker didn't seem to notice from her spot on the couch. People milled all around the pool—models walking by with oversized hats to protect their skin, producers speaking behind Kardashian style sunglasses that covered most of their face, directors caught up in spirited debates about whatever they thought the best movie of the year was—yet somehow the group of four had managed to find a little spot all to themselves away from the crowd.

The patio furniture was gorgeous; a blend of wood and metal work that was just as pretty as it was functional. There was a mix of empty glasses across the table. Their shot glasses, long since empty, had been carted off sometime ago by waitstaff. In their place were crystal glasses and crumpled napkins. Jody was currently nursing a chilled glass of wine, while Colt was responsibly finishing off a water to counter all the mojitos he'd already drank. Tom had an array of fancy cocktails that he'd finished off throughout the afternoon, and beside him Parker was working on her third double vodka soda.

She could feel her nose tingling a bit, legs fluid and weightless from where they were tucked beneath her.

The whole don't drink too much from the open bar sentiment had been disregarded almost as soon as she got there. Though she wasn't trying to make an ass of herself, it was obvious that Tom wasn't the lightweight she had teased him with being. He had been steadily drinking himself through the unlimited bar, and despite not intending to do the same, every time he ordered a new drink, miraculously something would appear for Parker as well.

Not that she minded. Open bars were spectacular, and she was having too much fun to turn down a free drink.

"—so, anyway, I'm telling you," Colt was in the middle of saying, hands gestured wide and face a rosy red as he laughed. He smacked the umbrella at his side as he talked, but didn't even seem to notice. "The drop was fifty feet, and I was supposed to do it without any sort of harness."

"Isn't that a safety hazard?"

"Well, he was just dropping into the water," Tom shrugged. "That's not bad, right? Water is soft."

"Water is so not soft," Parker corrected with an incredulous giggle. "It's like hitting solid concrete! Especially from that height. He had bruises for days!"

Tom furrowed his brows. "Nah... seriously?"

"Well, uh, I mean," her brother hedged. Whatever sort of comradery that had been building between him and Tom over the last week didn't seem to negate the fact that Tom was still his boss. Anxiously, he tugged at the collar of his jacket. "S'not like falling onto pillows."

This was apparently a shock to Tom. "Seriously? You did that stunt, like, four times!"

"Right, yes, I did. I did do it like four times. But, you know, that's because the angle wasn't right and they wanted me to show less face and then there was the whole issue with my hair..." he trailed off, shrugging. "Which, totally fine. Hair is hair, I get it."

Tom thoughtfully trailed a hand through his own hair.

"But, anyway," Colt continued. Always smiling, never one to linger on bad feelings and unfortunate facts. "So, I'm sitting there, right? Totally scared shitless as everything is prepped because the night before, Parker, that asshole, had sent me all these links to a story about someone getting eaten by a shark!"

The memory came flooding back, and though she probably should have felt bad, she was too occupied by laughing at how hilarious the whole thing was. "I didn't know you were going to be in the water at the same place!" she defended with a cry. "It was a viral story! How is it my fault that a shark decided to have a surfer for lunch?"

"Oh, well, when you put it like that... I guess you could have kept that to yourself!"

The couch erupted in laughter. Partially because Colt was just as funny as he was expressive, and partially because the idea that he had been jumping fifty feet into the water but was worried about sharks was entirely ridiculous.

"Were you alright?" Jody asked.

"Who? Me?" Colt sniffed, a hand run through his own hair. He never played cool all that well, but that certainly never stopped him from trying. Parker shared an amused look with Tom. "Fine. Totally good. Not even a scratch. You know, it was a big jump too. But I did it four times and the footage came out really good. Not to brag or anything but it was the biggest jump I've done so far."

"Sounds awful."

"Very scary."

"Horrific," she continued to emphasize with him. Drunk or not, Parker wondered if Jody was ever not staring at her brother like he lit up the room. She didn't have to ask that question about Colt—when Jody was around, she swore he would walk face first into a concrete wall. "I'll add that to the list of very brave things that you do."

He made some sort of suave joke that Parker couldn't—and more importantly didn't—want to hear that had the pair leaning on each other in giggles.

Parker took a long sip of her drink before shooting Tom a derisive look.

"Isn't there a rule on set about fraternizing?"

He looked just as disturbed as she did. "Should be. Maybe I could work that into the next contract."

"I bet you have good lawyers."

"Very good."

In the same tone that Jody had used, she said, "how brave of you. I can't imagine ever leaving the house without a team of lawyers to protect me."

She was obviously teasing, and he was well aware of that. Yet, when Tom looked at her, Parker couldn't help but flush under his attention. They were pressed into one another on the couch, having been shifted closer and closer over the afternoon every time a story was told or drinks were passed out, and from this distance she could smell his cologne.

Musky and light at the same time; lemons and saltwater.

The moment passed when his face split into a grin, and just like she had been judging Colt and Jody moments before, the pair peeled forward with their own laughter.

It wasn't until an ice cube bounced off her forehead did she control herself enough to return her attention to her brother.

He had a weird look on his face; eyes bouncing back and forth between her and Tom. "What are you laughing at, weirdo?"

"Inside joke," she chirped, if only because she knew it would bother him even more to be left out. "You wouldn't understand."

As expected, Colt sat up straighter with a frown. "I'll understand. I understand everything about you. You know, since I'm you're best friend. Have been for years. Pretty much know everything about you, Park. Duh."

"You're not my best friend."

"What—what do you mean I'm not your best friend?" he hissed incredulously. Jody sipped her wine calmly, glancing between Colt and Parker as he practically leaned over her lap to argue. "Of course I'm your best friend!"

"Am I your best friend?"

Colt spluttered. "Well of course you are! You know, just behind Dan. And Johnny. And Pete has been with me for a long time, you know, through the whole... that doesn't matter. I'm your best friend! I know I am! Who else would it possibly be?"

Parker leaned closer. Jody was now angled back, trying to avoid being smacked by either of the siblings. "Doesn't matter. So why don't you mind your business?"

"Mind my—?" Colt let out a sound halfway between a groan and a squeal, and Parker settled back into her seat with a proud grin.

Honestly, he was so easy to rile up.

So easy in fact that Jody had to pat him on the shoulder, shifting between Colt and Parker so that she could console him. Parker could still make out his frown; hear his harsh muttering as well. She giggled into her straw, pleased as punch.

"And you think I'm an asshole," Tom muttered into her ear.

She smirked at him. "You are an asshole."

The same flicker of disbelief that her brother had worn flashed across Tom's face, and it only disappeared when she pitched forward in giggles.

"I swear you two are so easy to mess with!" she cackled.

He rolled his eyes, shoving her hand off his shoulder when she attempted to console him in the same way that Jody was consoling Colt. "Didn't you say something about personally kicking you out? I think I remember that being part of our negotiations."

With all the elegance she could muster, Parker stuck her tongue out at him.

Perhaps no one had done that to him since middle school, but it shocked Tom so much that he ended up coughing up his last sip of his pina colada. That only prompted her to laugh harder, of course, and even though she was quite literally laughing at his expense, the couch shook when he started laughing too.

It was nice.

And then, suddenly, it wasn't.

"Well, this looks like a good bit of fun I've just stumbled into," a cloying voice called from the edge of their couch.

Parker didn't recognize the woman watching them, but it seemed by their reactions that the other three were well familiar with her. Colt and Tom covered their laughter with coughs and large swallows of their drinks, while Jody smoothed a hand nervously through her hair. It was an immediate sort of reaction—the type kids had when the principle stopped by—and though she didn't even know her, Parker couldn't help but to fix her own hair as well.

"No, no, please, don't stop on my regard," she said, waving perfectly manicured nails at them. The gold bracelets on her arms jingled harmoniously around the diet code and rum in her hand. A striped paper straw, tainted with the equally bright red of her lipstick, swung around in the glass. "I'm so glad that you're all enjoying yourselves so much. I rarely get this glimpse of your personal lives outside of the set."

Her brother cleared his throat under her attention, a strained smile plastered in place. "Yeah, well, you know, it's a little hard to do that when you don't normally have anything to do with us outside the set," he said.

Parker's frown deepened, but the woman only laughed.

"Charming as ever, Colt! And Jody," she added, peering around Parker. The camerawoman gave an awkward smile in response. "It's so nice to see you too, my dear. I really do have quite a few people here that I think you should talk to. Lots of talent everywhere you look, really. You could learn so much just by a few conversations; it'd be so really good for your career, dear."

"Oh. Uh, of course," she nodded. "I'd love to meet anyone. I've noticed that—"

"Tom, of course, I know. Hello my darling, my shining star," she carried on as if Jody hadn't spoken at all. She responded by taking a long swig of her drink while Colt muttered something behind the curve of his hand. Parker would have paid more attention to their whispering if the woman's gaze didn't move to her next. "And who might this be?"

Tom cleared his throat. "This is Parker."

"Uh, hi," she said with an awkward half wave.

"This is Gail," he continued with another gesture. "My producer."

Oh.

Gail the producer was not quite what Parker was expecting. And yet, in another way, she was everything that she had been expecting. Dressed elegantly in a black pantsuit, neck adorned with gold jewelry that matched the heavy earrings dangling from her ears, Gail was certainly wealthy. She had a pair of red bottomed shoes on, the type of tinted glasses that were certainly more for appearances than necessity, and her hair was in large mussed curls around her head that probably cost a hundred dollars a piece. Her makeup was spotless despite the drink in her hand, and her smile was the mega-watt type that only existed in Hollywood.

Yet, it didn't feel friendly. In fact, as Gail's gaze slipped over Parker in a torturously slow slide, she couldn't help but feel that nothing about the woman was sincere.

And that's exactly what she was starting to suspect from Tom's stories, wasn't it? That the producer wasn't so much his friend as she was in the person in charge of him.

That certainly felt true now as her smile shifted to Tom.

"Oh, this is Parker?" she asked in a high pitched voice. If possible, her smile stretched further. "Darling, so good to meet you. I had no idea that you would be joining us today—I certainly didn't think I saw your names on the guest list—but the more the merrier! Besides, I feel that I should be thanking you."

"Sorry," Parker did a double take. "Thanking me?"

"Well, you are the one that convinced Tom here to go for that sci-fi role, aren't you?" she mused, fingers carefully sticking her straw back into her mouth as she took a long sip.

"Oh, I don't think I—"

"No need to be so shy, darling! Tom told me all about it. Course, that was only after I found him reading a stack of books to prepare for the role; so dedicated this one. I had a hard enough time getting him to consider a romance movie last year," Gail continued, laughing, "and it barely took any help from you at all to get him in excited for this film. Brilliant, darling, really. I'm always telling him that he should try to expand his portfolio. And this? Well, I think this is going to be the next big thing!"

Tom took a long dreg of his drink at the comment. Parker frowned.

She hadn't done anything. It was Tom's idea to go for the audition. And hadn't Gail been telling him he wasn't right for it in the first place?

Knowing when not to be mouthy, however, kept Parker's questions to herself. She nudged Tom with her elbow, and only when he glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, did she say, "I think you're probably right. This movie will be the next big thing. Sci-fi is really in right now, you know. Right Colt?"

Her brother blinked at her like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Subtly, Parker gave him a look. "Oh, yeah, totally. Sci-fi is huge ever since, er, Star Trek got big again. This movie is gonna be a blockbuster, Gail. Definitely a game changer for, uh, Tom."

Gail hummed. "Yes, certainly. And all thanks to the star sitting right here with us. I've always said Chris Pine was nothing compared to him."

Tom gave an awkward laugh. "We haven't even started filming yet."

"Oh, hush, darling," she waved a hand at him flippantly. Parker couldn't imagine anyone dismissing Tom Ryder like that and him taking it, but his only response was to take another sip of his drink. It was empty, however, and without being asked, she offered hers.

Tom drank half of it in a single gulp.

"He's so humble, isn't he?" Gail continued cooing. "Sitting over here, all by himself. Darling, there are so many people that still want to talk to you! You can't expect to hide out all afternoon."

"Are we chopped liver?" Colt muttered under his breath, only to be shushed by Jody.

Gail didn't hear, and instead patted Tom on the shoulder with an affectionate tut. "Come on, there are a few people from Disney that want to talk to you. Big things coming already from this movie! Just think about it; this could be the next Disney prince!"

He shifted under her touch, but managed a smile. The very type that was plastered inside on every available surface. Once upon a time, it was the smile she associated with him—the Tom Ryder that everyone saw scattered across the globe—but now, seeing it just had Parker's stomach dropping.

"Fine. But I'm not singing."

"Oh, no, of course not dear. We can always have vocals brought in from someone else if it comes to that..."

The pair disappeared into the crowd, though Parker swore she could hear Gail's laugh like nails on a chalkboard. She shook the last it of her drink with a sigh, ice clinking together.

"So, that's Gail, huh?"

Colt blew a raspberry. "Don't even get me started. Once, someone got stung by a bee, and she ranted for twenty minutes at filming being held up because they needed an epi-pen. She's the only person I've ever met that's worse than Tom."

"She's the scariest women I've ever met," Jody said. Then, with a thoughtful glance around, added, "do you think there really are people here that want to meet me?"

And just like that, things went back to normal, as her brother's face lit up with a dreamy smile. "I'd bet everyone here wants to meet you."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm serious!" he said. Two men drifting by their couch caught his attention, and Colt cupped his hands at them. "Hey! I've got Jody Moreno over here! Waiting to be talked to! Step right up!"

"Colt!" she hissed. But she was laughing too as she tugged his hands back down into his lap. Her face was beet red when the men raised their brows at her curiously. "I can't believe you've just done that. Honestly!"

Her brother didn't see the problem, and just shrugged. "What?"

And while Jody spent the next twenty minutes swatting at him in humiliation every time he tried to pull someone into conversation with her, Parker couldn't help the way that her shoulders dropped in disappointment when every new person passing by turned out not to be the only one she wanted to talk to.

Fucking Gail.

---

Turns out, drinking from an open bar whilst sitting around the pool was a recipe for getting drunker than one intended. Parker hadn't moved from their spot on the couch in over two hours, and by the time she decided she really had to pee, her movements weren't nearly as harmonious with her thoughts as they had been.

In fact, when she stood up, she almost went careening right into Jody's lap. And though she had been considering another vodka soda the way her brother teased her was advice enough to start drinking some water. Afterall, if Colt thought she was making an ass of herself, she was a lot worse off than she thought.

So, after a wobbly trip to the bathroom where she had splashed some cold water onto her face, and an extra cold water from the bar, Parker had firmly told herself that she wasn't going to drink any more. It was getting late, anyway, and they would have to leave eventually. It would do no one any good if she threw up on the windy rode back to Colt's place—especially not when it would be the second Friday in a row that those exact circumstances played out—and the idea of having to polish her brother's truck as an apology was enough to have her start sobering up.

But, by the time she got her second water from the bar, the party seemed to have moved outside as the sunset proved a beautiful backdrop for selfies. Crowded and surrounded by cameras was not something Parker was interested in.

So, while everyone else moved outside, Parker decided to wander around inside.

It was a gorgeous house. Prettier than Gail's, she thought, because while the producer's had been that sort of minimalistic white that was taking over Beverly Hills, this one was a painting of orange and red, framed memorabilia scattered across the walls, bohemian patterned rugs soundless beneath her sneakers as she aimlessly drifted throughout. A framed hockey jersey was the only thing that felt out of place, but Tom hadn't been wrong when he scolded her interior design skills; she really wasn't one to judge, and so she shrugged it off without much thought to amble on past. There was a landing at the top of his stairs just like Gail's, one that was crowded with people and drinks, and though there was a hallway that had clearly been roped off from public access, no one seemed to nice when Parker ducked underneath the rope and disappeared around the corner.

She supposed that was something she could apologize for later, but when she stumbled across an ivy colored balcony, she couldn't begrudge herself for being curious.

It sat on the side of the house, hidden well behind an overhang of trees that blocked the neighboring houses from view. A stack of yoga mats sat in the corner, weights and endurance bands sitting next to them, and a worn rug silenced her shoes as she peered over the wall. On her tip toes she could just make out the front drive, Colt's truck parked all the way at the end, but for the most part she felt hidden from everything.

"I thought I told you not to steal anything."

Or, almost everything, anyways.

Parker snorted, but flung her purse to Tom. He caught it and one handedly started to shift through its contents. His brows furrowed together. "It's just napkins."

"Some coasters too. How do you even get your face printed on a coaster?"

"Money."

She sucked her teeth dramatically. "So that's why I don't have my face on wooden coasters. Add it to the Christmas wish-list I guess."

Tom dropped her purse onto the small table with an eyeroll, before plopping down onto the small loveseat next to it. He didn't seem amused by her joke. "This area is blocked off. There's a rope and everything to keep people from snooping."

"Is there?" she mused. "Huh. Weird. I don't think I saw that."

"Are you drunk?"

She blew a raspberry with one last view at the drive before joining him on the couch. Her drink sloshed a bit, but she hardly noticed as she offered it to him. Smiling, she said, "water."

Tom turned his nose up at her. "At least if you spill that everywhere it won't ruin anything."

"It happened one time."

"Do you know how much I pay my interior designer?"

Parker set her water down onto the table with an eyeroll, but not one that missed the dangling windchimes or the birdfeeder in the corner. "Honestly, probably plenty, but I like your house, so it's worth it."

"Oh, you think it's worth it? Thank god. I was worried it wouldn't be to your taste," he snarked. It was unusually aggressive for him, though. Like he used to talk to her. Mean and cagey, with a bite to each syllable. "I'm not sure what I would do if my house didn't get your approval. Might have to buy a new one."

"O-kay," she drawled. "That was rude. What's up with you?"

"Nothing is up with me."

"Sure," she said with furrowed brows. He huffed at her tone, sneering. Awkwardly, Parker gestured between them. "Do you want to talk about it? Or would you rather keep acting like a passive aggressive dick?"

"Better idea. Why don't you just fuck off?" he snapped.

For a moment, Parker could only blink at him in surprise. He'd been an ass plenty of times before, but he'd never been this outrightly rude to her. She thought he might change his tone, hoped that he would admit it was all just a joke, but instead Tom just sat there with a glare.

And fuck if that didn't hurt.

"Alright, fine," she stood, throwing her hands up. Surprise flashed across his face, clearly not having expected her to give up so easily, but she was a grown women; friends or not, Parker did not linger where she wasn't wanted. Grabbing her purse, she said, "if you'd rather yell at me then I'm going to find Colt. I think we're going to leave soon anyway."

She crossed half the porch before Tom scoffed.

"Seriously? That's it? Fucking great. You're welcome for the invites, by the way. I'm sure you drank your worth at the open bar so you may as well leave like everyone else."

"That's not fair."

"Whatever," he waved a hand at her dismissively. "If you're going to go then just go. Now that you're done snooping around and drinking I'm not sure why'd you want to stay anyway."

She crossed her arms at him, breathing sharply through her nose, trying to level out just which emotion she was feeling the most. Hurt? Betrayal? Stupid?

"Well, what do you want me to do, Tom? Huh? If you're going to be an ass then I'm going to leave you alone because I don't deserve to be treated like that. Especially since you know I didn't come for free alcohol," she said, voice hitching. He looked away from her with a stony silence. Parker continued. "I came to celebrate you . But it's your house, and your party, so if this is how it's going to be I'm going to leave. Which is—that's fine if you'd rather be left alone, alright, that's not a sin to need some space—but you can't talk to me like that just because something upset you."

"I'm not upset."

She shook her head. "Well you're either upset or you're just an asshole."

"You made it very clear which you thought I was."

Parker ground her teeth together, knowing that there were quite a lot of things she could say to that, but also well aware that he was baiting her. Slowly, she took a deep breath before biting out, "I'm not sorry that I called you an asshole the first time we met because you were being one. But," she continued, shifting on her feet with an even deeper sigh, "I'm sorry that I keep calling you one. Alright? It was a joke. I thought you knew that I don't really think that. Well, didn't before right now."

He said nothing.

She sighed a second time, awkwardly adjusting her purse on the crook of her shoulder.

He wasn't looking at her. In fact, he was pointedly looking anywhere but at her as her words echoed across the balcony. They could still hear music drifting from the other side of the house, the occasional crunch of tires across gravel up the driveway, the chatter of happy, drunk people from all around.

Deciding not to linger she swallowed her pride to leave.

"...alright."

She paused, glancing over at him. "Alright, you want to be alone?"

He cleared his throat, still not looking directly at her, before he gestured to her vacated seat beside him. "Alright, you can stay."

Despite his apparent humility, Parker felt her temper flare at his wording a second time.

Who did he think he was?

"Oh, how gracious of you to let me stay. Thanks."

"What do you want me to say?" he shot back, finally looking at her. There was something in his gaze she wasn't used to seeing—something hurt and angry and lonely. She couldn't understand how someone could ever feel lonely at a party thrown in his honor. Then again, Parker supposed it wasn't really in his honor, was it? Sure, it was his face plastered everywhere, but the only people that she had seen him talk to were ones asking for something. He ran a hand through his hair. "If you want to stay then stay. You don't have to be so fucking difficult about it."

"I'm not being difficult, you're just in a mood."

"I'm not—" he started to refute, tension lingering in his words, before catching himself. She watched him take a deep breath, eyes studying something she couldn't see. He gestured to the seat next to him a second time. "Just... stay, alright?"

It wasn't an apology. It wasn't even close to an apology. He didn't meet her eyes, didn't take back what he had said, didn't change his tone.

And yet for a reason she couldn't pinpoint... she stayed.

Parker took a calming breath, glancing at the picturesque sky, reminding herself of the good mood and fun she had been having moments before this conversation. When she felt her pulse return to a normal level she sat back down, purse plopped against the table with a rattling thud. Tom was playing with some frayed thread from his jeans as if she wasn't even there.

The petty part of Parker argued that was fine by her. If he wanted to play the quiet game, than she could play the quiet game.

But the other part of Parker...

Well, it felt bad for him. Which was ridiculous. He was an A-list movie star with a Beverly Hills mansion that overlooked the city hosting a gigantic party to celebrate his latest movie contract. He was constantly the center of attention, constantly being catered to, constantly having people sing his praises not caring if he treated them like he had just treated her. He had his own fan club for fuck's sake.

What did he have to be upset over?

That wasn't fair though. Parker knew it wasn't. Tom had proven time and time again that his life wasn't all rainbows and sunshine; that he didn't get to do whatever he wanted, that he wasn't the same face she saw on advertisements.

"Was it Gail?" she asked quietly.

"What?"

"You were in a good mood earlier, when you were hanging out with us. I thought so, anyway. And then she came and pulled you away and I didn't see you for a while and now you're... well, you don't seem to be enjoying the party anymore. I just—did she say something? "

He frowned, tugging extra hard on the thread. "Just leave it, Parker."

"But—"

"Please," he muttered. It was the first time she had ever heard him say that word, and though he wasn't looking at her, she was pretty sure that there was something broken beneath his golden framed glasses. "Just leave it alone."

And oh if that didn't hurt worse than his attitude.

Parker pulled a knee up to her chest, tucking her chin on it. She had worn her hair down today, silky from a blow-out that Jody had helped her with just for this occasion, and it slid against her back as a breeze kicked up. From where she had haphazardly thrown her purse a pair of napkins fluttered to the ground.

"Okay, fine, we don't have to talk about it, but this is officially boring," she said when the silence continued to stretch on. She snatched up the crumpled wad of napkins, and Tom furrowed his brow at her as she flattened them out. "Alright. When is your birthday?"

"What?"

"August thirteenth, November seventh, or January twenty-first?"

He blinked between her and the napkin. "What?"

She huffed, waving the napkin like a flag. "It's trivia. Some of them, anyways. A lot of them are some very questionable quotes that we're definitely going to discuss later. But for now we can at least we can entertain ourselves with these."

"Why did you take, like, a hundred of them?"

She shrugged indifferently. "Sticky fingers," she said, and when Tom's mouth flickered ever so slightly at the corner, she pressed on. "So, anyway, when is your birthday? August, November, or January?"

"You don't know?"

"Why would I know when your birthday is?"

He shrugged, hand dropping the thread of his pants to pass through his hair. His fringe had been mussed throughout the afternoon, clearly a sign that he did that a lot, but he didn't seem to even notice. "Because I'm—"

"Ugh, don't even finish that thought," she moaned, rolling her eyes. He really had to be joking sometimes. "I'm going to guess... August?"

Tom shifted on the couch, shooting her a strange look. "How'd you know?"

"Good luck, I guess. What does that make you? A virgo?"

"Leo."

"Ah," she nodded, pretending that was interesting news to her. Parker didn't know shit about astrology, but she had heard Melissa talk about it enough to know at thing or two. With mock seriousness, she continued, "that makes sense, I guess. Leo's are all about self-confidence and actualization. The sign of royalty. Some say that Julius Caesar was a Leo."

"Really?"

Parker shot him a look, brows arched towards her hairline. "I don't fucking know, astrology is total bullshit," she snickered, chucking the crumpled napkin at him. It fluttered into his lap, and he didn't look all that impressed at he set it onto the side table. Still, his mouth twitched again. The next napkin was stained with something pink. "What is your favorite sport? Basketball, hockey, or baseball?"

"Shouldn't I be reading the questions?"

"I'm not letting you dig through my purse, perv," she said. He looked scandalized by the comment, and when she started to laugh, Tom shook his head at her. She nudged his leg with her shoe. "Besides, they're my napkins."

"That I paid for."

She steamrolled on, pursing her mouth thoughtfully. "Well, I think basketball is a stupid sport, so not that. Mhmmm... hockey?"

He narrowed his eyes at her. "...did you read these already?"

"So I'm right?" she asked, and with the grace of a sore loser, Tom pursed his mouth irritably. Parker pumped a fist in the air victoriously, wiggling her brows at him, and when his mouth crested into a smile, she waved the napkin in his face with the grace of a sore winner. "Ha! I'm starting to think we should put money down on the next one."

He forced the smile away with an eye roll. "Do you have money to bet?"

"Well... I'm sure there's a couple dollars somewhere in my purse. Colt always has at least twenty on him."

"Don't go betting your brother's money just yet, huh? These are easy questions."

"Easy?" she blustered.

"Everyone likes hockey."

"Everyone—baseball is literally an American sport! Everyone likes baseball!"

He ignored her, waving a flippant hand at her stack of napkins. Parker stuck her tongue out at him, tossing aside that question, to search for the next. Half the napkins she had stashed were ones with quotes, all of which were equally ridiculous, and she carefully set them into a pile on the table so she could take them home.

For comedic purposes, obviously. She wanted to stash them around Colt's apartment. She was pretty sure he would lose his mind if Jody thought he was secretly a Tom Ryder super fan.

Finding one that did have a question, she adjusted in her seat in anticipation. "Alright, alright, here's another one," she said. "What is Tom Ryder's favorite move? Fight Club, October Sky, or Pulp Fiction?"

Shit. She really didn't know for this one.

Parker narrowed her eyes at him, turning so they were facing one another directly, shoes wiggling as she tucked them underneath herself. He didn't give anything away; just met her steadfast through the tint of his glasses, no hints given, and when he raised a brow, she just knew that he was expecting her to fail.

"...Pulp Fiction?"

Tom made a face. "Okay, you're looking these up."

"Was that right?"

"Does the napkin have the answer?"

"What—no!"

"Well, you're cheating!"

" Ah—I'm not cheating!" she laughed just as he stretched over to grab the napkin out of her hand. The answers were on the back of the napkins, but she hadn't been looking at them. However, if he saw that, he would never believe her. So, as Tom grappled with her, shoving her free arm out of the way as her back dug into the armrest, Parker stretched as far as she could manage through an eruption of giggles. "You're going to—break my—arm! Ah!"

He was warm—always warm—as his chest pressed into hers, and when his fingers scraped the edge of the napkin, she twisted her shoulder back as far as it would go if only just to make him work for it a little bit harder.

Okay, so maybe she did like to be difficult. Sue her.

Tom pressed closer, stretching, laughing, as she wedged her knee against his chest to push. "Just give me the napkin!"

"No!"

"Because you were cheating?"

His hand skimmed the curve of her waist as he attempted to pull her entire body closer, and she shrieked from the ticklish feeling. That only had Tom trying twice as hard, aware that he was going to come out victorious, and in the energy of a little sister that never liked to lose, Parker pressed her free hand against his chest before chucking the napkin into the air. It caught on the breeze within seconds, and when it angled towards the edge of the balcony, Tom's hand tangled in her hair as he tried to grab it. Of course, she knew that was coming, and with all her might Parker wrapped her arm around his shoulder to pull him down towards her.

"No, no, no—!"

They became a tangle of limbs and laughter as he made a last ditch effort to grab the sailing napkin, and just when she thought he might snatch it, there was a rattle and the sound of a glass shattering against the floor.

They froze.

Together, they glanced down at the floor to find her glass broken in half, water seeping into the rug.

"Are you kidding—"

"Oh my god!" she shrieked, barely able to speak through the laughter racking her chest. "It's just water!"

"That's the second time."

"Both of them were your fault!"

"How was the other time my fault?"

"Oh, I don't know," she said, fulling cackling now, still pressed tightly against his chest; tighter still because every time Tom laughed he edged further into her personal space. The napkin was long gone by now, but neither of them moved besides the way his hand shifted warmly along her waist. "Maybe because I wouldn't have spilled it if you hadn't scared the shit out of me!"

Tom laughed at her accusation. It was carefree, loud, head tipped back to show the curve of his neck where a necklace dangled, the silver chain cold against her own flushed skin.

"I was a little preoccupied," he defended. "And I didn't expect someone to barge in on me!"

"I didn't barge."

"You did."

"I don't barge," she continued to deflect, crinkling her nose at the word. Slowly, their laughter died down as she swallowed. "I, you know, prance. Like women do, but I definitely don't... ahem, barge."

Whatever fire she had fueling her defense seeped away as Parker finally realized just how close Tom was to her.

They were pressed tightly against one another on the small loveseat, hair mussed from their wrestling, sunglasses somewhere on the floor. She could smell his cologne from how his collarbone was exposed to her, buttons undone, skin roiling hot and tan beneath the shirt. Parker's own jean jacket was hanging off one shoulder, her own necklace tangled at the nape of her neck, chest catching with soft laughter and something else too.

She remembered the first time she had ever laid eyes on Tom.

She had been speechless from how handsome he was in real life; thinking of him only as a thing that was flaunted in advertisements and on tv, and not as a person. Then there was when she found him in Gail's bathroom, shirt gone, chest glistening with sweat and rippling muscles. When he had called her in a rough voice, when he showed up at her store to insult it and then ask for a favor, when he had driven her to Colt's birthday party with wind blowing through his fringe as they listened to Sabrina Carpenter's latest hit on the radio, the way he glowed in the firelight.

For a long time now there had been two Toms in her life. The one she met back on day one, with a huge ego and blisteringly white teeth, that she thought was an uptight asshole, who had just lashed out at her for no real reason. And then there was the one that she laughed with, teased in a way she doubted anyone else did, sharing secrets and talking about things like sci-fi books and birthday parties while they sipped coffee and beer.

And now, as she blinked up at him with flushed cheeks, she came to the startling realization that it wasn't two versions of the same person, but one person that had developed a second skin to survive a world that didn't see him as anything other than a dollar sign.

A person who was lying above her, piercing eyes drifting over the freckles on her nose to the curve of her mouth.

"Just tell me," he said.

"Tell you what?"

He swallowed, gaze pulled back up to meet her eyes. She felt weightless, as if she was drunk, but it wasn't because of the alcohol. Tom licked his lips. "Did you cheat?" he asked.

She huffed. Her breath ruffled the loose fringe on his forehead. "No," she shook her head slowly, knowing just by the look in his eye that whatever she said was important to him. "No, I didn't cheat. I just... you told me your birthday at Colt's party, and you have a hockey jersey hanging in the hallway."

"And Pulp Fiction?"

"I don't know," she admitted quietly. "I guess... it just felt like a movie you'd like."

That look from before returned; the one she couldn't decipher, that had his eyes paradoxically darkening and opening at the same time. Maybe she had been right before. Maybe he was lonely. But as Tom looked at her, breath mingling with her own, she couldn't help but hope that he was starting to realize he wasn't.

"You know you can talk to me... right?" she muttered, licking her lips. "I mean, I know you probably have plenty of other more important people in your life that you can talk to, and I'm not trying to pry, but I just hope that you know that I'm here if—"

And just like that, Tom Ryder kissed her.

#falling without a harness #tom ryder #tom ryder x ofc #original female character #tom ryder imagine #series #the fall guy fanfic #the fall guy #the fall guy series #colt seavers

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forest-falcon · 18 days

Text

The Butterfly Effect

Chptr 14

🧡❤️🩶💛🚒🐦‍🔥

"So what's the plan?" Rigby jogged up alongside John.

"Here," John pressed a button at his wrist and the rock face in front of them opened; much the way a garage door might.

"Impressive," Rigby mused aloud. He let out a long, low whistle as he stepped inside.

"We need to clear a path around the pool. Jetpacks just won't cut it if we're gonna try n' stabilize One," John pointed to his brother's green Bird.

"Need me to pilot her?" Rigby's face held more than a trace of excitement.

"Oh...no, sorry," John scratched the back of his head.

"You'll be driving one of her pods. When we've cleared enough of the debris, and the villa has been stabilized; I may need you in Phoenix's carrier to help with moving One."

Rigby straightened and gave a nod.

"Time is scarce. Reports say Alan's okay, but we have a further three people in the villa who may require urgent medical attention, and I can't risk McCready's team in there until we know they have a chance at making it back out again," John sighed.

Rigby cleared his throat; his face visually construing a silent inner-debate.

"What?" John urged, then winced inwardly at his tone. Adjusting to Earth's gravity appeared to be even more wearing when fearing for your family's well being.

"You know, you can call them by name - Virgil and Gordon. We...we have your back," Rigby gave John an awkward clap on the back.

The clap echoed around the cavernous hangar.

John swallowed hard to staunch impending tears. There was a second's pause, before the astronaut stepped into his missing brother's Bird.

*. *. *.

"Knock, knock!" Parker called to signal his arrival outside of Alan's door.

"Erm...am I supposed to say who's there?" Alan's young voice came back.

" 'Oo's there? Well, hI'm glad to see that yer haven't lost your sense of humour along with yer bedroom!" Parker chuckled as he worked the lock on Alan's door.

There was a satisfying sound of the latch clicking, and the door swung open.

"Looks like you could use an 'and, Master Alan," he smiled, extending a hand.

"F-A-B-," Alan enthused, hauling himself up, and into the corridor, with Parker's help.

The teen cracked his back.

"Welp, I think I now hold the Tracy Island record for the longest pull up!"

*. *. *.

"We had to make an 'ole in Master Gordon's window to get to you. 'Fraid your brother's parking had made somewhat of a mess," Parker gestured towards Gordon's rooms.

"Didn't you teach him to drive?" Alan grinned.

"Cars, young Master Tracy, not rocket ships! And, I'll 'ave less of yer cheek! Scott might not be firin' on all cylinders at the moment, but you mark my words - I 'ave a memory like an elephant!" Parker chuckled, wagging a finger.

"You look like one too!"

"Oi!" Parker swatted at the teen as he ran.

*. *. *.

John and Rigby had made light work of clearing the debris surrounding the villa, and the structure was stabilised enough for a team to head up to help locate Virgil, Grandma, and Gordon.

"HELLO? VIRG? GRANDMA? GORD-"

"-OVER HERE!" Gordon hammered a small rock against a metal support beam.

The team tentatively picked their way over splintered floorboards and around mounds of rock that lay strewn across what was left of the comms room.

"Allie, is that you?"

"The one and only! I've brought some friends with me. Didn't wanna hog all the glory, y'know?"

"Phoenix?"

"Yup!"

Jonesy took a step closer, with a small hydraulic whine from the suit.

"Jonesy?"

"S'up Gords? I like what you've done with the place. You're kinda lacking in the door department though."

"Well y'know what Virgil always says; if you can't find a door, make one!" Gordon called from behind the fallen rocks.

"My thoughts exactly!"

"WAIT!" Tycho was almost pulled forwards into the rock face as he tried to stall Jonesy's suited arm.

"The structure's too unstable. Any attempt to move these boulders risks the whole lot coming down on top of Gordon," Tycho gesticulated wildly.

"Yeah, let's not do that." Gordon deadpanned.

"So what's the plan?" Jonesy couldn't deny that the thrill of using the exosuit had him itching to use his new superpower again. Two tonne boulder? No problem! He'd just shifted it like....kapow!

Tycho dragged his hands down his face as he thought.

"Hmm...we need to get a better view of what we're dealing with. Right here, we can only see half of the puzzle." Tycho pensively ran a hand down the largest boulder.

"And how are we gonna do that?" Jonesy was under the distinct impression that Tycho wasn't referencing the exosuit.

"I think I have just the thing!"

The scientist bent down and unfastened the clasps of a small metal case he'd carried down from the carrier.

"Jonesy, meet Mini Max.”

#thunderbirds are go #thunderfam #thunderbirds fanfiction #gordon tracy #alan tracy #john tracy #aloysius parker #oc jonesy #the butterfly effect

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vincentblackbearmediallc · 2 years

Link

The Roman Colosseum is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. During its heyday, the Colosseum was home to some of the most brutal fights that have ever taken place for sport — the Gladiator Games. While the Colosseum and the gladiators who fought there are known worldwide, many things about them aren’t, and even more has been misconstrued over the years. Some of the common questions people have include: Did gladiators always fight to the death? The thumbs down meant to kill the other gladiator, right? Were there ever any women who fought in the Colosseum? Were all the gladiators slaves that were forced to fight against their will?

#Parker Villas #Colosseum #Gladiator #Secrets #landmarks in the world #most brutal fights

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sailor-iris · 4 months

Text

X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022)

Art by: C.F. Villa

#x men #hellfire gala #spiderman #peter parker #marvel #C.F. Villa

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abbatoirablaze · 10 months

Text

Sealed, Steve Rogers

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: sexual tension, slight angst, mentions of fighting, underage drinking, dubcon/noncon relationship.

Part 2 of 3.

Part 1, Signed

Part 3, Delivered

“My god, you’ve grown so much, (Y/N),” your future mother-in-law cooed as she pulled you into a hug. You gave Mrs. Rogers a small, albeit forced smile as you pulled away and she got another look at you. She reached out and stroked your cheek, “my god, I remember when you were just a little girl. Barely knee high and going at it with Stevie like cats and dogs. Now look at you! You look like a refined young woman…”

“Yeah…it has been a while…”

“Been a while,” she giggled, pulling away from you, “been a while might have been a holiday or two…I haven’t seen you since your mother squirreled you and your sisters away from sight when you hit the end of fourth grade.”

You gave another forced smile, “yeah…I’m sorry. I-I would have called…or written, but I-I didn’t have anyone’s numbers memorized. A-and, well…mum thought it was best that I focus on school. She always said a good education helps all.”

“It’s okay sweetie,” she smiled softly, “we understand…Steve’s sister just got married to that Parker boy…sweetest little couple you’ve ever seen…you’ll see them at the reception at the end of the week. They’re still finishing their honeymoon.”

Your eyes widened, “oh no…I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interr-“

“Oh, you’re not interrupting anything,” she laughed, “we insisted on Peter taking her on a nice little honeymoon to one of our villas in Milan. They get back from there in about a day or so, so they’ll have plenty of time to unwind before your nuptials…”

“Yeah…”

“Sarah…maybe we let (Y/N) get reacquainted with everyone…I don’t believe she’s gotten to say hello to her father yet…have you dear?”

“Oh…uhm no,” you admitted sadly, the smallest of frowns crossing your lips, “I-I haven’t seen daddy yet.”

“He’s in his office,” she smiled as she looped her arm through Mrs. Rogers, “go say hello to him and pull him from whatever he’s doing in there. He should be out here…enjoying the party. It is your homecoming after all…and soon you’ll be a Rogers and not a Barnes. All of you should be mingling…it’s your graduation and engagement party after all…”

“I still don’t see why we couldn’t do two separate parties,” Mrs. Rogers sighed as she gave you a soft look, “the girl should be celebrating all of her accomplishments…a party for graduating high school, and a party for becoming officially engaged to my Stevie. I keep telling you Winnifred this all feels too cluttered…you should have let me plan at least one of the parties…allow me to showcase our home...”

“You’re too kind, Mrs. Rogers,” you offered, giving your mom an out as you put a hand on her arm, “I’m perfectly fine with just the one party. Two parties so close to the wedding would have made it seem forced, wouldn’t it?”

She gave you a firm smile, “perhaps you’re right, sweetheart…you know, you always were a wise one, well before your time. And how many times do I have to remind you, it’s mom…you’re practically our daughter as it is, (Y/N). Lord knows Stevie’s been in love with you since the two of you were little…call me mom, sweetie…”

“Okay…mom…”

She chirped excitedly to your mother, cooing at how you calling her mom as well felt ‘all too right.’

Meanwhile, you rolled your eyes as you started back to the house, promising both mob wives that you would go to find your father, while ignoring the rest of the party goers and well-wishers.

You barely had an idea on who many of them were, only knowing that they were associated with one of the five families, and here to ‘strengthen ties.’

It sickened you to your stomach.

Everything was done to ‘strengthen ties,’ while they bickered behind closed doors and made stomach-turning deals. All of them wearing faux masks of happiness to see one another, when they would all too quickly stab one another in the back for a chance on a higher rung. But that was the nature of the beast. One that you’d become all too accustomed to.

You were glad when your parents sent you off to finishing school back in London. You didn’t have to deal with anyone and could just blend in without having to be a Barnes, or the future Mrs. Rogers.

“Champagne, miss?”

You smiled politely, holding a glass in each hand. When he gave you a look, you shrugged, “going to take one to my fiancé…or father. Whomever I can find first I suppose.”

He gave a nod, one that said that he didn’t believe you, but he didn’t question it as he turned on his heel and went back to the main part of the party. When he was out of sight, you downed the first. Feeling the crisp, dry bite of the champagne, you rounded the corner and took the other, as though it was a shot yet again.

A shiver ran down your spine as the warmth from the alcohol filled your belly. You placed the two empty glasses along a desk sitting in the entryway.

Sighing, you noticed that your father’s study door was closed.

It was always business with him.

But stepping forward you could hear voices behind the heavy wooden door. You frowned when you couldn’t recognize the one that was speaking, nor make out any words that he’d been saying. But a roar of laughter made you pause from knocking.

You recognized the melodic laugh of your brother, despite not seeing him since you were ten.

“You gotta stop getting into fights, punk,” the thirteen-year-old chuckled as he ruffled the sandy blonde hair of his best friend, “you’re twelve and nearly losing to a eight year old.”

“He was nine,” Steve grumbled, shooing his friend’s hand away, “and anyways…I didn’t need your help, Buck. I’m Steve Rogers. The heir to the Itali-“

“You’re the heir of every ass-kicking from here to the Bronx with how you go picking fights…” Bucky replied sternly, his laughter fading away, “come on man…I shouldn’t have to rescue you from a little kid…all I wanted to do was enjoy my book and-”

“He was annoying (Y/N).”

Bucky gave you a small frown and you rolled your eyes, crossing your arms over your eight-year-old chest, “he wasn’t annoying me nearly as much as you were, Rogers…”

Steve’s nostrils flared, “you know…I did it to help you, (Y/N)! I did it because I was standing up for my wif-“

“Don’t you dare say it, Steven Grant Rogers!” You growled, cutting the older boy off as you wagged your finger in his face, “don’t you dare! I am not your wife!”

“But (Y/N), you are going to be it one day!” he said quickly, “you’re going to be my wife! And I’m going to burn down the world for you…or at least anyone that gets in your way.”

“You’re in my way,” you growled, “you’re always in my way. News flash, Steve…I don’t need you lurking around every corner waiting to be chivalrous. I don’t want it!”

“But (Y/N) I’m doing it because I love you,” he simpered, attempting to take your hand in his own, “I-

You sneered, your face scrunching up at the words as you ripped your hand from his, “stop it, Steve! I will never be your wife…because you won’t make it to adulthood. You won’t ever be anything other than a scrawny little twerp who can’t fight his own battles let alone the ones you pick over me…and you’re gonna get Bucky hurt…just like the last time.”

Steve frowned as he turned to look at his best friend. Bucky nervously pulled the sleeve down so that his cybernetic arm was covered by the sweater, “(Y/N)…”

You looked at your older brother, still angry over the accident that Steve caused years ago when he and Bucky first became friends.

“I-It was an accident, my lo-“

“I’m not your anything, Steve!” you spat, glaring at the young man, “now go away!”

Bucky took a step forward, “(Y/N), that’s enough. Steve was being a good fiancé and looking out for you. And right now, you’re being a spoiled brat and pushing people’s buttons.”

“You had to come save his butt!”

“Yeah…and he saved yours…it’s what family does for one another…” Bucky growled, defending his friend, “family makes sure that they’re safe and sound. That they-“

“Then why did he let you lose your arm, huh Bucky?”

“(Y/N)!”

You were snapped from your thoughts, and you noticed that the door to your father’s study was open, and man just inside the door, holding it open was none other than your big brother. You felt a bit of pride in your stomach as you launched yourself at him, “BUCKY!”

“Pipsqueak!” Bucky exclaimed happily as he easily lifted you from the ground, “What are you doing in here? You’re supposed to be out there enjoying your party!”

“Ughh, gag me with a spoon!” you groaned, “last thing I want is another snotty person from one of the families telling me congrats. I wanted to see you, robo-boy!”

“(Y/N)” your father scolded as he stood from his desk. Your heart melted as you peeled yourself away from your older brother and started towards your father.

In the years since you’d last seen him, he’d definitely aged.

He was only about fifty years old, but time had not been kind to him.

He kept his hair short and tight on the sides, as was normal from his military days, but the salt and pepper look that had graced the longer hair on top was all but silver on the sides.

He looked like an aged version of your older brother. A little bit smaller, and definitely less muscle-mass, as well as the obvious differences in the fact that your father had both of his arms, while one of your brothers was a robotic one, but they were very much the same otherwise.

“Daddy!”

He smiled as you wrapped your arms around him, becoming wrapped in the scent of the posh cologne that he wore that reminded you of smokey bourbon and fresh leather. His scolding of you had quickly faded and he allowed himself to melt under your touch.

“Oh, sweetheart…I’ve missed you…it’s nice to have all of my children so close to home again…”

“How’ve you been. Wha-“

“Good…good!” he smiled, pulling away from you, “but I don’t want to talk about me. Tonight is about you, honey. You and Steve!”

You groaned, hearing your fiancé’s name, “Daddy….can we just not talk about Steve Rogers for a second…you know that I don’t want to marry him.”

“Don’t worry…I think you’ve made that abundantly clear since we were children.”

You paled as you turned around and noticed a man that you didn’t recognize, standing off to the side of the room. He was watching you interacting with his father while he kept his hands in his pockets.

You felt a blush rising to your cheeks as you stared back at the attractive man. He was tall and muscular…well built. His sandy blonde hair was styled elegantly, and he was dressed to the nines. You felt your heart fluttering as he looked at you with his cerulean stare and pouty lips.

Was he someone new to your father’s crew?

But then the words snapped in your mind.

‘Don’t worry…I think you’ve made that abundantly clear since we were children.’

And you paled once more.

NO!

It couldn’t be.

Your stomach turned.

Had you just been guilty of finding yourself attracted to him? To Steve Rogers.

You took a few steps away from your father and started to back out of the study. “Sweetheart, where are you going?”

“Anywhere but here,” you muttered softly as you backed through the door. You were nearly there until you stumbled when you took another step back. You thought you’d hit the edge of the door frame, but when you heard the crashing of a silver platter behind you and the crunching of glass, you spun, “oh fuck…”

You had knocked over a waiter carrying a tray of champagne from the catering space in the kitchen to the party outside.

“And here I was thinking it was bad luck to see the bride just on the night before the wedding,” the charming blonde smiled as he leaned against the bookcase. You shot him a glare, trying to focus your rage into him, instead of staring at his chiseled jawline and the way that his clothes clung to his muscular frame and slim waist. He pushed himself away from it and pulled his hands from his pockets. In three quick steps he was nearly on top of you, his arm already looping around your waist and pulling you close. Your lips parted as you stared into his cerulean eyes, unsure of what to do or say. A smirk tugged at his lips, “why did no one tell me that it’s also two days before?”

“S-steve…”

He chuckled, and the action sent a pulse straight to your core as he watched you, “have you been drinking, (Y/N?)”

You felt a whimper escaping the back of your throat as you lost all resolve. You weakly nodded, unable to form the words.

“I can smell it on your breath,” he chuckled softly, still holding you close, “You naughty girl…”

“Sweetheart…I’m sure you remember Steve…” your father reminded you, “perhaps…your brother should take you to the powder room though…or the kitchen and get you sobered up before we address the guests for coming to celebrate you and him…”

“Y-yeah…”

#signed sealed delivered #marvel #marvel au #the avengers #steve rogers #captain america

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