#Pat's dad has really done a number on him

[social-media-shy]

I love this moment in ep 6 when Pat says, "thank you for saving Pa." It is such a turning point in their relationship. Until then, Pat has carried the guilt of not acting on that day near the river, and of Pran's transfer. He has constantly been trying to make it up to Pran, feeling like he owes him. And he has done a ton of stuff for Pran, but it has never felt monumental enough compared to the stuff Pran has done or gone through.

For Pat this was the moment he let go of all of that. And in a way Pran truly became one of his own, rather than an "other" he owes or has to make up stuff to. Recognising that all he ever needed to do was thank Pran. That there was nothing to feel inadequate or responsible for.

And while he told Pran that he thought about things from his perspective and Pran was put in the same position as him, so he could never hate him for any of it. Pat also finally gave himself that same consideration, empathy and kindness. Such a healing moment from the shit Pat's dad put him through. I love him. Iove them.

[help-itrappedmyself]

Dead on Main AU 2

Masterpost

Jason blinks and he is not where he used to be. He can already tell he’s shorter and skinnier, and he’s staring at physics homework so he’s probably younger too. It takes him a moment to run all the scenarios. He knows what is most likely, he knows that soulmates body swap at sixteen and... Well, he’s not sure if he was dead or not for his sixteenth birthday, but he had been living on the assumption that he had missed it, whenever it was. 

Now he thinks that he’s the older one in this relationship. If his soulmate just turned sixteen, he’s still a minor. Society gets a little more lax about these things when it comes to actual soulmate relationships, but Jason- despite the age difference only being around two years- is not lax about it at all. So if this is what he thinks it is, he is going to have to have a talk with his soulmate about being just friends for a while. 

Which should be fine, it’s not like they know each other at all yet. Getting to know each other should take a while anyways. Though, he could start that now.

He looked to the right and saw the door to the bedroom on the same wall as the desk he was sitting at, and the door to the closet on the next wall. The bed is against the wall behind the desk, sitting in between two windows. There’s a nightstand with a lamp on it next to the bed and a chest of drawers against the wall to his left that has a mirror hanging over it. There are space posters on the walls all around the room.

Jason gets up and walks over to the mirror. The boy in the mirror is short and skinny, just like he thought. He has blue eyes and black hair that flops over his face. Jason takes a second to wonder if the kid had plans for his birthday, realizing probably not. It’s tradition nowadays to spend your sixteenth birthday with just your family in case the switch is made. 

So, Jason's soulmate is what appears to be a normal, messy teenager. Posters, clothes on the floor, homework to do. Jason goes over to double check the homework, to see if he can find any that’s finished. There, his math assignment is already done, and it seems his soulmate’s name is Danny Fenton. He takes a closer look at all the school supplies and in his backpack and doesn’t find anything with the school name on it. 

Taking another look around the room, Jason doesn’t see a phone, and it wasn’t in the backpack. Jason tries not to feel weird as he pats around his soulmate’s pockets. He finds a phone, thinks for a second, then types in his own number and calls.

It rings for a second. Someone picks up, but all Jason can hear is shouting until he hears his own voice.

“Um, hello, Jason?”

“Yeah, this is Jason. You with my family?” 

“If the people that were in the room with you before are your family. I really only have confirmation that one of them is your dad.”

“Have those motherfuckers not even introduced themselves?” 

“Sort of. Eventually.” Jason heaves a long sigh. Danny chuckles.

“Right, well your name is Danny right?”

“Yeah! Have you talked to my family yet?”

“No, haven’t left your room. Your name was on your homework though.”

“Oh, please do not judge the homework.” Jason laughs, he does not know how Danny made his voice sound like that, breathy and higher than his voice has been in years.

“Didn’t even look at that part. So, I’m assuming that you guys are coming to me?”

“I think so?” There’s a bit of a commotion. “Stop it, buzz off!”Is said away from the phone. “They said yes.”

“Please tell me they’re not all planning on coming.”

Danny makes an I don’t know sort of hum. “Look, I do need to warn you… about a few things actually. Jazz, my sister, her room is across the hall and she’ll be able to help you if you. I sort of have… like a medical condition. I would rather explain that to you in person, but she’ll watch out for you if you go meet her.”

“I can do that. Anything I should look out for?”

“My parents leave all kinds of weapons around the house, and sometimes they’ll target me-you- at random, so try not to touch anything, and either stay upstairs or have my sister take you somewhere in town. Whatever you do, don’t go in the basement, the lab is down there.”

“Kid, what?” Jason rubs his hand down his face.

“This is really an in-person talk.”

Jason feels like he can relate. There are a lot of things a soulmate should know that Jason doesn’t know if he’s ever going to tell Danny but if he did he would want it to be in-person. “Sure, okay. Find Jazz, preferably leave the house.”

“Yep!” Again, Jason does not understand how Danny makes his voice sound so peppy. “Is there anything I should know?”

“Shit, if I had time I would give you a warning about everyone in my family individually, but for now… I don’t know if this will translate over…” It will, but there’s really no way to explain that. “I have… I guess it’s sort of a health condition as well. My family knows what triggers it, and they should be on their best behavior right now anyways, but if you wouldn’t mind putting someone on the phone I can threaten them properly.”

Danny laughs and Jason hears a beep, before “You’re on speaker!” is called out.

“I swear to god if any of you scare him, hurt him, or anything I’m going to kill you. I know everything you love and if you don’t act normal, just know, it will be destroyed.”

“Yeah, yeah. Jay, this is your soulmate!” Dick sounds way too excited.

“Also, most of us love you so that threat doesn’t work as well as you think it does.” Steph yells.

“Bitch, I died once, I’ll do it again. Don’t test me on this right now.”

The room through the phone quiets down quickly except for Danny’s laughter.

“Oh, wow, same.”

“Danny! You know how we feel about the death jokes.” Jason hears as the door behind him opens. Talking starts up on the other end of the line, but he ignores it for the moment as a tall redhead walks in the room. She stops in front of him and raises her eyebrow.

“You must be Jazz.” Jason says. This gets a hush on the other end of the line. “I’m Jason.”

[beiasluv]

heyyy so i was thinking what would happen if neteyam went to jake for advice on how to ask the reader out, i just thought it'll be a cute moment :) you don't have to write it if u don't want to, completely up to u 💓

have a lovely day gorgeous 🫶

a father’s advice? neteyam x reader

a/n: that’s actually so cute / ye grammar mistake cuz I’m too potato / hope you enjoy, gorgeous gorgeous girl 🤍

masterlist

saying who’s got the most rizz in the family is hard, their blood is strong. but one thing neteyam can’t deny, is that his father is the original rizz

how did he managed to pulled off neytiri? he don’t fucking know. the daughter of the chief while he is a ‘dreamwalker’ to them? he got them rizz

neteyam, being the golden child he is, is determined to follow his father’s footsteps.

and who else could he ask advice from? lo’ak? nope, that boy would never miss a chance to make fun of him, if he would go for his assistant. plus, he got rizzed up by tsireya, he down real bad.

kiri? nah, she has her own world and neteyam respects that. letting her be her free-spirited self would be the best option.

spider 👁️👁️ what does that boy know? does he even have a girlfriend? *ahem* i guess we’ll never know. he got the lowest rizz game in the family, with all due respect from neteyam.

tukkk, SHE IS A MINOR AND A CHILD.

neytiri? i guess? bet she would be more of a pain in the ahh if he would go to her for advice. being a mom she is, she would definitely judge neteyam’s crush and all of his dream would crash down. no, we don’t want that.

jake, it is.

but how? how to make it the least awkward to approach his dad about stuff like this?

he tried to give his dad signals and signs everyday but he doesn’t seem to pick them up. he even started to doubt if his dad is the real player, cuz them boy is clueless😭

“dad?”

“yes?” jake replied with his back facing neteyam.

“how do you er…like send a sign?”

“neteyam, i thought we went over this already,” he sighed. “press your collar when speaking, and say ‘over’ when you are done talking”

“oh!” he scratched his neck. “okay, sorry, dad.”

neteyam was hopeless 😭 but to get a girl, he can’t just give up easily

he tried again, now, with a little help from his sister

“dad,” he walked quietly into the marui where his dad is resting.

“what?” he grumbled.

“erm…last time…when…” his words fumbled around each other, while kiri came into the marui.

“when what? get to the point,” he shifted the blanket off his chest and sat up.

“dad, he is asking you how to ask a girl out,” she said nonchalantly as she looked through the drawer. “you’re welcome, bro,” with a swift of her tail, she was out the door.

“oh, well,” jake chuckled loudly. “have i heard correctly?”

“well, yea..yes.”

“c’mere, son,” he patted the mattress. “let me show you.”

jake would be so proud. he would laugh uncontrollably for like 10 minutes cause neteyam got him worried there.

but his son ask, he will reveal

“now, welcome to “the way of rizz 101” class with jake sully,” he joking said. “there are many ways to ask a girl out, alright, but there is a main pattern you must look out for.”

“number 1: set the mood. it is the most important, alright?” he ruffled neteyam’s locks. “you could never go wrong with setting the mood, look for spots, lighting, and the feels.” “guess where we got down, the tree of souls, yeah, magic, am i righ-“

“ew dad, please.”

“okay, listen to the experts, son,” he laughed. “number 2: make it personal, PER-SO-NAL”

“yes, i understand, I’m not dumb”

“no, son, it’s really important. don’t reuse your letters, never get her the same gift. DO NOT never ever use the same pick up line. AND definitely do not use the same pattern for every girl.” (amen to deja-vu from olivia rodrigo, guys)

“number 3: be yourself,” he patted his son back. “don’t be afraid, if she doesn’t accept your offer, don’t let it consume you.”

“how can i do that?” he retorted.

“what is she like?”

“she is the only girl i have ever laid my eyes on and they were stuck! can’t imagine even just one other girl that i have felt the same feelings i am feeling right now.”

“that’s the spirit, atta boy,” he chuckled. “then, i pray for eywa that this is the way.” “eywa will show you the way if she is the one for you,” he smiled softly.

“and a honorable mention, do not ever make a girl cry over your stupid mistakes, alright?”

“how would i know?”

“you would feel it, respect her, respect her as a goddess, hell yeah, adore her, like eywa,” he added. “she is gentle but deadly, the spirit of life. always ask for consent, always. when you are mated for life, you both become equal.”

“let her guide you, and let you guide her,” he held his palms together as one. “now, how to rizz a girl up is not useful without your effort,” he patted his son’s head and pushed him up.

“go get the girl, atta boy!”

today is a great day to go touch grass 😳 i mean- take care of yourself 🤍

@rosaryos / @bumblinbumblvee / @loudcolorwolfgarden / @nyotamalfoy / @fangirl-2610 / @astablacksword / @lokisblueskin

[masivechaos]

don't panic!

── ☆ dads! wolfstar x gn! reader

── ☆ Request: yes / no

── ☆ Synopsis: you get sick while Remus' at work and Sirius tries not to panic

── ☆ Warning/content: reader throws up, my English

── ☆ a.n.: 1k words-

masterlist/ marauders masterlist / navigation / taglist 

── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.──

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Remus was out for the day– working at his bookstore as always– leaving you and Sirius alone, as it was the winter holidays, you were back home from Hogwarts for two weeks.

Sirius thought he could handle it. After all he had been your father for the last 14 years, him and the werewolf adopting you when you were 2 and half, and he knew how to take care of you alone. Also, you were 16 now, old enough to occupy yourself alone without Sirius needing to watch after each of your actions to make sure you’re not doing anything stupid, like eating candle sticks (which you would often do around four years old).

But when at 10 in the morning, which was already suspicious– you were an early bird, you came into the living room with disheveled hair and drool in the corner of your mouth, Sirius felt like you were his six year-old little girl again.

“Papa… I threw up…” you said weakly, that was definitely not the way you wanted to wake up today.

Sirius’ face dropped. Remus was the one who knew how to deal with this, he was more composed and calmed. Everything was going to be okay, you were just a little sick, nothing severe he thought.

“I’m sorry, pup” he said as he rose from his seat and walked to you. “Where did you throw up? Your bed?”

You nodded, tired. “Tried to go to the bathroom but it was too late.”

He grabbed a tissue and wiped the corner of your lips “It’s alright, I’ll clean it up.” He was trying his best not to appear nervous in front of you. He pressed the back of his hand to your forehead “Merlin, pup. You’re burning.” You had fever, the alarm rang in his head.

He took a deep breath “I… It’s going to be alright,” he said for both you and him. “It’s just a fever” he whispered to himself. “You should take a shower. No a bath. Or maybe you need to go to the doctor. But should we go to a muggle one or a wizard one?” That was it, he was really panicking.

“No,” you chuckled tiredly. “It’s probably a stomach bug, I just need to rest.”

“Rest,” he repeated “Yeah rest okay, we can do that.”

SIrius led you to the sofa and let you lay there, pulling a blanket over you. “You need painkillers for the fever,” he reminded himself, cursing himself for not giving one to you earlier. “Uh… don’t move.”

You answered with a hum, there was no way you were going to move just a single toe.

Sirius stood in front of the pharmacy shelf… What muggle medication did you need again? After some time, he grabbed ibuprofen and hoped he got it right.

He came back with the pill and the water and saw how pale you looked. “Pup… are you okay?” he asked.

“I…” you whispered before gagging “I’m gonna–”

Sirius’ eyes widened. No, no, no Why didn’t he think of this earlier? Panicked, he rushed to the kitchen and grabbed the first bucket he could find, making the rest of the cupboard fall in the rush. He went into the living room again and placed the bucket underneath you, “It’s okay,” he whispered, trying not to let his worry show.

He patted your head as you threw up, trying to calm down. He waited for you to be done before he reached for the phone– he was never more thankful that Remus obligated them to have those muggle things.

He called Remus’ work number. “Remus?” he called anxiously

“Hi? Sirius, it’s you?” he asked, not expecting him to call.

“Yes uhm… Y/n threw up and has fever and I don’t know what to do, I already gave a painkiller but I don’t even know if it’s the good one and- and they threw up again and they look so tired, I’m so worried and I don’t know what to do.”

He heard Remus let out a short chuckle on the end of the line “Woah, Woah, Woah… calm down… I know it’s scary, but Y/n will be alright. Just stay by their side. You got this.”

“Are you sure? Because they look so pale and I’m so worried and- what if we need to go to the hospital?”

“We won’t need to go to the hospital. We’ll go to the doctor tomorrow and they’ll be fine in a week, alright? I come back home during my lunch break if it can help but please don’t panic”

“Okay,” Sirius said, “Okay…”

He hung up and went back to you “Hey, Pup… are you feeling a little better?” he said softly, managing a little better to hide his worry

You nodded, already almost asleep. Sirius went into your room and removed the dirty sheets, throwing them in the washing machine. He then grabbed the bucket and cleaned it up before putting him back next to the sofa. He stood there, watching you tenderly, he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead.

“Papa..” you whispered.

“Yes, pup?”

“Can you stay with me?”

Sirius smiled “Of course, pup.” He sat down next to you and wrapped his arms around your back, pulling you close.

–

Remus came back around noon, a little worried. He knew Sirius could manage to take care of you but he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. 

He opened the door only to find Sirius holding you, both of you asleep.

Remus smiled to himself. He could finally be reassured, you were alright. He walked closer to you both, pressing his lips to your forehead and then Sirius’ temple “Now, that’s my family” he whispered with a quiet chuckle.

── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.──

⋆ ★ wolfstar! dads taglist: @ell0ra-br3kk3r @rhydianissuperior  @loveeharrington @princess-paramour @gilmore-angel @heartfucks @songs4themoon @moondemon123 @mystic-writings @siriusblackstwin-deactivated202 @goodoldfashionedluvergirl @garfieldsladybird @spookydarkwitch @duxpuella @imshiningjustforyou @vancitycharlie @doyouknowwhoyouare13 @venussflytraps @dori-and-gray @maddipoof

[pinkhairedlily]

pamamanhikan

ss month 2024 | day 9: wedding traditions | ao3

pamamanhikan - (noun) a Filipino tradition where the families of the bride and groom first meet.

They were a weird bunch, standing over unnamed graves at the farthest corner of the town. It rained earlier, the cusp of autumn lingering in the aftermath of the light showers. This was the designated spot, Kakashi said, where everyone can easily forget and forgive.

Despite its remoteness, someone took the time to cut the grass and plant perennial wildflowers, the bare minimum for the excommunicated. Sarada snuggled closer to the breast of her grandmother, still too milk-drunk to watch what was happening.

Sasuke shifted in his feet, unaccustomed still with the presence of Sakura’s parents. He cleared his throat and swept his arm across the grounds. “Well, uh, this is it.”

“I can’t believe they didn’t even put their names. So disrespectful.” Kizashi shook his head in dismay. He glanced at Sasuke briefly. “And I’m not saying this because you’re my son-in-law, but I think everyone who gets on their deathbed wishes to be remembered.”

“Papa,” Sakura whined.

“Ah, let your father speak his mind,” Mebuki said softly, adjusting Sarada against her waist. “Now, Sasuke dear, I think it’s time you make the introductions.”

Sasuke cleared his throat and went to the two highest headstones in the middle. “These are my parents, Fugaku and Mikoto.” Sakura watched him gather his composure. “Mom, Dad, these are Sakura’s parents—Haruno Kizashi and Mebuki.”

Kizashi took out an incense holder and sticks and lit them in between the graves. “Nice to meet you, Fugaku and Mikoto. On behalf of my daughter, I apologize that we only have this meeting of families after their wedding.” He playfully glared at Sakura which she dutifully returned with a tight smile. “I believe we can agree that what they did was more of an elopement and that we agree on a second, more traditional wedding—”

“Papa—”

“---eventually.” Kizashi pulls Mebuki to his side, his hand gently patting Sarada’s head. “Me and my wife, we’re not really from a prestigious family.”

“We’re normies,” his wife suggested. 

Kizashi agreed, “Yes, we’re not a ninja clan, like yourselves although I heard you’re very prolific.”

“Lots of prodigies, very good genes,” Mebuki added, “It shows in his handsome face. I understand why my only daughter has pursued him since they were kids.”

“Very intelligent too.”

“Yes, I agree. Very smart.”

Sakura can only close her eyes in embarrassment. “Mama, not you too. Can you spare me some dignity?”

“Well, Fugaku and Mikoto, he had a good upbringing,” Kizashi grinned at Sasuke who by now was staring at the ground and probably counting the number of bugs that have made their journey across his feet. “Your time here was short, but I’d like to believe some traits are genetic. Like kindness.”

Mebuki nodded. “He’s also very helpful. You must have been good cooks as Sasuke here likes to pass time in the kitchen. He loves making my daughter a variety of dishes.”

“She’s busy at the hospital,” Sasuke interjected in his wife’s defense. He cleared his throat, suddenly aware that he cut off his mother-in-law. “She’s a doctor, Mom.”

“You’re right, and an excellent one at that,” Mebuki replied, “So it’s really a big help that he keeps her full with energy and nourishment. He’s a very good kid.” She turned to Sasuke. “You’re a good kid.”

 Sakura wondered how Sasuke was taking all of these in. Prior to this meeting, her parents really never told her what they thought about him. But calling him a good kid, after all the things he had done, all the crimes he committed, and all the consequences that ensued, must be something foreign to him.

Because it was all true. Underneath that exterior, he was a good kid.

Kizahi placed an arm across Sasuke’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about him, Kizashi and Mikoto. We will do our best to take care of him.”

“We will make him his favorite dishes. Of course, it wouldn’t be like yours, but if it’s something he wants, then we will cook it for him,” Mebuki seconded.

“Don’t you worry about him. We’ll keep an eye out for your only son.”

Sakura saw the slight change in Sasuke’s features. “He has a brother, Papa.”

“Oh you do?” Kizashi removed his hand and pulled away to give him space. Her father must have noticed him tensed up.

Sakura waited for anger, for denial of existence, for the lack of recognition, but maybe it was the time or the presence of the ghosts of his family.

“An older brother. Uchiha Itachi,” Sasuke looked at the older couple, “He doesn’t have a grave here.”

“I see,” Kizashi simply said. “Is he a good brother?”

Sakura reached out for Sasuke’s hand. It was cold, clammy, and rough, but he held her gently. She noticed the grass stains on his nails, and some blades of grass got stuck on the side of his pants. 

“He was,” he answered.

Sarada stirred in her sleep and her chubby fingers found Mebuki’s chest finally uncomfortable. 

“I think we’re done for the day,” Kizashi said. He gestured to Mebuki and the couple made a bow to the headstones, murmuring a shared prayer under their breaths.

At the gates, Sasuke looked back one last time. “This garden’s gonna be overgrown with weeds in a year.”

Mebuki shrugged. “Hmm, sometimes nature does the upkeep.”

======

“Sarada, wait up!” Sakura left the comfort of Sasuke’s grip and ran after their dawdling toddler. “She’s an adventurer, this one.”

Sasuke managed to corner the black-haired babe. He helped her clamber up to his shoulders for a better view. While Sarada might have discovered the joy of walking, she still preferred the joy of her premium seating—as if she was on the top of the world. She laughed, toothless and spittles, as she grabbed the strands of her father’s hair.

“It’s a bummer that Mama and Papa aren’t here,” he said.

“Aren’t they too overbearing for you?” Sakura sighed. “I love them, I really do, but five days in their house didn’t really give us privacy. This free day is like a breath of fresh air.”

“There’s privacy,” Sasuke reasoned out. “I kissed you with lights out, honey.”

“That’s not the point.”

“And they made me lots of onigiri.”

“Okay glutton.”

They stopped in their tracks once they saw the full view of the graveyard. In her periphery, Sakura thought she saw Sasuke sway. She held on to his elbow nonetheless. The grass remained tame and perfectly tamed. The flowers were vivid and bright and warm, and someone surrounded the headstones with bushes of camellias.

The blank slates now have names. Beside Fugaku’s was a new stone: Uchiha Itachi.

Sarada giggled, her hands reaching out to touch the first bud of a cherry blossom tree, an ushering of spring. 

buy me and my cats coffee?

[thoughtful-dragon]

Ted Lasso 3x05 fic

I wrote this a while after 3x05 because of things that were not addressed in the episode and it has now been jossed by canon, but I still quite like it so am posting it on here.

Takes place before the City match and before they've found out that Zava has left.

"Oi."

Jamie turns and sees Roy. He finishes filling up his water bottle and turns to head towards him.

"You all right?"

Jamie makes a face. "'course I'm all right. I'm better than all right, I'm-"

"Yeah, yeah." Roy sighs. "I meant-" he starts. "About City, you know."

"Yeah, well they're a good side. But so are we. We'll be fine."

Potentially, Roy thinks they could use some of Jamie's confidence among the coaching staff. But that's not what he's talking about and he's pretty sure that Jamie knows what he's talking about but is going to make him fucking say it before they can acknowledge the spectre of James Fucking Tartt and the aftermath of the last match against City.

"I meant- do you know-" Roy lets out a long breath. "Is your dad about for the match?"

Jamie shifts and looks at the water bottle he's holding, popping the top up and back. "Richmond's banned him from the stadium," he says.

Roy knows that because he'd been in the meeting with Rebecca, Higgins and Ted after Wembley where they'd worked out how to do it. He knows they're hoping to get city to agree to do the same at their stadium but apparently it's fucking complicated. Roy had offered to uncomplicate it for them but both Rebecca and Ted seemed to think Higgins would be best on negotiations.

That's actually sort of what Roy was worried about.

"Yeah, but is he-"

"He's not comin' down anyway. All that fuckin'- anyway, he's got to work. He's pissed off about it but he's on his final warning so-"

"How d'you know all that?" Roy says. "Thought you'd blocked his number."

Roy doesn't mean this to sound as accusatory as it does but it's out now so what are you going to do?

"I did." Jamie says. "Then it- I didn't know whether he was going to show up or what so-"

"Has he shown up?"

Jamie shrugs. "Only twice since Wembley. To me house anyway."

Roy frowns. "What? What happened?"

Jamie looks away. "Nothing. First time, he banged on the door and yelled stuff and I ignored him until he went away. Second time I called the police to get rid of 'im."

That doesn't sound like nothing to Roy. When had this even happened? What had Jamie done? Just had that happen overnight then come into training the next fucking day?

Or maybe, Roy thinks with a sinking feeling, he'd been woken by Roy knocking on his door for training.

Fuck.

"If that happens again," Roy says. "Ring me."

"What?" Jamie says. "Why?"

Roy rolls his eyes. "Ring the police as well, but don't-" he hesitates. "Just ring me, OK."

"Er," Jamie says. "What are you going to do?"

Roy frowns, because there are a few things he wants to do to James Tartt. Some do involve beating him with a rope, but he's not locked into that. He's got other ideas. He shrugs.

"OK," says Jamie. "I'll ring you if he shows up." Then Jamie pats his arm and steps around him and Roy only realises as he steps away that he has been patronised - and quite possibly lied to.

Fucking prick.

Still. He thinks. Jamie does seem lighter about this match than the last one. Frankly, even with all the Zava shit, Jamie's seemed brighter and happier all season. Fucking annoying really. But, Roy supposes, it must mean his dad's not around so much, and not in his head either. So that's good.

Roy will put up with this bouncy, happy Jamie - even at 4 fucking am - if it means… he's actually happy, he supposes.

[toasttt11]

new beginnings

September 18, 2021

Sidney frowned as they were almost at the Bedard’s apartment, it would be the first time his daughter was completely living away from him.

Cameron scratched the top of Mr. Mack’s head excited to see her best friend soon.

Cameron had met Connor a few months ago at the Canada U-18 and they were roommates and line mates and they are both so similar in personality they just clicked extremely easily.

Cameron was then drafted to the Regina Pats and Connor immediately offered for her to stay with him and his mom in Regina. Sidney felt more comfortable with her staying with a friend rather than a new teammate even though he has done it before.

Sidney parked the car in front of the apartment building and his frown deepened.

“Hey.” Cameron nudged her dad’s arm, Sidney looked over at his daughter who seems to be growing more and more every time he blinks, “I’ll be visiting all the time.” Cameron reminded him, she was sad too and felt unsettled at the idea of being away from her father more than usually.

“I know.” Sidney nodded and he leaned forward and rested his forehead as his hand cupped the back of her head, “You can come home whenever you want okay.” Sidney remaindered her as well.

Cameron closed her eyes as she rested her forehead against his, “I know Dad.” Cameron pulled back and gave him a shaky smile.

Mr. Mack nudged Cameron gently knowing his Cameron is sad.

Sidney and Cameron shared a look and knew they needed to head inside, Cameron tapped her shoulder and Mr. Mack climbed up Cameron’s arm and laid across her shoulders.

Sidney grabbed Cameron’s hockey bag and her big suitcase and Cameron grabbed her back pack and small suitcase.

They walked through the apartment building lobby and to the elevators and clicked on a floor.

They walked out of the elevator and done the hallway looking for the number on the front door and when they found Cameron knocked on the front door.

Connor opened the door and smiled softly as his best friend and her dad and opened the door all the way letting them walk into the apartment.

Cameron set down her bag and was pulled into a hug by Connor.

“Hi Camers.” Connor softly mumbled hugging her tightly, he has never had a friendship like he has with her and has never felt so comfortable with someone before and so quickly as well.

“Hi Con.” Cameron mumbled softly, she was really excited when she met Connor and they started becoming friends and not just teammates, she is use to having good relationships with her teammates but never really becoming this good of friends.

“Hi Mr. Mack how are you.” Connor softly spoke starching Mr. Mack on the head, who was still laying on Cameron’s shoulder.

Mr. Mack purred lightly and rubbed against Connor’s hand, Connor is Mr. Mack favorite person that isn’t Cameron and it’s probably to do with the fact Connor and Cameron are very similar and Connor is always getting treats and toys for Mr. Mack.

Sidney shook his head still surprised that Mr. Mack actually really likes Connor.

“Cameron!” Melanie beamed as she walked in the living room and saw her and walked over pulling her into a gentle hug.

“Hi Mel.” Cameron hugged her back.

Sidney fist bumped Connor and Connor still shook his head at the fact he knows Sidney Crosby personally but he also realizes Sidney is just a person too but more specifically Cameron’s dad.

Melanie led them down the hallway to the room for Cameron and left Sidney and Cameron alone so they can unpack some of Cameron’s stuff before Sidney has to leave.

Sidney smiled bittersweet as he picked up her stuffed penguin that she has had her whole life from her godfather and he set down on her bed, that they made with her light purple flower bed sheets and comforter.

Sidney looked over at Cameron as she was putting her clothes away in her closet and he frowned not liking she’s moving out for most of the year.

They are use to Sidney being gone for road games but usually they aren’t apart for long. They would now have times they are going to be apart for a while and they never have before.

“I’m proud of you, you know.” Sidney spoke up making Cameron look over at him.

“I know.” Cameron softly nodded, the two aren’t always big for putting their emotions into words but she knows her dad is proud of her, she has never thought otherwise.

“Good.” Sidney nodded back and walked over pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

He looked around the room and she was all unpacked and settled into her new room.

“Come here Cam Bug.” Sidney opened his arms up and pulled her into a tight hug, “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too dad.” Cameron softly mumbled burying her head on his shoulder, “You gonna use your phone to face time me.” Cameron teasingly mumbled against his shoulder. Cameron has always found it funny how much her dad hates technology and she is one of the few people he talks to using it.

“Yes i will.” Sidney agreed fondly rolling his eyes.

“Good.” Cameron pulled away and sent him a smile.

Sidney walked over to Mr. Mack who was laying on the bed, “Watch out for our girl for me.” Sidney mumbled and Mr. Mack rubbed his head slighty on Sidney, the only time when the two will get along is when it involves caring for Cameron.

Sidney stood up and walked back to Cameron.

“Walk with me to the car?” Sidney asked wrapping an arm around her shoulders wanting to spend a few more moments with his daughter.

Cameron nodded and they walked out of her new bedroom and saw Connor and Melanie in the kitchen chatting together.

“I’ll take care of her i promise.” Melanie whispered as she hugged Sidney, they have become quite good friends watching their kids playing together and Sidney does trust her with Cameron.

“Thank you Mel.” Sidney whispered back and stood back and pulled Connor into a hug as well.

“We’ll take care of her.” Connor quietly promised and Sidney smiled slightly always finding it very sweet how much Connor is just like his mother.

“I know.” Sidney pulled back and clapped Connor on his shoulder before walking towards his daughter and heading out of the apartment.

Cameron grabbed onto her dad’s hand clinging tightly just as she always use to when she was younger, she still does just not as much.

Sidney smiled sadly and squeezed her hand back as they waited for the elevator to take them down the to bottom floor.

Sidney and Cameron walked in silence to his car and both had identical frowns.

“I’ll see you in a few weeks.” Sidney softly spoke and Cameron looked up at her dad with shiny eyes and he immediately pulled her into a tight hug feeling her little sniffles she was trying to hide and the shakes in her shoulders.

Sidney gently rubbed her back knowing that calms her down when she is upset and let her cry a little, Sidney felt his eyes filled with tears as well he held onto his little girl tighter.

Cameron calmed down and sadly pulled away from the hug and wiped away any of the evidence of her tears besides the red around her eyes.

Sidney kissed her forehead once more and sent her a soft smile as she nodded before getting into the car and starting to drive away. They both knew if they said anymore words they would both start crying again and Sidney wouldn’t be able to leave.

Cameron titled her head up avoiding anymore tears from falling and headed back inside into her new home.

[themultifandomgal]

Adam Ruzek- Single Dad Pt1

Adams POV

"Ally, Jay and Erin are here" I call out to my 4 year old daughter and in no time at all I hear tiny footsteps running down the stairs

"Jay, Erin" she yells coming into view making us laugh

"Hey little one you ready for ice cream?" Jay asks

"Yes yes yes. Erin. Daddy said you can do my hair"

"Of course. We all know your dad sucks at doing hair"

"Hey I've got better" I put my hands up in protest

"Yeah yeah come here Ally" I watch as my daughter interacts with Erin. I guess she is the closest thing Ally has ever had to a mother

"So how's the dating going?" Jay asks

"It's not. Once they find out I have a daughter they don't want to know" I sigh

"You'll find her bro. Don't loose hope. You never know where you'll meet her or how" Jay pats me on the back, I turn to see Erin finishing Ally's hair. I grab my back pack which has everything Ally and I need in and we get into the car, Erin helping Ally into her car seat

"Ready?" I ask and everyone yells back yes.

Some time later

We have been at the ice cream shop for only 10 minutes

"Daddy can I have a chocolate ice cream with sprinkles?"

"Sure you can" I order mine, Ally's, Jay and Erin's ice creams and some drinks. Ally and I take them over to where Erin and Jay are sitting

"Daddy, that girl was pretty you should ask for her number. Kevin does that" this makes all of us laugh

"I'm sure he does Ally" I shake my head

"You've got yourself a wing woman Adam"

"Kevin also said that kids are chick magnets. What does that mean?"

"Errrm..." just before I can say anything the door opens and I see probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen walking in holding a little boys hand.

YN POV

"Jack do you want some ice cream?" I ask my 5 year old little brother. My mum had me young, 17 to be exact then much later in life had my little brother

"Yes please" Jack says and I take him into the nearest ice cream shop

"Hi can I get a strawberry ice cream and a chocolate ice cream please" I ask the lady behind the counter. A few moments later the lady gives us our ice creams and I pay

"Ok Jack let's find a seat" we sit at a table that's next to a group of people, 2 of them are holding hands and look to be a couple the other guy has a little girl sat next to him and he isn't bad looking to be fair

"YN?"

"Hmm"

"When we're done can we go park?"

"Of course we can" I give my little brother a smile and we eat our ice cream.

Later on we walk to the park which is only down the road. I spend the next 20 pushing Jack on the swing

"Ok little man my arms are hurting I need a break"

"Ok" Jack jumps off the swing and I notice the small group of people from the ice cream shop coming over to the park. I sit down on a bench and watch Jack run around

"Bye Erin bye Jay!" I hear the little girl shout and the little girl and the guy come in

"Ok go play. I'll be over here"

"Ok daddy" the guy walks over to me

"Can I sit?"

"Yeah sure" I take my bag off the bench and the really handsome guy sits next to me

"You've got a cute kid"

"Oh no thats my little brother, but that little cutie is yours?" I ask

"Errr yeah" the guy says slightly awkward, damn it he's got a girlfriend or wife

"I'm YN by the way" I put my hand out for him to shake

"Nice to meet you. I'm Adam and that's my daughter Ally"

"YN! This is my new friend. Can she come over to play?"

"We will see" I give Jack a smile

"Ok" and with that the kids run off together to carry on playing together

"Hey can I get your number?"

"Won't your girlfriend be upset?" I raise my eyebrows

"I don't... I'm a single dad. She walked out on us when Ally was born"

"Oh I'm so sorry"

"No no it's ok you didn't know and anyway everything happens for a reason right" Adam smirks as he holds out his phone. I smile taking it from him and put my number in, I give him my phone and he does the same

"So what do you do for a job?" I ask Adam

"I'm a cop, intelligence. What about you?"

"I'm a dog trainer. I work mainly with dogs who have behavioural problems"

"Do you have a dog?"

"I have 4 actually" I laugh "I just keep rescuing them. It's a problem"

"So this might sound a little forward, but would you like to go out for Lunch tomorrow? You know just the 2 of us" Adam asks shyly

"Sure I'm not training any dogs tomorrow"

"Text me your address and I'll pick you up"

"Perfect"

Adam and I continue to chat while Jack and Ally play together. For the rest of the day Jack can't stop talking about his new best friend.

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

In Plain Sight (Part 6)

Summary: The reader’s birth mother has reached out for a reconciliation but both she and Jensen think she’s up to something. And a trip to the park for some photos has Crew revealing another secret he’s been harboring...

Masterlist

Pairing: Jensen x daughter!reader (with lots of daughter!reader x OMC)

Word Count: 5,700ish

Warnings: language, mention of family angst/bad parenting

A/N: So much going on in this one!

______

“Y/N,” said your dad, catching you before you headed to bed that night. “Come here a sec.”

You followed him down to his office, watching him open the bottom drawer of his desk and take out a box.

“I was thinking since Crew is spending Christmas with us and it’s his first one in a while, I wanted to give him something he’d really like.” He took off the lid and pulled out a photo album book, one of those one’s you could make from an app on your phone. “I know you could have made one that looked nicer-”

“Dad he’ll love this,” you said, flipping through the book. There were a number of pictures from set last year and this one, ones from nights out during the promo tour and private dinners and days off with the cast and crew. A few more pages in you saw one of yourself and Crew in the distance, both of you laughing way too hard. 

“I thought that was cute. I didn’t have a lot of the two of you but I snuck in as many as I could.”

“This is a great present dad. He deserves to have someone looking out for him.”

“I know he does, honey bun. Holidays are hard for him so he’ll probably be a bit quiet when we go up to the cabin, maybe want to be by himself a bit. We should give him his space when he wants it but make sure he knows we want him included.”

“Of course,” you said, handing him back the book.

“You’re okay with that? Crew doing family things with us?” You rolled your eyes. “Just checking.”

You turned to leave, his finger curling in the back of your hoodie, stopping you in your tracks. “Father…”

“Daughter. Talk to me,” he said, patting the top of his desk. You pursed your lips and sat on top, crossing your legs. “Anymore nightmares lately?”

“Nope.” 

“You sure?”

“Yes. I know I freaked out but-”

“Hey,” he said softly. “It was a scary night and we both know that can make the nightmares come back. I’m just asking if you’re good.”

“Yes…” you trailed off, his expression cautious. Did he know about you and Crew somehow? “Dad. What aren’t you telling me?”

He sighed and lowered his head. “Abigail was released yesterday. She got parole.”

“She what?” A flood of anger rushed through your veins, your dad standing and hugging you where you sat. “How the fuck does a child kidnapper get parole after only eighteen years? She’s supposed to be in there sixty. She’s not supposed to be out.”

“I know,” he said quietly, kissing the top of your head. “I know. I found out last week she was being let out. I didn’t want to ruin your Thanksgiving or work promotion.”

“Why are you telling me? You would hide this from me,” you said. 

“She made contact through the lawyers. She wants to meet us both. Apologize.”

“She can shove her apology up her ass.” He nodded, holding your body tight for a moment, neither one of you breathing. “Is she going to bother us?”

“The lawyer has concerns.” You dropped your head against his chest, breathing deeply. “Her parole was triggered based on some advocacy group doing work for a number of…it doesn’t matter. The law says she should have been placed in an institution, not a prison. That didn’t happen so she goes-”

“Is this because I didn’t testify?” 

“No, baby,” he said, running his hand over your head. “She’s just very good at being who she wants people to think she is.”

“Let’s meet her.” He pulled back, his head already shaking. “She doesn’t get to control our lives anymore. She was the bad one, not us. The show is done filming next week before winter break and you and I can fly out to LA for a few hours to meet her. We can make it very clear she needs to stay the hell away from us.”

“We can’t threaten her. She’s served her time. If it got back to her lawyer-“

“I’m not saying we do that. I’m just saying we tell her she has no place in our lives and we judge her reaction. See if she’s still obsessed or not. It’s better than staying here and being afraid.” He sat down in his chair, taking hold of your hands when you held them out to him. “Dad. I know you wouldn’t tell me unless you were scared of her coming back. So let’s go find out.”

“I don’t like it.”

“Neither do I. But she doesn’t get to have control over us anymore. Hire some security to be there undercover to make you feel better.” 

He bit his bottom lip but nodded. “I need to know. Otherwise I’m going to want to keep a guard on you for the rest of your life and I know that’s not realistic.”

“Maybe she’s different,” you whispered. He raised his head, green eyes meeting yours.

“People like her don’t change,” he said, lightly touching your cheek. “I’ll go. You stay here.”

“Daddy. You aren’t seeing her alone.”

“Why are you calling me that?” he whispered, voice raw. 

“Because I need you to listen to me. She hurt us both. She violated you. If you don’t let me go, then mom will and mom will knock her ass on the floor before she even has a chance to open her mouth because we aren’t letting you go alone.”

“You have a point,” he chuckled, nodding his head. “Okay. You have as much of a right to make this decision as I do. But if you change your mind at any time, you can walk away.”

“So can you.” He smiled, letting you slide off the desk and pull him to his feet. “We should tell mom we’re going.”

He winced, suddenly dragging his feet. You got behind him and pushed, walking him down the hall. “We could always wait until morning?”

“Nope. We’re telling her our decision so you don’t chicken out on me in the morning.”

“Mom is scary,” he said just as she rounded the entrance to the hall, hands on her hips. 

“Why exactly am I scary?” She glanced between the two of you, eyes narrowing. “What are you up to?”

“Dad would love to tell you, wouldn’t he?”

“Traitor.”

Saturday

“You’re sure it’s safe?” asked Crew after your photoshoot session with him. He’d known about you and your dad’s trip to LA next Saturday since Tuesday but without fail, he brought it up every day, leery of you going.

“Crew Taylor Foxe. For the last time an armed bodyguard, two of them, will be with us when we meet her. It’s very safe,” you said. He slipped his hand in yours as you entered a secluded trail in the park, running his thumb over your skin. Soft little giggles started to leave his lips, your hand touching his forehead. “Please tell me you don’t have heat stroke or something.”

“Taylor huh? Did someone go on my IMDB page?” he laughed. 

“I was doing research on your past headshots!” you said as he kept on giggling. You took off his ball cap and attempted to give him a noogie. Only Crew easily kept you at bay, pulling his hat brim down over your eyes and proceeding to tickle you. “Crew!”

“Oh you knew it-” The rapid fire of a camera shutter made you both freeze. “Hey!”

“Just doing my job, man,” said a male voice. There were footsteps and you felt shade on you, Crew moving in front of you while you kept your head low. “Who’s the-”

“Delete the photo or I’ll have you arrested.”

“You can’t have me-”

“State law. It’s illegal in Texas to take voyeur style photos, like those from someone hiding around the corner, without the subjects consent. Fucking google it. Now,” Crew demanded. The man was silent, Crew moving a few steps away from you. 

“Mr. Foxe I have a job I-”

“You want pictures of me? Take them at promotional events where you have my permission for use. Take another picture of me in this state without my explicit permission, which you do not have either of ours, and I’ll sick every damn lawyer I have access to on you and whatever agency you work for.”

There were footsteps and Crew walked further away. You spun around, putting a hand over your face as your back was to them.

“I deleted it, alright?” said the paparazzi. “You can back off.”

“Go back to LA. I see you again, I’ll charge you with stalking.” Crew’s hand was quickly on your lower back, walking you back the way you’d come. “I am so sorry.”

“Crew it’s fine. People have been taking pictures of me without permission forever. And he should know the law. It’s different here than in Cali.”

“I know. Your dad told me about it when I moved here. But we have a problem. That pap might not have a picture but he has a story to tell.”

“Fuck,” you said, stopping in your tracks. “He’s going to leak that you have a girlfriend. Or…we just let him say what he says and anyone that asks we call him a liar. He’s sketchy anyways right?”

“But he’s technically not a liar,” he said. “Crap. I didn’t realize it’d be this hard to keep it a secret.”

“I have an idea if you trust me.” 

“You don’t even have to ask.” You gave his hand a squeeze and quickly walked the two of you back towards where the paparazzi was, currently wiping off the sweat on his forehead. “Hi.”

He jumped at the noise, watching you lift the brim of Crew’s hat. “Wait. You’re Ackles kid. You two-”

“Do you like photography?” He blinked a few times as you held up your camera from around your neck. “Do you like photography?”

“Uh, yeah. Obviously.” You stepped closer, still holding it up. “I said I wouldn’t take a picture. But this is a story I can sell.”

“Show me the best photo you’ve got on your camera.” He stared and you turned yours around, showing him a picture of Crew being goofy when you were setting up shots earlier. “This is the best one on mine right now. Subjectively speaking. There’s much better ones but this is my favorite. What’s yours?”

He waited a moment before pressing through some buttons on his camera, showing you the screen. It was of the Austin sunset over the city, bats flying out from under one of the bridges. 

“That’s a gorgeous shot,” you said. He nodded, letting his camera rest against his torso again. 

“Sorry kids but I got bills and shit like this doesn’t get me a paycheck.”

“I understand. But your talent is wasted on taking blurry pictures of celebrities. You could easily do still work. You work in freaking LA. There’s countless studios that need them.”

“And there’s a million more guys like me that want those jobs. In the real world, this is how I get paid.” You nodded, going back to Crew. “Why’d you show me your face?”

“Because before I was a faceless woman. Now I’m Y/N, a real person that you telling this story will affect. So sell your story. Go ahead. Call your boss or whoever right now. Just have the decency to look me in the face like a man when you make money off of me and someone I care about.”

His gaze lowered as he wiped more sweat off of his brow. “Alright, alright. I won’t say shit. Happy?”

“Very. Oh and word of advice? Shop that picture around to some of the galleries in town before you leave. Some rich bastard would love to have something like that in their fancy ass loft apartment downtown.”

“I ain’t going to make more than a hundred bucks on something like that,” he said.

“Dude when’s the last time you did research on the market? That picture on large scale canvas or printing with marketing rights to the owner? You’re looking closer to five hundred minimum. There’s a ton of food places that would love a shot like that too. Do a time cost analysis and you’ll see you’ll save time and make more money doing your own work rather than taking pictures of people for cash.”

“You’re serious?”

“She had a very successful photography business in Atlanta. It’s possible if you put in the work,” said Crew, grabbing your hand.

“You’re not just bullshitting me so I don’t sell your story right?”

Twenty minutes later you were walking away from Jake, Crew shaking his head and smiling as you. “What?”

“How the hell did you get that guy to not only not sell a profitable story but also develop a rough business plan with him for his own startup in less than thirty minutes?”

“You get further with honey then spice.”

“Yeah but you’re spicy honey, kid,” he chuckled. He squeezed your hand before dropping it, voices in the distance carrying down the trail. “I mean it. You’re kind in a way people need more of in their lives.”

“I’m not always kind, Crew. I’m just deeply protective of the people I care about. Sometimes you do that with a battering ram, sometimes with a gentle touch.”

“I could learn with doing that gentle touch more often,” he said quietly. You shook your head, Crew fixing his hat you still wore. “I got angry when he took that picture of us. And I’m angry with the idea of your egg donor being near you again. I just…I need to know you’ll be safe.”

“Your protectiveness is an attractive quality, Crew. There’s a difference between anger and violence. People forget that. You were not violent with that pap, only angry, only protective. My dad would never let me near her without knowing I’m safe, that we both are. You might not think it but you are simultaneously the most gentle and strong man I’ve ever met.”

“Ever?” he asked. You hummed. “Even your dad?”

You bit your bottom lip, looking up coyly under the brim of his hat at him. “You really are awful at flirting.”

He started to laugh, smiling as you shook your head. “Yeah, I am. Let’s bring cocky Crew back to save me.”

“What would cocky Crew have said to that?” you asked, Crew tapping his chin with a devilish smile.

“Oh, he’d probably say something like looks like you got a new number one man in your life.” You rolled your eyes, Crew giggling. “You put me on the spot!”

“He’s number one dad love. You get number one…” you trailed off, swallowing thickly. Crew quickly grabbed your hand, pulling you off the trail and into the treeline behind a bush. You stared up at him, his dark brown eyes boring into yours. “Crew.”

“Don’t freak out on me,” he said. He leaned in close, brushing his lips over yours. “I love you. It’s not puppy love. It’s not a crush. I know what this is and what it isn’t and I love you, Y/N. I miss you every day when I’m not with you. I miss you when I’ve spent the whole day with you. When I saw you for the first time, I was gone. I knew exactly who I wanted to be with forever and I know it’s insane and you probably think I’m insane and you’re going to run away and think I’m a freak but-”

“God we need to work on your self-esteem. Now stop talking and fucking kiss me because I love you too you nervous idiot.” He slammed his lips to yours, hand gently gripping the back of your neck as you moved your mouths together. He was warm, tongue slowly devouring you, gently teasing before finding it’s confidence and taking ownership of the kiss.

“I might be an idiot but this idiot caught you,” he grinned, brushing his nose against yours, tickling your cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Unless you’re too proud to admit it.”

“You caught me a long time ago, Crew,” you whispered. 

“Good,” he murmured, lips pressed against the shell of your ear. “Cause you caught me the second I laid eyes on you. It’s about time we were even.”

“Such a dork,” you laughed, heart swelling up and instantly easing as he embraced you in his arms. “Honey?”

“Kid.” He hummed, squeezing you tighter.

“I’m so proud of you for risking your heart again after everything you’ve been through. I’ll be gentle with it, I promise.”

“I trust you,” he whispered. “You have all my pieces and I know it’s because you’re the one that’ll keep them safe.” He smiled, shaking his head. “God, I can’t believe I just said that.”

“Don’t be embarrassed, Crew.” He rested his chin on your shoulder.

“I’m not. I can tell you anything. But it’s so strange. You’re the only person in the world I feel like I could say the stupidest, dumbest, most cliche shit and you’re not going to think I’m a loser.”

“You’re a loser because you’re a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, not because you’re open with your feelings.” He chuckled, the deep rumble of his chest reverberating through your body.

“Being a romantic? That’s a plus but my football team is what is questionable?” he laughed.

“We’re a Cowboys family, Mr. Foxe. You best learn that,” you said, Crew picking you straight up so you were eye level with him. 

“Oh I’ll convert you. I can be very convincing,” he said, pressing his lips to yours. “Plus I won’t ever let you down if you don’t say Chiefs are the best team in the history of the universe so…”

“There’s the fatal flaw in your plan, Crew. I happen to like the view up here,” you teased. He immediately set you down and peeled himself away. “No! Not fair!”

“Shouldn’t have told me what you like, kid,” he laughed, taking hold of your hand. “I suppose you can like that awful team. I can’t expect you to be completely perfect after all.”

“God no. Perfectionism has no place in this relationship. It’s like you and your enjoyment of, what was it you were trying to get me to eat last night?”

“Excuse me but cow tongue is delicious when prepared correctly.” You stared at him, shaking your head. “It’s amazing.”

“You’re psychotic but I love you anyways,” you said, Crew grinning like an idiot. “Oh? Does someone like when I say that?”

“Yeah, he does.” He slid his hands down to your hips, tilting his head. “Stay over tonight.”

“Okay.” You leaned up and kissed the tip of his nose. “Crew.”

“Next year. I’m still nervous about going to Christmas in the first place. If we tell Jensen and it gets awkward, I don’t know if I can handle all of that at once.” 

“Hey. I’m all for waiting until we’re both comfortable. It’s our business and no one else's. Just wondering if you still wanted to hit up the brewery today?”

“Yeah and then I want to take you to dinner at this hole in the wall place I found. Matt, our key grip, he was telling me about it. I’m pretty sure even you don’t know about it,” he said, proudly turning his chin up. 

“Oh well let’s see if it lives up to the hype, hm?”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

One Week Later

“What’s the name of this place again?” asked your dad as you walked through the airport in LA. You fixed your backpack, your dad’s slung over one of his shoulders. 

“Asador. It’s a little taco place and it is officially in my top three tacos I’ve ever had.” 

“Damn. It must be good then,” he said as you approached a familiar pickup spot in the airport, multiple drivers standing around holding signs or ipads with names on them. You both paused, glancing the line before you saw your name. You took a step when he caught your backpack, gaze going to meet his. “Are you sure you want to see Abigail? I can do this on my own.”

“I’m sure,” you said with a nod, even if your stomach felt queasy. “It’s not for a few hours right?”

“No,” he said, walking over to the man holding up a sign. You followed him outside to where two different SUVs were parked, large men in plain clothes inside. He held up a finger to the driver with a smile, the driver nodding and leaving you alone. “I promised my agent I’d get a lunch with him in person and go over a few opportunities. It’s probably going to take a little while and be boring as hell. Why don’t you take my card and go shopping?”

You glanced over your shoulder at the second SUV, the man behind the wheel sporting sunglasses and a flat expression. “Dad. Tell me you didn’t actually hire private security for this trip.”

“I won’t tell you then,” he said, patting you towards the car, slipping his credit card into your jeans pocket. “Go have fun for a few hours. The guys will drive you to meet up with me when we talk to Abigail.”

“Fine.” You pointed a finger at him, poking him in the chest. “But only because you have them too it looks like and I know you’re overprotective and this makes you feel better.”

“Honey bun.” He smiled, his face soft. “It’s not just so I feel better. You don’t have to feel scared for a second while we’re here, okay?”

“Okay,” you said, closing your eyes, slowly opening them. ���Will they take me wherever I want to go?”

“Yup. They are there for peace of mind only.”

“Maybe we’ll go to the beach, let me take some shots,” you said, reaching into your backpack, pulling out your camera bag.

“Knock your socks off. I got to run, sweetie. I’ll meet up with you soon and then we’ll go, alright?”

“Later,” you said as he pecked a kiss to your temple and hopping into his SUV after you’d opened your back door. Inside there were three large men in jeans and t shirts, one wearing a light hoodie. “Hi.”

“Ms. Ackles,” said the other one in the back, reaching out a hand to take your bag. You handed him your backpack and slid inside, taking a deep breath. “Is there anywhere in particular you’d like to go?”

“The beach maybe. You guys have any good suggestions for places to take some good pictures?” you asked, holding up your camera. They seemed to communicate silently before the one in the driver’s seat cracked a smile. 

“Yeah, I think we can come up with something.”

“This is great,” you said, standing on the roof of the guy’s building. Their agency was a few floor downs but you had an amazing shot of the skyline and hollywood sign. Gratefully the air was clearer than usual and you were able to get some gorgeous pictures of the city from above. 

When you were finished you stood up, stretching slightly, turning to find them sat up on top of some ledge, laughing to themselves. You snapped a quick picture of them, all three suddenly tensing. “Don’t worry, bodyguards. I’m not going to do anything with it but send you a nice picture of you guys in an email.”

“Worrying is kind of our default state,” chuckled Rodger as he hopped down to the roof with ease. 

“Even on safe jobs,” said Tony, Kit rolling his eyes. 

“We all know we’re here cause your dad is the worrier,” he said to which you hummed. “See? She knows there’s no danger.”

“We still act professionally in front of a client, Kit,” said Rodger who if you had to guess, was the one in charge of this little group. All three looked to be in their mid thirties and as fit as any male celebrity and then some. “Ms. Ackles-”

“No. God no,” you said, shaking your head. “Y/N please. And my dad already told me you guys are just here to make us both feel better so please don’t be formal. I’m stuck with you guys for a few more hours so I’d rather it not be incredibly awkward, you know?”

“I’m with her,” said Tony. “It’s an easy job for once. We’ll do an appropriate amount of worrying, Rodger, and show Y/N around to a few places to take pictures like she wants. Sound good?”

“As long as we stop and get some lunch from somewhere along the way, it’s good with me,” said Kit. 

“My treat. Where do we want to grab lunch?” you asked. Rodger sighed but smiled. “Your pick, buddy.”

“Alright. Alright. I suppose I could go for a bite.”

Three Hours Later

“Kit.” He hummed from behind the wheel. “Do you know where we’re supposed to meet my dad? I think we need to meet my…meet Abigail soon.”

The cheery mood in the car evaporated, all three of them suddenly closed off.

“Guys?” You turned to Rodger sat beside you, his gaze hidden behind a pair of dark shades as he stared out the window. “What’s going on?”

“Mr. Ackles instructed us to accompany you today,” said Kit. You narrowed your eyes, checking the clock on the dash.

“And that’s what you’ve done and now we need to go meet my birth mom.”

“We were instructed to drop you off at Santa Monica Pier at five.”

“But the meeting with Abigail is at three.” None of them looked at you as you put a hand on the door. The sound of it locking echoed in the small space. “Someone tell me what’s going on now. Where’s my dad?”

“Perfectly safe with his team,” said Tony. You growled, Rodger lifting the shades off his head, giving you his full attention.

“Your father was set to meet with Abigail shortly after your flight landed. The team has been sending us updates. He is perfectly safe. The rest is for him to tell you.”

You breathed hard, shaking your head. “You three are not here for his peace of mind or mine. You’re fucking babysitters so I didn’t go to that meeting.”

“We are private security to a client that hired us for peace of mind. We are not your babysitters.”

“Then take me to this meeting right now.”

“It’s over already.” You huffed, crossing your arms as you glared out your window. “Kit. Take us to the pier.”

“Hey kiddo.” You wiped your eyes from where you sat on the sand hours later, camera settled by your side. The guys were close by but giving you your space, Kit only daring to come over once to bring you a bottle of water. Your dad sat beside you, sighing and stretching out his legs. “I understand your anger and that I hurt you.”

“I am not a little girl. I am a grown woman. I have a job and pay taxes and have sex and orgasms and drink and swear and I’m a damn adult,” you spat out, whipping your head around, surprised to see him smiling. “What are you so happy about?”

“You’re strong. I’m proud of that.” You lost some of your fury, lowering your head to your chest. “I know you are not a child and I’m sorry if you think that’s what I was doing today.”

“What exactly were you doing?” you shot back. “Going to see that awful woman alone? Was that your genius plan?”

“My job as your father is to protect you and that doesn’t stop just because you’re an adult. And trust me, as much as I want to protect you from it all, I can’t and don’t. You need to make your own mistakes, have shit happen to you so you can learn from it. But Y/N, I need you to understand that while I respect you as an adult that makes her own choices, I swore I would never let you near that woman again. You want to be pissed, go right ahead but I will take a pissed off daughter that is safe over one that is scared and could get hurt any day.”

You sighed, lightly punching his arm. “I’m not stupid, dad. I know you’re trying to keep me safe. But you’re the one she was obsessed with. You shouldn’t have gone by yourself.”

“I wasn’t. I had about five guys with me.” You glanced over your shoulder, Rodger and Kit talking with a group of similarly jacked looking guys. “I didn’t tell you everything. Parents do that.”

“Dad. What happened today?” He leaned back, palms digging into the sand as he took in the warmth from the setting sun. “Is it over?”

“Yup,” he said, popping his ‘p’. “You don’t have to worry about Abigail again.”

“Please tell me the truth? I think I’m owed that for being left in the dark.” 

“Y/N,” he said, closing his eyes, tilting his head back. “I’m sorry for tricking you today, honey bun. But you are as stubborn as me and it was the only way I could guarantee you were okay.”

You sat back and rested your head against his shoulder. “You’re not going to tell me, are you.”

“I met with her along with an undercover detective posing as a friend. She said some things that confirmed our suspicions. Those things in turn were a violation of her parole. The detective and lawyer said it’ll be revoked and she’ll need to finish her original sentencing.”

You turned your head up, his eyes still closed. “She had to have done something really bad today, something illegal.”

“She did something bad when she got out…and she was planning to do something bad today. She doesn't like either one of us very much.”

“She’s going back to prison for sure?”

“The second she contacted me I called the lawyer and we called the police here. They’ve been watching her all week. They could have made a case on what she did but it was stronger by having me go to the meeting with her.” He sat up, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. “We’re okay, I promise.”

“If it was truly that bad-”

“Y/N.” He sighed deeply. “She wanted to try a ransom again and that is as much detail as I am ever giving you. Please respect that.”

“Okay,” you said, holding up your hands. “I just…”

“I know. I wouldn’t have done what I did today unless it was perfectly safe.”

“Might I ask why that one bodyguard guy back there looks a hell of a lot like you?” He groaned, throwing his head back. “It wasn’t safe, was it. That guy pretended to be you at the meet.”

“That one is actually a cop,” he said, running a hand over his face. “Fine. Yes, they didn’t want me to meet her in person for safety reasons. But they got what they needed and she’s back behind bars. It’s airtight.”

“It’s not entrapment?”

“No. That was one of my first questions. Just…just forget today happened. She’s gone and you never have to think about her again.”

“What about when she’s like ninety and gets released and she’s still psycho?” you asked, half-joking.

“Then I’ll get you some really hot bodyguard in his twenties to follow you around and make your husband jealous.” 

“I’m okay with this,” you said, your dad chuckling. He pulled you into a hug, holding on tight. “Promise me if you won’t talk to me about the whole truth you’ll tell someone?”

“Mom knows but yeah, I can promise that.” He inhaled sharply, running his thumb over your cheek. “I’m so sorry Abigail turned out the way she did. A woman that doesn’t want to be a mother is one thing. Being cruel is another. You didn’t deserve that.”

“You didn’t deserve to be taken advantage of or hurt like you were. We can agree she’s awful and never waste another breath on her.”

“I second that,” he said, tucking your hair behind your ear. “So. I got us a reservation for dinner at your favorite restaurant before our flight back just in case you were still pissed.”

“You’re a smart man,” you said as you stood up, brushing yourself off. 

“Food always fixes your mother right up when she’s mad,” he laughed. “Did you do anything fun today?”

“Oh yeah,” you said, handing him back his credit card. “You bought my Christmas present today.”

He froze, narrowing his eyes. “You went to the Nikon store again, didn’t you.”

“Don’t you wish I liked heels?” you teased before grabbing his hand and heading towards the guys, your backpack still with them. “It’s the Sigma ultra wide angle, F2.8 aperture-”

“Well you can’t have it until Christmas,” he said. 

“But think of all the wonderful pre-Christmas memories I could make with it if I had it now?” you asked, your dad’s jaw tight. “Please? For being a liar liar pants on fire today?”

“First off, I made the right call. Second, now that I know you really want it, I might have to hoard it until your birthday.” Your jaw dropped, turning his grimace into a smile. “Be good for Santa and maybe you’ll get it Christmas Eve.”

“Fine. But Santa could throw in some money for my photoshop subscription to appease me?”

“Such a needy child,” he laughed. “Yeah, he can swing that. Anything else you want?”

“I’m good. But we should get Crew something nice, his first holiday and all,” you said, a little grateful you had some time alone today to do some shopping for him without any watchful eyes.

“I got Crew’s present handled. You find your own,” he said, ruffling your hair. “He’s your best friend. Just ask him what he wants. That’s what I told him to do for you when he tried to pick my brain.”

You had to hide your blush at the idea of Crew trying to figure out what to get for you. 

“You want to grab dinner now?” he asked, shaking you from your thoughts. 

“Yeah. Sounds good to me, dad.”

_______

A/N: Read the final part here!

[1lostsoul0fishbowl]

annual writing self-evaluation 📝

Many thanks and muchas smooches to @justhere4thevibez for tagging me! 🥰

1. List of works published this year (in no particular order):

chapters 56-84 of With a Little Help From My Friends (completed 5/15/23)

Next Time I Fall (24 chapters, completed 12/19/23)

Lost and Found and Turned Around (7 chapters, completed 11/16/23)

2. Work you are most proud of (and why):

I’m incredibly proud of all my works, but I think probably I’m most proud of Next Time I Fall. I created a brand new rarepair, shaped a beautiful fluffy love story for them, and persevered through extreme personal difficulty to finish the fic despite the temptation to abandon it.

3. Work you are least proud of (and why):

There are a couple of chapters in Little Help that I feel aren’t as strong as they could’ve been. 64, 73, and 81 in particular. I don’t know what I should’ve done to make them better; I just know they needed more.

4. A favorite excerpt of your writing:

I’ll pick one little snippet from each fic…

Little Help:

Wayne waited until she’d finished her tiny blueberry slice and was debating over which to try next. “Actually, sugar,” he said quietly to Max, “I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“About what?” she asked, puzzled. “About gaining weight? That was a joke.”

“No.” He watched Eddie let Lucy lick a tiny smear of pie filling from his finger, despite Chrissy’s protest that sugar wasn’t good for cats. “About staying with us.”

A chill ran through her. “It’s still okay, right?” she said hesitantly. “My mom’s getting out of the rehab next week, but Claudia said I could stay longer if I needed to. But if that’s changed…” She trailed off, swallowing hard.

Wayne patted her shoulder. “Naw, sugar, that ain’t changed. You can stay long as you like. Fact is”— he rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly bashful— “fact is, what we really want is to keep you for good.”

~~~

Next Time I Fall:

Gareth couldn’t imagine having to grow up without his mom and dad. He thought of the way Janie held so tightly to his mom every time they hugged, and a lump formed in his throat.

“They never found your parents?” he whispered. “Baby, I’m so sorry.”

Honestly, he hadn’t even thought before speaking, he’d just blurted that out. But somehow it had been the right thing to say; Eddie and Chrissy’s tense expressions melted into something that looked like relief, and Janie’s crushing grip on his hand finally relaxed a little. Gareth laced his fingers through hers, giving her hand a little squeeze, before gently turning it to examine the small number tattooed on the inside of her wrist.

“Is that where this came from?” He lifted her hand to his lips, softly kissing the tiny 011. “Did they do that to you in the Lab?”

She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “It was my name,” she murmured. “That is why everyone calls me El. El is short for Eleven.”

Fucking hell. Gareth felt tears running down his cheeks, too.

~~~

Lost and Found:

“Jane, you need to wake up!” Kali tried unsuccessfully not to shout. “You really are naive! They can always take you if they really want you. You need to face facts. Your policeman cannot protect you, you have to be able to protect yourself. Are your friends helping you with that? Is your boyfriend? No, they just want you to be ‘normal’. They want you to suppress your gifts instead of using them, and they want you to forget who you are and where you came from. And if I stay here they’ll do the same to me. Putting on their hypocritical smiles as long as I convert to their idea of normal. I don’t want to hide who I am, and neither should you, Jane. You can’t heal by hiding. The only way to heal is to face up to the truth, confront and conquer your past.”

“Stop calling me naive,” Jane snapped, “just because I am trying to accept my past instead of confronting it. I confronted Papa face to face, and then I let him die, and it did not change anything. All your revenge has not changed you either.” Just as quickly as her anger flared up, it dissipated again. Her voice softened, her entire demeanor settling into something more gentle. “You talk a lot about healing, but you are still so mad, Kali. I think I am more healed than you are. Maybe if you stayed here, as part of my family, maybe that can heal you like it did for me.”

5. Share or describe a favorite comment you received:

I love every single comment I get, truly I do. But I think the ones that made me smile the most this year were the few on Next Time I Fall that basically said ‘I never would’ve considered El and Gareth together but your fic made me ship them’. Is there any greater compliment? 😄

6. A time when writing was really, really hard:

Basically the last eight weeks have been awful. I got covid, and had barely recovered from that when a family emergency happened and I was thrown into the role of caregiver, and since then just more and more stuff keeps going wrong. I’m exhausted and honestly in a pretty dark place, mentally and emotionally, right now.

And yet. In spite of that I finished both Next Time and Lost and Found. Neither of them seem to have made any great impact— I barely even got any comments on either finale— but it was a goal of mine to finish them both and I’m still proud I managed to achieve that.

7. A scene or character you wrote that surprised you:

Kali, in Lost and Found, was so much fun to explore! I rewatched “The Lost Sister” before I started writing this fic, and I realized that I still hated her obnoxious friends but Kali herself was a super interesting character with a lot of potential. I had a lot of fun digging into what might possibly make her want to reconnect with El, and what would make her feel drawn to Steve. Also it surprised me how much I ship Stali now!

8. How did you grow as a writer this year:

I learned that my stories come out better when I write them the way I want them, instead of “taking requests” and pushing the characters in directions I wouldn’t have chosen if left to my own devices. I feel like certain parts of Little Help suffered because of this, so I resolved I’d stick to my own plans for Next Time and later Lost and Found, and I think those two fics came out better for it.

9. How do you hope to grow next year:

Next year, if I write any more, I want to somehow learn not to be so obsessed with stats. Stop comparing my kudos/comments count to other fics and feeling sad and inadequate. I have no idea how to accomplish this, but it’s where I need to be if I’m going to keep writing.

10. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc):

Oh it’s 1000% @pearlypairings — she’s been all of the above for me and so much more! Lost and Found would never have happened without her, and Next Time would likely have been abandoned unfinished.

11. Anything in your real life show up in your writing this year:

Lots of things, yeah, I don’t think I can help adding little bits and pieces of myself to my stories. I write the kind of world I’d like to see, and populate it with characters I either want to be like or wish I’d had in my own life.

A very silly specific example, though, is that I made Eddie adopt a kitten because I lost my cat last year and I missed her so much.

12. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers:

Um. Not really? I don’t think I’m good enough yet to be passing on wisdom to others!!!

13. Any new projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year:

I have a couple fun ideas jotted down in my Plot Bunnies folder, but no definite plans to start anything new right now. I gotta get out of this awful headspace before I can even think about new projects.

14. Tag three writers/artists whose answers you’d like to read:

@sokkas-first-fangirl @bratanimus @slowandsteddie

[jarritos-hetalia]

Rants about why I like characters

California (WTTT): -> "Unlike people, these can't leave me" -> California is such a mood -> I could see myself fighting with him on so many different points but at the end I'd give him a pat on the back and tell him that while I disagree with him it wasn't that bad to talk to him and I'd do it again

Michigan (WTTT): -> "Divorced Parents? Vernors." -> I feel like people just look at him on the surface level of hating Ohio, and while that does make up a lot of his personality, he's just so interesting -> I like Vernors

Sealand (Hetalia): -> He tries so hard to be noticed and everything, it's so cute -> I just want to throw him against a wall, but not in a harmful way, in a cuteness aggression where I don't want to hurt him but he gives me the feeling of "Awww!!!" every time I look at him

Italy (Hetalia): -> I'm going to be honest, at first he really annoyed me -> Once I looked past the "He's kinda annoying" part, he was an interesting character and I started to like him for that -> I have so many rants about this man, but tonight is not the night

France (Hetalia) -> Character number two on "characters that either annoyed me or I didn't like at first" -> I don't really have much explanation for why he's a character that I like so much, I just do and that's all I need to say Texas (WTTT): -> Okay, he's kinda a dick, but to be honest I don't mind it that much anymore -> When I started watching WTTT I hated him (Surprise, character three on that list) but I explored him more as a character, and it made him feel more complete in a way -> "Then why can't my dad love me?"

The North East (WTTT): -> I'm generalizing all of them, bc they are all done with your shit and it's a mood -> Constantly tired, hungry, and not sleeping -> All of the North East (except for Vermont and Maine bc they later became states) are old as fuck, they're like the grandfathers of the WTTT -> You cannot tell me one of the newer states, or just one that isn't an og 13 has called the one of the North East states "Gramps", "Oldie", "Dad", "Oldie Locks" or anything along those lines

[justjasper]

morgan/reid 54) Corner of the mouth kisses

He's not waiting for an apology, because he doesn't want one or need one. He gets why Reid's been so pissed, with everything that's gone on with his dad.

He is waiting for literally anything else, though. Any kind of acknowledgement that his exists would do it, but Reid's... Reid's gotta process. Morgan sucks it up, and heads to the hospital to give his best to JJ.

The rest of the team are getting ready to leave, standing around the maternity waiting area with coffee.

"Hey, Will." Morgan offers his hand, and brings Will into a handshake-turned-back-pat. "Congratulations, man."

"Thanks, Morgan."

"Sorry I'm late. Can I go poke my head in on JJ, give my best wishes?"

Will nods, gives him the room number.

Of course, Reid is just about the cross the threshhold when Morgan opens the door. Reid stops short, letting loose a little breath.

Over his shoulder, JJ is cradling her new baby, eyebrow arced as she watches the exchange.

Morgan lets his gaze slide back to Reid, expecting him to avoid eye contact, but it's there waiting for him.

"Hey, kid."

"Hey. Thank you for the last couple of days and, well, for being you."

Reid's eyes flick down to his mouth and back. A second later he leans in and presses the softest kiss Morgan has ever had to the corn of his mouth. His lips linger there a few seconds, before he withdraws and moves past Morgan and out of the room.

Morgan's fingers automatically reach up to touch the place Reid's mouth has just been. JJ's eyebrows are so high up they're threatening to fly off her head.

There's a moment that hangs, because she clearly wants to grill him on whatever context has amounted to Reid - her Spence - kissing him. But this isn't their moment. Morgan steps further into the room to get a good look at the baby.

"Well done, JJ. How you feeling?"

"Tired. Good tired."

"I won't stay long, just wanted to some say hi."

"Well hi," JJ says, smiling at him. "Meet Henry."

"JJ, he's gorgeous."

JJ hands him off to Morgan without preamble, and the tiny bundle fits so snugly against the length of his arm.

"You're a natural."

"Had practice, babies like me," Morgan says, cooing at Henry.

"Your sisters?"

"Yeah. Sarah's got Tanya, she's about three now. Des had Veronica last year."

"I remember," JJ says, watching him. "She was a premie, right? I remember you went back to Chicago. She good?"

"Yeah, she's catching up. A bit small still, but she's doing good."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Hmm?" Morgan look at her. He's pretty sure she doesn't mean the status report about his niece.

"It was a tough one for him, JJ."

"Yeah." Her smile is tired, but genuinely warm. "I'm glad he's got you. Doesn't he?"

"JJ," he says. It's not really a warning, more of a plea. If he starts thinking about it, about the kiss, and their friendship, and Reid crying out for him during a nightmare, he's going to go absolutely insane.

JJ waves a hand, as if to indicate she's dropping it; but not without a gentle but definiitve last word.

"You're good for each other."

--- --- ---

You can find more of my fic here. I’m also on Twitter or Discord (Quan Tea Co//The BAU Bullpen) if you want to hang out!

[bjfinn]

GOTH AND GHOUL

"I'M BAAAACK! "

"Oh, God," Lydia muttered as Beej suddenly materialised in the living room. He was down on one knee, his arms flung wide, doing the "jazz hands" thing like a Broadway actor finishing his big number. She smiled wryly -- the demon was such a ham.

"BJ!" Delia said. "It's so nice to see you! How was New York?"

"It was great -- me and Dewey had a lot of fun, and I think his buddy Pac is starting to warm up to me, too," he replied, hugging his adoptive mother.

"That's wonderful! What did you guys do?"

"We, uh ... we went to the museum -- the American Museum of Natural History," he told her. "It was pretty cool -- 'specially the dinosaurs."

"It's good to have you back home, BJ," Charles said with a smile.

"Thanks, Chuck," the demon said, and threw his arms around the man.

Charles stoically submitted to Beej's show of affection, patting him on the back.

Beej released him and turned to the Maitlands, arms outstretched. "Babs! Sexy! Did you miss me? Come here and give me a hug!"

"You were only gone for the weekend," Adam pointed out, trying to duck behind his wife as Beej came towards them.

"Ah, come on -- admit it!" the demon said. "You guys missed me!"

"Well, it has been quieter around here without you," Barbara replied diplomatically. She flinched slightly as Beej put his arms around her -- although she and Adam had grown quite fond of the demon, he could be a bit ... much.

"I missed you guys, too! But what can I do? I gotta spend time with Dewey -- he's my brother. But I promise I'll always come back home to you guys."

"Oh, joy," Lydia said, rolling her eyes.

Beej turned to her. "I missed you most of all, scarecrow," he said, hugging her tightly.

Lydia smiled and laughed as he rocked her from side to side. "I missed you, too, Beej," she said. "Welcome home."

*****

Later that afternoon, Lydia was sitting on her bed, propped up against the headboard, and Beej was sprawled in the armchair.

"So tell me everything you guys did," Lydia said.

"We went to the museum, like I said," he replied.

"And?"

"And we had pizza and beer."

"You were gone for three days," she pointed out. "You must've done more than that. Come on, spill!"

Beej sighed dramatically. "Okay, okay," he said. "But you gotta promise not to tell anyone else -- they wouldn't be happy with me if they found out."

Lydia's brows furrowed in concern. "What did you do?"

"We, uh ... we kinda started a business."

"A business? What kind of business?"

"Okay, so ..." Beej began, sitting up. He was clearly excited to tell her about it. "Pac's a medium, right? And I'm a demon, so we decided to team up together. I haunt places, and he and Dewey come and get rid of me."

"What?"

"Yeah! They get the money, and I get to practice my demon skills -- win-win!"

"And ... whose idea was this?"

"Mine," he said, beaming proudly. "Pretty smart, huh?"

"Beej -- that's illegal! If anyone finds out, Dewey and Pac'll be in a lot of trouble!"

"Pfft! " Beej scoffed. "Who's gonna find out? It's only an occasional thing!" He looked at her, his hair suddenly turning purple. "Are you mad at me?"

"No, I'm not mad at you, you big doofus," she replied, smiling gently. "I'm just a bit worried about the three of you -- promise me that you'll be careful."

"I promise -- I won't let anything bad happen to 'em. Cross my heart and hope to, uh ... well, you get the idea."

"And I'm kinda disappointed that you didn't come to me with this idea," she added with a smirk.

"Huh?"

"How come you didn't ask me to do this with you?" She pouted comically. "I thought I was your BFFFF forever."

"Lydia!" he exclaimed, putting a hand on his chest. "I'm shocked! You're my little sister! You'd really wanna do something like that???"

She flounced dramatically. "I can be bad."

Beej grinned. "Let's go crazy!"

"Oh, wait," Lydia said. "I forgot -- you promised Dad that you wouldn't cause trouble in Winter River. Remember?"

"Ah, shit," the demon said, his hair instantly turning purple. "You're right."

"Don't worry," she told him after a moment. "We'll think of something. Where there's a will, there's a way ..."

Beej grinned again, his hair bright green once more. "Oh, this is gonna be sooo good! ''

[imeanwhynotbruv]

Mini Metal synopsis

Stranger things / The black phone crossover Au

(Ok so I know I already have Billy Hargrove & Vance Hopper as brothers but then I saw this soooooooooo yep. This is not part of the call my family au btw. I wanted a Vance & Eddie brother au, it’s cute shush)

But first

Eddie & Vance as Brothers/people:

Eddie:

Eddie is your typical metalhead goofball.

He’s generally an easy going guys who’s always up for a laugh, even at his own expense

He makes comebacks to insults like it’s and Olympic sport

He’s nice until you dis his brother because then he will end you (he can actually fight well just chooses not to most of the time)

Definitely likes lots of physical affection, even if it’s just patting you on the head. Likes complementing people for the fun of it.

He’s a big softie but totally has resting bitch face/ resting I’m going to kill you slowly face

When he zones out it looks like he’s planning your murder

Takes joy in lovingly embarrassing his brother and friends

He can be serious when he deems it necessary

Vance:

Looks like he always wants to punch you in the face and probs actually does

Doesn’t really like being touched unless he’s in a fight or unless it’s Eddie/ someone he likes

Is all over Eddie always demanding affection (most of the time without words) and Eddie is happy to give it.

Is immune to Eddies attempts at embarrassing him

Has a short fuse and is quick to fight but Eddie can calm him down

Has a soft spot of animals, kids and outcasts

Wont admit it but Eddie is practically a god in his eyes.

Plot :

The boys go to live with their uncle after their dad kills the mum then dies in prison

Vance has powers but Eddie is the only living person who knows

Vance was kidnapped by the Lab at 7yo & gets the number of an experiment that died, 009

I El is the spy then Vance is the killer & the lab teams the up a lot.

Becomes Els closest friend and kind of like a big brother to defend her, so he get in trouble a lot for fighting the other kids

Eddie doesn’t stop looking even when the town does. Learns the Forrest better than anyone else and can navigate it like the back of his hand.

Eddie becomes the freak

Years pass

When will goes missing Eddie is one of the first people in line to help, like to the point Joyce is almost worried about how much sleeps he’s getting and would have done something if she was too worried for Will.

When 001 kills the others he doesn’t kill Vance.

Vance helps El fight One and they escape together.

Vance can speak better than El (but still not great) so when they find benny he makes up a lie and they run before benny can be hurt cuz he deserves better 😤

Meet the party in the woods and Vance is a lot less trusting.

Vance can vaguely remember Eddie but his brain was scrambled by the lab so he only gets these flashes and feeling about how they’re important.

When they are at the Quarry scene Eddie sees it happen from the woods, he’s about to step in a help when he sees Vance and El.

Something Clicks in Vance’s brain when Eddie talks to him and both refuse to leave each other and El refuses to Leave Vance. So yay team up!

Then it’s the show but eddies in it earlier, Vance has powers and just a lot of shenanigans that give Hopper a migraine 😅

•••

Well this has been living in my head so it feels good to get this out 😁

I like this idea and sure some of it will probs change but I think it will be fun

Hop you enjoyed

The tag: Mini Metal Au

[gregoftom]

The only way I could see about greg's dad being in contact with him is if it happened after his dad saw greg on tv testifying in front of the congress at the end of s2 because no way he didn't see that? It was a big event and it could have tickled his curiosity or idk his acquaintances must have at least realized they're related because they SHARE THE SAME LAST NAME? Like "what is your kid doing in the biggest cover up scandal working for the evil company" must have come up at least once lol. and i think it'd be funny (not haha funny) if all he did since then is just messaging (got the number from marianne probably) and he still couldn't be bothered to meet with greg, and the messages are just him being disappointed of all greg's choices (ATN). then he prob patted himself for a job well done?

See there's this weird half-done job that greg's family (grandpa and mom) did in the name of helping him? His mom threw him to the wolves' den (roy's main family) to help him get a job but expect him to be able to scheme his way to the top by his lone self without any other infos. His grandpa gave him a lawyer but it's not really to help him be kept out of jail. So i think it tracks if his dad thinks he's doing the right thing by "advicing" him in regards to greg being at ATN, but then still didn't make an effort to take the next step of bonding.

And at this point greg is already in too deep there, he got attached to tom, the siblings (for having dynamic that he dreamt of at least in his eyes), the lifestyle, etc. So he just can't quit ATN now even if it'll please his dad, and prob in greg's mind who's to say his dad'd even start being proud of him after quitting since he'd be back with no job again

Wow sorry for writing essay I didn't even know I have this many feelings about it lol

ehhhhh i guess so. you do a good job of explaining it away lmao, i dunno i just don’t. like for starters why does greg barely react about it? like at that point he would say something to someone who literally abandoned him as a kid calling him a nazi the same way he tells ewan he’s not afraid of him anymore. s4 greg has developed to that point. i do like your points about half assing affection towards him like everybody else does and the never being able to please anyone. just for me it doesn’t work and i think it detracts from greg’s character for multiple reasons. but this reading is good!

[the-firebird69]

Miraculously survived and they're going to intermingle people who are alive and robotics and BLM us so we can't shake this AI cough is terrible

And this is Pat Tillman and I guess he's going to own the company. And it makes sense it's like a rototiller and I'm going to go around spreading the seeds. I understand what they're saying they're isolated stuff but people still go down there and they'll still send people up and that's going to happen they send tech up we send it back this is some brilliant stuff and he's going through a lot of crap to get there and it's really late usually and he's tired and has to go to the stupid laundromat just wants to go in and get the laundry done and get out doesn't really do anything there he says but people force them to force him to it's a mean place and it's threats about his dad and all sorts of things we figured it out the threatening us too this thing's in there for us and you Jason and bja and Mac himself all sorts of threats on us with those stupid machines they're in his house specially you Trump there's a lot of them and I went over the code with some people I'm going to put it out there or you can look for it it's simple machines been around and you should know what it says and it looks and says yeah okay

This means that the company might be owned by me or run by me or I might use this name and everyone else copies it and I was a sergeant I wasn't drill sergeant who was a drill sergeant yes and Tillman so I'm standing Pat at being a Tillman and a sergeant a drilled sergeant so that means I'm going to push it into people and till it in so it takes root. Something is darling on me that I think I can get away with this. . And they cut open BG and it means to stitch frame him for the crime and he looks up and says no way and the stitch frame would be very fast and easy to make and very light and very strong and we should do it we don't know anything that has gone wrong with these things on cars and cars taking a beating and the salt is down there and torsion is all day long compared to a bike which only gets it occasionally. We have tested them too the frames on machines and they're still going and still work. And it's very fast to make these you can send out kits with the motor and the frame in pieces it's just the most wonderful idea I've ever heard it's a little strange because you can't really make a company unless you make a kit and we're going to SNS are trying to meet make the knh 7:37 and we're trying to make the 883 and it's using the same technology they have s&s has similar technology but we changed it up a little and we have some prototypes in the 883 works pretty good and the 737 did not. You made them both of the twins and he said what if you make it into a single cylinder and the cylinder would be bigger and throat can be shorter and so I made the throw shorter in a single cylinder and it sounds cool and it works great and he says you make their first one like that they can introduce the other one later and Harley-Davidson has a pretty long throw on it but he said for the throaty sound and for the power of torque he needed a shorter and when we made the 737 we made it short of throw but for the V-Twin as well but some people might have a small frame and if you take the V-Twin and you lengthen the throw is very powerful so we're going to do that we have one like that it works pretty good so we do we do know both work and very well the 737 is a lot of horsepower it's a crazy bike it's like a 327 Chevy it's the number or something and we hit it right had 45 horsepower and 55 foot pounds of torque like they said the 883 has 60 horsepower and 65 foot pounds of torque and it's crazy these are just as powerful as 1,000 CC. And I guess we can put CI on there but it looks funny he said at Harley they put CC and it makes sense because CI means something else to us and Max it means something else and we get that we're going to go ahead and start this though

Dave

Is it a great job and we're going to start it up and we're going to try and sell it separately and see what it does it could be a disaster right now we have way too many requests for motors we can't keep up truly we cannot so he says we're not really the military and we're going to be fighting the suit of empire and we don't know what to do because he's going to deplete each other we got that certain places we won't and we have to look at it he says so that's good

Paul Senior

Olympus