#S. (my (hopefully) future room mate) called me this evening and it's nice to know people who want to hear your honest answer when they ask

[there-will-be-a-way]

After the day clinic I'll go to a rehab clinic that specializes in trauma and addiction (most places only treat these two separately). I'll stay there for 3 to 4 months. Rip to me am I really that sick?

The social worker in my ward and I wrote down my addiction time line for my insurance company today which made me realize how fucked up I really am. Midway through I asked her to stop for the day and do the rest tomorrow because it was so confronting. (Yes, I listened to my boundaries for once.) I really have been in this cycle ever since I was 13 without realizing it.

After that I went to the city with some of the people from my ward and that was really nice. I feel accepted there, and I love how diverse our group is.

This evening is easier than yesterday. Less urges, less cravings. But somehow I'm shaking. Man, all of this is a lot but I'm doing it. I'm doing it.

[ad1thi]

2020 fic recs!! [Part 2]

part 2 of my 2020 fic recs!! as before, ive limited this to five fics per month; and fics are ordered by the month they were published. This spans fandoms and ships, and hopefully you find something you like!! credit for the idea goes to @iam93percentstardust

***

July

this is the start: @capnwinghead

Clark and Bruce continue raising the Wayne children and encounter a number of challenges along the way.

great minds (love alike): @starklysteve

Steve’s eyes flicks down to Tony’s knees on the floor.

“Are you – are you proposing to me with my ring for you?” Steve asks incredulously, eyes wide and confused.

---

Or, Steve finds Tony’s ring for him, Tony finds Steve’s ring for him. Panic happens.

Marvels Unsolved: @iam93percentstardust

Marvels Unsolved was never supposed to be this popular. It started off as a novelty web-series about Tony trying to convince Bucky about the existence of the supernatural—he firmly believed that if science could turn Uncle Steve from an actual shrimp to the god of muscles, then magic had to be out there—and then they’d started talking about an unsolved crime from the early 20th century after filming an episode one day, forgetting that the camera was still rolling, and had ended up with enough footage to make a second episode about real crimes. They had stayed pretty unknown throughout that first season but then true crime podcasts had exploded in popularity and Unsolved along with them.

it’s a small world after all: @maguna-stxrk

“Great speech.”

Smiling at the compliment, Tony turns around. “Thank y—”

And nearly drops his champagne flute.

His world comes to a stop.

They had only spent a night together, but Tony would recognize those baby blues anywhere.

It’s Steve.

Steve from Tony’s London business trip. Or, as Rhodey has become accustomed to calling him—The Soulmate That Got Away.

you’re in my blood, you’re in my veins: @nethandrake

Tony always figured that if they ever were to break up, it would be like a blaze. Scorching and hot and all-too blinding. Intense like the two of them have always been.

Instead, they break up on a Tuesday, with the rain pelting the windowpane and the midnight silence stifling.

August

Five Times Danny said he’d marry Steve (plus one): @five-wow

Danny humphs. “Look, all I’m saying is, I think I’d probably have married you by now.”

“I’d marry you, too,” Steve says.

Or: An experiment in how many times you can say something before you have to put your money where your mouth is.

Family (You’ve Always Had It): @/SunnyQueen

A black Camaro and a scowling blond was not what Junior had been expecting.

“Hi, sir. You didn’t have to pick me up.”

The blond looked up from the screen on his phone and groaned, completely ignoring Junior's statement. “You are right, I didn't have to."

Ode To Yoga Pants: @riotfalling

OR the continued terrible mating dance of Bucky and Tony, AKA when betting on your friends stops being fun

Through The Years: @hawkbucks

Tony brings home Natasha one day, proclaiming her to be his new sister.

Natasha takes this all in stride.

The broken road that led me home to you: @just-fandomthings

A documented list of conversations between Steve and Danny via text and phone call following the events of 10x22 "Aloha." (Where, even thousands of miles apart, Steve and Danny can't go without talking to each other.)

September

someday, we’ll pass it on to you: @starklysteve

Steve smiles.

Reaching up, he flattens his hand against his son’s far smaller one, curling gently around it. “You wanna be like him?”

“Da!” Peter agrees again.

One year old, and you already know who’s the best of us, Steve pauses to reflect, all his fears chased away by a fierce pride. “Your Dad’s coming home real soon,” he promises, “you should tell him that.”

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

Or, five times Peter did the repulsor pose as a toddler

+ one time he used the repulsors as an adult

Classic Sci Fi: @notdoingsohot

Bucky wakes up to Steve telling him he's lost his memory, but not to panic, it'll only last a few days. Easier said than done when the last thing Bucky remembers is fighting Hydra with the Howlies in WWII.

He tries to make the most of it however, and there's this guy... Tony Stark. It's pretty clear the guy hates Bucky's guts, which is unfortunate because god damn is he a sight.

He tries to figure out what he did to wrong Stark, but everyone just tells him he doesn't want to know.

They were right.

Blooms in Frost: @/Diomedes

Tony coughs up his first petal on the sixth of July. He has been married to the love of his life for two years.

Bury a Hanahaki corpse in earth and it will beget the most beautiful garden. All that love, it is said, must go somewhere.

Hanahaki AU: Established relationship

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

A Single Thread of Gold: @lovelyirony

Rhodey doesn't believe in love at first sight or any of that cheesy shit. He just wants someone who is nice, dependable, and safe.

Tony Stark is Housing Service's little problem for the school year, and now he's stuck in Rhodey's room because he's exploded the last two dorm rooms he's been in and won't live off-campus.

high roller, place your bet: @machi-kun

“Would you kiss Stark for a hundred bucks?”

“I would pay a hundred bucks to kiss him.”

October

press my luck: @omg-just-peachy

But... Steve is almost ten years his junior, and he could be with just about anyone, looking and acting like he does. And then there’s the not so small fact of Tony’s name and net worth and the fact that, okay, Tony had paid for Steve’s grad school tuition, and now he’s worried Steve feels obligated to stay. Or something.

Or, Tony is a billionaire, Steve is a grad student, and they learn to let themselves be taken care of.

see it with the lights out: @starklysteve

Tony goes on a business trip, and he does not - not at all - get jealous of Dodger hogging his husband's chest, a territory otherwise known as Tony's pillow.

(or, Steve goes on an Instagram spree and Tony misses home)

adulthood is looking both ways before you cross the street and getting hit by an airplane: @starkslovemail

It was a perfect plan, if Peter did say so himself.

The Buy In: @dracusfyre

For the ImagineTonyandBucky prompt: Mafia AU with Tony as the Boss (except he's a really good one, making the streets safe, keeping drugs away from kids etc) and Bucky as the detective sent to go undercover to catch him out but ends up realizing he's actually doing more good than harm and they end up falling in love

trinkets of your affection: @starklysteve

Kissed him once for every year I loved him, Steve had written.

By that count, Steve owes him five more kisses now.

Tony traces the words, hands trembling, and tips back a shot of Howard's ancient whiskey. None of it burns anymore.

One day, he'll have lived more days without Steve than there are words in the diary.

For the first time since he'd woken with shrapnel in his chest, Tony fears the future.

----------

Or, five things Tony keeps to remember Steve by, and one thing Steve gives him to remember.

November

“Hey Tony”: @riotfalling

Steve points out that Bucky never calls Tony by his actual name. Bucky doesn’t believe him, until he does.

Remembering You is Hard to Do: @lovelyirony

“The future’s crazy, honey-bear.”

Jim looks up.

“Why do you call me that?”

“Call you what?”

“Honey-bear. It’s weird.”

“Inside joke we have,” Tony says, chest tightening. “We thought those couples that have the lovey-dovey nicknames were ridiculous.”

overheard your heartbeat (calling me yours): @starklysteve

"Tony - "

"I wish I could promise to come home this time," he feels the armor crawl back down his arm, continuing unnoticed over Steve's red gloves, then up the blue uniform as Tony fights to keep Steve's gaze firmly fixed on him.

The last eyes Tony might get to see, and he wants to be lost in them.

In the end, his entire life boils down a few simple things: "JARVIS, take care of him for me."

----------

Or, Tony overhears a phonecall where Steve proposes, a battle happens, and a paper ring settles some misunderstandings.

i (really, really, really, really, really, really) like you.: @nethandrake

For as long as Steve can remember, he's been crushing on Tony Stark. The thing is, he's pretty sure Tony doesn't know Steve exists. And how could he? Steve's scrawny and little. He's a nobody compared to Tony who's Mr Popular and the son of a billionaire.

Or at least he thought so until Tony swings by the bakery Steve's mother happens to own to enlist Steve's help in finding the perfect Valentine's Day card.

The perfect Valentine's Day card for someone who isn't Steve.

One Song (My Heart Keeps Singing): @iam93percentstardust

When Thor is old enough to understand what a Heartsong is, he goes to his mother to ask her why he can’t understand the language his is in. He listens as she tells him about the first soulmates who couldn't understand their Heartsong until the day they meet, excited by the thought of a grand adventure, one that will take him across the cosmos in search of his One.

He’ll search all the Nine Realms if he has to.

December

Swiping Right: @s-horne

“Ouch. Definitely a hard pass for that one?”

Steve startled at the sudden comment from the row of chairs behind him and turned around. He’d been passing the time in the airport lounge by swiping through Tinder and had gotten lost in his own world. It was almost jarring to be pulled away from the screen of hot men and back into reality where the PA was screeching and there was noise everywhere.

Adjusting to the difference, Steve frowned. Wait, he knew that face. Oh, shit… he knew that face.

“No, no, it’s fine,” the man said before Steve could get out anything other than an embarrassed sort of yelp. Waving his hand through the air, the stranger smiled ruefully. “I get it. It’s the beard, isn’t it? True be told, it was a weird winter choice that year and I knew it would come back to hurt me.”

Steve didn’t know what to say. He knew it must have shown on his face and could feel himself flushing, panicked and embarrassed all at once. What were the odds of swiping left on someone literally sat behind him?

set your flight path home (to me): @starklysteve 

Tony puts down his welding torch. “I’m building you a plane.”

Stepping carefully over the gears and tools scattered about, Rhodey slowly makes his way to him.

“And when did you become an expert on how to build a plane?”

“Last night,” Tony grins.

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

Tony builds a plane, and Rhodey teaches Tony how to fly it. Or he would be teaching Tony, if Tony didn't distract him so much.

I Want A Man With A Slow Hand: @thefourofswords

“Can I ask you a question?” he asked on their way to a crime scene, because no time like the present, and Danny believed in ripping off band-aids.

“Why not?” Steve replied, eyes on the road. “You’re gonna even if I say no.”

“What do you like in bed?”

*

Danny undertakes a very important mission to get Steve laid. For his health. Ahem.

same time next year: @omg-just-peachy

“I forgot to ask. When’s your flight home?” Steve asks, draping his arm over Tony’s shoulder and settling in against him.

Tony ignores the knot that forms in his chest at the idea of it, leaving Steve again for his own impersonal apartment, his piles of books and projects and the nights without sleep.

“Day after tomorrow.”

Steve huffs a little sigh, then brings his lips to Tony’s neck. “Well, we’ll have to make the most of it, won’t we?”

Or, four (4) Christmases with two (2) idiots who can't admit they're in love.

rearrange my heart (to fit your smile): @starklysteve

"You dare," Howard's chair makes an ugly noise as it scrapes against the stone floors, the chatter of the room shifting into hushed whispers and stolen glances. "I am your father and your King!"

"My King is my husband," Tony tips his chin up, defiant. "And I refuse to hear you suggest that my husband has been anything other than good to me."

Next to him, he feels Steve's shoulders stiffen in surprise.

Howard's fist slams loud on the table. "Your husband does not even love you!"

Tony jerks back, burned. He knows that. Knows that Steve did not marry him for love – does not need any reminder of the cold truth, of what he desperately yearns for and can't even hope to have – but the harshness of Howard's words was scalding, and Tony can't afford for this to go any further.

----------

Or, King Steven marries Prince Tony, Tony is pretty sure he shouldn't panic when he falls in love with his own husband, and Steve tries his very best not to cause diplomatic crises.

Keyword: try

[manage-mischief]

Star Struck

Read on AO3 here. 

Summary: Prompt: “I couldn’t function without you.” 

Lily Evans was having an awful day. James decides to try and make it better.

Author’s note: Written for @angelinathebook‘s writing challenge. Shameless fluff. I think I’m going to write for Jily more often: this was so fun to do. This takes place during 7th year, after Lily and James had been dating for a few months. Hope you enjoy!

Lily Evans was having an awful day. She had been up all last night on patrol as Head Girl, dealing with some incompetent first years who had injured themselves trying to touch the trunk of the Whomping Willow. The incident reports had taken hours for her to complete. This morning, she had headed to her classes with a massive, ear-splitting headache. She could barely concentrate during Potions, had accidentally set a cushion on fire in Charms, and was sure she had failed this afternoon’s Transfiguration exam. All she wanted to do was return to her dorm and sleep for the foreseeable future. She should have known that she wouldn’t be so lucky.

As she made her way back to Gryffindor Tower, a voice called out from behind her.

“Hey, Lils!”

Lily smiled and slowed her pace to allow her best friend, Mary MacDonald, to catch up. Despite her immense fatigue and desire to avoid human interaction, she could never be irritated at Mary. The girl was just too damn sweet.

“Hey Mare, you headed back to the Common Room?”

“Of course! That’s where everyone’s headed, isn’t it? I suppose they all want to see,” Mary giggled. When she saw the blank expression on Lily’s face, however, her laughter died.

“Oh. You…you didn’t hear…”

“What didn’t I hear?” Lily questioned. As she climbed the stairs, she now noticed the unusually thick flock of students around her. An electric excitement ran through the air as the young Gryffindors whispered in hushed, urgent tones. The whole house seemed to be making their way back to their dormitory.

“I can’t believe they actually did it,” a small third-year gossiped with her friend.

“Well, they didn’t really, did they? I mean, that’s what I heard. That they failed and are all stuck in it now! That’s why everyone’s going back to see,” her companion replied.

“I guess so. But, still, it’s a hilarious prank, even if it hasn’t gone quite according to plan. They’re so funny! And the tall one, he has such dreamy eyes,” the first girl sighed.

Lily’s mind filled with dread. So, someone—or rather—some people had tried to pull off a prank in the Gryffindor Common Room, and it had gone miserably wrong. She looked at Mary, not even wanting to ask…

“I think it was an accident…they didn’t mean it…” Mary quietly muttered, avoiding her gaze. Lily’s unspoken question had been answered. Dammit, James.

Lily stormed up the final steps, shoving her housemates out of the way a bit more aggressively than was necessarily appropriate. She reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and took a deep breath, attempting to gain some last-minute composure before she walked in on whatever mess her boyfriend and his mates had concocted.

“Hungarian Horntail,” she gave the password, rubbing her temple. The Fat Lady looked down upon her with sympathy. “Correct. Are you sure you want to see? It’s a lot to take in, and you look exhausted.” Reluctantly, Lily nodded. The painting swung open.

Lily had thought she was prepared to witness whatever stupidity awaited her. She had thought wrong. The scene that was unfolding before her was so bewildering, so utterly idiotic, that it took her several moments to fully process.

Students stood on their dormitory stairs, craning around each other for a view of the chaos that was ensuing. Lily felt a mob of people behind her in the portrait hole, pressing in to get a closer look. For the Common Room was no longer the Common Room. The entire place had been transformed from a cozy castle hangout to a hot, damp, sticky bog. The chairs and couches that normally occupied the space were all covered in a thick, black mud that looked to be about waist high.

And, in the middle of the monstrous, muddy mess were none other than her boyfriend, James Potter, and his three best friends.

“Oi Pete, stop moving! You’re splashing mud on my glasses!” the black-haired boy snapped.

“Sorry!”

James had yet to recognize Lily’s presence. She remained in the portrait hole, vaguely aware her house mates’ giggles. Every member of Gryffindor seemed to be there, all witnessing the same scene: James Potter, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and Remus Lupin —Merlin’s balls, she’d have thought he at least would have known better—all stuck in the muddy bog that they had evidently created.

The four boys continued to struggle for a few moments, but it was no use. They remained stuck, unable to break free from their dirty prison.

“Moons, watch the hair,” Sirius cried as Remus attempted to pry his mud-soaked hand off of his friend’s scalp. “Ow!”

“Shut it, you two,” James shouted. “We need to figure out how to get out and get rid of this mess before Lily—”

“Ahem,” Lily coughed. Slowly, all four boys turned—as much as they could, given they were trapped in enchanted mud—towards the redhead in the entryway. “Too late.”

James’ face turned beet-red. His hands shot up to his hair unconsciously, mussing it up. He swallowed. “Oh, hey Lils. Have a nice day?”

So, he was going for the casual act. Ok. She could play along. “Ah, you know, nothing too special. After being up all last night, I was hoping to turn in early. But, it seems like some idiots made sure I can’t get to my room, doesn’t it? How strange! You wouldn’t happen to know anything about this mess, would you?”

Sirius snorted, amused at the sight of his best mate being publicly mocked by his girlfriend. Lily turned her head and glared daggers. He shut up immediately. Her gaze shifted to Remus, who refused to meet it. At least he had the audacity to look ashamed of himself.

The four troublemakers regarded one another, silently debating who was going to be the one to tell Lily the truth. She stared back at James. Despite her annoyance, she was curious about what had caused this predicament.

“Well,” James finally spoke. “We modified this portable swamp we bought at Zonko’s. Those one’s they sell there aren’t very effective,” he paused and looked up at her hopefully, wondering if he could get away without having to explain the rest.

“And?” Lily pressed. The rest of the Gryffindors fell silent and watched intently, like they were spectating at a very intense Quidditch match.

James sighed. “And we were going to use it to transform the Slytherin Common Room—they totally deserved it, Mulciber and Avery hexed a first-year muggle born this morning—and well…Peter sort of…dropped it…”

Lily’s eyes widened. “He…dropped it?”

Peter whimpered. All eyes had focused on him. “Nice going, Pettigrew,” someone scathingly remarked.

“Hey!” James came to the defense of his small, squirrely friend. “Shut it! Anyways, well, it ended up being dropped and activated and we hadn’t exactly tested it to see how the mud would work and well…here we are,” he gestured to himself, his friends, and the mud that trapped them. “We can’t seem to figure out how to get rid of it…”

Lily wanted to stay mad. Oh, how she wanted to stay mad. But, looking at James’s cheeky, apologetic grin, her annoyance melted away. She drew her wand and began mumbling some incantations for getting rid of magical messes that she had learned about earlier in the year. Sure enough, the mud began to disappear, and the Common Room returned to normal. Now, all of the Gryffindors’ eyes were focused on her, filled with awe and admiration. It was a good thing she paid attention in Charms.

“Oi,” she cried at the dumbfounded spectators. “What’re you all doing still standing around? Show’s over, folks!”

Instantly, the crowd scattered. Lily hopped gracefully down onto the now mud-free floor and walked over to James, who was sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. She rolled her eyes. “Git,” she muttered, but her small smile betrayed her irritated tone.

Sirius walked behind her and patted her on the back. “Nice one, Evans. You’re a champ!” He grabbed Remus’s hand and dragged him up towards the boys’ dorm. Remus shot her an apologetic look before he vanished up the stairs.

“That was brilliant, Lily,” James praised her. “Seriously. Thank you. I know it was idiotic, and immature, and—”

“—and we’ll have to think of another way to stick it to those wannabe Death Eaters,” Lily finished. James stared at her in shock and admiration.

“Oh, you bloody bet we will,” he joyfully exclaimed.

“As long as you run your ideas by me, Potter. Because, from what I saw here tonight, I think you’re in desperate need of my supervision.”

“I promise, Lily. Honestly. I couldn’t function without you.” His tone was joking, but his expression was sincere.

“Clearly,” she stated, holding back a yawn. She frowned, remembering the day’s events and her exhaustion. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I just really want to go to sleep and forget this dreadful day ever happened.” She turned for the stairs, but he grabbed her hand, pulling her back towards him.

“Hey,” James’s hazel eyes sparkled. “How about I make it up to you? You go take a nap. Meet me back here at midnight. I promise I’ll do my best to improve this shitty day of yours.”

Lily’s insides swelled with warmth. Despite what anyone may think, James Potter was a sweet and caring boy. He may have been an idiot, but he was her idiot. “It’s a date,” she smiled. Their hands lingered as she walked away from him, up to her room. A wide grin was still plastered on her face as she flopped down onto her bed, thinking of the boy who would be waiting for her when she woke up.

At midnight, Lily crept down the stairs, careful not to wake anyone. There were only a few other students studying when she arrived at the Common Room—none of them James. She glanced around and checked her reflection in a decorative suit of armor while she waited. After a few moments, she felt a tap on her shoulder. However, when she spun around, no one was there. She scanned the room. Still no sign of James. All of a sudden, the air in front of her rippled. An instant later, she found herself staring at her boyfriend’s disembodied head.

Lily jumped backwards, wide-eyed. “Bloody hell!”

James’s head laughed heartily. “Sorry, Lil, I couldn’t resist,” he said, cheekily. “Here, come on in, there’s plenty of room.” He revealed the rest of his body as he pulled open what appeared to be a slightly-used cloak. She nervously looked around to make sure no one else was watching, and then darted into his open arms. He folded the cloak around her body and pulled it over their heads.

Lily felt her heartbeat pound in her chest as they were pressed together under the garment. She glanced back and noticed that her reflection had disappeared from the shiny surface of the suit of armor. “Wow, an Invisibility Cloak!  I thought these were a myth! I’m impressed, Potter,” she teased.

“Only the best for you, dear,” James didn’t miss a beat. “Shall we?” He gestured at the portrait hole.

“Trying to get us caught out of bed after hours, are we? Just when I thought you’d had enough trouble for today.”

“Well, are you going to join me, or not? Because I could always get Sirius to come instead. Though he’s not nearly as fun to snog,” James winked. Lily’s face broke out into what she now referred to as her uncontrollable “James grin”—large, beaming, playful, and usually accompanied by the shaking of her head. She had been wearing this expression a lot, lately. No one brought out her goofy, carefree side nearly as much as James Potter did.

“If you insist, James, lead the way.”

The pair maneuvered themselves out of the portrait hole, remaining under the cover of the cloak. About half way down the corridor, James put a hand on her shoulder, signaling her to stop. He pulled out a ruddy old piece of parchment and examined it pointedly. “Hm, no, we should be ok, he’s on the first floor…”

“Who’s on the first floor?”

“Peeves,” James said, matter-of-factly.

“And you know this how exactly?” Lily asked suspiciously, trying to peer up to see what was on the paper in his hands. Quickly, though, James stuffed the parchment into his back pocket.

“I have my ways,” he cryptically remarked. “Point is, we won’t be attacked by flying dung bombs on our way to the Astronomy Tower. C’mon.”

The couple climbed up the stairs to the tallest tower of the castle. James opened the door to the open-air observatory and revealed his surprise.

Lily gasped. A picnic blanket had been arranged on the floor. Spread out upon the red and white gingham was an assortment of her favorite treats: Cauldron Cakes, treacle tarts, and, to her delight and surprise, a bag of her favorite Muggle candy, Skittles. Two goblets had been set to the side, as well as several bottles of butterbeer. James gently pulled the cloak off of them and jerked his head at the display.

“After you, m’lday.” He took Lily’s hand and helped her take a seat on the blanket. He plopped down beside her. The night was cool and clear. She looked up and noticed that he had arranged their picnic in the perfect position to gaze up at the glittering stars overhead.

“James…”

“I know, I’m an amazing boyfriend and you don’t know how you got so lucky,” he joked, dramatically. Lily chuckled.

“This is…well…it’s absolutely perfect.” She reached for the bag of Skittles. “How did you even get these? And…is this butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks? What do you do, keep a stock?”

He flashed a mischievous smile. “I have my ways…and had some time while you were sleeping. Seriously, it’s the least I could do. It seemed like you were having a bad day. And, I see it as my quintessential duty as ‘Boyfriend to Miss Lily Evans’ to cheer you up when you’re feeling down.”

Lily’s cheeks reddened. She grinned shyly as she reached into the bag of chewy candies.

“Here,” James said, “hand me some of those. I need to see what all the fuss is about.”

After the pair had eaten and drank their fill, they sat silently together, leaning shoulder-to-shoulder, staring up at the sparkling heavens above.

“You know,” Lily remarked, “I reckon I’d have enjoyed Astronomy classes a lot more if they had been more like this.”  

“Yeah, I reckon I would’ve, too,” James replied, turning his body so he was facing her head on. His untidy black hair rustled slightly with the wind. His glasses sat slightly crooked on his face, and Lily gently reached her hand up to straighten them. As she slowly drew her hand away, he took it and kissed it. He moved his other hand to brush a strand of red hair from her face. Her eyes fluttered downward, shyly. Slowly, timidly at first, the young couple leaned in closer until, finally, they bridged the gap between them. Their lips met, and Lily felt the familiar flock of butterflies explode inside of her: butterflies that always appeared when James kissed her.

Their soft kisses became more intense. Her hands ran through his mop of hair, while his moved up and down her body. She broke away for a moment.

“Better than Sirius?” she teased.

“Loads,” James laughed before he pulled her back in.

And so, the couple remained glued together well into the night, exploring each other under the stars…  

….

“James?” Lily turned her head to look at him, comfortably leaning back into his warm chest, his arms wrapped around her.

“Hm?”

“What was on that paper?”

He laughed and shook his head. “I knew you wouldn’t turn a blind eye. Trust me, it’s better if you don’t know. I’ve already shown you my Cloak. I can’t be giving away all of my secrets.”

Lily pouted.

“After we graduate, I’ll tell you,” he relented.

“Bold of you to assume we’ll be together after we graduate,” Lily quipped, though secretly joyful that he had spoken of a future between them.

He stared down at her, his gaze suddenly intense. “We will,” he said, so seriously that it made Lily’s heart skip a beat. “I know we will. I told you before, Lily. I couldn’t function without you.”

And, as her green eyes stared into his hazel ones, she realized: she didn’t think she could function without him, either.

[yamithediaperdork]

It’s a living (Ben 10 omiverse)

it was a nice and peaceful day in Bellwood for a change, though considering it wasn't the main stream universe's Bellwood that made a degree of sense. In fact even as the main verse Ben sat across from his counterpart, enjoying the Mr.smoothies of universe 23 they could both relax as Seven-seven and Tetrax had decided to stay on earth and work as a team with 23, so were out patrolling. "So, not that it's not awesome to see you from time to time..but usually you showing up means something about to go all fucky fucky...Sooo what brings you here?" 23 asked. "things don't ALWAYS go bad when i show up!" Ben protested, huffing a little. "Mmmhmmm..So you showed up and I get attacked by my future team mates..you show up and the Ben war..you show up and Mad Ben.." 23 said, counting off on his fingers. "..Damn uh.. well I promise, no world ending stuff this time." Ben said, sweat dropping. "I uh.. ok so i told you I recently moved out and got my own place right?" "And yet you haven't invited me back once." 23 said and blew a raspberry to show he wasn't really offended. "eheheh well fact of the matter is I mightttta gone a little beyond my means and kinda sorta..I'm like a week from getting kicked out." Ben said, poking his fingers together sheepishly. "Heh, and what, you want a place to crash?" "welll more thinking maybe since I've been helping you and all that jazz, you could spot me a couple of grand to get me in the clear and stuff?" Ben asked hopefully. "eh..I learned the hard way not to loan friends money Ben. it's why me and my Gwen aren't on speaking terms." 23 said, then took a big drink of his smoothie. "however, I AM willing to help you MAKE the money you need, and more." "...Doing what?" Ben asked, confused. "Cuz gotta say, I've tried the retail thing back home and when you have to stop doing stock to fight alien invaders, you don't keep your job for long." "Pffft as if I'd let you work retail! Nah man! You know I've leveraged my frame and endorsed a TON of things right? Part of how I'm rolling in dough? Well I got this one wanna be sponsor who I'm not big on the product, but they are offering a crazy amount of cash. I figure they'll settle for the Ben of anther universe, you do the gig, we split the money 50/50, and everybody wins." 23 said, taking out a note pad and a pen. "Look uh, not to sound ungrateful, but if I'm the one doing the modeling or whatever, shouldn't I get more then half? and what are you writing down?" Ben asked. "That's how much your half of the deal will be, and I think you'll find it more then fair." 23 said and smirked. Ben frowned and picked up the piece of paper, looking down, then did a double take as his eyes went wide. "Holy crap! what am i modeling off? Missiles?!" he asked, his voice going higher then normal. "nah, no weapons of mass destruction in that sense.. though bet you'll still clear rooms." 23 said and gave a impish grin. "You'll be working for huggies." "..Say what?"

After half a hour of back and forth, and Ben admitting he really didn't have a better option, the two took off, transforming into XCLER8 and Speedyquick instead of hailing a cab and made their way to the huggies headquarters. since 23 was used to this sort of thing Ben mostly let him talk over the contract and tried not to get boarded out of his mind as they talked returns and profit margins, only tuning in when the executive they were talking to (who if Ben didn't know better, he'd swear was this universes version of Charmcaster) brought up diaper usage. "Of course seeing your other self in our new line of Lil' stinkers would do wonders for our promotion of them, but if we could show them being used it would really help sell other points. we're taking photo shoots for magazine spreads and of course some tv and internet ad's. the more you and your client can promise us in terms of selling these diapers are for big babies who need to be put in their place, the more zero's we can add to your check." She said, smiling. "Wait..as in..you know.." Ben interrupted before 23 could talk, and unable to say what he was thinking, and blushing badly, he make fart noises with his mouth. "Heh, yes, we want you to go dooty in your diaper." Hope said, smirking and watching the two boys reactions. "N-No way! I mean I'll wear them and crawl around and stuff, but I'm NOT taking a dump in diapers!" Ben huffed and crossed his arms, shaking his head and well, looking just perfect for the target audience. "Maybe I should give you and your client a moment to talk this over. we can make a deal without the diaper usage but it's going to cut into the bottom line." Hope said and got up and left the room. "Can you BE anymore of a brat?" 23 hissed at Ben. "But..but..she wants me to-" "Yes, I know. I was there. Look Ben, I'm putting my neck on the line for you here, if my other sponsors hear about what a crabby brat your being here, it could affect me. Also your the one who came to me for help, so wouldn't like crapping yourself in huggies and making a boat load of cash once be better then doing a bunch more commercials to make the same amount? And who the hell from your universe is gonna see you doing this anyways?" 23 asked. "But I don't wanna poop in a diaper!" Ben whined and shook his head. "and you can't make me! so th-" he started to add, then suddenly he was yanked out of his chair and over 23's laps. "W-what are you doing?! and when the hell did you get so strong!?" "I've been working out since the mad Ben thing. and I'm gonna do what anyone does with a whinny brat.." 23 said and smirked, tugging down the back of Ben's pants. "I'm gonna spank you." Yanking Ben's skid marked stained briefs up and giving the bigger boy a wedgie and exposing those cheeks, 23 paused. "Last chance to be a good boy and let me handle this." he said. "Y-You don't have the balls!" Ben cried out, his voice carrying. "I gave you a chance." 23 said and shrugged, then brought down his hand on Ben's bubble butt over and over, turning the cheeks nice and red as Ben bawled like a baby.

Since the office wasn't sound proofed, and many people knew that both of the Ben's were in the office, it attracted A LOT of attention as the bigger Ben's voice filled the floor with the sounds of wails and there was the unmistakable sound of buns being tanned. Hope smirked as she listened, feeling she had pegged the relationship between the two boys right, and waited till there was just the sound of the bigger Ben sobbing before going back into her office, and fighting back a chuckle as she saw the bigger boy in the corner, his pants in his chair and his undies still hiked up. the boy had his nose to the corner and his hands on his head, and was whimpering and sobbing gently. "I'm sorry for that, somebody needed a attuide adjustment." 23 said. "oh don't be! I just wish we had recorded that! would of been perfect for the set up of a commercial!" Hope said and chuckled. "well I can always spank him again." 23 offered, chuckling to as Ben whined loudly from the corner. "So, may I assume that your both on board with widdle Benny making uh-ohs and tinkles in his diapers?" Hope asked. "I dunno, Ben, are you ok with messing your diapers?" 23 asked. "Y-Yes! No more spankies!" Ben cried out, his hands going from his head to covering his poor buns. "i think that answers your question." "excellent, then I'll draw up the contract, and if we hurry we can have Ben in the studio in about 2 hours. Make sure he gets LOTS to eat, we wanna show off how the Lil' stinkers hold up to even the biggest messes." Hope said. as 23 and Hope chuckled, Ben whimpered and found himself sucking on his thumb having ALL the regrets.

a hour and half later and a semi pot belly Ben was leaning back in his folding chair, in front of the set and belching off and on. He still hadn't been able to reclaim his pants though he'd been allowed to tug the wedgie out at least, though this just got loads of comments about how diapers might be a good full time choice for him. Ben had swallowed back any come backs or threats he had in mind as every time 23 was quick to pat his still sore booty. going on Hope's advice 23 had forced Ben to chow down, though while the catering table was set up with all sorts of awesome snack foods, including Ben's favorite, chilli fries, it was the large pyramid of at least 23 jar's of prune baby food that 23 had directed Ben to, helping the bigger boy and spoon feeding him as the crew setting up the large nursery chuckled. "Come on ben, one jar to go. you can do it." 23 was saying, grabbing the last jar and smirking at Ben's baby food covered face. "D-Dude..I'm not joking..if I eat one more bite I'ma hurl." Ben whined. "that's what you said two jars ago." "by all means, call my bluff, just when your wearing baby food on your shoes, remember i warned you." Ben said with a weak smile then a LOUD and nasty belch. 23 made a face and waved the air in front of him. "Man, if it smells that bad now.. Maybe i should excuse myself to the other room when you crap yourself." he teased. "N-no way..if I'm doing this..you're watching AND smelling!" Ben whined and Belched again. "Can i get something to drink?" he asked. instantly he realized he should of worded his request better as 23 got a large baby bottle filled with what was hopefully milk, and popped it in Ben's mouth. it only took a few sucks on the nipple to realize that of course, it was formula, and Ben scuched up his face. "Hehehe I have to say Ben, you are JUST too cute like this. I might have to try and lock you into a long term agreement here." 23 teased then winced at the glare Ben gave him. "Kidding! Kidding!" pushing the bottle out of his mouth, Ben went to say something but was cut off as Hope strolled onto the set. "Ok people, time to make some magic. baby Ben, we need you in wardore." she said then pasued. "Oh, Do you know how to put a diaper on?" she asked, suddenly looking sheepish. "N-No." ben whined and a loud toot came out his bottom. "Oh er..I don't think we have time to teach you before you unload." Hope said, holding her nose. "it's ok, I'll diaper the big baby." 23 said happily. "of course you will." Ben muttered, but let himself be lead off to a side room where there was star on the door, with his name on it. "great...I'm about to become famous as a diaper boy.." Ben whined. lead inside 23 just chuckled. "Mr.Devil, he's ready for his close up."

The diaper was MASSIVE, and for a second both boys just stared at it, wondering if Ben was gonna be able to even walk in the thing. it was easily the equal to 10 normal diapers layered together and was a soft baby blue (whether that was a marketing choice or just when they had been making these things expect 23 to model them, neither boy was sure) anther loud toot from Ben's back door which sadly filled the small dressing room had both boys holding their noses, and broke them out of their trance. "I..I don't wanna do this. I'm scared." Ben whined, looking at 23 with pleading eyes and starting to squirm in a way that told him their deadline was coming up fast. "Sorry buddy, we signed the contract. but I'll make sure this goes as fast as possible. all you have to do with whimper and cry, and act like you've been acting, and I'll be doing the voice over." 23 said and reached up, patting Ben's head. Ben whined but let himself be laid down on the teddy bear print changing mat on the floor and just lifted his arms to let 23 tug his shirt off. "we're gonna have to enroll you in a exercise program if we need to keep feeding you like this." 23 teased, noting that while Ben wasn't chubby, he had enough pudge on him to look a bit like baby fat, and the baby food in his tummy wasn't helping. Sliding Ben's undies off 23 tossed them in a trash can behind him, then unfolded the massive diaper as Ben whined. "W-why'd you toss out my undies? A-and were are my pants? F-For after?" he asked, feeling so small and helpless as 23 lifted Ben up but his legs to get the diaper under him. "hush, you let me worry about that..though..heh.." 23 paused the look down at Ben's exposed crotch. "Didn't know you shave." "I uh..haven't gotten my pubes yet.." the bigger in so many ways, but not where it counted boy said. "well that explains your cute widdl-" "Watch it!" Ben huffed and for the first time moved to use his Omimatrix. "Ok ok..Sorry." 23 said sweat dropping. "I've had THREE girls interested in me by the way, so it can't be THAT small!" Ben added and 23 smirked and powdered him lots. "And how many of them saw you down there?" 23 asked, as he tugged the diaper up. "and of those that saw, how many stayed interested?" with the diaper tapped up Ben sat up with a bit of effort, but was blushing and wouldn't look 23 in the eyes. "L-Let's just get this over with." Ben huffed and tried to get up on his own, only to keep falling back on his puffy butt. "That's what I thought." 23 chuckled and then held out his hands, Helping Ben get to his feet. the bigger boys BIG diaper had his legs spread and Ben was barley able to waddle, several times needing to stop and take 23's hands as they made their way out onto the set. 'If i make it though this I'm moving to a smaller apartment so i never have to ask this son of a bitch for a favor again.' Ben thought.

Hope grinned ear to ear and had some of the photographers snap shots of Ben needing help with walking, before coming over with a baby blue bonnet and bib that had white text in comic sans, that read BRAT. Ben would of argued about the add ons, since he was pretty sure that hadn't been in the original deal, if it wasn't for the fact he was using every ounce of control NOT to mess himself too soon and have to start all over. "There we go, don't you just look adorable~" Hope teased and tickled Ben's chin. "A-Ah.S-Stop that..w-we hafa hurry up..I..I can't.." Ben whined and rubbed his tummy, a muffled fart coming out and making hope take a step back. As they started to film, Ben for the most part blissfully blacked out, but of course got to watch the commercial after, with everyone praising him on what a good boy he had been.

"Hey everyone, Ben 23 here, and bringing you yet anther great product. So, brats, we all know one and we've all thought about putting them in their place, but where do you even start to get what you need for it?" Came 23's voice, on a screen of black. "Well the answer for that, Is huggies. That's right, the same company you've been trusting to look after your little bundles of joy is here to help you put those same bundles of joy turned into over sized brats back into little baby's." the screen came into focus and there was Ben, a glazed look in his eyes and holding his tummy, in all his big baby glory. "Most of you know about my other universe counterpart, but what you don't know is that he's a grade A BRAT. as a favor to his friends back in his verse, we're giving Baby Ben the punishment he deserves. isn't that right baby ben?" 23's voice asked as Ben whined and pouted. "Pwease, no wanna go poopies! I'm sowwy!" Ben cried out. "now now Ben, you don't want anther spanking do you?" 23's voice asked, and it was the yelp of fear that sold it as Ben totally lost control. the camera zoomed in as the back of Ben's diaper rapidly started to expand, and loud gross farts were heard. Ben for his part was face down ass up, and pounding a fist on the floor as he filled his diapers, crying and howling but really, it only made the shot better. "Lil stinkers is made with a new material that allows for up to 40 times the normal amounts of waste, which means even with 22 jars of baby food in baby Ben's tummy these diapers won't leak, or your money back." 23 said. the diaper only started to take on a dirty stain of brown in the back as the material reached down to Ben's knees. "with our new smell block guards in the diaper, you'll only get the faintest whiff of the the mess the big babies made. Sure it spares the brat but if your brat is anything widdle Benny here, you're gonna be punished enough changing him." with a few last sputtering farts Ben was apparently finished and sucking on his thumb as he got up on his knees, looking to the cameras. "C-Change pwease?" Ben whined. "Oh silly Ben, if we just changed you right away, where would the fun be in that? with added rash protection built into the diaper, along with bratty baby brand powder, Our little Benny can go 12 hours without a change!" hearing that Ben bawled again, both hands coming up to his eyes and there was just no two ways about it, he looked like a giant baby. "See you in 12 hours little guy! enjoy your poopie diaper." 23 said cheerfully. Ben's cries were muted as they went to the last of it. "Lil stinkers by huggies. put your brat back in diapers, and in their place. Available at a super market near you in two weeks."

Ben naturally wasn't actually kept in the poopie diaper for 12 hours, though they did take the chance to get all the pictures they needed for him in his poopie diapers, with 23 posing in some of them with him. Such as having Ben in his arms, Ben over his lap and pretending to give him a messy spanking, and of course 23 pulling the back of the diaper open as Ben sat on his ass, hugging a teddy bear and sucking on a pacifier and 23 holding his nose. If 23 was being truthfully though he was glad he was wearing his baggy pants as the site of Ben like this almost had little hearts in his eyes and he was tempted to try and keep Ben like this. Still a contract was a contract, and once they had enough footage they got Ben changed into a clean diaper but out of the bib and bonnet, and with his t-shirt back on. Ben was actually in the crib that was part of the set up when he came out of it, the staff and Hope and 23 where having a few drinks. "C-Can somebody come let me out? And.. get me big boy undies and pants?" Ben called, using the crib railing to haul himself to his feet but swaying dangerously if he let go, so knowing he couldn't get out. if the crew heard him, they ignored him and kept talking among themselves and laughing, annoying Ben. "I SAID, SOMEBODY LET ME OUT!" Ben yelled and stomped a foot, slipping and falling on his padded rear. "oh great, the baby is awake." 23 said, smirking and winking to the crew who all laughed. "Your not freaking funny! Let me outta here NOW or I'm going way big!" Ben growled and started to fiddle with his watch. "Way big?" a crew member asked. "as in he's gonna be a big boy?" "No! as in the alien who's 100 feet tall!" Ben huffed and got the watch ready to go. "-sigh- I'll handle this." 23 said and walked over, holding his hands up. "heyy heyy..it's OK Benny. we don't need to bring aliens into this. you're all done here and we'll cash your check at the first bank of Ben then you can go home. OK?" "i want outta this diaper, I want outta this crib! and i want big boy undies and pants!" Ben huffed, keeping his hand over his watch. "heh, your terms are agreeable. we only re-diapered you because you were out of it, and I don't really wanna change anther poopie diaper." 23 lied. He would of totally loved to keep changing Ben's diapers but clearly the little guy had been pushed to his limit.

As it turned out they couldn't find pants in the studio for Ben, or a pair of undies so the poor hero ended up standing in line with 23 at the bank in his t-shirt and diapers, which normally would of caused problems but with 23's technically owning the bank, it was brushed over. The first thing they did after getting the check cashed was go shopping and get Ben a pair of sumo slammer boxers, then off to the food court for him to get the taste of the baby food and formula out of his system, though he wasn't able to eat his full order. 23 joked about how they should of gotten him a happy meal as he wiped up the chilli stains off of Ben's face. after that it was time to go home and Ben gave 23's hand a shake. "..ok, you saved my ass from having to move back home..buttt don't expect me to come back here till this ad campaign is over and done." Ben said. "heh, come on, didn't a SMALL part of you have fun?" 23 asked. "hahahaha NO. Today was the most horrible day of my life, and with the shit I've been though, thats saying something. Maybe you can come over to MY universe sometime and be a diaper boy for me though." "heh. or just show up with a diaper bag." "..Shutting up." with that Ben went back to his home universe, very much richer. Or so he thought.

as it turned out their money while looking the same on the outside, was made differently and raised all sorts of flags when Ben went to go and deposit it in his universe. there was a public cry of outrage that a hero like Ben would try and destabilize a local economy like that, and there was talks of official charges of counterfeiting and maybe even jail time. Not even able to get his cash back, and the Plumbers having to give him the cold shoulder publicly to save face, Ben decided to take a little bit of a vacation (2-7 months while the plumbers legal team got him out of the mess) back in universe 23, figuring that 23 owned him, AND wanting to give him a piece of his mind.

"baby Ben! back so soon?" 23 asked, delighted as a red faced Ben made it to his pent house. on the way over Ben had been recognized, teased and scolded for not being in his diapers and had seen billboard with him in all his blacked out diaper baby glory. "ha.Ha. we have a problem." Ben said, and then nodded to 23's couch. "mind if I take a seat?" "Only if you promise not to make a puddle." 23 joked, but moved aside as Ben came in and flopped down. Ben spent the next 10 minutes explaining out what had happened, as 23 looked upset and shook his head. "Man, that sucks. I'm sorry, i didn't know!" 23 said. "well, I need a place to stay for a little while till i get the OK to go back..so I was wondering if y-" "would put you up here for a few months, heh,. that can be arranged. don't think you'll be able to get a place on your own here unless you just did more commercials though, rent in the city has gone up since i live here." "Not like i have a penny to my name anyways, and was gonna ask if you'd rent me a place..Buttt staying here I guess won't be so bad." Ben said with a little smile. "there is a small price I'd like you to pay..But in return for humoring me on this onnnne tiny little thing, I swear you'll want for nothing while staying with me. all the junk food you could want and any video games, the whole nine yards." 23 said, blushing a little now. "..why am i getting a bad feeling about this?" Ben asked. "well see.. they didn't need the stuff they used in your commercial after you left..so they gave it to me for free..and you were just SO god damn cute.." 23 said, getting up and leading Ben to yup, a recreation of the nursery from the set. "FUCK NO!" "oh come on Ben! i promise! no baby food this time and pop in your baby bottles! Pleasssse?" 23 asked, bringing his hands together. "why in the world would i agree to do that for a few months? I could just go do anther commercial, then get my own place here!?" Ben pointed out. "one, because as your agent I control whether you do anther shoot, it's actually part of the contract, two, if I tell my bank not to cash your check who else do you think will cover that much. three, and this is the kicker. where else can you go to with ease to hide out? you really think mad Ben is gonna welcome you with open arms?" "..Fuck my life!"

And so one week after promising himself he'd never be a big baby again, Ben found himself in two of the thick blue diaper's  and in a t-shirt top, crawling behind behind 23 and pouting like crazy. "Don't you think top is over kill?" Ben whined. "I'm the one paying for them. so just shush and look adorable." "Not funny." Ben pouted and then realized it would be harder then hell to get off and on the couch's and just sat on his diaper butt in the living room. "So what d-" "I want chilli cheese fires, I want a two liter of coke, and I want the latest sumo slammer game five minutes ago!" Ben huffed then grinned. "..Demanding aren't we?" "and i quote: I swear you'll want for nothing. I want all of that." Ben said smugly. "you know, i could of just spanked you." 23 teased, going to grab the phone and make the food order. instead of Ben telling him off however, the threat had a amusing and smelly effect instead. Ben froze at the memory of that and then well, with him being double diapered it was a little hard to tell since there was no smell, but 23 could of sworn Ben just got a little taller. "heh, Did somebody just make me a present?" "NO!...yes." "Good boy. I'll change you after you eat, if your a good boy." 23 said and winked. "...this is gonna be a long 2 months."

the end?

[swiftlymoniquesblog]

You and Me at Christmas Time Tom Holland x Reader

A/N: Merry Christmas friends! This was based on this request by my dear friend @tloveswriting:  Heya friend! I hope your week is treating you well! I was in class and thinking about your Tom Holland story and I was wondering if I could request a Tom Holland one? If so, I would love to see a Tom x Reader where they are in a secret relationship because shes average (lol I'm original... not) but he doesn't want to be any more or honestly anything fluffy.

It’s not exactly what she asked for but I incorporated the holiday with the prompt of Tom and the reader in a secret relationship. Hope y’all are having a wonderful holiday and I’m so grateful for all of you! -Monique

Y/S = Your State

Word Count: 2179

Warnings: Angst, lying, language, secret relationship (is that a warning?) lots of fluff mostly in the end

Masterlist |Prompt List

                                                    December 15th

                                                      Tom’s POV

“And here comes superstar Tom Holland, star of this movie! At only twenty-three years old, he is the biggest up-and-coming actor of the twenty-first century! And, with friends like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, he has quite the future ahead of him! Tom, tell us about your new movie?”

Another interviewer asked me about my “latest” movie, shoving a microphone in my face during the process, as we stood on the red carpet for the premiere. You think with all the times I’ve done premieres, either my own or others, I’d be cool with all the same inane questions, but honestly, I get tired of it. There are aspects of my life I don’t get to show anyone and I wish I could talk about the things that excite me in my real life. I mean, everyone gets to see a lot of my life from interviews and social media; I really want my fans to know me. But again, I can’t always be completely open.

“So, tell us, are you dating anyone? You know, for all the single ladies out there?” The interviewer is super cheesy, overly energetic, and a tad grotesque, but he managed to make me blush.

“Oh uh, no, I’m single.” I lie once again. Over and over, interview after interview, I can’t tell the world about the most amazing girl that I happen to be dating, because she is shy and doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. So here we are, six months into our relationship, about to celebrate Christmas, and I don’t get to take her out to any parties, any clubs, movies, charity events; nothing. I just want to show her off to the world because she is mine and I adore her and want everyone to know that I am off the market and hopefully, for a very long time.

                                                  Reader’s POV

I watch as my boyfriend of six months lies with ease about our relationship. It was my idea to keep our relationship quiet but now, I wonder if I made the right decision. Sure, it’s nice having my privacy and if we were out in the open with it, I would lose that forever, but what’s the alternative? I can’t give any kind of PDA to the man I have fallen so madly in love within such a short time. If we do go out, he’s always in some kind of disguise and it’s horrible cause people look at me like I’m crazy for dating such a strange-looking man. In another world, Tom wouldn’t be famous, and we could go anywhere at any time and not have to worry about getting recognized.

“Y/N, let’s go!! Mandatory tree decorating, now!!!” My best friend, Alex, calls for me in the living room of the small apartment we shared. Christmas was always a big deal for the two of us and now that I’m dating Tom, this year was more important to me than ever.

“Coming!” I call back to her, grabbing my box of decorations I’ve inherited from my parents and grandparents, that we were going to look through and decide what was going to be put up. I step out of my room and walk down the hall to see Alex struggle with putting the star on the top of the tree.

I chuckle as I watch her, not sure why she opts to struggle all the time. “You do know we have a step-stool for this kind of thing, right?” I remind her for the third year in a row.

“I know but it’s not as satisfying as if I did it myself.” She says, right as she places the star on the top.

I shake my head and start untangling the red garland that we wrap around the white Christmas tree. Holiday music is playing from the Spotify playlist I made specifically for Christmas as we stop occasionally to sip our hot chocolate.

“So, when is Tom coming over?” Alex asks, glancing around the backside of the tree, where she hung ornaments.

“He flies in on the 22nd and stays until New Year’s Day.” I say, smiling to myself.

“He’s not going to see his family this year?” Alex asks, shocked to learn that Tom will be with me for the entire holiday week.

“No, actually this was his Mom’s idea. She really likes me and suggested we spend the holiday together, which is odd because I’ve only video chatted with her.”

“You’ve never met his parents?!”

“I haven’t yet. They’re back in London and I’m here and with my schedule and Tom’s filming schedules always fluctuating, we haven’t found any common time where we can go and meet in person.”

“Then how are you and Tom getting to spend the holiday together? You’re working up until Christmas day!”

“Well that’s the thing, he says he doesn’t mind just playing tourist while I work. He said he might sneak out to see me, take me to lunch, or breakfast depending on my shift, and then take me home; some days.”

“Are you sure he’s real? Like, I’ve never dated a guy who was that patient with my work schedule.”

“I know, he’s something else, but one hundred percent real. I’m really lucky to have him.”

                                                          December 22nd

                                                                        Tom’s POV

Finally, after a fifteen-hour flight, I landed in (Y/S) and told my driver the address to Y/N’s house. I was nervous, to say the least. My knee was bouncing uncontrollably as I wondered about celebrating the holidays with my girlfriend, getting to do cute couple things, all while keeping our secret. The drive wasn’t too long but the anticipation inside me made it feel much, much longer. I scroll through my social media accounts, sending out a tweet to my fans, just to let them know what I’m up to.

@tomholland13: Heading somewhere very special for Christmas this year. Wonder if my mates think I’ve been good this year….?

“Sir? We’re here.” The driver says to me and my heart speed up.

Here we go big boy, you got this. This is your girlfriend, whom you love more than anything, and she’s invited you to spend Christmas with her and her roommate, despite she’s having to work so much. You love her, you’ll do anything for her.

I jump out of the car, grab my backpack and fling it over my shoulder, and walk up three flights of stairs until I reach apartment 320. I reach up to knock on the door but before my hand even touches the door, it opens to reveal y/n, looking utterly beautiful in a Christmas shirt that read “What The Elf?” in sequences.

“Hi.” She says, with a big smile.

“Hi.” I breathe out, still not believing she’s mine.”

I rock on the balls of my feet and wonder if she was going to invite me inside or were we going to stand out here.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake y/n, let the boy in!” A voice calls from inside the apartment; her roommate I’m assuming.

“R-right, come in.” Y/N says, stepping to the side and letting me walk in, her following close behind me.

“Wow, this is a great place,” I say, sitting my backpack down against the front door before I look up, meeting her eyes. No words were spoken but I knew what she was thinking. Before I knew it, she was quickly coming towards me as she flung her arms around my shoulders; mine snaking around her back.

“I missed you, baby girl,” I whisper to her as she buries her face into my shoulder.

“I missed you, too.” She answers but is muffled by my shirt. “I’m so glad you’re here! Here, I’ll show you my room where you can keep all your stuff.”

She takes my hand and we walk to her room, where I throw my bag once again before I tackle her and we both fall onto her bed; her squeal and giggles fill the room. I keep her in my arms as my fingers dig into her sides, causing her to erupt into very loud cackling and a few snorts here and there. When I finally let her go, she hides her face. I chuckle at her and take her hands, just for her to hide her face again.

“Why are you hiding, silly girl?” I ask her, wondering why she feels she needs to hide from me.

“Because I cackle really loud and I snort and it’s so unattractive!” She groans, throwing her face in her pillows.

“I happen to find it very adorable and very, very attractive,” I say, laying on my stomach in a similar fashion to her.

“Really?” She asks, rolling over to face me.

“Yup. Everything you do is adorable. Why else do you think I asked you to be my girlfriend? I knew I wanted to make you smile and laugh for a long time so here we are.”

She smiles at me and moves closer to me, wrapping her arm around me and snuggles into my chest.

I kiss her hair and hide my face there for some time and soon enough, we’re both asleep.

                                                December 25th

                                                 Reader’s POV

With all the craziness from working retail around the holidays, I’m glad to have today off. I wake up to see that Tom was already awake, making breakfast for Alex and me. I walk over to him as he was working on the stove, and wrap my arms around his middle and snuggle into his back.

“Good morning, beautiful,” He says, rubbing my arms and pinching my waist affectionately.

“Good morning. Can I help?” I ask, peering over his shoulder to check out the food he was making.

“Nope, you’re too much of a distraction but, I do have an idea for something after breakfast.” He says, wiggling his way out of my grasp and I pout at the sudden coolness that he left behind.

After we eat and open presents, he asks me to get dressed in my best Christmas outfit and meet him back by the tree. I find my best Christmas dress and do my makeup before meeting Tom by the tree to find him wearing a dress shirt and slacks.

“What’s going on?” I ask, walking over to his side as he wraps his arm around my shoulder.

“I think it’s time we tell the truth. Being here with you these last few days, I don’t want to keep this quiet anymore; I have to brag about how amazing you are. And I can’t do that if people don’t think I have a girlfriend. I know you’re scared, I am too, but we can get through this together. You told me that you don’t want to go public because you think you’re “average” compared to me, but that’s not true at all. In fact, if anyone is average, it’s me. You’re incredible; you work so hard and you love everyone even if they don’t deserve it and I….”

He stops to pull me in front of him, making sure I can see him when he speaks up.

“I love you, Y/N.” He says, looking down at me with his big brown eyes that make anyone turn to mush.

“You do?” I ask.

“I do, I love you 3000.” He quotes Tony Stark from the last Avengers movie to me before he moves closer to push his lips onto mine. I instantly react, standing on my tip-toes to reach him, arms around his neck as I kiss him back. This was the first time he told me he loved me and with that kiss, I knew it was time.

“I love you too, Tom. It’s time.” He smiles and kisses me once again, before grabbing his phone and opens Instagram.

“Hey everyone, Tom Holland here, and I wanted to go live to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. You know, this year has been incredible for me. I’ve gotten to do a lot of cool things and be a part of some really great projects and meet some amazing people. But one person stands out to me more than anyone else. We met six months ago and we’ve been dating ever since. Yes, I am dating someone, and I know it’s a surprise to you guys but we wanted to keep our privacy. But now, we’ve decided to come out with our relationship. I’d like to introduce you guys to Y/N. I hope everyone can respect our privacy to a point but we understand that not all the time can we be let alone. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and we will see you all soon, bye!!!”

I was glad when the video was over but surprisingly gladder that we told the truth about our relationship and we don’t have to hide anymore.

“Best Christmas if you ask me,” I say to Tom, who just smiles at me and kisses my head.

“Me too. Merry Christmas, baby.”

“Merry Christmas, Tom.”

Tag list: @tloveswriting @simpleboox @juju-la-tortue @fandom-princess-forevermore @forever-trapped-in-my-dreams @marvelfansworld @grace15ella​ @damn-stark

[bartsfrogprince]

@writing-prompt-s

The king has asked you to take care of two dragons nearby. But it turns out they are retired, and just want to live a simple stress-free life.

---

Posting on request for @learningtoacceptchange and @quonit. Barely proofread. Sorries. 

But … I mean, like, why??? I really have no idea why King Roderick thought these two dragons in particular needed to be taken care of rather than just killed like the others. He could just dispatch an experienced knight to get rid of them and we could all get on with life. I suppose it’s not as though he needs my approval, or permission, or y’know - comprehension of the task I’ve been given. But, whatever, fine. Fine. I can take care of dragons. They’re just massive, marauding, murdering beasts. It’ll be fine.

Can’t be all that different than the castle dogs right? That’s what I usually did - tended to the dogs. I mean, not the hunting dogs. They needed training and keeping up with all that was just beyond me. The unclaimed mutts, ratters, and other various strays needed to be kept out the way though and I was good enough at that. Usually. I mean, what happened this morning wasn’t my fault. How was I to know the gerbils belonged to the princess daughter of a visiting queen? Okay, looking back, they were very nicely kept, clean rodents. But they were still rodents and letting the small dogs who were interested in that sort of thing into the room seemed like... well, precisely what I was supposed to do? I think?

Really, there’s no way I could’ve known she’d be bitten trying to save the little wastes of space. Who wants extra rodents around!? I mean, aren’t there enough rats and mice and voles and all the others without, like, intentionally introducing more of the things? But, princess plus dog bite plus me being blamed wasn’t something I wanted to happen. And apparently the king had taken that into account as, instead of being tossed into the dungeon, I’d been given a task away from the castle to give everyone some breathing space. Good thing he was having an understanding sort of day.

I’d never killed or even fought a dragon before. They’d show up every few years and one warrior or another would be sent to kill them. They usually came back a bit crispier around the edges than they’d left, but they did come back. That’s the important part. Can’t forget that this was a thing that could be done and, obviously, if the king sent me then he’s confident I can do it. Right?

They’d fitted me with armor before I left. It was a bit old and beginning to show rust spots, but it was still nice of them to supply me after I let them know I didn’t have any of my own. Hopefully it’d keep me from getting too crisped. The sword and shield were in a similar condition and didn’t seem the best tools for taking care of dragons. But beggars and choosers and all that, you know. I figured I’d have a look and then supply myself as necessary from there.

Which is how I currently found myself approaching the enormous cavern that led to an even more enormous maze of dry caves that everyone in the kingdom was constantly attempting to prevent their children from exploring. I’d been lost in them for three days as a child. Found my own way out and everything. Would’ve been nice if someone had noticed I was gone and come for me, but they hadn’t and it had all turned out fine so. Yeah. Dragons. Focus.

How does one introduce oneself to a dragon without being eaten? Um, well, the scariest person I’ve ever introduced myself to was the captain of the castle guard. That hadn’t been exactly intentional, though, and I didn’t think the dragons would appreciate me falling on top of them any more than the captain had. So probably not a great idea to go in there with? I’ll save it for a backup plan if I can’t think of something better.

I don’t have to actually come up with anything, as it turns out. I’d been told before leaving that the dragons were inside this cavern. Inside. So when a shadow passes over me, a huge gust of wind nearly blows me off my feet, and one of the dragons lands in the field outside the caves … I admit it takes me entirely by surprise. Don’t know why I’d expected them to stay inside. Considering too many other things to get to that one, I suppose.

I remember thinking the word massive to describe the dragons earlier and well, it certainly is that, but the rest of it … I don’t expect this beast to be doing much murdering or marauding in any form. He’s a sort of dark grey that gives the impression it was once a deep, lustrous black. His teeth and talons, while huge, are yellowed and cracked or missing entirely in the case of at least two fangs. His eyes burn red still but are obscured, as though they’re filled with smoke as well as flame. The wisps of white hair seem to be everywhere but on top of his head. Sprouting from his ears, trailing from the ends of his eyebrows, tufts at his shoulders and elbows … wait, do dragons usually have hair at all?

Anyway, the astoundingly ancient creature looks at me with an overpowering sense of fatigue. “Here already, warrior?” he sighs.

Warrior? What? Oh, sword and armor. Not how I want to start off. I quickly drop the sword and shield and hold my hands up to show that they are empty. “I’m,” I try to explain. But I’m staring at a dragon. I’m staring at a dragon that thinks I mean it harm and my throat is closed off. I make another attempt to speak and realize it’s not going to happen. I hold up one finger, indicating I need a moment … dragons understand all that sort of thing, I’m sure. I drop my pack, detach the waterskin, and have a good drink. That fixes me right up.

When I put the water back and look toward the dragon, he’s giving me a curious look. I don’t know why he’s looking that way over me drinking a bit of water, but as there doesn’t seem to be hostility of any sort I decide to continue introducing myself. “I’m not really a warrior.” I manage to get out the entire sentence.

“You don’t say? Care to tell me what you are then?” The dragon sounds … amused? Almost? 

“I’ve been sent by the king to take care of you! Well, both of you. I was told there were two dragons? I haven’t seen another dragon … I mean, ever. You’re the first dragon I’ve ever seen! But, yes, I’m here to take care of you. So, um, what do you need? I mean, as I’ve never met a dragon I’ve obviously never helped to care for one. So I really have no idea … how … to …” I trail off as the dragon’s eyebrows rise further and further and stop speaking entirely as an expression that is obviously a smile cracks across his scaled face. His laugh is so low I feel it more as a vibration in my chest than hear it.

“My mate is inside sleeping. The journey here was tiring for her. This was the order your king gave? To care for the dragons? What an odd change of pace. It is certainly not the reception we’re accustomed to from humans.” 

I decide not to mention that I don’t understand either. “That’s it. So, um. What can I do for you, Sir Dragon?”

The weird, chest-rumbling laugh again. “Sir Dragon? I suppose that will suffice as you would be incapable of actually pronouncing my name. And I should call you what? Carer?”

“I suppose that will suffice,” I reply, proud of myself for sounding as dignified as Sir Dragon. Doesn’t matter what my real name is, if the dragon wants to call me Carer he can. I mean, not that I’m scared to correct him or anything at this point, but just … a dragon wants to give me a new name? That’s cool, right? But, unfortunately, I still have no idea what to do next. How to take care of a dragon. So I just. Look. At him. Uh….

The dragon sighs and his smile becomes a smaller, friendlier thing. He settles his tattered wings across his scarred back and turns to enter the cavern. “Come, Carer. Inside. We’ll have a cuppa and discuss this arrangement.” I follow, hoping he doesn’t expect me to explain the why of it all to him. Because I can’t. I mean, I really hope they just ask me to sweep or fetch and carry and things of that sort.

That’s what I find myself doing by the end of the afternoon. Lady Dragon was sweet as can be following her nap. After it was explained to her that I hadn’t been brought along as a snack, at least. Her wings had dragged alongside her as she emerged from the deeper caves. They’d explained she suffered from pain in the joints where they attached to her back, especially after exertion like flying all the way to the kingdom. That got my attention. 

I launched into telling them all about the witch in the woods nearby. I started by telling them all about her cottage. It’s a seriously crazy place. I mean, it used to be made of candy. Like, actual you could walk up and take a bite candy. Not that anyone dared to. Witch in a house of candy? Even I know better. But, seriously, it was an awful mess every time it rained. And the ants. God, the ants … So, it was just wood and stone now. But it used to be candy. Also, she makes an arthritis remedy that the king’s mother swears by and that’s what I actually wanted to tell the dragons about. The candy cottage just had to be described in detail first, since they’d never get the chance to see it themselves because it’s not candy anymore.

So, I’d gone to get enough salve for a dragon. The witch demanded the tip of my pinkie finger and the promise of a future unnamed favor as payment. I told her that was ridiculous and managed to talk her down to just the favor. So, as the sun sets, I’m rolling an entire barrel of arthritis salve across the meadow towards the cave and thinking of just how pleased King Roderick will be with me for taking such excellent care of the dragons.

[artschoolfreddie]

You’re My Best Friend

a/n: hey! i came across @quirkysubject‘s queen prompt meme the other day and as i was reading through it, i came up with an idea of my own - the boys just hanging out as friends. so i started thinking about it more and i decided to write a short little one shot about it!! i’m pretty proud of how it turned out, since i haven’t written much of anything, so hopefully you guys like it too! please give me feedback, that would be very much appreciated, and let me know what you think!! (i also posted it on my ao3 here)

words: 1.6k

no warnings, just friendship

The cool spring breeze came though the opened windows of Roger and Freddie’s flat. It was March and university had started, and work was piling up for everyone. After a short band meeting with Brian and John, they all decided it was better to stay here and do some work than to go all the way back home, they figured they could all study together. Although Freddie didn’t study much, being an art student, but he didn’t mind, he could find something to work on.

After the (very short) meeting, they all got to work, Brian reading an astronomy book (something about Zodiacal dust?), sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the coffee table, across from the tan couch in the living room. John was working on what seemed to be some sort of schematic or blueprint, in between Brian and Freddie, on a yellow bean bag Freddie found in a random stall in Kensington Market. Freddie, on the floor with his back on the couch and across from Brian, seemed to be working on a number of things at once, flipping through a sketchbook, drawing a bit on each one, until he finally settled on one and paid extra attention to it, content with what he started with. Roger… well Roger was studying for a Biology test he had coming up, but got a bit bored and distracted, so he started to read some magazine that was lying on the coffee table in front of him, while he himself was sitting upside down on the couch, long blond hair touching the floor.

It was quiet, a good noise level for studying, but Freddie couldn’t take it anymore. He could handle it for a bit, but the sound of pages turning was starting to become deafening. He broke his view of his sketchbook and looked around. All three boys were entranced in what they were doing and didn’t seem to notice or be bothered by the quiet. He quickly did a double take of Roger sitting upside down and smiled to himself. What an idiot, he thought, lovingly, of course. He glanced down at Roger’s long locks and couldn’t help but give them a quick tug, causing Roger to yelp and drop the magazine he was gazing at on his face. His yelp also startled John, who looked up at the ruckus, and Brian, who also dropped the heavy book he was reading on his face.

“Rog!” Brian groaned, sitting up and giving Roger the biggest death stare he could muster. “What was that for?! I dropped my book on my face!”

“Don’t blame me, Fred pulled my hair out!” Roger whined back, rolling on his side and ‘accidentally’ kicked Freddie’s head.

“Oh, never mind then, thanks for that Freddie.” Brian gave Freddie and Roger a big smile, to which Roger just scoffed in reply and contemplated throwing a pillow at Brian, they were called throw pillows after all.

“Don’t be so dramatic, dear, it was just a slight tug. Besides, I thought you’d be used to that by now.” Quickly dodging another ‘accidental’ kick from Roger, Freddie stood up and looked at John who snorted and was giggling in amusement.

“Not sure you have room to talk about being dramatic, Fred.” John giggled again, watching Freddie as he got up from the floor and made his way towards the turntable in a corner of the room next to a window.

“Me!? Dramatic?! Oh, I would never, why would you ever suggest that Deaky dear?” Recanted Freddie as he took a random record from an old box on the floor. These records were Roger’s most prized possessions, and hated it when anyone even thought about taking one in case they weren’t careful enough, but he didn’t mind when Freddie took one – he trusted him. The record in questions was Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland, a band favorite. He put it on the turntable and carefully placed the needle to the first track, and let it play.

“Hendrix. Good choice.” Brian said and got up from his place on the floor and followed Freddie to the kitchen, where he was starting to put water in a kettle. Roger and John decided to follow as well, finding it extremely hard to work without tea or some snacks.

“Yes of course darlings, I can make you guys some tea, thank you for asking!” Freddie said – maybe sarcastically, the boys couldn’t really tell (they could, they loved to annoy him) – when he realized that they all gathered around the kitchen with him, picking at some sweets and other food that was left over from other flat mates.

“I didn’t know you can read minds, add that to the long list of things to keep note of when I’m around you.” Roger chuckled and ate some peanuts that were laying around, realizing that he probably needed to clean this table up more, it was a mess – he’d have to tell one of his flat mates about it.

“I don’t think Fred would want to see what’s going on in your mind.” John quipped and Brian stifled a laugh. Roger could really be thinking about three things – girls, cars, or music. And John was right, Freddie – if he did have mind reading powers, which unfortunately, he didn’t – did not want to take that chance.

“He’s right, if I could read minds, I wouldn’t waste my time with your minds. I’d read, I don’t know, Marie Antoinette’s mind, to see what she was thinking. And how she’d spend all her riches, oh, and what kind of jewels she liked best.”

“I’d read Jimi Hendrix’s mind, maybe I’ll be half as good as him if I knew what was in his mind and how it worked.” Brian contemplated this as Voodoo Chile played in the background, letting the bluesy guitar take over his senses. The rest of the boys nodded and quietly agreed, Jimi Hendrix also being one of their favorite artists, one of the few things they could all agree on. “Actually, maybe I’d read Leonardo Da Vinci’s mind. I like Italians.”

“How boring. I’d read John Lennon’s mind, a musical genius and I’d like to get in his head. He’s already had such a big impact on the world, it would be interesting to know what’s in his head.” Roger chewed with his mouth opened as he said this, so Freddie gave him a glare as if to say You better close your mouth before I make you.

“All interesting, but I’d probably read William Burrough’s mind. The man’s seen and done more than I ever will, maybe I can catch a glimpse of what goes on in that kind of… environment.” John ended with a laugh, and the others followed suit. As quiet and calm Deaky was, he could go wild and cause lots of trouble, never underestimate the quiet one.

The boys thought about their decisions and all agreed with each other, thinking Of course he would pick them, knowing each other so well, they basically knew each other’s answers before anyone said them.

Suddenly, the kettle started screeching and startled them out of their thoughts. Freddie got the kettle while Brian took some teacups out of the cabinets, already knowing where they were, having been here many times before. John also knew where the teabags were, third drawer from the right, and took a box of Earl Grey tea, Freddie’s favorite. At the same time, Roger got the sugar cubes from the drawer next to him and prepared the area to make room for the tea. Freddie poured everyone a cup and fixed themselves their tea to their liking.

The smell of the Earl Grey, the sound of Hendrix, and the cool breeze was calming. Feeling content and happy in the moment, John couldn’t help but smile. He was with his bandmates, who happened to be his best friends, drinking Earl Grey tea – of all things 20 something year olds would be drinking on a Saturday – listening to music and enjoying each other’s company. He only met the guys a few months ago, but he already felt at home and was completely comfortable with them. This wasn’t exactly what John imagined when he thought of college life years ago, but he wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“What’s on your mind, Deaks?” Brian asked, a hint of a laugh in his voice and small smile on his face, bringing his tea to his mouth and taking a sip.

“Oh, you know,” John laughed slightly, “just thinking about how I imagined life would be like in Uni versus what it���s actually like.”

“What, like we don’t party and have a really good time?” Roger and Freddie looked at each other and couldn’t help but giggle, reminiscing on all of the alcohol fueled nights at their little market stall, trying on ridiculous clothes and whatnot.

John almost spit out his tea with that interaction and he remembered all the debauchery that went on with his newer friends, especially with those two. “Well, yes of course but you know,” John started, “I just didn’t think I’d be drinking Earl Grey with Jimi Hendrix playing in the background on a Saturday having a study session with my best friends, you know.”

A couple of hm’s were heard, and again, the boys agreed. It was a bit unusual to be doing this when they could be doing practically anything else, but none of them minded. It was nice, spending time with each other, not just as a band, but as friends. They knew they had a good future because of it, a band that stays together have a very good chance to be successful. And none of them would want to share the fame, money, success, and the hardships, with anyone else. They were all each other best friends, after all.

“I’m hungry, you guys wanna get some lunch?” Roger broke the comforting silence, and a chorus of yeah’s followed. The boys quickly finished their tea and headed out the door.

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

just in case you wanted to be tagged @seven-seas-of-ham-on-rhye​!!!

[ohmeohmayohmy]

With the Slightest Smile, Chapter 1

(or Prologue)

Brian May x Reader, maybe other pairings ;)

Hello all! I am new to the fic-writing game, this being my first one of any considerable length, so this is going to be learning process, and I’m a little nervous. Fair warning, I’m more accustomed to writing scripts and academic papers, but I appreciate any comment on my work. If you have any tips or feedback please feel free. Anyway, this little series I started on a whim, with nothing concrete but some ideas running around ;) {Also, please note that I am not entirely sure when Smile was formed exactly, other than the year, so if it is inaccurate to your knowledge, I apologize}

Summary: Reader (that’s you, babe!) and Brian are best friends and roommates, but someone wants to be more...slow burn baby. This starts in Smile era, but it’ll pick up once some ground work has been made. There will be angst, fluff, and perhaps some other stuff in the future, but this chapter is meant to establish some things before we really get going.

Warnings: For this chapter, just some sparing language here and there.

Words: 5.7k exactly :-))

_____________________________

February 2, 1968

“Hey now, why didn’t you tell me you were looking for a drummer?”

Brian looked up at you, shaken out of his nearly comatose state of study, and put his textbook face-open on his chest. “Hmm?”

You picked up the scrap of paper you had tossed onto the coffee table in the middle of what could only be called the living room with great generosity. “I saw some flyer posted in the hallway, you’re auditioning drummers for your new band with Tim?”

He shrugged and gave a half-smile. “Yeah, I would’ve told you but I don’t think Tim and that boyfriend of yours get along too well. Wouldn’t make for a very peaceful band experience,” he rearranged his face into a full faced and genuine, but slightly provoking, grin.

Brian knew Joshua was not really your boyfriend, just some thick-skulled puppy man who was constantly asking for your help in his entry level biology class. It wasn’t your fault he happened to be mildly attractive and liked to praise your intelligence every once in a while. It also wasn’t your fault that he happened to be a completely inept drummer with an ego problem.

You rolled your eyes at your roommate. “I wasn’t proposing you give Joshua the gig, he’s certainly no Ginger Baker.”

Brian chuckled at your annoyance, he had always appreciated the feisty side that you have carried with you throughout your life. It was one of the things he appreciated most about you. Aside from your eyes, and your smile, and your hair, and your laugh…

“Bri?” You softened a bit, noticing his slight daze. He snapped back to reality.

“Oh,” he laughed nervously and shook his head. “Pardon me, Y/N. I zoned out there, what were you saying?”

You gave him a warm smirk and playfully rolled your eyes again. Absent-minded professor. “It’s not important.”

You turned around and walked away to put your bag in your bedroom. The door creaked open, like it always did, and you winced, like you always did. Despite the hellhole of an apartment, you quite liked your own space. It had a nice window that overlooked the street and simple white curtains as a frame. The quilt on the bed was bright blue and contrasted the dull grey walls, while the grey rug on the light wood floor complemented it. It was a bit small, and the bookshelves you had crammed in it really enhanced that fact, but it was home, or at least reminded you of it. And with your best mate living with you, you hardly noticed the change in locale, domestically speaking. With a sigh, you threw the bag onto your bed and flopped down next to it. Only meaning to rest your eyes for a bit, you were startled awake by Brian calling from outside your door.

“Hey, Y/N, what do you want for dinner?”

Groaning, you looked hopefully at the alarm clock on your dresser. There’s no way it’s already dinnertime. Shit. You bolted up and practically bounced into the living room. Brian was still sitting in the same chair as he had been when you arrived. Upon seeing your state of mild frenzy, he placed his textbook on the floor and got up.

He looked concerned, if not frightened. “Didn’t mean to scare you, love, ’s only dinner.” Brian shot you a reassuring glance that calmed you instantly.

“Oh no, Bri, you didn’t startle me. I didn’t realize how late it had gotten, and I need to go to the art supply store before they close. ’M sorry I forgot about our dinner plans.” You must’ve looked very distraught with apology.

“It’s alright, Y/N.” Brian gently placed his hands on your shoulders as a means of comforting you. “I can drive you there, if you want,” he offered. “Where is ‘there’, exactly?”

“It’s over by Beat-Nick’s, it’s not that far. I can walk, just need to get going.” You lightly brushed Brian’s hands off of your arms and reached for your keys on the kitchen counter. He grabbed them but didn’t hand them to you.

“I could go for some tea,” he mused.

You tried to grab the keys from him, but he anticipated your attack and held them high above his head. With a small, indignant sigh, you crossed your arms, knowing you would never win in a game of height, especially against your titan of a roommate. Brian, acknowledging your acceptance of defeat, smiled and grabbed his car keys.

“Let’s go.”

* * *

The drive was much quicker than the walk you customarily took, and Brian made the shopping even more enjoyable. You talked passionately about embroidery floss and wool, and though he didn’t hold the same excitement, Brian loved the soft delight in your face when you touched the materials.

The supplies you needed were for the gifts you gave your friends annually for Valentine’s Day. Though you were busy studying to be a nurse, you never skipped out on making little homemade things for loved ones. This year you were determined to make them simple, especially since it was your last term in your program and the workload was extensive. The problem with that, however, was coming up with simple ideas. One of the things you were most known for was the extent to which you went overboard for the holidays, even the unimportant ones like Valentine’s. You truly couldn’t help it, you enjoyed making others feel showered in love at any given opportunity.

“What about this one?”

Looking over to your companion, you saw he was holding up a vivid marigold color. He was grinning with a simple fascination, the light from the ceiling making it glisten like a liquid gold, but you were more content gazing at the shine dancing across Brian’s delicately angular face. It was striking to you that he was so transfixed on the floss. He looked quietly pleased, so you nodded in agreement and took it from his grasp to place it in the small basket you held in the crook of your arm. It was full of knick knacks that you accumulated into a heap throughout the time you spent browsing, and you suddenly felt a pang of guilt.

“This trip is lasting a little longer than I expected Bri, ’m sorry to keep you waiting for dinner. You can go across the way to the cafe to get that tea you wanted while I finish up here, then we can go back to the apartment to start cooking,” you tenderly grabbed his forearm and squeezed it gently. His breath hitched at the contact, but to you it seemed as though he jumped at your touch, so you quickly removed it. He focused on disallowing the disappointment from breaking across his face, and swallowed heavily.

“Eh, I don’t really mind. We can go to check out, it’s not going to kill me.” Jokingly, Brian patted his stomach, acknowledging his slight frame. You stifled a giggle and nodded. He gestured for you to lead the way, so you passed him to move to the cashier. Much to your chagrin, Brian insisted on paying for it and refused for you to. Eventually a compromise was made, with each of you paying for half. Once the goods were bagged up, the pair of you left the shop and crossed the street to Beat-Nick’s, your favorite cafe.

* * *

Beat-Nick’s was a small building full of overstuffed loveseats, paisley couches, and tables accompanied by rustic benches. You loved the lighting fixtures that coated the patrons with warmth to contrast with the frostiness outside. The employees all knew you by name and order, but were surprised by the man you brought with you. He’d come in by himself occasionally to write papers, and was always polite, but mostly kept to himself. This contrasted with you, although you were a relatively reserved person, you were also a relatively friendly person and enjoyed some casual conversation on occasion.

You noticed some people looking at the two of you as you stood near the entrance and became self conscious. Turning to Brian, you motioned to an empty table in the corner, to which he nodded and you both walked over to sit down. As you walked, you began to peel your overcoat off, but Brian couldn’t, since he was holding the paper bag containing thread and random fragments of soft and beautiful fabrics you couldn’t afford full portions of. Setting the bag on the surface of the table, he shimmied out of his layers, then grabbed yours to drape on the coat rack nearby. You muttered a thank you and then started toward the counter, Brian shortly followed in suit.

The girl taking your order asked if you wanted the usual lavender chamomile, you happily confirmed then looked at Brian quizzically. He got the hint and leaned down toward the barista to request a standard Earl Grey with a spot of honey. Anticipating his move to pay, you quickly reached into your purse and handed her the money, then used the excess as a tip. She informed him that the beverages would be brought to the table as he was moving to the side to wait. You laughed softly and ushered him back to the table you shared.

You sat on the side with the better view of the entrance, as you always did. A little habit of yours, you liked being able to see whoever was coming in or out of a restaurant so you could situate yourself with the surroundings, and Brian never seemed to mind. Especially since he knew he could steal a glance at you while you were surveying a room. Once you completed your scan, you returned your attention to the lanky man sitting across from you. He quickly averted his eyes to the specials board above the bar behind you, hoping you didn’t suspect he was watching you. Of course you didn’t. You never did.

“So, tell me more about this new band you’ve cooked up with Tim.”

Brian smiled bashfully, he liked it when you shared interest in his endeavors, especially music. He would insist that you join in for a show once in a while, but you never felt as though your singing or piano skills were performance ready. It was more of a hobby than a passion.

“Well,” he cleared his throat, “we are looking for a right skilled drummer that aligns with our vision. A synonymous rocker.”

Another employee came over and placed the tray down in the middle of the table with a shyness that only you seemed to notice, with Brian feeling timid himself.

He always felt a bit awkward talking about his rock and roll music around others, feeling as though he didn’t fit the type of the genre. He didn’t think curly hair and skinny arms were exactly what one might envision when thinking of a guitarist, but you always liked his natural look. It was intriguing and unique, but Brian never listened when you talked to him about his appearance, he would kind of shut it out. He couldn’t bring himself to think as a physical person around you, he just wanted to be invisible in that way since he didn’t think you would find him attractive. But that had never been the case. You thought he was quite easy on the eyes, but he would blush to a shade of vermilion if you were to say so.

The waitress walked back behind the counter and Brian let out a small sigh of relief.

“Tim looked at his school, but there didn’t seem to be anyone fitting the bill.”

You nodded and took a sip of your tea, the floral taste always a little shocking or unexpected, and you smiled into your cup as Brian lifted his own. The comfortable silence you shared was soothing and familiar. Calmly chatting and people-watching in each other’s company was a lovely way to spend an early Friday evening. Once your cups were drained, Brian got up and grabbed the coats while you smoothed out your skirt and blouse. After putting your outerwear on, you hoisted the crafts bag onto your hip and exited the cafe with Brian’s arm around your shoulders.

_______________

February 14

The keys were stuck in the door and the lock wasn’t turning so you had to pound on it, hoping Brian would promptly open up for you, the pizza in your arms was hot enough to be uncomfortable. Just as you managed to pull the keys from the lock’s clutches and dropped them to the floor, the door flew open. Laughing, Brian stooped down to grab them off the ground and moved out of the way for you to come into the space. You could tell he had been cleaning. Since he didn’t have class or rehearsal that day, he was a busy body with nothing to do.

Putting the box on the table, you let out a deep breath and fanned your face. Brian rolled his eyes but then configured his face into the heartwarming grin you had come to know and love. Not love. Well, love, but not like that. You had to remind yourself that you two weren’t some cliche, childhood friends being desperately and madly in love with each other. Not like everyone said you were. Living together doesn’t mean jack shit. And you were certain Brian did not think of you in that way.

Brian did indeed think of you in that way.

He had for seven years and counting.

“I got just cheese this time, can’t have a repeat of last year’s olive crisis,” you teased. Brian faked a groan and a grimace in remembrance of the fiasco. Turns out the carrot cake you had prepared for last year’s traditional Valentine’s Day dinner did not mix well with the topping of choice for him. You gave him a playful nudge and went on your merry way to toss the purse into your open room.

“How did Stella like the handkerchief you made her?”

“She thought your choice of yellow was stunning,” you remarked as you made your way back to the common area. This made Brian quite pleased with his aesthetic eye.

He grabbed plates from the cupboard with a small clunk and carefully set them down on your coffee table. You kicked your damp shoes off before flinging yourself onto the worn couch as Brian opened the pizza box and dropped down on the “study chair”.

Putting a slice on your plate, you noticed that you didn’t have anything to drink. Brian saw the look of realization on your face and instantly knew what you meant, hopping up and striding over to the kitchen to amend it. You smiled and put a slice onto his plate for when he came back.

“Couldn’t get any wine this year, ’s water good with you?” Brian called from the sink. You turned and nodded. You preferred water anyway.

Beaming, Brian hands you a glass and returned to his seat.

“Cheers, love.” He lifted his glass. You mirrored his action, and the improperly used wine glasses made a delicate clink as they met.

As Brian reached for his slice, he noticed something written on the side of the box.

“What’re you looking at there, Bri?”

He pointed to the short note and read it aloud, “It says ‘Next Saturday? Mark’ with a heart. And then a phone number.” You blushed.

“Oh, that’s one of the employees at Harry’s. He’s always been kind to me, I guess Valentine’s Day brings out something in people.”

Brian felt crestfallen as he observed your reaction to this Mark fellow, but managed to keep a neutral expression.

“Do you think you’re going to?”

“Call ’im?”

He nodded.

“I don’t know him very well, ’m not sure I’d be comfortable with that. Besides, he doesn’t matter right now. Tonight is only us.” You were aware of the strange phrasing, but you didn’t care, you just wanted the moment to be over. While Brian did not feel very reassured, he also didn’t want to start something. A bout of silence settled in as he continued eating, you didn’t look at him nor notice him looking at you sadly. He didn’t mean to, but the eyes couldn’t hide much.

While you sat without a word, you started to think about this tradition the two of you had formed years ago. You remembered it as the time of your first heartbreak. Must’ve been five years ago. Though you had been desperate then, you could only look at it fondly.

--February 14, 1963--

“I don’t want to go to dinner, Brian. I just want to stay at home,” you spoke into the phone, your voice slightly garbled with sadness.

Of course he understood every word you said, it was Brian. “C’mon, Y/N. It’s not all as bad as it seems,” your best friend calmly suggested, his voice completely devoid of patronization or mimicry.

“I know it’s silly. I’m only fifteen and he’s not the one, but I need to be sad right now. I’ll be okay soon.”

Brian’s heart broke for you as you said every word, he couldn’t muster up something to say without giving it all away. You couldn’t know. Not yet. Maybe when you were older, when he was over you. If he was over you.

“Bri?” You almost sobbed in the absence of his comfort. “I’m sorry to disappoint you. I can’t bring myself to be your date this time.” This caught his attention.

“What? Oh no, Y/N! Don’t worry about me, ’s just the usual family dinner.”

You loved his parents, and since yours were always celebrating a romantic Valentine evening away from home, you often tagged along with the Mays. Sometimes a grandparent or a family friend would come and every year the question “Are you two dating?”, or some variation of it, would arise. Normally it wouldn’t bother you, but this year it seemed a sore subject.

“Thanks for understanding, Bri. Maybe another time? I know your parents will miss out on the Me time,” you smiled at your own stupid joke.

“Haha, I’m sure they would.” He had an idea. “Gotta go, Y/N.”

Brian abruptly hang up before you could get a goodbye out.

You were alone. Even Brian left you. You knew rationally that he had an outing with his parents that was damn near impossible to get out of, but you still felt a twinge of abandonment. It’s not his fault.

Emerging from the mound of blankets piled on top of you, and getting off the couch you threw yourself on, you got up to make some tea.

It had been two weeks since the breakup with your first boyfriend happened. You were expecting him to ask you to be his date to the Valentine’s dance, but then you ran into him in the nearby park in which he was snogging some bleach-blonde girl you had never met or seen before. He didn’t notice you at first, but when you approached him he tore himself away from the stranger. With tears in your eyes, you told him you were through; you will never tolerate a cheater. The girl he was with was upset too and stormed off, making it clear to you that he hadn’t told her he was already dating someone. You hadn’t seen him since.

Not knowing how long you’d been entranced, the kettle’s whistle startled you out of your seemingly habitual reliving of that moment, and you quickly moved to turn it off before you realized you hadn’t gotten a tea bag out. The selection your mother had was quite extensive, and really rather impressive, but you always went with the Earl Grey anyway. While you began to steep your cup, a knock came at the door.

Not knowing what to expect, you quickly move to the front of your house and realize the knocking must be coming from the back. That’s peculiar.

You made your way across the family room and through the sun room that led to the garden you started some springs prior. Carefully unlocking the door, you peer out into the heathery sky of dusk to see a skinny, puffy-haired, and slightly red from either the cold or a lack of oxygen caused by sprinting boy fretting over his shirt collar, holding one of those new-fangled pizza boxes on his arm. With a sigh of relief, you let out a hearty laugh at the sight. Brian looked up to see you with your tear-soaked face breaking into the sweetest expression he’d ever seen. It was enough to give him butterflies, and in return, he gave you the kind smile you’d always remember.

“Sorry I’m late, love.” He’s never called me that before. I like it.

“Please, come in Bri.” He happily obliged. You wiped your face dry as you spoke with joy in your voice, “I was just pouring myself a cup of tea, would you like some?”

“Uh, what kind are you having?”

“Earl Grey, it’s the best.”

Brian mocked gagging then shrugged in good cheer, “I’ve never been too fond of Earl Grey.”

You stuck your tongue out at him as you took the pizza away from him and into the kitchen. “You’ve never had it the way I make it,” you beamed.

He looked playfully suspicious. “If you insist.”

“Trust me, when you’re my age you’ll understand.” You went to reach for a second teacup.

“Alright, just because you were born on May 19 and I was born on July 19 does not make you wiser than me.” He rolled his eyes, repeating the same line he’d been using for years. You just loved the familiar banter.

“Mind your elders, boy,” you waggled a finger at him as you poured hot water into his cup. Brian laughed, happy to see that you’d perked up at his arrival.

He watched as you brushed a few rogue hairs out of your face and swept into the rest of your messy mane. He adored how utterly you you were in that moment he shared with you. You met his gaze with a similar admiration, but he didn’t think you were reciprocating the sentiment. You didn’t know why, but there was something different about Brian May on that brutal English winter’s day. It was nice.

Brian cleared his throat, “Shall we eat before the food gets cold?” You nodded as you handed him the tea.

Together, you walked to the box, set your teacups down, and Brian opened the top.

“I didn’t know what kind you would be in the mood for.” He sounded sheepish. “So I went with a simple cheese only option.”

You felt a wave of overwhelming affection for your best friend and wrapped your arms around him. He was surprised at first but melted into you, embracing your much shorter stature. The scene seemed to freeze into a tableau. You were the first to release, and Brian felt even more sheepish.

You turned to get plates from a cupboard, but he stopped you.

“They gave me some paper ones. We won’t have to clean up after ourselves.”

“God knows how much you hate cleaning,” you joked. He lifted his arms as if to protest, but instead nodded in agreement.

Brian helped himself to a cheesy piece, then placed one on your plate.

Time blurred as the pair of you talked about music and other things going on in life. It felt to you that no time had passed. But suddenly Brian stopped conversing and reached into his pocket. You didn’t know what he was up to.

“I know you think life is a little sad and disappointing right now, Y/N.”

He looked down as he spoke to you. You felt a pang of nervousness as he was talking and couldn’t place your finger on the reason. The sudden shift in atmosphere was not anticipated.

“And I just want you to know that it’s not all bad...you’ve got me.”

“Of course, Bri, I know. And you’ve got me.”

The words he’d been dying to hear from you for years. But he knew you didn’t mean it. Not quite the way he wanted.

“And I know I’m not exactly the one you’d want to be spending this evening with, but if it’s all the same to you, I’m glad I get to be the one.” Brian was selecting his word choice very carefully, but it went over your head.

“I’d choose you over Adam any day. You’re always gonna be my first choice, Bri.”

The sweet music of your sentence washed over him. Even if it wasn’t how he’d hoped, he felt invincible in your esteem.

“I got you a little something, Y/N,” Brian’s voice had a tremble to it that was undetectable to you. He pulled out a small box from his pocket and pushed his cupped hand toward you. You carefully picked up the dainty gift and opened it gingerly.

Heavenly Blue.

It was a small bottle of very fancy lavender perfume. Your eyes welled up at the thoughtfulness. Brian knew lavender was the first flower you had successfully grown. Bringing him into another embrace, a tear slipped down your cheek but you wiped it away before he could see and placed a peck on his forehead as you let go.

Rapidly, your face of pure content turned into one of embarrassment. Brian looked concerned at this sudden change.

“You alright, Y/N?”

This is embarrassing.

“Yes, Bri. God, yes. I just- I have a gift for you too, but now I’m too ashamed to give it to you.”

“Why?”

“It’s just, it’s not good enough for you-”

“Nonsense! I know it’s perfect-”

“Let me get you something better-”

The rapidfire sentences tripping over each other progressively got louder but stopped when Brian gave a quiet, “No.”

You reluctantly got up from your seat at the dining table and hurried to your bedroom. Grabbing a nicely wrapped present on your desk, you rushed to return to the awaiting boy sitting alone. You placed the box in front of him and blushed.

Brian tore the paper politely, if one could, and lifted the lid off. His face lit up as he removed a long white scarf from the box.

“It’s magnificent!”

“I,” you started, feeling self conscious, “made it myself.”

His eyes lifted to meet yours.

“God, Y/N. It’s perfect.”

--1968--

You smiled wistfully at the thought of your younger days. This man sitting with you never failed to make you happy, and you were extremely grateful for him.

Returning your attention to Brian, you reached over to pat his hand. “The place looks wonderful.”

“I know how hard you’ve been working yourself lately.”

Kind as ever.

“You ready for the Great Exchange?” You cocked your eyebrow melodramatically.

Without missing a beat, Brian said, “Indeed,” in a matching tone of superfluous haughtiness.

You gleefully hopped up and skipped over to your room, and Brian snuck off to his. You returned to the living room first and sat patiently on the couch as you heard various noises coming from down the hall. Eventually, Brian reemerged looking triumphant.

He flopped back into his seat and faced you, brimming with excitement. You radiated a similar energy. You gave each other your respective packages, arguing over who would go first. It was his turn to initiate.

With great care, Brian undid the ribbon tied around the slim shape, knowing full well that it was a record. Upon finishing his painstaking process of unfolding and unsticking, he finally got a good look at the object. It was a copy of the first Jimi Hendrix Experience album “Are You Experienced,” signed by Noel Redding. Brian was speechless.

“How…?”

You laughed. “I have my ways.”

He was dumbstruck with awe. You loved it when his face expressed such joy.

“Thank you,” he finally choked out, his mouth seeming to have gone dry. You got up halfway and kissed him on the forehead. This shook him out of his daze and he looked at you.

“Anything for my best mate. I know it’s not homemade like they usually are, but somehow this seemed better.”

Brian could not contain his adoration, but the use of “best mate” stung a little. He felt extremely guilty that he was only thinking about that when you had just given him something so wonderful, thoughtful, and awesome (in both its literal and colloquial senses).

Snapping out of his inner realm, he motioned for you to open yours.

The small silver box was not wrapped, simply done up with a messy bow that only Brian could make, despite his gorgeously skilled and dexterous fingers. You untied and opened the contained to find a small, dazzling jewel the light color of lavender on a silver bracelet chain. It was stunning.

“Thank you, Bri. I love it.”

He helped you with the clasping fixture to secure it around your wrist, fitting perfectly.

After a few moments, you began clearing the dishes and washing them in the sink while Brian sat on the counter drying freshly cleaned ones.

“I have another audition tomorrow, if you’d like to come check out the talent,” he piped up over the rushing sound of warm water showering from the faucet. Setting the last ware down, you peeled off your rubber gloves.

“I’d love to, but I'm afraid I won’t be able to stay long. I have another tutoring lesson with that Elaine girl tomorrow.”

“Ah. She’s quite the handful, isn’t she?”

You gave him a very dead-faced expression of regret.

“Well, on the bright side, you’re almost done with tutees forever,” Brian consoled. With that, you felt a great urge to give him some news you’d been keeping from him.

“Okay, Brian, I have something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a few days. The time just never came up, so it’s not that I meant to hide it from you, but…”

His breath hitched.

“...I’ve been offered a nursing position in Helsinki!”

His heart stopped.

“Once I finish my studies, of course.” You were ecstatic at the mere thought of it. It was your dream to move out of England to pursue what you loved, and here the opportunity presented itself.

Brian found himself speechless for the second time that evening, but this was an instance of sorrow rather than delight. He was finally losing you. Actually losing you.

“Helsinki?”

“Mmhmm! I mean, I’ve heard from that hospital in Cardiff too, but I think this is really what I want.”

What you wanted. Brian felt horrible for only thinking about how this would affect him, what he wanted.

“Well, I guess you’d better start working on your Finnish,” he quipped. You laughed and gave him a hug to the best of your ability, with him sitting on the counter still.

He yawned.

“You can go to bed, Bri. I can Finnish up in here.” You waited for a bounding reaction to your terribly funny joke, but Brian only gave you a half-hearted chuckle.

“Thank you,” he slid down from the countertop, “for a great evening, love.”

As he was slinking down the hallway, you called after him. “I’ll see you at the audition!”

Putting the last clean plate in the cupboard, you smiled to yourself. It’s all going to be okay. You went into the bathroom to brush your teeth and cleanse your face, feeling a little melancholy. You were going to apart from your family and friends. Including Brian. Oh God. You shook your head. Don’t be silly. He’s happy for you. He’ll be making a name for himself soon enough. With that, you felt satisfied enough to call it a night and crept to your room, closing the door.

It didn’t creak. You didn’t notice.

_______________

February 15

“He was good,” you said in a low volume.

“He was, yeah, but I don’t know, Y/N.” Brian had said the same thing about the last three drummers who had come into the audition room.

“What was wrong with ‘im? Too tall? Too brunet?”

“I just don’t picture him as the completing piece for Smile.”

Brian did not seem to be in a good mood that afternoon. Maybe it was because he hadn’t slept the night before thinking about you leaving. Maybe it was because he still felt guilty for how he had internally reacted to your wonderful news. Maybe it was because he was seriously considering giving up on the band so he could accompany you to Finland. He wasn’t sure, and it broke his heart that he felt torn between the two loves of his life.

“Well, maybe the next one will be satisfactory,” you encouraged. You weren’t oblivious to Brian’s downer disposition of the day, and you hated seeing him like that. You felt somewhat responsible, realizing you should’ve put more consideration into how you broke the news to him. He always took everything to heart, feeling too deeply. Sometimes you admired that about him, but in moments like this you wished you could free him from that burden.

“I’m going to get you something to drink down the street, I will be back briefly.” You rushed out of the room and paused at the door to flash Brian a grin. He wasn’t looking.

Brian sat alone in silence for what seemed an eternity, only brought out of his sulk by the sound of the door opening. A spritely blond man wearing ridiculous trousers strode into the space.

* * *

You returned shortly, and turned down the hallway to get back to Brian with his grapefruit juice as the blond man came out of the room with extreme confidence. You locked eyes with him as he approached, wowed by his beauty. You blushed as he gave you a once over and smiled. He vanished into the space beyond the hallway, and you were beside yourself with a girlish giddiness you were unaccustomed to.

Coming back into the audition room, you found Brian grinning, contrasting with your last image of him. He turned to you and laughed softly.

“We’ve got a drummer.”

[harrysscheshirecat]

Kiss

JustFriends! Harry has a movie night with mates that ends with a sweet drunken kiss. (fluff) 2.9k

Harry knocked on the door.

“Come in!” 

He entered the warm flat and shrugged his coat off to leave it hanging on the rack in the hall. He also toed his boots off before going in search of his host, “Where are you?”

“Kitchen!” Harry followed her voice further into the flat. He arrived in the doorway just in time to see her pop up from behind the island with a bowl. She looked comfy. In leggings, a vest, and and an oversized cardigan that couldn’t seem to stay on her shoulders. A smile overtook her features when she saw him, “Hey!” They exchanged all the normal pleasantries with a hug. Then Harry offered his help, which Lenin was having none of. “Go make yourself comfortable. Pour yourself a glass of wine.” she instructed, shooing him into the other room, “I’ll be right there.” 

He would’ve insisted if there was any more to do, but with her pulling the freshly popped bag of popcorn from the microwave, it looked like she had it sorted. “Sure there’s nothing I can do?” Harry wandered into the family room.

“Pull the movie menu up, maybe?” Lenin called out from the kitchen.

The telly was already on with the DVD previews playing. Harry grabbed the remote and sat down in the middle of the couch whilst searching for the menu button. He loaded the title screen with enough time to pour himself that glass of wine; taking note of the other two half-full glasses, and kick his feet up, making himself comfortable as previously instructed. 

Lenin scampered out of the kitchen with snack in hand. She sat herself with crossed legs at his side. Ashley came bounding down the hall soon after, blanket wrapped around her shoulders like a cape. She seated herself on the other side of Harry and promptly laid her long legs out across his lap as her greeting. Harry usually didn’t mind such gestures but it seemed a dangerous liberty to allow someone like Ashley, a slippery slope. But he didn’t want to make anything weird so he said nothing of it. 

He started the movie. It was recent but rolled through some of the credits before it began like the classics used to. The mischievous model to his left made a few small shifts that could be played off as settling in. Though it wasn’t long before there was a pretty steady movement in Harry’s lap. Ashley was slowly rubbing her feet together against his thighs, brushing over his cock every so often. He was only human. Enough friction in that area would make any red-blooded man excited. “Stop. Wiggling.” he warned, grabbing ahold of her feet through the blanket draped over them. 

“Sorry,” Her Cheshire grin gave her away. She wasn’t sorry at all. “A.D.H.D.” Bollox. The only thing that was hyperactive was her libido. She knew exactly what she was doing to him. 

“She’s like a child,” Lenin leaned over to explain, “just ignore her and she’ll leave you alone eventually.” But she didn’t feel the way Ashley moved her ‘restless’ feet in his lap. Trying to get a (literal) rise out of him, he reckoned. It was like sitting between a bloody angel and a demon. 

“Hey!” Ashley feigned outrage. “Rude.” The blonde used the opportunity to start her troublesome wiggling again. Harry exchanged a sharp look with her. He wasn’t sure what she was playing at, in front of Lenin like that.

“But true.” Lenin pushed at her friends’ feet, the move somewhat vindicating Harry. He leant forward to discard the remote and moved Ashleys’ feet with him, letting them conveniently fall off his lap as he reached a little further than he needed to. When he leaned back, Lenin handed the bowl of popcorn to him to place on his lap. Hopefully Ashley got the hint. Lenin eventually slipped further into Harry’s side. He tucked her small form under his arm and reverted his attention back to the screen, far more comfortable than before.

He hadn’t even asked what they were watching. He didn’t care, really. He was just happy to spend the night in with mates. It was some dark drama about a street gang in the 1920’s. A smoky Jazz club and Tommy guns making for a shocking introduction to the film. 

“You worked with him, right?” Ashley tipped her drink towards the screen, towards whom Harry deduced was the main fella. A tall gent in a finely tailored three piece suit. 

“Mhmm.” Lenin didn’t elaborate, but Harry didn’t miss the way she brought up her glass of wine to hide the smile produced at the mention of that guy.

More of the movie played, with the firefight spilling out onto the street. “Isn’t he…you liked him!” Ashley shrieked when there was a close up. That was enough to pique Harry’s interest, like it wasn’t already. He was a striking lad. With deep blue eyes that captivated even Harry and a bone structure that belonged on the glossy pages of some high fashion magazine. Lenin was conveniently finishing her long sip of wine in that moment. 

She shook her head, “He has a lovely wife, and children.”

Alexis rolled her eyes, “I didn’t ask if you were marrying the guy.” She watched the actor in question on screen, and snapped her fingers as she recalled, “Jazz hands!” 

“Jazz hands?” Harry peaked down at Len. He had to know the origin of that nickname. He was paying more attention to the girls than the movie at that point, sipping on his wine as he did so. 

“They did a movie together, her first, and he took Lenin out-” Ashley continued. Lucky bloke.

“He takes all of his co-stars out. It’s a good way to start a shoot.” Lenin tried to reason. 

“It was just the two of you that time, no?” Ashley was quick to point out. It was like watching a tennis match with all the back and forth they had. “So she comes home that night all goo-goo eyed over this guy. ‘he’s so handsome, he’s so smart, he’s so funny!’ Ashley teased, clasping her hands together and batting her eyelashes. 

Lenin sunk deeper into Harry’s side. “See if I tell you anything again.” she grumbled. Harry was sure to give her a reassuring little squeeze. 

“Anyway, “ Ashley continued, “Jazz was one of this guys’ big influences, he played the jazz guitar in a Jazz band. Now in a movie about Jazz.” she pointed towards the screen, her drink sloshing around dangerously in her cup. He was impressed she had somehow managed to keep it all in the glass thus far. “And you know what they say about musicians.”

“What do they say?” Harry dared to ask. He knew he was only encouraging bad behavior. 

“They’re good with their hands.” Ashley knowingly implied, with a smile. Harry didn't miss the pointed stare at his own hands either. “The dexterity from all those instruments.” The blonde wiggled her fingers. Surely she was someone’s dream girl. With so many double entendres it made his head spin.  

“For the record, I never used the moniker.” Lenin chimed in, trying to distance herself from the nickname. and Ashleys’ dubious definition.

“But never disputed it either.” Ashley countered, tipping her wine glass towards her friend. 

He could also sense Lenin’s discomfort. He figured they had teased her long enough, “So what’s this movie about?” he interjected. The girls settled again, with Ashley momentarily satiated with her glass of merlot. 

Lenin whispered a thank you for the distraction. 

“‘ course.” Harry held off for as long as he could, but that didn’t end up being very long, just long enough for Ashley to loose interest in the period piece and divert her attention to her mobile. “So…you like musicians, aye?” he extended the arm that was wrapped around her to show off his hand. He had never been so proud of his long fingers and wide palms. It was stupid and juvenile. But so was he, sometimes. 

Her eyes widened with an innocence that never got old. “Stop it,” she scolded with a light slap to the chest before pointedly turned her attention back to the movie.

“Kidding…” he murmured, pulling her back to him.

Ashley left some time ago. Had some club opening to go to. She invited them, tried admirably to talk them into it. But Harry was all set for a night in, and it seemed Lenin felt the same. Harry would take the washing up with Lenin over clubbing any day of the week. They had a nice system going. Harry washed the popcorn bowl before handing it off to Lenin. She sat on the counter beside the sink and proceeded to towel dry the bowl. “So, did you really fancy that actor fella?” he cringed internally when he heard how bothered he sounded, failing spectacularly to hide his unwarranted jealousy. 

“I did quite like him.” she admitted thoughtfully with a beautiful blush growing, placing the clean bowl to the side. “A crush, I suppose.” she offered, “All innocent, of course. Because- married.” Harry smiled as he listened and started on the wine glasses, “He was kind to me. He treated me like a peer, not just ‘that rockstars’ kid’ or ‘that Actress’ daughter’.” He could hear the fondness she still felt for him, “And when we worked together…” Harry watched Lenin in his peripheral play with the drying towel in her lap while she mused, “I was so nervous. He must’ve picked up on that, went to the director, and within 10 minutes, the set was almost entirely cleared. He told me what a closed set was and to have my managers have them written into any future contracts. He was very helpful. And sweet.” It was endearing, really. Like listening to his girl friends in secondary school gush of a crush on a teacher. 

He handed her the glass. “You sound positively smitten.” Again with the jealous tone, despite his best efforts to keep it light. Thankfully, the slightly intoxicated Lenin didn’t seem to pick up on it. He busied himself with the second glass.

“Not hard to do.” Lenin responded, drying the glass. “If you’re my friend it means I already like you. Doesn’t take much more for me to become smitten.” she thought out loud, finishing the glass and setting it aside. She normally wasn’t so revealing. It was nice to see her less inhibited. She was cheekier as well, sharing increasingly flirty touches all night. Harry certainly didn’t mind that. “I fall in love with my friends every day.” Lenin smiled shyly and absentmindedly wrung the towel in her lap, “A personality flaw.” she laughed.

“Nothing flawed about it.” Harry insisted, paying little attention to the third glass. He understood. Friends were easy to love, as you already did in some regard or another. Harry was often guilty of turning to friends for comfort. It was easy, and he knew he could trust them. “So does that mean you’ve ever fallen for me?” His cheeky side got the better of him and he had to ask. “As a friend.” he handed the last glass off to her and turned the tap off.

“Sure.” But there was no further explanation. She dried the glass, set it aside, and reached for the half-empty wine bottle discarded behind her. Lenin placed it between her thighs and proceeded to struggle with the wine cork. Harry tugged the towel away from her to wipe his hands dry, a little dumbfounded, while the poor buzzed girl continued to inadvertently wedge the cork further into the neck of the bottle, adorable pout and all. 

“No…” She was messing with him now, surely. Getting him back for earlier in the evening. “You didn’t.”  He stepped in front of her and tossed the towel back into her lap, gesturing for her to hand the bottle over, “Here.” Lenin handed the bottle over, then reached back for the glass they just cleaned and held it up to her chest, waiting. Harry had the thing open and was pouring her a generous glass within the minute.

“Thank you, kind sir.” she raised the glass to him before nursing the red. “I used to have such a crush on you.” she continued without prompting.

Harry took the glass in one hand for a swig of his own and leaned over Lenin to put the bottle away at the same time. He could feel her gaze, so close, penetrating him. She extended an arm and brushed his hair back. She gave a slight tug at the end that had Harry’s toes curling in his socks and he couldn’t figure out if she just got her fingers caught, or if she was playing. Either way, she was going to drive him mad like that. 

What were they talking about again? Harry waded through his increasingly clouded mind to find a coherent thought for the conversation at hand. “You ‘used’ to fancy me.” he reiterated her specific choice of words. Lenin held the full glass out to Harry to offer him some. He took the glass and a swig. “Am I that bad now?” Harry handed the drink back. They got a wee bit closer when the glass was exchanged.

Lenin smiled ruefully, “Everyone ‘fancies’ you.” 

“Ah, the jealous type.” he ribbed.

Lenin shook her head again, “Do you remember those first few months, where were just kept running into each other in LA?” He did. It seemed every week, almost. He always saw it as sort of serendipitous. “I was…so into you.” she shook her head like she was trying to shake the idea out entirely, all with a sheepish smile. She would never be so candid sober. “And every time there seemed to be yet another girl with you.” She pushed the wine off to him, “straight off whatever lingerie fashion show runway they wandered off from.” He didn’t realize she was paying such close attention to his dating history.

He took a swig and tried to think of how to explain. He wanted no misconceptions, to tell her he hadn’t slept with all of them, but that was a sorry defense. Especially considering how many of them he actually did bed. “Let me take you out.” He couldn’t be faulted for his dating history prior to her. Everyone had a past. And he knew if she allowed him to properly take her out, he’d win her over. Or at least he sincerely hoped. The glass exchanged hands once more.

“What about the models?” Lenin feigned a gasp, before finishing the wine. Harry didn't much mind her jealous streak. 

“I only see them because you won’t have me.” H countered without missing a beat. 

There was a long silence before Lenin broke it with a light, tight laugh, her nervous laugh. “Oh, hush,” she underhandedly grabbed the thick material of his jumper and pulled him into her. Harry shuffled closer and Len’s mouth found his. Her supple lips ghosted over his, back and forth, teasing him before she finally took pity on him and let their lips meet fully. She tasted exactly how he imagined she would. Warm, and still sweet from the wine. 

It was all so innocent. With one peck quickly followed by another. His mouth opened for her when her tongue swept over his upper lip. Her little fists kept a tight grip on either side of his jumper kept the space between them nonexistent. She wasn’t fighting fair. He still wanted an answer. But the conversation was all but forgotten with just a slight shift of her hips into him. She felt so good agains him, her taut body inviting him to explore more. But it was never far from his mind, even slightly buzzed, why it was all so innocent. Because she was so innocent. He reckoned, unlike her minx of a mate earlier, she really had no idea what she was doing to him.

She was his mate. Someone Harry had grown to like to share his day with, and liked to tell important things to. That was far more important than what his cock wanted right now. “I should go, Len.” He selfishly hoped she would ask him to stay. 

Lenin pouted and let out the tiniest moan that almost broke his resolve right there. “I’ll walk you to the door.” she said, hopping off the counter. Harry’s hands instinctively went to her waist to keep the tipsy girl steady. Lenin slipped out of his reach just as quickly. 

The short walk down the hall was quiet. Harry’s fists clenched and unclenched with every step, actively resisting the strongest urge to reach out for her hand. But he knew he wouldn’t stop there. Fingers laced together would undoubtably lead to a goodbye kiss. However well intentioned it was, it seemed entirely counter-productive to him leaving, so he kept his hands to his sides.

“Tonight was fun.” Lenin commented when they reached the door.

“Yeah. It was.” he agreed, sliding his trainers on, then his coat.

“Text when you’re home safe, yeah?” her kind words caused a fondness to bloom for her that made it all the harder to walk away from. 

Harry nodded, “yeah, ‘course.” and risked that goodnight kiss after some more careful deliberation. It wasn’t as quick as the others that came before it. They both lingered, because they knew what came after.  And when it did end, it didn’t really. With her plump lips lightly grazing back and forth across his, just like how she started the kiss, before she finally, slowly pulled away. 

“Goodnight, Harry.” He couldn’t take his eyes of her lips. The way she sucked her bottom lip in. He couldn’t help but wonder if she felt the same tingle after that kiss that he was left with.

“Night, love.” Harry opened the door and forced himself through. The brisk air hit him like a cold shower. It was a shock to the system, and probably exactly what he needed in that moment.

[bluesfortheredj]

Modern Romance Pt. 6

Food is the last thing on our minds as we tangle ourselves together on the sofa while I flick through the film channels to find some background noise for our evening. I never quite knew why I chose such a deep sofa but now I have (Y/N) laying in front of me with her legs intertwined with mine it suddenly all makes sense. There is plenty of room in front of her as we lie on our sides, but she chooses to press her back against my body, and I’m more than happy with her decision.

“How about this one?” I ask as I land on some superhero flick that I’m definitely not going to be watching.

“Yeah,” she replies quietly, as if already falling asleep.

I drop the remote behind my legs then drape my arm over her body slowly and she links her fingers through mine and brings my hand down to a stop by her face. This was more than I could have expected from this meeting and it was only the first few hours.

“Was acting something you always wanted to do?” she asks after a silent few minutes.

“Apart from being a professional skateboarder, yeah pretty much,” I chuckle.

“No way!” she gasps, “you’ll have to show me some moves. I was never very good at it.”

“I’m a little… old for it now I think.”

“Never too old for anything,” she sighs, tugging my arm around her tighter, “what was the name of the last film you did?”

I’m not going to lie, I’m very glad I don’t have to say Bohemian Rhapsody. I’m not sure why, but I like being this person to her, this television actor who has only dabbled in independent films and not someone who now gets recognised on the street whenever I go somewhere. It’s nice, it’s cosy, it’s us.

“Top End Wedding.”

“Ooh, a wedding! I see you being...” she shuffles around, lets go of my hand and turns to face me with an inquisitive look, “the groom, right? The absolute definition of the perfect husband?”

“How did you know?” I laugh.

“Just a guess,” she grins, then rests her forehead against my chest with a deep breath.

“Do you want something to eat?” I ask, secretly not wanting to move from this heavenly position.

She looks up at me with a glint in her eye and a sly smile across her lips, and I know what she’s thinking because I’m thinking the same damn thing. It soon fades though, to give way to a more serious expression as she ponders the question, and hopefully also wonders whether we can just stay here and not move.

“I don’t want to move,” she admits.

“Neither do I.”

“What’s happening in the film?”

“Some bad guys are getting beat up by the good guys I imagine,” I reply, not taking my eyes off of hers for one second as I answer.

“You’re not even looking,” she grins.

“Neither are you.”

“Why would I do a silly thing like that?”

All I can do is grin down at her, knowing that she was slowly but surely opening herself up to me and letting me through any defences she’d created. She gets embarrassed and looks down at where our bodies meet, then turns her head to the side so she can rest it against my chest. In complete silence we’ve decided to forgo dinner and stay exactly where we are instead, and I couldn’t be happier with our brilliant resolution. I soon get my wish to watch her as she sleeps when she drifts off pressed up to my body and I will my eyes to stay open when they begin to close for longer periods of time, but eventually I succumb to the tiredness as the television carries on talking nonsense in the background.

I’m first to wake and see the result of a night of shifting around in such a small space, and I’m both ecstatic and terrified to find I’ve rolled onto my back and she’s got and arm draped across my chest while her head is on my shoulder, a matter of centimetres from my neck. I can feel every breath from her lips on my skin and it causes the hairs on my arms to stand on end as I lay there willing myself not to make any sudden movements and wake her. Unfortunately it’s not me that causes the peaceful moment to be broken; it’s the phone in my pocket that rings with a piercing sound and cuts the silence with a sharp knife. I shuffle my hand down into my pyjama pocket as (Y/N) begins to stir, and by the time I’ve cancelled the call she’s wide awake.

“Sleeping together and you haven’t even taken me out on a date yet,” she mumbles with a sleepy smile as she lifts her head and leans her hand on my chest.

“We’re rule breakers,” I grin.

My phone rings again just as she opens her mouth to speak and I curse whoever it is on the other end, but she smiles, tells me she’s going to freshen up, then presses her lips to my cheek before getting up and making her way upstairs. Looking down at my phone I see it’s Ben, and quickly answer before he rings off.

“Hey mate,” I say a little too enthusiastically.

“Oh, so that’s why you rejected my earlier call,” he replies.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve got her there finally, haven’t you?”

“Nineteen days, Ben, it was nineteen days.”

“Well make sure it doesn’t get that long between seeing her again,” he chuckles, “I was going to ask if you wanted to grab a coffee or something, but if you’re busy...”

“Don’t say it like that,” I laugh, “you know it’s not like that. Are you around in the week at all instead?”

“I’ve got a couple of things actually, but don’t worry, we’ll do something another time, yeah?”

“Definitely another time. I’m sorry mate, I-”

“Don’t be sorry, it’s been nineteen days, you’re obviously in a state of shock at seeing her again,” he says, taking the piss in a playful way.

“Pretty much. Love you man.”

“Love you too you big softie. Speak soon.”

I hang the phone up just as (Y/N) makes an appearance in the doorway, her nightdress still on but a more awake look on her face as she tilts her head questioningly at me.

“I do hope you weren’t ditching any friends because I’m here,” she frowns as she steps inside the lounge and perches next to me on the sofa.

“This is my weekend with you,” I say weakly.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t go to the pub to see people though, does it?”

“Well, it’s only one person actually...”

“Perfect! Less anxiety for me, then,” she winks.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“It’s one friend, I think I can handle it. What’s his or her name?”

“His name’s Ben,” I smile, idly running my hand up and down her thigh as I continue to lay on the sofa.

“Then I think maybe you should ring Ben back, and I’ll make us some breakfast.”

I open my mouth to protest at her doing breakfast but she shakes her head and disappears quickly into the kitchen whilst I’m left stunned on the sofa, wondering whether because this seemed too good to be true, something was about to go drastically wrong. The selfish part of me wants to keep her all to myself for as long as possible, but then the rational part of me is positively jumping for joy at the fact that she wants to meet one of my friends. Surely this must mean she’s in it for the long haul? I calm myself enough to ring back Ben and arrange to meet at the pub around the corner for lunch.

“How does one o’clock at the local pub sound?” I ask as I enter the kitchen just as scrambled egg on toast is being served up.

How did she know this was my usual weekend breakfast?

“Sounds perfect,” she smiles.

We sit down to eat our meal in silence and we both steal glances at one another when we think the other person isn’t looking which makes the butterflies in my stomach do somersaults as I force myself to eat through the nerves. I offer her the use of the bathroom first, then when I walk in it’s filled with new smells that this house has never had the pleasure of experiencing, and it’s intoxicating as I breathe in deeply while I shower. It’s tempting to touch myself but I resist; I don’t want it to be my hand, I want it to be hers, and I’m willing to wait however long it takes for that to happen. We chat again when we reconvene in the lounge after we’re both dressed and ready to go, and new pieces of information about her are being stored in my head for future use, then I share snippets of my life with her and I can see her doing the same as she takes it all in.

“Oh!” she gasps as she glances behind me at the clock, “we’d better go!”

“There’s still time to back out if this is too much too soon,” I say as we push our arms through our jackets in the hallway.

“Never. Bring it on,” she grins.

We walk hand in hand to the pub as I try to keep as low a profile as possible through the busy Saturday streets, and when we arrive Ben is already sat in a corner with drinks scattered around the table for us. I begrudgingly let go of (Y/N)’s hand as Ben stands up and we hug tightly, then I keep my arm around his shoulders as we both turn to her.

“This is (Y/N),” I smile, and Ben pulls away from me to walk around the table and give her a welcoming hug.

“Very nice to meet you, (Y/N), I’ve heard a lot about you,” Ben smiles as he finally pulls away from her.

“Oh dear,” she giggles nervously, “all good I hope!”

“As if it would be anything less than great,” he winks.

We sit around the small table and (Y/N) immediately asks how Ben and I met, which makes a heat creep up my cheeks as I struggle to come up with an excuse that doesn’t involve the words ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, but Ben comes to the rescue, knowing that I didn’t want that to slip out just yet.

“Just this little film we did,” Ben grins, “there were four of us in the main roles and we all became pretty close, but it just happened that myself and Gwil lived in London while the other two reside across the pond.”

She nods along as he speaks, me getting the odd word in every now and again when she asks about the experience we had instead of the details of the film itself thankfully, and when Ben leaves the table to go to the toilet she turns to me with a laugh and nudges her shoulder against my arm.

“So you just casually hang out with your best mate Peter Beale every now and again?!” she asks, “I feel like I’m dreaming!”

“Bloody hell, you should play poker!” I laugh, “I would never have guessed you recognised him!”

“Maybe I do play poker professionally, but you’d never be able to tell because my poker face is far too good,” she winks.

Head over heels. I’m ridiculously head over heels for her.

@painthatiusedto @winnielinleigh @queenslandlover-93 @excellentbecca @ametaphorbrian @peachllobotomy @lovemarvelousfics @lovemelikeyou1997 @readinghorn @godohammers @timeandpixiedust @lv7867 @fuckyou-imspiderman @aynsleywalker @nina-sayerz @theborhapbois @wolfgirlxslytherin @the-baby-bookworm

[goddessofthundathighs]

Chapter 3, Pt. 1

_____________________

Summary: An arrogant young disciple of Bastet is forced to spend lifetimes roaming the Earth in search of her soulmate, but what happens when she tries to run from destiny?

A/N: For those of you that have seen Fahrenheit 451, Abhimani is taking on the role of Clarisse McClellan.

_____________________

Draped in a loose fitting oversized threadbare sweater with some barely visible shorts underneath and roughed up motorcycle boots with a burlap backpack hanging off her left shoulder, Abhimani leaned against the technicolor glass bar peering at the sights around her.

Another time. Another life. Another chance to get out of this hellhole of a curse her Goddess had bestowed upon her.

It’s not that she wasn't thankful for Bast’s favor or even that she thought she was better than the Goddess herself. Mani simply didn't believe she had to continue to do what her own Mistress does not if she is supposed to be a holy extension. What was the point of this punishment? What lesson was she supposed to learn from failing to find this man over and over?

As the deep skinned beauty’s eyes scanned the room, she watched the mentally enslaved people play in their virtual reality, hands waving around. They were really into this Big Brother shit huh? Two figures emerge right in her line of sight and though she moves to a more secluded area, she can still hear their voices approaching.

“Don’t worry I’ll talk to her this time,” the slightly shorter of the two men blurts out his eyes focused ahead but not close enough for her to see what he looks like.

“Keep your dick in your pants and stand guard,” Captain Beatty says in the usual gruff tone he thinks is intimidating or seductive. She wasn't sure but it sounded like his throat needed some moisture.

He always seemed to bring the second man with him. Presumably for back up since he always skulked in the distance and was never in her eyes’ reach. He stood off behind a pillar while Beatty walked up to her a little too much in her personal space as per usual with these meetings.

“Well, well, well Mani. You better not be wasting my time tonight. Your last tip led me to boy scouts with pornos.” Rolling her eyes, Mani replies.

“Reactivate my fingers like you said you would.”

“Feed me scraps and I’ll delete your travel permit.”

Oh you caucus dick munch. I swear if I wasn’t on a totally different mission…

“That’s bullshit. You need me.”

Grabbing ahold of the hand that was clutching the thin leather strap of her bag, Beatty seemed to caress the slightly weathered skin in his fingers, holding it preciously in his palm.

Here he go again touching shit he don’t need to be. Somebody get this dude some proper sexual harassment parameters.

“How many years did we restrict you? 6?”

“With all the tips I gave you, I should be free.”

“A beautiful free rat.”

I know he did not just… Ok Bastet, you really trying me now.

Jerking her hand away, Mani switches her position from against the wall Beatty had her up against and grabs a small folded piece of parchment from her pocket holding it up for him to see.

“Take a year off my sentence and I’ll give you something you like.”

The increasingly annoying white beady eyed white man grabs hold of her hand yet again, snatching away the piece of paper.

Abhimani lets out a heavy sigh before adjusting the strap on her shoulder and turning to the left to see the bodyguard spying from a distance.

What is this dude’s deal always staring? Hopefully I can get past him without trying some silly shit.

She proceeds to make her way to leave the moody lit place but was stopped by a pair of glowing brown eyes and a slightly hukling body in her way.

“I didn't hear the captain say you could leave.”

And once again the might roar of her Goddess rang in her head and judging by the perplexed look that flashed on his face, he heard it too.

FUCK YES FINALLY!

“Oh? Then why does he always make you wait outside like a little dog, huh?”

However fine this “soulmate” was, she had things to do, places to go and she knew that now that they had officially seen each other, they would keep crossing paths. If only she’d known this was him the whole time the damn lesson would have been learned a while ago.

As she continues her exit, the man with the pretty eyes and beautifully plump lips grips her arm, but it didn't send the same shiver through her body like when Beatty touched her.

This was actually the first time her mate had touched her in all of the lifetimes they shared. It was…. Nice.

Of course she couldn't let him know he affected her so. She's met him now she can make him want her so she pretends to be almost disgusted by his forward advance.

“You’re just like Beatty,” Abhimani says with a condescending smile on her face.

That seemed to do the trick because he gently let go of her and his chest deflated a fraction.

“I’m not like Beatty.”

“Everyone has a master.”

“Not me.”

Oh we got an independent over here.

“You spy on me but you never do anything. You stand close enough to hear but far enough that I didn’t even know what you looked like till now. Can’t say I’m disappointed.”

Another gleam flashed in his eyes at her slight admission.

And not one word of it was a lie. He was absolutely gorgeous. She didn't ever get to look at her man the way she was now cause he was either too attached to someone else or shot to death for her to focus but my oh my.

Oh thank you my Lady for this wonderous blessing.

“You’re welcome, my child.”

“Why? Do I make you nervous?”

He looked down as he replied, “You don’t.”

“When I see you burning up eels’ lives you don’t look nervous.”

“That’s because I’m very good at my job.”

He was so close she could feel the heat from his body, the slight smell of kerosene and his cologne creating a dangerous aphrodisiac.

I got a couple jobs you would be good at with your fine ass.

“Mmm. You ever stop to think for one second why you do what you do?”

His brow furrowed.

“You should try reading before burning. See you around Montag.”

Flashing him a seductive smile, Mani turns her back and saunters out of the bar with a flip of her perfectly mussed curls leaving Guy all kinds of in his feelings and a hint of confusion as to where that roar came from. Unbeknownst to him, Beatty ,who had been watching the tail end of their interaction, comes up behind him and clasps a hand on his leather jacket clad shoulder.

“Hey. Off limits. Let’s go she recommended a spot.”

With that, the two firemen left and proceeded to do their jobs off the clock.

Mani walks into the seemingly dilapidated apartment building that was actually teeming with tenants and knocks on her neighbor’s door. The door opened to reveal a blonde woman with tired eyes holding her 5 month old big baby boy with a small mohawk like strip of brunette hair. Pulling the small glass bottle of milk from her jacket pocket, she hands it to the woman who lets out a sigh of relief at the sight of the thin creamy liquid.

“I haven't had milk in a week. Thanks but I couldn't find any cooking oil.”

“That’s ok.”

Mani had already turned to her apartment door to let herself in and as the lock turned over, the woman called to her.

“Mani, be careful what you’re selling. People are talking.”

Nodding her head, Abhimani ducks into her apartment, dropping all her stuff down and removing her shoes.

Now why she would land me in this dump of a decade I will never know. If this is the future, may all the Gods be with the mortals. This is absolute purgatory but praise Bast I found him!

“You seem to be in high spirits.”

Of course Anubis followed her through every single life and like her, his form didn't ever change. He always remained the same enchanting black feline friend whom she had actually come to cherish after so long.

“Well if you must know my terribly named kitty cat, I met him today.” “You mean the white devil who secretly not so secretly wishes to have you?”

“Oh Bast please not on his gray eyed life. No Nubi I mean him. He’s been with Beatty the entire time. I only just met him today.”

The bodacious woman flits around her small space to play a vinyl that she shouldn’t be playing on a record player she shouldn't be having and takes a seat at her tool table to fix the roll of a tape she was to deliver to this man who in trade has a place for her to tip the captain off for more “graffiti” for him and his team to burn.

As the smoke rises from her soldering gun, her mind wanders to privileged times spent in the dazzling night jungle running alongside the panthers of the past trying to beat the purple starry night.

Time Break

Guy stands head bowed under the warm running water of his shower dripping down his face. Hoping it would clear his frazzled mind.

He had just returned to the station from a strange graffiti burning with this old woman who seemed to only speak in graffiti. She said no actual words but gave a quote of some sort?

‘Play the man, Master Ridley. We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.’

Of course he had no idea what the hell that meant but it was haunting him along with the word she said right after she lit the books and herself on fire.

‘Omnis’

What is that?

He stepped out of the shower, dried off and got fully dressed in a pair of dark jeans, a black t-shirt, and an army green jacket. He was sure to retrieve the book he has stolen from the house from his locker and safely hid it underneath his jacket.

As he was making his way out, he caught the 9’s report of what they were now calling Beatty’s Barbeque. When they showed footage of the old woman burning, they replaced the word she actually said with a voice over ‘coward.’

Why would they cover that up?

Guy was simply getting more and more confused by the minute and he wasn’t sure how to handle it. He was anxious to get home so he could try to properly process the night’s events.

“Montag!”

Beatty walks up behind him with a stern look on his face.

“You hesitated tonight in front of the men.”

The shorter, more good looking of the two men was instantly transported back to the house they left only hours ago when the captain instructed him to remove the old woman from the house after the graffiti was laid out and kerosene poured, she refused to leave. Guy attempted to reason with her and asked the captain if they would just leave her which was a sign of weakness and insubordination. Placing a brave look on his handsome face, he retorts back.

“I know but it won’t happen again.”

“You know it’s my first time seeing a self burn too but as far as I’m concerned, it means we’re doing the right thing.”

Beatty was his friend. His captain. His father figure. Maybe he would be able to clear up some of this bafflement in his brain.

“What was that old lady talking about? Master Ridley play something.”

He was almost embarrassed that he couldn't remember the entire text.

“Well back when people still believed in God, the Brits burned alive two eels at the stake. Ridley and Latimer for praying to a different book than their queen did. Before us, people committed genocides over books while others blew themselves up killing innocent people. Insanity plus 100.

“But why did she burn herself for books?”

The stormy eyed man looked away from him briefly before giving his rebuttal.

“Well she tried to burn us all don’t you think?” “She didn't say coward. She said omnis. What is that?”

Breaking eye contact and turning about face, Beatty gives the information he actually wants to hear.

“Well the commissioner won’t say what the ministry knows but I guess we’re gonna have to find out.”

The captain moves to stand in front of him and hands him a silver square shaped lighter.

“Burn me.”

“John…”

“Go ahead.”

What is he trying to get from me?

Sensing Guy’s hesitation, the taller man urges him on.

Hurry up. I won’t ask twice.”

Immediately, he opens the lighter and flicks it on but doesn't hold it close enough for the lone flame to touch the other man’s hand and he looked back up to lock eyes with him.

“I know you’re different than the other men. I watched you grow up. And that’s how I know you feel the same inside as me. Closer.”

Lifting the lighter higher, the tip of the flame seems to disappear and fan out in his palm.

“I’ve been burned so many times, I don’t know where my scars end and my body begins.”

Guy lifts the lighter even higher, the flame all but gone into the captain’s hand as both men’s eyes stay locked in a vehement embrace. Finally Beatty grabs the lighter and extinguishes the flame with low pain filled groan stepping closer to him with an even more fierce gaze.

“There’s no way you’re gonna break. You’re the youngest cadet I ever accepted into the Youth Fire Brigade. I raised ya and one day you’ll be just like me son. You won’t feel anything when they burn you.”

_____________________

TAGS: @jozigrrl @itsangeludaku @thehomierobbstark @eriknutinthispoosy @hearteyes-for-killmonger @muse-of-mbaku @amethyst1993 @killmongersgurl @trevantesbrat @hdkween @iamrheaspeaks @princesskillmonger @ayellepea @vikkidc @laketaj24 @madamslayyy @allhailnjadaka @purple-apricots @thadelightfulone @theunsweetenedtruth @wakanda-inspired @panthergoddessbast @blackpantherismyish @yaachtynoboat711 @forbeautyandlife @bidibidibombaclaat @quietstorm-73 @youreadthatright

[kittywolves]

1-200 if you want lmao If not then just your favourites

200: My crush’s name is: don’t have one tbh, not romantically anyway

199: I was born in: west virginia, 2000

198: I am really: dumb

197: My cellphone company is: idk man

196: My eye color is: blue w/yellow bursts but they just appear green if you’re not super close

195: My shoe size is: 7+1/2-8

194: My ring size is: 7+1/2-8

193: My height is: 5′5″

192: I am allergic to: sesame :T

191: My 1st car was: N/A

190: My 1st job was: N/A

189: Last book you read: uh, Percy Jackson? i think

188: My bed is: warm, cozy, full of plushies & cat fur

187: My pet: CALCIFER!!! 

186: My best friend: uh,, i don’t have one?

185: My favorite shampoo is: idk fruity scents that aren’t watermelon

184: Xbox or ps3: PS3

183: Piggy banks are: cute or terrifying, no in-between

182: In my pockets: my phone

181: On my calendar: birthdays

180: Marriage is: cute 

179: Spongebob can: CAN SPONGEBOB FINALLY END PLEASE

178: My mom: can go die 

177: The last three songs I bought were? uhh, i haven’t bought any songs,,

176: Last YouTube video watched: DrawingWiffWaffles newest video

175: How many cousins do you have? 1

174: Do you have any siblings? yes, 2 alive 1 dead

173: Are your parents divorced? no,,

172: Are you taller than your mom? around the same height

171: Do you play an instrument? no, but i wish i could play the harp tbh

170: What did you do yesterday? uh, i went shopping with my mother and then watched Futurama 

[ I Believe In ]169: Love at first sight: ? i dunno anymore

168: Luck: i guess so, yea

167: Fate: yea

166: Yourself: no

165: Aliens: YES

164: Heaven: yea

163: Hell: yea

162: God: ? yea?

161: Horoscopes: not really

160: Soul mates: YESSSSS

159: Ghosts: yep!!

158: Gay Marriage: %100

157: War: no >:(

156: Orbs: what

155: Magic: yep!!

[ This or That ]154: Hugs or Kisses: hugs pls

153: Drunk or High: never been either, both sound fun

152: Phone or Online: usually use my phone tbh

151: Red heads or Black haired: all are adorable!!

150: Blondes or Brunettes:  a d o r a b l e ! !

149: Hot or cold: uhm, comfortable warm,,

148: Summer or winter: SUMMER

147: Autumn or Spring: HALLOWEEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

146: Chocolate or vanilla: CHOCOLATE 

145: Night or Day: NIGHTTIME

144: Oranges or Apples: apples 

143: Curly or Straight hair: both are great!! i have slightly wavy hair uwu

142: McDonalds or Burger King: neither >:(

141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: MILK PLS

140: Mac or PC: um, idc

139: Flip flops or high heels:  F L I P F L O P S

138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: SWEET AND POOR PLS GIVE ME A KIND BAB TO LOVE @ UNIVERSE

137: Coke or Pepsi: coke !!

136: Hillary or Obama: obama!!

135: Buried or cremated: cremated so i can’t come back :’)

134: Singing or Dancing: i can’t do either :(

133: Coach or Chanel: ugh, coach ig

132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: who or who

131: Small town or Big city: i live in a city, but a town sounds nice tbh

130: Wal-Mart or Target: TARGET

129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: what

128: Manicure or Pedicure: PEDICURE PEDICURE PEDICURE

127: East Coast or West Coast: i live on the west, so west

126: Your Birthday or Christmas: MY BIRTHDAY BC I GET TO PICK THE THEME !!!

125: Chocolate or Flowers: flowers die and give off the aesthetic but chocolates are delicious so both

124: Disney or Six Flags: i love disneyland it’s just SO EXPENSIVE and six flags is gr8 for the thrills, plus i currently have a pass so

123: Yankees or Red Sox: who? which sport is this[ Here’s What I Think About ]122: War: blehhhh no

121: George Bush: idk american presidents lmao

120: Gay Marriage: YES YES YES YES YES YES

119: The presidential election: ew

118: Abortion: i’ll allow it lmao, i don’t think it’s great, but ik people will still get it whether it’s legal or not so might as well legalize it. also some cases actually need it so like,, yea!! let it happen!! pro-choice!!

117: MySpace: never used it lmao

116: Reality TV: ew ew ew ew EXCEPT FOR COOKING SHOWS

115: Parents: mine or just in general? bc eh

114: Back stabbers: M U R D E R  T H E M 113: Ebay: lmao shipping expenses 

112: Facebook: haven’t used it in years, do use messenger tho

111: Work: i like wedding coordinating with my aunt!! that’s about all the work i’ve done, oh and i’ve babysat

110: My Neighbors: don’t know em, they probably think we’re crazy tho, always yelling

109: Gas Prices: too!! high!!

108: Designer Clothes: eh, clothes are clothes, and some clothes are ugly (a lot of times it’s designer clothes blehh)

107: College: i mean i guess

106: Sports: go team! hit the ball! score the points! woo

105: My family: dysfunctional,,

104: The future: nooooooooooooooooooo

[ Last time I ]103: Hugged someone: uhhhhh....

102: Last time you ate: uhm, around 4?? maybe?? it’s 7 now

101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: uh?? i never see anyone OH i guess on wednesday last week,,

100: Cried in front of someone: ???? idk??? i cry while everyone’s asleep usually

99: Went to a movie theater: last week !! um, thursday?

98: Took a vacation: uhh, february, early march? i went to ohio

97: Swam in a pool: uh, last monday 

96: Changed a diaper: um, not this year lmao, maybe last year tho idk

95: Got my nails done: ???? i dunno

94: Went to a wedding: last november?? or wait no,, uhm i dunno sometime recently lmao

93: Broke a bone: never! did drop one in water tho :/

92: Got a piercing: december!

91: Broke the law: ?? i don’t wear seatbelts when i sit in the back seat lmao

90: Texted: around two hours ago[ MISC ]89: Who makes you laugh the most: um,, my friends

88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: MY KITTY BABY

87: The last movie I saw: missing link! the stop motion- i’m a wh*re for animation lmao

86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: changing my name, moving out, getting married & having a stable life :’)

85: The thing im not looking forward to: being stuck here forever and eventually kmsing due to stress and depression :’)

84: People call me: Kitty!! Kiki!! (birth name) karebear!! 

83: The most difficult thing to do is: exist within the same room as my mother without bursting into tears or storming off 

82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: nope

81: My zodiac sign is: Virgo! Viriborn for all you homestucks! and dragon in the animal one!

80: The first person i talked to today was: my dad :’) and then i messaged @deanilise even tho she was asleep 

79: First time you had a crush: uh, as far back as i can remember i had a “crush” on Daphne Blake :D but i was like a small child and didn’t know what love was so anytime i saw anyone who i thought was cool or pretty or i wanted to befriend i had a supposed “crush” on them :/

78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: i try to be pretty open, but sometimes i just wanna close off 

77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: yikes idk

76: Right now I am talking to: like talking to or talking to? for the first, just some group chats for the second, no one

75: What are you going to do when you grow up: i wanna be an artist! i would love to be a youtube artist, but i fear i’m not creative enough for such things.. i would also like to be able to tell my stories!

74: I have/will get a job: i dunno,,

73: Tomorrow: church

72: Today: overslept, did some chores, been online

71: Next Summer: hopefully i can go back to colorado to visit my brother !

70: Next Weekend: ugh, church activities & then actual church, as well as other easter festivities

69: I have these pets: baby kitty, and some dogs.... 

68: The worst sound in the world: FORK SCRAPING ON BOWL, ERASER SCRAPING ON PAPER, DOG’S SNORING, MY MOTHER’S VOICE WHEN I’M HAVING SENSORY OVERLOAD

67: The person that makes me cry the most is: my mother, she’s like the only person that makes me cry unless someone says they’re attempting and i can’t get through to them

66: People that make you happy: @onedirtysock @aliaitee @deku-is-tired @deanilise @awkward-scarfy-boi @fourth-best-jeanist @bnhaworld @bnhya @helloiliketits @trashyfxndoms

65: Last time I cried: last night oops

64: My friends are: (see 66) they’re all very nice & supportive which is amazing & i love them all dearly

63: My computer is: a MacBook air with a galaxy cover

62: My School: not in one but the one i’m gonna go to in the fall is just a community college

61: My Car: N/A

60: I lose all respect for people who: hate on anyone, racists, homophobes, transphobes, pedos, terfs, ableists, etc

59: The movie I cried at was: uh, i dunno, but i was crying abt futurama the other night

58: Your hair color is: orange-y with dark brown roots, supposed to be dyeing it soon :)

57: TV shows you watch: BNHA, HIMYM, Bob’s Burgers, TUA w/ @deanilise Futurama, The Simpsons, Fairytail, Runaway’s, Adventure Time, SVTFOE, etc

56: Favorite web site: Tumblr!

55: Your dream vacation: Ireland,, ofc i always dreamed of going to paris when i was younger, and Britain sounds cool too, & i’ve heard belgium is pretty && japan sounds fun && new york city sounds super cool as well so idk any of those places ig

54: The worst pain I was ever in was: uh, probably when i broke my arm, although i can’t remember it, i did used to get growing pains in my legs when i was younger & could hardly sleep so there’s that option as well

53: How do you like your steak cooked: medium or medium-well

52: My room is: messy, but it’s home & also warm

51: My favorite celebrity is: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i dunno

50: Where would you like to be: idk, in my bed ig

49: Do you want children: yea! i wanna adopt!

48: Ever been in love: uh, i thought i was, but it was just an intense crush on this girl lmao

47: Who’s your best friend: already answered this lmao

46: More guy friends or girl friends: girls,,

45: One thing that makes you feel great is: laughing, music, & seeing my friends

44: One person that you wish you could see right now: any of y’all would be great tbh

43: Do you have a 5 year plan: survive 

42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: lmao no, 

41: Have you pre-named your children: uh, i have names picked out that i like, but idk depends how young my kid is when i adopt them, and even then idk if i could bring myself to change their name uwu

40: Last person I got mad at: my mother,,

39: I would like to move to: IRELAND OR SOMETHING I DUNNO I WANT OUT OF THIS GODFORSAKEN COUNTRY

38: I wish I was a professional: artist!! youtube maybe!![ My Favorites ]37: Candy: hmm, i like smarties, m&ms, gummy bears, & sweetarts

36: Vehicle: uhh, vw beetles? WAIT NO JEEP WRANGLERS I THINK

35: President: uh idk

34: State visited: the one i live in lmao, California :)

33: Cellphone provider: idk a lot about them

32: Athlete: N/A

31: Actor: eeeeeeee

30: Actress: eeeeeeee

29: Singer: Case! Patrick Stump!

28: Band: FALL OUT BOYYYYYYYYYYY

27: Clothing store: Hottopic

26: Grocery store: N/A

25: TV show: Arrow! Adventure Time! (ripip) i haven’t seen Arrow in a long time tho so idk if it’s still any good...

24: Movie: Heathers!!

23: Website: Tumblr,,

22: Animal: CATS

21: Theme park: DisneyLand! it’s just sooooooooo expensive ;-;

20: Holiday: HALLOWEEN

19: Sport to watch: Soccer!!

18: Sport to play: none

17: Magazine: i don’t read them

16: Book: The Hunger Games 

15: Day of the week: probably friday or saturday

14: Beach: uh, maybe seal? or hermosa?

13: Concert attended: i’ve been to exactly one (1) and i didn’t enjoy it bc it was for Ariana Grande

12: Thing to cook: well you don’t cook them but, COOKIES!!

11: Food: Ice Cream!! Burgers!! Mashed Potatoes !!

10: Restaurant: In-N-Out probably

9: Radio station: 98.7 alt radio 

8: Yankee candle scent: uh i dunno

7: Perfume: Vanilla Bean Noelle from bbw

6: Flower: daffodils 

5: Color: pink! purple! green!

4: Talk show host: no

3: Comedian: Bo Burnham or John Mulaney

2: Dog breed: Retrievers !

1: Did you answer all these truthfully? yes!

here’s my baby for reference & for putting up with all that

[farfanfiction]

Loyalty to the Pack: Part 8

Pairing: John Seed x Joseph Seed x Reader x Jacob Seed

AUs: Omegaverse, werewolves

Warnings: Angst, cursing, reference to smutty stuff, cheating, drugs (bliss), kidnapping, gun violence, physical violence, blood, manipulation

Word Count: 2,889

A/N: Happy holidays everyone! I hope you guys have a fantastic Christmas, Qunzah, winter solstice or whatever you celebrate. This chapter will be the last I put up until the new year and it's pretty plot heavy. All I can say is, I’m sensing a little smut in the very near future... And like always, give me some feedback on what I could do better or what I did alright, where you wanna see this whole mess go, or something you just don’t understand. The gif is not mine. 

Masterpost  My Omegaverse Rules

   The Deputy closed his brown eyes and pinched his nose. There was only one sensible option at the moment. He had to take you, even though you belonged to John, giving you up was a fucked up decision. No one deserved to be given to the Seeds, no matter how bad. It wasn’t like he was already on their shitlist, this would make no difference.

   “I’ll take her with me…” It was painful as the Deputy spewed it out. Nick just looked at him in pure shock. Never in a million years would he ever expect the big, bad Deputy to take on something like this. Save a couple people, sure. An easy job. But saving an Omega from a maybe manipulative pack was something far more important. All Nick wanted was every Omega safe and loved, much like his Kim, but he knew deep down, that would never happen. It was an ungranted wish.

   “Man, thank you so much.” The Alpha hadn't felt this excited since Kim announced she was having his pup, nearly seven months ago. At least that Omega would be going somewhere safe and hopefully far away from John. “I’ll go get her. You just grab anythin’ you need to help ya!” Nick was already sprinting before the Deputy had any time to reply. What the fuck did he get himself into?

   At first, this was just a cult of religious extremists that needed to be put down, now he was learning that it was also a pack of highly dangerous werewolves. The type of creature that eats people and turns every full moon. If someone would have told him this before he came here, he would have laughed in there face. Now Nick, a very trusted friend of his, was telling him it was all true and he was also one. But, the Deputy just shook his head once again and waited for the Alpha to come back.

   Nick sprinted up the stairs and carefully opened the door to his bedroom, afraid of scaring both Omegas inside. He quietly peeked inside to hear Kim talking to you in a hushed whisper. Thanks to his better quality hearing, he could only hear bits and pieces of the conversation, but at least it was better than most human hearing. 

   First, it was about Hope county in general, then it moved onto more serious topics. You discussed about living under the pack and John and how draining it was to be offered to such an Alpha that was so bad yet you desperately wanted. Just hearing someone talk about John like that caused Nick’s stomach to churn.

   Deciding he heard enough, Nick lightly tapped on the wall and both your heads turned. Your (e/c) eyes grew wide at the Alpha standing in the doorway. He didn’t look or smell familiar. He smelled far more like an Alpha than John, not hiding his natural masculine scent with stupid fucking chemical cologne.  “(Y/N), this is my Alpha, Nick. He’s going to help you.” Kim said this slowly so you could understand. Since when did you need help, it wasn’t your decision to be driven away to this unknown location.

   It even seemed like you were gone for a pretty long time, long enough to worry John, hopefully, or even better, the Father. Oh, god what if you angered the Father?! You would definitely pay for this when you go back... if you go back.

   “How is he going to help me?” You asked trying not to sound bitchy. If they were in the same situation as you, they would sure as hell bitch too.

   “I have a friend that will take you far away from that… cult.” Nick tried to choose his words carefully, he had no idea what the people on the inside thought they were involved in. For all he knew, you would have thought it was a normal pack. Joseph could be a typical image of an Alpha to you and the way they treated Omegas could be the same.

   A cult. You had heard from Joseph during multiple sermons that the people on the outside thought you were all involved in a cult, it didn’t seem like it to you growing up. When people are raised in a particular environment, they believe anything is true. No one in your family acted like they were controlled, Gabriel never mentioned anything to you about it, or your parents, siblings or heralds. Everyone just wanted to survive the collapse.

   “If it gets me away from John, I’ll do it.” You would do just about anything to get away from him at the moment.

   You knew the risks, if you went back to join the pack, John would no doubt find out about it and bring you back to that hell hole he calls a lodge. Spending eternity in that little bedroom, waiting for the collapse. Only to be ushered into a tight bunker to be herded off like any other member of the pack. You wouldn’t be by John’s side, that’s Holly’s place. You wouldn’t have the opportunity of walking through Eden’s Gate together as the Father had promised. This one promise was what kept you going. As that believe began to disappear, a cocktail of doubt, envy, and ever great sins began to twist and turn in your belly, replacing the blazing heat from before. He promised…

   “Great, come down stairs, I have someone ya need to meet.” You gave a look to Kim and she just offered a kind smile, ushering you out of the room and down the stairs. The man at the bottom of the stairs scared you more than Jacob first did. Black hair, olive skin… It was the Deputy. The guy that invaded your room earlier today and was causing a big hassle for everyone. If there was a Hope County’s Most Wanted, he was your guy.

   “The Deputy will escort you to Fall’s End and he’ll get ya settled from there.” There was no fucking way you would get in a car with him. Not again, nope! For all you know, he would drive off a cliff with you still in the car or shoot you in cold blood in the front seat. This guy hated every member of the pack and he wasn’t afraid to kill. You had seen the death on John’s manicured front lawn. No normal man would kill so many people without a reason.

   “Oh, hell no. I’m not getting into a car with him!” You yelled, ready to run back upstairs to Kim. Before you could, Nick grabbed your arm and gave you an Alpha stare. A stare that held such domination and authority. The same stare Jacob always gives.

   “Fine…” You had no other choice, John or the Deputy and the Deputy seemed way better than the Alpha at the moment.

   Nick gave a sigh of relief and helped you to the Deputy’s truck. Your heat was still there and you weren’t in the best condition at the moment, with the lack of affection and a knot from a willing mate, your body would only get weaker and weaker until you eventually died. 

   That’s definitely what you needed right now, a nice, fat knot. The thought of a knot stretching your slicked pussy inspired images of, believe it or not, the oldest Seed brother. Fucking Jacob. You could just imagine how fit he was underneath all those clothes. From what you could feel when he carried you, he was pretty sturdy. These fantasies distracted you from the main factor, gunshots. They sounded like the same gunshots from the previous night. Loud and piercing.

   You slowly let yourself out of the heat-induced fantasy to see multiple Eden’s Gate trucks surrounding the Deputy’s own truck. The Deputy pulled out his handgun and shot two men straight through the head. You winced a bit as the bodies fell into the dirt on the side of the road. This was definitely disgusting. It made your stomach twist into knots of the mear sight of the corpses and the slick blood. It was not nearly as bad as the night before, but still horrible.

   One lucky shot pierced the steel of the truck. The deputy toppled onto the steering wheel and his eyes began to close. “Deputy? Oh, come on! Get up.” You tried to shake him awake, but he wouldn’t budge. That was the last thing you remember before feeling pain on your left side and surrendering to the cold embrace of the dark.

   The minute you woke up, you were underwater. You could feel your head spinning as the bliss tried to invade. It was not as gentle as it was before. Joseph was not performing the baptism. There were no warm hands or soft caresses. Only the high from the bliss was there and the cold stream of the water as it soaked through your white dress and onto to your already slick soaked skin.

   All of a sudden, you were pulled from the cold water only to see John first. A shiver ran up your spine at either the sight of him or the cold, you had no idea. The mear smell of him put your brain into a frenzy. You didn’t know what to think. Was it hate? Lust? Or even, love? All these emotions wanted to burst out, but you kept them at bay like you always did.

   The man who dunked you led you to John, who reached out and took your shaking hands into his. He looked at your soaked figure but said nothing. He rubbed his long, warm fingers from your forehead, down to your tinted blue lips and across your (s/c) cheeks. He looked you straight in the eyes, his blue eyes piercing into your own (e/c) ones. He knew who you were and he was going to do nothing about it.

   It wasn't long before the Alpha gave one last look and walked to the Deputy, his perfumed Alpha scent still lingering as he walked. You gave a sniff and gave slight smile at the comfort the scent brought you. God, were you feeling like a piece of shit. 

   The man who treated you like you were unimportant, even though you were meant to be the most important person in his life, still made you weak in the knees. Ever since you were young, you’ve always admired the youngest Seed, that admiration was still there and blinding you from the real truth. The man is an utter asshole.

   You were soon lead to a van loaded up with baptized civilians and as well as a member of your pack. The wolf paid you no mind as you all sat in silence, waiting for the Deputy. Unless he was a Beta, there was no way he was not smelling you right now. With your encounter with John still on your mind, your scent was probably through the roof at the moment.

   The back door to the van opened minutes after, the Deputy pushed in by another pack member. He too sat in silence as the man across from rambled on about what was going to happen you all. These people had no idea. The church wasn’t as bad as they thought, they just wanted to help. They would be saved, either way, it was the wish of the Father, no, the wish of God.

   The ride to the bunker wasn’t long, you had only been there once, to accompany your stubborn Alpha father on a pilgrim to see John. But, luck was never on your side. Bad luck just had to follow. The van crashed and just you and the Deputy survived only to be saved by a man with a Bible and a gun. No one helped you, no one seemed to care. You sat in the reck of the van and waited among the dead. If this was where you were going to die, so be it. That was how you were going to go anyway, mateless and pupless, an Omega’s worse nightmare come true.

   Yet, after a while, the gunshots stopped and there was silence. Finally, peace… Until the crunching gravel was heard. Multiple boot covered feet searched upon the wreckage of the van and a face popped inside. You stared at familiar light blue eyes and a haze of misted green bliss. Was that, was that Gabriel’s mate? 

   It sure was. The Alpha’s eyes lit up with the most emotion you’ve ever seen him express. He shouted something to you, but you simply couldn’t hear it. It was as if your hearing was gone. He leaned into the van and pulled you out, lifting you into his arms. You looked all around you to see multiple demolished vehicles, only a few still standing. The most obvious was John’s fancy white truck. The same truck he drove you Seed Ranch with.

   Gabriel’s mate carried you to the truck and handed you to John. You hardly had any energy to deal with him at the moment and just drifted off, waiting to be carried back to John’s hell hole of a house.

   Instead, when you woke up, you spotted large steel support beams. The last time you remember, there was no steel beams in the lodge. John would definitely say they didn’t match his aesthetic. 

   This was probably the bunker from the look of it. All four walls of the room were made from slightly rusted green tinted metal and the floor was pure concrete. You gave your eyes a slight rub and looked around the room. It was brimming with computer monitors and machines, each one giving off a different sound. But the most confusing part was John. He sat next to your cot.

   “Thank God, you’re awake.” He let out a sigh of relief as he leaned back into his cushioned chair. His usually slicked back hair was wild and his sunglasses were nowhere to be seen. His beard looked unkept, this was very unlike him.

   “I thought you would have been dead with those sinners.” He actually sounded concerned for once.

   “Why would you care?” You tried to put on the tough act once more, hoping to cover the whirlwind of emotions that continued to brew. 

   “You were given to me by Joseph, of course, I would care about you. You are my Omega, I am your Alpha it is my duty to care for you.” He sounded as if he knew this the whole time.

   “If you're my Alpha why don’t you act like it!” This was really pissing you off, he had no right to act innocent.

   “I know I have treated you unfairly, I cannot be forgiven for that. When God had deemed us a match, I was scared. I have never been given something so precious in my life, the one thing I didn’t feel like taking advantage of, I didn’t know what to do with this kind of gift. But, Joseph had shown me the path, he was right about walking through Eden’s Gate together. All of God’s words are truth. He has seen great things in you, something that shouldn’t be tainted by the Deputy and something that shouldn’t be tainted by me. He hears whispers from the voice of pups, mates, and mostly, the Mother.” He blue eyes held such sincerity as he said it. The Mother, what the fuck was that!?

   “These sinners need to be redeemed in the light of God and in order to do that, you need to be by our side and walk with us. Walk the path and believe the Father's holy words and soon enough you will see and speak the truth, much like Joseph.” That heat from before swelled within you, it wasn't lust, it was love. Whether this was true, you didn’t want to know. All you were sure about was you didn’t want this feeling to end. John seemed to agree as he leaned in to touch his soft lips to yours.

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. 

[aligalloo]

Christmas in Newcastle

Pairing: Will Lenney (WillNE) x Reader Word Count: 2,350 Warnings: A couple of swears Requested: Yes! Requests: Open (Sidemen, sidemen of the sidemen, ChrisMD, WillNE, Joe Sugg, Caspar Lee, Buttercream Boys etc etc.)  

Y/N: Your name Y/B/S: Your birth stone

“William!” I yell, jumping on top of him where he lays asleep in bed.  Gee has let me in their flat because I decided that its been too long since I’ve seen him.

“Jesus Christ, Y/N,” Will groans, pulling the blankets further over his head.  I yank them back and climb in beside him, cuddling up to his warm body.  He wraps his arms around me and looks at me sleepily, “What are you doing here?”

“I miss you, we never get to see each other anymore,” I reply, fluttering my lashes up at him.  

“Don’t try that on me, mate,” He laughs. “But yeah, I’ve missed you too.”

We lay in silence for several minutes before Will suddenly sits up.  “Hey, what are you doing for Christmas?” He asks curiously.

“Ah shit, yeah, I was gonna talk to you about that.” “Why, what’s happened?”

“My parents have decided to go on holiday over Christmas but I can’t leave uni.  I guess I’ll just stay in London and entertain myself.”

“We can’t have that!  Why don’t you come home to Newcastle with me?”

“Won’t your parents mind?  I’m not exactly a Lenney.”

“Don’t be an idiot Y/N, my family will love you.  Probably more than me to be honest.”

“Oh alright then, I’m not going to say no to an offer like that.”

As I lay there, I think about the history that we share.  I’ve known Will for years, I met him through mutual friends and we became close very quickly.  When he decided to drop out of uni to concentrate on YouTube, I was supportive but also hesitant, because I didn’t know how much of a future there was in the industry.  He seems to really love it though, so I make an effort to not show my doubts around him.  I’ve never actually met his family or his dog Darcey, so I’ve gone from dreading a Christmas alone to looking forward to a visit to Newcastle with my best friend.  

Will puts on some Netflix and we just talk for a bit, catching up on all the things we’ve missed out on in recent months. “So how’s your love life going?” I ask cheekily, winking at him.

He stares at me blankly for a moment before replying, “What do you think, Y/N?”

“I’m gonna guess a variety of drunk one night stands.”

“And you would be right,” He laughs awkwardly. “I’m not sure why I can’t hold down a girl, there must be something wrong with me.”

“Hey, look at me.  There is nothing wrong with you.  You just haven’t found the right one yet.” He meets my eyes reluctantly and I see something indefinable in their depths.

“Yeah that’s true.  Maybe one day.” He says hopefully, breaking eye contact and playing with a strand of my hair mindlessly.

“It’s absolutely true, and I hope I’m still around when you do find her.”

“I don’t think there’s any doubt in that respect, I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I just smile at him and cuddle closer, and we spend the rest of the day hanging around the flat catching up and watching Christmas movies in preparation for the festive season.

- A few days before Christmas -

I hear a knock on my door and I run to open it, seeing Will on the other side.

“Ready to go, love?” He asks, and I nod my head excitedly.  “Let me just grab my stuff.”

I emerge out of my bedroom a minute later, lugging a gigantic suitcase.  Will laughs at me and I huff.

“You do know we’re only going to be away for a week right?” He says, looking at the amount of luggage I have incredulously.  

“... I don’t know what we’re going to be doing, I had to be prepared for anything.” I reply in annoyance.

“I can tell you exactly what will happen, we’ll get there and my mam will fuss over you and say how adorable you are, Darcey will be obsessed with you, and my sister will force you to go last minute Christmas shopping with her like she does every year.  I’m just glad it won’t be me being dragged along this time.”

“Fine, I’m not re-packing though.  Your big strong muscles will just have to deal with the strain of lifting my suitcase.” I poke his stomach playfully and he ducks away from me.

“Don’t even go there Y/N, Jesus Christ.”

I just smile at him and flounce out the door, holding it open for him to bring my suitcase out.  “Hurry up slowpoke!  I wanna cuddle this dog of yours.”

- A few hours later -

We get off the train and a kind-looking middle aged woman comes towards us with her arms held out.  I’ve seen her in photos before, but it’s nice to finally meet the real person.  

“Will!” She calls in her strong northern accent.  “And you must be Y/N, it’s so nice to finally meet you.”

The next thing I know, I’m being pulled into her arms and Will is mouthing an apology over her shoulder.  

“Your dad’s waiting in the car, we didn’t want to pay for parking.” She says to Will, leading us out of the station.  

During the short car ride to Will’s house, I’m grilled on every aspect of my life, to what I’m studying at university to whether I have any siblings and where my parents are traveling over Christmas.  I can already feel a strong connection to these people, they are making me feel completely welcome, and I feel at home with them.

“Did you know that Will hasn’t brought a girl home since he left high school?”

“Mam it’s not like that,” Will groans and looks at me apologetically.

She just looks back at us knowingly and changes the subject.  

We arrive at the Lenney house and are greeted at the door by Darcey, who runs straight to Will.  He pets her and she then decides to come over and check out the intruder.  Will introduces us to each other, which I find incredibly cute.

“Darcey, this is Y/N.  Y/N, Darcey.” He grins as she asks to be petted by sticking her nose in my hand.  I do so gladly, and stand up when Will’s mum calls my name.

“We’ve put you in Sarah’s room for now.  You may have to share when she arrives but we can deal with that when the time comes.”

“Ah, thank you so much, I’m so grateful you let me come.”

“Of course, sweetie.  We couldn’t let you spend Christmas on your own!”

The days go on and I fit easily into life in Newcastle.  Soon, it’s Christmas Eve and Will’s sister Sarah arrives with her husband and young daughter, Isabella, who hides when she sees me.  However, with Will’s coaxing she soon pokes her head out to investigate.

“Hey,” I say in a soft voice, “How are you?”

She just looks at me with her big blue eyes, but doesn’t run away, instead coming over and holding out her hand for me to take.  We shake hands solemnly and then she runs back to her mum.

“Don’t worry, she’s always shy around new people.  She’ll love you by the end of the day.”

“Hi, I’m Sarah,” she smiles at me and stands up to give me a hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, we’ve heard so much about you from Will.”

“It’s good to meet you too.” I laugh, sneaking a glance at Will, who looks decidedly embarrassed and has gone all red.

“How old is Isabella?” I ask.

“Four, and you don’t know how strange it is that she’s not talking - she usually never stops,” Sarah replies. “Sorry we’re kicking you out of my room, the house isn’t very big.”

“It’s alright, I’ll manage perfectly fine on an air bed in Will’s room - I’ve done it before.”

“If you’re sure...?  It’s only for a few days I guess.”

I spend the rest of the morning getting to know Sarah, and we find that we have a lot in common with each other.  Later in the afternoon, we all decide to go ice-skating in the centre of Newcastle.  We bundle up warmly and head out to her car, piling in with me sitting on Will’s lap.  Sarah is driving and looks back at us knowingly.

“What are you staring at?” Will asks her, while nuzzling his face into my hair.  She just smiles and I see a shadow of a wink as she meets my eyes.

“Y/N, will you skate with me?” I hear a small voice ask from beside me.

“Of course, I’ll skate with you all you want.” I smile at her and ruffle her hair.  

We arrive at the skating rink and rent skates.  I put mine on and then help Isabella get hers, before leading her out onto the rink.  I hold her hands as we skate around and she lasts a surprisingly long time before getting tired and tugging me over to Will, who’s standing on the side watching us.  

“Jesus Christ,” I sigh after handing Isabella over to her dad. “I’m knackered, she’s so full of energy.”

I lean against Will’s shoulder and he wraps his arm around me. “You’re so good with her love, I’m impressed.  She doesn’t like many people as much as she likes you.” Will says, and I feel him press a kiss to the top of my head.

I duck my head and blush, looking over at Sarah who’s once again eyeing us intently.  “Why does she keep watching us?” I mutter, and Will looks down at me.

“What?”

“Ah it’s just Sarah, I swear she spends her whole life watching us.”

“She hasn’t seen me interact with girls very much so it’s probably a new and scary experience for her.” He takes my hand and leads me over to where Isabella is sitting with her parents.  “Ready to go home?” He asks.

“Yeah, lets go!” Isabella exclaims, running toward Will.  He catches her in his arms and picks her up, turning around and heading towards the car.  I hurry behind him, and we reach the car and wait for the others, who are not far behind.  I see Sarah whisper something into her husband’s ear but they’re too far away for me to hear what they are saying so I don’t even bother.

We get home and I’m surprised by how tired I am.  Despite this, Sarah drags me out to the mall to “experience the Christmas atmosphere” and buy last minute presents.  When we get back to the house, I head upstairs to Will’s room where I find a bed made up for me on the floor, and him on his phone.  I wave to him and go to get ready, coming back into the room afterwards.

“You ready to sleep?” He asks me, smiling at me.  

“Hell yeah, your family is exhausting.”

“Believe me, I know.  How was Sarah?  Did she kill you?”

“No, I actually had a really nice time with her, it’s nice to spend time with a female for once - I have too many guy friends.”

I go over to the bed on the floor and am about to hop into it when Will calls my name. “Why don’t you just come and sleep with me?”

“What if your parents see?” I ask, slightly worried.

“What are they going to see?  Friends sharing a bed?  It’s fine, come on.” He coaxes, scooting over and patting the place beside him.  “It’s not like we haven’t done it before.”

“Alright,” I sigh, too exhausted to argue.  I walk over and get in beside him, instantly gravitating towards his warm body.  I snuggle against him and fall asleep almost immediately, missing the whisper against my hair: “I love you, Y/N.”

- Christmas morning -

I’m woken up by a small form jumping on the bed. “Wake up, Y/N!  Wake up Will!  It’s Christmas!  Come open presents!”

“I am so sor... Oh!” Sarah has rushed in the room behind Isabella and sees me cocooned in Will’s arms.  “Come on, sweetie, let’s let them wake up.” She says as she leads the small girl out of the room.  

“Fuck, what time is it?”

“Six.” I reply, picking up my phone to check it

Will groans and buries his face in my shoulder, “Can we please go back to sleep?”

“No, Isabella was so excited, we should go downstairs so she can open her presents.”

“Cuddle first?”

“Cuddle first.”

We stay in the bed for a while longer, dozing on and off.  Around seven, I sit up and shake Will’s shoulder, “Wake up you lazy bastard.”

I hear a muffled “no” from under the covers so yank them off him, making him yelp, “You’re crazy, you know that.”

“That’s why you love me.” I toss my hair and make my way to get dressed, missing his mumbled, “You got that right, love.”

We arrive downstairs and start to open presents.  Isabella is of course adorable and attacks each new gift with vigour.  We make our way through the family until it’s my turn.  I open them all and think I’m done when Will touches my arm and slips a small box into my hand.  I gasp, “This isn’t...?”

“Oh god no!” He exclaims, “Just open it and see.”

I open the box and see a beautiful Y/B/S necklace.  There’s a small note inside, written in Will’s distinctive handwriting: ‘I think I’ve found the right one.’  My mind flashes back to the conversation we had when I asked him about his love life and my mouth drops open before I lunge towards him and plant my lips on his.  Only a small cough breaks us apart, and we remain with our foreheads touching, staring into each other’s eyes.  

“Wanna go out for dinner sometime?” Will asks, smiling at me tentatively.

“I’d love that,” I reply, slightly breathless.

“It’s about bloody time.” I hear Sarah mutter behind me, but I just laugh.  With my best friend by my side, I can face anything the world throws at me, even over-enthusiastic sisters.

-fin-

A/N: Well this is long.  I took creative liberties with characters, I know that Will has a sister but literally nothing else about her.  Hope you enjoyed!

[elizaxspears]

Oh my gosh wonderful! Can you do a Slingphries pairing AU of Pirate Captain Eric catching a merman (or mershark) Alan? The rest is up to use your creative mind. (Hope it doesn’t sound too cliche or cheesy) Or if not that one, a possible Werewolf Eric encountering Hunter Alan? Either one is fine, or if you feel up to both then that’s fine too! Thanks!

My apologies that this took a bit to write! To be honest, I’ve wanted to write a Merman!Alan AU for sometime, I have a few random bits here and there stored away, so thank you for letting me indulge in one of my secret writing pleasures! I hope you enjoy it! 

Also, I tried on the Pirate stuff. I’m not the best at it, but hopefully it was something you were looking for! And wow. I forgot this was a oneshot and almost started making this into an entire blown out story. Sorry again if the end feels kind of cut short or rushed or anything.

If it wasn’t what you were wanting then message me and I’ll write something else with Merman!Alan and Pirate!Eric. This is just what first came to mind from old Merman Alan drafts I had!

The ship swayed, carried by the waves. The wind harsh against the sails, pushing the grand ship forward. Dark clouds began forming overhead, swallowing the blue sky. The way they were headed, treacherous waters were to follow, but if they were to find what they’d set out searching for, extreme waves would be well worth it.

A creature had been seen, a being that only was ever seen by the human eye a handful of times. The elegant, emerald tail with iridescent scales just reflecting enough to catch the eye of a few fisherman sitting at the docks. The full body of the creature had never been revealed but, even by this simple rumour, the search for the being began. Many went out to sea and many never returned, swallowed by the very waters this being lived in.

This would not have been the first sighting of one of these creatures. Though extremely rare, they had been seen and one even caught. Though never physically seen by anyone, the sailor who announced its presence held a scale not belonging to any fish. The man was made rich then, many pay far more than what they truly could afford all to even glimpse at proof of a myth.

As of now, Captain Eric Slingby took his crew out to sea to search for this creature under the belief, if a scale was worth that much, a whole tail would make them and any future generations, richer than the bloody King. The warnings the Captain heard did nothing to deter him, determined to finally repay what he owed. Though considered a private among the town, not welcome anywhere but his own boat, Captain Slingby had a debt to repay. He was by no means a righteous man, never claimed to be, nor did he ever claim to be an honest man, but he would pay what they owed.

The grey clouds grey darker until they were near black. A flash in the sky let the Captain know that it was time to prepare the crew for these waters.

The first wave hit the ship hard, knocking a few off their feet. The Captain remind steading at the helm, hands gripping tightly to the wheel. His teeth were grit to the point they might have shattered, his eyes narrowed, focused on nothing but getting through this storm. If there were to be that light at the other end, he would see it, damn it. “Capin’, we’re no’ gonna make it through this one.”

The voice didn’t matter, whoever spoke to him didn’t matter. All he needed to do was focus. “If ye think tha’, we’ll throw ye overboard now an’ get it done quicker.” The Captain sneered, arms shaking just a bit with the pounding waves trying to force them off course.

When they did break free of the storm, the water calming down until the large waves that hit them before split as the ship carried on, there was little time to take a deep breath. Almost immediately, the clear water provided sight to the same tail they’d heard about. “Captain!” someone from beloved called, “it’s here!” The Captain instantly ordered them all to get the net ready. It may not have been the best plan, but there was no way for them to go about this without accidentally killing this myth.

Perhaps it was too easy for a reason, but once the large net was tossed over, the weight they felt when holding it told them they’d caught what they aimed for. “Pull it up!” the Captain ordered, helping his crew pull up the net. To their surprise, the myth so many had been chasing now lay on the deck still trapped within the rope.

There was a moment of pause on the Captain’s part. The being laying in front of him could no long be considered a myth. The gorgeous, emerald green tail that glistened in the sun, the long, translucent fins, the same on the creatures arms. None of this was a myth anymore. As his eyes trailed up a lean torso, his eyes came to lock with a set of emerald eyes, the colour his tail. Chocolate brown hair fell slightly in front of those eyes, wet with the water he was just pulled from, his entire body still glistening with water droplets, but they met his eyes nonetheless. The Captain expected to see a sense of fear, maybe even anger, but all he got was curiosity. “Capin’?” a hand waved in front of his eyes. “Wha’ should we do with ‘im?” one of his mates asked, his voice conveying the amazement no doubt all of them felt.

Subconsciously his hand reached for his sword on his hip. The first thing that flash through his mind was cut off the tail, dump the upper half back in the water and take back the treasure. However, the longer he starred into those eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to do so or even order it. “We’ll take ‘im back tae town.” he looked around. “Tha’ crate. Bring it ‘ere, fill it with water an’ put ‘im in it. Cannae ‘ave him dying on us.”

“Aye, aye, Capin’.”

Eric stepped out of the way, watching the mer-creature. Though he looked dazed now, when he was touched he instantly tried fighting off those who grabbed hold of his arms, yanking him up to dump him in the create. They were rough with the being but Eric didn’t expect any different.

Slowly, the crate was filled with enough water to keep the being alive but not enough to be comfortable, not that the wooden crate would be comfortable in any regard to being with.

They kept watch over the being until the blue of the sky fell away to the dark of night, the little lights of stars flickering on as they sailed back to port.

The Pirate Captain was unable to sleep. He’d gotten used to the scratchy blankets and the swaying of the sea, but knowing the myth that attracted so many sailors was merely sitting in a crate half filled with water on the deck made him uneasy.

He removed himself from bed, foregoing his black coat to walk shirtless into the night, his body covered in battle scars and ink, all of which he prided himself on.

From his Captain’s Quarters to where the mer-creature rested, Eric felt every wave under his feet. Perhaps he was asleep and dreaming; the light mist that drifted in not helping that conclusion. When he did come to stand by the crate, the being looked asleep himself, curled in on himself, keeping as much of himself submerged as he could. This almost felt worse then killing him. “Will you continue to stare?”

Eric watched those eyes slide open, that same look of genuine, almost childlike, curiosity in those orbs. “Yer new tae me. Cannae help it.”

“Well, you’re not so familiar to me either yet I’m not gawking.”

Eric crossed his arms. “Familiar? Weren’t ye the one swimmin’ about near town?”

The merman frowned. “I was, yes, but I was only admiring from afar. I’ve never been this close to humans before.” he looked down at himself, flicking his tail so it flopped over the edge of the crate. “Suppose this is a proper punishment for me, hm? I allowed myself to be seen, hunted and now caught.” his arms hugged himself, that frown only tugging harder downward. “You’re meant to put me on display, right?”

Eric sighed, shaking his head. “Sorry lad, bu’ no.”

The merman blinked, shock now floating in those orbs. “No? Then you mean to…” when he realized that he would no longer see the sea or visit his underwater garden he’d spent so long meticulously crafting, his shoulders slouched, head bowing. “I see. Well, I suppose it’s fair. You caught me, after all.”

Eric wasn’t sure why he decided to, but instead of rolling his eyes and walking away from what he suspected to be a guilt-trap, he sat on the edge of the crate, letting folded hands rest in his lap. “Aye, it is fair.” he replied.

The merman looked up at him, his eyes flicking up and down, trying to look him over the best he could. “Can you make it quick?”

“I will.”

“Then…that’s all I ask.”

Eric brushed back a strand of his blonde hair undone from his earlier ponytail. “Ye ‘ave a name?”

“You’re going to kill me. Does it matter?”

“No.”

He turned his head to the water, letting the breeze be the only thing to break their silence. “Alan.”

Eric returned his attention to ‘Alan’. “Yer name?”

“Yes. Alan.”

“Eric then. ’s my name.”

“Eric.” Alan spoke as if testing the name on his tongue. “Suits you.”

“Suits ye too.” He watched Alan shift in the crate, wincing. He was no doubt cramped, especially when he would have been used to the vast room that the sea supplied. “‘m sorry ye ‘ad tae be put in tha’. Dinnae no’ want ye dyin’ sae…soon.”

“Why?’

That was answer Eric did have a question to. By rights, it’d be easier to do it that way and be done with it all, but again, he could not bring himself to unsheathe his sword. “We jus’ dinnae.”

The Captain was unaware how long he sat out there. He just knew that it was too long but even as he bid Alan a goodnight or morning, he couldn’t get him off his mind. Night after night he went back to visit the merman, all the time keeping his crew away from him as if they were vultures. Shrinking their duties to admire.

Eventually, it came time where they would arrive home the next day but even as Eric sat with Alan, there was regret weighing heaving in his stomach. Something he rarely ever felt. “I was nice to see such lovely sunsets.” Alan said, having found the most comfortable position in his crate. “It’s hard to see them so well from sea level sometimes.” he rested his folded arms on the edge of the crate, setting his chin on top of them. “You look upset.”

Eric turned his gaze to Alan from the stars he’d been watching. “I dun think I can do this.”

Alan cocked his head. “No? And why not?”

“Ye dun…dun deserve this.”

Alan reached out, his hand resting on Eric’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “I told you that this was my fault, didn’t I?”

“Aye, but we went lookin’ fer ye. All the way out ‘ere too.”

Slowly, that hand traveled from his shoulder, up his neck to his cheek, guiding him down as Alan leant up. “Why do you want the gold?”

Eric felt his brow furrow. “Wha’?”

“The gold for getting one of my scales. Why do you want it?”

“I need tae pay someone off,” he began without thinking, “fer me sisters family. She needs it.”

Alan hummed, soothing his hand through Eric’s hair then leant in for a kiss that shocked the Captain. The merman lips were warm and smooth. Addicting, even. Eric allowed himself to indulge in the kiss, turning around to properly embrace the merman, wanting to pull him closer into his arms. “My, you seem desperate.” the merman breathed, parting the kiss enough to speak.

“’s jus’ ye.” and he kissed him again.

Alan took his hand, the one supporting the Captain on the edge to the crate and brought it to rest on his hip. “You can touch it, if you wish. I know many have the urge once they see it.”

Eric looked down at his hand then Alan’s tail. Carefully, he took that invite to run his palm down the scales. They were smooth under his hand, his fins feeling like almost like silk. “Amazin’.”

Alan laughed softly, letting his hand glide over Eric’s chest. “Now may you help me back to the water?”

“Back tae the water?”

Alan nodded. “I need to go back so I can repay you.”

For some reason, there was no need to question the creature. “Alrigh’.” he reached under, securing one arm under Alan’s tail and the other against Alan’s back. He hoisted the merman from his crate and walked toward the edge of the boat. “Do I jus’ throw ye in?”

Alan laughed again. “Just set me on the rail.” so Eric did, setting Alan down on the wooden rail. “Before I go, when you return to shore, go to the rock further out from where you stand on the dock. I’m sure you know the one. My repayment will be there.” and with that, the merman pushed himself off the edge of the rail and dove into the water, hardly making a splash.

He’d crawled out of his crate and pulled himself over the edge. That was the excuse Eric used when his crew demanded to know where the hell they’re payment went. Most seemed to take it, others cussed him out and left. Eric really didn’t care honestly. He would replace them with stronger, better men anyway.

Still, once they docked, Eric went to the rock. It always had an odd sheen to it that attracted many but he searched around and found nothing. He damned himself then, for being fooled by the creature.

He went back the next day despite the sour taste in his mouth except this time, there was something. A bag. He picked it up and opened it to find quite the amount of gold and jewels. This would be enough to repay those debts and then some. He looked up, scanning the horizon as the sun set. There, in the distance, he could see someone floating in the water. They waved at him then dove under the water, that tail catching in the last few rays of sunlight. Eric felt his heart thump then, a grin spreading on his lips. Something told him he’d be seeing Alan again but until then, they both still had the sunsets to keep them connected.

[berserker-official]

Then allow me to be the one who does it. -ahem- Answer all 200 questions, please.

YOU

200: My crush’s name is: I don’t have one right now?

199: I was born in: A hospital in Colorado

198: I am really: Really tired

197: My cellphone company is: Cricket

196: My eye color is: Blue

195: My shoe size is: I think 12?

194: My ring size is: I have no fucking idea

193: My height is: 6′2

192: I am allergic to: Nothing that I know of

191: My 1st car was: I share a Jeep with the family

190: My 1st job was: A pizza man at Little Caesars in Texas

189: Last book you read: All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka

188: My bed is: Small.

187: My pet: She a good girl and like 6 different breeds

186: My best friend: I have too many

185: My favorite shampoo is: Whatever’s cheap

184: Xbox or ps3: Both but I’m a sony man at heart

183: Piggy banks are: Neat

182: In my pockets: I don’t have pockets right now

181: On my calendar: Nothing special today but I have the Danganronpa V3 release date on it in a couple of weeks

180: Marriage is: Neat

179: Spongebob can: go steppin on the beach

178: My mom: is neat but I’m mad at her right now

177: The last three songs I bought were?

Silence by Marshmello & Khalid, OTONA HIT PARADE and Emotional Literacy by Bradio

176: Last YouTube video watched: Oney Plays D. Premonition WITH FRIENDS - EP 6 - Minesweeper175: How many cousins do you have? I honestly don’t know. My parents don’t really keep in touch with immediate family. My mom is an only child and my dad doesn’t talk to her sister.174: Do you have any siblings? I have a little brother who’s a fucking loser going for an astrophysics degree.

173: Are your parents divorced? Nope

172: Are you taller than your mom? By two feet.

171: Do you play an instrument? I used to play percussion in middle school

170: What did you do yesterday? A bunch of stencil work[ I Believe In ] (I’ve already answered these but here u go)169: Love at first sight: Not really168: Luck: Heart of the Cards167: Fate: No166: Yourself: Nope165: Aliens: Yeah164: Heaven: Not really163: Hell: Not really162: God: Not really161: Horoscopes: No but I look at them randomly160: Soul mates: Yeah159: Ghosts: No but not yet158: Gay Marriage: HELL YEAH157: War: No it bad156: Orbs: I BELIEVE IN THE ORBS155: Magic: No but not yet[ This or That ] (I’ve answered some of these already but here u go)154: Hugs or Kisses: Hugs153: Drunk or High: Neither152: Phone or Online: Online151: Red heads or Black haired: Black hair but I don’t really care?150: Blondes or Brunettes: Blonde cuz I’m ready to have fun149: Hot or cold: Cold148: Summer or winter: Winter147: Autumn or Spring: Autumn146: Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate145: Night or Day: Night144: Oranges or Apples: Apples143: Curly or Straight hair: Straight hair142: McDonalds or Burger King: Doesn’t matter141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate140: Mac or PC: PC139: Flip flops or high heals: I hate showing off my feet and I actually wore high heels once so HIGH HEELS138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: I’m sweet and poor so that one137: Coke or Pepsi: Neither one I actually don’t like carbonated drinks136: Hillary or Obama: Thanks obama135: Burried or cremated: Cremated it’s better for the earth134: Singing or Dancing: Singing even I fuckin suck133: Coach or Chanel: I have no idea132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: Neither?131: Small town or Big city: Big City130: Wal-Mart or Target: Target129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: Ben Stiller128: Manicure or Pedicure: Whichever is the hand one127: East Coast or West Coast: I’m in the middle so doesn’t matter126: Your Birthday or Christmas: Christmas cuz my birthday is in the summer so I’m dying of heat.125: Chocolate or Flowers: Chocolate124: Disney or Six Flags: Neither cuz going outside sucks123: Yankees or Red Sox: Cubs cuz they finally won the world series[ Here’s What I Think About ]122: War: It bad121: George Bush: He did Nine Eleven120: Gay Marriage: It’s great why the fuck do people think it’s bad119: The presidential election: In general I used to not care but NOW GO FUCKING VOTE118: Abortion: I think it’s important117: MySpace: I never had a myspace but bring back the grunge emo shit116: Reality TV: It’s obviously fake so115: Parents: Parents are good without them I would not be here (But if they’re abusive fuck them)114: Back stabbers: Drop them faster than you can say bye bitch113: Ebay: I’ve only used it once and it was good so I say sure112: Facebook: Needs to chill the fuck out111: Work: Work is good you get money and gain retail horror stories110: My Neighbors: One of them is a drunk so meh but The Best Neighbor is a guy that used to build his own motorcycles but has heart problems so he had to sell them but he’s a chill guy and I love him109: Gas Prices: TOO DAMN HIGH108: Designer Clothes: Too rich for my blood107: College: A good choice for your future but it’s not for everybody106: Sports: The only sport I care about is MLG Gaming105: My family: They cool but highly problematic104: The future: I’m at a big turning point right now so[ Last time I ]103: Hugged someone: Last Saturday?102: Last time you ate: A couple hours ago101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: Last week I think I hung out with a friend and we watched Willow100: Cried in front of someone: Months probably99: Went to a movie theater: I went to see Spider-Man Homecoming when it came out but next month I’m going to see Jigsaw with @warlord-official so that’s fun98: Took a vacation: I don’t know? When I got out of school for summer vacation?97: Swam in a pool: 2011?96: Changed a diaper: I actually never changed a diaper95: Got my nails done: Never94: Went to a wedding: Two years ago93: Broke a bone: Never92: Got a peircing: Sophmore year I got my lip pierced so...2008?91: Broke the law: I think I ran a red light once so a couple years ago?90: Texted: A day?[ MISC ]89: Who makes you laugh the most: Me cuz I do the dumbest shit88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: My dog87: The last movie I saw: I was watching the Rugrats Movie on Netflix a little while ago86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: Danganronpa V3 and then Jigsaw in October and the Ixalan MTG set at the end of the month.85: The thing im not looking forward to: The next time I have to go to jury duty84: People call me: by my name83: The most difficult thing to do is: Be an adult82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: Never81: My zodiac sign is: Leo80: The first person i talked to today was: My dad79: First time you had a crush: Probably in elementary school? She was partially deaf and my teacher told me to help her out for the year and we got pretty close78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: My friends cuz I gotta let my baggage out77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: I don’t remember cuz all my friends think the same way76: Right now I am talking to: No one75: What are you going to do when you grow up: I wanna do photography maybe teaching74: I have/will get a job: When I graduate73: Tomorrow: I gotta get up early for school72: Today: I did a bunch of school readings71: Next Summer: I’m gonna die from heat again70: Next Weekend: Hopefully I can hang with friends69: I have these pets: A good dog68: The worst sound in the world: When a racist opens their mouth67: The person that makes me cry the most is: Roman from the FH team cuz he’s NOT FUCKING NERFING CENT66: People that make you happy: All my friends65: Last time I cried: Just now boi we goin in hard64: My friends are: Good boys and girls63: My computer is: I have an 5 year old ASUS laptop that I should try to upgrade cuz it runs Overwatch poorly62: My School: MSU Denver61: My Car: I share a Jeep with the family60: I lose all respect for people who: Treat my friends like they’re subhuman59: The movie I cried at was: Death Note cuz it was fucking awful58: Your hair color is: Dirty blonde57: TV shows you watch: The only stuff on now that I’m watching is Rick and Morty and AHS: Cult56: Favorite web site: Tumblr even though this hellsite is full of sin55: Your dream vacation: Japan?54: The worst pain I was ever in was: My wisdom teeth were pretty obnoxious53: How do you like your steak cooked: Rare52: My room is: Very messy and small51: My favorite celebrity is: Gal Gadot50: Where would you like to be: Anywhere not stressed out49: Do you want children: Only if I have an S/O that wants kids48: Ever been in love: Yeh47: Who’s your best friend: I have too many to count but @warlord-official is one of them46: More guy friends or girl friends: I think it’s a tie?45: One thing that makes you feel great is: when my friends are happy or I eat a good burger44: One person that you wish you could see right now: My friend that’s in Japan I miss her43: Do you have a 5 year plan: Nope42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: Nope41: Have you pre-named your children: I did when I was dating someone and thought we were pretty serious but then I found out she was cheating on me so not anymore40: Last person I got mad at: My mom39: I would like to move to: Japan or somewhere that is cool all the time like Washington maybe38: I wish I was a professional: Photographer[ My Favorites ]37: Candy: Pay Day36: Vehicle: Reasonably priced car is one of the new Jeeps. Super expensive car would be an Aston Martin or Maserati35: President: Obama34: State visited: Georgia was nice33: Cellphone provider: Cricket cuz it’s the only one I’ve had32: Athlete: John Elway31: Actor: Chris Evans30: Actress: Gal Gadot29: Singer: Kesha28: Band: Bradio or Starset27: Clothing store: DXL cuz it’s the only store that sells clothes for Big Boys26: Grocery store: Safeway25: TV show: Hannibal or Future Diary. Rick and Morty is always good24: Movie: Saw, Pacific Rim, Back to the Future, or Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift23: Website: Tumle dot hell22: Animal: Dog?21: Theme park: NONE OF EM20: Holiday: Halloween19: Sport to watch: idk18: Sport to play: I used to do tennis so that one17: Magazine: Shonen Jump or Game Informer16: Book: The Disaster Artist15: Day of the week: Friday14: Beach: I’ve never been to a beach13: Concert attended: Either PVRIS or A Perfect Circle with @warlord-official12: Thing to cook: It’s like a mix of pizza and spaghetti11: Food: A nice burger10: Restaurant: I like Smashburger9: Radio station: I don’t remember the one that plays rock music here but that one8: Yankee candle scent: Something about rain?7: Perfume: There was a vanilla one that I thought smelled nice a long time ago6: Flower: idk?5: Color: a deep blue4: Talk show host: Ellen DeGeneres?3: Comedian: Bo Burnham2: Dog breed: Mutt1: Did you answer all these truthfully? I hope so