Tumgik
#Sam will never grow up play guitar or have a date
firebirdsdaughter · 2 years
Text
The more I watch it…
… I definitely think the reason the Nate and Eliot relationship gets overlooked is that it’s very tacit and unspoken. These are two guys who do not discuss feelings, at least not directly, instead they just steadily… Fall into a pattern, they develop a system. The trust and loyalty between them isn’t spelled out in long speeches or discussions; it’s in the way Eliot starts to look to Nate for a cue if he should engage; Eliot allowing Nate to pull him back; it’s Nate never trying to force details of Eliot’s past from him; the way Nate only ever doubts Eliot once and then never again; the way Nate looks at Eliot after being forced to take a drink in the Bottle Job, or any other time; their conversation about the bank robbery in the Bank Shot job; Eliot being willing to kill for Nate; no matter how far on a bent he is, it’s in Nate never asking him to; it’s in Eliot and Sophie worrying about Nate’s destructive behaviour and his drinking; Nate telling Eliot ‘get them to the chopper’ rather than ‘get to the chopper’; it’s every time Eliot speaks out about a play or choice he doesn’t agree w/ and calling Nate out; it’s them sitting in silence in the bar; it’s the way Eliot falls in at Nate’s shoulder, or shifts in front of him in case of threat; it’s Eliot doing things Nate asks even when he complains; it’s Nate honestly responding when Eliot confronts him; it’s the Zanzibar Job; Eliot being mad Nate (and the others) left the baseball game early; Nate trying to protect Eliot from being forced to do the fixed fight; his panic at thinking Eliot’s been shot for a moment; Nate sounding for all the world like a proud dad during the country music ep; the exchange at the end of the cheerleading ep; them both harping on Hardison to tip the messenger; Nate trying to curb Eliot’s flirting; watching sports together; it’s the tiny glances they exchange or they way they sometimes move in sync.
Leverage Inc has no hierarchy, not really, not in the usual sense, but they fill their own roles based on their strengths and personalities. There’s no outright decision, no official acknowledgement, but they don’t need that. Nate and Eliot settle seamlessly into not just the roles of a mastermind and his loyal, trusted, and competent lieutenant and enforcer, but also something reminiscent of a father and an eldest son. They are actually one of the closest bonds in the whole crew (which is comprised of very close bonds, to be fair, but hopefully you get the point), they just do it so naturally and almost in the periphery that it can go unnoticed/understood very easily.
433 notes · View notes
oliverreedmasterass · 4 months
Text
Tumblr media
Synopsis: A young Greta Van Fleet find hope in a local battle of the bands competition to finally catch their big break.
Words: 6.9k
Notes: Sorry for the wait, @infinisonicosm! (and thank you for creating this fic idea)
________________________________
Day One
After a solid eight hours of practicing, Sam hoped that he would be able to fall asleep fast, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, he laid under his plaid comforter, frowning up at the glow in the dark stars on his ceiling. Since he hadn’t gotten around to talking to Josh since they were all too focused on practicing, Sam was forced to deal with his doubts, and crippling self-esteem on his own, secluded in the darkness of his room. 
Sam shifted around and looked down at Danny, who was snuggled into a sleeping bag beside his bed, on the carpet. He looked so peaceful (and not to mention like he really needed the sleep). Sam had taken note that Danny was drumming exceptionally hard during their practice. He was playing with so much intensity, it almost felt like he was auditioning for the band all over again, like he had to prove something. Sam knew that he needed to be in a similar mindset since there was a lot on the line with the competition, but he was struggling. There was just too much happening in his head. Sam considered waking Danny up to talk through things, but Danny let out a window-rattling snore that convinced Sam to not disturb his slumber. 
So, instead, he returned back to facing the stars and blew out a hefty sigh. He enjoyed playing the bass, that was definitely true. But he had other things that he liked doing too, and it felt like the band was starting to consume all other aspects of his life. They were playing multiple gigs a week so he had to spend all of his free time working on homework so he could graduate. Sam had managed to get solid grades throughout high school and even applied to some pretty impressive colleges back in the fall, but he and his fellow classmates were still waiting to hear back. Sam figured that’s where a good deal of his anxiety lay. He knew it was a shot in the dark, but he had applied to Harvard’s engineering program, and found himself daydreaming about that life. Being on a gorgeous campus, learning from the best, and building things that would blow his bandmates’ minds. Plus, he could have a social life if he went away to school. 
Sure, he had friends at school and all, but he and Danny had missed some serious milestones. They didn’t go to their prom since Jake and Josh had signed them up to go on a mini-tour across the state, playing in as many bars as they could access. Sam had dated a few nice girls, but all of their relationships were severed when they told Sam that he was spending a lot of time with the band and not putting enough effort into the relationship. While his friends went to parties, football games, and the movies, he was in the garage, plucking away at his bass. He didn’t like that a lot of the most formative years of his life were spent in that garage. 
But he did enjoy playing with his brothers. It was something that they were able to bond over, and he had to admit that he had never felt closer to anyone than Jake, Josh, and Danny. Their band had its ups and downs, but Sam was proud of how far they had come, even just in the five years since they had formed. Jake’s guitar playing was reaching new levels that entirely baffled Sam; it was like he transformed into a god anytime he flicked his amp on. Josh’s vocals, in a similar vein, turned heads left and right since it was so unique and strong. Danny never played out of time, and even though he was the newest addition to the band, he had all of their songs down as if he had been in the room with them when they wrote them. He was even growing comfortable switching up tempos and taking off into long-winded solos that would make John Bonham nod with approval. And then there was Sam. Sam just played the bass and sometimes played the wrong notes. 
Sam spent the rest of the night with a frown etched across his face, wishing that the fan above him could smash him so he didn’t have to go to the competition the next day. The early morning sunlight started to crawl through the breaks in his curtains, and soon enough Danny was sitting upright with a loud yawn, stretching his arms towards the sky. 
“Get some good rest in?” he asked Sam once his yawn was fully released. Sam remained on his back, glaring daggers at the ceiling fan, and let out a grunt. He called out in protest as Danny jumped to his feet and yanked Sam’s covers off of him. “It’s a big day!” Danny told him, as if Sam didn’t already know. “Perk up, this could be the first day of the rest of our lives!” 
That made Sam all the more motivated to stay in bed. Danny frowned as Sam flopped over on his back so he was facing away from him, and curled up into the fetal position, clutching one of his pillows into his chest. 
“Are you nervous?” Danny tried to guess. Sam didn’t even know what words to assign to whatever the hell he was feeling, so he shrugged. “Gassy?” Danny tried again. That got a snort out of Sam. 
“What’s going on?” Josh popped his head into the room, and then joined Danny’s side. “Why’s Sam all folded up like a pretzel?” 
“He won’t tell me,” Danny replied, sounding concerned. 
“I’m sure it’s just some pre-show jitters,” Josh rationalized. Then, he turned his attention to Sam and thrust his hands at him, latching onto his shoulders. Sam squeaked out in shock as Josh shook his body around, hollering at the top of his lungs. 
“COME ON SAMMY, SNAP OUT OF IT! GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME AND GET OUT OF BED! WE’VE GOT A BIG DAY AHEAD OF US!” 
“Let go of me!” Sam tried to swat his older brother away, to no avail. Josh came down close to Sam’s ear and tucked his long hair out of the way so he could whisper, 
“If you don’t get up, Jake will be here any second with a bucket of ice cold water.” 
Jake had done that to Sam enough times that he knew Josh was being serious. He smacked Josh’s hands off of his shoulders, and hoisted himself up, to the applause of Danny and Josh. 
“Happy?” he asked between them. 
“Thrilled,” Josh gave a cheeky grin back. 
With Danny and Josh close to his side as if they were his bodyguards, they made their way into the kitchen where Josh had been working on brewing some Folgers coffee. Sam thought about asking Danny to go back to his room and grab something for him so he could be left alone with Josh to talk, but Jake ruined that plan. 
“What do you think?” he asked as he came into the kitchen, motioning down at his clothes. Sam, Danny, and Josh took in his women’s flare pants, paisley button up shirt, and floppy hat. 
“Absolutely not,” Josh cut in. “You look like a member of the Mamas and Papas.” 
“And that’s a bad thing?” Jake retorted, crossing his arms across his chest. 
“You think it’s a good thing?” Josh shot back, looking alarmed. 
“No,” Jake sighed, and then motioned back towards their shared room. “Help me?” 
“Yeah,” Josh nodded. “You need it.” 
Sam watched his brothers leave the kitchen, and held his head in his hands. Danny had been at the fridge, helping himself to some yogurt, but joined Sam’s side, sliding onto the barstool next to him. Sam could feel Danny’s eyes on him, but he refused to turn his head in his direction. 
“Do you not want to play today or something?” Danny asked Sam. That got him to immediately tense up. “I’m surprised you’re not more excited for this.” 
Sam took long enough to answer Danny’s question, that he was worried Danny could tell he had pinpointed his emotions exactly. “It’s not that,” Sam struggled to speak. He couldn’t think of what to say next, so he left it at that. 
“You know you can tell me if something is up,” Danny’s voice softened. “You seem super on edge right now and it’s kinda freaking me out.” 
“There’s just a lot on the line right now, that’s all,” Sam thought aloud. 
Danny put a supportive hand on his back and rubbed it around a bit. “We’re sounding better than we ever have before, Sam. The key is just to go out there and have fun. As long as we do that, I think we’re gonna be pleasantly surprised.” 
Sam appreciated Danny’s feedback, but was disappointed that Danny wasn’t able to pick up on his anxiety surrounding the band and his own future. Danny seemed to believe that this competition was a clear shot straight to his dreams, as opposed to Sam, who saw it as an inconvenient fork in the road. He knew it wasn’t worth bringing up, just in case it got Danny upset, so he pursed his lips together and gave Danny a quick nod to show that he agreed. 
At that moment, Josh popped his head back into the kitchen with a large grin. 
“Get your butts back to my room,” he told them both. “We need to get our outfits sorted out.” 
An hour and a half later, Sam found himself sitting in the front seat of Danny’s car, on the way to the fairgrounds. He was wearing some red satin pants that he had bought on a whim at a thrift store the previous year and then proceeded to throw into the back of his closet. When Josh discovered them, they were immediately forced into Sam’s hands. On top he wore a busy patterned blazer with nothing underneath except a collection of gold necklaces, taking Jake’s advice that having their nipples out was the coolest thing rockstars could do. For what it was worth, he did feel closer to a rockstar in his outfit than he had felt in a while. 
The rest of the car looked good too. Danny had on a pair of black skinny jeans and a black vest with stunning swirls of gold dancing across the fabric. His hair was pulled part way into a bun, letting a small bit of his curls lay around his shoulders. In the backseat, Josh proudly wore a top that closely resembled a silk robe, decorated in a red, purple, and blue floral pattern. The number of chains and medallions around his neck was so substantial, he made a clinking noise with every move. Sitting next to him, Jake was dressed in a dark jacket with golden tassels falling over his shoulders, his bare chest on full display. He only had one pair of clean pants in his closet, so he was stuck wearing a pair of faded skinny jeans and his favorite Chelsea boots. 
Danny was blasting what he jokingly called their “hype music” which was just Crazy Frog on repeat. Jake had threatened to chuck Danny’s phone out the window numerous times, but never did anything. They reached the old county road that would lead them to the fields on the outskirts of town, and Danny called over the music, “Get ready, it’s about to get bumpy!” 
Sam had trouble continuing on with his brooding and concerned thoughts, he was bouncing around so much in the passenger seat. If Ian really was going to be in the trunk with their friends on the drive out, he was as good as dead. As they lurched around in their seats, their heads nearly hitting the roof of the car with every pothole hit, Sam saw the main stage coming up closer in sight. God, that was a massive stage. It looked so big, Sam thought he would probably feel like he was on top of the world standing up there. He shook his head and forced himself to frown again. 
Danny pulled into the special parking lot they had been instructed to use, and killed the engine, luckily making Crazy Frog stop. Jake heaved out a sigh of relief. Next to him, Josh was still bouncing around, even though the car had stopped. Sam watched him in confusion, until he realized that he was simply excited. 
“I can feel it, you guys,” Josh shared with the car. 
Danny held a hand up to get him to stop. “Hey, don’t jinx it,” he said, though there was a twinkle in his eye. 
“Remember,” Jake reminded the car. “We take this one step at a time. Focus on the round that we’re in. Don’t look ahead to the end.” 
Sam’s eyebrows furrowed at Jake’s advice. Maybe he did have a point. 
The band exited from the car and got to work dragging their countless instruments and cords out from the trunk of Danny’s SUV. Sam grabbed his bass and Danny’s snare and started to carry them in the direction of the stage, following behind Jake, who was holding his guitar cases with care. Sam took note of how Jake was walking with his head held high, and tried to mirror his body language. He figured that, maybe just maybe, if he acted like he was feeling good, he would actually start to feel that way. He was hoping that would get his stomach to stop twisting in tangling knots. 
They found the dropoff area for their stuff and, right beside it, there was the order of bands going on stage. 
“We’re going first,” Jake announced to the band, pointing out their name on the list. Sam’s stomach flip flopped and he clutched at it when no one was looking at him. 
“That’s good,” Josh tried to assure them all. “We get to set the tone for this whole thing.” 
“Who are we up against?” Danny asked. Jake squinted his eyes at the list. 
“Some band called Bloodhound Venom?” 
Danny thought it over. “They’re not the ones we need to be worried about.”  
“I’m worried about them though,” Josh begged to differ. “That band name is fucking terrifying.” 
“It’s a group of fifteen year olds,” Danny patted Josh on the back. “Trust me, you’ll be okay.” 
“So which band is the one we need to keep our eyes on?” Jake looked at Danny with intrigue. Danny looked back at the list and pursed his lips as he scanned over the different names. 
“That one,” he finally spoke, jamming his pointer finger into a name that was set to play later that afternoon. Everyone looked closer at the paper taped on the side of the stage. 
“Fellowship,” Jake read aloud. “Oh, those guys must be good.” 
“They’re alright,” Danny shrugged, trying to hide the threat they posed. That was enough information for Jake, since he turned on his heel and headed back to their gear.  
He took a brief pause and called over his shoulder, “Josh, you better start warming up.” 
Sam didn’t appreciate how fast the day was speeding forward. Though, granted, it didn’t give him a lot of time to dwell. In the two hours they had to wait until they went out on stage, he passed the time looking at the cars on display with Danny, greeting his friends and family, and throwing up in one of the porta potties. Sam usually wasn’t the one to let anxiety get the better of him physically, but after seeing all of his loved ones stationed in front of the stage, carrying signs and banners in support of Greta Van Fleet, the weight of their performance crushed him like an anvil. 
Once the contents of his stomach were fully cleared, he found himself back with his band, Josh handing him his dad’s bass. Sam nearly dropped it, he was shaking so much, but he was glad that no one else seemed to notice. Danny had both of his drumsticks clutched in his fists, and bounced from foot to foot in anticipation. Jake was stretching his hands out and cracking each of his fingers louder than seemed humanly possible. Sam noticed that Josh’s eyes were on him. Before he could say anything, Josh grabbed Sam softly by the shoulder and dragged him out of earshot of Danny and Jake. 
“You look really pale,” he observed. Sam studied his feet and nodded. “Are you good?” 
“I don’t know,” Sam admitted. “I’m a wreck.” 
“Well that’s sure as hell not what I want to hear from you right before we’re supposed to go out there. Can you tell me what’s up?” 
Sam let out a disgruntled breath. He really didn’t know how to explain his situation. 
“I’m just nervous, is all.” 
“You’re usually pretty level-headed when it comes to playing in front of people though.” 
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Sam raked a hand through his hair. “I guess I’ve just been thinking a lot about what’s on the line with this competition, and how it might be our big moment.” 
Josh’s eyes were trying to find Sam’s and, when they connected, Sam was relieved to see that Josh was nodding his head, looking like he finally understood what the problem was. Sam was even more relieved when Josh patted his back. 
“I’m nervous too, Sammy,” he assured him. “We both have our own things that we want to do, but this band is something we can all share and that’s pretty special, right?” Sam could only shrug in response. He did get what Josh was hinting at. “We can talk about this more later,” Josh decided when the host of the competition went onto stage to announce their band. “But I want to know that you’re gonna be okay.” 
“I’ll be okay,” Sam forced a smile at him. 
“Good,” Josh smiled back. “We’re gonna blow shit up, it’ll be electric.” 
“I sure hope so,” Sam managed a laugh. 
To really no one’s surprise, they went out there on that stage and, in their scheduled five minutes, played the most energetic and impressive version of Fast Train Blues to date. Sam wasn’t sure if it was from nerves or excitement, but Danny upped the tempo slightly, which Jake took as a challenge to insert Eddie Van Halen-esque solos in their breaks. After the first chorus, Sam finally felt some form of ease since he had trained his eyes to never fall on their cheering section, instead scanning just above their heads. He plodded around the stage in his bare feet, which he and Josh had started trying out recently, and let the low hum of his bass make the floor tremble. He felt a power swelling in him that, as the song kept going, started to feel addictive. Josh managed to propel the lyrics out of his small frame so his voice hollered over the cacophonous music. When they finished, Sam’s ears rang over the applause from the crowd, but he knew that they had accomplished something terrific. 
That was entirely verified for the band when the host greeted them at the side of the stage. 
“I’d heard of you kids before, but god damn,” the older man chuckled out. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard live music like that. I saw people running into the fairgrounds from the parking lot to get a look at you guys.” 
“Thanks, sir,” Jake told the man with genuine gratitude, still trying to catch his breath. 
Danny was right to say that they had nothing to worry about with Bloodhound Venom. As intimidating as their band name was, they opted to attempt a cover of War Pigs that quickly fell apart during the solo. Sam and Danny remained on the wings of the stage to watch their performance while Jake and Josh wandered around to try and find some craft beer to chug, and Sam winced as he watched the bassist. He didn’t want to compare himself to someone to boost his own morale, but the poor kid could hardly play any of the notes. Sam noticed that the bass line suddenly vanished from the speakers, and shook his head in sadness when he saw that the kid had given up and was faking his playing. Sam had never put on a performance like that before; even if he got lost, he could usually work out some notes to play that at least fit with the sound. 
When the kids finished their song, they tried to hurry off the stage with their heads hung low. Sam reached out and tapped on the lead guitarist’s shoulder to get him to turn around. Out of all of them, Sam could tell that he was the one who had put the group together, and was trying his hardest to keep them from falling apart. 
“That’s a tough song to do,” Sam told the kid when he looked back at him. “You’re gonna get it down, you’re super close.” 
“Thanks dude,” the kid told him, though Sam could tell the kid was thinking he was full of shit. He let the band leave them then, and Danny nudged Sam in the side. 
“That was nice of you to say.” 
“It’s true,” Sam commented. “Give them a few years and they’ll pull it off. Jake, Josh, and I sounded like them when we first attempted to play Communication Breakdown, but we eventually worked it out.”
“I do remember you guys trying to play that one at Fischer Hall,” Danny’s face scrunched at the memory. Sam had to laugh at his brutal honesty: for what it was worth, they had sounded like absolute garbage. It didn’t help that the hall’s cheap ass microphone kept shocking Josh every time he put his mouth up to it. 
Jake and Josh both came back to their side clutching large steins of beer in both hands. 
“They were on the house!” Jake called in glee. “They didn’t even check our IDs!” 
Josh finished one of his steins and slammed the glass onto the stage with a whoop. At that moment, Tom and Leah came around to the backstage area, grinning wide. Sam and Danny left Josh and Jake behind with their own vices to greet their friends. 
“How is Ian doing?” Danny asked before they could shower them in praise. 
“He survived the trunk,” Leah laughed back. 
“We had enough space for him in the second car, but he insisted on sitting back there,” Tom added. “He said the bumpy part was actually a lot of fun, though that might just be the concussion talking.” 
“God,” Sam chuckled, “I hope not.” 
“I gotta say,” Leah looked between Danny and Sam, “you both are incredible at what you do.” Sam could feel his cheeks flush the brightest red at Leah’s compliment. “Seriously,” she continued when she was met with embarrassed silence, “we’re always talking about how much time you guys put into this band and, geez, I think it really is paying off.” 
“You looked like rockstars up there,” Tom agreed with Leah. “It was almost like I didn’t recognize you.”
“Quit stroking my ego or I’m gonna have a bigger head than Pete Townshend,” Danny warned Leah and Tom. Sam could tell that they had no clue who Danny had just referenced, but they laughed anyway. 
“I think you guys are practically guaranteed to go to the second round,” Leah said. Sam gave her a testing glance, and she laughed, knocking her fist against her forehead. “Knock on wood,” she said directly to Sam. “I’m just glad we’ll get to see you guys play again. I’ve literally never had this much fun at a concert before and I’ve seen Pink before. Do you know how big of a compliment that is?” 
“Not really,” Danny and Sam both replied. 
Josh joined their side and, after greeting Leah and Tom, motioned back to the stage. 
“Jake wants us to get some more practice in with our Round 2 song,” he explained apologetically. “It’s kind of a new number that we’re trying out.” 
“We won’t keep you then,” Leah said. 
“We’ll see you soon,” Danny promised her and Tom. “And, genuinely, thank you so much for coming out today. It really means a lot.” 
“Hey, we wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Tom assured him. They both gave Danny and Sam hugs, and then they headed back into the growing crowd. While another young band was attempting to play through Back in Black on stage, Danny tried to talk to Sam over the music. 
“Josh mentioned you were a bit off before we went out there. Are you okay?” 
Sam glared at Josh, who was a few paces ahead of them, oblivious to their conversation, and shook his head. 
“I was just going through some pre-show nerves, but I’m doing better now.” 
For what it was worth, Sam was feeling reasonably better than he had just a half an hour before, when he was emptying out the contents of his stomach into the smelly plastic toilet bowl. Josh’s words had really struck a chord with him and, when he saw his brothers and best friend standing alongside him out on that stage, he realized that it did feel like home to him. He did enjoy creating art with them, and challenging himself to compose music that he wanted to hear. It was a privilege that not everyone got to experience, so he tried to keep it close to his heart that this band was something he was lucky to have. 
“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Danny looked sincere. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize, I would have tried to do something to perk you up.” 
“Like play Crazy Frog?”
“How did you know?” Danny pretended to act surprised. 
Josh led them to a tent that was reserved for the musicians and they found Jake sitting at a folding table, working on tuning his acoustic guitar. When they approached his side, his head snapped up, and Sam was concerned to see that he had familiar frown lines etched into his face. It looked like Sam wasn’t the only one dealing with nerves for the day. 
“Now what’s your problem?” Josh quickly broke the ice, pointing at Jake. Jake scowled at his twin and directed his attention back on tuning his G string. “Jacob, answer me,” Josh continued to prod. 
“I’m just worried how I’m gonna sound singing, okay?” Jake finally snapped. “Maybe it was stupid to pitch that we play an acoustic song. I might screw up and then everything will be ruined for us.” 
“I can sing your part, if you want,” Josh suggested quietly. Jake’s head shook back and forth so hard, he looked on the brink of giving himself whiplash. 
“I need to know what pressure like this feels like,” Jake countered. “It’s, just, it’s fine, it’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.” 
“We’re obviously worried about it though,” Danny chipped in. Sam had to nod. When Jake’s confidence was wavering, the rest of the band wasn’t too far behind. 
“Look, you can still sing, just stick to the backing vocals, okay?” Josh tried to compromise. “You don’t have to take the second verse and bridge.” 
Jake seemed to be contemplating it, but then clenched his jaw and shook his head again. 
“I need to suck it up.” 
“What you need to do is tell yourself everything is gonna be okay,” Danny corrected him. “Just do Josh’s vocal warm ups and you should be fine.” 
“You sounded really good singing during rehearsal yesterday,” Sam wanted to let his older brother know. He had heard Jake sing countless times through all of their garage sessions, but the day before Sam had really started to appreciate how strong and full Jake’s voice was sounding. If anything, he was on the brink of giving Josh a run for his money, which was some seriously high praise. 
For whatever reason, Sam’s words seemed to be what Jake needed. He finished tuning his guitar and then stood and pointed towards a secluded area behind some moving trucks. 
“Wanna set up shop back there?” he asked. “They’re announcing who’s going on to the next round in a couple of hours so we should have enough time to get some more practice in.” 
They set up a circle of folding chairs next to the back of an eighteen wheeler, away from the amassing crowds. Sam had his bass with him and a portable amp that did the trick. Danny and Jake were both equipped with their acoustic guitars, and Josh was holding his maracas like he had the most important role in the band. Sam looked around at his bandmates in a new light than he had earlier in the day. He had separated himself from them in his mind, assuming that they were all on the right path while he was straying away from the life he was supposed to lead. He was starting to believe that less and less. While they practiced, Sam caught himself making eye contact with everyone and grinning. They were all putting their heads together to create something that sounded incredible. It was like they had a kind of magic surging between them. 
In spite of this, Jake was having trouble with his singing parts. He was able to get through his harmonies with Josh and Danny, but when it came to that second verse, Sam had never seen him act more like a perfectionist. On their fifth runthrough of the song, Sam felt like they had hit their groove and were in a great place. But no. Jake immediately stopped playing and threw his hands up to stop everyone after he sang half of the first line of his verse. 
“I was out of tune,” he admitted once everyone muted their instruments. 
“You literally weren’t,” Josh told him. Sam and Danny nodded in agreement. Jake had sounded perfectly fine. Maybe a little bit soft so it was hard to hear him over the guitars, but he still sounded good. Jake started playing from the beginning of the song again without another word. Silently, they followed his lead. 
After their thirteenth runthrough, Josh started to grow frustrated. 
“I’m gonna wipe my voice out before we can even get out there,” he rattled his maracas at Jake to try and prove a point. “I’m starting to feel hoarse!” 
Danny shrugged like he could keep going, but Sam knew that it was time to take a break before they started really butting heads with each other. He gently set his dad’s bass in the grass and made his way to the backstage area where he had seen a table set up with a portable kettle and some tea bags. He didn’t know a whole lot about how to keep vocal cords in shape, but Josh was an avid tea-drinker when it came time for them to perform, so it only made sense in Sam’s mind. He fixed three cups of earl gray tea with lemon and honey and carefully brought them back to the group. When he returned, Josh was trying to teach Jake one of his warm ups. 
“You just do a lip roll and go up as high as you can and then back down, oscillating back and forth,” he instructed. Jake looked back at him like he wasn’t sure if Josh was pulling his leg or not. Indifferent to it, Danny was giving it a try and seemed to be enjoying himself. Josh motioned for Jake to give it a go, but Jake looked like that was the last thing he wanted to do. When he caught sight of Sam, his frowning face opened up into a relieved smile. 
“Thanks, Sammy,” he said to his younger brother, accepting one of the paper cups from him and chugging it down. Sam winced since it was still pretty hot, but Jake didn’t seem to notice or care. Josh and Danny gladly took their own cups as well, but opted to nurse them. 
“Jake,” he said as he took a seat back in his folding chair. Jake looked up. “Don’t overthink things.”
“Not exactly easy to do, Sammy,” Jake replied. 
“You enjoy singing,” Sam reminded him. Jake had never outwardly admitted it, but Sam heard him singing Black Keys songs in the shower enough that he knew it was true. “Own it or we’re never giving you this opportunity again.” 
Jake looked at him with a twinkle in his eye. “Since when do you make decisions for the band?” 
“I’m as much a part of this band as everyone else here,” Sam stated. It felt good to say. “I want to see us make it to the finals, and if that means raising the stakes for you to get over yourself and get out there and perform, then so be it.” 
“Those nerves really are gone, aren’t they, Sammy?” Josh joked into Sam’s ear. He swatted his brother away. Across from him, Jake seemed to be running Sam’s words through his mind. 
“How will you know if I ‘own it’?” 
“If we make it to the next round.” 
“Fair enough,” Jake had to agree. 
From the stage, the host was stationed back in front of the microphone, congratulating the bands for participating in the first round. The members of Greta Van Fleet realized that the winners of the first round were about to be announced, and rushed to the side of the stage where the other groups were huddled. 
“Everyone give a large round of applause for our eight bands who have made it to the second round!” the host beamed out at the packed crowd that was squeezed in front of the stage. Sam peeked out and saw his parents and friends on the right side of the stage, clasping their hands together in eager anticipation. “Our eight bands are Fellowship, Boogie Down, Fred Fender, Astound the Fury, Invalid Password, Greta Van Fleet, The Bellhoppers, and DaveTM!” 
Sam felt a rush of relief wash over him, which was so drastically different from how he was feeling on the car ride over earlier. Sam had been wondering if he could do anything to get them eliminated in the first round, sabotaging their dreams of a big break. It had seemed like a good solution to his problem at that time, but now Sam was glad he was wrapping his grinning bandmates in tight hugs, feeling one step closer to the big time. 
The second round’s schedule was posted shortly afterwards, and Greta Van Fleet was set to face off against the group of college kids who went by Fred Fender. They mostly played indie pop music but, as Danny softly explained to them, the drummer had recently been replaced, and the new guy couldn’t keep time to save his life. It felt like the odds might be in their favor yet again. 
Instead of going back and practicing more, Sam was glad that Jake chose to remain at the side of the stage, watching the other groups play. They were going third, so they were able to see Astound the Fury and The Bellhoppers compete. Sam enjoyed Astound the Fury’s rendition of a Moody Blues song that he frequently listened to on his parents’ vinyl, but The Bellhoppers seemed like they might squeak into the next round since their lead singer had an intoxicating charisma about her that the crowd seemed to eat up. Their rendition of Blondie’s Call Me had Sam bouncing in place. Sure, it wasn’t the kind of clean cut live music most people were used to catching in their city’s largest stadiums and arenas, but there was something invigorating about how raw everyone sounded. This was music at its core. 
It was slightly nerve-wracking to go out there on that stage, armed with acoustic guitars, after such an electrifying performance, but there was no turning back. Sam watched as the stagehands set up four wooden stools at center stage, three in front of microphones. Sam knew that his stool was the one on the far right, with no microphone to block his view. Thank god his brothers didn’t feel it was necessary to pressure him into singing. 
This time around, when he walked out on stage, he did take note of how many people were there to hear them. And, by some miracle, the sheer number of intrigued faces made him all the more excited to plug his bass in and play away. A brief glimpse at Jake caused him to frown though. Jake looked about as pale as Sam had felt earlier, before the first round. He seemed to be having trouble steadying his hand so he could plug his guitar in. Sam, Josh, and Danny must have all noticed at the same time, because they huddled around him, their backs to the stage. 
“You’re gonna be fine,” Danny was the first to talk. “I’ll sing backup on your verse and bridge so you have something to fall against. Just kick me if you want me to stop.” 
“Remember to sing from your chest, not your throat,” Josh reminded him. Jake gulped and nodded. Sam gave his shoulder a squeeze and looked into his panicked eyes, trying to communicate to him, I got through this, and so will you. The host popped back out to announce that they were performing a cover of Ragged Wood, which was met by a loud applause. Jake looked like he wanted to remain hidden from the crowd, but took one more fragile breath and then turned to grab his seat on the stool. 
Sam looked around to make sure everyone was ready, and then counted them in. Jake and Danny’s acoustic guitars playing earned cheers from the crowd. Josh was getting into his maraca shaking, and started to project out the vocals in a way that Robin Pecknold would approve of. Jake and Danny joined in on the harmonies during the chorus, and Sam grinned when he spotted Jake singing with a wide smile, his eyes closed so he was fully engulfed in the music. His voice floated through the crowd, warm like whiskey on a winter’s day. Sam spotted his parents watching Jake get through his verse with awe. It was an added bonus that their fan section erupted into applause once Josh took back over for the chorus. The bridge was just as strong and, after going into a condensed guitar break, they closed out the song. The applause was thunderous, so much so that Sam wondered if they were really reacting to them. It almost felt surreal. 
They took their bow, Sam made sure to wave to their group, and then latched his arm around Danny’s back as they hopped off the stage. Jake and Josh were right behind them, and both had their goofy grins wide. 
“So, I’m still allowed to sing, right?” Jake gave a toothy smile at Sam. 
“We gotta find out if we made it to the next round first,” Sam crossed his arms with a smirk. Jake gave a booming laugh and then focused his attention back to the stage where Fred Fender was setting up. 
They all tried to be as respectful as possible, but it was hard to keep a straight face when hearing their take on Where Is My Mind. It didn’t help that the drummer was somehow managing to use the bass drum on all the off beats. That obviously threw the rest of the band off, so it wound up sounding like a piece of experimental music that the Beatles would produce in their LSD era. Their hopes were high that they would be able to continue the competition into the next day. 
Since they had played their two planned songs, they spent the rest of the second round with their heads together, trying to create setlists for the next day. A lot of name calling and shoving went down but, in the end, they came out with a list that seemed to showcase all of their talents, giving each member some time in the limelight. Sam still felt his stomach slightly clench at the thought of performing a solo in front of a crowd of that size, but he tried to push it out of his mind. He was focusing on the present, all his other problems weren’t real until he was facing them head on. 
To their joy, it was announced following the car show that Greta Van Fleet was indeed going to the next round, alongside their three final competitors: The Bellhoppers, Invalid Password, and Fellowship. Their friends and family showered them in love and praise, taking them all out to Zehnder’s for a large chicken dinner to celebrate their success, and hopefully what was to come. 
Sam filled himself until he felt like he was going to burst, and had to take a pause from his jovial laughter to look around at everyone he was sharing his meal with. There was a lightness in the air like everyone could sense something really good was just on the horizon. And this time around, Sam wasn’t afraid of it.
Next Part >>>
8 notes · View notes
samspenandsword · 1 year
Note
Congratulations on 300 followers! 🫶🏻 Thank you so much for doing these requests as well, it's such a good idea! I would like 👄 (man, prequel, can be either NSFW or SFW, whatever is easier for you!), 😎 (either, prequel), and ❤️ (either, prequel) pls!
My name is Molly, I'm 20 years old, and my pronouns are she/her. Some of my favorite planets are Naboo, Alderaan, Coruscant, Kamino, and Shili. I'm quite tall (5'9") with thin build, and I have light brown/dark blonde hair and hazel eyes. I'm quite shy in the beginning and have social anxiety, but once you get to know me, I start to open up more. I like older music ('60s and '70s stuff) and I'm not a picky eater. I'm much better with literature/language/writing/philosophy/history/humanities than math and science. I love researching music history, and I also play three instruments (piano, guitar, and drums). Sorry if this is too much lol! Thanks again :)
MOLLY BABE!! Thank you so much for requesting!! I hope the start of the new year has been okay for you!
Sam's Pen and Sword 300 Follower Celebration (Closed)
Molly's Follower Celebration Request
Ship request 👄
Tumblr media
I know you're a Cody girl (which, same), but I truly ship you so much with Kix! You have just such a warm presence that I think Kix would absolutely relish in after a hectic mission or day with the 501st. Kix is more of a scientific mind than a artistic mind, but I can see the both of you having a wonderful date at a nature and science museum!! And I can envision you introducing him to music like the (space) Jackson 5, Queen, the Bee Gees, the Beatles, ABBA. (Kix is an absolute fanboy for Space!ABBA). He'd also be so amazed at how you can play three instruments! Kix would also be completely understanding that you're a little socially anxious, and would never push you into situations you're not comfortable with, like a rowdy night at 79's with his brothers (they can be a lot even for him lol). Overall, I think you and Kix would be super cute!!
Kix could feel tension leaving his body as he stepped over the threshold and into your home. He felt like he was cocooned in warmth and comfort as soon as the door had slid shut. Not much had changed here, it seemed. That looked like a new blanket thrown over the couch, and your guitar case was open on the floor, like you'd just recently played it. But the home still looked the same. Still smelled the same. Like freshly done laundry and linen. A calming scent. A stark difference from the usual sharpness of bacta and blaster cleaner that lingered in his nose while deployed. Still felt the same. Light, open, welcoming. Like home. Kix could hear music playing, a smile growing unbidden as he recognized it. Straining to listen, Kix could hear you puttering around in your bedroom. So he simply began to remove his armor, efficiently, but langorously. He was home now. There was no rush. His hair had gotten longer, Kix noticed, running a bare hand over his head. He wondered if he should just let it grow, or if he should buzz it back into its usual pattern. But again, there was no rush. He didn't have to decide now. Kix was just finished stacking his armor into a neat pile in the basket by your door when you emerged from the bedroom. As gorgeous as ever. And Kix felt his heart skip a beat. "Kix!" You rushed to him, throwing your arms around him with a happy, surprised laugh. "I didn't expect you until tonight!" "I got finished early and wanted to surprise you." "You didn't pawn your paperwork off on Coric, did you?" Kix chuckled. The thought had crossed his mind. "No, mesh'la." The music was still playing. An upbeat tune that made him feel unburdened and airy. It melted away the stress from his shoulders as easily as you did. Kix held out his hand. "Dance with me?" "Kix!" He didn't wait for your answer, smiling cheekily as he snagged you and brought you right to his chest. And it was as you burst into happy laughter, letting Kix swing you around the living room, that it fully sank in: He was home.
Bestie request 😎
Tumblr media
I can envision you and Fives absolutely being besties! Maybe not at first, because Fives is a lot even when he's not actively being chaotic, but after getting to know each other, breaking past the initial awkwardness of meeting people, I can really see the two of you hitting it off! Fives drags you on random adventures, forcing you out of your shell. But it's usually something you have interest in: a new restaurant, a coffee shop concert, the Space Rock n Roll Hall of Fame lol. Fives' spontaneity is so refreshing for you. And you love introducing him to new foods (I think Fives would be a foodie if he had the time and opportunity).
"What is this place?" You knew it didn't look like much, but you could swear on your life that this place had the best pastries this side of the galaxy. You had found it on accident, but it turned out to be quite a happy one. You had to limit yourself coming here so as not to spend all your money and eat only treats for meals. "It's one of my favorite places." You had dreams about their toffee cookies. You snorted with laughter as you walked inside and saw Fives' eyes practically glaze over with hunger and happiness. The smell of a bakery was so comforting. And you knew Fives rarely got to eat much other than the GAR-issue rations. As always, the place was bustling with activity - one employee was boxing up what looked like four dozen or so cookies while another was ringing up a customer pointing at lemon blondies. Several people were sat around the place, munching on pastries and desserts with empty latte mugs before them. "I could die today and be happy." "Same." "How do you choose what to get?? It all looks so good!" You laughed. "With a great deal of agony." Fives looked at you, and without needing to say it, you could see how much he appreciated you showing him this place. How much it meant to him to be introduced to all the things the Kaminoans deprived him and his brothers of. "Come on," he said, straightening like this was an important mission. The smile on his lips belayed the seriousness of his posture. "If I don't fall into a sugar coma after this I will have considered this outing a failure." You followed him to the counter, laughing.
Family request ❤️
Tumblr media
For your found family, I couldn't help but picture Omega! This little girl has spent her entire life on Kamino with a strict instructor and barely any time for what the Kaminoans would likely call "frivolity." This endlessly curious girl learns that you can play different instruments and has a thousand questions about it. She asks you what Naboo is like, what it's like to see so many plants, to bask in the sunshine. She starts asking about your favorite books and wants you to read them all to her. Plus, you're a rare female presence in her life and that makes her adore you even more. And it becomes hard to not feel like a big sister to her.
It was an absolutely beautiful day on Naboo - sun shining, breeze light and cool, sky blue with lots of fluffy clouds. And Omega was having a ball. In fact, you could barely get her to sit still long enough to get her shoes on before she darted away to sprint through the fields. Speaking of shoes... She was no longer wearing them. She'd kicked them off so she could freely wiggle her toes in the grass. She would never get used to it. It tickled!! It was alive! It was so soft! And warm! Absolutely nothing like the cold, white halls of Kamino. You could only smile and shake your head fondly. That girl. Though you supposed you couldn't blame her. You yourself were so endlessly fond of Naboo. Few places were so beautiful. Omega called your name, grinning so big and wide you wondered if it hurt. "Did you bring the stuff?" As if you could forget. When you'd promised to one day take Omega for a picnic on Naboo, she had been so excited. And impatient. And now that it was finally happening, she couldn't contain herself. You smiled, holding up the basket and book you were reading together. "You mean this stuff?" Omega beamed, and helped you spread the picnic blanket. Naboo was calm and peaceful as her giggles echoed across the fields, and you couldn't help it. You giggled too. "You ready?" you asked, cracking the book open. Omega nodded quickly, mouth already full of the Mantell you'd mixed. Laughing, you began to read.
10 notes · View notes
skaterboyfriend · 2 years
Note
■ ▼∇ and ♡ for sam? i wanted to ask like all of them but had to narrow it down
[ask prompt!]
NO YOU'RE TOTALLY FINE! i would totally talk about sam all the time non-stop forever and ever but you are probably right- must restrain myself from driving everyone insane with my thoughts on the valley's sweetheart. but tysm for the ask - here are some of my thoughts below the cut! have a lovely day <3
Tumblr media
▼ - childhood headcanon: it isn't a secret that sam had a rather lonely childhood with his dad abroad and his mom always out working to make ends meet. he never was allowed to bring friends over or go to birthday parties because of the financial burden- jodi's heart always broke upon seeing how he'd silently accept her 'not this time, sweetie, maybe next time?' whenever he'd ask to hang out with schoolmates. despite it all, jodi had enough of living life this way- she took the month's rent and took young sam to the beach for the first time in his life- he had a blast playing in the sand and soaking up the sunlight... they ate seafood at a local restaurant and watched a free show by a band on the pier where sam was mesmerized with the music! <3 sam looks back when he's a bit older to understand how much that must've cost jodi in the long-run and comes to appreciate every little thing she does...!
∇ - old age/aging headcanon: i actually have so many thoughts on this one. i think in the canon-friendly dialogue expansion mod that i have, it implements this line where he asks the farmer hey... you'll still like me when i'm old and gray...? sam's character is SO COMPLEX in the sense that he's had to grow up at a very young age to help his family out- he canonly works two jobs, provides emotional support to his anxious mother, plays father with his baby brother... while also chasing his dreams, playing pranks on mayor lewis, skating and practicing kickflips, losing at billiards... i feel his character is one of being afraid of growing up because all he's seen is broken hearts around him [jodi and kent's marriage] and is desperate to avoid it at all costs. so for the headcanon part LOL i think he'd be worried at first, just as he would ask the farmer in a moment of intimacy if they'd still like him when he's not a pretty young thing anymore. and it is up to the farmer to prove to him he'll always have their heart!
♡ - romantic headcanon - he is a TOTAL DORK with romance. he'd try to wrap his arm around the farmer during a movie and accidentally knock over his drink all over their lap. he'd go in for a kiss but kent walks in the living room and he'd jerk forwards colliding foreheads. he'd ask vincent for dating advice. but ultimately, nothing can change how he feels and although he'd be clumsy with his actions, his words never fail him! he's a lyricist for CRYING OUT LOUD he will always verbally affirm the farmer and let them know just exactly how much they mean to him!
■ -  bedroom/house/living quarters headcanon: i think he'd have one of those 90s kids bedrooms with every surface of his room decked with posters stickers whatever- he'd frame souvenirs like movie tickets, concert passes, receipts for his first guitar, etcetera... and he'd totally steal stop signs and things alike that! jodi has long since gave up on trying to get him to have a clean room. note that he DOES clean up after himself- his room isn't messy in terms of joja cola cans scattered around or crumbs on the bed- it's just he loves things too much to let go so he'd find a place for everything <3
52 notes · View notes
lybeuh · 3 years
Text
Sims 4 Legacy Challenge
Tumblr media
a challenge by @chellplays (revisited by @lybeuh)
This is a twelve generation challenge for all of the marriage candidates from concernedape’s stardew valley.
Usual rules apply, meaning no cheats that give you an unfair advantage. Your sims do not have to look or be named after the characters in each generation. do whatever you like!
Generation 1: Abigail:
Tumblr media
 You were raised with humble upbringings. Your dad ran a general store, while your mom was best at complaining about your “alternative lifestyle.” You left home looking to start a life free of rules and parents, and with 20 000 simoleons in your pocket, you settled down in a new city.
traits: music lover, adventurous, geek . aspiration: the curator. career: tech guru, esport gamer branch
goals:
⦁ max out the rock climbing skill ⦁ reach at least level 5 of the video game skill. ⦁ reach at least level 5 in any musical instrument. ⦁ complete the frog collection. ⦁ climb the top of the mountain in Mt. Komorebi ⦁ have one “quirky” trait, appearance-wise (e.g. unnatural hair color). ⦁ have two best friends, and marry one of them. ⦁ own a cat named david jr. ⦁ have at least two children.
Generation 2: Emily:
Tumblr media
 You’re just working at the bar to make ends meet… but your real passion is tailoring. You make your clothes from scratch.
traits: cheerful, vegetarian, good. aspiration: freelance botanist. career: barista.
goals:
⦁ max out the knitting skill. ⦁ complete the knitted clothes colection. ⦁ must live in the same house as your sibling. ⦁ make a best friend with a sim who lives in another city/world. ⦁ grow your own garden. you like your meals organic. ⦁ decorate your house with clothing racks. you love fashion. ⦁ develop max affinity with another sim in both the green and pink bars, have two or more children with them, then “ask just to be friends.” ⦁ never marry.
Generation 3: Sam:
Tumblr media
 You are an outgoing, friendly sim who is brimming with youthful energy. You play guitar and drums, and want to start a band as soon as you have enough songs together. However, you do have a habit of starting ambitious projects and not finishing them.
traits: music lover, outgoing, ambitious. aspiration: musical genius. career: entertainer, musician branch.
goals:
⦁ have a job as a part-time retail employee as a teen. ⦁ reach level 10 of the entertainer career. ⦁ max out the guitar skill. ⦁ reach at least level 5 in the video game skill. ⦁ must not be the youngest child. live with your younger sibling(s) until they are old enough to move out. have a good relationship with them. ⦁ have a strained relationship with your father (if not applicable, with any one parent). ⦁ become best friends with two other entertainers. ⦁ be married twice, and have one child with each spouse.
Generation 4: Sebastian:
Tumblr media
 You are a rebellious loner who lives in your parents’ basement. You tend to get deeply absorbed in computer games, comic books, and sci-fi novels, and will sometimes spend great lengths of time pursuing these hobbies alone in your room. You can be a bit unfriendly to people you don’t know.
traits: loner, geek, bookworm. aspiration: computer whiz. career: freelance programmer.
goals:
⦁ reach the top of the freelance programmer career. ⦁ reach level 5 of the keyboard (piano) skill. ⦁ reach level 5 of the video gaming skill. ⦁ max out the programming skill. ⦁ have a negative relationship with your half-sibling and step-parent. ⦁ live in the basement of your parents’ house. ⦁ only have one child, with whom you have a strained relationship. ⦁ eventually let your relationship with your spouse deteriorate and subsequently get a divorce.
Generation 5: Penny:
Tumblr media
 You live with your mom in a little trailer. while your mom is out carousing at the bar, you quietly tends to your chores in the dim, stuffy room you are forced to call home. you are shy and modest, without any grand ambitions for life other than settling in and starting a family. You likes to cook (although your skills are questionable) and read books from the local library.
traits: family-oriented, bookworm, neat. aspiration: big happy family career: none.
goals:
⦁ live with your mother (if not applicable, any one parent), with whom you have a negative relationship. ⦁ you must cook for your parent and clean the house every day. ⦁ live in a trailer-esque house. you are by no means wealthy. ⦁ reach level 5 of the cooking skill. ⦁ both you and your parent may not have jobs ⦁ marry the first person you fall in love with. ⦁ your spouse is the only one who may bring in any income, while you are a stay at home mom. ⦁ own a luxury pool at some point in your life.
Generation 6: Harvey:
Tumblr media
 You’re a little old for a bachelor, but you have a kind heart and a respected position in the community. You live in a small apartment, but spend most of your time working. There’s a sense of sadness about you.
traits: genius, foodie, good. aspiration: successful lineage. career: doctor.
goals:
⦁ never date throughout your teens or young adulthood. focus on your career instead. get married only as an adult. ⦁ reach the top of the doctor career. ⦁ you love planes and decorate your house with plane related items ⦁ own a coffee machine. drink coffee as much as possible. ⦁ go jogging at least three times a week. ⦁ set up a reading garden in your backyard. ⦁ live in an apartment until you marry ⦁ have at least two children. having spent most of your life single, you want to have a comfortably sized family asap.
Generation 7: Haley:
Tumblr media
 Being wealthy and popular throughout high school has made you a little conceited and self-centered. You have a tendency to judge people for superficial reasons. But is it too late for you to discover a deeper meaning to life? Is there a fun, open-minded young person hidden within that shell?
traits: materialistic, snob, outgoing. aspiration: fabulously wealthy. career: none (only get one after you are married).
goals:
⦁ become enemies with your one of your sibling as a teenager. ⦁ max out the photography skill. ⦁ you may only get a career after you are married, and you must follow the same career path as your spouse. they opened your mind and inspired you to have interests beyond shopping. ⦁ earn at least three points in charisma, so you may donate to online charities after you are married. ⦁ bake a cake for every birthday that comes around. ⦁ grow a flower garden. ⦁ become friends with your sibling(s) again after you are married.
Generation 8: Elliot:
Tumblr media
You live alone in a cabin. You are a writer who dreams of one day writing a magnificent novel. You are a sentimental “romantic” with a tendency to go off onto flowery, poetic tangents. When you can afford it, you enjoy a strong beverage at the bar.
traits: romantic, bookworm, loner. aspiration: bestselling author. career: writer, author branch.
goals:
⦁ reach the top of the author career. ⦁ live in a cabin-esque house near the beach ⦁ max out the writing skill. ⦁ reach level 5 of the piano skill. ⦁ reach level 5 of the cooking skill. ⦁ own a small garden. ⦁ specialize in romance books and poetry. later, you may also specialize in sci fi or mystery novels. ⦁ write love emails to your love interest at least once a week. ⦁ go to a bar at least once a week
Generation 9: Leah:
Tumblr media
 You love to spend time outside, foraging for a wild meal or simply enjoying the gifts of the season. You’re a talented artist with a large portfolio of work… Yet you’re too nervous to display it to the public.
traits: art lover, loves outdoors, foodie. aspiration: painter extraordinaire. career: none (painter, later on).
goals:
⦁ max out the painting skill, and paint at least 5 masterpieces. ⦁ date only one person in your young adulthood and have a child with them, but never marry. your partner is unsupportive of your artistic lifestyle and encourages you to “get a real job.” whether you choose to get a traditional career, that is not as a painter, is up to you. ⦁ eventually marry the love of your life as an adult: someone who is supportive of your art. if you did choose a career, quit and take up a career as a painter. ⦁ have at least one child with your new spouse. ⦁ harvest wild fruits, vegetables, etc. on weekends. ⦁ grow an excellent apple tree. ⦁ attend a flea market and sell your art.
Generation 10: Maru:
Tumblr media
 You acquired a passion for creating gadgets at a young age. When you aren’t in your room, fiddling with tools and machinery, you sometime do odd jobs at the local hospital.
traits: ambitious, outgoing, geek. aspiration: nerd brain. career: astronaut, space ranger branch.
goals:
⦁ reach level 10 of the athlete career track. ⦁ max out the handiness skill. ⦁ max out the logic skill. ⦁ have a negative relationship with your half-sibling. ⦁ upgrade at least five objects. ⦁ own a rocket ship. ⦁ your sim’s partner must be friends with your father (if not applicable, with either parent) before you can become engaged. ⦁ eventually, your relationship with your spouse becomes strained and you break up. you die as soon as your eldest child is a young adult.
Generation 11: Alex:
Tumblr media
 You love sports. You are quite arrogant and brag to everyone that you are going to be a professional athlete. Is your cockiness just a facade to mask your crushing self-doubt? Are you using your sports dream to fill the void left by the disappearance of your parents?
traits: bro, active, dog lover. aspiration: bodybuilder. career: athlete, professional athlete branch.
goals:
⦁ reach level 10 of the athlete career track. ⦁ max out the athletic skill. ⦁ become enemies with your father, but have had a very close relationship with your mother. ⦁ begin dating in your teens and go on at least three dates with three different people. ⦁ do not marry until you are in the later stages of young adulthood. you’re marrying your soulmate, someone who stuck with you despite your arrogance. ⦁ own a dog named dusty.
Generation 12: Shane:
Tumblr media
 You are often rude and unhappy, and suffer from depression and alcohol dependence. However, your attitude starts to change towards your spouse. After work you frequently spend your evenings at the bar. If you could reset your life maybe you’d start a chicken farm. Only free-range eggs of course.
traits: lazy, gloomy, cat lover. aspiration: friend of the animal. career: retail employee.
goals:
⦁ go to the bar after work every day. ⦁ get pizza delivered at least once a week ⦁ only get married as an adult. ⦁ after marriage, quit your job as a retail employee and choose a different career path. you’ve been encouraged by your spouse to give up alcohol. ⦁ after marriage, start a small garden. ⦁ have a maximum of two children. ⦁ max out the pet trainig skill ⦁ adopt a cat named charlie. ⦁ adopt one dog and train them all tricks
760 notes · View notes
saturnsstufff · 3 years
Text
Awsamdude/Technoblade- Rumor Has It
For my beloved @sugarandspicebutnonice
Warnings: sexual innuendo
Tumblr media
    Techno was a great Prince. He worked hard to keep his family's name in good graces. All of Phil's boys worked hard to keep their names held high with respect. Tommy was known around for keeping sprits high, any ball or formality with Tommy was always known as the best to attend.
   His older brother Wilbur was a skilled artisan with music. Always teaching and making new sounds like it wasn't any struggle. Anyone could find him out in the court yard with a guitar in hand. Humming and singing a casual song.
   The eldest, Technoblade was a skilled swordsman and statists. Anytime he was called into a meeting, the others shuddered knowing he would trump them all. He made swinging a sword look like art. Trust me, you would know.
   You had a wonderful relationship with techno for a long time. But sadly, you both had parted away from each other. Of course, it was on all good terms, He was more concerned with the kingdom rather than establishing a strong and sturdy relationship.
   You, being a knight- fully understood. But you also choose to be a bit selfish about it. You truly wished for him to give you a bit of attention at least when together. He could be such a ladies man when he choose to in public, yet when it came to the two of you he just became closed off and anything but warm. Even behind closed doors it was lacking some spark of passion.
   So you both agreed it was best to let things lie.
  But what left you with a sour taste was how quickly he moved on.
Tumblr media
   You would give him the benefit of the doubt of course, he was a well known man. She could have been someone he had met previously, and during your break off she was there to talk it out with him.
She, she ain't real
   But something about her screamed fake, her smile and movements seemed too thought through. Her words all laced with a sickening sweet hum, it also didn't help she giggled at basically anything techno said.
    Plenty of times you sat with the general and talked about how dense she came off. Respectfully, you had assumed Tech would have went for a well educated woman such as yourself. But after seeing her- you wondered if that type was in short supply.
   Anything she did, she would just bat her eyes and he was wrapped around his finger.
   It honestly made Sam and you laugh.
She ain't gonna be able to love you like I will
   As much as you started to loathe the woman, techno wasn't yours anymore. Thus you started getting closer to Sam. Both of you connecting on how your past relationships had been. Well you were casted aside, Sam was flatly cheated on.
   Of course knowing that, your heart ached for him. Sam was a well educated and handsome man with a heart of gold. Respectfully his whole job was centered on protecting and serving the people.
   Jumping into a relationship was Sam was like practically nothing. You promised him all the love in the world, and just like you, he promised to give you the same.
   And love each other you did.
She is a stranger
   Techno did see you grow close to his general, and honestly it didn't set well with him.
   He liked the woman he was with, but he also had known you since childhood. You both had played within the court yard plenty of times to claim it as your own.
   Sam didn't do that with you. Sam had only started to know you when you joined the ranks.
   Techno would often catch himself watching you and Sam spar. His eyes would watch as Sam's hand grabbed at your waist, gripping your hips and using his own to throw you off balance. He hated how close your bodies were.
   At one point he couldn't help but pull you aside and ask why you let him touch you. But that conversation drove spikes through his heart. "How can you just let him touch you like that?! He’s practically all over your body! You wouldn't let me touch you like that- and You and I have history" he yelled not believing what he saw.
   When your face twisted in front of him into disgust, he thought you were almost joking. "The hell is with you?! I'm not your girlfriend! Or don't you remember!?" You yelled at him. Lightly shoving him back from you. "Don't tell me where he can, and cannot touch me" You sneered. In all his years he never saw you so heated.
Sure, she's got it all
   Truthfully you saw techno leave you as a drop to his pride. He dropped a knight for a soft noble girl. A girl babied all her life. You knew as soon as she was exposed to blood she would have fainted like a goat in pasture. But in the end of the day, you weren't sleeping with her so what did it matter?
But, baby, is that really what you want
Tumblr media
   Arguments between Technoblade and you had become more frequent. Sam let you duke it out, he knew he had no place to tell you to leave it be. Sam also didn't appreciate how fast Techno jumped onto your case about finding someone else.
   Although he knew it irked you about Techno moving on, you never got in his face about it like he would. Sam viewed this as your way of showing you were the bigger person.
   On one particular day he found the arguments amusing. Techno had started up again when Sam was publicly teasing you. Well techno found your back talking distasteful, Sam relished with how powerful you were.
   Listening to techno ramble off on his pathetic reasonings left you a laughing mess, even to the point you cut his argument off. "Bless your soul, you've got you're head in the clouds, she's going to use you like a fool!" You laughed in his face.
   His jaw tightened as he spat at your words, pointing at Sam. "You made a fool out of you General. She doesn't even love you- Your wasting your time on a-" at Tech's words you couldn't help but push back even harder for him targeting Sam.
   "How dare you say that. Your common penny is getting around more than I- And, boy, she's bringing you down!" You called out. Putting a finger to his chest. "She made your heart melt- But its all a lie!" You didn't stop their, you had more to say to him. "She thinks your all that- a fairy tale prince to save her dreams! But you're cold to the core" you said to him. Causing him to back off.
   "Besides. Now rumor has it she ain't got your love anymore"
Tumblr media
Rumor has it, ooh, Rumor has it, ooh, Rumor has it, ooh
   You weren't lying. Their were plenty of rumors going around saying she was sleeping with others besides Techno. Although Sam and you had no proof to this. Your hunches seemed right.
   On one day, Sam had left for a out of village meeting. You really didn't mind, you trusted him enough and knew he wouldn't do anything behind your back.
   But sadly you wished to go with him. Techno had asked for you to join him for a round of chess. Something you both greatly enjoyed when together. But now you knew there was meaning to the game.
   Sure enough when you sat with in in the court yard, he brought up Sam.
   "You know he is much older than you..." he said as he moved his knight across the board.
   "And She is half your age" you said flatly. Picking your pawn up. "But I'm guessing that's the reason that you stayed" you said moving it to where you pleased. His brows drew together in slight anger. But he did try and keep his calm.
   "I heard you've been missing me" he said, a small smirk growing on his lips. He found pride within those rumors. Knowing that you still supposedly whined and withered about for him.
   Of course, you knew he was gravely mistaken.
   "You've been telling people things that you shouldn't be" you said carefully. Knowing he was probably behind the rumors somehow.
   Techno took this moment to see if he still had a effect on you. Usually during chess you both would flirt a bit. So naturally, he took the chance. "Like when we creep out and she ain't around" he said bemused, your face twisting into disgust again.
   "I sneak out to see Sam... besides Haven't you heard the rumors" you said moving your queen. When he didn't respond you laughed. He didn't even under stand. "Bless your soul, you've got your head in the clouds" you said, fully amused within the moment.
   "C'mon darlin... I know you fell hard for me when we started dating..." he cooed to you. Your eyes darting up like daggers.
   "You made a fool out of me" you said to him. Wanting to get your point across. Well he moved his pawns about you took your moment to explain how you felt. "You make me sick to my stomach.. And, boy, you're bringing me down" you said softly. Smiling to yourself slowly. "You made my heart melt, yet I'm cold to the core" You said, moving your queen to take his knight. Your eyes slyly skimmed over his. His lost knight now within your fingers.
   "But rumor has it I'm the one you're leaving her for"
Tumblr media
   After that game, rumors and tensions soared wildly. Sam at one point thought you were back and evolved with Techno again. Of course you explained to him the situation, which thankfully he understood and apologized for trusting second hand mouths.
Rumor has it, ooh, Rumor has it, ooh, Rumor has it, ooh
All of these words whispered in my ear
   But Techno's mood plummeted fast...
Tell a story that I cannot bear to hear
   A engagement, specifically Sam and yours. Oh how his blood boiled at the news. He thought his hands all over you was bad, but now... now you would take Sam's name in law. You would he his wife. Not Techno's.
Just 'cause I said it, it don't mean that I meant it
   Because of this news he didn't hesitate to run and find you. More than hell-bent on giving you a piece of his mind. He wanted to make it clear you couldn't marry him.
People say crazy things
   He didn't care what people would say, he wanted to claim you again. Techno didn't want anyone else touching you. He especially didn't want Him touching you.
Just 'cause I said it, don't mean that I meant it
   Even if within the past week he yelled hurtful things to you, he hoped you would understand he just wanted to protect you from unworthy suitors. Sam couldn't provide for you like Techno could. Sam was a general born from a farmer. Technoblade was to be crowned king.
Just 'cause you heard it
   So their he stormed. Heading to the stables, knowing full well that's where you were. His anger was fuming. He couldn't wait to shove it in Sam's face that Techno wouldn't let you marry him.
   But lets just say Technoblade was the one left speechless in the end.
Rumor has it, ooh, Rumor has it, ooh Rumor has it, ooh,
   Especially when he slammed the door open to the stables and saw Sam's body covering yours, your legs around his waist in a tight hold well he was buried deep inside you.
But rumor has it he's the one I'm leaving you for
322 notes · View notes
13uswntimagines · 3 years
Text
Our Song (Alyssa Naeher x Reader)
Tumblr media
Request: alyssa naehex reader thats set during quarantine w/ “Shy” by Alexander Stewart. I just kind of think it’s cute since she’s an introvert and that it would be fitting
Author’s Note: Speical Thanks To @literaryhedgehog​
Alyssa knew she should just say it, that admitting it out loud would finally put an end to this madness. She ran a soothing hand through your hair when you sniffled loudly into her chest. 
God, she should just tell you how she felt. But, she also didn’t want to overstep. That would make being roommates really awkward. Especially since neither of you were supposed to leave the apartment right now except for essential purchases. And she didn’t want to lose her best friend. That would really suck. 
But she wasn’t afraid to say what no one else would- you had a terrible taste when it came to partners. You chose people who didn’t value you, and you always ended up hurt. 
This time was no different, well, it was slightly different considering you couldn’t leave your shared apartment to cope like you normally would. Alyssa didn’t know if that was better or worse, considering that you had adapted your breakup routine to just be endless cuddles with her and your favorite stuffed animal.  
She had already spent the last hour making comforting noises. You had stopped shedding tears 15 minutes ago, so Alyssa decided it was time to go for some humor. “Hey, so now you and Taylor Swift have something in common!”
“Hmm” You hummed in acknowledgment, your eyes never leaving where Supergirl was playing on screen. 
“Well, she was broken up with over text. You were broken up with over text. I think this is the perfect opportunity to listen to her re-recording of Fearless, and really channel those emotions!”
“No, Joe broke up with her in a 27-second phone call,” You lifted your head up off of her very comfortable chest to raise your eyebrow at the woman. 
Alyssa was a great keeper, and amazing at crosswords, but she always needed your help when it came to Taylor trivia. 
“Then Joe showed more consideration as an 18-year-old child than your 32 year old wanna be soccer star. It doesn’t change the fact that I think listening to Mr Perfectly Fine would be cathartic.” 
“It’s kinda funny that she wrote Forever and Always, Mr. Perfectly fine, Better than Revenge and Holy Ground all about the same guy, they’re all so different from each other,” You mumbled, settling back down on her chest. At least she didn’t say that you had as many breakups as she did. That was a rude joke. (One Alyssa wouldn’t dare make. She was more cultured than the media asshats that chased your team around). 
“Woman’s efficient,” Alyssa shrugged. “No reason why you can't recycle the same emotion into a different song genre.” 
“At least she could make millions off her pain. All I seem to be able to do is kick the ball harder,” You grumbled. Your landlord complained about you practicing in the street because of how hard you sent the ball careening into his precious brick wall. It wasn’t your fault Alyssa was too slow to stop the PK. 
“Darling, considering you’re one of the strongest kickers on the east coast, I’d say that pain is going to a worthwhile cause. But you do kind of have the worst taste in relationships.” 
“Hey! Savannah wasn’t a bad choice, just bad timing,” You huffed indignantly. 
“So that would be one out of…. How many bad relationships?” 
“At least one for every Taylor Swift album,” 
“Okay, here’s a fun idea, choose an ex for each album,” Alyssa said brightly. Thinking about music would definitely cheer you up. “Wannabe soccer star is obviously your Joe, so represents the Fearless album. Which relationship is your… Drew?”
“You already know the answer to that question,” you said, already picking up your phone to add Teardrops on my Guitar to the music queue. You then quickly added Forever and Always and started scrolling through Speak Now for the next song inspiration. 
Alyssa nodded. It was a well-known fact that you had a massive crush on one Hope Solo growing up, and you had been absolutely enamored with her the second you set foot into camp. But Alyssa also knew that Hope was very faithful to a certain veteran. 
The veteran keeper had tried to let you down easy, and Kelley was still one of your best friends, but it had hurt in the moment.
“Kristie was my Haunted,” you said, smiling slightly. Dating her felt like a whirlwind, one that took your breath until you never thought it would end. She made butterflies flutter in your stomach, and you were so desperate to say the right thing, to be the perfect partner, that you always felt like you were walking a tightrope. Floating on air, but desperate to keep your balance. “At least she had the decency to wait until we were in the same city to end it.” 
“Aren’t the two of you friends now?” Alyssa looked down at you, watching as you scrolled through songs from your comfortable place on her chest. 
You nodded with a small smile. “Hmm, we are much better off that way anyway.” 
“I bet you I can guess who your We are Never Ever Getting Back Together person is,” Alyssa trilled, reaching down to take the phone. 
You playfully snatched it away from her. “Who’s to say I wasn’t going to choose I knew you were trouble?” You raised your eyebrow at the woman, who simply smirked in response. 
“I can tell you who that is too if you like,” Alyssa reached for her own phone and took over control of the speakers, adding both songs to the music queue. 
“Alright, I’ll bite. Who?” 
“You definitely knew Sam Kerr was trouble, and I think it took you 4 breakups with Leah to finally call it quits,” 
“I was going to say Leah for 1989, it took me forever to realize how fucked up our relationship was after we finally broke up,” 
“I’m sure the distance didn’t help.” With her in London and you in Chicago things just kind of fell apart. 
“Maybe,” you hummed, noncommittally. 
“Okay, so for Reputation. I’m thinking Don’t Blame Me,” 
“You did go a bit crazy for Jane…” Alyssa said with a roll of her eyes. You had almost moved to Houston for that girl, thank god you didn’t. You sunburned like nobody's business. 
“Oh come on. You just didn’t like the idea of me moving. And considering how long we had been dating at that point it did make sense!” You argued. 
“It was 3 months Y/n,” She deadpanned. 
“I was in a wlw relationship. That’s like practically three years, it’s not like I brought a u-haul to our first date.” 
Alyssa quirked an eyebrow up at you. “Didn’t you have one of those the first time we met?” 
“Yeah, because I wasn’t moving into my college apartment without any furniture!”
“Whatever you say, babe. Who's your Folklore?” She rolled her eyes goodnaturedly. 
“I think you skipped an album,” you said. This was weird because Lover was one of Alyssa’s favorite albums. “But, since you asked. I think Kelley is The 1.” 
“Ah, our favorite squirrel,” Alyssa’s lips ticked up. You and Kelley had dated in college (something that should have made her jealous), but Kelley was the one pushing her to admit her feelings now. 
“We were just too young and dumb,” you said, smiling. “We had a great time together, and it would have been fun if it worked out. But at some point we just realized, we were friends, but there wasn’t anything romantic there.”
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out,” Alyssa said, like a liar. 
“I’m not. Her and Emily are like made for each other,” You snorted with the shake of your head. “And at least she wasn’t afraid of the world knowing we were together,” 
“Well, yeah,” Alyssa smiled. She had loved seeing the way being publicly out with Kelley had brought out the best of you. “ Okay moving on! Next, we need to narrow down your No body, No Crime.” 
“I take offense. Alex is still alive, so that doesn’t count,” You huffed. 
“I’m kidding! I’m kidding. I know you didn’t kill any of your significant others,” Alyssa said, laughing. “Though if you listened to the song you would know that’s my job… ”
“Alex was my Champagne Problems,” You mumbled sadly. That relationship had been the hardest for you, as had the breakup. She was terrified of the world even suspecting she wasn’t straight. 
You had everything, except the freedom to be yourself, and In the end, you couldn’t take the hiding anymore. 
“You did your best, love. But people come out at their own pace. And it was before Obergfell v. Hodges was decided. Being queer was still more likely to be presented as a scandal in the media then.”
“She cheated on me with Serv. She doesn’t get a pass,” You grumbled, crossing your arms. 
“I’m pretty sure you were on a break dear,” Alyssa said, though she was inclined to agree with you. Being on a ‘break’ but not officially breaking up didn’t seem like a reason to start dating other people. Still getting over some of the semantics might theoretically help you move on. “BUT maybe we should move on. Who is your Lover?”
Your eyes squinted thoughtfully, a light pink shading your cheeks. “The only person who hasn’t ever left me is you. You let me leave the Christmas lights up until May and dance around the kitchen when you cook.” 
Alyssa looked away, not able to meet your eyes. ”I mean, the lights can change color, so they can be thematic all year. And you’re the one who chooses the music to listen to while I cook. I can’t help it if they’re all great for dancing.”
“You can dance to anything. I’m pretty sure you turned a Hosier song into a salsa dance last week.” You giggled. 
“The only person I dance with is you, Y/n,” Alyssa said, finally meeting your eyes. She could feel her body start shaking slightly, as the adrenaline kicked in. She was going to do it. She was going to tell you. “I don’t want to dance if I’m not dancing with you.” 
“I’d dance with you in a storm in my best dress,” 
“I have tried so hard to be supportive about your last several relationships. But seeing you dancing to your favorite song with anyone else… I’ve loved you for three years now and I couldn’t bear it.” 
The air was suddenly charged between you, and you realized your faces were just inches apart. It was hard to breathe. You never dreamed your best friend would return your feelings (maybe that’s why you had so many bad relationships). 
“Kiss me,” you breathed, slowly moving around so your heads were at the same level. 
“That’s not a Taylor swift Lyric,” Alyssa said. In her brain, there was a loading sign currently whirring in little circles, as she attempted to process what you just said. Did you mean what she thought you said?
“Baby just say yes,” You said, feeling so happy that tears were coming to your eyes. You leaned forward getting inches from her face, so close you could feel her breath hitch. “Please kiss me.”
“Yes,” was all Alyssa had time to say before she closed the distance and kissed you. 
265 notes · View notes
nastyburger · 4 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media
its mourner time
before the accident, sam, tucker, and danny were in a band called “Dead Cat and the Haunted”! tucker played bass, danny played drums, and sam was vocalist and guitar (tucker could also play piano on the side and did sound mixing). the band had been officially around for about a year and a half, but the dream of starting one has certainly existed between the trio for years beforehand.
the band’s genre was basically alt rock. sam and tucker adopted the punk goth look for the band but ended up liking the image enough to go full time with it! danny himself never quite adopted this, but still gets their own lighter makeover for shows (usually just the simple black shirt and paint on his cheeks really). the band wasnt popular per say, but they definitely had a couple of hits in niche circles.
danny usually provided a lot of fenton tech for performances (a failed “ghost smoker” that makes a pretty good fog machine, some homemade laser lights made from spare parts, ect), so the ghost portal was a project of interest when it was completed (but unable to work). similar to canon, sam persuades danny to check the portal out. with danny being the robotics nerd that he was and growing up with this sort of ghost tech all around them, having danny go in to find the problem seemed like the natural thing to do, sam though nothing of it when she made the suggestion.
danny was a bit nervous to venture in alone though, so they ask sam to go in with them which she agrees to do. tucker decides to stay behind during all this. they both put on their hazmat suits and went into the portal. danny accidentally hits the switch as usual and........fully dies from the electrocution.
for one reason or another, the variables were just not lined up for danny this time around and he doesnt make it out of the portal in any form of consciousness. not alive, not a ghost, not half, just dead. sam, on the other hand, did gain ghost powers but the guilt of what happened to danny eats her alive.
she adopts this “i couldnt save my friend so i save everyone else” philosophy and begins to have a somewhat strained relationship with tucker. she starts to push him away both out of guilt and a “its safer this way” mentality. the first couple months following danny’s death was a difficult time for everyone and sam left herself to figure out most of this ghost stuff on her own.
tucker was relentless though and did everything he could to support sam and stick by her side despite her efforts to keep him away. after a particularly nasty scourge with a ghost that leads to tucker saving sam, she finally relents and allows tucker back into her life. things are still a little difficult between them, but they’re slowly getting better.
the fentons believe that danny went into the portal alone. the little fact that sam was in there with them was quietly left out of the story and thats all jack and maddie really knew about the incident. they never pried anymore information from the kids still mourning (haha funny joke) and traumatized. jazz, on the other hand, was furious. she knew they were with danny was right to suspect some sort of persuasion happened to get him to go into the portal. sam admits that she was the one to tell them to go in out of guilt, she and jazz don’t talk to each other for a long time.
the ember “episode” plays out differently with mourner and far later in her ghost career, it was a rather important point in her healing process. the fight against ember ends up taking place as a “battle of the bands” type deal, the idea was to essentially steal the spotlight and attention off of her. the idea of playing as a band was obviously a sore spot for sam and tucker, and the lack of a drummer was a problem on its own. there was someone they could ask, but neither of them really liked the idea.
stuff happens, tensions rise, until finally sam and tucker do what they need to do: they ask jazz to play drums for them. jazz was able to play drums as well, and often subbed in for danny while he was alive from time to time. after the incident, the idea of jazz replacing danny permanently popped up but was quickly shut down. it was just too soon at the time, so asking jazz to play now was a significant gesture of moving on. they play as a band, beat the ghost, and sam and jazz also mend their relationship.
after the ember incident, this was also the point where sam tells jazz about her ghost powers and the full story of what happened that day, she later does the same for jack and maddie. she felt she owed them the truth, and while jazz has finally forgiven sam, jack and mads have a harder time. they dont hate or hold the incident against her, they just find it hard to grapple with. sam does her best to stay distant from the parents for their sake.
as of now, sam, tucker, and jazz play together as “The Mourners”. jazz is now also part of the team and helps with sam’s ghost fighting, the three become more close knit with both the band and the hunting.
are sam and tucker dating in this au? the answer to that is.........its complicated. they definitely do like each other, even before the incident, but its hard to think about dating when your best friend died. they’ll get there eventually, but itll be a long while until then.
2K notes · View notes
Major Updates to My Weird Idea (that includes my Nightside OCs)
Go check my previous post on this - HERE
This is mainly an update for @schizoauthoress , @the--blackdahlia , @spacelizardtrashboys , @enigmaticandunstable and @piratewithvigor and I personally think @nattinngrst might like this.
I went on a trip to the beach yesterday with my parents and my older brother (who I bored and annoyed with this idea and you'll see some of his influence in this here post)
Anything written in italics is meant to be taken as a joke as you read through this wall of text, sending good vibes as always, hope y'all are doing well.
The show is set in Canadian, Texas (real place: Wikipedia). I'm thinking of this show starting in the mid-to-late 90s (1996/1997).
I've managed to do several things with that weird sitcom idea, so, where to start, how about with the three potential titles:
1 - Neighbourhood Watch
2 - First Call
3 - First Round (Which my brother likes)
Here are some options for bar names, starting with the Cop bar:
1 - The Donut Hole
2 - The Roasted Hog (which my big bro suggested)
3 - The Sherriff's Outpost
And the Biker Bar:
1 - The Handlebar Inn
2 - The Steel Horse Saloon
3 - The Rebel Room
Next on the list of updates: Cast additions, character roles and (Finally after 2 days) Names for Everyone!!
I'll start with the Cop Bar's owner & staff:
Rosalina Asturias 'Rosa' (Played by Billie Martinez) an employee of the local cop bar. Didn't grow up in the town, moved here for work.
Violet Croft (Played by Eli Herne) an employee. Grew up in town, never left, has the hots for one of the guys in the local police.
Sunshine Crawford 'Sunny' (Played by Holly Di Antonio) an employee. Grew up in town, left for college and came back.
Roscoe Power 'Ross' (Played by Jimmy Hart) the loudmouth who owns the bar, grew up in town, used to be a car salesman.
Olesya Pavlovsky 'Olivia' (Played by Penelope Voronin) an employee who grew up in town and has immigrant parents, goes by 'Olivia' because she would rather you don't f*** up her actual name.
Winona Vance (Played by Sam Griffin Silver) an employee who moved here from New York, for unknown reasons, and doesn't really understand the small town, everyone knows everyone lifestyle.
Lavender Whittemore (Played by Victoria Lucifarian) an employee who grew up in England but moved to live in America, settled in Canadian, Texas due to her love of westerns.
Next: The Local Police Squad:
Sergeant Valentine Gautier 'Val' (Played by Bret Hart) recently promoted before the series begins but still on patrol duty, watches over his younger brother.
Corporal Buck Morris 'Buckshot' (Played by Davey Boy Smith) the gun loving corporal of the squad and the only one to have both 'work' and 'home' guns.
Captain Napoleon Cooper 'Crazy Cooper' / 'Captain Crazy' (Played by Jim Neidhart) the police captain, recently reassigned to Canadian, Texas as there were rumours abut him which interfered with his work in his previous location.
Officer Duke Gautier (Played by Owen Hart) the young, recently recruited brother of Sgt Gautier, often put on patrol alone to ensure less arguments, but always checked on by his brother.
Next: The Biker Bar's Staff:
Ozzy Rains (Played by Charles Wright) A biker and member of the staff who grew up just outside of town but loves his fellow staff members like family.
Brock Martel (Played by Henry Godwin) a biker and member of the staff who grew up on a local ranch and loves beer, football and the current Mayor's down-to-Earth style.
Vincent Gore 'Vinnie' (Played by Kane) the owner's son and a known fire loving 'freak' often protected by his surrogate family, the bar staff, Vinnie knows no better than 'ooh, cool looking fire' and must be restrained or have his hands swatted away to stop him burning himself trying to touch campfires.
Raven Knight (Played by Kirby Roussimoff) the only female staff member, but also the girl who does all the tough jobs when needed, has a side business of making and selling artwork, such as portraits to locals, has designed some of the bar staff's tattoos.
Harlow Gore (Played by Paul Bearer) the owner of the bar and a loving father to his son, took Murphy (Undertaker) under his wing when they first met and also treats him, and the rest of staff, like family.
Hunter King (Played by Phineas Godwin) Brock's cousin and a member of staff, taught Raven how to shoot a shotgun and his father owns a local tattoo parlour.
Sequoia Reed (Played by Rikishi) an employee and Frankie's (Yokozuna) cousin, also a surrogate cousin to Raven, having been best friends since childhood. Reed loves his job and his staff family and will defend both at any cost.
Lupe Zapatero (Played by Savio Vega) an employee at the bar and possibly the shortest member of staff, towered over by the tallest staff members but is not any less of a fighter because of his size, a former mechanic who loves nothing more than taking things apart and putting them back together while listening to metal / rock.
Murphy Graves (Played By The Undertaker) Manager of the biker bar and an excellent member of staff, has an outlaw rules vibe, as in he would say to the police "Your jurisdiction ends when you walk in my bar." Very protective of the staff, and the owner.
Frankie Wolf (Played by Yokozuna) the most relaxed and laid-back of the staff, Frankie would prefer to be in the kitchen making potential 'Culinary Masterpieces' as he would call them. Sequoia and Raven's (surrogate) cousin, views his staff mates as family.
Next: The Local Band (Named: Exoskeleton Samurai)/College Students
Quinn Thorn (Played by Jeff Hardy) the bassist to Ros' (Lita) vocals / lead Guitar and older brother Garth's (Matt) Drums, a face paint enthusiast and an English major in college who never seems to find time to study, but always has time to date somehow.
Roz Jerome (Played by Lita) the vocals and lead guitar for the band and an art major who actually studies, dating Garth (Matt) and met Quinn through him. Roz also studies Spanish and French.
Garth Thorn (Played by Matt Hardy) Quinn's older brother and the band's drummer, a major in psychology and a horror movie lover, Roz' boyfriend and almost totally devoted to her, even at the cost of his college work.
Next: The Local Townsfolk of Note:
Mayor Robert Sweet (Played by Jim Duggan) rarely seen, but apparently a good man with good ideas, helps out in volunteer projects and absolutely loves the town. Trying his hardest and people know this, and they love him. (did I meme correctly?)
Rusty Jarvis (Played by Mick Foley) the local hippie who has never left town, somehow managing to know both everything and nothing at the same town. (Very Dude Love with hints of Cactus Jack and Mankind) Does know how to fight when he needs to.
Redd Wayne (Played by 'Sycho' Sid Vicious/Justice) the local baseball/softball star, helps out at the local school/college teaching sports and likes Raven's artwork, he watches her draw when he can, runs the local little league & minor league baseball/softball games.
Earl Black (Played by Steve Austin) the most often seen regular at the biker bar, absolutely loves both the bar and the town, a hardworking guy who has befriended the entire staff (including Harlow and Vinnie) of the biker bar.
Lex Aston (Played by The Rock) a local struggling actor, teaching an acting class to pay the bills and an absolute ladies man, and for that reason he goes to the cop bar, to try and pick up one of the bartenders who works there, often favouring Rosa as she will jokingly flirt back.
Finally (for this section): The Degenerates and Their Benefactors:
Reign Yates (Played by Billy Gunn) Leon's (Road Dogg) best friend, often the getaway driver for the group and a scout for locations, often getting all the info on a place before telling Matty (H.H.H) and Dell (HBK). Often leaves town with Leon to get the heat off them. (and make out in secret)
Zelda Hooper (Played by Chyna) the only female degenerate but possibly the toughest, has a rap sheet as big as her arms, not to be trusted when around the other degenerates as she is usually the actual brains of the operation.
Matty Battle (Played by Hunter Hearst Helmsley) the co-leader of the degenerates, often protected by Zelda or Mark (Kevin Nash). does most of the talking but has the piss taken of him for his looks often by either other degenerates or locals who don't care for the degenerates.
Romeo Colombera (Played by Mike Rotundo/I.R.S) the right hand man of the mysterious benefactor, and often the lawyer for the degenerates as well as a taskmaster for them, telling them what the boss wants done and by what date.
Mark Rake (Played by Kevin Nash/Diesel) the tallest degenerate with a rap sheet as long as his leg, a former bouncer at a now closed nightclub, alongside best friend (and possibly boyfriend) Galo (Scott Hall) and now a bodyguard (when needed) for Matty and Dell (HBK, also boyfriends).
Leon Rose (Played by Road Dogg) best friend of Reign and a scout for the group alongside him. Has found every possible way to piss off other townsfolk and often in the most fights because of it, always on the police's radar for one thing or another and constantly leaving town because of it.
Galo Villalobos (Played by Scott Hall/Razor Ramon) the only (supposedly) Latino degenerate, raised in Canadian, Texas but his parents are from Cuba, Galo is a former nightclub bouncer (alongside Mark) Galo is known (for his ability to give minus fucks) as the most relaxed member of the group.
Dell Pain (Played by Shawn Michaels/HBK) the co-leader alongside Matty, a known flirt with people regardless of gender or sexuality, just to piss them off on some occasions. Dell grew up in town, knowing it like the back of his hand.
Giles Rennell (Played by Ted DiBiase) the mysterious benefactor of the group, bailing them out if needed, he stumbled across the group after seeing a police bulletin and decided to use them to cause enough chaos to guarantee a chance in the next mayoral election.
Zac Noel (Played by X-Pac) the shortest and youngest degenerate, Zac is often treated as the child of the group, being taught how to get away with crimes and trick the police into just letting him go by clerical error and tomfoolery.
Next on my list of updates: Season 1's episode list, episode titles, episode synopses, some spoilers, and the revolving door idea a bit further explained.
Series running order:
Biker bar episode
Cops on Patrol episode
Band/College Students episode
Cop bar episode (yes these are different)
Degenerates episode
(last episode of each season/series only) town meeting/town get-together (E.X: town hall meetings, the town getting together for a sports game or barbeque or restaurant opening)
1x01: Insert Coin to Start: The pilot episode of the series sees the local biker bar of Canadian, Texas installing two, brand new, arcade machines. After leaving for the night, the team finds the bar broken into and both machines missing with no evidence or possible suspects to the robbery. The team finds the machines relatively undamaged in an alleyway nearby. By the end of the episode there's still no suspects. B plot includes an argument between father and son, Harlow and Vincent which ends when Murphy gets involved.
1x02: Hot Pursuit: Newly instated chief of police Chief Cooper [Neidhart] makes changes to the patrol teams before tasking them with looking for any persons involved with (1x01)'s robbery and break-in, leading to a high speed chase later in the episode. B plot includes the squad coming to grips with the new, and much crazier, police chief.
1x03: Making Noise: Local band Exoskeleton Samurai [Team Extreme] are writing new music late at night while Roz [Lita] tries to study for a class the following day but, during a moment of quiet, they hear a break in a couple of doors down and attempt to see who it is. The group get a glimpse of Zac Noel [X-Pac] and Mark Rake [Nash] but not a full glimpse. Now aware of the local degenerates, the band try and forget about it and focus on their own lives until their apartment gets broken into when they're not there.
1x04: Donuts & Beer: The new cop bar opens on the other side of town, serving mainly (both savoury and sweet) bagels and donuts as well as beer (on tap and bottled), the fact it's slightly more risqué gets (both good and bad) attention on the place. Winona Vance [Sam] gets in a fight with Zac Noel [X-Pac] as she's locking up. Winona [Sam] being put in the hospital with a broken arm makes the rest of [Cop Bar]'s staff double down on getting justice for the near break-in.
1x05: Dirty Work: The first episode from the degenerates perspective. The degenerates are just causing general problems for the town without reason because it's fun' but it's quickly losing their interest as the heat on them rises. The end of the episode has Matty Battle [Triple H] receiving a call from 'Mister R' [DiBiase] offering him a deal.
1x06: Blue & Black: A brawl breaks out at [Biker Bar] following whispers that the people who broke in are in the building. The bikers who work at the bar threaten to hurt anyone who works for the rival bar if they try and mess with business while in the biker bar.
1x07: Captain Crazy: A rumour that the current captain was moved location and promoted to smooth over allegations that he may not be fully sane, Officer Duke Gautier [Owen] is determined to find the truth while Sergeant Valentine Gautier [Bret] and Corporal Buck Morris [Davey Boy] are determined to keep the peace and catch the local degenerates.
1x08: Broken Strings: following an argument with an ex girlfriend Quinn Thorn [Jeff] finds his guitar smashed and has to work odd jobs to buy another one (starting a potential series c plot). Garth Thorn [Matt] ends up in a fight with Galo Villalobos [Hall] which ends when Roz Jerome [Lita] smashes a table leg over the back of Galo's [Scott's] head, knocking him out and giving him over to the police.
1x09: Badges & Bottle Tops: Captain Cooper [Neidhart] stops by [cop bar] to talk with owner Roscoe Power [Jimmy Hart]. Meanwhile the Gautier boys [Owen & Bret] interrogate Galo Villalobos [Scott Hall] about what the degenerates are doing and why, getting no information about the mysterious benefactor over than he pays them a lot of money depending on what they do.
1x10: Paid off: The mysterious benefactor 'Mister R' [DiBiase] pays Galo's [Scott's] bail, getting him free for a while but side-lining him too. The benefactor remains hidden in shadow but Matty & Dell [Triple H & HBK] have a meeting with him to discuss money and the next job.
1x11: Written in Ink: the tattooed bikers on the staff encourage regular customer Earl Black [Austin] to get a skull tattoo on his back and even take him with them to the tattoo parlour they frequent, finding it to be burned to the ground with a 'freaks get lost' sign planted in the wreckage. Murphy Graves [Undertaker] dismisses the rumours that the arsonist is the fire fascinated Vincent Gore [Kane] and even gives him an alibi when the cops come looking for answers, putting blame on someone in town who knows about Vinnie's [Kane's] love of fire, which is nearly every person in town.
1x12: Sergeant Heartbreaker: Sergeant Gautier [Bret] is accused of flirting with the staff at [Cop bar] leading to a paid two day leave to get heat off of him while he's ordered to remain at home. Officer Gautier [Owen] and Corporal Morris [Davey Boy] are put on patrol together, leading to a high speed chase of Reign Yates, Leon Rose & Zelda Hooper [Gunn, Road Dogg & Chyna] after witnessing a mugging, assault and graffiti from the trio, the cops eventually lose them down a back road on private Giles Rennell's [DiBiase's] land they would need a warrant for.
1x13: Failing Grade: Quinn's [Jeff's] lack of sleep leads to him getting a fail on an test forcing him to do the semester again. Enraged by this Quinn [Jeff] considers leaving the school but is encouraged to continue following Garth [Matt] ending up in hospital following [1x12]'s assault and mugging on Garth & Roz [Matt & Lita].
1x14: Microphones & Megaphones: [cop bar]'s owner Roscoe Power [Jimmy Hart] installs a stage for local acts in the bar, leading to Violet Croft [Eli] performing later that episode (the closing of the episode into the credits) and the night before the first performance the bar is covered in graffiti, leading to a massive clean up effort from the staff and local volunteers (like Mick Foley & The Rock).
1x15: Trench Warfare: Romeo Colombera [IRS] the benefactor's [DiBiase's] right hand man and go-to lawyer gives the degenerates an list of jobs, run the police chief out of town by the end of the year, run the bikers out of town, and ensure that 'Mister R' [DiBiase] the benefactor wins the next mayoral election.
1x16: Fuelling Up: after closing up [biker bar] Raven Knight [Kirby] narrowly avoids being burned by her motorbike exploding in a ball of fire. Her boss, Harlow Gore [Bearer] tells her to take the week off, leading to her coming into the bar and sitting at the back of the bar, sketching the regular customers and having a long conversation with local sports star Redd Wayne [Sid].
1x17: Brothers in Arms: Together: the Gautier brothers [Bret & Owen] are put on patrol together leading to the arrest of Zelda, Matty & Dell [Chyna, Triple H & HBK] before the trio are bailed out, the brothers interrogate Dell Pain [HBK] (leading to a very 'basic instinct'-esque scene with Shawn in assless chaps and boxer briefs) who gives them no information on their behaviour and why they are doing the things they've done.
1x18: Night Time Fun: the band attends a college party, unknowingly with Zac Noel [X-Pac] also in attendance, leading to the trio being high and drunk and the Thorn brothers [Matt & Jeff] end up in a fight, almost being thrown out of college entirely for their actions the next morning.
1x19: Head or Hart: Violet Croft [Eli] and (officer) Duke Gautier [Owen] meet properly for the first time on a blind date, leading to them walking through the streets of Canadian, Texas at night. The date is quickly ended after Duke [Owen] spots Leon Rose [Road Dogg] spray painting [cop bar] and gives chase after handing Violet [Eli] his number.
1x20: Grunt Work: The degenerates have a group meeting about how to sabotage the town meeting, leading to Rennell [DiBiase] coming out of the shadows to lead the degenerates in a coordinated attack on the town hall. Leading to the degenerates waiting until the town meeting to begin the next day.
1x21: Town Meeting: Mayor Robert Sweet [Duggan] conducts a town meeting, leading to everyone airing their grievances with the degenerates recent spree of activity. At the end of the meeting, paint bombs hidden above the townsfolk go off all at once, covering everyone in bright, almost neon, green paint.
9 notes · View notes
notfunnydean · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
Pairing: None Warnings: None Word Count: 2.212 Challenge:  @sqz-zine​ Summary: When the end comes, Castiel has an idea how to save them all. It even gives him a new job. One he likes a lot more. Link (if posted on AO3): https://archiveofourown.org/works/29353596
“There is nothing you can do Castiel.”
Chuck’s grin is almost disgusting and while there were quite a few moments where Castiel would’ve loved to punch his father. This one takes the cake. Or… maybe the pie? Dean loves pie more.
“C-Cas.”
Castiel swallows dryly. He doesn’t know what to do and he doesn’t have much time anymore either. He knows Sam and Dean don't have much time anymore.
“So Castiel what is your plan here?” Chuck says and with a small movement of his hand some kind of throne appears out of nothing. Chuck sits down, suddenly a guitar in his hand, and starts to play a melody that Castiel doesn’t know.
“To beat you.” Castiel says and he looks to his left. Sam’s breathing is harsh right now, he’s clearly in a lot of pain. Dean is already unconscious. 
Castiel had always hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but deep inside him he had known it for some years. That doesn’t mean he is ready. He doesn’t want to lose the two best friends he had ever had.
“Doesn’t seem like this is working out for you, huh?” Chuck says and Castiel clenches his fists. He needs a solution. If he could just stop this all together.
No.
Wait.
If he could prevent everything that happened to the Winchesters, to could save them so much tears, blood and pain. 
Castiel looks down, searching for his grace deep in him. He knows he is not at full power but he needs to make this work. His concern about the Winchester Boys always helped him to find his strength. 
“It’s f-fine.” Sam tries to say, but Castiel ignores him. He would save them. He would not only give them a better life, but himself as well.
“Castiel, come on. We both know that you can’t stop this.” Chuck says again, still looking so utterly pleased with himself. Castiel knows that he is right. In the end he is not stronger than his father, as much as he would want to be.
No, maybe Amara could beat him, but not Castiel. But right now this isn’t his plan anyway. He just has to distract him.
“No, I can’t.” Castiel says, down on his knees by now, but he can feel his grace rumbling through his whole body. Almost like tiny thunderbolts. 
The guitar vanishes and Chuck looks honestly surprised. Maybe he hadn’t thought that Castiel would give up so easily. Well, Castiel won’t but he hopes Chuck believes him. 
Sam’s eyes flutter shut as well, but Castiel can still feel both their heartbeats. They are both fine and it would stay that way.
“Glad you -” 
“But I can start it all over again!”
Castiel’s grace literally explodes all around him. He doesn’t have the time to look into Chuck’s stupid face. Instead he presses his right hand on Dean’s shoulder again, where he once marked him before. His left hand finds Sam’s arm.
When the light grows too bright even for him, Castiel closes his eyes.
They’re safe.
*
It’s fall.
It’s still warm outside and Castiel enjoys seeing the leaves falling down from the trees, coloring all the grey streets and front yards. He’s standing at the small window right now and looks outside.
He’s glad that his plan worked out. Dean and Sam are safe and for the first time Castiel feels fully relaxed.
Sure he has a new job, but he really likes this one. Likes all the responsibility that comes with it. This is his new purpose and unlike the last time he had a job in heaven, this one on earth, makes him happy.
“John?”
Even though Castiel is not being the one called, he turns around and smiles even wider when he actually sees the small room, he’s standing in.
The walls are a pale green and there are toys everywhere. Castiel likes how cozy it all looks, but his favorite is probably the mobile above the bigger bed. Sure the angels don’t look like him, but he doesn’t care.
(But what’s with humans and those halos?)
There is even a tiny poster of an Impala on the wall and Castiel knows in the colorful box next to the bed are a lot of tiny cars. Castiel has to say he understands why the boy loves them so much.
“John, we need to go.” Mary says again and it seems like her husband is sitting on the couch downstairs. Castiel wanders down to them, slowly looking at all the lovely pictures on the wall right at the stairs.
“I know, darling. Just waiting for the babysitter.” John calls back and Castiel enters the living room. He’s glad that they can’t see him like this. He doesn’t like lying to either of them and it’s not really lying, but he has a job.
Protect Sam and Dean. What can he say - it’s a full time job.
“Look Sammy like this!” Dean says and he sounds always so excited when he can help his baby brother. Castiel can see them on the carpet, playing with said toy cars. Of course. Dean loves to play with them all day.
Sam can’t really play with him for now, with only five months and a few weeks he’s not good at any games, but he adores his big brother already.
“Did he say when he wanted to come?” Mary asks and she comes into the living room away. She’s beautiful like this, so happy, free of a hunting life. She’s wearing a white summer dress and kisses John’s cheek.
“Should be here any minute.” John promises and he turns off the TV, to get his jacket. Castiel looks back to the kids.
“Oh uh Sammy, that’s not the street.” Dean giggles and he pushes Sam’s car on his own through the finish line. Sam clasps happily at that, not caring that he needs Dean’s help for that.
“I hope you two will be good.” John says, wearing his jacket now and Dean looks up. His bright green eyes wide. 
“Yes daddy.” Dean says smiling brightly and John ruffles his hair. Castiel’s heart beats faster when he sees this loving family like that. No pain, no blood. 
Castiel smiles and then vanishes.
*
The door rings and Dean is the one who runs to the door. He has to stretch to actually open the door, but before he can do so, John catches him easily and opens the door himself. Dean whines loudly.
“You’re late.” John says and opens the door wider, before he puts Dean down again. Dean toddles closer, holding already his arms out for a hug.
“I’m sorry, I was distracted.” Castiel says and he kneels down to get Dean into his arms. Dean cuddles against him, thumb already in his mouth and he still manages to grin at Castiel.
“Cas!”
Castiel gets up again, Dean still in his arms. He knows Dean wouldn’t let go for some time now, but Castiel has to say he enjoys seeing Dean so utterly happy. Castiel is so glad that he can spend more time with them. Happy time.
“Hello Dean.” Castiel mumbles into Dean’s soft hair.
“Ah all good. Mary is even ready this time. So we will probably be back by midnight. I mean you know what to do with them anyway.” John explains and Castiel nods. Mary comes towards him and kisses his cheek.
Castiel remembers a time where she was always so careful around him and didn’t trust him with Sam and Dean. He’s glad she can do that now.
“I wish you a lot of fun.” Castiel says and Mary kisses Dean goodbye. At first it was harder, Dean had often cried when his parents left for a date, but now he just waves at her and focuses on Castiel again.
“Play?”
“Of course, Dean. What do you have in mind?” Castiel asks and he walks towards the living room. Sam is still laying on the carpet but he glucks happily when he sees them.
“Cars! Uhm if it’s okay.” Dean says and Castiel strokes his face. He puts Dean down next to his cars and then sits down himself, after he puts his trenchcoat on the couch.
It’s the only thing he kept from the old time. Otherwise he dresses in soft sweaters and jeans now, so the cuddles with the boys are even softer.
“Of course it is Dean. I know how much you love cars.” Castiel says and he tickles Sam’s stomach, who giggles adorably. They have to eat dinner in a bit and then need to get a bath before it’s bedtime already.
Castiel enjoys bedtime the most.
“Oh did you get a new car?” Castiel asks and Dean smiles shyly up at him, before he holds up his new red car. It looks pretty, but then again Castiel likes most cars.
“But Pala is my favorite.” Dean says and points at the Chevy Impala that is currently in front of Castiel. The angel smiles, because he seems to be the only one who is allowed to play with it.
Dean never allowed him to drive the Impala, but this feels just as good. Dean fully trusts him and Castiel would do anything to deserve that trust.
“Well, she is beautiful.” Castiel says and Dean smiles so happily again. Sam plays with his own toys now (or tries to) and Castiel spends the next half an hour playing little races with Dean. Of course Dean wins each time.
“Cas?” Dean says, rubbing his eyes already and Castiel thinks about skipping bath time, because of that. Dean doesn’t get cranky easily, but sometimes it’s all too much when he’s tired. 
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“I’m hungry.” Dean says sheepishly and Castiel rolls his eyes inwardly, but laughs. Yeah well some things don’t change. 
“Of course, you little monster.” Castiel says and he tickles Dean, before he helps him up to walk to the kitchen. He is glad that monsters are just not a part of Dean's life anymore. 
“You hungry too, Sammy?” Castiel says and picks Sammy up who yawns. Castiel presses a kiss to his cheek, glad it doesn’t feel awkward. Once ago he didn’t even know how to answer a hug.
“Sammy needs his bottle!” Dean says in the kitchen, because he is still very protective of his brother. Castiel is glad some things don’t change. He warms the milk up with his grace and then pulls out a finished meal for Dean.
His Grace is very good for chores.
“Here you go.” Castiel says easily and then sits down next to Dean, Sammy on his lap. He enjoys this too. Dean babbles while eating his food way too fast, but he’s smiling so hard and Castiel answers to each question.
Sammy drinks his bottle without any fuss, but he falls asleep during it. Castiel smiles down at him. So glad he’s allowed to be this lucky.
“Don’t forget your vegetables, Dean.” Castiel says and Dean eats some of his carrots next. He is not overly excited about them, but he always does what he’s told. Castiel strokes over his hair.
“I need them. I wanna be tall like you.” Dean explains and Castiel grins. Well he knows exactly how tall Dean will grow and he grimaces at the thought to look up at Sam again. 
“You will be.” Castiel promises and then pulls out a tiny piece of pie. Dean squeals happily, so Castiel shushes him, because Sammy is stirring a bit. 
“Thank you, Cas. You’re the best.” Dean says so cute and polite, Castiel’s heart just melts. Dean manages to smear the pie over his face and Castiel takes one hand to clean that up with a towel.
“Messy Boy.” Castiel whispers, as fond as ever. 
The next steps are fast. Castiel cleans them both again with his grace, puts Sammy in his Baby bed and then helps Dean brush his teeth and go to pee before bed. Dean is rubbing his eyes again.
So it will be an easy night.
Castiel helps Dean into his bed and softly tucks him in. Dean blinks up at him, that cute smile on his face again.
“Story?”
“Of course.” Castiel says and oh boy, he will be in a lot of trouble as soon as Dean realizes he has Castiel wrapped around his little finger.
Castiel sits down on Dean’s bed, making sure with his grace that Sammy on the other side of the room is fine and then starts to tell his favorite story.
“Once upon a time there were two brothers...” Castiel starts and he knows exactly that Dean easily falls asleep after just a few minutes.
Castiel looks down at Dean, who sleeps peacefully now. His fingers firmly tucked into his mouth. Castiel strokes through his hair.
“Sleep well, Dean. I will watch over you.” Castiel says and the same goes of course for Sam. He smiles, when his eyes shine in a bright blue. His grace bathes the room in a soft light. Almost like a baby light would.
Castiel sits down on the chair in the corner. Keeping his promise to watch over them. Castiel gets his angel blade out and smiles.
Azazel could come. Castiel will be waiting and he will be ready.
35 notes · View notes
Text
Real Good Man
Word Count: 1,470
Warnings: Not really much.
Summary: Another song fic. This one to the tune of "Real Good Man" by Tim McGraw. Starring Elias playing in a road side dive bar.
Billie, Peyton, and Elizabeth walked into the little dive bar just after sunset. It was a place that people would go for drinks after work, or grab a burger and catch up with friends. Most nights there as live local music. This Saturday night was no different. A bunch of people, all seemingly knowing each other, crowded around blowing off some steam from the work week. Whoever was playing tonight wasn't there yet so they just had music flowing through the speakers.
Girl, you've never known no one like me,
Up there in your high society,
They might tell you I'm no good,
But girl they need to understand,
Just who I am.
I may be a real bad boy,
But baby I'm a real good man.
The girls had found a small unoccupied table. Elizabeth hurried over to it quickly and sat down before someone else could get it. Peyton sat down slowly while Billie ran her fingers along the top of the table cringing at whatever the sticky substance was that she was feeling.
"What?" Elizabeth asked, seeing her face.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just a little something on the table here." Billie replied, trying to settle back into a normal facial expression. "Maybe we should try and find another one."
"This is the only one that was open. Besides, they're probably all like that. We'll get it cleaned off." Elizabeth replied.
"Even more of a reason why we should leave." Peyton emphasized.
"Guys, it's really busy in here tonight and there's only one girl working. We probably grabbed this right after other people got up and they didn't get a chance to wipe it down yet." Elizabeth tried to ease their minds.
"Right. Like that dirty rag they'd use would actually clean anything off anyway." Peyton rolled her eyes as Billie slowly sat down. "Note to self, don't let Liz pick for ladies night anymore."
"Come on, relax! Let's just get a drink and some wings and have fun!"
Funny how this place was beneath her fancy friends now. However, when they were in high school and this place didn't bat an eye at their fake ID's they'd be in here any chance they got.
"It'll be just like old times."
"What? You mean Billie's going to throw up in the back of a taxi cab on the way home and my phone will get lost forever?"
Billie laughed at Peyton's joke, but I knew she was partially serious. Billie may have been trying, but Peyton wasn't hiding her displeasure at all. I rolled my eyes and looked around for the one poor girl working to see if I could get some water to at least get the table cleaned off. Maybe that would calm them down.
"Ah, now I think I know why Liz drug us out to this crap shack." Billie commented as she looked towards the stage.
Elizabeth and Peyton shifted their eyes to the small stage. The musician had arrived and set his guitar down next to the stool. He was in jeans and boots, the same as just about everyone else in there. Some old worn rock shirt with the sleeves cut off accenting his sculpted arms. He had some bandannas everywhere except on his long brown hair. His hair somewhat flowed into the long beard he had.
I may drink too much and play too loud,
Hang out with a rough and rowdy crowd,
That don't mean I don't respect,
My mama or my Uncle Sam,
Yes sir, yes ma'am,
I may be a real bad boy,
But baby I'm a real good man.
The singer sat atop the stool and rested his acoustic guitar in his lap. He looked in the direction of Elizabeth's table and winked. Elizabeth blushed and a little smile appeared across her lips as he began adjusting the microphone in front of him so he could speak into it.
"Hello I am Elias. Thank you all for coming out tonight. Just as soon as I get Lizzy here all tuned up, we'll be ready to go and hopefully we'll all have a real good time tonight."
Elizabeth didn't take her eyes off of the man on the stage, so she didn't notice the looks Billie and Peyton were exchanging with each other.
"Oh no. No no no. Liz don't tell us you still have a thing for that guy?" Peyton asked.
Elizabeth blushed again. She couldn't deny it. One night she was here and Elias had been playing that night. He hung around after for a few drinks and the two ended up talking. They exchanged numbers by the end of the night. Had talked a lot. She told her friends about him a few months back, and they were disappointed in her taste in men. They thought she could do so much better, so she kept it a secret from them that they had seen each other a few times.
"So what if she does? She's just a little attracted to the bad boy from the other side of the tracks. It's kind of cute." Billie defended.
"Oh yeah, real cute that our Liz could be a groupie for some no name who looks like he hasn't bathed in a week.”
"No one said anything about her being a groupie! It's not like she actually slept with him." Billie stated confidently.
"Oh no?"
"Of course not! She'd have told us!"
“He named the guitar Lizzy!”
“Coincidence? Besides, if she already slept with him I doubt he’d be looking over here giving her those puppy dog eyes. He’d have moved on by now.”
Elizabeth sat and watched her friends as they argued about her life, not giving her any room to input. So she focused her attention back to Elias, biting her lip as she watched him study his guitar. Expertly moving his fingers along the strings and thinking back to their last date.
I might have a reckless streak,
At least a country mile wide,
If you're gonna run with me,
It's gonna be a wild ride,
When it comes to lovin' you,
I've got velvet hands,
I'll show you how a real bad boy,
Can be a real good man.
After finishing up with his guitar, Elias spoke again.
"Alright, now that I'm done with her, I'm gonna head over to the bar and get a drink or three and then we can get this show started! I'll also be taking some requests tonight. Just keep in mind, if they're dirty songs," He paused. "I'm more likely to play 'em."
He winked and stood up as some people in the audience laughed along as they enjoyed their drinks. He set his guitar down and walked over to the bar.
"Ugh. Some people just never grow up." Peyton commented while rolling her eyes.
"You know Liz, it's really not nice of you to come here and tease the poor guy. He's going to get his hopes up thinking he can get someone like you." Billie said to her friend.
"She's right. You don't have to crush two of his dreams in one night."
"Two?" Elizabeth question.
"Well Lord knows his music career isn't going anywhere."
Elias walked across the room back to the stage with a beer bottle in his hand. Finally the waitress had made their way over to their table. She set down some fruity looking drink in front of Elizabeth.
"What can I get you ladies?" She asked in a friendly tone.
"Um, we didn't order this." Billie stated as she pointed at the drink.
"I know. It's from the musician on the stage. He said it was her favorite." She said with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled in return before taking a sip.
"But, how did he know?" Peyton whispered to herself.
The guitar strum startled the girls,and Payton and Billie looked at each other.
"What else can I get you ladies?"
"Hunny, could you give us a minute?" Peyton asked as she looked up at the confused waitress.
She said sure as she stepped back. Elizabeth gave her an apologetic look as she walked away. Both girls looked at Elizabeth, knowing what they wanted to ask but not able to find the words. Elizabeth wasn't sure how the rest of this night would go down after everything that had been said, but at some point she still wanted to formally introduce her oldest friends to her boyfriend.
I'll take all the good times I can get,
I'm too young for growing up just yet,
Ain't much I can promise you,
Except to do the best I can,
I'll be damned,
I may be a real bad boy,
But baby I'm a real good man.
I may be a real bad boy,
Oh but baby I'm a real good man.
Yes I am.
12 notes · View notes
feverinfeveroutfic · 3 years
Text
chapter three: the first skeleton
“So let me get this straight,” Joey started. “If you and I are gonna be dates to Aurora's wedding, I have to meet your parents?”
“That's correct,” Sam replied with a nod of her head. “It just makes sense to me. My mom and dad need to know who my friends—and more than friends—are.”
“But we're not actually dating, though,” he pointed out.
“I know we aren't. But we are wedding dates.”
Joey shook his head and his black curls spread about over his slender shoulders. “Wait, huh?”
“Yes?”
“Huh. Wait.” He brought a finger to his dark lips.
“Wait?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah.”
They froze right there in the front foyer.
“Wait a second, wait a second,” Joey said with a wave of his hand, “—back up, back up. Go over that again.”
“I did twice already, Joey,” she insisted. “You're my date to Aurora and Emile's wedding whenever it'll be, but you and I aren't actually in a full relationship, though. Make sense?”
“Yes, actually—sorry, I had a little sip of booze earlier.”
“Had a feeling you did,” she replied, nonchalant, “I'll make you sleep in the same room as me and Bel if that's what it comes down to.”
“Heh, sleepin' in the same room as two girls,” he laughed as he ran his fingers through his black curls.
“Yeah, you would like that wouldn't you?” Belinda called from the top of the stairs.
“Like it?” Joey retorted. “It'd be fun as hell.”
“Maybe some other time,” Sam vowed to him with a wink and he giggled at the notion. Aurora strode into the narrow space right behind them with a pair of champagne glasses in either hand, and something bubbling inside of them.
“Champagne, already?” Sam asked her with a gaping of her mouth.
“Sparkling cider,” Aurora corrected her and she handed the one in her right hand to her.
“Is there more?” Joey asked her.
“Oh, yeah, full bottle right in the next room.” And he ducked behind her to fetch the bottle; but then she turned to Sam.
“He's gonna be my date to your wedding,” she told her.
“Aw!” A soft blush crossed Aurora's face to where she resembled a geisha. “I'm getting married and my best friend has a date!”
Sam stopped in her tracks. She thought about what she had told to Joey and what he said to her, and yet that sentiment made her think otherwise about it.
“—yes?” she sputtered out as she could feel her face growing warm. “Yes! Yes, yes! He's officially my date!”
“Perhaps Emile and I can come to your wedding soon?”
“Maybe, if Joey finds his way around the rings section and finds one as beautiful as that purple one you have on.”
“We're the twin vixens, both of us,” said Aurora as she raised her glass to her.
“Heh, the twin vixens.” They clinked the rims of the glasses together and drank down the cider in unison. Joey said something in the next room, but Sam was fixed on her best friend before her.
“So what can I—I mean, Joey and I get you for the big day?”
“Not sure yet,” Aurora confessed. “I'll be making up a list soon enough and then I shall share it.”
“Another toast to us,” Sam told her, and they clinked their glasses together again. Aurora downed her cider altogether right there and then she raised a finger to her, such that her engagement ring flashed with that bright purple under the lights.
“Hang on—I have to ask Emile something.” And she bowed back into the same room as Joey and the cider bottle. Sam stood there in the middle of the floor with her free hand tucked into her pajama pocket. Her best friend was getting married: it seemed so surreal to her, especially after just a couple of years of knowing one another. The front door swung open and Marla stepped inside of the foyer: her pink and orange hair glimmered under the ceiling light so it almost resembled to metal.
“Hey, you,” Sam greeted her.
“Hey—did you hear about Aurora?” Marla's face lit up as she shut the door behind her.
“Did I hear? It's everywhere.” Sam took a sip of cider before she spoke again. “By the way, I feel like I haven't seen you in a million years. How are things with you?”
“You know, I just think of what Zelda and Belinda said to the boys after Cliff died,” she began in a low voice.
“The fact we should go places ourselves?” Sam recalled.
“Yeah.” Marla gazed on at her with a thoughtful look plastered across her face. “I just feel like there's more to life than commuting to and from school, you know?”
“Yeah,” Sam replied with a nod of her head. “I do know.”
“And I feel like that since Kirk and Rebecca having gotten married, and now Aurora and Emile are engaged, it kind of makes me wonder what the two of us are doing to be honest.”
“You know, Joey and I are gonna be dates to Aurora and Emile's wedding.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. But it's platonic, though—we're not actually dating.”
“I can see it becoming that, though,” Marla pointed out, to which Sam shook her head at that.
“That was said about me and Frankie and he and I are still good friends with each other,” she flatly said.
“But you should see how he's been looking at you, though, Sam. Pfff, never mind Frankie, you should see how Charlie's been looking at you since you started getting heavy.”
“Haven't noticed,” she confessed.
“I actually had to slap Charlie to snap him out of it. I mean, it's nothing against you—I just wonder if there's far more beyond what we already know here.”
Sam nibbled on her bottom lip and she gazed on at the remainder of the cider in the glass. The bubbles floated from the bottom all the way to the surface, and she thought about Joey and that bubbling grin on his face. Maybe there was something far more to him than she had thought before. He wanted to stay away from the alcohol and yet things kept on happening that forced him back into it yet again: she thought back to the hockey rink and just how full of life he was around her, there on the ice.
Maybe that was it. Maybe she needed to break some more ice just to get into him and get him away from all that ailed him. It was so obvious to her!
Aurora already assumed it, but maybe she could play with it a bit more towards Marla.
“What would you say if he and I actually started dating?” she asked her.
“What would I say? I'd say job well done, little sister.”
“And what if we don't?”
“I'd still say job well done, little sister, but under one condition, though.”
“And what would that be?”
“You go out with Charlie for a week.”
“You're actually gonna let that happen?”
“Not necessarily let it.” Marla raised her eyebrows at her, and that was when Sam gasped.
“Oh, no!”
And Marla nodded her head.
“Yeah, as soon as we get home, I'm taking my things and Dream Genie with me back down to Hell's Kitchen. That is if the apartment is still vacant. It happened just five minutes ago—I came in to tell you about it plus Aurora getting engaged.”
“Wow,” Sam breathed out. “So Zelda broke up with Louie and now Marla's broken up from Charlie.” Marla shook her head and her iridescent hair shimmered with the pink and orange tones. “Drummers,” Sam added.
“Drummers, for sure. I guess Joey is one, too?”
“He sure is!”
“Well, if you guys do end up together in the end, make sure you hold onto him. Don't make the same mistake Zelda and I made and get caught up in your own bullshit.” She sighed through her nose.
“Well—we've got a whole weekend here on the West Coast,” Sam suggested. “I was planning on taking Joey over to Reno to meet my parents just 'cause, and also to tell my parents that my best friend is getting married.”
“Oh, I see, you want your mom and dad to know what they're getting themselves into with him,” Marla said.
“Exactly! They need to know who my friends and more than friends—” She flashed a wink when she said that. “—are.”
“I just have one question, though,” Marla started again.
“What's that?”
“How're you getting over there? Charlie has the keys.”
“So do you, though,” Sam pointed out.
“True. I don't really want to leave him here in the Bay Area, though.”
“Why not? They're all friends here.”
“How 'bout we do it on Sunday and then fly from Reno? Danny and Frankie drove here from Reno.”
“Nah. We would have to hustle back here—I kinda wanna get to know these guys better, too. The guys from Exodus and Death Angel... they all seem so nice.”
“It's all tightly woven here. They're all friends and neighbors just like back in New York—”
Big laughter across the way cut Marla off, and they both turned towards the door.
“What's going on?” she wondered aloud. Sam downed the rest of her cider and she lunged past Marla for the door. The sun had set over Marin Heights but Greg and Alex had lit up a couple of hurricane lanterns on the front porch of Testament's cabin. They were seated on a pair of stools, and both of them cradled old guitars in their laps: Sam looked closer to find Greg had found an old off white banjo.
“What're they doin',” she chuckled and she walked out of there first, and Marla followed. Alex had his head bowed over the dusty old guitar, which looked as though it was about to crumble apart if he plucked too hard with his fingertips. He raised his head right as Sam and Marla stood before them, and he nodded at them.
“Forgot my picks,” he told them with a shrug of his shoulders.
“Next Testament album is gonna have a banjo on it,” Sam told him and Greg.
“Oh, yeah, definitely!” Greg laughed at that as he plucked at the strings: it wasn't that familiar rustic sound but something along those lines.
“Li'l dueling strings before we turn in for the night,” Alex declared with another nod of his head, and his jet black hair dangled over his shoulders like a pair of dog ears.
“A banjo and a xylophone,” Greg continued.
“A banjo, xylophone, and a kazoo,” Alex added.
“A banjo, xylophone, kazoo, and Jew's harp!” Marla chimed in.
“I like how you looked right at me when you said that,” Alex said with a straight face.
“Well, yeah,” Sam teased him, and she could feel her face growing warm again.
“Bet these girls wanna play your Jew's harp, Alex,” Greg quipped as he crossed his legs and moved the banjo onto his knee; and Alex rolled his eyes at that.
“Oy vey, dare I say,” he groaned.
“Hey, that rhymed,” Marla pointed out with a smirk on her face.
“Yeah, it did,” he said with a pensive look on his face, “and I'll tell you this, Greg—if they do that, they both gotta stand on my chest.” Sam and Marla laughed out loud at that, and the former wondered where this Alex had come from. It could have been from the guitar on his lap, but she had no idea. But then again, he bowed his head and let the hair fall over his shoulders once more. Greg plucked at the fine banjo strings as if they belonged on his bass guitar. Alex kept his gaze fixed on the dusty old strings, and Sam thought back to that first time she got to see him in action with them back at L'Amour. He was always in the zone to say in the least, and nothing else seemed to bother him when he played on those strings: just completely in a world of his own while he paid attention to the band around him.
He then lifted his head a bit: the pink and orange twilight left a glow on the villa around them, and that glow shone onto his round face so it seemed rounder and softer than before, like that of the moon. Still very much just a boy. Sam peered over her shoulder at the incoming clouds for the night, and she noticed the ones that appeared to be higher up, the ones shaped like big pillows. She wondered if they would have a bit of rain for the evening.
He looked over at Greg for a few seconds and he kept his hand over the guitar body all the while. Greg began something that resembled to a bass line on the banjo and he nodded back at Alex.
“Call that a duel?” Alex challenged him.
“We'll see about that,” Greg retorted as he uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. Alex never moved as he plucked at the guitar strings harder and faster in comparison.
“What the hell, you playin' 'Over the Wall'?”
“Nah, 'Alone in the Dark'. Doesn't sound the same like in the studio and on my electric but it's—” He plucked hard, fast, and steady across the strings: to Sam, it was just a wall of continual acoustic guitar noise.
“'Alone in the Dark' on a banjo,” Greg chuckled as he strove to keep up. “Too deep and technical for this.”
“I can see it working, though,” Alex pointed out.
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah—you'd have to step it down a bit, but it can work. I can see it.” Greg reached up to adjust the tightness of one of the strings, and then he brought his fingers back to the neck. He strove to keep up with Alex, but he wasn't as quick and it just sounded the same as before.
“Lower, dude, lower!” Alex exclaimed.
“It's gonna be out of tune, though, Alex,” Greg insisted.
“What's going on out here?” Zetro called from Sam and Marla's right. He had a white towel over the back of his neck and an unlit cigarette in one hand.
“Stuff,” Sam replied to him.
“All kinds of stuff,” Marla added.
“Dueling banjos, I see,” Zetro remarked.
“Banjo and a guitar,” Greg corrected him as he adjusted the tuning on the banjo again to bring it back.
“Zelda and I are going down to the beach,” Zetro said. “And then we're going back to my place.”
“You're not gonna stay here?” Sam asked him.
“Nah, it's gonna be the two of us plus Tom and Gary in that cabin—I want her to be comfy.”
“And I can see you not being comfy, too,” Marla said.
“Nah, I'm more concerned with her because we're all brothers up here,” Zetro explained. “Every last one of us. And even more so since Cliff passed. We gotta stay together, you know?”
“Yeah, yeah...” Sam turned her attention back to Alex, who was still very much in the zone of things with that dusty old guitar. Even in the dim light, she was mesmerized by his strong plucking on the strings. It made her think of Cliff and she wondered more about him.
“Friendship knows no distance,” Zetro continued. “Anything like that knows no distance whatsoever. It's tough, but if you feel it within you, and you feel it strong enough, it goes away and you're closer than ever.” He held the cigarette up to his mouth and reached into his pocket for a lighter, and that was when Alex stopped right in his tracks. The silence that ensued settled over them like a ton of bricks.
“Oh, yeah, the little man's not crazy about cigarette smoke,” Zetro recalled.
“That's an understatement,” Alex groaned as he leaned back a bit.
“C'mon—live a little! We're supposed to get thunderstorms tonight and you fellas are goin' nuts on those things!”
Marla turned to Sam right then.
“So when do you and Joey plan on going to your parents' house?” she asked her in a low voice.
“Whenever,” Sam replied with a shake of her head. “We can leave first thing if you'd like.”
“Deal.” Marla nodded her head.
“—like a couple'a smart cowboys,” Zetro was saying.
“That's bluesmen to you,” Alex scoffed.
“What're you gonna do, though?” Sam asked Marla.
“I'll think of something,” she assured her, “—I can probably just come along to meet your parents, too, if you'd like. You know, the same logic and whatnot.”
“True, true.” Sam nodded.
“—out on the bayou with a spit bucket, too,” Zetro chided.
“God, no!” Alex groaned.
“Maybe the three of us can have dinner with my parents tomorrow night,” Sam suggested, still with her voice down low, “my mom makes the best homemade pizza and my dad'll know how to treat you, too. Like their mindset is always one of 'friends of Sam are friends of ours.'”
“Aw, I like that—I wish my parents were like that.”
“—eggs,” Greg blurted out.
“Eggs?” Marla asked him.
“Eggs.”
“Huevos rancheros, li'l Marla,” Zetro was saying as he brought the flame up to his cigarette, much to Alex's chagrin.
“So I'll bring the car around at seven?” Marla asked Sam.
“Seven? No.”
“Mmm, how 'bout eight?”
“It's almost four hours, though... seven thirty?”
“Yeah, meet ya in the middle. Let's do it.”
“Okay, I'll call my parents and then I'll tell Joey.” Sam flashed Marla another wink; Alex and Greg doubled back into their cabin and the two girls headed back to their own so they could let Zetro smoke out there. Joey was still nowhere to be seen and thus, Sam headed back up to her room for the phone, where Belinda awaited her with the copy of Siddhartha plunked out before her on the bottom bunk.
“Ah, I see you found the book Cliff introduced me to,” she noted.
“Yeah, I just saw it and I got curious,” Belinda confessed as she gave her blonde hair a slight toss back. “I've decided I'm gonna read more this year.”
“Read and make art? Sounds like a good life. By the way, Marla, Joey, and I are going up to Reno bright and early tomorrow.”
“Ooh, what's in Reno?”
“My parents.”
“Aw! Give 'em my love. You know, 'cause of Cliff and everything.”
“Of course, of course.”
Within time, she had called her parents and told them what was happening. At first, she believed it to be too quickly and too out of the blue, but Ruben was overjoyed to hear her voice. Soon, the two of them turned in for the night and Sam thought about her parents as she fell asleep. Indeed, the mysterious man showed up in her dream once more. He had Greg's banjo leaned up against his hip and he had one hand upon the post next to him.
“You have to be Alex,” she declared in a voice that felt so light she may as well have breathed it. “You have to be!”
“What have I said?” he asked her, and she fell silent, and she glanced around.
“What should I do?” she begged him. “What do you think I should do?”
“Bring it all home—you need to bring it all home.” And he reached over for a knock on the post next to him.
“What do you mean?”
“Bring it all home,” he repeated with another knock. “Bring it all home.”
She awoke right then, and that time to the sound of a knock on the door panel.
“Sam? You awake?” Marla!
She rubbed her eyes and inched towards the ladder down by her feet. Another few knocks.
“Sam? I told Joey right before we went to bed last night.”
“I'm coming, I'm coming,” she called out, “thank you, too.” Meanwhile, Belinda was still sound asleep in the bottom bunk. Sam hastily got dressed and then she and a still partially asleep Joey followed Marla back outside to the crisp, gray morning. Rain was upon them.
The three of them climbed into Charlie's rental car and drove out of the Bay Area and towards Sacramento. All the low grasslands made Sam think of upstate New York. It all felt like home to her, especially once they wound their way through the heart of the capitol city and came out the other side towards those mountains. It all felt like home and yet it all felt so quick. At least New York had vast stretches of forest before they even so much as saw the mountains.
“Wow,” Joey breathed out as they reached Donner Pass, which had a fresh blanket of snow once they reached the top.
“Yeah, I'll say,” Marla added, “thank you for being from this side of the country, Sam.”
“I still remember it well,” Sam declared. Within time, they wound through the mountains and they reached the northern side of Reno. She guided Marla to that neighborhood and it was right there, the butterflies emerged in her stomach. Besides Cliff and Frank, she never talked about her friends with her parents before, and she had good luck with the two of them. It was a total shot in the dark there with Joey because he was so different in comparison to the two of them. And there was Marla as well, with her dyed hair and having come fresh out of what appeared to be a picture perfect relationship with Charlie.
They turned the corner and Marla parked at the curb. Sam ran her fingers through her dark hair and she climbed out to the snow first. She led Joey and Marla up to the front step, and she knocked on the door panel first.
Silence, and then it swung open.
“There's my little girl!” Esmé greeted her with a big smile and open arms.
“Hi, Mom—”
“Oh, my god—I was just thinking about you and wondering when you'd show up.” Sam then turned to the side.
“This is my friend Marla,” she introduced her, “Marla from the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York.”
“Fellow artist,” Marla filled in with an outstretched hand.
“Love a good artist,” Esmé said as she took her hand. “I love your hair, too.”
“Thank you! It's a regular thing with me to change up my hair.”
“What's going on?” Ruben called from behind her.
“Sam and her friend are here, hon.”
“Oh!” Ruben was eager to embrace Sam and shake Marla's hand, but Joey lingered back from them with his hands in his jacket pockets as if he didn't belong there.
“And this is Joey,” Sam introduced him, to which Ruben hesitated and Esmé's grin froze right in place. Joey bowed his head and hunched his shoulders a bit; Esmé had a bit of a twinkle in her eye at the sight of him.
“Oh, my,” she remarked, and a slight blush crossed her face.
“Joey from near the Syracuse area,” he filled in with that distinct accent.
“Love Syracuse,” Ruben said with a nod of the head.
“Well, come on in, kids,” Esmé encouraged them and a warm sheen covered her cheekbones and her forehead upon saying that. “Come on in and make yourselves at home.”
Once Joey had shut the door behind him and the three of them took off their boots, Esmé tapped on Sam's shoulder.
“Can I—have a word with you for a second?” she whispered to her, and Sam followed her into the kitchen so they were out of earshot.
“What's going on?”
“That—boy,” she said, and Sam could see the twinkle in her eye. “What do you know about him?”
“He's a—singer and a drummer, and a hockey player.”
“Oh, my.”
“Mom—what's going on?” Sam asked her, hesitant.
“He—He reminds me of a boy I used to know when I was your age,” Esmé began in a low voice, to which Sam shrugged.
“And?”
“He was a boy I was friends with when your father and I were dating, and—we actually hung out one night.”
“Honey?” Ruben called from the front of the house.
“Yes?” Esmé replied back with a tilt of her head. He said something, and then she raised a finger to Sam, who stood there baffled.
“Mom, what're you trying to tell me?” she demanded in a soft voice.
“I love your father very much, but there was another man, though,” she quipped in a low whisper. “Another man just like him and—I guess the feelings never went away, either. I'll tell you later.”
Esmé ducked around her and Sam bowed her head, and buried her face in her hands.
“Ugh, again?” she groaned in a muffled voice.
3 notes · View notes
cramelot · 4 years
Text
Boyfriend Material 2.0-Sunday
This week is Boyfriend Material Week 2.0 - Quarantine Edition! Each day I’ll put out a one-shot with one of my favorite idols - each day picking someone different. Who will be boyfriend material tomorrow?
Pairing: Sammy (TheRose) x YN
Type: RoomatesAU
Tumblr media
When you find a roommate online, there’s always a risk. They could be super messy or loud or disgusting.
Or you could look like all of those things and more to them. 
Or things could be great. You could both be relatively quiet and not cross paths. You could share chores and clothes and take turns cooking.
But you never thought you could luck out and find a roommate that turned your apartment into a home.
Until some obnoxious ray of sunshine called Sammy answered your ad and knocked on your door with just a bag and a guitar.
Okay he hadn’t just shown up at your doorstep after finding your ad actually. He had called and you met him at a coffee shop first to interview him as a potential roommate. After that went well then he showed up at your doorstep with his stuff.
But he really did only have a bag and a guitar.
Sammy was enrolled in the music program at a local college and had been living in the dorms for a while until he was having trouble affording it, so he had to find a cheaper option.
Enter him entering your apartment.
It was modest to put it romantically... small to put it realistically. But it had two small rooms connected by a bathroom off of the living room and a kitchen that had a washer and dryer tucked into the corner. And even though it was...modest...you were a student also and needed all the help on the rent you could get. 
It had been a weird start. You both tried to be quiet and stay out of each other’s way. But one day Sammy broke the awkwardness.
“You sing really loud in the shower you know,” he said while grabbing cereal one morning.
Cereal you already had and just about choked on.
“And when you’re doing homework. How do you focus?”
“I can’t tell, are you asking me because you want me to be quieter?” you asked, genuinely confused by the tone he was using.
“I don’t actually mind it. You have a good voice and good taste in music. But like the other day when you were working on those casebooks or whatever it is you read all the time, you were singing along and...dancing? Kind of?”
“I’m going to try and ignore the fact you couldn’t identify my dancing, but I guess it just helps me focus? All my other senses get blocked out and singing my favorites doesn’t take much thought so I can just concentrate?”
“That’s kind of cool,” he said, sitting down across from you.
“And you know,” you started while cleaning up your dishes, “I’m not the only one who sings loudly in the shower.”
The choking cough you heard from him sounded like sweet payback music to your ears. Which you enjoyed until you handed him a glass of milk before heading to pack up for the day.
After that, you guys fell into a more comfortable rhythm. Sammy joined a band and would be out of the apartment more, but when he was back you guys would typically talk music or binge some shows together.
And then you even started sharing the chores around the apartment. He kind of became the best roommate you could have asked for?
It was a good thing you had gotten so comfortable because almost 7 months into living together a pandemic forced your community into a precautionary quarantine. Both your and Sammy’s classes went online, and somehow so did his band practices?
The first week you both tried to keep things scheduled and treat every day like normal, only doing work in the apartment instead of going outside. 
In the second week, you stopped putting on as much makeup all the time, I mean some times it was just fun to do, and Sammy switched from jeans to sweatpants pretty much always.
By the third week, you both were in pajamas most of the time, fighting over the tv remote, and attending classes with your video cameras off. 
Sammy’s band practices were pretty much done by the honor code too because it was too hard to really sync up onscreen.
Your apartment turned into a kind of eternal sleepover with work sprinkled in occasionally, especially as classes came to an end. The only problem, even if you were treating life like an eternal sleepover? You were still two high-energy, young-blooded individuals and, no matter how in-sync you were, you got bored.
“We can’t play that with only two people,” you said for the third time as Sammy thought of another card game.
“What about if we play Sorry? Each take two colors?”
“We played that two days ago.”
“Then you pick!” Sammy yelled, flopping back onto the floor.
“We still have a puzzle we haven’t-”
“I will go cross-eyed if we do another puzzle this week,” Sammy said, rolling onto his stomach and resting his chin on your knee to look at you.
And your stomach flummoxed.
A downside to the quarantine? You were spending a lot of time with a guy you were growing increasingly more comfortable with and interested in. And that guy? Had grown a habit of hanging around the apartment in just his sweatpants.
You pulled your knee out from under him so his head dropped and you turned around to pull a blanket off of the couch and throw at him.
“You are going to catch a cold. I don’t know why you spend every waking moment like that. I mean don’t you feel like putting anything on when you get up in the morning?” you laughed out, packing up some of the veto’ed games.
“What do you mean?” Sammy asked, picking himself off the ground to help you. “I do. The sweatpants. When I sleep I don’t wear an-”
“DON’T!” you yelled, dropping the games on the couch and slapping your hand over his mouth. “Don’t finish that sentence if you want to have any say in what we play tonight.”
And he licked your palm.
“Gross Sammy!”
“Well I know what I’d like to play with you but you just called my saliva gross so I doubt it’ll work,” he mumbled out while you were busy washing your hand obnoxiously in the bathroom.
“How about this,” he started, louder this time. “I’ve been working on a song for the band and I need someone to help me work on the harmonies.”
Feeling relieved you were back in familiar territory, you settled onto the couch with him and his guitar.
“Okay so here’s what I’ve got so far,” he started, strumming away.
You really admired Sammy’s talent in music. He always said he was just a simple guy with a guitar. Or he’d joke about his song-writing skills with lines like “Hello my name is Sam and I like some ham/ girls call me bam when they see me they go damn.”
You never let him live that one down let’s be clear.
But then he had lines like “a word you can’t forget in the breeze/ sorry, for not turning back/ sorry, for this selfish self of mine.”
And if his lyrics didn’t give you goosebumps, his voice would. 
You never had been a big fan of voices with excessive vibrato. But his was so raspy and unique that every time you heard it you would get lost in the song, in his voice.
Kind of like you were now.
“YN? Did you have any ideas?”
“Huh?”
Sammy turned to you and set the guitar across his lap with a smirk on his face. Now, instead of being distracted by his voice, you were distracted by that smirk.
“What were you focusing on?” he asked. “The few chords I’ve put together could not have been exciting enough to draw that look from your face.”
“I was just thinking,” you started.
“Clearly,” he laughed, putting his guitar in its stand and resettling on the couch with a blanket wrapped around him. “Talk to me.”
You mirrored his position and then looked him dead in the eyes.
“You are incredibly talented, you know that right?”
Sammy blinked a few times, clearly not expecting that.
“I’m serious, Sammy. You have a gift and I’m just really proud of how serious you take that.”
“You-you’re something special you know that?” he said back on a breath. “How many people are as kind as you are? I’ve seen it for months now and it still surprises me every time.”
At that you were blushing and twisting your fingers together. 
“I just think it’s important to say what you feel sometimes,” you said.
“Really?” he asked, with something in his voice you couldn’t nail down so you looked up.
“I mean things are meant to be shared, joy to be doubled and sorrow to be halved. It’s not always easy because of timing or personalities, but I do genuinely believe that.” you said, holding onto one of his hands that you didn’t remember grabbing in the first place.
Sammy ducked to smile and mumble again, “and you say I’ve got a talent with words.”
When he looked back up, he grabbed both of your hands in both of his, making you blush.
“I like you.”
You blinked.
“You aren’t required to say or do anything back, but I wanted to say it because I think we fit well together? I don’t just feel comfortable around you, but I’m never bored, even when we have the same days in and out. You just make my heart smile.”
Cue some more blinking from you.
“Okay I’m going to need you to stop and look away for a second,” you interjected, not being able to take any more.
Sammy immediately dropped his hands and backed to the end of the couch before turning his head to drop onto the cushion.
“I’m so sorry I made this so weird now, right?”
You knew you wouldn’t be able to say anything with him staring at you, but you still felt nervous looking at him, so you crawled across the couch to hug him with your head on his shoulder and eyes shut tight.
And with no preamble, you answered.
“I like you too.”
Sammy’s arms immediately came up to crush you to him and you felt his cheek actually nuzzle against the top of your head.
“Oh thank goodness I didn’t want to have to find a new place to live in the middle of a pandemic,” he joked out.
“I guess you can stay,” you laughed.
“Best roommate/girlfriend ever.”
“You do have to start wearing a shirt though,” you said, pulling back and pointing to his exposed chest, “because dating you is going to make resisting the urge to oggle you that much harder now.”
“I knew you were distracted by me!”
“I am not having this conversation with you!” you said, pushing off of the couch to ignore him until he grabbed your arm and pulled you back down.
“Okay no conversations let’s just cuddle some more.”
“That sounds like the perfect way to spend the night.”
//
Masterlist
115 notes · View notes
cowboylikemel · 3 years
Text
Remember Taylor’s hidden messages in the lyric booklets? I miss them!
1989
Welcome To New York : We begin our story in New York
Blank Space : There once was a girl known by everyone and no one
Style : Her heart belonged to someone who couldn't stay
Out Of The Woods : They loved each other recklessly
All You Had To Do Was Stay : They paid the price
Shake It Off : She danced to forget him
I Wish You Would : He drove past her street each night
Bad Blood : She made friends and enemies
Wildest Dreams : He only saw her in his dreams
How You Get The Girl : Then one day he came back
This Love : Timing is a funny thing
I Know Places : And everyone was watching
Clean : She lost him but she found herself and somehow that was everything
Red
State Of Grace : I love you doesn't count after goodbye
Red : SAG
Treacherous : Won't stop till it's over
I Knew You Were Trouble : When you saw me dancing
All Too Well : Maple Latte
22 : Ashley Dianna Claire Selena
I Almost Do : Wrote this instead of calling
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together : When I stopped caring what you thought
Stay Stay Stay : Daydreaming about real love
The Last Time : LA on your break
Holy Ground : When you came to the show in SD
Sad Beautiful Tragic : While you were on a train
The Lucky One : Wouldn't you like to know
Everything Has Changed : Hyannis Port
Starlight : For Ethel
Begin Again : I wear heels now
Speak Now
Mine : Toby
Sparks Fly : Portland, Oregon
Back To December : Tay
Speak Now : You always regret what you don't say
Dear John : Loved you from the very first day
Mean : I thought you got me
The Story Of Us : CMT Music Awards
Never Grow Up : I moved out in July
Enchanted : Adam
Better Than Revenge : you thought I would forget
Innocent : Life is full of little interruptions
Haunted : Still to this day
Last Kiss : Forever and Always
Long Live : For you
Fearless
Fearless : I loved you before I met you
Fifteen : I cried while recording this
Love Story : Someday I'll find this
Hey Stephen : Love and theft
White Horse : All I ever wanted was the truth
You Belong With Me : Love is blind so you couldn't see me
Breathe : I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry
Tell Me Why : Guess I was fooled by your smile
You're Not Sorry : She can have you
The Way I Loved You : We can't go back
Forever & Always : If you play these games, we're both going to lose
The Best Day : God bless Andrea Swift
Change : You made things change for me
Jump Then Fall : Last summer was magical
Untouchable : We always want what we can't reach
Forever & Always (piano version) : Still miss who I thought he was
Come In With The Rain : won't admit that I wish you'd come back
SuperStar : I'll never Tell
The Other Side Of The Door : what I was really thinking when I slammed the door
Taylor Swift
Tim McGraw : Can"t tell me nothin'
Picture To Burn : Date nice boys
Teardrops On My Guitar : He will never know
A Place In This World : I found it
Cold As You : Time to let go
The Outside : You are not alone
Tied Together With A Smile : You are loved
Stay Beautiful : Shake n bake
Should've Said No : Sam Sam Sam Sam Sam Sam
Mary's Song (Oh My My My) : Sometimes love is forever
Our Song : Live in love
7 notes · View notes
greymattermaelstrom · 4 years
Text
Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020  -   The Rik and Sophie Show
Tumblr media
I attended Ozlander in Melbourne. What an incredible weekend so would like to share my Ozlander experience with you. Of course, it was during the very early days of covid-19 which I’ll address shortly. I’d never met any of the cast before, nor any group of like minded fans. Of course, you are usually lucky to know anyone who watch the TV show (not counting a partner) in your circle of friends let alone personally know a group of fans to chat with. It’s funny though, I’m not sure what I expected, but I thought people would have in depth discussions about OL characters/plots during coffee breaks or in line ups for autographs/photos. I didn’t experience that. I think it was a given that we were all deep into OL. Instead, I found we just chatted and got to know each other, ‘Where are you from?’ etc. As this was the first formal Outlander convention held in Australia, this was big news. I bought my ticket the day they were available (Nov 2019). It was a long way off but I knew the gathering would occur a short time after the first few episodes of Outlander S5 were broadcast, so when S5 started airing, my anticipation grew. Prices were steep admittedly, but a number of us felt it may be the first and last opportunity to meet a cast member, so we did what we could to get there (i.e. sell the healthiest child, blackmail the rich, etc).
Article from “The Scottish Banner” Feb 2020.
Tumblr media
Unfortunately, 4 weeks out, Ed Speleers withdrew due to work commitments but local, David Berry, was announced as his replacement on the same day. Then 10 days out, Graham McTavish withdrew due to work commitments in Slovakia. No news of a replacement was announced (I learnt at the event that organising a visa etc with Covid-19 developing had made it nigh on impossible to organise a replacement in time). Ozlander organisers revisited the program and added extra value features to the various tiers. The gathering weekend was so close, yet seemed so far away in these uncertain times. Every day, I anticipated receiving an email stating it had been cancelled. I knew the organisers must have been pulling their hair out. Selfishly and as long as it was safe to do so, I was hoping it would still go ahead. The virus was not as advanced in Australia. Most of our relatively low number of cases were brought in by travellers (residents returning or tourists) from Europe/Asia before flying was cancelled. The Federal Government had restricted public gatherings to less than 500 at the time. Attendance was actually under 200.  FYI, below are the global covid-19 stats as of 19 April 2020, a month later. Australia’s population is 25 million.
Tumblr media
A few days after the Ozlander event, only crowds of less than 100 were permitted by the govt. We were so, so lucky!! Of course, that reduced further as precautions were implemented over time. We have self-isolation and a lot of business closures, cancellation of sports/entertainment etc. It is dreadful, but not a total lock down in Australia. We could walk dogs and make necessary trips to the supermarket, pharmacy, doctor or special court appearances. Anyway, just wanted to address this concern. ~ Tickets sold well (premium tickets sold out). I saw fans on sm stating the date of the event clashed or it was a bit expensive so I know more wanted to come. Yes, the cost was relatively high. Return airfares for cast, accommodation, plus I assume their appearance fee was always going to be an expensive venture, especially as our AUD had been declining sharply against the USD for some time. Australia can miss out on some things because of distance and a relatively small population, but overall, I think we have done well over the years. ~ Rik (Richard) and Sophie posted IG photos from Melbourne a couple of days before the event. Yay!! They were in the country at least, enjoying the sunsets, cuddling koalas and hypnotising wallabies lol. Sophie posted a selfie from a public toilet (bathroom) - as you do. See Sam’s comment below. Toilet paper was becoming a precious commodity....🤔
Tumblr media
So the odds looked good and finally, Ozlander arrived.🥳 Before we took our seats, a lone piper slowly walked into the throng playing Waltzing Matilda (iconic Australian bush ballad) which segued into Outlander's theme song. Goosebumps! Applause all 'round. The piper was a big fan too.
Tumblr media
What a thrilling start to proceedings. We took our seats and Meagan Taylor (the one who dared dream the dream), welcomed everyone. The age range of fans was predominately 40-65. We were excited and expectant. Housekeeping announcements focused on coronavirus precautions of course. Wash hands, use hand sanitiser when you can't, no handshaking and no touching the cast. This last request was a little disappointing after seeing photos from other OL cons, but it was quite understandable. I think we were just over the moon Ozlander went ahead so we were more than happy to comply and consider the health and safety of others. Then Meagan had the unenviable task of informing us David Berry had unfortunately cancelled his appearance due to health reasons. Yikes! What a shame. (David released a press statement 15 March(?) outlining his difficult decision. Sydney is Australia's Covid-19 hot spot, so David being a Sydneysider, had to consider this I guess). There are IG photos of David, Rik and Sophie together in Australia, just not sure where. So of course, it surprised everyone that David wasn't attending. Refunds of his meet and great and the re-jigging of tiers was to be announced on the fly. Then there were two, Rik and Sophie (and no pressure whatsoever!)🤪. Meagan then advised that the five panels across the weekend would be all audience Q & A which got a loud cheer. On with the show! The Rik and Sophie show! 🎉 They came on stage ready for a good time. Rik opened with 'G'day'. Great start I thought and continued his half decent Australian accent. It's a hard accent to imitate as we know. Rik's was a bit exaggerated but that was part of the fun. 
‘G’day. ‘How are ya’?’
Tumblr media
Sophie in an outfit she bought here. Same brand as Saturday’s dress that she brought with her.
Tumblr media
Roger Mac is in da house.
Tumblr media
I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I have seen Rik and Sophie in a lot of interviews, OL promos (talking to camera) and taking part on OL panels on YouTube. I can find their rapport a little strained and snarky at times. Luckily, I was very pleasantly surprised that their 2020 version was very endearing and entertaining. I think they’ve worked on this. I also think, that the spectre of Sam and Cait, through no fault of their own, does loom large at cast events. Therefore, it was great to see Rik and Sophie rise to the challenge of working the room in the absence of their cast mates. And I think they really relished this (albeit exhausting) opportunity and the small theatre made it a casual and intimate affair. They answered questions in an engaging manner and often expanded on it, citing on set examples, many I’ve never heard before, and I’ve seen a lot of OL interviews. Almost as soon as they came on stage, Rik was asked if he would play his guitar and sing for us. While flattered, I think it was too early in the piece and he said maybe he would do so during the weekend sometime. Alas, time wasn’t on our side so it didn’t eventuate. ~ Rik was asked if his hair ticks were under control (ep 501)😂. Combing his fingers through his hair, he replied in his strong Scottish brogue that most of them were gone now. Good sport. ~ He was told the OL bts photos he posts on sm (taken on set) were great and much appreciated and to keep them coming to which the audience applauded. I think he quietly enjoyed that moment. All creatives will take that, knowing their skills and hard work meant something to someone, much like our appreciation for OL and these sorts of events!
Tumblr media
Then on to costumes, wigs and make up. It was thought that it must be nice to have your scalp/hair attended to in the makeup. ‘No, it’s not’ R&S said in unison.😂 Verra uncomfortable process apparently. The hair is flattened and held down with clips. The hairline edge of the wig is ‘glued’ to the top of your forehead and then alcohol is used to get the glue off after shooting, which dries the skin. Some hair falls out over time with this process also. We know this has happened to Sam to an extent.😬 Rik is hoping to grow his hair long enough so he doesn’t need a wig, which accounts for his current hirsute glory. ~ Sophie said they both share a make up trailer and added that Rik has a magic make up chair. Being early morning, he often goes to sleep in it and upon waking up, hey presto, it’s Roger Mac. At make up time, they do know if the other is a bit touchy, so they try not to annoy each other. Too much.😂 ~ At one stage, we were a bit shy in asking questions. Meagan said if this was in the US, there’d be a line up for the mic.😂
Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020 selfie. 
Tumblr media
~ Sophie responded to a geeky question about wearing wireless mics secreted in their costumes or hair as well using the usual overhead boom mics you see on bts videos. She was asked about her experience with ADR which she’s not a great fan of it. The audience asked, ‘What’s ADR?’ There are a few accepted terms in the industry, Additional Dialogue Replacement is one. It’s when some dialogue needs to be re-recorded late in post production if the original dialogue audio recording at the time is less than optimal for a variety of reasons (thanks Google). Sophie gave an instance when in S4, Bree told Claire she had been raped. The stream in the background got into the dialogue mics too much in this particular outdoor location, so Sophie had to re-record her dialogue (like lip syncing) saying exactly what she said at the time, whilst watching the scene on a screen in a recording studio. It’s hard to get the context and emotion of the scene back into your voice and that’s why some actors hate doing it and plead to have the original dialogue kept as much as possible. But ADR happens more than you realise and for various reasons (see Google). It is impossible to tell when you watch the show, what scenes have had ADR done, it’s blended so well. They would record the stream/ ambient sounds separately at some point and then mix it in lower against the dialogue after ADR is done. 😅
 ~ Sophie talked about her audition process and was sat down in an exec’s office and was told OL fans are very passionate! (we are?🤔😁). They have an idea of how book Brianna should look and Sophie confirmed she wasn’t tall enough, eyes the wrong colour, etc and that yeah, as expected, she received some not so nice things on sm. But she tried not to read too much of it and pressed on with the role of Bree. Her tone wasn’t sarcastic or indignant at all, but humble. I was impressed. 
Queuing for photos with Rik or Sophie on this occasion. We weren’t allowed to touch but we all had a squirt of hand sanitiser (just to be super safe?).🤔            
Tumblr media
There were a few photo opportunities over the weekend and a bonus or two thrown in make up for the cast that couldn’t make it. A refund was offered for people with meet and greet tickets for David. However, R & S kindly offered to do a meet and greet for David’s fans instead and they happily accepted. Legends! I don’t know where they found the energy to be constantly ’on’ with so many people over the weekend. Chocolate? Youth?  ~ As it was a small event, there weren’t any extra security staff that I could see. I think it was only the Museum staff and the security cameras which were hardly noticeable. ~ When getting my autographs, Rik and Sophie didn’t ask for my name, but when I read their personal messages, they had used my name (which they’d seen on my Ozlander lanyard. How cool is that? Very slick!). There were assorted costumes, the de rigueur wedding dress of Claire’s which added to the ambience. Of course, most of the audience were women but good to see a handful of men there, some even in kilts! Saw some Aussie Peakers in their MPC tees too. Cool. 
To settle a pronunciation question, Sophie asked the audience after lunch, ‘Is it scone (as in, phone) or scone (as in, shone)? 
Tumblr media
An emphatic SCONE (shone) came back. Rik said “Oh, wow, a shouting(?) majority?’ 
Tumblr media
Just to be sure, someone asked who lost, Rik pointed at Sophie. He didn’t gloat too much. Poor Sophie!
Tumblr media
Of course, what would an OL event be without the cast having a drink or two to lubricate the tonsils (as we say).
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Here are a few more tidbits. All the info I’m sharing has been gleaned from the panels and time spent with Rik and Sophie over the weekend as my tier allowed (which was a lot). ~ Yes, they had tried Vegemite (similar to marmite/promite), courtesy of David Berry. Sophie has some in Scotland. Onya Davo! (good on you David). Incidentally, Sam tried some when he was here in 2016 on Studio 10 (morning talk show - March 2016, his interview is on You Tube). It’s a thing. ~ Rik didn’t know if Sam’s whisky would be his cup of tea, but said it was ‘good actually’. ~ Rik was sometimes surprised by the particular take post production used for the show, but was more surprised by what was edited out of a scene (to add dynamics or guide the narrative a certain way which would apply to all productions everywhere). ~ The pyre scene with the Jesuit Priest at the Mohawk Village Ep 412 was hard to watch on TV. He said it was hard to watch them shoot that scene on set as it was so dangerous!😬 ~ Sophie very occasionally discussed the historical accuracy of things in a scene with directors ie. birthing stool or not in Ep 413 and 1960′s The Mashed Potato moves in S5 are different to how we know them now. She convinced the director’s on those 2 occasions. To me, it shows her passion for the show! ~ When asked about Bree meeting Jamie for the first time in S4, Sophie was asked about the eww factor but didn’t think about Jamie’s hand touching her face after he had relieved himself as he had only used a fruit juice bottle.🤣 ~ R & S were asked to respond to: ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!’ And with relish they replied: ‘Oi, Oi, Oi!’. Someone did their homework. Cool. It’s a parochial call and response thing some aussies do at sporting events etc. ~ R & S often went for an early morning run. Before Sunday’s program began, Meagan asked us all to be very quiet. ‘That sound’, she said, ‘is Rik having his hair blown dry backstage.’ Laughter at Rik’s expense all round. Sophie came on with her’s still damp.
Tumblr media
Graham McTavish ‘popped’ in from Slovakia to say hi and sorry I can’t be there. Rik and Graham had a good rapport. After some banter, the audience was now supposed to ask a question and GM rolled his eyes as he heard Rik’s voice again, this time asking him what he conditioned his beard with? ‘Well”, said GM, ‘well Richard, um, I, ahh (chuckle), I condition it with...., obviously a little bit of your love ..’. Much laughter in the theatre.
Then GM commented further, (which I missed, sadly), to even more laughter.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Who knows what would have happened had GM been at the event in person?! There is so much more I could share, but you get the idea. 
Sophie wasn’t feeling the best during the last panel just before the close of the event, but she pushed through like a trooper. Rik said she had eaten too much chocolate. A weakness of Sophie’s. I think fatigue was catching up with both of them. They did so much.
Meagan presented Rik and Sophie with an Akubra (pron. uh·koo·bruh) each (iconic Australian outback hat) as a memento of their time here at Ozlander. Rik had the Crocodile Dundee style whilst Sophie’s was more demure. In his best aussie lingo, Rik said: ‘I’m Richard Dundee and this is my partner, Skippy (Sophie).’ (Referencing Skippy the bush kangaroo ? - a much loved Australian TV show 1968-1970). 
Tumblr media
The Scottish Banner article promised an intimate relaxed chance to get to know stars from the Outlander TV series and I’m happy to say that this is exactly what we got. Whilst it’s a shame we didn’t get to know Ed, Graham or David better, we certainly got to know Rik and Sophie better than we had ever anticipated. As a result, I see Rik and Sophie in a new light, esp in S5, where they have more scenes together. In a small way, I’ve gotten to know a little of the person that inevitably informs their TV persona (ie facial expressions, mannerisms, speaking cadence and inflections). What a memorable time I had (can you tell?). Thanks to Rik and Sophie, the gathering organisers (who got a special mention on stage at the close) and the other fans I met there. Thanks for reading this far on a rather lengthy post.😊 I know it’s my take on the weekend, but I’ve tried not to editorialise it, but present it, as accurately as I can, hence, it may be a bit dry to read.😅  I think Ozlander is a great name and I look forward to Ozlander Fan Gathering 2021.  
Ozlander graphics: Ozlander Fan Gathering (I tweaked the circle logo in the title)
Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020 selfie: Ozlander Fan Gathering
other photos: all permissions obtained    
Ozlander Fan Gathering article: The Scottish Banner February 2020
Sophie Skelton post: Instagram
global covid-19 cases stats: Wikipedia
82 notes · View notes
scentedsongrebel · 4 years
Text
Waiting for light (1/3)
Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Female! Reader
Summary: After a mission gone wrong, Bucky finds himself living in his worst nightmare.
Warnings: Cursing maybe?, sexual references but no actual smut, Violence, memory loss, gun use, incorrect medical terms (maybe), angst, so much angst, Mentions of faith and god (no talks of religion), please tell me if I miss any...
Word Count: ~7k
A/N: So this is my entry for @xbuchananbarnes ‘s Dani’s Awesome Writing Challenge Mix Vol. 1, #danisawesomewcmix. Congratulations on your milestone, you totally deserve it! My prompt was 7.“I’m gonna die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy”. 
This would be a 2 part series because it got too long and I had to split it. I’m so sorry for the heavy angst in this one but this story was in my mind for a while and it fit perfectly in my prompt.
Also sorry if it gets too dramatic. I live for the Drama!
This story is not edited yet.
Tumblr media
The sun shines with the remnants of a hectic day as it prepares for its slumber. Right in the path that is eliminated with the last specks of light, a Man drags a Woman.
One arm around her neck keeping her close, the other holding a gun to her head. He slowly moves back, dragging her with him until they reach a point where there was no going further.
The Avengers surround them from all sides, weapons raised and warnings screamed. The Man seems to not care as he presses the revolver harder into your head, eliciting a groan of pain from your lips.
Your legs hurt from the bone you're sure you've broken and blood runs down different wounds, locations of which are unknown.
"You gonna kill me" he smiles devilishly "I'm gonna take your girl with me"
An increase in the pressure around your neck causing you to see black spots.
"Listen Castle" Steve moves in closer "We can work through this just let her go"
"Work through this huh Captain?" Castle spits blood on the ground "I know how this gonna work, I leave her, you kill me"
"No you leave her and we let you live" Tony raises his hand, the mask of his iron man suit opening up.
"I would consider that option of course Stark but what is life really" The guy muses then laughs menacingly "I serve Hydra, my purpose is Hydra and what better way do die than by serving Hydra"
"I can name so many better ways" Tony tries to move forward but a warning glare and pressure of the gun against your head is warning enough to stop him
Castle shakes his head, a wicked smile staying on his lips "Taking the Soldat's girl with me, punishing him for everything he did to Hydra after his betrayal, seems like the best way to go and because I love to increase the pain, you got any last words sweetheart?"
You cringe at the use of the name only Bucky is allowed to call you as you try to pull away the last time before looking the love of your life directly in the eyes.
"Bucky" you whisper, eyes shining with tears you use everything in you to hold back. He tries to reach out to you, tries to say something but the only sound coming out of his petrified mouth his a whisper of your name, so faint you may have missed it if you weren't so acquainted with every movement of his lips.
"Bucky listen" you whisper as a drop of tear rolls down your eye "You have to move on, take care of my babies please."
"Y/n"
"Nat, you take care of my girl and boys. Help him move on, move forward, use your Nat skills to force him into dating again"
Natasha shakes her head, her gun raised at the perpetrator. They all stand hopeless, you are at the end of the cliff, one shot, one wrong move and its over for you. Her eyes give you an answer but you still smile. Assuring her through it that you want her to do that for you. You know she will come around someday.
"And at least I’m gonna die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy”
And you can see how that one line affects everyone of your friends, your family. For 10 years you've said this exact line before every mission. As a little stress buster, a hammer on the ice that embraces the entire atmosphere in its cold clutches before every single mission. Because no matter how easy a mission, a fear of this being the last one for someone pertains.
The idiots, your idiots you are gonna die surrounded by would be Steve, Natasha, Tony and your Bucky. Maybe if there were more there was a chance for you but you know at this point it isn't. These are the last moments and you wanna make sure they know you were yourself when you leave.
"Bucky take care of m yourself and my babies please"
"No Y/n you are not-"
"That's ENOUGH" the guy screams in your ear readying his gun and Bucky reacts on instinct. It was now or never. Pulling out his gun and shooting directly at the Man's face, another one at his hand, making sure to miss you.
The man falls back off the cliff, taking with and Bucky lets out an ear piercing scream.
"Y/N" be runs to follow you down the cliff before being harshly grabbed by Natasha and Steve. He is sobbing, openly now like the rest of them are before a gush of wind shoots out through and up flies a figure from the end of the cliff.
His wings flap a last time before Sam lands down on the ground. An unconscious figure in his arms.
You.
-------------
The loud voice rings through the open air as many people cringe and nonchalantly try to cover their ears so as not to offend the source of the noise.
You sit on Bucky's lap, between his legs on the front most table (a little away from the stage thank god!) because he insisted that now he is legally certified to keep you as close to him as he wants.
Steve tried to remind him that is not what marriage means.
Bucky tried to remind him he was an irritating punk.
A loud screech reaches your ears and Bucky buries his face in the back of your neck trying to muffle the sound.
"Why would you put me through this" he whispers in your ears from behind.
"Shhh" you turn your head to the side a little to talk to him "He was so excited to do this performance. What was I supposed to do? Tell him no?"
"That's what any sensible bride would have would. You are ruining our wedding"
You roll your eyes and turn more in his lap to get a better view of his face
"Our wedding is perfect. No one can ruin it"
Bucky shakes his head, smiling and taking your kips in a soft kiss which is broken up when Sam plays a very high note and Bucky has to take a wincing break.
"You know, I hate the let anyone do anything they want for our wedding rule"
"But Honey" you say turning back to look at the happy Sam trying and horribly failing at playing the bagpipe "It makes them so happy. They are all excited for us and I wanted them to be able to take part in this however they like"
Bucky groans and turns you to face him again as nuzzles into your neck.
"You are gonna be the death of me Mrs. Barnes" he places a soft kiss on your jaw
You let out a soft laugh just as the instrumental noises get louder and now people have started covering their ears, leaving behind any thoughts of discretion.
"I love you" you say, moving your arms around his neck.
"I love you too" he says and then gives you a kiss on the lips and then whispers in your ear "And I can't wait to get you away from here and all to myself"
You laugh at that whispering a me too in his ear before turning back as Sam reaches his ending verse.
When the performance is over, the round of applause is so loud, you are sure people on the streets can hear it despite the fact that you stand on the roof of a very tall building.
Bucky even gives a standing ovation and you know all this is because the thing is over. You just shake your head as Tony is whistling
 in excitement and Clint is popping champagne in celebration. God these guys were so extra sometimes.
Just as the applause dies down Sam beams at his audience, not really understanding the reason of the clapping.
Just as Sam comes down the stage and Bucky thinks he can celebrate the end of his ear being tortured. There is a new person getting on stage.
Steve smiles at the audience as he plugs in his electric guitar that he has been taking lessons for. Bucky's eyes widen and for a moment he thinks maybe it will be fine but then Steve hits the first note, singing too this time and he gets back down on the chair, pulling you to his lap again.
You give him a small guilty smile "Its not that bad"
Bucky sighs
"Your gonna be the death of me Mrs. Barnes"
----------------
Bucky sat at the fluffy chair Steve had bought for him saying if he's gonna spend all his free time here the least he can do is keep him comfortable and back pain free. Bucky is not sure he can even have back pain.
He leans forward, holding your hand close to his heart as he speaks "and then she asked me If plants need rain and sun to grow, and rainbows are made of light and water, are rainbows plant food?"
He laughs as he tells you that, looking over at your bed laid body for a sign to want to say something back. When you stay still he sighs and continues "What did I say you ask? I just nodded and agreed with her" a deep laugh "I mean what else am I supposed to even say right? God Y/n our little girl is getting so smart with age-"
"Definitely taking after and mother than"
Bucky swiftly turns around, taking up a protective stance in front of you as he turns to look at the intruder.
"Geez chill Barnes. Its just me" she raises her hands, then crosses them before leaning on the door frame sideways for support.
"What have I said about sneaking up on me" Bucky asks with a sigh, sitting down again
"Not to do it or you may end up killing me" she says nonchalantly
"Yet you don't stop"
"Yet you don't kill me"
Bucky just shakes his head, taking hold of your hand and placing a soft kiss on you knuckles.
"How is she?" Natasha asks from behind him
"Like she is everyday" he says plainly
She just nods her head, staying quiet for a while before moving forward and taking a seat herself on the other side of your bed
"Buvk we need to-"
"No"
"James listen we need to-"
"Don't you dare say it Natalia" he growls at her, eyes holding so much anger any other person would have ran for their lives. But Natasha was not any other person maybe that is why she was the one here for this talk
"Well Steve is too concerned about you to say it, Sam is too emotional, others don't have the courage to do it which means I have to be the one to say it"
He glares at her which she returns with concerned eyes. They stay there looking at each other for a while before Nat sighs and starts
"We have to decide if she would have wanted this"
"I have to decide and my decision is made"
"James its been 6 months"
"They said there was brain activity" Bucky screams at her
"They also said that she may always be in vegetative state. Do you really think Y/n would want that?"
At the mention of your name he quickly turns to look at you. His beautiful girl, his wife, lying of the bed, lifeless. Your hand is connected to an IV and a ventilator provides air to your body. Your head bald and bandaged after surgery and a feeding tube going in your nose. Your eyes are closed and Bucky had to close his too because its getting too much. He turns back to Natasha.
"I don't care what she would have wanted"
"James-"
"No don't James me Natalia. You won't understand. I will not let my kids grow up without their mother"
"A mother who may never wake up"
And that is enough for Bucky as he suddenly gets up from his chair pushing it back causing it to fall down with a loud BHOM!. He turns to Natasha, eyes blaxing with her anger he moves closer to her.
Natasha takes a step back, scared for her well being for the first time since she entered the room. He comes closer until he is just inches from her and looks down at her figure
"What do you want me to do huh? Kill her" he growls "Add the love of my life to the list?"
"James" Nat can feel the tears form in her own eyes as a single drop falls down Bucky's. She knew this conversation was going to be hard. It was hell for her to even think about the mere possibility of having to pull the plug on you but in times like these someone had to be a voice of reason, to hold everyone together.
"Natalia" he whispers through more tears "I can't tell my Matilda and Nixon I didn't fight for their mother when they grow up and ask about her. I can't let go until the doctors tell me there is no chance for her to wake up. Not the she may never. I want the she will never before I even think about it ok? Because if I have to, I am okay, completely happy to live with this hope, to be able to hold her hand and smell her scent, to listen to her heartbeat. So please let me have this for a while before I think of other things and if you or anyone has a problem with this then tell me and I will take my wife and kids and get away from your lives".
Nat just shakes her head as a sob escapes her lips and she moves forward, engulfing Bucky in a hug as she lets out cries. He stays still for a second before hugging her back, letting out his own silent sobs.
"She will be okay" He says pulling away from Nat and looking at you "I know she will"
----------------
All the avengers look up at the door when someone barges in. Nat's shoulders are slumped and her usually stiff posture is crumpled as she takes a seat at the table of the conference.
Tony moves to ask her something but she is faster to speak
"I can't do it" she sighs shaking her head. Her eyes bloodshot and the only indication of her previously crying state. "I thought I was ready but I'm not"
"None of us are ready" Steve moves to place his hand on hers "We just need to talk about this as a possibility so as if one day-" he stops to take a deep breath "if one day, if we have to we are prepared to be their for Buck and the kids"
"Bucky also needs to think about this possibility" Pepper points out shaking her head "We need to say this to him no matter how much it hurts because its not just him, he would have to hold it together for the twins"
"I hate this" Sam grumbles looking at his hands on the table in front of him
"We all do birdbrain" Tony sighs from his place looking around at the dejected faces of his team mates, friends and family minus two "Well all hate this with a passion"
----------------
The birds were chirping in welcome to the early morning sun while Bucky was looking at your sleeping form.
There were very few days that would start this way. Usually you both were not early birds in any chance and tried to stay in bed as long as you can before yoh needed to get off and get to work.
Bucky lets the soothing rhythm of your steady heartbeat calm his mind as he closes his eyes in bliss. He loved these mornings with you. Even if you two would move away sometime during the night, by the mornings you just found your way back into his arms.
He listens to the steady dhap dhap fhap dhap before something catches his ears and he swiftly opens his eyes.
Moving to get a clear sound and yes he can hear it. He carefully moves your hands away from his waist as he starts to move away ignoring from whining groan.
He moves the blanket covering your naked body and moves his hand over your stomach before bending and placing his ear on it.
And his heart skips a beat as he hears it. Loud and clear. He hears it.
"Bucky" you groan as you move to sit up, leaning against the headboard "What happened"
Bucky ignores you as he moves to place his ear against your stomach again and yup its still there.
His eyes fill up with tears he can't control and he looks up at you wifh those shining blue eyes.
"Hey baby what's wrong" You try to move closer to him, moving your hands to his cheeks
Bucky shakes his head, trying to process, trying to let out words but all he can do is give you a soft smile as a tear rolls down his eye.
"I hear heartbeat" he says slowly
Your eyebrows knit together and a frown makes home on your face "Umm. Yeah I know you can hear my heartbeat. It stopped being creepy long ago"
"No" Bucky shakes his head, trying to pull himself together, to control the sea of emotions going through him right now
"I-I-I hear a-a heartbeat" he says slowly, smiling at you and pointing at your stomach
You look at him in confusion for a while, clearly early mornings are not good for you and now he is gonna make sure you get as much sleep as you want. A moment before understanding draws on your face and you move your hand to cover your mouth
You look at your husband with wide eyes and he nods his head through the tears and suddenly you let a little happy sob
"I'm pregnant?" You look at him questioningly
Bucky nods his head excitedly "There is a heartbeat right here" he points at your stomach "faint but it there".
You try to move your head towards your stomach, to have a listen yourself but failing of course before looking at Bucky again
"And and you are okay with this?" You ask slowly
"Could not be more happy doll" he whispers moving closer and taking your lips in his "you have given me everything I never thought I could have"
You smile at him before pulling away "Wait" you say holding up a finger to stop him from kissing you again "We can't celebrate until we are sure"
"I am sure doll" he moves a string of your hair that was falling on your face behind your ear.
"No no" you laugh trying to speak as he keeps kissing you again and again "We need a doctor confirmation"
"Whatever you want" he says as he lays you down on his bed and starts his expedition of your body
"Just be ready to be pampered a whole lot more now my love"
------------------
"And this one" his little girl moves another piece of drawing in front of him as he scans through all the drawings previously laid in front of him. Pictures of what he could only guess are of the four of you together. His family in stick figures. One of all the Avengers and their kids. One of him and his metal arm, one of the black widow with her symbol besides her, captain america with his sheild, the falcon flying in the sky, the iron man and so many other drawings that would be nothing but ugly for someone outside these four walls. But within, these were masterpieces that were all gonna be pinned at the pin board you had specially bought to pin these drawings to when the fridge doors were full.
"Wow these are all so pretty sweetie" he says with adoration "it seems like they were made by an artist"
She laughs at that moving another piece of art near his face and he feels his heart stop "This one is Mom"
She says brightly looking at his face for another compliment. He looks the drawing over, a woman with her hair pulled up because you never understood how girls like Nat didn't get irritated by the hair constantly falling on their faces. The stick figure rendition is a little weird but the little Mom besides the figure makes him smile.
"This one is the best" he gives her the biggest smile she can nodding his head
"It is isn't it" she says taking hold of the picture and waving it up and down "that's because its of mom"
Bucky fakes a look of shock, looking at the picture again "oh yeah that's why it looks so good. Because your mom makes everything she is a part of beautiful doesn't she"
Matilda nods her head vigorously before giving the picture back to her father "So can we put it up on the board"
He nods his head "All of these belong on the board. These are all brilliant. You're gonna be a little artist like your Uncle Stevie aren't you?"
She nods her head following him as he moves to pin the pictures on the board "Yes and Uncle Steve said he would buy me that big water color set for my birthday"
"Uncle Steve loves to spoil you doesn't he" Bucky mutters, moving to pin every single picture on the board. His eyes fall on every other picture previously attached to the board you had made sure covered an entire wall of the kids' playroom so there was always room for their art. There were works of both the kids from school and some they made at home themselves. You had always taken pride in everything your children created and never let anything be put anywhere except for this board.
Just as he attaches the last piece of drawing on the board a thought pops in his head
"Hey you didn't draw a picture of your brother?" Bucky asks curiously looking down at her "You always draw one of him too"
She frowns at the mention of her twin and looks down at her shoes
"I don't like Nixon". She mutters angrily
"Well of course you don't like him he's your brother, you love him" Bucky teases, bending down to reach her level
Her face scrunches at his comment and she shakes her head in disgust
"No, I don't love him, I hate him"
Bucky shakes his head "What does mom say about that word?"
"That we should not hate anyone" she mutters still looking down "but-but Nixon just makes me so angry"
Bucky can't help but smile at that, his kids just can't seem to go a day without fighting it seems
"And what happened this this?"
"I showed him the picture of mom I drew" she starts to say looking at Bucky with shining eyes "And when I said I will show it to her when she wakes up, he said she won't wake up"
Bucky feels his heart stop at her words and he freezes on the spot. 'How did- What did he-' . A million thoughts run down his mind. He had worked so hard to keep his kids happy and feel everything was alright. He had made sure they don't have to bear the burden of the harsh situation. He had made sure they don't have to worry about this exact possibility then how did he find out? Who the hell told his little boy things they didn't deserve to tell him.
Anger shoots through his veins which he tries to control as he looks at Matilda with a smile, trying to mask his real emotions like every time
"What?" He shakes his head "That's not true"
Matilda nods at him and moves her arms around his neck and he takes her in his arms
"I said that but he said he heard doctors talking about her in the medical area"
Bucky had made sure their were no talks about your condition in front of his kids. He made sure there was no doctor near the room when he brought his kids over for visits with their mother and kept and eye and his ears alert to make sure they don't hear anything they don't need to.
Then who the hell was this doctor that told this to his son. Bucky felt rage again only calmed by the crying daughter in his arms. Someone was gonna loose their job for making his daughter cry like this.
He rubs his hands on her back, trying to keep himself together for her sake and muttering soothing words of its fine, mom's fine in her ears.
He talks to her, reassures her of her mom's well being for atleast 10 mins before the 'when will she even wake up' and 'I miss her's' quieten down she starts to fall asleep in his arms, tired from an entire hectic day of school, drawing and crying.
He hates that his children have to go through this. He hates that his bad luck, the beef that the old ladies of faith have with him is affecting his wife and kids like this. Hates how he tells his kids he would protect them from anything yet not being able to protect them from this heartbreak.
He picks Matilda up and moves to her room - separate from her twin's because you and Bucky could not deal with more fights of which color would the walls be and what bed would belong to which child-
He tucks his little girl in her bed, kissing her forehead and wishing her goodnight before switching off the main light and turning on the night light.
He looks at his daughter one last time before sighing and leaving the room.
He needs to have a talk with a little man.
---------------
"Will you stop pouting like that" you say from your place on the bed
"I don't like this" he says with a frown
"Well you don't have to" you give him a small smile "What do you want me to do? Not get the life saving operation"
"Well I need you to take care of yourself" he moves forward in his chair to hold your hand
"Then what would you do?" A cheeky smile. Bucky is not amused
"This is not a joke Y/n" he says seriously "Its not just you anymore, what would I say to the kids if something happened to you. You can't be so reckless during missions"
You sigh moving to make space on your hospital bed so he can lie besides you. When you pat the bed, gesturing for him to join you in he seems hesitant before he sighs and gets on the bed with you, moving his arm to place it around your shoulder
"I'm so sorry James" you say moving closer to him and resting your head on his chest "You know how long we were hunting Castle for. He was the last one of those after our kids, I couldn’t have let him get away and if I hadn’t had been injured, you know there was no chance he could have pulled something like that”
Bucky sighs nodding his head "Now we can be free, maybe I can finally retire"
Your hand that was rubbing circles on his chest stops its motion and you move away to get a clear view of his face. He gives you a small smile before he pecks your lips
"I've been thinking about it, about being a stay at home dad" he says "I am tired of fighting. I am done with this business. Maybe I was for a long time but I never knew how to stop and now I do. I wanna take care of my kids and wait for my wife to come home from saving the world"
"Bucky" you whisper moving your palm to rest on his cheek
"I know you love the fight and I don't want you to stop but for myself I just want to be a house husband. I have enough money from the government to not be short on money. And well with my beautiful hard working bread earning wife, I would never have to work"
You laugh at that, resting your head back on his chest and smiling
"I like that idea, if that is what you want"
"I do, more than anything doll"
There is a knock on the door and you both look up to see the nurse "We have to start the pre-ops" she says giving you both a sad smile "I'll be back in a minute"
The fear that Bucky thought had melted away returns as he moves to get up from your bed
"James"
"I'm okay" he looks at his feet as he sits down and starts wearing his shoes, avoiding eye contact
"Hey look at me" he shakes his head "I will rip off my IV if you don't"
This makes him quickly look up "Don't you dare"
"Good now that you can see me" you say moving a little in your bed to get comfortable before gesturing for him to give you his hand which he does "Whenever your mind takes you to dark places just pray"
Bucky rolls his eyes "You know I don't believe in all that"
You nod your head "And I am not telling you to, just I don't know who you do it to maybe the sun, the moon, to someone you lost, god, anyone, just pray"
"And everything will get better?" asks sarcastically
You shake your head "It will give you hope to hold onto"
----------------------
Hope he was holding onto like his life depended on it which it did. Head trauma they said. Surgical complications leading to a coma. The hit that you got on the head by the rock protruding out of the mountain before Sam got you was more severe than any of them thought.
The doctors said the labs don't always show the exact situation until they are in the Operating Room and so you never woke up from the surgery.
There was significant brain activity that they could say maybe you would wake up but not enough to tell when that maybe would come or if it ever would. Bucky was ready to wait as long as it took.
He knocks on the door twice before a little come in is sounded from the inside and he pushes the door open.
His son sits with his own drawings, using the water colors Steve had bought for both of the kids to share which did not end well and Steve had to buy two new ones. Having gotten a very important lesson in raising twins. Always get two of everything.
Nixon keeps his head in his drawing as he dips his paint brush in the black color paint.
"What you got there" Bucky asks as he sits down in front of his son. With both his kids as tiny artists, he had learned to respect their dedication to their works.
"I'm painting" Nixon nods his head, still not looking at Bucky "I know you are here to scold me"
"Hey" Bucky calls out to his son who does not look up from his painting, having abandoned coloring on the paper "Hey honey look at me"
Nixon shakes his head before his eyes fill up with tears. Bucky moves the paints and painting from between them and moves to take his son in his arms.
Whoever did this. Which ever irresponsible person told all this to his son, whoever did this to his baby has another thing coming for them.
"Hey its okay hey buddy" Bucky rubs soothing circles on his son's back, trying to calm him down. This was the second time today he finds himself in this position and the hopelessness he feels is beyond anything. He couldn't lie to his children, couldn't look them in the eyes and say something even he was not sure about. So reassurances it was. Words he told himself every night.
His children needed you. Just like he did.
After what seems like a while of just his son crying and Bucky trying to hold it together, Nixon pulls away, muttering through his sobs.
"I wanted to tell Mom about my new friend Tyler and show her the star Miss Huffman gave me and and-"
Another sob and Bucky pulls his son into another embrace,
"Its okay"
But Nixon pulls back again, going on
"So I went to see her when you went to the store and Aunty Wanda thought I was sleeping and I went to mom's room in medical and when I was hiding the people there were telling each other that she may not wake up"
Bucky shakes his head, moving both his hands to cup his son's cheeks as he looks up at the ceiling for a minute. Hold it together Barnes. You can't let him see you cry and scare him more.
"Hey Buddy?" Bucky whispers after a moment, wiping away his son's cheeks of any and all tears. Nixon just nods his head, sniffling his nose.
"You know Mom and I never lie to you" a nod "So I will tell you the truth, okay?"
Nixon nods his head again "okay"
"Mom is sick" Bucky starts moving to sit both himself and his son on the bed and pulling the covers over themselves "She got hurt on the head. You know how we always tell you to wear a helmet or take care of your head when playing?"
Nixon nods his head "Yeah"
"That is because when we get hurt on the head, it takes a lot of time to get better"
The boy sniffles his nose and Bucky pulls out his handkerchief from his pocket, giving it to him
"So Mom got hit in the head"
"Yes, while fighting the bad guy, her head was hurt and so she will take a little longer to wake up"
"But they said-"
"Its the doctor's job to say that" Bucky tries to come up with a convincing reason "That is because they don't know how strong your Mom is now do they"
Nixon shakes his head at that "She is very strong"
"That she is and that is why she would wake up"
"But when?"
Bucky sighs at that. A question he asks himself every single day. If only he had an answer.
"I don't know" his son frowns at that and Bucky pulls him close "But do you know who does?"
Nixon looks at him questioningly
"God" Bucky shakes his head. His memories taking him to you "When you don't know what else to do, just pray. To anyone you want to, just pray"
"And Mom would get okay?" Nixon asks excitedly
Bucky shakes his head smiling "You would have some kind of hope to hold on to"
"Huh" the little boy mutters, clearly not understanding anything Bucky says.
"Nothing, come on its your bed time. How about I stay right here with you tonight"
Nixon nods his head excitedly and moves to make space for Bucky to lie down with him. He starts to talk about his day and telling him things he wishes to tell his Mom when she wakes up. Bucky hears patiently to every word the little boy says before falling asleep in his father's arms.
Bucky looks at his sleeping form, moving away the hair strings falling on his forehead and sighs.
He needed to be more clear with both the kids about things. Because as much as he wants it to, he can't control everything they may find out and its best if they hear it from him.
-----------
"Sergeant Barnes, Captain Rogers requests your presence in the Medical Wing"
Bucky jerks awake from his bed as F.R.I.D.A.Y 's voice announces through his bed room walls.
"Y/n" he whispers before hastily putting on a shirt and running out the room.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y can you please ask Wanda to come to my house to look after the kids please" Bucky says as he hastily puts his shoes on and opens the main door of his apartment in the Avengers compound.
"No need I'm here" Wanda says as she stands on the other end of the door
"Wanda what-"
She shakes her head "I don't know its just, I got a message from Nat to look after the kids"
Bucky nods his head, his heart beating wildly in his chest "They are asleep in their rooms, Thank you so much"
She puts her hand on his shoulder in reassurance. Bucky looks at her and she nods her head, he nods back before running out his apartment and towards the medical wing.
By the time he reaches the medical wing, he is completely out of breath and wheezing. All his thoughts focused on one thing. He prays to whoever he can that its not something bad.
Steve is standing outside your room and when he sees Bucky coming his way he tries to stop him
"Buck-" Bucky is having none of that as he tries to push Steve away and get inside
"Steve what is it" Bucky growls angrily "Let me go see my wife"
"Bucky listen" Steve says shaking his head and putting his arms on Bucky's shoulder to hold him back "Before you go in you need to listen to me-"
But before Steve can say anything any further Bucky's eyes move through the open door of your hospital room and your form sitting on the hospital bed, looking at Natasha as she says something.
Bucky feels his heart stop as tears of joumy start to fill his eyes. This was the moment. She was awake and even though he feels a tinge of sadness in his heart that he was not the first person you met after waking up, he feels elated beyond belief that you were there is front of his eyes awake and responding.
Steve words reach deaf ears as Buvky pushes him away and runs into your room before Steve could stop him.
You look away from Natasha and towards him and Bucky can feel his heart stopping.
You were awake. This is real.
There is a recognition in your eyes and before he can think anything, Bucky finds himself running towards you and taking you in a bone crushing hug. You seem to have stiffen, not responding to the hug initially before you move your hands towards his shoulders and push him away with as much force as you can master.
He looks up at you completely confused before you look at him too, holding eye contact for a moment, before your eyes seem to go distant. After what seems like minutes of silence and staring, you let out and ear piercing causing the occupants of the room to over their ears, everyone except Bucky who is frozen in place.
"Natalia" you turn to Nat, pointing frantically at Bucky"he is the one who tried to kill me, that man is the one who shot me"
"Wha-" before Bucky can say anything, Steve pulls him away from you and out of the room, Bucky does not give much of a fight as his eyes stay fixed on the door that your nurse closed after Steve pulled him out.
"That is what I was trying to tell you Buck" Steve says sadly running his hand through his hair "We think she has something called Partial Amnesia, she does not remember us, she only remembers her past, only remembers Nat as Natalia"
Bucky feels tears roll down his eyes freely as he looks at Steve hopelessly
"And she remembers little bits and pieces of things" Steve says sadly "She remembers you shooting at her not at the person behind her"
"She thinks I tried to kill her" Bucky says before he completely breaks down and loses his balance as Steve runs to catch him.
------------------
I'm so sorry but I just realized, I didn't specify the kids' age. They are twins and are 6 years old.
PART 2  Coming Soon....
51 notes · View notes