#This is the first part of this being released AFTER the latest chapter

[jdeclerc]

welcome home, general

pairing: cassian x reader

summary: the night court's general returns home, craving the touch of his mate - he is met with the most thorough of welcomes.

author's note: cassian is it for me. i'm also sorry this is so long? no idea how that happened. i'll try my best to write something a bit shorter...no promises though ;)

warnings: smut (with a bit more plot than first anticipated)

word count: 3,815

Cassian lands on the balcony of the House of Wind and feels like he can breathe for the first time in weeks.

His week-long mission in the Illyrian Steppes had quickly become two…three…four weeks away from his home, his family, his mate. It is the thought of his mate that has the tension in his shoulders loosening.

You and he had decided long ago to close-off the bond when one of you was working for an extended period. He feels the embers of it flicker to life for the first time and does his best to tamper it. You aren’t expecting him home until tomorrow morning, he had worked hard to maintain the surprise of his early arrival.

Cassian can’t help but fix his gaze on the window above him. He knows you lay behind it. An image of you sitting in bed, a book in your hand, and a cup of tea on the bedside table enters his mind.  He can’t count how many times you sacrificed sleep to finish ‘just one more chapter.’ The corners of his mouth turn up at the thought.

He admires your ability to fall into the worlds of your books. Some of his favourite moments are you excitedly telling him about your latest read, and he is raptured by your every word, even when he has no grasp on what in the cauldron you are speaking about.

His thoughts turn darker as his memories turn to his favourite method of getting you to finally take a break from reading. He would take the book from your hands, put your marker in so you don’t lose your page, and place it on his bedside table. Cassian would then lean you back into the pillows and position himself between your legs, wrapping them around his waist. In those moments it becomes his singular goal to worship every part of you, showing you that even after centuries, his need for you has never diminished.

Cauldron help him the first time you had wanted to recreate a scene from one of your books. He was a male undone, never having found release quite like that.

“She’s missed you brother, as have we.”

Cassian is shaken from his thoughts at the sound of Rhys’ voice, turning to find him and Azriel approaching from the house. He opens his arms to both and pulls them into himself. Another wave of relief washes over him as he embraces his brothers, it is yet another sign of him being home.

They step back from one another but remain close. Cassian knows, like he has felt, that his brothers need him near to know he’s truly home safely.

“When did she get here?”

“Two days after you left. She wanted to wait but knew you would have words for her if she did.”

Cassian nodded at Azriel’s words and glanced back up at the window.

The two of you often frequented the House of Wind but had built your own home on the outskirts of the city about a century after being mated. Your family rarely visited, the place becoming a sanctuary for yourself and Cassian.

But Cassian knew, because he experienced the same, that you had difficulty sleeping there without him. Your home encompassed the heart and soul of your mateship and felt empty when the other wasn’t there for an extended period. You both had taken to staying with Azriel and Gwyn at the House of Wind, impatiently awaiting your mate’s return.

On his flight home Cassian had every intention of taking you home and showing you just how much he missed you. But he knows that the moment he opens the bond and lays eyes on you that his plan will vanish in an instant. He craves your scent and the feeling of your skin beneath his hands more than he cares to admit, even to himself.

“Y/N retired to your room early, she cleared her schedule tomorrow and wants to finish training before she thinks you’re getting home. This one was hard for her Cas, as I’m sure it’s been on you as well.” Azriel squeezes Cassian’s shoulder.

“And in effort to do themselves a favour, Gwyn and Az are staying at the River House tonight. You both can join us tomorrow, if you’re not too exhausted, that is.” Rhys gives Cassian a sly grin and a knowing look. “The entire family is spending the day together, even Nesta and Eris are coming to celebrate your safe return.”

“We’ll be there…maybe a bit late but we’ll be there.”

Rhys can’t help but let out a laugh at Cassian’s words.

“Good.” Rhys motions to Azriel and they step past Cassian toward the edge of the balcony. “Now go, you’ve got a mate that needs tending to.”

“Try not to be too much of a disappointment, will you?” Azriel shoots Cassian a shit-eating grin as he says the words.

“You can both go kindly fuck yourselves.”

Cassian can hear his brothers’ responding laughter as they shoot into the sky. He can tell neither of them let up on their speed as they descend toward the city, weaving in and out from each other. They’re racing one another. Despite being centuries old, the brothers’ competitiveness is as childish as ever. Cassian can’t predict which of them will win but knows he’ll hear every detail the following day.

He watches them for a few moments longer, turning toward and entering the house only when he loses sight of them.

Cassian takes the stairs two at a time, as silently as his massive form can manage. It’s only as he approaches the door of your shared room that he registers any sound in the house at all. He carefully pushes the door open, conscious of the damaged hinge neither of you had fixed. The two of you had been interrupted by various members of your family one too many times not to appreciate the warning squeal the hinge lets out as the door opens.

It's as he steps into the room that his suspicion is confirmed; the noise he hears is coming from the adjoining bathing chamber.

Cassian isn’t one to be caught off guard but as he steps into the doorway of the bathing chamber, the first sight of his mate has him grinding to a halt.

You haven’t noticed him, and Cassian allows himself a moment to drink in the sight of you before he even thinks of alerting you to his presence.

You’re standing directly under the stream of water. He can tell by the way your eyes are closed that you’re lost in thought, having always found solace in the noise of the water flooding your senses.

His eyes follow the water as it cascades down your bare form. He watches it hit every dip and dive, tracing the body he knows as well as his own.

It’s the scent of your arousal that knocks him out of his daze. Whatever is going on in your glorious head has your hands moving over yourself. He watches as you run your hands down the front your body, descending painfully slowly.

Cassian can see more than hear his name fall from your lips as you reach the apex of your thighs. Your voice filled with such need that it comes out as more of a breath than a fully formed word. He anticipates the moves you make as you touch yourself, knowing the exact motions and pace you’ll use. It was one of the first things he had you show him, your satisfaction always being placed above his own.

He stops breathing as he watches you slip a single finger into yourself, your mouth falling open slightly at the action.

It’s at that moment that he opens his end of the bond. He can see the exact moment his need meets your own. You gasp as the wave of emotion hits you. Your eyes slowly open and meet his own, a range of emotions cross your face in an instant: relief, longing, desire. Your hand halting its movements at your seeing him.

“Don’t stop.” Both a command and a plea wrapped into one. You resume your movements without hesitation.

Cassian’s eyes don’t stray from your form as he begins unclasping his siphons, one hitting the floor after another. You gaze, however, tracks every movement of his hands. He’s known you long enough to know you don’t do so purely out of desire. No, you’re waiting for any sign of injury. Any sign that his movements are out of the ordinary or encumbered in even the smallest way.

As he removes the top half of his leathers, he understands why you stop this time. He silently vows to tell you the stories of his bruises later, when the need to be with you isn’t demanding to be met. The look in your eyes has him undoing the laces of his pants with precision. Worry has replaced all desire that was there only a moment ago.

When he is as bare as the Mother made him, Cassian starts moving. He doesn’t wait for the shower door to close behind him before he’s reaching for you. His hands slide around your waist as yours run over his abdomen before moving to his chest. He knows the question you need answered as you look up at him.

“They’re nothing serious, I swear to you.” His voice is low. “I’m here…I’m home…I’m safe.”

He can feel the tension leave your body at his words, at the use of the mantra you both use when returning to each other. The words quelling any worry no matter what marks mar either of you.

You give him a small nod and it’s as though he can feel the air thicken with the return of your arousal.

Cassian tightens his arms around you and moves you several steps until your back meets the wall. Your hands come to rest on either side of his neck as he gazes down at you.

He takes a moment to admire his mate. The warmth of your skin under his hands and your scent filling the air grounding him like nothing else can.

It’s the brush of your chest against his as you pull him closer that snaps his resolve. He is on you in an instant.

Cassian pulls you impossibly close as his lips meet yours. The kiss burning with four weeks of built-up need and desire. Your hands encircle his shoulders as he slides one of his own up your back and stops at the base of your neck. He applies just enough pressure to have your head tilting further back, allowing him better access to devour you.

His lips move along your jaw, coming to stop at the spot below your ear that he knows does you in. Your responding whimper is all he needs to continue his exploration. He forges a path down your neck and across to the center of your chest. His hands come to rest on either side of you, his thumbs brushing across the bottom of your breasts. Cassian takes a moment to drink in the sight of you before descending on you once more.

He sucks a mark into the top of your left breast first before doing the same to your right. His desire to mark you as his outweighing the reality that they will be gone by morning, nothing but a memory.

 Cassian takes your right nipple between his lips, drawing it in into his mouth until he can feel it tighten against his tongue. His left hand circling the other as he does. His teeth catch your nipple as he releases it, and he flicks his tongue across the hard surface before moving to repeat his actions on your left side.

Your breathless by the time his mouth leaves you and his eyes remain locked on yours as he sinks to his knees before you. His motions are reverent as he rests his forehead on your lower stomach and his hands come to rest at the backs of your thighs.

Cassian closes his eyes and breathes you in. He runs his hand across the top of your left thigh until he can take hold of its underside. He leans back and his eyes don’t leave your centre as he lifts your thigh so he can place it over his shoulder. He runs his thumb across your folds and groans at what he feels. Your desire evident in the tremor that runs through you at the second pass of his thumb.

Cassian knows you could take him then and there, but he is too selfish a male in that moment to deny himself of what he had dreamed about countless times while away.

He turns his head and begins a trail along your inner thigh of kisses so feather-light that they leave goosebumps in their wake.  He feels one of your hands find purchase in his hair as his mouth closes over your clit.

He devours you like a male starved. Moving his tongue in a way that he knows will have your legs shaking before long. Cassian lets out a hum of satisfaction as two of his fingers slide easily into you. He works them through you and curls them in just the right way, he is nothing but an expert at his chosen craft.

“Cas…”

Cassian can tell by your tone that you’re close. He can feel it in the way you move, chasing your release against him.

It’s the sounds you make and how you clench around his fingers as your orgasm tears through you that has Cassian understanding why the priestesses are so devout in their worship. He would spend a lifetime on his knees if this is what it entailed. He would worship before you for eternity, even if it meant only feeling what he just had even one more time.

He moves his mouth from you and slows the movement of his fingers as you ride out the aftershocks of your orgasm. Only when he’s confident your legs will hold you does he lower the one over his shoulder and rise to stand.

He stands so close to you that your chest brushes his as it rises and falls in quick succession. You open your mouth to speak but he’s the first one to get words out.

“Turn around.”

You pull your bottom lip between your teeth and look up at him through your lashes at his words and Cassian is so transfixed by the action that he barely registers the need to take a half step back to allow you room to follow his command. When you do, he snakes one of his arms around your waist and moves you forward, caging you in with his massive form. His other hand moves to the back of your thigh and raises it to rest on the bench built into the right side of the shower.

He can’t help a tremor of his own passing over him as he takes hold of his cock and slides it through your folds; having been hard since walking into the bathing chamber.

Cassian lines himself up and relishes in the gasp you let out as he pushes into you. It’s a feeling he’s never gotten used to, the rush of euphoria that passes over him every time never getting old.

Only when he’s fully seated in you does he still. His right hand lands over yours and dwarfs it where it rests on the shower wall. His left moves from its position at your waist, up your torso, stopping between your breasts, and he pulls you flush to his chest so you face is no longer resting on the shower wall.

Cassian lays his forehead on your shoulder and waits, giving you time. You’d told him in the past that your body needed a moment to adjust to his size, no matter how many times the two of you had done this.

He’s given you this time ever since. And despite your repeated reassurances of the contrary, he still finds himself feeling sick at the thought of causing you even the slightest discomfort.

Your hand squeezes the forearm he has around your front.

“You’re sure?”

“Cas, please…I need you to move.” Your voice is laced with the most beautiful desperation, nails digging into his forearm.

Cassian moves his hand down, your own maintaining its grip. His fingers find your clit and circle it purposefully, painfully slow.

“And if I don’t?” He continues his movements. “I could keep you here until you’re begging to cum around my cock, so full, never getting to feel it splitting you open over and over again.” Cassian knows his words are a complete lie, knows his desperation outweighs yours ten-fold.

“It’s impolite to keep a lady waiting…General.”

It’s your use of his title that has Cassian pulling out to the tip and pushing back into you so that you feel every ridge and vein as they move inside you. You both know the effect the title has on him.

Your head falls onto his shoulder, and he brings his mouth to your ear. His voice rough with warning.

“As you command, my lady.”

Cassian sets a burning pace, bottoming out inside you with every thrust. His hand taking a bruising hold of your waist to keep you in place.

It isn’t long before he knows your close to coming undone. Your arm comes to circle his neck as he captures your lips in a searing kiss, his hand moving to resume its movements on your clit.

You break the kiss as you cum, head falling to his shoulder once more, and you’re unable to hold in your moans. Cassian holds you with both arms to keep you standing, you body trembling as he continues with slow, deliberate thrusts.

Once you’ve come down from the high, he maintains his hold on you as he slowly pulls out, gently setting your leg on the shower floor, and turning you to face him.

Cassian brings your hands to rest around his shoulders. He crouches just enough to reach the backs of your thighs and lifts you into his arms, pressing your back into the shower wall. Your eyes close as you rest your head on the wall, the falling of the water the only sound passing through the space.

“Eyes on me.” Cassian brings a hand to the back your neck and tilts your head to press your forehead to his. You open your eyes, and he sees nothing but pure satisfaction staring back at him. “One more…give me one more. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?”

You nod your head.

“Words…I need to hear you say the words.”

You give him a small smile and bring your hand to rest on his cheek.

“Make me see stars Cassian.”

He doesn’t hesitate to resume his earlier pace. The drag of your nails across his back, past where his wings meet his skin, has him angling you to reach even deeper inside you.

It’s the feeling of your skin against his as you cling to him that has Cassian approaching his release. He slides his hand between your bodies and brings his thumb to the most sensitive part of you, wanting your finish to precede his.

You hold him painfully close as you cum with a cry. Your sounds pushing Cassian straight over the edge into oblivion. He cums with a roar and holds you to the base of his cock as he fills you. He moves with shallow thrusts, carrying both of you through the end of your respective orgasms. He stills as the last of his leaves him.

Time lapses for several minutes, neither of you move until he feels you stop shaking. He brings his hand up to push back the hair sticking to your face. You do the same to the strands that have fallen from where his hair is tied at the back of his head. He holds your gaze, the both of you seeing each other free from the haze of desire for the first time.

“Hi.” You whisper the words, pushing love down the bond.

“Hi yourself.” He responds by sending a wave of his own down the bond, his voice matching the volume of yours. “You feeling okay?”

“More than.”

You both chuckle at your words.

“Fuck, I missed this…missed you. I love you.”

“I love you, Cas. I’m so fucking happy you’re home.”

“I’m happy to be home.” He loosens his grip on you and glances down to where your bodies are still joined. “You ready?”

“My legs might be a little shaky, help me stay on two feet?”

“Always.”

Cassian gives you a deep, slow kiss before he pulls out of you. Your brow pinches and you let out a small whimper at the loss of him inside you. He sets your legs down gently and your knees begin to buckle before he pulls you into him, keeping you stable. He presses his face to the side of your neck, breathing you in and taking a moment to fully realize that he’s home with his mate.

“Should we finish this shower before we use every drop of water from the Sidra?”

Cassian responds with only a bellowing laugh as he moves to grab your favourite wash. He washes you from head to toe. Taking special care when cleaning the mess between your thighs, your body still responding to every pass he makes.

You then do the same. Washing away the few bits of grime left from his mission, especially those on the delicate membranes of his wings. Cassian knows you don’t miss how he tenses when you brush over the bruises covering his top half, the adrenaline of your tryst having fully worn off. You throw him a look that speaks volumes to his owing you an explanation.

“Tomorrow…I promise.”

You accept his vow with a nod as he turns the water off. He catches you stifling a yawn as he turns back toward you. Without a word he picks you up once more, wrapping your legs around his waist.

“Let’s get you to bed, my wonderful, beautiful mate.”

Cassian walks you both straight through the bathroom without stopping.

“Cassian, we are soaking wet.”

“Your point being?” He enters the bedroom and moves to his side of the bed.

“The sheets, Cas. They’re brand new.”

Without losing his grip on you he lowers himself to the bed and settles you directly on top of him. He missed feeling the weight of your body over his own, of having his mate with him as he slept.

It takes only moments for exhaustion to hit you. Cassian’s words are the last thing you hear before drifting off into the deepest of sleeps.

“Fuck the sheets.”

[corrupted-nightshade]

List of things that point towards Gojo Satoru & Geto Suguru being kissers of boys with connections to eachother

(If they did kiss though is another story)

Note: the list will be divided into different sections with space in between. So don't go speed scrolling through if you don't want spoilers. :"3

Some of these are less serious, but are still included because all the more content for these two sillies.

--- Last updated: April 26th, 2024 Note: Make sure to check the original post if viewing a reblog version in case Tumblr does not update things under the "read more" like it used to be able to.

Various

572. This number is used frequently as a ship number for the two as "GoGe" the ship name can also be produced as "GoNatsu". Go means 5 and the rest sound similar to 72. These numbers ironically show up accross the series a few times and also in official merch. (Some examples being a clock in season 2 episode 1 stopped at 5 hours 7 minutes 20 seconds or a Gojo teddy bear priced at ¥57,200)

JJK official fanbook

"Q: Please tell us his first impression when he first met Geto. A: Bangs."

"Q: He seems to be aware that he is handsome, but doesn't he want a lover? A: I can't imagine Gojo being faithful to a particular woman."

"Q: Is there anything you are particular about Geto's character design? A: Bangs"

One of Gojo's songs & one of Geto's songs given to them. "Shame on you" by "Avicii" (a break up song) for Gojo and "Come back Home" by "Two door cinema club" for Geto. Stated in volume 3 chapter 24.

The sheer amount of times Geto shows up in MMVs for Gojo and how they display the impact Geto had on Gojo (For example, the latest MMV for volume 26's release)

Their birthday's solar terms tying in with parts. (Geto being "Risshun" beginning of spring & Gojo being "Taisetsu" heavy snow.)

Rings for them that were released on August 8th, which is "Pairing day" in Japan

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Jujutsu Kaisen 0

Geto's kesa is specifically a Gojo kesa

Gojo stating in 0 that

"I've always believed... ...Love manifests the most distorted curses." / "This is my personal theory, but there's no curse more twisted than love."

Even after 10 years, Gojo recognized Geto's smell. (The mall scene after Yuta & Toge fought the curse)

Geto renaming someone to "Sato" because

"That's what I've decided, so Sato is better."

This sunset scene

Gojo's veil is black & Geto's veil is white. Gojo's veil causes darkness, Geto's does not. [Peep who reminded me]

The song "This is pure love" not only plays over Yuta & Rika vs Geto, but also plays over Geto & Gojo's conversation

The way that Geto looks at Gojo & says his name, and how Gojo looks at Geto & says his name

Geto's blushing face at Gojo that we were robbed of in the anime

Some of the lines from the JJK 0 light novel lines

"Yet Gojo's bandage-covered eyes kept watching, kept following the shape of Geto's soul."

"But to Gojo Satoru, he was —— '————, ————' '...ha.' When he heard the words Gojo blurted out, Geto couldn't help but laugh. Such embarrassing [...] words. Even why they were students, those words had never been said before. 'You should've at least cursed me a little before the end.' December 24, 2017. The curse called Geto had been well and truly exorcised."

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Season 1

JJK Juju stroll

"Q: What kind of person is your type?" Gojo: "[...]The one who seemed nice. With the notable bangs."

yes, i know who he stated but the way he answered was so half arsed as he struggled to come up with an answer as an example of his type. 💀

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Season 2

Again, the way they look at each other and say each other's names (There's another picture with Gojo looking at Geto, but I'm missing it right now)

THE HECKIN GOJO & GETO VALENTINES CAKE??

They literally even have a themed honeymoon place???

Geto makes sure Gojo has his favorite soda. :3

Part 1 / volume 8 - 9

The intro for season 2 part 1

"Even after I got to know the smell of you, different from mine"

"In such a color as if it were a silent love"

"I've got a curse word for you stuck in the back of my throat"

The outro for season 2 part 1:

"Even trivial conversations are fine Show me your blushing face once more"

"It only exists here I want to touch you"

The fish in the outro

The flowers in the intro & outro. [Peep who reminded me]

The purple ones (Located on table in the part where older Gojo is sitting in a chair by a window) are possibly Primula/Primrose flowers. They can represent young love, beauty, desire, desperate, and can be a symbol of spring and renewal/new beginnings. etc.

The yellow ones (Located in the part where Gojo & Geto are sitting together with their hands & cans of soda surrounded by the flowers) are possibly osmanthus flowers. They can represent love, passion, happiness, beauty, etc.

[See here , here, here , here , here , here ]

Geto not answering Tsukumo Yuki's question of what kind of woman is his type more than once

When Geto is asked by Haibara if he would like a sweet or savory souvenir, Geto says

"Satoru will probably have some too, so maybe something sweet."

Part 2 / volume 11

This whole image (Geto in the glasses on the left, and Kenjaku's silhouette on Gojo's face on the right)

Season 2 part 2's "Specialz" intro hidden meaning

Despite the following about Geto's state, Geto's body still instinctively reacted to stop Kenjaku from hurting Gojo.

"Q: Fake Geto's arm was moving during the Shibuya Incident, but how much of Geto's consciousness remains in the body? A: Not much. He was moving like how a dragonfly whose neck was torn off can move."

Fun fact: Some owls pair/bond for life (Whether the owl is supposed to be Geto's because Kenjaku is using Geto at the time or it's not Geto's animal because that is Kenjaku is up to you)

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Volume 26

The Camilla flowers with snow. Not only do they represent Gojo well with their meaning, including one meaning being unchanging/strong love alongside modest love / beauty for pink, but flowers are given to different dates. The birth flower of February is this flower, said to bloom on the 3rd of this month. Aka Geto's birthday.

Chapter 236

Gojo actively chose to fight on December 24th (a day considered romantic for Japan) which is now the day both Geto and him have died on. Even Kenjaku acknowledges the days significance with

"Ha ha! How romantic. Isn't it gross to make plans with each other on Christmas eve?"

These lines

Both Gojo & Geto's volumes' numbers can have bad meanings in Japan. 4 can mean death & 9 can mean to suffer/agony. (I put this under volume 26's section because of the spoiler)

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There's likely more, but this is what we could think of right now. XD If you have anything you want to add on, feel free to send it my way because the more help the better & easier this is. (^w^ ) Same for any corrections to the list (as it's just me writing up this post and I may make slip ups)

[eddiemunsons80sbaby]

Never Say Never

Chapter 20

Pairing: SingleDad!StevexReader

Summary: You are a 32 year old single mother, raising your seven year old son on your own. After being widowed at 30 and going out on awful dates with disgusting men for the past month, you have decided that you're giving up. You already had your great love. One person can't possibly get lucky enough to have two in their lifetime. But then your son starts playing baseball and the coach might just change your mind about that.

No posting schedule.

18+ only for eventual smut

Word Count: 3.5K

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Two Years Later

Indianapolis in the summer was hot and humid. You tugged at the cotton of your shirt, pulling the material away from your wet, sticky body. All you wanted right now was to lie on your couch, your feet propped up, enjoying the air conditioning and an iced coffee. But coffee was limited to you these days and decaf just didn’t bring the same joy. What was the point? And no matter what anyone said, it did not taste the same.

The bookstore was packed with people, the air conditioner not doing much amidst the radiating body heat of the crowd, books cradled in their arms, waiting to meet the author. Mike sat at a table in the center, smiling up at a customer as he signed the copy of his latest book, Paladin of the Dead Kingdom, a sequel to his debut novel which had raced up the charts to number one on the New York Times bestseller list, shocking everyone but probably him mostly. 

Releasing a long slow breath, you pressed your hand against the base of your back in an attempt to soothe the ache that had settled low in your spine. Rolling your shoulders, you moved forward, continuing to browse the selection of books on the shelf in front of you. With as much time as you'd been spending with your feet up every night, you'd been getting a lot of reading done. A few new additions to your quickly dwindling pile would be good.

Your fingers trailed over the spines as you read, waiting for something to catch your eye, the sun shining in the window hitting the diamond on your left hand with a shimmering sparkle. A soft smile crossed your lips as you flashed back to last year, you and Steve under a trellis of flowers that the girls had put together in your backyard. 

It had been a small ceremony, held on the anniversary of the day you had met each other the previous year. Your closest family and friends had gathered around as you vowed to love each other until death parted you. A slight twinge of panic had raced up your spine at those words but you had pushed it down, refusing to believe that life could be that cruel twice. No. You had been lucky enough to find him and you would be allowed to keep him. You had to believe that.

Everything with the two of you had moved pretty fast. You'd bought your house, with the wraparound porch you’d always dreamed of and the pool in the backyard that you couldn’t get the boys out of during the summer, only a few months after meeting. Steve had proposed two months after that. Seven months later you were married. From first sighting to wedding rings in the span of a year but you wouldn’t change a single thing. It didn’t matter how quickly it moved when you were certain you’d found the one that was meant for you.

“Mike is eating all this attention up,” El groaned, approaching with little Max on her hip. He’d just turned one last week and you could not get enough of his full little cheeks, dimples appearing as he grinned widely at you, drool slipping out of his mouth as he chewed at the teether El was trying to soothe him with. “But I’m so proud of him. He never thought his book would go anywhere, let alone be an instant bestseller.”

“Yeah. Well, there’s a lot of nerds in the world,” Dustin said, stepping up and holding out his arms. Baby Max leapt right into them. “The nerds far outnumber the non-nerds and he wrote something that appealed to every single one of them. Didn’t he, Max?” He grinned, bouncing his hip, Max giggling. “That’s right. Daddy did good. Huh, Max?”

“While I appreciate you naming your child after me,” Max interrupted, leaning against the side of the bookcase. “It is highly creepy to hear Dustin say my name in that baby voice.”

“Oh, Auntie Max is such a downer, isn’t she? She’s as grouchy as Oscar. We just need to find her a trash can,” Dustin cooed. “Come on little Max. I saw some cookies on the table in the back. Let’s get you one.”

“Dustin, not too much sugar, please,” El called but he was already gone and she sighed, tossing her hands in the air. “He’s going to let him have way too many cookies, isn’t he?”

“Oh yeah,” you grinned. “Not to mention punch. There’s fruit punch back there and cupcakes. Max will be all sugared up.”

“Great. At least the hotel has a pool. He can swim it out before bed.”

Robin and June walked up, hand in hand, and you smiled. Sometime within the last year, Robin has stopped being so self conscious about being affectionate with her girlfriend in public. She’d stopped worrying about what other people thought or what their reaction would be. She just let herself be happy. Even better, the two hadn’t encountered too much ignorance, choosing to ignore the side eyes or wrinkled noses. If anyone had anything to say, you would be more than happy to put them in their place.

Robin had moved out of her apartment when the lease was up last August and moved in with June. The two were now running the coffee shop together. Business was booming with all of Robin’s ideas. They had things going on every single night and the town was eager to come in, not only for the coffee and sandwiches anymore, but for all the extras. People waited anxiously to hear what the next read was for book club or to see the sign advertising what new musician would be playing. Local artists and poets signed up on a waiting list that was six months long to be able to come in and feature their work. 

“This is one hell of a turnout,” June commented, eyes wide as she took in the crowd packed into the bookstore. 

“Isn’t it amazing? It really means a lot to Mike that you all came to support him,” El told them with a smile. 

“Of course we did,” Jonathan said, him and Nancy walking up. “Plus, it gave us a nice little getaway. We’re all going to take the boys to the Indianapolis Zoo tomorrow and to a baseball game on Sunday. They can’t wait. Jere is so excited to see his first professional game.”

Nancy laughed, “Well, the guys are going to take the boys to the baseball game. Y/N and I have appointments at the spa.”

You smiled, inhaling and exhaling deeply, “You have no idea how much I am looking forward to that. My feet could use some serious pampering right now.”

“Everything could use some pampering right about now,” Nancy said, waving her hand up and down to indicate your whole body. “Why do you think Steve booked it?”

Every time you thought Steve couldn’t get anymore perfect, he managed to prove you wrong, to do something to surprise you. When talk of this trip to support Mike’s book release came up, he’d instantly suggested you should turn it into a little vacation for all of you. You were all for the idea, excited to show him the Indianapolis Zoo that you’d enjoyed so much five years ago when Justin had brought you. You fully intended on replacing your broken coffee mug on this trip. 

Then last week, he dropped a brochure on your lap. It was for a spa in the city. He’d booked you the Ultimate Package. It included a massage, a facial, manicure, pedicure, a hair wash, and style. You’d argued with him, telling him it was too much, but he’d insisted. Then he’d tempted you even more by telling you that Nancy was going with you. 

You and Nancy had grown exceptionally close over the last couple of years. The woman you’d been so terrified of had turned out to be one of the most exceptional people you’d ever met. She’d welcomed you into their little family from the moment she’d met you and she had supported you and Steve every step of the way. Janice had been your maid of honor but Nancy had stood right next to her, a beautiful bridesmaid, her eyes shining with tears of joy as you and Steve had promised to love one another forever. 

The bell above the door rang lightly, barely heard over the chatter of conversation within the four walls. Eli and Jeremiah came racing in, darting straight for their moms, red faced, shiny with sweat, and beaming from ear to ear. 

“We pet a dog!” Eli yelled. “He was so big, mommy, like way bigger than me. Even bigger than Miles!”

Steve trailed behind them, clearly out of breath from trying to keep up with the boys. He stopped in front of you, hands on his hips, chest rising and falling deeply. 

“Great Dane,” he muttered. 

He’d offered to take the boys for a walk to get them out of everybody’s hair for a minute. They had been bursting with energy and sitting or standing nicely in the bookshop was not cutting it at the moment. You had been nervous they were going to cause a commotion if they didn’t get out of there for a bit.

“And we went to a playground!” Jeremiah added. “You should have seen it! It had everything and the monkey bars were so high but I did them anyway! I wasn’t even scared!”

“Yeah! And they had this swing that two people could sit on! It was like a circle and we sat on it and Daddy pushed us and we went so high!” Eli yelled.

“Wow, that’s incredible,” Jonathan replied, leaning down, hands on his knees. “How about we go get you both a cookie and some punch and you can pick out a book and sit and rest for a bit. I bet you could use some rest after all that excitement.”

“I sure could,” grumbled Steve, but his smile didn’t match his tone. The man might grumble and moan but he loved those boys with everything he had. And nothing made him happier than spending time with them. 

“Aww,” you cooed, running your fingers through his hair, damp at the base of his neck from the heat and exertion, “did the boys wear you out, baby?”

“A bit,” he nodded. “They never stop, those two. They just have endless energy. I wish I could bottle up a fraction of it. It’s hard keeping up with them.”

“Well, you better get to training then,” Nancy teased, her eyes dropping to your stomach and then back up to Steve. “You’ve only got a couple months to get ready for an all new one. You think they’re exhausting now, do you remember Jeremiah at one and two and three?”

Yes, Eli was getting the sibling that you had always hoped for him to have but hadn’t expected to happen. After you were married, you had stopped birth control, the two of you deciding that if it happened, it happened. You weren’t stressing it. You would be content either way but when you realized in February that your period was a month late and that stick had shown two pink lines, you'd both been elated. 

The idea of a little person that was a mixture of the two of you, a living, breathing testament to the love you shared, filled you both with more joy than you'd expected. It felt like a symbol of not only your relationship, but the blending of your two families into one. Beautiful splashes of color that collided to create the most beautiful piece of art. Because there was no doubt in your mind that this baby would be beautiful, especially if she got her dad’s lashes and that head of full, thick hair. 

“Have you guys finally picked out a name?” questioned Robin for what had to be the twentieth time. “You know, I keep telling you that Robin is a pretty great name.”

“I would offer up Max but that’s already taken,” the red head shrugged. “Not that you couldn’t also name your child after me. I mean, I am obviously the coolest one here.”

El laughed, “While I agree, it would be very challenging to have two little ones running around with the same name. It’s already hard with you and my son.”

“Besides, Robin is the obvious choice,” Robin cut in.

“Why is Robin the obvious choice? Why not June?” her girlfriend asked. “I think it’s a very pretty name.”

“It’s a beautiful name for the most beautiful girl,” Robin said, “but I have been friends with Steve for fourteen years.”

“Well, if we’re going by the longest time knowing someone, then I should win,” Nancy argued. “I’ve known Steve for sixteen years and I am the mother of his other child. I think that gives me bonus points. Maybe the baby should be called Nancy.”

“I don’t know that Jere would want his little sister to be named the same thing as his mom,” Steve mused. 

“Why not? Guys name their kids after themselves all the time.”

“While that is true,” you began, cutting off the conversation, “we have already settled on a name. She will be Peyton Robin Harrington.”

“Ohh!” El’s eyes went wide, her hands clasped to her chest. “I love Peyton. That’s such a cute name.”

“Yeah, and it doesn’t lend itself to any weird nicknames,” Steve said, his arms coming around you, hands covering your round belly. “That was one of my biggest concerns. I didn’t want to pick anything that could be turned into something awful.”

“Like Pey?” offered Lucas, earning a glare from Steve.

“Oh! Peyday!” Max grinned.

“Or PeyPey,” teased Robin.

Nancy snorted, “How about Ton? Come here little Ton!”

“You all suck,” Steve snapped, rolling his eyes. “None of you will be calling my beautiful little girl any of those awful names.”

“I don’t know,” you joked. “Peyday has a certain ring to it.”

“Don’t you start, too,” groaned Steve.

“Oh! Or Peycheck!” 

“Honey, seriously…”

“Peyroll! No! I got it. Peypaya.”

Steve’s hands rested on his hips, his face so unamused that you couldn’t help but laugh. 

“You guys are so funny. Leave my daughter alone.”

“Hey,” you protested, winding your arms around his waist, feeling him melt against you, his hands leaving his hips to come around you. “She’s my daughter too.”

“So stop trying to start off her life by traumatizing her. She’ll never live down a name like Peypaya.”

“While I think Robin should have been her first name, I guess I am willing to accept the middle name,” the blond huffed, folding her arms and rolling her eyes. “I guess it’s still a little recognition of how neither of you could function without me.”

“We really couldn’t,” you agreed. “I mean, who would keep this one in line for me?” You nodded your head toward Steve and he snorted, shaking his head. 

“Seriously. This dingus thought doing the whole baby room without you as a surprise while you were visiting your parents would be a good idea.”

“Hey! I thought it would be nice for her to come home to a finished nursery. I was just trying to save my wife from extra work.”

“Yeah and then she wouldn’t have had a say in any of it. She would have smiled and thanked you and secretly hated it every single time she walked into the room and it wasn’t what she’d envisioned,” Max told him. “Robin was right. You cannot do home renovations without your wife’s opinion.”

“I asked Janice for input. She knows her better than anyone.”

It was true. Janice knew exactly what you would want. The sage green nursery, photos of zoo animals that your friend had taken for you adorning the walls, soft pastel orange bedding and pillows, cuddly stuffed animals propped throughout. It was perfect and Janice would have guided Steve to do exactly that.

The two of you had been ecstatic when you'd found out that you were having a girl. Janice’s daughter, Olive, was only eighteen months so the girls would be close in age. Both of you hoped your girls would be just as inseparable as their moms were, a built in life-long friend. 

Max relented, “Okay. I mean, asking her best friend was a solid plan. If anyone would know what she wanted, it was her.”

“Exactly and what she told me is exactly what my wife wanted anyway. I could have done it and then she wouldn’t have had to stress.”

“Either way, the nursery is perfect. The boys had the best time helping us get everything ready. They even each picked out an animal for the room. Eli wanted an elephant because it starts with ‘e’ and Jeremiah went with giraffe because it has the same sound as his name, even if the letters are different. His words, not mine.” You laughed, remembering how excited the boys had been running through the baby store, helping you pick out things for the room. 

“They were a little bummed that we didn’t go with a superhero theme,” Steve added.

“Well, of course,” chuckled Lucas. “What little girl wouldn’t want Batman and Superman?”

Max shrugged, “I mean, you could have gone with Catwoman and Wonder Woman. That would have been pretty kickass.”

Mike stumbled over into their aisle, looking exhausted but happy, a wide smile stretching his face. He leaned down to kiss El and then dropped down to the floor dramatically in front of the bookshelf. 

“My hand is going to wither and fall off,” he groaned, shaking his fingers. “I don’t even know how many books I signed.”

“Oh please. You love it,” Lucas told him. 

Mike grinned, “I do. I never thought this would actually be me. I mean, nothing Mike Wheeler, kid who was picked on by the assholes all through school, now a bestselling author. People actually line up just to meet me and get me to slap my signature on something I wrote. It’s insane, man, but so damn cool.”

“Dada!”

Little Max came racing over, Dustin rushing behind him, clearly having lost control of the situation. The little guy flung himself into Mike’s open arms and the guy who’d looked terrified at the thought of being a father, scooped him up, kissing the top of his hair that was the shade of midnight, just like his dad’s. 

“Hey buddy.”

Max held up the cookie he currently had in his hand, the whole thing a mushy wet mess from where he’d been gnawing at it. He tried to put it in Mike’s mouth and he grimaced, shaking his head. 

“No thank you. That’s Max’s cookie. You eat it, buddy.”

“And how many cookies is that, Dustin?” inquired El, the girl already having the mom look down, currently giving it to Dustin. 

The boy shrugged, curls spilling out from under his ballcap, “I don’t know. Not too many…I mean…” He ran his hand over his mouth, mumbling, “Four.”

“Four! Did you say four?” El groaned, her head dropping back. “Dustin, seriously. I am going to make you deal with him when he’s running up and down the hallways of the hotel and refusing to go to sleep.”

“Okay. I don’t mind hanging out with the little dude.”

El’s eyes rolled up into her head as the adult Max patted her shoulder gently.

“Well, while he’s had four cookies, I’ve had nothing for the last three hours and I am starving,” Mike announced, one arm around his son as he rose up to his feet. “What do you all say we head out and get some dinner?”

“You buying?” asked Nancy. 

“Yeah, with that big advance, you can afford it, right?” Lucas agreed. 

Robin placed an arm on his shoulder, grinning, “Mr. Big Bucks over here these days.”

“Oh! If Mike’s buying, I am getting all the drinks,” June said. 

“And dessert,” Max added. “Maybe we should order every dessert on the menu. You know, so we can taste everything.” 

“Don’t forget appetizers,” Will stated.

Nolan nodded, “Yeah. I love to taste test things at other restaurants. Give me ideas for new recipes. I bet we could manage to order one of everything on the menu, for research, you know?”

“You guys are jerks,” Mike huffed.

“What, with that fancy Range Rover you drive now, I assumed you must have lots of expendable cash,” Jonathan said as he and the boys joined them. 

“I mean, I’m doing okay,” Mike shrugged, his ears turning bright red. “I wouldn’t say I’m rolling in cash but I can buy dinner.”

They all whooped and cheered, heading out of the bookshop and onto the streets of Indy. 

“But not one of everything on the menu!” he yelled after them.

“What?” Robin bellowed. “Sorry. Can’t hear you!”

“Yeah!” Lucas yelled. “Too busy imagining all the food I’m going to eat!”

Steve rolled his eyes at the group, his arm coming around your shoulder as you trailed behind everybody. His mouth dropped to your ear, lips brushing over the tender skin as he whispered, “Regretting getting mixed up with this crew? Rethinking your choices?”

“Never,” you said, and you meant it, because this guy right here and everyone that came along with him were the best choice you’d ever made. Two years ago you’d said you would never find something this amazing again. But never say never.

Taglist: @katethetank@roxiehorrorshow@sapphire4082@bakugouswh0r3@frostandflamesfanfic @mix-matchsocks @mushy-mushroom04 @palmtreesx3 @littlebookworm86 @eddies-trailer-babe @cheesewritings @emilyj444 @daisyhollyxox @angelbabyivy @the-fairy-anon @loritate7311 @k-k0129 @antiquecultist

And this brings this story to an end. Endings are always bittersweet for me. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my little story! 😊 And replies and reblogs are always appreciated if you enjoy it. I love to hear what you think! ❤️❤️❤️

[xmalereader]

Thomas Shelby x Vampire! Male Reader

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|| Masterlist ||

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Authors note: It’s finally here, the last part of the Doctor Hemlock series 🥲. The inspiration was gained by watching; Oppenheimer ( because cillian ) S6 of peaky blinders and Story of Dracula. I mashed up all of these together and wanted to come up with something slight angsty and fluff towards the end? I’m thinking about making this short series into an actual multi chapter series with better explanation and view of their relationship, but I’d get into too much detail and lore of Hemlock. Anyways, please enjoy this last shot, I apologize for any history stuff I’m a huge history nerd which is why I enjoyed watching Oppenheimer.

Summary: The final part of the Doctor Vampire series.

Warnings: Fluff, angst, mentions of death, turning, history buff, language, mentions of WW2, marriage, past trauma, Oppenheimer reference, Thomas says his last farewell, character death, mentions of the future and past, kissing, slight mentions of blood, mentions of sexual assault.

Word count: 3.3k

—

—

December 1933

It’s been a a year since he escaped Oswalds grasp, doing things that he was not proud of while under the mans watch. He can still smell the rotten blood along with the sweat of other men who used him for their desires. After Oswald’s huge win on the nazi party he was finally let go under terrible conditions. He’s been locked away for months without the knowledge of knowing what happened to the Shelby family—what happened to Thomas.

After Oswald had won his way into the Nazi Campaign he was finally let go, tossed out from the basement that he was locked in after a year of torture and pain, unable to fight his way through without people taking notice of his existence as a vampire. The world wasn’t ready for it and he couldn’t risk it, not when he agreed to work under Oswald in order to keep the Shelby family safe and alive or so he thought.

Y/n went missing on the day that Polly was killed, for 4 years he was never to be seen again and leaving a bad impression on Thomas making him believe that he had left the family or had betrayed him, having no idea that he was trying to find his own ways to keep the Shelby family from losing anymore people. During his time locked up he heard very little of the family whenever Oswald paid him a visit, feeding him like usual and talking so highly about his latest wins and victories in politics and it letting it be known that he was reaching the high chair and reaching the top.

For a four years he remembered the smell of blood and vomit; Oswald was feeding him, but not correctly. The cruel man would bring innocent people to him in order to feed, knowing damn well that the vampire didn’t drink fresh human blood. He found ways to balance his diet without drinking from another human being after the first time he did. Feeling disgusted with himself he had no choice but to feed if he wanted to make it out of this place alive.

He remembers the cries of the people he drank from, lips covered in their blood as the life in their eyes die out. Once Oswald was satisfied with the results he left him alone with the corpse in his cell, letting him rot in guilt while vomiting up the blood he drank knowing that it wouldn’t do him any better. For four years he faced the torture of Oswalds men for those four years he was forced to lie about Thomas medical condition, making up fake reports of a disease in order to trick Thomas into thinking that he was dying.

For Oswald to get rid of his number one enemy and competitor.

After being released he spent his time looking for the Shelby family only to find nothing. Thomas was gone and so was the rest of his family. No trace of the family was left behind it was as if they all disappeared into thin air, leaving him on his own again. For the first few months he remained hidden from the public’s eye, not wanting to be recognized as the missing doctor of Birmingham. It felt like old times again, having to hide from the people as the years went on. As time moved forward he remained the same, having to adapt into the new century to come.

He watched as the world went on, watched as the fascists won and continued to rage on war onto their own people. It felt like history was repeating itself and he was there to witness it like always. It wasn’t until he noticed the news of Oswalds wedding, marrying the horrendous women that showed in the picture of the newspaper that his hand gripped. His blood boiled in anger at the thought of Oswald getting everything he wanted while he remained on his own, losing the only family he had left.

With rage blinding him he made his way towards the nearest place that could help him get to Oswald faster. Finding his way to Holford’s home, knowing that the man replaced him into becoming Thomas’ doctor for the past 3 years in order to get closer to the Shelby man.

Y/n had entered the property, ignoring the workers protest of him not being allowed inside as he walks further into the place, looking for the doctor until he hears a gun shot go off, getting his attention. He’s quick to rush towards the noise, standing at the entrance of a tunnel only to see the one person he never thought he would ever see again. He’s frozen in place, eyes wide while he stares into Thomas blue eyes.

Thomas stood at the other end of the tunnel, frozen in disbelief as he shakes his head slowly and murmurs to himself. “I’m seeing things.” He had seen his dead daughter and now he’s seeing a dead man that he once trusted with his whole life, telling himself that it wasn’t real.

“You’re in my head.” He says again only this time Y/n finally speaks up.

“Thomas?”

His voice was the same since Thomas last heard it, soft and warm. He wants to tell himself that it wasn’t real and that he died many years ago only for him to feel a warm pair of arms thrown around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Thomas stumbled back in his step, clearly in shock. His hands shook and his breath grew ragged.

“Hemlock?”

The doctor nods into Thomas shoulder, holding tight as Thomas gently placed a hand onto his back, feeling his heart beat. The feeling brings Thomas to tears, breaking down in front of them as his arm fully pulls him close.

Y/n knew that Thomas never cried unless needed too and he never judged the man for it as the two stand in the middle of the tunnel, holding each other close.

One relieved to have found someone they cared for and the other relieved to know that they haven’t lost everything.

—

Thomas and Y/n had gotten far away from Holfords place, out on the hilltop where Thomas’ carriage burned in flames. Instead of Thomas running instead to save what he had of his family he instead mounted his horse with Y/n climbing behind him as they road off towards the hills, far away from the place. The ride between the two was in silence, Y/n had his forehead pressed against Tommy’s back, one arm around his torso while Thomas held the reigns with one hand and the other holding onto Y/n’s arm, wanting reassurance that he wasn’t seeing things again.

The warmth of his hand was enough for Thomas to know that he wasn’t dreaming.

It doesn’t take long for them to arrive near a lake, dismounting the horse in silence as Tommy ties the reigns and Y/n sits near the river, watching the fish swim and the water run downhill. He feels Thomas sit next to him as the two remain close to each other.

The silence is later broken by Thomas. “You disappeared, thought you died.” He began, he played with the pocket watch he held between his fingers. “I went looking for you after Polly died—I knew how much she meant to you and had to tell you, but you weren’t are the hospital nor at your house.”

Y/n’s focus is still on the fish remembering that it was the same day that he was taken by Oswald’s men, captured and locked away.

“I asked Alfie if he knew where you were and he didn’t.” Thomas licks his dry lips. “I thought Oswald got to you and killed you, but your a vampire you can’t kill one easily—“

“Oswald took me that night.” Y/n cuts in, interrupting Thomas and getting his attention. He doesn’t look away from the river. “Oswald knew I was a vampire…his ancestors hunted us for years and he followed into their footsteps. When he found out that I was associated with you and your family he took advantage and threatened me, used me, and I—“ He looks down, holding back the guilty tears as he speaks. “He told me that he wouldn’t hurt any of you if I left with him and I agreed.”

The silence that Thomas was giving him was enough for him to keep his eye focused elsewhere, not daring to look at the man that possibly hated him only to gasp when Thomas reached out to touch his hand, getting him to look up at the other man who only stared at him with eyes full of tears. “I thought you died.”

Y/n shakes his head. “I could have…”

Thomas held his hand tight the two siting close to each other as they listen to the river run.

“We’re both dead to the world and we both lost.” Said Thomas.

After finding out that his disease wasn’t true he had the ability to turn back to his family, but after a month of being gone is possible that everyone thought that he had killed himself. Everyone knew that Thomas Shelby wasn’t going to allow a disease to slowly kill him and would much rather put a bullet in his own head. His family and friends probably think he’s dead already and knows that he couldn’t return to them, not after everything he put them through.

Y/n knew that he wouldn’t have much time with Thomas, having to live on without him. Thomas will pass on and he will move forward, watching as the world grows. “What now?” He blurts out. Y/n usually had things planned and out and knew what to do for the next hundred years, but after what happened in the past five he felt lost.

Thomas was the same.

He was always two steps ahead of everyone, now he felt like he was two steps behind. “I don’t know…” His response was honest he really didn’t know.

The vampire sighs while the two stared ahead, lost in thought and unknown to them on whats to come next. The cold weather was approaching and soon the hills will be covered in snow and new life will start again once spring hits. Y/n had spent years watching the world move on while he stayed the same, having to change every new century, befriend new people, watch them die, and repeat the cycle again. Only this time, he couldn’t do it again, not alone.

—

“What’s it like?”

“It’s like falling asleep and then you wake up.”

Thomas chuckled, head on the doctors lap as he stares at the night sky, stars shining down on them.

“There’s no turning back, Tommy.”

He rolls up his sleeve.

“I know.”

He bites into his own flesh, blood coating his lip.

“Then you know what you’ll face? It’s harder than it sounds.”

“Am I going to be alone?”

The doctor faintly smiles. “No.”

“Good.”

Their lips finally seal together.

—

December 1954

Y/n was sitting in the living room a copy of Times in his hand as he reads through the article, pen in hand and biting down on it in concentration. “Who would have thought that in 20 years a bomb big enough to wipe out an entire city could be seen as the worlds biggest threat.” He speaks out loud, flipping the magazine page as he reads through the article of the “Grandfather of the atomic bomb” news had spread around the world that America had used an atomic bomb to target Japan.

Killing thousands of innocent people.

War was nothing new to Y/n and has seen it for many years and it always end the same with millions of lives being lost due to politics that he never liked or partook into. Whenever he was invited to parties or event during his time as a doctor he was always dragged into political conversations, always finding a way out of it and leaving the crowd before it got too serious for him to handle.

The doctor sighs and closed the Time’s magazine before tossing it onto the empty space on the couch. Until a pair of pale hands picks up the copy. “If you hate it so much why read it?” asked Thomas as he sits next to the other man, reading the magazine in his hand while the other held a cup of tea, taking a small sip as he reads the cover.

It’s been twenty years since Y/n had turned Thomas.

Twenty years since they’ve moved to the states and started new lives.

Thomas looked healthier than he used too and was still adjusting to life as a vampire, learning Y/n’s diet and consuming human foods whenever he pleases. Due to him looking healthier he also looked young for a sixty year old man, the thought merely makes the doctor chuckle since he, himself, was far older than Thomas.

“Perhaps I should stop reading the papers.” He comments, siting back in his spot while lying his head against the cushions while watching Thomas flip through the magazine.

Y/n remembers the first few years of Thomas adjustments, watching as life went on while he stayed frozen in time and struggling with his thirst. Y/n had promised him that he would be with him along the way and wasn’t going to break it, teaching Thomas how to feed and starting his own diet. Before the two left for the states, Thomas had watched over his family and watched as they moved on with their lives, making changes to his company and using the funds that he gave to them for their own children. He watched Arthurs struggle of losing another brother only to heal with the support of his wife, Lizzie and Charlie both move to the country side were she was able to relax from the chaos and death she faced, while Ada remained a widow with her two sons, still lost in the dark from Thomas not telling her the truth as to why he left.

Thomas always felt guilty for not telling her, but she had been through so much that he couldn’t bring himself to tell her and thought that leaving without saying anything would make things easier for him only it didn’t. He bid his silent farewells to his brother and sister before traveling across the ocean and to the states where both Y/n and Thomas were able to start over.

Y/n had caught Thomas outside siting on the porch every night since arriving to America, unable to sleep as he thought about his family. Y/n’s couldn’t blame him and knew what it felt like to leave everything behind, knowing that he couldn’t be present without letting it be known that they were vampires, but with time Thomas grew adjusted to the changes.

“Science takes you everywhere.” Thomas sighs out deeply while setting the magazine down and turning to face Y/n who was already looking at him with a faint smile on his lips, causing the other to furrow his brows.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Y/n shakes his head softly. “It’s nothing.” He repeats himself, clearly proud and admiring Thomas.

“Very well…” Thomas slowly raised the cup of tea to his lips as the sun hits the silver ring he wore on his left hand, getting the vampires attention as his eyes followed the gleaming ring. Not only had Y/n turned Thomas, but the two had secretly gotten married a few years back, knowing that it was illegal for same sex marriage to occur and resulted in terrible consequences that both Y/n and Thomas did their own ceremony in private.

The two wore their own silver rings and would often be asked who their ‘wives’ were when they attend neighborhood parties or work parties and the two always found ways to change the conversation, throwing them off from knowing their marriage.

Perhaps in the future they’ll be able to get officially married?

“Any new patients?”

Y/n hums in questioning, getting pulled out of his thoughts when hearing Thomas ask about his work. “There all the same, mostly soldiers that have gotten back from the war.” He explains. “A few are still struggling with the shit they’ve been through.”

“I know what that’s like.”

Thomas knew of the second war that was raging on with Germany and the amount of lives lost.

The two had lost Alfie in that war and knew how close Y/n was with the man that the news devastated him. The doctor kept his distance for a few days, letting the news sink in before he could accept the fact that Alfie was gone.

“Now Russia is targeting America, think will live through this one too?” Thomas chuckled at his words, lips forming into a small smile. “I think will be fine.”

Who would have thought that they would make it through a Cold War.

—

January 2023

“—successful companies don’t just happen. Success requires nurturing, year after year, to assure that customers expectation not only are met, but also are exceeded. For this weeks assignment I want you all to research about any company or business that has succeed and to reasoning as to why.”

Thomas hears the rustling of bags being packed and the sound of laptops and notebooks being closed making him check the watch he wore and noticing that he went over ten minute of his class time. “I seem to have gone over my limit.” He chuckled, before dismissing his class. For years, Thomas had done different jobs; working in bars, politics, gambling, assassination, stay at home husband, and various others throughout the last sixty years.

He never thought that he’d enjoy being a professor and teaching business, having started when Y/n convinced him to give it a try due to his knowledge in business and knowing how to handle one since he used to own the Shelby Company.

It didn’t take Thomas long to get the job as a business professor.

His first semester only had twenty students, due to him being new not many students joined his class until the second semester hit. His list of students tripled surprising him by how much changed in such a short time.

When he told Y/n about it the doctor only grinned whiling telling him that his students tripled because of his good looks and not because of his lesson, but Thomas refused to believe his words and continued his teachings, oblivious to the fact that his husband was in fact correct and that majority of his students were only there for him.

“Is the professor available for a date?”

Thomas is startled by the sudden question, looking up from his paperwork to see Y/n standing on the other side of the desk, hands inside the pockets of the jacket he wore while a smirk spreads across his face.

“I have some papers to grade, but I can leave that on hold.” Thomas smiles in return while putting his stuff in his brief case while the doctor waits for him. In the last sixty years, Thomas never would have thought that he would see the world advance in such a way, watching the newer generation make changes to their own future, seeing things that he never thought he would see.

Even though Thomas was still stuck with his old ways he tried his best to fit in with the new world, having aged just a bit but not a lot to show how old he was really getting. He was in his hundreds alongside with Y/n, sticking together.

Once Thomas is done putting the papers inside his brief case along with the laptop he bought awhile back due to his old one no longer working properly. “Shall we go?” He raises a brow to Y/n who chuckled. “I’m always ready.”

He locks their arms together as the two walk out of the empty room.

[yesimwriting]

Final Girl (Part 3)

- Final Girl Series Masterlist (updated part 1 - 9 and extras) 

A/n yall have been so kind!! all of the messages, likes, comments, and reblogs for this series have made me so happy! this chapter is a little bit of filler bc my original idea for this part was way too long especially with how busy this week is supposed to be, so i sort of split it!! 

also if this has pacing issues, i’m sorry, i had a panic attack yesterday and a really bad migraine today so it’s been kinda rough lately but i wanted to get this out!! Part 4 is going to have a little more going on :)

if this is messy pls don’t give up on me 😭 i promise the next part will have more going on i just didn’t want to leave y’all waiting forever and we needed a bit of a filler

also if anyone wants to leave me an ask about this series pls do:) i’ve had so much fun talking about Final Girl

Series Summary: Y/n can’t believe that she has to leave the only home she’s ever known just because her mom’s latest boyfriend has a house in some town in California. Just as she’s starting to think that Woodsboro might not be that bad, something life altering happens after she agrees to sleep over at  Becker’s house. Now her name is practically synonymous with Ghostface’s. 

Chapter Summary: Y/n’s first day back after the incident. 

----

My reflection has never bothered me more. I know vanity is such a stupid thing to worry about now after what happened to Casey, but I can’t help the way I scrutinize my appearance. 

The attention drawing cotton-y bandaid that was placed on the gash on the side of my temple has been (thankfully) downgraded to a regular bandaid. That’s fine--I can accept that. What I can’t accept are the stupid cuts caused by all of that glass.

After being released from the hospital, it took no time for me to learn that it’s going to be awhile before I can comfortably wear pants again. My arms are a little less cut up, so the white, long sleeved shirt I picked out covers my injuries without irritating them. I tried on a pair of leggings and I barely got them to my thighs without wincing.

So now I’m wearing the most comfortable skirt I own. Normally, I wouldn’t even think twice about it, I wear this skirt so often, but it barely covers any of the cuts on the back of my legs. God...people are going to think I’m doing this for attention, especially since media outlets keep calling my house. 

Ugh--this is as good as it’s going to get for my first day back. I pick my backpack up from my bed. My eyelids feel so heavy I have to fight the urge to collapse back into bed. 

The walk downstairs is painfully slow. Once I’m finally in the hall that leads to the kitchen, I stop. A vague confusion clouds my thoughts. Was I going to the kitchen? What did I want from the kitchen?

“Mornin’, kiddo.” I blink at the sound of Wells’ voice. At least it’s offering me a sense of a direction. 

Stepping fully in the kitchen, I greet back, “Good morning.” 

He eyes me for a long second, piercing blue irises lingering in a way that makes me feel uneasy in my own skin. “Skirt’s a little grown, ain’t it?” When my only reaction is to furrow my eyebrows, he continues, “What happened to those little girl dresses you used to wear? I liked those.” 

I grab the strap of my backpack, shifting slightly. I stopped wearing those dresses after he had been dating my mom for a few months. “Outgrew them, I guess.” 

Wells nods once, the motion gruff as he moves to grab his mug. He lets out a curt, gruff noise. 

“Oh, Wells.” Like always, my mom’s voice chases away all the tension. “Don’t you know better than telling a girl what to wear? Especially a teenager. Now ease up, 16-year-old me would make Y/n look like a saint.” With that, my mom finally looks at me. “You look pretty, like always, I especially like your top.” It takes me a second to realize that my mom’s referencing the fact that I stole this shirt from her closet. I let out a soft, slow laugh. “You okay?” 

I nod drastically. “Yep, just want to get the first day back over with.” 

“I can’t believe you only took one day off. When I was your age, I’d have taken half a week off for less.” 

“It’s going to be bad no matter when I go back. My name’s been all over the news.” I release the strap of my backpack, scratching the back of my wrist. “Plus it’s junior year and that one day off already has me drowning in makeup work. I can’t afford to fall behind. Junior year is the year colleges look at most. This year could make or break whether or not I get into Princeton.” 

My mom holds her hands up in defense. “Yes, I know, you ranted to me about it yesterday. Just promise me you’ll listen to your body. I don’t love that you haven’t had your follow up appointment yet to confirm whether or not you have a concussion.” 

“Mom, I’m fine, promise. I’ll let you know if I start to feel weird.” 

She watches me for a long second, likely attempting to scan me the way an MRI machine would. “Fine, you need a ride or--” 

“Actually, a friend’s picking me up.” 

At that my mom tilts her head in a way that’s so knowing I feel the urge to confess even though I’ve done nothing. “A friend as in one of those two boys that spent all weekend calling and checking in on you?” 

My mom spent the last two days at my side. Normally it would have annoyed me, but it was actually nice. It reminded me of life before Wells. There was one downside, though. She saw how often Billy and Stu called. It wasn’t terrible and she probably would have picked up on it anyway, but it’s opened the ground to a lot of jokes and comments on her part.

“You’re the one who brought them into this. I would have never thought to call Billy while I was at the hospital.” That’s true. Even though we were friends before the incident, I wouldn’t have thought to call anyone except my mom. “And they’re just trying to be there for me like good friends.” 

At that, my mom leans against the kitchen island. “Y’know when I was your age, I had a guy that just wanted to be a good friend and drove me to school. Now I have a daughter.” 

I roll my eyes, “Haha. Yes--I’m going to get pregnant in the less than 10-ish minutes we’re going to have before we need to get to class.” 

“It only took about 8 minutes to make you, and that includes me getting dressed and fixing my hair after. Just saying.” 

I make a point of fake gagging. “Bye mom, Wells.“

“What? I was joking!” 

I walk towards the front door. A hand on my shoulder makes me nearly jump out of my skin. “Mom! You scared me.” 

She offers me a sheepish smile, “You know I’m kidding, right? They’re nice for caring.” 

“I know, mom.” 

With a sigh, she continues, “Just be sa--” 

“Oh my God, mom! I’m not having se--” 

“Easy, pumpkin,” she laughs off my outburst, “I mean in general. Don’t strain yourself and don’t feel like you need to push through. You want to go home early and I’ll pick you up.” 

I smile softly. “Yeah, I will.” 

With that, I open the front door. The sun is so bright I have to drop my head as I walk down the driveway. Wells’ house is objectively nicer than the house my mom and I lived in when we were still in Texas, but I still find myself missing the familiarity of our old front porch. 

Squinting, I look up and notice a car waiting next to the mailbox. How did I miss that? Rubbing my eyes with one hand, I approach the vehicle. 

I pull open the door to the backseat. Two sets of eyes turn towards me. “You know you guys didn’t have to wait for me.” I push my backpack into the car before sitting down. “You could’ve honked or something,” 

“We just got here,” Billy says easily, but I’m not sure I believe him. 

Stu turns in his seat to face me better as I shut the car door. “Plus we don’t mind giving you time to get all dolled up. Especially since today’s going to be a total bloodbath.” 

His wording leaves me more confused than upset. I draw my eyebrows together, shifting awkwardly. “What do you mean?” 

“Everyone’s gone crazy over what happened. I think more people were talking about you than Casey, and Casey’s the one that got gutted. It’s all over the news. They hung her from that tree in--” Billy moves his hand from the console in order to smack the side of Stu’s head. “Ow, man--what was that for?” 

“It’s not even 8 yet, at least let her wake up first before you traumatize her.” 

The thought of Casey makes my stomach twist, but I’m not focused in on anything enough to really react. Tiredly, I pull my backpack onto my lap and squeeze it to my body. “It’s fine,” I’m not sure if I’m talking to them or myself. 

Stu and Billy exchange a look that I barely register before resting my chin on my bag. “Are you okay? You didn’t even do that cute, little glare thing you do when you want me to shut up.” 

“I’m fine,” I answer a little too quickly, forcing myself to sit up some more, “A little tired.” Stu’s watching me a little too carefully and I catch Billy glancing at me through the rearview mirror. “Seriously?” Sighing, I shift in my seat, “First my mom and now you guys. I’m fine.”

My reaction is just a little too angry. Maybe if I felt a little more rested, I would have known better. Stu moves until he’s siting in the passenger seat normally. “Crying over the fact that you’re a total mommy’s girl.” 

Rolling my eyes and ignoring the way the motion irritates my migraine, I lean back in my seat. “Put on a seatbelt, asshole.” 

Even though that’s said with more bite and irritation than anything I’ve ever said to him, Stu laughs. It’s light and terribly offensive. I frown, looking over at Billy as heat crawls up my neck and towards my face. He’s just barely fighting down a grin. “It’s not that funny.” 

“No,” Stu sarcastically agrees, “That was so mean of you. I can’t remember the last time someone insulted me and tried to take care of me at the same time.” 

I cross my arms around my backpack. “Why did I agree to getting into a contained space with you two so early in the morning?” 

“Because you don’t have a license.” Billy looks way too smug as he turns the wheel as we move down a curb. 

I glare at him. “You extorted that information out of me while I was super out of it and half asleep.” 

“You said it yourself, it’s not like one of us asked.” 

He’s right and I hate it. I sink further into the seat, tempted to shut my eyes, but knowing that there’s no guarantee that I won’t fall asleep if I do. “Whatever.” 

Stu half laughs at that before starting to talk about a new scary movie that’s coming out. The plot sounds kind of basic, but I’m not one to judge until I see the movie. Normally, I’d be totally invested. I kind of like when Stu rambles about something he’s interested in, but now I’m struggling to hold my head up. 

I don’t register that we’re in the school parking lot until both Billy and Stu get out of the car. Once they’re both out, I shake my head once in an attempt to clear my thoughts. Get it together.

When I step out of the car, I make a point of keeping my eyes on the ground in front of me. Stu may exaggerate every once in awhile, but I don’t think he’s wrong about school. My mom has been fielding calls since the morning I was discharged from the hospital and last night while I was flipping through channels, I saw my face three times.

Before I can even think, a bright flash makes me flinch. The light is like a punch behind the eye thanks to my headache. That is followed by a series of other equally bright and irritating camera shutters. 

Shit. 

Billy steps towards me, dropping his voice so that only I can hear, “You know we don’t have to.” 

Taking a settling breath, I tilt my chin up a fraction of an inch. “It’s fine,” I say, hoping that I’ll convince myself, “Can’t hide forever.” 

We walk forward, me a few steps ahead of Billy and Stu. My fast pace is a sad attempt at ripping off the bandaid. 

“Excuse--Excuse me, miss!” I squeeze the strap of my backpack so tightly my knuckles must be white from the tension. “Miss Y/n L/n.” The woman that waves me down is holding a large microphone. She barely glances at me before turning her attention back to the camera man that followed her as she chased me. “Hi. Gale Weathers. I covered the last one of these.” 

I wince. “I’m sorry, when you say ‘the last one of these’ do you mean the last murder or--” 

“...And we’re rolling!” In nature, bright colors are meant to warn living things of poison. I think that logic could be applied to Gale Weathers and her auburn hair and blood red lips. “I’m Gale Weathers and I’m bringing you an exclusive with the lone survivor of what some are calling the worst murder in Woodsboro history.” She then turns towards me, “Now, Y/n, our viewers want to know exactly what you’re feeling.” 

Her microphone is way to close to my face. “Well, Gale, I’m glad you asked,” I’m speaking in the polite tone I used to reserve for rude customers when I worked in the mall last summer, “I’m feeling fan-freakin’-tastic!” 

The false enthusiasm jars her the way I hoped it would. She brings the microphone back to her. “Really?” 

“No, you vulture. Ambush interviewing is as tacky as that suit.” 

With that, I turn away and attempt to storm into school with an aura that scares away reporters. I’ve only ever seen that kind of confident magic come from my mom, but she’s half my genetic material, that means it must be in me somewhere, right?

Apparently wrong, because the cameras continue to flash. One man gets so close to me that his rapid photographing leaves me dizzy. 

“Okay,” an arm quickly wraps around my side, stabilizing me, “You got your pictures, now leave her alone.” The scent of Tatum’s perfume is comforting as she guides me the rest of the way inside. Once we’re inside, we’re granted the semblance of some privacy. “And I thought they were bad yesterday. Are you okay?” 

I nod, relaxing a little at her casual expression. Maybe if I try hard enough, I’ll be able to pretend that this is an average Tuesday. “I’m fine, I’m just tired, and I can’t believe how obsessed everyone is.” 

“Of course they’re obsessed.” For the first time ever, Randy’s voice is completely unwelcome. “You’re the sole survivor, the only witness to tell the story, the--for lack of better term--final girl.” 

Being in a friend group with so many people that are really into horror movies is all fun and games until they summarize the great trauma of your life in a movie trope. “Really? I never would have thought of it that way.” 

Sidney glares at Randy in defense of me. I appreciate it, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. “It’s too soon for those kinds of jokes.” 

My sarcasm was pure venom and Sidney’s reaction, though well intentioned, only made me feel sorry. Randy offers me a sheepish sort of look that immediately makes me feel bad for being so snippy. His comment wouldn’t have bothered me so much if it wasn’t for what just happened, and he wasn’t really trying to be mean. That actually might have been an attempt to lighten the mood, especially since he knows that the final girl storyline is one of my favorites. He’s always recommending movies that end like that. 

“Thanks, Sid, but I came on a little strong. I’m sorry, Randy, I’ve been a total nightmare all day. Just ask Billy and St--” I look around, a little surprised that they’re not right behind me. Aw, I lost them in all that commotion. “Weird--they were just behind me.” Shaking off the slightly lost feeling with the turn of my head, I move on, “Ask them later. The point is, I’ve been awful. It’s not your guys’ fault that this is my life right now.” 

Randy’s expression morphs from being almost hurt to something that’s even more of a punch in the gut. He seems sympathetic. “It’s okay, you’re holding it together way more than I would be. I don’t even know how you’re at school today.” 

“Yeah, how are you even here, Y/n?” Tatum echoes, her voice a little softer than before. 

It’s a good question. Now that I’m here all those points I made about school and grades and Princeton feel so far away. “It had to happen at some point, I might as well rip off the band aid. I just want everything to go back to normal.” I shift awkwardly, watching them watch me. “And the man that did this doesn’t deserve the satisfaction of my fear.” 

After a moment, Randy prompts, “...And?” 

“And what?” 

He half smiles. “Come on, Y/n, if you want this to feel normal, you’re going to have to give us the Princeton rant.” 

I roll my eyes before scoffing. “I do not talk about Princeton often enough for you to warrant naming it a specific rant.” 

Randy raises an eyebrow at my obvious lie. “You must have really hit your head hard.” 

“Rude.“ I turn towards Tatum, “Tate, you don’t think I’m like obsessed with Princeton.

She parts her lips as she debates the way she wants to respond. Before she can say anything, Stu walks up from behind me and pulls Tatum into a hug. He then gives her a soft kiss that feels linger-y. Wait--why am I noticing that? That’s...that’s weird of me. And why does this feel more uncomfortable than the time I caught them full on making out in the girl’s bathroom? Why is that tiny display of affection sitting in my chest in a way that makes it hard to look at them? 

More annoyed at my thoughts than the way Stu cups her face, I force my myself to stare at the locker in front of me. There are polaroids of people I don’t know tapped to the front of it.

Ugh--screw the guy that threw me into that wall. My head must be totally messing with me. 

“What are you guys talking about?” Billy’s sudden appearance surprises me more than it should. At this point, I should know that when I see one the other isn’t too far behind. He has an arm around Sidney’s shoulders, and she’s leaning into his touch just enough for it to be noticeable. Since when is Billy so into PDA? 

Oh my god, what’s wrong with me? Maybe my mom was right to think I have some kind of brain injury. My eyes snap back to the locker. “Nothing.”

“Y/n’s obsession with an Ivy League school in New Jersey.”

After a moment of silence, I realize that everyone’s waiting for me to speak. “Not an obsession.” My response lacks my usual level of conviction when talking about Princeton in any capacity. I can feel the fragile way they’re all looking at me. My eyes focus on the polaroids in front of me until everything else blurs into the background. 

The polaroids have my eyes watering and I don’t know why. They’re just stupid pictures of people I don’t know. Casey’s voice echoes in my head. It’s a punch in the gut.

Stu’s voice cuts through the static of my thoughts. “Y/n? Are you o--”

“I think I remembered something.” The admission is so low I’m surprised anyone hears it. “Randy, do you have a copy of the news article? Not the first one, the second one that lists everything found at the crime scene?” 

“Yeah,” Randy admits it like it’s an apology, “In my backpack.” 

“Can I see it?”

Everyone stays quiet at that. There’s an energy in the air that makes me feel as trapped as I did in the hospital. “Come on, guys, I don’t need to be babied. The pictures aren’t going to freak me out, I was kinda there for the real thing.” 

“At the hospital, didn’t you say you were unconscious for most of it?” Billy’s remark earns him a glare so harsh that he moves his hands to hold them up in defense before dropping them to his side. 

“Fine. Whatever. Don’t show me the newspaper, I’ll find my own copy, it’s everywhere. There’s a good chance some jag-off shoved one into my locker anyways.” Ugh--why is everyone so impossible? I turn on my heels, unsure if I’m fuming or ready to burst into tears.

I don’t even make it a full step before something locks around my upper forearm. My head snaps back as the hand’s sudden grip softens. “Come on, bug.” That leaves me hesitant. Stu called me that the day after we first met. Since then, the nickname has mainly been reserved to calm me down. I’ve asked him about it before, but he always refuses to explain it. “You’re just going to make yourself sick.” 

Biting the inside of my cheek, I frown. The group learned about my weak stomach early on in our friendship. My first night drinking with them ended with me throwing up in Stu’s bathroom. That wouldn’t have been so embarrassing if I was totally wasted, but I was objectively way too sober to get that sick.

There’s some underlying quality to his words. A quality that’s too knowing, too sure. He’s being more condescending than sweet. “I think I can manage.” I pull my arm away, ignoring the way his expression blanks. “I’m not a vase or a little kid, I don’t need you all treating me like I’m that unbelievably fragile.”

Stu angles his head to the side. I force myself to tilt my chin upwards in an attempt to stand my ground. I don’t fully get whatever face off we’re in, but I’ll be damned if I lose it this quickly. “Since you’re all grown up, Y/n, look at whatever you want, but don’t come crying to me about it.” 

I take a step forward, indignation leaving my spine straight. “When have I ever--” 

“You couldn’t even spend a few hours by yourself in a hospital.”

The unfairness of his statement forces a scoff from my lips. I take a step forward. “I didn’t ask for your help then and I’m not asking for it now.” 

“Stu.” Billy’s voice is level, bordering on neutral. 

At that, Stu exhales, but he doesn’t stop staring at me. “It’s fine, Billy.” 

“Yeah,” Stu echoes, shifting towards me, “Y/n’s fine, she doesn’t need anyone.” 

A sarcastic, half thought out reply rises up my chest and jams itself in my throat. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about how much taller than me Stu is. He’s looking down at me with an intensity that hits me straight in the stomach. Great, another feeling I don’t understand. “Whatever,” I mumble, “I need to get to class.” 

The bell rings a moment after I turn. I walk to homeroom, not thinking twice about it until I’m sitting in front of an empty desk. 

My face is hot, my head hurts, and Mrs. Ramirez’s announcements are drowned out by a ringing in my ears. When the bell rings, I can’t get out of the room fast enough. Normally, Stu’s around right after homeroom, ready to walk me to math. 

I don’t know what that weird argument was in the hallway, but I’m not ready to deal with it yet. So even though I’m gripping the straps of my backpack so tightly it hurts, I take the long way to class. There are no memories of Casey in AP Calc AB, so this time when I sit at my desk, I can breathe.

By the time I’m pulling out my notebook, the bell rings. Mr. Williams walks to the front of the classroom, “Alright, everyone in their seat. For today’s exam, you are permitted the use of a graphing calculator.”

Shit. The test. I forgot about the calc test. Mr. Williams begins to hand out the exam. When he gets to me, I stop him, “Mr. Williams, I-I was wondering if I could possibly take the exam on another day? After the events of this weekend, I--” 

“Ms. L/n, I made it clear to the entire class that I do not believe in scheduling a makeup exam the day of.” 

My fingers nervously scratch at the back of my wrist. “And I understand that, and normally I’d never ask, but if you’ve seen the news--” 

“Ms. L/n, do you want to take the test or would you rather me put a 0 in the grade book?” 

I could scream. I want to scream, but instead, all I do is nod, “Take the test.” 

And with that, he places the packet on my desk. The sound it makes feels like a death sentence. The next 50 minutes are a nightmare. I don’t remember how to do half the problems, and what I do remember, I can’t seem to do right. By the time the bell rings, I’m in full on panic mode. Mr. Williams collects the test and I leave the room like it’s on fire. 

The sharp pain in my head has never been this bad. I reach my locker, unlocking it to grab my bottle of ibuprofen. I take two Advil without any water. Today totally, unbelievably sucks. I need to splash some water in my face. 

The bathroom is thankfully empty. Pushing my backpack off of my shoulders and onto the counter, I turn on the sink. The water is cool against my fingers, and for the first time all day, I feel like I can breathe. My bandaid is sticking out to me too much so I force my gaze downwards. 

There’s a long abandoned copy of a newspaper on the counter. Its corners are so wet that the words at the start and end of the article are unreadable. The page it’s opened to has no photos. I’m sure if I flipped through it I’d find something listing everything the police found inside the house that night. 

Stu’s earlier claim echoes in my head as I pick up the newspaper. I’m not sure if I’m more motivated by spite or the desire to answer the question in my head, but I guess it doesn’t matter, because the end result is the same. I turn the page, skimming the article. The intro is so long that I still haven’t gotten to the murder, let alone what the police found after. I flip ahead until I find what I’m looking for.

I read the section about everything that was found twice. They mention everything down to the burned jiffy pop and the tube of lipgloss Casey left in the living room. The paragraph never mentions the polaroids from the kitchen.

He took pictures of me from the crime scene. 

Unease leaves my stomach in knots. The killer, who talked to me on the phone like we were best friends and chose to not kill me took photos of me. 

I turn the page frantically, desperate to see if the polaroids are mentioned there. Big mistake. Casey’s photo is staring at me, but she’s not her in it. She’s hanging from that big tree in her yard and her--her intestines... 

Cold sweat leaves my hands clammy. My body knows what’s happening before I do. A stall door gets thrown open just in time for me to throw myself onto my knees. Bile and whatever’s left of last night’s dinner burn as they come up my throat. I wretch. 

An unexpected but not unpleasant touch is pressed into my back as my hair is pushed out of my face. More bile leaves me. 

After a second passes and I don’t throw up a third time, I turn my head just enough to see who’s next to me. Billy. He doesn’t say anything at my recognition, he just moves his hand up and down my back gently. 

“...I found a newspaper.” 

“Yeah, I assumed after i heard the…”

He’s trailing off to be nice. I shift in order to sit cross legged on the floor. “Right. That’s fair.” 

His hand stalls against my back. “I didn’t mean it li--” 

“I know.” My voice is too small.

Billy moves his free hand. I don’t know what he’s doing until he’s pulling the paper away from me. I let him take the newspaper and place it somewhere on the other side of him. “Why’d you look?” 

“I--earlier, I was looking at this locker in front of us and it had polaroids taped to it, and-and that made me remember that on Saturday, Casey took a bunch of pictures of me. Polaroids.” I wipe at my face with the back of my palm. "The article’s super detailed, but it didn’t mention any pictures. I-I think that means that the person took them.”  

Billy’s eyebrows draw together. The corner of his mouth turns downwards. “You’re making yourself sick over this.” 

“Because it’s a big deal!” My reaction is harsher than it should be. He’s being nice to me after I blew up at everyone this morning and they were just trying to be good friends. And after this, I’m in no position to talk about what I am and am not able to handle. “It’s a big deal that I’m alive and Casey isn’t.” Taking a shaky breath, I continue, “And I should--I have to make it right somehow. Casey’s dead and I’m alive because it fit whatever plot he wanted to make. It was total chance, the killer probably flipped a coin while outside of her house to pick which one of us would live and which one would end up like...” I gesture vaguely in the direction of the newspaper, “That.” 

He’s quiet for so long I think he may not respond at all. His hand begins to move up and down my back again in the form of small circles. “Do you really think that?” 

Shrugging, I lean into his touch. “I mean, it’s probably either that or a stalker scenario.”

“You don’t have to figure it out. Just because you’re the one that survived doesn’t mean you need to put yourself through this. Especially now. It just happened, give yourself some time.” His voice is so assuring and oddly comforting I feel my eyes water. “What’s wrong?” 

Despite myself, I almost snort. “I think you know what’s wrong.” 

He gives me a semi bitchy look. “Something else happened, I can see it on your face.” 

Frowning, I let my gaze drop to the ground. “Am I that transparent?” 

Billy moves, the hand that’s not on my back coming beneath my chin. I let him tilt my head upwards until our eyes meet. “You have no idea.”

Warmth crawls up my face. He smiles. “Fine, I’ll tell you but it’s stupid.” 

“It’s not stupid.” 

I raise an eyebrow. “Well, I’ve had a really bad headache all day and then I get to first period and Mr. Williams starts talking about an exam. And that’s how I realized that I completely forgot about the calc unit test. I tried using the whole almost murdered excuse--I kinda hated myself for it, but it doesn’t matter, because he didn’t even go for it.” With a dramatic, deprecating sigh, I start to pick at a loose thread in my shoe lace. “Mr. Williams doesn’t believe in getting out of the test the day of. There’s no way I didn’t fail it, and it’s an AP class so that’s going to mess with my entire GPA.” 

He doesn’t comment on my teariness or the way that I almost sniffle, he just continues to softly rub my back. The gesture is starting to feel somewhat maternal, but it’s nice. “He made you take the test?” 

“Mr. Williams’ is a total asshole.” 

Billy’s mouth turns upwards, “He sounds like it.” I smile, leaning into his touch. “You should go back to the doctor.” He frowns when I move away from him. “Your head hurts, you’re moody--” 

“Am not.” 

“Right, because that stand off with Stu earlier was like you.” 

Right--that weird moment in the hallway. Great, Stu’s probably mad at me, and there’s no way that me going out of my way to not see him before math is something he’s going to take lightly. “He’s probably so mad at me.” 

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Billy says, “He can’t stay mad at you.” 

I give him a look. “He’s petty.” 

Billy smiles after a second. “He’ll be petty about it, but he won’t actually be mad.” Before I can respond, Billy stands, “Come on, you need to go to a doctor.” 

After a second, I stand, taking his hand. “Fine.” 

----

Taglist: @cole22ann @i-amnotokaywiththis 

[su-itca-se]

Dear Brother (Oniisama e…) LaserDisc scans and machine translations

These past few years I have fallen in love with the work of director Osamu Dezaki. Alongside Tomorrow’s Joe (Ashita no Joe), I hold Dear Brother in the highest regard.

It was a 1991 anime based on Riyoko Ikeda’s 1974 manga. You should watch the anime. It’s on Tubi for free. But really, just trust me. Buy the Blu-Ray from Discotek.

This anime came and went. There isn’t any merchandise besides some phone cards. Decaying fan sites and discourse is out there, but it’s a bit of a hunt.

Some time ago I saw a fan letter written by Hideaki Anno, apparently from the LaserDisc releases. From what I could tell, the LaserDisc packaging featured a treasure trove of notes from the staff that I just had to read. But I couldn’t find them!

If you’re not aware, LaserDiscs are one step above burnable trash in Japan — often on sale for 200 yen or less in heavy boxes shoved into the corner of second-hand anime stores. So I bought all five volumes of the 1993 Dear Brother LaserDisc release, was thrilled to notice unique letters from staff and industry luminaries in the interiors, and I scanned everything! And machine translated them.

I hope this (long, comprehensive) post brings fans of Dear Brother the same pleasure it brought me to compose it!

Note: I cannot read Japanese. I’ve used Google Lens for OCR, and GPT-4 for translation. My scans are good (and you can get them on Archive.org in high res) but these translations are not archive-quality and should not be depended on without verification. I’ve done my best to make corrections and have attempted to wrangle the correct tone and meaning out of the AI, but they’re essentially just for fun. Corrections of the most egregious stuff would be welcomed, email me: suitcase@soaringrabbit.com.

Volume One

Each disc is themed after a character and colour. The back is peppered with screencaps and notable quotes (“Anata wa dare?” says little Nanako) as well as series credits. The two notable parts to translate are the disc synopsis, and the subheading (seen here in pink on the far left.) Maybe it’s a pull quote? Not really. So I called it a subheading.

Volume One Subheading

A forbidden cult anime masterpiece born of satellite broadcasting is finally available on LD.

Volume One Synopsis

Private Seiran Academy. A story of beautiful love and deep hatred unfolds at this prestigious all-girls high school steeped in tradition. The protagonist, Nanako Misonoo, who is thrilled to enroll in the high school division of her dream academy, encounters three stunning individuals: Miya-sama, Sanjust-sama, and Sho no Kimi. She also gets introduced to the glamorous world of Seiran Sorority, a society that only the chosen few are allowed to join. As a freshman granted unexpected membership in the Sorority, Nanako begins to take a deep look at love, friendship, and the essence of being human, all while being surrounded by envy and jealousy. She confides her various experiences at the academy, along with unspeakable worries and hardships, in letters to her elder “brother” and a young man named Takehiko Henmi… A masterpiece anime born of satellite broadcasting. It is a work by Riyoko Ikeda that the Dezaki-Sugino duo took on for the first time in 11 years since “The Rose of Versailles.” It is considered a unique work that brings a fresh, unprecedented shock by transcending the framework of TV anime with its aesthetic world.

The disc looks like this:

An “obi” (sash that covers the spine) is included. Of course, it says “My tears won’t stop!” in huge text, sells it as the latest Dezaki/Sugino collaboration, and describes it as tanibi na sekai — a poetic concept of a romantic, sublime world of aesthetic beauty.

There are two paper inserts in each volume. The first one looks like this, and is an index of LaserDisc chapter markers based not on plot developments, but notable character quotes.

There’s also a form you can fill out to get a telephone card. Simply cut out a coupon from each volume to prove you bought the full set. Be quick, entries are due end of March 1994.

The interior is the best part. Here’s the spread for Volume One.

I haven’t translated episode synopses, but I’ve attempted to translate both the staff letter and the “letter to dear brother” from someone external to the production. There’s a bio for each author.

Volume One’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Osamu Dezaki Joined Mushi Production in 1963. After directing series like “Astro Boy” and “Goku’s Great Adventure,” he was selected as the general director for “Tomorrow’s Joe” in 1970 at the young age of 26. Born on November 18, 1943, and hailing from Tokyo, he has received high praise as a director. Subsequently, he has brought numerous masterpieces into the world, including “Aim for the Ace!”, “The Adventures of Ganba,” “Nobody’s Boy,” “Treasure Island,” “The Rose of Versailles,” “Space Adventure Cobra,” “BB,” and more. He is also referred to as “Sakimakura” and “Mataba Sakimakura.”

The letter:

This is my second time working on Ikeda-san’s work since “The Rose of Versailles.” Her works have a unique aroma, whether you call it a theme or a world. They seem to pursue the literary aspect of the story. When I read the original work of “Dear Brother,” I was very drawn to these aspects, and at the same time, I felt a sense of anticipation that it would be difficult, but perhaps various images could be created. It’s not just about being cool or intense; it’s about creating images that resonate more and more with people’s hearts. Fundamentally, there is an original story, but when the characters start to move, and each begins to live, the story could go anywhere. I always had that sense of tension. So, rather than sticking to the original work, I placed more emphasis on the directorial focus of the reality of the characters who had started to move. As for the techniques, it was not something I was particularly conscious of, but I used a lot of completely black shots simply because I honestly felt they needed to be black. Whether or not it was successful, I wanted to effectively overlap the visuals with the characters’ psychology by delivering such physiological shocks. The psychological fluctuations of the people are indeed the overall aroma of this work. How the audience perceives that aroma is something I want to leave up to each individual’s free sensitivity. - July 8, 1993, at Tezuka Pro

Volume One’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Mutsumi Inomata Born on December 23 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After working with Ashi Production and Kaname Production, she is currently freelance. After going through Ashi Production and Kaname Production, she is now a freelance artist. Mutsumi Inomata is her real name. She was born on December 23 in Kanagawa Prefecture. She is active in both the fields of anime character design and illustration. In the realm of animation, she served as the character designer and chief animation director for works such as “Plawres Sanshiro” and “Genmu Senki Leda,” and as the character designer for “Future GPX Cyber Formula.” As an illustrator, she has also provided numerous illustrations for novels, including titles like “Prince of the Universe,” “Dragon Quest,” and “Continent of the Wind.”

The letter:

Comics are way hard to translate without actually knowing Japanese. Here’s my best effort to uncover some meaning.

For several years, I had stopped watching anime and stuff… Living a hectic life, it’s been like this for a while now. Having a set day and a set time to watch a specific program (not just limited to anime), had become impossible for me. Recording videos is also a hassle, and first and foremost, I just don’t feel that “I must watch the next episode!” kind of emotion anymore. Ah well, I was thinking maybe I’ve just become an adult. Heh heh heh. I’m such an idiot. No, that’s not it.

The blonde guy in the bottom-right is labeled as her friend, and she’s saying something about “Poupee-chan”. I think in the second panel he’s yelling saying “But that doll is supposed to be a girl!”

The final monologue starts with:

By the way, I have a container for “dangerous items” at the corner of my work desk. I keep things like cutter blades in it, so that I don’t accidentally drop them on the floor and cut myself or something. The “dangerous items” container I’m using now has a sticker with Saint-Just-sama’s “Nanako’s Eyes,” heh heh heh ♡

That’s about all there is to note about Volume One, besides the fact it comes with an enormous poster (it’s the same art used on the cover of the Discotek Blu-Ray.)

Volume Two

Volume Two Subheading

Those eyes of that person, mysteriously and beautifully shining. Why these feelings? Why...? The increasing heartbeat, the endless tears of adolescence. A masterpiece of forbidden cult anime born from satellite broadcasting! The second installment on LaserDisc!

Volume Two Synopsis

Nanako’s life at school, after being chosen as a sorority member, was not all glitz and glamour. There were misunderstandings with her best friend Tomiko, and jealousy and slander from other students, including Misaki Aya. And then there was the obsessive love from her fellow sorority member, Nobuo Mariko. “What is a sorority? Is it really that important?” Nanako began to question the very existence of sororities. Yet, she tries to look straight into herself, even while confused. Always before her were the mysteriously beautiful and shining eyes of Saint-Just. Drawn to those eyes that seemed to peer into a distant past, Nanako attempts to uncover their secret. Then, by chance, she finds out about the special relationship between Fukiko and Saint-Just. Could it be that Miya-sama and Saint-Just-sama are…? The complicated interplay of relationships and the previously enigmatic characters start to become a little clearer in “Volume 2: The Chapter of Freezing Rain.” The subtle breaths of the people surrounding Nanako can be heard.

Volume Two’s “From the staff, Dear Nanako”

Bio:

Hideo Takayashiki Born in 1947, native of Iwate Prefecture. After passing through Osamu Tezuka’s Mushi Production, became a scenario writer. Known for scripts of theatrical anime films such as “Hang in There, Tabuchi-kun!”, “Barefoot Gen”, and the “Phoenix” series. Also worked on numerous TV anime scripts like “Gutsy Frog”, “Gamba’s Adventure”, and “Tomorrow’s Joe”. Additionally, wrote scripts for original videos and TV dramas like “The Laughing Target”, “One-Pound Gospel”, and has written many novels, actively contributing as a versatile scriptwriter. Member of the Japan Broadcast Writers Association.

The letter:

Dear Nanako Misonoo, How are you? How is university life? It’s hard to believe that three years have passed since then. I was involved with you and those around you for just one year, but in retrospect, it was a very intense year. In any case, I did something terrible to you. It may have been the extreme form of “bullying” in some sense. My work as a scriptwriter involved probing and expanding the uncharted worlds between the frames of original works, constructing new narratives. In a sense, it was a painful job. And for you, it was excruciating. But now it’s a wonderful memory. I am filled with the feeling that I did some real work after a long time. How is your best friend, Tomoko? What about Mariko? I assume Fuki is becoming more and more beautiful? Do you occasionally receive letters from Kaoru? This summer marked the third anniversary of Saint-Just-sama’s passing. Thinking back, it was an unusually hot day. Your anguished form, waiting alone at the platform while listening to the chirping cicadas and the sound of the sea, is still etched in my memory. I hear that there has not been a single day without flowers at the electric pole where Saint-Just-sama fell. I am grateful for the chance to have met you and the people around you. Autumn, 1993

Volume Two’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Kazuhiko Shimamoto Born April 26, 1961 From the hinterland of Hokkaido After being selected as an honorable mention in the 9th Shogakukan Newcomer Comics Award Debuted with “Hissatsu no Transfer Student”. His masterpieces include Gyakkyo Nine’ and Moeyo Pen. Examples include Flame Transfer Student’ and Kamen Rider ZO.”

The letter:

Another piece directed by Osamu Dezaki and supervised by Akio Sugino has become a permanent edition (converted to LaserDisc)! (Hooray!) From the anime “Ashita no Joe” (1), the unique and beautiful way of life portrayed in anime is so intense that it has consistently given us dreams, hopes, despair, loneliness, friendship, love, perseverance, and revival! These works have even surpassed the original works in the emotional impact of their final episodes. I continue to be captivated by the atmosphere conveyed by these works. The reason I enjoy drawing the final episodes of my own works is entirely due to Director Dezaki’s influence! Currently, Osamu Tezuka and Ikki Kajiwara, the two individuals whom I revered as gods in the manga world, are no longer with us. Even now, these works, which possess added charm, continue to provide us (even those who have become professionals) with anticipation for the next episode, life lessons, and motivation for creating works. Seagulls, dance! Liquids, shine!! Wind, blow and then, “Why go to such lengths?” Charafo! Go as far as you can go! Mariko, somehow you’re really scary, Mariko.

Then the words scribbled next to the drawing of Mariko:

You are the protagonist of this work! I’m paying the most attention to you. You’re not alone! That’s right! Make me Mariko’s ‘older brother’… ‘older brother’…

Mariko is saying (OCR mangling here, sadly):

Thank you… I just feel… that’s special… Why not? If I had to say, maybe it’s a ‘woman’s world’…

(Clearly a reference to Rikiishi Toru of Dezaki’s earlier anime Ashita no Joe, who intensely speaks of a “man’s world”. He and Mariko love a good starvation diet!)

The little chibi version of Shimamoto(?) in the bottom left is saying:

But everyone, don’t easily become someone’s ‘older brother.’ It’ll be troublesome later!

GPT-4 noticed a cute reference it couldn’t include in its translation. Its note:

The text seems to be OCR scanned partially, and hence some meanings might be missing or distorted, such as “マンガ界のジョン・シルバーだ!!”, which appears to compare Dezaki and Sugino to a ‘John Silver’ of the manga world.

Volume Three

Volume Three Subheading

It’s not too late; our beautiful time can still be preserved, forever unspoiled, just like this white snow… A forbidden masterpiece of a cult anime born from satellite broadcasting! The fourth release on LD!

Volume Three Synopsis

Suddenly summoned to the sorority house, Nanako is pressured by Fukiko to end her relationship with Hemimi. Upon hearing this, Saint-Just confesses her complicated relationship with Fukiko. The shocking truth behind why “Miya-sama” wanted Nanako in the sorority unfolds, leaving her deeply shaken. Meanwhile, Saint-Just is tormented by the realization that the stronger her feelings for Fukiko, the more she ends up hurting her. The complex relationship between Saint-Just and Fukiko has a tragic past involving a near-suicidal event. On another front, Mariko causes an incident by attacking Misaki, motivated by slander about her parents’ divorce, which leads to a movement spearheaded by Kaoru to abolish the sorority. Amid the crumbling sorority, Fukiko remains composed. The fourth volume, “Chapter of Snow Dance,” captures her frightening yet noble confidence and deep sorrow. In the snow that never melts, remains the sad yet beautiful promise of Saint-Just.

Volume Three’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Tomoko Konparu Born on March 13, 1956, in Nara Prefecture. Pisces. Blood type AB. A fan of both manga and anime, she became a screenplay writer and debuted during her university days with “Ikkyu-san.” Anime works include “Urusei Yatsura: Only You,” “Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love,” “Touch 2: Farewell Gift,” “Phoenix,” “Cat’s Eye,” “Hime-chan’s Ribbon,” and more. Novel works include “Mystery at the Tower of London,” “Mystery at Nara’s Great Buddha” (published by Kobunsha Bunko), among others.

The letter:

When I heard that this work was going to be turned into an anime, I was shocked. I’d known about the series since its serialization, so my reaction was something like, “What!? Are they really going to do it!? And on NHK of all places!?” Expanding on the original work and filling in the parts that hadn’t been depicted was incredibly challenging, but also enjoyable. What surprised me was that, around the midpoint, the characters started to assert themselves, taking actions that were entirely different from what I had planned. The princess would say, “My pride isn’t so easily swayed,” San Just would insist, “I’m not going to commit suicide,” and even the older sisters of the sorority were like, “We can’t back down now.” Every time this happened, I had to rework the composition. This phenomenon of “characters moving on their own accord” was a first for me in an anime series, and it was an incredibly fresh and pleasant experience. That being said, it’s rare to be so emotionally invested in characters while working, to the point of even role-playing their lines. To be honest, this was a work that got my inner anime fan excited. Ah, I want to do work like this again!

Volume Three’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Keiko Fukuyama Born on September 7. From Tokyo. Currently, she is working as a manga artist, authoring works like “Ruru-chan of Star Island” and “The Tale of Appfelrant.” She also illustrates for children’s stories, including the “Mama Ghost Series.”

The letter:

It appears to be titled “To the Unforgettable Older Sister”. Much of it is too hard to OCR. It opens with this caption:

“To My Older Brother…” is so melancholic and sentimental that it instantly takes us back to our student days where we felt we were tossed around by fate for no fault of our own…

Here’s some of the text beside the character drawings:

Fukiko/Saint-Just: Reputed as the most beautiful sisters in school Mariko: The most popular Mariko-san who lured our tears. There’s a lot to think about! Tomoko: A straightforward, kind friend Nanako: So there I was, fully embracing my Nanako persona, reaping all the sorority perks you could imagine. (I mean, they even say they’ll hook me up with a dreamy guy!) 💧 And just when I’m soaking up that sorority vibe, guess who’s set to make a surprise appearance right after the teaser for the next issue!

Text coming out of the TV:

It was “Oniisama e”!!!! Poor Mariko-san, right~ Misaki-san also, there was no need to say that much, you know.

Volume Four

Volume Four Subheading

It’s not too late yet, our beautiful time can still last forever, unspoiled by anyone, just like this white snow… A forbidden cult anime masterpiece born from satellite broadcasting! The fourth installment on LD!

Volume Four Synopsis

Suddenly summoned to the sorority house, Nanako is pressured by Fukiko to end her relationship with Hemmi. Hearing this, Sanjust is compelled to confess his relationship with Fukiko. The shocking truth makes Nanako reel in disbelief. He deeply ponders that the stronger his feelings for Fukiko, the more he ends up hurting her. The unusual relationship between Sanjust and Fukiko reveals a tragic past of a failed double suicide. Meanwhile, in the school, an incident occurs where Mariko, slandered for her parents’ divorce, attacks Misaki, leading to an anti-sorority movement centered around Kaoru. Fukiko still acts nonchalantly in front of the crumbling sorority. The volume unfolds displaying Fukiko’s terrifying yet noble confidence and deep sorrow. A beautiful yet sad promise lingers in the snow that never melts.

Volume Four’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Kenichiro Haneda Born on January 12, 1949. Graduated from Toho Gakuen College of Music in the Piano Department. An accomplished concert pianist, Kenichiro Haneda has a broad range of experience, including composing and performing music for movies and TV themes, as well as acting as a musical director for musicals and commercials. He has worked on numerous soundtracks such as NHK’s morning drama “Youth Family,” TBS’s “Women Work Hard” and “Life Is Full of Demons.” With his genre-defying approach to music and his bright, humorous personality, he is a sought-after multi-artist in various fields.

The letter:

I’ve worked quite a bit with Music Director Seiji Suzuki in the past. Suzuki gives me the music menu, and I’m the one who creates it. We’ve had some pretty detailed discussions about it. Of course, I’ve read the original work as well. When I read it at home, my daughter gives me a puzzled look, as if to say my interests have changed quite a bit (laughs). I think I wrote around 40 songs in total. The music is meant to have a Baroque sound while also feeling contemporary. The order was for something classical yet with a pop atmosphere. The image that immediately came to my mind was a rhythm section, with a harpsichord playing the melody. String instruments intricately marking the rhythm, much like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. And on top of that, a flugelhorn playing the melody… Regarding the scenes where the piano is played, I played all of it myself. I often compose and perform my own pieces. It’s less about talent and more like playing two roles; maybe I contribute quite a bit to cost-saving (laughs). In any case, this work has a unique atmosphere. If the music I created successfully captures that, then I must again express my gratitude to Suzuki for coordinating everything. October 28, 1993, aired on NHK

Volume Four’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Hideaki Anno Born on May 22, 1960. Originally from Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Height is 180 cm; weight is a secret. Debuted as an animator during his time at Osaka University of Arts, working on the TV version of “Macross.” Later worked on “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” the film version of “Macross,” “Royal Space Force,” and others, before directing “Gunbuster” and “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.” Currently planning new projects.

The letter:

Way to go!! Oniisama e… Wow!! The long-awaited, tumultuous Volume 4!! This volume shows us the peak of the series, from Mariko-san’s stabbing incident to the dissolution of the sorority. Amazing, this is really amazing!! Yes. Especially the heartbreaking breakdown of Nobuo’s family, and the portrayal of the sorority’s downfall reminiscent of the French Revolution, are things that are indescribable with words. Yes. The highlights this time are– Brilliant! Highly sophisticated direction and high-quality animation in Episode 27! Tear-jerking! In Episode 28, Mr. Nobuo Hikawa’s soul-stirring outcry!! Upon hearing those lines, my tears really wouldn’t stop. Seriously. Amazing!! Oh, so moving! The heartfelt words of Miya-sama at the end of Episode 32. The sight of Miya-sama waiting alone in the Sorority House and those lines really hit me hard. Moreover, as always– Incredible!! The world that reminds me of ‘Aim for the Ace!’ and ‘The Rose of Versailles’!! Impressive!! The drama unfolds only in limited settings, like homes, trains, buses, crossings, schools, and other familiar places!! Very Sophisticated!! The direction, composed of stillness and motion, light and black, feels so mature. As expected, Dezaki-san! And, Powerful!! Nanako-san is turning into an adult right before our eyes. Moreover, the music is also great!! I wish the BGM CD would come out soon. The use of chimes and telephones remains clever as ever!! Ah, the only thing missing is a bit more on the background elements… by H. ANO ‘93 10/27

The tiger is saying “It’s awesome, isn’t it!”

Written above the drawings of Mariko and Saint-Just: “These two are definitely the ones. Yes.”

Volume Five

Volume Five Subheading

The summer full of light ends, the eventful summer ends… And then the cherry blossoms bloom again… Brother, I am now… A satellite broadcast-born forbidden cult anime masterpiece! The final chapter on LD!

Volume Five Synopsis

Finally, the petition to abolish the sorority has garnered signatures from over two-thirds of all students. As the campus is in a state of upheaval, Saint-Just is lost in thought alone. One day, he calls Nanako out and promises to take her to the beach where he used to go often with his mother when he was younger. However, on the promised day, Saint-Just never shows up. His sudden death plunges many people, including Nanako, into the depths of sorrow. Among them, Kaoru, who is battling cancer and fearful of its recurrence, takes the news of Saint-Just’s death most seriously. She finds comfort in the warmth of Takahiko Henmi, but continues to stubbornly refuse his love, thinking about his future. Love, friendship, bonds… The fifth volume, titled “Chapter of the Fireflies,” explores the dignity, beauty, and value of human life. Seasons turn, and the cherry blossoms bloom again, bringing back familiar scents to Nanako. All of this is accompanied by the most beautiful “love.”

Volume Five’s “From the staff to all the fans”

Bio:

Riyoko Ikeda Born December 18, Showa 22 (1947). Native of Osaka City. Blood type AB. Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Hakutsuru High School and went on to the Philosophy department at Tokyo University of Education (now Tsukuba University). Began drawing manga during her time in school and debuted with “The Girl in the Rose Mansion.” In 1972, she achieved great success with “The Rose of Versailles,” acquiring a broad fan base that transcended the realm of girls’ manga. Known for her keen historical perspective and deep insight into human nature. Active as a writer and essayist as well. Her hobbies include Nihon buyo (Japanese traditional dance), oil painting, movie appreciation, vocal music, piano, cooking, and knitting. Her work has been selected for the 76th Nika Exhibition. Major works: “The Rose of Versailles,” “Window of Orpheus,” “Empress Catherine,” “To My Brother,” “At the Ends of the Sky,” “The Blue Pomegranate,” “My Manga” Books: “If Only Life Could Be Lived Once,” “Women of the French Revolution,” “Women Who Wrote Masterpieces” Currently writing “Eroica” and “Prince Shotoku.”

The letter:

As one who has journeyed far from that radiant chapter called youth, a time that shone with an almost awkward brilliance, I find myself in a peculiar blend of bewilderment and nostalgia. Seeing my old ideas of high school life come to life as animation almost 20 years later is surreal, to say the least. Still, it’s exciting: hearing voices given to these characters, seeing them talk, laugh, and get angry. Watching them come alive is truly a thrilling and satisfying experience. Ah, adolescence — everyone’s inescapable stairway to adulthood. Some people take each step slowly and carefully, while others rush ahead, ending up out of breath or even lost. And then, there are those who may lose their direction, standing still, contemplating each step. Wrapped in the love of family, meeting various people, nurturing friendships, experiencing love, and going through the ups and downs of hurt and forgiveness — it would be wonderful to climb those steps in such a way.

Volume Five’s “Letter to Dear Brother”

Bio:

Rumiko Takahashi Born in Niigata Prefecture. Debuted in 1978 with “Katte na Yatsura,” submitted while still in college, in Shonen Sunday. Famous works include “Urusei Yatsura,” “Maison Ikkoku,” and others. Currently serializing “Ranma 1/2” in Shonen Sunday.

The letter:

A masterpiece infused with the creator’s soul. When I heard from the staff that “Oniisama e…” was getting the anime treatment on satellite TV, I was surprised. I’d delved into the original comic before and it’s quite an eccentric story. “How are they going to pull this off?” I thought. But learning that the script was in the capable hands of my acquaintance Tomoko Konparu, I was very excited. In fact, the anime that aired was genuinely captivating. The characters are so larger-than-life that they electrify the screen the moment they step into frame. It’s been a long time since an anime had that kind of presence. I believe the animation is done by the same people who worked on “Tomorrow’s Joe 2.” The scenes are so visceral that you can almost feel the punches land and see the fighters hit the mat. I kept asking myself, “Why isn”t a mouthpiece flying out?” (laughs) My favorite character in the work is Nobuo Mariko. The scenes where she bites her lip until it turns a flushed red, I find it really cute. But what blew me away was the show’s emotional intelligence. Just when the heroine seems on the brink of breaking, a lifeline is thrown her way. This nuanced touch prevents the darker, more harrowing elements from overwhelming the viewer. It’s as if you can feel the sincerity of the creator throughout the piece.

And that’s it. Again, check out the full scans on Archive.org, and remember to encourage all your friends to experience this beautiful anime!

[specialinterestshows]

This latest chapter of my Rhea Ripley x lady!reader fic, Absolute Smokeshow, could have started with a dream sequence and I think I showed a lot of restraint in not doing that. Everyone should be proud of me.

Warnings for this section: Pain, anxiety, dirty talk, sex mention, voyeurism/exhibitionism, group sex mention

-

Absolute Smokeshow (Part 60 of ?): Working Out Your Kinks

Soft kisses against your neck and up to your cheek are the first sensations to wake you from a dreamless sleep, closely followed by the too-bright light of the morning.

Raising your hand to shield your eyes, you flinch, dropping your hand immediately when it starts to feel like your shoulder blade is trying to separate itself from your back. The small groan you let out doesn’t escape your girlfriend’s notice, and she pulls away to look at you, concerned.

“What is it, love?” Rhea asks.

“Think I slept weird,” you mumble, blearily trying to come up with another possible explanation, “Back hurts.”

“I’m sorry, baby,” her voice was sweet as she shifted next to you, “Mami will have to remember to give you more breaks next time.”

Of course: that must have been it. How had you forgotten being on your hands and knees for so long last night? Perhaps it had something to do with how amazing you had felt in the heat of the moment.

“Get on your stomach,” she instructs you, sitting up, “Let’s see if I can help.”

Unsure what she meant, you nevertheless obeyed. Pressing your face against the pillow, you let it muffle the small yelp you release as your body shifts unpleasantly.

“Poor baby,” she muttered, and you inhale sharply as you feel her fingers slowly press against your aching muscles before hearing, “Relax for me if you can, beautiful.”

Fighting against your instinct to keep yourself tense, you take a deep breath, relaxing your muscles on the exhale.

“Good girl,” Rhea whispered as she continued to massage you.

The usual context of those two words made a thrill course through your body. Rhea must have noticed your hips twitch - you weren’t sure what else would make her giggle that way as she kissed your neck gently before continuing the massage.

After working out the biggest knot in your back, your girlfriend paused, sounding almost shy when she spoke.

“I have a match at next week’s show,” Rhea mentioned carefully as you sat up and stretched, “The venue is only a couple hours drive from here-“

“Maybe I can meet you after?” you suggest gently, anxiety creeping in when you realize where this was going and recalling what happened last time you went to see her wrestle.

“Alright then,” she said after a moment, clearly remembering the worst parts of that same night and shaking off her shame, “You pick me up after the show and we can have a hotel room to ourselves that night and the next morning.”

The stress you felt receded when you saw that she really was trying to make sure you felt safe.

Rhea leaned in close as she continued her train of thought, the passion fiery in her voice, “We can also have Dom join us, if you’re feeling like being watched… or used from both ends.”

The room was suddenly too warm as you imagined the possibilities. Getting off on camera was one thing, but having someone in the same room, watching the two of you?

You usually weren’t attracted to men, but you felt comfortable enough with Dominik that the thought of having both him and Rhea pleasuring you was tempting. Perhaps you might even get to watch the two of them together.

When you saw the smirk on your girlfriend’s face, you immediately turned away, realizing you hadn’t even responded to her last two suggestions.

“Aww,” Rhea smirked, gently but firmly grabbing your chin to make you look at her again, “You’re so cute when you’re flustered. Tell Mami what you were thinking, pretty girl.”

“… Would I get to watch you and Dom too?” you ask after a few seconds, feeling even warmer when you hear how small and shy your own voice sounds.

“Dirty girl,” Rhea chuckled as she let you go, “You can watch if you’re a good little fucktoy for me and Dom-Dom. How does that sound?”

“Perfect,” you breathed, unable to stop yourself.

“Oh you’re filthy,” Rhea all but purred as she brought her hand back up to your face, “I can’t wait to use the two of you all night.”

[end part sixty of ?]

Part 61: https://www.tumblr.com/specialinterestshows/740272776638840832/absolute-smokeshow-part-61-of-sending-a

-

Tag List (thank you!)

@littlemiss-fanficlover , @babybatlover , @girlofpink , @kagome2909 , @domripley , @wiccanpriestess , @falloutboy-lover , @aut0luminescence

[tomorrowxtogether]

Tomorrow X Together on new music, US tour: 'Never expected' fans to show 'this much love'

Members of Tomorrow X Together, the wildly popular K-pop group, have come of age during a rapid ascension in the music industry. Quickly after the quintet debuted in 2019, they started winning top awards and peaking on both Korean and American charts. Last year, the group's third album hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, they headlined Lollapalooza and won a MTV Music Video Award.

Since their beginning, TXT's music has kept to the narrative of a boy's journey through life. As the members themselves have matured in the spotlight, the process of growing up has been influential for the discography.

Just as people reach reflection points on the cusp of moving from one part of life into the next, TXT's newest release, "minisode 3: TOMORROW," finds the guys contemplating their past and hoping for the future.

"This album is all about being reminded of the promises of the past and going on a search for 'you' who I shared a promise with," Taehyun, 22, told USA TODAY.

'minisode 3: TOMORROW' furthers Tomorrow X Together's narrative

This album is Tomorrow X Together's third under the "minisode" title. These releases have always been a bridge that connects the larger chapters in quintet's music.

As for "minisode 3: TOMORROW", it speaks about life and reality, said Soobin, 23, the group's leader.

The new album references Tomorrow X Together's prior moments, highlighting how nostalgia intersects with growth.

"We had a look back on some of the lyrics of our past songs and the music videos like 'Nap of a star'," said Taehyun. Lyrics in the lead single "Deja Vu" also give nods to some of the group's first singles "9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)" and "CROWN".

With this album, the members wanted to capture their unique identifying quality: Storytelling.

Over the years, the members have become more involved in the creative process, said Hueningkai, 21. "As we try and channel our honest, personal stories into the album, I think it helps me realize more and more who I am as an artist."

Understanding Tomorrow X Together's creative process

The members have become more ambitious when it comes to sharing their perspectives within their songs. "Rather than drawing inspiration from an outside source, I think it provided us with an opportunity to look back on our own lives," said Soobin.

"It's a crucial part that we cannot miss out on in order to make sure our stories more compelling and convincing," said Taehyun.

In particular "Deja Vu" is full of impact, said Beomgyu, 23, exhibiting "how much we've grown and how far we've come." The song infuses rage and emo rock, underscoring TXT's versatile sonic range.

Tomorrow X Together US tour, reflecting on debut anniversary

In support the latest release, TXT is set to embark on its third US tour May 14. The group will be performing in eight cities including Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C.

The members are looking forward to seeing their fans and visiting cities they haven't been to yet. As for the shows, Beomgyu said there's "so much in store," adding, "I'm excited to show you guys what we have prepared."

The group celebrated its half-decade anniversary March 4. The last five years have been filled with many accomplishments and accolades. Stand-outs included performing at stadiums for Soobin to attending and performing at the MTV VMAs for Beomgyu.

For Yeonjun, 24, he is thankful the members have made it safely to this point and he hopes to continue this in the future.

"The most important thing would be that we will still be together all the members and our beloved MOA," said Yeonjun. "My hope is that a decade into our debut, we would still be dancing and singing in front of our fans together."

On theme with "minisode 3: TOMORROW" and its reflection of the past, the members are proud of how far they have come.

"I never expected that I would end up receiving this much love and I think it's a huge blessing and I'm so grateful for that," said Yeonjun.

[trulybetty]

Sunday Week In Review XV

What a couple of weeks! Took a little break from my weekly updates as Sundays started to become a little crazy around the Truly household - so I may have to switch up the format for the new year, but we'll see!

But anyone else have have no clue where time has gone? How is it Christmas Eve already? With things a little busy I've had limited time to read. So this is a mishmash from the last three weeks of what I managed to track.

T R U L Y  U P D A T E S . . .

December x 500 is underway and we're in the home stretch now. Sickness has thrown the Maplewood AU's for Marcus and Joel out of sync - but I will be working on getting them out as soon as possible!

December x 500 Masterlist

W H A T  I  R E A D . . .

Bakers Dozen (Various) by @avastrasposts This is such a delicious series and just keeps getting better and better! On the edge of my seat waiting for each new update!

Caught Kissing Santa (Dave) by @wildemaven This was so incredibly sweet and oh so festive! The idea of Dave dressing up as Santa for his kids just makes me swoon! 

Paranoid Heart (Javi) by @goodwithcheese This series just keeps getting better chapter after chapter and this weeks update has me counting down the days until it’s Tuesday again!

Holiday Prompts (Joel) by @jomiddlemarch Jo manages to capture so much in all her little drabbles as she follows along a month of prompts! Definitely recommend getting in on following them!

Working Title (Dieter) by @rhoorl Have I mentioned in the last five minutes that I love a soft Dieter? That's what Jess delivers with this series and this latest installment in Dieter and Belle's relationship has me on edge for what's to come for them next.

Here | Catalyst 'Verse (Joel x Frankie x Reader) by @ezrasbirdie The latest installment to this series certainly doesn't disappoint and explores the dynamic that's been growing since the first installment and the complexities of that come with any relationship, but the added addition of another person. If you've not read this series, I very much recommend it!

Are You Alone & Are You Going To Be Quiet? (Benny) by @rhoorl With this series Jess has created around Benny it's impossible not to drop everything to read it once it's released. These two additions this month were deliciously spicy and festive, just what the season calls for!

Holiday Prompts (Various) by @ladamedusoif Rose has been knocking it out of the part using the same prompt list I've been working through and they're all just so good! I'm slowly getting caught up with them and will be bringing them to a re-blog real soon - but I highly suggest diving into these for some festivities!

A New Tradition with Frankie (Frankie) by @nerdieforpedro Frankie, check. Baking, check. Mishaps, check. Frankie being incredibly sweet and Frankie? Check, check and check! This is incredibly sweet despite the baking issues in the story - but Frankie more than enough makes up for it.

Footprints (Joel) by @sin-djarin Ohmigod, I get a lump in my throat when I think about this fic Becca so beautifully wrote exploring Joel creating Christmas magic for Sarah with the help of Tommy pre-outbreak. Dare you to read it and not have a tear in your eye!

Don’t Drink the Punch (Dave) by @wildemaven Heidi's Holi-Dave series is just the soft Dave I didn't know I needed, but can't live without now! Christmas Office parties would be a whole lot better with Mr. York around, that's for sure!

Undercover (Tim) by @secretelephanttattoo I've been wading in the Rockpool for a while now, and El just further confirms I won't be leaving anytime soon with this series! The slow burn and the forced close proximity makes for a fantastic read that builds the anticipation for the next installment.

Nourish (Joel) by @goodwithcheese This is the second of Megan’s one-shots featuring Joel and she’s managed to build this cozy little world in Jackson between Joel and our reader. Really enjoyed the dynamic here and the inclusion of Ellie.

Smutsgiving 2023: Sweet Potato Casserole (Wing Pit Pedro) by @something-tofightfor This is another instalment in the Daniel Harper Wing Pit character that I have totally fallen for. Like seriously, if you’ve not read the previous fic’s by Rachael you should get over there and check them out!

12 Days of XXX-Mas (Various) by @morallyinept Jett’s 12 Days Of XXX-MAS has been delivering banger after banger (literally 😏) with this festive series and there's something for everyone here.

Delta Landscaping (Various) by @rhoorl This is my favourite soap opera and live for updates on the residents of Mule Fall Court! Even if you're not a fan of Triple Frontier (is there such thing? lol) - stick around for the PPCU (Pedro Pascal Character Universe) cameos!

You Me & John McClane (Dave) by @wildemaven It's by no exaggeration when I say this is the festive rom-com of my dreams 😍 - I have a hard time sometimes with Dave fics, but this Holi-Dave series has a permanent residence on my re-read list and every time this has popped up I've read it again!

Sunny & the Grinch (Jack) by @gnpwdrnwhiskey I love Sunny and Jack and this festive instalment is such a treat! I’m still giddy over it and still not okay - not giving anything away, but it still has me kicking my feet in excitement when I think about it!

Symphony (Joel) by @maggiemayhemnj The opening chapter to Jeanne’s first series set in Jackson dropped this week. A great introduction to our characters and I’m already excited for the next instalment to see where things go! I love a good OFC and I know Jersey isn’t going to disappoint! 

Give (Joel) by @goodwithcheese Another jump into post TLOU word in Jackson with these two. It’s such a cozy bubble that makes me feel warm and fuzzy every time we visit them. I love this little festive addition!

Common Thread (Frankie) by @wildemaven Such a dreamy series of vignettes between our reader and Frankie. The whole thing was a great balance of spice and domesticity of an established relationship. 

Gift Wrapped (Dieter) by @sp00kymulderr This is the chaotic festive Dieter of my dreams! This was such a fun read and if you are a fan of Dieter this needs to be on your reading list!

In Reality (Dieter) by @sin-djarin Becca’s coming home series is beautiful and this addition of Dieter, in follow up to ‘In Fiction’ is in part a great character study and a festive slice of warmth. Highly recommend!

T H I S  W E E K ' S  J A M . . .

It's not Christmas until this album has been played and this is my favourite from it...

Hope everyone, no matter how you celebrate the season, is doing well and staying safe ❤️

Sending lots of love and hugs to you all!

[ladykailitha]

Star Child Part 12

Yeah...it’s really looking like this story is coming to a close. And I hate it. I love this story, but my muse has me careening toward the finish line like a star falling to earth. Far, far too quickly. If my muse had any sense at all, it would drag out the plot with Creel and the label, but it doesn’t want to. It wants the boys to be happy ever after NOW not in five weeks (as was the original ending with Corroded Coffin’s final concert in LA and Steve confessing his feelings on stage).

Also there is a cliffhanger but I have written most of the next chapter so Monday you should get the resolution. And just remember, I promised a happy ending.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

*

Steve made a couple of calls himself. The first to Erica to make sure that being in litigation would prevent him from leaving the state. It didn’t, so his next call was to Jane. Between the two of them they crafted the perfect coming out plan. Complete with statements and interviews. His final phone call was to Robin.

“I’m giving you the heads up,” Steve said once she answered. “I’m going burn the label to the ground. Erica and Jane are all for it.”

“What made you decide to do it now?” she asked. “Instead of a week from now or even a month?”

“Because it’s better to be honest and open now,” he explained, pacing in his office, “then to have to do damage control. Let people know what I was forced into and how dangerous the music industry still is for the LGBTQ+ community. I’m tired of hiding, Robin.”

She sighed. “I know. I’m proud of you.”

“I almost came out at Love Loud...” he whispered into the phone.

There was silence on the line for a moment before Robin said, “Wow.”

He took a deep breath. “I got talked out of it by the record label. They told me to wait until after the last album was complete.”

“Something they thought was years off,” Robin said. “Those bastards!”

Steve hummed in agreement. “Pretty much.”

“You need me to come over?” she asked.

“No,” Steve murmured. “I’m going to fly out to Salt Lake City and do a couple of radio shows and be seen with Eddie.”

Robin huffed out a laugh. “And I can guess who’s idea that was.”

“Dustin is going to be insufferable,” he said with a sigh.

Robin cackled until Steve hung up the phone.

*

“In a released statement from Steve Harrington’s management and PR firm the pop star, formally of the boy band The Kings came out as bisexual. The statement went on to say that his parents and the label conspired to keep his attraction to men a secret, going as far as conversion therapy, threat of commitment to a mental institution, and even blackmail.

“Steve Harrington was seen at LAX this afternoon and our sources say that he went off to go into hiding until this all cools down. Further sources say that he is holed up in a hotel in Salt Lake City. Sources couldn’t confirm, however whether or not he was with Corroded Coffin who will be playing at the Vivint Arena tomorrow night to a sold out crowd.

We will keep you to date on all the latest news surrounding the sudden coming out of Steve Harrington...”

Eddie turned off the TV and turned to Steve. “That was quite the coming out story, sweetheart.”

Steve was with the band and their manager, Chrissy Cunningham in Eddie’s hotel suite.

“I just hope it gets the hounds of hell off my heels,” Steve murmured.

Chrissy pursed her lips. “I’m not sure I like this plan.”

Jeff nodded. “There are so many things that could go wrong, but if it goes right all of us will be able to sleep better at night, and you know it.”

Chrissy sighed. “I do like the guards outside the door, though. That’s a nice touch.”

Steve grinned. “Aren’t they fantastic?”

“We’re smuggling you out to LA,” Brian told her. “We don’t want you caught in the crossfire if this goes south.”

Chrissy’s eyes went wide.

“Which it won’t,” Eddie growled, glaring at Brian.

“You’ll be staying with my manager, Robin Buckley at my place,” Steve said. “Janice already has people there to protect you both if Creel decides he wants hostages.”

They all sobered up at that. Steve coming out was only a part of the puzzle and if all went well, they would have one creepy ass dude behind bars.

*

Steve had lunch with Eddie and they both made sure they had their location turned on so that they would be seen together.

“I think of all the parts of this plan I hate the most,” Steve said when he spotted the third paparazzo snapping their picture, “is that this is a setup. I wish it was something we were just out doing.”

Eddie’s heart ached even as the butterflies took off in his stomach.

“You telling me you want to go out with me, Stevie?”

Steve chewed his bottom lip and looked down shyly at his half eaten sandwich, “And if I did?”

Eddie cocked his head and smiled, “And were you just going ‘keep doing what you were doing and hope it was enough’, sweetheart?”

Steve blushed. “You caught me. It was about you all this time.”

Eddie lift Steve’s chin gently with a single finger. “I don’t do low key, babe. I’m very loud about who and what I like. I came up with the plan, because I wanted to be seen with you.”

Steve’s eyes went wide as Eddie pressed their lips together and he sighed into the kiss.

“I’m sorry,” Eddie murmured.

“For what?” Steve breathed out like a sigh.

Eddie kissed him again. “For not remembering our first kiss. For not running away with you when I had the chance.”

Steve brought his chair closer to Eddie’s to lean into the man’s shoulder. “I think I like it this way. Who knows what might have happened if we had, maybe we became a duo like the White Stripes or maybe would have struggled for years and never became anyone. But I do know that the Kings wouldn’t have been famous. Corroded Coffin wouldn’t have been a band. And I hate that thought.”

Eddie put his arms around Steve’s shoulder. “I love you so much. I think I always have. I just buried it deep. Twisted it until it was unrecognizable. But then you turned back up in my life and I wanted to write love songs about you in a week.”

Steve chuckled. “I’ve already written love songs about you.”

Eddie laughed. It wasn’t malicious or cruel, it was bright and clear. Like of course he did. “You record any of those sappy love songs about me?”

Steve pursed lips and looked up.

“Oh god,” Eddie said with a chuckle. “Can I guess which one? Unless there is more than one?”

Steve shook his head. “I think the label recognized it as being about a boy and carefully vetted each song before I could record it. It was then I realized I was never going to give them my best songs. Because all my best songs were always about you.”

Eddie blushed. “So it would have be off your first solo album...” Steve nodded. “Oh god...”

Steve laughed. “Yup.”

“Oh no,” Eddie moaned. “God that is super cheesy, darlin’.”

“Oh yeah,” Steve said.

“‘Drowning in Your Brown Eyes’, really?”

“In my defense I was eighteen when I wrote it, and just swapped out the pronouns when I went into the recording studio. But yeah, it’s about you, sunshine.”

“Are you going to tell people it’s about a boy?” Eddie asked, pressing his lips to the top of Steve’s head. “That it’s about me?”

Steve lifted his head. “Do you want me to? I mean it is pretty cheesy pop clap trap. I would rather write songs about you and then release it with the knowledge that it’s about you. With everyone knowing it’s about you.”

Eddie’s expression turned fond. “Okay, babe. We could write a duet. Like the Love Loud concert, only our song.”

“I did promise that I would let you write a song on my first non-pop album. I would be happy to have you, love.”

Eddie couldn’t resist pressing his lips to Steve’s. In that moment, everything faded away. The world in which cruel labels, psychopathic mob figures, and disappointing parents just vanished in the midst of their love.

*

They stumbled gleefully into Eddie’s hotel room, kissing and laughing at how happy they were now that they realized how much they love each other.

Someone cleared their throat and they froze. They turned slowly to see Henry Creel sitting in an arm chair. He was devastatingly beautiful as he always was. He wore a white suit with matching loafers and the jacket draped over his shoulders like a cape. The light blue button shirt was the exact color of his eyes. His blond hair flopped lazily over one eye.

Behind him were Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum.

“So you do only have two minions,” Eddie huffed. “Mike was right, you are stupid.”

Creel’s face twisted into a snarl. “I didn’t get to where I am by being dumb, Eddie.”

Eddie raised a questioning eyebrow.

“This room has been swept for electronic devices,” Creel continued. “So if you think that your precious federal officers are going to be coming to your rescue, do think again, won’t you?”

Steve looked him up and down. “Christ.”

Creel smirked. “Close enough. I get everything I want. And I want Eddie Munson.”

Steve scratched his cheek and cocked his head. “I don’t know if you realize this, but Eddie is a person, not a thing, not a possession. You can’t have him.”

Eddie took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I told you when we first met, I don’t heel. I’m not a lap dog. You can’t bring me to my knees.”

Creel stood up and he was eye to eye with Eddie. “I can and I will.”

Eddie huffed out a laugh. “My bandmates already know not to trust anything that didn’t come directly from my mouth, thanks to that little stunt in Austin.”

Creel’s answering smile was cruel. “You forget one small detail, Eddie dear.”

“What’s that?”

“You would do anything to not see him harmed,” Creel said with a smug grin.

“You’re threatening to what?” Steve asked, with an eye roll. “To kill me? Hurt me? Throw me back to the wolves who are my parents? Let the record label win, so I’m controlled forever? What could you do to me that I haven’t done or tried to do to myself?”

Eddie heart shattered. “Sweetheart...”

Steve lifted his chin. “I went through hell, Creel. You are just another demon barking at my heels.”

“Castor, Pollock, take Stevie here to the other room and kill him,” Creel said over his shoulder. “Make it look like suicide, won’t you?”

Steve closed his eyes as they grabbed him roughly. Eddie moved to stop them, but he felt sharp pain in his side. He looked down to see Creel was holding a switchblade to him.

“Please don’t move,” Creel said sweetly. “I would hate to get blood on this suit.”

“It’s okay, Eddie,” Steve murmured. “He hasn’t won.”

Eddie jaw began to quiver.

Steve stopped just before the door and turned around to face him. “Make him pay.”

Eddie nodded.

The door closed and a few moments later...

BANG!

***

Part 13 Part 14 Part 15  Part 16

Tag List: @bejeweledbaby @eboyawstenn @moonshadows-13 @ohlook-afrog @goodolefashionedloverboi @linkydinky06 @livelaughlexa @spectrum-spectre @cutepumpkin4 @whatthemeepever @gleek4twd @anything-thats-rock-and-roll @novelnovella @celtrose-ish @artiststarme @plasticcrotches  @failedstarsandgoldenclouds @anaibis @nelotegreitic @steddieassheg0es @abstractnaturaldisaster @scheodingers-muppet @tiny-enthusiast @yes-im-your-mom @thegingerrapunzel @milf-harrington @avacrebs @gregre369 @raisedbylibrarians @reverseteehee @lillys-weird-world @deadlydodos @runyousillydetective @justrandomfandomstm @piebook67 @clumsywriter @donttouchmycarrots @fiore-della-valle @idkareallyreallygoodname  @idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @imfinereallyy @ravenpainter @ellietheasexylibrarian @maya-custodios-dionach @child-of-cthulhu @estrellami-1 @lillithhellfire @nerdsconquerall @space-invading-pigeon @localgaydisaster @bookbinderbitch 

[interlunium-opus]

►DANCING WITH THE DEVIL #003 [Sunghoon.] — teaser

Previous Parts ‣ #001 | ‣ #002

Abstract: Juxtaposing the way your town was beginning to get a new lease on life after the authorities finally found the culprit behind your town's recent serial killings, your life was fraying at the edges instead as you still had to continue battling your inner demons on the daily – from nightly terrors to random flashes of visions – the latter of which, for mysterious reasons, seemed to only happen when you are face-to-face with Park Sunghoon, the bane of your existence.  The more distraught you were over it all, the more convinced you were to get to the bottom of it, even if it means wreaking hell with the bane of your existence and waltzing with him in a game of his own making. You knew you were treading dangerous waters in doing so but you figured, if your days are numbered, then you'd rather go down fighting, dragging him down with you. But with the line between hate and love being thin, someone is bound to slip up soon, thereby threatening to ensnare the both of you deeper into the tangled web that Sunghoon had spun for you in the first place.

Genre: vampire!sunghoon | horror | thriller | fantasy | romance (or is it? 😋)

Status: released >> click me <<

>>> | Masterlist |

A/N: hi guys! I'm back. At least it’s not a 1-year wait again this time unlike last time oop- 💀 thank you so much for the love you all showered for Dancing with the Devil. I kid you not ever since Dark Blood concept teasers were released, that series gained a new lease on life, it was so stupefying lol ((unless someone boosted that fic somewhere, I can only think of the latest album casting a long-overdue well-justified spotlight towards vampire!enhypen as it should))

This 3rd chapter is actually quite hard to write. I have tonnes of ideas but once written they become too long, too messy, too arduous and too disjointed that every time I revisit it to continue writing it, I just end up scrapping a huge chunk of it and rehauling it. Eventually, after months of re-writing and after at least rehauling it 20 times (I know I suck), I have finally written about almost ~17k of it and am finally satisfied with how the story is going and flowing for the most part. So all that is left now is to fill in the gaps in each sections, make sure they flow nicely and make sure each section ends in such a way that makes your heart drop. Then of course to proofread it. I can’t promise you a date but rest assured, I won’t vanish on you hahaha maybe by the end of this month? That’s a safe bet. I get antsy if I drag it too long anyway.

Let me just say though, if you love ((tension)) and the hate((-love)) relations between the two in this series – you’ll love this chapter 😉😉 😉 (lol where is this overconfidence coming from, have some shame A.). But yeah, I was sick of how much I was dragging it in the initial drafts so as I rehauled it I was so obsessed in making sure that hey were at each other’s throat in a more love hate way rather than hate hate way. I've also made y/n more feisty and confrontational to ✨stir✨ the tension further. Basically, if you want a hint of what went down, the hint lies in the moodboard above OHOGOOHOHOH

ps. If you’re feeling extra nice and generous, do drop me some kind words about my work in my inbox to get my motivations burning 🔥

[ginsakatoki]

hi! could you do hcs for gintoki with a shy and kind reader? either crushing or established relationship is fine🥺

 You’re the first person to send a Gintama request and I really liked this one so I made sure to make it extra long. Let me know if you want a part 2!  As always, this probably came out more of a scenario than headcanons but I hope you don’t mind. Sorry to make you wait!

Gintoki is surrounded by loud and bold people 24/7 so he desperately craves a calm, down to Earth person with whom he can chill with.

One day his friends were being particularly annoying and he had enough, so he went out on his own hoping to buy the latest release of Jump and read it somewhere quiet. 

Lady Luck however didn’t seem to be by his side: there wasn’t a single copy of Jump left in the whole town and Edo had never seemed so small to Gintoki. 

You witnessed his temper tantrum from your shop.

Why must you hurt me this way, Gods! What does a man have to do to read his beloved Jump in peace!? Why must a copy of Jump be more difficult to get than MewTwo!

It might have been a twisted joke of faith or a mere coincidence that you were just opening your own business as a librarian and that you did, indeed, have a few copies of Jump.

Despite your shyness you went out to the crying man on his knees and gave him a free copy, as you’d never seen a man so dedicated to Jump before.

He looked at you like you were some kind of savior or divine presence, as if your figure were surrounded by light.

He thanked you profusely and asked if there was anything he could do to help.

At first, since he was so close that you couldn’t help but panic a little, you denied yet when you saw him turn his back to leave, you stopped him.

W-wait! Are you Sakata Gintoki from Yorozuya? Maybe you could help me unload these boxes from the van. They’re quite too heavy for me… And you can read Jump in the back, after you’re done

He agreed. He didn’t have anything else to do, after all, and he owed you a favor so, why not?

You didn’t talk much except for “Where would you like me to put these?”, “Over there, thanks” so it took him little time to finish unloading all the boxes. 

While Gintoki read his Jump, you started ordering and cataloging the books you’d just received until suddenly a loud voice interrupted your calm.

No! No! No! Why? You cannot finish Gintaman’s chapter on this cliffhanger you gorilla! Where is the rest?

He truly was the most Jump dedicated man you’d ever seen so you couldn’t help but giggle at his behavior.

I could save you a copy next week, after all I’ll need help unpacking again.

And that’s how your little arrangement began. 

Weeks became months and both of you started yearning for the days you’d meet each other.

Gintoki didn’t really realize his feelings. He usually associated you with Jump (so much so that he referred to you as “Jump Lady” or “Jump Boy”) and thought he was happy to see you because of that. However everytime he read Jump in your shop, his eyes would drift off the pages and fix themselves on you as if the way you hummed songs while organizing books were more interesting than any shonen battle he was reading at the moment.

With time he decided to help you out cataloging books too. He would hover over you when putting books on high shelves or occasionally touch your hand and brush it off as a coincidence.

He also started spending entire afternoons at your shop, instead of one or two hours like he used to and his absences didn’t go unnoticed by Kagura and Shinpachi. 

One day, worried about their leader, they followed him to know what it was that took so much of his time every week.

Look, look Shinpachi! Gin-chan’s dead fish eyes don’t look so dead! Don’t tell me… is Gin-chan in love, Shinpachi!?

However Shinpachi didn’t have an answer, because Kagura had only brought his glasses.

Later that day Kagura explained everything to Shinpachi (the real one, not the glasses) and confronted Gintoki, asking him who was the pretty librarian he was with and why he hadn’t said anything about their relationship. The silver haired man only replied that he was helping them with work and nothing more.

Wow Gin-san, I didn’t even think you were able to work. You must really love them.

Shut up you idol obsessed nerd!

That made Gintoki think that if not in love, it was likely that he had a crush. Or, at the very least, was attracted to you. Still, he shrugged it off. He doesn’t really like to overthink things so he decided to go with the flow.

Well. He tried. He tried so hard. At the end of the day, everytime he saw you he couldn’t help but wonder “Did they always smell this nice? Was their voice always this soothing? I wish they smiled more… they’re very pretty when they do”.

The day he kissed you, he wasn’t thinking straight. At all. 

You were organizing books, like you always did when he was around, and he couldn’t help but stare at your lips. In his trance, he didn’t even hear you call out his name.

Sakata-san? Sakata-san!

Gin. Just… Call me Gin.

Oh, okay. Gin-san is there something wro-

You didn’t have time to finish asking your question because his unexpectedly soft lips were on yours, a kind hand softly brushing your cheek delicately as if afraid you’d run away. 

Surprised, you let go of the book you were holding and it hit the floor with a soft thud.

Well, I guess I’ll go now

The meaning of his actions finally catching up to him, he turned his back and started to leave… but you grabbed his sleeve, not even looking his way.

Stay?

And stay he did.

My wifi has decided once more to be an ass, will I be in trouble if i commit murder?

[hyperbolicreverie]

Okay, so I wouldn't normally post something like this so soon after a chapter release but I have stuff to do today and my brain won't let me do them until I ramble about Thoughts. Meta under the cut, spoilers for Chapter 1054. 

So let’s talk about the admirals.

When we first see the original three admirals all together, there’s some pretty interesting theming going on, and I’m not talking about the names, but rather personality and design hints. On a sliding scale, we have Aokiji at one end, relatively chill and slow to anger, then we move through Kizaru and his terrifying neutrality, onto Akainu who is much more of an aggressive presence. We also get this with their colors: cool and calm blue on one end with angry red on the other end of the spectrum, Kizaru’s yellow again taking up the middle slot.

And that’s a really neat way of highlighting how different the approaches of even the highest, most exclusive echelons of the Marines are. It’s a great shorthand to indicate to the reader that the Marines are not quite as united as they pretend to be.

But where things start getting really interesting is when we replace two of those admirals.

It was nowhere near as…I hesitate to say obvious because we’ve only had Aramaki for real for two chapters, but the parallels definitely weren’t as clean. But as of this latest chapter, it does seem that we have a situation now where we have replaced the two admirals who left (either by resignation or promotion) with much more starkly defined versions of the originals—at least in regards to philosophy and beliefs.

We see this first with Aokiji and Fujitora: Aokiji is not terribly well aligned with a lot of the more aggressive philosophies in the Marines, and we do spend a bit of time showing that because of events like Ohara, he has spent a lot of time thinking about things like this. He learns and sees the injustices in the world over time, and finally steps up to maybe do something about keeping more strict and aggressive ideologies from taking over—and might still be doing so, if the thoughts that he’s an undercover SWORD member or just a rogue agent with an agenda bears fruit.

Fujitora is the next step in this thought process. He arrives at the marines already incredibly familiar with the cruelties and injustices of the world—and honestly doesn’t seem to want the job at all—and needs no prompting whatsoever to immediately start working to bring down part of the system that he sees as wrong. It is a clear escalation of the ideals on this side of the spectrum, which is appropriate, because everything about the post-timeskip era is an escalation.

(As an aside, I would believe Aramaki absolutely jumped at the chance to take the job, and maybe had a marine or government-adjacent or related job to start with, given the words that have come out of his mouth, but Fujitora is another story entirely. The World Military Draft is still a draft and that implies a certain level of not being given a choice in the matter. I kind of want to know what sort of thing you have to hold over someone like Fujitora’s head to get him to comply).

On the other hand, Akainu is a follower of Absolute Justice, where the ends absolutely justify the means, no matter how horrific. And to replace him, we have Aramaki, who has taken it a step further and declared that all those horrible things aren’t just situationally necessary but systematically necessary. So we get an escalation in the other direction.

And then we have Kizaru, as ever, sitting dead in the center and being absolutely neutral. No explicit morals or drive, and all the more terrifying for it. Kind of the living representation on what it means to not take a side.

Also, we’ve technically had an escalation in the philosophies of the leadership as well. I can’t speak to Kong because we mostly only know that he…exists, but the shift from Sengoku to Sakazuki is also one of these. Sengoku had a style that seems to have been much more grounded in keeping the status quo afloat, since the breakdown of equilibrium in the world would only cause chaos, whereas Sakazuki is much more “no compromises, no quarter” and is arguably helping accelerate that breakdown as a result.

This sort of evolution of beliefs on either end of the spectrum, especially considering they are increasingly at odds with one another, feels like it’s deliberate. This feels like it’s leading somewhere, and maybe this is just narrative hints at how bad things have become in the outside world—because we’ve been in Wano a long time and one of the best features of Oda’s world is that it keeps moving outside the scope of the focal characters. Actions have consequences, and ripple effects you might not expect.

But between this and the introduction of SWORD, I think it’s entirely possible we’re headed for a very public Marine schism at some point in the near future. There’s going to be a line that a lot of people aren’t going to be willing to cross, and Sakazuki’s vow to “strike back and return fire on all fronts” in the latest chapter sounds an awful lot like it could be the trigger for something like that.

Genuinely excited to see where this goes, and happy to see how the rest of the One Piece world is doing again.

[lewmagoo]

I'm so sorry I missed the positivity night - I blame being on the opposite time zone. If it's not too late, I would love to shout out... 'One for the history books' - @pisupsala one of the first tgm series that I read and loved and go back to. I love how much attention to detail is put into the OC career and day to day job.

'Landslide' by @roosterbruiser This story moved me and I loved the way Millie touched on some really deep and challenging topics like grief, toxic relationships, and sacrifice. It really made me think hard about those things too . It is so well crafted, researched, and themed and I love the playlists that accompany the chapters and characters.

I pretty much love anything @roosterforme writes but 'A little present' and Chapter 7 of 'A love you don't find every day' absolutely take the cake for me - there is a simple line in each of these stories from Roo that lights me on fire every time I read them.

@withahappyrefrain "Full of surprises" and "Part 2" I adore (and am grateful to) Abby's commitment to the Bob fucks agenda and these are two stand out works. Also love the realistic aspects they include the in the smut scenes here and there.

@jupitercomet 'Sweeter than sugar' series and blurbs. I love how Bob's good qualities bleed out from the darker character he is in these stories.

@lewmagoo you! 'Swathed in the purple light' your story is incredible - the build up and release in this is amazing. I can feel it through the screen each time I read it and I love how understood & cared for Bobby is.

@arson-tm 'Bruised thighs/flowery sheets' similar to the story above I love the way Rhett is cared for and understood and how safe he feels to be vulnerable in this especially when he treated so poorly and ignored by so many.

@sebsxphia all of Seb's thots and one shots are incredible. Her creative mind blows me away, I definitely have to mention the Ptolemaea series which is such a creative and interesting and original intersection of characters and dark themes but I've also really been loving the latest one-shots of soft Rhett looking after a reader experiencing illness and addiction. They are both really powerful but comforting stories at the same time.

@delopsia Delgato creates and shares the most incredible gifs and themes collages and I am eternally grateful for all the Lewis Pullman character content she shares!

Thank you for hosting this. A really lovely thing to do!

i've read most of these, but there are a few i haven't! i'm adding them to my reading list now bc i know they will be fantastic

[gintrinsic-writing]

can we get the BTS for DoR? favorite scene from the latest chapter or the fic overall - your pick!

Lol so what IMMEDIATELY came to mind isn't my favorite scene from the fic overall, but it is a scene that had a running inside joke behind its conception, so I'll talk about that as well as my favorite from the latest chapter so I'm still following the prompt request haha. I'm not even sure what my favorite scene overall is, tbh!

In chapter 10, Overture, Wild is making some elixirs when the topic of "weirdest thing you've ever eaten" is discussed by the group. Wild announces that he's eaten hylian, and the heroes react in vastly different ways. The snippet started out as a goof, and I fully intended for it to end with it being clear that Wild WAS joking, but then the topic came up in a small LU server... We laughed about it, then I was informed that cannibalism was a banned topic in Main, and someone else (I'm keeping this vague in case people don't want to be name-dropped lol) said they wondered "who is out here talking about cannibalism in relation to LU?!" for it to be banned at all? Then of course we realized WE were, and like all mature adults, this led to us making wayyyy more jokes about it. Cannibalism eventually became the server running gag for a long, long time. We had a counter and everything i.e. "14 days since cannibalism was last mentioned." And after that, I made sure that the end of this scene was MUCH more vague/ominous, and I've loved hoarding the truth of Wild's statement hahaha. (Because yes, he has.)

Regarding the latest chapter, the very end is my favorite part! I've had that bit with Twilight planned for a while. I wanted it to be a reflection of Wild's first time meeting the chain---all the tension, violence, confusion, except THIS time the source of strife was compounded by different influences and agencies, and his emotional ties to the heroes now also contained the beginning of genuine love and trust (even if it was all completely fucked up by everything else going on). I wanted that sad loser BROKEN DOWN by the end, so when he turns that arrow on Twilight readers wouldn't know how it was going to turn out. Wild/Karusa was absolutely desperate for help, but even his desperation was soured by physical and mental trauma. I personally loved the line about his arrow coveting Twilight's heart. His decision to take that painful step toward more vulnerability in the aftermath of being attacked was huge for his future, for good or bad.

Also, in the initial draft, he was going to be mentally attacked one last time by Big Grouch, and he was actually going to release the arrow---but through sheer will power, he was going to jerk his aim to the side, and end up striking Twilight in the shoulder just inches above where the first arrow landed. But I figured this would derail things too much, and require too much explanation for the heroes as to his motivations by that point, and it wasn't the direction I wanted things to go.

[bluestar22x]

Reunion

The Writing Contest - Chapter 4: Reunion

Summary: The premiere night of the movie based on Nora and Javi's screenplay changes everything and nothing at the same time.

Pairing: Javi Gutierrez x Female!OC (Nora Delaine)

Rating: 18+ Series

Word Count: 3,100(ish)

Warnings: Romance (we're laying it on thick today), angst, longing

Author’s Note: Nora's got issues to work through if that's not apparent. Also this is where Nora's love for Bon Jovi (and mine) starts becoming part of the story, not just the chapter titles.

xxx

"Do I look okay?"

Sierra gawked at you through the video chat on your phone, which you had prompted against the mirror in your hotel room's bathroom. "Do you look okay? Seriously, Nora? You look like a princess."

You were dressed in a sleek turquoise blue dress with silver embroidery along the shoulders and edges, your shoulders almost completely exposed and your breasts just contained enough. You had minimum make up on but what you did have on, especially your black eye liner, highlighted your facial features. Your light brown hair was pinned into an updo that had taken you nearly two hours to complete, to your dismay, but at least it looked like the pictures you'd found online. There was a pearl necklace, earrings, and silver rings on three of your fingers that rounded out your look, along with the delicate white sandals with two inch heels that Sierra could not see due to the bathroom countertop being in the way.

"That sounds like too much," you said, frowning. Maybe you should've gone with a black dress.

"No! No!" Sierra shouted, moving closer to her phone's camera. "It's perfect! You look amazing. Everyone at the premiere won't know what hit them."

You blushed, uncertain if you wanted to draw that kind of attention to you. You just wanted to fit in that night, when you joined a selected chosen few to watch California Dreamers for the first time in a classy theater in Los Angeles before its worldwide release the week after.

It was surreal, how your story would soon be on the big screens, for all who wished to see it. Your excitement over it had your hands shaking.

"So are you nervous?" Sierra inquired.

"Of course I am," you replied, taking a final look at your face in the mirror. "I've never been to an event like this. Walter said some paparazzi might take pictures of me. If I do anything wrong I might just end up on the cover of some gossip magazine under 'New Screenplay Writer Has Big Oops At Premiere' or something."

"Don't make me jealous," Sierra said, grinning. "And that's not what I meant. I was talking about how you're about to see Javi again for the first time in a year."

"Why would I be nervous about that?" you asked. "We've kept in contact. I told you that filming for his latest screenplay is starting next month. He knows I've sold another one too. And we did use video chat a few times."

"Yes, but talking through the computer or phone once a month is not the same as in person," Sierra pointed out. "And you still have unresolved feelings for him."

"I do not," you protested a little too fast.

She gave you the look. The one that read as seriously? "You haven't even tried to put yourself out there at all the past year, Nora. Don't deny it."

You tried to anyway. "I've been busy with the second screenplay, you know that. It's been stressful writing completely solo for the first time and then trying to sell it on my own after."

She sighed. "Whatever, why do I even bother? Forget I brought it up and enjoy yourself tonight, Nora. You deserve it."

"Thanks."

"You'd better hang up with me," she figured, glancing at the ancient clock hanging on her kitchen wall. "By the time you call a taxi and they drive you there it'll almost be seven."

You said your goodbyes and switched to calling out for a taxi, the nearest company promising a car within fifteen minutes. It was on time, and you quickly made your way from the inside of your hotel lobby to the car. Though the driver did a double take of you (the good kind) he was nothing but polite and opened the back door for you.

On the ride to the movie theater you twirled the rings on your fingers, jitters truly setting in for the first time, and not just because of the film.

Even though you had denied it, Sierra was right, of course. You still had feelings for Javi and you'd been distracting yourself by burying yourself in your work, not just your second screenplay, but also the part time pet sitting business you'd started, a means to an end to making rent, though you did enjoy taking care of your clients' animals. It wasn't too serious though. You didn't have a regular client base and could leave whenever you liked, something you'd needed to be able to come to the premiere and any other future ones. You hoped someday to quit once you made enough money writing.

The theater the film was premiering at appeared after a right turn onto a busy business street and you ran a hand over the front of your dress, smoothing out wrinkles that didn't exist.

"Showtime," you uttered quietly and carefully stepped out of the taxi after paying the driver, making sure to include a healthy tip.

The entrance to the red carpet section beyond a border of ropes was being guarded by a burly man who was at least a foot taller than you, and seeing him caused your anxiety to flare. You had remembered your pass, right?

You fumbled with your wallet and pulled it out, raising it to your eye level like some detective on an eighties cop show.

"Nora Delaine," he noted, voice booming. "First time at a premiere?"

"How can you tell?" you asked, trying not to squeak.

He smiled, and it was friendly enough, but you were still intimated. You were pretty sure his biceps were larger than your head.

"You look more nervous than my mother's Chihuahua," he chuckled.

And I'm proportionally the same size, you thought.

You sucked in a deep breath and put yourself together. You were being ridiculous. A lot of people in Hollywood were above average height and buff, especially when compared to the average in your town. People of French heritage weren't actually typically all that short, but your family and neighbors did fit the stereotype.

"Have you seen Javi Gutierrez yet?"

"Right here," a familiar voice beyond the ropes answered.

You swiveled your head in the direction of the owner of it and your breath caught.

Several yards away Javi was standing by a backdrop wall put up so the paps could take photos of people as they arrived. He was as handsome as ever, dressed in a classic black and white suit and dress shoes.

Video chat really didn't do him justice, especially when he dressed up.

You approached him after picking your jaw up off the floor, beaming. "Javi!"

"Nora." He opened himself up to you for a hug and you accepted the offer, head against his chest and hands on his shoulder blades. You realized as his hands fell on your spine that you'd forgotten how warm and comforting he was, and you probably lingered in his embrace longer than a friend typically would because of it.

When you pulled away you blinked up at him, analyzing his appearance. Something was different about him.

You gaped at him when you figured it out. "You cut your hair!"

"I always do for premieres," he stated, "For the photos."

You felt a wave of sorrow over the loss of his curls, which was silly, especially since he apparently grew his hair out whenever he wasn't in Hollywood for business, but the feeling was still there.

"You look great, Javi," you told him honestly, "But you also looked great with your waves."

"Thanks," he said, with a hint of a blush on his cheeks. "I'll keep that in mind."

He guided you at the waist towards the center of the carpet as the paparazzi were allowed to file in line along the ropes and started snapping photos of the people that had arrived before you.

You didn't recognize anyone but the director, Marion Young. The actors were probably going to be last to show up, for dramatics.

"Javi look here!" someone called out and you and Javi both pivoted towards a young petite blonde with a massive camera in her hands. You wondered how she could even lift the thing.

"Time to pose," Javi said and you did exactly that as the girl started snapping photos of you together, side by side.

After what felt like ages, you relaxed the forced smile on your face and moved on down the line with him.

"You famous around these parts, Javi?" you inquired, knowing that paps didn't normally recognize writers like that.

"I've been caught hanging out with Nic a few times lately," he explained.

"Ah."

Duh. One of the easiest ways to get noticed in Hollywood was being in the vicinity of a famous actor. Of course someone who was close friends with Nic Cage would gain attention.

"I'm surprised they're not telling me to back out of the shot," you said as another pap's camera flashed at you.

"Even if they did not know you were the main contributing writer to this movie," Javi started, "You look stunning in that dress, cariño. They're eating you up."

Cariño. That was new. You were pretty sure that translated to something like sweetheart. Which wasn't necessarily a romantic pet name but... "Javi." His name came out of you like a warning.

"This is exactly why I made the contest," he told you as you both gained more and more attention nearing the front door of the building. One of his arms was still curled around you. "I wanted to give someone else a shot at the limelight. Soak it in while you can. Hollywood moves fast."

You nodded, not sure what to say, having decided to pretend to have missed the new pet name and ignore how much he was touching you. You didn't want to make a big deal out of it. He tended to get that way when he was excited. That was all it was.

He released you once inside the building and you also had to push aside the disappointment you felt from the loss of contact, shoving the emotion down to replace it with the excitement bubbling up in you for what you'd come here for.

It was time to watch the movie.

You sat down beside him at the back of the theater where the people who weren't the actors and director were asked to sit, and waited anxiously to see the final result of the hard work everyone in the room (besides the few civilians chosen to watch with them) had put in.

It felt like everything was about to change.

x

"So, how'd you like the movie?" Javi questioned as you settled down in the backseat of his limo with him a couple hours later.

"I loved it!" you exclaimed. "The director didn't change too many details and the cinematography was gorgeous. I admit, I wasn't thrilled at first with the casting, they definitely hired the actors for their popularity rather than their appearances fitting Nolan and Angie, but I can't really fault the casting people for it. Those two acted their asses off." You hummed as something that had bothered you crossed your mind. "I do wish the love scene would've been more them though."

Javi glanced at you quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not against movies having music in the background of a love scene," you informed him, "Not in the slightest. They usually add to it. But Nolan turning on that stereo? So not him. He wouldn't want to drown out his partner, you know? They were alone, no one to hear them. It was unnecessary and made it less intimate. Don't you think so?"

He cleared his throat. "Ah, sí, definitely." His phone binged with a text and he nearly jumped in his seat. You tried not to notice though it wasn't like him to get awkward discussing a love scene. You had wrote two together for Angie and Nolan, and they had been pretty spicy. Javi had been completely professional about it.

"Who's that?" you asked.

"One of the producers," he replied as he read the text. "Just reminding everyone the after party is only for those who were part of the crew or wrote for the movie and their significant others. No other family."

"They're paying for the booze," you guessed.

He grinned. "Sí. They promised a round of free shots."

"I think I'll stick to wine tonight," you told him. "The hangover after my birthday celebration was not worth it."

Javi chuckled. "I think I will refuse the offer too. I need to use every spare hour I have tomorrow editing my latest script. I cannot jeopardize my ability to meet the deadline to submit it to the film company interested in it."

The limo driver parked the vehicle and you and Javi quickly exited.

"What are the odds on them having chosen Club Midnight for the party?" you quizzed as you both strolled inside the familiar building.

"High," he shouted at you over the loud music. "I chose to bring you and Sierra here because I've been here many times for after parties. They rent out. So there won't be any general public tonight."

You nodded and weaved your way through the crowd to the bar, with Javi trailing you.

"Hey, congratulations," an unfamiliar woman said as you passed. "How do you feel, your first screenplay being a hit with the critics? Did you see the review calling the movie a beautifully real story about a man and a woman facing life's trials together?"

You turned your head in her direction and flashed her a toothy grin. "Thank you. I hadn't actually checked the reviews yet. Didn't know they released them so fast. And I figured the real test is going to be with the general audiences next week."

"True," she agreed. "They're the ones that make sure your scripts keep getting interest. Still, critical reviews affect turnout to some degree. Don't write off them off."

"Never."

You made it to the bar and ordered the first red wine you could think of, and Javi did the same. You both planted yourselves on bar stools in the corner of the room, away from most of the commotion, after the bartender handed you your drinks.

"I have a confession," you admitted to Javi as you tasted your wine.

"Do tell," he said, leaning in towards you.

"I still like cocktails more than wine."

Javi barked out a laugh. "I won't hold it against you."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

You scanned the club, taking in your surroundings and watching as a decent crowd danced the night away on the center floor.

Being there again made it feel like the weekend of your thirty-fifth birthday had been yesterday. It was hard to believe more than a year had passed. A year, and here you were, in the club with Javi again.

What was the saying? The more things change, the more they remain the same? Was that appropriate for this situation?

An hour passed. You and Javi made small talk between yourselves and spent a little time mingling, chatting with the director and complimenting the actors for a job well done. You even talked to a few of the camera crew members for a bit before the DJ put on some slow music for couples to dance to.

You lit up when you recognized the beginnings of the second song. "You Want To Make A Memory."

"What?" Javi frowned.

"The song," you explained, "It's one of my favorites. Do you know Bon Jovi?"

"I saw them in concert once, in Spain, when I was twenty-one," Javi answered. "My girlfriend at the time suggested we go. They were good."

"Aren't they?" You grinned. "They're my favorite band. Jon has such a good voice and I like the majority of their songs."

"Oh?" Javi stood from the couch you were both seated on and offered you a hand in a very prince-like manner. "Do you want to dance?"

You widened your eyes. "Oh, no, you don't have to."

"Come on," he encouraged. "It'll be fun."

"Okay..."

You grabbed his hand and followed him onto the dance floor, where your eyes met and time seemed to slow. He smiled at you and clasped your right hand and his left together. You smiled back and put your left hand on his shoulder. Then his right hand found the small of your back and you both started swaying to the soothing beat of the song.

You soon realized you couldn't look away from Javi and it seemed he couldn't look away from you either. You were trapped, spellbound together, mesmerized, completely lost in the moment. Your heart was racing for no damn reason except the intensity of his gaze.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Moments like this, they were only in the movies, were they not? Yet there you were, living it, and too lost in it for your fears to touch you.

Your face got closer and closer to Javi's, seemingly on its own accord, and he also leaned in towards you, the hand on your back wandering up to rest along your jaw.

Then he was kissing you, and you were kissing him back, both pouring your longing into the movements of your lips, softly, sweetly.

It was exactly the same kind of kiss Nolan and Angie had shared in your screenplay after they'd decided they wanted to be together, no matter what other people thought about their relationship.

You abruptly pushed yourself away from Javi at that thought, the spell broken, and shook your head.

"I can't do this, Javi," you told him, your heart feeling like it was in a vice grip.

"Why not?' he inquired, caressing your face, eyes soft. It hurt, how affectionate he was being with you.

"Because in the morning I'll fly back home," you stated. "Nothing that happens between now and then could change that."

Javi dropped his hand, looking crestfallen, and you backed away, feeling guilty but knowing that trying to comfort him wouldn't help the situation. You couldn't be his friend after what had just happened. Your only real option was to turn away and leave.

So that's what you did. You practically fled the club, eyes welling up like they had after you'd said goodbye to him at the airport.

You cried because you knew the truth. It wasn't actually distance that was the problem, or even the differences between you and Javi.

It was you.

You and your cowardice.

You wanted to be brave, you wanted to charge back into that club and tell him you'd stay to see where your relationship went, but the fearful part of you, the one that remembered your history and the lessons your family had taught you, prevented you from doing so.

Better a broken heart now than a crushed one later.

xxx

Tagged: @harriedandharassed

xxx

Link to Bon Jovi's Song (on youtube)

(This song vibes with this chapter, imo)

xxx

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

xxx