#and he said 'ken picks up your phone you dropped and sees YOU'RE ON DATING APPS'

[miniimight]

can you write one where mikey tries so hard to hide your relationship but he lets you into toman without you really being all that strong (he just wanted you around) and some members try to hit on you and he teaches them a lesson?

I LOVE YOUR WORK BTW!!!! OMG

HIDDEN RELATIONSHIP ! but some new toman members make it not-so-hidden

with mikey + fem!reader

warnings unwelcome attraction, they corner you and try to force you into a date, a guy puts his hands on you against your will

notes i love this request !! :D i think i went overboard tho lol

mikey was the epitome of attention as the leader of the growing toman. he really couldn't help the fact that emma was known as his sister, but he desperately tried to keep the fact that you were his girlfriend under wraps. couldn't have dumb kids trying to use you against him or get you caught up in gang wars.

every time he dropped you home, you slid off his bike and handed him his spare helmet (more like his only helmet, cuz he didn't wear one).

"bye, mikey." you hummed. "pick me up tomorrow?"

you didn't even have to ask. "yeah." he leaned back in his seat, one hand resting on the bike handle while the other was held in front of you, palm towards the dusky sky.

you slipped your hand into his and he squeezed it, lingering as if he were contemplating something. you waited patiently.

he was so tempted to pull you back into his arms. who cares about the toman meeting when it meant a few more minutes with you?

he sighed and gave in, pulling you closer to the bike bashfully. he looked shy to ask. he'd never spent much time with you after school as he usually ran with his friends. but this time... he just wanted you close.

"ride with me?" he mumbled. "...again?"

you tilted your head slightly. "but... i thought you were gonna hang out with your friends?"

he tugged you forward, forcing a little yelp out of you as you fell into his shoulder. he hugged you tightly, his voice muffled against your chest.

"we never get to hang out for long..." he said. just this once, and no one will notice. maybe he could introduce you to his close friends this time? "it'll be okay. trust me."

you smiled and climbed on again, clasping the helmet buckle under your chin. "okay."

his bike roared to life, zooming down the streets.

[]

he parked his bike nearby, but far away enough so that it'd look like he walked to the meeting spot. your eyes drank the sight of the crowd down there. you knew who mikey was and what he was involved in, but never actually saw it for yourself.

he pouted. "why do you look so surprised?"

you chuckled. "aw, don't pout. i know you're a hotshot, mikey, but seeing all your guys is a different thing."

"not all of them are my guys." mikey whipped out his phone. "anyways, i want you to meet my sister."

you blinked, whipping your head to face him. he already had the phone to his ear. "now?!"

mikey grinned mischievously. "hey emma? i've got someone here, come to where all the bikes are parked."

after a few minutes, his sister came running up with a groan. "what do you want mikey—oh!" emma's jaw dropped. "a girl?!" she pointed an accusatory finger at mikey. "explain yourself!"

mikey smirked proudly and pulled you closer, his arm strung around your shoulders. "a girlfriend."

"girlfr—?!" emma paced in a frustrated circle. "and you didn't tell me?!"

"yeah, cuz it's supposed to be a secret!" mikey retorted, huffing. "and i know you'd just tell ken-chin or something."

emma gaped at the two of you for a moment. you waved meekly, squeaking a "hi, emma. i'm y/n."

she rushed towards you, clutching your hands in hers. "tell. me. everything."

mikey smiled despite his front of annoyance, ruffling both your heads as he walked by. "come on."

as mikey walked, gang members scurried away to make ample room for their president and the two that flanked him: his sister and who they assumed was her guest. he soon reached the platform where all the captains gathered. his crew looked more curious than confused at your presence.

"oi, emma," draken narrowed his eyes at the blonde, the first to pipe up. "you can't just bring whoever you want to these things."

emma opened her mouth to retort, but mikey nudged her side. that was enough to make her revise what she was going to say. "whatever."

you, on the other hand, were confused, thrown into a whole new environment that you knew nothing about. seeing all these violence-prone tough guys made you feel so small and weak.

mikey observed you as your eyes nervously darted across the crowd of toman. he leaned towards you to whisper while his friends were occupied by a chatty emma, his hair brushing against your ear. "just stay where i can see you and you can see me."

"so, at the front?" you gave him a skeptical look.

"wherever you want, i just wanna see your face." he smiled, eyes closed. heat rose to your face as you cast your gaze elsewhere. dork.

you and mikey were pulled from your own little world when emma huffed and puffed at draken.

"ugh, this is boring anyway!" emma turned on her heels. "come on, y/n!"

"oh! okay..." you blinked and gave mikey a parting glance.

the boys watched the two of you race down the steps.

draken scoffed, standing at mikey's side. "why was that girl looking at you like that?"

mikey smiled to himself, his heart thrumming happily. "dunno. might be in love with me or something."

they all laughed at him. yeah, as if!

"emma, slow down—!" you grunted as you wove through all the boys gathered, ignoring their smirking or curious faces as you desperately tried to keep her flowy blond hair in your sight. but it was dark and the black uniforms didn't help one bit.

you paused, looking around.

you lost her. you cursed and just focused on making your way to the back, being alone around all these weird teenagers didn't sit well with you.

"hey."

the firm grip around your wrist sent chills down your spine. you tugged once in a hopes to slither away but with no luck.

"what're ya doing here?"

you turned to see a group of guys surrounding you. your heart dropped into your stomach. your eyes drifted upwards. you couldn't see over their heads; you couldn't see mikey.

"oh, just hanging out with a friend..." you answered. "i'm gonna go now..."

"hold on, you think we buy that?" the one doing all the talking scoffed. "you're a girl here at a gang meeting, what 'friend' are you visiting, huh?!"

you flinched at the tone, unable to find the words.

"wanna know what i think?" he bent down to look you in the eye. "think you're just looking for attention. what, need a boyfriend, sweetheart?"

you hurriedly shook your hands, staring at them with panic. "no! no, i have one! i have a boyfriend." you hoped that would deter them, you desperately hoped they would leave you alone. your head swiveled around. some were taking amusement in the interaction, others were turning a blind eye.

"really?" he asked.

you found yourself glaring at him, despite the uneven match. "yeah."

the boy paused and surveyed you, his nasty gaze raking over you. his lips curled into a smirk. "ha! why should i believe you?"

you resolve crumbled. you whimpered at the failed attempt to get the fuck out of here which did nothing for your case.

"aw, sad you got found out?" he grinned down at you, shoving his hands in his pockets. "it's okay, we can go somewhere together after this, how about that?"

you scoffed, crossing your arms. "i said i have a boyfriend." who, for all the class he lacked, had way more class than this piece of shit.

that seemed to anger the boy. "quit lyin, we know you ain't got shit."

mikey, please just notice me. you begged silently, hoping for some miracle that'd get you out of this situation.

"did you hear me?" the boy hissed, grabbing your wrists. you gasped and glared at him, pulling against him with all your might. "quit—" he grunted. "cut that out!"

you felt cornered and tears pooled in your eyes. your heart felt almost cold as you let your impulses take over, screaming, "let go!"

mikey was eagerly listening as his captains addressed the gang, but his mind was still looking for you in the crowd. he searched for minutes and still couldn't find anything.

he wilted. was he just a bad boyfriend? not being able to recognize his girl in a crowd?

then he heard murmuring, hushed whispers, before he heard your voice.

"let go!"

his face scrunched and he rose to his feet. let go? who had their hands on you?

he marched to the front of the platform, scanning the crowd with newfound intensity. draken seemed to notice and did the work for him.

"oi!" draken's voice made the gang fall silent. even the guy who acted big froze in front of you. "why the fuck do you have your back turned to your leader when he's addressing you?"

mikey saw a couple boys distance themselves from the commotion, where he saw. anger flared into his body and he itched to beat someone to death.

you were looking at him, completely distraught.

he flew down the stairs, shoving past the members towards you. hatred radiated off him in waves as his eyes never left the sight in front of him. someone—his gang members—were fucking disrespecting you. he felt embarrassed and enraged.

the boy who had pressured you immediately let go. you stumbled backwards before looking at mikey. even now, you didn't know if you should run to him in front of everyone.

your doubts were squashed when he opened his arms. you inhaled deeply. your breath shook as you blinked the tears from your eyes, speedwalking towards him. the silence was killing you. what a reveal, you thought. you didn't care though, just happy to be in mikey's arms.

mikey hugged you tightly, pulling back to observe you for any damage. he ghosted his fingers over your wrists. "did they hurt you?"

you gulped at the menacing edge to his voice. you shook your head. he gave your wrists a soothing squeeze.

the aggressors' eyes flickered between you and their leader.

you smiled sweetly and pointed at mikey, mouthing boyfriend!

they paled.

you grinned. get fucked.

"do you know what you just did?" mikey asked, shrugging off his coat and putting it around your shoulders. he walked past you.

"h-hey... i didn't know—" the guy scrambled backwards, his voice dripping with desperation.

"who cares?" mikey's eyes were cloudy. "even if she weren't mine, are you trying to make toman look bad? if you're gonna be pathetic, do it somewhere else."

the guy took that as a cue to leave, quickly turning around.

"who said you could leave?"

you blinked and he was on the ground, mikey's foot landing gracefully.

"huh?" you mumbled. before you could even process it, he was standing over the other bystanders, holding them by their shirt as he landed punch after punch.

when they were all piles of bones on the floor he stood up, dusting his pants and slipping his hands in his pockets. "you're not welcome in toman. you better not let your faces be seen around here any more or i'll bash your head in."

you pulled the wings of mikey's coat closer to your body. despite the violence, you felt... warm and soothed by mikey's actions.

draken dismissed the meeting and the gang practically ran out of there, eager to get out of mikey's area of impact. the founding members and emma remained.

mitsuya looked sheepish when he asked, "i guess she really was in love with you, huh?"

mikey turned his nose in the air. "of course. why would i lie about that?"

pah scoffed. "do you even know yourself?"

you inched closer to mikey, unsure of your place here. he held you by your waist, reassuring you. your racing heart slowed down, little by little.

"hey." surprisingly, draken looked a little embarrassed, probably because he treated you like some rando when you were mikey's girlfriend. "you... we're not like that brat, okay?"

"yeah, what a disgrace!" pah interrupted, huffing.

"you don't have to be afraid." draken continued, glaring at pah. "just like mikey, we'll look out for you."

you smiled, coming out of mikey's side just a little. "thank you. i'm y/n, by the way."

mitsuya groaned. "oh, now it all makes sense." you voiced a confused hum and he elaborated, telling you that mikey would always go on and on about you. his friends thought you were just a crush of his, and since they'd never saw you they honestly thought you were a figment of his hormonal imagination.

your cheeks burned. "oh... no, i'm totally real."

emma peeked out from behind draken. her eyes were glossy and she sniffed, toddling towards you. "y/nnnn!" she wailed, hugging you. "i'm so sorry!"

you pat her back. "emma, it's not your fault! oh my god. please don't cry!" you looked at mikey for help but he just smiled. that smile faded when he realized that his friends and sister were slowly pushing him outside their little circle, wanting to know everything.

"okay, get off." mikey's demeanor changed in an instant. he slipped in under draken's arm and grabbed your hand, tugging you behind him.

"hey, no fair!" emma exclaimed, running after her brother. "you had her for who knows how long but i can't even get to talk to her for five minutes?!"

mikey sped up, laughing. "she's my girlfriend, not yours!"

"mikey!"

his bright laughter brought a smile to your face. he mounted his bike and made sure you were secure before revving off into the distance, his friends hot on his tail.

you gripped mikey's torso, nuzzling into his back. "thank you."

"don't thank me." mikey replied, quiet. "should've never happened in the first place."

your cheek rested on his shoulder blade, staring at him. his hair cascaded just enough to obscure his eyes from view. "i'm glad i have a strong boyfriend to protect me." you giggled.

his chest puffed with pride. "i am pretty strong."

you rolled your eyes.

"but it's not just us anymore." he turned his head to meet your eyes. "you have a new family, now. and they're all gonna look out for you."

your jaw hurt from how hard you smiled. your heart fluttered. resting your head on his back again, you squeezed him tight.

[]

the peaceful drive soon turned into a competition when the toman captains tried to race mikey down, determined for answers. emma, who rode on draken's bike, was especially vicious.

© miniimight ! thanks for reading <3

[kiankiwi]

Austin with a reader who’s constantly putting herself down?. As someone who does that a lot, I need to hear comforting words from Austin

I hope this is okay. I kinda ran with it. We explore your and Austin's insecurities. I hope this whole thing makes sense! <3

Austin knew you were having one of your bad days as soon as he got home from doing press. He had walked into a silent house that's usually filled with your singing or your dance music blasting from your alexa. As he walked further into the house, searching for you, he could hear you groaning and grunting to yourself. He stood outside of your cracked bedroom door, peeking in to find you tossing what looked like every piece of clothing you owned on the floor. Not liking the image you see in the mirror in what you're currently wearing, you angrily pull it off your body, wanting to rip the fabrics to shred as you take it from your body and toss it to the floor, standing in front of the mirror, criticizing every inch of skin you see in the mirror.

"Why is he even with me, Bri?" He raises his eyebrows when he hears your best friend's voice come through the phone sitting abandoned on the bed. Apparently you had called her while trying on clothes trying to find a good going out outfit. But today you felt pretty in nothing.

"What do you mean?" Your best friend asked.

You rubbed your face, tired and exasperated at feeling this big emotion for so long. "I mean, he's been with models, Bri. He's been with a Disney star. Why is he with me? I'm just a nobody. I mean, I'm not model, I... I don't have much going for me. The best thing about me is he's my boyfriend. I'm just a stupid no one. I'm always afraid of going to red carpets with him because then what if an interviewer asks me something and I give a stupid dumb answer. I mean, I'm just me.. What if he's with me as a joke, or a bet? What if he's just with me out of pity... And all this goddamn hate I get! Don't they know whatever they come up with, I've already said to myself?" You ask as the tears finally spill over.

Austin had to put a stop to this. You're spewing absolute nonsense and he could tell you were starting to spiral into a panic.

He burst into the bedroom, startling you, quickly picking up your phone. "She'll call you back Bri. I got this." He didn't wait for your best friend to reply before ending the call and tossing your phone on your shared bed.

You continue to cry and slowly drop to the ground in Austin's arms as he shushed your cries.

"H-how much did you hear?" You ask once you've calmed down. He sighs, sad that that's how you thought of yourself. To him, he's the one who constantly wonders why you're with him. He's had a lot of girls take advantage of him because he looks like a human Ken doll so he thanked god the day he found you who cares about him for him and cares about what he thinks and care about him more than just what he looks like and what you look like standing next to him at red carpets hoping he made you pretty by comparison.

It breaks his heart that you don't think you're good enough for someone like him. He's just a guy. And he hates that because of his looks, people put him on a pedestal.

"From 'why is he even with me?'" You choke on your embarrassment crying again. "And can I set some things straight? I am not with you out of pity or some bet or as a joke. I'm with you because you are an outstanding person who cares about everyone they ever meet. When you met me, you took the time to see me. Not Austin Butler. You saw Austin.

"I wish you could see you through my eyes. Because you know what I see? Who I fell in love with?" You stay silent, prompting him to go on.

"I see a gorgeous inside and out individual who wears her heart on her sleeve and I see someone who is my absolute best friend. I don't date anyone for how they look so I don't care if you don't look like a model. You are human and you're healthy that's what matters." Austin squeezes your hip, hoping all of his words are sinking into your damn soul.

He sighs, searching for the rest of his words. "I don't know what will make you believe what I'm saying but I've gotta try my hardest to make you see yourself the way I see you." And with that he cups your face in his large hands. "You my dear are worthy of love. You are kind. You are honest. You deserve the world and I will give it to you until my last damn breath. You are beautiful. You are intelligent. You are quick-witted and hilarious and you are stronger than I could ever be, you hear me?

"And I thank my lucky stars every day I get to be with you and spend my time with you because I'm living my best life with you by my side." And at the end of this life changing (for you) speech, Austin pecks your lips. "I." Peck. "Love." Peck. "You." Peck. You smile into the kisses. "I love you too, Austin. Thank you, I really needed that." He nods. "Do you want to go on a walk with me? It'll help clear your head too." You nod and he stands, holding his hand out to you. "Let me just text Bri tell her I'm okay."

*

I really hope this was okay, anon! I really tried to put as many positive affirmations in there as possible for ya and I hope this makes you smile/makes you feel better! <3 much love

[iamknicole]

Birthday Girl

Bloodline Family Series

Even though Simba complained about Kennedie, he loves her so he wanted to make her birthday as special as possible. He started to complain that her birthday is literally seven days after Valentines Day but he sucked it up just for her and accepted the fact he was going to have to be mushy twice in a weeks time.

Teddy ended up going back home so his dad could fill out his transfer papers from school. He planned to finish his senior year of high school in Florida with Simba. But before he went back he helped Simba plan what he was going to do. Usually he picked Kennedie up for school and got breakfast before going but he had Porshe take her. As far as Kennedie knew, he had an appointment and wasn't coming.

After second period, Kennedie walked with Porshe to their next period with a slight pout on her face. Porshe bumped her shoulder.

"Girl, it's your birthday. You're finally eighteen. What's with the face?"

Kennedie shook her head, thanking a classmate who wished her a happy birthday as they passed her. "I havent talked to Simba at all today. Last time I heard from him was last night when he told me he wasn't picking me up."

Porsche bit back her smile, "Well he did say he had an appointment, Ken. Maybe he was nervous or something and forgot."

"But how? I put those annoying reminders on his phone that he hates," she pouted walking into their next class.

Porshe laughed loudly earning a glare and pout from her best friend. She tried to calm her laughter as they walked through the classroom to get to their seats.

"Maybe that's why then. You know how he gets when he's annoyed. Teddy's the same way."

Kennedie sulked in her desk, "But it's my birthday."

Porshe shook her head at her best friend and pulled her phone out to text Simba without the teacher seeing. Simba was standing in Party City when he got Porshe's text. He couldn't help but smile imagining the pout on his girlfriend's face.

Simba waited for the associate to come to the balloon counter and gave a small smile. "Hey, I came to pick up my balloons."

She smiled politely, "And what's your name?"

"Simba."

After a while, she gave him his balloons and he was out of the store headed to his aunt's bakery to pick up the cake he ordered for her. When he walked in he saw his mom and both aunties behind the counter, he walked behind the counter to hug them.

"What's up? The cake ready, TK?"

Kandice smirked at him and pointed to the counter on her right. "Its over there in the box."

He laughed a little, "Why you lookin at me like that?"

"Same reason we're all looking at you," Trinity teased pinching his cheeks.

Apryl laughed, "Your mean ass being all nice. Took the day off from school to make sure she has a good birthday. Being all secretive and cute."

Shaking his head, Simba went to grab the large cake box so he could leave. "Ima see yall later. I got one more stop to make before she gets outta school."

"Uhuh. I'll see you at home. I got your outfit for later."

Simba thanked his mom, said his goodbyes and left the bakery. After making the last stop to drop the cake, her gifts and most of the balloons off, he sped a bit to get to his high school before school let out. Parking in front on the sidewalk where the student parking lot is, Simba got out with her balloons and roses and leaned against his black challenger waiting for her to come out.

Porshe saw Simba's text and started to coax Kennedie to put a bit of pep in her step.

"Why you rushing me?"

"Cause it's the end of the day," she sassed as they walked towards the exit with their classmates, "And I am ready to go. It's thr weekend, girl. My Teddy bear is coming home today."

When they got outside, Kennedie didn't pay any attention to her classmates grouping up a bit and stopping to talk because they did it every day. After a nudge from Porsche, Kennedie looked up from her phone looking directly at her boyfriend and smiled.

Simba saw his girlfriend smile and smiled back. Her smiles were contagious for him. She walked quickly down the steps with Porsche behind her and hugged Simba.

"Baby, I thought you forgot!"

He laughed hugging her back as best as he could then kissed her. "How could I forget my girl birthday? Especially when she put seven alarms on my phone."

Laughing, Kennedie pulled away them looked at her best friend.

"You knew?"

"Of course I knew, Ken. If I really thought he forgot your birthday, I would've cussed him out by now. But have fun, call me whenever you get back home."

Porsche hugged them both then jogged to her Chevy sonic. Some of their classmates lingered to watch the couple. Simba passed her the balloons and her roses.

The smile on her face grew even wider.

"My favorite colors! Is that money, Josiah?"

He sucked his teeth, "Aight now, ima let that slide cause its your birthday. But yeah it is."

Kennedie counted the roses then stared at him, "There's ten roses."

"I know that," he laughed.

"That's $1000, Simba."

"I know that too," he nodded opening the passenger side door for her, "Get in, baby. Let me get them balloons."

As they rode through the streets, Kennedie kept a smile on her face. She took pictures and videos for her social media accounts. Usually would complain about her doing it but he joined in for her laughing and smiling. He let her play her favorite music as well.

Thirty minutes later, Simba pulled up to the valet of the Four Seasons Hotel Disney Resort. He hopped out with his engine running and opened Kennedie's door helping her out them grabbed her balloons out the back. The valet worker handed Simba a ticket before he entered the hotel.

This was the stop he made prior to getting Kennedie from school. Jey had met him here to check in, since Simba was only eighteen Jey put the room in his name.

The couple went straight to the hotel and up to the tenth floor. Opening the room door, Simba allowed her to go in first and him behind her. Setting her stuff down, Simba approached her from behind putting his hands over her eyes.

"Keep walking," he whispered in her ear.

She laughed nervously, "You not about to kill me or nothing are you?"

He laughed, "Man just keep walking till I tell you to stop."

He led her into the bedroom and took his hands from her eyes. When he didn't hear a reaction, he peaked around at her. He laughed loudly when he saw her squeezing her eyes shut.

"Man, open ya damn eyes, baby. Ain't shit here gon scare you."

Slowly, she opened her eyes. Her hands went to her mouth as she looked around the room.

"Simba," she said touching the cards attached to the balloons, "This is beautiful. Thank you."

"You welcome, Doll. I'm glad you like it."

"What are these attached to the balloons?"

"I wrote down all the reasons I love you, all the things that I love about you and my favorite memories with you."

"Awwee, Simba. I love you."

Kennedie moved to hug him and cried softly into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tight and rubbed her back.

"Love you too, Kenni. Now stop that crying big baby."

She pushed him playfully taking a step back. "Not funny."

"Aight aight," he laughed, "But um I talked to my parents and your mom about us staying so this is us for the weekend. As you can tell it's a Disney resort cause your childish ass loves Mickey and shit. I got us passes for the whole weekend but tonight we have a dinner date and fireworks to see. How that sound?"

Kennedie smiled at her boyfriend still wiping her face, "It sounds amazing, Simba."

"Aight, we don't gotta do nothin that's not why I brought you here. It was just something for us to get away and to be closer to Disney. Aight?"

Kennedie nodded starting to look around the room.

"Cool. Your mom packed your bag and I had my mom pick some stuff out for you, it's all in the closet. Your makeup and all that other shit is in the bathroom," He explained pointing as he went, "You go ahead and start getting ready its three now and dinner is at seven. I'll be back by six thirty."

She frowned, "Where you going?"

He kissed her forehead then started to back away, "Hope you didn't think I was done with the surprises, baby. You'll see when I get back."

Before she could stop him, Simba was gone and she stood looking at all the balloons with a goofy smile on her face. Of course she took pictures and read the notes while she sat on Facetime with Porsche

[hearteyes-for-killmonger]

Makeover fic. This is for my love @amethyst1993

---

Part 3

“If your name is Kenneth, then why do these bills on your table say Trent?” Ken lifted the long white envelope from his glass tabletop and he came closer to look at the name from over her shoulder before falling back.

“Sometimes I go by Trent. Sometimes I go by Kenneth. Depends how I’m feeling.”

“That's weird.” Ken dropped the envelope calling bullshit in her mind. Why he'd lie about his name was beyond her. She watched him remove his jacket draping it over the couch. He loosened his tie before sliding it off his neck and laying it over his jacket. He unbuttoned the first few buttons on his shirt and her hand rose when his shirt hung completely open. He'd already begun taking it off.

“Pause. I'm not having sex with you in the open out here like this.. and what about atmosphere? No candles? Flowers? Music? You're not gonna set the mood?”

“If you ain't in the mood by now baby.. all with all that wine you drank?” He pulled his shirt off and laid it over his tie. “Okay what's up. You were just with it in the restaurant. Did something happen? You must be thinking about your friend. He got in your head.”

“It's what I said it was. Learn to listen. You need to woo me or something, don't just take your clothes off like that's it..” Ken dropped on the couch confused and going back and forth in her mind. On the one hand she wanted to have sex and she was ready to do it asap. On the other hand, this was not what she imagined when she fantasized about the magical moment. There was nothing romantic about this setup. This was ghetto quickie sex and he hadn't even laid down a towel. The red stain on the carpet was all she could think about. As horny as she was, she knew she couldn't go through with it. She'd regret it.  

“You want atmosphere?” Kenneth left the living room heading to a back room. He came back with incense and a burner along with some tea candles and lit them on a table. “Lil mama wants atmosphere, she'll get atmosphere.” When the candles were all lit, he swooped onto the floor to stare into her eyes and remove her heels, sliding his hands up her calves and under her dress to her thighs. Maybe, it might be okay, she told herself appreciating his new approach. This was something closer to what she'd imagined. He slid his hands over her thighs, gripping her panties and a small movement caused her to look up, catching one of the doors as it closed.

“Who's here,” she asked pushing his hands off of her and sitting up. Her eyes were still focused on the door and Kenneth rubbed his face in annoyance, his elbow rested on his knee as though she'd ruined the mood but she ain't care. She wanted to know what was going on. Standing, she walked back and tried the knob. It wouldn't open which made her more suspicious.

“Nope. I'm out,” she said grabbing her bag. Kenneth pulled it gently, holding a hand up to stop her. She waited, watching his back as he walked casually to the locked bedroom door and knocked.

“It's me. Open the door,” Kenneth called. It opened and Ken's jaw nearly dropped.

“Damn. You done already,” the man joked. When Ken saw both of them side by side she could hardly tell them apart. Twins.

“Nigga I thought you had it,” the twin said looking over at you. “You asked me not to come in yet.” Kenneth sighed, irritated, and Ken’s eyes widened. For a long moment she was lost for words, blinking rapidly in attempt to process what might’ve been happening. They were identical TWINS. “Just chill.. Let me talk to her.”

Turning back to a confused Ken, the twin licked his lips, slipping his hands into his pockets. The name on the bill suddenly made sense. Trent. “Here’s the situation.. I'm the one who asked you on a date, but you went out with him.” He pointed to Kenneth who poses with his hand on his chin rubbing his bit of facial hair. Finding her voice, Ken looked closely between the two of them.

“I’m confused. You asked me out,” she pointed to Trent and he nodded patiently waiting for it to sink in while her finger moved to Kenneth. “But you went out with me, why?”

“You asked me out first at the mall but.. I kinda fumbled that so this was my time to redeem myself.” Kenneth stared at Ken and she blinked back silently, still confused by the trickery and tactics. It was a lot to process. She asked Kenneth out. He thought she ugly and turned her down. Trent got at her on campus.. “So when you approached me,” she pointed at Trent, did you already know who I was?”

“I just thought you looked good but then you said I turned you down and,” he chuckled “I knew for a fact I ain't turn down shit. That's what told me who you were because my brother told me that story.”

Kenneth smirked and it irritated Ken though she didn't show it. It felt like they'd talked mad shit about her and then turned around and hit on her like they hadn't. Then they'd traded her off back and forth like she was an object and she didn't like that either. Regardless of how interesting Kenneth had been on the date, there was still a strong superficiality and sheistiness in him that she felt had no room for accepting her in her rawest form.. or at all. She was conflicted because despite all of that logic, they were both fine and she was still horny with years of pent up sexual frustration to loose and a whole night to do it. She looked to Trent. He looked to Kenneth and they exchanged a conversational glance that spoke volumes that Ken couldn’t interpret.

“Have a seat on the couch,” Trent waved kissing his teeth when she chose to stand. “C'mon. Just sit down and I’ll finish explaining.” He and Kenneth waited until Ken rolled her eyes and sighed, sitting on the middle cushion of their black couch, then Trent drew closer. “I need to tell you something about me and my brother over there.” Squatting so that he was eye-level, he stared into Ken’s eyes like a predator and she could feel her inner muscles twitch. He looked her over, up and down with a blink before continuing. “My brother and I are very.. competitive. If I see something I want, he wants it too. When I see him get something, I can’t help myself. I’ve gotta get my hands on it. He get it? I need to taste it. You feel where I’m going with this? This competition we got together isn’t about you, but you’re the pretty little toy we wanna play with… together.”

“I think I can eat it better. My tongue more flexible,” Kenneth shifted, crossing his arms. Trent scoffed, keeping his eyes on Ken. Her hormones were in overdrive but so was her confusion. She had to be honest with herself. Although she was pressed for a sexual release and she craved the experience, this was not it.. at all. She felt uncomfortable and ready to leave. When she pictured her first time, she imagined herself in love, safe, and happy. This wasn’t it at all, plus they were liars. It definitely wasn’t the move. When her phone rang, she rushed to answer it without looking at the name, standing from the couch and walking to stand in a corner a few feet away to get some space.

“Hello,” she said a little too eagerly. She was still nervous and wired from her predicament.

“Where you at? Where y'all go?” It was Erik and he sounded like a concerned older brother. She could hear the annoyance of his date in the background as the woman told him to ‘just leave the girl alone and let her enjoy her date.’ Ken respected her for that. Erik obviously wasn’t listening. “Just tell me where you at for safety reasons. You a young lady now, you can’t just disappear with a nigga without letting someone know your location.”

“I was a young lady before, bro, and y'all did not care, not one iota where I went and with who. Nope, you sure didn’t.” She found it humorous how suddenly everyone was worried about her sex life. Suddenly it was a thing to be policed and it mattered. Where were they when she couldn’t get a man to look in her direction on her best day? She’d talk about sex before and they’d laugh like it was cool since she was the homie, an honorary nigga. “I’m with Kenneth and his brother Trent over in Cambridge,” she finally said. “Pacific Street. They’re twins and we’re thinking of having a lit threesome right now. My first time and I get to be the connector for two chords, don’t ruin this for me!” Honestly, she just wanted to get under his skin since he was suddenly so concerned.

“Kendra, I’m trying to be patient but you’re trying the hell outta me right now moving so fast.”

“Erik, with all due respect, you my nigga and I fuck with you.. but you’re not my dad.”

“Oh, I’m your dad! I created this beast I’m on the phone with right now. I created a damn monster.” His date told him to chill.

“Erik! I want to have sex, okay? I want to!” That was true. It wouldn’t be with the twins, but she still wanted the experience.. on her own terms. “As a matter of fact, speaking of dads? I might make Trent and Kenneth my daddies for the night if everything goes well.” She felt a slap on her behind and flinched. It was the first time for that happening.. and also the last ‘first’ she planned to have in that house at the hands of the twins. She didn’t want to hang up and face them, but she had to. She hung up the phone in Erik’s ear before turning to the twins.

“You’re a virgin,” Kenneth pointed catching Ken off guard. “Makes sense,” he replied to her nod. Trent rolled his eyes and turned on the television, dropping onto the couch.

“You not trying to fuck.. are you,” Trent asks, seemingly irritated. “Not even getting this tongue?” She shook her head no.

“Not gonna to happen,” she shrugged, “Sorrynotsorry but uh, it’s been an interesting night.” She picked up her bag ready to leave again. Looking at each other with confused glances, the twins blinked slowly before Trent shrugged, seemingly relenting.

“Alright then, virgin,” Kenneth smirked, ”But you don’t have to leave, you could just hang around. It’s still a date afterall. Plus, that same nigga calling to check on you is making my night right now. I’m flattered to be the competition. Although I ain’t getting no ass and I want some.”

“I'm gone,” Trent blurted getting up to return to whatever back room he’d come from. Ken heard keys jingling and then he left through the front door. It was just her and Kenneth. For a while they just watched TV.

“So y'all really lied to me,” she said suddenly, causing him to look at her. “And you weren’t interested in me until my glow up. That’s fake.”

“Would you have gone out with you though? Be honest.. You wouldn’t right? I turned you down but I was still nice because I didn’t wanna hurt your feelings. Because you’re still a person. You gotta give me that. I was respectful.”

“But still-”

“I got a right to have preferences and to like what I like.”

“You do, but-” A heavy drumming on the front door distracted them both and for the first time, they exchanged the signature telepathic stare. They both had an idea of who was at the door and his voice removed any doubt.

“OPEN THE DAMN DOOR, KENDRA.” Rolling her eyes, Kendra lifted from the couch, but Kenneth pulled her back down, whispering in her ear a plan. She looked at him wide-eyed, Erik still banging on the door. Kenneth nodded, mischief in his eyes.

“Uuuuh, oh my gosh, yes daddy, right there daddy,” Kendra gasped and moaned loud enough to make Erik stop knocking. He was too busy listening, his ear pressed against the door. “The fuck,” he whispered dumbfounded right before kicking the door so it nearly gave out. “OPEN THIS DOOR.” The door quickly opened to a fully clothed Ken. Kenneth was still in the same spot on the couch.

“You know, there are better ways to express that you like a girl. For example, you could start by telling her,” Kenneth deadpanned, unbothered. Ken faced Erik with a questioning expression.

“You know, everyone’s been acting extremely weird around me since I started dressing and looking differently. I didn’t think it necessary before, but now I need to ask you. Do you like me or something?”

“Or something,” Erik says just as flatly as Kenneth. “Ain’t no trains being run tonight on my watch. I’m drawing the line. Get your bag and come on.”

“And if I happen to like trains,” Ken asked crossing her arms in defiance.

“Ken?.. As your friend?.. I'm telling you. I'm not letting that happen.”

“Whatever.” Ken started to cap but she was ready to leave anyway so she said goodbye to Kenneth and walked out toward the parking lot. Erik's date was in his car, her head leaning against her hand in irritation and he’d parked in a disability-reserved space without a tag or permit.  “So you abandoned Ms. Lady to run interference on my sex life? Why do you get to be Casanova? I haven’t even seen that young lady before. I bet you just met her a week or so ago. Probably less than that, am I right?”

“Get in your car I’m a follow you to make sure you get home.”

“I bet you don't know her from Eve. Am I right?!”

“GET IN THE DAMN CAR.”

“YOU DON’T INTIMIDATE ME. DID YOU FORGET I KNOW YOU? STOP TALKING TO ME LIKE YOU CRAZY.” Her ladylike facade had melted away in a matter of seconds as she yelled, her fists balling and shoulders moving like a nigga ready to pop off, returning heavy eye contact. She waited, not backing down. After a long pause and an exhale, Erik nodded in relent breaking the stare.

“Touche’. Look, Ken, I just feel responsible for you. I don’t want you getting into trouble or doing something you’ll regret because it’ll be partially my fault.”

“Is it though? Is it really? I’m an adult and I make my own decisions. Just like when I came to you for help originally, that was my decision. You need to trust and respect my judgment. This is my life afterall.”

“Erik, leave her alone and let’s go! I can think of more fun things for us to do and she is 100% of GROWN,” the date shouted from the car.

“This don’t concern you, Kayla,” he sang loudly in irritation.

“MY NAME IS LAUREN,” she yelled hitting the dashboard.

“KAYLA, LAUREN, SHIT.. WHATEVER!” Sighing, he rested his forehead against his fingers rubbing the tension out. “I’m bout done with her ass,” he mumbles. “Look, Ken, I’m a be a hundred with you. It makes me uncomfortable when I see you with these guys trying to run and you just started crawling. I don’t wanna make you feel like I’m trying to run your life, I want you to be happy. They just ain’t right for you and I’m a be tough on any nigga because I don’t feel like they deserve you.”

“Then help me find someone who deserves me,” Ken pleaded. He shook his head, looking off into the distance at nothing, hesitating before stepping forward. He was directly in front of her now, looking her in the eye and she suddenly understood his overprotectiveness. He had feelings for her. “Why now? Why after the makeover? You had ample time to step up,” she fussed, angry now. She’d secretly harbored a crush on him for the longest, but it’d seemed like an impossible dream she could never voice. “WHY NOW,” she repeated. In her eyes, he was no better than Kenneth or Trent at this point.

“I slept on you, it’s true and I’m sorry for that. I truly am. But I’ve always been there for you.” He was actually serious.

“So has Travis and you looked at him weird! Woooow,” she stepped back. “You know, it’s true that I’m a piece of work. That much is known, but you? You are a.. whew, wow.”

He nodded, masking his hurt feelings and she knew the look well. She’d had the same look many times and no one had noticed. She paused, not wanting to go too far. She did still see him as a friend, however, she had to speak her mind.

“In all fairness, Erik? You’re no better than any other guy who’s only interested because of what he sees now. You didn’t want me before I changed. It’s your own fault for sleeping and I can’t be penalized for that. I liked you for the longest and you never looked my way. How is that what I deserve?”

He opened his mouth and shut it immediately. He was speechless. Nodding, he had no further comments, just a sore looking expression like he'd fucked up and he had! He couldn't excuse or defend himself. There was nothing he could say and he knew it. He was wrong! Eventually he turned and got back into his car sitting and resting his head on the wheel before driving away with his date leaving Ken to sit in her car and think... about everything. Things were falling apart and she needed clarity. It was becoming impossible to know who really cared now and who was perpetrating because they wanted something from her. Who could she trust?

—

For the next few weeks, she felt herself deteriorating. She didn't want to get up, but she forced herself. She slept all the way up to the last minute, rolling out of bed to throw on sweatpants with a dingy t-shirt. She didn't care anymore about an image. It seemed that no matter what she did, things wouldn't go her way. Why try? One day while she was sitting in class, she smelled something funky and looked around before subtly sniffing the armpit of her t-shirt. She was musty but she still couldn't get herself to really care. If it repelled people, good riddance.

Days more passed and she'd gotten so much work done after throwing herself into completing assignments. She didn't dare skip a class but she hardly spoke to anyone or looked up. Her spare time was spent keeping to herself. She was lonely and sad, but who could she trust? Everyone she trusted to have her back had switched up. Everyone was treating her differently. Everything was dependent on how she looked and she was sick of it all. "I wish I were invisible," she muttered rubbing her sleepy eyes in class. She hadn't been sleeping well.

The weather reflected her mood. It was a miserable day.. raining cats and dogs, big muddy puddles covering the sidewalks. In her car, she threw her umbrella on the floor of the passenger side laying everything down and sighing with her head on the steering wheel. With the heavy rain masking her and sliding down the windows, she let her silent tears fall. Tears of stress from being overwhelmed. The rain poured on loudly as she sat in wait for her next class, laying on the wheel and trying to keep herself calm and steady. A knock on the window snapped her out of it and when she looked Erik was standing there with his umbrella signaling for her to roll the window down.

"Come over to my house this weekend, I'm making curry goat. You missed two Sundays and the boys miss you. I fucked up, but Shawn ain't do shit to you. Stop being stubborn."

Wiping her face, Ken shook her head looking to the opposite window.

"Look you coming over or we poppin up on you and you gonna have to clean your place up." Ken thought to the empty pizza boxes in beer kitchen and the clothes, shoes, books, water bottles, and papers everywhere. Sobering, she looked back to Erik and nodded.

"Mhm," he hummed knowingly. "We still friends and shit. Me and Travis over it. Just come by, chill like we usually do."

"I'll be there," she promised genuinely feeling better.

"And wipe your face," Erik grimaced. She rolled her eyes with a smile, wiping her eyes again.

"Fuck off nigga," she grinned with a playful side eye. He turned to leave and Ken opened her car door stepping out into the rain to hug him. He didn't push her away this time, letting her hug him as the umbrella covered them. His body was firm and she could feel his muscles through his clothes. She fought the temptation to feel on him, her mind flashing back to the times she'd seen him shirtless back when she really wasn't on his radar. He was cut. Her crush was in full effect in those times. She couldn't help it, she had to feel his back. She did it as slick as she could manage.

"You good," he asked, a knowing smirk in his eyes gone unspoken. She let go abruptly having hugged him for an inexplicable amount of time.

"I'm great. You?" She climbed back into her car and closed the door. The rain had fell in through her window and wet up the inside of her door.

"Yep. See you Sunday." He walked off and she rolled up her window, a burden lifted.

---

When Sunday rolled around, Ken rolled out of bed, but she showered and put on a clean t-shirt and jeans. Shawn's was the first face she saw. He opened the door and grabbed her hand, wrapping her up in a bro hug welcoming her back.

"You missed the lil enchiladas my nigga did. Them shits was hard," he boasted leading her into the living room where Travis sat leaning back on the couch legs wide. He was on his phone.

"Them clearweathers," she said noticing his shoes. He looked down to see what shoes he had on an his excitement kicked up.

"Yeah nigga, this shit fit like a sock. I just got em Thursday I think.. yeah, Thursday."

"They look comfortable. I've been thinking of getting some. I still got my white VC's that I ain't showed y'all," Ken pointed.

"Maaan, I got the all black I'm a break them bitches out," Travis grinned. It was good tho know things were back to normal and that she hadn't completely lost her friends.

"I'm hungry as fuck. When the food coming out," she asked rubbing her stomach.

"E, when the food finna be ready," Shawn asked as Ken followed him into the kitchen. Erik was cheffing it up as the only one in the circle who could really cook. He looked back at Ken and smiled turning his attention back to the stove. There was rice and snowpeas and something that looked like a stew. She was salivating. She attempted to sneak a taste dipping her finger in the hot stew, but he popped her hand with a wooden spoon before she could.

"Get out my kitchen it'll be ready when it's ready."

@muse-of-mbaku @imaginewhoever @whoramilaje @panthergoddessbast @thadelightfulone @misspooh @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove @marvelmaree @youreadthatright @forbeautyandlife @theunsweetenedtruth @bidibidibombaclaat @myboyfriendgiriboy @dameshaemonique @blackpantherimagines   @vikkidc @hidden-treasures21 @mysidefanting @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat @syndrlla97 @winteroflife @thotyana-in-this-hoe   @texasbama @gingerylimonte @princessstevens   @magic-madness-heavensin @wawakanda-btch @scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @wakanda-inspired @blackgirloneshots @thegucciwaffle @thiccdaddy-mbaku   @monogamous-nympho @drsunshine97 @purplehairgawdess @trevantesbrat @indigoxsummers @cccccx1   @dynastylnoire @iamrheaspeaks @blowmymbackout @fonville-designs @they-call-me-le @theblulife @raysunshine78 @sheisexcellent

[fromkenari]

When you're thinkin' you're a joke and nobody's gonna listen

Michael plunked down on his parents’ modest-sized couch in Chicago as the whole world moved around him. His sister was decorating the dining room, the living room, and virtually the whole house because that evening was going to be his second birthday party. This time with his family. His mother was setting out food as she and his grandmother took turns yelling Greek which Michael rolled his eyes over because he could vaguely understand that they were arguing which plates to use for the cake. His dad was the one actually cooking the food, which smelled like heaven to Michael.

With a sigh, Michael tried to shut most of the noise out, but it wasn’t working so when he finished thumbing through his phone for Tyler Blackburn’s number, he got up and went to his childhood bedroom. Still complete with a double bed and the Ken Griffey Jr. poster on the wall, he got a little nostalgic and grabbed a baseball that had fallen from his nightstand. The phone was ringing before he could drop onto the bed and he was startled when it was answered almost immediately.

“Michael?” came Tyler’s careful tone and Michael had to laugh. Perched on his bed and tossing the baseball up in the air, he smiled.

“Hey, Tyler man, what’s up?”

“Nothing, really,” Tyler replied. “Catching up on Doctor Who with my dog.”

Michael gave a knowing nod despite the fact that Tyler couldn’t see him. “Thinking about your next project? Going for a Companion, hmm?” He laughed when Tyler gave a soft snort.

“No. I’m not always working, you know.”

“Uh huh, like you don’t have the next two years booked solid?” Michael accused him.

Tyler made a noncommittal sound. “Not two years...” he trailed out. Michael snickered in knowing. “How’s the hangover?” Tyler pushed in slyly and Michael caught the baseball and pushed the fist to his head.

“Oh man. You guys did not have to do that.” Referring to the birthday party he had a few days prior. “But I didn’t do too bad. I didn’t swear off drinking like I have after most birthdays.”

Tyler chuckled but it was more like a hum, a sweet sound that Michael enjoyed eliciting from the other man. At about the same time, Michael winced because he heard a crash on the other side of the house and decided this was more important because...

“I got your text,” Michael said in one breath and, “Sorry I didn’t see it until late. That’s why I’m calling now.”

“Yeah...” Tyler softly responded like it took strength to not add a hundred other words to it.

Michael’s brow furrowed and he kicked back on the bed and continued tossing up the baseball and catching it as a distraction.

Call me when you get this. Real important. Have a safe flight.

“So, what’s going on? Something to with Roswell? You just now learn that Nathan is following questionable accounts on Instagram? Don’t worry, I’ve gotten the messages from fans, too.”

There was a pause, too long for Michael to stand.

“Tyler man, what is it?” he said with some legitimate concern. He caught the baseball and held it above him, waiting as Tyler cleared his throat.

“I did an interview,” Tyler said, voice somewhat hollow but also heavy with a burden. “And I told them something that I haven’t told many people. I wanted you to know before it’s released because I feel like I have the responsibility to tell you -- as my scene partner, as my friend.”

Michael frowned deep and didn’t try to lead Tyler on. He wanted Tyler to tell him when he was ready. “Yeah?” Michael simply said as he sat up and crossed his legs. He was making a mess of the sheets. His grandmother would be hot.

“Michael, I’m bisexual.”

The baseball fell from Michael’s hand that was already reaching to grip his hair. Bouncing with thunks, the ball rolled away and Michael couldn’t form words.

“I’m not going to ask you to not tell anyone, but I would hope you wouldn’t. I want to come out in my own way and I think the Advocate is a good way.”

Michael’s still stunned and just listening as Tyler became more robotic with each sentence, which was likely because Michael wasn’t responding.

“I’ve known long enough to have boyfriends, but not public ones. Obviously, I’ve had girlfriends, too. But I wanted to you because--”

“Holy shit,” Michael finally breathed, still not caught up from Tyler coming out.

Tyler stopped talking before getting a little flustered. “Are you -- are you freaking out about this?”

Michael finally snapped into his wits and got off the bed to pace. “No. Tyler, no. That is not what I meant. I’m sorry. ‘Holy shit’ should not have been the first thing I say when you share something that personal with me, okay?”

“You don’t have to apologize--”

“Of course, I do. With all the joking around and shit that I do? I love you, man, and I never ever meant to make you uncomfortable.”

“Because you thought I was straight?”

“I mean, look, you are the coolest and hottest dude I have ever met. And we have had some intimate moments on set. I would be stupid to not have at least some sort of feelings toward you.”

“What are you saying?”

Michael huffed. “You’re a sex symbol, dude! You’re the guy that millions of girls fantasize about. That’s some serious pressure and image to uphold. And -- and I’m sorry if I made that pressure worse by being an asshole with the homoerotic stuff.”

Tyler took a moment to respond. “I accept your apology -- as long as this doesn’t change our dynamic on set.”

“Dude! Of course not. Though, I may have some questions since Guerin is bisexual and all.” A pause. “I’m kidding, but also not. This is -- wow. I am proud to be someone you felt comfortable with coming out to. Thank you.”

Tyler cleared his throat again, his voice came out feathery like he might be on the verge of crying. “The article comes out in April. Then, you can tell people. Then, I want everyone to know.”

“Of course! You hot, sexy, beautiful, artistic, and wonderful bisexual, you. I will tell anyone who asks me about you.”

With a chuckle, Tyler gave a gentle sniff that Michael could barely make out. “You’re a good guy, Michael. We’ll have to double date sometime.”

“Yeah, when you’re not filming,” Michael joked before he bent down to pick up the baseball he’d dropped. “So what’s up next anyway.”

“I’m going to the Dominican Republic at the end of April.”

“Dude, no way!”

“Yes. Yes way, actually. I think I can tell you what it’s about. It’s for the Discovery Channel.”

“Hot. Lay it on me, Blackburn.”

[themonkeycabal]

Hi MC! I hope you're doing ok and that good things are happening in your life! :)

Hi! Thank you!

Yes, I would like to work in more of Darcy’s extended family. I have plans for cousin Marcia’s wedding. Darcy will be taking Bucky as her plus one, and we will meet her aunt Jo and uncle Hugh (Jo is Rebecca’s sister), Marcia is their oldest daughter. I think we’ll also meet Darcy’s grandmother Francine, with whom Darcy does not get along. Also Rebecca’s cousin Ericka who is the super bitchy one and her husband Tim. Oh, and Darcy’s great uncle Larry who still likes to do the trick where he pulls a quarter out from behind Darcy’s ear. 

OMG! I just realized, I can actually give you snippets!

Okay, so here’s from the next fic, The Date, where Darcy’s talking to her mom. I think this will probably get cut or at the very least very edited down a lot. It’s kind wordy, and pointlessly so. 

“Have you RSVP’d for Marcia’s wedding yet?”

“No.”

“Darcy.”

“Do I have to?”

Rebecca was silent for a moment and then she let out a long breath. “No, you don’t have to, but it would be very nice if you did.”

Darcy grimaced and dropped down onto a bench, staring out over the Thames. She liked London, it felt big and small at the same time. Human scale, she supposed. New York was still a little overwhelming sometimes. Though, coming from the land of vast southern California sprawl, she really shouldn’t judge.

“Bring Tony as your plus one. That’ll keep everybody busy,” Rebecca suggested. It surprised Darcy into a laugh.

“Oh, that would be so beautiful. But, I don’t think Marcia would appreciate me upstaging her wedding. Not that she ever appreciated me.”

“Sweetie, you two are adults now, maybe it’s time to let go of the kid stuff.”

“Right, did you or did you not have an argument with aunt Jo last Christmas about how she hogged the bathroom when you were kids? Like, actually yelling at each other.”

“I said ‘maybe’,” her mom clarified. “Fine. I know you never got along, but she has asked me twice if you’re coming. She really wants you to be there, Darcy.”

“To show off how together her life is while I’m still interning,” Darcy grumbled. She swore she heard Jane shout ’assistant’ in her head.

“Maybe, or maybe she genuinely wants to share the day with you. She’s not the same person she was when she was fifteen, and neither are you. Give her a chance.”

“I don’t know. There’s so much going on right now. A destination wedding? To the middle of the freaking forest in September? What is that?”

“Okay, look at it this way: why don’t you try to mend fences, you make the effort? And then if she’s an obnoxious diva, show-off, it’ll just make her look petty and you’ll look like the bigger person. You win.”

“That’s so manipulative, mom,” Darcy said admiringly.

“I know. Give it a shot. Or bring Tony. But, I’d really like you to be there. So would your dad. And your brother. And aunt Jo, and uncle Hugh. That’s five people you actually like. And your great uncle Larry, who will pull a quarter from behind your ear, because who doesn’t love that trick? Right? Come on.”

“I’m 25, I doubt uncle Larry will try the coin trick.”

“I’m 48 and he tried it on me when I saw him two months ago at his granddaughter’s bat mitzvah. Just think, free money.”

“That’s a pretty big inducement for me. You know me too well.”

“Besides, who cares how together her life is? Good for her, I say. And, you know and I know that you’re not just an intern. Oh! I know! Bring Steve.”

“That might be worse than Tony. How about Clint?”

“Oh, well, Clint would be fun. Any update since the proposal?”

“The joke proposal. No, mom.”

“I see. And what about Bucky Barnes? I hear you’re going on a date.”

Darcy was silent for a moment. “Who told you that?”

“Steve.”

That sounded bad. That sounded awkward. Her mom and Steve were chatting buddies? She’d never survive. “When are you talking to Steve?”

“Darcy, you leave your phone all over the place. Half the time when I call you, I end up talking to somebody else. They all pick up. And sometimes it’s the only way I know what’s going on with you.” Rebecca made a frustrated sound and then let her breath out slowly before saying, “You can tell me these things, you do know that, right?”

“It’s just been a little overwhelming, is all. Like, everything that’s happened lately. I wasn’t not telling you, I just have a billion things going on.”

“Are you going to tell me now?”

“Do I have to?”

“Darcy …” Rebecca let out the most put-upon sigh she could manage. A tired, exasperated 'mom’ sigh. “No, of course not.”

“Okay, well, look, apparently we’re going dancing. I don’t know when; that’s his deal, but he said while I’m in London. Anyway, he got crazy stoned like five months ago — inadvertently stoned, I mean; he’s not a stoner — and he asked me dancing and I thought it was just because he was, you know—”

“Stoned?”

“Yes! But then he asked when he wasn’t high. And I said yes. But, then it was kidnappings and arrests — did I say arrests? Forget I said that. It wasn’t a real arrest, and it was like five hours tops and I laughed at them the whole time because they had no legal leg to stand on so it was mostly annoying to everybody involved — and attacks on the tower and property acquisitions and unexpected bequests and … so many things! So, we haven’t gone dancing yet. Is it a date? I don’t know. I think he wants it to be.”

“Do you?”

“ … Maybe? Okay, well, look, I totally brought jewelry to London, okay? Nice jewelry I immediately put into a safe box at the hotel. I haven’t bought a dress yet, but that’s just because I haven’t had time. I plan on going out this weekend, and actually, I should say, that Jane and I plan on going out this weekend, and there’s no way in hell she’d let me out of it, even if I wanted, but I don’t want out, so it’s fine. I’m sure we’ll have fun and she’ll make sure I get something suitable for kicking up my heels with a greatest generation assassin. So, I’m taking it seriously and I want to go dancing with him, and I’m just—”

“Oh sweetie,” her mom said, a laugh in her voice.

“Don’t 'oh sweetie’ me,” Darcy grumbled and then paused. “Wow, I really do sound like Pepper sometimes.”

“I’m sure your father loves that.”

“Yeah, he always says it with this panicked look on his face.” It all made so much sense now. Anyway. “So, yes, I guess I’m going on a date.”

“Can I offer a piece of advice?”

“Go for it.”

“Just have fun. Don’t make it bigger than it has to be.”

“That’s exactly what Phil and Jane said.”

“You told the Director before you told me?”

“Bucky’s my partner! There are protocols and crap. I told Phil after Bucky asked me out the first time, because it seemed like I was supposed to and also I didn’t know what to do. He just said dancing’s fun. Because technically Bucky’s an outside contractor, so it doesn’t exactly violate frat regs. Which, by the way, Howard was an asshole.”

“Howard? Your grandfather Howard? What does he have to do with it?”

“He named a sub-clause in the fraternization regs — the one covering partners — after me.”

“I thought you two got along?”

“We did. I loved the heck out of him. But, he was still an asshole.”

“Don’t call your grandfather an asshole.”

“Why not? He’s dead, he can’t hear me. And if he can, he knows what he did. And he’s probably laughing. Asshole.”

And then there’s this bit from the Marcia’s wedding fic, where we meet uncle Hugh and Tim. I think this will also get very very edited down. Again, too wordy for no good reason. Still, though. 

Hugh dropped onto the couch next to Paul and let out a gusty sigh. “I will be glad when this is over.”

“Your baby girl’s getting married,” Paul objected with a smirk. “You should be rejoicing, right?”

“You haven’t seen the bill.”

“Oh come on, you’re not paying, I know it.”

“I’m paying some of it,” Hugh argued back, but then he shrugged and smiled a little. “I wouldn’t let them pay for all of it. The destination part of this — that’s all them. But, I’m paying for the food and the flowers. And the open bar.”

“Was Jo behind the open bar?”

“It was her and Rebecca, I feel pretty sure.”

“No doubt.” Paul stood up and waved a hand at his brother-in-law. “Come on, let me buy you a drink before the open bar opens.”

“Sure, sure.” Hugh got to his feet and jerked his thumb at another man passing through the lobby. “Ken, come on over here. Paul this is Ken Wittingham, the groom’s father. Ken, this is my brother-in-law Paul Lewis. Paul’s gonna buy us a drink.”

Ken stuck his hand out and gave Paul a hearty shake. “Thank you for joining us this weekend. It’s a great turnout; the kids are so excited.”

“They picked a pretty spectacular location,” Paul said blandly. It was out of the way, rustic, lovely, but also pricy and a pain in the ass to get to.

“My firm remodeled this place a couple years ago. They cut the kid’s a bit of a break.”

“You did this?” Paul waved a hand at the woodsy yet modern lodge. “Beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Ken smiled and walked them to the restaurant, pointing out features his company designed, built, carved, or otherwise installed. It was an impressive piece of work.

“So, when’s your turn?” Ken asked as they took a seat near the bar.

“My turn for what?” Paul asked, looking over the beer menu.

“You’ve got a daughter, right? How old is she?”

“Twenty-five, I’m gonna need at least two more decades before I’m ready for this. And my son is still in college and not allowed to get married until he graduates. Says me.”

Hugh snorted and ordered a rum and coke. “Scuttlebutt says Darcy’s boyfriend is her plus one.”

“Ugh,” Paul grunted and decided a beer wasn’t going to cut it. “Gin and tonic.”

Ken nodded at the server, “Same.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Hugh said, pulling a bowl of popcorn to himself and starting to pick through the kernels. “Didn’t you get married when you were twenty-three?”

Paul gave him a dark look and reached across the table for a handful of popcorn. “I don’t want to talk about Darcy getting married.”

Hugh pulled the popcorn bowl closer into his body, fending off Paul’s second grab. “Well, whenever it happens, that’ll be a hell of a shindig. I hope we’re invited.”

“She’s threatened to elope to Vegas, so maybe I’ll get lucky,” Paul told him.

Ken gave him an admonishing look, tempered a little by trying not to be the sort of person who judges a stranger you’re about to be stuck with for a weekend. “When my little girl got married, it was worth it all to see her so happy.”

Paul closed his eyes and smiled ruefully, ready to explain at least some of the reality they all faced. “Ken—”

“Darcy’s getting married?” A deceptively soothing voice, a deep, James Earl Jones with a Texas twang rumble, broke into the conversation and Evil Cousin Ericka’s husband Tim, joined them. Tim wasn’t evil, but Tim was complicit in his wife’s villainy and helped it along with his intel gathering and highly selective hearing.

“No,” Paul said shortly. “She’s not getting married. At least, not soon. Or, it’s not in the plans, or you know what I mean.”

“She’s not engaged or anything,” Hugh put in, trying to help. “We were talking about the kids, I was just giving him some guff. Hey, do you know the groom’s father? Ken, this is my wife’s cousin’s husband Tim.” Hugh’s head bobbed as he tried to make sure the relationship was as straight and clear as it could be.

“Thank you for joining us this weekend,” Ken said with his easy smile.

“We were thrilled by the invitation. It was a great opportunity for a little get-away. My wife’s been to the spa twice already.”

“We remodeled that a couple years ago,” Ken said, bearing his teeth in a proud grin, ready to dive into the details of hand-carved this and artisan-etched that.

Tim gave him a half-interested, entirely bored smile and glanced back over at Paul. “So, Darcy was able to make it? Ericka thought she might have to work.”

“She was hoping for an alien invasion,” Paul told him with a grim smile. “But, I know for a fact she escaped Manhattan without incident.”

Ken laughed a little at that and Hugh groaned softly, put his chin on his hand and sipped at his rum and coke.

Tim frowned like he was searching his memory. “She wasn’t there during the Incident, was she?”

“No, no,” Paul assured him. “She was in Europe. Norway, with her former professor.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Tim nodded. “Her internship. You know, that’s a pretty nice internship that gets you at trip to Europe.”

“She was actually there on her graduation trip,” Paul corrected past gritted teeth. “So, she wasn’t working, just visiting.”

“She’s a hard worker,” Tim said mildly.

It didn’t sound like a judgmental comment; in fact, it sounded genuine. But, Paul narrowed his eyes anyway. “Of course, she was in London working when the elves invaded.”

Hugh choked on his drink and let out a sigh. Hugh was one of the handful of people who always knew the secret. The Secret. In fact, Paul was pretty sure Hugh’d known longer than he had. Probably since the beginning. He and Jo had been married and had a kid of their own before Darcy was even born.

“Was she really?” Ken asked, looking concerned and alarmed. As far as alien invasions went, it was pretty low casualty, mostly property damage, minor trauma overall. Still, though, Paul supposed he shouldn’t fault the man his alarm — it was aliens, after all. “Damn, that must’ve scared the hell out of you.”

“You learn to roll with things when it’s Darcy,” Paul told him with a shrug.

“Necessary survival skill,” Hugh agreed. “Good kid, though, don’t get us wrong,” he hurried to assure Ken that his son’s wedding wasn’t going to be ruined by some out of control nut of a relation. Or, if such a person did show up, it wasn’t going to be Darcy.

Paul mentally sent a prayer that when she said “full Stark” it didn’t mean she was going to end up the nut. Oh Lord, please. Except, it was also his idea to let her go for it. This weekend would be an adventure.

“Hard worker,” Tim said again, as though it was the highest praise he could think to offer. It probably was. Tim owned a small chain of carpet stores in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and he worked his ass off to make them successful. It was his primary redeeming quality. “That’s why I was surprised she’s coming.”

Tim was not the most original conversationalist. Or his wife sent him on an awkward spy mission for her. When Darcy was ten she made Ericka look foolish, some clever little gadget that Darcy was able to explain in detail. And Ericka had never gotten over her embarrassment at having the device explained to her like she was a child, by a child.

Who stayed that bitter at a ten-year old? That woman, for f’s sake.

Anyway, so Ericka never passed up an opportunity to dig dirt on Darcy and try to one-up her. Because she had nothing else to fill the hours of her life, obviously, and she used her husband as her witting foil. Tim knew what she was doing, he went along, Paul had no sympathy.

Oh, man, Paul wanted to say so badly. He wanted to just tell Tim exactly who Darcy was. He was so tempted, so very tempted, it was on the tip of his tongue. So much so that he almost stood up and went to call Tony, of all people, because Tony would tell him to lock it down, and then threaten him with the Iron Man suit. Or, at least, Paul hoped he would, because that would get him to back away from the crazy place.

Or he should go call Darcy and tell her to hurry up and come distract everybody with her zombie, Greatest Generation, war hero boyfriend.

Paul frowned at himself. That wasn’t a very nice thing to think about Bucky Barnes. Damn it.

It did pull his brain back on track, though. He wasn’t sure why he wanted to tell everybody all of a sudden. This was a secret he’d kept for over twenty years, and he’d never once been tempted to spill it. Protecting his daughter was more important than anything else.

Maybe it was just that the idea was out there now. The idea of telling people, of letting Darcy be Darcy and, maybe, of letting go a bit. She was all grown up now, as much as it made him sad, and while he would always want to protect her, maybe she didn’t need or want him to anymore. And now was the time to rub it in people’s faces, because Paul knew his daughter and she’d enjoy that as much as he would. So there.

“She’s been working too hard lately,” Paul said. “Her mother and I maybe applied the screws to get her to take a break. We haven’t seen her since the spring anyway.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Hugh said. “You went out when she was in that car accident. How is she?”

“She’s fine. It was just some bumps and bruises. I think her other dad took it harder than she did.” Where bumps and bruises and a car accident were because Hydra — HYDRA — kidnapped her for two weeks. Hydra. Sweet, tap-dancing Moses. “He got the call from the state police. Rebecca and I had time to process; he didn’t.”

It was all a carefully managed story — and this was a story not even Hugh knew. Because, no they didn’t really have time to process when they got the call from Tony. Then they all had two weeks where they couldn’t do anything but sit in a holding pattern, no answers to anything, nothing to process except that she was gone.

And then she escaped, and came home by magical alien teleportation or whatever it was. And she was mostly fine, and then they all had to process the missing time, and the sudden finding, and the weird haze of everything in between.

Actually, months weren’t near enough time to finish processing. He was still working through it. His daughter was kidnapped by evil Nazis. Real ones. It was horrifying.

Paul entirely understood why Tony tried to make a robot army, and didn’t blame him one tiny bit. It was only too damned bad that the thing went evil.

And then more awkward family wedding hijinks. That’s the plan anyway. 

So, there you go! I have made some progress lately. For real!

Thank you!