#and never slept with that woman when him and rachel were

[thebiggerbear]

"I hate you." "You have a weird way of showing that." - Alec McDowell Prompt Response

Summary: You're looking for a way to set yourself up and blend in after breaking out of Manticore. Having heard the rumors, you seek out Max for help. In doing so, you come across someone you had never thought you'd see again.

Pairing: Alec McDowell x Female!Reader; Alec McDowell x Female!Transgenic Reader

A/N: Prompt from @creativepromptsforwriting (#941). I have been in love with the world of Dark Angel and Alec ever since the show aired. To me, it's completely fascinating, and I really wish it had continued. (I was a big Malec fan back then btw; Lomax just wasn't my thing) There's so much to explore, especially with Max herself and how the transgenic community was going to move forward now that the public was aware of them. And of course, Joshua, OC, and Alec. Great stuff. Originally, I wasn't sure what scenario would best suit Alec based on this prompt line but I knew it would definitely be something that would apply to him. As far as It's A Wonderful Life, I was listening to the Christmas radio show they aired back in the 40's as I was outlining this one and the idea sort of came to life on its own. Hope this one's alright.

This is meant to take place mid-s2 and I did use events from the Berrisford Agenda episode (2x11) as inspiration for the beginning. 😉

Thanks to my beta @rieleatiel for her services. You rock, girl!

Warnings: implied violence; implied murder; mention of fatal injury; implied sex

Word Count: 8419

Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187

Alec Taglist: @heartlessdelusions; @nancymcl

Jensen Taglist: @samanddeaninatrenchcoat; @deansbbyx

This was recc'ed by @winchestergirl2 here.

"I hate you." "You have a weird way of showing that."

Soldier Boy version ✨ Beau version ✨ Dean version ✨ Jenny version ✨ Jason version ✨ Tom version ✨ CJ version ✨ Rachel version ✨ Anael version ✨ SDV Leah version

You made your way into the bike messenger shop, glancing around despite the busy, distracting din. Rumor had it that a transgenic named Max had a sweet hookup here, something a fellow transgenic like yourself could use, being on the run and all. You could get a job, make money, and more importantly: blend in; not to mention it would teach you the layout of the city, the ins and outs, and provide you with legal documentation to let you past checkpoints in case Manticore ever came looking. 

So far, you hadn’t spotted the dark brunette you had been told about, and you didn’t sense any of your kind here. While a few people either walked past you, giving you a once-over as they did or stood there staring, all of them appeared to be human. Everyone else was milling to and fro, and you wondered if perhaps you’d been given wrong information. It had happened before so you were used to it, but this one you had really been hoping would turn out to be true. You could use a lucky break.

A man was barking out orders to a group of messengers before they dispersed, and his eye landed on you once they did. “You need something, Missy-Miss?”

You assumed the crankpot was the boss so you carefully approached him. “Uh, yeah, I was looking for—”

You were interrupted by yells coming from your far left. Your head snapped in the direction of the sounds and your eyes widened at what you saw.

There was the transgenic X5-494 backed up against the lockers, holding his hands out in a ‘whoa’ manner and giving the women in front of him his most charming grin; by the looks of their faces, it wasn’t working. “Ladies, ladies. No need to fight.”

“You didn’t tell me you were already seeing Lena when you asked me out!” One woman seethed.

“He asked you out?” Another woman, who you assumed was Lena, demanded. “I bet it happened right after we slept together, didn’t it?”

“He slept with you?” A third woman blanched.

“Tell me you haven't been making the rounds through the entire company,” another woman scoffed in disgust.

You shook your head, watching the show. Typical 494. Even out here he was still getting himself into trouble. By the sounds of it, he more than deserved the wrath of the women he was currently faced with, but you were still taken aback by his sudden appearance. Just when you thought you’d never see him again…

Before you knew it, the older man you had been talking to made his way over. “Alright, break it up! Break it up!” He forced his way next to 494 and glared at the ladies. “Shouldn’t you be working? You want your paychecks? Packages need to be delivered on time. Get going.”

The women grumbled and began to disperse, glaring in both men’s direction. “You just wait until later, Alec! This isn’t over!” 494 gave them all a sheepish smile while the other man scowled. 

“Okay, okay! You’ve got deliveries to make. Packages don’t deliver themselves so let’s go, keep it moving!” 

By the time they had all left, 494’s smile dropped and he seemed to deflate, gratefully clapping the man’s shoulder. “Thanks. I think they were about to eat me alive,” he laughed.

“Not on my watch,” the other man promised. “How’re you feeling, champ? You okay?”

“Yeah, no, I’m good. Just, you know…” He gestured to where the women had disappeared and bugged his eyes before letting out a nervous chuckle.

“You should’ve let them take a swing at him,” a brunette woman suddenly threw at them as she approached her locker, which was near the two men. “It’s not like he didn’t deserve it.”

494 let out a huff. “Thanks, Max,” he mumbled.

That name caught your attention—so this was Max. It had surprised you to see 494 here of all places, but it made sense considering what X5-452 had set up here.

“Don’t be like that, Missy-Miss,” the older man warned the woman. “There’s no reason to have that kind of attitude.”

Max shook her head and discreetly rolled her eyes, zipping up her backpack. “So what have you got for me today, Normal?”

Normal held out two packages for her to take. “They need these by noon, not one second later.”

Max snatched the packages and nodded. 494 stepped closer to her. “I’ll come with you,” he insisted, still seeing some of the dirty looks he was receiving from girls coming to and fro. 

She made a face at him which clearly said that wasn’t going to happen, and before she could voice that, Normal cleared his throat. “Not a bad idea. You could show him the ropes on that side of town and keep him from the estrogen mob looking to burn him at the stake. He’s got that raw animal charisma working and it’s causing trouble.” This time you made your own face of disgust. And this guy’s name was Normal? Far from it.

“Whatever,” Max snapped and shoved a package into 494’s chest, hard. She turned and was about to leave when you stepped forward.

“Max?” You called.

Her eyes snapped towards you as did 494’s and Normal’s. “Yeah?” She asked, seeming unsure. 

You knew she was sensing who you really were just like you could sense her and 494 across the way, even if you hadn’t just been watching them. You ignored 494’s eyes widening at the sight of you and the sudden tension in his body, making your way closer. “I was wondering if we could have a word.”

Max’s brows furrowed and Normal glanced between you, holding up a finger. “No visitors at work, Miss. You know the rule: packages need to be there by noon. Make it quick.” He turned and walked away, completely uninterested in whatever conversation you two were about to have.

Max stepped over to you, studying you intently. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours. What do you want?”

494 was standing right next to her, his eyes never leaving you. The surprise was still evident in his expression along with something else you couldn’t quite put a name to.

You glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention to you, before turning and lifting your ponytail from your neck, letting her see the barcode tattoo you had. After a moment, you spun on your heel to find her appearing a little more receptive to what you had to say. “So, you got somewhere we can talk?”

She nodded and glanced over at 494 before inclining her head in a direction she expected you to follow her in. You obliged, your eyes briefly flickering to 494’s, before he followed both of you.

Once you were outside in a semi-private spot, Max turned to you, her arms crossed. “So, who are you really?”

“X5-498,” you answered. 

Max glanced over at 494 before addressing you once again. “How long have you been on the run?”

“Since you destroyed the base and helped 494 escape.” You nodded in his direction. Yeah, maybe you were still a little bitter about that. 494 looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“I didn’t help him do anything,” Max insisted, her nose scrunching up in what appeared to be repulsion at the very idea. 

494 ignored her and trained his gaze on you. “I thought you were dead.”

You smirked over at him and crossed your arms. “Sorry to disappoint.” You noticed his jaw tighten and his eyes narrow at the jab.

“You two know each other?” Max was looking between you but neither of you looked away from the other. 

“She was my breeding partner,” 494 informed her. 

Max’s eyes widened and turned on you. “Wait, what?”

“Yeah,” you agreed. “He wouldn’t have been my first choice, either.”

He snorted and the amused smirk you were more than familiar with began to appear on his face, yet he didn’t say a word. 

“Oh-kay. That’s not super weird or anything.” She turned to 494. “You had more than one breeding partner? Were you Manticore’s stud horse or something?” She looked grossed out at the thought.

494’s eyes briefly flickered over to her. “498 and I were paired off long before you got there.”

“But then, if you were already paired off, why were you paired off with me, too?” Your gaze snapped to Max who looked genuinely confused for a moment before realization hit her. “Oh, right. It was all part of your big plan to get me to trust you so I could accidentally kill Logan. Got it.”

494 shrugged unapologetically. “Pretty much.” He turned back to you. “Renfro gave me the mission and told me if I didn’t succeed, then that’d be it for me. I was already on thin ice with them. So, she assigned me to you, Max, and I did what I had to do.”

“And he left me to die,” you supplied, gracing her with your smirk. 

His jaw dropped before he closed his mouth and pressed his lips into a thin line. “I didn’t leave you there to die,” he protested. 

“Leaving me there to burn to death constitutes as leaving me to die,” you countered. He glared at you but you ignored it. You noticed Max’s eyes constantly moving between the two of you and you decided you’d get to the point of why you were here. “452, I’m here because word on the street is that you have a way of helping fellow transgenics like yourself.” You motioned towards 494. “I was hoping you might be able to help me as well.”

She looked taken aback. “I don’t have anything set up like that. As a matter of fact, Alec here only got the job because of Normal’s weird worship of him.” 494 gave her a smug smile which made her roll her eyes. “But as far as other transgenics go, I don’t really have anything in place to help like you’re thinking. Sorry.”

You nodded, figuring as much. You thought it had been unlikely but you had hoped anyway. All you could do now was remain on the run until you could find a place where you could seamlessly blend in. “Thank you for your time.”

“Just hold up a sec,” 494 entreated you, but you ignored him.

You turned to leave when Max’s voice stopped you. “Wait.” You glanced back and found her watching you, compassion twinkling in her eyes. “Maybe there’s something we can do.” She quickly glanced at 494 who was giving her a look. Max rolled her eyes at him but lifted her chin when addressing you. “I wouldn’t put you with this one because it sounds like you’ve been punished enough already.”

494 shot her a glare to which she only smirked. You couldn’t help but smile yourself; perhaps you would like this 452 after all. 

“But I think I have an idea of where you can stay. It’s temporary and you’d have a roommate, but we can see about getting you a job and getting you set up properly. Logan can help, too, with papers. If you’re serious and you plan to stay, that is.”

494 watched you intently. You thought it over for a moment. This proposal was better than anything you had going for you right now. Hell, you would have even stuck yourself with 494 again if it meant you’d have a place to sleep and something to eat, safe from Manticore for a while. You gave Max a nod. “Thank you.” To your surprise, 494 seemed to relax a bit at your response.

She smiled and turned, indicating you should follow. “You’ll be with Joshua for the time being. He’s pretty easy to get along with,” she assured you, her tone softening a bit. You could tell she was fond of the guy she was mentioning.

“Joshua?” You questioned, looking from her to 494.

494 stayed in step with you as you all made your way out onto the street. He shot you a smile as Max retrieved her bike. “You like dogs?”

Joshua did indeed turn out to be a decent roommate. He was kind and thoughtful and actually a little funny. Truthfully, you hadn’t been prepared to find a dogman as your new temporary roommate, but once you found out about his history, you found yourself feeling compassion for his situation. You were glad he had managed to escape the destruction of the base that night. 

Max kept her word and set you up with a job as a bike messenger at Jam Pony (apparently a couple of the girls 494 had been involved with decided to up and quit for some strange reason), which gave you access to all of the legal documentation you’d need to get past certain checkpoints in the city. She’d introduced you to her friends Original Cyndi and Sketchy, who would also turn out to be your coworkers. Normal viewed you as another hooligan he was forced to pay for standing around and not doing your job just like the rest, though despite his warped assertions, you actually did get your work done. You ended up going on runs with 494 and Max to get to know the ins and outs of the job. Outside of work, you kept your distance unless your help was needed. Max and OC had invited you to Crash a couple of times, but you bowed out, especially when Sketch seemed a little too invested in your joining them. You also met Logan and Asha, neither of whom you cared for very much; still, they were important to your fellow transgenics and Logan was helping you, so you kept your thoughts to yourself. All in all, you were settling into life in Seattle and beginning to blend in. And you avoided 494 like the Plague despite his couple of attempts to approach you and strike up a conversation, so everything was going pretty swell. 

You had even found a new place you liked to escape to every now and then. You knew the Space Needle was also Max’s favorite spot—she had told you as much—but after a long day, you liked to get to the highest point and look out over the city you now were beginning to call home. 

It was one such peaceful night when 494 found you.

“Thought I’d find you here.” He carefully lowered himself down next to you.

You didn’t respond and instead focused on the feel of the cool breeze gently blowing through your hair.

“I’m glad you made it out,” he admitted.

You shot him a look before returning your attention to the city. 

“I am.” He rested his forearms on his knees and looked out towards the city skyline. “I know what we had wasn’t of our making, but it wasn’t all horrible, was it?”

You let his question hang in the air. No, it hadn’t been all horrible, but it was still a messed up situation you both had been thrust into. Based on what you’d learned about his sessions with Max, copulation hadn’t needed to happen due to the background plan. You and 494 weren’t so lucky after a while, just like every other pair of breeding partners in the facility. By the time Max was recaptured and brought to the base, Renfro and company were already starting to side-eye the two of you and wanted to know how you hadn’t gotten pregnant yet. Almost every other pairing had been successful or reassigned if they weren’t; you were arousing too much suspicion by your constant failure to report an impregnation despite your successful copulations. The truth was that you and 494 did what you could to prevent it from happening. You had no desire to add to the ranks of Manticore transgenics and neither did he, something you both had been on the same page about since the first night you’d been thrown into a cell together.

You hadn’t fooled yourselves. This wasn’t about love or any attraction you had for one another, nor was it even a fun roll in the sheets; you both would not have chosen each other if you’d had a say in any of it. This was all about science and genetics, and it was purely clinical. That didn’t mean that there weren’t a few moments here and there that you snatched for yourselves: a laugh here, a tender moment there, a camaraderie forged between you in flipping off the organization that had created you and controlled you since your first breaths. So no, it wasn’t all horrible.

Which is why you didn’t protest or move away when you felt him subtly shift a little closer to you. You nearly smiled at the action; 494 had always sought a connection between you, something that superseded the physical. You couldn’t count the amount of times after your sessions that you had both held onto each other: you still remembered how he would wrap his arms around you and pull you close, letting out a content sigh as you ran your fingers through his sweaty hair, scratching at his scalp in the way you knew he liked. And he would make sure every inch of him was still touching you on the uncomfortable cot suspended from the wall, before the guards were due to come back and retrieve him. How he would chatter away about different subjects, doing his best to engage you.

“I went back for you,” he murmured.

Surprise ran through you as you turned wide eyes on him. 

“Once they revealed the base’s location and I was able to get free, I went back for you.” He stared at you, swallowing compulsively. “But by the time I got there, it was too late. I thought you were gone.”

You could see the truth of what he was saying in his green eyes, but you refused to give in that easily. You huffed out a snort and turned back to the view. “More like you were hoping.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see him shaking his head. “I never wanted you gone.”

You ignored him and continued your ritual of observing the city, allowing silence to fall between you. Only when he slowly took your hand into his did you turn a glare on him and finally speak:  “I hate you, you realize that, right?”

“You have a weird way of showing that.” He nodded his head towards your intertwined fingers. 

You rolled your eyes but you didn’t pull away. “Don’t you have a harem to get back to? Or what’s her name…Asha? Now that you’re free to choose who you want to copulate with. You didn’t seem to have any issue finding willing partners before I showed up.”

This time, he was the one who snorted. “Just passing time.”

You finally did pull away, grimacing. “Ew.”

He let out a nervous-sounding laugh. “I just meant it’s all been casual. Nothing serious.”

You side-eyed him. “Good luck with that.” You got to your feet and were about to leave when he grabbed your hand to stop you, forcing you to look down at him.

“Y/N,” he murmured, using the name Max had picked out for you. It wasn’t your favorite, but you needed something to go on the paperwork for Jam Pony and the papers Logan was acquiring for you, so you figured it would do. Perhaps you’d even grow into it and it could be a decent identity for you.

“494?”

He shot you a glare. “Alec.”

Right. Max had named him, too. That was something he’d mentioned on one of the runs you, he, and Max had gone on. You had smirked at Max’s explanation of that choice while 494 had rolled his eyes.

“Okay then. Alec?” It felt weird to call him that yet at the same time…it felt like a good fit.

His thumb tenderly stroked against your skin and he watched you. “Just wanted to see how it sounded. Using our names instead.”

You nodded. You could understand that. All of this was new and…fragile in a way. Any moment you could be found, you could either be killed or worse — brought back to another base. However, from what you’d heard, the former was more likely to happen these days. Max had encouraged you to start thinking about what you wanted out of life, and so far, freedom was certainly at the top of your list. You might be free right now, but you weren’t really free, not with your captors still out there who viewed you as their property, to apprehend or destroy at will. You had a feeling that Alec knew that just as well as you did, no matter the optimistic picture Max tried to paint for Joshua or any other transgenics she might come across.

He tugged on your hand to urge you to sit back down next to him. You resisted for a moment but then decided to oblige. What did a few minutes more matter in the scheme of things? He snuck an arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer. Had it been anyone else, that arm would have been ripped from its socket by now. 

Alec gave you a small smile and leaned down to press a kiss to your hair, flooding you with memories of every time he’d done just that. Other memories made appearances, too: his sharing with you about his side hustle of trading things with guards for certain comforts, something he actually used on your behalf a few times; his laugh and kiss to your head when both of you had gotten a little too much into one copulating session, almost making the two of you forget to take your usual precautions; his promise of getting you both out of there together if you could hold out just a little longer; his expression when he told you that he thought Renfro had a mission for him that would keep him out of your barracks for the next few nights but that he’d do his best to see it through quickly and return; the last time you’d seen him when he’d exchanged a look with you across the yard before you and your unit were led away for more drills and testing, you thinking back to the worry you’d seen in his expression and since you didn’t know the cause, it created your own set of worries — 494 never let it show if he was ever worried or scared. 

You weren’t sure how to feel about any of this. Yes, you and Alec had history but it had been forced upon you. Although you had forged some sort of connection during it all, it didn't mean that either of you were looking to continue that or see where it went on the outside—especially now that you were able to choose for yourselves. Still, that connection hadn’t simply ceased to exist just because you wished it would… Especially not when he was trying his damndest to restore some piece of it, right here and right now.

He lowered his head to meet your eyes and you could feel something familiar inside your chest squeezing a little bit. You told yourself that it had to be heartburn from the chicken stew you’d eaten for dinner earlier, and not anything to do with him at all. “I’ve missed this,” he quietly admitted. “Just talking and being together. Didn’t you?”

You gave him a look of disbelief mixed with amusement. “I don’t really think we did all that much talking as I remember it.”

That cocky smirk of his was back. “True.” 

You rolled your eyes and he laughed. You enjoyed the familiar sound that caused more memories to wash over you. You would never admit it but the bond you’d shared had actually been the only good thing to sustain you when you were running after the explosion. You’d hoped that wherever he was, he had gotten away and was safe. You knew he hadn’t been in his barracks; you’d checked amidst the chaos. 

Thinking back to that night, you rested your head back against his shoulder and stared out into the night. His lips tipped up in a small smile and he laid his head up against yours, following your gaze. You both stayed like that for the next hour until he murmured to you, “Come back with me?”

You turned to frown up at him. Was he for real? “Really?”

“No, not that, I just meant…” He ran his free hand over his hair. “I didn’t think I’d see you again and now you’re here. I didn’t really know how to ask you before without it sounding like that. But I want to show you my place.” He gave you a bit of a proud smile.

You considered it. It would be interesting to see what kind of setup he had going for himself. That had been something you had talked about back in your bunk at the base as he held you to him, his hands roaming your bare back. “You sure Alec’s groupies won’t mind?”

Alec smirked and shook his head. “I don’t have any roommates or regular visitors if that’s what you’re asking.”

You smirked right back and leaned in, making his eyes drop to your lips. “I wasn’t,” you whispered before dropping his hand and getting to your feet. 

He got up as well, grinning over at you, that familiar fire lighting those sharp green eyes. “Just think: no guards to bribe, no need to keep it down, no time limit, no metal cot we both have to try to fit on…”

You snorted. “So you really are asking me to go back with you for that reason.”

“No, I really do want to show you the sweet setup I have.” His smile then turned wicked. “But if that were to happen, I wouldn’t exactly be against it.”

“Uh-huh.” You rolled your eyes and crossed your arms, looking away from him. You did your best to hide your own smile when he wrapped his arms around you from behind, resting his lips near your ear.

“So what do you say? Let me show you my apartment. I got a couch, a bed, a tub…”  

“Ooh, a tub?” You pretended to be impressed though you weren’t pretending too much. If a tub was considered a luxury before the world went to hell, then it was an even rarer commodity now. 

“Yep,” he huskily whispered as he brushed a kiss to your ear lobe. “All the hot water and soap you could want.” He trailed his lips down your neck, making your eyes shut halfway. “And I’ve got glasses, plates, a coffee table… I even have a stereo.”

You dug your teeth into your bottom lip when he found that spot on your neck that he knew you loved. “A stereo?”

“For music,” he explained, pressing a kiss to your jawline. “And I even managed to score some whiskey from years back, pre-pulse. You’ll love it,” he promised before nuzzling your cheek. “Come home with me.”   

You stared out over the horizon, unsure if you should give in to what he was tempting you with. Before, at Manticore, the sex had been clinical and while there was a connection between you, given the circumstances, it made sense to stick together like glue. But now… “I don’t know if I should. We’re out now and everything’s changed.”

He spun you in his arms, his brows furrowed as he cupped your face with his hands. “Not for me. I meant what I said to you in there, we were gonna get out together, find some place to blend in, and make it work.”

“But we didn’t get out together,” you whispered, gently removing his hands from you before stepping around him towards the door. 

He grabbed your hand. “Y/N.” You glanced back at his earnest expression. “I did come back for you. When everything exploded and I didn’t hear or see any trace of you, I thought—”

“I know. I went to look for you, too, once I managed to get out of my barracks.” His eyes widened slightly in surprise. “That guard, Hayes, he let me out. He said something about a deal you had in place with him if things went wrong while you were away on your mission.” You dropped your gaze. “It must’ve really cost you, so… Thanks for that.” You squeezed his hand before letting it go and making your way inside the abandoned building.   

You didn’t look back; there was no point. When you thought back to that night, you remembered Hayes sneering at you as he opened your cell door, spitting something about telling 494 that he owed him something better than cigars and the usual contraband this time. You didn’t bother thanking the man who treated you and every other transgenic on the base as nothing more than freak science experiments that were less than human, and you booked it towards the male barracks, fighting your way through when you needed to. You would never forget the relief you felt finding the specific bunk you were looking for empty, that was then followed by the feeling of betrayal, which quickly shifted into acceptance. You hoped he was alive out there somewhere, whether he had made it out before you got there or he had already been out in the world on his mission. You had chalked up your time together as a weird yet not so bad interaction and kept running. You’d even seen Hayes’ dead body on your way out, his throat torn apart, almost as if that too was closing the book on this messed up chapter of your life.

And that’s what you’d done: closed that chapter of your life and attempted to move on, to do what you could to figure out your own life. You never expected to see 494 again, let alone find him living his life, a harem of women around him. It had stuck a finger into that particular wound for a moment before the blanket acceptance was back in place. Your relationship was exactly as you’d thought it had been for both of you: something that had been forced upon you by your creators and you both had tried to make something good out of it (just not the child Manticore had wanted). And now, it was over. You both were on the outside and it was time for you both to go your separate ways, figuratively if not literally. He’d done right by you in that last moment and you’d escaped, gotten free, and lived. What more could you ask for?

You were just about to scale down to the next level when his hand landed on your shoulder, making you look back at him.

“Y/N, come back with me to my place. I want to show you something.”

You gave him a look. “494—”

“Alec,” he corrected. “I’m not talking about sex, though if you wanted that at some point, like I said, I’m more than willing.” He lifted his hand to cup your cheek and he stared into your eyes, willing you to agree. “I really want to show you something.” 

His thumb tenderly ran along your bottom lip in a familiar gesture that had always preceded a kiss before he left you for the night. A part of you hoped he would repeat the action but when he didn’t, you were more relieved than anything. Your body yearned for his—the familiarity, the comfort—but you still didn’t think you should fall back into old habits—it could only end badly, whether he ended up getting bored or one of you (or both) were found by your enemies. You felt incredibly torn. Truthfully, you weren’t quite sure what you wanted when it came to him. 

“Please,” he added. “Come over.”

He looked so determined, so earnest, that you found yourself slowly nodding in agreement. 

His handsome face lit up with a bright smile. “I promise, you’re really gonna like it.” He urged you to follow him, scaling to the next level down with you right behind him. You hoped he was right, and you also hoped you would finally get some sort of answer for yourself on whether to explore this new great unknown with him with the former Emerald City as the backdrop in contrast to your cramped cell or to close the book on him for good.

You had to admit, Alec had a nice apartment. It was bigger than you’d imagined and he had told you the truth: he had glasses, plates, a coffee table, a couch, a bed, a tub, the so-called stereo (which he turned on for a minute to show you how it worked), and the whiskey he’d promised. As you drank from your glass, marveling at the taste, you glanced around, nodding.

“Nice,” you complimented.

“Thanks.” He took your hand and led you to a corner of the living room where a box sat tall on some sort of stand. He released you to go over and stand next to it, turning to beam over at you. “What do you think?”

Your eyes roved over the box with a glass front, confused. “It’s…great?”

He gave you a look as if you should know what it was before smiling wide again. “It’s a TV,” he crowed. 

Your brows furrowed in confusion. “TV?”

“Yeah, you know, to watch movies and TV shows, that kind of thing.” 

You peered at it, wondering just how it worked. You’d heard of movies of course, but you’d never seen one. Did the images just appear on the glass when you turned it on? Was there something that needed to be selected or perhaps inserted somewhere?

He proudly laid a hand on top of it. “I managed to get ahold of it after one of my customers I’ve been selling synthetics to heard about some old lady dying nearby who had one. I headed right over to her place and got this beauty.” He smiled down at it. 

“You’ve been selling synthetics?” Of course he was still hustling, even out here. In Manticore, it had been a necessity; out here, if it helped him get nice digs like this and set him up, you had to give him credit for keeping it going and getting creative.

“Among other things. Oh, and look.” He gestured down to another smaller box sitting in front of it. “I was also able to get a VCR. It took me a few months to get a lead on one of these, but I got it.” He chuckled and turned a wide smile on you. 

You returned the smile, still unsure of what a VCR was.

“And the best part,” He took your glass from you and placed it on top of the TV before he grabbed something from behind it and shoved it into your hands. You looked down at the rectangular object and spied a familiar image you had only seen once before, when you were on the run from Manticore the first time. Your eyes widened; something you had told Alec about one night after copulating a few times and he was falling asleep, him tiredly rubbing your shoulder as you laid your head on his chest, one of the nights he’d bought more time for you both… The sight made the corners of your eyes sting, yet you forced yourself to keep the tears at bay. He had heard you that night even while nodding off and he’d— he’d managed to get his hands on it. “It’s that movie you told me about,” he began. “It’s—”

“--A Wonderful Life,” you finished in an awed whisper. You reverently traced the picture you’d seen a hundred times before Manticore caught you. You ignored the rips and stains surrounding the rim of the image and focused on the man who’d caught your interest in the first place. He looked happy, staring down at his wife, the two of them surrounded by their children, one hoisted up behind him and holding onto him for dear life. They all looked happy, which was something you’d never had or known. You’d never had a father, never knew your mother, and you’d never had a family, not like the one portrayed in the picture. Sure, you had dozens of brothers and sisters, but you weren’t a family. Manticore would punish you if any of you had even uttered the word. You were soldiers in training and that was it.

Still, this image piqued your interest and many nights, you found that you couldn’t stop staring at it. It was in an old theater, a place you’d managed to find while running the first time—the same place you took shelter in and eventually turned it into your own setup. There were other people throughout the theater who’d had the same idea, but they pretty much left you alone once you’d fought off the biggest guy in the group who had stupidly tried to take your food from you. Once you’d seen that poster, it created a yearning in you for something you had never known, something you never imagined wanting. You didn’t need parents and you didn’t need siblings, but you did crave family… Something that became more and more apparent the more you studied the image, imagining what that life would be like. 

Which is why it was so cruel when Manticore recaptured you and immediately thrust you into its breeding program. Not only had they taken your life from you since conception, viewed you as their property that they were determined to see some sort of return of their investment on—now they wanted to take whatever life you could create from you and control it, too. You weren’t going to let that happen. As a matter of fact, you’d fought 494 off the first night they sent him into your cell. It had taken him by surprise because he’d thought you both were on the same page: you had orders. But he’d quickly learned that you’d rather die than follow those particular ones. He’d maintained his distance until a guard came to retrieve him, and as he’d glanced back at you one last time as he stepped across the threshold, you knew then that you were marked for death. A soldier refusing to obey and follow orders was no good to the organization and more importantly, of no use. Thus, it took you by surprise the next day when 494 confirmed the success of your copulation the previous night to your superiors which led to him being brought back to your cell later that night to continue.

From there, even though it took a little bit, you’d both talked and began getting to know one another. You’d learned that he didn’t want to spawn any kids for Manticore anymore than you did. Eventually, a bond began to form between you and of course, so did an attraction. The night you got hit with your first heat since being recaptured—thanks to a splash of feline DNA in your system, something you’d always been able to manage on the outside before—things had changed between you, and 494 no longer had to lie when reporting that copulation had been successful. Nonetheless, the entire time you’d been back in Manticore’s hands, you’d never forgotten about that picture and what you truly wanted: your freedom, a life, and eventually, family—happiness. You wanted to be happy just like the people in the poster.

And now here you were: on the outside, free for the moment, attempting to build a life, and this picture had somehow made its way back to you, right into your very hands, real enough to literally touch. “How did you get it?”

“One of Max’s fences gave me a line on where I could find one.”

You glanced up to find him watching you intently. You gave him a small grateful smile and you could see relief flood through his expression before he covered it with a smile of his own.

He cleared his throat. “I got it before you showed up, but…I never watched it. I couldn’t bring myself to. It felt wrong to watch it without you, especially after how you talked about it, so it’s been sitting in that case for months. I hope it still works.” He let out in a quiet chuckle.

You placed the box down on top of the TV and approached him. He watched as you cupped his face with your hands and pulled him down to you, your lips meeting for the first time since seeing him again. That all-too familiar feeling flooded you and this time, you didn’t fight the smile that made its way to your face. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” This time, he was the one initiating a kiss, and he snaked his arms around your waist, pulling you into him.

Only when you both needed air and he pulled away to trail kisses down to your neck did you tease into his ear, “So exactly how many girls have you shown this movie to?”

“None,” he breathed, nibbling on your earlobe. “I told you, I didn’t want to watch it without you.”

“You expect me to believe that you haven’t shown the TV or the VCR to any other girls?” You chuckled.

He pulled back to meet your eyes. “Okay, yeah, fair enough, I’ve shown them both of those, but not that movie, I swear. That was always yours.”

You knew you should be disgusted—not only that he had been such a callous player in your absence but also because he had used similar moves on you—but right then, you decided to throw all caution to the wind, even if just for one night. Seeing the movie picture again had reminded you that you needed to take happiness wherever you could find it, because thanks to your life, who knew how much longer you had? 

“So,” you whispered huskily as you ran your fingers through his hair. “What were you saying about a bed and no time limit…?”

His eyes lit up with that familiar fire and he smirked. “Oh, hell yes.” He kissed you harder than before and picked you up, making you laugh into his mouth, as he used his transgenic speed to get you to the bedroom. 

You watched the images on the screen in awe. You and Alec were sharing a blanket to keep your nude bodies warm as you sat in his embrace, the only light in the place coming from the TV. He had his chin resting on your bare shoulder, watching the movie intently with you. The man from the movie poster, George, was telling the woman, Mary, how he was going to travel the world and he was listing off his dreams right before she threw a rock at the abandoned house they were facing. When they started singing, Alec began to frown, but you? You were completely enraptured. You’d never seen or heard anything like this before. 

In the beginning, the tape had seemed like it didn’t want to work, black and white tears in the image as it played, but thankfully Alec knew what he was doing with the equipment and how to get it working. Ever since then, your eyes hadn’t strayed from the screen once, even when Alec had tried to get a second round going, promising you he could pause the film and you could finish watching it later. When he’d failed to garner your attention, he’d pressed a kiss to the back of your head and settled behind you, letting out a quiet sigh of contentment as he’d burrowed into your neck before rejoining you in watching the movie.

When George told Mary that he’d give her the moon, Alec rolled his eyes and dropped a kiss onto your skin. “That’s lame,” he muttered.

You turned to look at him. “Why? Because he wants to give her anything she wants?”

“No. Because he’s going to lasso the moon. Lasso the moon? Really?”

You laughed and he smiled, leaning in to kiss your cheek. “Alright, sure, it’s cheesy, but the message isn’t.”

“It’s not?” Alec moved to kiss your ear.

“No. He likes her that much, he’d do anything for her. Kind of nice actually,” you ended in a whisper as you turned back to the screen. You let out a soft chuckle when the old man interrupted the couple and told George that he talked too much and he should kiss Mary already.

Alec, who had glanced back at the screen to watch that part of the scene, turned an affectionate smile on you before leaning in to nuzzle your cheek. “Stay here tonight,” he urged.

Your eyelids dropped halfway when he moved his lips to your neck and you dug your teeth into your bottom lip. “I can’t. Joshua will be worried.”

“The big guy will be just fine, trust me,” he promised, his lips gliding back to your shoulder. “I want you to stay.”

You thought it over. You both had reacquainted yourselves earlier quite nicely so that wasn’t an issue. Just like Alec had said, it had been amazing to be in a bed for once, not under the pressure of a timeclock or having to worry about prying eyes and listening ears milling around. You didn’t have to separate soon after you were finished if the guards Alec usually bribed weren’t on shift that night. Here, you were free to just be and let things take their own course and that had been a phenomenal feeling. As for what came next… you weren’t too sure about that. You hadn’t done a lot of talking since Alec carried you into his bedroom and playfully dropped you on the bed, knowing it wouldn’t hurt you. You had let out an incredulous laugh and he mirrored your grin before he’d been all over you.

You watched as he pressed tender kisses to your bare skin before glancing up at you hopefully. You took his face into your hand and he leaned into your touch. Seeing that, you decided to state your one condition if he truly wanted you to stay. “No more girls.” You refused to look away as you threw down that gauntlet. While he never said he wanted anything more than tonight with you, you needed him to know that if this did somehow go past that, you wouldn’t be wondering just who he had in his bed or on his couch a few hours before you would arrive at his front door. Or who he might bring back to this apartment to show his TV and VCR to. 

He stared at you for a moment until the corner of his lips tipped up into a bit of a smug smile. “No more girls,” he agreed.

You tilted your head at him, studying his expression.

“What?” He laughed. 

“Just like that?”

Alec’s smile grew and he leaned in to place a kiss to the corner of your mouth. “Just like that.” You weren’t the least bit surprised when he suddenly turned you around in his arms to face him, one hand keeping the blanket over you, cocooning you both. He wiggled his eyebrows playfully at you before covering both of your heads with the blanket and leaning in for the kill.

“What about the movie?” You laughed as he began to kiss your neck.

“That’s the great thing about tapes. We can watch it again anytime we want,” he murmured, his hands starting to roam your body insistently.

“So we can watch the lasso the moon part again?” You teased.

He groaned into your neck, making you laugh. “Yeah, we can, if that’s what you want,” he grumbled, sounding like he was going to majorly suffer when you watched it again.

You pulled back, smiling, and cupped his face. “I want you,” you told him earnestly. And you did. You wanted more nights with him like this, you wanted what you two had managed to create back in your cell. Studying him now, you could see the man who had become almost everything to you back then, who’d kept you going during the rough moments, who ended up looking out for you even though he usually lived by the unwritten rule of only ever looking out for himself.  

His eyes stared into yours and a small smile began to form on his face. “Then stay,” he urged.

You pretended to think over it for a minute and when you grinned over at him, his smile was already mirroring yours. “Okay,” you answered playfully, as if he had only posed a simple question like asking you if you wanted a drink or not. You moved up to kiss him and bury your fingers in his disheveled hair. “No lassoing the moon required,” you murmured to his lips.

He rolled his eyes and quickly maneuvered you onto your back with him right on top of you. He smirked down at you, leaning in to kiss you. “I’ll give you something better than the damn moon,” he mumbled into your mouth, making you laugh. 

You didn’t want the moon or the stars (except the ones Alec made you see exploding behind your eyelids from time to time) or anything else that grand. What you wanted was simple: everything right here in front of you at this moment. A life that was your own, a job that helped keep money coming in, a roof over your head that offered protection from the cold, the wet, and intruders, while offering you a safe space to rest your head at night; food in your stomach, clothes that fit, and the feelings that coursed through you every time Alec kissed you.

Post-pulse Seattle might not be Bedford Falls and you might not be George Bailey or even Mary for that matter, but you were free, you were building a life, and you were happy. And someday, if you lived long enough, you might even get that family you’d been yearning for. From the look of things, between Joshua, Max, and now Alec, you were hopefully already starting to form something akin to the idea. And really, what more could you ask for?

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[bumblebeesfromvenus]

BATtrayal

Bale!Bruce Wayne x fem!reader

A/N: The lack of Bale!Bruce is criminal, so I'm here to provide!! And of course I had to write something extremely heart-wrenching, because fun, am I right? 🥲 I will (hopefully) have some happier Bale!Bruce for you in the future! Enjoy :)

~ Fi 🪻

Warnings: very angsty, but like heart break angsty not death angsty

Word count: 1.7k

Please don't copy my work! I put a lot of effort and heart into the things I write.

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It was a gloomy morning in Gotham. Not that there were sunny ones. Ever. It had been a particularly rough night for you, but it wasn't that your Lover hadn't shown up to bed last night. That was normal. You'd learned to keep yourself warm in the big bed without him there. You couldn't even remember the last time you two had slept together. Embracing and warming eachother while listening to the others heartbeat as a sweet lullaby to drift off into your dreams.

You'd wake up to his side of the bed never having been slept in. There was no sign of him taking the couch in the living room, or even sleeping in the batcave. You weren't even sure if he'd made it home most nights. Then, last night, you'd heard him come in and basically sprung out of bed just to hug him for the first time in a while. You'd raced down  the stairs of his penthouse, into the livingroom, your heart filled with relief to know he was alive when-

"More Tea, Miss?" Alfred broke you out of your thoughts.

You looked up at him from your place at the breakfast table, him holding a teapot ready to refill your cup, if you so wished. "Yes please. Thank you Alfred," he nodded and gave you a smile "but we've been over this," you glared at him. "My name is fine, no need for the formalities". He pressed his lips into a tight smile. "Yes, of course, Mi-" You squinted your eyes at him,  and he quickly dismissed himself saying he'd left the stove on or something of the sort.

You moved around the food on your plate, carelessly pushing one piece to the other side and back again. Eating didn't seem like something you wanted to do right now. You looked out the massive windows and followed the clouds moving with your eyes. What it would feel like to be a cloud? Soft, fluffy, just going where the wind would take you. It must be nice. To not have a worry in the world.

Alfred made his way back to where you were sitting, wiping his hands on his navy blue Apron. He approached you with a smile. "Stove's all taken care of"

"Good" you smiled.

Silence fell over the room as Alfred watched you poking around in your breakfast with a defeated expression on your face.

"Not to your liking, Miss?"

"No, Alfred. You know your pancakes are the best," you gave him a small grin,  "I just don't feel like eating at the moment. And stop with the whole 'Miss' thing already, we've known eachother for ages!" you said, letting out a small laugh. He gave you a sigh. "I know, I know. It just don't feel right, with you being Bruce's Missus and all"

At the mention of his name your face turned sour. You didn't want to have to think of him right now.

You gave him a tight lipped smile. "Well, call me whatever you'd like, then"

You were about to change the topic, wanting something to take your mind off last night.

But apparently the universe doesn't want you to know peace because that was when she walked in.

Rachel Dawes.

God, you couldn't stand that woman. Everything about her drove you up the wall. Her perfect hair, that always fell how it was supposed to. That charming smile that could make any man swoon. The way she carries herself so confident and all mighty because she was a DA. How she just let herself into your and your Partners apartment like she owned the place.

She didn't even look at you as she strutted straight towards Alfred, who, to your dismay, adored her as much as the rest of Gotham. Or most of it, anyway. You looked down at your still full plate, and made it your mission to blurr out every word she said because you couldn't care less. You didn't give a fuck about what she had to say.

It ticked you off so much how she thought she was entitled to everything Bruce owned just because they'd known eachother their entire life.

She handed Alfred a small envelope which peaked your interest. Rachel pulled him into a tight hug. She acknowledged you for the first time since she barged in and gave you a small greeting that you returned without much emotion. She then bid you two a goodbye and disappeared into the elevator. Alfred still smiled after her. Blegh. If you had eaten anything it would surely make its way up your esophagus right about now.

"What was that about?" You asked.

Alfred gave you a confused look.

"You were sitting right here"

"I don't really care what Mrs. DA has to say. I'd rather hear it from you. Anything I should know?" You questioned with a cold tone.

"No, nothing of importance" he smiled. "What about the, uh, the envelope?" you pointed at the small letter with your fork.

Before he could answer you stopped him. "You know what, I don't even want to know" you spoke, putting your hands up.

"Are you alright? You haven't exactly been yourself this morning-"

"No, Alfred I am not." You hissed tears starting to well up in your eyes.

"What's the matter, Miss-" he asked with concern, but you interrupted.

"The matter, Alfred is-," you sighed angrily tears already falling down your cheeks," They kissed" your voice came out in a whisper, cracking at the end as you realized this was, in fact, not a nightmare.

"I.. I saw them kiss." You muttered.

"Surely you don't mean-" he began, shocked.

"Yes. Him and Rachel" You sobbed, pressing your hand over your mouth, trying to stifle the heavy sobs.

He made his way to your side of the table, with a sad expression on his face. Alfred went to embrace you but you took a step back. "I'm sorry.., but I think I just want to be alone right now"  you managed to choke out. He nodded and you made your way to the staircase leading to you the bedroom. When you were halfway up the steps, you turned to Alfred. "Oh, Alfred?" You sniffled. "Yes?" He responded.

"Would you tell Mr. Wayne that I'm leaving today? Permanently. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be gathering my things."

"Of course, Miss" he answered, sounding defeated.

When you reached the bedroom, you collapsed to your knees. One hand on your mouth the other over your heart. It hurt so much. How could he do this? Didn't he love you? Did all those sleepless nights taking care of him after a bad patrol mean nothing to him? How you were there for him and she wasn't? Licking his wounds, comforting him through his nightmares, helping him in every way you could. Just for him to break your trust and your heart like this.

You could hear faint voices downstairs but you couldn't care less. Your heart had been ripped apart by the one you trusted most. You had some many things planned. All of your expectations, plans, images of your future together went down the drain. You were supposed to be Mrs. Wayne, for Godsake!

Footsteps could be heard racing up the stairs, but you didn't care. You didn't care who would find you like this. Sobbing and screaming your heart out on the cold floor.

The door swung open and in stepped a soaking wet Bruce. It had been pouring, apparently. Funny how the weather knew exactly how you felt.

His heart clenched at the sight. You were a wreck, completely broken down. Not only that, but because of him. He had done this to you. And he regretted it now more than ever. "Baby.." he began, stepping closer. When you looked up at him, his heart shattered completely. He'd never seen you so miserable. "B-Bruce..?" You sobbed. "Yes, sweetheart, I'm so sorry I-" he had made it next to you on the floor, but you interrupted him. "S-Save it, asshole. Leave me alone" you sobbed, trying to move away from him.

Bruce became teary eyed at your reaction. "I never meant-"

"You never meant what, huh?! For me to find out? Well I did." You hissed, being able to gather yourself, at least a little bit. Then, you went right back to sobbing, really. "I.." he sighed "It didn't mean anything to me, I swear I only love you, Honey" he whsipered. You squeezed your eyes shut and shook your head. "You don't mean that.." you whimpered. "I do, I really do. I swear." He continued, gently taking your hand off your mouth and putting his on your cheek, gently stroking it.

You hated how much you leaned into his touch. How much you needed this. craved this. Bruce moved closer, taking off his wet coat, pulling you into his chest. He stroked your hair as you continued your crying and whimpering. You felt so pathetic. He broke your heart and yet you were so willing to give into him. Making you look at him, he kissed you.

First, you tensed up, this being the least you expected. Just a second after you immediately relaxed into his touch. His arms. His lips. Bruce deepened the kiss, pulling you even closer to him. He picked you up and placed you on the bed, he climbed in next to you and cradled you in his arms.

How was he so stupid? He looked at what he'd done to you. Why did he kiss Rachel? He'd been pining afte her for years and took his chance but was it really worth it? Breaking his beloved's heart, making her suffer like this. He regretted his decision with every bone in his body.

"I-I'm so, so, sorry, baby.. please forgive me.." he cried. You just continue sobbing into his chest, you didn't have the strength to try and argue with him. He ruined everything you two had built with one kiss. Didn't you kiss him enough? Not good enough? Why, on earth, did he do it? You couldn't make sense of it. You slowly felt yourself drifting away into sleep. The sobbing had drained all of your energy, and Bruce's embrace was just so warm. And comforting. You didn't fight it. You couldn't. You didn't want to. But one thing was clear. The moment you'd wake up, you'd leave. You couldn't forgive him for this. Ever.

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[coolprettyleo]

summer's day was starting off horrible.

first she missed her alarm and slept through her pilates class, so to make up for it she went on a run, where she tripped and fell, and then to top it all off she got a call from her councilor who advised her to take french, if she was going to go through with her studying abroad trip to france. meaning she had to drop one of her classes and replace it.

it just wasn't summers day and she was quick to see that.

she quickly went home and registered for the class to see it started in twenty minutes. the class was about a thirty minute walk from her apartment.

great.

she quickly freshened up and got her bag and dashed to class, trying to remember the fact that it was all going to be worth it when she met a rich man in France and they rode off into the sunset.

bitch u wish.

___

she walked through the doors of the building already running ten minutes late. she looked through the window of the class to see that there was no other than twenty five people in the class.

she opened the door and all eyes were immediately on her.

"and you are" a woman said, obviously displeased with the fact summer had interrupted her.

"rachel summers. I just registered like twenty minutes ago, so I don't know if it's in the system yet" she said when she saw the professor look confused.

"well. you can take a seat over there" she pointed to a seat that was next too-- no there than gabe perreault.

this day can't get any worse

she kept a straight face as she put her things down and listened to the professors lecture on their assignment.

"didn't know you were into french, rache'" gabe started.

summer ignored him not looking to make her day any worse and start the immature banter they seemed to always do.

"your ignoring me now? I guess praying really does work"

keep ignoring him

"is there something you two would like to share?" the professor called them out.

gabe stifled a laugh as summer turned red.

"no-- ma'm. i'm sorry" she got out as the professor hummed and kept on talking.

"so, as i was saying; whoever is to your left of you will be your partner for this assignment. exchange socials or emails or whatever and go from there. you are dismissed after!"

gabe is too the left of me

the class got to talking as gabe took a overly obnoxious breath.

"I guess you can't ignore me forever then...darn it" he said smiling.

"let's just get the assignment over with. here's my number" she said as she wrote a note and handed it to him.

"geez rachel. talk sweet to me at least, if your gonna give me your number-"

"don't" she said annoyed.

"don't what" he said faking innocence.

"just don't" she said as she packed up her things and he held his hands up.

"do you even know any french?" he asked standing up as well.

"no. but your not one to talk, I doubt you know any either"

"I beg to differ actually" he argued

"'bon appetite' does not count" she said sarcastically laughing at her own tease.

"I'm fluent, Rachel" he said seriously.

"yeah and im Canadian!"

"im canadien french. born in Quebec"

summer stayed quite for a moment seeing as she didn't know what to say to that

"new gabe lore? oh thank you so much" she said overly dramatic.

"ha ha." he said as he opened the door for her to walk out.

"are you going to the darty later" he asked. he would never say it out loud but he liked when summer would attend things.

it's not because I want her there though

gabe told himself.

"aww. missing me already?"

"is... rachel summers... flirting with me?"

"trust me, thats not me flirting" she said getting red once again.

"oh yeah" gabe said eyeing her. nodding his head as he held his chin up. obviously trying to look hot and he was one hundred percent succeeding.

"stop! doing that" summer told him.

"doing what"

"bye. I have to go" she said parting ways from him before she said something embarrassing.

"I'll see you later?" he yelled as she sped walk away.

"we'll see" she rolled her eyes smiling. feeling something she hadn't felt in a while.

you cant feel that way about him summer. I'm pretty sure he hates you.

she told herself, but oh how wrong she was.

meanwhile, gabe went home thinking about the blonde girl. the girl giving him a feeling he's never felt before. a feeling that gabe could feel forever and ever.

[sapphic-agent]

¿Have you noticed that the relationships Rachel has later in the series were actually also Mercedes's?

Kurt as a best friend.

Santana as a rival.

Sam as a love interest.

YES.

I will forever be angry that they replaced Kurtcedes with Hummelberry. Mercedes was the first person Kurt came out to and the first one to support him. They weren't the IT bffs of seasons 1&2 for the writers to ignore that. Especially because Rachel wasn't a good friend to him.

I mean she wasn't really a good friend to anyone (except Blaine and sometimes Quinn), but for Kurt it feels worse. They were fine in season 2, but from seasons 3+ it felt like a straight white woman treating her "gay best friend" as an accessory. She was especially awful to him when they lived together, always dismissing him and talking down to him. The Kurt Hummel I knew never would have agreed to be her roommate, he couldn't stand her ass in season 1 and even though they were friends in season 2, she still annoyed tf outta him.

She was awful to everyone in season 5- Santana, Carmen, her coworkers, etc.- but Kurt really got the brunt of it. One thing I hate is that they took away his backbone. This was the kid who stood up for himself against Karofsky, someone 3x his size, even after being assaulted and threatened. Having him put up with Rachel's bullshit?? No way.

Santana and Mercedes had such a good relationship. Santana getting stuck with Rachel and Kurt made no sense. I would have much rather watched Santana make her own way. She didn't get to do much, it felt like the writers only kept her there for Rachel's benefit, not her own.

(Sending Brittany to New York would have been way funnier. She would have driven Rachel and Kurt crazy. I would have preferred that over her staying behind in season 4, that made no sense. How did she get to senior year if she never went to class??)

To be fair about Samchel, that's just Sam being a hoe. He's the only one who's dated the entire Unholy Trinity (Puck slept with them, but didn't date them) and he's dated every one of the original ND girls except Tina (Tina stays losing gg)

[blonkk]

all these dumbass women who say they just wanna be taken care of and frolic in a field while their husbands make the money and provide the “masculine” energy etc unironically need to watch friends. it’s really weird but one thing i’ve learned is that a lot of gen z and younger have never seen it which is wild to me lmao

and i’m not saying it’s the perfect representation of feminism, not at all, but it’s got great merits. it showed positive, strong relationships between young women well into their thirties, despite dating and multiple relationships. there was pretty minimal shaming of women’s sex lives. there was very little drinking/drug abuse. there was a healthy lesbian relationship introduced at the beginning.

AND THE VERY FIRST EPISODE introduced rachel by having her turn up in her wedding dress, after having run away from her wedding, and making a decision to abandon the financial safety her father and fiance would have promised for something of her own. she started at the bottom at 26 as a waitress and had to learn how to be independent. obv her arc was unrealistic, but it’s tv, and the message is simple: do what’s best for you, the happiness and opportunities will follow. conquer your fear of failure and work through the hard times and it will be worth it, hard times will come, good times will too.

a lot of people really think rachel was shallow and vain but i honestly see her as one of the strongest characters in the show and an excellent example to women. monica and phoebe were good in their own right, but rachel just really inspires me lol. like i said she did a really hard thing; walked away from financial security in order to stand on her own feet, not knowing what she was doing, how it turned out. she used her former mean-girl ways to be fiercely confident and loyal to her friends. she wouldn’t take ross’s shit when he slept with someone else, and she ate when she wrote him that 18 pager (& still refused to take him back). i think she was just the easy one to hate because she was hot and popular and broke ross’s bitch baby heart in high school wah wah. i honestly love rachel lol. and the writers maybe didn’t realize it but they showed how a woman can really do the hard things, get heartbroken by people who are supposed to love them, are always judged and type-casted, yet can thrive and succeed and be amazing people when given the freedom to do so. her confidence is something that grew over the course of the show and i think a lot of young girls and women would benefit from watching her growth, i really mean that. that’s why it was such a groundbreaking show in the 90s, because it was as kind to its female characters as it was to its males; it gave them moments of weakness and all, but it also developed richly textured female characters whose arcs were as complex (or more) than their male counterparts. idk…getting emotional over this tv show…i get that it’s widely beloved but just. not for the right reasons LOL

[october-faye]

The penultimate episode of Partner Track. The show has barely taken off, and now it has to stick its landing.

Ingrid drops by Nick's place to return the engagement ring. She looks like she's dreading the conversation. Not to rub it in (but also to totally rub it in), I'd like to ask her if this confrontation is easier than simply breaking up with him weeks ago?

She explains to Nick that she and Jeff have a history.

Girl!

👏 You 👏 slept 👏 with 👏 him 👏 once 👏 six years ago, never learned his name, and never saw him again. That's not history. That's barely a footnote. Look, I just summed up the entirety of it in one sentence.

Nick calls Jeff dark and tortured (LOL) and tells Ingrid to ask herself why she always chases the storm (LOL).

Jeff is not 'the storm'; he's that drizzly piss weather we get in London. Or maybe he means Ingrid's love life in general? Still not seeing it.

Nick tells her he'll have her stuff shipped over to her.

In case this is your last scene, Nick... uh... sorry. You did not deserve this shit. But also, you and Ingrid dated for a matter of months, and you can do better than a woman who's only sort of into you.

Opening credits.

Ingrid is at her apartment, microwaving a meal and looking sad. She must be missing Nick's cooking. But she forgets about all that when the doorman rings and asks if Jeff can come up. She says 'yes' and hurriedly tidies.

Jeff has bought dumplings (I suppose they were out of egg salad sandwiches?) but he sees Ingrid is already eating some. So I suppose he learned her preferred foods off-screen?

He tells Ingrid that he's cooled things off with Victoria, and she tells him that it's 100% over with Nick. They kiss.

The two actors are excellent screen kissers, by the way. It's an easy thing to forget about until you see actors who can only smash their mouths together in a way that just looks like assault.

Jeff and Ingrid agree to keep their relationship a secret in the office. Jeff reminds her that she jumped him in that same office. They giggle some more.

Cut to a montage where they walk past each other at work, eye-fucking so intensely that I'm surprised Ingrid doesn't get pregnant on the spot. Now I'm imagining the beautiful but insufferable and stupid baby they could make.

Seriously, everyone in the office has eyes. They'll see you two touching hands in the corridor as you pass each other. Do you think you're the first ones in the firm to have an affair? I shudder to imagine what a black light would reveal in your offices.

In the overly long montage, they hang around Ingrid's apartment while she dances sexily for him and strips before they have sex. They also make out in an elevator. These two only wish they were Meredith and Derek from Grey's Anatomy.

I'm making fun of them, but I do buy that they're having a lot of fun. It's a shame there weren't enough episodes in this season to let their early love affair play out more slowly so we could see what they're like as a couple when it's not all steamy looks and slow motion fucking.

The montage (finally) ends, and they're in bed. The dialogue tells us it's been a week and that Ingrid is going to a deal closing ceremony. Ingrid tells him there are three slots for Partner at the firm, and she thinks it'll be her, him and Dan who get it.

Jeff agrees and hands her a gift - it's a pretty diamond necklace with a rose pendant, (which is a callback to Rosecliff, where they met). Ingrid is touched, but she's still sad that she hasn't patched things up with Rachel and Tyler. Jeff tells her to give them time and keep moving forward.

They talk about ambition and Jeff tells Ingrid she lives for the gold star. She asks Jeff about his parents' expectations. Jeff tells her that he was the parent. He cooked and took care of his little sisters. His mother was mentally unwell (it's implied she was an addict due to their circumstances and the abuse from his father) and she set fire to a picture of the two of them because she said it had demons in it.

I like getting some backstory for Jeff, but again it's all tell and no show. They could've given him any other backstory, and it wouldn't matter because it isn't reflected enough in his behaviour. In fact, I half-suspect he might be lying about everything. I just don't know.

It's not the actor's fault. The writers waited too long to give us anything to care about with Jeff. But even this just feels like a set-up for the inevitable implosion of their relationship by the finale.

I do like these two as a couple, sort of. Which surprises me, because I wanted to murder Jeff in episodes 1 through 4, and intermittently thereafter.

If this had been better written, we could've had a solid enemies to lovers story. I've found it easier to find gifs on Tumblr for Paralegal Justin and Rachel's love story than for either of Ingrid's love interests. The side pairing was getting more fandom attention than the love triangle the show based a chunk of its marketing on. Whoops.

[policemanofprincesspark]

Since I became larrie and being aware about the whole bbg, I said to myself that I won´t dive into it because I wasn´t there when it all was happening and so I just trust other old-days larries who were there that L is not a father and whatever was happening back then, I don´t want to dive into it. But there´s one question that came to my mind and wondering if anyone actually considered it. You wrote about how Sony might looked for L´s lookalike for sperm donor but what if they actually made L to do that (so he hadn´t had to actually sleep whoever woman got pregnant)? I mean it´s much easier than looking for lookalike. Maybe it´s crazy but does anyone considered this question? And that´s why F looks like L even many larries don´t want to admit it? So L is actually a father but he never slept with the woman.

So I actually fully believed exactly what you just said for a few months in 2023.

I assume you've read about the Sunglass Hut ordeal? The day F was born, Louis presumably called the paps on himself as he shopped around at a Sunglass Hut. Someone in the fandom (either a plant by Louis or an actual fan) figured out the connection between Sunglass Hut and pregnancy. They found this clip:

Transcription:

Rachel: Hey, Joey? What would you do if someone that you slept with told you that she was pregnant?

Joey: Who called here? Did she sound blonde? Huh? Did she have an accent? I gotta make a call. Should've never walked into that Sunglass Hut!

Rachel: Oh, Joey! Joey, it's not you! You didn't get anybody pregnant!

This image in particular is often spread around by larries whenever they discuss the Sunglass Hut incident:

But that image leaves out the most important line, which comes right after.

Rachel: Oh, Joey! Joey, it's not you! You didn't get anybody pregnant!

A few days after fans make this connection, Louis follows Matt LeBlanc on twitter. Matt LeBlanc is the actor who plays Joey. So, we took that as confirmation that he was indeed referencing this scene. We know that 1D were fans of the show Friends too, so it's not out of bounds that Louis would have seen the episode and taken that joke as an opportunity to tell us, "hey, I didn't get her pregnant."

Now, none of that proves Louis didn't just donate his sperm to her. And I 100% do not believe that F is the surrogate child of Louis and Harry, considering how upset Harry was after the announcement that Louis was going to be a dad (and no, it wasn't because he found out Louis cheated on him; that's not possible, since Harry shaded the pregnancy about a month or so ahead of the announcement, so he already knew), and considering all the shading and the song Kiwi.

So, we're left with a possibility: maybe Sony forced or coerced Louis to use his own sperm to father a child, essentially forcing him to have a child.

And to that I say, if that were the case, Harry and Louis would have taken that as an opportunity to have and raise the child together, which they aren't doing.

[roosterforme]

So I was thinking of Roo before he met BG. We all know he slept around. Can we get the lead up for that? He obviously drinks the ‘knows how to pleasure a woman’ juice, but I don’t think 20y/o Bradley knew what to do. How’d he train himself not to cum until she did?

#2k party

Rachel, I have too much to say, so I don't know if I can keep this to a blurb, but I'll try!

In the B&BG universe (the Is It Working For You realm of existence), Bradley was actually pretty quiet and reserved when he was at the University of Virginia. Carole died when he was 16, plus Mav had his papers pulled, so he definitely kept to himself a bit. Not the wildest college experience.

I think once he got into flight school and Navy officer training, he was starting to grow his mustache, and he was strong and muscular. He started to get more attention from women at that point, and he really took off as a bit of a ladies' man. So you're right, 20 year old Bradley definitely was not the same as 25 year old Bradley.

For over a decade really, he was just hooking up. He only had two girlfriends before Baby Girl. He got used to picking up girls at the bar, sleeping around with other Navy officers, and just generally relying on booty calls. That being said, he's no different with Baby Girl than he was with anyone before her in that he's still a gentleman. Is she drunk? He's not sleeping with her. Did she tell him no? He's not pressuring her. Is he a gentleman because Carole taught him to be like Goose? Yes.

When BG turned him down at first, he was literally crushed. He never really put his feelings on the line like that. If a random girl turned him down before that, it didn't mean much. But he was already into her a few days after meeting her, and already thinking about a little bit more than just sex. So while he had the sexual experience, he didn't have the knowledge of a relationship.

And as their relationship progressed, he was starting to think about things he'd never thought about before (a long-term partner, stability, a home, a family, a dog, kids, someone to share things with). He'd never let himself think he wanted or needed those things, because his relationships were based on just sex, and he was fine with that for a long time. Being deployed and being away so much was hard on him, let alone dragging someone else into that lifestyle. Plus he'd already lost everyone else he relied on, which makes it hard to want to partner up.

Soooo.... he's really good at not cumming until she does, because he's quite sexually experienced, and he's a giver more than a taker. He also pays attention to her cues, because he thinks she's so hot. And he is more than willing to put in some time with his mouth and/or his fingers once he cums if Baby Girl isn't quite there yet.

[theconsofrom-coms]

Falling in Love While in a Relationship? Nope!

Just Justified Cheating!

We can't lie and say that there are many romantic comedies out there in which this becomes one of the main premises. Tell me...does this sound familiar? "Guy in a relationship meets girl who changes the way in which he sees many aspects of his life, she is so different from his own girlfriend/fiancée/wife and such a breath of fresh air, and she seems to treat him so much better!" and vice versa. Yeah, this is something that has become so popular in rom-coms that it should be a sub-genre of its own, I call it Justified Cheating!

We will be focusing on three movies in whose main couple is implicit of Justified Cheating. "Something Borrowed", "The Wedding Planner", and "Sex and the City 2" But make no mistake, there are dozens of rom-coms out there with a cheating premise.

Something Borrowed, or should I say, I will cheat on my fiancée with her best friend!

NOBODY IS INNOCENT IN THIS MOVIE! Rachel, the main character of this movie is in love with her best friend Darcy's fiancée, Dex, and after a night of drinks, end up sleeping together. This act becomes the catalyst for an affair that lasts basically up until the week before the wedding. And before anyone says "poor Darcy," well things are more complicated than that, as we find out that Darcy has also been having an affair with a man named Marcus, moreover, she's pregnant with his baby! WITH HIS BABY! But the cheating is soon found out, and Darcy, while hypocritical, is upset at finding out that her best friend has been sleeping with Dex, a man she was already engaged to.

This movie romanticizes cheating, as though it is okay as long as you have feelings for one another, as Rachel and Dex did since they had known each other since law school. That if you aren't totally fulfilled in your relationship, it is totally fine to find someone else out there to revitalize you, as long as you are still with your partner and make them believe in the so called relationship you have with each other.

The Wedding Planner, a guy just being a guy!

Mary is a woman who after a fatal break-up with her fiancée who she had found cheating with her maid of honor and best friend (Funny, how this seems to be a pattern, huh) has focused on her career as one of the best wedding planners in the industry. It all changes when she is rescued by a man, called Eddie. They go on a date and seem to have a genuine connection, even almost kissing at one point, but it all comes tumbling down, when she finds out that Eddie is the groom of the latest wedding Mary is planning.

It's funny to see how when confronted by the issue, all Eddie has to say is "Maybe I was just being a guy..." as if that is any excuse to cheat on your fiancée. Just guys being guys, right? Mary is no less innocent, as she continues to flirt with and make suggestive remarks towards Eddie when it comes to her growing feelings, although I will praise her for removing herself from the situation once she realized she was playing with fire. In the end though, Eddie and his ex have an amicable break-up the day of their wedding and Eddie finds Mary. While, there was never any instance where Eddie and Mary slept with, kissed, or showed any sort of physical affection, the intent behind their interactions was there. It was obvious that they were both falling for each other and instead of staying apart to avoid any heartbreak, they continued to be constantly in each other's faces. So yeah, apparently if you start falling out of love with a woman you've been with for a multiple amount of years, it is okay to cheat? Really?

And finally, Sex and The City 2, looking for unnecessary drama.

Well...what could we really expect from a movie whose main character is Carrie Bradshaw? Throughout the entirety of the franchise, both movie and show it was shown that Carrie thrived on the idea of having a relationship filled with glamour and drama, which is why it is so hard for her to live a regular married life. Finally, after so many years of wanting the aforementioned "Mr. Big" to be the one man in her life, she starts to feel stale in her marriage after 5 years. She is concerned that the sparkle of their relationship will fade, especially because they have decided not to have children. It would just be the two of them, for the rest of their lives.

This need for drama is only intensified when, in a trip to Abu Dhabi with her best friends, she runs into Aiden, a man who she had considered to be her other great love. A man, mind you, who she had previously cheated on with Big. They greet each other as old friends do, and considering the perplexing circumstances of their reunion, Carrie starts to believe it meant something. Although her friends advise against her going to dinner with Aiden, saying she's "playing with fire" she turns a blind eye to their warnings. And drumroll please...kisses Aiden on that date. And while many may say that it was just a kiss, it was not because it involves a man who once upon a time, was just as important for Carrie as Big is. While her and Big are able to reconcile after this incident, Carrie is never fully punished for her actions, although let's be honest, when has Carrie ever suffered the consequences of her actions in a permanent way.

And so, that is all I have to say in respect to romantic comedies' hidden subgenre, Justified Cheating!

I'll be back soon with our next topic, what will it be?

I wonder...

[rose-and-thorn-fanfics]

THE DARK KNIGHT FANFIC: Joker x OC (Part 6)

Lottie woke up while it was still dark outside. She spent a few moments gazing at the city lights, then got up and got dressed. Slipping on a pastel pink mini skirt, white lace tights, and a white long sleeved sweater, she gazed at admired her appearance in the bathroom mirror. 'Now my mom isn't here to force me to dress like a middle aged business woman. Now I can be myself.' Lottie thought, applying baby-pink lipstick and brushing out her hair. She left the bathroom and took a seat on her bed, sending a picture of herself to the Joker, and then calling Maya Gardner's cellphone. 

     Maya answered immediately. "Oh my god, I've been so worried about you. My mom told me your maid got murdered and your parents disappeared." She said, relieved to be answering her best friend's call. She paused, then asked the inevitable question. "Did you do that?"

     Lottie grinned. "Surprisingly, no. Not this time."

     Maya sighed. "Ok, then who?" 

     "That's not important. Anyway," Lottie said. "I need some more clothes, and was wondering if you'd like to go with me on a shopping spree on 3rd Avenue, no money required on your part."

     "Uh, yeah. But you're saying you're treating? Didn't your mom close down your credit card account?" 

     "It's not my treat, you can thank Gotham's most eligible bachelor for funding our little outing." Lottie said, unable to conceal her happiness. 

     Maya squealed with excitement. "You're one lucky bitch to have Bruce Wayne as your cousin. Are you staying with him right now? I assume you aren't still at your parent's penthouse."

     "Yup! Alright, I gotta go. I'll pick you up when the sun rises. Ok?" Lottie said, noticing a notification of an incoming text from the Joker. 

     "Yay! Alright, bye!" Maya said. 

     Lottie hung up and opened the text. The text read "Enjoying your new accommodations, I see? You look beautiful, doll. -J" She blushed, typing a response. "Only for you. :) Thanks for the birthday gifts. You never fail to surprise me! xoxo" She pressed sent, and it was immediately read. Then the Joker sent her a picture. Lottie clicked on it, zooming in. It was her mother and father with their throats slit, bleeding dark puddles of crimson next to some old boxes in a warehouse. Their faces were painted with white grease paint like the Joker's makeup, with a bright red smile. Lottie blinked, studying the picture. 'He must've done this in that old warehouse a few blocks from the Thrills strip club.' She deduced, then smiled, quickly writing a response. "Nice touch with the makeup." 

     There was a knock on the door of Lottie's bedroom, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Sighing, deleted the chat and turned off her phone. "Alfred?" 

     "No, it's me." Bruce said through the door. "Can I open this up?"

     "Sure! I'm dressed." Lottie replied.

     The door opened, and Bruce stepped inside, holding a cup of coffee in his hands and taking a seat in the chair by the bed. "I was thinking, and with everything that's happened, I think you should take someone with you when you go shopping." He took a sip of his coffee, then rubbed his eyes, looking exhausted. 

     "Don't worry, I'm going to take Maya Gardner, my friend from University!" Lottie replied. 'Damn, Bruce,' She thought. 'You look like haven't slept in years. Typical bachelor, probably hungover from last night's inevitable partying.'

     "You can bring her, but I also think you should bring someone else too. Someone who is a responsible adult." He said, staring out at the skyscrapers of Gotham as the sun began to rise.

     "Like... who? You look like a zombie, no offense. And Alfred seems busy with who knows what. Those are the only responsible adults I can think of." Lottie said pointedly.

     "I know of someone. You've met Rachel Dawes, right?" Bruce asked. "I feel like I introduced you to each other at an event last year."

     "You mean the District Attorney's girlfriend?" Lottie asked.

     Bruce winced, clearly upset at the mention of who Rachel Dawes was dating. "Yeah. Anyway, She's someone I trust-"

     "-And love ." Lottie added, teasingly. 

     Bruce ignored her comment. "And I really think you two would hit it off. Plus, I'd just feel safer if you and your friend weren't wandering Gotham alone, after what happened to your parents."

     "You know something, don't you." Lottie said, studying her cousin's expression. "Is that why you didn't sleep last night?"

     Bruce looked alarmed. "What? No. I mean, yes. I guess I saw the police report. You would've seen it too if you had been watching tv with me, but you'd already gone to bed." He sighed. "I hate to say this. And I know there's nothing I can really do to make this easier to hear, but your parents were found dead in a warehouse downtown. I suggest you don't look up the details if you don't want to see the disturbing images the detectives took."

     Lottie looked down at her hands, brain going a thousand miles per hour as she tried to figure out what to say and how to act. Her mind was blanking, and she began to panic. 

     Her cousin looked at her with concern. "You knew?"

     'Damn it.' she thought frantically. "What? No! I'm just- I don't know what to say... If I look scared it's because I am scared." She said. 'Scared you'll figure out I don't give a shit...' She thought.

     "I'm scared too. For you." Bruce said, a shadow casting over his face. "But you should be safe if Rachel takes you and your friend shopping. Maybe that'll help get your mind off of it."

     "Yeah... I guess. Hey, thanks for being understanding and caring about me, Bruce." Lottie said, tearing up. The tears had nothing to do with her parents. It's just she hated lying to Bruce for some reason.

     "I lost my parents too, you know." Bruce said sympathetically. "I love you, and I feel responsible for you now."

     "I know." Lottie sighed. "Speaking of which, I told Maya I'd pick her up when the sun rises, so you should probably call Rachel and see if she can come soon."

[boricuacherry-blog]

Rachel Plummer was the author of the first account of captivity by Texas Indians, in Texas. Rachel's father was a Baptist minister when the family moved from Illinois to Texas. He had received a large grant of land. Fort Parker, built the same year, was attacked in 1836, by the Comanches. Rachel, her son, her father, her two cousins and her aunt.

Soon after their abduction, the captives were separated. When the Comanches learned that Rachel's son had been weaned, he was taken from Rachel, and never seen again. She became a slave to the Comanches and was burned, beaten and forced to work day and night. The Comanche tribe never stayed more than three or four days in one place, and she traveled thousands of miles with them as they wandered from the headwaters of the Arkansas River to the Wichita Mountains. She was pregnant at the time of her capture; she bore a second son in 1836 and named him Luther. However the Comanches thought that the baby was interfering with her work so they killed him when he was about six weeks old. Rachel was held captive for thirteen months. The Comanches were camped north of Santa Fe when they were approached by Mexican traders who wanted to ransom Rachel. She was then sold to them. Several months later, she was finally reunited with her family; though she was emaciated, covered in scars, and in very poor health. Her sister would stay with the Comanches, bearing a son, Quanah Parker.

Rachel decided to write an account of her captivity entitled Rachel Plummer's Narrative of Twenty One Months Servitude as a Prisoner Among the Comanche Indians.

What strikes many readers is the similarities to Sarah Ann Horn's story. She was an English woman who was also held captive, however she would eventually died from injuries she sustained during her ordeal. In an excerpt from her account she wrote:

The scorching sun had now burned our necks and shoulders to a blister, and my dear little children, naked, were still worse off. Joseph was dreadfully distressed with a bruise on his shoulder, and the savages would not permit me to do the least thing for him, nor would they do anything for him themselves. Indeed, revolting as the thought may be to the mother who may read these pages, I can say, in truth, that the love I felt for my dear children, and the scorching anguish of my soul on their account, would have rendered it a matter of heartfelt joy could I have seen them share the fate of their murdered father. But then at this place they took the child to the creek, washed the sore, and covered it with mud, and he said it felt better. They also put some black paint upon both of them, and I think it was of some benefit to their sun-burnt frames, as the sun did not burn them quite so severely after it.

We left this place late in the afternoon, went a short distance, and encamped for the night in the woods. Here they buried their plunder in order to conceal it until they should return.

In the morning, we started on our march, traveling very fast, and crossed a road - I think it must have been the one leading to Matamoras, after which a number of the men concealed themselves behind some trees, and soon after a gentleman made his appearance. He was tall and stout built, mounted on a fine horse, armed with a gun, and a servant riding a short distance behind him. But, poor man! His days were numbered. Concealed from his watchful eye, were his wily foes, and as he came within range of their deadly aim, they brought him to the ground; upon which the servant suddenly changed his course and rode for his life. But, vain effort - in a moment, the keen eye of the savage again rested upon his unerring rifle, and the servant slept with his master.

After they had collected their booty from the murdered men, they continued on the road, and at about a quarter of a mile came to a farmhouse. We stopped a short distance from the place, and a party of the men proceeded to the house, where a fight continued for a long time. I heard the guns in different directions. After the fight was over, they returned with two of their men severely wounded. It appeared that they had been worsted, and were evidently afraid of being pursued. They left the road and traveled rapidly until after night; it seemed to me we almost flew. John was tied upon a mule behind a man in a company apart from me, and I did not see him until the next morning. For fear of being discovered, they kindled no fires, and it rained all night, incessantly.

We were still tied closely every night, in order to prevent the possibility of our changing position, to relieve our pain limbs, or to escape or defend ourselves from the swarm of mosquitos which were gorging themselves with our blood. Early in the morning we again set out, and proceeded on about two hours, we came to the spot where the dreadful tragedy commenced. Here, in the silence of death lay the bodies of our murdered friends.

Much of our way was over rough, stony ground, frequently cut up by steep and and nearly impossible ravines, with deep and dangerous fords. At one of these last, with high and rugged banks, my little Joseph slipped off the mule into the water, as the creature was struggling to ascend the uneven bank. The boy behind whom he rode was very cross. I had just gained the shore, and turning round saw the child in his endeavors to extricate himself from his perilous situation. He had nearly succeeded, when one of the savages enraged at the accident, stabbed the little creature in the face with his lance, and sent him back into the midst of the foaming stream. The wound was inflicted just below the eye, and was a very severe one. None of them offered the least assistance, but seemed to exult in the scene before them. But the poor little creature made another effort, and with blood still streaming down his naked body from his wounded face, gained the shore.

On this occasion the feelings of the mother triumphed over every other consideration, and I upbraided the wretch for his cruelty. But bitterly did he make me pay for my temerity, when he made the child go on foot all the rest of the day and drive a lame mule, with the blood streaming from every part of his naked and lacerated body. When we halted for the night, I was called forth by a savage on his mule. As I approached him in obedience to his lordly command, he held his whip in one hand, and drew his knife with the other. With his whip he gave me many cruel stripes; but so much keener was the anguish of my soul than that even a savage could inflict upon my almost naked body, that his strokes seemed to me of no more weight than a feather.

Indeed, I felt indifference to existence. When the monster was done whipping me, he took his knife and literally sawed my hair from my head. It was quite long, and when he had completed the operation, he tied it to his own as an ornament.

I was now set to work to dress buffalo hides. The hair was first to be taken off clean. This was done by placing the skin to be dressed upon a number of others, so smoothly, that no wrinkle should be left in it. The hair was then shaved off with a kind of knife, fixed in a bone, and curiously adapted to the purpose. When I was done, I had to dig a hole in the ground sufficiently large to admit the skin, into which water was put in order to soak it. In this hole I had to stand and tramp the skin from one to two hours, according to its toughness or tenderness - this was to soften it until it should become perfectly pliable. It was then carefully stretched and rubbed with the hands, alternately, until it was perfectly dry.

One day, I saw the Indians dropping off in small parties in different directions. With one of these groups were my little children, and I never saw them together again. In a short time we reached the lodges of the party I was with. Here I remained three days, and was then taken to the family of the Indian who claimed me for his captive. The female who had become my mistress was an utter stranger to the feelings of humanity. She spoke broken Spanish, and when it was not possible to understand her commands, she would fly into a passion, and throw anything at me she could lay her hands on.

There were three branches of the family in which I lived, residing in separate tents. One branch consisted of an old widow woman and her two daughters, one of whom was also a widow. The next was a son of the old woman, who claimed me as his property; and the third was a son-in-law of the old woman. In the family to which I belonged, there were five sons, no daughters. I spent a considerable amount of time with the old woman. She was an exception to the general character of these merciless beings, with her acts of kindness. But she had a daughter who the complete opposite. But it was not long before I had gained the mother's confidence.

Unfortunately for Mrs. Harris, she was far from being as well situated as I was. She shed tears as she recounted to me the marks of brutality she rendered, and she often stole an opportunity to come to me for a morsel of meat, which she devoured raw. I had been in suspense as to the fate of my children, when two little Spanish boys, who were also prisoners, came to the lodge and told me that a little white boy had just arrived a short distance off, and that he told him he had a mother somewhere, but didn't know where. I obtained permission to go see him - it was Joseph! He was painted black and red; his hair was cut off close, except a small tuft, and he had wampum on his neck and wrists. He clasped his little arms around me and poured forth a flood of tears. He appeared well, and said the people treated him kindly; but I was only allowed to remain with him for half an hour.

Once we were visited by some men who came to trade; they made an effort to purchase me but the Indians would not sell me. I had become too useful to them, in dressing their buffalo skins. Some time later, I had the opportunity to see my son John; he came to me with a party of Indians. He told me he had changed masters, and that the people with whom he lived were kind to him, and gave him plenty to eat. I learned that his mistress was a Spanish woman, who, with her brother, had been captured by these Indians in childhood, and she had remained with them ever since, having married among them.

Some time in the latter part of June, some Spanish traders came among us, and bought Mrs. Harris. They tried to purchase me, but could not; and though I strove hard to see and converse with her before she left, I couldn't get the opportunity, though she was near at the time. I could not but feel glad on her account that she was released from her suffering; but I now felt the truth of the saying, "misery loves company;" for though our meetings had been short, they still had been seasons in which we would exchange sympathies, and mingle our tears. But now, a lonely exile, in the bonds of savage slavery, haunted night and day with the image of my slaughtered husband, and haunted continually with an undying solicitude for my little ones, my life was little else than a scene of unmitigated misery.

From the time Mrs. Harris left us, we were traveling most of the time for about three months, after which we were close to St. Michael, in New Mexico, in the Spanish dominions. At this place, I was told by an Indian girl, that I was to be sold to the people that lived in houses, meaning the Spaniards. I told her I did not wish to be sold. I felt the only remaining tie to my children was here. But even in this I could not act according to my own wishes. The people came in crowds to look at us; among them was a gentleman who spoke broken English, and who inquired of the Indians who I was, and whether they would sell me. He then said to me, that if he bought me, he should expect me to remain with him. But I didn't intend to exchange my current state of bondage with another less enviable one, and I told him I wasn't interested. He however brought a couple of horses as the price for my ransom, but they declined the offer. My mistress asked me which I would prefer to go among, the Spaniards or the Americans? I told her the Americans, and in this she seemed disposed that I should have my choice.

*this was an excerpt of the book The Captivity of Mrs. Horn*

[lanawinterscigarettes]

If Ross Geller has a million haters then I am one of them. If Ross Geller has ten haters then I am one of them. If Ross Geller has only one hater then it is me. If Ross Geller has zero haters then I have dropped off the face of the planet and am no longer on this earth. If the entire world is for Ross Geller then I am against the world. Nobody and nothing with stop me from hating that man

[michelle-is-writing]

Wedding, Joey Tribbiani

Word count: 1.5k~

For the past two weeks, Joey has been stressing over finding an acting role and he hasn't been able to get very much sleep. I thought that maybe our bed would be comfortable enough or possibly his barcalounger... no. Monica and Rachel's couch was more comfortable than all of those. And what makes their couch even more comfortable for Joey? My body as his pillow.

As I lay underneath him with his arms wrapped around me, I hear the apartment door open and the voices of Monica and Rachel. Quickly waving my hand above the couch, I hear their voices go quiet, being replaced by the sounds of their frantic feet. Leaning over the couch, their faces greet my smiling one before I cover Joey's ears with my hands. "He hasn't slept for the past two days," I inform them. "Try not to wake him." They both nod, slowly backing away as I take my hands away from Joey's ears, his head nudging back into my hands once they move away. Great.

Sighing, I place my hands back on his head, lightly running my palms over the soft fibers of his hair. Moving my head downward, I place a kiss against his forehead, making him nuzzle his head even farther in to my neck. Even better!

I hear the apartment door open, the sound of Monica and Rachel shushing whoever just came in following. The next thing I know is Chandler's face peering over the couch, a smirk coming to his face as he begins to nod. "Hey, (Y/n), when he wakes up, can it be my turn next?" I squint my eyes with a smile, waving my fist as Ross' signature flipping off gesture. Getting the message, Chandler moves away from the couch and instead sits down on the arm seat, resting his head back on it. Almost instantly, Chandler becomes bored due to the tv not being on or having his buddy beside him, so he settles for humming the tune of 'Wedding Bells'. As to why he's humming that certain tune, I have no idea.

After a few seconds of Chandler's humming, Joey starts groaning a little in his sleep as if he were waking up. Moving my hand away from Joey's head, I go to wave at Chandler so he could stop humming, but Joey says something, making me stop.

"Mmm, (Y/n)..." He murmurs, moving his head against my neck. "What is he dreaming about...?" Chandler questions, quickly being shushed by Monica and Rachel as they rush over to look at the sleep talking Joey.

Smiling, I talk back to him. "Yes, Joey?" I ask in a sweet voice.

"I've always dreamt of this day..." he slurs, turning his head so he could lay his cheek on my chest.

I lightly snicker, Monica and Rachel smiling above me. "What are you talking about, love?" I ask him, scratching his head lightly.

"We're getting married, silly..." he slurs. All movement and sound in the room immediately stops as all of our eyes go wide. "I've always wanted this..." he adds before turning his head and nuzzling back into my neck.

We all stay quiet with me just laying there underneath Joey, my eyes wide open and I begin thinking. Does Joey wants to marry me? I honestly would have never guessed that the thought of marriage ever crossed Joey's mind... I never thought Joey was one to want to settle down. I mean, I've thought about it time to time, but let's be honest; What woman doesn't? And now that I think of it... what man doesn't either?

After a few hours with the TV being on silent and Joey being asleep on my body, he finally wakes up only to smile and kiss me. "Good morning, lovely," he says, hugging me tighter to him. I smile at him, running my hands through his hair. Just as I begin to do this, Monica yells "Dinner's ready!"

Even through eating dinner with my friends, I don't speak. I just... I just don't know what to say. It's almost as if all the words from my mouth have been taken, and for some reason, I don't know why.

"(Y/n), everything okay?" Rachel asks me. "You're quiet tonight."

I give her a fake smile, nodding while placing my napkin on my plate before standing. "Yeah, I'm fine, I'm just not feeling well," I tell her, with another fake smile and nod. "I'll be out on the balcony," I tell them, turning around and heading to the balcony.

Once I'm standing on it, I breathe in fresh air and lean on the railing, looking down at everything below this apartment. I breathe in another breath of fresh air, only to feel arms wrap around my waist. I jump slightly, surprised.

"Hey, hey, it's just me," I hear Joey say in my ear. I didn't even hear him open the door/window to come out here. I quickly calm down at Joey's words, but I still have bit of adrenaline running through me. "What's got you on edge, hon?" Joey asks.

I shake my head, putting on another smile. "I'm fine, Joey, really," I tell him, but he doesn't buy it. Instead he stares at me, knowing I'll give in, and guess what? I do.

"Its honestly nothing, but..." I begin, turning around in Joey's arms. I avert my eyes away from his before sighing. "In your sleep, you were talking, and you were talking about us getting..." I look up to him to see him looking at me questioningly. With another sigh, I complete my sentence. "About us getting married."

Staring at me for a few moments, Joey furrows his eyebrows. "Are you sure it was me talking?" He questions, causing me to giggle.

"Yes, you dork," I answer him, watching a smile appear across his lips. "It was you talking in your sleep," I smile, remembering what all he said. "You were saying that you had always wanted to marry me," with a dark blush rising to my cheeks, I slightly giggle again. "It was sweet and romantic... despite you being asleep of course."

A few seconds of happy silence pass before I see Joey get down on one knee and take my left hand both of his. Shocked, my smile drops as everything comes to a halt. With my breath caught in my throat, I watch as Joey releases a nervous breath of his own before speaking.

"(Y/n)," he begins, my name coming off of his lips sweetly and softly. "I love you more than anything - even more than my acting," my eyes widen more. "And Even though I accidentally confessed everything in my sleep, I still planned on doing this tonight, but you know... without you knowing and it being a complete surprise," we both laugh with each other before he continues.

"But I can't do this anymore. I can't just be 'boyfriend and girlfriend' with you. We have to be something... more. You deserve something more. And if you'll let me, I'll happily give you that something more. So, (Y/n), will you become Mrs. Joey Tribbiani?"

Grinning, I feel tears begin to seep out of the corners of my eyes. "Joey, I-I will happily become Mrs. Tribbiani," I answer him, tugging his hand so he can stand with me. Once he's on his feet, I pull him close and hold him to me while tears flow from my eyes and onto his coat. Keeping an arm around me, Joey pulls back a bit before taking a small, black velvet box from his pocket and opening it, revealing a beautiful marquise diamond ring that sparkles in the bright moonlight.

Taking his arm from my waist, Joey takes the ring from the box and slides it onto my left ring finger, smiling at the sight. “I’m sorry it’s so small,” He apologizes, making me look at him confused. “I wanted to get you something bigger, but-”

Before Joey can finish his sentence, I pull him in for a kiss, effectively cutting him off. As soon as our lips meet, the sound of applause fills the scene around us, causing us both to look over and see all of the gang at the window, grinning and clapping their hands together. Monica, Phoebe, and Rachel all stand together with their arms around each other while Ross and Chandler are mimicking the girls movements.

Laying my head on Joey's chest, I feel myself begin to laugh along with Joey at our friends. "We have great friends." I point out, my hand with a new step of life adorning it finding it's way around the collar of Joey's jacket. Joey laughs at my comment, nodding before speaking.

"They're always there to share the happy moments with us." He notes, his voice full of happiness.

Looking back up at each other, we attach our lips together once again, this kiss being a promise to keep each other close along with our friends. No poem or love song could ever describe how I feel right now, and I'm pretty sure that in Joey's perspective, no script containing a romantic scene could describe this moment either.

It's just simply too perfect.

[johnkrrasinski]

started from a call

full masterlist

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x female!reader

Word count: 3,610

Warning: angst with a happy ending! that's all.

Summary: written for @wkemeup's 9k writing challenge with the prompt "character a leaves an embarrassing, drunk message on character b’s voicemail and spends the rest of the night trying to discreetly delete it from [b]’s phone." inspired by a bit of ross and rachel from friends too. you found out from steve that bucky was in love with you in high school but after he returns home with a girl in his arm, you cancelled your plans to tell him how you feel. will you and bucky have your happy ending?

a/n: please like, reblog and leave a feedback. :) enjoy!

"Alright, I'll see you tonight. Bye." He leaned against the kitchen counter and hung up the phone with a grin on his face. "You hear that, Sam? We're going on our third date tonight." He threw his phone up into the air and caught it so casually without spilling a drop of his coffee sitting on his right hand. "Looks like I'm getting that 300 bucks soon."

"Hey, easy. You ain't going to that date yet, who knows? She could bail on you. It doesn't count if the date doesn't end well."

"Oh, but it will. I just gotta turn on my charm and next thing you know, we're already meeting the parents stage."

"Meeting the parents? That's a big step from you, Buck."

"Hey, I'm a man of my words. If I said that I'm going to change this year then I'm gonna stick to it."

"So Leah isn't just a one-time thing to get 300 bucks?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no. We'll see how tonight goes. But one thing's for sure is that I'm getting that 300 bucks."

Sam and Bucky made a bet as their New Year's resolution that Bucky would never go on a second date with any girl or remember to call her in the morning after a wild night. His commitment issues had given him a reputation as the player in the gang. It wasn't a new thing anymore to anyone that when they visited Bucky's place in the morning, they would see a girl with a dopey smile and slightly ruffled hair walking out of his apartment, giddy that Bucky just made a promise to call her later.

You, Natasha, Wanda, Sam and Steve were hanging out at Nat's place. The six of you had been friends since college. You, Nat, Bucky and Steve had known each other since high school and the four of you kept in touch despite going to separate universities. You met Wanda when you went to NYU and Steve met Sam while he was in Harvard. Long story short, after the four of you graduated, you and Wanda lived together as roommates and even started your own bakery business. Steve and Bucky lived in the same building as you and Natasha and Sam lived nearly alone. They were too independent for roommates. Don't even start on Natasha and how much she valued her personal space. That's how the six of you ended up here, gathered at your place on a Saturday afternoon.

"Are you gonna pick her up tonight?"

"Of course. Gonna clean up well, bring her some flowers and knock on her door at 7 pm precisely. Which girl isn't gonna fall for that?" Bucky walked over to the couch you and Nat were sitting on and leaned on the headrest, his arms caging both you and Natasha.

You didn't say anything nor did Natasha because she knew about your feelings for Bucky. Despite never feeling that way about Bucky in high school, your feelings changed a week ago after learning that Bucky used to be in love with you but never had the courage to tell you. That's why he never had a girlfriend during his high school years and he wanted to take you to prom and confess his feelings to you but he was too late. Another guy had already snooped in first.

You were his first love but it wasn't reciprocated until now. That's why in college, he learned how to get over you and slept with as many women as possible because he felt like he lost four years of his life of finding the one. He never intended to be a player and feed girls empty promises, it just kind of became his way of dating. He was too afraid that no one could live up to you yet he enjoyed being with women. Hence, the bet.

The day you found out from Steve about Bucky's past feelings for you while playing truth or dare, you immediately wanted to call him up but Bucky was out of town for a few days and as soon as he was back home, he had Leah in his arm. Your heart was crushed. Wanda told you that it would probably last for a few days and that he'd eventually be single again but you totally did not expect this thing to turn into something serious. You loved Sam with every fibre of your being, he was like the big brother you never had, but you wanted to curse him for making that bet.

So you just rolled your eyes and stayed silent throughout this entire conversation, even though your heart felt like it was being stabbed over and over again. "Alright, I gotta go. Got a big date tonight. I'll see you guys in a few hours." Just like that, Bucky walked out of the room without knowing the pain his words caused you.

The next day you were sitting in your bed watching The Notebook in your pyjamas because you were too heartbroken to do anything productive. It was Sunday so you could just have a whole day to yourself and do absolutely nothing but cry. Wanda knocked on your door bringing a plate of cookies and she had a pitiful look on her face. "y/n? Sweetie? I made you these cookies, they might make you feel better." Sometimes you thank the stars for bringing her into your life.

"Thank you, Wanda. You're so nice to me." You know you probably sound like a hormonal whiny kid but everything made you cry at the moment.

"Do you need anything else? I know how it feels to get your heartbroken, trust me. When me and Vision had a fight and we didn't talk for days all I wanted was to curl up and never leave my bed, so in case you need anything, I'm here." She offered you that warm smile of hers.

"No, all I want right now is to just eat these cookies and go back to my film, thanks Wan."

"Okay, I'll be outside." Your pity party was interrupted when Nat arrived in her leather jacket and burst into your room.

"Get up, you are taking a shower and you're getting that face beat."

"Natasha, what the hell? Leave me alone."

"Y/N, listen to me. I got a date for you. His name is Scott and he's a real nice guy, he's funny, he's a good friend of mine and he is really smart. He is so much better than Bucky, I promise you. Now c'mon, I already told him that you are meeting him tonight at Stark's restaurant at 7."

You whined, doing anything you can to get her to leave you alone with your tears and your cookies but you knew that once Natasha set her mind on something, there's no talking her way out of it. Damn that woman with her determination.

"Y/N, c'mon! Wallowing all day isn't you. I know you and what's good for you. That's why I found you a great guy who will charm you so good that you will forget Barnes even existed. You can't let him win, y/n. If he's going to be happy with someone else, then you better show him that you can be much happier with other people."

You stared at her, trying to absorb her words. There's some wisdom in that. You're not the type to cry over a guy, not even for even Bucky Barnes. So you let Natasha drag you to the shower and asked Wanda to do your hair when she does your makeup. She chose an outfit for you, a dress that was not too sexy but chic enough to leave a good first impression.

Scott was early to the restaurant and he looked elated to see you. He was wearing a grey suit with no tie and he had a really exuberant smile on his face, the type that drew people easily. You could see why Natasha called him a nice guy.

"Wow, sorry, I just- didn't expect you to be this beautiful."

"Ah, thank you, Scott. Have you been waiting long?"

"No, not at all. I just arrived here like five minutes ago."

The night went on and Scott did most of the asking and talking, you answered each question curtly with forced enthusiasm in your face and body language. You weren't even listening to half of the things he said because your mind kept playing images of Bucky with Leah and how you heard from Sam that the date went well so he lost 300 bucks. You kept thinking about Bucky and Leah and how they would probably get married and have kids and live in the suburbs with a golden retriever while you'd still be single and you'd compare every man you meet to Bucky. Maybe it was your karma for not reciprocating his feelings in high school.

Five glasses of wine and you spent more time nodding than talking. Honestly, all you wanted to do was to just go home and go back to The Notebook because their love story was much better than your love life. Scott woke you out of your daze, "Natasha told you that I was cuter than this, did she?" after you gulped your sixth glass of wine.

"Oh Scott, I'm so sorry. It's not you, it's me. I know it sounds cliche but it's just... I'm not in a place where I'm looking for a boyfriend. You are a really likeable guy and I swear, if we had met at another time, maybe I would be a better date but right now, I just- I have someone else in my mind." You sighed, it felt like a relief to get that off your chest.

"Is this guy... an ex-boyfriend?"

You chuckled, "no... He wishes."

Scott nodded, "look, I don't know what your situation is but I've been through a divorce and it's never easy. But eventually, you'll be fine. You can't see it now because you haven't had closure." Then it was as if the bulb above your head was turned on.

"That's it.  Closure, yeah. That's all I need. Okay, give me a minute. I'm gonna call him now and I'm going to get my closure."

Scott sat there watching you comically trying to find your phone in your purse and tapped on Bucky's contact number. The normal you would be sweating with every ring but intoxicated you had no worries in the world... For now.

"This is Bucky. Can't pick up right now, leave a message." Beep.

"Hello, yes, Bucky! Or James, should I call you James? I always thought Bucky was a weird name. Anyways, I'm just calling to tell you that I am fine and I am on a date with Scott. And speaking of dates, I just gotta tell you that I'm happy to hear that your date went well. And that, my friend, means that I am over you. That's right, I'm over you. Tell Leah I say hi." You said sarcastically.

You hung up the phone and threw your phone back into your purse. You felt like you just won a chess game.

The next morning you decided to sleep in because your heart was pounding and you could barely sit up without feeling like you might fall. You were supposed to be working at the bakery but since you owned the bakery, Wanda let you sleep it off until you recover. You couldn't remember anything from last night, how you got back to your apartment was a mystery. You tried to put the pictures together, from being forced to go on a date, meeting a guy named Sean? Simon? Sebastian? Scott! Yes, Scott. You ordered your meals and then... Nothing, it was all blurry. You weren't even sure if anything happened at all after eating your meals.

The apartment was empty because Wanda was working at the bakery and it was just you with your hangover pills. Bucky came to your apartment without knocking because Wanda told him on the phone that you were home. He greeted you with a smile and asked about your date.

"Uh, let's see. I think there was a restaurant, I know there was wine. And there's a guy, Scott and pretty much that's all I can recall."

Bucky made a yikes face. Seeing the state you were in, he could do the math (of the wine you had). You probably enjoyed the alcohol more than the guy. What a doofus, he thought. If he was the one going on a date with you, you'd definitely remember every detail from last night.

"Leah's downstairs and I'm taking her back to her place but I left my keys here last night. Have you seen it?"

"No, check the drawers. Maybe Wanda put 'em there."

"Ah, okay." He opened the drawers and found the keys to his bike.

"Did we... Speak on the phone last night?"

"Nope, my phone was dead and I didn't charge it all night so I haven't really checked it. Why?"

"Nothing, nothing. It's just... Never mind. My memories are a bit hazy right now. You should go, say hi to Leah for me."

Bucky nodded as you walked back to your room to go lie down. Your question reminded him that he should probably check his phone now because there could be work-related messages but the first thing he heard was a voicemail from you. "Oh, y/n. I got your message!"

That instantly stopped you in your tracks. Your eyes went wide and you froze. You immediately turned around and ran to grab his phone away from him. Bucky had a confused look on his face, "who's Scott?"

"Oh my God, no, Bucky, give me the phone. Give me the phone!" But it was already too late, he was already halfway through your voicemail and by the time you successfully snatched his phone out of his grasp, he had already heard every word.

Bucky stood there dumbfounded, he needed time to process everything you just said to him. "What do you- what do you mean you're over me?"

"Oh, God... Alright, um- lately, I've um- sort of, have... Feelings for you." You never had to chase a guy or confess your crush first so this felt new and my God, it was nerve-racking.

"You have feelings for me..." He said it as if he was convincing himself that his ears got it right. Bucky couldn't believe the words that just escaped through your lips, for years he had dreamed of this moment. Though never did he ever want you to make the first move but adolescent him wanted to hear you say what he'd been wanting to say to you too.

He didn't say anything for what felt like minutes and you couldn't decipher his thoughts from the look on his face. "I need to sit down," he pulled one of the dining chairs and leaned on his side in a defeated posture.

"Bucky... Please say something." You alerted him in a hushed tone, not wanting to startle him than you already did. But he didn't. He was lost at words. What the hell was he supposed to tell her?

"Look Bucky, I'm sorry for telling you this way but I had to. I just- I've been wanting to talk to you about it since you came back to New York, well- actually, since Steve told me but-"

"Whoa, Steve told you?!" He interrupted.

"Yeah, it just accidentally slipped when we were playing truth or dare..."

"Okay well," he stood up from his seat, yet he still couldn't look you in the eye. "I can't do this right now, Leah's waiting for me downstairs and I gotta go." He basically ran out of the room and slammed the door behind him, leaving you alone.

Once your hangover had begun dissipating, you decided to help Wanda at the bakery and took the night shift. She must've been exhausted from managing the bakery alone while also helping the employees in the kitchen so you told her to go home and leave it to you. The bakery's usually slower at night.

When it was nearing closing time and your employees had gone home, you decided to clean up and turned off the lights and checked everything one last time before locking the door. The bell above the door dinged and you were slightly annoyed because who the hell comes to the bakery at this hour?

"I'm sorry we're clo...sed." It was Bucky. He stood there in a black coat, with an expression you still couldn't figure out. "Bucky, what are you-"

"You have no right to tell me that you've got feelings for me." His tone was harsh, he never spoke that way to you or anyone... Ever.

"What?"

He walked closer to you, maintaining his gaze, "You can not tell me that you've got feelings for me now when I'm doing well with my life and Leah..."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I was in love with you for years! Years, y/n! And you never said and did anything and now when everything's going well you're ruining it!"

"I am ruining it?" You repeated the question because you couldn't believe what you just heard. How dare he said those hurtful things to you.

"Yes! I was doing fine with Leah and now I don't know what's going to happen with me and her anymore..."

"Yeah, well, I was doing fine before I found out that YOU were in love with me and never had the balls to tell me!" You did everything you could to not cry, you hated crying in the middle of an argument.

"Hey, it's not like I didn't try. There were your ex-boyfriends and your dates and I had to move on. I couldn't wait forever! And now, now you're too late."

"Oh, so what? You're just gonna walk away and pretend that this never happened?"

"Yes, I'm going to do exactly that and I'm going to go see Leah." He turned around like he did earlier in your apartment and left you alone once again with your heartbreak.

"Fine! Go ahead and see Leah because I don't give a fuck about cowards like you or whoever you sleep with." You slammed the door and tried everything you could to not have a breakdown here because you really hated letting an argument hurt you. You sat on one of the chairs where the customers would sit and you hid your face with your hands and cried.

Not because you just lost an argument but because of what Bucky said and it felt like you had lost Bucky before you even had him. Now there was no hope left for you and Bucky, things were too complicated.

You didn't know how long you had cried there, alone, in the dimmed lighting of your shop but after you felt like the tears had dried, you wiped the traces of your tears from your cheeks with the back of your thumb. You stood from your seat and was ready to go home. You couldn't wait to eat some leftover pizzas, take a warm shower and cry into your pillows until you fall asleep.

But when you were about to leave, you saw Bucky standing on the other side of the door, watching you through the windows with a softer expression on his face. You opened the door and Bucky instantly grabbed your waist and kissed you as if his life depended on it.

You gave in to his kiss, letting him pour every desire and yearning into your lips for as long as he wanted. You grabbed his face because you wanted him impossibly closer and you shut your eyes, letting your guard down. Because it was Bucky, and you'd known him for as long as you could remember and you both deserved this moment.

Bucky eventually pulled away until both of you were running out of air. You were breathless from his kiss, you never knew he was such a good kisser. (It's Bucky and he's had a lot of women on his bed, of course, he was excellent at it. Who were you kidding?) But now that you've had your own front-row experience, you felt a tad of possessiveness at the thought of sharing those lips or any part of him with anyone else.

"I couldn't go back to her knowing you are here alone and I had thrown away what I've wanted for as long as I could remember."

"I'm glad you came back." You pressed your foreheads and you rested your hands on his chest. You could get used to this.

"I hope it's not too late to say this but, y/n y/l/n, will you let me take you to dinner and see a movie after maybe?"

"I wasn't the one who said it's too late," you halfheartedly teased him.

"Shut up, so is that a yes or a no?"

You bit your lip and nodded, "yes. Definitely a yes." You stared into his ocean blue eyes, so deep and beautiful, you could easily get lost in it.

"y/n y/ln, I'm going to put all of your ex-boyfriends to shame."

"Hm, we'll see about that." You put your arms around his neck. Then a thought crossed your mind and your smile faded away, "what are you gonna do about Leah though?"

"I'll talk to her in the morning. Let's take you home now, yeah? It's getting late."

You bit your lip and nodded, "okay."

Ninth grade you dreamed of popular jocks and athletic seniors, but little did you know that, sometimes, the one who sincerely loved you was the book nerd who loved The Hobbit a little too much.

[lostkrbkaccount]

Baku: they were on a break!

Kiri: no they weren't! They broke up again- they always do!

Baku: yes they we're! Rachel said "I think I need a break.." Then Ross said "yeah sure let's take a break, go get some ice cream.." Then Rachel says "no a break from us."

Kiri: okay fine they were on a break, but what Ross did wasn't that bad..

Baku: he slept with another woman!

Kiri: so? She said she wanted a break and he was drunk and mad when he slept with the other girl- he was heartbroken!

Baku: yeah she wanted a break, not break up. They were still dating they just needed time alone from each other to figure things out!

Kiri: If I said I wanted a break from us would you want to sleep with someone else?

Baku: fuck No! I'd never do that- wait would you?

Kiri: what?

Baku: if I said I wanted a break from us do you think that would be okay for you to go off, get drunk and sleep with some bitch?

Kiri: I..

Baku: you already have, haven't you?

Kiri: Katsuki, I'm sorry- we had such a big argument and Tetsu took me out drinking to cheer me up and then you said you were sorry and we had make up sex but apparently that wasn't you..

Baku: you fucked some blonde guy you thought were me?

Kiri: I'm so sorry..

Baku: why didn't you tell me?

Kiri: I just found out only this morning it wasn't you because Denki told me that you stayed here and ranted to him.. I was gonna tell you

Baku: I did do that.

Kiri: babe please it won't happen again..

Baku: gimme your phone..

Kiri: sure..wait why?

Baku: I'm calling Tetsu- *calls*

Tetsu: hey bro!

Baku: I'm not your fucking bro!

Tetsu: oh it's you- wassup?

Baku: who did Ei sleep with?

Tetsu: huh?

Baku: the night we had a big fight and you took him out drinking, who the fuck did he sleep with?

Tetsu: oh Monoma..

Baku: what?

Tetsu: yeah he's had a crush on Kiri for a while now and he thought it was funny to convince Kiri he was you to get rebound sex..

Baku: why didn't you stop him?

Tetsu: dude I didn't know, I was flirting with Mina

Baku: she's a lesbian by the way

Tetsu: that fucking bitch

Baku: yeah she likes to mess with men, anyway I gotta clear shit up with Eiji

Tetsu: okay see ya

Baku: whatever *hangs up*

Kiri: Well?

Baku: Monoma thought it was funny to convince you that he was me so he could have sex with you

Kiri: why would he do That? We hate each other.. is he really that low?

Baku: no Eiji only you hate him, he's had a crush on you for a while now apparently..

Kiri: ugh gross

Baku: I know, but this means it wasn't your fault.. he used you.

Kiri: Katsu I'm sorry

Baku: don't be, now I know that you want me and only me..

Kiri: I really do

Baku: c'mere big guy *kiss*

Kiri: *kiss* I'm still making this up to you though..

Baku: in the bedroom?

Kiri: *nodding* in the bedroom.

[crackheadenergy101]

Mystery woman

Summary : billy finds a young woman wandering the woods, he lets the young woman stay the night and despite her flirty teasing and young restless antics learns to get close to her, especially after hearing he’s her imprint

Billy settles on his porch, savoring on his favorite homemade coffee he lifts his head peering at the setting sun, “so peaceful”.

Billy returns to his coffee, churning it softly

He sighs “ to peaceful”, the man couldn't suppress his boredom, he truly cherished the peace at most times but some days he felt so isolated and today was one of those moments. Abruptly a rustle, the bushes shake as someone or something crawls through, billy instantly veers his head “ who's there!” he shouted. A rabbit steps out and billy calms down a bit, releasing the fist he clenched so tightly

Billy goes to recline his head but swiftly sits back up catching a glimpse of a woman deep in the forest. “Hey!” he yelled, the woman turns her naked body to face him, her eyes widening as she sees the person that called out to her “ Ma’am are you ok!” he shouted as he rolls closer. Unaware, billy looked into the woman's eyes, he felt the world halt as he looked into her glimmering eyes.

Billy gets closer and so does the woman instinctively, they both freeze, the woman shakes her head, her hair moving as she does so. Billy never felt this way, he felt so close to her in such a short time, could this be

Imprintation?

Billy shakes the thought, acknowledging that this wasn't the time “ Ma’am can you understand English?” the nude woman nods “ are you lost, homeless?” she shakes her head in a yes, Billy nods “come, please inside I have clean clothes and food”. “please take a bath I find you some clothes” he refrains from looking at the woman waiting till she finds the bathroom, he goes to his daughter room finding the stranger something to wear, he plops the clean clothes on the bedside and returns to the kitchen proceeding to cook her dinner. He doesn't even notice her walking out, “ thank you sir” billy jumps, knocking his hand into the heated pot, accidentally scorching his hand, the woman hastily walks over “ are you, ok sir?” billy nods and gives an awkward laugh.

“ it's fine! Really!” the woman finds a rag, wetting it and placing it onto the bruised hand “ sorry for scaring you,” she says while laughing

“ it’s fine Ms?” The woman grins “ y/n,” she says whilst opening the fridge and grabbing an ice pack, “ and you?” Billy watches as y/n drapes the ice pack in the blue rag, she positions it back on the hand “ billy”. Y/n grins “ well it’s wonderful to meet you billy, thank you for giving me such a lovely warm welcome”, she says getting closer to Billy’s face “ y-y, your very welcome,” he says while cracking up, “ so what we’re doing in woods?” Y/n gets up and turns off the stove “ I don’t know myself” she says softly. “ I went on a walk after being so furious and ended up here,” y/n says, zoning out while pouring the food, billy gives a concerned look “ naked?”

Y/n snaps out of her trance and laughs hearing what the older man said “huh? Oh no! God no” She snorts and places the food on the table “ that happened in the middle of the woods, somehow” billy nods, still not being convinced.

“ do you have any family? Friends? Money” y/n shakes her head “ you can stay here for tonight till we figure something out” y/n gives a big smile “ thanks!”. Y/n eats the food, looking at photos as she finishes “cute kids” billy smiles “oh thank you” “ where are they now?” billy sighs with a smile “ oh living, my youngest Jacob lives with me but is usually out doing his own thing rarely is hone anymore, my oldest girls are doing their own thing too, one is married to a surfer in Hawaii Rebecca, and the other lives with me but again far to busy to be home Rachel”. “mhm sounds lonely” billy gives a laugh “oh trust me, it is” they both give a giggle and y/n sits up.

“ you must have more family? a brother?” “ Nope, though I do have sisters” y/n gives a smile asking about them, “ well I have an older sister Nora, and three younger sisters Jennie, Connie, Emmie” “ do you guys see each other often?” y/n asked. “eh not as much as I wish but at family gatherings, we see each other” billy goes to the sink and begins cleaning their dishes “ how about you?” the woman shrugs, itching her h/c hair “ complicated, we're a family but like not blood related and we don't live together either we're kind of a-” “ -pack?” y/n thinks about this before answering “ yeah pack, I think”. She gets up leaning over billy, her chest being on top of his head “you can leave the dishes to me, it's the least I can do” “ uh o-ok” billy moves from beneath her and she gives a smile as he goes to his couch. They sit and chat for a while before billy sees the night sky and hears wolves howling, “ wow it's dark so quickly” “ you know the saying” “ Time flies by fast when you're having fun, “ they say in unison they smirk at each other when finishing the sentence. “ God, I'm tired,” billy says “ me too, uh where do I sleep?”

“ my room, I'll sleep on the couch-” y/n gasps “ no I'll take the couch you can keep the bed really” billy smiles “ it's fine your a guest-” y/n shakes her head “ an unexpected one, you really can't give me your room” billy shapes his head “ well I certainly can't leave you here on the couch by yourself, near the door”. Y/n gives a mischievous smile, billy squint's “ what are you thinking” y/n acts surprised and put a hand on her chest “ my son's friends always have that smile when there up to something”

“ well it's not too bad really, I was thinking we could share a bed” billy gives smile and nervously gives a smile “ oh um, ok?” billy mentally groaned feeling quite lame for acting so awkwardly, he felt rusty the last time he needed to deal with these things was before Rebecca and Rachel he had no idea how to respond. “ Great! I'll go fix the bed” y/b says quickly walking towards his room, billy sighs and gives himself a moment before following,

Despite his confused feelings, billy felt so happy and he didn't know why, being with y/n felt like it was meant to be and that he should always be by her side, he finally felt so less lonely.

“ well what side do you usually take” “ right” y/n nods and getting comfortable on the left side, “ well I'm gonna go shower now” y/n nods waving by as he goes inside with his clothes.

Billy sits in his shower cleaning his hair, he felt like a teenager all over again, which made him feel upset but at the same time, excited. He comes back finding y/n asleep, he smiles and gets into bed giving her space and relaxing, the slept for an hour till y/n cuddled up to him, it felt nice, he missed this kind of touch “ms l/n-” “imprint” billy stops talking and let's y/n muzzle her face into his neck.

“ what?”

“ shhh,” y/n says

Billy smiles before falling asleep, knowing his assumptions were correct, he fell asleep once more, with y/n draped over him.

Y/n wakes up to an empty bed, looking around for her imprint, steps outside the room to be greeted by a group of young men and women “ hello” y/n says smiling. The family stares dumbfounded looking back from billy to the woman

Billy laughs, he eventually has to tell them everything and vice versa with y/n but for now he’ll wait for y/n to tell her truth

Till then he'll just enjoy the funny stares