#and yes. he had to come back to henry. i’m not saying he shouldn’t have

[lunaticamic]

just to be clear it was a nice ending, it’s still found family, they still love each other so much. the problem tho is that ted isn’t there with them.

[springnote]

You Catch Them Masturbating

includes: William Afton, Henry Emily, Phone Guy, Michael Afton, and Vanny/Vanessa

warnings: nsfw minors dni, gn reader (unspecified private parts), oral (male and female receiving), voyeurism (I think?)

William Afton:

• It was impossible to not be intimidated by him, especially when he was so attractive. So having him as a boss was more than enough to make you a flustered mess.

• You did your best to be respectful, always calling him “sir” and giving a smile before you had to look away from nerves, he seemed to appreciate all your work and obedience, and you never bothered him, until today.

•You just wanted to tell him that everyone left and you were about to go home too, but you got something more when you knocked on the door, a muffled groan sounding from the office before he answered you.

• “Come in~” he had practically purred as you opened the door, your jaw falling open at the sight before you. He was lounging on his couch, his cock out of his slacks as he looked at you with glazed eyes. “You look so surprised, well I’m happy to show you how much you excite me, bunny~”

• He shameless fisted his cock, keeping firm eye contact with every stroke as he licked his lips. “Of course you may leave if you wish, but that’s not what you want, is it, love? You want to ngh help don’t you?”

• “Yes sir.” You nearly whispered, closing the door behind you as he let out a growl at your words. “There you go- fuck again. Come here, show me how good you can be~”

Henry Emily:

• You didn’t see Henry as much as William, despite them being co-owners of the restaurant, but you still developed a bond with him. You took your niece and nephew by often, and one day you spotted Henry at a corner table looking absolutely miserable, and you couldn’t stop yourself from checking on him.

• Being a grieving and single father was tough on him, but the way you would bring him coffee and listen to him whenever you came by made him feel something he hadn’t felt in years. Of course he wouldn’t say anything though, but he couldn’t deny his feelings.

• Perhaps William was being his wingman when he told you that Henry wandered off during the big convention at the hotel, which eventually led you to the back meeting room, where Henry stood leaning against the table, pants and underwear around his knees as he stroked his cock, your name falling from his lips like a prayer.

• When he noticed you he sounded so ashamed and defeated as he closed his eyes, saying he was sorry he ruined the friendship you gave him. “You deserve so much better, you should go. I’m sorry.”

• When you didn’t leave, he looked at you with dark eyes, an intense and wanting look on his face as you stepped closer. “I want to help.” You said, making him throb as he groaned.

• “Let me take care of you after this,” he rasped as he watched intently as you got to your knees. “Shit you’re so good…I need you.”

Phone Guy:

• Somehow you survived your job as a night guard, and ended up thanking Phone Guy every morning after for his help. You were so grateful, it made him feel appreciated, so he asked to keep in touch.

• You would visit him at lunch some days, sharing greasy pizza and telling him about your new job whenever he wasn’t rambling about the pizzeria. Sadly you didn’t see him as often when he had to re-record instructions for the new guard.

• One day you decided to surprise him with some lunch, but once you saw his office was empty you felt the urge to snoop. You quickly spotted the phone he recorded all his messages on, and pressed the button, hoping to hear him being goofy again.

• Instead you heard an obscenely loud moan of your name. “Fuuuck fuck right there, o-oh you’re so good I can’t I- please do that again, (y/n) please-” You froze as the recording played on, his babbling and moans making your face hot.

• “H-Hello?” Of course he came back right then, looking just as flustered as he started sputtering out apologies. “That was an accident I didn’t know it was recording I’m sorry I shouldn’t have-”

• “Would you like some help..?” as soon as you said that, he relaxed, a brief while leaving his mouth. “Please…”

Michael Afton:

• Ever since Michael started his new job, he was on edge a lot more often, and as his best friend, you offered to stay at his house in case he needed anything.

• You made yourself at home in the guest room, reading late into the night til you heard noise from the living room. Part of you wondered if it was one of those robots he mentioned, but you knew it was probably his soap opera.

• “Psst~ can you turn it down, Mikey?” You whispered when you stuck your head into the living room, ready to quip about his show when you saw him laying on the couch, one hand rubbing the tip of his cock while the other tweaked a nipple.

• “Fuck! Um I’m sorry (y/n)!” He gasped and covered his crotch with a pillow, his face heating up with embarrassment. “Sorry…”

• You don’t know why but you suddenly asked. “Were you thinking about me?” There was an awkwardly long pause, but then he breathed out a “yes…” with a heavy sigh, seeming more embarrassed. “I can help.” You added, watching his eyes widen as he seemed to melt at your words.

• “C’mere, lemme feel you.” He cooed, patting his muscular thigh invitingly. “Catch me first.” You giggled, playfully scampering off when he jumped off the couch. “Oh it’s on now!”

Vanessa/Vanny:

• Despite her grumbling about it, the Pizzaplex hired you as another night guard to help Vanessa out, seeing as she was always tired and grumpy, and she wouldn’t say it, but she did like you.

• She frequently sent you to go clean bathrooms or take inventory, and you couldn’t tell why she didn’t want you in the security room or following her, so you decided to sneak up on her one evening and pop in the security office.

• You’d barely thrown the door open before she slammed you against the wall, a hand on your throat as she glared. “Wh- (y/n) the hell are you doing? You’re supposed to be on clean up duty!” “I finished early and-” you didn’t get much else out before you noticed she was in her underwear, a wet patch on her panties.

• “Nobody is supposed to get in here…” she mumbled as she backed away, her cheeks flushed as she put her other hand behind her back. “May I help?” You asked hesitantly, watching a sly smirk form on her face.

• “Well since you finished early on your job, and interrupted me…” she hummed as she went to sit in her desk chair, tossing her panties to the side as she beckoned you forward. You sank to your knees in between her legs, staring at her already glistening pussy.

• “I think you deserve a reward~” she chuckled again before pushing your face closer, her thighs keeping you in place as she leaned back to watch you.

[piratefalls]

i'm back with a header i like a lot more. this one's a little shorter than usual, but still has a little of everything. also, instead of individual links we've graduated to a masterlist!

masterlist.

you've ruined my life (by not being mine) by coffeecatsme

“I have a secret,” Alex whispers in his ear—he’s sprawled over Henry on the couch, calves and thighs and chests pressed together, breath washing over Henry’s skin. “I shouldn’t tell you.” “Oh?” Alex nods vehemently. “Can’t lose you,” he murmurs, fingertips on Henry’s face, and Christ that touch is deadly. “Can’t tell you I love you. You’d leave.” Henry stares. “Oh.”

i speak in grey (to match the shades on the inside of my brain) by sticktothescript

He spends all of that week researching what non-binary means, but he pointedly ignores the squirming feeling of excitement in his chest. He’s just curious, that’s all. That’s all it can be. He’s lived his whole life as a man. He’s the First Son. There’s no room for testing boundaries when the people need him. --- or; a 5+1 of Alex Claremont-Diaz exploring gender identity

And The Show Goes On by orestespdf

For the second time that evening, a hand suddenly smacks his shoulder. Henry looks up, expecting Philip, but instead he is greeted with a smarmy smile. Henry’s stomach drops at the sight of the man who stands behind him. “Christopher,” Philip laughs. His brother stands, and he and the man shake hands vigorously above Henry’s head. Henry wants to melt into his seat and disappear. “I’m so glad you could make it. Henry, you remember my mate, Christopher Lewis?” Henry stares down at the intricately folded napkin in front of him. Christopher Lewis: 2011 St Andrews graduate, former head of the Eton rugby club, excellent skier, wine aficionado. Seven years older than Henry. Green eyes. Nice shoulders. Yes, Henry remembers Christopher Lewis. He wishes he didn’t. After years of not seeing him, Henry runs into Philip's old friend again. Fallout ensues.

heartbeats under coats by HypnosTheory

Alex, a DC lawyer on his way back from a work trip, is stranded in New York after a freak blizzard grounds all flights. He gets the last available hotel room on the island, but a freak error means the room is double booked. Unwilling to leave the other stranded, both men agree to share the room and wait out the blizzard together.

don't just give it up. by smc_27

Alex checks the flight path for the 12th time this minute, and then rolls his eyes and groans. Amy, next to him, opens one eye. He apologizes wordlessly and tries to stop being so fucking antsy. Look. Look. He’s got something - someone - fucking perfect waiting for him across the Atlantic. If anyone knew what exactly he’s flying to, they’d speed the plane the fuck up and get him there.

this moment in time by rizcriz

She moves away from the couch, crossing her arms over her chest. “What did you do, Alex?” He turns back to the table and puts his hands in his hair as he leans over the cup of coffee. “I made Henry a christmas card, and snuck it into his bag before he left for London.” “Okay?” “I may have used it as a vessel to confess my feelings for him.” He says it fast, almost too quickly to be understood, but June’s had a lifetime of translating Alex-speak, and he hears her quick intake of breath and pulls his hands from his hair to look over his shoulder at her. -- Or, it's a New Years to remember.

when the silence screams by teacupivy

Today, Henry comes home to a stillness that’s out of place in the usually bustling December air. It's only a little disconcerting. or Alex is incredibly frustrated with the state of life and Henry offers to get on his knees.

i dream of our odyssey by violetbaudelairequagmire

Alex rests his elbows on the counter of the small cafe attached to Bankston’s Books, enjoying the quiet period in between the morning stay-at-home-mom-crying-toddler storytime crowd and the rush of college students that appear in the afternoon. It’s only a couple hours, but it’s nice to have that time with just a few black coffees in between the rush of “pumpkin spice latte and a cakepop” and “quad shot espressos and keep them coming” that dominate the busy periods at the bookstore. He’s not complaining though- he loves this job. He gets a discount on books, no one cares how much coffee he drinks in a shift, and, in the last couple of weeks, he’s had a great view of the new guy quietly shelving books. it's a bookstore au!

Shatter Me by politics_and_prose

Henry is resigned to the life he's meant to lead until he meets a man so full of happiness and life that he's got no choice but to confront the secret he's been keeping for years.

Singularity by OrchidScript

"Henry didn’t try to resist. He’d lost his capacity for it the moment his scruffy looking nerf herder had stood in the White House press room and called Henry his choice. Under the onslaught of purposeful dragging of fingernails, featherlight touches under tables, the pink-bitten promise of more, Henry abandoned all defense. He willingly succumbed to his fiancé’s heated breath and honeyed words." The boys find inspiration in a hotel room armchair.

In Every Universe by clottedcreamfudge

Alex and Henry will find each other in every universe. A series of either explicitly or implicitly soulmate-themed AUs, which are all heading in one very specific direction.

You Remind Me of Home by athousandrooms & ifyoustay

Henry had taken the news that he was being summoned to England early much worse than Alex had. He'd left him with a million apologies on his lips. Alex had swallowed them all with a parting kiss and the promise of seeing him on the 23rd, knowing full well that no matter how much as much as he wished to, he couldn’t afford to travel with him during finals season of his first year of Law School. It's been a week, and Alex... Alex would give anything to have Henry here. But, all's well that ends well, as they say.

well we're not here to fuck ducks by stutteringpeach

Henry is looking for someone to help him with his duck study. He makes quite a serious typo in his 'All Staff' email.

with my name on your lips, tell me how does it taste by viciouslyqueer

“I don’t think anyone will be offended if two... very close friends decide to try it out, H. I certainly won’t.” Alex laughs when Henry fixes him with a half-hearted glare. “And you felt the need to track me down and show me this on a random Tuesday morning because...” Henry trails off with a perfectly arched brow. It’s infuriatingly attractive. Alex braces himself on the table and leans in, stopping with his mouth an inch away from Henry’s ear. He can almost hear him holding his breath. “Because I want to take my time with you, sweetheart,” Alex whispers sweetly. “And this is the perfect opportunity.”

Don't - Don't You Want Me? by absoluteaudacity

Alex is bad at communicating sometimes.

(you might be) someone i could love by weather_stained

(...or you're just somebody I fucked once.) After Henry has an anonymous one-night stand at a party, he can't stop thinking about the boy with the beautiful brown eyes and messy curls. Months later, Pez scores them an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with June Claremont-Diaz, her girlfriend, and her brother, at her family's lakehouse. It could be the second chance he's been looking for, or he could be stuck hopelessly pining for someone who only ever wanted sex.

Locked In by allmylovesatonce

After their night together in Paris, Henry and Alex get quarantined in their hotel, locked in for two full weeks.

hours by demigodbeautiies

Although the White House is fast, the British press is faster. It has to be a leak. An accident. A screw up. There's no way a story like this would be allowed to break if anyone had actual control over the situation. Perhaps the entire headline is wrong, and the agonising lurch in Henry's stomach is for nothing. He reads it again. BREAKING: Son of US President Ellen Claremont abducted, held hostage. Watch for LIVE updates.

Forty-Four Days by bleedingballroomfloor

"God, I haven't seen you in forty-four days," Alex suddenly spits, and Henry feels the pain of his words in his own chest, like ice replacing the blood in his veins. Because that's it, isn't it? Forty-four days of separation. Forty-four days of waking up to an empty bed, of making coffee along with his tea only to realize that Alex isn't there to drink it, of long meetings without any of Alex's witty jokes, of cold hands on chilly autumn walks because Alex isn't there to warm them up. Maybe it's the simple fact of hearing for the first time, or maybe it's the tipping point of the taxing day, but Henry feels something inside of him snap, and — And all he knows is that he needs to see Alex now.

Hope is a Five-Alarm Fire by AnchoredArchangel

“I’m just saying- we know you, Alejandro. I've ran the odds and with your personal history of decision-making and impulse control, there’s a less than four percent chance you of all people didn’t shoot your shot. Even if he’s in the closet. Even if he’s supposedly straight. Even if he’s a prince. You love a good story.” Doesn’t he ever. Too bad he’s never going to get the chance to tell this one. Or: Alex returns to real life after crossing the actual Prince of England off his totally superfluous valid No Consequences Sex List. It does not go quite like he expected.

Wrap Me Up, Unfold Me by @sparklepocalypse

After the Kensington confrontation, Henry gets on the plane with Alex. (Or, Henry and Alex join the Mile High Club in filthy, spectacular fashion.)

Shameless by everwitch

Henry has a lot of sex. A lot. He's young and in college and there is no shortage of men to fall in bed with. What better time to explore what he likes and what he fucking loves, as well as to catalogue how to make his many, many partners feel as good as possible? It’s all part of the learning experience. And Henry is a very dedicated student. Alex has been inescapably aware of Henry ever since that one time they kissed. You don’t just stop being aware of the guy who basically caused your sexuality. So when Henry propositions Alex at a lame frat party, Alex accepts eagerly. Maybe this is exactly what he needs. Maybe, if he can just have Henry once, he’ll have a better chance of finally getting over his embarrassing fixation with Henry. It's worth a try.

3/4ths Cup of Love by inexplicablymine

“What the fuck are you doing with my pinto beans?” “It says I need them for pie weights.” “Hell no, baby, sweetheart. Over my dead body are you using the beans I use for mole for your quiche recipe. I would like us to eat these.” “Hey!” “If you put my beans in the oven, I will make it so you can’t possibly ever put a bun in the oven.” “Noted.” Or, The ups and downs of Henry learning how to perfect his quiche recipe.

A Practical Arrangement by kiwiana

“I know.” In fairness, he didn’t ask his mom to delay the wedding after the betrothal was made official when he turned eighteen. It wasn’t that she expected another option to materialise—he’s pretty sure she was trying to give him and Henry more time to get to know each other, maybe move past their open animosity a little. They’ve been pushed together every few months for the last three years, their marriage an inevitability. “I just… I still can’t quite get my head around it, you know? Married. To Henry.”

if you ever want me to tag you, let me know!

tagging: @starkfridays @stilesgivesmefeels

[saintmagx]

Chamber of Horrors 😈

Grayson Waller x reader

an: just came across Grayson Waller on Chamber of Horrors with Scarlett and Shotzi and it gave me some inspo 👻 IF YOU HAVENT WATCHED IT, YOU SHOULD! He is literally polite, respectful, funny and hella scared. This story doesn’t follow the video exactly because my memory is bad and I started writing this so long ago I forgot so much stuff, plus trying to rewrite a video is kinda hard 🫣

‼️ Warning: swearing, bad story telling, cringe writing, not proof read, just rambles no actual good storyline‼️

“Our final guest of the night is the current WWE Woman’s Champion y/n!” Kayla says excitedly.

Walking out into the cozy studio my nerves settle slightly, I’ve never been on the bump before, nor had any kind of chat show interview before, so I’m a little overwhelmed. I make my way over to the other guests Scarlett and Shotzi and sit down next to them.

“So welcome to your first ever bump appearance, how has it taken us this long to get you here?” Kayla asks.

“Honestl-”

Cut off before I could even answer, a strong accent fills the studio, Grayson who was also a guest - who was joining us via video chat - had to pipe up - it’s what he does best.

“Let me answer that.”

“You see, yn wouldn’t come on the show unless yours truly was also a guest. I mean can you blame her, who wouldn’t want to be on the same show as the Aussie icon.”

“Ah yes Grayson of course, every time they asked me to come on the show I would say unless you have thee Grayson Waller on your show, I ain’t interested.”

He smiles and slightly chuckles, unable to retaliate.

We continue to hype up the next PLE. Shotzi and Scarlett then go onto speak about the release of more episodes of Chamber of Horrors.

“Yn we would love to have you as a guest on the next season! It would be so fun.” Scarlett suggests.

“Absolutely not.” I say - little too quickly.

“I might come across as someone who is tough but deep down I’m scared of most things. And being in an area that is high on the paranormal activity is a definite no for me.”

“We would be there, nothing would happen to you. It’s completely safe.” Shotzi tries her best to convince me to appear in the show, but her words fill me with little confidence.

“I’ll go on if you do yn.” Grayson declares.

“What?”

“If you do the show, I’ll do it with you. Moral support and all that. Plus if you get too scared you can always hold my hand.” His signature smirk creeping onto his face.

Feeling like my back was against the wall I agree to appear and anyway they might not ask me to be on it for a long time and we might not even go to somewhere that is extremely haunted. I was unfortunately wrong on both fronts.

The call to appear on an episode of Chamber of Horrors came all too quickly. It was decided that we would go and see Bloody Mary in New Orleans, which involved a seance and an independent ghost hunt around the haunted house.

Sitting around the table in a circle, Bloody Mary describes how the evening will go and says a few incantations to start of the seance.

“First we will go around the table and introduce ourselves to the spirits. Squeezing from left to right on our hands.” She tells the table.

She introduces herself then squeezes my left hand. My turn I guess

“My name is yn.” I then squeeze Grayson hand for him to start

“My name is Grayson Waller, Maddison square garden main eventer.”

“I’m Shotzi”

“I’m Scarlett”

We continue to hold hands until Bloody Mary continues. She introduces us to a doll named Henry. Scarlett picks him up and places him onto a clearly uncomfortable Graysons lap.

“He likes the ladies, he’s a bit of a flirt.” Bloody Mary explains to us.

“Aw yes lad! We could be brothers.” Grayson says, “however I have to move you closer to Shotzi and Scarlett, can’t have you making moves on people you shouldn’t be.”

I look at Grayson confused, why would he say that?

“So is it true someone at this table hasn’t seen a horror film.” Bloody Mary questions. Looking around the table I find it hard to believe. Shotzi and Scarlett are literally horror queens and I’ve dabbled in horror movies myself, like who hasn’t. That only leaves Grayson…

“You haven’t seen a single horror movie? Like ever?” I quiz Grayson.

“Nope, I just like laughing. Why would I watch something that would make me scared?”

Stunned.

“The fact you haven’t seen the all time classics, I’m shocked. We have to change that.”

With a playful glint in his eyes he reply’s “are you asking me on a date? I mean I suppose if you were there to hold my hand I wouldn’t mind watching a scary film.”

And that right there is the famous Grayson Waller charm. I roll my eyes and laugh off his flirtation.

“I’ll ask theory to show you some of the classics. It’s gonna change your life.”

“I’d rather you show me them. I think I’d appreciate them more with you.”

He smiles slightly and shifts his attention back to Bloody Mary. Not noticing how his response had affected me.

The part I had been least looking forward to, the ghost hunt. We had been given free rein around the house to look and interact with any spirits we may encounter.

There had been a few words here and there but nothing that was concrete evidence that the spirts were among us. It could all be explained or passed off as a coincidence until I heard Scarlett and Grayson in the bathroom.

“Shotzi, yn come here quick.”

We entered the bathroom and were met with both Scarlett and Graysom standing in the bathtub. We join them without question and wait.

“Can you tell us your name” Scarlett asks the spirits

“Zach”

“Zach is there anyone else here with you?” She continues

“No”

“Killed her.”

“Sorry”

Scared, I find myself gravitating towards Grayson who instinctively grabs my hand. I’m not sure if he sensed my fear or if he too was scared however in that moment we were a comfort for each other.

“Killed who?” Shotzi asks this time. However there is no reply.

“Hey Zach can you say hello to Grayson?” She continues

In a mimicking tone

“Hi Grayson”

The mood is slightly lifted and I can’t help but chuckle this spirit has went from confessing to horrific crimes to making fun of Grayson and I’m here for it.

Unamused Grayson replies “oh, you think you’re funny do you?” The spirit did indeed think it was funny.

We move to a different room due to the activity in the bathroom dying down. The room we enter is a playroom, legend says that the small cupboard is where a small child still plays. We decide to have a game of rock paper scissors to see who will go in the cupboard. Shotzi is our first, then Scarlett.

“Can’t you just go in the cupboard? I think I would die of fear if I had to go in.” I say pleading with Grayson.

“Sorry love, fairs fair. Ready?” He replies.

Rock, paper, scissors shoot. I went with paper and Grayson well he went with rock. With a smug look I go stand next to Scarlett and Shotzi awaiting for Grayson to climb into the small cupboard.

“I’m literally in skinny jeans, I can’t do this.” He complains while backing into the small enclosed space. Not even a minute later he is screaming and scrambling to get out of the cupboard.

“Something touched me. Something touched my leg.”

“What?” We all ask.

“When I was in there I felt something grab and pull my leg.” He reiterates.

Finding his way next to me, he slides his hand into mine, again to find comfort. I squeeze his hand as a reassurance that everything was going to be okay. Looking down at me I can see the appreciation in his eyes.

Scarlett sits on the floor and asks the spirits some final questions - much to our dislike.

“Do you like Grayson?”

“No”

Grayson on hearing this throws a little tantrum

“I’m here, I’m trying to learn, I’m being respectful” before he can continue the spirt cuts him off

“Nerd”

The mood once again has been lifted at the expense of Grayson.

Shotzi continues to question the spirit.

“What about yn? Do you like her?”

“Yes”

“Pretty”

“You’re damn right she’s pretty. But ima have you ask you to back off mr ghost, she’s off limits.” Grayson replies

Shotzi and Scarlett share a knowing glance while i remain calm and composed- on the outside that is. On the inside im screaming.

That has got to be the most frightening experience of my life. The cameras have stopped rolling and we are standing in front of the Bloody Mary’s ready to part ways.

“Okay, I’ll admit it was kinda fun, however under no circumstances will I ever come back on your show.” I tell them.

They both laugh and tell me I’m a baby.

“I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight.”

Grayson jumps in “oh I don’t mind helping you out there. I can think of a few ways to help you sleep.”

Scarlett and Shotzi dismiss themselves sensing we need some time alone.

“What’s with the heavy flirting? You’ve been at it all night?” I question.

“Well what normally happens when a guy flirts with a girl?.”

“You’re not just any guy though, you’re Grayson Waller. Serial romancer.”

Slight offended he replies “I thought my actions would have been louder than my words? I like you yn, I like you a whole fucking lot. My mind, body and soul is captivated only by you.”

Silenced by his confession in struggle to think of the right words to say. I want to tell him I feel the same. I want to tell him how my every fibre and being yearns for him. Slowly I see the hope in his eyes fade as I’m taking too long to reply.

“Listen if you don’t feel the same way just say it I need to”

Before he could finish his sentence my lips meet his. He returns my kiss with a need and passion I’d only ever read in books. This is what he needed, this is what we both needed. Each other. Pulling away our foreheads rest on each other while catching our breath.

“How about a nightmare on elm street? A classic franchise to break that horror movie virginity of yours.”

He chuckles “as long as you’ll be there, I’ll watch anything.”

I honestly dunno what this turned into but here we are…….if you would like tagged in any of my stories let me know and I’ll add you to the list.

Tagged:

@jeysbae

@blueflowermentality

@co-sharkie

[harrywavycurly]

Hello 🥰 I have been going through a couple of your series and I just love them so much! I really love the latest update to Bucket of Sunshine ☀️ I was curious about the conversation she had with Eddie when he came to the party for her—either at the party or the Benny’s date (because yes that is totally a date). Thanks so much in advance!! 🖤💗🧁

Hiii babes!! Awe I’m so glad you enjoyed the newest update!! I’ll gladly give you a conversation t for both, one for when Eddie got to the party and one while at Benny’s and I think this fits in perfectly for Fluffy Friday! So enjoy💖

-find all things Bucket of Sunshine here✨

*Eddie didn’t realize what all he was signing up for when he agreed to hang out with you and take you to Benny’s*

“What…are you wearing?” “Eddie remember it’s rude to start a conversation with a question.” “I’m here to recuse you from a house party and you’re giving me a lesson on manners?…really?” “That’s three questions in a row…wanna toss in one more to make it an even four?” “What are you doing?…with…that?” “That’s technically two but I’ll let it slide…now to answer you I’m wearing a sundress and I’m holding your hand…anything else you want to know?” “Uhm why…why are you holding my hand…like that?” “Oh sorry is interlocking the fingers too much? You said you don’t like walking into parties alone so…I figured this was how you wanted to walk in?” “I was just uhm…uh joking…about that.” “Oh okay…well then after you.” “You don’t…have to…let it go…it’s fine..uh it’ll actually make it easier to keep my eye on you if you’re uhm…attached to me…” “worried I’m going to run off huh?” “Not run…more like dance away from me.” “I do like to dance…now come on I’ll introduce you to Henry and Nick.” “Uh how about let’s skip that and go find the real party on the back porch?” “The real party?…” “oh…you’re cute when you’re clueless…come on you’ll be fine.” “Okay…oh look there’s Steve…where are you going?” “I’ll be right back…I have to talk to your brother really quick just…stay here.” “Okay..what’s wrong?” “Uhm…I need…my hand back…” “oh sorry…”

“You uh…have whipped cream on…your lip.” “Oh thank you..that always happens I think it’s because I drink it so fast but I just can’t help it they make the best milkshakes…Eddie why are you looking at me like that? Is there more?” “What? Oh…sorry what did you say?” “Are you okay? Do you need-” “I don’t need to eat if that’s what you’re about to ask me…” “it’s rude to just watch someone eat…” “I’m not watching someone…I’m watching you…there’s a difference.” “Whatever you say…you’re really not hungry?” “I promise I’m fine okay? Now…uhm..how was your day?” “It was good! Stevie took me to the library to return some books I got on how to start a garden…I’m trying to grow sunflowers and they are being a bit tricky.” “Did you just call Steve…Stevie?” “Yes? That’s what I’ve always called him.” “Oh god that’s fucking great! What does he call you?” “Most of the time he calls me sister…or sis.” “Sister? Really?” “Yes like when he comes home he shouts ohhh sister! I’m here! He’s very dramatic.” “Is he uhm..is he nice to you?” “Nice to me? Oh he’s the best…he does get kinda irritated with me at times but yes he’s nice to me…why?” “Just wondering…” “how was your day?” “Why are you so nice to everyone?” “Excuse me?” “Why are you so…nice to people you don’t know or legit assholes who don’t deserve a single second of your time…why are you nice to them?” “I just…I don’t know? I guess because if I’m nice to them they’ll be nice to me and…I just enjoy making people smile.” “I wasn’t nice to you.” “You weren’t mean to me.” “Yes I was…” “no…Eddie you think you’re mean but you’re really not…anyone who takes the time can see it’s just an act you put on…I know you’re not really an asshole.” “Yeah well i sure as shit tried to be and uhm…I shouldn’t have been…so rude.” “It’s okay.” “Are you cold?” “A little…sundresses are all cute and fun until the sun goes down…” “here…” “i need to get a jacket like this it’s so comfy and warm.” “You like it?” “Yeah it’s nice…you sure you don’t want any of my fries?” “Stop trying to feed me.” “Sorry…it’s a habit…”

[sourwolf-sterek32]

Alpha’s First Daughter

Summary: You had been on your own for years after escaping the Whisperers. Until you run into a hunter in the woods who's searching for his brother.

OR

The Walking Dead rewrite from Season 9 to Season 11 with you, Y/N, as Daryl Dixon's eventual love interest.

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: language, violence, blood

Chapter 26-

You slept the night at Hilltop with the plan to leave in the morning now that the Commonwealth were gone, but that plan went out the window when Elijah told everyone that he spotted a few Commonwealth soldiers five miles out from Hilltop watching you all.

The Commonwealth hadn't left.

They were watching and waiting for something, but you had no idea what that something actually was.

In the end, Maggie made the decision to stash Hershel and other civilians of Hilltop with Negan and his new groups secret camp where her son would be safe while the rest of you dealt with whatever the Commonwealth were going to do.

"Long time no see, kid." Negan said once he climbed out of the secret hatch in the ground where his group was hiding. "Look, I'm sorry for just leaving without saying goodbye or anything to you, but-"

"It's fine. Seems to be a thing everyone is doing to me lately." You responded, looking down at the ground.

"Huh?"

"Daryl left. He joined the Commonwealth with the others." Maggie said softly, filling him in on what he had missed.

"Oh, shit. Hey."

Negan took a step towards you and grabbed your shoulder as you lifted your head and looked back at him.

"I'm sorry. But if I told you that I was planning to leave, you would have tried to talk me out of it."

"No shit." You responded bluntly causing him to chuckle softly.

"God, I missed that spitfire attitude."

"You shouldn't have left then."

"I had to, kid. You know I had to. And if I told you, you would have tried to stop me and.... if I'm being honest, you're the only person who could have talked me out of it. That's why I didn't say anything." Negan explained and you sighed, hating that you understood his reasoning.

You weren't even sure why you were upset about him leaving. In the end, everyone either dies or leaves you. You knew that. It's what's always happened. Your dad. Your stepfather, your sister, Henry, Lydia, your dog, Jesus for a while before he returned and now Negan and Daryl too.

"This fight that we're in, that I started, with Hornsby... it's not gonna end until I end it." Maggie began to say, changing the topic which you were silently grateful for.

Negan kept looking at you for a few seconds, his face laced with almost worry before he turned back to Maggie.

"I got no doubt you will. But I also got no doubt that you are firmly in the crosshairs of this Lance asshole, so... So, I'm coming with you."

"No. I'll finish it."

"Maggie, we can help fight-" Negan's new wife tried to say, (yes, he had a wife now too, go figure).

"I need you to stay here with Hershel, with those others. Keep them away from Hilltop and safe until this is over." Maggie instructed, not taking no for an answer.

"He doesn't exactly trust me, you know?" Negan said, glancing over at the kid before focusing back on Maggie who sighed.

"But I'm starting to." She admitted. "You saved him at Riverbend. Whatever else happens, and whatever else has happened, I will never forget that."

"Wow. You have big balls, Maggie Rhee. I got you. And I got your boy." Negan reassured.

Before anyone had a chance to say anything else the sound of insects calling loudly filled the air and you all looked up in surprise to find a giant swarm of bugs flying over the treetops above you.

What the hell?

"Oh, shit. If that ain't a sign from the Man Upstairs." Negan commented, staring up at the insects.

-

By the time you, Maggie, Elijah and Marco returned back to Hilltop it was well and truly dark.

The group of you hid just on the outskirts of the community and watched as a small group in decked out black gear started to swarm the Barrington House with their guns raised.

Guess the Commonwealth soldiers had stealth suits now.

Elijah and Marco disappeared for a few minutes to scope the area out in search of Lance Hornsby, but when they returned, they said that there was no sign of him anywhere.

"Asshole always has somebody else do his dirty work." Marco muttered.

Suddenly a loud explosion erupted, and you spun around to find flames and smoke wafting out the Barrington House. Guess the soldiers found the booby traps that you guys left behind.

"See if we can recover any of their weapons. Follow their trail back to their camp, and we end this." Maggie instructed.

You all nodded in agreement and stood up to go to Barrington House and grab any of their weapons that survived the explosion. However, you barely managed to take a step in the direction of the building before a gunshot cracked through the still night air like a whip and the next thing you knew, Marco was falling to the ground with a bullet through his skull.

"Get down!" Maggie shouted.

You dropped to your knees in an instant and peaked over the top of the barricade you were hiding behind just as a figure marched out the front door of Barrington House and you had to do a double take when you realised who it was.

Fucking Leah.

Shit, you should have killed the bitch when you had the chance.

"We need to leave, right now." You said, knowing you couldn't just stay hidden and hope for the best with Leah.

She was ex-military. The three of you did not stand a chance in a fight against her no matter how good you thought you were, there was no beating Special Forces training.

Maggie and Elijah didn't argue and the three of you took off sprinting into the woods, using the trees and darkness as cover while you ran.

You ducked and weaved between the trees and bushes, your head beating out of your chest, and you hated how familiar this felt. This was exactly what happened when you first encountered the Reapers way back when. They had you all scattered in the woods at night and started to pick you off one by one. Leah was trying to do the same thing.

The three of you ran until you literally run into a group of walkers, and you hastily unsheathed your sword and took a couple of them out while Maggie and Elijah dealt with the rest.

"It was Leah." You said breathlessly, yanking your sword out the last walker.

"You sure?" Maggie asked, sudden fear in her eyes and you nodded. "Shit."

"Look, you guys go. I'll lead Leah and the others away. I'm the one she wants, right? You guys get back to the others."

"We're not leaving you." Elijah responded, not wanting you to go off by yourself.

"I'll be fine, just go."

"Y/N-" Maggie started to say, but you cut her off.

"Leah doesn't like you, Maggie, you helped kill her people. But, she hates me. I can lure her away from the others." You insisted, but it was clear that Maggie didn't like this plan. "Go back to the others, protect your son. I got this."

To your relief, Maggie reluctantly nodded before she grabbed Elijah's arm and led him away before you turned around and pulled your handgun from your holster and ejected the magazine.

Four bullets left.

You slammed the magazine back into the gun and wracked the slide, loading a bullet in the chamber before you slowly started to walk in the opposite direction.

The full moon was shining brightly through the treetops above you, illuminating your path as you trekked through the woods.

Minutes ticked by as you continued to quietly walk. Your gun was up and ready and finger resting on the trigger as you scanned your surroundings before you saw movement out the corner of your eye. You spun around and fired a shot, the bullet hitting the tree trunk that Leah was hiding behind and you cursed softly under your breath when she took off running.

You quickly fired a couple more shots and grinned when you heard Leah cry out in pain before she disappeared amongst the trees and out of sight.

Slowly you began to walk in her direction, scanning the forest floor for any signs of blood when suddenly a twig snapped from behind. You turned around only to be met with the butt of a gun and then everything turned black.

-

You blinked your eyes open to find Leah sitting directly in front of you with her handgun raised to your head.

Well, that was a nice thing to wake up to.

You spared a quick glance around your surroundings and realised that you were now in some cabin in the woods. You noted that the sun was shining through the curtains which made you wonder how long you had been out for.

You were sitting on a chair in the middle of the cabin, your hands tied back behind you with what felt like thick rope.

You stared down the barrel of Leah's gun while fiddling with the rope and trying to untie it.

"I have waited for this moment for a long time." Leah said breaking the silence, the gun unwavering.

You chuckled softly, almost hysterically and you were going to blame your next words on the definite concussion you probably had, but you said it anyway.

"You think you can scare me?" You asked, leaning forward as much as your restraints would allow. "Do it. Pull the fucking trigger."

Leah's eyes hardened as she glared at you, but as you suspected, she didn't shoot and instead, she lowered the gun.

"You can't kill me. That would be too easy, right? If that's what you want, you would've done it already." You began to ramble, trying to buy yourself some time as you continued to fiddle with the rope around your wrists. "You want me to suffer... to feel everything that you felt. All the pain... Because somewhere inside you, you think that'll take away your pain. It won't."

"You're wrong."

"How so?"

"It's not just you. By the time I'm done... everyone you love will be dead. Then I guess that makes us even. I took your family, you take mine. Nature has a way of taking care of these things."

"Newsflash, bitch. My family is dead. So just go ahead and get it over with. You want to kill me, right? So do it. My life couldn't get any fucking worse."

"You want to die?" Leah asked, raising her eyebrows in surprise. "Just say the word and I will put you out of our misery."

"Do it." You challenged, just as the rope around your wrists finally slipped free.

Leah grinned, raising the gun back up towards you before you kicked it out of her hand and sprung out of your chair. You tackled Leah to the ground and landed a solid punch to her face before she threw you off her body and you fell backwards on the hard wooden floor.

Leah growled and reached for the gun on the ground, but you were already moving and tried to grab it first. The two of you ended up rolling around on the floor fighting over it before she bumped the trigger, sending a stray bullet through the wall.

You knew this wasn't going to end well for you.

If you kept fighting hand to hand, Leah was going to kill you.

Without thinking, you suddenly released the firearm and pulled out your throwing knife from the inside of your boot and swung it at her. The blade of the knife sliced her arm, forcing her to drop the gun and you quickly kicked it away. But, that small movement of distraction was enough and the next thing you knew, Leah was on you.

She threw you into the nearest wall, your head collided against it hard enough to split the skin, blood instantly dripping down the side of your face before Leah grabbed your shirt and yanked you off the wall and pinned you to the ground.

Punch, after punch, after punch rained down on you and there was nothing you could do to stop it.

You felt like you were a little kid again with your mother towering over the top of you. This was different though. Back then, you knew the blows would eventually stop. You knew your mother would grow tired or bored of hitting you and would get up and leave you to cry and bleed on the floor of your bedroom, but Leah? Oh, she was out for the kill. She wasn't going to stop until you stopped breathing.

Your head was spinning by the time the punches seized. Her face was a blur above you as your ears started to ring before Leah pulled out something from her belt and even in your concussed state, you saw the shimmer of silver and knew she had a knife.

Shit.

She slammed the knife down towards your chest, but you quickly grabbed her wrist and stopped her. The tip of the knife was cutting into the front of your shirt as you tried to hold the knife away from your body.

It was a losing battle.

Leah had her whole body weight behind her, there was no way you'd be able to hold back the knife forever and she knew that too.

After surviving your mother, after surviving an apocalypse, after surviving so many bad things, this bitch was what killed you? Who would have thought?

Your arms were trembling as you breathed heavily through your nose and used all your strength to hold the knife away. But you were starting to get weaker. The knife began digging in further and finally reached your skin causing you to cry out in pain before a gunshot pierced through the air and Leah's body suddenly collapsed on top of you.

The knife fell to the side, and you laid there trying to catch your breath. A few seconds later, you realised that there was now somebody in the cabin with a gun and you tilted your head up and spotted Daryl standing in the doorway.

You lowered your head back down to the ground and closed your eyes with a deep sigh.

Daryl killed Leah to save your life.

Holy shit.

Suddenly, Leah's body was lifted off you and you opened your eyes just as Daryl held his hand out towards you without a word and you took it, letting him help you to your feet.

"Are you okay?" He hesitantly asked, his eyes roaming over the blood down the side of your face and no doubt bruises that were probably already forming over your cheek and eye.

"I am now." You answered honestly before glancing back over at Leah's body. "Thank you for... for choosing me over her."

"It's always you, Y/N."

You turned back towards him, his bright blue eyes locking with yours.

"I'm sorry. For a lot of things 'n I'll never stop tryin' to make it up to ya, but it's always you, Y/N. I'll always choose you, no matter what."

You smiled softly, "thanks."

Daryl nodded, opening his mouth to continue, but then bullets were raining down into the cabin through the windows. You ducked for cover and spared a quick glance out the now broken window and saw a sea of white armoured soldiers along with Lance fucking Hornsby.

Great.

"We gotta go!" Daryl shouted above the gunfire, lining up Lance and firing a shot at him.

You watched the bullet clip the side of Lances cheek, not killing him, but definitely hurting him. Daryl grabbed your arm and the two of you escaped through the back of the cabin and ran through the woods to go meet up with the others.

Things weren't going to just magically go back to normal between you and Daryl. Too much damage had been done, but you knew it would get better.

-

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter 

MASTERLIST pinned to profile 

Commissions open! Link in bio & DM for enquiries 

[ouatsqincorrect]

I’m intrigued to hear your thoughts/headcanons on Regina and Leopold’s “marriage” and what exactly it was like for everyone involved eg. Snow, Cora, Henry Sr, ofc Regina and etc. I went way too deep into a thought-spiral myself about it and the more I dwell on it, the more pain I feel for Regina. Given the tiny heartbreaking pieces of insight we’re given about her life as Leopold’s wife in flashbacks, just imagine the crap she had to go through that we didn’t even get to see onscreen.

honestly, i think if ouat hadn’t been a “family show,” regina’s story would’ve been even more depressing because yeah, there is so much we just didn’t get to see but was hinted at and i—

give this poor woman a break. anyway.

one thing that always really bothered me about snow is that it seems like no one ever sat her down and told her that her father was regina’s abuser, so she brings him up when she shouldn’t (like the idea that she was going to name baby neal “leopold.” i mean. can you imagine the amount of shit that would’ve brought up for regina.)

which is why, in my mind, snow and regina actually do sit and down and have that conversation at some point

archie’s the one who suggests it when snow mentions leopold and it causes regina to go into a full blown panic attack. she tells him about this in a session and he tells her the only way she’s going to be able to stop this is by letting snow know that it makes her uncomfortable

which regina really doesn’t like. she’s never had any intention of telling snow the truth about all of that. and honeslty, i think this has always been the case, even when she was the evil queen

she’d rather snow live in a blissful world were her father was actually a good guy, then be the one to tell her that no, he was actually a really, really shitty human being

maybe because regina knows what it’s like to have a parent who lets you down

and when she has to have that conversation with snow, she’s terrified. she has herself convinced that she’s going to lose everyone (snow, emma, henry, etc.) because of it

but emma assures her that it won’t happen like that because this is snow white we’re talking about and despite being given many chances to walk out regina’s life for good, she never has

snow is upset, to say the least, when she finds out but it’s not for the reasons regina thinks. i mean, yes, she’s hurt to find out her father was a piece of shit but she’s more hurt to find out regina had to go through what she did, and to find out that maybe daniel wasn’t the whole reason as to why the evil queen wanted to kill her for so long

ultimately, she tells regina simply “you’re my family now. not him.” and that’s that. snow may be an idiot at times but she does care for those she loves fiercely and regina is one of those people

(which by the way, quick side note, david has always had a bit more of an understanding as to who snow’s father really was. he can read between the lines and he actually noticed all the times regina would flinch when snow mentioned her father’s name. he’s actually grateful when snow and regina finally talk about it, because it’s always been an elephant in the room)

regina knows cora is the reason she was forced to be in that marriage, and yeah, she’s found ways to forgive her but that relationship will always be tainted because of it. it makes things like mother’s day and cora’s birthday all that much harder for regina

she can also admit that her father didn’t help things. henry sr loved her immensely, but he was also a coward who stood by and let regina get abused by multiple different people (cora, leopold, rumple). he even admitted to this in the underworld, at least in terms of cora

but regina forgives him easily because even though he never tried to stop it, he was also the only person who held her and was there for her after the king would do what he wanted to her

at the end of the day, this is something regina tried really hard to just forget. but it does come back and hit her hard and that’s why conversations, like the one she has with snow, have to happen

there are a few days out of the year that really bring back those feelings in full swing (the anniversary of her wedding night, etc.) and her family is aware of when these days are and how to help regina handle them

usually it involves her and emma staying home from work, watching shitty movies david and zelena suggest, and eating a casserole snow made (the one thing snow makes that regina doesn’t complain about—actually she loves it)

also, regina isn’t fragile. she’s not broken. but she is trying to heal and when there aren’t villains to fight every single day, there’s more time for her to think over those things from her past

and it’s a real fucking journey

[crazyk-imagine]

Hi I’m back again, I have a request for our dear Wolfman, again. Would you please write a 50 first dates ?

Thank you again for everything!

💛💛

Thinking of You

Pairing: (Henry Roth) Leonard "Wolfman" Wolfe (Henry "Wolfman" Ruth) x (Lucy Whitmore) Fem!Reader

Characters: Fem!Reader, Leonard “Wolfman” Wolfe (Henry "Wolfman" Ruth), Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Nick “Goose” Bradshaw, Carol Bradshaw, Bradley Bradshaw, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, Ron “Slider” Kerner, Rick “Hollywood” Neven, Marcus “Sundown” Williams, Sam “Merlin” Wells, Charles “Chipper” Piper, Mike “Viper” Metcalf, Bill “Cougar” Cortell, Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood, Penny Benjamin

Warnings: Fluff, angst, this is cute, Leonard is adorable, reader watches out for herself, everyone is protective of the reader and it's adorable, no fisherman here, only ranchers and cowboys, small town vibes, Iceman and Viper are the best, Pete can't cook for the life of his business, few funny moments, few serious moments here and there

Word Count: 5,307

A/N: I am so so sorry for taking forever with this one. I did not forget it, I promise. It was a whole thing with trying to find inspiration and rewatching the movie for research. But it... is... done!!!

Viper still refers to Bradley as a baby because he is (in his eyes)

Charlie is the horny German lady which I find hilarious

Yes, I used the TGM Squad as the kids for everyone who had children in the movie

The guys all have a work past with Viper

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

He takes a seat at the counter, minding his own business as he reads a menu.

You smile as you walk inside, you always love coming here and not just because you get to see Penny and Pete, your favorite couple at the restaurant but because you get to make your waffle buildings.

‘Maybe today I’ll build a hut. Oh, and for the steam we can use coffee.’

Penny notices there’s a little pep in your step while she hands you a menu. “How are you doing, Butterfly?”

You giggle, “I’m doing just fine.”

She smiles and tells you your table is free.

He sees you enter the restaurant, sitting down in one of the empty booths in the middle of the row.

Penny turns around filling another customer’s coffee, she notices the looks he’s sending your way and needs to stop it before things can progress, you don’t need any more heartache (even if you don’t remember it today).

It would also save him from meeting your dad, who’s in charge of the port, Viper aka Mike or your cousin, Iceman aka Tom.

“I wouldn’t,” she tells him.

He furrows his brows and turns towards the waitress. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“You’ll only find yourself heartbroken if you try to pursue her.”

“What makes you say that?”

She purses her lips; she doesn’t find it necessary to tell him of your accident. But then she realizes he’s new and must be one of the few new cowboys that came into town.

“You’re gone for more than half of the year doing what you do. You’ve never met her but if you did and it was time to leave both of you would be crushed. Imagine how much that for a second.”

“Maybe she’d come with me.”

“She-” She sighs at the wound of glass breaking. “Excuse me while I go kick my husband out of the kitchen.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose, Pen.”

“Out of the kitchen, Maverick," a new voice says.

He doesn't know it, but it was the actual cook, Marcus.

He sighs, pushing the doors open, taking a seat beside the man. “Sounds like you did good there.”

The dejected man chuckles, “yeah.”

“Hey. You happen to know that girl sitting in the booth, would you?”

Pete glances over his slumped shoulder. “What’s it to you?”

“Woah. Woah. Why is everyone so aggressive? I was just asking a question.”

“A question that shouldn’t be asked.”

“Okay. Message received.”

“You seem like the type who won’t take no for an answer?”

Leonard chuckles, “am I really that transparent?” He chuckles to himself as he takes a sip of his coffee until he turns back to look at Pete and realizes how serious this whole thing is. “Oh, shit. Sorry, I just thought-”

“She wouldn’t go for a guy like you,” a voice says sitting on the other side of the rancher.

The two men angle their bodies to hear the man better.

Pete gives him a sarcastic smile. “Yeah, thanks for that, Cougar. We don’t need to give it any more ideas.”

“First off, it has a name and oh, she’s trying to make a door.”

The two look back and focus on you trying to get the finishing touches to your waffle house done.

He debates on walking over to you after hearing everyone’s warnings.

Clearly no one here wants to see anything bad happen to you if they’re this willing to stop him before he could try anything.

He pushes himself out of the chair, grabs a toothpick before heading over to you.

“Hey,” he starts off not to startle you entirely before sticking the toothpick in place, opening and closing the door to show you how well it works. “I thought this might help you a little more.”

You glance up at him, giving him a smile. “Well, then I guess the only thing I can say is thank you. To be honest, it probably would have taken me five minutes to figure it out, so again, I thank you for saving me from any potential embarrassment.”

Leonard lifts his hat, “I always do what I can to help a beautiful lady such as yourself.”

“Ah, I bet you say that to everyone you see then.”

He chuckles. This certainly isn’t what he was expecting when he walked over, it's different, nice even. “May I,” he gestures to the empty side of the booth.

“Please, I’d like to look a little less pathetic in front of, well everyone here.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“You flatter girls to get them in your bed and expect that very thing to happen, don’t you?”

“Uh- well,” he stutters.

You shrug, “doesn’t matter now. I’m just happy to have some company even if it’s just for a minute or two.”

“Well, then I’m happy to be of service.”

You dazzle him with another smile.

This is different from the other times he's gone out with girls.

You lift your watch to check the time. “Oh, looks like it's time for me to go. Sorry,” you sheepishly shrug as you reach for your bag.

“Uh- oh, okay. Yeah, I guess it’s time I went back to work.”

You get up and barely walk past him when you stop. “Is that you?”

“Is what me?”

“The farm smell?”

His mouth opens into an “o” making it obvious he now knows what you’re talking about. “Oh, yeah. Perks of being a rancher. Sorry about the smell. I didn’t realize it was so bad.”

You shake your head. “No, it’s- it’s not that. It’s just- it's more of a comfort thing. It reminds me of my family because my dad and my cousin are in the ranching business, and this is- the smell of, well the farm, is basically what I grew up with.”

He nods, “okay, good to know I don’t smell too much like shit.”

You chuckle, shaking your head. “Happy to help but I seriously have to go now.”

“Okay.”

You head over to Penny and pay her before saying bye to everyone.

Leonard shakes his head once he sees your car leave. “She sure is something else.” He then heads over to his car, sneakily watching you leave.

-

He spends the night talking to Rick, watching his kids. “So, you gonna ask her out?”

“Me?” Leonard shakes his head, pulling Rick’s youngest, Javy, away from the fence before his beloved (crazy) goat comes over and towards the edge to scare the kids.

The rancher isn't going to have his headbutting, crossed eyed goat injure another one of his friends' kids (even if it's on them because they didn't listen). “I- no.”

“You like her?”

The kids’ “ooh” at their dad’s comment.

“What? No. She’s just- she’s... busy?”

“Excuses.” He pushes himself off the fence, “come on kids. Your uncle needs alone time to process the fact that he’s a wimp.”

The kids mumble wimp under their breaths as they walk by.

He’s left alone with his thoughts.

-

“Did she get offered any drugs today?” Mike asks his nephew.

Tom shakes his head, “no and you know she wouldn’t take anything anyway.”

“She wouldn’t know.”

The blond glances over at the older man.

“Don’t give me that look boy.”

Neither of them says anything else as they go their separate ways before going out to the garage so they can repaint the wall.

Nick and Carole walk to the open space, "hey guys."

"Do you know what got her in such a happy mood today?" Mike asks.

The couple glance at one another.

"When we went to get food, Penny said that one of the new ranchers came in and talked to her, but I don't know what happened," Carole tells him.

"A new rancher?"

She nods. "Yeah, he's the only one here who wears his hat twenty-four seven."

"And you don't know anything about this?" Tom asks Nick.

The mustached man narrows his eyes at him, "if we knew anything else we would have told you."

"I'm just checking, mother Goose. No need to get your p-"

Mike smacks his nephew on the back of his head. "Stop it. Nick take another roll and again, thank you for the food, Carole. If you could just-"

"Set it on the counter for later, I'd be happy to."

"How's life been with the baby?"

"It's been great. I know it makes her sad that we can't bring him around here. All they've wanted since they were kids was for their kids to be friends and hangout all the time."

Mike sighs, "yeah."

Carole sneaks up the stairs to check on you. She barely opens the door and sees you standing there, a smile breaks across her face. She's happy to know that you're safe and sound for another day.

-

The next day is a weird one... for Leonard.

He had no idea what was going to happen when he made his way to the restaurant, and he most certainly wasn’t expecting you to not remember him (and mean it).

Sure, he’s had a few girls say they don’t remember him but after some persuading and mentions of certain clues, they break, this time with you though, not so much.

A few minutes passed after you ran out until someone explained to him why he shouldn’t continue doing what he’s doing.

“Everyone knows but,” Penny sighs. “She was in an accident that killed her mom and left her with what the doctors believe to be permanent brain damage.”

That is the last thing Leonard was expecting to learn about you. “All those light threats make sense now.”

“Now that you know, are you going to keep trying to date her?” Penny asks him. "Because if you’re not and you break her heart, you can just leave now. We won’t tolerate that kind of behavior.”

He nods and finishes his coffee, coming up with a few ideas.

-

Rick lounges on his couch, as usual, and watches as his friend jots down a few things. “You must really like this girl if you’re so willing to do just about anything for her.”

Leonard shrugs, “I don’t think that’s it.”

“Well, you’re doing something really nice for her, someone you’ve met a few times. As for me, your best friend barely gets a birthday card.”

“You’ve been giving yourself your own gift every year.”

“Oh, yeah and what’s that?”

“Your kids.”

“Damn, you’re good.”

-

He sits at the counter in front of the kitchen, waiting for you to come in so he can ask to eat with you.

You enter, at the same time as always, greeting Penny and Pete before sitting down to look at the menu.

He stands up and walks over to you, “hey, is this seat taken?”

You look up from the menu, “yeah, that’s my boyfriend's seat.”

“Oh, it is?”

You nod, “and he won’t be happy to know that some random guy sat there while talking to his girlfriend.”

“What if we say we’re just friends?”

“Are we though? I mean, I don’t even know your name.”

“Leonard.”

“I wasn’t asking. Look, I gotta go.”

Everyone hears the commotion outside and runs out to see what’s happening, Penny and Leonard being the fastest to get outside when they hear your voice.

“It’s not- it’s October thirteenth.”

Nick slams his car door closed before rushing over, wrapping his arms around you, wanting to give you some kind of protection.

Leonard takes a step forward, ready to tell the cop everything when Penny gets to him first.

Pete grabs the cowboy, “you and Goose are gonna take her home. She needs to be with her family right now. She needs comfort.”

He nods, taking his words into consideration.

The boys get you into the car, but the ride home is a blur, you don’t even know if you’ve responded to Leonard.

-

Your father and cousin are outside before you know it.

"What happened?" Mike asks, taking in your state of distress.

Nick looks up at the older man with sad eyes. "She found out again."

He closes his eyes, rubbing his chin.

Tom comes to your other side, the two men helping you inside.

The mustached man stops the rancher before he could step any further onto his front porch. "I'm gonna have to stop you right there."

Leonard furrows his brows. "What do you mean?"

"You being here isn't good for her."

"What does that mean?"

"This is something we've done before. You have never been involved."

"How would you know?"

"You don't know her, and you don't need to concern yourself with her. I'm asking you once and only once. It's time for you to go."

The man turns around, not even waiting to see if he's going to walk away.

Nick peaks through the window, whispering, "what are you doing?"

Leonard rushes closer. "He kicked me out."

"He doesn't want her to be more heartbroken than she is. Are you here for her or for you?"

"What- why are you asking?"

"If you're here because you want to date her, I'll let you in. If not, you can turn your sorry ass around."

He didn't even have to hesitate. "Open the door."

The blond smiles and lifts the windowpane higher. "You said you'd open the door."

"I'd like to not have my ass kicked too bad, thank you."

He rolls his eyes and crawls through, listening to your cries as you listen to what you went through again.

"Can we- I want to talk to the doctor." You quietly hiccup, "I'm sure I've already talked to him but let me go again. Please?" You ask your father.

He nods and you all are off to the facility you were in for some time after your accident.

-

"It's the same thing I've told you before," Dr. Simpson finishes.

You nod, "I'm sure you have, and I appreciate you taking the time to explain it to me again."

Leonard and Nick were stuck talking to one of the patients, (ten second) Sam.

"Hi, I'm Sam."

They nod and introduce themselves to him and continue to do so until Tom grabs them by their collars, hauling them out of the building.

"You two idiots wanted to stay. Stop getting distracted."

-

Once you got home, you decided to go to your room and write in your journal, needing to process everything.

"Would it- could I go talk to her?"

Mike silently nods.

"Go get 'em, tiger."

Nick averts his gaze your dad's stern look.

-

He knocks on the door, waiting for you to answer as he removes his hat.

The door swings open.

You stare at him through your lashes. "What do you want?"

"To talk. Check on you."

"I'm fine. Go home. I'd say I'll talk to you tomorrow, but I'll forget you by midnight." You walk back into your room, leaving the door open.

He takes that as an invitation and enters. "I- uh-"

"I don't want you to feel like you have to stay after everything you’ve learned. I would understand if you didn't want to talk anymore."

"No!" He nearly screams before realizing his mistake and sits down. "I mean, I don't mind it. This- your twenty-four-hour memory is no problem. I- I actually think you're worth getting to know, every day."

You don't give him a verbal response as you nod, unsure of how to respond.

As you two bask in the silence, the other's downstairs are preparing for the next day.

-

“You coming to the garage or are you going to call Carole?” Tom asks him after his uncle walks out of the room.

“What do you think?”

Your cousin rolls his eyes, “still as lazy as the day I met you.”

“Hey, I am offended.”

“Good.”

Nick shakes his head, mumbling a variety of comebacks that he would never say out loud because he values his life.

-

Leonard reaches around, rubbing your shoulder, not realizing the time or what’s about to happen.

You wake, opening your eyes and start screaming, alerting everyone in the house.

Tom and Mike make it to your room in no time.

The older man hauls the rancher out of your room and out of the house. “I thought I told you to stay away.”

“You might have.”

“Then why aren’t you?”

“Sir, I really care about your daughter and honestly, the thought of showing her how much I care about her everyday sounds-”

“Like you’ve got some kind of ulterior motive.”

“That hurts. No, I mean, telling her every day that I care for her and making her fall for me again and again. I can’t explain it but, I know I’m the right guy for her. Everyone here cares for her and I’d like to count myself lucky enough to be a part of that community. I know you think I’m messing with her but that’s not true and even if you push me away, I will still be here and continue to stand by her.”

Mike has a lot to think about now.

He nods, “don’t come around today. She needs time to heal and take it all in, you hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m sure I'll hear from you later. Now go.”

Leonard smiles as he leaves. He spends the day making a gift, as a precaution he doesn’t come by for a couple of days.

Leonard has a lot of things to think about.

If he stays and builds a relationship with you, he’s going to be putting his dreams on the back burner; something he’s had his mind set on for a long, long time now.

Can he, do it?

Is it worth it?

As much as it hurts him to think about, he needs to. But then he thinks of you again and it is.

He makes a mental note to email his response.

-

He knocks on the door and Tom answers it. “You’re back? I thought you decided to leave.”

The rancher shakes his head, “nope. Can’t get rid of me that easily. I- uh- I actually made something and I want to play it for her. I don’t know if it’ll help but, you never know.”

He steps aside, giving Leonard enough room to walk by.

“Thanks.”

You and your father enter the living room, seeing him placing the tape in the VHS player.

The tape plays before either of you could ask what's going on.

Your name flashes across the screen, drawing your attention along with mentions of the accident and Bradley, Carole and Nick's son who's four now.

You touch the scar hidden by your hair.

Tom stands back, waiting for what you decide to do.

Mike rubs his hand across his face. "Did you do this?"

He nods. "I did."

You take a deep breath and grab his arm, bringing him with you.

-

"Where are we going?"

You don't answer him.

"Should I be worried?"

You stop in front of your car. "Do you ever shut up?"

"I could."

"Do it now."

"Stop being mean to me or I swear I'm gonna fall in love with you."

You roll your eyes. "I need to talk to you, and I don't want to do it with my guard dogs nearby."

"Oh, sure."

He opens the door for you, earning a furrowed brow look from you.

You don't say anything as you drive to the one place no one knows about.

"Are we-"

"The accident site, yeah. I didn’t know that at the time but now that I do, it doesn't change the special value it holds."

"That's good." He turns to you, seeing the way you're staring at him. "What?"

"We need to end this."

"End what?"

"You know what."

"Honestly, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Leonard-"

He cuts you off before you can continue. "You remember my name?"

"If you'd let me get a word in, you'd know that the only reason I know of you is because I have a journal. I've been keeping notes of everything, I just- I never realized it."

"And that means we need to not see each other anymore?"

"Exactly."

"Why?"

"You."

"I'm not following."

"You," you close your eyes, huffing through your nose. "You're so sweet and have been since we first met but you're going to get hurt."

"What makes you think that?"

"You've stayed longer than any guy ever has but to do this every day is just- I know it's a lot."

"It's nothing."

"See, that!" You point at him. "That right there is exactly why I'm ending this. You've got such a pure heart and I can't be the reason it breaks when you realize it's not worth it to stay."

"Who's to say that I'll stop feeling what I do?"

You avoid eye contact as your tears blur your vision. "You will, just like I know how my father and Tom are tired of it. They'll never admit it, but everyone has their breaking point and I think us meeting and seeing each other has pushed theirs. I'm really sorry, I like you. I do but I'm doing this to protect us."

You offer him a weak smile as the tears spill from your eyes and down your cheeks.

Before you leave to go back inside, you hand him your journal.

He pulls you back and kisses you.

Your first kiss with one another and it's amazing but can't last forever.

You pull away, walking inside with heavy steps; barely able to keep yourself together.

Tom nor Mike stops you, but they do make sure to call Nick and Carole, knowing you'll need a good day tomorrow even if you don't remember it.

-

Leonard doesn't come into the diner for a few days.

Carole sits with you at your job while Rick, Nick, and Pete drive Mike and Tom to see him off.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"We couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye," Rick tells him.

"That's nice but how do you know these guys?" Leonard points between the guys in the group.

"We used to work together before I decided to settle down," his friend explains.

"Is that what you've been telling people?" Pete asks, staring at the man with a confused expression.

Rick glances at the man, "what are you talking about? Of course, that's what I've been telling people. It's the truth."

Pete shrugs, "I just thought-"

"Thought what?"

Nick smacks the two across the back of their heads. "Alright you idiots, there's a time and a place to talk about this. Now is not it."

The two grumbled, rubbing the now sore spot.

"We came here to talk to Wolfman before he left."

"You told them?"

"We all worked for him," Rick points to Mike. "Of course, I'm going to tell them."

"Anyway," the oldest chimes in. "We're here to send you off but not before giving you this." He hands him a CD.

"Really?" The rancher asks, not understanding the sentimental thought behind it just yet.

Mike nods, "I think you'll like it. Check side B, song four. Everything will make sense after that." The older man walks away, letting the others take their time in following.

Nick pats Leonard on the back, saluting him before wishing him luck. "I wish you luck, my friend."

"I'm pretty sure you just jinxed me."

"That's for the theater and you're going to need it one way or another."

The rancher frowns.

Pete chuckles, "you really leaving?"

The blond shrugs. "What else can I do? She told me she doesn't want me, and I can't force myself into her life, you know. Whether she remembers me or not. I'm going to respect her decision."

"That's really nice of you, not everyone would do that."

"I keep telling you I'm not like everyone."

"And I understand why. You're going to do great, kid."

The man in the cowboy hat purses his lips as his brows knit together in confusion. "If I'm not mistaken, we're the same age."

"Potato, potahtoe."

"Not the same."

Pete smirks and slaps his arm before jogging to Mike's car.

"You really want to leave?" Rick asks, standing beside him, resting his arms on the fence. "Because I'm not buying this whole "I can do this" thing. I mean, from what I've heard it sounds like you love her but who am I to assume."

Leonard shakes his head, "you heard wrong."

"That's a load of bull and you know it."

"You'll never know."

"The kids are going to miss you."

"They'll find something else to occupy them."

“You know they won’t.”

“Whatever you say, man.”

Rick’s hand hovers over his friend’s shoulder, he doesn’t pat him like everyone else had (knowing he’ll be back in no time). “You’re an idiot.”

Leonard lets out a dry, “thanks.”

Tom gives him a knowing look, “you know I’m right.”

“If you’re just going to be a jerk, leave with the others. I don’t want to talk to you.”

“You said you were going to stay by her side no matter what. What happened to that guy?”

“She made the decision. She doesn’t want me around; thinks she’s going to save me from heartache or something.”

“You’re an idiot.” Tom walks away, leaving him with his thoughts.

Leonard shakes his head, not understanding half of what just happened; all he knows is that he’s offended. He hops in his truck, his heart heavy and mind full of useless thoughts; he places the CD in the car player.

Half forgetting he’s had the damn thing this whole time and never once thought to use it. He skips to the song Mike told him to play.

He’s barely on the road for ten minutes and gets out of his thoughts, his fingers stop tapping along to the beat on the steering wheel when he slams on the brakes. “Holy shit! Holy- no way. No way!”

His smile is as wide as can be. “I knew the old man liked me.”

He turns the car around and heads towards the office you visited when you were told about the accident again.

-

He runs through the door, trying to sneak in by the security guards before anyone can kick him out.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” He turns to face them, removing his hat.

He shrugs, not saying a word.

Maybe playing dumb would be easier?

The taller of the two stares at him with raised brows as his partner takes in Leonard’s appearance. “Go on in.”

Ron turns to Charles, “what’s wrong with you? What if he was a murderer or some psycho?”

“Did he look like a psycho to you?”

“No but-”

“But nothing. I got good vibes from him.”

“What did you smoke for breakfast?”

“I’m not answering that,” Charles says, checking the computer for today’s schedule.

“If someone gets murdered, I’m not protecting you.”

“Dick move.”

“Cya, man.”

“What?”

Ron pats his shoulder, “cover your ass. I’d remember that if I were you.”

-

Leonard runs into the room, eyes scanning all around and over anyone in the room, only to not find you, for the moment.

He wanders further into the room, tempted to ask around when he sees ten second Sam and decides not to, there’s too much time that could be wasted and he can’t waste a second right now.

You turn the corner, not noticing him as you help someone outline the outline of their sketch.

A voice calls out to you, and you turn, finding him.

“Hi? Do you- nevermind, stupid question. Could I- uh- could I talk to you for a minute?” He asks.

You know everyone here will be fine for a few minutes. You hesitate to answer him. “I- we can- just- just follow me.”

-

You two stand in your special art room. “Have we met before?”

His chin juts out. “What?” His eyes wander around the room, finally understanding.

“As you can see, I’ve seen you before. I mean, I know I’ve talked to you, but I don’t remember it. You- you haunt my dreams. I’ve seen us in my favorite restaurant, as if we were on a date and- and I don’t know if it was real or not.” He can see how it’s wracking your brain to try and remember something that won’t be there.

He nods, “we have. We’ve met a few times.”

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

He holds a journal in front of you, “if you really want to find out, read this. It’ll tell you everything.”

You stare at the cover, wondering if you should read it or not.

You hold it close to your chest and stretch your hand out for him. “Hi.”

He raises his brow but shakes your hand. “Hi?”

“We’re starting over.”

“Oh, that makes more sense.”

The door opens, “Hi, “I’m Sam.”

You purse your lips, trying to hold in your laughter.

“And our special moment has a little twist.”

“Leave Sam out?”

He nods, “we’re leaving him out.”

You nod and slowly remove your hand from his. “Hi, I’m Sam.”

“I swear to-”

-

You push open the door and cover your eyes when the sun hits you. Leonard turns around and smiles at the sight of you looking as beautiful as always. “Hey, you’re up.”

You nod, your eyes landing on your precious baby boy, Jake, pretending to be like his dad with ranching.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

Your daughter, Natasha, runs over to you with her arms open for a hug.

Everyone always says that a mother and her child share a special bond, in this case it’s true because you open your arms and scoop her up, holding her close to you, even if it is a little strange just finding out she’s your daughter after watching the video Leonard made for you.

“I’m okay, a little weird this morning.”

“I don’t blame you.”

You tilt your head up at him, staring at him like you’re trying to memorize his face. “I think Tom’s doing things he shouldn’t.”

He turns around, finding your cousin doing the exact opposite of what he told him to and hands Jake to your father so he can help your cousin from messing up his ranch (any more than he already has). “Son of a-”

“Language!” You and Mike shout.

“I wasn’t going to actually say it,” Leonard tells you two.

You and your dad share a look. “He’s your husband, you take care of it.” And he walks away.

“So rude,” you mumble to yourself.

“Hey guys!” Nick and Carole wave as Bradley runs towards Natasha (who hasn’t left your side until this moment).

You smile and wave back, hugging Carole tightly.

“Let's go inside and see what you have in your kitchen for breakfast.”

You lean in closer to her, whispering, “does he ever eat? I swear he is always raiding my pantry.”

“Fast metabolism.”

“I don’t buy it.”

“Can I tell you something?” She asks.

You nod.

“Neither do I.”

-

You, Carole, and Nick grimace at the sight of Leonard's friend and his coworker-

"Can they eat each other's faces somewhere else?" Nick mumbles. "I'm trying to eat here."

You and her share a look.

"You're still eating," his wife points out.

He shrugs. "I can't pass up when Sundown cooks. That'd be like disrespecting Penny."

Leonard walks through the door and grimaces. "You two need to stop trying to eat each other and enjoy breakfast. This is not what I imagined when I suggested you two go out."

Charlotte and Rick part from one another, offering weak apologies.

You and Carole can't help but laugh.

The rancher turns around at the sound of your laughter and knows that he wouldn’t trade this for the world.

[priincebutt]

from that 100 dialogue prompt post, 85 please! :)

85. “I almost didn’t recognize your voice when it’s not yelling at me.”

(Funny you requested this -- I've been wanting to do a "bad idea, right" by Olivia Rodrigo fic for so long, and this lent itself perfectly to that scenario. So, here's the start. Probably going to develop this into a hatef*ck smut scene down the road but I was so pleased with the start of it I wanted to post it!)

“I almost didn’t recognize your voice when it’s not yelling at me.”

Henry can hear the smirk in Alex’s tone – it’s right there, bright and haughty and self-righteous; it sings ‘I knew you’d call,’ and Henry, well, he hate’s that he’s stooped so low.

It’s just that… they’re both in Paris for fashion week. Henry had seen Alex’s picture on the glossy covers of tabloids, June’s arm draped in the crook of his elbow, dressed from head to toe in fucking Louis Vuitton, and he looked like a goddamn dream. A dream Henry can’t shake, a dream that isn’t his anymore. He’d made that abundantly clear when he’d broken up with Alex at the palace all of those months ago.

He’d screamed. He’d cried. He’d told Alex to leave when Alex asked for the words.

Nothing had hurt that much, but this – Alex’s smugness – is a blow straight to his pride.

“Yes, well… I saw you were in town, and…” And what, Henry? Wanted to relive the glory days? After all, Paris was where they’d first woken up beside each other. Paris feels special still, because his heart aches for those days even if he’d given all of that up. “It’s stupid, I shouldn’t have called.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Alex bites out, and the words sting, and affirm that Henry is, in fact, a massive masochist. He’s a sucker for whatever pain Alex is willing to inflict on him.

The line is silent as both men think long and hard. Then there’s a sigh from Alex, and Henry feels that dangerous flutter in the cavity in his chest where his heart was, before he’d decimated it. “What do you want, Henry?”

“Have dinner with me tonight.” It’s out before he can think better of it, and he immediately bites his lip, knowing it was the wrong way to go. If Alex knows he has something Henry wants, he’s going to make him work for it. Really and thoroughly work to deserve it.

“No. You broke up with me, remember?” Alex sets his boundary, and Henry backs off, respecting it.

“How can I forget?” He mutters, more to himself than to Alex, though it does earn him a harsh chuckle. “Come to my hotel then, after whatever dinner you have planned.”

“Are you really booty calling me – in fucking Paris – at noon on a Tuesday?”

Henry lets out a crisp sigh and nods emphatically, then remembers that Alex can’t see him and turns the conversation around. “You’re going to the Louis Vuitton Men’s wear show at 2, right?”

Alex is quiet, making Henry wait, playing hard to get, and Henry knows he deserves it. “Yes.”

“Then you’re going to go to a dinner with some people you don’t really like very much, and you’re going to be bored out of your mind. You might as well get something out of this trip, right?”

Once again, Alex drags the silence out, and Henry’s sure he’s relishing it. “What, hate sex with my ex who chose his duty to his country over me? I’m not interested.”

“Are you sure about that?” Henry’s voice is curious, genuine and raw, because he can hear the hesitation behind Alex’s words, the way his sentence structure is crumbling with want to say yes. It hasn’t been long enough for Alex to be moved on, and Henry doesn’t know if he wants Alex back, or if he just wants to have some really fucking good sex, which he’s not had since the last time he’d been with Alex.

It had been a bold move, but he doesn’t regret it. And he internally cheers when Alex lets out another dramatic sigh.

“Fine. Where are you staying and when should I meet you?”

[thetarttfuldickhead]

All right, I fully get that the smart money says Ted leaves Richmond in the next episode, but I just watched 3x01 again (in some mad hope that I’ll get through the entire season before the finale. Outlook: bad, but here’s to believing) and to me, the structurally sound narrative response to a character wondering (in the first 5 minutes of the first episode of the season) what he’s still doing there is not to have him spend the entire season figuring out that, actually no, he shouldn’t be here. That’s just… terribly anticlimactic, really. Posing the question that baldly, this early, to me suggests a story of him figuring out why he is there; why he has chosen that, and might continue to choose so.

Now, if we had gotten something along the lines of “I’m here to make these people the best they could be, they need me and that’s why I’m sticking around” it would make sense for Ted to eventually realize that, actually, job done; they’re as good as I can make them, now they can take it further on their own and I can go (as suggested in this meta, and to me far more satisfying than him leaving “just” because he wants to be with Henry). But we don’t get that: instead Ted notes that he knows why he came (to give Michelle a whole lot of space; it had little to do with Richmond or anyone there), but not what he’s still doing there (him and Michelle are over, so there’s no reason for him to stay away anymore). He assures Henry that he’d only stay for something really important, but he obviously has no idea what that is. He’s presented with several suggestions of what he might still be doing in England – Dr. Sharon’s “you don’t quit things, Ted” and Henry’s “win the whole thing” – but subtly rejects them both. He himself notes that “maybe me being here is doing more hurting than helping at this point, you know” so he’s clearly not sold on the notion of people needing him and him needing to stay for them.

Right from the get go, Ted’s central conflict of the season is set up as him feeling guilty over being apart from Henry and wondering what could possibly justify that. To me, the answer to that should be the justification, not an “eh, actually, nothing can, this was a bad move, let’s go home”. It’d… feel like a betrayal of everything that happened at Richmond (ie the whole series), sort of?

Now, there’s still room for a realization that yes, what he did stay for was the people around him, to help them be better: Ted seeing the labours of his work and knowing that he made the right call for the time being, but now it’s as good as he can get it, and it’s time to be with Henry. This isn’t horrible. I don’t love it, but it isn’t horrible. However, there’s little in the last episode leading up to the as-of-yet undisclosed truth bomb to Rebecca that suggests that this is the realization he’s had. His mother confesses that she’s there because Henry misses him: we already knew that! Ted knew that! The whole season has been about Ted’s guilt over that! This is not news, and should not lead to a sudden conviction that, no, actually, I have to be with my son.

(I mean, it could temporary: I’m not averse to the idea of Ted deciding to leave only to then realize that staying is the right choice after all. But as a final pay-off it’s weak.)

Rather, given the stuff with his mum (and Jamie’s dad) and Mae’s poem, the last episode read to me as Ted coming to terms with the fact that he won’t be a perfect dad. He will screw up. He will leave his son both with things to thank him for and with things that makes Henry want to say “fuck you”, and while he should be careful not to make the same mistakes as his mum, or ever be even a tenth as bad as James Tartt, it’s okay not to be perfect. Maybe it’s okay for his son to miss him; they still have a lot of contact, Henry knows that Ted loves him, and with him and Michelle divorce, it’s likely Henry would miss him some of the time even if Ted lived back in Kansas.

I’ll offer my own counter-argument: maybe Ted accepts that he will not be perfect, but is determined to be as good as he can, and to be that he needs to be with Henry. Fine, but we’re back to the part where this is just a bit anticlimactic, given that the seasons starts with Ted wondering why he’s in London. That’s the question I want answered in the next episode! Why Richmond matters to him, and why he matters to Richmond! 

Ah, it’s obviously folly to speculate: we’ll know for sure in a few days, and it’s very possible that the finale will present things in such a way that it throws new light on everything I’ve said here. (Actually, it’s very possible that the episodes between 3x01 and 3x12 might do that too, but I haven’t gotten that far in my rewatch yet.) That’s okay: I have faith that it’ll work out however it was supposed to. That said, I’d love to have expectations subverted, and for Ted to stay. (Even as I’ve gotten more used to the idea of Richmond without him.)

[renee-writer]

The Irish Lass and the Scottish Lad Chapter 43

AO3

“Did I cause them?” He hovers over her, trying to help but unsure how to.

 

“Yes, nine months ago. Labor could be started by sex. It might have been or it just might be time for Judah or Hannah to arrive.”

 

She is still calm. Placing a robe on, she begins to walk around the house. He follows closely.

 

“Should we call the hospital?”

 

She breaths through the contraction and then takes his hand. “No, call my mum.  Before, take a breath. All is fine.”

 

He does, taking a shuddering one and then ringing his mother -in-law.

 

“Claire is in labor. Ah, one minute, Claire, how far apart are they?”

 

“Your job is to time them, my love.”

 

“Crips, I haven’t been timing them. Okay. We will see you soon.” He rings off, “I’m sorry , I…”

 

“It is alright. Early yet. This is natural. Beautiful. We are about to have our child.”

 

He feels his heart leap. “Right! This is wonderful.”

 

“Go get some clothes on. I don’t think mum means to see that much of you.” He pulled his underwear back on but nothing else.

 

With a flush he goes and gets dressed.

 

“More comfortable naked?” Julia asks. She arrived fifteen minutes and two contractions after Jamie called her.

 

“Well labor started after…”

 

“Oh, a most excellent way to begin.”

 

“She has had two contractions since I called. Seven minutes apart, lasting forty seconds.” He wants to make up for his earlier failing.

 

“Brilliant. You are well on your way towards fatherhood.”

 

They walk her through the house. He times them. They get increasingly close together and stronger.

 

“Ohhhh,” She moans, holding tight to her husband. Her hand is up over his shoulder as she rest her back against him, “Ahhhhh!”  Julia watches. She hasn’t checked her and won’t, unless she feels pressure. The plan is to be at the birth center by then.

 

The couple sway together. She is mighty impressed by both. Her daughter is riding each contraction out. Jamie is attentive and strong, being just who she needs him to be.

 

“Ah fuk!” She thrashes. Her white grip is on the bedframe. Jamie is forbidden to touch her or talk. They need to go after this contraction, “Oh bloody hell, need to push!”

 

Julia is an excellent midwife. The last pain was four minutes after the last. This shouldn’t be the case.

 

“Claire, I need to examine you?”

 

She kneels down. A professional, she doesn’t panic at what she sees.

 

“Jamie, run out to my car. My medical bag is in the back seat. Get it and hurry back.” Very pale, he does, “Claire, the baby is coming. We have no time to get anywhere.”

 

“You can do it.” She says.

 

She can but… “Don’t push. Jamie isn’t …”

 

He runs back in.  “The babe… it is…”

 

“Almost here.” She gets out what she will need, “Push when you need to.”

 

“Arrrrrrehhhhh!” She bears down hard.  Her midwife, eases the head out. A quick sweep of the mouth and one more push and she holds her grandson in her arms.

 

“Mum?”

 

“Julia, is he…”

 

“You have a find son.”

 

Claire weeps as she holds him. She lays on her bed, cleaned up, a pad between her legs. Judah Henry Brian lays wide eyed in her arms. Jamie lays beside them. He can’t keep his eyes off them. His wife and child. Julia sits in the rocking chair, charting the unexpected delivery of her grandson.

[lyon-amore]

What if...? Duskwood Chapter 20

Chapter 19 ————————————————————————————-  

Hannah's search had been cancelled because Cleo's mother had received threatening letters and pictures of her daughter. They were worried about what she might happen if they searched for her in the forest. And better like this. I don't think it's a good idea for them to put themselves in danger. Richy at least managed to give me Jennifer's last name. Jennifer Manson. But… After doing some research on my own, I couldn't find any Jennifer with that last name. But I did find something much more interesting…

 It had only been a week since Jake had been gone. It was really being harsh.

 I look at the ceiling of my room thinking about work. There were still rumors about me even though the video had been deleted. I'm supposed to at least get up and be productive, but… This whole situation is getting to me. Again… Henry settles on my pillow and starts chewing on my hair to get my attention.    "I'm up now Henry... I'm up now..." I sit up and look at him "Even so, you shouldn't eat my hair to get me up."     Henry curls up and begins to fall asleep. Perfect, he wakes me up for him to fall asleep. I sigh getting up at the end of the bed. My life had changed a lot, it was no longer calm at all. People who knew me whispered and talked behind my back, luckily, Lian and Aiden defended me from anyone who spoke badly about me and also didn’t ask me why I had been accused. They were relying on what I had already told the director, that Lilly and I were on bad terms and that she accused me of it. It had even reached the ears of my family. I had to mute the chat group to get them to leave me alone.

If this was here in the big city, I don't even want to imagine in Duskwood, with everyone who knew Hannah. They would surely search for me with torches and pitchforks.

I was going to go to the bathroom to get ready when there was a knock on the door. I hope it's not another neighbor asking me if they're going to have to worry about whether or not I'm going to kidnap them. When I open the door, my smile widens when I see the boy who was at the door.    "Stephan!" I jump up to greet my cousin. He was the only one who had trusted me, defending me from the whole family.    "How are you, cousin?" He greeted me, giving me a big hug.    "A little better."    "Yeah, that's why you're in your pajamas at noon at twelve."     I look at myself and roll my eyes. Well, I'm at my house. Although it's rare for me to be this way, I would normally be all fixed up and ready to go.    "Are you here because of the video?" I ask, letting him pass.    "Well, it's better to talk about this situation face to face than over text," he says as we walk. "And I got worried when you said on Twitter that you were leaving for a while."     We go to the living room and sit on the sofa. Henry appears and starts sniffing at him. Yes, he smells like Sky. Luckily whenever he comes, he tries not to hug him goodbye because of my allergy. And when I go to his house, I always take allergy pills with me.    "How is Sophia?" I ask, picking up Henry and pet him.    "Let's say that she doesn't want you to appear in any of her videos again" he answers while caressing Henry's nose ", she don't want you to tarnish her influencer image."    "Good, sometimes I feel like she used me." I breathe a sigh of relief.     It had been a long time since I had participated in a video of his girlfriend, so I don't care. Besides, I did it because she's Stephan's girlfriend, to get along with her.    "Have you talked to that girl again?" he asks me now.    "Lilly?" He nods and I make a sound of contempt "I'd rather not have anything to do with her, she's the worst thing I've ever come across... Apart from Christian."    "But what exactly happened? I mean, how have you been accused like this?” I shrug and he continues. "The greatest crime you have ever committed is going into illegal places as a teenager to look for ghosts."    "Let's not remember that stage!" I put my hands over his mouth, teasing. I don't want to have to tell my cousin the truth about how I got into this, he's terrified of hackers and I'm sure he would advise me not to continue the investigation. Or worse, that I forget about Jake because "he's dangerous" "I don't know, really. Because I didn't even talk to Lilly, just the rest of our mutual friends."    "I just hope she don't get you in any more trouble" he answers harshly, ". I may be a pacifist, but if I have to defend my family, I will."    "Oh, how cute  cousin is." I pinch his cheeks and he pushes my hands away laughing. "I have all under control, don't worry.” I gesture with my hands for him to relax.     Stephan's cell phone starts ringing. When he looks at it, he puts it back in his pocket and sighs.    "Who was?"    “Sophia” he answers tiredly, “. She didn't want me to come see you because she doesn't want me to get involved with you to tarnish her image. "    "Really?"    "If I'm honest, things aren't going well" I see how he plays with his necklace, a guitar pick "maybe I don't like being used either."     I look sadly at Stephan. It's hard to see what's going on in a relationship but not be able to get into it because it's something between them. The phone rings again and again he sighs.    "Go" I finally say. ". I don't want her to be mad because of me."    "But I just arrived... "    "It's okay" I smile at him and shrug, ", I'll be fine."     He is quite hesitant to get up from the couch. I know he traveled a long way to get to the city. Valley Of Silence wasn’t close, it was a few hours from the city.

 I walk him to the door and before leaving, he looks at me doubtfully.    "One thing" he rests his hand on the knob, squeezing hard ", the man Lilly talks about in the video… do you know him?"     Stephan might not be able to hear it, but my heart is racing when he's named Jake indirectly. I want so much to see him again...    "No, not at all." I inadvertently nod. My mind fails me because I'm thinking about him. I have to be careful next time.    "Phew, thank goodness" he puts a hand to his head, calm ", seriously, I was really terrified that you had something with a guy so creepy that he likes to spy on people" I'm lucky that Stephan came out with talent for music but not for research "who knows if he's a pervert?"    "Well, I don't know anything about him" I pat him on the shoulder, with a laugh ", but don't accuse people so lightly without knowing the truth or having some proof of it, okay?"    "Right, you're right, you're the family investigator." He ruffles my hair, tangling it more than he already was "Goodbye Macie."    "See you soon, Stephan."     He hugs me goodbye and leaves. 

Again I’m alone. I shower and change my pajamas. I would have to go to work, but I have made the excuse that I got sick. Until my friends tell me it's safe to go back, I think I'll skip a few days to go.    "Adult…Responsible…" I say to myself, circling the coffee "Yeah of course…" I take a sip and sigh "I don't think I can use this excuse of being sick for a long time."

 Jessy talks to me and I partly appreciate it. The group is the only connection I have with Jake to be able to inform him when he returns, but I feel like I've betrayed him… Even though they've driven me crazy once in a while, they're part of my life now. They are my friends. And I never thought I would find someone as great as a friend in Jessy. Our conversation is based on Jake and if I can tell her something about him. All I'm telling her is something that was obvious, which is that we're looking into Hannah's files in the cloud. I can't tell her more about him, like the government is after him and even if I could tell her something more private, I wouldn't. Jake's safety comes first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Jessy Macie, what if he introduced you to the group because he wants to pin it all on you? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Everyone wants me to mistrust Jake. Everyone doubts him. I run a hand through my hair, pushing it away from my face. God... It terrifies me to think that it could be like this because of everyone's words.

 No. He is not like that. I have seen it myself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Macie No, that’s definitely not the case

 Jessy Please think about it ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 At least I appreciate everyone's concern. It's nice to know that even if they don't know Jake like I do, they have a little bit of dignity to still trust me after that stupid video. I let Henry out into the garden and I do some stretching to relax. I feel that my body is so tense that I cannot move well. Either that or I spend too much time in bed looking for clues, talking to the group, and hoping they'll stop asking me about Hannah. I've blocked too many people I'm short of fingers to count. Even if Lilly deleted the video, people still pass my number around. If it wasn't for Jake, I'd change my phone number.    "We breathe in... We breathe out..." I repeat over and over again, when I hear the notification sound. Better prepare in case it's not Jake and it's someone else accusing me. I take my phone out of my pocket and smile. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Jake Hello Macie.

 Macie Jake! 😄

 Jake :) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I make a happy sound upon seeing the emoticon. I imagine his smile as he gazes at me with his forest green eyes. I sit on the towel, still not removing my smile. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Jake I just wanted to find out how you were doing.

 Macie With you things are easier somehow

 Jake I am sorry to hear that.

 Macie Do you have time right now?

 Jake I am going to make time, yes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I close my eyes and imagine Jake with me. As if I was imagining the scenario as I write to him. It's not that I mentally sane, but it's what keeps me calm knowing that he's finally contacted me. I imagine a kind of invisible barrier between us. He hiding in some abandoned building and me in my garden.    “According to Dan, his car accident wasn’t his fault,” the imaginary me tells the imaginary Jake. I sounds pretty sad now that I think about it... Well, I'll bear with it. ”If you listen to him, it was the man without a face.”    “And what do you think about that?” The imaginary Jake looks at me curious to know my opinion.    "Not much." I would roll my eyes, knowing the situation Dan was in.    "Mmm," Jake begins to think, cupping a hand to his chin. ”The prior warning is missing, isn’t it?”    "Instead there was only prior whiskey" Jake chuckles at my annoyance. I look like a mother angry with her son ". In any case, he has asked Richy to examine the car" he nods and I continue with the news ". The forest search was cancelled.” I show him the photos of the kidnapper's message and Cleo's.    "That means that Hannah is in the forest for sure." He peers at the photos.    "Yep, we got that far too." I put the phone away and focus on it again. ”The others are saying that the search would have been unsuccessful anyway. ”    "What are you planning to do now?"     I appreciate his interest in the group and his opinion.    “We currently don’t have any alternative,” I say, crossing my arms. ”I am not going to let them go into the forest.”    "I understand.”    "The mysterious Jennifer Mason" I begin to narrate. ”, the whole thing happened more than ten years ago.” Jake nods, listening to me. ”. Her body was found in the Duskwood forest” just like the corpse they found... I don't think it's a coincidence ”. The killer was neverfound and neither her, nor the killer appeared to be from Duskwood” Jake nods again, concentrating on my words. ”That was all.”    "This information can potentially get us a huge step closer" Jake smiles at me. ”. Good job Macie.”     I blushed at his words and his smile.    "Let me look into something real quick" he starts typing fast on the keyboard OH! Until now that I'm imagining it, I didn't remember how satisfying it was to see him , my stomach tingles at the memory. ”Strange” he looks confused at the screen ”who did you get this information from?”    "From Richy," I answered quietly, "Why do you ask?"    "There is no entry about anyone named Jennifer Manson." So he hasn't found anything either. I decided to make the search more extensive when I also failed, with words. I want to save this information for the future. ”But that’s not going to stop us. I am going to take care of this a little later." Jake gets up from the table and leans against it, getting closer to me. "Is there anything else you would like to tell me?”

I look at the screen, reading his words. I can imagine him worried about me, because he would have a sad expression because of everything that is happening.    "People are slowly starting to be pretty upset with you" I avoid looking at him, afraid of his reaction to being hurt "To them you are s suspect, Jake..."    "As long as they trust you, everything is okay." I end up looking at him and his gaze is intense. "And you have to trust me. You do trust me, right?"     I'm sure he's asking because he's worried after his confession that the government is persecuting him. I have kept secret that I know him or that I have seen him. Because that would mean he could lose you.    "Of course I trust you." I answered quickly and determined.    "I trust you too." I would love for him to really tell me this in his voice and not have to imagine it. "Only you. Don't ever forget that."     What would I do after saying those words? Would he take my hand? Would he part my hair and then gently caress my face? I imagine then that the barrier can be crossed and that we can hold hands, feel his skin again.    "I have some news too." I try to compose myself and I get curious. He already wanted to do a new investigation. "The police has received the phone log from Hannah's cell phone."    "That means we also have the phone log." I say excitedly. I can finally investigate more!    "Exactly right" Jake smiles and texts me the call log ". These are the phone calls Hannah made the day she was kidnapping."    "Now it's starting to get interesting." I can't help it and quickly look at the list. I want to know who is behind these numbers.    "I think we should find first find out which person is behind which number" he begins to walk around his area, focused. "That’s something I can still help you with" he looks at me, stopping in the place ". If these calls don’t provide us with any clues that we use we will dug further into the past."    “This log will probably be very helpful."     I want to be positive, I think this is going to serve us well. Would Jake look at me glad that I excited about this track? Or would he think I'm weird?    "I totally agree with you." He would smile sweetly at me, for sure. He knows how much I love to investigate. "Let’s see, when you find out who is behind the number, note down the corresponding name."     I look at the list and then at him, is it safe for him to help me? Maybe he is risking too much.    "Why are you helping me?" I ask, a little worried.    "Because there is a possibility that this may take up a lot of time," he sighs, tiredly. "And therefore I should help you, as far as I am able to at least" so... does that mean it's okay? Is he safe for now? ". Good. I am going to start from the bottom, you start from the top. This way we can meet in the middle."    "Then, good luck to us both." I smile, wanting to start.     I dial the first number: 22906. The answering machine in the Rogers' workshop picks up. Richy's.    “I called the first number. It was Roger's Garage."    “Nobody answered the phone." Jake tells me, disappointed. Or at least, I'm sure.

The atmosphere of my imagination is interrupted by the message from Jessy, apologizing for not having arrived on time. It seems that Hannah's car was in the garage that day and that she would talk to Richy to tell me about it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Richy Hey there Macie 😁 Jessy said that you want to talk to me about something? 🙂

 Macie When was the last time you spoke with Hannah?

 Richy 🤔 Well, it must have been the day of the kidnapping.

 Macie Can you give me some more details about that?

 Richy I was finishing up with her car that morning, and I let her know that it was ready to be picked up She had brought it over a few days prior

 Macie To be honest, I am little surprised to hear that

 Richy I am really sorry in case I did fail to mention that to you 😞

 Macie Yes, unfortunately you did

 Richy ☹️ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I don't care if he put on that sad face, this is very serious. From the beginning he should have told me who saw her. It's always important to know, and have him told the police? Because any little detail could help in the search. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Richy Well, let me make that up to you right now Ask away, whatever you want 👍

 Macie So Hannah was with you before she disappeared?

 Richy Yes. She stopped by after I called her to pick up her car. That was the last time I saw her 🙁

 Macie What was wrong with Hannah's car?

 Richy The oil pan If I had to guess what cracked the oil pan, I would assume she hit a pothole But I didn’t ask her about it 😋 Just in case any of that helps you somehow 🤔 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Nothing strange at the moment, I don't know why I expected something worse. I guess because Hannah said someone was following her. Discarded the idea that they could have tampered with her car. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Macie Did you notice anything about Hannah?

 Richy No. Nothing at all

 Macie Not even about her behavior?

 Richy She was happy-go-lucky as always I walked her over to her car and we had a brief conversation She gave me a tip. I even still remember the exact amount €5.13 She had it in her car. She always keeps some change in the cup holder behind the emergency brake ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Well, Richy is a mechanic, I don't think it's strange for him to get into a car, but if it was just the oil pan, why get into the car? Was there something that caught his attention? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Macie You really remember everything

 Richy I've thought about this a lot, ever since she disappeared 😕 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Well, thanks for telling me a long time ago. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Macie Do you know where Hannah went after that?

 Richy No

 Macie You've known Hannah for a long time, haven't you?

 Richy Yes. More or less since I can put two sentences together ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I mean, we could say that Richy and Hannah must know each other pretty well and trust each other, so why not tell me beforehand? If she's one of your best friends, isn't it easier to cooperate with me? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Richy You know I might have been the last one of us to see her ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Seriously… I think I'm surrounded by irresponsible people. That he hasn't told the police about this is a little weird. Any detail is very important, even if it doesn't seem important.

 We end the conversation with the photo of Dan's car. I'm really mad at him… Drunk driving… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Jake I called the next number from the log. And this time I had more luck: It was Thomas. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Again I return to imagination mode and resume my conversation with him.    "Oh" He looks at me as if he remembered something. ", hold on. Did you happen to get a hold of Richy or Jessica? "     He keep calling her Jessica. I'm sure Jessy wouldn't like it at all. It's amazing that he's still jealous of her.    "Yes, I've spoken to Richy," I answered, remembering all the information. "He repaired Hannah's car.” I start listing the way Jake usually does. "He didn’t noticed anything strange about her behavior" he nods and I continue ". She gave him a tip. "    "Thanks Macie." Jake squats down to level with me, since I'm sitting on the floor. "It is upmost importance that we find out as much as possible about the day she disappeared."     I start thinking about everything Richy has told me. My anger begins to show. Withholding this information is quite serious.    “Something was strange about the info Richy gave me…” I comment to Jake. “The conversation was like…” I think he hasn't told me until now, which makes me wonder ”Like he was trying to hide something." I finally say. It seemed as if he had avoided telling me until now. The others have always offered to help me with information, except for Richy.    "Interesting," he begins to think about my words. "These are the kind of things I need to fully depend for you for."    "Still, just take some time and read through the chat please."    “Of course” he sits up and lets out a long breath, “. Could you talk to Thomas about his call with Hannah?"    “Sure, I can do that."    “Thank you. I have to go. I spent too much time already" I’m sad to read the message from him. I was going to be without him again. " I am sorry, that you are on your own with so many things."    "I am going to send Lilly the bill." I teases, and he smile at me.     I feel a pang in my chest. I don't know when I'll talk to him again.    “I miss you.” I admit even out of my imagination. Looking at the screen.    "I miss you too Macie." I want to imagine that he would tell me by caressing my cheek, that he would even support his forehead with mine while we remain a bit calm. I wish I could even hug him. "More than I can explain."     He takes my breath away even reading it. I think… I would like more than a hug… I wish he would kiss me after this.

 Jake logs out and the whole scenario in my head disappears. I lie down on the towel with the phone attached to my chest. The sky was so much prettier when I was talking to Jake.    "I'm fine, Henry," I tell him when I feel him tug at my pants. "I'm alive. Don't worry.” I sit up and poke him on the nose, laughing.     I send a message to Thomas, that he write me as soon as he read my message.

 I get a message. Oh God… Not again… -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Kay Is it really true? You did something to that one girl?

 Macie You are not going to get a response from me ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Mr. Kay disconnects and I throw myself in the towel. Let this end soon...

Chapter 21

[unknown-comfort-imagines]

What goes around comes around

Tw: bullying, swearing, near death, blood, gore, death threats, assault.

"But I don't know how to play" she whispered, her voice scared, worried- concerned even, the blonde in front of her immediately shooting a reassuring smile at her "you don't need to know how to play..." he mumbled his tone seeming to assure her, comfort her bringing a massive amount of warmth to her heart "just use your mind" he said with a small smile. And so as the weeks and months continued 001 and 002 went through the same process, 001 trying to build y/n's strength up and little did she know he was doing it for a good reason... and well... maybe a bad reason too.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she sat down, watching the tall male make his way towards her the white outfit he wore each and every day looking just as perfect on him as it always did. He had a certain look in his eyes that she didn’t quite recognise as she studied him “001- whats wrong?” She questioned quietly as she tilted her head to the side and he exhaled quietly

“You haven’t been telling me the truth have you?”

His words immediately made her heart stop “w-what?” She stumbled over her words visibly confused “that group of your sisters and brothers… they weren’t playing a game with you were they? They were hurting you? Am I right?” He asked gently, worriedly, his brows furrowed in genuine worry “no of course-“ he immediately cut her off “don’t ‘no’ me y/n. CCTV is here for a reason. I saw what they did to you.” He whispered to her “but…” she fell silent as he continued talking “but I need you to tell me that they hurt you. That way I can act against them.” He said calmly and carefully and her eyes widened in fear “no!” She almost cried out all her brothers and sisters in the room immediately looking at her, staring right into her soul making her breathing hitch and Henry was quick to grab her hand underneath the table where the camera couldn’t spot the comforting gesture “breathe. Remember what I told you last week? Stay calm.” He guided her and so she took a deep breath in as she shakily looked at the group that had beaten her up only a few days ago, they had threatened her with death if she told anybody about what they had done so she stayed quiet

“Y/n.” 001 said gently as he squeezed her hand “tell me the truth. You don’t have to be afraid of them. Not when I’m here.” He assured and she looked at them once again “hey- eyes here.” He reminded her and she focused her eyes on him letting out a little shaky sigh before closing her eyes “yes… he hurt me… they hurt me.” She whispered and with that he nodded his head not speaking another word of it but she knew he wouldn’t let them off lightly… something was bound to happen and that something was something very bad.

Later on that day she felt like something was very wrong she didn’t know what it was exactly but she felt like something was going to happen, something she simply couldn’t control. She felt her hands begin to shake, her breathing growing faster to the point she knew she’d throw herself straight into a panic attack if she wasn’t careful and so she rushed to where 001 always was practically sprinting into the room but when she got there he wasn’t there, the only thing that was there was a chair positioned just underneath the very dim lightbulb- she grew curious and well as the saying goes “curiosity killed the cat”

As she took careful steps towards the chair her feet gently and lightly padded against the floor until a sudden bang caught her attention as darkness flooded around the room little chuckles coming from within the darkness making her breath hitch as she backed away “you never listen do you?” “I always said she was the dumb one” “deer caught in headlights all over again” “why didn’t we just kill her? We shouldn’t of given her a chance” those words carved knives into her heart, a sudden aching forming within her- she was just scared but she knew she shouldn’t of said anything. Henry said she would’ve been safe! But even he couldn’t of known they’d catch her unsurprised again. “I-I..I’m sorry please. Please.” She practically begged as she saw a group of six of her brothers and sisters standing all around her, huddled around her in a circle making her feel so useless, so inclosed “oh poor baby” 003 whined another round of laughter echoing around the room before a sudden chill ran down her spine as she felt her feet practically lose contact from the ground as she was thrown back and forth between each of her siblings, tears drenched her cheeks as she was tossed between them like she was nothing but a piece of meat for the hungry dogs.

The taunting and manipulation went on for what seemed like years, y/n’s attempts of freeing herself from their control lessened to the point she had just given up. Hasn’t she given enough? What did she do to deserve this? Did she deserve it? No… of course she didn’t… but that didn’t mean she didn’t think on why they were hurting her. A sudden flicker came from the lightbulb before all the lights flicked on, all the energy of their power moulded together forcing her to go flying backwards into the nearby wall her body falling to the ground weakly, numbly as she just stayed still, sobbing to herself hoping they thought she was dead and would just leave her alone but no… that didn’t happen… in all actuality a lot worse happened.

She was dragged to the middle of the room by the back of her gown, as she struggled, screams and wails falling from her lips as the main boy clambered atop of her starting to punch her, most definitely leaving bruises “I. Am. Not. Inferior. To. You.” His spat out with each and every punch, each punch harder than the last until her vision began blurring, tears still streaming down her cheeks as she trembled “you’re weak. Go to hell” he continued, the punching continuing but she had passed out long before she could realise they were still hurting her, her agony numbing with every punch. They were backstabbers. Her brothers and sisters were backstabbers and she was nothing but a punching bag to them… they made that very very clear.

“Daughter you’re okay…” a gentle hand rested against her cheek, seeming to remove all the agony she felt. A cold pressure rested just around her mouth, cold air being forced into her lungs as oxygen was continuously pumped into her body as nurses and doctors surrounded her, each one dressed in white and her blurred vision tried to make out him. 001. Henry. But the only one she recognised was papa and although she didn’t want to see him he was a familiar face and that comforted her “papa…” she whispered weakly and he held her hand giving it a gentle squeeze “I’m right here daughter. Right here.” And hearing those words calmed her down a bit but she didn’t fail to note the warmth dripping down her head which nurses seemed to be fussing over- “I’m going to die… aren’t i” she queried in which papa tried to disguise it, shaking his head as he tried to comfort her but she wasn’t dumb… she was on her death bed most definitely.

She didn’t really know what happened after that, it was just a massive blur that made absolutely no sense at all. But the second time she woke up she was laying in a bed, the white ceiling above her being far too claustrophobic for her liking and so she sat up, pain searing through her and Henry appeared out of no where immediately guiding her to lay back down, his hand caressing her head as he shushed her “you’re safe now… I promise…” he said gently and quietly seemingly angry with what had happened but he tried to keep a poker face up but she could see right through him. “What happened to them?” She whispered weakly and he remained silent before sighing “they’ve been put into isolation by papa, they’re being shocked daily… to try and get their brains in the correct gear.” 001 explained carefully and y/n frowned slightly “but they can’t be put into the correct gear… it isn’t what’s in their head… he said that “he wasn’t inferior to me” whatever that means.” She said making him look at her visibly worried “they aren’t delusional kids… no…” he said and y/n watched him carefully remaining silent “we need to get you out of this hell… get you to safety… they aren’t ever going to learn and I can’t protect you forever….. we’re getting you out of here. They aren’t messed up kids… no… they’re jealous kids. Jealous of you… that’s why I’m getting you the hell out of here.”

Part two?

[gamequeenanya]

Jeremy's Investigation Reports

Summary: Jeremy Fitzgerald is a detective looking to solve the crimes that took place at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. These are his notes before "The Bite of '87"!

...

Taking a draw on my cigar, I wondered what awaited me in the establishment tonight. It was tough work, but it was worth it if I can stay long enough to get to the bottom of this years-long mystery of the missing kids. Seemed bad luck plagued this establishment.

As I put out my cigar, and threw it out, I took a second to breathe. Closing my eyes, I prepared myself. Then I entered through those red painted doors.

All eyes were on me. Kids and parents stared at my dark demeanor. I looked like a film noir protagonist with my trench coat and hat. Didn't blame em, but it did nothing to ease my nerves.

I came to Mr. Afton's office. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. It sounded hollow.

There was a creak, and the door opened. Mr. Afton was there; he was a tall, slim, brunet man. His eyes were a striking blue, but they looked dead and dull. It was eerie. He seemed to be judging me, looking from my head to toe.

I was young, brown eyes and blond hair. I didn't usually have confidence issues, but as Mr. Afton's eyes bore into me, I faltered a bit. I was also about two inches shorter than him.

He glared down at me and I had to look away to remember what I wanted.

"Yes, sir. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"

Through gritted teeth, he smiled and nodded.

"Come, sit down." Then, looking around he seemed to reconsider. "Actually, let's go for a walk instead. The weather by the lake is beautiful."

I coughed. "Uh... Mr. Afton, please..."

But he insisted, so here I am walking with my boss after hours through the park. The river's quite beautiful, the sun shining on its ripples.

"Yes, I founded the company with my good friend Henry back in 197-..."

"Sir," I said. "I haven't come to quiz you. I just came to talk about what your friend told me last night.

"Friend?"

"A Mr. Scott Rogers."

"Ah yes, a fine, hardworking chum! A little too talkative though..."

"Focus," I said, having to take a deep breath. "He told me someone tampered with the animatronics. You didn't see anyone from 10-11:30 sneak into the back room, did you?"

He paused to think.

"Hm, now that you mention it, I did see someone." There were the edges of a smirk on his face. "It was Scott. He seemed a bit skittish, so I asked him to stay with me until 12 tonight. I saw him sneak into the back room but didn't say anything. I was a little bit afraid of him, to be honest..."

"You were afraid, yet you asked him to stay?" I said, a little taken aback.

"Yes, well..." He gritted his teeth and looked down. "I wanted to give the poor little guy a chance... Perhaps I shouldn't have. He always seemed suspicious to me; so nervous and unsure about everything..."

I paused to write this all down. Then I thought it over. "I wouldn't say that makes him suspicious. Maybe he's just scared... I have to admit, I feel unsettled with all those animatronics watching me, and their free-roaming mode doesn't help!"

"Hmm... But he could also be scared of getting caught..." He looked at me like we were both in on some company secret.

"Right. Uhh, I'll talk to him." I shrugged, deciding that's all I needed from Afton right now.

...

An hour later, I tracked down Scott.

"Hey," I said softly. "May I ask you a few questions?"

"Uhhh..." He looked side to side nervously. "S-sure!"

I put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, you're not in trouble. Come with me."

We walked together through the same park by the river. I got the feeling he was hiding something, but like this he wouldn't trust me. There was still some tension in the air so I tried to calm him down.

"Scott," I said, "I know this must be scary for you, but I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise."

Looking up at me, his eyes seemed so desperate and hopeful that there was a way out for him. But then they clouded over and he shook his head.

"I-I-I c-can't!"

"We'll put you in a witness protection program. It'll be alright... But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

"Of course I trust you Jeremy! I-it's nothing personal... I'm just not able to s-say anything... I-I'm sorry!"

I offered a hug and to my surprise, he gripped my tightly. Holding him close, I patted his back.

"J-Jeremy, please... M-my life may be in danger here. I-I don't think the person who did it w-will be fooled by some protection program... I-I'm sorry..." Grasping me tighter, he sobbed into my chest. Patting his back, I did what I could to comfort him. I understood perfectly what he meant. But until we got someone who could testify, the mystery would never be solved. "J-Jeremy, please. Do you think you could stay until the end of the week? I-I like you... And I k-know you can solve this if given enough time..."

I gulped, hoping he was right.

Pulling away, he smiled up at me, wiping away the rest of his tears. I smiled back reassuringly.

...

After writing down my findings, I had a pretty good idea of who was behind all this. But I needed proof. There were two men at Fazbear's late last night. One acted dismissive of the other while the other seemed scared.

Coming in the next day, I saw Scott reading to the children. He always seemed so nice. Yet because of that it would be easier to lure children, I thought. How would someone like William gain children's trust?

Well, that was what I was looking to find out.

William was my main suspect, but as sad as it was to say, Scott wasn't quite off the hook. I wanted to protect him, but what if the sob story he'd given me was a trap...?

Looking over, I saw one of the children had started to cry. His parents were trying to calm him down. He seemed upset about the sad direction the story had taken. Scott flinched, looking at the end of the book. It didn't look good...

So, doing what he does best, he started ad-libbing the rest of the story. He gave it a happy ending instead. The little boy seemed to cheer up at that. I smiled.

I went to my boss' office. I had to know something.

"You know, I've noticed the children seem to trust Scott..."

There was a smirk before William looked serious. "So, you think he did it?"

I looked away, and back at him. "Lets not jump to conclusions."

"Right, right..." William muttered. "So, is there anything else you wanted to know?"

"Yeah," I replied. "How well do you get along with the children...?"

William scowled. "I'd rather spend time anywhere else. Besides, they don't seem to like me, how would I be able to gain their trust?"

"I see." I wrote it down in my notebook. "Thank you, sir. That is all."

At the end of the day, I had a hunch as to who the culprit was. I just needed to find out how. One more day, that was all I needed!

I never liked Afton, but he had a point. How could he lure the kids to the back room if the children distrusted him? That would throw the blame squarely on Scott's shoulders. But I had a feeling Afton was leading me.

The next night I would find out.

As I worked to stay alive, I heard poor old Scotty leave me a message. He sounded concerned that I'd sneaked back to work another night. However, something seemed off about him tonight, though I couldn't place what. It seemed he was a little hypocritical tonight; wanting me to stay close to the animatronics when in previous nights he'd asked me to stay away.

My breath caught in my throat. There wasn't someone in the room with him, right...?

Before I could finish my train of thought, I saw Mangle had moved into my room. I used my flashlight to get rid of her.

What was I thinking about again...? Eh, forget it. It's best to focus on staying alive!

After the night was done, I wrote down my last clues. I remember Phone Guy had mentioned a yellow suit; I checked the backroom and sure enough there it was! So that was how Afton lured the kids - by disguising himself as a trusted character!! I felt my blood boil in rage.

Going to the phone, I gathered up the recorded tape as proof in the investigation and put it in my bag. Things were going well! The killer would go to jail at last and justice would be served!

Or so I thought...

...

I was a little loopy that morning and did as Phone Guy asked. Staying close to the animatronics - but not too close - and watching over the kids.

There was a scream. Panicking, I ran to see a child had hurt themselves on one of Mangle's exposed parts. Who's brilliant idea was it anyway to have a disassembling attraction anyways!? I reached into my bag for a bandage and applied it the the child's leg. But just as I leaned down, Mangle opened his jaws.

Well, you know the rest. Heh.

I was rushed to the hospital, and they removed what was left of the frontal lobe in my brain. Scotty must have been a real nerd, since he knew the name for it and I didn't. He was there with me, I realized as I sat in the bed. Scotty had been the one to call an ambulance. Smiling up at him, I reached over to ruffle his hair.

"Oh. Heh, hey there..." Scott said, grinning up at me guiltily.

"Hey," I said. "Is it just me, or am I forgetting something? It was urgent, I think..."

"Uhh, you mean your detective work?"

"Yeah."

"I got your bag right here!" He showed it to me. I reached for it and looked inside. Alright; so the documents were all still there. I felt surprisingly numb, considering how important this investigation was. But considering my whole frontal lobe was missing, I should be thankful I'm even alive.

Later that night, William came to visit me. I was suspicious of his motives but I humored him in our conversation. He thought he was being coy but I saw him take my reports out of the bag and shred them. He also destroyed the tapes.

It should have made my cry, hop up and down in anger, and feel terrified that my boss was most likely going to kill me. I should have protested; but instead I felt nothing.

Instead of killing me though, Afton left with a huge smug smirk on his face, looking directly at me. I exhaled, not realizing I was holding in my breath. It was alright; things would be alright, I told myself, trying to be positive like Scott. But I knew deep down that things would not be.

The murderer got away with it. I failed.

And without my frontal lobe, I couldn't even feel upset about it.

[unhingedhearties]

CSI Hearties

Time to go back to 9th grade English class where your teacher insists that every word or image is symbolic of something deeper.

“Did we get that for Lucas?”

You got told he would have a major story arc, so yes you did get told that. We just saw people in my previous posts say that Lucas should have had his own poster to represent that major story arc.

“That would be a No, not really.”

…so that would be a yes.

“And no announcement that NEITHER was leaving the show.”

That has to suck for the writers. You write this big story about Lucas being governor and ending the season with a mysterious confrontation and ambiguity about what happened to him. All so that you can build excitement for the next season and you can’t even let it be a mystery because a ton of the fanbase will send you vile, hateful messages if you don’t spoil the next season for them. They were the kids that had to snoop around for their Christmas presents and then wondered why Christmas morning wasn’t fun.

“Writers had no say in promotional content.”

Hey, someone who pays attention and thinks logically. I’m sure that’ll be ignored.

“No respect!”

Oh my God, the red serge nonsense. Plenty of people have already pointed it out, I’ll just be one more.

What if… they didn’t have him in the red serge because the color would clash with the pink of her clothes and the sky? Do you notice how (except for maybe the second poster) in the earlier seasons Jack’s not front and center in the red serge? It really grabs your attention when it shouldn’t and clashes with everyone else’s color pallet. I’m sure that’s also the reason why Rosemary is wearing blue 4 out of 5 times. Color theory and what not. All those things you need to keep in mind when doing graphic design.

No, there must be a deeper, symbolic reason for it.

“it makes no sense since we were told Jack was/is the love of her life…”

Ever notice they only bring up Jack being Elizabeth’s true love when talking about Nathan? I never saw them bring it up when she was with Lucas. Where were all the discussions about how Lucas is awesome, but don’t forget Jack’s her true love when they thought they were getting a wedding?

Salt in the wound. Mark your bingo card.

Way to gloss over the season 10 poster. I guess because then you’d have to admit no one besides Elizabeth was on it and yet none of you said anything back then. Where were the cries of “muh ensemble cast!”?

“this poster is a huge difference from the poster they put out for S9”

Oh, you mean the one that has Elizabeth, Lucas, Nathan, Mei… and none of the other 50 cast members? 4 people isn’t really an ensemble. In fact, if you look at that collage of all the posters, it was a major downgrade in terms of featuring the characters. It went from showing 10 to just 4. 

WHERE’S MY ENSEMBLE BRIAN!?

“Lucas is looking at her and she isn’t at him.”

Uggghhh, it’s not that deep. Seriously. They’re doing the same thing on the Season 5 poster. Every poster except for the last 2 have Elizabeth staring at the audience. I’d sooner believe there’s some subconscious marketing nonsense for it (“people are more likely to buy a DVD if the lead character is looking at them. It helps the audience develop a parasocial relationship” or whatever) then believe a bunch of people in Hallmark’s marketing department are working long hours to fit the most symbolism on their poster.

“then where are some other top characters like Bill, Rosemary, Lee and Henry?” Insensitive!”

Where were they on Season 10? Where were they on Season 9? Where were you when those posters came out? How come you weren’t advocating for them to be included years ago? Truly a mystery.

Insensitive. Mark your cards, that was a corner square.

“Can marketing for such a huge company really be that bad?”

They said as they repeatedly shared the poster, commenting on it, commenting on other people sharing it, hashtagging it, drawing attention to it, GETTING IT TRENDING ON TWITTER.

I know a lot of you Hearties think you should be in charge of how When Calls The Heart is written and marketed, but you’re not as smart as you think you are. You’re really, really not as smart as you think you are. And that right there is a perfect example why Hallmark and TPTB should put a lot of you on the pay no mind list.