#but hes still a little huevo

[slimeciclecuethusitixst]

I miss misclick duo aagagghhhh

They're so.,,,,,... so!!!! Silly

:3

They are my everything and I can't wait for the gods to bless us once more and give us more(/non religious it just sounds cool)

[mad-c1oud]

thinking about the Charlie's birthday stream. not the ending, no, we think about that too much. no I think about everything else:

the happiness, the joy, the warmth of it all for nearly two full hours

the lack of mob spawns that night because it’s Charlie's birthday and he has eggs with him. how intentional it is. how funny it is and how sad it makes me because its so considerate

thinking about Tallulah by Charlie's side the whole time, diligently leading him from item to item as his little "guardian angel". Charlie trying to be a good tio and falling a little short sometimes, accidentally leaving Tallulah behind when she crashes but still trying cause that’s his sobrina. how she has to actually hit him to get his attention and how bad she must feel but it's so fucking funny each time

(how can anyone blame him when he never gets to hang out with the eggs enough to know he should wait for her? Charlie had Juanaflippa for what- 10 days? and was practically shunned by several others and himself from interacting with other eggs after his action, which is understandable, but only for so long. can they not see how he plays with the eggs? hear how soft his voice gets around them? don't the other islanders understand?)

this is maybe the longest he's gotten to hang out with tallulah since he got his backpack. Wilbur is his best friend and this was the egg he left behind. He's still learning and Tallulah still loves him despite it. Two people missing someone dearly, yet they have each other even if it's hard to realize

thinking about "Maybe Tallulah, you were the gift. I think you're the gift, Tallulah."

thinking about Richas, his nephew because Charlie has Mike, an actual brother that is equally excited to see him time and time again. A nephew coming around with the slime head and slime balls, like a mini Charlie, who is decked out in a full ghillie suit. Charlie who plays with the egg, pretending to be a spooky monster and richas playing along and getting scared

thinking about Charlie not knowing how to use the ghillie suit properly so he's still clearly visible to the eggs, yet they act like he isn't for his sake. shepherding him around from place to place because charlie is a little clueless yeah (he's in exile, go easy on him), but they are patient and happy to "tag along" and let him lead

thinking about them all taking a picture with him in the school, charlie wanting one with both of them, something to remember the day by.

thinking about how charlie is clearly loved by the eggs, his huevos, and how he clearly loves them back and is trying to be better for them even if he struggles so much

thinking about Charlie Slimecicle on his birthday, for once happy after everything he's been through, Tallulah and Richarlyson by his side

just him, his sobrina, and his nephew on a little scavenger hunt under the stars while the rest of the server remains quiet and calm. asleep while they remain lively

just them

happy

[ilovepedro]

birthday girl | frankie morales x plus size latina reader

Main masterlist

Rating: 18+ MDNI

Word count: ~3.5k

Summary: It’s your birthday, and Frankie celebrates his favorite girl.

Warnings: established relationship, unprotected PIV (wrap it up y’all!!!), oral (f receiving), fluff, pet names (princesa, bebita, querida, hermosa, baby, etc), Frankie being in love, slightest hint of insecure reader, reader is female, reader is plus sized, reader is Latina, but no mention of hair type/skin color/height, reader understands Spanish, NO USE OF Y/N, translations available at the end.

A/N: it’s my birthday meaning this is completely 100% self-indulgent lol no other reason behind this. i wrote it with me (a plus size latina) in mind, but i hope you can still find relatability in it! y’all know Frankie is one of my favorite P boys, and i’ve been thinking about him a lot lately. shoutout to @mandoisapunk for hyping me up to post this one ilysm <333 anyway, happy frankie friday!! i hope y’all enjoy!! i’m off to pamper myself, then get plastered at the club 🪩💃 this was written very quickly. not beta’d, all mistakes are my own. 🏃‍♀️

Divider by @saradika-graphics

Daylight peeks through the blinds, bleeding through the curtains. A gloomy morning, typical around this time of year. Stirring in the sheets, you feel around for your boyfriend. Instead, you’re met with cold sheets on his unmade side of the bed.

He must’ve been up a while ago.

You swipe your phone from your nightstand, catching a glimpse at the time while unlocking it.

10am. He’s definitely been up for a while.

Frankie is an early riser, waking with the sun. While you prefer to sleep in as much as you can, being a night owl and borderline insomniac.

Rubbing your eyes, you scroll and respond to the birthday texts you received throughout your sleep. A few missed calls, you make note to call them back later.

Sitting up, you stretch and let out a yawn. The urge to crawl back under the covers grows strong as the chilly air hits your skin. Just as you’re about to get out of bed, you hear those unmistakable footsteps.

The door gently swings open, there stands your Frankie - beaming with a tray in hand.

“Happy birthday, hermosa,” he says through his dopey grin as he walks towards the bed, balancing your breakfast. You let out a soft hum, touched by the sweet gesture.

“Babyyy, you didn’t.”

“But I did. And I don’t want to hear any complaints, it’s your day, let me spoil you.”

“But you always sp-,”

“Ah ah! Let me spoil you, bebita. It’s what you deserve. I even made your favorite,” he says, setting the tray down in front of you. A tiny gasp bubbles over your lips.

“Frankieeee,” you whine, bottom lip jutted out as tears well in your eyes.

It’s a simple meal, nothing extravagant, but not one you make too often with how time consuming it can be. Your favorite childhood breakfast - chorizo con huevo y frijoles and homemade tortillas - one your abuelita would cook on the mornings you went to her house as a little girl.

You’d told him about it one morning when he found you downstairs making tortillas from scratch to go with breakfast. A labor of love from both of you, as you taught him the same way your abuelita had shown you - a way to honor her legacy.

He remembered.

“You remembered,” you whisper, voice wobbly as you’re overwhelmed with the simple, sweet gesture. Glossy eyes meeting his soft gaze.

“Of course, baby. I remember everything you tell me,” he says, leaning down and placing a soft kiss on your head.

“How did you make the tortillas?” you ask.

He chuckles, sitting down beside you.

“I told you, I remember everything you tell me,” he says while fishing out a crumpled up index card and placing it in your hands. It’s got all your abuelita’s instructions, measurements, and ingredients scribbled on it in his chicken scratch.

He’d written everything down.

“Wrote it all down after that morning. It took some trial and error, and they’re nowhere near as perfect as yours and your abuelita’s, but…”

“I- Frankie…” you sigh, tears pricking your eyes as you’re nearly rendered speechless. Cupping his face softly in one hand.

“This is the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you,” you sniff, a stray tear cascading down your cheek as you smile at him through watery eyes.

He swipes his thumb on your cheek, wiping away your tear.

“Of course, baby.”

You capture his lips in a languid, sweet kiss. Sighing into each other as you wrap a hand around his neck, carding your fingers through his hair. Frankie cupping the back of your head, deepening the kiss.

Parting for air, he rests his forehead against yours - toothy grins adorning your faces.

“Come on, princesa. Eat before it gets cold.”

The two of you share breakfast in bed before getting ready for the day.

Frankie spends the rest of the day spoiling you - taking you to a surprise nail appointment he’d booked. He’d headed home unbeknownst to you, setting up something else.

He picked you up, and the two of you landed in Barnes & Noble. Letting you go rampant, Frankie bought every book you wanted. He’d tucked them away safely in his trunk, reminding himself to take them out in the morning. You’d both decided to grab some dinner before heading out to the bars with some friends.

The bars are loud, particularly this karaoke bar. Although he despises karaoke, his love for you trumps his disdain. Seeing you sing your heart out on stage with your friends - the people who always show up for you - makes his heart swell. Your happiness is his.

Frankie nurses a glass of whiskey the entire night, allowing you to have your fun with everyone. He can sense your exhaustion, your telltale yawn is his silent cue that it’s time to call it a night.

Bidding everyone good night, you and Frankie walk hand-in-hand to his truck. Heading home after a day well spent. Giddiness radiating from both of you on the drive home, excited to finally have some privacy.

You two could barely keep your hands off each other the second you stepped out of the truck. Both of you stumble into the house, giggling through the tender kisses. Frankie tosses the truck keys onto the table in the foyer and flicks on the lamp before cupping your face again. Both of you refuse to part for air as he attempts to stealthily guide you into the living room.

Something brushes against your head, making you break away and whip your head around. A soft gasp is punched from your lungs, your eyes glimmering at the sight in front of you.

Balloons hang throughout the living room leading into the kitchen as a bouquet of flowers sits on the coffee table. Frankie grabs your hand, pulling you out of your trance, weaving through the trail of balloons as he leads you into the kitchen. Tears well in your eyes at the gesture. A small cake in your favorite color sits on the table, next to a card and another vase of flowers - tulips specifically, your favorite flowers.

He fishes for a lighter in his pocket, showing you how prepared he was for this moment. Lighting the candles, he pulls you into his embrace, your back flushed against his chest.

“Surprise, princesa,” he whispers. A watery chuckle bubbles from within your chest, sniffling while he softly sings his own rendition of ‘happy birthday’ in your ear as he sways you side to side. The glow from the candles illuminating the blinding smile on your face.

“Make a wish, birthday girl,” he whispers, placing a tender kiss to the shell of your ear.

You close your eyes, wishing for this love, this life with him for eternity. Leaning forward slightly, you blow out the candles before falling back into Frankie’s arms. He gives you a gentle squeeze before turning you around to face him.

Gently kissing you, you yelp in surprise when he swipes frosting on your nose.

“Couldn’t resist, sorry, bebita. Que le muerda,” he says with a wink. Playfully scolding him, you reach behind you to scoop frosting on your fingers and smear it on his cheek.

Frankie smirks, “Oh you think that’s funny?” You nod, snickering as you lick your fingers. He reaches for the cake, gathering more frosting on his fingers. Smearing it all along your lips and chin, you burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Normally, you hate the tradition of taking a bite of the cake - it usually leads to having your whole face smashed into it, makeup ruined. But with Frankie, it’s not done with malice, not done to embarass you. It’s playful, fun - like the life you’ve built with each other.

Before you can retaliate, Frankie swoops in and slots your lips together. The sugar from the frosting combined with the glass of whiskey he had at the bar makes for a full-bodied kiss. Giggling like a pair of school kids, you and Frankie clean each other up with some paper towels.

"You missed a spot, bebita," he says, gesturing to the bottom of your lip.

"Oh!" You swipe your lip. "Did I get it?"

He grins. "Almost. Let me help you, hermosa," he says before crashing his lips onto yours.

Shared laughter resumes as he guides you into the living room, never letting your lips part. He accidentally bumps into the coffee table as he moves onto the couch. He smiles into the kiss as you laugh at his clumsiness. He plops down, grabbing your hips and tugging you onto his lap.

His large, rough hands squeezing your plush thighs before giving your ass a firm squeeze. Eliciting a surprised hum from you, you part from him with heavy eyes and a dopey smile. Frankie mirroring your expression.

“You have a good day today, baby?” He asks softly, timidly awaiting your answer.

You fervently nod. “The best. Thank you so much, baby - for this, for everything.” You say, gesturing to his hard work.

“Of course, bebita. Least I could do,” he rasps against your skin, littering kisses along your neck. A content sigh leaves your lips, basking in the love he showers you in daily.

“Baby?”

He hums in response.

“When did you find the time to even do all this?” You ask, carding your fingers through his hair as you straddle him, his lips still connected to your throat. He lifts his head, locking eyes with you.

“Did it all this afternoon while you got your nails done. I bought all the balloons and blew ‘em up on my lunch break yesterday and just kept ‘em all at work. The flowers, I went right after I dropped you off at your appointment to get them before I went to pick up the balloons and your cake from my fridge at work. Knew I could surprise you one day,” he explains with a wink.

You feel your heart grow 10 sizes bigger, a swarm of butterflies flutter throughout your tummy.

He’d done all this for you.

Tears sting your eyes again, a soft smile on your face - one only reserved for him.

“Frankie,” you whine in protest, your gaze shifting to the side as guilt floods you.

As if he can read your mind, Frankie grabs your chin, forcing you to look at him.

“Uh uh. I don’t want to hear it. I wanted to do this for you. It’s your special day. Now I know this day isn’t the easiest for you, but I want to make it easy. I want to make everyday easy, the same way you make loving easy. You deserve the whole world and more. And I’ll work everyday to give it to you. Let me celebrate my favorite day, my perfect girl. Because on this day those years ago, the world got brighter. And 2 years ago, my world did too.”

Overwhelmed by his devotion, you shamelessly let your tears fall. Love seeping from your eyes and onto your cheeks, Frankie draws you in gently. Kissing you with such tenderness, cradling your face as if you were the most delicate diamond in the universe, your cheeks wetting his. He pulls back, swiping those tears, mirroring each other's small smiles.

“I love you, bebita,” he says, his voice hushed and husky.

“I love you too, Frankie. Thank you for today, for all of this, baby. This was the best birthday I’ve ever had, all thanks to you. You always make me feel so loved, and I hope you know just how much I love you. Eres el amor de mi vida,” you choke out.

“Of course, baby. I’d do anything and everything for you, princesa. Loving you is the easiest thing in the world. I do know how much you love me, you show me everyday, bebita. I’ve got you, baby. Always. Eres mi amor, mi luz, mi vida, mi luna y todas mis estrellas. Eres mi todo. Te amo mucho, con todo mi corazón, bebita,” he whispers against your lips.

Melding your lips together, your combined hums ring in the air as you vehemently consume one another.

He shifts his grip to your thighs, tightening his hold on you as he rises to his feet.

“Frankie, stop! I’m too heavy, you’re gonna hurt your back!” You yelp as he carries you up the stairs, the whispers of insecurity creep into your head.

“Hush, bebita. My back is fine. I’ve never thrown it out any of those other times I carried you before, and I’m not about to start now. You’re never too heavy. ‘Sides, how many times have I tossed your sexy ass around in bed? Hm?” He asks as he turns the corner, leading you to your shared room.

He immediately rids your mind of any insecurities as he’s met with your silence. Bashfulness coursing through your veins as you tuck your head into the crook of his neck..

“Exactly. That's what I thought,” he says as he kicks the door open, tossing you onto the bed. You yelp as you bounce in the air, Frankie’s pupils dilate - blown black and wide.

Your head resting on a pillow with dress ridden up your thighs, exposing your panties to him as your breasts nearly spill over the low neckline.

He pulls your shoes off, his following suit as tosses them off to the side. Snaking his hands up your thighs, he grabs the hem of your tights.

“I’ll buy you a new pair,” he warns before yanking them down, tearing them in the process. It’s unbelievably feral, how swiftly he ripped the tights in two. You gasp as another wave of arousal pools in between your thighs.

He hovers over you, hands trailing up your tummy and cupping your breasts. He captures your lips in his, patience thrown to the wind as his tongue invades your mouth. Sucking in your bottom lip between his teeth, you moan as he bites down. The slight sting only sending more slick to seep from your weeping cunt.

You eagerly fumble with the hem of his shirt as you moan into his mouth. His chest rumbles with a small chuckle, before parting from your lips. He quickly yanks it over his head and tosses it to the floor, refocusing on your lips.

He snakes his hands down to your waist where your dress is bunched up. Slowly raking it up your body, you lift yourself up so he can pull it off you. Frankie licks his lips. He knew you’d been wearing one of his favorite lacy bras, but it’s such a sight for him every time.

Sloppy kisses are exchanged while he slickly maneuvers to unhook your bra, lifting you slightly and discarding it on the floor. He kisses down your bare breasts, sucking a nipple in his mouth while he fiddles with his belt. Frankie releases your nipple with a lewd pop and shucks off his jeans and briefs, his hard cock throbbing.

Both of you bared naked, on display for each other.

“So fucking beautiful, baby. The most beautiful woman on Earth,” he rasps, nearly to himself.

Heat radiates throughout your body, your heartbeat thrumming in your ears and a fire simmering in your belly as he slides down to position himself in front of your bare sex.

Frankie insatiably licks his lips, feasting his eyes on your glistening folds. As if he’s about to devour the finest meal. He peppers kisses along your soft thighs, making you twitch under his grasp.

Your clit throbs, aching for attention. Whining, your hips buck up into his face as he presses a tender kiss to your mound.

“I got you, bebita,” he whispers against your core. He dives in, tongue licking languid stripes up your folds. Frankie groans at the taste, something he’ll never get enough of.

Flicking your clit combined with the vibrations of his groans draws out a high-pitched moan from you, your head sinking further into the pillow. His tongue prods your entrance, slurping up your slick.

“S-so fucking good, Frankie. A-always so f-fucking good to me,” you keen as the flames in your belly fan into a fully-fledged fire. Panting and whimpering, you squirm beneath his hold as he relentlessly flicks your pearl.

He grips your thighs tighter as he suckles your clit between his lips, humming into you. Stars burst behind your eyes as you're engulfed by your orgasm.

“I’m gonna cum, Frankie! I’m gonna-,”

You're cut off by a never-ending stream of moans, babbling incoherently about how good Frankie is. Tugging on his hair as you fall over the edge.

He lets out an animalistic groan as he laps at your slick, slurping up every last drop. Savoring the tangy sweetness seeping from your aching cunt, his eyes rolling to the back of his head at the taste. He takes great pleasure in getting you off.

A thin sheen of sweat covers your body, glistening in the warm glow of the room. Frankie presses a chaste kiss to your thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze before towering over you.

Your eyes heavy and glossed over with bliss. Whimpering into him as he presses his lips to yours, tasting yourself on his tongue.

“Sweeter than any fucking cake, bebita,” he jokes, getting a giggle out of you. You bring him down to meet your lips again. Humming as you feel his hard length graze against your bare sex.

Precum weeps from his tip, lightly smearing on your mound. A soft moan slips from you as Frankie lines his cock up with your pussy. He swirls the tip around your mound, gathering your slick on his cock as he teasingly prods your entrance.

“Frankieee, please. Need you inside me,” you whine, rutting your hips seeking relief.

“Relax, hermosa. Like I said, I got you.”

He slowly slips inside, your dripping pussy welcoming him in with ease. Your walls flutter around him, adjusting to his size. Moaning in tandem as he slides home, bottoming out. He’s so big, he’s already kissing your cervix.

You clench around him, panting as the sting from the stretch of his cock morphs into pleasure. Frankie lets out a moan, huffing as he tries to keep his composure.

“Don’t do that, baby. Or else it’ll be over before it even started,” he grunts above you.

“Then how about you fuck me, Morales? ‘S my birthday, I want you - need you, baby,” you whine.

“Oh I’m gonna fuck you, baby. Gonna have you fucking stumbling all over the place after this,” he slurs, nearly drunk on just being inside your warm walls.

Without preamble, he swiftly draws his hips back before slamming into you. You unabashedly scream, not caring that your neighbors will probably hear you.

Your noises drive Frankie wild, spurring him on to bring you to your orgasm. His pace picks up, unrelenting as he cants his hips into yours - pushing himself deeper and deeper with each thrust as he hovers above you.

His chest brushes against yours as his thrusts grow sloppy.

“Feel good, bebita? Huh? Feel me here, in your stomach?” He taunts, pressing down on your stomach as he punches your g-spot. The added pressure makes the coil in your belly tighten, burning white hot as he fucks in and out of you.

“Answer me, baby,” he growls against your lips, the angle he’s at hitting that spot just right.

“Y-Yes, Frankie! Feels s-sooo fucking g-good! Gonna feel you for d-days,” you shriek, hiccupping as tears prick the corners of your eyes. Squeezing around him as your second orgasm rapidly approaches.

“That’s right, baby. Your pussy feels so fucking good, so fucking tight. I could live between these fucking thighs. Like you were made for me,” he babbles, moaning as you clench around him.

“Made for you, Frankie. Only you,” you whisper, the air being punched from your lungs with every thrust.

“Cum for me, bebita. Dámelo, wanna see your gorgeous face when you soak my cock. Come on, baby,” he grunts, holding out on his orgasm - set on making you cum first.

His words toss you over the edge. The coil snapping in your belly as you writhe beneath him, riding out your orgasm, gushing all over his cock.

“Fuck yes, bebita. Good girl, good fucking girl,” Frankie grits as he continues to fuck you through your high. His own orgasm not far behind.

“Cum, Frankie, f-fill me up, baby, please!” You beg breathlessly as you come down from your high.

He moans, chasing his high as he ruts into you. Moaning in tandem as he fills you with his load. Both of you sticky and clammy, covered in sweat and cum. He topples over you, caging you in between his broad biceps.

Small lingering kisses trail along your neck as you bask in each other's proximity and warmth. The post-coital bliss sinking in. You wrap your arms around his taut back, running your fingers through his disheveled curls.

“Love you so much, Frankie," you whisper into his ear.

“Love you so much more, princesa."

Translations:

Que le muerda - bite it

Eres el amor de mi vida - you are the love of my life

Eres mi amor, mi luz, mi vida, mi luna y todas mis estrellas. - you are my love, my light, my light, my moon and all my stars. You are my everything

Eres mi todo - you are my everything

Te amo mucho, con todo mi corazón, bebita - I love you so much, with all my heart, baby girl.

Dámelo - give it to me

hehehehe can you tell Frankie is rotting my brain?

this was definitely my most vulnerable piece yet, as it contains aspects authentic to me so i was very nervy to post. like i said, i hope you found some relatability, and enjoyed!

anyway, happy frankie friday!! thank you so much for reading!! 🩷

tag list: @nostalxgic @sweetercalypso @undrthelights @gracieheartspedro @sapphic-gardn @bastardmandennis @party-hearses @tinygarbage @mandoisapunk @pedrostories @harriedandharassed

[vienoreal]

Juana's favourite memory.

a little story/headcanons up ahead, and the sketch for this piece, tehee ;p

she always liked making flower crowns with her parents, especially when inevitably there were leftover flowers that they could throw unto the air to make it seem like it was raining flowers. her dad was always better at making the crowns, but her mama always found the best flowers to use and which went together well. and she always found the best picnic spots.

her dad made sure there were no bees around and that she always had an epipen with a spare and a spare for the spare. her mana made sure none of the food with them had animal products or nuts, and made sure she had her safe foods.

and our little Juanita made sure her family stuck together. sure her parents bickered, but she always had to faux-gag after they kissed and made up. she got to sit and lean on her mama's chest, curled up in his embrace while the sun warmed her scaly skin, listening to the humming of her dad while he carefully made her the most beautiful flower crown befitting a princess. she got to laugh and giggle while her dad gave her the extra flowers to throw into the air and her mama gave a weather report of incoming "flower rain".

her dad still checks for bees and makes sure he has an epipen and makes flowercrowns, but he no longer has anyone to do it for.

her mama still makes sure there's no nuts or meat in the food he brings with him, but he realises as soon as the rain falls that there's no reason to do it anymore.

and our little huevo isn't there to bring them together.

[selineram3421]

I'm turning some pain into a oneshot. Also I like this art on the merch.

In The Morning, part 3🌹

Alastor X Sweet Reader Oneshot

Warnings? ⚠

⚠ fluff, kisses, hugs, soft Alastor, food mention, hint at cannibalism, domestic ⚠

One of the rare moments in your afterlife, you woke up at the same time as Alastor.

"Good morning.", you mumble, slowly blinking your eyes to try having them adjust to the light coming in from the window.

"Good morning my dear.", he said, moving closer to you and placing a kiss on your forehead. "Shall we make breakfast?"

"Hm..", you hummed, still comfortable where you were, limbs tangled and all.

But breakfast didn't sound too bad.

"Yes.", you decide and give him a quick peck before sitting up. "What do you want to make today?", you ask.

"French toast?", he suggests, taking a hold of your hand and pressing kisses on your knuckles. "Or perhaps an American styled breakfast? Eggs, toast, and sausages or bacon on the side."

"What about you love?", you say and pull on his hand holding yours, kissing it before getting out of bed. "Huevos con chorriso? Or grits?"

"Let's see what we have in the kitchen.", he says before getting up as well.

After tossing on some robes and slippers, both of you make your way downstairs and head over to the kitchen, opening the refrigerator to glance at your options.

"We can prepare..", he mumbles, picking up the eggs. "Egg sandwiches, omelets, boiled egg, egg.. What are the flat things called again?"

"Tortillas.", you say.

"Yes, we can also make those egg burritos.", he nods. "Then there's the option of pancakes, waffles, crepes, french toast.."

With a smile and a shake of your head, you make your way over to the coffee machine, getting the pot and filling it with water.

"I'll start the coffee.", you say.

After putting the water in and setting the pot back in place, Alastor brings ingredients over to the counter.

"I'm making beans and sunny side up eggs with sausage. Is that fine?", he asks.

"Mhm.", you nod and get the mugs from the cupboard. "Are you going to cook your meat separately?", you ask.

"Don't worry, I won't eat that kind until later.", he says and puts a large pan on the stove. "For dinner."

You put in the filter before putting in scoops of ground coffee, making sure to count them as you go.

Then there's music.

Darlin', if I sat down and I wrote a song

I would know where every word belongs

'Cuz I'd write my song about you

Looking over, you find the microphone just a bit away from the fridge, playing an oldie. The mic looks happy after you give it a wave.

When the coffee starts after a push of a button, you head over to your man in red, wrapping your arms around his torso and resting your forehead against his back.

"Want help?", you question, tightening your hold just a bit before going back to holding him regularly.

"I'd be grateful but I like you hugging me from behind. Stay?", he glances back, only seeing the top of your head.

You nod and stay, listening to the music and the sizzling of beans. Without letting go completely, you get the bean masher and place it on his waiting hand.

"Thank you dear.", the deer demon says and mashes the beans a bit.

When he's done with the beans, he places a lid on it before putting the flame on low. Getting out another pan, smaller for the sausages and eggs.

You let go and pat his back lightly.

"I'm going to make toast and get some avocado.", you tell him before making your way to get the bread.

Another song plays from the mic.

La la la la la la

La la la la la la

My Cherie amour, lovely as a summer day

My Cherie amour, distant as the Milky Way

You can hear him hum along to the song, a smile forms on your lips.

Cutting the bread, you make sure its not too thin before cutting out four more. You clean the bread crumbs off the knife before putting it away.

Putting the bread in the toaster, you push down the little lever and turn the knob to three minutes. On your way to get the coffee, you pocket a knife and avocado to bring to the table.

Alastor is almost done cooking, already on the eggs.

You pour the coffee into the mugs and put the pot back before going to the table, setting everything down. And making sure to get the items out of your pocket too.

Hearing the clinking of plates, you go to help, taking one from his hand.

"I've got mine love.", you say and peck his cheek. "Thank you."

Both of you serve your plates and get ready to head to the table.

Then the toast pops up.

"I'll get it, go sit down.", he says, stealing a kiss and the plates of food.

You blink and blush, turning to the table before he could see that he's made you flush so easily.

Sitting down, you make sure there's napkins for both of you.

Alastor comes with the plates full of food, placing them down and giving you your utensils.

The song on the mic changes again when you begin to eat, and as you go to drink your coffee, you remember about the cream and sugar.

"I forgot-", you start.

With a snap of his fingers, the Radio Demon makes the cream and sugar appear on the table, along with a small vase with a red rose.

"Enjoy darling.", he says cutting the avocado.

'Cause we've got a life of love that won't ever change and

Everyday love me your own special way

Melt all my heart away with a smile

Adding the cream and sugar the way you like it, you can't help but keep a smile on.

You really liked these kinds of mornings with Alastor, even if they were somewhat rare.

I'm fine now, so don't worry. ❤ Song names in the tags.

~Seline, the person.

🌹In The Morning, part 1 , part 2.

Taglist@

@ducky-died-inside @willowaudreykeyes @c4rved-pumpk1n @stolas-thebirb @scary-noodlesblog @naelys-the-aster @bisexualboba @kiraisastay @+?

ML for Alastor🎙

[thanotaphobia]

They both startle awake to the sound of screaming.

Missa is upright before he's even conscious, blankets a tangle around his arms, heart beating like he's just run a marathon. The screaming has already died down, but there are echoes of it in the air; Philza, rolling over beside him and pushing himself up on his elbows. Rubbing bleary eyes with one hand, the other occupied by his communicator.

"Chayanne," Missa gasps, "Los huevos-"

"It's Tallulah," Phil cuts him off. His voice is raspy. Already, Missa's heart has started to calm, but when he speaks it jumps a little once more. "She gets nightmares."

He turns the blue screen of the communicator towards Missa, who squints at it. It displays a small black and white security image of the egg's room downstairs, Chayanne and Tallulah's beds visible.

"Chayanne gets to her first, usually," Phil says, and Missa makes out two small heads of hair in Tallulah's bed. His chest aches, and when he looks at Phil, the other man looks exhausted. The bags under his eyes seem deeper, somehow. "It's fine."

"I will go to them," Missa says. He shoves the blankets away- they're gathered to his side of the bed in their sleep, but Phil doesn't seem bothered.

"Nah," Phil murmurs, already pushing himself further up and out of bed. "I'll go."

"I can help," Missa insists. Philza turns to look at him, as though he's tasting the air between them like a snake, sensing the thick desperation and guilt in Missa's voice. "I have to- make up for things."

"You don't have to make up for anything, mate," Phil tells him. For a moment, his fingers twitch, and in the quiet, intimate darkness of their bedroom, Missa almost thinks Phil is going to reach out. But then he looks away, and his hands still. "But you can come, if you want. They won't mind. Hell, it'll help."

He's halfway out of bed before Phil's done. "I will," he says. He's determined to settle back into their lives, really make it up to them, no matter what Phil says. He might as well start here. Before Phil opens the door, Missa catches up to him and impulsively grabs his hand, intertwining their fingers.

Both of them stop. Phil looks back at him.

"You are not alone in this," Missa says, a little strained, a lot terrified. He stumbles over his words, struggling to translate what he wants to say, the complexity of his emotion. He settles on: "Estoy contigo hasta la muerte."

In the dark, Phil's lips press together. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he says quietly.

"It won't," Missa says, with more confidence then he feels. Something about the night, this night, makes him feel brave. He squeezes Phil's hand.

Phil squeezes back.

"¿Los huevos?" Missa prompts after a moment, and Phil blinks back to action. He drags his gaze away from Missa's face to the keypad by the door, nodding.

"Uh, right-" he says. "The eggs." Phil clears his throat. He does not let go of Missa's hand. Missa is one hundred percent fine with that. "Now, Tallulah's probably going to want another story, so I hope you have some good ones-"

Missa smiles to himself, and for a moment, lets himself believe they'll be okay.

[nattinatalia]

Jack Harlow x Reader : DÍA DE LAS MADRES

A/N : This was supposed to go out Wednesday night for Hispanic mommy’s day.

Jack had woken up earlier than usual, luckily you and the kids were still sleeping upstairs. He was running around the house trying to get things set up for you.

You both always go above and beyond for one another and this year was no different. He had picked up your favorite flowers, your gift and of course made a quick stop at your favorite Mexican restaurant for some breakfast.

He was done setting up the posters the kids had made, when he heard little feet stomping around on the floor.

“Is that for mama?”

“Yeah, do you like it?”

Ezequiel nods, “Pretty.” He looks around and says, “I want give momma some.”

Jack smiles at that, he knew his little man would say that so he came prepared. “I have some for you in the kitchen so you can give them to mama.”

He smiles and runs towards the kitchen. “Breaky too?”

Jack follows behind him.“Yeah bud, I got everything.”

Next thing a grumpy Mia walks in the kitchen rubbing her eyes. “Mommy is awake, where are her gifts?”

Ez rolls his eyes “Chill.”

“You don’t even know what that means so you hush.” Mia glares at her brother.

“No tell me to hush, Mia mean.” Ez exclaims.

“Okay, no fighting. Today is your moms day and we need to be on our best behavior.” Jack tries to get them to calm down.

“What is going on?.” You come to a stop at the entrance of the kitchen, tying your robe tight around your waist.

Three heads turn to quickly look at you.

“NOTHING.” The three of them yell out.

“Hmm.” You smile. “I don’t believe you, but I’ll let it slide.”

Jack goes up to you, wraps his arms around you. “Feliz día de las madres baby.”

To your surprise, Jack pronounced it right and said it the right way without any problems. “Aww you’ve been practicing?”

He nods, “The kids are tough teachers.”

You both smile and share a kiss. “Thank you bubs.”

“Okay no more kissing.” Ez says. “Momma these for you.” He hands you a small bouquet of sunflowers.

“Aww thank you mi amorcito.” You bend down to kiss his cheek.

“Feliz madres día momma.”

“Ezequiel, how are you going to teach me how to say it but you mixed up the words?” Jack laughs.

“I’m her baby, so is okay.” Ezequiel smirks and hugs you, and gives you a kiss on the cheek as well.

“Babe, they were literally terrorizing me because I kept messing up the words, and he gets a pass?.” Jack shakes his head, acting hurt.

“Mommy.” Mia says entering the kitchen again. somehow she made a quick run for it without you noticing. “This for you.”

She hands you a Pandora bag, “Bubs?”

Jack shakes his head and has a confused look on him. “I didn’t buy that.”

“Oh?” You face Mia.

“Tío Clay took me, lo compré con mi dinero.” She shrugs.

You open up the box and find a beautiful gold bracelet. “Mia, this is beautiful”

“You like it?”

You nod and go to hug her. “I love it, thank you.”

“Alright kids, go wash your hands so we can have breakfast.” Jack tells them, and they both run to do just that.

“Babe, we have to return it. How did Clay let her spend money on this?”

“He just texted.” He looks at his phone and laughs. “I guess he didn’t really let her waste her money. Little shit charged it on my card.”

You both laugh at that.

“WE ARE STARVING GUYS.”

“Let’s go before we get put on timeout by our children.”

You and your family enjoy breakfast together, Jack had picked up all your favorites. From chilaquiles, to huevos rancheros and pan de Dulce with some coffee.

On the kitchen counter the kids had posters scattered around that they had hand painted themselves. They drew the entire family, even including Druski in it. They even made some arts and crafts made out of pasta and glued some pictures on it.

“I have one more surprise, well two but one of them is for tonight.” Jack shuts off the faucet after finishing washing the dishes.

“Babe, I told you no gifts this year.”

“It’s mommy’s day momma, you need gifts” Ez tells you excitedly. Your little boy really is the sweetest kid ever, both of your kids actually.

“Do you two know what the surprise is?”

They both nod and smile “YESS.”

“It’s so cool mom.” Mia tells you.

“Let’s go see your surprise?”

“What do you mean, go where?”

“Outside.” Jack takes your hand and starts leading you outside.

“Momma close eyes.” Ezequiel tells you.

“Eyes are closed mijo.”

“Five steps and then open your eyes baby.”

“Alright, you guys tell me when to open my eyes.”

“Open now mama.” Both Mia and Ez yell out.

Once you open your eyes, you’re in shock. “What?”

You quickly turn to question Jack, “Baby? What is this?”

“You said you wanted one, so I got it for you.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“Baby, I was totally joking.”

He shakes his head, “You were probably joking just a tiny bit, but I know for a fact you really meant it.”

You jump on him, wrapping your legs around his waist, arms around his neck. “Thank you baby, for this morning and for always including our kids.”

“Anything for you mamas.” He squeezes your waist and gives you a kiss.

“Momma come sit in it.”

You and Jack pull away, and he sets you down. “Go momma, the kids are calling.”

You smile and follow after the kids who are sitting inside the car admiring it.

“You know we’re returning it right?” You ask your husband.

“What? No we’re not.”

“Babe, this is too much.”

“Nothing is too much for you. Plus look at the kids.” He gestured his head to where Mia and Ez are seated at. “They love it and I know they’d want turns riding in the passenger side.”

“Then this just means my gift for Father’s Day is more than valid.” You smirk.

“Babe, you can’t one up me! That’s not fair.”

You sit down in the driver seat “I’ve been planning your Father’s Day gift since last year so deal with it.”

“Momma?”

“Yeah baby?” You face Ezequiel.

“We go zoom zoom pass the hoes?”

“ANGEL EZEQUIEL HARLOW.!” Jack yells.

“What?”

“That’s not a nice word baby, where did you hear that?” You ask him, trying not to laugh.

“Uncle Druski.”

“You’re not allowed to spend alone time with uncle Dru any more.” Jack tells him, shaking his head.

“This is Mother’s Day guys, can we not talk about how naughty Cheesy and Druski are?” Mia asks, rolling her eyes. “Let’s go cuddle and watch movies.”

“Mia you’re bossy.” Ezequiel rolls his eyes.

“Alright, let’s go back inside. We all need to shower and then we can lay in bed and watch movies all day.”

“Not all day, we still have dinner.” Jack tells you.

“Dinner? Baby you already did enough.”

“It’s something small, I promise.”

“There’s nothing small concerning you Jackman.”

“You got that right.” He turns to see if the kids are out of earshot. “This is your main gift tonight.” He places your hand on his cock.

“That’s my gift every night, don’t get it twisted now.” You smack his ass and run ahead to catch up with the kids and make it to the steps before Jack catches you and carries you inside.

The kids are laughing and admiring the entire thing.

Jack and the kids definitely outdid themselves, and you weren’t talking about the gifts. The thoughtfulness and the love you received from them made your Mother’s Day so special just like every year.

• • • • • • • • • •

TAG LIST

@heavyhitterheaux @harlowsbby @arination99 @cmalass @jackharloww @minkookie95 @deannaard @jacksmoviestar @harlowcomehome @fdl305 @httpkoylinnn @xoxokiaraaxoxo @hoodharlow @automaticpeachsong @amethyst09 @aliciacat20 @allyson15 @gabbylovesreading @stefansalvatoresgf @violetdreamsworld @carma-fanficaddict @jasminxts @itsaaliyah2 @itsyagirljaz @harrycanyonmoonn @neon-lights-and-glitter @awhore4moree

[imnotselfryed]

hi there👋🏼 it's me again (non-sexual touching with Din) since I might be here again, just think of me as your friendly neighbourhood AceAnon.

i humbly request another Din Djarin fluff drabble in which Din is mesmerised by the way reader looks at him when he takes his helmet off❤️ (they're married at this point) and he asks her why she's looking at him like that and she goes "I don't think it's fair that you're been hiding that pretty face all this time" and he's just blushing profusely because 1.she thinks he's pretty and 2.she looks at him like he hung the stars

again, feel free to ignore me.

omg hiya aceanon! so sorry this took decades I was going through a huge writers block! hope you enjoy

(and thanks to @letusbeseventeen for helping with the beginning ilysm pequeño huevo)

New Faces [d. djarin]

word count: 814 | rating: G | pairing: gn!reader x mandalorian (let me know if i used any pronouns)

☆ Now newly wedded, you finally see your riduur’s face for the first ever time

content/warnings: just fluffy fluff! <3, not proofread

The two of you limped into the Crest after a tiring mission. Thankfully, the both of you only had minor injuries but you were still in pain after trying to wrap up the small cut you got from that mission. 

It was now surprisingly quiet, a bit too quiet you thought. You sat in the passenger seat with Grogu in hand while Din settled in the pilot seat, pressing buttons to get the Crest started up. You were both trying to unwind and finally rest but you couldn’t help and observe your husband, looking at his cold and stoic figure. He looked..uncomfortable. He looked in pain after that mission, sore. You noticed how he didn’t have any of his other armor on, except his helmet. The helmet that kept his face from showing to you, or anyone for that matter.

You remember him saying he might show you soon, now that the two of you were married but now, it’s like he’s sort of forgotten. You didn’t want to bug him about it though because if he took it off, he’d be going against his creed, his people. You couldn’t help but ask though, feeling sort of bad once it came out of your mouth.

“Do you have a reason why you haven't decided to take off your helmet around me yet orrrr... cause surely it would be more comfy after that mission…right?”

Din turned around to look at you as your face clearly showed how sorry you were for asking that. You stared into the T-shaped visor of his helmet as it was so quiet, you could hear Grogu’s soft snores coming from your lap. 

“Possibly.” was all he said. You knew he probably wasn’t comfortable with that question and you regretted it once it actually sunk in. You decided that you’d let him actually get comfortable and not force him. He’ll show you one day.

Little did you know, today was that day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two of you were now relaxed in your seats, you dozing off sometimes and Din smiled sweetly at you, admiring your features. He’s always wondered how you could ever love a man like him, let alone marry.

You felt someone staring at you so you opened your eyes slowly and saw your Mandalorian looking at you. “What are you staring at?” you smirked.

“You, cyar’ika.” he started. “Look, sorry for the way I sounded when I said that. I just didn’t know how to react.”

You looked at Din, and how his body language spoke millions as he said this. Then, he did something you wouldn’t have expected him to do. Especially not today.

His hands went up to the sides of his helmet, as if he was about to take it off. You panicked slightly, feeling like it was your fault even to have the idea to reveal his face. You should have never asked that question, you thought to yourself but Din looked as if he wanted to do so. “Are you sure?” you asked softly as you put your hand on his. “Yes, I want to. I want to see you from my own eyes, your beauty, and not from this helmet.” 

The helmet hissed as he took it off and Maker, were you mesmerized. It's like you were looking at him as if he hung up all the stars in the galaxy.

His hair was curly, quite ruffled and messy from it being in the helmet all the time. His eyes were a dark brown as he looked at you softly and lovingly. His nose was aquiline with a small curve. His lips were a slight pink and curved up into a nervous and sheepish smile, wondering what you were thinking and you wanted to kiss them so badly. He had a mustache that decorated his top lip with patchy stubble along his jaw.

Din had a small blush painted on his face as he looked at your mesmerized expression. He was slightly nervous at how quiet you were, but he noticed your mouth was a bit agape as you stared at him. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he chuckled nervously. Sometimes you’ve always wondered what he looked like under there, and you were not disappointed in this moment.

“Well I don’t think it’s fair you’ve been hiding that pretty face all this time.”

Din was definitely flustered now knowing you think he’s pretty. You cupped his face and traced his jaw, just trying to feel his texture. You caressed his cheek as he leaned into your touch. You never took your eyes off him and he never did you. This was the first time the two of you had skin-to-skin contact, and it felt magical. 

You both just sat there and enjoyed each other's company. You were overjoyed to know that there was some softness behind that helmet.

[slimedeamon]

Phil still had his sword out, pointing it at them, at her. His little girl. The others in a semicircle around them, trapping the two of them against a wall. He would not let them take her. He would not lose his huevo, not again. Phil took a small step towards them, and Charlie lifted his own weapon higher, shielding his little girl with his own body. Phil’s eyes where pleading, but Charlie wouldn’t listen to them. “Charlie, please mate, that’s not your daughter. You have to know that’s not JuanaFlippa.” Charlie saw as she put down a sign just to his right, and began frantically scribbling on it, but he did not wait for her to finish her own pleading. “I know.” There were several gasps from the crowd, both shocked and angry, but he paid them no mind. “I know, but you’re wrong.” His little girl stopped writing and looked up at him, confusion clear on her face. “dad please it’s me” could be read on the sign, in the strange way this huevo wrote. “She may not be Flippa. But she is my daughter.”

[hectic-hector]

Encantober prompt #30: Blood

Sweet Sentiments

(Summary: the long-awaited sequel to "Sympathy Pain". It's that time of the month again, but Bruno manages to handle it (and his sobrinas) a little bit better this time. Mild CW for a small amount of blood.)

They were out of salt. Julieta was certain of it. She had searched every shelf of the pantry, as well as each and every cabinet, multiple times. Nothing. Ever optimistic (or simply desperate), she’d searched until Casita grew irritated and began to loudly clack the counter tiles in protest. When that didn’t work, the house resorted to sealing the pantry and cabinet doors shut, refusing to let Julieta open them again.

Annoyed though she was, she knew she couldn’t blame Casita. The eldest Madrigal triplet was an absolute basket case when she didn’t have every single ingredient she needed. She had even dipped her pinky in the sugar bowl and sampled the crystalline powder inside just to make sure it hadn’t been swapped out again. Nope. Still sugar. For the first time ever, she found herself mentally berating Camilo for not playing that classic prank on her. Julieta placed her palms on two jittery tiles to calm them down and heaved a deep, dramatic sigh. “Looks like arepas are out of the question.” There was a soft thud, followed by the rhythmic sound of fluttering tiles, as a coconut rolled along the counter and stopped right in front of her. She looked at it for a moment before smiling. “I guess I could make cocadas instead. Gracias, Casita!” Julieta set to work grating coconut meat. After several minutes of culinary ambiance, the telltale thwap thwap thwap of sandals caught her ear. She didn’t have to turn around to know who had entered the kitchen. 

"Bruno, be honest,” she said with her back to him, “did you use up all the salt again?" 

Bruno froze, staring saucer-eyed at the back of his sister’s head. 

“Nnnot all of it.” “That’s what you said about the chocolate last time." “Yeah, but I only need a small dash of salt when I use it. You try convincing a colony of rats that they don’t need nearly as much chocolate as they think they do!” He walked over to where his sister stood to see what she was working on. Julieta glanced over and noticed the light gray rat on his right shoulder. Or rather, the back end of a rat. It was facing the other way with its front end hidden under peppery locks of Bruno’s hair. “Is that Horacio or Ignacio?” she asked, recognizing the color of the rat’s fur. “Rosalita,” Bruno replied. “She’s their triplet sister.” He lifted her tail up. “See? No huevos. Big difference. S’why I usually don’t let the boys ride on my shoulders. I don’t need those things in my face!”

Julieta couldn’t help but chuckle. “Does Rosalita like coconut?” “Let’s see!” 

Bruno reached up and turned the rat around so that she was facing forward. Julieta offered up a cupped palm with fresh shreds of coconut meat in the middle of it. Rosalita sniffed her hand. A moment later she found the treat and scooped up a mouthful before settling back on her haunches. Holding the shreds in her tiny little hands, she nibbled away happily at them. Bruno grinned.

“Yep. She does!” He reached up again to give her a little scratch behind the ears, but Rosalita made an indignant squeak and promptly turned to face the other way, her tail wrapping around Bruno’s throat to steady herself on his narrow shoulder. He scratched her rump instead, earning another squeak of protest.

“It’s alright, Rosie!” he said with a chuckle. “She thinks I’m trying to snatch her food.” “Speaking of snatched food,” Julieta started, and Bruno braced himself, “what did happen to the salt, if you didn’t take it?”

Bruno shrugged his unoccupied shoulder. “I dunno. Maybe Camilo used it on the snails in the garden?” “I doubt it. Antonio caught him doing that once and had an absolute meltdown. I don’t think ’Milo would dare do it again.” Bruno raised a brow. “Can Toñito talk to snails?” Julieta shook her head as she resumed shredding coconut. “He’s always loved animals, even snails. Doesn’t matter if they can speak to him or not. When he was four he found a snail with a pretty pink and yellow shell that he wanted to keep as a pet.” “I remember that. He named it after Casita, didn’t he?” “Mm-hm. He said the snail’s house was as pretty as ours, so he called it Casitita.” Bruno stood beside his sister and picked up the unshredded half of the coconut. “What are you making?” “Cocadas. I was going to make arepas for the construction crew working on the Peña-Suarez house –” Bruno set the coconut down and put his hands up. “I know, I know, but I swear, Juli, I didn’t use all your salt! I’ve got my own private stash. See?” He pulled his ruana aside and showed her the breast pocket of his shirt. “There’s still some left, if you want it.”

Julieta smirked. "The last time you gave me your pocket salt, it had lint in it, so no thank you." 

“Eh, your loss.” He reached into his pocket, scooping up salt, then flung it over his ratless shoulder before a look of panic crossed his face. “No, wait! That was the last of it!” “Then why don’t you go down to the market and get some more?” Julieta replied with an arched brow. “I’ve got a lot of work to do here, and you’re not exactly helping just standing around.” “Should I also get some –” “Yes!” “You don’t even know what I was going to say!” “It doesn’t matter,” she said as she shooed him away. “If you think we need it, then we probably do. Use your own judgment.”

It was Bruno’s turn to smirk. “You’re asking the guy who told a priest he’d go bald to use his own judgment?” “The same guy who knew his sobrinas needed chocolate and went out of his way to get it for them.” Julieta turned to face him with a tender smile. “That guy. I trust his judgment.” Bruno couldn’t help but return the smile, though he embellished it with a dramatic sigh. “Alright. I’ll go. But only because you know how to butter me up.” He lifted the rat from his shoulder, planted a kiss on the top of her head, and set her down on the floor. “Off you go, Rosalita! No rats allowed at the market!” “Or in the kitchen,” Julieta reminded him. “It’s one thing when they’re on your shoulder –” “Esta bien, Juli. She knows.” Bruno nodded toward Rosalita, who was already scurrying away to find the nearest hole in the wall. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “Will you please keep it down? You’re being too loud.” “What are you talking about? All I did was grow some orchids.” “Well you’re growing them too loudly! And those flowers are hideous!” “They’re dracula orchids. They don’t have to be beautiful. What is your problem?” Camilo waltzed in between his sister and cousin, shapeshifting into the former. “Oh, don’t mind me,” he said in Dolores’s voice. “It’s that time of the month when everything is my problem!”

Dolores growled and shoved him. Camilo snickered and shifted back into his own form. “What? You make it pretty obvious when you can’t even stand the sound of flowers blooming.” He turned to look at the orchids Isabela was holding. “Whoa, these flowers have faces? No way!” Isabela beamed proudly. “That’s why they’re also known as monkey face orchids,” she said with a snide smirk aimed directly at Dolores. “And what is that supposed to mean?” Dolores demanded, hands on her hips. “It means they can be whatever they want because they don’t care what you think about them!” Isabela shot back as vines began to envelop the nearest column and wall. Twisted crimson flowers burst into bloom on them, coupled with long, needle-like thorns. Camilo raised a brow. “You too, huh?” Isabela glowered at him. “What?” He gestured to the vines. “You always grow these during that–”

THWUMP!

Camilo was silenced by a giant rafflesia flower to the face. “You’re both being too loud!” Dolores snapped.

Having heard the commotion, Julieta poked her head out of the kitchen to investigate. Her fears were confirmed by the sight of the blood red flowers creeping along the walls. She went back over to the oven to keep an eye on the cocadas, casting an uneasy glance out the nearest window. They were low on chocolate, but she knew she could depend on her brother to get more from the market, just as he had the previous month. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Bruno returned with a sackful of goods and a look of annoyance creasing his brow. “I asked Señor Fuentes what he wanted for five pounds of coffee beans,” he said as he unpacked his purchases. “And do you know what he said? He said he wanted a vision. Just a vision. Simple enough, right? Oh, no. Of course not. I invited him back to Casita, but he insisted I give him a vision right then and there.” Julieta set the cocadas to cool on the windowsill and came over to see what Bruno had bought. Salt, cinnamon, coffee, corn, and avocados were laid out on the counter.

“What did you tell him?” she asked, picking up the salt. “I told him he was crazy,” Bruno answered matter-of-factly. Julieta’s eyes widened. “You didn’t!” “Well, no. I didn’t say that out loud. I did tell him he was drinking way too much of his own coffee if he thought I could just conjure up a sand storm in the middle of the marketplace! And even if I could, I doubt anyone else there would appreciate it.” “Did he actually want a tablet, or did he just want a vision?” Bruno shrugged. “I told him I could do it without the sand storm if he didn’t mind taking my word for it, but that if he wanted to see the vision for himself, I would need sand. No sand, no tablet. He finally gave me the coffee and muttered something about coming over tomorrow, so I think he finally got it.”

Julieta nodded and looked over the groceries again. “You didn’t happen to get any chocolate, did you?” Bruno also looked at the groceries. “Uh, no. Sorry, was I supposed to?” “It would have helped, but I didn’t realize until after you’d left.” Julieta glanced over toward Casita’s courtyard, where Isabela had surrounded herself with an array of particularly lethal-looking plants, while twin Doloreses argued with each other nearby.

Bruno followed her gaze. “That time again, huh?” Julieta nodded. “Do all the girls have it at the same time?” “Usually, yes.” The real Dolores stopped bickering with her doppelganger and turned to stare in utter disbelief at her aunt and uncle. The two stared back at her, realizing they’d been caught.

Dolores turned beet red and hurried off to her room, leaving an unfazed Camilo to mimic his cousin instead. Annoyed, Isabela retaliated by encircling him with several large Venus flytraps that immediately began snapping at his legs.  

Julieta sighed. “We really need that chocolate.” She went back over to the windowsill to check the cocadas. “I have to go deliver these, so I’ll pick some up while I’m out,” she said as she placed the treats inside a small handbasket, then turned to Bruno. “Would you mind watching the kids?” “They’re mostly old enough to watch themselves now, aren’t they?” “I mean, if there are any problems, can I trust you to be the responsible adult here?” “Responsible is a strong word,” Bruno began, but Julieta was already heading for the door. “Wait! You’re seriously going to leave me in charge? What about Gus and Félix?” “Agustín tends to make himself scarce when he knows the girls are menstruating, and Félix is on the construction crew.” “Pepa –” “–Is doing climate control to make sure the cement sets properly.” “Ma –” “Mamá’s visiting the Guzmáns.” Julieta paused at the door and turned to face her brother with a reassuring smile. “You’ll do just fine, Bruni,” she said, calling him by his old nickname. “I have every confidence in you.” “Not the best decision you could have made, to be honest.” She gave him a good-natured smirk. “I stand by it. And I’ll be back before anyone even notices I’ve gone.” Bruno smirked back. “Excuse me, but who’s the psychic here? I don’t even need a vision to know that the instant Doña Martina sees you, she’s going to invite you in for tea and gossip. And you won’t have the heart to say no.”

Julieta rolled her eyes. “Would you rather run my errands for me?” she asked, holding out the basket of cocadas toward him. Bruno took a step back and put his hands up, shaking his head. “Oh, no. I’ve reached my social limit for the day, thank you very much. If they’re not furry or family, I’m done dealing with them.” Julieta sighed. “Alright then. You’re in charge until I return, but you know the rules: no rats in the kitchen, and sand stays inside your tower.” Casita opened the front door to allow her to step out. Bruno followed, stopping at the threshold. “Don’t your rules kinda defeat the purpose of me being in charge?” he called after her.

CRASH!

Bruno jumped and spun around. A large terra cotta pot lay broken in the middle of the courtyard. He looked up to see Luisa standing on the balcony directly above, gripping the railing with guilt etched across her face. Isabela appeared beside her and looked down with a gasp. “Luisa! That was my favorite cactus! How could you?” “I didn’t mean to!” Luisa replied. “I was just moving it out of the way, but then Mirabel ran right past me and I didn’t want her to run into it, so I just kind of fumbled it and –”

“MIRABELLL!”

“ – and accidentally dropped it over the railing.”

Isabela huffed. “She is so dead!” “It’s not like you can’t just grow another cactus,” Luisa pointed out as the two of them headed down the stairs. “A cactus is a cactus. They’re all the same.” Isabela made it to the ground floor ahead of Luisa, turning on her with an icy glare. “They are NOT all the same! You take that back!” She stood over the broken pot, looking torn between weeping and raging. “Her name was Elenora, and she was my emotional support cactus!” “Then why was it just sitting there on the mezzanine?” Luisa asked. “Why wasn’t it in your room?” “Because she also guarded my door!” Isabela snapped in a tone that said the answer was obvious. “Well it did the job alright, because I got pricked just walking past it!”

“Well maybe if you didn’t lumber around like a gorilla, you could have avoided it!” Luisa loomed over Isabela, teeth and fists clenched. “You wanna repeat that, princess?” Undeterred, Isabela merely smiled and batted her eyes. “Oh, didn’t you hear me the first time?” she purred, “Or do you even have any ears under all those bulging slabs of meat you call muscles?”

Bruno quickly wedged himself between the two girls, holding a palm up in front of each one.

“Alright now, let’s not say anything we might regret!” he said, a little louder than he’d meant to. The sudden appearance of twisted, thorny vines protectively encircling Isabela made Bruno’s skin crawl unpleasantly at the memory of being assaulted by them a month prior. He recalled his poor choice of words with his nieces that had led to the assault and made a mental note to be more tactful. “I understand that you’re both, uh, going through some things right now, so let’s just try to be reasonable here. Isa, do you want to tell your sister how you feel, but maybe try phrasing it a little differently? Lulu, are you willing to give her another chance?” Both girls glared at each other in silence for a moment before Isabela nodded calmly. “Yes, Tío. Of course. I would just like to ask Luisa how many times she skipped brain day, because it seems to be the only muscle in her body that she never uses.” “The brain isn’t a muscle, hibiscus head!” Luisa retorted. “You’d know that if you didn’t spend all day huffing pollen!” Before he could say a word, Bruno found himself on the floor, the exposed skin of his face, neck, and hands stinging with pain. He looked up to see the bougainvillea surrounding Isabela had practically exploded all over the courtyard. He sat up, wincing at the little stabs of pain all over his body. Several thorns had gone right through his clothes, though the added layer that his ruana provided kept them from going very deep. He felt a hand on his arm attempting to help him up and accepted it. Luisa and Isabela were still arguing as Mirabel led Bruno into the kitchen. “I find it best to just stay out of the way when those two start fighting,” she whispered. Bruno nodded agreement. He shook some thorns from his ruana before taking a seat at the kitchen table. “Mamá made cocadas,” Mirabel said as she looked around. She picked up a small dish towel from the counter. “She took them to the construction crew working on the new house,” Bruno told her. “Guess I’ll have to wait ‘til she gets back.” He gingerly pulled at a thorn in his forearm, then gave up quickly with a hiss of pain. Mirabel turned to him with a look of concern that uncannily mirrored her mother’s. “Well, we can’t leave those thorns in. Here, let me pull them out.” 

She pulled a chair up to sit down facing Bruno. She began to reach for a thorn in his neck, but he drew back nervously and held up a hand to block her. “M-maybe we should wait for your mother.” Mirabel sighed and took his hand in both of her own. “Please, Tío, let me help you. The longer you leave those in, the more they’re going to hurt.” Without warning, she plucked a thorn from the back of his hand. It happened so quickly that Bruno didn’t even see her do it. He let out a small hiss, but thankfully the pain had already passed. Mirabel gently pressed the dish towel against the skin, soaking up the little dot of blood from the wound. “There, now. That wasn’t so bad, was it?” “I guess not,” Bruno murmured. “I mean, as long as you’re that quick with the rest of them –”

He let out another hiss as Mirabel yanked a second thorn from his hand. She pressed the cloth against the wound for a second before moving on to the next thorn. 

It didn’t take long for Bruno to decide he didn’t want to see where she would strike next, so he kept his eyes closed. Several yips, hisses, and half-uttered swears later, he cracked an eye open. The first thing he saw was the dish towel, now covered in red spots, moving in to dab at his cheek. He reached up. “You don’t need to do this, Mira,” he said, taking the towel from her. “I appreciate it, but it’s not your job to clean up my mess. I mean, I can barely stand the sight of my own blood, so I can only imagine how this must make you feel.” He nodded to the bloody cloth. Mirabel shook her head. “Honestly, it doesn’t bother me. I have to deal with a lot more blood than that on a regular basis, so…” she shrugged, only now beginning to look the slightest bit uncomfortable. Bruno raised a brow. “Oh?” The girl looked away with a blush, biting her lip. “Oh.” Bruno blushed as well. “Right.”

“And it’s… kind of my fault that this happened in the first place,” Mirabel confessed, taking the towel back from him. “I ran past Luisa on the mezzanine and made her drop Isa’s cactus.” She reached up to pull a thorn from Bruno’s chin. “And why did y– YOWCH! – why did you do that?”

Mirabel blushed again. Saying nothing, she held up the bloodied towel as a hint. Bruno stared at it for a moment before understanding. “I wasn’t expecting it so soon,” she murmured, eyes downcast. She dropped the towel to her lap and nervously twisted it with both hands. Bruno was surprised that his niece was being so open with him, given how she had reacted to his knowledge of the subject only a month before. Now, seeing the way she was hunched over, brow slightly creased, he wondered if she was having cramps. “Your ma will be back soon with chocolate,” he said, offering a small smile when she looked up at him. His eyes seemed to glow faintly for a moment, then his smile grew. “And she’s going to make chocolate tres leches cake for dessert! Don’t tell her I told you, though. It’s a surprise.”

Mirabel tried to give him a scolding look, but failed. Instead, she ended up mirroring his smile. ~   ~   ~   ~   ~ The cake was even better than Bruno could have foreseen. Julieta gave him a heaping slice, encouraging him to eat more to make up for the malnutrition he’d suffered inside the walls. In the few months since Casita had been restored, Bruno’s health and physique had visibly improved, despite the fact that many of his extra servings ended up being eaten by Camilo instead. 

A sprig of mint leaves sprouted on top of Bruno’s cake slice as he picked up his fork. He looked over at Isabela, who smiled apologetically. “Sorry about the thorns earlier, Tío. Have some soothing mint with your cake.” Bruno smiled back, appreciative. “It’s okay, Isa. And thank you.” He took a bite and his eyes lit up. “Wow! I had no idea this could taste even better! That’s quite an achievement! Or should I say, achieve-mint?” Antonio and the girls giggled. Camilo rolled his eyes. “Maybe I should add mint to my desserts more often,” said Julieta. “Your cooking is amazing already,” said Bruno, “but a little improve-mint wouldn’t hurt!”

More giggles, plus a small groan from Camilo. The boy looked miserably at Bruno. “I’m glad you’re back, Tío. I really am, but you’re killing me with the puns.” Bruno smirked at the boy, a wicked gleam in his eye. “Well, thanks, ‘Milo. I appreciate the senti-mint.” Camilo threw his arms heavenward with a loud groan. Mirabel snickered. “About time you got your just desserts!” she teased.

Camilo shot her a dirty look, then sighed. “May I please be excused from this family?” “Not a chance,” said Bruno. “I tried that once, and look where I am now!” Camilo crossed his arms with a huff. “Rats!” “Hey, watch your language,” Bruno warned with a teasing grin. THE END @encantober-official

[threadandlace]

In the Auditorium- Seamstress for the Band series, part ten (12.0k)

Masterlist- to start at the beginning

Your head was pounding and your stomach was doing flips when you woke up. Sake doesn’t sit well with ice cream. You barely made it to the toilet before everything from the night before came back up.

Leaning back against the cool porcelain of the tub, you took a few deep breaths to steady yourself before flushing the toilet and moving to the sink. The idea of toothpaste made you sick to your stomach again, so you used the bottle of mouthwash on the counter to quickly rinse out your mouth.

The clock on the bedside table read 8:15 am and you groaned before flopping back into bed. There’s no way I’m going back to sleep now. The thought of breakfast nearly made you sick again, but you knew that by the time you were truly awake, you’d need something bland on your stomach. Or greasy. You decided to chance it and texted the group.

You: anyone up? I need something greasy, stat.

You waited for a reply, figuring everyone else was likely still asleep. A minute later your phone pinged.

Danny: I’m up! There’s a café down the street, who’s down?

Jake: I’ll get Josh up. Give me a few.

Danny: Meet in the lobby?

Jake: perfect

You picked out a shirt and jeans and slipped on a pair of Birkenstocks before throwing your hair into a bun. Checking the mirror on your way out, you realized you looked rough. They’ve seen me look worse.

Danny was the first one you saw when you got down to the lobby. “Good morning,” he greeted with a warm smile. He always looked impeccable, not a single curl out of place. “I guess you slept well?” you asked as you took a seat at the bench beside where he was standing. He chuckled. “No, actually, Sam was mumbling in his sleep the entire night. I think having sugar late at night really just wreaks havoc on him.” 

You nodded in response. “Is he up?” you asked. “Oh, no, he won’t be up for another hour probably. Maybe more. I’ll just bring him something back,” Danny replied as he turned to face you. “You feeling okay?” he asked, his eyes closing slightly as he searched your face. “Oh, just had a little too much to drink last night. Do I look that rough?” you asked as your hands raised to your hair, which you tried to smooth out. “Oh, no, you look great! As always! You just, um, seemed a little off is all. Wanted to make sure you’re doing okay. Touring is… a lot” he added, giving you a slight grin. “Nope, I’m great. Tired, hungover, but still good!” you said, standing when you saw Josh and Jake exit the elevator.

Josh looked like he felt about the same way you did. “Morning,” he said quietly to you and Danny. “You okay, brother?” Danny asked him as he wrapped his arm around Josh’s shoulders. “Don’t jostle him too much or he may get sick,” Jake said with a laugh. “That bad?” Danny asked and Josh nodded as he pulled a pair of dark sunglasses out of his pocket and slid them on. You pulled your own pair out of your purse as you all walked outside, the bright sunlight burning your eyes. “You too?” Jake asked as you walked down the stretch of sidewalk. “Oh yeah, I was pretty sick this morning. I’m better now,” you replied as you watched Danny hit the button for the cross walk. “Ice cream and sake doesn’t mix,” Josh added, repeating your own sentiments. Jake laughed as he followed Danny across the street, you and Josh following behind.

“Ah, Josh, they have bloody Mary’s! Your favorite!” Jake teased after you all had been seated at the breakfast place, menus opened. Josh looked up over his sunglasses at Jake, “I don’t even want to think about vodka right now.” Jake and Danny laughed and you shot Josh a sympathetic look from across the table. You took a sip of your black coffee, something you only craved when you were hungover. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drink coffee black. Last night really killed you, didn’t it?” Danny asked from his spot across from you. You nodded your answer before turning back to the menu. 

“Huevos rancheros, thank god,” Jake muttered from beside you. “That’s definitely what I’m getting,” you said, closing your menu decisively. Jake shot you a smile, “good choice. Great minds think alike.” Jake pointed to Josh and whispered to you. “He’s going to get eggs benedict, and I will bet money on that.” You chuckled before shaking your head. “I know better than to bet against a twin.”

Sure enough, Jake was right- Josh ordered eggs benedict with a side of potatoes. Danny got a BLT and you and Jake ordered huevos rancheros. “A BLT? At,” you checked your phone, “9 am?” He nodded, “I don’t usually love breakfast food. And I’m always down for a BLT.” Josh pointed at him. “Daniel, bacon IS a breakfast food. As is the toast that it comes on.” Danny rolled his eyes. “The lettuce makes it a lunch or dinner food. Or brunch. I’ll give you brunch-adjacent at best,” Danny replied, and Josh chuckled.

The four of you discussed plans for the day and the three musicians discussed the setlist. “Look, I’d like to never do Highway Tune ever again,” Josh said, pausing to take a bite of his food before continuing. “Shit is overplayed, overrated and just… I’m ready to cut it from the setlist. Forever.” 

Jake shook his head, “it’s what got us here, Josh. It stays.” Josh raised his hand, about to continue when Danny spoke up. “Why don’t we do some sort of combination? Add something to Safari? Give them both, but mashed up? You know how much they love it when we give them something different. And, this way you don’t have to sing the whole thing, but we still pay homage to the original stuff,” Danny added, giving a compromise. Josh sat back, giving his suggestion some thought. “What do you think?” Josh asked, turning to lock eyes with you as he waited for an answer. “Oh, I am not the person to be asking. I’m not even completely sure what songs you’re talking about” you said, raising both hands up.

Danny pulled his phone out of his pocket and turned it to show you a music video playing on the screen. “This one is Highway Tune,” he said and you turned the volume up just enough to hear the song. You gasped as soon as you saw the band come into view. “How long ago was this?” you asked. 

“Has to be about… seven? Eight years?” Jake replied, taking another sip of his coffee. “And that’s you?” you asked Josh as you turned the screen to show him. He nodded slightly, giving you a reserved smile. “God, you guys were so young. It’s crazy to see how far you’ve come,” you mused as you watched the video, taking everything in. 

“I will say, I think our style has evolved. Thank goodness,” Danny pondered with a chuckle. “I don’t know… I think the completely ripped shirt was a good look for Josh,” you replied with a laugh. Josh rolled his eyes, “let’s not talk about it.” 

“No, let’s!” Jake shot back, pointing at him. “You were such a hotshot back then. Would you believe that he pulled the most girls out of all of us? Looking like a guy straight out of a frat. Do you remember that one girl that produced the video for us? At the bar? Such a classy guy,” Jake reminisced, Josh clearly uncomfortable as he fidgeted with the napkin on the table in front of him. “Or,” Danny continued, “the one girl Texas? Where we had to wait outside of her apartment in the van because her roommate was home? God, that was hilarious. Luckily it only took about five minutes, but I remember Sam was so high that…” “Okay. That’s enough.” Josh snapped, giving Jake and Danny a look before looking over to you. Clearly they’d hit a nerve.

“Well,” you started, wanting to change the conversation, “if Safari Song is the other one similar in sound to this one, I think it’ll be a good mix. Maybe worth a try? Don’t listen to me though, I don’t know anything about music,” you finished. Luckily your food came out, providing another distraction. Josh nodded after taking a bite of his food, “I’m down to try it at sound check.” You all turned to face Jake who rolled his eyes but nodded in agreement.

“What will Sam think?” you asked, breaking the silence. “I don’t think he will care. He likes Highway okay, but he’s always down to do some creative mixing. He was the one that suggested adding snippets of new songs into stuff on the last few tours,” Danny added as he took another bite of his sandwich. Danny pulled the waiter to the side and gave him the to-go order for Sam. The rest of breakfast was spent discussing how the mashup would work, Josh adamant that he would not be singing more than a few lines from the one song.

“You really don’t like that song, do you?” you asked Josh as you all headed back towards the hotel. “No, I don’t. Least favorite one out of all our discography. It’s just…” he paused, picking the right word. “Stale.” You laughed at his choice. “Stale?” you questioned, and he nodded. “I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s just… old. It’s not us anymore. Neither is Safari, but I’d rather do that one.” 

You nodded as you walked side by side. “Like, is there just something you never want to make another one of? Like a specific piece?” he asked, trying to help relate his feelings to yours. You thought for a minute before replying. “I’d be happy to never make another jumpsuit.” He looked at you, his eyes wide before you started laughing. “Josh, I’m kidding. I love the jumpsuits! To be honest, there’s not really anything I don’t like to make. I can get pretty tired of doing beadwork and repetitive motions, but everything I do is different. Kind of like how each time you perform, there’s something different. The crowd, the venue, the specific way you sing each part.” He thought for a minute, taking in what you’d said. “You know, you’re kind of right,” he replied, clearly thinking more deeply.

Everyone returned to their rooms for a bit and you chose to take a quick shower. You slicked your hair back into a ponytail before putting a more professional outfit back on and doing a light application of makeup. You were packed up and back on your bus within an hour, ready to head to the venue. Albert boarded the bus a few minutes after you, walking back to visit before everyone was ready to get on the way.

“How are you doing Albert?” you asked as he shuffled past you, peeking into the closet to view the outfits you’d been working on. “Oh, I’m just dandy, sweet girl,” you said, turning to give you a smile. “Can I touch them?” he asked, pointing to the suits hanging on the left side of the closet. “Of course!” you replied, turning your desk chair so you could face him. 

You watched as his weathered hands moved carefully over the floral embellishments on the side of Jake’s suit for Georgia. “You are truly talented,” Albert whispered, giving you a wide smile as he pointed to Josh’s Georgia jumpsuit. “I love the yellow. What show is yellow?” Albert asked. “They’re for Georgia. I don’t know why, but I just felt like Atlanta needed some yellow,” you replied, and Albert nodded. “I like that. You’d think Florida would be yellow for being the sunshine state,” Albert said. “I thought about that. But I am doing red for Florida, switching it up. It was actually Jake’s idea- he wanted to end on red for the first leg of this tour, and I felt like that was a good idea. Ending at the beginning almost,” you said, watching as Albert ran his hands over Josh’s red jumpsuit. Albert chuckled as he turned back to face you. “He’s almost like Elvis isn’t he? With the jumpsuits?” You nodded and gave Albert a smile. “Elvis, but with a bit more rock. Little more modern too,” you added.

As if on cue, Josh walked back into the workspace, sitting down on the bench with a huff. “We were just talking about how you and Elvis have so many parallels,” you told Josh, his face cracking into a smile. “He may have me beat on the heartthrob level, but I have a better vocal range,” he said with a laugh. Albert chuckled as he headed back up to his seat. 

Josh’s face fell and he turned to you. “Can I ride with you? They’re driving me nuts trying to figure out how to combine the two songs. I don’t know why it must be done by tonight, but Sam liked the idea and now it’s all or nothing,” Josh said as he rubbed his temples with his thumb and pointer finger. “Of course, Josh. You never have to ask- you’re always welcome to ride with me,” you replied, giving him a soft smile. You pointed to your backpack, “do you want some Advil?” 

Josh nodded, “I could use some. My head is killing me.” You fished the bottle out of your bag and handed it to him as you walked over to the mini fridge in the kitchenette. You returned with two bottles of water, exchanging one for the bottle of pills back. You both took two pills and laughed after swallowing them with some water. “I feel like no matter what, we are always in sync,” Josh said with a smile as he leaned back against the pillows on the bench. You nodded in agreement, reflecting on how true the statement was.

Josh relaxed back into the pillows on the bench, watching you as you did a double check of everything you’d need for the night. “I’m sorry about the vulgarity of some of the topics at breakfast,” he said after a moment. He was more relaxed, the medicine starting to work on relieving his headache. 

“It’s fine. I feel like we all were a little crazy in our late teens and early 20’s,” you replied, giving him a smile. “I really wasn’t. They made it seem like I was this jerk, just hooking up all the time. I promise that I really wasn’t,” he added. You turned to give him a shrug. “Even if you did, it wouldn’t matter. Although I don’t think you could have ever been a jerk. Ever.” He chuckled. “You’d be surprised. The ounce of fame we had went to my head a little too fast. Front man syndrome. I’d like to think I’ve settled into things well though,” he said quietly. “Josh, you’re a good person. Solid. A good head on your shoulders. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” He nodded slowly, his eyes trailing up to meet yours. “That means a lot coming from you.”  

You both settled into your own quiet routines- you busying yourself with preparing the clothes for that night’s performance, Josh flipping through his sketchbook. By the time the bus pulled into the backlot of the venue, Josh was fast asleep and snoring lightly, his leg twitching every so often. You texted the group chat

You: Josh is passed out. What time do you guys have sound check?

Danny: Emily said we have about an hour. We are still working on this combo but will come get him when we need him.

You stood and went to lower the curtains on the windows in the workspace and close the curtain dividing the front and back of the bus before laying on the opposite bench. They’ll get me up when Josh gets up. You turned to watch him, the rhythmic rising and falling of his chest lulling you to sleep.

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

The lights flipped on, rudely waking you from your sleep. Sam was staring down at you and jumped back when you opened your eyes. “God, I didn’t think you were breathing there for a moment,” he said, leaning forward to pat your arm. 

“What the fuck are you being so loud for,” Josh mumbled as he sat up. “I am not being loud,” Sam shot back, turning to face his brother. “Sam, I hate to break it to you, but you’re almost always loud,” Jake replied as he leaned against the wall of the bus. “We need our front man,” Sam said, turning and starting to pull Josh up from the bench. “We need an objective third party too,” Sam added, turning to you and reaching his hand out to help you up off the bench. 

“What am I being objective to,” you said as you and Josh followed them off of the bus. “We need you to listen to what we came up with. See if it’s any good,” Sam said excitedly as he skipped down the stairs. “I think it’s going to be really good. Really get people excited,” Sam added as he started towards the venue.

You gave Jake a look as you walked, and he shrugged. “We won’t know until we hear it all together,” he admitted. Danny was walking behind you with Josh, explaining something he’d scribbled out on a piece of paper.

Once you got inside the venue, you all walked in the direction of what you figured was the stage. You popped out a side door and ended up in the general admission area on the floor, security from the venue following behind you. “Well, I guess we are almost in the right place,” Sam said with a grin before taking off across the arena floor, reaching a full sprint as he ran towards the barricade. You all watched him run, laughing as he slid into the barricade, tripping as his feet got caught up in the metal feet of the fence. 

Jake grinned at you before doing a cartwheel and landing on his butt, leaning back and laughing from the floor. Danny and Josh watched the shenanigans from over the paper they’d been studying, both of their heads tilting back as they laughed. Josh handed Danny the paper and started strutting towards the stage, switching the way he was theatrically walking with every few steps. You couldn’t help but laugh as you watched him- something about the almost cartoon way he moved absolutely tickled you.

You and Danny walked to the stage normally, watching as the Kiszka brothers made their way up onto the stage, continuing their antics. “Have they always been like this?” you asked. Danny grinned, “always. Some things never change.” Danny made his way up onto the stage and you leaned against the barricade, watching as they sorted out their gear.

Josh came over to the edge of the stage while his brothers got their instruments tuned and adjusted. He had his in-ear monitors slung around his neck and a microphone in hand as he came and plopped down on the edge of the stage, kicking his feet over the edge. “See, now, if I had this view each night, I don’t think I’d ever get nervous,” he said with a chuckle as he placed a monitor in his left ear. Does he mean me? Or probably the empty space. 

“It’s so quiet without the fans,” you mused, turning to look out across the arena. “To think that every space will be filled is just… surreal,” you said after turning back to face him. “It is. It’s a dream,” he replied. He pointed to Jake, who was bent over, discussing something with one of the sound people. “It’s really his dream but,” Josh pointed to Sam and Danny, “I think we are all happy to be along for the ride.” 

You grinned, “I didn’t think designing for a band would be my dream, but here we are.” He gave you a wide smile as Jake walked up behind him, nudging his leg with his foot. “Come on, let’s give it a shot,” Jake said, leaning forward to offer Josh a hand as he helped him up off the floor.

The creative process behind their music was unlike anything you’d ever seen. It was a true four-way collaboration as they all worked together to create something completely new, yet familiar. The band may have been Jake’s dream, but the talent each member had was undeniable. Watching these men go from doing cartwheels and goofing off to absolute craftsmen, oozing rock n’ roll and talent as they worked out kinks in the song was astounding. These were two completely different sets of people. They were congruent, yes, but the group on stage was not the same as the men you’d sat and had breakfast with earlier in the day.

Once they’d sound checked another, full song, they all came up to the front of the stage. You were still staring in wide-eyed amazement when Danny talked, breaking your trance. “What did you think?” he asked as he handed his drumsticks off to an assistant before sitting down on the edge of the stage.

“Amazing,” you answered quietly, unable to give more than that. “Well, that’s a given,” Sam said as he slid off the stage. Sam tried to vault over the barricade but ended up falling back into Jake, who had also jumped down onto the main floor. Danny pushed the barricade aside and the rest of them filed out onto the main floor. “Give us an actual review, please,” Jake asked as you all headed back the way you came. 

“I can see why people fight for a spot at the barricade,” you answered honestly. “You guys are beyond talented. It’s truly something special seeing you guys together,” you added, hoping you weren’t overdoing it. Josh bumped your shoulder with his, giving you a grin, “I’m glad you liked it.”

Emily appeared above you, leaned against the railing of one of the seated sections. “What the hell are you doing down there?” she barked. “Well, we finished sound check and…” Sam started. Emily pointed towards the doors at the back end of the arena, “they’re about to let GA in! Get the hell off the floor!” Everyone exchanged panicked looks as you took off towards the side of the giant arena, looking for the doors you’d come through.

You had all barely made it through the doors to the backstage area when you heard the crowd enter the arena. Sam opened the door just enough for you all to watch the fans file in, security shouting as they attempted to control the chaos. Everyone watched in silence as they watched the various people and groups coming onto the arena floor. 

“We like to read the signs,” Danny whispered from beside you, pointing out the various signs people were holding. “Oh, that is lewd,” Jake said with a laugh, pointing out a girl holding a not-so-subtle sign about a blowjob. “And look at that, she’s a Danny girl,” Sam laughed as he slapped Danny on the shoulder. Danny shook his head and rolled his eyes. “They are definitely going to confiscate that,” Josh said, pointing to a girl carrying a flag with a giant meme featuring Jake on it. “God, I hope not. That shit is hilarious,” Jake replied as he laughed.

After a few minutes of people watching, you all headed towards backstage. “I need some lunch. Or dinner. Whatever time it is, I’m hungry” Sam grumbled. Sam spotted Emily in Jake’s dressing room and yelled her name.

Emily came over to the group, looking incredibly puny. “Emily, are you okay?” Danny asked. She nodded and went to sit in a chair outside the room. “Great. What’s up?” she asked. You gave her a look. She hasn’t told them she’s pregnant? 

“What’s for lunch? Dinner? Linner?” Sam asked. “Uh, barbeque. And seafood,” Emily said, making a face. “What’s wrong with barbeque? I thought that was something you liked,” Jake said, watching Emily as she shifted in the chair. “No, I do just… not today,” she answered with a weak smile. Sam backed up slowly, “are you sick? I am NOT getting another stomach bug on tour, I will NOT!” Sam exclaimed, raising his hands. 

“I’m not sick,” Emily started, looking at everyone’s concerned faces. “I’m actually pregnant,” she said after a beat, looking from person to person in order to gauge their reactions. Josh was the first one forward, carefully pulling Emily into a hug. “Congratulations,” he whispered, squeezing her shoulders gently as he pulled back from her. Jake was next, giving her a careful hug as he rubbed her back lightly. Sam pointed at her belly as he moved forward. “This was a planned baby? Or?” he asked, and Emily laughed. “Not really planned so much, but we are happy about it!” she answered as Sam hugged her. Danny was last to move forward, pulling her into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so excited for you,” he said softly, and she pulled back, tears in her eyes. Sam turned to you, noticing your smile. “You knew?” he asked, and you nodded. “I needed help reading the test,” Emily clarified.

Sam looked at her, suddenly worried. “Does this mean you won’t be with us for the entire tour?” Emily nodded. “I probably won’t be going out of the country. But Jack is very capable and will be taking over more of my job in the next few weeks.” Everyone nodded, clearly saddened, but also excited for what was to come.

Emily headed out to check on “linner” as Sam was calling it, and everyone went their separate ways. You rounded up a couple of venue staff to get the outfits for the night’s show from the bus. You carried Josh’s jumpsuit in and directed where each of the other outfits went before knocking on Josh’s door. He opened it and stepped back to let you in. 

Josh grinned as he watched you hang the jumpsuit up on the rack against the far wall. He came over to inspect it, running his hands over the fabric flowers adorning the black sparkly material. “These need to be in a museum somewhere,” he mused. “Yeah, the rock n roll hall of fame,” you said with a chuckle. He tilted his head as he thought. “Maybe. But I would make sure your name was in bold on the plaque.” 

You laughed and brushed him off. “Yeah, put my name right under yours and ‘one of the greatest vocalists of our generation,’ that’ll be hilarious!” He wasn’t laughing though when he turned to look at you, his face serious, “I really don’t think you realize how talented you are.” You chuckled. “If I’m good enough for you guys, then I must be pretty good. And I’ll take that,” you replied. He nodded, finally at least slightly pleased with your answer.  

Sammy popped his head into the room and looked from you to Josh and back again. “Linner is here!” he said quickly before popping out as quickly as he’d appeared. You and Josh shook your heads but followed behind him.

“Carolina barbecue is unmatched,” Danny murmured as he took another bite of his food. “Whatever,” Sam replied as he rolled his eyes. “Don’t start,” Jake warned, knowing Sam was about two seconds away from a rant about meat eating and sustainability.  “You just don’t want to hear it because it’s true and you know it,” Sam shot back and Josh raised his hand, Sam falling silent. “You get it,” Sam whispered to you and you smiled, appreciating whatever alliance you could get with him. You thought back to the first week of the tour and how different things had been.

Josh finished first and threw his plate in the trash. “I’m going to go get ready,” he said, giving the group a smile. “Josh, we have…” Sam checked his phone, “two hours.” Josh nodded, “I know. Just a little antsy. It’s fine.” He turned and disappeared into his dressing room and you watched as Jake and Danny exchanged looks. 

“I thought he had gotten over that,” Danny whispered. “What?” you asked, concerned over what they were clearly worried about. “Josh used to get really anxious before shows. Back for a few years with some of the bigger venues and stuff. We’d know he was struggling a little bit when he’d get ready super early and just sit, completely ready. He hasn’t gotten ready this early in… a while,” Danny explained as Jake nodded. “I’ll go check in,” Jake said as he rose from his seat. You all watched him go and you couldn’t help wishing you knew how to help.

You, Danny and Sam chatted for a few minutes before Jake returned. “He asked for you,” he said after settling back into the couch. “Me?” you questioned, and Jake nodded. “Is there something wrong with the jumpsuit?” you asked, slightly panicked. “No, no, I think it’s fine. I know he had a question about something, but I don’t think it’s anything bad,” Jake clarified. You nodded and headed towards Josh’s dressing room.

The door was slightly open so you walked in, knocking on the door as you entered. Josh was sitting on the couch in his dressing room, his black jumpsuit a stark and glittery contrast to the beige couch. He smiled when he saw you and patted the couch next to him. “What’s up? Everything fit okay?” you asked as you leaned forward, waiting for his permission to touch the front of the jumpsuit to double-check the fit. He nodded and you gripped the fabric, slightly adjusting it. “Everything is fine,” he said quietly, “I just needed a calm presence.”

You slowly looked up at him. “Me? Calming?” you said with a chuckle, “I don’t feel like I am.” He shook his head, “no, you’re very calming. Soothing. Your aura and everything.” You took a second and nodded. “Well, then I’m here. To be a calming presence,” you said with a smile. He nodded and stood, going to the table in the corner of the room. “Do you want a hot toddy?” he asked, and you nodded. “Sure. Just put like, half the whiskey you put in yours in mine please,” you added with a chuckle, and he gave you a salute in response.  

You and Josh sat in comfortable silence as you both sipped on your warm drinks. Josh looked a little funny fully dressed in his elaborate jumpsuit and you in your normal clothes. He was slightly more relaxed, the whiskey helping take the edge off. Jake came in a little while later, Danny trailing behind him. They showed off their outfits, doing a little spin for you to see the entire thing. 

“Feel good?” you asked, and they both nodded. “I love the boots,” Danny added, turning to show Jake the embellished flowers you’d painstakingly added to the sides. “Those are cool as hell,” Jake said as he bent to examine them closer. “Can I make a request for flower shoes?” he asked, and you nodded. “Your boots for Georgia have flowers. It’s part of the fabric, but still pretty cool,” you replied. He grinned in agreement as Sam flew through the doors. 

“They said we gotta go now,” he said out of breath as he spun quickly to show you the fit of his suit. Sure enough, the stagehands were gathering outside of the dressing room, Emily appearing and calling for the group to hurry. “Good luck!” you said to them as you reached forward to quickly squeeze Josh’s hand. He turned to face you. “You got this. Just another show, just like the others,” you said quietly, and he nodded. He squeezed your hand back before letting go and following his brothers down the hall and towards the stage.

You watched the show from the TV mounted on the wall in Josh’s dressing room, working intermittently on some more sketches for the outfits for the rest of the tour. The show went as it always did- absolutely perfectly. The group was perfectly in sync even though they decided not to play the mashup that night. You watched the encore and waited for them to enter the dressing room after they had exited the stage. It was always surreal to see them on the screen and then, moments later, standing right next to you.

Danny was the first one back, waving to you from the hall as he headed to take his shower. Sam was next, coming to hand you his jacket, which he had taken off while on stage. Josh was next and he walked into the room, clearly preoccupied and deep in thought. He closed the door and started to unzip his jumpsuit, pulling it down and off his arms and chest. The fabric slid down past his waist, slinging dangerously lay on his hips. 

You cleared your throat, reminding him that you were still here. He turned to look at you, wide-eyed, as he pulled the fabric back up slightly. “Shit, sorry!” he exclaimed, and you turned to gather your stuff up, shoving it into your bag as you headed towards the door. “No, my fault! It’s your space, I don’t even know why I am in here,” you mumbled. 

He reached out to gently grab your arm. He was warm and his touch sent a jolt of electricity up your arm. “You don’t have to go. I will just refrain from getting butt naked out here,” he chuckled, and you relaxed. “Unless…” he joked, raising an eyebrow. “Nope, I’m going to get a pretzel” you said quickly as you headed back out the door.

You leaned against the wall after you had closed the door, waiting until you heard the shower start on the other side of the door to breathe. You zipped your backpack and slung it over your shoulder as you left in search of a pretzel.

As you walked and asked for directions, you thought about what had happened. Something about the way the fabric had just draped, barely covering him, made your stomach do flips. The way he didn’t want you to leave, had reached out for you. He was just being nice. You shook your head and turned to watch the groups of people leaving the arena.

You found a stand still selling food and purchased a cup of pretzel bites and stopped by a bar for a margarita. You headed back to the backstage area, the security guard luckily recognizing you. As you headed back through the barricade, you heard a commotion behind you. You turned to see a group of fans waving at you and gesturing for you to come over to them. You obliged, although your previous experiences made you nervous.

“Hey,” one girl greeted, giving you a smile. You nodded and smiled in greeting and waited for the group to speak. “We were wondering… we’ve seen you a lot. On twitter and stuff,” one girl started, talking quickly. “Are you dating Danny?” another girl interrupted, her tone serious. You chuckled and shook your head. “No, I’m just their designer. I am not in a relationship with any of them. Well, beyond friendship,” you answered honestly. The group nodded and you could tell that only some of them believed you. “I promise,” you continued with a smile. The group chattered and you waved to them as you turned to leave. “Have a great night!” you said with another smile before walking back down the hall and taking a long sip of your margarita.

When you got backstage, you noticed that everyone was packing up and getting ready to go. Sam pointed to your cup of pretzels, and you held it out, letting him take one. “Shit, these are good,” he mumbled. You offered Jake one and he shook his head. “I’m just ready to go to sleep,” he said, clearly exhausted as he shifted his weight from one side to the other. 

Josh was the last one out and emerged with his wet curls still clinging to his face. “We ready?” he asked, and the group turned to look at you. They were all carrying their own clothes, something you weren’t used to seeing. “Here, let me take these,” you started, but they turned away. “We can carry it out, it’s fine,” Danny said. You shrugged and took the boot box off the table “I’ll never turn down help.” “Shall we?” Jake asked and Emily, who had appeared at the end of the hall, nodded.

Everyone placed their outfits where you instructed on the wardrobe bus. Jake, Sam and Josh told you they’d see you at the hotel before heading to their own bus. “Can I sleep here?” Danny asked, gesturing to one of the benches. “Of course,” you said as you began your cleaning process. “Sam has continued to talk in his sleep, and I need a break. It's always quiet on your bus,” Danny explained as he laid down on the bench, watching you as you worked.

You looked up and smiled at Albert as he made his way back to you and Danny. “Alright, we are about four and a half hours away and will be stopping for gas and snacks about halfway,” Albert said, giving you a smile. “Perfect. Thanks for keeping us updated,” you replied, Danny agreeing. Albert gave you both a nod before heading back to his seat.

You worked on quietly cleaning the clothes as Danny fell asleep. He mumbled a little in his sleep too, and you chuckled at the irony. Before you knew it, the clothes and shoes were cleaned and neatly put away. You had started your fifth check over the clothing for the South Carolina show when the bus came to a stop. Danny was still fast asleep, and you decided you’d ask the others if you should wake him. You got off the bus and waved to Albert, who was filling the bus’s gas tank. You shivered as you walked towards the other bus, where Jake and Sam were coming down the stairs.

“Danny is asleep, I didn’t know if I should wake him,” you said. Jake shook his head, “nah, let him sleep. We left Josh asleep too. We will get them some snacks for later, but they’ll probably just sleep until we get there.” You nodded and followed them towards the convenience center part of the gas station.

You felt a hand reach for yours and you jumped, twirling quickly to see who had touched you. You swung around and saw Josh, hair a mess and eyes partially closed, reaching out for you. He was clearly still half-asleep. “I thought I heard you out here,” he said with a grin as he threaded his arm through yours and headed in the direction of his brothers. “I thought you were asleep?” you asked, and he chuckled. “Yeah, but I’m up now. I’m not one to miss out on a gas station taquito,” he replied with a grin. You scrunched your nose and shook your head as you both walked into the gas station and headed your separate ways.

“We got Danny’s order,” Sam said when you approached the counter with your picks. “Great, thanks,” you replied with a smile as Jake gestured to the clerk about what items to put in what bags. Josh was the last to the counter, half a taquito sticking out of his mouth. “Josh, you literally have drool on your face,” Sam teased and Josh shot him a deadly look as he placed his items on the counter and wiped at his face with the sleeve of his shirt. Jake paid for the order and handed you the bag containing the items for you and Danny. “See you on the flip,” Sam said with a salute as he headed back onto the bus. Jake nodded to you and Josh squeezed your shoulder before climbing back up the stairs to their bus.

You fished out the Reese’s cups from the bag and handed them to Albert after you had boarded the bus. “How’d you know?” he asked, and you laughed. “Your wife always packs you Reese’s cups, I see them in your lunch! I figured you like them at least a little,” you clarified. “You’re the best,” Albert said with a gracious smile. “Need me to heat this up?” you asked and gestured to his coffee cup. “It’s still warm! Thank you though. You’d better settle in, we have probably another three hours to go,” Albert replied and you gave him a smile before heading back towards the workspace.

Setting the bag on the table, you quickly removed Danny’s items and placed the drink in the fridge. You set the food out on the side of the table closest to where he laid, still fast asleep. Cracking open your Gatorade, you took a few sips as you watched Danny sleep. 

He looked so peaceful, his mouth slightly open as he breathed deeply, his hands resting gently on his chest. You dug in the bag for your nerds gummy clusters and opened the package carefully before shaking a few into your hand. Something about the crunchy, sweet and tangy candy quieted your brain. You ate a few more before setting the package on your desk and getting back to checking the clothes for tomorrow’s performance.

 ___________________________________________

You woke up to Danny gently rubbing his hand along your arm. “Hey, we are here,” he said quietly, seemingly still half-asleep himself. You nodded and pushed yourself up to sit on the bench where you’d been asleep. Danny handed you your suitcase and backpack. “Thanks,” you smiled as you took the luggage and followed him off of the bus. “Good night Albert! Thanks for getting us here,” you said, giving the older man a squeeze as you headed off the bus. “Sleep well!” he replied as he turned to finish his post-drive checklist.

Sam handed Danny his luggage and everyone walked into the lobby together. Emily was sitting in the lobby and rose when she saw everyone. She was clearly tired- probably more tired than all of you combined as she worked to keep everything running smoothly while also growing a human. She handed out the key cards and reminded everyone of the schedule for tomorrow. “Tomorrow’s time is 2:00 pm for sound check, so we need to leave here by 1:00 pm to get there without issues. Breakfast is in the dining room from 7:00 to 10:00, although I doubt you’ll be awake for that, so food is on you. Good night,” she finished before turning and heading down the hall.

The ride up to the third floor was silent, everyone exhausted. You checked your phone, the time glaring at you. 3:15 am. “Well, I’m certainly not setting an alarm,” Jake said with a chuckle as you all filed off of the elevator. “We will see you guys at some point I guess,” Danny agreed, following behind Sam who was making a beeline for their room. “Good night everyone,” Josh said with a wave as he opened the door to his and Jake’s room. 

You slid your key into the door beside the twins and chuckled. “This whole floor and you got stuck next to us, how lucky,” Jake said with a laugh and you shrugged. “Better than with the two sleep-mumblers,” you replied and Jake nodded in agreement. “Night,” Jake said quietly, and you repeated the sentiment before closing the door.

You stripped off your clothes from the day and put on your pajamas, glad to be wearing something warm and comfortable. You went through the motions of brushing your teeth and washing your face before plugging in your phone and crawling under the fluffy duvet. You decided to set an alarm for 11:00 am, knowing you definitely needed to be up by then, before flipping the bedside lamp off.

_______________________________________________

The first thing you noticed was the flashing light, which was strange because the blaring alarm was practically shaking your bed. You shot up, taking in your surroundings for a beat before grabbing your phone off the charger. 4:23 am. The smell was familiar. Fire. You shoved your feet into your shoes and grabbed your purse before swinging open your door, surveying the hall. 

The hall was smoky, and you started to panic. You felt a hand on your arm, and you turned to see Josh grabbing onto you for the second time that night. This time, however, his eyes were wide with panic. “Come on, the stairs are that way,” Jake said, pulling both of you behind him. 

Jake pounded on Sam and Danny’s door, yelling as he did so. People were starting to flood into the hallway, the volume rising as people started panicking. The door flung open and a petrified Sam stood in the doorway, shirtless and in his underwear. “Sam, put on some fucking pants, let’s go!” Jake snapped as he pushed his way into their room. Danny was up and pulling on a sweatshirt, throwing clothes at Sam. “Does everyone have their wallets?” you asked, pulling Josh along with you into their room. Everyone did a quick mental check before you all headed out towards the stairs.

There were tons of people making their way outside, all of them seemingly coming from nowhere. Once you’d made it out to the parking lot, the group headed towards Emily and some of the other roadies who were standing by the buses and vans. You all turned to watch as smoke billowed out of the windows on the far side of the building. 

“What a fucking disaster,” Jake mused as everyone watched. “You can say that again,” Emily said, a hand protectively over her stomach. “Well, at least we have a place to sleep,” Danny sighed, pointing to the buses. “Did Albert and Dean make it out?” you asked, searching the faces for your friend. “I’m here!” Albert said as he walked around the corner of the bus, “can’t get rid of me that easily!” Everyone laughed, exhaustion clearly settling in. “Well, I’m going to sleep,” Sam said before heading onto the bus.

Everyone worked out sleeping arrangements, Emily deciding to take everyone who didn’t usually travel on a bus to the hotel down the street. She called and reserved the rooms, doing a head count as she coordinated. The guys, along with you, decided to just sleep in the bunks. As the rest of the group loaded into the vans, you finally felt like you could relax. Everyone got out, everything is fine. You continued to watch the firefighters working to contain the fire, which you’d found out was on the opposite side of the building on the second floor. The parking lot had started to empty as the hotel relocated people, the sun starting to rise.

It was only when you turned to get onto the bus that you realized Josh was still holding onto you, one arm around your waist. “Josh?” you said and he slowly turned his head to face you, still entranced by the ongoing action. “You okay?” you asked. 

You watched as he returned his consciousness back to himself, letting go of you. “Yeah, sorry,” he stammered as he took a step back, away from you. “It’s fine, Josh. But, are you okay?” you asked again. He nodded slowly. Jake turned to watch his brother, assessing him. “I think it’s time to get some sleep. Come on Josh, let’s go,” Jake said quietly as he reached for his twin. Josh nodded, following behind Jake. “Good night,” they mumbled to you as they headed towards their bus. You decided to do the same thing and unlocked the door to the wardrobe bus, locking it behind you before walking back to your bunk.

You laid there for a moment, letting the stress and worry wash over you. God, all my clothes. My toiletries. But I have my purse. And everyone is okay, that’s the important thing. You fell asleep with your mind swirling with the never-ending anxious thoughts.

­­­________________________________________________

A hand gently rubbing your arm woke you up. You slowly sat up and noticed Jake leaned into your bunk. “Hey, sorry to wake you. We wanted to see if you wanted to go to lunch before we head to the venue. Most of the team is going. The hotel is covering it because of the damage.” 

You nodded and shoved your feet out through the curtains as you sat up. “Is our stuff…” you started and Jake shook his head. “They aren’t letting anyone go back up into the hotel right now because of the smoke and they don’t know if there’s structural damage…” Jake continued on, although you couldn’t hear what he was saying. 

All of a sudden, the night came back into crystal clear focus and the realization hit you, your body going cold. Jake stopped, noticing your eyes widening and your face suddenly going slack. “Jake, my sketchbooks. With all my designs. And I had a panel for your Atlanta suit in my backpack. Oh my god,” you said in a quick, hushed voice. Tears welled in your eyes as you looked up at him, his face reflecting the panic likely etched on your own. “Shit,” was all he was able to utter before you started to sob, the panic and pain surging through your body.

You felt the bunk mattress sink down a moment later and you were pulled into someone’s chest. “All her sketchbooks were in her room, and a part of my suit,” you heard Jake explain to whoever was holding you.

“It’s going to be okay, alright?” you heard Danny whisper in your ear. You nodded into his chest as he held you. “What’s going on?” you heard Sam ask and Jake explained the situation. “Well, shit, can’t we just pay one of those firefighters to go get it? We don’t even know if our rooms were impacted,” Sam replied, his voice bouncing back and forth as he most likely paced. 

“They said it’s going to take at least another day to assess the structural damage before anyone can safely go in to get stuff or see just how bad everything is. It'll probably take longer than that though,” Danny said, shifting to talk to Sam. “Well, fuck,” Sam shot back, now frustrated. “My ukulele was in there. Our clothes!” Sam said, clearly exasperated by the heightened emotions. 

You wiped the tears off your face and turned towards Sam. You noticed Josh was now standing next to Jake, watching you closely. He had deep purple bags under his eyes, his face tired. You noticed how much the twins looked alike when they were both clearly exhausted. “You know what? Everything will work out. I’m an idiot for getting so upset, I’m really sorry. Let’s just go to lunch, and you guys can go do sound check and maybe some of us can go to Walmart or something and get some clothes to last us until the next break,” you said, trying to rally.

“You’re allowed to be upset. This situation sucks,” Danny replied, rubbing your arm. “You know what, you’re right. May as well just take on this adventure, right? We can all get matching shirts, it’ll be great,” Sam added, swinging to the other side of the emotional spectrum. You stood and straightened your clothes. “We all look a little ridiculous, so at least we will be in solidarity,” you said with a chuckle as you assessed everyone’s outfits. You were in a plaid winter pajama set, a stark contrast to Jake’s shorts and sleeveless tank top, Danny’s mismatched sweat suit, Sam in a pair of rainbow shorts and a hoodie, and Josh in one of the casual jumpsuits you’d made for him. Everyone realized how crazy you all looked and laughed along with you.

“How’d you manage to put that on in the middle of an evacuation?” you asked Josh as you headed off the bus. He pointed to his jumpsuit, “this?” You nodded and he shrugged. “It’s pretty easy to get on and off. And I already had it laid out to wear today,” he answered thoughtfully. “I know it’s easy on and off, I did design it,” you said with a laugh, gesturing to the closures. He gave you a smirk but said nothing else as you approached the group gathering between the two buses.

In the daylight, it was easy to see just how crazy everyone looked in either their pajamas, or the first set of clothes they’d been able to put on during the evacuation. “Alright everyone,” Emily shouted above the small crowd of about fifteen people. “We are all going to head down the street to the restaurant that the hotel has set up for lunch. While we eat, I need everyone to fill out a couple of sheets, one is of the belongings that you have left inside, and that’s for insurance purposes for the hotel. Another sheet will be of what kind of clothes, toiletries, et. cetera that you’re now missing that you’ll need for the next few stops. We will be doing a store run during sound check to try to get everything y’all need, so be specific. I have another couple of things to get signed by everyone, but we can discuss that at lunch. If y’all have any questions, some find me. And with that, let’s head to lunch!”

You were already amazed by Emily and her ability to be calm, cool and collected in all situations, but seeing her orchestrate a plan in a set of leopard pajamas and serious bedhead had you realizing she might actually be superhuman. Everyone walked together to the small Italian restaurant down the street, chattering about the events of the day. 

“This is the Dreams in Gold nightmare part two,” Josh said from next to you with a sigh. Sam nodded in agreement, “I think our tours will just forever be cursed.” “Don’t say that, or it’ll manifest,” Jake hissed, and Josh waved him off. “It’s too late- it’s already a shit show,” Sam replied, Josh nodding in agreement.

Everyone sat around a couple of big tables, a waiter passing out menus as Emily passed out the forms and pens. You scanned the lunch menu and made your selections before turning your attention to the forms. 

“Hey, what size pants do I wear?” Sam asked you from across the table, pen suspended in the air as he waited. “Your street size is probably a 30x32 and a large,” you answered. Jake turned to give you a look from his seat next to you. “Do me.” You thought for a moment. “32x30, medium,” you answered easily. “There’s no way you just know that” Jake replied, signaling you got it right. “I think you’re forgetting I have made you all countless outfits and know all of your measurements,” you replied with a laugh. Jake shrugged and went back to assessing the menu.

Josh leaned towards you from his spot on your other side. “Did I do mine right?” he asked in a whisper, pointing to his measurements. “Yes, those look right,” you replied with a smile. “Look right? Or you know they’re right?” he asked. “I’m pretty sure. Your jumpsuits are made a little differently than suit pants and their sizes,” you added, giving him a nudge. He rolled his eyes but nodded in understanding.

A waiter came around to take everyone’s orders. “I’ll do a tuna melt with sweet potato fries,” you told the man, a strikingly handsome guy about your age. He gave you a wink before moving on to take the other orders. Sam tapped his hands on the table in front of you enthusiastically. “A tuna girl too! We will be matching!” Danny made a face at Sam’s comment and Jake laughed. “Matching in smell,” Jake dug, Sam kicking him under the table. “Because your cheese steak with roasted cow is going to smell so much better,” Sam shot back, Jake laughing in response.

Everyone continued to fill out their forms as they ate, struggling to remember everything they had left in their rooms. “Did I take my camera in with us last night?” Sam asked Danny, who shrugged in response. “How much do you guys think toothpaste is worth?” Josh asked in regards to the question about how much your belongings were worth. 

“Yeah, I have no idea how much to value my sketchbooks at. The hours of time and creative energy is just… immeasurable,” you added quietly. “Easily worth a million, maybe even two” Danny replied with a smile, obviously trying to up your spirits. You put down a general guess based on your hourly rate and the hours you’d likely put into the designs. “Jake, how much is my iPad worth?” Josh asked and Jake laughed. “The one from like 2018? With the cracked screen? Maybe $20,” Jake replied. “No use getting a new one when the old one works,” Josh replied with a hint of sass.

After the meal, Emily gathered everyone’s sheets up. She caught you on the way out and pulled you aside. “Can you come help me get the items on everyone’s lists? We will compensate you, I promise,” Emily asked, her eyes tired. “Of course. I need to be back to double check everything with costuming though before they go on,” you replied, giving her a squeeze of reassurance. “We will be, don’t worry. I’m going to probably have to do everything in like, two shifts. At least. Because this,” she gestured to the lists in her hands, “is a lot.”

On the walk back to the hotel parking lot, you helped Emily sort through the paperwork. Danny walked alongside both of you, acting as another set of hands as papers were shuffled. Emily went to give a hotel administrator the paperwork outlining what everyone was missing as you climbed onto the wardrobe bus and prepared to make a master list of all the things you’d need to buy.

Everyone needed at the venue headed to sound check on the other bus while you, Emily and Ava prepared for the supply run. Ava had volunteered to help, ensuring that Olivia could take care of the social media side of things for the afternoon. 

“Okay, so for toothpaste, most people didn’t put a brand or flavor,” Ava said as she read the lists scattered across your workspace. “Well, they’re going to get what they get and not pitch a fit,” Emily replied, rubbing her temples. “Sounds good to me,” Ava said with a nod as she added ‘toothpaste- qty 15’ to the list. Going over everyone’s lists and figuring out how many articles of clothing and of what size was proving to be more difficult.

About an hour later, the three of you loaded into a van and headed to the local Walmart, giant list in-hand. You all worked well together and were able to get the toiletries sorted out within another half-hour, using tote bins and a sharpie to separate the supplies by person. Emily also consulted the rider list from the venues and texts to ensure the right products were being purchased.

Emily sat on a bench in the pharmacy area, stretching her back. “Onto clothes?” she asked, you and Ava nodding. “Do you think it’d be easiest if we each took five people?” Ava suggested and Emily nodded in agreement. “I do not want to do the boys,” Ava added, putting her hands up in defense, Emily agreeing. “I don’t mind doing them,” you replied with a chuckle. “They may not get exactly what they want, but hey, I’m pretty sure I can ensure comfort and fit.”

The three of you split up, Danny, Sam, Jake, Josh and your own totes laid out in your cart. Choosing clothes for yourself was easy, the other four a little harder. You decided to mess with Sam, his personality making it easy, as you picked out more colorful clothes. For Danny, you stuck with mostly tee shirts, grabbing a few pairs of jeans and casual pants. You stayed on track with Jake’s style, picking casual button ups and lighter pairs of pants. For Josh, you grabbed a pack of his signature white, long-sleeved tee shirts and a couple other staples.

Everyone reconvened at the checkout, equally surprised that the entire trip only took three hours. The checkout process took nearly another hour, but you were walking into the venue right at 6:00 pm, having made perfect time.

When you rounded the corner backstage, Sam was the first one you saw. You were surprised that he seemed to be the first one ready, sitting outside the dressing rooms in his suit as he ate a piece of pizza. The gold accents on the right side of his suit were a striking contrast to the pearls aligning the left side of the dark purple suit jacket. 

“If you get sauce on that, I will kill you,” you threatened as you walked over to him. He gestured to the stack of napkins in his lap and the plate he was holding directly under his chin. “I’m being careful!” he mumbled, his mouth full. You rolled your eyes and pointed towards the other rooms. “What’s the status?” you asked and waited for him to swallow. “Jake and Danny are good, Josh is having a zipper issue,” Sam answered, gesturing towards the furthest dressing room. “Shit, okay,” you said as you headed to find Josh.

You knocked gently on the door and heard Josh shout his approval as you entered. Josh had the jumpsuit partially on and was working with the zipper on the front of the jumpsuit. “I can’t get it to unzip,” he grunted, gesturing to the zipper. He released it and the jumpsuit fell loosely around his hips, the front dipping dangerously low. 

“Josh, are you wearing compression shorts?” you asked and his face paled. “I just wanted to make sure it fit before I got fully dressed,” he started, and you took a deep breath. “Okay, do you have a pencil?” you asked and he nodded, gesturing to the sketchbook and pouch of writing utensils he had on the coffee table. You rummaged through the pouch and found a sketch pencil. You held it out to him. “Okay, rub the lead on the zipper and then try to zip it up,” you instructed. He gave you a questioning look, “do what?” You gestured to the zipper and tried to explain again. “Here, you can do it, I’ll just push the fabric outwards,” he said, slipping his hand between his pelvis and the jumpsuit.

You swallowed before bending down to grab the zipper and start to rub the pencil tip along the metal. Josh was breathing slowly and deeply as he watched you work. “So, uh, what is that supposed to do,” he asked. “Graphite is a natural lubricant for metals, so it will hopefully help the slider over the chain,” you answered. He took a deep breath but kept his lower body completely still. You pulled the zipper upwards before trying to unzip the jumpsuit a bit more. Sure enough, your trick worked, and it unzipped easily.

“Oh, shit,” you heard come from the direction of the hall and you spun around to see Danny standing in the doorway, his eyes wide. You quickly stood up, turning to face Danny as you held up the pencil you had in your hand still. “Stuck zipper,” you offered, Danny’s eyes darting from you to Josh and back again. Jake walked in past Danny, clearly unaware of the position you’d just been in. 

“How do I look,” Jake said, doing a spin for you. You heard Josh shuffle into the bathroom and close the door, and you turned to focus on Jake. His suit was slightly more plain for this show, a deep purple base with golden accents on both the jacket and the pants. “Looks great! How do the shoes feel?” you asked, trying to change the subject. “Good!” Jake replied as he moved to take a seat on the couch in the middle of the room.

You turned to Danny and held the pencil out to show him. “The graphite acts as a lubricant for the metal mechanisms on the zipper,” you explained, and he nodded. “Lubricant?” Sam asked as he walked into the room, rattling the ice in his drink as he walked. “Yeah, Josh’s zipper was stuck,” Danny clarified as he moved to sit down next to Jake, pulling a pair of drumsticks and tape out of his back pockets.

Josh emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, fully dressed. “That was uh, a great trick,” Josh said to you, gesturing towards the pencil, which you’d placed on the table next to his sketchbook. “Yeah, you work in fashion for so long and you learn all kinds of weird things,” you replied with a chuckle, hoping the exchange was less awkward than you felt it was.

“Well, what do we think?” Josh asked as he posed for the group. The shape of the jumpsuit was fairly plain, but it was covered in iridescent tiles which shone purple, the color of the night, in the light. “Looks great,” Danny said with a tight smile. He looked great in his own outfit- deep purple pants with rhinestones along the sides and a black, sheer top with strategically placed embroidered flowers. “I think you all look really great in purple,” you added, all of them smiling in response. Emily stuck her head through the door. “Let’s go,” she said, gesturing for everyone to follow her.

You waved the group off as they headed towards the stage, Sam already barefoot. You looked around for his shoes, but realized it wasn’t worth it. “They’ll show up,” you whispered to yourself as you turned and headed in search of the pizza you’d seen Sam eating.

After walking back and forth along the entirety of backstage, you realized there was likely no pizza left. You texted Ava, whose number you had gotten during the shopping trip.

You: Did you see pizza anywhere?

Ava: Dave said it’s all gone. Want to go hit up one of the concession stands?

You: Yeah! Do you not have to film?

Ava: Nah, Tim the sound guy is covering for me. I’ll meet you by the bus exit?

You: Perfect!

You waited for Ava, who showed up within a few minutes. “I should’ve figured you’d already be back here,” she said with a smile. “What does that mean?” you asked with a laugh as you both headed in the direction of the main part of the venue. “You’re always back here, working on stuff! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you out on the floor,” she clarified. 

“Yeah, no, too many people. It’s nice and quiet back here- I’m able to get some work done which is good,” you replied. “Well, in Georgia you need to come out with me, see them in action. It’s a surreal experience,” Ava countered. You agreed to try it, knowing you’d probably come up with an excuse when it came time to deliver.

Ava ordered chicken fingers and fries and you got a baked potato from the first vendor you saw. You topped your baked potato with sour cream and cheese before heading back towards the backstage area. 

“I can’t believe you have to remake an entire part of a suit,” Ava said, shaking her head as you chatted on your way back. “It’s a bummer for sure. The beading was almost complete too. I can probably finish it tonight though, on the drive to Atlanta,” you replied, contemplating the amount of work you’d need to complete. 

“It’s only gonna be like, four hours. If that,” Ava added, balancing her food as she dunked a fry in ketchup. “I think I’ll simplify my original design, and it should be doable. I know we have the day off tomorrow, but I won’t be able to relax until it is done,” you continued, mentally piecing together the design as you walked. 

A worker from the venue recognized both of you and let you both backstage. “I think we are going to the zoo tomorrow too, I don’t think you’d want to miss that,” Ava added as she scooted past the worker, nodding her thanks as she slid past. “I definitely do not,” you said decidedly, knowing that Sam at the zoo would certainly be a sight to see.

Once you and Ava made your way backstage, you both sat and worked for a bit as you finished your dinners. Ava was editing a TikTok video she had been working on while also editing a marketing plan for new merch. You had begun redoing the sketches you could remember from the sketchbook you had been forced to leave behind at the hotel. 

“It’s crazy how different our jobs are,” you mused as you sat back in your seat, watching Ava as she hunched over her laptop. She paused and stretched, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath. “You got that right. Incredibly different, but essential.” You nodded in agreement before returning to the sketch you were working on. Ava leaned over to examine your work and you turned the book so she could see. “I know who that’s for,” she said with a smile.

You looked down at the design you’d been working on. It was clearly a costume for Josh, the outline of a jumpsuit giving it away. You’d been sketching the outline of his face, something you had recently started to do more often. You looked up when you heard the tell-tale commotion signaling the end of the show as the group headed back to their dressing rooms.

Sam was the first one you saw, jacket in hand and pants already unbuttoned. He was still barefoot, and you grimaced. “What?” he asked, noticing your face. “Your feet!” you replied, pointing. He lifted his foot to show you the bottom, which was completely black. “Disgusting,” you stated, rolling your eyes as Sam cackled at your reaction before disappearing into his dressing room.

Jake and Danny were next, completely engulfed in a conversation but pausing to give you and Ava a smile before heading to shower. Josh brought up the rear, Emily at his side. “She passed out,” Josh said, helping Emily into a chair. “I did not!” she protested, Josh lifting his brows in response. 

An EMT rounded the corner and Josh waved him over. It was quite a sight- Josh gesturing and explaining things to the medical worker in his fantastical jumpsuit, iridescent panels shining in the bright light.

 “And she’s… Em, how far along are you? In the pregnancy?” Josh asked, placing a protective hand on Emily’s shoulder as the EMT worked to get a blood pressure reading. “I… um… I think I’m about 12 weeks, but I’m not sure” Emily answered, her face pale. “Your blood pressure is pretty low. I’d like to take you in, just to get you and the baby checked out,” the EMT responded, and Emily waved him off. “We need to be on our way to Atlanta, I’m sure I’m just tired,” Emily responded, removing the blood pressure cuff.

Ava set her computer down on the table and went to sit next to Emily. “I’ll go with you Em. It probably won’t take much time and then we can head to Atlanta together,” Ava said quietly, giving Emily a reassuring smile. Emily looked up at Josh, who was standing with his hands on his hips. 

“I agree. And technically I’m your boss, so I feel like I have some pull in this situation,” Josh replied, giving her a soft smile that ensured he was serious, but it was because he cared. Emily nodded, but reached for her clipboard, calling out for Jack. He appeared and sat next to Emily as she handed over her clipboard, explaining all the details about the hotel and reservations for Atlanta.

The EMT finally convinced Emily to give it up when his partner showed up with a gurney. “I will not be getting on that,” Emily contested as she pointed to the apparatus. “It’s procedure,” the new EMT said with a smile that said he truly hoped Emily would go willingly. Josh offered Emily his hand and she took it before standing, shimmying onto the stretcher. Josh gave her a quick hug and you gave her a wave before the EMT’s took her down the hall, Ava trailing behind.

Josh turned to face you. He had unzipped his jumpsuit slightly and his hair was sweaty and clinging to his forehead. “You think she will be okay?” Josh asked, concern bubbling in his voice. “I’m sure she will be fine,” you ensured, giving him a small smile. Josh nodded and looked in the direction Emily had gone. “I guess I’ll go shower then,” he replied, and you nodded. You watched him go, his way of moving utterly effortless.  

What a day.

taglist: @eyelinerjake @radmads-gvf @gretavansara @everyglowinthetwilightknows @joshs-jonch

[space-mermaid-writing]

The witchling and the god [Loki x Witch!Reader] Chapter 23

Summary: The Avengers were looking for someone to help Loki fit in with the team. To become socially acceptable, so to speak. He had been given the choice of sitting in a cell in Asgard or serving some sort of community service probation on Midgard. The Avengers and Shield both felt that as long as Loki was on Earth, he should be under supervision. This is now your job. Why? Because you’re a witch. You’re not sure why this qualifies you, but here you are, giving it a shot. What could possibly go wrong?

Tags: Witch!Reader, Magic, Witches, slow burn, everybody lives in the tower, character development, Loki‘s redemption, Stephen Strange is a friend, Loki and Stephen are frenemies, Tony Stark is a good bro, kids love Loki, Tony has stupid nicknames for everybody, eventual smut

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Read it on AO3 | Previous | Next

Chapter’s Note: You guys deserve some fluff after all that angst. Beta by @zaria-04

Chapter 23: Healer Josiah

When you wake up, you feel like you've never been in a more comfortable bed. The mattress is like a cloud, the blanket is the perfect weight, and there is a source of warmth next to you. You turn your head and see Loki sitting, leaning with his back against the headboard of the bed and in his hand a book he is reading. Sensing the motion, he looks at you.

"Ah, you're awake," he notes, flipping his book closed.

Muttering softly, you reach for his hand. Loki smirks. "You'll have to be a little more eloquent for me to understand you."

"Everything hurts," you complain a little louder. You've used too much magic in such short time, and this is the price you pay. The kind of magic you used on your brother draws energy from the user's body. It feels like sore muscles or a hangover. You feel like someone ran over you with these machines they use to resurface ice at rinks. You’re glad you’re alive, but still, you don't feel the like getting out of bed today.

Sympathetically, Loki brushes a few strands of hair out of your face. "Get some more rest. You deserve it."

Nodding, you snuggle back into your pillow. "How long was I asleep?" you ask, though.

"We arrived here yesterday at noon. Now it's almost night."

Horrified, you tear your eyes open. "Oh shit! I have to call Tony and let him know. And check on Gabe..."

Despite your aching muscles, you sit up to look for your bag but Loki gently holds you back.

"Relax. I talked to Stark on the phone and explained what happened. You're to report to him later, when you're rested. Your brother is alive. Your sister is with him." His words reassure you and you let yourself be drawn back to him. You're touched that he's thought of everything.

"Thank you," you murmur.

He presses a kiss to your forehead. "Sleep. I'll get you something to eat."

~~

The next time you wake, you feel better. Loki is nowhere to be seen this time, but next to your bed is a tray of something that looks suspiciously like huevos rancheros. You take a good bite, feeling like you're on the verge of starvation. Unfortunately, the food is not quite warm anymore, but you are fine with it. You are glad to be able to fill your stomach and when you have emptied your plate, you are still not completely full. But before you go to the kitchen to get a second helping, you reach for your bag, which someone - probably Loki - has left next to the bed.

You pull out your phone and dial Tony's number. You remember that he went all out of his way and offered you his help before you left in a hurry. That's more than a normal employer would do. No, Tony is a friend. He doesn't pay you anymore, you don't work for him anymore. It had not been a matter that had directly affected Loki. And yet he would have jumped right into action. He is a good man.

He proves that right away with the words he uses to greet you. "Hey, Sabrina, are you alright? Do you need backup?"

It makes you smile. "I'm fine, sorry for the trouble. It's complicated..." You hesitate, thinking how much you should tell. Not because you don't trust him, but because you're unsure how much you want him to hear. But then you decide to stick to the factual truth. At least as factual as you can stay under the circumstances. "My brother... they tried to kill him, but we were able to safe him... at least I hope so. I need some time to sort things out. We'll be back in a few days."

Tony doesn't answer right away, and you think it's because he needs time to process the information you've given him. But then you hear a repulsor blast and Jarvis' voice in the background.

"Are you guys in a fight?"

"Huh? Yeah, don't worry about it, there's just a mechanical hydra bot loose in the city," Tony mentions as if it doesn't matter at all. "We have it under control." There is an explosion somewhere in the distance. "Who tried to kill your brother?"

"Witch hunters.” You need a moment to focus on the conversation. “Do you guys need help? I can send Loki to you."

"Totally under control."

"Shields are at fifty-six percent," Jarvis interjects.

"I've had worse," Tony reassures either you or himself, you are not sure. "Cap, time for your frisbee extreme move. I gotta go, Sabrina. Call Jarvis if you need anything."

"Sure, be safe," you say, but he's already hung up. You stare at your phone, torn about whether to create a teleportation circle there and now and jump over to help. However, you're still banged up and wouldn't be much help. Besides, they're the Avengers. They can do it.

You decide to see where your sister is instead.

Conveniently, you find her in the kitchen. It is quite large and more modern than you would expect. There are several stoves and two cooks working there. You've encountered close to a dozen people on the way from your room to here, and you can imagine that the house is home to many more. They all need to be fed, of course.

A smaller dining area is set up in the back of the kitchen, where your sister is sitting at the table. You catch her glance and wave at her, but turn to the cooks first to ask for seconds before joining her with your plate full.

Elizabeth pulls you into her arms. Being close to her does you good and calms your nerves. She is your family and whatever else comes your way, you will face it together. You siblings stick together.

You sit down across from her, but continue to hold her hand. "How's Gabe?" That's the first thing you want to know. The most important question.

"Stable, but still unconscious."

Well, it’s something. It could be worse. "And how do you feel?" You ask her. She still looks pale and taken, but has apparently been awake for a while. "Holy moly, you walked into a burning house. That was so badass."

Elizabeth smiles wanly. "I know right? I got this tattoo for diving in coral reefs, but I'm glad it lets me breathe in every environment."

"What about the vacuum of space?" you ask, finally letting go of her hand to attend to your second breakfast.

"If I'm in space, I'd have various more serious problems at hand than breathing."

"I guess you're right." It's good to talk about this nonsense. A piece of normality that distracts you from worrying about your brother. From all the other worries that automatically come along with it. You don't want to think about how present the threat of witch hunters still is after all these decades.

Your sister, meanwhile, has something else on her mind and she hesitates with her next question. "What exactly did you do? I mean that spell. That was hella scary. Does it have any... consequences for Gabe?"

You can hear that this topic seems to be on her mind a lot. You can't blame her. You look at your food and then at her.

"It was a strong healing spell combined with soul binding." That the arms of the damned appeared probably means his soul was already leaving. You swallow hard as you realize how narrowly your brother escaped death. "Honestly, I'm not sure what it means for Gabe when he wakes up. If he wakes up." You sigh heavily and hang your head. "I may have cursed him. I know we have rules. Mama was always strict about that… but I couldn't lose him, Bell." Your eyes get wet, but you swallow your tears, aware that you are not alone in the kitchen. "I'm sick of losing siblings. We are the only ones left."

Elizabeth purses her lips. Her face is not totally disapproving, but she's not happy either. "The only thing certain in life is death. We all have to die one day," she reminds you what you mother taught you.

"I know. But Gave didn't deserve this. Not like that." All your frustration is in the words, and they're louder than intended. The two cooks' heads turn toward you, but you pay them no mind.

"How do we know what any of us deserve?" Your sister shakes her head and she lowers her voice a little. "We should not play god."

"I’ve met gods and they don't seem so different from us." You're frustrated. You don't actually want to argue with your sister. Not now. Not here. But you realize you may have crossed a dangerous line. There are dangerous kinds of magic. It’s one thing to have theoretical knowledge of it, but another to actually use it. You remember the witch cave in Club Enchant and the chill you got when you entered it. Evil magic lied there.

"Then call it fate or the universe. There are things above us, above our understanding," your sister continues.

It's a discussion of principle, but you don't have the nerve for it right now. Not after what the two of you have been through the last few days. You push your plate away from you. You've lost your appetite.

"Are you angry with me?" you ask her, "Because of what I did?"

Elizabeth looks at you in silence for a long time, and you suddenly see her age. You see her concern for you, for Gabriel, and you see the pain for everyone you've already lost.

"I'm not angry that you tried to save Gabe. I'm just not happy about how you did it. But I know it was a unique and very stressful situation. I just wish it didn't have to come to this."

"Me too," you whisper.

Your sister reaches for your hand and squeezes it.

There is a brief pause, during which you are both preoccupied with your own thoughts.

"How are things with Loki?" she asks you then, and you're glad for the change of subject.

"Good." You smile faintly. "He's doing a great job with the Avengers."

Your sister pushes your plate back toward you and you roll your eyes. Definitely the mom type of sister. "I saw the news about the hurricane clean up," she tells you, ignoring your silent protest.

"Yeah, I was kinda worried because of..." You suddenly remember something you'd forgotten under all the stress. "Oh shit! I didn't tell you about the cards, did I?"

Elizabeth frowned. "No, what cards?"

You hurry to tell her about your tarot cards.

"And I was afraid something bad would happen, even if it wasn't a dangerous mission. You know, no alien fighting. But if I'd known it would be about Gabe..." You would have been saved a lot of trouble. You realize the full extent of it. After Loki and the Avengers returned and your sister called, you had been so worried that you hadn't even thought about the obvious. "I should have told you. Both of you. Maybe he wouldn't be- "

"Hey, stop," your sister gently interrupts you. "You couldn't have known that. The cards are vague. Even though this does sound quite unusual. But there's no point in blaming you. It's the hunters fault."

Taking a deep breath, you nod. "You're right." You say it more to reassure Elizabeth than being convinced yourself. "Next time I'll tell you regardless. I tried to ask Mama about it, but I haven't heard from her since the convergence."

"Me neither. You know how she is."

Unpredictable, unreliable, uninvested. You feel anger boiling up inside you, often a companion emotion when you think of your mother. But now is not the time, and you swallow it down. You're too upset to stir up old stories.

"Good morning, ladies." You look up as Loki walks through the door. When you see him, you instantly have a smile on your lips and feel better. Funny how feelings can change. When you think back to when you had taken the job from Tony and met the Asgardian for the first time.

"Am I interrupting important sister bonding time?"

"Not at all. Please take a seat," your sister invites him.

Loki sits down with you and after a quick glance at your plate, he conjures up an exact copy of your meal. An offended 'Tsk' comes from one of the cooks, which Loki ignores.

"I haven't had a chance to thank you yet for helping Gabriel. I really appreciate what you did for us." Elizabeth's words draw Loki's attention to your sister and he nods.

"Of course. I have a brother of my own," he offers as an explanation.

"Thor, right? Are you two close?"

The Asgardian hesitates with his answer. His eyes briefly wander to you, but you have leaned back and are silently listening to the conversation. "It's complicated. But I do love him and would do anything to keep him alive."

Elizabeth nods in understanding. "Family is important," she trails off, looking at you.

And that's true. You realize how close you are to your siblings. Both Elizabeth and Gabriel. Even if you live in different countries or even continents and don't see each other often, you have a special bond. You know you can rely on them should the need arise. The recent incident has made that clear once again. You can visit them any time to share happy feelings and memories.

It's a special kind of love. Absolute and unconditional. It doesn't matter if you talk, cry or fight with your siblings. You can't imagine a scenario where you don't love them.

You share a long look with Elizabeth and are sure that she feels the same.

Your gaze wanders to Loki. It's different with him. You realize that you have deep feelings for him, too, for quite a while. And day by day it seems to become more and more. You don't dare to call it love yet. The circumstances are difficult. He is a god and you're just a simple witch. You are not sure if your time together is limited and that holds a part of you back. A part that is still unsure after everything you've been through together.

"How long are you planning on staying on Earth?" Elizabeth asks, addressing the Asgardian, pulling you out of your thoughts. "Do you visit home often?"

Oh, right. You haven't told her why Loki is staying at the compound.

"No, my father banished me because of what I did in New York." Loki's expression turns stony, as he struggles to keep his voice neutral. You put your hand on his leg to show your support and he sighs softly. "I'll stay here until he pardons me."

"And when he does? What are your plans?" Elizabeth presses further and looks at both of you. It's clear she means your relationship.

You frown at that. Normally, she has more tact to drop an uncomfortable subject, so you don't understand why she insists now. "We haven't talked about it yet," you reply in Loki's place, but turn your head toward him, because you're basically asking yourself the same questions.

Loki thinks about his brother's words on the Quinjet when they flew to the Appalachians. "I'd love to show you Asgard one day," he admits after a brief pause. "If you want to accompany me. My mother invited you to tea anyway."

"I can't say no to the queen," you smile softly, for it is like the beginning of a promise. And you certainly can't say no to the prince.

Loki presses a kiss onto your knuckles.

Elizabeth seems satisfied with the answer, as she watches you with a soft smile.

"What's your plan now? With your brother?" the Asgardian then asks, directing your thoughts to more pressing matters.

This is indeed something you and your sister need to discuss. It's clear that Loki and you need to return to New York soon. Gabriel is in good hands here and as long as he is not at least conscious, there is little you can do. Elizabeth is also already missed by her husband, but since he is absent often enough himself, she doesn't feel too bad about it.

Elizabeth and you decide to take turns checking on your brother and discussing everything else once Gabriel is awake. Whenever that may be.

You really hope he will recover. The effects of the spell are still unpredictable.

After your meal you go to see Gabriel. His room is on the first floor. It is simply furnished, visibly serving the purpose of accommodating patients. Through the window you have a nice view of greenery.

Gabriel's breaths are regular, it would seem like he’s simply asleep. But otherwise he looks bad. His skin is burned almost all over his body. A magical film lies over him, like a dimly glowing, delicate spider web.

You step only slowly closer and sigh as you still see the burned cross on his forehead. You had already noticed it when Elizabeth and you had given first aid, but now you realize once again the actions of the witch hunters. You clench your hands into fists and swallow a few angry tears. While you've never been the type for revenge, at this moment you're certain: if you ever encountered a witch hunter, you won’t hesitate to collect the debt.

"He needs time, but he'll survive," you suddenly hear a voice from the door, and as you turn, you see Josiah enter.

He is a small man, his best years already behind him. His hair is thinned out and he wears thick horn-rimmed glasses on his nose. You've met him a few times already and his style of dress never seems to have gone beyond the 60s or 70s. Although you're not sure if it's really old fashioned or if it's just his charm that contributes to it.

But he's one of the best healers you know.

Josiah steps up to Gabriel's bedside and moves his fingers over the film. The web lights up as he weaves more threads into it.

You sit down on a chair on the other side of the bed so you're not in his way, and watch him.

"Do you need anything?" he asks you without looking up from his work.

You shake your head. "I'm fine. Thank you for your help."

"Always."

_______________

Loki: makes a copy of your food The cook: "You come into my house and dare to disrespect me?!"

Y'all were worried about Gabe after the last chapters and I'm kinda happy about it, since he's "just" an OC and a side character. Thank the gods, Gabriel is not dead. One (1) person will die in this story, but it won’t be our precious ginger boy.

Tag List: @lokisgoodgirl @lokixryss @itsybitchylittlewitchy @yokshi-unbeliebubble @fictional-hooman @elennair @all-envy-suyu @purplekitten30 @elisadmaggiore @nothing2113 @baebeepeach @ceo-of-stfu @moonlightreader649 @ronipiamka @fluffybunnyu @ninjarose23 @ozymdias @huntress-artemiss @thedistractedagglomeration @rosaline-black @sofi786 @moonlightreader649 @paetonnn @eldriidd @r4inlov3r @eleniblue @eleniblue @maeisonline @marvel-love24 @sinsandguilt @kalinaselennespeaks @ohtellmelove @eleniblue @msrawog @hyojin-2579 @just-someone11 @marygoddessofmischief @fall-myriad @melavoris

[alienssstufff]

Talking about Juanaflippa the silly huevo... oh man.

Anyways so i really wanted to ask ya about this

What are your thoughts on Tubbo and Fred and them being penpals?:0

Motherfuckers literally got me obsessed with flower language agdhsgshshx

[forgive i have very little information abt them ><]

them being penpals is cute! their friendship is nice!

the prospect of q!Tubbo still trying to push the slash /r narrative onto Fred makes me nervous tho if that and the thing about him still learning emotions and the lack for romance is true

Wondering if any of this ties in with WalterBob and the other unique Federation workers the islanders have talked to ;[]c... He's cool and making friends I don't want him to meet the same fate :[

[whiskeyswriting]

How They Met: Hangman x Cinco

It started as a dare. Some would even say it was a joke. And that’s how she felt at times: like a joke.

Working out at the base gym was never Cinco’s favorite thing. However, the severe thunderstorm impeded her to drive to her local gym. 

Cin left her phone on the treadmill to mark it as reserved while she went to the lockers to put her clothes and towel away. 

When she returns, she finds that her phone is missing from the treadmill. Instead a tall, muscled, blonde man was running. Upon seeing his face, she scoffed and rolled her eyes. 

Jake “Hangman” Seresin. The hot pilot with a reputation. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt for today. 

After searching for five minutes, she still can’t find her phone. She’d just have to workout to the music blasting from the speakers before looking again.

She’s running on the treadmill a space away from Jake. After some ten minutes of running and ignoring them, Cin could no longer pretend to not hear the snickering from the others in the gym. She stops the treadmill and turns to Jake.

“Where did you hide my phone?”

Instead of stopping the machine, Jake just keeps running as he turns to look at her. He takes his time running his eyes up and down her curves. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Cut the shit Seresin,” she says. “I left my phone on that treadmill before I went to the locker.”

He smiles and winks at her. “Well m’dear… You clearly need new glasses cuz they’re not working… And I’m glad you know who I am.”

Cin takes a deep breath. ‘Assault is still illegal even if you have cause.’ As she makes her way to the weights, the snickering and laughing of others follow her. 

“She looks like a penguin waddling… Short and fat,” one of the aviators said. 

Cin was used to the comments by now. She knew she was curvier than most of the other females on base. Her 5’ stature didn’t help. Hence her call sign is an homage to her height and her Hispanic roots.

She turns quickly and stands face to face with the aviator sitting on the bench that was taunting her. “Dímelo en mi cara… No tienes lo huevos para decirlo ahora, verdad? No sabes con quien te pusiste a joder. Ya verás.”

“Puta!” The aviator stands as Cin started walking away and starts to pull her back by her arm. Next thing he knows, he’s flipping through the air and laying on his back.

“You’re the one that stole my phone then,” Cin says taking her phone, that fell from his pocket. “Report to the Admiral’s office once you’re done here. Your superiors will know about the little stunt you just pulled.”

At the other side of the weights section, Jake was standing with his arms crossed staring at Cin and smirking. When she’s close enough to hear him, he says “So… I guess I wasn’t the one with your phone…”

“Bite me Seresin,” she replies.

“Just tell me when and where.” He observes her get back on the treadmill so he decides to do his weighted pull ups at the station right in front of hers.

Cin would be blind and a liar if she didn’t find his body a work of art. As she feels him staring at her, she sees him increasing the speed of his pull ups. So she decides to increase the speed of the treadmill.

Jake drops the weights and finishes his workout when he sees Cin finishing her run. 

After making sure nobody else was around, he follows her to the lockers and snakes an arm around her from behind. “Let me give you my number so we can… workout together some more,” he whispers in her ear, his lips gently tracing the lobe of her ear.

Once he leaves, Cin is a panting mess. She curses under her breath as she goes to the shower to relieve herself before heading home for the weekend.

- - - -

Chaos Squad: @cycbaby @callsign-dragonbaron @callsignscupcake @mtnofgrace @bayisdying @askmarinaandothers @persephonesportal @biehnybaby @mischief-siriusly-managed @breadsquash @callsignthirsty @likelyrowdy

🏷 List: @luckyladycreator2 @dxmerons @callmemana @ahopelessromanticwritersworld

[codecicle]

SLIME IN THE DRESSES IM HITTING MY HEAD AGAINST THE WALL. BANGING ROCKS TOGETHER LIKE A CAVEMAN. His casolonas (so sorry if i butchered that i am delirious rn) outfit the playboy bunny fucked SO hard he literally served so much cunt and i miss him where did he go. My cringefail beloved little streamer. AND GEGG. GEGG SYMBOLISM. Slime was always torn between if people loved Gegg or hated him, but I think the islanders loved him regardless. (People asking if he needed armor constantly, giving him food, asking if anyone was on to look after him tec) He may have been weird. Goopy. Squishy. And horribly smelly. But he was still an egg AAAAWGAAARA (you can hear me screaming if you listen closely).

Y'all... Y'ALL CODEFLIPPA being so incredibly fucking delusional but I think the code wants to be loved, or the one who is Juanaflippa wants to. The code (IN MY HEADCANON IDK ABOUT OTHERS!!!!)-is a failed egg experiment from the federation and yearn for its original purpose (to be taken care of and to be loved by others) and since everyone hates the codes (obviously) the only way some figure it out to serve it's intended purpose is to take the form of the eggs. Whether they're dead or alive.

live max reaction ^^

YES YES YES OH MY FUCKING GOD DUDE YOURE SO BASED FOR THAT E X A C T L Y!!! HE FUCKED SO HARD HE WAS SERVING WHERE DID HE GO I WANT HIM BACK CHARLIE BETTER PUT THAT CHARACTER INTO A SITUATION SOON OR SO HELP ME GOD I WILL PICK UP A PENCIL, PEN, AND PAPER AND MAKE IT HAPPEN MYSELF

AND GEGG!!!! AS WEIRD AS HE WAS GEGG WAS STILL AN EGG!! THEY LOVED HIM BECAUSE HE WAS AN EGG AND THEY CARED FOR HIM EVEN WHEN GEGG DIDNT THINK THEY DID I AM GOING TO START SCREAMING WITH YOU

ALSO THE CODEFLIPPA THING!!!!! YOU FUCKIN GET ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im going to be really mentally ill about them one second:

with all of the code eggs we've seen so far, only two of them have been passive while the rest of them have existed only to attack and kill people. the code versions of tallulah, chyanne, trumpet, and tilin all immediately started attacking with no remorse or mercy for anyone involved. they didn't even respond to their own names being called. bobby was a weird exception to this where he was calm and just existed with jaiden and roier for a while until people started to attack him, which is when he ran off and disappeared, EXACTLY LIKE MY FAVORITE LITTLE HUEVO CODEFLIPPA!!

I think while the federation wants to use her as leverage to get charlie to do what they want (kinda shown through all of the birthday gifts being weapons or things to help with stealth) codeflippa doesn't exactly WANT to hurt people. she just wants to be loved. the federation raise eggs in the labs and we know this now after the elq finale stream, so what if the codes are all of the failed eggs that didn't make it through? like the malicious codes are codes they made through other means like normal genetic mutation because they are just. like that. but what if the code eggs are eggs that failed the tests like the parkour that they used for other purposes? they still wanna be eggs they still want to be kids their original purpose was to be a kid and even when the federation sends them on missions like they do with the malicious codes they can't help but get attached and start acting like the huevos the used to be.

i think codeflippa and codebobby could be the malfunctioning or failed codes instead of the normal ones like all the other huevos!! maybe they just wanna find love and a family man is that too much to ask for </3 <- huffing copium. just downing copium by the gallon

[peachyxboy]

A Love so Sweet, it Hurts 🥀 - Stay Ready (What a Life)

Casa Tranquila - Albuquerque, New Mexico

It pained Lalo to see his uncle in such place. A Salamanca stuck in a place for old timers abandoned by their children while their dementia, or whatever ailed them, slowly rotted their brains. He wasn't sure how or why, but he knew the Chilean was involved. Somehow, someway he caused his uncle to be like this. He approached his new wheelchair-bound uncle and felt pity for him, but didn't let it show. Paralyzed or not, this was still Don Hector, patriarch of the Salamanca family, and the right hand of the Juárez Cartel. 

"Hola, Tio Hector. Soy Lalo (Hello, uncle Hector. It's Lalo)," He smiled a little, crouching down a little to meet his uncle's line of sight, "Te acuerdas de mí, ¿no? (You remember me, don't you)?"

He looked over and saw the slight movement of his uncle's index finger, as if he was pressing a button, then turned of Nacho: "Uno 'sí' (One is yes)?" 

"Nada es 'no' (Nothing means 'no')."

At least there was some part of his uncle still in there. "Quien no tiene los huevos más grandes de todo michoacán norte sureste y oeste (Who's got the biggest set of balls north, south, east or west of Michoacan)" he grinned and laughed upon seeing his uncle tap 'yes', "Seguir adentro (I knew you were still in there)."

Lalo pulled up a chair and pulled out the box that held the real reason he was here. A...keepsake one could say. He thought about that night from here and there. It was one of the first times his Tio brought him along for business, and it was a night he would never forget. The way the owner begged and pleaded for his Tio to stop, which he did, only for his Tio Hector to hand the pliers over to him. He even gave him his first cigarette that he tossed into the trail of kerosene that lead back to the hotel. It was nice, the fire was comforting, as if he was camping and roasting marshmallows. His Tio let him stay and watch while he went back to the car-and in his dumb teenage mind-he wanted, no needed, something to remember it by. So, he ran inside, feeling like he was in an oven as the first thing he saw was the bell. Stupidly, he grabbed it with his bare hands and burned his fingertips, before taking off his jacket and using it to scoop the bell up and ran back before he was trapped inside. His heart was beating so fast, he thought it was burst out of his chest. When he caught his breath, he looked down at the bell in his hands. There was a little soot and ash, but it was otherwise undamaged. When it cooled down enough and the hotel was nothing but rubble, Lalo stuffed the bell in his coat pocket before walking to the car where his uncle was waiting. 

When he opened the box to show him, he knew his uncle recognized it immediately. It was the perfect gift for his uncle's limited movement, Lalo couldn't be more proud of himself. He was overjoyed as Hector repeatedly rang the bell, getting the attention from a few residents nearby. He finally had someway of communication aside from subtle grunts and tapping against his wheelchair. Lalo paused before looking towards Nacho, "Hey, why don't you go get some Jell-o."

He said nothing and slowly walked off, giving the two some privacy. "T��o, hablemos del chileno (Uncle, lets talk about the Chilean)."

Nacho watched from afar at first, but he could tell this was gonna be a long conversation, so he opted to wait outside the door. Not long after, Lalo sauntered out, "Same ol' Hector, just wants to kill everybody."

It took everything in Nacho's power not to roll his eyes at him as they walked back to the car. "Back to the restaurant?" he asked as he unlocked the door.

"Not yet, I have a quick errand to run."

Nacho already had a feeling what that meant.

Lovelace Hospital - Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Tala didn't really know what to do after her 'not a date' with Lalo. If she was being honest with herself, it was totally and completely a date no matter how she spun it. And, as much as it pained her to say it, it was one of the best ones she went had in a while. There wasn't any bullshit of trying to fuck after, or allude to getting married and have 8 kids together. Lalo and her just had a good time together and went their separate way after. Though, deep down Tala knew that she didn't want things to end just there. 

It was a rare day for Tala, as today wasn't that busy. She actually was planning on leaving early this afternoon, meaning she was gonna sit on her couch with a bottle of wine and binge-watch the Nip/Tuck marathon. But, first she would have to get through the day which meant: coffee.

The baristas were nice, though most were college students who were kids of doctors or nurses who were most of the time invested in a Friedrich Nietzsche book. She did get along with Julia, a freshman at UMN who was studying engineering, mostly because she got her order right from the start. "Let me guess: a large hazelnut latte with whipped cream?" Julia said as she started on grinding the beans.

"Wrong. I'll take a caramel macchiato with extra caramel."

The barista just laughed and continued with the hazelnut latte. Tala just smiled and leaned against the counter, "How's school?"

"Going," she remarked with a sigh. 

Tala chuckled, "It gets better."

"Does it?"

"Honestly, not really."

They both smiled and laughed a bit. "How's your boyfriend?" Julia couldn't help but ask.

Tala rolled her eyes, "Who else knows about this?"

She shrugged, "About half the hospital, and growing."

"He's not my boyfriend, we're not even dating-"

"She's not, but I am."

Tala nearly jumped out of her skin as she turned to see Lalo standing there. "Doctora," he greeted as he smiled down at her.

"Lalo," a grin found itself on her lips as well, but she tried not to let it show so much. "I thought you were gonna stop stalking me at work if I had dinner with you." 

"Actually, I agreed to not cause a scene anymore. And, I realized I never got your number the other night," he asked, leaning next to her.

"You didn't ask," she said cheekily. 

He chuckled, "I'm asking now."

"I don't have a pen.

Which was a lie. Tala always kept three pens in her pocket; one for when she forgot it at the nurse's station, the other for when she forgot it on someone else's clipboard, and the last one that actually stayed in her pocket. "I do!" Julia said cheerfully and reached over the counter, pen and blank receipt paper in hand. 

Tala sighed, of course she was listening. "Thanks," Lalo smiled at her before taking the pen and paper, scribbling down his number, "Here. You can call me. Speaking of which, you should call me later to night around 7."

"And if I don't?" 

Lalo just looked her in the eyes as he placed the paper in the pocket of her lab coat, right next to her pens. 

"I'll wait."

Somehow, someway Lalo always seemed to know the right words to leave her speechless. He took Tala's hand just like their date before and pressed kiss to her knuckles, lingering just a second too long before pulling away. "I hope you do call tonight. Till next time, Doctora."

He left, leaving Julia and Tala watching in awe of his presence that lingered before following him out the door. Julia was the first to break the silence, "You're gonna call him, right? Like, you have to."

"Julia. The milk." 

The barista looked over at the milk scalding over, "SHIT!"

Dr. Velasco's House

Later that day

Tala got home at 6:00 pm and, after a long bath, she contemplated on actually calling Lalo. She poured herself a glass of wine and stared at the number she left on her coffee table. It was taunting her. It knew she really wanted to call him and invite him over, but she wouldn't do it. She shouldn't. This was stupid. Why should she even bother calling him? He didn't deserve her time or effort, he was a Salamanca. The cartel. Insert bad guy adjective here. 

Then again, Tala thought about their date and how sweet and charming Lalo was. No one's made her smile or laugh like that in a while. Tala sighed and shook her head. Fuck it. She snatched the paper and boldly marched over to her landline, quickly dialing the number: One ring. Two rings. Three rings. Dread began to bubble up in her stomach. What if he didn't answer? Then she'd look like an idiot who fell for-

"Hello?"

Tala froze, words unable to leave her mouth. "Helloooo?"

Just as he was about to hang up, she found herself again. "Lalo."

There was a pause and she could just hear him smirk through the phone, "Doctora. I didn't think you would call." 

"Neither did I," she murmured, tracing her fingertip around the rim of her wineglass, "But I figured I shouldn't leave you waiting too long."

"For you? I don't mind. Any plans tonight?"

"Currently: sitting on my couch all night and watching Nip/tuck, while drinking wine and ordering Chinese food."

"Sounds exciting. I thought after dealing with patients and doctors all day, you'd stay away from hospital shows."

"I guess I like to imagine my life was as exciting and dramatic."

He chuckled a bit, "Would you like some company?"

This time Tala was grinning. She should just say no, it would be dangerous for Lalo to know where she lived. Then again, he already knew where she worked. Would it be that bad for him to know a little more about her? Probably. But, Tala really wanted to see him. "If you can pick up the to-go order on your way."

"Which restaurant?"

Tala never could imagine herself befriending a Salamanca, let alone watching one of her favorite shows with one. Yet here they were, bellies full off of beef chow fun and wine as they watched the doctors slice into their patients. Lalo sat at one edge of the couch while she had her legs outstretched, leaning into his side with his arm around her. Admittedly, the alcohol had taken the edge and initial awkwardness off, and she was actually able to relax. "I'm starting to get why you like this show," he said, unphased by the gory scenes. 

"It had blood and sex, what's not to like?" she teased. 

He chuckled, "So do all doctors sleep with their patients?"

"All the time. A locked exam room door is the equivalent to a 'do not disturb' sign."

She felt comfortable around Lalo in her inebriated state. She didn't think about possibilities out of her control, or how dangerous he could be. They were in their own little world again, the problems and issues of their every day life were unable to get through their little bubble. Tala actually felt like herself with him. 

Lalo gently ran his fingers through her hair, mindlessly tucking a lock behind her ear, when he felt the warmth from her cheeks. He glanced down and just laughed a little, seeing how red her cheeks had gotten. "Never thought you'd be a lightweight."

"I'm not," she defended, looking up at him, "Just a little....toasty."

They laughed, Lalo looked down and traced his fingertips against her cheek down to her jaw. He still couldn't get over how beautiful she was, even like this with her hair amess and wearing sweats after a long day of work. He liked seeing her this way. Tala searched his face for any indication as to what he was thinking and couldn't come up with anything. Just as she was about to speak, he leaned down a pressed a kiss to her forehead. Her already rosy cheeks burned scarlet red as she felt her heart start to stutter. Her stomach did flips and a thin sheen of sweat began to seep from her pores. 

Oh no.

Tala broke away and ran to the bathroom, barely falling to her knees in time to throw up their dinner in the toilet. Lalo hurried after and knelt down next to her, gently rubbing her back. "Sorry, I didn't think my kisses were that toxic," he teased, attempting to make her feel better.

But, she felt even more embarrassed. She reached for a hand towel and wiped her watering eyes and corners of her mouth. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have invited you over."

"Hey, it's alright," he said in a comforting tone, pulling her close against him, "Let's get you to bed, okay?"

Tala just nodded as he helped her up. She brushed her teeth, and Lalo lead her over to her bedroom. She climbed under the covers as he pulled them up to her chin. "I'm sorry things turned out like this," she murmured.

Lalo gave a half-hearted smile, "I wouldn't have it any other way, doctora."

Her heart fluttered a bit as he tucked her in. Just as he was about to leave, Tala reached out and caught his hand. She was unsure at first, but boldly asked:

"Will you stay the night?"