#can’t help it she’s just been on my mind recently (she never left to begin with)

[mipexch]

still thinking about her btw

[aoi1dee]

OLNF Week Day 5: Comfort

@olnfweek2024 a short fic is below....

He just can’t handle it any more. Looking at himself in the mirror hurts. It feels like every time he looks, he finds a new thing to hate about himself. His acne seems to be getting worse as time goes on, his stupid fucking hair wont cooperate, the way he stands is off, his facial structure is uneven, every. single. thing. He hates himself. And no matter how many people can tell him that he’s perfect the way he is, he’ll never believe it. He believes that they’re just lying to make him feel better. 

He pulls at his yellow hoodie and opens the bathroom door to head downstairs once he believes that he is ready. Alex doesn’t want to go to school today but when does he ever. But today feels worse, especially since he woke up this morning hating himself more than usual. Ma had already left for work before he had even finished getting dressed so he couldn’t talk to her about this. Whenever he has days like this, talking to his Ma always helps him feel a little better. But the house was more empty than usual when he made it down with his bag. There was no reason to stay any longer, he walks out of the house and locks the door behind him.

When he turns around, he sees someone he doesn’t see often in the morning. 

Qiu closes the door behind them, they take a quick glance at Alex but looks back towards their house. Are they ignoring him? Alex twists his lips up into a smile and begins to walk towards Qiu, “Hey.” he greets as he holds the straps on his bag, “You heading to school?” Alex doesn’t want to bother Qiu with his issues but trying to act like his usual self is so much harder today, everything is so difficult. 

But knowing Qiu, they read his mind easily, “What’s wrong?” They look at him straight in the eyes.

At this point, it doesn’t shock Alex, “I’m alright, just tired.” He responds, “Do you wanna walk to school together?” They squint their eyes holding the stare just a little longer. Alex begins to sweat a little.

“...Sure.” They finally answer looking towards the road. Without notice, they begin walking off. Alex didn’t even realize it but when he does they’re already a foot away.

“Wait!!” He runs after them and slows down when he makes it to them, “Is something wrong? You don’t have to walk with me if you don’t want to…” He’s really hoping that they want to… he doesn’t know if he can handle it if he forced Qiu to walk with him. What if they wanted to walk by themself?

They stop to look at Alex straight in the eyes again, “Sorry, I do want to walk with you.” Their eyes lead down to his hoodie. He started pulling at the hoodie again, was there something wrong with it? Was there a stain? Did he look weird? Oh god he probably dropped something on his shirt when he was making himself lunch! That's probably why they were staring. But they would’ve said something by now… they don’t usually keep those things to themself. After staring for what felt like forever, they begin walking again, Alex follows.

They finally made it to school. The entire walk was filled with an extremely awkward silence. Usually when they walk together, Alex talks about random things and Qiu listens. But Alex couldn’t find his wording today so he’s glad that that walk to school was over… 

Before Alex could even say goodbye to head to class, Qiu grabs his hand, “Do you want to hang out after school?” What. Did they seriously just ASK Alex THEMSELF if he wanted to hang out with them??? They never do that anymore!! Wait a minute, they should have ballet today too… Why are they asking him when they obviously have stuff to do?

“But don’t you have ballet practice?” 

“Screw ballet.” They spit out, “So do you want to hang out?” Well that was obvious, they haven’t been the biggest fan of it recently. But why do they want to hang out? After such an awkward walk to school?

“Sure!” Alex grins, “I’m sure my Ma wouldn’t mind.” 

“Does she ever?” Qiu grins back and slides their hand out of his hand when they begin walking to class, “See you later.”

“See you!” The further they walk away the more Alex’s frown becomes more apparent. His feet stay in place though. 

He doesn’t want to go to class. But he doesn’t want to skip…. So why isn’t he moving? He needs to go. Class starts in 1 minute. It's going to take longer than a minute to make it to class. He doesn’t want to go but he needs to. It’s too late already. He’s already late. The bell hasn’t rung and he’s already late. Was there even a point of going to class? He won’t be able to focus anyways. But if he doesn’t go to class he’ll get in trouble. Why wasn’t he walking? What's wrong with him? He needs to go. He needs to-

The bell rings. And his world crashes. 

He can’t take it anymore. His vision starts to blur as the bell continues ringing. Everything swirls together. Sweat starts dripping down his face, his breathing got harder as his mind filled with every single possibility. His body feels heavier as he starts taking steps to the restroom he needs to hide. Is he going to pass out? His Ma would be so disappointed in him. He shouldn’t be doing this. His Ma has much more important things to be doing. Everything seems so loud. Everything hurts. His head hurts, His footsteps, his breathing. Every touch feels like a hit. He opens the bathroom stall and everything fades away.

-----

The bell rings once again. Alex rests his head on his knees, his red earmuffs muffling the sounds of the halls as students share about their day. The school day had ended. It went by faster than he thought it would. He didn’t go to class, he probably passed out from stress that's why the day went by. He doesn’t want to leave. The entire world is looking for him right now.

Knock Knock. Alex hugs himself closer as he looks down at the shoes beyond the door. Those are Qiu’s.

“Alex? Are you in there?” They knock again. He doesn’t want to answer, but it’s Qiu. He promised them that they would hang out.  

Alex uncurls himself from the seat and opens the door, “Hi” 

Qiu frowns immediately, “Seriously, what's wrong? Your Ma got a call from the school saying that you were missing from your classes. Tam and I have been searching for you everywhere…” 

Tears fell down Alex’s face after holding back for so long, “I’m sorry… I-” he stops for a second, “I didn’t mean to worry you guys… I’m okay.”

“No you’re not.” Qiu grabs onto his hands the same way they did this morning, “Stop acting like your problems are a burden to everyone. I tell you my problems… you can tell me yours.” They squeeze his hands, “Let's go home okay?”

“...Okay.”

Alex’s Ma drives Qiu, Tam, and him back to their houses. Raindrops strike the window covering the view of the neighborhood complimenting Alex’s day. Really shitty. He sits in the middle between his neighbors. They’re both holding his hands. No one was saying anything, the only thing keeping the 4 of them from complete silence was the music playing from the car radio. They make it back to the cul-de-sac and walk into the Morello household. 

“I’m going to cook something up.” His Ma tells the three of them, smiling slightly, “You guys can go upstairs and hang out for a bit.” Immediately the three of them make their way to Alex’s bedroom. Tamarack pushes the door open and they all drop down onto the bed.

Alex holds his face into his hands and sobs, unable to hold the blank stare he has held the entire ride. Qiu wraps their arm around his shoulder and Tam leans against him. The rain continues to hit the window behind them. 

“Alex… what's going on?” Tam sniffles, “You shouldn’t have to be afraid to tell us anything you know?” Tears start rolling down her cheeks, “We care about you just as much as you care about us…” Qiu leans their head against Alex with tears at the corners of their eyes. 

Alex removes his hands from his face and.. everything spills. Every single thought that went through his mind, all of the terrible things that he has been telling himself, everything. Even stuff that wasn’t bothering him today. Why he didn’t go to classes. 

And they listened. They’ve always listened. 

They comforted him. 

(.... this would’ve been so much more if i didn’t say these were supposed to be short fics. Help me)

[stanathanxoox]

Our Babies

“Our babies would be so cute.”

“Oh, yeah?” - Ominis Gaunt x MC

You had just escaped from the hospital wing, your boyfriend helping to escort you there when you had began to feel incredibly nauseous and dizzy during potions class with Professor Sharp. Matron Blainely had insisted that you spent the rest of the day in the hospital wing until whatever ails you passed, having sent Ominis back to class straight after he was sure you were settled. Matron Blainely had run some tests throughout the afternoon and come to only one conclusion, one that you should’ve probably suspected given your most recent turn in your relationship with your boyfriend. You made your way through the door into the room of requirement, having sent Ominis an owl when you were being released from the hospital wing for him to meet you there. You settled on the couch having noticed that he hadn’t arrived yet. Deek appeared a couple minutes later and bowed in front of you saying

“I have a plate full of plain crackers and some soup at Matron Blainely’s request for you Miss Y/N, she said that given your certain situation at the moment you may not feel like eating what is being served for dinner in the Great hall”. You take it gratefully, and chew slowly on the crackers

“Thank you Deek, I appreciate it greatly. Do you mind giving me and Ominis some space while I tell him?” you ask and Deek nods, taking your hand in his small one before he says

“Mr Gaunt has been worried sick about you all day Miss Y/N, kept on calling me to see if I knew any more about your condition. I’m sure he will be positively thrilled to hear your news”. And with that theres a poof and Deek is gone.

You don’t have time to even think or dwell on what Deek had just said to you because the door cracks open and you hear the worried voice of your boyfriend call out

“Y/N? Are you in here? I got your owl and came as quickly as I could” he says as he rushes into the room. You stand and make your way over to him, suddenly very nervous about the whole situation. You had known right from the beginning of your friendship with Ominis that he didn’t care much for his family or for what they had done and how much he wanted to escape. How much after this last year of school he wanted to leave and never return to his families home ever again. You hadn’t really talked about children apart from that if you had them they weren’t to be anything like his family. But you couldn’t help but worry what would happen given that you were both unmarried and - you couldn’t think of that. Your hands are ringing together, a sign of how anxious and nervous you are, something that even though Ominis can’t see he can still pick up

“My sweet Y/N, what is wrong?” he asks, placing his hands gently on your arms to reassure you

“Our babies would be so cute” you say, blurting the first thing that comes to your mind, another anxious trait you had. He raises an eyebrow even more confused as he asks

“Oh yeah?” and you nod your head before gently taking his hands and placing them on the slight bump that is your growing baby. You watch the different expressions flicker across his face, from shock, astonishment and wonder, to happiness and excitement

“Are you serious right now?” he asks, his voice a whisper and you nod leaning in and whispering

“Yes Ominis, we’re having a baby, Blainely thinks I’m about 12 and a half weeks pregnant” 

“We’re having a baby” he whispers before pressing a kiss to your lips and you smile

“Ominis, what does this mean for us and the baby?” you ask and he places a kiss to your forehead

“We have two months left till graduation my sweet girl, and then we can marry and raise this baby  together” he declares as if it was the surest thing in the whole world.

“Are you sure?” you ask and he nods

“Of course I’m sure my sweet girl, a life without you in it just doesn’t seem worth living and now that I know we’re having our own precious little one well that’s even more reason for us to be together don’t you think sweet girl?” he asks and you nod, as tears slip down your face

“I love you Ominis” you whisper and he beams. 

Tag List: @tiva-jenry-caskett-rizzles-densi​, @jimmybpride​, @dressed-up-just-like-z1ggy​, @nikkiwierden​, @samchelforever007​, @kirkspockbones​, @xoncisxncislaxncisnolaox​, @lasalle-pride-sebastian-love​, @haliannej​, @brooklyn-99-amyxjake​​, @mizzezm​, @genius2050​, @twilight-twihard​, @cullencoven2019​, @wxlfgirlx​, @luciferxchloeislove​, @drethanramsey-ismybabe​, @sawyer-oakley-is-mighty-fine​, @loverofoneshots​, @aelin-thefirebreathingbitchqueen​​

[negans-lucille-tblr]

The Luckiest | JDM x Reader | Oneshot

Summary: A premier leaves Y/N feeling insecure, but luckily her husband knows how to help. 

Rating: 18+ (Smut)

Pairing: Jeffrey Dean Morgan x Reader (Reader is about Jensen’s age)

Tags: Daddy kink, insecure!reader, insecurities, minor angst, oral sex (fem rec), p in v, praise kink, validation, fluff

WC: ± 2.7K

A/Ns: Commissioned by the lovely Tina. Hope you love this <3

JDM Masterlist || Find out how to get your own commission here!

“Wow, Danneel looks incredible,” you sigh, your eyes landing on the dress that looks like it was handmade for Dee’s exact figure. Her hair and makeup are just as flawless as the rest of her, and she poses with her husband effortlessly as you shuffle awkwardly next to your own husband. 

“She looks nice,” your husband agrees, “but you look better.” 

You scoff at him, shaking your head in disagreement. Even though you and Dee are nearly the same age, you feel like your days of looking anywhere close to as glamorous as she is are past you. She’s even managed to have three kids and still look that good, and that just doesn’t seem fair. 

You glance back at your husband to see him rolling his eyes. 

“What?”

“You,” he chuckles softly. “I can practically hear your thoughts.” 

“Oh yeah, and what am I thinking then?” You prompt, raising an eyebrow. 

“You’re thinking that you’re not as pretty as her, and that you’ll never be that pretty, but you’re wrong,” he insists with a nonchalant shrug. He pauses when the organiser you’re standing beside ushers you onto the photo line. “Because I think you’re the most beautiful, perfect girl here,” he adds casually, stepping out to begin posing for the cameras. 

You feel a little flustered for a second, just staring after him as the flashes illuminate him. He looks so perfect tonight in his suit without a tie. He looks over at you, a smirk gracing his lips as he lifts his hand and beckons you over with a flick of two fingers. You immediately obey, sliding up to his side where you feel totally safe, and pay the cameras no mind, finally putting the thought of your comparison to Dee out of your mind for a moment as you ride the high of Jeff’s recent words.

You giggle when he leans down to kiss your cheek and then he presses his mouth to your ear and breathes hot breath against your skin.  

“Fucking gorgeous, baby girl,” he growls softly, making your insides flutter. 

*

“Can we go soon?” you plead with your husband once all the formalities are over with and there’s just alcohol and mingling left. “I’m tired and my feet are killing me,” you complain, shuffling around in your uncomfortable heels. 

Jeff chuckles softly, glancing down at the floor to your shoes, before looking back up and into your eyes. 

“Five more minutes? I promised Jared I’d have a scotch with him,” Jeff explains softly, and you whine quietly under your breath but don’t protest too loudly, afraid of offending someone around you. “Don’t worry, princess, I’ll make it worth the wait,” he smirks devilishly, and then slips away, off to find Jared, you presume, and you wonder just what he means by making it worth the wait. 

Your mind at first thinks of something sexual, because after that smirk, you’re pretty sure he was coming onto you, but you can’t think of anything worse right now. You’ve spent the night surrounded by women far prettier and slimmer and better than you in every single way, and all you want to do is curl up in a ball of self pity and sleep this whole evening off. You’re not sure what’s really gotten into you lately, but you’ve never felt this badly about yourself before. You’ve never loved yourself, but your insecurities have never gotten this bad. But then you suppose you and Jeff have been married a short while now, and the ‘honeymoon’ phase died off a little while ago. He used to barely keep his hands off of you, and while he still says the right things and calls you beautiful and makes you feel loved, it’s been a while since you’ve been made to feel sexy. 

When Jeff finally pries himself away from the boys, he finds you once again, and wraps his arm around your waist, finally putting you out of your misery and telling you you can go home. He leads you out to the limo quietly, and opens the door for you to climb in, getting in alongside you. The driver takes you home, and you sit in silence with your husband in the back for a short while, just looking out of the window until you feel his hand on your thigh. Turning your head you catch his eye, and offer him a weak smile at best, feeling truly exhausted and ready to get out of your stupid dress, feeling like you’re trying too hard. 

Jeff doesn’t say anything, and his eyes leave yours as he glances towards the driver, the partian most of the way up, so he reaches over to the switch and closes it completely. That’s when his hand slips down your thigh, to the hem of your dress, and then under it, moving back up to where it was, only this time, on your bare skin. 

“What’re you doing?” you whisper, even though you know the driver won’t hear you through the privacy screen. 

“I’ve tried to keep my hands off of you as long as I could, but I don’t think I can resist any longer,” he states matter-of-factly. 

You scoff and shake your head, wondering if he’s just saying and doing all this to make you feel better. He’s not acted like this since you were dating. 

“Jeff, c’mon,” you sigh, pushing his hand away. 

“What’s wrong?” he asks, blinking. 

“I’m not in the mood, okay?” you insist, feeling tears begin to press at the backs of your eyes as you look out the window again. 

“Is this about Dee?” he asks, his hand once again on your thigh, but this time it’s lower down, over your dress, and he squeezes it lovingly. 

“No… yes… maybe… I don’t know, Jeff, I’m just tired, and I feel shitty,” you finally conclude. 

Jeff sighs heavily, his thumb brushing back and forth along your leg. “Alright,” he finally relents, and much to your disappointment he lets go. 

For a moment, you feel annoyed that he hadn’t tried harder to cheer you up, wondering if he too thinks that Dee is more attractive than you, and when you glance over at him to wonder what he’s thinking, his eyes are fixed on his own window, and stay that way for the rest of the ride home. 

It’s even quieter between you as you get through your front door, and you’re even more determined to get into comfortable clothes and go straight to bed, but before you can make your way to the stairs, you feel Jeff’s hand wrap around your wrist and tug you backwards, bringing you towards him. 

“Jeff, please,” you whine, but when you finally look up at him and see the darkness in his eyes, you pause your protests. 

“Jeff?” he questions, “have you forgotten your manners, young lady?” 

“No, Daddy,” you reply, almost so quickly it’s embarrassing.  

“That’s better,” he nods, and a tiny smirk dances along his lips. “Now, do you really want to go to bed, or do you want Daddy to remind you just how perfect he thinks you are?” 

Jeff hadn’t pulled out the ‘daddy’ card in a long time, and instantly you remember back to the days spent between sheets when you first started dating, and how he would be so perfect at taking control, but there was always something so soft and caring with everything he did. You were his, you belonged to him, he could make you do anything he wanted, but in return he made you feel safe and protected, and like the most special thing in his world. And that’s when it hits you. This is what you’d been missing, this is what made you feel good about yourself before, and since it stopped, it’s like you felt like part of you had been taken away. And, of course, Jeff is just utterly perfect and can somehow read your mind and know you better than you know yourself. So of course, he knows exactly what he’s doing right now. 

“I think I need a reminder,” you finally tell him, your voice quiet and soft. 

“I think you’re right,” Jeff nods in agreement, pulling you tight against him, reaching up to caress the side of your face lovingly. “Because I don’t like the way you talked about my baby girl tonight.” 

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” you whimper, feeling like you’ve let him down somehow. 

“That’s okay. It’s my fault, I forget to remind her how she drives me crazy. I stopped telling her how often I find myself watching her, wishing I could be inside her all day every day. I guess she doesn’t realise how often I find myself thinking about fucking her.” 

You whimper at his words, your legs becoming wobbly for a reason other than your heels, now. Your aching feet are the last thing on your mind as your pussy begins to drip in your panties, and you rub your thighs together for friction. 

“I just wish she’d believe me whenever I do tell her these things. Because I really couldn’t wait to get her home tonight, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her skin, couldn’t wait to rip this dress off and leave it on the floor. She was the only one that could steal my attention tonight.” 

“Is that why you had a scotch with Jared?” you bravely sass, and Jeff chuckles, a little darker than usual which only makes your insides flutter. 

“If I remember rightly, teasing is one of your favourite forms of foreplay,” he smirks, and you pout your lips, hating that he’s right and he knows you that well. “Now if you don’t mind, baby girl, I think I’ve been patient enough tonight,” he growls lowly, bringing his lips to within millimeters of yours. “I wanted to spend the car ride there with my mouth between your legs, but I didn’t wanna ruin your outfit.” 

“Well you can ruin it now,” you breathe out, “Daddy,” you quickly add when you remember. 

“Good,” Jeff growls, his hand twisting into your hair as he closes the gap between you and kisses you fervently. 

You expect him to move it towards the stairs, or maybe even lift you and carry you to your bedroom, but Jeff does no such thing, and after a few moments of making out in the hallway, he begins to guide you backwards, towards the couch in the living room, pushing your back against the tall arm. You're just tall enough to slide your ass onto it, and Jeff’s lips leave yours as they drop to your thighs, and he eagerly pushes your dress up your legs and pulls your panties to one side, placing sloppy, wet kisses up the inside of your thigh, pushing your legs apart. 

“Fuck, Daddy, please,” you whine, pushing your fingers through his hair and making him chuckle against your skin. 

“I’ve missed that word on your lips,” he groans, biting down on your skin playfully. 

“I’ve missed it too,” you admit, your eyes fluttering closed in anticipation. 

“Fuck, baby girl, you’re fucking perfect, look at you. How did I get so lucky, hm?” he hums, and then licks a stripe through your slick, only moaning louder as the taste hits his tongue. 

“Oh shit,” you gasp, throwing your head back in the ripple of pleasure that washes over you at the first sensation between your legs. 

“You taste so fucking good,” he praises, licking another stipe, and another, before sucking your clit between his lips. 

*

He dines on your pussy for what might be hours, and your legs tremble and shake around him when you release your third orgasm onto his tongue, panting heavily as you start to come down from your high, only to feel Jeff’s mouth build it back up once again. 

“Please, Daddy, want your cock so bad, please,” you beg, wearily. 

“How can I resist when you beg so fucking pretty?” he groans, finally standing at full height, unzipping his slacks and fisting out his rock hard cock. You moan at the sight which makes him chuckle, and instinctively your legs widen further as if to invite him in. “Jesus Christ, baby girl,” Jeff growls, his lips and beard still glistening with your slick. “I could make myself cum just watching you like this,” he smirks, his fist slowly moving up and down his shaft. 

“No,” you whine needily, wanting him inside you before he even thinks about ending this. “Want your cock, Daddy, please,” you beg. 

“Alright, alright,” he laughs, stepping forward. He reaches up and softly wraps his hand around your neck, forcing you to look right at him, his cock teasing your entrance. “Do you wanna know what me and the boys talked about tonight?” he asks, and you instantly nod your head, wanting to know absolutely anything he is willing to tell you right now. “I told them how I couldn’t wait to get you home, how lucky I was that out of all the girls there tonight, you were the one I married… I told them how hard you made my cock the second I saw you in this dress this evening,” he tells you. “And d’you know what Jensen said?”

You shake your head, your heart thudding in your chest. “No,” you whine, still desperate for Jeff to stop teasing and push his cock inside you already. 

“He told me he couldn’t blame me, told me I was a lucky guy,” Jeff confirms, a smirk spreading over his mouth. “I couldn’t agree more.” 

The fact that someone else thinks that you’re attractive – someone who is married to someone as perfect as Danneel, no less – seems to do wonders for your confidence, and if you hadn’t already started to lift out of your funk thanks to Jeff’s words tonight, this would’ve certainly done it alone. Jeff seems to choose that exact moment to sink into you, and your eyes roll in pleasure as he hums and whispers about how perfect you feel, and how he never wants to fuck another pussy, how yours is the only one he ever wants wrapped around his cock again. 

His constant praises and brutal thrusts are enough to keep your climaxes coming, over and over again as you desperately try to hold onto your last remaining shred of sanity, but by the time Jeff’s through with you, you’re barely able to move, and your whole body trembles in his hold when he finally pulls you into his lap and strokes your hair as you both recover on the couch together. You smile happily to yourself, feeling so much better than you had been earlier this evening, and maybe it’s the countless orgasms he ripped from your body, but you feel like maybe you could believe at least some of the things Jeff had told you. 

“You were lying weren’t you?” you finally ask, looking up at him. 

“I don’t lie to you, baby girl,” Jeff insists, with no room for an argument in his voice. 

“Jensen didn’t say that,” you tell him, adamantly. 

“He did, actually,” Jeff chuckles. “Actually made me a little jealous,” he admits. “I urm… I know I’m not as attractive as him, and he’s younger, could probably keep up with you better,” he blushes. 

You scoff, sitting up to shake your head at him. “Are you kidding? I was the luckiest girl there tonight.” 

Jeff shakes his head, and you quickly realise that you’re not the only insecure one in your relationship, and you wonder if this is how you make Jeff feel when you say similar things about yourself. 

“Okay, here’s the deal,” you announce. “I’ll start believing you if you start believing me.” 

“Alright, deal,” Jeff nods, smiling softly. “But on one condition,” he adds, which makes you frown slightly. “We bring that Daddy thing back because fuck, that was hot.” 

You laugh and nod your head. “Yeah, I guess I’m okay with that,” you smirk. 

Please let me know what you think of this fic! Feedback is the fuel to writers' fires! My anon is on if you'd prefer to leave feedback anonymously!

Find out how to get your own commission here!

[steveharringtonat3am]

Nails

wc: 883

warnings: some adorable bf eddie

“Your room is so cute.” Eddie sighs happily, cuddling into your pillows. You watch him from your seat at your desk, smiling at his antics.

“It’s pretty normal babe.” You grab your nail polish remover, beginning to take off the two week old polish from your nails. He slides off your bed and grabs his bag and starts taking out all of his things.

“What are you doing?” You ask, turning to watch him as you rub the acetone-coated cotton on your nails.

“Painting dnd miniatures.” He smiles, setting up and tying his hair back into a bun. The sight always makes your heart flutter. His bangs have been getting in his eyes recently and you make a mental note to trim them for him.

“I didn’t know you do that.” You grab your nail polish materials and sit across from him on the floor.

“I like to touch them up so they look extra nice!” They look even tinier in his hands, using a tiny paintbrush to gently paint the little statues.

“Which one are you painting now?” You can’t help but be curious. Even though dnd was a big part of Eddie’s life, you could never get into it. You knew he didn’t mind but you know he likes being able to talk about it with you.

“This is the female wizard. I actually based her character off you. She’s so beautiful that it causes the characters to get distracted during battle.” Leave it to Eddie Munson to be incredibly romantic while talking about dungeons and dragons.

“That one looks really pretty.” With the polish off your nails, you let yourself focus on Eddie’s skillful hands painting with a tiny brush.

“I’m glad you think so.” He kisses your forehead quickly before going back to painting. His tongue sticks out as he focuses. You lay on your stomach next to him, propped up on your hand.

“Do you paint all of these?” You hold up another one and he takes it, cleaning off his brush and starts to paint it.

“Pretty much yeah. It’s actually really relaxing.” It’s so precise that it almost makes you nervous, but he does seen happy.

“That makes sense!” You stay quiet for a while after that. It’s honestly nice to just sit and be with Eddie in silence. He always liked to be talking while doing something with his hands, which was always. But he was so focused that he was quiet, and it was nice to just watch and admire how pretty he is.

“There! Done!” He finally sets the last one down, jolting you awake.

“Th-that’s great babe!” You yawn, curling up in his lap. He smiles and runs a hand over your hair.

“You can’t fall asleep on the floor babe.”

“I can’t fall asleep. Have to paint my nails.” You pout, not nearly in the mood for an activity requiring that much effort.

“I could paint them for you?” He offers, ever the gentleman.

“You don’t know how to paint nails babe.” You peak an eye at him to see him look at you with a funny look on his face.

“I just painted like 20 tiny statues. I think I can handle your nails.” He grins as you sit up against the side of your bed.

“That makes sense…let me file them first yeah?” He nods, handing you the metal file and watching as you shape your nails, blowing them off when you’re done.

“Can I paint them now?” He’s very eager, already opening up your bottle of red polish.

“Sure babe just make sure not to put too much.” He wipes off some of the excess paint, taking your hand and precisely painting your nail. His first try is practically perfect, the coat of paint looking as good as they do in the salon.

“Wow baby you’re really good at this.” He only hums in response. When it came to you, Eddie never left things half-finished. Honestly, you had expected him to get bored halfway through but he painted every nail with incredible precision.

“Is that good?” He asks once the first coat is on. Sure enough, it looks better than ever.

“It’s perfect babe. Now we just let it dry!” You smile, finally able to squirm into his lap. He grins as he pulls you close.

“How long does that usually take?”

“Well it isn’t too thick so shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes. But until then I can’t touch them, or the polish will smudge.” You keep your hands extended as you relax against his chest.

“Okay baby. Hey did I tell you about what happened today at work? This dude came in-” He launches into an animated story but the warmth of his arms has already begun to lull you to sleep.

An hour later and Eddie’s back is really starting to ache from sitting on the floor. But wow you look adorable when you sleep. He reaches out to inspect your nails, touching them gently to check if they’re dry. Sure enough they are and he smiles, kissing your forehead.

Maybe painting all those miniatures paid off.

[sorrowsofsilence]

Burning Out • IX

Pairing: Noah Sebastian x Fem!Reader

I was lost, but now I'm found Under the lights and in the sounds So let us sing and sing it loud That we're not perfect, but we're proud of who we are.

Noah Sebastian is lost. His crime-filled lifestyle is anything but perfect; but everything changes once he meets you.

Words: 6.5k

General Fanfic Warnings: 18+, explicit language, smut, alcohol, drugs, violence, mentions murder/suicide, panic attacks/anxiety, nightmares

Authors note: Chapter nine - Moral Antimatter (EDITED: 09-03-24, not new new to the story !)

new? start from chapter one here

She looked at the orange bottles with a detached expression.

“I’ve been consumed by guilt ever since, barely able to even look at you,” my voice began to rise, “How messed up am I? To do something like that to you, knowing that those meds are supposed to help you?”

I shook my head in frustration and slammed the glovebox shut, causing Y/N to jump.

The more I fool myself The more I feel it creeping in I think I lost my mind again

“Y/N,” I whispered now, “I am so sorry I did this to you. I am so sorry I dragged you into this.”

The more I start to fall The more I don't see me at all I think I lost my mind again

+++++

Y/N

Beneath the covers of my bed, I curled into a ball with my knees pulled up to my chest. Soft sobs escaped me as I tried to control my emotions, but they continued to overwhelm me. My breaths were heavy and ragged, and I coughed from the congestion caused by the tears staining my cheeks.

My mind was in turmoil, replaying everything that had happened. It would be easy to blame myself for Noah's decision, but how could I when I never considered the consequences of letting him into my life? On the other hand, I couldn't just overlook his actions; if I were a normal person, I would have kicked him out of my life already. But I was too wrapped up in him, unable to let go despite everything he had done.

I really was so naive, huh?

I wanted to trust Noah. I still trust Noah.

In the end, it was my own fault. Why did I put my trust in someone who had only recently entered my life? How long until that trust wears thin and breaks into an unfixable mess? As tears streamed down my face for Noah, my chest heaved with anxiety from my past. I made a promise to myself not to go back to wearing that deceitful mask or to let them find me again. Yet, here I was, completely exposed and easy to track. The dealer in the dark alley recognized the mask and knew the code.

“We live in a twilight world: And there are no friends at dusk.”

I didn’t recognize him, but I knew that he could link me back to those I ran from. They haven’t worn the masquerade masks since I left.

I squeezed my eyes shut, the heat of my breath beginning to suffocate my body that lay beneath the covers of my duvet, shielding me from the world and all the problems within it.

"I'll See You At The Beginning, Friend."

I was going to be found, and it was going to be a mess.

If Kiean and Kade were about to be back in my life, I would need a saving grace.

As much as I didn’t want to talk to Noah about anything, or forgive him, I needed him.

I told him that I would risk it all for him, and I’ve proven it; but would he risk it all for me?

You think that I can’t see through it all? Who would walk back and risk it all for me now? Is this how breaking point sounds?

Truthfully, Noah isn’t the bad guy. If anything, once he finds out everything, I am.

I let the tears fall for a moment longer as I anxiously lived within my mind before the soft creak of my door opening snapped me away from my wading.

“Go away,” I mumbled, curling closer to my knees before the bed dipped gently. A soft purr came from behind the blanket and I sniffed, opening the covers to reveal Juice who waddled towards me. His head pushed into my hand, the soft orange fur of his coat instantly soothing me as my fingers ran through it.

“I thought you’d need a furry friend right now.” I heard from behind the door and I turned my head, noticing Nicholas peaking in.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, sitting up as I held Juice in my arms. He purred harder at the touch, closing his eyes in contentment.

Nicholas pushed the door open more and he held out a mug in offering, “I brought you some tea?”

I sniffed, rubbing my eyes with my free hands in an attempt to erase the tears.

Nicholas walked into the room, setting a mug down on my nightstand before looking down at me with concern etched on his face. He sat on the edge of my bed carefully, not wanting to intrude.

"I'm here if you need to talk," he said softly.

I nodded and released Juice from my hold. The cat immediately went over to Nicholas, rubbing against his arm.

"He seems to have taken a liking to you," I said with a small smile.

"What can I say, I guess I have a way with cats," Nicholas chuckled, stroking the friendly feline.

I let out a low laugh and rubbed my eyes again before looking up at him.

As if he could read my thoughts, he spoke first.

"I knew," he said, and even though I had suspected it, my heart still clenched at his words.

"How long?" I whispered, picking at the fabric of my sheets.

Nicholas sighed, "Since it happened. I caught him replacing your pills."

I nodded, unsure of what to say. Not only did he steal them, but he also replaced them with lies. He never wanted me to find out.

"Was he ever planning on telling me?" I asked as tears welled up in my eyes once again.

Nicholas took in a breath and replied, "Yes. I tried to get him to tell you right away, but he wanted to wait until he paid off all your debts and could buy you more pills."

Silence hung between us as my mind raced.

"He messed up, Y/N. He knows that. But Noah cares about you deeply," Nicholas said sincerely.

I let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, he cares so much that he purposely deceived me behind my back. And I would have given him the pills if he had just asked because they weren't doing anything for me anyway."

Nicholas turned to face me fully on the bed, his eyes watching me closely as another tear slipped down my cheek.

"Why do I still want to trust him?" I asked, my voice strained as tears blurred my vision once again.

"Because you also care about him," Nicholas replied calmly.

I let out a frustrated groan and pressed my palms into my eyes. "I see so much of myself in him. So much of who I used to be. And if I could get out, then he can too."

"What were you like before?" Nicholas asked curiously, studying me with genuine interest. He knew I had a bigger role in their world than what was initially presented, especially after seeing my involvement last night. We had grown closer over time and I knew that eventually I would have to trust him and the other boys fully.

It was difficult to admit the mistakes I had made.

"I'll tell you all eventually," I said, avoiding eye contact and turning away. "Once I can overcome the fear of revealing my past self."

Nicholas placed his hand on mine and gave me a comforting smile. "We are in no position to judge you, Y/N."

A wave of shame washed over me, causing my breath to catch in my throat. "Maybe so, but there is a reason why I tried to distance myself from who I used to be."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Nicholas's hand on mine was warm and reassuring, but I couldn't shake the anxiety clawing at my insides

"It's not just about judgment," I said softly. "It's about safety. For all of us."

Nicholas's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

I bit my lip, debating how much to reveal. "The people I used to be involved with... they're dangerous. More dangerous than you can imagine. And if they find out where I am, or who I'm with now..."

I trailed off, unable to finish the thought. The possibilities were too terrifying to voice.

Nicholas squeezed my hand gently. "We can protect you, Y/N. You don't have to face this alone."

A bitter laugh escaped me. "You don't understand. These people... they have connections everywhere.”

+++++

NOAH

I sucked in a breath as my padded fist collided with the covered fabric, the punching bag swinging back towards me before throwing another punch at it again, sending the bag spiralling.

And you know that we’re racing sand But we’re stronger than we were before And their forked tongues won’t lead the way You’re not pure anymore

Sweat dripped down my forehead as the music blasted through my headphones, my chest rising and falling with each surge of adrenaline. I moved back and forth, unleashing a barrage of punches fueled by rage.

The sins run red, but they won’t live forever You’ll be forever fake Will the marks I lay out there come back to me?

Despite knowing that Y/N may not want to speak to me, I knew I needed to apologize properly. My heart ached at the thought of her missing our first live show tonight, but I couldn't ignore the possibility that she might request the night off, just as she did at the cafe this morning.

I punched the bag with all my might, trying to release some of the built-up frustration and tension inside me. The gym was my escape, a place where I could physically let go of the overwhelming emotions suffocating me. Luckily, there was no one else around, giving me a chance to be alone with my thoughts.

Everything that had happened was my fault, and I felt ashamed. If Y/N and I were going to have any kind of relationship in the future, we needed to be completely honest with each other; no more secrets.

I was determined to regain her trust, but I also knew that I needed to learn more about her past. Wiping the sweat from my forehead with my shirt, I took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh as lyrics from the song played on repeat in my mind.

Together we’re trapped inside of the scales Under the greed, and the ego’s weight I won’t be slipping when we all fall into Into moral decay

I confidently slid my gloves back on, ready to continue pounding the punching bag with all my might. As I swung my arms, I could feel the impact of each punch reverberate through my muscles. Suddenly, the lights in the gym went out, plunging me into complete darkness.

I quickly pulled out one of my earbuds and spun around, scanning the empty room in confusion. The small windows provided very little light, making it difficult to see anything. My heart rate increased as I furrowed my brow. Was there a power outage?

I took a few deep breaths as I stood still, trying to make sense of the situation. Eventually, I cautiously made my way towards the light switch and flipped it up. To my surprise, the lights came back on, leaving me even more puzzled. They had been turned off intentionally.

Just as I turned around, I was startled by a man standing directly in front of me. I instinctively let out a loud yell and jumped back, feeling a jolt in my stomach.

“What the fuck!”

He gave me a long stare, and I couldn't help but notice all the tattoos adorning his skin.

"Sebastian," he greeted me with a smile that showed off his shiny grillz.

It was Vincent, his true identity finally revealed. His sunken blue eyes and hollow jaw made him look even bonier than I had imagined, with a hint of scruff on his chin.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I exclaimed, backing away from him.

"Just adding some theatrics to our encounter," he shrugged, running his fingers along the metal bars of the machinery behind him. His curly brown hair fell just past his shoulders.

I watched him warily, "How did you find me?"

Vincent let out a laugh, "A little birdie told me."

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "What do you want?"

He glanced between me and the equipment, the shine of his grillz taunting me. My stomach twisted with unease. He couldn't have known what I looked like without my mask. How did he manage to find me here?

Reaching into his pocket, Vincent pulled out a silver quarter and began twirling it between his fingers.

"How about this..." he started.

I eyed him carefully as I took another step back.

"If it lands on heads, you tell me about your friend Y/N," he suggested.

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name. What did Vincent want with Y/N?

"And if it lands on tails?" I asked with narrowed eyes and clenched fists.

"Then you tell me about your masked friend," he replied with a sly smile on his face.

I gnawed on the inside of my cheek as I glared at Vincent. He seemed oblivious to the fact that Y/N and this mysterious masked person were one and the same, but I couldn't understand why he was fixated on it anyway. "Why do you need to know about either of them?" I demanded, hoping to redirect the conversation away from my involvement.

Vincent just smirked and produced a coin from his pocket. "Let's make a little wager, shall we? Heads or tails?" he asked, flipping the coin in the air with his thumb. We both watched it spin before landing back in his hand. He turned it over to reveal tails.

"Hmm, not what I was hoping for," he commented casually.

"Well, I have nothing to tell you either way," I stated firmly.

"But you know who wears the mask," Vincent pressed, leaning in closer.

"I don't," I insisted, shaking my head.

But Vincent's eyes gleamed with knowing. "You do know," he declared confidently.

"I hired someone to assist me," I explained dismissively, walking towards my backpack and water bottle.

"But how did you come into contact with a member of Fidelio? And specifically one who wears the volto mask?" Vincent prodded.

"Fidelio?" I raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Vincent grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him, causing me to yank away forcefully. "Get off me!" I shouted. "I have no clue what you're going on about. Can you just back off?"

“That member has been missing for months,” He said hastily.

I stared at him in incredulity. This guy was nuts.

He paused, watching me briefly, eyes darting across my lost expression, “you seriously have no idea?”

“No!” I yelled, grabbing my backpack from the ground, and swinging it over my shoulder.

“Well, then your point of my hire knowing the code is useless if others know it too,” I stated, beginning to walk past him, “Nice chat. I’ll see you at thVincent posed a question, "Have you ever seen the movie Eyes Wide Shut?" I shook my head in reply.

He ran his hand over his face and explained, "Fidelio is a cult that takes inspiration from the film - except without all the strange sexual and orgy activities."

I scoffed, "And this is relevant because?"

"Because that cult happens to be one of the largest underground drug dealers and crime syndicates in North America, and they've stopped operating since that mask went missing."

My mind clicked into gear when he mentioned crime syndicate; I vaguely remembered hearing about a few robberies carried out by individuals wearing masquerade masks... Venetian masquerade masks. Trying not to give anything away, I quickly sucked in a breath before casually shrugging and clenching my bag strap. "Great. So the person I hired was probably inspired by their methods and liked the mask."

But Vincent shook his head vigorously. "They knew the code."

I watched him closely, "So do you. Are you a member?"

He laughed at my assumption, "Me? Nah, it's flattering that you would think so, but no. My boss has been trying to take them down for years."

"So how do you know the code?" I pressed.

Vincent simply shrugged again, "The boss knows that's how they communicate."

“Well, then your point of my hire knowing the code is useless if others know it too,” I stated, beginning to walk past him, “Nice chat. I’ll see you at the end of the week with more drugs.”

Vincent shouted after me, “Wait. I need to know more about this Y/N Y/L/N.”

I stopped in my tracks, refusing to turn around as anger boiled inside of me. He may not know that Y/N was wearing a disguise, but he knew something about her.

“So you took the medication from her?” He asked.

I turned my head to the side, keeping my body still as I avoided his gaze, “Your coin landed on tails.”

Vincent brushed off my comment, “My boss is wondering where all the drugs are coming from, especially the ones that require a prescription. He wants me to keep track in case any of it leads back to us.” I wanted to leave, but my curiosity kept me rooted to the spot.

“I told him her name, and he claims to know her,” Vincent spoke slowly, “he’s been searching for her for years. So do you know her? Or was it just a random theft?”

My heart raced, but I didn’t want Vincent to see how nervous I was.

“Just a random theft,” I turned to face him now, answering without hesitation, “I have no idea who that woman is. Do you even realize how many people I steal from? And have stolen from since then?”

My throat constricted as I insulted Y/N, but I needed it to sound convincing.

Vincent nodded, his eyes studying mine intently as we stared each other down. After a brief moment of silence, he spoke again, “Do you remember where she lives?”

With a stern expression on my face, I locked eyes with him and said firmly, “No.”

He glanced at me and flipped the coin in his hand once more, “Well if you do remember, you know who to call.”

His shoulder grazed mine as he walked past me towards the exit of the gym, “See you later, Noah.”

My eyes slimmed in distaste as I followed his figure before I froze at the realization of what he called me.

Noah.

I’ve never told him my first name.

I spun around, but Vincent had already disappeared through the gym doors. My heart pounded as I tried to process what had just happened. How did he know my real name? And what did he want with Y/N?

Grabbing my things, I rushed out of the gym, scanning the parking lot for any sign of Vincent. But he was gone.

I needed to warn Y/N. Whatever was in her past, it was catching up to her. And now it was putting all of us in danger.

As I drove home, my mind raced. Who exactly was Y/N? What was her connection to this Fidelio cult? And how much did Vincent and his mysterious boss know?

When I pulled up to the house, I saw the car in the driveway. Good. Maybe the boys could help me figure out what to do.

+++++

Y/N

As we lay on the living room couch, watching TV, Folio asked, "Are you coming to the show tonight?"

I had put on Naturo to calm my nerves, and Ruffilo and Folio immediately ran upstairs in excitement upon hearing the intro.

I turned my head to look at him and replied, "I have to work tonight, so you couldn't stop me even if you wanted to." Folio and Ruffilo laughed, and I smiled before returning my attention to the show.

Nicholas nudged my side and asked, "How are we going to celebrate? We have to have a drink together." I squirmed under his touch but laughed, saying, "I'm not sure. I can try to get off early since I start at 4 today. You guys play at 11 pm, right?"

Nicholas nodded and said, "Yeah, 45-minute set or something."

"Noah will be happy you're coming," Nick added just as Noah walked in through the front door. The three of us looked at him, and I immediately sank into the couch in an attempt to hide myself. But Noah's eyes locked onto mine as he kicked off his shoes and stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"We need to talk. Bedroom, now," he said urgently, grabbing onto the wooden railing.

Folio let out a low murmur, shooting me a glance before turning his attention back to Noah. "That's not how you turn a girl on," he muttered.

"Get lost, Nick," Noah snapped, his gaze fixed on me as he waited for me to stand up.

"Y/N." His tone was stern and commanding, causing a shiver to run down my spine. I quickly got to my feet and followed Noah up the stairs, leaving the Nick’s behind. Once we were both in my bedroom, Noah closed the door behind us and turned to face me with an accusing look.

"Does Fidelio ring any bells?" His words sent a wave of panic through my body. How did he know about that?

My palms started sweating and I nervously twiddled my fingers together for a distraction. "Uh, like Beethoven's opera?" I stuttered.

Noah rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Don't act dumb. The mask."

My throat tightened with fear and my heart raced as I tried to make sense of what he was saying. "I don't know what you mean," I said, hoping it would be enough to avoid any further questions. But a voice in my head pushed me to tell him the truth. Why was I hesitating? "Are you the missing member who wore the Volto mask?" Noah demanded, gripping my arms tightly through my dark blue long-sleeved shirt.

Fear.

Tears welled up in my eyes and my breathing quickened, the familiar signs of a panic attack creeping in. Noah noticed immediately, his hold on me loosening as he looked at me with concerned chestnut eyes.

"Tell me what's wrong, Y/N," he said softly, pulling me closer to his body for comfort.

I mumbled into his shirt, "Yes."

Noah's hand moved to the back of my head, gently holding me as we swayed together in silence.

"Have you met Vincent before?" he asked after a moment.

With tears still falling and my body trembling, I shook my head and choked out, "No, but he knows the code."

Silhouette Guilty conscience Barely hanging by a breath

“He found me at the gym,” Noah began, pulling me from his body to look up at him, “He was asking about you. With the mask, and without.”

Cut the lights and make me your oblivion And I will follow Through the phosphorescent streets I'd give anything to be in over my head

My eyes widened as I looked at him, my breathing becoming shaky and uneven. "Does he know it's me?"

Noah shook his head, "No, but his boss knows your name. And he's aware of the Fidelio syndicate."

I took a deep breath, trying to process this new information.

"He knows your name because it was on the bottle when I sold your pills; his boss recognized it." Noah sighed and stepped back, running a hand over his face in frustration.

"I knew I recognized your mask," he muttered, "But I couldn't remember from where...until Vincent told me."

Noah pulled out his phone and quickly found a news article from a few months ago. He showed it to me, revealing my identity and connection to the infamous Fidelio crime organization.

Aftermath Broken promises collapse Bodies lay like shattered glass Hold the pieces, feel how nothing ever lasts

With tunnel vision fading in How I've thirsted for the end Pull me closer till I'm in over my head

My eyes skimmed the news article, and any words I had forming caught in my throat.

Noah's eyes were sunken and empty as he looked at me. "You came to Los Angeles not long after this happened," he said quietly.

Instantly, I felt the air get sucked out of me. "I was running," I admitted.

"That's why you gave me a chance," Noah continued, taking his phone away from my face and putting it back in his pocket. "You weren't any different from me."

Past tense. He knew that things had changed for me.

To have someone truly comprehend your mind is an intimate experience, and in this moment, Noah understood every part of me.

"I ran away," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I didn't want that life anymore. I felt used, angry, and unworthy."

Noah's expression softened as he listened to my confession. He reached out and gently took my hand in his.

"I understand," he said softly. "More than you know."

I looked up at him, tears still glistening in my eyes. "What do we do now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Noah sighed heavily. "We need to be careful. Vincent and his boss are clearly onto something, even if they don't have all the pieces yet."

I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and relief at finally having someone to share this burden with.

"We should tell the others," Noah continued. "They deserve to know what they might be getting into by associating with us."

The thought of revealing my past to everyone made my stomach churn, but I knew Noah was right. We couldn't keep them in the dark any longer.

"Okay," I agreed reluctant.

We are broken bodies bound for еach other In the impact, we become antimatter The dust hasn't settled but we feel the decay

“Your past does not define you,” Noah breathed softly, pulling me into another hug, “You were a result of circumstance…If anything it makes me respect you even more with how far you’ve come.”

Torn limb from limb, I am swearing your name Our hands collide, we brace together In the impact, we become antimatter

��I’m proud of you.”

Noah’s words rang in my ear as I cried, holding myself against his chest. My knuckles whitened through the grip I held on his sweater, my body vibrating through the pain. I’m proud of you. No one has ever said that to me.

I sobbed into his body for a few more moments as he squeezed me with compassion, taking in all the emotions I displayed for him.

“I knew what it was like being in your shoes,” I sniffed, “I’m still lost, but I’m finding my way. You deserve to escape too.”

Noah’s grip tightened before he pulled away, “I see it now.”

My mind was still racing at Vincent and the information Noah brought.

“Do you know who his boss is?” I asked Noah, even more nervous now. I didn’t know many people within the drug ring; I always played on the sidelines.

Was it someone who knew my true identity?

We're waiting in the wreckage for the sun to rise I'm staring at the fractures no one else can see, they're so complete When morning comes, will there be anyone left to find? My vision starts to surrender, as colors subvert the night

“I went by a different name,” I watched Noah carefully, “Y/N Y/L/N is my real name. Only two people back home know it, other than my extended family… that I know of.”

“I mean that’s smart. I don’t know who his boss is,” Noah said, his face contorting, “but maybe he’s tied back to you?”

I sighed anxiously. I had no idea who Vincent’s boss could be, but my stomach churned at the idea of it being one of the members of Fidelio.

“Why did you risk everything to come and help me rob the pharmacy?” Noah's grip on my hands was gentle but firm. “Especially when you chose to wear a mask.”

I shrugged, feeling the warmth spread through my hands from his touch. "I-I don't know. I couldn't just sit back and watch you stay trapped in this life. You asked for my help, and I couldn't say no. Plus, I have enough experience with this kind of thing."

One of Noah's hands moved up my arm and rested below my chin. He tilted my face up to meet his gaze, and I found myself drowning in his captivating October eyes.

Stolen by auroras, our bodies re-align Magnetic in the impulse, show me the other side Suspended in the ether, till I felt you in my chest I know we're not alone, but I'm in over my head

“I’m sorry I broke your trust. I’m sorry I didn’t ask you about the pills, and I’m sorry I stole them.” His eyes darted across my face, sincerity radiating from his pupils, “I will never do anything like that again; over my dead body.”

His words burned into my skin through the touch of his fingertips. I knew he was sorry, and I knew he felt bad. He made a mistake, he wasn’t perfect. He was only human.

“I forgive you, Noah. You need the money,” I said, “You’re almost free.”

Noah drew me in closer, his arms wrapping around my back as I leaned into his embrace. Our lips grazed against each other softly, sending butterflies flitting through my stomach. Noah's breath was warm against my skin before he pressed his lips to mine with gentle care. This kiss was unlike any we had shared before- it wasn't fueled by passion or urgency but by a deep and sincere affection. It made me feel exposed and vulnerable in the best way possible, knowing that Noah accepted me exactly as I was, just as I accepted him.

We are broken bodies bound for each other In the impact, we become antimatter

+++++

The boys arrived at Sammy’s around 9 pm, occupying seats along the bar as they waited for me. In between attending to customers and pouring drinks, they would try to engage in conversation with me.

"Folio, I'm dying to hear about the biggest fish you ever caught," I exclaimed as I poured a few shots. "But do you realize I am working right now?"

Nick scowled and I gave him a sympathetic smile. As much as I enjoyed their company, it was difficult to focus on my job with them constantly distracting me. Especially when Noah was there.

Despite trying not to, I couldn't help but steal glances at him whenever he looked away. His smile lit up his eyes and his nose would scrunch up when Nicholas cracked a joke. And every time I walked away or turned to make a drink, I could feel Noah's eyes following me.

"Well," Nick took a sip of his beer, "if you can have sex with Noah in the bathroom at work, then you can listen to my fish story."

My eyes widened along with Noah's and we exchanged knowing looks before quickly turning away in embarrassment. I turned back around to take the shots to the waiting customers. Behind me, Nicholas burst into laughter and doubled over the counter, pulling Jolly down with him.

“Dude that was so out of pocket,” Nicholas wheezed as Jolly’s chortle echoed through the busy room.

The bar was decently packed tonight with people anticipating the first live music showcase. I was just as excited; because I couldn’t wait to hear them perform somewhere outside of the basement.

My mind kept tracing back to the realization that now that the mask was back, I was going to be traceable. My entire shift I felt uneasy, worried that with every turning corner someone who knew could show up; but I pushed away those thoughts, remaining happy and supportive as the boys were going to be on stage soon.

I walked back behind the counter, smiling at them.

“Guys want a shot for some liquid courage?” I asked, holding up a bottle of tequila.

“You know it,” Folio nodded.

“We should probably do a soundcheck, yeah?” Jolly raised a brow at Noah who nodded in agreement.

“That’s what bands do, right?” Noah said, spinning on the bar chair as I placed the shot and a lime wedge in front of each of them.

“To uh-” I raised my empty glass to cheer with them, but I couldn’t finish my sentence, because they hadn’t chosen a name for the band.

“To Glass Houses?” Jolly shrugged, and Noah mimicked him. The four boys took the drink, squinting at the bitterness before sucking on the lime.

“We haven’t chosen a name… but we can go by glass houses for now,” Noah laughed, before standing up.

I smiled up at them, giving the boys a thumbs up, “Good luck gentlemen, you got this!”

“Thanks, Y/N,” Nicholas smiled back, following Jolly and Nick towards the stage.

Noah turned to look at me, “Don’t judge us too hard, ok?”

“I’m not the cool one in a band,” I chuckled as I mixed another drink, “No judgment here, only proud to say I know you personally.”

“Ah yes,” Noah licked his lips before flashing a wide smile, “personally.” His tone insinuated something much more and I couldn’t help but shake my head as my face warmed once again.

“Break a leg, as they say.” I cheered, and Noah nodded at me before meeting the rest of the boys.

+

Half an hour later it was eleven, and I asked my boss if I could be off early. She didn’t mind, so I grabbed a rum and coke before sitting at the seats that were in front of the stage.

I could tell they were nervous as each of them fiddled with their equipment. A few moments later the stereo died down and Noah tapped the microphone, his hair cascading over his face as he spoke.

“Uh, hey!” He began the feedback echoing slightly through the bar. I smiled encouragingly up at him as his eyes met mine, and he smiled back as if speaking to me.

“So this is our first gig, we don’t have an official name but call us Glass Houses for now!”

The small crowd clapped as Noah looked towards the boys, nodding at them.

“So I guess we’ll start with a cover of Come Undone by Duran Duran!”

Another applause sounded and Jolly began playing the riff before Folio’s drums and Ruffilo’s bass joined.

Noah jumped on the floor as his hair whipped around, feeling the into and the crowd cheered, before he gripped the mic stand, preparing to sing.

“Mine immaculate dream Made breath and skin, I've been waiting for you Signed, with a home tattoo Happy birthday to you was created for you.”

I bobbed my head, proud as guests began singing along. It wasn’t until Noah’s voice became deeper and raspier with the chorus that I smiled wider, heart hammering as he sang, watching me periodically from the stand.

As Noah sang, his voice growing deeper and raspier with the chorus, I couldn't help but smile wider. My heart raced as he periodically glanced at me from the microphone stand while performing. The energy in the bar was electric as the crowd sang along and swayed to the music.

I felt a surge of pride watching the boys on stage. They had practiced hard and it showed in how tight and polished they sounded together. Jolly's guitar riffs soared while Folio and Ruffilo held down a solid rhythm section. And Noah commanded the stage with his passionate vocals and magnetic stage presence.

“Who do you need? Who do you love When you come undone? Who do you need? Who do you love When you come undone?”

As the evening went on, the boys continued to cover a variety of songs, building up to their final performance of the night.

"Thanks for rocking out with us, guys!" Noah exclaimed, taking a swig from his water bottle. "We're about to kick it up a notch, so I want to see you all headbanging!"

The crowd roared in response as Noah introduced their next song, Glass Houses. I couldn't help but bang my head along with the music as the boys rocked out on stage, their hair flying wildly in every direction. Pulling out my phone, I started recording their performance.

Just as I opened my phone, I noticed I had received a text message from an unknown number. My stomach sank and fear engulfed my body as I clicked on the message.

Los Angeles, hey? It’s about time we booked a vacation anyway. See you soon, my volto x

Chapter 10

Tags: @crimson-calligraphyx @lma1986 @spicywhenspeaking @sammyjoeee @shilohrosechicken

@princessmarshmallowx @laurpartyprogram @cookiesupplier @nojoyontheburn @lacktoesandtoddlerant

@veronicaphoenix @er3nslovergirl @cncohshit @scrumptiousfestivalpost @melcchs

@flowery-mess @mentallynot-here @judging-from-afar @darkmxgician @badomensls

@hoe-for-daddywise @philomenie @xxkittenkissesxx @venturethroughtheveil @thefallennightmare

@blend-in-with-the-madness @reyadawn @deathblacksmoke @anameunmusical @sitkowski

@anything-more-than-human @into-the-grey @amelia-acero @rumoured-whispers @artificialbreezy

[haesunray]

FINDING MEANING: PROLOGUE —l.dh, s.hb

PAIRING: (mainly) haechan x fem!reader, best friend! sung hanbin x reader 

GENRE: major angst, eventual fluff, classmates to lovers, super slowburn.

WARNINGS: contains heavy and triggering topics. self-reflection, grief and unhealthy representations of mourning, character death (hanbin), reader goes through grieving process, self-harming behavior and drug abuse. A few sentences in the beginning about weight insecurity, fat-shaming, and weight loss. If any of these topics are triggering for you, please proceed with caution, or skip the fic. You are responsible for what you choose to read. Because this fic has pretty dark and serious topics, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. Due to the nature of the fic, it will take a while to get into the Haechan x reader part, so if you’re looking for something lighter, this might not be the fic for you hehehe

SYNOPSIS: you had never been good at dealing with loss. with the passing of your best friend still a fresh wound in your heart, you find yourself alone in the dark, left to pick up the pieces of your grief. 

 then one day, against all odds, you find something that might just be your compass, in the shape of a boy named lee haechan, who swears he will stand by your side to navigate the storm. 

And though the pain in your chest makes you struggle to breathe, he chooses to stand with you under the rubble of your broken world, and he shoulders some of the weight. 

NOTES: a good friend of mine passed away very recently and I needed to write something to get it off my chest. Maybe this will help me process my grief, or maybe it won’t. But i found the process of this very therapeutic. I sobbed a lot while writing this, just because the main character is a reflection of how I’m feeling currently. It’s mainly a self-indulgent piece. I’ve experienced so much loss in the past few years, and this is a cathartic piece for me. 

THEY SAY HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, and you suppose they are right. 

For your home had been left a heaping swelter of smoke and ash, doors torn from hinges and paint scraped from walls. There were no remnants of the solace you once held in your sacred home, now reduced to gunpowder and gasoline, and all that is left is a house that isn’t quite a home, leaving you feeling a stranger in your own house—an alien in your own body—and you can’t help but curse the very person who created that quote because how dare they make you feel so powerless, knowing that you had lost the very one who held your heart, and now you will never get it back. 

The irony of the quote is not lost on you. The positive implications; that a home has no bounds, that four plaster walls and a shingled roof don’t fit the criteria. That instead, a home is made of flesh and blood and sweat and tears. 

You found your home when you were six. You found him in Mrs. Park’s kindergarten class in the shape of a round boy named Sung Hanbin, with grubby glue stained fingers and paper cuts from the broken origami butterfly he had made you. Your home had a gummy smile and eyes that reminded you of summer days in Busan, and a heart so big, it made your home feel like a castle of gold and ivory. He invited you in and you made it your own, and the origami butterfly was the first decoration you placed on the shelves of your newfound house. 

You protected your home when you were ten, earning a month of detention when you used a pair of your mother’s favorite kitchen scissors to cut off Sophie Jung’s long ponytail on the playground after she made him cry by calling him a ‘chubby potato,’ (and at the smile he gave you as you wiped away his tears, you realized you’d gratefully take a year of detention if it meant he’d smile at you like that again). 

You’re fourteen when Park Jeongmin spreads rumors about you to your whole grade because you rejected him, and when the whispers start to crawl up your back and dig holes in your mind, Sung Hanbin is there to walk with you and defend your name. He pulled you into his warm, enveloping arms and told you not to listen to the whispers, and yet he was the one who seemed to be stewing in anger. It was the first time you had seen Hanbin angry, and it was the only time he had ever gotten in trouble at school (and after punching Park Jeongmin straight in the nose and getting cleaning duty for the whole spring semester, he told you that he’d do it again if you asked him to). 

You both were eighteen when he grew into his body and his beauty finally became noticed by more than just you. You protected him when he overworked himself over and over and over again, when he would run until his knees buckled and his chest collapsed, chasing an unattainable goal built on a road of the insecurities you tried to convince him were his own perfection. You held him when he refused to eat and sat with him when he cried, and you tried to hug his demons away even when they told him he wasn’t trying hard enough. You whispered in his ear that he was worth every bit of love you held and more, that every inch of your home was worthy of being lived in and loved, that it doesn’t matter what shade the walls are or how expensive it was, he was your home and you would never change a thing about it. And that no matter how many people looked at him now that he was conventionally attractive, you had always seen him as beautiful. 

It’s New Year’s Eve of last year, and you both are twenty-two and more than a little drunk when you share a kiss. Had you both been more sober, it probably wouldn’t have happened. After all, at a Christmas party a few days earlier you’re sure you saw him ogling the boy from your poli-sci class, Zhang Hao—who had been taking up more and more of Hanbin’s time these days—but yet here he was, the boy who was nothing less than perfect in your eyes, pulling you by your flushed cheeks as the timer ticked down to one, and when the world erupted in cheers as the new year emerged, your ears fell into a calm hush, because Sung Hanbin’s gleaming eyes had fluttered shut and his lips finally met yours. 

It was the one and only kiss you guys shared, and yet, despite the alcohol in your system, it was committed to your eternal memory, a vivid painting you had framed and hung in your home. 

As the night came and went and the morning took its place, he woke you up how he usually did after a night of drinking; with a cup of coffee, a few ibuprofen, and a plate full of food, and no matter how much you wanted to say something about what happened the night before, you didn’t. And he didn’t either. 

Maybe you both were pretending it didn’t happen. Or maybe he didn’t think it was important enough to bring up. Hell, maybe he didn’t even remember it. All you knew was that you were too chicken shit to open a can of worms that shouldn’t even be opened, because you thought it was better to keep your mouth shut if it meant keeping him. 

Minutes turned to hours and hours turned to nights. Your calls going unanswered and rain checks from him created a monster inside you named jealousy. He was slipping through your fingers, opening the doors of your house to someone new. You hated the person it made you; hated the person you became. You locked the doors and chained him up. You protected his gold-filled heart because it was worth more than money, worth more than jewels, worth more than anything because he was your home and you couldn’t bear to open the doors to someone he might just like living there more. 

Maybe it’s the vile, bitter taste of regret that runs through your veins right now, thinking that maybe if you had told him earlier about how you felt, it wouldn’t have come out sideways. Maybe if you had been less pathetic and scared to let him know, he wouldn’t have walked out the door last night. He wouldn’t have gotten in his car and left. Maybe he’d be in your arms right now, and you’d be joking about how silly Ricky’s hair looked or bickering over what to make for dinner tonight. Maybe if you had said something earlier, an unresolved argument wouldn’t be the last conversation you’d ever have. 

They say home is where the heart is, and you suppose they are right. For your heart is ripped out of your chest, artery from artery and vein from vein, placed in the cold, unmoving hands of the boy who you would have died for, and now you’re left with the words you wish you had said, because you could have protected him and you didn’t. 

This is your fault. You made him leave.

There’s no recovering from this. There’s no feeling better, because your home currently lies in a coffin, cold and breathtakingly beautiful as ever, and you see yourself lying right beside him because he had taken the part of you that was worth living for. The truth was impossible to reckon with, a bitter pill that you would never, ever be able to swallow down. 

Sung Hanbin had died, and he took the world and everything good in it with him.

[lottiecrabie]

going off of your recent galatea ask - do you think she’d develop feelings for him again if they were in close proximity for an extended period of time again? idk just a theory :3

oh what a very interesting question! cracking my fingers Ok congress let’s get this discussion started (typical mad ramblings below the cut)

i think my first gut reaction would be yes, but solely because she would want to. when i went through a Very Galatea Moment this winter lol, i typed a beginning to a galatea take two in which they were working on her third album and she was specifically seeking him out as a producer to fall in love with him all over again and use that pain to fuel her. it was all written before sleep in one night so i don’t really know where i wanted to follow that emotional line, but i assume she would have revived her feelings — fully knowing and embracing she was pygmalion — and then maybe the pain of it would have been too masochist, or not enough, not album-of-the-year enough, and it’d feel meaningless. i don’t know!

thinking about it now though, i don’t really enjoy that idea, and i don’t think i would have ever followed it if i had actually decided to write galatea take two. much too straightforward, taking away all the nuance of the characters, all the tragedy that they accidentally fall face first into and realize only too late their mistakes.

this also brings up the question on if she ever actually loved him, the real him, and not the one she made up in her mind. we know that she romanticized him, that she made this grand summer love affair bigger than it was, and that by the end of august, she’s left reeling with the knowledge that she created him. it could make you wonder if it was all fantasy, if she really knew him, if she only loved the idea of him. then, if she was working on her third album with him, there would be nothing to fall back into; it was never there anyway. or, maybe, to the contrary, she’d know him without the theatrics she pushed onto him and fall in love with the real him. in which case it would theoretically be the very first time.

i don’t know if i’m satisfied with that one either. both side of the argument on if she loved him or not have merit (me saying ‘argument’ like it’s not just me and the voices lmao). i don’t think it’s as easy as saying people’s feelings are Fake just because they might have been mostly lived in their own minds. that’s still Something, and if it’s valid or not is up to you and your interpretation. i don’t think i’d ever had gone down the ‘ends up falling for the “real” him’ route either though, just because it’s a little too clean-cut and fairytale ending-y, the antithesis of galatea take one.

in the end, i do believe that she is, to her core, delusional and a dreamer and a romantic, and that she builds things up in her mind and invents meaning where there’s none. so yeah, i think she’d probably have feelings for him again, though it’d have almost nothing to do with him and more to do with her. she can’t help herself; she says she’s not listening to the instinct to romanticize him and wax poetics about his every little looks, but in the end it’s still there. at least until she’s worked on it, she’ll just fall back into her habits. but i think she could do it to and with other people in her life, not just matty.

tldr// yeah probably lol. but every theory is valid and has weight cos this is Galatea and it’s made to be Interpreted

[book-place]

Screaming at the World

Warnings: disease, character death, let me know if I missed any :)

Pairings: Peter Parker x sister reader

Request: Do you think about an angst where Peter's younger sibling dies? I imagine her dying either by getting stabbed or of a disease

Request by: @creative-girl

*not my gif*

Summary: Even though he was told, Peter was still in denial that you wouldn’t be around for much longer

A/N: I feel like I’ve been on a roll with getting fics out recently

Please don’t plagiarize my work, you may reblog if you like but I’m asking that you don’t steal my hard work

“She has two days left,” the words came out solemnly and without an ounce of hope in them, as if there was nothing that could be done.

The words sent Peter’s world flying off of its axis and made it begin spinning out of control. The white walls and white equipment started to blend together, and he was forced to grab onto the wall to keep himself grounded.

Two days. Two days. Two days. Two-

“Wh-what do you mean?” He choked out, eyes wide as he stared at the doctor, waiting to be told that it was just some cruel prank that had been taken too far.

“Peter-“ You spoke up softly from the bed beside him, reaching to take his hand in your own, but he snatched it away and took a step towards the doctor, who had sad eyes.

“What do you mean?” He demanded this time, eyes narrowing as he unconsciously took up a protective stance in front of your bed, as if the threat to you weren’t already in the makings of destroying you from the inside out.

“Mr. Parker,” To his credit, his voice remained even and calm, “I am so sorry for your loss-“

“Shut up.” He snapped, and your eyes widened. He never snapped, “Stop talking about her like that.”

He brought his hands up to his hair and began to pull at the roots, eyes squeezing shut as he tried to block out all of the thoughts painfully bouncing back and forth inside his head.

“Mr. Parker-“ He tried again, taking a step forward as if to help the boy.

“Don’t talk about her as if she’s not right there!” He yelled back, taking a large step away from the man, glaring at him with a dangerous venom in his eyes.

“Peter,” The soft sound of your voice calling him finally snapped him out of whatever delusional daze of rage and denial that he was in.

He whipped around to face you, “It’s okay,” your voice was still gentle and you had the hand he had previously knocked aside raised in his direction. And this time, he took a hold of it, as if it were the one thing on earth keeping him from losing his mind.

The doctor swiftly exited the room, giving the two of you some much needed space once he was certain your brother wouldn’t lash out again.

With tear filled eyes, he sat down beside your bed and took your interlaced hands, putting them softly on the covers between you.

He wasn’t sure how much longer he could handle the sight before him. You, laying on a hospital bed, looking so small and tired, but still putting on a brave face for him. The sight of the machines that had wires sticking out every which and connected to your body under the sheets were enough to make him sick.

“How can you be so calm?” He let out a watery chuckle, ducking his head and letting his hair fall in front of his eyes so you wouldn’t be exposed to anymore of his vulnerable state.

“I guess I knew, deep down,” You admitted, shaking your hand inside of his to make him look up at your reassuring smile, “I’ve come to terms with it, Peter, and I think you should as well.”

He ran his free hand through his hair as a single tear slipped down his face, “I can’t come to terms with it,” He said shakily, “Beacause it’s not fair.” More tears were let loose, “Why should you be the one that has to suffer because of some sickness that barely anyone has ever heard of? Why can’t someone else be the one-“

“Hey,” You cut him off sternly, as if you were the elder of the two instead of him, “Don’t talk like that, never wish this upon somebody else, Peter.” You looked at him with sad eyes, “Beacuse if you do, then you won’t be the friendly neighborhood spiderman that everybody knows and loves.”

It was silent for a moment as Peter stared down at the sheets and you rubbed your thumb up and down against his knuckles, “But how can I continue to be spiderman if you’re not here?”

“Beacuse you have to,” You made him look you in the eyes once more, “Without you, who would stand up for the little guy? Besides,” You smiled, “You still have May.”

Your beloved aunt was out of state on a business trip, but had begun rushing back to you two as soon as she recived Peters call telling her that you were in the hospital.

He was supposed to watch out for you for three days while she was away, and he couldn’t even do that. He was helpless to the way you had crumbled on the ground in the middle of the kitchen, screaming that you were in pain. He was forced to watch silently as doctors and nurses studied you to find out what was the matter before finally being able to give you medicines so that you were no longer in pain.

“She’s on her way,” He glanced at the clock, “should be here any minute now.”

You grinned, an odd, yet comforting sight against the stark white of the room, “Do you mind going to get us some jello for the cafe, then? You know how much May loves it.”

He hesitated, eyeing you warily as if afraid that the moment he stepped out the door, you would blow away in the wind, but your pleading eyes were something he could never say no to.

“Fine,” He gave in with a sigh, slowly releasing your hand and watching as it fell back against the bed.

“And be quick about it!” You teased playfully, “We need to make sure May has her jello!”

Despite himself, he cracked a smile and jogged out of the room.

-•-

With as much jello containers as he could carry securely in his arms, he returned back to the hall, only to the met with the sight of utter chaos.

Nurses and doctors were running everywhich way, barking orders to one another, and in the center of it all stood May, head in her hands as sobs raked through her body.

But the boy wasn’t able to hear any of it, beacuse above all the noise was the steady, unchanging sound of a heart monitor flatlining.

The jello fell from his arms and splattered every which way, colors staining the white walls and floors.

Ever so faintly, somewhere far away, he heard May call out his name, rush over to him, and wrap her arms around his body tightly, brining his head to the crook of her neck as she swayed them back and forth.

He supposed there should be a ringing in his ears, like there was whenever there was so much noise going on around him that his super hearing was trying to pick up on, but all he heard was that flatlining heart monitor. The proof that you were gone.

If he had been thinking rationally, he wouldn’t have shoved his aunt away as harshly as he did. If he had been thinking rationally, then he would have stopped when he felt doctors arms wrap around him, trying to restrain him. If he had been thinking rationally, he never would have left your side. He would have been there for your final moments.

All at once, the voices around him finally bled through his ears and registered in his mind.

He shoved the doctors arms off of him and whipped around to face the one that had previously been standing in your room, “You told me she had two days!” He screamed at him, fresh, hot tears streaming down his face like a gushing waterfall.

He was given the same sad look as before, “These kinds of things are unpredictable-“

“You’re the professional!” He shot back, entier body beginning to shake, “You’re supposed to know, you’re supposed to tell me-“

“Peter, Peter,” Mays begging voice was the thing to bring him back down as she wrapped her arms around him once more, “Shh, I know, Pete, I know.”

So there Peter Parker stood, in the middle of a hospital hallway in the arms of his aunt, screaming at the world for taking his little sister away from him.

It was at that moment, whether he knew it or not at the time, that he transitioned from everyone’s friendly neighborhood spiderman, the hero that you remembered, to the cold, vicious vigilante that ran rampage through the city of New York, still silently screaming at the world.

We Are Groot 🤎- @lovanitu @jvdethirlwall @ineedmorefanfics2 @sambucky8 @spidyyparker @irethepotato @femalemarvelself @mukbee @its-hell @ip747 @i-writes-things @popfishjr @mitsuki-murakami

Additional tag: @catshrom

[buckysgrace]

Sixty Eight

Kim’s head kept drifting towards Billy’s shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut before she’d snap forward again. She kept blinking her eyes hard, rubbing her fingers across her eyelids to try and keep her body awake. Max’s head was resting in her lap as soft snores left her mouth. They had been here for nearly three hours, but Susan had only been seen about forty five minutes ago. Kim wished they would hurry and tell her what was wrong.

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Billy reassured her, his leg moving against hers as he bounced his foot. He had stepped out multiple times for a cigarette, but never looked quite relieved once he returned. She was sure he was worried about Neil. Neil had fled into the night, fleeing like he knew this was Susan’s last straw, “When I broke my arm they asked me a bunch of questions.” He sounded withdrawn suddenly.

“Questions?” She furrowed her eyebrows together, unsure of what he meant. Kim had never been in the emergency room before, neither had Max. It had been very rare up until recently that they actually visited the doctor. He nodded his head, glancing towards her for a second. 

“Yeah,” He brought the coffee back towards his lips. Kim was sure that it wasn’t helping with any of his jitters, “They wanted to know how it happened. Who did it.” He mumbled softly, his eyes looking far away as he thought about something. Kim looked at him curiously, feeling a pang in her heart as she realized he’d been here before.

“I bet you had a cool cast,” She told him softly, “Her arm just looked off.” Kim shook her head, beginning to feel nauseous again as she remembered the odd dip that had been in Susan’s forearm. She breathed in deeply, hoping that it would be an easy fix.

“A lot of girls signed it,” He teased her back. He glanced around before he pushed the hair from her face. His blue eyes looked over her tired features and she wondered how deep the bags underneath her eyes were, “You should rest.” He suggested softly, still bouncing his leg as he spoke. 

“I can’t,” She told him seriously, “My body is tired but it’s like my mind is awake.” She told him honestly, not sure if that made sense at all. He nodded his head, looking like he understood as he offered her a drink from his cup. She quickly shook her head no, afraid of how she’d act on that much caffeine.

“I know,” He glanced around before he leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her forehead, “Everything will be okay.” HIs lips brushed against her forehead as he spoke. She sighed, breathing in the feeling of him. She felt that they had been lucky. There hadn’t been a mass amount of people when they’d arrived, but it still took some time. She had a particularly hard time looking at one of the gentlemen who had arrived with a rather large fish hook stuck in the left side of his cheek. 

Kim was glad she wasn’t going to become a nurse.

“What do you think she’s saying?” She questioned him, feeling a little nervous as she did so. She thought about Neil, wondering what would happen if Susan did press charges. She found herself moving closer towards Billy, fearing that this could be the end for them.

“I don’t know,” Billy said honestly, “I’m sure he didn’t mean for it to get this bad.” He mumbled softly as he sat his coffee cup down next to him. Kim felt bad for him, thinking of how tragic it must be to still search for something good in your father after something like this happened.

“Are you the group with Mrs. Hargrove?” A nurse appeared, a kind smile on her face as she walked towards them. Kim felt her heart stop before it started again. 

“Yes,” Kim spoke quickly as she glanced down at Max on her lap, unsure if she should awaken her before she knew the news, “Is she okay?” She asked worriedly, as if there was something worse than just a broken arm.

“She’s resting,” The nurse smiled kindly, “If you’d like to visit her for a moment, I can take you.” She offered them. Kim quickly shook her head before she moved towards Max’s sleeping form.

“Max,” Kim shook her awake gently. Max looked up at her, blinking away the sleep and confusion as she slowly sat back up in the chair, “Hey, we can go see mom.” Kim spoke softly, careful not to startle Max too much. Max’s blue eyes shot up and she was scrambling to her feet, looking more than ready to see Susan. Kim stood a second later, turning towards Billy and waiting.

“I’ll stay.” He looked at them confused, wiping the back of his mouth as he dismissed Kim’s urging look for him to follow. She found herself frowning suddenly, hoping that he didn’t feel bad for what had happened. 

“No,” Max looked at him, “It’s fine, please come with us.” She begged, reaching for one of his hands. Billy paused, his stance temporarily frozen like he wasn’t expecting Max to care so much. Kim nodded, hating the thought of Billy sitting out here alone. 

“Please,” Kim squeezed his bicep gently, not wanting him to feel bad for what happened, “I don’t want you to be alone.” She told him honestly. He sighed deeply for a moment, looking like he wanted to argue but he quickly stopped himself. He nodded his head, before he let Max tug him down the long hallway. Kim bit back a grin as she thought about how sweet but complicated their relationship was. 

Her heart began to beat a little faster as the nurse opened the door for them. Kim wasn’t sure if she liked that the nurse was smiling. She understood why she would do it, but the gesture did nothing to make the gloomy feelings inside of her go away. Kim entered the room last, trying to ignore the sick feeling that was growing deep inside of her. 

“Mom?” Max asked, sounding a bit unsure as she stepped forward towards the edge of the bed. Her features were lined with worry and concern. Billy released her hand and turned towards Kim, nudging her forward so that she was no longer standing behind him. She gulped, wishing she could hold his hand.

“Hi baby,” Susan sighed deeply. Kim faltered in the doorway, staring at the bruises that covered her face. Her eye was no longer swollen shut, but it was still swollen. Her lips were cracked but no longer dried with blood. Kim’s eyes lingered against her right hand, watching the cast for a second before she stepped forward, “I’m fine.” Susan tried to reassure them. Max faltered before she stepped forward, slowly pushing her way onto the bed with Susan. 

“Are you able to leave?” Kim was gentle as she pushed Susan’s bangs from her eyes. She met her mother’s brown eyes, noticing the sadness that was lingering inside. Kim wasn’t sure where they would go once Susan could leave. She didn’t want to go back home, she didn’t want to see Neil again. She feared that Susan would let all of this slide and act like nothing was wrong. 

“No,” Susan gulped, “I mean yes I can leave. I just have to wait for the police to arrive.” She said slowly, her eyes flickering towards Billy before she looked at Kim again. She scooted over a bit, adjusting herself on the bed as she slowly pulled Max closer to her. 

“Why are the cops coming?” Max looked at her curiously, like she was thinking the same thing Kim was. Kim watched the way Billy was fumbling with his rings and looking as if he needed to step out for another smoke. The pieces began to connect as Kim realized they wouldn’t be going home to Neil again. 

“I need to issue a statement about what happened,” Susan glanced towards Billy, a look of regret crossing her features, “We can’t go back to the house. Not yet.” She drew out softly, but looked more determined than ever. Kim kept quiet. She felt happy for her mom, yet at the same time she was worried about what would happen to Billy now. She didn’t want him to be alone with his father. 

“You’re leaving Neil?” Max looked at her in disbelief, but seemed happy at the thought at the same time. Kim gnawed on her bottom lip, trying to keep her own excitement at bay. She didn’t want to upset Billy, but the thought of them all being free from Neil was thrilling. 

“We can’t stay there,” Susan’s voice was shaky as her eyes grew more wet, “It’s too dangerous. For all of us.” Her eyes turned towards Billy again, making a point to draw out her words as she looked at him. Billy’s eyes found his shoes.

“I can get your bags tomorrow.” He mumbled. Kim felt her heart break, fearing this would be the last time she saw him. She stared at him for a long time, listening to the dejected tone he used. She didn’t want to lose him, she couldn’t. She would convince him to stay, no matter what she had to do. If things were already going bad, there would be no point in hiding their secret. She would go wherever he went. 

“You’re coming with us,” Susan spoke with determination, “We’re all going to find somewhere better.” Kim turned to her mother surprised, unsure if she had heard her right. She thought back to the first time they had seen Neil hit Billy and how Susan was adamant they couldn’t leave with Billy. Billy hesitated for a moment before he turned stoic again. 

“You’re not my mom.” He said simply, getting straight to the point. He had never shied away from saying that Susan didn’t like him and he didn’t seem like he was just simply going to give in with her demand. Kim thought about saying something before the sound of Susan’s cries drew her own thoughts away. 

“Billy,” Susan sobbed, “I’m so sorry for everything. I should’ve done better, I should’ve treated you better than what I did.” Max sat up a bit, as if to confirm that Susan was indeed crying. She shot Kim a questioning look but Kim didn’t have an answer either. She only hoped that Susan really did feel bad and this wasn’t just because of the pain she was experiencing. 

“It’s okay, Susan,” Billy looked uncomfortable as the attention turned towards him, “I’m fine.” He said gruffly, rubbing his arm like he wasn’t sure how to react. Kim was sure that he was lost at the moment. He met Kim’s eyes in confusion, looking like he was searching for help. 

“I shouldn’t have let your dad be so mean to you,” Susan blubbered on, “You deserved so much better than that.” She was shaking her head as she cried, looking utterly remorseful as her body shook. Kim paused, knowing that Billy didn’t have to forgive her if he didn’t want to. She watched him softly, hoping that he didn’t feel that way. 

“I’m fine,” He gulped hard, “He’s my dad. It doesn’t matter.” He shrugged it off quickly, looking like he wanted to do anything but talk about it. It took a step forward suddenly, moving towards Kim like he needed his own support. 

“Of course it mattered. I should’ve made him stop that first day,” She was bawling hysterically now, “I should’ve taken you all and left. I’m so sorry.” Max curled up closer to Susan, like she was trying to calm her down. Kim found herself caressing Susan’s hair again, her own tears beginning to form in her eyes. None of this was fair towards Billy, but she hated seeing Susan cry. There was something so heartbreaking about seeing her mom cry, she didn’t quite understand it. 

“It’s fine,” He was still averting his eyes as he tried to reassure her, “I don’t blame you for that. Please. Just stop crying.” He sounded awkward as he spoke. Kim leaned down to gently hug Susan, trying to keep her from crying so hysterically. 

Kim’s head was gently resting against Susan’s shoulder, with one arm resting against her midriff. Max was snuggled up against Susan’s side, looking much smaller than Kim remembered. Susan kept motioning Billy closer and closer to the bed, until he was standing behind Kim. Susan reached behind with her good arm, taking a light grip of Billy’s shirt and pulling him down into their mass of bodies. Kim wiped her eyes, stifling her own laugh as she felt Billy’s stiff body press down on top of her back. 

She turned to glance up at him, inspecting the uncomfortable look on his features. He licked his bottom lip as he met Kim’s eyes, quickly shooting his eyebrows up and then back down like he couldn’t believe what was happening. Kim grinned, wondering if they had given Susan any pain medications. 

“Susan,” Hopper didn’t bother to introduce himself as he stepped into the room. Billy quickly straightened himself and began to play with his watch as he took large steps away from the girls. Kim shifted off the edge of the bed, still feeling an awkwardness between herself and Hopper, “How are you?” He sounded kind, his voice soft compared to the stoic look on his face. Kim wondered how many cases like this he’d seen. Or if he was upset that he had risked El being in their care when Neil was capable of this.

“Okay,” She took in a shaky breath, “How does this work?” Hopper’s eyes looked over the other three in the room. Kim glanced towards Billy, looking at how distant his eyes seemed. She wished there was a way to know what he was thinking or how he was feeling. 

“How about a few minutes of privacy?” Hopper asked as he glanced towards the door, hinting to the kids that he’d like for them to leave. Kim nodded, gently beginning to nudge Max towards the door. Max huffed about it, but followed out anyway.

“I hate this,” Max spoke roughly, “Why can’t we be there to support her?” She sounded cranky as she spoke. Kim was sure that she was. They hadn’t slept much and she was sure Max was growing hungry. Billy lingered close to Kim. his fingers brushing against hers as they walked. She looked towards him quickly, making sure that he was alright. 

“I don’t think it’d be easy to talk about,” Kim offered gently. Susan hadn’t even said what had happened, only that Neil had lost his cool suddenly, “Don’t worry. We’ll be out of here soon.” Max continued to grumble underneath her breath, like Kim hadn’t said anything at all.

They sat back in the waiting room, waiting for Susan to return to them. Kim was glad that it had at least hit six in the morning. The TV’s came alive, flooding the room with sound rather than leaving them hidden in silence. Max curled back up on the couch in the waiting room, looking like she didn’t want to be touched this time around. 

Billy’s leg was bouncing again and she watched several times as he removed his cigarette box from his pocket, checking to confirm that it was empty before he put it away again. He did it a few more times, as if a cigarette would magically appear. She turned to look at his face, noticing how he looked paler than usual. She moved closer to him, not caring what anyone thought at the moment. 

“Have you heard from your dad?” Kim asked, even though it was a silly question. She hadn’t seen him go to a phone, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t tried. She wasn’t as upset with the thought as what she thought she would be. She understood that Neil was still Billy’s dad and that despite everything that had happened, Billy still cared for him. She only hoped that maybe this would help Billy realize some things about Neil. 

“No,” Billy spoke earnestly, “I don’t know where he would’ve gone.” He looked almost crestfallen, like he hated not having the answer. She watched him for a moment, wondering what he was thinking in his head. 

“I’m scared.” She told him softly as their fingers wrapped along each other. He squeezed her hand gently before he breathed in deeply as he thought about her statement for a moment. He turned in his seat so he could face her. “Don’t be,” He rubbed his finger along the exposed skin on her arm, “Your mom is strong, she’ll be fine.” He reassured her, his blue eyes looking at her calmly. She paused as she tried to sort out her thoughts and feelings. 

“I’m not worried about her,” She spoke, feeling a little guilty, “I’m worried about us. I don’t want to lose you.” She admitted slowly. His lips curled into a grin as he rubbed his thumb across her freckled arm. She felt goosebumps forming from the sensation.

“You won’t.” He told her calmly, like losing him was far from the scenario that they were stuck in. Kim breathed out softly, nodding her head as she tried to keep the panic inside of her at bay. She wondered if he had truly prepared a way for them to escape together. She wondered if it would come to that.

He was quiet for a while as his thumb continued to stroke her skin. He looked deep in thought as he stared down towards her lap and began to chew on his bottom lip. She tilted her head down a bit, looking at the dark storms that were forming in his eyes. 

“What’s wrong?” She asked him seriously, moving her own hand to touch his fingers softly. She held onto his hand, squeezing their fingers together softly. Billy bit his lip, like he was considering speaking at all. She traced her thumb along the veins on his hand, letting him know that she was listening whenever he was ready. 

“I should go look for him.” He said at last, nearly whispering as he spoke. He darted his eyes away from her, like he already knew what her answer would be. She felt a frown forming on her lips. 

“Billy,” She drew his name out softly, “No.” She didn’t offer him any other explanation, other than that it was just a bad idea. Even if Billy did find Neil, there was no telling how Neil would react. It was too dangerous to deal with Neil alone when he was like this, Kim knew that. She figured that Billy knew that as well. 

“He’s my dad. I’m sure he didn’t mean for things to get this bad.” He tried to convince her, his eyes looking downcast. Kim did her best to understand why Billy would want to seek Neil out. She knew their relationship was complicated, but it made her wonder if he feared that he’d be blamed for everything that had happened. She felt a twinge of anger suddenly. 

“This isn’t the first time it’s happened. You said he broke your arm. It’s justice.” She nearly hated to say it, but it was the truth. Neil had hurt him so terribly before, it was time that he answered for his crimes. It was delayed, but Kim hoped that maybe Billy would realize that. His eyebrows pulled together as he moved his hand away from hers. 

“You don’t know shit,” He snapped at her, his blue eyes blazing with anger, “That's my dad you’re talking about.” He reminded her, as if she wasn’t supposed to question anything Neil had done. She thought of her conversation with Neil yesterday, how threatening he had been. She felt like she had a right to complain about him, the same way Billy was allowed to complain about Susan.

“And he beats you. He beats his wives. You can care about him and still not like the things that he does.” She told him seriously, trying to ignore the furious look that was written on his features. She wasn’t sure if she had a right to speak about it, but she was tired of holding the truth back. She didn’t believe that he should defend Neil’s actions so easily. It was okay to admit that he was wrong, that didn’t mean Billy had to hate him. 

Billy’s eyes flashed, his lips parting as she was sure he thought of something snarky to snap back. He faltered once Hopper appeared around the corner. He was rubbing his fingers across his mustache, looking deep in thought as he approached them.

“I want a word with you two.” Hopper motioned towards the two of them. Max huffed and dramatically sat back down on the couch, kicking her feet up high. Kim thought about reminding her to keep her shoes off the seat, but decided against it. There was no need to nag about it now. 

“What do you want?” Billy was practically seething as Hopper took them down the hallway. Hopper sighed deeply and rubbed his hand across the back of his neck, looking like it was too early to deal with Billy’s attitude. Kim glanced at Billy, noticing the way he was keeping his distance from her. 

“She said this isn’t the first time the abuse has happened,” Hopper looked towards Kim instead, “Can you tell me the other times?” He asked, holding a pad of paper in his hands. Kim glanced towards Billy, watching the way he looked withdrawn suddenly. Billy caught her eye and shook his head, begging her not to say anything about him. She inhaled sharply, fighting with herself for a moment. She thought it was the right thing to do, however, she didn’t want to lose Billy. She was sure that by exposing Neil of everything that Billy would hate her. She looked up at Hopper again. 

“He slapped her, I don’t know how long ago,” Kim said as Billy stayed quiet, “He flipped the table, it was at dinner.” She told Hopper quietly, secretly hoping that Billy would also come clean about everything that had happened to him. She watched as Hopper wrote it down.

“Anything else?” Hopper met her eyes, searching her face for anything that might be hidden away. Kim thought for a moment, trying to think of anything else that had happened to her mom. 

“She had bruises sometimes,” Kim mentioned softly, suddenly feeling cold as she rubbed her arms softly, “She never said what from though.” She wasn’t sure if Hopper could do anything with that information or not. She mentioned it anyways, just to stay safe if he could use it. 

“You got anything to add, boy?” Hopper looked towards Billy curiously. He drummed his fingers across his pad of paper as the room went silent. Kim glanced towards Billy, noticing the way he was still ignoring her. She curled and tugged at her hair, beginning to regret saying anything to him. 

“Why would I have anything to add?” Billy asked roughly, his eyebrows drawn together tightly in anger. Kim exhaled slowly as she looked back towards Hopper. He was bouncing his pen against the pad of paper, looking fairly patient as he ignore Billy’s tone. 

“Susan said your dad hits you.” Hopper’s voice was smooth but stern. Kim glanced between them, realizing that he was asking for an honest answer this time. She looked at Billy urgently, hoping that he would find it in himself to confess everything. She had told Hopper about the situation with Logan, Kim felt like it was time for Billy to do the same. 

“He disciplines me,” Billy chuckled like it was nothing, “It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Billy easily dismissed Hopper’s claim. Kim felt her lips part in dismay, feeling the need to protest. Billy turned towards her again, giving her a pleading look. She inhaled again, fighting the urge to confess everything. 

“Does he punch you?” Hopper looked to Billy for clarity. Kim felt the room grow quiet, a chill settling over the three of them as she looked at Billy. She waited for his answer, knowing that the truth would be coming out. 

Kim felt as if the air left her lungs as Billy answered, “No. He’s never violent like that towards me.” He shrugged his shoulders, glancing back towards the floor as he twisted the rings around his fingers. She blinked, feeling like she needed to clean her ears out in case she didn’t hear him right. He avoided her gaze, straightened his shoulders and held his chin out as if he was trying to keep his pride in check. 

“Billy,” She looked at him in disbelief, unable to stop herself from speaking, “It’s okay.” She tried to reassure him, feeling the urge to reach towards him. She didn’t think that admitting your father beat you was worse than sleeping with your sister, but perhaps it was. Hopper watched the two of them curiously, acting like he already knew the truth. 

“What?” He shot her a harsh look, “He’s asking me, not you.” He snapped back quickly, looking like he didn’t want to hear anything else from her. She could feel her emotions bubbling inside of her, threatening to burst free. She was hurt and angry. She did her best to swallow it down as she turned away from him. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, wondering why he was holding onto Neil so tightly.

She pressed her lips tightly together, holding back her tears at his harsh words. She blinked rapidly as she looked away, holding onto herself as she nodded her head. Hopper looked back towards Billy.

“There’s nothing you want to add to the report then?” Hopper raised his eyebrow towards Billy. Billy shook his head quickly, looking like he didn’t want to talk about this anymore. Hopper sighed loudly before he nodded, “Thanks for your help.” He nodded towards Kim before he was walking away, leaving Billy and Kim on their own. 

She gulped hard, not wanting to be irritating by crying. Billy paced for a second before he pushed his hair back out of his face. He looked towards her, a bitter look filling his eyes as he watched her. He waited as a nurse passed by before he finally spoke up. 

“Don’t talk about my dad like that,” Billy told her, speaking full of frustration, “You have no right.” He was looking at her seriously, his eyes cold and brash. She inhaled sharply, trying to keep her courage from wavering. 

“Billy,” She used both of her hands to push her hair from her face, “How am I acting any different than you did with Logan?” She asked him honestly, wanting a real answer from him. His eyes flicked over her features, looking like the answer was obvious. 

“That’s a different situation.” He told her briskly as he tried to dismiss any of her concerns. She found herself frowning again as she took a step closer to him. She didn’t understand why he wouldn’t admit that they had similar experiences. It was like he was determined to say that nothing bad had ever happened to him. 

“It’s not,” She felt her own frustration growing, “I just want to help you in the same way you helped me.” She told him earnestly, unsure if she should reach out and touch him. He still seemed angry and she didn’t want to push her luck at the moment. 

“I don’t need your help.” He snapped again as he crossed his arms over his chest. He looked withdrawn, like he was trying to hide himself away from her. She exhaled softly, trying to ignore the hurt that was growing in her chest. She knew he didn’t mean it. 

“Well you don’t have to be alone,” She told him seriously, “I’m here for you. I wish you’d realize that.” She was speaking softer this time, hoping to reassure him that he could trust her. She wished he’d open up just a little bit, just enough that he didn’t have to feel so alone. She wondered how much she actually knew him. 

He moved his lips for a moment before he stopped and rubbed his hand across the stubble that was forming on his jawline, “It’s my choice,” He said at last, the storm in his eyes beginning to fade, “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Can we just drop it?” He asked her seriously, looking as if he was defeated.

Kim paused, thinking over the words in her mind as she tried to debate on how to go forward. She didn’t want to fight with him, but she didn’t want to act like this was okay either. She wanted him to realize he deserved better than what was happening to him. She wanted to protest, wanted to argue until he realized he’d be safe opening up. She inhaled sharply, feeling the words beginning to bubble inside of her. 

“Please.” He added again, looking at her softly. His blue eyes looked over her gently, wishfully like he was pleading with her. She felt the argument sliding away, knowing that she didn’t want to force him into anything that he was uncomfortable with. She wasn’t sure what she wanted from him, just that he could realize he’d be safe with her. 

“Okay.” She said at last, still feeling her chest tightening as she tried to relax the tension that was in her body. He licked his bottom lip, looking a bit remorseful. 

“I’m sorry I snapped at you,” He said softly, tilting his head so he could look at her better. She held her lips together, still feeling her own bitterness growing inside of her chest. She tried to blame it on being so tired but she wondered if it was the way Billy refused to admit how awful his dad could be. His eyes softened, looking a bit sorrowful as he tilted her chin up towards him, “Please don’t be mad. I don’t want to fight with you. Kim, please.” He tried again, cupping her face fully this time as she continued to stay silent. She finally drew her eyes back towards him, still feeling as if it was hard to let go.

“Alright,” She said at last, “We can drop it.” She wasn’t happy about her answer, but she said it anyway. She didn’t want to make things harder for him. She was sure this was difficult and he was acting out because of it. He squeezed her face softly in his hands, looking like he wanted to make sure that she wasn’t actually mad.

“Don’t be pouty.” He told her softly before he leaned forward and pressed his lips against her forehead. She shrugged her shoulders, about to deny that she was pouting when his lips cascaded around her cheeks and forehead. He kissed her chin, the tip of her nose and against her eyebrows. She found her bitterness sinking away as she began to giggle underneath his gentle motions.

“You’re going to get us caught,” She mumbled softly as he pecked her lips repeatedly. She grinned against his lips, enjoying the way that they molded together, “Stop.” She laughed gently as he gave her one last long peck. He pulled away with his own smile, his hands still lingering against her waist.

“Sorry,” He told her again, “I really didn’t mean to snap at you.” He spoke honestly as he searched her features, like he was looking for any resentment that was hiding. She inhaled softly as she smiled at him, letting him know that everything was okay. She was sure this was hard on him, she couldn’t understand what he was going through. She could only hope that he knew that she was there for him. Even if he didn’t want to talk or admit to anything. 

“It’s alright,” She squeezed his hand softly, doing her best to reassure him, “I want to go see my mom again.” She added at the end, still curious as to how he was feeling about the whole situation. He didn’t appear to react any different than before as he slowly released his fingers from her grip. 

“Let’s go.” He nodded his head, keeping his emotions hidden away as he waited for her to make the first move. She took a step forward before she looked over her shoulder, making sure that he was following close behind her. He sent her a half smile that caused her steps to linger. She gripped his hand again, not caring who might see as they made their way back towards the room.

She was quick to notice the distance in his touch as she squeezed their fingers together again. She listened to the way he exhaled before his grip tightened, like he was afraid to let go of her this time. She wondered what he was feeling, what he was thinking. She only feared that he would try to leave to find Neil. 

Max was already back in the room when they returned. She was tugging at the white sheets, her blue eyes staring forward as Susan picked at the ends of her cast. Kim stepped forward slowly as Billy lingered in the doorway. She squeezed Max’s forearms, looking down to make sure that Max was alright. 

“Are we leaving?” She was speaking more towards Max as the younger girl rested back against her. Kim fixed the top strands of her hair, watching the way Max’s eyes closed quickly. Kim felt bad, she could tell that Max was exhausted. 

“We’re going to stay at a motel,” Susan stood from the bed slowly, “You know the one.” She wrinkled her face in pain before she quickly relaxed it as she fully stood. Kim rubbed Max’s back gently, nodding her head as she remembered the one they had stayed in so long ago. She felt relieved this time, knowing that Billy would be with her. 

“I’ll go pull my car around.” He spoke up quietly, like he was unsure if he should speak at all. Kim turned towards him, watching the way he was avoiding Susan’s eyes. He still looked uncomfortable, like he still thought that he didn’t belong. “It’s okay,” Susan glanced towards her daughters, “Hopper said he’d drive us.” Max stood up a little straighter at that, looking relieved in her own way. Kim suddenly realized how scared Max must’ve been. She squeezed her arm gently again, hoping that she knew everything would be alright now. 

“What about our things?” Max questioned, blinking her eyes quickly like she was trying to remove the sleep from her eyes. Kim hoped they’d get there soon, just so that Max would be able to rest. She was sure it was a long night for her. 

“I can go get them.” Billy offered quickly. Kim turned towards him, watching the way he was twisting the rings around his fingers again. She wondered if he was wanting space for a little bit, somewhere to clear his thoughts. Max looked up towards him in worry. 

“I don’t like that idea.” Susan shook her head as she took a step forward, looking that she was more than ready to leave this room. Kim didn’t blame her. She was sure Susan was exhausted from everything that had happened in the past few hours. She hoped that this would give them a fresh start, where they would actually be safe.

“They’ll check the house, he won't go there,” Billy reasoned with her as he referenced the cops, “It’s fine, I don’t mind.” He shrugged his shoulders quickly, his eyes still glued towards the floor. Susan sighed deeply before she nodded towards her daughters as she began to walk forward, looking like she had no energy left to fight. Kim stayed close to Billy as they made their way back out the long hallway. 

“I’ll go too,” Kim spoke quickly, glancing towards Billy and her mother, “Just to get it all packed sooner.” She nodded her head, knowing she was going to make sure that he didn’t try to look for Neil on his own. She wouldn’t bring the conversation up again, but she would make it difficult for him to act on his own. 

“Kim,” Susan sighed deeply again, “I just don’t like this.” She spoke reasonably. Kim could understand all of Susan’s reasons at the moment, but she wasn’t going to leave Billy alone. She didn’t want him to do anything that would get him hurt or in trouble. He bit his bottom lip, but didn’t appear to be too irritated. 

“It’s fine,” Kim reassured her as they stopped towards the exit, “Send someone to check on us if we’re not back soon enough.” Max looked like she wanted to argue but Kim gave her a look, begging her to be quiet. She didn’t like the idea of splitting up, but she figured it was safer that someone went with Billy. Susan paused for a long time, glancing towards the car that was waiting for them. 

“I’ll meet you at the motel,” Susan didn’t look sure as she finally spoke up, “Please be safe.” She added seriously. Kim was quick to nod her head, not wanting Susan to worry about her anymore than she had to. She wanted her mother to rest. She hoped that things would soon be better. 

“We will,” Kim kissed her cheek reassuringly, “We’re just going to grab the bags and then we’ll be there.” She told her quickly. Susan’s eyes looked far away as she nodded. She used her good hand to take a hold of Max’s, like she was worried Max would try and leave too. 

“Okay,” Susan nodded her head before she turned towards Billy, “I’ll see you both soon.” She didn’t try to smile or give any sort of reassurance as she stepped out the door. Kim waited for a second before she followed behind Billy. He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes still looking tired as they walked to his car. It felt far too warm, too sunny for what had just happened. 

Kim kept glancing towards him as they walked, worried that he would snap about her following so closely to him. He didn’t mutter a word about it, nor look irritated in the slightest as he unlocked the door. He walked on her side and pulled her door open, waiting for her to crawl inside. She muttered a quick thanks before she slipped in.

She couldn’t help herself as she pulled the mirror down and inspected the tired lines and bags underneath her eyes. She looked paler than usual, her freckles not as bright. She exhaled before she shut it quickly and ruffled her hair a bit. She felt like she needed a shower. Like she needed to wash the memory away. 

“Fuck,” Billy leaned against his seat, breathing in deeply through his nostrils, “It’s been eventful.” He drew out the words slowly. He sent her a fleeting glance before he looked forward again. There still felt to be an awkward tension between the two of them. She tugged at the hem of her shirt, trying to think of a way to relieve whatever was simmering between the two of them. 

“Very,” Kim agreed, “I’m kind of hungry.” She admitted, feeling like her stomach was beginning to eat itself. It was like she had flipped a switch as Billy turned towards her, looking at her fully again. 

“I’m fucking starving,” Billy grumbled in agreement as he started the car, “And I’m out of cigarettes.” He nearly sounded whiny about it. She watched as he flexed his fingers around the steering wheel. She kept her eyes glued for a few more seconds, not missing the way he was shaking. She looked back towards him. 

“Oh god,” Kim felt a teasing grin rising on her lips, “What will we ever do?” She said lightly, leaning so that she was sitting closer to him. He grinned, moving his arm onto the console too so he was looking down at her. His smile met his eyes this time as the gap between them closed.

“Don’t test me, Red,” He teased right back, “Do you think it’ll be too suspicious if we eat together?” She was sure he was referencing the rumors about them in town. She thought for a moment, wondering what stories would be made once everyone found out about Susan. 

“I don’t care,” She admitted, “I just want to eat something.” She nodded to herself, wondering if she was so cranky because of the lack of food. She didn’t even care what she ate, as long as she got it in her stomach. 

“Let’s get some food,” Billy nodded his head, “Then we can get the bags.” He agreed, his voice sounding raspy as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. She inhaled softly and slowly moved her mouth against his, savoring the way his lips felt on her own. She felt like everything else that had happened was like water underneath a bridge. It wasn’t important. 

“Okay,” She nodded her head as she buckled up, “I”m sorry if I overstepped earlier. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” She told him honestly. He glanced at her as he began to back out of his parking spot.

“It’s okay,” He sighed out, “I shouldn’t have snapped. We’re just tired.” He told her as he placed a tired grin on his lips. She nodded her head, believing his words to be true. She didn’t like fighting with him and she had a feeling he felt the same way. 

///////////////

“This is so good,” Kim said between mouthfuls as she chewed on her burger. She didn’t even care if it was rude or gross at the moment, “I think this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.” She said as she tried to fill her tummy as fast as she could. She was already beginning to feel relieved. Billy glanced up towards her as amusement began to form on his features. He was acting calmer as well, like nothing had happened between the two of them. 

“You’re cute,” Billy smiled as he dug into his fries, “I think you’re right.” He said after a moment, before he took a large bite from his burger. He made a pleased face, looking like he hadn’t eaten in ages. 

“Actually,” Kim thought for a moment as she dumped the end of her burge into her pile of ketchup, “That pizza in Chicago was amazing.” She sighed dreamily as she thought about it. She hoped they’d have the chance to eat there again. 

“Hm.” He said softly. She wasn’t sure if he was agreeing with her, or simply responding as he continued to eat. Kim took a bite of her fries, savoring the salty taste on her tongue. She found a question rising inside of her as she looked towards him. 

“What’s your favorite restaurant?” She set her food down, feeling the need to let her stomach rest for a few minutes. She grabbed a napkin to wipe away the remnants of grease and salt from her fingertips. Billy raised his eyebrow as he sat back in his chair, staying quiet as he thought for a moment.

“There was this spot near the pier,” Billy started, his eyes flashing with warmth, “They had these really good empanadas. There’s nothing like that around here.” He looked back towards his plate, like he was regretting talking about how good it tasted. Kim felt her own eyebrows furrowing together.

“I’ve never had those.” She admitted, trying to picture what he was talking about. Neil wasn’t much on ethnic food and they never had money prior to eat out at restaurants. She felt like she had missed out on something special with him. She crossed her legs in the booth, beginning to wonder how hard it would be to find a recipe. 

“Really?” He looked at her surprised. She shook her head no, confirming that she had never had it, “Well, we stop there first on our road trip.” He grinned, reminding her of their future trip. She bit her lip, wondering how long it would take for them to actually be able to do it. 

“What are we going to do?” She asked on a slightly serious note. There were too many unknown things that laid ahead in their future. She didn’t know what would happen when Susan would eventually find out, which Kim was sure would happen. She didn’t know what would happen with Neil, if he would actually be caught or not. 

“Nothing,” He bit his lip, “Susan doesn’t know. We’re fine. I could afford to move out, somewhere close.” He spoke thoughtfully after a second. She felt her eyebrows furrowing together as she frowned. She didn’t want him to move out somewhere else, even if it was close. She wanted him to stay with her. 

“I’d never see you.” She dismissed his statement quickly, wanting to keep a hold of him for as long as she could. She bit her lip, hoping he’d at least stay until she graduated. They could move out somewhere together then. They could be safe.

“Trust me, you’d see me,” He chuckled softly as he tried to reassure her, “There’s no rush. We’ll take it slowly and if something does happen, we leave.” He reminded her again. She nodded her head, agreeing to whatever he had planned. 

“Just don’t leave me,” She told him seriously, “I can’t lose you.” She spoke a little softer as their waitress walked past their table. She tucked her hair behind her ears, feeling a bit vulnerable as she spoke. Billy’s eyes softened as he took in the tone of her voice. 

“We’re staying together,” He promised, “I’m just, I don’t know. This thing with my dad. I’m fucking worried.” He shrugged his shoulders but looked to be deep in thought before he turned to face her again. She paused for a moment, thinking of the right way to phrase her question. 

“You don’t want him to be arrested?” She finally asked, looking at him unsure of what his answer would be. He furrowed his eyebrows together, seeming to be thinking hard to himself again. She ran her nail against the edge of the table, nearly afraid of what his answer would be. 

“It’s not that,” He sighed deeply, his shoulders rising with his actions, “Fuck, I don’t know. It’s complicated.” He leaned forward to take a large gulp of his water. She pressed her fingers together as she thought about what he said. 

“You have a complicated relationship.” She said softly, thinking about everything that Neil had put Billy through. She had really thought that he would be relieved that Neil was getting arrested. She didn’t expect him to be so indifferent about it. 

“Yeah,” He agreed as he pulled a cigarette from his new box. He had stopped to get a new pack first thing, which she was more than happy to oblige with. He had really needed one by now, “I guess you could say that.” 

“It’ll work out somehow.” She reached underneath the table to squeeze his knee. He jolted for a moment, a quick look of surprise crossing his features. He quickly relaxed before he moved his hand on top of hers, squeezing it softly. 

“It’s fine,” He said quickly, “I have you and that's all that matters.” He reassured her with a grin. She gnawed on her bottom lip, feeling a smile form as she watched him. His color had slowly gone back to normal and he didn’t look as tired as he once had. She held onto him for a moment, feeling more and more relaxed. 

“I’m flattered,” She told him seriously, “I feel the same way.” She confirmed softly as she felt a smile growing on her lips. His lips curled into a smile as he watched her, his eyes sparkling as he stayed silent for a moment. Kim felt her heart fluttering inside of her chest, thumping obnoxiously as a warm feeling spread through her body. Despite everything being so messy, she felt like they could overcome what was happening to them. Everything would be okay, as long as they had each other. 

/////////////////

“Maybe we could share a room now,” She suggested as they walked up the steps towards the house, “I could think of an excuse.” Kim told him quickly. He shook his head, laughing softly at her words. She glanced at the house, wondering if this would be the last time she was ever inside of it. She knew Susan wouldn’t be able to afford it on her own. She wondered where they’d end up this time. 

“Right,” Billy snorted as he began to unlock the back door, “I’m sure your mom being on pain pills is the best time to ask.” Kim wasn’t sure why she found his snarky answer funny, but she did. She began to giggle. Perhaps it was from the lack of sleep. 

He held the door open for her, letting her step inside first. She felt the laugh dying on her tongue as ice filled her chest. The room was filled with silence again as they stepped over a mess of wood and glass. She looked around, noticing how the whole house looked to be torn apart.

She found herself beginning to question Billy about how police officers conducted searches within houses. She found herself freezing, unable to move an inch forward as the master bedroom door creaked open. She felt her heart racing inside of her chest as Neil stepped from the doorway, looking rather brash at the moment. 

“Sit down,” Neil was smiling stiffly, his blue eyes hardening as he looked between the two of them, “We need to talk.” 

[smol-and-grumpy]

Redlight - Chapter Three

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Hooker!Reader

Summary: Dean Winchester is a rich, recently divorced entrepreneur who visits Los Angeles for business. While he was out with acquaintances one night and was waiting on a limousine to get back to his hotel, he witnessed a woman in need, and rushed in to help, only to learn that the woman was a prostitute. Dean should have left after he made sure she was okay, but there was something about her that wouldn’t let him walk away.

Chapter Warnings: There’s zero warning but it’s good, I promise

WC: 2735

Beta’d by the amazing @winchest09​

Read ahead on Patreon

Series Masterlist ~ General Masterlist

Dean finds himself sitting across from Scarlet as he gets a full view of how she practically inhales her burger and fries. He’s still partial about her dunking them into her milkshake, though, but he tries not to show her how much it disgusts him.

He continues to sip on his glass of whiskey while she talks with her mouth full of food. It’s actually quite comforting to know that even though she has this whole other persona when she’s Scarlet, she doesn’t mind showing him the real her when she gracelessly eats her meal. He’s always been so weak for women with a big appetite; it’s probably a weird kink he’s unable to shake. Dean is still curious, and would really like to know who she really is, though.

“So,” she talks around a bite before swallowing it while simultaneously reaching out for the milkshake to wash the food down with. It’s decidedly not sexy at all how some of the sauce is smeared around the corner of her mouth, and yet, he’s fucking half-hard just watching her devour it and moaning around every bite. She sets the drink down before continuing, “care to tell me what you’re doing here in L.A.?”

Dean places the tumbler back, it makes a clicking noise as it comes in contact with the glass surface of the coffee table. He was the one to suggest they sit down at the dining table, but she declined. He lifts an eyebrow when he asks, “How do you know I’m not from L.A.?”

Scarlet grins, her cheeks are bulging with the burger she’s still chewing, and her lips are stretched wide. He has a hard time steering his thoughts away from the gutter. “I’m not an idiot.”

“Yeah,” he chuckles, “I’m from New York, my company’s there.”

“Let me guess,” she pauses to think. With her next breath, she says, “Your company is in Lower Manhattan, and you live… um… Upper East Side?”

Dean grimaces, “Close. The company you got right, but you got the Upper East Side wrong. Never saw the appeal of living there.”

“Do you wanna tell me where you live?”

“It depends, will you come after me and roofie me at home?”

Her laughter bubbles out of her then, and a piece of her burger drops out of her mouth and straight onto her lap, but he doesn’t find it gross or anything. It’s quite nice to hear it. It sends a warmth from his heart down to his toes. He can’t help but smile.

When she finally catches her breath, she tips her head to the side a little while staring at him, obviously waiting for him to reveal where he lives. He shouldn’t, but Dean finds that he doesn’t mind sharing.

“No, it’s Brooklyn Heights.”

“I haven’t pegged you down for someone who chooses to live in Brooklyn.”

Dean grins, “Well, Scarlet, it’s too early into our professional relationship to let you peg me, isn’t it?”

She bursts out laughing again, and when she inhales, she snorts. It’s cute, really. He finds himself wishing he could make her laugh all the damn time.

But then she begins to cough, and Dean moves quickly, crossing the space between them to stroke and pat her back. Maybe, if he wants to keep making her laugh, he probably shouldn’t do it when she’s eating.

“Here,” he picks up her milkshake and presses it into her hand, “drink.”

He’s still rubbing at her back when she calms down, and honestly, he would love to keep on touching her, but he tears himself away and retreats to his seat across from her.

Scarlet takes another sip before she talks, her voice is a little hoarse, “I guess you’re here on business?”

“Yep,” he empties his tumbler, hiding the flush on his face that happened when he was so close to her.

She studies him, “How long are you staying?”

“A couple of days, until the deal is done.”

“Are you here often?” She asks, as she polishes off the last bite.

He watches her lick the sauce from her fingers and Dean tries his best not to groan, because that would be creepy. He clears his throat before speaking again, “About twice a year.”

Holding her milkshake, she wraps her lips around the straw and sucks.

Fuck.

Dean unscrews the bottle of liquor and holds it up, all while quirking an eyebrow, silently asking her if she wants some too, but she shakes her head. Shrugging, he fills his glass.

“You ever took a hooker up to your penthouse, Mr. Winchester?”

He sputters upon hearing the question. It kind of took him by surprise. It also doesn’t help that her voice is a little husky, causing the hair on his neck to stand up and his dick to twitch. Dean starts to cough a little to which she just grins wider.

“I have this rule,” he says once his throat has cleared up, “I never pay for sex.”

“You paid me.”

“We’re not having sex, are we?”

“Yet.” She smirks.

“Yet,” he agrees, because goddammit, if he doesn’t want to just bend her over this stupid white couch and make a mess out of it, he’d be lying.

Dean picks up his tumbler and drains the content, squinting when the liquid burns as it goes down his throat. Setting it back down, he gets up, hoping his bulge is not too prominent. “Right, I’m going to take a shower, if that’s okay with you?”

“Be my guest.”

He chuckles, “Right, just don’t rob me, please.”

“Hhhm, we’ll see about that,” she teases, and actually, it’s kind of easy with her. He does know not to trust, but somehow, she manages to make him do just that.

  *

 Dean gets out of the fastest shower he ever took in his life, and towels himself dry before he slips on the pair of fresh boxer briefs he got before disappearing into the bathroom. As he stood under the spray, he contemplated jerking himself off just to take off the edge, but he figured that he should get out there again because after all, she was his guest, and he knew not to leave them unattended for too long. Maybe him taking a shower was also a test to see if she’d still be here or if she’d already run off with a purse full of his credit cards and money. If she did, he wouldn’t even blame her and will probably not cancel his cards until tomorrow evening, because really, that’d be on him. But deep down, he really hoped that she had stayed.

He dresses in a fluffy bathrobe the hotel provided before he makes his way out. The moment he opens up the door to the living room, Dean’s greeted by loud music coming out of the sound system next to the TV, and her singing — very badly, he might add — to Blondie’s Maria. Scarlet’s barefooted as she swings her head from side to side, her skin-tight dress has ridden up her thighs, just a hair shy from slipping up her juicy ass. His dick twitches in interest, and Dean’s glad that he’s wearing the robe.

Hey, at least she’s still here, right?

Dean leans against the doorjamb, lays his head on the wood, and folds his arms over his chest as he watches the girl who’s still dancing animatedly with her back turned to him. His lips curve up of their own volition.

Scarlet’s blaring the chorus to the song at the top of her lungs when she jumps and turns around and— immediately, she freezes. Her eyes go wide before she ducks her head, her hands are frantically toying with her dress, pulling it further down her thighs.

“Don’t stop on my account.” He grins a grin that people might call cocky.

When she looks up at him, her cheeks are flushed, “No, I’m done.”

Dean quickly crosses the living room and minimizes the space between them. Bending down, he lowers the volume of the music, but he leaves it loud enough for it to become white noise to their talking. Once he stands up to his full height again, she’s wringing her hands out of embarrassment.

Dean smiles softly, hoping to take the edge off of her. He rather enjoyed her dancing so carefree, it’s different from what he has to deal with on a daily basis. It feels like a fresh splatter of paint on his dull day. “Do you want to take a shower?”

She shakes her head, “No.”

“You have had sauce running down your cleavage while you ate the burger,” he says matter of fact. Call him a creep but he couldn’t help but watch as the sauce dripped down to her chest while she took a bite, and Dean could only watch it disappear between her tits. For a moment, he shamelessly entertained the thought of licking it off her.

“And?” Scarlet asks, offended.

“Uh,” Dean brings his hand up to scratch the back of his neck, “I just thought—”

“—I don’t want to.”

“Why not?” He asks, a little dumbly. The thing is, he does know that he should leave things be but if something doesn’t really make sense to him, he can’t help but prod.

“Because!” She shouts, her chest is heaving a little as she balls her hands into fists.

“That’s not an answer.”

They are left staring at each other for a long time, and because he has a thick skull, it still doesn’t get through to him that he should leave it be.

After some more frowning, chest heavings, and nostrils flaring on her side, Scarlet finally relents. She grits her teeth when she speaks, “Because I don’t have make-up here, okay?”

Dean pulls his face back and blinks in confusion.

“Yeah!” She then exclaims, “Without make-up, I can’t walk out of here. People will see the real me and I don’t want them to, not when I’m dressed like this!”

Oh.

Ooooh.

“Um,” Dean exhales and then his brain is working. He’s always good at finding solutions. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gotten this far or this successful in life. “What if I tell the concierge to go out and buy you make-up? That way you can take a shower and once you leave this building in the morning, you will still be Scarlet.”

She studies him, eyes a little wider, “How do you—”

“—I’m awesome,” is what he answers with a bright grin. “So, what do you say, hhm?”

“Do you always get your way?” Scarlet grumbles out the question.

“Yeah, I do.”

Rolling her eyes, she walks over to grab a loose paper and pen from his desk and starts to write things down. He just hopes it’s not an important document.

When she’s done, she holds it out for him. Dean stares at it. It’s a list of all the make-up products she needs. More than half of the words are foreign to him. Nevertheless, he grabs at the phone he left on his desk and takes a picture before sending it to the chief concierge, adding that he should bring it as soon as possible and leave it hanging outside of his penthouse.

“Done,” he says and puts the phone and the list back down. “I hope you know that this comes with a sacrifice.”

Her brows climb up her forehead, “What sacrifice?”

“I want to get to know you.”

“You are getting to know me, maybe even more than you thought you would.”

“No, I don’t!” He raises his voice a little but immediately regrets it. Dean takes another deep breath before continuing, calmer this time, “I’ve met Scarlet, but the woman who devoured the burger and danced to some 80’s pop song isn’t Scarlet, am I right?”

She presses her lips together and glares at him, but she doesn’t give him an answer.

“Am I right?”

Still no answer.

“Fine,” he sighs, “I’m willing to pay more and make it $1k when you spend the night with me as who you really are. I don’t want Scarlet, I want you.”

Folding her arms over her chest, she cocks a hip. Standing like that, her boobs really pop out. It is almost distracting. Dean’s holding his breath as she tips her head a little, as she looks him up and down, as if she’s trying to read him. Meanwhile, he’s still standing there in his stupid fucking robe.

“Make it $1,500,” she finally says, and then she leaves him standing there while making her way to the bathroom.

Dean’s momentarily stunned, and a little impressed by her negotiating skills, to be honest. She knew he wouldn’t back down so she was wise to demand a higher price. He didn’t think it would work that well, he half expected her to pack up and leave. Honestly, $700 more is a relatively small price to pay for what he wants. He doesn’t tell her but he would have paid five figures sums if it was what she wanted in order for him to see the real her.

As soon as his brain catches up, he runs to be able to keep up with her, only to come to an abrupt halt right at the door to the bathroom. She’s standing before the wide mirror, looking at her own reflection while she has both her hands braced on the sink.

“There’s, uh, there’s make-up remover in the complimentary basket,” he says, leaning against the door jamb.

She looks at him through the mirror, “How do you know? You use it a lot, Mr. Winchester?” Her tone is teasing but he can also tell that she’s nervous.

“I—” he pulls his face back and blinks, “That’s not— uh.”

Scarlet chuckles, “Relax, Dean, it was a joke.”

“Oh?” He says out loud before letting out a sigh of relief. It’s not that he doesn’t joke around, it’s just that it doesn’t happen that much, and clearly, he’s not used to people joking around him anymore. Having her here feels like a fresh breath of air.

She turns around then, her hands are now behind her body, bracing them on the sink as he watches her eyeing the bathtub.

The silence stretches on.

“Uh, you okay?” He asks when she’s still eyeing that damn tub without saying a word.

His voice seems to bring her back to the present. Scarlet blinks a couple of times, and it might just be the light in this room, but they appear a little teary to him.

“Yeah— uh, yeah,” she stammers. “Sorry, just—” she gestures at the tub, “Haven’t been close to one of these in a while.”

“A tub?”

“Yeah, a tub,” she grumbles, “Look, it might be totally normal to you but not to me, okay? My—my apartment has a shitty shower, and the water pressure is awful!”

It’s actually really cute how she rambles without even pausing to take a breath. Dean suppresses his smirk, though, doesn’t want to make her feel like he’s making fun of her.

“Scarlet?” He asks while she finally takes some time to breathe. God, he hates using that name, especially when he knows for a fact that it isn’t hers, to begin with.

“Mmh?” She’s looking at him, her eyebrows pulled into a frown.

“Would you like to take a bath?”

Her eyes go a little wide.

He keeps on looking at her, silently willing her to answer him. A ‘yes’ would be preferable.

“What?” She asks, her voice laced with doubt.

“Do you— uh, do you want to take a bath instead of a shower?” Dean asks again, making it perfectly clear.

Scarlet seems to light up at that, and slowly her face starts to beam. “You mean— really?”

“Really,” he confirms, and he’s smiling too. His smile probably matches hers.

“Oh my god,” she clasps her hand together excitedly but then she catches herself before she can break out into a happy dance — which, let’s be honest, he’d love to see — she bites her lips and smiles through her teeth. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Why don’t you get on with taking off your makeup while I draw this bath for you, hhm?”

She nods at him, still trying to hide that beautiful smile before turning around and reaching for the basket with the hotel’s complementary products.

Four

Please share your thoughts with me, I’d love to hear your feedback.

​

[jackoshadows]

The amount of big names in the fandom immediately discarding the strong possibility of Jon becoming king is baffling to me. They claim that Jon won’t have time for disputing over a title because he’ll be busy fighting against the Others and when duty calls he’ll choose to fight the Great War instead of ruling and that’s his fate. I ask: who the hell is more prepared to fight a war than a king? Who’s better at managing everything than the ultimate authority? That’s why it sounds so silly to me. Specially when tempered with “he loves his siblings, that conflict was solved, that’s why he’ll give up on Robb’s will”. Yeah, sure, George set that all up just for Jon to say “nope, I’m good”. That’s not how a complex story like ASOIAF works. Controversial but I have the feeling that they only say that as an excuse to shove Jon aside so S4ns4 can be queen even though she lacks half of the experience Jon has as a ruler. When they know they’re stretching it too far, they’ll say “why can’t all the Starks rule together like a sweet loving family???” so S4ns4 won’t be excluded and they can look reasonable and less awful in the eyes of the fandom for shoving Jon aside for S4ns4’s sake, like they used to do to Bran the Eternal Tree and Arya the Eternal Sailor. I personally can’t wait for Arya to crown him.

Exactly!! This is pretty much it.

And also, I would like to point out that these bnfs are also big Stannis fans! That's what so hypocritical and ridiculous about this. Jon's support for Stannis is entirely predicated on the acknowledgement that Stannis has the power of a king and therefore the ability to unite people, gather an army and make important decisions for the good of the realm. And Stannis knows about the threat from beyond the Wall and is still engaged in battle and politicking south of the Wall.

If that is okay for Stannis to be king, why does the same not apply to Jon with the only thing standing in his way being his bastardy?  Unless they think that being a bastard disqualifies him in some way that it does not for Stannis.

Also, the implication that the only reason Sansa would oppose a King Jon is because of sexism is 🤣🤣🤣. That’s right, book Sansa who has never, not once, pondered on the inherent sexism of Westerosi patriarchal ideals will be opposed to king Jon on the basis of it being sexist and not because Jon is a bastard. Classism and discrimination against bastards is totally okay - Jon should be precluded from power because of his bastardy. But sexism preventing a younger and less experienced Sansa from getting it over Jon? Oh no, how unfair 😱.

Jon is the oldest, most experienced of Ned’s children (the only one who can rule without a regent) but if he gets rulership in the North over Sansa, who does not know the first thing about what is happening all over the North - it must be the sexism that Sansa is outraged about, nothing else right? 🤣 The same Sansa who in the most recent book thought that because Lothor Brune’s birth was very low he would be a good fit for a bastard girl like Mya Stone....

And then there's the fact that they think these characters don't evolve and change at all over 5 books! The mind truly boggles. So 9 year old Arya at the beginning of AGoT going all 'eww boys!' and telling her father that she will never marry and have children apparently means that's permanent! And this is in a book series that liberally uses a rule of three, meaning, characters end up making different choices the third time.

Jon Snow himself is a perfect example of this:

Forgive me, Father. Robb, Arya, Bran. Forgive me, I cannot help you. He has the truth of it. This is my place. ” Jon Snow, AGoT

You were wrong to leave her, a different voice insisted. He wondered if his father had been torn the same way, when he’d left Jon’s mother to return to Lady Catelyn. He was pledged to Lady Stark, and I am pledged to the Night’s Watch - Jon Snow, ASoS

I want my bride back … I want my bride back … “I think we had best change the plan,” Jon Snow said. If this is oathbreaking, the crime is mine and mine alone - Jon Snow, ADwD

And there is also a deliberate ignorance of the chapter where Jon does make his decision to refuse Stannis. I have already written plenty on this - the reason Jon refuses Stannis’ offer to be legitimized as Lord of Winterfell is because the King wanted him to convert to the Lord of Light and burn down the Winterfell Godswood. Ghost’s timely appearance with his white fur and red eyes reminds Jon of the Weirwoods, that Ghost himself is a gift from the Old Gods and of his sworn oaths in front of the Godswood.

When Jon later brokers the marriage between Sigorn and Alys, their wedding is a mix of two cultures and religions - that of the Lord of Light and the Old Gods. Because unlike Jon Snow, Sigorn the magnar of the Thenns has no issue converting to the Lord of Light, as far as we know.

There is a clear difference between Stannis offering Jon Snow Winterfell and Robb Stark doing it. The emotional weight behind Robb doing it is simply immense for GRRM to not tackle that in Jon Snow’s POV

That morning he called it first. “I’m Lord of Winterfell!” he cried, as he had a hundred times before. Only this time, this time, Robb had answered, “You can’t be Lord of Winterfell, you’re bastard-born. My lady mother says you can’t ever be the Lord of Winterfell.” - Jon, ASoS

“Mother.” There was a sharpness in Robb’s tone. “You forget. My father had four sons.”

“Jon’s more a Stark than some lordlings from the Vale who have never so much as set eyes on Winterfell.”

Should I die without issue, I want him to succeed me as King in the North.” - Catelyn, ASoS

There’s every chance that we get a rule of three scenario here as well. I can foresee for instance :

1. Jon refusing Stannis offer

2. Jon’s emotional upheaval with Robb’s decree and wanting to accept it for protecting the realm with the power of a king,  but conflicted because there are some Northern houses supporting Rickon Stark and his baby brother is the rightful heir

3. Arya Stark turns up with Robb’s crown, names him king and we get Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell and KITN.

And yes, for all asoiaf fans proclaim that the books are complex tomes unlike traditional high fantasy and subvert tropes and all that, it’s ridiculous that they box these characters into specific roles like the show did.

The TV show did it simply because it’s an adaptation which combined plots and characters for budget reasons and because D&D are simply bad writers. So, if Jon Snow was doing everything his book version was on the show, what would they do with Sophie Turner considering they binned the Vale plot for not having more book material? They can’t ask Turner to sit out seasons. So they take away from book Jon’s plot and skillsets, and hand it over to show Sansa. Same with Arya and Bran. They put these characters into boxes: Arya: Assassin, Bran:3ER, Jon: Military man: Sansa: politician.

However, that’s not how it is in the books at all. If one has read these 5 books, imagine how ridiculous it would be for book Jon Snow to take any kind of advice from the 13 year old book Sansa we last see in the Vale!!

It was already ridiculous on the show because of how badly they shoved Sansa into Jon’s plot. It was not enough that show Sansa was the ‘politician’, she also is suddenly a military expert and demands that Jon ask her advise on offensive battle techniques, instructs northern armorers on the best way to make armor and lectures Yohn Royce on the strategic value of castles as a first line of defense!!

It’s doubly nonsensical in the books. Just like most medieval and feudal European monarchs (from whom GRRM has borrowed) had an education that was as well rounded as possible, so too are the noble rulers and leaders of Westeros and Essos. Jon, Arya, Bran, Dany and Tyrion all have political arcs with military aspects. Dany, Tyrion and Jon have participated in military defensive and offensive battles. They have ruled and administered over city states and institutions. They have made trade deals and negotiated political alliances. They have used both hard power and soft power in their dealings with allies and enemies. Arya’s arc has intersected with politics - both southern and northern - since she left for KL. Bran had an entire arc as defacto Lord/Prince of Winterfell in Robb’s absence.

Jon, Dany and Tyrion are competent leaders in their own right in all aspects and if Bran, Rickon or Arya do need an adviser or a regent because of their age then that regent will be an older, experienced person - ex. Davos. Not the least qualified 13 year old!!

[shortformtheatreblog]

Untitled Post-Apocalyptic Play (4 pgs)

(A man runs onstage in a suit/some kind of formal wear. He, like his clothing, is disheveled. Growling and groaning accompany his escape. Unidentifiable figures stumble behind him, arms outstretched, the source of the groans. Lighting dim. He scrambles across, looking behind him with panic, stumbling over his own feet. And this man is DANIEL. He mimes shutting a door and sinks to the floor in relief and exhaustion. There’s a spotlight on him, the rest of the stage completely black. Realizing he’s safe, he succumbs to the emotional turmoil and sobs. He sits like this for a few seconds, pitiful, hopeless. Someone comes out of the shadows. This is JAIDEN.)

JAIDEN:

Hey.

DANIEL:

(looks up) Who are you?

JAIDEN:

It doesn’t really matter. If you don’t mind, this is my hideout.

DANIEL:

Oh, I’m sorry, I–

JAIDEN:

I’m kidding. (a beat, DANIEL smiles in relief) I’m Jaiden, if you must know. It’s strange seeing another one around. A human, that is.

DANIEL:

Likewise. I’m Daniel. (addressing himself) I’m sorry, I just… I came straight from my wedding.

JAIDEN:

Unfortunate timing.

DANIEL:

Yeah, right? So I had heard people on the internet talking about it, but I didn’t think I had to worry about it at all, cause it was people on the internet. And I had already met his family… I can’t believe what happened. They all seemed so kind.

JAIDEN:

I’m sure they were. I may have been one of those people.

DANIEL:

mikehunt420?

JAIDEN:

No… But yeah, I was definitely trying to spread the word. But recently, my phone ran out of batteries. And I was going to the gas station to get a charger, but–

(They are interrupted from a sudden banging on the door. The groans start up again, louder, hungry. DANIEL is startled. JAIDEN is less so. Gradually, the groans fade as dialogue goes on)

JAIDEN:

(gestures towards the door) They were there. Really, nowhere’s safe.

DANIEL:

I mean, just due to the frequency… Most people my age’ll have some… (he trails off) Anyways. My phone still has some juice left. I can help you.

JAIDEN:

But nobody will believe us. And those that will, it’ll have been too late. I would hope on the news saying something, but they attack more populated areas first. (They grow frustrated) Damn it! I just wish… (they sit, defeated)

(DANIEL looks at JAIDEN sympathetically. Suddenly, a noise – DANIEL’s phone. He picks it up, shocked.)

DANIEL:

I-I’m getting a call. (He answers) Hello?

(MARK, DANIEL’s husband is on the other line. He stands on the other side of the stage under a spotlight. He’s wearing a similar suit. And similarly, it’s tattered. The groans grow throughout)

MARK:

Daniel?

DANIEL:

(He jumps to his feet if sitting) Oh, god, Mark! I thought I’d never hear from you again, that you were done for–

MARK:

No, I’m alive! Daniel, I’m alive! I was able to save my mom, too! She’s right here!

DANIEL:

(His face twists in horror. “It can’t be.”) No, Mark, she’s—!

(MARK’S MOM comes up behind him. Maybe a cardigan. Stereotypical mom wear. Something about her is clearly not right. She stumbles, slurs her words. The groans reach a climax)

MARK’S MOM:

(Sing-songy) Come to Mama, Mark.

MARK:

Mom? Are you okay—aah!!

(MARK’S MOM pounces at him. The spotlight goes out. On DANIEL’s side, the line goes dead. The groans stop suddenly, the figures retreating into the darkness.)

DANIEL:

Mark? Mark?! Answer me, Mark!! Please… God, please… (He sinks back down, wordless. A long beat. Barely audible:) It was his mother…

JAIDEN:

Oh God, I’m so sorry.

(They stay silent for a moment. JAIDEN sits back down. Suddenly, the figures come back and begin ramming the door. JAIDEN yelps, but DANIEL barely has the energy to look behind him. At the realization, though, he slides far away from the door.)

DANIEL:

What are we going to do?

JAIDEN:

I don’t know. I don’t know how long this door will hold.

DANIEL:

Does it have a basement, or a– (a loud thump from the door) GOD! A, a fallout shelter?

JAIDEN:

I’ve searched this house up and down. Nothing.

(DANIEL starts searching the floor frantically for some kind of trapdoor. JAIDEN tries to keep it together, but they’re falling apart. They pace behind DANIEL. A loud ram. Louder. Louder still. The tension mounts.)

DANIEL:

(Yelling) There must be something in this godforsaken house that will keep us from dying here! (A thump.) Shut up. (Another.) Shut up! (Another.) PLEASE!

(The door gives. A crowd of ghouls pours into the house, similar in appearance and mannerisms to MARK’S MOTHER.)

DANIEL and JAIDEN:

(They turn to the audience, suddenly cheesy, with their hands on their heads) OH NO! INLAWS!!! a

INLAW #1:

You better treat that girl right!

INLAW #2:

Awww, let me hold your baby! Even though I’ve interacted with you for a collective 30 seconds!

DANIEL and JAIDEN:

NOOOOOOO!!! (They are devoured.)

(Blackout. End of sketch.)

[riahlynn101]

Whumptober: Day Seven - "Can You Hear Me?"

Tw: Implied/referenced kidnapping and murder, major character death, mentions of being sick, and kids in distress.

Set in the FNAF movie universe.

Premise: Mike dies at 12 of sudden cardiac arrest. The twist? He dies the same day and place that Garrett gets kidnapped (and later murdered).

Word Count: 731

--

Mike groans, holding the sides of his head. “Michael?” His mom asks, leaning towards him. “Are you okay? Do you want to go-”

He quickly interrupts her. “No!” He winces, nausea rolling over him in waves. “No,” Mike repeats, softer. “It’s such a nice day out today, and Gar’s really been looking forward to this. I…I don’t want to ruin this for him.”

His mom sighs, exasperated. “Okay, fine, but the minute you throw up, we’re leaving. Got it?”

“Yeah, of course. I’m gonna go lay in the grass over there.”

His mom waves him away, turning back to her novel. 

Mike stumbles his way past the playground and over to the small grassy field between the large climbing structure and the parking lot. Garrett sent him a confused look. “Everything okay?”

“I’m fine, Gar. Keep playing. I’m going to lay down here.”

Garrett still doesn’t look entirely convinced, so Mike manages to put on his most convincing I’m-not-in-pain smile. It works, thankfully, and his little brother resumes playing. 

He sprawls out on the grass. The sky is a nice blue, with fluffy clouds dotting it. Mike watches them go by for a time. It’s not long until he starts to feel drowsy. 

His head lolls to the side, and his eyelids grow heavy. Maybe, just for a minute, he can sleep. His mom wouldn’t mind, and she’ll never find out (he can see his mom still reading the novel with her back to the playground). 

Mike closes his eyes, using the sounds of his brother’s excited chatter, and the chirping of the birds in the trees overhead as white noise. 

“Michael!” His eyes shoot open. His mom stands above him, forehead creased and arms crossed. “Wake up.”

“Mom?” Mike asks, confused. 

Confused, because he’s clearly awake. 

“This isn’t funny. I can’t find your brother. I swear if you two are playing a prank on me.” She lightly shakes him. 

Mike doesn’t feel it. Doesn’t feel her warm hands, nor her long nails digging into the sensitive flesh of his shoulders as she shakes him harder. He feels….nothing. 

“Mikey? Baby? I need you to wake up for mommy. Baby, please,” his mom says, close to tears. “Someone, help! I need help!” 

This isn’t right. What’s happening?

In the blink of an eye, Mike finds himself standing behind his mom. He looks down at her, holding his-

“...Mommy…?” He wants to cry. To throw-up. To run away. 

Mike stays instead, rooted to the spot. 

This has to be a bad dream. 

“Mom,” he tries again, voice breaking, “can you hear me?”

And again, she doesn’t answer. 

“Where’s my brother, huh? Garrett!” He calls out. Maybe his mom is having a mental breakdown. That isn’t his body she’s holding. He’s just seeing things. Garrett will set everything right. “Garrett!”

No response. 

“Garrett!” 

No response. 

“Garrett, please! I’m scared! Where are you?”

Mike falls to his knees, feet away from his mother who’s holding his dead body in her arms. She sobs loudly, rocking back-and-forth. His heart breaks ten times over just watching her. 

-x-x-x-

Across town, a young boy wakes up and begins to call out for his older brother. He is alone in an abandoned pizzeria. A golden bear stands alone on stage. The spot next to it is bare - empty, but only recently so. 

He sits down on the stage, and waits for his big brother. Mikey wouldn’t leave him alone. Garrett just has to wait….

It will be a long, long time until they see each other again. 

It will be even longer until they can finally rest.

-x-x-x-

“Mike!”

“Garrett!”

“I’m sorry I left.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

“We’re together, again, that’s all that matters.”

“Let’s go home.”

Garrett smiles up at his big brother. Words can never express how much he missed him. “Let’s.” 

[stardustsunny]

EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS;

Words count: 1373 Pairing: Huening Kai x gn!reader (mentions of Chaewon) Genre: fluff, best friends to lovers; Warnings: slight mentions of anxiety.

Song rec: Sia - Everyday is Christmas

Soobin  Yeonjun  Beomgyu  Taehyun  [Kai]

series masterlist

a/n: finally i finished my first series and i hope u liked it! i literally put all my efforts into it, and I'm really satisfied with what came out hhh thank you for taking the time to read it <3

It should have been your annual get-together for Christmas, only your friend group. However, suddenly plans changed and one of your friends informed you that it will be a full course party. Well, you didn’t expect it, but you don’t mind it either, cause the tradition of exchanging gifts still happens, but after the end of the party of course. You have a few days until the party so it’s time to get presents for your friends now. You easily and quickly bought most of them, there is the only one left and it’s for your best friend Huening Kai. You want this gift to be a meaningful one and express your feelings that you can’t say to him out loud.

It started a month ago or so when you suddenly felt different with Kai. Any simple touch makes your heart quicken its pace and your body feel hotter. After some time you can’t even be alone with the boy, your cheeks are blushing, you stutter the words, and your thoughts suddenly become a mess. You are a mess. You can’t comprehend the feelings you have, you don’t understand what’s happening to you because you don’t feel the same as your other friends. It was so bad that you even ignored the poor boy for a whole week with the excuse that you were preparing for the exams. Your other friend Chaewon texted you because Kai was worried and you didn’t even read his texts. You felt bad about it but can’t do anything, because you were scared of that feeling to the point that you even decided to ask Chae if she knew what it could be. Her answer was simple “You fall in love, Y/n”. Fall in love? You? With your best friend? No way. It’s not possible, you’ve never thought about Kai in that way. However, the more you think about Chaewon’s words and sort your feelings the more you begin to understand that she’s right. You indeed fall in love with your best friend. You were sure that you couldn’t ignore the boy for your whole life, so slowly but surely you learned how to mask your feelings and act casually around him. Of course, it’s not the same anymore, at least for you. It’s hard to hide your true feelings sometimes, but you can’t help but fear that if you confess you not only receive a rejection but lose a friend too.

Now you are contemplating what you should give Kai for this Christmas, it definitely should be something meaningful, for both of you. You went through the options and suddenly an idea popped up in your head. Huening mentioned that he really likes wearing bracelets recently, so you decided to go with this. You went to the jewelry store to find something to your taste and saw this pretty bracelet with a small leaves pendant hanging on it. When you see that pendant, it immediately reminds you of your first meeting with him, it was a sunny autumn day with lots of fallen leaves on the ground. You smiled reminiscently of these memories, you thought it would be better if it would be matching bracelets for both of you, as a reminder of your connection. 

The party day came really fast, you were already dressed up and put on makeup and now you are just pacing around your living room. You feel so anxious about your feelings for Kai and about the present you got for him. You are sure that he should like it and at the same time you are scared that he won’t, also you worry that you may do or say something that gives off your feelings. There are a lot of things you worry about but the ringing phone interrupted your trail of anxious thoughts. It was Kai, he should drive you to the party and he called you to let you know that he was already there. 

You went outside, Kai was already waiting for you, standing beside the passenger side to open the door for you. “Wow..Y/n..you look amazing!” he said as he glanced at you. “Thank you, Hyuka. You too look so pretty” you complimented him too. You said “pretty” but in your head, there is much more you wanted to say to him but couldn’t. Friends don’t say such things to each other, you thought. After you took your seat, none of you said anything, there was only music heard through the speaker. You can’t formulate any thoughts in your head so you prefer to be silent until you get to Yeonjun’s place.

Both of you came into your friend’s apartments in awe, the music was so loud and the crowd of people was unexpectedly big, so you thoughtlessly took Kai’s sleeve to make sure he nor you would get lost in this crowd. Soon you found your group of friends and you preferred to stay around them for the whole night. However, life has other plans for you, cause after a few hours of upbeat music a slow song started. It’s time for couples to have their little romantic moment or just for friends who want to dance to something calmer. You didn’t notice when Kai appeared beside you “Hey, do you want to dance with me?” Even in the dim lights of the room you can see the blush on his cheeks but you are not sure if it is from the warmth in the room or maybe alcohol. You hesitated for a moment, but Chaewon shoved you lightly in Huening’s direction so you had no other choice but to accept his offer. 

His hands were on your waist and yours hugged his neck, at first you shyly diverted your eyes from him, even though you felt his gaze on you, but in the end, you take a look at the boy and can’t take your eyes off of him. You slowly rocked from side to side, it felt like there was no one but two of you in this room. As the song came slowly to an end, you saw that Kai wanted to tell you something so you excused yourself before he was able to say anything.

You rushed to find Chaewon, she stared at you with wide eyes “Did you confess?” was all she asked. “What? No! He doesn’t like me that-'' you were unable to finish your sentence as someone poked your side, you turned to find Beomgyu. “Silly..are you blind or what? Everyone in this room can see that he is looking at you with the stars in his eyes. So confess already or I will eat all of your haribo’s” Beomgyu furrowed his brows to make a threatening look. Do your feelings really mutual?

The party ended and it was only your friend group in the apartment, so it was time to get your presents. You watched Kai carefully from the side as he picked up your little box, he checked the tag and then opened the box. His face lights up as he observes the bracelets you gifted him, but then he found a note written by you. That’s how you decided to confess, through a note, cause you’re too scared to do it face to face. Suddenly he turned his face in your direction and headed to you quite hurriedly, you were anxious that this would be the end of everything. “Y/n. Do you mean it?” you can’t read what’s in his eyes. You gulped and thought that now or never, “Yes. Listen I’ll understand if you don’t recipro-” but Kai’s voice interrupted you “Give me your wrist.” he said calmly. At the end of the note, you said “If you feel the same, please put the other bracelet on my wrist” so..are your feelings being reciprocated? You think to yourself while Kai fastens the bracelet on your wrist. He takes advantage of your frozen figure and pecks your lips quickly and locks you in a warm hug “I like you too, angel”. That’s all you need to hear to make yourself feel alive again. However, not the screams of celebration from your friends, now you feel embarrassed but still happy. 

taglist: @laylasbunbunny

If you enjoyed the story, please consider reblogging it to help its promotion. Feedback will be highly appreciated <3

Do not steal/copy/repost thx.

[softspiderling]

watching the teen wolf movie bc i’m bored out of my mind i’ll answer the asks when i get in the right head space guys don’t worry

@stilinskiderek this is mostly for you😭

sorry but liam speaking japanese cracked me up

the alpha???? plssss can you make it more obvious i’m crying

not allison😭

uh oh the red blinking light cannot mean smth good

jesus

LMAO SCOTT SAME

Help

what’s going on (i have not watched the trailer btw i do not know the plot)

chris’ reaction to bardo help😭😭😭

still??? like she’s been stuck between life and death for like 10ish years??

LMAO NOT BEWCON HILLS

i thought that’s where they were but i guess they’re in la

wait he hasn’t been back in beacon hills??

the way they act like they left after allison’s death lmao

bruh. i cannot look at holland the same after the shit she said about arden

HELP HAHAHAHHAHAHA

she still does the same face

the outfit is not giving

EWWWW

the ending of the series doesn’t even match up with the beginning of the movie but pop off i guess

OMG MINI STILES

you cannot tell me he’s NOT stiles’ son they’re exactly the same

HALE AUTO😭

he’s so babey

OMG ZADDY jordan

not that guy again (i forgot his name)

“his son” bruh the fixation on the jeep is family given

THAT ENTRANCE IS SENDING ME

HAHAHAHAHHA PLS CALL YOUR SON

derek is so daddy

eli is so derek and stiles’ son

“bc he knows i hate it” HELP

he even jumps out of the jeep likes stiles

he doesn’t even look like derek’s son😭

sorry but what was jeff thinking writing miniature stiles even though he despises sterek he’s so dumb

the trauma of allison’s death seems way too recent

there were like 3 seasons after her death and he never seemed to be affected by it until knoow

i know i know it’s bc of the plot

this outfit is way better

so what pairing was canon when the series ended? i legit can’t remember

EW NO

Not them

the amount of dirt seemed to have doubled in his fist lmaooo

LMAOO wait isn’t melissa here??? weird asf

jackson’s entrance is weird asf

how did lydia and stiles leave off?

jackson and ethan are still a thing😭

that is not how i pictured derek’s house to look like

LMAOOO

i missed his lil annoyed expression

THAT’S SUCH A STILES THING TO SAY

i’m so confused

LMAOOOOO

oh dang

so where’s his ‘mom’

oh jordan my man where’s all your hair

is he still a

WTF

ewwww

GROSS

Disgusting

that pairing doesn’t even make sense to me

he prolly left derek

oh man he’s so fed up poor baby

ew

skip

wasn’t he dating lydia at one point???

help that dude couldn’t have been chris right

LMAO right scott and malia used to date

awkward asf

this is so sus

what is GLING ON

OMG THWT IS NOT DEATON THATS THE NOGITSUNE i’m calling it

OMG WAIT CHRIS IS THE NOGITSUNE

LMAOOO ELI stiles’ son

it’s giving stiles

so they were walking through the woods for like an entire day

eli’s entire character is stiles coded

are they resurrecting her

they prolly did. and she’s gonna show up the next day or smth

WHAT RHE FUCK

why are all of them naked

omg it is melissa

ewwww

omg it’s coach

lmaooo

LMAOOK THE GRANPA LECTURE

“no that’s stiles’ son”

ALLISON DAME BACK TO LIFE WITH A MANICURE???

if she’s supposed to come back to life looking like she did when she died when is her hair long

why aren’t they sniffing her out

i am so confused

omg no chris 😭

bruh none of it makes sense

LMAOOKTHIS IS JUST MIRRORING STILES AND DEREK

bruh

they killed derek just like that?

doesn’t make any sense

that’s fucked up

oh okay he’s not dead yet

but like close

why isn’t he healing

doesn’t make any sense

bruh really peter

i do not understand the plot man

also liam’s role is so unnecessary??? and so is his gf??

what the hell just happened

PLSSS DEREK IS SO ADORABLE

“did you see your eyes”💀😭😭😭

LMAOOO YOU FUCKING IMBECILE I FSNT

why doesn’t derek turn into a real wolf tho

lmaooo ewwww

WHAT RHE FUCK

Emotional damage

why did derek have to sacrifice himself??? sorry but that doesn’t make ANY sense but okay

okay i need to process this shit