#don't tell jose i said that

[stanpinesfan0410]

[moregraceful]

☕ if the sharkuda were musical...what kinds of music would they make? who's in a band together, who's the band manager; who's doing dj sets at the clubs?

well first of all i subscribe to @18minutemajor's vision of swedish house mafia except i just realized 2/3rds of those men are gone so now i have to go walk into the sea and never return goodbye cruel world.

anyway to continue the edm theme, i think william eklund could be diplo and thomas bordeleau could be skrillex. do with that what you will. tristen robins and ozzy wiesblatt are a weirder version of sofi tukker. scott sabourin/cole cassels/nathan todd are louis the child...if u think they wouldn't need * *** after nathan todd drops "world on fire"...bro. ultra san jose is going to be fire 😤

[formulapai]

hi! would you consider writing a lando norris x reader about after his crash this weekend? ofc, don't feel obligated if you don't want to❤️🥰

of course love, thank you !!! so glad he’s ok :( 🧡

VIVA LAS VEGAS…NOT!

a lando norris fluff scenario🧡

scenario: see request :)

warning: crash, hospital

pai’s words: I watch the races in French or German so some terms MIGHT be wrong, I have a pretty good knowledge of f1 even in English thanks to my father BUT yeah, some things might be a little off :/ don’t hesitate to correct me 🧡

also, a little SHORT but I’m still sick 😀😀

“YELLOW FLAG ! SAFETY CAR !”

Time stops for a moment as you try to find your breath, try to find something to hold on to. The crash happened fast, unpredictable and merciless, as Lando lost control of his monospace and nearly took Oscar’s with him.

“Lando, are you ok?”

The next seconds are long and antagonizing as his engineer tries to get a response out of him. Everyone waits with batted breaths, desperately wanting to hear his voice.

“Lando, are you ok ?”

Jose tries again, agitated at the thought of his driver being unconscious or unable to answer due to the severity of the crash.

“Yeah, I’m good”

His pained groans are not ignored as everyone knows he’s most likely not ok and just trying to reassure his team, and you. The medical car is now on the scene, Lando being escorted out of his car and in with the medics. He’s going to be driven to the medical center for checkups, an important must.

“Want to go with him ? I’ll take you there, sweetie”

Some woman, that you absolutely know but can’t remember with your mind racing, smiles at you. Everyone knows about the two of you, having made your relationship public back in 2019, so it’s no surprise she’s asking you this. You don’t know the way to the medical center, not yet familiar with this circuit, so you thankfully agree.

“He’s going to be fine, he’s tougher than that. When we say he’s hardheaded, we also mean this”

She easily laughs, doing her best to decrease the tension on your shoulders, and it works. Yes, he’s most likely fine, probably bruised, maybe even with a concussion, but fine. You believe it, you have to.

“I’ll leave you here, alright ? He’s getting checked out but you can still knock”

You nod and thank her softly, deeply grateful for Lando’s team and their ever-lasting kindness. You do as told, knock sharply on the door and wait for a sign to go in. Someone opens the door, a medical staff probably, and they usher you inside, your lover lying on the bed in the middle of the room, still surrounded by a doctor. He looks fine, at least he doesn’t have a missing leg or something.

“Hi, Y/N right ? You can sit next to the bed, we’re just finishing some checkups”

Lando is already staring at you with a boyish grin as you take a seat, his hand finding yours in a matter of seconds. He still hasn’t said a word but it’s alright with you, he doesn’t need to say anything as long as you know he’s okay.

“Mr. Norris, I think it’s best if you are taken to the hospital, only to do a scanner for now. It seems as if you may have a minor concussion, we have to check just in case.”

At that, Lando sighs. He doesn’t like hospital, no one really does, and he’s not over the moon at the prospect of having to spend time there. You squeeze his hand, giving him all the strength you can mutter so he knows he’s not alone, you’re there, with him through it all.

“I mean, I don’t really have a say in this, right?”

The Brit tries to joke wryly, closing his eyes. Someone new appears in the room, bringing some paperwork with him, making sure everything is ready before accompanying your boyfriend to an ambulance. You can’t come with him, so you’re extremely relieved when Jon joins you in front of the center and tells you he’s driving you there. Being his trainer, Jon is naturally close to Lando and by proxy, to you. The both of you go through security, towards the car, and drive to the nearest hospital where Lando arrived minutes earlier. He’s already in the scanner room when you arrive, so you sit and wait for him, consuming probably too much coffee under the friendly gaze of the man next to you. Had it been another day, he’d have nagged you for your coffee consumption and how it affected your health, but he knows you need this right now, so he lets you be.

Minutes felt like hours and you thought you were slowly going crazy. He’s not out yet ? Did they find something strange ? Did something happen to him ? A stroke ? Questions just keep haunting your mind as the two of you are left in the waiting room with no news. Surely, they’d have told you if something happened, right ? You know the answer to this, and you keep on repeating that yes, indeed, they’d tell you. Still, worries are clouding your mind, only clearing when the man itself walks, more like prances, towards you. He’s still sporting the wristband, almost showing it off when he stands right in front of you, laughing with Jon about something you’re not bothered to understand. The way you wrap your arms around his torso is instantaneous, instinctive, as you lean forwards and let yourself fall against your boyfriend. This startles a giggle out of him and a brief chuckle from Jon as the two feel all the stress leaving you in an instant, wrapped in Lando’s scent, softly mixed with the infamous hospital scent. His right hand comes to your head, petting your hair as Jon asks him if he wants to go to the hotel or back to the circuit. Of course, he wants to go back to work, you’re not even surprised but still scoff slightly.

“Alright, off we go, lovebirds. I’ve already told Andrea, Oscar finished the race, P10!”

The ride back to the circuit is spent talking about the race, Jon filling the two of you in with the infos he’s got while you were waiting. A tough race, interesting and unexpected, but the drivers fought hard. You know Lando is bummed, rightfully so, but he still manages to congratulate his teammate earnestly once you arrive in McLaren. You wait for the meetings and media things to be done, sitting in a corner with your headphones and some snacks as you watch replays and edits of the race.

Soon enough, you’ll be back at your hotel room, comfortable and safe under the covers, but for now you enjoy the cheery atmosphere of the night and take a sip of your coffee, knowing Jon will undoubtedly annoy you about it tomorrow and already smiling at the thought.

[intoanotherworld23]

The Neighbor II

Pairing: Reader x Chris Evans

Warnings: NSFW 18+ ONLY DNI, no sex in this but there is loads of fingering, sexual tension, mentions of sex, swear words, drinking

Summary: Your incredibly handsome new neighbor Chris Evans moves in across the street, and he’s holding a secret that he doesn’t know if you’ll be able to handle

Part 1

Check out my other works on my Hall Of Hunks

"Bitch you really need to calm down." Pacing the room as you took a big swig of your drink. "It's not even nine yet."

"I don't know why I'm freaking out." Exclaiming feeling like an idiot for getting this worked up.

"He's an incredibly attractive guy and you were wishful thinking there would be a connection." She told you which wasn't far from the truth.

"It's just he could have said he couldn't make it instead of making me think he's going to come." At this point you were just ranting at his lack of appearance.

"Well you need to at least look like your enjoying yourself people are starting to notice." Taking a quick glance to see people side eyeing you with a weird look.

Telling yourself over and over again that he wasn't going to come, and you just wasted good makeup. Constantly glancing at your phone every five seconds, and looking over the fence to see if you could see him walking over. For some reason you were nervous, and felt like your heart was racing so fast.

For making up a pool party at last minute she was able to scrounge up a lot of people. You'd never even seen half of these people, and yet here they were. Watching as some couples danced provocatively, and some others were making out in the pool.

"This bikini keeps riding up the ass." You tried to whisper in her ear and she just laughed at you. "My ass is practically hanging out."

"That's kind of the point." Shaking her head at you as she watched you struggle to adjust the flimsy material.

"He probably doesn't even like women who dress like this." The feeling of insecurity washing over you thinking about his reaction to what you were wearing.

"Please he's a guy he'll be drooling over you once he sees you." Cocking her head at you in bewilderment. "He'll wanna rip that thing off you with his teeth."

"There's so much prettier girls here than me." Looking around taking notes of all types of skin being shown, and bodies being shown off.

"Now you and I both know that's not even true." Looking straight into your eyes with a serious look. She hated when you talked down on yourself like this.

"And slow down on the tequila you know what it does to you." She warned as she watched you pouring yourself some more liquid courage. Completely loosing track of how many cups you've had.

"I'm partying aren't I?" You sarcastically sneered at her taking another big gulp. You couldn't even feel the burning down your throat as much.

"That's now what I meant Jose Quervo." She joked as she grabbed your arm and pulled you inside.

"I don't think he's coming." You drunkenly confessed to her feeling sad now. Hating when you drank and let your emotions take control.

"He'll be here he probably just got busy and lost track of time." She was trying to make you feel better, and it really wasn't making a difference. "Or he's probably nervous just like you."

"Nobody could get more nervous than me." You scoffed as you started munching on chips and dip. "I'm pathetic."

"Bitch now is not the time to be moping over someone you just met." Sitting down next to you as she placed a hand on your knee. "If he doesn't show then oh well you were too good for him anyway."

"Now he probably won't ever talk to me again." From now on you'd probably have to watch him from out of your window. Looking like some kind of heart broken, scorned ex.

"I swear to god if you don't stop whining I'm gonna have Josh and Steven throw you in the pool." She wasn't kidding either her tone was somewhat threatening.

Turning your head to look out the glass doors you noticed a very familiar face. Straightening yourself up as your eyes went wide with excitement feeling so giddy to see the one person you were literally just about to bawl your eyes out over. Your friend noticing your change in body language and looked out the doors as well.

"Ah see Bitch I knew he was going to show." She lightly shoved your shoulder. God he looked really good too.

"What should I do? Should I go out there and talk to him?" Firing question and question as you stood up and looked into a mirror to make sure you didn't look too much of a mess.

"Actually why don't you hang in here and make him look for you." She smirked to herself at her genius idea.

"Oh you're right that's a good idea make him come to me." Nodding your head as you grinned to yourself. "Can you stay with me?"

"This isn't middle school you don't need a chaperone." Her words making you sigh loudly knowing she was right. "I'll just be right outside."

"Fine." Groaning as you stood by the kitchen counter fiddling with your fingers.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She winked as she walked out the door back to all the party goers.

Trying to avoid looking outside and giving Chris the impression you're basically stalking him. You wanted him to think you could really care less about his attention. Repeating in your head to make him come to you, and fight for your attention.

Placing the cup on your lips getting a whiff of the strong liquor then putting it down. The last thing you wanted was to get too drunk, and throw up all over him or something. You at least wanted to be alert when you were talking with him. Blinking your eyes rapidly hoping it wouldn't make you look as drunk.

Your back facing the door now as you heard it slide open. Closing your eyes for a brief moment as you let out a big exhale. The room was silent as you stood there, and you heard footsteps quickly approaching you. Even though you couldn't see you knew exactly who it was.

"There she is." Chris spoke hearing the amusement in his voice. Turning around to face him taking note he was shirtless.

"Here I am you caught me." Waving your hand by you making him chuckle.

"Sorry I'm a little late I got caught up in something." He apologized which made your heart warm up. "I wasn't going to miss this."

"I'm glad that you could come I was getting nervous you wouldn't show." You admitted to him mentally smacking yourself for saying that out loud.

"Don't be nervous sweetheart." Feeling yourself melting at pet name. "I said I would try to make an appearance and I'm a man of my word."

"This party was starting to get a little boring anyway." It was kind of a true statement you were just glad to see him.

"It doesn't look that boring to me." He chuckled referencing to the couples making out and grinding all over each other.

"Did you want something to eat or drink?" Breaking the silence of you two just staring at each other.

"Oh no I'm good." He waved off your offer as he stepped closer to you. "Your bikini though."

"Does it look bad?" Looking down at yourself wanting to cover yourself up with your hands now.

"Absolutely not you look incredibly ravishing and sexy." You could feel your ears burning at his choice words. "Thank god to whoever made that bikini."

"It's not mine anyway it's my friends." You really needed to stop opening your mouth and saying the first thing on your mind.

"Well I'll have to thank her for being a good friend." Chris smirked as his eyes slowly roamed your body taking every inch of you trying to take mental pictures.

"Oh yeah she's something." You joked making him laugh. He could note the sarcasm in the tone of your voice.

"So a beautiful woman like you has to have a boyfriend." It came out more as a statement than a question. Blinking at him as you thought about what he said.

"Nope no boyfriend." Shaking your head back and forth watching as he was stepping closer to you. "No guys want me."

"Bullshit I bet you've got a line of guys just waiting to get with you." He scoffed playfully not believing what he was hearing. "I know if you were mine I'd be fighting guys everyday."

If you didn't know any better you would say this man was flirting with you. The way he was looking at you had you feeling a little flustered and overwhelmed. He was holding himself back as best he could not wanting to scare you off or something. It was getting hard for him though not to bend you over the counter.

The room was starting to become thick with tension that it was getting harder to breathe. The way Chris was hovering over you now felt like a lion having caught his prey, and was waiting to devour it. You could feel sweat forming on your back, and you needed to freshen yourself up a little bit.

"I'll be right back." Lifting up your finger to him as you turned around and headed to your room. Feeling his eyes watching you swaying your hips a little bit just to entice him.

Practically sprinting to the bathroom once you knew you were out of view. Splashing some cold water on your neck to help cool yourself down. Inhaling and exhaling to calm your nerves a little bit. Staring up at yourself as you prayed you weren't about to do anything stupid. The last thing you wanted was to embarrass yourself in front of him.

Grabbing your favorite body lotion lathering your arms and legs in it. Wanting your skin to be smooth if someone's hands were to touch it. Fixing your makeup a little so it didn't look as smudged. Applying your favorite glass to your lips to give them a little shimmer. Who knows maybe you two might end up kissing, and you at least want your lips to look and taste good.

"Come on you can do this." Whispering to yourself as you paced back and forth in your room. "He's clearly interested in you."

"What if he's just being nice though?" You thought immediately your worst kind of fear coming to light. "Or he's just looking for a hook up."

Not that there would be anything wrong with sleeping with the man. It's just you didn't want to be another woman in his books. You wanted there to be something between you two. Wanting to get to know each other and form a relationship together. You weren't really into flings or one night stands.

This was the kind of man that could get any girl that he wanted to. He probably had no trouble in the bedroom or finding someone to entertain him for the night. He was oozing with confidence and sex. Lord knows he's probably had more experience than you've had.

"Just go out there and have a good time." Ending your little self pep talk as you opened your bedroom door only to be blocked by a massive body.

"Thought I lost you for a minute." Chris spoke as you stared at him wide eyed. Hoping he didn't hear you talking to yourself.

"Nope not lost." Was all you could say as he moved towards you and you automatically moved backwards. He was pushing you in the room without even touching you.

"Was starting to get nervous you had abandoned me." Repeating your words from earlier with a knowing smirk.

"I wouldn't do that to you." Responding back your voice a little louder not wanting him to get the impression you weren't interested. Which you so very clearly obviously were interested.

"Do I make you nervous?" He asked as you gulped standing there frozen now.

"No." Shaking your head slightly your voice just barely above a whisper.

"Really?" His chest almost touching yours as he bowed his head down so his lips were directly in front of yours. "Cause I think I do."

Glancing briefly down at his lips then back up at his eyes. He caught your look his lip twitching up in a smile. His eyes doing the same thing as both of you waited for the other to make a move first. You could smell the mint on his breath, and you just hoped your breath didn't reek of tequila.

His lips softly pressing against yours putting more pressure once he noted you weren't backing away. Your hands reaching up to wrap around his neck as his hands gripped your hips. Pulling you flush against his body as his kisses became more hungry.

This is not at all how you pictured your night to go. You figured you and Chris would flirt a little bit, and that would be it. Now here you were making out with the sexiest man you have ever met in your bedroom while there was a party going on outside.

Your lips moving along with his loving how well meshed your mouths were together. Feeling his hands moving around to your backside gripping your cheeks giving them a quick squeeze. Squealing into his mouth as his sudden action taking that opportunity to push his tongue inside your mouth.

You've never been told if you were a good kisser before, and judging by his groans he was enjoying this so much more than you thought. Feeling your skin under his fingertips was driving him crazy, and he needed more. He wanted to feel more, but didn't want to push you into something you didn't want.

Moving you backwards until the back of your legs bumped into the bed. Leaning a hand back as you slowly sat down so neither you or Chris had to remove your lips from each other. It was like you two were glued together, and you couldn't find it in yourself to remove him from you.

"I've been wanting to do that all day." He confessed as you smiled against his lips. Pressing your chest forward so your breasts were sticking out.

You knew this was going to become more than just making out. The way that your bodies responded to each other, and how your skin tingled with every touch. If it wasn't for the tequila you'd been drinking you wouldn't be acting like this.

"I need to feel you so badly." Mumbling against your lips as he felt his erection painfully pressing against his trunks. "Can I?"

Staring up at him as he looked all over your face for consent. He could tell you were nervous, and didn't know what to say. Hoping you would say yes since he's been driving himself mad since he spotted you in your bikini. There was something about you that had him wanting to peel back your layers.

"I don't know." Leaning back on your palms wondering if he was trying to have sex with you.

"How about I just use my fingers?" Leaning his body back as his hands were soothingly running across your thighs.

"Okay." Soon as you gave him the green light he practically growled leaning forward pushing your body fully back attaching his lips to yours again.

His body was pressed up against yours gently rocking himself back and forth. Just enough to where you could feel him over your bikini bottom. A wet spot forming on the inside of the material that he was soon to discover. It amazed you how quickly you became horny for this man you just met.

His hands moving up your body to the edge of your bikini. Pressing his fingers under the material as he slid them inside. The tips of his fingers applying pressure to your core making you moan. Cupping you with his hand as his lips moved down your cheek and to your neck.

Chris taking his middle and ring finger and slowly pushing them inside of you. Hands reaching out to grab onto his arm gripping it as he thick fingers stayed still inside of you. Opening your mouth wide as you tried to steady your breathing.

"Got a tight little pussy for me huh?" He mocked you as his fingers pulled back only to push back in. "And so fucking wet."

All you could do was just whimper and moan unable to find the words to say anything. His fingers were starting to pick up pace and rhythm. Leaning your head back as his mouth was devouring your neck and collarbone. Lifting your hips up so he could get a better angle. Chris smirking against your skin when he knew what you were doing.

"That's it pretty girl." He whispered praise in your ear as you started to grind your hips up and down with the motion of his fingers. "Such a good girl for me."

The feeling of Chris's scruff brushing against your skin had a shiver running up your spine. You were having sensory overload, and you didn't want it to stop. This man knew exactly what he was going, and knew which buttons to press. It's like he knew your body better than you do.

"Oh god." Crying out when you felt him curl his fingers up deep inside of you moving them back and forth.

"Just wait till you feel my cock." Rolling your eyes in the back of your head hearing him speak.

Lifting his head up so he could watch your facial expressions. His mouth parted slightly when he saw the absolute bliss and pleasure you were feeling. Looking down to your chest lifting your top up completely exposing your breasts to his hungry eyes.

His mouth attaching to a nipple sucking on the bud till it was erect and hard. Moving his tongue in circles as you felt his teeth bite down making you squeal. His eyes glancing up at you sensing you were getting close.

"Fuck you've got me so hard right now watching you." The palm of his hand rubbing against your incredibly sensitive clit causing your back to arch.

His free hand gripping your leg to keep them pushed apart when he felt them squeezing around him. Your mouth wide open as little whimpers and moans left your lips. It was like music to his ears and he wanted to hear more. Thrusting his fingers harder your body rocking back and forth.

"Shit right there." Screaming when he starting poking your sweet spot.

"That's it sweetheart just feel my fingers." He encouraged when he felt you squeezing your core around his fingers. "Clench that little pussy around my fingers."

Chris was straining himself so hard to not pull his trunks down and rip your bottoms off and push his cock inside you. He could tell you were a shy type of woman, and didn't want to pressure you. Judging by how you were reacting to his fingers he knew no man has ever put your pleasure first.

"You look so god damn sexy right now." Your hair and makeup probably a mess as you laid underneath him covered in sweat, but to him you couldn't look more tantalizing.

Your entire body was on fire as you felt that familiar feeling boiling in the pit of your stomach.  Leaning your head back as Chris didn't let up his thrusting keeping his eyes on you. It was the hottest thing he's watched in a long time, and he felt he might cum just from watching you.

"Shit cum for me baby." Leaning forward attaching his lips to yours as your orgasm rocked your entire body.

His lips silencing the scream that left your mouth as you released all over his fingers as they slowly pushed in and out of you coaxing you through your orgasm. Comforting you as your body shook and your legs trembled. You couldn't believe that you just let Chris finger you in your bed while tons of people were just outside.

That was the best you've ever felt, and you didn't even notice how much you needed that. The man only used his fingers and he had you panting like a dog in heat. Not only was this man painstakingly attractive but he knew his way with a woman's body.

"Shhh sweetheart just relax." His tone gentle and soft as he talked you through your euphoric state. "There you go baby."

"Holy shit that was amazing." You spoke your mouth completely dry Chris just laughed at your response.

"Like I said just wait till you have my cock inside you." Opening your eyes at him as he winked your cheeks burning up.

Pulling your bikini top down now feeling the sting from his bites. Sitting up straight as he sat next to you waiting until you got comfortable and were able to wrap your head around everything that just took place.

"Nobody's ever done that to me." You confessed looking down at your hands in your lap. You've been fingered before but not good enough to have you cumming in minutes.

"Not until now." He said proudly as you shook your head a smile on your face.

"You sound very sure of yourself." You teased back as you nudged his shoulder.

"Sweetheart it was written all across your face." He argued back playfully damn well knowing he was right.

"I guess your right." You tsked at him trying to be nonchalant but he would see right through you. Right now you needed to change the subject before more things ensued. "I wanted to ask what do you do?"

"Oh ummm." His response was weird and awkward almost like he didn't want to answer it, and he had this uncomfortable expression on his face. "I'm an inspiring actor."

"No way that's so cool." You exclaimed wondering why he seemed almost ashamed. "Ever been in anything I've ever seen?"

"Nah I haven't had any luck landing anything yet." He looked away from you and down at the ground.

"Well I'm sure you'll be in something soon." Giving him a warm and comforting smile as he returned yours with a weak smile.

"Yeah." He chuckled awkwardly as he scratched the back of his neck looking down at the floor.

There was something off about him now. Almost kind of like he was upset and or worried. Maybe you were just reading too much into it, but he definitely didn't like telling you what he did. Maybe it was a sensitive subject that he didn't like to talk about.

"I should probably head out." He stood up you following suit now wondering if you said something wrong. "Thanks for inviting me."

"Your welcome." Following him out of your room as he headed towards the front door. Awkwardly standing behind him like a lost puppy dog. "I'll talk to you later."

"Could I have your number so we could hang out some more?" His request had you beaming with hope and optimism.

"Yeah of course." Chris handing you his phone as you typed it in them handing it back to him.

"Perfect I'll call you." He smiled as he waved goodbye and shut the door behind him. Watching as he walked across the street back to his house.

Well this night turned out way better and different than you expected. Now you were kind of glad your friend invited Chris to your last minute pool party. Otherwise you wouldn't have gotten to be fingered by him, and then end it with giving him your number. Smiling to yourself at the thought of where your relationship with each other would go.

"What in the hell happened with you two?" Your friends screeching voice startling you as you turned to face her. Here we go.

[hockybish]

She's Done With Him

l hughes!sister au l lola hughes l masterlist l

Jack had been making more of a conscious effort to be better to Lola. He still hadn't said sorry for the years of teasing, he wouldn't even know where to begin.

But he was willing to put everything on the line with their relationship when he got a phone call from Mason about this guy named Robbie who Lola was seeing. He couldn't help it, the older protective brother came out when he heard that the douche bag was cheating on her.

"Now you're positive it was Robbie who you saw?" Jack confirmed with the Ducks' player over the phone. It was late in New Jersey and he was tired after a hard fought game.

"Yes, Jack. Even ask Z he was there too."

That was enough for him. Trying to keep his anger in check, he took the number from Mason, promising he would take care of the problem. He wasn't going to do much, maybe just give the kid a little call, and talk.

"Hi Robbie, this is Jack." He paused for a second, waiting for the man on the other end to acknowledge him, but he could heat the hesitancy when Robbie didn't answer "Hughes, Lola's older brother?"

"Oh, you're the one who hates her right?" Jack could feel him smirking through the phone, irking him even more.

"I don't hate her, you know what I don't have to explain myself to you. I know what you've been doing. The girls and the drinking? Especially when she was injured in December."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't done anything wrong. I really like her." Robbie stuttered, a lame attempt at covering his tracks.

"Hm, yeah okay. Tell me was she just one of your side pieces?" Jack asked not believing a thing he was being told by this so called boyfriend. "That's what I thought."

"I didn't, I'm not"

"Break up with her"

"What"

"I said break up with her, or else"

"Or else what? There's nothing you can do to scare me"

"Robbie, there are at least four hockey teams plus countless others who will not hesitate to end you when they hear what you're doing. So break up with her or I'll let them know what you did" Jack threatened.

"You're bluffing"

"Try me. These guys can get really scary. And I'd hate for anything to happen to you."

A few days later Robbie did what Jack told him to do, he broke up with Lola. He didn't tell her why he was or that her brother was practically forcing him to. If he wanted to twist the knife even further, he could have said something. But she was already heartbroken and secretly Robbie was still a little worried Jack was going to send a goon after him.

Lola cried for a couple of days, this wasn't like when she had broken up with Matty, that was more of a mutual decision since they were going in opposite directions and they were better as friends. This break up took her by surprise, she thought they were in a good place, but apparently they weren't.

It hurt and she honestly kind of wanted Buggy her old stuffy from when she was younger. She really considered calling Jack and seeing if he still had it, but she thought better, knowing he probably would have made some snide remark about it, even though lately they had been doing better.

Lola called for an emergency sibling night with Quinn, which helped a lot, but she still swiped the bottle of tequila hidden away and found her way into her previous roommates bed.

After a week of moping around, she picked herself, brushed off the dirt and got back to her life. She worked harder in practice and even spent more time with her friends. Things were really looking up until late in the evening on February 29th.

The Ducks' had gotten in late that evening after playing in San Jose. Lola needed to make a quick run into the store to get something for Ellen that she had forget all the way back in Michigan.

Lola was only going to be a few minutes, but she spotted the one person she never really wanted to see again. She tried to ignore him the best she could, it was Robbie who walked up to her and was the one to start talking. They made pleasant small talk, but she had a nagging question she wanted to ask.

"Can I ask you something real quick? Why did you break up with me?"

"Oh Jack didn't tell you?" Robbie raised his eyebrows in feign shock. "Jack forced me to break up. He threatened that if I didn't, I was gonna get beat up."

Of course Jack had a hand it. Lola should have expected that. Jack ruins everything.

The ride back home was a little quieter. She had some things to think about before she saw her brother later that day.

After the game the Hughes clan were planning on getting dinner at a nice restaurant before Luke and Jack jetted off to the next destination. Lola was going to give them a ride. As soon as she saw Luke she gave him a hug and glared at the other one before making her move.

"What the fuck?" Jack's face stung as Lola's palm hit him on the cheek.

"You told him to break up with me? I how could you? I was happy. Why couldn't you let me be happy for once? You always mess everything up!"

"Clem you can be mad at me all you want, I was just trying to protect you."

"Don't you dare call me that. You don't have that right anymore. because I hate you. I hate you Jack." She spat in his direction.

After what seemed like years of her older brother hating her for apparent reason Lola had had enough of it and was completely done with Jack. Wanting nothing more to do with her older brother, this is when she decided to cut him out of her life, even if it meant she was going to have to cut Quinn and Luke out too.

"You don't mean that. Clem -" Jack knew he had taken it too far this time, but all he had been trying to do was protect his sister. And sometimes that made him the bad guy.

Lola gave him a look that ultimately broke his heart because he knew she meant it. She truly hated him, but he would rather her hate him, than see her with a broken heart over a guy who couldn't keep it in his pants.

"Lola. I'm sorry. Please take it back." Jack pleaded. He looked back at Luke and Quinn for help, but he was on his own with this.

"No, Jack. I mean it this time."

"Lola." She slapped him again and was getting ready to do it again. She wasn't one to hit or attack anyone, but tonight she couldn't help herself with her anger.

"Jack. I think you need to leave." Trevor pushed Lola behind him towards Jamie and Mason, putting himself in between the two siblings. Similarly Luke tried to grab ahold of jack's arm and pull him away.

The drive from the Honda Center to their shared home wasn't long, but playing a big game and the emotions from her argument took its toll and Lola fell asleep on the ride home. Mason didn't want to wake her, he opted to carry her in instead placing her in her bed and throwing her favorite blankets on top.

"Stay." Lola reached out, grabbing onto Mason's wrist, effectively stopping him in his tracks. "I don't want to be alone. Please Mason?"

The older boy obliged, he sighed crawling into the bed next to her. Lola flipped around to face him, she reached out for his face and ran her thumb across his face as they fell asleep.

[4-leaf-cloverr]

appe jose!! anon!!

so, what abt prsk males with a s/o who’s really short?? around 4’11 to 5’0 because that’s the shortest in prsk!!!

-aple jose 🤤🤤🧃🧃

so I just finished it and I hope you like it :) Enjoy this read lol I worked hard on it -Mochi/Alastor

Tsukasa (5'7)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He sometimes can't hear you while walking in public so he crouches down slightly. Your height literally sometimes means you have to stand on the tip of your toes to even give him a kiss on the cheek.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He makes fun of your height in a teasing, playful and loving way. He always reassures you he finds your height adorable if he ever accidentally goes too far though.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Taking pictures with him is definitely an experience. He has to crouch down to even get to your height so in over half of your guy's pictures he's crouching.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ If he ever ends up having to buy you clothes, he will again, be considerate of your height. He helps you pick out things that he thinks you'd look good in, and also thinks about how short you are.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Compliments your height. If you ever feel insecure about it he'll also make sure you know he finds it literally the most adorable thing ever.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Akito (5'8)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He's mischievous. He probably made you a cake for your one year anniversary that said "I'm glad this relationship won't be as short as you are ♥️"

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He would plan little romantic gestures for you, but he will make it difficult for you. He will put notes and things like that in high places so you have to get a stool.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He enjoys singing with you. If you guys sing side by side he will occasionally pat your head while you're singing and he's not.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ If you ever feel insecure about your height, he will literally listen to you. He always makes fun of your height, but he loves how small you are. He thinks it's adorable. He will try his best to reassure that

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Randomly throughout the day he just picks you up and hugs you sometimes. Or he just picks you up and puts you on his shoulders. It's become a habit and he can't stop it.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Toya (5'10)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He would randomly pat your head at times and pick you up. He also randomly gives you piggyback rides.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ In big crowds he holds your hand. He doesn't wanna lose you and he wants to make sure you're not overwhelmed.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ For dates he thinks about your height a lot. For amusement parks he would strictly avoid rides where you don't fit the height requirements.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He always reaches on the top shelf of things for you, even if he does have to crouch a little to get what's on the shelf.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He's literally obsessed with how short you are. He loves your height. It makes cuddling perfect because he literally can fit you perfectly in his arms.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Rui (5'10)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Like Tsukasa, he makes fun of your height a lot, in a teasing and of course loving way. He soon reassures you how adorable he finds your height. He loves when you look up at him.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ When he talks to you he crouches down to your level to make you feel taller. It doesn't work but that's okay.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ If you ever end up getting married and moving in with each other in the future he has a step stool. It's literally only for you. No one can use it but you.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ He gives you piggy back rides in public. He does it for multiple reasons. It's fun. He thinks it's cute. He knows you're not lost. It also makes it easier to tell if you're being overwhelmed.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ If you ever use photo booths he literally is so tall he has to hold you up a lot of the pictures.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Heyy I hope you enjoyed the story. I'm kinda proud of this one. Likes and rebloggs are appreciated ! ! :D

[qroier]

thinking about the entire speech cellbit made after green gay ninjas got eliminated. thinking about how he played el triste by jose jose. thinking about "i think he's sad but he doesn't want to show it". about "i wish i could've been that someone you needed to not be alone anymore". thinking about their vows and "as long as i'm here you will never be alone" and "i will always be by your side for anything you need". about "i'll look for you and until i find you i will not stop" and "i won't let them, i won't allow them to take you". thinking of temos todo o tempo do mundo / we have all the time of the world and la historia de este amor se escribio para la eternidad / the story of this love was written for eternity. about "it's cellbit and me against the world" and "as long as we're together we will be able to win" and "but we have one another at least". and also thinking about roier's y yo que (and what of me) after the bomb exploded. about how he never said te amo back. about how his only reaction upon getting back to quesadilla island was an incredibly telling "everything is the same, except cellbit, who's dead" and a stupid joke about his tennis shoes saving them. thinking of hoy quiero saborear mi dolor, no pido compasion ni piedad / today i want to savor my pain, i don't ask for compassion nor pity. thinking about how spiderbit was separated. but most of all, thinking about how their reunion will go. when it finally happens

[scorpsik]

TWENTY FIVE

For Farscape's anniversary.

Lordy, I haven't written for Farscape in a decade.

Written completely live and unplanned right now.

TWENTY FIVE

She closed her eyes and inhaled.  The air was stale - staler than she remembered - but it was familiar; Moya's familiar scent. She traced gloved fingers over the walls, feeling where Moya was smooth and soft.  It had been a long time - a quarter of one of John Crichton's centuries.  Not that time meant much to her.  Not anymore, at least.

Time. Cycles. Years.

Her body had been dying, slowly, over these past years.  After Grunchlk had turned her over to the Scarrans... well, one couldn't complain, she supposed. After all, at the time, she had been a living bomb.  But not anymore.  Once the Scarrans had carved that piece of her away, she was... well... she no longer knew what she was.  A shell.  A husk.

Yes, she was a shell, a house for various organs and such, but she herself?  Sikozu figured that her essence was stripped away along with her radium.  She wondered whether Moya felt like a shell at times too?  She dipped her head against Moya's surface and whispered her question in Leviathan.

She stumbled, and strong arms caught her. She looked up in surprise, her brain still very much unused to company; to caring.

"Hey.  You okay?" John's eyes were still blue, but they seemed much clearer now that he had aged.  They were paler, and a little watery - but much like Moya, they were familiar.

She nodded silently, her voice still unused to speaking.

"You don't fool me, you know."  John said, his voice deeper and richer with years.

Sikozu felt a smile on her lips.  A smile?  Maybe it was a grimace?  She couldn't tell any longer.

"It was lucky we found you..."  John was saying.

"You blew up a minor Scarran planetoid."  she pointed out, her empty eye socket sending dead signals to nothing.

"Oh, that?"  John shrugged. 

"That."

"How long had you been there?"

Sikozu sighed.  That cell had ben home for so long.  "Since we last saw one another."

John frowned. "What did they do to you?"

"Everything."  She turned her eyes to his.  "Why did you bring me back here?  I thought you would have wanted me dead?"

John huffed.  "Even Aeryn went off that idea a decade ago.  Besides, it looks as though the Scarrans tried pretty hard."

"They succeeded."

"Say what?"

Sikozu sighed.  "You really are an obtuse Human."

"Sue me."

"I am dying, John.  My life expectancy is almost up."

John stopped her from walking away.  "Are you ill?"

Another sigh. "I am a bioloid.  I have a programme, and that programme ha been voided.  I am just waiting for my circuitry to shut down."

"How long do you have?"

"Less than a cycle."  She paused and fixed him with one pure green eye.  "I am glad you blew them up."

John nodded.  As the fireball ebbed, he saw her - Sikozu - floating in space.  He remembered that feeling; the feeling of space crushing his lungs and robbing him of air, and he took a pod and pulled her in without a second thought.  Even Aeryn stopped arguing with him one she saw the state of their treacherous friend.

"You can drop me at the nearest planetoid."

John scoffed.  "No way, Jose.  You're staying.  You're in no fit state to be out there alone."

"I betrayed you."  she pointed out.

"Hell, have you forgotten who we are? We've all betrayed each other here.  That doesn't mean we dump our friends."

"We weren't friends."  Sikozu whispered.

"No.  We're family."

ScorpSik x

[randomfoggytiger]

Scully and Matters of the Heart: S1-4

Scully's thoughts on love and relationships.

Fire

So, she shows up knowing the power she has over you and then she makes you walk through fire, is that it? ...Mulder, are you sure you don't need me to help you out on this one?

Gender Bender

Hard to imagine in this day and age someone having sex with a perfect stranger.

Lazarus

We dated for almost a year.... But it was always hard for Jack to relax, it was impossible for him, really. He was always so intense, so relentlessly determined.

Tooms

Mulder, I wouldn't put myself on the line for anyone else but you.

One Breath

Mulder? I had the strength of your beliefs.

Firewalker

["He stopped taking his pills. Yeah, he said that they were polluting his brain. And, he said I was polluting his body.... I just want to go home, now."]

Where's home?

["Anywhere but here."]

Aubrey

Things must be difficult for you now. I've had... feelings for people I've worked with. Inner-office relationships can be complicated-- especially when he's married.

Fearful Symmetry

["Whatever... connection he and I had was over long ago."]

But you asked him, anyway. To help you.

D.P.O.

Well, you don't have to be afraid anymore. You and your husband are safe as long as we can count on your testimony.

The List

Woman gets lonely. Sometimes she can't wait around for a man to get reincarnated.

2Shy

You're more than a monster: you didn't just feed on their bodies, you fed on their minds.

War of the Coprophages

Her name is Bambi? ...Her name is Bambi?

Syzygy

["Must be Detective White."]

If that's the reason we're sticking around, that's your business.

Jose Chung's From Outer Space

["...For, although Diana Leski is noble of spirit and pure at heart, she remains, nevertheless, a federal employee."]

Avatar

["He lives under this misguided notion that silence is strength. He's built a wall to keep everyone out."]

Including you?

["Especially me."]

Is that why you were separated?

Home

["I can tell you don't have no children. Maybe one day you'll learn the pride... the love."]

Unruhe

Why did your sister kill herself, Gerry? What did your father do to her?

The Field Where I Died

["Dana, if um... early in the four years we've been working together, an event occurred that suggested or if somebody told you that we'd been friends together... in other lifetimes, always... would it have changed the ways we looked at one another?"]

Even if I knew for certain, I wouldn't change a day.

Paper Hearts

["You do this full-time-- telling people this kind of news?"]

No, sir, not full-time.

El Mundo Gira

He didn't kill her, Mulder.... Mulder, I know you don't want to hear this, but I think the aliens in this story are not the villains but the victims.

Never Again

This circle: it usually starts when an authoritative or controlling figure comes into my life; and part of me likes it-- needs it, wants the approval-- but then at a certain point along the way I just... y'know.

Memento Mori

For the first time, I feel time like a heartbeat: the seconds pumping in my breast like a reckoning. The numinous mysteries that once seemed so distant and unreal threatening clarity in the presence of a truth entertained not in youth but only in its passage. I feel these words as if their meaning were weight being lifted from me, knowing that you will read them and share my burden as I have come to trust no other. That you should know my heart-- look into it, finding there the memory and experience that belong to you, that are you-- is a comfort to me now as I feel the tethers loose....

Kaddish

And through all this he hid the ring?

["Even after the war, he hid it. Even from my mother."]

Why?

["Because to him it was a dead relic from a forgotten place. Until the day I told him I was getting married; and for the first time in fifty years, he took out this ring. He said he felt his village was being born again. He knew how much I loved Isaac."]

Unrequited

Mulder, what she has is a simple... hemorrhage brought on by her emotional state.

Max

["Can I buy you a drink?"]

No, it's okay-- I'm with somebody.

Synchrony

Lisa, if you're leaving anything out-- if you're hedging the truth, you could be held accountable if Jason committed a crime.

Small Potatoes

No, I'm seeing a whole new side of you, Mulder.

["Is that a good thing?"]

I like it.

Elegy

I mean, maybe in some drug-addled way she was trying to kill happiness-- Harold's happiness. His love for those women. Trying to destroy something she never thought she'd have again.

Demons

["Why shoot herself and her husband?"]

I can't say definitively; but judging from an almost identical suicide... I believe that the victims were suffering....

Gethsemane

Hey, look, just because I haven't bared my soul to you or to Father McCue or to God doesn't mean I'm not responsible to what's important to me.

["To what? To who? This guy Mulder?"]

Thank you for reading~ Enjoy!

[storiesofsvu]

Don't Blame Me Ch 3

Joe Velasco x reader warnings: language, cigarettes, alcohol, sexually charged situations, something lowkey shifty kinda going on but that comes with the territory of the au lol. interested to see if y'all pick up on a few things or not lol

“Hey!” Grace managed to catch you waiting for the light to change, “you headed to the subway?”

“Yeah.” You replied with a smile, “you usually head South, where’re you off to?”

“Figured I’d finally cash in on that free spin class, it’s for two, you wanna come?”

“I think I’d rather die.” You laughed back, pulling one from her too, “you know bikes aren’t my thing. Let me know when you go back to that boxing class though.” Your attention redirected to your phone when it buzzed, pulling it from your pocket and you couldn’t help the smile on your cheeks as you read the message and swiftly typed one back.

“You know, you’ve been texting non stop today.” She pointed out, a slight excitement in her voice.

“Yeah, so?” Pocketing the phone you dug out a smoke, looking up at her as you lit it.

“And you’ve been pretty distracted.”

“You psycho analyzing me now?” You asked with a laugh and she rolled her eyes as the light changed and the two of you started to cross the street.

“You’ve been staring at your phone with a lovesick smile like some school girl with a crush.” She said dryly, “you didn’t take him back did you?”

“What!? Grace, c’mon, I’m not a fucking idiot.”

“Okay, okay. I just figured I should do my duty as best friend and remind you that he’s a complete pile of shit and you’re better off without him and if you ever even think about taking him back I’ll kill you both myself.”

“I thank you for that honour, but there’s no need to worry. I made a big enough mistake trusting him and accepting the apology in the first place. I should’ve known better than to believe the ‘it was only one time’ excuse.”

“Good.” She smiled, “so what mystery man have you been texting all day then?”

“What? I have not—” You fell flat, letting out a sigh in defeat, “I met a guy.”

“So you downloaded Tinder like I told you to?”

“No.” You laughed, “I’ve heard enough horror stories from you that I know that’s a bad idea.”

“Okay fine. So where’d you meet Mr. Rebound?”

“At a bar, and I’m not so sure he’s just a rebound.”

“Mm, so the sex is that good, hey?” She grinned and you scoffed, rolling your eyes.

“I… wouldn’t know.”

“You haven’t slept with him yet?”

“We’ve really only been on one date.”

“Fuck dating, you’re on the rebound and met a guy in a bar, the next play is taking him home to fuck that night.”

“Grace…” you warned, “it’s not like that. Jose’s a really sweet guy, super charming, incredibly attractive, I dunno, there’s something different about him.”

“Don’t most men want you to think that at the beginning?”

“Most men would’ve insisted on an alcohol fueled first date so they could get me in bed, not take me for pancakes and drive me home safely wishing sweet dreams.”

“Huh. You really have found wonder boy.” She snagged your cigarette to steal a puff, “please tell me you’ve at least kissed him.”

“Yes, and before you ask, twenty five outta ten. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever.”

“Let’s hope that correlates to the bedroom then.” She smirked and you smacked her arm, stealing the smoke back.

“You shouldn’t be smoking before a spin class, your lungs are gonna burn.”

“They’re gonna burn anyways.” She protested, grabbing it back, “besides, you can’t take it on the subway and I’ve got two blocks to kill.”

“Fine.” You surrendered, stepping off to the side before you leant in and the two of you kissed each other’s cheeks, “I’ll see ya.”

“I expect a full report on lover boy asap.”

“Copy that.” You gave her a mock salute before disappearing down the subway stairs and making your separate ways.

The Punch Bowl was only a few stops away and you figured it wouldn’t hurt to swing by for a drink after another long day. Considering it was a Tuesday evening you didn’t expect the bar to be that busy, and you were correct, a few regulars scattered throughout the room and a couple of college kids playing pool. You wandered up to a free seat near the corner of the bar and just as you were about to slip out of your coat to place it over the stool, you noticed Jose coming out from the back, joining the other bartender behind the bar. He glanced up and the moment he saw you a bright smile burst over his face while he beelined towards you.

“Hey hermosa.” He greeted, stepping up and leaning over the bar to pull you to him, greeting you with a deep kiss, his hand cupping your cheek. The very public affection made your cheeks heat and earned some cat calls from a couple of the regulars but you still kissed him back like no one was watching. “Didn’t expect to see you today.”

“Likewise.” You replied with a small laugh as you settled in your seat, “I didn’t realize you worked here.”

“Among other things.” He shot you a devilish grin, sliding a beer toward you as he turned to the other bartender, “yo! Chilly!” The other man walked over, glancing between the two of you, “this is my girl.”

“Hey.”  Chilly nodded, extending his hand out for a first bump.

“Hi.” You smiled softly, still feeling the heat in your cheeks as you tapped his knuckles with yours.

“You get her whatever she wants, alright? Even if I’m not around.” Joe looked from Chilly to you, “on the house.” He winked and you laughed.

“Glad I can finally put a face to the name Jose won’t stop yapping about.” Chilly teased and it was Joe’s turn to blush, smacking him gently.

“Yeah, why don’t you get back to work?”

“Someone has to, considering you’re not gonna get anything done ‘til she leaves.” He turned to you with a hand raised, “no offence.”

“None taken.” You laughed, smiling as you turned back to Jose, “you’ve been talking about me?”

“How could I not? Can’t stop thinkin’ about you.” He leant up against the bar, “how was your day? You eat? I could grab ya a burger, chicken tenders or something?”

“Chicken tenders sound great.” You replied with a smile and he shot you a dazzling grin before popping off to the computer to ring it in and returning to his perch against the bar. “Alright, food’s covered, now, did you have a good day?”

“Tedious.” You replied with a laugh.

“You know, you never told me what it is you do.”

“I’ve been thinking about taking some time off, having a ‘hot girl summer’ as they call it.” You both chuckled, “but I’m an editor to help make ends meet.”

“Yeah? Cool. Video, audio, photography?”

“Written word.” You replied, taking a swig of your beer, “can be a bit daunting or annoying at times, but it works.”

“Sounds alright. Guess you can work wherever you want then too?”

“Yeah.” You smiled softly, “I like the freedom.”

“So tell me more about this ‘hot girl summer’.” He grinned, his hand sliding across the bar top to take yours, gently playing with your fingers, “you think it might have some time for a pretty boy?”

“Oh, you’ve been crowned with the title of wonder boy now.”

Joe laughed, the grin staying on his face, “oh yeah? By who?”

“Grace, one of my friends.”

“So you’re out there talkin’ about me too then?” He teased and you felt your cheeks heat.

“Kinda hard not to when you’re so great.”

Smiling, Joe leant across the bar again, kissing you gently and you couldn’t help but relax at the touch, “I think I like pretty boy better.”

“Me too.” You laughed, “and to answer your question, yes. There is plenty of time for you during hot girl summer, after all what’s a hot girl without her pretty boy by her side?”

“You callin’ me your man now?” He grinned.

“You are, aren’t you?” You raised a teasing brow and he laughed, leaning in to kiss your cheek.

“You got it querida.”

“How long have you worked here?” You asked after another sip of beer.

“Since I got here.” He shrugged, “started out washing dishes or overnight cleaning, moved up to bus boy, kept climbing.”

“You always bartend?”

“Been a mix of that and workin’ the door, but Chilly and I run the place now.”

“You own?”

“Naw, Hector’s the owner, but he’s a chill guy, he’s from Jaurez himself, knows what it’s like. Helped get us out, get us set up with the gig here. He basically never stops in anymore unless it’s to have a drink, he trusts us.”

“Sounds like a good boss.”

“He is.” A bell chimed a couple of times from somewhere in the back and Joe pushed off the bar, “that’s probably your food, gimmie a sec.”

He disappeared for a couple of minutes, returning later with a steaming basket of chicken fingers and fries, an extra side of gravy in his hands that he slid across the bar to you.

“These smell amazing.”

“I dunno what they put in them but they’re the best I’ve ever had.” He commented, snagging a fry and dunking it in the gravy before eating it. “You have plans this weekend?”

“Not really.” You ate a couple of fries, “I’m picking up a couple of finals papers over at NYU on Thursday but I’ve got three weeks ‘til they need them back.”

“Why not do it electronically? Save you the trip?”

“I make ‘em pay me with cash, that way everything’s under the table and the IRS can’t get me for it.”

“Smart girl.”

“Yeah? You don’t think I’m scamming the system?” You raised a brow.

“Fuck the system.” He chuckled, leaning in to kiss your cheek, “why do you think we only accept cash here?”

“Fair point.” You laughed, happily accepting another kiss before turning back to your food, “you have plans this weekend?”

“Gotta check in here a couple of times but I wanna take you out.”

“What’ve you got in mind?”

“Something fun, wanna show you off, make everyone else jealous.” He beamed and you felt a warmth bloom through your chest at his words.

“Oh yeah? Casual or fancy?”

“Oh casual.” He laughed, “what? You think I’m one of those Park Avenue boys?”

“Not at all.” You smiled, “that’s what I like about you.”

“Good.” He grinned, “cause after I take you out I wanna take you home. Show you just how much you drive me wild, how badly I can’t wait to get my hands on you, how good I can make you feel, you’ll be screaming my name, I just know it.”

“Jose!” You quietly scolded, your cheeks burning as you ducked your gaze, glancing around the bar, praying no one was listening in.

“What?” He asked quietly, leaning in closer to not be overheard, “you’re really telling me you haven’t thought of me while you were alone in your bed, tangled in the sheets while you start to let those pretty hands wander? Weren’t picturing me while you fucked yourself?”

“Oh my god…” you muttered and he chuckled, pinching at your chin before he stole a kiss.

“You wouldn’t be blushing so hard if you hadn’t.” He pointed out and you scoffed, attempting to shoot him a glare, “don’t worry querida, you’re not alone. I can’t get you outta my head.”

“Hey!” a voice called out from the other end of the bar and you finally felt some relief with Joe’s gaze off you. Chilly motioned to him, nodding toward the back hall and Joe pushed off the bar.

“I gotta go take care of something, get Chilly to grab you a refill.”

“Yeah.” You barely managed to look up at him, but he still managed to send you a wink before he disappeared around the corner with a smug grin and you were left shifting uncomfortably in your seat thinking about all the things you wanted him to do to you.

You finished your food, thanking Chilly for the refill of beer when he cleared your plate and you dug your phone out of your pocket. A few minutes of scrolling social media before you were bored and opened up your messages, selecting Grace’s contact.

‘Hey, I know we’re supposed to go for drinks on Saturday but can we push it to next week?’

‘This better be because wonder boy’s taking you out.’

‘That’s exactly why. And you should know he’s already made some very promising guarantees about what happens when he takes me home.’

‘Fuck YES! Get it girl.’

‘You don’t mind?’

‘If it means you finally get laid, absolutely not. I’m off Wednesday, we can do drinks Tuesday night?’

‘Yeah that works.’

‘Perf. I cannot wait to hear every single dirty detail.’

‘You’re a fucking perv.’

You shook your head with a small laugh as you locked your phone, placing it back down on the bar and picking up your drink. Joe returned from the back a few minutes later, this time he circled around the bar, wrapping around your back and nuzzling into your neck. The scruff on his chin tickled your bare skin and you shivered, pulling a chuckle from him before he placed a kiss on your neck.

“You have any idea how hard it is to keep my hands off you?” He husked into your ear and you giggled.

“I think I can tell.” You turned your head, your fingers tilting his chin toward you so you could steal a kiss, Joe went in for another one that was only broken by the sound of your phone buzzing on the bar top.

‘You love me’

You swiftly typed back a message,

‘Yeah when you’re not being a fucking pain in my ass.’

“That Grace?” Joe asked.

“Yeah. She’s already hounding me to kiss and tell.”

“Here.” He reached out and you passed him the phone, watching as he swiped open the camera app and turned it to selfie mode. “May as well show her what she’s missing.” He teased, nestling right into your side again to snap a couple of pics.

He tickled at your side with his free hand, pulling a laugh from you right as he kissed your cheek and captured a couple of candid’s before kissing you gently. He then selected a few and sent them off to Grace before handing you back the phone. The device was barely back on the bar top a second before it was buzzing again.

‘Holy fuck you weren’t kidding, he’s a smoke show!!!’

Jose chuckled, leaving a kiss beneath your ear, “you tell her I’m good looking?”

“May have mentioned it.” You replied with a laugh, managing to steal a kiss before Chilly appeared behind the bar, motioning Joe over.

“Hector called, Jorge has another shipment coming in, needs the payment and wants you to do inventory.”

“Yeah, I got it.”

“You sure?” He gestured between the two of you as Jose walked back around the bar, “you know he doesn’t like unexpected company?”

“Relax.” Joe laughed, as the other man passed him something under the bar top, “I’m walking her home, it’s on the way.” You took the time to slip off the stool, sliding your phone back into your pocket and taking out your wallet, missing Joe tuck whatever it was Chilly passed him into the back of his pants. “Tell him I’ll be there in twenty.” He rounded back around the bar, “you ready?”

“Yeah.” You smiled, “but I have to pay?”

“Nah, you’re on the house now, remember?” Joe grinned and you rolled your eyes, pulling out a twenty to toss down onto the bar top.

“Thank you Chilly.”

“Anytime Chica.” He smiled as he picked up the bill, “you make sure this one gets you home safe, alright?”

“I’m sure he will.”

Joe was quick to grab your hand in his as the two of you made your way out of the bar and into the night street. Your conversation was limited as you walked, simply happy to be together and around each other again. A sense of warmth soothing around both of you, sparks firing off each time Joe’s thumb brushed over your knuckles, butterflies in your stomach every time he raised your hand to his lips to kiss. You were at your apartment door before you even realized.

You stopped, turning back to Jose to say goodnight, your hands resting on his waist as you stepped closer to him. His hands gently wrapped around your wrists, guiding them upwards over his chest as he pulled you to him before his hands settled on your waist. He leant down, kissing you softly, humming at the feeling of your nails gently scratching at the back of his neck. You pulled yourself deeper into his embrace and his tongue slid across the seam of your lips, waiting only a second before your lips parted and you let out a soft moan into the kiss.

“Fuck…” he muttered, “hate to leave you like this.”

“Sounded important.” You murmured back, kissing him again, “besides, this leaves me with a little bit of inspiration.”

“Oh yeah?” He smirked down at you, “you gonna head upstairs and pretend it’s me between your legs?”

“You got any better ideas?”

“Send me a pic.” He ducked down, nipping at your neck and your breath caught in your throat “I’ll let you know exactly what I’d do if I was with you.”

“I think that can be arranged.” You smiled, a near whine escaping your lips when he bit into your neck again.

“Good girl.” Jose’s fingers came up to cup your chin, redirecting you into another deep kiss before he reluctantly stepped away from you. “You better get going querida.”

“Good night Jose.”

With one last lingering look, you finally disappeared through the doorway and into the elevator and Joe was free to continue on his way through the night. He heard his phone ping no less than five minutes later and opened the text.

“Fuck…” He felt himself twitch in his pants at the sight of you adorned in baby pink lace, chest practically spilling out of your bra, camera angled so that he could see your ass. He was about to type a reply when another image popped up, this one of your hand slipping into your panties and he let out a low groan, “that’s not even fair.” He grumbled, but realized he’d dug his own grave.

‘You’re too good to me.’ He typed back, ‘now get those fingers nice and wet for me baby.’

Taking a deep breath he pocketed his phone and continued on his way. This would have to wait until he got home and he could properly take care of things. He couldn’t help but grin as he rounded the corner, shaking his head at just how unbelievable perfect you were.

_______________

@witches-unruly-heart @fandom-princess-forevermore @cycat4077 @xoxabs88xox @alwaysachorusgirl @plaidbooks @thatesqcrush @im-just-a-mississippi-girl @wandas-wife @katieslotherford @momlifebehard @dondivajade @misscharlielulu @alexxavicry @rosaliedepp @legit9thlunaticwarrior @daffodil-heart @onmykneesformarvel @kmc1989 @silversprings-mp3 @blackbird-brewster

[xanadontit]

College Chronicles

Since the deadline to make a decision is nigh, my brother is finally actually touring of some of the schools he's been accepted to.

San Jose State (SJSU) is the current front runner. He needs to get a 3 on the AP Calculus exam to be officially in, although the admissions counselor said there was a work-around there if he didn't. I think it's a test they administer through the university? One of his best friends has also committed to SJSU and said if my brother goes he'd like to room with him. My dad is being a total jackass about this. "It's too close to home." OK? Then you shouldn't have allowed him to apply there! And seriously? We're going to punish the kid because he happened to grow up in an area where there are a ton of great opportunities because you've decided he "needs" to go far away? Shut up.

Chico State (CSCU) is out but my brother said if you could move the campus slightly closer to a city he'd definitely consider it seriously. Totally fair. It's a cute, affordable college town but Sacramento is 1.5 hours away on a good day. I'm glad he's weighing the schools and considering he has to live there.

Long Beach is old and rundown and felt depressing, according to him lol. Fullerton had a nice campus and people were smiling and seemed happy but he finds the 97% commuter aspect off-putting. He also liked the campus at Cal Poly Pomona and said the chemical engineering program sounds fantastic but it's basically Chico but further south (remote, not much going on in the area). But, he hasn't officially eliminated it.

SF State is also an option but is even closer to my parents' house than SJSU (my stepmom drives past it on her way to work most days) and so again, my dad is being a pill about it. My brother doesn't seem terribly excited about it, anyway, other than he knows the area and spends time in the city anyway so it's comfortable.

He hasn't visited Sonoma or Northridge. He turned down UC Santa Cruz's waitlist spot. At one point UC Davis was also in the mix (waitlisted) but he didn't love it when he visited and told me he had it at the top of his list because it's a UC and "everyone told me to be into it."

I told him if he wants to talk through his thoughts/concerns I'd be happy to help him make some pro/con lists or figure out his non-negotiables or just listen to him vent and he said he knows and loves me (omg) and he's going to sleep on it and talk to his girlfriend (who also got into SJSU and liked it, FYI) and he may call me to talk later. At this point I may offer to be there when he tells his parents his decision if for no other reason than to whip something at my dad's head if he expresses anything other than enthusiastic support.

@pelicanhypeman and I are pretty sure it's going to be SJSU. My dad thinks I support this because it's 10 minutes from my house and uhhhh... if the kid wanted to go to school in Japan I'd support him! What is there to be gained by shitting on his decision, especially if it's not an inherently harmful one? He'll pull away from us out of hurt, not out of finding independence. I don't want that kind of relationship with him.

Now I need to figure out what to get him as a graduation present (I still owe him a trip from 8ther grade graduation in 2020) and order the bullhorn for the ceremony.

[goodluckclove]

Tell me about your suffering is art stance. I wish to know. Please and thank you. <3

Man you know I never thought I would openly talk about this part of my life because it was a nosedive that took me literal YEARS to recover from. But I'm seeing a close friend of mine go down the same path despite watching me almost sink into the void, so apparently this isn't universal information.

Storytime, dear ones. And it starts here. TW for mania, derealization, substance abuse, kind of parental abuse, and ultimately suicide related stuff.

This is an issue of Content magazine from 2016. It's a popular arts magazine from the Bay Area of California. Flip through it, it's neat! The arts scene in San Jose and around that area is small, but very dedicated.

Now go to page 56-57. The headline for the interview is "Miranda and the Young Outlaws". I did not choose the headline. I did not decide to have my photo be the only one in color. I was, at one point, Miranda, and at the time of that photo I am 19 years old.

I've been a novelist since 12, but at 16 I got into playwriting. It was instant validation. People thought I was good at it, and I was - though good in a way I don't believe applies anymore. Google my full dead name and you'll see some short plays of mine. Some short stories. I don't really mind putting my full dead name out there, mostly because I worked hard for all of that and would rather not let it die forever. So have at it.

If you read this interview you'd probably be impressed. Maybe envious at the depiction of independent creativity being validated at such a young age. A few notes from my present self:

- when Miranda referenced the rehearsal on the street outside the coffee shop, she neglected to include how once her actors finished the final scene, she laid down on the dirty sidewalk with no warning and began to weep from exhaustion. The cast, her friends from high school, most of them still IN highschool, gathered around her and struggled to calm her down.

- when she describes her "house of recovery" she doesn't mention that her "recovering addict" parents got her hooked on medical cannabis to stop her nightly, hyperventilating panic attacks. Not everyone who smokes weed is addicted. Miranda was for three years.

- "when you're young and you find an art form you're really passionate about it helps you emotionally..." The reporter misquoted Miranda here. It HURTS you. That's what she said. It. Hurts. You.

- I considered the other people in that group photo the most important people in my life. None of them talk to me anymore. I get it, though.

The Young Outlaws was my legacy at the time. We did The Muses, and it was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Then after that I had a complete, screaming mental breakdown the night before our Halloween show.

I was working five jobs at the time. I dropped out of school to focus on theater. I didn't eat much, and every other weekend I wrote a new full-length script in the span of less than two days. I was insane and miserable constantly, but that's what an artist is, isn't it? Someone who suffers? Isn't that what it means to put in effort?

It's crazy, but that brainwashing runs so strong that as I write this it's hard not to think that I was somehow STRONGER back then.

I didn't stop so my body stopped for me. I shut everything down over a video on the Facebook group for my troupe that I filmed while lying on the couch, and then I just kept lying on the couch for days. Then weeks. I have a memory of lying on the patio at dusk, looking up at the clouds pass and wishing desperately that I had enough energy to kill myself.

I didn't write. I didn't write for a long time.

But that's what an artist is...right?

It got better when I stopped smoking weed. As I kept going to therapy and adjusted my medication. Then my foundation broke again and I walked out of the show in Santa Cruz I was emceeing for and made an attempt that landed me in the psych ward for a week.

I did write a play there in the notebook they gave us. A friend I made in the unit gave me the title. If I ever make a Patreon or something I'll put it up there because it's good but it's too painful to ever hear aloud.

Listen. Please listen. Lean in close like we're children sharing a secret.

Suffering isn't cool. It is not helpful. It. Will. Not. Help. You. Not in relationships, not in life, especially not in art. Do not make an identity out of pain that you can get ease or erase entirely. If you are an artist with ANY sort of neurodivergence, you do not have the luxury to be the picture of the Tortured Artist.

Mania shows through artistic pursuit. Same with depression. Same with anger and delusion. But people expect artists to be weird and a little unstable and edgy, so what's the problem?

The problem is I'm dying. The problem is that I could've died. The problem is that so many other artists have.

Writing can still be hard. You can write something that's painful. But if your writing is always hard, always painful, always lonely and doubtful and you never walk away feeling proud of yourself - something is wrong. You need to reframe the way you think about yourself in relationship to your art. This is not an option. The alternatives are that you either don't make art, or you make a few works that some people might find so amazing that they talk about how much of a shame it was that you died early.

A few brave people have shared their writing with me and I've been thrilled and impressed. I'm seeing things that should be on bookshelves. I'm looking up short story journals and practically begging them to submit. To them, to you, to me, and to Miranda, I say this:

Your craft is your heart. It can feel, but it doesn't have to break to be worthy. People don't study the tragic greats because they were drunk and high and mean, they study them because they had a beautiful heart and it is an immense loss that it was shattered so soon. Please don't become another tragedy. Please find a way to listen to your craft and your body with sympathy and tenderness.

Please? For me?

[schraubd]

Glass House Cleaning

Anecdotally, the Israeli attack on WFK humanitarian aid workers delivering food in Gaza appears to be a tipping point for some people. On some of the (ostensibly) liberal Zionist forums I frequent, I saw people who just last week were arguing that the entire concept of "proportionality" shouldn't constrain Israel's military response now are shocked and appalled, and they aren't buying Israeli excuses about "maybe we thought a Hamas operative was in the area." Query why this event triggered the shift, but change is change. The JTA has a story on the reaction of various Jewish institutions to the strike. It breaks down pretty much exactly as you'd expect: the liberals being clear-eyed in condemning the killing, the leftists condemning the killing and situating as part of the broader allegation of Israeli genocide, the centrists expressing sadness for the deaths while obscuring responsibility. And then there's ZOA: Morton Klein, the president of the right-wing Zionist Organization of America, said that he did not know about the incident before being informed of it by JTA on Tuesday in the early afternoon. He said, “Now that you’ve made me aware of it, obviously I’m devastated that totally innocent people trying to do humanitarian work have lost their lives, I’m sure unintentionally.” He also said the ultimate responsibility for the aid workers’ death belongs to Hamas. “I blame Hamas. Every single fatality is blamed on Hamas for launching this war,” Klein said. “In any war you’ll have deaths of civilians that are unintentional. In a war, mistakes are made, targets are missed. if one takes the position that one doesn’t go to war if any innocents will be killed, you won’t go to war and Hamas tyrants will win.” I happened to read this right at the same time as I read Bret Stephens' latest column on "the appalling tactics of the 'free Palestine' movement." The thesis of his article is that "the mark of a morally serious movement lies in its determination to weed out its worst members and stamp out its worst ideas"; among his examples of the worst members/worst ideas was the infamous statement by a coalition of Harvard student groups, immediately after October 7, which held "the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence." One notices, of course, that this is exactly -- exactly -- the formulation that Mort Klein adopted vis-a-vis Israel killing the WFK workers: "I blame Hamas. Every single fatality is blamed on Hamas for launching this war." So one might ask if this "member" of the pro-Israel will be weeded out, and if his ideas will be stamped out. As someone who has watched repeated endeavors try and fail to hold ZOA accountable, I can tell you the answer: they're not. Stephens isn't wrong, exactly, when highlighting some of the repellant extremism that sits largely unchallenged in the pro-Palestine movement. But if the mark of a morally serious movement is its determination to weed out one's worst members and worst ideas, the pro-Israel movement is sitting in a terribly fragile glass house. The Israeli attack on humanitarian aid workers is about more than just the seven innocents Israel killed. It is another boulder on the scale of evidence which overwhelmingly suggests that -- "most moral army in the world" protests notwithstanding -- Israel's orientation towards innocent life in this conflict has been one of cavalier indifference at best, malicious destruction at worst. Protestations that "war is hell" and "don't second-guess the generals" are ringing increasingly hollow as against the near-uniform conclusion of media, eyewitness accounts, NGOs, international observers -- you name it. Some may be biased (but then, so are Israeli government figures and their apologists). But people are entitled to draw conclusions from the reality before their eyes. (Oh, and you should read the op-ed Jose Andres published simultaneously in the New York Times and Yedioth Ahronoth). via The Debate Link https://ift.tt/Uvsl8oY

[signum-crucis]

'In a church inside the Monastery of Santa Ana and San Jose in Cordoba, Spain, there is an ancient cross. It is the image of the Cross of Forgiveness that shows Jesus crucified with His right arm stripped off the Cross and down. They tell that one day a sinner went to confess to the priest under this cross. As usual, when a sinner was guilty of a serious sin, this priest acted very strictly. Not long later, this person fell back and after confessing their sins, the priest threatened: ''This is the last time I'll forgive you.'' Many months passed and that sinner went to kneel down at the priest's feet under the cross and asked for forgiveness again. But on this occasion, the priest was clear and said, ''Don't play with God, please. I can't allow you to keep sinning" But strangely, when the priest rejected the sinner, a noise from the cross was suddenly heard. The right hand of Jesus dropped; moved by that man's repentance, the following words were heard: ''I am the one who shed the blood on this person, not you.'' Since then, the right hand of Jesus remains in that position, for it continually invites man to ask and receive forgiveness.'

[spaghettificationandpretzels]

First of all, CONGRATS on your follower milestone! 🥳💕

Second of all, could I request 11. "You butt-dialed me, and now we have some things to talk about." with Joe Velasco please? 🥰

~drabbles-mc 🖤

Masterlist

Squad Room Secrets

Contains: Fluff, Fin being a fed up old man.

1.1K words

“If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” -  George Orwell.

"I'm going over tonight to watch the fight with her. I don't know man, I don't know where to start or what to say or how to say it."

Fin huffed, "I don't know Velasco, may start with how you feel. It's pretty simple."

Joe sat down like the world was resting on his shoulders, "Yeah Fin, that's going to go down great, 'hey y/n, I'm deeply in love with you and every second my not with you feels like torture' she's going to run for the hills."

Fin sighed, "Maybe not, maybe, you need to give her more credit than that."

Joe shook his head, "Like I said, even if I was going to tell her, I would have no idea where to start."

It felt dirty to listen to their conversation when you realised he hadn't meant to call, but after you heard the first few words, there was no stopping. You hung up the phone before Joe could realise what had happened and sat strewing for hours, thinking about whether you should rip off the bandaid or wait until tonight.

In the end, you decided it was better to face it head on and just call him. The phone rang a few seconds before Joe's voice came across the line, "Hey y/n, are we still for tonight?"

You took a deep breath, "You bet we are, but you butt dialled me, and now we have some things to talk about."

There was a sharp inhale, "How much did you hear?"

He sounded so worried, "I hung up when Fin tried to get you to role play."

Joe sighed, "Is this the part where you let me down easy?"

A little part of your heart broke that he was so ready to be rejected, "Umm, no, it's not. Look, we're both grown ups, and I'm not in the mood to hear Fin say he told me so fifty million times. We're both a fault here, I was just as chickenshit as you."

You could hear the gears turning in his head, "Are you saying…?"

"Yes Jose, I am saying that. I love you, I have for quite a while and I was intent on stewing in my own misery until you finally saw it but I see now that you are far too noble to make assumptions. I really need to get back to it but we can talk more about this tonight." It felt good to get it off your chest.

"That's great, I'd love that." There was a pause, "I love you y/n."

You sighed, "I love you too Joe."

****

You jumped and raced to the door when Joe knocked, and his face broke out into a smile when his eyes met yours, "Hey."

You waved, "Hey, you wanna come in?"

He nodded and kicked off his shoes as he walked through the doorway, "So, where do we start?"

You opened your arms, "How about a hug, we already do that." It felt different this time as his warm body wrapped around yours, "It's nice not feeling like a total perv when you hug me."

His laugh reverted through your chest like the drum beat of a well loved song, "I'm glad I wasn't the only one."

You never wanted to leave the safety of his arms, "You wanna sit down? They're just about to play to preshow."

He nodded, "Sure, you wanna talk first? We've got ten minutes."

You pulled back and shrugged, "What's there to talk about? Nothing's changed, not really. We're still going to do all the things we did before, it's just that we've added things and you can finally give up online dating."

He chuckled, "You're right. What did you cook?"

"I figured I had some making up to do, so I made your favourite." You pointed towards the oven, "And Creme Burlee."

He closed to distance again and took your face in his hands, "Can I kiss you?"

You nodded, "Oh yes please." His lips didn't find yours right away, instead, he stroked your cheek with his thumb as he slowly closed the distance. You were surprised that when your lips finally touched, there was no burst of fireworks, rather, it was quiet, like you and Joe were the only two beings in the universe.

There was a buzz in the air that you swore was coming from your own ears but Joe pulled back with a disappointed sigh, "Food's done."

The world returned in sharp focus, "That it is. I'll get it ready if you put on the fight."

He nodded, "Sure. I enjoyed that."

"Yeah, me too."

****

"How is Fin going to get you back for being right?" You knew he would want something, he wasn't going to let it go with grace.

Joe snorted, "He said he's going to remind me about this until he retires."

You did your best to stop yourself from laughing, "Oh boy, you're going to be hearing about this for years."

Joe threw his arm over your shoulder and you turned your attention back to the TV as the fight continued. You flinched when a fist hit a face and Joe chuckled when your hand landed on his thigh, "You good there?"

You blinked and went to move but Joe placed his hand on yours, "Yeah, I'm good." He laced his fingers in yours, chuckling as you clenched it with every hit, "You're not normally like this, you love it most of the time."

You shrugged, "He looks like he's twelve. Plus, this ref isn't very good."

"We should go to a fight one day, on a date." There was a confidence in Joe you hadn't seen before and his smile had a certain charm.

"You don't need to convince me. Does this count as a date?" You were unsure, it didn't feel like a proper first date.

Joe shook his head, "No, this isn't a date, at least not a first date. We gotta go to dinner for that."

You nodded, "Ok, well do you want to go to dinner with me?"

Joe smiled, "Yes, I would like to go to dinner with you."

"So what does this count as?" You thought for a moment, "A get together?"

"Nah, we're just spending time together. You should get used to it, you're my girlfriend I'm going to want to spend a lot of time with you." He was definitely turning on the charm.

"I'd hope so, boyfriend." You paused, "That doesn't sound right, we're not twelve. Lovers?"

Joe suppressed a smirk, "Not yet. Significant other sounds nice."

You nodded, "Yeah it does. Which brings me to my next point, maybe you should stay the night and we can get coffee in the morning? Nothing has to happen, I just wanna make up for all the cuddling we've missed."

Joe smiled and moved closer before brushing a strand of hair behind your ear, 'I'd really like that."

Fin

@mysoulisasunflower

[otdiaftg]

The Raven King - Chapter Two

Day: Wednesday, August 30th Time: 8:30 PM EST *Art used with permission by @ouijacine

"Why didn't Aaron know he had a brother?" Nicky winced, but Neil didn't know what bothered him more: the question or the rough edge in Matt's voice. "They're twins," Nicky said. He waited for them to catch on, looked from one blank face to another, and frowned disbelief. "Think about it for a sec, would you? Imagine you're my Aunt Tilda. How eager would you be to tell Aaron you gave up his brother at birth? She hoped that secret would stay buried forever." "But Aaron found out," Neil said. Nicky flashed Neil a tight-lipped smile. "Yeah, and that's why I believe in fate. See, Aaron was born and raised in San Jose. Apparently Aunt Tilda got bored of dating locally and started going to online matching sites. Right after Aaron turned thirteen Aunt Tilda hooked up with this new guy up in Oakland. Her boyfriend thought they should meet at a Raiders game, something nice and public and fun, so she stuffed Aaron in the car and off they went. Aaron said he was at the concession stand when this cop walked up, calling him Andrew and talking like they knew each other. Aaron thought he was either crazy or confused, but it didn't take the cop long to figure out something was wrong." "Higgins," Matt guessed. "Yeah. Soon as Higgins figured out he had the wrong brother he made Aaron take him back to where Aunt Tilda was. See, Higgins thought Aunt Tilda was another foster mother and that Aaron and Andrew had somehow gotten split up in the system. Higgins wanted to reunite them, so Aunt Tilda gave him her phone number to pass along and took Aaron home again. I don't know why she bothered. Maybe she was too embarrassed to say no or didn't want to explain to a cop what was going on. Either way, Andrew's foster mother called the next day to set up a meet-and-greet, and Aunt Tilda refused. She told the fosters she didn't want anything to do with Andrew, didn't want to know what he was like or how he was doing, nothing. She even made them promise to not contact her ever again." Nicky finished his second drink and mixed a third. "But Aaron knew who was calling, and he was too excited to wait on his mom to hang up to find out the details. As soon as she picked up in the kitchen, he ran to her bedroom and listened in on the upstairs phone. That's how he found out the truth." Nicky looked down at his drink. "Aaron said it was the worst day of his life."

"Jesus," Matt said. "I don't blame him. Did he tell her he'd heard her?" "Oh, yeah. Aaron said they had it out. But Aunt Tilda wouldn't budge, so Aaron went behind her back and called the Oakland PD. He found the PAL coordinators and gave them his information to give to Andrew. Two weeks later he got a letter in the mail that basically said 'Fuck you, go away'." Matt rubbed at his temples. "Yeah, that sounds like Andrew." "Some things never change," Nicky said. "So how'd Aaron change Andrew's mind?" Dan asked. Nicky gave her an odd look. "He didn't." "Wait," Dan said. "What do you mean, he didn't?" "I mean he didn't try again. I don't know who told Andrew's foster parents about Aaron, if it was Andrew or this Phil guy, but Andrew's foster mom wrote Aaron a letter. She wanted Aaron to try again in spring and said something about holidays being rough and there being a lot of changes at the house. So Aaron waited, but he waited too long. In March Andrew went off to juvie, and Aaron started rethinking this brother thing. Two months later Aunt Tilda sold the house in San Jose and moved Aaron to Columbia." Dan looked bewildered. "Then when did they meet?" "Dad found out about Andrew five years ago, so..." Nicky counted time on his fingers. "Four and a half years ago, give or take a bit. Dad went to California to interview Andrew's foster family and stop by juvie. A month later he flew Aaron out so Aaron and Andrew could talk, but I don't count that half-hour supervised session as a first meeting. They met for real when Andrew made early parole a year later and Dad bullied Aunt Tilda into bringing Andrew home." Nicky nursed his drink for a bit. "Weird when you think about it, right? They've only really known each other for three years." "That's messed up," Matt said. "Yeah, and that's the nice version of the story," Nicky said. "Anyway, that's how Aaron and Andrew know Higgins. I don't know why he's calling Andrew now, but I'm not going to ask. I kind of view Andrew's foster life as an off-limits topic. I don't bring it up until he does." "Is that really okay?" Dan asked. "It didn't sound like a 'Long time no see' kind of phone call. What if someone's dug up some past crime of his that could get him taken off our court? Maybe Phil was calling to warn him about an investigation." "Andrew will take care of it," Nicky said. "That's not comforting," Dan said, but she let it drop.

Art used with permission by Ouijacine.