#his lil car is gonna be green and then a red 5 :)

[jensonsbuttons]

seb canvas wip but under the cut

ignore the smudge by the e that will be gone

[2knightt]

5 things dallas winston hated about you.

—even when you were on his last goddamn nerve, you were still everything to him. is he still everything to you? after all he’s put you through?

-> in no way is this me changing my style nor should this be taken seriously…i’m just bored. and sad. and bored. and i miss my boyfriend. posted on queue!! i’m probably either studying, working on asks + event, or sleeping. either one.

(I.your snarky remarks.)

“did nobody ever teach you how to properly play uno of all games?”

you asked, a chuckle in your voice as you held your one card in hand. dallas glared at you from across your table, holding 12 cards. this was the 5th game you two played. he was never one to accept defeat easily.

“this game is just fuckin’ stupid. n’ you’re a dirty lil’ cheater.” he grumbled, staring down at his all red cards, eyes shifting back to the green 3 that you had placed down. dallas wanted to say more not-so-nice words, but knowing you fully, you’d say something even worse back. he hated that about you. you always said that it was apart of your charm, he always disagreed.

“why would i ever need to cheat when you can’t seem to count?” you snapped back, brows furrowed. you referenced the fact that dallas tried to pick up only 4 when he had to pick up 6, thinking he was slick.

dallas just huffed, picking up another card from the pile before mumbling a small, ‘go.’ there was a tug at the corners of your mouth, causing you to grin a little too hard as you placed down the winning card. for the 5th time in a row. dallas threw his cards down, clicking his tongue in annoyance. he leaned back into the chair, his head turned away from you as his arms hung off the chair.

“stop bein’ a baby and help me clean this up.”

“no. it’s your house.”

“and you’re the one who’s bumming around in it. clean up with me before i let you walk those streets. again.”

(II.how important your looks were to you.)

you stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, fingers running through your hair as you starred at yourself in the window of a convenience store.

“are you serious, y/n?” he asked, pockets in hand. he stopped walking when you did. he said it was so nobody hit on you. in reality, he liked it better when he had his eyes on you 24/7. he likes knowing you were safe. even for a second.

“yes, dallas. i am.” you replied with an eye roll. you grabbed your pink lip gloss, re-applying it for the 4th time today. sure, you were willing to admit it slowed you down—your focus on your looks. but were you gonna change? no! if someone doesn’t like it, who cares?

once you were done, you continued walking, leaving dallas to rush to catch up. he walked beside you after speed walking behind you for a few seconds. your lips shined under the hot tulsa sun, eyes glowing along with them. dally couldn’t help but wrap an arm around your waist.

he grew more and more aware of the men around. he held you closer, even when they paid no mind to neither you or him. he felt almost threatened for a moment.

“are you even listening?”

you chimed in, breaking his train of thought. dallas nodded, head empty. he didn’t hear a single thing you said. was he going to admit it? no. he didn’t want these other guys to know about how terrible of a boyfriend he was.

you just hummed, walking to your house in silence. any insults, compliments, comments, or cries would fall to deaf ears as of now.

(III.how you were blindly loyal.)

“i cannot believe you right now.”

“i jus’ said she was pretty. god forbid.”

he muttered as he entered your car, sitting in the passenger seat. dallas knew it’d be a terrible idea to try and make you jealous. boundaries, you’d shout. boundaries!

“i’ve told you how many times on how uncomfortable that makes me.”

“m’sorry, doll. i…i know. it was the alcohol.”

dallas lied right through his teeth. in all honesty—he’d been hoping it’d make you want to show him off. he was stupid for ever thinking you’d so something like that.

your silence scared him. you usually would’ve spat something back at him without a single thought. a sigh left your lips as you started the car, finally speaking up.

“i know.”

you muttered quietly. goddamn, maybe loyalty was gonna be the death of you. he didn’t mind much, though. at least you knew where home was. with him…right? right, y/n? he wanted to ask over and over again. dallas wanted the reassurance. he needed the support.

for what? he didn’t know. he just wanted to make sure you still felt the same way he does.

(IV.the way you fought.)

“she got you good, y/n.”

“oh, shut up, dal.”

you muttered, washing your bloodied and bruised hands under the faucet. you stood there, spacing out, letting the water run off your hands. dallas tapped you on your shoulder, snapping you out of it.

he handed you a clean shirt, a couple of bandaids in the other. you ushered him out of your bathroom, closing the door to put the clean shirt on. ‘she got you good.’ what does that even mean? was there seriously no, ‘are you okay?’ you wondered to yourself as you opened the door.

dallas sat you down on the toilet, brushing the fresh blood that slowly streamed down your cheeks with his thumb as he placed bandaids all over your face. he kissed every single one after doing so.

he wanted to make sure you still knew he likes you. that dallas winston liked you a whole lot.

“you’ll be alright, doll.” he comforted, patting your head. he thought back to your several other fights. you fought strategically and with honour. something he’d never do. but, recently, you’d been fighting just for the fun of it.

when you fought before—he felt a little angry. he didn’t like seeing you fight, but he didn’t like knowing you were good at it. knowing you were at the same level as he was at something he took pride in hurt him. dallas was frustrated at you and himself.

maybe his bad habits were rubbing off on you. a way to remember him, as dallas thought about it. he said he’d talk to you later about it. he never did.

(V.how quickly you were able to move on. faster than he ever could.)

you realized you needed better. dallas didn’t treat you like he used to. why? you didn’t know. you tried to be the best girlfriend he’d ever have, so why did he have to ruin it? was it your fault?

you kept on asking yourself questions like this when the reality of it all sunk in. that same day, you left dallas winston.

he felt his world crumble before him. this whole, self-sabotaging thing that pony warned him about was catching up to him. dallas felt hatred for you. well, at least he wanted to. he wanted to feel angry. hatred for you.

he couldn’t no matter how hard he tried. even when he watched you move onto another guy. from afar, he’d see you giggle and flirt with him. like how you used to do with him.

even when you’re with someone else, you’re still everything ti dallas. would you ever forgive him if he said sorry? would sorry even fix the way he treated you?

[xf-cases-solved]

S1E16: Young at Heart

Case: When Mulder was an itty-bitty baby agent, he helped capture and convict serial killer John Barnett, however, in the process of capturing him, he inadvertently got a fellow agent killed by being too "by the book." This haunts him deeply in his soul, it was a defining moment for him in his career, and we only ever hear about it in this episode. Barnett was pissed that Mulder put him away, and during their last exchange, he made the heinous and not at all silly threat of, "I'm gonna get you." Unfortunately for Barnett, he died in prison and never got his chance for revenge.

Lol jk! That's just what he wanted you to think! Turns out he's alive and well, and out to "get" Mulder, just like he promised. But if that's true, why was he listed as dead? Why is his handwriting suddenly strange and mb a little lizard like? What does this plot have to do with fringe experimental science conducted illegally on children with a rare disease? Well, that's for our duo to find out! Or not find out. Oftentimes they don't find out. It'll be a fun surprise!

Does someone die in the cold open: The opposite actually. Someone you think is dead is actually, dun dun, alive!

Does Mulder present a slideshow: No. Mulder spends most of the episode lamenting the fact that an agent got killed because of him in the initial Barnett case. The agent had a wife and kids, did you know that? I know it, because Mulder kept fucking saying it.

Does the evidence survive the investigation: Uhhhh. I'm gonna say yes, except the person who knows where it is was shot to death.

Whodunit: There wasn't really a case so much as a "prove Barnett is alive and catch him" situation, so in that respect, Barnett is the whodunit bc he's the one who escaped. In terms of all the weird medical experimentation stuff? That was Dr. Ridley. I watched this a couple days ago and have forgotten what happens to Dr. Ridley. I think he dies tho, or was in the process of dying? Something like that.

Convictions: Zip, Barnett went to serial killer hell.

Did they solve it: Since they technically did find and capture/kill Barnett, and that was the main goal, I will say yes. Also, Barnett's gross salamander hand is enough evidence to make their reports sound more valid if they wanna talk about the science stuff, much to the chagrin of the higher ups, I'm sure.

[how do i determine if a case is solved? check the scale here: x]

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: Salamander hand prosthetics.

Um.

Uhhh. M-m... M-maybe just... Maybe just use a hook.

***

General Total Stats:

(green means stat has changed since last ep; red means new stat added to list)

Total Cases *Definitively* Solved So Far: 8

Total Number of "Mulder/Scully, It's Me" Phone Calls: 1

Total Number of Times Scully Has Conveniently Not Seen Something Crucial: 4

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Been in Mortal Danger: 5 (saying no bc imo Barnett was more about making Mulder watch people he cared about die rather than just killing him outright)

Total Number of Times Scully Has Been in Mortal Danger: 6 (Scully, on the other hand, did genuinely almost die lol)

Total Number of Sexually Charged, Uncomfortably intimate, and/or Flirty Moments Between Friendly Coworkers: 8 (nah, tho Mulder did give her a cute lil wink and thumbs up when they were using her as bait. also, my favorite scene in the episode was when Scully accidentally outed that she knew about baby Agent Mulder's fuckup, and he just turned around, clasped his hands politely, and tilted his head like "oh really? do go on." that was very funny)

Total Number of Autopsies Scully Has Performed On Screen: 1

Total Number of Times Scully Plays Doctor: 2

Total Number of Times Mulder Talks to an Informant: 6

Total Number of Times People Making Out in a Car Are Hurt or Killed: 2

Total Number of Nosebleeds: 4

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Tasted/Sniffed/Touched Something Questionable Without Following Proper Safety Procedures: 2

Total Number of Times Someone Says "Trust No One": 1

Total Number of Times Someone Says "I Want to Believe": 2

Total Number of Cigarettes Cigarette Smoking Man Has Smoked: 2

Total Number of Maggie Scully Sightings: 1

Total Number of Alex Krycek Sightings: 0 :(

Total Number of Times I Had to Look Up What State the Episode Takes Place in Even Though I Literally Just Watched It: 4 ½ (it took place mostly in DC, so does it matter if i don't remember if there were any other locations mentioned? surely not)

Total Number of Times I Had to Look at an Episode's Wikipedia Page to Fill This Out Because It Was Fucking Confusing and/or Too Boring for Me to Pay Attention: 3 (i paid enough attention to get the gist, but i needed to clarify a few things that got muddied in the middle. i am. still a little muddy, but no more than what's expected with this show)

[dogboyklug]

all of the questions for sloth and envy?

TY FOR THE ASK i LOVE YOu

if you wanna ask any of these for a specific oc feel free 2 send another ask in smiles...

7: if your muse could get away with wearing pajamas all day every day, would they?

ll of them yes without question so im gonna use this secrion to talk about what everyone wiuld use as pjs, and what they would Want as pjs

masa has just like a completely normal black bra and sweats but since she was tiny shes desired just a huge pajama shirt n pajama pants. in pink and orange. with stars on em. so badly.

penthe wears a variety of hand-me-downs from sam, mostly from the 70's and all in the most horrible patterns ever. 90% of their morning headaches are derived from looking down and seeing the awful saturated greens and reds of their somehow oversized pajama shirt.theh wouldnt have it any other way heart emoji

lumpy has a totally plain grey tanktop and dark grey sweats and while he doesn't mind he does kinda wish he had something a little fluffier... and he deserves that smt. as a treat.

sunrise usually just goes to bed in his bomber jacket which is GROSS.... if he could have pjs's theyd just be like vintage furred once that not so coincidentally look exactly like if he made his bomber jacket into pj's.

1: on what day(s) does your muse feel most lazy? at a specific time of day, or all day?

hmmmmmmm

lumpy feels "lazy" (as in, lets himself rest) any day he doesnt have work or many chores. even though he does let himself take enough breaks, admittedly its mostly just so he doesnt collapse at any of his many works, and he still feels pretty guilty about it. he treats plentiful rest as a guilty pleasure he doesn't deserve.

2: is your muse prone to procrastination?

masa absolutely is. she busied herself w "chores" (sorting she has fun w) so she had an excuse to avoid her schoolwork as a kid and she now uses that same tactic to rightfully half-ass and avoid doing work for her shitty it job. sadly she still sometimes does the work shes asked to do... for just pennies a day we can save her

3: what chores/responsibilities does your muse avoid doing at all costs?

freya HATES stuff like doing the dishes, mowing the lawn.. anything that might mean getting her hands literally dirty. she has a huge issue when stuff gets under her fingernails. thankfully berro likes doing chores like that so she doesnt have to (until the day he moves out of course...)

4: how many hours of sleep does your muse get? do they feel rested after, or are they still tired?

lumpy gets a perfect 10 hours of sleep every day!

sunrise barely ever gets any sleep, even with all the booze he drinks. he's always exhausted (blames it on all the driving he does, to avoid thinking about how fucking depressed he is)

penthe gets anywhere from 2 to 17 hours of sleep and usually wakes up feeling at least Not Terrible. they go to their job at p much random times and get up and go to bed at also random times so it's honestly insane they aren't constantly sleep deprived...

5: once your muse gets started doing something important, do they drag their feet, take many breaks, and ultimately prolong the task? or do they work as quickly as possible, at the sacrifice of a quality job? or do they work efficiently without sacrificing quality?

sunrise, despite all his issues, has an amazing worth ethic and knows exactly how t pace himself while still getting work done. he'll march through it at his own pace but still get the job done around the same time (if not a lil faster) than most. he's like a puter/car whisperer...

yps doesn't let himself get personal projects that much lmao he just wants to be a househusband....

6: does your muse put on real clothes every day, or only if they have to go out?

penthe, masa *and* lumpy all have work outfits, and so do wynter and sunrise (to an extent). wynter loves making outfits, but on days off he prefers just wearing pj's all day.

freya likes getting dressed up in the mornings so she usually takes like 20 minutes to make the cutest outfit ever before even leaving her bedroom lmao

goldy fucking HATES clothes so she usually wears a bare minimum unless she absolutely has to

8: does your muse complain about responsibilities a lot?

masa used to as a kid. Literal embodiment of "stop naggin' me". was her favorite song as a kid by FAAAAAR

9: is your muse the type to get up on time on their own or with an alarm? are they the type to hit snooze over and over?

penthe used to use alarms. now she just uses max, who wakes her up every morning from 6-15. which is probably part of where her bizzare sleep schedule comes from..

envy - - -

1: does your muse get jealous easily, or does it take a lot for them to feel it?

oooooh... good quastion

i think. tbh most of my ocs get extremely jealous. about Everythint. but i will elaborate

2: what kinds of things does your muse get jealous about?

penthe's deeply jealous of lumpy, as well as sam & max. they're jealous of how kind lumpy is, how many friends he has, how well he did in university, how well his jobs are going... they desire comfort and connection in the way sam & max do but they're terrified of revealing any part of themself to others so they just. dont

myrmex hates herself for it but whenever she sees other trans people she feels an intense jealousy

3: does your muse compare themselves to others often? if so, how does it affect them?

[mai-sans-senpai]

how class 1-a drives

izuku - he’s a pretty safe driver but when he gets to mumbling a bit, he’s swirvin EVERYWHERE (people are screaming like the car is on fire sometimes when he’s driving)

bakugou - y’all already know: ROAD RAGE. “hey dumbass! wtf do u think youre doing?? you can’t just fucking switch lanes w/o a blinker!!! aaarrgghh!!”

kirishima - he’s the type to drive and then stop thinking about the road for a solid five minutes and then he hits a curb and wakes himself up from his thoughts (“oh fuck sorry guys i kinda uh wasn’t thinking for like 5 minutes.” “shitty hair you WHAT?” “don’t panic i just don’t know where we are.”)

kaminari - another one that his brai will shut off but his shuts off for 10 minutes (“hey denki, we should be there already.” “oh haha funny story.”)

todoroki - seems pretty calm but turns too sharp so everyone fears that he’s gonna kill his tires but he doesn’t bc “guys chill out. i can turn just fine” no shoto. it’s not fine

iida - y’all why are u looking at this section? he’s a perfect driver and a stickler for turn signals. “you YOU DIDNT PUT YOUR SIGNAL YOU MENACE TO SOCIETY” a lil bit of road rage

aoyama - he can’t drive for shit. he always gets distracted and runs a red light or something “oh non....oh well i hope the police don’t catch me”

mina - she’s an ok driver but she’s always playing her music a bit too loud. like not loud enough to hurt your ears but loud enough for you to raise your voice when talking

tsu - she’s a good driver. that’s about it.

ururaka - she’s a driver alright. she’s always a pushy driver. passing on the right lane or honking at ppl when the light JUST turned green, stuff like that

ojiro - drives like a SAFE FATHER. he is checking his mirrors EVERY time and ALL the time

koda - does not drive, makes someone drive him or he walks

satou - he bikes actually. idk i just don’t don’t see him driving

shoji - he’s such a good driver ong. he doesn’t even HAVE a blind spot bc if his quirk. and like yk that thing when ppl put their arm on the passenger side to look when they back out and it’s REALLY hot? YEA HE DOES THAT 😍

jirou - good vibes ONLY in her car. she’s a pretty good driver but her car has a few dents for let’s say “character”. she has trouble parking so people ding her car as they open their doors

sero - REALLY good driver. like when he drives, the car doesn’t feel like it’s moving that’s how good he is. is a parallel parking GOD

tokoyami - ok so one time he let dark shadow drive the car bc he was a bit tired... and that’s why his car is totaled and he always has to ask for rides 😪

hagakure - cannot drive. should not drive. walks everywhere

momo - drives like a CHAMP. always has random helpful things in her car. she’s like fuckin toodles from the mickey mouse clubhouse show. yk how some ppl are REALLY organized in schoolwork and other things but their car looks atrocious? yea hers looks like a DUMPSTER. she found a whole moldy LOAF of bread in there.

mineta - his feet cant reach the pedals. so he either catches a ride w deku or stays home 💀

[tomdiddlyumptious]

T.H| YOU TORE ME APARTTTT

Summary: this is only like a real quick because I had writers block

Warnings! Language, kids, and shit like that

A/n: them Medea movies used to smack

You stood in your shared kitchen, dancing while you stirred the gumbo you made for your family, the one and only Mary j Blige playing, your favorite song ‘My Life’ playing as the kids were silent watching you as your little princess tried to dance like you.

“Look mommy I’m doing it!” “No you aren’t” Wesley said, mugging his sister Oliver. “Don’t be like that Wes, you keep practicing Oliver, you’re doing great” you smile looking back at her, Wesley still watching her as he felt second hand embarrassment “how about...you come and taste this” you grab the ladle and grab a small thing of the food and bring it to him, “blow it” you say, holding your hand under the ladle, he blowed it off and took it, “mmmm!” He smiled at you, Oliver still trying to practice the moves. “Mommy is the best cooker” Wesley said and Oliver agreed, “of course she is! Better then daddy at least” you let out a “pfft” and started laughing “you a lil bully oli” “he doesn’t know how to cook!” “He knows how to cook, he just doesn’t know his seasons yet honey”

“You should teach him!” “Teach him what Wes?” Tom said, coming in the house and eyeing his son as he shut the door. “How to cook!” “Ouch who said I don’t know how to cook?” He asked, Oliver and Wesley looked at each other before pointing at you “mommy!” Tom fake gasped as he walked into the kitchen “mommy did it?” They both aggressively nodded their head. “No I didn’t!” You giggled turning around and added just a little bit spice, he came behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist, his chin resting on your shoulder. “Smells good” “it tastes good” he chuckled and pursed his lips to give you a kiss on the cheek, then you turned your head to give him a lip one.

“Yay!” “ew” Wesley stuck out his tongue as Oliver clapped. “Mommy and daddy are in loveee” she became googly eyed. “That’s naty” he shook his head in disgust. You and Tom laughed and pressed each other’s lips together again. He danced and pressed himself up against you “ya know, it could be mommy and daddy time” he whispered. “It’s Christmas, it’s actually children time” you both looked back at Oliver and Wesley who sat there playing Rock Paper Scissors. “How about we watch a movie” Tom said to the kids. “Yeah! And no Medea mom” Oliver said making you laugh. “Medea is a classic! I used to watch it all the time in the holidays, or anytime for that matter” you shrugged, “yes Medea!” Wes said.

“How about we like play the grinch or something” Tom asked, sneakily tickling you and you smacked your lips at him trying to get out of his grip. “How about you take a shower so we can have our matching pajamas” you suggested. “No! Medea Medea Medea it is!” Oliver said, hoping out of her seat and jumping on the couch and Wes did a ‘Ching Ching’ and went to the couch and plopped down. “Your stinky Oliver!” You shouted over the music. “No!” She shouted back, she’s actually scared of the water, absolutely terrified. Tom kissed your neck and you smiled “go play the movie Tom, I’m gonna take a shower” “without me?” “Thomas” you sighed, “whatttttt, I just wanna see my wife’s body, is that bad?” He whispered. “No it’s not, just go play that movie and I’ll get us situated”

You and Wes matched in the dark green pajamas while Tom and Oliver wore the red, all watching the grinch as you were leaning on Tom half asleep, Oliver and Wes to invested in the movie while Tom was watching you slowly fall asleep.

The doorbell startled you as you jumped making Tom laugh and stand up, “I got it” he kissed your forehead and put the thick weighted blanket ontop of you, “thank you” you stuck your lips up for a lazy kiss which he took happily. Tom walked over to the door, opening it revealing “mum?” He said more of a question then a statement. “You thought it was gonna be Christmas without us?” “Or us?” In the back ground stood your mom and dad, your older brother and other siblings.

“So much for mommy and daddy time” he muttered. “Y/ns asleep” “that’s a surprise” your older brother said (let’s call him jamie). Harry and Sam held the bags of presents and Tom helped jamie. “She cooked gumbo?” Your mom (let’s call her...Angela) whispered, putting the macoroni in the oven.

Jamie plopped down next to you as you were knocked out, he smiled and joked to himself and he clamped his fingers over your nose, making your eyes go wide as you slapped whosever hand away. “Prick” you muttered as he laughed again, you sighed “why are you in my house” “that’s so inviting y/n” “shut up James” “not my name” “similar”

Sam and jamie set up the presents and the kids were gonna be really happy this year, you and your mom chatted as you had to continuesly look at your dad socializing with Tom. “Baby would you stop! He has nothing against him” Angela muttered. “I know but dad can be mean sometimes” “well he has nothing to be mad for” her lips in a tight manner as she glared at you, you sighed and playfully rolled your eyes which she smiled at. “He misses you” she adds. “I don’t believe it” “yeah because you’ve both havent talked to each other for years” “that’s not true” “well it seems like it! He loves you girl” niki made her way into the kitchen “alright grown folks bisnuess ” “mom I’m litterally 22” “and just 5 years ago you were a minor” you groaned and threw a fit, draping your feet as you left the kitchen and into the livingroom, Sam and Harry playing with the kids as you placed the weighted blanket back on yourself.

By time it was dinner, you and Tom thanked each other mentally for the buying the large table. You and your family sat mixed, Tom and your mom of course sitting next to you. Wine glasses and glasses of juice being clanked together, laughing at childhood stories that you dad told, Tom giving you kisses on the forehead and holding your hand.

After the kids opened up the presents you all collected each other’s presents, you got body mists and some clothes and a bracelet, you made everyone a large gift bag, niki and your mom with purses, dresses and gift cards, you bought your dad a Rolex and keys for a new car, you just went all out this time.

“Mommy daddy time?” Tom asked, watching as you were in the desk, wearing lingerie. You turned your body towards him and took off your glasses. “Yes, mommy daddy time” you stood up and walked over to the bed, and then just stopped infront of it. Tom raised his eyebrows at you before you started dramatically dancing. “Jingle bell jingle bell jingle bell rock” you sung, doing body rolls as he cringed. You turned to the side and popped your back out, placing your hands on your knees. “Stop” he genuinely asked. “No you wanted mommy and daddy time right? What bright time it’s the right to rock the night away” you hit the whip and did the nae nae, “y/n stop” “that’s the jingle bell rock!” You climbed on the bed and sat on his lap, pressing yourself on him as you continued to sing, he gripped your ass “that’s the jingle bell rockkkkkkk!” You shook him and he scrunched his face trying to stay stiff.

“Pleaseeee be serious!” He glared at you. “LAST CHRISTMAS I GAVE YOU MY HEARTTT THE VERY NEXT DAY-“ he cut you off by putting his lips on yours while flipping you over, laughing as he went down to kiss your neck “THIS YEARR TO SAVE ME FROM TEARS-“ “y/n shut up!” He laughed and you smiled, “fine, get to work Santa” “don’t even” “ho ho ho” “your a ho ho ho” “get off me Thomas” “wait-“

Let’s say bells weren’t the only thing that jingled 🤭😳

[inkribbon796]

The Marvelous Misadventures of One: S. Marvin Argentum Ch. 4: Unsettled

Summary: Marvin and his team go to take on the hunters, and to hopefully get back to Egoton in time.

Post A/N: *Host glares at me* Why is he back so early?

Me: *throws hands up* I tried! Okay!

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4

It took a couple days for them to get all the supplies they needed, Techno insisting that a war could not be won without supplies. But when they did and Ghostbur was hanging at some hideout with Techno’s sister, they went up to the hunter’s base and waited a safe distance away from it. Philza sent a couple of his crow familiars to scout ahead.

Marvin dared to hope that it wouldn’t come to anything too severe, like wiping out the entire Guild. He didn’t think they deserved that. After all, everyone on Spade’s list of “people willing to burn an entire city of innocent people” were already dead so he hoped that meant everyone else was fine.

Although he didn’t like the idea of justifying a barely human glitch demon’s murder spree. Especially if that person was an evil Logan.

“So if Plan A an’[1] B don’t work,” Marvin told Techno and Quackity.

“Trust me, these assholes are going to go with the third option,” Quackity smiled, tossing Marvin a potion and the underhanded a second one. “They’re hunters, being dumb and violent is in their blood. I’ve never met a hunter that hasn’t been like Dream.”

“I’ve met a couple of decent ones, Dream’s not so bad,” Techno disagreed.

“Are you fuckin’ serious right now?” Quackity demanded angrily.

“Oi![2] Quit being children, yer[3] gonna[4] give us away!” Phil yelled at them. He glanced at Taylor and Marvin. “Get goin’ an’ we’ll be waitin’ fer the signal.”[5]

“Thank you,” the hunter told him.

“Just don’t blame yerself[6] when it ends violently,” Phil warned, both him and Techno down some invisibility potions and then disappearing.

Marvin and Taylor then walked up to the base and a couple hunters were already waiting for them.

“Bout[7] time you showed back up,” one of the hunters said, the Guildmaster quickly coming out.

“Guildmaster, I challenge you—” Taylor began but the Guildmaster just fired at them. Marvin immediately summoned his cards to deflect the shot but Techno dived in front with a massive tower shield appearing to tank the hit.

A cloud of black began to head towards them as the squawking of hundreds of crowds began to descend on them.

Techno pulled some ash-greyed skulls and his blood red aura curled around them and bones began to construct around them. The human skeletal figures had three heads a piece and gore hanging off the bones, they were just a spinal column with massive rib cages and they were three times the size of a normal human. Instantly they began spitting napalm-like fire and began attacking everything around him. Some of the bursts of fire almost hit Marvin.

Chaos erupted immediately, and Techno flung himself into the fray, his axe gleaming in the sunlight.

“Fucking demons!” Taylor shouted in anger as they raced towards the Guildmaster, both them and Marvin throwing magic at the Guildmaster.

The fight itself was relatively quick, Taylor trying to get a duel with the Guildmaster, and more and more hunters were quickly turning to side with Taylor for multiple reasons. But right before Taylor could fire on the Guildmaster, who was weakened by all the fights and skirmishes she’d been in since May, a single poker chip flew towards her.

It was coated with potent magic and sliced through her skull. The smiley face on it was coated with blood.

The fight switched on a dime as all the hunters looked at Quackity. The skeletal abomination that Techno had summoned was finally killed, bodies strewn around him. Phil was summoning some little configurations of magic to keep Techno fighting something until his bloodlust calmed down.

“What the hell!?” Taylor shouted at Quackity.

Quackity shrugged, “Hey, she was going to kill you, you should be thanking me.”

“She was defeated,” Taylor spat.

“Apparently not if she almost took your fucking head off,” Quackity dismissed.

“I should take your head off,” Taylor spat.

“Quackity, take Slime an’[1] Fundy an’[1] go,” Phil ordered sternly.

“Fine,” Quackity shrugged. “Got shit ta[8] do anyways.”

Taylor was already summoning up magic and Slime turned into a mass of green gloop that Quackity took with him, throwing down some potions to make him and Fundy faster as they left.

Taylor sent some hunters after them, but they would lose them. Quackity too ruthless to let them take or capture him or Fundy. The new Guildmaster turned to Marvin. “We’ll meet you at Egoton, I just have to take care of this mess first.”

“Deal, don’t be late,” Marvin ordered.

“We’ll follow, maybe we can keep the feds off the party,” Taylor promised him.

“I’ll tell e’eryone ta expect yah then,”[9] Marvin warned.

“Good,” Taylor yelled as they raced off after Quackity.

That left Marvin to tell Chase the good news to the other heroes . . . or he would have. His calls and messages weren’t getting through to anyone, even if he used Phil’s phone. It made Marvin uneasy.

So they were forced to hitch a ride in Thompson’s jeep when they had issues getting a train ride. It let Marvin talk to the two very battle experienced demons and desperately hope they weren’t already too late. They were running out of time. There were only four days left and Marvin knew they needed all the time they could get.

Marvin was currently driving with Techno and Ghostbur currently napping in the back of the car. Ghostbur was leaning up against Techno.

“Like I said,” Philza smiled. “If yer[3] ever in the area when we are, yer[3] welcome ta[8] a couple rounds.”

“Ain’t[10] that a death pit?” Marvin asked.

“Yeah, maybe yeh wanna wait until yer one ‘a us,”[11] Philza smiled. “Yeh look like yer one life away from turnin’.”[12]

“I hope I die then, doesn’t seem that good ta[8] be a demon,” Marvin told him.

“Sometimes it sucks,” Phil admitted. “Yer never full, never content. Yeh always feel like yeh should be doin’ something. But it has its perks sometimes.”[13]

The avian demon looked back at Ghostbur and Techno, smiling a bit. “How’s Tommy doin’[14] these days?”

“He was alright last time I saw him,” Marvin reported. “He’s a good kid.”

Phil smiled, “Yeah he’s a lil’[15] shit but he’s got his moments. Glad him an’[1] Tubbo are back on good terms.”

“So what happened ta[8] him ta[8] make him move out?” Marvin asked. “If I’m allowed ta[8] ask.”

“Tommy was in a rough place an’ he need ta get away from Dream, he lived with Techno fer a while an’ then,”[16] Phil trailed off, waving off with his hand. “Tommy needs ta[8] stay away from Dream. It’s not my business ta[8] talk about something he doesn’t wanna[17] talk about. Ask Tommy.”

Marvin left the topic at that and after switching off between Phil and then Techno they made it back to Egoton in almost record time.

After a nap in a very uncomfortable car, Marvin realized a lot of hours too late that Host could have cut their travel time down to minutes and he was just a little bit pissed about that. But they were here, and everything was going to be alright.

Phil stopped at a gas station right outside Egoton’s city limits, after finally receiving a text from Ethan. The young hero was confused at the urgency, but he promised everything was alright. So Marvin was finally feeling less anxious and stressed.

“We got a couple days,” Marvin smiled, feeling victorious, a coffee in his hands. “We’ll prepare an’[1] then we’ll—”

Marvin’s proclamation cut off when he slammed into an almost invisible barrier, his mask protecting him from breaking his nose.

“The fook[18]?” Marvin spat.

Techno walked up and braced his hand on the barrier. “That’s not good.”

Then he took out an axe and tried to cut his way in but the barrier held.

“Bruh,” Techno looked back at Phil, who was already summoning some crows.

Ghostbur tried to phase through the barrier, but he only slammed against it. “What, why can’t I—”

“Pardon the Host, he thought that Marvin would take longer.”

Marvin glanced around, trying to find the Host, but the four of them were pushed back as the Host almost seemed to emerge from the barrier in a flurry of words.

“Host, what the fook[18],” Marvin spat, only frustrated instead of furiously angry.

“Oh, Host, can you let us in?” Ghost asked politely. “Are people already fighting?”

“No, Marvin and the others are early,” the Host dismissed.

“Then let us in,” Marvin felt an ugly weight settling in his gut.

“Oh Marvin,” the Host smiled. “The Host cannot have Marvin arrive too soon. All his hard work would go to waste.”

“Yeh[19] bastard!” Marvin spat. “We’re supposed ta[8] take this on ta’gether[20]!”

“No,” the Host corrected with an eerie smile. “The Host’s sole mission is to protect his family. Regardless of the goals of the other heroes or villains. The Host has put too much effort and correction to do anything less. Marvin should not worry, the Host will ensure he does not remember this altercation.”

“People are gonna[4] die!” Marvin spat, starting to throw his magic against the Host, his aura wiping it away as if Marvin had merely sneezed at him.

“Marvin does not know what the Host has sacrificed to protect people, he has done everything in his power to protect those close to him,” the Host’s aura wiped around him, words and narrations charging the air. “And the Host will not allow Marvin to ruin it.”

The Host snapped his fingers and his narrations wrapped around the group as Marvin and the others were almost pushed into another space as time began to tick on.

After all, the Host had a wedding to prepare for.

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

Accessibility Translations:

1. and

2. Hey! (or: Wait a second!)

3. you’re

4. going to

5. Get going and we’ll be waiting for the signal.

6. yourself

7. About

8. to

9. I’ll tell everyone to expect you then

10. Isn’t

11. Yeah, maybe you want to wait until you’re one of us

12. You look like you’re one life away from turning.

13. You’re never full, never content. You always feel like you should be doing something. But it has its perks sometimes.

14. doing

15. little

16. Tommy was in a rough place and he need to get away from Dream, he lived with Techno for a while and then

17. want to

18. fuck

19. You

20. together

[a-table-of-fics]

Oddworld: Conar's Ambition, Chapter 5, Draft 1

Conar woke up to the sound of a Mudokon banging against the metal floor with a grunt. He instinctively rolled himself up to a standing position, grabbing his gun and preparing to shout out.

He could see Slim lying on the ground, groaning and rubbing his head. Above, he could spot Mark, reaching down to try to help Slim up.

“Hey!” Conar barked. “Where do ya think you’re goin’?!”

“I-it was Slim’s idea!” Mark called out, frantically.

Slim only spent a moment glaring at Mark for that, knowing that an angry Slig was looking right at him.

“Y-yeah,” he said, backing up slowly. “We were gonna look into that hideout that’s right over there. Figure it’d be safer than being out here with an open roof, ‘specially with those hanging around.”

He pointed to the side, where Conar could see a Suppressor. Its red eye wasn’t turned to either of them; instead, the floating red sensor was floating in a corner, looking at another corner.

“What’re you talkin’ about? Those things are just there to watch you guys for wrong…doing…”

Conar realized what he just said, and started to circle around Slim, slowly making his way under the Suppressor. Once he made it out of its view, he moved his Blunderbuss from Slim to the mechanical eye. A few shots later and it started to fall, the light fading from it. He tried to duck out of the way, but the bots fall twisted and spun as it landed square on his back.

“Hey!” he called out, after his cry of pain. “Gimme a hand, wouldya?”

Slim took a couple steps towards him, but stopped. Conar got the feeling it wasn’t just the alarm that started blaring in the air.

“What’re you waitin’ for, Slim?!” he demanded. “Get this thing offa me!”

“You know,” Slim said, “I’ve been waiting for a moment like this for all my life. No more Sligs watchin’ us. No more taking orders. Mark and I, we’ll be free!”

“And who freed you, chump?” Conar retorted. “You couldn’t have gotten out of there without me! You won’t last two minutes without me!”

“I’ll take my chances. You can get someone else to push your ride.”

“You idiot!” Conar shouted. “I couldn’t blow our cover there!”

“Oh, sure,” Slim said, rolling his eyes. “It was the cover.”

He turned around, taking Mark’s hand and climbing up out of the train.

“Well, sayanora!” Slim said, before the two of them disappeared from Conar’s view.

“You traitorous lil’…” Conar started, before trying to pull himself out of the wreck.

He grunted and wheezed before suddenly popping out of his Pants. He was just able to crawl out from under the Suppressor and grab his bag, but there was no chance of him getting his Pants again. Not only was he alone, but he was helpless without his legs. He crawled around in the vain hope of finding a different pair or maybe even a flying harness, but the train car was as empty as before.

The alarms in the distance were soon punctuated with the conflicted chatter of Slim and Mark. Conar couldn’t hear all of it, but he hear things like “No, this marking means…” and “B-better hurry, I think I hear…” and “where is it?!”

The talk changed to more frantic gibbering as all three could hear Slogs barking, getting ever closer. Louder and louder, until they were snarling and snapping, and he could hear the Mudokons whimpering, the sound of metal scraping and falling as they presumably scrambled to higher ground.

“Serves ‘em right,” Conar muttered. “I gave ‘em a chance out, and what do they do? Ugh.”

He paced around on his hands for a moment, before spotting something. Some kind of bird graffiti etched into a darker corner of the train. Crawling over, he could see a crack in the panel, and he could see a full tunnel through there. Those Scrubs would have appreciated that; he figured what Slim was talking about was some kind of marking to this location.

Not that he needed Slim or Mark anymore. They fulfilled their purposes; who cared if they became Slog food now? He’d find another way to get to Zeb, once he got some Pants again. And besides, without his Pants, he’d be completely useless to help those two out, even if he wanted to.

He groaned, before giving a sharp whistle. The ravenous barking stopped for a moment.

“Here, boy,” he called out.

Three Slogs came into view, looking down at him. One of them was an older Slog, judging by her massive size, but the other two… well, they were just pups, really. Must have been born here, and were probably the offspring of the larger one. They were thinner than most Slogs he’d seen, and it was clear the mother was the only one of them raised or trained properly. Poor things probably just wanted a decent meal. Conar could sympathize, but he hoped he could dissuade them from trying Mudokon Mulch.

“Stay,” he said, keeping his eyes focused on the Slogs while he felt to search for his bag of supplies. It was a miracle he hadn’t brought it with him when he walked under the Suppressor. Reaching into it, past the ammunition, drinks, and cigarettes, he found that he was looking for: a whole package of Meep Jerky.

“You want some food? Huh?”

The mother Slog panted excitedly, her pups soon to follow.

Conar opened the food, and started to throw some of the largest pieces of jerky out of the train. After a few morsels were thrown out, the Slogs ran off to enjoy their treats, and Conar sighed, relieved he could do something still.

It was hard to hear anything over the Sloggies devouring the tough jerky, but he thought he could hear hushed chatter between the two Mudokon deserters. Sure enough, they were looking down on him a few minutes later.

“What was that?” Slim asked, smiling a little. “I mean, not that I’m not grateful, but you got bored of the Slogs attackin’ us that fast?”

“Yeah,” Conar replied, grinning under his tentacled visage, “you guys’re pretty boring screamers.”

He dragged himself over to the panel he saw before, lifting it slightly.

“This the place you were lookin’ for?”

“Maybe,” Slim said, hopping down. Mark followed suit as soon as Slim was with Conar. “Can’t say for sure, though; the graffiti was all wrong at the fridges, but did you see anything down…”

He looked at the wall, and saw the bird drawing.

“…here…”

It wasn’t a fat bird like the ones on the refrigerators, and it was a lot cleaner than the scratchings he saw back at the Slugbite Motel. He found himself drawn to it, his fingertips circling around it.

“HEY!” Conar shouted, snapping him from these thoughts. “We can’t focus on the pretty pictures; we got us a hideout to hide in!”

“R-right,” Slim nodded, feeling weirdly off-balance. “Lemme just get the door…”

He and Mark easily swung the panel open, and he grabbed Conar by the wrist.

“Hey!” Conar demanded, trying in vain to wrest his hand back. “Get offa me!”

“You think any Mudokons there’ll take kindly to some Slig going in?” Slim asked. “Come on, we gotta be dragging you in! Besides…”

Conar couldn’t help but feel an air of smugness.

“…you said it; a Slig without Pants ain’t worth the powder in his gun.”

The pantsless Slig sighed, trying to keep his bag close to his chest as they pulled him through.

The tunnel walls were lined with all sorts of trash, from old tires to old rails to piles of Slog chew toys. Conar picked up a rubber facsimile of a Glukkon that was relatively intact. The purple-suited toy had very few bite marks. After all, the Glukkon-shaped ones were designed to discourage Slogs from attacking the real deal with a bad taste. Of course, anyone who worked with Slogs personally knew that wouldn’t stop them from taste-testing their bosses.

He squeezed the Gluk in his hand as he was carried along. It served as a great reminder of why he left, and why he was putting up with this nonsense; so he could press a real Glukkon under his thumb.

He tucked the squeaky toy into his bag, and dropped the bag from his tentacles to his hand.

“Would it kill ya to get a better grip?” he asked, looking up at Slim. “My arm’s gettin’ tired.”

He could see Slim look at him, look at Mark, and then stop, giving a smile.

“Sure,” he said. “I don’t think this is working for me either, really.”

With that, he violently pulled Conar up. Conar, for his part, was shocked that he yelped in a very un-Slig-like way, dropping his bag to cover his mouth with his hand. Before he could reach for it again, his arm was grabbed, and he was tucked under Slim’s arm, his own arms pinned. Reaching with his tentacles was no good; as long as they were, he could not reach the ground from here. He scowled as Mark picked the bag up, handing it to Slim and looking on in awe.

“Yeah, what are you lookin’ at?”

“It-it’s that easy to p-pick you guys up?” Mark managed. He was somewhere between shock and amusement, and he made no effort to hide it on his face.

“Enjoy it while you can, twerp. Once I get Pants again, you’re gonna live to regr—Mmmph! Mmmph?!”

He struggled, but Slim had his hand clamped over Conar’s mouth.

“Shut up!” Slim hissed. “You don’t wanna scare ‘em off, do ya?”

“Mm,” Conar grumbled.

The three of them walked forward and turned the corner to see several Mudokons lounging in the orange glow of a rusty heater. A couple of them were lazily drinking from dirty bottles, while others snacked on crushed Paramite Pies. One with light-green skin looked up at Slim and Mark.

“Heya!” he called out, waving. “Welcome to the club!”

“What is this place?” Slim asked, looking around. A lot of the junk here looked like it was more deliberately placed than in the tunnel. Some of the half-melted bottles on one wall were even the same color as each other.

“You don’t know?” another asked, a shorter Mud with somewhat longer feathers almost covering his entire scalp. “We quit, just like you guys! Layin’ low, maxing and relaxing…”

He moved some feathers out of his eyes, and they widened as they focused on Conar.

“Oh wow, you took one of those guys out?” he nodded appreciatively. “Nice!”

“Mmph!” Conar protested as the rest came over to look at him. Being surrounded by six Mudokons total, some holding makeshift weapons just in case, in his state wasn’t ideal.

“How’d you get ‘im out of those legs?”

“Did he give you any trouble?”

“What should we do with him?”

“You think we could use him for something?”

“Can’t let him rat us out…”

Slim swatted hands and metal points away.

“Watch it,” he said, stepping back. “He’s been helpin’ us get here!”

He watched as everyone else’s jaws gaped in stunned silence. His eyes darted between them, and he finally relaxed as they all burst into laughter.

“Aw, man,” the light-green one said, grabbing Slim’s shoulder, “You really had me going there! A Slig helpin’ one of us?!”

“You know what a Slig is, right?” asked a Mudokon covered in soot. “They don’t help anyone. They don’t even think about helping their own!”

“They can’tthink,” the mop-topped one said. “Just got a tiny brain in their trigger fingers!”

The others started laughing again, while Conar sneered.

“A lot of big talk comin’ from a buncha layabouts!” he protested.

“Oh, we’re the bums? Who did the work for you guys while you napped and smoked?”

“I oughta throw you to the Slogs!”

“You guys don’t do nothin’!”

Conar realized he should have kept his mouth shut as they began to get closer, some of them preparing their weapons once more. Slim was slowly stepping back, but it wasn’t enough to avoid the crowd. He braced himself for a world of pain, looking at their faces of righteous anger, but Mark had stepped forward.

“Hang on,” he said. “It s-sounds crazy, but th-that guy did help us get here… S-sure, he’s a Slig, b-but he c-covered for me with Clunk and distracted some Sloggies for us…”

The encroaching Mudokons stopped, stepping back to consider this.

“He’s mean as any one of ‘em,” Slim added, “but he busted me out of the Motel, and made damn sure we escaped.”

Finally, after a moment of whispering, the light-green Mudokon stepped forward, keeping his sharpened pipe relaxed, but ready.

“All right then, Slig,” he asked, kneeling to be eye-level with Conar, “Why’d you help ‘em out?”

“That’s none of your—”

“He thinks he can just walk in and take a Glukkon’s Moolah,” Slim said.

Even Mark joined in the laughter that ensued.

“You… you reallythink…” managed the multifeathered Mud, before gasping for air again.

“Well, why not?” Conar asked. “I got a gun, and he doesn’t. Once I get to ‘im, that should be that.”

“Oh, yeah,” Slim said, rolling his eyes, “Getting to ‘im will be a cakewalk, huh? We both know Glukkons’ve got security tighter than a Resolver’s Knot. You’ll be in pieces before you make it to the front desk!”

“You got a gun,” the light-green one added, “but he’s got, like, eight hundred of them! And you just brought a coupla Mudokons? How d’ya expect to outgun ‘em?”

“That Abe guy did something,” Conar said. “I’m hopin’ to find out what.”

The laughing died into an abrupt and long silence. They were all staring at him, jaws agape, paralyzed for a few moments. The look of shock turned into a snarl on a few of them, while the rest shuffled their feet.

“What?” Conar asked. “That guy could take down RuptureFarms, and last I hear he’s goin’ after the FeeCo Depot. Must be somethin’ to you guys if one of ya can do that!”

The Mudokon with many feathers opened his mouth to speak, but it took a couple of moments to get the words out: “…You… understand Abe’s significance? You know he’s the…”

“Of course he doesn’t,” the Mudokon with an eyepatch said, raising his lead pipe in preparation to strike. “He just thinks he can talk about Abe and we’ll all do what he wants. No way is that happenin’!”

“Wait, I can—”

The pipe came down, Conar felt a brief heavy pain, and everything went black.

[toomanystoriessolittletime]

Getting away with it (4/?)

Summary: August Walker was dead. At least that’s what people believed for almost 2 years. When the CIA found reason to believe that he was alive they made it their top priority to find him. Including sending one of their best female agents to recruit his twin brother. Walter Marshall.

Pairing: August Walker x Reader (Walker) + Walter Marshall x Reader (Walker)

Warnings: some mentions of NSFW moments

Wordcount: 2.691

Masterlist

Part 1 >> Part 2 >> Part 3

Taglist:

@ladyreapermc / @theolsdalova / @greenmanalishi / @itsmydreamlifethings / @palaiasaurus64 / @celestial-vomit / @penwieldingdreamer/ @notyourtypicalrose / @babypink224221 / @fanficsrusz / @solariumss / @starlite13 / @ly–canthrope / @mytbel0st / @oddsnendsfanfics / @ravenpuff02 / @sofiebstar / @chamomilebottom / @keiva1000 / @agniavateira / @peaceinourtime82 / @dearlybelovedluke / @vania-marie / @wildwavehc / @fcgrizi / @mary-ann84 / @ayamenimthiriel / @radaofrivia / @ohjules / @omgkatinka / @xceafh​ /  @diehadess / @watermeloncavill / @modernscarlett / @p3nny4urth0ught5

@its-jb86 / @singeramg / @mrrightismrreeves / @mis-lil-red   (I can’t tag you guys. Sorry)

“Are we there yet?” Evie asked. Walker rolled her eyes.

“You asked that 20 seconds ago Buttercup.” Walker drove her car through the familiar neighbourhood. For a split second her gaze lingered on the house at the end of the road, the house August and her used to live in, before she sighed and took the street to her right.

“Are we there yet?” Evie asked. Walker couldn’t help but giggle as she looked into the rearview mirror and saw her daughter cheekily grin at her. 

“Home or Grandma?” Walker asked, seeing Evie’s eyes light up.

“Grandma pleaaaaase.”

„Did you enjoy your little getaway?” Walker's mother Hanna asked as Evie let go of her. Walker smiled as she looked after her daughter who was running to the garden to find her grandpa.

“It was nice.” She smiled at her mother before she hugged her tightly. 

“Did you meet him?” Hanna asked whispering. Walker nodded. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Getting there. Somehow I think we are going to see a lot more of him in the future.” Walker parted from her mother's arms, finding her concerned face looking at her. 

“He’s the complete opposite of him.” Walker said.

“I hope so.” 

“He was almost as shocked as me when I told him what exactly had happened.”

“You think he’s going to help you?” Hanna asked. Walter was sitting on the patio across from her, watching Evie play with George, her dad.

“I am not sure. I do think that he is going to keep in contact.” She took a sip of her ice tea.

“Did Evie say something?” Hanna asked.

“Not really. But I think she kinda recognized his voice. He sounds exactly like him.” Walker sucked her bottom lip in. 

“What do you say to us taking Evie for the night? I think you need some time alone, don’t you think?” Hanna asked. 

“That would be lovely. Thank you mom.”

2 weeks later, unknown location

August sat on the bed of his shabby hotel room. He wasn’t used to hiding in such places. But by now the CIA would have found out that he was still alive, and eyes would be everywhere out looking for him. That’s why he changed locations every couple of days until he was at his final hiding spot. A cabin, deep in the woods. 

He would hide there until the final plan finally was set into motion. It took almost two years for him to reactivate his contacts. He changed his appearance. Now with a full beard and brown contact lenses, he looked just like a regular guy. But he wasn’t. August Walker was one of the most wanted men on the planet. And here he was, looking at crappy pictures of his wife dancing with another man. 

Her dark hair was longer, a happy smile on her face he only had only seen on the rare pictures he had received since his death, when she was together with Evie. A part of August still wondered if she misses him as much as he did miss her. He never thought he was capable of love. Real love. The love that didn’t let him sleep at night if he wasn’t sure Walker was safe. Before her, he had another woman every other day. Using them for his, and his pleasure only, sometimes breaking them just for the sight of the fear in their eyes. 

But not with Walker. Walker had been different from the beginning.

6 years ago, CIA offices New York

Posing undercover as a newlywed couple was such a cliché. August fought the urge to roll his eyes. Why did he agree to this in the first place? Not that he had a choice. His temper had… gotten the best of him at his last case, ending with him killing the suspect he had just been instructed to interrogate. He didn’t even realize at first that he had killed him, his hands so tight around the bastards neck as he had forced the answers out. 

Shaking his head sighing he leaned with his back against the wall of the office of his superior. 

“You and Agent Lorner will be undercover for at least three months, beginning in 5 days. The house is being set up at the moment.” Erika Sloane, his new superior explained.

“And where is this Agent Lorner I am supposed to be married to for at least three months?” August asked annoyed. There was a knock on the door, followed by the door opening. A young woman stepped in. August didn’t even know what he noticed first. Her rust red hair that almost reached her hips. Her hesitant smile as she turned and spoke to Sloane, completely ignoring him. Or her deep green eyes as she turned towards him, looking him up and down before she reached out her hand to him.

“So we will be married from next week on, hm?” She asked. August blinked at her before his brain seemed to catch up with what she was saying. The corners of his lips turned upwards, giving her small smile as he took her hand to shake it, noticing how soft her skin was.

“Apparently.” He huffed, still fascinated as he looked at her. A little grin on her lips, she winked at him, before she turned around, leaving him looking after her as she spoke to Sloane. 

An hour and a new identity later they both found themselves outside Sloanes office.

“So… I guess I will see you next week, fake husband.” She teased. August looked down at her, wondering what it was about her that made him feel like he was standing on top of a mountain, looking down, excitement flowing through his body. He caught himself staring at her lips as she spoke, wondering what they felt like on top of his.

Shaking his head at the thought he sighed. His phone vibrated in his pocket, showing a message from one of his usual girls, asking where he was.

“You are probably busy. I’ll see you next week.” He heard her say. He put his phone away, shaking his head.

“Why… Why don’t we go out for lunch? Get to know each other a bit? I know we have each others files, but if we are to be newlyweds, we would know everything about one another.”

“Smart idea, Agent Walker.” She grinned, making August breathe out relieved. Why was he like this? What was it about this woman that made him want to get to know her and not just fuck her. The thought never even crossed his mind until now and he could feel his body react as he imagined how it would feel to sink into her, having her look at him as he pushed her over the edge over and over again, his name on her lips. Swallowing he tried to shake off the thoughts, thinking about anything but her body under his as he felt his cock twitch.

“Well… I would say Chinese but I think you are more of a burger and fries kind of girl.” He grinned, making her laugh.

“It’s almost as IF we were married.” She grinned and turned around. Looking over her shoulder she called.

“Come on, Walker. I’m hungry.”

August was trying to not see the look on Walkers face on the photos. He always kept wondering if she would have moved on from him. She probably had. After all she was just like all the other woman on this planet. That’s at least what he talked himself into thinking. A year ago he had gone back to having young girls, breaking them, just because he wanted to feel something. But nothing, no one, could ever reach the high he felt when he was fucking Walker hard. One of his hands holding her wrists on her back while his other hand wrapped around her throat, squeezing, until she almost passed out while his cock was buried deep inside of her. He used to joke when people told him, sex was different if he really loved someone. But sex with Walker was like a drug for him. Something that was hard living without. But for the greater good, a better world for his child, it was something he would do gladly.

Closing his eyes he reached into his pants, finding his hard cock. He kept looking at the pictures of his wife in the arms of another man as he slowly began to rub his cock. Wondering if one day he was able to bury himself deep inside of her tight pussy again.

Meanwhile in Langley, Virginia

“Evie! Get your unicorn. Grandma’s gonna be here any minute!” Walker called up the stairs. It was another saturday night. And her mother had offered to take Evie for the night so she had a couple of hours to herself. The last time Evie was at her parent’s place was after she had been back from Minneapolis. And against all odds Walker had been out at a bar and actually had some fun. Dancing with one of her old school friends, forgetting about everything for just a couple of hours. She actually felt like a woman for these hours, enjoying the hands of her friend on her hips, knowing he would never go further. She didn’t have a penis after all. Grinning to herself she shook her head as she pulled the wine out of the fridge. Tonight she would spend in front of the TV, watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy, pretending to be a usual woman.

The doorbell rang. There was still no sign of Evie. Shaking her head she walked over to the door, opening it for what would be her mother, when the smile on her lips died as she found someone else standing outside.

“Marshall…” She whispered surprised. For a split second she thought it was August, but the way he was smiling at her was different. She couldn’t even pinpoint how. She just knew.

“Sorry to just show up unannounced…” He said.

“Oh no. It’s no problem. Just wasn’t counting on anyone apart from my mom showing up tonight.” Walker said. She saw his car stand behind hers in the driveway.

“Would you like to come in?” She asked.

“I don’t even know why I’m here.” He shook his head.

“Well… Think about it while you wait inside. It’s getting cold.” Walker smiled. He chuckled exhausted as he stepped in.

“Thank you.” He said as Walker closed the door.

“Mommy I can’t find my…” Evie walked down the stairs, her words swallowed by her happy shriek.

“Mr. Policeman!” She almost ran down the stairs making Walker and Marshall look at each other surprised before Evie hugged his legs.

“Woah Evie. Hello there.” Marshall said chuckling.

“I told everyone in kindergarten I know a real policeman.” She looked up.

“Did you now?” Walker asked. Evie nodded at her. She didn’t even know Evie had been talking about Marshall. Yes she had asked a couple of questions on their way back home, but that was about it. 

“Do you have a gun?” Evie asked.

“I do.” Marshall answered

“Wow.” Evie wondered before she untangled from his legs and ran back upstairs.

“I did not see that coming.” Walker said surprised, making Marshall chuckle. The doorbell rang again.

“That will be my mother. She’s picking up Evie”

“Oh… Should I…?” He gestured back to the living room.

“Oh… No. It’s okay. I told her about you.” 

Walker opened the door, hugging her mother who gasped as she looked behind her.

“That’s….” She whispered.

“That’s Walter, Mom.” Walker whispered back. Hanna looked at her, then back again to Marshall. Slowly she walked closer.

Marshall was standing a little helpless in the middle of the hallway as Hanna stopped in front of him.

“Yeah. He looks different.” Hanna said before she reached her hand out to him.

“I’m Hanna.”

“Nice to meet you Hanna.” Marshall shook her hand.

When Evie and her mother were gone, Walker ordered dinner for both Marshall and her. 

“So… what owes me the pleasure of your company?” Walker asked as they were sitting on her patio.

“I kept thinking about what to do. And after doing some research and talking to some colleagues I made the decision to join the CIA if they can answer all of my questions. We have to stop him. Even more so after what I found out.”

“What did you find out? I told you everything about him and his intention to buy plutonium.”

“You did. But I kept digging about him after you left. I don’t know if you know all of what I found.”

“What did you find?” She asked. Marshall reached for a folder, keeping it in his hands.

“I looked into his past. It’s… Reading all of this… He was a monster.” Marshall whispered.

“Show me.” Walker swallowed. Slowly she took the folder, opening it.

The next minutes were filled with silence as Walker read. And read. He breathing seemed to quicken, her bottom lip sucked in between her teeth as Marshall waited for her reaction. Ever since they parted that night he couldn’t help the admiration he felt for her. He had never met a stronger woman than her. Dealing with all of his with a little child to take care of?  He couldn’t even imagine how scary it must be for her that her egomaniac of a husband was back from the dead. That was what made him think about taking the CIA offer in the first place. Something inside of him couldn’t bear the thought of her getting hurt once again. He looked at her emotionless face as she read the file, watched the pictures. It was gruesome. The way August seemed to go through the world before they met. How he left women broken and used, sometimes bruised after he had his fill. None of them ever getting through with legal action against him, because he scared them so much, they were afraid of their life. How he had been a suspect in an FBI investigation almost 4 years ago, that had been shut down by Sloane. When Walker finally looked up at him, her eyes were filled with tears.

“I knew that he was a monster but…” She shook her head, closing the file.

“Has he ever….” Marshall asked quietly. She shook her head.

“Yeah he was rough. But he never…. It’s like he was a completely different person…. I….” She folded her hands over her eyes, but Marshall could see the tears running down her cheeks. Slowly he got closer to her, hearing her silent sobs.

Walker couldn’t believe that the man she just had read about, the man who had abused the woman in the pictures she had just seen, was supposed to be the same man who had killed spiders for her in the middle of the night. The man she had loved so much, she lost herself in him. The man who took a part from her away when he tried to fuck over the whole planet. Never in her life had she felt so weak and defeated. Everytime she thought she had seen the worst in the man she used to share a life with, another thing was added that seemed to break her even more. 

She didn’t even flinch when she felt Marshalls hand on her upper arm before he slowly pulled his arms around her and hugged her, letting her cry against his shoulder. It was the first time in many years she felt safe enough to be vulnerable. 

Walker didn’t know how long she sat there in his embrace, silently crying. Inhaling deep she looked up at him, finding nothing but pure concern in his eyes.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

“For making you cry?” He asked.

“For showing me this. I have to make him pay. Not only for what he did to me, but for all the things he…” She looked up and shook her head.

“We will make him pay.” Marshall said. Nodding at him she sighed relieved.

“Yes. We will make him pay.” 

[yikesharringrove]

ok so i just had a dream about this and i feel the need to tell you because its prime protective Billy shit. So after the whole mind flayed thing Steve and Billy get to be pretty close friends, and almost immediately they both fall for each other HARD, but both of them refuse to believe the other could ever like them, despite Robin screaming at both of them to just ask the other one out already. (pt.)

(pt.2) one day some random dude comes into the video store and starts flirting with steve, who figures he hasn’t gone on a date since Nancy, the guys cute, sure he’s not Billy but he seems nice enough and steve is also just very lonely, so they set up a date for that Friday at 6:00 and Steve is pretty excited. When he gets to his house and tells Billy, who was there for their wednesday horror movie night, billy tried to seem happy for him even though he ready to kill this guy

(pt.3) Billy does a pretty decent job at hiding his feelings about the date, and he doesn’t want to hold Steve back, but when he gets home he calls Robin and bitches for a sold 30 minutes, she just tells him if he’d got his shit together and just asked Steve our this wouldn’t be a problem. So the day of the date rolls around and Billy doesn’t see Steve all day, can’t bring himself to see him so excite to go date someone else. Around 6:15 his phone buzzes with a call from Steve             (pt.4) he answers and when he does Steve sounds awful, he’s been crying for a while. Asks if Billy can come pick him up, and billy speeds his way there. When he shows up and sees steve leaning against the brick wall rubbing away tears he loses it. Asks him what happened and Steve quietly tells him his date was a huge asshole, flirted with the waitress, pointed out the scar on steve’s hairline and told him he’d be a lot cuter without it, but don’t worry you’re still good enough for a fuck

(pt.5) Billy is ready to kill someone, he hugs steve and drags him to his car and tells him to stay put, slams the door and gets inside before steve can argue, find the guys pretty quickly, grabs him by the collar and spits out some pretty harsh words drops him to the floor and leaves. They are both quiet on the drive back but when billy drops steve off at his house he sheepishly asks him to stay, when billy tells him it’s a bad idea steve says okay and kisses him goodnight. Billy almost faints. 

I am SO SORRY this took a thousand years, it got a lil lost in my inbox.This is modern, Billy got possessed but the kids burned it outta him, everything else is canon.

“Who the fuck is that?”

Billy was “helping” Robin re-shelve, which meant he was pulling random movies off their shelves and putting them in different spots until she noticed and yelled at him.

She looked in the direction Billy was glaring, looked to see Steve batting his eyes as that guy, the tall jocky guy that comes in a few days a week to flirt with Steve.

“Oh, that’s Ben. He comes in all the time and flirts with Steve.” Billy’s eyes were dark.

“And does Steve, does he always, flirt back?” Robin rolled her eyes. Billy was so bad at acting nonchalant.

“Yeah, Dingus really has a thing for him. Talks to me nonstop about him.” Of course he talks about Billy way more often, but Robin is over the two of them being so fucking oblivious.

“Oh. Good for him.” Billy was blinking a lot.

Steve was leaning over the counter, was giggling like a schoolgirl.

The bell over the door jingled. Billy was gone.

-

Wednesday nights had become a tradition. Billy and Robin would come over to Steve’s, would take turns picking scarier and scarier movies.

It all started because Robin thought Steve should expand his horizons, and Billy liked the way Steve would get scared, would hide in Billy, would shove his face into his chest, or his arm, or wiggle his way into his lap.

But he was not in the mood for a movie tonight. Not after watching the way Steve had gone all bashful earlier.

But he found himself pushing open the double doors anyway.

“Bill! Guess what!” Steve was jamming around the kitchen in thick socks and little shorts, a faded Hawkins High Swim Team sweatshirt, and his glasses, like he was trying to fucking kill Billy with how adorable he is. “I got a date!” Billy’s heart thumped to a stop.

“You, you what?”

“I got a date! With that cute Benny that comes into Family Video. He asked me out! We’re gonna go to dinner on Friday!” Steve was so fucking excited. Billy couldn’t find it within himself to bring down the mood. “I just, you know how lonely I’ve been, and, I haven’t been on a date since Nancy.”

Steve was rambling, going on and on about this fucking guy. Was talking over the movie, which normally, Billy would think was kinda cute, but it was all, Benny said the SWEETEST thing, or look at this meme Benny sent.

Billy was about four second from tearing his hair out.

He was driving Robin home after movie night needed to vent.

“Look, I’m not saying I want Steve to be unhappy. I want him to be so happy. But I just, I get a bad feeling about that Benjamin guy.” Robin rolled her eyes.

“Well if you had gotten your head outta your ass and just asked Steve out like I fucking told you to, you, Billiam could be going on a date with our sweet Dingus.”

“I just, after everything this summer, I didn’t know if, if he was ready, and he never really seemed the same after the Nancy shit.”

“That’s a lame excuse and you know it.”

It was. And he knew it.

He avoided Steve the next two days. Couldn’t deal with all the excited posts on Steve’s secret Insatgram account, the one just for his friends.

Apparently he had done a face mask, had taken a fucking candlelit bath. He posted outfit options on his story.

Billy spent Friday chain-smoking in bed, yelling at Max whenever he got kicked off Netflix for too many screen in use.

Steve was getting picked up at 6. Had been posting a fucking countdown on his story. Billy wanted to crawl into a hole and fucking die.

When 6 came, Billy was working out, listening to loud, angry music as he lifted weights. He was trying his fucking best to keep his mind off of Steve, that fucking Benjamin.

But his music was interrupted by his phone going off, Steve’s contact picture filling the screen, a silly one Billy loved of Robin shoving marshmallows into his mouth. He could fit 17.

“What’s up?” It was only half past 6. Something must’ve happened. “Stevie, are you okay?” He could hear Steve sniffling.

“Bill, could you come pick me up?”

Billy was already out the door.”

“Drop your location, Pretty Boy. I’m on my way right now. Don’t move. I’ll be there soon.” Billy sped to the diner.

He saw Steve sitting on the curb outside, his face buried into his knees.

He had gone with outfit option number 4 from his Instagram, a thick cardigan, made of soft dark green wool, his nice jeans, the ones that made his ass look great, and a soft t-shirt. His hair was the most done Billy had seen it in a while. It made Billy’s heart break.

He pulled into a spot, dropping to sit next to Steve.

“You wanna talk about it?” His eyes were red-rimmed, glazed over as he loked at Billy.

“He was, he was so different from how he, how he was. He kept ignoring me, and flirting with the waitress, and he kept like, pointing out the scars on my face, like, like the one here,” he poked at his hairline. “And he said, I’d cuter without it, but, but that I’m still okay for a fuck if he took me face down, because, because my ass is the only thing I got goin’ for me-” Billy pulled him into a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, Baby. You’re so much better than that, than him.” He kissed the mark on Steve’s hairline. “He still in there?”

“Yeah. I asked him to take me home and he said if I was gonna give him blueballs he might as well fuck the waitress. Since she’s hotter than me anyhow.”

“Stay here.” Billy got up, cracking his neck as he walked into the diner. He found the guy right away, was smiling so sleazy at the waitress in question who looked like she’d rather die than go out with him, but needed a good tip. He stared at her ass when she walked away.

Billy sat in the seat across from his.

“So, Benjamin. Figured you and I ought the have a little chat.”

“Who the fuck are you?”

“My name’s Billy.” Ben rolled his eyes.

“God, Steve wouldn’t shut the fuck up about you.” Billy’s heart swelled, but he was on a mission.

“Steve is the best person in this whole God-forsaken world. And you dare treat him like he’s shit on your shoe. You’re fucking disgusting.” He reached up, pulling on the collar of his shirt, slamming his nose into the table, letting his head bounce back up.

“What the fuck, you psycho.”

“He is like sunshine, he is the only thing good in this fucking town, and you have the audacity to hurt him. He is made of love, and you could;ve had him, but you’re a garbage human who deserves jack shit.” He stood from the table, Ben’s nose bleeding into a mad of napkins.

“If you don’t at least text him an apology, I will be breaking more than just your nose.”

Billy stood up, sweeping out of the diner to find Steve waiting by the passenger seat of his car. They drove to Steve’s in silence apart from the odd sniffle from Steve.

They sat for a moment in his drive way, the car off, crickets chirping in the bushes.

“I heard what you said.” Steve’s eyes were wide, his face shadowed.

“And?”

“I didn’t know you felt like that. About me I mean.” Billy sighed.

“Stevie, you are probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I, I love you.” Billy was fidgeting with the steering wheel.

“You mean it?” Billy just nodded, looking straight ahead through the windshield at Steve’s house. “I love you too. Like, a lot. I just thought, maybe you didn’t, didn’t feel the same.” Billy whipped around to look at Steve, see if he was lying.

All he say on his face was such happiness at Billy’s admission.

“You should stay the night.” Steve’s hand was closing around his wrist.

“Look, if we’re gonna do this, I wanna do it right. I wanna, take you out, and spend time with you in a, in a romantic way before we, before we do anything.” Steve’s eyes were so soft.

“Okay. You wanna go out tomorrow? We can do something chill, like, like see a movie.”

“I would really like that, Pretty Boy.” He took Steve’s hand.

“Can I kiss you goodnight, then? Kiss you thanks for saving me back there. Being my knight in shining armor, defending my honor and all that?” Billy’s mind was spinning as he breathed out yeah.

Kissing Steve was as perfect as he always thought it would be.

His pretty lips were soft, and he made these breathy little noises into Billy’s mouth, their hands were still clasped together, Steve’s other holding onto Billy’s bicep, Billy weaving a hand into Steve’s hair.

Steve’s eyes were closed when they pulled apart, they were soft when he blinked them open.

“So, tomorrow then.” Billy grinned, pressing a kiss to his nose.

“Tomorrow, Pretty Boy. I’ll call you in the morning. We’ll talk.” Steve danced like a loser all the way up to his porch, making Billy laugh and flash his headlights. He stumbled through the front door.

Billy texted Robin right when he got home, sent her a simple Benjamin’s the worst but you’ll be happy to know I pulled my head outta my ass :)

[artificialqueens]

Revelation Sunshine, Chapter 3 (Courtney/Vixen) - Veronica

A/N: Honestly, thank you so much to anyone who’s reading this very self-indulgent story. I adore all of you, and especially the creator of Galactica, my lovely friend @theartificialdane. Click here for previous chapters. <3

Last chapter: Long distance relationships are tough, but the girls are trying.

This chapter: Vixen joins Courtney in LA for the VMAs, and then Courtney surprises her in Chicago.

***

Vixen wasn’t sure why she agreed to this. She was going to be so far out of her depth. But when she told Courtney about a lecture she was giving at UCLA in August, a lecture that happened to be the same weekend as the VMAs, Courtney somehow convinced her to come to the awards show as her date.

“You have to do it,” Asia had informed her, when she heard the hesitation. When she said that she still didn’t know, Mayhem interrupted to give a slightly more forceful message.

“When the fuck are you gonna have the chance to do something like that again?” she demanded. “Come on, stop overthinking like a little bitch.”

Courtney’s cajoling was more gentle. Logical, even—pointing out that it would be great publicity for her book and her podcast.

“It could open you up to a whole new audience. Think of the people that you could reach!”

It was a good point, Vixen conceded. So she agreed, and they casually discussed the logistics. She didn’t really panic until she was in the uber on the way to Courtney’s house. What was she doing? Who did she think she was, showing up at what she was sure would be a gated mansion, to be professionally styled for a red carpet?

It wasn’t a gated mansion. It was a bungalow tucked into the side of the Hollywood Hills, covered in vines and bursting with plants of every type. After giving her a warm, tight hug, Courtney led her into the living room, where someone (a stylist?) was waiting with racks of clothes.

“I didn’t know exactly what you’d want, so I had Jo bring you lots of options,” Courtney said. “We should choose now so that they have time to tailor it while we’re at the spa. Jo, can you show her your favorites?”

Vixen glanced around the room while Jo presented her with wardrobe options and Courtney poured her a glass of lemonade. Without the explosion of clothes, it would have been a cozy, regular living room. Two sofas, some art on the walls. Nothing remotely ostentatious.

“I like your house,” she told Courtney, accepting the drink gratefully. “It’s...uh...not what I was expecting.”

“No?” Courtney asked, head cocked.

“No. Well, I mean, it’s like...a normal house,” Vixen explained.

“And you were expecting, what? A spaceship?” Courtney giggled.

“No, like...I don’t know. Some baroque mansion with columns and a butler and big chandeliers, I guess.”

“Hmm, yeah, sounds like my style,” Courtney said, making Vixen laugh.

“Shut up. You’re rich and you love glitter, okay? So I just thought it would be more…”

“Tacky?”

“Yes?” Vixen scrunched her face up apologetically.

“I mean, that’s fair. My first house here was a bit of a Swaravski nightmare. Oh, I really like that one!” Courtney exclaimed, looking at the royal blue dress in Vixen’s hands. “Do you want to try it on? You can use the guest room as a dressing room.”

Vixen nodded, relieved that disrobing in front of Courtney and Jo (and a random girl she’d just noticed on the patio, pacing around with a phone to her ear) in the broad daylight wasn’t on the agenda.

After trying on a few choices, Vixen settled on a short, black and turquoise romper - it was fun and sexy, but still classy, and would be comfortable enough to sit around in for hours. Jo was helping her figure out the accessories (with occasional input from Courtney as she pranced around with snacks) when the girl from outside stepped in, carrying Courtney’s fluffy pomeranian under one arm.

“Okay, everything’s all set at the hotel,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Vix, that’s Brianna. Yes, I like those shoes!” She nodded approvingly at the bright yellow pumps Vixen was trying.

“Yeah, hi, sorry. I’m Courtney’s assistant. Brie,” she reached out to give Vixen a firm handshake.

“Ugh, I still hate the word ‘assistant.’ Can’t we come up with a cooler title for you?” Courtney asked.

“Sure, that’ll be my top priority,” Brianna replied sarcastically, then barreled rapidly through the day’s plans. “So, after we wrap up here, we’ll head for the hotel. Massages and manicures at the spa while we set up hair and makeup. We should really start by 2 at the lastest to make sure we can manage something presentable out of...that,” she gestured vaguely in Courtney’s direction with a smirk, everyone laugh, “And then leave at 4 to drive to the theatre and do the red carpet by 4:30 or 5. Then the show, blah blah blah, performance, not my problem, and then we head to Van Nuys for wheels-up at 9. Cool?”

“When do we eat?” Courtney asked.

“You’ll have a meal at the spa. You know, in that area by the dipping pool thing?”

“Oh, okay,” Courtney said.

“And then obviously we’ll have snacks in the room, and we ordered a bunch of stuff for you to have backstage. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of food.”

“Great.”

“Um...I have a question,” Vixen said, pausing her perusal of the jewelry table. “Are the hair people gonna be familiar with Black hair?”

Brie turned toward her with a vague eye roll, asking, “Do I look like a moron to you?”

Vixen leveled her gaze, not backing down, and answered, “You look like someone who has never worn a protective hairstyle before.”

“Fair enough,” Brie conceded with a grin. “And don’t worry. We got you good people who are very experienced with protective styles.”

“Thanks, Brie! Ooh, how about ‘Executive Vice President of Human Logistics’?” Courtney suggested.

“Whatever makes you happy, girl,” Brianna said tiredly, giving Courtney a salute as she deposited Kylie onto his bed. “I’m gonna go check your suitcases. Or, should I call them ‘transport need satisfaction receptacles’?”

“Sounds good,” Courtney giggled, and Vixen couldn’t help laughing either.

“That little cracker is hilarious,” Vixen commented, admiring the row of bangles on her arm.

“I know, right?” Courtney laughed.

“Hey!” Brianna said, poking her head back in the room, deadpanning, “That was my nickname in prison. Lil Miz Cracker.”

She grinned, waiting for them all to crack up before disappearing again.

“Before her,” Courtney confided, “I had this other assistant that my agents found, this nervous kid who told me I was beautiful like 8 thousand times a day, and it was just...excruciating.”

“The things you’ve overcome,” Vixen said, shaking her head with mock sincerity. “It’s so inspirational.”

Courtney laughed gaily, handing her a pair of earrings to try, which Jo immediately snatched out of her hand.

“No! Hideous,” they said, handing Vixen a different pair.

***

In the car to the hotel, Brie asked Vixen if she had a preferred gender for her massage therapist.

“Well, I kind of like a more gentle massage, so…I mean, not to be discriminatory, but…”

“You want someone with soft lady hands?” Courtney asked, a glint in her eye.

“Kind of,” Vixen replied, hanging her head in mock shame.

“Wuss.”

“You don’t like soft lady hands?” Vixen asked, raising her eyebrows.

“Well I mean...there’s a time and place,” Courtney explained.

Vixen looked into her glittering green eyes, head tilted, as she continued.

“For a massage? I like it deep. So as long as they can put some muscle behind it, everything’s good.”

“You’re right, there is a time and a place,” Vixen said lightly, “I occasionally like it deep as well.”

“Good to know,” Courtney said, giggling delightedly.

The whole day was strange, an almost out of body experience for Vixen. At times, she felt like she was hovering overhead and watching herself get rubbed and plucked and fluffed and painted. Pampered and catered to on a level she never had before.

But the red carpet, that was the most surreal experience by far, just a whirlwind of flashes and shouted questions from reporters. Courtney held her hand the entire time, checking in constantly to make sure she was alright, gently directing her where to look and when to pose.

“My first red carpet was terrifying,” she confessed. “So when you’ve had enough, just tell me.”

She was relieved, at first, for her relative anonymity. No entertainment reporters would know the academic world, or a political science professor.

That is, until Courtney put an arm around Vixen’s waist and dragged her right into the spotlight, introducing her to a reporter as “the brilliant author behind the book ‘Beware White Tears.’”

“Oh!” Recognition dawned in the reporter’s eyes as she brushed her bangs away from her face. “This is the unparalleled genius you’ve been tweeting about all year?”

“Yes ma’am,” Courtney said. “Vixen Taylor.”

“A pleasure,” she said, extending her hand to Vixen and offering a dazzling white smile. “Shea Coulée.”

“Nice to meet you,” Vixen said, shaking her hand. She glanced back at Courtney, who was beaming like a sunflower beside her.

“Shea, you should tell everyone to read her book,” Courtney said, smile growing even bigger as she continued to gush, “And listen to her podcast. She’s so incredibly smart, it’s unreal.”

Shea looked from Courtney to Vixen a few times before asking, “So…what’s the story with you two, then? Are you like, an official thing?”

“Shh, I’m working on it!” Courtney said, giggling, pulling Vixen towards the theatre. Startling her a second later with an ecstatic shriek of, “Adore!”

Vixen wasn’t super familiar with Adore’s music, but she did know her from Courtney’s social media. Apparently a big deal now in the punk rock scene, standing there in what appeared to be the same clothes she’d partied in last night, next to a tall, statuesque, impeccably dressed young redheaded woman. They looked to Vixen to be an absolute mis-match of a couple, Adore’s date classy and serene as Adore squealed and threw her arms around Courtney, the two of them clinging to each other and chattering wildly.

“Omigod, I love that dress-”

“You look like a mess. Gigi, why haven’t you-”

“Don’t blame her, I dress myself.”

“How was Prague?”

“Fuckin’ wild, man!”

“Have you met Vixen?”

Courtney turned toward Vixen, who was overwhelmed by the whole exchange, and grabbed her hand once again.

“Vixen, this is Adore, my best friend for life, and her very patient girlfriend, Gigi.”

“Hi, nice to-”

“Augh!” Adore shrieked. “Courtney! Did you see the pictures of Jinkx and Alaska’s new kid?”

“No, what?! When did they...have? Buy? What word are we using?”

“Adopt?”

“Yeah, that-another kid?”

Gigi turned to Vixen, sensing her obvious discomfort, and offered a smile.

“They’re always like this. It’s best just to...ride it out,” Gigi finished with a chuckle. “They’re like toddlers. Eventually they’ll get tired and calm down.”

“Thanks.”

Vixen opted to watch the show from the audience, happy that she had Adore and Gigi to sit with. (Well...Gigi, at least. The jury was still out on Adore.) She knew that Courtney would need to focus on her performance, and sitting alone in her dressing room for large chunks of time seemed nerve-wracking.

But after Courtney’s performance, Brie showed up to escort Vixen backstage. They were only going to have a little time to hang out before Courtney had to leave, getting on a plane to Paris to continue her tour almost immediately after the show.  

Courtney was in the midst of changing when Vixen knocked gently on her door. It was quite a look...track pants and Ugg slippers on the bottom, and a metal corset on top. Brie was helping her out of the corset, and though she didn’t seem remotely self-conscious about being topless, Vixen averted her eyes, waiting until she’d slipped on a t-shirt before addressing her directly.

“You were incredible tonight,” she said honestly.

“Really?” Courtney asked, perching on the arm of the sofa. “I felt like it was a bit of a mess. I could kill Mikey.”

“Who’s Mikey?”

“That dancer who went the wrong way during the second verse? I saw them pounding shots, I think he was hammered. Ugh.”

Vixen smiled softly.

“It’s adorable that you think I was watching the backup dancers.”

In an instant, Courtney’s demeanor changed from professional and annoyed to coy and flirtatious, simpering like a schoolgirl.

“Hmm...who were you watching then?

Brie had slipped away by now, leaving the two of them alone in the dressing room. Vixen stood and walked toward her.

“The camera guys, of course,” Vixen quipped.

Courtney giggled, reaching out for her and pulling her close.

“Oh yeah?” she murmured.

Vixen nodded slowly, then smiled again and shook her head. She slid her hands around Courtney’s waist, gazing unblinking into her hooded green eyes. She leaned in slowly, almost excruciatingly so, pausing for a few moments to enjoy the way her chest rose and fell rapidly, heart pounding in anticipation.

When she finally brushed their lips together, she could feel the hitch in Courtney’s breath, a whimper escaping from the back of her throat. Courtney cupped her cheeks with both hands, pulling her in closer, deepening the kiss, coaxing her mouth open.

Vixen followed her, dazed, onto the sofa, where she dove head-first into the moment, finally able to just enjoy each other for the first time in months. She quickly lost track of time and space, thinking only of the girl in her arms, how soft and delicious she was...how she made Vixen feel so wanted.

She kissed down Courtney’s torso, lifting her t-shirt to trail her lips gently over the angry marks from that horrible corset. She began to pull off her bottoms, pausing just before sliding them over her hips to make sure it was okay. Courtney lifted up slightly, watching Vixen through lidded eyes, legs spreading open once her panties were flung to the side. Vixen paused, breathing her in, making her shiver with anticipation as she spread her thighs even more.

Vixen cleared her throat, fingers dancing up the inside of her thighs.

“Remember, I’m pretty...new at this,” Vixen said, and Courtney nodded vigorously.

“I know, I know. Don’t worry.” Her hand wound its way into Vixen’s hair.

“Okay.” Vixen leaned forward, lips barely brushing against her.

As a soft sigh left Courtney’s lips, Vixen took a deep breath. Her desire to satisfy, to live up to expectations, momentarily overtaken by nerves, until she steeled herself. Just French kiss her pussy, you idiot. Stop freaking out and lick her until she comes.  

Courtney was shockingly easy to please, as it turned out. A hand in Vixen’s hair, guiding her, and breathy, whimpered instructions were all she needed to begin unlocking the mysteries of her body.

“Harder, harder…please…”  

Vixen didn’t know why she was surprised. From that first tweet, Courtney had been utterly direct with her. And even their first time together, she didn’t hold back at all from saying what she wanted. But somehow, the shameless way she buried Vixen’s face into her pussy, rutting against her, moaning out commands...it all just made everything so much hotter.

“What else?” Vixen asked, raising her eyes to take in Courtney’s flushed cheeks, eyes rolled back in her head. “Tell me what else you need…”

“Pinch my nipples,” Courtney gasped, “And...yes, god...suck harder.”

Courtney arched up, thighs now pressing against Vixen’s ears, muffling the sounds when she started to moan. Vixen had a brief concern of “what if someone hears” before deciding that she didn’t fucking care. All she wanted was to make Courtney come—a task that was looking increasingly likely as she writhed and shook in her arms.

She flicked her tongue against Courtney’s clit, shocked at how much she was enjoying the whole experience. Nerves melted away; the only thing on her mind was the girl pressed up against her tongue.

“I love how wet you get,” Vixen said, voice low, moving her mouth to nip lightly at her thigh.

“I love how wet you make me,” Courtney panted, then arched up, whimpering. “Baby...oh, god…”

Something about being called baby in this context gave Vixen a deep, unfeminist thrill; she had to pause and catch her breath, slightly dizzy with the embarrassing, intoxicating thought of being called a good girl. She panted against Courtney’s thigh, felt her quivering on the edge before going back to her clit, tongue circling her gently, coaxing out a broken moan.

God, she was a mess. A beautiful, shuddering mess. Vixen hummed against her, sucking on her clit, soft at first and then harder and harder.

“Fuck, that’s so good, baby, keep going…”

Courtney groaned, hips rolling faster, and Vixen complied, listening to her moans, the best music she’d heard all night. She kept sucking, didn’t stop until Courtney’s muscles went slack, the only sounds coming from her satiated little whimpers.

“Did I do okay?” Vixen asked, looking up at her almost timidly.

“You…” Courtney lifted an arm weakly to caress her cheek. “You are perfect. Come here.”

Vixen crawled forward, squishing herself in beside Courtney on the sofa. And as Courtney wrapped herself around Vixen’s body, pulling a blanket from the back of the couch to cover them both, Vixen found herself buying in completely, at least for the moment, to the delusional fantasy of them. Of what they could be. Of what a shared life would look like.

She was rudely snapped back into reality when Brie opened the door, an uncharacteristically apologetic look on her face. Vixen sprang away from Courtney on the sofa like a guilty teenager, then immediately felt stupid.

“Sorry,” Brie said, “but we gotta get to the plane.”

“Okay. Just give us twenty minutes?” Courtney asked, a resigned note in her voice.

“You can have ten. Setting a timer.” Brie closed the door firmly.

Courtney turned to Vixen, who smiled sheepishly.

“I’m not really sure why I panicked. Lil Cracker just freaks me out.”

“Well…” Courtney appeared to ponder this for a few moments before reaching out, fingers seeking out Vixen’s zipper. “She did give us ten minutes…”

Vixen shook her head, chuckling.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about that. I’m too paranoid about another interruption.”

“But you took care of me. It’s only fair.” Courtney trailed her fingers up Vixen’s arm.

“Yeah, and you worked very hard today,” Vixen said, and off Courtney’s distressed look, wrapped an arm around her again, adding, “You can owe me one.”  

“Well...I guess in that case, I should probably put my knickers back on.”

Vixen laughed, picking her panties up off the floor and handing them over.

“Ugh. It’s so annoying that I have to take off so quickly,” Courtney said. After slipping the panties on, she leaned her head on Vixen’s shoulder. “Do you want me to text Adore? She and Gigi are waiting for you to take you to the after party, so-”

“No, it’s fine,” Vixen said. “I don’t care about the after party.”

“You sure? Because you can totally go. I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

“I’d rather just stay with you until you have to leave,” she admitted. “We don’t have much time, so…”  

“Yeah?” The smile that lit up Courtney’s face was enough to make Vixen’s heart burst with joy.

“Mmmhmm.”

“Well...you could ride with us to the airport. If you want.”

“Sounds good,” Vixen said, reaching for her hand.

“And don’t worry, I won’t do anything naughty with other people around,” Courtney promised. “We can just...sit in the backseat and hold hands and gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes.”

“That was my whole plan,” Vixen giggled, leaning forward to plant a kiss on Courtney’s cheek.

***

Vixen had to admit that for once, she posted a picture with an understated, tasteful caption. It was just them on the red carpet, which said, “VMAs with my favorite writer.”

VIXEN: Classy caption there

COURTNEY: That’s not what I wanted to say

VIXEN: ?

COURTNEY: Guess ;)

VIXEN: You’re Too Much

COURTNEY: I’m the perfect amount, actually.

VIXEN: Cocky too, huh?

COURTNEY: It’s also possible that I’m delirious after performing and then taking a 10 hour flight.

VIXEN: I read that as “delicious”

COURTNEY: Oh yeah?

VIXEN: You wouldn’t have been wrong...

COURTNEY: So I’ve been told

COURTNEY: (and cocky)

COURTNEY: And I miss you already

VIXEN: <3

COURTNEY: <3 <3 <3

***

As much as Courtney loved performing, there were times when she had to admit how lonely tour life could be. First of all, there wasn’t a single person with her that wasn’t on payroll. And while she liked them all, there was something a little depressing about being surrounded 24/7 by people that were paid to be around you and cater to your whims and humor every single thing you said.

She did a reasonably okay job of keeping in touch with her friends, but with the time differences, it was hard to get on the same page. Except for Vixen, who always made sure she was available at some point in the evening. They’d often just text back and forth, but more and more, Courtney’d been convincing Vixen to FaceTime. And seeing her smile, looking into her eyes, hearing her laugh, just made everything infinitely better.

At first, when she was in Europe, it was late at night, well after Courtney’s show had wrapped for the evening, once she was safely tucked into bed in whatever hotel she was staying. Curled up with her phone or her computer, laughing until her sides hurt at Vixen’s impressions of her grandmother or her crazy cousins. Or, once the tour moved to Asia and Australia, it was in the morning, after she’d finished meditating and before she headed out to meet her trainer. She’d sit on a terrace or in the hotel room with a cup of tea while Vixen sipped an evening glass of wine, head resting on her hands as she listened to Vixen talk about everything from university politics to her chaotic childhood.

Either way, it quickly became her favorite part of the day. It was strange. They’d only met in person three times, but Courtney soon felt like Vixen knew her better than anyone ever had. And as for Vixen—she was admittedly a little guarded most of the time, but Courtney found her to be wonderfully candid. She told stories about her chaotic childhood and her troubled teens. How confused she’d been during most of her college years. Courtney knew all about her large extended family; she was sure she’d be able to recognize them all on sight, based on Vixen’s vivid descriptions and hilarious impersonations.

And then sometimes, when Courtney caught her in a certain mood, or maybe after a second glass of wine, the conversations would turn into something else entirely. Whispered confessions in the dark, voices hoarse, faces flushed with nervous excitement. It never went too far, but it was usually enough to get Courtney good and worked up, close enough that a few seconds with a vibrator after they hung up was enough to finish her off. It was enough that Courtney had lost any desire to be with anyone else, even when she ached with need. She would take a 2D image of Vixen on her screen over a real-life random hookup any day.

Of course, as good as it was, there was always a degree of uncertainty. There were conversations that they probably should be having...what exactly is their relationship, where is it going, are they exclusive? But it had been so long since Courtney liked anyone as much as Vixen, and she had a vague fear that bringing that up too soon would scare her off, so for now, she just dealt with the uncertainty as best she could. After all, the flip side of uncertainly was potential, and that was pretty exciting.

By the time October rolled around, Courtney longed to be home in her own bed, surrounded by her own things. Just the basic familiar comforts of home. When it was time to fly back to the states, she had to stop in New York for some press and a few meetings, and then finally, she was free to return to LA. But at the last minute, on a whim, she decided to make another stop first.  

***

Vixen had been putting the October symposium together for months. She’d reached out far and wide, planning lectures, panels, open forums, and agendas for the break-out groups over two days. There were a million moving parts, and million things on Vixen’s checklist, a million question marks and potential disasters.

But in all of the planning, never in Vixen’s mind did she imagine a scenario where she’d walk out to the podium on Saturday morning and see Courtney fucking Act sitting in the front row. With a pair of reading glasses and a goddamn notebook, rainbow streaks tucked into a librarian-style bun.

Fortunately, after a momentary stumble that she hoped no one besides her noticed, she was able to recover and get on with the agenda. During the first break, she beelined straight for Courtney, whose face lit up as she approached. Courtney jumped from her seat, throwing her arms around Vixen’s shoulders and pulling her in for a tight embrace.

“Hi...this is incredible!”

“I’m glad you...think...sorry, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on a plane to LA right now?”

“LA can wait,” Courtney said, pulling back to look into her eyes. “And I wanted to surprise you. Was that a terrible idea?”

“No, just...unexpected,” Vixen replied with a grin. “You threw me off a little bit.”

“I’m sorry, I should have told you,” Courtney said, chagrined. “I wasn’t actually sure I’d make it in time, my flight from New York was late, and-”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“You are?” Courtney squeezed Vixen’s hands, and Vixen nodded, kissing her softly on the cheek.

“Yeah. But now I have to go back and take care of things, so-”

“Of course! I’ll be invisible, I promise. I just really wanted to hear your lecture,” she said, eyes shining.

“I hope you’re not bored,” Vixen chuckled softly, shaking her head. She still couldn’t quite believe that Courtney would be there listening the whole time. But fortunately, there was no time to stress about it, so she just walked back to the stage to keep the program going.

“Impossible!” Courtney called after her, settling back into her seat.

***

“Go back. Play that part again,” Vixen insisted, tossing Courtney a wicked smirk.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah, it’s a really important cinematic moment.”

Courtney giggled, lifting the remote.

Vixen sighed happily, leaning against her shoulder. After Courtney had surprised her at the symposium earlier, they’d discussed a handful of date night possibilities before realizing that all they really wanted was just to curl up in front of a movie in Courtney’s hotel room, basking in the simple pleasure of finally being in the same room with no time pressure, no obligations, nobody standing by to interrupt. So they’d made a quick stop at Vixen’s apartment for a few essentials, and then headed straight to the hotel, getting into comfy clothes and cuddling up in front of the TV.

Partly as a joke, Vixen had selected Glimmer for them to watch, and she was currently making Courtney replay the shot where “Princess Lucie” first took off her helmet. It was an absolute cliché: blonde waves spilling over her shoulders in slow motion in the golden sunset, romantic music soaring on the soundtrack.

“Yeahhh, that’s the stuff,” Vixen leered at the screen as real-life Courtney laughed beside her. “Again!”

“I’ll do you one better,” Courtney giggled, swinging a leg over her to straddle her on the bed. “How about a live show?”

“I’m not gonna say no to that,” Vixen told her, grinning, settling back against the pillows.

Courtney gathered up her hair before slowly releasing it, shaking it out, accompanied by lashes fluttering and lip biting.

Vixen watched the whole over-the-top performance before sighing and shaking her head sadly.

“Real life just never lives up to the movies, does it?”

“Hey!” Courtney scoffed, feigning offense, then leaned forward to brush her lips against Vixen’s temple, murmuring into her ear. “You sure about that?”

“Ummm…I could probably be persuaded to hear a counterpoint...” Vixen trailed her fingers up Courtney’s thighs, smiling up at her. Feeling almost shy as Courtney toyed with the neckline of her top.

Vixen’s heart fluttered wildly as Courtney pressed a soft kiss to her lips. She sighed into it, savoring the moment as Courtney cradled her face.

“It feels like it’s been forever,” Vixen murmured, warmth spreading through her chest all the way down to her toes, to the tips of her fingers. She tilted her head slightly to give Courtney easier access to her neck, where she began to layer soft kisses.

“Next time won’t be so long,” Courtney whispered into her skin. “I promise.”

“Good…”

A soft whimper left Vixen’s lips as Courtney’s kisses turned from gentle and teasing to deep and hot, tongue trailing across her collarbone, moving to the other side of her neck, sucking on her pulse point. Her fingers dug into Courtney’s hips, arching up against her.

The movie still played in the background, neither of them noticing that Princess Lucie had begun to sing one of her solos until the music swelled for the chorus, startling them both.

“THE LIGHT SHIIIIIIIIINES WITHIN MY HEAAAAAAAAAAART!”

“Omigod,” Courtney breathed, breaking away from Vixen and turning around to switch off the TV, telling her Princess alter ego to, “Shut up!”

Vixen giggled, trying to catch her breath as Courtney turned back to her, face immediately softening into a dreamy expression as she gazed down at her, making her feel improbably special. She placed her wrists gently on Vixen’s shoulders, a smile tugging at her mouth.

“What?” Vixen asked.

“I just can’t believe we’re finally together again.”

“You can’t believe? I’m in bed with a bona fide princess.”

“I’m not a real princess,” Courtney reminded her.

“Could’ve fooled me.”  

Courtney giggled, hips rolling just enough to make her whimper.  

“How about tonight, you’re the princess?” Courtney murmured, and Vixen felt that dizzying thrill again, the one that she barely ever allowed herself to indulge in. At least, not outside the safe space of her own secret dreams.

She tried to come up with an answer, but her mind seemed to go blank, and so Courtney took her face into her hands, thumbs tracing over her cheekbones, whisper-soft.

“What do you say, princess?”

Vixen couldn’t hold back anymore, cheeks blazing hot as she bit back an embarrassing noise. Courtney sat up, looking both a little surprised and incredibly pleased by her enthusiasm.

“You know...have something that I think...you might like...” Courtney began, biting her lip.

“You have a lot of things I like,” Vixen stated hoarsely.  

Courtney’s smile deepened. She pressed a kiss to Vixen’s temple and then rolled away, digging through a suitcase on the floor. Finally, she produced what she was looking for: a pink canvas bag with a zipper down the side. She placed it between them on the bed, encouraging Vixen to look.

“Anything in there...interesting to you?”

Vixen unzipped the bag curiously, then after a glance inside, looked back up at Courtney, scandalized, stomach twisting with excitement.

“No?” Courtney asked.

“No. I mean, yeah,” Vixen said. “I’m...I think it could be fun. I just—”

“It doesn’t have to be today,” Courtney said, reaching for her hand.

“What if I wanted it to be today?” Vixen asked, tilting her head coyly.

“Then I’d say, your wish is my command.” Courtney kissed her softly. “Princess.”

Vixen felt her heart pick up speed as she melted against the kiss, excitement building inside her. Before she lost herself completely, she pulled away, trying to catch her breath.

“I’m gonna go get ready.”

“Okay.” Courtney placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist before releasing her.

[pretendcnco]

story time 😗

OKAY WHAT U HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

or maybe not lmao, this is gonna be long bc im dramatic SOO be aware

SO first I get there HELLA early in the morning, it was freezing cold outside so we waited in the car BUT THEN WE SAW PEOPLE GO IN, so we were like yeah we gotta go

so we waited in line FOR ALMOST TWO HOURS GOODBYE

so finally they let us in, and they have us in two groups on either side of this like red carpet thing but they kept moving us back and forth it was annoying

so I had my sketchbook with me with drawings of Chris and erick so I was holding it and showing people and people were so sweet about them 🥺🥺🥺 I felt kinda dumb holding it but my friend, my dad and a lot of people there were hyping me up 

okay then finallyyyy they let us on set, and I honestly thought it would be like Ellen where we would sit in the audience but no they walk us behind the couch where the hosts sit at, I was there like 🤡🤡

so I’m standing literally right behind the couch and I was FREAKING OUT BC THEY WERE GONNA SIT RIGHT THERE

after a couple min, the boys come out, everyone screams and ugh they’re so pretty in person I COULDNT

I touched richard and Ericks hands 🥺🥺🥺 Zabdi and Chris were too far :(((

but then they’re sitting down and talking with the female host when the male host turns around towards me and takes my sketchbook, I’m there like wtf is going on, then he shows it to the boys and they like acknowledge it but they were talking to the other lady so they didn’t say anything

then the male host is like “boys this takes time and effort” (talking about my drawings) and they’re all like yeah and Chris says “yes that’s so cool” and I’m there SCREAMING

so the guy is like “this is what ur fans do for you” and then he comes up to me and is like “how long does this take you” and I’m there nervous ASF and I’m like “like 3 continuous hours” and he’s like “why did u just do these two?” (Bc I only had erick and Chris) and I’m like “uhhh I want to do all 5 but for right now I just have the 2” and they’re all looking at it and nodding and smiling while I’m screaming on the inside

the host starts to give me my skeychbook back when my best friend shouts “y’all got a pen so they can sign it” (this is why I love that bitch😔)

Richard and Erick laugh and the host hands the drawing back to erick for him to sign, Erick gets a pen and he started signing it and I’m actually crying

Then the host turns around again and he stands suddenly and grabs me by my arm and pulls me onto the couch, so he like pulls me over so I can take his seat and now I’m SAT NEXT TO JOEL

so I legit can’t stop smiling and I’m red asf and super nervous and I sit next to Joel and I give him a hug and he smiles that pretty smile and he’s like “hi” and says something about my drawing but I honestly can’t remember

Erick gives the sketchbook to Chris so he can sign his and then Erick looks at me, and I’m legit STARING INTO HIS BEAUTIFUL GREEN EYES and I’m smiling so big, and in the sweetest softest voice he’s like “thank you so much” (in regards to the drawing) and I’m like THANK U and I lean in to kiss him on the cheek and I’m legit SOBBING AT THIS POINT

then i look over to Chris and I’m a lil confused bc he’s writing a lot, but richard was looking at me so I wave and say hi to him and he smiles that beAUTIFUL SMILE and is like “hey” BRO

okay so then Chris finishes and he looks up ig looking for me and he meets my eyes and ig he was like “this is yours?” And I just nod and he smiles and it’s so cute and I’m like smiling too and I’m like “yes thank you”

and then they give me my thing back and that’s about it, so I was on national television and had my drawings signed by Chris and Erick 🥺🥺🥺

Today was legit a dream

[malumsmermaid]

I’d Do Anything-5

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I finally fucking finished this chapter of my CEO!Ash/poly!Cashton fic. It’s been a minute I know and I’m sorry but uh this is a long one I promise.

Warnings: Smut

Word Count: 5,421

The rest of the week flew by, Lily had fully settled into her new role with the company. She spent her days flitting back and forth between Ashton and Calum’s offices, one sometimes following her to the other. She’d spend time on the phone with other branches and wandering the offices, getting updates on smaller projects that they’d delegated to other people, then relaying all the updates to Calum and Ashton.

Calum’s new project was moving beautifully through its first stage and he was bringing Lily with him to a charity gala at the Four Seasons in Baltimore in a few weeks. It would be her first big event as the Chief Business Advisor and he was going to use it as an opportunity to catch up with some of their east coast partners and see if he could get support for the project from at least one of them.

Friday, Lily walked into the office, carrying coffee for herself, Ashton, and Calum. She set the tray down on Ashton’s desk, depositing her bag on the couch, picking up her drink and taking a seat. She was about to get her laptop out of her bag while she waited for Ash and Cal to come in when she saw two boxes sitting on the coffee table, a sticky note with her name written in Ashton’s handwriting sitting on top of them. She set the coffee down and picked up one box, the sticky note falling off and hitting the floor.

Lily slipped the top off of the box, smiling as she saw the coral colored iPhone that she had signed up for, surprised that it had shown up so soon since the keynote. She picked up the two slimmer packages that had been beneath the phone’s box, finding a simple clear phone case and a pack of glass screen protectors. She quickly put both on the phone, plugging it in and powering it on, waiting for it to go through its initial start and set up.

Just as she was about to reach for the longer box still sitting on the table, Calum and Ashton walked in, Calum closing the door behind them. Both were clearly half awake, Calum’s eyes going straight to the coffee cups on Ashton’s desk, striding over there and finding the one with his order printed on it, taking a sip, a deep sigh passing his lips as he drank. Meanwhile, Ashton had stopped in front of the door, his eyes having landed on Lily and the boxes in front of her, face lighting up. He finally walked over, sitting next to her on the couch after pushing her bag to the side.

“When I got this, it was just going to be because I felt like I needed my assistant to be as up to date as possible. Couldn’t get you an XR and leave you with a series 2 watch, but I guess now you can consider it a happy promotion gift.” Ashton said, gently picking up the box and handing it to Lily.

Lily looked up at him, eyebrows raised as she removed the lid, looking down at the new watch inside.

“I got it myself, so it doesn’t matter that you weren’t on the watch sign up list.” He added, shifting in his seat since he knew Lily didn’t feel the need for a new watch.

She sighed, leaning forward and wrapping her arm around Ashton, “Thanks Ash,” she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.

He jumped a little, but settled into her arms, returning the hug. His eyes slid closed, leaning into the hug for what was probably a little too long. They both parted, Lily picking up her new phone, getting ready to finish running through the set up and Ashton stood, finally going over to get his coffee and to start the day.

~~~~~~

The day came to an end and Lily was getting her things together, Ashton waiting for her so they could go over to his apartment. Calum walked into the office to say goodbye, giving Lily a long, hard kiss before pulling away, forehead leaning on hers before he gave her a gentle kiss to the tip of her nose, smiling and nodding at Ashton before walking out to go to the garage.

Ashton held his hand out to Lily once she had her bag over her shoulders, smiling at her shyly. “Cal was over at my place last night, he drove me here so I kind of need a ride home.” He smiled as she leaned into him, nodding and leading the way out of the office, hitting the lights before Ashton closed and locked the door.

They walked side by side out of the main office, hands brushing at their sides as they waved to the few people still sitting behind their computers. Ashton opened Lily’s driver side door for her once they were in the garage, closing it behind her before walking around to the passenger side. He plugged his phone into her cassette tape after he clicked his seatbelt, pulling up the playlist he and Calum had created last night. He chose the first song as Lily pulled up to the payment machine at the exit, scanning her ID badge so it would let her out without payment. Lily looked to her right, smiling at him as the gate bar rose in front of them.

Lily drove to Ashton’s apartment building, both of them smiling and singing along to the music as she drove. She turned into the parking garage, punching in Ashton’s code and entering. She drove up a few levels and parked next to Ashton’s car. They both grabbed their things from the backseat and walked downstairs to the building’s entrance. Ashton waved to the guard at the desk and walked to the elevator, arm going around Lily’s shoulder as they waited. Once they stepped through the door Ashton hit the button for the top floor, holding the door for another neighbor who was running over from the entrance. The two men nodded at each other and Ashton let the door close, asking the other man for his floor and pushing the button for him. All three of them leaned against the elevator walls and Lily felt the other man’s eyes on her. She chewed her lip and tried to ignore him, knowing he’d be gone soon. She busied herself with her phone, occasionally glancing at the man to her right. The elevator slowed to a stop and the door opened. The other man hesitated a moment, not getting off. “Have a good night.” Ashton said pointedly, giving the man a look.

He responded with the same, giving Lily one last once over before leaving the elevator. Ashton scowled, pressing the close door button repeatedly until the door started moving. “Fucking creep,” he muttered, “should’ve just let him wait for the next one.”

Lily just shrugged, continuing to lazily scroll on her phone as the elevator continued moving upwards. Ashton wrapped his arm around her shoulder when it reached the top floor, guiding her out of the elevator. There were only two apartments on the floor, one door on each wall of the short hallway. Ashton walked her to the door opposite of the elevator, punching in a code and opening the door, letting her walk in ahead of him. “Make yourself at home, love.” He said as he kicked his shoes off and strode towards the kitchen. Lily took her sandals off and walked in, finding somewhere to put her bag down before joining Ashton in the kitchen.

“Need me to help with anything?” she asked, looking around the large room, having only been in Ashton’s apartment on short missions to pick up something he’d forgotten.

Ashton shook his head, turning away from where he was filling a pot with water, smiling at her. He picked her up, setting her on the island counter and humming to himself. He gave her a quick kiss to the cheek before checking on the pot, turning off the water and adding a bit of salt before putting the pot on the burner, cutting it on to get the water to heat up. He then reached up and grabbed two wine glasses from the open shelves to the right of the stove. He turned around, setting the empty glasses next to Lily and crouching down and opening the wine fridge next to her legs. He pulled out a bottle of cabernet and poured the red wine into each glass, leaving the bottle on the counter and handing Lily her glass.

“Cal and I did all the prep last night, all you’ve gotta do is sit there and look pretty while I get everything cooked.” Ashton smiled at her, giving her another quick peck before walking over to the large, stainless steel, french door refrigerator and pulled out the chicken.

The doors closed behind him and he reached up, grabbing a pan from the rack and walking back to the stove, putting oil in the pan and heating it. He trotted back over to the fridge, grabbing the measuring cup full of marinara sauce and spices they’d put together. The oil in the pan began sizzling and he put down the bread crumb coated pieces of chicken. He checked the pot, humming quietly and grabbing the pasta box sitting on the counter, pulling out the noodles and dropping them into the water.

He finished frying off the chicken, putting them in a pan and covering them in sauce and cheese, putting it in the oven. He set the timer and took a sip of his wine, turning to face Lily again, smiling at her.

She hummed, looking at him over her wine glass. “Y’know Ash, there were a few times that Calum and your frat brothers at school complained to me about some of your date nights, and I’m kinda surprised you’re still living in an apartment instead of a house. I mean, your kitchen is like half the size of my entire apartment on its own. Just kinda curious why you’d rent an apartment this size instead of getting a house.”

Ashton laughed softly, setting his wine back down and stepping closer to Lily. He set one hand on her waist, the other reaching up to run through her auburn hair. He tilted his head as he looked at her, hazel eyes meeting green. “It’s simple Lil,” he started, “if I get a house, visiting business partners are gonna know that I can cook. I only cook for myself and people that are special to me.” Lily chewed at her lip at that statement and Ashton smiled as he noticed, leaning in closer to her. “Secondly, outdoor pool on the roof, gym on the third floor, and indoor pool with a hot tub on the first. Don’t have to go looking for or do any maintenance for that stuff myself here. And as for your opener, don’t share any walls with anyone and my only neighbor is out of town a lot, usually when she’s home, I’m not here, so it doesn’t really matter.” Lily blushed as he finished, Ashton the closest to her that he had ever been. Their foreheads and the tips of their noses were touching, their lips just a small movement from connecting and she could feel her heart pounding in her throat. “And as for what the boys told you…you don’t know the half of it.”

Right as Ashton finished his statement a timer went off and he smirked, quickly pulling away from her and going to check the pasta. He gave it a quick stir and tested a noodle, humming before bringing another over to her. He held it out, and Lily reached up to take it, but Ashton pushed her hand back down, holding the noodle over her mouth. She looked up at him, licking her lips slowly before opening her mouth and he let the noodle fall into her mouth. She hummed happily and he smiled, turning back to the stove to take the pasta out of the water and went to dump the hot water into the sink. Lily hummed, hopping off of the counter and turning off the burner, grabbing another noodle and popping it in her mouth.

“What happened to sitting on the counter looking pretty, love?” Ashton said lowly, hands gripping Lily’s waist as he stood behind her, head resting on top of hers.

“Spaghetti,” she said simply, holding a noodle up to him.

He let out a chuckle, taking it from her and eating it before picking her up and setting her back on the counter. “Stay.”

His voice was so firm that Lily just gave a quick nod and crossed her legs, sitting still while they waited for the oven timer to go off. After it did, Ashton went through his cabinets, fixing their plates and setting the table. Once he’d finished he helped Lily off of the counter and walked her over to the table, pulling her chair out for her. They sat there, happily eating and chatting to each other for a while before moving over to the living room, situating themselves on the couch, Ashton’s arm over Lily’s shoulders as he scrolled through Netflix.

Once he’d picked a movie, he tossed the remote back on his glass coffee table, slowly beginning to run his fingers through Lily’s hair. She hummed quietly, continuing to stare at the tv as the movie started, curling into Ashton’s side. Ashton smiled as he glanced down at her. He wasn’t much for cuddling, but he didn’t mind the way that Lily had tucked herself into him. He shifted after a few minutes, undoing a couple more of the buttons of his shirt. He sunk further into his leather sofa, sighing in content and pulling Lily closer. They both sat there quietly watching the movie, staying close together. After awhile Lily started playing with Ashton’s fingers, slowly lacing them with hers. He hummed, slowly looking down to where their hands were entwined, Lily wasn’t paying attention to what she was doing, eyes focused on the tv as she kept hold of his hand. He smiled to himself, twitching his fingers to try to get her attention. She hummed quietly, looking up at him as he pulled her hand closer to him, leaning down slightly to press his lips to her knuckles.

She sighed happily, sitting up slightly. Ashton looked down at her, humming quietly before lifting her and placing her in his lap. His arms were tight around her waist and he nestled his head on her shoulder, trying to bring his attention back to the movie. Lily just leaned back into him, letting out a soft sigh as she leaned her head against his.

The movie ended and Lily shifted in Ashton’s lap to grab her empty wine glass. Ashton hummed quietly as she slowly moved away, his eyes following her as she crossed the room to the kitchen. It was when he heard the faucet start running that he jumped up. He walked over, pausing to lean against the post that was worked into his bar counter, eyes on Lily’s back, watching as she reached over for the pan that he had left next to the sink, oblivious to his stare. Lily began dancing as she rinsed the pan, and Ashton smirked a little, eyes dropping to where her blouse was tucked into the back of her jeans. He had originally intended to make her stop doing his dishes, but now his mind was wandering again. He reached across the counter, picking up his phone. It was still linked to the speaker system and he quickly pulled up a song from his playlist that he’d use for parties. He could hear Lily giggle by the sink and turned his attention back to her after looking at the clock above the stove. It was only 8:30, and he wasn’t ready for Lily to leave.

She set the last dish in the drying rack and Ashton walked over, hands making their way to her hips. He allowed her to dry her hands before moving her away from the sink. She hummed quietly, leaning into him as he slowly began to sway along to the beat of the music. Lily began dancing with him, leaning back against his body more and Ashton smiled, slowly letting his hands wander as they continued to dance.

By the third song his left hand had found its way to the ponytail Lily had used to keep her hair out of the way as she washed the dishes. He looped the hair around his fingers, using it as leverage as he tilted her head before leaning down and beginning to press gentle kisses along her neck. Lily’s eyes fluttered closed and she leaned into him, barely supporting herself and no longer dancing. He pulled away slightly, hand gently sliding out of her hair before spinning her around, holding her to his chest. He easily picked her up, hands resting under her thighs before he set her on the nearest counter. He leaned in close, allowing their foreheads to touch as his hazel eyes locked on her green. He licked his lips, taking a slow breath before barely whispering, “May I?”

Lily closed her eyes as she nodded, hands working into his golden curls as they began kissing. Ashton’s hand returned to her ponytail, holding her in place as he pressed his body as close to her as he could get. The kiss lasted for a minute, Ashton slowly moving his lips against hers before tracing their shape with his tongue. As she was about to part her lips to give him access he pulled away, using his grip on her ponytail to tilt her head before trailing his lips along her jaw.

Her arms rested over his shoulders and she tilted her head further to the side, giving Ashton more access as he slowly began sucking at her skin. She let out a gasp, but allowed him to leave a few marks on her neck, carefully shifting to let her legs wrap around his waist. Ashton hummed quietly, moving one hand to her hip, tugging her so she was on the very edge of the counter. She hummed, holding him tighter to feel like she had more balance.

Ashton pulled away gently, leaning his forehead on Lily’s, staring into her green eyes. She gave him a small smile before leaning in and connecting their lips again. This kiss was more heated than the first, and this time Ashton took the first opportunity Lily gave him to let his tongue pass her lips. She let out a hum, pressing her body closer as she threaded her fingers through the curls at the back of his neck again, giving them an experimental tug.

Ashton let out a groan, slightly removing his lips from hers before reconnecting them again, this time taking her lower lip between his teeth as he began pulling at her shirt, removing it from the waistband of her jeans. He hummed as he bunched the fabric in his hands once it was freed, pulling back for a moment to look down at Lily, who whined at the loss of contact from his chest pressed to hers. He smiled a little as she grabbed at his half-open shirt, trying to bring him back to her. He then quickly tugged her shirt over her head, tossing it behind him towards the island counter. He undid the two remaining buttons on his own shirt, letting it come completely open before pressing back to Lily. He felt her hands running over his exposed chest as he nestled his head into her shoulder, lips trailing along her skin before whispering, “M’gonna take care of you sweetheart, promise.”

He pushed her body back a couple inches on the countertop as his lips began to follow the path of her bra strap downwards. He only paused a moment to reach behind her and remove her bra, setting it down next to Lily once it was off, taking a moment to look down at her, his eyes hungry as he drunk in the image of her, now only in her jeans as she sat on his kitchen counter.

Ashton then dipped his head back down, decorating her skin with his appreciation of her. As he left his mark cover her skin he fumbled to get her jeans undone, taking them and her underwear and pulling them down to her knees once they were free. He felt Lily squirming under his touch and was about to comment on it when he felt the clothing hit the floor at his feet. He kicked the pants to the side, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips one last time before moving to crouch in front of her.

Ashton shrugged his shirt off before shifting closer to Lily. He didn’t even have to touch her legs as she put them over his shoulders automatically. He froze as the image of Calum disappearing under Lily’s dress in his office crossed his mind. He chewed his lip, looking up into Lily’s green eyes above him, quickly pushing the image to the side as he turned his head to suck a new mark onto the inside of her thigh, smiling at the sound that fell from her lips. He made a twin on her other thigh before flicking his tongue out and running it through her. Ashton shivered at his first taste of her, reaching up to grab her hip with one hand as he pressed closer, using the other to spread her legs just that little bit more that he needed. He ran his tongue through her just a couple more times before attaching his lips to her clit, giving it a few gentle flicks with his tongue before sucking on the bundle of nerves. He felt his shoulders relax slightly as Lily let out a high pitched whine, tightening her legs around his shoulders. He smiled slightly, keeping up his work as he slid two fingers into her without warning. She cried out again, and he hummed. He knew he should be taking this slower, learn more about Lily with each move, but he also was desperate, he’d waited far too long for this and just wanted to make it up to both himself and Lily. He hummed, slowly beginning to thrust his fingers in and out of her while keeping his mouth on her clit.

After a particularly harsh suck and curling his fingers, Ashton felt Lily flutter around him and smiled, glancing up at Lily until her voice fell on his ears, crying out, “Cal, fuck.”

He froze right then, pulling away from her and Lily’s eyes fluttered open, looking into Ashton’s eyes, the usually bright hazel darkened and he turned his head, biting harshly at the inside of her thigh. She let out a quiet whimper as Ashton rose to his feet, taking in the way he had squared his shoulders as he looked down at her. “M’sorry Ash,” she whimpered, reaching for his arm, the next words falling from her lips in a rush, “only ever had Calum make me feel like that, didn’t say that on purpose I swear-“

She was cut off as Ashton connected their lips in a bruising kiss, hand tightening its hold on her hips. She gasped when Ashton pulled away again, trying to get air back into her lungs when she felt him pull her from the counter, hands quickly turning her to face it before one came to push between her shoulder blades, pressing her body into the stone. She held still once the weight of his hand had left her body, hearing the sound of his zipper coming undone and foil tearing. She took a deep breath, preparing herself as she felt Ashton come closer again.

Lily felt Ashton’s chest against her back before his lips pressed to her skin. His breath was hot on her neck when he mumbled, “Better get used to it not just being Calum making you feel like that, sweetheart. Now, are you going to be a good girl for me? Not gonna cum until I say, ok?”

Lily nodded quickly, whimpering out, “Yes Ash, I promise, I’ll be good, please.” She didn’t care if she sounded desperate in that moment. The tight coil she had been feeling in her stomach when Ashton was between her thighs earlier was unwinding in the minute that had passed since he had removed his mouth from her and she didn’t want it to come completely undone.

Ashton sucked a new mark into her neck and she could feel the smile threatening to pull at the corners of his lips when he pulled away, the weight of his torso leaving her back, but his hand firmly pressing her down again. Lily let out a whine at the feeling of the head of Ashton’s cock slightly pushing into her, only for him to run it through her folds a few times. Finally he sunk into her, both of them letting out sinful moans as he bottomed out, his fingertips digging into her back while he took hold of one hip with his other hand. He gently rubbed a circle on her hip with his palm and Lily tensed, anticipating for the hand to leave and return with a slap. Instead, Ashton let out a hiss and gripped her hip tighter as she tightened around him.

Slowly, Ashton began to pull out, managing to just start out with a few shallow thrusts as he warmed up. He kept that up for just a few more moments before starting to pick up his pace, finding an angle that allowed him to go deeper into her. Once he’d found exactly where he wanted to be, he began thrusting his hips faster, the sound of Lily’s moans and his skin hitting hers filling the kitchen. He brought his hand around to press his thumb to her clit, roughly playing with it as he continued full thrusting in and out of her at a punishing pace.

Not too long after, Ashton’s name fell from Lily’s lips, several times, her voice pleading as she begged for him to let her cum. Ashton let out a moan in response to the sound of her voice as she pleaded with him. He kept his pace up, feeling his resolve crumbling as she whimpered for him. A few moments he croaked out, “Now princess, fuck now, cum all over my cock, it’s ok.” He felt her give out underneath him and groaned as she fluttered around him as she finally got to experience her high and he spilled into the condom, slowly continuing to move inside of her to help them both through. As soon as he felt that they were both finished he pulled out, one hand supporting her body as he removed the condom and pulled the trashcan out from behind its cabinet door to dispose of it. He then picked Lily up bridal style, carrying her back to his bedroom, turning off the lights as he went. He carefully set her onto his mattress, smiling at the content sigh that passed her lips.

He went into his bathroom and pulled out a washcloth, wetting it before walking back in to clean up Lily’s thighs. Once he was done he crawled into bed, running his hands through her hair once she’d removed it from the ponytail. She moved to lay her head on his chest and he smiled, “I’m so glad I finally made myself ask you out. I was so worried about what would happen if the date went bad or if you decided you didn’t like me. Like would we stop being friends, would you leave the company? And I almost didn’t give us a chance at all.” Lily smiled at him, her hand gently resting on his cheek and he let out a sigh, “then Monday I walked into Calum’s office to deliver that package he’d been waiting for because I thought he was gone and I saw him under your dress and-“

“Wait, you what?” Lily said, eyes widening as she rolled on top of him, staring at him.

“Fuck, you actually didn’t notice? And Calum didn’t tell you?”

Her mouth hung open as she shook her head no and Ashton cursed again, hands on her shoulders. “I didn’t notice anything Ash. So you walked in on us and decided you needed to get in on that? Is that it?”

Now Ashton’s eyes went wide as he shook his head. “No no, it’s not like that at all sweetheart.” He insisted, holding her closer. “I just, after I told him why I was there, Cal made me wait and I saw the way you were holding his hand while he stayed where he was and then the way he was caring for you after you seemed to come back around, I went back to my office and I just…I knew if I waited too much longer you both may change your minds about the whole poly thing and not want to let me in at all and just be with each other. Even last night when Calum was here helping me get everything ready that thought crossed my mind whenever he would talk about you. It’s been so long since he’s talked about anyone like that, like he’s so smitten and I had to remind myself that he was helping me to make sure that this was going to be a great date for you, and that he wouldn’t just rescind his offer to back off if I didn’t want to share you with him in that moment.”

Ashton laughed and shook his head bitterly, mumbling, “though my plans for the night didn’t include fucking you over my counter. Thought if you let me go that far that we would be wrapped in my bedsheets and that I’d be making love to you. I just let my insecurities and fears take hold in that moment and lost it."

Lily giggled softly and looked up at him, pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth and he hummed, eyebrows pulling together as he looked down at her. “We could always do that now if you’re so concerned about it, have a little do over.” she whispered, her smile still present as she looked at him.

Ashton grinned in response, rolling on top of her and nodding, pressing kisses across her entire face before reaching into his bedside drawer, both of them happy to get lost in each other again.

~~~~~

The next morning Ashton woke to an empty bed and hummed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he looked around. Then he caught the smell of cinnamon wafting through the open bedroom door and smiled, rising from his bed and grabbing a clean pair of boxers and putting his glasses on before making his way to the kitchen, where he was greeted by the sight of Lily in a pair of his basketball shorts and an old t-shirt. She was leaning against the island, mug of coffee in her hands as she stared at the oven timer.

Ashton smiled at her sleepily as he prepared his own mug of coffee, before joining her in leaning on the island, his arm wrapping around her shoulder as he whispered, “Good morning Lily.”

She sighed, instantly curling to his side and he smiled, noting the purple marks he had left on her. They both stood there sipping their hot coffee until the oven dinged and Lily hopped forward excitedly, grabbing a towel and using it to remove the pan of cinnamon rolls from the oven. Ashton watched as she naturally flitted around his large kitchen, finding a knife to spread the icing onto the rolls with as they cooled.

She expertly covered them, then dabbed a bit of the icing onto Ashton’s cheek. He gasped, staring at her in disbelief as she grabbed one roll for herself and darted away. He shook his head, swiping it from his cheek and licking his finger before grabbing his own roll and following her to the couch to eat, ready to enjoy the bit of morning he could get with her before she had to return home to check on Smokey.

[lady-olive-oil]

Work Out: Chapter 5

A/N: IT’S FINALLY HERE!!! It took me a while to get this out but it’s here. I’ll be on vacation next week and so I’ll be writing just not updating per-say. If you or anyone has experienced a loss of a child or family member, and you want to talk about it my inbox is always open. It’s chapter 5. That means it’s time for another project to be started. I have 4 started already and I am going to pick which one i like best to start typing chapters for. Which will most likely be Chris Evans x Roxie in So Into You. There’s one line in here that I asked to use from my good sis @madamslayyy and it’s in here. Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future projects.

Warnings; child death, unprotected sex (wrap it up!), language

Word Count: 5,029 [my village knows this is was gonna be long]

Lil Nasties: @maddiestundentwritergaines || @themyscxiras || @crushed-pink-petals || @honeychicana || @dc41896 || @chaneajoyyy || @jojolu || @titty-teetee || @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove || @ljstraightnochaser || @mimigemrose || @fumbling-fanfics || @amelatonin || @screamingdrago || @breddiefrooks || @ellixthea || @designerwriterchic || @destinio1

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It was 3 am, dark and eerily quiet. Only the sound of my Sunter oscillating floor fan being on, and Florian’s occasionally snoring, could be heard. He took my offer on staying at my condo, instead of a hotel when he’d come to New York. Missing him from going back and forth from here to Munich, Germany, did some things to me. I never felt like this in a while about someone.

Only thing I could see in the dark from the moon, peaking through the window shades, was my big brown bear with an ‘I Wuv You’ pillow attached to it. Florian has shipped it to me from visiting his family.

He’s done something to brighten up my life, that I didn’t think needed to be brighten up. I couldn’t sleep. I could never sleep around 3 am and there’s a reason for that.

It had been a couple months or so, nearly in March now with the spring weather, and things were starting to look up a bit. That is until the gut wrenching moments with Jake happened. The bad memories came flooding back and the nightmares became worse, and worse. It came at least once or twice a month, but now they’re more frequent.

Around this same time I’d have the same recurring nightmare: me losing my baby girl at just 16 weeks. I let the dream play out this time. Normally I’d wake up in different scenes.

I was at work with a client and my phone rang to a news flash. Typical news about politics, and crazy folks. At the time time Jake and I weren’t on speaking terms due to his infidelity. I went home that day, around noon, to an infuriated Jake.

“Where the hell have you been?!” He yelled in my face,’I could smell the alcohol on his breath. This wasn’t the first time I say him this frustrated.

This time it was his job at a restaurant; he got fired, again. He always blames me for his misfortunes when I’ve been holding him up. I’ve been there for him time and time again.

“At work. Where else would a 3 ½ month pregnant lady be? I have bills to pay Jacob, and a baby to feed soon.” Apparently he didn’t like the hint of attitude in my voice, because the next thing I knew I was being thrown against a wall with force.

The wind was knocked out of me; my throat was sore from screaming and he was in my face.

“You know where you need to be at all times. You are MINE, and no one else’s.”

“We’re separated remember? Or did you forget?! Hey out of my face and out of my house now.” I pushed passed him, on my way upstairs, till I felt an even more powerful force push me down. I had landed on my stomach, the pain was too much to bear.

I froze in place, crying and praying to the heavens, hoping that my little Angelique would be alright.

“Geneva? Oh my god, please come on baby.” Jake was frantic, picking me up and taking me to the car. Making our way to the hospital I was in too much shock to love around.

Several hours later of being in the room, the doctor gave em the final verdict. It was too much damage to be done for my baby. I was stunned. Too traumatized to even move. The doctor gave us some time to ourselves, after the procedure was done.

Jake reaches out to touch my hand and I draw back from him.

“Don’t. Touch. Me.” I seethed through my teeth, not even glancing in his general direction. I could tell he grew impatient with me, by the way he yanked my head to face him.

“If you weren’t so disobedient, we’d have a baby soon. But you just had to defy me and get hurt. I thought you loved me, Geneva.”

“I do. But you make- you’re blaming this on me? You’re blaming the death of our baby on me?!” My anger surfaced as my parents walked through the door.

Jake was faster than they were, because he tried to  choke me. His grip was too tight, my nails dig deep in his arms. Deep enough to draw blood. My dad was pulling him off, with my mother in tow. My vision grew dark, I couldn’t move again. All I could hear were my parents screaming for the doctors to come help. The nightmare ended.

I woke up screaming in the dark, causing Florian to wake up abruptly and be on the lookout. I felt bad for waking him up but I’m glad he did.

“Geneva? Is everything ok?” He held me close to his chest, as I cried in heavy sobs. I finally let the dream play out. I explained to him what my dream was, his rage about my ex increased ten fold.

Pulling me close to his chest even more, he mumbled something in German as she rocked me back and forth. He couldn’t fathom how any may would I ever lay his hands on a woman like that. Pregnant or not. He know his own mother would be livid if he went that route.

“I vow to this very day, he won’t come near you. I know you gave me the green light to rough him up, and I did, but I need full control Genevieve. I need to you give me full control, my love.” The sincerity in his voice was calming. It was as if he was sent from the gods to protect me. As he caressed my cheek, I kissed his hand on instinct, holding on to his hand.

Looking into his soft green eyes, the moonlight shining through the windowed curtains, making them glow with love. Upon resting my head on his, he snaked his arms around my waist.

“You made a promise to keep me safe and I believe you. So without question, I give you full control, Florian. Full, control.” Whispering against his lips, he smiled at me genuinely and held me close. He fell back against the fluffy pillows, taking me along with him. The still calmness made it easier for me to fall asleep next to him.

I think I’ll keep him a little while longer.

-The Next Day-

“Ain’t no way in hell! You can’t do that!”

“The hell I can’t. House rules cuzzo, house rules. Now draw your 4 and the color is red.”

“You ain’t right.”

Game night has been a tradition in my family for generations. To keep it alive, I had the crew come by my half finished apartment, along with the typical game night food. First game of the night was Uno. Not just any old game of Uno, it was Uno Flip. It brought out the worst in people but it was all in fun.

“Now she taught me this game last night, simply because it’s new, and even I knew she’d say ‘house rules.’ ” Florian was invited as well, why wouldn’t I invite the guy that I heard beat up my ex?

“You trained him well, sis. I like him.” Nefertiti, Winston’s girlfriend of 3 years, was always the insightful one of the group. She was always busy with her stylist job, but when she has time she comes back home and chill.

“Yeah but you still can’t do that. Cheater.” Mike mumbled under his breath, which earned him a smack upside his head by Johari.

My dog Dragon, my reddish-brown Pomsky, was asleep in his kennel in the laundry room. He loved it when Florian came over to visit, because he had someone big and strong to play with. He clearly loved the fact that I had someone too.

The vibes were perfect for a night in with no responsibilities. I was already out of the game so watching was always my forte. Joahri was looking at Florian and I, as I was snuggled into his side as he played the card game.

“So what are y’all exactly? Cause y’all for sure as hell, ain't friendship with benefits. Y’all emotions are too attached.” The question threw me off, because I started choking on my Seagram's Jamaican Me Crazy wine cooler. Johari was never one to hold back, and that’s what Mike loved about her.

Florian couldn’t help but chuckle and rub my back a little to calm me down.

“Uh well. We’ve just been hanging out lately. Enjoying each other’s company.” I looked to Florian to help.

“We like hanging out with each other. I enjoy her company and she enjoys mine. Why put a label on things?” He explained a bit further and the look on Jojo’s face was unwavering. She wasn’t falling for it at all. Heating the doorbell ring, we were saved by the bell.

“What he said, labels aren’t needed. Imma get the door.” What did I want? I wanted him but I couldn’t say it yet. Answering the door, Cynthia and John stepped in, along with Destiny and Ryan. Filling the room with more love.

Just by the look on Florian’s face and the tone of his voice from earlier, he seemed to want things to go further that what they were. I couldn’t tell.

Did I want things to go further? I’m still married to the asshole who won’t sign the papers. Maybe it is time for a new outlook on life.

-Florian’s POV-

Did I want Geneva to be mine? Did I want her to feel safe; secured, loved and wanted? Did I want her away from Jake anyway? Yes I did.

I didn’t want her to feel unwanted anymore. I can’t stand seeing her hurt anymore either. With all the stories I’ve heard about Jake, and how he’s mistreated her. I just knew I had to make things right for her.

While she was distracted with the girls in the kitchen, I had to ask the guys for some help with a very creative strategy.

“Guys, I need your help with something.” I was nervous to say the least. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before and I think it’s time I make my feelings known.

“What’s up? You need help asking Geneva to be your girl?” Mike went straight to the point.

“Oh you tryin to ask our sis to be your girl? This outta be good.” Ryan chuckled gently, glancing around the room real quick.

“Well since we’re playing games tonight, got anything in mind?” Winston asked curiously. I had never met Winston fully, just in brief passing with Mike at parties.

“How about scrabble? We each form a word for me ask, I’ll take the last word.” Letting the guys know my plan, they all were in agreement and helped set up the board.

The guys gathered the game up and set it up. I had a necklace in my hoodie pocket I was gonna give her tonight anyway. Now was the best time.

“What y’all up to?” Once I heard that angelic voice I had to move fast, giving every team their pieces.

“Just getting ready to play scrabble. We’re doing teams, so little mama come here.” The slight blush on her caused the whole group to chuckle, as I placed her on my lap on the floor.

“Team scrabble? Interesting. Alright I’ll play.”

-Geneva’s POV-

The game went on for about an hour or so. My ass was getting sore from sitting so long, so I had to get up to so I could stretch. Placing a kiss on Florian’s head, I made sure to give him some love.

“Y’all need anything while I’m up?” Making my way to the kitchen, I grabbed the empty plates and cups. Turning up the volume on the speaker a bit.

“A few beers and Seagrams. I’ll come with ya.” Johari got up to help me while the others continued to play the game.

“So what’s up with you and Florian? Foreal sis come on now. No games, no shade.” Leaning against the counter, sighed gently with a smile.

“I like him. We mesh well together and he’s great company. I do kinda wanna date him though, it’s only fair since Jake moves on.” I started biting my lip thinking of all the moments Florian and I have shared over the last few months.

“You should! It’s your time now. Plus he sounds like a keeper.” Johari was glancing back into the game from for some reason.

“Gege! Come on it’s your turn with Florian!”

“Coming! He is. We should get back to the game.” Grabbing the bottles, making our way back to the game, I snuggled back in Florian’s lap. He moved to the couch this time.

For some reason the room was more mellow than normal, and the girls were giddy. What was going on?

“Alright. Mike went; Winston went next, Ryan and John. Now it’s my turn.” Florian explained and kissed my cheek. I was too preoccupied with my phone.

My mom had texted me about graduation, and when it was. I kept forgetting to let the family know about the date and time. Florian took his turn and tapped my thigh to let me know.

“Alright guys we are all out of tiles. I’ll tally up the scores.” Grabbing the notepad and pen, I glanced at the board once or twice. I saw something and I didn’t know if I was reading it right.

The group was minding their own business, till I got their attention by reading everything out loud.

“ ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’ How did y’all- oh my god.” I immediately looked at Florian with tearful eyes and the group erupting in cheers.

“Couldn’t think of a better way to ask, with the blessing of your friends of course, and Mike. So Geneva, will you?” Florian’s soft voice pulled me in, as the sounds hushed around us.

All I could focus on was him and him alone. Holding his face in my hands; taking in his after rain scent and resting my forehead on his I knew I was home. With him I was always home.

“Yes. I’ll be your girl, Florian.” Kissing him with everything in me, he held me close to his hard body but he felt soft in my hands.

“Ahem. Y’all we got others games to play.” Mike cleared his throat, before having to pulling us apart.

“Sorry. Oh Geneva, turn around real quick.”

I did as instructed and felt cold metal hit my neck. Glancing down, I noticed my zodiac sign around my neck, shining in the light of the ceiling fan. He clamped it shut and turned me back around.

“Perfect fit. Alright now, let’s play.” Kissing me gently, Florian busted out Jenga.

-3 games and yelling matches later-

It’s an intense game of Jenga going on. It was my turn to go, and I was nervous as hell.

“Ok babe. You got this. Don’t be nervous.” A little encouragement from the new boo, made it even worse.

Pulling the block from middle, watching the tower lean for he left I got nervous and it all came tumbling down.

“In that rubble, lies our relationship.” The mocking hey joking tone of his voice, caused me to smile.

“Ok Kyle.” Patting his cheek gently, I was gifted with a gorgeous smile that he is never afraid to show. The smile that would put the stars on Egypt to shame.

His type of smile though, was like no other. His smile was so bright and happy; full of life and wonder. Like a kid in a candy store, or a kid on Christmas Day. His smile was truly contagious.

John nodded towards Florian, to grab his attention. “Hey Florian can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What’s up?” Draping his arm around my shoulder, drawing me closer.

“Seeing as though Jake fucked up everything for himself, I want you to be one of my groomsmen. I see how well you’ve been treating Geneva and I think you should walk down the aisle with her. You’ve gained a friend in me.” He paused a bit and did the typical bro handshake with him.

“You’ve gained a brother from Ryan and I. Welcome to the group man.”

The look on his face was priceless and full of pure excitement. He couldn’t have been happier to be included.

“I’d be honored John. I’d love to walk with Geneva.” I felt his lips on my forehead, making my body feel all all warm and inviting.

“Game over let’s do something else. Mortal Kombat anyone?” Breaking my concentration wasn’t ever easy, but Florian managed to do so.

“Sure. I’ll play. Not sure how to do so, but I can always learn from a great teacher.” Sending a wink in his direction, I grabbed the other controller for the PS4 and got into position so her could “teach me” how to play.

Everyone else was in their zone, minding their own business, as Florian was giving me the rundown on the game. Little did he know, my two brothers taught me how to play whenever I’d come home on the weekends from college. They prepared me for this moment.

“Ready, draga?”

“Bring it.”

Fifteen minutes into the the game, he was kicking my ass in both matches. Time to kick it into high gear. The gag is, I was just messing with him.

“I’m gonna change my character real quick. If that’s ok with you?” The gentle tone of my voice made that precious smile come back.

He shrugged. “That’s fine with me baby girl.”

Going through the character list, tuning out everything around me, I focused on my strategy. I found the right character.

“Jade. Let’s do this baby.” Pressing start on the controller, I maneuvered in my spot on the couch and started to annihilate Florian in this game.

“What the hell…” he was in shock and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Finish him!” The tv yelled through the Sony speakers, placed around the 75” flat screen.

With a sly smirk, and a burst of energy to leap up to squat on the couch, I caught the attention of our friends and they gathered around.

Michael got too excited, stomping his feet against the hardwood. “She’s gonna beat you bro.”

“Not by a long shot.” Florian gritted through his teeth, maneuvering the buttons on the controller.

“Final kill shot…”

“Nice try babe.” With one final move, Jade had sliced Raiden’s head clean off and stood proud with her staff.

“Fatality!” The room went silent, Florian dropped his controller in defeat and was wide eyed.

“How in the hell? I just taught you 5 min ago?” He looked at me in utter disarray.

I chuckled a bit. “No you didn’t.”

“Uh were you paying attention when I taught you earlier?” He was in straight disbelief and I was living for it.

“I was. But you forgot that I have two brothers that play this on the daily baby. I faked it, unlike other things.” Sending a wink in his direction, I got up to clean the rest of the plates.

As the party died down, our friends left for the night, I was left cleaning and Florian was messing with something in the house.

Next thing I know, I hear some Michael Jackson music and the adrenaline kicked in with me. Grooving to the beat to past the time, I felt his strong hands on my hips.

“Oh so I take it you’re feeling better after getting crushed?”

“You wound me Printesa. You wound me.”

Placing a kiss on his cheek, I moved my hips along with his to the funky beat of Pretty Young Thing. Truth be told he’s the first person I’ve danced with in my house. I never got to do a lot of things with Jake because he’d always be “busy” with work and it affected our relationship a lot.

I cherish the little moments I do get with Florian. When he’s away I find something to do, but it makes it all worth it in the end, when we meet back up in my hometown. The song shifted to a real old song that brought back memories and just felt right.

“Do you remember, when we fell in love. We were so young and innocent then.” He sung in my ear so elegantly, as he swayed with me in solitude and confinement.

I couldn’t help but sing back to him, doing a little spin turn, to have my back pressed against his chest.

“Do you remember, how it all began. It’s just seemed like heaven, so why did it then.”

His strong arms that were wrapped around me just right. I felt safe and secured in his embrace, I never wanted to leave. We continued to sing the song to each other, and gravity took us both towards my bedroom.

There was a glowing light illuminating from my room. The closer I got, the more the room came in visual and it was sight to behold.

It seems that when I was cleaning, he was setting this all up for us the whole time. I felt the tears on the edge of my eyes, one shed as I held my face together. Turning towards him I sniffled.

“Florian. What is all this for?”

He held my hand and guided me towards the grand king sized bed, that took up a good portion of space in the master bedroom. This condo was perfect in every way and I still have yet to call it my own.

“Well seeing as though we just started dating a few hours ago, 6 to be exact, I thought we’d consummate our relationship. By making love to my lady love.” We both looked into the mirror I had installed and just took in each other’s reflections.

He truly listened to me. It was rare to find a good man that listened. I was going to enjoy this by any means necessary. Changing the playlist to smooth jams, I faced him fully.

“You do listen to me. I’m glad you do.” I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer.

The music pulled us and guided us like a magnet. I took his black v-neck shirt off first, tracing the hard muscles with my nails with a featherlight touch. Our foreheads were touching, his hands were under the grey racerback I was wearing. My skin was on fire, but I loved every second of it.

Our lips were ghosting one another’s, a teasing game that only could be won by one. He gave in and smashed his lips against mine. Our lips moving in synchronization to the rhythm of our heartbeats, drawing me closer to him.

He broke the kiss for a split second, analyzing the room once again.

“Don’t need us both being poked with electric candles, now do we?” He set all the plastic candles on my dresser, then came back to me.

“No we don’t. But we do need less clothes.” Trying to be sexy, I slipped my tank top off. Only remaining clothing were my shorts; white lace bra and matching undies to hide my heated desire for the man standing in front of me.

I took it upon myself to slide off his basketball shorts, eyeing the man in front of me in all his naked glory.

“No boxers or briefs huh? You were thinking of getting lucky today weren’t you?” Kissing his chest softly, my hands gripped onto his ass tightly, gaining a moan from him.

In a blink of an eye, he yanks the rest of my clothes off, throws them somewhere in the room and made me jump up. Wrapping my legs around his waist, to continue the kiss, he laid us both on the bed.

“You’re the first woman I’ve ever gotten intimate with on this level. Face to face, pure and raw intensity. Just close.” He whispered in my ear hotly, as his fingers dragged along my curves. Making the room seem hotter than it already was.

“So far, you’re doing everything right.” In one hand I held the back of his neck while the other, yanked him by his chain around his neck, back to down to kiss me. His tongue fought for dominance with my own, a shaky moan erupted through my body once again.

The movement of his hips against mine were orgasmic and sensual. His weight on top of me, felt so delicious. I trusted him enough to not use a condom this time versus all the other times. Who knew that kissing could get you off.

“Geneva, do we-”

“No. I trust you. Remember what I told you? I trust you.” Nodding in more confirmation, I brushed my hips another time to get him inside me. I knew for a fact that I was not about to go to work in the morning and I didn’t care.

Smiling up at him, deep into his green-hazel speckled eyes, I saw a man that shown me so much love these past few months. A man who really cares for me deeply; physically, mentally and spiritually.

“Then I guess we can.” He captures my lips with his once again, lacing our fingers together above my head in an exultant feeling all over. My body overheated; I felt him rut against me, as I squeezed his fingers tight.

He broke the kiss to let me know to fully relax. I did so, and felt my velvet walls being stretched deliciously by by his hardened dick. I moaned sharply, arching my back off the black sheets, and dragged my nails up and down his back. We came once again just off of us humping each other.

My legs went back around his hips and constricted him like a python, egging him on even more to go faster. Letting out mini yells of his name along with multiple phrases in Romanian and German. His hands gripped my thighs tight.

“Lil Mama, come here.” He sat back, pulling out of me. I felt an emptiness, craving for him to be back inside me. He pulled me on to his lap, I sunk back down on instinct. I could tell he was chasing his 3 orgasm with me, so this next one was about to be ruthless.

The temperature increased; his hands hot and heavy on my hips, helping me rotate up and down. Forward and back, this time going with the rhythm of the music. I held the back of his head, gripping for dear life, resting my head on his as I went faster.

“Ah ah- fucking shit! Right there. Oh come on daddy.” I whined digging my nails deeper into his shoulder, feeling my 3rd orgasm coming faster. He looked me dead in my eyes and spoke with such dominance.

“Don’t call me daddy unless you trying to make me one.” Once he growled that against my lips, I purred back at him and caught his tongue with my lips, sucking gently. His eyes went big at how frisky the move was. I pushed him on his back, squeezing his dick inside me again and closing my eyes tight at the feeling of him. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes tight at the feeling.

I whispered against his lips, “If you play your cards right, maybe we can talk about kids. But I need a ring first.

“Only way I’d see it happening, baby girl.” One final kiss session, feeling the vibes again with one of my songs playing on my phone. Rolling my hips sinfully, leaning my head back and gripping my hair I gasped sharply.

“I’m so close…”

“I am too. Let go with me baby girl.” He leaned up, kissing my chest, sucking one of my nipples in his mouth and then moved his thumb against my clit. My orgasm erupted before his own.

I moved quick and fast to slide off him and take him in my mouth. He had to get off by the end of the night or I wouldn’t feel good about it. Tasting myself on his dick, made me wet all over again.

“Shit baby- goddamn.” He held the back of my head, I relaxed my jaw and used my tongue to my leverage. I had him whimpering like a little kid, and I loved it. Using one of my hands to get the rest of him in my mouth, I kissed his thighs a bit before going back at it.

He smacked my ass one good time, which made me moan around his throbbing dick. He released down my throat, I swallowed every drop and crawled back up his sweaty body. Kissing him gently, rubbing my nose with his.

“You smacked my ass like you own it.”

“I kinda do, draga. I kinda do.” He smirked at my gasp, as I hit him playfully.

Stretching a bit, I sat up and smiled at him.

“I trust you remember that ok?” I reminded him. He nodded sweetly and pulled me back down onto his chest. Which was heaving up and down a bit.

“Shower or sleep? Or both?” I traced shapes on his chest gently, hiking my leg over his.

“Both. I’ll even switch the sheets out. Plus I owe you in the morning.” Picking me up bridal style towards my master bathroom, I let out a sweet giggle.

“Definitely gonna need that cause I’m not into work tomorrow.” Loving the feel of the bow water on my body and my hair, I helped him wash his hair and he did mine.

After what seemed like hours, we were both dressed: the sheets were changed and the room was cooler. Falling asleep to his voice made it easier and the nightmares were gone.

“I could stay like this forever with you.” Is what I could’ve sworn I heard him say, but I was too deep into my sleep to pay attention. I couldn’t see myself with anyone else.

[bellablacks]

I was tagged by @bluetheon, thank you!! ♥

1. do you make your bed? yes bc i always sit on my bed

2. what’s your favourite number? 3

3. what’s your job? i’m unemployed a student

4. can you parallel park? no i can’t drive

5. a job you had which would surprise people? not an actual job, but i did work experience at a primary school (hi yes i do not like being around children)

6. do you think aliens are real? sure

7. can you drive a manual car? see question four

8. what’s your guilty pleasure? the cursed ship (hi nina and beth :pepehehe)

9. tattoos? i have none but i want to get flowers on my back that represent “my” three countries, also perhaps a lil crown on my wrist

10. favourite colour? green, red, turquoise, teal, blue,,,, all the colour tbh

11. things people do that drive you crazy? flatmates that leave a whole ass mess in the kitchen,, um thank,, i was gonna cook here but i guess nvm?

12. any phobias? slugs,,,,,,,,,,,,

13. favourite childhood sport? i played handball for like six months,,,, yeah no i don’t do sports

14. do you talk to yourself? internally? all the time. out loud? sometimes if i’m alone and need to rant

15. what movies do you adore? uhhhhhhh

16. do you like doing puzzles? yes, but i get bored with them really quickly tho

17. favourite kind of music? pop, indie, alternative, musical, idk i listen to everything

18. tea or coffee? COFFEE (but i love tea as well)

19. what was the first thing you remember you wanted to be when you grew up? a princess?

tagging @montesere, @dayneashara, @rhaellatargaryren, @hhelnik, @winterscatelyn

[santoteez]

A Manhattan Tale - Seonghwa (5)

Parts: 5 of ?

Masterlist HERE

Genre: Chef!Seonghwa, FormerDrugdealer!Seonghwa, FormerKingpin!Hongjoong, Bad boy/ Good Girl kinda??

Warnings: Love interest is a Black Female, mentions of sexual intercourse, swearing, eventual smut, mentions of betrayal, Angst, Mentions of drugs

Requested: yes

NOTE: This fic does NOT, in any way, shape, or form, portray the way I view any member of Ateez nor does it depict their true personalities or actions. This AU is just that. An AU. All family members are FICTIONAL.

Seonghwa stormed into Lincoln Hospital, Zelie right on his tail.

“I’m looking for Minjoon Kim.” He told the front desk.

“Are you family?” The woman asked.

“Yes.”

“Name?”

“Seonghwa Park.”

“Are you sure you’re family?”

“Are you sure that DIY wig is actually up to par?” Seonghwa narrowed his eyes.

“The woman cleared her throat, looking back at her screen. “Room 201. Take the elevator on your right one flight up, walk to the end of the hall and take a left. Third door on your right.” She fished out a bright yellow pass from a folder and placed it on the counter. “Take this. Once your visit is over, just bring it back.” She said, refusing to meet Seonghwa’s gaze.

He smiled sweetly. “Wasn’t so hard, was it? Thank you!” He gestured for Zelie to follow him.

“Do you have to be mean to everyone?” Zelie rolled her eyes.

“I’ve said worse things. I did her a favor. Did you see her frontal?”

Zelie shook her head. “How do you even know these things?”

“Santana talks a lot.” Seonghwa pressed the elevator button, and they both got on. They walked down the hall, Seonghwa’s footsteps quickening the closer they got. He broke into a light jog as they turned the corner.

They made it to room 201, where Hongjoong and Santana were already sitting, and Soojin was in Minjoon’s arms on the bed. Minjoon was badly bruised. Red, black, and purple stained his skin, and his eye was swollen. He had on an oxygen mask and was connected to an IV. Despite all of that, he still looked strong.

Seonghwa approached the bed, placing his hand on Minjoon’s head. “What happened to you, kid?” He asked, and for the first time in years, he teared up. Minjoon looked up at him, turning away when his eyes started to water. The interaction caused Soojin to burst into tears, hiding her face in Minjoon’s chest.

“I’ll take her to go get some ice cream,” Santana said, pulling Minjoon off the bed.

“NO! I want to stay with Minjoon! He can’t be alone again!”

“We’re not going home, baby. We’re just gonna go get some ice cream and come back. Why don’t you bring him some? He’ll get better faster.” Santana said.

Soojin turned to look at Minjoon, who nodded and gave her a weak smile. “Okay, let’s go.” She said, holding Santana’s hand.

Once they were out of hearing range, Hongjoong spoke up. “EMT said it was physical assault. He was on his date, and someone came up behind him and attacked him with a bat. He tried to fight the guy off but he froze due to a panic attack. The guy had on a hood, he didn’t get a good look. His date is traumatized. She’s the one that called 911. She just left.”

Seonghwa ran a hand down his face. “These fuckers are getting bold. In broad daylight?”

Hongjoong shrugged. “Still don’t know who the fuck is doing this. Lil-” He stopped abruptly, turning to look at Zelie.

“She knows,” Seonghwa said.

“Everything?”

“I spared her the details, but yeah.”

“You’re still here?” Hongjoong asked.

Zelie shrugged. “I feel that dealing doesn’t make you a terrible person, especially when you have a reason for doing so and you at least try to redeem yourself. That goes for you too, HJ. Neither of you are bad people.”

“Looks like you hit the jackpot,” He smirked at Seonghwa, who rolled his eyes. “I appreciate that, Zelie. As I was saying, everything Lil Mike has found out points to One Eye, but he can’t find solid proof if it’s really him or just a copycat. Once we have damning evidence, we can make calculated moves.”

“Minjoon, you said you fought back before your panic attack?” Seonghwa asked.

Minjoon nodded.

“Did you scratch the person?”

He nodded again.

“I see where you’re going with this. Please don’t tell me you’re going to see who I think you are.” Hongjoong said, exasperated.

“We need the help, don’t we?” Seonghwa asked, taking a look at Minjoon’s fingernails. “Looks like there are some skin cells under there. Whoever it is, you got them good. If the test brings up a match, the person should also have some marks that line up.” He walked around the room, searching for cotton swabs.

“I don’t get it. Who’s he going to see?” Zelie asked.

“Looks like Loverboy left that part of his life out of the briefing he gave you. His last girlfriend cheated on him with a doctor way older than her. They were in high school. She went to college for forensic examining. She works at the precinct across town.”

“You’re going to see your ex?” Zelie asked, trying her best not to seem bothered.

“You two sound like I’m taking her on a date. I could care less about her musty ass. I’m trying to figure this shit out. I want this shit to stop.” He used cotton swabs to carefully clean Minjoon’s fingernails. “They can fuck with me, but Minjoon? Entirely too far. Zelie and I are gonna head to the precinct now to see if Breana is there.”

“Me? Why am I going?”

“Well, the obvious answer is because since your house was vandalized and you still have a gunshot wound, I’m kind of your bodyguard. But, since everyone is so skeptical about me seeking Breana’s help, you can be my witness that there are no feelings on my part whatsoever. And plus, I know you see me as your boyfriend that isn’t really your boyfriend. My sister said that shit all the time about every guy growing up.” He placed the swabs in a glove, tying it tightly.

“I knew I recognized that voice.”

Everyone turned to see a raven-haired woman with a large baby bump in a white lab coat.

Seonghwa looked like he’d seen a ghost. “HJ, I’ll call you if anything. Minjoon, anything you need, text me. I’ll be here. Zelie, we should get going.”

“Hwa, it’s me. Minseo, your si-”

“I know who you are. I was just leaving. No need to kick me out of the hospital too.”

“Hwa, I’m sorry!”

“My name’s Seonghwa. And you should be sorry. Sorry that you grew up to be a heartless bitch. Zelie, we’re leaving.”

Minseo turned to Zelie. “You must be the girlfriend! You’re so beautiful-”

Seonghwa grabbed her hand, pulling her close. “Don’t talk to her.”

“Seonghwa, there’s actually something I came to ask you. I’ve tried tracking you down, but you didn’t exactly have a number or address last time I saw you. I’m pregnant.”

“I can tell. Congratulations.”

“I wanted to know if you’d like to come to the baby shower? This isn’t me asking you for anything monetary. You don’t even have to bring anything. I just would like to see you there.”

“After embarrassing me at your practice, you think I want to be at your house? I don’t even want to be in the same room as you. Tracking me down wouldn’t have been such a problem if you took the stick out your ass and took a trip back to The Bronx every once in a while. But you’re too good, right? Let’s go, Zelie.” He walked out of the room, holding Zelie tightly by his side.

They made it down to the front desk, where Seonghwa slammed the visitors pass down before speeding out of the place.

They get in the car and make it onto the highway in silence before Zelie spoke.

“Are you okay?”

Seonghwa sighed. “Yeah. I’m sorry for losing my cool back there. I just took one look at her and memories came flooding back. The look of disgust from her and her patients. The last shred of hope I had left being torn from me as she kicked me out. The loss of dignity. She made me feel so small that day. She wasn’t always like that. It wasn’t until she started dating that rich kid husband of hers. Suddenly she couldn’t do Pizza Fridays or Sloppy Joe Wednesdays with me anymore. She was all ‘that’s a lot of carbs, Hwa.’ Started eating kale and going out with his family for sushi night. I was forgotten. And now she decides to remember she has a brother? Why? So she can look good at her bullshit baby shower? Tough luck.”

Zelie spoke up cautiously. “What if I went with you?”

“You’re seriously expecting me to go? Whose side are you on?”

“If I have to pick, I’d say the baby’s. What your sister did is despicable and you had every right to lash out at her today, but think about the baby for a sec. This baby is being born into your family. They have no idea what went on before they were born. The baby deserves a chance to know you. What happens when you have kids of your own and Minseo’s kid grows up not knowing they have cousins and an uncle? That’s going to be a deep void in the baby’s life. A void only you can fill. Maybe just forget about the baby shower. But I’d say at least tolerate your sister for the baby, even if you never fully forgive her.”

Seonghwa stayed quiet, not knowing how to respond. He turned up the radio in hopes to fill the awkward silence. 15 minutes later, he pulled into a parking spot.

“C’mon. We’re here.”

They walk into the precinct, filled with people being handcuffed and policemen going over reports. Seonghwa walked up to the rotunda.

“I’m here to see Dr. Rossi.”

“Under what circumstances?” The cop asked.

“Tell her it’s Park. That she still owes me a favor.”

The cop sighed, picking up the phone and reciting what Seonghwa said to the person on the other line. After a few seconds, he hung up.

“She said you can head on in. Only one of you.”

Seonghwa wrapped his arm around Zelie’s waist. “The lady’s with me. I’m not leaving her here.”

They walked down the hall into an open office. At the desk sat a fair-skinned woman with natural blond hair and piercing green eyes.

“Seonghwa, to what do I owe this visit?” She smiled smugly.

“I need that favor, Breana.”

“Depends on what it is.”

“No, it doesn’t. I did you the favor last time, and you said you’d owe me. Whatever it takes. So, unless you want your colleagues to know New York’s biggest coke fiend is right down the hall, you better get your ass out of that seat.”

Breana was taken aback. “You’re showing off because your little friend is here. How cute.”

“Now I know this trick didn’t just call me a ‘little friend’.” Zelie said under her breath.

Seonghwa threw the glove on the desk. “Inside are several cotton swabs. I need you to test the skin cells and see if anything pops up.”

She looked at the glove in disgust. “I can’t even get a plastic bag?”

“It’s a hospital. Not a deli. They don’t exactly have Ziploc bags lying around. Gotta preserve the evidence somehow, right?”

“Not to mention, it sounds to me like you have more than enough plastic baggies already,” Zelie said, sniffing in an exaggerated manner.

Breana chuckled humorlessly. “Nobody asked you.”

“I speak when I feel like it. Who gon pop me?”

“Looks like you found someone as rude as you are,” Breana said. “Too bad it’s only a matter of time before he gets bored of you.”

“You don’t know me, honey. I got that thang that keeps him coming back. I don’t have to go fuck an old man to be told I’m the best of the best.”

“Listen, bitch. I know how to keep my man.”

“Must be easy. With that big ass age difference, he can’t be very fast.”

Breana scowled. “You sure know how to pick em, Seonghwa.”

Seonghwa smiled. “Isn’t she just an angel? So, do we have a deal?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ll run the tests. I’ll message you once the results come back and see if it matches anyone in our database. Until then, get the fuck out of my office. Next time, come alone.”

“Alone or not, he gon be thinking bout alllll this.” Zelie ran her hands up and down her body. “Bye, Powder Nose.”  She waved.

They walked out of the precinct and back into the car.

“What now?” Zelie asked.

“I’m pretty hungry, wanna head to Applebee’s?”

“Yeah, sure. Sounds good.” Zelie nodded. “We still have time to kill until work.”

“Actually, I’m thinking of closing the restaurant for a little. I can’t guarantee it’s safety until the situation’s boiled over. I liked the way you stood your ground against Breana just now. I know she can be an asshole.”

Zelie rolled her eyes. “Ugh. Don’t say that name. She really tried it.”

“I can’t lie. Seeing you that upset was so fucking sexy.” He turned to look at her.

Zelie looked back in shock. “Boy, you better drive before we never make it to Applebee’s.” She said turning to look out the window.

“Maybe I’m in the mood to eat something else.” He said, his hand gently squeezing her thigh.

Zelie swatted him away. “Men are just DEVIOUS. I said DRIVE.” She said, making Seonghwa laugh.

Stephie here! So we finally got some type of lead on the suspects. Because this fic is moving so slow (It’s my fault, I always have too much going on) It’ll probably be a longer AU than Hongjoong’s. Not by a lot, buuuut yeah lol