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lubdubsworld · 4 years

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Change of Heart

Pairing : Taehyung x OC

[ Summary :

Times are changing.

After years of being oppressed, werewolves are taking a stand against humans , demanding equal rights and fair treatment. Heading the movement is Kim Taehyung, the breathtaking heir to the Kim fortune and one of the few remaining Alpha werewolves in the country. His disdain for the human race is well known and well warranted. They killed his family after all…..

He wants to change the world , to put humans in their place but when his five year old daughter takes a shine to their very human neighbor , maybe he has to start with a change of heart , first. ]

Pairing : Taehyung x OC

Genre : Romance, Explicit Content.

Warnings : None. ( Some mild violence but mostly off screen )

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3

Chapter 4

The Preserve had originally been an isolated island about 50 miles off the coast of the mainland. Over the decades, the land had been expanded with man made floats serving to support the extra buildings and complexes that cropped up to cater to the small human population that stuck around to help out.

The wolves still kept to the interiors, most of them having built huge cottage-villas which could house the entire pack, territories marked out clearly to avoid disputes. A few of the very traditional ones lived on the huge mountains that lined the northern end, opting to stay in their wolf-forms most of the time.

The island itself was beautiful, rich vegetation , a thriving fauna and a landscape that was lined with beautifully stark cliffs up high and private little coves and beaches scattered below.

Taehyung and his daughter lived on a beautiful beach side villa, which had its own vegetable garden , a staff of over 8 to take care of everything, a private jetty for trips to the mainland and a helipad/ airstrip.

True to his word, Taehyung did not stay around most days. He was busy with his campaign and I spent the first week recovering. The doctor visited everyday and by the end of the week, most of the internal injuries were healing well, the pain well managed with meds.

Luna had moved into my room, pretty much and I spent the days with her curled into my side, reading from her favorite books, stopping when she encountered a particularly difficult word, ebony eyes turning to mine for help. We read countless books, and she introduced me to all her best friends : Mr. Ted the bear, Kihyun the bunny and Momo the panda. The stuffed animals had a small baby carrier of their own and she liked carting them all around the house.

“She was really pretty. Mama....” Luna whispered one night, as we lay curled on the window seat in my room, a fur throw covering us up as we stared out into the rocky beach far below.

I felt my heart lurch in shared grief.

“Was she? What else do you remember about her....?” I asked softly.

“Her scent. “ Luna said quickly. “ She smelled just like you. Like home and fresh cookies with sugar sprinkles. And rainy puddles you can jump in.”

I bit my lips, mindful that Luna was just listing her favorite things. I didn’t know much about how weres scented other weres or humans. But i supposed it made sense that her mother’s scent should remind her of things that offered her comfort and joy.

But her next words threw me for a loop.

“Daddy didn’t like her much....” She said suddenly and I felt my throat close up .

“Oh-Oh?” I was genuinely shocked. Taehyung had looked devastated when he had told me about his wife’s passing....

Luna shook her head.

“My friend from school, Mina? Her mommy’s still alive and her daddy likes her. They kiss and stay in the same room. Mommy and Daddy never kissed. Mommy lived on the east wing.... That’s on the other side. Near the rose gardens.”

I bit my lips, feeling incredibly guilty for some reason. This information felt somehow private and not for stranger’s ears. I didn’t want Luna to get into trouble for saying this to me .

“I miss her sometimes. I’m glad you’re here.” She sniffled and i felt my heart crack in two. The girl was replacing her mom with me, I thought miserably. I couldn’t in good conscience let this happen.

But as the days stretched into weeks, with Taehyung out and busy most of the time, i couldn’t bring myself to leave. Luna did appear to be calmer, more grounded and happier with me around. She liked staying close to me, at touching distance and she often buried her nose into my neck, sniffing till I had to gently pry her off.

Although, absent physically, Taehyung called every day. He facetimed his daughter twice at least and I got a call every night at exactly nine. It was usually curt and formal but he did tell me what he was upto.

“The elections are coming up soon.... I need to work a bit more on the immediate reforms we’re planning to launch...I won’t be available this week, Luna’s keeping well?”

“Yes, she is. We made a modern recreation of red riding hood and the wolf today with play dough.”

Silence.

“Interesting choice of fairy tale, Mi Rae ssi...” He drawled.

I flushed at how my name sounded in that voice.

“It’s a bit different plot wise. In this case, the granny is just a meanie who likes to order Red about and the wolf is the one who rescues her.” I grinned.

He chuckled amicably.

“Bit of a stretch , that. But I’m glad you’re happy. I didn’t want to pressure you too much and i know its asking way too much of you . But Ms. Lee says that Luna is happier than she’s ever been and I do believe you’re the one I have to thank for that. “

I bit my lips. I wanted to tell him that Luna was getting way too attached. That I was afraid of what would happen when it was time for me to leave, but already i could hear voices in the background, people calling for his attention and I remembered that he was doing something important.

He was trying to build a better world for his little girl.

In the long run, all of this would be for Luna’s benefit only.

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

it had been nearly a month since I’d last seen Taehyung . A whole three months since I’d moved into his villa. My paycheck as a nanny was three times what I was paid as a lab tech. But I hadn’t stopped working at the research facility either. I spent the days there, when Luna was busy with her school work . The vaccine had been successful but somehow, my father’s company had pulled some sort of nonsense with the patenting and not everyone had got the shorts.

I stared out into the murky blue waters as they crashed into the jagged black rocks that lined the private beach. The huge bay windows in the living space offered an unfettered view of the rocky beach.

Next to me, Luna was pretty much bouncing around, trying to find all her beach day toys. I watched her fondly, feeling something squeeze my heart when I thought about not seeing her again. The elections were done, the results were due any day now and Taehyung had already told me that he was looking to end this arrangement soon.

Luna had a mind like no other. A vibrantly curious child with the most incredible questions, it was clear that she adored her father more than anything else in the world. In the evenings, she liked to play near the small water inlet that fed into the Ocean. The water was shallow, barely an inch or so deep, the terrain covered in small smooth pebbles in every shade of brown of grey.

Luna and I spent most of the weekends exploring the small beach around the villa, foraging around in the coves while her caregiver watched me covertly from a distance. She clearly didn’t trust me much, but I tried not to let it get to me.

I wasn’t here to stay. Taehyung had sent me a mail the previous week, letting me know that I was no longer had to babysit, because he was planning to move to Seoul himself. He would be renting out a condominium there and hiring a full time nanny.

And that was fine. it wasn’t like i hadn’t seen that coming. I had a life of my own and i had to get back to it. My cottage near the research facility was fixed now and I was looking forward to getting back to my life, no matter how much it hurt to leave Luna behind.

I was a little upset that he had sent an impersonal mail to me instead of talking to me in person. Or maybe spoken about it over the phone at least. But I knew that he was just trying to make it easier for me to cut all ties.

Okay, fine, maybe I was a little bit bitter that Taehyung hadn’t even offered to hire me to take care of Luna . I wasn’t qualified , yes, but so far Luna had been a dream to stay with. She was so inquisitive and bright, so full of sunshine and happiness.

After three months of her unconditional love for me, the idea of not coming home to her vibrant laugh and endless giggles, it just felt so painful.

“Rae Rae, let’s gooooo....” Her voice broke me out of my thoughts . Despite endless protests from Ms. Lee, Luna insisted on calling me Rae Rae and I found it adorable.

I jumped a little, hastily moving to grab the sunscreen, the hat and gloves. While Luna did heal quickly courtesy her wolf-y genes, she was also incredibly prone to sunburn. The first few times, she had promptly shifted into her wolf form when i tried to put it on her, snipping my fingers angrily. The chemical was supposed to be unscented but her sensitive nose had clearly picked it up anyway.

It took a lot of bribing with delicious meat patties and steak bites, for the girl to shift back and let me apply it on her.

But now she was comfortable with letting me apply it on her when we went to the beach.

She picked up her backpack, a baby blue fur lined affair with twin bunny ears near the handle , and the small tote bag full of her collection of seashells and skipped out of the room happily. I finished packing the rest of her beach stuff : towels, napkins, hair pins and a change of clothes just in case.

We were just climbing down the huge stairwell, when Taehyung’s voice rang through the foyer, startling me badly. i hadn’t seen him in a long time and against my better judgement I almost half ran back to put some make up on at least. I probably looked like an ogre with smeared sunscreen and my hair uncombed and in a bun.

“Lu - Lu? Baby???” He called out, his deep voice pretty much reverberating off the walls .

“DAAAADAAAAAA”

I watched her almost tumble headlong the stairs in her rush to get into her father’s arms and I hung back, letting them have their reunion.

I waited till Taehyung called out for me, before moving to greet him as well.

The first thing that stuck me was how incredibly handsome he looked, hair now fully black, swept straight back from his forehead. He was dressed in skinny jeans and a loose black shirt, buttons undone to show the lines of his pecs and a pair of dangly earrings caught the light as he turned to stare at me.

“Mi Rae ssi....i see you’re all ready for Beach day?” He grinned softly.

There was something radiant about him, a definite lack of anxiety. He looked relaxed almost.

“You won?” i blurted out. “ You won didn’t you?”

Taehyung’s eyes glinted .

“Its not officially announced yet, but yes, the Commission called me today . They think I’ve won by a landslide.

Before I could rethink my impulse, I flung myself into his arms, genuinely thrilled beyond belief.

“RThat’s so incredible, Taehyung ssi...i’m so happy for you and-”

“Tae? Should I get the other suitcase?”

The female voice made me jolt, and I pulled away, arm still arapped around his neck, intensely aware of his hands on my waist.

Three feet away from us , stood an incredibly beautiful young woman. She was almost as tall as Tae, probably the same age as him and her eyes flashed red when she looked at me.

I flinched, stepping back like i’d been scalded.

“Just leave it sweetheart, one of my men will get it. Come meet my little girl.” Taehyung said casually, shooting me one brief intense look of.....anger? annoyance? I couldn’t figure it out.

Sweetheart? did he just call her-

Luna had shuffled to hide behind my legs now, her fingers gripping my waist as she refused to greet the newcomer.

“Luna, this is Ms Jihyun. She’s a very good friend of mine.”

Jihyun dropped to her knees, eyes flashing red again as she smiled a tight lipped smile.

“Hello, Luna. How are you doing?” She said seriously. Luna’s grip on me tightened.

“She’s a little shy.” I choked out, trying to tamp down the rising sense of heartbreak. No. i had actively fought against feeling this way. Every night here, I had told myself that I would not think about Kim Taehyung. Admiring him for what he did , for how hard he worked for his kind....that was one thing ....but this. This was madness.

Taehyung reached out around me to lift Luna up into her arms.

“How about we go to the beach with Jihyun and Ms Lee today?” He said casually, holding his hand out to me.

I almost did something stupid, like press my hand into his before realizing that he was asking for the bag i had over my shoulders. Wordlessly, I handed it over.

“I want to go with Rae Rae....” Luna said sharply, lips jutting out in a petulant little pout.

“Well, Appa and Ms. Rae need to talk about something and once we’re done, I’ll join you there okay?” He ruffled her hair softly and then gently placed her back down.

Luna gave me an imploring look.

“Are you leaving me?” Her lips wobbled.

I shook my head instinctively.

“Of course not baby, I’ll be right there. Just a few minutes, okay? Don't forget your sunscreen.” I smiled and Luna pouted again but moved to Ms. Lee’s side hesitantly.

Taehyung waited till the three of them began leaving before turning to me.

“Thank you.” He said quietly , gaze moving to me with the same intensity, and this time I knew what he was doing. He was trying to gauge what I was thinking and I remembered, weakly that Alpha wolves could sometimes sense moods, changes in a person’s body temperatures and things like that. It wasn’t like mind reading or anything but a perceptive enough werewolf could definitely guess what kind of mood someone was in.

I fought to keep my face neutral. There wasn’t much I could do about how clammy and cold my entire body had gone after meeting Jihyun. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to guess why I didn’t l;ike Jihyun there.

“It’s not you.” He said gently.

I swallowed.

“Sorry?”

“You’re beautiful. If we were.... the same kind of people.....I wouldn’t be saying this. But because of who we are.... I’m going to say it. It’s not a good idea.” He whispered.

I flushed, feeling like my entire body had been dipped in ice cold water.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said evenly.

He hummed.

“If you leave today, there’s a job waiting for you in the Research Center. It’s a level up from what you’re doing right now. I’ve asked them to put up extra security around your cabin and I’ve talked with the wolves here. No one will come anywhere near you. “

I nodded bleakly.

“Thank you.” I said quietly.

“You’re going to forget me and Luna in a few weeks. And I would rather that things end now, before Luna becomes more attached.”

I nodded.

“Can i talk to her before I leave?” I asked softly.

He hesitated.

“I don’t.... I mean, I would rather not have Jihyun be present for that. She’s.... well she’s someone I’m getting to know and she may feel -”

I wanted to kick myself in the face for ever having agreed to this whole thing.

“I understand. I’ll be back tomorrow morning to get the rest of my stuff and to say goodbye to Luna.” I said shortly.

Before he could reply, I brushed past him and ran up to my room. I had to get out of here as soon as I could.

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

Luna cried inconsolably and I was eternally grateful that no one else was there when I carefully unpacked the huge carton of snacks and toys , I’d packed for her. Taehyung had made things a little easier, by telling Luna that it wasn’t me who was leaving but it would be them. They were going to a new place so they would be leaving me behind because I had stuff to do here.

“I’m not going to be gone completely. I’m going to come visit you as often as I can alright and look....” I pulled out the small phone I’d brought her.

She stopped sniffling and held her hand out. I placed the flip phone in her hands.

“Theres just two numbers there. See the picture of the wolf? Thats daddy..... And see the one with the flower.....that’s me. If you want to talk to either of us, all you need to do is press this button.”

Luna hesitated.

“Daddy said, I can’t have any phones.” She said hesitantly. What a wonderful child, i thought fondly.

“Yes, but this isn’t the kind of phone that could hurt your eyes. It’s just a talking phone. Besides, your daddy already knows and he’s okay with it.” I smiled.

She nodded, turning the little device over and over in her hands.

“Daddy say’s we’re going to the city. Why don’t you want to come?” She said angrily and i sighed.

“Its not that I don’t want to come, baby. It’s just that my home is here. I help take care of the little pups here remember? Some of them get sick and I help make them better....” I smiled, ruffling her hair.

She nodded.

“Good girl...Now how about we go see the sandcastle you built yesterday...? See if it’s still there?”

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

Life went on and I found myself busy enough to not dwell on Taehyung too much. The vaccines were rolling out much faster now and most of the cases were milder . i spent the days in the research center and went home to my cozy cabin. Taehyung had been true to his word an an electric fence ran around the perimeter , twelve feet tall . A security guard stayed near the gate at all times, a beta werewolf named Minjun.

Two weeks after Taehyung had moved out of the island, a distraction arrived in the form of one Jeon Jungkook . He was a year younger than me and finishing his internship before becoming a radiologist. He was smart , handsome and an alpha wolf with a deceptively cute bunny like smile.

Jungkook liked following me around when we had free time and I found his incessant noona , noona...endearing. But I was also not an idiot.

Jungkook was looking for a fuck buddy and I was convenient. The only female in the research center. Werewolves didn’t do one night stands with each other, because being intimate always left a scent and it would make things messy. So weres generally went to humans for no strings attached sex.

It wasn’t that I minded , but a part of me was terrified i would do something stupid. Like call him Taehyung in the middle of us fucking.

But of course, stupid decisions were my forte.

So I did end up sleeping with him.

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

“Well, you look miserable.” Jimin commented mildly, as I stumbled forward to the counter. I hadn’t slept much the previous night and had nearly missed the ferry to the mainland in the morning.

“I’m fine oppa. Just frazzled. Give me something strong but sweet...” I begged, riffling through my bag for my wallet. Outside, the rain poured in torrents. I was still dripping water from my hair and my jacket, although I’d been out of the rain for a whole five minutes.

“Taehyung’s been asking about you....Why don’t you pick his calls?” Jimin said casually and I flinched.

“I did pick his calls. a couple of times....” I muttered .

That had been a whole experience. Taehyung had called me two weeks back, frothing at the mouth about something.

Apparently, Ji Hyun the lovely girlfriend that Kim Taehyung like flaunting all over town, was also the older sister on one Jeon Jungkook. And because we had had sex the previous night, Jungkook had smelled like me when he visited Taehyung and Ji hyun. Even Luna had picked up on the scent.

How on earth was i supposed to know?

Taehyung had been so furious that I’d hung up the phone midway through.

“And, what happened?”

I shrugged.

“And then I got busy. Why? I’ve been talking to Luna... I even met her a couple of times. It’s not like I have any other reason to talk to him.... “ I protested.

Jimin hummed.

“He’s still seeing that model. Jeon Ji hyun? I heard her brother works in the Research center?” Jimin raised an eyebrow, sliding my drink across the counter. I stepped out of the line but stayed near the counter, staring at him. Damn it. Had Taehyung actually told Jimin about it?

“Jungkook? Yeah. He’s a doctor... He’s doing his MD , radiology and he’s here for exposure , apparently...”

“Alpha?” Jimin continued flitting about, making orders but his tone held a note of sympathy.

I shrugged.

“Yeah, he is. But we don’t talk much. We went out one night but then he’s been aloof ever since.” I shrugged again hoping that Jimin was buying my nonchalant act. i still didn’t know how much he knew.

Jungkook was a nice guy and I was a little peeved that he didn’t seem to want anything more than a friends with benefits thing. But that had less to do with him and more to do with the fact that men, in general, never seemed to consider me as a potential girlfriend.

But then, the poor guy was in probably the most crucial part of his education. Relationships were probably the farthest thing from his mind.

Jimin stopped when the last customer in the line left. He stared at me.

“Taehyung told me Luna called you one morning and Jungkook picked the phone.”

I froze.

“What?!” I hissed, completely thrown. This, I hadn’t known.

“You went out? With Jungkook? And he stayed over , I’m guessing....I’m going to go out on a limb and say that you guys did not play Jenga all night?” He glared at me. I flushed.

“Fine. We slept together. We are sleeping together....its just consensual sex between two willing parties, . It’s no big deal.” I said flippantly.

“You don’t think that’s why Taehyung has been calling you? That’s his potential brother in law right there. It’s too messy. I think you should stop. ” He frowned.

I rolled my eyes.

“Listen it has nothing to do with me. I’m not going to marry Jungkook okay? I’m not going to be calling Taehyung my brother in law either. Its not going to happen. i just had this...stupid king of crush on him and he knew about it. He turned me down too, did he tell you that. He told me him and I were too different.... meaning I wasn’t a were so he wouldn’t consider being with someone like me. ”

Jimin groaned.

“you know why he feels that way. Don’t make this about you. It’s not personal.”

“Then why is it spilling into my personal life? I have no obligation to him. I can sleep with who I want.....”

Jimin rolled his eyes.

“Taehyung’s a were. He’s not going to see it that way.”

“Well, I don’t give a damn how he sees it, I’m having sex with a handsome young man who is attracted to me. That’s a good time, right there and I’m not going to stop having a good time just because it offends Taehyung’s delicate sensibilities.” I snapped.

Jimin shrugged.

“Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

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

When I went back to my cabin that evening, I found Minjun missing from his usual place near the gate. The gate was still locked so I didn’t think too much about it, merely slotting the rusty old key into the huge lock and prying it open.

I made my way to the door, opening it carefully.

i nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw who was there.

“what the- Seo Joon?” I said in disbelief, stumbling back when the tall alpha stumbled to his feet from where he was lounging on the couch.

“Well, look who’s here....if it isn’t the slutty little bitch who wants to sleep her way through every were on the island....First Taehyung and now Jungkook.....you sure know who to pick, huh.....? All powerful, influential wolves..... “ He slurred.

I stared at him. This wasn’t good. I turned on my heel, ready to run back out but he was faster than me. I groaned when he slammed into my back pinning me to the door with so much force that the wood splintered,.

While my bruised ribs had healed, they still hurt a bit. And the force of his actions left my mind reeling from the pain.

“Get off me!! “ I screamed, “ MINJUN!!!!! MINJUN HELP!!!”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU WHORING BITCH!!!”

He slapped me right across the face, the strength of it sending me crashing into the side table. I whimpered as I tried to get on my feet, fingers fumbling for my phone .

“it was you wasn’t it? I was supposed to be the deputy minister.... Taehyung’s supposed to be my fucking friend. instead i got fired like some lowly runt ...... It was you wasn’t it? you convinced him that humans are our fucking friends....”

I shook my head, frantic.

“No...i swear I’ve not spoken to Taehyung...i didn’t say anything... Seo Joon please don’t...” I screamed when he reached down and grabbed my hair, yanking me to my feet till my scalp felt like it was on fire.

“Maybe I should fuck you too....since that's the thing people seem to be doing these days....Its because of your father isn’t it? That bastard has been all over the news, talking these past few weeks about how his precious daughter is doing a lot of work for the welfare of wolves....Maybe I should fuck his daughter too.... ” He began, reaching for my blouse.

I barely registered the nonsense about my father before a loud sound broke through the din.

The door swung open and the sound of gunfire made me scream.

I stared at the door only to see the security guard staring at us with wide eyes.

Minjun , panicked and completely overwhelmed , had blindly opened fire on both of us.

I felt the touch of the bullet to my shoulder, before the blinding explosion of pain.

But he seemed to have hit Seo Joon as well, enough times for the were to let go of me and I crashed to floor, clutching my shoulder in agony.

The sound of gunfire had attracted more people and through the throng I heard Jungkook’s voice.

“Noona.... Mirae noona is that you----???”

“Kookie!!” I croaked out desperately. Jungkook’s eyes went wide when he saw, me, pushing his way past the other wolves before letting out a snarl. The sound seemed to make the others cower and I remembered that he was an alpha too.

I gripped his arms when he reached me.

“Don’t tell Taehyung...” I gasped out, still clutching my shoulder.

“God, what the fuck.... We need to get you out of here...” He was already dialing for the ambulance. I waited for him to finish, gasping from the pain. Fuck, it hurt like hell.

“We’re going to get you to the research center first.” Jungkook said frantically.

I nodded, stumbling to my feet when he tried to lift me up.

“It’s okay...just...get me something to …” But he was already peeling off his shirt, wadding up to press against the bleeding bullet hole .

“Hyung is going to kill Seo Joon.” He said grimly.

For once, I didn’t particularly care.

My mind raced because I hadn’t thought about my father in years.

What did that tyrant want with me now??

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

Author’s Note : Me trying to finish all my fics and not lose my mind in the process :’(

#taehyung #taehyung fics #taehyung sm #taehyung fanfic #bts smut #bts fics #taehyung smut #taehyung au #taehyung x y/n #bts x oc #bts werewolf au #taehyung werewolf au

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khaleesiofalicante · 5 years

Text

Shadowhunters S3E22 Thoughts

Okay let’s kill this crazy bitch covered in coal

Meliorn, you dumbass! That’s what happens when you scream during a sneak attack!!

That Lorenzo+Magnus magic move was cool!!! Also is Alec only shooting five arrows at a time now? Man has standards!!

YASSS IZZY!!!!! OH SHIT NOOOOO IZZY!!!!

Clary is serving runes like she is at a soup kitchen...

Shit they are all on fire!!!!

Yes yes get the fuck outta there!!!!!!

WE ARE COOOOOMING AFTEEEERRR YOUUUU. I will not skip the intro, Netflix! It’s the last episode, you insensitive asshole!!!

OMGGGGGGGGG SIZZY IS NOT WASTING ANY TIME HUH???

Clace is soooooo vanilla. Bless those two lil souls...

THAT HAIR TOUCHING WAS SO FUCKING SOFT IM GONNA LOOK AT IT FOREVER EVERYONE ELSE FUCK OFF

Simon went for the classic ‘It’s weird that this is not weird’. Nice...

Sure, babies!!! Do everything together :) <3 :)

Magnus’ handwriting tho!!! Dayuuum.

Man I love Alec’s I got laid last night face ;)

Alec Lightwood does not, never, ever, will pass up an opportunity to say FUCK YOU to the clave and other homophobes. I love my son!!

I Do LikE yOu iN aTuX OMG FUCKING KILL ME

Delivering handwritten wedding invites through fire messages? ICONIC!!

Did Jace just compare Clace to Malec? Jace is cracking me up in the eps!

In other news, Seelie Queen continues to be creepy...

OMG SHE JUST GOT INFINITY WAR-ED BY JONATHAN!!!

YES TO THIS PARABATAI CONTENT YES YES YES YES

CLIZZY PARABATAI????? I APPROVE!!!!

My man Underhill takes his job as Head of Security VERY seriously...

Miss the wedding? MISS THE WEDDING? I did not approve this?????

Jocelyn OMG WHAT THE FUCK

Raziel needs to learn how to use Facetime or Facebook. Sending a girl’s dead mom as a messenger is not cool, bro!!

Okay true tho. Clary probably created to runes to get rid of dandruff...

OMG ALL THOSE CAKES ARE GORGEOUS AND GLITTERY!!!

I can watch Magnus eat cake forever tbh...

So Lorenzo gave back the loft? Why? How? When? Nevermind.

OMG MORE SELF-PORTRAITS OMG I CANNOT

THAT BRO MOMENT BETWEEN MAGNUS + LORENZO WAS WELL DONE. YES TO SUPPORTIVE WARLOCKS YALL.

I just realised that Magnus photocopied the wedding invitations by magic. That’s a really cool trick....

OKAY MAGNUS BOUGHT MARYSE A DRESS FOR THE WEDDING I AM SOFT

I literally forgot about Robert’s existence...

LOS ANGELES BITCHES

How did Max grow so tall?????? What is your secret, child?? TELL ME!!!

Jonathan has gone full Blonde Badboy cool cool cool

SHIT ARE THE BLACKTHORNS OKAY?????

Damn it can we not have a wedding without all this drama????

Yall there was a random woman videoing Jonathan’s attack??? Wtf is wrong with people these days smh.

Yes clary please get your brother under control!!!

I do not feel bad for Jonathan for some reason. I also sense a pattern shit.

So Jonathan died? Just like that? Okaaaaaaaaay then.

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHEEEEEEEEEEEEET ITS HAPPENING EVERYBODY CALM THE FUCK DOWN BREATHE WOMAN BREATHE

Yaaaaaas Madzie, you perfect flower girl you!!!!!

Okay I LOVE LOVE LOVE this fall/yellow theme <3

Alec looks so handsome and I am already crying FUCK

Yasss Catarina is the best woman!!!!!

OMG all their friends and family are there this is too much yall

OH MY GOD MARYSE IS WALKING MAGNUS DOWN THE AISLE MY HEART IS SO FUCKING FULL RIGHT NOW I CANT BREATHE

OMG THOSE FUCKING VOWS KILLED ME MALEC FOREVER OMG

I AM AND WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR LOVING HUSBAND OKAY BABIES OKAY <3 <3 <3

MY CHILDREN REALLY GOT MARRIED HUH I AM LITERALLY MARYSE RN

OMG THEIR FIRST DANCE!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD INDEED!!!!

Raphael, you beautiful goldfish!!!! I wish you all the best!!!!!! <3 <3

Clary NO GOODBYES!!!

HALINE BITCH HALINE YES YES YES <3

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Andrew? Andrew? ANDREW? ANDREWWWWWWWWW??????

I CALLED THIS SHIP LIKE 12 YEARS AGO AND I AM STILL HERE FOR IT SUCKERZ

Omg they all know about Luke LAMO those two are apparently not subtle!

Okay Maryse is the best mom ever fight me

OMG they used that god damn ‘cell’ line from the books.. my heart :(

CLARY BABE NO YOU POOR THING TALK TO SOMEONE

What is with these kids and leaving letters? Talk to someone goddamnit!!

ONE YEAR LATER WTF NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT THIS????

Idris looks GOOOOOOOOD

OMG INQUISITOR ALEC LIGHTWOOD BITCH I AM HERE FOR THIS!!!

Luke x Maryse one year into the relationship and vacaying in Brazil? I need footage thank you!

OMG MAGNUS THAT LOOK WOW JUST WOW

HIGH WARLOCK OF ALICANTE MAGNUS BANE BITCH I AM HERE FOR THIS TOO!!!!

IS ANYONE ELSE SEEING HARRY’S BICEPS??? GOD DAMNNNNN

MY BEAUTIFUL BLUE PEACOCK WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL HUSBAND WOW

Yes to Young Entrepreneur Maia.

OMG TAKIS BOOK STANS HOLD ME PLEASE

She named a burrata salad after Clary. I am very emo right now...

HEAD OF THE INSTITUTE IZZY BITCH I AM HERE FOR THIS THREE WHAT EVEN THANK YOU????????

Sizzy is all soft and sailing. My ship is safe!!!!! <3

Okay this Jimon training scene was well done. HOT DIGGITY DANG

BOOP BOOP OMG CUTIEEEEEEE

Jace, don’t let her gooooo

Clary! Hey!!! You look...different.

SHEEETTT SHE CAN SEE HIM!!!!!

OMG 01X01 PARALLELS BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay um, it’s over?????????

What am I supposed to do now??? (After I finish crying that is)

I just want the record to show that I actually enjoyed the last eps. The writers and actors did a great job <3

Thank you, shadowhunters and shadowfam.

I will miss writing stupid shit about my stupid show I stupidly love so much

That’s it I guess...

Oh and fuck Freeform bro.

#this is much #my heart is full #everything is good #shadowhunters #shadowhunters thoughts #malec #clace #sizzy #sh spoilers

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peachymhaechan · 6 years

Text

“Not even one snow angel?”

Genre: fluff

Warnings: language bc im too dumb to find better words

Pairing: Jaehyun x gender neutral reader

Author’s Note: yall it’s so cold that they had to cancel school for three days bc it’s supposed to be in the negatives for three days straight, so yall already know what that means: time to write fluff focused around Jung Jaehyun when I should be preparing for my biotechnology debate,,, yeehaw !! also: im shook that yall liked the mark mafia au so much,,, I will have another mafia au out soon, love yall !!

our story is set in fair Verona, where it is cold as tits out

jk its not actually set in Verona but ya know. Romeo and Juliet, am I rite, laid ease and gents?? (even tho that story is high key messed up and I don’t really understand why people aspire to have relationships like that)

no but for real, classes for the next couple of days were cancelled because of a negative ten degree Fahrenheit wind chill, and that meant you had nothing to do (other than procrastinate your class work)

yeehaw, am I rite, laid ease and gents???

n e ways,

rather than staying in your dorm all day w your dorm mate whom you did not always get along very well with,

you decided to carpe the fuck outta that diem and play in the snow with some of you friends

lacing up the boots you shoved over four pairs of socks, you called Johnny, a kid you’d known since your freshman algebra class

“Seo, let’s go outside for once.”

“Excuse me, what? Is it the sleep deprivation talking or did I hear you just say the words lets go and outside in one sentence?” a sleepy Johnny said from the other line

“Haha, very funny, dumbass. Let’s go play in the snow,” you told him, throwing on a winter coat

“Y/N, it is eleven AM,” Johnny told you, causing you to roll your eyes as you shut the door

“Really? I had no clue, Johnny, thank you for telling me.”

“Y/N, it is eleven AM on a day when classes are cancelled,” Johnny rephrased

“Yes, I am well away. Suit up, Seo. I am on my way over, be there in five.”

on your way, you looked at all the snow and tried not to slip on ice

you made a few stops at some of your other friends’ dorms, and by the time you got to Johnny’s, there was a small army of people ready to play in the snow (and wake up Johnny)

“Mark, can I please wear your hat?” Haechan whined, flashing Mark puppy dog eyes and tugging on his sleeve

“Y/N, make him give me his hat,” the boy begged you, turning those eyes on you

“Mark, do what the baby says,” you told him, knocking on Johnny’s door

johnny seo opened the door, and before you could say anything, you were hit with a snowball in the face

“JONATHON SEO, WHAT THE FUCK???”

he started cackling and said, “Before you guys got here, I went outside and made a snowball, then put it in a bowl in my mini fridge.”

“WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU??”

“Nothing, Y/N, I thought you wanted to play in the snow?”

“Johnny, we are not IN the snow right now. We are standing in the middle of your dorm building, while snow drips down my face. I am going to destroy you when we are actually in the snow.”

“I’d like to see you try, dumbass. Oh, also: do you care if I invite someone to hang out with us today?” he asked, and for some reason, everyone pivoted their attention to the six foot tall man, which you did not notice

“Go ahead, the more the merrier. Right, guys?” you asked, and everyone nodded a little too enthusiastically

You narrowed your eyes in suspicion but didn't ask any questions

“Who all were you planning on inviting?” you asked, trying to get more info out of him

Mark, Haechan, Jisung, Chenle, Jaemin, Jeno, and Lucas all avoided eye contact

“I don’t know, probably just a few of the other guys... Ten, Taeyong, Winwin, Kun, and Jae.”

so THAT’S why they were acting weird

those two faced whores

“Jae?” you asked, trying to do some more subtle investigating

“Yes, Jae.”

“Jae as in... Jaehyun?”

“Yes, Jae as in Jaehyun.”

“Like... Jung Jaehyun?”

“Yes, Jung Jaehyun.”

“Like..... your roommate Jung Jaehyun?”

“Yes, my roommate Jung Jaehyun.”

“The one that I think is hot and told you all that I have a crush on him?”

“That’d be the one.”

oh no

oh fuck no

“Unless, of course, you want me to tell him that something has come up and he is no longer invited.”

“No, no, that’s not necessary, he can still.... he can still join us, if he wants.”

“Okay, good, because I told him to come with us, and he should be ready any minute now.”

cue Jaehyun nudging johnny out of the way so he can get out of the door

and all you could think was

ohhhhhhh mannnnnnnn, he’s hot

he had on jeans, a fluffy winter coat, gloves, and boots, but he had you quaking in your four pairs of socks, okay

you could feel your cheeks heat up when he gave you a smile

those dimples had you wEAK, BITCH

“Hi, Jaehyun!” you managed to get out, to which he responded

“Hey, Y/N! That hat looks really cute on you! You always look cute, but, ya know what I mean.”

to say you were malfunctioning would be an understatement

the boys saw you go into a full system reboot

“Let’s get going before all the snow melts!” Chenle said, grabbing your arm and pulling you out of your technical difficulty

“I doubt the snow will be melting any time soon,” Jisung mumbled, getting a slap in the arm from one of the other boys

the only sounds that registered to you were the sounds of the bickering boys, sleds dragging on the floor, and your own heart beat

okay, dawg, just play it cool.

now that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? dumb bitch.

the whole time yall walked outside, you were super aware of the proximity of Jaehyun

after about two minutes, Jaehyun was standing right! next! to! you!

wowie, babey! yee fuckin haw!

when yall finally made it to the “lawn” (whatever the fuck u wanna call it, I am not good with words, yeet) of campus- a huge hill with trees all around, right in the center of campus-

yall threw down the sleds a few of you brought, and got right to it

johnny got on a different sled and challenged you to a race, to which you naturally agreed to

while johnny was getting situated before the race, you made a snowball out of his sight, and right as it started, you nailed him in the face

“yOU MOTHER FUCKER!” johnny yelled as he fell off his sled and you took the lead

the boys all laughed (including Jaehyun! let’s gooooo!) and watched you do a half assed victory dance when you reached the bottom of the hill

winning was great and all, but you had to climb back up the hill:/

not cool, dawg:/

when you finally reached the top, you found that some of the guys were making a snowman

awwwwwwwwwwwww

Jisung saw your heart melting upon the sight and said, “Stop that, this is emo boy gang, either get on board with emotional numbness or get out.”

that stopped melting your heart, but you still loved the sight of all of them so concentrated on making a huge snowman

Jaehyun led the group, telling them what to do and assembling everything

by the time the snowman was complete, it easily was taller than you were

“yo. this is dope, bro,” johnny said to Jaehyun, pulling him into a bear hug

“thanks, bro,” Jaehyun said, laughing a bit at how ridiculous it all was

“Snowball fight time?” Jeno asked, all of the younger boys behind him, looking at you Old Folk for confirmation as to whether or not it’d be socially acceptable to start wailing balls of coldness at each other

you, johnny, and Jaehyun looked at each other and shrugged

“Why not?”

why not, indeed

without a second of hesitation, the younger boys started chucking snowballs at you three

“FUCK” “SHIT” “BITCH”

sicko mode or mo bamba?

“DIVIDE AND CONQUER, DIVIDE AND CONQUER!” you yelled, all three of you taking off in different directions, making the boys split up their force to follow

for some reason, Jaehyun ran along with you, leaving johnny to fend for himself

“Jaehyun, this isn’t a part of the plan!” you scolded, but at the same time loved the situation yall were in

“I know, I wanted to make sure you don’t get hurt.”

wow, we stan !

“That’s awfully sweet of you, but now we have to figure out how to get rid of them.”

“I’ll make a diversion while you hide and make ammunition? Send a signal or something and i’ll find you when you’re ready,” Jaehyun told you, making a sharp left and darting through the trees, a trail of boys following him

since you were left alone, you put your hands on your blushing cheeks and then got to work

within a few minutes, you had more than enough ammunition to hit the boys with and you saw all of them at the bottom of the hill, some wrestling and some throwing wads of snow at the others

great idea: take them out from up there?? yes, let’s go y/n, coming in clutch w that idea

without warning, you began to chuck the hundreds of snowballs you made at the boys

by the time you went through all the ammo, none of the boys were left standing except for johnny and Jaehyun

johnny stood up from behind a statue in the campus center and said, “Holy shit.”

Jaehyun looked at all the boys laying in the fetal position and said, “Holy shit.”

after that, everyone wanted to go home

not sure why, after all it’s not like they just got their asses kicked in the cold

“I don’t feel like going back to the dorms so soo, though,” Jaehyun said to you and Johnny

johnny went :) idea time!

“I am feeling really tired from today, but I heard Y/N say earlier that they wanted to stop at the café at some point today and try one of the new drinks they’re making.” :) ;)

fuck

“Okay, cool. Do you want to go to the café with me, then?” Jaehyun asked you

Jaehyun asked you.

Jaehyun asked you?

“Yes, I’d love to!” you told him, handing your sled to Jaemin to take with him to the dorms

after parting ways, yall went to the café and had a kind of?? date

just a lot of small talk, what is your goal in life, what are your deepest fears, blah blah blah

on the way home, though, that was when it got REALLY couple-y

you slipped on ice!

and he went to catch you!

but he fell, too!

but he made it so that you were laying! on! top! of! him!

Hello, K-drama moment!

instead of speaking, you both stared into each other’s eyes

before you totally #securedthatman by rolling off of him

and making a snow angel

laughing, he stood up and held out a hand to help you up

“Come on, let’s get going, it’s really cold out now. Too cold for snow angels, for sure.”

“Not even one snow angel?” you asked, flashing him puppy dog eyes

“Not even one snow angel,” he confirmed and helped you up, and!

he didn’t let go of your hand!

later on, yall consider that snowball fight turned café trip to be your first date, and boy, was it cold, but your hearts sure as hell felt warm that day

in conclusion, uwu

#nct #NCT 127 #nct 2018 #nct dream #nct au #nct imagines #nct scenarios #nct 127 au #nct 127 imagines #nct 127 scenarios #nct fanfiction #nct 2018 imagines #nct 2018 au #nct 2018 scenarios #jaehyun #jung jaehyun #nct jaehyun

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audreyannerp · 5 years

Text

Lola Leads

(A roleplay between @askaudreyanne / @audreyannerp and @red-rad-and-rod . It doesn’t have a real ending, but, here we gooooo.) - It was finally starting to look and feel like springtime in Michigan. The seemingly sporadic weather seemed to have finally settled on a warmer temperature. There were no more snowfalls coming out of nowhere and the plants were becoming more lively by the day. The grass was green and dusted with flecks of other colors as the flowers began to bloom. A certain freckled redhead by the name of Audrey had been looking forward to this day, more so for her furry friend than herself. Lola, a scruffy-looking mixed breed about the size of a beagle, had been Audrey's Christmas gift to herself. As such, she had never seen the local park, with the weather as cold as it was. Now, however, the young dog trotted happily next to her owner, or rather, a little ahead. She was quite the excitable one and still had trouble walking calmly with her master. It didn't help matters that she was finally getting to see a new setting and was eager to see and smell everything in the immediate vicinity. Though it took an uncountable number of pit stops, the two made it to the park. The young woman found a bench and sat down, reaching into her bag to get out a bottle of water and a doggy dish. After pouring her pet a drink and taking a sip for herself, she pet her dog's floppy ears. “That was a long walk, huh, girl?” The dog didn't respond, but simply lapped up the water vigorously. “Yeah. Can't blame ya for being thirsty,” the redhead giggled. Lola stopped to look up at Audrey, wagging her tail for a moment, before looking into the distance. Before she had a chance to respond, the dog had shot off in a blur of brown and white, taking her leash with her. “Ack! Lola! Come here, girl!”

- "I'm bored" J.C. looked over from his spot, a bench fairly close to one of the two play structures, and scoffed gently. Both Mum and Dad had work today, so lo and behold, he was tasked with watching his little sisters. No big deal, really; might as well do his standard thing and take them to the park to tire them out. Usually made for a fairly easy time afterwards. Seemed like that wasn't the case today, at least with one of them. "Syd, we've only been here for about half an hour, how can you be bored already?" Syd, currently laying on the grass near him, blew a bit of hair out of her face as a response. "You haven't even done all that much; save for surveying the play structure, checking out the swings, and nearly getting sick on the little roundabout. You tired or something? Still a bit dizzy from spinning around super fast." "No." J.C. shrugged, letting out a sigh. "Theeeen I don't know what to tell ya, kid. You can hang with me and have a boring time ooooor you can go play." He looked up to catch a glimpse at the younger of the sisters, Kat, looking like she was having a blast on the swings. "What about the swings?" "Kat's on them, and she's talkin' with another kid. Knowing them, they're gonna be on there for hours. An' there's a line for the rest of the swings...I could just go over, push some of the other kids outta the way, and jump the queue..." Syd looked to her brother, a sort of defeated look on her face, "but if I do, then you'll make me sit on one of the benches and 'think about what I did' and 'how wrong it is'." "Preeeeetty much, kiddo. Laws of the playground, can't exactly break 'em." Syd had a small chuckle at the comment, before starting to focus on something. "Y'see that?" J.C. looked in the same direction. "What?" "There's something coming in our direction....kinda small...really fast...." Suddenly, the ten-year-old let out an excited gasp. Kind of small and really fast? That usually meant... "PUPPYYYYYYYY!!!" - Despite the clear excitement of the child, Lola opted to focus her attention on the young man. She bounded over to the bench and promptly placed her front paws on his knees as she 'danced' excitedly for attention, tail wagging a mile a minute. The dog was scruffy-looking, but clearly not a stray. Aside from the collar and leash dangling from her neck, she was clearly cared for with a healthy weight and a shiny clean coat. What's more, she looked too cute for someone not to take her in. Her markings, shades of brown with a white face and underbelly, were beautiful, while her pale blue eyes practically sparkled, and her cute little pink nose was too much to resist! Audrey followed a short distance behind, putting those athletic legs of hers to work. The redhead dashed past the swing set, quickly addressing the girl Kat was talking to. “Hi, Jenna! Bye, Jenna!” With that out of the way, she continued to call for her dog. “Looooolaaaaa!” - Kat, a little confused, looked to Jenna. "You know 'er?" Jenna laughed, "Know her? I can tell you all about her...." (....) At the sound of Syd shouting, J.C. jumped a little. Jeez, she could be loud sometimes...what was that all abo...ooooh, a puppy. Of course. From what he could tell, they had a leash, tags, and they weren't some hulking looking thing (even if it was, Syd'd still go nuts. Something as big as a Newfie, she'd risk getting bowled over, regardless). Eh, as long as he kept an eye on the two of them, it shouldn't be an issu- wait, why was the dog coming towards him? Ignoring the small "Heeeey!" from Syd, J.C. looked down and gave the little dog a smile. "Heeeey there, little bit." he chuckled, "Who'd you get away from, eh?" Hearing the sound of "Looooooolaaaaaaa!", Syd pointed it the direction of where it was coming from. "Prooooobably the person shouting 'er name?" "Ah, good call." J.C. shouted back, "Over 'ere!" - The canine rested her head on his knee for a moment before she perked up at the sound of her owner growing closer. While she was happy to see her, the dog didn't approach, merely faced her with a wagging tail. “Lolaaaa,” Audrey, started with a lecturing tone, “you can't run off like that. You could get hurt.” Lola lowered her head in apology as her owner took the leash once more. “I'm sorry about her. She's still a bit of a puppy.” Lola looked up at the two of them talking, tail wagging. - J.C. chuckled, giving Lola a little pat on the head, "Mischevious little thing, aren't ya? Worrying your Mummy like that..." He looked to Audrey. "Cute little dog you've got there. Lola, was it? That's her name?" - Audrey giggled. "Thank you. Yes, this is Lola," she gestured, 'introducing' them. She may have left things at that, but the accent got her curious. "I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you're not from around here. Like, not even somewhat close to around here." - "Nnnnnnope!" piped up Syd, moving next to her brother. "We're from WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY across the Atlantic. ....Or...whatever degree of "way" Bristol is." - Audrey jolted slightly, not having noticed the child in the scramble for her dog. Placing a hand to her chest, she let out a wheezy laugh. "I'd say that's pretty far. Also, diggin' the hair. What are you two doing all the way over here?" - "Work." J.C. answered, "Dad works for one of those international companies, and often times, we end up coming with. Kind of like a mini-holiday, I guess you could call it." "Aaaaand 'cos he and Mum each had something they needed to take care of, we got to go to the park with this guy right here!" Syd added. - Lola looked at the child, tail wagging as she looked at her expectantly. "Ahh. That makes sense." She paused, raising a brow. "We?" - Syd giggled at Lola, "Silly puppy..." "Yup," J.C. tossuled Syd's hair a little bit, "This one right here is Syd, aaaand my other little sister should be on the swings..." he looked towards the swing and could see a blur of blonde, pink, and purple. Yep, that was her. Cool, she hadn't moved...save for the back and forth motion of the swing, but..."Yup, Kat's on the swings." "I'm 10 aaaand Kat's 8." Syd added. - "You can pet her, if you want," she smiled at Syd. "She's a friendly dog, albeit rowdy at times." Audrey turned to look towards the swing. "Ahhh. I knew there was a reason I didn't recognize her," she turned back to J.C. "I have a good reputation as a babysitter, so I've gotten to know a lot of the kids around here. For example," she pointed back towards the swings with her thumb. "That's Jenna talking to your sister. She has a baby brother on the way." - Syd's eyes lit up like it was Chrtistmas morning. Giving Audrey a quiet "Thank yoooou", she went about gently petting Lola, all the while quietly going "Puuuuuppy, puppy, puppy, puppy, puppyyyyyyyyyy....." J.C. snickered at his sister before turning to Audrey. "Aaah. Baby brother on the way, eh? That oughta be fun." - Lola rolled onto her back, exposing her underbelly as her tongue lulled out. “Yeah. I don't have any siblings myself, but I do have five younger cousins who were over at our house pretty often. Actually, that's the reason I don't have any siblings,” she snickered. “Enough kids in the house as it was.” - J.C. laughed, "Kind of sounds like our place, at least around the holidays. Syd and Kat can be a handful, but add...I don't know, at least five to ten other kids to the mix- anywhere from two years old to well into their teenage years- and it's...something, alright." "Exhausting?" Syd asked, "Is that 'cos we'll drag you outside to play?" "...To be honest, I'd rather be out with you guys than having to deal with relatives asking a number of questions." he snickered. - "Good golly, Miss Molly! That's a lot of kids! I sure hope the other adults help out, at least a little bit. I mean; I love kids, but even I need a break here and there." She chuckled. "It still is sweet of you to play with them, regardless of the awkward questions with the older relatives. Let me guess... 'How's school? Work? Are you seeing anyone? Thinking about marriage? Kids? What's in your future?' "

- J.C. chuckled, nodding. "Preeeeeetty much. At least with kids, they ask you things like what your favorite dinosaur is." "It's a brachiosaurus." Syd loudly whispered. "It most certainly is. There's usually a 'tag out' system in place, so I do get to have some 'grown up' time...speaking of questions, I....don't think we've actually officially introduced ourselves. I'm J.C., and you are?" - Audrey giggled at the dinosaur comment. “Oh, how rude of me,” she held a hand to her chest before holding it out to shake. “I'm Audrey, born and raised Michigan citizen,” she smiled widely, revealing her large front teeth. “Is this your first time here? I could recommend some good spots to visit.” - "Charmed," J.C. responded, smiling as he shook her hand. "It is...we actually came across this place by accident, so...any help or tips are greatly appreciated." - Taking her hand back, she held two fingers to her head and mock saluted. “Can do! Now, let me just think a moment here...” She put her chin in her hand as she thought. “Well, when it comes to free entertainment, you've already found one of our parks. As for spending a little cash, you can't come to Michigan and not try a Coney Dog. It's a shame you didn't come in the summer, since that's when you can get the best Coneys from Timmy's Coneys. Old Timmy only sets up shop in summer, but there are restaurants you can get them from year round.” - "Aaaah, drat. I'll have to make a note of that...if it's open only during one time of the year, they must be pretty good." "What's a coney dog?" Syd asked, "'Cos all I'm picturing is, like...you put it in an ice cream cone and put regular hot dog stuff on it." - “An ice cream cone? What makes you think- Ohhhhh, coney dog. Nahh. It's short for Coney Island Hot Dog. Basically, they take this specific kind of hot dog and top it with this meat sauce; not chili. It's something else. Anyway, it's usually topped with a heaping helping of onions and mustard. You can get them plain too though. Some people like theirs with cheese.” - "Ooooooooooooh." Syd blinked, "I don't know, I kind of like my idea more." J.C. scoffed lightly and shook his head. Kids could be such weirdos sometimes. "Well, even if we can't get them specifically from Timmy's Coneys , is that something that you'd be willing to eat after we're done here?" Syd nodded enthusiastically. "I think Kat would, too, 'cos it doesn't have green stuff on it. At least, from the sounds of it." "You want to go and ask her?" Syd gave the two a salute and ran off, yelling "PLAY NICE, YOU TWO!" to the pair. J.C. laughed, "We weren't...! Aaaaaand she's gone. Dang, she's fast." - Lola watched as Syd ran off. There goes the person giving her attention... Oh well. She rolled back over onto her stomach and closed her eyes. Audrey laughed as well, taking a seat next to J.C. on the bench. “Your sister seems like a hoot and a half! I'm guessing she keeps you on your toes, huh?” - "Tiptoes is more like it." he responded, smirking a bit. "She's a character, I will give her that." - She chuckled. “I've known kids like that; like real life versions of Calvin from Calvin & Hobbes... You ever read that comic?” - "Oh, yeeeah! I read those all the time when I was a bit younger. Still do, occasionally. ...Although, I read them in French first, then went to English once my grasp on the language improved a bit..." - Audrey cocked her head to the side. Didn't his sister say they lived in Bristol? “French?” - "....Ah, right, right..." He cleared his throat a little, "See, I'm....not originally from England. Syd and Kat's mum and dad are my adoptive mum and dad. Been so since I was around 2 years old. I'm originally from France." - She slowly raised her head and lowered it as she let out a drawn out, “Ohhhhhhh.” Rather than pry for details, she simply smiled and said, “I'm glad you were able to get adopted at a young age. Adapt to your new family faster and all that. I've thought about adopting myself, but I think it's a little early to think about that sort of thing. I don't even have a boyfriend right now,” she laughed. - He gave her a smile back, as a silent way of saying thanks. "I'm thinking of doing the same, honestly. I mean, I'm happy either way- adoption or otherwise., but...kind of in the same boat; just out of school, no girlfriend...all that fun stuff." - “Not often I see a man who openly admits to wanting kids,” she giggled, nudging him with her elbow. “Shame you live across the ocean,” she joked with a wink. - J.C. chuckled, a little bit of a awkward/nervous edge to it. "Haha, yeah. It kind of be nice to have a couple of my own...I mean, there's Syd and Kat, but they're my sisters. Having a kid be your own's a little different." - “Ah, I'm just messing with you,” Audrey smiled, hoping he didn't think she was actually hitting on him. “I would imagine so. Speaking of, I wonder what those two are talking about. With how fast Syd sprinted off, you'd think she'd be back by now.” - "That's a good question...I don't hear any sort of screaming or yelling, so they're not fighting..." He snickered, "Maybe she got distracted and now they're both on the swings?" - Audrey shrugged. “Maybe. I don't mind though. I'm totally free today, so I don't mind waiting... Though I suppose those two don't have to be here for the directions. Would you rather I just tell you where to go and get out of your hair?” - "If you want; you're welcome to hang around if you don't have anywhere to be today. Besides, I think the minute Syd mentions the word 'puppy' to Kat, she'll come running over." - Audrey snickered. “I think I'll stay. Lola loves attention, I love kids, and you seem pretty nice~” - J.C. couldn't help but blush a little. "I, um....I try, heh..." All of a sudden, a more high-pitched "PUPPYYYYYYYYYY!!" came from the playground. Aaaaah, there it was...a "Kat, wait up!!" followed shortly. "Speaking of kids, sounds like Syd mentioned the 'P' word...." - “Sounds like it,” she agreed, making sure she had a firm hold on Lola's leash. Lola had perked up at the sound of the shout and was now wagging her tail eagerly, whining impatiently for what she was sure would be more attention. - Pretty soon, a little blonde girl dressed in pink and purple had joined the pair. She looked to the redhead, smiling. "Sooooo, you're Audrey, right? Jenna's been tellin' me about you." Shortly after Kat had arrived, Syd turned up, out of breath. "Easy, kiddo. Take a sec and rest." he told the smaller redhead. Syd did just that, walking over to the other open space on the bnch and plopping down with an "Oof!" "An' Syd says you've got a puppy. Can I pet her, please?" - “Mm-hm,” Audrey smiled warmly at the blonde. “And you're Kat?” Lola was currently on her hind legs, trying to pull away to reach Kat, whining all the while. “I don't think I have a choice here,” she laughed, gesturing for Kat to come over. - "Yep!" She nodded, skipping a little closer. "Hiiiiiii, puppyyyyy~!" "The name's Lola." Syd piped up. "Hiiii, Lolaaaaa~!" - Lola wagged her tail as she excitedly sniffed at the newcomer. Deciding she liked the child, the dog gave her a few licks. “She's a friendly one, isn't she? I like your outfit, by the way. Pink and purple are my favorite colors~” - "Uh-huuuuuh." Kat giggled, as Lola showed her affection. "Mine too!" - “Neat!” While Audrey was curious as to what Jenna said about her, she decided keeping the focus on the dog would make more sense. “I got her from the local shelter. The people working there said she's a mixed breed, but weren't sure what all is in her. They think she might have a bit of Border Collie in her though.” - "Oooo, Border Collie, eh?" Kat looked to J.C., "That's not one of those super big dogs, right?" J.C. smirked, "Yeeees, and I know what you're asking. You know my answer already." "Dang it." - “I'm guessing you've been wanting a dog? I know the feeling,” she smiled sympathetically. “Lola here is my first dog and I've just recently turned twenty four years old! My family's house could get so chaotic at times that a dog just seemed like it would be too much, despite my asking. Figures my parents would adopt their own dog not long after I went to college.” She shrugged. “Oh well. At least the two get along.” - Both kids looked at Audrey. Twenty-four? "...No way, you look way too young." Syd spoke up. J.C. couldn't help but laugh a little. "Syd, twenty four's not old. Nowhere near it." "You only say that 'cos you're twenty three." Kat added. "Twenty four in August, though. Point is, early to mid twenties is not old." - Audrey giggled, taking 'look way too young' as a compliment. “I sure hope not! I want to be married with kids before I'm old!” - "Human years don't work like dog years, you two." J.C. chuckled. "If that were the case, Syd would be anywhere from 56 to 78 years old." Kat snickered. J.C. looked to the little girl, "And you'd be somewhere from 48 to 64 years old, depending on breed." Syd tilted her head, looking at her sister. "Soooooo, what kinda dog d'you think she'd be? One o' those yappy little chihuahuas?" Kat gave her sister a cheeky smile, "You're probably one of those big, bumbling ones that slobbers a lot." J.C. sighed quietly, seeing where this conversation was going. "Okay, you two, tone it down a bit." - Audrey chuckled. She knew where this was going... and just how to stop it. "My parents have one of those; a little chihuahua, I mean. I should have a video of her playing with Lola on my phone, if you two can get along long enough to watch it." - Ah, Audrey was pulling out the big guns...puppy videos! Dang it, she knew one of their weaknesses! Looking begrudgingly to each other, smiling a semi-forced smile, the sisters slowly side-hugged each other in a "See? Friends!" sort of way. - She could tell the two weren't happy, but they got an A for effort. “Alrighty~ Let me just get out my phone real quick.” Digging through her purse (which she had thankfully kept on before she ran after Lola), she soon pulled out her phone, which had a unique cover. The cover was pink in color, with a pattern of purple hearts and teddy bears, as well as rhinestones scattered throughout. “Oh yeah! I'm still getting used to that,” she showed them the phone. “My cousin made this case for my birthday. Isn't it neat?!” - Syd and Kat were like a pair of puppies themselves, watching as Audrey pulled out her phone. If their ears could've perked up, they would have- the case was so cute! "Uh-huuuuuuuh." J.C. had to chuckle a bit; he didn't really know whether it was the shininess of the phone case or the promise of watching dogs playing together, but the way his sisters looked right now was pretty funny. - Audrey chuckled. “Alright alright. Enough of that. Onto the video~” Scrolling through her gallery, she found what she was looking for, turned up the brightness and volume, then pointed the screen towards the girls as she pressed play. The video started with a view of Lola and a small white chihuahua with semi long fur. The two dogs were sharing a rope toy, each with an end in their mouth. While the chihuahua tugged with all her might, Lola simply stayed still, tail wagging as she watched the smaller dog try to take the toy. “I don't think Daisy's getting that toy any time soon,” Audrey's voice could be heard from behind the camera. “Let's give her a break. Lola, come here, girl!” Rather than drop the toy and come to her master, Lola instead dragged the toy and the chihuahua over to her, resulting in cackles from those off screen. - The once squabbling siblings immediately quieted down and watched the video intently. It almost seemed like the two were in some sort of trance, giggling almost simultaneously. J.C. shook his head, amused at the girls and the dogs. - The video ended and Audrey chuckled. “Yeah. They're a hoot, alright! You want to see some pictures?” - Cue a simultaneous nod from the sisters.

- "Alrighty~" She brought up her photo album for Lola and Daisy and proceeded to flip through it. - Both girls giggled at the sight of the two. "Note to self: when these two start squabbling, find cute puppy pictures." J.C. mumbled, pretending to scribble on an invisible notepad. - Audrey giggled, then snorted. She proceeded to cover up her nose, bashful. - J.C. giggled at...well, Audrey's giggle; it was so cute! - She cleared her throat, as if to clear the awkwardness she felt away, and moved on to flip through the pictures. She had quite a few of them. “I could send you some, if you want. Though I suppose I would need your email for that.” - E-mail? Huh...that...must mean that she wanted to keep in contact?? Not that he minded, of course. It was just...they'd only JUST met. Or maybe it was because if he didn't have them, Syd and Kat would constantly be begging to go back to Michigan, just so they could find Audrey and have her show pictures of Daisy and Lola. "Uuuuuh, sure!" he said, trying not to chuckle awkwardly. First time a pretty girl had asked for his e-mail. "Do you, um...want me to type it in on your phone as a little note, or...?" - She really hadn't put much thought into it when she'd said it, but she soon realized the implications of what she'd said. Oops. Not that she would mind keeping in contact... She thought for a moment, then smiled. “Sure thing!” she said as she opened up her notes app and handed it to him. “If you get an email from 'teddy bear lover,' it's me.” - J.C. gave her a nod and quickly typed in his e-mail address. "Aaaaand if you get a response from...." His...e-mail was a liiiittle embarrasing, he thought. He had made it when he was about Syd's age, so... "...well, this, then it's me." "Bluerangerbaguette714"....seemed like a good idea at the time. He liked Power Rangers, he liked baguettes, and 7/14 was an important holiday in France. "I, uh...haven't updated it yet. Made it when I was about 10 or 11...." he chuckled nervously, face turning a bit pink. - Audrey looked at the email address and had to make a great effort not to laugh. She was trying so hard, her body was actually shaking slightly. “Makes sense,” her voice came out as a squeak. “My dad helped me pick mine so I wouldn't be embarrassed late-her-her-her!” So much for not laughing. “I'm sorr-ee-hee-hee!” - Eeeeeh, he should've seen that coming. Way to go, 10-11 year old J.C. ...Buuuuut at least he could laugh at himself. He joined in on the laughter; a little awkward at first, but it started to sound more natural as he went on laughing. "It is kind of ridiculous, looking back on it." he admitted. - Audrey held a hand to her face, trying to stifle the laughter. “It's not that funny! I just told myself not to laugh and that made it hilarious!” Her laughter did die down to a snicker and Lola looked at the two in confusion. - "I mean, if you imagine something like..." he began to "demonstrate" a few Power Rangers-like poses and trying to say random things in French as epically as he could, "...while thinking of it, then...I mean, that's usually what I think of anytime I read that." - She snickered a few more times at the poses. “As someone who knows karate, that just makes it more hilarious.” - Syd snickered at her brother. "You're a dork, J.C." "The dorkiest~" he responded. "The dorkiest in all the la- wait a sec...karate??" Syd asked, turning her focus to karate. "You knowkarate??" - “Mm-hm~” she nodded. “I may not be the violent type, but karate is good for blowing of steam and is a good confidence booster. I may not be the brightest, but at least I can raise my foot above my head.” She smiled awkwardly. “That's what I like to tell myself, anyway.” - "Show me!!" Syd said, bouncing on her heels excitedly, "Please??" - “Raise my foot above my head? Sure!” She stood up from her seat on the bench and proceeded to do a few stretches before lifting her leg almost completely vertically. “Don't try this at home, kids. Not without lots of practice, anyway.” - All 3 Malones (Syd, mainly-followed by J.C. and Kat in terms of intensity) went wide eyed. "Hoooooly crud!" Syd gasped, awestruck. - Audrey chuckled and brought her leg back down. “Yeah. I've been practicing this sort of stuff since I was a kid.” - "Not to brag, but..." Syd dusted off her knuckles, "I, uh....I do a bit of karate myself." "I don't think what you do is actually karate," Kat piped up, "I think that's more like flailing about." Syd "hmmph"ed, took a few steps back, and demonstrated some of her "moves". - “Hmmm... I'd say that was more... avant-garde karate than traditional karate.” Translation: You're not very good, but I don't want to hurt your feelings. - Syd smirked at her sister. "See? She knows talent when she sees it." - Audrey simply smiled and nodded. Best not to break her confidence. She'd offer to teach her some moves, but she doubted she'd see the trio again anytime soon. - "Whateeeever you say." Kat mumbled quietly, rolling her eyes at her sister. " 'S gonna come in handy when I get a job when I'm older." Syd added. "...What was that again?" J.C. asked. With Syd, it changed just about every couple of weeks. "Circus performer/bodyguard/secret agent...with a penthouse." - "I'm guessing you're aiming for a more physical line of work then? Can't blame ya. I'm a personal trainer myself." - "Oooo, that sounds like a good idea, too! Maybe add that to the list..." J.C. chuckled, "With a physique like that, I wouldn't be surprised." Maybe that was a little too forward? He coughed, and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, "Good surprised, though. You, ah...I imagine you're very skilled at your job- helping people with getting into shape. - “My physique? You haven't even seen me out of these clothes,” she laughed, before realizing what she said. “N-not like that!” she stammered. “I meant out of these specific clothes! My workout clothes show more.” - "I, um...I'd hope so? N-not in a weird way! Just....so you don't get overheated or anything; speeding up the dehydration process while exercising is rather risky, and..." His voice began to trail off, "I'm...gonna stop talking now...I...made it awkward..." Syd looked between the two, smirking a bit to herself. Super friendly to each other AND awkward when they think they've made a misstep? Oooo, was Cupid nearby~? - “No, no; it's fine,” she chuckled. “I know what you meant. It's good to dress for your workout; don't overheat or sweat up your regular clothes.” She sat back down and began petting Lola. “Though I know some prefer the less revealing clothes. I used to be the same. Took me a while to get past some of my self esteem issues, y'know? You just gotta get a breathable material.” - J.C. nodded, understanding the "self-esteem issue" thing all too well. Not really wanting to dive into that (mainly because...well, come on, he and Audrey had just met), he focused more on the breathable fabric thing."Yeah. That way it's like...when a person's all done workin' out for the day, they're not dripping with sweat or smelling like an old pair of socks." - Audrey snickered. “Depends on your definition of a workout. That's why we have showers at the gym~” She paused for a moment. “Weren't we talking about stuff to do in Michigan? How'd we get here?” she laughed. - Oh thank goodness, the subject changed. He laughed, "Dunno, that's actually a really good question..." "Can I go back an' play now?" Kat asked. "Go for it." J.C. told her, giving her a small nod and taking a glance at his watch. " 'Bout 30 more minutes, alright? I want to get you guys fed, too." "Can we get those coney dogs??" Syd asked. J.C. shrugged, "Yeah, sure. Probably the only time we're going to be able to get them, so why not?" "Sweet!" Syd gave Lola a quick pet before running back to the playground. "Last one there's a rotten egg!" she called to Kat. The little blonde mimicked her sister's actions, instead yelling "Bye, Audrey! It was nice to meet you!" "What she said!!" Syd shouted back. - “Same to you!” she called out before relaxing back against the bench. “They seemed nice~ I should probably give you directions before I forget.” She proceeded to dig through her purse. “I'm sure I have a pen and paper in here somewhere... Also; while it's not limited to Michigan, it seems to be a northern U.S. thing. If you can find Blue Moon ice cream, go ahead and try some. I can't really describe the flavor, but I love the stuff. If you've ever had Superman ice cream, it's basically the blue part in that.” - J.C. chuckled. "They try. Kind of nice that they're screaming more from running around than fighting. Iiii...don't think I've had that flavour before, but with a name like 'Superman', that might sound like something Syd'll like. May as well try some Blue Moon just for the heck of it, y'know?" - Having pulled a notebook and a pen, Audrey proceeded to jot down the directions. “Yup yup! Always nice to try something new~” In addition to the directions, she jotted down a few other places they could look into while in Michigan. - "Haha, yeah. I should tell that to Kat, or as I call her: 'Little Miss No-Greens'. She'll eat her fruits and veg, yeah, but only if they aren't green. ...Good thing it's 'Blue Moon' ice cream and not...'Green Moon'." Okay, so that was kind of a lame joke, but hey. Glancing over at her writing, he smiled a bit. Not only writing down the names of places, but directions, too! "...Forgive me if this sounds a bit weird, but...you have really nice handwriting." - Audrey chuckled at the green moon joke, then giggled at the compliment of her handwriting. “Not weird,” she assured as she bashfully played with her hair, twirling a short curl around her finger. It was nice to get a compliment on something that wasn't her physique. “I take a lot of notes. Helps me remember things.” - He nodded, "Always good, always good. Nothing worse than having something super important you need to do or get, then completely forgetting to. Like... 'don't forget the milk....don't forget the milk....wait, what was I getting?...Ah, crud! I forgot the milk!" - Audrey snickered. “Yeah. That's why I write everything down,” she flipped through her notebook to show page upon page of notes. “I've had friends ask how I got them the perfect gift, and I'm like, 'Remember how you were talking about that thing three months ago? Yeah. I wrote it down.'” She flipped a page and twirled her pen. “Speaking of, how do you spell your sisters' names? I wanna write them down. Yours too... I'm imagining there's more to your name than a J and a C.“ - "I should start doing that," he noted, "Did it a lot more while I was still in school, but having recently graduated, eeeeh....not so much. Would be good to get back into the habit." At the "more than a J and a C" comment, he chuckled. "I would hope so, otherwise my parents were very lazy. It's short for Jean-Claude: J-E-A-N, dash ,C-L-A-U-D-E. Syd's is S-Y-D-N-E-Y, and Kat's is K-A-T-R-I-N-A." - “A-ha! It's a good thing I asked,” she proceeded to write the names down. “I definitely would have spelled those wrong otherwise. You never know; that Greg could be spelled with two Gs at the end or something.” - "Haha, yeah! Or the 'Christopher' that you pass by every day spells it as 'K-R-I-S-T-O-F-F-E-R." he replied, offering an example. - “Oh goodness. That reminds me of a comedian talking about names who said he met a girl named Amy, but it was spelled A-Y-M-I-E. I think it was Brian Regan.” - J.C. had to laugh, "Or you get a name that has about seven different consonants all piled together, but it's pronounced as 'Jim'." - Audrey snickered. "Okay; now you're just making stuff up." - J.C. gave her a cheeky smile. "Maaaaybe just a little, yeah." - “Your sister was right. You are a dork,” she grinned. - "Now if only being a dork was a profession." he snickered, "I'm overqualified." - “You'd have some stiff competition. I've memorized at least half the recent My Little Pony songs word for word. And let's not forget all the Disney songs.” - "If it's any consolation, I do a meeeean rendition of 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King'...granted, I'm always designated as Zazu, but hey." J.C. shrugged, "Now my 'Winter Wrap Up' can use a bit of work, but..." - He knew My Little Pony too? Nice! Audrey grinned before softly singing one of Nala's lines. “No one saying be there~” - Cue him responding with a "No one saying 'Stop that!' " - “No one saying seeee heeeere~” She jokingly thought that, if he joined her on that line, he must be her soulmate. - He did indeed, laughing a bit as he did so. - Audrey laughed as well, unable to believe he actually did it. “Oh, wow. You're the first guy who's ever sung Disney with me... Well, besides kids... and my dad... Okay; the first adult male who isn't related to me.” - J.C. shrugged, smiling, "Hey, you have to admit that they are pretty catchy, so it's kind of hard not to. ...Well, that and it's pretty fun to sing along to stuff, anyway." - She nodded in agreement. “It's a little different when you're in front of other people though.” She rubbed her arm, smiling bashfully. “I'm usually a bit shy with that sort of thing, but, I dunno, you seem... safe? for lack of a better word. Like, I don't imagine you would make fun of me. Then again, we did just meet, but, eh,” she shrugged. “just a feeling.” - 'Safe', awwww~ That was kind of the way he felt about her, too. His heart felt like it was burning with something. Not heartburn or anything like that, but more like...some warm affection-type feelings. They appeared to be past the level of acquaintance and more on the level of "friends who hadn't seen each other in years"...which was kind of strange, since they'd just met. Best not to question it, though.... He gave her a gentle smile, "It sucks being on the end where you get laughed at. I know from experience, it's...not the best feeling. So I make it a point not to do that to others, y'know? Break the cycle, treat others how you want to be, something along those lines..." - “Woof,” Audrey exhaled, looking towards the sky. “Tell me about it. I was prime bully bait as a kid. Not only did I have plenty to make fun of, I cried really easy, so they always got a reaction.” - J.C. mimicked Audrey's actions, "My main 'points of fault', I say with heavy emphasis on the air quotes, were the fact that I was still learning English, my accent- a lot heavier at the time- my glasses... the list goes on and on." - She sat back up and pointed to her front teeth, which were fairly large in comparison to the rest of her teeth. “You see these? This is after I've grown into them.” She paused for a moment, looking confused. “Who makes fun of a French-English accent?!” she exclaimed as she threw her hands up. “Those are, like, the best accents to have!” - "At least they weren't missing...? I know that's not a lot of help, but..." he pointed to his, "These two are actually fake. Got my two adult teeth knocked clean out when I was a little older than Syd. Took a while to get the implants, so..." he blew a bit of air out of his nose, "Bet you can guess how well that went over with the little buttmunches that were in my class. The real kicker was when I finally got them and sounded like Daffy Duck for a solid month and a half." He rubbed the back of his neck, "That....probably isn't much help, and I don't mean to make it sound like I'm taking the conversation away from you, but...I dunno, that whole 'safe' feeling you said you have with me kind of...extends over from me to you, too." - “Cheese on a cracker!” Audrey exclaimed with a hand to her chest. “That's horrible! How on earth did they manage that; a hammer?!” She waved her hands. “Oh no no no no. It's fine. I'm talking to you, not at you.” - He gave her a nod, a sort of not verbal way of saying "I understand", before continuing. "More like running into a tree...going down a hill on a bike...at near full speed....as part of a dare from a couple of older boys. The bit they forgot to mention was that I had to jump off the bike before it hit." He sighed, shaking his head, "Y'know, part of that was my fault for taking the dare, but...11 year old me didn't want them thinkin' I was a chicken or anything." He smirked, another thought occurring to him, "Althooooough....I knew one of the older kids, so before I went home, I went to his house first and showed his parents- who knew my parents and were good friends with them- what happened." - Audrey grimaced, recoiling at the thought of such a stunt. “I'm sure that was a delight for them to see,” she shuddered before shaking her head to rid herself of the thought. “My dad actually had to have a veneer in high school. He got in a fight, something he never does, because the guy made my mom cry. They barely knew each other at the time, but Dad was smitten with her from day one. Anyway, he was beaten to a pulp and lost a chunk of tooth, but he married my mom in the end so... yaaaayyy...” she waved her hands. - "Ooof..." J.C. had to cringe at the thought, "Buuuut...I guess in the end, it all worked out? Better than my parents. ...I'm...not 100% sure of how my birth parents met, but my current ones...that's a different story. Short and skinny is that they knew each other as kids, Mum was a right pillock to Dad, she moved away, then they re-united in uni and I guess...everything worked out? Apologies, burying the hatchet, all that good stuff." - “Huh,” she shrugged, “Fair enough.” She paused to look down at Lola. “I wonder if she knew we would get along somehow. Like some sort of doggy sixth sense. I mean, out of all the people in the park, she went straight for you.” - He chuckled, "I dunno...I mean, the same tends to happen when people ask me to hold their babies and they're all smiles and whatnot. I don't even do much, other than give them a 'Hey, what's up, little darlin'?' or 'Salut, petit lapin!' and I'm getting this few-toothed smile." He stopped and thought for a second, "I mean...people aren't handing me babies all the time, but...you get what I mean, right?" - Audrey tittered at the thought. “Come, Julia! We must find a kind stranger to hold our baby!” - J.C. started to go into a giggle fit, trying to picture the scenario. - Audrey did as well. Meanwhile... While Edward wasn't the boss, he was well respected in his workplace. He was a hard worker and had been with the company for over twenty years. He knew the inner workings of things and could navigate the building blindfolded. While he may not be the most social, he was certainly polite and was sure to greet the employee from their English branch. “Roger Malone, was it?” the exceedingly tall man inquired, holding out his hand to shake. - New country, new people...at least it's the same company? Albeit, a different branch, but...stiiill the same company, so not all that much should be that different. Kind of wished that Reggie or Eric had come along, that way I'd at least know someone... "Roger Malone, was it?" came a voice. Snapping out of his little funk, the Englishman smiled in the direction it was coming from. Ah! Now time to match a voice to a faaaaa....hoooooly moley, this guy was huge! Was...was that who that voice belonged to? Only one way to find out.... "Aaah, yes! Yes, that's me." he chuckled, "I know I have a few names I was supposed to remember, so I'm going to take a stab in the dark, and say yooooou're..." David? Jack? Not a Sandra, that was for sure... "...Edward?" - "First try; impressive. Edward Davis; yes," he nodded. "I believe the meeting is in," he checked his watch, "about fifteen minutes. So you should have time to learn your way around or stop by the breakroom. There may still be a doughnut or two, if you hurry." - Roger gave him a nod. Sure, this guy seemed really intimidating, but...it wasn't like he was trying to assert his dominance over him? Nothing like "Move it, peasant, there are doughnuts with MY name on it in the breakroom." "Duly noted...perhaps a little stroll around, then, ah...get down to business, eh?" Totally nailed that office small talk. - Edward simply nodded, not acknowledging the awkwardness. He could be awkward himself, when out of his element. “I'll leave you to it then. If you need help with anything, Sandra should be happy to assist. She's pretty easy to spot with her curly blonde hair and large glasses. If you can't find her, well, it's pretty hard to miss me,” he chuckled slightly. - "Curly hair, large glasses...got it. Cheers, mate." he gave him a smile and a nod before heading off. Hmm, maybe this guy would be the guy to stick to during this whole shebang. Seemed like he knew what was up. - Edward did the same and went about his business until it was time for the meeting. The meeting went about as well as one could expect, if a little longer than usual to fill in the newcomer. Statistics were discussed, questions were asked, ideas were suggested, and progress was made. Satisfied, the higher ups dismissed the others to go about their usual business. - The question was...what...exactly was his usual business now? Roger's usual usual business involved bumming around with Reg and Eric for a little bit before getting back to work, but they were back in England. Then he got a glimpse of Edward again. He knew his way around...would he mind if he just shadowed him for a bit? "Aaah, Edward?" - Edward turned around and raised a brow at the Brit. "Yes? Can I help you?" - "Er, perhaps." He cleared his throat, obviously a little nervous, "Would it...trouble you if I, ah...shadowed you for a little while? You're the only face that I can actually immediately place. I don't know if our positions are equivalents to one another, but...it's always good to know a little about a lot?" Translation: Holy cow, I'm beyond awkward around here, please let me just stay under your wing for a bit. - Thankfully, Edward decided to show mercy on the awkward man. “That shouldn't be a problem, as long as you don't go shouting in my ear while I'm trying to work or something.” He made a subtle gesture with his head to follow him before heading for his office. The inside of his office was a strange mix of sterile and welcoming. While he had various degrees on his walls with pens and papers arranged just so, he also had photos and childish nick-knacks scattered about. Seemed he wasn't the only influence on his office. - "Oh! Noooo, no, no, no, I usually keep to myself, anyway. Perhaps a little chatter here and there with a couple of colleagues, but otherwise..." Upon entering the office, the sterility offset him juuuust a tad. Sure, Roger was a rather tidy man as well, but this was perhaps a step up from his level of cleanliness. Then he caught sight of the photos and little "decorations". Resisting the urge to breathe a sigh of relief ("Oh thank god, he's human"), Roger couldn't help but crack a small smile, having a couple in his own little office space back home. Must be a "dad" thing- having a couple little "projects" your kids have done just hanging around in your workspace. "Family man, eh?" he asked, breaking the silence. - “They're my world,” he admitted, smiling softly and making his front teeth even more prominent. Turning a frame on his desk to face the other man, the photo revealed a recent photo of his wife and daughter. The two women shared the traits of red hair, green eyes, and freckles. The daughter had short hair while the mother had long hair. Another major difference between them, besides their ages, was the fact the mother was short and of an average build while the daughter was taller with an athletic build. “My wife, Abigail, and our daughter, Audrey. Quite the family resemblance, isn't there?” he smiled widely, proud of his girls. Edward almost seemed to become another person when it came to his family. - Roger had to chuckle a little; to think that this scary looking guy was a big ol' softie. "They're lovely~" he responded, as he started to dig out his wallet. If they were going to do an impromptu show and tell, then he supposed it was his turn. "Let's see..." Finally getting the wallet out, Roger dug around and found a more recent photo of his family. "Aha!" He handed it over to Edward, "This one took a few tries, since everyone wanted to muck about, buuuut..." In it were him, a blonde woman who was a couple inches shorter (and had a looser sense of dressing; nice jeans and a shirt as opposed to Roger's shirt and tie deal), a young man close to his height and in a rugby shirt, and two young girls: one with hair a shade or two darker than her mother's and dressed a little more "girly"(t-shirt and a skort), and one with bright red hair, dressed more casually: sweatshirt and shorts...and a purposefully goofy smile. "My wife Charlotte, my son J.C., and my daughters: Katrina and Sydney." he said, pointing each of them out. - Edward took the photo and adjusted his glasses as he got a good look. “You still have young ones, I see. One of them pretty mischievous, from the looks of it,” he smirked as he handed the picture back. “Thankfully the more mischievous of my family are my nieces and nephews and not my responsibility... They're nothing compared to their mothers though.” - Roger chuckled, both at Edward's comment on his picture and his "not my responsibility" comment. "Yeeeeah, haha. Could be worse...one of Charlotte's siblings has triplets, who've just turned two." - “Three terrible twos? I'm good with numbers, but I don't have an answer to that. Speaking of multiples; my wife's older sisters are identical twins. Quite literally double trouble, given their natures.” - "They don't either, apparently. Just kind of taking it a day at a time. " he laughed, "Twins, eh? Interesting! My wife's older brothers are twins as well. Fraternal, though." - “Huh. Small world,” he mused aloud as he sat down at his desk and began typing away. “Sorry. We can keep talking. I just feel the need to be productive while we do so.” Working was practically a compulsion for the man. - "Guess so." he chuckled. "And that's totally alright." Granted, as he said that, Roger had sort of...run out of things to talk about other than the weather... - The room was silent for a bit, save for the click-clacking of the computer keys. “...Would it be alright with you if I put some music on?” He usually listened to music while he worked. While this was usually done via headphones, he didn't want to appear as though he was ignoring the man, nor did he want to leave him in awkward silence. - Roger gave him a nod. "Go for it." Hey, potential new topic of conversation! "What, ah...what sort of music are you into, out of curiosity?" - Edward proceeded to take out an iPod from one of his drawers and skim through his music. “It's difficult to pinpoint, honestly. I listen to multiple genres and it can vary depending on my mood.” Now, what might the average person like? “...How about some pop rock?” - Roger shrugged, "Fine by me." - Edward nodded and brought up the playlist. Upon pressing play, Michael Jackson's Thriller started through the iPod's speaker. - A smile started to spread across Roger's face. "Heh. Usually anytime I hear this, it's from Sydney blasting it the morning of October 31st. I find it interesting that it was actually released almost an entire month after Halloween, yet that's what a lot of people associate the song with..." - “Not surprising, given the theme of the song and the accompanying music video. I really appreciate the choreography in that video.” - "Right? To be honest, the one that gets me is 'Beat It'; albeit more so for the whole 'two legitimate rival gangs' thing. To think they were able to not completely brutalize each other honestly astounds me." - “Couldn't have been easy,” he remarked as he typed. “Shame music and dancing can't really solve your problems, like in the movies.” - Roger chuckled, "Yeeeah. If it was able to, my wife and I would have been friends starting in childhood, as opposed to establishing a friendship during university. Long story." - “Actually, if it weren't for conflict, I likely wouldn't have wound up with my wife. Also a long story.” - ...Huh. Interesting... "I mean...I'm up for sharing mine; I'm not sure about you. Though, I am curious. If you're comfortable sharing, would you like to elaborate first or shall I?" - Edward took a look at his watch, before scooting away from his desk and facing his chair towards Roger. If they were going into long stories, he could at least give him his full attention. “I have some time. Go ahead,” he gestured slightly with his hand. - Roger gave him a small nod, found an available chair, sat, and took a deep breath. "Fair enough. Right, let's see...both her and I were born in and spent most of our childhood in Liverpool. It's a fairly sizeable city, however, the two of us ended up attending the same primary school. Her by her own volition, and myself since my mother was the headmistress. Her being a 'rebel' and me being a 'toffee-nose' as she called it, Charlotte wasn't exactly keen on me, or a number of other students. Or teachers, for that matter. She was a...er, perhaps a couple of steps above being considered a 'troublemaker'- enough to the point where she ended up being expelled. Now, after that, there were several rumours that had gone around; saying she ended up in prison, fled the country..." He chuckled, thinking back on some of the other rumors that circulated, "In actuality, she went to another school. Save for perhaps...two or three times in between, neither of us saw each other again until university. We ended up being paired together for a project. I was still considered as a bit of 'teacher's pet', whereas she never really left her 'rebellious' phase. The process itself was akin to pulling teeth, but eventually, we found out that the two of us knew each other...albeit, our last memories of one another were not exactly the best, per se. It took a number of months. but eventually, she had opened up quite a bit and ended up apologizing for the grief she'd caused me as a lad. " He smiled slightly, "After that, we just started hanging out together, and lo and behold, sometime later we ended up getting married and raising three children." - Edward listened and nodded politely as the other spoke. “That's a nice story. Not everyone gets an apology from someone who wronged them, let alone marries them.” - Roger shrugged, chuckling. "I guess she really needed was some time to mature. Same for me, as well. Come a bit out of my shell and all." - Edward nodded. “I know the feeling. Abigail makes sure I don't keep to myself too much. As for our story... how much time do you have? I have a tendency to wax poetic with this sort of thing.” - Roger laughed, "I've got all day, mate. Lay it on me." - “Very well.” Smiling, he began his story. “Abigail... I'll never forget the moment I saw her... It was during my junior year of high school. I was on my way to class when, among the cacophony of locker doors slamming, the squeaking of shoes on the hallway floor, and the incessant chatter of students, I heard the most beautiful sound to ever grace my ears. It was a giggle, soft and pure, conveying the warmth and happiness one would expect of an angel. That's what she was, an angel. And, just as one would expect of an ethereal being, I was only able to catch a glimpse of her as she passed by. Hair the color of the rising sun and eyes that sparkled like emeralds, she was, and still is, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was completely in awe. I had no idea how a girl as beautiful as her could exist, nor how I couldn't have noticed her until that point. While I've never been able to answer the first question, it wasn't long until I was able to answer the latter. I'd never seen her before because she had only just begun attending our school.” He did warn Roger he could wax poetic. The rest of his story was just as eloquently worded; covering how, though he admired her, he didn't pursue her, how he tried to be happy for her when she began dating a bully of his, the rage he felt when the other had taken advantage of her, the fight for her honor that he lost, and the gratitude Abigail had for his attempt. - ....Man, he wasn't kidding. Edward was practically a reincarnation of Shakespeare- armed with a silver tongue and a talent for creating crystal clear imagery. It was almost as if Roger was there himself, observing from the sidelines. "That was....forgive me for being so emotional, but..." Roger wiped some stray tears from his eyes. "That was absolutely beautiful..." - Edward chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as a blush painted his features. “The story itself or the way I told it?” - "Both. Any of those degrees you hold happen to be an English or Literature one?" - He chuckled once more. “I'm afraid not. My interest in the arts is not something I've pursued outside of hobbies. I was encouraged to pursue a stable career path, in my youth.” - "Aaah. I mean...perhaps having it as a hobby is slightly better than a career? In those fields, I have been told that how much you make- if anything- is all dependent on luck. With your talent, I imagine you would be able to have been noticed fairly easily, but...perhaps it would be more stressful, in a sense. There are deadlines in an office setting, yes, but deadlines in an artistic sense...what if you're in a creative slump but need to produce something the next day and are unable to?" He chuckled nervously, hoping that his 'spitballing' of sorts made at least some sense. "That's all a matter of opinion , I suppose. I-I don't consider myself as one of those types that thinks that being an artist, in any medium, isn't a career..." - “Exactly. I don't think I'd be able to think and create freely whilst simultaneously being restricted by deadlines.” He sighed slightly and smiled. “Besides, I'm quite content with where I am now. I'm not looking for fame. I have a job that provides for my family and I can still engage in my interests as hobbies.” - Roger nodded, smiling as well, "So all in all, it sort of worked out." - “Pretty much.” He checked his watch, brows rising at the time. “I really talked your ear off there. It's almost lunch. Speaking of, I can recommend some good places to eat, if you haven't been here before.” - "Is it?" Roger checked his as well, and eyebrows shooting up as a result. "Ah, so it is. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose. That would be great, actually! I've been to the States several times, but not Michigan...so I'm not sure what this place does and doesn't have." - "It would be remiss of me to not mention coney dogs while you're here. Other states have tried to make them, but Michigan really is the best place to get one. Though the absolute best place to get one is a little shop only open in the summer, but I know a place that's a close second." - "Aw, drat...but hey, second best is better than nothing I suppose!" Roger paused, "What, ah...what exactly is a coney dog, if you don't mind my asking?" - Edward laughed, or rather, exhaled through his nose. “It's basically a really good hot dog topped with a seasoned meat sauce, onions, and mustard. Not to be confused with a chili dog. While not gourmet food, it's sort of a local specialty that I've yet to see done just right anywhere else.” - Roger nodded as he listened. "Ah! Definitely sounds like something the kids will eat, so if need be, that covers dinner...probably will have one for myself as well- just to say that I've tried it." - “I certainly recommend it. Jackson is serious about its coney dogs, so if you ever want to try one, here's the place... Now I'm craving one, honestly. You want to come with me so I can show you where it is?” - Roger chuckled, "Might as well." - Back at the park, Audrey parted ways with the trio of tourists to take Lola back home. Energetic as she was, a puppy needed her rest. In fact, Audrey had to carry the pooped pooch part of the way home. When lunchtime rolled around, the redhead found herself craving a Coney dog something fierce. She didn't want to come across as though she was following the group, but she figured they would have already eaten and left by the time she got there. Upon reaching the restaurant, Audrey was surprised to see a different familiar face exiting his car. “Hi, Dad!” Audrey called from across the parking lot. What were the odds? “Hi, sweetie!” Edward called back. - Upon arriving, Roger stayed in the car for a brief second to send a quick text to his son. When it sent, he unbuckled his seatbelt and joined Edward, chuckling a bit at the two's interaction. "Ah! Daughter, right?" After Audrey left, it was soon time for J.C. and the kiddos to head on out. As expected, Syd and Kat had worked up an appetite, and started getting into a bit of a "discussion" over what to have. To keep them from going at it the entire time they were walking, the older brother told them that he already had a place in mind. ...Granted, that meant he'd have to deal with the two of them going "Where're we going?", "C'mon, tell us!", and "No, wait, lemme guess, it's THIS place!", but hey- they weren't fighting. Pulling out his phone to check the time, he noticed that he had a text from his dad: If you're in the area, I'm grabbing lunch with a colleague. If the girls can't agree on somewhere, here's the place's address..." The young adult chuckled, texting back You must be a mind reader, we're actually on our way there now. Be there in 7-10 min. - Audrey cocked her head, confused, but smiled. It wasn't often she saw her father outside the office with someone she hadn't seen before, but she saw it as a good thing.

"Indeed I am~"

Edward beamed and placed a hand on her shoulder, always happy to introduce his daughter to someone.

"Hard to believe I helped make this beautiful young woman, isn't it?" Edward laughed.

"Daaaaaaaaddyyyyyyy," Audrey covered her face, but smiled all the same. - Roger chuckled, "Well, it's very nice to meet you. I'm Roger Malone, I'm, ah...sort of your father's shadow today." - Audrey raised a brow, not quite sure what he meant by that. “He works for a foreign branch of my company and has decided to stick close to me during his visit here," Edward explained. "Oohhh," Audrey nodded. "It's funny you should mention that. I actually met three people from England today. Well, two girls from England and one man originally from France..." - Roger raised an eyebrow and had to hold back a small smirk, "Let me guess...one of the girls had bright red hair, the other was blonde, and the man had glasses?" - Audrey blinked. "Yeah. How'd you know- wait..." she started snickering. "You're their dad, aren't you?" - The man chuckled, "Indeed I am." - "What are the odds?" Audrey laughed. "Wait... uh-oh..." Edward looked confused. "Why uh-oh?" "Now they're gonna think I'm following them," she half whined. "I told them about this place, but I thought they would have been here and left by now." "I doubt that will be a problem," her father assured. "Besides, who would be disappointed to see you again?" he smiled and ruffled her hair. "Dad..." she sighed. - Roger smiled slightly. "I sent him a text, he said he'd be here in no more than 10 minutes or so. May be a bit longer since he's got two little munchkins in tow, but we'll see." - "No more, but maybe longer," Audrey snickered. "Ahhh, I'm just kidding." - The father chuckled, "You never know." - Her smile faltered a bit. "Sooo, should I leave orrr...?" - "Nooo, no, no, no, no! You're welcome to stay, I don't see it being an issue at all." He looked to Edward, "Besides, lunch with your children- regardless of age- is always a nice change from grabbing something by yourself." - "I suppose it's like a daddy daughter double day... with a son," she smiled awkwardly. - "In a sense, yes." Roger chuckled, "Should we be heading over to get some food, or would you rather we wait for the other three?" - "It wouldn't be very polite to eat before everyone is seated, let alone before everyone is in the building," Edward remarked. - "Ah, true, true." He put a hand to his forehead and gasped, trying to be dramatic and funny. "A most shameful misstep on my part." - Audrey snorted at this as Edward exhaled through his nose. - Roger chuckled and straightened himself up. Seemed as though goofiness ran in the family... Meanwhile, about 2 minutes away... "J.C., come ON! Where're we going?!" Syd whined. "I told you, it's a surprise~" he said, teasing her a bit. - "-and then Lola just bolted over to them! J.C., specifically. I don't know what her deal was, but she went straight for him. Maybe she smelled the different country on him somehow," Audrey laughed. - Roger laughed, "Quite possibly! I know that there's the belief that animals and children can sense something in people, be that good or bad, so who knows..." "I don't WANT a surprise; I want food!" "Really? Huh, that's a first...fine, I'll tell you. You remember that place that Audrey was talking about earlier?" Upon being asked this, the ten year old started to calm down a bit. "...The one with the hot dogs?" "Well, coney dogs, to be more specific, but yes. And we have a guest joining us...." That seemed to perk the two up a bit. Food AND company... - "Well, she wanted attention from him, so I imagine she sensed good," she shrugged. "She certainly liked all the attention the girls gave her; that's for sure!" - Roger chuckled, "Aaaah, looks like I'm going to be getting the 'Dad, can we get a dog??' question when they get here..." - "Their brother already answered that, I think," she snickered. - "Hopefully, he went with what I told him, and not 'heck yeah, let's go down and get one right now." the father chuckled. "Are we there yet?" Kat asked. J.C. took a quick look at the street signs, then off into the distance, trying to see if the place across the street was indeed the name of the place that Audrey had recommended. "Aaaaah, I think so?" He saw a couple of people standing in the parking lot, one soooort of looking like their dad? He wasn't 100% sure. What he did know was that there was a guy who was huge..."C'mon, let's go check it out." Once they were safely across the street, Syd and Kat's eyes grew huge, recognizing a familiar face. So THAT'S who their surprise guest was! Even before J.C. could recognize who it was, the girls dashed off. Initially thinking that the two were coming to him, Roger, turning his head at the sound of a "YAAAAAAAAAAY!!" from Syd, knelt down and braced for impact. ...Only...they didn't go for him... "Audreeeeey!!" Kat happily cooed, "J.C. was right, this WAS a surprise!" - "Hi, girls!"Audrey laughed, hugging the two. "Didn't think I'd see you guys again so soon!" She smiled apologetically and shrugged at their father. "She has a way with kids," Edward quietly informed Roger. - "Apparently. They blew right past me..." the dad chuckled. Wow, they seemed excited...did they miss Dad that much? Once J.C. got closer, he couldn't help but smile. This was a nice surprise! Upon reaching his father, he put an arm around him. "I'm surprised they didn't knock her over..."

- "She is a strong one," Edward commented. "Turns out your dad and my dad work for the same company," Audrey gestured to the respective fathers. "What are the odds, huh?" - "They do?" Kat asked. Looking to where Audrey gestures, she finally noticed Roger and made a bee-line for him. "Daddy!" While Roger pulled his youngest into a one armed hug (the other arm being around J.C.), Syd, meanwhile, stayed silent and with Audrey, looking at her father...or whoever that gargantuan person was. Was she 100% sure on that? That this guy was really her dad? They didn't look all that alike, save maybe for the teeth. She wasn't scared, per se, more in awe of the size of Edward - Audrey followed Syd's gaze and she soon chuckled. "Tall, isn't he? Don't worry," she leaned closer to whisper, "he's nowhere near as tough as he looks." - Syd merely blinked, as if she was observing something at a museum. "So you said you and Audrey's daddy are here?" Kat asked. "Yup," Roger gestured to Edward, "Kat, this is Mr. Davis. Edward, this is Kat." The little girl looked up, then fell kind of quiet. He was HUGE! She was only 4'3", this guy had to be 11 feet tall at least. Tightening her grip around her dad's hand ever so slightly, she gave Edward a slight nod and a bashful "Hi..." - Edward frowned as he looked between the two girls, believing them to be frightened of him. "It's always this," he sighed, "or begging to sit on my shoulders." - "I'm not scared, really..." Syd spoke slowly, "You're just really tall..." she smiled a bit, trying to convey that she was more amazed than frightened. - "I'm aware," he nodded. "How many retorts do you have to 'How's the weather up there' joke now?" Audrey smirked. "I'm not sure, honestly. Surprisingly, it's been a while since I've been asked that." - "...How IS the weather up there, anyway?" the ten-year-old asked. - "Partly cloudy with a one hundred percent chance of a joke I've already heard." - ...Alright, that was kind of funny...Kat and an equally nervous J.C. (in a more "This is the girl that I think I like's dad?! I know I'd have to watch out regardless, but holy moly..." sense, as opposed to Kat's "I'm but a small bean, pls no.") giggled. - Edward smiled and exhaled through his nose. "We should probably get inside before our lunch break is over." "Ohh, good point," Audrey perked up. "I have the day off, but you don't." - J.C. exhaled through his nose as well, "Guess it's a good thing that you guys were here. These two were close to ripping my arms off from...'hangriness'? I know that's not a word, but you get the idea." - "I suppose the portmanteau of 'hanger' wouldn't really work, lest someone think they wanted to hold clothes," Edward remarked as he held the door open. - J.C. chuckled. The man had jokes...always a good sign. Upon the door opening, Syd practically ran in (giving Edward a 'Thanks!!' as she passed by)- partially to find a seat and partially because FOOOOD. "Sydney, slow down, please." Roger spoke up, "Running isn't going to speed up the amount of time it'll take to get your food." - "Nope. That's up to us," Audrey chuckled as she speed-walked in. "Thanks, Dad!" - J.C. and Roger (and a Kat attached to Roger's leg), followed suit, giving Edward a "Thanks, mate" as they passed by. Even the somewhat nervous eight-year-old managed to squeak out a "Thank you, mister". Syd quietly groaned and threw her hands up- not so much in an aggressive way, more like an exasperated Muppet. "Okaaaaay." - "You're welcome," Edward said just before heading in himself. Rather than several tables, the restaurant had a few very long tables with chairs on either side. "Sooo..." Audrey started, "three on one side, three on the other?" - "Sounds fair." J.C. nodded, "Keeps Kat and Syd from fighting over who gets to sit where." - "Maybe we can go by family? Wait... that's four to two..." Audrey pondered. "Boys and girls?" Edward suggested. - "That works." Roger looked to his youngest, still clinging to him. "You going to be okay? Sitting over with your sister and Audrey?" Kat thought for a second before answering. "If Syd's not gonna be flingin' stuff at me, yeah." Syd scoffed, "Naaaah, too many grown-ups around. You're fiiiiine." - "I could sit in the middle," Audrey offered. "Any fights would have to go through me." - Kat smiled slightly, "That works." - As the group took their seats, Audrey slid off her light jacket to reveal her T-shirt and bare arms underneath. If they were wondering if she had strength to match her flexibility, there was their answer. - J.C.'s eyebrow's popped up as he got a look at Audrey's arms. Knowing that her father was right next to him, he had to resist the urge to whistle. - Audrey eyebrows scrunched together, feeling as though she was being watched. She looked up to see J.C. "...What?" - "Hm?" Ah, crud, he was noticed! Granted, he was looking at a "tame" part of her body, but still! "Ah! Sorry, sorry, I, um...I..." His face going a little pink, J.C. averted his gaze. "I just...caught a glimpse of..." he coughed, "You look...pretty strong." Totally nailed that recovery. - Given her T-shirt didn't really show any cleavage, she believed him. "Oh," she shrugged before flexing her arm. "Yeah. I work out." "She's a pretty one, huh?" Edward smiled at him, but it was threatening and with a piercing gaze; a look that said, 'Don't you dare.' - Feeling incredibly small as he was given the "Dad Glare" (as Syd called it. Roger had a similar one, but Edward's was about twice as intimidating), J.C. slunk a little in his seat, and replied with a "Y-yes, sir." "Betcha she could totally piledrive ya, J.C." Syd noted, as she watched Audrey flex. "..P...piledrive?" "Yeah! Like...SLAM! Right through a table!" Oh, she meant WRESTLING...oh thank god. J.C. chuckled nervously. "Um...p-probably, but...I don't know if she would. N-not that it implies that she's weak or anything! She can...I imagine she holds her own. I, er...I'm...going to shut up now. - Audrey seemed oblivious to her father's 'threat' as she laughed. "Maybe? You can calm down though. I wouldn't try anything like that. I may like to spar here and there, but I only fight fight as a last resort." - J.C. chuckled, trying to have it come of as NOT being nervous. "Haha...good to know." "Aw, we could've tag teamed..." Syd whined slightly. - "Maybe for a play fight. If I gave it my all, I imagine I could be pretty dangerous. I mean, I have won a few karate competitions," she couldn't help but gloat a little. Her strength was something she had utmost confidence in. "I can break boards... cinder blocks... found out I can crush melons with my thighs..." - Cue J.C. sputtering and choking on his own saliva. "...You alright, son?" Roger asked. " [cough] [cough]Yeah! Yeah, I'm [cough] f-fine!" - "Oh jeez! You choked on your own spit, didn't you? Hate when that happens..." "Why did you try crushing melons with your thighs?" Edward asked. Audrey chuckled and absently played with her hair, "Well, I saw a lady do it on YouTube and it made me curious." - " [cough! cough cough] Yeah..." "Sometimes you learn the best stuff off of there." Syd pointed out. - "It's pretty good for how-tos," she agreed. - The little redhead thought for a second."...Soooo if I wanted to learn how to make a glitter bomb..." "Don't get any ideas..." Roger started "I said 'if', not 'I'm going to make one..." - Audrey tittered. "You're such a scamp, Syd." - "The scampiest~" Syd smiled. "So you're saying you're a shrimp dish?" J.C. asked, obviously joking. - Audrey giggled at the joke. "Or a chicken dish, depending on your taste and if you're scared or not." - J.C., Syd and Roger snickered. The only one who wasn't all snicker-y was Kat. She wasn't exactly scared or upset, per se, but more....cautious, mainly because of Edward. - Audrey noticed Kat's lack of laughter. "You okay, Kat?" Edward looked over to the young blonde with a raised brow. He didn't mean to look intimidating in doing so... but he looked intimidating in doing so. - Temporarily snapping out of her little funk, the little girl looked to Audrey. "Huh? Yeah! Yeah, I'm...I'm fine." "You're not sick, are you?" Syd asked, "'Cos I don't want to get whatever it is you've got." The little sister shook her head "no". - Audrey frowned, able to tell she was lying. "If you're worried about not liking the coney dog, you could always just scrape the coney meat off it and just eat the hot dog." - "I think I'll be okay." Ah, good, a slight change in focus. Perhaps she could keep it going and ask her "standard" question when it came to trying new foods: "It doesn't have any green stuff on it, does it? In the meat stuff?" - "Naahhh. You're good. Not a vegetable in sight... Except for onion, but you can get it without." - Kat smiled slightly, "That's doable." - "Good~ Oh, looks like it's time to order," Audrey chirped as she looked over at their server. - "Oo!" Syd chirped, looking over the menu. "In that case, I'll haaaaaaave..." Roger, J.C., and Kat followed in terms of ordering; nothing spectacular- a coney dog and a drink. - Audrey and Edward did the same; though they both ordered two coneys. Edward was a big guy and Audrey needed the fuel for her active lifestyle. - "They do dessert here, right?" Syd asked, smiling expectantly. - "They do, actually," Audrey smiled. "It's sort of a custom to get rice pudding as dessert when having coney dogs." - Aaaaaand there went that smile. Here she was thinking they had ice cream. The idea of rice pudding was not sitting well with her, indicated by a slight "Ick!". "Ah, c'mon, kiddo. You're trying something new for food, you won't do the same for dessert?" J.C. asked. He thought for a second; maybe a little of the "monkey see, monkey do" logic he would use when she was younger would work... "...I'm probably going to have some afterwards, would you be against trying a bite or two? "...I mean, I guess I could have a bite. If you really can't finish your dessert without someone else having a bite of it." Syd answered, trying to play it cool. J.C. smirked slightly. - "You've never had rice pudding?" she cocked her head. "It's really good! Like, I know rice might have a weird texture to some, but this rice pudding is nice and creamy and sweet with cinnamon." "Besides," Edward started, "how will you ever find a new favorite food if you don't try new food?" - Syd raised an eyebrow. "Cinnamon? Ooo, now I'm warming up to the idea~ That's one of my favourite flavours...other than bubble gum, cherry, lemon, and cotton candy." Kat's "stiffness", as it were, started to loosen up after she heard Edward. That sounded like something that her dad said a lot... - "Good~" Audrey and Edward spoke simultaneously. "I almost feel bad getting rice pudding without Mom," Audrey chuckled. "Speaking of, have you talked to her today?" "You should know the answer to that," Edward chuckled. "I called her this morning, just as I always do when we're not in the same house." "I'll catch you forgetting one of these days," she joked. - J.C. chuckled quietly, thinking the whole scenario was pretty cute. - "My mom is hanging out with her sisters today. That's why she's not here," Audrey informed. - "Speaking of, did yooooou call Mum today???" Syd asked, interrogating her father. Roger chuckled, "I had sent her a text earlier; making sure she got to where she was going alright." "You've gotta call her, though!" the ten year old lightly scolded, "It's more important to talk and hear each other's voices!" "I haven't had a chance to, sweetheart. I'll do it when I get back to the office, alright?" Syd gave her father a suspicious look, but backed down with an "...Okaaaaaay....if you say so..." - Edward couldn't help but snicker at this. "This isn't the competition of the dads, Syd," Audrey chuckled. - Ah, and he laughed too! Kat smiled a bit at his reaction. "Mmm, you're right, that's on Father's Day..." the child mused. - Audrey snorted at this. "No-ho it's not!" - "So then why do they have all those 'World's Greatest Dad' mugs?! You don't just get that title wily-nily!" - Audrey shook as she tried not to laugh.

"I don't know," she squeaked. - "They have the 'Dad Games' in Scotland, right?" J.C. asked, snickering and going along with Syd's misconception. "They sometimes coincide with Highland Games, so they combine the two?"

"Sometimes, I guess." Syd confirmed, "But they replace something like caber tossing with ball tossing, if I remember correctly..."

Roger couldn't help but snicker as well. - Audrey was a bit lost. She was certain he was joking, but she was unsure as to what was a joke and what wasn't. If they had wife carrying in Finland, Dad Games in Scotland wasn't that far fetched.

May as well play along so they don't think she's stupid.

"Do they have wife carrying like they do in Finland?" - "...They have that in Finland?" the child asked. - "If I remember right. I saw it on a show about strange competitions from around the world."

Yes, she purposely left out the show was called World's Dumbest. - "Oooooooh...."

"Soooo, do they?" J.C. asked Syd, seeing how long she could keep this up. "Have wife carrying competitions at the Dad Games?"

"I'm...not too sure. I think that's one of the new events being added this year. That, and...you know the relay race where you have to carry an egg with a spoon? There's s'posed to be something similar, except it's with a baby and you've got to carry them to their crib as quickly as you can without waking them up." - Audrey had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

Edward was pretty good at keeping a straight face, so he decided to weigh in while Audrey couldn't.

"I certainly hope they don't carry them using spoons. Dropping a baby is a lot worse than dropping an egg." - "Oh, no, no- they carry them like you normally carry a baby."

J.C. snickered, "You sure they don't just use really big spoons?"

"No, 'cos that's just dumb…" - "Pffckp!" Audrey clamped her hand over her mouth again. - Syd was confused; why was all of this so funny? They'd asked their question, and they were getting an answer. Adults were weird… - Audrey managed to stifle her laughter once more and her father remained straight faced, as usual.

"I'm guessing you four flew here," Edward piped up to break the silence. - " 'Course we did." Syd answered, "It's not like we can just jog across the ocean." - "Your arms must be really tired then," he smirked.

Audrey slapped a hand to her face.

J.C. mimicked Audrey, while Syd groaned. Total dad joke- she should've seen that coming!

Kat, on the other hand, giggled a little. Perhaps that apprehension of hers was starting to diminish.

Edward laughed at their reactions.

"Did you tell these dad jokes before I was born?" Audrey asked.

"No. They come in the handbook you get when you become a dad."

"I believe 'Dad Jokes' is Chapter 5." Roger added.

"...There's not a handbook, c'mooon..." Syd scoffed.

"Do you think we just learn as we go? That'd be ridiculous."

"Do mums get one, too?" Kat asked.

"Theirs is less of a handbook and more of a full encyclopedia."

"How come it's bigger than just a handbook?" the little girl asked. Now she was curious...

"Because their book has all the hard stuff in it. The dad book mostly has jokes and funny faces to practice."

Syd looked to J.C., "He's not serious, is he?"

"Oh, he is." the older brother confirmed, smirking. "When Mum was pregnant with you, they consulted their manuals. They did the same with Kat- you were too young to remember them doing it, though."

The ten-year-old raised an eyebrow, not buying it. "So what about with you, then? Did they consult this 'manual' too? "

"There's a section in the mum encyclopedia all about adoption- Chapters 15 and 16, if I remember correctly."

"...Adoption?" Edward blinked, surprised.

J.C. looked over to Edward, chuckling a bit sheepishly. "Yes, I, um...I was adopted by your, ah...work mate here," he gestured to Roger, "at around 2 years old. Long story. ...Well, not really a long story, but..."

"Ah. Well, I won't pry. Didn't intend to put you on the spot there. Sorry."

J.C. gave him a small smile, "It's no big deal. You ever want to know, I'm open for questions."

"I'm not really sure if I'll ever see you again, so I may as well ask," he shrugged.

"Weeelllllll," Audrey started.

J.C.'s eyes darted over to Audrey, before looking back to Edward. "Ummm...."

Edward raised a brow, awaiting an explanation.

"I went ahead and got J.C.'s e-mail address so I could send him pictures of Lola and Daisy to show to Syd and Kat," Audrey said with a smile. "Don't know if we'll talk much outside of that, but I figured that counted as keeping contact," she shrugged. - "P-pretty much, yeah." J.C. confirmed, "What with being abroad and all. Can't really come rushing over every time the sibs want to see Lola, y'know?"

"Oh. Makes sense," Edward nodded, not too on edge yet. Seemed innocent enough.

"I mean, teeeeechnically we could..." Syd suggested.

Roger laughed, "Oh really? How do you plan on raising money to do so, eh?"

Syd stayed silent for a moment before giving an answer. "...I'll figure something out."

Audrey snickered.

"I couldn't afford that and I have a job." - "...Theeeeen I'll find a way that makes a lot of money."

"Will you let me in on it?" Audrey asked.

Syd steepled her fingers and leaned back slightly. "Perhaps. Once I find it, of course."

"... Please do so legally."

Syd made a facial expression, silently conveying something along the lines of "Dang it...".

"Eh, I can start with a lemonade stand, I guess..."

"I think you need a permit for that now, or something, unfortunately," Audrey frowned. "So dumb."

"A piece of paper that says 'I can do whatever I want' and has your signature on it doesn't count, either." J.C. added.

"Dang it!"

Edward inhaled, about to speak, but Audrey cut him off.

"If you go into an in-depth explanation as to why, I can't guarantee we'll all stay awake."

J.C. had to hold back a snicker.

"...Sometimes I wonder if we're related. Then I look at your mother," he proceeded to look left and right. "But she's not here right now, so I don't know."

Audrey snickered.

"That's what we say about Syd sometimes," Kat piped up, "And we look to Mum, too. Similar personalities."

Syd scoffed, "I'm waaaaay more tame than Mum was when she was my age. Or so I've been told."

"Audrey's pretty much a dead ringer for her mother at that age... but with more muscle."

"And less hair," Audrey added. - Roger chuckled, "Charlotte had pigtails at...well, at least at Kat's age. I think she had them when she was as old as Syd, as well."

"Only real differences are that she's blonde, and that I've never accidently set a building on fire." Syd added. She paused, thinking how off that statement sounded. "It's....not as bad as it sounds. She tells the story better than I do."

Edward's eyebrows shot up at this, as did Audrey's.

Before they could question farther, however, their food arrive.

"Oo, yay~ You guys get to have your first Coney!" Audrey exclaimed.

Syd and Kat stared at the size of the food, trying to figure out how exactly they were going to get it in their mouths. That was one big hot dog...

"So do we just like....go for it?" The redhead asked, "Aim for the mouth and hope for the best?"

Audrey snorted. "Basically."

She and Edward both picked up their own coneys and took a bite. How did they do it? Very carefully.

J.C and Roger followed suit while the sisters observed and tried to mimic what they were doing. Kat ended up getting mostly meat sauce on her first go, but it still managed to garner a smile from the girl.

Syd's expression was a little more telling. It was a bit more extreme, as if she had just tasted the best thing in the world. She said nothing, as meat sauce started to drip down her face.

Audrey snickered at Syd and took another bite. "Good, right?"

The child slowly nodded.

"Don't go all 'wild animal' on us now." J.C. spoke up, wiping a bit of sauce from his own face. "If there wasn't as much in the way of sauce and whatnot on there, I'd say go for it, but I don't think everyone else around us would appreciate getting covered in food.

Syd merely responded with a dazed "Uh-huuuuuh" and went back to chowing down.

Audrey giggled. "Agreed. Though there are worse things to be covered in than coney dog."

"Like ink from a pen that exploded on you, I suppose." Roger piped up.

"Or mud." Kat added.

"Aw, c'mon, being covered in mud's kinda fun!" Syd, briefly snapping out of her coney daze, spoke up. "Besides, people use it for, like, beautifying themselves sometimes. Like on spa days, not just after a rainstorm."

"They do noooot..." the small blonde scoffed.

"Well, yes and no," Audrey clarified. "Mud masks are a thing, but it's not just plain old mud from the ground. It's like, a special kind of mud mixed with special oils and stuff."

"What about mud baths, then?" Syd asked.

"I think it's the same basic idea."

"Mmm. So there goes another money-making idea, then." The redhead took a bite of her dog, "I was gonna dig a hole, fill it with mud, and use that as a space for people to take a mud bath in. Find some oils and put those in as well..."

"If only it was that simple..."

"I don't think you should be worrying too much about money." J.C. noted, "Childhood's meant more for worrying about...heck, I don't know, finding out what happens in the next episode of your favorite cartoon. Or whatever sort of drama will unfold between your dolls the next time you play pretend with them."

Syd scoffed, "But you need money to buy and do things, ya dingbat."

"Thaaaat's...where saving up your allowance comes in." he shrugged.

"Or having someone pay for something for you." the younger sister gave him a cheeky smile, "And give them an IOU, of course."

Audrey snickered.

"Yeah. That's what childhood should be, even if it isn't always like that. People always act as though childhood has no downsides. It can be stressful, I know. But it certainly has its perks."

"I mean, adulthood kinda has its perks too...you get to drive, stay up late, and even do biscuits for breakfast if you're so inclined." Syd mused, "Buuuuuuuuut you do have a point... I think."

"Adults have to pay taxes," Edward replied dryly, causing Audrey to snicker.

"...So do kids." the redhead responded, "You've never heard of the 'sibling tax'? Or the 'Halloween candy' tax?"

Audrey looked confused. "...I'm an only child and so is my dad, so, no."

"The 'Halloween candy' one isn't even really a tax," J.C. spoke up, "she gives up the candy that she doesn't like and gives it to me , Dad, and Mum"

"But I was still the one who went out and got it, so it's still kind of a tax." Syd argued.

"The sibling one is when your brother or sister gets you a snack or somethin' when they go out to a convenience store, and they take a small bit." Kat added. "Like a few Smarties out of a pack, or a sip of a slushie."

"Ohhhh," Audrey nodded. "That makes sense."

"Plus side is is that it rarely rises." the little blonde continued, "For example, Syd usually takes five of my Smarties; no more, no less. Even though there's a lot that comes in a tube."

"Well, that's 'cos they're /yours/ so obviously, you get the most." Syd shrugged, "Basic economics."

"She has a point," she shrugged.

Syd smirked. See? Audrey got it.

"Since when has this been a thing?" Roger asked, "I don't remember ever doing that with my siblings."

"It's fairly recent." Kat answered, " 'Sides, I guess it's kind of a good thing, what with you bein' the youngest out of yours an' all. Your siblings and mine are different in terms of personality."

"Oh jeez, can you imagine Mum?" Syd chuckled, "She'd have 5 other people that could tax 'er!"

"I thought they could only tax you if they helped get you something? Otherwise, I think it's just called sharing."

"Either way." Syd shrugged, "Bein' an only child has its perks, I imagine."

Kat looked over to her sister, appearing offended and assuming that that's what Syd preferred. The redhead looked to her sister and gave her a playful nudge, one that nonverbally said something like "Hey, you're alright; I tolerate ya".

"It does get kinda lonely, though." J.C. piped up, "I was one for thirteen years."

"I've always been an only child. I did have my cousins to keep me company though. Them and the kids we'd babysit," Audrey remarked.

"I was more focused on my studies than socializing," Edward admitted.

"I tried to be," Roger admitted, "But that can be a bit difficult when you're needed either as goalie for your older brother's football game or brought to tea with Mumsy and other school officials."

Syd had to hold back a laugh. Ha! "Mumsy". Who called their mother that, nowadays!? That sounded so old-fashioned.

"You shouldn't be envious," Edward commented a bit quietly.

Roger raised an eyebrow, "I mean, I'm not exactly complaining. Could've settled for not having a football to the face and a black eye or some other bruise with most games, but..."

The only response he got was a light grunt. "Mm."

"Sooo," Audrey started, hoping to change the subject, "you want to order some rice pudding?"

Ooof, sounds like he was hitting a rough subject. Best not to push it. Thank goodness for Audrey and the rice pudding suggestion. "Uuuum, sure! Yes, let's, ah...let's try some of that!"

Audrey smiled and nodded, motioning for their server.

Syd looked to Edward, "Iiiif it's any consolation, she's a real 'witch with a capital B' now. I really don't like 'er." Not sure if that helped, but...

Kat, noticing the change in the other father's attitude, became quiet again.

Edward looked thoroughly confused. "Who?"

"Dad's mum. 'Mumsy', as 'e calls her." Syd clarified. "She's usually nice to him, but she's mean to a lot of other people."

"Oh. Not sure why that would be consolation, but, alright," he shrugged.

Syd shrugged as well.

Kat, meanwhile, continued cautiously watching.

After a moment of silence, Edward felt eyes on him and looked over to Kat.

Was she scared of him still?

Can't have that.

He briefly stuck his tongue out and pulled it back in, looking not unlike a snake.

Wait a sec.

Kind of scary guy?

Making silly faces?

That was pretty ridiculous. Silly, even.

The little blonde smiled slightly, giggling a bit at the display.

"Hm?" Audrey looked over to Kat, then to her father, who looked as serious as ever.

"What's so funny, shorty?" Syd asked.

"Noooothin'." the younger sibling responded, trying to control her giggles.

Edward suppressed a smirk. Once the attention was off him again, he crossed his eyes.

Cue a slightly bigger smile and more giggles.

That's better~, Edward thought to himself, believing that to be enough to calm her down.

The server soon came with their rice pudding.

Knowing the kids were a little unsure of the new dessert, Audrey took the first bite, making sure to look quite pleased with the flavor.

Like a group of little scientists, Syd and Kat watched closely to make sure that nothing adverse happened. Looked as if Audrey liked it...soooo if she wasn't immediately spitting it back out, then it had to be good, right?

Only one way to find out...

After a bit of deliberation between the two, Syd was the first to try the new dessert. Her expression had a couple of flashes of confusion (because of the texture), but was still overwhelmingly positive, indicated by the "Mmm!" she emitted.

Audrey did her best not to laugh at their cautiousness. She smiled as she continued eating. "Told ya."

Kat looked to Syd for confirmation.

"Ish guuuuuuuuh, Kad" she responded, mouth full of pudding.

Slowly, Kat took a small bit of pudding and placed it in her mouth. Her reactions were a bit similar to her sister's but they seemed to be pretty positive as well.

Audrey giggled. "So, what do you two think?" she asked J.C. and Roger.

Roger nodded, "It's different, but I must say, it does have a delightful taste."

J.C., meanwhile, was about halfway done with his. Must've been that good.

Audrey snorted when she looked over at J.C. before covering her mouth and nose.

J.C. looked up, a bit of pudding on his nose, wondering what Audrey was laughing at.

Roger couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Uuuum, son? You've got a bit of..."

J.C. looked down at the little blob on his nose, chuckled awkwardly, and used a napkin to get it off.

"You sure you want to be so blunt about it? I mean, you were a little... on the nose," she snickered, as did her father.

"I guess you could say that all that stuff on your face made you look a little...off-pudding." Roger added. Cue an "Oh god, dad jokes" sort of groan from Kat and Syd.

"How dair-y say that?" Edward jumped in.

J.C. couldn't help but laugh; he always appreciated a good dad joke.

Audrey tittered as she took another bite. "I'm out. Anyone have any puns left?"

"Aw, already? I thought those were some pretty rice puns we had going." Kat piped up.

Audrey snickered. "You sure like to go with the grain, don't you?"

"I'm surrounded by nerds..." Syd said, shaking her head.

"That's pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?" J.C. asked, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

"...You've still got a bit of pudding on your face, y'know." she said, smirking back. "Might want to get another napkin and dab it off."

"Dab it off?" Audrey proceeded to do the 'dab' movement with one arm out and her face in the crook of her other arm.

"I don't see how this will help."

At that moment, Syd and Kat immediately lost it, collapsing into a fit of laughter (and some pudding dribbling down their chins). J.C. snickered at their reaction.

Roger, however...was confused.

Edward felt the same.

Audrey chuckled, looking at J.C. "Should we tell them?"

"One of these days, maybe." J.C. snickered.

"If only we were still kids. We could use this as leverage."

"Truuuuue."

"Oh well. Maybe Syd and Kat can."

"...Once they stop laughing, of course."

"Why are they laughing, anyway?" Roger asked.

"Sorry, Dad, it's top secret. Those of a certain age are only privy to it." Syd answered, still trying to calm down.

"Ya hear that, Dad? No old people allowed."

"I have baby pictures in my wallet," Edward retorted.

"I'll shut up now."

"Oooohoo, the baby picture threat. Things are getting serious." J.C. snickered.

"I have yours, too, you know." Roger added, looking to his son and raising an eyebrow.

J.C. slunk down slightly.

"And I used to think you were cool," Audrey jokingly told her dad.

"He's kinda funny, I'll give him that..." Kat said, giggling.

"Only kinda?" he grinned, his large front teeth quite visible.

Kat laughed, "Okay, maybe more than kinda...."

"You should see him do the bunny face," Audrey smirked.

"I still have your baby pictures," he narrowed his eyes.

Kat gasped. "Bunnies?? I like bunnies!"

Edward glared at Audrey, knowing he had to do it now.

He let out a sigh before looking around to see who all could see him do this.

Upon deeming the coast clear, he wiggled his nose, then chattered his teeth.

Kat giggled, clapped her hands, and bounced up and down happily.

Audrey snickered and her father smiled slightly, still embarrassed, but pleased with the blonde's reaction.

"How come YOU can't do a bunny face?" Kat asked her father.

"I can do those really funny voices when you want a bedtime story," Roger offered, feigning hurt "Does that not count for anything?"

"It does, it does!" Kat reassured.

"Because not everyone can be graced with my freakish rabbit teeth," Edward commented.

"Dad," Audrey started sternly, "don't make me call mom to ramble about how cute your teeth are."

#Lola Leads #roleplay #compiled roleplay #redradandrod

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katrinaberry · 6 years

Text

“we felt empowered, active in the decision making. The energy of that day will always stay with us.”

You might think you know what a “good birth” or a “bad birth” is You’d be wrong.

Birth is about SO MUCH MORE than location, how long or how short a time it takes or how a baby is “delivered”.

It’s about feeling powerful, present, engaged, supported and cared for.... The facts of a birth can’t begin to reflect the emotional side of experience and it’s that which remains with a parent for the rest of their life.

I’ve been blessed to meet many, many wonderful people through my sharing of hypnobirthing. Léa is one of the most inspiringly positive people I’ve ever met. Having had a miscarriage and ovarian cancer she’s had quite the journey to trust her body again.

I ask the expectant parents I work with to bring THEMSELVES to their births; as professional dancers I think you’ll agree this couple move beautifully through the dance of birth to bring their boy Earthside. Her birth story had me in tears and I know you’ll be inspired too. Attitude is EVERYTHING.

Hello Kat!! I hope this finds you really well :) Gaspard was born 2 weeks ago! 18/04/18 at 14:08 (perfect numbers!), 2.7kg and 48cm of love, joy and wonders!

See... we were so afraid of him being super “early” that we didn’t think once he could take his time! He arrived +11 days after the d date and fair enough; he was so tiny, he just needed more time!!

The birth experience was surreal and totally FUN!

It all started on Monday night. By the Tuesday afternoon, the surges got me into an other world, I felt like I was tripping every time one was happening..until they got even more intense during the evening. I was trying to let go, to breathe, to let my body lead... the intensity was so strong! I jumped into the shower for the warmest water. I couldn’t even stand Guillaume’s hands on my skin; every part of me was burning (the fire of life I guess!!).

Once the surges were 3 minutes apart for more than 1h, we booked our uber and off we went to Homerton. There, a midwife examined me. It was the most painful vaginal examination ever, I begged her to stop and to give me a minute. Which she did. Eventually, she started again to tell us I was “only” 2cm and I had to go back home. No need to say I was determined to NOT go back home, I couldn’t stand the idea of that long walk again to the hospital exit, and that uber ride, the stairs leading to our flats etc. Guillaume and I had decided we’d stay at the hospital. Even if it meant sitting in that waiting room for 3 hours. I kept on breathing.

She came to find us 10 minutes later, she had read my health history and said she had a chat with the co-ordinator: they accepted to admit me under the condition that if the evolution was too slow they would break the waters and induce everything. Deal.

I opted for an epidural and was able to walk around, rock around and dance around throughout the morning. Even the epidural was a fun moment.. Just when the doctor was placing the needle in my back I had a contraction. Guillaume, who was holding the gas and air for me, always hated needles. Of course it had to happen: he nearly fainted. Our midwife got him on the floor like a judoka and I had to stay super concentrated not to crack up laughing..

2hs after we got into our room my dear cervix was 4cm, 2hs later it was 7cm. They didn’t need to do anything - my body knew and I secretly hi-fived both my baby and my body. Our night-time midwife was an extraordinary woman. I feel lucky to have met her on that very special day.

Around 12, when I was close to the « magical » 10cm; I got a lot of fever, started to shiver, layered up my jumpers and cardigans, stuck my hot water bottle on my back.. doctors arrived after my temperature had reached 39.3; they were categorical, the baby’s heartbeat was high and the risk of infection too: emergency C-section. Let’s do it.

They checked whether we could try to get the baby out vaginally first but his head was too high. I was born through a c-section so it was strangely serene and natural for me to go for the c-section too..Once we arrived in the « theatre » I asked one more time to try a vaginal birth. While the excellent and super friendly team of doctors were getting me ready for the cesarean, my legs were lifted, I asked to be sat as much as possible.... and secretly re hi-fived my baby “let’s do this” I remember thinking. That’s when all the visualizations, the hours of dance training and of abs made sense!

I remember you saying about that powerful place above the uterus, the journey and the strength needed to breathe our baby out... I was ready. We were ready.

The team around me transformed in football team supporters, they cheered me up « go mummy!!!!! Push that baby out!!!! Imagine you’re having a massive poo!!!!!! GOOOOO » All this happened very quickly, in such a wonderful team effort, we felt surrounded by joy, excitement and love!

No c-section, Gaspard was out in 2 minutes - with the help of a forceps but I was lucky to only have a small tear and he only got a red mark on his cheek...which made him look like a badass boy during the two first days of his life.

We had the most beautiful day. First of all because we got to meet our son, who is healthy! And because that day, there was so much love, care and fun around us. Wonderful human beings helped us get our baby safe in this world.

Kat, we felt empowered, active in the decision making. The energy of that day will always stay with us. When I think about it, i realize it is the image of our life: fun, improvised, human and always ending up in a theatre..

This is what hypnobirth did for us: we were ready for the most magical day, we knew it was going to be the best, we were open and curious about the form it would take. That was the only thing we didn’t know and we let ourselves be surprised. :) Thank you :) Léa, Guillaume and Gaspard

#positive birth #empowered birth #birth story #hypnobirthing #childbirth

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alabastertouch · 7 years

Text

Documented Feelings | Part I

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Characters: Jung Jaehyun x Reader (with the 97 liners)

Warning/s: Rollercoaster ride of emotions lollll

Summary: Your class requires a documentation of you being in a relationship with someone until death do you part. It didn’t require you to fall in love, though.

A/N: That was a cheesy af summary Hi i’m backkkk!!!! This isn’t a request but my friend gave me this idea then bam! bus?! lol But here you gooooo lol sorry for sucking at responding to requests because ideas don’t come that often in college lol! Enjoy my friend

This will be divided in two parts. This is the first one!

and this shit is unedited okay i shall go back to reading the taming of the shrew bye

(the gif doesn’t seem like its fitting but idgaf yoonoh is so cute TT)

[🔴 REC]

Maybe your nightmare does begin today, out of all days possible in your entire college life.

“Documentation of a freaking relationship?” You mumble as you read the course outline.

“Yes!” Miss Go claps beside you in delight, and you jump in surprise. You just fake a smile, hoping she does not catch up that you are dreading this project of hers, because if you do not accomplish this one, you can kiss your college diploma goodbye.

“You will be documenting this entire process! From the courtship, to dating, and even your arguments! Until a proposal happens for a marriage!” It seems like the other students who have significant others are the only ones legitimately excited about this project. You, on the other hand, who has been single since your ex-boyfriend decided that he didn’t love you anymore and went back to his prissy ex-girlfriend, do not like the idea of this at all.

Why did you choose this class anyway? Oh, yeah, because you’re a lazy ass who decided to encode your classes last minute.

“You have to show this to me every single week, so if you have nothing to present for a week, points will be deducted from your total of 100 points. Are we clear?” Series of cheerful and whining yeses urge Miss Go to dismiss the class early. Yuna jumps beside you as you were walking out, hooking her arms with yours.

“What’s up?” You ask as you observe her cheeky smile. “Excited to play house with Seokmin, eh?”

“Of course!” Of all the relationships in your circle of friends, Yuna and Seokmin’s is the most stable of it all. Though arguments come once in a while, they resolve it pretty quickly and are back to their sweetness minutes later.

Bambam and Mina’s is the rockiest one. Since Mina comes from a family who thrives in business and the arts, they find Bambam incompatible for her and actually favors Minghao, a Chinese friend of yours in the group, over Bambam because Minghao came from a very talented and wealthy family.

You, meanwhile, just enjoy the company of the other single ones, who have sadly already found their partners for the project.

“Even stupid Yugyeom got a partner?!” You exclaim as you cross you arms, and Yugyeom mocks you with a laugh, pulling Danah along.

“Poor you, Dan. I hope you survive this damnation’s coquetry!” You shake your head, earning an elbow hit from Yugyeom. From where you’re sitting, you can see that Bambam and Mina are once again arguing outside the cafeteria, and what about, you have no idea.

“Wow,” Jungkook comes by, holding a soda for himself. “Early on in the marriage thingy and they’re already fighting?”

“Who’s your partner?” You raise a brow.

“I’m not taking Miss Go’s class, princess,” Jungkook smiles sickeningly sweet at you, and you’re not that desperate to ask Jungkook to pretend to be your boyfriend-cum-fiancé for the next nine months. He didn’t earn his nickname ‘Jungcock’ for nothing, and being his friend is enough to be involved with his mess.

“How about Mingyu and Minghao, Y/N? They probably haven’t found theirs yet?” Danah offers, but you pout, not knowing what to do if ever Mingyu or Minghao becomes your fake partner. They know you too much already, to begin with.

“Wait, how about Jaehyun?” Yugyeom intervenes. “I remember him saying that he is taking Miss Go’s class this semester, but I don’t know his schedule. You don’t have the same class right?”

“Oh, we share the same class,” Seokmin budges in. “He already has a line waiting for him.”

“What? Is that okay?” Yugyeom’s brows furrow in wonder how it is possible.

“It’s the 21st century, Gyeom. Of course that’s okay. Like how our Y/N here should ask Jaehyun to be his partner. I’m sure he’ll choose you before you ask him, anyway.” Seokmin snickers, with Yuna stopping him before you can violently react.

Suddenly, the strumming of the guitar from the university’s speakers halt your hazy conversations.

“Ah, ah, okay! Here you go, Jaehyun!” That’s probably Moon Taeil, one of the biggest seniors in the school since he is taking up his masters. He is in charge of the broadcasting club in the school, and many people have bribed him in order to make their own announcements.

“Ah, thanks, hyung!” There’s no denying that it’s Jaehyun’s voice. All of you exchange a look, and even Bambam and Mina stop their fight in order to listen, only the breathing from the mic can be heard inside the now eerily silent cafeteria.

“Hello, everyone! This is Jung Jaehyun, and I’m here to make a proposal!” The other girls swoon all of a sudden, hoping Jaehyun will be referring to them.

“Y/N!” And your name, being stupidly unique, made heads turn. “Can you please come over here to the station? I need to talk to you.”

“Oh, Seokmin, you’re right!” Yugyeom claps like an excited ahjumma, and you just glare at him in return. Although they are in delight, the other ones, especially the females, are scrutinizing you because of it.

“There goes our chance,” you hear one mumble as you exit the cafeteria.

You trudge your way to the station, taking your time because you are afraid of facing Jaehyun. Although he is from the same group as well, you two aren’t as close as you are with the other boys. He mostly sticks up to the others, but never to you. You never took offense as you do the same to him.

Maybe it’s just because of your personalities. While he’s the extroverted one, you mostly just keep to yourself. You are the odd one out.

You find Jaehyun waiting for you outside Taeil’s broadcasting room, arms crossed and looking like he just came out of a comic book. You pull on your sleeve, hiding your hands as they are ice cold now in nervousness.

“What is it, Jae?” You ask him cautiously after seeing his concerned face.

“Ah, you’re in Miss Go’s class, right?” You nod in confirmation. “Have you gotten a partner yet?” This time, you shake your head. A smile quickly creeps its way to his lips.

“I haven’t either,” your eyes widen, now realizing where he’s leading the conversation to. “Should we go out?”

You purse your lips, suddenly finding it drying. You have honestly found him attractive, so that may be the reason why you cannot find Jaehyun someone you can bare yourself to.

You want him to see the best sides of you.

“What? Why?” Are the words you reply.

“Because we both have no partners?” Jaehyun reasons out, and he does have a point. You reconsider everything, and to be quite honest, Jaehyun will be the better choice out of anybody else.

“Okay.” You agree, and he smiles victoriously, dimples showing. It’s as if you were back in high school, when he never knew who you are but you were aware of who he is.

Five months into the project and you and Jaehyun are already arguing about what to eat for dinner. It didn’t really require for the couples (that’s what Miss Go insists to call you) to live together, but for the sake of the documentation, you filmed a little in his dorm. After a few minutes or so of recording, you decided to eat dinner.

Which you are now fighting about.

“I said I want pizza, jagi!” He suddenly whines like a child, already used to your nicknames to each other. You are way too engrossed in the fight to be bothered from what he called you.

“Jae, we’ve been eating pizza for three nights! Let’s eat bibimbap!” You assert, calling the restaurant. Jaehyun snatches your phone from your ear and hangs it up.

“Jung Yoonoh, you oughta—” You wrestle him for your phone, and Mark who just got home from school, and Johnny, who just go back from work, are already used to this occurrence.

“What are we having for dinner, noona?” Mark asks as he throws his backpack to the ground.

“Pizza!” “Bibimbap!”

“Jagi, I want pizza!” And Jaehyun’s childish pleads gets into your skin, that you dial Pizza Hut and order his favorite Pepperoni pizza. He clings onto your arm, thanking you with a smile. His hair tickled your bare skin, and you mess the nest on his head as he lays on your lap.

“So it’s pizza, then?” Johnny questions lately. “Jae, let Y/N cook!”

“Ah, hyung, we ate her food last week! Every single night!” Jaehyun pouts again.

“Are you saying you don’t like my food?” You glare at him, intimidating him by the second.

“I love it! I missed pizza, that’s all.”

“Aww, you poor baby,” you pinch his nose, making him scrunch up and pull your wrist away.

Mark looks culturally shocked by the pair of you, wondering if this is really just a part of documentation. As Jaehyun falls asleep while waiting for his pizza, Mark gives you a questioning look, checking if you’re feeling the way he is feeling.

You just purse your lips and smile weakly, and Mark knows the answer.

The doorbell rings, and Johnny volunteers to get it. You shake Jaehyun slightly, waking him up to eat.

“Hey, your pizza’s here. I should get going now because Yuna is waiting for me at the supermarket,” you wait for him to sit up, and when he does, he looks at you with a hint of disappointment.

“You’re not eating with us?” You shake your head in response, and he groans.

“I’ll be going now, guys. I’ll call you later, okay?” You get your bag and your car keys, all ready to go. When you are only a step away from the elevator, you hear a string of “noona” calling behind you, and you already know who it is.

“What is it, Mark?” You turn around, and he gives you a small blue notebook. You take it with reluctance, and Mark lets it go with a deep sigh.

“I hope you’ll be happy, noona,” Mark gives you a tight smile before he turns around, leaving you wondering what the notebook is. It seems to be one of Jaehyun’s, as his name is embossed on its cover.

You reach your car, and before you drive off to meet Yuna, you decide to take a peak inside the small notebook. You know it might be barging into Jaehyun’s privacy if it really is his, but Mark did give this to you. You realize that these are lyrics of some songs when you scan through it.

After reading some of it, you have come to the conclusion that all of these lyrics are targeted to only one person… possibly Jaehyun’s muse throughout his music career.

You deluded that it’s you, since he had written some of the songs from when you started this arrangement, but when you get on to the page titled ‘Sun & Moon,’ it dawns to you that this person is on another side of the globe.

"Oh, when my moon rises, your sun rises under the same sky. Time-crossed, our hearts are connected under the same sky…” And after looking a little bit more, you have come to a conclusion that you are not who Jaehyun is in love with.

“Now you say you want to come back in my world. But you’re too much for me.”

And you let your tears fall.

“Hey, jagi!” Jaehyun places his arm around you, waking you up to the reality that this is all just mere pretend for four more months. He notices your absentmindedness and takes your face in between his hands. You pull yourself away from his grasp, surprising him with your sudden coldness.

“Y/N? What’s going on?” Jaehyun queries in concern, and you try your best not to waver in front of him.

“Let’s just do this for the project, Jaehyun,” you mumble as you try to set up your camera.

“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing for the past five months, Y/N?” Jaehyun raises a brow in confusion, and you realize how crazy you must have been to believe that Jaehyun may have felt something else for you. Your mind flashes back to that blue notebook two nights ago, and you chuckle to yourself.

“Right,” you gulp. “Let’s just take the video and go home.”

It may show in the clip that you are not into the shooting at all. Jaehyun catches up to it pretty quickly, but he does not want to aggravate you further. He just cuts it short before you get more agitated with either him or whatever you’re concerned about.

“Are you okay?” You nod, seeping out lies with your own actions. “Do you want me to take you home?”

“No,” you wear your backpack, ready to leave. “Stay safe, Jae.”

Jaehyun watches you walk away, unaware that you are still thinking about who that person is… Whose sun is now rising while his is setting.

It sure as hell isn’t you.

When you present the video to Miss Go, separately, the female looks at you with worry.

“This is what I was afraid of,” she crosses her arms.

“Hmm? What do you mean, ma’am?” You tilt your head, genuinely puzzled by her words.

“You fell in love with Mr. Jung, didn’t you, Y/N?” And you freeze at her question. You cannot deny it anymore as your speechless state says it all. “Will you be okay continuing this project, Y/N?”

But if it is for the sake of your college diploma, you’ll take it.

“Of course, ma’am.”

A week later, though, you are comforted by a bunch of girls, who were shaken up with your partnering up with Jaehyun, as you are getting stuff out of your locker.

“Poor Y/N,” Chaeyeon even hugs you, shocking you because you two aren’t close at all.

“What’s going on, girls?” Yuna laughs when she question them.

“Kim Yerim is back, Yuna!” Eunjin dramatically announces. “She has returned from Connecticut to ruin our JaeY/N ship!”

“It’s either Y/N or no one!” Chaeyeon hugs you even tighter.

Kim Yerim, who you assumed to be Jaehyun’s muse.

“What makes you so sure that she’s back for Jaehyun?” Since Jaehyun is the last one to join the group, everyone is pretty protective of Jaehyun, so when Yerim left him out of the blue, she earned everyone’s disdain.

“She took him out to their spot to talk!”

And you see red.

“Y/N, where are you going?!”

[◼︎REC]

[⏭ FORWARD]

A/N (again): Yo guys, I love Yeri, okay! She just seemed fitting in this one sooo don’t kill me pls

#nct scenarios #nct u scenarios #nct 127 scenarios #jung jaehyun scenarios #jaehyun scenario #jung jaehyun #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun angst #jung yoonoh #nct angst #nct fluff #nct u angst #nct u fluff #nct 127 angst #nct 127 fluff

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mymixofmuses · 4 years

Text

Lola Leads

(A roleplay between my Audrey muse and @red-rad-and-rod . It doesn’t have a real ending, but, here we gooooo.)

- It was finally starting to look and feel like springtime in Michigan. The seemingly sporadic weather seemed to have finally settled on a warmer temperature. There were no more snowfalls coming out of nowhere and the plants were becoming more lively by the day. The grass was green and dusted with flecks of other colors as the flowers began to bloom. A certain freckled redhead by the name of Audrey had been looking forward to this day, more so for her furry friend than herself. Lola, a scruffy-looking mixed breed about the size of a beagle, had been Audrey’s Christmas gift to herself. As such, she had never seen the local park, with the weather as cold as it was. Now, however, the young dog trotted happily next to her owner, or rather, a little ahead. She was quite the excitable one and still had trouble walking calmly with her master. It didn’t help matters that she was finally getting to see a new setting and was eager to see and smell everything in the immediate vicinity. Though it took an uncountable number of pit stops, the two made it to the park. The young woman found a bench and sat down, reaching into her bag to get out a bottle of water and a doggy dish. After pouring her pet a drink and taking a sip for herself, she pet her dog’s floppy ears. “That was a long walk, huh, girl?” The dog didn’t respond, but simply lapped up the water vigorously. “Yeah. Can’t blame ya for being thirsty,” the redhead giggled. Lola stopped to look up at Audrey, wagging her tail for a moment, before looking into the distance. Before she had a chance to respond, the dog had shot off in a blur of brown and white, taking her leash with her. “Ack! Lola! Come here, girl!”

- “I’m bored” J.C. looked over from his spot, a bench fairly close to one of the two play structures, and scoffed gently. Both Mum and Dad had work today, so lo and behold, he was tasked with watching his little sisters. No big deal, really; might as well do his standard thing and take them to the park to tire them out. Usually made for a fairly easy time afterwards. Seemed like that wasn’t the case today, at least with one of them. “Syd, we’ve only been here for about half an hour, how can you be bored already?” Syd, currently laying on the grass near him, blew a bit of hair out of her face as a response. “You haven’t even done all that much; save for surveying the play structure, checking out the swings, and nearly getting sick on the little roundabout. You tired or something? Still a bit dizzy from spinning around super fast.” “No.” J.C. shrugged, letting out a sigh. “Theeeen I don’t know what to tell ya, kid. You can hang with me and have a boring time ooooor you can go play.” He looked up to catch a glimpse at the younger of the sisters, Kat, looking like she was having a blast on the swings. “What about the swings?” “Kat’s on them, and she’s talkin’ with another kid. Knowing them, they’re gonna be on there for hours. An’ there’s a line for the rest of the swings…I could just go over, push some of the other kids outta the way, and jump the queue…” Syd looked to her brother, a sort of defeated look on her face, “but if I do, then you’ll make me sit on one of the benches and ‘think about what I did’ and 'how wrong it is’.” “Preeeeetty much, kiddo. Laws of the playground, can’t exactly break 'em.” Syd had a small chuckle at the comment, before starting to focus on something. “Y'see that?” J.C. looked in the same direction. “What?” “There’s something coming in our direction….kinda small…really fast….” Suddenly, the ten-year-old let out an excited gasp. Kind of small and really fast? That usually meant… “PUPPYYYYYYYY!!!” - Despite the clear excitement of the child, Lola opted to focus her attention on the young man. She bounded over to the bench and promptly placed her front paws on his knees as she 'danced’ excitedly for attention, tail wagging a mile a minute. The dog was scruffy-looking, but clearly not a stray. Aside from the collar and leash dangling from her neck, she was clearly cared for with a healthy weight and a shiny clean coat. What’s more, she looked too cute for someone not to take her in. Her markings, shades of brown with a white face and underbelly, were beautiful, while her pale blue eyes practically sparkled, and her cute little pink nose was too much to resist! Audrey followed a short distance behind, putting those athletic legs of hers to work. The redhead dashed past the swing set, quickly addressing the girl Kat was talking to. “Hi, Jenna! Bye, Jenna!” With that out of the way, she continued to call for her dog. “Looooolaaaaa!” - Kat, a little confused, looked to Jenna. “You know 'er?” Jenna laughed, “Know her? I can tell you all about her….” (….) At the sound of Syd shouting, J.C. jumped a little. Jeez, she could be loud sometimes…what was that all abo…ooooh, a puppy. Of course. From what he could tell, they had a leash, tags, and they weren’t some hulking looking thing (even if it was, Syd’d still go nuts. Something as big as a Newfie, she’d risk getting bowled over, regardless). Eh, as long as he kept an eye on the two of them, it shouldn’t be an issu- wait, why was the dog coming towards him? Ignoring the small “Heeeey!” from Syd, J.C. looked down and gave the little dog a smile. “Heeeey there, little bit.” he chuckled, “Who’d you get away from, eh?” Hearing the sound of “Looooooolaaaaaaa!”, Syd pointed it the direction of where it was coming from. “Prooooobably the person shouting 'er name?” “Ah, good call.” J.C. shouted back, “Over 'ere!” - The canine rested her head on his knee for a moment before she perked up at the sound of her owner growing closer. While she was happy to see her, the dog didn’t approach, merely faced her with a wagging tail. “Lolaaaa,” Audrey, started with a lecturing tone, “you can’t run off like that. You could get hurt.” Lola lowered her head in apology as her owner took the leash once more. “I’m sorry about her. She’s still a bit of a puppy.” Lola looked up at the two of them talking, tail wagging. - J.C. chuckled, giving Lola a little pat on the head, “Mischevious little thing, aren’t ya? Worrying your Mummy like that…” He looked to Audrey. “Cute little dog you’ve got there. Lola, was it? That’s her name?” - Audrey giggled. “Thank you. Yes, this is Lola,” she gestured, 'introducing’ them. She may have left things at that, but the accent got her curious. “I’m gonna go out on a limb and say you’re not from around here. Like, not even somewhat close to around here.” - “Nnnnnnope!” piped up Syd, moving next to her brother. “We’re from WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY across the Atlantic. ….Or…whatever degree of "way” Bristol is.“ - Audrey jolted slightly, not having noticed the child in the scramble for her dog. Placing a hand to her chest, she let out a wheezy laugh. "I’d say that’s pretty far. Also, diggin’ the hair. What are you two doing all the way over here?” - “Work.” J.C. answered, “Dad works for one of those international companies, and often times, we end up coming with. Kind of like a mini-holiday, I guess you could call it.” “Aaaaand 'cos he and Mum each had something they needed to take care of, we got to go to the park with this guy right here!” Syd added. - Lola looked at the child, tail wagging as she looked at her expectantly. “Ahh. That makes sense.” She paused, raising a brow. “We?” - Syd giggled at Lola, “Silly puppy…” “Yup,” J.C. tossuled Syd’s hair a little bit, “This one right here is Syd, aaaand my other little sister should be on the swings…” he looked towards the swing and could see a blur of blonde, pink, and purple. Yep, that was her. Cool, she hadn’t moved…save for the back and forth motion of the swing, but…“Yup, Kat’s on the swings.” “I’m 10 aaaand Kat’s 8.” Syd added. - “You can pet her, if you want,” she smiled at Syd. “She’s a friendly dog, albeit rowdy at times.” Audrey turned to look towards the swing. “Ahhh. I knew there was a reason I didn’t recognize her,” she turned back to J.C. “I have a good reputation as a babysitter, so I’ve gotten to know a lot of the kids around here. For example,” she pointed back towards the swings with her thumb. “That’s Jenna talking to your sister. She has a baby brother on the way.” - Syd’s eyes lit up like it was Chrtistmas morning. Giving Audrey a quiet “Thank yoooou”, she went about gently petting Lola, all the while quietly going “Puuuuuppy, puppy, puppy, puppy, puppyyyyyyyyyy…..” J.C. snickered at his sister before turning to Audrey. “Aaah. Baby brother on the way, eh? That oughta be fun.” - Lola rolled onto her back, exposing her underbelly as her tongue lulled out. “Yeah. I don’t have any siblings myself, but I do have five younger cousins who were over at our house pretty often. Actually, that’s the reason I don’t have any siblings,” she snickered. “Enough kids in the house as it was.” - J.C. laughed, “Kind of sounds like our place, at least around the holidays. Syd and Kat can be a handful, but add…I don’t know, at least five to ten other kids to the mix- anywhere from two years old to well into their teenage years- and it’s…something, alright.” “Exhausting?” Syd asked, “Is that 'cos we’ll drag you outside to play?” “…To be honest, I’d rather be out with you guys than having to deal with relatives asking a number of questions.” he snickered. - “Good golly, Miss Molly! That’s a lot of kids! I sure hope the other adults help out, at least a little bit. I mean; I love kids, but even I need a break here and there.” She chuckled. “It still is sweet of you to play with them, regardless of the awkward questions with the older relatives. Let me guess… 'How’s school? Work? Are you seeing anyone? Thinking about marriage? Kids? What’s in your future?’ ”

- J.C. chuckled, nodding. “Preeeeeetty much. At least with kids, they ask you things like what your favorite dinosaur is.” “It’s a brachiosaurus.” Syd loudly whispered. “It most certainly is. There’s usually a 'tag out’ system in place, so I do get to have some 'grown up’ time…speaking of questions, I….don’t think we’ve actually officially introduced ourselves. I’m J.C., and you are?” - Audrey giggled at the dinosaur comment. “Oh, how rude of me,” she held a hand to her chest before holding it out to shake. “I’m Audrey, born and raised Michigan citizen,” she smiled widely, revealing her large front teeth. “Is this your first time here? I could recommend some good spots to visit.” - “Charmed,” J.C. responded, smiling as he shook her hand. “It is…we actually came across this place by accident, so…any help or tips are greatly appreciated.” - Taking her hand back, she held two fingers to her head and mock saluted. “Can do! Now, let me just think a moment here…” She put her chin in her hand as she thought. “Well, when it comes to free entertainment, you’ve already found one of our parks. As for spending a little cash, you can’t come to Michigan and not try a Coney Dog. It’s a shame you didn’t come in the summer, since that’s when you can get the best Coneys from Timmy’s Coneys. Old Timmy only sets up shop in summer, but there are restaurants you can get them from year round.” - “Aaaah, drat. I’ll have to make a note of that…if it’s open only during one time of the year, they must be pretty good.” “What’s a coney dog?” Syd asked, “'Cos all I’m picturing is, like…you put it in an ice cream cone and put regular hot dog stuff on it.” - “An ice cream cone? What makes you think- Ohhhhh, coney dog. Nahh. It’s short for Coney Island Hot Dog. Basically, they take this specific kind of hot dog and top it with this meat sauce; not chili. It’s something else. Anyway, it’s usually topped with a heaping helping of onions and mustard. You can get them plain too though. Some people like theirs with cheese.” - “Ooooooooooooh.” Syd blinked, “I don’t know, I kind of like my idea more.” J.C. scoffed lightly and shook his head. Kids could be such weirdos sometimes. “Well, even if we can’t get them specifically from Timmy’s Coneys , is that something that you’d be willing to eat after we’re done here?” Syd nodded enthusiastically. “I think Kat would, too, 'cos it doesn’t have green stuff on it. At least, from the sounds of it.” “You want to go and ask her?” Syd gave the two a salute and ran off, yelling “PLAY NICE, YOU TWO!” to the pair. J.C. laughed, “We weren’t…! Aaaaaand she’s gone. Dang, she’s fast.” - Lola watched as Syd ran off. There goes the person giving her attention… Oh well. She rolled back over onto her stomach and closed her eyes. Audrey laughed as well, taking a seat next to J.C. on the bench. “Your sister seems like a hoot and a half! I’m guessing she keeps you on your toes, huh?” - “Tiptoes is more like it.” he responded, smirking a bit. “She’s a character, I will give her that.” - She chuckled. “I’ve known kids like that; like real life versions of Calvin from Calvin & Hobbes… You ever read that comic?” - “Oh, yeeeah! I read those all the time when I was a bit younger. Still do, occasionally. …Although, I read them in French first, then went to English once my grasp on the language improved a bit…” - Audrey cocked her head to the side. Didn’t his sister say they lived in Bristol? “French?” - “….Ah, right, right…” He cleared his throat a little, “See, I’m….not originally from England. Syd and Kat’s mum and dad are my adoptive mum and dad. Been so since I was around 2 years old. I’m originally from France.” - She slowly raised her head and lowered it as she let out a drawn out, “Ohhhhhhh.” Rather than pry for details, she simply smiled and said, “I’m glad you were able to get adopted at a young age. Adapt to your new family faster and all that. I’ve thought about adopting myself, but I think it’s a little early to think about that sort of thing. I don’t even have a boyfriend right now,” she laughed. - He gave her a smile back, as a silent way of saying thanks. “I’m thinking of doing the same, honestly. I mean, I’m happy either way- adoption or otherwise., but…kind of in the same boat; just out of school, no girlfriend…all that fun stuff.” - “Not often I see a man who openly admits to wanting kids,” she giggled, nudging him with her elbow. “Shame you live across the ocean,” she joked with a wink. - J.C. chuckled, a little bit of a awkward/nervous edge to it. “Haha, yeah. It kind of be nice to have a couple of my own…I mean, there’s Syd and Kat, but they’re my sisters. Having a kid be your own’s a little different.” - “Ah, I’m just messing with you,” Audrey smiled, hoping he didn’t think she was actually hitting on him. “I would imagine so. Speaking of, I wonder what those two are talking about. With how fast Syd sprinted off, you’d think she’d be back by now.” - “That’s a good question…I don’t hear any sort of screaming or yelling, so they’re not fighting…” He snickered, “Maybe she got distracted and now they’re both on the swings?” - Audrey shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t mind though. I’m totally free today, so I don’t mind waiting… Though I suppose those two don’t have to be here for the directions. Would you rather I just tell you where to go and get out of your hair?” - “If you want; you’re welcome to hang around if you don’t have anywhere to be today. Besides, I think the minute Syd mentions the word 'puppy’ to Kat, she’ll come running over.” - Audrey snickered. “I think I’ll stay. Lola loves attention, I love kids, and you seem pretty nice~” - J.C. couldn’t help but blush a little. “I, um….I try, heh…” All of a sudden, a more high-pitched “PUPPYYYYYYYYYY!!” came from the playground. Aaaaah, there it was…a “Kat, wait up!!” followed shortly. “Speaking of kids, sounds like Syd mentioned the 'P’ word….” - “Sounds like it,” she agreed, making sure she had a firm hold on Lola’s leash. Lola had perked up at the sound of the shout and was now wagging her tail eagerly, whining impatiently for what she was sure would be more attention. - Pretty soon, a little blonde girl dressed in pink and purple had joined the pair. She looked to the redhead, smiling. “Sooooo, you’re Audrey, right? Jenna’s been tellin’ me about you.” Shortly after Kat had arrived, Syd turned up, out of breath. “Easy, kiddo. Take a sec and rest.” he told the smaller redhead. Syd did just that, walking over to the other open space on the bnch and plopping down with an “Oof!” “An’ Syd says you’ve got a puppy. Can I pet her, please?” - “Mm-hm,” Audrey smiled warmly at the blonde. “And you’re Kat?” Lola was currently on her hind legs, trying to pull away to reach Kat, whining all the while. “I don’t think I have a choice here,” she laughed, gesturing for Kat to come over. - “Yep!” She nodded, skipping a little closer. “Hiiiiiii, puppyyyyy~!” “The name’s Lola.” Syd piped up. “Hiiii, Lolaaaaa~!” - Lola wagged her tail as she excitedly sniffed at the newcomer. Deciding she liked the child, the dog gave her a few licks. “She’s a friendly one, isn’t she? I like your outfit, by the way. Pink and purple are my favorite colors~” - “Uh-huuuuuh.” Kat giggled, as Lola showed her affection. “Mine too!” - “Neat!” While Audrey was curious as to what Jenna said about her, she decided keeping the focus on the dog would make more sense. “I got her from the local shelter. The people working there said she’s a mixed breed, but weren’t sure what all is in her. They think she might have a bit of Border Collie in her though.” - “Oooo, Border Collie, eh?” Kat looked to J.C., “That’s not one of those super big dogs, right?” J.C. smirked, “Yeeees, and I know what you’re asking. You know my answer already.” “Dang it.” - “I’m guessing you’ve been wanting a dog? I know the feeling,” she smiled sympathetically. “Lola here is my first dog and I’ve just recently turned twenty four years old! My family’s house could get so chaotic at times that a dog just seemed like it would be too much, despite my asking. Figures my parents would adopt their own dog not long after I went to college.” She shrugged. “Oh well. At least the two get along.” - Both kids looked at Audrey. Twenty-four? “…No way, you look way too young.” Syd spoke up. J.C. couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Syd, twenty four’s not old. Nowhere near it.” “You only say that 'cos you’re twenty three.” Kat added. “Twenty four in August, though. Point is, early to mid twenties is not old.” - Audrey giggled, taking 'look way too young’ as a compliment. “I sure hope not! I want to be married with kids before I’m old!” - “Human years don’t work like dog years, you two.” J.C. chuckled. “If that were the case, Syd would be anywhere from 56 to 78 years old.” Kat snickered. J.C. looked to the little girl, “And you’d be somewhere from 48 to 64 years old, depending on breed.” Syd tilted her head, looking at her sister. “Soooooo, what kinda dog d'you think she’d be? One o’ those yappy little chihuahuas?” Kat gave her sister a cheeky smile, “You’re probably one of those big, bumbling ones that slobbers a lot.” J.C. sighed quietly, seeing where this conversation was going. “Okay, you two, tone it down a bit.” - Audrey chuckled. She knew where this was going… and just how to stop it. “My parents have one of those; a little chihuahua, I mean. I should have a video of her playing with Lola on my phone, if you two can get along long enough to watch it.” - Ah, Audrey was pulling out the big guns…puppy videos! Dang it, she knew one of their weaknesses! Looking begrudgingly to each other, smiling a semi-forced smile, the sisters slowly side-hugged each other in a “See? Friends!” sort of way. - She could tell the two weren’t happy, but they got an A for effort. “Alrighty~ Let me just get out my phone real quick.” Digging through her purse (which she had thankfully kept on before she ran after Lola), she soon pulled out her phone, which had a unique cover. The cover was pink in color, with a pattern of purple hearts and teddy bears, as well as rhinestones scattered throughout. “Oh yeah! I’m still getting used to that,” she showed them the phone. “My cousin made this case for my birthday. Isn’t it neat?!” - Syd and Kat were like a pair of puppies themselves, watching as Audrey pulled out her phone. If their ears could’ve perked up, they would have- the case was so cute! “Uh-huuuuuuuh.” J.C. had to chuckle a bit; he didn’t really know whether it was the shininess of the phone case or the promise of watching dogs playing together, but the way his sisters looked right now was pretty funny. - Audrey chuckled. “Alright alright. Enough of that. Onto the video~” Scrolling through her gallery, she found what she was looking for, turned up the brightness and volume, then pointed the screen towards the girls as she pressed play. The video started with a view of Lola and a small white chihuahua with semi long fur. The two dogs were sharing a rope toy, each with an end in their mouth. While the chihuahua tugged with all her might, Lola simply stayed still, tail wagging as she watched the smaller dog try to take the toy. “I don’t think Daisy’s getting that toy any time soon,” Audrey’s voice could be heard from behind the camera. “Let’s give her a break. Lola, come here, girl!” Rather than drop the toy and come to her master, Lola instead dragged the toy and the chihuahua over to her, resulting in cackles from those off screen. - The once squabbling siblings immediately quieted down and watched the video intently. It almost seemed like the two were in some sort of trance, giggling almost simultaneously. J.C. shook his head, amused at the girls and the dogs. - The video ended and Audrey chuckled. “Yeah. They’re a hoot, alright! You want to see some pictures?” - Cue a simultaneous nod from the sisters.

- “Alrighty~” She brought up her photo album for Lola and Daisy and proceeded to flip through it. - Both girls giggled at the sight of the two. “Note to self: when these two start squabbling, find cute puppy pictures.” J.C. mumbled, pretending to scribble on an invisible notepad. - Audrey giggled, then snorted. She proceeded to cover up her nose, bashful. - J.C. giggled at…well, Audrey’s giggle; it was so cute! - She cleared her throat, as if to clear the awkwardness she felt away, and moved on to flip through the pictures. She had quite a few of them. “I could send you some, if you want. Though I suppose I would need your email for that.” - E-mail? Huh…that…must mean that she wanted to keep in contact?? Not that he minded, of course. It was just…they’d only JUST met. Or maybe it was because if he didn’t have them, Syd and Kat would constantly be begging to go back to Michigan, just so they could find Audrey and have her show pictures of Daisy and Lola. “Uuuuuh, sure!” he said, trying not to chuckle awkwardly. First time a pretty girl had asked for his e-mail. “Do you, um…want me to type it in on your phone as a little note, or…?” - She really hadn’t put much thought into it when she’d said it, but she soon realized the implications of what she’d said. Oops. Not that she would mind keeping in contact… She thought for a moment, then smiled. “Sure thing!” she said as she opened up her notes app and handed it to him. “If you get an email from 'teddy bear lover,’ it’s me.” - J.C. gave her a nod and quickly typed in his e-mail address. “Aaaaand if you get a response from….” His…e-mail was a liiiittle embarrasing, he thought. He had made it when he was about Syd’s age, so… “…well, this, then it’s me.” “Bluerangerbaguette714”….seemed like a good idea at the time. He liked Power Rangers, he liked baguettes, and 7/14 was an important holiday in France. “I, uh…haven’t updated it yet. Made it when I was about 10 or 11….” he chuckled nervously, face turning a bit pink. - Audrey looked at the email address and had to make a great effort not to laugh. She was trying so hard, her body was actually shaking slightly. “Makes sense,” her voice came out as a squeak. “My dad helped me pick mine so I wouldn’t be embarrassed late-her-her-her!” So much for not laughing. “I’m sorr-ee-hee-hee!” - Eeeeeh, he should’ve seen that coming. Way to go, 10-11 year old J.C. …Buuuuut at least he could laugh at himself. He joined in on the laughter; a little awkward at first, but it started to sound more natural as he went on laughing. “It is kind of ridiculous, looking back on it.” he admitted. - Audrey held a hand to her face, trying to stifle the laughter. “It’s not that funny! I just told myself not to laugh and that made it hilarious!” Her laughter did die down to a snicker and Lola looked at the two in confusion. - “I mean, if you imagine something like…” he began to “demonstrate” a few Power Rangers-like poses and trying to say random things in French as epically as he could, “…while thinking of it, then…I mean, that’s usually what I think of anytime I read that.” - She snickered a few more times at the poses. “As someone who knows karate, that just makes it more hilarious.” - Syd snickered at her brother. “You’re a dork, J.C.” “The dorkiest~” he responded. “The dorkiest in all the la- wait a sec…karate??” Syd asked, turning her focus to karate. “You knowkarate??” - “Mm-hm~” she nodded. “I may not be the violent type, but karate is good for blowing of steam and is a good confidence booster. I may not be the brightest, but at least I can raise my foot above my head.” She smiled awkwardly. “That’s what I like to tell myself, anyway.” - “Show me!!” Syd said, bouncing on her heels excitedly, “Please??” - “Raise my foot above my head? Sure!” She stood up from her seat on the bench and proceeded to do a few stretches before lifting her leg almost completely vertically. “Don’t try this at home, kids. Not without lots of practice, anyway.” - All 3 Malones (Syd, mainly-followed by J.C. and Kat in terms of intensity) went wide eyed. “Hoooooly crud!” Syd gasped, awestruck. - Audrey chuckled and brought her leg back down. “Yeah. I’ve been practicing this sort of stuff since I was a kid.” - “Not to brag, but…” Syd dusted off her knuckles, “I, uh….I do a bit of karate myself.” “I don’t think what you do is actually karate,” Kat piped up, “I think that’s more like flailing about.” Syd “hmmph"ed, took a few steps back, and demonstrated some of her "moves”. - “Hmmm… I’d say that was more… avant-garde karate than traditional karate.” Translation: You’re not very good, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings. - Syd smirked at her sister. “See? She knows talent when she sees it.” - Audrey simply smiled and nodded. Best not to break her confidence. She’d offer to teach her some moves, but she doubted she’d see the trio again anytime soon. - “Whateeeever you say.” Kat mumbled quietly, rolling her eyes at her sister. “ ’S gonna come in handy when I get a job when I’m older.” Syd added. “…What was that again?” J.C. asked. With Syd, it changed just about every couple of weeks. “Circus performer/bodyguard/secret agent…with a penthouse.” - “I’m guessing you’re aiming for a more physical line of work then? Can’t blame ya. I’m a personal trainer myself.” - “Oooo, that sounds like a good idea, too! Maybe add that to the list…” J.C. chuckled, “With a physique like that, I wouldn’t be surprised.” Maybe that was a little too forward? He coughed, and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, “Good surprised, though. You, ah…I imagine you’re very skilled at your job- helping people with getting into shape. - “My physique? You haven’t even seen me out of these clothes,” she laughed, before realizing what she said. “N-not like that!” she stammered. “I meant out of these specific clothes! My workout clothes show more.” - "I, um…I’d hope so? N-not in a weird way! Just….so you don’t get overheated or anything; speeding up the dehydration process while exercising is rather risky, and…” His voice began to trail off, “I’m…gonna stop talking now…I…made it awkward…” Syd looked between the two, smirking a bit to herself. Super friendly to each other AND awkward when they think they’ve made a misstep? Oooo, was Cupid nearby~? - “No, no; it’s fine,” she chuckled. “I know what you meant. It’s good to dress for your workout; don’t overheat or sweat up your regular clothes.” She sat back down and began petting Lola. “Though I know some prefer the less revealing clothes. I used to be the same. Took me a while to get past some of my self esteem issues, y'know? You just gotta get a breathable material.” - J.C. nodded, understanding the “self-esteem issue” thing all too well. Not really wanting to dive into that (mainly because…well, come on, he and Audrey had just met), he focused more on the breathable fabric thing.“Yeah. That way it’s like…when a person’s all done workin’ out for the day, they’re not dripping with sweat or smelling like an old pair of socks.” - Audrey snickered. “Depends on your definition of a workout. That’s why we have showers at the gym~” She paused for a moment. “Weren’t we talking about stuff to do in Michigan? How’d we get here?” she laughed. - Oh thank goodness, the subject changed. He laughed, “Dunno, that’s actually a really good question…” “Can I go back an’ play now?” Kat asked. “Go for it.” J.C. told her, giving her a small nod and taking a glance at his watch. “ 'Bout 30 more minutes, alright? I want to get you guys fed, too.” “Can we get those coney dogs??” Syd asked. J.C. shrugged, “Yeah, sure. Probably the only time we’re going to be able to get them, so why not?” “Sweet!” Syd gave Lola a quick pet before running back to the playground. “Last one there’s a rotten egg!” she called to Kat. The little blonde mimicked her sister’s actions, instead yelling “Bye, Audrey! It was nice to meet you!” “What she said!!” Syd shouted back. - “Same to you!” she called out before relaxing back against the bench. “They seemed nice~ I should probably give you directions before I forget.” She proceeded to dig through her purse. “I’m sure I have a pen and paper in here somewhere… Also; while it’s not limited to Michigan, it seems to be a northern U.S. thing. If you can find Blue Moon ice cream, go ahead and try some. I can’t really describe the flavor, but I love the stuff. If you’ve ever had Superman ice cream, it’s basically the blue part in that.” - J.C. chuckled. “They try. Kind of nice that they’re screaming more from running around than fighting. Iiii…don’t think I’ve had that flavour before, but with a name like 'Superman’, that might sound like something Syd’ll like. May as well try some Blue Moon just for the heck of it, y'know?” - Having pulled a notebook and a pen, Audrey proceeded to jot down the directions. “Yup yup! Always nice to try something new~” In addition to the directions, she jotted down a few other places they could look into while in Michigan. - “Haha, yeah. I should tell that to Kat, or as I call her: 'Little Miss No-Greens’. She’ll eat her fruits and veg, yeah, but only if they aren’t green. …Good thing it’s 'Blue Moon’ ice cream and not…'Green Moon’.” Okay, so that was kind of a lame joke, but hey. Glancing over at her writing, he smiled a bit. Not only writing down the names of places, but directions, too! “…Forgive me if this sounds a bit weird, but…you have really nice handwriting.” - Audrey chuckled at the green moon joke, then giggled at the compliment of her handwriting. “Not weird,” she assured as she bashfully played with her hair, twirling a short curl around her finger. It was nice to get a compliment on something that wasn’t her physique. “I take a lot of notes. Helps me remember things.” - He nodded, “Always good, always good. Nothing worse than having something super important you need to do or get, then completely forgetting to. Like… 'don’t forget the milk….don’t forget the milk….wait, what was I getting?…Ah, crud! I forgot the milk!” - Audrey snickered. “Yeah. That’s why I write everything down,” she flipped through her notebook to show page upon page of notes. “I’ve had friends ask how I got them the perfect gift, and I’m like, 'Remember how you were talking about that thing three months ago? Yeah. I wrote it down.'” She flipped a page and twirled her pen. “Speaking of, how do you spell your sisters’ names? I wanna write them down. Yours too… I’m imagining there’s more to your name than a J and a C.“ - “I should start doing that,” he noted, “Did it a lot more while I was still in school, but having recently graduated, eeeeh….not so much. Would be good to get back into the habit.” At the “more than a J and a C” comment, he chuckled. “I would hope so, otherwise my parents were very lazy. It’s short for Jean-Claude: J-E-A-N, dash ,C-L-A-U-D-E. Syd’s is S-Y-D-N-E-Y, and Kat’s is K-A-T-R-I-N-A.” - “A-ha! It’s a good thing I asked,” she proceeded to write the names down. “I definitely would have spelled those wrong otherwise. You never know; that Greg could be spelled with two Gs at the end or something.” - “Haha, yeah! Or the 'Christopher’ that you pass by every day spells it as 'K-R-I-S-T-O-F-F-E-R.” he replied, offering an example. - “Oh goodness. That reminds me of a comedian talking about names who said he met a girl named Amy, but it was spelled A-Y-M-I-E. I think it was Brian Regan.” - J.C. had to laugh, “Or you get a name that has about seven different consonants all piled together, but it’s pronounced as 'Jim’.” - Audrey snickered. “Okay; now you’re just making stuff up.” - J.C. gave her a cheeky smile. “Maaaaybe just a little, yeah.” - “Your sister was right. You are a dork,” she grinned. - “Now if only being a dork was a profession.” he snickered, “I’m overqualified.” - “You’d have some stiff competition. I’ve memorized at least half the recent My Little Pony songs word for word. And let’s not forget all the Disney songs.” - “If it’s any consolation, I do a meeeean rendition of 'I Just Can’t Wait to Be King’…granted, I’m always designated as Zazu, but hey.” J.C. shrugged, “Now my 'Winter Wrap Up’ can use a bit of work, but…” - He knew My Little Pony too? Nice! Audrey grinned before softly singing one of Nala’s lines. “No one saying be there~” - Cue him responding with a “No one saying 'Stop that!’ ” - “No one saying seeee heeeere~” She jokingly thought that, if he joined her on that line, he must be her soulmate. - He did indeed, laughing a bit as he did so. - Audrey laughed as well, unable to believe he actually did it. “Oh, wow. You’re the first guy who’s ever sung Disney with me… Well, besides kids… and my dad… Okay; the first adult male who isn’t related to me.” - J.C. shrugged, smiling, “Hey, you have to admit that they are pretty catchy, so it’s kind of hard not to. …Well, that and it’s pretty fun to sing along to stuff, anyway.” - She nodded in agreement. “It’s a little different when you’re in front of other people though.” She rubbed her arm, smiling bashfully. “I’m usually a bit shy with that sort of thing, but, I dunno, you seem… safe? for lack of a better word. Like, I don’t imagine you would make fun of me. Then again, we did just meet, but, eh,” she shrugged. “just a feeling.” - 'Safe’, awwww~ That was kind of the way he felt about her, too. His heart felt like it was burning with something. Not heartburn or anything like that, but more like…some warm affection-type feelings. They appeared to be past the level of acquaintance and more on the level of “friends who hadn’t seen each other in years”…which was kind of strange, since they’d just met. Best not to question it, though…. He gave her a gentle smile, “It sucks being on the end where you get laughed at. I know from experience, it’s…not the best feeling. So I make it a point not to do that to others, y'know? Break the cycle, treat others how you want to be, something along those lines…” - “Woof,” Audrey exhaled, looking towards the sky. “Tell me about it. I was prime bully bait as a kid. Not only did I have plenty to make fun of, I cried really easy, so they always got a reaction.” - J.C. mimicked Audrey’s actions, “My main 'points of fault’, I say with heavy emphasis on the air quotes, were the fact that I was still learning English, my accent- a lot heavier at the time- my glasses… the list goes on and on.” - She sat back up and pointed to her front teeth, which were fairly large in comparison to the rest of her teeth. “You see these? This is after I’ve grown into them.” She paused for a moment, looking confused. “Who makes fun of a French-English accent?!” she exclaimed as she threw her hands up. “Those are, like, the best accents to have!” - “At least they weren’t missing…? I know that’s not a lot of help, but…” he pointed to his, “These two are actually fake. Got my two adult teeth knocked clean out when I was a little older than Syd. Took a while to get the implants, so…” he blew a bit of air out of his nose, “Bet you can guess how well that went over with the little buttmunches that were in my class. The real kicker was when I finally got them and sounded like Daffy Duck for a solid month and a half.” He rubbed the back of his neck, “That….probably isn’t much help, and I don’t mean to make it sound like I’m taking the conversation away from you, but…I dunno, that whole 'safe’ feeling you said you have with me kind of…extends over from me to you, too.” - “Cheese on a cracker!” Audrey exclaimed with a hand to her chest. “That’s horrible! How on earth did they manage that; a hammer?!” She waved her hands. “Oh no no no no. It’s fine. I’m talking to you, not at you.” - He gave her a nod, a sort of not verbal way of saying “I understand”, before continuing. “More like running into a tree…going down a hill on a bike…at near full speed….as part of a dare from a couple of older boys. The bit they forgot to mention was that I had to jump off the bike before it hit.” He sighed, shaking his head, “Y'know, part of that was my fault for taking the dare, but…11 year old me didn’t want them thinkin’ I was a chicken or anything.” He smirked, another thought occurring to him, “Althooooough….I knew one of the older kids, so before I went home, I went to his house first and showed his parents- who knew my parents and were good friends with them- what happened.” - Audrey grimaced, recoiling at the thought of such a stunt. “I’m sure that was a delight for them to see,” she shuddered before shaking her head to rid herself of the thought. “My dad actually had to have a veneer in high school. He got in a fight, something he never does, because the guy made my mom cry. They barely knew each other at the time, but Dad was smitten with her from day one. Anyway, he was beaten to a pulp and lost a chunk of tooth, but he married my mom in the end so… yaaaayyy…” she waved her hands. - “Ooof…” J.C. had to cringe at the thought, “Buuuut…I guess in the end, it all worked out? Better than my parents. …I’m…not 100% sure of how my birth parents met, but my current ones…that’s a different story. Short and skinny is that they knew each other as kids, Mum was a right pillock to Dad, she moved away, then they re-united in uni and I guess…everything worked out? Apologies, burying the hatchet, all that good stuff.” - “Huh,” she shrugged, “Fair enough.” She paused to look down at Lola. “I wonder if she knew we would get along somehow. Like some sort of doggy sixth sense. I mean, out of all the people in the park, she went straight for you.” - He chuckled, “I dunno…I mean, the same tends to happen when people ask me to hold their babies and they’re all smiles and whatnot. I don’t even do much, other than give them a 'Hey, what’s up, little darlin’?’ or ’Salut, petit lapin!’ and I’m getting this few-toothed smile.” He stopped and thought for a second, “I mean…people aren’t handing me babies all the time, but…you get what I mean, right?” - Audrey tittered at the thought. “Come, Julia! We must find a kind stranger to hold our baby!” - J.C. started to go into a giggle fit, trying to picture the scenario. - Audrey did as well. Meanwhile… While Edward wasn’t the boss, he was well respected in his workplace. He was a hard worker and had been with the company for over twenty years. He knew the inner workings of things and could navigate the building blindfolded. While he may not be the most social, he was certainly polite and was sure to greet the employee from their English branch. “Roger Malone, was it?” the exceedingly tall man inquired, holding out his hand to shake. - New country, new people…at least it’s the same company? Albeit, a different branch, but…stiiill the same company, so not all that much should be that different. Kind of wished that Reggie or Eric had come along, that way I’d at least know someone… “Roger Malone, was it?” came a voice. Snapping out of his little funk, the Englishman smiled in the direction it was coming from. Ah! Now time to match a voice to a faaaaa….hoooooly moley, this guy was huge! Was…was that who that voice belonged to? Only one way to find out…. “Aaah, yes! Yes, that’s me.” he chuckled, “I know I have a few names I was supposed to remember, so I’m going to take a stab in the dark, and say yooooou’re…” David? Jack? Not a Sandra, that was for sure… “…Edward?” - “First try; impressive. Edward Davis; yes,” he nodded. “I believe the meeting is in,” he checked his watch, “about fifteen minutes. So you should have time to learn your way around or stop by the breakroom. There may still be a doughnut or two, if you hurry.” - Roger gave him a nod. Sure, this guy seemed really intimidating, but…it wasn’t like he was trying to assert his dominance over him? Nothing like “Move it, peasant, there are doughnuts with MY name on it in the breakroom.” “Duly noted…perhaps a little stroll around, then, ah…get down to business, eh?” Totally nailed that office small talk. - Edward simply nodded, not acknowledging the awkwardness. He could be awkward himself, when out of his element. “I’ll leave you to it then. If you need help with anything, Sandra should be happy to assist. She’s pretty easy to spot with her curly blonde hair and large glasses. If you can’t find her, well, it’s pretty hard to miss me,” he chuckled slightly. - “Curly hair, large glasses…got it. Cheers, mate.” he gave him a smile and a nod before heading off. Hmm, maybe this guy would be the guy to stick to during this whole shebang. Seemed like he knew what was up. - Edward did the same and went about his business until it was time for the meeting. The meeting went about as well as one could expect, if a little longer than usual to fill in the newcomer. Statistics were discussed, questions were asked, ideas were suggested, and progress was made. Satisfied, the higher ups dismissed the others to go about their usual business. - The question was…what…exactly was his usual business now? Roger’s usual usual business involved bumming around with Reg and Eric for a little bit before getting back to work, but they were back in England. Then he got a glimpse of Edward again. He knew his way around…would he mind if he just shadowed him for a bit? “Aaah, Edward?” - Edward turned around and raised a brow at the Brit. “Yes? Can I help you?” - “Er, perhaps.” He cleared his throat, obviously a little nervous, “Would it…trouble you if I, ah…shadowed you for a little while? You’re the only face that I can actually immediately place. I don’t know if our positions are equivalents to one another, but…it’s always good to know a little about a lot?” Translation: Holy cow, I’m beyond awkward around here, please let me just stay under your wing for a bit. - Thankfully, Edward decided to show mercy on the awkward man. “That shouldn’t be a problem, as long as you don’t go shouting in my ear while I’m trying to work or something.” He made a subtle gesture with his head to follow him before heading for his office. The inside of his office was a strange mix of sterile and welcoming. While he had various degrees on his walls with pens and papers arranged just so, he also had photos and childish nick-knacks scattered about. Seemed he wasn’t the only influence on his office. - “Oh! Noooo, no, no, no, I usually keep to myself, anyway. Perhaps a little chatter here and there with a couple of colleagues, but otherwise…” Upon entering the office, the sterility offset him juuuust a tad. Sure, Roger was a rather tidy man as well, but this was perhaps a step up from his level of cleanliness. Then he caught sight of the photos and little “decorations”. Resisting the urge to breathe a sigh of relief (“Oh thank god, he’s human”), Roger couldn’t help but crack a small smile, having a couple in his own little office space back home. Must be a “dad” thing- having a couple little “projects” your kids have done just hanging around in your workspace. “Family man, eh?” he asked, breaking the silence. - “They’re my world,” he admitted, smiling softly and making his front teeth even more prominent. Turning a frame on his desk to face the other man, the photo revealed a recent photo of his wife and daughter. The two women shared the traits of red hair, green eyes, and freckles. The daughter had short hair while the mother had long hair. Another major difference between them, besides their ages, was the fact the mother was short and of an average build while the daughter was taller with an athletic build. “My wife, Abigail, and our daughter, Audrey. Quite the family resemblance, isn’t there?” he smiled widely, proud of his girls. Edward almost seemed to become another person when it came to his family. - Roger had to chuckle a little; to think that this scary looking guy was a big ol’ softie. “They’re lovely~” he responded, as he started to dig out his wallet. If they were going to do an impromptu show and tell, then he supposed it was his turn. “Let’s see…” Finally getting the wallet out, Roger dug around and found a more recent photo of his family. “Aha!” He handed it over to Edward, “This one took a few tries, since everyone wanted to muck about, buuuut…” In it were him, a blonde woman who was a couple inches shorter (and had a looser sense of dressing; nice jeans and a shirt as opposed to Roger’s shirt and tie deal), a young man close to his height and in a rugby shirt, and two young girls: one with hair a shade or two darker than her mother’s and dressed a little more “girly”(t-shirt and a skort), and one with bright red hair, dressed more casually: sweatshirt and shorts…and a purposefully goofy smile. “My wife Charlotte, my son J.C., and my daughters: Katrina and Sydney.” he said, pointing each of them out. - Edward took the photo and adjusted his glasses as he got a good look. “You still have young ones, I see. One of them pretty mischievous, from the looks of it,” he smirked as he handed the picture back. “Thankfully the more mischievous of my family are my nieces and nephews and not my responsibility… They’re nothing compared to their mothers though.” - Roger chuckled, both at Edward’s comment on his picture and his “not my responsibility” comment. “Yeeeeah, haha. Could be worse…one of Charlotte’s siblings has triplets, who’ve just turned two.” - “Three terrible twos? I’m good with numbers, but I don’t have an answer to that. Speaking of multiples; my wife’s older sisters are identical twins. Quite literally double trouble, given their natures.” - “They don’t either, apparently. Just kind of taking it a day at a time. ” he laughed, “Twins, eh? Interesting! My wife’s older brothers are twins as well. Fraternal, though.” - “Huh. Small world,” he mused aloud as he sat down at his desk and began typing away. “Sorry. We can keep talking. I just feel the need to be productive while we do so.” Working was practically a compulsion for the man. - “Guess so.” he chuckled. “And that’s totally alright.” Granted, as he said that, Roger had sort of…run out of things to talk about other than the weather… - The room was silent for a bit, save for the click-clacking of the computer keys. “…Would it be alright with you if I put some music on?” He usually listened to music while he worked. While this was usually done via headphones, he didn’t want to appear as though he was ignoring the man, nor did he want to leave him in awkward silence. - Roger gave him a nod. “Go for it.” Hey, potential new topic of conversation! “What, ah…what sort of music are you into, out of curiosity?” - Edward proceeded to take out an iPod from one of his drawers and skim through his music. “It’s difficult to pinpoint, honestly. I listen to multiple genres and it can vary depending on my mood.” Now, what might the average person like? “…How about some pop rock?” - Roger shrugged, “Fine by me.” - Edward nodded and brought up the playlist. Upon pressing play, Michael Jackson’s Thriller started through the iPod’s speaker. - A smile started to spread across Roger’s face. “Heh. Usually anytime I hear this, it’s from Sydney blasting it the morning of October 31st. I find it interesting that it was actually released almost an entire month after Halloween, yet that’s what a lot of people associate the song with…” - “Not surprising, given the theme of the song and the accompanying music video. I really appreciate the choreography in that video.” - “Right? To be honest, the one that gets me is 'Beat It’; albeit more so for the whole 'two legitimate rival gangs’ thing. To think they were able to not completely brutalize each other honestly astounds me.” - “Couldn’t have been easy,” he remarked as he typed. “Shame music and dancing can’t really solve your problems, like in the movies.” - Roger chuckled, “Yeeeah. If it was able to, my wife and I would have been friends starting in childhood, as opposed to establishing a friendship during university. Long story.” - “Actually, if it weren’t for conflict, I likely wouldn’t have wound up with my wife. Also a long story.” - …Huh. Interesting… “I mean…I’m up for sharing mine; I’m not sure about you. Though, I am curious. If you’re comfortable sharing, would you like to elaborate first or shall I?” - Edward took a look at his watch, before scooting away from his desk and facing his chair towards Roger. If they were going into long stories, he could at least give him his full attention. “I have some time. Go ahead,” he gestured slightly with his hand. - Roger gave him a small nod, found an available chair, sat, and took a deep breath. “Fair enough. Right, let’s see…both her and I were born in and spent most of our childhood in Liverpool. It’s a fairly sizeable city, however, the two of us ended up attending the same primary school. Her by her own volition, and myself since my mother was the headmistress. Her being a 'rebel’ and me being a 'toffee-nose’ as she called it, Charlotte wasn’t exactly keen on me, or a number of other students. Or teachers, for that matter. She was a…er, perhaps a couple of steps above being considered a 'troublemaker’- enough to the point where she ended up being expelled. Now, after that, there were several rumours that had gone around; saying she ended up in prison, fled the country…” He chuckled, thinking back on some of the other rumors that circulated, “In actuality, she went to another school. Save for perhaps…two or three times in between, neither of us saw each other again until university. We ended up being paired together for a project. I was still considered as a bit of 'teacher’s pet’, whereas she never really left her 'rebellious’ phase. The process itself was akin to pulling teeth, but eventually, we found out that the two of us knew each other…albeit, our last memories of one another were not exactly the best, per se. It took a number of months. but eventually, she had opened up quite a bit and ended up apologizing for the grief she’d caused me as a lad. ” He smiled slightly, “After that, we just started hanging out together, and lo and behold, sometime later we ended up getting married and raising three children.” - Edward listened and nodded politely as the other spoke. “That’s a nice story. Not everyone gets an apology from someone who wronged them, let alone marries them.” - Roger shrugged, chuckling. “I guess she really needed was some time to mature. Same for me, as well. Come a bit out of my shell and all.” - Edward nodded. “I know the feeling. Abigail makes sure I don’t keep to myself too much. As for our story… how much time do you have? I have a tendency to wax poetic with this sort of thing.” - Roger laughed, “I’ve got all day, mate. Lay it on me.” - “Very well.” Smiling, he began his story. “Abigail… I’ll never forget the moment I saw her… It was during my junior year of high school. I was on my way to class when, among the cacophony of locker doors slamming, the squeaking of shoes on the hallway floor, and the incessant chatter of students, I heard the most beautiful sound to ever grace my ears. It was a giggle, soft and pure, conveying the warmth and happiness one would expect of an angel. That’s what she was, an angel. And, just as one would expect of an ethereal being, I was only able to catch a glimpse of her as she passed by. Hair the color of the rising sun and eyes that sparkled like emeralds, she was, and still is, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I was completely in awe. I had no idea how a girl as beautiful as her could exist, nor how I couldn’t have noticed her until that point. While I’ve never been able to answer the first question, it wasn’t long until I was able to answer the latter. I’d never seen her before because she had only just begun attending our school.” He did warn Roger he could wax poetic. The rest of his story was just as eloquently worded; covering how, though he admired her, he didn’t pursue her, how he tried to be happy for her when she began dating a bully of his, the rage he felt when the other had taken advantage of her, the fight for her honor that he lost, and the gratitude Abigail had for his attempt. - ….Man, he wasn’t kidding. Edward was practically a reincarnation of Shakespeare- armed with a silver tongue and a talent for creating crystal clear imagery. It was almost as if Roger was there himself, observing from the sidelines. “That was….forgive me for being so emotional, but…” Roger wiped some stray tears from his eyes. “That was absolutely beautiful…” - Edward chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as a blush painted his features. “The story itself or the way I told it?” - “Both. Any of those degrees you hold happen to be an English or Literature one?” - He chuckled once more. “I’m afraid not. My interest in the arts is not something I’ve pursued outside of hobbies. I was encouraged to pursue a stable career path, in my youth.” - “Aaah. I mean…perhaps having it as a hobby is slightly better than a career? In those fields, I have been told that how much you make- if anything- is all dependent on luck. With your talent, I imagine you would be able to have been noticed fairly easily, but…perhaps it would be more stressful, in a sense. There are deadlines in an office setting, yes, but deadlines in an artistic sense…what if you’re in a creative slump but need to produce something the next day and are unable to?” He chuckled nervously, hoping that his 'spitballing’ of sorts made at least some sense. “That’s all a matter of opinion , I suppose. I-I don’t consider myself as one of those types that thinks that being an artist, in any medium, isn’t a career…” - “Exactly. I don’t think I’d be able to think and create freely whilst simultaneously being restricted by deadlines.” He sighed slightly and smiled. “Besides, I’m quite content with where I am now. I’m not looking for fame. I have a job that provides for my family and I can still engage in my interests as hobbies.” - Roger nodded, smiling as well, “So all in all, it sort of worked out.” - “Pretty much.” He checked his watch, brows rising at the time. “I really talked your ear off there. It’s almost lunch. Speaking of, I can recommend some good places to eat, if you haven’t been here before.” - “Is it?” Roger checked his as well, and eyebrows shooting up as a result. “Ah, so it is. Time flies when you’re having fun, I suppose. That would be great, actually! I’ve been to the States several times, but not Michigan…so I’m not sure what this place does and doesn’t have.” - “It would be remiss of me to not mention coney dogs while you’re here. Other states have tried to make them, but Michigan really is the best place to get one. Though the absolute best place to get one is a little shop only open in the summer, but I know a place that’s a close second.” - “Aw, drat…but hey, second best is better than nothing I suppose!” Roger paused, “What, ah…what exactly is a coney dog, if you don’t mind my asking?” - Edward laughed, or rather, exhaled through his nose. “It’s basically a really good hot dog topped with a seasoned meat sauce, onions, and mustard. Not to be confused with a chili dog. While not gourmet food, it’s sort of a local specialty that I’ve yet to see done just right anywhere else.” - Roger nodded as he listened. “Ah! Definitely sounds like something the kids will eat, so if need be, that covers dinner…probably will have one for myself as well- just to say that I’ve tried it.” - “I certainly recommend it. Jackson is serious about its coney dogs, so if you ever want to try one, here’s the place… Now I’m craving one, honestly. You want to come with me so I can show you where it is?” - Roger chuckled, “Might as well.” - Back at the park, Audrey parted ways with the trio of tourists to take Lola back home. Energetic as she was, a puppy needed her rest. In fact, Audrey had to carry the pooped pooch part of the way home. When lunchtime rolled around, the redhead found herself craving a Coney dog something fierce. She didn’t want to come across as though she was following the group, but she figured they would have already eaten and left by the time she got there. Upon reaching the restaurant, Audrey was surprised to see a different familiar face exiting his car. “Hi, Dad!” Audrey called from across the parking lot. What were the odds? “Hi, sweetie!” Edward called back. - Upon arriving, Roger stayed in the car for a brief second to send a quick text to his son. When it sent, he unbuckled his seatbelt and joined Edward, chuckling a bit at the two’s interaction. “Ah! Daughter, right?” After Audrey left, it was soon time for J.C. and the kiddos to head on out. As expected, Syd and Kat had worked up an appetite, and started getting into a bit of a “discussion” over what to have. To keep them from going at it the entire time they were walking, the older brother told them that he already had a place in mind. …Granted, that meant he’d have to deal with the two of them going “Where’re we going?”, “C'mon, tell us!”, and “No, wait, lemme guess, it’s THIS place!”, but hey- they weren’t fighting. Pulling out his phone to check the time, he noticed that he had a text from his dad: If you’re in the area, I’m grabbing lunch with a colleague. If the girls can’t agree on somewhere, here’s the place’s address…“ The young adult chuckled, texting back You must be a mind reader, we’re actually on our way there now. Be there in 7-10 min. - Audrey cocked her head, confused, but smiled. It wasn’t often she saw her father outside the office with someone she hadn’t seen before, but she saw it as a good thing.

"Indeed I am~”

Edward beamed and placed a hand on her shoulder, always happy to introduce his daughter to someone.

“Hard to believe I helped make this beautiful young woman, isn’t it?” Edward laughed.

“Daaaaaaaaddyyyyyyy,” Audrey covered her face, but smiled all the same. - Roger chuckled, “Well, it’s very nice to meet you. I’m Roger Malone, I’m, ah…sort of your father’s shadow today.” - Audrey raised a brow, not quite sure what he meant by that. “He works for a foreign branch of my company and has decided to stick close to me during his visit here,“ Edward explained. "Oohhh,” Audrey nodded. “It’s funny you should mention that. I actually met three people from England today. Well, two girls from England and one man originally from France…” - Roger raised an eyebrow and had to hold back a small smirk, “Let me guess…one of the girls had bright red hair, the other was blonde, and the man had glasses?” - Audrey blinked. “Yeah. How’d you know- wait…” she started snickering. “You’re their dad, aren’t you?” - The man chuckled, “Indeed I am.” - “What are the odds?” Audrey laughed. “Wait… uh-oh…” Edward looked confused. “Why uh-oh?” “Now they’re gonna think I’m following them,” she half whined. “I told them about this place, but I thought they would have been here and left by now.” “I doubt that will be a problem,” her father assured. “Besides, who would be disappointed to see you again?” he smiled and ruffled her hair. “Dad…” she sighed. - Roger smiled slightly. “I sent him a text, he said he’d be here in no more than 10 minutes or so. May be a bit longer since he’s got two little munchkins in tow, but we’ll see.” - “No more, but maybe longer,” Audrey snickered. “Ahhh, I’m just kidding.” - The father chuckled, “You never know.” - Her smile faltered a bit. “Sooo, should I leave orrr…?” - “Nooo, no, no, no, no! You’re welcome to stay, I don’t see it being an issue at all.” He looked to Edward, “Besides, lunch with your children- regardless of age- is always a nice change from grabbing something by yourself.” - “I suppose it’s like a daddy daughter double day… with a son,” she smiled awkwardly. - “In a sense, yes.” Roger chuckled, “Should we be heading over to get some food, or would you rather we wait for the other three?” - “It wouldn’t be very polite to eat before everyone is seated, let alone before everyone is in the building,” Edward remarked. - “Ah, true, true.” He put a hand to his forehead and gasped, trying to be dramatic and funny. “A most shameful misstep on my part.” - Audrey snorted at this as Edward exhaled through his nose. - Roger chuckled and straightened himself up. Seemed as though goofiness ran in the family… Meanwhile, about 2 minutes away… “J.C., come ON! Where’re we going?!” Syd whined. “I told you, it’s a surprise~” he said, teasing her a bit. - “-and then Lola just bolted over to them! J.C., specifically. I don’t know what her deal was, but she went straight for him. Maybe she smelled the different country on him somehow,” Audrey laughed. - Roger laughed, “Quite possibly! I know that there’s the belief that animals and children can sense something in people, be that good or bad, so who knows…” “I don’t WANT a surprise; I want food!” “Really? Huh, that’s a first…fine, I’ll tell you. You remember that place that Audrey was talking about earlier?” Upon being asked this, the ten year old started to calm down a bit. “…The one with the hot dogs?” “Well, coney dogs, to be more specific, but yes. And we have a guest joining us….” That seemed to perk the two up a bit. Food AND company… - “Well, she wanted attention from him, so I imagine she sensed good,” she shrugged. “She certainly liked all the attention the girls gave her; that’s for sure!” - Roger chuckled, “Aaaah, looks like I’m going to be getting the 'Dad, can we get a dog??’ question when they get here…” - “Their brother already answered that, I think,” she snickered. - “Hopefully, he went with what I told him, and not 'heck yeah, let’s go down and get one right now.” the father chuckled. “Are we there yet?” Kat asked. J.C. took a quick look at the street signs, then off into the distance, trying to see if the place across the street was indeed the name of the place that Audrey had recommended. “Aaaaah, I think so?” He saw a couple of people standing in the parking lot, one soooort of looking like their dad? He wasn’t 100% sure. What he did know was that there was a guy who was huge…“C'mon, let’s go check it out.” Once they were safely across the street, Syd and Kat’s eyes grew huge, recognizing a familiar face. So THAT’S who their surprise guest was! Even before J.C. could recognize who it was, the girls dashed off. Initially thinking that the two were coming to him, Roger, turning his head at the sound of a “YAAAAAAAAAAY!!” from Syd, knelt down and braced for impact. …Only…they didn’t go for him… “Audreeeeey!!” Kat happily cooed, “J.C. was right, this WAS a surprise!” - “Hi, girls!"Audrey laughed, hugging the two. "Didn’t think I’d see you guys again so soon!” She smiled apologetically and shrugged at their father. “She has a way with kids,” Edward quietly informed Roger. - “Apparently. They blew right past me…” the dad chuckled. Wow, they seemed excited…did they miss Dad that much? Once J.C. got closer, he couldn’t help but smile. This was a nice surprise! Upon reaching his father, he put an arm around him. “I’m surprised they didn’t knock her over…”

- “She is a strong one,” Edward commented. “Turns out your dad and my dad work for the same company,” Audrey gestured to the respective fathers. “What are the odds, huh?” - “They do?” Kat asked. Looking to where Audrey gestures, she finally noticed Roger and made a bee-line for him. “Daddy!” While Roger pulled his youngest into a one armed hug (the other arm being around J.C.), Syd, meanwhile, stayed silent and with Audrey, looking at her father…or whoever that gargantuan person was. Was she 100% sure on that? That this guy was really her dad? They didn’t look all that alike, save maybe for the teeth. She wasn’t scared, per se, more in awe of the size of Edward - Audrey followed Syd’s gaze and she soon chuckled. “Tall, isn’t he? Don’t worry,” she leaned closer to whisper, “he’s nowhere near as tough as he looks.” - Syd merely blinked, as if she was observing something at a museum. “So you said you and Audrey’s daddy are here?” Kat asked. “Yup,” Roger gestured to Edward, “Kat, this is Mr. Davis. Edward, this is Kat.” The little girl looked up, then fell kind of quiet. He was HUGE! She was only 4'3", this guy had to be 11 feet tall at least. Tightening her grip around her dad’s hand ever so slightly, she gave Edward a slight nod and a bashful “Hi…” - Edward frowned as he looked between the two girls, believing them to be frightened of him. “It’s always this,” he sighed, “or begging to sit on my shoulders.” - “I’m not scared, really…” Syd spoke slowly, “You’re just really tall…” she smiled a bit, trying to convey that she was more amazed than frightened. - “I’m aware,” he nodded. “How many retorts do you have to 'How’s the weather up there’ joke now?” Audrey smirked. “I’m not sure, honestly. Surprisingly, it’s been a while since I’ve been asked that.” - “…How IS the weather up there, anyway?” the ten-year-old asked. - “Partly cloudy with a one hundred percent chance of a joke I’ve already heard.” - …Alright, that was kind of funny…Kat and an equally nervous J.C. (in a more “This is the girl that I think I like’s dad?! I know I’d have to watch out regardless, but holy moly…” sense, as opposed to Kat’s “I’m but a small bean, pls no.”) giggled. - Edward smiled and exhaled through his nose. “We should probably get inside before our lunch break is over.” “Ohh, good point,” Audrey perked up. “I have the day off, but you don’t.” - J.C. exhaled through his nose as well, “Guess it’s a good thing that you guys were here. These two were close to ripping my arms off from…'hangriness’? I know that’s not a word, but you get the idea.” - “I suppose the portmanteau of 'hanger’ wouldn’t really work, lest someone think they wanted to hold clothes,” Edward remarked as he held the door open. - J.C. chuckled. The man had jokes…always a good sign. Upon the door opening, Syd practically ran in (giving Edward a 'Thanks!!’ as she passed by)- partially to find a seat and partially because FOOOOD. “Sydney, slow down, please.” Roger spoke up, “Running isn’t going to speed up the amount of time it’ll take to get your food.” - “Nope. That’s up to us,” Audrey chuckled as she speed-walked in. “Thanks, Dad!” - J.C. and Roger (and a Kat attached to Roger’s leg), followed suit, giving Edward a “Thanks, mate” as they passed by. Even the somewhat nervous eight-year-old managed to squeak out a “Thank you, mister”. Syd quietly groaned and threw her hands up- not so much in an aggressive way, more like an exasperated Muppet. “Okaaaaay.” - “You’re welcome,” Edward said just before heading in himself. Rather than several tables, the restaurant had a few very long tables with chairs on either side. “Sooo…” Audrey started, “three on one side, three on the other?” - “Sounds fair.” J.C. nodded, “Keeps Kat and Syd from fighting over who gets to sit where.” - “Maybe we can go by family? Wait… that’s four to two…” Audrey pondered. “Boys and girls?” Edward suggested. - “That works.” Roger looked to his youngest, still clinging to him. “You going to be okay? Sitting over with your sister and Audrey?” Kat thought for a second before answering. “If Syd’s not gonna be flingin’ stuff at me, yeah.” Syd scoffed, “Naaaah, too many grown-ups around. You’re fiiiiine.” - “I could sit in the middle,” Audrey offered. “Any fights would have to go through me.” - Kat smiled slightly, “That works.” - As the group took their seats, Audrey slid off her light jacket to reveal her T-shirt and bare arms underneath. If they were wondering if she had strength to match her flexibility, there was their answer. - J.C.’s eyebrow’s popped up as he got a look at Audrey’s arms. Knowing that her father was right next to him, he had to resist the urge to whistle. - Audrey eyebrows scrunched together, feeling as though she was being watched. She looked up to see J.C. “…What?” - “Hm?” Ah, crud, he was noticed! Granted, he was looking at a “tame” part of her body, but still! “Ah! Sorry, sorry, I, um…I…” His face going a little pink, J.C. averted his gaze. “I just…caught a glimpse of…” he coughed, “You look…pretty strong.” Totally nailed that recovery. - Given her T-shirt didn’t really show any cleavage, she believed him. “Oh,” she shrugged before flexing her arm. “Yeah. I work out.” “She’s a pretty one, huh?” Edward smiled at him, but it was threatening and with a piercing gaze; a look that said, 'Don’t you dare.’ - Feeling incredibly small as he was given the “Dad Glare” (as Syd called it. Roger had a similar one, but Edward’s was about twice as intimidating), J.C. slunk a little in his seat, and replied with a “Y-yes, sir.” “Betcha she could totally piledrive ya, J.C.” Syd noted, as she watched Audrey flex. “..P…piledrive?” “Yeah! Like…SLAM! Right through a table!” Oh, she meant WRESTLING…oh thank god. J.C. chuckled nervously. “Um…p-probably, but…I don’t know if she would. N-not that it implies that she’s weak or anything! She can…I imagine she holds her own. I, er…I’m…going to shut up now. - Audrey seemed oblivious to her father’s 'threat’ as she laughed. "Maybe? You can calm down though. I wouldn’t try anything like that. I may like to spar here and there, but I only fight fight as a last resort.” - J.C. chuckled, trying to have it come of as NOT being nervous. “Haha…good to know.” “Aw, we could’ve tag teamed…” Syd whined slightly. - “Maybe for a play fight. If I gave it my all, I imagine I could be pretty dangerous. I mean, I have won a few karate competitions,” she couldn’t help but gloat a little. Her strength was something she had utmost confidence in. “I can break boards… cinder blocks… found out I can crush melons with my thighs…” - Cue J.C. sputtering and choking on his own saliva. “…You alright, son?” Roger asked. “ [cough] [cough]Yeah! Yeah, I’m [cough] f-fine!” - “Oh jeez! You choked on your own spit, didn’t you? Hate when that happens…” “Why did you try crushing melons with your thighs?” Edward asked. Audrey chuckled and absently played with her hair, “Well, I saw a lady do it on YouTube and it made me curious.” - “ [cough! cough cough] Yeah…” “Sometimes you learn the best stuff off of there.” Syd pointed out. - “It’s pretty good for how-tos,” she agreed. - The little redhead thought for a second.“…Soooo if I wanted to learn how to make a glitter bomb…” “Don’t get any ideas…” Roger started “I said 'if’, not 'I’m going to make one…” - Audrey tittered. “You’re such a scamp, Syd.” - “The scampiest~” Syd smiled. “So you’re saying you’re a shrimp dish?” J.C. asked, obviously joking. - Audrey giggled at the joke. “Or a chicken dish, depending on your taste and if you’re scared or not.” - J.C., Syd and Roger snickered. The only one who wasn’t all snicker-y was Kat. She wasn’t exactly scared or upset, per se, but more….cautious, mainly because of Edward. - Audrey noticed Kat’s lack of laughter. “You okay, Kat?” Edward looked over to the young blonde with a raised brow. He didn’t mean to look intimidating in doing so… but he looked intimidating in doing so. - Temporarily snapping out of her little funk, the little girl looked to Audrey. “Huh? Yeah! Yeah, I’m…I’m fine.” “You’re not sick, are you?” Syd asked, “'Cos I don’t want to get whatever it is you’ve got.” The little sister shook her head “no”. - Audrey frowned, able to tell she was lying. “If you’re worried about not liking the coney dog, you could always just scrape the coney meat off it and just eat the hot dog.” - “I think I’ll be okay.” Ah, good, a slight change in focus. Perhaps she could keep it going and ask her “standard” question when it came to trying new foods: “It doesn’t have any green stuff on it, does it? In the meat stuff?” - “Naahhh. You’re good. Not a vegetable in sight… Except for onion, but you can get it without.” - Kat smiled slightly, “That’s doable.” - “Good~ Oh, looks like it’s time to order,” Audrey chirped as she looked over at their server. - “Oo!” Syd chirped, looking over the menu. “In that case, I’ll haaaaaaave…” Roger, J.C., and Kat followed in terms of ordering; nothing spectacular- a coney dog and a drink. - Audrey and Edward did the same; though they both ordered two coneys. Edward was a big guy and Audrey needed the fuel for her active lifestyle. - “They do dessert here, right?” Syd asked, smiling expectantly. - “They do, actually,” Audrey smiled. “It’s sort of a custom to get rice pudding as dessert when having coney dogs.” - Aaaaaand there went that smile. Here she was thinking they had ice cream. The idea of rice pudding was not sitting well with her, indicated by a slight “Ick!”. “Ah, c'mon, kiddo. You’re trying something new for food, you won’t do the same for dessert?” J.C. asked. He thought for a second; maybe a little of the “monkey see, monkey do” logic he would use when she was younger would work… “…I’m probably going to have some afterwards, would you be against trying a bite or two? ”…I mean, I guess I could have a bite. If you really can’t finish your dessert without someone else having a bite of it.“ Syd answered, trying to play it cool. J.C. smirked slightly. - "You’ve never had rice pudding?” she cocked her head. “It’s really good! Like, I know rice might have a weird texture to some, but this rice pudding is nice and creamy and sweet with cinnamon.” “Besides,” Edward started, “how will you ever find a new favorite food if you don’t try new food?” - Syd raised an eyebrow. “Cinnamon? Ooo, now I’m warming up to the idea~ That’s one of my favourite flavours…other than bubble gum, cherry, lemon, and cotton candy.” Kat’s “stiffness”, as it were, started to loosen up after she heard Edward. That sounded like something that her dad said a lot… - “Good~” Audrey and Edward spoke simultaneously. “I almost feel bad getting rice pudding without Mom,” Audrey chuckled. “Speaking of, have you talked to her today?” “You should know the answer to that,” Edward chuckled. “I called her this morning, just as I always do when we’re not in the same house.” “I’ll catch you forgetting one of these days,” she joked. - J.C. chuckled quietly, thinking the whole scenario was pretty cute. - “My mom is hanging out with her sisters today. That’s why she’s not here,” Audrey informed. - “Speaking of, did yooooou call Mum today???” Syd asked, interrogating her father. Roger chuckled, “I had sent her a text earlier; making sure she got to where she was going alright.” “You’ve gotta call her, though!” the ten year old lightly scolded, “It’s more important to talk and hear each other’s voices!” “I haven’t had a chance to, sweetheart. I’ll do it when I get back to the office, alright?” Syd gave her father a suspicious look, but backed down with an “…Okaaaaaay….if you say so…” - Edward couldn’t help but snicker at this. “This isn’t the competition of the dads, Syd,” Audrey chuckled. - Ah, and he laughed too! Kat smiled a bit at his reaction. “Mmm, you’re right, that’s on Father’s Day…” the child mused. - Audrey snorted at this. “No-ho it’s not!” - “So then why do they have all those 'World’s Greatest Dad’ mugs?! You don’t just get that title wily-nily!” - Audrey shook as she tried not to laugh.

“I don’t know,” she squeaked. - “They have the 'Dad Games’ in Scotland, right?” J.C. asked, snickering and going along with Syd’s misconception. “They sometimes coincide with Highland Games, so they combine the two?”

“Sometimes, I guess.” Syd confirmed, “But they replace something like caber tossing with ball tossing, if I remember correctly…”

Roger couldn’t help but snicker as well. - Audrey was a bit lost. She was certain he was joking, but she was unsure as to what was a joke and what wasn’t. If they had wife carrying in Finland, Dad Games in Scotland wasn’t that far fetched.

May as well play along so they don’t think she’s stupid.

“Do they have wife carrying like they do in Finland?” - “…They have that in Finland?” the child asked. - “If I remember right. I saw it on a show about strange competitions from around the world.”

Yes, she purposely left out the show was called World’s Dumbest. - “Oooooooh….”

“Soooo, do they?” J.C. asked Syd, seeing how long she could keep this up. “Have wife carrying competitions at the Dad Games?”

“I’m…not too sure. I think that’s one of the new events being added this year. That, and…you know the relay race where you have to carry an egg with a spoon? There’s s'posed to be something similar, except it’s with a baby and you’ve got to carry them to their crib as quickly as you can without waking them up.” - Audrey had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

Edward was pretty good at keeping a straight face, so he decided to weigh in while Audrey couldn’t.

“I certainly hope they don’t carry them using spoons. Dropping a baby is a lot worse than dropping an egg.” - “Oh, no, no- they carry them like you normally carry a baby.”

J.C. snickered, “You sure they don’t just use really big spoons?”

“No, 'cos that’s just dumb…” - “Pffckp!” Audrey clamped her hand over her mouth again. - Syd was confused; why was all of this so funny? They’d asked their question, and they were getting an answer. Adults were weird… - Audrey managed to stifle her laughter once more and her father remained straight faced, as usual.

“I’m guessing you four flew here,” Edward piped up to break the silence. - “ 'Course we did.” Syd answered, “It’s not like we can just jog across the ocean.” - “Your arms must be really tired then,” he smirked.

Audrey slapped a hand to her face.

J.C. mimicked Audrey, while Syd groaned. Total dad joke- she should’ve seen that coming!

Kat, on the other hand, giggled a little. Perhaps that apprehension of hers was starting to diminish.

Edward laughed at their reactions.

“Did you tell these dad jokes before I was born?” Audrey asked.

“No. They come in the handbook you get when you become a dad.”

“I believe 'Dad Jokes’ is Chapter 5.” Roger added.

“…There’s not a handbook, c'mooon…” Syd scoffed.

“Do you think we just learn as we go? That’d be ridiculous.”

“Do mums get one, too?” Kat asked.

“Theirs is less of a handbook and more of a full encyclopedia.”

“How come it’s bigger than just a handbook?” the little girl asked. Now she was curious…

“Because their book has all the hard stuff in it. The dad book mostly has jokes and funny faces to practice.”

Syd looked to J.C., “He’s not serious, is he?”

“Oh, he is.” the older brother confirmed, smirking. “When Mum was pregnant with you, they consulted their manuals. They did the same with Kat- you were too young to remember them doing it, though.”

The ten-year-old raised an eyebrow, not buying it. “So what about with you, then? Did they consult this 'manual’ too? ”

“There’s a section in the mum encyclopedia all about adoption- Chapters 15 and 16, if I remember correctly.”

“…Adoption?” Edward blinked, surprised.

J.C. looked over to Edward, chuckling a bit sheepishly. “Yes, I, um…I was adopted by your, ah…work mate here,” he gestured to Roger, "at around 2 years old. Long story. …Well, not really a long story, but…“

"Ah. Well, I won’t pry. Didn’t intend to put you on the spot there. Sorry.”

J.C. gave him a small smile, “It’s no big deal. You ever want to know, I’m open for questions.”

“I’m not really sure if I’ll ever see you again, so I may as well ask,” he shrugged.

“Weeelllllll,” Audrey started.

J.C.’s eyes darted over to Audrey, before looking back to Edward. “Ummm….”

Edward raised a brow, awaiting an explanation.

“I went ahead and got J.C.’s e-mail address so I could send him pictures of Lola and Daisy to show to Syd and Kat,” Audrey said with a smile. “Don’t know if we’ll talk much outside of that, but I figured that counted as keeping contact,” she shrugged. - “P-pretty much, yeah.” J.C. confirmed, “What with being abroad and all. Can’t really come rushing over every time the sibs want to see Lola, y'know?”

“Oh. Makes sense,” Edward nodded, not too on edge yet. Seemed innocent enough.

“I mean, teeeeechnically we could…” Syd suggested.

Roger laughed, “Oh really? How do you plan on raising money to do so, eh?”

Syd stayed silent for a moment before giving an answer. “…I’ll figure something out.”

Audrey snickered.

“I couldn’t afford that and I have a job.” - “…Theeeeen I’ll find a way that makes a lot of money.”

“Will you let me in on it?” Audrey asked.

Syd steepled her fingers and leaned back slightly. “Perhaps. Once I find it, of course.”

“… Please do so legally.”

Syd made a facial expression, silently conveying something along the lines of “Dang it…”.

“Eh, I can start with a lemonade stand, I guess…”

“I think you need a permit for that now, or something, unfortunately,” Audrey frowned. “So dumb.”

“A piece of paper that says 'I can do whatever I want’ and has your signature on it doesn’t count, either.” J.C. added.

“Dang it!”

Edward inhaled, about to speak, but Audrey cut him off.

“If you go into an in-depth explanation as to why, I can’t guarantee we’ll all stay awake.”

J.C. had to hold back a snicker.

“…Sometimes I wonder if we’re related. Then I look at your mother,” he proceeded to look left and right. “But she’s not here right now, so I don’t know.”

Audrey snickered.

“That’s what we say about Syd sometimes,” Kat piped up, “And we look to Mum, too. Similar personalities.”

Syd scoffed, “I’m waaaaay more tame than Mum was when she was my age. Or so I’ve been told.”

“Audrey’s pretty much a dead ringer for her mother at that age… but with more muscle.”

“And less hair,” Audrey added. - Roger chuckled, “Charlotte had pigtails at…well, at least at Kat’s age. I think she had them when she was as old as Syd, as well.”

“Only real differences are that she’s blonde, and that I’ve never accidently set a building on fire.” Syd added. She paused, thinking how off that statement sounded. “It’s….not as bad as it sounds. She tells the story better than I do.”

Edward’s eyebrows shot up at this, as did Audrey’s.

Before they could question farther, however, their food arrive.

“Oo, yay~ You guys get to have your first Coney!” Audrey exclaimed.

Syd and Kat stared at the size of the food, trying to figure out how exactly they were going to get it in their mouths. That was one big hot dog…

“So do we just like….go for it?” The redhead asked, “Aim for the mouth and hope for the best?”

Audrey snorted. “Basically.”

She and Edward both picked up their own coneys and took a bite. How did they do it? Very carefully.

Syd’s expression was a little more telling. It was a bit more extreme, as if she had just tasted the best thing in the world. She said nothing, as meat sauce started to drip down her face.

Audrey snickered at Syd and took another bite. “Good, right?”

The child slowly nodded.

“Don’t go all 'wild animal’ on us now.” J.C. spoke up, wiping a bit of sauce from his own face. “If there wasn’t as much in the way of sauce and whatnot on there, I’d say go for it, but I don’t think everyone else around us would appreciate getting covered in food.

Syd merely responded with a dazed "Uh-huuuuuh” and went back to chowing down.

Audrey giggled. “Agreed. Though there are worse things to be covered in than coney dog.”

“Like ink from a pen that exploded on you, I suppose.” Roger piped up.

“Or mud.” Kat added.

“Aw, c'mon, being covered in mud’s kinda fun!” Syd, briefly snapping out of her coney daze, spoke up. “Besides, people use it for, like, beautifying themselves sometimes. Like on spa days, not just after a rainstorm.”

“They do noooot…” the small blonde scoffed.

“Well, yes and no,” Audrey clarified. “Mud masks are a thing, but it’s not just plain old mud from the ground. It’s like, a special kind of mud mixed with special oils and stuff.”

“What about mud baths, then?” Syd asked.

“I think it’s the same basic idea.”

“Mmm. So there goes another money-making idea, then.” The redhead took a bite of her dog, “I was gonna dig a hole, fill it with mud, and use that as a space for people to take a mud bath in. Find some oils and put those in as well…”

“If only it was that simple…”

“I don’t think you should be worrying too much about money.” J.C. noted, “Childhood’s meant more for worrying about…heck, I don’t know, finding out what happens in the next episode of your favorite cartoon. Or whatever sort of drama will unfold between your dolls the next time you play pretend with them.”

Syd scoffed, “But you need money to buy and do things, ya dingbat.”

“Thaaaat’s…where saving up your allowance comes in.” he shrugged.

“Or having someone pay for something for you.” the younger sister gave him a cheeky smile, “And give them an IOU, of course.”

Audrey snickered.

“Yeah. That’s what childhood should be, even if it isn’t always like that. People always act as though childhood has no downsides. It can be stressful, I know. But it certainly has its perks.”

“I mean, adulthood kinda has its perks too…you get to drive, stay up late, and even do biscuits for breakfast if you’re so inclined.” Syd mused, “Buuuuuuuuut you do have a point… I think.”

“Adults have to pay taxes,” Edward replied dryly, causing Audrey to snicker.

“…So do kids.” the redhead responded, “You’ve never heard of the 'sibling tax’? Or the 'Halloween candy’ tax?”

Audrey looked confused. “…I’m an only child and so is my dad, so, no.”

“The 'Halloween candy’ one isn’t even really a tax,” J.C. spoke up, “she gives up the candy that she doesn’t like and gives it to me , Dad, and Mum”

“But I was still the one who went out and got it, so it’s still kind of a tax.” Syd argued.

“The sibling one is when your brother or sister gets you a snack or somethin’ when they go out to a convenience store, and they take a small bit.” Kat added. “Like a few Smarties out of a pack, or a sip of a slushie.”

“Ohhhh,” Audrey nodded. “That makes sense.”

“Plus side is is that it rarely rises.” the little blonde continued, “For example, Syd usually takes five of my Smarties; no more, no less. Even though there’s a lot that comes in a tube.”

“Well, that’s 'cos they’re /yours/ so obviously, you get the most.” Syd shrugged, “Basic economics.”

“She has a point,” she shrugged.

Syd smirked. See? Audrey got it.

“Since when has this been a thing?” Roger asked, “I don’t remember ever doing that with my siblings.”

“It’s fairly recent.” Kat answered, “ 'Sides, I guess it’s kind of a good thing, what with you bein’ the youngest out of yours an’ all. Your siblings and mine are different in terms of personality.”

“Oh jeez, can you imagine Mum?” Syd chuckled, “She’d have 5 other people that could tax 'er!”

“I thought they could only tax you if they helped get you something? Otherwise, I think it’s just called sharing.”

“Either way.” Syd shrugged, “Bein’ an only child has its perks, I imagine.”

Kat looked over to her sister, appearing offended and assuming that that’s what Syd preferred. The redhead looked to her sister and gave her a playful nudge, one that nonverbally said something like “Hey, you’re alright; I tolerate ya”.

“It does get kinda lonely, though.” J.C. piped up, “I was one for thirteen years.”

“I’ve always been an only child. I did have my cousins to keep me company though. Them and the kids we’d babysit,” Audrey remarked.

“I was more focused on my studies than socializing,” Edward admitted.

“I tried to be,” Roger admitted, “But that can be a bit difficult when you’re needed either as goalie for your older brother’s football game or brought to tea with Mumsy and other school officials.”

Syd had to hold back a laugh. Ha! “Mumsy”. Who called their mother that, nowadays!? That sounded so old-fashioned.

“You shouldn’t be envious,” Edward commented a bit quietly.

Roger raised an eyebrow, “I mean, I’m not exactly complaining. Could’ve settled for not having a football to the face and a black eye or some other bruise with most games, but…”

The only response he got was a light grunt. “Mm.”

“Sooo,” Audrey started, hoping to change the subject, “you want to order some rice pudding?”

Ooof, sounds like he was hitting a rough subject. Best not to push it. Thank goodness for Audrey and the rice pudding suggestion. “Uuuum, sure! Yes, let’s, ah…let’s try some of that!”

Audrey smiled and nodded, motioning for their server.

Syd looked to Edward, “Iiiif it’s any consolation, she’s a real 'witch with a capital B’ now. I really don’t like 'er.” Not sure if that helped, but…

Kat, noticing the change in the other father’s attitude, became quiet again.

Edward looked thoroughly confused. “Who?”

“Dad’s mum. 'Mumsy’, as 'e calls her.” Syd clarified. “She’s usually nice to him, but she’s mean to a lot of other people.”

“Oh. Not sure why that would be consolation, but, alright,” he shrugged.

Syd shrugged as well.

Kat, meanwhile, continued cautiously watching.

After a moment of silence, Edward felt eyes on him and looked over to Kat.

Was she scared of him still?

Can’t have that.

He briefly stuck his tongue out and pulled it back in, looking not unlike a snake.

Wait a sec.

Kind of scary guy?

Making silly faces?

That was pretty ridiculous. Silly, even.

The little blonde smiled slightly, giggling a bit at the display.

“Hm?” Audrey looked over to Kat, then to her father, who looked as serious as ever.

“What’s so funny, shorty?” Syd asked.

“Noooothin’.” the younger sibling responded, trying to control her giggles.

Edward suppressed a smirk. Once the attention was off him again, he crossed his eyes.

Cue a slightly bigger smile and more giggles.

That’s better~, Edward thought to himself, believing that to be enough to calm her down.

The server soon came with their rice pudding.

Knowing the kids were a little unsure of the new dessert, Audrey took the first bite, making sure to look quite pleased with the flavor.

Like a group of little scientists, Syd and Kat watched closely to make sure that nothing adverse happened. Looked as if Audrey liked it…soooo if she wasn’t immediately spitting it back out, then it had to be good, right?

Only one way to find out…

Audrey did her best not to laugh at their cautiousness. She smiled as she continued eating. “Told ya.”

Kat looked to Syd for confirmation.

“Ish guuuuuuuuh, Kad” she responded, mouth full of pudding.

Slowly, Kat took a small bit of pudding and placed it in her mouth. Her reactions were a bit similar to her sister’s but they seemed to be pretty positive as well.

Audrey giggled. “So, what do you two think?” she asked J.C. and Roger.

Roger nodded, “It’s different, but I must say, it does have a delightful taste.”

J.C., meanwhile, was about halfway done with his. Must’ve been that good.

Audrey snorted when she looked over at J.C. before covering her mouth and nose.

J.C. looked up, a bit of pudding on his nose, wondering what Audrey was laughing at.

Roger couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. “Uuuum, son? You’ve got a bit of…”

J.C. looked down at the little blob on his nose, chuckled awkwardly, and used a napkin to get it off.

“You sure you want to be so blunt about it? I mean, you were a little… on the nose,” she snickered, as did her father.

“I guess you could say that all that stuff on your face made you look a little…off-pudding.” Roger added. Cue an “Oh god, dad jokes” sort of groan from Kat and Syd.

“How dair-y say that?” Edward jumped in.

J.C. couldn’t help but laugh; he always appreciated a good dad joke.

Audrey tittered as she took another bite. “I’m out. Anyone have any puns left?”

“Aw, already? I thought those were some pretty rice puns we had going.” Kat piped up.

Audrey snickered. “You sure like to go with the grain, don’t you?”

“I’m surrounded by nerds…” Syd said, shaking her head.

“That’s pot calling the kettle black, isn’t it?” J.C. asked, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

“…You’ve still got a bit of pudding on your face, y'know.” she said, smirking back. “Might want to get another napkin and dab it off.”

“Dab it off?” Audrey proceeded to do the 'dab’ movement with one arm out and her face in the crook of her other arm.

“I don’t see how this will help.”

At that moment, Syd and Kat immediately lost it, collapsing into a fit of laughter (and some pudding dribbling down their chins). J.C. snickered at their reaction.

Roger, however…was confused.

Edward felt the same.

Audrey chuckled, looking at J.C. “Should we tell them?”

“One of these days, maybe.” J.C. snickered.

“If only we were still kids. We could use this as leverage.”

“Truuuuue.”

“Oh well. Maybe Syd and Kat can.”

“…Once they stop laughing, of course.”

“Why are they laughing, anyway?” Roger asked.

“Sorry, Dad, it’s top secret. Those of a certain age are only privy to it.” Syd answered, still trying to calm down.

“Ya hear that, Dad? No old people allowed.”

“I have baby pictures in my wallet,” Edward retorted.

“I’ll shut up now.”

“Oooohoo, the baby picture threat. Things are getting serious.” J.C. snickered.

“I have yours, too, you know.” Roger added, looking to his son and raising an eyebrow.

J.C. slunk down slightly.

“And I used to think you were cool,” Audrey jokingly told her dad.

“He’s kinda funny, I’ll give him that…” Kat said, giggling.

“Only kinda?” he grinned, his large front teeth quite visible.

Kat laughed, “Okay, maybe more than kinda….”

“You should see him do the bunny face,” Audrey smirked.

“I still have your baby pictures,” he narrowed his eyes.

Kat gasped. “Bunnies?? I like bunnies!”

Edward glared at Audrey, knowing he had to do it now.

He let out a sigh before looking around to see who all could see him do this.

Upon deeming the coast clear, he wiggled his nose, then chattered his teeth.

Kat giggled, clapped her hands, and bounced up and down happily.

Audrey snickered and her father smiled slightly, still embarrassed, but pleased with the blonde’s reaction.

“How come YOU can’t do a bunny face?” Kat asked her father.

“I can do those really funny voices when you want a bedtime story,” Roger offered, feigning hurt “Does that not count for anything?”

“It does, it does!” Kat reassured.

“Because not everyone can be graced with my freakish rabbit teeth,” Edward commented.

“Dad,” Audrey started sternly, “don’t make me call mom to ramble about how cute your teeth are.”

#Lola Leads #muse: Audrey Davis #compiled roleplay #redradandrod #roleplay

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starrywinters · 7 years

Text

Destined — A Park Woojin Ghost!AU Fanfic

requested by anon!

genre: fluff, a lil bit of angst??

Reader as Im Yumi

warning (not really)!: long(?) one shot ahead;;;

“Yumi-ah! Let’s go on a date tonight! There’s a fair in town and today’s the last day.”

“Alright! I’ll head home and get ready, what time should we meet?”

“No need, I’ll come pick you up at 6PM!”

Heading home, you think about how much fun you and Woojin will have; eating food, winning teddy bears for each other, sharing a cotton candy, basically things couples do. Once you arrive at your house you began planning out your outfit for the night, you decided on a plain white shirt and black shorts. When the clock striked 6, Woojin was at the door, knocking. Guess what? You two were matching, he was wearing a white shirt with a black jacket over and a pair of black ripped skinny jeans. (i suck at describing so basically what he wore in his self-introduction video)

“Oho, sharp as ever Park Woojin.”

“Beautiful as ever Im Yumi,” and he smiles, his snaggletooth showing. inTerNALlY SqUEAlinG!!!!!!

Walking to the fair, your hands brush against each other. You were about to make the first step, slowly inching your hand closer to his to hold onto, but he was a second earlier than you. Grabbing your hand and interlocking them, he swings both your arms happily.

“Let’s win lots of stuffed toys Yumi!”

The fair was crowded with couples and families, he gripped your hand tighter as to keep you close to him, afraid he’d lose you in the sea of humans. You guys passed by a donut stand, and since you were hungry and craved for something sugary, you two bought a donut each. (i..jihoon’s part when he was in the tub full of donuts came up and this happened-)

Passing by many stands, which you kept note of to go back to and win prizes, you see a particular stuffed lion at the basketball shooting booth,

“WOOJINN,” tugging on his sleeve desperately trying to get his attention away from the donut he was very into that donut ok “I FOUND YOUR TWIN OMG, WOOJIIIIINNNNNN!!!1!”

“Ok Yumi, I don’t have a twin, how many times do I have to tell you that???”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN? Your twin is riGHT there!” Points at the stuffed lion plush hanging at the top of the booth. “WE HAVE TO WIN IT, PLEASEEEEEE”

Not wanting to deal with your tantrums right now, he drags you over to the basketball booth and pays the person to play,

“Alright kiddo, if you make 10 baskets in 30 seconds, you can pick any prize you want.”

This is so rigged, 10 in 30 seconds? The baskets move too, wth is this system??

However, Woojin wasn’t fazed, I have to win that stuffed toy for Yumi! You can practically see fire surrounding his frame as he determinedly gets in position to shoot.

DING DING DING “WE HAVE A WINNER!”

No, it wasn’t you guys, it was the couple behind you at the other booth, throwing balls into fish bowls to win fish.

You were skeptical of this game as you can see the poop-eating grin on the booth person’s face with his evil conscience telling him to cheat the game and make Woojin play again and again so he can earn money. What a greedy person oh goodness. What he didn’t know was that once Woojin gets into his zonE, nothing can stop him. And I mean nothINGG. Not even this cheating ding-a-ling.

Whispering to him, “You sure you want to do this? This guy seems sketchy…”

“Yes Yumi, I’m 101% sorry my heart still hurts sure! I want to win that toy for you!”

“Ready kiddo?”

“Come at me bro.”

DING DING DING “We have a winner !” (2)

But this time, the tone of the booth person was different, he monotonously announced it as his evil plans failed him. He was so surprised when Woojin began shooting ball after ball into the moving basket, he didn’t think Woojin would win.

Sulkily, he asks, “Which prize would you like?”

“I want that stuffed lion please!” Oh, dear baby Woojin, still so polite even after the guy tried to cheat you. What a pure child.

“AAAHHHH THANK YOU WOOJINNN!!1!” Jumping into his arms, you lean in to peck him on the cheeks. But he moved at the moment to face you and you end up pecking his lips. Frozen (let it gooooo…cough.), you two didn’t know what to do and quickly separated, feeling shy. There was a silence lingering between you two, not awkward but not comfortable either. Trying to get over what happened you grab his hand and pull him to the fishing booth to win fish. Though, the thought of that awkward peck still lingering in the back of both your heads.

Time Skip

As the fair comes to an end, you two start heading home. He walks you all the way to your front door, leaning in he gives you a perfect kiss this time. Not awkward, very comfortable and sweet. He pours all his feelings for you in that one kiss and you respond with the same feelings.

Slowly pulling away, you breathlessly whisper, “I had a great time, Woojin! It was fun! Thanks for spending time with me and winning me these amazing prizes.”

He smiles and responds, “I had a great time with you too, Yumi. This night couldn’t have been better, but it’s time for you to wake up.”

What? Wake up? I’m clearly awake?? “What? Woojin, what are you talking about?”

“Exactly what I said, wake up, Yumi.”

Then everything starts spinning and the words ‘Wake up, Yumi’ continues to echo around you.

Jumping up from your bed, startled, you hear your alarm blaring in the background and your mom shouting at your face to get up.

“DON’T YOU HAVE TO GO DO YOUR DAILY VISITS? WHY AREN’T YOU GETTING UP? YOU’RE LATE.”

Daily visits? Late? To what? Looking at your clock you see that it’s almost 12PM, thinking back to what you usually do in the mornings everyday- Oh, OH. OH SHOOT, I’M LATE. NOOOO. Rushing out of your room and into the bathroom, you faintly hear your mom shouting at you to stop running, but all you could think and care about as of the moment is that you’re late. Late to something important, late to something you promised to do everyday.

Running out of the house, to a flower shop, and then heading to your destination, you arrive there breathless. Taking a break on the nearby bench, trying to catch your breath, you think of the times you used to spend with a certain person. Your light, your world, the one who can make you fully happy. besides family of course.

Heading towards the stone, you grip onto the bouquet of lilies. Why did it happen to you? Why did you do what you did? You should’ve let me be the one to have taken the hit, why did you push me away? At this point, tears were streaming down your face, holding back a sob you walk closer and closer towards the stone.

“Hey Woojin, sorry I was late today, I was dreaming about us again, this time at the fair we went to last year. Remember that?” You feel a gust of wind blowing at you, shivering you glance around quickly, who am I kidding? That’s just wind Yumi, stop reading those ghost stories and get your head out of the clouds!

“How are you today, Woojin? Did you make any friends where you’re at? I still live with the regret of you taking the hit instead of me you know? Why did you do that? Why did you do that to yourself? I was the one that was supposed to be where you’re at right now,” you finally let yourself loose. Sinking down to the ground, you begin sobbing into your knees.

“Yumi.” You hear a whisper in the air, vaguely sounding like Woojin. Looking up in shock, you desperately try to find him, screaming out his name. When your eyes reaches a tree a few yards away, you see a silhouette. Getting up and slowly walking towards the tree, the face of the person becomes clearer and clearer. It’s Woojin! Not believing your eyes, you quicken your footsteps, jogging, running until you get to him.

“WOOJIN!” Your heart is soaring, “It really is you! But I thought- How are you here?”

He doesn’t speak, he looks scared to. He’s hiding something.

You rush to hug him, but you can’t?? Your arms pass through him and you stare in shock. “W-what? Woojin, wha- what just happened?”

“Yumi-ah, I- I’m not alive, I’m really dead. I’m a ghost Yumi-ah, you can finally see me. I’ve been watching over you, you haven’t been well have you? I’m sorry for putting you through that.”

“W-woojin..”

“I’m sorry baby, but I don’t have much time.. Now that you’ve noticed me, I only have a few hours before they take me. My only wish to fulfill before I leave was for us to finally be able to see each other one last time.”

“Let’s- let’s make the most of the few hours you have, Woojin-ah. Okay? I have a wish to fulfill too, and that is to spend a few more hours with you, so don’t leave me yet okay?”

You two end up back at your house, “cuddling” on your bed and watching movies. You didn’t feel like heading out, so you opted to just watching movies with him and spending some quality time together; playing games, dancing, singing, etc.

Time goes by fast when you have fun, huh?

A minute remains until he has to leave.

30 seconds

“Promise me we’ll meet again in the next life.”

“I promise.”

A year later, news of an unfortunate accident involving Im Yumi has been reported in the news.

A decade later

It was the first day of kindergarten, you were somewhat excited and nervous. “Mommy, can’t you come in with me?”

“No sweetie, mommy is sorry, she can’t. Mommy has to work remember? Don’t worry, the teachers inside are nice and you’ll make so many new friends!”

Heading into the classroom, you take a seat all the way at the back. The table you sat on was near a group of four boys loudly chatting, you felt so awkward until one of the four boys walked up to you.

“Hi! I’m Park Woojin, but you can call me Woojin,” sticking his hand out for a high five. “Nice to meet you! What’s your name?” His smile is cute.

“Hello! I’m Im Yumi and you can call me Yumi, nice to meet you too, Woojin!”

Yumi / Woojin…? She / he seems so familiar?

“Want to meet my friends? Let’s go!” And he drags you back to his table without waiting for a reply.

♡ It was simply faith that we would meet again.♡

not proofread! (like always)

ok so i went too deep with this hahah..hah..ha

anyway! hope you like this! ♡

#wanna one #wanna one fanfiction #wanna one scenarios #wanna one imagines #park woojin #park woojin fanfiction #park woojin scenarios #park woojin imagines #pd101 #pd101 fanfiction #pd101 scenarios #pd101 imagines

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alucywarner · 7 years

Text

~♥ PRIVACY PLEASE ♥~

[I feel like I keep on doing ‘This was last night’, but ya know what? The schedule from hell is kicking my butt. And one a day is all your girl is gonna have in her till probably Saturday unless I get a sudden burst of energy.

ANYWAY. Last night. Yes. Look who’s finally getting a phone call. Yes. It’s Lucy. I wish there was a visual good enough for how quickly she sprang into action once she saw the phone light up with the name ‘Maddox’. Like, she could’ve broken the sound barrier. So, here we gooooo.]

Maddox! [She sounds so excited. I hurt.]

Hey, you. [I mean, tbh, he does too. But it’s not as much of a girly yodel as Lucy, lbr.]

You didn’t tell me you were gonna call.

I mean, I totally did last night. Are our conversations that forgettable to you~?

No, stupid. [But that’s a playful sarcasm.]

That’s good to hear. I didn’t leave you too high-and-dry last night, did I?

What? No. I was fine.

You seemed a bit-- upset with me??

Did I?

You k’d me.

I was just saying okay

There’s a difference between ‘k’ and ‘okay’. A big, scary difference.

I mean it. I understood. Rehearsal is important.

Not as important as you, but I didn’t have another option. We were at it till like two AM. I wanted to knock myself out.

Poor baby~.

Right~? But that’s enough about my problems. What’d you do last night? I didn’t force you into hanging out with Carmen again, did I?

[That’s where Lucy pauses, because o m g. (Lucy, a note from Parrish: If you’re afraid to tell your boyfriend that you were hanging out with some guy, it probably means iT’S WRONG.)] Uh, nah. I didn’t hang out with Carmen. She was... busy. I tried to, but-- No, I just ended up going to sleep instead.

Oh, well, sleep is good. I’m definitely lacking that shit.

It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I’d’ve rather been talking to you instead.

Believe it or not, same~.

I hope you’d rather be talking to me than blowing your voice out in a five hour rehearsal~.

Shhh, don’t fucking jinx that. Please.

Drink lots of tea~~~.

Ew. Gross.

Alcohol doesn’t help, sweetie.

I told you I’ve only been drinking a little~.

Mhmmmm~.

Gotta keep up with the other guys somehow, don’t I???

What bad influences they are, letting someone underage drink~~~.

Oh, yeah. Something I’ve never done a day in my life.

Pace yourself.

I’ve been drinking since you were in fifth grade, babe. I got it.

-- eugh.

I’m a professional.

Congratulations.

You’ve still yet to let me show you how to be professional, you know.

I see you’re a bad influence too~.

I thought you already knew that~.

Mm, me and everyone else.

Luckily, I don’t care about my influence, sOOO. First thing when this tour is over, I’m teaching you how to drink people under the table.

That sounds like a romantic reunion date~.

I’m the most romantic person I know.

I’ve met some of your friends, and I actually believe you.

Love makes ya crazy~.

You were crazy before. Don’t blame me.

Rude-ass.

But ya love me~.

Damn right.

Love ya too~~~.

You better. Oh, and fyi, I don’t have a thing to do tonight, so I’m all yours~.

Hell yeah~.

[And let’s imagine they talk for hours on end, but it’s impossible to write an hourS ON END CONVERSATION VIA PHONE. OKAY, THE END.]

#privacyplease

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f0blove · 8 years

Text

I’m Half Doomed and You’re Semi Sweet (Patrick Stump)

Based Off of the Request by @justawildmarebearmcrbvbfob ) : Can you do an imagine where the reader and Patrick don't really get along they just kinda get on each other's nerves but they both secretly gave a crush on one another. And one day Patrick finds the reader crying on the tour bus or something and the reader confesses to him about her depression and how she's not wanted and he's like "you're wanted to me" or something and fluff and maybe a make out scene?

Warnings: Mentions of depression and light mentions anxiety

“Okay people, that’s pretty much everything I can tell you. Everything else you’re just gonna have to learn on the job.” The stage manager and head of the backstage crew Matt proclaims, scanning us all, “Any questions?”

I tap my foot impatiently as some other girl, Mindy, I think, asks if we get to meet the guys.

“Good question, important question” Steve responds gravely, making me stifle a giggle at his seriousness, “Of course, you will all be working backstage, and the boys will be performing. So that means most of the time we will all be occupying the same space. Yes, you get to meet them, but please don’t freak out. It makes the guys really uncomfortable if the crew freaks out the first time they meet. Just stay calm, and the guys will love to hang out with everyone. In fact, you’ll probably be sick of them by the end of the tour. So stay, calm, and whatever you do, don’t-” “Joe!” I yell over Steve’s voice, spying the curly haired boy walking through the door, surging forward

“-scream” Steve said looking at me tiredly, holding up an arm and stopping me from rushing towards Joe “What’d I just say?”

Before I have a chance to explain, Joe yells back , “(Y/N)!”

Steve looks over, confused, to see Joe hurrying this way. “Well nevermind then,” he says, and I shove his arm down, rushing towards Joe.

We collide in a hug, and I jump into Joe’s arms, wrapping my legs around him as he swings me off the floor.

“Holy shit I’ve missed you!” he proclaims as he sets me down.

“I’ve missed you too Joey!” I grin at him.

He rolls his eyes but smiles, pulling me into another hug.

“I didn’t know people called you Joey” Steve says, walking up to the two of us.

“They don’t” we say at the same time.

“Just me” I explain, maybe a little proudly.

“So I take it you two know each other?” he asks.

“Since we were in diapers” Joe grins, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

Steve nods, gesturing to the rest of the crew, “Well, come and meet your new crew members, and where are the other guys?”

“They should be here any minute, they were supposed to be with me but Pete biffed it on his skateboard”

I giggle, looking toward the entrance Joe had come through. Less than a minute later, Pete, Andy, and Patrick walk through it.

They walk towards us, Pete grinning as he spots me. I smile back, though my heartbeat skyrockets at the thought of the small talk about to occur.

“Hey! Long time no see!” he says, pulling me into a bear hug.

“I’ve missed you guys” I say, hugging him and then Andy.

I turn to Patrick, “Ugh Trick it’s been forever” I say, hugging him and stifling a giggle as he stiffens up.

“I’m sorry we haven’t actually…” Patrick asks, pulling out of my hug and stepping away.

I put on an offended face, “Patrick, you don’t remember?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t-” He responds, looking nervous and guilty.

“I thought what we had was special” I say, sniffing and looking away.

I see Joe grin at me and shake his head.

“I’m so sorry, I-” Patrick rushes to explain.

“Give the kid a break, bear” Joe says.

I grin, “I’m just kidding Patrick, we’ve never technically met, no need to freak out”

“Oh” Patrick says, letting out a breath, “Well, uh nice to actually meet you” he says, looking uncomfortable and extending his hand.

I grin and shake it, “Nice to meet you too, I’m (Y/N)”

“Oh you’re (Y/N)“ Patrick says, understanding dawning on his face.

“The one and only” I respond, “Now go and meet your crew, before those girls kill me out of jealousy” I add in a whisper.

They glance over to the rest of the crew and nod, heading over to the group. I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm my nerves. No more new people, no more introductions, and no more scrambling to fill silences. I can do this.

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

“Hey bear, you want a beer?” Joe asks, rising up from the couch.

“I’d love one, Joey” I respond.

He nods and heads out of the hotel room, leaving the rest of us in silence. A very awkward silence, I might add. I tap my foot nervously, glancing around.

Patrick looks at me several times in quick succession, trying to be sneaky.

“What?” I snap, sounding far harsher than intended.

He looks up at me guiltily, “What?”

“Why do you keep looking at me?”

“I, just, uh” he clears his throat, “Are you guys together?”

“Who?”

“You and Joe”

I laugh out loud, “Oh god no, he’s like my brother”

Patrick squints at me,as though he doesn't believe it.

“What?” I ask, exasperated.

“Then why does he call you bear?”

“Cuz he’s an asshole” I respond.

“Am not” Joe says, popping back in the room , “What are you talking about?”

“We wanna know why you call her bear” Pete pipes up.

“Ah” he says, looking at me, “Well?”

I heave a sigh, and take a sip of the beer Joe handed me. “When we were in sixth-”

“Seventh” Joe interrupts

“Yes, fine, seventh grade, Joe discovered that I still kept my teddy bear from when I was little on my bed.”

“Nah, she still slept with it and everything”

“Did not. Anyway, naturally, he thought it was the funniest thing ever, you know, because why not” The guys break out laughing.

“I thought it was hilarious at the time” Joe defends

“Oh shut up you still do”

“What can I say- it’s comedic gold”

“So, he called me Teddy Bear in an attempt to embarrass me. Eventually it just shortened to bear.”

“Wow” Pete says, “Do you still sleep with a teddy bear?”

“Fuck you” I say blushing, and chuck a pillow at him, “ I do not. I bet Patrick does though”

“What, no I don’t, why would you think that?” Patrick asks, flustered.

“I don’t know, you just look like someone who would” I say. The other guys laugh at Patrick's expression.

“Hey I’m kidding” I say, feeling guilty at his embarrassed look.

“Yea whatever, I’m going to bed” he says, standing up.

“Hey come on, I was joking, don’t be a baby” I say.

“Yeah come on, stay here Trick” Pete asks.

“No, I’m good, see you guys tomorrow” he says, avoiding my eyes completely. I roll my eyes at his reaction, but inside my stomach twists with guilt. I was joking, why does he look so hurt?

“Hey don’t worry about it, he’s just grumpy, forget it” Joe says, squeezing my knee. I nod, brushing his concern off with a smile.

A half hour later I head back to mine and Joe’s room, still feeling guilty.

---

I pound on the door several times in a row “Let’s gooooo!” I yell.

A few seconds later, a disgruntled Patrick yanks open the door.

“What do you want?” He says as he sees me, “It’s too early to deal with you”

I raise my eyebrows at the sass, but i'm not surprised. Over the last several weeks on tour, it had been like this, Patrick and I taunting each other almost constantly. Usually, I actually liked it, but this morning I’m not in the mood.

“Same to you sunshine, but we’re already twenty minutes late, so let’s go”

He heaves a sigh and turns, walking back into the room.

“Oh. My. God.” I say as I take in his room, piles of clothes and other random items scattered across the bed and floor.

“What? I’m packing” Patrick defends.

“We were here for two nights, how could your room possibly be this disgusting”

“It’s not disgusting it’s just messy, sheesh (Y/N) take a chill pill” Patrick huffs.

“A chill pill? Really?”

“Hey!” Pete scolds, walking out of the room that connected his to Patrick’s. “We don’t have time for your daily routine of bickering. Patrick, I’ll help you pack, (Y/N), just go help Joe and Andy and we’ll be down in five minutes.”

I sigh and turn around, heading to the door

“That girl is impossible” Patrick mutters, causing me to flush in embarrassment as I walk out.

“Shut up, you’re the one being impossible right now, let’s go” Pete says. I smile lightly and duck out of them room, heading towards the elevator.

“Okay, we’re here” Patrick says five minutes later, dropping his bags next to the bus.

“Twenty five minutes! We are twenty five minutes late!” I say angrily.

“I'm sorry, okay? What’s the big deal?” he asks

“The big deal? Now everyone, us, the crew, the driver, everyone is inconvenienced because you couldn't be bothered to get up in time!”

“I’m sorry, but god (Y/N) you’re overreacting. It’s not like we would've done anything on time anyway”

“It doesn't matter! People were expecting us at a specific time, and now we’re letting people down” I say, surging toward him and jabbing him in the chest.

“Oh stop you’re just looking for reasons to yell at me, you don’t actually care” Patrick says, rolling his eyes.

“Oh really?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Alright, alright, everyone relax” Joe finally interjects, “Patrick you were late, it's annoying. Bear, we’re gonna be even more late if you stay here arguing.”

“Fine” I give up and get in the bus.

----

“Agh why does he drive me so crazy!?” I rant to Pete and Joe several hours later, coming aay from yet another irritating yet oddly fun interaction with Patrick.

“I don't know but you guys bicker like an old married couple” Pete laughs.

“It’s not my fault, he’s irritating”

“Complaining about me again?” Patrick asks, entering with a smile.

“Maybe” I say quietly, feeling bad that he heard me.

“Hey listen, I know I was late this morning, and I was a jerk about it. Joe told me how much you hate being late, so I’m sorry” Patrick says kindly.

I smile “Thank you, and I’m sorry I overreacted, it just...bothers me” I explain lamely. In reality, being late is enough to give me an anxiety attack, but he wouldn’t care about that.

“Is this it?” Joe says, standing up, “Peace? Finally?”

Patrick and I smile, looking at each other with a shrug. “Yeah, sure” we say.

--------

“I’m bored” Pete complains as we all sit around the lobby we had camped out in while we were waiting to go to the venue.

“You’re always bored” Andy points out.

“But now I’m extra bored. Let’s go grab coffee or something”

“Nah, coffees for closers” I joke with a grin.

The guys let out a collective groan.

“Please no, I hate that” Patrick gripes.

“Oh, does it bother you?” I ask, feigning innocence.

“So much”

“Good to know”

“Uh, oh” Andy says, “That sounds ominous”

“Me? Never”

Suddenly, another stage crew member calls out to us from the doorway.

“Come on, Trick,” I say, grinning widely, “The take’s over, the break’s over, time to get back to work” “I hate you” he says flatly, walking away.

I giggle, following him.

Once we got to the venue, there was nothing for me to do, so I decided to walk around, pestering Patrick.

I follow closely behind him, lightly humming.

He tries to ignore me, but eventually turns around, “What are you doing?” he asks.

“Oh sorry, sometimes I just Hum Hallelujah” I tease.

“Oh god, this again.”

“What’s the matter?” I ask.

“I think you’re annoying” He replies bluntly.

His words make me pause, but I cover my embarrassment with another joke. “Well I don't care just what you think”

“Go away” he says, shaking his head and continuing down the hallway.

“Hey” I grab his elbow, causing him to pause and face me, “at least let me say thanks for the memories” I tease again.

“What’s your problem?” he asks, suddenly angry. “What do you mean?” I ask, taken aback at his sudden anger.

“Why can't you just leave me alone?”

“I-I’m sorry” I stutter out, “I was just-”

“Joking, I know, you always are” he spits out.

“Patrick what the hell? I was just teasing you don’t need to be so mean about it”

“Maybe I’m tired of you constantly annoying me!”

“I'm just trying to have fun and tease you, Jesus Christ, pull your head out of your ass, and maybe you would get the joke” I yell.

“You’re not funny, you’re just annoying”

“I don’t even know why I try,” I respond, throwing my arms up, “I was just trying to have some fun, sorry. I’ll leave now”

“Thank god” he replies.

I turn away quickly, hiding the flushing of my face and the water in my eyes.

“I don’t understand” I say, storming into the room Joe was hanging out with. I’m met with wide eyes from Joe, Andy, and Pete. “He’s impossible”

“Patrick again?” Pete questions, “What happened to the peace treaty?”

“Ask him! All I do is tease him a little, try and make a few jokes, and he blows up at me! What’s his deal?” I rant, pacing across the room.

“Patrick...takes stuff too seriously sometimes that’s all. Give him a break” Joe says.

I stare at him, shaking my head and dropping onto a chair.

I hear Andy say something to break the awkward silence, but I don’t listen.

The guys reply but I zone out, replaying my conversation with Patrick. Was I really that annoying? I didn't mean to be, not that that matters. Patrick probably hates me now.

I bite at my thumb nail, thinking. I finally decide to just avoid Patrick. No interaction means no more fighting., even though I kinda miss him when he’s not around. I shake the thought out of my head. I can do this.

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

Patrick walks in the room, plopping on the couch next to me. I jump and blush when his leg bumps against mine.

“You okay?” He asks quizzically, a for a second I think his cheeks might even turn a little pink.

‘Y-yeah, I just, uh” I struggle to come up with an explanation.

“Oh right, sorry I forgot, we’re not talking” He say, part annoyed, part... sad, maybe, crossing the room to a chair. He sits next to Joe instead.

“No I-” my explanation dies in my throat, and Patrick had stopped listening anyway. I desperately come up with something to say, but nothing comes to mind. The conversation moves on around me, our interaction forgotten.

“Hey, you okay?” I hear Andy ask.

“Huh?” I ask, pulled out of my haze.

“We tried to talk to you like, three times, you just sat there” Patrick says flatly.

“Oh, uh” I look around at everyone's eyes and attentions focused on me “I just need to go grab some water” I claim, the pressure of the attention driving me out of the room. I rush out the door before anyone can say anything else. I get to a vending machine, taking a deep breath and resting my forehead against the machine, trying to calm down, but I can’t. Suddenly, tears start flowing down my face, no chance of stopping them.

I wipe my face roughly, heading out a back door of the building and to the bus. I rip open the door and go up the stairs, letting the door slam behind me. I collapse on the floor, back against the couch as I struggle to collect myself. I don’t know how long I sit there, but the tears don’t stop, and neither do the thoughts. The only thing I can think of is Patrick. Of course Patrick doesn't want to be near me anymore, I pushed him away. I wouldn’t be surprised if hehates me now. He’s kind and funny and good, and i’m… me. I question why I even came on the tour in the first place, Joe probably regrets inviting me now, since I can’t even manage to get along with one of his closest friends. It’s thoughts like these that distract me so much I don’t notice the door opening. Patrick comes up the couple stairs, stopping when he sees me.

“(Y/N)? What’s wrong?” he asks, voice sounding concerned.

I don’t trust myself to say anything, so I just shake my head, turning my face away from him.

“Hey, whatever it is, you can tell me” he says softly, lowering himself to the ground and sitting cross legged in front of me.

“Like you would even care” I say, still trying to pause my tears.

“Of course I care! Why wouldn't I?” concern still rings through his voice. I momentarily entertain the thought it might even be real.

“Why would you? All I do is annoy you, I know you hate me. You don’t want me around. Nobody wants me” I admit, the words only bringing a fresh wave of tears and a bitter shame.

“Why would you say that?” he asks, and I finally catch his eyes, surprised to see a genuine care and confusion in them.

“Because it’s true. Nobody wants me, not really. But it’s okay, I’m used to it” I try to write it off, desperate for him to leave me alone.

“(Y/N),” Patrick says hesitantly , voice filled with a sorrow so pronounced I look up, catching his eyes again, “You’re wanted to me” he says quietly but firmly, one hand reaching out and caressing my cheek.

His words stop everything, and for a second there’s nothing wrong in the world, but then reality crashs back in. This is Patrick, no way he could mean it.

“No, I’m not. I pushed you away, just like I do to everyone I care about. I don’t need your pity Patrick, I know you don’t like me, it's okay”

“Of course I like you!” “Patrick, all you do is yell at me and insult me”

“Listen,” Patrick's scoots closer to me, slowly taking one of my hands in his, “You’re right. But the only reason I’m like that is because… honestly, you intimidated me. I met you and you were so beautiful and vibrant and full of life. You scared me, so I responded in the only way I could, I pushed you away”

I stare at him, and then I lean forward, dropping my head onto his shoulder and hugging him. I feel his arms tighten around me and suddenly I realize he has to know. He has to know everything.

“I’m sorry” I blurt out, abruptly pulling back, “For everything.The only reason I teased you is because I hate when attention is all on me. And I knew once I got to knwo you that I actually cared about you, and that’s scary, because I can’t even deal with myself normally, let alone when other people enter the picture. It’s just so hard to deal with all the shit going on inside my head.” I say bitterly, almost shutting up until I see Patrick's eyes, kind and supportive patiently waiting for me to continue. I take a deep breath and feel im squeeze my hand in his. “I’m depressed. I think I have been for several years, but it’s only been official for a year. I even went on medication for a while, but it made me feel, I don’t know, weird and different, I guess. shut down. So, I stopped. But ever since then…” I stop, strggling to explain what exactly goes on in my mind. “Some days I feel nothing at all, I’m numb, but some days I feel so much can't stand it. When everyone looks at me, or I feel uncomfortable, the feelings just rush back in my head and I can’t deal. I’m sorry I took it out on you” I finish, looking away in shame.

Patrick’ hand returns to my face, slowly moving my face to look back at him.

“None of that is your fault. None of it. And the only reason I reacted so bad wasn't because of anything you said. I was confused because I liked you so much, so fast, and I was scared you would never feel the same. I never meant to make you feel worse, I’m so so sorry” he says, sorrow pooling in his eyes again.

“You really like me?” I ask afraid to believe, “Even after everything I just told you?”

“You are one of the strongest, most beautiful women I have ever met. I meant what I said before, (Y/N). You’re wanted to me”

I smile at him, and he smiles back, slowly, cautiously moving towards me. I stop breathing, terrified that i’ll ruin the moment, and then he softly presses his lips to mine. I respond immediately and suddenly we’re both pouring everything we have into this kiss. I move closer, wrapping my arms around Patrick, and feel his arms wrap around my waist. Suddenly, it’s like everything else melts away. There’s no more sadness or anger or pity. It’s just me, and Patrick, and this kiss. He pulls me even tighter against himself as I open my mouth and his tongue meets mine, like he’s trying to get rid of any space left between us. I melt into his embrace as I run my fingers through his smooth hair, around his neck and his shoulders. His fingers twist in my hair, dance across my collarbones, and down my sides. We’re kissing away our frustration and sadness, and somehow, it works a little. Finally, we break apart, and I lean into Patrick as he rests his back against the couch. He holds me tightly to him, the only sounds coming from us trying to catch our breath.

“Patrick?” I ask in whisper, looking up into his face.

“Yeah?” he asks, meeting my eyes with a smile.

I press a small kiss to his jawbone, looking into his eyes, “You’re wanted to me too”

#patrick stump #stump #patrick stump fluff #fall out boy

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anavoliselenu · 7 years

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Manwhore chapter 11

“Rache!” Wynn scowls. “Physically denying him is only making you more obsessed. Just fuck the guy and get your head straight for the article, and he’ll move on, giving you plenty of fodder.”

“True,” I agree.

Wynn: “And you’ll think clearer.”

The thought of doing Justin is wreaking havoc in me. “It feels like danger zone to me.”

“It’s a fucking suicide mission. I don’t like it,” Gina says.

“More danger zone to keep prolonging the inevitable time when he moves in—just get it over with and get your piece written,” says Wynn.

Sex with Justin. I’m growing obsessed with it.

That’s what Gina strives for now, just sexual hookups. It’s strange how circumstances that burn the people around me, like Gina, could have such a profound effect on my love life. But they have. I have been reluctant to start anything with any man my entire life.

And now I choose to want to sleep with this one?

Really?

It’s like waking from a nap to find yourself dropping down into the world’s deepest chasm.

I have a job to do; I wanted to do it, and I didn’t plan to sleep with him to find out what makes the man tick.

My life has been all about studies, work, my mother, a great job, Gina and Wynn. With the girls? We’ve been friends since middle school, all through high school—we even managed to survive those college years when Wynn went away. Every Christmas and Thanksgiving and summer we’d meet up, catch up.

We all “lived” the Paul issue. He was so nice and so in love with Gina. I used to fantasize about meeting my own Paul. Paul was what Wynn and I aspired to. Until he did the Paul move, and our best friend was broken, not only brokenhearted, and we struggled to help her pull through. Wynn got over it, she still believes there are good men out there, like Emmett. I, on the other hand, developed a fear of guy love that has made me determined to avoid heartache and heartbreak at any cost. And it also, in a sense, made me avoid sex and focus on work.

Gina and I like men—but we don’t want them close enough to hurt us. And we feel lucky that we know. We’re in the smart girls’ closet, where all the girls who never want to be brokenhearted go. Right?

True, when Emmett proves us a little wrong and Wynn comes to brunch looking flushed and excited, it’s a bit of a downer. But all we need as a reminder that we’re right is another tale from a guy like Paul, and our goals are reinforced. Our careers, our moms, and our friends are what matters.

Now I’m not so sure.

Now I think about Justin’s anatomy all day. Maybe I chose the wrong career. I should’ve been a chemist. A doctor. Because I keep wondering why he has this pull on me. I keep wanting to go crazy, have my way with him, and watch him dump me and then write about it.

“Selena’s clammed up, I think a plan is forming,” Gina says worriedly.

I groan and shake my head.

“Don’t sleep with him, Selena, not him,” Gina murmurs.

I look at her and nod.

The thing about having such close friends like Wynn and Gina is that we are determined to fix each other’s lives. So now Gina and Wynn are determined to fix mine. And if they can’t, it seems they’re ready to fix me up with a guy.

“Okay, so not him. I know who. He’s Emmett’s cousin and he’s the complete package,” Wynn insists. “The reason you’re attracted to Justin right now—”

“Is because he’s Justin,” Gina groans.

“Well, true,” Wynn agrees. “But you’ve been focused on work too long. Every extreme is bad news, even in dieting, even in sex or abstinence.”

“Guys, stop. I don’t want to date, okay? I want to feel secure in my career first before I let some guy take me out for a spin. . . . Look, don’t worry,” I assure them. “It’s all work for me from now until I get this piece done,” I vow.

I imagine his flesh against mine, him sliding inside me, his mouth on me, his moan of ecstasy, and I wish things were different for me, that I could actually have him. But this, this story, is all I can really have. Isn’t it?

He’s not a man to give anyone more, and I’m not the kind of woman to change all of her life for the wild dream of love. But what if for one night, one night, I let myself spend it with him?

SPINNING

Later that night I’m feverish, gathering more data at 12 a.m. It suddenly seems imperative that I get the exposé done as soon as possible because, despite what I assured my friends, I’m afraid I’ve developed somewhat of a crush.

Mooning over his pictures on the internet.

What the hell is up with that?

I stumble across another YouTube video of his father. Justin isn’t in the video, but his father is ranting about his own son on television. “He’s had business luck, he has a shrewd mind and his mother’s inheritance, but my son has no idea of the responsibility it takes to run a billion-dollar company.”

“Well, he’s proved you wrong, hasn’t he?” I mumble to the man.

He’s a handsome man, maybe fifty-five years old. He looks nothing like Justin, except that he’s large and virile. Justin got that from his father, but he got his mother’s beauty and her dazzling smile.

When I research her and her death, I find out several things. Catherine H. Ulysses, one of Justin’s assistants, the one I’m sure is in love with him, seemed to be at the funeral, standing close to a young Justin, which confirms that she’s known him for a while. And second, I find out something surprising about his mother. Justin’s mother, Juliette, was apparently big on animals, and every year made huge donations to activist groups. The day Justin saved Rosie, it was the anniversary of his mother’s death—I track back in time and find out that every year since she died Justin has saved, or adopted, one animal. Every year he visits her gravesite afterward (his cars have been spotted in the cemetery parking lot yearly).

My heart tugs. I saw him that day, and maybe he was hurting the same way I do when it’s the anniversary of Dad’s death. I remember we dropped Justin off at M4 and his car was waiting, and I never expected that he’d be heading to the cemetery, but it makes me wish I’d known before. It makes me wish I knew what makes this man tick. I could’ve been with him tonight. I could’ve let him take me out to some fancy event and then . . . then what, Selena? Then do the most reckless thing you’ve ever done by sleeping with him, even with your most precious story on the line?

Utterly conflicted, I keep clicking links, especially the ones about him and his parents.

Gina’s chowing on cereal in her effort to get rid of the cocktail buzz she’s still harboring when we get a knock on the door, and all I hear, after she goes to answer it, are the words “. . . apartment 3C . . . dead . . .”

My blood freezes in my body as I watch Gina close the door, put her hands over her face, and burst into tears.

“Gina!” I gasp.

“Miss Sheppard,” she chokes out.

An image of her smiling, just the other day, with her pets outside, hits me. One second my face is dry, the next it’s wet with tears. This scene, this fear, of huge, unexpected loss, has haunted me my whole life. It’s been there since my father’s death, even before I had reason enough to know it was there. A feeling of complete vulnerability. Of having your world always spin and never be still for a minute for you to get your bearings.

It turns out that Lindsey Sheppard, our neighbor a few floors down, was shot and killed by a group of young men driving by in a vehicle only an hour ago.

Miss Sheppard didn’t make it to the hospital alive.

Gina and I are so shocked that, after crying passionately for ten minutes and hugging each other, we turn on the TV and watch the news. I snivel, she snivels, we both snivel. I call my mom and ask if she’s all right. She asks if I’m all right. I lie and say that I am.

“I swear I will die happy the day I don’t see all this in the news,” Gina sighs wearily, grabbing the remote and switching off the TV. She flips open my laptop and settles next to me so that we can search the news online.

When the information we find is a repeat of what we watched on the news, she gives up and pads over to the kitchen.

I’ve got a ton of new Google alerts, which I’d set with the keywords Justin Justin. Impulsively, I click on a few and am led to a popular news and gossip blog. I scan the heading and today’s date and play the video. After a fifteen-second advertisement, I see Justin’s face flash onto the screen, and a slow, dull ache begins to grow in my chest as several pictures of him pop up on the video screen. He’s in a black suit, black tie, his hair slicked back, walking through a throng of people. He looks untouchable and mentally elsewhere.

The clips are apparently from earlier tonight, where he was present at a business function—and the corporate shark was remarkably alone, says a background voice. Speculation regarding whether he’s in his first serious known involvement with a young reporter has been storming the Net. . . .

“Maybe he was alone at the function, but I bet he’s not alone now,” Gina offers as she pours herself some water and promptly takes one of her sleeping pills.

Since my little crush seems to be developing into a big one, her words don’t make me feel good at all. In fact, after what happened to Miss Sheppard tonight, I can’t feel anything but wretched now.

“Don’t gooooo,” I whine, grabbing her arm as she heads to bed. “Gina, stay, I won’t be able to sleep.”

“Ah, you poor wee baby.” She pats the top of my head and says, “Good night.”

I sniffle a little more and try to remember the last time I saw Miss Sheppard. I’d been heading out, ready for my tour of the Interface building. She’d been walking her dog . . . and she’d been kind to me, as always. I feel bad for her dog, her cat. I feel bad for the entire world for being without Miss Sheppard.

Then I keep watching the news and listen to them speak of M4 venturing into pharmaceuticals.

I realize he’s this sexy daredevil and I’m this safe, scared workaholic who lives with her heart on her sleeve and therefore is always vulnerable. When you come out of your box, I’ll be waiting.

Oh, Selena, what are you doing?

I charge to the bathroom and slip into the shower, tying my hair up so it doesn’t get wet. Guilt is such a volatile thing. I always feel guilt when somebody dies like this. Guilt for not doing more; guilt for being alive. We use so many defense mechanisms to cope. Anger, denial, tears, but my mechanism has always been action. Many of the actions I’ve taken in my life have been taken to combat my fears and numb the pain.

I never, ever expected they would lead me to a man. Much less this man. I pick out my lingerie with him in mind. White, because I know he’s experienced, but I’m not . . . and I want him to be careful. My dress? With him in mind. My black pumps too. Hell, I breathe right now with him in mind. And I comb my hair fast and hard until it gleams and falls behind me, and as I grab my keys from my vanity and look at my reflection in the mirror, I wonder who the sex-starved, desperate crazy person looking back at me is.

I’ve heard Justin has several places in Chicago, but the only one I know for certain that he’s been using lately is the huge penthouse crowning the top of a billion-dollar mirrored-glass skyscraper that overlooks both Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue. I leave a note to Gina saying out tonight, just in case she wakes up and worries, then I head down to the lobby and outside to a taxi.

He may still be at the fund-raiser, Selena, I chide myself. He may be heading somewhere else after that—and not alone.

But nothing I can say is really filtering through enough to change my course as I climb into the taxi. I feel like I’ve been at the end of a rubber band stretched to its breaking point and now I’m flying in the air, not knowing where I’ll land.

I just want to see him.

I tell myself that is all I want.

I’m not drunk.

I’m in full possession of my senses, but at the same time, I’ve lost them all.

From the back of the cab, I peer out at the looming high-rises, the shiny windows, the bustling streets, and then, with the big ol’ knot I get with anything Justin-related, the luxury high-rise where Justin is supposed to live as he gets a “bigger” place renovated comes into view.

Unease accompanies every click of my heels on the pristine floors as I cross the lobby. “Hi.” I approach the concierge, wondering what Sin will do when he sees me here. “Selena Livingston to see Mr. Justin. He’s not expecting me.”

He assures me not to worry as he promptly dials a number.

Judging by how quickly he’s handling this, I assume this happens often.

He announces me, then instructs, “Please. Straight to the top.” A staff member by the elevators slides a key in, I suppose to secure top-level elevator access, and then he hops off and sends me on my way.

Oh wow, what am I doing?

Please god, don’t let him be with a floozy. . . .

Or let him be with a floozy so I can just go back home and forget I ever wanted this. . . .

Or if this is a super-bad idea then just let the elevator get stuck until I get my brain back, and I will never come back from the scare I’ll get and the claustrophobia. . . .

When the elevators open straight into his apartment, I hear music. Oh no, fuck, I didn’t mean it.

I should probably back out, but I feel an unnatural jealousy take over me. I don’t back out. Instead, I force my legs to work, the minimalist yet palace-like luxury of his apartment enveloping me so that I almost feel I’m in another world.

His jacket is on the back of a long modern L-shaped couch. I try to place the song playing in the background. Classical, I’ve heard it before. Chopin, I think. A single wineglass sits on the coffee table, its contents drained. I wonder if he’s entertaining. Maybe God answered your prayers and he’s not alone, Selena. Maybe he’s having a threesome, and the concierge thinks you’re going to be the fourth. For some reason that stings, and I really want to cry now. I’m wearing a lovely black dress but an awful cry face, and that’s not a good combo. Is it? Not a way to lure a womanizer. I’m seriously contemplating leaving when he steps out of the hall, buttoning a white shirt. Holy god. He is so beautiful. He appears distracted, his hair rumpled. He’s barefoot . . . and so hot. I see the open laptop on the coffee table finally—next to the wine. He was working?

Yes.

“Something wrong, Selena?” He scans me, head to toe.

I feel beyond vulnerable for being here, all of a sudden. I’m dressed to seduce a man, to seduce this man. This man who makes me achy and twisty and makes my heart work.

“Are you alone? Am I interrupting?” I’m dying from nerves. I’m dying to touch him. Kiss him.

His eyes narrow to slits. “What’s wrong?”

“One of my apartment-building neighbors died tonight.” I rub my hands over my arms, chilled to the bone. “She was divorced. She lived with a dog and a cat, and she was nice. You know? Lonely. Lonely and nice.”

He runs a hand through his hair in a sign of restlessness and drops it. “I’m sorry. Come here.”

God, I want those arms. One, two, three, four, five steps later, I slide into his arms and wrap mine around his waist as he pulls me close, pressing my cheek to his chest with a hand on the back of my head.

Oh god. Since when did I become this girl? This girl needing to be coddled by the guy she can’t stop thinking about? All the times I saw Wynn being hugged by her father, by her boyfriends, I really yearned for something like this. But I never knew how much until he moves his hands up and down my back in soothing motions. He held me like this the other day, at my place. But I had been too scared; I hadn’t really enjoyed it until now.

I press my nose into his chest, and it smells absolutely good.

“I am sorry,” he whispers gruffly in my ear.

He takes my face in his hands and looks truly sorry, his eyes tender and fierce. And something happens when he kisses the corner of my mouth. Almost a brotherly kiss. A feel-good, I’m sorry, I’m here kiss. One second my body is in sleep mode and the next it’s speeding in full-operation mode, recognizing these delicious ghost kisses only he gives me. My nerves tangle in my belly, and everything is gone save for this feeling of my heart pounding, my blood just gushing through my ears. This incredible, amazing feeling where one second everything is dull and the next it’s bright and fiery. One second I’m scared, the next I feel like I can do anything. Scream. Leap. Kiss him.

“Do you still want to have sex with me?” I whisper, tangling my fingers in a handful of his shirt.

His eyebrows pull low. “Right now? You’ve got to be kidding me,” he murmurs.

I grit my teeth, grab a fancy-looking suede pillow from the couch, and hit his arm as he steps back. “Do you?” I cry.

His jaw is absolute granite as he stalks to the corner of his apartment and presses some sort of alarm code at a receiver on the wall. Then he grabs a cordless phone, punches two numbers, and he whispers, “No visitors.”

He hangs up, and with purposeful strides heads back to me.

“I’m a bastard, Selena, but I’m not the bastard who’s taking advantage of you tonight.”

“You’re not taking advantage. You are so not taking advantage.”

“Yes, I am. Look at you. Look at your face, Selena. If you only saw yourself the way I see you right now, the last thing you need is a fuck.” He laughs at himself, curses under his breath, then gathers me in his arms and turns my face up to his. Our noses bump, and I gasp from the feel of his lips so close.

“Justin,” I whisper, grabbing his jaw. “Please.”

“Tell me why you came tonight.”

“You know why.”

“For sex?” he asks in a rough voice, rubbing his thumb along my cheek.

I swallow and press my face back to his chest. “Why don’t you do something?” I moan.

His arms feel amazing.

“You’re as close to a god as we have in this town,” I whisper. “So many people wake up one day to find their lives will forever be changed, that they’ll live trying to fill up this emptiness. . . . You have all this power—you can do something. Talk about it. Bring it to people’s attention?”

He’s quiet. Then he takes my hand.

“Come here.” We head down a hall past many doors, and then walk into a huge modern bedroom done mostly in dark woods and light fabrics. “Get comfortable.”

He hands me a men’s shirt from his closet and disappears into a spa-size bathroom, rolling an oversize mahogany pocket door closed behind him. My heart aches as I grip the shirt and impulsively smell it. I hear the shower water, and I wish I had the balls to just strip naked, walk in there, and join him.

Instead, after smelling his shirt to my heart’s content, I remove my dress and briefly wonder if I should remove my underwear. I keep it on, which I’m glad of seconds later, because nothing prepares me for the intimacy and panty-wetting sensation of slipping on his shirt.

I feel a strange tingling awareness when it envelops me. I hadn’t realized how much I missed his damn shirt. A part of me still hoping I can change his mind, I try to run my hands down my hair, wipe my tears, and slide prettily into his bed. His mattress is huge, the kind that feels like heaven beneath you.

When Justin steps out of the shower, my stomach’s gnarling with all kinds of warmth and need. He’s in slacks and bare-chested. His hair is wet, and he’s barefoot as he lowers himself and stretches out on the bed beside me. I press up to him, closer. The scent of his soap reaches me as he gathers me even more tightly to him. His skin has a scent and I’m addicted, pressing my nose to it. Suddenly I want to make him breathless and groan, feel his big body against me, feel him quiver for me.

He’s in bed with me.

God, it’s like a dream come true. All these nights dreaming.

I tip my head back.

He regards me quietly, his lips quirked. “Livingston, if you could read my mind, you would start feeling really shy around me.”

No. He can’t possibly know what I want. How crazy I feel. How much I want him. How I can’t stop thinking about him. But the intensity in his eyes mystifies me, and the air crackles with so much desire, it’s hard to lie here and do nothing but look at him and want him and feel crazed with desire for him. He doesn’t move closer, but he doesn’t move away, he keeps me in the bestest embrace that’s ever been around me. His lips are here, so very near, two inches from my mouth, as he studies me with an expression of utter determination.

“So tell me about these plans of yours,” he says, and though his voice is low with desire, I can hear the sincerity in his tone as well.

“We don’t have to talk, we can go for the other option,” I whisper. But when he only smiles ruefully down at me, I sigh and snuggle back against his chest. “I’ve never in my life managed to feel safe somehow. But you’re not afraid of movement, you always keep moving. . . .”

Silence.

“Why?” I ask pensively. “Why are you always after something?”

He chuckles. “I don’t know. Because I want to. I want everything.”

“Even women?”

He doesn’t flinch, answers with a soft press of his lips against my temple that makes me melt. “Sometimes women.”

Jealousy sneaks into my guts, but I try not to let it stay there. “You’re always surrounded, Justin, by so many people. I’m surprised I found you alone tonight.”

He hesitates. Again, his lips graze my temple. He shifts his body so that I’m almost spread out on top of him, my bare leg folded over one of his black-clad thighs, his hand splaying over my back—over his shirt I’m wearing. “The company I’ve been keeping doesn’t seem to satisfy me anymore,” he whispers in my ear.

If I keep turning into the consistency of honey like this, I don’t even know if there’ll be anything left by morning. Brushing my lips over his tiny brown nipple, I murmur, “Why do you surround yourself with so many people?”

“Because of the meningitis. Remember my father couldn’t stand that I got sick? At five, I was a kid in the hospital with meningitis. My mother stopped by for an hour every day before her tennis classes. The days went by so damn slow. So damn slow that I would look at the clock and one minute would trickle by. Then another. I waited for the last of my IV to drain so someone would come in and change it.”

He felt lonely. In a private room. Alone. Isolated.

I look at him, and he’s big and powerful. But still, there is always the sense of him being surrounded but alone.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I lick his nipple, suck it, kiss it, and when I feel him tense and lift his hand to my hair—ready to pull me back to stop me—I ease back, then gaze up at him with a fierce ache in my gut.

“With Stop the Violence, I sometimes visit family members of the victims, and some of them are so alone. People don’t realize that even if they don’t have money to donate, so many of us just want company.”

Another rueful smile, but there’s nothing rueful about the raw desire on his face as he looks at me. “Come here, Selena.” He pulls me back to his chest, where he caresses a hand down my hair and whispers against my temple. “I’m very sorry about your neighbor.”

My brain is muddled with his nearness, his unique aroma of male and soap and his shampoo and cologne and aftershave. It’s such a powerful combo, an aphrodisiac to my senses. I close my eyes and stroke my fingers over his chest—just a little. I don’t mean to be devious about it, but I can’t stop touching his skin and his muscles; I can’t stop my heart from beating fast, my chest from feeling knotted over what he just told me.

Want.

I want to run my fingers over the stubble on his jaw. I want to press my lips to the top bow and the bottom curve of his lips. I want, want, want.

Want is such a short word, and yet it can encompass so many infinite things.

Justin is momentum. Movement. He’s a man who’s always moving forward, pushing for more.

He will never stand still until he owns the world, and I just want to find my place in it.

It couldn’t be more wrong.

He’s a womanizer. No one woman will ever appease whatever thirst he has for more and more and more.

Love is for romantics; I’m a journalist.

Still, I lie in a man’s bed for the first time in my life and can’t help but want . . . for a night to be someone else.

MORNING

We wake up, his hair bed-mussed, his face fully rested, a scratchy beard on his jaw. He was watching me, and I feel myself blush because I slept so well. I feel loose and relaxed. “Hey.”

He touches me. And I edge closer and move my head closer to his hand. It’s a really tender gesture, and I worry I’m starting to crave them.

His shirt still hugs my body—the feel of the fabric brushing against my skin beneath, the same fabric that touches his bare torso too, warms me to my toes. It’s a struggle to hold my reactions under control. I’m in bed with him, my hair falling past my shoulders, our bodies only partly dressed, our stares equally restless and ravenous. All the ice inside his eyes is gone, replaced by a thermal heat that causes a pooling of volcanic matter inside me.

“I’ll get breakfast for us,” I murmur.

I head to his kitchen in his shirt and, after a bit of fumbling, I get his fancy coffeemaker to work. Then I make some toast.

He comes out fully dressed in slacks and a white shirt and hangs his jacket on the back of a chair. His hair gleams from his shower, wet, dark, slicked back from his smooth forehead, his features sharp and tan.

There’s intimacy between us as I curl up on the chair and have breakfast. Justin drops down and reads the news on his iPad. I don’t want to take his shirt off. I miss having it in my closet. I never realized how much I want it. “Is it okay if I take your shirt? I’ll dry-clean it and bring it back . . .”

“Don’t bring it back.” He sets his iPad aside. Leans forward, his business shirt all over his muscles the way I want to be. Justin spreads his large palm over my cheek as he pushes my hair aside and kisses me with painstaking gentleness. “Selena.”

That’s all he says. That one last word sounds frustrated, aroused, annoyed, confused—almost pained. Before I can get him to get into the kiss, Justin takes my face between his large hands and looks at me with ice-green eyes that carve into my soul. “I’m not the guy anyone comes to for comfort, Selena. But I like that you came to me.”

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