#i hate picking one gene i want to buy and then waiting around for it

[terra-tortoise]

i would love to buy ribbon with the dom discount if it would fucking stock

[quicksilverownsmysoul]

Soft Pretzel

A request by @ittoehurt in which the reader has been feeling sick lately and finds out they are pregnant with Peter’s kid. But she isn't sure if he would even want to have a kid with her. I put my own little twist on it, I hope you enjoy it!

Warnings: None really, mostly pure fluff, a little angst

Word count: 1780

You were currently huddled over a toilet throwing your soft pretzel up. Jubilee was with you holding your hair back. “I’m so sorry Jubilee.” You choked out in between your sickness. You laid your head against the toilet bowl, much to her protests. 

“No honey it’s okay.” She reassured you by moving your head from the public toilet to lay on her shoulder. You wrapped your arms around your stomach as if willing it to keep down your food. 

“You can leave me here, go have fun with Kurt and the gang.” You smiled weakly and she just softly shook her head at you.  You guys were supposed to be having a fun day at the carnival,  when you suddenly felt sick and rushed off to the bathroom. Peter had wanted to go with you but Jubilee insisted that he couldn't just go into a woman’ bathroom like that. 

“I am not leaving you here. You know that.” She brushed your hair away from your face. “I told you not to eat that carnival food, it always makes me sick.” She wrinkled her nose at the thought of even eating anything at the pop up carnival. Especially when she  saw the buckets of grease that everything was marinating in. Peter had eaten something from every stand as you guys had walked around together and he was in no mindset to stop soon. But for once he felt his appetite disappear as he waited for you outside of the bathroom. His foot anxiously tapping against the pavement. 

Truth be told you knew it wasn’t the pretzel was what had made you so sick. You had woken up on many occasions recently hurling into a toilet, you were always careful to never wake Peter up when you slipped out of bed to spill your guts. It had been a while since your last period as well. Your suspicions were confirmed when you took a pregnancy test a couple days ago. You had driven to the store to buy one after your morning classes. Peter wasn't home in your shared apartment when you took it, and when you saw those two lines appear you knew you were screwed. You had sat in the bathroom for god knows how long crying a mix of tears.

You and Peter had been together for a while now. You had met him in high school in your science class, he was your lab partner. He cracked some dumb chemistry joke and you fell in love with him right then and there. You guys started dating and at homecoming he admitted that he was a mutant, he had been so nervous on how you would react. He loved you so much and he hated the idea of ruining it because he was different. But you could care less, you told him that it didn't change the way you felt about him and when you said you thought his superspeed was really cool he was whipped. You guys had been together a couple years now, you had even taken the next step and moved in together, not wanting to spend the rest of your days making out in his mom’s basement. He had become a member of the x-men and you took classes at the local university. Everything seemed so perfect. And now there was a chance of ruining it all. You and Peter were in your early 20’s you two hadn’t even talked about having children, heck you hadn't even thought about it yourself. You didn't even know if he would want a kid with you, he was so young and this was both of yours first relationship. You felt as if you were going to tie him down to something he never even wanted. 

You bit your lip debating on telling Jubilee what had been bugging you for the past few weeks. She saw your brow furrowed and turned to face you. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick again.” She got up to leave. “I’ll go get you some water.” You grabbed her hand before she could leave. 

“The pretzel isn't what made me sick.” You admitted quietly, curling into yourself even more. She silently urged you to go on, sitting back down and taking your hands in hers. 

“I’m pregnant,” You admitted, staring at your lap, not wanting to meet her eyes, in fear that you would see disappointment in them. 

The bathroom was eerily quiet until Jubilee let out a happy squeal and tackled you in a hug. You nearly fell over onto the floor. 

“Omg (y/n)!!! You and Peter are going to have a kid together!! They’re going to be so cute! Especially if they look like you, I don’t know how they’ll look if they get Peter’s genes.” She rambled happily. You let out a little laugh at her excitement, but your heart was still heavy. 

She calmed herself down and her tone turned serious. “Have you told Peter yet?’

You fiddled with your hands. “No I haven’t.”

“How come?’ It wasn’t a judgmental question that Jubilee asked and you could sense the question was more for your benefit than for his. 

“I just don't know he would even want a kid with me. We’re both so young and I don’t want to trap him into a relationship he never wanted.” You admitted, tears threatening to form.

“Oh Honey.” Jubilee pulled you into a tight hug. “Peter loves you so much, I just know he would want a kid with you. It might be a shock but he’s talked about spending his life with you.”

“Really?” 

“Yes really, that boy is so whipped for you it’s so funny.” She joked as she pulled away. She wiped your tears away gently and helped you off the floor. “You should tell him though, it's only fair.” You nodded your head in agreement and you excited the stall together. 

“Can you give me a minute to fix myself? I look like a mess.” You laughed. 

“Sure.” Jubilee left you alone to tidy yourself in the mirror. The minute she stepped out of the bathroom Peter bombarded her with questions.

“How is she? Is she okay? Does she wanna go home?” 

“Chill out she’s fine.” Jubilee replied, trying her best to hide her smile. She turned to Kurt and the rest of the gang. “Let’s go get a spot to watch the fireworks, (y/n) and Peter will catch up later.” 

They left Peter to his thoughts and he began to wonder why she wanted to leave you two all alone. The longer he sat there the more his thoughts drifted to negative ones. You came out a couple minutes later and Peter was immediately by your side. “Hey I missed you, are you okay?” You smiled at him nervously and took his hand in yours. “We need to talk.” Peter felt his heart stop at those words, but squeezed your hand in response. 

You led him over to an empty bench that was at some distance from the rest of the crowd. “Peter I-”

Before you could even continue Peter interrupted you. “Are you breaking up with me?” He asked in a small voice. 

“What no.” You cupped his face with both your hands. “No, nothing like that I could never break up with you. I love you too much.” You kissed him softly and he returned it. You pulled away running your thumb absentmindedly across his cheek. He moved his hand to cup yours. 

“What is it then?” You felt your heart pounding in your chest, drowning out all the noise around you. 

You wet your lips before meeting his gaze. “I’m pregnant Peter.” You were met with silence and immediately you took it as a rejection and started to ramble. “It’s yours but don't worry I’m not asking for anything and if you don’t want to have the kid I can raise them on my own. I can go back with my parents and I-”

“You're pregnant?” Peter repeated softly a smile starting to form on his lips. “I’m going to be a dad.” You nodded your head silently. “I’m going to be a dad!” He screamed lunging towards you and picking you up. He spun you around in circles, his head buried in the crook of your neck. 

“Peter!” You squealed. He gently set you back down and held your face in his hands. 

“You’re not mad?”

“Mad? (y/n) I couldn't be happier!” Your face broke out in a smile. “I love you so much, we’re going to be amazing parents!” He took you back in his arms, holding you tight and pressing kisses to the top of your head. You felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off of your shoulder. “We have to tell the gang!”

Peter wanted to get there as fast as possible but settled for walking when he realized that the sudden speed might upset your stomach. “Peter I’m not that delicate.” You protested. 

“Not taking any chances babe! You’re carrying very precious cargo!” He rubbed your stomach slightly as if there was a bump there already. You let out a light laugh and he pulled you even closer. When you met up with the rest of the gang the fireworks had already started. Peter scared everybody by shouting at the top of his lunges that he was going to be a dad. He slapped Scott on the back with a hearty laugh nearly knocking his sunglasses off.

 “Watch it, Maximoff.” Jean stifled a laugh next to him. “Good luck spending the rest of your life with that idiot.”

You laughed and and Peter whined. “Babeeee.” 

Jubilee pulled you into a side hug, watching as Peter told random strangers that he was going to be a Dad, they just awkwardly congratulated him and he smiled proudly. “I see he took the news well.” 

“What!” Peter exclaimed as he sped back to your side. “You told Jubilee before me!” He proclaimed with mock hurt. You just rolled our eyes and nudged him playfully. 

“Yeah cause she likes me better!” Jubilee joked pulling you closer to her. 

Peter yanked you back to his side. “Not in a million years Lee.” He kissed the top of your head. You guys settled onto the grass with the rest of the group, you leaned back into Peter’s chest. He rested his head in the cook of your neck inhaling your scent. “Thank you.” He whispered.

You closed your eyes at his soft touch. “For what?”

You felt him smile and hug you closer, hands resting gently on your stomach. “For giving me everything I could have ever wanted.”

[miamlfy]

Gryffindor Scum

A/N: WOOH PART THREE IS FINALLY OUT! There was so many ways I could have written this part and I actually rewrote it a few times. This part is more centered on Draco rather than the reader but I guess this series is mostly on Draco. Feel free to give me feedback/ideas!

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Fem! Reader

Summary: Draco has an unwelcoming experience with Blaise and Pansy. 

Warnings: Implied depression, Pansy, and a few swear words. Perhaps spelling/grammar mistakes as well. 

Word Count: 1,9k

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

Enjoy!

(Not my gif, credit to whoever made it)

Draco laid wide awake on his bed, staring onto the ceiling. He spent hours tossing and turning, just wanting to fall asleep just like everyone else in the house, however, his body refused to shut down. Draco continued to glance down to Harry’s muggle alarm clock he had on his nightstand, 3:46am it read. He let out a sigh, your mum wanted everyone up by 6am. So much for a good night’s rest, he thought to himself. 

His stomach was filled with the nervous feeling, his whole life had changed for him during the summer and he knew life at Hogwarts would also change. If someone told his past self that he would be dating a half blood or better yet living amongst Gryffindors, he would’ve laughed in their faces and told them to fuck off. Draco would have never imagined that this would be his life now, not that he hated it. He loved it, every second of it. He loved being in a household which held warmth, love, and security. He loved having parental figures that asked him on the daily if he was okay but most of all, he loved having you at his side. 

You were there for him for anything he needed the minute he stepped foot into your house. At first, Draco was scared your relationship would have declined when he moved in but instead it got stronger and the love was blooming more than ever. They spent many nights together alone, talking about the present and the future. 

“If I become a professional Quidditch player and you a healer, you can help with any injuring I get.” You said while picking on the grass you were laying on. 

Draco chuckled besides you, “I’ll also be on the stands cheering you on and being the loudest there.” 

Those moments the two of you had are what kept Draco going. You were his world and his yours. He got so used to spending each day with you that he wasn’t sure if he’ll be the same spending less amounts together at school. Now, Draco wasn’t much of the clingy type but after living in the same house for almost three months only to go back to school and being separated by house rivalry but going to take its toll. 

Draco scoffed to himself, whoever created such things and made him believe them were children, he thought. House rivalry was nonsense. Draco looked over to the clock once again, not much time has passed since he last checked it. He rolled onto his side and decided to at least get some sleep to avoid being an awful mood the in the morning. 

Draco was woken up by the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. He looked over to Harry’s bed to see it empty and unmade, no doubt already waiting for the delicious delights Lily was cooking.

Draco was still getting used to seeing a human cook rather than house elves. Lily wasn’t the only person who cooked in the Potter household, he also learned that you, along with Harry were taught some things. James, however, was often kicked out of the kitchen after his many, many, failed attempts on cooking. 

He got up from his bed and quickly made it along with Harry’s. Although your twin brother was fully capable of making his own bed, Draco hated a messy room and often opted into making your brothers bed. Heading downstairs, he saw your luggage packed and ready to go by the front door. Lily made the three you do it the night prior. 

“Ah, he’s up.” He heard you say, you stood on your tippy toes to place a kiss on his cheek. You always complained about your shortness to him, and how it wasn’t fair the Harry got the tall gene. 

“Come sit down, there’s pancakes, eggs, and bacon on the table already. Help yourself.” You said to him. 

Draco nodded and took an empty seat next to James. He began adding foods onto his plate, before he could start eating, James began speaking to him loud enough for him to only hear. 

“Draco as you know, the trial between your parents and us is still happening.” Draco nodded as James spoke. 

The trial was taking longer than expected and although it was unrealistic to think it would end with an agreement immediately, Draco wish it was over. Both parties refused to step down. Not that Draco wanted your parents to give up, he knew they wouldn’t. He just wished his own parents would come to terms that Draco wasn’t returning to them and to drop whatever they doing to claim themselves as the best wizarding parents out there. 

Well, he just wished his father would stop. He knew his mother couldn’t do much, she was just there to be a wife of a pureblood and a mother to heirs. Draco knew she tried to be there for him but the way she was raised proved that the only way she could try to show her love for her son was to buy him things and spoil him with anything and everything he asked for. 

Narcissa still sent him letters once a week, whether it was sending him money, treats, or asking a simple ‘How are you doing?’. 

Draco stared at James and nodded his head allowing James to continue. 

“Word has gotten out and it’ll most likely be in the papers soon which means people will say things to you. Don’t let them get to you and force you to pick a side, in the end it’s you who decides.” 

Draco already had a side picked but he knew Mr. Potter was right. His ‘friends’ will no doubt try to make him change his mind about everything and force him back into being the self-centered prick he was. 

Once everyone finished the very delicious breakfast and got into the muggle car Lily owned, with complaints from you for having to sit in the middle seat, the five of you headed towards the train station. 

“Harry move your bloody elbow!” You yelled out to your brother. “It’s stabbing me in the side!” 

“Maybe it’s you who should move, my elbow is fine where it is!” 

Draco slightly laughed at the interaction, leave it to the two of you to cause some sort of chaos in any given situation. He sat back in his seat and looked out the window, watching all the cars drive by. 

His stomach was getting the same feeling it had during the night. He began chewing on his lip, a habit he had of doing whenever he was nervous. Taking notice of this, you took his hand into yours. 

“Are you okay?” You asked looking at him. Concern was written all over your face as he looked at you. Looking at you is what made him more present and calmer. He loved looking at you, you were always so beautiful to him. 

“Yes, I’m fine.” He responded, giving you a genuine smile. You reciprocated the smile and leaned your head on his shoulder. 

Draco let out a yawn, his lack of sleep getting to him. Perhaps he’d be able to nap on the train. 

Arriving at the station, the three of you said goodbye to your parents. Lily was making sure everyone had everything they needed while James looked ready to cry. Regardless of this being the fifth year of doing this, he was never ready to say goodbye to his children. 

Draco noticed some Slytherins giving him weird looks as he stood with the Potters, a few gasps were heard from others when he hugged James and Lily goodbye. He didn’t care though; it was a bit amusing to see some of his peers sporting confused looks. 

“Alright kids be safe and be good, I don’t want to hear about any more pranks on teachers or students,” Lily said, looking directly at you and Harry. “Includes you now, Draco. These three gremlins can be quite the influence.” 

“Three?!” 

“Yes James, three.” 

“Now that’s not fair, Sirius should be in that list too!” James said. Lily shook her head as if her point was proven. 

Draco followed Harry and you onto the train, he saw a few first years still waving goodbye to their parents through the windows. He saw you poke your head out of one as well, he wanted to laugh at the fact that you looked no different than a first year, but he knew it was best not to as he didn’t want to make you mad. 

“Tell Uncle Moony that I say hi!” He heard James yell. You replied with a ‘will do’ and pulled your head back as the train began to move. Draco could’ve sworn he saw James wipe a few tears from his eyes. 

“Are you going to come sit with us? Harry already went with Hermione and Ron to find an empty compartment.” You asked your boyfriend. 

Draco shook his head, “It’s best if I go sit with the others, Granger and Weasley aren’t much used to having me around unlike Harry and you.” 

“Alright well if anything happens, you can come find us.” 

Draco nodded, allowing you to place a kiss on his lips as a short bye. Watching you skip as you went to find the others, Draco went on his way to find the people he calls his friends. 

The compartment in which they were in wasn’t hard to find, upon entering it Draco placed his luggage above and sat down next to Blaise. 

“Strange,” he heard Blaise say. “We didn’t think you’d be joining us.”��

“And why is that?” Draco asked turning his head to look at Blaise. 

Blaise continued to look down at the book he was reading, “It seemed to us that your alliance has changed.” 

Draco scoffed but before he could speak back, Pansy had already taken the stage. 

“You left us Draco.” She said, forcefully making herself sit in-between Draco and Blaise. She placed her arms around Draco’s neck. 

“Come back to us Draco, we know you’re still in there.” She shook him as she spoke, “We know they brainwashed you now come back.” 

Draco threw Pansy’s arms off of him with a bit of force, making her pout. “No one has brainwashed me.” 

“They clearly did, you don’t even want to be with me anymore!” She screeched. Draco rolled his eyes at her delusional self. 

Blaise closed his book and made Pansy go back to her original seat. He looked directly at Draco as he spoke. 

“We don’t want you here anymore, Draco. You made it clear to us that you no longer want to be in this friend group the minute you hugged that mudblood and her blood traitor husband. Not to mention how friendly you’ve gotten with Y/n Potter.” 

Draco felt his body becoming hot with anger as Blaise targeted the slurs towards your parents. 

“Now leave us and perhaps you’d want to change your house tie as well, seeing as you’ve become Gryffindor scum.” Blaise finished. 

Draco angrily stood up, glaring at Blaise as he grabbed his luggage and stormed out slamming the compartment door with such force. He stood there for a few seconds, taking notice that his hands were shaking as he rubbed his eyes with them.

“This is going to be one long fucking year.”

[badapricot]

Lovely Writer: Count 26, 27, & 28

These are the chapter summaries for Count 26, 27, & 28 which should be included in episode 10 and/or episode 11 of Lovely Writer. Keep in mind that the show is very different and they often cut, change, and move things around.

Count 26

Gene is sleeping in the car while Nubsib drives them home from their parent’s house. It’s raining outside.

Nubsib wakes up Gene because he said he wanted to buy snacks, and they go to Maxvalu.

They go back to the condo and Gene immediately plants himself in front of the TV with the snacks.

Nubsib pushes him to shower so Gene does very quickly before going back to the TV.

Nubsib showers with the door open and Gene watches TV. He sees a promo for Bad Engineer and remembers that the show is being aired soon, so he gets a clip on his phone and posts it on IG. Nubsib comes out when Gene is filming and asks Gene why he didn’t dry his hair well. Gene says it will dry on its own.

People in the comments on the clip point out that they can hear Nubsib saying Gene’s name.

Nubsib dries Gene’s hair.

They keep watching shows and Gene asks Nubsib if it’s awkward to watch his acting and Nubsib says that he has to make sure he’s performing well for his boyfriend, so it’s fine. He wants it so that Gene isn’t able to take his eyes off of him. Gene is surprised when he remembers that he’s the boyfriend.

The next day Gene goes to meet Hin at the cake shop near Nubsib’s university. He’s started basically living at Nubsib’s condo full time.

Hin tells him that Bua wants him to write a special NC chapter for his book.

Hin asks him if he’s going to a book event with Nubsib and Gene says that if he goes with him everyone will want his autograph. Hin asks him why he’s getting jealous of Nubsib like that.

Gene posts a picture of his cake online and forgets to text Nubsib back while he’s eating with Hin. When he puts his hand up to wave for the cheque, Nubsib grabs it. He was able to recognize where Gene was from his IG post and he walked over from the university.

Gene tells Nubsib to eat with him then and Nubsib says he won’t eat cake unless Gene feeds him. Gene says fine, it doesn’t matter since he paid anyway.

When they get home, Nubsib showers while Gene tries to find inspiration to write his NC chapter. He thinks getting the hardest thing (the sex scenes) out of the way first will make it easier.

Gene watches some anime but decides he wants something different and ends up reading a dark BL novel.

“‘Inside the twitching did not stop.’ Do you like r*pe roleplaying?”

“Shit!” I was so startled, my hands closed the book suddenly when the embarrassing conversation in it was read out.

Nubsib sat beside me, the corner of his mouth smiling. “Do you like this?”

“Like...like this?”

“This.” His fingers gently grabbed my wrist, as if deliberately teasing me. “Is my Gene a masochist?”

“No! I’m just reading and using the information for my writing.”

“A sex scene again?”

I felt a little embarrassed. “Well...you can see.”

Because I always sit and read scenes like this only, Nubsib knows that I have trouble with sex scenes.

“Can I help you?”

Again...we’re in a familiar situation.

I instantly shook my head. “No need, this time I don’t want any realism.”

Gene keeps reading and then retires to bed.

When he does, Nubsib abruptly kisses him and pulls him onto his lap. Gene asks Nubsib what he’s doing and Nubsib says he’s helping him write. 

Nubsib pushes Gene’s shirt up and tells him to hold his shirt up in his mouth. When Gene bites down on his shirt, Nubsib kisses his chest and asks Gene if he likes it, which Gene denies.

Nubsib asks Gene, “Do you like the novel you read earlier? Do you want me to tie you up like that?”

Nubsib holds Gene to him and fingers him before they start having sex. Nubsib eventually asks Gene to start moving himself, if it doesn’t hurt, and Gene starts shyly riding Nubsib.

Nubsib suddenly starts moving and puts Gene on his back. Gene says, “Nubsib...hold me,” and Nubsib holds Gene’s wrists over his head, and holds him. It’s embarrassing and Gene can’t even understand all the hoarse words Nubsib is saying in his ear, but he holds onto him.

While they’re coming down from their orgasm, Nubsib tells Gene, “Let’s take a shower later. One more round.”

Nubsib presses their foreheads together and Gene can’t say no. 

Count 27 (Nubsib POV)

Nubsib thinks back on the sex and how he accidentally made Gene cry. He actually wants Gene to cry more, to feel more, but he has to stop himself from instinctively doing anything violent.

Nubsib sees a red mark on Gene’s neck and touches it. He thinks that if Gene can’t let people know that the mark is his, then he’ll hold it all the time. Or hide it and Gene away, so they’re not seen by anyone.

The phone rings and Gene gently urges Nubsib to pick it up because he’s sleepy.

It’s Tum and he can tell he interrupted them because of Nubsib’s mood, so he quickly tells Nubsib the details about his summer photoshoot. Nubsib tells Tum that he wants to reserve another plane ticket and Tum figures that it’s for Gene and agrees.

When Nubsib hangs up, Gene asks him when he’s going. Nubsib tells Gene that he’s going on the trip too.

Gene says Nubsib has work though, and Nubsib says he isn’t working day and night. They can be together. Gene begrudgingly agrees but says he’s “too lazy to go out” even though Nubsib can see his eyes are shining and he’s very excited.

Gene tries to go swim when they arrive, but Nubsib tells him to wait until there’s more shade. Gene says he has sunscreen but Nubsib tells Gene that he finishes at five, and they can swim then. Gene grumbles but he’s obedient.

Because everyone knows who Nubsib is, Nubsib booked them two rooms and Gene moved his stuff in first. Nubsib will move his in later. They’ll share one room, while Tum takes the others. Nubsib thinks the whole ruse is really annoying.

Tum says he knows he was only invited as a cover for Gene (because they’re friends) but he’s thankful that Nubsib’s letting him stay in a luxury resort room for free. Nubsib tells him that if he’s really thankful he should carry Gene’s luggage.

Nubsib goes to his photoshoot while Tum takes care of Gene. Gene sends Nubsib pictures of a coconut and a crab and other random things he finds, and Nubsib is so happy that a homebody like Gene is so excited to be out.

When Nubsib arrives back, Gene asks if they can swim now and Nubsib says yes. Gene is very excited.

They go to the private beach at the hotel and it’s fine because the place is so luxurious it’s mostly populated by foreigners who don’t know Nubsib.

Nubsib stops Gene from going into the water in exchange for applying sunscreen to Gene’s arms, shoulders, and legs, which makes Gene shy. Nubsib tells Gene not to play in the sun for too long and tells him he’ll wait for him right there.

Gene plays for so long that Nubsib is sure he’ll sleep but he showers and they go out to a market.

Gene sees a tourist attraction for snorkeling and asks Nubsib if he wants to go, if he’s not busy, and Nubsib asks Gene why he’d want to do it alone.

Gene says Nubsib is working, so he thought he’d be too tired, and Nubsib says he’s used to fucking Gene and then waking up and going to university after. Gene tells Nubsib that if he keeps talking like that, he’ll stab him.

They go back to the hotel and lie in bed. Gene asks Nubsib to take a picture for his parents in the LINE group chat.

Gene tells Nubsib not to make a face that���s too handsome. He’s sick of Nubsib being complimented by his mother.

They take silly selfies together.

Count 28

Gene is home and looking through pictures of their trip. It’s been years since he travelled.

He’s thinking about picking up Nubsib from school to get cake to celebrate finishing his recent manuscript, when he gets a call from Tum. He’s concerned because Tum doesn’t video call him but only calls, and sounds really urgent.

He goes to meet Tum at the TV station and Nubsib is already sitting in the boss’s office.

He shows them pictures of Nubsib and Gene on their beach trip—they were seen in the night market. He goes on to show them Facebook posts and tweets with thousands of likes. Because of the SibGene pictures, people are shipping them a lot, and it’s bad for the series because they want them to ship SibAey.

Gene feels bad for causing trouble for the fans and for the network.

Gene sees some negative comments about how people are going to stop following Nubsib and that they now hate him because Nubsib is selfish, and didn’t think of the fan’s feelings, and those comments make him feel the worst.

Nubsib holds Gene’s hand and assures him that it’s not his fault which makes Gene feel worse.

The head of the TV station tells Nubsib that him and Gene need to stop interacting, stop going out, stop liking and commenting on each other’s social media etc. and Nubsib says it’s impossible to be separated from his boyfriend and his contract didn’t specify that.

The head tells him that it was implied because everyone knows that being a BL actor necessitates selling fanservice. Nubsib says that they can go ahead and rip up his contract then, because he never intended to act at all, or in another series after this. He only went to the casting for Gene. 

Nubsib is angry but calm and he shocks everyone. Tum and the boss remind Nubsib that he has ten months left on his contract and if he leaves now he’ll have to pay a penalty. Nubsib says he knows and he’s prepared to pay.

Gene can’t take it. He cuts off Nubsib and tells the boss that he’ll stay away from Nubsib until the end of his contract, and he won’t stop by him if Tum isn’t there.

The boss is pleased and says he’s glad Gene understands. He says the next day that Nubsib needs to come by the studio for a small press conference where he’ll amend the news about him dating Gene.

They leave, leaving Nubsib and Gene to talk alone.

Nubsib tells Gene that they’re forcing them to break up and he won’t have it.

“You’re a star so it has to be like this.”

I didn’t want to cause problems for Nubsib’s work.

I felt extremely bad, thinking about Nubsib agreeing to pay the penalty to cancel his contract.

“We have to be like this?” Nubsib, who had been quiet for so long, repeated my words. “Maybe other actors can secretly date their boyfriends while they let the Internet ship them with someone else, but I can’t do that.”

“...”

“You can say that I’m selfish. But I only accepted the job to act in this series because of you. If it causes us problems like this, then I don’t want to continue this work.”

“I didn’t...” I shook my head.

The words were stuck in my throat, and I was unable to speak.

“So what are you going to do?”

“As I said. After the series ends, I’ll break my contract.”

“No!” I immediately interrupted. His eyebrows furrowed tightly together. “You’ve worked for your own savings, and haven’t asked your parents for work all this time. There’s no need to stop because of me. Another thing...if you rip up the contract you’ll need to pay a penalty. And not a thousand baht, but a couple hundred thousand baht.”

“And you’re fine with our relationship being like that? Not letting anyone know that I’m dating you? Making others think that I’m not in a relationship with you?”

“...”

When I didn’t answer the question, Nubsib shook his head while staring at me. “You’re being like this again. If anyone has a problem and tells you to do something, you follow because you care about them. Why don’t you do that for me? Why don’t you miss me?”

“I just don’t want you to waste your money and lose work!”

“You still don’t understand? Even after the series ends, there’s still nothing in my contract that specifies I can’t have a boyfriend. Pictures can be posted online at anytime. The Internet isn’t that easily quieted.”

“...”

“The only way for them to be satisfied is if we really break up.”

“...”

I froze.

Break up...

Everything I was thinking up until that point became blocked by that work in my mind.

I didn’t know what conclusion we’d come to when we started talking. Nubsib and I disagreed. There were several solutions to the problem. But I didn’t think for a second that breaking up was a solution.

“You want to...break up?” My voice is so low, I can barely hear myself.

“...”

Gene wants to faint at Nubsib’s suggestion.

He goes upstairs and showers and then gets into bed. He hears Nubsib come in and stand over him, but he doesn’t speak. Gene pretends to be asleep.

Gene thinks that he doesn’t want to break up with Nubsib but he’s the older one so he needs to be responsible. He can’t cause trouble for Nubsib like this.

Gene comes out and Nubsib is sitting in the living room. Nubsib tells Gene that he was being selfish and immature earlier and Gene is relieved.

Nubsib tells Gene that if he wants him to listen to the boss, then he’ll do it for Gene. He goes on to tell Gene that since the fans know they live together, it’s probably best for Gene to go back to live in his condo for now.

Gene feels terrible.

[tooinlovewithfictionalpeople]

Dating the Hargreeves

Luther Hargreeves

-You met when one day you were called to the Hargreeve residence

- Your mother was a friend of Reginald and she had asked you to deliver a letter to him.

- On arriving you noticed how empty the place was

- So as Reginald took the letter from you, he told you to come back in ten minuets when he had written the reply

- Thinking he lived alone now, you just wondered about the house, until you bumped into Luther

- After stating your business, he seemed to warm up to you a lot more, even if he was a tad awkward

- You realised that he was just really lonely

- So you invited him for coffee

- He was so shocked all he could do was nod

- The coffee date went well the next day

- It was all going swimmingly, the two of you were good friends but right as you both were realising your feelings were more than just friends

- His dad sent him to the moon

- Pogo let you message him three times a day

- But you still missed him

- You didn’t understand why he couldn’t disobey orders

- But you respected his choice and waited

- For years

-When he finally came back he was slightly more clingy than he was usually and you two quickly became an item

- He was a broken soul who just needed some love

- And attention

- And to believe he didn’t waste four years of his life

- When you two started dating he was basically your own personal teddy bear

- he’s so warm so if you’re cold he would let you cuddle up to him

- he’d be so gentle because he doesn’t want to accidentally hurt you

- You would constantly be there to remind him to be nice to his siblings

- going stargazing together 

- or moon gazing the guy has an obsession

- You would steal his coat and make brilliant impressions of him, much to the joy of Diego and Klaus

-You are defiantly the smart one so Luther would always go to you for advice

- he’s so protective and will glare at any man who looks your way

- which can get a bit annoying but it’s nothing to bad.

- He’s really insecure so you would constantly assure him that he was beautiful the way he was

- Helping Luther see that dear old Dad was not the nicest guy

- Your best friend is 100% Diego though

- Which Luther hates because if you're mad at him, he’s doomed on all fronts

- He buys you chocolate though so you keep him around

- He has a good heart really

Diego Hargreeves

-You're both vigilantes of sorts

- You're more like a private investigator plus baddass crime stopper

- Police pay you to solve crimes, and then the government pay you even more money to take out pesky people

- It was kinda fun

- You meet Diego when Patch brings him in

- He overhears what job you’re doing and asks why you’re getting paid doing the same thing he’s getting arrested for

- Patch laughs and tells him that you are more of a private investigator

- You smile, thinking that would shut him up 

- But no. He starts calling you Sherlock

- Wearing that stupid smirk as he says it

- Your meetings become more frequent and he always teases you about your job but its nothing more than that

- Until one day he realises you don’t actually have a house, you live in a car

- Because even though your job pays well, you move around a lot and most of you money goes to your sister so she can afford a house, and living with her may but her life at risk

- So he offered the spare bedroom in his apartment 

- He assures you he can take care of himself

- So you agree

- And slowly you adjust your life to be with him

- You take turns cooking at first and then it turns into a you cook whilst he cleans because he cannot cook

- And then he takes you on a date

- He’s a shy stuttering mess when he asks you on a date, nothing like the mischievous confident man you'd known

- It was adorable so you said yes

- Things went really well so you guys decided to date

- He is such a cuddler

- Secretly likes being the little spoon, or sleeping on your stomach because it makes him feel safe

- But also likes being the big spoon because he likes to feel like he’s protecting you

- You’re probably the cook as he can only make eggs

- And even tho “They’re great eggs Y/N,” they’re “Not a balanced diet Diego,”

- Patching him up when he’s on his nightly hero duty things

- If you have work in the morning you will leave cute notes around the house for him to wake up to, and he does the same for you when he works

- When he grows his hair out he secretly lets you braid it as long as you tell no one.

- Until Klaus find’s out and gets you to braid his hair too

- He cannot say no to you, so gets through the day of relentless teasing by his siblings when you painted his nails 

- It was worth it to see you smile

- Full on shouting at Reginald at the dinner table when he upset Diego because HOW DARE HE make your boyfriend stutter like that

- The other siblings looking at you in shock because you were the calm and reasonable one 

- He wouldn’t really get jealous because he trusted you, but can’t resist showing off the fact you’re his girlfriend when someone starts to flirt with you

- Okay maybe he is jealous

Allison Hargreeves 

- For some reason you are immune to her power

- You found this out when Reginald tried to forcefully recruit you to the academy when you were fifteen, using her power and you just responded “I don’t know where you heard that sunshine.”  before merrily skipping off.

- She was shook

- The two of you started meeting at Griddy’s donuts

- At first she wanted to know how you managed to get away

- But eventually she started to like you

- You were sassy and smart and didn’t put up with her shit

- This is probably why Five adored you so much - you two became best friends

- She always held your hand and often kissed it softly if you were deep in thought

- You taught her how to get people to do what you say without using her power

- Which meant you guys left with a lot of free stuff

- She always loved to show you off, PDA was something she had no problem with

- Much to the disgust of some of the siblings

- Being in the 60′s as a lesbian couple was difficult

- So you pretended to be cousins

- which was weird for both of you

- She would constantly buy extravagant gifts for you, especially when she had the money

- Despite the fact that in public you seem like the one in charge, she is 100% the big spoon

- She likes the feeling of feeling truly needed

Klaus Hargreeves

- You meet in the war, you’re the bar tender that introduced him to Dave

- The talk he had with you was very brief but he remembered your face

- So years later, when he went back to that same Bar once he got back from the past he was shocked to see you serving people having not aged a day

- At first he thought you just has really good genes you had passed on but you were identical to the way he remembered you

- The he thought he was seeing your ghost but he saw that you were interacting with others

- So he called you over

- You didn't seem shocked to see him but pleasantly surprised

- You explained that you had gotten in a bit of a pickle as you were picking up a suitcase from the commission so you could retire but Five blew the place up causing the suitcase to malfunction

- So you were stuck in a warzone until you figured out how to fix the case

- You also told Klaus to give his brother a slap when he next saw him

- He did, but Five was very pleased to see you as you were a good friend to him and knew how to help

- Anyways after a couple of soft drinks you and Klaus got to know each other better

- And after a while the two of you became an item and life just got better

Helping him remain sober

- Cuddles all the time because he is needy

- you guys shared clothes because neither if you give a fuck

- You show him other ways to get high without damaging his body

- like taking him skydiving or to a theme park

- you always listen to him

- And will shout at the siblings when they undermine Klaus

- You keep the ghosts at bay, and will often hold him when he sleeps so stop any nightmares

- However neither of you can cook

- which leads to you waltzing off to Allison’s house at three in the morning because she can cook

- She doesn’t mind though because she’s never seen her brother this happy when hes sober

- You are best friends with Ben, and can also see and hear him so like to talk shit about Klaus when he’s in the room

- He is a pro at forehead kisses

- He’ll wrap you in his arms and just lightly kiss your forehead

- Because you make him feel safe, so he returns the favour

Five Hargreeves

- You worked with the commission as an assassin and after a few weeks of Five being there, he was told that you would be his partner

- He was a little annoyed because that would mean he wouldn’t be able to work on the apocalypse on the job in case you told on him

- Then he met you and you were nothing like he expected

- He’d seen you train, seen you kill five men whilst barely moving and go after the most dangerous of people

- So why were you so nice?

-You were like a little ball of sunshine and he was Mr grumpy

- When you were informed that he had been alone for 45 years, Five thought you’d run away from him, scared that you were friends with a madman

- But instead you walked up to him and wrapped your arms around his waist

- At first he didn’t know how to respond but then he hugged you back

- And then you two became inseparable

- He wasn’t much into PDA especially when you got back to the Hargreaves siblings

- He didn’t want to be bullied

-But you loved affection

-So he compromised and the two of you would subtly lock pinkies

-But that was it

-Until you were alone

-Oh boy

- He needed coaxing at first because he’s socially awkward

- But he loves to be cuddled. He loves laying on your stomach, or holding you against his chest or wrapping his arms around your waist

- He’s a sucker for when you run your hands through his hair

- It makes him w e a k 

-When he’s working you’ll sit on his lap

- Because you want attention and he overworks himself

- You constantly look after him, making sure he drinks water and shit

- Because you cannot run on coffee alone

- The siblings become suspicious when they catch Five staring at you

- So they decided to spy on him

- And whilst they spied, they saw their mardy little brother dancing (Rather gracefully) around the Kitchen with you, both laughing as if there was no one else there

- Which tbf they didn’t think there was

- “They could just be working a case?” suggested Luther

- But that was quickly brushed aside when Five kissed you

- “Turns out the Hargreaves are capable of Love,” was all Klaus said although they were secretly thrilled at the fact you and Five were together.

Ben Hargreeves

- You were just a small town waitress 

- Working another long shift at your work, you saw two men come in, one rather skinny and hippie looking, and the other dressed in all black

- You’re a naturally sweet person so serving them with a smile wasn’t a problem

- But when you asked Ben what he wanted he just froze in shock

- After some explaining you decided to let the two guys stay at your apartment for a while, as they were lost anyway

- You all became super super close

- You helped Klaus become sober again

- And then you realised that not only could you see Ben, but you could make him physically there just by touching him

- You learnt this when you accidentally ran into him nearly knocking yourself out

- The Klaus was no longer the clingy one

-Ben was always touching you, not in a weird way just always brushing hands or wrapping himself around you

- He loved cuddles, just feeling warm for once

- He’d cuddle you no matter what, and if you had a tiring day at work he would be there to sweep you off your feet

- you made him feel alive again

- When he was touching you others could see him too

- which meant you automatically became the family favourite, after you helped Klaus, and then Ben

- Ben loves it when you read to him, it just calms him down

- His favourite thing to do is to sit in the park with you sat between his legs, lent against his chest listening to you read

- He wears the flower crowns you make with pride

- It takes ages to figure out why you can see him and make him real as you were actually a couple months younger than him

- Turns out you had died as a baby for exactly 108 seconds and that had left you with ties to both the physical world and the afterlife - and it was Mr Reginald Hargreeves who had saved you

- You were convinced he was an alien but the others disagreed

- You helped Ben not fear his power

- The guy is king of nose kisses. He just finds it really cute when you scrunch your nose, either in disgust or frustration or confusion

- You always kiss jawline, as if you’re snuggled together it’s often the only place you can reach

- Vanya is your best friend, you always invite her because she understands what it’s like to not know the extent of your own power

- Klaus is scared at first because he doesn’t want Ben to leave him although he would never admit it

- But then he realised he hadn’t lost a constant companion, he’d just gained another

- Ben loves to surprise you with cute simple things, like setting up a movie and hot chocolate, or picking out flowers he found at some point for you

- Dancing round the kitchen would be a daily thing

- You even got Five to join in 

- You make the best waffles so every morning all the siblings come to your house just to eat the waffles you make

- It’s like they are a family again, but this time they have you

Vanya Hargreeves

- She’s a bit iffy with personal contact

- It makes her a little nervous

- But you’re okay with that, she shows her love in other ways

- Like she’ll always make you tea in the mornings, or make sure you’re under the blanket before she sleeps because she knows you get cold

- You meet for the first time when you’re kids. The other siblings are saving everybody and ask you to stand with the others, because to them you’re just a civilian

- But when things start to go sideways, it’s you who helps them, using your powers of mental manipulation to make the bad guys visualise their worst fear

- Sir Hargreeves takes you in immediately, adopting you as Number Eight.

-The other kids felt bad for you when Reginald left you on your own, and it was Klaus who spoke

-”He’s not a good parent, he isn’t really here at all so I’m sorry if this wasn't what you were expecting,” but you were happy

“My real dad gave me this scar when he tried to stab me,” you replied with a little laugh “Ill take yours any day,”

-After that you and Vanya bonded over the fact you were both the black sheep of the family

- You always made sure she was included, and felt a bit bad that you weren’t a sibling but were often invited to more places than her

- During your teenage years you and Vanya clearly had something going on, so Reginald sent you away to France to study your powers

- It wasn’t until his death did you two see each other again

- It felt like you had never really left and things kicked off again

- But the Harold came along and told Vanya you were just as bad as the rest

- So she abandoned you

- You meet  for the third time in the 60′s, you’re staying with a married couple and their disabled son

- Vanya recognises you but she doesn’t know where from which breaks your heart slightly but it’s okay

- Because the more she spends time with you the more she falls in love with you

- She finally asks you to be her girlfriend

- Which you say yes

- Although she’s not big on affection, she loves it when you lay in her lap, it makes her feel trusted

- She loves to play the violin for you

- When she starts to grow used to affection, she loves it when you sleep all curled up beside her like a cat

- Or when you play with her hair

- Or kiss her cheek

- You make her feel like she’s valid and that’s all she ever wanted

[ourmiraclealigner]

Easy CO. Holiday Reacts

Gif not mine! Credit to owner.

a/n: happy holidays everyone! i know everyone doesn’t celebrate Christmas, so if you don’t, no specific holiday is mentioned in this so everyone can read :)

warnings: none

taglist: @hellitwasyoufirstsergeant @mavysnavy @ivy-miranda-2390 @ya-yeeteth @rayofshanshine @primusk @punkgeekchic @inglourious-imagines @wexhappyxfew @vintagelavenderskies @easy-company-tradition @meteora-fc @teenmagazines @order-of-river-phoenix @contrabandhothead

—————————————-

Richard Winters:

- When the holiday season rolls around, Richard can’t stop the excitement that arises in him.

- It’s not the gifts that excite him, Richard always tells everyone to not get him anything and that he already has everything he needs.

- He’s excited about the time that he gets to spend with you- decorating, cooking, and shopping for presents for friends and family.

- He loves the little break from work he gets, content with getting to sleep in, with you in his arms.

- He knows it’s time he’ll never get back, and he cherishes it more than any gift anyone could possibly get him.

- He finds himself happier than he ever thought he could be when he wakes up with you in his arms, protecting each other from the cold air that is just outside your mess of blankets.

- After a few minutes, he can’t stop himself from pressing light, fleeting kisses to your face, smiling when your eyes flutter open.

Lewis Nixon:

- Unlike Richard, gifts are a big thing for Lewis during the holidays.

- Since he grew up with a wealthy family, he uses his money to show his love.

- He showers you with gifts all month long, handing them to you with a smile, his hands sweaty with anticipation.

- “I know you mentioned wanting this a while ago, I just couldn’t find it anywhere until a few days ago. I’ve been looking all around.”

- He looks at you nervously as you unwrap the box, smiling when you realize it’s a book you had told him you were interested in reading.

- He wraps his arm around you as you thank him, pulling you into his side.

- “I’m glad you like it, sweetheart.” He mumbles as he presses a kiss to your forehead.

Ron Speirs:

- Ron is indifferent when it comes to the holidays.

- He’s not overly excited or overly annoyed by the holiday cheer, he doesn’t care either way.

- He doesn't spoil your fun though, taking you to go see the lights in the city and in your neighborhood.

- You both get bundled up, hands intertwined as you walk around with smiles.

- He’ll kiss your temple whenever your face lights up, mumbling “You like this one? It’s pretty.”

- As you walk back to the car, he’ll unbutton his coat before pulling you into his side, wrapping his arm and half of his coat around you.

- “You’re so cold, baby, let me warm you up.”

Eugene Roe:

- Growing up with a big family, the holidays always meant chaos for Eugene.

- When he went away to fight, he spent too many away from home, experiencing a new kind of chaos.

- So, when you and Gene spent your first December together, he was shocked to find himself relaxed every night.

- He’d sit on the couch, exhausted and eyes half lidded as he watched you hang up the decorations and hum to yourself.

- “Come here.” He’d always end up mumbling, patting the open spot next to him. “I miss you.”

- When you did, he’d wrap his arm around your shoulder, leaning his head against yours as he let his eyes finally shut.

- “Let's keep the decorations up until after the New Year… they’re too cute to take down right away.” He sleepily mumbles, fingers rubbing soft patterns into the skin of your shoulder.

George Luz:

- George loves the holidays, and he’s not afraid to show it.

- Every year he goes above and beyond, coming home with more decorations than the year before.

- He’s always humming some sort of song as he’s working around the house, and even loves to help you in the kitchen.

- He’s always gently tugging on your waist after a few minutes, whining and begging you to slow dance with him.

- When you finally agree, his head immediately nuzzles into your neck as he softly sings whatever song is playing (somehow he knows them all).

- After a few songs he lifts his head, pressing a light kiss to your nose as he mumbles, “I’m so lucky I get to spend another holiday with you.”

- He’ll press a chaste kiss to your lips before pulling away, stepping closer to the counter. “Teach me how to make these.”

Joe Liebgott:

- Joe tries to act like he hates when the holiday season rolls around, but deep down, he loves it.

- He’ll help you decorate, feigning a few sighs as your favorite record plays softly in the background. After some convincing, he’ll start a fire in the fireplace, your small, shared house cozy as his cat hits some of the decorations with their paw.

- “Joe, you really don’t have to help me.” You say softly, “I don’t want you to be miserable.”

- He feels his chest tighten, his cheeks flushing as he realizes how pretty you look as the soft light of the fire hits you.

- “No, no, it’s fine.” He responds, his tone gentle. “It’ll be quicker if I help, right?”

- You chuckle, knowing Joe was having a better time than he was letting on. “Right.”

- He kisses your cheek, hand lingering on your back before he mumbles “Let me help you with this..”

Don Malarkey:

- Don gets quiet during the holidays.

- December always brings back memories he’d like to forget, and he finds it hard to come back after he shuts down.

- But, you brought new life back to the month, replacing the sorrow and dread he felt with love and happiness.

- You prefer to stay in most nights, forgoing endless invitations to dinners and parties to be able to stay inside, exchanging small gifts and kisses as you listen to the radio.

- You stay wrapped inside of a blanket, pressed against his side as he runs his fingers through your hair most nights.

- He’ll quietly sing if he knows the lyrics to whatever song is playing, his deep soothing voice lulling you to sleep.

- And once he realizes you’ve fallen asleep, he’ll gently pick you up and carry you to bed, pressing a kiss to your cheek before slipping in next to you.

Chuck Grant:

- Chuck tries to be home a lot earlier than usual when December rolls around.

- Other months, he finds himself working later than he planned, always feeling guilty when he walks through the door to find you haven't eaten dinner, and were waiting for him.

- So, he makes a point to always close on time in order to be home as you start cooking, so he can talk to you and help you.

- You don’t do much for the holidays, opting to just spend it with your families when the days roll around.

- Of course, you’ll get each other gifts and drive around to see the lights, but nothing much besides that.

- Growing up, Chuck's family never did much for the holidays, so that was what he was used to.

- As you lay in bed, his hand running up and down your side, he’ll mumble “I love doing this with you..just you and me here, nothing to worry about.”

Floyd Talbert:

- You and Floyd are very seldom home or alone during the holiday season.

- You’ve both made a lot of friends, so almost every weekend you’re having dinner or at a party celebrating.

- You spend a lot of time and money on gifts for friends and family, and it seems as if you’re trying to figure out a new dish to bring to every party.

- He still tries to make the month special for you, making sure there’s a few days that you both can just stay home and relax.

- After a few years, though, Floyd gets tired of the constant get togethers, so you both decide not to attend anymore.

- You spend the nights at home, alone together, sometimes venturing into town to see a holiday movie.

- He prefers it this way, always telling you how much he loves being alone with you.

Shifty Powers:

- Shifty prefers to spend his time outside during the holidays.

- As soon as he gets home from work he’s changing into warmer clothes, wanting to get outside as quickly as possible.

- Any winter activities, you’ll end up doing.

- He loves sledding and building snowmen (even though it always ends up in a big snowball fight).

- You went ice skating once, but it ended in a lot of bruises between the both of you as neither of you could keep your balance.

- He prefers somewhere private anyway, as he likes to press kisses to your red nose to try to keep it warm.

- “You look so cold, baby..why don’t we start heading inside?” He’ll always say as the sun begins to set.

Bill Guarnere:

- December means lots of time with Bill’s family.

- It’s quite a stressful month for the both of you, trying to figure out what days to go to his family, what days to go to yours, what gifts you’re going to buy, what dish you’re going to bring, etc.

- Bill is hardly any help, he’s awful at relaying information between you and his mom and sisters.

- He tries, but always forgets by the time he means to tell you.

- He’s used to the holiday stress though, so he doesn’t let it cloud his joy.

- When he sees it start to affect yours, though, he does what he always loved to do as a child- go get candy.

- With a big smile, he takes you to the candy store he often went to as a child, getting a bag full of his favorites and new things to try, so you can both go home and enjoy.

Joe Toye:

- Joe is the only one that genuinely does not like the holiday season.

- He pretends it isn’t happening, and treats the whole month like it was just any other.

- He is clear about not wanting any gifts, and will get upset if you try to give him any.

- Of course, he’ll get you one or two, to try and show how grateful he is for everything you’ve done for him and how you’ve stuck by his side.

- But, there's no decorations, or baking, or strolls through town looking at the lights.

- After a few years, he loosens up, but still has no interest in doing anything except getting gifts and letting you make cookies.

- He’ll always apologize, though, feeling awful for taking away your fun, but hoping you’ll understand.

Babe Heffron:

- Babe’s excitement is up there with George’s, but is not quite as high.

- He loves it more than you, and will spend all month talking about how excited he is, and how much fun he’s having.

- He’s used to getting spoiled by his mother though, so he keeps bugging you to make all of these recipes his mother does until you give in.

- Babe is also constantly slipping and falling on ice, so you’re constantly cleaning and bandaging small cuts and scrapes.

- You swear he comes home with a new one everyday.

- Once you finish, he’ll always press a light kiss to your lips, a soft smile on his face as he looks down at you.

- “Thank you for taking such good care of me, baby.” He’ll softly mumble.

[y0ur-h0nor]

[ Please do not post my writing on different social media platforms, if I end up finding you reposting or stealing and claiming it as yours I will have to rearrange your guts in your fucking sleep, I ain't joking so think before you act upon it.]

A/n: This is the second part of High Achiever so if you guys haven't read the first part, link is here.

Fem! Reader.

After arriving at the mall the five of you had discussed what to do inside and about the time management so the five of you could line up for movie tickets at the cinema because you guys didn't want to wait for a long time so the five of you decided that you'd be 30 minutes early to line up for tickets and then eat lunch, then you guys could hit the arcade to play some games before buying snacks and waiting to line up at the cinema for the movie.

So, as you guys lined up for the tickets the guys were just talking about video games and Kyle and Eric would argue a bit before they changed the topic to defuse the tension, you had never hanged out with people out of school and when you had to come over for a school project and vice versa, you were really behind with the trends due to you 'living under a rock' and had any time for herself because you spent most of your time with lessons and free time was just for you to practice the piano or violin.

You didn't listen in with their conversation anymore because you started to zone out which was always rare but it happened enough for you to be aware with this tempting tendency, it was always when you were deep in thought or when class was being to boring to pay attention to but since you were a smart student you had to listen and par attention so you didn't miss anything and disappoint anyone because your grades had dropped slightly and besides, you didn't want your Mother to be even stricter with lessons because of a feeble mistake you had made.

"I never thought the top student Y/n Thompson would be very different people expected you to be." The mention of your name had made you come back and turn to them, their attention to you "Huh?" Eric says  "Well, you don't seem like a real nerd you don't spout out smart nonsense and-" "and your lowkey hot." Kenny cuts off Eric earning a smack from Kyle who gives him a disappointed look.

"Oh, uh..well all that smart stuff was because I was forced to study hard that's all." You say nonchantly.

"Forced to?" Stan repeats, Your eyes widen realizing your sudden slip up you frantically wave your arms and spout out excuses "Oh that's just nothing!" You stutter and awkwardly chuckled rubbing your neck.

"Well, you can just tell us when your ready, you don't need to rush." Kyle says, he already knew but he just decided to exclude that you had already told him so his friends won't try to pry explanations from him because it should be you who should tell them.

Stan nodded.

Kenny put a thumbs up and Eric just let out a 'hmph' but nodded.

You smiled and went to attack them with a hug to which Eric screamed to get away, Kenny and Kyle went wide eyed and Stan just went flustered but they didn't budge but just let you.

The rest of the day was really fun and it seemed you felt like a whole different person without having people expectations weighing down on you.

As you waved goodbye you turned around and took your keys and opened your door, you expected your Mom to be waiting for you and ready to be scolding you but you were greeted with your Mom passed out on the couch with a wine bottle in hand, you sighed and went to get a blanket to tuck your Mother in so she didn't get cold.

You really wanted to repair things with your Mom because of course she was your Mother and tried telling her how you felt about things, key word 'tried', she didn't listen she just told you how it was a bad idea to let you study in public school to begin with and she should've proceeded with her plan to home school you instead.

You started to tuck your Mother in and carefully took the bottle away from her hand "I'm so sorry.." You froze and looked up but then sighed in relief that your Mom was just probably dreaming, you placed down the bottle and stood up to go to your room but stopped when your Mother spoke in her sleep again "Mommy's sorry baby.." She whimpers and snuggles into the blanket, you brush hair away from her face and kissed her cheek and went upstairs after closing the lights.

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You and your Mom make up and go to happy land along with your friends and Eric who happens to be your new boyfriend and livehappilyeverafter :D

I'm just joking I hate writing quick happy endings because I happen to be an angst writer so-

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It was Monday and another day of going to school, you get out of the covers of your bed and went to go down stairs and get some breakfast, hearing chatter in the kitchen you slowly look to see who your Mother was talking to, peeking at the corner you gasp.

It was your older brother Micheal, He was smiling and talking to Mom it had been long since he was willing to get along with your Mother because she always nagged him about his future and him and Mom would always argue about his decisions those arguments prompted him to move out after he graduated College.

"Micheal!" You exclaim his name and he turns around and his smile widened even more, you went to tackle him into a hug crying into his shoulder, you long missed your brother and you missed the warmth of your brother.

"Hey, Kitten you've grown taller." he says rubbing your back.

"Oh shut up, you just happen to have taken all the tall genes." you say sniffling.

Your Mother smiles at the exchange and looks down to the floor guilty of the things she did to ruin her family from being like this all the time, she just wanted her children to grow up successful in life and not have to worry about their future but she took it the wrong way and drove away her son and robbed her daughter of a normal childhood.

"I'm sorry.." She says fiddling with her fingers looking down at her feet, she should've said this a long time ago and maybe her family would've been much more normal.

You and Micheal look at each other then to your Mother before encasing her in a hug, you forgave your Mother years ago already just waiting for her to realize what she had done wasn't right, she was human after all no one was perfect and everyone made mistakes.

A week had passed after that moment and things had gotten much more closer with your Family, no longer strangers living in the same household.

You had gotten better, your grades were still good but there were certain major changes in your daily routine you were allowed to do things you couldn't like do extra curricular activities so you chose (Activity/sport) as an extra curricular and would stay at school for a while for certain (activity/sport).

You also had started hanging out with Kyle and his friends more, and also was finally formally introduced to Stan's girlfriend Wendy Testaburger sure she was suspicious of you at first but eventually she opened up to you and you just jokingly flirt with her when you and her are around Stan, the look on his face was always priceless but those flirty words all just a part of a harmless joke but you were sometimes genuine though.

You and the gang were hanging out at Eric's place this time, the five of you were going to hang out there to play video games and eat pizza and also have a sleepover, your Mother was reluctant at first for letting you go but she decided to let you have fun as long you didn't do anything risky and you just told her that you wouldn't even do anything "risky" with one of the boys or whatever she was thinking about (no offence to your friends though bless them but you don't see them like that in anyway even if with or without a girlfriend you just don't see yourself dating at the moment.)

Kenny, Kyle and Stan were downstairs picking out video games to play and getting bowls for the snacks you had brought, you already had soda cans in a cooler on the floor so no need for cups or anything like that.

You were scrolling through your before deciding now should be the time to talk about something you knew about for some time now, the evident scars you saw decorating his wrist it was hard to notice but you somehow saw them.

"Hey Eric?" You say looking up from your phone to look at the boy munching on one of the chips you brought "Yeah?" He responds not looking up "Do you...Do you want to talk about it?" You question.

"About what?" Finally, he looks up at you with a confused expression with eyebrows furrowing "The scars." You say.

His breath hitches and his widens even more fiddling with the ends of his jacket sleeve his expression becomes solemn he looks down and he tried not to start crying then and there.

Y/n stands from her spot and due to this action Eric looks up at her but his body goes stiff due to Y/n hugging him he relaxes and slowly sinks into the hug and cries into her shoulder Eric was never one to open up to these kind of things or soften up to other people but due to the tip of the glass the water just came pouring out.

"You don't need to say anything right now but if you need someone to be there I'm always here for you now that we're friends."  She says rubbing circles onto his back.

He sniffles nodding, they stayed there for a while before Y/n pulls away and smiles at him "Let's go downstairs and see what's taking them long." She says standing up and offering him a hand.

Not long after that the relationship slowly bloomed, nourished by the moments they spent together Eric found a comfort in Y/n she didn't judge him because of his problems instead she encourages her to tell him how he feels and tries to help him in anyway she can.

And yet a new feeling seem to bloom between the two Eric thought of things about her he has never thought of, always missing the feeling of her embrace and he felt much more happier around her and just started thinking of her more, subtle glances at her were caught on by the boys and it didn't take long till they caught on to Eric's attraction to their female friend.

Teasing was made, at first Kyle like icky because it was Eric who was in love with you but the more time went on and the way he sees Eric look at you from afar he was convinced that maybe you guys were meant to be, you did bump into him and that's how you know destiny has you guys wrapped around it's finger.

The guys would give advice towards Eric about the way of courting you, Stan wasn't really much of a good help because Wendy was always the one to initiate things between them which earned teasing looks and remarks whirling his way.

But in the end Eric confesses when you guys were on your weekly movie day, after the movie played and people were exiting you were about to start leaving after getting your things but Eric grabs your wrist and you turn to look at Eric confused, he looked hesitant before sighing and looking at you in the eyes blush tinting his cheeks he says "I know this may seem out of character for me but I just wanted to say ever since we started hanging out and all this" he gestures to the two of you and continues "I consider you as a really good friend.." He says you smile at him despite the hurt you were feeling at the mention of friend "but I don't want to be "friends"  anymore" he says raising his hands air quoting the word friends you furrow your eyebrows 'Does he not want to be friends anymore?' but before you could say anything Eric takes your hands into his and you look up at him.

He smiles at you so lovingly.

He tucks a hair behind your ear "Y/n Thompson, would you be my girlfriend?" He asks caressing your cheek.

You look at him and tears start prickle your eyes at first Eric's expression changes and he started to get worried he opened his mouth to ask if you were okay but before he got to you attacked him into a hug and kissed him his eyes widen but melts into both the hug and kissing wrapping his arms around you.

The two of you pull away and you smile up at him "Of course I'll be your girlfriend!" You say wiping away your tears with your sleeve the two of you look at each other before kissing again.

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This is it fpr Part 2 and I'll be posting another South Park work, I have about 2 more to post and then I'll be working on a request an anon sent me.

Like my work? Consider following!

[shewantedtobeasecretgirl]

12. Granny Out of Control a.k.a. headless chickens, Gene Simmons’ girlfriend and Rapunzel

In the previous chapters: Judy and Stone act after their embarrassing encounter in the shower as if it hadn’t even happened; they implicitly agree on not telling Mike that his one-night stand was just the consequence of Judy’s revenge-fueled rumors about Stone’s sexual preferences. Ed loses his voice so the show has to be canceled, Jeff offers to give guitar lessons to Judy instead in his spare time. Granny buys a metal magazine to learn more about Seattle-based rock bands; the picture of Pearl Jam makes her think the perfect match for Judy isn’t Jeff but Stone. Krisha picks Effie up in the city to tell her that Kelly Curtis and Susan Silver have plans with her as a photographer; she also gives her the list of codenames the band and crew members use at hotels. Effie also joins her when she feeds Stone’s unsociable cat, Red who is incompatible with all girls who try to approach him.

 „I don’t know, man… Are you sure you saw them?”

“Don’t piss me off, Schmitty, of course I’m sure. I know whom and what I saw.” I mumble as I put the flashlight back between my teeth. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Not only makes he me do this stupid act, he even drives me crazy with this weak-minded questioning in the meantime. The guy obviously watches too much TV. Especially detective shows about drug cartels.

“But let’s go over it again. Maybe you were wrong or misunderstood the situation or…”

I sigh, and take the flashlight out of my mouth only to direct the blinding ray of light in his face.

“Okay, but this is the last time. And I’m only willing to tell it again because I have nothing better to do and because technically, I can’t do anything else until we finish this. Open the bag and hold it.”

“Yes sir... so you went having a shower…”

“Not that it matters if I went showering or shitting but yes, I went to the restroom.”

“And you opened the door…” he goes on with the storytelling like a small child who already knows his favorite bedtime story by heart.

“And there were they, standing at the sinks…”

“Stop. Are you sure it was them?”

“Of course I am, I could recognize Judy and Stone from miles!”

“Are you 100 % sure?”

“No, I’m only 99 % sure because there’s a very small chance that they both have doppelgangers right in this town but let’s say I’m very likely to have seen them.” I confirm while I start portioning the green leaves into the plastic bag Schmitty is holding.

“And they were…”

“…basically naked.”

“Basically?” he asks like he’d never heard the word before.

“Yes, basically.”

“How do you mean “basically”?”

“What? I’m fucking around here with sharing my weed with you and you’re already high? Unbelievable…”

“No-no-no, seriously, man, you didn’t say “naked”, you said “basically naked”. Define the difference. It’s important.” he flails fussily.

“Stop shaking the bag, it’s difficult enough to do this only with one hand. So, uh, they weren’t completely naked, they both were wearing a towel…”

“The same towel or…?”

“Hah, interesting idea, but no, they both had their own towel on. But I assume none of them was wearing any underwear…”

“That’d be normal, I mean, after showering… but that’s the weakest point in your theory, them having a shower at the same time… it sounds so unreal.”

“Yeah, I thought the same until I found the only logical reason.”

“What? That you only dreamed the whole thing? Or that it was just an intense trip due to the shrooms Mike gave you?”

“I know it sounds unbelievable but at this point, I’m pretty much convinced they did it on purpose.” I close the bag and throw it at Schmitty who hides it immediately in the inner pocket of his jacket and pats himself on the chest satisfied.

“Thanks. But I can’t follow your thinking, Scully. Why’d they secretly meet in the shower?”

“I don’t want to shock you but… I think they had sex right before. I almost entered but then I glanced them and they were almost naked, both giggling and Judy was groping Stone and… I backed out, I was so surprised, I didn’t even know what to do…”

“But they hate each other.” Schmitty protests shaking his head.

“And? Since when can’t people who hate each other have sex with each other?”

“Man, this is too much to me, Stone has Amber at home, Judy is like a nun, they can’t stand each other so obviously, they have sex??? Bullshit, that’s all I can say. I don’t know what you saw but it definitely couldn’t be a post-coital scene.”

“Look, I don’t understand the exact reasons either but…”

“I’ve always been told that as soon as we start touring, girls will try to drag me in the tour bus all the time but I imagined it somehow different…”

We both freeze at the hearing of Stone’s smug giggling and our surprise only grows when we recognize the voice that belongs to his companion.

“Sorry for ruining your wet rock star dreams but it’s impossible here to talk to someone face-to-face, even the walls have ears in this crew.”

Schmitty and I exchange a meaningful look and to his nod, I turn the flashlight on the lowest level. Walls might not have ears here but this bunk bed curtain we’re hiding behind definitely does. Even four, to be exact.

“So what’s the purpose of this conspired, hyper-secret meeting, Camden? I’m hungry so let’s get over with this as fast as possible!”

Hungry, yeah, I can imagine. So you prefer quickies, Stoney?

“I just wanted to talk about yesterday.”

Schmitty stares at me with popped eyes, even his jaws drop of shock.

“Ha. So you were thinking about it?”

“Yes but not the way you think. I’m not gonna tell you tirades about how much I regretted it or stuff because I didn’t. I only want to ask if you talked to Scully about it?”

Schmitty grabs my forearm, digging his nails into it, his other hand is shaking uncontrollably.

“No and I don’t know why I should force it, I mean it happened, it’s embarrassing enough for both of us so let’s draw a veil over it.”

“It’s embarrassing for both of us? Do you really think I give a damn about that? I mean, okay, I lost control, which doesn’t happens really often to me but who cares, I can handle the consequences. You feeling embarrassed, now that’s the last thing I care about. But have you already thought about the feelings of your friend at least for one single second?”

We both furrow our eyebrows and her words probably found their marks since Stone doesn’t answer, which makes Judy go on with the pep talk.

“Okay, neither of us is going to say a word since we both have selfish interest in keeping it in secret but if Scully shoots his mouth off and he finds out about what happened… just think into it, it’d ruin his self-esteem. I mean, it’s inevitable that it turns out later but the best strategy is discretion. Now, it’d be too fresh for him, let’s wait until he forgets about this little… intermezzo.”

Schmitty covers his still opened mouth in complete horror and even I start feeling uncomfortable now that my intuition is basically confirmed.

“So, would you finally promise to talk to Scully?”

“Dunno… I’ll consider it.”

“Jesus Christ, Gossard, would it hurt not to piss me off once in a lifetime?”

“To answer your question, yes, it would but this time it’s not about you, Miss Fussy. I was just thinking that we should let it slide since after all, it’s not as a big deal as you think.”

You fuck her and then try to ditch her? Come on Stone, I thought you were better than this.

“I mean, you make such a fuss but I don’t think Scully would let it slip, he’s probably already forgotten about the whole scene. And if I came up with it, he’d just start overthinking it; when he knows he has to shut his mouth, he becomes gossipy all the more.”

Ha, thanks Stoney but just for the record, I don’t gossip, I just process things by discussing them with other people, see also at “coping mechanisms”…

“It’s you who’s overthinking it. Just stop protesting and do what I ask you. I even use the word “please”.”

“Fuck, okay, I’ll see what I can do, just leave me finally alone with this. Can I ask you something too?”

“It depends…”

“Could we stay here for ten… fifteen minutes? You know, it’s about my reputation…”

“Fuck off, Gossard!!!”

We both exhale with a deep sigh when we hear them leaving the bus.

“Holy. Shit.”

“Holy. Fucking. Shit. Dude, you were right!”

“Of course I was right, I always am, you just never believe me.“

“But… damn… I didn’t see that coming… Gahhh.” Schmitty facepalms, rubbing his forehead worried.

“I’m surprised, though, I thought they didn’t notice me.”

“Apparently, they did. Jesus, I doubt there’s something serious between them but now that I heard it with my own ears, it all makes sense! They hook up, they are both embarrassed since they are enemies, plus the Amber-factor… and poor Jeff, he has a massive crush on Judy and she knows it, maybe she tries to have two irons in the fire… So she convinced him to keep the fling in secret not to ruin her chances at Jeff… She looks so innocent and now she turns out to be an actual snake… Do you think Karrie knows about it?” he jabbers staring desperately in front of himself.

“Whoa, stop, dude, are you insane? She’s not a bitch, they just made a mistake and she freaked out. Her worrying about Jeff sounded genuine, after all, Stone is no perspective for her, he’s got that… he’s got Amber, whatever she is for him. And I don’t think Karrie knows anything, even if she does, she’ll pretend she doesn’t.”

“But this changes everything! Jeff is our friend too and I don’t want to lie to him.”

“Trust me, he’ll never ask “And tell me Schmitty, have Judy and Stone had sex?”, so you don’t have to.”

“You’re making fun of me but you know too how dangerous information these are so you’d better have a good idea what are we going to do know.”

“I’ll tell you, Schmitty: we’re gonna act casual. Just watch me.”

***

„There’s no chance I could reach that string. Just… no. I don’t have that muscle, I’m done.” I moan as I desperately try to stretch my pinky finger to play the next chord following Jeff’s instructions.

“Hey, relax, just reach a bit further, you’ve almost got it.” he chuckles and makes an insecure move to help me out but he changes his mind in the last moment and pretends he only wanted to scratch his arm. And I pretend not to have noticed it.

“No, it’s impossible, I can’t twist my wrist that much. I don’t have freakishly long fingers like Stone, it’s enough.” I give up and put the guitar aside. We’ve been practicing for like one hour, I played him my still rudimentary sounding song idea, of course without telling him what exactly it was. He improvised a bass line to it on his acoustic bass guitar, his fingers are still running back and forth over the strings despite the fact I stopped playing. When I was a kid, Grandpa would tell me that if you cut the head of a chicken, it can still run around for a few seconds before collapsing, maybe it’s a similar phenomenon. Or maybe it’s like when a freight train hits a car and it pushes the vehicle in front of itself for miles before stopping. Headless chickens and train wrecks, why am I thinking about stuff like these while hanging out with a nice guy?

“I’m sure you can do it if you practice it. Look, my fingers aren’t long either.” he raises his palm. Is he expecting me to measure mine to his by placing them together? Could we rather just draw them around and compare the drawings like small children? Okay, he’s got strong, manly hands, that’s not bad at all. But how can he stuff those thick fingers between the strings? And those jewelries, God, they are terrible. Would he mind if I asked him to put them off?

“No, I can’t. I’m not good at these moves, I’ve already tried to play the violin, it didn’t go well. It went awful.” I protest, rather to overtalk my racing thoughts than to argue with him. I hope he’s not going to ask me about the details, I don’t feel like telling him that story at all.

“Okay, it was you who asked me for help, so…” he shrugs with a half smile, his fingers are still nerve-wrackingly torturing the instrument.

“Actually it was you who offered to help so…”

“Fair enough. I don’t want to force it so… if you want to finish all your future performances by saying “sorry, now comes the chord which is incompatible with my wrist so go the fuck home” – then okay, I don’t care.” he puts down the guitar. I try to decode the expression on his face, is he disappointed or just casual or…?

“How do you do that?” I ask quickly, I can’t bear that look.

“What?”

“This… everything…” I flail helplessly.

“I don’t know… I think I got bored with doing nothing and wanted to try something new and I realized I could do everything instead of nothing.” he leans back with a challenging smirk.

“Geez, you spend too much time with Stone.” I roll my eyes. “I mean… I played you something and you immediately knew what to do with it. Your head is full of ideas and variations, can you hear the harmonies instinctively or…?”

“I don’t know… when I hear a melody, I start hearing the other parts in my head… but sometimes I just mess around and try different things to check if they can work as a song or as an idea that I can use later. I try to keep my ears fresh, I fight against crafting only bass lines in my head, that’s why I pick up the guitar from time to time. You know, if a bass player never leaves his comfort zone, after a while, he’ll tend to operate only with the same five or five notes, it’s like a tunnel vision… or tunnel hearing…” he ends his explanation with a shrug and a lopsided smile, as far as I’ve observed, he does that pretty often.

“That’s amazing… I envy you so much. I’ve been studying and playing music for as long as I can remember but I’ve never felt that… sense of liberty? I practiced my ass off, I learned everything I could, at Juilliard, we basically dissected classical musical pieces into single notes and… I developed some weird perfectionism in the meantime, I know how good music is supposed to be composed but… I myself just can’t do it. I was so busy with studying other people’s works that I couldn’t develop the ability to create something, it’s like… my knowledge paralyzed my creativity… Or that’s just what I keep telling myself because I1m not willing to accept the fact that writing music is a gift you can’t just earn by practicing and learning…”

“Maybe you’re right.” he shrugs again and his reaction somehow hits me hard; I don’t know why, though. “I think I’ve already mentioned you that I took piano lessons but I hated it. I found literally nothing intriguing in it, it was boring, I’ve never been into Beethoven or some shit like that.”

“What?” I frown. I didn’t expect him to like the same things I do but… could he just show at least a little interest in what I like? I even talked about art and skateboarding with him. Okay, he doesn’t owe me anything, we’re not dating and all but if he ever wants something from me… okay, he probably doesn’t, it was obviously just a stupid gossip.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to trash your music, it’s just not for me, I appreciate it but I don’t like it. I’m just a Montanan jerk, did you forget?”

“You’re not a jerk, don’t say that… I’m just… nothing, forget it.”

“No, if you want to say something, don’t swallow it. Did I hurt you?”

“You didn’t… I’ve just spent my entire life playing classical music so I can’t imagine how someone is able not to like it at all.”

“Same here with sports.”

“God, I hate sports!” I exclaim and I immediately begin to laugh realizing I’m not better than him either.

“You see? But speaking of your music studies, there’s one thing I’ve always wanted to ask.”

“No.”

“No what? Am I not allowed to ask the question?”

“No is the answer to the question.”

“But I haven’t even…”

“Trust me, it’s no.”

“If you say so…”

“I’m just kidding. Most people attack me when they learn I’m a musician asking if I’d sing or play something for them, it’s so annoying, it’s like the “grunge question’ of classical musicians…”

“Okay, I get it.” he smiles. “But that’s not what I was about to ask.”

“Thank God. So, I guess you don’t want me to teach you reading sheet music either, because that’s usually the second question, which is usually asked by people with no musical hearing at all...”

“No, it’s more of a… personal one.” he hesitates squinting at me for the final permission.

“Hit me.”

“Why are you here?”

“Here? Like, here and now, with you or…?”

“No, I mean, why are you here, with the band? You graduated from one of the most prestigious music schools on Earth, you could conduct top choirs or whatever… and you’re here, loading our shitty van every single night, smelling sweat and cigarette smoke, spending days in a tour bus with beer drinking ugly dudes… Why? I guess Juilliard graduates can pick whatever job offer they want so...”

“I’m here for the money.” I answer without thinking and it immediately sounds false. Am I? Really? “I came here for the money, I don’t deny it, I had no job and however terrified I was, something told me I had to take this opportunity.”

“But… as a classical musician trained at Juilliard… why this job? I just can’t get it.”

“Well… I’ve known for a very long time that the music of baroque era is in which I’m the most interested. It’s, you know, a passion to me, it’s like punk was to you. And if you want to be really good at it, you have to go to the place where it comes from. Here in the States, you can basically hear nothing that was written before Mozart.”

“Europe?”

“Exactly. So in my senior year, I applied for a scholarship of the music academy in Leipzig.”

“And…?”

“And I won it.”

“So you studied in Europe too?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Why?”

“Because my father died a few months before I graduated and the small firm he ran died with him… it was a very complicated period so I asked the academy if I could postpone it by one year.”

He’s chewing his lower lip and speaks up only after digesting for a few seconds what he’s just heard.

“And they refused your application?”

“No, they sent me a kind acceptation letter in which they cited their scholarship regulation that said postponement is allowed once. So I moved back to Seattle and started teaching.”

“Oh. I guess something came up one year later too.”

“Well yeah, my sister’s almost dying, that came up.”

He exhales with a deep sigh, I have the feeling he already knew all the details, he just couldn’t do the math. Maybe Karrie told him our family saga. I don’t mind, though, I don’t feel like telling him those stories either…

“Well, that’s a lot… but it also sounds like… you gave up your dreams.”

Now it’s me who can’t do anything else but shrug.

“Maybe… or maybe, it was just a warning from the universe. I’m not religious but I do believe that everything happens with a reason, maybe you can’t find it out ever because it’s something bigger than you or your shitty little life. My family needed me and they still do, or at least they need my two hands I can make money with so… plus, I’ve always been terrified of performing. I have worst stage fright, I doubt I would be able to conduct in the spotlight of the world’s biggest concert halls… anyways… have you ever heard about famous, female conductors?”

“Normally, I’d say you’re a coward and you should follow your dreams but I understand the family factor, of course. And I don’t want to act like a hypocrite either, I could have looked for another graphic design program too when mine was canceled in Missula.”

“But changed your dream instead.”

“Exactly. And maybe that’s what you should do too if universe or God or Buddha or the spirit of Johann Sebastian Bach is trying to message you that you picked the wrong dream.”

“Are you trying to say I should switch my brain to believe loading shitty vans and smelling Scully’s and Schmitty’s stinky feet is my real dream?” I giggle.

“If that’s your way, than go for it, girl!” he plays the overly enthusiastic motivational trainer. We crack up but none of us is laughing heartfelt. His face finds finally rest in a genuine, encouraging smile. “Let’s raise our glasses to the new dreams!”

We both reach our hands to clink our imaginary glasses.

“To the new dreams!”

***

I’ve been on the road with them for days and nothing. Not a single move or a sound that’d confirm we’re following the right traces. And I’m thirsty. So thirsty. But they are so envious, I know they are hiding spare water in their stupid spacesuits or what but they claim they have nothing to share. Sure. I would never drink recycled pee, anyway. But those two moons look pretty cool, the night sky compensates me for every inconvenience I’ve experienced since we started chasing that gross sandworm… everything for the melange…

However important my mission is, it gets interrupted by three quick, impatient knocks on the door.

“You’ve been shitting in there for forty-two minutes! I know you’ve finished and you’re just reading! I have to pee! Get the fuck out of there! Why do you have to do this all the time?”

Maybe because this is the only place where I can have some progress with my current reading undisturbed? I reluctantly close the hardcover volume of Frank Herbert’s Dune and glance lazily at my wristwatch.

“First of all, it’s been only forty minutes. Second, it’s shorter than a blink of an eye, if you measure it in cosmic time. Not even applicable.”

“Okay, I can use astronomical metaphors too. My bladder is a red giant that is about to explode so…”

“I’m coming, I’m coming, geez, urinary incontinence? You should see a urologist.” I remark opening the door. He basically tosses me out of is his way and almost slams it on my nose.

“It’s rather you who should see a doctor, fuck, Stone, what did you eat? Uuugh, I’m dying.” I hear his muffled indignation.

I lie down on my bed and stuff the pillow under my nape. I turn the pages back and forth for a few times until find the place where I was before Mike kicked me out. So, back to those goddamn pervert Fremen fuckers…

I barely manage to read a few lines, when Mike comes back and throws himself on his bed, unmuting the TV that is showing underdressed ladies caressing their own body and telling their erotic fantasies in seductive voice. I clear my throat. No reaction. I do it again, this time longer and louder. Nothing.

“Sorry, am I bothering?” I ask sharply but our guitarist seems to be completely immersed in the curves. “Okay, busted. I know you only went to the toilet to jerk off. You only watch Playboy TV and noname porn channels, you really need to get laid.”

“Done, last night. Remember?” he answers slowly and mindlessly, his eyes are still glued to the screen.

“No, because I wasn’t there, thank God.”

“You’re just envious because you have to practice celibacy, otherwise Amber would cut your balls off.”

I squint at the girls over my book.

“Not that I feel tempted. Jesus, I’m sick of these… udders…”

“Hey, watch your mouth! Those ladies deserve more respect! Especially her!” he points at the blonde, blue-eyed, busty woman on the screen who is dropping her lingerie standing at a bath tub.

“Why, who is she?” I look back at the text in front of me, not that I understand a word of it. Since I receive no answer I turn my head towards Mike only to see he sat up in the meantime and stares at me offended. “What? I have no idea.”

“That’s Shannon Tweed!!!” he flails outraged.

“… who is…?”

“Who is a goddess, Playmate of the Year in 1982 and last but not least, the girlfriend of Gene Simmons!”

“Oh. So she’s old as dirt.” I summarize laconically.

“Stone, what’s wrong with you? What’s wrong with her? What’s wrong with big boobs? I thought you liked them… I mean, you are the guy who’s entitled to do anything with Seattle’s most spectacular pair of bosoms so…”

“Hey, you’re talking about my girlfriend!” I grunt.

“I’m talking about your girlfriend’s tits!”

“Exactly, that’s it! Don’t talk about my girlfriend’s tits! Anyway, how do you know what they look like?”

“Hey, first, I’m only talking about them. It’s called freedom of speech, First Amendment…”

“What the fuck, parts of the Constitution are printed now on beer tags or did I miss something?”

“…second, it is very difficult not to know what they look like, they basically poke your eyes out!”

“Only talking, ‘course.”

“Certain female anatomical features attract men’s eyes, it’s in our genetic code. Don’t even try to make me believe those features had nothing to do with you ending up with her. Wait!” he exclaims with a finger snapping. “Oh, I get it already. You miss her! That’s why you can’t stand the playmates on TV! But you could have said, it’s not a shame…”

“Dr. ‘Cready, expert of constitutional law and anatomy, psychotherapist. I’ve just said I don’t feel tempted…”

“Because those boobs” he points at the screen “are forbidden fruit and remind you of those boobs in Seattle.”

“You’re pointing in the wrong direction, Michael. You’re pointing at boobs in Indiana.”

“Whatever. You miss her, admit it. My boobies are over the ocean, my boobies are over the sea…”

“Stop!”

“My boobies are over the ocean so bring back my boobies to me…”

“Shut the fuck up!”

“BRING BAAACK, BRING BAAACK, BRING BACK MY BOOBIES TO ME, TO MEEEE!”

“I’m only saying that even huge breasts can be boring after a while.” I overshout his off-key singing.

Mike suddenly stops singing and just blinks at me completely frozen.

“You mean… you want to leave Amber?”

“Jesus, what did I do to deserve this?” I bury my face in my hands. “I mean… imagine your favorite food!”

“But that’s… risotto…?”

“Perfect!”

“But risotto doesn’t look like boobs!”

“Jesus, of course not, just imagine it!”

“Okay. Mmmh, it looks delicious. I can even feel its smell.” he moans with closed eyes.

“So you want to eat risotto now, right?”

“Oh yeah, I want it more than anything.”

“And if you could… or had to eat risotto every single day, would you feel the same?”

“Uhm, probably… not.” he opens his eyes.

“And here we are. If you’re in the position where you can play with huge breasts every day, it’s not such a big deal anymore.”

“Hm, makes sense…” he lies back. “But wait!” he sits up quickly again.

“What?”

“In that case, risotto wouldn’t be my favorite food anymore.”

“Yeah, probably…”

Congrats Sherlock. I drop my book on the nightstand, by now, I basically gave up all hope for finishing the chapter I was reading.

“But that means that you prefer small boobs now!”

“I didn’t say that but obviously, smaller tits have their appeal too. And there are girls who would look ridiculous with big breasts.”

My mind begins to wander involuntarily… Yeah, Amber is a bombshell and she drives me crazy whenever she’s around but I’ve always had a thing for more fragile looking girls…

“Who are you thinking about?” Mike asks greedily like a curious puppy.

“Jesus, no one.” I scoff frowning. “I mean, very slim girls look better with… proportionate breasts, you know, like small apples…”

I catch myself cupping my hands, what the hell, am I honking imaginable tits in the air? Okay, I have to talk to Eric to fly Amber here, I’m going to put an end to this, I’m pathetic.

“Say an example!”

What? I don’t know whom I was thinking about, I don’t even know if I was thinking about an existing person, maybe I was just fantasizing about freaky phantom breasts, I couldn’t even see them, it was just a desirable cleavage… and round hips… and shapely thighs…

“I can’t!”

“Just say an example, I don’t know, someone famous who looks like that, or someone who we both know…”

“Kylie Minogue?” I groan in agony. Hopefully I satisfied Mike’s need for a new protagonist for his erotic dreams because he only nods with an appreciative pout.

The ringing of the phone on the bedside between us interrupts our intellectual conversation and we both stare at the device surprised and confused for a few seconds, it’s usually us who call family members and friends, not the other way around. Finally, I decide to pick up.

“It’s Stone.”

“…” No one answers but I can hear some indistinct noises coming from the other end of the line.

“Hello… who’s that? Wo am I talking to?” I ask, and Mike pulls closer to the speaker of the receiver too.

“Ah… excuse me… I must have dialed the wrong number… you’re obviously not the Notre Dame Hunchbach…” an old female voice answers.

What the hell? Is this a prank call? Old people make phone pranks too?

“Who?” I mouth to Mike who mouths “Judy” as a response. Ah, yes. She also chose a codename, not that anyone is interested in her. “You’re talking to Dr. Hugh Jeego, but who am I talking to?”

“Ah, you must be Mr. Gossard. I’m Mrs. Albertson, Judy’s grandma.”

I almost drop the receiver.

“Ugh… uhm… hi, Mrs. Albertson, it’s nice to meet you… I mean, even if not in person but… I guess you wanted to call Judy so…” I make an attempt to finish this awkward intermezzo but she cuts me off.

“Actually, I am glad that I can talk with my Judy’s new colleague, this job is so different in comparison to what she worked earlier, you know, she taught in a school…”

“Yeah, I know…”

“…and now she’s with a rock band, and there are so many rumors about musicians, they drink and do drugs and…”

“We… we don’t drink… that much… not before shows…” I answer and Mike nods approvingly opening a beer can with a loud fizz. “… and we prefer herbs…”

“And mushrooms…” Mike adds.

“Shut up, you ruin everything!” I hiss between my teeth while I cover the microphone with my palm.

“Who was that?”

“It was… it was Mike, our lead guitarist.”

“Ah, Mr. McCready!”

Mike pats his chest proudly.

“Exactly, Mr. McCready…” I flip him the bird.

“I hope my Judy takes care of herself, she tends to become obsessed with work, she even forgets to eat… does she eat properly?”

“I’ve… I’ve seen her eating… so I guess she does…” I try to reassure her but I’m afraid I don’t sound very convincing; after all, the eating habits of Miss Smarty Pants don’t belong to my main interests.

“I wish she ate more, she’s so skinny, isn’t she?”

“She is… I mean, she’s slim. But like… not too slim. Her body is proportionate… I mean, physically, anatomically… her shape is feminine…  and when I say “feminine” I mean she’s not malnourished…” I babble and the small apple tits appear in front of my eyes again, Jesus, I’ve started losing my sanity… For some reason, Mike feels necessary to grab the receiver and yell a gratuitous, cheesy tirade into it.

“My learned colleague is trying to say that she’s a very pretty young lady, with all the respect, of course. She’s the most virtuous girl I know, she behaves well, you can be proud of her, Mrs. Albertson.”

Yes, Mrs. Albertson, exactly, your grandchild behaves well, she brought condoms only enough for a whole fuckin’ football team, safety first… I snatch the receiver out of Mike’s hand and lift it back to my ear but before I could finally get rid of the old lady, the TV catches my attention. While we were listening to the phone call, the harmless playmate fantasies ended and the channel started airing hardcore porn. And either was the petting part very short or it didn’t even exist since the “characters” are pretty much in the middle of things and before we could react anything to avoid the disaster, the actress starts screaming rhythmically.

“What was that noise? Are women with you too?” the old woman inquires suspiciously.

“Turn down the volume, for fuck’s sake!!!” I scream-whisper to Mike.

“No, we’re alone, Mrs. Albertson… we’re just watching TV… Murder She Wrote, someone is being killed!” Mike improvises aggressively poking the remote. “It’s not working…” he groans with a miserable expression.

“Oh, I like that show… which episode? Maybe I turn on the TV to watch it too...”

If you knew… In the meantime the man starts moaning too so the obvious noises grow even louder.

“Oh, the murderer is being killed too!” I try to win some time for Mike, I admit, it wasn’t the most creative lie I’ve ever said…

“I’m saying it’s not working, it must be contact failure or low battery…” he explains beating the remote against his palm at full strength, creating a counterpart to the sound of the bodies snapping against each other on the screen.

“It’s the episode about the slasher.” I maintain the conversation and then address Mike again. “Then use the power button on the TV device or throw it the fuck out of the window, I don’t care, just do something!!!”

“Ah, great idea!” his face lights up and finally, he walks to the TV and turns it off. I swear, I thought for a second he was going to choose the window version, like Keith Moon. I’m sure he was considering it but found the box too heavy.

“It’s over…“ I transmit to Mrs. Albertson.

“It ended with a cliffhanger, what a shame…” Mike remarks and I can barely suppress my snorts.

“I hope for a happy ending…” I grin, Mike presses his pillow against his face, while the poor lady obviously doesn’t even know what to say. After a few seconds of silent, body-shaking laughter, he rearranges his face muscles and takes the receiver away from me.

“It was a pleasure to meet to you, Mrs. Albertson. Judy is a great girl and as far as we know, Effie too, please, hug her for us. I hope we can meet you in person too, when we get back.”

“I admit, I’m relieved, I want you to know I think you are just darling guys. And now, I call the Notre Dame Hunchbach, as I intended to. Goodnight, Mr. Gossard, Mr. McCready.”

“Goodnight, Mrs. Albertson.” we sing in unison.

After I hang up the phone, we stare at each other silently for long moments, before we burst out laughing hysterically.

***

Great. She’s late. She promised she’d be waiting for me at the bar counter at 9 p.m. I’m doing the third circle in this goddamn place and she’s nowhere to be found. Okay, RCKNDY is actually my favorite place and I was happy when Krisha offered to meet me here to unveil Kelly’s and Susan’s “great idea” about which I only know at this moment that it concerns my photos. The cigarette smoke irritates my throat and some unknown band is in the middle of sound check on the stage, the indistinct guitar noises and the female lead singer’s instructions blast at random moments from the speakers causing me mild heart attack every single time and making the crowd members overyell them. Despite the early hour, the place is packed; I can barely struggle through the mass of flannel-wearing guys and girls. Early hour… what am I talking… now that my lifestyle converges on clinical death, both metaphorically and literally, I usually spend my evenings in front of the TV wearing my pajamas. It’s good Krisha picked this day, Mom is working at that new side job again so I didn’t have to make anything up to prevent her from asking suspicious questions.

I visited the restroom to kill some time but it just made me frustrated all the more since I involuntarily became the audience of a bunch of girls, one of them was gushing about the kissing skills of her current crush… gah, I can’t believe I turned into this sour bitch, just because I’ll end up as a spinster, she’s entitled to have some fun…

Almost fifteen minutes have passed by and she still hasn’t shown up yet. I can’t hang out with Victor either, he’s helping with putting the finishing touches at the sound check. I guess I have to wait then. I pick a bar stool and try to decipher the list of beverages on the wall.

“What can I get for you?” a red-haired bartender girl asks. Her question catches me off-guard, since my good old answer “beer” hasn’t been an option for a while and I didn’t have enough time to consider the alternatives. She’s chewing gum with a bored face, reminding me of a ruminant… a hot ruminant.

“Uhm… I… ugh, I haven’t…” I jabber and she reacts with an impatient eyeroll, the countless bracelets are clinking around her wrist as she runs her fingers through her red mane.

“I’d like to have a virgin mojito.” I utter the first thing that comes to mind. She acknowledges my choice with a scornful scoff… Yeah, in case I haven’t felt embarrassed enough yet, she makes obvious that she’s the sexy and cool femme fatale and I’m a straight-edge cripple in a boring, worn, brown jacket.

“Hey, here you are!” someone grabs my shoulders.

“Me? I’ve been waiting for you for like… hours?” I frown while Krisha settles down on the bar stool next to me and places her beer on the counter.

“Gosh, sorry!” her eyes pop as she checks her wristwatch. “I arrived too early and went to the executive office to meet a few friends.” she points at some people talking in front of a door that probably belongs to the office rooms. “That’s Alex, he runs this place, he’s a good friend of Stone, by the way. And that girl next to him works here too, she’s the girlfriend of Regan.”

I observe the girl she’s talking about, she has a nice, bright smile. Fantastic. Krisha knows everyone here… and I have no idea who these people are, and by the way, I’m nobody.

“Regan?” I furrow my eyebrows. “It’s a unique name, I swear I’ve heard it but I can’t place it…”

“He’s also an old friend of mine. And of Stone of course. You might know his name because he played in Malfunkshun with Andy. I mean Andy Wood.”

“Wood.” we say the name at once. “Of course I know his name, I didn’t grow up in a cave…” I explain, maybe in a sharper tone than intended.

“Oookay… “ she raises both hands defensively. “Actually, Regan almost became the drummer of Mother Love Bone, until they replaced him with Greg Gilmore. They made Stone fire him, I was thinking “okay, that’s it, he’s gonna hate us forever” but somehow, he managed to convince him by using logical reasons. If you ever want to fire a drummer, just call him because he’s your guy.” she nods meaningfully and takes a sip of her beer.

“Based on my sister’s opinion, drummers probably leave the band willingly, after having spent some time with him.” I remark dryly. “Thank you.” I reach for my drink and slide the money towards the phlegmatic redhead. I suppress a smile when I see her realizing with disappointed face that I spared the tip. What was she thinking, seriously?

“Oh yes, I forgot your sister and you sew Stone-shaped voodoo dolls in your spare time. By the way, Regan has played with a guy called Shawn for a few years, he’s a huge talent. The dude is a Prince-freak, which is somehow odd in a city where you can’t make a single step without stomping on a distortion pedal but he’s an awesome singer. AND they are planning to jam with Stone as soon as he gets back. I can give you the address of their rehearsal room in case you want to assassinate him…”

“No, thanks, I already know where he lives so…”

“Right!” she slaps herself in the forehead.

“Anyway, can I finally learn why we’re here?”

“Soon. We’re waiting for someone… I’m going to introduce you to someone… who has a job offer for you!”

“Wow… let me guess… healthcare branch has discovered me and they want me to be the face of some firm’s dialyzer portfolio?” I squint at her as I loudly slurp my cocktail.

“Damn, you nailed it!” she bangs her fist against the counter. “Anyway, I’m not going to tell you anything until she arrives, you need to be punished for the self-deprecating joke.”

“Spank me…” I mumble but my retort stays unnoticed since Krisha stares in an indefinite direction next to me sending an enthusiastic wave towards someone.

“Look, Jer is here too.” she points at the target of her smile and I follow her gaze only to recognize Jerry Cantrell… he’s wearing black jeans and a black leather jacket with a white tee.

“Wait… didn’t… didn’t you mention… I mean, you dated, didn’t you?” I ask confused, trying to form coherent sentences. It’s not going well.

“Yeah, we did.” she wiggles her eyebrows.

“But exes are supposed to hate each other…” I try not to turn around too obviously, so I remove a non-existing hair from the shoulder part of my jacket. While he’s slowly walking through the crowd, I notice he’s holding hands with a long, brown-haired girl. She has a perfect body and she’s probably completely aware of it since the tight leather pants highlight every curves of her. Sure, a 10/10 chick for a 10/10 guy, that’s how world has always worked… His hair is let down… I catch myself smiling, Dad insisted on calling him Rapunzel…

“It was just a summer fling and we realized after a few dates that we weren’t made for each other. So no one got hurt.” she shrugs. “Anyway, we share the building with the management of Alice in Chains so we knew we would run into each other all the time. The music scene of this city it’s like a big, incestuous family so…”

We both crack up.

“Oh no…” she sighs annoyed, staring over me again. I don’t know what’s going on in her head but it must have to do something with another twenty-eight people I’ve never met. “DON’T TURN AROUND!” she yells at me when I try to check the cause of her reaction.

“Why, what’s…?”

“It’s too late, I guess she’s already noticed us… or hasn’t she? Bow your head…” she leans on the counter, letting her hair cover her face.

“What the fuck?”

“I said bow your head… avoid eye contact… shit, I don’t have the nerves for this right now…”

“Krisha? Oh my god, it’s you, I haven’t seen you for ages!” I hear a powerful female voice from behind my back.

“Oh, hi Amber, it’s nice to see you!” Krisha groans with a painful smile, lifting her head and letting herself be pulled in a half-embrace resigned. I have to bite my lips to prevent myself from giggling since she sends a cross-eyed grimace to me over the girl’s shoulder. So she must be Stone’s Amber.

“Hey, are you here with your little friend?”

And that must be me. I involuntarily straighten up as much as I can but despite the high bar stool, I’m still shorter than her in her heels. I wonder if Red peed into these ones too… Now that I’m checking her out properly, I realize somehow she doesn’t belong here. Mini dress, heels, perfect makeup… That’d be Stone’s type?

“Uhm, this is Effie, she’s the sister of the band’s new monitor engineer…”

“Ah, Julie, you see, I know everything…” she knocks on his temple with her index finger a few times. “I’m Stoney’s girlfriend.” she grabs my hand and shakes it aggressively. I don’t correct her, I just exchange a quick look with Krisha, her eyes confirm that it wouldn’t make sense anyway.

“And… are you going to stay for the gig too?” Krisha nods towards the stage after a few moments of awkward silence.

“Oh, no, I’m going partying with my girls, I just checked in, I wanted to say hi to Alex and ask him for a favor. We’re organizing a grunge-themed fashion show and this place would be a perfect place for it.”

“A what?”

Krisha’s face radiates shock and disgust at the same time.

“You know, this grunge thing is blowing up, the firm is about to launch a collection, you know, flannel shirts, jackets, shorts with leggings, so we’re looking for a grungy place to present it…” she explains with huge hand moves. As she begins to explain the details of her brilliant idea, I get immediately distracted. Not only because my mind is desperately trying to ignore this nonsense but because I spot Leather Pants Chick at the same sport were Alex and his colleague were standing a few minutes ago. Only a few seconds pass by until her partner arrives too, he immediately pulls her closer by her hips as he leans against the wall… they engage into a make-out session without hesitation. Jerry digs his fingers into her hair and as things are getting more intense, his hands slowly wander along her back until they reach and firmly grab their destination…

I swear it wasn’t so hot in here when I arrived, I can feel my face is burning, I’m sweating like I was in hell… Yeah, being forced to watch a hot guy smooching with a girl who isn’t you but in exchange, is much prettier than you, that’s how I imagine the first circle of hell. I can barely peel myself out of my jacket, my elbow gets stuck when Amber grabs its sleeve. I’m still a little dazed-off and stare at her expressionlessly while I’m trying to pick up the threads of conversation.

“...exactly like this one, thrift clothes are so trendy now, where did you get this one?”

She shakes the sleeve of my jacket impatiently, making me realize that’s what she’s talking about. Should I tell her the truth? That it’s not from a thrift shop, that it’s original, that Judy and I pooled the money we earned at our summer jobs together and made an agreement about taking turns on wearing it six years ago?

“I can’t… can’t remember…” I manage an effortless answer.

“You have a great taste, we three should do a thrift store tour together.” she rants on.

“Totally.” Krisha tries to seem enthusiastic but she rather reminds me of a snarling serial killer.

“Okay, I have to go, oh my god, I’m late and I haven’t even talked to Alex. We could hang out in the city next week, call me, Krish! And bring your new friend too!” she winks at me. “See you, later girls!” she finally leaves us alone, the quick tapping of heels echoes in my head even after she has disappeared behind the office door. Krisha grabs her glass and drinks its content for one sip.

“Ah, I feel much better now.” she sighs. “I’m afraid my phone is about to die. I may not be able to make phone calls for a while.”

I snort into my drink.

“I must say, she’s not the girl I’d imagine as Stone’s girlfriend.”

“Trust me, she’s not the girl whom anyone would imagine as his girlfriend. But seeing them together is always like a free circus ticket, it’s pretty funny, especially when you have coke and popcorn too.”

“Sooo… where’s the mysterious person who we’re waiting for?” I look around, although I have no clue what physical characteristics I should look for, I don’t even know if we’re talking about a man or a woman. As my gaze slowly wanders around the room, I admit to myself unwillingly, that I exactly know what I’m looking for. Long, blonde hair, black leather jacket and a white shirt. The realization makes me blush, I feel like in those good old high school days, trying to casually encounter my current crush who doesn’t even know I exist. Why am I like this all the time? Why? I’m such an idiot…

“Okay, I check Alex’s office, maybe we misunderstood each other and she went in without me noticing her. And I’m sure Alex needs some spiritual support too, the recovery will be tough for him. Do you wanna come?”

“No, I… I’d rather wait here.” I answer quickly, flushing, I’m stupid, stupid, stupid… “So it’s a she?” I shout after Krisha but she just waves me off laughing.

So… what was I thinking? I could have join her and meet her cool friends but I chose to drink here alone, not that I don’t feel lonely enough. And I ran out of drink in the meantime too… I want to procrastinate the next round until the other, friendlier bartender shows up again but unfortunately, the red-haired demon spots my empty glass and elbows on the counter opposite me with a challenging, patronizing smile.

“May I bring you a next lemonade?”

I’m about to snap back but a pleasant male voice over my head makes me change my mind.

“One more of this, whatever it is. And the lady is my guest.”

[seijuurouxryuu]

apart as we may, i still feel you here

Title: apart as we may, i still feel you here Author: Shiro (TeitoxAkashi [AO3]/ seijuurouxryuu [tumblr]) Rating: T Pairing: Fon/ Reborn; brief Byakuran/Rokudo Mukuro Event: @khrrarepairweek Prompts: Alpha/Beta/Omega AU | Mental Bond/Mental Link Tags/Warnings: No Archive Warning

Day 8: Earth/Flameless Day

Fon was a beta through and through despite looking like an alpha. He, in his lithe yet muscular body, had always been mistaken as an alpha throughout his years since childhood. His parents expected him to be an alpha, his grandparents expected him to be an alpha, heck even his neighbours expected him to be an alpha.

He never felt like an alpha though, not even before he was classified as a beta. He just felt normal. Like a normal person with blood flowing through his veins.

So no, he never identified himself as anything else but a human--a beta.

AO3

Being a beta wasn't hard; you wouldn't have to undergo a rut like an alpha would, or a heat like an omega would regularly. It was normal, as normal as it can be.

But it can be hard for a beta to survive in the society full of dominance by Alphas and Omega.

 Fon was a beta through and through despite looking like an alpha. He, in his lithe yet muscular body, had always been mistaken as an alpha throughout his years since childhood. His parents expected him to be an alpha, his grandparents expected him to be an alpha, heck even his neighbours expected him to be an alpha.

 He never felt like an alpha though, not even before he was classified as a beta. He just felt normal. Like a normal person with blood flowing through his veins.

 So no, he never identified himself as anything else but a human--a beta.

 He sighed as he fixed his face mask properly, hat pulled down. People were staring at him again because of his fit and tall stature. He wasn't bragging or anything, but gene was really a joke. He, a beta, had the height and fitness of an alpha, all gained from his hard work and training. And yet a lot of people first thought it was because he was an alpha when he was anything but.

 Maybe he should just put up a sign saying 'I'm a beta' to get people off his back. (A lot of them maybe came for his figure, but 99% of them came because the thought he was an alpha.)

 He didn't have any discrimination against alphas, omegas or even betas like some betas would have complexes about it, he just hated how people thought all the fruit of his hard works were all because of his secondary gender. And they even got it wrong. It was fucking hilarious, if you ask him. And frustrating. God-fucking-damn frustrating.

 Shaking his head, Fon pushed away all the irritation to the back of his mind. He had work to do, even if said work annoys him even further. Tapping his card on the sensor, he pulled the door open, making a beeline to the office as he nodded to the passing students. He was a history lecturer in this... Fancy university that should be sued for capitalism. Honestly, too much money was used on advertisement and not enough was supplied to improve facilities for the students and lecturers. Really, capitalists should die.

 Fon sighed in relief once he safely made it to his office without anyone stopping him. However, when he stepped foot into it, he immediately regretted it.

 The smell of an alpha and omega pheromones was so thick he felt nauseous.

 Thank god for his mask.

 He immediately backed out and pinched the bridge of his nose. Mukuro and Byakuran were at it again. He shared the same office with them for a few years now, and while they were good (questionable) colleagues, god forbid they flirt in front of Fon. They had been going at it since Mukuro started working and Byakuran kept trying to seduce him. Fon rooted for them, but fuck if he had to suffer another day smelling their pheromones, he would lock them up in a room for a week.

 Or just outright end them, whichever comes first.

 He huffed. At least they finally got together. Hopefully they'd learn some decency soon.

 Maybe they won't.

 Fon so kindly locked up the room and messaged Byakuran.

 "I helped you lock the office door. You owe me one :)"

 Fon pulled out his phone to look at the time and paused. No mails, that was normal. He smiled at the background image he had set, stress dissipating. He missed his beloved, even if he had just left home about... An hour ago. An hour too long actually.

 A loud moan reverberated out from the office.

 Fon's smile was gone and he wanted nothing more than snap someone's dick in half.

 He held himself back and did some breathing exercise, turning around and heading straight to the lecture halls. He could tell, it was going to be a damned long day.

 .

 For once, his lectures were quiet. Usually, his students would be engaging, enthusiastically answer his questions and pull him into debates about whether a historical figure was stupid or /stupid/. However, aside from timidly answering him when prompted, none of them spoke much. He would have asked if they were alright, but he wasn't in the mood so it was good news for him.

 Thankfully, with his running short fuse, it was finally his last class of the day. Eager to end it and return home to his beloved, he was even more scary with his smile that said 'Don't Ask'.

 Suddenly, he smelled blood. It wasn't his blood, of course, and neither it was his students’ blood. No, it was more of a psychological thing.

 Fon's mouth snapped shut as he stared blankly into space.

 He 'heard' his beloved grumbles and whimpers.

 When he came back to reality, he was already running out of campus and to his car, books and other stuffs left behind with a quick instructions to the TA, which he didn't even remember what it was.

 In record time, he was in his car and driving home.

 'Love?' He called out in his mind. 'Are you alright?'

 He could still smell blood, but it was faint now. He felt his spouse tensing at the other end of their bond before hearing a sigh.

 'Did you leave.' A statement rather than question.

 Fon stayed quiet.

 'I'm fine.'

 'I'll arrive in 5.'

 'Go back to work, Fon.'

 'No.'

 Another sigh. '... Pick up coffee for me.'

 Fon smiled and made a minute detour.

 .

 When Fon arrived home, he was attacked by an onslaught of pheromones. The one and only he loved and would react to despite being a beta. Breathing in deeply, all the crankiness he brewed throughout the day disappeared without a trace. "I'm home." He announced loudly, toeing off his shoes and rushed in, not even bothered to arrange it properly. It was fine, he had more important thing to attend to.

 Putting the coffee on the coffee table, he looked around and found that his love was nowhere to be found. He followed the trial of smell back to their bedroom. The door was halfway closed, leaving a glimpse of who was inside and their state. Fon took it all in with a fond smile.

 Knocking gently on the door, he softly asked, "Can I come in?"

 He had to stop himself from laughing when a head of messy hair popped out from the neat nest made of their unwashed laundry, cushions, bolsters and pillows. Even the Flareon and Umbreon plushies they had were not spared. It was so cute.

 Reborn gave him a look and grunted. "Yes. Take off your clothes and give me."

 Fon chuckled, walked in and started stripping. He stood outside the nest, handing his clothes for Reborn to examine. He patiently waited for the results outside of the nest, smiling as he watched Reborn scrunitize his clothes.

 "Why does it smell like that marshmallow bastard?" Reborn growled and Fon couldn't help but shuddered. He loved how Reborn cusses.

 "He and Mukuro, well, you know."

 Reborn scoffed. "Should've known that that two horny asses couldn't keep their pants on." He snarked and stuffed those clothes under the pile to erase and replace the smell with his scent. He then turned and squinted at Fon again.

 "Bend down" Fon obediently did as ordered, careful not to overstep the boundaries and bared his neck for Reborn. Reborn leaned in and sniffed purring in possessive delight that no other scent stuck to his neck. In fact, Fon had wiped down his neck with wet wipes when he was buying coffee but Reborn didn't need to know lest he took it differently. (He knew no one touched his neck, not that anyone dared to, but just in case someone else's scent stuck to him.)

 Reborn nosed his neck once and nipped at the permanent mark he made on Fon, causing the latter to shudder again. There was another purr, but it came from Fon himself. Fon loved how Reborn could take ownership of him even if he couldn't do it to Reborn. He loved how he always bit that mark, lapping lovingly at it and kissing them. He loved seeing it in the mirror, loved touching it and feeling it throb faintly.

 He loved just the same that he could mark Reborn again and again since he could only mark temporarily, loved biting into the skin, tasting the blood and Reborn keening at the bites. Fon loved everything about being a beta who fell for a possessive omega.

 Reborn's eyes were golden black when he pulled back, glinting. He shuffled back slightly and let Fon, who was in nothing but his boxers, join him in his nest. "Come in." He said, giving consent to his loved.

 Fon's eyes shone and he carefully stepped over the boundaries, taking care not to accidentally kick down the walls of clothes. He settled in besides Reborn and sighed in relief at the lovely pheromones that surrounded him, making him all relaxed and safe.

 Reborn quickly attached to him burying his face onto the crook of his shoulders, purring louder. Fon wrapped his arms around him and turned slightly to kiss his forehead, joining him in purring. He suddenly laughed. "I think I know why I was so cranky today."

 Reborn made a questioning sound, all but melting into his arms. "Your heat affected me. I could feel it through our bond."

 Reborn bit him. "Sucks to be you, then. I was busy nesting and you had to be away."

 Fon whined, nuzzling against him as he tightened his hold around him. "I thought it is tomorrow, that was why I planned to settle my leaves today."

 "Well, it came early."

 Fon hummed. "I'm glad it came early. I can keep you company longer." He said lowly into Reborn's ears. "Speaking of which, why did I smell your blood just now?"

 He felt Reborn tensing against him and immediately drew comforting patterns on his back, purring louder to comfort him. "I don't mean anything, I'm just a little worried..."

 Reborn slowly relaxed as Fon patiently waited for his answers without rushing him. In fact, if Reborn didn't want to speak of it, he wouldn't force him to say either. "... I accidentally broke a nail."

 A sharp scratch on his chest made Fon hissed softly. He looked down and grabbed the hand, pulling it up to see the broken nail. It was broken, yes, but it wasn't serious thankfully. However, it hurt Fon's heart to see the redness at the edge, feeling the pain even though it wasn't his wound.

 He kissed the finger and cooed. "Oh, baby. It must've been painful." He kissed again.

 Reborn snorted, but by the purrs he sounded happy that Fon was worried about him. "It's nothing. I can take more than this, you know that."

 Fon nodded, rubbing and cuddling him closer. "Uhum, I know. You're the strongest person I ever know, and I'm so happy that you're mine. You worked so hard and surpassed everyone's expectation. You proved everyone wrong about how you aren't limited to anything just because you're an omega, and I'm so proud of you. I love you, Reborn. I love you so, so much." He gave him a few kisses in the mouth before Reborn hummed into his lips and opened his mouth.

 "Hmn, love you too. You aren't an alpha, but you are so much better than one. You don't limit yourself even if you're a beta too, and I'm proud of you too. In fact, I'm so proud that you don't depreciate yourself just because of that." Reborn said into his mouth, slow as they made out.

 Fon laughed and kissed him harder, heart swelling in happiness and love. Reborn bit his lips for laughing but was chuckling himself too.

 "Sleep, babe. I'm sleepy." Reborn nudged his forehead against Fon's. "We can do other things when we wake up."

 Fon agreed, kissing his nose and eyelids. "Okay, sweet dreams, love."

  Reborn purred.

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

A/N: LAST DAY!!! THANK YOU TO THE MODS OF KHR RAREPAIR WEEK FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND THANKS TO YOU GUYS FOR READING MY STORIES

I missed a day for this year's event, but still!! I managed to do 7!!! Which was beyond my expectation since I was ded because of finals, which clashed with the beginning of this event.

Onto the story! Basically Alphas and Omegas can make permanent mark on anyone else, while Beta can only do temporary ones. I just love the concept of nesting so when I saw Day 8's theme I went bLING

I don't like how some omegaverse stories I have written has this... thing with A and O being the rarest and then most treasured. I like it better if regardless of being A, O or B, everyone is of the same, equal and fair. Of course, some of the laws should cater more for A and O since they have ruts and heats but still? No discrimination.

Although, the discrepancy here is that most O and B still prefers A because, well, genes.

But that's just the background I thought up of; there's no need for that since all you need to know is that Reborn NESTED and Fon LOVED HIM.

Cranky Fon is lovely Fon :DDDD

anyways THANKS FOR READING AGAIN! HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED MY ENTRIES THIS YEAR!!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME

[I apologize for any grammar, spellings, etc. etc. mistakes]

[servetolive]

More Cleno babies stuff

This is weird and arbitrary and there's ABO stuff in here that I didn't put in before. I'm just comfort writing at this point. <3

(if you don't know me on twitter, Reno is always a canid/fox and Cloud is always a Shiba inu. Also the first daughter is not included, as her existence is a spoiler for a fic.)

Unlike with their first two girls, this pregnancy had been difficult. Cloud remained ill throughout the entire eight months.

King announced his arrival with painful cramps at increasingly brief intervals. Cloud had been in the kitchen, clutching the counter as he screamed and collapsed. Reno arrived home from work seconds later to find Charisma pulling on Cloud's curled tail, screaming "mama," with a river of fluid leaking from him.

In the hospital, Cloud was pale and clammy. The medication did nothing to calm him. His eyes followed Reno's movement as he took in deep pulls of breath.

Reno, torn between concern and excitement as he pulled a mask over his mouth, took Cloud's hand in the medical den as they waited.

"What's wrong, baby?"

Cloud's throat caved as he swallowed. He was beginning to think that his fertility, combined with his altered genes, might become a death trap for he and any of his future children.

"I'm scared."

"Don't be," Reno said, dismissing any warranted notion of danger to his wife and offspring. He kissed Cloud's damp head. Behind him, his tail wagged so furiously that the nurse nearly tripped over it.

He lapped at the corners of his mouth and breathed across Cloud's wet skin, scenting him gently.

"I got you."

--

The boy came with about as much ruckus as any son of Reno would. He and his mother were joined in an agonizing scream as his crown of brown hair emerged.

"There he is!" Reno's voice rose above the encouraging words of the medical personnel. His tail and ears stood straight up. "There's my boy. Oh, god, Cloud!"

Cloud's last push was accompanied with a murderous look towards Reno, who was too busy watching his vagina to pay him any mind.

The boy plopped out onto the sheets, spat out fluid, and wailed.

Elated, Reno impatiently held his hands out for the pup, his eyes wide and shining. "Give 'im here, give 'im--"

He was ready to nearly tear the boy out of his mother.

"The umbilical cord, Mr. Strife," the doctor reminded him.

"Oh, shit."

A nurse passed him a blanket. Reno gleefully took the scissors and separated him from his mother. Only when he had the child in his arms, close to him, did he begin to calm down. He turned his back on the rest to get his prize: the first moments with the baby.

"King," Reno whispered into the boy's red ears. "You hear me? I'm your daddy. You're gonna rule the fucking world one day..."

Meanwhile, the nurses tended to the exhausted Cloud, patting him dry and sewing him up. When a nurse whispered "good boy, mom" and squeezed his shoulder, Reno seemed to remember who the true hero was, and turned back to him with the baby.

"And this," he said, placing their first male into the cradle of Cloud'[s arms. "This is your beautiful mama. The strongest man in the whole world..."

Cloud looked down at his wrinkly son and fought back tears. He had no idea where they came from, or why they existed. Furthermore, he had nothing to say.

"Good to see you," he managed.

King couldn't see him. He rooted for Cloud's breast, and once he found it, settled down to drink.

--

Later on in the evening, Cloud was glad to give Reno his son back so he can rest. Through his hazy, post-birth vision, he watched Reno pull himself out of his shirt, take the baby out of the bassinet and sit with him on the chair across from him. There, Reno held King on his knee and dragged his tongue across the baby's skin and hair, collecting all the remnants of blood and tissue, and spit them out into the biohazard bin next to him.

While he watched his husband bathe his son, Cloud's fear--and annoyance--subsided. For someone who made his living doing Bad Things, Reno's child-like enthusiasm for the birth of a child--his child--was the most endearing thing Cloud had ever seen.

Cloud rested at home with the baby on his chest after the first night, while Reno took Charisma out. They returned with the girl on Reno's hip, a bouquet of flowers in her hand to present to her mother for "giving her a baby brother to pick on," Reno said.

--

Reno spoiled Charisma, by okaying anything lavish that Cloud insisted on buying for her; sometimes even overriding his wife's frugal suggestions with something twice as expensive. A regular crib that she would only use for a number of months became a pink princess palace with a matching mosquito net, a mechanical rocker, and a mobile with a model of the Planets. Clothes that she would outgrow in weeks were purchased from Midgar's boutiques, even though she never ended up wearing most of them, because she was born in the summer.

But there was nothing quite like how he doted on his son. Nothing was handed down; King got matching tracksuits with his father, a brand new bed with black and gold trim, basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, and an organic chew toy for his milk teeth that wouldn't come in for weeks. He handpicked all of his clothing and even went so far as to start cooking Cloud's meals to control the flow of nutrients to his son.

"Want you big and strong... again," he added as an afterthought while he stirred a meat stew, as if Cloud couldn't tell that he was talking to his son--not him.

"I don't like that much meat," Cloud said, holding King in his lap. He adjusted his wedding ring on his finger so that it wouldn't catch on the pup's skin. The diamond was massive when Reno had first bought it for him, but now he had a sapphire and a black diamond added, to represent the two treasures Cloud had given him.

"You gotta have meat, dollface," Reno insisted. "You have an iron deficiency."

He had more than that, but Cloud hated to be reminded.

Next to him, Charisma sat in her brand new high chair, her hair done in blonde pigtails, pounding the table with her airplane-shaped knife and fork. Her canines had come in fully now, and nursing had become almost impossible. Reno placed a bib around her neck that said "#1 Daddy's Girl" (which Cloud had rolled his eyes at.)

"Hoer auf," Cloud said to her with a warning look. He gently placed her hands with the utensils down on her little table. "Stop it."

"Dada, eat!" She said, ignoring her mother. "I hungry."

"I'm coming, mama," Reno said, scooping some of the stew into a bowl. He joined the family at the table, and began with scooping some of it into the small bowl for the baby.

"She's not old enough," Cloud sighed as Reno fanned the chunks of meat. "I told you--"

"Mmmm," Reno said, making a huge deal out of smelling the stew. Charisma copied him.

"Mmmm," she said, once her nose came up from the bowl. Reno laughed and stuck a chunk of meat in the side of his mouth to chew, then placed the mush onto Rizzy's table. She lapped it up with her tongue.

"Use your fork," Cloud scolded.

[just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi]

False Start - Hilton

CW: Reluctant whumper, knives mention, human breeding mention, threat of future noncon, gun mention, swearing

 [Masterlist] [Next?]              [Referencing this piece]

~ 2,000 words

[ - At the Southern Mantle Hotel - ]

Griffin grit his teeth. God, he didn’t want to do this. He knew going undercover would force him into impossible situations, but God he didn’t want to do this. He really, truly, seriously hated his power sometimes.

Sure, anyone else who looked at the teenager gagged and bound to the chair would know he was terrified, but they didn’t read it like Griffin did. He didn’t want to be the one sitting in front of him. He didn’t want to be the one holding the picture and the knife. He didn’t want to be the one that caused the fear that consumed the boy. A mean to an end, a mean to an end, he told himself as he looked at the picture. He recognized the face; it was on quite a few internal memos back at the Corps.

Hilton - he wished he could forget the kid’s name – already looked exhausted. This would be the sixth vision of the day. Griffin had wanted to lie; say he could tell the kid needed a break. It never would have worked, but he had wanted to try. He wanted, no, needed, to do something to make up for the fact he knew it was a lie.

He saw the way the kid sat, how he breathed. He was in pain, he was confused and broken and overwhelmed, but resigned. Strong. Griffin could see in the set of his shoulders and the jut of his chin that he could take more. And that he would.

It made him sick. Everything about this made him sick in a way he didn’t even know he could feel. Tyler had seen the ways that he tried to edge out of the room during the first vision, trying keep his eyes away. He had called him on it, too. Now he was forced into an impossible situation. They told him he should learn, now that Vince was gone.

“Where the hell did you guys learn this anyway?” he muttered to Victoria, trying to buy Hilton more time. She stood behind the chair, picking at her nails.

“Mostly trial and error, honestly. We did pick up a couple of things from the breeder before Tyler killed him.” The last two words were clearly pointed in Tyler’s direction, more teasing than they were angry. Tyler barely looked up from his phone as he grinned at her.

Griffin’s thoughts froze.

“What?”

“Look, if he had just given the kid up willingly, I wouldn’t have killed him. He knew that.” This time he didn’t look up from his phone.

“I’m sorry, I guess I wasn’t clear. What do you mean by breeder?” His voice was sharp and pointed.

Victoria ran her fingers through Hilton’s hair, sending a shudder down his spine.

“Oh, come on Marshalls. Doesn’t one of your cousins have the, uh, shit what are those called? The ones with electricity. Pearsons?”

“Nah, you’re thinking of the Dewwit’s crop. Pearsons are the water ones. Cool, but really fucking difficult to keep. The Marshalls guy keeps Levens.”

Griffin had to ground himself. It felt like Tyler had somehow pulled all the oxygen out of the room as he spoke. The way they talked about it was so casual, so normal. It had been a couple of years since he had talked to his cousins, and he sure as hell wasn’t going try and reach out now. Victoria tilted her head and gave him a look as moved to use both hands to comb through Hilton’s hair.

“What? Like you didn’t know.”

“I don’t talk to my family much,” he grumbled. He couldn’t meet Hilton’s eye.

“I really wish you hadn’t killed him though. Now the other breeders won’t talk to us, so we’ll have to find a mate the hard way.” She laughed, “Don’t you wish people put their genes on their dating profiles? That would make it so much easier.” Victoria punctuated the last few words with tugs of the curly dark hair in her hands. She looked up and saw Griffin’s expression.

“Oh, don’t worry. Syndicate gets pick of the litter, cross my heart. Hell, you can have more than one.” She leaned over Hilton’s shoulder and got close to his face, reaching down to squish his cheeks. “And you’ll make some pretty cute ones, won’t you?”

Griffin’s brain flat out refused to process what he had just heard. Was, was she implying what he thought she was? A mate? Pick of the litter? No. No, this was too far.

He would blow the operation before he let that happen.

He had to catch Hilton’s eye, to give him some comfort, to hint to the kid that he wasn’t going to let that happen, but he wished he didn’t. This time and every time he thought of it, he wished that he hadn’t.

He had expected to see fear, or hate, or anger. He saw nothing. Nothing but resignation and acceptance. The utter helplessness in the kid was overpowering. He must have heard this before, many times. He was expecting it, just waiting. Griffin needed to get him out. Now.

“Come on, we still have an order to fill.”

Internally, Griffin groaned. He needed to formulate a plan, contact Director Hayword, secure the last bits of intel. There was so much to do and torturing a teenage was not part of it. But the stomach turning conversation wasn’t enough of a distraction to get them off track.

He was thrown back in the impossible situation; between sadist and bastard, holding a knife to the only innocent person in the room. He grit his teeth and steeled himself, gripping the handle of the switchblade until his knuckles were white.

He watched as Victoria mussed Hilton’s hair one last time and pulled the headphones over his ears. She centered the boy and looked to Griffin expectantly.

Griffin held up the photo.

The headphones were blaringly loud, and Hilton’s eyes were searching the photo frantically. Griffin paused a little longer, hoping that the fear alone would work and he wouldn’t have to use the litany of tools he was offered. He could feel Victoria’s hard stare, and a piece of him died as he drew the blade across Hilton’s thigh.

He would never forget the way he jerked, wincing red eyes that tried so hard to stay open. The shaky, shallow breaths that huffed through his nose. His jaw trembled and Griffin wanted to vomit. He wished there was a gun to his head, that there was a knife to his own throat. Maybe the guilt wouldn’t eat him alive if there was a physical representation of force.

Maybe it would.

No. Stop. Asset, not kid. This is your damn job. Do your damn job. Stop. Focus. You know what you’re doing. Act now, apologize later.

He slid the blade across again; swift, clean cuts the only comfort he had to offer. The blade was sharp, cutting through the boy’s skin easily. Hilton shook, full body tremors from adrenalin and exhaustion.

It was one moment. One single solitary second when Hilton’s eyes locked with his. The icy blue eyes that were sharp with terror, wide and desperate. It was one moment before the eyes clouded over, pupils dilating and going grey.

“Shit,” griffin breathed as he backed away. He had never been close enough to see the boy’s eyes before. The pupils grew until there was only the slightest blue ring left, iris nearly entirely black. The black greying, shifting and swirling into a silver of storm clouds. It would have been captivating, if it weren’t for the way the boy’s body shuddered and slumped.

“See? It’s really not that hard.”

Griffin quickly closed the knife, not bothering to wipe the blood off. He shot a quick glare at Victoria. Not for him, maybe, but for Hilton?

The boy suddenly jolted, wrists straining against the tape that held them in place. His lashes fluttered as his head lulled to the side, but the icy blue eyes never opened. His breath was ragged, panting through his nose.

Griffin could see the moment his body gave out, with Victoria’s hands in his hair. He turned away, trying to pretend that he wasn’t part of this. That he wasn’t responsible for the blood on his hands.

“Damn, it’s him again.” Victoria’s face twisted up into a snarl as she looked through the memories.

Then she laughed. “Oh, wait; I think he should see this one.”

She walked around in front of Hilton, pushing Griffin out of the way. With one, swift motion, a crack rang out and the boy’s head snapped to the side. Griffin bit his lip, forcing his hands to unclench from the fists that were so ready to knock her out.

Hilton rolled his head back to the center, slowly, as if he was underwater. His hair was sweaty, face pale except for the bright red handprint on one cheek. His eyes fluttered, as if he was having trouble opening his eyes. Victoria rolled her eyes and peeled the tape off his mouth. Hilton gasped, chest heaving.

More air seemed to help, as after a moment, he was able to open his eyes. Victoria hooked a finger under his chin and leaned in close, noses nearly touching.

“Hey there. You fucked up again, hm?”

Hilton’s eyes still weren’t focused on the face inches away from his own. They crossed and uncrossed, trying to make sense of the input they were getting. After a moment, the words seemed to register. Tears welled in his eyes as his breathing picked up.

“I’m, I’m sorry,” he croaked, voice dry and breaking. Victoria hummed.

“Here, little Seer. I think you’re allowed to keep this one.” She turned his head to the TV and walked over to it. She grinned and placed her hand on the side of the flatscreen, projecting the memory onto it.

Griffin looked on. What else was he supposed to do? He couldn’t look at Hilton anymore. He didn’t want to see the state that he was in. He needed a help, medical help, judging by the way his eyes weren’t focusing anymore. They were going to kill him soon, if Griffin didn’t do anything.

Victoria’s back was turned. Tyler was absorbed in his phone.

Griffin had a gun on his hip.

It would be easy. Easy to pull the weapon, easy to fire two shots. No one would notice in a hotel like this one. Fire the shots, grab Hilton, take him down to the underground parking garage through the service elevators. Griffin’s truck was there, gassed and ready to go. He could call headquarters on the way.

Griffin stood, hand slinking down to his side, feet planting, ready to make his move. Why shouldn’t he? What was one good reason that he shouldn’t stop this from going any further this second?

The television flickered to life, the perspective unmistakably fluid, not recorded with any camera. The scene was viewed though an outsider’s angle; a specter’s vision captured by a screen that was never meant to hold it.

They all watched the scene on the screen unfold with rapt attention, but the difference of reaction was as wide as the largest chasm.

Tyler watched, amused by the clinical white room and padded examination table.

Victoria watched with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, savoring the way Hilton writhed and cried strapped down.

Hilton watched with terror etching its mark deep into his bones, shaking as he watched the men and women in white lab coats hold him down and sedate him.

Griffin watched with complete and utter disbelief, the false start of his escape cold in his chest.

He knew that room. Hell, he had been in those rooms. He had put people in there, after a training session or a mission had gone south. He had closed those cuffs around wrists when they were too distraught to understand what was going on.

That was a DIFC medial bay.

~

@thehopelessopus @lonesome--hunter @welcome-to-the-whumpfest @susiequaz12 @amonthofwhump @redstainedsocks

[yuulina-vre]

Gifting you a new life

Finding the hint

Pairing: Steve x Bucky, Reader insert

Warnings: None 

Word count: 3731 words

Part: Two

Summary: Bucky struggles a litte through his workday

Masterlist

* * *

Bucky wakes up tiredly. The night wasn’t one of the best he ever had but it wasn’t as bad as the worst ones. Nightmares and restlessness had him captured and awake for half of the night. Now he doesn’t really feel rested, but he’s used to it by now. His shoulder aches as he sits up. He winces slightly, starting to massage around on the scarred flesh of his stump for a moment, then rolling his shoulder and ignoring the slightly dulled pain. After throwing the blanket off his lap he yawns wide and long before he stands up to stretch his arm as high as he can. He throws a quick glance at his metal prosthetic that he had taken off before bed. He still can’t decide if he likes or hates it, even after years of having it. It makes the everyday life easier but at the same time it’s a struggle to put on by himself, he can’t feel with it and sometimes he calculates his strength wrong and smashes glasses and the like. One thing that’s makes no difference are the looks. He gets them if he wears the arm and he gets them I he doesn’t, but by now he’ s at least used to that.

With a sigh he lets the arm stay in his box and walks to the bathroom and straight to the mirror. After seeing his reflections, he sighs again, this time in annoyance. His hair is a mess! It’s tangled up nicely and look like a mop, not hair at all. Maybe he really should cut it at some point. He had grown it out since he got honorably discharged from active duty. That was about three years ago.

He eyes his reflection with a slight frown, brushes his hair but doesn’t try to even get it somehow presentable, just pulls it up into a bun. Then he undresses as best as he can with one arm and steps into the shower to quickly get rid of the sweat of the night, from dreams he can’t even remember anymore.

After stepping out of the shower into the now steam filled room, he feels more awake and refreshed. His hair is now a wet mess in a bun since he didn’t pay attention to it and got it all wet. But he doesn’t mind.

Wrapped up in a towel around his waist and holding it with his hand he leaves the bathroom again to sit back down on his bed. His eyes wander back to the arm in the box. He silently debates if he should put it on today or not. Sometimes he rather not wears it when his shoulder hurts already it makes attaching the arm difficult and the pain will grow over the day but without it his workday will be a struggle to handle. After a few minutes of back and forth he garbs his prosthetic, letting the towel fall from his hips. It’s not like someone can see him running around naked anyway. Aside from Maggie but she’s not even here. Bucky struggles a little with getting the arm attached to his shoulder. It always hurts a little afterwards which is now worse since his shoulder is, in fact, hurting already. “Come on you fucking piece of- Aha” he curses a little until he finally manages to get the damned thing on. He really hates this arm. Maybe. Probably. He rotates his arm and shoulder for a while, massages the scarring again to prevent the stiffness from setting in just yet. It feels a little heavy at first, like it’s dragging his right side down, but Bucky knows that it’s just because he actually wears his prosthetic for the first time in three days and the feeling will vanish the longer he wears it. He carefully flexes his metal hand a few times, testing the strength and motion before he lift himself from his bed to shuffle over to his closet. He gets one of his favorite shirts and a pair of boxers and pants to get dressed in before he leaves the room to walk downstairs to his kitchen. Once again, he’s reminded that his house is actually too big for just him. He used to live here with his siter but since she married a few years ago he’s living all by himself in the house he grew up in. he thought about selling the place a few times by now but never really got it in him to follow through. There were just too many memories of his parents and his childhood in the walks and floor. Each cracking step, whistling of wind that squeezes past the windows, each little ting that need renovating or replacing has its own memory to tell. So, he stays. Maybe he adopts a dew more cat. Maggie probably feels lonely when he’s not home anyway. Yawning tiredly again, still not really awake, he switches on the coffee machine before he starts the toaster. While waiting for his toast he goes to one of the cabinets to retrieve some of Maggie’s favorite food and fills it in her bowl, whistling for her, so she knows food’s ready. Then he walks back to his table, grabs his toasts and some stuff to put on them, grabs his coffee and starts his breakfast, all while scrolling through his phone. He’s almost finished eating when he hears a meow from behind him. Bucky turns around only to be greeted by a white, black-footed fluffy cat that stares up at him with sparkling amber eyes. “Hey you. Finally, back? I waited for hours last night.” Bucky glares at his little girl but Magnolia only meows again, rubbing her head against his leg with a purr before stalking over to her food. Bucky shakes his head and silently curses himself for being so soft for the fur ball. “You know, one of these days I see you stealing my credit card to buy yourself some staff or something. You do what you want, huh?” The cat meows again, looks up at him and flicks its tail as if to say that he’s damn right. Bucky chuckles. “Yeah, yeah. For feeding I’m good enough, I know.” Snorting he drinks the last of his coffee, gets up and disposes everything into the sink to wash up later. Then he walks to Maggie, bends down and picks her up into his arms. She struggles for a second, not pleased to be interrupted while eating breakfast but then settles down, rubbing her head under his chin with some more purring. A smile creeps on Bucky’s face, he starts scratching under Maggie’s chin and kissing her fluffy head until his gaze switches to the clock on the wall. It’s late already but he figures that he can take five minutes to cuddle with his favorite girl. He strokes though the cat’s fur, letting her purr against his chest while she still rubs her head against his chin and shoulder. As much as Maggie loves to be outside, striving through the wilderness of his garden, she loves to cuddle with him, too. Sometimes Bucky thinks that she has more dog than cat in her genes. She always seems to know when he’s not feeling well or is in pain. She comes running up to him, greatly takes her places on his lap or chest and stays there, purring contently and letting the man stroke through her fur until he’s feeling better, or she decides he has to suck it up already. Sometimes she stays as long as Bucky lets her, and he has to admit that it can be pretty long. He loves her small warm body purring against his skin. Magnolia is really good at comforting, too.

The little white ball meows again and Bucky kisses her head once more. “I know, I need to get ready.” He sets her down watching her walking back to her food. “See you later, Maggie. Don’t do stupid stuff. And don’t scratch the couch again. I know it was you!” He points at the cat, but Magnolia just throws an innocent look at him, munching happily. He shakes his head before he walks to his wardrobe in the hall, slips on his ID card for the military and takes the dog tags form the key hooks where they always hang. He stokes his thumb carefully over the old and damaged metal, lingering for a moment in some memories. These tags are the only thing that he still has from his time as a soldier. They aren’t his though, oh no. He gave his own to his sister for keeping safe util he’s ready to take them back again. These ones are somebody else’s. They’re from the man that he rescued. A comrade, a total stranger. He pushed him away as a grenade exploded which made the stranger fall down a small cliff. That was the day he lost his arm. He can’t remember much about the day, let alone the face of the Captain he saved. Since he retired his service and works in the lost-and-found section of the military he tries to find the man. For five years now. He still has no clue who he is or where to find him. He doesn’t even know if he’s still alive or if he died that day. No one could help him, and no one seems to know the man. At least no one he talked to. The team is so damaged that the only things he knows are, that the man had the rank of a Captain and his last name ends with ‘gers’. So, he carries the tags with him, as reminder and in hopes to finally find a clue one day and get the chance to give them back. He carefully slips them into his jeans pocket, takes his car keys, locks the door and walks over to his car. The old thing looks like it’s falling apart some day and Bucky really hopes that his motorcycle will be repaired by tomorrow. He hates his car.

 * * *

The moment he opens the door to his office at the community center he sighs. He managed to get across the whole place without anyone stopping him to have a chat. It’s not that he doesn’t like talking to anyone but if he doesn’t have to than that its totally fine for him. He likes to be alone and have his silence. He only greeted some people he knows pretty well, and actually likes.

Now he collapses into his chair with a huffed sigh. It’s not that he has much to do but the few things he has to do are tiring. Carding through old files, newspaper, calling the archive of the military and so on. A lot of running around, too. And all that just to return some old things to retired soldiers or their remaining family. The things mostly consisted of dog tags, photos sometimes clothes that were found on battlefields or while sorting through other stuff somewhere. To be fair, most of the people are very happy to get some memories to cherish. Some are not that happy and ask to get rid of the things because they dig up things that were buried a long time ago. Bucky can understand that very well, that’s why Becca has his own tags right now.Bucky rubs at his shoulder; his prosthetic seems to give him more trouble today. He wonders if his shoulder is too stiff already, it has only been two weeks since it got massaged professionally. Or if it got infected again. That happens sometimes and with all the scarring he has, the fears get more vivid that the doctor was very sloppy in his work. If he had enough money, he would go to the next best doctor, get everything fixed but that would cost a fortune and the military would not help him out since he already got his arm and operations covered before. He lets out a second sigh. What a damn mess he returned to. Everybody tells you that it will get better after returning home, after living a normal life. Bucky thinks he has more troubles now then he had before. A knock on the door startles him out of his thoughts. He looks up just as it opens and a brunette woman steps in. “Maria.” Maria Hill, one of Bucky’s favorite co-workers and at the same time some sort of boss, after Nick Fury of course, holds a cardboard box in her hands. “Hello James. I’ve got something new for you.”“Again? I didn’t even finish the last box.”“I know. But this might be interesting for you. The things all should be easy to get back, too.” She places the box on his table and opens it. “We got a few lost dog tags, some pictures form wife’s and children, clothes and all the usual.”

“Something pretty damaged?”

“No, at least not as damaged as the tags that you’re always carrying around.” She musters his feature as his hand instantly raises to the pocket. “Did you find any clue by now?” She raises her eyebrows, looking really interested. She always tries to help him find the mysterious Captain but until now there’s no lead. “No.” Bucky sighs defeated, flopping back in his chair. “The guy seems to have vanished. I found some guys who were in the same area as we were back then, but no one seems to be either around here or to remember. Just have to keep looking.”

“Did you look through protocols?”

“Yeah, and I asked Peggy. But nothing ‘til now.”

“You’ll find him eventually.” Maria pats him on the shoulder with a kind smile. “Anyway, this here might be a little easier. The tags are pretty good to read, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties to find the ones to return them to. Some of the photos even have names written on the back, could be some kind of help.”

“Thanks.” Bucky gifts her a small smile before he pulls the box closer to look through it. Maria looks him over for a while. “It’s bad again, huh?”

“Hm?” Bucky looks up at her, wondering what she means this time. “Your shoulder. You’re holding it in a protective posture again.” She nods at his shoulder before she crosses her arms. “I don’t understand why you aren’t asking Fury for a new one.”

“Because his answer is going to be the same as last time.” Now Bucky leans back in his chair, crossing his own arms over his chest. “He’s going to say that I already got a new arm, and that the military isn’t a charity organization. We don’t repair what’s already been repaired.” Bucky rolls his eyes and sees Maria do the same. “Should I talk to him?”

“No. I will talk to Phil, try to find out if I have any other option so I don’t need to pay everything on my own. Since then, I have to live with this.” He shrugs his shoulder and suppresses a wince as a sharp pain shoots through it. Maria seems to notice it, her face darkens a bit, but she says nothing to it, well knowing Bucky will deny it if she points it out. “Fine. But do it quickly. It wouldn’t help when your shoulder is too damaged to repair anything.” She is almost out of the door as she turns to him again. “James. Nick says you still have to take your vacation. If you haven’t taken it by the end of the month, he’s going to force you.” He looks up, feeling a little uncomfortable but nods at the woman. “I know.” He watches as Maria leaves before he leans back in his seat again. It’s really not that he doesn’t want a vacation, he just doesn’t know what to do with all the time. He has no family left to visit besides Becca who lives in the same town, no other half to take on dates, Magnolia would disagree, though. She likes it when he spoils her rotten all day and would gladly have him home for a week or so. A vacation also means that he has way too much time to think, too. After he lost his arm he was in a really dark space of his head. It had taken his therapist almost two and a half years to get him back out of it and since then Bucky always tries to take as less free day’s as he can. Still, Fury always insist that he takes his vacation and always makes sure he really does.

While he goes through the contents of the box, he sees a photo that somehow catches his attention. On it is a man, clearly a higher ranged soldier with a woman. They’re both smiling at the little blonde boy in the man’s arms. The boy seems to be around five years old, has a lost tooth but he seems a bit smaller than other kids Bucky has ever seen at that age. He’s also very thin but his eyes shine with happiness as he hugs his dad while laughing. The photo is well used with all sorts of bends and folds in it. The edges turned a little yellow with time and are a little frayed. He keeps looking at it for a while longer and sets his mind to find the owner to this one first. He turns the photo around to see if somethings written on it. “Sarah and me with our little sunshine. 1993.” Bucky reads out aloud. He turns the picture again and thinks for a moment. Where should he start to search? He decides to run down to the archive to ask Peggy about it. She usually has some good ideas to help him.

 * * *

The archive, like almost all archives, is down in the basement of the whole compound. It’s pretty big and each time Bucky is down here he asks himself how Peggy still knows where to find something. Margeret ‘Peggy’ Carter is one of Bucky’s favorite woman. She’s kind and almost always likes to chat with him, always knowing what to say and when to be silent. She listens to him and is actually the only one that never showed him some kind of pity. She always says what she thinks and is honest with him. He appreciates it very much. Peggy even established the lost-and-found unit for the military, having lost her own husband in a war.

He knocks lightly on the door and waits for Peggy to call him in. Never would he dare to just enter. Peggy can be really scary when she wants to be, and he learned that lesson more than once. “Come in.”

“Hello, Peg.”

“Bucky. How nice to see you.” The elderly woman smiles at him and waves him over. “What brings you down here?”

“I need your help.”

“Oh, what for this time?”

“I have this picture. Do you happen to know this man or where I can find something about him?” He passes the picture over to her and she eyes it for a while before turning it over. The year that’s on the paper is one year before Peggy lost her husband, so she knew many soldiers at that time. She hums and mutters to herself before she stands up and shuffles away to vanish behind some of the shelves. Twenty minutes later she comes back with a big box of folders. “This are all the soldiers that got send away in 1993. Let’s see if he was one of them. He looks kind of familiar, but I don’t have a name to that face.” Bucky nods and they go through folder after folder until Peggy hums. “I knew he’s familiar. He was the one to always get me some cake on my birthday. And his little boy was a really sweet one. He drew me lots of pictures, quite talented actually.”

“Show me?” Bucky holds his hand out for the folder and Peggy passes it to him with a bitter expression. “The poor boy. He must be around your age now. Joseph was a really nice man. But in 1993 he was sent to this stupid mission.” The brunette woman shakes her head with a displeased sound. “Something top secret.” She scoffs and Bucky can clearly see what she thinks about it. That kind of mission happe more that one would think and never do the families hear what really happened to their loved ones when they pass away while being shipped off. “The man never came back. Sarah had to raise Steve all on her own. The boy had lots of sicknesses and Sarah had to manage double shifts in the hospital and caring for the boy when he was ill again.” Bucky looks up from the folder and passes it back to Peggy. “You seem to know a lot about them.”

“Sure do. Sarah brought Steve over from time to time. I told her I would look for her little troublemaker if she needs to pull extra shifts. Until he turned thirteen, I think, he was like a nephew. Then Sarah had to move away. Her rent was too high, and I lost contact.” Bucky nods and looks back down at the picture. “Do you know where I can find her?”

“On the cemetery I’m afraid. I think Sarah died a few years ago. The boy must have turned 18 or so.” Bucky raises his eyebrows and looks down at the picture once more. “Seems like a bad life for him so far.” He picks the picture up and looks at Peggy again. “Do you know where he lives now?”

“No. Dear god, if I would know where everybody’s children moved, I would know whole America.” She frowns at him, but her eyes still sparkle. Bucky guesses she has some nice memories returning right now. “Okay, okay, Peggy.” Bucky raises his hands with an amused laugh. “Need some help to get these away before I leave.”

“I got this, you just go and make this boy a bit happier. I remember he was really sad back then. He loved his father.” She waves at Bucky as he leaves.

Pervious Part / Next Part

[chloekwon-moved]

EXPECTATIONS !

SUMMARY :: In which Chloe’s father doesn’t live up to her expectations. CHARACTERS :: Chloe Kwon, Kim Minho, Kwon Hyungsik, Kim Jimin, Kwon Hyeri, Min Yerim WORDS :: 2.5K WARNINGS :: bad parents, crying, mentions of money problems ( if i missed anything let me know ! )

2017 !

Chloe took a deep breath as she stepped off of the subway, keeping her head down in hopes that nobody around her would notice the girl making her way around the city. To say she was nervous would be an understatement. Today was the day, the day she had been waiting for since before she even became a trainee, the day she had been hoping for since she decided to come halfway around the world to become a singer. She was finally meeting her dad. Well, officially, she had, of course met him before she could remember, but in all of her earliest memories, the unknown man was nowhere to be seen.

When her Yerim told her that someone claiming to be her father wanted to get in contact with her, she had been skeptical, but the more information the man had given her made it clear that he was actually the man she was looking for. 

Her mother had alway told her that her father went back to Korea when she was little, having to take care of some big company overseas, not having much time to come back and visit. As a child, Chloe had believed her mother’s words wholeheartedly, reciting them back to the mean kids on the playground that would make fun of her for her lack of a father figure. She believed her, she had nothing else to go off of and her child-like brain could only think of that unknown man like some sort of king. She made her way to Korea in hopes of becoming a big start her king-like father could be proud of, making him want to meet her and be in her life for the rest of it. Though Chloe, now seventeen years old, realized that this Kwon Hyungsik person is probably nowhere like the king she had imagined in her head all of this time.

Chloe shook the thoughts out of her head, pushing through the crowds lightly, careful to not turn too many heads, though she could barely contain herself with her fast-paced heart. She felt Minho’s presence behind her, not letting her go anywhere alone, especially to meet a stranger, but also giving her the space to feel like the meeting was something intimate. 

Minho was the whole reason she was even able to actually meet up with her father, Yerim being against it since the very beginning, though all it took was one set of puppy dog eyes from Chloe and a sweet smile from Minho to convince the older woman on the sole condition that Minho would be there the entire time. Chloe supposes that it makes sense, though she couldn’t help the small feeling of annoyance at knowing that Minho would be witnessing such a monumental moment for her. Still, she supposes that she should thank the older man for even allowing this to happen. She continued through the crowded streets, reminding herself to do that on their way home.

The small park they agreed to meet at came closer, or at least Chloe expected it to be close with all of the playful screams of children getting louder and louder the more she walked about. It wasn’t too far from the entrance, people milling in and out, kids running all around and Chloe could feel her heart rate pick up at the thought of going into the park, the thought of looking through all of those people to find her dad.

Her mind was heavy with thoughts, Chloe not even realizing she missed the entrance until she felt a body come up behind her.

“Chloe,” Minho’s deep voice filled her ears, pulling her out of her thoughts as he came up beside her, his hand resting casually in his pockets as he looked forward, sunglasses covering his eyes. “Is there a reason you walked straight past the entrance to the park?”

“Nope,” she replied, far too quickly, continuing forward. “I just missed it.”

“Yeah,” Minho replied, nodding his head and Chloe could tell he didn’t buy it. “You know, it’s okay to be nervous, right?”

“I’m not nervous,”

“Of course you aren’t,” he said, not once looking at her and Chloe was grateful for that. “But, if you were, it’s probably very normal to be nervous in this situation.”

Chloe just nodded, continuing to walk around the park, circling it to find the next entrance, hoping she will have psyched herself up enough to walk through the gate. They walked in silence for some moments, Minho knowing that Chloe didn’t want to talk, or at least didn’t want to be pushed to talk about what was going through her head.

Suddenly, Chloe let out a loud sigh. “I just built up this whole idea of him in my head,” she looks over to Minho, who is still staring forward. “What if he doesn’t live up to it?”

The older man just shrugged, finally shooting the younger a look. “He probably won’t,” he said finally, looking back forward. “You can’t expect people to live up to the perfect version you have in your head, that’s just normal.”

“Wow, way to make me feel better,” Chloe muttered, crossing her arms over her chest as she kicked some of the small rocks littering the sidewalk.

“I’m serious!” he replied, holding his hands up in fake surrender. “Do you still want to meet him, even if he isn’t perfect?”

“Yes,” her voice was small and she refused to look at the older man.

“Then why the hell does it matter if he doesn’t live up to this god-like figure you have in your head.”

Chloe thought about it. She had spent her entire life wanting to meet her dad, so what if he wasn’t this rich CEO her mom had put in her head. She just longed for that other parental figure that she missed growing up. Her mom had done a great job raising her, she loved her a lot and put all of her effort into giving Chloe the best life she could, but she could help the part of her that wanted to know her dad was and have him in her life for the first time that she could remember.

She let out a final sigh, nodding her head at the older man next to her, wasting no time to turn around and walk through the gates to the crowded park. Chloe looked around, trying to spot someone who looked out of place in the large sea of people. Her eyes scanned over the people one by one, looking at each person’s face, hoping to see some sort of resemblance between the man she was looking for and her.

“Chloe?” a voice questioned from behind her, stopping her in her tracks as she whipped her head around to look at the source of the new voice. 

The man in front of her looked nothing like what she had pictured. Chloe knew she looked like her mother, it was something that everyone who knew her mom from when they were kids commented on each time they would see her, but she at least thought that she would get some of her genes from her father. His wide, friendly-looking face started back at her with his eyes creasing in a warm smile, wrinkles adorning his face much more than she would expect. He was dressed normally, definitely not in the expensive clothes Chloe had pictured ever since she was younger, but it didn’t bother Chloe one bit.

“Dad?” she questioned and she could hear her voice cracking as happy tears welled up in her eyes. 

The man in question smiled, nodding lightly before taking the final steps toward Chloe, wrapping her in a tight hug. The hug felt warm and safe and Chloe was surprised with how she didn’t feel awkward in the slightest and the contact with the unknown man.

When they finally pulled away, her father gave her a once over. “You’ve gotten so big, I could hardly believe it was you when I saw you on TV.”

“You watched me on TV?” Chloe felt her heart soar at the idea of her father seeing her performing and being proud of her for doing so. 

“Yes,” he smiled. “I was walking past a shop when you were an MC on one of those music shows and I instantly knew it was you, you look so much like your mother.”

“I get that a lot,” she replied, looking down at her feet, a small laugh leaving her lips. The mention of her mother made her shy, and she wasn’t sure if it was because she was unsure of the way things ended between them, something her mother never talked about.

She opened her mouth to reply, words hanging on her lips as she stared back at the man she wished she knew far before this, when a high-pitched squeal knocked her out of her thoughts.

“Daddy!” the voice said and Chloe probably would have thought nothing of it if her father’s head didn’t whip around at the sound. 

His eyes landed on a young girl, no more than three or four, who was jumping excitedly from her spot perched on top of the large slide, her hands waving back and forth to grab her father’s attention. Chloe didn’t miss the way that her father’s face softened looking at the child, his hands coming up to wave back at her almost instantly. 

The small movement felt like a punch in the gut, knocking the wind out of her, her mind filling with so many thoughts she could barely pay attention to the older man turning back to her. His smile slowly dropped when he noticed the look on Chloe’s face as she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the girl who was living the life she craved when she was little.

“So,” she started, finally looking back to her father, hoping she steeled her voice enough for her emotion to be hidden. “You have a daughter.”

“Yeah,” her father replied, and Chloe hated the awkward tension that filled the air around them. He looked back at the young girl, pointing her out to Chloe. “That’s Hyeri, she’s three, and the lady standing by the bottom of the slide is my wife, Jimin.”

The addition of the word ‘wife’ felt like another punch in the gut and Chloe had to stop herself from letting the tears fall down her face. She stupid, of course her father would have a whole new life and family, it’s been seventeen years, after all. Though, she couldn’t help the sting in her heart when she looked at the happy family right in front of her, living the life that she could only dream of as a child. 

She was too busy staring off at the happy little family that she missed the beginning of her father’s words, catching a small ‘times have been tough,’ at the end of it.

Chloe felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head, her eyes instantly snapping to meet her father’s, where he at least had the decency to look a little bit sheepish, a hand resting on the back of his neck.

“Did you only want to meet me because you wanted money?” the words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, tears threatening to spill as she looked at the man before her.

“What, Chloe, no, I,” the man stumbled over his words, and Chloe knew he was looking for something to say that would make him sound better. “I’ve always wanted to see you, Chloe,” he finished lamely, looking down at his feet.

Chloe shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “You never came to visit, you didn’t even call.” her words were biting as she stared at the older man who refused to look in her eyes.

“I-”

“Save it,” Chloe dismissed, looking away from the figure in front of her. “Don’t contact me again, I was better with never knowing you.”

She turned, walking away without another word and it took everything in her to not run into Minho’s arms and break down, but she couldn’t, not until she was out of her father’s sight. Minho didn’t say anything when Chloe walked towards him and she was grateful he could understand that her hard set jaw meant that she didn’t want to talk about it, he would push her about it later, but he knew better than to say anything here.

They walked out of the park, no words exchanged between them as Chloe tried to make it to the subway without breaking down. She only got a good street over before she could feel the tears start to fall. Minho, in his very observant glory, knew what was happening as soon as he heard the first sniffle, placing a hand on Chloe’s shoulder and pulling her off the sidewalk, over to a bench away from the crowd of people walking.

His arms snuck their way around her shoulders, giving her a tight squeeze. Minho’s hug is what sent her over the edge, tears falling and ugly sobs wrecking through her body. Minho never hugged her, they were close and they got along like real siblings, but hugging was something the two barely did. The last time he hugged her was when she couldn’t stop crying once she had to say goodbye to her mother after KCON in New York. 

“Are you okay?” he asked, knowing the answer before Chloe even shook her head. He just nodded back at her, knowing Chole would tell him what happened when she was ready.

They sat like that for a good while, nobody even sparing the crying girl a glance as they hustled by on their daily activities. Minho’s arm was perfectly around her rubbing soothing circles as her sobs weaned down into just little sniffles.

“I want to go home,” Chloe said after a long while, her voice still watery from all the crying.

“Okay,”

“No, I want to go home-home,” she told him, her eyes wide, hoping he would understand that she wanted nothing more than to see her mother and let her console her.

Minho nodded, his lips in a tight line as he thought. “Okay,” he replied finally. “Let’s get you back to the apartment and we can figure out what to do from there.”

Chloe nodded, bringing a hand up to wipe the tears off of her face, trying to make herself look at least a bit more presentable, as she followed Minho through the busy streets, hoping to push away any thoughts of her father, knowing the tears would start again if she thought of him.

[yandere-oppai]

My Alpha

Yandere! Omega! Kirishima x Reader

Forced Partnership (pt.1)

Words: 1700+

Warnings: Nsfw, mentions of non-con

Note: Note beta-read

The second part will be posted tomorrow. 

----

The social structures that came with a world of alpha, omegas, and betas were (in your opinion) complete bullshit. The idea of an alpha forcefully claiming an omega, and the omega preceding to “love” the fucker because of genetics? That’s just Stockholm syndrome with extra steps. It made you have a severe admiration for betas. They didn’t have to deal with their natural instinct. They could live normally. 

Though, you have to credit your mother for giving you this complex. Before your second sex characteristics came in, she assumed you’d be an omega. Afterall, Alphas, in general, were rare, and on her family’s side, there were no betas. She’d fill your head with how someday you’ll find an alpha to take care of you. Like that was every omega’s dream. You’d hear her go on about how your father was a strong alpha who was a godsend. Who chose her to carry his genes. And you believed her for a while. When you would ask her where he was, she’d look at you and say...

“He’ll be back for us soon”

It was when your beta godmothers (mom’s high school friends) visited did you realize just how cruel the world was. Mom had left you in their care while she went to buy snacks for the guests.  Your room’s vent carried sound. From the living room, you could hear their hushed whispers carry over. You couldn’t help but listen.

“She still hasn’t given up on finding him.”

“She can’t help it, it’s in her DNA. You know how omegas are. Loyal to their alpha.”

There was a pause, you assume they were thinking again. Probably sad thoughts. 

“But he’s not her alpha. It was rape, and nothing close to a consensual. It’s not fair…”

“Nothing in life is fair. Not all humans are created equal.”

Your seven-year-old mind couldn’t wrap your head around what they were saying. Rape? Non-consensual? Who were they talking about? Your mind ran wild. But by the tone of their normally upbeat voices, you knew what they were saying wasn’t a happy subject. And for some reason, it stuck in your head. And as you further aged (you weren’t sure when) you began to understand what they were talking about. That’s when you realized how evil alphas were and how vulnerable omegas are. You hoped and prayed that you’d end up as a beta. 

It was during your second year of middle school that your symptoms kicked in. You’d always been an athletic kid who enjoyed playing to the fullest. So after gym class, while you were changing with the other girls, you didn’t think much of your skin growing hot. Thinking that a broken ac was the cause.

“Hey, is anyone else hot. I think the a/c might need fixing!” you joke but didn’t receive a response. 

When you turned around you were greeted by some of your peer’s faces turned beet red. Those that had already gone through the change. It took one of your close friends coming up to you and stuttering out that you were going through a rut, that you finally understood. You quickly threw on the rest of your clothing and ran to the nurse’s office in tears. You’d become one of the things you hated most. 

----

“Where are you headed (L/n)-san?” Came the voice of one of the business course girls. You smiled and waved your hand.

“I just have to visit recovery girl before lunch. I think I might’ve pulled something earlier this morning,” you explained. The girls wished you luck on your way and you took off.

You’d never tell them the truth though. You kept a consistent schedule in when to take your represent medication. If you ever felt like a rut was coming on you’d rush to recovery girl to get the stronger medication. Today, you were 100% going through a rut. The pills you’d taken in the morning and during class could only do so much. It hid your scent and took away your symptoms, though only for about half an hour. They were the only ones you could get over the counter. The stronger stuff had to be sent in by parents and held in the nurse’s office. Taking too many could harm the individual. 

“Recovery girl? Are you in?” You called and made your way into the sweet-smelling room. She might’ve replaced the flowers she was using. Or tried out the aromatherapy you’d recommended for students. “Guess she’s not in right now?”

There was no little old lady to be found in the room. So you sat on the bed next to its twin, covered by the surrounding curtains. Some poor soul probably didn’t want to be disturbed. You sat for a bit, just enjoying the smell of what you assumed was honeysuckle and vanilla. That is until a pained groan game from the other side of the curtain. You ignored it at first, but another louder blanch made your worry grow.

“You okay over there?” You called. Only to receive a whimper in response. The noise for some reason made you incredibly unhappy. Almost like your stomach dropped in an instant. You stood up and began to open the thick curtain. “Hey, hope you don’t mind but I-”

The pleasant smell of the office finally made sense. Especially with the source of it staring directly at you with half-lidded eyes. His red hair coming undone from its paralyzed style. Skin slick with perspiration and tears. All coming together with his flush skin to give him even more of a sickly look. You knew what was happening, he’s an omega. An omega in heat at that. Another whimper from him broke you out of your frozen state and sent a quiver to your core. This wasn’t good, your pills were wearing off. And the redhead could tell by how your scent was responding to his. To hell with waiting for recovery girl, you would rather make a B-line for the dorm and suffer through the rut before you’d force yourself on someone. When you took an unstable step back the male’s eyes widen and he tries to sit up. 

“Alpha…” came his gruff voices, clearly exhausted from his heat. Again, the heat between your legs persisted. 

“Omega,” you responded almost automatically. Yet again one of the reasons why you hated biology.

 He gave you a smile and continued to stand up on unstable legs. You really wanted to run but your hormones were in overdrive. You didn’t want to stay but your legs were rooted to the floor a few feet from this guy. You tried your hardest to at most stand your ground and do nothing. Better than doing something you’ll regret. But when he stumbled you couldn’t help but catch him and give him some support. Again with the big grin.

“Alpha,” he once again mumbled. But this time he took advantage of the situation and nuzzled his head into your scent gland. You gulped, you needed to end this before things escalated. His growing smell was starting to affect you. 

“H-hey, wait,” you stepped back but kept your harms on his biceps to keep him up. He let out a whine at the lost contact. “Y-you don’t want this. And I’m not l-looking for an omega. So if you could jus-” you were taken aback when he suddenly launched himself hat you. Knocking the both of you back onto the bed you’d been sitting on earlier. 

His lips were on yours in an instant. Moving his mouth to an out of tune and sloppy rhythm. His teeth pricked at your lips in a plea for entrance. You wanted to shut him out, you really wanted to. But in an instant of weakness and hormone-filled lust...you parted your lips. In an instant, those desperate closed-mouthed kisses turned into a heated mutual passion.

Your tongue taking control in an instant. Exploring his mouth in a more aggressive way than he did. Teeth against teeth and bruised lips were all that could describe the moment. And when you felt a hardened length furiously run itself back and forth against your clothed nether region, you lost all semblance of control. You let out a guttural groan and grabbed the omega by the neck, pulling him away from your lips. His scrunched up eyebrows didn’t last long before you had flipped the two of you so that you were on top. 

As all alphas should be 

He let out happy mewls as you began to pepper his neck with love bites and rough kisses. Never biting hard enough to count as a mating mark. But with his hands curled up in your hair, trying to direct your mouth to his scent gland, it was hard to resist. 

“Alpha, my alpha…” He chanted like some kind of prayer. Which only egged you on. 

His gyrations picked up speed at one point, his hips finally finding their rhythm. The smell of slick and his vanilla scent were all that your senses could focus on. Making your head feel light and hazy. Like there was no better place to be but here. You continued to mark any exposed skin you could on his neck, leaving no territory left unconquered. And him doing the same for you. When you felt his whole body lock up and his eyes almost roll to the back of his head, you couldn’t help instinct. 

You bit down as hard as you could onto his neck. You were latched onto his scent gland as he rode out his orgasm. The poor boy got off just by dry humping you. How sweet. 

“Yours, I’m yours. Your omega. Your mate. My alpha! Mine,” he spoke in broken sentences. His focus completely lost in lust. 

The door to the nurse’s office opening is what prompted you to detach yourself from the now messy boy. His face and hair now matching one another. It was only then that you realized what you’d done. 

You jumped up and ran out of the office past recovery girl. You were in tears and completely ignored the sound of the boy you left on the bed. Still calling for his supposed alpha. 

I’m a fucking monster

[nix1327]

Supernatural Shobbs AU

I wrote this back in October and just now remembered it. Enjoy lol

Luke had always been proud to be a Were; even prouder to be a wolf. Since he was little, his father had always preached to him about the importance of pure genetics and how, when he married- because that was something all wolves should do- he needed to marry another wolf with pure genes. Even after his father had left and he had stopped listening to the Pure speech bullshit, Luke’s mother had still thrown around the idea that Luke should be thinking about settling down, having a family pretty soon.

After he had turned his father in and left Samoa to join the DSS, the idea that he should find another wolf to settle down with still rattled around in his head. Apparently it had prioritized itself pretty quick, too; Samantha was proof of that. And despite it not having worked out exactly as he had hoped, he wouldn’t have it any other way. If he’d never met Sam’s mother, he, obviously, would have never had Sam. And if Sam’s mom had never left, well, he’d never have met Deckard Shaw. So, it all worked out pretty well if Luke did say so himself.

The fact that Deckard was human was something Luke hadn’t really thought much about. Being around Deckard, he hadn’t had reason to think about it. It was like the man had all of the abilities of a Were, what with the way he kept up with the crew. The way he could keep up with Luke. And that- that right there- was the main reason he hadn’t ever considered Deckard’s humanness. No, Luke had been too busy thinking about how Deckard could keep up with him in other ways.

When the Hobbs family had first met Deckard, they’d all been a little preoccupied with saving the world to really get to know him; in other words, they never got the chance to really sit down and grill him. And after the whole world-saving business, well, Deckard had more than proven himself to the Hobbs clan. They had warmed up to him pretty quick after that. Really, Luke’s mom practically spoiled Deckard now. She liked to show her affection for the man who had “reigned in her wildest son” by making extra special kopai for him. Also by hitting said son with her flip flops, scolding Luke for not feeding Deckard enough. Needless to say, integrating Deckard into the pack was like mixing sugar with water, the Brit just dissolved right in.

And it’s not as if being human was a bad thing. It’s just a little different than the Were Luke’s mother had originally thought he’d settle down with. Anyway, it could be a million times worse; Deckard could be a vampire or something of the sort. Yikes, Luke’s nose wrinkled even thinking about those bloodsuckers. Yeah, his human mate was perfect just the way he was.

****

It was late October, getting close to Halloween. Luke and Deckard were at the Hobbs residence, helping Sam with her costume. She was going in sugar skull makeup to her friend’s Halloween party tomorrow night. Apparently, it was the biggest party of the year, and therefore everything had to be perfect. The black skirt had arrived on the doorstep just that afternoon, and Sam had been ecstatic to see that it fit. Now it was dark out and Luke was sitting with her in the living room, helping her develop the control to change her eye color to her beta color, so she wouldn’t have to wear contacts.

“Bloody Amazon,” Deckard said, walking into the warmly lit room.“Can’t even get the face paint order straight. They botched it up so that it’s not coming tonight. Won’t even be here in time for tomorrow night.” Sam’s ears perked up at that and she looked worriedly from Deckard and back to her father. Sensing the beginnings of a “teenage angst storm”, as Deckard liked to call them, Luke quickly began thinking on his feet and smiled at Sam in what he hoped was a reassuring way.

“S’alright, Sammy. We can just go to the store and get some tomorrow after you get home from school.” Luke could clearly see how Sam’s shoulders drooped and she brought out the puppy dog eyes.

“But I need time to practice with it, Dad! I can’t put it on for the first time when I go to the party!” Deckard took one look at Sam’s big, sad eyes and was already reaching for his jacket from the coat rack.

“I was headed out to run some errands, anyway. It’s no trouble to pick up some face paint too. Plenty of time to try it out and get to bed on time for a school night,” he said with a wink to the teen. Sam’s entire aura brightened and she gave Deckard a megawatt smile.

“Deck, you don’t have to do that,” Luke hated the way his words darkened his daughter’s face, but he didn’t want Deckard to have to make the trip all the way out to Walmart when he was headed that way tomorrow. He could pick up the goods then.

Deckard shrugged a shoulder and waved off Luke’s concern. “It’s no trouble, Big Bird. I’m meeting a bloke that’s got a new piece for me tonight anyway. I’ll just pick up the paint on my way home.” Luke frowned slightly at that, but knew Deckard could take care of himself.

“If you say so, Princess.” Deckard rolled his eyes at the nickname, but still leaned up to give Luke a quick peck goodbye when prompted before heading for the front door.

“Deckard.” Deckard turned at the sound of his name and Luke gave him a meaningful look. “Stay safe.”

Deckard gave Luke a lopsided grin and an, “Aren’t I always?” before opening the door and heading out into the chilly night.

Despite the normality of the situation, Luke had a bad feeling about it all. He looked out and watched Deckard drive away before shaking himself and getting back to coaching Sam in control, brushing off the slight wariness as a side effect of the waxing moon.

****

Four hours later, after having sent a slightly upset but more worried Sam to bed, Luke was starting to get a little worried himself; the unease was flowing back into him and chilling his veins. Deckard had only said that he was meeting up with a guy to buy a gun, then grabbing the face paint before heading home. That certainly shouldn’t take four hours.

Luke waited a couple more minutes, weighing his options before he got up and headed for the kitchen. With his mind made up, Luke ripped off a piece of paper and jotted down a note in case Sam woke up to an empty house. He grabbed his leather jacket and his keys before heading for the door.

Luke pulled open the door and screeched to a halt when he saw the fist that was raised, as if about to knock.

“Jesus,” Hobbs jumped about a foot in the air. “Deckard? You scared the shit outta me. I was just about to come out looking for you. When’d you get here? I didn’t see your headlights in the driveway. Did everything go alright? You get the face pai…” Luke’s ramblings faded to silence as he squinted his eyes and took his first good look at his partner.

“Deckard? Are you alright? Oh my God is that BLOOD!?!” Suddenly Deckard was falling and Luke was catching him in his arms, sweeping him up off his feet and bringing him inside, kicking the door shut as he went.

Luke laid Deckard down on the couch and turned on the overhead lights. The sight made his hackles raise and his eyes flash. Deckard was covered in blood. His jacket and white shirt were completely stained, and his neck and face were splattered with red droplets.

Luke’s hands immediately flitted around Deckard before descending down to his abdomen and working his way up, checking for any grievous injuries. In his attempt to find a wound that could be responsible for the copious amount of blood, Luke happened to overlook the small wounds.

“Hey. Deckard. Deck. Stay with me,” Luke patted the other man’s face gently and tried to get him to keep his eyes open. “What happened? Deckard. What happened?” Deckard’s eyes opened for a moment, wild and alert. As his gaze focused in on Luke, the wildness cleared, his body relaxing in Luke’s grip as he realized he was safe and protected.

“Hey, Twinkle Toes,” he whispered before his eyes shut and he fell into unconsciousness.

“Deckard! Wake up! Wake up!” Luke shook the other man none too gently but Deckard didn’t move. He was completely dead to the world.

****

The first thing Luke noticed, when he had reined in his emotions and shifted into work mode, was the smell. There was this faint whiff of something sharp attacking his nose. It was coming from Deckard. Hidden under all of that humanness, there was the faintest trace of the supernatural. This was new.

Luke had gotten used to smelling Hattie’s fae powder on Deckard after he came back from visiting London, or Owen’s Werejaguar musk after Deckard got back from some black ops mission. He was most familiar with the intimate, salty ocean scent of his own pack reflected back on him by Deckard after the man had spent a few weeks with him. He had never, in all his time around Deckard, smelled a hint of the supernatural within him.

Because of this, Luke ruled out the option of taking Deckard to human hospitals. He didn’t know if they were equipped to deal with something like this. But it’s not like he could take the man to a Supernatural Hospital; there was no record of Deckard being a Supe and they might think he’d been hiding it. For which there were many severe laws in place that punished this. The only option Luke really had left was one he wasn’t too comfortable with. But with Deckard on his couch, possibly bleeding out from a wound Luke couldn’t identify, well, he’d brave just about any situation to get his partner the help he needed.

****

One phone call, a sleepy conversation with Sam, and an hour later Luke was standing in his living room, wringing his hands as one of Mr. Nobody’s best Supernatural doctors looked over Deckard.

All of Luke’s instincts were screaming at him to attack the doctor and get him off of his mate, but Luke chained the wolf down and kept him on a short leash. Deckard needed his help right now, not an overprotective wolf man.

“You said this was his blood?” Luke was broken out of his thoughts by the kneeling doctor.

“Yeah. I’m certain it is. I can smell it.” Luke wishes he couldn’t.

The doctor made a humming noise that grated on Luke’s nerves and tested his patience. Thankfully, he wasn’t left waiting long before the doctor adjusted his glasses, opened his mouth, and started explaining.

“Well, the good news is that I know what’s wrong with him. The bad news is that, you being what you are, aren’t going to like it.” The doctor turned towards Luke, his eyes behind his glasses flickering back from their beta color. Luke’s hackles raised at his comment and he couldn’t help the growl that escaped.

“‘What I am?’ What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” the doctor said, getting up off his knees and taking his glasses off to look Luke right in the eye, “that you, a Werewolf, have a problem because he,” the man gestured to Deckard, “is a newly made Homo Nosferatu Vampiris. More commonly known as a vampire.”

Oh.

OH SHIT.

[alarawriting]

Writeober 13 - Rose

The first of her old group that Sandy ran into was Aliyah, looking every bit as gorgeous as she used to back when they were all in high school. “Sandy!” Aliyah hugged her. “Girlfriend, you look fantastic!”

“You liar,” Sandy said affectionately. She was forty pounds heavier than she’d been in high school, and the stress of motherhood and scrambling to make ends meet had taken its toll on her face, and she knew it. But that was Aliyah for you. The most beautiful girl in the entire school, and she always had a kind word or an encouragement for everyone else she met. Aliyah was older now, but no less beautiful – possibly moreso, in fact, because she’d grown into confidence and power. Her skin was darker than Sandy’s, but perfect and smooth, while Sandy’s brown face had never entirely grown out of its teenage habit of developing pimples, nor of showing blemishes where the pimples used to be. And her clothes, of course, were fashionable and fit her like they were tailored, whereas the dress Sandy was wearing came off the rack at Target and fit like a gunnysack.

None of that mattered. Sandy had worshiped Aliyah as a kid, had wanted to be her… up until the revelations of their senior year, when she’d learned the price Aliyah had paid for money and beauty. They’d been in touch periodically ever since; neither of them had much time to meet in person, but Aliyah desperately needed a confidante she could call and talk to, or email with, who didn’t care about her money or fame, and Sandy felt honored to be that friend.

“Who all’s here?” Sandy asked.

“I’ve seen Gwen and Tulsi—”

“Gwen?”

“Harriet used to call her Gun, remember? Red Sky.”

“Oh, that’s right. Glad she made it. What about Susan?”

“I think she’s coming,” Aliyah said. “She was on the planning committee with me. But I haven’t seen her yet. And I haven’t seen Harriet.”

“I’m going to circulate around a while, see if I can find any of them,” Sandy said.

“You should try the fondue fountain, it is to die for,” Aliyah said.

Sandy laughed. “Some of us poor mortal girls have to watch our weight.”

“Oh, don’t even. You’ve had two kids, you’ve got a mortgage to pay, your job has you sit at a desk all day – you are in fantastic shape for someone who’s done everything you have and works as hard as you do. You deserve a chocolate strawberry or two.”

“Thanks,” Sandy said, “maybe I will.”

“I mean it, Sandy. You see me looking like this, but looking like this is my job. I have personal trainers, I have nutritionists, I’ve got a whole gym in my house. And what do I do? I’m an actress. I like to think I bring joy to people’s lives, but I don’t have any children, and you fight health insurance companies to make sure your doctors get paid and your patients don’t get screwed, and that is so important in this day and age. You’ve made two humans and you work your ass off to give them good lives and raise them up right. You are the one of us who’s still a hero, Sandy, I’m just the one who was lucky enough to have rich parents.”

“I remember you telling me about your parents, Ali. I don’t think you were lucky.”

Aliyah smiled wistfully. “Yeah, no, you’re right about that part of it. I just don’t want you being down on yourself because you gained weight, girl. Nobody gets out of high school without getting bigger. It’s natural. The only reason people think thin is beautiful is the beauty industry trying to sell them garbage.”

“Didn’t you do a makeup commercial a few years ago?”

Aliyah laughed. “I did! Beauty products are garbage, but as long as women are going to buy them, I want them to see glamorous black women wearing product that makes our skin look spectacular. You know?”

“I do,” Sandy said. “I – oh. Is that Red Sky with that little girl on her shoulders?”

Aliyah turned and looked. “That’s her. Why don’t you go talk to her? I’m going to look for Susan.”

“Good luck,” Sandy said, and went over to greet her former comrade.

Red Sky – Gwen, who almost never went by that – was tall. Sandy remembered her being tall, but wow, she must have kept growing out of high school. Her red hair was still cut short, military-style, but she was wearing a dress, which had to be the first time Sandy had ever seen her in one. The dress showed off her biceps, which had been amazing back then and still were, and she had a small girl around five or six, pale-skinned with curly black hair, riding her piggyback style. She waved cheerily at Sandy as soon as she saw her. “Hey there! Sandy! How’s it going?”

“Pretty good, pretty good,” Sandy said. “That your little girl?”

“She sure is! Ginny, say hi to my friend Sandy.”

“Hi!” Ginny waved. “Are you friends with both my mommies?”

“I don’t know who your other mommy is,” Sandy said.

“Sure you do,” Gwen said. “It’s Harriet.”

That stopped Sandy dead for a moment. “Harriet. As in Black Rose.”

“Yup.”

“As in the girl you said you totally hated.” She was censoring that for Ginny’s sake; there had generally been a few f-bombs thrown into that statement when Gwen had made it, back then.

“Sure did.”

“As in the girl who bullied you all through elementary, middle, and high school.”

“To be fair, I gave as good as I got.”

“The one you said you wanted to join the army to get away from. That Harriet.”

“Yup, that’s the one.” Gwen laughed. “Turns out we didn’t really hate each other after all. She was just the most repressed lesbian ever and I was… well, I wasn’t repressed, but all the stuff I did to annoy her because I thought I hated her, turns out there was another reason for that.”

“Wow.” Sandy shook her head. “Amazing.”

“I have Mommy Harriet’s genes,” Ginny said, which seemed to Sandy like a very strange topic of conversation for a six year old to bring up. “But I grew in Mommy Gunnie’s tummy.”

“You know about genes?”

“She’s Harriet’s kid,” Gwen said. “Of course she knows about genes. Don’t you, cookie?”

“Genes are why we are what we are,” Ginny said. “We get them from mommies and daddies. My daddy doesn’t live with us but he was very smart and so Mommy Harriet picked him for his genes so I could be smart and he said yes.”

“Paul,” Gwen said before Sandy could ask.

“Oh. Makes sense.” Paul hadn’t been a member of their group, but he’d known about them, and he’d been close friends with Tulsi and Harriet, and he’d helped them out on numerous occasions. While Harriet had been bizarrely obsessed with human biology, and Tulsi had been an all-around genius who was just good at every academic subject ever, Paul had had a penchant for engineering and computers.

“You know if Susan’s here?” Gwen asked.

“Aliyah thinks she’s probably around here somewhere. She was on the planning committee. Is Harriet here?”

“She said she was gonna be—” The door to the school gym opened, and a short, pale woman with black curly hair, wearing an open black coat, a black velvet dress, black nylons, and a necklace made of bits of polished white something that Sandy would bet were animal bones, stalked in. “—late,” Gwen finished. “Hey! Harriet!”

Harriet did not look up, or at anyone in the room. She just power-walked over to Gwen, head partially down but eyes pointed straight ahead and glowering. “Green Vine,” she said to Sandy. “Everyone’s here. Gather them up and meet me in the old senior lounge.”

“What’s going on?” Gwen asked.

“They’re back, Gun.” Now Harriet looked up, meeting her wife’s eyes high above her own. “I’m not here as Harriet Nonasky. I’m here as Black Rose. The Guardians need to gather again.”

“Fuck!” Gwen said. “Harriet… we’ve got Ginny here! We can’t go anywhere without finding her a sitter!”

“What about Daddy Paul?” Ginny suggested.

“And I’ve got kids back home,” Sandy said. “They’ve got a sitter, and they’ve got their dad when he gets home later tonight, but neither the sitter nor my husband are expecting me to… what? What are we even doing? I can’t fit in my Green Vine costume anymore! I don’t think any of us could!”

“Harriet can,” Gwen said. “I’ve seen her wear the Black Rose costume at home. She still fits in it.”

“Forget costumes,” Harriet said. “I got Paul for Ginny, and he said he’d find help for Sandy’s and Susan’s kids. Where’s Susan?”

“No one’s seen her yet,” Gwen said.

Harriet closed her eyes. She’d ladled on a good bit of black eyeshadow on top of her black mascara, and thick white foundation everywhere else, so when she closed her eyes they looked almost like shadowy holes in her face. “We need to find her. Now. Because they might have gotten her.”

“I’ll tell Aliyah,” Sandy said. “And whoever finds Tulsi first, let her know.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve got a minivan now, so… if y’all want me to, I can be the driver again.”

“That might be the way things go,” Harriet said. “Gun, give me Ginny. Paul’s out in the parking lot waiting for her.”

“I – all right.” She set her daughter down on the floor. “You gonna be good for Daddy Paul?”

“Uh-huh. Are you gonna go be superheroes, Mommy Gunnie?”

“We sure might,” Gwen said. “Harriet, tell him thanks for me.”

“Right,” Harriet said. “Ginny, come on.”

“Is this really happening?” Sandy asked rhetorically, shaking her head. She turned around and searched the room for Aliyah. Or Tulsi. Or Susan. Especially Susan. She saw Aliyah, and she saw Tulsi… but no sign of White Fox.

“Red Sky, Blue Sea’s over by the girls’ locker room. You go talk to her. I’ll tell Golden Sun.” Blue Sea was Tulsi, and Golden Sun was Aliyah.

“I thought we killed those bastards extra dead,” Gwen said. “Goddamn.”

“Me too.”

Gwen shrugged. “Oh well. I gotta say, I won’t cry if I’ve gotta killinate them some more. Let’s find the others and then meet up with Harriet, and hopefully she’ll actually tell us what the hell is going on.”

“You’re optimistic. She never did before,” Sandy said.

“I’m married to her. She’s mellowed out. Some. Trust me.”