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okayoonoh · 4 years

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MARK’S FAMILY

a/n: i have a bit more time now since school is out! i hope to get as many things out as i can!

here’s the masterlist to all things nct dad related! go and check it out!

MARK LEE:

he has 2 kids, both boys. ethan lee is the oldest, 2 years later, eli lee was born.

ETHAN LEE: >> as a baby <<

a giggly little thing

he was honestly just a lowkey baby

like he wasn’t super energetic

he wasn’t super fussy

he was just lowkey

mark honestly was so nervous the entire first couple months of ethan’s life

he genuinely felt like he was doing everything wrong and was so scared that he would do something that would eventually hurt ethan

but you would reassure him that every new parent just needs to figure it out and everything will be okay

mark was still pretty nervous tho

ethan is the oldest of the kids born in his year

there’s only three of them

ten’s second son, shawn leechaiyapornkul and jaehyun’s daughter, jung lani

all three dads would come together as a joint baby sitting project

but honestly, ten and jaehyun went over to help mark and ease his nervousness

like shawn is ten’s second son, so even if ten doesn’t have it completely figured out, he at least has the experience

on the other hand, jaehyun has read a ton of parenting books and such so he knows a lot about the facts of the matter dealing with temperature of baby food, the right type of crib, the material of the baby’s clothes, etc.

jaehyun and ten would go to mark’s house a lot to help him out and teach him the ropes

(omg i have scenario ideas haha)

but a little snippet:

mark: okay, ten-hyung, he’s been crying for the last hour and i already fed, changed, and burped him and i’ve been trying to get him to sleep for a while now... what do i do?

ten: stop bouncing for a sec and hold him. *walks over so his face is level with ethan’s face* ethan look! *takes out a toy to distract the baby*

ethan: *gnaws on his fist but stops crying, his attention on the toy now.*

mark: how did you know?

ten: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ all experience, dude.

(another scenario)

mark: okay ethan, time for your bath!

jaehyun: waIT STOP

mark: ???

jaehyun: did you check the temperature??? you can’t put ethan in the same temperature that you bathe in... babies can be sensitive towards this... *puts his hand in the water* oh my goD! mark! this is way too hot!! turn down the temperature!

(oh man imma have fun with these three haha)

ethan was born first

shawn was born next

and lani was born last

they were all born rather close to each other tho

like coincidentally, they were all born like within 30 days of each other lol

ethan was born 2 weeks late (i know... poor you...)

shawn was born roughly on time

and lani was born like 2 weeks early

since they were all around the same age and such, jaehyun, ten, and mark found that as a reason to all get together and help each other

(it was more mark freaking out and ten and jaehyun helping him out haha)

just give mark sometime with ten and jaehyun and they’ll make sure he knows what to do :)

>> as a child <<

started to become a little more active

he’s so lovable

like he’s so magnetic

so many of the kids are just so drawn to him it’s weird

like even he doesn’t really know why but people just always want to be his friend

he’s so talented and so dedicated when he puts his mind into something

ethan is such a hard worker

he’s best friends with ten’s second son, shawn leechaiyapornkul and jaehyun’s daughter, jung lani

they all remain best friends basically for life

the three of them are pretty clever for kids

like they make really good decisions

they won’t go and buy the high quality toys that are expensive

they’ll buy the budget toys bc there’s more of them

the three of them all play well together

shawn is really shy and was really scared to try new things

he wasn’t really adventerous

ethan and lani decided it was their life mission to make shawn more social and adventurous

most of the things they all did together was to try and get shawn to try more things and be less scared of not scary things

and he loves it!

ethan is like the leader of the group

as the oldest, the other two tend to just follow him

ethan is the same way towards his little brother

like at first, he was awkward like mark was

tbh ethan is super awkward around babies lol

like he doesn’t know the right way to talk with them

he’s okay with his younger brother

he didn’t really know how to interact with eli when he was an infant

ethan gets better when eli is a toddler

he starts to gain an interest in rapping and stuff around this age

mark shows him some of his old videos and such

and he’s honestly so entranced

he thinks mark’s rapping is the coolest thing in the entire world (bc it is)

mark starts to teach him as much as he can

and ethan is just so interested in all of it

ethan spends almost all of his free time writing lyrics and such

mark helps him out

ethan most definitely can speak english too

like mark made it a point that he wants his kids to be bilingual lol

ethan is just as passionate about canada as mark is

honestly? ethan looks like a mix between you and mark

but his personality is all mark

when he hits puberty, his voice is squeakier than average lol

he still raps through it tho

he doesn’t let the squeaky voice make him feel insecure at all lol

>> as a teen/adult <<

becomes such an amazing rapper it’s crazy

he doesn’t join a boy group

he becomes a solo artist

he’s honestly just as busy a someone in a boy group tho

like not only did he get his personality from mark

he also got his busy schedule :,(

this was unintentional

but ethan is such a good rapper that they just filled up his schedule

lani becomes a solo artist herself and they collab together a lot

like they collab together so much that at this point, they should just say that their in a group together lol

ethan is so multitalented

like his rap style isn’t limited to just one

like he can do all kinds of different styles

he can spit bars

he can deliver a super strong rap

he can even rap in a chill way

ethan’s voice is honestly so calming too

like he has one of those voices that you can just listen to for hours on end

his on stage persona is so intimidating

but his normal personality?

he’s soft™

around lani? even softer™

tbh

like lani and ethan just decide that they’re together one day

they both probably danced around that topic because they both were scared that getting together would ruin their friendship

like lani didn’t want to confess because she didn’t think ethan liked her like that

and ethan vice versa

ethan would probably be writing a song and he would call lani to be there bc she was his muse

and like they found themselves super close with each other and stuff

then they were like “look, let’s just start dating, wth.”

and they do

and they become the power couple of the century™

lol they probably were super scared to tell shawn

but when they did he’ll be like “FINALLY”

and lani and ethan were like ???

and shawn was like “y’all. I’m hella dense, but even I WAS ABLE to see that there was something going on between you two.”

ethan and lani were both hella relieved and their status as a couple didn’t mess with their friendship with each other and with shawn at all

anyway

ethan gets really famous bc he’s just such a good rapper and such

and he maintains his relationship with his best friends

and he also supports the heck out of eli

omg eli would like make a dance cover to every single one of ethan’s songs

and ethan and eli would dance together a lot

they were super good siblings

if ethan needed choreo, the only person he would go to is eli. periodt.

ethan is honestly such a good and awesome person :)

ELI LEE: >> as a baby <<

he was so chic as a baby

like he would give you guys smiles and stuff

but the smiles only lasted a quick second

then his face is straight again

everyone was lowkey like “why is he so mad at us all of the time”

eli wasn’t mad

that was just his face lol

he was a rather bouncy baby

like he was definitely happiest when he was in his bouncer

mark was better this time, dw

he definitely wasn’t perfect

but the training ten and jaehyun put him through prepared him for this

eli also tended to smile a lot when ethan’s in the room

and mark is definitely happy to have a little helper

even tho ethan was still a little young when eli was born

he was still a huge help

like if eli was crying

ethan would walk over and hit him reassuringly

and eli would stop crying!

but it was out of shock and not comfort lol

it’s okay bc it gave mark enough time to get over there :)

eli honestly was the biggest momma’s boy

like the first day you were gone the whole day

eli couldn’t take it

he cried basically the entire day

eli loves mark, but he just loves you so much more for some reason lol

even tho he looked mad 25/8

he was such a pretty baby

like he was all you with mark’s eyes

those rare times eli did smile, oh man

the universe stopped when you saw that precious smile

he was a really sweet baby regardless of what people would say :,)

one of the quickest ways to make eli really happy is to put him in his bouncer

turn on some music

and boom

happy baby right there

mark is really good at playing with his boys

like both ethan and eli had such an active imagination

and mark was right up there with them

when eli was stomping and walking around, that’s when mark shined as a dad haha

eli is happy sunshine even tho he has one of the most severe cases of rbf lol

>> as a child <<

still pretty chic

like nothing really phases him

he looks scary or mean

but he’s honestly really sweet and nice

people would be really scared to approach him tbh

bc he just looked so mad

but the second he opened his mouth?

happy boy™

omg but if someone was talking crap about eli?

ethan would have none of it

ethan will defend his brother until the day he dies.

he’s best friends with yangyang’s oldest son, ryu wei

they’re born the same year

eli and wei both love love love hip hop

they also both are so talented at dancing

like when you watch like those dance company things (like the MILLENNIUM DANCE COMPLEX) and you see the little kids?

that’s eli and wei

their personalities compliment each other well

like their both goofballs

and they both work really hard

and they both have a huge passion for dancing!

omg eli is definitely the shy one between the two

okok imagine

it’s eli and wei’s first super huge dance comeptition

and they both have major solos / a duet part of the dance together

the entire family is there

(including all of nct and their kids lol)

(they totally take up half of the theater but that’s besides the point)

wei is HYPED

but eli is super duper nervous

to the point where eli doesn’t want to go onstage anymore

and even tho wei reassures him, eli is still nervous

wei knows exactly what to do tho

he goes and grabs ethan and takes ethan to eli

and after a quick pep talk and such, eli is all ready to go out

eli and wei both KILL it

they do so freaking well so like ofc they won :)

(without a doubt nct would be so freaking loud lol)

but it was genuinely so good!

eli is full of so much talent

but even so, he’s not lazy

both ethan and eli have such a good work ethic

they work hard to see their goals and it pays off :)

>> as a teen/adult <<

his face remains the same

like his stoic exterior is what makes him so popular

his facial expressions are honestly 10/10

he becomes a dancer

and he’s oh so good

he is another one of the instructors at youngchul and kaleb’s place

eli and wei are the freestyle teachers

like eli can do practically any style

but he feels like freestyling is the purest form of creative expression in dance

lol probably with his stoic expression, everyone thinks he’s the “bad cop”

but it’s the other way around

and like wei isn’t really the bad cop

eli is like “okay! good work guys! let’s take a quick break then start again!”

wei is like “okay! love the energy so let’s all keep it going with no break. we’ll take a break when our legs feel like their gonna fall off, okay?”

eli was probably casted a lot since he’s been in the dancing scene as soon as he could walk

and like he genuinely considered joining a group

like he knew how to rap a bit from practicing with ethan and such

and tbh, eli thought he would do it bc he thought that it would make mark “more” proud of him

but mark would tell him to do whatever he wanted!

like regardless if he joined a group or stayed as a dancer or heck, even get an office job

mark would be so proud

so eli decided (probably on a coinflip lol) that he’ll dedicate his time as a full time dancer

and honestly? he’s living his best life

like best best life

he gets to do his favorite thing everyday

he’s surrounded by family and friends?

eli is thriving

he also is super duper supportive of all of the other dancers in the group

like if a kid wants to dance for fun, eli and wei will teach them!

omg eli for sure inherited mark’s flexibility lol

if eli is really feeling the vibe of a song and wants to go off he’ll throw in the splits 99% of the time teehee

like all of his talent and hard work is shown through every performance

eli is honestly pretty awkward tho lol

like onstage and in front of a camera? he looks like the most confident person in the world

then offstage and someone compliments him?

poor baby gets so shy haha

he calls you everyday

he’s still the biggest momma’s boy lol

eli is honestly just thriving :))

---

and there’s mark’s fam! i hope you guys liked it!

i have a ton of ideas for a joint baby sitting project between mark, ten, and jaehyun! it should be a ton of fun to write!

let me know if you have any requests! my request box is open :))

- amy <3

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yellowmagicalgirl · 4 years

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A Different Sort of Rage

“Why does tragedy exist? Because you are full of rage. Why are you full of rage? Because you are full of grief.“ – Anne Carson

Toby grieves Claire. He also helps to save the world, again.

You know, at least once while writing this, I asked myself why I’d even bother. Claire doesn’t affect 3Below Season 2 at all, so why would that change because she’s dead? Well, Toby deserved better.

That’s right, almost a year later, the 3Below Interlude to Juliet Dies in This has been completed! That being said, you don’t need to have read Juliet Dies in This to understand this story; you just need to know it’s an au where Claire didn’t make it out of the Shadow Realm during the Eternal Night.

If you did read Juliet Dies in This, then this takes place between chapters 3 and 4.

Trigger/spoiler warning: there is drowning, mild body horror, and talk of suicide in this fic.

AO3

FFN

Toby clung to a set of wooden planks with one arm; the other was wrapped around Jim’s unconscious body. Saltwater slammed against his lower body, cold and angry. On the other side of the planks was Claire and a heavy anchor connected to a length of chain. With each moment that passed, the planks splintered just a bit more. Too much longer, and there wouldn’t be enough wood to hold on to.

“Can you keep the planks steady for me?” Claire asked. “Then I can shove the anchor into the ocean, and we won’t have to worry about it.”

“Be careful,” Toby said, adjusting his grip on the planks and Jim. Claire hoisted her entire body onto the planks. With a grunt she lifted the anchor and began to scoot it to the ocean.

She was about to drop it when the chain glowed gold and wrapped around her.

Toby didn’t let go of Jim, who would surely drown with no one holding onto him.

Toby didn’t let go of the planks, because he wasn’t a strong swimmer even without a friend to hold on to.

Toby didn’t grab Claire. Instead, he watched in horror as she fell into the cold ocean, her hair indistinguishable with the blackness that she was pulled into.

And then Toby woke up. It had been a while since he last had nightmares about drowning and sinking boats. He had had one or two back when Jim had been in the Darklands. Most of this species of nightmare had occurred before he started puberty but had been old enough to really understand just what had happened to his parents.

“Wingman okay?” AAARRGGHH!!! asked.

“Yeah,” Toby said. “It was just a dream.” He glanced at his clock. 12:51 am. He loved having a semi-normal sleep schedule again, but with most of his friends being nocturnal phone calls weren’t always easy. Oh, well. He was awake anyways; may as well call Jim and Claire.

Wait.

Claire didn’t go to Jim and Blinky to find a Heartstone in New Jersey. Claire had disappeared into a black void and Toby had been the one to lock her in.

So that was why he had that dream.

Toby put a reminder on his phone to look into what mental health options his nana’s health insurance had and then went back to sleep. Or at least, he tried to.

Sunshine streamed through the stained-glass windows of the Catholic church that Claire’s funeral was held in, which meant that even if trolls were allowed to go, they couldn’t have. Claire had family outside Arcadia, and to them she had died because she got trapped under rubble in the freak earthquake-and-tornado that had occurred. To them, Claire was inside the coffin, though badly mutilated by rocks that had slammed into her.

Her body was probably mutilated by Morgana, come to think of it.

Toby tugged at his tie. This felt so stupid. Claire was a hero, and her extended family wasn’t allowed to know. He understood, though. They didn’t want to get anyone from the government involved, at least, the non-local government, since obviously Claire’s mom and thus the rest of the city council involved. The trolls were weakened, and Toby didn’t know if they were bulletproof.

It was probably for the best that trolls weren’t allowed to attend the funeral, but that didn’t mean that Toby wasn’t angry with the situation. AAARRRGGGHHH!!! had been Claire’s friend, too. He should be here. Besides, he hadn’t been the one responsible for this mess.

The unsettling calm in the week-and-a-half since the Eternal Night had given Toby a lot to think about. Specifically, how everything had gone wrong.

He should have smacked Morgana into the Shadow Realm with his warhammer and then destroyed the staff. He should’ve been smarter. He had been fighting alongside Claire for months; surely, they could’ve come up with something so that she would be either in Arcadia or on the road to New Jersey.

There was one thing about this funeral that wasn’t a farce: Claire was dead. Toby didn’t think Morgana would be interested in keeping Claire alive. After Merlin cleared away the Eternal Night, Jim had proposed going to Trollmarket to see if there was anything in Blinky’s library to see if it could help them save Claire. Blinky had told them that he had had one book on constructing magic items, but it was among the first of Dictatious’s books he had burned. Strickler, for all the dark magical knowledge he had from the Book of Ga-Huel, had nothing on making a new Shadow Staff. Probably to keep the changelings from rebelling against their Lady Creator, the former history teacher had mused.

To Toby’s right, Darci and Mary and their families stood for a prayer. Toby’s eyes traveled upwards to the rafters. One troll, or rather, changeling, had made it despite the odds. NotEnrique would probably deny the fact that he had been crying later.

“Dude, you sent me a thousand texts, what is your data plan?” Toby asked as he crawled through Eli’s window. It was easier than he had expected, despite his gym pass not feeling as intense of a work-out as fighting trolls and sparring Jim and – sparring in the forge. That was, that was pretty good, actually, he wouldn’t be the reason for anyone else getting hurt or worse if he tried to keep getting stronger.

“Some of them might’ve been queued up,” Eli said, shrugging as he held up a flashlight under his chin. “I… this is important, but I thought I could’ve gathered more evidence and, well…” Eli frowned and dropped the self-important tone. “I wanted to give you some time, since the funeral was a couple days ago.”

The light returned to Eli’s eyes, or maybe it was just the flashlight glinting off his glasses. His voice once more took on an air of self-importance. “Now, Tobes, are you ready for me to rock. Your. World?”

Toby glanced over at his girlfriend and Mary, who was complaining about boredom. Toby’s hands curled into fists. They had been friends with Claire for longer than he had been, how could they be so, so normal?

“TP, come here! I wanna talk to you about something!” Steve called from where he was leaning against Aja and Krel’s house.

“Don’t call me that.”

“I mean, it means vaguely the same thing as buttsnack but nicer?” Steve said as Toby made his way over to the house.

Toby rolled his eyes. Well, at least one person realized why he hadn’t wanted that nickname. If only Claire had realized that, before she, before she, before she had spread it around the school.

Toby blinked several times, trying to get the stinging sensation out of his eyes. “What do you want?”

“Dude, relax,” Steve said quietly enough as to not let Mary and Darci hear from their spot by the pool.

“Relax? Relax?” he whisper-shouted. “How am I supposed to relax when we’re in the middle of a war that will decide the fate of not only Earth, like the one with Gunmar and Morgana, but also Aja and Krel’s planet too? I relax, people die. If I’m not alert, someone else has to take the hit for me. If I don’t pay enough attention, then I’m the one responsible for trapping someone in an alternate dimension!”

Steve just looked at Toby for what felt like five insufferably long minutes.

“Stop freaking out,” Steve said, pinching his brow. “Or else you’ll be so high strung that you’ll end up swinging your oversized mallet at the wrong thing.”

“Warhammer,” Toby corrected, even though Steve did have a point.

Toby’s therapist said that it was important to have hobbies. Between trollhunting and school, Toby was used to having to be constantly alert and vigilant, and that may have been helping to contribute to his restless mind. Granted, Toby hadn’t told his therapist about the ruthless Akiridion dictator trying to attack Earth because that probably fell into the “I will alert the authorities if you’re going to harm yourself or others” clause in the doctor-patient confidentiality forms he and his nana had signed. However, filmmaking was both a good way to bond with his friends as well as maybe destress.

Pretending that he was only interested in making a short film made him seem vapid, like less of a threat. He didn’t trust these military goons, but he also knew they probably underestimated him. What could a short, fat kid with a warhammer possibly do to them?

Rule One of Trollhunting was to always be afraid, with the caveat of goblins. If Area 49-B was unafraid of Toby, then they’d underestimate him.

Besides, these people wanted to capture all sorts of extraterrestrials. Who knew what they’d do to trolls?

Toby still didn’t know if trolls were bulletproof or not. He got the feeling they wouldn’t be laser-proof.

Angor Rot hadn’t been laser-proof, if that’s what Morgana’s magic had been.

Angor had been their enemy, but he had saved them, too.

Tronos had been their enemy, but he had just saved the entire world.

“Get in my phone!” Toby yelled at the armored extraterrestrial as the Area 49-B goons approached, clearly interested in his warhammer. It reminded him a little of the robbers who had kidnapped them.

“What?”

“You did it before! I’m not letting anyone else die.”

Toby and Tronos barely escaped with the others.

“Okay, so, just so that we're clear, by ‘Earthly forces’, you mean me, Eli, Steve…” Toby said, covering his mouth to hide the sound from Darci. He didn’t want to worry her.

“And the brute,” Zadra said. “Yes.”

“Technically, AAARRRGGHH!!!’s a troll.”

“I'm not confident about your chances, but these are desperate times.”

“Well, not even the word ‘hopeless’ is void of hope, I guess,” Toby said.

“What?”

“Trollish saying. I, we’ll do our best.” The call ended; Toby turned to his girlfriend. “Hey, babe, you seem like you got this stapling thing down pat.”

Darci crossed her arms, suspicion in her eyes. “Toby, what’s going on?”

“It’s… a long story.”

“Then start talking.”

Toby looked away from his girlfriend.

“Is it more troll stuff?” she asked.

“No…”

“Then what’s. Going. On?” Darci grabbed his hand. “Toby, I’ve been to enough funerals this year. I don’t want to go to any more of them, and I really don’t want to have to go to another funeral angry that the person I cared about lied to me about the supernatural battles they were fighting. Not when I could’ve maybe helped.”

Toby sighed. “Okay, to make a long story short, there is life on other planets, including a planet called Akiridion-V. That’s Aja and Krel’s home, but it was taken over.” Toby tugged his hand away from Darci’s, giving her an apologetic look. He grabbed his warhammer and expanded it. “And the guy who took it over is going to attack their house so I really gotta go make sure they’re safe so bye I promise I’ll tell you more later!”

Between all the other problems of his life, having a creative outlet was a great way to destress. Usually. Theoretically. Considering that Chompsky broke character on every take, this was really just another source of stress.

His film wasn’t as important as the Akiridions in orange pods.

“Are those your parents?” he asked Aja and Krel. “Do you want me to help?”

“No, we’ve got it!” Krel shouted, waving him off as he, Aja, Varvatos, and Stuart set up the daxial array.

“What are you doing?” Aja asked.

“Well, while I was holding down the fort, I thought I’d finish my director’s cut.” Toby scowled. “But then Chompsky started acting out.”

There was chattering that only one who had lived with a gnome for months would understand. He was almost surprised that Bagdwella never learned how.

“No, I can’t make you taller in post!” Toby had a realization as he walked away from the gnome. “Wait, does this mean you’re going home soon? Back to Akiridion-V?”

“Of course,” Krel said with a glance towards his parents. “That was always the plan.”

Right. The plan. Aja and Krel were going to leave him. They had more important things to do than live a life in Arcadia Oaks. They were royalty from another planet.

“But wait, not yet!” Toby protested. He wanted more time with his new friends, and maybe he had just the thing to get them to stay. “I’ve got good news! Captain Kleb is going to premiere before Gun Robot 7 at the local drive-in!”

“That’s amazing,” Krel said, sounding surprised. He gave an almost incredulous chuckle. “All our friends are going to be there!”

Not all of Toby’s friends, but a good portion of them.

“Yeah,” Toby said, less enthusiastic than he was a moment before. “We’ll be local celebrities.”

Maybe they city would dedicate a nice park bench to him, for all his combined work as a filmmaker, trollhunter, and crook-catcher. He didn’t deserve an entire street, even though Domzalski Drive had a nice ring to it. Besides, Jim Lake Lane and Claire Court sounded better, more fitting.

“Your moving picture party will be the perfect way to celebrate after we stop Morando,” Aja said, breaking Toby out of the beginnings of yet another depressive spiral.

Toby turned to Aja, Krel, AAARRRGGHH!!!, and Varvatos. Sure, the crystal staircase didn’t light up with each step, but they were about to see the most incredible place ever! It deserved every bit of gravitas that he, Jim, and Claire had been given. “Welcome,” he said in his best impression of Jim and Blinky, “to Heartstone Trollmarket!”

Toby gasped.

“This is ‘the most incredible place ever?’” Krel said.

“Was,” Toby sighed, “before the Eternal Night.”

It was probably a good thing, that Blinky and Jim went to New Jersey so they wouldn’t have to see it. That Claire, Draal, and Vendel would never have to see it. The darkened, broken heartstone and the rubble-strewn streets were horrible to see; this was a place that Toby had considered to be practically a second home. He could only imagine just how terrible his Wingman must have felt at the sight of it.

“I know what it’s like, to lose one’s home,” Aja said as they passed by Bagdwella’s old shop. She was better at comforting AAARRGGHH!!! than Toby himself was. Probably Krel and Varvatos, too. They had left behind their homeplanet, and their house was gone, too.

“Your friends, Jim, Blinky, and the trolls are safe, and that’s what matters the most,” Krel said. Toby was about to thank him for the reassurance – he had gotten good at dealing with human feelings – when rocks collapsed.

Varvatos was right. There was definitely an aura of death and decay. Stupid Morgana, ruining everything.

“That looks… deep.” Varvatos said.

“How do we get down there?” Aja asked.

“We don’t!” Toby said. Memories of watching Jim’s cage fall filled his mind. “If you go down there then you face your deepest fear!”

“Why would anyone want to do that?” Krel asked. The light from the Soothscryer came back up again insistently.

“It’s a long story,” Toby said as the light spiraled downwards once more. “Jim made it out alive, and unfortunately, he’s the only one who has.”

“We don’t have much choice,” Aja said. “We have to find Gaylen’s core before Morando.”

Krel held two of his arms in front of his sister. “I’ll go!”

“No, if we have to fight then it’s better to have safety in numbers. We’re stronger together,” Toby said.

“But you and Varvatos need to fight whatever’s coming,” Krel said as Aja pulled out her hoverboard.

“We will,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said. He raised his voice to a slightly higher pitch. “So, fight!” he imitated, before lowering his voice. “Make proud, Wingman.”

“Will do.” Toby pulled out his warhammer and followed the Tarron siblings down into the Deep.

Unfortunately, Toby followed them straight into a stony wall.

Toby stood on a dock, watching a cruise ship sail away. His nana waved good-bye to him, along with two relatively young adults. They were familiar, just like the ship was. They were familiar from blurry memories and from morbid curiosity because at age twelve, Toby wanted to know just how his parents died.

“Don’t go,” Toby pleaded softly, but he knew it was no use. He looked over his shoulder and caught Jim’s eyes.

“Well, bye, then,” Jim said flippantly. He began to walk away, and Toby realized that so did all the other trolls. Darci, and Dr. Lake, and pretty much everyone Toby knew walked with them.

Toby tried to catch up, but each step was a herculean effort. Eventually, everyone passed beyond the horizon. It started to rain, and Toby realized that he had managed to find his way to the bridge where everything always went down.

A dark sliver appeared in the thin air in front of him. It widened, and Claire stepped out of it. Except “stepped” wasn’t quite the write word, not with how her limbs and neck bent at all the wrong angles. Golden manacles with small lengths of broken-off chains were attached to her wrists and ankles. A noose connected her neck to the Shadow Realm, and when the portal closed Claire collapsed, almost like a puppet whose strings were cut. She caught herself at the last second, dust swirling off the bridge to reform the Shadow Staff in her hand. She stretched each of her limbs as they popped into place with the sound of crunching bones and scraping metal. She then rolled her neck, the noose catching on one of the spikes of her helmet. It didn’t seem to bother her, but it added a gruesome effect.

Claire’s brown eyes opened, going from blank to full of hatred in the span of an instant. “You,” she said. Her voice echoed above the sound of rain and distant thunder. “You let me die!”

She lunged for him, and Toby found that the sluggishness to his limbs was gone as he jumped out of the way.

“You killed me!” she screamed, disappearing through a portal. She came out from almost directly above him, staff pointed to skewer him.

Toby caught it with his warhammer, sending it away from himself. “You, you told me to. You told me to break the staff,” Toby said.

Claire attempted to stab him in the back. “And you didn’t think to wait, did you? You didn’t think that maybe you should have waited for Blinky to have saved me?”

“There was no time, and you know this.” Toby knocked the Shadow Staff out of her hands. It crumbled into ash. “It’s not my fault that you didn’t think of any other way to end Morgana. It’s… it’s not my fault that you’re dead!”

The rain stopped, and the clouds started to part. As Claire looked up to the sky, Toby realized that he was crying.

The sun was eclipsed by the moon and then by even darker clouds. Claire closed her eyes as it began to rain again, this time even harder than before.

“You want to know what’s the best part of being dead?” she asked in an eerily soft voice.

She opened her eyes. They were purple and black. “I don’t have to look at your stupid fucking face anymore.”

Claire lunged for him, knocking his warhammer out of his hands. She pinned him down with one hand. “No one wants to have to look at it. And I’m going to be the fucking martyr that makes sure no one will ever have to again.”

And then she began to punch his face, the edges of her clawed armor piercing him. With each punch more cracks began to grow on her face and hand, but Claire didn’t seem to notice them. She didn’t look like she was in pain like the last time she had grown those cracks. If anything, the lightning glinting in her eyes made her look sadistic.

And then Toby woke up.

“I did it,” Krel said, overjoyed. “I did it!”

“I’m proud of you, little brother,” Aja said, rubbing at her arms. She sounded spooked. “Congratulations, you probably beat me by half a mecron. What… what did you see?”

“Morando destroying Arcadia Oaks and everyone in it, which he’ll do if he gets Gaylen’s core,” Krel said with a slight frown. “And you?”

“The same, but with Akiridion-V,” Aja said. The two of them turned to Toby.

They were going to have to leave anyways; they didn’t need to know that Toby’s worst fear was a combination of Claire hating him in her dying moments and everyone he cared about leaving him.

“Oh, well…” Toby gave a slight chuckle, and hoped that they’d believe the fat stigma. “Dieting.”

They had no time to question his lie because Varvatos and AAARRRGGHH!!! came crashing in.

“Purple. Pretty,” AAARRRGGHH!!! said, gazing at the altar to Gaylen’s core.

“Claire would have loved to have seen this,” Toby sighed, and then startled with a realization. “Kanjigar, do you know if Draal and Claire are, you know, resting in peace?”

Unfortunately, the previous Trollhunter had gone back to the void.

Toby supposed it didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, not with Aja and Krel being shot down. Still, closure that his friends were okay in the end would have been nice.

“Where’s Krel and Varvatos?” Toby asked as he dismantled yet another OMEN. “Would be nice to get a little more help.”

“Krel’s working on getting us some reinforcements,” Aja said, “and Varvatos is protecting my parents and Stuart. I trust him enough to not try to power the canon with my parents’ cores twice.”

“Wait, why would he do that? He’s not evil enough to power things up using unwilling people!”

“I thought that too, but since two royal cores are needed it’ll be Krel and I and not my parents.”

“No.” Toby brought his warhammer down enough that deep cracks were left in the concrete where the OMEN once stood. “Aja, you can’t. That’s suicide.”

“It’s not suicide, Toby. It’s sacrifice. Of all people, I thought you understood that.”

“Oh, trust me. I understand that. I also understand that those two look really similar sometimes. Aja, promise me that I won’t have to attend any more of my friend’s funerals this summer.”

“I can’t, but that’s why Krel’s working on reinforcements. I don’t want to do this, but I will if that’s what it takes.”

Toby would have argued had an OMEN not thrown a truck at a random kid. There had to be another way, one that wasn’t trying to fight a losing battle. One where all his friends made it out.

“He’s too strong,” Toby said. “He’s stronger than…”

No.

Morando was not stronger than Morgana. He couldn’t let himself believe that. They were all going to live, and no one was going to sacrifice their life for the good of everyone else, even if they were on the very same bridge where Angor and Claire died.

And Toby had legitimate hope when Zadra and various ships from Akiridion-V came through the wormhole.

Except they weren’t enough. Morando grew red wing-like appendages and created a massive explosion of red light.

“Morando is too powerful,” Krel said.

As the Tarron siblings hugged each other for what shouldn’t be the last time, Toby tried to think of another way to kill Morando.

“Go back to town,” Aja said. “Make sure everyone’s safe! And… I’m sorry, Toby. There’s a reason why I didn’t promise.”

“On it!” Steve said. “Please don’t get stepped on!”

“You too, my Palchuk!” Toby couldn’t tell if it was cruel or not for Aja not to say goodbye.

There had to be a third option.

“What are you waiting for, give me a ride!” Steve shouted. Toby fired up his warhammer.

Morando was at least as strong as Morgana. Maybe he was stronger. Two people would die. Someone’s hand would get cut off by a –

There was another way.

Toby set Steve down and began to fly off in the opposite direction.

“Where are you going, buttsnack?” Steve shouted.

“To save your girlfriend’s life!” Toby began searching through his phone to find the number for Akiridion-V. They could try to open a portal from within Morando’s body, and hopefully Akiridion anatomy was such that it would kill him.

It was probably a good idea that Toby had used his warhammer instead of the Shadow Staff. Too gruesome.

He was on the second ring when he watched Aja and Krel fire the canon.

He felt relief, and then guilt.

It was over.

Toby didn’t know what to say. Aja, Krel, and everyone else from Akiridion-V were leaving. So were the Foo-Foos and Eli.

“Do you have to leave?” It was selfish. Of course they had to leave. Toby closed his eyes and tried to drown out Deep-illusion-Claire’s words. They weren’t leaving because of him; Aja and Krel had to go and rule an entire planet.

“Thanks for keeping that promise about me not going to your funeral”? Too selfish. It put the focus too much on him.

“Being an orphan isn’t so bad, just look how I turned out”? Too insensitive, considering that he could barely remember his parents.

“Sorry about your parents, but I’m glad they’re dead instead of you”? That wouldn’t stop the guilt.

Except, Krel was staying.

Toby would figure out something comforting to say, eventually.

The world was going to end. Again. And this time, Toby’s new allies were a talking, bipedal cat and a pair of teenagers who were currently going through their emo phase. Said emo teens were about a year older than Toby, and supposedly they were wizards, but honestly? Aja and Krel seemed more competent than these two.

At the very least, Aja and Krel were better at lying. The minute after the cat had called them out on “experimenting unsupervised”, Zoe had started rambling about college apps, which had segwayed into summer homework, which somehow turned into how she and Douxie could make non-exploding potions without Archie’s supervision.

It was a little creepy, just how exasperated the cat looked.

Douxie stared at Toby quizzically before interrupting his friend’s rambling. “Your friend – the possessed one. Is she okay?”

A cold sort of rage crept into Toby’s bones, and with it, came the desire to scream at Douxie for having noticed that Claire wasn’t okay, and not having really done anything. Storm out of the apartment, telling Steve to tell Toby anything important, but refuse to work with the wizards.

But Claire made her decision. There was nothing that Toby could’ve done to change that, much less a guy who went to their rival school.

So instead of yelling, Toby took a breath, and said coldly, “Let’s just say that Claire’s at peace now.”

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fuzziemutt · 4 years

Note

Oooh, how does the whole family dynamcis work out on the Purp guy and the other guy that's his partner?

Okay so there's like 3 sections to how it worked out as it changes dramatically ! I'm focusing on will and henry since you said him and his partner (this is also written in like one go so i apologize for any nonsense)

First off tho: William and Henry married in my au. This is because I'm a gay trans man and i see will as being a gay man and henry as a gay trans man. I also thought it would be more devastating™ if will killed their shared children than it being his best friend's kid and his own kids personally

Also: Charlie is still Henry's bio daughter but Michael, Chris and Elizabeth are adopted (chris and eli are twins btw)

Also also: Henry isn't going to be an all rainbows and sunshines guy so beware that he does some pretty shitty things as well

Pre Murders and Deaths:

They were very happy ! Prior to everything Willy was actually a decent guy and husband ! Will used to be a more stick-up-the-ass type guy but Henry brought his more humerous and silly side out over the course of knowing and dating each other. Of course they'd sometimes have small petty fights but they were adults and would work it out and such. Pretty healthy of a dynamic and they had great communication skills so Henry knew when Willy was getting frustrated and Willy likewise with Henry. Henry was the more advice dad and dad™ personality such as bringing a bag of everything they'd need whenever they went on trips to the park and dad jokes. Henry was also referred to as 'papa' by the kids! Willy was more of the morals and teachings (yes i know quite ironic) for the kids and was more strict than henry on certain things but he also would play a lot with the kids too even after a long day of work. Will was referred to as 'dad'.

Post Chris death & Pre Murders:

This is when their relationship went from healthy to pretty toxic and abusive. Henry and Will coped with Chris' death in different manners. Henry would start heading out to the bar a lot while Will became more reclusive and hardly left the house as he became severely depressed. Their communication ? Tanked. Will would still insist he was fine no matter what despite everything clearly showing other wise. Henry became more i guess snappish in that he'd fight willy on everything. Like he'd get home and see will playing with the kids, even if it was less enthusiastic than before, and start yelling at him for it. He never physcially harmed will and was nicer to the kids but he def became emotionally abusive. There were times at first soon after the death that henry was still his old self and would help will with his depression and was very loving but as time went on those moments became more rare. Will clings onto those momente which is why he doesn't want to leave and would later desperately believe henry still loves him.

Post Murders and Deaths:

Elizabeth was the 2nd one to die as she was taken by Baby when Will started experimenting with the idea of souls bonding to the suits; Charlie followed the next year as he was testing if personal connection was the reason for the bond. Henry was already sus with Will when Eli "happened" to die via an animatronic and when he found Will's diaries that had all his ramblings about his theories and work he became more sus when noticing the pattern of "child soul" within it. It wasn't until Henry found one of their basement hammers hidden and spotted with black material and blood on one of Will's sweaters after Charlie's death did he realize what Will was doing. He then picks up Michael and a couple items and books it basically while ignoring will's cries to come back. After this Will and Henry stop all communication. Will believes henry left not because of the obvious child killing reason (he doesn't enjoy killing but sees it as a necessary evil for his "science") but rather because Will didn't have solid answers to his "scientific work", so he believes that if he just works hard enough Henry will return. Will does believe, however, that Henry betrayed him in a sense. Henry rightfully doesn't want anything to do with Willy after what happened. Even in my good ending (will doesn't get spring trapped) if henry ever saw will again, he'd have a very volatile reaction. Family wise: Will still keeps a lot of his fatherly instincts, even when he meets Michael again and internally blames him for "ruining" their lives, he still sometimes does father stuff™ subconsciously like stopping mike from crossing the street without looking. He's still a major bastard man tho don't worry ! Think like john mulaney's dad if he was also was like a murderer. Henry, however, became quite neglectful towards Mike and mainly mourns over Charlie's death alone.

Overall: *pats will and henry's head* these two bad boys can fit so much emotional constipation and poorly dealt with grief

They're both shitty and not shitty in their own rights like will arguably treats mike better than hen (ignoring the whole sl incident) but he still y'know is a murderer ???? And general bastard ??? Henry while he didn't kill their kids (or anyone), still became quite abusive towards Will and later towards michael.

This came out really long holy shit; if you want any further delving into anything specific just send another ask !

#i speak #fnaf #five nights at freddy's #fnaf william afton #william afton #fnaf henry emily #henry emily #willry #helliam #reunion au #abuse mention #child death tw #child death mention #ask to tag #long post

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doc-pickles · 4 years

Text

Dear Alex/Dear Jo

Part three is here! Hope you guys enjoy it, @odd-birds-and-booksellers back to you :)

Here’s a handy dandy link to the last chapter in case you missed it!

Dear Alex,

Is it weird to write letters to your ex? Link said yes but he’s about as weird as they come so I have no way to tell for sure. He’s an okay substitute for a best friend, but it’s not the same as telling you everything and anything like we used to do. I feel the same way you do, there’s so much I want to tell you about Seattle and Grey Sloan and what’s been happening since you left. But it just feels like twisting the knife of an already painful situation. I hope we get there eventually, because there’s nothing in this world I want back more than my best friend, but I think only time will tell on that one.

As far as my therapist goes, what she doesn’t know won’t kill her. That’s probably not the best thing to say, but I can’t tell her absolutely everything that happens in my life can I? I mean I can... I should... let’s just agree to keep this between us.

Yesterday I got puked on and I thought of you. I started hysterically laughing and this guy was looking at me like I’d lost my mind. But I was remembering that day that I kept getting puked on and you kept yelling at me. It made me miss those times, my first year at Grey Sloan when things were so much easier and life was less complicated...

Sorry don’t mean to be a downer here, I’m trying my best to be happy and shiny but shit it’s hard. Link says my fake smile is getting worse and I should just own up to the fact that I’m not entirely happy. Which is bullshit. I am happy, I love my job and my coworkers, I love waking up and saving lives.... It’s just hard some days because Seattle doesn’t seem the same anymore. At least there’s a bit of sunshine now, the rain is letting up and it seem like the good weather might stay for a bit.

Eli sounds fantastic by the way, a Karev through and through. I really do love hearing about them, your kids, the little mini Alex’s. I’m sure they’re already practicing dads scowl, just picturing a six year old with your grumpy old man attitude makes me giggle. I hope they’re mocking you and giving you hell, it might be just what you need.

And another thing... stop throwing yourself a pity party Alexander Michael! You know just as well as I do that I wouldn’t be who I am today without you and all you did for me, our relationship was always a two way street of taking and giving to each other. I wouldn’t have had the courage to stand up to Paul, I wouldn’t have gotten the closure I needed from Vicki, I wouldn’t have chased the dreams I have and I wouldn’t be the doctor I am today without YOU. You changed my life more than anyone I’ve ever met, anyone I ever will meet. You’ll never know just how grateful I am to you for that.

And for fucks sake, stop apologizing! Any pain and misery over what happened between us is in the past. I’ve worked through it, I’m good and I don’t need you to apologize every time you write me a letter. (and I do mean it when I say I hope you keep writing me letters...)

I gotta go, duty calls and I think Schmidt is getting suspicious of me writing letters by candlelight at 3 AM like a Victorian scholar. If you happen to write back, I want to know more about your kids or even about your work... I hope that’s okay that I asked, it just makes things feel more normal. Not that they ever could be but... well you know what I mean.

Forever Rambling,

(PS: If my next letter comes from jail it’s because I smothered Schmidt with a pillow due to his obnoxious snoring.......)

#jo wilson #jo karev #jolex fanfic #alex karev #greys anatomy #greys anatomy fanfic #jo x alex #jolex #nina writes

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twoidiotwriters1 · 5 years

Text

Starcrossed Losers XIII (Josh Wheeler xReader)

A/N: I really like making song-fics, so I absolutely loved this. I think this might be sort of a thing that could stay? Feel free to tell me if you like it or not :)

Words: 6,521

Warnings: Cursing and a hint of abusive behavior cause Maya is evil.

Previous chapter // Next chapter

Wesley managed to thrill everyone with the dance and now they’re all helping with the decoration and the stage, which means the pharmacy is all alone cause the kids are too busy to try stupid dares that will harm them and that’s great for me, it means I finally have precious, beautiful free time to rest my wrist properly.

I’m sitting on the garden chair next to Wesley and Josh, above the beds where we usually sleep. Wesley has a tablet on his hands and is selecting songs for the playlist.

Josh and I are chatting about nothing and everything, it’s been two days since we had time to talk and... actually, I think we’ve only had time to talk like one or two times before everything exploded in our faces. Which is not a lot, but it’s enough to make us feel comfortable around each other.

More than comfortable in my case.

“You have any plans for the dance?”

“Like what?”

“Like wearing crazy outfits for the occasion,” Josh insinuates with a little smirk.

“The correct term is cool, not crazy,” I stick out my tongue, “no, I don’t have anything in mind. Why, you got some ideas?”

“I’m not really good with clothes,” He squints, “but I’m sure that whatever you choose to wear will look nice, everything looks nice on you”

“Okay...” I’m unsure of how to reply without crossing a line, I suck at it, so I just end with: “Thanks”

“I-I mean...” Josh suddenly changes his demeanor, like he didn’t mean to say what he’d said, “Not that I’m being weird, it’s just true. You look good, you’re... nice?”

I frown, understanding zero shit of what he was trying to say. I laugh it off and start to play with the bandages on my own hand, messing them up. Josh chuckles lightly and reaches for the loose part of the bandage, fixing it for me.

“So...” Josh speaks up tilting his face a little to the right, now talking to Wesley, “Which are you gonna choose?”

I lean my head so I can see Wes over Josh’s shoulder. He takes longer than expected, raising his head with a funny expression on his face.

“Choose?”

Josh chuckles and finishes up, gently letting go of my wrist he turns around to see our friend.

“Songs!” He points towards the tablet, “For the homecoming dance playlist?”

“This is no mere playlist,” He replies, finally going back to his normal self, “this is no mere homecoming dance do-over.”

He jumps off the platform with Josh going next and landing on the bed. I stand up from the garden chair as well and I stop for a second, stabilizing my body so I can sit on the edge and then jump with the impulse my healthy hand can give me.

I see Josh, waiting in case I need help. I think that’s sweet, but luckily I’m able to do it on my own and he looks really satisfied when I rush over to where they are.

“We rescued these kids from Baron Triumph,” Wesley continues, “this is a Saturnalia to the wonder of life, drinking from the water fountain of youth...”

I laugh under my breath and Josh discretely nudges my arm so I cut it out.

“Tonight, we stare the Grim Reaper in the face and we say,” he raises his left hand as he speaks, “if you like it then you should’ve put a ring on it”

I laugh again, this time Josh and Wes do it too.

“This is the soundtrack of our lives!” Wesley exclaims, taking a drag of his cigarette.

“That sounds like a lot of pressure,” I tell him.

“I can handle a little pressure,” He winks, “if you wanna help, I’ll give you two some privileges since you’re also saviors of these kids. You get to pick one song for the playlist.”

“One song? How generous of you,” I joke.

“Hey that’s more than any of them is getting,” He points at me, “so pick wisely”

“You heard him,” Josh raises a brow, “better get to work”

“Sure thing, boss,” I turn on my heel, moving towards the pharmacy.

I see Eli talking to KJ and I get to hear a bit of the conversation.

“Someone’s gotta make sure you ‘fugees are copacetic. You remember ICE?” He gives KJ his board and opens his hoddie to reveal the print it has, “Well, I’m the new ICE.”

He’s gonna get his ass kicked soon, and at this point, I can’t wait to see it.

“Okay, I need you to sign this oath of allegiance. Basically, you gotta do what I say at all times and you can’t make fun of me behind my back like Dana Rappaport did when I sharted in the third grade... Oh! And also it automatically casts a vote for me as Gender-Neutral Homecoming Royalty.”

KJ gives him the board back with a dick drawn on it and turns around, done with the conversation.

“This counts as a vote!” He exclaims as she walks away.

“Okay but what about making fun of you on your face?” I speak up, smirking, “Cause I have lots to say about your excessive use of bad T-shirts...”

“Hey, my T-shirts are the shit!” Eli replies.

“Sure...” I get to where he is and take the board from his hands, reading the papers, “You know, if you really want to win you have to find a different way to do it cause intimidation won’t work on them. It won’t work for you at all considering how tiny you are.”

“Fuck off, Y/N,” He frowns, “if you’re not gonna vote for me, then step out of the way”

“Who said I wasn’t going to?” I smile.

He stops and turns so fast for a second I think he might have hurt his neck.

“What?”

“Yeah, I think you deserve a victory after all the ass-kicking that we’ve put you through”

“You’re fucking with me”

“This is my way of making peace with you, I don’t wanna fight,” I raise my hands, “if you don’t trust me or don’t want my help, I get it...”

“No!” He looks over his shoulder to where Josh and Wesley are, preparing some stuff on the stage, “Talk now, knock-off Doc.”

“Bet that one gave you lots of satisfaction,” I chuckle, “Whatever... What you should be doing is give the people what they want from a leader: Order, equality, promises. Tell them that if they vote for you they’ll get their own comfy bed and bags of twinkies with chips, we’ll make schedules so they don’t have to worry about looking for stuff on their own once we run out of food...”

“That sounds like a total nerd-campaign”

“It’s a good campaign! Wesley, Josh and I brought them here. Now what? We’re not doing anything for their comfort, that merciful human could be you. You were the one who controlled the mall in the first place, convince them that you still have that power and they’ll vote for you”

“But I don’t have that power anymore, do I?” He asks bitterly, “Not after you assholes took everything from me”

“Maybe. You forget something important: As much as I find you annoying, I’m still the only one that trusts you a little bit, I can talk on your behalf, you can be sure they’ll listen”

Eli seems to think about it, then gives me a curious look.

“Why do you wanna help me?”

“I already told you,” I roll my eyes, “we’re gonna live under the same roof, I want things to be friendly between us. I don’t want any beef with anyone right now...”

As I say it, I catch a glimpse of Maya on the other side of the hall, helping some kids to carry a few sets of tables.

“Fair,” He nods, eyeing me carefully, “but if it doesn’t work-”

“It will,” I finish, patting his shoulder harshly, “get back out there and win tons of fans!”

I continue my way towards the pharmacy and find Alex there. It’s still completely empty except for us. He’s too focused on the book he’s reading to notice me.

“Boo!” I slam my hands against the table and Alex jumps, scared shitless. I let out a loud laugh and step back so he can’t hit me with the book.

“Asshole,” He leaves the book facedown on the counter, “Where were you?”

“With Josh and Wesley, talking about the dance,” I raise a brow, “why aren’t you helping with the decoration?”

“I don’t know, I’m not into it,” he shrugs, “it won’t be the same, you know that right?”

“Of course I do, Mr. Sunshine,” I scoff, “I was against the dance too at first, now... I guess everyone could use a break. We’ve been through a lot these months”

“You’re right about that,” He sighs, “Josh’ still bummed out about Sam?”

I told Alex the whole story, obviously. How Josh and I met, how everything went downhill after that and why I decided to stay. (I let out a tiny detail of the story, which is my stupid crush. He doesn’t need to know about that.) Now he fully understands why I can’t leave. Better yet, he also wants to stay and be part of our little... whatever we are, I still can’t find a proper name for us.

“He tries hard to hide it, but three days aren’t enough to get over someone’s death... If you ask me, I think this dance is kind of therapeutic for him”

“Maybe,” He tells me to move away and when I do he jumps over the counter to my side, grabbing the book and walking with me towards the exit, “You're helping with the planification?”

“I’m more like a back-up,” I smile, “whenever they can’t figure something out they ask me, apparently my creativity is somehow precious around here”

“It always was”

“Aww, that’s cute,” I nudge his arm.

Alex laughs and puts his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer and ruffling my hair. Around us there’s a lot of movement coming from all sides, so no one really pays attention.

“Stop!” I grin, pushing him away, “I take it back, you’re an absolute heathen”

“Wow, careful there, you might hurt my feelings,” Then he asks me “What are your plans for the dance, then?”

“Have fun, try to keep my wrist away from any harm and dance a lot, I guess.”

“You going with any of your new friends?” I’m relieved to hear how friendly the question sounds, yet another confirmation of how things are back at the usual routine between us.

“Well, I didn’t ask...” I frown slightly, “like you said, it’s not like the real homecoming so I was going to assist on my own”

“We should go together!” He offers excitedly, “a way to affirm that our friendship is stronger than ever. What do you say? Should we go to the do-over dance as a platonic couple like the good old days? We could even get matching outfits!”

“Oh, those good old days,” I shake my head, smiling, “sure, why not?”

“Cool!” Alex raises his hand and we high five.

The music blasts on the speaker closest to us and raises its volume quickly, gaining our attention. So do the screams coming from one of the stores at our left. Crumble is there covering her ears and closing her eyes tightly, she seems to be suffering.

“Hang on,” I tell Alex and I walk over to the stage at the same time Angelica rushes out of the store.

“Turn it down! Turn the music down!” She urges them, climbing up the bench.

“Guys!” I scream, “Stop the music!”

I climb beside her and disconnect the speakers.

“Hey!” Josh pouts.

“The ghoulie part of the witch is super sensitive to loud noise,” Explains Angelica in slight exasperation.

“Shit! I was only playing this on chill,” Wesley complains, “I barely got to thumping, What happens when I get to cranking?”

“If you pump up the volume tonight, we’ll be doing the electric slide with a horde of ghoulies,” She says, then jumps down from the bench and goes back to the store.

I do the opposite and finish climbing until I reach the stage.

“Don’t take it personal, you know how important Crumble is to her investigation...”

Wesley gives me a side-eyed look.

“Hard to make the soundtrack of our lives with no soundtrack.”

“Maybe this is a bad idea,” Josh offers, it’s the first time since he found out about the dance that he doesn’t sound optimistic, “recreating what we will never have again...”

I look over at Alex, he reached over to the bench already and is listening. I know he’s thinking how he just said the same thing, but now that he heard it from Josh, it seems like he feels bad about it.

“You’re missing Sam pretty hard...” Mumbles Wesley.

Josh scoffs.

“We were gonna go to the dance together... She was gonna be Homecoming Queen”

I know I shouldn’t let his words get to me, that’s just another reminder of how my feelings are completely onesided, that I’ll be better if I keep my distance with Josh. Safer.

I walk away from their conversation and start to tie the net with balloons that Wesley wants to put above his DJ table, Alex appears again in front of me and hops up to the stage, crouching beside me and helping me.

“You’re okay?” He asks under his breath.

“I’m fine, I don’t know why hearing him talking about Sam gets me down... Maybe he makes me think about Katie too,” I lie, What else can I do?

“How are you dealing with that?” Alex puts his hand on my shoulder as a way of comfort, “Have you talked about it with someone?”

“Yeah,” A bitter smile appears on my face, “with Josh”

“Josh,” He chuckles, “sounds like you got to know each other quite well during these days, even if it was on such short notice”

“I guess we both have things in common”

“Like what?”

“We can’t keep our mouth shut,” I smirk.

Alex laughs and his hand falls from my shoulder, he shakes his head.

“I really missed our talks.”

“I missed them too,” I push him lightly, “don’t get sappy, though. We have a dance coming our way and I need you ready to impress.”

“Enough with the sappy then,” He stands up, finishing the net.

“You can pull it up now!” I speak up to the guy next to the column, he obeys almost instantly, pulling the net above our heads.

“Look at that,” Alex raises a brow, “someone’s learning how to be a leader.”

“Shut up, I’m no leader,” I roll my eyes.

Which reminds me, I still don’t know what’s the answer to that question. Who am I?

Strangely enough, that same question brings out the answer to another thing, and it’s about what Wesley said a few minutes ago:

The soundtrack to our lives.

I love music. I think Wesley is right, music has its own way to tell stories, it helps you get in the moment, attach ideas, make a memory special. That’s how I decide that from now on I’ll attach a song to this... whatever it is that I’m doing. Maybe it won’t be helpful at all but it explains a bit better how I feel during these times.

It is extra? Very. I’m doing it anyway. You better wait for those songs, buddy. Maybe that will also help me pick one for the dance.

When I'm getting off the stage with Alex we run (again) into Wesley and Josh. They were doing their own thing around the platform, but apparently, Wes is leaving.

“...I’m heading out, gotta feed Triumph and Turbo”

“I’ll go with you,” Josh replies.

“I got it,” Wes shrugs, “you use your survival skills to solve this noise issue.”

“I can help you with that,” I say, gaining their attention.

Wesley turns around and smiles.

“I knew I could count on you, Y/N,” He winks before heading out.

Josh looks at me with a small smile, then before Wesley leaves, his eyes widened slightly, something just came up to him.

“Hey, uh...” He turns back to Wesley, “What about Mastermind by Delton 3030 for the soundtrack?”

Wes nods, a knowing smile on his face.

“Right? Yeah?” Josh turns around, quite pleased with himself.

“Is that the song you’re gonna go with?” I smirk.

“Well, it was either that or... uh, one that’s a bit too much for the occasion, I think”

“Really?” I raise my eyebrows, “Which one?”

“No,” He blushes, “don’t push”

“You guys are making the playlist?” Alex asks.

“Wesley let us pick one song for the playlist. Only us,” I shrug, “because we saved your asses”

“Josh was the savior, you were only around.”

“She helped,” Josh replies, standing next to me and putting an arm around my shoulders, “she gave me a motivational speech before the fight, so... uh, yeah.”

“What a great comeback,” I tease him, “I still get to pick a song and you don’t so I’m winning.”

“Rude,” Alex huffs, “anyway if you guys need help let me know, I’ll be around”

“Sure,” I nod.

“See ya,” Josh waves, then he looks down at me, “don’t pick a song yet?”

“It’s been like thirty minutes since he told us, I need more time”

“I already chose”

“Tell me what was your second option, c’mon” I try to tickle him but he moves away.

“No!” He laughs, “It’s a dumb song”

“No song is dumb. Unless is like, a sexual song. The misogynistic type of song you know? Or a kids’ song, the ones that only have like one line that repeats itself over and over for two minutes-”

“Okay!” Josh interrupts me, “If you find a way to fix the noise problem I’ll tell you”

“I’m in,” I nod, shaking his hand in an overdramatic way that makes him laugh, “I’m so gonna win”

“Is not a competition,” He clarifies.

“It is now,” I wink at him, starting to walk away.

“Why do you have to be so annoying about stuff like this?” He pouts, “Y/N, where are you going?”

“I’m gonna fix the noise problem!” I speak up, already turning my back to him.

I decide to go with the genius of our little group.

“Not a clue, ask someone else,” Angelica tells me as soon as I ask her.

“Come on!” I scowl, “You could help! You just don’t wanna do it cause it’s not fun”

“Exactly.”

I hear a skateboard passing by and thinking it’s Josh, I turn around to tell him to convince Angelica. Only that is not Josh, it’s KJ. She’s using Josh’s skate though.

“Where did she get that?” I ask, turning back to Angelica.

“I gave it to her,” She shrugs.

“You gave-? Josh is going to kill you if he finds out”

“He’ll find out, that’s the point,” She rolls her eyes, “I want to set KJ and Josh together”

“You what?” I ask, accidentally kicking the table.

“So he forgets about Sam and stays with us,” Angelica replies matter-of-factly.

“He’s already with us,” I say, “Why would you do something like that? You can’t force him into another relationship!”

“Why do you care so much? It’s not like you care?” Although she’s got her back facing me, I know she’s smiling.

“Oh,” I whisper, stepping closer to her, “I know what you’re doing, you little creep”

“Do you?”

“You’re not trying to set them up, you’re trying to see if I get jealous!” I whisper-yell, “You think you’ll manage to get something out of this?”

“I will,” She turns around, satisfaction all over her face, “I just have to see the ridiculous doe-eyes you make whenever Josh does as little as brushing his fingers with yours to know you wanna get in his pants. Which means you’re staying as long as he stays. Which means I was right and you can die mad about it.”

“You’re not,” I hiss, “I don’t want to get in his pants and I can leave anytime. I chose to stay cause-”

“You like him. Don’t even try to convince me otherwise, I remember how you used to act around him the first day and I see how you act now, is not hard to see. I won’t tell him... but-”

“No but,” I cut her out, “I won’t play your games.”

“You guys look cute together! You’re equally dumb and cheesy!”

“See that’s rude,” I frown, “So what if we have things in common? He’s hurting, if I date him now I’m just the rebound, I’m not desperate enough to agree to that”

“What if he likes you back? What if he wants to be with you right now? The only thing stopping him it’s that he thinks you’re with that guy you hang out with, or that he thinks you’ll say he’s an asshole for not waiting longer to end his mourning?”

“Does he?” I cross my arms.

“I don’t know,” Angelica replies carelessly, “I could find out if you want.”

“This is stupid,” I shake my head, “let it go, okay An? We’re here and I promise we won’t go, at least for a while. You can live with that, right?”

“I can’t. I need results, not sappy promises,” She says dryly, “and KJ and Josh are the fastest way to get them if you’re so reluctant to give it a try cause you’re a coward. Step aside and let me take care of this.”

“You know what?” I reply harshly, “Do whatever you want, the only thing you’ll do is push Josh and me even further away from you”

I hold my anger as best as I can. I remind myself that Angelica’s a scared kid, she needs to feel safe. I understand why my tendency to be impulsive annoys her. Maybe she feels like she can’t count on me. That kinda hurts, if I’m honest.

It’s not really her fault, one day soon she’ll see she doesn’t need to play with our minds for us to stay with her and she’ll stop.

I’m officially upset though, so I go to the second floor to get my skates and have a little fun around the mall.

I make sure no one sees me. Technically, I’m not allowed to skate because I could worsen my wrist, but I think I’ll be fine. It’s a mall, nothing dangerous.

While I’m putting them on, back on the first floor, Maya walks up to me and throws a piece of paper.

“What’s this crap?”

“Glendale. I was looking at the map and I realized there’s this small corner at the limits of the city where no one goes cause it used to be the place where gangs lived but now is empty. There’s a mansion-”

“The mansion’s fucked. Josh used to live there, the giant pug ruined it”

“Of fucking course,” She rolls her eyes, “are you sure he’s telling the truth?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” I look up at her.

“Maybe he said that so you wouldn’t go there to steal his resources”

“Why would I even think of stealing his stuff? I have my own,” I reply, completely disinterested, “Listen just stop, okay? I’m not going.”

“You’re wasting your time here,” She kneels in front of me so she’s at my eye level, “so is Alex. When they get tired of you, they’ll kick you out with a dumb excuse and... and then you’ll be sorry you didn’t take my offer.”

I’m about to reply when I see a hint of fright in her eyes. Along with something I hadn’t seen before: desperation.

“It’s you who is sorry,” I finally understand why is she so obsessed with getting us back, “you didn’t leave the tribe to look for adventure, they kicked you out didn’t they?”

She stammers, stepping back from where I’m sitting.

“N-No! I got bored of their rules! That’s it!”

“You never learned to play by the rules, that’s true,” I half-smile, “but that’s what it’s like to be part of a tribe, Maya. You have to follow the rules and be a good team player”

“They never appreciated my skills!” She replies bitterly, “they threw me with the rest instead of having me in their front lines!”

“That’s because you are like the rest! Like me and Alex! The only ability you have is the ability to keep relationships for your convenience...”

“I don’t have anything to prove to you,” She snarls, “the main loser of our former group. Ha! Like you could do anything to get to me.”

“Very welI then, better keep my mouth shut,” I stand up with my skates tightly laced on my feet, “if you excuse me...”

I leave the store, I turn right on the hall and I see KJ on the other side, she’s using a different skateboard so I assume she already ran into Josh.

That’s not what gets my attention, what makes me stop is the set of headphones she’s using: No cords. I make my way towards her and touch her shoulder, signaling her to take off the headphones.

“Sorry, it’s just that I noticed your headphones and I wanted to ask you something...”

She replies in Chinese and I interrupt her.

“KJ, I know you can speak English I heard you talking with Burr on your first day of school”

She gives me a stern look and shakes her head. After I insist, she sighs heavily.

“What do you want, Y/N?”

I smile, happy of how I always noticed this kind of silly stuff back in school.

“Your headphones,” I say, “we have a problem with the music. Crumble can’t stand loud noises and neither can’t the Ghoulies outside the mall, so they’ll try to murder us if we blast the speakers. You know if there’s a way to connect a bunch of headphones to a single dispositive?”

“Maybe,” She tilts her head, deep in thought, “I can try to figure it out, later though, right now I’m skating”

“That’s okay,” I point to my skates, “cool if I join you?”

“Sure,” She looks at my wrist, “but no talking. I don’t want the guys blaming me in case you get hurt”

“I’m fine,” I roll my eyes, “let’s go”

I’m happy to see my skills are intact, I turn and jump without falling (my knee is much better now, thank you very much) I skate backwards and I don’t crash against anything. KJ is amused and is looking at me with a tiny smirk while she keeps on skating without showing off. Am I showing off? Yeah, a little. I really missed my skates and I’m proud of all the things I learned on my own.

After a while, I hear another set of wheels and when I look over to my right I see Josh. He tries to look upset because he caught me skating, but a smile makes its way out. He shakes his head and speaks up.

“Having fun?”

“I had missed this,” I nod, “it’s a crime to have these beauties collecting dust”

“It will also be a shame if you hurt yourself more and can’t go to the dance” He adds in what it tries to be an innocent tone.

“You say that like you’re not as dumb,” I reply, “between you and me, who has the most injuries inflicted by their own hand?”

“I... think that’s me,” He scoffs, “fine, I’ll leave you alone.”

I look at KJ and she’s trying to hide a smile, I wink in complicity and keep skating in silence.

Something funny happens, I start humming this really corny song I was obsessed with a few years ago. I have no idea why it comes back to me right at this moment, I assume it’s cause I used to hear it a lot whenever Alex took me on one of his skate rides.

It’s a good song and it’s a nice moment to introduce you to the soundtrack of my life. There you go.

Y/N from a year ago always thought that I would sing this to Alex on one of our dates, which is kind of ironic cause the song it’s pretty much about this dude in denial about loving someone who he knows is not the one but he’s so desperate to have, that ignores it all just to have her.

Music is funny like that. I never stopped liking this song, even after I realized what the lyrics said. Now I’m here, my mind is already giving the lyrics a new meaning. One that takes me to Josh.

So when I discretely move over to Josh’s side, I stretch my hand out to him with a teasing smile. I expect him to roll his eyes and push my hand away, instead, he holds it. It’s like someone turned up the sound inside my brain.

“Put your hand in mine You know that I want to be with you all the time You know that I won't stop until I make you mine You know that I won't stop until I make you mine Until I make you mine...”

I know, I know. This is so ridiculous that there’s no way it’s actually happening. Well, the part about the song isn’t. The music is not really playing, I added the song in my head. I hum without saying anything to Josh, I hold his hand and both of us have this dopey smile cause we know we look silly and someone could easily tease us if they see us holding hands and skating together. We do it anyway.

I don’t know why he does it but I do it because it’s stupid and cute and it makes me giggle like an idiot. It’s been a while since I felt this, so I decide to give in for a brief moment, I don’t have to look badass or cool all the time anyway.

‘What about Sam?’ You ask with tons of worry. Don’t get all stressed, I’m just fooling around, this doesn’t mean I’m making a move. I’m just enjoying our time together. Besides, Josh seems happy, if he were acting uncomfortable I would immediately retreat my hand and apologize.

I respect his decision and that means I only do the things he lets me do. You know, consent and stuff. If he needs more time to recover I’m willing to wait... Not that I’m waiting to make a move. Of course, I’m just saying that- I mean, if there’s ever a slight chance, I wouldn’t refuse- ugh, nevermind.

“...You need to know We'll take it slow I miss you so We'll take it slow...”

“Hey,” His grip on my hand tightens for a moment to get my attention, “what were you doing with KJ?”

“Oh,” I smile, remembering I have news for him, “fun story... I saw her when I was getting ready to skate and I noticed she had her headphones on...”

Josh looks over to her for a few seconds and jerks up, turning back at me with an excited smile.

“I thought of something”

“What?”

“Hold on,” He releases my hand and moves over to KJ’s side.

As soon as he’s over there, KJ moves slightly to the right and I look forward, noticing the janitor’s cart in the middle of the way.

“Shit,” I whisper, now also moving to KJ’s side to try to prevent the accident.

I’m too late. Josh is way ahead of me and he stops in the last second, crashing and falling.

“Josh!” I stop a few feet away, waiting for his reaction, “Dude, are you okay?”

“Ugh, yeah I’m fine,” He grunts.

“I’m dying to point out how you said I was going to be the one injuring herself when you just broke your own record of self-inflicted wounds but I’m truly worried about your state so I won’t say anything”

“Thank you for not mentioning that,” He pushes himself up and looks around, “fuck, that thing came out of nowhere”

“No, I’m pretty sure it was there before,” I offer a hand, he takes it with a grumpy expression, “cheer up! You were telling me about how you just realized something when I was telling you about KJ”

“What? Oh! Right,” Josh smirks, then he grabs his skateboard and adds, “you’ll find out soon enough”

“Oh darlin', darlin', baby, you're so very fine You know that I won't stop until I make you mine Until I make you...”

With that, he skates away and I decide to catch up with KJ. When I reach her I poke her arm and she takes off her headphones.

“Yes?”

“Can we start with the headphones now?”

She looks over to the watch on her wrist and nods.

“Let me change first, I’ll see you in the main hall.”

“See you,” I turn over to go back to the pharmacy.

I find a whole scene when I get there: Maya is going from one side to the other, fucking up all the work Alex and I made during the whole week. She’s pushing boxes and bottles, searching frantically for something.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I ask loudly.

“She’s looking for a knife,” Alex says, he’s at the counter with his arms crossed and looking like he’s dying to kick her face, “she thinks you took it”

“She was the last person I talked to, of course she has it,” She points to me, “Where is it?”

“I don’t have your knife,” I reply calmly, “I have my own weapon”

“A fucking hammer,” She states, “obviously is not as good”

“Fuck off,” I scoff.

“You fuck off,” She walks up to me, “first you tell me you don’t want to come, then you steal my stuff?”

“How are you so sure it was me? There’s like forty people in here”

I see Angelica curiously peeking through the entrance, I remember how she threatened to do something if Maya ever tried to fight me, so I try to finish the conversation before Angelica gets involved.

“You know what, I don’t have to prove anything to you,” I repeat her words, “I don’t have your knife. Period. Now-”

“Is this your knife?” I hear Angelica behind me.

I turn around to see her holding a purple pocket knife.

“How did you..?”

“You little rat!” Maya walks over to her and starts to pour her anger and frustration onto Angelica, “didn’t your parents teach you to ask before taking things from others?”

“Calm down,” Angelica frowns, “you sound like a fifty year-old virgin”

“Give it back!” Maya snatches the pocket knife from Angelica’s hand.

My friend hisses and I see her hug her hand tightly against her chest. It’s the first time I see that look, she’s scared.

I’ve had enough.

“Get out,” I say coldly.

“What?” Maya turns around, frowning.

“Get out of our mall.”

“You can’t-”

“You have no self-control and you use any excuse to insult people. You can scream at me as much as you want, but I won’t allow you to scream or touch Angelica like that ever again.”

I grab the backpack that I’m sure it’s hers and I extend it to her, waiting.

“Who the fuck do you think you are to just kick people out of the mall like it belongs to you?” She asks, refusing to take the backpack.

She’s being so loud that a few kids are staring now.

It comes to me as I stand there, in the middle of the pharmacy with two people that I care about deeply. To be honest, I feel a bit dumb about not realizing sooner.

“I’m the healer,” I reply, “you injured An’s hand. My duty is to make sure she won’t get hurt again so I make sure by kicking you out. How’s that for a contribution, huh?”

“That’s not what I’d meant...” She mumbles.

“Doesn’t matter,” I throw the backpack to her feet, “you have twenty minutes, take enough stuff so you can make it on your own for a while and go”

“You’re gonna let her do this?” She asks, this time looking over at Alex.

“You heard the boss,” Alex replies, indifferent, “good luck out there”

Maya gives me one last glare before turning on her heels and walking away in indignation. I let out a heavy sigh, I suspect that during that whole exchange I wasn’t breathing.

Angelica gets closer to me and I look down at her hand.

“Let’s fix that,” I point to her hand.

“That was really badass,” She replies, “I’m sorry I called you a coward, I hope you’re not angry about it”

“I’m not, you were sort of right about it. I am a coward when it comes to... you know, admitting my feelings”

I see how her eyes light up at my statement as we walk over to the counter.

“I’m right? You like-”

“Shhh!” I search for Alex and I find him leaning over some boxes, he’s not paying attention to our talk, “Yes, you are. Promise me you won’t say anything, not even to Wesley!”

“Why not?”

“If something happens I want it to be because he wants it, not because you two forced him into dating me, that’d be embarrassing for both of us, understand?”

“Fine,” She picks a box of bandaids and hands it to me, “but you should definitely go with him to the dance, I bet you’d have fun.”

“I can’t,” Before she starts to complain about how I don’t have the guts, I add: “I already told Alex I’d go with him.”

“What?” She frowns, “You said you didn’t like him!”

“I don’t! This was our way to say ‘hey, everything’s okay between us now, we’re friends again”

“When you fix things with a friend you give them something, like a gift,” She complains, “you don't cock-block them!”

“He’s doesn’t know!” I grumble, “Don’t worry, I don’t have to try anything right now, remember how he’s still sad about Sam?”

“About that... after you left he came to the store and I asked him stuff”

“About what?”

“Sam, KJ (and yes, he’s not into it, shut up) and... about you”

I try to keep my hands as steady as possible while I put the bandaid.

“And?”

“Since you’re so scandalized about making a move before a proper period of mourning, I’ll keep it to myself,” She smirks.

“Traitor,” I mumble, finishing my work and standing up, “get out of my pharmacy before I kick you out as well”

“As you wish, all-mighty Healer,” She teases, bowing before me.

I like how it sounds. Not the ‘all-mighty’ thing, but the last part.

Y/N L/N: The Healer.

Taglist.

@letsbloodmagic @slythermyg

#twoidiots writing #daybreak fanfic #eli cardashyan #daybreak #josh wheeler #josh wheeler xreader #angelica green #ms crumble #wesley fists #netflix

44 notes · View notes

lonelypond · 5 years

Text

Moonlight Becomes You: Apocalypse Midnight Dance Party, Ch. 8

NicoMaki, NozoEli, YohaMaru, KanaMari, Love Live/Love Live Sunshine, 2.5K, 8/?

Summary: Dia tries to escape scrutiny and conversation, while Nozomi gets closer to Eli and answers.

Everyone To Their Corners

Yoshiko sagged, a shocked look on her face, her hand to her jaw, and You felt the bubble of tension in the air around them pop. Dia was shaking her hand as if she’d been stung by something. The door burst open as Hanamaru stepped between Dia and Yoshiko with a look on her face You had only ever seen once and You, thinking quickly, grabbed Dia and pulled her back.

“Trust me.” You whispered. “Please.”

Dia blinked, surprised, Yoshiko seemingly forgotten. She rubbed her hand, somehow, punching the winged annoyance had felt like a cross between pushing through an electrical field and grabbing the handle of a heated pot. You’s expression almost landed on hopeful and then Hanamaru tapped Dia on the shoulder and she turned, her shoulders squaring up again.

“No violence.” Hanamaru stated, her eyebrows low and weaponized.

“Yeah.” Yoshiko muttered. “Violence hurts.” She was sagging against Hanamaru’s back, still coddling her jaw.

Before Dia could speak, Nico and Maki were inside the room.

“You’re up.” Maki frowned as she noticed the IV and stand, “Should you be up?”

“I feel all right, Ma…”

You coughed. In a desperate, HINTING fashion.

“Maki.” Dia had no idea why she decided to go along, but the bright blue eyes rewarded her with a quick wink. And her parents really didn’t seem to know her. And they looked so young. But someone would be answering questions soon. So many questions.

And then Nico was right there, her expression suspicious. “You do know her.” Nico glared. Dia didn’t know how to process her mother as an enemy so she glanced to Maki, who at least wasn’t actively hostile to anyone but You. And then Nico was right in front of Dia, “How do you know her? Are you crazy stalking her?”

Oh. Nico was trying to protect Maki. Dia recognized that mood.

Dia knew how sharp Nico’s radar was for suspicious fan behavior so she focused on a memory from her childhood, of both her and Ruby listening to their Mama play the piano and let that shared joy of sisterhood color her voice, “No no, my sister and I are just big fans. Since we were kids. And I wanted an autograph to surprise her...my sister...before her tour starts…”

Nico had raised an eyebrow in Maki’s direction when Dia said “since we were kids,” but Maki was puzzling over Yoshiko, who was glancing wildly between Hanamaru and You, trying to communicate something with hand gestures.

The door opened again. Nico was forcing Dia back toward the window, Yoshiko had given up and decided to sit on the bed, still rubbing her jaw and muttering, Hanamaru caressing her back in a comforting fashion. Dr. Nishikino stepped into the room.

“There you are, Maki. And You. Good. Sorry, I got distracted.” Hands in her lab coat, Dr. Nishikino examined the scene and made a quick decision, “Can we get the young lady with the IV back in her bed and let her have some privacy. Are any of you family?”

You choked.

Hanamaru shoved Yoshiko off the bed, “No, but Ms. Tsushima here is her tour guide.”

“Tour guide?” Nico and Dia spoke at the same moment, their joint skepticism a near perfect echo. Maki looked startled. So did Yoshiko.

Hanamaru smiled her sweetest smile, “Historical Los Angeles. Very trendy in Tokyo right now, zura.”

“No, it’s not.” Maki stated, a recent trip to Tokyo still fresh in her memory. “Everything’s about the Olympics right now.”

“Which they held in LA.” Yoshiko blurted. Everyone in the room was now staring at her.

“Don’t help.” Hanamaru hissed, leaning over Yoshiko’s ear.

“I’d like to leave the hospital.” Dia stated, surely anywhere else would be calmer than here.

“That’s a good idea. We have a room for you…” Yoshiko started.

“No.” Dia’s arms crossed. “I am not going anywhere with you.”

“Do you have anywhere to go? Your luggage was apparently lost.” Dr. Nishikino asked. “And I would advise waiting for your test. Head injuries can be deceptive and dangerous.”

Dia had...money in her digital wallet that wouldn’t be created for decades yet. So no, nowhere to go...she glanced in You’s direction.

“Mama.” Maki came back into focus, her years of hosting parties and family friends clicking in, “We have a big house. And Dia seems about my size. So she can borrow some clothes.”

“No.” You and Yoshiko agreed, too hastily for everyone else in the room. Hanamaru rolled her eyes.

“Really?” Nico turned, now it was her turn to scrutinize You, “Nico thinks both of you answer too many questions not directed at you.”

Maki nodded and stepped up next to Nico. “Come along if you want. But I at least insist on getting Dia some spare clothes.”

“And if there might be a head injury, Dia shouldn’t be left alone.” Dr. Nishikino stated.

“I didn’t hit my head.” Dia insisted. No one was asking her anything. Her parents had once again stolen the spotlight.

“What’s today’s date?” Dr. Nishikino wondered, voice laced with a deceptive sweetness.

Dia froze, “I...I...I don’t know…” She scratched at her mole, “But that’s jet lag.”

“I’ll call the driver.” Dr. Nishikino wanted this party out of the confines of this hospital room, “And get the paperwork so Dia can sign herself out. Maki, take whoever wants to go to the house. All the guest rooms should be ready.”

All the guest rooms. Nico grunted and glanced out the window. Hospitals and doctors and DJ Diamond Princess fans and Maki’s mother and...Dia was staring at her, a little sad, and Nico got a sudden flash of Cocoa, the rare few times when she didn’t have an active project to juggle. That was weird. Maybe it was the hair color. Or Nico just being the best big sister in the world, even for strangers.

“You’ll be fine. Nico knows Maki will take good care of you.” Nico grinned.

And then Dia grinned back, “Yeah.”

With a sigh and a hip nudge, Nico got Maki’s attention back, “Nico has to go home and change and make sure Eli gets tucked in all right.”

“Just text her and tell her to call if she needs you.” Maki was trying so hard to keep the frustration out of her voice and failing so thoroughly. “You can make dinner in my kitchen.”

“Oh, you just want to put Nico to work...”

“No, that’s not what...I thought you wanted...I didn’t mean…”

And then Dr. Nishikino was there, her hand on her daughter’s shoulder, “Maki, just order food for everyone. Don’t put your friend on the spot like that.” Then she was holding her other hand out for Nico to shake, “I’m happy to meet you, Nico. You’re very welcome to anything in our kitchen, Maki’s just a little…”

“MAMA!” Maki jumped back, nearly knocking You over.

Dia giggled and now everyone was staring at her. But it really was amazing how little her parents had changed, especially Maki when her own mother put her on the spot.

Nico shook hands, “Thank you, Maki’s Mama. Nico looks forward to the tour, someday. But Maki will have to have this party without me. I have a roommate to talk some sense into.”

“Nico?” A hurt bleat forced from Maki. The rest of the room was seemingly trying to blend in with the walls as much as possible, except Dia who was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring with open interest.

Nico dropped her voice as she pulled Maki aside, “Eli had such a bad night; Nico is worried.”

Maki held Nico’s gaze, frowning, “some of us might be worried about…” Maki hesitated, “the people around Eli.”

Nico mock posed for the start of a fight, “Nico is fine.” Then she relaxed, “The dinner offer still stands. Bring,” And here Nico smiled at Dia again, “anybody who’s hungry or still needs medical observation. Nico’s cooking can cure anything.”

Maki became hyper aware of the rest of the room, and stammering, turned away from Nico, “We’ll be fine.”

After a pause and an almost comment, Nico shrugged and waved, including everyone in her audience, “Nico has to run. Let’s party again.”

“To save this world from the flames of chaos.” Yohane intoned from the window, but Nico had already closed the door.

“Hush, zura,” Hanamaru chided the new center of attention in the overpacked and confused room.

###

Mari pushed back from the table where Nozomi had laid out three cards, “Not my cards. I have no problems in my love life. Kanan is perfect tea.”

Eli was slouching on the couch, watching Nozomi, wondering if she should just take herself home or wait.

“Strength.” Mari flipped one of the cards at Nozomi, “A lovely lady and her lovely lion.” Mari winked, “You might find that useful someday, taming a beast.”

Eli froze. Eli froze so hard everyone in the room could hear the silent scream from every muscle in her body. Her mouth was open, then closed, more than a dozen times in near zero seconds, no sounds released, her blue eyes wild as she stared at Mari.

“Elichi?” Nozomi turned, wondering.

“You should see her bedhead, it’s adorable,” Mari giggled as she leaned to kiss Nozomi on the cheek, “Read her future. See if you’re in it. And Basta! on you for thinking Lovers Reversed has anything to do with me.” Mari flicked Nozomi mid forehead and then sashayed into her bedroom while Nozomi stared at her, and Eli continued to malfunction.

Nozomi took a look at the cards, Lovers and Strength reversed, and the Three of Cups in the middle, slid Strength back into place in the array, and bit her lip as she watched Eli become aware that Time was passing, Mari was gone, and Nozomi was watching Eli. Eli shot up from the couch.

“I need to get home. I should have left with Nico.”

Nozomi hummed. She did not have the years of experience with Eli that she had with Tarot cards, but the cards didn’t have so many tells. The first, refusal to make eye contact.

“Eli.” A short snap of a command.

Eli looked.

“I missed our text conversations.” Nozomi stood, slowly, watching Eli watch her move, noticing where Eli’s eyes went, pausing to stretch her arms behind her head, catching Eli’s quick glance away and blush.

“I’ve been focusing on dance.” Eli slumped back into a seat, arms loose over her knees, “It’s been a lifeline.”

There was no conviction in Eli’s tone. Nozomi sat next to her on the couch, carefully maintaining a break between them.

“Roommate trouble?”

Eli’s laugh was harsh, pained. “Yeah, me.”

Nozomi winced. She was pretty certain Eli was trying to blink away tears. But just grabbing and crushing her with a hug wouldn’t cut it. Needing to do something with her hands, Nozomi scratched her ear, while madly connecting words in her head to see if any might help.

And then Eli threw herself onto Nozomi’s shoulder, sobbing.

###

Dia had been silent throughout the limo ride. Actually, Dia corrected her internal narrator, everyone had been silent the entire ride, although You had been humming occasionally. And stealing glances in Dia’s direction. And not looking away the one time Dia obviously caught her, instead smiling and saluting. Maki sitting across from them frowned and crossed her arms. Dia had to giggle, the frown on her mother’s face was only slightly eased from the first time Ruby’s fiancée had been invited to dinner.

Dia suddenly found the silence obtrusive. “Is this normal weather for Los Angeles?”

Maki shrugged, “It’s hot. It’s always hot these days.”

“That is an unfortunate trend due to decades of human overconsumption and is directly responsible for....” Dia had had this conversation too often at extended Nishikino family events with some elderly relatives who refused to support climate austerity measures.

You double over with a cough and Dia stopped talking.

“We can take you right back to the hospital, Watanabe, if you’re not feeling well. I’m sure my mother will be thrilled.” Maki’s voice moved in with a cold front.

You waved a dismissive hand and bumped Dia before unfolding herself, “We don’t really know about the FuTURE, but I hear the weekend will be cooler.”

Maki muttered, “weather cop” as the limo started climbing the hills of Malibu.

###

When Eli’s sobbing started to ebb, Nozomi carefully shifted position so Eli could sit back easily if she wanted. Then, her arms still securing the blonde, Nozomi whispered, “It’s okay to let me help, Eli.”

Silence. Then a sigh and pressure against Nozomi’s arms as Eli sat up, leaning forward, her head drooping over clasped hands.

“Thanks.” Eli glanced to the side and her smile was sad and sweet and Nozomi found her heart digging a deeper, softer burrow for whatever these feelings were to drop into. Then Eli shook herself in a whole body movement that fascinated Nozomi, who watched it ripple and radiate from Eli’s back. Another sigh, and Eli forcing herself to her feet, “Nico’s right. I need to get home.”

Nozomi’s hand reached out, seemingly on its own instinct, but before Nozomi could speak and ask again if Eli always listened to Nico, Kanan returned to the room, speaking briskly, “Oh good, you’re still here, Eli. I want to talk to you about this program my friend, Yoshiko…”

Nozomi switched her attention to Kanan. This was a surprise. What would Eli and Hanamaru’s impossible and inept ‘displaced celestial being’ have to talk about?

“Not now,” Eli snapped, a slight head tilt in Nozomi’s direction, “please. I just want to go home.”

Kanan met Eli’s gaze, not hiding her concern, then nodded, “I’ll call you a car. And see you at our next rehearsal.” Kanan looked so stern Nozomi had a quick and mistaken impression she was seeing a stranger who’d replaced her friend. Kanan’s voice was an order, “Don’t even think about missing. We have a contract.”

Eli couldn’t argue with paperwork. And although her nod of agreement was defeatist, Eli was honestly glad to have an unbreachable reason to keep dancing. Dance was the only thing keeping her together right now. And deep in Kanan’s eyes, she’d seen not pity or curiosity, but solidarity. And Eli wanted to know why.

Nozomi’s hand was a kind touch on Eli’s arm, “Can I see you home? I’ll only stay as long as you want me to.”

Three days worth of tired, Eli considered declining. But Nozomi was nice and friendly and solid and not asking questions and Eli found herself dreading sitting alone in her apartment until the moon rose or Nico came home. So Eli shrugged half hearted assent, as bold a move as she could currently manage.

A/N: Moving is so much worse than I expected. How are you?

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sharky-boshaw-appreciation · 6 years

Note

Sharky rescuing Deputy from Joseph's bunker a year after the great collapse. And they go back to Jacob's bunker that was taken over by what's left of the Resistance and Joseph vows to take the Deputy back

*I love this prompt!*

Sharky leaned back against the concrete wall of the bunker. It was Jacob’s. After the resistance managed to push back against the peggies in that region, they took Jacob’s bunker, keeping all of the supplies and gear.

It was a good thing they did.

The nuke dropped and with the snap of fingers, Hope County was nothing but ash.

Sharky had managed to hide himself in a nearby bunker until the brunt of the explosion and fallout. He had enough food and water to last until the resistance managed to find him. They had been on an expedition, looking for supplies. Boy, was he glad they found him. He was out of rations for a couple days and started to think he was going to waste away.

For a bit, though, he thought that maybe it wouldn’t have been such a bad thing. He never found out what happened to his Deputy. He didn’t know whether or not she was alive, if she had been killed by the seeds, or obliterated by the explosion.

She was his light. Her absence left him in darkness. They reassured eachother when things went south. They comforted eachother when baggage became too heavy. She was everything to him and that was all the motivation he needed to go find her.

Could any radiation exposure potentially kill him? Yeah, but what was the point if he couldn’t boogie with her one more time. What was the point if he couldn’t hold her in his arms again, feel her soft hair under his fingers?

There woudn’t be.

“Sharky, we are going by Dutch’s bunker next. Tammy and Wheatly would like to know if you are coming along.” Sharky felt hopeful for a moment. Dutch was the closest one to them and his bunker would have been able to withstand the blast. Could she and her deputy friends have made it to that bunker? If there was a possibility, then by god he was going to investigate it.

“Got nothin’ else to do. Might as well go up to get a nice, fresh breath of radiation.”

Wheatly smiled at the at Sharky’s attempt at humor and left him alone.

Too soon? Probably.

Everyone here changed after the deaths of all of those people. People who were influential to their cause and led them valiently, were wiped out. It left many people helpless and hopeless, including Sharky.

“Well, let’s get a move on, doggy…”

…

They wore the special radiation suits that were stached within Jacob’s bunker, bringing extra in case they found any survivors. It was a harsh journey, the land was ravaged by rubble and rock, the earth splitting in huge gaps or appearing to have crumbled.

Dutch’s bunker didn’t appear to be affected though, the ground appearing to be intact around it.

Sharky stared at those metal doors. It made him sick to his stomach, thinking about not finding her or worse, finding a corpse. Tammy knocked on the metal, the sound echoing over the empty land.

Silence.

Why wasn’t anyone answering? Sharky kept quiet, getting a bad feeling. He looked to Tammy, silently inquiring about her next choice of action. Her idea was to use the repair torch in order to get in.

Tammy looked to Wheatly, gave him a nod and he knew exactly what to do.

The anticipation crawled up the pyromaniac’s throat.

Sharky held his gun tightly In his hand, while Wheatly began to cut the door. “Do you think anyone’s inside?” He asked, more directed toward Tammy. She let out a sigh, “Dutch is supposed to be here. He had goods prepped, I just hope it was enough.”

Sharky got a bad feeling. “Don’t you think Duch’d’ve opened the door if the guy was down there? He coulda heard the racket we’re makin’ a mile away.”

Tammy was in thought for a moment, staring off into space, before answering, “He would’ve. I’m thinking that we may always have to assume the worst and hope that we’re wrong. There’s always a chance of that.”

Wheatly and Sharky pulled open the doors and stared down into Dutch’s bunker and were suprised to be met with Dutch’s corpse being nailed to the wall, his sins carved into his flesh.

“DUTCH!” Tammy screeched and had to be held back by a crying Wheatly. Sharky was the only one who didn’t feel phased by it. Dutch was never rude to him, but made it clear that he never thought Sharky could be taken seriously.

Wait.

Who came down here to kill and hang Dutch up like Christmas lights? Deputy and himself personally saw to John’s, Jacob’s, and Faith’s death. The only one left who would have stood any sort of chance against Dutch would have been Joseph, himself.

And if he made it here…

…then Dep could be here as well.

“Tamms, imma need you guys to stay up here. I’m gonna go check and see if anyone’s down there.”

Tammy looked like she wanted to protest, but kept her mouth shut, giving him the extra suit bag.

“Be careful.”

He made his way down the steps, passing Dutch on the way. He smelled so bad, skin beginning to rot. It was a shame, but there was no time to mourn. Adrenaline pumped through him at the thought of Joseph being down there.

He stepped in to the rooms. They look lived in and marked with the PEG mark. He peaked into Dutch’s radio room. Empty. Office? Empty.

‘Check the bedroom’, he thought to himself.

He readied his gun, took a deep breath, and entered. To his surprise, there was his Dep, cuffed to the bedpost. She looked dirty, bloody, and malnourished.

“DEP! Are you, alright? Dep, come on and wake up for me!” He cupped her hollowed cheeks between his palms, stroking her greasy skin with his thumbs, not giving a damn. “Come on, baby… We’re gonna get you outta here…”

“Lock…” she whispered.

“Got to… pick the lock.”

He got up to find the key only to be met by Joseph’s fist colliding with his face.

“Charlemagne. Didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” Sharky grabbed his shot gun off of the floor, cocking it and aiming it right at him.

“I’m takin my Dep and I won’t say it twice.” Joseph put up his hands, showing he was unarmed. “

She is my child, Charlemagne, and I am her father. You will not take her from me without consequence. You can try and take her now, but you will regret it later.”

“That’s what you’d like to think, Broseph. WHEATY! TAMMY! GET DOWN HERE!”

He could hear the frantic pace of their footsteps as they came down stairs into the bunker.

“Where are you!?” shouted Tammy.

“We’re in the bedroom! Move your ass!” Sharky, held his finger over the trigger, staring straight into Joseph’s eyes. That fucker tortured her and he was going to fucking pay for it.

“What did you- Joseph? The Deputy? You piece of shit!” She about charged him, but Wheatly held her back.

“Get the fuck off of me! I’m gonna kill this sonofabitch!” Tammy struggled to pull free and was only silenced when they heard Dep whine.

“Don’t… Please don’t kill him… just take me and go… don’t hurt him… please, Sharky.”

And how could he deny that? He couldn’t. He wanted to put that fucker in the ground for everything that he’d done.

“NO! THAT FUCKER’S BROTHER KILLED ELI!” Wheatly’s face contorted into almost agony. He wanted to let her go. But he trusted the Deputy’s decision and pulled Tammy back.

“Jacob paid for that with his life. Just leave Joseph here. It isn’t like there’s anything here. Please…”

Sharky stepped forward, pressing the gun against Joseph’s chest.

“Start walkin’ and go to the next room. We’re gonna lock you in a room and take along your weapons, then we’re gonna get my Deputy out of here, and then we will unlock the door. If you start somethin’ I won’t fuck around. I’ll kill your ass whether she wants me to or not.”

He didn’t say a word and did as told, sitting in the old bunkroom. After searching the room for any possibly stashed weapons, they left to search for any goods that may be left.

He let Tammy pick the lock on the cuffs, since Joseph wouldn’t tell them where the key was, and helped you into the radiation suit.

“You are insane. You have lost your mind. You expect us to just let that fucker live?”

The Deputy looked at Tammy with tired eyes. “He suffers more being alive than dead. Trust me. I would know.”

Sharky came back with a duffel full of guns.

“Are you feeling alright, Dep? Baby girl, how’s your legs? You gonna be alright to shuffle?”

She laughed weakly, falling forward into Sharky’s grip. “Sharky… Thank you! You keep telling me that I’m the hero, but you save me countless times. You should probably be the new Deputy.”

Sharky pulled her tightly against him, tangling his fingers Into her hair, gripping her jacket like it was his lifeline. “Nah. That’s too much responsibility for me, Sunshine.”

He gave her back to Tammy so she could be helped out of the bunker and left him to unlock Joseph’s door.

“You are going to regret this.” He heard in a whisper from the other side of the door.

“You come anywhere near her again, you motherfucker, I will shove my flamethrower up your ass and cook you inside out. I’m not bluffin.’ I’m past the point of kidding around.”

Silence. Click.

The door was unlocked and Sharky was gone.

“I promise you that I’m going to get her back. You won’t be able to stop me this time. God is watching. God tells me this is what’s right. God tells me that she belongs here. God won’t let them take her.

God won’t let you take her for long.“

(Sorry it’s so long!)

#far cry 5 #deputy #sharky boshaw #tammy #wheatley #dutch #joseph seed #writing

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omeliashepherdhunt · 6 years

Text

Stand By Me pt. 3

After an extremely trying trio of surgeries, Amelia was ready to get home to her husband, babies, and mother in law for their Sunday dinner. Owen was making hamburgers while Evelyn promised Amelia her famous homemade pasta salad. She still couldn’t believe her mom was living so close by and that Carolyn thought they could just pick up where things left off many years ago. She was hesitant because she didn’t want to be hurt again— especially in front of her own little family. She had been getting on so well with her life since marrying Owen, albeit knowing it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and now it felt like her mother was sabotaging it all.

She unlocked the front door and was greeted by the sound of Eli crying, Pippa running around, and Evelyn humming in the kitchen. She followed her son’s wails to their dining area where Owen was trying to soothe him.

“Oh look, Eli. Mama is home.”

Owen handed him to Amelia and grinned as he watched her coo at their littlest baby.

“Oh what’s wrong buddy? You sound hungry, hmm? Maybe you can soak in the tub with me for a few minutes.”

Owen stood up and pulled his wife lovingly into his arms and gave her a kiss.

“Did you have a good day?”

“Three head traumas throughout the course of my shift. It was probably the busiest day I’ve had since my tumor removal and maternity leave.”

“Sorry. You should go relax. I’ll take him.”

“No it’s okay. He can nurse while I sit in the tub. I think the both of us could use the quiet time.”

Just then, they were interrupted by Pippa running full speed into the back of Amelia’s legs, causing her to stumble.

“Pippa! You have to be easy when I’m holding your brother.”

“Mama, you’re home! I’ve been waiting all day so you can play dress up with me!”

“Oh honey, give me just a little bit to get cleaned up and get Eli squared away.”

“Mama. Pleaseeeeee.”

“Pippa Evelyn Hunt. Give me just a few minutes.”

The five year old immediately furrowed her brow at the same time her bottom lip started to quiver.

“Mama.”

“Go help Nana finish up with the pasta salad. We can maybe play dress up later but it’s getting late.”

Pippa stomped her feet the whole way to her grandmother, making Amelia feel even more helpless.

“Have they been like this all day?”

“Eli still doesn’t appreciate a bottle unless it’s the perfect temperature which I can’t seem to get and Pippa didn’t nap at all so she’s been short fused.”

“Why didn’t she nap?”

“We were at the pool for most of the afternoon.”

“We always have her nap. Owen, come on. You know our kids are schedule oriented.”

His brow furrowed just like Pippa’s.

“It was one day. She’s going to be fine. I already gave her a bath so she can go to bed after dinner.”

“You’re waking up with her in the morning then.”

Amelia couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed. She walked into chaos and now had a pounding headache from her even more chaotic day. Evelyn came around the corner so she greeted her as brightly as she could before she got in the bath with little Eli.

The baby was squeaky clean and had a full belly so Amelia finally pulled them out of the warm bath to get dressed. She was in her normal house attire: a nursing camisole and yoga pants. Amelia always loved to dress the kids. They were like living dolls. She combed Eli’s little tufts of chocolate hair and dressed him in a pair of dinosaur footie pajamas.

“Look at you! So handsome just like your daddy even though you have Mama’s hair.”

When they went back downstairs, the table was set and Owen was bringing out the last of their plated dinners.

“Amelia, dear. I got to meet your mother today when we ran into each other at the grocery store. I didn’t know who she was but she recognized me from pictures in this house.”

“Oh great. How did that go?”

“She seems really lovely but told me you banned her from coming around unless you say otherwise.”

“Yep.”

“She’s trying to make things right. She wants to get to know Pippa and Eli.”

Amelia took a sip of her water once she felt her appetite shrink the more she talked about her mom.

“Maybe she will eventually. I’m not rushing it. She gave up on me when I was 5. Derek picked up the pieces. She supported me financially as a kid but Derek deserves all the credit. He taught me everything I knew. He’s not here anymore so I don’t know why she feels the need to come around.”

Owen looked up from his plate feeling awkward as he witnessed their conversation. His wife could fight her own battles which is why he didn’t intervene.

“She told me she’s sick. Carolyn has stage 4 melanoma that has metastasized.”

Both Amelia and Owen choked on their food with their eyes bugged out.

“What?”

“She came here to spend some time with Meredith and the kids and is hoping to make amends with you before she goes.”

“Go where, Nana?”

The three adults looked at Pippa and scrambled to figure out what to say.

“Back to New York. Pip, do you want to go set up your tea party table and we can finish dinner there?”

“Ooooh, yes Mama! I’ll be ready in 2 minutes!”

Pippa hopped down from her chair and took off for the playroom.

“Owen, Evelyn, for all we know my mom could be lying. I can talk to her tomorrow and figure it all out. I however don’t want to talk about it anymore today. I’m sorry but today has exhausted me and I’m over the day. I’ll go eat with Pippa. Sorry for the shit show that was this family dinner.”

When the house was tidied up and the kids successfully tucked in and asleep, Amelia finally climbed into bed. Everything hurt and she felt completely floored. Her mom could be dying. She would be another person she lost and now she knew she cared about her mom more than she wanted to. She was devastated. She had been so cold to her mom. Maybe she had a reason to be but now she felt it didn’t matter.

Amelia was pulled from her thoughts when Owen came into the room.

“Mia, I know you had a hard day but you were short with Pippa, short with me, then short with my mom once she tried talking to you about your mom. What is wrong?”

“I told you! My day was long, I lost one of my patients on the table, then I get home and the baby is screaming and Pippa is running around tearing up the place. Then your mom drops the news that my mom is dying. So forgive me for being short. I’m exhausted and I want to sleep.”

Owen pulled off his shirt and climbed in on the other side, trying his best to cozy up to her.

“I’m sorry today sucked. I know something that could maybe help?”

Instantly Amelia pushed his arm off of her and hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Are you freaking kidding me? I’m having an awful day, feeling like crap, and you want to have sex? No way. No way in hell would I have sex with you. Oh my god, you’re impossible!”

“I was partially kidding. Amelia, come on. I was kidding. Any other time you’d be all for it. Please don’t be like this. Let’s just sleep. I want to hold you. I missed you.”

“Don’t touch me. I just need to sleep.”

“You’re crying.”

“Leave me alone.”

Come morning, Amelia finally pulled herself off of the loveseat in Eli’s room to change his diaper and feed him again. She had tossed and turned for hours until she gave up and moved to the nursery during Eli’s 2 a.m feed. She felt even more exhausted than the night before and was eager to speak to her mom. Once her phone showed seven in the morning, she called her mom’s cellphone. It rang four times before she answered.

“Amelia? How are you? Is everything okay? It’s early.”

“Everything is fine here. My mother in law had some interesting news to share with us over dinner last night.”

“Oh honey. I wanted to tell you but there was never the right time. You were so angry.”

“I have a lifetime of anger. You didn’t cause it all. I blamed you for a lot of it but like you said, you did the best you could. Is it true? Metastasized melanoma?”

“Yes. I’m planning on being in town until the pain gets to be too great then I’ll be going to Oregon for physician assisted suicide. I don’t want any of you to take care of me and I don’t want to be in a home. I’d like to go with dignity. I’m at peace with the decision and look forward to being reunited with my two guys.”

“Mom, please. I’ll let you come around. We can work this out. Your children are doctors. All of us are doctors. Please let us help you.”

“Honey, there is nothing any of you can do. It’s in my blood stream now and I get a bit more tired each day. I’m sorry but I won’t be changing my mind. I’d love to make the best of my last days here. I’d love to get to know your beautiful babies. Nothing would make me happier than to make up with you after all these years.”

“Okay. Would you like to come over later afternoon and stay for dinner? I can make Dad’s old pasta recipe.”

“That sounds lovely. I’ll be there. Thank you Amelia.”

“I’ll see you later Mom.”

Next she called Evelyn to see if she could watch the kids until her mom came. She needed to spend time and make up with Owen. She dropped the kids off, went through the drive thru for their favorite donuts and coffee, then went back home. To her surprise, Owen was still asleep. Normally when she’d wake up before him, he’d be sleeping with his face soft from any expressions. Now his face was tense and she knew he slept just as shitty as she had. As emotional as she had been, tears started to pool in her eyes. She wasn’t surprised but she felt awful about how she treated him. He had been nothing but good to her and she was just mean. She tiptoed to the bed and got in. He started to wake up and open his eyes. As soon as his eyes met hers, she flung herself into his arms. Sobs wracked through her entire body. Owen was definitely confused but held her close and lovingly anyways. He knew she was probably struggling to process everything and it was a lot for her to take in all at once.

“It’s okay Mia. You’re alright.”

“I’m so sorry. I was mean and it was uncalled for. You’re my best friend. I love you so much. I missed you yesterday too.”

“I know you did. I know you love me. You don’t have to say it for me to know.”

“I do though. Life is too short to not say it. You, Pippa, and Eli are all I have. You three are everything to me. You three are the reasons my heart still beats. I’ve lost my dad, my brother, our son, and soon will lose my mom. I can’t lose you.”

Owen held her even tighter, stroking her hair to bring her any sort of comfort while he kissed her forehead.

“I’m right here Amelia. I’m not going anywhere for a very long time. You’re Amelia Grace Shepherd Hunt— Mother of three, smoking hot wife, and brilliant life saver. You will get through this and I’m right here all the way.”

#omeliashepherdhunt #omeliastrong #omelia #ameliashepherd #amelia shepherd #owenhunt #owen hunt #standbymeomeliafic

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jumpboy-rembrandt · 6 years

Text

Rule of Threes

[a metafic about remmy rembrandt]

Nadiya thinks he’s a failure.

That isn’t even his imagination acting up; she said as much the first time they met. Rembrandt? You mean Christopher Rembrandt, the man who gave up a spot in the Olympics and then embarrassed himself on national television? Tragic.

Even though she isn’t his brother – she’s barely his friend – it melts down the back of his throat and coats his lungs, and the disappointment bounces around his head like the rubber balls he and Elijah used to hoard from the arcade down the road. Dump them out and watch them bounce, bounce, bounce across the kitchen.

Remmy liked to think of himself as a cool kid. He could do a backflip better than anyone else in his grade – taking gymnastics since age seven would do that – and he could kick anyone’s butt at Pokémon.

Simon Lawson didn’t think he was cool, though. Simon played hockey with his friends in the culdesac and read lots of books about space. One time he nudged a thick novel about Martian colonies into the aisle as Remmy was walking past, making him trip and spill his lunch tray. Simon though Remmy was weird, and Remmy’s friends thought Simon was a jerk.

Remmy didn’t really mind, though. He lived across the street from Simon and remembers when Mr. Lawson got offended about Remmy’s parents inviting Simon to come to gymnastics practice. Apparently, no one had ever told Mr. Lawson that boys were allowed to do gymnastics, and he got really upset when he was told otherwise.

It wasn’t Simon’s fault that his dad was so emotional. That’s why Remmy just sat up, scooped whatever he could back onto his tray, and turned to Simon with a sheepish grin to apologize for stepping on his book. Simon smirked at his friends, but Remmy knew that Simon snuck into his backyard sometimes to play on his trampoline. Maybe one day Remmy will come outside too and show him how to do a flip.

People aren’t mean for no reason. Sometimes you just need to figure that reason out, and be as nice as you can in the meantime.

That’s why Remmy knew that Nadiya wasn’t a bad person, and someday soon he’s going to find her trampoline.

One time in fourth grade, Remmy rode the swing until he got as high as he could and jumped. He went clear over Rosa’s head and hit the ground running, stumbling, falling into a puddle. The cold mud seeping through his clothes barely registered. He was giddy from his two seconds of weightlessness, flying through the air like a superhero.

When Remmy got accepted onto the Olympic team, it was just as euphoric. He felt like he was flying, flying, flying—

You don’t always land in a muddy puddle. Sometimes there’s just gravel that digs into your knees and leaves jagged scars.

He still could’ve competed. Some say that he should’ve. He’d been working towards this for the past decade, ever since he ran into the gymnastics building clutching his dad’s hand and bouncing with excitement.

That’s what it came down to, though, wasn’t it? His dad wasn’t there to squeeze his hand before he walked onto the mats, and his mom wasn’t there to wave her neon posterboard signs and annoy the people sitting behind her.

He needed his family. He needed to sit up with Eli until the early hours of the morning, flipping through photo albums and watching American Ninja Warrior and learning how to make pancakes with the shapes drawn on them like their mother used to. He needed to cry and scream and let himself be upset like he never could around anyone else.

He needed his big brother. And his big brother needed him.

Years passed, and it got a little easier. He and Eli had big dreams shaped like warped walls and salmon ladders, and they dedicated themselves to bringing those dreams to life.

It was like they were kids again, crafting an excess of obstacles in their backyard and daring each other to do it again, but faster. Their backyard turned into a studio, and their rotting tree branches into balance beams, and Remmy could almost forget that 2008 had ever happened.

Yet, some reminders of adulthood were louder – and sweeter – than others.

Remmy adores his nephew. Little Robin Rembrandt is the apple of his eye and he makes sure the kid knows it every day.

He remembers the night Robin was born, and how he got to be the first person to hold him right after Eli and his girlfriend, and how elated he was when Robin made soft, sleepy noises at him.

He also remembers sitting in the hallway with Eli afterwards, rubbing circles into his big brother’s back as he sobbed. Whenever he and Eli had complained that their parents were being embarrassing, mom and dad would reassure them that they were going to be even worse about embarrassing their grandchildren.

It felt wrong to be sitting in the maternity ward without their parents showering Eli in kisses and burying Robin under piles of stuffed toys. So, so many years had passed, but at times like this, it stung like it had only been days.

Remmy introduces himself to the interviewer for the Do Good Fellowship. She perks up and says that she recognizes his name. Wasn’t he in the Olympics a few years back? Remmy manages a small smile.

“Almost,” he says. She raises an eyebrow.

“Miss a qualifying round?” she asks, and for a second Remmy is so, so tempted to say yes.

“Dropped out,” he tells her with a shrug. She raises her other eyebrow.

“…Interesting,” she says, scribbling something in the margin of her notebook. “Well, I hope you won’t pass up this opportunity too.” Remmy composes himself before she looks back up, relaxing his grit teeth and blinking frustrated tears from his eyes.

“Me too,” he says.

Remmy smiled and laughed during the interviews, shook hands and congratulated his competitors, and then went back to his car and cried until he began retching.

At least for the Olympics he hadn’t shown up. At least for the Olympics he had an excuse. At least for the Olympics he had been able to go home and hug his brother and cry and cry and cry.

Right now, he wasn’t sure Elijah would even look him in the eye.

That wasn’t true, and he logically knew it wasn’t true, but every other part of him was getting weighed down by the thick sheets of disappointment and failure that squeezed his lungs until he couldn’t breathe and shut down every thought in his brain.

Elijah found him sitting in a Dairy Queen parking lot, curled up in the back seat and surrounded by empty wrappers. He crawled in next to his little brother and held him and told him that they were going to be okay, that they could figure this out. Remmy just nodded into his chest, silent tears still rolling down his face.

It was a few weeks and several job interviews before he let himself play with Robin again. Elijah had been through enough, and Remmy had been supposed to be his big break. He was going to make it up to him. He had to.

Irene asks what his favorite movie is. Remmy thinks about the late nights he stayed up watching Stick It, crying into a bowl of dry cereal and wishing that his story could’ve gotten a happy ending.

“It’s actually Flubber, which is weird,” he replies with a painted-on grin.

“That is so strange,” Irene tells him, smiling back. She seems scared, though. He hopes she thinks that’s why he’s shaking too.

The Fellowship was going to be his happy ending. After this, he wouldn’t need anymore graveyard shifts or long commutes, just living on site and fixing computers for the world’s best and brightest. He would earn enough money to pay for the gym, to pay Eli’s rent, to get Robin into a nice school.

This was it. Sure, they seemed awfully interested in his gymnastic background. Yeah, he seemed stuck with a person who hated him for reasons beyond his understanding. And of course, not all of his coworkers were nice.

One time, Remmy’s coworker at one of many part-time jobs said something snarky about the rainbow bracelet he was wearing. Remmy twisted it around his wrist and grinned sheepishly, explaining that he got it from a parade he went to in Chicago a few years back. The coworker snorted and made eye contact with his friend over Remmy’s shoulder.

People aren’t mean for no reason, but sometimes that reason is bullshit.

So when Nadiya eviscerates Jamie, he has to bite back a laugh. It may not be his style, but listening to the string of threats backed by Walking On Sunshine wasn’t a wholly unpleasant experience.

Unfortunately, some coworkers ran a little darker than Jamie.

He failed out of the Olympics. He failed out of American Ninja Warrior. And now…rule of threes, baby.

Remmy had thought he could avoid this by dropping gymnastics – there couldn’t be a third failure if he retired to computers. But, alas, life had it out for him and now so does the Do Good Fellowship.

He stared through the windshield. Kardala’s hair was brushing his face from where she was collapsed against his shoulder, sleeping soundly. Nadiya was driving, arguing with Mary in the passenger seat about the nearest restaurant.

Was this a failure? The usual rush of tears hadn’t hit him yet. He felt empty, ethereal, floating slightly out of his body. He focused on the hair brushing across his nose, grounding himself, and trying not to sneeze into the goddess’s hair.

The first time, Remmy lost his parents and gymnastics – the sport they supported him through for more than half his life – in a few disastrous days. The second, he nearly destroyed his relationship with his brother at the hands of the activity they cherished. And this time…

Well.

His powers definitely caused a predicament, but he still had them. And, to be honest, the loss of the Fellowship didn’t really hit him too hard. Maybe this wasn’t a failure. Or, maybe he’s just become numb to the feelings of guilt and disappointment.

The arguing in the front seat reaches a crescendo and Kardala wakes up long enough to shout that they will go to “wherever the orange one wants, now let me sleep or you will both regret it dearly.” A smile twitches across Remmy’s face. Oh. That makes sense.

The Fellowship may have given him powers, but they don’t tie him to an organization. They connect him to people, to Nadiya and Irene and Kardala and Mary Sage. The ‘Berg may be gone, and it’s possible they’re on a watchlist, but he still has the four of them.

He sure would like a fifth, though.

Remmy taps the center console, interrupting the icy silence between the girls.

“Mary, I know you’ve got a burner phone. Can I borrow it?” he asks. “I really need to call my brother.

#um.#i have feelings about remmy rembrandt? sue me. it's birdie's fault for the playlist.#barely edited #update: has been edited #remmy #fic #text

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salemroleplayhq · 3 years

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❝ I HAVE DEFINITELY HAD GUYS WALK UP TO ME, PUT THEIR ARM AROUND ME, AND WHEN THEY WALK AWAY MY SHOULDER SMELLS LIKE TACO MEAT.❞

MEET…

Birchwood “Orion” Boyd

Age: 40

Birthday: June 22nd, 1981

Gender/Pronouns: Cis Male, any pronouns

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Length of time in Salem: 3 years

Occupation: Paramedic & Drag Queen

Faceclaim: Lee Pace

THEIR STORY

tw: past abuse

Orion is the oldest child of Bennett and Eliza Boyd, who met each other at a roller rink in a podunk little Minnesota town. Two rebellious teens who quickly fell in love, they vowed to travel, to see the ocean, and ultimately, to stay together forever. And they did it all. They bought an old beat-up van and drove through the US. They played guitars on moonlit nights, sitting on the roof and watching fireflies.

When Orion came into the world, Bennett and Eliza were thrilled, and had no plans to stop their travel. Toddling little Orion came with them as they drove through dusty mid-western states, along the western coast, and even into Mexico. He was a creative little kid who loved animals and begged for a dog. His mother homeschooled him, teaching him the fundamentals for preschool and kindergarten. Since they traveled so often, he didn’t get to make a lot of friends. When his sister Berryhill came along, his parents began debating more and more the possibility of settling down… at least so their kids could get a proper education. After a few more years of going from place to place, Eliza and Ben settled down in a cute little home in California. Ben found an old shack on a picturesque beach and fixed it up, turning it into a perfect spot to rent out boogie boards, surfboards, snorkel gear, and grab a snack.

As Orion got older, the third Boyd sibling, Sunshine, was born. Orion loved teaching Berry and Sunny everything he knew about surfing, and the three of them spent many afternoons running around in the sand until they came back to the surf shack to help their dad close up for the night. As Orion got older, he studied and worked at the shack, debating college and secondary education. But he wasn’t too smart, and didn’t think he’d do too well. Still, he tried. Eventually, Orion was running it on his own for days on end while their parents traveled again, studying at night. Orion would watch Sunny and Berry, make sure they were getting on the bus for school, and would run the little shop on weekends while attending college. He was dating a beautiful girl, going surfing every day, and working towards a future.

Orion didn’t talk about the fights with his long-time girlfriend Emma very often. He figured people wouldn’t really take it seriously- an adult man, 6′7″, getting slapped around and made fun of by his 5′7″ girlfriend. After being guilted into moving with her to Boston for her to pursue a reporter job, Orion found himself presented with a new start, in a new place. He hated the big city but adapted quickly, meeting new friends at a local drag and karaoke bar, and realizing his own self worth. After a nasty fight left him with fingernail scratches across his face and bruises on his arms, he broke it off with his then fiancée, filing a restraining order and moving himself out to Salem. Since then he’s really come into his own. Orion started doing drag, performing as ‘Celeste’- something Emma never would’ve condoned, and met so many amazing and supportive friends. He’s a certified paramedic and living on his own with his rescue, Jupiter.

PERSONALITY

+ Optimistic, kind, brave

- Spontaneous, naive, flaky

ORION IS PLAYED BY ELI.

#orion boyd #nb #all #oc rp #town rp #city rp #lsrpg #original rp

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rayraypotata17-blog · 6 years

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The Gray Area (chapter 1)

So this is obviously a rough, ROUGH draft, and I had a really hard time actually writing it without truly editing. Enjoy!

Everybody was screaming. I could smell sweat and alcohol and metal. Metal? No, I was smelling blood. Someone was bleeding; I guess it was me. My fingertips were as raw as my throat, and the whiskey I had downed earlier was sitting strange in my stomach. The only reason I was on time with the rest of my group was due to the earbud pressed into my ear. The turnout was amazing. Usually we pulled up a crowd of maybe 100. Today it was almost double that. The lyrics were falling from my lips and hanging in the air, riding the hands and ears of the attendees like I was crowd surfing myself. I was in my element.

Afterwards, Eli came up to me and told me I was great that day, that I was completely on. Later at the bar, I pondered what “on” really meant, then proceeded to take another shot of vodka. I had begun to feel the usual warmth of alcohol around the fourth shot, but kept going until I was burning.

“So...I was at your show earlier. You guys rocked!” A short brunette slurred, eyes drifting from my mouth to my crotch and back up.

“Thanks. We did it just for you.” I rose my glass as a mock toast, deciding she was too wasted to detect my sarcasm. Why not humor her.

Giggling, she placed a hand on my jacket sleeve, “But, if you want, I can show you how I rock back at home.”

I pushed her hand off and jumped from the stool, making sure to pay off the last drink by slapping a ten on table. The bartender pitied the girl, I could tell as he swept up my money and glanced sadly at her. Either that or he was looking for a lover just as much as she was. I didn’t see her swallow her pride and march off, but I knew she did. I didn’t see her fix her hair and makeup in the bathroom, but I knew she did. Girls like that are desperate for a welcoming partner to spend the night with, and won’t settle for anything less. I assume she found someone that night.

So did I.

I usually don’t drive when I have gigs, simply because I know I’ll drink. I just prefer not to deal with finding a designated driver or bother leaving my car overnight at a random bar. I also didn’t mind walking. So I headed in the general direction of my house, hoping that I’d recognize a landmark and then know my way from there. It was a crisp September night. The leaves had already started to turn brown, yellow, orange and red, but a few of the younger ones still had plenty of green. My breath fogged up a little as I shoved my bare hands into my coat. My scarf was still keeping my neck and chin warm, but it was my ears and toes that had really begun to feel the cold. It was about a week prior to this that I had thought of moving to somewhere warmer, then realized I couldn’t part with the aesthetic of the snow and having an excuse to wear all of my layers. I pondered this again as I was walking, and came to the same conclusion that I wasn’t going to leave Maine. It was home.

Home.

“Shit.” I murmured. I completely forgot to call my mom that week. I quickly fumbled for my phone and pressed call, hoping one in the morning wasn’t too late. It sent me straight to voicemail. Either her phone was dead or she didn’t want to talk again.

I waited for the beep, “Hey mom, it’s me. I just wanted to check in again and I hope you’re doing fine. I’ll try you tomorrow but if you don’t answer that's fine, I’ll just wait until next week. Love you.”

After I ended the call, I regretted saying “love you”. I knew she didn’t like that.

It had been a long time since I had actually seen her. Two years? Seems right. She didn’t have any social media, rarely checked her phone, and almost never left the house. The doctors said she was paranoid, but I always thought she was just scared. Not scared of the unknown, or whatever the specialist told me. I was pretty sure she was terrified of what she had already experienced.

I passed a few empty alleyways, making sure to avoid them. People who look for trouble hang out in alleyways; ask any Hollywood director. The cliché surrounding dark alleys and thugs seemed all too real as I was briskly walking around them. I just wanted to go home.

As I was crossing a parking lot, a large man crashed into me.

Normally, I would’ve said something rude or nasty, then continued on my way. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to say anything. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed, a move I couldn’t comprehend, and therefore, had no clue how to counter it in order to escape. After a few seconds he relaxed and held me at arm's length, still not separated from me. He was tall, much taller than me, and had wild sandy blond hair. With a strong jawline and green eyes, he was a heartthrob. And I wanted him to quit touching me. I threw up a hand to push him back, and then let it fall back to my side when I saw more men approaching.

“See? I’m fine. Look! It’s Tom from my Political History class! I was just going to meet him at the bar!” The man holding me spoke to the group, giving me a good shake as if to emphasize that I was there. He looked at me nervously and pulled me in for another bear hug. “Please play along.” He whispered.

I nodded. “Yeah, uh, sorry. I went out looking for you. We still on?” I crossed my arms awkwardly, knowing I sounded fake. This kid wouldn’t let go of me, and it was getting on my nerves. I was close to snapping.

“Of course, Tom!” He shouted, turning back to the other men. “So, we good, Lance?”

One of the guys stepped forward and gave me a once-over before raising his hand for an approving thumbs up. Returning the gesture, Blondie (my new name for him) swept us in the direction I had just come from. I kept up the act until we were out of sight from the other men. Then I shoved him.

“Hey! What the hell?!” He threw his hand up, clearly pissed. Well so was I.

“You need to stop touching me so much. Seriously.”

He grinned, “Oh come-on, we just fooled my brother into thinking we knew each other. It was an important part of the plan.”

“We didn’t do shit. You did.” Why was I still walking with him?

“Oh yes we did. Your acting could use a little work, but it’s just a matter of-”

I stopped walking and faced him completely, “Cut it out. I don’t know you, you don’t know me. It’s time to go our separate ways. This is weird.” I stuck out a hand. “The best of luck, Sunshine.”

“My name’s Kasey, but you can call me Sunshine if you want,” He didn’t miss a beat, grasping my hand in a grip an employer would die for. This guy wouldn’t take a hint.

“Look, Kasey,” I sighed. “I’m glad I could help you out, but, for real, I am gonna go, okay?”

Kasey looked at me with wide eyes, “No, you can’t! What if they see you without me? Lance is gonna kill me if he finds out I lied about having friends!”

I chuckled. Imagine, this giant beefcake with no friends, no girl, no nothing. I continued to laugh until I was bent over, borderline hysterical. “Jesus Christ you’re funny.” I let out a long whistle.

He tilted his head, much like a dog, and gave a small laugh, “I’m sorry, I don’t see what’s so funny. I wasn’t making a joke. I really don’t have any friends.”

I immediately stopped smiling. There was no way. Confused, I checked him out. Whether it was sexual or not, he was attractive. Yeah, he had a strange scar on his lip, and one of his eyebrows was a tilted down farther than the other, but he was by no means ugly. So it was his personality.

“Maybe you just need to learn how to start conversations,” I shrugged.

“I always start the conversation, but they never stick around!”

“Well if your opening sentence is ‘please play along’, I think you’re doing it wrong.”

He frowned, “I don’t do that every time. I just needed to convince Lance I was fine. ‘Cause I am. Fine, I mean.”

I nodded. “Uh huh. Sure. You seem like a nutcase.” Internally, I winced at my words. I was being a bit harsh, even for me.

“I’m not a nutcase! I’m just,” He paused, running his hand through his hair. He seemed frustrated. “Can we just go for a drink? Please? I’m buying.” Kasey’s mouth pulled back into his grin, this time less obnoxious and more sincere.

Just say no

Come-on

Fuck it

#writing #love #drama #romance #chapter one #book #???

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