#listen i think zack should get to have a party too

[queernoctis]

main party, side b

[lyon-amore]

What if...? Duskwood Chapter 6

Chapter 5  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   

*Macie POV*

It was horrible when I got back to work. I had to listen to Christian tell me that I shouldn't turn in anything again without going through him first. It was clearly an abuse of power, because I didn't have to tell Christian if he accepted my news or not. Someday I'll make him eat all the words about him, but… Ugh… The boss's favorite because he attracts all eyes.

Well, the positive is Cleo's information. It seems that Alfie, the son of Mrs. Walter has seen a live legend 'The Man Without a Face', carrying her friend. I like legends, but clearly a legend can't exist, so that means there might be a witness to the kidnapping. Cleo told me to ask Jessy about the legend and she opened a chat for Richy, her and me, but since he and I were busy, we left it for later.

I'm reviewing the latest news I've been given and Aiden walks over to my table.    "Something tells me from the look on your face that Christian has told you how important he is and that you must be below him." He leans against my table, sitting down at the end.    "It's amazing that you have the same position so high and you are nicer." I commented, looking up from the computer.    "Not all famous journalists are as self-centered as he is, Macie." He winks at me and I laugh. "But you're the only worthwhile person in this place-"    "What she what?" Lian comes out behind him, placing a hand on her shoulder "Did I miss something between you two?"   I roll my eyes. She really has a sixth sense for romance. Either that or it's about married life, she wants to see her friends get married too.    "There's nothing between us," I replied with a laugh, "we're just friends, right Aiden?"    “Of course yes.” Aiden gets up from the table awkwardly. "Well, I have to go, I have to give the sport. See you later Macie. "    "See you later."    I return to the computer, but Lian still hasn't left my desk. I look at her and see that smile she always puts on when she's curious. Luckily it's Aiden and not Mister Hacker, surely there she would be jumping excitedly if she could, since with her pregnancy, she wants to be careful.    “Did you know that Aiden has been in love with you for a long time?” she asks me, tapping my shoulder.    “No way! I would have noticed.”    "Of course you know, you just don't care to know."    "Well, he's… cute."    ”Yes, his resemblance to Zack Efron in High School Musical 3 has them all drooling remembering their adolescence."     I let out a laugh and a co-worker looks at us badly for not working.    "You could give it a try," if she turns to see him walk away, "at least he's got a nice ass."    "Nah, I don't think so." I answered, looking at him, while I thought about the hacker. "But is that what you think when I should give him a chance?"    "It's the pregnancy hormones, what do you want me to do to it?" Her cell phone rings and she starts reading the message "Great!"    "Brian?"    "Yes, the poor guy has spent four years in an investigation that doesn't give him a day off, but… soon they'll give him at least one day aaaaand…. It coincides with the day of the party!"     I see her so happy talking about her husband, it makes me die of sweetness. They make me very envious, but at the same time she makes me happy that she has someone that she loves so much that she can hardly see him because of his work. Brian's job is government investigations, so he's always busy looking for criminals. He is another great friend of mine, almost like a brother. He also cares a lot about me.    "Connors! Bring us coffee!" A superior shouts.     I closed my eyes taking a deep breath. Lian pats me on the head.    "Don't get upset, it's not good for the skin." she jokes.    "I'm grateful that tomorrow is the weekend." I get up from the table, grabbing my bag and jacket.    "Why? You have something to do?"     The hacker goes through my mind. I could pay him a visit and bring him breakfast, I think after today, I think I should excuse me.    "You already know my plans: The Vampire Diaries series, a glass of wine and a couple of cupcakes."    "Macie, friend, leave Damon Salvatore and find yourself a real one, a vampire is not going to fill you-"     "See you later Lian!"      I want her to stop being pregnant, damn hormones. 

 I finally got to speak in the group and learn about the legend of The Man Without a Face. The story of a punisher of sinners who lives in the deep of the forest. His mark: Paint a raven on the door houses of those he is going to punish. He takes the victims to the forest forever.    "Um…so did Hannah do something?" I think after listening to Jessy “why else would a man who takes sinners go after her?"     I must write it down. While on Cleo's side, Mrs. Sully saw Hannah coming out of the pharmacy, maybe it has something to do with the photo I found of the prescription?    "What was wrong with you, Hannah?" I ask myself, somewhat worried about this whole situation.

  I got up early and talked to Jessy. The more I talked to her, the more I analyzed her. She didn't seem to be one to hurt anyone. Sorry Mister Hacker, I find Jessy a good friend, I can't suspect that she is the culprit. 

I take two coffees and go upstairs. I haven't found anything interesting unfortunately. He open the door again before I knock.    "But this time I went up in silence." I say surprised.    "No, you still need practice" he sighs, raising a hand to his head "What are you doing here?"    "First of all, good morning," I say with a small smile, "and second, I wanted to apologize for how I behaved yesterday, I'm not one to have a childish attitude." I hand him the coffee and he accepts it, letting me pass.     I hear him let out a lazy laugh. It's like he controls himself every time he laughs.    “You really care about nothing,” he tells me, moving closer to me “and you haven't sent any clues."    “But I have to write what I've found and besides“ I tuck my hair behind my ear, getting a little nervous “maybe I think it's not bad to keep you some company.“     He goes to his table with coffee in hand. I follow him and sit in my chair, at the same time as him.    "I don't need company," he tells me, even though his eyes say otherwise. I notice too much loneliness and sadness in them. “And surely you have more important things to do.“    "Believe me, for me, being here is much better than anywhere."    "Too much stress being popular?" He drinks his coffee raising her eyebrows. Little funny.    "Well, no," I replied, blowing on the coffee. “Because I like spending time with you even though you are Mister Grumpy.“     I watch as his cheeks turn pink. Now it has been my turn after his words yesterday. 

I smile happily. If I could, I too would have brought Henry to meet him and is it crazy to say spend all day here?    "I'm the worst option to pass the time" his words from him leave me curious. I don't think that way.    "I don’t think so."    "And if I don't like that you come to keep me company?    "You wouldn't have opened the door for me."    "I could kick you out now."    "You're not going to do it."    "Why do you think that?"    "Because you like that I'm here talking to you."     I place my hands under my chin, smiling a little mischievously. He leans back, looking to the side.    "Well?" I ask, waiting for his counterattack response.     He turns a little to look me directly in the eyes. I manage to see a small smile although he tries to be serious    "In a couple of investigators there always has to be a joker, someone has to be touched.    “Are you implying that I'm the clown?” I frowned, pretending to be offended.     I finally hear his laugh for real. Sincere. I like it a lot.    "Don't laugh." I replied, but I ended up laughing with him.     Yesterday's anger with Christian fades and I feel strangely happy. Seeing him smile makes my heart race. It's true, I've never felt this way for anyone. I like him and I don't even know his name. For now, I'll wait until I can ask him at the right time. 

I get a chat notification and Mister Hacker makes a surprised sound. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Thomas Dan?

 Dan What the hell? Where have you been?!

 Thomas You know what, doesn’t matter

 Dan What the hell is going on with you??

 Thomas You still holding up your end of the deal? Shit Dan, I am serious!

 Dan Yes! Yes I am. Of couse

 Thomas Thanks

 Dan Don’t make me regret this ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Mister Hacker and I looked at each other.    “What was that all about?” he asks me, though he seems a little more to himself.    "Whatever it was, it sounded highly suspicious."     He looks back at the screen, concentrating on the text.    "It sure did." He rubs his chin in thought, and then he looks at me. "Maybe we will be able to figure out together what it means" I try not to get emotional listening to 'Together', it's not good for my feelings if I'm disappointed later. "I thought it was more than odd that Thomas disappeared after the news of the dead body surfaced. "    "Maybe he was just devastated." I replied, gripping the phone tightly.     But of course, I'm curious where Thomas has been, if he doesn't want to be suspected, he shouldn't have disappeared like that.    "Wait, something else is happening."     With those words from him, I look at my phone again, curious. This time it was Dan talking to a man named Poke. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Poke How are you doing today Mr. Anderson! I’ve got your little message

 Dan Then why the hell are you texting me then?

 Poke I just wanted to make sure You are as paranoid as ever see

 Dan How about you cut it out?

 Poke Ok ok calm down You know the time and the place

 Dan Of course

 Poke Perfect

 Dan 350

 Poke You got it

 Dan 300?

 Poke No way

 Dan Asshole

 Poke Likewise Oh and Dan?

 Dan What

 Poke I am sorry about the girl

 Dan Me too ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I immediately got up from the chair going to the whiteboard to write it down. Too much information.    "Mmh... What do you think all of this could mean?" I turn to look at him, he has gotten up and started to walk around the room.    "It appears Dan is buying something from the stranger." I start to write under Dan the new information and the name of the man called Poke "And for  that he is asking for €350"  I write between question marks 'Drugs?', suspecting that for that amount, it can only be one thing. Maybe Thomas got into some drug thing and Hannah knew about it?     M.H. read the notes I posted.    "That’s exactly what I think." I look at him and he smiles at me. "Good job."    "Thanks." I smile back.    "Beside that, I am sure they referring to something highly illegal," he walks around the room again. "Dan was bending over backwards to make sure that object in question was not mentioned by name."    "We have to get to the bottom of this!"    "I know." I watch as he puts his hand to his head, scratching his hair desperately. "Let me think."     I keep looking at him worried. Is he okay?    "I am going to get the stranger’s phone number."    "Good idea, I will contact him and I take care of it." I notice my decision in my voice. I know I'll get something out, I have to do it for Hannah.    "That's the right attitude." I notice him excited, with that brightness that I had seen when I received the call from the kidnapper, only now he seems much more motivated. Will he do it to make up for what happened? "Give me a little time to find out the number."     He returns to the table and starts typing and moving the mouse fast.

 The image, the Poke number, looking for Hannah… I look again at the clean kitchen and since he's distracted, I walk around the house to see where he sleeps. In the room I only see a backpack, a blanket and next to it a small chronometer, will he rest well this way? The bathroom almost looks unused, but some soap can be seen. I open the faucet to check if at least it has hot water…    "How can he live here?" I wonder when I notice that cold water comes out but not hot. 

I return to the living room and look at him concerned.    "Hey Mister Hacker..."    "Yes?"    "Sure you don't want to be in a better place? Like for example... I can let you have a room in my house."     He looks up and seems alarmed. I haven't said anything bad either    "I'm fine here, don't worry."    "But-"    "Don't worry so much, Macie," the voice... It sounds soft, as if he wanted to reassure me for worrying, "I'm perfectly here and..."     He remains silent and looks at me doubtfully. He always does that. He is silent when he wants to say something important, he hides something from me.    "I'll come tomorrow" I change the subject, to avoid discomfort "Do you mind if I come for lunch? I just wanted to spend the morning with my son."     Mister Hacker chokes upon hearing my last words. I couldn't help it, I wanted to break the tension a bit.    "Your what?"    "My son."    "Do you have…" he looks at me alarmed "But why didn't you tell me before?"    "Because the subject hasn't come up." I take out my phone and approach him. "Look, this is Henry. "    "I don't want to see him" he turns away avoiding seeing the mobile screen.    "Come on, look."     Surreptitiously, I see how he looks at the photo on my screen, seeing my dear and cute rabbit. He lets out a relieved sigh, picking up my phone to look at the screen better...    "Now I understand everything." He doesn't look away, I even see a smile escape him. "He must be too important to you to have it as your wallpaper." he hands me back my phone and now I look at the screen.    "It was a gift from my friends," I smile looking at him. "I don't feel alone with Henry, I tell him all my secrets."    "Oh, then I don't have to worry."     He smiles at me and I feel like I melt at his little joke.    “No, he keeps them pretty well."     I can't believe he's laughing at what I just said. The joke I have made is bad.    “Then don't linger so long,” he tells me, relaxing in his chair. "Returns home with your son."    "Thanks, you're the best boss I've ever had." I teased, picking up my things.    "See you tomorrow then?" He asks me a little shyly, surprising me.    "Yes, I'll come tomorrow."     He returns to the computer and his bangs cover his eyes. But not his smile.    "See you tomorrow then, Macie."    "See you tomorrow, Mister Hacker." 

I can't wait for tomorrow to arrive. *Jake POV*

She really loves to make me nervous. It almost give me a heart attack when she told me that she has a son, I didn't expect her to talk about her pet. It had been a long time since I had so much fun with someone.

 When it comes, I forget what my life is really like. It might just be an hour to forget why I'm really hiding, but it made me feel relieved. Unfortunately, I have to remember that she won't be around for long, after all, she lives in the light, while I hide in the shadows. It could never work. I couldn't put her in that danger.    "Instead here I am, forgetting it every time we see each other." I look at Macie's cell phone screen, now understanding that the rabbit was her pet. I smiles again when I remembers how she had looked at the photo. "You have a very adorable son, Macie."

Chapter 7

[thithesandofferings]

::::Balcony Blues ::::

Zack Fair x Reader 

Synopsis: Zack is absolutely perfect and you could want for nothing in life, but even so- you still want more. What you were NOT expecting, is for Zack to deliver. 

Tags: Not 18+ but its....very suggestive. Zack being an undercover Heathen. (But we like that so...) Choking. Grinding. Teasing. Edging? Dom/Sub dynamic, but its not too heavy (it might eventually be tho...)

Author Note: I am reeeeaaaalllllyy thinking of making this into a series because truly, Zack does not get enough love (Along with my baby Angeal). Sometimes he’s just so...mm- anyways.  I’d love to explore his character at being a secret heathen just a little more. We’ll see how well this does before I decide. 

Part 2

You think that dating Zack should make you feel like the luckiest person in the world. And you are the luckiest. Zack is, for all intensive purposes, perfect. Kind-hearted and giving, strong, and he listens to you completely. Remembers your food orders and to bring his favorite shirt by your house so you can wear it. You rarely have arguments and your parents absolutely adore him. Even despite the whole "Soldier" thing. That seems to make the gush more.

Zack is beautiful, courageous, and easily the most serious relationship you've ever had. You know in your heart that you'll probably marry him. And you're happy about that. Even if you haven't experienced "the wild side of life" before him. He was your first, and you were happy to give him that. Even if he mumbles "social construct" and all that. No one could take care of you like Zack could. So you may be a little disappointed that Zack is a little too vanilla, but who cares? It's not like you have a ton of experience anyways. So you can't complain.

He's good for you. And you want to respect his boundaries, whatever they are. Maybe he's not into that kind of stuff. You know you've hinted at it with little words and quirks and even a picture with you in a collar, but he just blushes and blows it off- changing the subject entirely.  He’s never touched you without consent and he is always aware of you. Always asking questions to make sure you’re alright and if you’re hurt anywhere. But sometimes... you wish he didn't. You wish he was a little mean, and maybe similar to the guys your friends talk about. You don't want to push him so if he doesn't like it... well that wont change anything.

Even if your heart clenches a little at the loss.

When Genesis decides to throw one of his ridiculous house parties before he goes off to a mission, it is nothing short of a surprise when he invites you to the illustrious party. You think nothing of it when you wear a new black outfit that has a collar attached to it for "fashionable purposes". You literally walk pass Zack who looks like he has swallowed a whole chicken bone, blushing hard and quickly looking away at you when you glance towards him in question. Somethings off with him, but it just looks like he's nervous so you say nothing of it.

He avoids you almost entirely at the party. You walk in together but then, he disappears. Using a little bit of his strength to get away from you. You wanted to tell him he looked good. Black suit, almost touching his cheeks. God his eyes would glow even without the mako. It just made you clench your thighs every time you'd catch him. Despite his distance, his eyes were on you, and the every look he gave you was causing heat to rise from  just your fingertips alone. You'd never seen him look at you like that. All the fiery heat and silence was getting to you.

Seeking refuge on the balcony, you quickly realized that you underestimated how cold it was going to be. You'd forgotten your jacket in haste to catch up with your flighty boyfriend. You gulp down cold air and lean into the balcony. Enjoying the quiet, trying to take your mind off Zacks weird behavior.

"You look good tonight."  A yelp escapes your mouth before you can even think twice. Only to quickly turn and see that its your near-absent date. You were going to explain how he scared the shit out of you, but something caught your throat as you turned and settled into his gaze.

Hunger.

"Zack, are you... okay?" You ask, voice a little raspy.

He says nothing as he comes over to you and cage you in. You feel his hands clutch your waist, digging inside the material of your outfit. He's so close with a healthy amount of uncanny silence, you cant help but begin to pluck his shirt to hide from his gaze. He seems to figure this out, taking one hand off your waist and grabbing your chin. Soft enough to wear you can speak, but firm enough to not allow mobility in your head. The thickness in the air is something you can't decipher. But you think you want to.

"Kiss me?" Theres a breathy note to your tone that you usually dont adopt. Sounding almost pleading and Zack, of course, sees that too. It makes his lips pull into a grin and you bring your tiptoes up to kiss him when he doesnt lean down to help you. Its tender, albeit a little messy and you find yourself whimpering in the back of your throat because of it. Even if you kiss him for all your worth, it doesn't feel like enough. Feels as if Zack is holding back. Even more than usual. Makes you feel a little petulant and you cant help but want to ask what his deal is.

You twist your lips slightly away to break the kiss and huff and indignation.

"Zack, look, if you don't wanna touch me that's absolutely fine. Don't feel like you need to do it-"

"I want to" He's blue eyes are almost guilty when he utters it and that doesnt reassure you at all. The feeling of a sour stomach starts to pass its way inside of you and you start to pull away. But he doesn't let go.

"Zack- let me go its obvious-" He pulls you closer and grabs you a little harder making you gasp a little. There's a heat building in the base of your spine, you have never seen Zack like this.

"Are you just not into me?" And there's an automatic bark of laughter that comes from him, surprising you.

"I'm into you so much, you have no idea" His eyes darken a little as it peruses your form and you have to catch yourself from squeezing your thighs at the sight.

"I just... don't wanna lose you because of the thoughts I'm having. I don't wanna scare you" You can see his eyes darken when it roams to your face and neck with pure want.

That doesn't stop the tripping of your heart, because you know this look. You've just never seen it on him before.

"Why would I would be scared of you now? Do you not know who you are?" You try to lighten the mood with a laugh, but he's concentrating on your lips now.

"Its not that, I just-" He pauses as he steps closer to you, bringing the heat of his chest with you.

"Sometimes I have these... thoughts, and- I just can't help but want to destroy you." He's whispering against your neck now, its just you and him, party be damned. You can't help but tilt you head to the side as he kisses up and down, sucking lightly, but definitely leaving marks. He growls at that, bringing his leg in-between your legs.

"I want to own you, you know?" It makes you freeze and burn hot all in a span of .5 seconds.

Its firm. Not unlike when he's talking to his subordinates But when its directed at you, when he tilts you head to tell you this. His light touch makes your head spin alone.

"Wh-" You clear your thoughts and look to the side of the balcony, trying to gather your thoughts. It just brings him impossibly closer, making sure when you speak, your lips are touching. "What- How do you think of owning me?"

To say that you melted when his hands wrapped around your throat, would be an understatement. Absolutely unexpected from someone who you thought could never hurt an innocent soul, albeit it was both startling and incredibly arousing. It has you hiccupping in your breath, eyes widening in lust and a healthy dose of fear. You forget entirely that your back is pressed on the now warm banister of the balcony. Zack looks down on your, breathing even and confident, pressing his palm against your trachea. Fingers panning out on either side of your heated neck. It has you trembling and a little whine escapes as he squeezes lightly. His eyes narrow at that and a salacious grin appears on his face, mocking and considering all in one instance.

"I think about owning every part of you. I've thought about it since I've met you. Making you mine in every way. Own the way you live, the way you come, the way you breathe" He squeezes just a little tighter and laughs in surprised condescension when you moan a little louder.

It only makes you pant into his mouth, adrenaline coursing through you as you feel his hard cock against your stomach. He brings his other hand back into your hip squeezing and pushing you down unto his hard thigh. Controlling how you grind against him. He clenches his thigh, making you bounce a little and it has you making more noises than you can control. But he doesn't stop and its driving you insane. If he doesn't stop, there's no way you’re not coming.  Makes you wanna drag your hands into his hair, his shoulders- anything. You're losing grip in reality. There is only him.

"It seems like you want that too" The chuckle he lets out pulls out the loudest moan you have yet to utter. Seeing Zack like this, oozing with authority and confidence has you seeing stars.

Sweet, gentle, puppy dog Zack is more than he let on.

It makes you hungry this side that his hidden from you. To think that he thought you reject him almost makes you want to huff out a laugh. Its a dizzying thought that he might be the kind of man your friends gush about. The kind that takes control and explore limits while also being the happy go lucky Zack in every other part of his life.

You’re gasping at him that you’re close. Sticky thighs and soaked slacks does not seem to deter him. If anything, he goes a little faster. Knowing your tells of when you’re about to come. The tears are starting to make a mess of your face and it feels even more humiliating when he coos as he’s wiping them away with his tongue. Just as you’re clenching on his thigh about to let go, he stops abruptly. You’re completely forlorn, you feel like you’ve lost something. He’s never denied you like this before. That thought along feels like it will bring you to the edge. He backs up with a mischievous giggle and pecks you on the lips once more. Not before giving your throat another squeeze that has you gasping and following him when he lets go.

"Ok babe, time to go back to the party, I'm sure they're missing me- we can talk about...everything later tonight yea? Another lingering peck and he’s waltzing back into the house with an air that leaves you shaking despite the cold.

You cant wait for this party to be over.

Keke~

[shera-dnd]

Cupid’s Kiss

Took me way longer than expected curse the whims of my mental health but the winner of this month’s 3k fic poll is finally here!

In which Carmen and Julia have a lovely totally not date in Paris while in search for two thieves who are certainly also not having a date

if you’d like a chance to get your fic ideas written by me, or just want to support me, you can feel free to donate to my ko-fi (rules over here)

and here is the ao3 link if you’d rather read it over there

also this fic was brought to you thanks to the help of @cantdrawshaw

NOW ON WITH THE FIC

Carmen Sandiego was the best at her job. She had bested trained assassins and killer robots, evaded the world’s most advanced detective agency, and destroyed the largest criminal organization. All in her early twenties.

Yet there was one task she was not prepared to face. One that escaped her skills, both martial and technical. One that she had failed to plan around. One that existed entirely beyond the range of her skills. A foe that she could not beat.

“Come on, Carm,” Zack called, “it can’t be that hard. If even Ivy could score with the girls, you can do it too.”

“Even Ivy?!” His sister replied, furious, “I’ve been with more girls than you, jackass.”

“Guys, guys!” Carmen interrupted, “you’re not helping.”

Mentioning her interest in spending more time with Julia Argent had been the biggest mistake she had made in weeks. This was supposed to be a peaceful day at their old home base, but now here she was.

Her friends were trying so hard to help her and she couldn’t even be mad at how poorly they were doing, because she knew she wouldn’t fare much better were the roles reversed.

“Sorry,” the siblings replied in unison.

“I appreciate the support,” she assured them, “but I’m not trying to ‘score’ with anyone. I just wanna get to know Jules a little better.”

“So this is not a date?” Ivy asked.

“No!” She replied, a little too quickly, “me and Jules aren’t like that. She’s more of a… professional acquaintance. A coworker.”

“Carm,” Zack replied, “we’re coworkers and you’ve never had a bouquet of roses delivered to my door.”

“It was just a thank you for handling all those precious artifacts for me,” she explained, “she’s a hard worker, she deserved it.”

“Sure,” Ivy nodded, unconvinced, “is that why you take time to chat over coffee with her every other caper?”

“Not every moment of our lives has to be a chase, you know?” she countered.

“Or why you keep finding excuses to dance with her?”

“It’s the easiest way to speak privately at those parties without garnering unwanted attention,” she recited as if from a textbook.

“Or why-”

“Cease this!” Shadowsan’s stern voice commanded and the siblings fell silent, “VILE has trained her to never cave under interrogation. You’ll have a better chance extracting information from a rock.”

Carmen smirked at them, proud to have her skills of deflection recognized.

“Do not be so full of yourself,” he added, making Carmen flinch just a bit, “I have taught those lessons for years and I know how to see through them.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” she deflected, looking away.

He walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder with uncharacteristic gentleness.

“I have seen the happiness Miss Argent brings you,” he said, “and I wish you the best of luck should you wish to pursue it.”

That meant a lot to Carmen. More than she could really express in words. But after she had been so thoroughly embarrassed by her friends, all she could really say was,

“Not you too.”

She looked up at the smirking siblings and braced herself...

“Hey, Red,” Player’s voice called, just in the nick of time.

“Player!” She jumped to attention and grabbed the laptop from their desk.

“Woah!” he exclaimed, “everything okay, Red?”

Zack and Ivy snickered as they sat by each side of her, so they could see Player.

“I think Carm would rather you sent her on a crazy chase instead of sitting here talking about her crush on Jules,” Ivy teased.

“Well it looks like you might get to do both,” Player replied, to Carmen’s dismay, “look who our cameras just found walking around Paris.”

The screen cut to a video feed of one of ACME’s hidden cameras over the streets of Paris. None of the people on camera seemed particularly conspicuous… until a particular pair walked on screen. Even without their costumes Carmen could always recognize them.

“Tigress and Paper Star,” she noted, “those two can’t be up to any good.”

“Looks like we’ll be going to Paris, eh Carm?” Ivy commented as she playfully nudged her side.

“City of love,” Zack added as he joined the nudging.

Carmen groaned. This was gonna be a rough mission.

Chase had grown a lot over the past few months. His deductive reasoning had vastly improved, his mood was far more amenable, and he actually stopped to listen to Julia nowadays. What hadn’t really improved with time was his overall clumsiness. 

“Miss Argent, I’ll be fine,” his insistence was interrupted by a powerful sneeze, “This is nothing.”

“Agent Devineaux, please,” she pleaded, “you’re in no state to continue this investigation.”

Devineaux had landed himself into his fair share of rivers over the months he had worked for ACME, and it seemed that so many cold baths had finally caught up to his health. Not that he would ever admit to that.

“Nonsense,” he claimed, “I’ll be back in perfect shape by the time we land in Paris.”

The sneeze that followed said otherwise.

“Chase, please,” she asked again, “rest. I can handle this.”

“I refuse to send my partner on a mission by herself.”

“As sweet as your concern is,” she countered, “I doubt I’ll be by myself for long.”

“Ah yes, I’m sure La Femme Rouge will make for good company,” he agreed and she was glad he did, but it sounded like there was more to his words. “Were you anyone else I’d worry this was all a ploy to have some private time with Miss Sandiego.”

She shot him an unamused glare.

“Apologies,” he said almost immediately.

“Accepted,” she sighed, “but I do not appreciate any insinuations as to the nature of me and Miss Sandiego’s relationship. We’re good friends, nothing more.”

“Of course,” he nodded, but Julia could tell he had more to say.

Truly his detective skills have improved considerably as of late. It had become harder and harder for Julia to pass her excitement for those missions as simple passion for her work. Not when she had abandoned that work as soon as it conflicted with her passion for… something else.

Chase was her friend and she knew he’d understand her feelings for Carmen. She was also sure he’d do his best to keep it a secret until she was confident enough to bring these things to light. She trusted him and she didn’t fear anything of the sorts.

What she did fear was Chase trying to wingman for her. Just the thought was enough to fill her with dread. Enough dread to keep her mouth shut about her feelings in the vicinity of Agent Devineaux. Even if it felt bad to hide this from her friend.

Thankfully the Chief chose that exact moment to call her to give her updated information on their targets. 

Now she could just shut off all these awkward feelings and focus on her work.

The Louvre had been an obvious target. The world’s most famous museum, home to thousands of priceless works of art, including the Mona Lisa itself. It was so obvious in fact that VILE had never bothered to consider it.

But VILE was gone now and its escaped students no longer had any faculty to dissuade them from this target.

That’s why Carmen now walked its halls, diligently searching for any security flaws that could be exploited and any sign of the two master thieves on the loose.

She still took time to appreciate the art of course. This was the most famous museum in the world for a reason and she wasn’t gonna let this unique opportunity escape her, even with the evil duo to watch for.

Carmen had her attention split in every possible direction, her mind juggling its many tasks as she wandered hall after hall. Until, that is, she found something that pulled her focus into one singular point.

A shorter woman in a nice fitted suit, standing before one of the statues.

“Jules,” she greeted as she walked up behind her.

“Miss Sandiego,” Julia smiled as she greeted her, utterly unsurprised. She must have been expecting her, “it’s nice to see you here.”

“It’s nice seeing you too,” she replied, “and we went over this before, Carmen is just fine.”

“Carmen,” she said, in a way that warmed Carmen’s heart, “I take it you’ve been enjoying your time in Paris.”

“Hard to go sightseeing while I’ve got work to do, but I’m making do,” she shrugged, “how about you? What caught your attention today?”

Julia turned back to the statue she had been appreciating until then, “Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss.”

Carmen smirked, it was her time to shine.

“Sculpted by Antonio Canova, commissioned by welsh art-collector John Campbell in 1787,” she recited from memory, “its prime version was acquired by the Louvre in 1824 after the death of its previous owner, Joachim Murat.”

“Very impressive,” Julia praised, “I wish my students put half as much time as you do into their research.”

“I’m just good at memorizing trivia,” Carmen shrugged, trying to hide her pride at earning that praise, “I’m sure you know so much more than me on the subject.”

Boy was Carmen right about that. That seemed to have been the cue to send Julia into a long lecture about the neoclassical and romantic periods, as well as an analysis of the sculpture’s mythological origins and the many interpretations of the myth.

Many people would probably find this amount of information unspeakably tedious. But for Carmen, who was always hungry to learn about the world around her (and could never get tired of Jules speaking so enthusiastically,) it was exciting and endearing.

Carmen had realized then that she wanted nothing more than to spend her every waking hour listening to Julia talk on and on about anything she wanted, as long as it was passionate like this. Maybe someday soon.

Right now they had the whole rest of the Louvre to scout.

“Alright, alright, victory is yours,” Carmen playfully interrupted, “I guess you really are the biggest history nerd here.”

“Oh I’m sorry, it seems I got a bit carried away,” Julia cringed in shame. Damn it Sandiego! “I didn’t mean to bore you.”

“You couldn’t bore me if you tried,” Carmen assured her as she placed a hand on her arm, “I mean it. It’s nice hearing you talk.”

“Unfortunately I no longer teach,” she replied, “otherwise I would have given you an open invitation to any of my classes.”

“Well, how about you show me around the place?” she suggested, “we can call this a private lesson.”

At that Julia smiled again, “then I hope your memory is as good as you say it is, Carmen Sandiego, because I’ll be quizzing you at the end of the tour.”

They both laughed as Julia led them along to the next art piece in what was clearly a meticulously planned tour of the museum. Jules kept her teacher face on for all of her little lectures, but as they walked from room to room it felt so simple and casual.

For once Carmen felt like there was no rush and that she could just enjoy her time with someone she cared about. Maybe that was the moment. Her chance to make something out of this and let Julia know how she felt.

“Hey, Jules,” she called, walking a little closer to her.

“Yes?” Julia turned to look at her, she seemed surprised by the sudden closeness, but did not move away from her.

Carmen decided to take that as a good sign.

“This has been really nice, you know?” she tried, her usual confidence failing her, “just spending time with you like this.”

“I guess it was,” she replied with- Wait, was that a blush? No, that had to be wishful thinking.

“Yeah,” she agreed, awkwardly scratching the back of her neck, “and I just feel like-”

It was then that she was rudely reminded of what she was here to do.

“-you have got to be kidding me!”

“What?” Julia jumped a little in surprise.

“5 o’clock, behind you,” Carmen instructed.

She turned to look and there they were. Tall, blonde and scheming, and short, monochromatic and homicidal. The two thieves they were here to catch. Two thieves that had also noticed them.

They both smirked at them for a moment, before Paper Star whispered something into Tigress’s ear and they both bolted in separate directions.

“I go for Tigress, you go for Paper Star,” Carmen ordered as she bolted after her target.

Tigress was the fastest of the two, and the one most likely to pull dirty tricks on them. Unfortunately for her, Carmen was well-versed in all of those tricks, and of course had all her equipment on her. It’s amazing how much she could hide in just a red hoodie.

Soon Tigress had led the both of them out of the main building, ready to make a run for it and disappear into the city. Her mistake though, was going somewhere Carmen could use her grappling hook without worrying about damaging priceless works of art.

She swung after her, quickly closing the distance and knocking her down with a kick to the stomach. Tigress groaned as she forced herself back up, but instead of running again or getting ready to fight Carmen, she simply shouted.

“Come on!”

“Done running around?” Carmen taunted.

“Yeah yeah whatever,” she replied. Well that was unusual, “did you girlfriend catch Paper Star already?”

“What!?” She nearly jumped in surprise, “She’s not- we’re not- that doesn’t matter! You’re going to jail, for good this time.”

“For what?” she replied.

“Trying to steal from the Louvre!”

“Ah yes, because that’s the only reason we’d be enjoying some time together in the city of love,” she mocked and rolled her eyes.

Was she implying what she thought she was implying?

“Aww, babe,” a voice above them called. Paper Star leaned out of a nearby window and openly teased her partner in crime.

Babe?

“She caught you already?” she continued

Tigress groaned again, “not my fault you got easy mode.”

Paper Star jumped down and casually hooked her arms around Tigress’s neck.

“Well I’ve won,” she declared, “now where’s my prize?”

The last thing Carmen expected was for the two of them to kiss right there in front of her, and yet that was exactly what they did.

“I did not need to see that!” She complained.

“You were the one who interrupted our date!” Tigress complained back.

“Do you seriously want me to believe that you two were just spending the evening together in the Louvre as a date?”

“Was that not what you and your little agent were doing too?” Paper Star teased.

Carmen’s reflex was to say no, but… was that what they were doing? They had been walking around, sightseeing, talking and laughing and enjoying each other’s company and- oh god Carmen almost confessed to her back there. 

This was her chance to have a proper date with Jules and it got ruined right at the finish line because of a mission that didn’t even exist in the first place!

She would have time to figure all of this out later, right now she had a job to do and two smug assholes to put in their place. Thankfully she already knew just how to do that.

“You’re right, it was very rude of me to interrupt your romantic evening,” Carmen raised her hands in surrender and backed away, “how about you two get back to what you were doing and I can arrest you both tomorrow?”

“What?” Tigress challenged, “no romantic chase over the rooftops of Paris?”

“I’m sure your girlfriend would love that,” Paper Star added.

“Actually I think Julia would rather just have you behind bars,” she shrugged.

Right on cue the ACME’s blue sleep gas finally reached the both of them, making them both drop on the spot. It was kinda cute how they were put to sleep still holding each other. Carmen almost felt bad for arresting them. Almost.

She pulled her grappling hook again and launched herself through the open window above, landing right next to a very proud Julia Argent.

“Two for one,” Carmen praised, “at this rate, pretty soon you won’t be needing my help anymore.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but I had my partner down there to keep them in place,” Julia replied playfully. Carmen’s heart skipped a beat at the word ‘partner’, even though she knew she meant it as coworkers.

“Always happy to play distraction for you, Jules,” she played along.

Taking another step forward, Carmen felt her sense of balance completely leave her as she accidentally inhaled some sleep gas fumes. 

She tumbled forward, but before she hit the ground she felt Julia’s arms holding her up. It took her a second to shake away the effects of the gas, and another second to process the position they were in. How Julia was holding her like she had just dipped her in a dance.

For a moment they froze, staring into each other’s eyes as they held onto each other, until finally Julia helped her up again.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Julia apologized as she tried to fix up Carmen’s scuffed clothes.

“It’s fine,” Carmen assured her, “I should’ve been more careful around the sleep gas.”

Still Julia fussed over her, readjusting Carmen’s hoodie as she muttered a few more apologies. It took her a moment to notice just how close they were both standing now. The realization made her jump back a bit on reflex, but still she remained considerably close to Carmen.

She took a moment to collect herself before finally asking, “so uh- you had something you wanted to tell me?”

Carmen sighed in relief. Good to know those two hadn’t completely destroyed her chances.

“I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed our time together today,” she admitted, “before we got interrupted that is.”

Julia gave her a genuine smile that made her heart stop, “I enjoyed our time too. It’s nice to be able to talk about these things outside of work.”

“Yeah,” she agreed, feeling her confidence return bit by bit, “wanna do that again sometime? Maybe over some coffee.”

Jules seemed surprised at first as she caught on to what Carmen meant, but that expression was quickly replaced by a playful smile.

“Carmen Sandiego,” she called, “are you asking me out on a date?”

“Nothing escapes ACME’s best detective,” she joked, “I guess I am.”

“Then I’ll have to ask you to wait a little for my answer,” she asked.

Carmen opened her mouth to say that she was more than fine with waiting however long she needed, but she was frozen mid motion when Julia’s lips met her own. A quick, sweet little peck. 

“I want to finish our first before we plan the second.”

[spideyswifey]

Power Couple: FootballStar!Thomas X Cheerleader!Reader Chapter 1: Practice and Parties

Okay so... this is my first x reader fic and I’m nervous on how this turns out 😬 I just had this idea of Thomas as a high school football star and the reader the cheer captain and they’re just a power couple! Also this was suppose to be like a little imagine, but ya girl ended up writing so much that this is now definitely going to be a series. Anyway without further ado I give you; Power Couple Chapter 1!!!

P.S I was inspired by @daveeddiggsit Wideout series for this. Y’all should go check her out if you haven’t already because her writing is AMAZING! And because of her I have become a simp for a football star thom! 🥺

Word Count: 1.4k

Pairing: FootballStarThom! X CheerCaptain!Reader

Warnings: None for now, as far as I know, but if you see some let me know!

Summary: For Y/N, being the freshman cheer captain definitely had its perks, a cute uniform, a badass squad that’s always got your back, and getting the attention of a certain freshman football team captain. And one day, Thomas Jefferson decides to approach her after practice.

“5, 6, 7, and 8! Whoo! Good job everyone!” Y/N exclaimed to her team as they just finished the last steps of their routine. Their coach nodded in approval, “Yes, now go ahead and rest up for the weekend! I’ll see you all on Monday!” A chorus of “Okays” and “See you coach!” could be heard by the rest of the team.

Y/n had knelt down on the track putting her stuff away in her gym bag, along with a few of her teammates/ friends. Her friends were excitedly chatting about the first football game of the season next Friday. She shared a smile, excited for their first time to cheer in front of a crowd at the freshman game.

“I just hope we get a pretty good turnout,” one of her best friends, Peggy piped up beside her, “Not a lot of people really come to the freshman games.” “Well they will this year once they see the amazing freshman cheer team led by the best captain ever!” Her other best friend, Lafayette, had proclaimed while he nudged her, giving her a cheeky grin. Y/n playfully rolled her eyes at her foreign friend, “C’mon Laf, you give me way to much credit!”

“Nah, he’s right Y/n! You’ve worked your ass off for the captains spot and you’ve earned it, you’ve gotta give yourself some credit at least!” Peggy declared, disagreeing with her friends previous statement. “Ok ok I’ll admit,” Y/n sighed contentedly “It is pretty rewarding to be where I am after practicing till my legs felt like they would fall off!” They all laughed together at her comment, finally standing up to leave the track.

“Speaking of rewards,” Peggy spoke up, a smirk suddenly appearing on her face, “It looks like a certain someone has also noticed your hard work.” Y/n followed Peggys stare, leading her to none other than the freshman football team captain, Thomas Jefferson; who had been caught, not so subtly staring at the three.

Thomas quickly looked away, hurriedly putting the rest of his stuff away, as he had just finished practice himself. He couldn’t help but look at her tho, she exuded confidence in a way that made him attracted to her. The way she smiled while performing a cheer, the way her ponytail bounced while she moved in step, everything about her was captivating to him and he knew right away that he had to at least talk to her, and then hopefully date her. Thomas then zipped up his bag, said a brief goodbye to his teammates, and decided to head over to Y/n’s group.

“No way!” Y/n scoffed, “We were probably just laughing too loud and annoyed him.” It was her friends’ turn to scoff, “Y/n,” Peggy started, “You’re hot girl! Why wouldn’t he be looking at you?” “I agree mom amie, you are a ray of sunshine who’s beauty over flows! Any guy would be foolish not to be attracted to you!” Lafayette concurred with Peggy.

Y/n began to blush at her friends praise, trying to hide the smile growing on her face. “Thanks guys.” Just as they were about to reach the exit, a figure jogging toward them caught Peggys eye. “Oh and look! Thomas Jefferson sure ain’t a fool since he’s coming right over here!” She tried to contain her squeal of excitement. Y/n’s head shot in the direction of Peggys excited gaze. Suddenly she could feel her heartbeat speed up and her hands begin to sweat. Thomas Jefferson was approaching her!

“And I think that’s our cue to go Peggy, Good luck mon amie!” Laf shot her a wink as he and Peggy hurry to leave so they can give Y/n some time alone with Thomas. “I want details later!” Peggy harshly whispered, seeing as Thomas was now in earshot, and quickly left giggling with Lafayette about their best friend.

Thomas stopped right in front of her, quickly doing a once over of her practice outfit. “Uh, hi! It’s Y/n right?” Her eyes widened at the way her name left his lips. “Oh, Yeah hi! Thomas?” She mentally facepalmed, you already know his name idiot!

“Yeah” Thomas gave her a small smile, “Uh, I hope I don’t come off as creepy but, I couldn’t help but notice you practicing.” “Oh?” She questioned, a smirk now appearing on her face, now that he had admitted to watching her, a certain confidence started to ease her nerves. “Uh, yeah. Your moves are pretty good!” Thomas sheepishly complimented her while mentally scolding himself. Dude what is wrong with you? You’re never this nervous!

“Oh, thanks!” She grinned happily, “You’ve got some pretty good moves yourself captain!” She winked. “Oh really?” Thomas asked, “You’ve been watching my moves?” It was now his turn to smirk. Y/n looked down timidly, biting her lip quickly before responding. “Well, I’ve gotta keep tabs on who’s gonna possibly lead us to victory on our first game next Friday, you gonna prove me right?” She challenged. “Oh absolutely!” Thomas beamed. “And when I’m doing so, I hope the cheer squad is able to pump us all up!” He winked. “Oh trust me! We’re more than ready!” Y/n exclaimed. They both shared a laugh, the nerves leaving both of them as they bantered and started walking towards the front of the school together.

“So, listen,” Thomas started, “I’m not sure if you heard, but there’s gonna be a party at my house after the game on Friday, regardless if we win or not, and um I’d like it if you could come.” He looked at her with hope in his eyes. She was just so infatuating and he couldn’t get enough. “Oh, um ok!” She replied bashfully, that blush coming back to her cheeks. “Um my squad can come too right?” “No yeah of course, um everyone’s invited, especially the cheer captain.” He smirked.

Y/n was about to respond when a honk caught her off guard. They both looked in the direction of the sound and saw her older brother Zack, waiting for her in the drivers side. “That’s my ride,” she sighed, not wanting their conversation to end. Thomas nodded defeatedly. “I’ll see you around then?” He asked, hoping this wasn’t the last time they’d get to interact. Y/n smiled, “Definitely!” And with one last burst of conifidence, she took her phone out of her gym bag and placed it in Thomas’s hand. He glanced at her, eyebrows furrowed.

“How else am I gonna get directions to the captains party, hm?” She answered his puzzled gaze with a small giggle. Thomas chuckled and put his number in her phone, then gave her his so she could do the same. They exchanged gleeful glances as y/n started to walk towards her brothers car. Just before she opened the door, she turned to give Thomas one last line, “See you around, Captain!” Thomas chuckled shaking his head, his curls bouncing. “You too, Captain!”

With that Y/n entered the vehicle , hardly containing her smile. “So, who was that?” Her brother eyed her as she sat in the front seat with a goofy grin on her face. “No one.” She replied while trying to hide the smile growing on her face. “Mhm, ok” her brother quipped, deciding to ignore it for now and interrogate her later. Y/n paid no mind to her brother, looking out the window as he drove off towards their house. The alert of a text from her phone brought her out of her daze as she checked to see who it was.

From: Football Captain Thomas 🏈🔥😉

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that it was nice talking to you. 😅 Here’s the address for the party! Hope to see you there, cheer captain 😉

Y/n bit her lip while typing a reply.

Thomas watched as the car took off, the smile never leaving his face. He quickly pulled out his phone to text the girl that has him charmed, while walking towards his moms car as she just pulled up. His mom made small conversation as he sat himself in the front seat. He then felt his phone vibrate.

From: Cheer Captain Y/n 📣😍🔥

It was nice talking to you too! Bring us a victory and we’ll see 😜 Don’t let me down football captain 😉

Thomas beamed as he read the message. If there was any more motivation he needed to win this game, he knew this was it. He was gonna do it so the beautiful captain of the freshman cheer squad would go to his party. And Y/n herself knew either way she would go, if it meant more time with the freshman football captain, she would definitely go to this party.

Looks like being the captain of the team definitely has its perks.

I hope you all liked it! I didn’t even think it would be this long and yet, here we are! 😅 Also what do y’all think about male cheerleader Laf?!? I just had the idea and it wouldn’t go away and honestly I love it!!! Also if you want to be tagged in upcoming chapters just let me know and I’d be more than happy to do so! 😘 Anyway let me know what y’all think! 🥺♥️

-With Love,

Spidey’s Wifey 🕷♥️🖤

[puckngrind]

What's In a Name: Easter 2023 - J. Toews

Where we left off: Jon and Bekah welcomed Lincoln into the world in 2020. Scarlett was born in February. This is BEFORE the epilogue

Warnings: smut, language, postpartum, babies, Easter

Word Count: 2,500

Series Masterlist ) Puck ‘n Grind’s masterlist

2023.

“Maybe hosting the team less than 2 months after giving birth was a bad iiiiiidddee... uh.” Jon rounds the corner to see Bekah bopping around the kitchen with Lincoln water coloring an Easter bunny at the table and the swishy almost 2 month old, Scarlett, wrapped up on her chest.

"Quit playing games with my heart... with my heart..." Bekah sings out as Jon closes the distance between them with a laugh. He reaches into her hair and pulls out her air pods. "Holy... Tae!" Bekah jumped while clutching the slightly asleep newborn.

"Hi Momma. Whatcha makin' here?" Jon popped a marshmallow from the bowl in front of them into his mouth.

"Peep cars. I don't know Tae. I saw it and thought the kids would like it. I'm nervous about this egg hunt tomorrow and I shouldn't be since this isn't our first rodeo." Jon wraps his wife up from behind and kisses her ear to whisper.

"It maybe wasn't the best idea but you are doing amazing, also what do you need me to do?" Jon kisses the shell of Bekah's ear again and she leans into him with a hum escaping from her lips. "I can take care of that later..." Bekah elbows him and he laughs out. "Seriously Beks, do you want me to take Scar? Assemble these Bunny mobiles? Paint with Linc? Use me. Well, in a way the kids can see." Jon clears his throat.

"Jonathan Bryan, you are pushing the line there." Bekah turns around to give him the mom look he's become accustom to since Lincoln started having an opinion that wasn't the same as hers.

"Okay, okay. I'm just glad you got the all clear at your appointment this week." Jon runs his fingers down Bekah's sides to hold her hips. "Let me take Scar and we will check out Lincoln's creations and let you do this." Jon reaches into the wrap and freeing his daughter. Her arms and legs stretch instinctually and whimpers before landing on her daddy's chest with a coo of approval.

"Are we really calling her Scar?" Bekah questions while taking off the baby wearing wrap. "Like..." Bekah runs her finger over Jon's scar from work. "Scars? Injuries? Not great memories?"

"I mean we don't have to but I don't think if it as being scars Beks. Plus not all my scars are bad memories. Some really good ones too." Jon winks, kisses Scarlett's head and then Bekah's lips. "Get back to creating, we will be water coloring over here." Jon sits next to Lincoln and gets lost in the Easter activities while stealing looks towards the kitchen to watch Bekah float around working on creating the most perfect Easter party.

"Well, it's 10pm and she should sleep for about two hours." Bekah shuts their bedroom door after feeding Scarlett.

"I'll take the 6am feeding since we have morning skate before everyone comes over." Jon comes out of the bathroom in just his boxer briefs. "Does that work, Momma?" Jon pulls Bekah's body flush with his and ghosts her lips.

"Yes." Bekah whispers kissing his lips gently.

"Was that to the feeding or what I was talking about earlier, because I'm fine waiting, you know that. I..."

"Both, Tae. Both. Maybe let me go freshen up, 'kay?" She stands on her toes to kiss his forehead and Jon just shakes his head and starts to argue but let’s her retreat to the bathroom.

Bekah emerges a few moments later to find her husband naked and hard as a rock with his hands behind his head, staring at the doorway to the bath. "Well, Mr. Toews, you are clearly ready." Bekah dims the lights almost to dark and tugs at her husband's shirt covering all her insecurities.

"I have been patiently waiting to let you heal and rest but I've missed this." Jon stands and takes no time to remove his shirt from Bekah's body. Kissing down her jawline then to her collar bone.

"Slow, Tae, take it slow, please." Bekah's breath catches in her throat as Jon pulls her leg up and his length presses into her skin.

"I remember and I got you, Beks." Jon gracefully moves both of their bodies to the bed and hovers over his beautiful wife. Kissing between her breasts she goes to stop him and Jon catches Bekah’s wrists with a single hand but releases them to kiss down her stomach. Bekah flinches and moves her hands again to stop him. "Rebekah, we are good. I love you. All of you. Forever and ever. Doesn't matter what's different from bringing our children into the world. Could you please let me show you. Okay?" Jon looks deep into his wife's eyes and she nods in agreement. Jon continues making his way to her core. His tongue is intentional and gentle. Bekah's body breaks out in goosebumps with the sensation.

"Oh, Tae." Bekah's body jolts in response to his increased movement. Jon continues until Bekah pulls his hair hard making him look up. "I'm fine. Sorry. It feels amazing." Bekah loosens her grip and Jon's fingers slide into her core and curl while he sucks on her clit. It doesn't take much to make her orgasm crash over her. "Fuck. Tae. Here. Please.” Bekah pants out. Jon recognizes her commands and moves up her body. He kisses her lips intently and moves to her neck. Bekah’s body arches into him as Jon’s fingers run down one side of her body.

"Ready Mon Amour?" Jon pushes Bekah's hair off of her face, tucking it behind one ear. Kissing her lips with so much desire she feels her body react again. Without say anything Bekah moves her legs to his ass and presses him towards her. Jon takes her cue to slide deep in and holds. Focusing on kissing Bekah’s ear, neck, shoulder.

"Tae, move. I'm ready." Bekah rolls her hips up and Jon starts a rhythm. Worshiping her body as he thrusts in and out. "Jon, you can let your's go. I feel you holding back." Bekah whispers into his ear as he presses his lips to her shoulder once again. Jon's hand slips down under Bekah's leg and pulls it up further to press his length deep inside and releases. French laced expletives fill her ears. Jon shifts and Bekah's feet press into the back of his legs and a loud moan slips out of her mouth. The orgasm surprised her and she covers her mouth to suppress the involuntary sounds escaping her which makes Jon quake with laughter.

"Babe, did you not realize you were going to so soon?" Jon kisses the sweat off Bekah's hairline and then stares into her eyes.

"It's been awhile, okay?" Bekah covers her eyes from the lust filled stare of her husband. "How are you still hard?" She wiggles from overstimulation with Jon still fully in her.

"It's been awhile, okay?" Jon thrusts into Bekah while her whole body shudders under him. "You are so damn sexy I could do this all night BUT I know we need sleep." Jon moves off of her and pulls Bekah's body into his side. "Wanna shower together then sleep?" The two move off the bed and into the shower. Jon wasn’t done once they got in the shower but curled Bekah into him to sleep before she had to get up for the next feeding. The one thing about post pregnancy Bekah was she was a light sleeper but could fall asleep in moments. Jon loved watching his wife sleep in those few months. Admiring how equally strong and gentle she was. How she just sort of knew how to do things and handled life of a hockey wife with ease.

"Babe, Baby, Beks?" Jon shakes Bekah lightly as the sunrise broke through the window. He was trying not to startle her but it didn't work.

"WHAT? Is the baby okay? Did I forget to feed her?" Bekah shoots up out of bed and Jon picks her up bridal style and lays Bekah back in bed.

"No Sweetheart, I just changed, fed, and put her back to bed. I just need to leave for the rink and Linc will be up here in about 30 minutes." Jon kissed Bekah sweetly.

"Oh, thank you Tae. Zack, Kelly and the kids are coming soon to help hid eggs and distract Lincoln from peeking. We cannot have the team thinking the Cap's toddler has the edge." Bekah laughs.

"Je t'aime Beks."

"I love you too but what's that about?" She looks up puzzled "That you have thought of everything, but you know it isn't necessary and I do always love you." Jon sits at the foot of the bed to put his shoes on. Bekah climbs over and sits on his lap.

"Yeah, a bunch of overly competitive professional athletes won't make a kid's egg hunt some sort of competition. Riiiigggghhhttt?" Bekah cannot control the laughter and Jon tries to deny it. "Will you promise no blood at least?"

"Beks, we will not be overly competitive. Most of the kids are younger than Lincoln. Colton is about the only older kid. We will be civil." Jon kisses his unconvinced wife again and heads to the rink.

The team slowly entered the Toews home and most headed directly to the kitchen for food. Bekah set up stations through the first floor with crafts and activities for the kids before the egg hunt started.

"Ms. Bekah." A low voice came from behind Bekah as she checked the food and chatted with a few of the girls. Bekah turned to see Colton Keith behind her.

"Hey Colt!"

"My dad said you had special directions for me?" He looked back at Duncan who was holding Scarlett and talking to Jon.

Bekah bent down slightly to be eye level with the now 9 year old. "Yes, I was wondering if you wanted to hunt for yours AND Scarlett's eggs? Since she cannot find her own. What do you say?" The boy's eyes light up and nods his head violently then heads back to his dad. Duncan listens intently to his son's mission and mouths a thank you to Bekah from across the room.

"Okay team, egg hunt happening in five minutes in the backyard. We will start on the patio if you would like to head there. Beks has a basket with each kid's name on it sitting on the table out back." Jon claps like he just gave a pep talk and the team moves to the back.

Bekah had sections set up. The toddlers such as Weslie, Trey, Stephanie and Lincoln had one section. All of their dad's behind them. Patrick elbowing Dylan and Jon jokingly.

"This will end badly." Bekah whispers to herself before raising her voice. "Okay, please only find 10 eggs. There are 3 golden eggs, one in each section that not only has candy for the littles but a prize for the family." Bekah pulls the bridge of her nose realizing what she said. "Boys, NO blood! You hear me?" Staring at the grown men standing ready to go. "Seriously! Okay, on your mark, get set... GO!" As Bekah expected, the men instantly turned on their game faces making the spectators laugh.

The egg hunt was adorable. The social media team sent someone to take some pictures and videos to post online. Bekah was sure the team rep was hoping for some interference from the dads. Bekah could tell how respected Jon was by his team in situations like this off the ice. As soon as the kids were done collecting eggs and dumping the candy out the social media person thanked Bekah and left.

"Okay boys..." Bekah raises her voice and feels the heat on her cheeks when every eye looks up and over to her. "I may have hidden tickets for you all to find. Coach gave me permission to give out certificates for you."

"Certificates Beks?" Jon pipes up.

"Yes, get out of a run, late to practice, dinner on the team... those type of rewar..." A barbaric sound cuts her off as the guys stand from their dad roles of going through the eggs. "This one is for everyone, even the non-dads." Bekah looks behind her as the young ones realize they get to play too.

"Us too?" Kirby chimes in.

"Yes, all Hawks players are allowed to do this hunt. There is one for each of you. The reward is hidden inside the egg shaped envelope. You won't find out if you get a bag of candy, beverage, JT Foundation swag, or one of the team rewards until after everyone is done." Bekah's laugh is slightly evil in nature. "Okay, seriously, this will be the first and last year for this if any of you land on the IR. Please don't. And, go!"

The men took off running! Even more so than the kids did. The chirping happened immediately too.

"Watch out old man!"

"Kaner is going to end up with foundation gear."

"Is one of the awards the A?"

"Need your glasses?"

"Are you tall enough to get that egg in the tree eh?"

Bekah was thankful that the pushing and shoving was held to a minimum and laughter filled their backyard. The team had gone through so much in the last few seasons, even with a cup win, that seeing them laughing and acting like young boys was exactly the reaction Bekah was looking for when she bounced this idea off Brynn a few weeks ago.

The chirping continued when the boys opened their envelops. Cheers and jeers with each opening. Jon wrapped his arms around his wife taking in his team. Everyone thanked the Toews as they headed out the door.

"Tae?" Bekah crashed on the couch with Scarlett on her chest and Lincoln sitting on the floor playing with the soft puck that was in one of his eggs. "Jon?" Bekah leans up when Jon didn't answer.

"Here Baby!" Jon appears behind the couch. "I was just putting the cold back in the fridge for you." He leans over and kisses her forehead and pats Scarlett's bum.

"You didn't have to I was going to get up as soon as I feed her." Bekah goes to sit up.

"I know, and you put on the best Easter party for the team ever. It's the least I can do. Plus, the boys cleaned up the backyard so there really isn't much for us to do beyond taking down the tables which I'll do now." Bekah reaches up and pulls on her husband's shirt.

"I don't deserve you, Tae." Bekah leans her head on the back of the couch and stares up at him.

"No, Beks. I don't deserve you." Jon leans down and kisses his wife's lips. "Now, Linc, wanna help me?"

"Yeah. Yeah Dada!" Lincoln popped up and followed his Dad.

Bekah took in this life her and Jon created and smiled.

[tirednotflirting]

happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time

a day late on getting this here but!!! some bday jalex i wrote for @reveriesofawriter​‘s bday! sticking to our all taylor is jalex brand, it’s a 22 fic :) 

kinda fits within the marble mansion wus writing universe that my pretty venom fic is in if you want more of these boys (they’re quite sweet i think)

here this is on ao3 if that’s more ur jam x

Alex is a planner. 

Early on, being a frontman meant he was the first person anyone trying to coordinate band things reached out to, and as time went on, he embraced the role. He likes organizing and keeping track of the who and when and where of it all. He likes the sticky notes and his planner and the dry-erase board he keeps on his fridge for lists. He likes knowing what is coming next.

Alex never meant to fall in love with his best friend. He never planned on Jack.

They’ve reached the point where they should probably have an adult conversation about whatever it is that’s going on between them. Honestly they probably reached that point half a decade ago, but Alex knows neither of them was ready for it then. He wonders if they’re really both ready now. He knows he is. But it scares him a little to think about what happens if the other involved party isn’t.

That conversation and what it might sound like is what Alex is thinking about as he watches the end of the sunset over the desert from the edge of the pool at the house they’re renting. He lets a wine glass dangle from his fingers, the last few sips of his pink wine swirling around the bottom. His feet slowly swing in the warm water to avoid splashing over the edge. For someone whose job it is to come up with words for feelings, he finds himself struggling with where to even begin. He wonders if that should feel significant.

He’s draining the last of his wine when he hears the back door slide open and feet pad over the stone in his direction. Just as he’s about to question who’s come to join him, the visitor sits behind him and legs drop to frame his body. Alex leans back into Jack’s chest and breathes in the scent of his cologne mixing with the nighttime air. Jack’s arms wrap around Alex and the mess of thoughts trying to piece together the conversation to be had word by word fades off to the back of Alex’s mind.

“What are you doing out here?” Jack asks, his lips brushing against Alex’s neck. Probably against his tattoo. Jack’s always particularly fond of pressing his lips there.

“Just finishing my wine,” Alex says, and lifts the empty glass as evidence. “Wanted to watch the sunset, too. Don’t think I’m ever going to want to say goodbye to this view.”

“You should get a house out here someday,” Jack says as he rocks them back and forth a little. Alex leans further into his chest. “This place has your vibes and the stars look really sick out here.”

Alex smiles at Jack thinking of his astronomy habits. “I like the way you think,” he agrees before turning to stand. “Is it time we go in and join the pregame?” 

Jack lifts a hand to be helped up and elects to keep holding Alex’s hand as they head in the direction of the door. “Why do you think I came out to find you?”

“I’m sorry,” Alex says as they approach the door, a blush painting across his cheeks. “Was just a little bit stuck in my head, trying to figure something out. Didn’t mean to leave the birthday boy waiting.”

Jack smiles and drops Alex’s hand before he reaches for the door handle. They’re in the desert in June, but Alex immediately misses the warmth. The two of them so easily gravitate physically toward one another when they’re together but they don’t hold hands in group settings. The way Alex wishes they did starts the spiral of words again. “Let me know if you need any help figuring whatever it is out?” Jack says as a worried look takes over his features.

Alex never wants to worry him, so he drops a hand to Jack’s back to guide him inside. He lets his answer to Jack’s question mix into a smile. Others in the living room grab Jack for shots. He shoots Alex a look as a lime is placed between his fingers; Alex points in the direction of the stairs and mouths need to change as he heads off. A smaller smile pulls at Jack’s lips as he nods and turns the rest of the group whining for him to join in. 

Alex takes a deep breath before making his way out of the room and only lifts his brows to acknowledge the knowing look from Rian as he climbs the stairs.

*

The club is loud. Alex isn’t sure why he always expects them not to be, but the sounds in his environment accompanied by the buzzing in his mind is almost overwhelming. 

He’s just grabbed another drink and when he gets back to the table their group has claimed for the night, Jack is sitting on the tabletop, his legs swinging as he talks to a couple of girls. Alex smirks as he watches Jack lift up the birthday sash someone had shown up with for him before they left the house (it’s pink and says I’m 21 Today! in sequins). The girls laugh before they wave and disappear into the crowd. Jack turns and his eyes brighten when they fall to Alex.

He scoots closer to where Alex sits and leans in. “What’s that?” he asks, pointing at the cup Alex has just come back with. 

Alex raises the drink in front of his face and frowns as his tipsy mind forgets whatever the drink was called. “Uh, pink?”

“Lemme try,” Jack says and plucks the cup from between Alex’s fingers. Alex hadn’t planned to argue with the request but he can practically hear Jack’s voice reciting the statement Alex has heard probably hundreds of times over the years: You can’t say no during birthweek.

Jack takes a sip and then leaves the cup beside him on the table. He nods thoughtfully for a moment before leaning back in so Alex can hear him. “You’re right, it tastes very pink.”

Alex laughs but before he can respond Jack is moving to sink into the seat beside him and his head drops to Alex’s shoulder. “Are clubs busier than they used to be? Feel like I can’t breathe in here,” he whines. Alex agrees, though he was ready to just blame it on their age. “Where are Rian and Zack?”

“They were talking to some girls at the bar, I think,” Alex explains. “Rian told one of them he’s a drummer and she basically melted, it was hilarious.”

“You think anyone in here has even heard an All Time Low song before?” Jack asks, his tone indicating he’s reached the kind of happy drunk where every thought that comes to mind has to leave his lips. 

“Maybe ‘Dear Maria’?” Alex offers as he drops his arm to rest against Jack’s back. His fingers trace lazy patterns against the soft fabric of his t-shirt. Jack hums but he doesn’t sound convinced.

Jack nuzzles his face into Alex’s neck and Alex hears him sigh. “Hey Alex?”

“Yeah?” Alex replies while his eyes track one of the bright lights circling around the room over the crowd on a dance floor.

Jack lifts his head up and throws Alex big brown puppy eyes. He can tell Jack’s about to ask him something and before he’s even heard the question he already knows his answer will be yes. He’s never been able to say no to Jack. 

“Can we leave?”

Alex laughs. “Thought birthweek had no time for quitters?” he jokingly asks, recalling something Jack yelled across the room at Zack when he tried turning down shots the night before.

“Please?” Jack asks. “It’s loud and I want a snack.”

“Anything for the birthday boy,” Alex replies with a nod. Jack smiles again at the response. “Thought I saw a diner down the road. Late night breakfast?”

“God, you’re the best.”

Jack slides out of the booth as Alex reaches for the jacket he shed shortly after they arrived. While they head toward the doors that lead out to the street, Alex sends a message to the group text (The BoyDay Boys) to let the crew know they’re headed off.

The nighttime air is cool when they step out onto the street. Alex can’t remember which direction they’re meant to head so he pauses once they’re out of the way of the entrance to the club and pulls out his phone again to figure out where they’re going. 

Another cool breeze blows down the street and Jack leans in closer to Alex’s side in response. It’s a frequent habit of his, the way he’s always trying to share Alex’s warmth. If Alex were a little more tipsy he probably would just wrap his arms around Jack’s waist as he leads them in the direction of the diner he’s successfully located. But he’s a little bit too self-aware for that at the moment so he elects to let Jack continue to lean into his side as they head down the street. 

They pass couples walking in the opposite direction, their fingers tangled or lips pressing together without a care in the world. Alex finds he feels something in the realm of jealousy, though he’s not sure that’s the right thing to call it. Loneliness, maybe? He knows he should just say something, just see if there’s any chance at all that Jack feels the same way about figuring out what the hell they are. But it’s been so easy to just teeter the line of something for as long as they have. Alex doesn’t want to scare him away by considering the idea of throwing a label on it. Every time he explains it to Rian like that when he asks, Alex is told he’s being ridiculous and have you seen the way he looks at you, Alex?, but the fear in the back of his mind won’t budge.

The line they tightrope across is confusing, Alex thinks. But even so, he’s not unhappy. Maybe this is just the way they’re meant to be. Confusing but happy. Alex could be okay with that.

It’s a short walk to the diner and Jack chats to Alex most of the way there about some party he went to the previous week. There had been a petting zoo for some unknown reason. Alex listens to Jack describe the animals he got to pet and the kitten that tried stealing some of his White Claw. Soon enough they reach the door and push through to inside, a tiny bell jingling over their heads as they enter. 

Someone behind the counter tells them they can seat themselves, that they’ll come find them in a minute for their drink orders. Jack wanders to a booth in the back of the room and Alex follows him. He waits to let Jack pick a side and slides into the one opposite him. A clock on the wall tells Alex it’s just past midnight, meaning Jack’s actual birthday has just finished. The celebrations should continue for another day or two.

A waitress comes to take their drink orders and they ask for a couple waters and a couple coffees and then they’re alone again. Jack squints his eyes down at the menu while Alex glances around the diner, ignoring the butterflies stirring whenever their knees knock together below the table and neither of them make any effort to move. 

The entire scene has waves of nostalgia crashing all around Alex. It’s a pretty regular event during Jack’s birthday celebrations that he and Alex slip away from the rest of the group to catch a moment of something more tranquil during all the crazy of the week-long party. 

It had become something Alex looked forward to every year. Usually when Jack’s birthday fell during a break from touring or between cycles, they would just go for a drive. Jack would find whatever couch or bed Alex had passed out on and pull him from sleep to go watch the sunrise or the sunset (his body clock was always thrown completely off balance during birthweek). 

He’d usually want to go to the beach. Jack would play navigator and call out directions to whichever beach involved the least amount of traffic to get to, in a voice rough both from sleep and from screaming along to Top 40 hits in karaoke bars and clubs around LA. Once there, they would walk all the way out to the water and let little waves splash against their ankles as the sun rose higher and higher or sunk lower and lower. Eventually Jack would smile and nod toward the Pacific and sigh a deep breath of salty air and that would be the cue that he was satisfied with the experience. They usually would end up at a diner like the one they’re at right now, sipping coffee with tired eyes and laughing over pancakes.

It’s probably a two hour drive to the coast from where they currently sit but if Jack had asked to go to the beach, Alex would have gotten him there without a second thought.

Jack moves so their long legs are all tangled together below the table, and it breaks Alex out of the nostalgic place he’d been transported to for a moment. He looks up to meet Jack’s tired, happy gaze. Alex raises his eyebrows in a silent question and a gleeful smile pulls across Jack’s cheeks.

“Do you think they’d put sprinkles in my pancakes if I tell them it’s my birthday?”

That’s when it hits Alex head on, like a dart hitting the bullseye. They walk a tightrope but there’s always been a net to catch them if need be just below their feet the whole time. The look Rian’s been trying to convince him to see for years is staring back from the other side of the booth, and it says everything in the most plain but beautiful way possible. It’s the same smile Jack would give to the Pacific just after the sun had set over the city of stars. Alex breaks into a quiet laugh and wonders if he’s ever not been in love with this sunshine of a boy sitting in front of him.

(They do put sprinkles in the pancakes. Rainbow ones. And add whipped cream and a candle too.)

*

It’s close to 1AM by the time they pay the check and head back out into the early morning desert air. They had enough water and coffee that they’re pretty much sober now. The moon shines bright down onto them as they stand in front of the diner, unsure of where to head next. 

“Want to take a walk?” Alex asks while pointing down a more quiet part of the street in the opposite direction they came from. 

“Sounds nice,” Jack agrees, and motions for Alex to lead the way.

They start down the sidewalk and let the nighttime noises play as their soundtrack for a few minutes. Jack breaks the silence to tell the story of something his mom told him about when he called her a couple days ago and at some point in the middle of the tale, he reaches for Alex’s hand and threads their fingers together so their joined hands swing between them. Alex continues listening as he looks down, and there’s some tiny part of his brain that tries to start making another set of pros and cons lists, but then he shakes the thought away and stops walking. 

Jack glances back with a confused look when he feels the pull on his arm. “What is it, Al?”

Alex lets out a sigh as he looks back and forth between their hands and the look on Jack’s face. The words fall from his lips before he can even process them fully. “Jack, I really like you.”

The look of confusion fades into something more stunned as Jack takes a step closer to him. “What?” he asks in a quiet voice, like he’s worried that speaking too loudly might shatter the moment that Alex’s confession just created.

“I really like you,” Alex says and reaches over to pull Jack in at the waist. “I like you in the want to show you off and kiss you until our friends groan and introduce you as my boyfriend at parties kind of way. I want to hold your hand when we walk back inside after watching the sunset like the cheesy idiots we are.”

For a moment he just watches Jack nod before a smile brighter than the full moon overhead pulls across Jack's face. He lets his arms wrap around Alex's neck and pulls him close enough that their foreheads touch. “I like you, too. So much. I might love you, I think, but that feels like a really big word,” Jack says back, in a voice still just above a whisper. “I could never come up with the words to say that until right now.”

Alex doesn’t realize he’s tearing up until Jack moves to cup Alex’s cheek, his thumb running across his cheekbone just in time to swipe away a tear. “God, we’re stupid. You’d think we of all people would know to just let the words come to us.”

Jack shakes his head and pouts. “Hey, you’re the veteran songwriter here. I'm still new enough to this that I have an excuse.”

“Shut up,” Alex laughs, and then he leans closer to press their lips together. Jack adjusts to cup his hand around Alex's other cheek as Alex's grip on his waist tightens. It’s not even fireworks and confetti like Alex had imagined it would be. They laugh against each other’s lips between kisses and it’s just them. When Alex pulls away and tucks his face into Jack's neck, his lips pressing lazily against the triangles inked into Jack's skin, he feels peace. Holding Jack feels like coming home or a deep breath of the cool ocean air just after sunset. He feels like what Alex always imagined love to feel like. 

*

Somehow they still beat everyone else back to the house. Their giggles echo off the halls as they kick their shoes off before heading up the stairs, one of them stopping the other every so often for another kiss.

They make it up the stairs eventually and Alex drags Jack in the direction of his room. Alex only whines for a moment when Jack pulls away because Well, you want me to brush my teeth, don’t you? When Jack returns Alex is changed and going through his own routine in the bathroom. When he glances out through the open door to the bedroom, Jack has already claimed his side of the bed and is looking at him across the room, a lazy smile pulling across his face.

“What?” Alex asks as he turns off the tap and shuffles over to lean against the doorway.

Jack shrugs. “Nothing.”

“What’s that look for then?” Alex asks. Jack sits facing towards him, his temple resting against the headboard. He’s changed into sweats and a tank Alex is pretty sure was swiped from his own closet. It’s stretched and worn enough that it’s falling off of Jack’s tattooed shoulder. If Alex could pick one image to look at for the rest of his life, this one would certainly be in the running.

“I think I’m just glad we kind of figured this out a bit,” Jack replies. 

“Well, I’m pretty sure if I went another day without saying something, Rian would have threatened to tell you himself and I think we’re just a little bit too old to be having our friends communicate our feelings for us.”

“Yeah, maybe a little bit,” Jack laughs as he slides beneath the sheets. Alex hits the light in the bathroom and pads across the room. He hears the front door open and close downstairs followed by laughter, signalling the rest of their crew has arrived home. As he listens to the quiet conversations happening on the first floor, he crawls into bed and drops his head on the pillow beside where Jack rests with his hand holding up his head. Alex drops an arm around Jack’s waist and pulls him closer.

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to sleep when I feel like I’m dreaming,” Alex says while Jack turns to shut the lamp off.

“Alex, I adore you, but that was the cheesiest thing you’ve ever said and your exhaustion is showing,” Jack says with a laugh before pressing his lips to Alex’s temple. “I’ll still be right here in the morning.”

“Will you remind me of all of the cheesy things I said tonight?”

“For as long as you’ll let me,” Jack replies. He drops his head against the pillow and smiles up at Alex.

“I’m holding you to that,” Alex says. He presses a kiss to the tattoos on Jack’s shoulder he’d been admiring from the doorway before moving to settle his head against his chest. 

As he lets his tired eyes fall shut while settling against Jack, Alex is surprised that the swirling mix of words in his head he’s become accustomed to isn’t there. He’s used to his mind still trying desperately to plan out whatever needs to come next even as he falls asleep. But as Jack tucks an arm around his waist and drifts closer to sleep, Alex decides maybe he’s alright with not knowing what comes next so long as they stay like this.

*

[tired-gay-writer]

Choices

Pairing: Becca x MC (Zoey) Rating: K+ this is pretty tame my dudes Genre: Angst

A/N PLEASE READ: Hi, yes I’m alive. This fic has been in my notes for almost a year now and I just realized that I may need some help with it. That said you may control this story just like in choices, but only when I say so, I’ll be giving options and the majority of the options will be chosen. Enjoy my darlings and please do tell me what you think!!!

♡♤♡♤

“I promise you didn't I?” Zoey tucks Becca's hair behind her ear “I'll support you, in every choice you make.”

Becca sheds a tear, hurt evident in her eyes. Zoey reaches and cups her face wiping away the tears that fell on her beautiful face. She shouldn't be this sad on her supposedly happiest day. She shouldn't have come, maybe it would be easier for the both of them.

“If this is the choice you make then I'll keep my promise and stay-" her voice cracks, just a little, "away.” After a painstricken smile, Zoey withdraws her hand and turns her back, but before she could take a step she is stopped by a hug from behind.

“Don't.” Said a meek voice, ever so small and defenseless, without a trace of poison in her tone. "Don't go, don't leave me, I need you more than you think."Zoey realizes that this conversation was the first time on this day that she actually sounded like she meant what she said.

The whole ceremony Becca would put on her facade where she would act like she was happy and excited for what is to come; Zoey was almost afraid to turn, afraid to see the expression on her face, afraid to see any indication that she was actually hurting.

That she'd rather be anywhere else but here, here where everything was obviously not her choice. They were in a church not a beach. There were no lilacs, only roses. There was no dream dress, only designer. There was no mocha cake, only vanilla. There was no Zoey, only him.

Zoey didn't want to see if Becca wanted to run away, here where her "dream wedding" was.

Here where her Kappa sisters were partying below them, and Madison was searching for her best friend. The only friends she was missing were the nerd herds (they were cooler than anyone she's ever met, Becca thinks to herself.)

Becca didn't know if Abbie and Tyler's wedding preparation was just an excuse because they didn't want to go, but judging from the girl in front of her she's going to say that yes, it was just an excuse.

As if the nerd herds could plan anything without their mother hen.

“Don't go, don't give up on me yet.” Becca held Zoey tighter not willing to let her go, pleading further. If anyone were to walk in on them right now, surely they'd get the wrong idea. I mean what kind of bride would be crying to her ex on her wedding day?

“You said you would MY choice right? Well this isn't mine so please, Zoey.” Becca buried her face on the back of Zoey's neck causing the latter to shiver. “I'm begging you to stay, not at the wedding but in my life. I can't live without you.”

“And I can't live with the thought of you being with another, let alone be married to another so I guess we don't have a choice but to move on don't we?” Zoey said spite present in her voice, the events of the wedding catching up to her.

All the pitied glances she received. All the whispers of sorry she received from former schoolmates. All the expectant looks pointed to her when the priest asked if anyone were to object, hell she even felt Becca's eyes on her, but she kept it to herself and managed to put on a straight face. She even received a talk from Becca's mother and sister, they urged her to talk to Becca. And so she did.

She didn't even know why she was given an invitation in the first place, their--her friends told her not to go.

( “You'll just hurt yourself again” said Zack, staring at his own invitation. “The audacity of her to give us an invitation after all that,” Kaitlyn huffed crossing her arms with her brows furrowed, “Hasn't she hurt you enough?”

‘No’, Zoey thinks to herself, ‘This is only the beginning of a lifetime of suffering.’

“Are you going Zoey? You know you can just ignore it right?” Zig was rubbing her back, “We can just think of an excuse if you think that not going is rude.”

Abbie spoke up next, “Rude?! She doesn't deserve a pathetic excuse after what she's done,” Abbie was pacing the floor, Tyler hot in her tail trying to calm her down. “Let's just not go, I bet she already has the whole kappa and football squad anyway.”

“Yeah but it's still rude to just not show up without any excuse,” Chris pipes up next, “Maybe we can tell them hat we're too busy preparing for our wedding?” Tyler suggests, “Besides we ARE busy preparing for the wedding--”

“uhh guys?” Tyler was cut off by James pointing his head towards Zoey, she didn't notice it but tears were streaming down her face.

After they comforted Zoey, they asked her what she was going to do. “I'm going, you guys don't have to, but I need closure. She can't just invite me to her wedding 4 days after we broke up.” )

“Zoey just please listen to me, after this you can go and I promise I won't chase you down. I promise I'll try to move on.” Becca's eyes water and before Zoey knew it she was embracing the blonde woman, trying to calm her down.

“5 minutes,” Zoey said, coming back to her senses and pulling away. Her tone filled with barely suppressed anger, “5 minutes and if you can't give me a reason to stay I'll be sure that our paths won't cross again.”

“I was forced to,” Zoey looked at Becca, shock evident in her face, “What?”

What would Zoey's reaction be???

A. Disbelief

B. Anger

C. Pity

D. None, she leaves her behind.

♡♤♡♤

A/N: hmmmmm I'm trying to spice my fanfic up....so YOU get to choose what happens!! I got this inspiration after not knowing what to do with this WIP and reading one of those choose your own adventure comics. Should I continue this? Do tell me please!!!

[harryhoney-bee]

Whatever you say, Miss.

You are the inspiration to the song “Carolina”

3k words.

Masterlist

It was a Saturday night, the first one Harry had free since the album was released. All he had in mind was to chill, watch a romantic movie, maybe read a little, but all his plans were rejected as soon as he received a text message call from his friend Gilland Jone.

“Hey man, up for a get-together?” – G

“When? Right now?” – H

“Yeah, it’s a pub here in LA, not too far from your place, come, it will be fun. There someone I want you to meet either” – G

“Who is the person?” – H

“Not telling you, silly. Consider this a blind date. But seriously, come, not just for the date, but for the fun, it’s Saturday night anyway”

Harry thought about that for a while, but he replied right away, wanting to know the address. What the worst that could happen?

Taking the stairs to get to the second floor, where his room was, Harry opens his closet, wearing a red flower t-shirt and skinny jeans. After that he goes immediately to his car, just stopping to grab his keys and wallet on the way.

Heading down to the pub, he starts to think to himself about the person he was about to meet. He has been on a couple of blind dates before, but they weren’t necessarily good, the girls he met before were often fangirling about him, which made him uncomfortable. All he wanted was just to be Harry, not THE Harry Styles. He was confident this night would bring this to him.

As Harry gets out of his thoughts, he realized he was already near to the pub. So, he just searches for a free parking space, finding one right in front of the pub. He locks the car and goes straight for the door. From the outside was possible to hear the loud music, the chats, and the laughs, Harry gets more excited than ever.

As he enters, all the sound gets more vivid, he sees people dancing, recognize ones, others don’t. He meets friends in the industry that he hasn’t seen in a long time, like Zack Braff. The two chat for a while but are interrupted by Gilland.

“Hi, Harry! You came!”

“I said I would, didn’t I?”

“Hey Zack, let me borrow Harry for a bit”

Then she grabs his shoulder moving him to the back of the pub, not giving time for Zack to respond.

“Harry, all the drinks tonight are on me, so make yourself at home, and don’t worry, after you got in, I asked for the security to not let anyone inside. So, there won’t be any crazy fan”

“Thanks, Gill, all that I could ask for, a night out and free drinks,” He says that with a laugh.

“But don’t drink too much sir”

“Of course, I won’t, Miss”

She just chuckles and turns his back from him, to go with her friends, but his hand on her shoulder prevents her from doing so.

“What about the blind date? Is the girl already here?”

Gill just looking around, with a questioning glance.

“She was right there,” She says pointing to the very last sit, between the wall and the bar. “She is probably in the bathroom, sit next to the sit, she must be out any minute. Now I must go, bye”.

Harry tried to stop her again, how he is going to know who the girl was? Isn’t Gill, the one who arranged everything to introduce them? But he just gives up, once she was already mixed in the crowd.

He just shrugs, and goes sit next to the sit Gill pointed, when the girl arrived, he just must introduce himself. As he sits by the bar counter and asks for a martini.

While the bartender was making the drink, somebody just takes the seat next to him, he looks at her almost instantly, she smiles at him and the bartender leaves the martini in front of Harry before he goes, the girl grabs one of the arms of the man.

“Excuse, could you make me a martini too? With a lit bit more of alcohol, please” She says while smiling

“Yeah miss, right away” And leave both strangers alone for the first time in the night.

“So, you must be Gill’s friend? Right?” He says smiling, giving his hand a shake. She retributes, shaking his hands with her tiny fingers.

“Well, I am her younger sister. You must be my blind date, Harry?” She says at the same times she drinks from her martini, that has just arrived.

“That must be me, nice to meet ya” Harry respond, looking straight at her eyes, they were beautiful, at the bottom of them were a little bit of mascara, but strangely, in her didn’t seem like a mistake or a miscue, It made her look like a warrior or something, even do she was wearing a feminine, black dress.

“I am (y/n), glad to meet you as well” (y/n) says while looking at him, damn, her sister was right, he is attractive, he smiles is beautiful, and those eyes, dammit. “Nice shirt, by the way” (y/n) continues.

“Thanks, it’s one of my favorites” and chucks. “So… extra alcohol on the martini?”

“A little bit more of alcohol won’t do any harm, plus, I am proud to say, I have a great intolerance to the boozes” (y/n) says with a cocky smile, harry just laughs.

“Well, this certainly is proud material” Harry responded, “Since you are alcohol proof, you must know a lot of drinks, so, tell me, what do you think I should ask next?”

(y/n) puts her hand on her chin, as she was thinking hard, and as she does that, she notices Harry’s eyes going directly to her mouth, and she does like this attention. “I would say, bloody Mary”

“Whatever you say, Miss” And he waves at the bartender and asks two bloody Maries.

“So, where did you meet my sister?” (y/n) says, looking at Harry, before moving to his eyes, she gives a short glance at his lips, they were so pink. She starts to think they both kissing, that would be a great end of the night.

The glance she gives Harry is not unnoticed by him, he smirks and answers her question. At the same time, the bloody Maries arrived.

“We met a long time, in one of those after parties, she got friends with me because… well, both of us like partying a lot, but I guaranty you, alcohol immune it’s not something in the DNA of you sister. ‘Cause at the end of the night I end with puke in my suit” Harry says laughing, remember the day, it’s was kind of disgusting, but the party was really good.

(y/n) laughs hard, and Harry just looks at her, she was such a pretty woman.

“Oh my God, she never told me this story! I am going to tease her for the rest of her life!” Then, she ends her untouched bloody Mary with just one sip.

Harry looks at with wide eyes.

“wow wow, easy tiger” And he pats her back slightly.

“I am okay, no worries. You are looking like that because you never see me in one of the college parties, I am worse than Ethan Hawkings, you know?”

“What are you studying in college and also, who is Ethan Hawkings?” Harry crossed his eyebrows, not knowing what she was saying, and he gives a sip of the bloody mary.

“I am studying philosophy, and Ethan it’s the character of a book I love!”

“hmm, so we got a pretty alcoholic philosopher bookworm right here,” He says and looks her deeply in her eyes, giving the gulp that ends his drink.

“I think we could say that, yeah” She giggles, reciprocating the look he gave her.

“Where do you go to college? Here in LA?”

“Yeah, I started college back in my home state, Carolina, but I just got enough of there, but I was confused, not knowing if I would be able to move from home. So, I went to my gramma and she said (y/n), better swimming before you drown, after that, I called my sister, so I move in with her, and I asked my transferring papers to the University of LA. And here I am” She said, with that cocky smile again.

“I think we can add audacious to your quality list,” Harry said, moving his sit closer to her, which (y/n) liked very much.

“My mom doesn’t think this is a quality though, she says I am the death of her with my reckless behavior. But what can I do? I am Just listening to the older and swimming before I drown”.

“I think you are right,” Harry said with a smirk.

“Hey, do you want to go out? I saw a large party going on the house of my neighbor, we could be there” (y/n) says this getting near to Harry’s mouth.

Harry gets even closer but turns the way to her ears and says with a whisper “Whatever you say, Miss”.

She jumps from the sit and goes in the direction of the door, but harry holds her arms gently “Darling, there are probably paps outside, do you mind leaving with the back door? We can get a cab or something.”

“Whatever you say, sir.”

He looks at her and just smirks.

The pair go outside by the back door and get in the first cab they can.

While getting in, (y/n) says the address to the drives, which has kind of close, in Beverly Hills. Harry got a little sad, he wouldn’t mind being with her in such a small place as the back seat of a car. They did just normal conversation and just sang along with the songs on the radio.

They got in the location and split the bill of the cab. As they got out of the car (y/n) pointed at two big white houses.

“We live in here, and there it’s my neighbor party, let’s go.” She grabbed him by the arm.

“Were you invited to this party?” Harry askes

“Nope.” (y/n) answer.

“That’s what I thought, acting like a bad girl”

“I am not a bad girl, I am audacious,” She says that on her tiptoes, facing his face. “Am I right?”

“Huh, Whatever you say, Miss” And he puts a hand on her waits, bringing her closer, she leans and just packs his lips, Harry wanted to do so much more, but before he could grab her tighter, she just went in the direction of the party. And he follows her, she had him wrapped around her finger already.

As they got into the house, (y/n) goes directly to the drinks, catching one for Harry as well. They went to sit on the couch near the pool of the house. There weren’t a lot of people in there, but the few that have didn’t seem to notice the intruders.

“I am so excited, I am feeling like one of the characters of the books I read” (y/n) says “The one I read about getting into others people’s house didn’t end well, but, fuck right?” As she says that, she puts both hands in the back of his neck, bringing their lips together.

Finally, Harry thought to himself.

When their tongues met for the first time, a shiver went through Harry’s body, he puts his hand on the back of her hips, bringer her closer. They broke the kiss to catch their air.

“Will you stay in LA when you finish college?” Harry asks, taking away the blurred lipstick from her mouth.

“Probably not, I never see myself like one of the cali girls, you know, never see myself as someone living in this part of America.”

“So where do you see yourself living?” Harry asked.

“I don’t know, everywhere?” She says giggling “What about you? Where do you see yourself living?”

“Don’t know darling, anywhere I can do my music, like Jamaica, Japan, here… But whenever I go, I know I won’t be going too long, always get to go to England to mum” He chuckles and she smiles at him, kissing again.

In the middle of the kiss hears somebody shouting, the people were doing the “Throw him in the pool” kind of prank.

“We better get out of here before someone see us,” Harry says, holding her hand.

“Yeah” She responds.

But as they were going to the house, she pushes him into the pool.

Harry falls unexpectedly, he emerges and looks at her, she had a cocky smile on her lips.

She stands in the same place, as he makes his way out of the pool, currently, everybody notices them, but they were too drunk to care.

Harry gets closer to her, she tries to run, but he grabs her firmly at her hips, he brings his lips to her ear, licking them slightly.

“So, you think it’s cool to throw people in the pool, darling?” He grabs more firmly at her hips “You are lucky you are cute”

She gives him his cocky smile again.

“Do you want to go to my place? It’s the house next door” she says, his hands still on her.

“Yeah, darling. Do you go some clothes for me to change there, though?” He says letting go of her hips, following her as she walks out of the pool area.

As he says that, she turns immediately.

“You won’t need clothes for what we are going to do there, darling. Wait here and I will get you clothes.”

“Wait where are you going? Please do not break into your neighbor or…”

But the girl was soon gone into the stairs.

Harry just stands there.

Some minutes later she gives him a simple t-shirt and men’s shorts.

“Please don’t tell me you stole this” Harry said, already knowing the answer.

“Don’t worry, he won’t notice, his closet is bigger than mine”

Harry just rolls his eyes.

“Now come on Brit boy, let me help you get out of these wet clothes” Harry does like that.

Both of them walk fast to the house next door, as (y/n) opens the door, Harry closes it fast, taking the girl in his arms and putting her against the door.

Harry goes directly to the region of her neck, sucking urgently, the girl just moans and says “Let’s go to my room yeah? It’s better, it’s the first door on the second floor”.

Harry takes on his arms, now kissing her, while going in the direction of the room, he opens the door, and puts her on the bed, staying up.

“I would love the help with the clothes now, darling, I want to make another thing wet, not your bed,” Harry says with a smirk.

He leaves a space, so she can seat, and the girl helps him taking the t-shirt, leaving it on the floor, as she goes does to his trousers, she can already see the excess of Harry’s pants, squeezing it.

As she manages to have him only on his boxers, he hovers over her. Leaving kisses on her collarbone, he leaves hickeys, to make her remember. Both now they won’t see each other again, she is just free.

“Are you gonna be a good girl for me, darling? I’ve seen the way you look at me since the put” She just moans from the kisses.

His lips are so soft, but they can be so hard. Everywhere he puts his lips left a mark on his tongue. Oh, this tongue.

He keeps kissing, this time putting his hand on her belly skin, grabbing lazily at her ribbons.

“What about taking this little dress off, darling? Do you want that?” He askes lazily, moving now to her ears, licking them unhurried.

“Yeah, please, please take off” (y/n) says between moans.

“Please, huh?” She can feel him smirking on the side of her neck.

He stops the kissing, griping at the end of the dress, he pulls it slowly, wanting to watch her body, her tights, her red panties, her belly, and oh those tits.

Her body reveals to him, and it’s just the feeling of delight.

“Such good tits, such a good body, so so beautiful”

He then starts to kiss her belly, leaving a trail of his tongue, until he meets his goes, he starts to suck firmly on her nipples. Her hands go directly to his hair. She moans, the things he can do with his mouth are marvelous.

As he sucks on her little pink nipples, he presses his tongue side to side, wanting to feel her little bud getting harder and harder each time.

He alternates to the boob, doing the same thing with the breast he left, he starts squeezing it, pinching the nipple hard.

“Yeah Harry, right here” (y/n) moans

Harry moves to her neck again, but (y/n) changes positions with him.

“Now you wanna be up huh?” Harry says with a smirk, but it disappears as she starts sucking on his neck. Her month is urgent, but her tongue is relaxed.

She wants to feel him, taste him, get him wasted.

“Huh, Darling, so good” Harry moans.

(y/n) start going down on his body, licking and kissing every singles part of his delicious torso. She makes her way until she gets to the best part, she takes his boxer off, showing her all of him. She was amazed. His cock was thick, hard, and big. She could feel the excess veins on.

(y/n) starting to touch him, first in the big head, just with her fingertips, just to spread the pre-cum.

“You are so big, so tick, can already imagine you feeling me in with every inch, Harry. You will feel so good” She says that leaking his neck.

Harry can’t say anything, he wants to feel her, wants to feel her hand, her mouth, her cunt, everything, everything she has to offer.

She keeps kissing his neck, but this time, she starts to move her hand, up and down, tight and slowly, like sweet torture.

“How does my hand feel around your cock? Tell me” She starts to kiss his collarbone.

“So good darling, please”

She goes down until she replaces her hands with her lips, she starts feeling his head, tasting his pre-cum, then she gets inch after inch.

“Gonna put all my cock in this little dirty mouth, pet?” Harry howls.

Harry grabs (y/n)’s hair, commanding the speed and the deepness. Such a good girl.

As he feels himself close, he takes her mouth off his cock, she does a pout, and then he explains while grabbing her, making her bareback meet the mattress.

“Wan’ to be inside your little cunt, can I pet?” He asks brushing his lips on her ears

“Yes, please.” (y/n) bagged

Harry take the only piece of fabric there was on her lovely body.

Harry starts rubbing her clit. He puts two fingers in her entrance, starting to move lazily.

“Need to feel if you are wet enough, right pet? Need to stretch out this cunt a little bit.”

“Just go, please, need ya.”

“I need ya to pet, come on”

Harry puts his cock head on her little cunt.

“Nice and slow pet, you will be ok.” He says, stretches her out with his cock, inch by inch. She feels so good. So warm, so tight.

“I am all in, pet.”

“Move please, move slowly, need to feel you.”

Harry does as tell, started to move bit by bit, he wanted to feel every part of her walls, the way they accepted his thick cock in her narrow pussy.

“You are so good Harry, can feel your veins, everything, you feel like home, need more Harry”

Harry goes fast, and (y/n) can feel his pubs contacting with her clit, every time he would push him out, just to be in again.

He starts to rub her little bottom, seeing her like that, all fucked up, moaning, dripping sweat, it was the prettiest view. He soon will be wasted.

“Do you like the way my cock feels inside you, pet? So good right, you are such a good girl, darling, come on, cum for me. Will ya?”

With those filth words leaving Harry’s lips, she just can’t, her wall starts to swallow his cock, squeezing him even more. He rubs her clit a little more and she is a goner.

Her body starts to flutter, and the moans get higher as she released herself to him.

“Shh, calm down pet, I got you”

Harry gives more trust, feeling her pussy embrace him with little spasms. And he feels his milk leaving his cock, getting into her pink walls.

Harry puts himself over her, sharing his weight with the bed, still inside her. Feeling her one last time. She feels so good.

“I am gonna take off, darling”

She starts to mumble

“Shh, it’s ok, hold on pet”

He gets off her and lays by her sad in her bed. He pets her cheeks.

“Hey, are you alright?” harry askes

“Yeah, just really fucked up,” She says laughing to look at me

And both laugh together for the last time. And it just felt right.

On the next day, (y/n) wake up with a little card on her pillow.

Hope you always retain your freedom and audacity. You are the universe in form of a girl.

Hope I am one of the characters of your books, cause now, you surely are a melody to one of my songs.

Love H.

[clumsyclifford]

bella!! that kiss prompt list is so cute! will you write a new years kiss + kiss on a dare for lashton, pretty please? 💕 -blackbutterfliescal💛

EXCELLENT prompt omfg this got away from me but i had SO MUCH FUN writing it thank you brooke <3

-

Luke maintains that truth or dare is a dumb game. Michael says he’s just a buzzkill, which might be true, but it doesn’t mean Luke is wrong. Truth or dare is dumb.

This is, unfortunately, the unpopular opinion of the people at this New Year’s party, so here they are anyway, in a circle on the floor, playing it.

“Okay, Calum,” Jack says, smirking at Calum. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare,” Calum says immediately. Luke rolls his eyes. Calum and Michael are trying to, like, out-dare each other, which is actually the only thing Luke can think of that is conceptually dumber than truth or dare as a game. Jack and Alex know that, and they’re taking advantage of it by choosing Calum and Michael whenever they can. If Luke weren’t so opposed to truth or dare, he’d be deeply amused.

Okay, he’s deeply amused anyway. It had been fucking funny watching Michael try to sing “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” with “Mambo No. 5” blasting in headphones (dare courtesy of Alex’s weird, twisted, brilliant, evil mind, of course).

“Hm,” Jack hums, and strokes at his chin as if there’s anything more than stubble there. A moment later, his eyes light up. “Oh, I have a good one. Okay, I dare you to eat a spoonful of peanut butter and then make out with Michael.” 

“Gross, don’t drag me into your nasty dares!” Michael protests, but Calum already has his determined face on.

“Babe,” he says seriously. “Michael. I need to do it. I have to.”

Michael groans loudly. “Fuck, fine. But you’re getting the peanut butter.” Calum immediately leaps to his feet.

“Back in a sec!” he calls out, and then he’s racing up the stairs by twos, footsteps pounding against the carpet.

Jack cackles. “I’ve always wanted to use that one.”

“Is that from experience?” Ashton asks from Luke’s right. “You’ve done that, haven’t you?”

Jack and Alex exchange a look, and then, in the most rom-com move Luke’s ever seen them do, they shrug in unison.

“I don’t kiss and tell,” Alex says airily. 

Rian snorts from his spot opposite the circle. “That’s such bullshit. You exclusively kiss and tell.”

“I do not,” Alex counters. He grins. “I kiss and benevolently share, bitch. You love to hear about our adventures in shitty kissing ideas.”

“Nobody loves to, actually,” Zack puts in. Rian raises his hand, seconding the comment.

“This is making me regret agreeing to it,” Michael says. Luke laughs. That’s what he gets for trying to do the most dares.

Calum returns them, a jar of peanut butter in one hand and a spoon in the other. He looks overly excited for a dare this appalling, and as he reclaims his seat in the circle he twists the top off the peanut butter and digs a spoonful out. “Ready?” he asks Michael, who looks askance at him.

“As I’ll ever be,” he says defeatedly. “So, no, but go on.”

Calum grins and puts the spoon in his mouth, then pulls it out, mostly empty, and leans in to kiss Michael.

“Oh, gross,” Luke says, turning to look away. Ashton glances over at him and chuckles.

“Not for the faint of heart,” he says, and Luke nods vehemently. He chances another look — it’s like a car crash in that way, grotesquely appealing to watch — and to his utter dismay, Michael doesn’t look put off at all. Actually, they both seem to be enjoying it.

“Gross,” Luke says emphatically. “That’s disgusting.”

“Maybe it’s not,” Ashton says thoughtfully. “You’ve never tried it, you don’t know.”

If I did it with you, it wouldn’t be so bad, I expect, Luke thinks, and banishes the thought immediately. First of all, that kind of thought is unproductive; fancying Ashton has gotten him nowhere thus far and it’s not about to start. And more importantly, under no circumstance could making out while eating peanut butter be good.

He pulls a horrified face. “Have you?” 

“Maybe,” Ashton says nonchalantly. Then he grins. “No, I’m kidding, of course not. You’ve gotta be sick and dirty to come up with that idea.”

“That we are!” Jack says cheerfully, ruffling Alex’s hair. It’s distressing how Luke can know, objectively, that Jack and Alex are two of the most perverse people he’s ever met, and yet still find himself endeared by their cuteness. There’s probably a magic spell involved in that.

“Mostly Jack,” Alex says. “I’m just the guinea pig.”

“Aw, you’re not giving yourself enough credit,” Rian says, as if he’s being sympathetic. “You’re just as sick and dirty as Jack, don’t you worry.”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Alex says, blowing an exaggerated kiss to Rian. Jack pretends to snatch it out of midair. Luke finally returns his gaze to Calum and Michael just in time to see them part, both smacking their lips excessively.

“Ooh, my mouth feels weird,” Michael declares, and Calum nods in agreement. He wipes his mouth on the back of his hand.

“Cool new trick,” he tells Jack. “Good to know.”

“You are welcome,” Jack says.

“You’re all fucked up,” Rian announces. Ashton laughs. The sound sends Luke’s stomach all aflutter.

“Okay, my turn,” Calum says, once he’s sufficiently swallowed the peanut butter. “Who’s not gone?” He scans the circle. “Oh — Ashton! Truth or dare?”

Ashton purses his lips. “Dare,” he finally says, cautiously, “although I’m sure I’ll regret it.”

Calum cocks his head. “Let me confer with my associate,” he says, holding up a finger. “One second. Make background noise.” He turns to Michael.

Immediately everyone is clamoring to be the loudest, even Luke, who launches into a really awful rendition of “Feeling This.” Ashton hears him and joins in, both of them screeching the song as loud as they can go, with Zack contributing by chiming in on I’m feeling this! every time it comes up.

“Okay, okay, enough!” Calum shouts, just as they reach the chorus. Everyone falls silent, but Ashton nudges Luke and gives him a small grin, and Luke returns it, cursing the butterflies in his gut for all the racket they’re making.

“It has come to the attention of the panel,” Michael begins, and Luke snorts, “that it is, in fact, five minutes to midnight.” A small outbreak of gasps from the circle, some authentic, some, specifically Rian’s, sarcastic. 

“I thought Calum was giving me this dare,” Ashton says.

Calum glares at him. “I am,” he says. “Ashton, I dare you to pick someone here to kiss at midnight.”

“Not me,” Jack says immediately. “No offense, Ash, but I’m taken.”

“Yeah, ditto,” Alex says. “I mean, if you really want, I’m sure Jack and I can work it out, but —”

“Nope,” Ashton says dryly. “Sorry to disappoint, but I actually have no interest in kissing either of you for any reason at all.”

“I think that was mean,” Jack says under his breath to Alex, and Alex just kisses his cheek.

Ashton props his chin in his hand. “Well, there’s a lot to consider here,” he says pensively. Luke’s heart is beating too loud. Ashton won’t pick him when there’s — well, when there’s the whole circle to choose from, and even ignoring those already spoken for, that leaves Rian and Zack, both of whom would be better choices than Luke. “I mean, it’s not gonna be either of you,” to Jack and Alex, “or you,” to Calum and Michael, “so I guess it’s either Rian, Zack, or Luke.”

Luke tries to fight the blush rising on his cheeks. He keeps his mouth shut, swallowing the many cries of me, you can kiss me at midnight! building up under his tongue. Even if he says it as a joke, it’ll come across desperate, and when Ashton inevitably chooses Rian, Luke will look that much more foolish.

“I’m okay with it,” Rian says, shrugging. “I mean, no pressure, but I don’t really care.”

“Same,” Zack says. Ashton hums, then turns bodily to Luke.

“What about you?”

Luke stares. “What about me?”

“Are you okay with it?”

“With…kissing you at midnight?”

Ashton’s lips quirk up. “Yes, Luke, that’s what we’re discussing.”

Luke’s mouth feels dry. “Uh, yeah. Whatever you want.” Fuck, even that sounds far too inclined. 

Ashton surveys the circle again, making thoughtful hums to himself as if deep in thought, gaze flitting between Luke, Rian, and Zack, until Calum, exasperated, says, “Ash, it’s two minutes to midnight.”

“Fine,” Ashton says. He turns again to Luke. “Kiss me at midnight?”

Luke’s heart leaps into his throat. “Seriously?” Then, “Um, I mean, yeah, sure.”

Ashton grins. “Cool.” And then he turns back to the circle. “Should I bother asking someone? Are we gonna watch the ball drop?”

“Not if you’re smooching this one,” Alex says, jerking a thumb at Luke. Luke makes a face at him to mask the way his insides are completely flipping over themselves. It’s not the Olympics, he tries to tell them, but they aren’t listening.

“Yes,” Zack says, more helpfully. He stands up. “Let me put it on.” Gesturing at them, he adds, “Talk amongst yourselves.”

“You don’t decide when we talk!” Jack says, as Zack goes to connect his laptop to the TV and set up the stream. Zack flips him off behind his back.

Everyone breaks off into quiet conversation, but Luke’s buzzing. Ashton elbows him gently. “You okay?”

Luke jolts and tries to laugh it off. Hopefully it doesn’t sound as nervous as it feels. “Good, yeah,” he says. “I’ve never actually kissed anyone on New Year’s, so. First time for everything.”

Ashton smiles warmly at him, and Luke feels it in his fingers and toes. “Well,” he says smoothly, “best make it good, then. No pressure on me.”

“Oh, don’t worry, it’ll be good no matter what,” Luke says, and immediately decides he should be banned from speaking forever. No matter what? Could he possibly sound more infatuated?

Ashton tilts his head. “No matter what?” he says. “Your expectations aren’t very high.”

“I just —” Luke bites his lip. He’s backed himself into a corner now. Fucking hell. “Um, I meant — it’s —”

“Luke, relax,” Ashton says, patting his knee twice. “I’m teasing.” With this, he pushes himself to his feet, then holds out a hand for Luke. Luke takes it and allows himself to be pulled upright as well. The look in Ashton’s eye is kind, and Luke expects to see the teasing Ashton had mentioned, but it’s absent. “If it would make you feel better, we don’t have to do it. It’s just a dare.”

“No, I want to,” Luke says, solidifying his decision that he should never be allowed to talk ever. Ashton raises an eyebrow and Luke feels himself blushing scarlet. “I mean…”

“You can want to,” Ashton says. “Do you want to?”

Luke swallows. “I don’t — that’s not a fair question.”

“Fine,” Ashton says. “I take it back. But in case you were wondering, I want to.” 

Luke stares at him. “What?”

“Kiss you,” Ashton clarifies. “At midnight, and otherwise. In general.”

“Ten seconds!” Calum shouts, and the entire room explodes with the sound of the countdown.

“Oh,” Luke breathes. “That’s — oh. In that case, I do want to.”

“Eight!”

Ashton smiles. “Good,” he says happily. “You had me worried a second.”

“Six!”

“Sorry,” Luke says.

“Don’t let an apology be your last words of the year,” Ashton says.

“Four!”

“Okay,” Luke says quickly. “I want to kiss you. Final words.”

Ashton’s smile grows wider. “I want to kiss you too. So much.”

“Two! One! Happy New Year!” 

Cheers erupt throughout the room, and Luke and Ashton both lean in, captured in a kiss that’s sweeter than any Luke’s ever had and warm from the spot they connect all the way through Luke’s skin, filling his brain with static, nothing but Ashton on a loop.

When they break apart, Ashton brushes their noses together. “First of many, I hope,” he says, and Luke beams.

Maybe there’s something to be said for truth or dare, actually.

[snowflake-of-destruction]

Cloud Strife

1: sexuality headcanon: Bisexual. I was trying to craft a funny Cloud anecdote to communicate it, but I was forcing it

2: otp: I’m going to take what seems the cowards way out, though it’s the truth, and say that it’s about equal between Tifa, Aerith, and Zack, and what one “comes out on top” depends on the day/the mood/and whose meta I’ve read most recently--and not always in a positive way. I could and would argue for any of the three, all of the three, in different times and ways in canon, and different aspects I enjoy in and out of canon. 

3: brotp: Cloud and Zack, hands down, but I find myself suddenly wanting to talk about Cloud and Yuffie as most underestimated, and one I hope we see more of in the Remake. Cloud may get frustrated sometimes with the in-your-face aspects of Yuffie’s personality and the theft, but I don’t get the impression that he sees her as a kid like some others do. He respects her as an equal and knows what it’s like to strike out and be on your own at a young age so desperate to prove yourself and be taken seriously. Even before he able to admit weakness to the rest of the party, including the ones he has more history with, you can have him giving Yuffie tactics for dealing with motion sickness...though now that I type this I think that he only admits that this comes from personal experience and they actually bond over it later on, so it may not apply, but some of those optional scenes on boats and airships with them are still cute/sweet and something I want to see more of.

4: notp: Used to be Sefikura. “Don’t those people realize…” yes, past me, yes they do. However that sentence ends, most of them do. Things don’t need to be healthy (or any other criteria) to be shippable. Anyway, people who know me know I, uh, don’t have any problem with sefikura anymore. My current least favorite Cloud ship also makes me sound like someone against people having fun though. Strifehart. It’s just a pet peeve because of how much it bleeds into FFVIII tags/discussions/fanfic. I mean it’s easy enough to filter out...when it’s tagged properly, and I don’t hate it as a crossover ship/KH ship. I just have a spite based aversion to Strifehart being one of the most popular Squall ships even when you are specifically talking about FFVIII, Squall/Leon being mistaken for/assumed to be a FFVII character, and so on. I don’t think it’s much of a problem in the reverse since FFVII’s fandom is much bigger, though I did see someone drop the name Strifehart in a FFVII discord referring to Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart and everyone misunderstand and start talking about Cloud and Squall, derailing and confusing the person who had made the initial comment since they hadn’t played Kingdom Hearts. 

5: first headcanon that pops into my head: It’s pretty much a given that someone writes an epic in the style of Loveless about Cloud and the party. This may even be something referenced in AC or DoC for as right as it feels. That’s not the headcanon, the headcanon is, though it may be expected for Cloud to hate the flowery language or the way he or someone else and the relationships are portrayed, he loves it. If it’s a book or a poem it’s on the shelf and he can quote it (if asked, he’s not obnoxious like Gen was about Loveless). If it’s a play, he’s seen it more than once. This doesn’t mean it’s fully accurate or even all that great. He just becomes attached to it. How does this fit in with his lingering guilt and depression in the AC era? Well, first off, those kinds of feelings aren’t a straight line progression, and, second off, I can see him attaching to it as a way of combating negative thoughts by reminding himself of how outside forces saw things.

6: favorite line from this character: "I'm Cloud, the master of my own illusionary world, but I can’t remain trapped in an illusion any more. I’m going to live my life without pretending” I also like his quote about how nobody chooses to live in the slums.

7: one way in which I relate to this character: Gnawing doubt and feeling that you need to be something more/better/other 

8: thing that gives me second hand embarrassment about this character: Listen, we all love crossdressing Cloud but he’s very uncomfortable and I feel that with him. I also would be remiss if I did not mention. “Let’s mosey.” Don’t get me wrong. I think he should say this before the final battle in the remake too. It doesn’t matter if it was initially not the best translation. It’s much too late for that now. But, yeah, I think we all cringed together.

9: cinnamon roll or problematic fave? He is a cinnamon roll, but he has his problems too.

[cheeseburgersstuff]

Our New Life - 9

Steve x Reader

Damon x Reader (platonic)

Warnings: language, mistakes, a lot of time gap (shitty attempt...)

Master-list

.

.

.

1994:

After taking a break from their shitty life and y/n forced Damon to show her mystic falls. But Damon being the stubborn shit he was, he didn’t agree. He still didn’t want to see his brother’s face.

She somehow managed to take him to Virginia, telling him she didn’t visit that place ever. She hoped that Damon would get emotional being near his hometown so she could see his house in Mystic falls and could meet his best friend’s brother too.

But that didn’t happen, of course, Damon being emotional to visit his house and brother, that’s impossible. But still, good luck was on y/n’s side. His brother saw them when they were neat mystic falls.

Stefen saw Damon with y/n which he didn’t know. He ran towards him. In a moment he was in front of his brother making him stop. Damon at first seemed surprised which turned into happiness but quickly was replaced by anger. He was happy to see his brother but he wouldn’t ever admit that.

“Damon, listen to me please,” Stefen said. And that moment y/n knew he was Stefen, Damon’s baby brother. “I don’t have time for this, Stefen. Move!” Damon snarled, making y/n chuckle. He turned towards her and stared at her. She suppressed her smile and looked at Stefen “hey, I’m y/n. You must be Stephen,” she said cheerfully.

Stefen smiled at her “that’s me” “come on y/n, we have to go.” Damon said, took her hand and started walking.

“Damon, at least listen to him, I know you want to.if won’t, you’ll regret it.” y/n said making him realize, he did. He wanted to listen to his brother, he wanted them to be normal but the problem was they weren’t normal anymore.

He sighed and stopped. Stefen was still there with hope in his eyes, that maybe his brother would give him a chance. “Go talk to him. I’ll wait for you.” y/n said walking away. 

~

After some time she saw Damon looking for her, she went towards him and raised her eyebrow as if asking him what happened.

“You wanna see my home town?” he asked, smirking. y/n giggled and hugged him happily. 

~

They all were sitting inside the Salvatore Boarding House. y/n was talking with Gail, Zach’s girlfriend. Zach’s was Damon and Stefen’s nephew.

She looked towards Damon, he looked fine, talking to Zach and Stefen. She hoped he would really be fine from inside too and that this all wasn’t some act. 

They decided to live there for a few days because y/n wanted to visit the whole town.

Damon personally wasn’t happy to visit Mystic falls but seeing a happy y/n made him happy too.

~

It was Zach's and Gail’s baby shower. They had almost invited the whole town. y/n chuckled seeing so many people in there. She looked at Zach and Gail, Zach was taking pictures of Gail with the cupcake she was eating. 

She also wanted that with Steve, marrying him and then a baby with him. No, not a baby, a lot of babies. She chuckled thinking about steve. That didn't matter anymore, he was dead and so is she. She sighed and walked towards Damon who was talking to a pregnant woman. “Damon?” y/n said looking at him with wide eyes, “oh hey y/n. Meet this beautiful lady here, Liz Forbes. Liz this my best buddy y/n” Damon introduced Liz as he knew her for years. 

y/n and Liz talked. “So do you who’s inside their mommy?” y/n asked Liz. “Ah! A baby girl,” she said smiling. “Oh that's so sweet, you decided a name?” “um..not yet.” she chuckled. 

After the party, there was just the family and y/n. She was sitting quietly when she heard Gail’s scream. All of them went upstairs to find Damon holding Gail, his hands on her neck like he was about to kill her. “Damon, what are you doing, leave her,” Stefen said, zack was panicking and y/n was just staring at Damon like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. 

“Well, baby brother, why would I do that. You care about them, don’t you.” Damon said chuckling. “Did you turn your humanity off,” Stefen said incredulously. “I’m on the verge of, didn’t I promise you an eternity of misery. Let me fill my promise.” Damon was about to snap her neck but y/n quickly got behind his back and snapped his neck instead. Damon falls down, making Gail free. 

Everyone was silent for a moment when y/n looked at Stefen. “Help me put him in the car, would ya?” she asked Stefen and nodded.

After putting Damon and their luggage inside the car, y/n went towards Gail and Zach to apologize to them “I'm so sorry about him, I didn’t have any idea he would do that.” 

But of course, it wasn’t her fault so they didn’t say anything to her. 

After saying goodbye to them she went to Stefen. He was looking at her with sad eyes. “I.. don’t even know what to say” she chuckled. “It’s okay, don’t say anything. It’s not your fault.” 

“Yes it is, I forced him to come with you, I should not have.” “Hey, it’s okay. He’ll get better someday, I just hope that someday will come soon.” she nodded and then gave him a surprise hug which he indeed returned. She pushed back and smiled at him “goodbye.” she whispered.

With that, she started her car to go back home.

~

Damon woke up in his room. He remembered everything. His head was pounding, he knew he fucked up and y/n would be pissed at him. 

He got up and went downstairs seeing y/n in the kitchen. He went inside the kitchen and cleared his throat. At that moment he was indeed scared of y/n, more than he could ever be scared of anyone. But y/n just ignored him, making him feel more guilty. 

He went near him, “y/n I know you are mad at me but I’m sorry. I don’t know, I just lost control, it’s like I have no control over my anger.” he begged, wanting her to look at him, talk to him.

She sighed and looked at him “she was pregnant Damon, have you any idea what would happen if I didn’t break your neck” she said making him feel guilty. 

“If you didn’t want to give him a chance, if you didn’t want to go you should have just told me. Making a move behind his back, to make his life miserable was a dick move. I know you are like this and I don't want to change you either. But what you did there was, I don't even know what to say.” 

“I wanted to give him a chance,” he whispered. “But when I saw everyone happy, Zach and Gail, I just lost it. I also wanted a life like that. I got angry and just did that to make Stefen pissed.” he said and left the kitchen. 

After some time y/n went to Damon who was sitting on the couch. “I’m going to LA.” she sat beside him. He looked at her with wide eyes “y/n, why? Don’t leave me please.” he said thinking she saw going to leave. She chuckled “not forever idiot. I’m going to spend some 'me time' there.

I need to be relaxed you know and with you, it’s kinda impossible. And you, my friend, you need to decide. I mean seriously what are you doing since becoming a vampire? Cursing your brother, finding your dead girlfriend, who doesn’t want to be found. One hundred and thirty years Damon. It’s a long time to mourn and whine about your life.” “think about yourself. Decide what you want? If you want your brother in your life, give him a chance, control your anger. No matter what, he is your family. you want him in your life let him in.” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

“Even if I want him, he would be pissed at me right now. He won’t want me in his life ever again,” he told her, his insecurities. She chuckled “that’s what I’m here for. We’ll find a way. You just decide what you want. I’ll be there. Just come to me when you would be ready. I’ll be there for you whatever you choose.” she said and left him in his own thoughts…..

.

.

.

@krazykatkay456

@ifilosemyselfagain

@strangelycami

@silver-winter-wolf

@elliee1497

[thethrillof]

sephiroth + pats on the head

as much as im getting into ff7, i’m def missing a lot of pieces to fully do stuff in canon. so! fucking around in something that barely has a canon! aka ~super smash bros.~

warning for alcohol. and some silliness.

Sephiroth is staring at a ceiling.

Light wood grain. Well put-together. Nothing at all like a medical bay.

Which is a ridiculous thought. He was nearly a God, alongside Mother, who already is. He has no need for medical assistance, and nothing could keep him down even before.

His heart is thundering. Each beat pushes blood through his veins more quickly than the last. It’s too loud, and leaves the ceiling under his watch wobbling uncomfortably.

He refocuses to a noise beneath his pulse. No. Above.

Literally above, there are voices chattering above where he’s lying flat on his back, words dropping from where the others are standing to thunk heavily against his ears.

“—-just tipped over, oh my gosh!”

“Damn, ‘Belle, you weren’t kidding.”

Too close.

He rolls to his feet.

The room doesn’t cooperate. Neither does his wing, which slams roughly against something else. His eyes slide from the wiggling room to track the thing, belatedly leaping out of its reach.

It wouldn’t have hit him. For one, he knocked it away from him too quickly for a reaction.

Also, it is a stool. Stools are rarely known for their attack prowess.

He looks back up, meeting the gazes of several.

A dog in a smart outfit: Isabelle. Foolishly kind, refused to stop talking to him despite Cloud’s request. Not a threat outside of battle. A princess in pink: Peach. Rarely a threat outside of battle. Also foolishly kind, offering him tea, also refused to stop speaking to him despite Cloud’s increasing distress. A SOLIDER--no, soldier--in a bandanna: Snake. Distrustful, but attempted to speak with him as an equal. Somewhat dangerous, equipped with many weapons he does not use in tournament battles.

No. Not at all dangerous. When was the last time he found anyone but

None can strike him down but Cloud Strife.

Another being swims to life in front of his eyes, behind the bar the others are resting their elbows on. A…giant bird, adorned with glasses and feathers like a mustache. Shot glasses are under his feathery hands.

Glasses to wear, and glasses to prepare. Sephiroth bites off a chuckle too late. What is wrong with him?

The bird delicately coughs. “…Perhaps you would like to try…my coffee to drink, instead, coo…”

Sephiroth aims the Masamune towards his beak. The wooden bar is sliced awkwardly through instead, rattling up his arm.

“You might want to sit back down,” Peach suggests sweetly. The bird keeps cleaning the held glass. “You’ve had quite a bit to drink, dear.”

Drink?

He doesn’t stop laughing, this time. Alcohol had affected him less than drugs, even before he embraced what he truly is.

Though those drugs that he had been given were specially-made. Nothing used on normal humans worked, blasting through his system within an hour.

Everything about this World is specially-made, or altered to fit. Even he himself has had to accept handicap to truly to descend to battle. The Hands were stoppable as anything, but fighting them was enough of a distraction to keep Cloud away from him, and Sephiroth would not be stopped. Not by distraction, not by artificially-induced limitation in battle, not by…the stack of glasses against where he was, maybe, just seated.

If the Hands could limit his ability to fight…

No. Alcohol had never affected him so. SOLIDERS could not become drunk past their first dose of Mako, and Sephiroth had never drank before his own dozen. He could never see the point of inviting such weakness, physical and mental. Genesis had said too many biting things before his true self was brought to light, and too many kind ones. Angeal’s puppy…Zack…had always laughed, more and more, and offered a bottle he promised would take the edge off, but…

Why is he thinking about this.

“You’re suuuper drunk, sorry!” says a bright voice.

“I am not,” Sephiroth replies flatly.

He’s sitting on the floor, however, without quite remembering when he decided to do that. Nor when he’d chosen to set the Masamune down across his lap, with his hands steadying him instead of resting on his sword’s hilt.

“You are,” the dog says, and her repetition of “Sorry!” is sharply undercut by giggles.

“Really,” Snake says from the edge of his vision. He should be looking at him. No, he’s not dangerous, he already told himself that, but then he’s looking still.

“Isabelle is…a lot more tolerant than you thought,” Snake tells him, swirling his own half-empty glass and smirking over it. “Than I did, either, I’ll admit it. But I’m not the jacka—uh, not the one who decided to challenge her head-on.”

Impossible. Sephiroth is above such things.

Though muddled memories suggest that is exactly how this happened. Peach leading her merry group in the direction of Smashville, telling him, who should not have been listening, that the dog could drink anyone under the table. Anyone. Everyone. Even Gods.

(That may have meant Palutena. This may not have been a challenge. He’ll consider these options later.)

“I am not drunk,” Sephiroth insists.

He may be more affected than he thought, however. The voice that burst from his throat was his own, but there should be no tone, let alone the tone of someone so petulant.

He sees Isabelle, who was seated next to him, reach out to do…something. He is too—impaired—to do anything but brace when he realizes where she’s aiming.

Her paw settles on his head.

A bloom of warmth spreads from the touch. Through his scalp, down his face, suffusing him in the chest and stomach where the…alcohol…had just barely touched.

“Don’t worry about--oh!”

Sephiroth curls his wing around himself, stopping the…touch.

He peers over the edge of his feathers suspiciously. Isabelle’s expression morphs from shock to more giggling. “Really, really really! Don’t worry about it. N-nobody’s going to drink and tell! E-even if you do look silly! We’re all silly here!”

And to his bewilderment, all of them raise their glasses when she does. Even the bird, with his empty one.

“It’s just for fun! We’re all adults. All the f-fighting is fun, but it’s--it can be a little stressful, too, right? So we just come here and party after, sometimes. It’s all good! It’s all great!”

“Even if Brewster’s usually better at cutting us off,” Peach teases to the bird across the bar.

“Don’t blame the guy. We all wanted to know who’d win.” Snake waves lazily from his side.

He still braces when Isabelle reaches out again. This time, she pats a short pattern along his wing before settling back on his head, and he watches the feathers intently to make certain she didn’t put something on them, to make the warmth spill down.

Maybe he is drunk. At least he’s…comfortable. He is not in danger. He can’t be. He’s the most dangerous being in this room, in this World.

But somehow this doesn’t steady him as it often does. In fact, a stab of cold crawls from his chest, so abrupt that he looks down to make sure metal or ice hasn’t pierced it. Yet, it looks entirely normal.

He can bear the most terrible agony. A chill is mere discomfort, and that is nothing at all. He can tolerate discomfort without thought, most times, but now he…doesn’t want to.

He doesn’t want to be cold. He didn’t even notice how cold he was.

He doesn’t want to. 

Something is telling him he has to be.

But why? Why does he have to be? 

He can stop it. He just was warm.

Sephiroth leans over until his head presses back against Isabelle’s paw--and then softly thumps on the edge of her stool when he overbalances. She just laughs more, gently scooting him until his head is loosely resting against her side.

And he’s proven swiftly correct. This will work to keep the warmth in.

[geekgemsspooksandtoons]

Thought about this last night. Something called GeekGem Rambles where I reveal some stuff. Mainly opinions and interests of mine. Thought I get this out of the way.

So here's my first GeekGem Rambles.

- My favorite Linkin Park album is Reanimation. I was listening to Alexa and thought of making this while it was on. But got distracted by other things. My other favorite albums are Meteora(Which is playing right now), and Hybrid Theory.

- Something I've wanted to reveal on this blog actually. Despite I do like Marvel and it's characters. I really don't like the MCU or using it's full name the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In all seriousness I may not mind the films. They can possibly be entertaining. Depends on what films. There are things I like from the universe.

But it's gotten to the point that they have oversaturated cinema. Yet also have influenced people a bit too negatively of what a comic book movie can be. Despite it should be diverse in content.

I really wanted to make this clear. Mainly I guess when I speak about Marvel. It would be me referencing movies that aren't part of the MCU. Something like Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. Or even stuff like Capcom's Marvel fighting games like the Marvel Vs Capcom series.

Even recently me mentioning the live action tv shows of The Amazing Spider-Man 1977 and The Incredible Hulk 1978. I genuinely like those two shows.

- I'm a Zack Snyder fan. Let me make that clear. Mainly of his DC work. Such as Man Of Steel and Batman V Superman. Which that may speak of who I am. Depends on how you see Zack and his work.

Especially Batman V Superman is personally one of my favorite films.

- I genuinely liked Joker 2019. Despite how some of the reactions to the movie were. I just want to put that out there. Mainly I stopped talking or reblogging stuff for a long time because of the depressive state I was in. But I'm all better now or so considering having to stay indoors. Besides finishing adult school is another thing neat addition too. :)

- To be honest I mainly like the older Disney films or I genuinely don't mind their animated films. Whether they are from the Disney Renaissance era as people call it. Or even some of their newer films. Along with some films in the middle. But I genuinely don't like Disney as a company.

- In all seriousness I was a big gamer when I was younger. But despite being familiar with parties like Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation. I am mainly a PlayStation guy because of its gallery of characters and games. Such as Twisted Metal, Sly Cooper, MedEvil, Resistance, Parappa, and others.

Besides I don't wanna stress myself out with too many games to play. Which I feel is a problem with me.

- In all seriousness my blog here is a horror themed blog mostly. But I have had expectations. It just depends on the material. I have wondered of changing the username on here. Despite I do still like it.

Again and well.....I do like horror or so. It's still that kind of blog. Basically a blog where I can indulge in these kinds of interests more while my main blog deals with some other pop culture stuff. Such as cartoons and whatever else.

Even though oh this blog. Bioshock and Bendy are pretty big here. It depends on which other franchise. I did think just now or whatever this blog focuses more on my more serious interests or whatever.

Did think if this blog could be a gaming blog but most likely not.

- I've played multiple first person shooters. So it's not just Bioshock. I've played Doom, Halo, Call Of Duty, Killzone, Team Fortress 2, and others.

I guess you can say first person shooters are a favorite mine. Along with other variety of games.

- I'm also a Sega guy. I'm mostly a Sonic guy. Yet I like Sega's other characters. It just depends on who I may like. I like the variety in characters and games. I'd also like to mention I own a Sega Dreamcast.

- I'm a Kaiju fan. Mainly of the Godzilla franchise and King Kong.

- Guess I'll say again that original Predator is one of my all time favorite films. Along with the original Halloween.

- The original MacGyver was a great show. I haven't watched the reboot. But I'm not really interested.

- Trying to remember what else. Mainly that was some of the major stuff. I guess I'll say again I have Autism.

Anyway that was my first GeekGem Rambles. :)

Edit considering I remembered this one I wanted to reveal.

- My favorite ship dynamic is the introvert X extrovert. :)

[blurry-fics]

Chapter Twenty

Where Did We Go | Series Masterlist

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1972

Author’s Note: First of all, I just want to say that I loved seeing everyone’s reactions to the last chapter. All of them put the biggest smile on my face :) Also, this will be the last chapter from Tyler��s point of view for the entire series. I can’t believe that it’s almost over :( Still, I hope you enjoy this chapter! (picture credit)

I held onto Y/N’s hand tightly as we walked up to the front of the restaurant. Through the door, I could already see most of my siblings waiting around inside, talking happily with one another. Y/N turned to me and smiled when she noticed them, squeezing my hand a little tighter. Although she hadn’t known at the time, I had planned this dinner to celebrate our engagement with our siblings, as well as get everyone together one last time before we left for three months.

“Are you nervous?” I asked, leaning in close to her.

“I don’t think nervous even scratches the surface of what I’m feeling,” she laughed quietly. “I just can’t wait to see the look on Carter’s face when he catches sight of my hand.”

“Do you think it’ll be like when he found out we were dating?”

“Worse.”

“Alright, let’s do this.”

I pulled the door open for Y/N, finally releasing her hand so that she could walk in ahead of me. Immediately, all of our family was turning to look in our direction. Y/N had already dug her hands into her pockets, keeping the ring out of sight for now.

There was a chorus of “Tyler” and “Y/N”s as we walked up to them. I started to wrap an arm around Y/N, but she was quickly pulled into a hug by her brother. My eyes flew to her hand, waiting for the second when the ring became visible. She had barely started to put her arms around Carter when Marenna reached out and caught her wrist.

“What is this?” Marenna asked, pulling Y/N’s hand closer to her face. “Is this what I think it is?”

Y/N turned to me, already smiling. I nodded and turned towards my own siblings, only to see that they were already looking at me with raised eyebrows, waiting for an explanation.

“Surprise! We’re engaged.”

The room immediately erupted into excitement, with everyone crowding around to see Y/N’s ring or pat me on the back. After talking to Y/N for awhile, Carter eventually made his way over to me. I straightened up a little bit. I had known him for nearly as long as I had known Y/N, but he still never failed to intimidate me. Even before I was dating his sister, I had always wanted to make a good impression.

“I guess I have to stop teasing her about getting married now,” he laughed.

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “You still have a while until she’s officially a Joseph. There’s plenty of time to get some final jokes in.”

Carter nodded. “You know, I always wondered if you two would end up together and, I have to say, I’m really glad that you did.”

It was hard not to let a smile completely overtake my face at Carter’s compliment.

“It means a lot to hear you say that.”

He smiled, “You obviously make her very happy and that’s all I ever wanted.”

“I intend to keep doing that for the rest of my life.”

Carter clapped a hand down on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Good.”

Deciding that we had stood in the front of the restaurant for long enough, I finally walked up to the hostess. She looked up when she noticed me walking towards her and began to smile.

“I have a reservation for Joseph.”

“Party of nine?”

“That’s us.”

She quickly counted out menus and gestured over her shoulder, “Right this way.”

“Hey, guys, we’re going to sit down.”

The conversation quickly quieted down and everyone fell into their places. Y/N rejoined me at the front of the group and wrapped a hand around my arm, still smiling. I pressed a quick kiss to her cheek as we walked.

There was a bit of commotion as everyone tried to figure out where they were sitting. I eventually ended up between Zack and Y/N, who naturally had Carter on her other side. Once everyone was settled and happy with the seating arrangement, we began to look through our menus.

“What do you think you’re going to get?” Y/N asked, leaning over towards me.

“I’m not sure yet. Do you know?”

“No, that’s why I was asking you,” she laughed quietly.

The table was quiet as everyone looked over the menu and tried to decide what to get. Once that was finished, the conversation really began to pick up.

“Ok, I have to know the story,” Maddy chimed in. “How did it happen?”

“The engagement?” Y/N asked.

“Of course.”

Y/N turned to me with raised eyebrows, “Do you want to tell it or should I?”

“Why don’t you tell it and I can fill in the details?”

“Tag team it. Good plan.”

Everyone listened intently as Y/N told the story, from setting up the blankets in the back of the car to the actual proposal. I only occasionally filled in details when I felt they were needed, which wasn’t often.

“How did you keep the ring hidden from me?” Y/N asked after Tatum had brought it up.

“It was an ordeal,” I laughed. “I brought it home early last week and my original plan was to keep it hidden in my t-shirt drawer, but then you mentioned how you found the old postcard in there so I decided that was a really bad idea.”

“So where was it?”

“I kept it in the center console of my car.”

“Is that why you made me drive everywhere last week?”

“Yeah,” I smiled.

“That makes so much sense.”

“Do you guys know when the wedding is going to be?” Zack chimed in.

“Josh and I are planning on taking an extended break once this tour is over to work on the next album and have some time to ourselves, so we’ll probably do it during that break.”

“Other than that, the only thing we’ve decided is that we’re getting married,” Y/N added with a laugh. “Speaking of weddings, Ren, does your comment about never wanting to plan another wedding in your life still stand?”

“I think an exception can be made,” she smiled.

“You know, we can talk about things other than the engagement and wedding,” I said.

“Oh, come on Tyler,” Maddy said. “This is exciting! Our big brother is getting married!”

“Yeah, let us be happy,” Zack said, reaching over to lightly shove my shoulder.

“Sorry! Sorry. I just want to hear about your lives too, you know.”

“We’ll get there,” Jay added.

Our conversation was only interrupted when a waiter came over to take everyone’s drink orders. After Y/N ordered, I leaned over close to her so that I could whisper in her ear.

“Are you having an ok time?”

“I’m having a great time. This was a really good idea, Ty.”

I leaned back, now with a smile on my face. It wasn’t often that we were able to get all of the siblings together, but I always looked forward to when we did. I considered myself incredibly lucky to call all the people around me family, even if we weren’t blood relatives.

“When do you guys leave for tour?” Will asked.

“Monday morning. We’re spending a day in Cincinnati before the tour officially begins to get people acquainted and all that.”

“I think Tatum and I are going to drive down for the show,” Zack said. “I don’t know if any of you are interested in coming along.”

There was some quiet murmuring around the table as people discussed whether or not they would try to make it for the show. Next to me, I noticed that Y/N was fiddling with her ring.

“You ok?” I asked quietly, reaching out to put a hand on her arm.

“Yeah,” she nodded. “Just thinking about things that we need to do tonight and tomorrow.”

I lightly rubbed my thumb along her arm, “It’s ok. You don’t need to worry about that right now, just focus on spending time with family.”

“You’re right.”

She put her ring back on her finger, spinning it back into place.

“Are you excited to be touring again?” Tatum asked.

“I wish I had a longer break, but I really do love playing shows. Even with all the bumps this time around, I feel really good about the show that Josh and I are putting on and I think it represents this album well.”

“And you look sexy in your suits,” Y/N added under her breath, making me snort.

“What did you say, Y/N?” Maddy asked.

“Nothing,” she answered quickly. I could tell by the way that her lips were pressed together that she was embarrassed.

“Are you looking forward to tour, Y/N?” Zack said.

“Yeah, I am. It definitely takes some adjustment, but honestly after spending a month at home without Tyler, I’m ready to be back on a cramped tour bus again.”

“It’s not that cramped.”

“That’s because you take up the whole couch and don’t share!” Y/N giggled.

“Alright, whatever.”

“We’re going to miss you guys,” Marenna said, which was met with nods from the rest of the table.

I ignored the pang of sadness in my chest and put a smile on my face, not wanting the mood at the table to take a turn. Today was supposed to be about taking advantage of the time we still had left, after all.

“We’re going to miss you guys too.”

*     *     *

Dinner eventually came to an end and after plenty of hugs, we all walked back to our cars with promises to keep in touch when Y/N and I were on the road. Y/N laced her fingers with mine as we walked back to where I had parked at the very edge of the lot, swinging our hands idly back and forth.

“This was really nice, Ty. Thank you for getting everyone together.”

“Your welcome. I knew it was something you would really enjoy, plus it got most of the people that we needed to announce the engagement to out of the way.”

“Now it’s just our parents, Josh, and the entirety of the clique,” she laughed.

“To be fair, Josh already knows because I slipped up about having to pick up a ring after one of our meetings. Then I got excited and just told him the whole thing.”

“It’s a good thing Josh can keep a secret.”

“Honestly. I was tense that entire night that we got dinner together.”

“Speaking of dinner, don’t forget we’re going over to Carter and Marenna’s on Sunday night to see my parents and Max one last time.”

“Right. And we have dinner with my parents tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Y/N finally let go of my hand so that she could walk to the other side of the car. The door creaked as I opened it and climbed inside.

“Alright, let’s get home so we can finish up more tour preparations. We only have a couple days left,” Y/N said. She was already plugging in her phone so that we could listen to our music on the way home.

“These last three weeks really flew by,” I said as I started up the car. “I swear just yesterday I was napping on the couch with you after getting home from the airport.”

“A lot happened. I mean, my brother got married, you had meetings most of the time, and now we’re engaged.”

I reached over and grabbed Y/N’s hand again. She began to rub her thumb along the back of my hand, keeping me calm as I pulled out of my parking spot. Once I did so, I looked over to her and smiled.

“And I couldn’t be happier about it.”

*     *     *     *     *

Taglist

@tylersheavydirtysoul​ @faceofcontvsions​ @ohprettyweeper​ @shaytwentyonep​ @tyler-josephs-floof​ @angelicopioid​ @topownsmyheart​ @harishaanne​ @addictwithaheavydirtycheetah​ @somethingboutyou1​ @boiled-onionrings​ @heythereitm3​ @gaysludge​ @breadbinishigh​ @5secondsofmoxley​ @patdsinner33​ @littlerachelbee​ @royal-avengers​

[justacouplebandfics]

We’ve got scars on our future hearts (Jalex) - Chapter 2

Description: Alex dealt with self harm when he was younger, that’s over now though- he’s better, until he’s not. Struggling with the idea of self harming as an adult Alex keeps the issue to himself, but living on a tour bus with your band there’s only so long you can keep something a secret.

Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of self harm

It’s also available here on Wattpad, and you can find the masterlist here. 

Jack's POV

Something's up with Alex. The past few weeks he's been acting different, I think it's one of the benefits of being such good friends for so long, you can pick up on changes in each other that maybe someone else wouldn't see. He's been telling the guys that he's exhausted from the shows, and fair enough- this tour has been killer so far, we're all feeling a bit worse for wear. But I know exhausted Alex, he doesn't shut himself off like this- sure, he gets a bit quieter, and he might dip out of the occasional trip to the bar but he still thrives off being around  the rest of us. Being on the road for so long together it's like a family, we all support each other.

I also know Alex isn't the kind of person who'd tell you he's not doing okay to your face if you asked him point blank, he's been like that ever since high school. I know he had some issues back then, he still hasn't told me what he was dealing with but whatever it was it made him act the same way he's acting now.

I'm worried about him, not just passive worry, it feels like someone's grabbing my guts and twisting them in their fist when I think about him struggling through something on his own.

"So what do you think?" Rian snaps me out of my thoughts, and I look up to see him and Matt looking at me, clearly waiting for an answer.

"Shit, sorry guys. I was completely in my own head for a minute there, what were you saying?"

They both laugh, I hesitantly chuckle along as Matt gets up to grab a drink from the fridge. "We were saying," Rian starts, I flash him a quick apologetic look "The crew were talking about going to this club in town tonight after the gig, since it's an early one, I know we've all been a bit exhausted lately and it's only so long before that turns sour so it might be good to let off some steam."

"Have a good time" Matt pipes up from behind the fridge door "Did you even try to make that sound fun" he jokes as he sits back down.

I run it over in my mind- I'm super up for it, there's a reason I've got a reputation as a bit of a party animal, it's Alex I'm thinking about. Would he come? I don't really want to be leaving him alone on the bus all night, especially if he's not doing great. "Have you asked Alex?"

"He said maybe," Rian rolls his eyes.

"Then maybe" I shoot back with a cheeky grin.

"Fuck Jack!" Rian shouts, feigning anger "You're separate people, you do know you can go places without each other, come on, please? We haven't been out as a group in way too long." Matt nods in agreement "Obviously we'd love for Alex to come but if he's being a party pooper," he purposely exaggerates the last part, leaning out from the table so his voice carries down the hall to the bunks "that doesn't mean you have to be one too."

I sigh and look at him, "I'll talk to Alex."

"That's good enough for me!" Matt decides and stands up from the table, picking up his can of coke "Me and Rian are gonna go grab some lunch from that burger place next to the venue- wanna join?"

"He'll have to ask Alex" Rian quips, they both have a good laugh about it as I shake my head.

"I'm not super hungry, only just got up- I'll catch you later though."

I shut the door behind them as they continue to laugh a little too hard about Rian's joke. Damn, maybe we do need a night out.

I haven't been sitting down too long before Alex peeks his head into the lounge "Morning" he smiles at me.

"Afternoon" I say back, glancing at the clock that's proudly announcing it's well past noon. "What's your plans for before the show? Pretty much everyone's out grabbing food at the moment, I thought we could wait until they get back for a verdict on the best place in town?"

Alex nods, "Yeah sounds good to me, I'm just gonna grab a quick shower and then I'm good to go" he turns towards the back of the bus but pokes his head around again "Oh! Almost forgot, I borrowed your headphone charger again last night, I still have no clue where mine went- it's in my bunk if you need it desperately" he dramatizes the last word, giggling as he heads off towards the shower.

"You could ask!" I shout back, but the waters already running- he can't hear me, so I mutter it again to myself as I head back towards his bunk to grab my charger. It's sat up on the shelf in his bunk, I pick it up and go to put it away but then I see his old sunglasses case from high school- I'm not a stalker, I haven't memorised all of Alex's glasses cases, this one is just obnoxious. It's bright pink and has 'Alex' bejewelled in tacky rhinestones, the glasses that went with it were even worse- so aggressively 2000s, and I'm pretty certain they were women's.

I have a little giggle at the memory, and open it up to see if he still has the glasses too, tipping it over onto the bed, sure enough those awful glasses come tumbling out, did they somehow have more diamantes than last time I saw them? I stop laughing when I realise something else fell out of the case, 3 shiny blades now lying on the duvet.

I'm so caught up in my own mind trying to process why Alex has blades in his sunglasses case I don't notice the shower stopping, it's not until the bathroom door opens do I tear my gaze away from them, to direct it at Alex. He's all smiles until he looks down at the bed, and then I see a million emotions cross his face all at once. "Alex..." I start, making a move to stand up.

"What the fuck are you doing going through my stuff?" he shouts, voice quivering slightly, I don't know if it's from rage or what but it's not nice to hear.

"Alex I'm sorry I didn't mean to go through your stuff I just noticed the glasses case and wanted to see if you still had them." I try to explain, taking a step back as he moves towards the bunk "Honestly I didn't mean anything by it" I try to catch his gaze so he can see the concern in my eyes but he's too focussed on stuffing the blades back in the case.

He puts the case back on his shelf and stands upright, looking at me- in the silence I try to figure out what he's thinking, and how to ask him why he has those, a small part of me hoping there's a logical explanation for it and's he's not hurting himself. "Why Alex?" Is all I manage to get out.

Immediately he's on the offensive, it's rare I see Alex genuinely angry but it's not a nice sight "Why the fuck do you think Jack?" he spits "You know why, so don't ask stupid questions. And you can cut it with this whole pity routine, you can just say it's pathetic you don't have to stand there and pretend it's not" his voice cracks "It's fucking pathetic and childish and we both know that so just don't." He's run out of steam, no longer shouting- his shoulders are hunched over and he looks defeated.

"Alex, I wasn't going to say that, why didn't you tell me?" I take a step towards him, ready to pull him into a hug but Alex looks like he's in his own little world- he pushes past me towards the front of the bus, stopping to put on his shoes.

He sighs, standing upright and looking me in the eyes "Just," he lets out another breath, running his hand through his hair "Don't tell the others?" he asks.

"I won't Alex, but please talk to me about this," I step towards him but he's already halfway out the door.

"I'll see you at soundcheck!" He shouts as he walks away from the bus.

I sit down on the sofa with my head in my hands, I know Alex likes to deal with things on his own but this doesn't seem like something he should be dealing with singlehandedly- and all those things he was calling himself, pathetic, childish? I don't understand where those come from, whenever he talks to fans about their self harm he's always so supportive- why didn't he react the same way about himself?

I'm so confused, but I just want to help him- I know I won't be able to talk to him until after the show, I have no clue where he's gone to now and talking about it after sound check could potentially throw him off for the show, which isn't fair to him or the fans. I do know one way to help him for certain though- and that's getting rid of the blades, I go back to his bunk and retrieve them from the glasses case, throwing them in the bin and taking it out to the dumpster around the back of the venue where we're parked.

I reach the bus at the same time Zack and a couple others are returning from lunch "Hey guys, how was it?" I ask, barely listening to the answer as I think over what I'm going to say to Alex. He asked me not to tell the others, and I won't- it's his business at the end of the day and it's not my decision who gets to know. I just hope he's okay.

Alex's POV

I walked off the tour bus and just kept walking, I don't know where I'm going I just need to be far away from Jack. Fuck I'm such an idiot. Why did I react like that? Why didn't I just say I don't know what they are? Or that I don't know how they got there? Literally anything would've been better than what I did.

Looking down at my feet when I walk I very narrowly avoid bumping head on with someone, I lift my gaze to apologise and see I'm at a bar, the man having already walked off. I figure a drink might calm me down and head inside- it's quiet, I'm sure at night it's lively- dart boards line the walls and there's pool tables set off to one side, but it's too early for it to be full. I ask the bartender for a beer, probably best not to get too wasted before the show, and start peeling off the label as I let my mind continue it's incessant thinking.

I keep replaying what Jack said in my head, "Why Alex?" at first it sounds concerned, genuinely distressed, maybe I should talk to him about it? Then it gets chewed around in my mind.

"Why Alex?" Why would you do this to yourself?

"Why Alex?" Why would you beg for attention like this?

"Why Alex?" Why are you so childish?

"Why Alex?" Why are you being so fucking pathetic, stop dragging us into your bullshit.

What's spat back out of my mind is nasty and cruel, but Jack isn't nasty or cruel- maybe my doing this makes him like that, maybe I'm the problem? I take a long swig of my beer, then another, and a few swigs later it's all gone. So much for taking it slow. I order another, telling myself this is the last one.

I try to block out my thoughts now, they're coming hard and fast and they're nothing but painful; What if Jack tells the others? What if the others react the same way? He definitely already has, everyone's so open with each other- they're probably all sat on the bus right now talking about it, about how I threw a tantrum like a child. I hold my head in my hands and try to shake the thoughts away but they don't stop.

"You alright?" the bartender asks, probably more curious than concerned- I nod as I ask for a shot of tequila, he raises his eyebrow but pours one anyway, sliding it over the bar to me.

"Thanks," I give him an awkward smile and pay my tab, before heading back to the venue for sound check.