#my sister had to get me a bag of ice cause i couldn't move

[iamaslutforcoffee]

Power Chapter 1: Emberson Leanne Howard

(Rue's narration will be stated in bold italics unless otherwise stated)

The Howard sisters were something different. First there was Cassie. Cassie was your typical California aesthetic kind of girl. She was cute, big chested and blonde. Gus, their father, tended to favor Cassie over the other two and even went so far as to put her in ice skating lessons but that was neither here nor there.

Next there was the twins, Lexi and Emberson, They weren't identical but fraternal twins.. Lexi was the more out spoken of the two, and was alittle more popular than Ember. She had a more lean body, with beautiful brown hair and matching eyes. We were best friends since we were kids.

Ember was the quiet one of the three, definitely not one to really want to have attention on herself and preferring to find peace within her own company. Despite that, most of the friend group they all hung out with and even most of the highschool thought that she was the most beautiful of the three sisters, and also the most kind. But Ember had a terrible temper and other mental issues which caused her to be continously in therapy. It all started when their father, Gus, got into a terrible accident with Ember in the car. The trauma from the accident and also the PTSD from her dad going down my favorite rabbit hole of drugs and drinking severely molded her into the outstanding citizen she was today.

Ember sat in the resting chair quietly, chewing on her already non existent nails. She made a mental note to ask Cassie if she wanted to go get their nails done together, if she was even in the mood for it.

"So, Emberson.." the therapist started, but before she could continue Ember interrupted her.

"It's Ember, ma'am." She quickly muttered, her leg bouncing slightly from the anxiety.

"My apologies. Ember, how are you since our last discussion?"

Ember shrugged, and sighed. Running her hand throughout her hair she finally looked back at Miss Callson.

"I'm ok, I guess. Seeing my sisters best friend get wheeled to a ambulance because she overdosed really wasn't on my list of things i planned on seeing this summer"

But she wasn't ok at all. It was triggering her PTSD with her dad . She could still remember when he had to move out due to his drug use and one night he came back to the Howard home to steal shit to pawn. Lexi and Ember didn't want him there, Cassie let him back in. Unfortunately for her seeing me being wheeled into a ambulance really upset her and a small part of me did feel bad. All she was trying to do was come over and braid my hair up for me, or bringing back some clothes she borrowed. I couldn't remember.

Miss Callson continued on questioning Ember, and Ember continued on answering as simply as she could, there was no use fighting it at that point. If they thought she needed a mandatory grippy sock vacation, she'd gladly take one.

Afterwards, Ember left and a new prescription in place of one of her meds she usually took in tow. She drove to a nearby corner store, parking and getting out while smoothing down her leggings and favorite t shirt.

As she walked up to the door, Ember was startled by Fezco.

Now everybody knew about or has heard about Fezco O'neill, his grandmother was a complete drug dealing badness of a woman and he followed in her footsteps when she fell sick. Despite that, he was actually pretty fuckin' smart and did well during school until it was time to take care of his sick grandma and his brother Ashtray. Everyone also knew of his crush on Ember, him never being the one to want to get his heart broke he never said anything.

"Hey, ma'." Fezco spoke from his usual spot by the door. "What's in the bag?"

"Fuck! Fez I thought I told you about that scaring me shit!?" Ember hollard, crutching her chest.

"Shit, 'm sorry. You good?" He asked, getting up from his spot to try and comfort her.

"Yeah, yeah I'm good. And it's my uh.. it's my medicine. The kind that I actually got prescribed and not from a cooler in a bodega, babe. It's perfectly legal" she spoke, winking at him and his face turning a lovely shade of red amongst the freckles.

Then a walking zombie came waltzing back into their lives. Now I may be fresh out of rehab, but that doesn't mean I planned on staying sober.

"Rue, hey!" Ember noticed the familar crown of long curly hair and the small figure of one of her good friends, Rue.

"Hey Ember. Fez. " Rue replied, a small but genuine smile on her face.

Now when Ember said Hello, she was usually pretty genuine about it. Atleast with me. Now while Lexi was my "best friend since childhood", her twin Ember was definitely the less judgemental of the two and was definitely a more ride or die type of friend.

"How long you been back, Rue?" Fez asked, turning his attention briefly to Rue. Fezco was her friend, too. But had the displeasure of being her dealer at the same time. He couldn't help but feel guilty when she overdosed but Ember had to reassure him it wasn't his product that did it.

"Five days" Rue meekly responded.

"And how you been feelin'?" He asked, lighting his blunt and inhaling briefly, offering it to Ember. She politely declined.

"No thank you, Fezzy" she smiled at him.

"Well, ever since I gave my life over to my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, things have been like.. really good." Rue replied.

Ember shook her head chuckling.

"Word? That's what's up." Fez replied, continuing to smoke.

"You're full of shit, Rue. There's no way you're a born again christian" Ember giggled as she spoke, Rue smiling at her.

"Yeah.. yeah I'm fucking with You, Fez. It was a joke." Rue replied.

Rue asked where Ashtray was and headed inside, scoring her first hit since she was back.

"You know.. I worry about her more than I absolutely should" Ember spoke quietly, squatting down next to Fezco.

"Here, take the chair Em. An' i know, but you can't be out here worrin' about her all the time. It's not your job to worry. " Fezco spoke and offered her his chair. She smiled, taking it and knodding.

"Yeah, I know. But I still do."

~~~

Ooooooooof.

I'm excited 🥰🥰

[casspurrjoybell-25]

Cold as Ice - Chapter 5 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

"You put on quite a show just now."

Seeing Wren just made me even more angry.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I snapped.

How many times was this guy just going to randomly show up in my life?

"I was driving when I saw you running for your life down the sidewalk," Wren answered and I scowled at him to hide my embarrassment.

"And then I got to witness your little fit, so something's telling me you missed your bus."

I didn't answer him and he made no move to drive away.

"Well, are you going to get in or what?" Wren asked, impatiently tapping on the steering wheel.

"No," I replied.

"Why would I willingly get in a car with you?"

"Because you need a ride home to see your sister," he said.

My eyes widened slightly at his words.

I was really beginning to think he was a mind reader.

"How do you even know that," I exclaimed, standing up from the bench.

"Are you some kind of fucking weirdo keeping tabs on me?"

Wren rolled his eyes.

"You said it last night while you were drunk out of your mind."

Right, he had said something like that this morning.

Just another reason to never go out and get drunk ever again.

"So, you can either get a ride with me, since I'm heading that way anyway," Wren started.

"Or you can sit around and wait for the next bus which is... never?"

I contemplated for a moment.

No part of me wanted to get in the car with Wren.

Not only was he a weirdo but I didn't trust him and I didn't want to be in a position where I owed him something.

Something told me that he wasn't one to just give out favors and expect nothing in return.

"Lance, you have about two seconds before I'm gone," Wren called out, pulling me from my thoughts.

I huffed and grabbed my bags before walking over to the car.

I pulled open the passenger door and got in.

Wren didn't waste any time pulling away from the curb once the door was shut, causing me to bang my head on the window.

Wren didn't seem to notice the scowl I threw his way as I shoved my bag into the backseat and put my seatbelt on.

He picked up his cell-phone without looking away from the road and un-paused his music.

Well, what I expected to be music.

It turned out to be someone talking, reading something aloud.

"What the hell is this?" I asked after a few moments.

The half an hour drive back home would feel like hours if I had to listen to this the whole time.

"It's an audiobook," Wren replied casually.

I knew he was some kind of creature rather than a person because who the fuck listens to audiobooks in the car.

"This is what you listen to?" I asked, disgust in my tone.

"What even are you?"

Wren shrugged as he turned to merge onto the highway.

"I like to read," he said.

"I can't read while I drive, so I listen. It's not a hard concept but I understand if someone with your ineptitude has trouble with it."

I ignored him, crossing my arms over my chest as he switched lanes.

The traffic we hit was going to make the half hour drive closer to forty-five minutes or an hour.

Wren didn't seem to mind.

He was content listening to his stupid book.

I, on the other hand, wanted nothing more for this car ride to be over.

My leg anxiously bounced up and down as we slowly inched forward in the traffic.

Wren let out a laugh and I couldn't tell if he was laughing at me or something that happened in the book but hearing it made me angry anyway.

"Are we really going to listen to this shit the whole way?" I snapped, causing Wren to direct his attention to me.

"It's either this or silence."

"I'd rather sit in silence."

That was a mistake to say because Wren took me seriously and paused his book and now the two of us were going five miles an hour on the highway with no noise other than the beeping cars around us.

"This better?" he asked me.

I could practically hear the smugness in his voice.

No matter how uncomfortable this was, I wasn't going to ask him to turn it back on.

"So, you'd rather complete silence?" Wren asked.

"Okay."

He started tapping on the steering wheel at about the same pace as my bouncing leg.

This suddenly felt like a mistake.

Sitting here with Wren was practically torture and I knew deep down, he wasn't doing this for free.

There would be some sort of catch that I wasn't going to be prepared for.

Wren laughed again and this time I knew it had to have been at me.

"What?" I hissed.

"It's just funny, that's all," Wren replied, laughing again.

"What is?"

I didn't know if I even wanted the answer to that.

"You," he said.

"I just thought you were this tough guy but here you are shaking in my car. I guess that was just what you pretended to be."

"What the hell are you even talking about?"

"You acted all tough when you were trying to beat up my brother every chance you got," Wren responded, his voice as smooth and low as ever but now it had an edge to it.

"If you're going to do something to me to get back at me for what I did to Fox then just do it," I spat, halting my leg.

"Get it over with."

"Oh, I'm not going to do anything to you," Wren nonchalantly replied.

"It seems like you punish yourself enough and that's good enough for me."

"Then why are you bringing it up?"

"Because if I need to rely on you punishing yourself for it, then you need to be reminded of it," Wren said, the traffic breaking a bit so he could pick up speed.

"I had a tough time reading you before but I think I've got you figured out now."

So that's what this was.

He only offered me a ride to figure me out.

Maybe that meant that was all he wanted, and he wouldn't be looking for me to do him any favors.

"How can you have me figured out when I don't even have myself figured out?" I hadn't meant to ask that out loud but the thought had slipped out of my mouth like words did when I was intoxicated.

"That's how I know I'm right about you," Wren told me, taking one hand off the steering wheel to rest it on the center console.

"You're incredibly insecure, unsure of yourself and your future and that scares you."

I hated how right he was and that he could see right through me.

Not only that but he was nearly impossible to read or I just wasn't as perceptive as him.

"You use anger as an outlet for your emotions," Wren continued.

"Because anger is secondary. It's all the other emotions you feel that make you angry. I don't really see you as an angry person necessarily, it's just that anger is easier to deal with than everything else."

I let out a huff.

"Can you stop analyzing me? I liked it better when we weren't talking."

"So, you're going to deprive me of my book and my words?" he asked with faux astonishment.

"Just turn your fucking book back on then."

And he did and I wouldn't admit to him or myself that I was actually paying attention to the words and getting interested.

We eventually made it through all the traffic and once we were back in town, Wren paused his book so I could give him directions to the Hanson's house.

When he pulled up to the curb outside the house, I tried to immediately make my exit but Wren grabbed my arm and held me in place, his touch was paralyzing.

"Give me your cell-phone," Wren said, nodding toward the device I held in my hand.

I made no move to give it to him, so he rolled his eyes and yanked it out of my hand.

"What are you doing...?"

"Here," he said, shoving the phone back into my hand.

"Text me if you need a ride home Sunday. I don't answer phone calls."

"Not gonna happen," I muttered, pulling my bag up from the backseat.

"You can say thank you at any time."

With that, I flipped him off and got out of the car, slamming the door behind me.

[neiptune]

a day at the beach

part 3 of suddenly not so funny

part 2 here

pairing: baji x female reader

wc: 1k+

warnings: implied sexual harassment, cursing

tags: @cuteshunnybunny @eexphoria @gabi-moureira

author's note: only one part left after this! Also shoutout to @kingkyoujurou for making THIS amazing art inspired by my first lil chapter 😭😭😭 i just love the idea of baji watching stranger things goodbye

You and Baji have grown distant but that doesn't stop him from worrying about you, especially when things go horribly wrong on a normal beach day.

Chifuyu flinches when you lightly press the rubbing alcohol impregnated cotton pad to his scraped knuckles.

“Guess it was too much to ask, getting to spend a normal day”, you grumble, pressing a little harder.

“This is pretty much what a normal day looks like for us”, Kazutora's voice reaches you from the other side of the room and you can't help but snort.

“Well, next time please don't invite me”.

“We're sorry, y/n. You have every right to be upset”, Chifuyu mutters, gaze avoiding yours. You sigh, but say nothing else.

Baji is sitting on your swivel chair, face scrunched up in an ill-concealed grimace as he watches your hands cup his friend's face so gently, attentively checking his wounds, pressing a bag of frozen peas on his already bruised left cheekbone, a soft smile forming on your lips as he winces. He's barely opened his mouth ever since you forced all of them to follow you to your place, not even stopping to get out of that stupid, red bikini of yours. The one that's caused all the trouble in the first place.

He lightly pinches the bridge of his nose, still trying to wrap his head around what had happened.

It seemed like a good idea, indulging in a day at the beach with three of his closest friends and Yuki. Everything felt perfect and everyone looked like they were having fun, so he had allowed himself to focus on the gorgeous girl who, inexplicably, was still dating him. Except it had been harder than usual, not looking at you. So carefree and genuinely happy, sharing a towel with Kazutora, dragging him to play a beach volley match against two other guys, screaming and laughing and kicking your feet as Chifuyu had suddenly picked you up to ran towards the water. Baji couldn't help but feel upset about you having barely exchanged a few words with him. Not your fault, though. He knows he's been busy, distant, trying his best to focus on what seemed like the beginning of his first, proper relationship. He's still not sure about how to balance that and you. Cause apparently, if you have a girlfriend, you're expected not to spend so much time with your best friend anymore. It's inappropriate, having her spend the night. Sharing an ice cream, having her sit on your lap as you watch some stupid show, napping in the same bed, going to the grocery store together, calling her in the middle of the night when insomnia hits again. And he knows you understand, you've made it clear when he had mentioned boundaries and shit, but he also knows you're upset about it. He notices in the way you barely look at him, barely speak to him, conversations suddenly dull and empty and meaningless. But he can't bring himself to clarify to Yuki that he needs for things to stay as they've always been. He isn't brave enough to tell her that you're like a sister, to ask her to trust him, cause lately he doesn't trust himself at all. So he's decided to accept that weird, uncomfortable, unbalanced new relation with you. Even if he misses your presence in his life so much he swears sometimes it physically pains him.

He didn't really notice that you had gotten up from your towel, hair still wet, salt drying on your skin as you asked the boys to accompany you to the beach cafe to get some iced coffee. He didn't notice, as Yuki's lips moved against his, her hands resting on both sides of his neck. He didn't notice until he heard your surprised yelp, turning around just in time to see Chifuyu raise his voice to some guy who smirked as he punched him in the face. Baji saw red as he got up, deaf to Yuki's worried demands to don't go and please be careful. When he reached you, he didn't have to ask, as the comments made by the group of assholes cornering his friends left very little space to interpretation. So it was easy doing what he and his friends always do best, getting into an impulsive, reckless fight until all of you were kicked out of the bathing establishment. It's a good fucking thing Mikey and Draken couldn't be there that day, they probably wouldn't have allowed for the whole thing to end with just a few punches.

As you all walk back to your place, he kisses Yuki goodbye and promises to call her in the evening. It breaks his heart, the way you keep walking as far from him as possible, right next to Chifuyu, hair still moist, wet bikini dampening your shirt, gaze kept low. Baji had merely asked you if you were okay, a question to which you had nodded, immediately escaping his gaze. Of course he knows that you feel embarrassed, angry, humiliated. But, honestly, what else did you expect them to do? Kindly ask the assholes to leave after one of them had put his fucking hands on you?

“I could've handled it”, he heard you hiss at Chifuyu, who didn't reply.

And now it looks like you've already forgiven him, just like you always do. He's the one you always forgive more easily, fingertips lightly stroking his bruised cheek, eyes dense with worry. Baji is still so angry, furious even, that he's on the verge of doing the wrongest thing: blaming you. Like, was it really necessary to put on the most revealing bikini you owned? And are you absolutely sure you didn't give that fucker the wrong impression? Not voluntarily. It's just that sometimes you don't even notice how flirty you sound, how warmly you smile, how indecently attractive you can look. How–

“Keisuke?”, you softly call and he jumps in his seat a little, taken aback. You never call him by his full name, unless you're really angry or annoyed. And you are neither, at the moment.

“What?”, he sounds harsher than he means to and Kazutora, who's sitting on the floor right next to his chair, lightly pinches his calf as a warning.

You blink a few times, then clear your throat.

“Can I check those?”, you're hesitant now, as you let your eyes travel from the cut over his eyebrow to his bruised knuckles.

No, he wants to say. Fuck off, I'm fine. You're busy taking care of him anyway.

But, having been friends with someone so much better than him for so many years, means that he also knows better. So he takes a deep breath and nods, taking Chifuyu's place as he gets up from your bed.

The alcohol stings but still not as much as your words.

“I'm sorry I ruined yours and Yuki's day”, you murmur, hand on his cheek to keep him still, thumb resting close to the corner of his right eye. You're avoiding his gaze again.

God, fuck.

“You didn't ruin shit”, he actively tries to soften his tone.

I'm sorry, he desperately wants to add. For not having been there, not just today, but lately.

You smile sheepishly, in a way he's so not used to, cause you're just never embarrassed around him. You're not hesitant, as if being scared of upsetting him.

And yeah, it physically pains him.

>> part 4

[pythonees]

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ THREES A CROWD — embry & paul

WARNINGS: none

A/N: sorry about not posting an update for this for a while, life has decided to rough me up for a bit, but I'm getting better now! the fact the words that are italics don't get copied over the same way when transferring things to tumblr is so fucking stupid, like?????

eight ˖⋆࿐໋₊

Your eyes are glued to the windows, constantly scanning the tree line to catch another glimpse of those glowing red eyes. Whoever it was was too covered in shadow to make anything out, but you could tell they had a fair completion. Which wasn't saying much in a town like yours, but it did rule out enough people.

With shaking hands you pull out your phone, ignoring the teasing comments Embry left to send them a panicked warning of what you had seen.

[𝚝𝚘 𝙶𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚙]: I don't know if I'm going crazy or not, but I saw red eyes in the woods on my way home. I couldn't see a face, so I don't know if it's the red-headed leech or not.

You keep the phone clutched tight in your hand the entire trip home, anxiously waiting for a reply back from either of your boys. The phone stays silent past every stop, no messages coming through on your paranoia filled walk home. Every rustle off bushes has you jumping, heart hammering in your chest as you quicken your pace.

You're nearly home when you're neighbour calls out to you.

"Are you alright sweetheart?" Candice calls, putting her paintbrush into the bucket at her feet. The garage door had a fresh coat of white paint, though it's barely noticeable since the sun is shining from behind her house.

You turn to her slowly, relieved that you're not alone, even if its the neighbourhood gossip as your only option. Her long blond hair is pulled into a high ponytail, showing off her angular face and bright blue eyes. You debate if you should walk across the street to her house, but then you remember those red eyes and move up the driveway to be with someone familiar.

"I'm okay, just a rough day at school," You reply, getting a sympathetic smile in response.

"The work they give you kids these days," Candice shakes her head at the thought, and the action makes her look older than she really was, "My niece is always doing school work when I see her, never has time to play with her friends anymore."

"I didn't know you had a niece," You say, hands starting to sweat around the tight grip you have on your phone. You resists the urge to check it, since Candice seems to have an old soul, and you don't want to offend her.

"Yes, my older sister's kid. Probably in middle school by now. Its been a while since I've seen her," You nod along absently, itching to check your phone the longer Candice talks, "Are you sure you're okay? You don't look very well."

Candice reaches up to press the back of her hand against your forehead. Her fingers are ice cold against your skin, causing a shiver to rack through your body. The touch causes you to jerk back in surprise, nearly tripping over your feet just to get away. Candice doesn't say anything, just gives you a too calm smile as you regain your footing.

"You probably have lots of work to do," Candice starts, not letting you respond as she continues, "You should probably go sit down, you look like you're about to fall over any second. If you need anything, I'll be around, I still have to paint my front door, and I haven't even finished with the garage yet."

You can only bring yourself to nod, turning quickly on your heels and walking as fast as you can across the street and to your house. You're surprised you can get your phone into your pocket with how hard they shake, your now free hands digging into your bag for the house keys.

Thankfully, nobody's home to see how panicked you are as you all but fling the front door open. You have it closed and locked faster then you thought possible, hand stretching up and hovering over the deadbolt above your head.

All you can hear is your own loud breathing, her heart pounding so hard it hurt. After a second you reluctantly bring your hand down, knowing your family would be home soon and would have to get into the house at some point.

Your phone vibrates from your pants pocket, startling you back to reality. You pull the phone out and up to your face, stomach clenching when you read the message.

[𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙳𝚊𝚍]: I forgot to tell you this morning before school, I'm taking the boys for their checkup in Seattle today, so we won't be back until later tonight, probably after your mother gets home. There's money on the counter for food if you want to order something.

With no response from your wolves and nobody home for what seems to be hours, you make your way upstairs to your room. Once your in the room with the door closed you call the nearest pizza place for some food, dropping your bag on the foot of your bed as it starts to ring.

You've pulled out most of your textbooks before someone picks up, ordering a big enough pizza for leftovers, dishing out some of your own cash to get yourself some dessert as well.

Once the order is through you turn your attention back to the work spread out on your bed. Sorting through all your upcoming assignments, you settle on your history work.

Even with the fear lingering in the back of your mind, you're still able to lose yourself in your work, almost missing the sound of your doorbelling going off downstairs half an hour later.

You quickly run down the stairs, swiping the money off the counter before stopping in front of the door. Smoothing your hair down into something more presentable, you catch your breath before opening the door.

The delivery guy looks older than you, probably a college student, if you had to guess. He looks like he wants to be anywhere but there, gaze far away as he stares down at the receipt.

"That'll be $22.98," He mutters, unzipping the hot-hold bag to take out your pizzas. You take them quickly, placing them on the side table next to the door before turning back to the man. When you look back to him the entire street behind him is pitch black, a lightless void that started right at the end of her driveway. From the dark comes a figure made of shadow, its red eyes seeming to stare right into your soul as it makes its way closer to the house.

"Here," You basically shout, shoving the money into his outstretched hand. You closes the door in his face before he can ask about your change. The second the door is shut sunlight comes streaming back into the house through the window at the top of the door.

You grab up the two pizza boxes, plus your dessert, and take them into the kitchen to lay them out on the counter. Grabbing a floral patterned plate from the cabinet, you grab yourself two slices of pizza and bring that plus your dessert up to your room.

When you open the door to your room you nearly drop your food in surprise. Climbing through your open window is a shirtless Paul, panting lightly as he pulls himself up.

"What the hell?!" You exclaim, quickly placing your stuff down on your desk as you watch him close the window behind him, "How did you get up here?"

"Superhuman strength, remember?" Paul says as he straightens up, looking over your room briefly before turning his attention to you. "Are you okay? I saw your texts and ran over as soon as I could."

"You ran all the way here?" You whisper in wonder, unconsciously stepping closer to Paul. He doesn't seem to be as winded as when he was climbing through your window, but a pang of guilt passes over you anyways. "You didn't have to do that."

The smile he gives you in response is soft, not something you would expect from someone as cocky as Paul. "Of course I did, it's my job to protect you. Well, me and Embry."

"Where is Embry anyway?" You lean around Paul to look out the window, deflating a little when you don't see him climbing through. The sun is starting to set, casting the shadow of your house well into the woods that brush up to the edge of your backyard.

"Sam held him back, he should be here soon, though," Paul tilts his head down to get a better look at your face, "are you sure you're okay?"

It takes you a second to respond, losing yourself in his eyes and the warmth radiating off of him. You nod slightly, wrapping your arms around yourself to dispel the cold in your room that you had only just noticed. "Must be nice to be warm all the time," You think bitterly.

"Are you cold?" You nod, arms tightening around yourself. His face settles into a teasing smirk as he spreads his arms wide, "well, there's 108° going to waste over here."

You feel your face flush in response, embarrassed at being caught out. But a part of you wants to be close to Paul, even though you still doesn't really know him, at least compared to Embry. You hesitate just a second longer, bottom lip pulled between your teeth. Pauls eyes trace the movement, and your heart flutters in your chest.

You close the already short distance to settle yourself in his arms. You would have thought that with his increased body temperature you would be uncomfortable, but you feel pleasantly warmed just by being in his arms. His arms wrap around your shoulders, while yours loop around his waist, face smushed into his broad, muscular chest.

"If being an imprint means I get my own personal heaters, I'm all in." You mumble into his skin, feeling the resulting laugh as it rumbles through his chest.

"Is that all I am to you, a way of keeping warm?" Paul jokes, tightening his hold on you slightly. He's able to effortlessly lift you up so that your toes are the only things keeping your on the ground. You let out a gasp, tightening your arms around his waist, even though you know he's strong enough to hold you with no effort.

"Put me down!" You laugh as he starts to spin with you, moving slowly to avoid knocking anything over in your small room.

The tips of your toes brush against the edge of your chair, hitting it with enough force to knock it into the desk in front of it. He quickly puts you down, and the two of you stare at the chair for a moment before you both break out in giggles.

The two of you are still pressed together, so you can feel when Paul turns to look over his shoulder. You pull your face away from his chest to ask what was wrong, but the sound of the window opening is answer enough. You peek around Paul to greet Embry, but falter at the angry look on his face. You quickly move out of Pauls's arms to get to him, hand brushing against his warm bicep as he stands at his full height.

"What's wrong?" You ask, looking up at him. His hands are clenched tightly at his sides, but his face had settled into something neutral, "What's going on?"

"Nothing, just Jake being Jake," You nod in understanding, failing to hide your giddy smile when the arm your not holding wraps around your waist, "So, what do you mean you've been seeing red eyes everywhere?"

©︎ pythonees — do not, under any circumstance, repost, plagiarize, modify or translate my work.

[headinthestaticsky]

Extras for The Dusk Calls for me.

Authors Note: While I plan out the next few chapters of my story, enjoy these memories I did for the re-write I did on Wattpad.

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions and a attempt of SA

Time: This Takes place a year before the beginning of The Dusk Calls for me.

"Makes me feel like flying

Top-down backstreet driving Dusty road all alone

Tip my hat Puff of smoke, smoke

Makes me feel like flying

I just run ."

American Gurl by: Kilo Kish

I was finally out, those words of bile my mother and sister spew toward me finally pushed me over the edge. Yet those words finally got me back with my father in Forks, where I always belonged.

Flashback: One Week Ago.

"FLEUR! GET DOWN HERE NOW!" My erratic mother Renee yelled from downstairs.

My heart started beating out of my chest, what did I do this time? I walked into the dining room, Renee and Isabella were sitting at the table across from where I was sitting. Bella had a smirk on her face relishing in the tension between Renee and I.

"Yes?" I asked.

"You always have to cause trouble don't you?' She replied back, malice laced her voice.

"What? What are you even talking about?"

"Bella told me you've been saving money to go see your father in Forks." She spat at me.

My rapidly beating heart sunk down into my stomach, I had been trying to see my dad in Forks for a year now. My mother refused to get me a plane ticket herself, she always told me I reminded her too much of my father and that I didn't need to be around him anymore than I already was which wasn't often.

"Mother, it's my money I can do with it as I please," I said calmly though I could feel the rage beginning to boil in my blood.

"YOU AREN'T GOING!" She yelled demandingly.

I couldn't control myself, it was as if someone else had entered my body.

"WHAT IN THE HELL IS SO WRONG FOR WANTING TO SEE MY FATHER!?"

"I'M NOT GOING TO WASTE THAT KIND OF MONEY ON YOU!"

"Well you aren't now aren't you? It's my own money and I will use it however the hell I want to!"

"Oh don't you..." Renee started.

"Are you going to tell me you would be doing the same thing if Bella was the one wanting to go see dad?"

"She isn't a trouble maker." She snapped back.

"How am I a trouble maker? For wanting my mother to be kind and considerate? For wanting my mother to treat me with respect? To get an ounce of love from the frozen, undead heart inside your chest?" I asked, my face heated up it felt like it was burning.

"If you can't stand to be around us so much why don't you just move down there to Forks?"

"I will, just give me the rest of the money for the plane ticket and I swear to god the second I walk out that door I will NEVER come back!"

"Fine..." I turned away from her before she could say anything else. Before I reached the stairs I turned around again, looking directly at Bella.

"Get away from her while you can Isabella, or you're going to end up being just as toxic as she is." I then left before they could say anything else.

Flashback over: 2 years before the Original story begins.

I looked to the side, staring out the window. The desert plains had disappeared while I slept and now the lush green forests overtook the view. The fog wasn't heavy but the skies were covered with dark grey clouds and a downpour of rain. The cold weather was a lot more favorable in my opinion, the sun couldn't burn my skin much here. The plane had begun to shake signaling that the plane was beginning to land. I couldn't wait to see my father again, I hadn't seen him since my 12th birthday. When I got off the plane I stretched, being cramped in a small plane for an almost 3-hour flight wasn't exactly the most comfortable.

I walked through the crowded airport, scanning the area for my father. I bumped into some disgruntled couples and quickly left before I was caught in the crossfires of their mood.

"Petal?" I heard from behind me. I turned around quickly recognizing that voice, it could calm me down before I got into trouble.

"Dad..." I said fondly before running up to hug him.

My heartfelt I little more full, and the pain my mother inflicted on me was healed for the time being. We walked out together, each of us was carrying a bag. The wind was strong today and my hair was flying all of the places. Its cooling touch raised goosebumps on my skin, mom didn't buy any warmer clothes for me so I was stuck in the typical Arizona tank tops and shorts. Luckily for me, the car was already warmed up so I dethawed quickly. We drove for a few minutes in silence, the roar of the engine and other passing cars were the only sounds filling the space.

"So, how have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in a while." Dad said.

"I've been better, you know how mom is," I mumbled.

"I don't know what happened to her, she wasn't like that in high school. If she was I wouldn't have even wasted a second on her."

"I know you would've dad...she's cruel for sure. She's just good at hiding it from people she wants to impress."

"Yeah, she is."

The drive was a giant wave of nostalgia, being 16 now and seeing all of the familiar sites and views brought back fond memories. The old ice cream shop dad use to take me to, the reservation that Sam and Leah lived on, it all brought me back. It also fueled anger, however, as my mother constantly kept me under the brutal radiation of the sun.  Dad must've seen the look on my face and put his hand on my shoulder.

"It's going to be okay Petal, you're away from her now." He comforted.

"It's not just her dad... Bella's acting like her too."

"That's a shame... it really is."

"Yeah... it is." I sighed.

"I just can't wait to get back home, the attic is calling for me."

Dad chuckled before speaking again.

"You know... I heard you just got your license... So I got you an older car."

"You did not have to do that dad."

"It doesn't get in until next week, so I'll have to drive you to school until then," Dad said as if that would balance out the fact he got me a car.

"That's fine dad. What is it?"

"It's an old Mustang, a Fastback."

"Thank you, dad..."

"No problem Petal.

When we pulled into the driveway of our small but beautiful home the nostalgia fully set in. The colors were exactly the same, and the grass was just as muddy and dead as before.

"Well I cleared off some shelves for you in the bathroom, your room was a bit dusty so I just cleaned it for you," Dad explained as he helped me take my luggage upstairs.

"Sounds good, thank you again, dad, I love you."

"Love you too Petal." He kissed my head before closing the door behind me. The room was bare, I would have to fix it later on. I collapsed on my bed, facing the ceiling.

"I'm home."

September 17th, 2004.

"Dad I have to go, I don't want to be late on my first day!" I exclaimed throwing on a leather jacket.

"Petal I am almost ready, I never knew you were so much of a bookworm." He joked, ruffling my hair.

"Dad I am an entire school year ahead of where I should be... I take my education very seriously." I said, trying to hide the growing smirk on my face.

"Alright alright let's go," Dad said, taking my arm and pulling me out the door.

We were only driving for a little bit when I decided to roll the window down, I placed my arms on where the window used to be and rested my head on them. My hair blew out of my face and the cool mist of Forks hit me. When we arrived at the school dad was scanning the parking lot looking for a place to park when he passed right by a group of people. They were all gorgeous, their faces seemingly perfectly sculpted, and they all had the same colored eyes, golden. My eyes locked with one however, they were filled with pain for a second before melting into shock. something strange filled my chest and my heart began to race. As we drove past them I gave him a smile, hoping to ease his shock.

Timeskip: September 30th, 2004

Something was up, the boy I saw outside that window, Jasper Hale was more than what he seemed. He was freezing cold all the time, and I swore I saw his eyes turn black for a split second when he saw a boy from another make a gesture toward me. It was strange really, we had been friends for a few weeks but he seemingly had a protective...energy over me. But at the same time, I still felt something... I couldn't explain it. It was as if we were connected to each other in some way. My dad had to take my car to the shop and he couldn't pick me up today so I decided to take a trip to the library, hoping to find some new material to read.

I didn't realize how long I had been in the library until I looked out of the small windows of the building. The sky was darkened and daylight was running out, I checked out a few books and left not wanting to be stuck walking in the night. I was a few blocks home when I heard 3 men talking behind me.

"Oh looks at this one..."

"She seems perfect for us."

"Come here girly... we just want to talk."

My heart raced and my pace quickened, speed walking home. I tried taking weird turns and cuts but they wouldn't fall for the bait. I decided to run for it hoping my legs would be quick enough to evade them all. I was then pushed against the wall 2 minutes into my escape again, the smell of alcohol made me want to retch.

"You aren't very good at listening to orders." One murmured, his face was inches away from me, he breathed in my scent and began to chuckle.

"Don't be too hard on her... I like ones that fight." Another said

"Make this easy on yourself girl..."

One reached down to take off my clothes when he was suddenly thrown back a few feet into the air. I just stood against the wall shocked, I saw Jasper standing over the man before making his way over to the other two men. They both took off leaving their "friend" behind but Jasper zoomed toward them. His speed was inhuman and his strength was unprecedented yet I couldn't stop myself from moving from my spot. The other two men were flown into the air and scream on impact. Jasper grabbed them both by the throats.

"If you EVER try to touch her or any woman for that matter like that again... I. will. kill. you!" He growled before releasing them down on the ground. They gasped and ran again, babbling in terror toward one another.

Jasper walked toward me with a guilty look on his face, his hand reached out for mine and I took it without even thinking.

"Come with me Darlin' I have a lot to explain to you." He said softly, his mood had completely changed with me.

We walked for a few moments in silence, I side-eyed him for any shift in behavior, when it didn't I decided to interrogate him.

"How did you do that?" My voice trembled.

He sighed before replying.

"I'm a vampire." He said blatantly.

I looked at him and laughed thinking it was a joke... when he didn't join I stopped and looked at him with shock.

"You're serious?" I said, my eyes widening again.

"Yes I am, I've been 17 for...141 years. I got changed during the Civil War."

"Damn... you're old... wait were you in the Civil War?"

"Yes, I was drafted to the Confederate Army when I was 17..."

"Yikes..."

"You're telling me, I ran away the first chance I got... I wasn't going to fight in some war that was fueled by warped and disgusting ideas just because I was forced to. I never thought the way they did... I never understood why someone could think so low of a human being just because of his skin."

"That's very brave of you."

"I had just made it to Galveston when I decided to take a break... I ended up on a beach... that's when I ran into an immortal named Maria. She was creating an army and decided that I would be a good fit for it."

"She changed you against your will?"

"I didn't even know what she was doing until I felt searing pains from my arms all the way up to my neck." He explained rolling up his sleeves and showing me his scars."

I traced the teeth marks on his forearm before looking up at him again.

"I'm sorry that happened to you..."

He looked up at me in shock.

"You... you feel sympathy for something like me? I'm a monster..." He said sincerely.

"It wasn't even your choice as to what you became... and I don't think a monster would've saved me back there. Face it, Jasper, you're a big softie who's had bad experiences in his long... long life."

He chuckled before glancing at me, we made it back to the house, dad still wasn't home yet. We walked into the backyard, sitting in patio chairs and looking up at the stars.

"There's something else I have to tell you." Jasper admitted in the darkness.

I looked at him in confusion, what else did he have to tell me? He's a werewolf too?

"You're..." He hesitated. "You're my mate." He said quickly.

"What? How... vampires have mates?" I asked in shock.

"Yes we do, and we instantly know when we've met them. Didn't you feel it, when you looked out that window at me? It was enamour... love, something I have never experienced before."

"I haven't either... but I have to admit I felt something too. I just didn't know what it was, I felt connected to you somehow though. But... I'm 16... falling deeply in love isn't exactly something I planned."

"I understand completely. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. I understand I am a vampire... this is a lot to take in." Jasper said lowering his head in shame, his curls covered his eyes.

I sat up and turned to him.

"Hey, hey it's not just because you're a vampire honest! I just need to think things through... we can still talk in and out of school I won't push you out." I said a bit faced-paced. I didn't want to hurt his feelings he did just save me after all.

He looked and me and grabbed my hand.

"Take all the time you need Fleur, I will accept your answer no matter what is it." He said sincerely.

"Thank you... Jasper."

"It's not any trouble." His face lit up all of the sudden, car headlights entered my line of view. I felt my hand by dropped by his cold one and a whoosh of wind flew my hair forward. I turned back around and he was gone.

Timeskip: October 16th, 2004.

It was hard, weighing the pros and cons of being with Jasper.

Pros: We were soulmates... destined to be with each other, He knew my limits and respected my boundaries, he gave me a choice, not forcing me into something I might not want to do, and he was a kind and gentle soul. We understood each other, our hearts and souls were connected and I would never find someone else I would be so close to.

Cons: He was a creature who thirsted for blood... a thirst he didn't always have the best control over, Being in a serious relationship at such a young age was a huge commitment I didn't even fully know who I was... would I ever be able to find out who I am being so committed to someone If I did become involved in a relationship two things would happen... I would die and leave him lonely for eternity, or I would be turned into a vampire... leaving my family behind.

My mulling over of the pros and cons was interrupted, a girl had cleared her throat. I looked up realizing I was still in the school library, standing in the back of the constant isles of books. I turned to the voice and my eyes were shocked to see Rosalie Hale looking at me.

"Rosalie? Is there something you need?" I asked.

"Let's go for a walk, I need to talk to you in private." She said she seemed tense about something.

I checked out the books I got before following her to the outside, we walked near the edge of the woods. The dead leaves and grass crunched underneath our feet.

"I know Jasper told you about us... and he told me that you wanted to think somethings over with him." She started.

"Hey... I just wanted to let you know I would never tell anyone about you guys... And I'm not trying to hurt Jasper with me thinking our relationship over. It's just a lot of process." By the time I finished that statement she laughed and patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry Fleur I completely understand why you want to think over some things... I would too if I were in your shoes. Besides, I trust you... I get a good vibe off of you." Rosalie replied smiling at me.

"I want to get into a relationship with Jasper I do but... I don't want to leave my father... he's all I got right now and I'm all he's got."

"Hey, I promise no one would force you into becoming a vampire in our family... I especially wouldn't force you to."

"Really?"

"Yes of course... It's nice to meet someone with a respect for mortality."

"It's just... I always to do certain things... like going to that art school in Cayon City Oregon... the Art Museums down there are amazing... and I always wanted to kid when I was older... a little boy." I explained smiling fondly at the thought.

"I did too... I always wanted a son."

"But at the same time... I wouldn't want to spend all my time with Jasper... only to leave him alone for eternity you know?" I asked her hoping she would get my point of view.

"Of course... I can tell you've been conflicted these past few weeks about it. But I wanted to vouch for Jasper... he's willing to do anything for you, and his thirst for blood has never been more controlled than when he's been with you. He won't take you away from your family either... he would never want to hurt you in any way possible." She explains turning toward me to look me in the eyes so the message could really sink in.

"Thanks, Rosalie..."

"Of course...give Jasper a chance, I promise it'll be worth it." She said.

"I will... I'll talk to him tonight, thanks for the guidance."

"No problem."

Timeskip: October 16th, 2004: 10:12 PM

Dad was gone, he had to work late down at the station tonight. My palms and legs shook nervous to tell Jasper my decision. I was sitting in the same spot I was in when Jasper told me I was his soulmate... the cool air calmed my nerves slightly before I closed my eyes and sighed.

"Fleur? You said you wanted to talk to me... are you okay?" Jasper's voice asked worryingly behind my closed lids.

"Yeah, I'm fine... I just wanted to give you an answer about... everything."

He sat down adjacent to me and nodded, wanting me to continue.

"I will get into a relationship with you... thank you for giving me the time to think about things."

He smiled before asking me if he could kiss my cheek. I said yes of course and it seemed my body melted in bliss and content. All the past weeks' tensions and worrying left me and it was replaced with love... and a sense of stability. We looked up at the stars and I pointed toward the largest one in the sky.

"You see that one?" I said.

"Yes, I do Darlin'."

"That is the star of the path I started with you..."

[sweetestlamb]

Come On Over Baby

Summary: continuation to "Keep Bugging Me". Dosan gets a new apartment and everyone has mixed reactions.

Author's note: I have so many ideas about this fake world I created and I'm just going to live here for a while 🤷🏽‍♀️ I want these things to happen but the show just keeps waking up and choosing violence when they could choose hugs and kisses, it's a damn shame. Anyway if you wanna live in ignorance with me here you gooooooo. 💞💃🏾 Am I back to naming my stories after cheesy songs? Hmmm nobody can prove it *Hums Christina Aguilera* 

It's not a easy decision, no chance at that when his mother stares at him like he admitted to killing puppies but he knows that he needs his own place. His phone calls with Dalmi are getting progressively more heated with them not able to get a moment alone since the event that must not be named.

The first time she asks him what he's wearing he looks down at his cable knit sweater and tells hers, "It's one hundred percent cotton. My mom bought it for me last week. It's very warm." Her silence and subsequent laughter makes him feel as if he's missed something important despite answering her question. With a giggle she replied, "You are really sweet Dosan. You're too good for this world." And he blushes immensely feeling hot under the collar at her excessive praise.

The next time, she simply sends him a message that causes his brain to go offline.

I miss your taste.

There's no way to misconstrue that statement and his brain supplies vivid images of what they did in this very room.

Gasping.

Slurping.

Moist.

He hurries to lock his door before letting his hands stray, her wet mouth filling his thoughts. Embarrassment isn't enough to deter him and her messages following make it clear she knows exactly the affect her seemingly innocuous message yielded.

So he starts looking for an apartment with Dalmi's help, she will be over a lot and it only makes sense that she should have some input. Her smile is honey sweet when he asks for her help, grinning at him with glee as she sips her iced Americano.

"I would love to help Dosan-ah."

The ordeal takes longer than expected but within weeks he finds a place, a mere twenty minute drive from his parents house and thirty minutes from Dalmi. They share identical sunny smiles as he signs the lease and buys their his new apartment. He has to repeatedly remind himself that he can afford this place regardless of the exorbitant amount of zero's. He's come a long way indeed.

Telling his parents about his move is uncomfortable to put it lightly, his mom is nonchalant and sulking in equal terms. Wailing that her only son is abandoning her for a pretty young thing, he's just thankful that Dalmi isn't around to hear her new nickname. His father on the other hand is over the moon, slapping him on the back and shouting about the strong will of Nam men. He fears he'll suffer from chronic back pain as a result of the thunderous pounds.

"Don't skip meals. Call if you need anything. You're always welcome to come back. " His mom promises, reaching out to smack his father as breezes by boasting on the phone that he has a free room in the house now and promises that they can use it for gatherings.

"Yes, yes! Bring the soju we should have a drink!"

But when it's time to bring all his belongings to the moving van, manned by Chul-san and Yong-san both parents are eying him with wet eyes from the doorway. He tries to keep his tears at bay but they all end up weeping in front of the gate, Chul-san screaming "They grow up too quickly!" Patting his mother compassionately on the back. He tries the same with his father but the dead glare stops him in his spot.

After a long day unpacking boxes, mostly his computer and tech supplies he collapses on the floor exhausted. With a dopey grin Chul-san is the first to leave, after Saha sends him a message complaining that she's bored and if he wants to hang him he better be there in ten minutes. Chul-san smiles like she sent him a love letter, he shakes his head but he's done trying to understand their relationship.

He waves goodbye to his friend, thanking him for his help and with then it's just him and Yong-san, who immediately starts to interrogate him about Dalmi and their relationship.

"How are things going?" Yong-san asks laying on the wooden floor with him as they both stare out the giant windows, the sunset is a majestic spill of colors.

His lips slide into an instantaneous grin, "I'm happy. Happier than I was in San Francisco."

Yong-san doesn't reply but he reaches across to squeeze his hand and wrap an arm around his shoulder.

They sit like that for a quiet moment.

Until his phone disrupts the gentle silence, the woman in question appearing on his phone. After a nod from his friend he answers the call.

"Hello?"

"Dosan-ah! Did you finish moving? I'm sorry I couldn't help you. Are you hungry? I can bring you food." Dalmi's voice is music to his ears, the rumbling of her engine vibrating in his ears.

He answers honestly, "Yes we finished, Chul-san and Yong-san helped me. It's okay I know you had to work today. I am a little hungry, fried chicken?" He knows now that he doesn't need to pretend to want fancy food, they both love fried chicken and its delicious simplicity.

She groaned knowingly, "I had a feeling you'd want chicken on a day like this. I already got some from that place you like. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

He smiles, nuzzling into Yong-san's shoulder contently before answering, "Okay. I'll see you soon."

He begins to lower the phone but then her voice rings out stopping him "Dosan-ah one more thing!" He immediately brings the phone back to his face humming to show his presence.

"I miss you. I love you."

His heart flutters never tiring of hearing those three words. If he could bottle it up and listen to it daily he would. He's addicted to her love.

"You too. I love you too."

Then they finally hang up cheesy smile etched in his handsome face.

"Wow. I see it now. You really are cockroaches in love. Gross but captivating." Yong-san teases pushing Dosan's head off his shoulder as he gathers his things. He temporarily feels a tinge of guilt, Yong-san is the only one in the group who doesn't have someone. He doesn't want his friend to feel like the fifth wheel.

His thoughts must play on his face because Yong-san mushes his face before sticking out his tongue, "Don't look at me like that. I'm fine we can't all be gross and in loveeee. I'll be stuffing my face with premium beef instead."

They both chuckle as he walks his friend it the door, saying their goodbyes with a quick embrace.

His nerves overtake him when he's alone. He checks his phone but there is nothing there to keep his attention so he starts at the spot where you would have a TV, then he realizes he has nothing here. What will he do with Dalmi? He contemplates texting her to let her know she should probably just go home. In the end his desire to see his girlfriend overwhelms his selflessness. They can be bored together.

Minutes pass and he buzzes her in, body twitching now from her nearing proximity. When she knocks at the door he all but races to answer the door, unshamed.

"Hi."

"Hey."

They stare at each other starry eyed before he moves out of the way and lets her in. Placing a pair of pink house slippers at her feet, at her curious look he explains with a shy shrug, "I bought them for you."

She smiles widely, thrusting the fried chicken at his broad chest.

"I come bearing gifts too."

The enticing aroma of the fried delicacy fills his senses and he takes the proffered bag, thankful that she thought to bring plastic plates and little plastic cups.

"I don't have anything to drink." He apologizes holding up the cups.

Pulling a bottle out of nowhere she then offers him a bottle of wine, deep red with a golden label. He is no connoisseur but it looks expensive.

"You didn't need to bring me wine."

She shrugs, "I wanted to. You're pretty cute when you're drunk."

He reddens remember that embarrassing night so many years ago, his first time sleeping at her house.

"Maybe we shouldn't drink that much."

She laughs loudly at his warning, pulling a bottle opener from her purse. He absently wonders what else is in there.

She pours the liquid into the plastic cups, handing it to him first and instinctively he leans in to smell the beverage. His nose dangerously close to the liquid before he realizes what he's doing and he hurriedly pulls away.

"Ummm... I-"

"Is that what you're supposed to do?" She asks before leaning in and sniffing her own wine loudly and without any grace. If he wasn't already in love, he would be falling right now.

They both sniff their wine gracelessly and munch on the crispy sweet meat, the dissonance of the meal doing nothing to stop their consumption.

Dalmi hums sweetly as she sits on the floor looking gorgeous with chicken grease on her lips.

"What?" She questions, licking her fingers clean.

He feels his throat tightening. Parched.

He looks at the ground, avoiding her eye as he downs his wine.

"Nothing. Just thinking. How was your day?"

And he listens as Dalmi tells him all about her long day complaining about her sister and how demanding she is, Dosan pointedly does not mention the fact that she's smiling or the fact that all of Injae's "annoying" habits sound like things that Dalmi herself does all the time. It didn't take him long to realize just how similar the sisters are but god forbid anyone mention that.

He smiles when she starts playing with her hair, thankful to be the one she shares her days with.

When he stands up to collect their garbage, walking into the spacious kitchen. She suddenly stops speaking droning off at the end of an incomplete sentence.

"Dalmi-ah?"

After throwing the garbage in the bin he washes his hands and wonders back over to his silent girlfriend, who is glaring at...the ground?

He calls her name again recapturing her attention.

Peering down he notices that she's staring at his phone. Which has a message notification.

Twisting his lips in thought he crouched down again rejoining Dalmi on the smooth glossy floor.

"I didn't mean to look. It was just right there." She's bites out taking a big gulp from her cup.

He has no idea what could possibly have her so worked up and he picks up his phone to see the answer.

I miss you stranger. Call me soon.

He gasps as soon as he sees those words on the screen: Han Ji Yoon.

He knew it wasn't mature but he'd never actually cut things off with her, he'd just slowly stopped calling her and answering her messages. Some might of considered it ghosting but he called it awkwardly disappearing, he'd never broken up with someone before so he just didn't know how. So he'd hoped she would get tired of him and stop trying to see him, it had been working until this message.

"Dalmi-ah I can explain."

He expects more of a fight but she looks at him, waiting. Expectant and glowering. Fire in her eyes.

"Okay. Go ahead."

He blinks at her stare and gulps when she scoots closer to him, invading his personal space. Not knowing how her proximity renders him useless at the best of times.

So he stutters out how he was too pathetic to tell the girl the truth and instead he'd ignored her and thought she got the memo.

Dalmi doesn't say anything at first and when she finally speaks her words make no sense and he wonders if he's drunker than he thought.

"Does she follow you on social media?"

He nods yes and before he knows what exactly is happening Dalmi is dragging him by his arm to the window and mashing their faces together to take a selfie on his phone.

"Stop looking nervous. Look natural. Smile. Dosan-ah."

She snaps away until she's satisfied and he watches in amazement as she posts the picture to his story with the caption, "New apartment with my love." She puts a little red heart and then decides against it.

"There you go. Now everyone will know that you're taken."

His chest is brimming with emotions and he finds his hands curled around her little chin, she leans into his touch easily swaying as if hypnotized.

"You're jealous."

Her lips pull into a sneer but something in his eyes kills her denial, her face breaking as she wraps her thin arms around his waist.

"Don't look so proud. I have people texting me too you know?"

And immediately he squints at her words, staring hard at the indent of her phone in her pocket as if to read said messages.

"Let's post that picture on your social media too." He demands feeling the fiery blaze of jealous lick at his heart.

Her eyes widen before she erupts into laughter, dragging him the rest of the distance between them pressing her joy into his mouth.

He sinks his fingers into her thick hair, swallowing the rest of her laughter allowing Dalmi to back her into the cool glass of the window. All his shyness melts away as he kisses her, emboldened by her moans and buckling of her knees. He catches her before she can fall, hoisting her up his long torso until he feels her legs latch around his waist. They kiss until his lips are sore, his tongue deep in her mouth as she nibbles at his mouth. The flavor of chicken and wine explode on his tongue as he licks deeper, intoxicated on Dalmi and her addicting lips. 

She teases the rim of his ears, breaking their kiss with a wet smack as they gaze into each other's eyes.

She looks as dazed as he feels. Eyes blown wide as she pants in his arms, almost boneless in his hold as she lets him take the full weight of her body. he barely notices, he has carried her too many times to count. It has become something of a habit. He’ll never recover from the spark in her eyes everything he lifts her, the faint blush on her cheeks. One of the only times that he can make her shy. 

"Dosan-ah."

He hums fighting to pay attention with Dalmi looking so breathtaking in his arms stroking his hot ears.

"We need to get you a bed. Very soon hmmm?"

This time he knows exactly what she means and he groans hiding in her shoulder as she rubs his head.

Bed. Yes. Getting that immediately. Maybe stores are open. He should go get it. 

Right now. 

[billyhargrove-imagines]

Kindred Outsiders: Pt. 1

Pairings: Billy Hargrove x OC

Warnings: Cursing

Word Count: 2374

A/N: Hello! This story was originally posted on my fanfiction.com account but I decided to bring it to tumblr as well :) Anyhow, this story is going to take place in the beginning of summer & will later lead up to the events starting in the beginning of season 3. Gif used isn’t mine. Enjoy!

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Indiana is…different.

I moved out here merely two weeks ago from Los Angeles, California. My father died from a plane crash over a month ago. He was on his way home from a business trip. My mother, on the other hand, isn't in the picture because she passed away from cancer 5 years ago. I was 15 years old at the time.

I couldn't stand being alone in my father's mansion any longer. It just wasn't the same without him. It caused me nothing but pain having to enter a home where I am not greeted a simple 'hello' from my father. Dinners were always lonely so I ended up resorting to going out with friends almost every night for dinner, followed by drinking at home from my father's in-home bar.

When it came around to bedtime, I felt a pit in my stomach whenever I passed my father's office and didn't see the light shining under the crack of the door. He always worked in his office late.

One day I made a bold move by giving my aunt Joyce a call and moved in with her in Indiana a month after the incident. Aunt Joyce is my father's sister.

Her small house is nothing compared to mine and lacked the useless amenities I was used to. But I didn't care. Living here so far with her, Will and Jonathan was much better than living back in California all alone. Sure, I had friends but it doesn't compare to family.

Since I am an only child of my parents, I inherited all of their money. I also made a selfless decision and paid off my aunt's mortgage. When I told her the news, I was thanked with a slap across the face followed by a tight hug. She never wanted any handouts from my parents in the past and still doesn't til this day.

It is 1pm and I just clocked out for my short shift at this clothing store in the starcourt mall. Yes, I have a great amount of money in my bank account, but I still wanted to keep myself occupied by working a part time job. I didn't want to just sit on my ass all day. Especially since I still don't know what I want to do for my career. I am 20 years old and time is ticking, but I don't want to waste my time and money on schooling when I don't know what the hell I want to do yet.

After every shift I've been stopping by the ice cream shop, Scoops Ahoy and I always see the same duo, Steve and Robin. I've become quite acquainted with them and I learned so far that they're fresh out of high school.

"Let me guess, rocky road?" Steve said with a grin.

"You know me too well, Steve." I replied with a smile, stretching my arm out to hand him cash.

"God Steve. Just ask her out already." Robin added, rolling her eyes playfully and crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned against the back counter.

"Can you not?" Steve snapped his head at Robin, cheeks flushed red.

"Very funny, Robin." I let out a chuckle and waved goodbye to the duo as I licked my delicious ice cream on my way out.

As usual, I took my time walking through the mall. I wanted to make sure I finished my ice cream before I arrived to my car and headed home. A variety of families, couples and friends seemed to be enjoying their shopping trips. Though word on the news is that many local business owners are enraged about the mall being built due to losing business.

A familiar female voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Hi Victoria!" Aria, my eccentric coworker greeted me, her shoulder-length blonde hair bouncing as she kept up to my steps.

"Hey Aria, I thought you're off today?" I asked, still enjoying my ice cream.

"Yeah I was just shopping around for a gift for my mom's birthday next week." She briefly lifted the shopping bag in her hand. "Did you just get off or are you on lunch?"

"Um, I just got off."

"Yay! I'm going to the pool after this. Join me so I'm not alone!" She suggested. "There's also this hot hot hot lifeguard they hired last week. I went to school with him!"

"Okay sure. But I'm not really into that."

"Come on, Victoria." Aria groaned. "I know you don't have any plans today."

"No I meant the hot lifeguard or whatever. Not into that." I gave a dismissive wave of my hand before taking a generous lick of my ice cream.

"Oh. You're into girls? So sorry. I didn't know."

I snorted in amusement, but internally I was rolling my eyes at her. She's always been quick to make assumptions.

"No no no. I like boys." I made known. "I just don't care to drool over a piece of meat. But I'm down to take a dip in the pool."

"Oh! Okay. Sorry. Sorry again."

"It's fine Aria," I dragged. "I'm gonna go home and change out of this and I'll meet you there."

"Yay! Okay bye!" Aria shouted with glee before going our separate ways. She sure can be annoyingly hyper sometimes, but she's the only real girlfriend I've made here so far. Robin is always working and when she is off, she's always busy doing god knows what.

Like clockwork, my ice cream was finished off before I made it outside to my car. Or should I say my late father's black 1984 Porsche 911. It's quite showy for someone who now lives in Indiana, but this car was my father's baby. I'm never letting go of this.

The Rubberband Man by The Spinners blasted on my stereo as I drove to Aunt Joyce's house. Music from the 70s has always stuck with me. On my face are my favorite pair of black aviator sunglasses.

After a moment of driving down the familiar roads, I pull into the front of my aunt's house. I take the keys out of the ignition, remove my aviators, hop out of my car and enter the non vacant home. "Hey Jonathan." I greeted my cousin who is watching television on the couch with a full plate and fork in his hands.

"Hey there, Vic. You're home early." He said with a full mouth. I hummed in response before scurrying to my bedroom.

I searched through my dresser drawers until I found the perfect bikini for my mood, which is a two piece. I paired my black cheeky bottoms with a neon green strapless top. After quickly peeling off my work attire and slipping into my bikini, I made sure to at least cover up my ass cheeks with denim shorts before throwing on a pair of sandals.

Now I am out the door, tossing my bag of pool essentials in the passenger seat and making sure not to forget my aviators. The sun is at its peak and I am ready to cool off.

Minutes later I pull into the parking lot of the community pool for the first time since moving down here. I've driven past it plenty of times but never had the need to go yet until Aria randomly invited me.

Exiting my car with my bag under my arm and my aviators on, I hear various sounds at a short distance of people enjoying themselves in the water.

The sun is beaming down at me as I'm making my way through the gate, glancing around until I find Aria. "Victoria! Hey!" She shouted with glee, waving her hand. I found her lying on the pool lounger.

"Hey Aria." I greeted, placing my bag on the ground.

"Go on in the pool if you want. I'm waiting for him to show up for his shift. It should be any moment now!"

"Really?" Sitting down at the foot of the empty pool lounger, I shook my head at Aria in disapproval.

She scoffed. "Oh don't give me that look, Victoria." I shook my head at her, dropping my shorts and tossing it in my bag.

Aria let out a gasp out of the blue, sitting up straight. "Speaking of Billy. There he is!"

"Where?" I asked, casually pulling a flask out of my bag. I'm not an alcoholic and I don't plan to get plastered, but a little buzz is well deserved.

Aria doesn't respond. Instead, I scan my surroundings until I spotted the only male lifeguard walking the grounds to my left. He is tastefully shirtless, wearing red swim shorts, a whistle necklace and brown aviator shades. His dirty blonde hair is styled into a mullet, which surprisingly fits his face perfectly.

Billy's head snapped my direction as I'm taking a swig out of my whiskey filled flask. I couldn't tell if he was directly looking at me due to the shades masking his eyes, but all of the women's eyes were on him. And by the swagger of his steps, I can tell he's reveling in it.

"Eh." I shrugged my shoulders, once Billy passed me and sat comfortably in the lifeguard chair. "He's alright." I lied.

From his perfectly tanned skin to his flawlessly sculpted muscles, it's as if his body was made by angels. Even from a distance, I could see that his plump lips could lose any woman in his kiss. But no, I had to feign being unimpressed because a man that looks like that is bad news for me.

"Are you freaking kidding me?" She briskly pulled her sunglasses off, shooting me a look of disgust.

"Are your sunglasses blinding you?"

I snorted. "Nope. I can see perfectly clear."

"Ugh! If you think that Billy Hargrove is just alright, then I don't even want to know what kind of men you consider perfect." Aria mentioned seriously to me as she laid back and placed her sunglasses back on.

"Don't care. I'm going for a dip." I threw my flask back inside my bag before rising to my feet towards the pool to swim a few laps.

Stroking through the water, there is no one alive who can stop me. It's a moment like this that makes me miss the beaches in California. But I close my eyes and lose myself, pretending that's exactly where I am.

Unaware how long I've been swimming to and fro, I do one more lap before I take a break and reward myself with another sip of whiskey.

As I am motioning out of the water and my feet are planted onto the cement, a deep, male voice captures my attention. "Here."

I look and it is the stud himself, Billy Hargrove handing me a towel. "Oh thanks." I accepted with a soft smile, almost hesitant because I have a towel in my bag but I didn't want to seem rude.

I begin pat drying my long, black hair with the towel and begin sauntering towards my designated pool lounger, but Billy halts me, "Hey sweetheart." I spun around to face him with furrowed brows. "What's your name?" He asked, removing his glasses to reveal his annoyingly beautiful, blue eyes.

"Victoria. And you?" I asked even though I already know.

"The name's Billy." He said, randomly placing a piece of gum in his mouth which caused me to catch a glance at his lips, then to his abs and back to his eyes. I swear I saw the corner of his lip quirk up when he caught me. "Nice to meet ya Victoria."

"You too Billy." The sun was so hot that I didn't even need to dry off my body anymore. Instead, I threw the towel over my shoulder.

"Am I mistaken or is this your first time here?" He asked, smacking his gum as he's indiscreetly giving me an elevator look.

"No you're right." Before Billy had the chance to speak any further, I pointed behind him towards the pool. "Hey, I think there's a kid drowning over there."

Just as I predicted, he cautiously looked over his shoulder and that's when I made a beeline towards my pool lounger next to Aria.

"You. Dumb. Bitch." Aria remarked with obvious displeasure as I'm searching for my flask. "I can't be friends with you anymore."

"What now, Aria?"

"Billy the hottie was obviously into you and you blew it! Ugh, the things I'd do to be in your shoes right now."

"Oh please. He's just another pretty boy that wants one thing." I implied before taking a sip. "Go over there and talk to him yourself then." Flickering my eyes, I am now seeing that Billy's back on his lifeguard chair.

"Um no. If Billy wants somebody, Billy always makes the first move. Do I look like I want to embarrass myself right now?"

"If you say so." I said, readjusting the pool lounger so that it was flat and I lied on my stomach, using my arms as a makeshift pillow. "Can you rub sunscreen on me and wake me up in 30. I'm taking a nap."

Being the good friend that she is, Aria stole the sunscreen from my bag and did as I asked. She knows I'd do the same for her.

"I know you can't see right now," she started after a minute of no words exchanged, "but he's looking over here. Probably at your ass." She paused. "I wouldn't blame him though."

She's right. I do have a nice ass.

"Billy can stare all he wants. What do I care?" I uttered lazily, eyes closed and ready to sleep.

"You're insane! If I can't have him, then can you have him for me? And tell me if it is big!" She whisper shouted, rubbing the last bit of sunscreen needed on me.

"Im not having sex with anyone, Aria. Especially not him. I'm taking my nap now."

Billy is just another handsome face with a Calvin Klein body which doesn't impress me because it seems like he's used to getting any woman he wants. But I'm not any other woman, so he can use that charm on the next one for all I care.

[sinfullypassionate]

The Nanny - G.D. { Part Four }

summary: it’s time to plan winnie’s birthday and y/n meets up with her best friend and ethan’s wife mahogany who just so happens to have some news herself.

warning: fluff and more fluff

a/n: thanks for all the love on this series petals. i appreciate it 💓

It had been almost eight months since Gray and Y/N made it official. She still couldn’t believe it though, she was finally with the man she’d been in love with since the day she met him almost five years ago. It felt like some dream and she was going to wake up back in her old apartment, but it wasn’t. This was her life now and she couldn't be more thankful. Winnie’s fifth birthday was coming up so she was meeting up with Mahogany, Ethan’s wife, who was going to help her plan the party. Nobody even knew they had feelings for each other, when everyone found out it was quite shocking; specially because Mahogany and Y/N grew up together and they usually told each other everything.

“Ethan, what’s going on?” Y/N raised her eyebrow, she was feeding a very cranky one year old Winifred a bottle as they sat in Ethan’s living room. He seemed nervous and Grayson was curious as to what exactly his older brother had to say. “Yeah, what’s going on E? You’re acting weird.” Grayson took a sip of his coffee, his eyes burning holes into the back of his pacing brother’s head. “She’s not here yet and I don’t wanna tell you unless she’s here.” Ethan spoke, causing both Grayson and Y/N to raise an eyebrow. “What are you babbling about? Who’s coming over, E?” Y/N asked. Ethan stopped pacing when his phone dinged, pulling it out of his pocket a smile formed upon his lips. “Who is he talking too?” Y/N whispered to Grayson, handing over a sleeping Winnie who had finally passed out after being cranky all day. Getting up, Gray went to put his sleeping daughter in the guest bedroom that was made into Winnie’s room. Ethan had it turned into a little nursery when he moved out, literally just next door to Grayson and his niece. Y/N simply stared at Ethan, watching his body language; she knew something was up and she had a hunch that it had something to do with Ethan possibly having a girlfriend.

Grayson soon walked back out and sat next to Y/N, his attention now on his older brother. “Alright, she’s pulling up right now.” Ethan said, his smile beaming. “She?! Wait, do you have a girlfriend?!” Grayson was finally putting two and two together. Man, he was slow but so so cute. Y/N giggled, resting her hand on Gray’s leg as if to tell him to calm down and let his brother explain. “Yes, I have a girlfriend. It’s someone really special to me and I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d tell Y/N.” Ethan spoke, causing Y/N to look at him with squinted eyes. “Excuse me?! What does this have anything to do with me?” She growled a little, a little offended. It was Gray’s turn to rest his hand on her thigh, telling her to calm down and let him explain. A chuckle left Ethan’s lips, he shook his head as he heard his girl walking towards the door. “Because you know this person, you’re actually very close in fact.” His smile only got wider as his beautiful girlfriend walked through the door and both Y/N and Grayson’s mouth fell agape. “Mango?! Are you kidding me?!” Y/N shot up like a poptart and practically tackled the ginger haired girl. “Surprise?” Mahogany giggled, holding her best friend tight.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!” Y/N whined, a little offended her best friend didn’t inform her of her blooming romance with Ethan. “Well honestly, in case things didn’t work out I didn’t want you hating him.” Mahogany told her honestly, Y/N just nodded her head. The girl did have a problem with always hating Mo’s exes because they always did her dirty and she hated seeing her best friend cry. “Okay but Ethan isn’t like your shitty exes. He’s a great guy.” Y/N spoke, causing Ethan’s cheeks to turn a shade of pink. “Awe look, you got him blushing.” Grayson teased, shoving his older brother’s shoulder. “Fuck off!” Ethan glared, the girls just chuckled at them. Linking arms with Mahogany, Y/N made her way into the kitchen leaving the boys in the living room and poured them some ice tea. “Now, tell me everything.”

Cameron was going to watch Winnie while Y/N and Mahogany went out for lunch so they could plan. “You excited to see auntie Cam?” She asked her, brushing her raven haired locks as she sat in between Y/N’s legs. “Yeah! Yeah! Is auntie Mo-Mo coming over to?” She smiled brightly. Y/N seriously thought it was so adorable how she called her that, Mahogany hated it but when Winnie said it, the ginger haired girl couldn’t help but smile. Let’s just say Winifred Dolan was her weakness. “Mhm, her and I are takin’ you to see your auntie.” Y/N said smiling. “Will Nana will be there too?” She asked, her beautiful hazel eyes staring up at Y/N. “Isn’t she always?” She laughed softly before placing the red headband in Winnie’s hair before patting her butt gently once she set her back on the floor. She stood up from the bed, placing the brush back on the toddler’s dresser before following the four year old down the stairs. She soon saw Mahogany walk through the door and Y/N couldn’t help but smile as she saw Winnie run over to her. “Auntie Mo-Mo!” She squealed, jumping into the girl’s arms. “Hey, sweetie pie. How’s my favorite girl doing?” She smiled, tickling Winifred’s tummy which caused her to roar out in giggles. “Gooood! I’m gonna be seeing auntie Cam!” Winnie giggled louder as she started running around the house. Y/N just shook her head before laughing softly, she soon hugged Mahogany and licked her lips once she pulled away as they were dry.

“So, how are things going with E?” Y/N asked her as she slipped on her flats. “Things are going amazing! I still can’t believe we’re even married..” She giggled softly, which only caused her to smile. Y/N loved how much she loved him, it was cute. “I swear I never cried so much at a wedding, you looked so beautiful.” The younger woman laughed softly, smiling at her best friend.  “You had to have Lisa fix your make up, I was laughing.” Mahogany shook her head, letting a small giggle escape her light pink lips.  “Shut up, Mahogany!” She shot her a playful glare.  Picking up her purse, Y/N threw her phone inside before quickly throwing her hair in a messy bun. Collecting all of Winifred’s things, she licked her ruby red lips before smiling as she saw the little four year old run in.  “You ready to go see Auntie Cam?” She asked, crouching down to her level. 

All she did was nod her head and giggle loudly. Smiling at her and shaking her head a little, Y/N just picked up the small girl and looked at Mahogany. “You ready, Mango?” She asked, using the nickname she gave her since they were kids. “That freaking nickname, Y/N.” She rolled her eyes, a smile on her face. “What? It fits you, I mean you do have orange hair.” She teased, walking out the door and locking it behind her after making sure she had everything. The girl smiled at Mahogany as she opened the back door of her SUV and she placed Winnie in her car seat before getting into the drivers side, Y/N watched as Mahogany made sure her car was locked before making her way to the passenger side. Once she was buckled in, she pulled out of the driveway and they made their way to Cameron’s. A half hour later, they arrived and she already could see Winnie bouncing in her car seat. That one thing she always loved, everyone always lived so close to each other. Once Grayson and Ethan made it huge, they decided to buy houses for their mom and sister in LA so they could always be close. But of course, they still had their family home back in Jersey that they would always have. Y/N just laughed a little under her breath before getting out, grabbing her bag she opened the back door and unblocked Winnie. Once her little feet hit the sidewalk, she bolted towards the backyard. “Winifred Lisa!” She called out, running after her knowing the pool was uncovered and she didn’t need her falling in and having there be a massive hassle. Y/N rested her hand on her chest relived when she noticed Cameron already had her god daughter in her arms. “Hey, Y/N. Hey, MoMo.” She smiled her beautiful pearly white smile before setting her down once she saw Lisa. “Nana!” She giggled just like Gray and ran into her arms. “Hey, cutie pie! How’s my little Winnie doing?” She asked her, tickling her tummy. “I’m gooood! Can we go pway?” She asked, her beautiful hazel eyes sparkling in the sunlight. “Of course, sweetheart. Head up stairs, I’ll be there in a few minutes okay?” She smiled brightly at the adorable little girl. Running over to Y/N, she hugged her leg before leaning up on her tippy toes. Leaning down, Y/N gently kissed her on the forehead. “Bye, mama!” Within a second, the little girl ran off. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” She sighed, a happy smile on her face. “Well, get used to it sugar because you’re her mama and eventually you’ll officially be my daughter.” Lisa told her. Y/N’s heart skipped a beat at her words, she couldn’t help but smile widely at the thought of being Gray’s wife.

“We won’t be too long, mom.” Mahogany spoke, smiling at her mother in law. “No, no take your time. Cam and I got this.” Lisa smiled back at her daughter in law. “Yeah, don’t you guys worry.” Cameron shot them an even wider smile before laughing a little as she heard her niece, “Aunt Cammie! Come pway!” Cam just smiled, turning to the two woman in front of her. “That’s my queue. You guys have fun, come on mom. help me entertain our little monster.” With that, Cameron pulled her mom towards the house as a few giggles escaped both Y/N and Mahogany’s lips. “These Dolan’s are clearly something else.” Y/N laughed, shaking her head before walking back to her SUV. An hour later, Mahogany and her were sitting across from each other as they were discussing Winnie’s birthday party. “So, obviously she’s daddy’s little princess so a princess themed party is a must.” She told Mahogany as she took a sip of her martini. “Okay, who’s her favorite Disney princess?” The ginger haired girl asked her, taking a sip of her water. Y/N was a little confused as to why she even got water, usually they order the same thing. “Honestly, she doesn’t really have just one favorite.” She informed her, licking her lips. “Maybe Gray could just get the party to be at Disneyland, I mean what better party for a four year old than a party at Disneyland with all of her favorite princesses?” Mahogany smiled brightly as she looked at her best friend across the table. “That’s a brilliant idea! See, this is why I keep you around Mango!” Y/N joked, taking another sip of her drink. “Gee, thanks Y/N!” She rolled her eyes playfully before giggling. “Now I just gotta ask Gray, but I’m positive he’s going to love the idea and agree because Winnie is his life.“ Y/N giggled, smiling widely as her best friend. "Well duh! I just hope E feels the same way about our little one.." Y/N literally choked on her drink as she heard those words come out of her mouth. Looking at her wide eyed, she just started smiling brightly. "Wait what? You wanna repeat that, MoMo?!” Y/N bit her bottom lip, trying to contain her excitement.

“I said, I hope E feels the same way about our little one. I’m pregnant, Y/N!” She squealed, “I found out this morning. And I was hoping that you and Gray would be his or her god parents?” Mahogany smiled happily and widely at her best friend. Tears of joy welled in Y/N eyes, getting up as she did she wrapped her arms around her best friend and held her tightly. “I would be so honored, but now I know why you didn’t order alcohol.” She giggled before pulling away. “Yeah, I figured you’d catch on which is why I wanted to tell you before you figured it out.” She laughed softly before sitting back down, tucking her long curly locks behind her ear. Y/N just laughed along with her before pulling out her phone, glancing down at it she noticed the time and turned her attention back up to her best friend. “Gray and E should be home soon, why don’t we have a BBQ and invite everyone over so you can tell Ethan the news and also everyone else.” Y/N suggested, a small laugh leaving her lips. “Sounds perfect, Y/N! And you can ask Gray about Winnie’s birthday party. I’m sure he can totally make that happen.” Mahogany said, standing up and grabbing her purse. Pulling out her wallet, Y/N placed a fifty on the table above a twenty. “Yes! Gray is also pretty stubborn so even if he said no, he’d probably end up caving and saying yes because I know all of his weakness.” Y/N just wiggled her eyebrows, giggling. “Alright, you ready to get out of here?” She asked Mahogany, extending her arm for her take. “Let’s!” She smiled her pearly whites at her, before linking arms as they made their way out of the restaurant and back to the house she shared with her amazing boyfriend and their daughter.

━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━

tags: @vinylhazza @pineappledols @mmmmmgd @dolanshellyes @starlightdolan @graysavant

[linkispink1995]

Better as friends (23) the facade crashes

Previously

Series Masterlist

Chapter warnings:language,drunkenness and Alison

~~~~~~~~~

Steve's p.o.v

It had been a few weeks since Y/n and I's conversation and it also happened to be the last time Y/n and I spoke since whenever she'd drop Jackson off and pick hi up she'd be really quiet. I was starting to worry that it was maybe my fault , I knew that I shouldn't have asked her that but Alison being Alison continuously asked me that. Speaking of Alison she was now at the 5 month mark and by this time Y/n had a bump and an attitude and Jackson would move around and kick to the sound of voices but Alison so far had no bump unless she did and was just hiding it very well and never ever wanted to talk about the baby or her doctor's appointment. I felt like I was being so let in the dark with Y/n I'd roll my eyes and shrug the things off that she'd tell me and I definitely feel like this was payback. I couldn't belive it , I was scared I was missing thing or that some things just didn't add up , I was currently sitting at my cubicle at work stairing at the clock counting till I could go home. Alison wouldn't be home till late because it was her cousins bachelorette party and she'd be having to drive them since she couldn't be drinking anymore , except for her small glass of wine at night which I still wasn't sure to believe that or not. I had almost fallen asleep in my desk for the third time today when there was a phone call , I sighed before picking the phone up and answering "Hello this is Harrington-" I was cut off by a voice saying. "Yeah whatever listen we need to talk" it was my sister Polly , I sighed saying "I'm not talking to you" before I could hang up she added. "Are you dating Alison Martin" I sighed again saying "why" she responded saying "answer the question" I huffed saying "yeah I am why" Polly was silent before finally saying "do you remember when I was a junior and they put me in a dorm with a freshman" I rolled my eyes as she added. "Now do you remember how I said she was this rich and entitled mean girl who was always out partying and lied like a rug" I answered saying "yeah I remember you nagging about it" she responded saying "it was Alison". I rolled my eyes saying "Polly this is just sad okay stop calling" before she could respond I hung up the phone.

After the ridiculous phone call with Polly I came home to a dark and empty apartment I knew Alison was still out but usually she'd leave a light on. I entered the kitchen to grad a drink out of the fridge when I noticed a small take out box from some restaurant I didn't recognized maybe Alison went out to lunch but when I knew she had classes and a doctor's appointment. I shrugged that off before exiting the kitchen only to be stopped by a shopping bag in the trash and with closer examination I saw that a movie ticket stub was tucked in the bag. Again I brushed it aside thinking it was just paranoia that had been amplified by my phone call with Polly , after a shower and putting on warm close even though it was june the apartment was ice cold per Alison's request and I knew that when Y/n was pregnant that the word no wasn't one she liked . After settling on the couch I sat there before see there was a star wars marathon on tv , as the movie began to play I couldn't help but feel somewhat grateful that Alison wasn't home since I knew by now she'd turn the tv of and give me the speech about it rotting my brain or her speech about how nothing in star wars actually made sense. About half way through the empire strikes back I got up from my seat to open the cabinet above the fridge were I store (hid) away my junk food from Alison since shortly into are relationship she disposed all of mine and insisted from then on out she'd do the grocery shopping.

I awoke to the sound of the front door opening and practically slamming , I sat up to see the ending seen of return of the jedi was playing. I wiped some of the chip crumbs off of myself before hearing noise come from the kitchen , I entered to see Alison standing by the kitchen sink with a glass of water in hand. She was silent except for the small sounds of hiccups coming from her , I spoke saying "are you okay" she ignored me and instead began walking or should I say somewhat stumbling out of the kitchen before she finally spoke to me saying. "Goodnight" alchohol I smelt alcohol on her breath so strong I could almost taste it , I felt nauseous like my whole world had crashed down before I spoke saying "you lied to me" she turned before busting out into a strong laughter before she walked towards me with her finger placed on her mouth saying. "Shhhhh you can't tell Steve okay , it's a secret" she was so drunk she couldn't tell it was me I knew I had to confront her but I wanted to know what the secret was so I asked. "I won't tell him" she responded saying "I'm not pregnant" my heart fell as I began to feel nauseous before she added. "I don't know why I said it It just sorta fell out , but he believed it and I'm so screwed i have no clue what I'm gonna do". I felt my legs become uneasy at her confession as she continued "and I mean I just feel so bad you know he's a really nice guy he deserves someone who doesn't lie to him , he deserves someone who writes him these letters. You know he had someone like that , he had Y/n and you know what after all the stuff he's said to her Y/n still comes back just for that kid. Let me tell you something okay when I was his age my dad left and do you know when , he left on Christmas eve." My face fell in shock before saying "but Steve meet your dad" she chuckled again before saying "who Robert , Robert's my stepfather he's the only decent person in that family. My sister's a nightmare and I won't even get started on my mother , listen I'm tried I'm gonna to bed and don't tell Steve about are little talk." I ignored her words before as she entered the bedroom I didn't know what to do my instinct was to kick her out but I wasn't doing that to someone blackout drunk so instead I sat at the dinning room table to think until I knew I needed to talk to someone. It couldn't be Y/n because it was two thirty in the morning and God only knows what she'd be doing with Stewart. It couldn't be Robin since she left a few days ago to visit Helen up at school , Matt and Collen were definitely a no. I was blanking totally blanking until I knew the one person would wouldn't take my crap and would tell me how it is which is exactly what I needed right now.

I pulled into the parking lot of the hospital before walking in , I walked in before getting to the receptionist saying. "Hi I'm looking for Paige Walker" she nodded before I heard a voice say "Steve" I turned to see Paige in her scrubs before I said "can I talk to you". She huffed before saying "fine" after walking down a hallway to sit on a bench Paige spoke saying "whatever nonsense this is I will take Y/n's side cause you-" I cut her off saying "Alison is lying a being pregnant". Paige's face fell saying "oh Steve I'm sorry" I shrugged saying "whatever it's payback from how I've treated Y/n". She responded saying "you know you might've been a jerk and I'm just saying that word cause I'm at work right now but you never treated Y/n horribly when she was pregnant I mean you stayed there and-" I cut her off again saying "Paige did Y/n tell you I was there when Jackson was born". She nodded before I added "God she really is a good person I mean she must've told you the story she's told Jackson". Paige's face feel in shock before I added "I wasn't there when he was born , I wasn't there when my son took his first breath or opened his eyes for the first time , do you know how long it took for me to realize my son's eyes are brown". She frowned saying "oh my god she protected you from the group cause she knew we'd be mad" I nodded as she added "so why didn't you go to Y/n , why here". I sighed saying "didn't wanna bump into Stewart" she shrugged saying "why would you run into Stewart he's in Florida and they broke up you know that right" . I shook my head as she added "yeah it was mutual I guess" I frowned thinking that was what had Y/n so down these past couple week , why she was so quiet. I spoke again saying "thanks Paige" she nodded saying "sorry I didn't invite you to my wedding" I shook my head saying "don't be it's okay". Paige and sat there in silence before I added "and I really miss hanging out with you guys so-" this time I was cut of by Paige saying "make things right with Y/n and you can hang out with us" I nodded before saying "your right I know exactly what I have to do"

The following morning

It was the next morning and I was running on zero sleep except for that small nap I had during the movies last night. I was sitting at the dinning room table ready to talk to Alison like an adult , as soon as I got home from the hospital I took a seat exactly where I was and rehearsed exactly what I was going to say. My a millionth rehearsal was interrupted saying "don't worry I can hold my own hair up when I'm sick" I ignored her words as she entered the dinning room saying "what". I responded saying "you

Iied to me , to me the person who chooses your side over my own sons , the person who turned his back on his family for you the person who was actually excited to have a baby with you , but it isn't true. You lied to me Alison" she scoffed saying "I don't know what your talking about" I sighed saying "you know what drunk Alison just tells people how it is your not pregnant are you". She had a blank expression before she spoke saying "no I'm not I-" Alison stopped she completely blanked on words before I decided to ask another question. "Did you ever have a roommate named Polly Harrington" she silently added before I continued with my questions. "Did you steal the letter for Y/n , the letter meant for me , did you take it and did you read it". She silently nodded as I added "you know I didn't read it right" she scoffed saying "oh please you had that in your pocket and you don't want me to believe you didn't read it". I rolled my eyes before pulling a sheet of paper out of my pocket saying "you mean this" she nodded as I added "this is something I wrote for Y/n what did you think it was". She responded with "That's it Steve I can't take this anymore" I huffed saying "are you kidding me your upset .She rolled her eyes at my words saying "you Steve I'm upset with you" I huffed again saying "me what did I do , you faked a pregnancy and it doesn't just hurt me it hurts Jackson-" she cut me off saying. "That's it , it's all about the kid" I sighed saying "he's my son what do you want me to do". She then crossed her arms saying "choose" I shrugged in confusion as she added "it's either me or the kid , choose" I couldn't belive it , she sounded like I did when Y/n and I broke up and I then remembered what my mother said "sometimes we need to see someone make the same mistake to know that's what they were". That's when I knew the answer to Alison's question was "Jackson , Jackson Michael Harrington will come before anyone including myself and if you don't like it that's just to damn bad". Alison frowned saying "but I'm your girlfriend" I nodded as she added "and I love you" I nodded again saying "I know but-". She cut me off saying "no buts Steven I'm your-" it was my turn to cut her off saying "Steve my name is Steve not Steven okay" she huffed saying "I love you" I nodded before saying the words that were wanting to oze out of me , "and I love Y/n", her face then twisted into anger saying "excuse me" I nodded saying "I love Y/n" she then sighed saying "but-" I cut her off again saying. "Alison your a horrible person , you attacked Y/n several times , you turned me against my parents and my best friends but not only that you tried to get in between my son and I oh and am I forgetting something else yeah you pretended to be pregnant" before she could say anything else I added "we're done Alison".

Please don't plagiarize my work , stay safe and feedback is appreciated - thanks Meg

Taglist @disneyprincessbuffyannesummers @queenofthehairharrington @charmed-asylum

[cassiedangerclouds]

Everything Is Green {Krii7y}

DeviantArt: SugarHigh100 (Smii7y)

Twitter: Beaudicea (Kryoz)

~

Trigger Warning!: In this story, I will write about colour blindness. Sorry if I do not get it correct as I myself do not suffer from anything of the sort (I am mildly longsighted). If this may offend you, please don't read. And I would really love to hear from some colour blind people on how I can fix my perception of it up in case I write this type of thing again.

Remember that this is MY interpretation of colour blindness (Protanomaly and Tritanopia), this is how I understood what I read from my research. So please don't take it personally if I get it completely wrong.

In this story, there will also be:

Anxiety Attacks –Based off of the ones I get. Because everyone experiences these differently-

Bullying (mentioned)

Swearing

Self-Deprecating Tendencies

~

Life gets pretty boring when all you see if various shades of green, grey and if you're lucky, violet.

But not the pretty, dark violet everyone else sees. No, it's a dull, kind of light version.

That's just life when your parents are Red-Green and Blue-Yellow colour blind and you pull the short straw on both ends.

No, I couldn't just have one; like not perceiving reds or greens properly. Or maybe become a very rare case and not be able to see blues properly.

No.

I ended up Red-Green in one eye and Blue-Yellow in the other.

So my world is full of dull, warped greens, boring and monotonous blacks and whites, only light grey and maybe, if luck wants to grace me, with violet. I strive for the moments that slightly purply-blue colour pops, I try to capture every detail of the moment so that I can try recreate it.

My parents try to tell me that when I'm older, my eyes may get better.

But I know that they won't.

Magic doesn't exist. If you're born with these things, you live with them forever.

People get weirded out by me. I confuse them. So I learnt to keep to myself. I sit under the trees, on the grass, things that should be blindingly green and are but just a dull blue really.

I got told that my glasses would help me see colours properly, but the kids all picked on me, so I don't wear them anymore.

The glasses were pretty cool I guess, I mean they were blue and red, and the world looked amazing back in fifth grade for the month that I wore them.

It's been five years since I've worn them though, I figured that, if I was picked on in fifth grade, high school would be no saving grace. So they sit in draw at home, collecting dust.

I guess life isn't too bad, I mean, at least I'm not blind. But this is no better.

"Hey. Hey. Can you hear me?" I kept my head down, knowing exactly who it was.

"I asked you a question."

I looked up, not too much, just enough to see if it was who I thought it was, "Yeah. I guess. I'm not deaf." I said, tapping my fingers against the ground.

"I'm not here to pick on you kid. I'm not an arsehole. My friends and I saw you sitting by yourself and I wanted to know if you wanted some company."

This time he caught my full attention, "Like for real? This isn't some big joke that Evan and all that set up to give me hope?" I asked.

He laughed, "Nah dude, honestly, Evan and his friends are a little overrated." He said, "With the exception of like Ryan. Oh and Craig, he hangs out with us sometimes."

I smiled, "I mean, sure. I guess that I could come and sit with you guys." I said.

"Sick." He said, helping me up.

He led me over to a table, not far from where I was sitting, I noticed him stumbling a little.

"Hey fuckers. I'm back." He announced.

"No one gives a fuck John." One of the other males at the table replied, looking up from his phone.

"Fuck you to, bitch." John replied.

"So guys, this is...uh I never asked your name, did I?" John asked.

"Good goin' John. You see a lonely kid, invite him over, but don't even ask his name." another said, this one was for sure in grey.

I snickered a little, looking over the group, of course, looking at everyone wasn't going to help me tell them apart, but it was worth a shot.

"HEY! That sounded a lot better in my head." The grey one stated.

"So, what's your name stranger?" one of the guys closest to me asked.

Come on, just say Jaren. "Lukas." I answer. What the fuck did I say that for?

"Well Lukas. As you could figure out, I'm John. In order around the table from my left. Cameron, Ryan, Craig, Anthony and...where did Crystal go?" John asked for a person I guess was here before he came over to me.

Crazy hair, grey guy, glasses, panda case. I recited in my head, it was the only way I'd actually remember them.

"Brock's nut of a sister came over and requested that her friend join her for a conversation." Anthony, I think, answered.

I frowned, "Cassidy isn't too crazy." I stated, causing everyone to stare at me.

"What. She used to be my..." I trailed off, "Never mind. Why did you invite me over here. I'm just the weird kid."

"We're all weird here." Cameron said, completely ignoring my slip up or at least I hope he did.

"I mean. Probably not. At least compared to me. Nobody is as mutant as I am."  I stated, looking down.

"What. Why? Because your eyes are different a little off centre or your hair is white? Every time I saw you, I always thought you just bleached it, like John does with his." Craig said with a shrug.

I sighed, shaking my head, "Okay. Don't like freak or anything okay John. But like, that jumper you're wearing is probably rad. But it's like literally all green, different shades. But to me. That whole thing is green, except the white bits near your wrists." I always found it was an easy way to explain my problem to people by talking about something that probably wasn't green and trying to tell them that's how I see it. "I can imagine and sort of figure out the colours, because I've done it for so long-"

"What shades of green?" John asked.

I shrugged, "The top is like a lime kind of colour. So it's probably like yellow or somet'in'. Uh, the middle is a dull green. So that's like red or orange, I don't remember because I don't see those colours a lot. The top of the sleeves is like, mint ice cream green. So they're some type of blue." I explained, hoping I got the colours close.

"That's so cool dude." John said.

"How do you live like that? Not being able to see colours. Only green?" Craig asked.

"Well. I mainly see the green spectrum, but I can see light grey, black, white and sometimes, violet. But it's like not the cool dark violet colour, it's more like what I think you would see as a cross between magenta maybe and periwinkle. I can see some shades of yellow, kind of. Most colours appear as greens though." I explained, tapping my fingers against my leg.

"Well, sit down you weird ass human." Cameron said.

I smiled, shaking my head, "Sorry. This was a nice..experience, but I'm just gonna leave." I said, turning around, I walked back towards where I was.

Suddenly I was on the ground, noticeably colder than before.

I looked up and saw my jumper in John's hands.

"Hey, fuck you. Give me my jumper back, it's cold." I demanded, getting off my arse, snatching my jumper out of his hands, slipping it over my head.

"It's a mild fifteen degrees, it's not that cold." Cameron stated.

"Shut up, you Kiwi fuck. We get it that it's fucking freezing in New Zealand." A feminine voice said from behind me.

Cameron pouted, "Piss off you Aussie bitch." He stated.

"Oh, and this is Crystal. Crystal, this is –"

"Hey Luke." Crystal said with a shrug.

"Vibe." I returned, watching as they walked over and sat between Cameron and Ryan.

"Wait- you two know each oth-"

"Whatever, reunions are boring. What did the nut want with you, aye?" Cameron asked, nudging Crystal's shoulder.

Crystal shrugged, "Never say that again. Worst Australian accent ever. Come on Fitzy, you're the closest one to where I'm from and you can't even fake a believable accent." They said.

The group started to banter, giving me the perfect chance to slip away.

I kept walking, not really knowing where I was going, I just knew I had to get away from that group before something bad happened to them because of me.

"Hey. Hey! Lukas, wait up." I heard a call from behind me, recognising John's voice, I picked up my pace, not watching where I was going.

Once more I was on the ground and I noticed that it was because I had bumped into someone. I stood up, "I'm so sorry. I-" my breath hitched.

In front of me stood well known school menace and Evan's right hand man Jonathan.

"I-I'm so so sorry. Uh, Delirious." I said, I could feel myself shaking.

Delirious turned to face me, and I could feel my lungs get heavy.

"Dude. Are you okay?" he asked me, sending me into surprise.

"What?" I managed to squeak out.

"I asked if you were okay? You hit me pretty hard and fell to the floor." Delirious said.

I shrugged, "I'm uh. Fine. Just yeah. Sorry." I stammered, my breathing starting to even out.

"Lukas, why are you-" I heard John stop dead, his boots squeaking as he skidded on the hallway floor. "Fuck."

"Well, if you're okay. Then I'm just gonna walk away." Delirious said, walking away.

I was still shaking, I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. In for four, hold for seven, out for eight.

"Dude, are you okay?" I heard John was near me now.

But I still didn't open my eyes, I shakily pointed at my bag, "Pap- Pap- Bag" I started coughing.

"Pap Bag. Pap. Paper Bag! Oh, get the paper out of your bag!" John figured out, quickly flipping the latch on my bag and handing me the almost empty bag.

"I don't understand how this will help you." John said.

I cupped my hand around the opening, placing it near my mouth, breathing in and out into the bag.

My breathing went back to normal after five minutes and the coughing stopped.

I moved it away and drew in a deep breath.

"What the fuck was that?" John asked, making me painfully aware that he was still there.

I opened my eyes to see him standing in front of me, "That was an anxiety attack you fucking idiot. Holy shit. I could've-no-probably would've passed out if you hadn't have helped me. Jesus, I haven't had one that bad in a while." I stated, half talking to myself.

"Your welcome. I mean, I don't know how to respond." John said.

I smiled, "Thank you. But seriously. I thought that Jonathan was a bully. He didn't even threaten me. I think a lot of people just spread rumours and one rumour made it out and became popular saying that the BBS are bullies. They're probably just a bunch of misunderstood kids. I- I'm sorry for walking off." I said.

"Nah dude. My friends can be a little much sometimes, even for me." He said.

"Oh. Okay. Well, I'm still sorry. It was a good thing you did you know, asking me to join you guys. Your friends don't seem to bad. I'd probably fit in with you all. I feel like a big dou-"

I felt something warm against my lips for a split second and then it was gone.

"You talk too much." John stated.

My face started heating up, "What the fuck? We haven't even known each other for a day. John you're fucking weird," I stated, pulling my sleeve over my hand, wiping my mouth.

He laughed, "You enjoyed it. Don't deny it." He said.

Maybe I did. It doesn't matter, I don't even know the guy. "No I didn't." I retorted, but I knew my body language said otherwise.

"You're a bad lyre Lukas. You're red as a firetruck." He teased.

"Shut up you fucking prick." I muttered.

He rolled his eyes, "Come on. Come and hang out with me and my band of Misfits." He said.

I sighed, "Fine." I said and we walked back towards his friends, maybe a bit closer than previously.

But seriously, who the fuck kisses someone they just met? Like what even is that?

"Someone who has a set." John replied.

"Fuck. I said that out loud. Sorry." I said.

He stopped and turned to face me, "Stop fucking apologising. You've done nothing wrong." He said.

And that's when I noticed one small thing, well not really small thing, but it was something that would this was a moment I'd never forget.

~

Everything is green.

But his hair is my favourite colour.

Because it is violet.

~

Authors Note:

Hi guys!

Yes, I am a weirdo. I would've made it John's eyes, except that in this case it wouldn't work because John's eyes are blue and for them to be violet, they'd have to be yellow. Which just isn't realistic.

Anyway, that's it.

[casspurrjoybell-25]

Skating on Thin Ice - Chapter 22 - Part 1

*Warning - Adult Content*

Elijah Ellis

After having a whole weekend off from hockey, practice was especially rough on Monday afternoon as we prepared for our two games this week.

Although I loved hockey, I was glad when practice wrapped up for the night so I could get some rest.

"Guys," Fox shouted, grabbing the attention of the team.

"Don't forget you have to get your permission slips signed so you can leave during last period on Friday for the game. If it's not signed, you're not coming."

Everyone let out assurances that they heard Fox and would have their slips signed by Friday.

Since the game was quite far, we needed to leave during last period to get there on time to have a practice before the start of the game.

"Bruins game at my house tonight, you in?" Fox asked me, clapping a hand down on my shoulder.

I sighed, grabbing my hockey bag.

"I guess."

Fox smirked.

"You don't sound too excited."

I playfully rolled my eyes at him and he followed me out of the locker room.

"Can I just head there with you now?" I asked, realizing I didn't want to get caught up in a talk with my father.

Dad made it clear he wanted to talk to me about what happened on Thanksgiving and I just wanted to avoid the topic all together.

"Sure," Fox replied with a shrug.

"Going to Fox's," I shouted over at Joshua who was getting into the driver's seat of his car.

Joshua gave me a strange look but ultimately nodded before shutting the car door.

"Any reason you're dying to come home with me?" Fox teased as the two of us got into his car.

I rested my arm on the center console and tapped my fingers against it, effectively ignoring Fox's question.

He placed his hand over mine to stop my tapping, sending a shock directly to my chest.

I suddenly pulled my hand away and looked toward him with a frightened expression.

His teasing grin sent shivers through my spine.

I couldn't help but think Fox's smile was something out of a dream.

The way he looked at me when he smiled paralyzed me, so I wasn't able to look away from him.

Flutters crept through my stomach like a herd of monarch butterflies were in there flying south for their migration.

All he had to do was smile and I was putty in his hands.

I had no idea what had gotten into me.

I shook my head to clear my mind and finally looked away.

Fox laughed.

"What's the matter? You're acting like I just burnt you."

"No. I'm not," I grumbled, looking out the window.

Fox scoffed, sounding as if he didn't believe me but didn't say anything else.

Eventually, we made it to his house where it appeared that no one else was home.

"Your parents aren't here?" I asked him as we stepped into the house.

"Mom works late and Dad travels," he replied, stopping to place his hockey bag in the hall closet.

"Please don't tell me the goons are coming over," an unfamiliar voice spoke out from behind us.

Fox and I turned to see the girl standing with her hands on her hips.

I recognized her from the family portrait.

"Okay, I won't tell you," Fox retorted, causing the girl to roll her eyes.

She looked me up and down in confusion.

"You're a new face," she said.

"Yes. Kinda," I replied.

"Raven, Elijah. Elijah, Raven," Fox introduced us.

We greeted each other briefly before Raven turned back to her brother.

"Just don't be too loud down here, I'm doing assignments and Fawn has a friend over," Raven warned, causing Fox's eyes to darken.

"What friend?" he questioned with aggression in his voice.

Raven shrugged.

"Some kid. Teddy maybe? I don't know."

"Eddie," Fox said in a hard tone, moving toward the stairs. Raven and I shared confused looks before I finally realized who Eddie was.

"Fox, wait," I tried to stop him, catching his arm in my hand as I sprinted toward the stairs.

He didn't even turn to look at me.

"I'm not waiting. That kid probably has his grimy hands all over my sister," Fox spat, ripping his arm out of my grasp.

"She's going to be mad at you if you go up there," I warned him but he didn't listen as he continued up the stairs.

I sighed from the bottom of the stairs as I finally lost sight of Fox.

"She's going to kill him," Raven said from behind me.

I turned to look at her and nodded in agreement.

"He deserves it."

Raven snorted out a laugh.

"He does. Robin used to be the same way when I had boys over."

"I'm not like that with my sister," I chuckled.

"She's tougher than me."

"Most girls are tough," Raven said with a grin.

"It's just our meat-head fathers and brothers that think they need to protect us for some reason."

I laughed and nodded along.

I could relate to having a protective father.

A few moments later there was high-pitched screaming and then Fox came running down the stairs.

"She hit me," he exclaimed, looking to me for sympathy.

Raven rolled her eyes.

"You deserved it. Anyway, if your friends are coming over then I'm hiding up in my room."

"You don't want to watch the game with us?" he asked.

"Not with your friends," she replied with a raised eyebrow.

"They all just want to check me out."

Fox rolled his eyes.

"They do not."

"Yes, they do. Except him," Raven retorted, pointing toward me.

"He's gay," Fox told her and I gave him an annoyed look.

"Good," was the last thing Raven said before she turned on her heel to storm up the stairs.

Fox sighed and led me over to the couch where we sat down beside each other.

He shook his head and let out another frustrated sigh, causing me to look at him expectantly.

"I'm not going to be able to think straight with Fawn having that boy in her room," Fox complained, resting his elbow on the arm of the couch and placing his head in his hand.

A smile crept on my face as I watched his worrisome expression.

It was cute seeing him all concerned about his sister.

"She'll be fine," I assured him.

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes with a look of disbelief.

"You'll be like this when Ava starts bringing boys over," Fox grumbled, turning his attention back to the T.V.

I chuckled.

"No, I won't and she might not even be interested in boys."

"Let's hope," Fox muttered.

I shook my head at him and pulled out my cell-phone to see that I had a text message from Trevor.

He and I were pretty much back to normal after the whole kissing incident, though I could tell he still had a crush on me.

[Are you doing anything special for your birthday next week?]

"Who are you texting?" Fox asked, suddenly interested and leaning over to check out my phone.

"Just Trevor," I replied.

Fox's expression darkened.

"What does he want?" he mumbled.

"He's just asking if I'm doing anything for my birthday next week. He likes to plan ahead," I told him with a confused look.

"Your birthday is next week? Why is he trying to plan something for your birthday? Did you hookup with him?"

My eyes widened at Fox's sudden questions.

"Woah," I said to stop him.

"Where the hell did all that come from? No, I didn't hookup with him."

"Good, don't," Fox quickly responded.

I quirked my head in confusion.

"You were the one that told me I should."

"I changed my mind," he told me.

"I don't think it's a good idea anymore."

"Okay..."

Fox's jaw clenched as he stared forward at the television.

He bit down on the inside of his cheek before allowing his eyes to travel toward me.

"What are you staring at me for?" he snapped, giving me a hard glare.

I just shrugged and turned away from him.

I couldn't help but think that he was acting strange and I couldn't shake an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach as I sat close to him.

Maybe I was the one acting strange.

The two of us sat in silence before the rest of the group came barging into Fox's house.

Alex and Ian squeezed onto the couch with us, causing me to have to move even closer to Fox, out legs touching.

The same shock from when Fox touched my hand in the car traveled through me at the feeling of our legs being pressed together.

"They're actually playing well," Alex happily exclaimed, backhanding my shoulder and dragging my attention to the hockey game that had already started.

"We'll see how long they can keep this up," Ian grumbled, leaning his elbow on the arm of the couch and putting his chin in his hand.

The first period was uneventful and the only noises coming from the guys were sounds of disappointment at mistakes by the players and a few cheers at near-goals.

"So, I finally got with Beth over the weekend," Alex boastfully announced.

I just rolled my eyes at him.

"About time," Ryan cheered.

Instead of listening to Alex rehash his weekend spent with Beth, I turned to focus on Fox who looked like he wasn't paying much attention either.

When he noticed me looking at him, he turned to look back, a small smile taking over his face.

That was enough to set my insides on fire.

I mentally punched myself for feeling this type of way about Fox but still I couldn't stop the fluttering feeling of when he had his eyes on me.

A warm smile spread on my own face at the sight of his, causing Joshua to loudly clear his throat.

Both of our gazes shot over to Joshua in confusion but he just looked away.

"Joshua come with me to the kitchen for a sec," Fox instructed, pushing his hand down on my leg to heave himself off of the couch.

Joshua sighed in annoyance but followed him anyway.

I was left with a quizzical expression in the heat of my own confusion.

[renee-writer]

Proper Home Chapter 13 Repercussions

She didn't think and tried not feel as she packs up her bag and prepares to leave. A sweet get-a-away had turned into a disaster. She had came here a content if not quite happy partner of Frank and is leaving what? Not the same woman for sure. She feels angry and betrayed by both Frank and Jamie.

"I am sorry Faith. It isn't you. Please tell your parents and the others that I am sorry. That I appreciate their hospitality and all that."

"And Jamie?"

"What I want to say to Jamie, I won't burden you with." Her hands clench around her bag," I will see you Monday at uni."

"Claire, I am sorry that everything went so spectacularly wrong." Her chin quivers and Claire moves to reassure her.

"Not all. We had fun last night. Your nieces and nephews are precious. I so enjoyed meeting your family and Lallybroch is just..well words fail me."

"And deciding about Frank?"

"Well..."

"Please Claire dinna let what my clod heided brother did lead ye back into his arms."

"I will let you know I made it home safe." She hugs her tigjt and hurries out and Jenny rushes to Jamie's room.

×××××

"I did something stupid." Claire's weak voice on the line has Faith's heart beating fast.

"What?" She was as good as her word and had texted her to let her know of her safe arrival. But, she had heard nothing else from her the rest of the weekend. And she wasn't in class on Monday. It was now Monday evening and Faith was relieved to her from her.

"I called Frank. Just to explain Jamie's message. He asked to meet with me. He was sweet like he had been at the start. But, when I took him back to my place to talk.."

"Claire do ye need me?"

"Please.."

She grabs Jamie as she heads out.

"We are going to Claire's?"

"I dinna think she will wish to see me." He protests.

"I think Frank has done something to her." She announces as she drags him to the car. "I would take Willy if he was here or Rabbie if he wasn't in basic training. I fear she and I may need a male presence. So, ye are it." She allows no arguments. And Jamie, stunned by the thought of that bastard doing something to her, offers none.

They walk right in. At first, it seems Faith may have overreacted. There is no sign of a struggle. But then..

She lays curled up in the center of her bed. She is tightly wrapped in a robe and lays shivering. Faith joins her without a word. She just wraps her arms around her. Jamie stands still, shocked into immobility. One thought runs through his mind. 'if he had done what they think, he is a dead man.'

"At first we just talked," Claire whispers into his sister's chest. "He said he knew he had been an arse and wanted another chance. I...he is familiar. I...well...I thought maybe. But then as the night wore on he started getting possessive. Said for it to work between us I would have to quit uni, that he couldn't trust me around the other males there."

Jamie whinces. Had he caused this? He starts to speak but Faith shakes her head. He bites his lip and prepares to hear the rest.

"I told him that it wasn't happening. That I thought he had changed. He apologized. Said I made him crazy. That he can't help his jealousy. That I was just so beautiful that he couldn't help it. He kept me off balance, don't ye see?" Faith nods and holds her closer. "Off balance. And it was late. He went to kiss me and I allowed it. I ALLOWED it! After everything he had said and done. And then...I didn't want it..no, I didn't but, I wasn't sure what to do so again, I allowed it. After, he said, now you are mine and there will be no more foolish talk of classes and careers. You are mine and will be my wife and the mother of my children.' He wouldn't let me leave today until he knew my classes were over. It was only then he left promising to return tonight. I can't. Oh Jesus, I showered with as hot of water as I could stand. But, I still feel him on me. I know it wasn't..I allowed it but it feels."

"Hush Claire. Lay yer heid. I've ye and he won't be touching ye again. We will see to it."

"Aye, we will!" Jamie had never felt such rage. His body hummed with it. He knew, if called upon, he could take on Randall and everyone of his relatives single handedly.

Claire looks up. Lost in her tale she hadn't even realized Jamie was here.

"Jamie."

"I ken ye are mad at me and, if I caused any of this, oh Dhai, I will hate myself forever. But, he will nae be touching ye again Claire. I will see to him." He cracks his knuckles in demonstration.

"I..I am glad you are here. I was such a fool. How could I?"

"Stop it Claire. Frank f*cking Randall is a manipulative arse. Ye are nae at fault for trying to give him a secound chance. It shows yer big heart. Now, when did he say he would be back?"

She looks at the clock by the bedside. She shudders as she says," Anytime."

"Okay Claire. Ye and Faith stay right here. Does yer door have a lock?"

"Yes." Her voice quivers.

"Dinna flash Claire. I promise ye he willna get to ye. Ye lasses stay here. I will meet Randall." He gives her a reassuring smile and locks the door behind him.

×××××

He doesn't give him a chance to say a thing. He waits as he hears the lock turn. He makes a mental note to get Claire's locks changed and then tightens his body preparing for the first punch.

He walks in and turns towards Claire's room. He meets Jamie's fist. He staggers back and Jamie pulls him back up and punches him again. He doesn't say a word and Frank is to stunned to. The only sounds are grunts and the sound of fist hitting flesh. He punches his face a few more times becore hitting his belly. A huge 'whoosh' of air and Frank is bent over. Jamie pulls him back to an erect position and, one more thing. He doesn't use his knee. It isn't personal enough. He, instead punches him right between his legs. Frank losses all color and collapses in a boneless heap.

Jamie lifts him up and carries him out and places him in his car. He locks the doors and leaves him to come back to consciousness. He returns to his lasses. "Ye can open up. He won't be bothering ye again."

"What..we didn't hear to much?" Claire asks.

"Weel, I dinna give the lad much time to talk. He is a bit dazed outside in his auto."

"Will you get in trouble?"

He chuckles. "I ken lads like yer ex. He is a bully, ken? He will wish to but willna report what happened for he would have to admit I bested him and he dinna even get a punch in."

"Right. That is Frank alright. Thank you Jamie. I...I am not a violent person but.."

"Nor am I Claire. But, sometimes violence is necessary. And, when a brute violates and bullies a lass, weel, then it becomes necessary." He rubs his left hand. It aches a bit now that the adrenalin has worn off. Claire and Faith see and Claire tries to jump up but the long night and day, as well as the overwhelming stress drives her back.

"He needs ice." Claire tells Faith who jumps up to get it for him.

"Claire, will ye be alright?" He can focus on her mental health now that she is safe.

"I don't know. It is so strange. To go from one extreme to the other in days. I never saw.."

"I ken Claire. I ken I messed up. That I overstepped by sending that text."

"You did. But you made up for it. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't."

"Shhh 'leannen. I will be here. Faith and I. I just wish I could have prevented last night."

"I wish I would have been smarter, braver."

"Ye are the bravest lass I ken Claire." He takes a seat beside her and takes her hand with his right. "Ye seen what he is and got rid of him."

"You got rid of him."

"Aye, but couldn't of without ye deciding first."

Faith reenters and places the bag on his swelling left hand.

"I need to check out your hand," Claire announces.

"Later. Right now ye need to rest. My hand will bid for now."

[alj4890]

A Little Romance Couldn't Hurt

(Maxwell x Amanda) as requested by @krsnlove with the below prompt. Taken from The Other Friend Series.

Brought in some of The Red Carpet gang for a few scenes 😉

A/N this started out as a fluffy Friday story, but became too long and complicated. But a promise is a promise, so here it is. Everything, except the rocks and famous people, have happened to me on various vacations with friends or my husband, LOL. Always make sure to travel with someone who can make you laugh. And bring pain pills.

"Whoohoo!" Maxwell exclaimed as he walked out on the balcony. Carmel was absolutely beautiful. He and Amanda had left their little girls with Liam and Riley and had come for two weeks of fun in the sun and a few meetings with Thomas Hunt. Maxwell had plans though that involved some special alone time without a six year old and her three year old sister running about.

He rubbed his hands in anticipation. This was just what they needed. He returned to the suite and grinned when he saw Amanda on the phone. She had already called before they took off, while somewhere over Kentucky, and when they landed. She looked up at him. "Here's your daddy. Love you angels!"

Maxwell talked for a few minutes and told the girls he loved them. He tossed the phone aside and tackled Amanda on the bed. She giggled as he propped himself up on his elbows. His expression was filled with mock surprise. "Sorry, I tripped." She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down for a kiss.

They were interrupted from exploring this long forgotten freedom by the phone ringing. It was Thomas. He had arrived early and was waiting down in the lobby. "We will be right down." Amanda said while Maxwell shook his head, no. "See you soon."

He groaned and pulled her closer. "Wouldn't you rather stay here for a romantic beginning to our getaway?" He kissed along her jawline to her lips. He rolled over, causing her to laugh into the kiss.

"Yes, I would. That's why I'm going down there now so that I can hurry back up here and be alone with you." She moved her lips down his neck as she talked. "Let's go." She pushed off and grabbed his hand. He groaned and got up. "How did I end up with someone so cruel?"

The lobby was teaming with people. Luggage was moving at an alarming speed by the staff trying to get everyone situated. Maxwell saw a luggage cart barreling toward Amanda and shoved her out of the way. He was knocked down and bags landed on his back. His cry of pain echoed around the room.

"Maxwell!" Amanda began to try and pull the bags off of him but they were unusually heavy. Thomas ran over and tried to assist her. "Are there bricks in these bags?" He growled as he lifted.

"Actually, it's rocks." They turned to see a nervous looking man. "I'm a geologist and I brought some samples to share at UCLA."

"Well don't just stand there! Help us!" Thomas yelled. They soon had Maxwell unearthed and he moaned in pain. "My back." He stayed still trying not to tense up. The manager ran over, apologizing while yelling for a doctor to be called.

A few hours later, Maxwell was lying in bed feeling the effects of the muscle relaxer. Amanda had been alternating between heat and ice, while grimacing at the darkening bruises. She leaned down and pressed a kiss to a spot that had no mark.

He had a loopy smile on his face. "That felt nice." He said in a slightly slurred voice. Amanda gently ran her hand down his back. He would have a few days of swelling and spasms. So much for their romantic beginning.

Five days later, a rather grumpy Maxwell watched his wife get ready to go down to the beach. Apparently, Ryan Summers had invited a bunch of the friends she had made her first time here for a little fun in the sun. There was no way he was letting her go without him.

"You sure you feel up to it?" She asked for the fifth time. "I won't stay long if you want to lay back down."

"I'm fine." He bit out.

Amanda paused and looked at him. "You don't sound fine."

"I'm fine." He stressed again.

"Ah yes, the positivity just oozes from you." She teased.

His lips quirked and he couldn't help laughing at how ridiculous this trip had been so far. “I am gonna be so positive today! Positive or DEATH TO ALL!”

"Took a bit of a dark turn there at the end." She said, slipping her hand in his as they walked out.

"Well, you would worry about me if I was suddenly sunshine and rainbows after the last couple of days." He stepped out onto the warm sand and gazed out at the deep blue water. This was what he needed. He smiled down at Amanda as she wrapped her arms around him. Well, he needed something else too, but this was a good start.

They heard their names called out and turned to see a group waving at them. A petite blonde came running at full speed and hugged Amanda, squealing with delight. "Addison! It has been too long."

"I know! I've missed you guys like crazy." She grabbed Maxwell and hugged him.

"Careful!" Maxwell exclaimed when she squeezed hard.

"Sorry! Thomas told me what happened." She grabbed both their hands and pulled them along. They spent the afternoon enjoying the time with everyone. Maxwell relaxed back in his beach chair and was even found smiling most of the time.

His eyes rested on Amanda often. Addison and Holly had talked her and Thomas into playing badminton. During the hilariously bad plays, he noticed Amanda was looking a little red. He called out to her and rummaged around in her beach bag. "Uh oh."

"What's wrong." She asked as she sat down beside him.

"You look a little red. And we have no sun block." His eyes widened when he got a closer look at her. "Umm. We might need to get you inside."

"What? Why?" She asked. He pointed at her shoulders. Not only were they red, they had begun to blister. "What did you put on?" He asked.

"It was some kind of weird stuff Addison had. She said she used it all the time at the beach and that I had to give it a try." They yelled out to her.

"What's up? Holy crap! Your shoulders! Wait...which stuff did you put on?" Addison asked. "Did it smell like lemons or coconut?"

"Coconut. Why?" Amanda began to feel alarmed.

"Yeah... that's my super secret dark tanning lotion. I barely stay out for an hour when I have that on." Addison seemed worried.

"I've been out here for over three hours with it!" Amanda exclaimed. Now that it had been pointed out, she could feel the burn.

Maxwell stood up and they said their goodbyes. When they got back to the room and she removed her top, they both stared in horror. "I look like an overcooked lobster." She whispered.

"Yes you do. Did I mention that I love lobsters?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her causing her to giggle. She sobered the longer she looked at the crisp carcass that once was her body.

She teared up as she looked at her shoulders. For some weird reason they were the only blistered part. Everywhere else was red. Her cheeks and forehead were bright red and her nose...good grief. Through the tears of pain, she started laughing. "Who knew my love of all things coconut would lead to my downfall? I thought their shells were the only thing to cause bodily harm."

Maxwell started laughing and grabbed his back. "Ow! Don't make me laugh so hard." This caused them both to laugh harder. Amanda gingerly laid down on the top of the cover, cringing as her raw skin touched the comforter. He groaned as he stretched out beside her. "So..." He began, a teasing glint in his eyes. "This has got to be our most romantic getaway ever."

Amanda laughed. "I would kiss you but I think my lips were singed off by the sun."

"I would lean over and kiss you back, but I would never be able to move again." Maxwell said. He glanced at her and grimaced. "I can literally feel the heat of your burns way over here."

Amanda nodded. "I'm freezing but I'm pretty sure I would pass out from the pain if I pulled a blanket over me." She thought a minute and grabbed a blanket. It hurt like crap but she was still conscious. "Didn't work."

Maxwell slowly moved closer to her. She eyed him warily, afriad he would bump into her. He stopped about six inches away and collapsed. "Okay...by my math, if we can miraculously heal in two days, we will have at least one whole week to ourselves." He turned his head to look at his badly burned wife.

She met his eyes and began to laugh. "In case it was burned off, I was raising my eyebrow in disbelief." He snorted and the bed shook as they continued to tease each other until they fell asleep.

The next morning, Amanda opened her eyes and tried to get up. Her burned skin was tight and she hobbled around slightly bent. She looked in the mirror and realized she looked worse than before. Her shoulders had literally been basted with coconut substances and cooked for hours. The blisters ran deep around where her straps had been. MaxwelI heard her moan in agony as she tried the shower. She got out and ran the tub faucet and slowly sat down.

He tried to get up but his back had spasmed. "Babe. You okay?" He called out.

"Not sure. Think so. You?" She replied.

"I can't get up at the moment. Know that I would have checked on you if I could." He moaned and rolled over on his stomach.

"That's why I love you. I would come check on you but I barely got in the tub. This might be my new residence. Be sure to bring the kids by for holidays." Amanda tried to lean back and sucked in a painful breath.

After a little while she was able to get out of the tub. She tried to gently pat dry her messed up skin. Maxwell finally got up and walked in the bathroom. He averted his eyes. Her burns hurt just looking at them.

"I saw that. I know I look disgusting." She mumbled as she tried to put a t-shirt on. She gasped and breathed hard through the pain.

Maxwell shook his head. "You know I don't think that. It hurts me seeing you like that." He looked at her and frowned. "There is nowhere to kiss you that won't hurt."

Amanda reached for the boxers she stole from him. And slipped them on slowly. "That's better." She shuffled out and tried to sit down on the couch. "Nope." She got back into bed. The comforter was softer. Maxwell ran a shower and sighed as the hot water hit his sore spots.

He got dressed in pj bottoms and a shirt. He smiled and stretched out next to her. "You know...I had planned on the two of us spending most of the trip here. This wasn't what I had in mind."

Amanda laughed and barely kissed him. Her lips were raw but she couldn't resist.

And so it went for the following days. Finally, Maxwell's back stopped hurting. Amanda's burns, save for the very top of her shoulders, had healed. They decided to celebrate with a romantic night out.

Maxwell was tying his tie when Amanda stepped out in a little black dress and did a slow twirl. He let out a low whistle. "If I did not want to show you off so much, I would suggest we stay here." He ran his hands down her back as he kissed her.

She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He smiled, planning in his mind how the evening would go. It was going to be a night to remember.

2 hours later.

"Why does this place hate us so much?!" Amanda cried out. She heaved over the toilet. Maxwell was in the other bathroom heaving over his own. "I don't know. But I want to go home." He sighed and collapsed on the floor. Food poisoning. At a five star restaurant. Why?

After he knew nothing else would come up, he crawled out to check to see if he was a widower. It was too quiet in the other bathroom. He stuck his head in and saw her laying in the floor. Her chest was slowly moving up and down so he didn't have to worry. He crawled next to her and laid down.

"If it's cool with you, I'm going to die. You are such a great father that you and the girls will be fine." She whispered.

"You can't. I'm dying right now. One of us has to stay for the kids. They need you more. You're the perfect mom. Plus I think I just died during that last sentence."

Amanda rolled over slowly. She took his hand. "I'm going with you. The girls have all those godparents. It's safe for us both to die."

2 days later.

They finished packing what they could, ready to leave whatever level of hell they had stumbled into. Their jet was being made ready for the earliest possible departure. Maxwell glanced around at the room that had been a prison, hospital room, and a torture chamber. He opened the door to step out on the balcony when Amanda jumped in front of him.

"Are you crazy?! You step out there and either an anvil will fall on you or some giant bird knocks you off the balcony." She pushed him away and went to shut the door when a bat flew in.

They screamed and ran out of the room.

1 hour later

Their private jet seemed the best place to wait for the next 10 hours. They placed their bags down and reclined in their seats. Amanda opened her eyes and looked at the only man she knew who could make her laugh so much during so many crazy, rather painful situations. She gently touched his cheek. He opened his eyes and grinned. He kissed the hand against his cheek.

"I love you so very much." She whispered.

"I love you so very much too." He whispered back. He tucked a blanket around the two of them and pulled her close. He let out a contented sigh and went to sleep.

[join-the-joywrite]

Women in War -- 2

All Maggie Maravillla ever wanted was to help people. She never imagined losing damn near everything when winning a war.

WiW masterpost

Chapter 2

1935

"I would've enlisted today if the war had gone on now, Buck, no hesitation. "

Maggie's laugh was long and had Steve not known how she meant her different laughs, it would have been mighty insulting.

Bucky grinned. "You wouldn't have lasted two days in training, pal."

Steve rolled his eyes, which caused him to wince as his headache protested. He pressed the ice pack against his forehead even harder. "Always a bully somewhere," he grumbled, "first Hodge, now these jerks."

"You just need to learn to pick your battles," Maggie said, smiling. "Or you could, you know, enjoy your birthday like a normal person."

"Not an option," Steve said, grinning at Maggie, "and aren't you supposed to be preparing for college? With Becky? In Cambridge?"

"Yeah, but I couldn't miss little Steve's birthday. Besides, you should cagar on Bucky. He brought me out to Brooklyn to see you. Becky has a couple of bonus quizzes tomorrow for the really -- desalado? -- the eager ones, and she really wants to excell. She's been talking about moving to London permanently. Apparently, the boys there are cute."

"How would she even know?" Steve asked. "She spends all day in your dorm studying."

"True," Maggie said, shrugging.

"All she knows is that American boys aren't," Bucky said.

"Ow," Steve said flatly, staring at Bucky.

"I actually had an orientation session this week," Maggie said, staring off to the side, "but it doesn't matter. As long as I keep my grades above average, I get to keep my scholarship. I didn't even expect to get in, let alone earn a scholarship."

"Don't sell yourself short, Mags," Bucky said, leaning back in his chair, "you're brilliant. We're proud of you for even going to college."

"It's hard sometimes. I know I've been here my whole life, but I grew up learning from Papá. Do you know how smart I am in Spanish?"

Steve smiled. "Yeah, we know."

"I actually have a hard time keeping up with you when you're mad, and I've been studying Spanish for like, six years. Tio Hugo is a miracle teacher, I'll give him that."

"You're just dumb," Steve said, rolling his eyes again.

"You'll make a fine doctor," Bucky told Maggie, ignoring Steve, "just set your sights on becoming the great Doctor Maravilla and never look back."

Maggie smiled. "Doctor Maravilla," she repeated, "sí, that's gonna be me."

The table was silent for a while. In the background, Evie could be heard chatting away from some friend of hers. The Barnes household was never truly silent. It was something Maggie always loved about Bucky's home -- her home, as Winnifred always made her feel. Maggie hated silence. Silence filled her own house on the days where her father went to work and she was left alone with her mother. Silence was what happened when the teachers caught her and Becky fighting with Hodge or any of his cronies. Silence was what happened when Angel had friends over. Everytime Maggie was subject to silence, it was around someone she didn't quite like.

Maggie hated silence more than she hated bullies. Maggie learnt English curses just to swear biligually whenever she was told to be silent.

So Maggie loved the Barnes household, where someone or the other would always be doing something. Sometimes it would be Allie and Steve arguing about who had the homework answers right. Sometimes it would be Evie loudly chatting on the telephone. Often, she could hear Winnifred and Becky bustling about in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and experimenting with bizarre flavours. Every odd weekend, George Barnes would make a loud noise in the garage, fiddling with some old piece of tech. Becky would join him too.

And very rarely, Maggie would hear Bucky humming to himself as he went about doing whatever he did.

"I ought to get going," Maggie said, wishing with all her heart that she could just stay in her home.

"Chin up, Mags," Steve said, "give it time, you'll be one of America's most sought-after doctors sooner or later."

Steve had no idea how right he was.

1939

Four years later, they found themselves in well into the midst of a world war.

Mi dulce Magpie,

I'm going to bind Steve to the leg of my dining room table and lock the table in someone's safe. He's heard about the war, you know. Do you remember when we had just graduated? You came from Cambridge for Steve's birthday. The little pedazo de mierda got it in his head then already about signing up for war. Now he tells me it's fate. Won't you write him a scathing letter, doll? Maybe he'll listen to you. I'd love to sit and write more, but Evie says she just saw Steve get dragged into an alley. Do remind my scatterbrained sister to read my letters. You're still coming home for Christmas, right? Allie misses your dumb face, doll. I hope to see you here at least a week in advance.

With love,

The better Barnes twin.

P.S. I'll only stop calling you Magpie if you stop calling me Buckwheat.

Maggie smiled as she folded up the letter again. She slipped it into her purse as she walked along the hallway.

"Can I help you, Miss?"

"No, thank you, I'm just here to visit someone."

The young woman raised her eyebrows at Maggie. "Ma'am. . . I don't--"

"I've been here before, angel, I know my way around the office. Mr Edwards' is straight down, right?"

"Er, yes. Uhm, good luck, ma'am."

Maggie never used the endearment 'angel' to mean anything other than 'estúpida mierda'. Making sure the letter she'd read thrice now was still tucked into her little bag, Maggie walked along until she came up on the open office out side Mr Edwards'.

"Rebecca Latimer Barnes, we'll be back after New Year's. We're not going off to war!"

The group of young women dispersed, allowing Maggie a glimpse of the woman that had previously been in the centre of the laughs and smiles. "Felicidades por el engagement, Peggy. Beck, we're gonna miss the plane."

Peggy Carter smiled. "Gracias, Maggie. Do say hello to everyone at home from me."

"You should send a photo, Pegs," Becky said, leaning on Peggy's desk, "although it's a pity Fred proposed. I was sure Buck would've liked to take you out."

Maggie laughed, despite being upset that Becky still hadn't left the office. "If that were true, we'd be offering Peggy condolences. Vamanos, Beck, your bag's already in the car."

Becky sighed dramatically. "I'll see you in the new year, ladies. Let's go, Dr Maravilla."

"Almost a doctor," Maggie said as she waved goodbye to the Bletchley Park women and left, Becky trailing behind.

"Back to work, ladies," Mr Edwards said as he opened his office door. "Miss Carter, a word?"

"Of course, Mr Edwards."

"Has Miss Barnes left already?"

"Just missed her, sir."

"Pity. Remind me to speak to her when she returns in the new year."

///////////////

Becky pulled her suitcase along behind her. "How'd you even meet the guy? And what are you doing for him that he's paying for both your education and our visits home?"

Maggie frowned as she thought back. "I was waiting tables in our eleventh year, you remember? He stopped by and I waited on him. He was a mess -- he still is -- and his food and drink fell everywhere. Last time I cursed like that was when that perra Lucy Kinney stole my shift at the hospital and I had to work the graveyard shift."

"You know, given that you work part-time in a hospital, I really wouldn't suggest calling it the graveyard shift."

Maggie smiled. "Very funny, Becks. Anyway, so he's surprisingly super apologetic about it. Turns out he was stressed over some college exams or something and long story short, we got to talking about college and he felt really bad about ruining my shift at the diner that he offered to pay for my college tuition -- provided I didn't slack off or things like that."

Becky shook her head. "I don't get it. Why? Why would someone just randomly decide to pay for someone else's tuition?"

"Well, he comes from a rich family."

"That makes it all the more unlikely that he'd be so generous."

"Look, Becks, I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth. If the man sees potential in me and is willing to pay for college, I'm grabbing it with both hands and hanging on until I graduate. You and me both know my father could never afford getting me into medicine."

"Your mom could."

"Yeah, but who needs her help? I'm actually going to see her before I come by your place."

"I thought you were meeting your darling benefactor?"

"I am. I'm seeing them both today and then I'll come home. Do me a favour and fetch my father?"

"Sure, no problem. Did your darling benefactor call you a cab?"

"I called you a cab." Both women stopped walking at the new voice. "And we all know I'm not Maggie's darling benefactor."

"Howard," Maggie greeted, "good to see you."

Howard dipped his head slightly. "Mags. Mr Jarvis will take your bags to Ms Barnes' taxi, if you'd like?"

Maggie smiled at the young man following Howard. "Hola, Eddie, como estas?"

Jarvis smiled back. "Bien, gracias, Mags. ¿Y usted mismo?"

"Always a pleasure, Eddie. Thank you so much."

Jarvis nodded as he took hold of Maggie's suitcase and gestured for Becky to walk with him.

"So, darling benefactor?"

"She's insane. Leave it to the great Becky Barnes to see through the rosiest of rose-lenses."

"Isn't she a really good codebreaker?"

"Surprisingly, yes. She's actually one of two top codebreakers at Bletchley Park. Our friend Peggy is the other."

"Peggy . . . that wouldn't be Margaret Carter, would it?"

"It would. What a small world, Mr Stark."

"Indeed, Dr Maravilla, it's a very small world. Come on, we have business to discuss."

"Business?" Maggie echoed with a frown as she placed her hands around the arm Howard offered her.

"Business," Howard repeated with a nod, pulling Maggie through the busy airport.

///////////////

"Hypothetically? No. I went to Cambridge to study and become a doctor. I wouldn't want any part in your whimsical ideas, Howard."

"What if the situation weren't hypothetical?"

Maggie sipped her tea slowly. "No. Besides, you can't make superheroes. ¡Eso es ridículo! Maybe when you've got proof this . . . super soldier thing . . . will work, I will consider helping you out."

"Maggie, hear me out, you're England's finest and you're not even qualified yet. How they hate to say your name, because you're better than them all. I could really use your help on this."

"This was never hypothetical to begin with, was it?"

Meekly, Howard shook his head. "No. Look, there's this German doctor who's developing a formula. If I can just persuade some people upstairs to go after the doctor, we could have that formula. We could win the war before it's fully begun."

"I'm sorry, Howard. I truly appreciate all you've done for me, but this isn't the way to repay you. I can't understake . . . missions . . . without any solid proof that I'm doing something right. I'm really sorry, Howard, truly."

Howard nodded as Maggie gathered her things and stood up.

"What about a nurse?"

Howard's voice stopped Maggie. She stood behind his chair, staring at the door. Howard stared at her vacant seat.

"I wanted to be a doctor, Howard."

"You'll have to climb that ladder, Maggie, and you can either work as a nurse in that shitty hospital and sit through years and years of college until they finally think a young Hispanic woman is capable of being a fully-fledged doctor, or you can start as a base camp nurse and actually put your skills to use as you climb the ranks. Your skill is beyond the average nurse, Mags, and you'll get everyone to call you a doctor within months at best."

Maggie squinted at the door.

"Think about it," Howard said, stirring his cup. "I expect an answer by New Year's. Enjoy the Christmas week, Miss Maravilla."

"Likewise, Mr Stark," Maggie said as she left, realising just how much she loved being called Dr Maravilla.

///////////////

Bucky was waiting on the front steps when Maggie got out of the cab. She stood behind the front gate and smiled. "How long have you been sitting there, Buckwheat?"

"Not long, Magpie. How was your meeting with your mother?"

Maggie's expression twisted as she pushed open the gate and walked up to the steps. "I didn't go see her. I was with Howard all this time. He offered me a job."

"That's brilliant, Mags!"

"Sí, but not the job I want. Bucky, I want to be a doctor. Howard wants to make me an army nurse."

Bucky turned his head to look at the woman sitting beside him. "Why do you want to be a doctor, Maggie?"

"I want to help people, I want to fix them, I want to make them better."

"Well, doll, then maybe being an army nurse is more suited to you than studying forever at a college that doesn't really want it's girls to go out there."

"I don't know, Buck. I think I can be one of the lucky ones. I . . . just don't know."

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