#rebecca: ''yeah sorry about that. he's a nice man but he's seen lots of weird things around here so''

[bruhstation]

doodle. is this anything

[vickers-n-lickers]

Moonlit pt. 2

((Contains mentions of violence and gore. BradxOC and the rest of the gang))

Horrible moans were muffled against the glass, fingers dragging long dark streaks.

Even with the blinds drawn tight, the dead knew they were in there.

"You need to go, Brad. Please… don't. Don't argue. Just go. Run before they get you…"

"I'm not going to leave you."

"You have to. You can't let them get away with this. They killed our friends. Jenna."

Her life hanging by a thread was a storm cloud hovering over them.

Check tossed in her clutch, Joan looked over herself one more time in the mirror. Cap off her lipstick, she carefully painted on a clean line, then another.

Finally paid for performing at this over the top wedding, she might be able to get the water heater fixed and take a shower in her own apartment. Jack had been up her ass for a week, every time she showed up to grab a shower there was an argument.

She never told Brad. It wasn't his problem and he had enough on his mind with work.

He would have helped…

She frowned at her reflection. Depending on someone was always a bad idea in her book.

Even with that in mind, there were things in her that unfurled every time he swung by for 'just a minute'. Things that bloomed between cups of coffee and the way he swayed with her from behind while she made dinner; hands on her hips, chin on her shoulder, humming away to Steve Miller Band crackling through on the radio.

These little things strung themselves together into an idea.

A life. One that came to her mind as easy as breathing. White picket fences, BBQ grills, his corny jokes and a pack of kids chasing one another around an inground pool. An eternal summer where fireworks and lightning bugs shifted to strings of lights and Christmas mornings where they both were half asleep wrapped up in house coats in front of a massive tree he just had to have for them.

Tiny terrors racing around the house with new toys while basset hound puppy tried to keep up.

Dumping them all off at Forest's garage for a date night, half terrified of coming back to find the kids had burned the place down. Who was she kidding? Half of the time she swung by: Forest had set the place on fire himself.

Weddings always do this to me.

The wedding reception hall still looked grand as ever, even after guests had cut a rug for half of the night. It made her smile, thinking of her own future for a moment. Gift basket in tow, she bumped into someone on her way out of the Depot. "Oops! Sorry… David." Her eyes widened.

The man simply stared at her for a moment, hair as silver as ever. There was a time she teased him about going gray so early in life. There were other times she teased him that he should pick a codename that didn't belong in a steamy romance novel about spies. What sane person called themselves Hunk?

Now she was just trying to get to the door.

"We need to talk."

"Call me tomorrow and we will," She replied quickly.

"I want to see her before I leave. I have a right to see her," the man replied lowly.

That hit a nerve. The golden light of the outdoor lamps bathed half of her face. "Your rights? Hmm, what about my right to some help raising her? How about some health insurance or dental insurance covered? How about a gift for Christmas or a fucking call on her birthday?"

Everyone stopped and stared. 

"Everything alright?" Brad asked as he stepped outside. Confusion crossed his face as Joan offered up the gift basket and her clutch.

"Peachy." Her expression was torn between pain and rage.

Vickers took one look at the man, deducing just who would have managed to gain real ire from Joan. "I'll go start the car, babe." He paused when her hand snatched at his elbow, pulling him close enough to leave a lipstick mark on his cheek.

"I'm right behind you," She said, quick and anxious.

He couldn't see the argument that broke out as he stepped off the curb and out into the darkened parking lot, but the look on his three teammates faces told him to look back.

Joan's stance was hostile, even in an evening gown. Her hands were a flurry of gestures as she spoke in a heated fashion. A look fury on her face, her gaudy jewelry glittered in the dim light of the building's entrance. The man in front of her said nothing, toying idly with the toothpick set between his jaws.  He suddenly retreated. "There you go! Walk off, it's what you're good at," followed him back inside the building.

"Jerry, Jerry, Jerry…" Chris whispered, pumping a fist. Both Wesker and Jill gave him a sour look.

Brad could only look on, sighing heavily.

Miss Piper was trying to calm the fury as she marched up the sidewalk. A bright smile appeared as she saw Brad. "Hey Baby! Are we headin' out?"

"Do you still love him?"

"BRADLEY VICKERS!"

"She whipped out the whole name. Man…" Chris grumbled from the back seat. "Don't ask stupid questions while she's driving." He undid his tie with quick fingers. "He's just had too many, Joan. Don't listen."

Vickers shook his head, looking out the window. Part of him wished he had rode along with Captain Wesker and Jill.

Even though those two have been acting weird for weeks…

"I don't love David. That was a long time ago. He's an asshole."

"He seems like a deadbeat. I've never seen the guy before tonight," Chris added, sitting back.

"He doesn't even live in the States. We met when I worked for Umbrella. I did security for a lab that manufactured vaccines in a remote region. That's all."

"That's not all. You two literally have a kid."

"Stop it, man."

She signaled left at the stop sign, turning onto Jack Street. "You've been more of a dad to Jenna than he ever was. I know it's a lot to take in, but you try at least."

"He's still her real father."

"Brad, shut up!" Chris's last attempt to intervene was cut short by Joan pulling into a parking space and slamming on the brakes. "Now she's pissed…" He muttered.

Car put into park, she looked over at Vickers as she killed the engine. "Look, I am sympathetic to your jealousy. Everyone feels that, but this isn't going to work if you're going to act like this. My daughter will always come before me and I will always try to meet her needs. It's not about me, it's about her. The sooner you get that through your head, the sooner you'll understand why I'd rather shit in my hands and clap than ever take David back. I love you and I love Jenna. That's it. Everyone else doesn't matter. Whatever you're thinking: put it to rest or go home and sober up."

Brad visibly flinched when she slammed the door shut. Air blown out his nose, the brunette mopped a hand over his face, quiet for a moment. "…Goddammit."

Chris unbuckled his seatbelt in silence, leaning forward to clap Brad on the shoulder. "Write her a bad poem. Give it to her with some dandelions. That should smooth things over." Unlocking the rear door, he stepped out too. "C'mon Vickers, let's get you some coffee."

Joan was behind the bar by the time the two wandered in, despite still being dressed in the same attire she'd worn while entertaining at the wedding. "It's been a long time since I saw you last, Captain. What brings you by?" Her bright eyes followed Jill and Rebecca for a moment and lifted to him as she cracked open two long necks.

A single blond brow lifted. "Boredom and babysitting."

"Oh, well then… Johnny Walker. Right?" The brunette girl's award winning smile flashed briefly. Ice, glass, and liquor after; she slid the glass over to him with a sigh. "On the house, so long as you don't start frisking people."

A long sip taken from the glass, Wesker's lips briefly pursed. "What was happening in front of the Depot?"

"Oh, you saw that? David decided to make the mistake of speaking to me." Tongue rolling along the inside of her cheek, she frowned. "Spencer's dog." Rotating her own glass against the bar, she just shook her head. "I wish I had never joined up and taken the assignment on Rockfort."

"Oh, Joan. We all had fun. Well, you didn't. He liked picking on you quite a bit."

"You were only there for three months. I was there for two years and I regret ever getting tangled up with that man. Jenna doesn't need to know him." Another glass poured, she sipped it down like spring water.

"Vickers is probably a safer bet."

"Mmm… you'd think so, but he had the great idea to piss me off too tonight."

The blond blinked, eyes going wide behind his shades as he listened. Looking for an out immediately, he found it in Jill waving him over. "You can't kill him, Joan. I need him. I'm sure he'll figure out how to make it up to you."

"We shall see…" Her eyes lifted to Miss Chambers. "Beers are on the bar, Rebecca." Turning, she carried her glass to the sink at the other side and disappeared into the back. One heel after the other pulled off, she left them behind on the cooler before she made her way to the back stoop under a blanket of stars.

When she came back in from a needed break, a napkin of all things was rolled up in one of her heels. She snorted when she read the message left on it.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

I'm a jerk,

Your hair looks nice.

Rolling her eyes, she pinned it to the board with the work schedule before heading back out.

Rebecca and Jill cheered when Wesker sank the 8 ball into a pocket on the other side of the room. "We win." Rebecca beamed. "I want my jeep waxed too."

"That's not fair; you had the captain make the shot." Ed was almost pouting.

"Oh, you had no issue with him doing it when you two thought he wasn't going to win it for us!"

"Yeah, but he doesn't suck at pool. We thought he might suck at it."

"Well it serves you right for judging him. Shame on both of you." Rebecca grinned.

Leaning against the bar, Joan listened while Chris dazzled a few of the group with another tale from the Airforce. Fingers lacing with Brad's idle ones, her lips twitched up at their edges when he squeezed. Forgiveness came as a kiss against his cheek when he turned to pick up his cup of coffee.

Most of the group had taken off when the clocktower chimed at midnight. The remaining parties had ties loosened, jackets off, heels dropped and hair down at long last. Jukebox set to play the full list, Joan settled on one of the couches next to Brad. "It's 'Never Have I Ever'. Rules are simple. You take a drink if you've done the thing the person says they've never done. Alright, I'll start." Joan sighed. "Never have I ever owned a dog."

Everyone else groaned, taking a drink.

Brad was next. "Never have I ever flown with an airline."

Everyone else took a drink.

Chris was next, peering at his drink for a moment. It was time to start getting creative. "Never have I ever had sex with Brad."

Joan rolled her eyes at the collective snickering, taking a drink.

His date, Morgan, followed. "Never have I ever had sex with a woman."

Every man and Joan took a drink. Brad nearly choked. "What?"

Joan just shrugged. “I dated her for three years too.”

Jill peered at her glass for a moment, elbows on her knees. "Never have I ever been out of the country."

Most of the group had to take a drink.

Wesker sighed a bit, peering towards the bar as he thought. "Never have I ever paid for sex."

Brad and Joan both took a drink. Both gave the other a sidelong look.

Chris about died laughing right then and there. "Joan, you need to open up more to us. We're clearly not getting the best stories during happy hour."

"I think we all want to hear this story." Wesker smirked a bit, arm stretching along the back of the couch both he and Jill occupied.

Glass on the squatting table, she laughed. "Alright, alright. Is it safe to assume that you were saying that you never paid a working girl for their time?"

"I suppose you could, yes."

"I paid a woman in Germany for her time because it was on my bucket list. We ended up going to a movie and eating at a Donor Kebab stand. Her name was Sindy with an 'S'. I loved her to pieces."

"That's not paying for sex, though." Chris replied, sighing deeply. "I thought we were going to hear one of these wild and crazy 'Joan Piper: Lady of the Night' stories."

"I bet she remembers Joan still, unlike any man that crawled on top of her and wheezed his way through two minutes of the best time of his life." Jill uttered.

Albert let out a snort, shaking his head.

Joan's pearl grin was visible even in the dim light. "Alright, my turn. Never have I ever learned how to speak German fluently."

Only Albert took a drink, a couple brows raised.

"Never have I ever given oral."

Everyone just stared.

"That's not something you want to say in this game, Brad." Chris snorted, covering his face with a palm as he began to laugh. Red faced, he wiped away a few tears. "Oh shit, I'd be lost without you in my life Vickers."

"This is rather educational." Wesker uttered, receiving a slap to the arm from the female to his left. "What?"

Breath relaxing, Chris leaned back next to Morgan. "I've never… Huh, gotta think for a bit. Oh, Never have I ever had a 'ménage a trois'."

Jill's eyes were the size of dinner plates as not only did Miss Piper take a drink but… "What, really?"

Albert merely lifted a single blonde brow after taking a sip from his drink. "What? It was a long time ago."

Brad's jaw about fell to the floor.

"Wait, we heard my paying for sex story. You have to tell us about the threesome."

A deep sigh and Wesker pitched his gaze toward the ceiling. "It was during college, the two ladies living across from me in the dormitories—…"

"Okay, I've heard enough." Jill refilled her glass. "Sounds like the opening of a porno."

"We are spending way too much time together when Captain Wesker is talking about having a three way." Brad mumbled.

Chris's face was in both of his hands as he laughed.

Stare shifted to Jill, Wesker shrugged. "I was eighteen. Nobody would have passed that opportunity up."

Across from them, Joan leaned in to speak quietly to Brad.

"They're fuckin'."

Brad just nodded.

"You really think those two are?" Sleeves rolled up, Brad dunked another glass in soapy water.

"Who?" Joan asked, hanging her dress from a knob to one of the cabinets. Dressed down in a sweater and jeans, she felt a million times better.

"You know who. Captain Perfect and his best gal pal?"

She grinned, wiping down the glossy top of the bar. "They are or they're going to. It was pretty obvious when she reacted like that." She looked over to Brad. "Nobody is perfect, though."

Glasses set on the rack, Brad swiped the bar towel from her to dry his hands. "That could have been us."

Arms stretching above her head, the woman sighed. "True. We would have been forced to sneak around, only able to see one another during graveyard shifts. Screwing in your aircraft. So romantic…"

Brad snorted. "I'll talk to her about it. It might save her some headache."

"I thought this was strip poker." Forest said, taking a look at his hand.

"Well, the only one here who would want to see something like that is Richard…" Ed muttered.

Richard let out a chuckle. "None of you are my type, thanks for thinking of me though, asshole." A pearly grin appeared across his face when everyone else at the table chuckled. "Callin' it… Oh what the fuck, Brad."

"That's like the fourth hand, dude!" Joseph groaned, cards dropped on the table. "He's cheatin'."

"I don't cheat," The brunette sounded hurt when he gathered up his chips.

"Yeah, Joe. He doesn't cheat. We'd know if he ever did. Joan would be on CNN screaming she'd toss him in the wood chipper again." Forest replied with a smirk, finishing off his beer. "How long have you two been together?"

Brad cut the deck, shrugging. "Little over two years now?" His brow furrowed at the expressions all around. "What? Why?"

"When are you going to ask her?" Kenneth reached down, picking up his lighter.

"Ask her what?"

Everyone sighed.

"Ask her to marry you, dumbass." Joseph tossed off his bandana, raking a hand through bright red hair. "Have you even looked at a ring?"

"He's got one…" Forest leaned in, squinting… leaning in more when Brad recoiled. "…He's carrying it right now."

"How the fuck do you do that, man?" Vickers couldn't even react before Joseph had snaked a hand into the pocket of his vest, fishing out a box.

"Jackpot, boys. Ahhhhh! Hey!" His hand jerked to avoid a swipe at it. "We get to see it before you give it to her."

"It might be a Ring Pop and that's not going to work, chief," Kenny replied, the ash from his cigar flicked into the tray on the table. His brows lifted when the box was offered over to him. "Mmm… that's pretty nice."

Forest wrinkled his nose when he looked at the ring tucked in white satin lining. He let the box go when it was snatched. "You couldn't afford this. Are you a drug lord now?"

"It was my great grandmother's. Lay off." Brad replied, tucking the box away. He went right back to shuffling the cards.

"It's a nice ring, Brad," Richard added, trying to lower the temperature of the room. "When do you think you'll ask?"

"I'm asking her at the jazz festival."

"That's not until September," Ken commented, confused.

Cracking open another bottle, Joseph snorted. "He's going to need until then to get up the courage."

Dealing out cards, Brad was fuming. "Joseph, when was the last time you went on a date?"

"I can't go on dates, Brad. You know your mom gets jealous." He and his chair suddenly went over when Brad put him in a headlock.

Forest's jaw dropped.

Ed cackled up a storm. "Get 'im Vickers!"

"Can you guys stop so we can play some fuckin' cards?" Richard asked, picking up his drink as the cards, chips, and table went toppling over. "…Nevermind."

The house was older but it had a new roof. The white picket fence needed some work, grass growing tall along it. One of the windows in the back had a crack in it. A new coat of paint needed to be slapped on the south side. It would need some love, but they had plenty to spare.

Sunliner in the driveway, Joan pulled another box out of the backseat. She left it in a room painted in a cozy rose color. It would be Jenna's room soon. She took her time walking to the back door, turning about to gaze around.

A house, a real house.

She was going to get everything she wanted after all. A glass of sun tea in tow, it took some jiggling to get the back door open. "I think that needs fixed too."

Brad looked up from the lawnmower turned on its side. "Same with this, thanks babe." He drained the glass in seconds. It was unusually hot for late spring. "I think I'm just going to call a landscaper. This isn't working."

"Jack said it worked last week. Who knows…" Sitting down next to him, she took a moment to admire the ring on her hand. It always brought a little smile to her lips. So did he. "I'm just happy I get to wake up every morning and kiss you while living on Kiss Street."

Brad's turn for an eyeroll. "Cheese ball." His attempt to get away was met with a firm grip on his shirt and lips stealing a kiss.

"Just think... we'll be married next October."

He smiled fondly. "I can't wait."

Red pooled between them.

"I love you, Brad. I… We had a good life together." She worked the ring off her finger, offering it up. He still had a chance. She wasn't going to let that memory die with her.

He hesitated, then tucked the ring into his vest. "I love you too…" There was no arguing with her at this point. Her hands in his, he kissed her knuckles one last time.

She was already gone.

He wept in the dark for her.

[softest-cinnamon-roll]

So I’m at my cousins wedding reception rn and the two grooms men I’ve known my entire life right? They keep touching each other and I asked them how long they’ve been together (I haven’t seen them in years) and they go “oh we’re not...” and all I can think about reddie meeting for the first time as groomsmen and then immediately hitting it off and falling for each other. Amy pls.... I’m begging you to write something

When Stan had asked him to be his best man at his wedding, Richie couldn’t say yes fast enough. He had grown up with Stan, he was his best friend through and through, so there was no way he wasn’t going to say no to being the best man at his damn wedding.

MIke was a great guy and Stan deserved him more than anyone. He was funny, smart, rather gorgeous and was incredibly soft hearted and friendly. When he had asked Stan to marry him, Richie was the first person Stan had told, calling him excited down the phone as he ran over all the ideas he had for the ceremony.

In the end, they settled for a simple wedding on Mike’s family farm in Derry, Maine. Richie had taken a long weekend off work and drove up to the state, checking in to the Derry Town House that was completely booked out for the event. Richie had to snort a little, as he knew all about Derry, and it was a small minded town. The people must be having a field day knowing two men were getting married here.

Once Richie had dumped all of his bags into the room and jumped into a quick shower, he changed into something much more comfortable and headed down to the main reception, ready to meet up with Stan and Mike for pre-wedding instructions. What he got instead was the sight of the most beautiful man he had ever laid eyes on.

The man was a few feet shorter than him, with soft blond curls and an annoyed expression on his face as he tapped his foot and looked over the reception desk. That was when Richie shot out of his trance and realised what he was waiting for…assistance.

“Uh, good luck with that. Whoever works here seems to be pretty absent,” Richie spoke up and the man turned his whole body to his direction, making Richie groan internally at how gorgeous he was from the front too. “You kind of have to…check yourself in.”

Raising his eyebrows, the man looked back behind the desk and let out an audible sigh, “You mean I just need to grab a set of keys and hope for the best?” He asked and Richie nodded his head. “This is so unsafe…but I’ve been waiting here for over thirty minutes now and I really don’t have the patience to wait any longer.”

Richie watched at the hot guy moved around behind the desk and looked for a set of keys that would allow him access to a room for one. He grinned and picked a pair, holding them up in triumph as he stepped back out and made his way over to Richie. “See, all sorted now.” He paused. “Are you here for the wedding?”

“Yeah uh, Mike is a close family friend so I’ve forced myself to come back to this hell hole because it was what he wanted.” The guys shrugged and that was when Richie realised who he was. This was Mike’s best friend, and best man, Eddie Kaspbrak.

Damn, Eddie Kaspbrak was hot as fuck and Richie was internally cursing Mike for not introducing them sooner. He grinned. “Eddie Kaspbrak, right? If you’re from Derry why didn’t you know about the shitty service here?”

Eddie blinked, “Because the last time I was in this town, I was living with my mother. I’ve never stepped into this place in my life.” He looked at Richie up and down and Richie, once again, had to hold back a groan. “Wait…are you Richie? Stan’s best man?”

Richie broke into a wide grin and he nodded his head, holding out his hand, “The one and only. Richie Tozier, at your service.” His smile widened even more as Eddie took his hand and he subconsciously raised his hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “Nice to finally meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Richie. I’ve heard…a lot about you.” Eddie laughed looking away a little as he removed his hand from Richie’s grasp. “Stan might have filled me in on your…eccentricness?”

This time, Richie groaned out loud and ran a hand through his hair, “Of course he would. He was probably trying to save you from my shit, as I really am full of it. I also have ADHD, so sometimes I struggle grasping when people want me to shut up. So they just say ‘beep beep, Richie’. So if I bug you, that’s what you say.” A nervous laugh left Richie’s lips at that point and he wondered why he was suddenly so…shy. Normally if Richie was attracted to someone he’d use the Tozier charm until they agreed to come back to bed with him. Yet with Eddie…after only knowing him for about ten minutes…Richie knew he was different.

“Thanks but…I don’t think I’ll have to use it on you.” Eddie winked and Richie’s eyes widened. “Are you meeting Mike and Stan for lunch? I have to just shower really quick, would you mind waiting for me and we can go together?” He asked and Richie nodded his head.

In a flash, Eddie was off up the stairs and Richie was left alone in the reception, wondering what the hell just happened. He moved into the lounge area and took a seat, flicking through his twitter on his phone, updating his status. Eddie was gone for about half an hour, and in that time he had to tell three more guests to just help themselves to room keys or they’d be there all night. Eventually, Eddie appeared back in the doorway, in a new set of clothes, blond hair damp on his head. Fuck.

“Hey, you’re back,” Richie grinned, standing up and pocketing his phone. “Stan just messaged me the diner details and it’s within walking distance so we don’t have to call a cab.” Eddie seemed to agree with Richie and they left the town house, walking down the street to where they’d meet up with Mike and Stan. “So, you grew up here?”

Eddie looked over at Richie as they walked and nodded his head, “Yeah, born here and remained until I was…nineteen and I finally managed to escape. It’s been eight years and this place still puts me on edge. I’m surprised that my mother isn’t out patrolling the streets looking for me as I’m sure she knows I’m here.” He admitted.

“I’m sorry,” Richie whispered, not really wanting to pry into Eddie’s personal life too much. If Eddie wanted to tell him, then he would. “If we see your mom, just let me know and I’ll talk that much she’ll run away.”

Next to him, Eddie paused and bit his lip, looking up at Richie. “Actually…I wanted to ask you something.” Richie tilted his head, letting Eddie know that he was listening. “We both don’t have dates…right?” A nod. “So uh, maybe if we see my mom or anyone else who might know me would you…pretend to be my boyfriend?”

Even though Richie knew it was a stupid idea and that he was probably going to get really hurt, he felt himself nodding his head. “Yes, of course Eddie. It would be my pleasure.”

* * * * *

@richietoaster @tozier-boy @eds-trashmouth @bitchbrak @sloppybitchreddie @its-stranger-than-you-think @maximusfraker @jem-carstairs-is-perfection @thejadeazalea @halfway-happy353 @tinyarmedtrex @inthebreadbinwrites @kat-ships-everything @takeourpure @lo-v-ers @that-weird-girls-blog @studpuffin @s-s-georgie @reddie-for-anything @trashmouthtozierr @richietoizer @girasol-eddie @bi-bi-richie @honeybeehanlon @mars-14 @reddiesetandgo @marsisaplanetyall @xandertheundead @sedanleystanley @hawkinsbabe @beepbeeprichiellc @stellarbisexual @oldguybones @stanleuyris @eduardoandale  @purplepoisonedgem @reddie-to-cryy @pink-psychic @violetreddie @toziesque @queen-sock @appojoos @moonlightrichie @rreddies @disneyfan567 @annxmatron @lifesucksheres20bucks @anellope @roobarrtrashmouth @are-you-reddie-for-it @callmechee @nancynwheeler @reddieforlove @twoidiotsinl0ve @madi-artist @tozierking @s-onora @atownofeggs  @wilding-throught-thehallways @no-she-wasnt-reddie @dadbodrichie @thorn-harvester-ven @eddiekasbpark @sparklingrainbowdragon @ransonelovebot @gloire-celeste @derrylosers @3tothe1 @virgo-luthie @sashadrowned @spirited-marvel @losers-gotta-stick-together @rebecca-the-queen @ultrapaninibred

[mor-beck-more-problems]

Drop Dead Goregous || Morgan & Jasmine

TIMING: Current

LOCATION: Downtown

PARTIES: @halequeenjas & @mor-beck-more-problems

SUMMARY: Morgan’s shopping trip gets interrupted by a ghostly visitor, but not the one she expects.

Morgan was shaken by what she’d seen lately. After almost five months dead, she would’ve thought she’d earned some kind of credit against death bullshit, especially ghost bullshit, considering how she’d died. But it never stopped. No matter what she did, no matter how hard she tried, her hundred year old bullshit came up to rip the floor out from under her and she was left to catch her own fall. Letting out another breath she didn’t need, Morgan shuffled around the boutique she was visiting. Fall was coming, and she wanted to give herself a wardrobe upgrade to match her new reputation and her new self. Bye-bye cutesly floral kimonos, at least for now. She picked through the selections, holding up one muted dress after another before she went back to a rack of black dresses and loose sweaters. As she did, she spotted a familiar face nearby, and a sad, scruffy looking ghost-man hovering behind her, way, way too close for politeness. He had a face that insisted it knew more than you and would be happy to explain how in a twelve slide power point or over beers at a local micro-brewery.

Morgan tried to catch the guy’s attention subtly with her eyes, a good ‘I see you, jerkface’ staredown. But aiming for a little eye contact wasn’t doing much. She took one of the dresses she liked and headed for another rack, ready to swing her hanger through him as a warning shot. “Leave her alone, asshat,” she hissed. “Find somewhere else to haunt.” The hanger bopped against his side, the clips on the dress rattled. He was...solid?

After performing an exorcism for a client earlier, Jasmine was worn down and decided a little retail therapy would perk her right back up. At least the person who was possessed was rich so the paycheck was hefty. No reason to not treat herself to a new dress or five. She’d been idly thumbing through a rack of maroon and burnt orange sweater dresses that’d be perfect for the fall, when she heard someone behind her very quietly whisper the word haunt. How had she missed there was a ghost here? She whipped around, instinctively going for the iron rod in her oversized purse. She recognized the other woman, who could clearly also see ghosts, was whacking Larry Bob with a hanger that didn’t go through him. Her breath hitched in her throat as she hoarsely grumbled, “Damn it, Larry.” His eyes were on her iron rod and he was backing away from her slowly. She swung and he just dodged her leaving a slight whooshing sound in the air. Another whack and this time it stung. He was more quick to move now though he seemed disoriented by not being able to phase through walls. This still meant nothing good. “Here,” she said as she tossed a bag of salt at Morgan,“If he comes toward you throw some of that on him.”

The last thing Morgan had expected was for the woman to know she was being haunted in the first place, much less to have something on hand for keeping him back. Was this survival coping in action or were they somehow...friendly? From the way she swore, probably not. But still--what? Morgan was so befuddled she almost dropped the travel size salt bag. She stammered unintelligibly before throwing a small sprinkle of salt Larry’s way. Yep, just as effective as the iron. But it also happened to bounce off him, not through him. “I’m sorry, but you-- you know he’s there? And what he is?” This much was obvious, but she was still trying to process. “Are you...okay? I mean, you seem okay. Very okay, more than, even, it’s just uh, most people wouldn’t with that guy hanging over their shoulder all stalker-like.” From the looks of the woman, she was one of the more okay looking people Morgan had ever met, and familiar too, though she couldn’t match her face in her head yet. And in her uncertainty, she blabbered on until she ran out of breath. “I just thought, well, maybe you didn’t know! So I’d try...something. To help you, I mean. But you do know! So… sorry, I’m Morgan and definitely not this weird all the time. Have we met before maybe? I would love to have made a better first impression on you some other time.”

It was good that the other woman was quick to throw the dash of salt she’d been given as it caused some recoil from Larry Bob. Jasmine gave the woman an approving nod before she lunged forward with her iron rod and whacked Larry on the head with the iron rod. The kickback of it not going through him made her stumble backward slightly, but he seemed about done with trying to attack him. A nice dose of salt and iron usually made him fuck off for a little while. Her hair was now disheveled as she turned back to Morgan. Normally, she would have not advertised she could see ghosts, but it was clear this was an ability they shared. She let out a dramatic sigh as she responded, “Yeah, he’s a ghost… a poltergeist more specifically. Which I know because I can see ghosts and obviously so can you.” This woman was definitely a little spazzy and caught off guard by the fact Jasmine knew what she was doing. Admittedly, she knew she didn’t look like she could hold her own in a fight, but to be fair, neither did the pint-sized woman who was originally wielding a hanger. “That’s a logical thing to think. Most people don’t know. I just happen to be an exorcist with a poltergeist because a certain someone doesn’t realize trying to make my life hell doesn’t make his sad excuse of a life any more impressive.” The last part she said pointedly even though Larry had faded away. At the mention of hoping she made a better first impression, Jasmine piped in, “We have met. At Bea’s party. Your first impression was good, not that this one was like bad or anything either. I mean, you tried to fight a ghost for me.”

“A POLTER--” Morgan covered her mouth before she drew the attention of the whole store. The young woman, Jasmine, she remembered now, was being remarkably chill about this, and if she wasn’t freaking out about her poltergeist stalker then why was Morgan having a fit about it in public? Sure, she’d been killed by a ghost before, but Larry over there didn’t look murderous so much as just...douchey. But as Jasmine went on, more pieces started to fall together. Morgan had to admit, she didn’t realize exorcists could look like Jasmine: indulgently polished, young, flippantly bold. But then she’d only really met Rebecca before, so who was she to be surprised? “That’s pretty impressive,” she said, gathering herself. “I wish I’d known when we first met, but I guess I should know by now that any friend of Bea’s is bound to be spooky or magical somehow. You’re Jasmine, right? You must’ve been at this awhile to be so chill about a tag-along like...Larry. And I...guess I did try to fight thim, huh? I’m kind of um…” She struggled to find a polite euphemism for what she was, ultimately settling on, “Dead. Almost five months now as it happens. So there’s not much they can really do to get to me.”

Thankfully, Morgan covered her own mouth before Jasmine had to. The last thing she needed was someone hearing them and thinking she was crazy. Especially not the shop owner. This was the best place in town to find high end business professional clothing. “Yes,” she said in a hushed tone, “A poltergeist. Which I know is bad. Like really bad and I’m working on it.” While she couldn’t say Morgan was wrong, she knew she was impressive for a multitude of reasons, she was still more curious about how Morgan could see the ghost and how he somehow became solid. The solid part was arguably more concerning, but hey, it was a little more satisfying to hit him and have it land for real. “That’s me. It’s Morgan, right? I guess I have been. My aunt taught me how to do exorcisms when I was around 19. Plus, pretty used to this particular ghost. Trying to get rid of him, but turns out he may be a two woman job,” she explained. As Morgan explained why she could see ghosts, Jasmine’s jaw quite literally dropped. Dead? Sure, she was pasty, but she just chalked that up to needing a good dose of Vitamin D. The only dead person she’d known was dead prior to this had just been Bea. “Huh,” she mused out loud, “I didn’t realize that was a thing, but hey, for being dead you sure are pretty. Good nothing to get to you though.” In a more hushed tone she asked, “So like are you a vampire or something? I don’t really know much outside of ghosts.”

Morgan was relieved more than anything to see Jasmine at least a little concerned about the polter. Although the idea that they took a long time to ‘work on’ was kind of distressing, given the state of her own personal demon girl. “Are those..um…?” Morgan squeaked. “Do they usually take...a lot of working on? Is that a thing?” She looked over her shoulder uncertainly at where Larry had just been. Maybe this wasn’t really the time. They were in public, after all. She smirked at Jasmine’s compliment and tossed her hair back, smirking, only a little shrill as her unease rolled off and away from her. “What can I say, it’s hard to keep a good girl down.” She smiled warmly at the question, appreciating the tact and concern. “You’re close, but I like brains better than blood,” she said. “It’s not as bad as the movies make it out to be. I mean, the Dawn of the Dead never looked this cute, right? Oh, and before you ask, it’s only been five months. I’m not like, a hundred or anything. But I will look just this good when I am, apparently.”

Jasmine frowned slightly at the question mostly because she hated the answer. Normally, poltergeists were easy enough to remove with an exorcism. Sure, performing an exorcism was physically exhausting and sometimes she ended up with some cuts along the way, but prior to Larry Bob they had always ended with there no longer being a ghost. “No, she answered with a hint of an edge in her voice, “He’s the only poltergeist I’ve had a particularly difficult time getting rid of.” Thankfully, Tiffany seemed to be too preoccupied with her phone to bother paying attention to what was going on around the shop. No one paying attention to them or what happened with Larry Bob was a good thing and meant her reputation was still intact. She hated online shopping and didn’t want to have to drive too far out of town to get nice clothes. Her face brightened as Morgan joked and she laughed in response. “Does that mean you have brains and beauty?” It was easier to joke than to acknowledge that she was a bit alarmed. Bea being back from the dead had thrown her for enough of a loop. Ghosts were one thing, but weren’t zombies and vampires supposed to be all grr? That was a bit out of her wheelhouse though she trusted any friend of Bea’s wasn’t going to hurt her. “Dawn of the Dead’s got nothing on you, that’s for damn sure. That’s a pretty big change, but hey, you’ve got eternal hotness going for you, so congratulations to you on that one.” She wasn’t sure if being new to the whole zombie thing was more or less comforting. She blurted out, “So… brains, huh?”

“Oh!” Morgan’s voice came out as a bright pop and she wasn’t sure whether to feel guilty about it or not. She didn’t care about whether Constance was a poltergeist or not, she just wanted her to leave and suffer. But she also wanted her friends to get out of this unscathed. No more hospitals, no more tears, no more hurt, no more staring at death through the eyes of an angry, pimpled face. It was good to know that if Constance snapped, she would still be easy to crush. “I was just curious,” she added, a little awkwardly. “I have a uh, not quite polter problem too, and I was just, you know, wondering. For obvious reasons. Not really into the ‘collateral damage’ scene. Been there, done that!” She laughed, but it came out a little hollow and shrill. Nell and Taki had been hurt because of Constance. Deirdre had been hurt because of Constance. Blanche had been hurt tracking her down. If Constance decided that she needed to go after anyone besides Deirdre-- Morgan didn’t want to think about it. She had enough reasons to take the ghost apart piece by piece. It was much, much nicer talking about how attractive they both were, and so much easier for making friends. At least Jasmine knew how to take care of herself around a spirit. Morgan wouldn’t be endangering her too much if they hit it off.

“Thank you! It is really nice looking this great without embalming, even with the brains and all. That part’s super real, but a little snack of preserved eyeballs and organs? Also good. I’m just kinda sad I’m never gonna know if I looked hot with gray hairs, you know? But you are kind of extraordinary to look at, if that’s not too weird to say. I’m, you know, I have a girlfriend. But like, that manicure! It’s gorgeous. I’m always so worried my hands are gonna freak people out if they have to touch them.” As she said this, she realized her hand was already held out to shake and--yikes. Too much. Morgan pulled her hand away, smiling apologetically. “I’m sorry, for crashing your shopping trip. If you’re anything like the other exorcists I’ve known, you definitely deserve some TLC. Um, that dress really does look pretty, by the way. I hope you get it.”

At the mention of having some degree of a ghost problem, Jasmine straightened up a little bit. To a degree, she hated all of this. Exorcisms were draining. Seeing dead people got exhausting. None of it was quite how she used to envision her life, but she couldn’t just sit here with these powers and ignore her calling. What she knew for sure was that she definitely deserved the new pair of shoes she was getting to go with her new dress. “A not quite polter problem,” she said slowly just to make sure she heard right, “Is this something you’d let me check out? This ghost may not want to show their face to an exorcist, but I do know a few spellcasters who could probably summon them.” To lighten the mood a bit, she added, “Since you’re a friend of Bea’s, I’ll even give you a friends and family discount.” At least not quite a poltergeist could mean slightly less complex. It still left an uneasy feeling within her that she opted to ignore for the time being until Morgan opted to give her more information.

This part of the conversation was easier and involved a lot less potential danger. Morgan didn’t seem like she was jonesing for her brains though the thought did cross her mind. Jasmine lit up a bit and added, “Well, you’re definitely the prettiest dead girl I’ve ever seen… and trust me, I’ve seen a lot. Also, eh, I’ll let you keep those snacks to yourself. Not really up my alley personally, but like, different nutritional needs I’m sure.” Eyeballs and brains still had a major ick factor though. God, when she died, she just wanted to stay dead and hopefully that would be a very long time from now. That thought quickly faded as Morgan began complimenting her. With a flip of her hair, she responded, “You know, hair dye does exist, but thank you. I can’t help but agree with you.” She looked down to the dress. “You think so,” she asked, “Red is usually more my color but this shade of burnt orange is perfect for fall.” She laughed a bit, “Don’t worry, didn’t think you were trying to hit on me. I could totally do your nails though. My dad grounded me for like six months my junior year of high school, so I got pretty good at doing them myself. Trust me, it takes a lot more than cold hands to freak me out.” An uncertainty she felt about the whole zombie thing was quickly fading. Morgan was fun and seemingly sweet. Once they got rid of her ghost, it’d be all good times.

Morgan waved away Jasmine’s concern, covering her uneasy laugh with a smile. “I’m getting it figured out, no worries. It’s not like she follows me around all the time.” Just some spontaneous attempted murder. Just girl stuff. “But, you know, anything goes south and you’ll be my first call.” So far, exorcisms ‘to the pain’ were a little hard to come by, and there wasn’t much of a roadmap for finding the worst of the worst either. As plausible as it seemed that Jasmine would have some idea, she couldn’t risk her going out and getting rid of Constance the easy way behind her back. They’d only just met, Jasmine had no reason to trust her sob story. Maybe later, when Morgan wasn’t just some rando to her, she’d explain it better. “‘Sides, maybe by then we’ll be friends too, no middle gal, however truly exceptional she might be.” Morgan smiled with relief as Jasmine took everything in stride. “I am no stranger to red,” she said, gesturing down to her own tunic cardigan, slumping artfully off one shoulder. “But orange is just so… I mean it just screams October and pumpkin spice, right?” Her smile widened as she went on. “That would be amazing! You know, I’ve never gotten the knack of doing my own nails, I don’t know if it’s a left handed thing or what, but it never comes out right. And come to think of it, I’m sure you have lots of stories, especially if you’ve been in town your whole life. Um, whenever you’re free, we should--I don’t know, do nails. Or hair. Something nice in all this White Crest--” she waved her fingers vaguely, “Nonsense. And we can bring salt! It might be nice to get to know one another without ghostly plus ones, right?”

Jasmine tilted her head not quite believing that statement, but she had to trust Morgan would come to her if things got too heated. It wasn’t as if she could go out looking for this ghost with so little information. “Good, please do keep me posted if anything escalates. The longer she sticks around, the worse she’ll get,” she explained and hoped the situation was given the proper attention. Since really learning about her powers and what she was capable of, she felt a sense of duty to keep people safe from bad ghosts. Jasmine doubted she was the only exorcist in town. As long as it was being handled, that was what mattered, so she laughed and agreed, “You know, I think we can work on that. Being friends without the stunning middle woman.” As Morgan gestured at her tunic, Jas added, “Which I do love on you, really brings out your eyes, but you’re right. It’s pumpkin spice season, why not dress like what everyone is craving… well, you know besides me.” The last part came off almost joking, but she definitely believed it to be true. She was funny, gorgeous, wealthy, and happened to save people from ghosts on the side. What was there not to love? “I’m getting it,” she exclaimed before excitedly adding, “Oh, you’re definitely coming over to my place for a proper manicure and most likely some wine. My hot tub is, like, super nice, too. Also, my home is ghost free due to some handy wards and tons of salt so no unwanted plus ones. If you couldn’t tell by my resounding agreement, I’d love to get to know you better and become actual friends. Especially if I get to paint your nails. Makeovers are kind of my thing.” Somehow, Morgan’s energy was a bit contagious. She never thought she’d be making friends with a zombie, but hey, she was solid and didn’t haunt people so who was she to judge? She had a feeling they’d be fast friends.

[fanficsaremylifeline]

Fandom: Captain America (Movies) Relationships: Rebecca Barnes Proctor & Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes & Rebecca Barnes Proctor & Steve Rogers Summary:

Rebecca's calm life in the retirement home is turned upside down once more, when all of a sudden Steve, who to her recollection died about seventy years ago, stands in her room, here to make good on a promise he made to her 81 years ago.

***

“Ms Barnes?” After a soft knock, Nurse Moira poked her head through Rebecca's door.

“What is it, dear?” Rebecca looked over at the woman and put her book down.

“You have a visitor.”

“Oh, I thought Adelaide wasn't going to come around this week.”

“No, Ms Barnes, there is a charming young man here, who'd like to see you”, she smiled.

Huh. Rebecca was pretty sure that the only charming young men she knew, worked here at the nursing home. Well, except for Philip, her godson. Though it would be very unlikely for him to visit on a Wednesday morning.

Nurse Moira turned around, probably to the man in question and gestured at Becca's door.

“Thanks.” He stepped into the room. And Rebecca could not believe her eyes. “Hey Becca.”

“Oh, you gotta be kidding me!” With what was probably a new record time for her, she jumped up from her chair and dashed straight towards the visitor. “Steve? Is that really...” She cupped his face, pulled him a little down, so she could properly inspect who she was pretty sure was a) dead and b) six years older than her, even though the man standing in front of her didn't look older than thirty. “Is that really you?”

“Yeah”, he nodded with the widest smile. “I know it's weird, but it's me.”

“Oh my!” She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. “I missed you, so, so much!”

“I missed you, too.” Steve held her tight, leaning down just enough so he could rest his head on hers, while she pressed her face against his chest. It may have been 70 or so years, but Becca basked in the familiarity of his touch, his scent and her eyes filled with tears.

“Becca, you know damn well that if you start crying, so will I”, Steve laughed, but he was clearly choked up.

“Tough”, she sniffled, “that's just what you get for coming back from the dead.”

“Fair enough.”

Becca leaned back and looked up at him. “Steven Grant Rogers, you always were an impossible punk.”

“I think that's a compliment.”

“Yeah.” Without missing a beat, she boxed against his arm, as hard as she could.

“Ouch!”, he cried out, his face falling into offended confusion. “What was that for?”

“For dying after promising me you'll come back home! And this”, she hit his other arm, “is for you and Bucky needing to be self-sacrificing idiots!”

“I'm so sorry, I really am! We...”

“I'M NOT DONE YET! This”, she boxed against his stomach, “is for taking seventy years to come back.”

“Are you done?”

“One more. How DARE you look that good at 94?”

“That isn't actually my fault”, he defended himself, his arms raised up defensively.

Not that she had actually managed to hurt him; as fit as she was for her age, she was an old woman in her late eighties and Steve was – apparently still – in the prime of his life. Whatever Howard Stark had cooked up back then, it still worked wonders.

“Well, how about you and me go for a nice cup of coffee and you can tell me what the hell happened.”

Becca grabbed her purse and her walking stick and linked her free arm with Steve's.

“I don't suppose Mildred's is still open?”

“'Fraid not. But the one here in the park is just as good.”

After Steve had finished his story, Rebecca could only stare at him. “So, let me get this straight: you didn't actually die, you were just... deep-frozen?”

“Something like that. Don't ask me how they defrosted me, though; Bucky was always the science nerd.”

“Yeah... They didn't thaw my brother out with you by any chance?”

His smile dropped and he shook his head. “I'm sorry.”

“Not your fault.” She put on a smile, but Steve saw how much it pained her, and he got it. He felt just the same. Not exactly the same, to him all that was only weeks ago, not seventy years... “Besides”, she added, “I have made my peace with that. With losing you as well. Thank you, for that very unnecessary heartbreak.”

“I can't tell you how sorry I am.”

“I know you are. I know my Stevie after all”, she added with a grin.

“Yeah, you do. So, tell me about your life! What happened to you? Did you become a lawyer?”

“I did”, she smiled proudly, “eventually. I didn't get into a lawschool until '61, I tell you, it was a lot of work and fights to get through. But it was definitely worth it, I was one hell of an attorney.”

“I don't have any doubts, because you, my dear, are fierce.”

“You have no idea...”

“Oh, yeah I do”, Steve laughed, “I have been on the receiving end of your fierceness plenty of times.” She could get down right scary; almost as much as Steve's Mum.

“Well, you deserved it every time. I didn't get married. I don't feel like I missed out on anything though, all my nieces and god-children were enough for me.”

“Oh wow. Lizzie, Ruth... Are they...”

“No”, she shook her head, “you missed Lizzie by about four years. Ruthie, she… she got sick, just after the war ended.”

“Oh.” Steve’s heart just broke into a million pieces. The Barnes-girls were like sisters to him, and knowing he’d really never see the two again really hurt.

“Yeah... Lizzie did the whole housewife thing though, got married, has two amazing daughters, Jamie and Stephanie. Can you guess after whom they are named?”

“She named her daughters after us?” Oh, Steve felt his eyes starting to sting and filling with tears. This was so bizarre yet so amazing!

“Yeah. Jamie is 57, works in Seattle at an advertising firm, she has two sons, Richard and Martin, wonderful boys, both in college at the moment, Richard doing IT and Martin becoming a teacher. Stephanie is 55, lives in Washington, she studied politics and works actually in the White House. Being named after Captain America probably helped with that”, she giggled. “Anyways, she has a daughter, Melissa, who works at a publishers, and she is going to be married soon!”

“Wow.” So much information about so many people Steve should know but didn't. “I can't wait to meet them”, he just smiled.

“They'll be ecstatic to meet you too, Uncle Steve.”

He couldn't keep the snorted laugh in anymore. “Uncle Steve?” That sounded somehow weirdly nice, yet all kinds of wrong at the same time.

“That's you, believe it or not.”

“It is not the most improbable thing that happened in the last few weeks… So, Lizzie’s husband… Do I know him?”

“You do”, she grinned, “on the third of April 1954, she became Mrs George Davis.”

“No.” Steve’s jaw hit the ground. “She married little Georgie? Seriously?” Little Georgie… He lived just down the street, was a year or two under Steve and Buck, and an adorable fellow. “Buck always assumed that he was gay.”

“He wasn’t. Steve, you should have seen him, he was one hell of a guy, protective of Lizzie and the girls like you wouldn’t believe and such a wonderful father… A guy like George I might have married”, she smiled. “But that guy, who promised to make an honest woman out of me if we both were still single by 35 just had to dive an airplane into the ocean, didn't he?”

“Oh my”, Steve laughed, “I did promise that, didn’t I?” After he caught his breath again, he smiled over at her. “Well, I can’t help but notice that we are both over 35 and still single…”

“Steven Grant Rogers.” He braced himself for being cussed at for such a ridiculous comment, when she raised her eyebrow. “If you think that this counts as a proposal you are sorely mistaken.”

“Wait, what?” His eyes went big as he tried to comprehend what she just insinuated.

“I might be a badass lawyer, but I’m also a romantic woman”, she continued, keeping their eyes locked. “So, until you go down on one knee, don’t expect me to even consider it.”

Huh. “Alright…” He cleared his throat and took a deep breath before smiling at her again. “Duly noted.”

“Good. Then, how about you escort me back to the home? I should be back for lunch.”

“Of course, my lady.” Steve got up and held his arm out to her and together they walked back through the garden to the home’s dining room, where they were greeted by some curious looks.

“My, Rebecca, who’s your friend?”, one lady asked, looking Steve up and down, which only made him a tad uncomfortable.

“That’s Steve”, she explained as he helped her into her chair. “You could say I’ve known him my whole life.”

Steve came by almost every day. He was offered a small apartment in Brooklyn, only a few streets from where she lived; it was like back when they were young. With the difference, that them meeting went over a lot calmer and quieter; they mostly spend their days out in the park or in her room, talking, catching up.

“So, my dear”, Steve smiled, as they sat out on a bench on lovely Tuesday afternoon, enjoying the sun beaming down on them, “I have made a promise to you, a long time ago. And well, I am a man of my word.” He searched his pocket and got up, before kneeling in front of her and holding out a simple silver band with a red gem on top.

Rebecca was speechless, which was quite the unusual feeling for her, as Steve took her hand. “Rebecca Dorothy Barnes, would you do me the honours of becoming Mrs Rebecca Dorothy Rogers?”

“Steve… you punk are impossible”, she smiled and nodded happily. “Yes, I would love for you to become Steven Grant Barnes.”

With a laugh he put the perfectly fitting ring on her finger and nuzzled into an embrace.

“If Bucky could see us now”, she laughed, “he’d be so jealous!” She grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently. “I always assumed he’d be the one Barnes you’d put a ring on.”

“Yeah…” Steve softly stroked her hand. “Wait.” He stilled suddenly, turning to her with wide eyes. “You… You knew?”

“Of course I do”, she chuckled, “I know my two idiots after all.” She looked up at him with an encouraging smile. “I don’t know when it happened that your friendship turned into more, and I also don’t know if you two ever were together, but know that I support you.”

“Thanks”, he sighed, clearly relieved.

“At least you're gonne be a Barnes, one way or another.”

“Well, first of all, I was under the impression I became an official Barnes the day Buck adopted me in... fourth grade I think it was. But more importantly, you are not some leftover, because I can't marry your brother. I could not wish for a more awesome, fierce and beautiful bride.”

“Aw, Stevie”, she cooed and, to keep from blushing too much, she cupped his face and put a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Besides, you'll look so much more lovely in a wedding dress than Buck ever could.”

The visits became a little unregularly, once Steve became an Avenger. And here Rebecca was, thinking her worrying about that boy had ended with the second world war, but no, he was back in uniform, fighting aliens and so many more unimaginable things.

“You are my fiancé”, she scolded him, “I do not appreciate you putting me through this torture again!”

“I know. It’s my job, though.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Softly, she stroked the bruise on his face.

“At least we won.” Steve offered her a shy smile and damnit, that just got her every time. “Fine. You are forgiven.”

“Phew…”, he grinned. “And I promise to do my best to always come back, alright?”

“You made that promise once before”, she reminded him of the last time they had seen each other, back in the forties.

“And I kept it, didn't I?” With a skew grin he tried to mask the pain of his memories, but Rebecca knew him well enough to see right through it.

“This time 'round I might not have 70 years to wait for you anymore”, she just shrugged and went to inspect his bruised and battered arm. Sure, some of this country's best doctors had taken care of Steve, but she was damned if she didn't properly look after her fiancé.

“Never say nev... OUCH!”, he cried out, when she got a little too close to a particularly bad bruise.

“Wuss”, she just scoffed. It did look extremely painful though. Whatever those Alien-robots had been doing to the Avengers, it was effective. As aware as she had been all these years, in this moment she knew it more so than ever before: she couldn't live through mourning him a second time. “Promise me something else”, she asked of him.

“Anything.”

“Promise me not to die again. I don't care if you come back again or not, but do not make me mourn you, not one more damn time. You got that?”

“Yes”, he nodded and squeezed her hands. “I promise.”

“Hey Becca.” Steve put his head through her door and smiled at his fiancée.

“Steve”, she sighed and waved him over. “Come on in.”

He stayed in the door. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Are you finally marrying me?” Not that they were ever going to be married. It was however one of the greatest joys of her last few years and months, to have their fun with a promise they had long outlived.

“Better.” He opened the door wider and pulled someone in after him. All she could see at first was long, brown hair; when it was brushed away, her heart skipped a beat. “Wha…”

“Hey Becca”, her brother smiled and after a push from Steve, he walked over to her bed.

“James? Is that…” With all the strength she had left, she pushed herself up, Bucky holding out a hand, helping her sit up.

“Yeah”, he smiled and immediately the siblings were in a tight hug. “I missed you.”

“I missed you more”, she cried, holding tight onto him out of fear he’d disappear again if she let go.

Eventually, they did break apart; his face just as tearstained as hers; from the corner of her eye she saw Steve wiping the tears off his cheek.

“I love you, James.”

“I love you more.” He took her hands in his and softly kissed them; until his eye fell on the ring on her finger. “Hold up.” He straightened himself out and looked from Becca to Steve, back to his sister. “Steve told me about Ruthie, about Lizzie, but he never mentioned you being married… Please tell me you didn’t marry Arthur Thompson.”

Yup, there was her big brother, protective of Becca and the guys courting her. “I did not”, she clarified and smiled at Steve. “So, you didn’t tell him. Interesting.”

“Didn't tell me what?”

Steve turned a few shades redder and cautiously walked over, sitting himself besides the siblings. “Well...”

Buck held his hand up to shush Steve and turned back to Becca, who couldn't suppress the wide grin any more. “Seriously?”

“Back in the day he promised to marry me if I were still single by 35. I was still single by 88, so, being a man of his word, he proposed to me.”

After a short moment of silence, James just burst out laughing. Until now, Becca hadn't even realized how much she'd missed that sound and was happier than she ever thought she could be that she got to hear it again. “You guys are impossible... Did you get married?”

“Unfortunately, Captain America over there was too busy saving the world”, she commented with a roll of her eyes.

“Of course...”, he scoffed before turning towards Steve. “You better do right by my sister or I'll go all Winter Soldier on your pretty behind.”

“What's Winter Soldier?”

The way both Steve and James' faces dropped at her question, left her to be sure that it was nothing good.

“Nothing you need to worry about”, Steve smiled. “But Buck is right. I made a promise that I'd like to keep. What do you say, doll?”

“That I am not the one to make an honest man of you”, she answered with a warm smile. Steve and Bucky always were the dream team. And now that fate had given them a second chance, it was not on her to stand in their way.

“You met somebody else?” With wide eyes, James turned back to Steve. “Are you cheating on my little sister?”

“Of course not!”, he defended himself, “I would never!”

“I should hope so”, Buck grumbled and turned back to Becca. He took her hands back in his and softly brushed his thumb over her fingers. “I know that punk over there didn't ask me, but you two would have my blessing.”

“Aw, sweetheart!”, Becca smiled and pulled him into a hug. “And you two have mine”, she whispered into his ear. By the way he jumped, it was probably not what he had expected to hear from her.

“What?”, he choked out with wide, unblinking eyes.

“You heard me.”

“Heard what?” A little confused, Steve looked between the two of them.

“Nothing”, Bucky was quick to answer, blushing just enough for Becca to know that the past eighty years didn't change too much.

She smiled up at Bucky. “Just hurry, I'd like to see you get it sorted out and I don't think I have too much time left.”

“No, please don't say that! I just came back!” The insinuation about Buck and Steve's relationship was forgotten, as the tears filled his eyes once more.

“It's only fair. I had to mourn you, too.”

“Yeah, but you're stronger than me and Stevie put together...”

“Now that's some bull”, she laughed and took Steve's hand in her free one. “You two are gonna be fine. You got each other and that got you through the war, it'll get you through living in the 21st century.” Looking from one of her boys to the other, both with tears in their eyes, she got emotional as well. “Stop crying, you two. You know that when you cry, I'll start as well.”

“Sorry”, Steve chuckled and wiped his eyes.

“I'm not”, Buck made clear. “I love my pain-in-the-ass little sister.”

“I should hope so”, Becca laughed and, with the boys' help, she lay back in her bed. All that excitement was just a little too much, and maybe a nap would do her good.

She wasn't afraid to close her eyes, either; her two boys barely left her side and whenever she woke up they sat next to her. With Steve's celebrity status, nobody made too many problems for them ignoring all rules of visitation hours. They even stopped going on missions and as little as she would want to keep either from doing their jobs, Becca was eternally grateful not having to worry about them.

It took about two weeks for the boys to get their heads out of their asses and finally admit to the other how they felt and walked into her room hand in hand.

“Please tell me this means what I hope it means”, she sighed.

“Yeah, it does”, Buck grinned, his cheeks flushing a bit and looking over at Steve who had the biggest heart eyes.

“Finally”, Becca smiled. “Now I can die in peace.”

[lucastheunlucky]

latched secret || blanche&luke

Location: Yum!Pizzeria Date/Time: 5/27/20 @harlowhaunted Summary: Blanche takes a lunch at the pizzeria but finds it being cleaned and worked on. Luke gives her pizza anyway (cause this is canon we know it) and they become acquainted over ghost vibes after realizing they share a few of the same friends.

Yum!Pizzeria had been operating okay without him thanks to his wonderful neighbor Mrs. Lee and Orion. But the seventy year old woman really should be retired now, and Luke felt in debt to her for keeping the place open while he healed up. Luke walked into the shop today, leaving the door open to air it out. They were technically closed today, and he had a few people in there today cleaning the place out and deep cleaning every inch of the shop. His left arm was no longer bandaged but stitched up in thick staples and coated in medicine to keep infection out. Lucas was getting a little bit of his mobility back to his fingers, the tendon and nerves were having a hard time connecting even with his accelerated healing. It would be okay though. He was able to hold things now, and that was progress. Luke was sitting at a bench while staff cleaned the place, paperwork spread out as he organized his accounts, and looked over the business expenses while he was gone to be sure everything lined up.

Exhaustion clung to her as she shuffled into Yum!Pizzeria on her lunch break. The paperwork she had been working on for Mercy was left abandoned, waiting for her when Blanche would come back after she had found something to eat. At least she was being good - at least she was remembering to be a person and to eat and to go to work and to just have some semblance of normalcy. Or, as normal as everything could be. The paranoia that the fucking hunter would come back to finish the job on Nell had never left, and Winn was still being a dramatic ass motherfucker and she hadn’t heard from him either. But, as Blanche slid into the pizza joint, she resolved to not think about any of that for the next 54 minutes she had. “Hey, sorry, are you guys not open?” Blanche realized she had been zoning out  and things didn’t exactly look up to snuff. She rubbed her neck sheepishly. “I wasn’t paying attentio - uh?” Blanche frowned. The hairs on the back of he neck were standing up and - oh shit. She ripped her eyes off the man on the bench, looking around for the ghost. Come on, where the hell was it?

“Mhm?” He lifted his gaze from the paperwork, the place clearly in disarray with the chairs up on the tables and people cleaning, if definitely wasn’t open, but the beast could only smile at the other woman. “Technically no,” he said, and nodded to his staff to move towards the kitchen so the cleaning wasn’t so noisy. It had been a help to hire a few more people this week and with group inside to get it clean and redorated, new parts getting replaced or upgraded, Luke was excited to see the changes. The Pizza shop needed to stay for a little bit longer, just until he knew what was going on with Gotch. “But, come here, sit down--” he gestured in, sitting on one of the tables was stacks of pizza’s everyone had been munching on while working. “Take a break, you look tired-- plates are here.” He slid one over. 

“Oh shit,” Blanche said sheepishly. If there was a ghost here, then she absolutely did not want to be here. And she definitely didn’t want to be that asshole customer that came in on closed business days. Except he was shoving a pizza box towards her, telling her to grab a plate while the cleaning crew drifted off into the kitchen and they were alone. Blanche frowned, and realized now that her ghost senses were stronger when she got near the man. Fuck. Was he possessed? Blanche had frozen slightly, unsure what she wanted to do. Well, she knew what she wanted to do, and that was turn, run, and never show her face back here out of embarrassment, and maybe call Rebecca or Cassie to come deal with it. But it didn’t quite feel like he was possessed, and she wished she hadn’t dipped on Rebecca’s lesson. “Are you sure?” Blanche finally said, resigned. “Um, I’m sorry I came in while you guys were cleaning, I just - I’ve been a little out of it.” She gave him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Um, I’m Blanche, by the way.”

“You do look tired. I get that, we’re closed temporarily this week cause I’m healing up from an injury and taking the time to revamp things a little bit,” Luke tilted his head at the name. Having received multiple texts from Noah about a Blanche deal with a missing Winn. Did Winston or Ariana also say her name? He couldn’t remember well. “Eat up your fill, there are a few different ones in there, new flavors too, so you will get a sneak peak at some new menu ideas. Highly classified.” He joked, and quickly typed a few things down, and then closed up the laptop and leaned back. He actually needed a break himself, he’s been at it for hours, his back creaked from going the other direction. “Hey, can I ask if you know a Noah? He’s trying to be a vet?-- I just feel like I’ve heard about a Blanche in the grapevine of my friends, and you sorta fit the profile. I’m Lucas.” 

“Oh, I’m glad you’re healing up!” Blanche smiled slightly, before doing as she was told and grabbing a slice of pizza. She was too tired to refuse food right about now, and she was admittedly more and more curious about the ghostly presence around the man. She examined Lucas closely as she say down on a bench. He knew Noah? Her eyebrows knit together in concern for just a moment - what had Noah said? Did Ariana or Noah spill what she was to someone? Or did Lucas know Winn. Blanche supposed that she didn’t rightly care if people knew that she could see ghosts anymore, even if there was still a swirl of anxiety in her at the thought of it. She was just too tired to keep the secrecy up. The bad excuses, everything. So finally, she said, “Yeah, I know Noah.” After considering another moment, taking a bite of her pizza and swallowing, she rested her plate in her lap. “Does that mean you know what happened with Winn Woods?” Blanche asked. 

“Ah, it’s nice to meet you then,” Lucas said with a friendly vibe. He hadn’t known if it was her, but relief was easily seen on his face that it wasn’t going to be awkward. “Know what happened? Not entirely— no details, Noah is just mad right now and yelling at me through text so I’m trying to keep a neutral front to it. However, I’m glad you’re fine. It’s the only reason I heard your name, everyone seemed worried about you between the yelling.” Luke got up and pulled out some sodas and a water bottle from the customer fridge and set some down near her to pick what she liked. “I don’t know anything about you though. Just a name. You know how friend circles are. Do you work close by?”

Blanche almost laughed at Lucas when he mentioned that Noah was yelling over text. “He seemed to keep from yelling at me, but he thinks I’m a big ol’ idiot,” she said, gratefully taking the bottle of water with a quieter thank you. “And he’s not wrong, mind you. Winn and I both made stupid decisions, I just… I needed to blow off some steam, you know,” Blanche shrugged, giving him a small smile. She didn’t elaborate. He either knew what Winn was or he didn’t, and now that she thought more about it, she didn’t think Noah would shoot his mouth off about the details. “Yeah I work at Valfrey Investigation Services. I’m the apprentice there,” she explained. “I came into work today and decided to actually take my lunch break.” The feeling hit her again, and she faltered slightly. Shit. “Hey, uh, can I ask you a weird question? You don’t happen to, uh, believe in ghosts, do you?”

Lucas really understood the sheer need to blow off steam and how rationality could be a little fuzzy with it. Wolves were sturdy and Lucas always worried about hurting others on the football field when he was younger because of it. But the loss of control— well. Luke wanted to understand that bit more. “Winn means well. I feel like all his intentions are usually close to being good, but I just met him a few weeks ago so it’s just first impressions from my end. He was there for me though, when I was in a low spot. I don’t want to come at him over it. It wasn’t on purpose, he should say sorry though.” Lucas commented, but noticed her falter. “Eat, eat.” He said a little worried, taking it as being hungry or exhausted. “Sure— of course. Lots of things exist in the world. Why?” 

Blanche waved it off. “Winn’s a good person, but a bit of a bonehead. Clearly I’m not much better. It was both our faults. I’m just a little pissed he ran off, but…” Blanche sighed slightly, shrugging. “He’ll be back. We can deal with it then.” And maybe, hopefully, things will have calmed down by then. With Bea and Nell and Luce… She took a bite out of the pizza when he encouraged her to eat, trying to figure out the best way to put this. Shit, she needed Granny. Then again, Granny was always pushy and in people’s faces. She didn’t give a shit if people believed her or not, just like she didn’t give a shit now about what people thought of her. “I - At the risk of sounding insane,” Blanche said, looking at him apologetically. “I, uh…” Well if he was friends with Winn, then he probably knew about the wolf thing. Blanche decided then to take a risk. “Can see them. And feel them. And I think there’s one... “ Blanche winced. Possession wasn’t the right word, it didn’t look or feel like that. At least, she was pretty sure it didn’t feel like that. “Here.” Blanche finished lamely. She fidgeted anxiously. “Are you feeling okay?” Blanche asked. 

Lucas tilted his head in that puppy dog way that he never could work out of his instinct while she talked. “See them? That might be quite the burden, huh?” Lucas’ brows wrinkled a little bit. He wasn’t overly familiar with ghosts, usually one to fight beasts or monsters that gave him a decent fight. His mind briefly touched on the face he saw sometimes, the young girls, but he had always taken that as trauma with Gotch. When she asked if he was feeling okay, and the almost sweet, concerned delivery Lucas huffed an honest laugh. After weeks of wolves yelling at him, and worrying over him in their aggressive, all in love way, that was the nicest way anyone asked about him. “I’m never quite okay, so you think one is here? Or one with me? I’ll be honest,” he bit the inside of his mouth a little. “I’ve sometimes seen something just in the corner of my eye.” 

Quite the burden. Blanche almost laughed at him, but quickly controlled herself by taking a big swig of her water. Burden was definitely a word for it. She was feeling overly negative today, too, so she could have added on isolating, life-ruining, pain-in-the-ass, relationship-ending, bullshit. But she didn’t. Because that was her being dramatic, and neither of them needed dramatics today. Instead, Blanche shrugged like it didn’t matter. “It could be worse,” Blanche said, giving him a strained smile. Never quite okay. She related to that, but she was curious. She wasn’t used to being believed so easily, thought there was the possibility that he was only entertaining her. “Something like that,” Blanche replied with a frown. “I don’t… see anything. Which is unusual, but I definitely feel something. Do you - Uh, do you experience black outs?” Blanche asked, almost apologetically. It would at least rule out possession. “Lost time? Waking up in places where you’ve never been before, confused? What sort of things have you seen out of the corner of your eye? Or even just when you’re really tired, and think you see something there and it goes away in a blink.”

“No, no blackouts,” Lucas wasn’t entertaining her at all. One to believe usually anything that sounded a bit strange, but also, he was a kind person and didn’t need to make someone feel bad for telling him something about themself. Kinda like Regan and her need to keep sending dead animals to people. A bad feeling was surfacing while she inquired more, and he realized, while he’s always been depressed and suffered with dissociation since he was a teenager because of Gotch, he didn’t always have these extra bits. Maybe it all wasn’t his head being hard on him. “Hmm, alright. I’ll be honest with you, okay? Since you are being forthcoming,” he offered a smile, trying to make sure she wasn’t over concerned about his feelings towards it. “But I have heard whispers sometimes, they tell me to walk away? To just keep going, and going. Sometimes it will catch me while I’m on a roof, and something in my head tells me to walk off the edge. Or travel down a road until I die. I, honestly, just assume I’m having a bad moment mentally. I’m not the best sometimes with stuff? So I just laid down or whatever,” he thought about it more. “The only thing I have seen is sometimes when I’m in a particularly bad state-- I see a little girl just in the edge of my vision. You think that it’s not always been me? Like, maybe something else is there?” 

Blanche listened to Luke closely. There was something in her that had woken up - an old anxiety that wanted to rear its ugly head. How nervous this shit made her. Talking about the dead so easily was supposed to be something that Granny was good at, it was never supposed to just be her thing… Except, it was her thing. This was what she had been born with, and she spent too long trying to convince herself to ignore it or hide it. None of that was going to work now. She could do it with Bea and she could do it with Lucas, and she didn’t have to think too hard about it. Well, probably. She frowned slightly as Lucas told her what these voices were whispering to him, and she tried to nod encouragingly. “A little girl?” Blanche asked, pressing her lips together in a thin line. Could a spirit of a little girl do that? In horror media, Blanche was pretty sure little girls were often projected as bad spirits or demons, mostly because they were creepy and had that horrible high pitched laugh. It could be a malicious spirit, but Blanche wasn’t sure. She just knew that she could feel it, and the longer she explored that feeling, the more she didn’t like it. “I believe you,” Blanche assured him, quickly. “That must be really hard. I’m so sorry,” She wondered if a spirit could really be whispering those intrusive thoughts to him. She considered a moment. “I know a couple exorcists who know more about this kind of thing than I do. Would you mind if I spoke with them? About this situation and tell them what you told me? So I can see if I can help you?”

Lucas nodded to her inquiry about the little girl. At least, that was how he kinda saw her when he saw her, which was difficult being that it was just out of sight. “It’s not, well. It is hard, thank you. But I’ve got practice in that department. Maybe, if this is what’s been making me feel so hopeless-- I’d very much like some help. So, of course. You may ask whomever.” Lucas reassured, and was grateful for it. He wanted to explain that it was challenging to separate the intrusive thoughts from his own bad ones, but Blanche seemed serious, and Lucas would take it as such. “Here,” he pulled one of his business cards out for the pizzeria, and wrote his number down. “Just so you know. I’m not exactly out in the world. I’m in hiding, a little, no--- a lot. So, do me the smallest favors and keep my name close. Especially lately, with--” he waved his arm a little. “The person who did this is, well. Yeh. Still out there.

Blanche listened to his explanation, eyes flicking up to the scar on his head. More questions were on the tip of her tongue, but she refrained. Lucas was in hiding from someone that hurt him. It was a somber reminder of everything that had happened - with Nell and Bea. People could get hurt, whether it was supernaturally motivated or not. “I’ll keep your name close to me. I promise. I understand how important it is to keep people’s safety close,” Blanche said grimly. She nodded, gently taking the business card from him as she stood, since she had finished a slice of pizza, and it was probably time she should get back to work anyhow. But she did pause, grabbing a pen from her purse to write her own number on a napkin, sliding it over to him. “That’s my number too. You let me know if anything else pops up, you can text me whenever or call me or find me online, okay? And leet me know if you see anything so I can ... Figure out what’s going on. Okay?”

Lucas nodded. “Okay, thanks-- and it was really nice meeting you. Putting a face to your name and everything.” He smiled, and politely stood up when she did and accepted the number. 

[princessxtopgun]

This is the first chapter from jakes perspective, I hope you enjoy!

This shouldn’t be too bad, just some rich kids going to some island. Ill be back in no time.

I check that everyone’s there, and take off. No point in making in introduction. I put the girl in autopilot and kick my boots up. She’ll land in no time. Probably shouldn’t be wearing down the equipment like this, but who gives a fuck. If this shits got autopilot in it, it can handle some scratches.

“Excuse me, it’s Jake right? Weren’t we supposed to have landed by now...?”

I hear some faint noises, but it’s probably just those kids. They ever learnt how to be nice on a plane?

“Wait, are you asleep?” She yells

“Hrn?” I dart up and yank my boots off the dash.

She gets this weird look on her face, like she’s having some flashback. Thought they didn’t let them have booze here, I’ll have to take a look. But then I see her face. She looks like the most goddamn beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. She has her arms crossed, and you can see she isn’t taking crap from anyone. Things are in slow motion for a sec. Weird.

“Listen, Princess, don’tcha know it’s rude to wake someone who’s takin a nap?”

“Princess?”

“What can I say, I give nicknames to people who annoy me.” I say with a smile. She’s not too annoying, but what’s so bad about a name?

“Well in that case, I’ll call you top gun.” Hey, the nicknames are my thing!

“Fine, call me that. He was a cool dude.”

“Anyway, relax. We ain’t landing til’...” I check the jazz, but it’s all wrong.

“The hell?! That time ain’t right, and that ain’t either...” What happened to this thing? I bang on the instruments a few times, but it’s not doin anything.

“You sure you know what you’re doing?” Well, princess, this normally doesn’t happen, but I know my way around.

“If you knew half the things I survived, you’d bet on me to do any-” Turbulence hits me out of nowhere, and where the fuck is this even coming from? It was sun all around a second ago!

“Aw just great, the storm fronts comin’ in!” Yep Jake, we know.

I lean in and grab the yoke. I Ain’t dyin here.

“Get your ass in a seat, hear? And tell everyone to buckle up!”

“But-” Princess, this is not the time for arguing!

“Now, Princess!” Nobody’s dying today. Not me, not Princess.

Balled lightning? Where’d that shit come from?! I flip the intercom to passengers. I hear screams and crap. Princess is probably with some hot football boyfriend. Why am I thinking about some college drama?! I’m trying not to die!

“This is totally normal!!” Yeah this isn’t normal. You don’t sound normal.

WHERED BALLED LIGHTNING COME FROM?! I haven’t seen that in forever!

BOOM! Sparks start flying, and I don’t mean the sexy kind.

“Welp, engines just lost power! Bringing her down manually! Everyone hold on!” Don’t fuck this up, don’t fuck this up-

Are these kids singing? The fuck? Why are they singing some Hayley Rose song?

I can see clear sky... I’m almost out!

“Just a little farther... I think we’re almost out!”

The Lightning’s at fever pitch, but we make it out in time! Way to go, Jake

I’m flying this thing like a radio glider, but it’s going hella fast

I hear princess and some guy marveling about the view. In case you haven’t noticed, were landing here!

“Get a good look now, cause we’re coming in fast!” Don’t want Princess breaking her ankles.

“Welcome to La Huerta.” Reminds me if Costa Rica, nice tropical place. Wow, didn’t realize it had a massive volcano. Looks like it’s still active too.

“This is La Huerta tail number XC-DMK, requesting emergency priority to land!”

No response. Are you serious, Carlos!

“Carlos! Pick up ya lazy bastard, it’s Jake!”

“Ignoring me won’t make me forget the hundred bucks you owe me! Like it or not, we’re coming in!”

I land the girl down on some dirt airstrip. Not the best, but it is a tropical island. These kids are lucky they’re not dead. Hopefully Princess is ok. Carlos probably set up some fancy waiting area where she can relax. God, why am I thinking about this chick so much? I don’t even know her name!

I pull into the hangar and open the doors.

“Rough landing, Top Gun. Hope you don’t work for tips.” She says with a smile. Jeez, she’s pretty cute. But she would be gonzo if I wasn’t flying!

“You kidding? I’m a damn hero for getting you on the ground!” Eh, she’s never flown before. Anywhere, Carlos is being an asshole.

“Carlos! Carlos, I need a tune-up!” I go to march up to Carlos, but I wait for a minute to hear the gossip. Honestly what am I’m 14? I hear princess talking to that football guy. Sean Gayle I think, I saw a few of his games.

She reaches for her suitcase handle at the same time he does. Sounds like this is a play and they’re going to break into song.

“Oh, sorry!” Captain America says. Then Maybelline struts over and throws her arms around cap. She’s got so much makeup on her face must be an inch bigger. “Ugh, could you be any more desperate?” Sounds like Maybelline is Caps chick. Who knows, maybe she’s the kind to date nerds.

Then Maybelline starts yelling at her, and macho man comes over and is shocked that she doesn’t follow football. Macho, it’s not that big of a deal. Now she’s yelling about her trying to be popular. With those looks? How could she not be the most popular gal there? Wow, she played it cool and said she was gorgeous and must be together. Would not of done that myself, but hey, Princess seems like the smart type. Oh snap! Turns out Maybelline and captain America aren’t together anymore! Anyway, I should go find Carlos.

I get there, and this place is deserted. No sign of anyone. I run back down to the people.

“There’s no one here!” Did they lead me here on some damn chase to get a free flight?

“There should be here in a shuttle to take us up to the main resort but...” Damn, tour guide lady looks pretty nervous.

“I’m sure it’s just a slight delay!” Now she’s at 800% happiness. Nice try, but no one is naturally that happy.

“The hell with that. I’m going up to the control tower to get some answers.”

“What do you think is going on there?” Princess looks worried, reaaal worried.

“No idea... Call it a gut feeling, but whatever it is ain’t good. So princess, you coming?” Please say yes... say yes... Jesus what am I doing? I sound like I’m asking my mom to go to kyles.

Tour lady says some shit about taking everyone to the hotel, but I’m really hoping Princess comes. It doesn’t seem like a good idea to go alone. Ariel decided to go down to the beach, good for her.

“I could go with you-!” Maybelline, this ain’t an open call.

“Wasn’t talking to you, Maybelline.”

“So it’s cool if I join you?” Princess asks. Yep. Definitely yes.

“You gotta ask permission for everything? Come on, Princess.”

“This place is gorgeous. Do you fly out here a lot, Top Gun?” She asks

Here and every other privately owned resort island in the Caribbean. The favored vacation spot of the young and the privileged.” She’s probably in some rich girl sorority, but maybe one of the few that aren’t stuck up and obsessed with themselves.

“You don’t sound like you like it very much.” Well, not everyone’s job is their passion. At least I had a chance to fly.

“Hey, it pays the bar tab.” I try to seem cool, but I probably just sound like an alcoholic. Nice job, Jake. Rebecca would be laughing her ass off if she saw me acting like this.

“So, what did you do before this?” Jesus Princess, you a spy or something? Why do you have to know everything?

“What is this anyway, 20 questions?” Damn I sound angry. God, I’m just going to be the crazy pilot here.

“Sorry.” Don’t sound too sorry t’me, Princess. I should probably learn this girl’s name. We stay silent for a minute, but this girl’s too pretty to be a spy.

“Fighter Pilot. Navy.” Yeah, shouldn’t of said that. Yep, that’s the kind of affect a spy would have on you. Making you just spill everything.

“I was good at it too. Best in my class, until I got discharged.” Jake, don’t tell her why. Just don’t.

“What happened?” Godamnit Princess, you had to ask. Erm, I’ll think of something.

“Punched my commanding officer in the jaw.” Well, that’s partially true at least.

“...I’m sure he deserved it.” Damn right he did, and stop looking so suprised.

“Yeah. He did.”

“I’ve been ferrying around rich folks around the Caribbean and sleeping in a beach hammock in Costa Rica ever since.” Damnit Jake, you gotta tell her where you are now too? What’s next, tell her to turn you in for 750,000 bucks?

“That sounds lonely.”

“Uh, yeah, that’s the appeal.” I force a smile, but she probably sees right through me. Damnit, Princess.

“I mean, I get wanting to get away for a little while, but... don’t you want more?” Nope. Not after Mike. Ain’t so bad watching the sunset with a beer.

“Someone to come home to... someone to listen to you... someone to hold you all through the night...” Shit, Princess. You trying to bring it back? But who knows, maybe she thinks I’m hot. There’s a reason I kept the hair the way it is.

“You offering, Princess?”

“What? No, I... I just meant... in theory...” Alright, time to change the subject. Back to your super interesting past

“In theory, I had been the best pilot the navy had ever seen. In practice... Well you can’t beat a cold beer and a Caribbean sunset.” Yeah, we do t need to talk about practice.

We start climbing the stairs up the control tower, but a step cracks in half under Princess!

“Jake!” I grab her as fast as I can and pull her into my arms. Ain’t losing anyone here.

“Gotcha!” I yell. What is she, a fish?

“I think you just saved my life!” No sweat, Princess. A good princess needs a knight.

“Now you owe me one. Cmon.” A nice cold beer, perhaps?

We get to the top of the tower, and I push open the door. I start to yell,

“Carlos you dumb- Hey, what the...” But there’s no one here.

“There’s no one here,” Wow, i had no idea, Princess.

“Thanks, eagle eyes. I couldn’t tell.”

There’s dust all over the place. Am I at the wrong airport or shit?

“Are you sure they still use this airstrip?”

“Of course I’m sure, I was here a few days ago, And I’m damn sure...” No, this can’t be right... what am I doing? I walk over to the window, and everything is so beautiful, there’s this red and blue light, like a beautiful aura, and maybe I should come here instead of Costa Rica, maybe...

“Jake?” I hear Princess yell. I snap out of it

“Wha...” I know princess, ain’t it beautiful? Almost as beautiful as you. Oh shit, please say I didn’t say that out loud, and yes, I didn’t. I sound like I’m on some shit reality tv show.

Then I feel Princess’ fingers lace with mine. This feels amazing, but what am I doing?

“Jake... What is this?” She says, and all I want to do there is make her feel safe. My god, what am I doing? Jake, snap out of it! This is just some college girl that is going on vacation and she happens to be very, very attractive! But the truth is, I have no idea.

“I... I don’t know.” Then I see her staring into my eyes, and I find hers. They’re this beautiful blue, and these lights make them look even better.I haven’t even realized how close our faces are. I just stand there, shocked of how amazing this girl is. Some girl that I don’t even know what her name is. A girl I’ve just met. But it feels like I’ve known her for a thousand lives.

“Jake, I...”

Everything feels like it’s in slow motion... but all I can focus on is her.

“Hey... It stopped.” Is she talking about my ability to function?

I look down and see that I’m still holding her hand in mine.

“*cough* Uh... sorry.” I drop her hand. Now we have to ignore how amazing and weird and awkward that was.

“Look, it must’ve been something... Weird with the glass here. Who knows. Forget it, just... Come on.” All I can think of is her. But why in the world do I think that was something? That was just a gut instinct, to be protected. I duck out of the room, and me and princess wind our way up the road, silent, and she looks like she’s about to damn pass out, until we see this swanky ass hotel.

“So this is it, huh? Been to this island 50 times, and never been off the airstrip...” Yeah, these kids are definitely privileged.

“The Celestial!” Princess calls out.

“Well, come on then. You paid me to bring you here, so that’s what I’m doing.” We head towards the lobby, going through some fancy marble hallways.

“So, you’ve never stayed here? Are you taking off again after this, or you gonna stick around awhile?” She sounds like she’s begging me to stay, but you know what I’ve gotta do.

“Just gotta get Carlos to get my plane refueled, and I’m off. Got a bottle of anejo calling my name back in Costa Rica.”

“Try not to miss me too much, Princess.” I flash a smile and I probably look like a slug.

We walk in the lobby, and...

“Huh?” Princess says

“What the-” The place is deserted. No one in sight except us.

“I... I don’t understand...” Well lady, you’re the tour guide. You should be tour guiding us.

There’s a half finished wine glass,lipstick still on the rim but coated with dust. That ain’t normal.

“Hey, uh, Ellie... Do you happen to know...” Yeah cap, I think if she knew we’d have answers. And that’s her name, Ellie! Short and sweet.

“Where the hell is everyone?” Cap finishes.

Thank you so much for reading!

[13-reasons-ideas]

Finding Peace In Another Part 1

Trigger Warning for story: suicide, sexual assault, Bryce Walker, parental death, sibling death, violence. 

The first day of school in a new place. It’s always hard. It’s even harder when you’re literally in a different country and have no one who gets what you’re going through. I understand why Dad took this job, but I don’t get why we had to move here instead of him working from home and take trips. Not move to some random little town called Crestmont, California. I get that Dad wanted me to have a good education and stay out of trouble in the city, but it still doesn’t make sense when he has to commute anyway. If he’s even here. We have lived here for a week and a half and he literally stayed in town long enough to get the utilities hooked up. Then he was off on another business trip, leaving me to get to know a new town by myself. It’s not like I’m not used to him not being around, he was gone on business trips a lot when mom and Jake were alive. After Mom died, he started working later and going on trips more and more. And then Jake... no. Can’t think about Jake. Not today. It’s the first day. It’s going to be a good day. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I got up and got ready for school. My favourite black skinny jeans and cream tank top with a yellow cardigan had been laid out before bed. The yellow in the cardigan pulling out the highlights in my ash brown hair and making my skin look slightly less pale and ghostly. After putting on a little bit of makeup, I changed and had breakfast-if coffee counts as breakfast, before grabbing my lunch and bag for school. I had driven past Liberty High everyday this week, so I knew exactly where I was going. The parking lot was half full, so I parked fairly quickly and made my way inside to talk to the guidance councillor about my transfer and to get my schedule. I went to the office and asked the receptionist for Mr. Porter. A tall black man came out of his office and greeted me. 

“You must be Rebecca, welcome to Liberty High.” He put his hand on my back professionally and guided me into his office. Once inside we made small talk for a couple of minutes to break the tension and he handed me a map and my schedule. “Now, your credit for Social 30 did not transfer so you will need to take History 12 to replace it. Additionally, it is now a requirement that you take Peer Communications at our school. So that is on your schedule as well. I read your file and given the... situation with your brother, we can exempt you from certain discussions for a period of time, however if you do not want to be exempted, that is fine as well. I will discuss it with Ms. Bradley, and you can decide what to do.” Mr. Porter explained to me carefully. Great. My brother is a situation here. Oh well. I didn’t expect much else I thought to myself. “Do you have any questions?” Mr. Porter asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. 

“No. That should be fine. Thanks Mr. Porter.” I replied kindly. As I left I heard him call me. 

“And Rebecca? If you ever want to talk, my door is always open. About anything.” He said in a caring tone. I nodded in response so he knew I heard him. 

I made my way through the halls and towards my locker slowly since I had time before class, simply taking it all in. Finding my locker and opening it, a boy wearing a blue and white letterman jacket, I recognized from up my street stopped and opened what I assume was his locker. As he was gathering his things, he looked over and noticed me.

“Hey, I haven’t seen you around before are you new here?” He asked nicely. 

“I just moved here. Actually, I think I live like 4 doors down from you?” I replied nodding and pointing to try and place him. 

“The house with the red door that sold?” He asked, I nodded slowly. “Oh no way, nice. It’s a good house.” 

I laughed a little and smiled “yeah. Seems like a pretty sturdy one. My dad wouldn’t have bought it otherwise. Comes with being an architect I guess.” 

He chuckled at that. “Sorry, where are my manners, my name’s Bryce. Bryce Walker.” He stuck his hand out for me to shake. I quickly put my things in my locker and shook his hand. 

“Rebecca Samuels.” 

“How do you like it here so far Rebecca?”  

“It’s very... different here. I wasn’t really expecting it to be *this* different.” 

“Oh really, what state are you from?” Bryce asked, obviously turning up the charm. 

“Country. I’m from Canada. Alberta actually.”

“Cool. What’s that like?”

“Think of it as... a more,” I pause trying to decide the best way to describe it. “Liberal Texas, I guess? Less blatant homophobia, ready access to abortion and women’s healthcare, probably as many cows. Definitely the same amount of cowboy hats and boots.”

“Okay. I can kind of picture it, yeah. What’s your schedule like? Maybe I can help you out a little.” 

“Hey Bryce! How’d you do on that bullshit history-oh hello.” A taller boy exclaimed from up the hall. He was followed by a group of guys, all wearing white and blue letterman jackets. Except him. He was wearing what appeared to be a very soft red and grey flannel shirt.  “Sorry, I didn’t realize there was a lady here. Name’s Montgomery.” He said, holding his hand out to me. 

“Rebecca.” I replied, gently taking his hand and shaking it. 

“She just moved here. She’s from Canada.” Bryce explained as if he knew more on the topic than he did. 

“Oh nice. So where did you put your polar bear while you were in class?” Montgomery asked. I chuckled a bit, realizing he was kidding. I decided to fuck with him a bit.

“Well away from the horses obviously. Don’t need another incident like the one in ‘92.” I replied straight faced. The look on his face was priceless. It was a mix between confusion and absolute disgust. Some of the other guys around him were trying to hold back their laughter. At least some people know a joke when they hear it. “I’m kidding. Polar bears are fucking vicious dude.” 

“Oh... oh okay good.” He replied, obviously relieved but not offended by the joke. 

As introductions were made, my phone began ringing. I pulled it out smiling, knowing exactly who was calling without looking. Putting a hand up and quietly apologizing for the interruption, I answered it. “Hey Bailey. Yes I’m settling in okay. Same as I was yesterday when you called...Yes, I made it to school okay... Bailey. I’ll be fine I swear. Go to class.” I paused, an unsurprised look on my face, drawing weird looks from the men around me “yes, I’m doing the look... Go. To. Class.... Learn things. Okay, I gotta go. I love you. I’ll text you tonight.” Shaking my head and ending the call, I grabbed my schedule from my locker, turning to Bryce, to answer his previous question. “Okay let’s see. History in room 167. English in room 293. Then lunch. Ugh. Math in room 137 and Peer Communication in room 150. Is that as awful as it sounds?” The guys laughed as though it was, really, that awful.

[angelofstarlight]

The Lost Heir

The rain poured down as the woman ran with a bundle held in her grip. She had to get her precious cargo away and to safety. The monster she had to call her brother-in-law would not stop until the bundle she carried within her arms was his. The woman hid behind a tree to catch her breath and looked down at the bundle. She moved the blanket and looked at the infant within. The woman hated the fact she had to give up her only daughter but it was the only way. She froze when she heard voices. “The queen came this way, I know it.” “The master does not care where she went. All he cares about is getting his niece.” The queen held her breath as the two men walked past her hiding spot. She looked back down at her daughter. “I’m so sorry my little princess. I wish I could keep you but I can’t. You’re uncle will stop at nothing to attain you.” she whispered. She started to run again and found the clearing that was her destination. She opened a portal and looked at her  daughter once more with tears in her eyes. “I hope you return and save this land. My daughter, Relena.” she said as she sent her daughter through the portal. Once she closed it, she heard horses come up. 

The woman knew who it was. “You’re too late Mevolance. She is somewhere you can not find or harm her.” she said to the person walking up to her. “That is what you think Amelia. I will find her.” Mevolance said as he walked around his sister-in-law and faced her. “Your attempt to hide her will only last so long. Her magic will become unstable as she gets older. You know that.” he said. “That is what you think” Amelia said. Mevolance then noticed Amelia wasn’t wearing her necklace. He grasped her throat causing her to gasp for breath. “Clever but that won’t work for long. I can already tell you’re dying from a broken heart.” he said. Mevolance released Amelia’s throat and turned to his general. “Go to the world Amelia sent Relena to. And find her, Stephen.” he said as Stephen nodded. Mevolance grabbed Amelia’s upper arm and dragged her to his carriage and put her in it. They returned to the castle and Amelia knew whoever finds Relena, they would rename her. Where Amelia sent Relena to was a planet called Earth.

 It was the evening and a couple was walking through the park. They heard crying and raced to the area. The woman was shocked to see a baby there. She picked her up and held the infant close. “Mark perhaps we should take her in. I don’t think her parents are coming back for her.” she said. Mark looked at his wife. “You’re right Emily. However we will need to go through the process of adopting her.” Mark said. “You’re right Mark. I think I was getting a little excited.” Emily explained. “Now what should we name her?” he asked. Emily smiled and looked at the infant. “Lily because she’s as beautiful as a lily.” she said. Mark nodded and the couple walked to the orphanage to explain what happened and adopt the infant. And from that moment on Princess Relena Lumina became Lily Roberts. Little did she know her life was going to become very hard and dangerous. 

 _______________________________________________________________

Seventeen years later

Lily woke up and sighed. She wished her life was better than it was. Not that she didn’t love her adopted parents but she wanted to find out who her birth parents were or are. Lily sighed again not wanting to get out of bed and go to school just to deal with her bullies. Just because she had abnormally bright blue eyes, paler than normal skin, and platinum blonde almost white hair didn’t mean she was a freak. “Lily! Time to get up! Last day of school! Then it’s summer break!” her adopted mother called up to her from downstairs. Lily then had a large grin on her face and lept out of bed. She put on a rose pink skirt with roses on it for a design, a light pink blouse with a rose on the collar and pink flats with roses on the top of the shoes. Lily always loved the summer because she could get away from all the people who pick on her. Mainly Rebecca Jones. She raced down the stairs and entered the dining room. “Morning mom and dad.” Lily said. “Morning sweetie. Remember don’t listen to what Rebecca and her friends say.” Emily said. Lily then looked at the clock. “Oh no! I’m gonna be late! See you after school.” Lily yelled to her parents. As she raced to school, Lily didn’t notice someone was watching her. 

Stephen grinned and contacted his master. “What is it Stephen.” Mevolance growled. “Well I just so happened to have found Relena at last.” Stephen said. “Perfect. Watch her and wait. Then once you have her bring her back here.” Mevolance said and Stephen could hear the glee in his voice. “Of course master.” Stephen said before ending to call. Unaware someone was watching him. The figure followed Lily and saw she made it to her school safety. Now to make sure she would be unharmed. Considering it was his job to make sure she stayed safe.

When Lily reached the front of the school she heard Rebecca Jones’s voice. “Look girls. It’s the freak.” Lily was pulled back and made to face Rebecca. Rebecca acted like she ruled the school and Lily hated that she thought that. It just gave her an excuse to pick on others. Rebecca looked at the small blonde with a sneer on her face. “Just because you dress nice and try to help others doesn’t mean that can make you popular.” the brunette said. Lily looked at Rebecca. “I don’t care if I am popular or not.” she said. Before Rebecca could do anything to the sweet, gentle girl someone stopped her. “Leave her alone. She hasn’t done anything to you.” Lily saw it was a dark haired boy  that was helping her. “Hhmp. This freak isn’t worth it anyway. Let’s go girls.” Rebecca said as she and her friends left. Lily looked at the boy. She saw he was a little bit taller than she was, lightly tanned and had some muscle as well.  “Thank you for helping me. I’m Lily.” she said finally speaking. “Jack and no problem.” he said. “New to school?” Lily asked. “Yeah. Weird how the new kid comes on the last day, huh.” Jack said. Lily smiled and shook her head. “No. I think it’s a smart idea. That way you avoid all that homework we get assigned.” she said causing Jack to smile. The duo entered the school and learned Jack was in Lily’s classes which surprised them both. Or as surprised Jack made it seem. Lily and Jack both felt the day would never end until the last bell finally rung. 

Lily had called her parents and told them she would be at the park with a friend she made. Jack looked at Lily concerned. “Why do they torment you?” he asked. Lily sighed and looked at him. “They pick on me because they think I’m a freak due to my overly pale skin and abnormally bright blue eyes.” she said. “That’s no reason for them to torment you.” Jack said with a frown. While they talked they were unaware to someone watching them. Stephen silently cursed Jack for getting in the way of Mevolance’s plan. Then again there were many people who sided on the side of the long since passed King. Stephen saw Lily wasn’t wearing her pendant and grinned. All he had to do was wait until Lily released a surge of power. And he didn’t have to wait long. Lily felt a course of pain go through her hands. Jack saw this. “Lily are you ok?” he asked Lily nodded. “Yes. I just have courses of pain go through my hands when I don’t wear my pendant. I knew I had forgotten something today.” Lily said. Jack looked at her. “Maybe we should head to your house and grabbed your pendant.” he suggested. Lily nodded and shook her hands up and down. 

When she did a beam of light shot out of her hand and hit the ground. Lily looked at her hands wide eyed. “What happened.” she said to Jack. She looked at him and he was shocked. “You probably think I’m a freak don’t you.” Lily told him. “What? No! This is why I was told to come here. I have to keep you out of harm.” Jack said. Lily was beyond confused. “What?” she asked. Jack sighed. “You’re the lost princess of a planet far from here. Your mother sent you here for your safety.” he explained. Lily looked at Jack. “So I was sent here for my safety. From what?” she said. “Not what. Who. Mevolance. Your uncle. He’s be after you since you were born. I was ordered by one of your father’s old guards to keep you safe.” Jack explained. “But not for long.” a voice behind them said startling the pair.

The two turned and saw Stephen there with several soldiers. “Stephen.” Jack growled. “Why in Lunatella’s name would they send you.” Stephen said. Jack rolled his eyes and a ball of fire appeared in his hand. He threw it at the group causing them to knocked down. Lily was shocked. She felt Jack grab on of her hands and pulled her away. They ran as fast as they could. “Lily I know this is a lot to take in but I need you to trust me.” Jack said. “ Even though I just meet you something is telling me to trusting you Jack. And who was that?” Lily said. “Stephen. Mevolance’s general and right hand man. I utterly despise him. Before we return to Lunatella, we have to get your pendant. It will keep your magic under control till you are trained.” Jack said. Lily nodded and they went to Lily’s home. 

Once they arrived Lily looked at Jack. “What will happen to my parents here?” she asked. “Sadly they will forget about you. As well as everyone who has seen, met or taught you.” Jack said. Lily nodded understanding knowing her time on earth was only temporary. She silently entered the house and she crept into her room. Lily grabbed her pendant and placed it on then slipped out of the house undetected. She quietly shut the front door and turned to Jack. “They didn’t know I entered to get my pendant.” Lily said. Jack nodded and spoke. “Ok. We need to open a portal back to Lunatella. And I know the perfect place.” Lily nodded and followed but not before turning back to look at her childhood home one last time. They returned to the park and Jack opened a portal. “Ready?” he asked. Lily nodded and the two went through. 

_______________________________________________________________ 

When they exited the portal Lily felt somewhat dizzy. “Are you ok Lily?” Jack asked the girl beside him. “Yeah. Just really dizzy.” Lily said. “Sorry about that. I should have mentioned you may feel dizzy after.” Jack said as he kept her from collapsing. Lily smiled at him and the two started walking. After walking for about an hour, they were walking through woods and ended up in a net. “Why did they have to put a trap here.” Jack growled. Then two boys around Jack’s age came into view. “Oops sorry about this Jack.” the blonde one said. Jack glared at them. “Simon, Steven get us down.” he said growling. The twins then saw Lily in the net as well. Steven and Simon went and undid the rope and gently lowered the two down. Once they were on the ground, Jack helped Lily up. “Lily meet Simon and his twin Steven. Simon, Steven meet Lily. Or rather Relena.” he said. Lily looked them. “Relena?” she asked. “Your birth name here. But for your safety maybe it’s best if we still call you Lily.” Simon said.Lily nodded and Steven looked at them. “Come on we have to go. The others are waiting for us.” he said and they started on their way.

 Unaware to the four teens, Mevolance was watching them through a crystal ball that allowed him to see anything he wanted. He growled at the fact his niece was back on Lunatella because of Jack. Stephen entered the throne room. “Jack got in the way again.” Stephen said. Mevolance looked at his general. “I noticed. He brought Relena back here and now they're on their way to meet my brother’s guard.” he said. Stephen looked at his master. “Perhaps we can ambush them. They will not know we’re about to attack.” he suggested. Mevolance smirked. “That is a brilliant idea Stephen and I will be joining you.” he said. Stephen nodded and left to prepare for the ambush they have planned. Mevolance looked back at his viewing mirror and watched his niece. A grin spread across his face. “Oh you have no idea what I have in store for you, Relena.” he said. Mevolance hadn’t remembered Jack had a talent for learning his plans before enacted due to a spell on the castle, which the young man did the last time he was there. 

And speaking of Jack, he smirked when he learned of Mevolance’s plans once again. “What’s so funny Jack?” Simon asked. “Oh Mevolance forgot I can listen in on him and learn his plans.” Jack said. The twins snickered after hearing that. After several years, Mevolance should have learned not to say is plans loud enough for Jack’s spell to pick up on them and thus allowing Jack to hear it. The three smiled when they saw Lily was amazed at the world around her. “I can’t believe I had to leave this planet. I wish I didn’t.” she said. Jack looked at her. “Your mother felt the same way. But after she sent you away, she was dying from a broken heart.” he said. Lily looked at Jack. “What about my father?” she asked. Steven shook his head. “The king was killed by Mevolance, a little while after you were born. He died protecting you and your mother so you could escape.” he explained. Lily sighed and looked at her three companions. “He really hate my family.” she said.  Jack shook his head. “No. Just power mad.” he explained. Lily nodded and they continued on. Before they could get far, the four teens were surrounded suddenly due to the dark magic Mevolance had. Jack, Simon and Steven immediately guarded Lily. Jack growled when Mevolance came up. The dark king smirked as he walked towards them. He had somehow got from the castle to them in a matter of seconds. “In a way I should thank you Jack. You made my job getting my niece here easier.” he said. Lily was worried about her new friends. She knew the man in front of them would harm them to get to her. How she wished she could use her magic properly but she couldn’t.  Jack rolled his dark blue eyes at the dark king. “Yeah no. I brought her back her to help us stop you.” he said. Lily’s eyes widened. ‘I can’t fight him. I don’t have control over my magic.’ she thought. Mevolance grinned. “How might I ask. She has had no training with her magic.” he said. Simon narrowed his eyes. “And you think we hadn’t thought of that. You thought we would send her to fight you without training. Yeah right.” he said. Mevolance growled and summoned a fireball. Before he threw it at them it was put out. Steven looked at the man who did that. “Nice timing Aaron.” he said. Lily turned to see a man who she guessed was Aaron. He wore a suit of armor that seemed to let him move easily.  Aaron nodded and looked at Mevolance. “You! I should have known you would come.” Mevolance snapped. Aaron looked unfazed. “Leave Mevolance. Unless you want to face me. I still haven’t paid you back for killing Sirius.” he said. Mevolance growled and he along with his men disappeared in a flash of light. The teens then realized it was a simple hologram spell that made the user or users appear as if the were physically there.

Aaron then turned to the teens. “You were supposed to bring Relena here undetected.” he said. Jack shrugged and spoke. “We were going to the camp as fast as we could once I heard his plan. But at least she’s unharmed.” Lily looked at them. “You know I can hear you.” she said dully. Aaron looked at her. “Definitely Amelia’s personality.” he said. Lily was taken back. “You knew my parents?” she asked. “Yes, they were good friends of mine.” Aaron said. “As much as we want you to learn about your parents this area is not the best place to talk.” Simon said. Lily nodded and turned to Aaron. “How far is the camp?” she asked. “Not far. Thankfully we cloaked it. Even if Mevolance is spying on us, he won’t see us enter camp.” Aaron said. Lily nodded and the five of them continued to the camp. 

Meanwhile at the camp Alena sighed in relief. Her best friend's daughter was safe. Alena walked over to Cathy. “Any news about the others?” she asked. Cathy had to ask because Alena was able to see things that have happened or will happen. It really all depended on what event would play out. “Yes. They’re on their way back here. And they found Relena.” Alena told Cathy. Cathy looked at her. “They found her. Oh thank goodness. Now we just have to train her.” she said. Alena nodded and the both of them went to inform the others their lost princess had returned home. They all hoped they could train her in time to stop Mevolance before it’s too late. 

Back with the others Lily was still confused at what Jack said. “Jack here’s a question. Why would I be the one to face my uncle? I can’t control my magic.” Lily said to him. Jack looked at her. “Not yet. We’ll be training you to control your magic.” he explained. She suddenly felt something go through her. “What was that?” She asked. “The barrier protecting camp.” Simon said. “Welcome to the lost empire.” Aaron said. Lily could hardly believe this camp was where the people she would soon rule over lived. Now  determination came into her. She would save her kingdom and those who lived in the kingdom.   

[writingkeepsmewhole]

Lips Of An Angel

This is part 8 of Betrayal. It seems like I’m the only one that likes this but I’m gonna keep writing it. I honestly love this story so expect a lot from it. I wrote this part based around the song lips of an angel by Hinder by the way. Scarlet deals with the struggles of having no job her calling Dean when he can’t it anymore. Dean surprising her when he goes out of his way to make it better. 

Dean Winchester x OC Scarlet

Warnings:Cheating a word here and there.

Taglist I’ll happily add you: @thewinchesterchronicles

Part 1  Part 9

I woke up the next morning feeling sore and cold. Opening my eyes I found the place beside me empty a folded note in Dean’s place. I yawn sitting up just as my phone tells me I have a text.

Picking up the note I recognize Dean’s hand writing.

Sorry I got called into work. I wouldn’t have left otherwise. I’ll call you later. Dean <3

I smile at the small heart drawn by his name it filling my stomach with butterflies. Biting my lip I stop the giddy noise that tries to leave my throat. Picking up my phone the smile grows seeing his name flash across my screen.

Dean: Had fun last night we should do it again.

I quickly replay getting out of be still dressed in just Dean’s shirt.

Scar:Maybe I’ll get better at darts if we do :)

I get a new message almost as soon as I hit send.

Dean:Oh I see your finely awake sleeping till noon…

Giggling I lean on door frame of my closet.

Scar:Well someone kept me up all night.

Dean:Bad neighbor?”

Scar:Something like that.

Dean:Want me to talk to them

Scar:Would you?

Dean:For you? Of course ;)

Scar:I’m getting in the shower I smell like a hooker.

Dean: What vodka and sex

I laugh throwing my phone on the bed and get into the shower.

After I got out I started picking up the house. When I sat down to take a break I decided on a quick nap then to start my hunt for a job.

I walked thru the woods, the leaves crunching under my feet. I was looking for something but I knew where I was going. The more I walked I started to hear waves. Walking out of the tree line I saw a fire on the beach someone sitting on a log in front of it.

I walked up to the person not surprised when it was Dean sitting there. Him dressed his his usual flannel but this time it was a thick coat. His breath making little puffs of clouds when it met the frigid air.

“Do you like it?” He asks looking up at me.

“It’s beautiful but cold.” I say sitting next to him.

He holds out a cup of hot chocolate which I gladly take. Tucking my legs under me I lay my head on his shoulder staring at the water.

“We could do it you know.”

“Do what?” I ask looking up at him. The setting sun making his green eyes shine them almost looking gold.

“Leave. Just get in the car and drive.”

“What about Rebecca and Sam?”

“Sam would be okay. Rebecca made her choice.” He says looking back out to the waves.

“No one would know any different. It would just be me and you ansget the world.”

“You know I want you.” I say honestly.

“Then what do you say?”

“Okay.”

Smiling he places his hand on cheek pressing his chapped lips to mine. He kisses me softly his mouth warm on mine He pulls me close wrapping his arms around me making me feel completely loved and safe.

I wake up the TV switching channels from me laying on the remote. Rolling my eyes I turn it off and get up to finish my day.

It’s been almost two weeks since Dean stayed the night. I haven’t seen him it would normally making me feel like a one night stand but he found a way to keep me from thinking that way.

He would text me randomly. It was also mundane things. I knew it was because of Rebecca. She wouldn’t think it was odd if he “accidentally” sent me a message for a customer and we had a small conversation afterward. He also always called me on his way home from work. Sometime on his way to work. It was nice to be thought about even more so from someone like Dean.

He was almost perfect.

I know it was wrong going behind my sisters back but I felt like we needed each other. I know what most people thought about being with a married man but me and Dean wasn’t together, technically. We made each other happy and between trying to help Rebecca and finding a new job I would take all the happiness I could get.

It was definitely odd for me. Some of our conversations leading to her. I also would tell him how to work it out. He would agree and we would move on. I never felt hurt by it I knew what we did and were doing was wrong maybe that’s why. But in a weird way I knew Dean knew she didn’t love him. Not that I loved him so much better but my sister never really loved anyone. Even before our parents died she seemed to only think about herself. Not caring who she hurt or said as long as she got what she wanted. I learned that at a young age.

Standing in front of my closet I stood on my toes putting a box in the top.

“Whatcha doing?” Rebecca asks walking into my room.

“Nothing much, what about you?” I ask turning to face her.

“Oh nothing about to go out.”

“Cool.” I say moving to sit on my bed picking up the book there.

“Umm yeah.. Hey mom told me if you give me some money she’ll give it back to you.”

“I don’t have any money.” I lie looking at her.

“Don’t you get paid for babysitting?”

“Yeah but I used it to buy school clothes.”

“I only need like thirty dollars.”

“That’s two weeks of pay for me. Where do you think I just got thirty dollars at?”

“It’s not that big a deal. Mom will give it back. I need some gas money or else I can’t go out tonight.”

“Then don’t go out tonight.”

“Why won’t you just give it to me?”

“Why should I have to?” I ask raising my voice getting mad tired of her doing this every weekend.

“Because your my sister!” She says yelling making me jump.

“What is going on back here?” My mom asks walking down the hallway to my room.

“Your little bitch daughter won’t give me any money. I swear I bust my ass helping everyone and when I need gas money no one won’t lift a finger.” Rebecca says pushing past my mother and storming down the steps.

“I’m leaving don’t bother waiting up.” She says slamming the front door.

I’m pulled from my thoughts my phone going off. Picking it up it telling me I have an email.

I sigh it telling me my rent is due next week. As if to make matters worse the lights go off leaving me in the dark except for the light coming from the windows.

‘Why me?’ I think to myself as I call electric company. When they refuse and extension I flop over on my couch.

‘I’m being punished.’ I think as I open google once again looking for jobs around me.

I call making appointment fill out applications and whatever else I can do until my stomach growls.

Getting off the couch I shiver the fall air leaking in without any heat on. Knowing that I can't cook anything I eat some yogurt it not making me feel very satisfied.

I go to my room putting on another layer of clothes and crawl into the bed. I shiver pulling the covers tightly around me.

I tried to sleep but it wasn’t gonna happen any time soon and I knew it. Sitting up I picked up my phone is only on thirty percent. It lighting up my dark room. I look at the picture for my background. It was from the other night. All four of us smushed together in the booth our faces barely fitting in the shot. It was after a few drinks us all happy. I smile at the memory. Pulling up my speed dial. It showing pictures of each person. There was only five. The only people I knew really. Ruby, Rebecca, Sam, Dean and Bobby. I look at Ruby’s face ready to dumb all my worries on her but some reason my thumb ends up pressing Dean instead. It a picture of him crossing his eyes Sam in the background.

“Hello?” Dean asks sounding tried making me realize it’s late and this was a bad idea.

“Hey, sorry I shouldn’t have called.” I say ready to just hang up.

“No it’s okay, there's got be a reason your calling so late.”

“It’s stupid.”

“I’m gonna take a shower.” He says his voice quite from holding the phone away from his mouth.

It making me remember where he was. He was home, with my sister, his wife. I called him to listen to be complain as if he was mine. My life truly a train wreck.

“Sorry it’s kinda hard to talk right now.” He says the sound of the shower turning on.

“That’s fine I’ll call you later.” I say my voice cracking a tear running down my cheek.

“I said it was hard not impossible. Is everything okay?”

I nod knowing he can’t hear me.

“It’s.. Not really.”

“Well talk to me. I gotta whisper cause I can’t be to loud but I’m here.” He says softly.

“I don’t want to get you in trouble.” I say wiping my cheek.

“Tell me why your crying sweetheart.”

“For starters I’m sitting in the dark right now.”

“Why?”

“My power is out. I can’t pay the bill, I can’t pay the bill because I got fired. I got fired because I wouldn’t sleep with my boss. And to top it all off the only person I feel like talking to is my sister’s husband.” I say laughing at how pitiful I sound.

“Well looks like you got yourself in a pickle.”

“That’s an understatement.” I say laying my head back closing my eyes.

“It’s funny that your calling me tonight.”

“Why’s that?”

“We just got into a huge fight.”

“About what?” I ask my eyes still closed head against the wall.

“I’m not being supportive. She wants me to take off work until she is better.”

“What did you say?”

“That I’m going to. My hands are tied are I have a job to do.”

“I think we should just run away.”

“In my dreams maybe.” He says snorting.

“I had a dream we ran away.” I say remembering it from a few weeks ago.

“How'd that go?”

“I don’t know, I woke up before we actually did it.”

“Well it sounds better than my dream.”

“What did you dream?” I ask yawning.

“Wasn’t nothing about you. My dreams about you are always good.”

“You dream about me?” I ask blushing.

“I have since I've knowing you but they have picked up recently.”

“You better hush before she knows your talking to me.”

“I don’t think she has a clue.”

“We are horrible people.”

“Maybe so, but I won’t lie I wish she was you.”

“Dean…”

“I got to go. Will you be okay?” He says a knock sounding in the background.

“I’m okay. Thanks for talking to me.”

“Getting to listen to your sweet voice I’d don’t think there is anything else I rather do.”

“You better go before I start another fight.” I say smiling.

“Goodbye Scarlet.”

“Good night Dean.”

I end the call and lay the phone down feeling better then I did. Him also seeming to know how to make me feel better.

I put my almost dead phone on the bedside take and lay down. Closing my eyes I fall asleep quickly today taking its toll.

I wake up to someone shaking me. Opening my eyes feeling but not seeing the person standing over me I jump away from them screaming.

“Scarlet relax it’s just me.” Dean says turning his flashlight on letting me see him.

“You scared me to death I thought you were a rapist.” I say throwing at pillow at him my heart pounding.

“Well I tried calling you and you wouldn’t answer the phone.” He says making me realize I made him worry.

“It’s dead. No power remember. What are you doing here anyway?”

“You said you were sitting in the dark you think I was gonna leave you alone.” He says walking up to me.

Wrapping his arms around me I hug him him very warm compared to me.

“Baby your freezing.” He says pulling me closer.

I ignore the way my heart picks up when he calls me baby nuzzling into him.

“Thank you for coming.” I say shivering.

“Of course. Get back in bed I have a surprise.” He says pulling away from me.

“What surprise?”

I watch him put the flashlight in his mouth and then turn around to what I can guess is a heater. He bends down and flicks a switch and turns a dial.

“It runs off gas but no fumes come out so don’t worry about getting a headache.” He says standing back up.

“Where did you get it? I’m sure everything is closed now.”

“I got it from the shop. Don’t worry about taking it back it was mine to begin with.” He says setting a small battery powered lantern on the nightstand. It filling the room with a light blue glow letting me see Dean better.

“Why are you doing this?” I ask biting my lip.

“Because I don’t want you to freeze to death.” He says sounding different.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant your already fighting with my sister why risk coming out in the middle of the night?”

“Because I’m fighting with her.” He says pulling his jacket off.

“Huh?” I say as he places it over my shoulders.

I quickly put my arms threw the sleeves thankful for the warmth.

“She is already mad at me. I don’t care anymore.” He says sitting on the bed and starts taking off his shoes.

“Wait are you staying here?”

“If that’s alright with you.”

“Okay.” I say nodding not knowing how this night would go.

He picks up the tangled blanket and throws it back over the bed, only to pull it down.

“Come on sweetheart.” He says smiling at me.

Blushing I move to lay under the covers him getting in beside me pulling it up around us. He pulls me close to him and closes his eyes.

“Thank you.” I say softly burning my head in his neck not knowing how cold I was until I was next to something so warm.

He kisses the top of my head us both falling asleep tangled with each other.

[bringyourownbabytaters]

Falling In Love With You Ch. 10

Warning: this chapter contains some mild smut, read at your own risk

Chapter 10. Take My Whole Life, Too

December 2003

Bex rummaged through her closet, flipping through the hangers. "Man, I have a lot of black clothes," she said to herself, under her breath.

"I agree."

She jumped. "Mom! You scared the crap out of me," she cried, turning around.

"Sorry," Celia said from the doorway. "I just don't think it would kill you to add some color to your wardrobe." She came into the room. "What are you looking for?" She looked around the room. Clothes were strewn everywhere, heaped on the bed, and spilling out of the dresser.

"I'm trying to find something to wear to the Winter dance," Bex explained without looking up. The high school always held a dance the night before winter break began. She'd never gone before, but this year, Bowie had talked her into it. They were in the twelfth grade now. They'd been dating exclusively for over a year, and everything was great.

She never really saw Joel again after the incident at the party the year before. He'd transferred schools not too long after that, and his mother went to work for another agency. What happened had effectively ended Celia and Mrs. Tan's friendship- Joel's mom had blamed Bex for what had happened, creating a rift between them. Bex was just happy he was gone, and life went on.

"Well, you can't wear anything in here," Celia told her, studying the contents of Bex's closet. She expressed her wish for her daughter to dress nicer often. But all the young girl seemed interested in was dressing like those rockers she listened to on the radio.

"I don't see why I can't just wear jeans," Bex sighed. "It's semi-formal. Doesn't that mean part of it can be casual?"

"You're not wearing jeans, Rebecca," Celia said. "You'll look ridiculous with all the other girls wearing dresses." She began picking up her daughter's discarded clothing and putting them back on their hangers.

"I hate dresses," Bex frowned, chewing her lip. "But maybe I can borrow something from Emily."

"Emily is a head shorter than you," her mom reminded her. "No. You should buy something."

"Really?" Bex asked, surprised.

"Sure," Celia said. "Let me get my purse." She left the room and returned with her bag. "Here. Take this," she said, handing her some cash. "And pick out something tasteful," she reminded her. "Nothing skin tight or short."

"I guess that rules out the showgirl costume I've had my eye on," Bex teased.

Celia rolled her eyes. "Funny."

"Looks like I'm going shopping," Bex said.

****

Bex reached behind her back for her zipper. She pulled it up, and straightened her new dress. It wasn't new, new, but it was new to her. She'd found it in the thrift shop, and had fallen in love. Made of red lace, it was her lucky color, and it was just her size. And it fell modestly just above her knees, so Celia would have to approve.

She straightened it, modeling it in front of her mirror.

"Rebecca!" Celia called from the hallway. "Bowie's here. Are you almost ready?"

"Yeah, mom," Bex called back. "One sec."

Her mom walked into her room uninvited, as she always did. Her eyes widened. "Rebecca. You look lovely." She reached out to touch the short cap sleeve of the dress. "Where did you buy this?"

"Nine Lives, that thrift store in town," Bex replied, pulling on her shoes. Her dress was so inexpensive, she'd also been able to buy some black heels.

Celia wrinkled her nose. "You washed it, I hope."

Bex rolled her eyes. "No mom. In fact, I made sure it was extra dirty before I bought it."

"Don't be smart," her mother scolded. "You're not out the door yet."

"Sorry," Bex apologized, not about to lose her chance to go to the dance. She and Celia got along better these days. But they occasionally fell back into old habits. They were so different, it seemed likely they'd always butt heads. "Yes, I washed it," she assured her.

Celia studied her daughter's image one last time. "I have just the thing to go with this. Wait here."

When Celia returned, she was holding a pair of gold earrings, set with red stones. "I can't believe I'm trusting you with these," she sighed. "They were a gift from your father when we were dating, and they mean a great deal to me. But I was wondering if you would like to wear them tonight."

Bex looked down, into her mom's cupped hand, touched. "Mom. Those are beautiful. Thank you." She took them, and put them on. "How do they look?"

"Stunning," Celia told her. "And they better come home that way."

"They will, mom," she promised. When would her mother ever trust her? She wasn't a baby anymore. "I'll guard them with my life."

"You better get downstairs,"  Celia said. "You don't want to keep Bowie waiting too long."

Bex nodded, and headed to the staircase. She walked down slowly, not yet confident in her new heels. When she reached the bottom, she saw Bowie standing there with her dad.

"Bex," he breathed. "Wow. You look great."

"So do you," she smiled. He did look nice in a dress shirt and tie. She'd never seen him dressed up before. She could tell that even her mother was impressed by his appearance.

"You really do look beautiful, sweetheart," Ham said. He turned to Bowie. "You take good care of my little girl, young man," he said in half-joking sternness.

"I will, Ham," he promised. "I mean, Mr. Mack." He looked to Celia when he spoke, Bex noticed, rather than her father. It was adorable how nervous her parents still made him.

"And take good care of my earrings," Celia reminded her daughter. She looked to Bowie. "Have her home by eleven."

"I will," he assured her. He reached for Bex's hand. "You ready?"

She nodded, and he led her to his car. "Your carriage awaits, m'lady," he said grandly, opening the passenger door for her.

Bex's eyes widened. "How did you know I've always wanted to do that?"

"Do what?" he asked her.

"Ride in a horse-drawn carriage," she told him. "Like a princess." It had been a secret wish of hers since she was a little girl, one that she still held on to, even though she was old enough to know that fairy tales weren't real.

Bowie smiled. "I'll take you on one someday."

"Promise?"

He winked. "Cross my heart, princess."

****

Bex and Bowie walked hand-in-hand into the school gym. The decorations were as cheesy as Bex expected them to be. Crepe paper streamers. Balloons. A disco ball. But it was kind of pretty, in a way. It definitely didn't look like the same gym she hated during the week.

"Do you want to dance?" Bowie asked, taking her jacket and hanging it up for her.

"Sure," Bex said. "That would be great." She wasn't a great dancer, but Bowie made it easy. He took her in his arms, even though the music playing wasn't a slow song, and he held her close, and never let her go. She lost count of how many songs they danced to. Really, she lost track of everything going on around her. When she and Bowie were together, it was like they existed in their own little world.  

An hour into the dance, one of Bowie's band mates approached them, and took Bowie aside. Bex couldn't hear what they were saying over the music.

Finally, he turned back to her. "The guys want to play a few songs," he said, apologetically. "They asked me to jam with them." He gave her an unsure look. She knew he was torn between wanting to stay with her, and wanting to play his music.

"It's okay," she smiled. "Go ahead." She knew how much he loved being on stage, and she never wanted to hold him back from playing.

"You sure?" he asked her.

"Yes," she sighed, pretending to shoo him away. "Go."

"Let me just grab my guitar from my trunk," he said. He leaned down and kissed Bex. "I love you," he told her. "Save the last dance for me?"

"There's no one else I'd want to dance with," she told him, giving his hand a squeeze.

She watched Bowie walk away, feeling a little lonely, even though she was happy for him. She wandered over to the refreshment table, and poured herself a cup of punch.

"Hi, Bex."

Bex looked up to Ms. Fisher, her photography teacher. "Hey," she smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"Chaperone duty," Ms. Fisher told her, holding up her badge. "Are you having a good time? You look like you're having fun out there."

"Yeah," Bex nodded. "Dances aren't really my thing, but I'm having a good time."

"I like your dress," her teacher told her, as she straightened a stack of napkins. "It's very pretty."

"I like your outfit too," Bex replied. The young woman was dressed in all black. It was an outfit she would wear, herself. "Hey, Ms. Fisher?" she asked tentatively. "Can I ask you a weird question?"

"Sure," the teacher laughed. "Although I don't know if I can answer."

"Do you ride a motorcycle?" Bex asked her. "I always see a red one in the parking lot. I thought it might be yours..."

"It is mine," Ms. Fisher nodded. "How did you know?"

Bex shrugged. "Just a guess. I have a motorcycle too, but it isn't as cool as yours." She'd finally save enough to buy a used one recently, to her mother's horror. "You're like the coolest adult I know," she confided.

Ms. Fisher laughed again. "Thank you, Bex. That means a lot coming from you."

Just then, Bowie's band gathered on stage and introduced themselves.

"Isn't that your boyfriend?" the teacher asked Bex quietly, pointing to the stage.

She nodded. "Yeah." They watched as the band began to play. Bowie's smile was huge. It lit up his whole face. He looked so happy, she couldn't help but grin herself.

"He's really good."

Bex smiled proudly. "I know."

"Oh, to be young and in love again," Ms. Fisher sighed. She turned her attention to a couple dancing several feet away. "Excuse me, honey." She hurried off. "You two, hands above the waist!"

Bex laughed to herself, and went off to find her friends.

****

Finally, it was time for the last dance. As promised, Bowie left the stage and found Bex. "May I have this dance?" he asked her.

"Of course you may," she said, accepting his hand, as he led her back out to the dance floor.

Bex wrapped her arms around his neck, and he held her, his hand on the small of her back. The music started to play. She immediately recognized the opening notes. "Bowie," she breathed. "It's our song."

He smiled. "Yeah, I may have requested it."

Tears filled Bex's eyes. She lay her head on his shoulder, as they slowly moved to the music. Bowie tenderly kissed her hairline, brushing his stubbly chin against her cheek. She tucked her head in the hollow his neck, as he softly sang along with the music.

"Take my hand. Take my whole life, too. For I can't help falling in love with you..." His beautiful voice drifted over her, low enough for only her to hear.

The song was over before Bex knew it. She knew it had to end sometime, but when it did, she was still disappointed.

"What's wrong?" Bowie asked her, stroking her hair. "You look sad."

"I don't want tonight to be over yet," she admitted, holding him a little tighter. "I want to stay here with you."

"Me too," he nodded.

"I wish we could make it last longer."

Bowie gazed into the distance, thoughtfully. "Maybe we can?"

"What do you mean?"

"My parents are out of town this weekend," he told her. "And there's no school tomorrow. You could spend the night."

****

Bex pressed her lips to Bowie's bare chest, as he petted her hair, combing his fingers through it. He reached down to stroke her through her panties.

She couldn't believe she was about to spend the night with him. Emily hadn't been happy about covering for them again- especially when Celia made her confirm over the phone that Bex was really staying over at her house; she would always be just a little scared of Mrs. Mack. But she finally, reluctantly gave in. And now, Bex found herself half-naked in Bowie's bed.

"Can I tell you something?" he asked softly.

Bex nodded. "What is it?"

"I'm a virgin," he confessed, a blush rising to his cheeks.

"So am I," she admitted. "There's nothing wrong with that." She ran her thumb down the stubble on his jawline, looking deep into his eyes.

"I've been saving myself for the right girl," he told her. His lips found hers once again. "I love you so much, Bex. I have no doubt in my mind that you're the one. And I really want to be with you."

"I love you too, Bowie." Her breath hitched in her throat as he kissed her neck. He ran his hand down the side of her body, caressing her hip. "And I want you too." She did, more than she'd ever wanted anything.

They continued to touch and kiss, frantically removing the last few pieces of clothing that separated them, until they were naked before each other. Bex had seen Bowie naked before, and he'd seen her. They'd fooled around plenty of times, coming close to going all the way, but never getting past third base. But seeing his nude body still both intimidated Bex and turned her on.

Her pulse quickened as her sprinkled soft kisses over her breasts, her stomach, her thighs. The further they went, the more she ached to connect with him. She wrapped her body around his, pulling him closer. Just when she thought she'd explode, Bowie whispered close to her ear, "are you sure you want to do this?"

She nodded feverishly. She had no real qualms about losing her virginity; she'd just never met anyone she wanted to lose it to, until Bowie. She thought it was hopelessly romantic that they were about to give themselves to one another. For a moment, though, her mother slipped into her thoughts. She'd kill her if she knew what she was doing- or about to do. But Bex pushed thoughts of her mom away. It wasn't as if her mother would ever find out. "I'm sure," she whispered back. "I'm ready."

Bowie nodded and moved over her, spreading her legs. He looked into her eyes. She nodded again. Then suddenly, his expression changed from bliss to panic.

"What's wrong?" she mumbled.

"I don't have a condom," he muttered sheepishly. "Are you on the pill?"

"No," she admitted. Asking her parents for birth control would be akin to signing her death warrant. The idea was almost laughable.

"Do you still want to do it?" he asked her.

She did. She wanted him more than anything. "Do you think you can pull out in time?"

"I think so," he breathed.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself up to kiss him. "Make love to me, Bowie," she whispered against his lips.

He nodded and positioned himself. And then, with the painful sting of tearing tissue, he was inside her. It hurt so bad, she wanted to scream. But at the same time, it felt so good, just to be so close to Bowie.

When he awkwardly began to move, she sucked in her breath, sharply.

It was over too soon. She came with a shuddering sigh, her toes curling, before she'd even gotten to fully enjoy it. Bowie came seconds later, collapsing beside her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, tenderly stroking her damp hair.

"Bex, that was amazing," he said, breathing heavily.

She pressed her forehead against his, smiling. "I think I love you right now more than I've ever loved anything."

****

The next morning, Bex awoke wrapped in Bowie's arms. She felt warm, and safe, and loved. Bowie stirred, stretching out beside her, and she curled up against him.

"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered.

"Good morning," she said, nuzzling his cheek.

Bowie rubbed her arm, drawing her closer. She closed her eyes, laying her head on his chest. After a few minutes, he broke the peaceful silence."I guess we should get up," he said. "I don't want to, but I know you probably have to get home soon."

"I'd stay right here with you forever if I could."

Bowie kissed her temple softly. "Last night was perfect," he told her, circling the tip of her breast with his fingertip. "I'll never forget it."

"Me either," she smiled.

"I'll make sure I have condoms next time," he told her. "I mean, if you want there to be a next time."

"Of course there's going to be a next time." She brushed her lips against his neck. "I love you. And I loved finally being with you."

"I love you too, baby," he told her, giving her one more kiss. He sat up and started gathering his discarded clothes from the floor.

Bex reluctantly forced herself to climb out of bed, ignoring the dull ache between her legs. She looked down at the mattress to see a small, butterfly-shaped bloodstain on the white sheet. It made what they'd done all the more real. She wasn't a child anymore. She was a woman.

"I ruined your bed," she fretted.

Bowie shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it." He tore the sheet from the mattress and stuffed it in his hamper. Then, he pulled her into a hug. "How about we get dressed, and I make us some breakfast?"

Bex raised an eyebrow. "You cook?"

"I dabble," he told her. "I make pretty good omelettes."

"I'm intrigued," Bex teased. "Is it okay if I take a shower?"

"Go for it," he nodded, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'll be down in the kitchen."

****

Bex wrapped Bowie's bathrobe around herself, tying the belt. She combed her fingers through her damp hair, and went downstairs. Bowie stood at the stove, wearing his mom's ruffled apron and singing to the radio. Bex stifled a giggle as she went up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Hey, cutie."

"Hey, yourself," Bowie said, turning around to kiss her cheek. "You ready to eat?"

She nodded, looking down at the skillet. "That looks good. And it smells edible."

Bowie laughed. "You're skeptical now, but I may just impress you." He grabbed some plates and flipped the omelettes onto them, then brought them to the table.

Bex took a tentative bite. "Bowie, this is delicious," she praised. He never ceased to amaze her.

He smiled, blushing. "Told you so."

She sighed playfully. "I am impressed."

They ate together in companionable silence, not needing words.

"This is nice," Bowie said, suddenly.

"It is," Bex nodded. She couldn't help but smile.

"This must be what it's like to..." His voice trailed off.

"What?" she asked, studying him.

"I was just thinking, this must be what it's like to live together," he said. "You know, waking up together, eating breakfast, talking."

"Can you see us like that someday?" she asked him, curious. She knew Bowie was a romantic at heart, but he'd never seemed like the domestic type to her before.

He nodded, and reached across the table for her hand. "I mean, yeah. We love each other, and I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can see us getting married after we graduate. Can't you?"

"I can," Bex admitted, smiling shyly. She pictured herself and Bowie living in a house just like his, happy and madly in love. "I bet our kids would be cute."

"Kids?" Bowie laughed.

"I'd never name them a long, prissy name like Rebecca though," she told him. "I'd make sure they had cool names." She'd never yell at them either, or make them feel like they were a disappointment.

She then noticed the unsure expression on Bowie's face. "What?"

"I just can't really picture us as parents," He admitted, picking at his food.

Bex blushed. "Don't you want to have kids?" Children had always been a given. She'd never really thought much about having kids of her own, but wasn't that what married couples did?

He shrugged. "I don't know. You know how I feel about little kids, Bex. They're annoying. And messy."

"But you might want them someday," she offered. She honestly had a hard time picturing herself as a mother too. Just the thought of it scared her. But when she was older, she might feel differently.

"It's just that I'm going to be a musician," Bowie reminded her. "We'll be on the road, traveling all over the world."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Bex said, pushing her doubts out of her mind. After all, she'd been the one who'd told Bowie her one dream in life was to get out of Shadyside and see the world. And she still wanted that, very much. Her whole life, she'd dreamed of freedom and independence. But still... she didn't want to write off the idea of being a mom completely.

Bowie pulled her into his arms, softening. "Hey, don't worry. If you want a kid someday, we'll have one."

"Thanks," Bex smiled. She knew he didn't really mean it, but she didn't want to ruin the morning by arguing about something they wouldn't have to worry about for years. She stood up. "I guess I better get dressed, and get my stuff together. I have to get to Emily's house before my mom comes to pick me up."

"I'll help you," Bowie said, as he put their plates in the sink.

They went up to Bowie's room, and Bex found her clothes. She peeled off the robe, aware that he was in the room with her. Goosebumps rose on her skin. She looked up, and their eyes met in silent communication. Before she knew it, they were standing before each other. Bowie placed his hands on her hips, looking into her eyes. They kissed deeply. She gave him a small nod. He lifted her up, and carried her back to his bed.

[fluidityandgiggles]

Sleep Is For The Weak - Chapter 2

Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1

Notes (I guess): I am equally in love and in deep hate with some (a lot) of what’s going on in here, and I am terribly, terribly sorry. And also there are some characters I wanted to explore a bit further than what had been in this part, but... I’m working on it. Give it a bit and I’ll get there. Again, credit to @broadwaytheanimatedseries for screaming at me to write this, and to @whatwashernameagain for Keep Him Safe, and also a tiny tiny lil bit to @anony-phangirl and @asleepybisexual for their general support and for being such great sports about me annoying them with my ideas... (oops).

(I’m trying to find a way to write my notes, so bear with me until I find a way to… it might take a hot minute.)

(KHS) Tag List (sort of): @em-be-lievable, @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms2, @adoratato, @supremestoverlord, @royallyanxious, @madly-handsome, @hanramz-the-fander, @the-incedible-sulk, @poisonedapples, @virge-of-a-breakdown, @winglessnymph, @princeanxious, @smokeyrutilequartz, @im-bad-at-life (if any of you could tag the rest, please do! I’m improving my memory from day to day, but… yeah…)

Tag list: @bunny222, @ab-artist, @secretlyanxiouspersona

Trigger warning: period appropriate transphobia (the early 00s were not exactly trans-friendly). This chapter in particular includes some very heavy misgendering and deadnaming (if you get what I’m saying). Please be careful.

—————

Science of Living Systems 20 actually wasn't as bad as Remy thought it would be. It was rather cool, actually.

Well, at least he hoped it was.

The head of the department was… an interesting individual. Remy met with him during the application process. The man insisted on calling him "Miss Harris" and speaking to and about him in girl pronouns, and Remy understood why.

For some reason, though, Remy expected all the professors to be like that. And not such was the case.

"Rebecca Harris, I want to see you later in my office."

Doctor Gilliam was in his late thirties, called everyone by their first and last names, thought that being single was hilarious, made really bad puns in his lectures (though Remy heard, not as much outside of them), and tried his best to be "hip with the kids". It was worrying, to say the least. And… yeah, Remy was slightly terrified.

"I'm kind of worried, kid," Gilliam said the moment Remy walked in. "You don't look too-"

"Excuse me, Doctor, but I don't know what this is about."

"Have you heard about shadows and personae, Rebecca Harris?" Remy shook his head, terrified to say a word. "Well, it's quite an interesting concept. According to Carl Jung, you'll learn about him later, the persona is the mask you wear in the world. It's what you want others to see. The shadow is your innermost self, the parts of your identity that you wish to hide from others."

"Okay, and?"

"I think your persona might be cracking."

What… was going on?

"I'm not making sense, am I? I'm sorry. There's a lot that goes into that theory and I shouldn't confuse you this much, at least not until we get to it."

Yeah… it was weird.

"So, my point is… you can talk to me if anything is making you uncomfortable, okay?"

"Okay… I guess."

"Well, that is all," Doctor Gilliam said, fixing his glasses.

That… was weird. But okay. If that's how he wants to do things. Remy wasn't going to complain.

He was definitely better than the head of department.

—

There was a knock at the door.

Abby, their RA, was over earlier. Apparently Katherine had a bit of a scene right after class. So naturally, Remy assumed it would be Abby. No one else could be knowing on their door at ten thirty pm-

"We don't have your bunny this time. You can go."

Oh.

"Oh, no, I just…" Remy could hear that… kid? Whatever his name was, from the door. "I just need… I need someone to help me with something. And…"

"Oh. Remy can help."

"No I can't," Remy replied. "I need sleep and so do you!"

"It won't take long, I promise!"

"...fine." Remy got off the couch - the nice, comfy couch, where there was a blanket and his sols20 book - to the door. Where that kid (Emile? Emile) was looking at him with those big blue eyes and…

Yeah, Remy regretted unbinding. (Well, no. He did not. But also kind of did.)

"Hey… Rebecca, right—"

"His name is Remy."

Emile seemed shocked for a moment. Oh shit. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know. I just… I see you in most of my classes, so… never mind. So… how are you with baking?"

—

"So my sister Julie is LaVeyan—"

"Aren't we supposed to be baking cookies, babe?"

"Yeah, but… the stuff's all in the cabinets and I'm looking!"

Emile was a disaster child, Remy decided after only five minutes alone together. He brought a violin and his bunny to the kitchen in the pursuit of baking cookies - like, what even? - and he just seemed so… energetic? Happy? Whatever the word was. A couple minutes ago he was talking about the cookies, sure, but then he switched it to the importance of guided imagery, and then why Li Shang from Mulan is bisexual, and now… what was he even talking about?

"So my sister is a LaVeyan Satanist," Emile repeated himself, almost climbing on the counter to reach a cabinet. "It's kinda funny, actually. My dad's side of the family are all Catholic, and— can you put the sugar on the countertop, please? Thank you!"

"Sweetie, for the eleventh time this past ten minutes, I understand nothing you're saying."

"Am I speaking another language or something? Because if so I'm sorry!"

"No, it's just…" How does he not hurt his feelings? "It's just… you talk fast and about a lot of subjects at the same time."

"Oh. Okay. Sorry."

Maybe he thought Remy couldn't hear, but there was definitely a "this is just one of the things that are wrong about me" thrown in the air.

Emile didn't speak to him for the rest of the process. Maybe once or twice he pointed out a step or an ingredient, but overall he did not speak. At all. And then the cookies were in the oven…

And then he pulled out his violin.

"Is this really necessary?"

"I'm not talking to you."

"Emile, is it because of something I said?" Emile, still pouting (as he had been for a good hour and some now), nodded. "Well, I'm sorry. Please don't silent treatment me."

"I talk too fast and too much."

"Not what I said. I just said I can't follow you. I didn't say it's your fault. Please don't—"

Emile pretty much just ignored Remy (uhh, rude!) and positioned his violin, and started to play something… quite angrily.

After a minute and a half Remy recognized it as Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty.

After another three minutes, he dared open his mouth again. "I'm sorry I said that. I didn't mean to. Do you accept my apology?"

"...fine."

It was not fine. Absolutely not.

"Thanks for the help with the cookies," he said as they separated at the top of the stairs, all one-hundred-and-ninety cookies (Emile insisted on quadrupling the recipe) safely packed in plastic boxes and hidden away. "I… I'm gonna go now."

"Emile, please." He turned around, still looking quite pissed. (It was probably the hour, Remy tried telling himself. It's already past one am. This is not good.) "Are you mad that I said I'm confused?"

"To be honest with you, yes! Yes, I'm mad. I know it wasn't your intention but I heard you say shut the fuck up when you said that. And it hurt. Very badly."

...oh.

"I'm going to forgive you, but it's going to take me a bit, so please don't be mad at me, okay?" Emile honestly looked close to tears. "Good night, Remy. I'll see you in living systems tomorrow."

And then he went to his suite, violin and bunny with him.

Remy just got himself into a huge mess.

—

It was a beautiful afternoon in Boston when Remy found himself at the rather posh Italian place his mom wanted to meet at.

Before their divorce in late 1999, just after Remy turned fifteen, his father started contacting a charity organization dedicated to help transgender youth. He educated himself. Tried to educate his wife as well. But… apparently it was the last straw for Linda. The very night he tried to even just explain that it's not her fault, that it's how he was born, she packed up her things and left.

The divorce papers came in less than two months later. The divorce was finalized in November 1999. Remy did not see her since.

(Yeah… that was a lie. He actually hasn't seen her since Christmas 2001. But that was still a very long time. Almost a year is a long time.)

"Well, at least the weather's nice." And there she was with her new boy toy. Glamorous as ever, with her stupidly huge sunglasses and her bright red (disgustingly fake, makes India's hair seem real) curly bob, looking exactly the same as she did that day Remy came out to her.

A few hours later, though. When she thought he was asleep and left the house to go to some party.

"Well, at least you're still not very nice, Linda," he said with a smirk as he sat down next to her boy toy (he actually looks kinda nice, for a forty-something year old). "But much unlike the weather, I don't think this is a thing that can change so easily."

"Where are your manners, Rebecca?"

"The same place those diamond earrings you forgot when you left us are. At home with Dad, probably watching South Park."

"Well, at least we left the girls at home." Linda took off her sunglasses and replaced them with a normal, frameless pair of glasses. "I don't believe you met Stephen before, Rebecca."

"I don't believe I've met a Rebecca before, Linda."

"Are you ready to order?"

It took about two minutes for all the orders to place (of course Stephen had to order something overly fancy, because why the fuck not) before she started yapping again.

"Rebecca, I didn't ask to see you for you to be so rude to me."

"I didn't ask to see you, period."

"What would you like to be called, then?" Stephen asked. Well…

"Remy. My name is Remy."

"Your name is—"

"My name is not Rebecca! I haven't gone by that name since I was fourteen. Dad never called me that since the day I asked him to call me Remy. You're the only one who ever insisted, how do you think it made me feel?"

"How do you think it made me feel, Rebecca?" Remy hoped no one was looking. "My own daughter. I jeopardized my own high school graduation to have you because your father was dumb enough to forget the condoms. I gave up life-long dreams just to raise you, because that retard of a father you have couldn't. Is this how you repay me?"

There was a very awkward silence, that was broken by an unfamiliar voice - deep, with a southern drawl - and a confused "Rebecca?"

India. Without her makeup, her hair pulled back.

Looking almost perfectly manly.

"Excuse me?" Linda straightened her glasses, glaring at India. Oh, how Remy did not want this to happen… "And you are?"

"Ian McGinty, ma'am. I'm her boyfriend."

Oh.

"Your father didn't tell me you have a boyfriend," Linda spoke slowly.

"Because he doesn't know everything. And my name is still Remy."

"Ethan and I are gonna go now," India said, her voice still lower, still more southern than normal. "Text me when you're done, we'll go get ice cream?"

"...sure."

And then she leaned down and said, in the voice Remy grew to know and absolutely adore, "we're going to talk about this. Don't worry, I got your back."

And then she was gone.

"So a boyfriend, huh?"

"...so how many men have you fucked before meeting Stephen, Linda?"

—

"I'm so sorry about your mom, baby."

India's brother, Ethan, looked nothing like her. Well, he looked like a more manly, less boyish version of ‘manly' India, but also nothing alike. He also didn't talk much. So that was fun.

India took them to get ice cream indeed. (And much like her music taste, her favorite ice cream flavors - burnt caramel and earl grey - were rather… interesting. But she did swear that Toscanini's was probably the best ice cream in Cambridge, and who was Remy to argue with her?)

"It's alright. She's always been like this."

"Doesn't make it alright." Ethan grunted in agreement. "Take it from me, Remy. It's never alright."

"Does he have an Esther?"

India's eyes rolled so far back. "Do you think that every trans person have to have an Esther, Ethan? Do you truly think it's how we realize our identity?"

"It's how you did yours."

"I knew I'm a girl since the moment I understood who I am. Any related accidents after that are purely incidental."

"India, I think I fucked up." She looked up at him from her half-melted ice cream cup. "I told you about Emile, right?"

"You're still stuck on that?" Remy nodded. "Look… that kid told you he forgives you. You saw him in class since then, he didn't say anything to you… you're doing fine, sweetie."

"Is that his real boyfriend?"

"Ethan, shut the fuck up or I'll call mom. Remy…" India turned to play with his hair.

Yeah, it was very calming.

"He sounds like a very sweet kid. Trust me, there's no way you fucked anything up. You'll be okay. You'll get to hang out with him again, and it will be okay. Now eat your ice cream, you have the best ice cream, and then we're going back to your dorm and we're going to watch Priscilla. Or Hedwig. Whatever suits your fancy, okay?"

"...okay."

"Now, let's talk more about your mom and why it isn't okay that she treats you like that."

And for a bit, everything just seemed alright. Well, almost.

[bluesakurablossom]

Acceptance and New Friends

Emotions were running high and seemed like at any given moment Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey would be having an anxiety attack. Even after deciding to wanting to stay hidden from the rest of the human population after their latest mission, the NYPD and Chief Vincent had decided that they wanted to do something more for their heroic deed in defending their home and the world. They decided to give them one of the biggest wishes that any mutant could ever dream of. The gift of freedom. Yes they were given the opportunity to be able to walk the streets of New York above with other humans. 

At first glance they seem very unsure about this whole thing, after all even though they had a bit of a rough start with the police after the whole Foot Ninja break in and were now on good terms, they seem hesitant on trying again fearing they would receive the same reaction. And trust them, they didn’t need to hear being called freaks or monsters again, the first time was already degrading enough. It took a lot of convincing from April, Casey, Vern and Rebecca to give this another chance, but after some time they decided they had nothing else left to lose and now took the risk. 

It was so different being able to walk above and not feel like the need to hide all the time and you could just walk around like you were a normal person. It felt weird too, like being so open was a new strange feeling for each of them since they were so used to being in the shadows all those years of living underground and experiencing this seemed unreal. Never did they once think that this would be happening, not in a million years. Sure they had dreams of being able to be able to walk amongst humans but they never thought it would come true. Well here they are now in Central Park during a special harvest event with April and Casey with them. It was so gut wrenching at first that they almost bailed out and wanted to go back home, but all seemed to be going well so far. No one around them seemed bothered or scared or disgusted. Sure they did get a few looks but they were only smiles and curiosity. It seemed unreal almost like a dream, never did they think that they would ever get another smile from another human besides their own human friends. 

Getting into the whole thing better now, they were chilling out underneath one of the biggest oak trees in the park while other families were around them chatting away. Talking themselves they noticed another family was coming into the park, a young woman with a little girl hand in hand with her mother came walking by them. Every time someone would walk by they feared the worst but each time it was the opposite and that’s just what this mother did. She gave them a smile with her little girl moving on ahead with a giggle. 

They sighed heavy in relief, making April look at them concerned. “Guys you don’t need to be scared every time someone walks past, you are all okay”, she said

“It’s just a bit frightening you guys, I mean we have never done this before, I mean its not common finding walking talking turtles out and about with humans”, Donnie said “The odds are basically zero to zero”

“I know it is, I know it must be scary, but look around no one seems bothered by your appearance let alone every time someone walks by they give you a smile”, she said

“Yeah and if someone gives you a bad look just let me handle them, I will give them a whack with my hockey stick”, Casey said, flipping his hockey stick beside him making April look at him with a cocked eyebrow and slapped his arm, making him wince and rub his sore arm

It earned chuckles from everyone and decided to explore more while the others went back to conversation, Leo got from their spot under the tree and went towards the drink table and eyed immediately at the huge fruit punch bowl that sat in the middle. Using the ladle to get himself a small drink, he sighed with content feeling the fresh fruit liquid run down his throat. He looked around watching many families were content in doing their own activities and or talking with each other. He smiled when he saw little kids chasing each other around the pond and some were flying kites high up into the air. It made him look back to when he himself was that small with his brothers when they would play games like Buck Buck and exploring tunnels pretending to be brave ninja warrior battling sewer monsters. Unware to him he didn’t notice a little figure was walking past him, he sensed it and thought they went away but then he sensed someone came back and saw the little girl he saw earlier come walking up to him. “Hello there”, her voice sounding so gentle and sweet 

He couldn’t help but smile at the very sight of her. She was so small compared to his figure, her dark blue jean jacket covered her purple dress that matched her brown cowgirl boots. Her blonde thin hair was held back into a half style ponytail and in her hands she had collected small flowers nearby. He knelt down on to his knee to come down to her level. “Well hello there to you too young lady”, his voice matching hers

“I have never seen you around here before”, she said, curiously “Are you new here?”

He chuckled softly. “Well I have been here a long time, just haven’t been around a lot of people”, he said 

“Are you a turtle?”, she asked, looking at him, but that smile never left her face. He seemed quite surprised that she was interested in him, she didn’t look at ounce bit scared or nervous. Those sweet royal blue eyes were starting to melt his heart. Even for a young child her age, she seemed so calm in being in front of a giant reptile like himself, treating him like a neighbor welcoming someone into the neighborhood. 

“Well yes I am, I know I may look a bit giant and different, but I am not scary as you think”, he said, trying to assure her that he wasn’t what he thought most people would think about him

She just continued to smile. “You are not scary, you are nice, I love turtles”, she said, as she stepped closer looking down at the flowers she picked earlier, taking a couple of daisies from the bunch

Gently reaching up she slid the flowers into the edge of his blue bandana before stepping back a bit. “Welcome”, she said 

He felt his heart flutter at the thought of someone being so open and kind towards him as he felt the flowers were secured in his mask with his hand. Her smile never stopped and he couldn’t seem to have stopped either. Looking at her made him realize that maybe not all humans had thought the same that they were good ones out there like April and Casey and Vern and the police force. He knew that being himself that true acceptance would always come from being yourself, even though he had doubts that anyone else would actually accept him, having this young child accepting him seemed like a victory to him. “I see you have a made new friend honey”, a female voice spoke with happiness 

The same young woman he saw with her, probably was the girl’s mother, come up to the two of them. “Yes mommy”, she said, looking up to her mother hugging her around her leg 

He felt a bit of nervousness once more course through his system, a bit fearful of what might happen next. “I am sorry mam”, he said, standing up to his feet, feeling a bit weak in the knees

“Sorry for what? There is no need to be dear”, The woman only smiled at him shaking her head “My daughter is very open and friendly with everyone and I can see she was almost starting to make a flower crown for you” 

She eyed the daises that she had put in his mask. First the young girl and now her mother were being so open and treating him like he was another person, seemed to have added on to the good feeling of acceptance. “Mommy do you think we can meet the others too that we walked past?”, The little girl looked over towards his family whom he looked over towards and smiles were plastered on their faces seeing the adorable sight that was in front of them. 

“Its up to him sweetheart, you don’t mind do you? We would love to get to know you all”, She smiled towards Leo

Now they were wanting to get to know them better? Man this must be a dream, he felt like someone should pinch him awake. But this was real, happening right now. “O-of course yes, you can”, Leo stuttered “Oh I am Leo by the way”

“It’s certainly a pleasure meeting you Leo, I am Maryanne”, The lady, now known Maryanne said 

“Come on Leo”, The little girl reached up her little hand towards him

She smiled up to him waiting for him to accept her invitation and he felt an even bigger smile come to his face as he gently reached to take her little hand into his giant one. It was so small and fragile that he was afraid that he might just hurt her, but she squeezed on to one of his fingers secured like she wasn’t going to let him go. He just wanted to melt inside. He then let the rest of his hand encase around her hand gently. “Her name is Ellie”, Maryanne said 

He looked back down at her with the never stopping smile. “Hi Ellie”, he said, softly 

She smiled more and she lead him over towards the rest of the family with her mother in tow beside the two of them. The two families were getting along great with each other. Talking most about their lives and even small topics on Ellie. They were laughing and enjoying themselves while enjoying drinks and small plates of food they had gotten from the harvest table. Ellie was placing flowers in Mikey’s mask while they both were laughing. “What do you think so far?”, he asked

“Needs more daisies that or carnations”, Ellie said, as she giggled placing a few more on the back of his head 

“I still can’t believe that you managed to take down that alien ship, I thought for sure we were all goners, who knows what that could of done” Maryanne was looking intrigued of hearing their latest mission in taking down the Technodrome and sending it back to its dimension 

“Trust us, it wasn’t easy, it was probably one of the hardest things we have ever done”, Donnie said, taking a sip of his ice tea “But something tells me it probably won’t be the last time we will deal with Kraang”

“You mean he might come back?”, Ellie asked, looking a bit worried looking up from finishing the flower crown. Leo looked towards her concerned and let his hand soothingly touch her shoulder giving it a gentle rub. “It might happen again honey, but we will make sure that nothing bad happens”, he said, making her smile return once more

“If he does, do you think I can help?”, she asked, sounding cheerful, and that made the turtles and her mother smile towards her offering. Leo chuckled softly and smiled. “We would love for you to help, but I am afraid that this one would be a little too dangerous for you sweetie”

“Oh okay”, she nodded in understanding

“Well I could give her a few lessons, she could probably take down the weapons”, Raph teased, with a smirk 

“Yeah Raph if you were to being teaching her, she would be a body builder by the time she is ten”, Mikey joked earning a smack from his brother, which made Ellie giggle a little 

“Hey can’t help I love working out so much”, He rolled his eyes a bit annoyed making everyone laugh. But there was some stares in the distance that were what they had feared all this time. A couple was standing off a few feet away and were alone. They were looking and whispering things that could easily been determined from their mouths, it seems like they were trying to make things very obvious of what they were saying. Maryanne seemed to notice that the boys were trying to make themselves look unnoticed and sinking down and that was making her seem upset very quickly. “I will be right back”, she said, sounding very stern 

She didn’t sound happy at all, not like how she was during her talk. It sounded like she might just explode at any given moment. “Is there a problem here?”, Maryanne said, with her arms crossed over her chest 

“You are actually talking with those creatures? In front of your child no less?”, the woman stated loud enough to where they could hear her 

Ellie heard those words and noticed the boys were looking sad and she walked up quickly towards her mother who was still confronting the couple. “They are not just creatures, they are living breathing beings that have a lot of heart and purpose”, Maryanne said, with her tone growing more tense by the second 

“How could you think that something like that can have heart or purpose?”, the man said, laughing at her response 

“What are you saying?”, Ellie asked, standing beside her mother sounding upset herself 

“Those turtle things are freaks honey and you shouldn’t be talking to freaks”, the woman said, sounding all sarcastically sweet towards her 

But she didn’t buy that not for one second and an angry look came to her face. “You are mean, and you are bullying our new friends, they didn’t do anything to you and you are being very mean”, she said “I thought people were suppose to be nice to each other and not make fun of or be mean towards someone else, we treat people nicely!

“How dare you say that about them? They may not look like any of us but that doesn’t give you the damn right to judge on their appearance. I may have just met these young fellows, but believe me they have more humanity and more heart than any individual person would have on this whole population on this planet. You seem to have no understanding whatsoever about the need to stop about discrimination, maybe you both should learn something about it”, Maryanne’s tone was firm but seemed to be calm and not rising

“You are actually okay with this?”, she asked, in disbelief

“Not only am I am okay with I would support anyone for who they are so yes”, Maryanne said with a firm nod “Your words must be hurting them to the core, this is who they are, let them be who they are”

“They are good people, why be mean to someone you haven’t even met? If that’s who they are and makes them feel special, then its okay”, Ellie said “Its okay to me”

The boys were stunned seeing this mother and daughter duo standing up against this couple and what was said next really blew their minds. “Well then you are just disgusting, teaching your daughter all of this, talking to these monster things and thinking that its okay”, the woman scoffed 

That seemed to set Maryanne off making her look beyond angry and before she could say anything Ellie stepped forward in front of her. “You stop that now! They are not things and they are not monsters! You are! Both of you! Leave them alone! They don’t deserve this! If you can’t say something nice don’t say nothing at all!”, she said, pointing at them angrily “I think you both should leave”

“What my daughter said, they have probably heard worse things just as this and we are not going to stand around and just let that happen, not while we are here, I think both need to leave and don’t come back! Now!”, Maryanne was glaring too with her hands on her daughters shoulders

“You both are a waste of time”, the man said, as he and the woman scoffed leaving them alone finally

“So are you”, Ellie said, quietly looking at them before walking away with her mother following behind her. Walking back to their friends they were at loss of words of what just went down. At this point they didn’t know what just happened, they were not sure who stunned them more, the couple dishing out on them or a mother and a young child defending them and throwing it back in their faces. 

“Man you guys just let them have it”, Mikey said, completely stunned

“Oh believe me, I have had worse confrontations, some of them I have almost gone to blows”, Maryanne said, as she sat back down in her spot 

“Why did you stick up for us like that?”, Raph asked, sounding a bit baffled from this. Any of them would think that someone ridiculing them would join them in the hurtful bandwagon, besides April and Casey and Vern but to see these two sticking up for them was beyond.

“I believe that no one should be judged upon regardless of how you look, what background you come from, what religion you believe in or what things you love to do, if its what makes you special and happy than that is all that matters”, she said, with her sweet tone returning back “I feel if anyone is to receive discrimination of any kind, you never know that could be me”

Her words of wisdom touched their hearts and it was making that window of opportunity to change the world’s view on them much larger and that they will be praised like the heroes that they should be. With getting over the whole incident, they enjoyed the feast together and even playing a fun game of football with even the girls joining in on the fun and watching a show of fireworks when it was getting darker out as the bright lights lit up the beautiful night. Soon the festival was drawing to an end and families one by one were starting to leave the park to head home. The boys along with their friends were about to head home along with Ellie and Maryanne heading back to their condo across the other side of the park after saying their goodbyes to each other. Leo was gathering up the blanket when he felt a tug on his pants leg making him look down to see his little friend with a smile and more flowers were in her hand. “Hey Ellie, we had a really fun time with you guys tonight”, he said 

“We did too”, she said, with a bright smile “I had a lot of fun, I am sorry that those people were saying mean things about you guys”

Her smile turned slowly into a frown. “Oh there is nothing to be sorry about honey, its not the first time we have heard something familiar”, he said “You were a very brave young lady in telling them what you said”

“I was always told you have to be nice to everyone you meet”, she said “My daddy before he passed away told me that if you always be nice to everyone the kindness will be given back to you”

“Well I thank you very much for standing up to what’s right, its not often we get that from anyone”, he said

“Maybe people should get to know you before they say something mean, they will see what a nice turtle you are and your brothers too”, she said, with a smile returning to her face

He couldn’t help but smile. “You are wise beyond your years”, he said, softly

“I get that a lot”, she said, with a giggle making him chuckle as well

“Ellie darling, come on!”, Maryanne called out 

“Coming Mama!”, Ellie called back, looking back towards her before looking back to him “Bye Leo, I hope we can see each other soon”

“I hope we can too, it was certainly a pleasure in meeting you Ellie”, he said, with a loving smile

She ran up to him and hugged him tight around his neck and her little hug made him a bit startled at first but he hugged her gently in return. It last a few moments before she pulled away but not before taking one more flower from the bunch, this time a little blue one that matched his mask and placed it where she put the daisies earlier that he still kept in with a smile. But what she did next he wasn’t expecting at all by placing her little hands on his cheeks and kissing his forehead and she ran off to join her mother as she smiled down to her. Leo felt a warm feeling come over his heart as he watched her join hands with her mother and she looked back giving him a wave. He waved softly back as they disappeared over the clearing. This trip out again from the shadows went better than he could of ever thought and knowing that there was good ones out there and ones that would stand up against others who are not so open and would judge that maybe that there was more and that maybe more and more people will come to accept them for who they are. Breathing living beings with pure hearts.

[geek-gem]

The Predator 2018

So it's 12:02 am and it turned 01 on the journal when I posted it on Deviantart. Now it's 12:03 am and I have a lot to say also I put tags first before typing I had this copied. 12:04 am.

I've actually seen the film.....even though I talked about mainly on Tumblr of not seeing it. But I went with my bro and his friend......but I've seen it.....

I thought it was okay. But I'm gonna be honest including thinking more about it. I don't want Shane Black to never direct another Predator movie again. Including a actual quote from my brothers friend and I asked him quite some times or three to remember. He described the movie as a, "One Big Meme" I just seriously went into my brothers room and his friend is staying the night I actually asked him in case and I mentioned one big and it seems to be that.....which says a lot about the movie in a way I suppose.

Yet I wanna talk about something. After the movie and eating some ice cream when I called Uber over time my phone died and we weren't at the right place so the Uber cancelled. So after some stuff my mom decided to pick us up I guess after my bro tried to download Uber or whatever. I'm grateful for her for picking us up and told her it was because I didn't charge my phone all the way and that I should of been prepared. Even though these days it's been dying quick. Seriously I was stressed out and paranoid but I'm supposedly better now.

Now back to the movie.

Yeah I seriously thought it was okay. But again as time went on especially when I was in the shower I kind of gotten more angry.

I'll admit it made me laugh or whatever quite a bit. Even though I think I didn't understand some jokes. In fact I've been thinking I seriously agree. I'm a causal fan of the MCU and you know what the film weirdly feels like that. This film seriously feels like a R rated MCU film in a way. Especially while I like humor but the thing is this being a Predator film. While yes some serious moments but especially towards the ending. Their was a lot of humor. Honestly my theater laughed a lot.

The action was pretty excellent on quite some parts. I felt some parts should of been more brutal but that's just me. Especially just the action works most of the time.

Now the characters especially the Loonies basically all of them. They were enjoyable, they had their moments. But they were some nice characters to see interact with each other.

Henry Jackman's score was great in some parts too or whatever. I also liked those nods to the score of the original Predator.

Now really I wanna get to the negative parts and.....I forgot to talk about this.

Before this movie I was thinking of the worse. Especially what I was gonna say. I was gonna say this shit and I'm gonna tell you this stuff.

I was thinking of saying shit like I'd wouldn't just have Zack Snyder work on a Predator film or AVP. But I'd also would rather have the likes of Rebecca Sugar and the Crewinverse(Steven Universe), Ian Jones Quartey(OK KO Let's Be Heroes), Matt Burnett(Craig Of The Creek), Craig McCracken(Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends) and shit even Alex Hirsch(Gravity Falls) even if I don't like his work much. I'd rather have these folks. Or shit even thought of these Michael Bay which would be horrible so God no or Collin Trevorrow and I like him.

Also shit like Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom is better then this, The Meg is better then this and I personally liked those films. Especially the Sonic movie next year will be better then this crap.

Even after seeing this movie....I weirdly feel like that. Especially yeah I'd would weirdly rather trust some cartoon creators then what Shane Black did.

I'm gonna be talking big spoilers especially what they did it being Shane Black aka Hawkins from the original Predator film. Also after the Zack Snyder mention my bro and his friend just being weird wearing purge light up masks they went after quite a lot of seconds.

Basically with the humor being a bit much. But it's the biggest thing that pisses me off. Especially I was thinking I'm feeling what Alien fans went through with Alien Covenant.

The idea that the Yautja in this movie even with fun little easter eggs like shots of Diablo(which they some what have) and Ghost. But the idea of making the story about the Yautja are not a species and this is basically hinted for all, the sport and honor is not a thing. It's thrown away with this stupid bullshit that they want to evolve as a species but hybridization being the answer to their survival. Especially the spinal cords of the strongest is where they get them at. Despite the fucking fact even the first film and even Predator 2 is referenced shows they are a clan based society. Also the idea that they wanna invade our planet so it could be their new home.

This is bullshit. Especially as the last half of the movie goes.

So Rory our autistic 12 year old kid. The fact they seriously fucking say that being on the spectrum is the next step in evolution....are you fucking kidding me. Especially I'm an autistic person. Listen all autistics are different. But seeing it for myself that the Upgrade/Assassin Predator wants to take this kids spine. The idea of that is so fucking crazy that I thought no offense to autistic people it would make the Upgrade go fucking insane in ways if he was even successful.

I'll be honest I'm shit at writing autistic characters. Especially their have been stupid ideas from me. Including I want more representation of people like me in more media. But when it's treated like this I don't know. The idea of treating it like a super power like people have said. I honestly don't want to see something like this in a film like this ever again. Unless it's dealt with respect but maybe it's just me and it was a kid. But I basically hated it I'm sorry. I'm not trying to sound like a SJW or say we shouldn't have autistic representation. Especially Rory was alright but seriously never again.

Also the film is paced too quick and for some reason while it helps in the end this fucking Predator dog is pretty alright with our characters.

Including the fucking ending. While it seriously feels like an MCU film but seriously if I remember correctly I was just disappointed seeing what I read about. I think my mouth was opened and I was just shocked with disappointment or whatever by the Iron Man like Predator suit seriously called The Predator Killer.

Especially what's amazing it seriously looks or remind me of that Mecha Predator idea I had.

What was interesting after the movie ended I actually talked with my bro and his friend about the movie. While not going extremely deep. But I told them about how I didn't wanna see this film because of Shane changing the lore. Yet for some reason my brother said this stupid shit twice that I should try new things. But that's bullshit because he didn't understand what I was talking about.

Including I mentioned the scene with the first Predator. Basically the Fugitive Predator was the best thing of the movie or something. Even if it had human dna but it was more of a Yautja then the fucking Upgrade Predator.

You know even though I said this film was okay. But this film is basically not a Predator film. It's just using the species as some sort of placeholder. Because what I witnessed wasn't a Predator film.

Too much humor while funny but some humor was weird or maybe off not needed, the ending, some of the writing especially some moments that weren't needed. Especially some stupid fucking dialogue or whatever. Also Fox indeed cut out shit and they seriously did reshoot stuff I remember the old set photos with Yautja wearing military pants and teaming up with humans bunch of shit was different which I basically remembered.

But those fucking lore changes. I'm gonna say while AVP2R isn't my favorite at least that respected the Yautja lore. Including as such a big fan of these creatures you don't fucking do that.

I'd don't give a shit if people are tired of hunt films I'd rather have more of those instead of this. I almost said this instead of those uck. Especially I'd rather stick with ideas of mine and other expanded lore that doesn't treat the Yautja mythos like shit. Seriously I'd rather I've been thinking of it and it couldn't be in line with the Alien timeline or maybe. I'd rather have some story where all of Earth knows of the Yautja probably because of Bad Blood's fucking up. People on Earth shit themselves and prepare to be ready but the Yautja still hunt on Earth despite it's more difficult now.

Especially the Upgrade/Assassin Predator isn't a real Yautja. Real Yautja are ones like Diablo(Predator 1), Ghost(Predator 2), Scar(AVP1), Wolf(AVP2R), Broken Tusk(AVP original comics), Scarface(Predator Concrete Jungle game), Prince(AVP2 2001) and many more. Even the Bad Blood(Predator Bad Blood) is even a real Yautja despite being a psychopath.

I think I've said enough.

[anthropologicalhands]

ceg fic: white josh’s boyfriend needs assistance (possibly medical)

title: white josh’s boyfriend needs assistance (possibly medical) summary: White Josh isn't surprised his boyfriend rushed off to see Rebecca Bunch without sunscreen or a plan. He just hopes that Darryl doesn't hurt himself. Missing scene from 3x06. notes: I just loved that scene with the girl group and Darryl and wanted to include a coda with White Josh. 

Josh returns to West Covina after AAA arrives with the car’s replacement battery, three hours after his boyfriend charged out of the yurt as a man on a mission. There a semblance of a breeze and the traffic coming from the desert has significantly died down, so the drive is less unpleasant than it could have been, and he is able to make the journey in just under two hours.

After passing the sign for West Covina, he pulls over and calls Darryl.

“WhiJo!" Darryl sounds cheerful, if at a higher pitch than usual. "You got service again?”

“I’m not in the yurt anymore, I’m back in town. Where are you? Did you get to see Rebecca?”

“I did! I did, I’m still there.”

Josh relaxes. Despite himself, he had worried if Darryl's presence would be welcomed so soon, or if it would be seen as an intrusion.

“That’s good. You guys are hanging out then?”

There is a slightly guilty pause from the other end of the phone.

“Well, actually – ouch!”

He yelps, and Josh has to pull the phone back a couple of inches from his ear.

“D…you okay, dude?”

“I’m fine! Paula just added more ice in the pool.”

“…Rebecca has a pool? Why are you in the pool? Why is there ice?”

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s nothing too serious. And the pool is Paula’s –one of those inflatable tubs. See, I got a tiny bit burned driving in from the desert…”

“He looks like a flamingo!” Josh can hear Paula shout from somewhere in the background, while his still-sensitive ears easily pick up Valencia snapping out instructions, the clink of ice being dumped out of a bag and further yelps from Darryl.

Josh brings the phone back to his ear once the cacophony subsides.

“Darryl, what’s going on?”

“…I might have lost my hat.”

Oh God.

“I’m coming to pick you up.”

“That would be great, but maybe in a couple of hours? Heather’s looking up instructions and the internet says I still need to soak to keep the blistering from getting worse...”

“I’m coming now.”

“Okay.”

Josh takes one look at Darryl’s vibrant red skin and says, “Get up, we’re going to the emergency room.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary,” blusters Darryl, sitting fully clothed in a bright green inflatable pool filled with ice just outside Rebecca’s front door, his shoulders shuddering around his ears. “We’ve got it under control!”

“Darryl, listen to your boyfriend,” says Paula, coming out of the house with a glass of water and a compress, Valencia following close behind with a short stack of hand towels. “You’re in bad shape. Human beings should not be this color.”

“I’ll be fine, it’s just skin!”

“Yeah, it’s only your largest organ,” says Josh, circling around the kiddie pool, studying Darryl, his dismay growing. “And it’s supposed to be protecting your other organs—Dude, this is bad. You’re going to peel like crazy.”

“Not if I can help it –I found the aloe vera!” says Valencia triumphantly from the other side of the kiddie pool, pulling out a small, green-capped jar from her make-up bag. Sometimes Josh’s brain still short-circuits at this new Valencia, who’s ditched the boxed water, drinks coffee and channels her fierce territoriality into taking care of her friends.

Darryl beams up at her like she’s the Madonna.

(Like, the actual Madonna, not the singer.)

“See?” Darryl gestures extravagantly upwards. “I have aloe vera. Everything’s fine!”

Josh puts his hands on his hips and sighs.

He loves his boyfriend’s ever-present optimism, he really does. He just sometimes wishes it came with a dash of patience. Just a pinch.

“Darryl, your skin is starting to turn purple; you need more than aloe vera,” says Rebecca, appearing in the entrance of the house, lotion bottles in hand. “Valencia, where do you want me to put these?”

She stops in the door frame when she notices him. “Oh, White Josh.”

“Rebecca.” He shifts, suddenly uncomfortable, and sinks his hands into his pockets. She just looks at him for a long moment, still hovering in the doorframe, uncertain.

“You’re, uh, wearing a shirt,” she says at last. “Good for you.”

“Huh? Why is that surprising?”

She smiles, not one of her toothy grins, but a wry quirk of the mouth. “Darryl said he, uh, borrowed your shirt for his desert odyssey. Not that it helped.” She gestures towards the ice bath with a twirl of her index finger. “I assumed it was your only one.”

“So, you thought I was just wandering around the desert half-naked?” he asks, almost rhetorically. “Makes sense.”

Rebecca shrugs. “No. I mean, it was just as likely you were doing some weird, meditative, becoming-one-with-nature thing on a rock somewhere. Or doing pushups. Also on a rock. Maybe one-handed.”

“Haha,” he retorts, but it lacks bite. He watches her cross the doorstep at Valencia’s beckoning to place the bottles by their other supplies. She looks pale, but better than he feared. There are a lot of things he can say about Rebecca Bunch, and has said in the past. But he got the messages, too.

He watches her kneel down next to the pool and inspect a blistered patch on Darryl’s shoulder with some tenderness, and it’s like she’s a different person from the woman who has been tearing his best friend’s life to shreds –no more glitter and lipstick, everything scrubbed down to the bare vital stuff needed to make up Rebecca Bunch, now smaller than he’s ever seen her.

“Rebecca.”

She pauses in her ministrations and looks up at him, and Josh doesn’t think he’s ever seen her move like that before, slowly and with such deliberation.

“You look good,” he says at last.

Rebecca watches him for a long moment, then smiles again, a little more naturally, easing more into the habit of it.

“Thanks,” she says. “And sorry, um, I think I kind of broke your boyfriend.”

Josh shakes his head. “Nah, he did this to himself.”

“It’s worth it, I had to see my girl,” insists Darryl, looking between them, and Josh feels a small burst of affection for him, soothing his irritation that his boyfriend couldn’t wait a few hours to prevent something that will definitely cause weeks of pain.

“And I’m happy to see you, too,” says Rebecca, as sincere as Josh has ever heard her. “But seriously, Darryl, you need to go to the emergency room.”

“Actually, he might not,” says Heather, wandering out with her laptop to join the party. “There are a ton of home remedies that should, like, help ease the pain. And I think the blisters look worse than they actually are – if he keeps them clean it should be okay.”

“Hi Heather,” says Josh.

Heather looks up from her screen. “Hey, WhiJo. How was the yurt?”

Josh gives her a short wave. “Not bad, kind of stuffy, but we met some pretty nice people.”

Heather nods, unblinking. “Did you guys work things out?”

Josh hesitates. Truthfully, they haven’t talked that much more about the whole baby thing, first with the herbs and the time it took to set up the yurt, and then Rebecca. They haven’t really had the chance.

“It’s a work in progress,” he says instead. And it is true –he’s still not entirely sure what he wants to do about it. He never thought about having children, and certainly not so quickly. He understands why Darryl might be interested in having another kid, but it’s also Darryl. He is enthusiastic and impulsive about everything, from his name to his sexuality and even to jumpstarting their relationship. But he can’t be that certain about everything, especially not kids. And it’s not like Darryl isn’t happy about where they are, Josh is sure of it. He just needs a little more time.

Heather hums without saying anything, just keeps looking at him. Josh breaks her gaze, looking down to the stonework under his sandals. There aren’t many people who can make him squirm, but Heather might be one of them, with her uncanny ability to look right past what people say to what they do.

“Well, if you aren’t going to break up, I’m going to send you the treatment instructions,” she says at last. “He’s going to need a lot of lotion over the next few days, so you get to take care of that part.”

“Lucky me.”

“I can do that myself!” protests Darryl. He’s about to say more, but then Paula slaps a cold compress on the back of his neck and all that comes out is a strangled whimper, while Rebecca gingerly pats him on the back and Valencia dabs her hands with aloe gel.

“You also did this to yourself,” Paula tells him. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“Just sit tight, Darryl,” says Heather. “WhiJo, I’m sending you the articles, but like, try not to look at the pictures. Some of them are nasty.”

Josh grimaces. “Wonderful, thanks for the warning.”

“You’re welcome,” says Heather, putting down the laptop and moving to join Valencia. Josh also comes to join the huddle, bending down to sit cross-legged by the makeshift bath. He tries not to disturb the women on the other side, near the door, moving and talking quietly to each other, considerate enough to give him and Darryl some space.

“I might need a little help,” admits Darryl, chastened, letting his arm flop over the pool’s edge, hand extended. Josh takes it and smiles at him, affection overriding any lingering exasperation.

“Don’t worry about it, D. You don’t have to do anything on your own.”

Darryl’s smile is small and genuine, but it does not quite reach his eyes. Josh wonders, with some concern, if the pain is worse than it looks.

“But some things I will have to do on my own,” Darryl insists, unusually serious. “I can’t ask you to always stay around.”

“Nah,” Josh shakes his head, confident. “You’ve got me, everything will be fine. It’ll be over in a few weeks.”

Josh squeezes Darryl’s hand, in promise.

After a moment’s hesitation, Darryl returns the gesture.

[poiregourmande]

Ben / his tattoo artist

(this was requested by Husband so I took the liberty of making the tattoo artist Evan)

(you can find Bevan interactions here - they are extremely shippabble: X & X)

Ben is nervous as hell as he walks in the tattoo parlor. The first time he got a tattoo was a drunken mistake, so he doesn’t much remember it. He never thought he’d ever have tattoos – he’s scared of needles, but he needs to coverup that first one, so here he is.

He walks up to the front desk, nervously looking around. The place is hipstery, but cozy, lots of wood and leather and plants, nothing in common with the dark hole-in-the-wall where he first went.

He rings the bell on the counter, looking at the art on the walls while he waits. You can see a certain cohesion between the pieces – they were all made by the same artist, obviously. They look like watercolor, with a lot of flowers and geometric shapes. Ben is really into it and he makes a mental note to thank his friend Steven who suggested the place.

A red and black plaid curtain behind the counter is pushed aside and out comes the most gorgeous man Ben has ever set his eyes on.

Tall, with broad, drool-worthy shoulders and a tiny waist, with the arms of a guy who obviously goes to the gym a lot. He’s dressed in a tight black button-down that makes his biceps just bulge out and actual suspenders and a bow tie – his arms are covered in tattoos, which make the whole outfit seem cool rather than nerdy.

[the rest under a cut because it failed to be a drabble - it’s 1.5k]

“What’s up, man, I’m Evan,” the man says and Ben is so busy staring at his tattoos he almost forgets to answer.

“Um – I’m Ben. Hi.”

“Is this your first tattoo?” Evan eyes his bare arms and fidgety demeanor.

“A coverup, actually.” Ben rolls up the sleeve of his t-shirt to reveal, at the very top of his bicep, a small hand giving the middle finger and the words F U REBECCA.

“I was drunk and recently dumped,” he mumbles, steeling himself for the upcoming judgemental look.

Evan scoffs and shakes his head, but not at Ben. “Tattoo artists willing to work on someone drunk disgust me. They’re in it strictly for the money and they don’t care about the craft.”

A warmth spreads through Ben’s chest – Evan looks offended on his behalf, and the feeling of someone caring for him after months alone is making him dizzy.

Evan pulls a pad and a pen, guides him to a corner with a table and chairs. He quickly doodles Ben’s existent tattoo. “Do you have an idea of what you want?”

Ben shrugs. “I guess I don’t really know how tattoo works? Especially coverups? Like what can you do?”

“I can either incorporate these lines into something else so they become invisible, or cover it with a dark patch we’d work into the design. This would likely be more painful because we’d have a lot of filling in to do.”

Ben nods. “I’m a bit… afraid of needles? So the less pain the better.”

Evan nods, already deep in thought. He asks Ben a few questions about what he likes, how his childhood was, and for a while it almost feels like a date – like they’re getting to know each other. Evan listens intently, sometimes doodling an idea – he seems genuinely interested and it makes Ben blush.

After a while, Evan turns away to hide the pad from Ben and keeps drawing, grabbing color pencils from a nearby shelf.

“What do you think?” he asks at last, pushing the pad across the table.

Ben is speechless. Evan has drawn a tall pine tree, half in color and half in black geometric lines. The drawing immediately conjures up memories of Ben’s Gramps.

He’d told Evan how Ben’s grandfather had build their childhood home and planted a pine tree, but it got sick and they had to cut it down around the time of Gramps death.

The idea of having the tree, of having his Gramps live on his arm forever makes Ben’s eyes well up.

“Man…” His throat closes around the word and he can’t say anything else.

Evan smiles, and it’s soft and beautiful and Ben should maybe stop feeling everything so much.

“You like it? This part would be in a watercolor effect, I couldn’t fully convey it in pencil.” He points at the colored part. “And these lines right here, that’s where we hide the former tattoo.”

The previous tattoo completely disappears through the geometric lines. Ben’s impressed and he can’t wait to get Evan’s art etched in his skin forever.

“So listen,” Evan says, and Ben manages to tear his gaze from the pad to listen to him. “The whole afternoon is booked, but I can squeeze you in tomorrow at four. Does that work for you?”

Ben’s mind stumble over the words “squeeze you” and he feels his cheeks and neck heat up. He’s a bit disappointed not to leave the place with a tattoo, but he’s excited to have a reason to see Evan again.

“Tomorrow it is, then!” he says cheerfully.

It feels weird to just leave like that because it seems like they’ve gotten to know each other so much over the past hour, but like, a handshake is too formal, a hug too friendly, a kiss on the cheek – although Ben would absolutely love that – too romantic. So he just stares at Evan a bit too long, pats him on the shoulder and feels the most awkward he’s ever felt in his life.

“See ya,” he says, but he can’t seem to move his feet.

“Can’t wait,” Evan answers and Ben’s brain goes into overdrive.

Does he mean that? Is he just being nice? Is it just a phrase?

Great, now Ben is just standing still in the tattoo parlor and Evan’s smirks, amused.

“Okay, bye,” Ben says, finally managing to move his feet.

“Bye.” Evan seems like he’s trying hard not to laugh and Ben walks out, half cursing himself and half daydreaming about Evan’s smile.

Ben spends the next day in a frantic daze – unable to focus on anything for longer than 3 minutes. He ends up scrubbing his entire kitchen – it was the only task that allowed him to think about Evan as much as he wanted.

He changes his whole outfit three times before being satisfied, muttering “It’s not a date, get a grip” with clenched teeth the whole time.

He gets to the tattoo parlor almost a half hour too early, even though he does a double take in front of a flower shop – “it’s not a date,” he repeats through gritted teeth.

He finally goes to get coffee at the Crimson, the coffee shop across the street, to while away the last half hour and calm down, when an idea strikes him.

“Hey, you wouldn’t know Evan, by any chance?”

“Tattoo guy? Yeah he’s a regular.”

“Do you know his coffee order?”

“Venti soy mocha.”

“I’ll take one of those, too, then.” It’s not a date, his brain pipes up.

Is it Ben’s imagination or does Evan’s face lights up as he walks in?

It’s not a date.

You’re reaching.

Ben does his best not to pay attention to the nagging voice as he hands the coffee to Evan.

“Hey, uh, this is for you.”

Evan grins. “Thanks man!” He takes a sip. “Soy mocha? How did you know?”

Ben shrugs. “Lucky guess.”

Evan guides to the next room, points at the chair.

“Well, then, let’s see that shoulder, shall we?”

Ben looks down at his clothes and curses himself. He’d been so nervous about what to wear he completely forgot his shoulder needed to be accessible – he’s wearing a dark blue button down with rolled-up sleeves. He’s going to need to take it off completely and Evan will think he planned the whole thing so he’d be shirtless.

“I should have worn short sleeves,” Ben chuckles awkwardly, feeling Evan’s gaze on him as his fingers stutter over the buttons.

“It’s okay, man. I mean I’ve tattooed butts before, it’s nothing I haven’t seen already.”

Of course, his dick of a brain chooses to focus on the idea of Evan tattooing his butt one day.

He timidly shrugs off his shirt, self-consciously shifting his weight from one foot to the other while twisting his shirt in his hands, unsure what to do with it.

“Do you want me to…?” Evan holds out his hand, pointing at his shirt.

“Oh, sure, thanks.”

Their hands meet through the fabric and a chill goes up Ben’s spine – he hopes he doesn’t get goosebumps because there’s no way Evan wouldn’t see it.

Evan sets the shirt on a coat hanger  and gathers up his supplies while Ben takes place on the chair.

The nervousness from being half naked next to Evan quickly gives way to a nervousness about the actual tattooing, now that he sees Evan’s supplies.

After the stencil transfer is done, however, and he can see Gramps’ tree on his arm, he can feel his doubts melt away. Yeah, it might hurt like a bitch, but damn if it won’t be worth it.

At first it really does hurt, but after a while the pain kind of dulls away and he’s left with the very acute awareness off Evan’s hand hovering next to his bicep, of the feel of his fingers when he’s dabbing at the ink, even through the pad and the latex gloves.

Ben starts chatting away, trying to distract his brain from these thoughts, at least until the tattoo is done. “I can’t wait to see it, man, it’s gonna look so good; you know, it doesn’t hurt as much as I thought it would; I like to think if Gramps saw it he’d think you’re doing a pretty good job with his tree…” He goes on and on and doesn’t realize he’s doing it until he sees Evan cracks a smile.

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just – you talk a lot, don’t you?”

Ben feels his cheeks heating up. “I get that a lot. Sorry – I’ll shut up now.”

“No! I mean – you don’t have to. I kinda like it actually. It’s cute.”

Ben’s cheeks are actual fires by now.

“That’s cute too – you turning red.” Evan has an amused grin on his face and Ben suddenly realizes he’s not tattooing anymore. He looks over at his shoulder.

“Is it done?”

“What? Oh, yeah I finished like ten minutes ago. I just wanted you to keep talking.” It’s Evan’s turn to look flustered.

“How about I keep talking over a beer?”

“I’d like that,” Evan says, his voice all breathy, and suddenly he’s right there in front of Ben.

Ben doesn’t think about it – he just got a tattoo, he can handle anything – and kisses Evan, hard and wet and a little desperate, but Evan’s smiling against his lips and he knows he’s into it.

Behind Evan’s head there’s a mirror and Ben can see the final result.

“Wow,” he says.

“Yeah,” Evan breathes out, resting their foreheads together, chest heaving.

“I meant the tattoo.”

send me ANY two buzzfeed people and i’ll write you a drabble!