#shame on whoever cheers pen on for what she did

[orangepeelshortbreadcookies]

It's funny how Bridgerton got all this big talk about how women shouldn't be treated as chattels and breeding stocks while having the current female protagonist who in her own way, has treated others as chattels and breeding stocks, enabling her fans in cheering her on for that very behaviour and in reducing her co-lead to a prize for her to ultimately win, a doormat for her to trample on, a mere option she could consider but otherwise insignificant, instead of the main character in his own right, in other words, as chattels and breeding stocks. It's so funny. Ha. Ha. Ha.

[dameronology]

tea & whiskey {jack daniels x reader} - 1

part one: an insight into how microwaving tea should be a capital crime (fem! reader) 

song for this chapter - ldn by lily allen

summary: you’re Percival; reigning queen of the Kingsman, certified bad-ass and one of the most self-sufficient women to have ever graced the City of London. A mission with the Statesmen is a chance to further your career and tighten your grip on international success - it’s a shame that Jack Daniels already has his eyes on the throne. He also has his eyes on you, and it proves to be a problem for you both. {series masterlist}

this has all the kingsman characters but doesn’t follow the canon of golden circle. eggsy, tequila, champ, merlin etc all crop up throughout the series as well! if u want to be tagged, gimme a shout 

- jazz

You didn’t usually answer the door when someone knocked after 11PM. 

It was just common sense, really. Only serial killers, creeps and people who had the wrong address would knock that late. You could have taken on any of those three regardless - you were a bad-ass after all - but you were also busy. You’d been tirelessly working all day at the office, and the grind didn’t stop just because you’d got home. The stack of paperwork beside your computer felt like it was never ending and you simply didn’t have the time to answer the door. Working as Kingsman was more of a lifestyle than it was a job.

‘Oi!’

You almost jumped out your seat when the banging moved to the window beside your desk. It overlooked your front lawn and the quiet street you lived on - well, as quiet as a street in central London could be. Classic to the city, rain was lashing down on the glass, obscuring your view of whoever your visitor was. 

Right, you could add Eggsy Unwin to the list of people who knocked this late. 

‘What the hell, Eggsy?!’ You sighed, opening the front door. Your colleague quickly rushed from where he was standing by the window, elbowing past you and into the dry warmth of your house. ‘It’s almost midnight-’

‘- I’ve been calling you for hours!’ The agent exclaimed. 

‘I’ve been working all day.’ You replied. 

It wasn’t the first time he’d turned up at your doorstep at a stupid hour. Eggsy was your colleague, but first and foremost, he was your best friend. He had a tendency to drive you up the fucking wall and right back down again, and had done since you were in your school years, but he’d always been a little dependent on you. Whether it had been letting him crash on your sofa when his stepfather became too much, or giving him a lift home from the police station at 2AM after he’d been arrested, you always had his back. He had yours too, but you rarely needed it. Even after becoming a member of the Kingsman and essentially saving the world, you were still the first person he came too. 

After wrapping Eggsy up in a towel and escorting him to the kitchen, you placed a mug of warm tea on the table and sat beside him. Work could wait - for an hour or so at least. Chasing an internationally-reclaimed terrorist certainly took precedence over whatever your friend’s problems were, but if he needed you, he needed you. Bros before hoes might not have been the perfect saying for the situation, but the sentiment was definitely there. 

‘What’s happened now?’ You quirked an eyebrow. ‘I know it ain’t an arrest because you would have called from the station otherwise.’

Eggsy thinned his eyes at you. ‘I haven’t been arrested in two years.’

‘So what was it?’

‘I had a fight with Tilde.’ He admitted. ‘I don’t know what happened, but she’s mad at me.’

‘Were you talking before she got mad?’

‘Yeah.’

You raised your mug in the air. ‘That’s probably it then.’

‘Y/N!’ He swatted your hand away, causing tea to spill out onto the table. 

You sighed. ‘D’you wanna talk about it?’

‘No, I just need a place to crash.’

You stood up, leaning over the table to give his shoulder a squeeze. ‘You know where the spare room is, right?’

‘That’s it?’ He pouted. ‘Tea and a squeeze on the shoulder? My life is falling apart!’

‘Don’t be a drama queen.’ You replied. ‘I have to work - and you should be too. We’re close to getting Calahan.’

Calahan was the codename for the terrorist you’d been tracking - at least his current one. The man had worked under several aliases, jumping from country to country before finally falling under the jurisdiction of the British secret services. The MI5 and Scotland Yard were too well known to work such a sensitive case; the location of their offices were publicly known, making it easier for Calahan to slip in double agents. The civilians, however, had no knowledge on the Kingsmen. A tailor’s shop was a perfectly good front for a place to set up base and track the man down. 

Thanks to your success on your previous missions, Arthur had put you in charge of finding him, with Eggsy assigned as your partner. He was just as good an agent as you, but you had little sympathy for his domestic issues. 

‘I was working on it all day.’ Eggsy held his hands up in surrender. ‘But with all due respect, Percival, I don’t work into the late hours of the night. I know how to switch off.’

‘That’s because you’re a man, Eggsy.’ You reminded him. ‘I am one of three women at Kingsman.’

‘That’s still three more than there used to be.’ 

‘You’ve already pissed off one extremely patient woman tonight.’ You warned him, referring to Tilde. ‘Do you want to go two for two?’

‘No.’ He huffed. ‘Women are just complicated.’

‘Or maybe men are just dumb.’ You smiled sweetly, before brushing a hand through his hair. ‘You should get some rest.’

‘So should you.’

‘I’m fine.’ You shook your head. ‘I’ve got a meeting with Merlin in the morning. We’ll have to leave at eight.’

‘Do I have to go? Merlin hasn’t said anything to me-’

‘- yes.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I said so.’

He couldn’t argue with that. 

--

The following morning, you were headed for the Kingsman headquarters by 9AM. Having filled Eggsy with some coffee and half a bacon-sandwich, he had cheered up considerably. You did feel for him - he had been right when he said that women were confusing - but your attention was still very much on work. That was the norm, really. You lived and breathed for your job. It wasn’t your whole identity but it was certainly your whole life. You were recruited at eighteen and now, it was all you knew. The other agents were your family. 

‘C’mon, Eggsy!’ You demanded, practically leaping out your car. Your arms were piled high with files, keys dangling from your fingers as you kicked the door to the Mustang shut. It had been a present from Kingsmen for a particularly successful mission. 

‘There’s no rush.’ Eggsy chided from behind you. ‘You should enjoy a little leisurely stroll once in a while. It might do that vein on your forehead some good.’ 

Whilst you were decked out in a blazer and black jeans, Eggsy was in his usual snapback and sports jacket. He trailed beside you, hands stuffed in his pockets as you both slipped inside the shop. It was quiet inside, the only sounds coming from the bell on the door and the sound of your heels on the polished wooden floors. You didn’t just wear them because they made your legs look endless - they doubled up as weapons too. Merlin hadn’t done anything special to them, it was just that anything was a blade if you tried hard enough. Your five inch Christian Louboutins were no different. The fact the bottoms were already red was purely a convenient coincidence. 

‘She still hasn’t called me.’ Eggsy murmured. 

‘I’m sure she will.’ You gave his arm a light squeeze. ‘Tilde loves you, Egghead.’ 

‘Fucking ‘ell.’ He let out a snort. ‘You haven’t called me that in years.’

The two of you made your way down the hall and towards the meeting room. Merlin was already sitting at the table, pens and notepads laid out in front of him. Considering that you’d worked together for years, you hardly knew the man. He was always working, always building new gadgets or arranging missions. Did he ever sleep? You wouldn’t have been surprised if it turned out that he’d been a droid this whole time. Someone had mentioned his name being Hamish once, but he didn’t seem like a Hamish. You always pegged him as more of a...Simon. Or a Mark. 

‘You two are late.’ He greeted you. 

‘It’s nine o’clock.’ You shot back, dropping into the seat opposite him. 

‘Early is on time.’ Merlin folded his arms across his chest. ‘On time is late.’

You rolled your eyes at the agent. ‘You know how London traffic can be.’

Choosing to ignore your comment, the Scotsman hit a few buttons on the table in front of him. The whiteboard in front of you jumped to life, lighting up with a picture of New York City - specifically, Midtown. You’d been to the city several times for work, usually to do recon or on protection details for British politicians before diplomatic visits. Outside of that, any missions in North America were outside of the Kingmen’s authority. That was when it fell to the USA’s secret services - a bunch of people you weren’t particularly fond of working with. 

‘Calahan slipped out of the country.’ Merlin stated. ‘He’s been spotted in Manhattan by several of our contacts at the Bureau.’ 

‘What?!’ You guffawed. ‘I thought we had tabs on him. You told me we had tabs on him-’

‘- let me finish, Percival.’ He cut you off. ‘We let him.’

‘You…’ you scoffed in disbelief. ‘You let a known terrorist escape the borders?! You know that I’ve had tabs on him for months! Are you trying to waste my time?’

‘Calm down, agent!’ Merlin repeated, this time in a more firm tone. It was easy to let your temper get the best of you - but at the same time, it was the very thing that had allowed you to force your colleagues into submission. ‘He has more charges on his back in American jurisdiction. We have a better chance of convicting him over there.’

‘You could have told me that before I spent six months tailing him.’ You dropped back in your chair, folding your arms tightly across your chest. 

‘Your mission isn’t over.’ Merlin replied. ‘You know more about Calahan than any men here or across the pond. I want you posted in New York for a few months.’

‘Oh?’ You sat up, interest peaked. 

Working internationally was usually the first step to becoming a senior agent. It was one thing to commandeer the respect of your colleagues but to throw your name into the ring on a global scale? That was how you made it big time - and big time meant big time. Your work would go from being based in London, to taking you all over the world. Kingsman who worked on an international level could be in Moscow one day and Bogota the next. Once they retired, they were legends. It was the kind of success you’d dreamed of your whole life.

And New York was the first stepping stone. 

‘It’s only if you want it, of course.’ Merlin pulled you from your thoughts. ‘The Statesman have agreed to accommodate you, should you choose to accept.’

‘Statesmen?’ You tried to hide the displeasement in your face. ‘Like...the cowboys?’

‘Is there a problem, Percival?’

‘No!’ You quickly replied. ‘It’s just...I worked with one of them once. It wasn’t great.’

‘Here we go.’ Eggsy murmured from beside you. ‘She witnessed Agent Tequila make tea in the microwave.’

‘And I swore never to work with them again.’ You hissed under your breath, fists clenching.

‘I can see how that would be disturbing.’ Merlin agreed. ‘Though I’m not entirely sure it’s enough reason to turn down a potentially career changing mission.’

‘No, you’re right.’ You nodded. ‘But I can bring my own kettle, right?’

--

‘I can’t believe you brought your own fucking kettle.’

‘And I can’t believe that Merlin is making me drag you along-’

‘- it’s only for a week.’ Eggsy held his hands up in defense.

Eggsy, who had momentarily forgotten his relationship woes, had been posted out in the city with you for the first five or six days. Merlin and Arthur had been pretty insistent on him joining you - something about making sure you didn’t blow your lid at a cowboy. It was funny, because you were usually the one babysitting him. That being said, deep down you were glad to have him there with you. It would have made settling in a little easier. 

You were moving faster than him, the sound of your heels clicking on the marble floors of the Statesman headquarters as you floated towards the front desk. The building was right in central Manhattan, bang in the middle of all the beautiful things New York had to offer. Not that you were going to experience many of them - you were here to work, after all. 

‘Percival!’ Agent Tequila was posted by the front desk, a grin spread across his face as your eyes met. ‘And...I know they told me your name, but I’ve forgotten.’

‘He’s Galahad 2.0.’ You stuck your hand out to Tequila, offering him the kettle. ‘This is for you.’

‘A...a kettle?’ The agent gave you an odd look. 

‘If I’m going to be working with you for the next few months, I cannot witness you making tea in a microwave.’ You explained. ‘I may murder you in your sleep otherwise.’

‘Jeez, lady.’ He muttered. He would have argued, but if there was one thing he’d learnt from your last collaboration, it was that nobody entered into a fight with you and won. ‘But it’s okay, you’re not with me this time.’

‘Oh?’ You quirked an eyebrow. Tequila began to make his way to the lift, signalling for you and Eggsy to follow. 

‘No, you’re with Whiskey this time.’ He explained, pressing the button for the top floor. ‘He’s a little more senior than me.’

‘Whiskey and Tequila?’ Eggsy muttered in your ear. ‘What’s their boss called? Pale ale?’

‘Champagne.’ You replied. 

‘Good one.’ He snorted.

‘No, Eggsy.’ You whispered back. ‘He’s actually called Champagne.’

‘Fucking hell.’ 

Yeah, you thought, that kinda sums it up.

The three of you stepped out the lift and onto the top floor. The views from the windows were almost breath-taking; it wasn’t often that you got to see 360 degree views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The skyscrapers stretched out further than the eye could see, eventually melting together in the distance where the sky met the land. It was almost breath-taking just to think about - the people, the opportunities, the magic that New York had to offer. London was your home, and you couldn’t even begin to dream of leaving, but your mind did wander off a little. 

‘Whiskey! I got your girl!’ Tequila yelled, pressing a button on an intercom outside one of the offices. He gave Eggsy a quick glance. . ‘And...the other one.’

‘Sweet Jesus, Tequila!’ A strong Southern accent came back. ‘You don’t gotta yell every time you use the fucking thing! I’m gonna be deaf as a goddamn doornail before I’m fifty.’

A moment later, the door to the office opened and Agent Whiskey stepped out. He was about the same height as Tequila, but a little older. He was wearing a cow-boy hat and there was a...was it a swagger? A spring in his step? Either way, the temptation to stick your foot out and stop him in his tracks was overwhelming. 

‘Well hello, pretty lady.’ Whiskey greeted you with a shit-eating grin. ‘I hear that you’re the little birdy who’s gonna give me Calahan?’

‘I prefer Percival.’ You monotonously replied. ‘And if I’m the little birdy that’s gonna give you Calahan, then you must be the yankee who stole him from me.’

‘Girl’s gotta bite.’ He gave your hand a shake. ‘I like that.’

‘This is Galahad.’ You pointed to Eggsy, who was inwardly holding his breath at the whole exchange. He was mentally counting down the minutes before you smacked off Whiskey’s cowboy hat. ‘Let’s see if you can acknowledge his gender three times in one breath-’

‘- okay, that’ll do!’ Your best friend pulled you back, taking Whiskey’s hand in place of yours. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Whiskey.’

‘Please, call me Jack.’ The cowboy replied. 

‘Whiskey. Jack.’ Eggsy murmured under his breath. ‘Oh my days! Imagine if your surname was Daniels.’

After a brief conversation with Jack about his surname - during which you had seen Eggsy Unwin more entertained than ever before - you were taken down the hall to the agent’s office. Meanwhile, Eggsy and Tequila were escorted off to exchange some files that you’d both gathered. 

Whiskey’s office was exactly as you could have predicted; a mixture of dark wood furniture and red tones. The air smelt of his aftershave, with a hint of brandy and earth.

‘Your desk is that one there.’ Whiskey gestured to a slightly smaller set-up in the corner. 

‘I don’t get my own office?’

‘Since we’re gonna be working in close proximity, Champ figured it was best we double up.’ He explained. ‘Saves us doing a whole revolving door movement when we gotta talk to one another.’

‘Makes sense.’ You placed your bag on the desk, admiring the view for a moment. All of your files on Calahan had been uploaded to the Statesmen’s online cloud, whilst your other belongings had been delivered to the apartment you were staying in. ‘Nice view.’

‘It ain’t bad.’ Whiskey nodded. ‘You been to this neck of the woods before?’ 

‘Only when British diplomats need a babysitter.’ You replied.

‘Babysitting?’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s what you Kingsmen do? You babysit?’

‘Why d’you think Eggsy is here?’ You shot back. ‘To babysit me.’

‘Now why would a well-mannered redcoat such as yourself need a babysitter?’ He could barely hide the grin in his voice, leaning back against the window as he peered at you over his glasses.

‘How would I put it in your terms?’ You pondered for a moment, offering Whiskey a sweet smile. ‘Is there a Southern term for I eat cowboys alive?’ 

He gulped. ‘I...I don’t think we got one for that yet.’ 

You nodded, turning your attention back to staring at the view in front of you. ‘You should come up with one. It might be useful.’ 

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

“You were the one that left all those notes for me?”

Minor cussing.

Back in High School

For the last two weeks, he has been finding colorful envelopes in his locker, under his windshield wipers, in his backpack, and even teachers have given him some. They were random messages - quotes, inspirational messaging, wishing him a good day, and everything in between. There was even a recipe for homemade lasagna in one of the notes. He started to look forward to getting the notes and seeing what the message of the day would be.

Opening his locker, a salmon colored envelope fell out and landed at his feet. “You still getting those?”

“Yea.” Race picked it up and grinned at Jack.

“Any idea who Prince Charming could be?” He asked leaning against the lockers, watching his brother twirl the envelope in his fingers.

Shaking his head, Race grabbed the books he needed for the morning. “Nah. It’s not like they’re coming out of the woodwork to tell me it’s them.”

“What’s happening, party people?” Albert, Race’s best friend threw an arm around Race’s neck in greeting.

Jack and Race both laughed as Race pushed Albert’s arm away. “Racer’s got another love letter.”

“It’s not a love letter.” He rolled his eyes. “It’s a wish you well letter.”

Albert tilted his head. “Isn’t that the same thing?”

“No. Now I’m going to class. See you later at lunch?” Race asked, hiking his book bag up on his shoulder, not waiting for a nod from either of them before walking to his Science class.

Sitting in his designated seat, he slid his finger under the envelope flap and opened it, revealing an index card with a quote on it - “Shoot for the Moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars,” by Les Brown. He heard his table mate sit down with a groan. “You still getting those?”

“Yea.” Race stuck it back in the envelope, turning to face Spot with a grin.

Spot shook his head. “Well whoever is giving you those has it bad for you. Frankly, I don’t get the appeal.”

“Hey I’m a catch. You’d be damn lucky to have me in your life, Spottie.” Race gave him a look, pulling out his textbook and notebook from his bag. “You don’t know what you're missing out on.”

“Uh huh sure.” Spot said dryly, pulling his notebook out. “I know you’re a total klutz, yet you’re an amazing dancer and a smart aleck who doesn’t know when to shut his mouth. Sure, keep telling yourself I’m the one missing out.”

Race rolled his eyes, raising an eyebrow in Spot’s direction. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you know who’s dropping the notes.”

“Nah, it’s just funny watching you be utterly clueless on your secret admirer.” Spot grinned, turning to the front of the room as their teacher started the lesson. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it if I were you.”

Race was distracted. Anyone within 10 feet of Race knew that he had a crush on Spot. But Spot had pushed off his advances for the last year, and Race knew he’d never see Race as anymore than a friend.

Shaking off those thoughts, Race picked up his pen and started writing down notes as the teacher flipped through the PowerPoint.

Lunchtime

He had stopped by his locker where another envelope, this time lime green, had fallen out. He had grabbed his lunch before sitting at the usual table. He was the first one there and had started to open the envelope when Kat sat down and gave him a look. “Two in one day?”

“Yea.” She was just as intrigued as he was to find out who the secret admirer was. “I was just about to open it.”

Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme

I heard through the grapevine

You’re going to be the Beast in Beauty & The Beast

Break a leg handsome

Kat squealed at the adorable message on the index card. “Racer, you have to find out who’s leaving you these. That was adorable.”

Race smiled, rereading the message before scanning the cafeteria. The school had over a 1,000 kids and it could’ve been any number of them. “But how Kat?”

“Hmmm ….” She was in deep thought as Jack and Crutchie slammed their trays down on the table and looked between the two.

“What did we miss?” Jack asked, kissing Kat’s cheek with a grin.

Race held up the lime green envelope before sliding it over to him. “Who all knows you’re gonna be the Beast?”

“I mean if anyone is paying attention during announcements, everyone could know.” Race rolled his eyes. “That doesn’t help me narrow it down. Is it bad that I’ve got a crush on whoever this is?”

“Trust me, I’ve got a crush on this person.” Kat grinned, pushing Jack’s face away. “But I’m happily taken.”

“Damn straight you are.” Jack mumbled.

Kat rolled her eyes before looking at Race. “You need to catch this person in the act. I think that’s the only way you’re gonna find out … unless they start fessing up.”

Race started thinking ahead to the next day. He was going to try to catch the person responsible for all the heartwarming notes in the act.

“By the end of the week, I’ll find out who’s doing this.” Race looked between his brothers and sister with a grin.

The Next Day

A yellow envelope greeted him as he stopped by his locker. So whoever was responsible for this got to school before 7:30, clue number one. His tongue stuck out between his lips as he opened the envelope and leaned against the lockers.

Happy Wednesday! I heard you’re curious about my identity! You’re bound and determined to figure out who I am. I’ll give you three clues. First, my nickname comes from an animal. Second, Slingshots usage should be a lesson in PE class. And thirdly, To Kill A Mockingbird is the best book ever written.

Putting the index card back in the envelope, Race was even more confused than when he started reading it. He read it again, trying to figure out if any of the clues meant anything to him.

“Didya get another one?” Kat asked, stopping by his locker, grinning at Race. She took the card when he offered it to her.

She read it, her eyes lit up at the message on the card. “Any idea?”

“None. Not even sure where to begin with that.” Race shook her head, frowning. “Do you have any clue?”

She bit her lip, shaking her head. “Let me think about it and we’ll regroup at lunch.”

He headed to English, twirling the envelope, thoughts confused with who it could be. Whoever it was, they had completely infiltrated his thoughts.

Just before lunch

He got his hall pass signed fifteen minutes before the lunch bell would ring. He was heading to his locker when he saw someone very familiar slipping a navy blue envelope into his locker. “You were the one that left all those notes for me?”

His secret admirer, one Spot Conlon, looked up at him with wide eyes. “Racer, what are you doing out here?”

“Had to go to the bathroom. What’s your excuse?” Race gave him a look, leaning up against the locker.

Spot grinned. “Had to drop this in your locker. Knew you’d stop here before lunch.”

“But why?” He tilted his head looking at one of his best friends. “You’ve been doing this for the last few weeks, why?”

Spot looked up at him. “Two reasons, really. One, I wanted to cheer you up - the last few weeks have been rough for you. And two, I like you, just didn’t know how to tell you. It was really nothing.”

Holding up the green envelope, Race laughed dryly. “These aren’t nothing, Spot. These made my heart warm and made me look forward to these. Have you seen me these last two weeks? I’ve been a damn mess. Also, I like you too. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Yea, you have been. We’re both idiots.” Spot grinned, stepping closer to him. “Can I kiss you?”

Race nodded, as Spot leaned up and cupped his cheek before leaning forward, pressing their lips together in a sweet kiss. Race moved to deepen it as the lunch bell rang. Pulling back, Spot sighed. “Rain check for more?”

“Absolutely, hot stuff.” Race winked, opening up his locker, grabbing the envelope before slamming it shut. “So will these stop now that I know?”

“Only if you want them to.” Spot shrugged, walking beside Race towards the cafeteria.

Race shook his head adamantly. “Over my dead body. Don’t stop them. I actually love them and look forward to them. But you know Kat is all over trying to figure out who it is.”

“I’ll throw some in to get her off my tail.” Spot grinned. “Will you be my boyfriend?”

“Only if you’re mine in return.” Race winked, heading over to their normal table. He dropped his bag to the ground before starting to open the envelope.

Spot snatched the envelope and gave him a look. “One rule, you cannot read those around me.”

“Why?” Race reached to grab the envelope back as Spot gave him a look.

“It’s weird for you to read that while I’m around.” Spot shook his head. “Deal?”

Grabbing the envelope back, Race nodded. “Deal.”

Spot headed towards the lines to grab food while Race grabbed the index card.

You tell me that you're hurt and you're in pain

And I can see your head is held in shame,

But I just wanna see you smile again

See you smile again

Please just smile for me? You don’t know how bright your smile is in this crazy world. Never stop smiling, Racer.

Race smiled bright as Spot came back to the table. Sitting beside Race, Spot nodded to the card. “Good note?”

“I’ll never stop smiling.” Race grinned. “Good pick of lyrics. You’re a closeted boyband aficionado - One Direction lyrics. I’m impressed, Spottie.”

Present Day

“I cannot believe you kept all of those notes.” Spot shook his head, looking at the shoebox full of notes. “Why?”

Race grinned at his husband. “You poured your heart and soul into these. These led us to be boyfriends, there was no way I was getting rid of these. These index cards, in a way, made me fall in love with you.”

“Well when you put it that way.” Spot kissed him. “I did have a way of words. I just can’t believe it took Kat two months after you found out to figure it out. ”

“Jack found out before her.” Race chuckled. “You haven’t lost that at all. Love you Spottie.”

“Love you too Racer.”

Thanks @wide-eyed--wonderer for the prompt. I do not own the One Direction or the Beauty & The Beast Lyrics!!

[maple-writes]

WHG 14: Post Games 2??

I lost count so I’m going to call this 2

tag list whg tag list: @ratracechronicler (Thanks for Rebecca)  @concealeddarkness13 (thanks for Zenith and Nesri), @nightskywriter , @rhikasa , @the-moving-finger-writes , @aeslin-writes @knmartinshouldbewriting , @pen-of-roses @timefirewrites 

###

“Asher what the Hell?”

Zenith was on the ground, completely unconscious with a broom sitting abandoned nearby. I’d heard a thump from the other room but I hadn’t expected this. Asher jolted from where he crouched beside him, snapping his gaze up to face me. I looked between the two of them, trying to piece together what could possibly have happened. Neither looked injured, Asher looked alert…

Asher got up from the ground and started towards the open door. “I don’t know, but he said something about magic.” He stuck his head out the door, looking both ways down the hallway before shutting and locking the door. “He said I had to knock him out or he would think we were all enemies. Whatever it was, it seems to be gone from him now so I guess it worked.”

He came up to my side, joining me in staring down at Zenith. I frowned. What was he doing going out by himself anyway? Where the fuck did he go to get a spell or something cast on him? Surely that kind of stuff wasn’t exactly common here, was it? I nudged his side with my foot. Nothing. Out cold.

I glanced at Asher. “How hard did you hit him?”

“I don’t know!” He shook his head. “He said as hard as I could and I just did it!”

“Really?” I rolled my eyes. “All that training and you resort to beating him with a broom?”

He sighed, letting his head fall forward. “It wasn’t like anything I’d seen before. I took his word for it.”

Fair enough. I crouched down beside his head, reaching out to give him a sharp shake to the shoulder. Still nothing. Maybe whatever it was made him tired. How long was he going to be out for? I stood again, a weight starting to settle over my chest. Striker would know what to do but Striker thought we were dead.

“Do you think you can bring him back to his room?” Asher’s voice shook me from my thoughts. “I want to sweep the apartment in case anything’s still lingering.”

I nodded, and he disappeared into another room. He must have been feeling better if he were up to that. At least that was good news. I reached down and grabbed Zenith with my arms hooked under his and started dragging him across the floor. All dead weight, he better be grateful I didn’t change my mind and leave his heavy ass lying in the middle of the living room for anyone to stumble across and start making up rumours about what it might have been that put him there.

##

Two days later though, and Zenith hadn’t left his room. He probably wasn’t dead given that his door was now locked from the inside but two days was a long time to wait for answers so it didn’t take much for Nesri to convince me it was time to make him explain.

She pounded on his door loud enough I hoped the walls were thick enough not to tip off any of the other tenants on the floor, but nothing from Zenith. I glanced at Rebecca standing expectant on Nesri’s other side. Part of me wondered if she’d only come along to satisfy her own curiosity, or if she’d just gotten bored waiting around the apartment for something to happen.

Nesri knocked again. “Hey, you loser! Stop hiding in there and tell us what’s going on! Why did you sneak out, and what happened that make you ask Asher to knock you unconscious? What kind of reckless shit did you get into?”

On the other side of the door, Zenith groaned, but didn’t answer. Further proof he was indeed alive and just ignoring us. Nesri scoffed and snatched the water from her drink into some kind of solid crystal. I blinked, staring as she sliced through the door hinge like a knife through a single sheet of paper, my own confusion mirrored in Rebecca’s face. I didn’t have time to ask anything though before Nesri kicked the door open and stormed inside.

Zenith scrambled up from the bed with a sharp glare. “Leave me alone.”

Nesri grabbed him by the collar. “Like Hell I will! Tell us what’s going on?”

“Yeah!” Rebecca leaned in. “We’re not getting and younger here, and Lynn and Lynne aren’t getting any freer!”

He didn’t answer right away, looking down and hiding his face. “I went to go see my old team.”

“You fucking idiot!” Nesri shook him. “Did you sell us out to them? Do they know where we are?”

I crossed my arms, anger starting to coil up around my chest. “How do you know they didn’t follow you home?” Whoever these people were, how could he trust them if they sent him back under some kind of  curse? “Cleary they aren’t on our side.”

Out of the corner of my eye Rebecca seemed to be looking for something, scanning up and down the walls of the little room.

Zenith took a long, deep breath. “I was able to convince them to trust me, at least a little. And I would have been able to sense them following me. I’m not that incompetent.” But incompetent enough to be afflicted by some magic shit. “I sought them out because they had already sent me a message saying that they were looking for me. If I hadn’t met with them, I know they would have found us. So, I took the chance.”

“Forgive me for not having as much faith in these Capitol idiots as you do,” Nesri growled. “I guess Ican trust that you would have been able to sense anyone following you, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still looking for us, no matter what they told you. That was such a stupid fucking move.”

I nodded. He should have at least talked it over with someone first, taken someone to shadow him, fuck, anything else. I clenched my teeth. He didn’t know how lucky he was that Asher was alright. If he was still recovering, still struggling to keep himself under control and he’d come in like that?

“And what if it hadn’t worked? If Asher hadn’t managed to knock you out? If something went wrong?” I glared. If he hadn’t been able to tell him what he needed, if he’d been influenced to goad Asher into attacking… Any other day he would have been fine but now? Now that everyone was exhausted? Or if Zenith had ended up seeing Asher as an enemy he wouldn’t have a chance. He could have killed Asher if something went wrong. I narrowed my eyes and dropped my voice to a threat. “Don’t think for a second I wouldn’t have killed you if it came down to it.”

He looked up, meeting my glared head on. “I would have wanted you to.”

I held his stare. Noted.

Nesri let him go, taking hold of his arm instead and pulling him out of the room. “You’re going to make it up to us by watching the special program the Capitol is hosting.” She faked a cheerful tone. “You even have to make the popcorn for us.”

That was it? I blinked, watching as they disappeared into the hall. That was it?

Rebecca followed them out, adding, “and keep your senses sharp for those possible, y’know, spies.”

I took my time rejoining them around the tv. Among everything else I’d almost forgotten about the so called special broadcast until now. It seemed to start like any other, with lights and cameras and Ceasar on stage.

“We have a special program for our dear watchers tonight! A special division of the Capitol is pleased to announce a new recruit to their ranks. She even received the prestigious magic as well.” He gestured to the side stage as Lynne entered.

She walked too stiff. Nesri stiffened too, eyes widening in horror as she watched, popcorn untouched in her lap.

“Magic?” Rebecca mumbled. “Isn’t that maybe a good thing? Or…” She trailed off with a glance at Zenith and I could almost see the gears turning in her head.

Ceasar clapped Lynne on the back too hard, nearly toppling her. If he cared or noticed he didn’t show it. “How has your time with the Shades been? I bet the magic is amazing!”

She laughed, her voice raw as if she’d been screaming. “I have not been able to practice with the magic much yet, so I cannot say for sure. But I did meet someone because of the Shades, and for that I am happy.” Probably a lie on the happiness part, at least to some degree. “The victor, Hugo Atwater, was a lot of help. I want to thank him, personally, for his help.” She winced, a hand to her shocker.

I couldn’t move, glaring at the screen with my arms crossed tight. What kind of empire was this? Did no one else notice she was in pain? That she looked all but tortured? Did people actually find this entertaining? I swallowed, guilt and shame simmering in my gut. Was there a time I would have agreed with them? I hadn’t been that cruel, had I? I pushed the thought away. I didn’t want to think about it.

Magic wasn’t often something that took well to a human body. Too much to be contained in such a small vessel, such a limited frame. At the same time though… I swallowed. I missed my powers. I missed shifting the wind under my wings, gathering rainclouds, flying through my storms…

On screen, Ceasar laughed and beckoned forth a man with long silver hair and haunting red eyes, followed by two avoxes. One of them looked familiar. It clicked and I couldn’t look away. That was her, the girl from our floor. She and the other carried a heavy looking basin of water and it was clear they were struggling. It would have been heavy for anyone, let alone an underfed slave.

Ceasar ignored them, gesturing instead to the man. “Could you give us more specifics on this brilliant magic while we set up?”

He nodded. “This magic is difficult to transfer and can cause severe pain during transfer, which is why we usually use children for the transfer, since their bodies are normally more willing to take the magic. It is a testament to the strength of Ms. Marne that she was able to withstand the transfer. The magic allows the user to create crystals that are stronger than diamonds out of any liquid that is within a certain radius from the user. Activating the magic allows the user to glow and float because of the outrush of power. It is a strong power, as you will see from this demonstration”

The two avoxes set the water down in front of Lynne.

“Wait, that’s what you did—with the hinges,” Rebecca pointed at Nesri. “Are you okay?”

The man snapped his fingers and Lynne flinched before raising her hands and floating off the stage. Lights danced across her skin. She gritted her teeth, waved her hand and called the water up and into sharp crystal shards. Tears streaked her cheeks as she sent the crystals into the avoxe’s arms. They fell, curling around their wounds as they started to bleed deep red as the audience cheered. Magic vanishing from her skin, Lynne tried to help, tried to run to them, but didn’t make it before collapsing in pain.

Ceasar and the man spoke again, but I didn’t hear a word they said, staring at the three of them on the ground. The girl especially, gritting her teeth and trying not to show pain, to show defeat on the camera. Did she still have a family? Were they watching her right now? Was someone just now finding out what happened to their daughter, their sister, their friend, and old classmate? The screen shut off, replaced with our stunned reflections in the glass.

Rebecca seethed. “She should’ve just hit Caesar with it if they were gonna make her do it anyway!” She waved her hand dismissively, but her face said otherwise.

Nesri stared at the dormant screen, then shut her eyes tight for longer that she should. Her breath quickened and her knuckles turned white around her drink. She opened her eyes and every cup of water froze over in wicked crystals. Zenith offered a hand to her shoulder, but she pushed him off.

“Those bastards hurt her.” Her whisper grew louder with every word. “Those bastards hurt her, and we let them do it! I… I’ve been so scared to go back to them, but they took her, and they'll probably take us, and there's nothing we can do about it.” Her eyes widened and she shook, trembling and scared. “There’s no running from them. No escape. They always told me that, and like and idiot I didn’t believe them. They’ll never let up. They’ll—”

“Nesri!” Zenith cut her off.

Her eyes watered and tears tracked down her cheeks as she started to cry. “I can’t go back to them! I won’t! And they have Lynne, and I can’t imagine what they’re putting her through!” She gasped against her sobs. “I... I can’t… Not again.” Her face twisted, staring at something only she could see.

I uncrossed my arms with a soft sigh. My heart fell and I looked away. I’d seen that look before. She was scared. She was spiraling. I’d seen it enough times with Asher. Whatever this was all about, it must have been bad. Quietly, I slipped around the back of the couch into the kitchen for a glass of milk with a little bit of honey stirred into it.

Unsurprisingly, Nesri hadn’t moved in the time I was gone.

I offered the drink, bending down to her eye level. “They’re not going to get to you, you’re safe here, okay?” I spoke quietly, but kept a firm edge. “If they want to get to you they have to go through all of us.” We were in this together now after all and I’d be damned if she thought we’d just let someone walk in here and take her after all she did to get us out of the games.

She sniffled, but took the glass with a shaky hand. Good. She was moving again. She took a shaky breath. “I need to spar you now so I can let off steam.”

I scoffed. Trying to backtrack as if everything was okay. Typical. “What you need is to sit down.” There was nothing she could say that would convince me she was suddenly fine. I’d heard it all before. “You can’t kick my ass if you’re crying.”

She sighed. “Later then.” Sitting back down on the couch she glanced up at Zenith. “You’re my witness that he agreed.”

Fine, whatever. I huffed and complained as I dragged over the blanket folded over the other end of the couch for her. She didn’t seem to want to talk any more about it, which was fine enough by me. I probably wouldn’t know what to say anyway. Instead I took a seat on the other end of the couch with one of the books off the shelf that looked half interesting as she drank her milk and started to calm down. When she left for her room I half considered following her, but decided against it. She would have stayed if she wanted company.

I put the book back. It wasn’t that interesting after all.

[winterfrostlovetriangle]

Old Friends

Part 3

Summary: What will happen when Tessa and Tom finally meet after 10 years? Will they reconcile or decide there is too much bad blood bad between them? 

Warnings: Angst and Fluff

Masterlist

Part I | Part II | Part III

*gif not mine

‘Whoever the winner is, must be daft’ I thought. I felt people watching me and turned to Marcus who was smiling. 

“You won, T. Go get your award, woman!” 

Shocked, I jumped out of my seat and made my way up the aisle. 

‘Don't trip’ ran through my mind like a mantra. I managed to make it up the steps without incident and walked toward the presenters. The sounds of clapping and cheering were overwhelming. ‘I can’t believe it!’

“Congratulations, love. You deserve it!” They each said hugging me in turn. “Just breathe, you’ll be fine.”

I stepped up to the mic and gave my speech. I gave the usual thanks to cast, crew, and agent. Right before the music started, I looked straight at the camera and said, “Dad, this is for you and Mum. I couldn’t have done it without you. We did it!” I was then ushered backstage and left alone. Looking around, I had no idea where to go. I felt so lost. Thankfully, I noticed a man coming towards - a crew member - at least I hoped he was. 

“First time, eh?” He asked in a thick cockney accent. 

“That obvious?” I chuckled. Suddenly feeling more at ease in his presence. 

“It’s alright, love. I have seen many an actor look lost their first few times since I’ve worked here. And trust me, there have been quite.” He winked. “You’re Miss Farraday, ain’t ya? Um, excuse me, aren’t you.” 

“Yes, but please call me Tessa. No formality needed with me.” I took a moment to study the man. He was about 6 foot tall and average build. His eyes were a dark blue, almost gray hue, and his salt and pepper hair was styled close to his head. The wrinkles sprinkled throughout his face and hands made him look wise. He reminded me of my father, just slightly older. He had a friendly and warm nature that again made you feel almost instantly at ease. 

“I am a huge fan of yours, Miss, uh, Tessa. Both my wife and I am. We’ve seen most of your plays and we were so excited to actually see you in a film,” he praised. I blushed, not used to such adoration from anyone other than my father. 

“O...oh, thank you.”

“I hate to sound like a crazy fan, but would mind signing this?” Sheepishly holding out a pen and a piece of paper. 

“Really? You want MY autograph?” Disbelief laced in my words. He nods. “Alright, but I don’t have -“ he cuts me off by turning around and offering his back, causing me to giggle. 

“Go ahead, dear. I don’t mind.”

I smiled and stepped forward, balancing the paper on my new table. “Who do I make it out to?” I questioned. 

“Oh, where are my manners? My name is Jack and my wife’s name is Helen.” She is going to be thrilled!” Jack said excitedly. 

I scribbled a small note and lightly tapped him, signaling I was done. Jack turned around and smiled at the paper. 

“I’m going to frame this. One day this signature will be a household name and probably worth something.”

“That is sweet, Jack, but I doubt it,” I said shrugging of his comment. Noticing he is looking behind me, I pause. 

“Alright, we have been given the go-ahead to go back. If you will come with me, milady” he says taking on a posh British tone now. Jack bows and offers me his arm. 

“Thank you, kind sir.” I curtsy back and place my hand on his. We talk a bit more while he leads me further backstage, stopping at a set of large oak doors. Jack opens one for me to walk through and then follows me in. 

“Sadly, Tessa, it is time for me to go back to my post. It has been an honor.” He says. 

“Must you?” Anxiety once again creeping back in. “It would be lovely to have a friend here that I know to chat with.”

I wish I could, but I have a job to attend to.” Jack once again looks behind me. “Besides, it seems there is someone who wishes to speak with you.” Confused, I follow his gaze. My eyes land on the figure in question. I turned quickly back to Jack, heat rising in my face.

Jack gives me a knowing smile. “Hmm, it seems you two already know each other.” Definitely not a question. 

“Erm, yes we do. It’s been nearly a decade since we last talked...I behaved badly and messed up our friendship,” I begin. A new set of emotions threaten to overtake me. 

“Well, let me give a bit of advice then.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and continues. “By the way he is looking at you now, I’d say he remembers you and wants to talk.” My eyes widen, but he shushes me. “My dear, take it from someone who has been around a lot longer and talk to him. Explain what happened, and I believe he will understand and forgive.” He says smiling.

I sigh in defeat. “Okay, I will.”

“Good girl. Now, I must be off.” Jack extends his hand, but I step closer and give him a hug. 

“Thank you,” I whisper. “Goodbye.”

He bows once more and is gone. I am standing by the door considering just giving up the after-party and going home to pajamas and Netflix. I hesitate. ‘I’ve earned this’ I say to myself. ‘I will at least try and enjoy the night.’ I turn to face the room, noticing the man in question is deep in conversation with another actor, I quickly make my way to the bar. I chose a seat on the far side again so I can take in my surroundings. With my ginger ale in hand, I survey the room. The walls are cream-colored, adorned with rich panels of red tapestries - not too gaudy though. Two magnificent chandeliers hang from the ceiling lighting the space nicely. A few crystal sconces add to the soft, welcoming atmosphere. In the middle of the room is a polished wooden dance with several tables and chairs flanking it. A few more golden accents finish off the look. I turn my attention to the people - fellow actors and actresses clearly enjoying their night. I smile to myself thinking how crazy it is that I have finally become part of the world. It is scary and thrilling, and I love it. 

“Seems our play-acting as children has finally paid off, eh?” A silky, deep voice startles me out of my dreaming. I stiffen as I realize who is behind me. Deciding to stay facing forward, I pray that he will just walk away. 

However, he seems to have different ideas. The actor sighs and takes the seat next to me. “Come on, Tess. I can’t stand to see my best mate still mad at me.” Mischief evident in his tone.

My mind flashes to that day in the park, and I laugh to myself. 

“Please, Tess. Look at me.”

I shut my eyes, taking a breath. Jack’s words playing in my head. I release the breath and slowly turn to face my old friend. 

“Hi.” Tom offers.

His beautifully, handsome face is perfectly serene, as I begin to study the man in front of me. I start with his eyes, which are still a deep blue and seem to sparkle in the dim light. His gorgeous cheekbones that just beg to be caressed, have filled out nicely as he’s grown. I take in his once wild locks have been cut short into a stylish do that befits him. The blond curls have been replaced with a ginger tint similar to my own, that I quite like. And finally, his lips. Hmm...those thin pink lips. The only word I can use to describe them is kissable. Totally lost in thought, I feel myself biting my own lips to keep from moaning, instead, a sigh escapes. I just want to touch and kiss him everywhere...my mind starts to run a tad wild. ‘Stop!’ My brain shouts. ‘Shame on you for thinking such things!’ I gasp, rousing myself out of my impure thoughts. I feel heat enveloping my body, suddenly feeling nauseous. I shut my eyes in embarrassment and stand to leave, but my legs betray me. An arm catches me and holds up. 

“Whoa there, love. You alright?” Tom asks. I look up at him and see concern etched on his face. 

“I’m fine, Tom. Thanks. Just been quite a night; got a bit overwhelmed by all the excitement.” I lied. Tom sets me down, gently pulling my chin up so he can inspect me. His eyes narrowed a fraction, not quite sure he believes me. He sits down again. 

“Really, I’m okay,” I say offering him a smile. “I just need to sit.” Without thinking, I place my hand on his to reassure him. Bad move. Sparks fly, but before I can move, Tom grabs my hand in a firm hold. His thumb rubs along the back of my hand in a comforting manner. This time I don’t resist and simply enjoy his warmth. 

“Seems you can still read my mind,” he chuckles. 

“Guess so,” I mumble. “I’m so sorry, Tom!” I blurt out. “I’m sorry for what happened...f- for what I did to you. I ruined our friendship and let HER come between us.” Venom thick in my voice. “I hope you can forgive me. Though if you say no, then I completely understand. I just, I…” trail off.

Tom cuts me off by running his other thumb across my lips, quieting me instantly. “Do you ever stop talking?” He quips. 

My eyes widen at the gesture. He moves to my cheek, bringing the rest of his hand to caress it. I leaned into his hand, lost in the tenderness of his actions. I closed my eyes and gave an almost inaudible sigh. Tom must still have heard it because he brought his other hand up to completely cup my face. Once again, losing myself in the sensation of his skin on mine, I take a deep breath in through my nose. I am suddenly overwhelmed by the smell of this enchanting man - a spicy, woodsy scent mixed with the smell of the Tom I grew up with. 

‘How I’ve missed him,’ I thought to myself. Finally; it dawned on me where we were, and remembered that we were not alone. I pulled back from his grasp and ducked my head to hide my blush. 

“Sorry,” I mumbled again. Hearing nothing, I stole a look at Tom only to find the tenderness of his eyes be replaced by hurt and rejection. ‘Crap.’ My chest tightened at the realization I had caused my friend pain yet again. I opened my mouth only to shut it immediately. I couldn’t breathe - I needed air. I quickly got up and fled to the nearest exit. I was met with a cool breeze. Shivering, I made my way to a nearby bench and plopped down. Tears fell. I sobbed as the emotions from the past ten years and the events of the night finally hit me. I felt something being placed over my shoulders. I didn’t look up; I couldn’t. The bench dipped slightly as Tom sat down beside me. (Even when I hurt him, he is the perfect gentleman and friend.) Without a word, he pulled me to him and stroked my back until I was done crying. 

“I...it’s been a-awhile since you’ve done this,” I hiccuped. “I forgot how nice it feels to be comforted by you; I’ve missed it. You don’t know how many times since Uni I have wished we were still in touch.” I stopped myself. Tears threatening again. 

“I’m sorry about your Mum, Tess. I tried reaching out to you but...I’m so sorry, love. Tom kisses my temple, his lips lingering there. I pulled back to look at him. He pulled out a handkerchief and dried my eyes. “There, good as new.” He smiled and bopped my nose affectionately. 

‘Liar!’ I returned the smile knowing full well how awful I actually must look. We stared at each other for a minute before I brought my hands up to cup his bearded face. My own thumbs returning the tender act; loving the feeling of finally touching him. Tom’s eyes fluttered closed clearly enjoying the moment too. He quickly scrunched his eyes tighter and asked the one question I had been dreading. 

“Why?” He whispered. Opening his baby blues, he looked directly at me. “What happened, T? Why did you turn your back on me?” I could hear the emotion in his voice. 

I gave a defeated sigh and brought my hands to rest in my lap. “It all started the day you two met.” 

“Clarissa?”

“Yeah, her. I saw the look in your eyes when you helped her up - you were smitten. You know she fell in front of you on purpose? She decided to change tactics since you didn’t take any notice of her. And like the bloody gentleman you, you fell right in her trap. After that, you wouldn’t shut up about her and kept inviting her to hang with us. It was infuriating!” I laughed. “She hated me, and the feeling was definitely mutual. She was taking my best friend away from me.”

“That’s why you backed away because you didn’t want to be a third wheel?” Tom asked. 

“Sure?” I hesitated, looking at him. From his expression, I knew Tom knew I was lying. “Fine. I guess it doesn’t matter now. Clarissa took every opportunity to put me down and to make sure I knew I was being replaced.”

“But-“

“Trust me, a woman can speak volumes with just a look. It can either be a compliment or a teardown. I was just tired of fighting. Most of my life consisted of me being bullied. So I distanced myself. Not standing up to Clarissa was my first mistake,” I told him. “You could have come to me; I would have set her straight.” He argued. “My mistake was not fighting for you.”

“You can’t always protect, love.” I smiled at Tom. “It was my turn to change things, but I didn’t.”

“But why did you tell me to leave that day after graduation?”

“Because I was hurt and jealous, and angry with myself. Especially after seeing the two of snogging in the common area - and under our tree no less! It hurt, Tom. I berated myself all through the ceremony, that you could never feel the same way about me that I felt about you.” I looked away, not able to hold Tom’s gaze. 

“Tess,” he began. 

“And then took it out on you. I was feeling pretty low already since my parents weren’t there, and then seeing you two...it was just too much. And when you came to check on me, I felt guilty and pushed you away. Then my dad called and - and...yeah” I finished. 

“Tessa,” Tom said more firmly. I shook my head knowing what he wanted. He grasped my chin bring it up to look at me. Our eyes finally met. I tried to hold back tears again. “How did you feel about me?” He asked. 

“I came to find you before the ceremony to tell you how I felt. I - I came to tell you that I loved you. Ha, that I had bloody fallen in love with my best mate. But found you kissing my nemesis.” I sighed. “And if you tell me that it was an accident and she cornered you, I think I’ll punch you.” 

“Fine, I won’t tell you that,” he mused. “But I will tell you that I dumped her afterward because I was in love with another girl.” 

“Let me guess, Ruby?” I joked. 

“No, you goose,” he huffed. “I had fallen in love with my best friend!”

“Haha, wait what?” My eyes widened, I searched his face for any hint of jesting. I was met with a serious expression. “Really?” I breathed. 

“Yes, you,” Tom said softly before grabbing my face again so I couldn’t look away. “I had been since we were in middle school, but didn’t realize just how much until you stopped coming around. I was going to tell you that day but…”

“I didn’t give you the chance. Oh, Tom! I’m...so sorry!” I cried. 

“Would you stop apologizing?” He sighed, brushing away the tears that had escaped. 

All we could do was stare at each other. Time seemed to slow. Tenderness and love came back to Tom’s eyes. He looked down at my lips and quickly back up to my eyes. He nervously licked the corner of his mouth, before pulling me forward to connect our lips. The kiss was sweet and brief - too brief - but enough to set off fireworks in my heart. Tom pulled away, searching my face for any hint of hesitation. 

“May I kiss you again?” He asked shyly. 

“Please do,” I replied as my arms snaked around his neck, while his hands moved to encircle my waist. 

He brushed his lips against mine before capturing them in a passionate kiss. Tom nibbled my bottom lip causing me to moan. Taking full advantage of my open mouth, he pushed his tongue in to dance with my own. It felt like heaven! We parted for some much-needed air and rested our foreheads against each other. 

“I will forgive you, on one condition.”

I bite my lip nervously but nodded. 

“That you go on a date with me...tomorrow.” 

“I would love to, Tom.” I smiled. 

He sighed in relief. “I love you, darling,” he moaned; leaning in to kiss me again.

I love you too, Thomas!”

[itchparanormal]

The Telephone Game

by deepinterwebz

The parents conversed with one another while the children chased each other around in a myriad of games. The annual Christmas party was an event we all enjoyed, if for nothing else than the open bar.

The sound of metal on glass echoed throughout the open room as Mr. Daniels, the company owner, tapped a fork readily against his champagne glass. Not completely unlikeable, but I considered him a bit uncouth, at least for my taste.

“It’s been another stellar year, as your bonus checks can bear witness too, and I just wanted to thank all of y..” he was cut off abruptly as the children began jumping up and down laughing as they repeatedly yelled out “TELEPHONE GAME” over and over.

Some of the adults began snickering at the interruption as others, presumably the parents, exchanged embarrassed looks as they shushed the children to quiet down. This did nothing to quiet the children, who continued jumping up and down, yelling the name of a game I hadn’t played since I was a child.

“Yes well,” Mr. Daniels said through a laugh, and perhaps a tinge of annoyance, “who wants to talk about numbers on Christmas right? It’s all about the little ones right? Let’s play the telephone game!” he yelled with a clap of his hands in the direction of the children. They all screamed with delight at his acquiescence to their demands.

One of the children began making a shooing motion towards the adults as he yelled, “Y’all are hogging all the room!” as the adults hurriedly scuttled backwards with a laugh at being commanded by a child. Clearly the children were running the show here.

The children all giggled with excitement as they lined up facing the adults in the room. There were only seven of them. That was enough to get some pretty funny variations of any message by the time they’d completed the link. Get a joker like me in there, who purposely changes messages, and you’re likely to get some ridiculous transitions by the time it gets to the end.

Before starting, one of the children stated that after each round the person on the end would go to the start of the line until all of the children had had a chance from start to finish. This would continue each round until the last child had worked their way to the end. The guest laughed and cheered, clearly enjoying the effort these children had put into the game.

Seven children. Seven rounds. I’ll admit, it was better than the normal party of endless chatter with coworkers I have to talk with on a daily basis already. I laughed with those around me, also eager with anticipation, as the children began the game.

We all giggled, pointed, and shushed each other as the children began whispering into one anothers ear, one by one, until the last child had whispered. The last child, with a slight giggle belted out, “One of you has a secret. If you tell everyone your secret then we win.”

As the last word left his mouth, he turned around and sped off to take his place at the front of the line. Everyone began chuckling as someone yelled out, “I don’t think you want to hear any of our secrets!”

“I confess Mr. Daniels, I stole the pen off your desk last week when you weren’t looking” laughed Chad, our version of the class clown. Everyone began laughing as Mr. Daniels pointed at him with a mocking look telling him he’d make sure it was deducted from his next paycheck.

The children, clearly uninterested in adult politics began the next round, giggling with delight as the last finished cupping their hand to the others ear. The last child yelled out in a loud bellowing voice, “If you don’t tell everyone your secret, then he told us that all of us will lose.” She squealed as she skipped behind the other children to the front of the line.

Everyone was a bit confused at this point. I heard someone quietly ask Mr. Daniels if he had orchestrated this with the parents and children as a joke. He replied with a confused look, and a shake of his head, as the children proceeded into the next round of hushed whispers with one another, not waiting for the adults to question what they were talking about.

The adults were quiet now, ears straining intently, as they sought to hear what was being whispered. This felt more like a scripted act now than the telephone game. I decided I would reserve judgment until the game had ended in hopes it ended innocently enough.

“If you try to slow or end the game before we’ve finished, then all of us will lose” the next boy stated through a shy voice, putting extra emphasis on the words “slow or end the game”, while spreading his arms in reference to the children beside him as he walked to the front of the line.

Hushed whispers filled the room as everyone seemed a bit perturbed by the boys statement. Someone, a clearly upset woman I did not know, asked out loud, “Did somebody here set this up with my child without asking me first?”

As some of the other parents began expressing the same sentiments, the children began whispering to each other again. The mood within the room had clearly failed to disturb their excitement as they laughed and giggled after finishing each whisper.

The chamber of adults shushed the anxious parents, clearly into the enthralling spectacle of tonights’ entertainment.

A little girl with big round eyes stated nonchalantly, “No Elizabeth. None of them set this up. I set this up. Just remember what happens if you try to slow or stop this game before its finished…all of these children will lose! Their loss will be on one of you!” she stated, once more gesturing to the children on her side, as the child before her had done. She actually shouted the last sentence.

At this point a mixture of both anger and confusion erupted within the room. Some of the parents stated intentions of taking their children; that they’d had enough of this “game”. Others, clearly disturbed by the last message feared what the child meant by “all of these children will lose.”

“Your actions affect my child and you’re not touching them,” one of the mothers stated very succinctly to one of the other parents, “not until I know what it is ‘they lose‘!” The lady whom the child had referred to as Elizabeth stated the child did not know her and could not have known her name. She was clearly disturbed by this latest revelation.

Whatever it was, we had three rounds left before somebody found out. As the adults argued, the next round of telephone commenced. The children, seemingly unaffected by the rooms’ changed mood, carried on with giggles and laughs as they passed the next message. “One of you has a secret. Are you willing to allow one, or all, of these children to lose in order to save yourself?” said the next little boy.

The sound of someones’ glass breaking on the smooth tile floor broke the silence of the stunned adults. They were no longer laughing. There were no more questions asking if the game was set up by anyone. There were seven children, and five had already spoken. There were two rounds left, and if what these children, or whoever was speaking through them, said was true then someone, or some one’s, would “lose” in the next two rounds…potentially all of the children.

Shouts of anger and accusations filled the room.”Who’s got something to confess?!” shouted one man. Others were shouting, “What do you lose?! Is someone telling you to say this? If this is a game then you need to tell us right now!”

The children carried on, completely ignoring what the adults were yelling. Whatever was happening, it was very real, and it definitely wasn’t an innocent game of telephone.

One of the mothers made an attempt to go in and grab her daughter before, what I can only assume was her husband, grabbed her by the arm shouting, “Are you stupid? Are you willing to risk Amy’s life because you think it’s a game?!”

The children carried on the next round as the commotion ensued, whispering one by one into each other’s ear. The adults carried on arguing, trying to make sense of what was happening. Some were clearly convinced something terrible had taken control of the children and meant to do them harm should someone interfere or not confess their secret.

The next little girl, clearly oblivious to what she was saying, stated through a giggle, “One round left to confess your secret. Are you willing to see them all lose in order to protect your secret? You have until they finish their last message to confess.”

At this point the room had erupted into chaos. The little girl jogged laughing to the front of the line, pursed lips and blank expression on her face, and cupped her hands to the little boys’ ear that had preceded her.

What started as a trickle soon became an open flood of confessions.

“I had an affair with your brother!” one woman yelled at her husband.

“I’m an alcoholic and I beat my wife and son!” yelled  Eugene from accounting.

“I embezzled from the company!”

“I don’t love you anymore!”

All the while, the children worked their way through the last message. There were three left to go in the line yet whatever secret they, or it, were looking to hear had not been heard yet, because the children kept on whispering.

As the second to last child cupped their hands to the last childs’ ear, one woman screamed out, “For the love of God please!”

“I killed my wife.” Mr. Daniels said through a shameful expression, “I told you all she’d died in a boating accident out of the country last year. I killed her.”

He finished his words to shocked expressions, glancing rapidly between him and the children. As the last child lowered their cupped hand the children began jumping up and down laughing. They thought it was the funniest thing in the world how they’d won, and we’d lost, because they had gotten us to tell them all of our secrets.

If you loved this then you would love my blog!

[heartslogos]

newfragile yellows [994]

“It's all about the illusion of choice."

Ellana covers her face with a cold towel; silently curses at whoever let Aedan in; realizes that whomever let Aedan in probably didn’t do it willingly but was bowled over by his literally stunning personality; and switches immediately to sympathy and pity.

“Please tell me you aren’t here to wax at me philosophically. If you want to do that I can suggest some fabulous conversation partners, or some people who are deaf and are very good at pretending to pay attention to what you say but are actually having a dissociative episode. The latter is one of my aunts. She does it all the time. Doesn’t even bother looking at you when you sign, just bobs her darling little head and stares at some point above your left ear and then falls asleep on you if you go on too long.”

“How charming,” Aedan says, “Get up.”

“Do I have to?” Ellana flinches as the covers are abruptly ripped off of her. “Aedan, you take too many liberties for a man of your — whatever.”

“As a man who is technically being treated as your possible future husband? Please. As if I would do something as incredibly boorish as to assault you in your own house. Get up, get up, get up. You need to eat, wash your face, and then get in my very nice car so I can drive you around in full view of the entire criminal underworld and make them sweat. You are in between me and me becoming the center of attention. I despise that. I do not, yet, despise you though.”

“Oh, stuff it,” Ellana throws the cold towel off of her face and glares at Aedan. “You don’t have to pretend around me. I thought we established that.”

“Then stop pretending around me,” Aedan cocks an eyebrow down at her, hands on his hips. “Also what happened to you? I thought you were out with Edric last night. Don’t tell me the old man’s grown a sense of adventure. Next thing you know, you’ll be telling me that quails have figured out how to fly, sheep are herding dogs, and horses have figured out basic algebra. If the latter has been achieved and I haven’t heard about it do let me know, it changes things about the race track.”

Ellana props herself up on her elbows. “You don’t gamble.”

“On horses? No. On the people gambling on horses? Oh, absolutely. It’s a lucrative side business, getting them in and out of trouble. I’ll teach you sometime.” Aedan waves a dismissive hand. “But that’s not what we’re talking about right now. Now. Seriously. I mean it. Do get up. I know you don’t have to meet any of your other suitors, by which I mean the Iron Bull, until tomorrow at least. Also it’s my last day in the Free Marches. I’m flying back to Ferelden tomorrow morning.”

“What?” Ellana sits up fully. “But it’s not over yet. I haven’t picked anyone.”

“Oh, that’s got you moving has it?” Aedan throws himself into the chair next to Ellana’s window, picking up one of her pens and spinning it between his fingers. “Everyone knows you aren’t picking me and I’ve done a pretty bang up job of pretending to try to get you to pick me, if I do say so myself. I’m going home so I can return to my real work. Though I’m sure most of our seedy and dubious society will consider it me returning to philandering and being annoying. I’ve never philandered a day in my life.”

“Every time you open your mouth I am torn between wanting to check if I’ve developed the ability to time travel by traveling back in time to before I met you, or decking you a good one.” Ellana runs a hand through her hair, sighing as she tries to work out some tangles. “And here I thought you’d stick around for the finale. I’m supposed to pick next week.”

“Now, unless Edric really did grow some kind of sense for action or anything that isn’t sitting pretty like a life sized paper weight, we know it’s going to the Iron Bull.” Aedan rolls his eyes and crosses his legs, the picture of indolence. The man was born in the wrong age. If Thedas were still in the ages of nobles and kings and warrior lords and such Aedan would’ve fit in perfectly. Shame he missed his calling.

He wouldn’t be Ellana’s problem if that were so.

“Mahanon seems to think that also.”

“Oh good on him, your brother knows you. That’s more than I can say for most families like ours. I mean. My brother tried to have me killed twice before I got that on lock down.”

“Your family is a mess.”

“The rest of the family thinks of us as a horror exhibit.”

“You are entirely too cheerful.”

“You are entirely too underdressed. I did mean it about taking you out for a drive. I’ve also gotten us mini golf reservations.”

Ellana turns to look at him over her shoulder. “Not regular golf?”

“Regular golf is for the boring,” Aedan wrinkles his nose, “And those with something to prove. If I ever get enough power I’m going to rip up every golf course I can. Absolute waste. Or I could turn them into botanical gardens, but good god that’d be a nightmare to design. Unless you know an excellent landscaper I could borrow?”

“I’m getting dressed. Get out.”

Aedan puts her pen back and gets up, “Lovely. We’ll get breakfast on the way. Also I’ve invited some people. And by people I mean your friend Carver and our mutual friend Max. And by invited I mean Carver invited himself by way of not letting me into your house until I told him he could come and Max was always coming along anyway.”

“I thought your plan was to make everyone sweat by having me go out on an unschedule date with you.”

“My plan is to be seen having a delightful time with you and then immediately fuck off the next day, no comment given.”

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #241

"Call From Jeb, The Overworld Queen, The Red Kitten”

[Doc] Decides to walk Markus out.

[Notch] is looking very glum, and starts suddenly at a rather insistent buzzing from him inventory. He pulls out his phone and scowls at it.

[Doc] What is it?

[Notch] Fucking Jeb... -he answers the phone with faux sweetness- yes?

[Jeb] I saw some rather unusual activities earlier and I have information....

[Notch] Spit it out.

[Jeb] Replace my computer?

[Notch] Groans, I can't come out there and hold your damn hand, fuck it, I'll wire you money and you can buy whatever. Hold on- he's pulls the phone away from his ear to bring up an app and transfer a sizable amount to his former colleague- there! Now you better have something good for me!

[Jeb] There's a NOTCH out there performing some rather high level deletions for an AI and we saw it kill a brine with impunity, but since the numbers shuffle we weren't sure which one it was. Either way, it's dangerous, and you might be able to do something with its number.

[Notch] Low and angry- I would have just given it to you...

[Jeb] Well I'm not you. Do you want it or not?

[Notch] Grinds his teeth- I paid for it, give it to me. - he pulls out a book and quill and scribbled down the code before hanging up on Jeb a bit more forcefully then needed- dammit sometimes I miss analog phones. It was way more satisfying to slam one down then just hit a button.

[Doc] Looks at the notation-So, what is this?

[Notch] It's a tracking number. The AIs have them so they can be monitored and identified more easily. Herobrines have signature codes as well, but they're always shifting and changing because of their inherent glitchy nature. It's not normal for a NOTCH to be able to lock on a brine and delete them so easily.  It's like trying to pick a lock while the different components rearrange themselves. Cps NOTCH is just as formidable and dangerous as he is.

[Doc] Wait a minute... Is a NOTCHAI's number anything like a player name? A system registry marker that lets you in or keeps you out of other servers?

[Notch] Yeah... The system sees them as the same...

[Doc] mental wheels spinning furiously - so technically.... Give me that number!

[Notch] Fumbles the book a little passing it- what are you going to do?

[Doc] Grins- I'm going to blacklist his code so he's permabanned from this server.

[Notch] That's so... I'm sorta pissed I didn't think of it myself.

[Doc] it might make Lie feel more secure at least.

[Lie] Once everyone has gone and Hera has set up a pen for Maggie she lays on her bed, curled around CP's spawn egg.  Hera is passed out on the other side of the bed asleep, but still there for her friend.  Lie however just can't find sleep so she is quick to hear someone approaching on the bridge.  She sits up as the door opens and Endrea sticks her head in- Endrea, do you need anything?

[Endrea] Shakes her head as she completely steps in and shuts the door behind her- There are some things we need to discuss

[Lie] - What is it?

[Endrea] - The mobs on your husbands server, they are scared.  They know what happened to him and they need to be reassured that they are safe, and that their Master isn't truly gone

[Lie] - Endrea I don't have a clue as to how to do any of that, hell I've only just gotten portals done!

[Endrea] - I know, which is why I suggested to Winston that perhaps he do the speaking or guide you through it while you appear formidable, it's what the mobs are used to

[Lie] - Just how am I meant to look formidable to them, they're used to CP's strength, a strength I just don't think I have right now

[Endrea] - Wear his armor

[Lie] - Excuse me?

[Endrea] - His obsidian armor, you know armors automatically adjust to whoever is wearing them

[Lie] - I don't know...  It was built specifically for him...

[Endrea] - Yes, but he'd most likely willingly use it to protect you, which is precisely what it will be doing.  Winston is willing to help you with it once you get over to the other seed.  When you're ready that is

[Lie] - I'll...  I'll think about it...  But what will I do with his egg while I'm doing that?  I don't want to leave it exposed

[Endrea] I can be curled around you and keep it hidden in my paws for you if you desire

[Lie] - I suppose that would work...

[Endrea] - Shall I let Winston know to start gathering the mobs and the generals?

[Lie] Sighs- Yes, go ahead

[Endrea] Hesitates- You do realize they will be looking towards you for a plan as well?  They will have questions for you as you are their leader

[Lie] - I know...  I'll think of something.  Thank you for being here Endrea

[Endrea] - Always Mistress- The dragon then turns and leaves Lie in the quiet of her room once more

[Herabrine] Opens one eye- So I guess we're going out for a bit?

[Lie] Jumps a little- YOU WERE LISTENING!?

[Herabrine] shrugs - I'm a brine. We're naturally nosy.

[Lie] Groans- Yeah...  We're going out...- She holds CP's egg a bit tighter

[Herabrine] Do we know where his armor is? I hope he didn't have it on him.

[Lie] - Should be back where ever he got it from.  I'm sure Winston knows

[Herabrine] Streches- I'm ready when you are queenie.

[Lie] - Please don't call me that

[Herabrine] Just smirks- Call Winston.

[Lie] Sighs and stands up- I'm sure Endrea's already talking with him, come on

[Herabrine] Follows- Do you know what you're going to say?

[Lie] - Not a clue

[Endrea] Is in the workroom speaking with Winston through one of his portals-

[Winston] Notices Lie- Ah, Mistress, there you are

[Lie] - Hello Winston

[Herabrine] Hey Winston, do you know where Cp keeps his fancy armor?

[Winston] - Yes, in his bedroom, just a shame the weapons which go with it are broken...

[Herabrine] Broken and gone? Or just almost broken?

[Winston] - Just broken, in our server broken tools do not despawn

[Herabrine] Round em up. We can likely get them fixed by the same Testificate that repaired his armor. But not today.

[Winston] - Duly noted, now please come Mistress, the summons has already been sent and I suspect it won't take long for them to gather

[Lie] - Alright- She steps through the portal into the higher resolution

[Herabrine] Follows her in and sways for a moment. - Gods that makes me feel like I'm gonna yack-

[Lie] - Sorry Hera

[Winston] Leads them into CP's room and presses the hidden button to open the wall and reveal the armor.  He takes it off it's stand and offers it to Lie-

[Lie] Takes it and looks it over, before placing CP's egg on his bed and donning the armor.  The armor shifts to fit her feminine form yet still holds it's sharpness and appearance of strength-

[Herabrine] Whistles in appreciation. - You look fierce! Let me have the broken stuff Winston. I'll hang on to it until we can get it fixed.

[Winston] Looks at Lie for confirmation and his Mistress gives it.  He goes over and fiddles with something before what is essentially a drawer pops out to reveal three obsidian tools.  A sword, broken into many pieces, a pick which is cracked and has a few pieces separated from it, and an axe which is mostly just cracked because it was used the least-

[Herabrine] What, no hoe? I bet it's hidden someplace else cause it was never used.

[Winston] Gathers the tools and hands them over to Hera- That would be correct, the Master has never had any use for it

[Herabrine] Hmph. I wonder if he can hear us? He's probably just be mad because I'm in his room.

[Winston] - Yes, even I am technically not allowed in here, the Mistress is probably the only one actually allowed...

[Lie] Picks up CP's egg-

[Herabrine] well come on then, let's get this over with.

[Winston] - Do you have something to say to them?  Or would you prefer I speak for you Mistress?

[Lie] - Please Winston, it would be much appreciated

[Winston] - I understand, please follow me

[Lie] Nods and follows Winston out of the room and towards the area which her coronation had been held.  Hera and Endea are following behind them and Endrea shifts to her dragon form once in the hallway.  Lie is uneasy being here without her mate but she can't think about it long as the doors before them swing open.  The generals are where they had stood before, but much more solemn this time around.  There is a vastly smaller amount of mobs where there had been a multitude before.  All of them are silent and looking up at their Master's mate expectantly.  Winston steps forwards to address them-

[Winston] - Fellow mobs!  I speak for our Mistress today when I tell you that everybeing here has been affected by the loss of our Master.  However our Mistress will do what she can to help protect us as her mate has done for a very long time.  For the time being please, keep yourselves hidden away, there's no need to expose yourselves if there are no players!  And I am pleased to assure you that the Master is not gone and he will return!  Please, bare your safety in mind and for the sake of our Mistress do not try anything rash!

-There's a murmur from the crowd below and Lie's hands tighten a little around CP's egg as she watches them carefully.  She hopes she doesn't screw her husbands entire server over by saying or doing the wrong thing.  She's a bit surprised when Endrea nudges her a little-

[Endrea] - You should speak to them Mistress, calm them...

[Lie] - What should I say?

[Endrea] - What ever your heart feels is right

[Lie] Swallows nervously before stepping forwards, Winston steps back politely to give her some space. She looks at the crowd gathered before her- I am not going to claim that I know what I'm doing.  Some of you may remember that I did lead a group of humans, but I have never had to lead this many before.  If I stumble and make mistakes then please forgive me, for I am doing the best I can.  I am not my mate, I do not have the war experience which he does, but I will fight for you if you stand by me. Each one of you is important to my mate thus you are important to me

-The crowd speaks amongst themselves, as if agreeing to Lie's terms and soon a cheer sets up which gives Lie a bit of relief.  Winston touches her arm and urges her back before giving a closing speech to the mobs and leading Lie away-

[Lie] Feels light headed from the stress of speaking to all the mobs and allows Winston to guide her to the conference room where he seats her in CP's usual spot as the other generals file into their spots.  Winston grab a chair for Hera and places it next to Lie-

[Herabrine] Well that went decently well...

[Herabrine] Are you okay Lie?

[Lie] - Yeah, just, really not used to this...

[Herabrine] I think the best person to be in charge is someone who doesn't want to be. People who want power are more likely to be corrupted by it. Pretend the mobs are kids you're babysitting

[Lie] Please don't stick that image in my head

-The generals are silent for a few moments before Magnolia speaks-

[Magnolia] - So what happens now?  What are we going to do?

[Lie] - In all honesty I'm not sure, but what I said is true.  I will do my best to protect you, but I require your help as well.  I don't have any idea as to what to do with this large of a group, which is why I'm depending on all of you

[Blake] - And why should we follow you?  Why shouldn't one of us take charge?

[Endrea] Snorts- You're an idiot Blake.  All the lesser mobs know that the bright eyes  control all, they will not listen to the leader of another group of mobs unless their general is close with that general.  And even then there is no guarantee

[Grayson] - She's so pathetic and puny though, probably can't even fight- The large pigman stands, grinning darkly before lunging at Lie to attack her

[Winston] Both he and Endrea leap up to Lie's defense, but there was no need as sharp black vines whip up, grabbing Grayson and slamming him back into a wall, holding him there and digging deep throns into him-

[Endrea] - Mistress...

[Lie] - I don't wish to fight Grayson, especially at this time when we are facing such a large threat

[Samuel] - I agree with the Mistress, we need to focus and figure what to do about NOTCH

[Lie] - Have there been any more sightings of him since CP was removed?

[Eliza] - No my lady, but one of my children was there when your mate was killed, would you like to speak with them?

[Lie] - Yes please, the more we know about what happened, the better

[Eliza] Nods- I have them waiting in the hall, should I call them now?

[Lie] - Go ahead

[Eliza] Lets out a series of clicks and a small cave spider comes in, it's obviously nervous as it trembles a little- M...  Mistress

[Lie] - It's alright, you're not in trouble.  I just wish to know what happened

[Cave Spider] Trembles a bit before finding it's voice- I..  I was hiding in some grass when I saw the Master come into the area, the NOTCH was stalking him and it was obvious that the Master was distracted since he was not noticed right away.  When the...  WHen the Master did finally notice him he immediately challenged him...  NOTCH...  NOTCH had a sword...  and the Master called both his weapons but put his sword away so all he had was his pick...  They fought, NOTCH barely scratched Master with the sword but it killed the Master.  HIs body fell apart, unraveling at it's code...

[Lie] Looks about ready to cry again as she hears this and her breathing has picked up- Thank you for the information, it is useful...  You may go

[Cave Spider] The small arachnid bows and leaves the room which falls into a hushed silence-

[Lie] Quietly- It wasn't quick......  Only the breaking of our connection was...

[Herabrine] her expression is dark- he'll pay dearly for that. I doubt he realizes what a large beehive he's kicked.

[Lie] Under the table reaches for Hera's hand for comfort-

[Blake] - So obviously the NOTCH has developed something new to combat us with...  And we now know it's a sword, but what exactly did he do to the sword and how do we defend against it?

[Lie] - I don't know...  I may know some others which may have an idea, but other than that...

[Blake] - Well you're of great help

[Herabrine] Takes her hand and whispers- remember, he's not gone

[Lie] - I am trying Blake, which seems to be more than you're doing.  At least I'm attempting to find answers rather than just asking questions

[Herabrine] I'm sure we'll be on better footing once we have more information...

[Lie] - But how do we get it without confronting him and putting more lives in danger?

[Herabrine] Simple, we ask Cp. we just have to be patient

[Zacharia] - Many would be willing to sacrifice themselves to help you find out more

[Lie] - Absolutely not!  I will not have you sacrificing yourselves for something so senseless!

[Herabrine] it's better if you hide. Let the bastard think he's won for a bit.

[Lie] - He was aiming at all of you not that long ago in case you've forgotten

[Blake] - Heh, only the weak overworld generals

[Samuel] - What did you say ember boy?

[Blake] - You heard me

[Winston] - Enough!  Now is not the time for infighting!

[Herabrine] don't forget that the one who punished Giselle is more then willing to repeat those actions....

[Blake] - I saw his terror here, he doesn't like the Nether

[Lie] - That doesn't mean he's not capable of setting his fear aside Blake

[Herabrine] Doesn't mean I can't take your ass to him either. Now shut your trap.

[Blake] Huffs but does remain silent-

[Zacharia] - With your permission Mistress I believe we'll get nowhere else today until more information comes to light.  May we leave?

[Lie] - Yes, but if any of you learn anything else please tell Winston immediately.  He will be able to pass it along to me

[Herabrine] Sounds good to me.

-The generals all give Lie some sort of salute before almost all of them leave except Winston, Endrea, and Magnolia-

[Magnolia] - Mistress, which of my mobs would you prefer I be with?  The magma cubes?  Or the slimes?

[Lie] - Which do you think would need the greater protection?

[Magnolia] - Pobably the magma cubes...

[Winston] - Are you sure?  The NOTCH has never entered the Nether before...

[Magnolia] - All the more reason too if he believes the Master is dead

[Herabrine] is waiting patiently but obviously ready to go

[Lie] - Winston, can you open the way back for us?

[Winston] - Yes Mistress- He gives a slight bow and opens a way

[Endrea] - I will stay here briefly to make sure the End is secure, but I will join you shortly

[Herabrine] I take it Gk has the kids?

[Endrea] - No, they are sleeping and Ashe should be able to take care of them for a short while

[Herabrine] And you should probably call Doc and let them know the little bit of info the spider gave you.

[Lie] - Absolutely, let's just hope they're awake...

[Herabrine] is already calling out in the chat as she goes through- I gotta feed Maggie, I won't be long.

[Lie] Follows, completely forgetting that she's wearing CP's armor-  Alright, we should probably let TLOT know too...

[Doc] Pounds up outside carrying TLOT and Steve- Brine delivery service!

[TLOT] That looks really good on you Lie!

[Lie] - What?  Oh...  I forgot I was even wearing this

[Lie] - We have a bit more information on what happened to CP

[Doc] I have news too! But you go first.

[Lie] - There was one witness to what happened, a cave spider.  They confirmed that CP was attacked with a sword...  But it wasn't a quick death.  They stated they could see him coming undone pixel by pixel....  And that his code was coming undone...

[Doc] That monster... I'll figure out what he did and how to counter it too. Mark my words! But I'll need to examine Cp for traces once he's restored.  

[TLOT] Looks stricken, remembering bad things and clings to Steve a bit.

[Lie] - What news do you have?

[Doc] We had to bribe him, but Jeb gave us something super useful. You know how the peaceful NITCHAIs told us they had a way of distinguishing each other? It's a number. And Jeb gave us the one for Cps NOTCH.

[Lie] - Really?  What can we do with it?

[TLOT] Apparently deleting the mobs drew some attention to him...

[Doc] Well the number functions like a key in the same way a player name allows you in or out of a server...

[Steve] We got to use the ban- hammer!

[Doc] Cps NOTCH is permanently banned from this server.

[Lie] Looks down at the egg in her hands- That's good...  I get the feeling that the deletion of a brine drew a fair amount of attention too...

[Doc] I don't know about that Lie... I get the feeling it's not as rare as we'd like. But deleting the mobs is weird. Plus it's the kind of thing that affects the players experiences. So I can see how that would draw more attention.

[Doc] Leans close to Lie to get a better look at the egg- any wiggles yet? It shouldn't be long to hatch.

[Lie] - Hoestly I was so focused on not screwing up in front of CP's generals that I wouldn't know...

[Doc] Scoots closer - May I? Just hold him up a bit.

[Lie] Holds the egg up a bit higher for Doc-

[Doc] Puts hir head to the side to listen - I hear a little movement.

[TLOT] Hops down and then helps Steve as well. He passes a hand over the shell- It's kind of like... someone rolling around in their sleep-

[Lie] - I'm not sure how CP manages to deal with his generals so often, Grayson tried to attack me, Blake insulted me...  It was nerve wracking

[Doc] Easy, he just beats them up.

[TLOT] Blake is an asshole.

[Lie] Pulls the egg back closer to herself- I'm glad Endrea suggested I wear CP's armor

[Doc] It was a good suggestion. On several levels.

[Lie] - I should probably take it off though, Winston had to help me out a bit since there's more than usual with this armor

[Steve] Do you need an extra pair of hands?

[Doc] Just unequipt it Lie.

[Lie] - Hm?  Oh, right...  Unequipting...- A bit embarrassed at forgetting that she does remove the armor that way

[Doc] There you go. Take a load off, you're safe now.

[Herabrine] Sees them talking and sneaks out the side of the house and flies off towards the village.

[Lie] Cradles the egg- You know, now that I have those gauntlets off, it almost feels like it's gently vibrating...

[Doc] I wouldn't be suprised. He might be aware that you have him close.

[Lie] Smiles a little- So long as he comes back quickly

[Doc] Grins- trust me.

[TLOT] Smiles faintly and directs his soft words at the egg. - Hey Cp. I'm gonna go sit on your couch since you're not out here to tell me not to.

-The egg vibrates a bit harder-

[Lie] - Easy now...

[Doc] Come on Cp. We're all waiting on you. You can do it!

[Lie] - Do you think maybe it needs to be used like a spawn egg?

[Doc] Maybe? But be super gentle. Just in case. Click it easy. Don't throw it like a chicken egg.

[Lie] Gently clicks the egg and is surprised when it pops open and a tiny ball of red fur rolls out with a teeny mew-

[TLOT] Holy crap...

[Steve] KITTEN!

[Doc] Well that kinda makes sense actually...

[CP] Looks around and blinks before letting out a little yowl-

[Lie] - I...  I don't get it...  Why is he so tiny?

[Doc] He lost all his mass. He's having to rebuild himself from scratch the way I did in the beginning. And since he's spent time as a cat, it's a small actionable shape his body already knows how to pilot.

[CP] Tries standing up and wobbles some-

[Lie] - So I guess I have another small animal running around

[Doc] Just for a while. He needs to heal. I'm betting his skin is empty right now. He proabably has just enough cubes to make that shape.

[Lie] - You said I could feed him once he got a mouth, should I go get something for him?

[Doc] Absolutely.

[Steve] I have some chicken! - pulls out the roast bird and puts it in front of the kitten -

[Lie] Hurries inside to get some more meat-

[CP] Immediately makes his way over to the chicken and starts eating-

[Lie] Comes back out with a steak and a pork chop-

[Doc] Hey TLOT.... you should give her one of the meat cubes... She's gonna find out about it sooner or later anyway.

[TLOT] Thanks for outing me!

[Doc] You know I'm right!

[TLOT] Huffs and puts down a rather weird cube, it's marbled like an entire block of raw bacon.

[Lie] - What is that?

[TLOT] Very quiet- Mammoth...

[Lie] - You...  Killed one of the mammoths?

[TLOT] Colors - It's for the raptors! I promised them new meat for diplomatic reasons. I only needed to kill one to make duplicates of the item drop!

[Lie] Groans and then looks at CP.  The tiny kitten has devoured about a quarter of the chicken now-

[Doc] Poor thing. His body needs to be normal, or at least bigger. His metabolisim must be going crazy. He needs fuel for his fire so badly.

[Lie] - Guess I'll be doing a lot of breeding...  He's usually the one that kills them for me though...

[Doc] If you run out of food just come visit me. I always have lots.

[TLOT] Do you have trouble killing them Lie? You could always ask Herabrine to suffocate them, that would be fairly quick.

[Lie] - It's the noises they make that I don't like

[Notch] Wanders outside - what's going on out here? I keep hearing muching noises. - stops- Is that...a block of MEAT?!

[Doc] Yep.

[Lie] - Look at what's behind the chicken

[Notch] Walks over and looks down- Aww it's a kitten! A hungry kitten... Wait... Is that CP?!

[Doc] For the moment, yes.

[Lie] - Yeah

[Notch] W-why?

[Doc] He's recovering. Don't get your cubes in a bunch-

[Notch] Kneels down. - Cp.... My poor son... Fuck... Does Stevie know about this?

[Lie] - Noooo

[Doc] Is already typing- and get over here please. This is important.

[CP] Accidentally chomps a bone and gives it a little hiss-

[Lie] - We may have to debone things for him...  That chicken Hera brought over earlier would be good

[TLOT] At least the meat block doesn't have bones. It's kinda compressed...

[Doc] Yeah, nudge him over to it. It's nice and bloody and fatty. Should appeal to him.

[Notch] Looks slightly ill

[Lie] Gently scoops CP up who reaches out with his paws to keep a hold of the chicken as she moves him over to the meat block-

[Stevie] Comes jogging up- Hey, what's going on?

[Doc] Cp confronted his NOTCH...

[Stevie] Stiffens- Again?  Who...  Who came out on top this time?

[Doc] The NOTCH... Cp was... deleted. Fortunately Lie had a single pixel and he's regenerating from it.

[Stevie] - Deleted?  But he's never been able to completely do that before...

[Doc] We know. It's a terrifying prospect. I think if he hadn't let me give him my recursive code he would have been lost to us entirely.

[Stevie] - So where is he?

[CP] Has started on the meat cube-

[Doc] Points at the kitten- That's him.

[CP] Chews on a fatty part-

[Stevie] - That's my brother?  He's so...  He's so tiny...

[Doc] Well we only had one pixel. He was resting in a spawn egg for almost a day.

[Lie] - And now he's probably gonna try to eat everything...

[TLOT] You can't blame him. He needs food to rebuild.

[Doc] At least he has food.... I had to make do with whatever raw materials I could pilfer. I consumed a lot of random things.

[Stevie] - So what's going to happen with him?

[Doc] He'll eat. And then when he's got enough raw materials he'll pop like a mob animal into a larger shape. Probably an adult cat, and then, I don't know. But we'll get him back.

[Notch] Gives the kitten a gentle pat-

[Lie] - Somebody had better be taking pictures of him this small...

[Doc] I'm on it- Starts taking screenshots from different angles-

[Steve] So just be nice to him Stevie. He's had a really shitty couple of days.

[CP] Tears off a bit too big of a piece for him to eat-

[Notch] Pulls on the piece so he can rip a bit off- Easy now! Don't choke!

[CP] Tugs on it while Notch is tugging on it with a little growl-

[Notch] Can't help but smile- Get it!

[CP] Uses tiny claws to bat at the meat-

[Doc] Dawwwwwwwwww

[Steve] He's being so cute. Dammit!

[Stevie] - So where did that meat come from?

[TLOT] I killed a mammoth....

[Stevie] - One of those big things in the savannah?  Whoa

[CP] Finally tears off a smaller piece from the one Notch is holding-

[TLOT] I needed the meat... I'm not gonna do it again. There are only a few of them anyway.

[Steve] It dropped a ton of brown woolly cubes too.

[Lie] - I bet

[Doc] Returns hir attention to Cp. - I wonder what's going on in his head?

[TLOT] Hunger mostly.

[Lie] - I think I'm going to go make him a bit of a nest on the bed-

[Doc] Stevie? When was the last time you talked to that NOTCH?

[Notch] Go ahead Lie, I'l keep an eye on him-

[Stevie] - Um...  Not long before TLOT brought me and the other humans over here...

[Lie] Heads inside to start making a nest-

[Doc] Good, lets keep it that way. Same with Alexis. As far as I'm concerned, this one's a monster on the same level as TLOT's was. Apparently he was amusing himself deleting Cp's mobs as well.

[Stevie] - He's never bothered with brother's mobs before...

[CP] Kicks at the meat block sending a couple tiny chunks off-

[Doc] Exactly. I think it may have been a calculated move to either hurt him or draw him out of hiding, or both.

[Stevie] - Fa...  I mean, that NOTCH has never been that aggressive before, at least not to my knowledge...

[Doc] Shrugs - I don't know what his problem is. I don't want to know. I just wish he'd fuck off somewhere and not come back.

[Steve] And take Dn with him.

[Doc] Wilts a bit. Xe only managed to avoid him by phasing through the stone under the castle and meeting TLOT and Steve at the spawn-

[Stevie] - Maybe...  Maybe he wouldn't attack me.  If you guys help me get back over there, maybe looking a bit beat up to be a bit more convincing, I could maybe get more information for you guys

[Doc] But we can't go with you. You'd be risking everything. If he kills you you'll respawn, but if he deletes you, that's it... game over... Stevie...

[TLOT] Cp would never forgive any of us if something happened to you. I know you might not believe me, but he would be devestated.

[Notch] Stevie... Please...

[Stevie] - Well what are our other options?

[Doc] A very through scan of Cp once he's restored. Plus he should be able to tell me exactly what happened. He's a hacker and he does know what certain things feel like.

[Lie] Comes out of the house- Hey, did you guys see Hera at all?  She said she was gonna feed Maggie, but she's not inside...

[Herabrine] Is coming back down the road with a very smug expression - I bring presents!

[Doc] Why does that worry me?

[Lie] - What are you talking about?

[Herabrine] At TLOT- Sorry to give your Testificates busy work, but Tungsten is the best at what he does.

[Herabrine] Holds up the obsidian sword and the matching axe- All fixed!

[Lie] - And CP's going to be mad...

[Doc] Those are really pretty.

[TLOT] Mad but secretely grateful, I'm sure.

[Steve] Those are really neat tools!

[Lie] - They were made to go with the armor...  Where's the pick?

[Stevie] - I think I remember those...  From a really long time ago...  Actually I think I remember brother letting me use the axe in a fight...

[Herabrine] Not done yet. He tackled the sword first because it was the most broken. And then the axe because it was still in pretty good shape. But then he started getting a bit burnt, and Drillby insisted he take a break so he wouldn't mess anything up trying to hurry.

[Lie] - I see.  If you wanna put the tools in the trunk in the bedroom, that would be appreciated

[Stevie] - Father, how's Flux?

[Notch] Has a farway look for a moment - Sensual, lovely, tender, kind... what were we talking about again?

[Herabrine] I'm on it.

[Stevie] - Ummmm...

[TLOT] Wry grin- Someone has been doing some very intimate server coding.

[Stevie] Turns bright red- Nope!  No!  Do not need to hear about that!

[CP] Little yawn having devoured about half of the meat block-

[Notch] Blushes as well - Just be happy for me, okay?

[Doc] Awww... tiny yawn.

[Stevie] - Yeah, absolutely!  Just no details!

[CP] Sleepily starts on the block again-

[Lie] - I think CP's gonna be conked out here soon enough

[Doc] That's okay. He needs rest too. Just keep him close by.

[Lie] - Oh he won't be leaving my sight

[Notch] Sees Cp stop eating and scoops him up into his arms, not minding the bit of blood that gets on his shirt. - My poor son...

[Doc] Uses hir tail fluff to scoot Stevie close to Notch-

[Stevie] Looks at his brother as he starts curling up- Is he even aware right now?

[Doc] We don't know.

[TLOT] I know it's him, his energy is unmistakable. But he's not all there mentally. Like someone who's delirious from fever, operating on base instincts.

[CP] Curls up tiny with one last little yawn, his eyes drooping close-

[Notch] Holds him close and gives him a little kiss on the head- Sleep well, and come back to us soon.

[TLOT] Brushes Stevie's mind gently to see if his feelings are anything like Cp's were when Stevie was temporarily a child again.

[Stevie] Is a tad bit concerned, he's never seen his brother like this before and to have heard that his former father had deleted him scared him-

[Steve] Moves over to them and takes Stevie's hand, gently laying it against the kitten's soft fur. - If you ever wanted to tell him something without him inturrupting you or storming off, now is a good time.

[Stevie] - I...  I think the only thing is why...

[Notch] Gives him a curious look, almost a bit sad. - Go on.

[Stevie] - Why it ever had to end up like this...  With the way the two of us are...

[Notch] You mean, you two fighting?

[Doc] Because someone got between you, and pushed you apart.

[Stevie] - Just everything

[TLOT] As long as both of you are alive, it's never too late to make amends.

[Stevie] - Yeah yeah, I know...  But he never stops doing shit

[Doc] He's a difficult person. That's just the long and short if it.

[TLOT] He has issues, but don't we all?

[CP] Little tiny soft snores-

[Lie] Giggles a little- He normally doesn't snore

[Notch] He's got a full belly, that's probably not normal either. If there's food he tends to give most of it to you Lie. I'm not sure why he has such an issue with eating around other people.

[Lie] I'm not sure he usually needs to eat much.  I know his normal state is a mix of creative and survival

[TLOT] But eating is one of life's little joys. I feel like sometimes he's just reluctant to have fun, like the universe is gonna shit on him if he shows a moment of weakness.

[Lie] - He's getting better though

[Stevie] Glances around them- I'm glad your place is so lit up Lie, otherwise we wouldn't be able to be standing out here

[Doc] It's not just that Stevie, really look around-

-Silver is sitting on their skeletal horse near the south gate of the village and Tang is also nearby. Bow at the ready. There are a few creepers, but they're moving in a small patrol along the wall -

[Doc] Our friends are watching over us too.

[Stevie] - I don't usually see that, I'm usually inside

[Doc] It's okay. They're just keeping an eye out. You're surrounded by friends, you just have to reach out a little bit.

[CP] Kinda rolls onto his back in his sleep-

[Notch] Can't resist petting his teeny belly with one finger-

[CP] Curls around the finger-

[Notch] Gooey smile- He's so soft....

[Stevie] His hand slides up towards his brother's ears-

[Notch] Give him a little pet, I don't think he'll mind. It's likely the first time you've laid a hand on him since you were a kid.

[Stevie] - Yeah...- Little ear rub

[feelsgood-anon]

Eros - Bar AU Chapter 1, part 1

Disclaimer: This piece is a Mystic Messenger AU.  It is heavily inspired by the American sitcom Cheers, a show centered around a Boston bar called Cheers and it’s regulars.  Even though I have tried to keep as much of canon personalities with all the Mystic Messenger characters just remember that it is an AU and a few things may be different than in game or your headcanons. This has been fun to plan and I hope you find a bit of joy reading it!  

PG13+ for swearin’ and boozin’.

Ch.1/2 | Ch. 2/2

Eros.

If you’ve never wandered to the outskirts of the downtown nightlife you’d think the name represented an establishment of finesse; a fancy restaurant, a classy gentleman’s club, a ritzy cocktail lounge.  

But throw open the doors to the aging building during the late midday and you’d find yourself staring at a lavish open bar.  You’d get a warm greeting from a handsome bartender and there’d be an air of familiarity amongst all the patrons.  

You’d never know that you’d love it until you stepped into it and everyone welcomed you back, happily shouting your name.

Names.

That’s right...

There’s always a good story behind a name.

A hum of a cheerful tune echoed throughout the empty space.  It was 3:15 p.m. and Zen busied himself wiping down the bar top. Sure they did work to clean up every night before locking the doors but for some reason the silver-haired man would always pass over the surfaces as soon as he walked in the next day.  He double-checked the beer mugs to make sure the handles were turned at just the right angle where his hands could grab them quickly. Napkins? Check. Pretzels? Check. Receipt with the number from a gorgeous woman that had spent the entire night prior staring at him?  He smiled at the legible digits and stuffed the piece into his back pocket. Check.

There was nothing more important to him in his current life than this bar but a date with a pretty lady on the weekend wasn’t far down on his list.  He made a mental note to add her to the small bucket that kept the rest of the numbers he received every night in his office.  It would be a shame if he were to not give this one a fair chance like the others.  

His thoughts were interrupted by the chime of the bell above the door as another man stepped into the establishment.  Was it already half-past three?  Zen looked towards the wall clock and let out a dramatic gasp of surprise, “Red, you’re early in being late! What’s the occasion?”  He pulled at two shot glasses to fill them up with whiskey, “Keep this up and you may get a promotion!”

The other male laughed a bit as he took off his jacket to sling along the coat rack near the entrance, “Seeing as I changed my schedule to come in at 3:30 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. I would like to point out that I am delightfully early for my shift.”

Red.  His real name was Saeyoung Choi.  He had bright shaggy red hair and eyes, protected by a pair of glasses, so golden they shone brightly like the sun rising in the morning but those same cheerful orbs held a bit of mischief that did well for him on the job.  His usual attire? A yellow and red checkered button down and light wash jeans.

Zen slid one of the glasses down the bartop to meet Red’s hand as he passed by.  It was tradition for them to share a shot before they officially opened the doors to the public so once they toasted each other they downed the liquor in seconds.  “Where’s your brother?  Don’t tell me he had to call off,” the man behind the counter furrowed a brow as he retrieved both glasses to wash them.  “It may be the middle of the week but I still don’t like it if we both have to act as waiters as well.”

“Cool your pecs, boss. He’s just parking the car. I guess the eatery across the street is having some sort of shindig and the streets are loaded with vehicles.  He’ll be here in a few seconds.” Red reached over the bar to grab at an apron to start tying it around his waist.  They didn’t have a uniform of any kind but Zen was oddly particular about everyone having an apron.  The man made his rounds of the space to turn on lights and make sure tables were set the way Zen liked it.  “Hey, you remember about that person Duckie has coming in for an interview, yeah?  What was her name?” His voice carried behind him as he had made his way to the back area where the pool tables and jukebox found their home.

Zen took a slight breath in as he had almost forgot about the interview.  Could he be blamed?  He was told about it the night before while he was chatting up with a busty blond at the bar, “Of course I remember! Her application is in my office. She was applying for...errr…”

“Waitstaff, boss.  She’s applying to be a waitress.”

“Right! See? I remember! And you know how I feel about names around here, Red.”  He shouted out towards the back hall.

“Yeah, you forget them easily so they have to leave it written down on a napkin, preferably with their number attached.” A cheeky grin was spread across Red’s face as he came back towards the bar, “Just make sure you act professional.  Hopefully she’s not a looker so you won’t turn that charm on.”

Zen turned to protest but was distracted as the bell chimed once more, a man that looked identical to Red walking through the door, “This is utter bullshit.  I had to park a block away in some weird parking lot.  When are you going to buy that lot next door so we can have proper parking for this place, Zen?  I hate having to always find a different place to leave the car.”

Zen chuckled slightly as he began to count the change in the register, “Not any time soon, Cannon, since I have to hire someone to help you.  What would you prefer? Parking or a night off?”

Cannon.  Saeyoung’s twin brother Saeran.  He had the same bright hair but wore mint-colored contacts instead to make sure he wasn’t confused for the other sibling.  His attitude was much less friendly as well, but was a hard worker. The normal attire for the guy consisted of a red V-neck t-shirt and a pair of black skinny jeans.

“Whatever.” Cannon mumbled as he too grabbed an apron to strap to himself, “Whoever is coming in, just hire her.  She can’t be dumb enough to not be able to take orders.  And if she is, it’s not my problem.  I’m still taking a few nights off.”  He stuffed a notepad along with a few pens into a pocket as he began to prep a few bowls for snacks, “Let her know to just stay out of my way since I don’t want to deal with her.”

Red walked around and pat his brother on the back, “Now now, you have to play nice! You’ll be training her, after all.”

“Like hell I will!”

“Boys boys, let’s not get ahead of ourselves now.  I still want to interview her and if she’s not going to be a good employee then I’ll have to keep looking.” Zen closed the cash register, satisfied with the count, and looked towards the two, “I’m a pretty good judge of character so I’ll know within the first minute of meeting her if she will fit in with everyone around here!”

“You mean, within the first minute of meeting her you’ll know if you’ll fit into her?” Cannon growled out which sent Red into a fit of giggles.  The twins never missed out on an opportunity to give Zen grief which the man didn’t quite know if he enjoyed or loathed. “Can I catch a break around here?” Their boss sighed as he made his way from behind the bar to walk to his office, “Just try to respect me around the potential new waitress, would yah?”

Both brothers waved him off and continued to perform their daily chores.  The time passed pretty quickly as they bustled around and in no time Red had moved to switch the sign on the window from ‘Closed’ to ‘Open’.  They rarely had people come in as soon as the wall clock twittered at 4:00 p.m. but today the red-headed bartender hadn’t even made it back to the bar before the door was swung open.  He turned on his heels as he heard the bell and when he saw the face unfamiliar he gave a wide smile, “Welcome to Eros! What can we drown you with?”

The woman at the entrance gulped a bit at the abrupt welcome but gave Red a nervous smile, “Oh, hello.  I’m not here to drink-”

“Then what are you here for?  If you didn’t notice, lady, you’re in a bar.” Cannon leaned against the bartop and stared at her, “The pizza joint is across the street and we don’t hold any book club meetings here.”  His brother closed his eyes for a moment even though his smile stayed steady, “Could you grab the celery from the cold storage, bro?”

The male rolled his eyes and pushed himself off to make his way towards the back as Red once again locked eyes with the girl, “I’m sorry about that, he woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.  You were saying?”

She nodded as her attention was drawn back to the seemingly polite person who addressed her initially, “Yes...uhm...I have an interview in thirty minutes with...Zen?” She pulled a piece of paper out that had a name written along with a time and an address, “Sorry if I’m early.  You know what they say: Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!”

A smirk crossed his face as he took a good look at her, “Aye. I guess we are all an unacceptable lot around here, then!” He beckoned her in, “I’ll let Zen know you are here.  Please, have a seat!  Let me get you a drink, on the house. You deserve it for being ‘on time’.”  

“Just water would be fine, if it’s no trouble.”  She took a seat on one of the stools.  Placing her bag on the surface in front of her she started to look around the establishment. From the outside of the building she was afraid that the inside would look just as run down.  It was a pleasant surprise how well kept it had been when she entered. “Good to know you’d be a cheap date.” He placed a glass of water in front of her as he smiled.

“Excuse me?” Her fingers clutched at her bag a bit defensively at his comment, “What do you mean by that?” Red frowned slightly as he busied his hands with wiping a few glasses in front of him, “Water is free, you know.  I was just making a joke...sorry if that offended yah.” Her cheeks blushed slightly, laughing nervously while mentally kicking herself for letting the comment fly over her head that way.  “Right.  No need for apologies, I’m just a bit nervous about the interview.”

He snapped his fingers and he walked away towards the other side of the bar, “Oh yeah! Which reminds me.”  Climbing up on the edge he shouted towards the door in the back, “Hey boss! Your interview is here!”  Red shot a thumbs up at the girl, the door to the office swinging open as Zen finally emerged with papers in his hand.  

Her eyes widened a bit as she finally laid eyes on the tall man. He was just as attractive as everyone said he was; sharp facial features, eyes kind even though they were a bright red, his physique obviously well kept...but what her gaze fell on were his clavicles.  His light-blue dress shirt had a few buttons opened exposing the top of his chest. Zen claimed he had to do it since it got so hot as he ran around but everyone knew he did it for the attention he received. A sly grin crossed his face as he noticed the girl’s slight gawk in his direction.  

The shirt works everytime.

“Hey! Welcome to Eros!  Thanks for taking some time to meet with me! I’m Zen, the owner of this place,”  He walked into the bar area and leaned on the counter in front of her as he held his hand out for a shake, eyes sparkling, “Nice to meet you!”

She cleared her throat as he approached, giving him a big smile before meeting his hand to shake firmly, “No, thank you for giving me this chance mister...Zen?”  He shook his head in major disapproval at the title she had placed on him, “Please, just Zen.  I’m not the type to deal with those formalities.  Nice handshake, by the way.” His eyes never left hers but he had noticed she didn’t drop his hand throughout the entire exchange. Pulling her arm back she laughed a bit nervously, “Oh, thank you.  I’ve always been told to have a confident handshake when meeting others.”  

Zen mused to himself as he finally broke the eye-contact to look down to her resume, “That’s good advice.  So tell me a bit about yourself.  More importantly, why should I hire you?”

The woman let in a deep breath.  She had been mentally preparing herself for a few days now and had plenty to say but sitting in front of this man who she found so beautiful caused her mind to go blank.  “Well.  I’m currently a student at SKY University.  I’m working on my Masters in Sociology,” Her words came out in such a flustered jumble that Zen looked up from the paper to concentrate on what she was saying.  Even so she continued on, voice gaining confidence and becoming more bubbly as she ran through her speech, “I want to work as a social worker! I love being around people and I’m very empathetic. I have some work experience, as you can see,” She leaned forward and pointed towards the middle of her resume, “I helped at my uncle’s bookstore while I was in my first years of University.  He always said I had a natural talent for customer service! I can get along with almost anyone and I’m really good at calming down customers that are upset!”

Zen had placed his elbows on the bartop, his right arm bending upwards to prop his chin as his body leaned to the side.  A soft smile was settled on his lips as she rattled on about herself in such an animated manner.  This woman, he thought, is so charming. He found himself lost in her words and eventually stopped paying attention to what she was actually saying.  He was brought back from his daze when she suddenly placed both hands down on the counter to give him a look of determination, “You should hire me because I will be the hardest working employee you’ll meet.  I will do whatever it takes to learn the skills I need and I will learn them quickly.  I will not disappoint, that I promise you.” She was breathing a bit heavier since she had fallen into a passionate speech towards the end.  

She’s bright, like a little ray of sunshine.

“Sunny.” he cooed out.

The girl sat back in her chair with a look of confusion on her face, “W-what?”

“Sunny!” He exclaimed louder so that the twins could hear him.  Red gave a few claps and ran over to the girl, “Hey! Congrats!  You can call me Red! I’m the other bartender other than the big boss here.”  She looked between the two still trying to figure out what they were going on about, “I don’t...understand…”

“Zen gave you a name, means you’re hired,” Cannon came around the side and got close to her ear,  “So don’t fuck this up. I want a weekend off.”  

Red shooed his brother off and pat Sunny on the back, “That’s Cannon.  He’s the other waiter here so you’ll be working with him a lot.  He’ll warm up to you eventually!”  She nodded slowly and looked to Zen, “So...I have the job?”

He laughed a bit and crumpled up her resume, “Yeah! I like you and I think having you around will be great for the place! Welcome to the family, Sunny!”  She put on a big smile and held her hand out once more, “You won’t regret hiring me! But, my name is-”

“Sunny. Your name is Sunny. First rule I have in this place is you go by the name I give you. Call it a quirk of mine.” Zen looked up as he heard the jingle of the bell above the door, welcoming the customers in with a bright smile.  She looked behind her and watched as the two people made themselves comfortable at one of the tables, Cannon lazily making his way over to tend to them.  “But why would you use a name that isn’t real?”

He directed his attention back to her, chuckling a bit, “It is a real name! It’s the name that I, Owner Zen, have given you! You should be honored!” She opened her mouth to protest some more but was interrupted by Cannon barking out an order, “Two scotch rocks, boss.”  Zen nodded and pulled two glasses from below the bar with one hand, grabbing a bottle of liquor with the other, “So when can you start, babe?”

She pursed her lips at the question, moreso at the term of endearment, “Whenever you’d like to train me, of course.  I’ve never worked in a bar and don’t know a lot about alcohol so I’m sure you’d like to spend some time going over basics.”

“Are you free tonight? The weekdays are normally not too busy so I can spend some one-on-one time with you.  Sound good?” He flashed a smile at her, “You said you pick things up quickly and I’d like you to be good for the weekend.”

Sunny nodded and stood up to straighten out her shirt, “I’d love to start!  And what do I call you, since everyone has nicknames?” Zen placed the two drinks on a tray, beckoning to Cannon, “You can call me Zen, or these guys call me boss. I don’t mind you calling me sweetie or babe either, your choice.” He shot her a wink as he threw a hand towel over his shoulder.  She smirked at the act, leaning over the counter to get closer to him, “What’s your real name?”

“That I will not tell you.  The only person in this bar that knows everyone’s real names is me.  Red knows a few, since he handles the tabs alongside me. Don’t bother asking, it’s considered impolite around here.” He pointed a finger at the twin as he approached to pick up the drink order, “Even Cannon doesn’t know my real name!”

“I don’t care if I know your real name as long as I get my paycheck,” the waiter spit out his words with apathy, “Throw a bowl of pretzels on here, boss.  Stop flirting with the new girl.”  

Zen did as he was asked but kept his eyes on Sunny, reaching behind himself to grab an apron and threw it at her, “Let’s get started, then! I’ll give you the grand tour.”

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