#she was probably still mad that she had to give me some money as payback because of the mites getting into my hair that I had just gotten

[betafibiiiiiivviiixiiixxixxxiv]

so i saw a take about eula that made me mad so here’s my (biased) rant about her

i’m pro-end user license agreement, i think she’s cute, not just appearance-wise but personality-wise too

(didn’t pull her tho bc the kinda obvious powercreeping made me salty, might pull her when her rerun comes around just to have her and not level her)

but basically the gist of this rant is gonna be i think people unfairly mischaracterize her and i’m gonna talk about why i think she’s a good bean based on the two things about her that i’ve seen people mention they dislike the most: the way she talks and her relationship to/feelings about her family

disclaimer: a lot of this is my opinion and my interpretation of her character, probably has a lot of typos

this will probably be really like

incomprehensible i’m tired sorry but i’ll try to make sense

okay so

a lot of people from what i’ve seen dislike eula bc of the way she talks, but at least try to understand why she might talk the way she does

putting aside the reason why she talked the way she did to the people of mondstadt during her story quest (i’ll get to that later), let’s talk about her whole focus on vengeance first

imo her whole thing about vengeance is a shield of sorts for her

many of the people of mondstadt would only ever see her as a descendant of the lawrence clan, someone who means to do mondstadt harm

so might as well give them what they expect, even if it’s not what you really mean

her story in her character profile even says this

“Her grievances and vengeance are but a habit, a signal, a shield.

“What remarks she should just laugh off, what concepts she should bear in mind given her unique circumstances and position...“

one has to remember that eula is a descendant of the lawrence clan, a clan that is hated in mondstadt bc of how corrupted they became during the era of the aristocracy

it’s likely that when she was a child she was ostracized even though the sins of her family, her ancestors, aren’t her own

even if she wanted to make friends with the other children of mondstadt, they were probably too distrustful of her

in her story in her character profile, there’s no mention of jean or diluc in regards to her past, but amber is mentioned to have been her friend even before eula joined the knights of favnious

it’s likely amber was one of her few friends growing up, if not her only friend

and amber is a pretty easy-going and welcoming person; she probably didn’t care about the way eula spoke all that much and bc they’re friends she understands the feelings eula hides behind her seemingly contentious words

anyways about her and the people of mondstadt

the people of mondstadt only see the family she’s a part of; they don’t see her

from her profile story:

“Eula has been viewed with contempt by the citizens of Mondstadt since birth. The Lawrence name stands for a legacy of depravity and despotism that stains Mondstadt's past and scars the minds of its citizens even to this day.

“So, whenever Eula appears, old wounds resurface. People despise the aristocracy, and this does no favors for her reputation.”

“In truth, Eula is nothing like the fearsome predator many imagine her to be. On the contrary, constantly being met with prejudice at every turn means she is often the victim.

“At one time, shops would refuse to sell her their goods, restaurants would put no care and attention into her orders, and the citizens on her patrol route would refuse to cooperate with her. So, Eula's work is fraught with difficulties.“

and in her voicelines:

“The life of a Lawrence doesn't include much worth talking about... Basically, whatever you say, whatever you do, people will always despise you and treat you like a potential threat to society. It's nowhere near as bad as it used to be, though. Before I'd joined the Knights, good grief... I couldn't even buy groceries. Even Good Hunter and Mondstadt General Goods wouldn't take my money.”

“People tell me that if I just spoke more softly, or was more polite, or acted more deferentially, others may find it easier to forgive me, but the only reason they think that way is because they've never been branded a pariah before. There is no easy path to redemption when you're a social pariah. I'm more inclined to stop tiptoeing around everyone all the time and just get out there and make them respect me the old-fashioned way! As in, we square off and if they win, I humbly accept my punishment, but if they lose, they must acquiesce to my demands... Such as... Well, I mean, if I want to buy a loaf of bread, take my darn money, for crying out loud!“

the people of mondstadt wronged her and were mean to her simply bc of the blood that runs through her veins, and i think it’s bc of that she says that she’ll have her vengeance

imo her act of vengeance against the people of mondstadt is being a faultless knight, a knight who completes their duties flawlessly and is without reproach

from her story in her profile:

“...she is a law-abiding citizen and has never harmed another Mondstadter in her life. She may come across as having a somewhat frosty demeanor, but she is entirely scrupulous in her speech and conduct.”

“When Jean sends a new recruit to track down Eula in the wilds and deliver a new set of verbal orders, they always receive the same response: ‘If you have to resort to tasking the descendant of your former oppressors with doing your work, then perhaps you are not as strong as I thought’

“But despite the antagonism in her words, she will complete her newly assigned tasks to perfection. The new recruit is invariably forced to admit that with her abilities, it is no wonder she was able to achieve a captaincy within just a few years of joining the Knights.“

and honestly i just think she’s a tsundere

my evidence, your honor?

her “About Us: Feud” voiceline:

“Our feud is for the long term, so rather than get payback on a piecemeal basis, I think I'll make things easier for myself and wait for a day when I can settle the score once and for all. It could be in ten years, could even be twenty... But don't worry, I won't forget. In the meantime, I'll need you to take good care of yourself and have a happy, healthy life, okay?”

anyways about the way she spoke in her story quest

one first has to learn that this was what she was taught that way since she was young

reading up on the lawrence family based on her profile story, the renmants of the lawrence family are pretty much a cult i think

“The Lawrence Clan may have been overthrown a long time ago, but they have never given up hope of one day rising again and reclaiming their place as the ruling class. So that they are always prepared for this monumental moment, their offspring are subjected to an educational regime so unbelievably harsh that it is considered borderline abusive.

“’Noble obligations’ must be performed to absolute perfection in every possible sense, and these obligations cover etiquette, ritual, and study as well as cooking and other domestic chores.”

and also

she clearly doesn’t talk that way all the time?

personally the reason i think the mondstadters we talked to were like ‘ugh, this again?’ is bc all of the lawrence clan does it, and eula is part of the lawrence clan so it’s like, expected of her to talk that way

but the main reason she talked that way was to give an example to the traveler

she didn’t talk that way to us when we first met her, and she didn’t talk that way to amber and sarah

and some people think she still supports her family? like man

i don’t know if we went through the same story quest or not

but eula quite clearly ruined a plan of her uncle’s that was to harm mondstadt? and during that quest she quite clearly shows her disdain for her family and her family’s ideals?

“I’ve never experienced the age of ‘glory’ you always speak of, and I’ve never understood our family’s incessant pursuit of it. [...] The Lawrence Clan should never and will never become what you’ve dreamed it to be!”

not to mention her voicelines where she makes fun of her family often:

“Knights and aristocrats share the same cultural heritage, but the knights had enough sense to do away with all the superfluous detail.“

“Aristocratic etiquette is all just for show... Just smile and nod along! I was forced to learn all of the rules by heart, but even I don't take them that seriously.”

“I heard that bard sing a few songs about the Lawrence Clan... They were lighthearted and funny stories that mocked the clan in a way I've never heard anyone else do. Even I couldn't help but burst out laughing... And for this, he must pay!”

“Technically, aged Dandelion Wine should be poured into a silver goblet and allowed to breathe for 12 minutes, then you're supposed to add ice cubes, ideally so 60% of the ice is submerged beneath the wine. I refuse to do all that though, it's not worth the hassle.”

and not to mention this voiceline where she outright states that if her family crossed the line she’d end her family herself:

“If my family members refuse to change their corrupt ways, or worse, continue to cause active harm in Mondstadt... I should be the one to end them, along with the Lawrence name itself. For once, it'd be a family obligation I'd actually enjoy. And once the deed was done, I'd be free to pick any name I wanted. Or even let you pick one for me!“

also about her saying she wants to avenge her kin in her voicelines, (this is me kinda reaching, ngl) imo it could just be her sarcasm, or she could be trying to change mondstadt’s view of the lawrence clan so that others in the family like her who aren’t as attatched to the aristocratic customs and share her beliefs can walk freely in mondstadt’s streets without fear of reprisal, which can be evidenced by this voiceline:

“The name Lawrence only became a social stigma after the clan fell from grace. It was once an honor to be called a Lawrence, but unfortunately, most people have forgotten about that part of history. The Grand Master says that I am performing rather well as a knight, and that if it's not enough to restore the honor of the Lawrence name, it's certainly a strong rebuttal against the one-sided opinions so many people throw around. I'm quite satisfied with that appraisal.“

furthermore based on her voiceline about barbara, i’m pretty sure she wants to be liked? to be acknowledged in a good way?

“Everyone loves her. What's her secret? Maybe I could learn a thing or two from her... Hmm, or maybe not. I can't imagine a ‘Shining Idol’ would want anything to do with a descendant of a depraved dynasty.“

like, she doesn’t want to be thought of as just a descendant of the lawrence clan

she wants to be known for who she is, not her family

i think this is why she avoids lisa too, since lisa would have read all about her family and she doesn’t want lisa’s judgement

lastly, what she learned from amber’s grandfather, found in her profile story:

“From him, she learned an open-mindedness and down-to-earth persistence that she had heretofore not possessed. Before grievance and vengeance, before clan and outsider, one must find "oneself" first.

“One's way of living, self-preservation, objects of perseverance...

“Then call it "grievance" and name it "vengeance" — that will not change its essential strength and goodness.

“It would be Eula's very own gentle path of revenge...“

she didn’t turn against the people of mondstadt and join her family in their crusade for glory even though the people of mondstadt treated her horribly

she instead strove to be someone worthy of being respected, someone who is more than just a part of a disgraced and despised family

anyways i think that’s all i wanted to say

basically tldr: end user license agreement is a sweet and gentle person and i like her very much

[louhooo]

Hello My Old Heart | Chap. 8

Chapter Summary: Bucky helps you out with a problem

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader [AU]

Warnings:Swearing, FLUFF, mention of adult themes (maybe?)

A/N: A second chapter this week ‘cause I wanted to lol

All feedback is welcomed! 💘

“Steve, how many times do I hafta tell you, you don’t hafta knock when–” You flung the door open, only to reveal a brunet boy instead of the blond you were expecting. “Oh. You’re not Steve.” He chuckled.

“Glad you haven’t lost it since I saw ya yesterday.” You rolled your eyes.

“Har har. So funny, Barnes.” You pinched your brows, “What’re you doin’ here? Where’s Steve?”

“His dad surprised him this morning with tickets to a Yankee’s game. He said you needed help with somethin’, so,” he held his hands up, “here’s the help.” You grimaced.

“Oh, you don’t hafta help me, Bucky. It’s not really that bigga deal.” He lolled his head and gave you a look.

“You told Steve you desperately needed his help, but now when it’s me, it’s ‘not that bigga deal’?” He pursed his lips skeptically. “What is it?” You rolled your eyes and sighed. Clearly he wasn’t going to let it go.

“I have some Christmas lights that I wanna hang up on the ceiling in my room, but you don’t–”

“How’re you gonna hang ‘em?” You shrugged.

“I was just gonna use nails.” He raised a brow, not impressed with your answer. “Don’t give me that look; I don’t have anything else.”

“Nails won’t work. Put your shoes on. We’ll walk to my house and get some stuff from my dad.”

“But–”

“Oh my GOD…!” He groaned, his head tilted up. He looked back at you, “My dad won’t get mad. He likes you. Says that you’re a good influence on me.” You slowly smiled, a feeling of pride washing over you. Bucky smirked, “You just wanted to hear me say that.” You laughed and nodded unashamedly. Bucky shook his head softly with an amused smile on his face, “Now can we go?” You nodded and slid on your flip flops by the door and shut the door and started walking to Bucky’s house a few blocks over. “Is your mom really gonna let you put stuff in the ceiling?” You shrugged.

“She’s not home, so she won’t know.”

“Well, she’ll probably figure it out at some point.”

“Doubt it.” You walked in comfortable silence the rest of the way to his house. Becca was sprawled out on the driveway, playing with chalk.

“Hey, where’s dad?” Her pigtails bounced when she looked up at you.

“Watching baseball. Hi, Y/N!” You grinned.

“Hi, Becca!” Bucky motioned with his head.

“C’mon.” You followed him toward the backyard and climbed the back steps to the deck, going through the French doors of the kitchen. “Dad?” Bucky shouted once you were inside. He shut the door behind you and walked towards the noise of the ball game.

“Yeah?” His dad shouted back. 

“Can you help us?” You stood in the doorway and George looked at you both and smiled, kicking down the recliner.

“Hey, kid, how are ya?” You smiled.

“I’m good.”

“Where’s the other musketeer?” He chuckled at his own joke, which Bucky promptly groaned at.

“He’s with his dad. Y/N wants to hang some Christmas lights on her ceiling, but we don’t know what we should use to hang them.”

“So, you’ve come to the expert.” You laughed, and Bucky groaned some more at his dad. Bucky really needs to tell him to lay off the ‘dad jokes’ while Y/N was over. “Well, I’d use hooks, but depends on how you’re gonna hang ‘em.” They both looked at you.

“Well I was thinking they’d be kinda draped from wall to wall. Kinda like a canopy.”

“I might have some out in the garage,” he started walking out to the garage, and you and Bucky followed. You watched him as he searched through the drawers and cupboards in the garage, as Becca came in and spun on the stool he had at his work table. “Well, shit. I don’t think I have any. You kids get in the truck and we’ll go to the hardware store and get some.”

“Dad, we can just walk.” Bucky looked at you, “That’s alright, right?” You nodded quickly. Truthfully, it was hot and you didn’t want to walk, but you also didn’t want George to take you, either. Last time you went somewhere with him, you, Bucky, and Steve got stuck waiting two hours for him to stop talking to people before you could leave. George Barnes could never let a stranger stay a stranger.

“Alright, if you’re sure?” You both nodded, “Okay, well, call if you need any help.”

“I will.” Bucky turned and started walking back down the driveway. You waved to George and Becca and caught up with Bucky. You turned left, towards the direction of the hardware store.

“Hey, can we go back to my house so I can get my money?” Bucky waved you off.

“I’ll just buy what we need.” You stopped walking. Bucky did a double take and stopped walking, heading over towards you. “What?”

“I’m not gonna let you pay for ‘em, Bucky.”

“Dude, it’s fine. I was just gonna charge ‘em to dad’s account anyways.” You gave him a look.

“Can we please just go and get my–” He sighed softly and put his hands on your biceps.

“Sunshine… think of it as payback for all the pencils you loaned to me last year.” He had a soft grin on his face.

“Ya know, we’re gonna be in high school this year, so we aren’t gonna be together in every class, so you’ll have to keep track of your own shit.” He laughed making you grin.

“Yeah, believe me, I’m already stressed about the responsibility.” You snorted and Bucky’s laughter died down, “So, is that a ‘yes’?” You let out a deep sigh and nodded begrudgingly. Bucky smiled. “Great.”

You got the hooks and Bucky ended up paying for them with his own money. When you asked him about it, his face got red and he started stammering over his words and quickly changed the subject to who your teachers were. You had history, math and lunch together, which you were relieved to hear, and Bucky was relieved you bought the distraction. You stopped by his house long enough to borrow a ladder from his dad and went back to your house.

He screwed the hooks into the ceiling how you wanted, and you were in charge of handing him a new one, and holding the ladder steady. Bucky seemed to drag it out on purpose by making you break down in crying laughter and making it way too difficult to work efficiently. 

It was dark by the time you finished getting the hooks in and the lights strung up. You turned off your lamp and plugged in the lights, smiling up at the ceiling.

“I love it. Thanks for your help, Buck!” You looked over at him and his eyes went wide and he looked back up at the ceiling.

“It’s no problem. And there’s no way Steve would’ve been tall enough to help.” You smirked as he looked back at you, his own smile forming. He checked his watch, “When’s your mom gonna be home?”

“Sometime tomorrow, I think.” Bucky’s eyes shot to yours.

“What?”

“She went to see her boyfriend.”

“So… you’re gonna be here by yourself?” You shrugged, trying to make his questions stop.

“It’s not really that big of deal. I don’t mind.” He had concern pretty obviously sketched on his face.

“Y/N… you’re gonna be alone, though.”

“Bucky, it’s really–”

He sighed deeply. “I know, I know….” He looked at his watch again, “It’s not that late yet. Do you wanna watch a movie?” You shrugged.

“Sure. You pick the movie, and I’ll go get extra blankets.” You pointed to where your movies were at and headed to the hallway closet to get blankets. You came back with a stack and Bucky helped you lay them on the floor. You took the pillows from your bed and set them on the blankets, situating them how you wanted them. 

Bucky picked a random movie and set it in the DVD player and the clicked through until the movie started playing.

“Hey, is it alright if I unplug the lights during the movie?” You nodded and sat forward, pulling the plug from the wall. You got settled again and noticed Bucky send a text and push his phone to the outskirts of the blanket. He glanced at you, “You comfortable?” You hummed. 

“Who did you text?”

“My dad. Wanted to know how the hooks worked.” You nodded and focused back on the movie, resituating your pillow. It was his dad, but it was only to tell him he was staying at your house because you’d be alone otherwise. It wouldn’t be the first time Bucky or Steve had done it, and he was sure it wouldn’t be the last.

“Here, pick your head up.” You obeyed and picked your head up. He moved your pillow closer to his and held his arm out and looked at you expectantly. You blinked.

“Uh….” He crossed his eyes.

“Dude, just lay down so I can watch the movie.” You chewed on your cheek as you slowly brought yourself closer, and laid down. You sighed and settled more, pleasantly surprised by how comfortable he was to lay on. You felt your eyes start to droop about halfway through the movie, and you didn’t think twice before curling into Bucky’s side. You laid your hand down on his chest by your face, and felt his arm go around you.

“What cologne are you wearing?” Your eyes were closed, but you were still hanging onto consciousness.

“Uh… none right now?” Oh, shit! Did he remember to wear deodorant? He was pretty sure he did, but–

You hummed. “You smell like rain,” you sighed contentedly. “I like the rain.” Is his heart beating faster?

“You smell like peaches….” He pulled you a little closer. “I like peaches, ya know?” 

“I know, Buck….” You silently thanked your past self for buying that peach-scented shampoo as you sank into unconsciousness, dreaming of thunderstorms and a brunet boy with blues eyes.

After dinner (and barely avoiding the discussion of yours and Bucky’s relationship), you dealt with the awkwardness of deciding where you were going. 

Did you go back to your hotel room by yourself? Did Bucky stay with you? Did you just go to the house, and do the walk of shame (minus the knowledge of having sex) tomorrow?

“Just come home.” You looked over at Bucky. You were still parked in front of Peg’s with the truck off and the sound of crickets chirping outside.

“Buck… we still have so much to figure out. I can’t–”

“What’s there left to figure out that we can’t figure out at home, as a husband and wife that live together?”

“I…” You wanted to go home, you really did, but how could you? It wasn’t that easy.

“Come home, peaches.” Tears immediately went down your face.

“Why are you like this?” His face twisted in confusion. “Why are you so fucking sweet to me?” He chuckled and thumbed away the tears. He cupped your face and you sat, staring at one another until the lights in Peg’s went out and the staff went home.

“I know we’re still not 100 percent, I know we’re really fuckin’ far away from 100%, but I’m willing to work on it, if you are. I want to work on it if you do.”

“I do,” you mumbled softly. Bucky took a deep breath and nodded. “I can’t go home with you, though. That wouldn’t help us.” Bucky felt his shoulders drop as he exhaled.

Oh. “Yeah. You’re probably right.” He turned the engine over and wrung his hands on the steering wheel. “Would- Would you go to lunch with me tomorrow?” He glanced at you, “It could be like a… date?” You blinked.

“A date?” Bucky couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Yeah, ya know the thing where people usually eat and talk and try to get to know one another?” You gave him a look.

“Yes, I know what a date is, Bucky, thank you. I meant it more as… why?”

Bucky shrugged, dropping his hands to his lap, “Same reason anyone wants to go on a date with a pretty girl.” You tried giving him another look, but the bashful grin overtaking your face made it slightly less convincing. “We can just eat a good meal and talk about nice things, nothing heavy or serious. I mean! Unless you want to, then we can! But I don’t think you do, but maybe you do, but that’s not really great ‘date’ conversation, but I also know that–” You giggled, promptly shutting him up.

“If I say ‘yes’ will you stop freaking out?” Bucky breathed out a laugh and angled his body towards you.

“You remember how I was when I first asked you out; I can’t help it.” You snorted and shook your head.

“For the millionth time, you didn’t ask me out first, I asked you first!”

“Eh, semantics.” You laughed, still shaking your head at Bucky. He grinned, resting his arm against the seat, “So, is that a yes?”

Your laughter subsided and you grinned tenderly at him. “Yes. Yes, I’ll go on a date with you.” Bucky nodded, biting his lip to suppress the giant smile he was toting. You clicked your seatbelts and drove to the house, making plans for the next day. Once you were to the house, you both lingered outside your car door and kept the conversation going, neither of you ready for it to stop, even if just for the night.

After you yawned for the fifth time in a row, Bucky leaned and opened your car door for you.

“You need to get to bed.” You looked at the door and shook your head, gazing back up at Bucky.

“No, I’m–” Another yawn escaped your mouth, making your eyes water. Bucky raised a dubious brow while casting a teasing grin.

“What was that?” You sighed, pursing your lips.

“Oh, shut up. You’re such a smart ass.” He smiled, popping his hip against the edge of the door.

“You love it.” Your breathing hitched just a fraction, but you quickly played it off with a chuckle.

“Yeah, keep tellin’ yourself that.” You took a step towards your car, but just before getting in you turned back around, looking at Bucky. Don’t overthink it. You leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You know how whenever a cartoon character is in love, their eye’s turn into hearts and they smile at everything their love does? Well, that’s exactly what Bucky felt. He watched you pull out of the drive and onto the gravel road back towards town, and it was a few minutes before he realized he was still standing there with a dopey grin on his face.

You got back to your room and exhaled, a grin almost permanently fixed on your face. 

Tomorrow just couldn’t come fast enough.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Previous // Next 

[pocminiseries]

Body Smile

Jealousy.

••••••••••

"Who's all coming again?" Aliyah questioned out loud, turning to face her mother as they set the table for their weekly Thursday night family dinner.

"The usual. I think your brother is bringing Traci for once and I know your Uncle Raymond is finally going to reveal his new wife to everyone." Her mother, Connie, replied, chuckling at Aliyah's bulging eyes.

"Mama...I know you did not invite him just to see Aunt Lynn start some mess? You know she can not stand Uncle Raymond," Aliyah stared at her mom in disbelief as an evil spread across her beautiful face.

"I consider this payback for all those times she continually put down my marriage while placing her cheating ass husband on some pedal stool. You know she always thought she was better than me because of the luxurious lifestyle she lived, now look at her."

Aliyah shook her but smartly decided not to say anything else involving "grown folks business". "So does that mean she's bringing Trina with her too?"

Her mother shrugged. "Probably," She replied, placing the last plate on the table. "Are two still having problems?"

"If you mean by problems, her jealousy towards me for no apparent reason, then yes, we do." Aliyah wasn't sure when her cousin developed such a distaste for her, especially since they use to be so close when they were kids. It seemed to happen out of nowhere when Trina's attitude started to change towards her.

Aliyah just found it all to be weird because Trina had everything a girl could ask for, the money, the cars, the clothes, vacationed to the best spots, the big group of friends, etc. The girl was literally out here living her best life. And yet, even with having all that, she became rude and judgemental of everything Aliyah did. She couldn't even remember the last time she heard her cousin say one nice thing about her.

It was ridiculous.

"Maybe you two should sit down and talk, try to fix whatever issue is there," Her mother offered, earning a look from Aliyah. "Don't make that face at me,"

"I hear you mama but I'm good. She can continue to sink in her misery alone." Besides they were grown now. Fuck that bitch.

Connie smiled softly at her daughter, reaching out to stroke her face. "You know I'm proud of you, don't you? You've grown so much baby," She cooed, earning a playful eye roll from Aliyah.

"Mama..." She whined as her mother squeezed her cheeks. "I appreciate the love, really, but c'mon." Her protest only went in one ear and out the other when her mother continued to pull her in for a bone-crushing hug that she couldn't break free from.

"Baby? Have you seen my brown loafers, I can't seem to find them anywhere," Her father's voice boomed from the other room until he made his presence known. "Let her go so she can breathe, you're killing her." He smiled, shaking his head at his wife and her worrisome ways.

Her mother pouted but stepped back to give her some space. "You always know how to ruin the moment, Roy, and your shoes are in the laundry room,"

"You sure? Why would they be in there?" He questioned, seeming confused as to why he would leave his shoes in the laundry room of all places.

"Because you had to handle a situation in there that required you to take them off," She reminded him with a tight smile, hoping he would get the hint.

Her father rubbed his chin, thinking back to what problem his wife was talking about. "I don't rec-...oh, that," A grin broke out onto his face once he realized what he meant, the wink he sent towards his wife causing Aliyah to scrunch up her face in disgust.

"I'm going to go check on the food," She mumbled, hurriedly walking back into the kitchen to get away from her parents and all of their nastiness. Just the thought of them being like that made her grimace.

Picking up a fork, she barely was able to taste the yams when her mother had caught her. "Aliyah, what have you told you doing that? You can wait for a few more minutes."

Quickly stabbing into one, she placed it into her mouth and put the top back onto the pot. "Nobody’s counting candy yams mama, they'll be fine." She stated once she swallowed the sweet vegetable.

Her mother waved a dismissive hand and grabbed some needed utensils. "Did you invite Kaiden to join us?" She questioned, wondering when or if she was going to see the young man again. She was still in shock when she saw him show up for Aliyah's graduation party. She always knew he would grow up to be a fine young man and she was not disappointed.

Seeing the way Aliyah looked at him in the same manner she did when they were teens was so adorable to her. She was still so entranced by him after all this time.

"I did but I don't know if he'll be able to make it," Aliyah shrugged. She wasn't entirely sure if she wanted him to come anyway, especially tonight and around Trina conniving ass.

"You two have seemed to have gotten back to being close," Her mother observed, attempting to probe and be the nosey mom that she was.

"I guess. We went out on a little date two nights ago and finally talked."

"And how did that go?"

Aliyah smiled to herself, still feeling all giddy inside. "It was nice finally being able to clear up a few things and do some catching up on our lives. I enjoyed it." Though Kaiden answered some of her questions, she never gained enough courage to ask him how he got involved in the world of doing cam shows. Plus she still felt like there was more behind him leaving back then.

Her gut never lied.

"So did you admit that you're still in love with him?" Her mother asked knowingly, showcasing her magical ability to read her daughter like a book.

"I don't know about being "in love" but I do still love him," Aliyah admitted, just as the doorbell rang.

Her mother squinted her eyes at her accusingly for a few seconds before putting on a smile. "If you say so. Start putting the food on the table for me, ok?"

Aliyah nodded and watched as her mother went to answer the door while she started to place the different dishes her mother made on the dining room table. She could hear more voices in the living room while she retrieved the rolls from the oven and carefully placed them in a basket. Just as she was about to pick it up, she was pulled back against a hard chest.

"Beauty," Kaiden whispered, those soft lips brushing past her earlobe. With his arm secured around her waist, he pecked her lips once she turned back to look at him. "You didn't think I would come did you?" He teased, letting her go so she could completely face him.

"I had my doubts," She smirked, letting her eyes take in his appearance. Why did he have to so damn good all the time? She wondered to herself as someone stepped into the kitchen.

"Hey cuzzo," Said a voice that made Aliyah become instantly irritated. Lowering her head, she looked over to see Trina standing near the kitchen entryway in all of her negative glory. "Kaiden," She smiled sweetly, focusing her attention on him. Aliyah could feel a twinge of anger begin to rise inside of her at the way Trina's eyes danced over Kaiden like she was ready to pounce at any second.

"How are you, Trina?" Kaiden acknowledged, leaning back against the counter behind him. He glanced at Aliyah and smirked at the dark look on her pretty face, finding it to be both cute and hilarious.

"Better now. I didn't know that you were coming." She said taking a few steps forward. "Why haven't I heard from you?"

"I've...been busy, I'm sorry." He apologized, raising an eyebrow at her biting her lip.

"Oh, no it's fine I understand but- you should text me later, so we can chill at least," She suggested, giving him those infamous bedroom eyes. Trina always knew how to use what she had to get what she wanted, and this was no different. Kaiden was not someone she was going to pass up on. And judging by the way his eyes danced over her, he was fair game.

"Of course," Kaiden agreed which made Aliyah roll her eyes hard as hell. "Where are you going?" He asked suddenly, reaching out to grab her arm, pulling her to a stop.

Aliyah looked at his hand then his face before moving away from him. "The dining room. Clearly you two have things to discuss." She pointed between him and Trina. Grabbing the warm basket, she made her way towards the table, leaving them alone without saying another word.

Sitting in a random chair, she tried to push back her anger at what she just witnessed. Truthfully she didn't have a right to be mad, she wasn't dating Kaiden, they were just technically friends but damn, her cousin, really?

Crossing her arms, her thoughts begin to fill with images of her whooping the dog shit out of her cousin for pulling some mess like that. She always found a way to get under her skin somehow and Aliyah hated it so much.

"Damn Liyah, what the crescent rolls do to you?" Her brother laughed softly as he helped his girl into her chair before sitting in his own beside her. "You good? It isn't Trina duck head ass again, is it?"

Aliyah softly shook her head, while everyone started to pile into the dining area. "I'll be fine," She reassured him with a small smile.

"I can handle her if you need me to, Liyah, just say the word and I got you." Traci offered seriously, knowing how much of a nuisance Trina could be.

Aliyah giggled at that. "I'll keep that in mind," She nodded, glancing at Kaiden sliding into the chair to her other side. He attempted to smile at her but she quickly dismissed it, choosing to walk the petty path instead. Besides, he could focus his attention on Trina since she took it upon herself to a seat across from him.

Once everyone was situated in their seats, a short prayer was said before everyone dug in and the sound of silverware scraping against plates could be heard.

Between laughing at her brother and dad going back and forth over sports, her mother getting into it with her sister and watching her Aunt Lynn almost throw hands with her ex-husband and his new girl, dinner night wasn't all that bad.

She had for the most part, successfully ignore both Kaiden and Trina the entire time. Tuning them out when they spoke to each other or someone else. Kaiden fell back into step with her family as if he had never left, bringing up old memories from back then. If she wasn't so into her feelings, Aliyah would've thought the whole thing was adorable.

Once everyone was full and the drama settled down, the table was cleared as everyone went their separate ways in different areas of the house. Unfortunately for Aliyah though, who was finishing up her dessert, was left sitting at the table with both Kaiden and Trina. She rolled her eyes so much as they talked and laughed, she was surprised they didn't get stuck in the back of her head.

If it wasn't for her phone occupying her the entire time, she probably would've lost her mind.

Quickly taking the last bite of cake, Aliyah stood up and got ready to leave. "Wait, Aliyah, we need to talk," Kaiden says before she had a chance to fully leave.

Aliyah made a face, shifting her eyes to the side. "No, we don't, I'm good. Continue your interesting conversation with Trina," She insisted and walked away, ignoring him calling her name.

Maybe she was acting childish but she didn't care. It wasn't as if Kaiden had been neglecting her the entire night because he hadn't. Throughout dinner she could feel his hand squeeze and caress her thigh, even jumping when he cupped her heat. She was thankful she chose to wear shorts and not the dress she was originally going to go for.

She couldn't imagine trying to control her facial expressions with Kaiden's fingers playing with her pussy at the dinner table.

Shaking her head of those thoughts, she washed her dishes and moved towards the hallway. With her attention on her phone, sending a quick text back to Hazel, she was suddenly pulled down the hall and into the nearest bathroom.

Flicking on the lights, Kaiden stood in front of her, blocking the door with an upset look on his handsome face. "Are you done being childish?" He asked, the irritation in his voice evident. All throughout dinner she acted as if he didn't exist, barely answering anything he asked her. It bothered him because he absolutely hated being ignored, especially by her and she of all people knew that.

"No," Aliyah sassed. "Now move so I can leave." She attempted to push him aside but he wasn't budging no matter what she did.

Kaiden angrily ran a hand through his hair, turning his heated gaze towards her. "I don't want her Liyah, I already told you this."

Aliyah scoffed at that. "Funny, your actions tonight proved otherwise."

"How? By talking to her? Am I not allowed to have conversations with other women?" He asked in disbelief at how she was acting right now.

"Seemed a lot like flirting to me but go off I guess," She said with the wave of her hand. He must've thought she was blind? Aliyah saw the way he was looking at Trina, she wasn't stupid.

"I was being respectful Liyah, that's it. I have no reason to be ill towards your cousin." He explained, snatching her phone from her hand and putting it in his pocket. "Look at me when I'm talking to you."

Letting out a frustrated sigh, she fixed her gaze on him. "Whatever you say Kaiden. It's over now, so can you please move aside so I can leave?" This was the last place she wanted to be. She wasn't in the mood to talk to him, especially about her damn cousin.

"No, I can't, not until we fix this. And stop calling me Kaiden. I hate when you do that."

"Well, that's your name so..."

Done with her actions towards him, Kaiden's hands swiftly wrapped around her neck and pulled her closer to him. "Stop playing games with me," He warned, careful to not to cut off her oxygen supply...well most of it.

Aliyah gripped his arms, thrown completely off by his actions. Not because she was scared but more so turned on by this side of him. "You're jealous, I get it but the only woman I want is you. It has always been you." He breathed, walking her back until she hit a wall.

"Don't ever ignore me again...you hear me?" He muttered, squeezing her neck slightly as her nails dug into the skin of his arms.

"Ok," Aliyah whispered low enough for him to hear, feeling light-headed.

Suddenly Kadien let go, letting her breathe correctly. His eyes searched her face, lingering on her partly opened mouth. "I can't wait anymore," He tells her, pulling at her bottom lip with his thumb.

"For what?" She swallowed, taking notice of predatory look in his eyes.

Kaiden began to smirk, his hands finding their way to her waist. "This..." He trailed off placing a soft kiss to her lips, the taste of the chocolate cake she had eaten still on her tongue. She moaned as his hands moved lower to cup her ass, pulling her closer to him. He had wanted to wait a little while longer, slowly lead her into it but she pushed him to do this.

"Ace...what are you doing?" Aliyah panted, feeling his hands undo her shorts.

"Shut up," He grunted, pulling them and her panties down her legs, letting them pool at her feet. He was happy she had left her shoes back underneath the dining room table. Less work he had to do. Running a finger down her folds, he smiled seeing how wet she already was.

"Sit on the counter for me," He instructed, taking a step back to allow her room to move. Doing as he said, Aliyah lifter herself onto the cool bathroom countertop and followed Kaiden's every move. "Open your legs baby," He urged, running his hands up her thighs as he placed kisses along her neck.

He stepped between her legs and started to unbuckle his own jeans and pushed them down until his dick was free. Aliyah looked at him nervously. She was expecting him to eat her out again, not this, especially now in the bathroom at her parent's crib.

"I need you to be as quiet as possible, can you do that for me?" His voice had become deeper, more lust filled as he spoke. Aliyah bit her lip as she felt him rub the tip against her other set of lips.

"I'll try,"

"Good girl," Kaiden praised, lifting his shirt enough to watch himself slowly disappear into her. As he expected, it was a tight fit. Looking up, he took in her facial expression, making sure he wasn't hurting her until he was fully inside. Kaiden let out a shaky breath, his eyes closing as he leaned his forehead against hers.

"You're so damn tight, Liyah," He whimpered a bit, waiting until she was adjusted to him. With his hands on her hips, he could feel her fingers digging into his shoulders. He glanced at her, seeing her eyes closed tightly and her teeth biting her bottom lip.

After another minute, he finally pulled all the way out and thrust forward, earning a low cry from Aliyah in the process. He lightly pumped into her to get them both used to the feeling, to adjust to the insane pleasure that was being created between them. Kaiden watched her head fall back as he picked up speed, sending Aliyah into a frenzy at his consistency.

She sobbed louder than expected and quickly slapped her hand over mouth to keep quiet. The sound of her wet channel could be heard every time he entered her, yet her walls squeezed around him, pulling him deeper with each stroke.

Opening her legs wider, she allowed Kaiden to go harder, the sound of skin slapping skin becoming louder. "Shit..." She cursed when he paused to roll his hips and grind into her, the pressure to her gut taking her higher.

Needing to feel more, Kaiden reached under her thighs, pulling them over his forearms and placed his palms flat on the counter, fucking her harder. "Fuck!" He whined sexually into her chest, trying his best to keep himself from getting louder. Her pussy was so fucking wet and warm, it was slowly beginning to drive him insane. The way she clenched around his dick was going to turn him into an addict, he felt it.

Aliyah fell back against the mirror, pulling Kiaden along with her. His thrusts quickened causing her to cry out, no longer caring if anyone heard her. She couldn't hold it in when he was beating down her walls like this, it was impossible.

The way he worked his hips, moving to hit certain areas inside of her had her legs shaking. "Liyah? Are you in here? Mama is asking for you." Her brother's voice called out from the other side of the locked door.

Aliyah looked towards the door with wide eyes, immediately remembering where she was. But her brother being here didn't falter Kaiden's deadly assault to her cunt as he began to furiously pound into her, knowing fully well that her brother could probably hear what they were doing. Kaiden could feel her pussy start to swell around him, signaling how close she was.

"Are you about cum for me baby?" He taunted, loud enough for her to hear. "I feel it,"

"I'll be right there!" She rushed out, knowing her shaky voice sounded suspicious but she couldn't help it, Kaiden was killing her right now.

"Shit, Liyah...I'm about to cum," He chanted lowly, his thrust getting sloppy. "I'm cumming..." Knowing she close as well, Kaiden smashed his lips against hers to keep as silent as possible. His movements paused as he pushed himself deep inside of her one last time, feeling her release as soon he did, his seed coating her walls.

"Aight," Her brother says turning to walk away, only to pause at the last second. "And Kaiden, we need to talk when you come out, ok? You foul for doing this at my mama house man."

Kaiden laughed through his heavy breathing, laying his head on Aliyah's chest. "Sorry," He panted out, pulling himself free from her womanhood. He knew that after this he would want her daily. It was going to be harder to keep his hands to himself when she was around.

"And hurry up." Her brother fussed moving away from the door.

Wiping her forehead, Aliyah shook her head in disbelief. "I swear you get me in trouble every time Ace," She mumbled, wincing from her legs and pussy both being sore. But even being in slight pain, she still wanted him again.

"I know and I'm sorry but I can't help it, I need you." He told her seriously, kissing once more. The huskiness to his voice only making him more appealing. Aliyah bit her lip looking him over, taking in his semi-hard dick. Following her gaze, he smirked, lifting his head to lock eyes with her.

"Spend the night with me, Beauty? Please."

[thatsabae]

Payback - Jungkook | Chapter 6

genre: romance/comedy/friends-to-lovers

summary: “Revenge is sweet”, that’s what they say, and your plan is to find out if that statement is true. After finding out about your boyfriend’s infidelity, you seek after his lover’s boyfriend, cause mama always told you that sweets are better when shared. But first, you need to convince him to join you.

prologue

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chapter 1

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chapter 2

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chapter 3

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chapter 4

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chapter 5

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chapter 6

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chapter 7

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chapter 8

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chapter 9

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chapter 10

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chapter 11

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final

Y/N: It will be awesome, Jungkook! [sent: 07:59 p.m. / read: -]

Y/N: So anxious! [sent: 08:00 p.m. / read: -]

Passing in front of Jin’s house scared you. There were so many people that you wondered if your plan would work. He can’t possibly know all those people, right? Jordan would want to leave the party before you could even find Jungkook or Jin and all the hard work would go to waste. It would be an achievement if he even entered.

You sigh. 

“I think the party is here.” Taehyung joked, in the backseat. You smiled, but Jordan was silent. An angry silence. 

Convincing him to come was harder than what you thought it would be. Guess the fake tears and screams for attention would only work once. But you were lucky that Taehyung was also interested in the party so Jordan couldn’t handle you two nagging on him. 

Jordan said he was tired from work, and having to park the car three blocks away did not help to lighten up his mood. You try to not show in your eyes how much pleasure this is giving you.

“What kind of music is this? And the smell?”

You just rolled your eyes, ignoring him and opening the front door.

“You’re not even inside, Jordan. Stop acting like a grandpa, you ain’t that old yet”. 

You smile to Taehyung, even if he can’t see. He always had your back. It was like this since you were a child. He could make fun of you and be annoying, but no one else could.

Inside the house was just as crowded as it was outside. People at the sofas, the staircase, and also some sitting on each other’s laps to make room. With so many people, there was no way you could notice the decoration. 

Trying to seem just curious, you look for your backup and you can easily spot Jungkook and Calli with a group of people, and with them, you also see Jin, in the middle of them, telling them something so interesting that they barely blink. He was the first to notices you, and a moment later, Jungkook turned his head to your direction. 

The plan is following the right course. 

“How did you find out about this party…” You interrupt Jordan before he says something that would reveal your lie too soon.

“Should I get us something to drink?” 

“I’m good.” Your brother tells you, looking around, trying to find any familiar faces and not realizing Jordan was talking to him before. 

“I don’t think we should drink anything from here. We don’t know what it is”. 

Your brother and you exchange a meaningful look. 

How did you handle being with this guy for more than a year and think about marriage? Five minutes with him were driving you nuts already. 

You start chatting with Taehyung, about nothing really important, when you notice that Jordan’s body suddenly got tense, and you know what that means. He saw Calli. 

Spying the spot you last saw her, you notice she’s trying to hide behind Jungkook. 

You look at your cellphone and it’s not the right time yet. Just a little more. 

Even bringing your brother along was part of the plan. When Jordan realizes that he was fooled, you wouldn’t have to deal with him alone. Taehyung would be there, so your boyfriend wouldn’t really express how mad he is. You would face him later.

You even had money prepared for the cab ride. All possibilities were thought during the last three days before the party. 

Every possibility. Except that one of Jungkook’s friend would get closer before what you had planned. What was going on? 

You were at the party not even half an hour when you noticed a guy leaving Jungkook’s group of friends and walking to yours, and it was enough to have you panicking. You could only hope that your face was looking neutral. 

“Taehyung, right?” 

“Yeah…”  

“Don’t you remember me? We studied together. I’m Jimin, man”. 

Your shoulders fell, relieved. You thought that, for some unknown reason, one of Jungkook’s friend that would be there to help was acting way too soon. You just observed while they were excitedly chatting.

“We went to the same school, Y/N. Don’t you remember him? Our families sat together at the graduation party!” 

You did remember him, but not from Taehyung’s graduation. You really went to the same school? 

“Sure, how could I forget?” You lie, not ashamed. 

“You look familiar. Didn’t we meet…” 

“At the party? Yes. Probably, I mean, we sat together! We must have talked. That explains why I thought you looked familiar too”. 

You know you sounded suspicious, but it was better than him speaking of last week when you entered Jungkook’s office and made a scene. You were sure that he was one of the guys.

He seemed to understand you were avoiding the subject because he didn’t try to mention it again. After talking to Taehyung a few minutes more, he invited him to meet his friends. 

Jungkook’s friends. 

You were lucky that Jin was paying more attention than it looked like because when you were almost reaching their group, he touched Jungkook, that left them, almost running. If the situation was different, you wouldn’t hold back your laughter. 

You could see Calli’s discomfort even from afar. If Jordan was too, he wasn’t showing. 

“Jimin, introduce your new friends to us!” Jin asked him, with a grin on his face. If the situation was other, you would have loved his sense of humor, but now it made you nervous. 

Jin, noticing that Jimin would probably tell that he was the owner of the house, decided to do the meeting himself. You were glad that Jungkook decided to seek his help. You realize that Jin, actually, introduced only his friends to you, none of your names. 

When you see Calli looking for Jungkook, you know it’s time to put your plan to work. 

“Are you thirsty?” 

Jordan denied again, focused on whatever Jin was talking about. He had this power, more like a charm, that would draw everyone’s attention to him.

“I’ll go for you.” Your brother offered, and you hoped that the expression in your face would not reveal the panic you felt again. 

“No. Stay here and catch up with your friend. I won’t take long!” Feeling that was not enough, you whisper: “I’ll also go to the bathroom”. 

Trusting on Jin, you leave them there. 

“So I said to the cashier that it was absurd. He had no other option but to agree with me!” He laughed, and the others around him did it too. He saw you entering the kitchen, so he started preparing himself for the countdown. 

“Enough of yourself, Jin. You told us the same story too many times.” One of his friends mentioned. 

“Yeah, but they haven’t heard it yet. It’s interesting, right Jordan?” The boyfriend agrees but doesn’t realize that he hadn’t been introduced yet. The party’s owner smile at the secret provocation. 

When he was first asked to be part of the plan, he was reluctant, but thinking about it, would be great. Too fun to let it pass. It also could help him write his next novel. The others were missing how fun this was. He had the power to ignite the real party. He just needed to wait a little more, until both Jordan and Calli started wondering where their partners were and why they were taking so long.  

It’s not that he enjoyed seeing the chaos -always-, but this specific one was too good to be denied. 

Knowing about the situation, he was the only one, besides the cheaters, that understood why they were so uncomfortable in the same group. He took another sip of his beer, smiled at both, before starting another tale.

You sighed, relieved, when you found Jungkook inside the kitchen, drinking from his red cup and sitting at the counter, just listening to the beat, eyes closed. You were not sure where the speakers were, but the music plays through the whole house. 

“It was more complicated than I thought it would be.” You whisper, careful so the others around wouldn’t hear. Not that they would understand a thing. 

The music changed, and he laughed at you. 

“But everything is going like planned?” He was up again, in front of you. 

“I think so. Jin is talking to them right now. Actually, all of your friends are”. 

He filled his cup again. 

“I don’t see how they can ruin our plan, Jin will handle things well”. 

“Jimin recognized me”. 

Jungkook froze, with his cup in the air, almost reaching his mouth. He stared you for a moment, waiting for you to explain.

“I took care of it”. 

“Well, since they know nothing, saying that we saw each other last week won’t reveal much. It would actually help us, wouldn’t?” 

You thought about it and accepted the cup he just filled and gave you. You begin to pay attention to the music. A remixed version Talking Body? Wasn’t it from 201andsomething? People still listened to it? You felt like dancing but you controlled to not embarrass yourself anymore. You usually didn’t like remixed versions, but this one was better than the original. 

“How many of these did you take?” You ask, abruptly, noticing he was filling his cup again.

“I think four before I came to the kitchen, but I’m okay”. 

You smell the cup, and the alcohol hits your nose before you get too close. You give it a try, it’s better than you expected. Very sweet. 

“How long should we stay here before they start looking for us?” 

“Excuse me.” A girl asked Jungkook to move so she could fill her own cup, that making him gets too close to you. Close enough.

It felt like in movies, where there’s a magical moment, tense, between two kids who never thought about themselves in that way. 

If we’re talking body, you mentally sang with Tove Lo, you got a perfect one, so put it on me. You wonder if his body was as perfect as it looked like. What? 

You notice your heartbeats increasing and how hot your face feels now. Was this the drink? It could also be the music or just the frat party’s atmosphere. Maybe his cologne. But it could also be the crush you developed on Jungkook showing its face right now. 

Jungkook is close, but you could move if you wanted. You just don’t. You look into his big brown eyes, wondering if he’s feeling like you. If for him is just as easy as it is for you to give everything up, all you both worked so hard for, and give in. Were they always this intense?

You feel his hands on your back, pulling you closer. You haven’t felt like this with Jordan for a long time. Your hands move to his neck, careful to not drop your drink. 

It looks like it really is that easy. 

Jin finished his third story and knew Jordan wasn’t paying attention anymore, so he knew it was time to checkmate the plan. 

“By the way, Taehyung, right?” He acted like a drunk, the best he could. He hoped that his friends would keep quiet, they knew how Jin really was when drunk. “You both came together?” He pointed to Jordan. “He’s a little bit boring.” He pretended to be whispering but instead talking loud. 

“And with my sister. I don’t really know where she is now.” He tried looking for you, not noticing how Jin moved his head, showing he knew you. “She went to grab something to drink”. 

“Ah, you’re the famous brother?” Jin noticed that Jordan was paying full attention to their conversation. “And you?” He pointed at your boyfriend. 

“Her boyfriend.” The look at his face made Jin realize that he was almost done, so he should push a little more. “I should look for her”. 

“Boyfriend?” Jin gripped his arm. “I didn’t know she had a boyfriend”. 

“How do you know her?” Jordan is getting angry.

“Because of Jungkook.” Jin looks around. “Where is he, Calli?” 

Jin thought about asking something in return for this favor, but the pleasure he felt seeing their reactions was payment enough. 

“Oh, I knew that I’ve met her before!” Jimin exclaimed by his side, adding fuel to the fire, but innocently. “Not at the graduation party”. 

By now, Jordan and Calli were looking mad, and Taehyung confused. 

“What’s wrong?” Jin asked, innocent. “Why do you think I invited Y/N to my party?” 

That was it, there was no way back anymore. He could only hope that they knew what they were doing.

“What is happening?” Taehyung asked, trying to understand the situation. 

“Weren’t you the one invited?” 

“No, Jordan. Y/N invited me. Tuesday”. 

“Wait a second.” Jin covered his mouth, pretending to be shocked. “It was a secret that Y/N and Jungkook are...?” He looked at Calli, pretending to be sorry. “Oh, shit”. 

“Why would it be a secret?” Jimin innocently added. He really was drunk. “Even us know that”.  

“Taehyung, please, go find her. We’re leaving.” 

“Already?” Jin asked, trying to sound sad before Jordan left, pissed. He was dying to laugh. Taking a look at Calli, she was as pissed as her lover. 

They deserve it, Jin thought, paying attention to his friends again, that didn’t notice what just happened. The grin never leaving his face. 

Jungkook and you were so close now, but none of you moved anymore, afraid to break whatever it was that you both had. Scared that one of you would give up and not do anything. 

You could finally feel his lips on yours when you heard Taehyung calling your name. You pushed Jungkook away from you, but the sensation was still burning your lips. If you weren’t so tense because of what just almost happened, you would be celebrating your plan. Taehyung coming look for you could only mean one thing. You feel your hands wet and you know that your drink is not in your red cup anymore but on Jungkook’s shoulders. 

Taehyung’s face tells you that he saw something he shouldn’t. Something he reproved. Your heartbeat increases more. What would he think of you? You cheating was never part of the plan.

“We’re leaving”. 

He sounded disappointed, and it wrecked your heart. You didn’t include this on your plan, Taehyung should know nothing. You would have to tell him the truth. 

“I gotta go”. 

Jungkook is frozen in the same place when you leave the kitchen. 

[sassycassie-s-writing]

Flashpoint Inferno

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): DC, BatFam - Jason Todd/Red Hood

Rating: PG-11/T- (mild violence, mild language but not really)

Original Idea: In Flashpoint, Jason never meets Bruce and becomes a Catholic priest.

Notes: (Masterlist)(By Character)(About Me) Okay, first off: I know VERY LITTLE about catholicism. I’m Christian, but not Catholic. If I got something egregiously wrong, I’m sorry. (You can lmk if you want and I’ll try my best to fix it though.) @welovegroot @batboys-and-other-messes

^^^^^

Jason snuggled behind me in the Batcave, his body armor pressing against my heat-resistant suit. “Doin’ okay, darlin’?” he murmured in my ear, voice low and full of concern. I wrapped one arm around him as best I could, rinsing the char off my other hand.

“Fine,” I said. “No one’s going to trust me. The more I do and the more I screw up, the more they’ll whisper that I'm a villain. Heroes in Gotham don’t have powers.”

“It doesn’t matter what they think,” he said, pressing his face into my hair and neck. “You are a hero. A much better one than me.”

I turned to face him. “That’s not true. You have the best heart I know.” I tilted up onto my tiptoes and kissed him. My hands found his bare arms where his suit sleeves were cut off. There were goosebumps on his skin. But, of course, he’d never mention if he was cold. He was too tough for that. I smiled into the kiss and heated up my hands. Not enough to make them burst into flames. Just enough to warm him up. He smiled too.

“Ugh. Get a room you two!” Tim complained.

I pulled away from the kiss. “C’mon, Red Hood. Let’s get outta here,” I whispered.

Jason grinned. “With pleasure.”

^^^^^

“Welcome, my child. Do you seek forgiveness from God?” the priest asked.

I rubbed my nose, which was running from the cold outside. “I'm, uh, not Catholic. But I wanted somewhere spiritual to pray,” I said.

The priest noticed me trying hard to cover my arms with my tatty jacket. “Well, child, you are welcome here. All of God’s children are. Feel free to pray. If you would like to talk, my name is Father Todd.”

Todd. That name rang a bell. Why did that name ring a bell?

“Thank you,” I said.

I went into the chapel and sat in one of the pews, right next to the aisle in case I needed to take off. It was warm in the cathedral, so I slid out of my jacket. The burn scars on my forearms shimmered in the light of the lit candles. I didn’t know how Catholics prayed. I’d never learned The Lord’s Prayer. My religion was different. Didn’t Catholics light a candle? I glanced over at one that was unlit and blinked. A bright cheery flame spring up on the wick.

I shook my head to clear it, folded my arms, bowed my head, and began to pray. It had been a while since I prayed in a church. And I’d never done it in another religion’s church. It felt strange. I could hear Father Todd busying about the chapel: moving books, dusting off pews, murmuring quietly to himself in a low voice that seemed to resonate familiarity in my ears—and my mind—but I kept praying. I wasn’t even sure what I was praying for. Or what brought me here, to another religion’s church, to pray.

After my, “Amen,” I stared ahead at the altar. There was something peaceful about the chapel. Quiet. Calm. Safe. It had been a long time since I felt safe. The burns on my arms attested to that.

Father Todd approached and sat on the pew in front of me. “I never caught your name, my child,” he said.

I leaned slightly away out of habit. “Fern,” I said—I lied. “And please don’t call me child. We’re probably the same age.”

“My apologies. But we are all children of God and I am the father of this parish.”

I cleared my throat. “… Right.” I shifted in my seat. “I'm sorry for disturbing you, Father Todd. I don’t know why I came here.” I moved to get up.

Father Todd held up a hand to stop me, but didn’t touch me. “Don’t worry, Miss Fern,” he said. “Those seeking sanctuary are always welcome. Perhaps God guided you here today to fill a hole in your life.”

“I'm already pretty devoutly Christian. Just not Catholic. I don’t think it was for that.”

“You never know. The Lord works in mysterious ways.”

I nodded, rubbing a scar. “I know.”

Father Todd’s sharp blue eyes took in the scars on my arms. “You look like you’ve seen trials,” he said.

I pulled my jacket back on to hide them as best I could through the holes in it. “I have,” I said. “Too many.”

He gave me a sympathetic smile. It was one that felt familiar but at the same time… not.

“May I… can you tell me your first name?” I asked. “Your given name, I mean?” I didn’t know much about Catholicism. Were priests’ first names a secret? Probably not, right? That seemed a little… strange.

His grin changed from sympathetic to amused. “Jason,” he said.

Another bell gonged in my head. Loudly. But for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why.

The big heavy doors to the cathedral flew open. “Father Todd!” someone greeted, voice dripping with false enthusiasm and fake friendliness. I turned around to see who it was. The voice seemed to strike a chord.

I bristled. I knew the newcomer. He was the Mob enforcer—strictly low-level—who threw me off the docks the other night. Rude.

Father Todd and I both stood up. He gently took my arm and encouraged me to stand behind him. I moved automatically, trusting his touch on instinct even though I definitely should not have. I didn’t know this guy—this priest—I shouldn’t trust him. I never trusted people I didn’t know so what was it about this priest that seemed so familiar? Familiar enough that I let my guard down?

“Brother Ricci,” Father Todd greeted, friendly but taut. I recognized the tension across his shoulders. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Collection day,” Ricci said. Nice to put a name to the face I disliked so much.

I peered out from behind Father Todd’s tall figure to glare at Ricci while Father Todd said something about religious exemptions that I tuned out.

Apparently, Ricci did too, because he smirked on realizing who I was. “Harboring street rats now, Todd?” he joked. “This one’s dangerous.”

“She is a child of God like all of us,” Father Todd said.

I stepped out from behind him, turning my palms toward Ricci and glaring. “The Catholic church shouldn’t have to pay protection money to the Mob,” I snapped. “Or any church, really. Leave now and tell your bosses this church is under my protection and I won’t pay you back for the indignity you made me suffer the other night.”

Ricci tutted. “Sweet child, thinking you can scare me,” he cooed. I clenched my jaw and flared my nostrils. I was really getting sick of the child thing. I was an adult. “It’ll take more than a cold glare and an attempt at an intimidating posture to frighten me. You’re so small.”

True. I was short. That didn’t help me be intimidating. “I make up for my height with an extra foot-and-a-half of attitude,” I said. “Leave the churches alone and I’ll let you live. I won’t turn you into an example for your bosses.”

“Mmm… I don’t think you could. Your display on the docks the other night was less-than-impressive,” he purred.

“I was holding back,” I spat.

“Miss Fern,” Father Todd tried, setting his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t be reckless.”

“That’s a good one, coming from you,” I said, not looking away from Ricci, who was still amused more than scared. I had no idea where the words came from. The word reckless in his voice triggered the automatic response of hypocrite in my head, but that didn’t make any sense. He was a priest I’d never met before. How would I know if he’d been reckless at any point in his life?

“I beg your pardon?” Father Todd asked.

“Listen to the man, little girl,” Ricci said. “He’s right. You’re too reckless. And that’ll get you killed.”

“I shoulda burned you to a crisp when I had the chance,” I snarled under my breath.

“Fern,” Father Todd said, more strictly now. “Stand down.” His voice sounded quivery. Like he didn’t know where his words were coming from either.

“Yes, little missy. Stand down and run along.”

“NO!” I shouted. I thrust one hand forward, a stream of tightly-controlled fire exploding from my palm and surging right for Ricci.

Who shrieked and scampered toward the door. I strode forward, following him. “METAHUMAN!” he cried out in terror.

“Tell your bosses that the churches are off-limits and anyone who tries to enforce otherwise are going back to the big-shots as ashes,” I shouted. Ricci took off out the door. I stopped the fire. It dissipated immediately, leaving only a few wisps of heat behind. Nothing had caught.  Whew. I was getting better at control.

I exhaled sharply, feeling suddenly rather exhausted.

Father Todd caught me as I wobbled. “That was foolish,” he said.

“Tell me about it,” I muttered sarcastically. He supported me back to a pew and sat me down. I sank down gratefully and put my head in my hands. “I haven’t used that much in a long time.”

“What was that?” he asked curiously.

“Pyrokinesis. I'm a metahuman. I can control and manipulate fire,” I panted. “But it’s stronger than me and takes a lot of effort to control.” I rubbed my nose. It came away bloody. Wow. I really had overdone it and I’d barely put much effort into it. “I'm sorry, Jason. I—I mean… Father Todd.” Where had Jason come from? We weren’t on a first-name basis!

“Don’t worry yourself, Miss Fern,” he said consolingly.

“No. I just… I probably just put the parish in even more danger.” I sighed. “Oh that was stupid. I just saw him and got so mad for pushing me into the harbor and hoping it would kill me that I wanted to give him some payback. But I wanted to do some good with it too but now…”

Idiot. I was such an idiot.

Father Todd was thoughtful for a moment. “He called you a street rat,” he said.

“I am a street rat,” I said. “I’ve lived in the gutters of Gotham since my parents kicked me out for having powers. I wouldn’t have survived without my powers.”

“I was a street rat once too,” Father Todd said. I stared at him in alarm. Seriously? This guy? A street rat? Not frickin’ likely! “I found salvation here. This cathedral, and the people in it, saved my life in more ways than one.”

“That’s nice—I’m not becoming a nun.”

“No, no. I wasn’t suggesting you should. Though, perhaps you should stay here for a few days. Just in case Ricci comes back with… higher-level officers.”

“Good point. Are you alright if I stay here?”

“Of course.”

I nodded. “Then I’ll stay. Thank you… Father Todd.”

“You are not a member of my parish. Jason is fine.”

“Okay. Thank you Jason.”

^^^^^

“Everything alright, ‘Fern?” Jason asked as we sat on his fire escape, looking out over the skyline. Our armor was abandoned on his floor inside, leaving us in the tight under-armor we wore under it.

I ran my hands up and down my clothes, warming them up. “Fine, I just… something’s changed. Something feels off.”

“Let me guess. Time to call the Flash and see what time-travel shenanigans he’s gotten into?” Jay asked, already reaching inside his dark apartment for his helmet.

“Yeah,” I said.

“How can you always tell when something’s happened?”

“I don’t know. Intuition? The universe just feels… off.”

Jason rested his head on my shoulder. “My love, you are the most incredible woman.”

“Thanks Fa—Jason,” I said. What had I been about to call him? Fa? Like Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do? Or something else? What on Earth just happened with the universe?! I took his helmet from him so I could call Barry. I really needed to figure out what happened to the universe.

[shredomatic]

BROKE WITH EXPENSIVE TASTE BY AZEALIA BANKS

This is one of the greatest female hip-hop album of all time, it experiences with different styles and sounds. It spawned the mega-hit ‘212′, no songs are fillers or give you the urge to skip (apart from ‘Nude Beach a Go-Go’). Banks puts different genres together and in my opinion is considered a masterpiece and easily beats any Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Lil’ Kim, Iggy Azalea or Remy Ma album (no shade, just facts). 

The Pinkprint?                                                                                                       Hardcore?                                                                                                               The New Classic?                                                                                                   Invasion Of Privacy?

Sorry.. never heard of them only ‘Broke with expensive taste’

TRACK BY TRACK BREAKDOWN:

1. Idle Deliah

This track starts the album of with a electro style beat and lyrics that draw your attention. 

Credit: Banks Twitter “Idle Delilah is the the daughter of a famed white slave owner in the 1900’s who was killed by her own father’s slaves. One day, the white man’s slaves grow tired of his bad treatment and decide to kill his favorite daughter Delilah as payback. So the dead Idle Delilah, the one I’m singing of in the song, is defined as a spirit of time. She represents procrastination. She lives behind doors and hides in garbage cans.”

2. Gimme a Chance’

starts of with a old school beat, lyrics “That's the way that our love can grow” which is directly sampled from Enon’s ‘Knock that door’ The song continues, Banks raps in Spanish and the outro features a male voice talking in Spanish. 

This track was first shown on Banks' earliest mixtape, (’Fantasea’) Before the Expensive Taste, but with different verses. Both versions of the song sample ‘Knock That Door’ by indie rock band Enon.

3. Desperado

is my personal favourite, simply because of the hardcore rap, a perfect beat that fits and electronic effects. The beat and hook are from MJ Cole’s ‘Bandelero Desperado’, which is taken from his album Sincere. 

Lyrics ‘Seductive Pup’ plays on one of the albums themes, which is referencing men as dogs, i.e. ‘Wallace’ and Album Outro ‘Miss Camaraderie’

4. JFK

is like a sequel to her previous song ‘Fierce’ found of her earlier mixtape ‘Fantasea’ this song starts with a mesmerising beat, seconds later Banks’ raps about looking and feeling expensive. 

‘Lady in the floor’ is a vogue ball reference. She pays homage to her song ‘Fierce’ in the lyrics ‘it’s a ball, not a prom’

5. 212′

the debut song that sparked her career and made her a pioneer for female rap to this day, the catchy chorus ‘What you gon' do when I appear? When I premiere? Bitch the end of your lives are near This shit been mine!’ is about Banks telling her “competition” that their careers are over when she comes out. 

watch the official music video here

6. Wallace 

is a step up and can be consider one of her most catchy songs yet- at least in till her second studio album is released (confirmed release 2019) the continuation of her earlier mixtape ‘Fantasea’. 

7. Heavy Metal and Reflective

is nasty (in a good way) provocative song, it symbolises her personality and the music video does not disappoint. 

The starting lyrics ‘Fridgy Froze Kept It's that fresh bitch’ means she is a young and modern rapper; shes new to the game. The chorus ‘Ayo, you know well I'm with that Get Rich’ confirms that she gets money of her music. Lyrics ‘Find me in the borough If you thorough and that bread flip’ means you can find her in New York.

8. BBD

starts with a quick beat and she starts rapping about showing off her riches and styles on people who dislike her because of her status, She’s a high ranking money maker. The song is a anthem for strong and confident women. 

The story behind this song is Banks posted this track online in January 2013. But at the time it was not confirmed for Broke with Expensive Taste, late the next year it ended up on the track listing.

9. Ice Princess

is probably the second song I heard of Banks, and I instantly fell in love. The song talks about stealing men and being a princess, its a simple ballad. The backing almost speaks to you, it has a winter vibe and could feels like it fits in a ‘Frozen’ film- well without the rapping. 

Fact: This isn’t the only time Banks has made a winter themed song, in December 2018 she released her EP ‘Icy Colours Change’ on Streaming Services, Vinyl and CD.

10. Yung Rapunzel

is one of the more memorable tracks, It has a beat that draws you in followed with fast verses that make you want to dance. The chorus features extreme shouting, 50% may hate it, but the other 50% may think it fits. 

I’m the second option, I'm a very hyper person and the chorus only hypes me more- it could due to yours personality or style of music.

11. Soda

Where do I start with this song? The music video is AMAZING! feels very 90′s. The Chrous makes me want to dance- well every song does. 

WARNING: The song may not be about sodas but it will make you dance like a MAD MAN, usually like what a soda does to you.

12 Chasing Time

charted high on the BBH100 but popularity never measures true talent, something this song both goes above and beyond with. The lyrics I nay opinion, sounds like being stuck in some type of emotional degrading relationship, doesn’t matter what type it is Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Neglect it speaks to ANY negative relationship. 

The chorus is catchy and makes me think, the raps are emotion (YES! with years of listening to hip-hop I have never heard of a rap that affects me emotionally).

13. Luxury 

has shockingly amazing notes, (WHO KNEW SHE COULD ALSO SING) The chorus is odd, and makes an odds sound at the end, I copy it every time! 

14. Nude Beach A Go-Go

ok, so I know she was experimenting but this song deserve to be fired into the sun, along with Cardi B’s mixtapes (once again, no shade just facts.) It sounds like a Pepsi advert, and not in a good way, I would never listen to this on a beach, this is an instant skip.

15. Miss Amor

is an easily forgettable song in the Azealia Banks library, but does not for a SECOND deserve to be discredited, the song had a great premise. When Miss Amor was going to be a single, its B-side was to be ‘Miss Camaraderie’ while that never happened, the two songs were still paired together as the last two tracks on Broke with Expensive Taste.

Credit: Banks Twitter “Miss Amor’ was about love post-heartbreak”

Fact: “Miss Amor” was to be the first single from Azealia Banks' debut album, Broke with Expensive Tastebut, according to Banks, after her record label Interscope heard the track “Yung Rapunxel,”, they made it the first single instead.

This song fits perfectly with the final song on the album:

16. Miss Camaraderie

The whole song is catchy and (once again) makes you want to dance. The song is pure bliss and happiness, the song deals with falling in love again. 

Following from ‘Miss Amor’ story of being able to date after a heartbreak, ‘Miss Camaraderie’ is about being able to fall in love again post-breakup.

Song Ranking:

Heavy Metal and Reflective 10/10 Yung Rapunxel 10/10 Chasing Time  9/10 Miss Camaraderie  9//10 Desperado 9/10  212 ft. Lazy Jay 8/10 Ice Princess 8/10 Soda 7/10 Luxury 7/10 Miss Amor 7/10 Wallace 7//10 BBD 6//10 JFK 5//10 Idle Delilah 6.5/10 Gimme a Chance 6/10 Nude Beach A-Go-Go 1/10

Overall:

Overall, this album is high on my favourite albums of all time and I will have on repeat for years to come, this album is a pure piece of art, nobody is on Azealia’s level in the rap game eat the moment, nobody’s pen is better then hers (at least In female rap). Well, lets she if Banks can top this off with her high acclaimed second studio album ‘Fantasea II: A New Wave’.

The second half of the album step out of it’s shell and uses unique sounds from different genres and it manages to fit. Second half is a lot better then the first half. I do recommend this album to Hip-Hop fans, or even people who just want some songs to dance to.

Stream the album here.

[lyonrhodes]

One Bad Day #7: Into the Gray

Red Hood x OC, Batman/DC Fan Fic

Summary: Dora has lived in Gotham her whole life and is accustomed to the rampant crime and corruption. Her life gets worse when Black Mask takes over the city. She thinks all hope is lost but a new vigilante appears, calling himself the Red Hood. However, he’s not your typical knight in shining armor. Dora must decide: does she dare fall in love with a revenge-driven killer? (Romance, Crime, Action)

Chapter 7: Into the Gray

The jail cell was cramped—five feet by eight, probably less; Dora couldn’t be sure. The concrete walls were a dull gray, and so were the floor, the ceiling, and the steel door sealing her in. The fluorescent lights hummed above her, obnoxiously bright, but one bulb insisted on flickering and snapping incessantly. It was driving her mad and giving her the worst headache of her life. She would have tried to rip it out of its socket if it wasn’t behind a metal grill.

So much for taking all the credit, Dora thought to herself. She massaged her temples as a bone-chilling shiver rippled throughout her body. She had never been more uncomfortable in her whole life.

She was cold, hungry, thirsty, and in pain. Her hair and clothes had dried, but she still reeked of alcohol from the thugs shooting up the liquor shelf behind the bar. The shredded hem of her stained tank top exposed her stomach and arms to the 70-degree chill circulating in the room. Her lower back ached because of the unyielding aluminum bench she was lying on. Dora knew these holding cells were purposefully constructed to ensure maximum discomfort.

Although the EMTs had cleaned and treated the burn on her hand, the pain seared every now and then as if it was still on fire. She wanted to regret making that Molotov cocktail, but she couldn’t. Without it, Carla and Holly wouldn’t have been able to escape the bar.

It had been eight hours, although she could only guess. The only way to keep track of time was the combination steel toilet/sink that automatically flushed itself about every thirty minutes. She knew because she had counted the minutes. But since then she had lost count of the flushes. She was tired and wanted to sleep, but just couldn’t for longer than twenty minutes at a time. It wasn’t the lights, or the hard bench, or the toilet flushing, or the pain in her hand. It was the recurring flashes of blood bursting from human heads that kept shaking her awake.

In particular was the man she had killed.

The bullet was too fast to see but she should easily recall a hole appearing in his cheek, his head snapping to the side, and a misty red halo behind it.

She felt sick to her stomach, not for the first time since being locked in this cell. As her stomach heaved, Dora forced herself to think of something else. Anything else.

Her mind landed on Carla.

Is she alright?

Carla had escaped the bar, but Dora didn't know if she had gotten home safe. She and Holly could have run into another group of thugs on the way. That wasn't out of the question in Park Row in the middle of the night. And if she had made it home... It broke Dora’s heart thinking about how shell-shocked Carla had been—nearly catatonic. She almost died. And she saw me kill a man. How long will it take for her to get over that? Hopefully she hasn’t talked to the police.

Bullock wouldn't give her a phone call, so the worry was killing her—along with the anxiety of how her mother was bound to react. She couldn't be bailed out even if they had the money. Montoya had tried to emphasize that she wasn't under arrest. She was being detained as a witness. Apparently in the GCPD’s messed-up way of operating, that didn't entitle her to the same basic privileges as a criminal.

A clatter came from the other side of the door. Dora sat up and popped the kinks out of her back as the door slid open with a sharp buzz. Bullock walked into the cell in a cloud of cigarette smoke. “Had enough?”

Dora wasn’t sure if she was happy to see him or not. “You interrupted my nap,” she said through a real yawn.

Bullock grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out of the cell. He led her out of the cell block, his grip never loosening. He was hurting her, aggravating the burn on her hand, but Dora didn't complain because he might cuff her instead.

He shoved her into an interrogation room and pushed her so hard into a chair that it nearly toppled over. Dora looked up at the camera in the corner, wondering if it was recording. Montoya entered the room as Bullock sat down at the table.

“Let's try this again.” Bullock put out his cigarette and tossed it aside.

Dora glared at him. “Okay.” Nothing had changed since before he had “detained” her—hours ago.

Montoya picked Bullock’s cigarette butt off the floor and put it in the wastebasket. “You don't have to talk to us without an attorney present.”

“Shut up, Montoya,” Bullock snapped.

“It’s her Fifth Amendment right. We have to say it.”

“No, we don’t. She’s not under arrest.”

“It's okay,” Dora said, “I don't need the Fifth. I didn't do anything wrong.” Lawyering up implied she was guilty of something—which she was, but she wasn’t about to let anyone know that.

Bullock wasted no time. “Who is he?”

“I already told you. Red Hood.”

Bullock growled. “What's his real name?”

“I don't know.” You think locking me up for however many hours would make me remember something I've never known?

“Look, kid, it isn't a coincidence that the Red Mook saved your ass twice in two weeks. We know you are tight with him. Just give us his fucking name already.”

“I don’t know who he is. Haven't you heard? The whole neighborhood around Park Row is his turf now. Isn’t it the police’s job to watch our backs, not vigilantes?”

Bullock grit his teeth. He didn’t like that slight, but chose to ignore it. “Thirty square blocks of territory, but he still managed to know when you were in trouble.”

“My bar is in the middle of Park Row. You're a cop, you of all people should know how bad it gets on that street. They call it Crime Alley for a reason, dude. Red Hood’s a vigilante, so yeah, chances are he was watching closely, especially in the middle of the night. Plus, those assholes shot up my bar for, I dunno, ten whole minutes before he even showed up—maybe a half hour before you guys finally decided to.” She wanted to go on, but bit her tongue. It’s no wonder we have half a dozen vigilantes running around the city. You guys suck at your jobs.

“Why’d they shoot up your bar for? What’d you do to piss them off?”

My little sister had some coke they wanted. “I already told you,” Dora said, rolling her eyes. “They just broke in and started shooting up the place. Maybe they wanted to rob me. They certainly wanted to kill me. They were probably False Facers, looking for payback from before.” In truth, Dora suspected they were from the Latino United gang or Escabedo Cartel. The LU were enforcers and dealers for the cartel.

“Those asshats your boyfriend killed were members of the Escabedo Cartel, not the False Face Society.”

Knew it. “What’s it matter who they work for?”

Bullock chuckled bitterly. “Yeah, you’re right, it doesn’t matter. Gangsters, pimps, judges, councilmen, CEOs... Your boyfriend kills whoever he wants. Everyone wants payback.”

“Stop calling him that!” Dora finally snapped. “He’s not my boyfriend!”

“You know what? I think he is!” Bullock stood up and slammed his fists on the table. “You’re fucking the guy, aren’t you? Why else is he always saving your ass?”

“Always?” Dora was exasperated. Bullock jumping to conclusions was infuriating. “He helped me out twice! Just two fucking times!” She held up two fingers, and wanted nothing more than to jab Bullock’s eyes to make him understand. Red Hood had saved Holly and Rochelle both twice as well, but she couldn’t mention that without implicating them.

“I’m not stupid! And neither were those men that shot up your bar! They knew you are the Red Mook’s old lady, that’s why they rained hell down on your head—to draw him out! Admit it! You’re fucking him! Tell me his name!”

“I have no idea who he is!” she shouted. “I’ve never even seen his face!” For half a second she couldn’t help but wonder what was behind his mask—and that reminded her. “The dude took one step at me, so I pepper sprayed him! I don’t like him any more than you do, so fuck off, man! I just want me and my bar to be left alone!”

Bullock pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his belt. “Come here, you lying little spic, you’re—”

“Bullock, enough!” Montoya pulled him away and slammed him into the wall. Dora was surprised. She was stronger than she looked.

“Get off of me!” Bullock shrugged her off.

“Back off the girl, Harvey, or I’ll tell Gordon you're harassing a witness.” Montoya’s deep brown eyes seemed to smolder. Dora had seen the same look in her mother’s eyes, and her sisters’. Maybe it was a Latina thing.

“She's not a witness, she's a fucking accomplice!”

“We don't know that yet.”

“It's right in front of your face, Montoya! Open your fucking eyes! We should book her now for obstructing the investigation!”

“Not without due diligence. Get out. Now.”

Bullock groaned and threw his hands up. “Fine. I'm done. I'm fucking done. I don't know why I bother. Get out of my way, I’m going home. I’m getting too old for this shit.” He shoved Montoya aside and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Montoya pinched her nose, releasing a tense sigh.

“How’d you get stuck with an asshole like that for a partner?” Dora asked. She was happier than ever for withholding the truth. Red Hood was probably right. If she had told Bullock that she had killed one of the thugs—even if it was in self-defense—he would have jumped to charge her with manslaughter, or worse.

Montoya straightened her jacket and took the seat across from Dora. “I agree with you. He’s an asshole. But he’s a good detective despite that.”

Dora scoffed, incredulous. “You don’t actually believe that—”

“Look, mija—”

“I'm not your fucking daughter.” She hated Montoya calling her that as much as she hated Bullock calling Red Hood her boyfriend.

“Sorry. Dora, look. If you don't speak up now, it could bite you in the ass later.”

“I already told you what happened. I already told you I don’t know his name, or what he looks like under that mask.”

“Okay, this guy’s real cool. I get it. He’s tall, he’s fit, he’s got a mask and can go toe-to-toe with Batman, Nightwing, even Mr. Freeze.” Montoya reached across the table and held her hand. Dora let her, but narrowed her eyes. “And he’s looking out for you more than anyone else. He’s got your back when no one else does. Dora, I know it seems like he cares about you...”

Dora pulled back her hand. “He doesn’t. I’m not...”

“... but don’t confuse his attention or your own gratitude for love—no es amor verdad...”

She couldn’t take it. Pushing off the table, she stood and ran her hands anxiously through her hair.

Montoya was wrong. Dora had no idea who Red Hood was, what he looked like, even his age. And of course, he didn’t like her that way. She didn’t like him that way either. If anything, Dora was sure she annoyed Red Hood, having to be saved all the time. He probably had things he would rather be doing than saving her butt and cleaning up her messes.

But then she remembered just how much it looked like he enjoyed beating the crap out of those thugs. How he enjoyed killing them.

Dora took a deep breath and glared at Montoya. “For the last time. I don’t know his name. I don’t know what he looks like. And I am not sleeping with him. Okay?”

Montoya steepled her fingers and studied Dora closely. “No me gusta mentiras. If you’re lying to us, Dora, when we catch him, you’ll be charged as an accessory to every crime he’s committed wearing that mask. He’s killed people, Dora, so you’ll be complicit. Do you understand what that means? You’ll be in prison for the rest of your life too. Would you really risk your freedom, ruin your life, for a guy? Por este hombre?”

Dora only glared at her. She didn’t want to say it again.

Montoya sighed. “Okay, mira. While you were in detention, I talked to the DA and he’s offered a deal. If you help us catch, we’ll give you queen for a day. You’ll be immune to everything he’s done so far. But you have to decide now.”

For a moment, Dora thought it was insulting that Montoya believed that she would let her emotions, her feelings for a man, cloud her judgment—her morality.

But with a pang, she realized that Montoya was half right. It had happened last night when she reached for a gun rather than her pepper spray. It was happening right now, she was lying to the police, denying that she had killed a man, and letting Red Hood take the blame instead.

But it didn’t matter. She didn’t have the information Montoya wanted. “Pass,” Dora finally said.

Montoya hung her head for a moment, disappointed, then nodded. “Fine.” She stood up and opened the door. “Then you’re free to go.”

Dora was halfway out when Montoya whispered, “Esta es tu última oportunidad. Espero que valga la pena.” She had said, “This is your last chance. I hope he’s worth it.”

And at that moment, Dora wished she did know Red Hood’s identity, because he probably was worth it.

悪

The door opened with a loud buzz and clank. The police officer ushered her through. “Keep your nose out of trouble, kid.”

I try, but trouble always seems to find me.

She walked out into the crowded lobby of the 99th Precinct, and was suddenly aware of how exposing her tank top was—sheer and torn, her midriff bare for everyone to see. Bullock and Montoya hadn’t given her a chance to grab her jacket when they “detained” her, let alone her phone or bag. Going back inside the bar would “contaminate the crime scene.” After hearing her story at the Alibi, Bullock had spat “Bullshit!” in her face and shoved her into a cruiser. Montoya had to convince him to wait for the EMTs to treat the burn on her hand before they drove her down to the precinct. Looking out the plate-glass doors across the lobby, Dora dreaded the nine-block walk home—then the hairs on the back of her neck rose. She could sense her coming.

Fuck.

“Dora Adela Marianela Aurelia Manuela Silva Alvarez!” Dora’s mother shouted her full name for all of Gotham to hear. The slim little woman shuffled up to her, unleashing an almost incoherent babble of Spanish. “Dios mío, dige me todo! Voy a pegarte si no le me digas la verdad... Que pasó en mi bar? Ay, pero mira... O, mi niñita... Lo siento, perdoname. Ven aquí. Dame sus brazos. Está okay?”

Dora cringed as her mother Anita pulled her into a tight hug. But unlike many times before, the cold awkward embrace became warm and welcome. Dora found herself gripping her mother tightly and burrowing into the crook of her neck. “I’m sorry, Mami. Era una noche insana... voy a dijir todo, no te preocupas.”

It was a crazy night. I’m going to tell you everything, don’t worry. But Dora knew she couldn’t share everything. She would have to give her mother the same bullshit story she had given Bullock and Montoya.

Anita frowned and made a concerned noise, fretting over the look of her. “Here, take my jacket. You can tell me everything later. I need to file a report about the bar,” her mother said. “For insurance y todo. Cuida sus hermanas.” She released Dora from another vise grip of a hug and strutted off.

Dora saw her youngest sister, Mercedes, fidgeting as she waited at the back of the room. The lobby of the 99th precinct was gray, dingy, sparsely decorated, and bustling with questionable people and intimidating cops. Carla sat next to Mercy, looking as vacant as she had the night before—like she was asleep with her eyes open. With earbuds in her ears, the environment didn’t seem to bother Carla as much as it did Mercy. The ten-year-old mumbled to herself, rocking back and forth nervously. Her eyes flickered to Dora, and she was immediately out of her seat, running to her. Dora desperately wanted to talk to Carla, but she couldn’t say no to her baby sister, especially when she was so anxious.

Mercy hesitated when she was close—Dora knew it was because of how haggard she looked, but she put a smile on her face and beckoned her to come forward. Mercy lunged forward and embraced her. Dora kissed her forehead. “I’m so sorry. I know I was gone, but I couldn’t help it. Something bad happened in Papi’s bar.”

Mercy wrinkled her nose. “You smell like him.”

Dora clenched her jaw, remembering her father’s vices. “Yeah, there was a spill.”

“What happened?”

“I was robbed. Some bad guys tried to take our money. It happens, y’know? But I was saved by—”

“Batman!” her baby sister chirped.

Dora smiled and shook her head. “No, not Batman. This guy calls himself Red Hood.”

“Oh, yeah! I’ve heard of him! Some of my friends don’t like him. They say he’s a bad guy. Apparently, he kills people... and cuts off their heads...”

“He only kills bad people,” Dora emphasized. “Men who deserve to die.” As soon as she said it, her mouth felt dry. Did she really mean that? It wasn’t something she should have told an impressionable 10-year-old girl.

Mercy’s frowned. “But Mami yells at Carla all the time for being bad! Cuz she hangs out with those bad boys who in a gang, right?” She grabbed Dora’s sleeve. “Red Hood not going to hurt Carla—is he, Dora?”

Carla’s eyes flicked in their direction at the mention of her name. She finally noticed Dora and pulled off her earbuds.

“No, he won’t hurt her,” Dora said. She held Mercy’s hand and guided her toward Carla. “Can you keep a secret?”

Mercy nodded eagerly.

“He’s... he’s my friend,” Dora said, only half-believing it was true. “And we’re good people. He won’t hurt us. He’s protecting us.”

“But he’s scary, Dora. He kills people. You’re really friends with that guy?”

Dora searched for an answer Mercy would understand, looking from her eyes to Carla’s, who was waiting anxiously. She finally said, “Sometimes, a hero has to be scarier than the monsters he fights. Sometimes that’s the only way to protect people: scaring off the bad guys. Batman is pretty scary, right? But he’s a good guy.”

Mercy frowned. “Yeah, but Batman doesn’t kill people this Red Hood guy does.”

It was as if someone struck a match with Dora’s heart. Maybe he should, she thought suddenly, inflamed. If he did, Gotham wouldn’t be harassed by the same assholes again and again.

As quickly as the thought had sparked, it was doused by the disquiet on her baby sister’s face. She probably saw the anger on her face, leaving Dora feeling ashamed and sick to her stomach again.

Carla handed Mercy her phone. “Give us a sec, please.” As the little girl went back to her seat, Carla pulled Dora aside by a vending machine. “Are you alright?”

“Are you?” Dora asked. That seemed like the imperative question. But then she realized that Carla must have been as worried as she was, if not more. Dora had been the one to stay behind in the Alibi to take on four armed thugs, not Carla. Dora looked down at her bandaged hand. “Yeah, I’m fine. How’s Holly—umph!”

Without warning, Carla hugged Dora, so hard she forced the breath out of her.

“I’m so sorry for putting you in that position, Dee,” Carla lamented. Dora could feel her tears on her shoulder. “I’m out of that crew, for good. I’ll never talk to those dudes again. Don’t... just don’t tell Mami. Please! She’ll kill me!”

Dora pushed Carla back and wiped the tears from her eyes. “What about what I did?”

Carla sniffled and tilted her head. “What do you mean? Almost burning down the bar with a Molotov? That was actually kinda badass.”

“No, I...” Dora couldn’t finish what she wanted to say—”I killed someone.”—in the middle of a police station, with her ten-year-old baby sister within earshot.

“What?” Carla asked, confused.

Does she not remember what I did? Maybe Carla had missed that part. She never saw Dora actually kill that one thug. She had been huddled under the bar, having a panic attack, trying her best to ignore the situation and will herself out of existence.

Dora pulled Carla back in and hugged her tightly. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll never tell anyone you were there.” She wouldn’t. She had to keep the lies she told the cops consistent. However, she felt guilty for considering her sister’s post-traumatic memory loss a silver lining. She could take Carla to the free clinic for therapy another time, but for now she just wanted to go home, take a shower, and sleep in her own bed.

“I love you, Dora.”

“I love you too, Carla.”

As if granting her wish, their mother approached, holding Mercy’s hand. “It’s nice to see you two finally getting along. Let’s go home.”

[v0.3.15.1]

[thedispatched]

I was waiting for your post about their statements haha If you don’t mind I would like to comment too but might have to do so in a series of asks lol

OP 1: I think the card he probably uses is a company card so all the transactions managers and sm will have access to it. As for cash I don’t know much about how Korea is like but I feel like people don’t generally use cash anymore. Not saying this is a good excuse or anything if what she says is true. I do think the group probably knew he was dating her. They all live together and I feel like there is not much privacy and eventually if you are gone certain amount of times for days because according to her they used to stay at hotels someone is bound to question your whereabouts.

Again if he really is demanding all these things and treats you like shit and you don’t like it, you spending all your money is on you and no one else’s fault. She mentioned how he broke up with her and still contacted her to meet up. Did I read it wrong ? I want to know why she even kept even going to meet up with him continuously. Like if the two of you aren’t together but frequently meeting up and you don’t like it or have no clue what is going on, you straight out ask him what are we doing. But maybe that’s just me.

Also about him calling her I think he supposedly had called her the day after she said all that stuff on the first day asking to talk. Now my issue here and I don’t know if you or anyone see it is but why the fuck does she still have his number? If she’s been pissed since like March because of their breakup I would have deleted and blocked his number. Like bye and good riddance. There’s no need for her to keep his number because they are done. I don’t feel bad for that and I also didn’t like that she posted it on how he was trying to call her and asked to meet and speak. Like honestly if what she saying is true and you are telling the damn world you honestly think he would just sit there and not do anything or try to at least talk to you about what you’re doing? I saw that and I got really annoyed because it just seemed she wanted more pity/sympathy.

Regarding everything she said of him, her goal was/is to make him sound like an asshole who used her. If he had done nice things for her or did buy her things regardless of how big or small the act is, she would never mention it. Mentioning it would negate some of the things she is saying he is. Oh and I read this in two translations but she really started off her statement about revealing what a cheap Chinese man he was. Why did she have to add “Chinese” in her statement? She could have said he was just a cheap man but that line seemed like stereotyping and sinophobic (?) and like this has been ingrained (?) in her because then she shouldn’t be dating anyone chinese...

sorry it took so long! i wanted to make sure i wrote everything (or at least most of) i wanted to say and i wanted to make sure it made sense.

i forgot about company cards, but i don't think idols use those. of course i could be wrong since i don't know anything. but i see it as if they already have a debt to payback, why would the company give them a card for their free use? i'd imagine they'd use it only for work stuff but then i'd leave that to the managers.

you're right, people don't generally use cash anymore, but if you want to buy something without getting caught, it's the way to go. and it's always good to have a little bit of cash on you in case of emergencies imo.

the girl claims the two of them dated on and off for years and i wanna know why she kept going back to him. if they were talking while broken up, he probably was trying to keep his hold on her. she probably was only able to see clearly after not being in constant contact with him.

i agree with you, why did she meet up with him continuously though and why does she still have this number? unless she did delete it he still had hers and he texted her saying 'hey it's xuxi' or whatever name they call him. i would've blocked him though.

i do feel like there was a tone difference in her statement compared to the others (at least in the translations i read). i personally got the impression that op 1 was angry while op 2 and 3 were hurt, if that makes sense.

she really said cheap chinese man.... if this is true then i take it as 1) when some people are mad they tend to add in details like that (idk why but i've seen it happen) and 2) like you said stereotyping.

she could be saying that stuff because, like i said, she's angry. if she was sinophobic why would she date a chinese idol though? unless she was that shallow and only liked him cause he was famous...

[echelonlab-blog]

Reigning Madness – Chapter 13

Masterlist

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None for this chapter

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977 @mindlessselfindulgence88 @sanellv@ambolton@jayded-reality @bradlea23 @spillinginkwithlove @alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote @whoistheprettiest @avaj99

I arrived at Caroline's place and knocked on the door, not expecting what I would see on the other side. She was in jeans and an AC/DC T-shirt. Her long hair was up in a ponytail and she smiled, "Punctual, I like that."

 I tilted my head and stuttered, "Y-you do realize that we have a date tonight?" Normally when I pick up a woman for a date, they are in a dress and are all made up. Care was really throwing me off tonight.

She raised her eyebrows and folded her arms. The black baseball cap hanging from her fingers completed her little outfit. "Uh, yes I do, and if I'm not mistaken, you promised that I get to pick what we are doing. I have quite the date planned, so you better get ready." She snatched the keys from my hand, "Ooh, can I drive?"

  I loved her feisty attitude and I walked back to my truck laughing to myself. "No problem." She buckled up and waited patiently for me to do the same. "You wanna tell me where we're going?"

 She stared straight ahead and grinned. "Not really, but feel free to guess."

 "Honestly, you are so unpredictable, I have no idea." I loved the way she took charge but wasn't bossy about it. Cynnamon liked to call the shots sometimes, but she was a little more hostile than Caroline. Cynn would also never go on a date without wearing some kind of low cut, extremely revealing dress, not that I was complaining, she had a smoking hot body.

 "I promise you will have fun, at least I hope you do." She stared at the road. I was beginning to grow concerned, realizing that we were actually leaving the city. "Relax, I'm not kidnapping you, too many people know about this date."

   I wasn't expecting the almost hour ride and when she pulled into the parking lot of an old-school amusement park, I couldn't hide my excitement. "What? This is where you wanted to come for our date?"

 She slid out and pulled the cap on, tugging her ponytail through the back. "What's wrong, you scared?"

 "Me?" I asked, with a laugh. "Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea how much I love this shit!"

  She smirked, locking the truck and walking around to toss me the keys. "Good, I just hope you can keep up with me." I slid the sunglasses on my face even though it was dark and she nudged me with her elbow. "You don't actually think those are a disguise, do you?"

Shrugging, I took her hand and we entered the park. It was crowded, but dark, so I hoped we wouldn't be stopped much. Surprisingly, I was only recognized a few times and Care patiently stepped aside while I posed for a few photos. I finally took the sunglasses off and shoved them into my pocket. We had a blast, riding each attraction more than once.

  Cynnamon would never want to do anything like this. This was a laid-back and less classy date. Cynnamon was more into fine dining and going places where she could dress up. I didn't mind, but it was nice to do something adventurous for once.

   We stopped on the pier to look at the water and some kids came running by, accidentally shoving Caroline. I caught her in my arms and we locked eyes. The intoxicating scent of her perfume was enough to make my brain swim. It was like slow motion and I swallowed hard, unable to deny my attraction to her. Just as my lips got close enough to touch hers, I came to my senses and backed up, steadying her. Immediately, I regretted what almost happened and watched her turn toward the railing. "I'm sorry, Jared."

  "No, don't be. I had a great time tonight, but it's getting late. We should probably go."

         -Caroline's POV-

   I watched Jared as we stood by the water. He looked completely relaxed and smiling, more than I had seen him in a while. I think that, at least for a little bit, he had forgotten all the drama going on in his life and was just simply in the moment. It was exactly what I wanted to give him with this date. I was about to comment on how happy he looked when something hit me from behind, sending me off balance and knocking the wind out of me. Suddenly I was in Jared's arms, smelling that clean, soapy scent of his as his bright blue eyes stared into my own. There was something in the way he looked at me, the way he swallowed slowly while he looked at my lips that set off alarm bells in my head. He's not yours, Caroline, they told me. You know who he belongs to....

      -flashback to high school-

   “Look out loser!” A gaggle of cheerleaders and their court of popularity drones shoved their way in front of me, apparently to their minds far too important to wait in the lunch line with us unwashed masses. I watched them as they made their way along, giggling and sneering and tossing around ponytails festooned in ridiculous amounts of ribbons. I sighed. It wasn't worth trying to fight them over. Life was easier when I was invisible to their type anyway.

   Once I had my lunch tray I searched the cafeteria for my boyfriend, I located him and sat down across from him with a very different kind of sigh. Jason was probably the cutest boy I had ever seen. He was certainly the cutest boy that had ever paid attention to me. He looked up at me from his sloppy Joes and flashed me a dazzling white smile and I just melted.

   “Are you coming with me to the party tonight?” he asked, popping a tater tot between his perfect lips. Jason was on the football team, it was Homecoming, and the popular crew was throwing a big bash at the home of someone whose parents were out of town. It was every teen cliché in the book. I shrugged and looked over at the table where the psycho pep squad was now sitting. One of the girls, one that I particularly had difficulty with, was already looking my general direction and caught me, making that obnoxious “L” thing on her forehead and sneering. Jason noticed where I was looking. “Pfft,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Don't worry about Susan. She just puts on a show so she can fit in. She's not like them."

   “No,” I said, poking at my fruit cocktail. “She's worse.”

   “I'm telling you, it's all for show. She's just trying to keep up. You know her family doesn't have any money right? Her dad's like some chronically unemployed loser. It's sad really.”

   I remembered all the grief, Susan had given me from the minute she rolled into town. She had just started this year, we weren't even up to Homecoming yet and she had already singled me out for the worst of her treatment. When I tried to ignore her, when I hadn't fought back, she had labeled me a mousy little loser and made sure her entire crew knew it. I wasn't popular, but I wasn't exactly a pariah before either. I was the girl that studied hard, listened to too much music, wore nothing but band t-shirts and jeans and mostly minded my own business. Susan Evans was vain and shallow, never did any homework that I could see, dressed to the nines every single day and chased popularity like it was air. I didn't know how she dressed like that if she was poor, I had heard she had a shoplifting habit, but frankly, I didn't care. Susan's backstory was not my problem. Her treatment of me was. “The only thing sad about Susan is Susan,” I told Jason.

   I don't know what made me decide to go to the party that night. It might have been the cologne Jason was wearing or the way he made my 17-year-old insides melt when he flashed me those big dark blue eyes of his. But I after the game I had given in to his wishes, following along after him, clinging to his side while he talked to his buddies about tricked out Celicas and crappy obscure rap genres. I lost track of how many little red cups of beer he handed me as I lurked but after a while, I wasn't feeling very good, and I went to lay down on one of the lounge chairs by the pool.

   Of course, I wasn't left unmolested. Guy after guy passed by, stopping to hit on me and test my level of drunkenness. When they assessed that I was too sober for date rape or whatever else in the hell these entitled assholes got up to at parties they would wander off, leaving me in peace until the next douchebag played through. After about an hour of this, I'd had enough and went to go find Jason to see if he would take me home.

   For years afterward, I could close my eyes and conjure the next scene perfectly. I had stumbled through the house until I found the kitchen, a traditional affair with white wood cabinets and gray and white granite counter tops. There were bowls of chips and pretzels sitting out on the butcher block island and large bottles of cheap vodka and grain alcohol littering the countertops. There were four different couples in there, all necking. Robbie Fenton had his hands up Teresa Kiplinger's cheerleading sweater, and next to them Kitty Marquez had her hands down Chase Miller's pants. Nadia Keane and Alex Barber were exchanging saliva. And in the corner, Susan Evans had her legs wrapped around the waist of Jason Caldwell, Jason Bradley Caldwell, my Jason, with his number 23 football Jersey and tight blue jeans, while he groped her and ground against her. I ran out of the room and threw up.

    -End of flashback-

   And now here we were. This was Susan's boyfriend. He wasn't mine. And as he blinked his eyes and his lips got closer I realized I had the perfect opportunity for payback. But I didn't want payback. I didn't want to be her. And I didn't want to use Jared like that. I quickly turned away and grabbed the railing. “I'm sorry, Jared,” I told him. I just wanted the past to stay there. I guess was still a mousy little loser after all.

[tweakerwolf]

Chris Ending 6 (alternative)

Here’s a /slightly/ different choice branch to try while still getting Chris’s last ending. Of course that means that you’re choosing a lot of mean things to say to him but, since they were put in the game for a reason, we might as well explore them right :D

A lot of this is the same as my previous post about ending 6 but there are a few dialogue options that are different and won’t be appearing in my other walkthroughs for Chris. And I just had to include them somewhere!

Start off in the bedroom, giving yourself a little rundown of your crappy marriage. Instantly ragging on your husband, talking about how you’ve been unhappy. Really sets the mood right? Well, your husband isn’t next to you when you wake up and when you notice his suit is still hanging up, you know that he’s going for a run. Because he’s always running. But he did leave a plate of food for you… although it’s probably cold. Like pft, typical Chris, making food for you, trying to be thoughtful… and also not waking you up- also thoughtful… but the two things together just equals wasted effort. Now the food is cold because he didn’t wake you, wasted effort. When he does finally come in, he seems timid, only saying hi from around a corner, almost as if he knows that you don’t want to look at him. But after a moment, it’s the opposite, he walks up to you and hands you a flower! Because he saw it and thought of you… Tell him to “stop wasting money” because you two don’t have any to spare. He stammers out that he found that one but then apologizes all the same. Like he’s always apologizing, no backbone whatsoever! And you notice that he’s gelled his hair back, just to go running?? Chris says that it’s supposed to give him confidence but you don’t believe it. Then he changes the subject and asks about when you go to work. You reply but hurt his feelings because he can’t tell when you’re just joking apparently…  but like really, he knows that you’re just ‘on-call’… they call you when they need you, there is no set schedule. So it wasn’t like you could give him an answer, he should know that by now. He excuses himself to get ready for work and all you can focus on is the sheepish tone in his voice and how you’re sick of it. When he comes back down, he’s in his oversized suit and you can’t help but comment about it. Then you’re off to get ready for work and hurry Chris out the door. He calls out an ‘I love you’ and you just tell him to get going. Then you’re off to work in the hospital.

Your shift flies by and before you know it, it’s time to head home. For a moment you debate heading to a bar but eh, you just head home instead. And you find out that Chris is already home… weird. But even worse… there’s another car… one you recognize… UGH. You storm into the house and come face to face with Aria. You can’t help but notice that she’s dressed like a slut. It’s obvious the two of you aren’t friends, she doesn’t hesitate to remind you that the house is technically in her name which means she can stop by at anytime with no regards to your feelings. But Chris comes over and steps between you two and Aria quickly turns her attention to him, becoming sweet again. Thankfully she can’t stay for dinner and she makes her exit. Of course, as soon as she’s gone, you’re yelling at Chris about how you can’t stand his sister. He tries to calm you down but you aren’t having any of it, instead you shove past him and go up to your room. Chris stays away.

Some time later, you head back downstairs and find Chris on the phone. He tells you not to worry but you know it’s weird that they are calling him after his day is over and you notice he’s about ready to cry. He’s been fired. He tells you not to worry and starts to mention Aria and you aren’t having any of it. You tear into him about how he can’t just rely on his sister for everything! He tries to apologize and you add salt to the wound by saying that you shouldn’t have married him. He gets teary eyed and tries to make excuses but you interrupt and start yelling. He sniffles but stops crying and his eyes narrow. Ask him “What’s your problem now!?” because he’s just such a baby! But suddenly he steps forward and grabs your neck, slamming you into the wall. Next thing you know, you’re on the ground and he’s standing over you. Chris lets you know that you’re his problem. He sets a foot on your chest, shoe rubbing against your chin… what the hell was he doing? Chris is tired of being the victim (sudden black heart), he’ll show you who the victim is! Then he kicks you in the face! You black out (pixel-y screen effects as you slowly black out).

When you come to, you find yourself still in the living room only now the doors and the windows are boarded up. And you’re tied to a chair… Um?? Chris is on a chair next to you, looking at his phone. Well if he isn’t going to notice you, make him- “Hey idiot, I’m awake” (broken heart). He tells you to shut the fuck up. You pull at your restraints and realize that you’re pretty well tied up. But that doesn’t scare you at all, you challenge him, asking if he feels like a man. He punches you in the face for your efforts; you feel like you got hit by a truck. Like damn… You spit blood at him and all he does is reset your broken nose, albeit roughly. Again you taunt him, asking him what the plan is. He’s going to show you who’s boss and then get the fuck outta Dodge. You don’t believe it though, he wouldn’t leave! Chris is quiet for a moment, not elaborating on his plan, but then he blushes and says that he wants to do something to you. Oh? He’s stammering and stuttering , pft, same as always, too scared to do anything; but when you look down, you notice the bulge in his pants. You can’t help but feel nervous and he sees it… Chris admits that he never liked the toys you’ve used on him, in fact, maybe it’s time for some payback! Naw, you aren’t about that monster dick of his, you were just never up for it… Chris is adamant that you don’t have a choice this time. He grabs a knife and cuts your shirt, pausing to stare at you. Ask him “You losing your nerve?” because you still refuse to show him that you’re scared. He reacts strongly, telling you to shut the fuck up and slapping you.

(rape scene below, unavoidable)

Then he tells you to open your mouth and get to being useful- for once. Really you have no choice so you comply and I mean… at least he has some lube? Does that help? Not much… He’s so big you can’t even get enough leverage to bite down, your jaw is forced open as wide as it will go. He pushes down your throat and uses one hand to squeeze your throat a bit. You start to get dizzy but before long he’s coming and you’re choking as he pulls out. Chris then walks around you and yanks your head back via a handful of hair. He warns you that he’s not giving up on this- he wants to keep using you as his punching bag. You can’t help but notice that he’s sounding more confident and stronger. Then he walks away.

Eventually he comes back into the living room, but not after leaving you sitting there for awhile. He’s made dinner. He asks if you’re getting hungry, but you don’t like his mocking tone. Sure, he was a great cook (and maybe you never thanked him ever) but you can tell that he’s just trying to rub dinner in your face right now. He says that you can have some if you want. Then he grabs your face and tells you to beg for it. Yell out “NO!” because you ain’t playing into his hand. Chris just gets mad at you for shouting and walks off. Whatever… you decide to just get some rest.

Later you wake up as Chris wanders back into the room. Then he grabs the doorframe and start to do pull-ups. It seems so easy for him… you’re only now realizing how strong he is- how long had he been working out? Snark at him, “Still have those dreams huh?” because you know he’s pathetic. He gets pissed that you’re constantly shitting on his dreams; so you decide to remind him that you think he’s too soft to be a boxer. Which of course he doesn’t like, you get another punch in the stomach for your backtalk. And another. Chris comments that you’re easier to punch than the bags he’s used to. Punch after punch after punch! -Beg- him to stop because you’ve had enough! Surprisingly he does stop, but the chair is broken and you’re lying in a heap on the floor. He pulls a knife out and starts to saw at the ropes binding you to the mess. -Stay still- and let him cut since you don’t want to get hurt even more at this point. Chris slaps some handcuffs on you as soon as the tape and rope are gone, reminding you that you aren’t going anywhere. Then he sets you on the couch and mumbles something about going downstairs. Yell at him to “Wait” and he gets mad, turning around to yell at you. What the fuck do you want now? Well damn, if he’s going to have that nasty attitude just -tell him off- never mind what you were going to say… You call him a limp dick and smirk. He replies by kicking you in the face. The world goes black once more (pixel-y screen effect)

When you come to, you notice it’s starting to get light outside… makes you wonder how long you’re going to be trapped in your house. Chris once again happens to get up around the same time as you, walking right into the kitchen. You try to escape your cuffs as he sits across from you with food. Tell him “let me go, you asshole!” Chris responds by stabbing you in the leg. This actually shocks you, this is far more violence than you ever expected from him. Chris reveals that he plans on keeping you for awhile so he can have fun with you. He twists the knife a bit before going off and grabbing some rope. He ties a noose and loops it around your neck, then he uses the rope to lift you, just enough so you’re having trouble breathing. He wants to have more fun with you.

(rape scene below, unavoidable.)

You struggle but that just makes it harder to breathe… Chris does nothing to help you, instead he just rips off your underwear. You see how hard he already is- apparently seeing you like this gets him off. He pushes inside you without preamble (and just a smear of lube)… he’s so big that you can feel yourself tearing. Tears are streaming down your face but Chris doesn’t slow down at all; the rope is burning your neck and it’s still hard to breathe… Eventually he finishes and slips out of you but instead of releasing you, he yanks up on the rope, cutting off more of your air. Chris says that he should just kill you but unties the rope and lets you fall to the couch. It’s because he’s not done with you; he walks off, taking the rope with him.

You sit for awhile, breathing, resting… Chris doesn’t come back and you try to wriggle out of your cuffs once again. It’s no use though so you get some more rest. When you wake up, you’re finally tired of having your hands bound, you’re tugging and pulling, not caring if maybe you end up breaking some bones, as long as you get out! But then fingers are around your throat, squeezing. Chris is pissed, he comments that he’s sick of your shit, so he starts to crush your windpipe. You try to struggle but he’s pinning you down and you can’t get any air, you’re dizzy. Again, he stops, saying ‘not yet’ for some reason. Then he’s gone and you pass out.

Ending 6: You wake up the next morning with your wrists free and the windows un-boarded. Chris has impeccable timing though, before you can even get off the couch, he’s walking into the room. He tells you that he’s out; when you start to get up, he holds up his hand and stops you. He says that what’s happened between you two has been unforgivable- and he doesn’t just mean what he’s done to you. He isn’t staying, no matter what you might try to say. Without another word he opens the door and leaves. You can’t believe that he’s just gone like that… after everything that has happened between you two, this is how he ends it? The house is quiet without him. Survived- Chris isn’t coming back.

[kazosa]

Bob’s Road

Hi everyone, this was written for @nothin-after-79 Holy Shit Jamie Hit 1K writing challenge.

Pairing: John x Reader

Word count: 1753

Warnings: bare legs, language (probably), angst-ish

“Find this road… it’s like Bob’s Road”

A/N: I took this as an opportunity to expand on my current favorite work featuring John x Reader. It’s a bit of a prequel to Get Over Yourself

    The hunt had not gone well at all. Thankfully, if they could be thankful for anything, it went fully sideways at the end and they had hauled ass out of town. John was driving like a maniac trying to put as much distance between us and the town we’d just left. He took turns on every sketchy-looking side-road he could find. Neither one of us was paying too much attention to what road we’d turned on to. We wanted to be long gone and hard to find… which was something that seemed to be working a little too well.     “John?” you asked.     “What?” he barked.     You knew John wasn’t mad at you. He was just mad, probably at himself, because things had gone bad, really bad, and he couldn’t do anything about it. It was fall and all of the monsters that hibernate were tearing up the countryside before the winter hit full force. You and John had unexpectedly come across a group of werewolves. One of ‘em had you, almost killed you, but John shot it with a silver bullet just in time…barely.     “Where the hell are we?” you asked him while looking out at the open fields.

    At that point, we’d been driving for an hour and a half and you hadn’t seen another car for at least an hour. If it hadn’t been a bright, sunny day, you would have been a little creeped out. It was one of the dog-days of summer and it was a hot one at that.     “Shit,” he grumbled. He started to slow the truck down to a less bone-rattling speed. “Where’s the map?”     “In my bag,” you responded.     John sighed heavily. He’d put the bags in the truck bed before they left the motel that morning. He supposed that they’d driven long enough and had gotten lost enough that he could risk stopping for a little while.     They were on some dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Nothing but empty fields and trees as far as either of them could see. John drove the truck off the road and under a large tree that had a good shady spot under it.     You hopped out of John’s truck and climbed into the bed to get your bag. You kept a file folder in there with county maps of states you were often in. It made getting out of situations, like the one you were in, a little easier.      John kept a special box in the bed of the truck that held the camping gear you sometimes needed when you were too far from a motel and John was too tired to drive any longer. You went to the box and grabbed the heavy wool blanket that you would put down in the truck bed at night. You threw it at John, hoping you would hit him in the face with it, but he was too quick and caught it.     “Very funny,” he grumbled. You weren’t sure, but you thought maybe he was less irritated?     You tossed your bag to the end of the bed when you saw that the cooler was in the bed, too. You gave it a shove with your foot down to the tailgate. John was standing there waiting for you, but he pulled the cooler out first. He put the cooler on the ground where you could step on it, then held up a hand for you to get down out of the truck.     You took his hand and just as you put your foot on the cooler to step down, you felt it roll and you went with it tumbling into John’s arms. He caught you easily and set you on your feet, but he didn’t let you go right away. You were hoping he’d kiss you but he couldn’t even look at you. He just cleared his throat and took the cooler with the blanket up to the tree leaving you to grab your bag and join him. Your frustration with him was mounting and when you were frustrated, you liked to tease him. Maybe not right away, but you’d find a way to get him, you always did.     He was spreading out the blanket when you reached him. When you got it situated, you both sat down on it. The air was mostly still with the occasional breeze touching you. It had been a long day and you were hoping that you and John could have a nice night together out in the middle of nowhere. You just wanted a little time to breathe, time to just be. He was so nice to be around when he relaxed. Those were the times you liked best, he would talk to you. Of course, John wanted to get moving again, always looking for the next case.     “Where’s your bag? Why aren’t you getting your maps out?” he asked.     You flung your leather jacket off. It was the dog days of summer and hot as hell, but John demanded you dress like a hunter and hunters wore leather jackets to protect themselves.     “Because I’m hot, goddamnit. I’m tired, I’m hungry and I feel like I have monster all over me,” you told him looking yourself over. “I need to feel human again.”     “Alright, Jesus, but you need to find this road…it’s like Bob’s Road,” he said.     You stared at him. Did he actually make a joke? You couldn’t help it, it was such a rare occasion you had to laugh. He flashed you that grin of his that you didn’t get to see enough of and you relaxed a little.     John dug into the cooler and hauled out a largish sub sandwich you’d found at a grocery store and started getting a little meal going for you both. John had teased you for buying groceries before because he thought it was a waste of time and money, but it had come in handy more than once so he quit giving you a hard time about it. He figured out quickly that keeping you happy, meant he was happy.     While he was getting the food out, you decided you would take advantage of his current good mood and get a little payback for not kissing you. Giving him a view of what he was missing seemed like just the thing to do. You were positively melting in the jeans and boots you were wearing. You’d already kicked off your boots, so you decided to embarrass him and be comfortable at the same time. You took off your jeans leaving you in only your tank top and underwear.     “Jesus, (Y|N)!” you’d shocked him, again. “Why do you do that?!”     Nine months of being in extremely close quarters. Nine months of very little left to the imagination. You had no idea how much older than you he was, but it certainly wasn’t the first bare legs he’d ever seen, not even the first time he’d seen yours. You grabbed your gym shorts out of your bag and slipped them on.     “To make you blush,” you said giggling.     “You gotta quit doing that,” he said exasperated.     “Why would I do that? I’d just find another way to make you blush,” you reasoned. “The devil you know…”     John would not be defeated. “Maybe I could just take you back to your bar.” John had met (Y|N) at her bar about nine months ago. She’d agreed to go with him for some reason… That was the one and only thing she never spoke about.     “You wouldn’t do that. You’d miss me too much and you know it,” you grinned. “You’d be so bored.”     John sighed hard. He knew she was right. He would miss her. If there was one thing she did, it was keep him on his toes. He really did like her a lot, despite the constant barrage of embarrassing moments, flirting, and stealing for which she was entirely responsible.     “You have any cell service?” he asked.     You looked at your phone and there wasn’t a bit of service to be had.     “Nope,” you said. Even if there had been, you probably wouldn’t have said anything,     John handed you half of his sub sandwich and one of the chips bags you’d bought at the last gas station. You two ate your small meal in relative quiet. The only thing that broke the silence was the birds chirping. You liked the quiet, and you suspected John appreciated your silence.     It was later in the day than you thought. The sun was starting to set already. The sky was starting to turn shades of orange. The spot John had picked to pull over was really quite pretty.

    John had finished his dinner and gotten up to watch the sunset. He stood there with his hands in his pockets. It made you wonder if your little stunt had really offended him that much. You gathered up the trash and stuffed it into an empty grocery bag.     You went to John and looked up at him. The sunset was casting a yellow orange glow to his skin. God he’s so handsome, you thought. You kept telling yourself it was just a crush and that the things you felt for this man weren’t real, they were just childish feelings and you were projecting your daddy issues on him. You kept telling yourself that, but it’d been months now and the feelings hadn’t left, they’d just gotten deeper.     He just stood there with his hands in his pockets appreciating the beauty of the sunset. You put your arm between his arm and his side, forcing him to put his arm around your shoulders while yours went around his waist. He looked down at you and saw you smiling up at him.     “What are you smiling at?” he asked.     “A handsome man,” you said moving more to his side so you could see the sunset, too. You took a deep breath and sighed, “It really is beautiful.”      He was still looking at you, “Definitely beautiful,” he said and turned back to the sunset. “You want to camp here, don’t you?”     “Would you mind too much? It’s so pretty, John,” you said.     “We better hurry up if we don’t wanna loose the light,” he said and broke away from you.     You watched his tall frame walk away from you and go to the truck bed. He hauled out his tent and gear and took it up under the tree. You sighed heavily again. You trotted up the hill to gather the wool blanket and start getting the truck bed ready for your air mattress and bed tent.     You gave the sunset one last look and told yourself that you’d tell John how you felt about him and soon.

[crazy8man-blog]

Crazy 8 (chapter 10)

So, I got back to my shelter last night and learned that 2 sweet old ladies from the Metropolitan Community Church had come to visit me. Fucking bullshit!

First off, no church is going to sand 2 women into the fucking field, especially to speak to someone as close to the bitch, Tina, as I am.

It was long ago in what seems like and actually was a different life, half a lifetime ago. It's also one of those regrets I think of often. I mean I won't lie and tell you I lose sleep over it. But it bothers me.

I was a fucking Sunday School teacher. Oh, let me watch my mouth, at least for this part of my story. Anyways, yeah, I loved that job and I didn't even get paid for it. But I did in a sense.

You see, I used to teach Sunday School to Autistic Children. And it was nothing short of amazing.

I'm not gonna delve too deep into it. But I will tell you that to reach the mind of an Autistic Child is to see the face of God.

The Metropolitan Community Church knows I'm a fucking addict, an I V drug user, the worst of the fucking worthless worst. No one was here on any good fucking will mission!

I'm in some sort of trouble! Fucking Ivan! Leave me the fuck alone, God dammit!

Dude, I've been hitting you up on Adam forever. He laughed. "Small fucking world." I knew right away we have gonna hit it off. If nothing else, he had a really nice fucking dick and was a top.

Fucking Terry, that crack head mother fucker called the fucking cops!  I never even laid a fucking finger on that mother fucker and he called the fucking cops! And that worthless cock sucker was the one that fucking told that fucking ugly fat tranny wanna be Moshe that I had either abused or neglected Sally Pickles. I fucking hate that mother fucker and hope he fucking spends the fucking rest of his fucking life alone and fucking miserable!

I'd wondered as to the origins of his screen name "Bonnobboner." But like I said, he was a top and he had a really nice fucking dick. And given the fact that he was willing to pool our shit together so that we could share an ounce, what the fuck did it matter?

When he stripped naked and laid himself out on my bed I could smell how clean he was, how fresh, how sweet. And the nervousness that seemed to overcome him, a seasoned slammer, only gave itself deeper into the moment. But still, it puzzled me that he should seem uncertain about himself. But did it really matter?

He, I And the bitch, Tina were gonna have a great night. I'd been trying to land this catch for months.

"I've actually heard about you and I'm a little nervous. You wanna slam me while I'm blindfolded? I know what I'm asking for and trust you. That's why I'm here in your bed"

It was like a fucking fantasy that this guy was gonna let me slam him blindfolded. You know it was gonna be the crazy fucking 8.

3 days later he came down and I was purring like a fucking kitten! Mike was one sweet ass fuck!

In the end which was upon us from the start, we were 2 thoughts that occurred in the storm, a tempest.

It bothered him that I cared, that I stopped by to say hello, to see if he was alright.

As I've said, nothing fucking lasts forever! We ended up going our separate ways. But I do think of him from time to time.

I guess we were just each other's passing fancy.

Oh, and the screen name? It's a monkey, a fucking monkey!

Anyways, I got a few hours sleep and hit the streets to become invisible, unseen, forgotten, just as my beloved Ivan has done. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that.

I was also made aware that Ivan is gone. He fucking left without a fucking word! Can you fucking believe this fucking shit? Can I fucking believe it? Unfucking real I tell you Unfucking real! But sadly, it is real. I couldn't fucking make this shit up if I fucking tried!

Sitting there in an empty apartment an idea came to me, New York City. Yeah, Manhattan.

I longed for a change, an escape from you know who, the bitch, Tina. I was broke., Philip wasn't talking to me and I had 24 hours to vacate the fucking apartment. Yeah, I had been fucking evicted! My life was over. My Mon had agreed to take temporary custody of Sally Pickles and she paid for my Amtrak ticket to New York.

I had no plan. I had no money. I had no fucking clue what the fuck I was going to do. I just did.

And now the fucking worst of the very worst possible news. That fucking cunt minister, she killed Sally Pickles! She grew tired of running, of hiding, of living in the fucking shadows. And rather than doing the right fucking thing she murdered my Sally Pickles? What fucking kind of fucking insanity is this mother fucker nightmare?

Fifty dollars doesn't go far when you're riding the fucking rail. The phone rang, my cell, it was my dealer.

"Where are you?"  He wined. I have to get clean. I lost the fucking apartment, so I'm headed to New York to get clean so I can come back and find Philip. "No you're not. Stop." But I was. Look at your Grindr. We would use Grindr to check up on each other and chat during the day and when he was cooking. "I'll fucking kill you! Get off that fucking train! I'm begging you please don't do this." He had begin to wig the fuck out. I have to get clean! "Come back now! I'll limit how much I sell you!', I can't fucking stop! "What? You don't think you're gonna find.meth in New York?' Yes, I know there's Meth in New York, but at least I won't know where to get it and there'll be no one there to give me credit just because we fuck.

In 12 step programs they tell you to about people places and things. I guess that could've been considered my first attempt at it if I didn't owe him 3 grand.

I'm dying without any beloved Sally Pickles. And I'm will surely perish into some hellish oblivion and be tormented for all eternity without Ivan, my husband.

Looking around me there's only one way I know to escape this fucking hell I'm stuck in, this unbearable unending nightmare. The bitch,Tina and my favorite crazy 8.

But that's only temporary and permanent is what I need, what I long for. And on top of all this mother fucking shit, I just got robbed! Some nigger mother fucker pulled a fucking 38 on me and took $538 from me. And if that wasn't bad enough that nigger crock sucker hit me over the fucking head with the butt end of the gun.

Now let me tell ya, I say allot of shit in anger that I don't mean. But you'd better fucking believe this! Payback is coming and a whole lot of mother fuckers are going to pay. Some will definitely get hurt. Some may die, well probably not die. But I've just lost too much and now it's time to fucking take. I have to stop the bleeding! I have to find a way to escape the fucking madness!

[bookgasms-bookboyfriends-blog]

Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken is NOW LIVE!

What are you waiting for?  Grab your copy TODAY!

Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/2kXKMz6

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2miEZUN

  Blurb

Lucas Thorn wasn’t born a cheater. All it took was a single moment—say, a certain disastrous incident on the night before his wedding—and boom. Reputation destroyed forever and always. So now he owns it. He has a lady friend for every night of the week (except Sundays—God’s day and all), and his rules are simple: No commitments. No exceptions.

  But a certain smart-mouthed, strawberry blonde vixen is about to blow that all to hell.

  Avery Black has never forgiven Lucas for cheating on her sister. And suddenly being forced to work with him is pretty much a nightmare on steroids. Of course, it does afford her the opportunity to make his life as difficult as possible. But no good revenge scheme comes without payback. Because he didn’t become the Lucas Thorn without learning a few things about women.

  Now Avery’s lust for vengeance has turned into, well, lust. And if Lucas stops cheating, it’s definitely not because he’s falling in love…

  **PLEASE CHOOSE ONE EXCERPT**

  Excerpt #1

  The office building loomed ahead of me. I squinted up at it, covering my face with part of my hand as the sun cast its glare against the glass.

“What are we looking at?” Lucas whispered in my ear.

I let out a little yelp and jumped away from him, and I would have run into a passing biker if Lucas hadn’t pulled me out of the way with his coffee-free hand.

“Must you be such a pain in the ass?”

“Must you try to kill me?” I fired back.

He rolled his eyes. “Let’s go.” He started walking, hauling me with him.

We weren’t walking in the direction of the office.

“Um, Thorn—”

“I will seriously shove this Starbucks up that skinny ass if you don’t stop talking and just listen for once in your life.”

I shut up and followed, but only because he’d said “Starbucks” and was very purposefully moving in the nearest outpost’s general direction. If I looked pathetic enough, would he buy me coffee?

That was what my life was coming to.

Pity coffee.

My shoulders slumped at the thought when we walked into the building. The smell of fresh baked goods hit me with full force, and my stomach growled loudly, saying to everyone, I’m a hungry bear and may eat my young. Out of the way, please!

I followed Lucas to the line, still tempted to speak, but I figured if he wanted noise from me, he’d say something like, “You may grace me with your voice now, Avery.”

Even though I wasn’t talking, every time I heard someone order pumpkin bread I sighed, loudly, so loudly that the barista eyed me cautiously. Chill, Starbucks, I’m not going to steal a piece of pumpkin bread.

My mouth watered.

I mean, I wasn’t that desperate.

But if I took two, maybe three, steps toward her, yelled “Fire!” and then screamed nonsense about a bee attacking me, the pumpkin bread she had in hand would probably fall to the ground, and it would be wasteful if I didn’t rescue it from the ants.

All creatures deserve food—but pumpkin bread was too good for ants, too rich, and they’d explode all over the floor from the richness and it would be my fault—for saving the barista’s life, right? From the bee?

I think I just confused myself.

“Why are you breathing so heavy?” Lucas asked from my right.

I snapped out of my pumpkin-bread daydream and shrugged. “Sorry, low on sleep.”

He gave a noncommittal nod and then it was his turn, greedy little bastard already had one coffee now he was getting two! “A venti macchiato and a large coffee with room for cream, two slices—”

I elbowed him hard in the ribs.

“Sorry, um, three slices of pumpkin bread, thanks.”

He handed the barista his card, while my greedy eyes locked on the pumpkin bread as the barista placed it into a bag and gave it to him.

With an exasperated sigh, he shoved the bag into my hands. “Just leave me one bite.”

“No promises.” I was already digging into the bag, my mouth watering as I followed him around the counter with a little pep in my step.

Lucas grabbed our drinks and motioned toward one of the tables. I sat, stuffed more pumpkin goodness into my mouth, and managed to chug some coffee almost all at once.

Lucas shook his head. “I always forget how seriously you take your pumpkin bread.”

I moaned and took another huge bite. “My theory is this.”

He leaned forward, a smile curving around his gorgeous mouth. “Alright, out with it.”

More pumpkin bread found its way into my mouth as I talked—I didn’t even care if I looked like a starved animal. “Pumpkin bread has the same addictive properties as cocaine.”

“That’s your theory? That it’s a drug?”

“Right.” I sighed and leaned back. “Except it doesn’t make you skinny, unfortunately.”

His smile widened, and he grabbed a small hunk of bread. “Want to know my theory?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking—I hope Lucas tells me his theory so I can eat his portion of bread.”

Lucas scooted the bag toward me and whispered, “Merry Christmas.”

“Oh, pumpkin gods.” I moaned again.

His eyes darted to my mouth.

“What?” I wiped my lips. “Is something on my face?”

“No.” He looked away. “So my theory is this . . . pumpkin flavoring is a conspiracy by the government to see how many ways we can market a flavor and make money off it.”

“Boo.” I gave him a thumbs-down. “Thanks, grinch. Oh, and stop ruining holidays.”

He smirked. “You’ve known forever that Santa isn’t real. Still doesn’t stop you from leaving him cookies every Christmas Eve, then sneaking downstairs and eating them all by yourself.”

“One”—I held up a finger—“it’s genius because nobody will touch them for fear that I’ll get mad. Two”—I held up a second finger—“when everyone else is sad about the Christmas cookies being gone, I know I’ll have them all to myself. It’s like . . .” I sighed, “. . . a Christmas present. To myself.”

“Except for that one time.” He smirked.

“Cruel man.” I glared at him. “How dare you eat my cookies?”

He shrugged. “They were sweet.”

Was it hot? In this little Starbucks? By the window where the sun was searing me alive like I was under a magnifying glass?

I tugged at my sleeveless blouse.

“About Saturday . . .”

Uncomfortable conversation, here we come! I strapped in and waited for the inevitable. And then realized, to my dismay, that he’d just bought me coffee and food without letting me go to the office.

My eyes filling with tears, I shook my head a few times. “Lucas, I may give you crap, but I really need this job.”

He frowned, like he was confused.

“Don’t say another word.” I held out my hands. “I’ll do anything, Lucas—and I mean anything—to keep this job. I wasn’t kidding when I said my parents were chomping at the bit to get me to move home, and I don’t want to. It’s not just about me being defiant; they want me to take over the family business.”

Lucas burst out laughing and then sobered. “Oh, you’re serious.”

“I can’t sell chicken, Thorn.”

“I mean, to be fair, Avery, your parents own a very lucrative organic meats company. I’m sure they could offer you at least five figures.” His smile was way too smug, but I still had to be nice to him rather than throw him off a cliff, because he could fire me.

  Excerpt #2

Shaking, I ran my hands through my hair and was about ready to have a nervous breakdown when my phone rang.

“Yeah?” I grabbed my coat and headed out of the restaurant.

“She’s a clinger.” That’s all Thatch had to say before I burst out laughing. “She asked for my phone number.”

“How else is she supposed to have another booty call with the good doctor?” I grinned like a smug bastard, enjoying his panic, and then I warned him to stay away. “You know this is your fault, right? You know that inviting a woman to your apartment usually means that she’ll start envisioning her shit all over the place—and next thing you know, she’s about to have your baby.”

“SHE’S NOT PREGNANT!” He started cursing again. “Look, you know I have commitment issues.”

“No.” I rolled my eyes. “Shocker.”

“Like you should talk, you selfish bastard.” Thatch sighed loudly. “Break up with her for me?”

“Not a chance in hell.”

“But—”

“Nope.”

“Lucas Thorn.”

“Maybe if you had tits, and even then, that just makes shit weird, Thatch.”

I hit the elevator button and waited while Thatch started complaining about why sex can’t just be sex.

“You’re telling me.” I snorted into the phone. “Look, I gotta go. Just remember Austin and Avery are best friends, meaning, you screw her, her friend is most likely going to try to find a way to screw me. Girls go to the bathroom together. If they do the nonserious stuff in teams, you bet your ass they’re going to treat a breakup the same way.”

“That really wasn’t helpful, not at all, Lucas.”

“Or”—I shrugged and hit the button for my floor—“you could just make the sex really, really bad next time, say, finishing in like thirty seconds and screaming ‘Porcupine!’ or something.”

He was quiet, then said, “I can’t decide if that’s genius or stupid.”

“You never know until you try. Think of Christopher Columbus. Everyone thought he was stupid for sailing toward the New World, and look! He proved them wrong. The earth was in fact round, my friend.”

“Did you just compare yourself to someone who discovered an actual continent? Because it seems like you did, and this is after you told me to yell ‘Porcupine!’ when I orgasm.”

“Well, when you repeat it back like that . . .” I grumbled as the elevator doors opened to my floor. “Look, I gotta go. Leave me out of it though.”

“No promises,” he said just as I ended the conversation and greedily searched for Avery.

She wasn’t behind her desk.

Nor was she under it—I had to check because hiding and pouncing was exactly the kind of thing I could imagine her doing, just so she could scare the shit out of me and get it on camera or something. Then again, she wasn’t seventeen anymore, but this was still Avery we were talking about. Ergo, I still looked.

Frowning, I turned around in an effort to casually strut into my office and slammed right into Avery, knocking her backward onto her ass.

Folders went everywhere.

Papers scattered across the floor.

And her wedged heels somehow managed to fall from her feet, though they still dangled around her ankles.

“Are you okay?” I leaned down to grab her hand, but she didn’t take mine.

“Yeah.” Her cheeks reddened. “Sorry, I was just dropping off some files, and then I saw that these were addressed to another department and thought I could drop them off and . . .” Her voice trailed off as she flashed me a worried look, like I was going to fire her any minute.

Instantly feeling like an ass, I grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her into the air. “I’m not going to fire you.”

“Okay,” she huffed, tears welling in her eyes.

“Shit, Avery.” Earlier I’d been taking out my frustration with my family on her. Apparently, the distance and years hadn’t changed this aspect of our relationship, because this was a familiar pattern. I made her feel bad or guilty about something that wasn’t her fault—something she had no control over.

Especially the fact that I was extremely attracted to her—and knew it was wrong then, just like it was wrong now.

  About the Author:

  Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

  She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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