#since it’ll be in mexico

[bookwyrminspiration]

startin off 2023 with a family death let’s go

[sk2lton]

we have a guest speaker in math class to talk to us about coping w stress as if this class isn’t the reason i felt like shitting myself this morning😭😭

[checkeredflagggs]

Aftermath of a Storm

Pairing: oscar piastri x sargeant!Storm chaser!fem!reader

summary: people are shocked to learn about alice and oscar

a/n: tbh i really meant for the first part to have more of the other drivers learning about Barbie and Alice but obviously that didn’t happen 😂

a/n 2: timelines? What timelines? Idk know them

Part 1

Twitter

Private Messages - Logan, Oscar, Alice

Private Messages - The Grid, Fun

Private Messages - Logan, Oscar, Alice

mclaren

liked by drbarbie, teammate1, logansargeant, oscarpiastri, and 4,822,445 others

tagged: drbarbie, oscarpiastri

mclaren: Check the weather this weekend! Because there must be a storm moving in —Oscar Piastri is taking Dr. Alice “Barbie” Sargeant, Williams Racing’s Logan Sargeant’s twin sister and notable storm chaser, on a hot lap here in Mexico!

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user1: oh my god this is everything I never knew I needed

user2: oh yeah hey mclaren don’t forget to mention THAT THEY ARE DATING

oscarpiasti: it’s gonna be a good time!

logansargeant: it’s been nice knowing you

oscarpiasti: I’m sure it’ll be fine

logansargeant: you sure about that? you SURE about that?

logansargeant: are we talking about the same girl?

user4: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

used5: LET US IN. LET US IN!! YOURE AMERICAN — SPILL THE TEA

landonorris: Oscar! You didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend!!!! 😡😡😡

oscarpiastri: I’m sure I mentioned it.

landonorris: I’m sure YOU HAVENT!?!

oscarpiastri: of course I have. are you sure you were listening?

landonorris: of course I was LISTENING! You just haven’t said A WORD!? Since when have you had a girlfriend?

oscarpiastri: we’ve been together for nearly 7 years

landonorris: 7 years?!?

oscarpiastri: yes.

landonorris: WHAT?!??!

user6: WHAT?

user7: uhh raise your hand if you had Oscar Piastri has a secret girlfriend, Logan Sargeant has a twin sister, or the two would be the same person on your bingo card this year

user8: ok but if anyone on the grid had a secret girlfriend of course it’s gonna be Oscar?

user7: you got me there

user9: 7 years?!? How do you hide a girlfriend for 7 years? Especially one as cool as drbarbie?

user10: user9 asking the real questions

user11: right?? How did some guy who drives in silly circles score such a cool badass girlfriend?

drbarbie: I ran over him with my bike one day

user11: WHAT?!?

drbarbie: ummmm what is this??? oscarpiastri WHAT DID YOU DO???

logansargeant: apparently signed you up to tackle a hot lap

drbarbie: NO

drbarbie: ABSOLUTELY NOT

drbabrie: SPEED AND I DO! NOT! MIX!!

drbarbie: oscarpiastri ANSWER YOUR PHONE

drbarbie: nicolepiastri where is your son? I’d like to have some words with him

nicolepiastri: you and me both sweetie

user12: you chase tornadoes but can’t do a hot lap?

drbarbie: THERE IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO!

user13: and you prefer the storms?

drbarbie: YES!!

f1gossippage

liked by logansargeant, oscarpiastri, teammate1, and 3,997,455 others

f1gossippage: a hot lap for the records! Oscar Piastri drove girlfriend Barbie Sargeant around the track twice today! Definitely seems like she’s not a fan

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user14: not a fan? I’d say 😂 I didn’t know anyone could scream that high tbh

user15: those were genuinely screams of terror…save my girl 😭

user16: Barbie Sargeant? Nah fam you did not do my girl dirty like that. Put some respect in her damn name. It’s DR. ALICE “BARBIE” SARGEANT

user17: oh thank god someone said it. She did not get 2 phd’s by the time she was 21 to have that be disrespected

user18: no shit really?

user17: yes! She graduated with double phd’s in meteorology and mechanical engineering from Cornell when she was 20!

used18: so fucking cool! And yea! PUT SOME DAMN RESPECT IN HER NAME!

user19: someone with more experience needs to watch this entire clip and then make gif sets of the ENTIRE thing because her face goes on a lot of journeys

user20: most of those journeys end in murder i think

drbarbie: they do. They will

logansargeant: maybe don’t threaten Oscar on a public instagram post?

drbarbie: for once in your life, stay in your lane. Unless you’d like to join him?

logansargeant: …carry on.

user20: logansargeant what was that??

logansargeant: I support women’s Rights and Wrongs

drbarbie: good

oscarpiasti: oh these are good pictures!

drbarbie: you are a dead man walking Piastri

oscarpiastri: would you really hurt me?

drbarbie: yes

oscarpiastri: what about my mother and sisters?

drbarbie: nicolepiastri soooo…you’re gonna be down a son soon. I can offer Logan?

nicolepiastri: oh we’d love to have the two of you visit again soon logansargeant and drbarbie

oscarpiastri: nicolepiastri mum??

user21: not nicolepiastri supporting this 🤣😭

teammate1: 😂😂😂

drbarbie: I sign your checks. Watch yourself

teammate1: girl this is too damn funny

drbarbie: 🙄😑

Private Messages - Oscar, Logan, Alice

drbarbie

liked by oscarpiastri, logansargeant, and 3,728,388 others

tagged: oscarpiastri

drbarbie: it’s your turn now! 🥰

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user22: the hearts make this a very ominous message

drbarbie: it’s supposed to be!

user22: oh!

oscarpiastri: babe?

oscarpiastri: what do you mean my turn?

drbarbie: I told you! I’d only ever get in your car when you get in mine!

drbarbie: so convenient that you have a break and dolly is back from the mechanics right now! 🧡🩵🧡

oscarpiastri: ummm…🏃🏻‍♂️💨

user23: ok but is she really gonna take him through a tornado???

user24: that does seem like it’s the plan?

user23: I can’t watch this 🙈

user24: she’s a professional?

drbarbie: more confidence in me please

user24: you right you right

user: SHES A PROFESSIONAL

drbarbie: thank you!

logansargeant: good luck! Have fun!

drbarbie: 😊😊😊

logansargeant:…no.

logansargeant: What did I do?

logansargeant: come on I helped you

logansargeant: I’m on your side!!

teammate3: dolly is ready to roll!!

oscarpiastri: that better be a joke

teammate1:…

teammate2:…

teammate3:…

teammate4:…

teammate5:…

Private Messages - The Grid, Serious

drbarbie

liked by oscarpiastri, logansargeant, charles_leclerc, and 4,288,373 others

tagged: oscarpiastri, logansargeant

drbarbie: don’t worry guys! They made it through the “storm” a-ok! (Come on guys, have a little faith. I’d never actually take someone unprepared into an actual tornado. Plus prime tornado season is over for the year!)

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user25: oh thank god. I was so very nervous

user26: girl you ain’t the only one. Check the video at 14:25. Oscar’s fingers are fucking white with panic 😂😂

oscarpiastri: thank you love for not subjecting me to a tornado

logansargeant: yes thank you my very favorite sister who is definitely the best and best and most wonderful

oscarpiastri: yes! Most wonderful and loving and beautiful girlfriend ever

drbarbie:…laying it on a little bit thick aren’t you?

logansargeant: quite literally whatever I have to do so I never ever ever ever have to get in that truck again!

drbarbie: don’t you dare disrespect dolly!

logansargeant: never!

oscarpiastri: dolly is a queen! We aren’t worthy.

logansargeant: yes! We definitely shouldn’t be in that truck ever again

drbarbie: babies…fine

user26: wow!!!! 🤩 those photos are stunning!

drbarbie: thank you! When I was planning this I knew the conditions were gonna be good for some nice thunderstorms but even I didn’t expect this level!

user26: so you just…followed them around?

drbarbie: yup! It’s something our parents used to do for me when logie and I were young - the driving being a lot more calm then normal is just about the only difference (my passengers complained the entire time 🙄)

user27: oh that’s so cute! (They seem like the type 😂)

landonorris: stunning

drbarbie: thank you!

oscarpiastri: no

landonorris: I didn’t say anything?

oscarpiastri: and yet the answer is no. Go away

georgerussell63: shut down!

landonorris: why am I catching strays on my comment thread???

charles_leclerc: these are magnificent photos! And it looked like a fun trip to get them

drbarbie: thank you! (Oh my god oscarpiastri I’ve been noticed by your father!)

oscarpiastri: that’s cool babe

charles_leclerc: yes! Welcome to the family. We expect you for dinner soon

drbarbie: score!

alicepublic

liked by landonorris, charles_leclerc, oscarpiastri, and 3,590,455 others

tagged: oscarpiastri

alicepublic: happy anniversary my love. The best 7 years of my life so far — with many more to go 🧡🧡🧡

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oscarpiastri: I can’t believe that it’s only been 7 years, I feel like I’ve known you for a lifetime already — I couldn’t imagine spending it with anyone else.

alicepublic: oh my love…

user28: water is wet. Fork found in the kitchen. I’m sleeping on the highway!

user29: sleepover!!

oscarpiastri: You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me 🩷

mclaren: you won the race last week?

alicepublic: uhhh your point?

oscarpiastri: and? I said what I said!

mclaren: alrighty then! Well said!

charles_leclerc: happy anniversary my son and daughter in law!

alicepublic: not a daughter in law yet but thank you!

oscarpiastri: soon!

alicepublic: WHAT?!? 😳 🫢

logansargeant: 7 years of being a third wheel and they don’t even tag me…EVEN THOUGH I'M VERY BLATANTLY IN THIS PHOTO DUMP

alicepublic: chill out dude

oscarpiastri: thank you for being our favorite third wheel and for taking these wonderful photos

logansargeant: Oscar is my favorite

alicepublic: I’d be mad but same tbh

user30: it’s been years but yay! Dr Barbie’s priv account is finally open

user31: oh my god baby her and baby Oscar are so cute!

user30: I know!! I’ve been getting fomo going through her posts - like what do you mean I haven’t been growing up with them?

user32: yeah alicepublic can we get an explanation for that photo near the beginning of you on a bike and Oscar bleeding?

alicepublic: that was the first day we met! My bike broke (no brakes) and as I was trying to slow down I accidentally ran over Oscar!

oscarpiastri: best accident I’ve ever had!

user32: ok this is the cutest meet-cute! ♥️

landonorris: unfortunately you guys are cute…

alicepublic: what 🥺 🥺 …

oscarpiastri: what do you mean unfortunately?

landonorris: yeah — can’t have anyone cuter than me in the garage so you’re uninvited to mclaren

oscarpiastri: happily you can’t make those decisions (slides $5 to mclaren)

mclaren: don’t worry alicepublic ! Permanent paddock pass for you!

landonorris: WHAT? NO!

landonorris: IM STILL CATCHING STRAYS ON MY COMMENT THREADS

[supernovafics]

series masterlist | last part — next part

pairing: modern!college!steve harrington x fem!reader, bestfriend!eddie munson x fem!reader

word count: 4.4k words

warnings: explicit language, angst, mentions of reader’s strained relationship with her parents

summary: the first night in mexico with steve is not as weird as you thought it would be, but it’s hard to avoid thinking about everything that happened with eddie

CHAPTER TWELVE | ❝𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖❞

Fall Semester 2016

You figured that the first night was weird because the first night in a new place was usually always weird.

But then the next two nights were somehow worse. Alone in a room that you were slowly starting to wonder if it would ever feel like “home.”

You sat in your bed and stared up at the ceiling for what felt like hours, but when you looked at your phone, you saw that only twenty minutes had passed since the last time you’d checked it. An annoyed sigh left your lips as you closed your eyes again, willing sleep to come. 

Unsurprisingly, after another few minutes, it didn’t, and that made you grab your phone and call the one person that you wanted to talk to at that moment. 

When Eddie answered with a soft and tired “Hi,” you asked, “Hey, are you busy right now?”

“At one in the morning? Not really, no.” When you didn’t laugh at his joke, he became serious. “You okay?” 

“This is probably dumb and I already feel that way for asking this, but can you come over?”

“Yeah, of course,” He didn’t hesitate to answer and then things got quiet for a second before he asked again. “You okay?”

“I’ll explain when you get here,” You said, not wanting to go on what you felt like would be a neverending ramble about your current thoughts over the phone. “You can even take the bed if you want. I’ll sleep on the floor. Doesn’t matter to me.” 

“I’m not gonna kick you out of your bed,” You could practically hear him shaking his head at your offer. “I’ll be there in ten.”

He actually made it in five minutes and you were greeting him with a small smile and a promise to give him as many blankets as he needed to be comfortable on the floor when you opened your door. 

“So, what made you wanna do this impromptu sleepover?” Eddie asked once he was settled and you were back in your bed. You knew what the lighthearted question was really saying, What’s wrong? 

“I feel dumb because I should’ve known that this was gonna happen,” You said, starting your answer in the middle because you knew that he’d catch on immediately. “We both know how I am when things are too quiet. But, after my roommate situation last year, I thought this single dorm thing would be better. But, actually, it sucks. Now, I weirdly miss the nights where I had to fall asleep to the sound of her talking on the phone.”

“You’ll get used to this,” He said, but you weren’t entirely sure if that was possible. You did appreciate how encouraging he sounded, though. “Hey, do you want this old TV that my uncle’s been meaning to get rid of? It’s just sitting in my room back home collecting dust right now. You can leave it on all night and it’ll probably make it easier to sleep.”

“Shit, that makes so much sense,” You said. It was the easiest fix and you were now realizing that it probably should’ve hit you before.

“We can get it this weekend,” Eddie told you. “I’ll even give you the old VHS tapes I used to play on it all the time. Lots of horror movies.” 

You let out a quiet laugh. “I don’t know if falling asleep to Friday the 13th or Halloween every night is the greatest idea.” 

“Okay, yeah, makes sense. There are also some cartoons.”

You smiled then. “Now that sounds great. I get to find out what cartoons Eddie Munson loved as a kid.” 

He laughed. “It was a lot of things that were just weird knockoffs of Barney because that’s all my uncle would buy.” 

“That sounds very cute,” You said, still smiling. “Thank you, though. Seriously. And thank you for being here right now too.” 

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now.”

Not even with Chrissy? You wanted to ask that, but you didn’t because you had a feeling what his answer would be and you didn’t want to make things weird or awkward. 

So, instead, you said, “Thank you for ruining your back for me.” You shifted a bit, turning on your side toward him. “We can still switch if you want. I’m fine with taking the floor.”

“Not gonna happen,” He told you and you decided against once again trying to convince him otherwise.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。

Spring Semester 2018

There was a mourning period that came and went. And it didn’t even feel that overdramatic to call it that. 

Stupidly, you expected to wake up the day after the moment you had with Eddie at his apartment and be completely over him— because you now knew that he’d never see you as anything other than as his best friend. There was no point in having even a little bit of hope for something equivalent to “a fairytale ending,” so you expected every other part of you to understand that too. But, apparently, an almost three-year-long crush couldn’t end that easily.

A part of you felt like you were back to Freshman year— pretending that everything was fine and normal. When, in reality, nothing was fine, and instead your life now felt like you were stuck in a really bad movie or nightmare. 

You didn’t just feel hurt by the rejection— which technically wasn’t an outward rejection, but it felt just the same— you also felt embarrassed about everything you’d done over the past month. Even when days passed and the hurt faded into a wholehearted acceptance that still also felt a little sad, everything else stayed. 

Steve was the only person that you could possibly admit any of this to since he was a part of the whole fake dating thing. You could tell him that it all ended up being an entire waste of time for you. However, somehow the thought of telling him only made you feel even more embarrassed. 

He was so settled on the idea that this would work for you, and he continued doing things in hopes of making something happen over the last few days. It all felt so wrong now, but you simply pretended that it didn’t because you found it too hard to be honest.

You instead actively forced yourself to stop thinking about how everything had changed and how you were the only one who was aware of that fact. And it actually wasn’t the hardest thing to do. Except on the nights when it seemed as if there was nothing to do but think. 

It was usually easy to drown out your thoughts with the sounds of whatever was happening within your apartment, but the circumstances were different at this moment since you weren’t in your room or the apartment at all. Instead, you were in a different country in a random bed with Steve sleeping right next to you. 

You’d been exhausted after the flight and the hour drive to the fancy resort, but once you were actually settled in the huge bed that barely filled out the even bigger room, you couldn’t seem to sleep. Neither you nor Steve had been able to figure out the TV, you couldn’t even find the remote, but you figured that was fine because you thought you’d fall asleep easily. Clearly, you were wrong, though. And you now couldn’t stand to lay in the silence anymore.

You slowly pulled the blanket off of you and got out of your side of the bed— the left had been designated as yours and the right was Steve’s. The bed was also big enough that you had declined his earlier offer about putting a sort of pillow divider to make things more comfortable for you. In your head, sharing a bed with him probably wouldn’t end up being the weirdest part of this trip. 

You maneuvered pretty well in the dark. Finding your sneakers that sat by your already haphazardly picked through suitcase and slipping them on, and then grabbing your phone and room key off of the nightstand and slipping both into the small pocket of the pajama shorts you were wearing. 

It would’ve been easier if you just left without saying anything to Steve because you’d probably be back before he could even notice that you’d been gone. But, for some reason, it didn’t feel entirely right to do that.

“Hey,” You whispered as you stepped a little closer to him. “Steve?”

His eyes didn’t open as he shifted a bit and let out a soft, “Hmm?”

“I’ll, um, I’ll be right back.”

“Where you going?” He asked, words quiet and slightly mumbled. 

“I can’t really sleep, so I think I’m gonna check out that twenty-four-hour buffet for a bit. The one that they mentioned when we were checking in.”

“Okay,” He said, eyes opening and he rubbed them for a second before pushing a quick hand through his hair and getting out of the bed. 

You shook your head at his actions. “You don’t have to come.”

“I know,” He said but kept moving, standing up and going to grab his sneakers. 

“You really don’t have to come,” You told him. “I already feel bad about waking you up.” 

“It’s the middle of the night, and Robin told me that if anything bad happens to you during this trip, she’ll kill me.” 

Hearing that made you laugh, and it didn’t entirely surprise you. “When did she say that?”

“Yesterday, when we were all watching TV at your place,” He answered as he grabbed his phone and pocketed it in his sweatpants. “It reminded me a lot of the game night conversation.”

“It also felt like The Godfather to you?” You asked, pulling open the door as he walked over to you. Abruptly going from the darkness in the room to the harsh and bright lighting in the hallway made you squint. 

“Yeah, it did,” Steve told you and then rubbed his eyes again. “Jesus, it’s really bright out here.”

“Please go back to sleep. I’m sorry for waking you up.”

“Wow, good to know that you want me to get murdered by your friend,” He joked. 

You smiled. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I promise I’ll protect you.”

He kept walking with you, though— heading down the hallway toward the elevators— instead of turning around and going back to the room. You wondered if Robin hadn’t playfully threatened him (in your head, the only way you could imagine it was playful) would he still be this adamant about being with you right then. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。

“Did we really come here just so you could get cereal?”

“I told you not to come,” You said as you picked around the dry bowl of Cheerios. “Also, nothing would have happened to me if I was alone right now. Unless you think that that drunk couple would’ve kidnapped me or something if you weren’t here.”

You gestured in the direction of said couple that were the only other people at this buffet aside from a few workers; they were sitting barely twenty feet away from you and Steve and looked as if they were in their entirely own world as they shared a bowl of ice cream. 

Both you and Steve abruptly looked away when they started passionately making out with each other. 

You let out a quiet laugh. “Wow.” 

“Yeah, you’re right,” Steve started, grabbing a handful of cheerios from your bowl. “I don’t think kidnapping you would’ve been on either of their minds right now.”

You weren’t going to admit it, but you were actually glad that he stayed with you. Sitting at this random table with him in this near-empty room was a lot better than being alone with your thoughts. 

You suddenly wondered what time it was, but you also didn’t care enough to check your phone. “What time do we have to meet your parents in the morning?”

“They wanna get breakfast at eight,” He answered, and you nodded at that. “Apparently, they’re really excited to see you.”

You gave him a skeptical look. “Normally, I would think that’s a good thing, but is it in this case?”

Steve shrugged. “Yes and no. At this point, I think it’s just gonna be a lot more of interrogating you— them trying to see if you’re truly the “right person for me” and all that bullshit. Pretty much the same thing that happened at the dinner, but it’ll probably feel a little worse since we’re gonna be seeing them a lot for the next few days. But still, even if they didn’t like you, they wouldn’t tell me to break up with you or anything, they’re mainly just happy that I’m in something serious.”

You nodded again. “I know your parents can be super intense and overbearing, but in some weird way, I think it’s actually kinda nice that they, at least, care, I guess, about your “love life.” I sometimes wish mine did.”

Steve shook his head. “Yeah, but mine don’t actually care, though. They’re only so focused on my love life because they care about themselves and their image.”

Maybe that should’ve been obvious to you. Because hearing him say that, and when you thought about all of the other things that he had told you before about his parents, it made a lot of sense. “Okay, I fully take back my previous statement.” 

“What’s up with your parents, though? You never really talk about them,” Steve said. “How do they feel about you going on vacation with a guy you just met?”

You shrugged halfheartedly. “I don’t know how they feel about it because I kinda forgot to tell them. Well, not kinda, I did. I did forget to tell them about this.”

It had been the farthest thing from your mind. And deep down, you could even admit that you purposely pushed away the thought of telling them because you knew that they probably wouldn’t have cared that much about it, anyway. 

“Oh,” Steve said, and then things became quiet. You wondered how insane you probably sounded to him right then, or how fucked he must’ve thought your relationships with your parents were if you didn’t tell them about this. “Okay, so if I don’t end up getting murdered by Robin after this trip, it’ll definitely be your dad then.”

You were immediately grateful for his lighthearted comment. You could feel yourself inwardly sighing in relief. The tenseness— that was probably only firmly planted on your side of things— quickly washed away. “That would never happen, but if it did, I’ll once again protect you.”

“Thank you, that’s all I ask,” He joked, smiling at you.  

You were abruptly reaching over the table to fix his hair, there was a part of it that was sticking out weirdly— it was the bedhead, you figured. “Sorry, that was kinda bothering me. Anyway, this is very random and a complete one-eighty from what we were just talking about, but do you ever think about how different some things in your life would be, maybe even how better they would be, if certain things had ended up working out, or if they had ended up happening?” 

Maybe it was the slight sleep deprivation that made you ask that question— that felt like it was the only thing that could correctly explain the abruptness of it. A similar version of that slightly confusing question had also been the exact thing that you’d been wondering about barely thirty minutes ago before you refused to continue to sit in silence and in your thoughts about Eddie.

You were pretty certain what your answer to it was— a resounding yes; you thought about “what-ifs” a lot, probably too much.

A part of you expected Steve to ask why you were asking that question, but he didn’t. “In what way do you mean?” He asked instead.

“Romantically,” You didn’t hesitate to answer, and then you shook your head at yourself when you realized what you were saying. “Actually, that’s probably so dumb of me to ask you since you don’t care about relationships and all of that.” 

“I do think about it,” He told you. “Old relationships and stuff. What went wrong, what could’ve gone better…” He trailed off, letting out an awkward laugh and breaking your gaze. “Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry, this is probably way too much for a middle-of-the-night conversation,” You said and realized just how true that was. You now wished that you had brought up some random lighthearted question about a movie or something.

“No, it’s fine. I’ve just never really talked about this before,” Steve said, and you were about to tell him that he didn’t have to talk about it now if he didn’t want to, but he continued before you could say anything. “Um, I think saying old relationships is a stretch, actually. I’ve mainly just thought a lot about the last one, I guess.”

The high school relationship that he had mentioned to you on Valentine’s Day, you remembered. It was the last serious one he’d been in. You wondered what it had been like, how equal parts amazing and devastating it must’ve been if it turned him off of relationships completely for the foreseeable future. 

“This question is probably so stupid, so please feel free to tell me exactly that, but do you ever miss her?” 

“Sometimes, sure, yeah. But, it never really happens that much anymore. And whenever I feel like I miss her now, I think it’s more of me just missing what we used to be instead of me really missing her specifically. Does that make sense?” He looked up at you then and you nodded. You honestly felt as if you understood him completely— missing the picture itself but not necessarily who was in it. 

It was that analogy that somehow made you realize something that you maybe should’ve realized earlier. Specifically, during the moment also on Valentine’s Day when you asked him why he didn’t do relationships and he pretty much said that he didn’t want to get his heart broken again. He was scared of it now, of love and relationships. It wasn’t just about it being easier not being in relationships and not falling for someone, it was about it being a scary fucking thing to do again. 

It honestly made a lot of sense. So much sense that you really didn’t understand why it didn’t hit you sooner. 

You didn’t say this to him, though, because it didn’t feel right to, and a part of you also really hoped that you were entirely wrong about it. Because this would shift everything that you thought you knew and understood about him. 

It would be a thousand times easier if you solely took everything that he previously said to you at face value. If your understanding of him and who he was and what he wanted was as simple as what he had told you that night outside the arcade and what he’d been telling you this entire past month. He didn’t want to get involved in anything serious for simply that exact reason— he didn’t want to.

You had only nodded in response to his “Does that make sense?” question and you knew that you probably should’ve said actual words, but you couldn’t think of what exactly to say right then. And then Steve was speaking again before you could figure something out.

“And I guess that’s when I kinda think about that question you asked— wondering about how different things would be if it all had actually worked out,” He said. You’d completely forgotten that that question had even started this conversation. “But, it’s kinda hopeless and dumb to think about it, though, right? Because the outcome can never change, so what’s the point of even wondering about it?” 

“Yeah, exactly,” You said softly, abruptly thinking about Eddie again. “What’s the point…” 

Steve looked at you for a second before giving you a small smile. “Why was that question on your mind at,” He pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the time. “One-thirteen in the morning?”

You suddenly felt really close to telling him what happened at Eddie’s place days ago, and the conclusion that you had come to about everything; the timing honestly felt pretty perfect. But, you still couldn’t do it.

It wasn’t about you feeling sad about the entire thing, it was about feeling stupid. And you honestly didn’t even think that Steve would judge you or think that you were stupid— he’d probably feel bad for you, you realized, which somehow felt a thousand times worse. 

“I don’t know… I’m always getting randomly existential in the middle of the night, I think,” You answered, and then immediately shifted the subject. “Hey, what’s the name of your cousin who’s getting married?” 

“Charlotte.”

“Okay, got it,” You nodded. “I felt like that was information I should probably know.” 

“And her fiance’s name is Charlie.”

A part of you wanted to laugh, but you held it back. “Woah.”

Steve nodded, also recognizing how slightly ridiculous that was. “Yeah. Once again, I’m sorry that I’m putting you through this whole thing.” 

You gave him a playful smile. “As long as you protect me from any weird family members, like I’m protecting you from Robin, I’ll be fine.” 

You remembered then that this fake dating thing wasn’t at all about you anymore, it was about him. And you quickly decided that you’d make sure to play the “happy and in love” girlfriend part really well— just like he had for you this past month— so that he could get what he needed out of this. Because, at this point, that was all that really mattered. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。

You gave Steve’s hand a quick squeeze. “Kiss me.”

“What?” 

“Your parents are looking over here. Just do like a quick peck thing,” You said, looking up at him. 

He didn’t question you further and instead closed the small bit of distance between you two and pressed his lips against yours. You weren’t sure if you expected it to feel weird or unnatural, but it didn’t. Actually, it happened so quickly that it really didn’t feel like anything at all.

When he pulled away, you gave him the sweetest smile that you hoped didn’t seem too exaggerated or fake, as you two continued walking toward his parents and a handful of his other family members. 

That would probably be the easiest part of the next few hours. Before you were forced to embark on a hike that you weren’t at all excited for, but Steve couldn’t get you two out of. It was during breakfast when his mom mentioned it and she was so adamant about making you and Steve come along too. 

“It’s gonna be fun. According to the tour guide, we’re going to get to see the prettiest view of a waterfall,” Anne had said and you finally nodded and agreed to go because you knew that she wasn’t going to take Steve’s attempts to say no as an answer.   

Now it was two hours after that forced yes and you were in an outfit that didn’t feel entirely great for a hike— denim shorts and a black tank top— but it was the best that you could do; you hadn’t prepared “hiking outfits,” or any sort of workout attire for that matter. And walking over to Steve’s parents and other family members, which he quickly whispered to you were a few of his cousins and aunt and uncle, and seeing them look a lot more prepared than you were, didn’t do much to ease your sudden out-of-place feelings. 

“We still have a few minutes before we have to leave, come to the gift shop with me,” Anne said to you before either you or Steve could say any sort of greeting to her and his dad.  

You gave her a small smile and let your hand drop from Steve’s. “Okay.” 

You met his eyes for the briefest second and he gave you an encouraging look, and then you were following his mom to the gift shop that was right next to the lobby. 

“How’s everything going?” Anne asked you as she started looking around the small shop, stopping at a shelf of ceramic mugs.

The question felt weirdly vague, but you still answered it as if you weren’t slightly confused. “It’s been good. Thank you again for everything. You really didn’t have to invite me to this whole thing.”

“Yes, of course, no problem. Tom and I are happy you’re here,” She smiled at you. “And we can tell that Steve is too.”

Inwardly, you waited for the shoe to drop. For her to suddenly come out and say that she and Tom actually hated you because you weren’t from “their world” and you hadn’t been handpicked by them. 

However, with what Steve reminded you about last night, you remembered that it wasn’t about that. It wasn’t about them liking or not liking you as a person, it was about them being happy that Steve was simply in a “serious relationship.” And all you and him had to do was show that.

“I’m glad that you guys approve of our relationship,” You said, looking away from the bracelet in your hand that cost way too much and made you realize that this gift shop was way too fancy. You met Anne’s eyes. “Steve was worried about that. It was why he waited so many months before telling you guys about us.”

“Well, it’s probably obvious that you’re not exactly who we would’ve chosen for him. We always wanted him to be with a certain type of girl from a specific kind of family, you know?” You nodded at her words because it felt like that was all there was to do. “But, maybe this is better for him; at least, for now. And it’s so easy to see that you make him happy— probably more than Nancy ever did all those years ago— so that’s great.” 

Nancy. Finally knowing her name made her feel more real to you. You still knew absolutely nothing about her, though, aside from the fact that she and Steve had been happy and in love at one point in time.  

You weren’t entirely sure how to respond to Anne’s words that felt like the kind of compliment that was actually more of an insult. It was almost funny because there it finally was, somewhat of a shoedrop. She really didn’t like you. 

But, clearly, the show you and Steve were putting on was working, and you were inwardly sighing in relief at that realization because that was all that mattered. Ultimately, you decided to simply smile at her. “Thank you. He makes me really happy too.” 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。

next part!

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[sleepoutro]

tomorrow it will have been 114 days since the last mcr show which is one day longer than the break between mexico and aotearoa so it’ll officially be the longest time no mcr since the return tour began cheers everyone

[hungermakesmonsters]

Catch Me If You Can

Chapter Twenty-Three

Plot summary : When your friend interviews for a position at Anvil, you have a chance encounter with Billy Russo. He takes you for coffee and, by the time you’re done, Billy decides he’s anything but done with you.

Pairing : Billy Russo x Reader

Story Rating : R 

Chapter Rating : R - the usual

Warnings : [This is a fic for 18+ only, minors DNI] The usual smuttiness and some very vague violence. Please check the warnings on each chapter if you choose to follow this story. 

Word Count : ~5.1k

A/N : Reader has a theory about why Billy followed her to Mexico...

CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE | CHAPTER FOUR | CHAPTER FIVE | CHAPTER SIX | CHAPTER SEVEN | CHAPTER EIGHT | CHAPTER NINE | CHAPTER TEN | CHAPTER ELEVEN | CHAPTER TWELVE | CHAPTER THIRTEEN | CHAPTER FOURTEEN | CHAPTER FIFTEEN | CHAPTER SIXTEEN | CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | CHAPTER EIGHTEEN | CHAPTER NINETEEN | CHAPTER TWENTY | CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE | CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Chapter Twenty-Three

After Billy’s arrival in Mexico, things took a strange turn and, for the longest time, you couldn’t say why. Once he’d made his apology to you on the balcony, you decided to go shower and give him some time to apologise to Karen for crashing your vacation. Billy was reluctant to leave you alone, presumably because he wanted to shower with you, so you had to all but force him out of your room, telling him that you’d meet him and Karen later, once he’d sorted everything out with her. 

When you were finally alone, you took a long shower, thinking over everything that had happened. And, the more you thought, the worse you felt about everything. 

Of course you were happy to see him - you didn’t think there would ever be a time when you wouldn’t be happy to see Billy - but there was something about him being there that just didn’t sit right with you. You felt like you should have pushed him for more, that you shouldn’t have just accepted his apology the way that you did.

Did he not trust you? Did he think you were going to fall into bed with someone else? Or did he think that being away from him would help you notice all the issues in your relationship, all of his issues? 

Ultimately, you weren’t sure. It didn’t make sense.

He’d put it down to impulse control issues - you should have called him on that, he knew that you hated him hiding behind that - and this definitely wasn’t that. This was planned; he’d booked a flight and a hotel room, he’d driven himself to the airport and gone through security and gotten on a plane. It wasn’t some spur of the moment lapse in judgement. 

The more you thought about it, the more convoluted everything became. Maybe he really was just there because he missed you and because he was worried. Maybe it was just that simple and innocent. But, as you’d told him, you felt smothered. And, now, it was making you feel out of control in a way you hadn’t felt since Scott.

You took your time getting ready to meet Billy and Karen, giving one word answers to texts, agreeing to meet them at seven for food and, even then, you were five minutes late.

They were already waiting for you and, from the looks of it, had been there for a while, with half-finished drinks in front of them. Karen smiled at you and Billy fell silent as you approached and took a seat.

“You’re happier than I was expecting you to be about all this,” you looked at Karen, trying to figure out why she was so accepting of Billy’s presence on your girls only vacation.

“Well, the way I see it, if he’s here,” she nodded towards Billy with a smirk, “he’s not pissing Frank off and it’ll give Frank some time to consider his priorities.”

“You know, you could just ask Frank to move in with you, right?”

“Wait-wait-wait,” Billy shook his head in disbelief, “you actually want to live with Frank? Why?” You slapped his arm and earned yourself one of those trademark Billy Russo smirks, as if he was so proud of his little joke. “Oh, this is perfect. Please, let me be the one to tell him?”

“Why would I do that?” Karen asked, obviously about as impressed with Billy as you were.

“Because he’s been on my ass for months about settling down, and turnabout is fair play?” Billy answered. 

“He’s been on your ass because you spent years fucking every woman in New York and, now that you’ve finally found one that’s willing to put up with you, Frank doesn’t want you to screw it up.” Karen answered back.

“I don’t know if I’d say I put up with him,” you tried your best to sound serious, barely biting back a smirk, and earning yourself a nudge beneath the table from Billy’s foot. You gave him a fond sort of smile and Karen gave a snort.

“Okay, if you two are going to start getting all lovey-dovey, I’m going to need a lot more to drink...” she joked, making a point of turning her attention to the menu while your gaze lingered on Billy.

It was always so easy to forget all your doubts and worries whenever he smiled at you like you were the only other person in the world but, now, you couldn’t help but wonder if it was a deliberate action on his part to make you simply accept the fact that he was there. A suspicion that only seemed to grow when he pulled his phone from his pocket and he tried to suppress a frown, a look that you’d seen on his face several times while he and Frank had been looking for the security threat that had turned out to be the private investigator sent by your ex.

He was trying to hide something.

“What’s wrong?” You dared to ask, your imagination already starting to go to some pretty dark places.

“Nothing. It’s fine,” Billy answered, forcing a smile, his eyes flickering to Karen for a split-second. 

“Frank giving you a hard time?” Karen offered.

“Yeah,” Billy shrugged, like it was nothing.

You dropped your eyes to the menu, trying to decide if you were being paranoid or if there was something going on, something that they were trying to keep from you. It didn’t feel like paranoia but, for the life of you, you couldn’t even begin to guess what sort of thing the pair of them might be trying to keep from you. Except -

No. No. 

You felt ridiculous the moment the thought popped into your mind; Billy hadn’t followed you to Mexico to propose. That would be insane.

But, it would explain all the secrecy and weirdness.

Fuck. What would you even say if he did propose? You hadn’t even known him for half a year - you couldn’t marry a man you barely knew. But, you loved him and the thought of spending the rest of your life without him was unbearable. And you already knew that Billy wouldn’t take a rejection well - if you told him no it would probably end your relationship.

Once the thought was in your head, it was hard to shake it. So much so that you spent the rest of the evening thinking about it, equal parts excited and terrified even though you had no real evidence that that was why Billy was there. You tried your best to keep up with the conversation, but you were distracted, stuck on that one little idea.

After eating, the three of you headed to a little bar that overlooked the ocean but, still, your mind was elsewhere.

“This place is nice,” Billy said, letting his gaze wander out over the water before his attention turned back to you. “Maybe we could stay a little longer? Make a real vacation of it?”

“You know I can’t,” you told him, looking to Karen for support who was, conveniently busy looking at her phone. “I’ve got to sign my contract with The Bulletin and I need to finish packing up the apartment so I can move in.”

“I’m sure they could email you the contract over, and I could hire movers for you?”

“We can go on a proper vacation some other time, I can’t just drop everything and -” 

“Karen, you’re on my side, right? Don’t you think she needs a real vacation?” He looked at Karen and, for a moment, she seemed a little uncomfortable being dragged into your argument but then she shrugged and looked your way.

“You have had a pretty stressful couple of months,” was all she dared to offer, but it was more than enough to cement in your mind that there was something strange going on.

“Exactly,” Billy agreed.

Not wanting to argue in front of Karen, you let the conversation drop with little more than a shrug and muttered promise to consider it. You had another drink before deciding that you were tired and were calling it a night. Billy took that as his cue to finish his drink and, after the pair of you walked Karen back to her room, he led you to the suite he’d booked for himself.

The second the door was shut and you were alone, Billy had you in his arms, kissing you with an eagerness that never seemed to fade. Your arms instinctively wrapped around his shoulders, holding him tight.

“You okay? You seemed a little quiet tonight,” he asked softly when the kiss finally broke, brushing a stray strand of hair away from your face and tucking it behind your ear.

“I’m just tired,” you didn’t like lying to him but you weren’t sure what else to tell him, and you hated yourself even more when he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead.

“Do you want to go sleep?” He asked you so tenderly that it made your heart ache, looking at you like you were the most precious thing in the world to him. “We can just curl up in bed and -”

You cut him off, your fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of his neck, and pulling his lips back to yours. As confused as you were by everything that was going on, it didn’t change how you felt about him, especially not in sweet and tender moments like that one. And it definitely didn’t change how much you wanted him. 

The kiss was all the sign Billy needed and, as you kissed, he awkwardly started to lead you through the suite and towards the massive bed while his deft fingers unzipped your dress and slid it down your body. Meanwhile, your own fingers clumsily helped rid him of his shirt.

A laugh slipped between your lips when he suddenly lifted you and practically threw you onto the bed in nothing but your underwear. You bit your lip, watching as his pants dropped and he crawled onto the bed, smiling that big stupid smirk that got you every single time. Moments like this were what you loved the most about being with him; his desperation gave away how much he wanted you, while his playfulness reminded you how no one else got to see this side of him.

Billy Russo was yours. Just yours.

(And, honestly, if he’d asked you to marry him at that moment, you would have agreed without hesitation.)

His lips pressed to your cheek as he climbed on top of you, kissing one side of your face, then the other. Then he kissed the tip of your nose, drawing a soft laugh from you, and his eyes seemed to darken at the sound. Finally, he kissed you again, parting your lips with one stroke of his tongue. It was a slow, teasing kiss, the kind that left you breathless and craving more, craving everything. 

Everything moved at Billy’s pace, even when your fingers started to press into his back, urging him on. He lingered against your lips like he was trying to commit every little detail to memory before moving on. His lips followed your jaw neck before slowly moving down the column of your throat, kissing and licking before scraping his teeth along your skin causing you to squirm beneath him.

Down, down, down, he went, and you knew exactly where this was heading. He always made such an event of going down on you, as if he enjoyed it just as much as you. Kisses trailed down over your collarbone to your chest where, following a few awkward movements and a little more laughter from you, Billy removed your bra. Again, he took his time, enjoying running his lips and tongue over your breasts, teasing your nipples, causing them to pebble. His eyes flickered up to see yours as he started to suck on one of the hardened peaks and you heard a low groan from the back of his throat, a sound that seemed to resonate between your thighs.

Then he moved again, his kisses following the faint scar that ran down your stomach, his fingers hooking on your panties. He gave you another look as he trailed his tongue around your navel, making you squirm again, getting more and more desperate for him with every passing second.

Without warning, he tore your panties from your  body.

“Billy,” you whined, barely holding back a laugh, “you need to stop destroying all my panties.”

“Maybe you should just stop wearing them,” he smirked.

Your lips parted, ready to offer some withering retort but, before you could get the words out, his hand slipped between your thighs and he finally touched you. Instead of words, a soft sigh left your lips.

His touch was featherlight, the tip of his finger running through your folds and finding you desperately wet for him. Billy looked at you again, watching your every reaction as his finger slowly teased you, coating it in your slickness before, just as softly, pressing it to your clit.

“Billy -” you said his name like a plea, like you were begging, praying for him to do more, “- please...”

The way he licked his lips caused you to tremble, your whole body seeming to heat up just from that one little gesture. And, while you were distracted by his mouth, he took the opportunity to slide his finger into your eager pussy. A moan slipped out, your eyes still stuck on his, watching as he finally lowered his head between your thighs.

By the time you felt his tongue against you, you were so sensitive that you couldn’t hold back another, louder moan. Fingers slipped through his hair, urging him closer, wanting him to devour you. But still, he moved slowly and purposefully, knowing exactly what he was doing to you.

A second finger joined the first, offering you some slight relief, but it was nowhere near enough. He was driving you crazy, completely insane. His tongue circled and lapped against your clit in time with the slow thrust of his fingers between your trembling walls, as you pulled his hair and tried to grind yourself against him.

“Billy...” you finally broke, your voice an awkward whimper.

He lifted his head and your breath caught at the sight of his lips, glistening with your arousal. For a moment he waited expectantly, his fingers still keeping their slow pace.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” He asked as innocently as he could while holding back a smirk.

“Stop teasing me,” you begged.

“But it’s so much fun,” he answered back, causing your toes to curl. Reaching behind you, you grabbed a pillow and swung it at him, catching him on the side of the head and earning a laugh from him that had you grinning. God, you loved him so much. “Alright, fine... always so needy for me...”

He grumbled and pretended to complain for a second before lowering his head and pressing his mouth to your again, his touches and movements quickly becoming more pronounced, so much so that you weren’t sure how long you’d even last. Your hips lifted off the bed and your fingers fisted his hair tighter the closer you got to falling apart. Every breath you took was punctuated with a moan, with his name. Until, finally, you came on his fingers, against his greedy tongue, your thighs trembling and tightening around his head.

Once he was sure you were completely finished, Billy lifted his head and slowly slipped his fingers from your body, the grin on his lips telling you that he was proud of himself. For a moment you found yourself just staring at him, at his smug smile, before dropping your head back on the pillows and starting to laugh.

That seemed to be Billy’s cue to move back up the bed, laying himself beside you.

“What’s so funny?” He asked.

“Nothing,” you told him, gently cupping his cheek and running your thumb over his lips, “I just love seeing you happy like that.”

“You make me happy,” he told you, making it seem like some secret confession, some dangerous piece of information. 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah, of course you do,” his lips kissed your thumb and, again, you found yourself thinking that thought, wondering why he was really in Mexico. After this little moment, a marriage proposal didn’t seem quite so crazy anymore.

“Bet I can make you happier,” you muttered softly, urging him onto his back as you crawled on top of him.

You slipped his boxers down enough so that you could sit with his erection between your thighs, lightly running your hand up and down it, and watching his reaction. You’d never get tired of watching his gaze fill with that barely contained wanting or the way his lips would part as his breath got shorter.

“Now who’s being a tease?” He finally broke, his hands on your legs, lightly squeezing your thighs.

“Now who’s being needy?” You retorted.

Billy didn’t respond, save for a huffed laugh, but it was more than enough to make you move. You held his cock steady as you lifted your hips, your gaze catching his, watching as his eyes slowly dropped down your body to watch as you sank down onto him. Your breath caught and you moved as slowly as you could, enjoying the feeling of every last inch of him inside you.

Once you’d taken him all, you rolled your hips softly and managed to draw a desperate groan from Billy, and you decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. Your movements were slow and delicate as you took his hands and placed them on your breasts, intent on teasing him until he broke and begged for mercy, just like you had.

Minutes passed, and you could tell just from looking at him that he was barely holding himself back, that he wanted more than the slow rise and fall of your body atop of him.

Your back arched and a shiver ran down your spine when his hands slid down your body, from your breasts to your hips. His fingers gripped you and, for a moment, you let him help guide your movements, setting a faster pace. You let him take what he wanted, let him take control. Until you realised that he was doing it, until you realised that he was taking what he wanted rather than begging for it like you’d had to.

Smirking down at him, you took hold of his wrists and pinned them above his head before returning to your slower, more teasing pace. 

Leaning down, you ghosted your lips over his, pulling back when he lifted his head to try and kiss you. He pulled against your hold on him, and you pressed harder against his wrists in response, trying to keep him restrained. You leaned again, doing the same, earning a frustrated grunt from Billy when you denied him what he wanted. He struggled again, this time with a little more force, forcing you to use all of your weight to keep hold of him.

And, that’s when you heard it; that sharp little gasp, that almost panicked sound.

There was a flicker of something on his face, something that matched the awkward breath, something uncomfortable and anxious, something that almost looked scared.

You let go of his wrists instantly and Billy took the opportunity to roll you and place himself on top and in control of the situation. Looking up at him, you wanted to say something, wanted to ask if he was okay but, before you could find the words, he was kissing you and driving his hips into yours, taking what he needed from you.

Neither of you lasted more than a couple of minutes. You came first and Billy followed after, leaving you body panting and sweat-slicked. He buried his face against your neck, panting for breath while you could still feel him throbbing inside you. Your fingers ran through his damp hair, your mind still racing over that moment, that one small instance of panic that you’d managed to cause.

“You okay?” You finally managed to mutter, your words little more than a whisper in his ear.

For less than a split-second he tensed, then rolled away from you. “I need a shower. Wanna join me?”

“No, Billy, I -”

“Alright then,” and, with that, he stood and made his way to the bathroom, leaving the door open in case you decided to change your mind.

You didn’t change your mind. In fact, for the first thirty seconds, you were content to just lay in bed, thinking about sleep. But that thought was still in your head, and you had to know for certain. So, as quietly as you could, you got up and started to look through his things, trying to find something that might tell you why he was in Mexico. (Trying to find an engagement ring.)

Over the sound of the air con, you didn’t notice that the shower had stopped. And you didn’t notice Billy standing there until he spoke, catching you rummaging through his suitcase.

“What are you doing?” He asked from the bathroom doorway, a towel around his waist, chest and arms still dripping.

“I was -” you paused awkwardly, feeling your cheeks start to warm, “- looking for something to sleep in.”

“You’re a terrible liar,” he stepped towards you, pointing out a tee shirt that had been left on the nightstand of your side of the bed. Thankfully, he didn't sound angry, just confused. “What were you really looking for?”

“It’s stupid,” you sighed. “I was being stupid.”

“Tell me,” he stopped just out of arm's reach, taking in the sight of you, of your embarrassment.

“I was looking for an engagement ring,” your gaze dropped and you felt like such an idiot.

“An engagement ring?” Billy repeated. “Why would you think -” he cut himself off with a shake of his head. “Is that what you want from me?”

Was it? No. Well, maybe yes but - fuck, you hadn’t even known him a year, you weren’t even living together yet. 

“No, that’s not - I just want to know what’s going on. I don’t know what’s going on with you,” frustration filled your voice. “First you show up here, and then -”

“I told you already, I came to Mexico because I was missing you. There’s nothing going on with me.” He interrupted. 

“Then what was that in bed?” you dared to ask, even though something told you that you shouldn’t.

“What was what?” And you could tell he knew exactly what you were talking about.

“You looked like you were about to have a panic attack in the middle of sex, Billy.” You put it as bluntly as you could, knowing that it would do neither of you any good if you dragged things out.

“That’s not what that was and that’s not what we’re talking about right now.”

“You never want to talk about it.”

“Because there’s nothing to talk about,” his arms folded across his chest.

“You still don’t trust me, do you?” You asked, hating to make it about yourself, but the realisation hurt too much to keep it to yourself.

“It’s not that. Sweetheart, I trust you, it’s just...” he couldn’t seem to find the words. You gave him a moment, gave him a second to think, to breathe. “It’s complicated. It doesn’t matter.”

“I can handle complicated, Billy. My life isn’t exactly simple, is it?”

“I don’t want to be a burden,” and the words hit you like a slap, the implication clear as day.

“Is that what I am to you? A burden?” 

His eyes found yours the moment the question left your lips, his head shaking. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what, Billy? I just want to understand,” you practically pleaded with him. “I love you and it kills me to see you like that - it kills me to know that I’m the one causing it.”

“No, sweetheart, no,” he cleared the distance between you in a heartbeat, pulling you into his arms and pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “It’s not you. I promise it’s not you. I’m just - I’m still figuring out how to be who you need me to be.”

You pulled back a little, needing to look at him, confusion written all over your face. “I don’t need you to be anything, Billy. I just want you to be you, why is that so hard for you to understand?”

“You don’t even know what you need,” he answered back.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“You were just searching through my things looking for an engagement ring.”

Your cheeks started to heat again and you felt like an idiot. He was right - at least, you could understand how you might have made him feel. But that wasn’t the point. He kept hiding things from you. There was something going on and you knew it, but he still wouldn’t tell you what. And what had happened in bed just added to your confusion.

Your lack of response had Billy sighing, sitting on the edge of the bed and running a hand over his face. He looked exhausted, and that was something else you blamed yourself for.

“Can we talk about this in the morning?” He offered and it seemed like the sensible thing to do.

You were both clearly tired and nerves were frayed, continuing the conversation now would only result in someone saying something that they didn’t mean and you didn’t want that.

“Okay,” you relented but, instead of moving towards the bed, you made your way to where your dress had been discarded and started to pull it back on.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“I’m going to go back to my room -”

“Why?”

“I just need some space, Billy,” you explained, turning back to him once you were, mostly, dressed again.

“So you’re walking out on me?” He didn’t move from the bed but the look on his face made your chest ache.

“No, that’s not what this is,” you cleared the distance between you and placed a hand on his cheek. “I just need some time to think about some things and - and I think you do too.”

“I don’t need to think about anything. I know what I want,” he told you, his hand covering your own and holding it against his cheek.

“Then you need to think about why you’re here and why you won’t explain it to me,” trying to keep the frustration from your voice. “I know you missed me but this isn’t that, Billy. You’ve survived a few days without me before.”

“It’s not important, it’s -”

“It’s important to me, Billy, and maybe you need to think about that too.” Before he could respond, your hand moved to cover his lips and you pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I’m not walking out, I’m not leaving you, but I do need some time alone. But I will come back to you. I’ll always come back because I love you, okay?”

The hesitation was noticeable before he finally nodded and you pulled your hand away from his lips.

“You look exhausted, Billy. Get some sleep.” Then you turned and started towards the door before he could think to try and stop you.

You heard a muttered goodnight from him as you closed the door behind you. A thousand different emotions waged war inside you and, by the time you reached your own room, you didn’t know what you were feeling anymore; embarrassment, frustration, anger, sadness. Billy had managed to make you feel almost everything all at once.

There was no chance of sleep that night, not when all you could do was think about everything that had happened and the fact that you still didn’t understand why he’d needed to follow you to Mexico. Eventually, you mind settled on something that you’d said to him - you needed space.

That was what this vacation was supposed to be in the first place; space, some distance from Billy so you could think. But, since you couldn’t have that space here in Mexico, you decided that you might as well try to find it back in New York. 

You checked the flight times and arranged a taxi to the airport, trading in your ticket for an earlier flight. But, you knew you couldn’t just leave without saying anything, so you wrote Billy a note and asked a maid to slide it under his door a couple of hours later.

Billy,I’m going back to New York. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you first, but I need some space. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get home and I’ll be ready to move in with you. I’m not leaving you, I just need a little bit of time on my own. I love you so much, please don’t worry about me. Tell Karen I said sorry.

You turned off your phone and, before you knew it, you were on a flight back to New York. Of course, you knew he was going to be pissed but you needed him to understand that you felt smothered, like you had no space - you needed him to understand that before you moved in together.

The flight was uneventful and you even managed to sleep for a few hours, and the taxi ride home was quick. You didn’t think to turn your phone back on until you were back in yours and Tammy’s apartment, ready to crawl into bed for a few more hours of sleep before getting up and making a start on the packing. There were dozens of missed calls waiting for you, along with texts and voicemails, all seeming increasingly frantic.

With a sigh, you hit play on the first voicemail.

“Don’t go back to New York,” Billy’s voice sounded panicked, worried even, “I’m sorry, I’ll tell you everything. Please, just come back to the hotel.”

The next was from Karen and it was much of the same, confirming your suspicions that she knew why Billy was really in Mexico.

As the next message started to play, there was a knock on the door. Given the early hour, you assumed it would be a delivery for Tammy, so you headed towards the door as the next message started to play.

“Sweetheart, please, you can’t go back to New York, it’s not safe,” but the warning came far too late.

You pulled the door open and, before you could think to even gasp in shock, a gunshot rang out.

Everything went black.

Chapter Twenty-Four

END NOTES :  ... sorry. I know... I know... i hate the 'everything went black' ending too. But yeah... I don't even know, I just hope you're all enjoying the drama. Anyway, thanks for stopping by and reading, I appreciate you all so much!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

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[thebestofoneshots]

Gilded Constellations | wolfstar x reader

Series Masterlist | Previous episode

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 2.7 K Warnings: none Prompt: You meet Sirius and Regulus at a family vacation in the Caribbean, but things don't go as planned and you end up losing contact once the trip is over. Years later your family moves to England and you get accepted at Hogwarts where you finally meet Sirius once again, along with all of his friends. One of them with a mysterious secret, that you'll uncover as you embark on your own Hogwarts adventure. Proofread by lovely @shysadsonie and @callmelovergirl

Chapter 2: Escape

Tuesday - Summer 1974 

You woke up at 6:00 AM and started packing all the necessary stuff in your backpack, Reg and you’d found a way to enchant it for endless space, and you’d added anything and everything that might be useful inside of it. 

And so the adventure started. You met Sirius in the Lobby. “Regulus stayed inside,” he told you “In case anything happens he’ll tell our parents we went on a morning race on the brooms.” 

“And who’ll be the winner?” You wondered. 

“Well me, obviously,” he said “I’m on the quidditch team.” 

“I’m one of the fastest riders in my school though ,” you boasted. 

“Guess we’ll have to make an actual race another time to find out.” He said and you nodded, accepting the challenge. “Come on, we have to get on the bus,” he stated, pulling you towards the stop. 

Once the two of you sat comfortably near the end of the bus you turned to him “You brought a change of clothes, right?” You asked. 

“Why? I look dashing,” he responded, motioning towards his outfit. 

You laughed “I’m not saying you don’t, Sirius… but, you look perfect for a night out in London, this is Mexico, you’ll literally melt in that jacket.”

“Why?”

“It’ll be like 32º degrees by 11 am,” you said motioning towards the news. 

“Is that even possible?” He asked worried, which only had you laughing further.

“We’ll buy something for you before we go to the park,” you said as the bus started moving.  

After around 25 minutes the bus dropped you off in the city, it looked like a tourist area since there were many shops on both sides of the street. 

“We still have some time before the park opens,” said Sirius after checking his watch. 

“Let’s get you something more appropriate then,” you replied, “that shop seems interesting.” 

The two of you walked towards a small boutique, there were rows of clothes on both sides, neatly hung, all of them were beach appropriate, even some swimsuits here and there. You grabbed a pair of white beach shorts and a flowered Hawaiian shirt and handed them over to Sirius “Try this on,” you said. He looked at you, questioning “You have to blend in, I mean the rockstar look works on you but we’re in Cancun, not in New York.”

“Rockstar look?” He asked as he grabbed the hangers from you and headed towards the changing rooms. 

“You know, the whole leather jacket ripped jeans, if I didn’t know you have the thickest eyelashes I’ve ever seen on a boy I’d swear you were wearing man-liner too.” 

“So you were looking at my eyelashes then?” He responded in a flirtatious tone, from inside the changing room. 

“Don’t flatter yourself, I first noticed them on your dad.”

“How dare you imply we’re related,” he joked, half offended. 

“My bad,” you said, “at least you don’t have the whole murder stare he’s got going on.”

“I don’t?” He quipped. 

“You’re literally all smiles, Sirius, you laugh every couple of minutes at some stupid joke you make yourself.” By then he opened the curtain and as soon as you saw him you burst into a laugh, he looked silly in those clothes. 

“Bad idea then?” He said raising his eyebrows

“No, no, you look… handsome,” you said with a diverted smile, “that shirt is, maybe a bit too much?” You said before going towards the hangers to look for something better, you grabbed a plain brown shirt and handed it over to him. He grabbed it and headed inside again. 

“I’m not all smiles,” he said as he fumbled with the clothes “I’ve never been described like that.” 

“Yeah sure, all smiles and a flirt as well, all girls fawn over the mighty Sirius Black with his dark luscious locks,” you mocked “All around the hotel, all the girls turn to look at you when you–“ 

That’s when he opened the curtain, with some of the top buttons still undone, he might have bloody well been a supermodel in the portrait of those beach photos all around the store. 

“You were saying?”  He said with a cocky smile as he agitated his head to make his hair flow. 

It took a second to compose yourself after being starstruck by him, but you managed “Yeah that works better,” you said, handing him a pair of sunglasses “to maintain the rockstar vibes.” 

The two of you walked towards the register and paid shortly, the man in the register seemed to be eyeing Sirius up and down as he counted the cash, he was almost as handsome as Sirius, although with a more Latin flare going on with him, with his tanned skin and brown eyes, contrasting with Sirius’ nearly regal beauty. You almost said “I feel you bro” out loud when you noticed his eyes darting towards Sirius’ lashes, even if you would never admit it to Sirius himself, because his ego would grow all the way to the moon, your friend looked dashingly handsome that day. What you didn’t notice is that the boy on the register wasn’t only checking him out, he was also checking you out, that did not pass Sirius’ gaze and he went ahead and placed his arm over your shoulders as casually as possible. 

“Let’s go get some breakfast then,” he said looking towards you “I’m famished.” 

You nodded and turned to the cashier with a smile “Any place you’d recommend?”

“If you wanna try something local, try breakfast tacos on La Adelita, three blocks to the left. If you prefer something more on the sweet side, you can go walk one more block, there’s a shop that has amazing Italian ice cream.” 

“Thank you very much,” You said, still smiling and walking out along with Sirius after he handed you the ticket. 

“And you say I’m all smiles,” he said, raising an eyebrow towards you.

“It’s called being polite, you don’t have to act like a snob all the time,” you retorted. 

“Sure, if you call flirting being polite…” 

“I wasn’t!”

“You sure?”

“Sirius, the cashier was gay!” You told him as he turned towards you. 

“NO way.” 

“He was all over you the moment you stepped outta that changer,” you reasoned.

“He…” Sirius frowned “…he couldn’t have been.” 

“Well I may not know WHAT he was, but he was into you,” you concluded. Sirius turned red but looked to the side to hide it. A boy? Into him? Surely impossible… 

The two of you continued walking towards the breakfast place, both oblivious to the looks you got from the people around, while Sirius may have gotten all the attention from the ladies back at home, here he was getting some of the fruity boy’s eyes as well. Maybe it was because of the way you dressed him? Regardless of the looks, the two of you arrived at the ice cream shop.

“Hola,” you said to the lady at the counter “nos podría dar dos conos?” You asked politely, the lady nodded and motioned for you to look at the glass fridge with all the flavours. 

“Orangegasm?” Asked Sirius looking at one of the flavour names. 

“Naranja combinado con otros cítricos y frutos locales,” the lady explained in Spanish. 

“It’s orange with other citrus and fruits,” you told him. 

“She totally does not see the world play, does she?” He asked, holding a laugh. 

“I guess the word for orgasm is different in Spanish,” you shrugged. 

“I want that one,” Sirius said, the lady seemed to understand and served him a cone, she handed it over and Sirius tried it, he straight up let out the most obscene moan you’d ever heard. 

“Oh, the name fits.” 

“Do you mind if I?” You said motioning to the cone and he shrugged handing it over, you tried it as well, and damn it was hard to hold back your own moan. The name did fit after all. 

“Uno para mi también,” you said as you took out the money to pay. She handed you your cone, you paid, left some tips and left the little shop. 

“This may just be the best ice cream I’ve ever had,” Sirius said as he continued to suck on his cone. And you swear it was hard not to stare at him, he looked so beautiful with his pink-ish lips and dark lashes. 

“Definitely,” you agreed with a cough, forcing yourself to look at your cone instead. 

As you continued walking you bumped into a dark-looking shop with a legend on top that said “EL MALEFICIO” which you roughly translated to “The curse” and frowned, putting an arm in front of Sirius to stop him from walking. 

He turned to you and after noticing you were staring at something turned towards that place, he did not really understand why it was calling your attention so he decided to just ask. 

“It’s a… witchcraft shop?” You said almost questioning yourself.

“Out in the open? Do wizards not hide in Mexico?” 

“I thought we did,” you replied as you grabbed his arm and pulled him along with you to enter the shop. 

Soon enough you realised there weren’t many real things in there. “Siete machos?” You asked puzzled looking at some of the vials “Blanca flor? I think this is just a tourist trap Sirius, for those muggles who think they can do witchcraft.” 

A tall man approached from behind “Tourist trap, eh?” The man said almost threateningly “Perhaps you two would like to see the back of the shop, where the real witchcraft lays,” he said with a steady and creepy tone, the man reminded Sirius of Severus, with his dark and evil aura, maybe a bit more clean, but also a lot more threatening.

“We were about to go,” you motioned to the exit but he quickly moved to block it.

“I insist,” he said as he basically pushed you both deeper into the shop. 

As he promised, this section of the shop was a lot more realistic, with floating candles on the side, cauldrons boiling potions by a fire and a lot of other wizarding items. “Go ahead,” he said. “I assume you two little wizards did not enter my shop to make me lose my time and do intend on buying something.” 

You both nodded and busied yourself by browsing through the shop. You walked towards a shelf with several scrolls and started looking at the different spells on them. One said animagi and something made you take it. 

Sirius was on the other side looking at some other things, he found a small necklace that looked very interesting, the man approached him from behind “That’s an interesting item you have there, it’s charmed. It’ll allow you to find the person wearing the necklace when you need it the most,” he said. Sirius didn’t really believe him but took it anyway. It instantly burned his hand and he dropped it on the floor. 

“What the fuck!” he cursed. 

“Told you it was charmed,” the man replied with a simple shrug. “Now you must buy it, it’s linked to you by a blood charm. Give it to someone you don’t want to lose.” 

Sirius was sure the man was being passive-aggressive but he was not about to challenge him about it, he looked very dangerous, same creepy vibe as his parents. 

“Do you, uhm... take muggle money, or just Galleons?” You asked nervously as you approached him and Sirius on the other side of the shop. 

“Galleons.” He said. You nodded and pulled out some money from your purse, giving it to him. The man moved to the side finally leaving the path open for you to leave the shop. 

“Be careful children,” he said as he saw you leave “It’s not safe for two wizards to be roaming around by themselves, especially when you are not of age yet.” 

Sirius and you quickened your pace and went out as soon as physically possible. Once you were far enough the two of you collapsed down onto some chairs from a local coffee shop. The two of you were breathing heavily “For a minute I thought he’d never let us out,” you said. 

Sirius nodded “It was certainly an experience,” he agreed, also catching his breath “What did you buy?” 

Your face quickly changed “Oh, you’re gonna love it, I remembered you mentioned something about trying to turn into an animagus,” you said, he nodded, “well…” you said as you took the scroll “it’s the recipe.” You smiled mischievously. 

“No way!” He said as he took it from your hands and started inspecting it. “This is crazy, you can only get this stuff with a bunch of special permissions.” 

“I know, that’s why I bought it,” you said “I’ll make you a copy once we’re back at the hotel.”

He smiled brightly “Thank you.” The two of you stared at each other for a moment until a lady came over to ask if you wanted to order anything. 

“Mm, no, lo siento. Tienes lo hora?” 

“Son las diez cuarenta,” she responded, annoyed and you jumped from your seat. 

“Our bus for the park is about to leave,” you told Sirius and quickly took out a bill and left it on the table “Lamentamos molestarte,” you told the lady before pulling Sirius back to the bus departure place. 

“What was the bill for?” He asked as the two of you picked up the pace.

“The inconvenience,”  you said as the two of you started jogging. 

After 5 minutes you’d finally made it, the bus was indeed at the stop and a couple of other tourists were still getting inside it. “We made it on time,” You said once you were inside. 

“Ready for the zip lines?” He asked with that particular smile of his.

You laughed, looking slightly to the side “I was born ready.” You replied. 

You continued the bus drive talking about nothing and everything, looking at the scroll with the animagus recipe, and discussing how tedious it seemed to be. 

“What would you like to be?” You asked him. 

“I don’t know, a big strong animal I guess, like a tiger, or a wolf.” 

“Imagine if you ended up as a cute little puppy instead,” you teased. 

“Hey!” he said as he nudged you in response. 

“What?” You replied with a smile “Got a problem with that, Puppy?” 

“Oh no, don’t make that a thing,” he complained, “what ‘bout you?”

“I don’t know, something fast, maybe small? I’d like to be able to move around without causing too much trouble,” you responded “Or a lion,” you said with a smirk “I’m sure I could take out your tiger any day.” 

“Tigers are stronger than lions,” he said confidently.

“What are you talking about? Lions are the KINGS of the jungle for a reason,” you argued back. He was about to answer when the bus came to a halt. You were finally there. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at Xplore,” the driver said, in English, to Sirius’ amusement, probably because the bus was pretty much full of tourists. 

Soon enough people started to get up and out of the bus, as you two approached the doors he leaned towards you and whispered in your ear “My tiger would still win.” 

“Sure thing Puppy,” you said with a smirk and jumped from the stairs to the asphalt, walking towards the entrance of the park “You coming or what?” 

Sirius jumped right after you and the two of you walked towards the entrance. You had to sign some papers, that said something about the risk involved and how you wouldn’t sue the park in case of an accident and they asked for your ID, to which you gave them the fake ones that said you were both 19 and 18 respectively, which is above legal adult age in Mexico but also still believable with your childlike faces.

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[thetriumphantpanda]

Cruel Summer | Javier Peña (Chapter Two)

You've been trying your best to keep yourself busy and away from Javier since he arrived back, but an invitation to dinner and a slip of the tongue have you in trouble in more ways than one.

Pairing | Javier Peña x Female Reader

Word Count | 2.8K

Warnings | Angst, feels, alcohol consumption and descriptions of physical domestic abuse, but nothing else I can think of.

Authors Note | Thank you so much for all the love on the last instalment of Cruel Summer. I have to admit I've been loving working on this so hopefully it shows! If you enjoy this then likes, reblogs, and comments in my ask box make my day.

The sun was hot on the skin of your legs as you lounged against the tree. It provided just enough shade for it to be pleasant to sit outside but you knew when you got home the heat would have prickled your skin and burnt it enough to sting. Not that you cared as you watched the tall body walking up the hill to meet you. You smiled as Javier came into view, standing in the sun’s path to block the heat to the bottoms of your legs. 

“You’ll get burnt like that, hermosa.” He mused, setting down the small cooler next to you before sitting down. 

“It’s a small price to pay,” You replied, “What did you bring today?” 

He opened the top of the cooler and produced two bottles of beer that had been sat on ice since he left home. He popped the top off one before handing it over to you, doing the same to his own before he leant against the tree. 

The two of you had been meeting like this every Saturday for months. Javi was older than you by a few years, but your parents were good friends. You’d spent many years of your life with him, first as a young child playing at the front of the ranch with his mother keeping a keen eye on you whilst your parents ran errands, then spending every morning and afternoon once he’d learnt to drive being taken to and from school until he left. Since joining the DEA the time you’d spent together had dwindled, but he still made sure that every Saturday afternoon he made the short drive to the small park at the end of all the ranches to sit in the sun and put the world to rights with you. 

It was no secret to you that you had a crush on him, you’d told yourself it was only natural – you’d spent a huge proportion of your childhood with him, watching him grow from a boy into a man, and what a man he’d become but in this town there were very few opportunities for friends and he had embedded himself as one of your closest. You weren’t going to risk telling him how you really felt and losing the one friend who you knew would be there for you through anything.

When you look over at Javi you noticed a pensive look drifting across his face, “What are you thinking about?” You asked, leaning your head against the tree to look at him. 

“I’ve been offered a posting outside of Laredo.” He replied, taking a sip of his beer. 

“Javi that’s great!” You exclaimed, reaching out to touch his arm, “You’ve always wanted to get out of here.” 

He nodded, “It’s Colombia, hermosa.” 

It took a second for you to realise the implication of what he’d said. Colombia. South America. Probably as far away as he could get. A few months ago when he’d spoken about wanting to leave Laredo it had hurt, but you’d imagined a posting over the border in Mexico where he might still be able to steal weekends away on the hill with you. There would be none of that in Colombia. 

“It’s a long way,” You sighed, “But Javi this is what you’ve always wanted, to get out of here and make a real difference and this would be your chance.” 

He was silent for a while, “I haven’t said yes yet,” He admitted, “I haven’t even told Pops, I’m pretty sure he’d tell me to try and change the world from here.” 

You grabbed hold of his hand and gave it a tight squeeze, “If it’s what you want Javi then you have to go,” You pressed, “Forget what everyone else thinks around here.”  “I have to give them my answer by next week and then it’ll be a month and I’ll be gone.” He admitted, dread pooling in your stomach at the thought of him being gone in such a short amount of time. 

“I’ll miss you,” You admitted, trying to catch his eye so he would look at you, “But you know I’d be so proud.” 

He looked at you then, squeezing your hand back, “I’ll miss you too hermosa.” 

***

Wednesday’s had become your least favourite day of the week. Since you’d been married to Ethan your mother had insisted on you having dinner with her every Wednesday night. It usually descended into the two of them talking about how you should give up on the shop and it’s teetering finances and find a real job or your mother pestering you that by year two of marriage she really had expected grandchildren by now. 

Ethan was travelling for work this time, but it didn’t make the encounter any less miserable. She’d berated you over carnitas she’d made when you admitted you’d charged Gabriela a pittance for her dress alterations and a dramatic side eye and sigh when you poured yourself a second glass of wine whilst you helped wash the dishes. 

“Have you been to see your father recently?” She asked as you both sat down in the small living room. 

“I haven’t had a chance mama,” You admitted, feeling guilt deep into your bones at the fact it had been months since you’d visited your father’s grave to pay your respects, “I promise to go this weekend.” 

She nodded in the way she always had when she didn’t believe a word you’d said before a flash of realization crossed her features, “You’ll have to go on Sunday, Chucho has invited us to dinner.” 

You drew in a breath, “What for?” 

“Didn’t you know Javier is back?” She asked, “Chucho thought it would be nice for us all to gather like the old times.” 

You nodded as you drained your glass of wine, “I’d seen him around a few times,” You mused, “I suppose if Chucho has invited us I can make time.”  “He also said to bring Ethan, the more the merrier after all.” 

You hoped the groan that left your lips hadn’t been too noticeable, but your mother was already reeling off instructions that you’d need to bring a dessert and something to drink to show your appreciation. 

Making an excuse to leave you promised you’d put a Tres Leches cake together and ask Ethan to pick up some drinks. You hadn’t even hugged her as you left, already playing through each horrendous scenario that the night could end in. It would be a long week. 

***

“I don’t even know why we need to be here.” Ethan spat as he parked the car in front of the Peña ranch. 

“Because we were invited and it’s a nice thing to do.” You reply bluntly, moving to leave the car but feeling Ethan’s hand wrap around your wrist. 

“I want you to behave tonight, do you understand me?” 

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” You spat back at him. 

“I mean, don’t get drunk and embarrass me.” 

“Understood.” You replied simply, using enough force to free your wrist from his grip to leave the car. 

You’d picked up the cake and were halfway to the porch before he was following behind you with the case of beer you’d insisted he bring along. 

“Mija there you are!” Your mother had exclaimed as she tore open the front door, “You’re late.” 

“Sorry mama,” You apologized, giving her a slight hug before moving out of the way to let her greet Ethan, “We just ran a little behind.” But she wasn’t listening, instead taking her time to fawn over your husband. 

You walked through the ranch house you knew so well to find Chucho at the counter chopping up vegetables for a salad, “Hey Chucho.” You greeted, feeling warmth pool within you as he smiled, setting his knife down to embrace you. 

“Querida, it’s good to see you,” He spoke into your ear, “I hope that’s Tres Leches.” 

“Of course, I know it’s your favourite, I spent the evening making it last night.” 

He told you to set it in the fridge and help yourself to one of the chilled drinks, which you did, setting one out on the counter for Ethan when he’d finally stopped speaking to your mother, “Where’s Javier?” You asked. 

“Oh he’s just finishing up in the shower,” Chucho replied, going back to his chopping, “We had some work in the barn that took longer than expected but he should be down soon.” 

Almost like he could hear the conversation from upstairs you head boots padding along the hallway and down the stairs and within moments Javier was stood in the kitchen.

“Hello.” He greeted you simply, placing a hand at the small of your back and giving you a quick kiss on the cheek just in time for Ethan and your mother to join you in the kitchen. 

You saw thunder cross Ethan’s face at the vision of Javier’s hand ghosting your back whilst he pulled away slightly from your face. 

“You must be the Javier Peña everyone is talking about.” 

“I suppose I must be,” Javier replied in a similarly cold tone as he held out his hand, “You must be Ethan.” 

You’d half expected Ethan to refuse to shake his hand but watched as his eyes flicked quickly to Chucho who was overseeing the whole interaction. He reluctantly outstretched his hand but let go of Javier as soon as he could. 

“Why doesn’t everyone sit down and I’ll bring dinner through in a moment.” Chucho offered, attempting and quite frankly failing to cut the tension in the room. 

“Sounds great Pops,” Javier spoke, not tearing his hard stare from Ethan, “Dining room is just through here.” 

***

Dinner had been tense, the only sounds of conversation had been your mother and Chucho talking about the comings and goings of the townsfolk. 

“How is your shop doing, mija?” Chucho asked as the table started to finish up with eating. 

You’d sat yourself opposite Javier and next to Ethan, who had snorted at the question, causing your eyes to flick to watch Javier’s expression which was one of disbelief, but you were thankful he kept his thoughts to himself. 

“It’s alright, thank you Chucho,” You replied, setting your cutlery down on your empty plate, “Most people go to the bigger shop a few streets over but I have enough regular customers to keep me afloat.” 

“That’s good, I’m glad,” He smiled at you, taking a sip of his cold soda, “Javi said you’d been very adept at fixing the buttons on his jeans earlier in the week.” 

You could feel the tension run through Ethan at Chucho’s revelation that you had in fact seen Javier after he’d expressly told you not to. You tried not to let on that once you left that evening this would cause a huge amount of arguing at the very least. 

“Honestly it was nothing,” You reassured him, “I think sewing buttons onto pants was the first thing I ever learned to do so it’s like second nature to me, it was honestly no trouble.” 

“Well, I’m sure I’ve got a few garments that could do with a freshen up and a fix, I’ll have Javi drop them by sometime next week.” 

You smiled, grateful that Chucho wanted to support your small venture, “Of course, and if there’s anything new you want, I’m happy to provide a discount, I started making shirts a few months ago so they’re not the best but maybe if the most popular rancher in town wears them I might get some more business.”  “You know this is why you struggle financially,” Came Ethan’s voice, chiming into the conversation, “If you stopped giving things to people for practically nothing you wouldn’t struggle to keep the place open.” 

You turned and glared at him, “The Peña’s have always been my friends,” You spoke, trying to keep your tone as neutral as possible, “You only get more business here through word of mouth.” 

“No, you get more business by being savvy with what you do, I didn’t build my business on the good will of my friends.” 

You looked across the table at Javier who had his eyes trained on you, watching and waiting for his moment to back you up. 

“Of course, my mistake,” You spoke, pushing your chair back to stand from the table, “Excuse me, I’ll get started on the dishes.” You stood up, taking your own plate before leaving the room. 

***

Once the dishes were done you’d watched as Ethan and your mother had sat with Chucho in his living room to have a further drink before you all headed off for the evening. You chose to sit outside on the back porch, not wanting to be the subject of another humiliating conversation. 

You’d wrapped yourself up as small as you could on the bench, legs tucked under you, watching the stars when the backdoor opened and Javier appeared, two glasses in hand. He silently held one out to you which you gratefully took. 

He took a seat next to you and you both sat there silently for some time, both sipping drinks and watching the stars together. 

“He’s not nice to you at all, is he?” Javier mumbled next to you. 

“Javi please, I can’t do this right now.” You pleaded with him. 

“I meant what I said the other day,” He spoke softly, “You deserve someone who is good to you and what I saw tonight is definitely not that.” 

You hummed, taking a long sip of the cold drink in your hand, “I don’t think either of us particularly enjoy this situation,” You admitted, “We’d only dated a little while when dad was diagnosed, I think mama knew he wouldn’t be around forever so she asked him to marry me so dad could see it happen before he died,” You scoffed, “Not that he cares now of course, he’s dead.” 

Javi reached out to take hold of your hand which you recoiled from, “I don’t need your sympathy Javier, I made a choice to go along with it and now I have to live with the consequences.” 

“Hermosa,” Javier breathed next to you, “What did I always tell you about doing things for others?” 

He was right. Before he left for Colombia Javier had always told you not to live your life for anyone but yourself. He’d truly taken his own advice but what had you done? Stayed within the same four walls of your family home until you were married to a man you were pretty sure couldn’t stand the sight of you most nights whilst trying and ultimately failing to keep your own business open. 

“I’m fine,” Was all you said in reply, “It’s just a rough patch, I’m sure we’ll be alright soon – he’s got some stressful deals at work to seal.” 

“You know I’m always here for you, querida.” Javier spoke as you stood up from the bench.

You couldn’t help but scoff at him, “Right,” You said, turning to look at him, “And where were you when I really needed you?” 

***

“I specifically told you to stay away from him!” Ethan was roaring into your face now that you were home, “And you completely disobeyed me.” 

“Ethan he came into my shop, what was I supposed to do?!” You screamed back, “I can’t have a sign on the door that says, ‘everyone but Javier Peña is welcome’ can I?” 

“Even tonight, I know you went outside with him, didn’t you?” He asked, walking towards you so that you were caged against the wall, “Did you let him touch you?” 

“I sat outside and talked to my friend, not that it matters but no, he did not touch me.” You spat, watching as he inched closer to you. 

“You have plenty of friends, what the hell do you need him for?” 

“The only friend you’ve ever let me keep since you walked into my life was Gabriela and that’s only because you know if you tried to cut her off, she would kick your ass!” You screamed at him, “Javier is one of the only good things I have left in my life, and I will not let you take that from me as well.” 

You felt a sharp sting to your cheek as Ethan struck a hand to your face, “You ungrateful bitch,” He spat at you, “I have given you everything! A house, a car, the fucking money to start that stupid shop of yours, a wedding that other girls could only dream of, and this is how you thank me?” 

Tears fell from your eyes from the pain of the strike to your face and your chest was heaving from the screaming. You waited for the next hit but nothing came – Ethan stormed off down the hallway and slammed the bedroom door, leaving you to slide yourself down the wall and onto the floor, clutching your knees to your chest as you allowed yourself to cry your frustrations out, only moving once you were sure he’d be asleep to crawl onto the couch to sleep yourself. 

PREV | NEXT

[gucciwins]

We need well kept secret 2.0 please I’m begging

I'm so happy you love well kept secret I truly am. I hope you enjoy this 3.3k little part two. there’s fluff, angst, and lots of love. enjoy mis amores 💜💜💜💜💜💜

read here: well kept secret

//

Harry was tired.

He was tired of sharing Y/N. He wanted a moment alone with her without someone interrupting, saying they needed her. It seemed everyone came to her for answers, never leaving her any time to spare for Harry. She always apologized, and Harry assured her it was okay because he hated seeing her upset.

Tour has been nonstop. Since the drop of his third album, his life has changed significantly because he got to do it with Y/N at his side as his girlfriend. She was the inspiration behind this new album, and he was glad to share it with her. Europe was wonderful; doing stadiums and going to bed with Y/N was his favorite thing, no longer having to long for her from afar. North America residencies were a blast. It felt nice to stay in a city for longer than a day.

Now onto the last leg of the tour, Harry realizes he hasn’t had time with his lovely girlfriend. He knows Y/N is working hard because she loves her job. She’s been Tom’s assistant manager for so long that she could do his work with her eyes closed. It’s the reason they all trust her to travel with him as part of the management but also because she is the best at keeping Harry on track. Except when he’s upset.

Harry wants to explore Mexico with Y/N, but everyone pulls her away. On the first night of his show in Guadalajara, Harry managed to steal her away for a quiet dinner in his dressing room. The one thing that keeps him going each night is that she’s in the audience cheering him on, if it’s from the side stage to a private booth and sometimes at the soundstage. He knows she’s always watching him shine and sing songs inspired by her.

“We should get away,” Harry told her as she crawled into bed, both tired from a long night.

“What?”

“Mmm… get away.”

“We’ve got holidays with your family,” she reminded him.

Harry sighed, fixing the blanket and making sure Y/N was tucked close to him. “We can do it after the final show. Or after the holidays, I’m tired of sharing you with everyone. No one lets me have time with you.”

Y/N frowns, “that’s not true.”

“Who have you been around the city with?”

She stays silent because Elin, Nyoh, and Sarah took her out for breakfast while Harry went to the gym. “They found me after I finished my emails,” she defends.

Harry sighs, “just say yes, please.”

“Yes, Harry, you have full permission to take me on holiday.”

“Yay,” he cheers. “It’ll be our first couple holiday.”

Y/N is surprised because he’s right. Every trip they’ve had has been because of his job. Sure they go out, but it’s always in groups. Harry is careful to never hold her hand. Having worked for Harry for a few years, she’s had her fair share of paparazzi photos. She remembers the first time Twitter was having a field day, not knowing who she was, and it wasn’t until someone looked up her Linkedin profile did they relax. She wonders what fans would think now? Probably say it was straight out of a fanfiction story. It’s a big reason Harry and her decided that their relationship would be theirs shared with family and close friends.

The trust Harry and Y/N have built through their friendship and now in their relationship is unbreakable.

_____

Brazil.

A wonderful country that welcomed Harry with open arms.

Y/N lays in bed, a face mask on her face, as Harry sits at the end of the bed on his phone, shooting text after text. Sometimes it was her job to be on the phone but now was her spa time. She relaxed, taking the time to paint her nails and do a deep skincare routine. Most of the time, Harry was the one painting her nails.

“Listen to this, love. Harry Styles gets risky in Brazil with a Brazilian lover, or is it his secret girlfriend. Read to find out more.” Harry reads, trying his best to hold in his anger.

“What photo did they use?”

“It’s awful.”

Y/N is now even more curious.

“You have to show me now.”

Harry scoots closer, putting his phone above her face, and she looks at a photo of Harry and her lounging outside the pool in Brazil. Harry had begged her to come lay with him to forget all their friends, and who was she to argue with him when he looked so good his shorts rolled all the way up to get an even tan. She settled down next to him, setting her leg between him. She rests her head on his chest. Harry’s hand was quick to find a home on her ass, not that she minded. He had given her a good squeeze teasing her about her skimpy bikini. Harry was comfortable touching Y/N because he felt safe in his hotel, knowing there were not many people lounging around.

“I’m flattered they think I can pass off as a Brazilian.”

Harry sits back on his heels, “you’re not mad.”

Y/N shifts, sighing, “how do you want me to respond?”

He falls silent because he knows there is no correct way to deal with this type of situation.

“If it were up to me, I’d post you all over my Instagram, but your fans, for some reason, think because I’m an extension of you. That I will give them an insight to you.” Y/N sighs, getting up and walking to the bathroom to finish her routine Harry follows her. “I understand they want to get to know you, but you deserve privacy. I think we deserve the decency to be in a relationship and not be forced to confirm it.”

Harry sits on the counter and washes as she rinses her face with lukewarm water and then taps it dry with the towel he passes over. “I understand. You’re really good at this job. Now how would you respond as my girlfriend?”

“You want me to get mad at the Daily Mail for posting my ass for the world to see. Be thankful I don’t have any kind of tattoo there, or they would be quick to identify it was me.” Y/N understands Harry and knows he’s upset because he signed up for this life, so to say, while her job is to be a manager and help his team. He hates that those around him get affected in the worst way.

“I want to make sure this won’t be a reason for you to leave me.”

Now it’s making sense. Harry feels insecure not about their relationship but about how it will be viewed. She works for him but isn’t managed by him. There would be endless talk, but Y/N has never cared for gossip, not unless it was about her grandfather's Sunday bingo nights that always ended in a new fight.

“I’ve been in love with you for years, Styles. I’ve seen you at your worst and best. A pesky article or two won’t send me away.”

Harry lets her words sink in, and he knows he can trust her. Not once has she ever lied to him, and he knows she would not start now.

“Even when they find out who you are?”

Y/N laughs, “if they manage to do that by a photo of my ass, then they should definitely sign up for some secret service job. Those skills will certainly come in handy.”

“I want to keep you safe from all the hate.”

She steps in between his thighs, taking a good look at his face, he’s full of anguish, and she feels upset at how much this affects him.

“It’s not always possible, but I appreciate it, H. More than you realize.”

She pushes his lips to hers, knowing she needs to help him take his mind off this article. Harry is quick to respond, always a little eager and desperate. He's nibbling at her bottom lip, carefully pulling before she feels his tongue slide against her lips. Y/N opens up for him. She always does. She allows herself to get lost in the feeling. She wonders if she can feel her heart pounding, he seems to always have that effect on her.

He pulls back breathless, a smirk pulling on his face as he scatters kisses on her bare skin, pushing down at the straps of her tank top.

“Come on,” she tugs at his hand, backing out of the bathroom.

“Where are you taking me?” He laughs.

“Think I’ve heard that an orgasm or two is the best way to clear your mind,” she teases.

Harry laughs. It’s the best idea he has heard all day.

“Going to fuck you until you’re crying and begging me to stop,” Harry assures her.

“You promise?”

It’s safe to say they didn't leave their room that day.

_____

The days in Brazil had been a treat. Harry had enjoyed going out through the city with Y/N entering shops, and talking with anyone who would give time to listen to their broken Portuguese. Y/N had been getting ready in the bathroom as Harry prepared to head to the gym when a phone began to ring. He knew it was Y/N’s because everyone knew she kept her phone on the ringer, ready to help out whoever was calling her. She truly seemed to have all the answers.

Harry frowned, picking up Y/N’s phone and seeing Jeff call her. That is not at all who he was expecting, but he answered it nonetheless.

“Jeff?”

“H,” Jeff greets. “Where’s Y/N?”

“In the bathroom.”

“Tell her to be in the meeting room in 15 minutes.”

“What for? Don’t I have to be there?” Harry jokes.

Jeff laughs. “Nice try. Don’t think this new client would like that.”

Client.

“She–what?”

“Don’t play now, H. She mentioned potentially managing her own clients, didn’t she?”

Harry frowns because, no, she hadn’t.

“She’ll be there.”

“H,” Jeff winces, knowing he has messed up.

Harry hangs up, not wanting Jeff to be the one to explain to him a matter that Y/N had decided not to share with him.

Y/N walks out a few moments later. He takes in her outfit, casual but not her usual outfits. She’s in trousers and a cardigan he knows she only wears for important meetings. This must be one of them. Harry wants to be angry, but he’s upset she didn’t share this news with him.

“Jeff said conference room in fifteen,” he mutters.

She freezes as she picks up her phone that he had thrown on the bed. Y/N calls his name, and when he doesn’t meet her eyes, she knows he’s found out.

“Harry, please.”

He shakes his head. “You’ve got somewhere to be.”

Y/N doesn’t want to leave the room when he’s angry with her.

She gets down on her knees in front of him. He won’t meet her gaze as much as she tries. She’s careful, setting her hands on his thigh, “H, will you listen to me? You know I would never do anything to hurt you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He croaked out.

Y/N felt a piece of her heartbreak. “Fear.”

Harry lifted his head to see her eyes filled with tears. He’s never known her to be scared, always going into opportunities with confidence he envied. She never backed down without a fight.

“Of what?”

She shrugs, and he gives her hand a gentle squeeze. “Fear of leaving this job I love. Fear of failing at this new opportunity I’ve dreamed of having. There’s so much I can lose if I do this or if it goes well. You’re number one on the list. It’s also the reason I didn’t tell you because I know you’d be supportive and tell me to go for my dreams, but it also means leaving you and everyone here. I love our team and how safe I feel. But as much as I love this job, I know my worth. I’m glad that others can recognize it and allow me this opportunity to prove I have the skills to manage my clients.”

Harry nods because he knows where she’s coming from. When he was with the band, it was safe until it wasn’t. He took that opportunity to go solo and was filled with fear and anxiety that it would not be enough. It was thanks to Jeff and everyone who rallied with him. Harry, in some way, has been in her shoes. He just wished she had let him know so that he could have helped soothe her anxiety.

“Go, and tell me all about it when you get back.”

“H,” she asks wearily.

He shakes his head, “promise I’m not mad. A little upset, but nothing a few kisses and cuddles can’t fix.”

“I love you so much, Harry. I’m not leaving you.” She promises.

His sweet girl. He’s had her by his side for over four years, and he was foolish to let his fear of losing her not pursue her. Now he had her and knew that although Y/N would no longer be traveling with him as much, he’d never felt so secure in her love for him. Harry swears he loves her more than he loves him, although they argue about it constantly. He knows a part of him wants to keep her, but he wouldn’t dare put himself between her dreams, not when she’s been a constant in his.

“You’re going to go to that meeting, wow the client, and come back to tell me all about it.”

“You mean it,” she whispers.

Harry places his hands on her face, takes in her soft eyes, and knows that he’s proud of her no matter what. Yes, his first instinct was hurt, but now hearing her out, he knows where she's coming from, and all he can be is proud of her.

“You’re securing your first client today, love.”

She rolls her eyes, “I wouldn’t go that far.”

Harry knows she’s got lots of thoughts eating her up, but that’s why he’s here to keep her grounded to uplift her. “You are an important part of this team. You’re the key that keeps us running smoothly. Whoever Jeff is introducing to you will be more than lucky to have you. Don’t think we’ll ever replace you.”

“Harry,” she pleads.

He leans in, pressing a chaste kiss against her lips. “If you decide you hate it, you can always come back to me,” he teases.

“Thank you, H.”

Although she’s left with a pinch of anxiety, she knows Harry is right. Whether she’s right by his side or across the country, Y/N knows she will always have him at her side.

“Now, don’t be too long. We got endless pão de queijo to try.”

_____

“Are you actually doing this?” Harry asks as he watches Y/N read the translated waiver.

There’s the final show tonight of the year, and Y/N had told him she wanted to commemorate this by getting a tattoo. Harry thought she was joking, but when she told him to call up her friend, he knew she was serious. It wouldn’t be her first tattoo and certainly not her last but the reason she was getting it made his heart twist.

To no one’s surprise, she nailed the meeting. Y/N had secured her first clients and would meet them in London by the end of the week. Harry knew she’d be busy from the start of the year and would see her less and less, which is why he’s almost done planning their holiday. It’s Christmas with his family, a quick visit to hers, and then somewhere secluded and warm to ring in the New Year together.

Harry was proud of Y/N and was already working with Jeff to have a proper send-off celebration for her. He won’t tell her that he cried to his Mum while she was at her meeting because he was scared of what might happen in the future. The good thing is his Mum set him straight, reminding him to always fight for Y/N because she was the best thing to happen to him. He knew his Mum was right Y/N had been a shining light from the moment she entered his life. Harry knew she would continue to be even if she was no longer working for him. Honestly, the only other person taking it harder than Harry was Tom, who hired Y/N. She was his right hand. She would be taking a piece of everyone, having impacted everyone on their team.

She shrugs, “what’s one more?”

“Tattoos are forever, love.”

“Oh geez, you mean the Snoopy tattoo on my ankle is forever.”

Harry rolls his eyes, “I’m serious.”

“I am too.”

Y/N had the bright idea for their last show in Brazil to get a tattoo. She had told Harry it was for her first official magazine cover, even if it was her backside. They knew it was Y/N’s goodbye to her last full tour with him. Harry already has his “Brasil” tattoo, and Y/N wants a matching one.

“We’ll do my right thigh. It’s my least favorite.”

Harry laughs, knowing she favored her left foot more than her right because when she was a teenager, she was learning how to ride a skateboard, and instead of riding on it, she tripped and fractured her ankle. It’s a reason she always cusses anyone out who dares ride one in front of her.

“If that’s what you want, my love.”

“It is.”

Y/N is told to lie down. She wore bikini bottoms, different ones from her paparazzi pool day, and folded up her skirt as they prepped her skin to get inked forever. Harry sits beside her, holding her hand as he watches her face trying to identify every emotion present; so far, he’s seen excitement, calm, and adrenaline. All letting him know that she wanted this.

“Matching tattoos means I’m going to keep you forever,” Harry tells her. The only other person he had a matching tattoo with was his sister; they were blood-related, so he knew it was something he’d never regret. Harry didn’t want Y/N to regret this, regret him.

Y/N always seems to know what he’s thinking. She sends him a smile, allowing him to relax in his chair. The tattoo artist excuses himself for a moment giving them a moment of privacy. “Every day, we wake up with a choice. To be good people. To want to live a better life.” Harry smiles as she lifts his hand, giving him a soft kiss. “I choose you every day. I choose to love you and support you. I choose to see the good in you no matter what. You are not a choice I will ever regret, you want to know why Harry Styles?”

Harry nods.

“Because you choose me every day too. You choose me to be the person you confide in. You choose to share your good days and bad days with me. You chose me from the moment we met.” Harry feels his throat closing and takes a deep breath trying his best to hold in his tears.

“Tomorrow is not promised, but I can assure you I will love you every day I wake up, and the sun is shining.”

“You’re everything to me, Y/N,” Harry croaks, not caring that his tears had begun to run free.

“Ditto, Styles.”

Harry was prepared for all the ups and downs and twists and turns the new year had in store for them, but he knew that all roads would lead him right back to Y/N.

Y/N was home.

[the-library-of-theories]

So I’d like to get a theory out that I’ve been thinking of for a long while regarding q!Philza and today’s stream seems to be heading into that direction.

CW: Death talk, Spoiler for today’s stream

/rp

Let’s start with evidence before I reveal the theory.

Philza had said and confirmed that his Angel of Death role is relevant and the only one on the whole island who is suppose to know is his son, Cheyanne. No one should know about this besides him.

So why have all this death topic/relevant come up?

We have Bonnie the skeleton horse come around lately and confirms that Tallulah and Cheyanne have relations to death. Tallulah as a guide and Cheyanne as an old ancient king.

When things begin for q!Philza, it was the birdhouse arc. There he is refereed to as the “Crow” or “the Crowfather”, which is a first as he has been referred to as Philza for the longest… so why the sudden change?

Continuing, he is lead on a small journey and suddenly he is trapped by Cucurucho… but could it really be Cucurucho? Since then he was “asleep” for a week, dreaming about his hardcore world. When he comes back, unlike the locked and blocked door, its open and a trail of flowers leads him to… Cucurucho? To me, it doesn’t feel right. Why would Cucurucho lock him up and suddenly let him go? Sure it could be to mess with him, but something doesn’t add up.

Since then, he’s been having hallucination/derealization problems. Can’t tell if he’s awake or if anything is real. Birds are appearing to him whether it’d be in a cage or freed. Birds are given to Phil… like a gift…. And when the updates refer to Phil, it is now as Crowfather.

Going on, his home is constantly invaded by the dark blocks that is spreading throughout the SMP, which to take note, no one else has experience any dark blocks within their home besides from Phil.

Also to keep in mind, the black structures have been appear and if you look at them in a certain angle, they look like pyramids… and what is related to pyramids? Sacrifice.

In the Mexican culture (one of the tribes that reside in Mexico, I can’t remember what they were called) Temples/Pyramids were often used to hold ceremonies… sometimes sacrifices.

Not only that but the holiday, Day of the Dead, happens recently which also announces their departure from Egg Island… to Purgatory. Another thing related to death. There an eye tells what the members must do and of all of the members, Phil is the one to deny the rules for the longest before he eventually fell into his old ways… the angel was released.

And what does the updates call Phil…

“The Angel of Death may not be able to use his wings, but gravity has always been his friend; Phil has Fit in his clutches.”

They know… so what does that mean for Phil?

Well with today, we saw that q!Quackity escaped and sees what Egg Island has become. Not only that but he is suddenly killed off by Evilrucho. Why? Why am I saying this?

q!Quackity had a different ticket than the others. Granted that q!ElQuackity took it, it was still Quackity’s. And he is killed off.

Who else has different tickets?

Slime, Wilbur, Vegetta, and Philza.

I am saying, Philza could possibly be targeted as well as the others… but think… if any of the groups aside from the members of the island, gets their hands on Philza… they got control of death.

What makes this worse is that an entity has been contacting Philza. Saying that it “misses” him (his dark wings that darken the sky and his loud caw {metaphorical} is heard from afar) and that it’ll guide him when the time will come.

Now you can say it could be a positive outcome and its Bonnie the skele-horse and possibly Mumza… but the worst case senecio is Evilrucho who ended Quackity’s life early.

I could be wanting… “his” angel. What’s worse?

The Crow is also known as the “Sunbird” which can be used as another name for the Phoenix. Not only that but with Quackity’s death, comes… canon lives. And with death comes the angel.

I feel like Evilrucho is trying to get Philza at his weakest and turn him onto it’s side… it said it wanted freedom… but what does it require to be free?

Also some side notes:

In the maze, Evilrucho was the one to lead the Pendejo Trio to the spinning wheel. To which it “landed” on Cheyanne’s “number?” Which shows later when the rest goes into the maze that Cheyanne’s duck floatie is the only one in the glass dome, possibly hinting at what I am trying to get to.

Tallulah and Cheyanne are the only ones (aside from Leo) to contact their parent.

Philza has been putting a huge emphasis on his wings lately. (Possibly gets them back?)

Like sons like daughter like father, Philza’s family is known for heavy angst. So what is to say that he won’t have heavy angst for his character~

[warnersister]

Chapter 1 - The Return to Miramar

The Highwayman Series | Prologue | Chapter 2

‘No Entry – Construction (TRANSATLANTIC RAILWAY DUE TO FINISH 1869)’ the sign read and the frontman on his horse creased his brows into a tight and questioning line. “1869? But its 1863.” He said, voice in a questioning tone. “haven’t you heard?” his companion asked “east and west are racing to see who can build the most. Gonna be shut a while” he said matter of factly, while straightening out his mustache from where the Tennessee heat had frazzled it. The former grunted in response “this is our way though” “well were gonna have to go a different way hangman, don’t fancy getting Spitfire killed by a train” the other told him, motioning to the fine mare he was riding on. He nodded “yeah hornets too young for that, rooster you’re right. You know a different way?” hangman asked. Rooster thought for a minute, straightening out his mustache again, already bunching up under the springtime humidity – but this time, more in thought than in maintenance as he turned to look at his surroundings “already crossed Mississippi” he said, remembering when they’d crossed the mighty river – not wishing to back track on that path. “were gonna have to go the whole way round, through missouri – Kansas, take a left at colorado” “could we not go trough Texas?” Hangman asked, thinking of a shorter route they used to traverse a decade prior. Rooster raised his brows “aint Sherrif Simpson still after us?” he asked and his friend shrugged. “Already told the rest of ‘em to meet us in Louisiana and it’ll take weeks, months to get there if not, were good as dead if the Indians aint as hospitable again” there was silence for a minute “plus you’ve got a stache now and I’ve got this sweet bod, he wont recognise us” Hangman said, flexing while Rooster threw his head back and laughed loudly “bod ain’t as good as mine, bagman” Rooster said and the other shook his head “c’mon. Texas it is."

This route was fresh, recognisable but still; new-(ish). There were plenty of structures that were erected since they’d last abided there, especially in the Plains – a substantially belittled number of natives and much more Easterns who you could tell had no business being in Western heat – searching for green grass but getting tumble weeds in lieu. They’d reached their meeting point but a week later, reconsiliating with Coyote and Bob who’d been engaging in business up in the rockies, taking the strongest horses but only returning with one. “Hercules?” Hangman asked and bob shook his head “struggled all the way up, slipped, poor boy couldn’t handle it. Was cryin’ in the night he was. Had’a put him out o’ his misery” the four all bowed their heads and shook them in remembrance for their fallen companion. “damn” rooster said. “Well there's no way the two of ya can manage all the way to New Mexico on Chinook, let alone California” Hangman said. “we passed a ranch on the way down here in northern Texas, town called Miramar” Bob told him as Rooster and Hangman shared a look. “Ain’t that where we nearly got hung?” Rooster asked “sure is Brad.” Hangman thought for a moment “Good mares?” Hangman asked “the best” coyote said “young lady an’all. Mighty fine on the eyes” “guess we’re heading up North.”

The ride was slightly awkward with Coyote and Bob both on one horse, they changed primary rider every hundred or so miles – and it made it easier to travel at night, but still; a man wanted his own horse and Coyote was proud of Chinook, but the horse was starting to weary with some three hundred pounds on his back. But eventually they saw the sign. White lettering and red background, carved so deeply into old mahogany and almost illegible, but it was undeniably so: Miramar. So close you could almost make out Oklahoma, but far enough away and enough Stetsons present to recognise the contrast between what was and what wasn’t Texan territory. “where’s this ranch of yours, Bob?” Jake asked, swallowing harshly as he eyed the infamous town over his sunglasses; Bob pointed straight ahead, and adjacent to the Sheriff’s office, was an unassuming parlour attacked to a decently sized acreage of farm, a good seven or eight horses feeding off their dinner. “alright. Let’s get in and get out.” Jake said, instructing his horse to move forward as he did so. “you guys got history here or something?” Javy asked and rooster snorted “yeah something like that” “what happened?” Bob asked “lets just say he had a thing for the Sherrif’s daughter and he organised to hang him if he didn’t get out of town.” Rooster explained, recalling the events from what seemed like yesterday. Jake cleared his way as a way to get the lot of them to shut up. He still had the ring he was going to give her in his breast pocket.

They drew a lot of attention as they rode through town – strangers clearly dressed in travelling attire. But they were the Highwaymen, not pilgrims. Coyote hopped off the back of Chinook and Bob followed suit, heading to the girl who had their back turned to them, currently attending to a young pony who seemed to refuse to leave the refuge of her stables. “Excuse me, ma’am – any of these horses for sale?” “Uh huh the lot of ‘em” she’d replied, turning to the strangers to greet them as customers. Jake felt like the air had been knocked out of his lungs. “jake?” “hey, petal” he replied, unable to muster anything else as he looked at you, still as mighty fine if not more gorgeous than he day he’d hit the road with rooster. You looked to his left and nodded “Brad” “hey pretty” after the short and unsweetened reunion. “Y’all should get off my ranch. My daddy still has a right mind lynchin’ the two of ya” you say smally, turning to reattend to the horse. “Still?” Rooster asked with a smirk but Jake was taking it more seriously as you nodded your head to the stocks “meaner than the day you left” “sweetheart-“ “I aint talkin to you, Jake” you say and look at your feet “look, my horse passed in the rockies; was hopin’ I could but a new ‘un to get us to California. Got any up for the job?” Bob asked and you looked at him. “Uh, we got a few. Albatros is gorgeous and strong, but I don’t think she’ll last ‘till Cali.” You place your hands on your hips, surverying the pack “Falcon, he’ll get you there but no further.” You say “that there” you point at the strong, pale coloured horse in the back of the field “Lightning. God he can ride, got the strength of Zeus. He’ll get you there, hell he’ll get you through Mexico and back. But he’s my favourite, he’s gonna cost ya” Jake smiled “God he was just a young’un a few years back. My, he's grown” he says, recalling the day he’d gifted you the horse. He’d saved up all his money, didn’t even steal him, brought him all the way from New Mexico. Didn’t even ride him, he walked on foot – made sure the mare had his breaks and god your smile when you accepted him. His hair matched Jakes, so he’d always be there when he wasn’t. “You’re willing to sell him? After all this time?” you finally look at him, pain apparent in your eyes “you left, Seresin” that hurt “you bought him as a reminder. Don’t need no reminder of you, boy” you say “well ‘m here now-“ “exactly.” You cut him off and there is a silence.

“How much for Lightning?” Bob asked after a while. “Make me an offer.”

Prologue | Chapter 2

[meiliarotten]

Team Fortress 2 Kinktober Time Three: Return of the Kink

Day 7: A Cure For Workaholism (Cunnilingus)

🔞MINORS DNI🔞

Pairing: Ms. Pauling x Fem!Reader

Summary: Pauling has just a government ordered vacation. Being, well, herself, she has absolutely no idea how to function without work, so you help her relax in your own special way.

Tags: Oral, comfort, aftercare, Pauling deserves a damn break

Word Count: 2.4k

The Masterlist

A vacation. An extended vacation ordered by the literal government of New Mexico. Pauling, the Miss Pauling, workaholic extraordinaire, was going on vacation. You almost didn’t believe the news when she told you, insisting that she pinch you hard to make absolutely sure you weren’t dreaming. Well, you weren’t dreaming, and now your arm was sore, but that didn’t matter. You had several months to spend, uninterrupted, with your girlfriend, and nothing could bring you down.

So of course the first order of business was a lengthy date night, something the two of you hadn’t enjoyed since your college years. Pauling was honestly surprised you had stuck with her this long. She was working almost constantly, and even on her one day off a year, she was usually too tired to do anything substantial with you. She had told you as much, but you always responded with the fact that she meant far too much to you to let work get in the way. That didn’t mean you weren’t ecstatic to hear about this vacation though, so much so that by the end of the night, once the two of you had returned home, you began planning trips to all the places the two of you had ever dreamt of going.

“We have to see Paris,” you insisted, pointing enthusiastically at a map you had pinned to the bedroom wall. “We can’t spend your entire vacation just going to weapon expos.”

Pauling gave you a confused look. “I thought you enjoyed going to gun shows with me.”

“I do! But it feels much too work-adjacent for you. You have to really get out there! Forget about your job for a while and just live,” you explained, circling the capital of France with a red marker and making the decision final.

“I guess so,” Pauling said. She didn’t sound convinced. You sidled up beside her on the bed with a smirk.

“It’ll be fun,” you said, pecking her cheek. “It’s the city of love.”

When she didn’t respond you continued to leave light, ghostly kisses down her jaw and to her neck. She sighed, tilting her head to the side to expose more of that sensitive skin to you. You were careful not to leave hickeys. You knew how much Pauling hated needing to cover them up for work- but wait, Pauling didn’t have work, and she wouldn’t for a very long time. That realization was enough to send you into a frenzy, sucking hard on the skin of her neck until a few faint bruises formed. She moaned so sweetly for you when you did that.

“That feels good, doesn’t it?” you whispered, your breath tickling Pauling’s ear and sending a shiver down her spine. “It’s nice to let loose, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so,” she said, and you immediately took note of her tone of voice. She sounded deeply concerned. You pulled back to look at her and her face was pinched with worry.

“What’s wrong?” you asked, worried that you had said or done something amiss. However when you really took a moment to look at her, you realized she wasn’t meeting your gaze. Instead, her eyes were glued behind you, at the wall. No, not the wall, but the wall mounted clock.

That’s when realization struck. Even after being legally ordered to take a break, she couldn’t stop thinking about schedules, deadlines, and work. It was like that damn job had altered her brain chemistry. Honestly, you wouldn’t be surprised if it had. She was probably counting down the seconds until she could return to her mile-a-minute life, running errands for the Administrator, burying bodies, and god knows what else.

With that, your goal was set. You would make sure this clinical workaholic got the stress relief she needed and deserved. It was about time Pauling got to be pampered and tended to. “Hey, how about I make this all about you tonight?” you said. Sure enough, that proposal was met with visible confusion.

“You don’t want me to do anything for you?” Pauling asked.

“It’s your first day of vacation. I don’t want you to do anything for me. I don’t want you worrying about anything at all.” You gave her a quick peck on the cheek, and you could’ve sworn she made a soft noise of surprise when you did. It was adorable. “Do you think you can manage that?”

Pauling almost instinctively answered ‘no.’ The very concept of having nothing to do, or even being expected to do nothing, was completely foreign to her. It was frightening. But there was a chance it could be nice. Especially now, with you straddling her lap, trying to gently push her back onto the bed, kissing her as if you were trying to memorize every feature of her face through your lips alone.

“Hey, is everything alright?” you asked, stopping just short of waving a hand in front of her face to see if she had gone catatonic. Pauling realized she hadn’t responded for quite a while.

“Yes! Yes, sorry,” she said suddenly, shaking her head. “Everything’s fine. So, do I just… lay back?”

“Sure, if you want to,” you said with a small laugh. Pauling blushed, glancing away from you.

“Sorry, I'm not good at this whole ‘relaxing’ thing. I honestly don’t know what to do.” It was said like a confession, but you had known her long enough that this didn’t come as a surprise.

“You don’t have to apologize.” You reassured her with a soft smile, rubbing gentle circle over her hips.

“It’s almost easier to have someone telling me what to do.” Now that admission got some gears turning in your head.

“I can do that for you,” you suggested, almost too enthusiastically. You quickly adjusted your tone. “Only if you want to, of course.”

Pauling thought for a moment. It seemed strange to spend the first day of her vacation listening to someone else telling her what to do, but the idea was oddly comforting as well. “Yeah, I think I would like that. At least until I get the hang of this.”

You nodded, trying not to feel too sad at the fact that Pauling had to ‘get the hang of’ relaxing. She really had been worked to the bone by that damn Administrator. “Alright. Sit on the edge of the bed for me,” you said. Without hesitation, she shifted towards you, and you positioned yourself on the floor, seated between her legs. “I want you to sit up, that way you can see everything I’m doing. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just let me know. I’ll stop.”

“I understand,” Pauling said with a nod. You didn’t miss how her voice seemed to shake slightly, lacking its usual steadiness. You had a feeling you were about to see a side of her that you had never seen before.

Leaning in, you began to kiss your way up her inner thighs. Pauling’s reaction was immediate, trapping her lower lip between her teeth as she watched you. She looked unsure, but very curious. It was an adorable look for the normally well put together, confident woman. She tried to stay calm, taking deep breaths that quickly became heavy when your kisses grew closer and closer to the intersection of her thighs-

“Oh!”

The sound Pauling made was entirely involuntary, a short, low moan elicited by the feeling of your tongue flicking tentatively against her clit. The sensation startled her, even though she saw it coming. You were testing the waters, glancing up at her with a questioning look. Pauling’s breath hitched. This was all new. Very new. But she didn’t want it to stop.

“Keep going,” she stammered. You didn’t need to be told twice, although you were surprised that Pauling reacted so strongly to something so brief- in fact, she seemed to react strongly to every little thing you did. It was seriously boosting your ego, as well as your arousal, and it all served to prove that she needed this badly.

It was almost as if no one had ever gone down on her before, but that couldn’t be true. Surely you had done this before? You would feel like an incredibly shitty partner if you hadn’t. The more likely explanation was that it had just been a very, very long time. That didn’t matter, though. You loved hearing those moans, the sounds of a woman who had been under so much stress for so long finally allowing herself the luxury of a release.

It wasn’t long before squeezing your thighs together wouldn’t suffice. You slipped a hand between your legs, seeking a bit of relief for yourself. Even with just the briefest touch, your fingers came away slick and shiny. You moaned against Pauling, and her hips bucked slightly at the new sensation.

Forgetting about your own needs, you turned your attention entirely to your partner. Pauling gave a startled yelp when you hoisted her legs onto your shoulders and held them there. This robbed her of any leverage to buck against your mouth, but that soon wouldn’t be an issue. Pulling back for a quick breath, you dove in with doubled efforts. Immediately, she began to squirm in your grasp, but you held fast. You dug your nails into her thighs unintentionally, leaving little half moon indents in the soft flesh. Her clit became your main focus, massaging your tongue against that sensitive bud until Pauling’s moans reached a fever pitch. You moaned against her again, and that proved to be the final push she needed.

She tipped over the edge, coming hard. Her legs tightened around your head to the point that you thought you might suffocate. Not that you would have minded. It would be an honorable death, to have your breath cut off between the thighs of a woman in ecstasy. Still, you weren’t about to go out without a final orgasm for yourself, quickly reaching down to finish off what you had begun earlier. You were so aroused that it didn’t take long, rubbing tight circles around your clit until you too were at your peak, riding out the high through moans that were muffled against Pauling’s inner thighs.

You weren’t sure how long it was before her legs finally relaxed and you were able to pull away, breathing like you had just run a marathon. You sat up on your knees to check on Pauling, and her expression mirrored yours, albeit dazed and staring absently at the ceiling. Her body shivered with little aftershocks before eventually going limp, basking in the warm afterglow. You sat back down on the floor, certain that if you tried to stand now, you would end up falling, possibly even on top of Pauling.

“That was so fun,” she finally said, almost too quietly for you to hear. You smiled, feeling quite proud of yourself. This had gone perfectly. You hadn’t even needed to order Pauling around too much. She had let herself go easily- almost too easily. This whole thing seemed a bit too good to be true, and sure enough, you hit a snag right at the end.

Pauling stood up suddenly. Her legs were still very shaky, and she barely made it a few steps before she collapsed into a nearby chair. You looked at her, head tilted in confusion. You stood up from the floor and sat on the bed, putting yourself at eye level with her.

“Um, where were you planning on going?” you asked, unsure what else to say.

“I honestly don’t know,” Pauling said, a slight hitch in her voice that almost made you worry she was about to cry.

It was strange to see that her first instinct was to get up and find something to do, even if there was no particular task to complete. It struck you as tragic. You wanted to reach out and pull her back towards you to bask in the afterglow like she deserved. However, you ultimately chose a more delicate approach.

“You don’t have to feel guilty for this,” you said.

“I never said I felt guilty,” Pauling said. Your expression must have made it obvious that you weren’t convinced. Pauling may have been able to flawlessly deceive others while on the job, but off the clock, she read like an open book. “Okay, fine. Maybe I do feel a little guilty.”

“The Administrator really is an unforgiving boss, huh?” you asked.

“I was literally only allowed one day off a year before the state of New Mexico got involved,” Pauling said, resting her head against the back of the chair with a sigh. “Unforgiving is a major understatement.”

The room went silent. Neither of you seemed to know what to say. You at least hoped that talking about all this made Pauling feel a little better. You were tempted to start discussing Paris again, just to break the awkward silence.

“You’re really good,” Pauling said. That caught your attention.

“Yeah, the way you just came for me kinda spoke to that fact,” you said, laughing softly. You couldn’t hide the way such praise managed to fluster you, the blush that had calmed down suddenly returning with a vengeance.

“Not that! I mean, you definitely are good at that too.” Your laughter proved to be contagious as Pauling started chuckling too. “You’re good to me. Despite everything, my job, the secrecy, the multiple felonies…” she trailed off, glancing at you with the realization that she may have said too much. You simply shrugged, giving a look that clearly said, ‘I figured as much.’

“You were just doing your job- a weird, borderline illegal job where you got to pull molars out of severed heads and kick ass in a pencil skirt. Which is super hot, by the way.” Now you were just turning up The Charm™. Pauling's face was going red again, and it was quite satisfying to see how you could still fluster her, even after so much time apart. You leaned back in the bed, arms crossed behind your head. “Just remember you deserved this. We all deserve to feel good once in a while. Can you try to convince yourself of that?”

There was a decent pause before Pauling finally responded. “I’ll try.” You smiled. You liked that response. It felt like potential, like possibility.

“You can start by getting yourself back in this bed and relaxing with me,” you said, beckoning her towards you. She approached, still a bit hesitant, and laid next to you stiffly, that is until you pulled her in. Once in your embrace, she melted, curling against your body and letting at least some of that tension go. You smiled. This was progress.

[bullet-prooflove]

Ophelia!Series - Part Four:  PSYOPS - Charlie 1 x Reader

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @withakindheartx

Ophelia!Series:

Part One: Casino Royale - Charlie runs into his ex for the first time since she disappeared at an underground casino game.

Part Two: Taken - Charlie recieves news that you've been taken.

Part Three: Ohana - Charlie goe to Joe to get help.

When Charlie gets boots on the ground in Mexico, he’s confident you’re still alive. Flores Rodrigo arrived back in the country an hour before Charlie touched down, he’d barely have time to fuck his favourite whore before he got around to torturing you. Charlie hopes to get to you first.

His contacts tell him that they have an American woman stowed away in a storage container near the compound, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that it’s you.

He’s heard about what goes on in those storage containers, the PSYOPS shit. Music or sounds blasted at full volume until it felt like your ears were bleeding, the same song on repeat over and over and over again until it felt like you were losing your mind.

With physical pain you could anticipate it, you know that at some point it’ll dull, end even. With this it’s relentless, a method of breaking down the mental barriers until you’re clinging to your sanity.

It was used in Iraq as an interrogation tactic, it takes four days to break a prisoner.

The sound that Rodrigo has chosen for you…

It’s the sound of a baby crying, there’s a special kind of cruelty in that because you lost a baby the year before you disappeared on Charlie. You lost his baby. He guesses Flores must have purchased your medical records, took note of it.

It nauseates Charlie.

It drives him crazy after only two minutes, hearing that noise, for you it’s been hours. It doesn’t take him long to dispatch the men guarding you, Rodrigo is overconfident due to his deal with the US government, he thinks that no one’s coming for you. He puts a bullet in the stereo because that fucking noise…

He can’t stand it.

When he opens the door to the storage unit it’s worse than he imagined. His heart stops beating in his chest because for a second, he thinks you’re dead, your body hangs limp from a pair of zip ties threaded through a metal strut in the ceiling. The heat is overwhelming, it scorches his skin as he stands in the doorway his heart pounding. The left side of your face is covered in dirt and blood, your skin sallow and your lips cracked. His gaze strays to your chest, you’re breathing but barely. He can hear the faint rasp over the rush of blood in his own ears.

He tries to be gentle when he cuts you down, his arm looped around your waist as your knees buckle and you collapse against him. You’re weak, dehydrated, barely clinging to consciousness as he drags you outside of the sweltering hotbox. He’s careful as he lowers you to the ground, propping you up against the outside of the container before he removes the canteen of water from his rucksack and presses it to your lips.

“Come on beautiful.” He whispers as he tilts your head back. “Take a sip for me.”

It takes a second for you to comprehend but then you follow his instruction, gulping from the canteen greedily.

“Easy.” He advises “Just a little at a time.”

You push his arm away indicating you’ve had enough to drink before your eyes flicker open and meet his.

It’s the most beautiful fucking sight Charlie has ever seen.

“I’ve got you.” He assures you, his thumb chasing away the tear that leaks down your cheek. “You’re safe, I’ve got you.”

Love Charlie 1? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[runninriot]

written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles

Day 17

prompt: Platonic Stobin | words: 930 | rated: t | no cw | tags: best friends Steve & Robin, established Steddie, Steve's in crisis mode but Robin is there to help

Escape Plan

   „What if we’re not gonna make it?“

Steve is pacing up and down the corridor, nervous hands tugging at his own hair, messing up the carefully styled mop. He’s been doing that for at least 15 minutes now. Steve is stressed.

Robin has tried everything to calm him down, to reassure him everything will be fine. But it’s like he’s not listening, or maybe he doesn’t hear her over his own anxious rambling.

She’s never seen him like that. On edge, yeah. Sometimes overly dramatic, too. But this, the way he’s freaking out right now? That’s new.

And see, she gets it. Today is the day. It all comes down to this one moment. Today they’ll define the rest of their lives. She knows everything will turn out right in the end. They’re destined to make it. There is absolutely no doubt about it but all of Steve’s worry is beginning to rub off on her.

   “Steeeeve, please! You need to relax. You’re starting to freak me out. It’s alright. You’re alright! Jeez, babe, stop the- STEVE! STOP!”

Steve freezes when she yells at him, turns to look at her with teary eyes. It breaks her heart a little to see him like this.

   “I don’t know if I can do this. What if- what if I fuck it up? What if it doesn’t work and one of us gets hurt? What if- hey! Why’re you smiling like that?”

Robin closes the distance between them, takes his hand in hers.

   “Babe. I want you to take a deep breath and listen to me. You won’t fuck this up. There is no way in hell this won’t work out. You two have been through so much already, I don’t think there’s anything you couldn’t work through together.”

Steve huffs out a breath.

   “But-“

Robin shushes him immediately. She’s not gonna give his doubts any more room, won’t let him spiral more than he already has.

   “You are the best thing that could’ve ever happened to him and he knows that. He loves you more than anything in this world.”

Steve’s eyes light up just a little bit at her words, lips forming a tentative smile. But Robin can literally see the cogs in his brain turning. He’s not quite there yet.

   “You know, if you don’t want to do this, just say the word and I’ll get you out of here. I’ll get the car ready and wait for you outside this window. We can run away together and start a new life somewhere like, Mexico, maybe. Or Canada.”

It’s meant as a joke, mostly. But truth is, she would do exactly that if he asked her to. She’d do just about anything for her favourite dingus.

Because Steve is her soulmate, her best friend, her family. Robin will forever be thankful for crossing paths with Steve all those years ago. Even after everything she got dragged into – going through literal hell, fighting monsters from another dimension, getting kidnapped and drugged by Russians, nearly dying more than once. She’d do all of it again if it meant to have Steve in her life. So wherever it’ll take him, she’ll follow. She’d leave everyone and everything behind if that’s what it took. They’re a package deal. You can’t get one without the other.

Eddie knows that, accepted it right from the start. He even came to her first, before proposing to Steve. Robin remembers how nervous he was.

    “I love him so much, Robs. And I- I know it doesn’t necessarily need rings or- some stupid certificate as proof for anything but- I know he always dreamed about getting married. He gave that up by choosing me, accepted that he couldn’t have this as a man in love with another man. But now we can and- he deserves everything. I want to marry him. I’ll even take his name, I don’t care. I just- if things were different I’d ask his parents but since they’re out of the picture... Robin, can I ask Steve to marry me?”

She remembers their shared tears of joy. Remembers the secret plotting. Remembers Steve’s face when Eddie dropped to one knee and revealed the black velvet covered box holding the ring. Remembers how happy Steve was.

Robin knows that hasn’t changed. He’s just-

   “I get that you’re scared, Steve. This is a huge step. But you’ve been together for so long now; you know exactly what you’re getting yourselves into. He wouldn’t have asked you to marry him if he wasn’t sure about this. He wants to spend the rest of his life with you. To love and to hold and to fuck nasty on the kitchen floor.”

Robin grins, wiggles her eyebrows teasingly, and finally she can see the tension in his shoulders ease. Steve barks out a laugh, loud and unrestrained, and it fills Robin with all the happiness of the world.

   “Just remember, today changes nothing about your relationship. It’s just a little bonus, the cherry on top.”

   “Thank you, Robs.”

Robin pulls Steve into a tight hug, holds him for a minute or two until there’s a knock on the door.

   “Ready?” she asks.

Steve takes another deep breath.

   “Ready.”

   “Let’s go make Eddie a honest man, then. Shall we, Mr Munson?”

Robin knows that everything will be fine. That Steve and Eddie will get their happy ever after because they're in love and nothing can tear them apart. But just in case, just to be sure, she checks for the passport in her purse and the car keys in her blazer pocket.

[bryan360]

Once again, No “On This Day” or throwback post share as of now. However, It’s now time that I’d waited for so long since our friend @shadowredfeline give me from last year’s Christmas. Yup, it’s for the fifth installment of the Forza Horizon series itself!

Originally, I would’ve saving it after I’d planned of finishing up FH3; which I know it’ll be a long ways to go. That being said, I couldn’t hold much longer til last night (Aug. 24th, 2024) where I’d finally boosted up the game. Sometimes it’s okay to keep moving forward than waiting longer. Just a peak experience where this taking place in Mexico. I had some fun driving around like from two previous Forza titles I’d been through from before. Still it was nice nonetheless as taking some snapshots I got. I also gotten my first picked car of an 2020 Toyota GR Supra where starting my career.

There’s more to come, but I won’t leave my Forza Horizon 3’s progress behind as well. I’ll remember that. 😉 Hope you guys enjoy it. 👍

Tagged: @murumokirby360 @shadowredfeline @alexander1301 @sammirthebear2k4 @coda-archive

[pastelwitchling]

Malex prompts are still open! In case y’all didn’t know! 😂

I also wanted to let you know that I hope to focus even more on books I’ve been reading 🥰 It’ll still have the hashtag ‘rin reads,’ but yeah, I’ve been wondering what to focus this account on since Roswell, New Mexico and I think this is it.

More books, more writing adventures, a lot more Disney, and… who knows… 😳