#so a lot of these are super quick doodles I squeezed in anyways

[bumbleboa]

small collection of recent sketches from my files, Law and Zoro edition

[plounce]

a thing i am doing right now is i am writing a post-canon cardassia garashir fic BUT it is wholly made up of primary sources and secondary sources discussing garashir in later cardassian society because in present canon cardassia is like homophobic so their relationship was kept verrrrry private, so a lot of historians in the future debate over whether garak and bashir were together or not. ambiguity and all that. im a history major. all the secondary sources are post-post-canon when cardassia is like. more socially liberal about certain things, where the writers are reflecting on that period of cardassian history. anyway these are the sections i have written / planned so far

bashir's will that asks for certain documents to be preserved “for the sake of historical preservation, so that future generations may know Elim not just as a patriotic statesman but as a warm and loving man.” <-- homo

a book on present-canon cardassian homophobia, going into the social history. this section got really long because i talked about trans cardassians navigating around homophobia a lot. bc the homophobia is from a place of “you have to have children” but like (binary) trans ppl are okay so like those people who marry in ways that don’t appear childbearing tended to have children really quick to escape that. but yeah i still need to finish this bit bc i need to actually talk about the homophobia not just the trans people

list of cardassian homophobic slurs. yeah lmao i know. we have fun here. one of the ones for “lesbians” is “friend of sapohi” because i couldn’t resist making up lizard alien sappho

first physical letter garak sends bashir post-canon when there’s power shortages and bashir is stationed a long way away. they’re not together yet. sort of an introduction. these letters are one of the only personal documents garak left behind bc he’s paranoid and very private

a federation relief worker’s notes on a briefing about power rationing, which is some further explanation about why the fuck star trek people would be writing letters on paper instead of their weird ipads

second letter garak sends bashir. idk what’s gonna be in that yet but i do know garak says “your doodle of me was charming but inaccurate”. just one side of the conversation bc bashir kept his letters from garak while garak read the letters bashir sent him, memorized them, and destroyed them for security reasons.

record request emails from a cardassian history graduate student to a federation archivist asking for access to any messages from the o’briens about bashir but oh no :( the o’briens only marked for archival some videos of their grandkids :( and also a video of a random cardassian kid from bashir? weird. this one was really fun

one of the last messages bashir sent o’brien through starfleet comms that’s like right before he leaves for cardassia. nothing Concrete but definitely Hmmm-able

an excerpt from a book about the history of offworlders on cardassia, which includes a letter from one of garak’s political opponents as an example of reactionary xenophobia. basically it’s just a letter where this dude is very rude and homophobic about bashir. but it’s fine because he uses fake homophobia

political cartoon where bashir is portrayed as a seducer trying to get cardassia to assimilate into the federation. meant to be kind of funny imo. might commission karin to draw it for me. i think bashir tried to frame it in their house but garak like super hated it but idk if i can squeeze that in

transcript of an interview bashir gave on his views on cardassian politics, trying to be like “haha im just here to be a doctor, im not trying to be a spy or anything, but yeah i do agree with the people who like social programs and the rights of the disadvantaged etc etc”

an excerpt from a speech parmak gives like a decade after that after a piece of orphan rights legislation got passed that thanks bashir for the consultation and support. heheh

third letter from garak to bashir. probably like. subtly indicates that their relationship is on the verge of romantic. the last letter

a negative book review of a book that argues that garak and bashir were together. the review is just like “terrans are just Like That!!” plus some other stuff like “they lived together bc nobody would rent a house to an offworlder in this era!!” and stuff like that. im looking forward to writing this

the entries on garak and bashir from a children’s book on cardassian heroes. very saccharine and glossy and patriotic. bashir especially is like “once he stepped foot on cardassian soil he knew he loved this land” etc etc. amusingly inaccurate

the speech of one of garashir’s grandchildren (they take in some wards - non-blood related adoption is formally recognized on cardassia after the wards are of age) while accepting some medical award that thanks her grandfather elim garak for the support and her beloved elder julian bashir for his advice and support

a foreword from a book of poetry written by one of their GREAT-grandchildren who thanks his grandfather for the love of literature passed down to him. because Oh You Know

idk where this will go but cardassians discussing a federation documentary about The Heroes Of The Dominion War that says “oh yeah bashir went on to become the first naturalized citizen of cardassia. elim garak became an important figure in the new cardassian government. they were common law married” and the cardassians being like THEY REALLY SAID THAT? and some cardassians being mad and some cardassians being like Someone’s Fucking Saying It Finally!

still thinking of other sections that go a bit more into their children/married life. maybe also some other incidents. the thing about this is it’s such a fun little exercise to think of different ways to angle into this relationship and this society through surviving primary sources and variations on secondary sources. it’s a puzzle though because i want a lot of differentiation

im thinking ill conclude it with like their great great grandchild releasing some documents from them that confirm their relationships that were meant to published like a couple centuries later when hopefully cardassia was more accepting. because i want gay people to get the last laugh and assert their places in history and regain control over how society sees them. yk

sorry this post is like so insanely long and also kind of deranged in concept. im kind of fucking tired of my main twitter being this place where i have to remember that 21k people follow me (because i post c*tcrumb art on my main twtter) that im trying to make tumblr a place where i can just run my mouth yk. anyway. hey i got really into ds9 in the second week of march

[skye-maxwell]

Mostly You

Persona 4 | Souyo | Third year, pre-relationship | Rated F for Fluff

Happy birthday, @livefreeordie13! You are my friend, and I like you a lot! \o/

For prompt #6: “I think about you all the time.”

---

It was Yosuke’s turn to call him today, so Souji sat on the floor of his bedroom, patiently folding paper cranes while he waited. 

They had spoken to each other on the phone nearly every day since Souji had left Inaba, and Souji was grateful that Yosuke always seemed eager to hear from him. Even if it was just a quick call after school on his way to Junes, or while he was drifting off to sleep after a long day—Yosuke made time for Souji, and that meant the world to him.

The ringtone Souji had specifically assigned to Yosuke started playing, and Souji smiled, like he always did. It was a song Yosuke had shared with him to cheer him up when things had been at their worst, and now Souji knew every word and every note of the track. 

“Hey, Yosuke,” Souji greeted warmly, putting his phone on speaker and setting it on his desk so he could keep folding. 

“Hey, Partner!” Yosuke said happily, and Souji smiled again. He would never get tired of that enthusiasm. “What are you up to?” 

“Cranes.”

“Haha, again? Are you trying to set a world record for ‘most paper cranes folded’ or something?” 

“No, but now that you say that, it sounds pretty good. I think that’ll be my goal now.” 

Instead of dismissing the joke like Souji expected him to, Yosuke said, “Well, if anyone can do it, it’s you. I believe in you, Partner!” 

“Thank you,” Souji said dumbly, becoming flustered for a moment before he could think of a better reply. “If I do break the record, you’ll be the first one I invite to the party.”

“The party?” 

“Yeah, to celebrate my success.” 

“Oh man, a party thrown by you? I can see it now. It’s gonna be a total rager,” Yosuke laughed.   

“Of course. It’ll be the most enraged of ragers.”

“That doesn’t even make sense!” 

“Honestly, it would probably just end up being you and me sitting in a room drinking something like, not even alcoholic, and we would try to clink our glasses together and probably spill lemonade everywhere—”

“When did it turn into lemonade?”

“—and then you’d be all ‘Congrats, Partner,’ and yeah, that would probably be it.” 

Souji expected Yosuke to laugh at the image he had created, or to call it lame and throw out ideas for an actual rager… 

“I mean, as long as I’m there with you, I’m down for whatever.” 

Souji dropped his paper crane. 

Why? Souji mentally asked Yosuke, picking his crane back up off the floor. Why must you say such cute things?

Not about to say anything remotely like that out loud, Souji asked, “So what are you doing right now?”

Not seeming to notice the abrupt change of subject, Yosuke answered, “I’m doing homework! Kind of.” 

“Are you just doodling in the margins?” 

“Not just the margins, Partner—the whole paper! Because, you know, there’s no notes on the page…” 

Souji sighed. “Do I need to hang up so you can get your homework done?”

“No! No no no! Please don’t hang up! I’ll actually do it later, I promise!”

“Calm down, I’m not actually gonna hang up on you.” 

“Okay, good.”

“That does remind me, though… Lately I’ve been daydreaming in class a lot. Sometimes I’ll just completely space out, and by the time I space back in, I realize I haven’t been paying attention for an entire lecture.” 

“For real? Did my bad habits rub off on you?”

“Why do you sound like that? What are you doing now?”

“Finished drawing. Balancing a pencil on my nose. Crap! I dropped it. Anyways, you’re supposed to be the good student between the two of us, man! We can’t both be slacking off!” 

“Sorry, Yosuke.”

Before Souji could say anything else, Yosuke suddenly asked, “What do you think about?” 

“Hm?”

“When you’re daydreaming all that time—what are you thinking about?”

“Well… I think about last year a lot, and how I wish I was still there with everyone, and I think about recipes I want to make, and movies I want to see, and what I want to do after high school, and… you. Mostly you, actually,” Souji accidentally admitted. 

“Me? What about me?” 

Now that Souji had let the cat peek its head out of the bag, he wasn’t entirely sure he would be able to keep the rest of it in the bag for much longer. 

“I think about all the crazy and terrible and amazing times we had together last year, and how I wish was still there with you. I think about recipes I want to make for you to try, and the faces you’ll make when you’re eating them. I think about movies I want to see, whether or not you would like them, the discussions we would have after we watched them together… I think about how badly I want to do whatever it takes to have more of you in my life after I finish this stupid third year… Yeah, all the time. I think about you all the time.”

“Partner, that’s… um, unexpected. I’m sure someone like you has better things to think about than me.”

Souji shook his head. “No. I don’t. Not more important than you, no.” 

“You’re exaggerating, right? To make me feel good?” 

“I’m not. Does it make you feel good?”

“Well, yeah, sure it does. Being on someone’s mind makes me feel special, y’know? Especially your mind.”

“You seem surprised, Yosuke. You really don’t have any idea how important you are to me, do you?” 

“I guess not? I don't know, it’s just… hard to believe. Do you know why I always make sure we talk to each other like this? I mean, obviously I don’t want you to be lonely, and I want to make sure you’re doing okay, but also like, I just don’t want you to forget me.”

Souji scoffed, immediately covering his mouth afterwards because he definitely hadn’t meant to do that, even if what Yosuke had said was completely ludicrous. 

Forget you? With the amount of running around you do in my mind, how on earth could I possibly forget you? 

Souji quickly tried to find a way to convey that sentiment to Yosuke in a less creepy way. 

“The only way I could ever forget you is if I had a major head injury, like blunt force trauma, and I forgot everything… or, if I, you know, died.” 

“Partner! Don’t say shit like that!” 

“My problem isn’t forgetting you; my problem is remembering you too much. Seriously, it’s constant. But actually, yeah, no, I don’t want to think of you any less, not really…”

“Heh, is this what it feels like to be flattered? You’re really something else, Partner. Oh hey, I’ve gotta go; my mom’s calling me for dinner.”

“Okay,” Souji sighed, feeling like he had sort of just poured his heart out (in a subtle yet super vulnerable and embarrassing way?), and yet the conversation had not come anywhere close to a satisfying resolution. “Tell her I said hi.” 

“Will do! She’ll be thrilled, haha. She’s actually trying out one of the recipes you left her, so I’ll let you know how it goes. Don’t worry though; it’s definitely not gonna be as good as when you make it.” 

Souji rediscovered his smile, happy that Yosuke would be thinking about him after he hung up—comparing his mother’s cooking against Souji’s own while he ate, remembering the times Souji had made the dish for him, coming up with an evaluation to share with Souji after the meal was done… 

“Your loyalty is appreciated.” 

“All right, Partner, thanks for talking to me.”

“Yosuke? I’m sorry if anything I said was too weird.” 

“All you ever say is weird stuff, man. I’m used to it.” 

“Pfft, okay, bye.” 

“Talk to you later!” 

Yosuke hung up, and Souji finished off the crane he was working on, setting the red paper bird on his desk in a row with several other red cranes. He took a photo and sent it off to Yosuke with the caption: “It’s like your shirt.” 

Satisfied with that, Souji stood up so he could go make his own dinner, but a text from Yosuke stopped him in his tracks. 

Instead of a reply about his picture, he opened up an unexpected picture from Yosuke. 

It was of his notebook, the one he had been doodling in at the beginning of their conversation. 

The first thing that caught his eye was a big-headed (chibi?) doodle of himself (the distinct bowl cut was a dead giveaway) in the middle of the page, holding his sword and wearing his TV World glasses. He also appeared to be on fire? Or maybe that was a representation of Persona power? 

Whatever it was, it was adorable.

Souji’s gaze flitted across the full page, his breaths growing more shallow as he took it all in: Izanagi and Jiraiya doing cool(?) action poses next to each other, a bento box that looked very much like the ones Souji used to prepare for Yosuke every day, a half-melted snowman wearing Souji’s grey scarf and Nanako’s Loveline hat, a Mega Beef Bowl from Aiya’s and stick figure versions of all their friends drowning in it… 

It took Souji a minute to realize it, but every single doodle across the page was somehow related to himself, and the memories he and Yosuke shared together. 

In the bottom corner of the page, one doodle was squeezed in that must have been the last one Yosuke drew. It was the two of them standing side-by-side in front of a house (but it didn’t look like any house that Souji recognized?) with their arms around each other’s shoulders. They were wearing big happy faces, and one of Yosuke’s arms was in the air, as if he was waving. 

The circular sun with squiggly rays coming out of it was in the sky above them, smiling and wearing sunglasses, ironically. There was a thing in front of the house that Souji didn’t recognize at first until he saw the bike next to it; it was a half-pipe. 

Then Souji squinted at another part of the doodle and zoomed in on the image, not quite believing his eyes.

In the front window of the house, there was a cat peeking through, big and fluffy just like Souji liked. 

Was that supposed to be… their house? 

“No way,” Souji whispered to himself.

Then he scrolled down to the caption and completely lost his breath. 

“I think of you too.” 

And with that, Souji’s fate was sealed—he was going to be thinking about Yosuke—his Partner who he was in love with (who thought about him too!)—nonstop for the rest of his life. 

[logical-little-lies]

Can we get super little to who's trying to hide that he's little at all from the others by repressing and drowning himself in work?

SORRY IT’s BEEN FOREVER SINCE THIS WAS SENT IN BUT HEREEEE

Babyspace and Lying to Daddy-Agere!Sides AU (pt.29)

Roman whined quietly, biting at his lip and deciding the rest his chin in his hand for a moment. He was surrounded by papers, drowning himself in work that could probably wait. Along with just getting to see his brother again, there were a lot of emotions and stress that came with it. Not to long ago, Roman broke down and regressed very deeply when Virgil put him in timeout.

And now, it seemed that that kept happening. He felt so small, not the normal bratty five-year-old kiddo vibe, but a very contrasting soft, cuddly, baby boy headspace. His mind felt fuzzy, and he just wanted to be held. It felt different, weird, and wrong in a way. So, his solution to a problem that wouldn't exist if he didn't overthink things, was to work and distract himself until the issue disappeared.

He usually wasn't the one who had an issue with hiding when he was little, he was usually the one who had to pry at Virgil for it. He sighed, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment and taking a breath. He got out of his chair and left his desk, going out into the commons. "Roman! Salutations," Logan gave a polite little wave from the couch, where he sat reading some book.

"Hey," Roman mumbled, rubbing at his eye. It was way harder than it should've been just to talk normal.

"Are you quite alright? You seem exhausted, should I get Virgil for you?" Logan quickly bookmarked his page and abandoned the informational source on the coffee table.

"N-no, I'm fine, promise," He was quick to speak, even if it was slight muttering.

"Alright, but you should eat something and try to rest," Logan seemed to be less tense. "Actually, Patton's in the kitchen. I'm sure he'll offer to make you something."

Roman nodded, going into the kitchen as planned. It's not like he was actually that tired, but he had acquired some soft of headache from repressing regression, and he felt a mix of emotions and stress. "Hey there, princey," Patton greeted him with a smile from his spot at the kitchen table, where he was eating oatmeal and working on a puzzle.

"Hi," Roman squeaked,pausing before going to a cabinet to see what he could make himself.

"Sit," Patton instructed, and Roman didn't bother to argue. "How do you want your oatmeal?"

"Not to thick, not to thin. Little bit of milk, cinnamon, and honey. And three spoonfuls of sugar," Roman sighed, and Patton set to work.

"That's a lot of sugar, but as you're not little, I guess no one can tell you not to do what you want," Patton knew it wouldn't hurt him, so he heated up the stove to boil water. While it boiled, he got out a bowl and put the oats in it.

"Do you wanna stay out here and work on the puzzle with me? Virgil said he would join me once he got out the shower!" Patton excitedly offered. "Ooh, speaking of the emo," Patton gestured to Virgil, who's hair was still wet as he stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

"You joining us, babe?" Virgil ran his hand through his hair. He had no eyeshadow on, and he had to leave his hood down in order to avoid messing up one of his hoodies.

Roman shook his head, mumbling. "I have some work to do, I just needed something to eat," he bit at his lip slightly. He was nervous, because compared to the two others, Virgil was really good at spotting when he was slipping, even before he did, at points.

Virgil looked like he was gonna say something before Patton cut him off. "He asked for a very sugary serving of oatmeal. Honey and sugar!"

"That would totally make Little Roman bounce off the walls," Virgil chuckled, coming and sitting next to Roman. Patton hummed to himself while waiting for the water to boil, so Virgil leaned closer and whispered to him.

"Hey, Ro. Are you regressing?" he asked hesitantly. Roman didn't respond. "You usually tell me if you're little, or close to it, so if you are I'd like to know. I just want to take care of you."

Roman shook his head, lying to his carer without real reason. "No, I'm fine," he gave a false promise.

Virgil didn't seem completely convinced but he let it go for the moment. "Well, are you okay overall?" he questioned, and Roman nods again. Virgil leaned forward, kissing his cheek lightly. "Alright. I love you,"

"Love you too," The act of affection made Roman want more affection, but his mind was pretty set on repressing this deeper regression.

"What'cha working on, anyways?" Virgil spoke again after a little silence.

"Uh, planning videos for Thomas, n' other stuffs," Roman cursed himself for the slight use of little speech. This is when Patton set the bowl of finished oatmeal in front of Roman, who picked it up and was quick to get up. "I'm gonna head back to my room and keep working. Thanks Pat," he gave a small, slightly awkward smile before heading out.

Virgil sighed once he left, "I'm like pretty sure he's repressing littlespace for some reason."

Virgil groaned. "It seemed like something was off, maybe you should go check on him? Figure out what is up, and if it is the regression thing, figure out why," Patton offered.

"I'll bring a sippy cup of juice," Virgil decided, getting up and reaching for Roman's prince sippy cup. "As a peace offering," he joked. He paused, and grabbed another one, it had a softer nipple. It was more bottle-like.

Patton got the apple juice out of the fridge and handed it to Virgil, who filled the pinkish-red cup about 3/4 of the way full, before twisting on the lid and heading back to Roman's room without another word. He knocked on the wood lightly, and he heard a light whine.

"Who is it?" he called out.

"It's Virgil," Virgil was slightly amused by his voice.

"Oh," he heard softly from the other side of the door. Virgil rolled his eyes and opened the door, spotting Roman at his desk. He held a pen in his hand, and he shyly dropped it when he saw the sippy cup in Virgil's hand.

"Hey, ro. What'cha doing?" Virgil closed the door behind him coming over to stand behind Roman's chair. He silently sat the sippy cup in front of Roman.

"Nothing," he tried to move all him papers and stack them up, to cover the adorable cloud, flower, and heart doodles on his paper. The other pages were actual work.

"That page of doodles is 'nothing'? Well that specific type of nothing is very, very adorable," Virgil's dorky comment made Roman giggle. He then cover his mouth and whimpered. Virgil sighed, motioning to Roman to get up from the chair. He did so, and Virgil pulled out the chair father, sitting down and pulling Roman onto his lap.

"Tell me what's going on, baby," Virgil ordered,one arm around Roman's waist, and the other occupied playing with his hair.

"Nothing going on, daddy," Roman tried to sound promising. Virgil could've audibly cooed at his first use of a caregiver name besides 'veevee'. Roman felt much smaller than usual,leading him to be more dependant on Virgil.

"Don't lie or you'll get a punishment," Roman whimpered at this, causing Virgil to reassure him quickly. "But I'm sure you'll talk to me before we get to that point, hmm?"

"I feel very little...woke up feeling like dat. Hard to talk, I want cuddles, and I feel like a baby," Roman admitted.

"That's okay, princey! It just means you have a deeper end to your headspace," Virgil coaxed him more by continuing to play with his hair. "Do you wanna tell me why you tried to hide that you felt little? You were pretty convincing until you slipped up on the little speech."

"I'm always da biggest one! big prince, even when I'm little. Never felt babyish before, feels weird," he pouted, trying to hide his face in his hands.

"So you tried to distract yourself with work, and then lie to me?" he questioned, and Roman whimpered again.

"Sorry, daddy. I be good, very good, promise!" He squeaked.

"I'm sure you will, little one. You're not in trouble, but I do want you to know that you never have to hide your little space from me. No matter how small you are," Virgil kissed the side of his head. Roman nodded, bringing his thumb to his mouth. "How about we take a break from working and just watch some cartoons? Cuddle for a bit, hmm?"

Roman seemed to like that idea, holding onto Virgil tightly as he picked him up. Virgil was there for Roman.

Even baby Roman.

[blu-joons]

BTS Reaction: You’re An Artist

Jin:

Several eyes looked around the gallery at your pieces of work, showcased on all four works for everyone to marvel at in excitement, impressed by the things you’d created.

“All those long nights seem to have been worth it,” Jin whispered, coming up beside you, wrapping his arm proudly around your waist.

“I never thought I’d get to this point, at times all I wanted to do was give up and just cancel all of this,” you giggled, taking it all in around you.

He chuckled, resting his head on yours. “It’s been hard, but I’m so proud of what you’ve achieved. Look at all these people, all here to celebrate how amazing you are.”

You smiled lightly, feeling him kiss the top of your head. “I’ve already had a few enquiries about future projects, this really could be the start of something good for me.”

“People would be crazy not to want a piece of your work when you’re just so talented. I might even have to get you to do something for me,” he grinned.

“My diary is pretty busy,” you teased, “but I guess I could make an exception for the man whose helped me get through all of this.”

“Don’t be silly, I’m just so proud of you.”

Yoongi:

He sighed heavily when he spotted the time, slipping out of bed when he heard your footsteps still upstairs in your studio trying to finish the piece you’d been working tirelessly on.

“Surely you must be tired by now, it’s no good working when you’re sleepy,” he spoke, making you jump as he entered the room to find you.

“I’m nearly done, I promise. I’ve got a couple of blends to do and then I’ll come down and go to bed,” you assured, offering an unconvincing smile.

He shook his head, looking at what you’d done, “I’m saying this because I love you, but if you don’t do this in the morning, you’ll regret it. You can barely keep your eyes open now.”

You sighed, knowing he was right. “I just really wanted to get this done tonight so I could start working on something new tomorrow for a client.”

“You’ve worked so hard already today, just give yourself some time to recover, you know you don’t produce your best when you’re tired,” he argued, trying desperately to convince you.

“Fine, but I’ll be up early tomorrow,” you whispered, caving into him, “you best be prepared to give me a lot of cuddles for this.”

“I’ve never been more ready for anything jagi.”

Hoseok:

He stepped in to find you drawing on your canvas, editing a few bits to make sure you had the layout perfect of your next commission, not wanting to mess it up.

“That looks super cool,” he smiled, leaning over you to get a sneak peek of what it was you were drawing. “Are you happy with it?”

“I think so, I just can’t seem to get the curve of the mountain right at the top, it keeps looking wonky,” you grumbled, placing your pencil down in your lap.

Hobi picked it up, looking at you for permission to have a go. “I used to do a lot of landscape doodling when I was writing songs, it was something I learnt to perfect."

You watched, as he drew the angle perfectly, taking your breath away. “I’ve been sat here for an hour stressing that it wasn’t going right, and then you come along.”

“Sometimes you just need another pair of eyes,” he smiled, “but I’m still nowhere near as talented as you are, I’m not going to steal your crown anytime soon.”

“I don’t know, I’m going to have to credit you now,” you joked, “this will be the first piece drawn by Y/N and Hoseok together.”

“Trust me, I did nothing, it’s all on you.”

Namjoon:

You smiled with relief, walking down the stairs to show Namjoon the piece you’d just finished, finding him laid in bed, scrolling through his phone, waiting for you to appear.

“Well, it’s finished,” you giggled, turning it around once you had captured his attention, watching as his eyes lit up seeing the finished product, you’d worked so hard on.

“That’s beautiful sweetheart, you’ve really excelled yourself with this one,” he complimented, taking it from you as you held it out to show him properly.

You smiled, perching on the end of the bed, seeing how tired he was. “I’m sorry I didn’t come down sooner, I just really wanted to get this one done tonight.”

His head shook, patting the space beside him, “you don’t need to apologise, I know how keen you are to finish things, and by the looks of this, I can see why.”

“I’m really excited to hand it over tomorrow, hopefully they’ll like it,” you giggled, resting your tired frame against Namjoon’s lightly for a small rest.

“I’m sure whoever it is for, they will love it, because I sure do,” he assured you, pressing a delicate kiss to the top of your head. “It’s perfect.”

“You’re too kind Joon, thank you.”

Jimin:

You smiled as Jimin walked in with two mugs of hot chocolate, a packet of biscuits hanging from his back pocket, sitting in the chair at the back of your studio.

“I thought you could do with a little company,” he smiled, placing the mugs down, walking over to you, pressing a kiss against your cheek.

“This is a lovely surprise, I thought you’d be busy too,” you replied, dropping your paintbrush, making a quick beeline for the biscuits, hearing your tummy rumble.

He chuckled, taking one you handed from him. “I’m going to stay here tonight, with you, until you finish what it is, you’re working on.”

“You don’t need to do that, I’m sure you’re busy too, I’m honestly alright by myself,” you tried to reason, but he was having none of it, shaking his head.

“Don’t be silly, I’ve missed being around you over the past couple of days,” he smiled, “it’ll be nice for us to just spend some time together.”

Your smile grew, full of affection. “That would be good, I’ve missed you Chim. I’m sorry I’ve been so busy with work recently, it’s just a really hard time right now.”

“I understand, this is still perfect for me.”

Taehyung:

He stood beside you watching as you signed your name to the corner of the canvas, dropping the pencil as the big piece was finally finished, after three very long weeks.

“I’m so happy it’s finally done,” you chuckled, feeling Taehyung’s arms wrap around you, “never will I do a piece as big as this ever again.”

“It’s turned out really well though, even if it has caused you so much stress,” he assured you, kissing the back of your head softly. “Are you happy with it?”

You nodded lightly, “I think so, right now I’m just so full of relief that it’s finally all sorted I can stop being so wrapped up in all of this.”

He chuckled, knowing just how hard you’d worked to make it as good as possible. “You’ve done a really good job with it; all the hard work has definitely been worth it.”

“For sure, it’s what I love to do, even if it does make me want to scream sometimes, there were certainly times when I wanted to give up, but I couldn’t,” you laughed.

“I’m glad you didn’t,” he responded, “because I think this might just be your best one yet, I’m really impressed by it, you’ve done such a good job.”

“Thanks Tae, that really means a lot to me.”

Jungkook:

The door to your studio creaked open as the clock struck midnight, turning around, you smiled as you spotted Jungkook walking in with a big smile on his face.

“I thought I might find you here,” he teased, pulling his jumper tighter around his cold body, “have you any idea what time it is? It’s so late.”

“I know, but I’ve just been busy,” you innocently smiled in reply, giving him a squeeze to warm him up, “what are you doing here anyway? You should be sleeping.”

His head nodded, “I couldn’t sleep knowing you were still here probably stressing over nothing. I just needed to come and make sure that you were doing alright.”

A soft smile grew, running your hands through his hair. “That’s really cute Kook, but I promise I’m doing just fine, just got a lot of things to do, and not a lot of time.”

“Do you think you’ll be much longer? I can stay and drive you home if you fancy, I don’t feel happy thinking about you walking home alone at this time,” he spoke.

“I don’t think I’ve got much left to do, I won’t be much longer,” you replied, “if you want to wait you can, but you really don’t have to if you’re tired.”

“I’m staying, and it is because I want to.”

---

Masterlist

[nadiestar]

Drawing Unicors And Train Wrecks: Part 2

Part 1 | Part 3 (AO3)

Masterpost | Taglist

“I see your point I just don’t think we could motivate any of the boys to come here and just sit together. Logan is angry at me for skipping him and at you for making the button. Virgil is angry with me siding with you and I don’t think I need to point out what Roman would have against sitting together with us,” Patton said and massaged his temple.

Janus leaned back in the chair and pressed his lips together. He had hoped for Patton to be far more eager to get his beloved famILY together. But apparently him turning into a giant frog had caused him to become more reasonable. Which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing but right now Janus would have preferred an optimistic Patton to a reasonable one.

“Well, and we’d also have trouble with Remus...”

Janus raised his eyebrows, as he watched Patton casting his eyes down to the kitchen table in quiet guilt. That was not something he expected Patton to bring up, but then again, what was he if not an opportunist.

“Indeed. We’re going to have a lot of problems with Remus. But we need to have them, so we can get over them. Otherwise he will not be accepted by Thomas and we both know we need him to be accepted.”

Patton looked up. He clenched his jaw and Janus crossed his arms in front of his chest, as he pushed his chin forward. He would not back out of this conversation. Not in a million years.

___

“So, you just knock once on the floor instead of saying “UNO”, alright?” Roman proposed while knocking with his fist on the floor, as an example what Remus was supposed to do.

The little Duke, now with the quiet elaborate make-up moustache, grinned widely and demonstrated his agreement with hammering his fist on the floor a few times. Virgil grinned at the little boy's energy and enthusiasm and then asked if he should distribute the cards.

Then they started to play. It had been Remus who conjured the set after he had been satisfied with staring at his reflection and the three others were quick to oblige. And so, they had ended up sitting in a little circle around a stack of UNO cards on the floor of Logan’s living room.

They didn’t know but imagery the group provided was more than a little strange. The three grown men all looked like they all came out of different shows. A prince out of a fairy tale, the stern but fair teacher from the protagonists of a kids show and an emo background character out of a Tim Burton movie. And all three looked utterly displaced sitting as they were in a little circle with this little boy in midst of them.

But they did not truly care. Not when they miraculously managed to keep going and going and whenever one of them had an UNO the others’ managed to keep them to lay down his last card. Also, somehow whenever things got a little quieter the one player who was next pulled a +4 and as funny it was to hear all three adults censor their swears (Remus was Remus but also five years old. They had to be responsible around him.) it also was a bit strange.

After a further fifteen minutes of them playing without ever reaching a conclusion, Logan paused before he played his next card, a green reverse which would keep Roman from playing and give Remus the next move, and looked to the little Duke next to him.

“Remus, am I right in the assumption that you are monitoring which cards we have and manipulating the middle stack?”

The little boy pressed his cards against his chest and pouted with big puppy eyes. Logan sighed but the tiny hint of a smile reached his lips and he told the boy: “I know you’re not changing the cards we hold in our hands. I’ve kept an eye on it. It’s only the middle stack and taking that in account I have to say -” The hint of a smile turned into an actual smile - “that is quite impressive. You’re being very clever with this.”

A tiny giggle escaped the little rat kid’s lips. It was not loud but genuine and fresh. Filling the air and their chests like only few melodies ever could. It was surprisingly soft and so, so vulnerable. Vulnerable like a feather.

___

Patton was shaking like a feather in the wind. The hard and stern expression in his face could have fooled one, but Janus saw the fear and the fragile state of the other. He didn’t want to put him through it.

“I understand that he is loud and wild. I get that it scares you,” Janus said and put Patton through it anyway, “but he will let us face what we need to face. The anger, the sadness, all the things that weigh you down. He can access them so much easier and it will only help you to face them. He’s necessary for us to get better.”

“But what is about the effort the others already put into my wellbeing? Does it not count? How is it not enough? Roman sacrificed his own needs for me feeling better! How is that not enough for me?” Patton retorted defensively and desperately.

Janus eyes became sad and he reached over the table to take Patton’s clenched hands in his own. He saw his pain. He knew it. He had seen it so many times in his friend.

“I am so not sorry Patton. I wish that the things the others did for you would have made you better, made it easier for you to be but self-sacrifice, as noble as it might seem, is not helpful. What Roman did was not helpful. He was just as desperate as you and wanted to help but what he brought to the table was not helpful. Because it was not what he really believed, what he really wanted. He was just trying to please you and that wasn’t helpful for either of you. He needs to be able to talk back to you, having another opinion than you and knowing that he might get out of a discussion as the winner, because right now, he can never win.”

Patton’s bottom lip shivered but his hands were unclenched. He let Janus hold him.

“Roman can do much good if we let him. And you can too. So, so much good. I know that is all you want but I’ve seen you destroy yourself by taking over the wheel with no idea of what you were doing. You’ve been hurting so long and I know you began to acknowledge parts of that but that won’t be enough. We’re going to have to dig deeper than that. And I know you can do it. Just not on your own.”

___

Finally, Remus played his last card and Logan proposed for all of them to take a short break. Remus was fine with it, when Logan gave him some paper and a pen and sat next to him, while he scribbled some doodles on the paper. Meanwhile Virgil pulled Roman aside.

“Hey, man, uhm, you seem… tense?” Virgil started quietly while eyeing what Logan and Remus were doing in the corner of his eyes.

Roman forced a smile and fumbled with his hands as he then told doubtful Virgil: “I’m fine! Just worried. About Remus. What else would I be worried about, I mean? Right?”

The fake laugh Roman put on after that didn’t help convince Virgil in any way of Roman’s words. And Roman could see that all too well and stopped. Uneasily he cast his eyes down to his feet and felt his shoulders slump. He didn’t feel princely, at all.

“It’s fine. You took a big hit after the whole thing with Deceit. You’re allowed to be upset about it. Especially, now when your brother fucking regressed as well. This is like the worst nightmare I can imagine, myself being in,” Virgil claimed despite at least five worse things coming to mind but choosing to ignore them since they didn’t seem to be helpful additions in order to get Roman into a better mood.

“It’s not so bad. There are worse things than being regressed.”

Virgil stared at Roman with big eyes and Roman immediately noticed his mistake. Franticly, feeling sweat building on the back of his neck he held his hands up in front of his chest and he faked a laugh.

“I mean,” Roman tried to deflect the suspicion, “there are worse things than Remus being regressed! Remus being regressed! Yeah. That’s what I meant.”

In Virgil’s head rang a million alarm bells. Roman had been regressed before. His poor attempt to hide it made that clear enough, but looking at Roman’s face, at the worry in it he knew he couldn’t ask it. Not without compromising Roman into a crying mess at least.

So, he took the other bait and asked: “Then Remus has been regressed before? Like how often?”

Roman’s breath was still racing and Virgil almost felt that he was going to cry but at once Roman just gulped, drove his hand through his hair and got a grip on his breathing again. He smiled shakily but it seemed to be enough for him to keep himself together and he began to explain.

“It’s usually, when he gets super overwhelmed by stuff that happens to Thomas. Or to us for that matter.”

“What?”

Roman and Virgil turned both their head to Logan who had stood up and now was walking towards the two of them.

“Why would regression help him to deal with feeling overwhelmed?” Logan asked again, as Roman didn’t continue talking.

With a curt shaking of his head Roman bounced back and he answered: “It doesn’t help. It’s a reaction. He has no way of changing the situation, he cannot do anything to stop us all from hurting and stuff and so his physical state just aligns with his emotional state. He just becomes as small and helpless as he feels.”

___

“Thank you. I feel a little less directionless now,” Patton told Janus and squeezed his hands.

The snake smiled at him, fondness visibly glittering in his eyes. He let his hand slip over Patton’s and stroked it a few times, getting a little shaky but authentic smile out of the moral side.

“Do mention it. I’m just doing what I can to keep us all from crashing.”

Patton gave him a short glance, which told Janus that he was thinking that Janus did much more than that but neither lingered on that notion. Instead, Patton sighed a little and straightened his back.

He pulled on hand back to his chest, fumbled with the knot of his cardigan and said while looking down to the table: “I just can’t but still feel uneasy about the twins. It’s as if I could sense their unease, you know?”

“You what?” Janus asked suddenly vigilant.

It was then both heard the sound of a door opening in the hallway.

___

Nerd had heard Bro and Gily talking. He had gone to them and talk.

Nobody was looking over his drawings anymore. Remus did not like that feeling at all. He knew, he should have been used to it, but it still bothered him. He didn’t want to cry though. Bro was upset and Nerd and Gily could not handle him being upset. So he would not cry and do something himself.

Nerd’s room was not much fun, when he looked around. Just papers and necessities. Many books Remus didn’t want to read.

But then there was the door. The doorknob was very shiny and Remus knew he could reach it with no problem. And so, the little Duke stood up and walked over to the door, mindful of his step, so the others wouldn’t see him.

The shiny doorknob was smooth and Remus liked the feel as he turned it and opened the door. Quick he stood outside and looked down corridor. It was funny how much bigger everything looked to him now.

___

Roman barely heard Logan’s last words as they all three suddenly noticed the little creak the door made as it was opened. In panic all three turned to see Remus walking outside and Roman started sprinting to get to his brother.

He hit his knee at the door, the pain pulsed, but he had no time thinking about it. Remus wasn’t looking at him. He looked to the doorframe leading into the living room, to the shadow that was cast through it.

Roman felt his heart beat up into his throat. The shadow had a hat. He knew the steps. He placed himself beside Remus, despite shivering like a leaf, holding out his arm as if to protect him.

And there it came; Janus stepped out of the doorway. Looked at him and his little brother, who was close to tears. Roman opened his mouth, wanted to defend Remus, not seeing the obvious concern and not anger shining in Janus’s face. But no sound wanted to come to him. He was helpless.

Another shadow. Another pair of steps, next to Virgil and Logan who had come out after Roman.

Patton stood behind Janus.

And at that Roman shrunk. His prince outfit morph into a simple white shirt with a golden sun on it and the red sash turning into a red cape. The black slacks and black boots gone for red shorts and bare feet. On his head a golden cardboard crown held on his head with an elastic string around his chin.

Whimpers shook the now so little Prince and he tried to muffle, suffocate them behind his tiny hands, but he couldn’t stop it. He couldn’t do anything.

Remus jumped in front of him. A little, silver short appeared in his right hand and with his left he shielded him from the other’s sight.

Roman fell onto his backside from crying and his brother’s little hand was suddenly put on his shoulder. And then they fell through the floor into a different place. Away from the others.

___

The four grown-ups stared at the place where Roman and Remus had just stood a mere moment ago.

“Where did they go?! Janus! Where did they go!” Virgil cried aggressively and targeted Janus, who’s eyes still were frozen on the spot.

“Remus probably took them to the Imagination. It’s where he feels most in control,” Janus answered in reflex.

Panicked Logan shot forwards, hands on his head and muttered: “The Imagination is a death trap! They are five years old and we cannot function without Creativity. We cannot lose them! We cannot lose them.”

“Hold. Hold on. We can fix this. It is fine,” Janus intervened finally breaking free from his spot.

“Fix this? This is your fault and-”

“Virgil, please!” Patton stopped Virgil.

All three looked at Patton. He rubbed his eyes. Tears were streaming down but beyond them was a shaky sign of determination in his gaze.

“Janus is self-preservation. If somebody knows how to start saving ourselves it will be him.”

Patton reached out and held onto Janus’s arm.

“I’ll trust you. Lead the way.”

Virgil and Logan gaped at the two and then exchanged a look. Logan gulped and took a step towards them. Gave Janus a simple nod and hesitantly put is and on Patton’s back.

Virgil stared at Janus. And Janus stared back. For once Virgil didn’t slouch. He met Janus evenly in his gaze, taking a deep breath and took a step towards Logan.

“Well then,” Janus said looked to the others, “let’s not waste anymore time and get our Creativities back.”

___

@aprincehasgotoslay

@varthandi

@sickeningly-deceitful

@sammy-is-obsessed / @exhaustedfander

@unoriginalgayboyalex

@alexisrealgay

[ronninoir]

Can I Steal You For A Second? Chapter 26

Summary: Adrien is forced to participate in a new dating show, but becomes more excited when Ladybug says she’ll participate as her civilian self.

AKA: AU where Adrien doesn’t know Marinette, the superheroes are 22 and Gabriel is mean and ruthless but not Hawkmoth.

Read on AO3

Start from the beginning Chp 1 on AO3

Chapter 26

When Marinette met up with the other girls for the date card the next morning, it seemed that Juliette had found a way to pull herself together as well. She was chipper than normal and was chatting with the other girls when Marinette walked in, almost late as usual.

Marinette took the seat next to Juliette who smiled at her before turning and finishing her conversation with Kagami, of all people. Marinette only heard the tail end of their conversation, but it was enough to peak her interest. 

“...let you know when it’s been decided, and you’ll be there?” Juliette asked as Marinette sat down. Kagami gave a curt nod in response before standing up and moving to the other side of the room. 

Marinette gave Juliette a look, but she just winked and turned her attention towards Lucie, who had gone to grab the date card.

Looking around the date card room, Marinette was once again struck by how many girls there were remaining. Including Lucie, 6, which meant that 2 would go home this week, and next week would be hometowns, where Adrien would finally get to meet Marinette’s parents.

Lucie came back with only one date card. Marinette could see that she was confused, but she hid it really well for the cameras. “Here we are ladies!” She smiled and cracked the seal on the card reading out, “Juliette,” which elicited a gasp from the girl sitting directly next to Marinette. “Let’s ride together,” Lucie read before setting the card down on the table.

 Juliette looked genuinely surprised, and had turned to Marinette to say something when Lila stood up, looking ready to pop.

“WHY is there only ONE date card?!” Lila asked the general population. It was a question that everyone else was thinking, but only Lila would feel the need to stand up in the middle of the room and scream it at everyone. Marinette realized with a jolt that this was the first time she’d heard Lila be mean to anyone since that conversation with Adrien at the last group date. Well that deal lasted about 4 days. Marinette thought with a smirk. “What about the group date? When will we find out about that?”

All of the girls looked at the group of producers as one, but a more familiar face stepped out to address the room.

“Well good morning ladies,” the beautiful face of Adrien said as he smiled at them all. Lila had the good sense to sit down and keep her mouth shut as Adrien went on. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to be here to explain it all earlier, I had a work thing that had to be cleared up.” Adrien’s eyes locked on Marinette’s, where her unasked question was. He couldn’t say anything, but she could read the expression in his eyes, Father, and she knew they could chat about it later. “Anyway, this week is a special week. I want to spend a lot more time with all of you individually, so I’m going to be doing some one-on-one dates only this week. Sadly, not everyone will get a date, but I’ll still be able to spend plenty of time with all of you.” Adrien paused, and as much as she hated it, she had a feeling she wouldn’t be getting a date this week.

“As most of you know,” Adrien continued without looking at Marinette, which only confirmed her suspicion. “Next week is Hometowns, which means I’ll finally get to spend some time meeting your family and learning more about where you come from. However, that makes my decision this week even harder. That just means I have a lot of work ahead of me,” Adrien got that twinkle in his eye that meant he was doing something mischievous. He walked towards where Marinette and Juliette were sitting and held out his hand to the latter. “Juliette, how about we start out our date right now?”

Juliette blushed and gave a small nod, taking his hand and standing so they were eye to eye. “Perfect,” Adrien responded, flashing that gorgeous smile, “I’ll wait here for you and I’ll see you in about an hour?” Adrien smoothly switched spots with Juliette to where now he was sitting right next to Marinette, and close enough for their thighs to be touching.

Juliette stood there shocked for a moment until Marinette gave her hand a squeeze and she shot off towards her bedroom to get ready. Marinette could feel Adrien laughing at her as she ran up the stairs, as well as the stares of all of the other girls.

It wasn’t like they had never had conversations with Adrien as a group, they just were usually more prepared for them then they were today. Even Marinette felt slightly awkward and speechless, and she could see it in the faces of the other girls as well. Well, all except Lila, who quickly made a place on the other side of Adrien and was suddenly acting sweet again.

Marinette tried hard to focus on the conversation at hand, but with Adrien sitting so close to her... she was losing her mind. She wanted to touch him, grab his hand or lean her head on his shoulder. She wanted to talk with him and ask him if she had a date or even to warn him that Lila might be going back to her old ways. Instead, still highly aware of the other girls and their watchful eyes, she shifted slightly to where they were just sitting next to each other, no physical touch at all. Thankfully, Adrien seemed to be the only one who noticed.

Juliette was ready in a record 15 minutes, and she looked beautiful. Her hair was down and wavy, her make-up natural, and her jeans, booties, and cute white top would look great wherever Adrien took her. When she walked in the room, slightly panting from her run downstairs, Adrien stood and gave her a hug.

“You look wonderful. You ready to go?” She gave him a nod and he turned to wave at the girls. “I’ll see you all later,” he said as he hooked his arm around Juliette’s waist and walked her towards the front door. Juliette quickly looked back and gave Marinette the biggest smile, which she responded with a quick thumbs up before Juliette disappeared out the door.

Once she was gone, Lila was the first out of the room. Whatever she did to entertain herself every day at the mansion was clearly something that needed her attention immediately. Marinette rolled her eyes as she stood up and made her way to Lucie and Sasha. 

“Well that was an eventful morning.” Marinette said as she approached the pair. They both turned to her suddenly, as if Marinette had walked in on a conversation that she wasn’t supposed to hear. Lucie recovered first and responded with a, “Yeah, I was super confused that there was only one date card outside, and what are the chances that Adrien shows up and takes Juliette on the date right now?”

Marinette nodded her agreement, but she was thinking of other things. Why did it seem like everyone was acting weird around her? First Juliette chatting with Kagami, and now these two? She excused herself from the conversation quickly and made her way to her room. At least Tikki would be grateful for her company.

                        ----------------------------------------------------

 Marinette stayed in her room, sketching and doodling, and doing anything to distract herself from thinking of worst-case scenarios to do with all of the whispering. Eventually, she got so bored that she cleaned Juliette’s room for her, knowing that she probably left it messy while in a hurry to get ready for her date. By mid-afternoon she couldn’t stand it anymore, she gently made her way downstairs, hoping she would find some girls whispering that she could spy on or whatnot. 

Instead, she found Lucie sitting alone at the kitchen island. Marinette sat next to her and waited.

Most of her interrogations were done with spots and a mask, but she’d learned that silence and facial expressions worked really well, even if no one ever gave up good information about Hawkmoth’s identity or location, but it did come in handy whenever the local police needed her. As she got closer to Lucie, she decided that now might be a good time to try it without the disguise. There was a steady silence between the two of them for almost 2 minutes before Lucie broke the silence. 

“We aren’t supposed to tell you yet.” Lucie sighed, finally turning to look at Marinette as well. Marinette stayed quiet still, though raised an eyebrow in an unasked question. Lucie sighed once more before continuing, “Juliette wanted to be the one to tell you. I was sworn to secrecy.” Marinette let the moment last a little longer, staring into Lucie’s eyes and not daring to breathe in case Lucie really did break. Finally, Lucie broke eye contact and groaned, her head gently going to rest on her crossed arms on the counter.

“Okay! Fine, I’ll tell you.” When she looked back up at Marinette, she was frowning, and she looked so frustrated and child-like that Marinette couldn’t help but smile. “You’re good at this. Just know, Juliette’s going to be mad at me once she finds out I told you.”

“Oh, she’ll get over it. Now spill.”

“We’re having a meeting. It was going to be today, since we never have dates on Mondays, but now we just need to come up with a time this week where all of us except Lila can meet up.”

“All, except Lila?” Marinette asked.

Lucie looked around the room, as if making sure they were truly alone, before leaning closer and whispering, “Apparently, one of the girls has a scoop on Lila. They know why she is so desperate to stay on the show, and it’s not for Adrien.” Marinette opened her mouth to ask a question, but Lucie cut her off, “That’s all I know. Juliette was just forming the meeting and the girl wanted to remain anonymous in case Lila found out before the meeting happened.”

Marinette leaned back and thought for a moment. Juliette probably wanted to be the one to tell her because she knew how much Marinette hated Lila. If the girl wanted to remain anonymous, and they were planning a secret meeting without getting the cameras involved, then it must be something serious.

“So, everyone’s been whispering around me today because...?” Marinette asked, and to her surprise, Lucie busted out laughing. 

“Because Juliette threatened to ‘track us down and hang us by our toes in the cellar while making us listen to old-school Justin Bieber.’” Lucie managed to get out before laughing again. “No one took her seriously, but they were worried what she would actually do if we told you.”

“Well if she hangs you by your toes in this imaginary cellar, I’ll come rescue you myself.” Marinette giggled. 

The rest of the day went much better, especially when Juliette came home that night, a rose in hand. All of the girls were screaming and excited, especially as Juliette told of their horseback riding adventures from the day and how Adrien had almost fallen off of his horse. As excited as everyone was for Juliette, there was a bit of a gloomy air hanging around the mansion as everyone went to sleep. Marinette felt it too. She was pretty good at math, especially when it came to measurements, but it didn’t take an expert to realize that with only four roses available this week, and Juliette getting one of them, that left only three for the remaining five girls to fight over.

                    ----------------------------------------------------

 The next morning, they were informed that another date card would be arriving, which meant that everyone got ready as if they were going on a date. Everyone, except Juliette and Marinette. Marinette was that confident that she wouldn’t be getting a date this week, so she decided not to waste her energy.

Sadly, all of the girls’ hard work was in vain, Adrien didn’t show up, only a date card that Sasha read with Lucie’s name on it. The card said, “Let’s catch some waves,” and Lucie was instructed to wear a swimsuit under her clothes, and that Adrien would pick her up in half an hour. Lucie ran off to change, and before the other girls could leave, Lila turned on Juliette.

“What did you and Barbie doll Lucie do to get two one-on-ones. I should have received the first repeat one-on-one, not you!” Juliette had stood to retort, but Marinette grabbed her arm and pulled her from the room to avoid a confrontation.

Marinette didn’t let go of Juliette’s arm until they were safely locked in the furthest bathroom from the Date Card room.

“For someone so small, you are incredibly strong,” Juliette said, thankfully with no malice in her voice. “I’m totally going to have a bruise tomorrow.”

 “Sorry, I just couldn’t let you have it out with Lila.”

“Well, I appreciate that.” Juliette said in a small voice.

Marinette let the silence sit for a minute. She hadn’t even realized that Juliette was the first girl to get two one-on-ones, but now that Lila said it, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it should have been her. It was a crazy thought, especially considering she’s had so much more one-on-one time with Adrien than any of the girls, but for some reason, Marinette was jealous of Juliette. She shook her head to clear those thoughts and to bring her back to the situation at hand.

“So, I heard there was something you needed to tell me?” Marinette asked, the ghost of laugh in her voice.

Juliette paused for a moment, clearly still thinking about what had just happened with Lila before her eyes got wide and she frowned. “Who told you?”

 “No one that I’ll let you force to listen to Justin Bieber. My lips are sealed, so spill.” Marinette responded with a sweet smile.

Juliette sighed, but Marinette knew she wasn’t actually mad. The light in her eyes when she turned towards her let Marinette know that this gossip was too good for her to stay mad about anything for too long. “It’s Lila. Sasha saw something, and she finally figured it all out. Since they’ve been on the same floor this whole time, she saw a handful of things that didn’t make sense until this past weekend when she finally put it together. She won’t tell me more than that, except she said that it’s the reason that Lila is still on the show.”

Marinette was speechless. This could finally be the thing that got Lila off of the show. “When’s this meeting?”

Juliette sighed, “It was supposed to be Monday, but we can’t have it without everyone present. I’ve talked with every girl, and they’re on board to listen, and we even had a place to have the discussion and a time, we just don’t have a day where everyone is in the house anymore.” Juliette let out another sigh and moved to sit on the counter next to the sink. “Once all these dates are done I guess before the rose ceremony, we’ll get together and Sasha will spill what she knows.”

 There was a pounding on the door, which made both girls jump. Marinette opened it to find Lucie standing there, looking beautiful in her date outfit.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping to find you two. Adrien’s going to be here any minute,” She looked slightly panicked, her eyes wide. She glanced down nervously at herself before meeting their eyes again, “Does this make me look fat?”

Marinette and Juliette exchanged looks before quickly reassuring her and rushing off to help Lucie put on some finishing touches.

                     ----------------------------------------------------

Adrien was having the worst week. First, Marinette was upset with him for keeping Lila and sending home Hanna, which is valid, but he just couldn’t shake the feeling that he had finally gotten to see the real Lila Saturday night. Then, his Father had a conversation with him, about Marinette, causing him to be late to picking up Juliette and addressing the girls.

His Father was upset that Marinette was even still here.

“She was not one of the agreed upon girls. I let you keep her for a couple of weeks, expecting you to eventually pick her off. Then she made it to the top 10, now you’re acting as though she’s going to be in the top 4 and you’re going to go meet her parents. It’s high time she leaves and is sent back to the blasted bakery where she came from.”

Adrien of course, wasn’t having it.

He yelled and fought and tried very hard to reason with his dad that Marinette is okay if he would just give her a chance, but his Father wouldn’t budge. Instead of bringing the date card to the girls and asking Juliette to come on the date with him, he showed up 5 minutes late, and ended up just explaining how this week was going to work instead.

That date went well, except for him totally falling off the horse and making a fool of himself, and the date he was on now, with Lucie was going well too. He had trouble reminding himself not to hate Lucie, since she was his Father’s first choice, but thankfully she was a really sweet girl who was fun to hang out with, so that made it a little easier not to hate her. Plus, she seemed to have absolutely no idea that Gabriel had picked her, or made a deal with her Aunt’s company in America.

Everything was going fine, they were at the pool on top of the Grand Paris, which they had all to themselves. They had just stepped out of the pool, and Adrien was helping Lucie wrap a towel around her shoulders, when they heard the noise. Being so high up and with minimal noise surrounding them, they could hear clearly what was being shouted from the top of Montparnasse Tower.

“I’ll show you to never make a bad movie again!” There was a flash of red light, and then something large and white started falling from the top of the tower, almost as if it was being thrown up and over.

Adrien knew that it was an akuma, he just didn’t know what to do about Lucie. Thankfully, she had heard the noise too, and could see the falling... things as well, but she just looked stunned and alarmed and had no intention to move anywhere.

“Is that...” she asked nervously, and Adrien did his best to look reassuring.

“Yeah, I think it’s an akuma, it happens a lot here.” He rushed over to the chair where they had put their things and grabbed everything he could, pushing all of the items into her arms, and pulling her towards the elevator. “Don’t worry, Ladybug and Chat Noir will take care of it, for now we just need to move to a safe place.” 

Lucie didn’t look reassured, and Adrien really didn’t have the chance to worry about her as he frantically pushed the main floor button, willing the elevator to move faster. He had to find a way to ditch her so he could transform and hope that Marinette had seen the damage as well and would meet up with him soon.

That was another crappy thing that had happened to him this week. They wouldn’t let him have a one-on-one with Marinette. Instead, he’s going to have to see her on the closest thing to a group date there is this week. Adrien involuntarily let out a small sigh as the doors to the elevator finally opened and he was able to rush Lucie out of it.

He stopped short when he saw what was happening outside of the window. Something white and fluffy, about the size of someone’s head, was stacking up outside of the glass doors to the hotel. The doorman was trying his hardest to keep the doors shut, but he was fighting a losing battle. As Adrien and Lucie watched, the doors burst open, letting the sounds of panic and mayhem in from the street as well as the smell of butter and... popcorn? A piece of it rolled towards Adrien and he bent down and snagged a taste. Yep, that was definitely popcorn. Whoever this akuma was, apparently, he was trying to drown the city of Paris in popcorn.

 Man, this week just couldn’t get any worse.

Adrien shouted at the room, which had a large number of people gathered, “Everyone needs to move up, go gather on the roof, grab as many people as you can!” Thankfully, very few argued, and Lucie grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards the elevator and where they had come from.

He almost let her, before he realized that this was the perfect opportunity to ditch her and find a place to transform. He stopped short and pulled her close so she could hear him over the chaos. “I’m going to go out there and grab as many people as I can. Go with them so I’ll know you’re safe. 

She didn’t like the idea, but nodded gravely. Before he could turn around she leaned in and gave him a long kiss, which would have been sweet if it wasn’t just delaying him from transforming and saving the city from giant pieces of popcorn.

He turned and bolted out of the hotel, into the growing sea of concessions.

                      ---------------------------------------------------

 Marinette had seen some weird things in her time as Ladybug, but a city overrun with popcorn was definitely on her Top 10 List of Weird. Right up there with the giant baby.

Ladybug gracefully landed on the roof of a building directly across the street from Montparnasse Tower. After a beat, a black feline landed right next to her.

“Glad you could make it,” she said, without glancing at her partner.

“Lucie and I were close by, so my biggest worry was ditching her to transform.”

“You put her somewhere safe?” Ladybug asked, finally turning her head to look at him. She wasn’t trying to be icy with him, but she still couldn’t shake the jealousy she was feeling of Juliette, and now Lucie. Chat cocked his head slightly before coming in close.

“You know, I think the best part of my day is going to be this akuma and the fact that it let me spend some quality time with my favorite lady.” He whispered, leaning in close enough to where all she had to do was move an inch, and their lips would be touching.

As much as she wanted to kiss him, and she really wanted to kiss him, they had a city to save. She backed up slightly and gave his bell a flick. “Maybe after we’ve defeated this akuma, Kitty.”

He gave a small sigh before turning towards the tower, a serious look crossing his face. “I heard him yell, right before he started popping the popcorn I guess.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, Lucie and I were at the Grand Paris. He said something about a bad movie and then the popcorn started falling, but I didn’t know it was popcorn at the time.” 

“You never answered my question,” Ladybug asked, looking Chat straight in the eye. “Is Lucie safe?” As much as she hated not getting to spend time with Adrien this week, she still didn’t want anything to happen to her friend.

Chat gave her a look, “Please Bugaboo, I’m more responsible than that! She and the rest of the people at the Grand Paris are on the roof, safe from the ever-growing pile of popcorn.” 

Ladybug let out a little sigh of relief, and then turned back to the problem at hand. There was a definite red glow coming from the roof of Montparnasse, that Ladybug knew she needed to check out. “Let’s hop over a building and see what’s making that glow okay?”

Chat furrowed his eyes, “You can see the glow too?” 

Ladybug cocked her head and looked at her stupid partner. “Of course, I can see the glow dummy. It may be faint but it’s obviously right there,” she pointed towards the top of the tower.

“I thought only I could see the glow. My eyesight is normally better than yours, you know with the cat thing. I can also hear the popping of the popcorn, and the humming of a machine.”

Ladybug just stared at him. They could both see the glow, and he could hear a machine and the popping of the popcorn from across the street? Then a memory popped into her head.

“Our enhanced powers. Tikki said that we’d have more advanced powers after the Task. I get better eyesight for me, and hearing for you are some of our powers.” Ladybug started to get excited, thinking about all of the other things she could possibly now do.

Chat was studying his hands, an awed look on his face. “I wonder what else we can do.” They were brought out of their thoughts and discovery by a loud crash from across the street. Ladybug shook her head, once again clearing her thoughts.

“No time for that now, Kitty, we’ve got an akuma to fight!” She then unlatched her yo-yo and swung it to the top of the tower. She felt, rather than saw, Chat unlatch his baton and prepare himself for the jump. “For now, we just need to observe, see what we’re up against. So be stealthy, please.”

Chat rolled his eyes, “Please, stealthy is my middle name,” and at that, Ladybug shot off across the sky.

She landed much faster than she was prepared for, and almost fell over, breaking her own stealthy rules. When she righted herself and made sure she was fully hidden, she peered around the air conditioning unit she was behind.

What she saw didn’t make sense. The first thing she noticed was the large machine pumping popcorn over the side of the roof. It was shaped like a popcorn box, one you would get at a movie theater. Surrounding the popcorn box was a shield of some sort. It was circular and covered the whole machine, and there didn’t appear to be any holes in it at first glance. As she scanned the roof, she found the akuma victim sitting on the edge of the roof, happily watching the city being covered in popcorn.

“He doesn’t look very scary,” A voice said in her ear. She jumped, but only found Chat Noir lurking behind her.

“Gosh, don’t do that!” Ladybug whispered, clutching her chest where her heartbeat was still running wild.

“What? I told you stealthy was my middle name.” He whispered back, still watching the akuma. “At least I didn’t almost fall over in my landing and ruin the whole gig from the start,” he teased with a wink.

Ladybug blushed slightly before composing herself and looking at the scene before her. “We need to turn off that machine, but to do so, we need to—”

“Destroy that force field, right.” Chat finished for her. She always loved that they worked on the same wavelength when battling it out with an akuma.

“Do you want to distract or do you want to take a whack at the shield?”

Chat shot her a devious smile, “Oh you know I’m a great distraction,” before jumping straight over the unit they were hiding behind and landing on his feet on the other side. Ladybug had never seen him jump that high, but she didn’t have time to think as she heard Chat yell, “Hey! Did the theater not have enough popcorn for you?”

The akuma turned, and Ladybug noticed that he couldn’t have been more than 12 as she rushed to the shield protecting the popcorn machine. She could hear Chat and the akuma talking and even heard a crazy sounding laugh before all outside noise was drowned out by the sounds the machine was making. The popcorn bag was at least 4 feet high and twice as long, still strongly shooting popcorn off the side of the building. She got close enough to touch the shield surrounding it, when something hit her hard in the stomach and she flew across the roof and felt a crack as she landed against one of the supporting walls that prevented people from falling off.

She heard Chat yell and knew that she must have been injured, especially with that crack, but for some reason, she felt totally fine. She slowly stood up and noticed that Chat had moved into actual combat with the akuma. When she looked down, nothing was broken and everything seemed to work as it should. Normally, a throw like that would have hurt something, even inside of the magical suit, but she pushed the questions she had away and rushed off to help Chat.

She noticed that every time the akuma got hit by Chat’s baton, the shield around the machine would flicker. The two must be connected. She thought and she had a very sudden and crazy idea.

Chat noticed her standing there, gave the akuma one last push that knocked him to the ground and ran towards her. “Oh shit, LB you scared me. That sounded like it hurt, are you sure you’re okay?” She gave him a nod and opened her mouth to relay what she had just learned but he beat her to it. “The shield is connected to Revengapop, so if I keep hitting him harder, it should go away. I also think that the akuma is in the machine, which means I’ll need to cataclysm it in order to release the butterfly.” He looked at her expectantly, as if waiting for further instructions.

All of this happened in less than a minute, and the akuma (Revengapop?) was getting up and starting to come towards them. “Revengapop?”

Chat at last cracked a smile, “Yeah I laughed when he told me his name too. I’ll distract him some more, you get your Lucky Charm and let’s defeat this thing.” With that, Chat met Revengapop in the middle of the roof and continued their hand-to-hand combat. Ladybug was so in shock, she almost forgot to move.

Chat was smart, Ladybug knew that to be true in and out of the mask, but she’d never seen him understand her plan as soon as she had come up with it. It was almost like he could see what she was thinking, and was able to come to the same conclusion. The thought made her slightly giddy, as she whispered, “Lucky Charm!” from behind the popcorn machine.

What fell into her hands was a bottle of melted butter, and suddenly it all made sense. 

She rushed to intercept the fighting with Revengapop, knocking the kid to the ground before saying, “I’ll take care of the shield, you get ready to cataclysm the machine when you can.”

Chat ran off without saying a word. Ladybug turned to the akuma, who was getting up slower this time. Ladybug could feel new strength surge through her as she looked at Revegapop and readied her yo-yo in her right hand and the butter in her left.

“What kind of a name is Revengapop anyway?” Ladybug asked as the akuma got to his feet.

For the first time, Ladybug got a good look at him. He was dressed in a red leather outfit, that covered him head to toe. His hair was dark and messy looking, very similar to Chat’s messy hairstyle. His outfit had three different shades of red on him, and he almost looked like an evil red ninja, except without the nunchucks.

“I have to revenge all of the bad movies by drowning Paris in popcorn!” Revengapop screamed. If his voice hadn’t given it away, his “evil” motivation may have: this was definitely a teenage boy.

“Yeah, that totally makes sense,” Ladybug responded sarcastically, which caused Revengapop to launch himself at her in anger. She took that opportunity to spray the liquid butter right into his eyes and knocked him in the head with her yo-yo hard.

He landed on the ground in front of her with a crunch and out of the corner of her eye, she saw the shield flicker and go down long enough for Chat to yell “Cataclysm!” and touch the popcorn machine.

 There was a loud boom and as Ladybug watched the machine crumble and the akuma fly out, she also felt her whole world tilt sideways. Montparnasse Tower was splitting in two and within a couple of seconds the building was going down.

Ladybug grabbed the akuma with her yo-yo and quickly threw the container of melted butter into the air. “Miraculous Ladybug!”

She felt more than saw the magical ladybugs seal up the cracks in the building and fix all the rest of the damage from around the city. She released the now-cleansed akuma from her yo-yo with a “Bye bye little butterfly,” before locking eyes with Chat on the other side of the building. He looked scared, his face drained of color and his hands were slightly shaking. She quickly checked on the akuma victim, who really was a 12-year-old boy, before rushing off to her partner.

“Chat! Are you okay? What happened?” Ladybug nearly sobbed as she watched him slide to the floor of the roof. She sat next to him and hugged him as tight as she could.

“I don’t know. I hit the machine with my cataclysm and somehow, I hit the building and the whole thing started to crumble.”

“Hey, it’s okay. You didn’t do it on purpose. It must be our enhanced power. Your cataclysm must be stronger, and possibly last a little longer to where you can hit more than one thing.” His bright green eyes were trained on hers and she could see the worry and the fear of himself in them. She squeezed him a little tighter before continuing. “I fixed it, okay? Everything’s better and there’s a little boy over there who just went through something traumatizing too.” She watched his eyes shift to the boy and saw some of those emotions in his eyes soften. She pulled away from their hug and gripped his arm to where he would look at her again. “Listen to me. We will figure this out. We’ll talk to Tikki and Plagg and get them to tell us more. But, no matter what happens in the future, I will always be with you to fix it.”

She looked once again into those eyes and saw tears begin to form. He pulled her into a quick kiss, before standing up and walking over to the boy.

When he asked him, “What movie did you see that made you want to drown Paris in popcorn?” he sounded almost exactly like his old self. Almost.

~~

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[justatiredghost]

Unsolved Academy Ch11 - End

Klaus and Dave run a Buzzfeed Unsolved-style tv show and they’ve just gotten engaged. (Since the plot is now essentially wrapped up, I’m marking this fic as complete. However, I still have some ideas that I might add as bonus episodes later)

“Just so you know,” Dave said. “I seriously considered proposing in some super fancy restaurant.”

They were holding hands as they walked home from their adventurous night out, their steps slow and casual like they didn’t want the night to end, both of them wearing their rings. Klaus raised their clasped hands periodically to suck on what little candy remained on his RingPop despite the awkward angle. Dave’s was already gone. 

“And how exactly did you think we would be paying for that?” Klaus asked, laughing against Dave’s shoulder.

“Now, see, that’s the beauty of it,” Dave said, raising a hand as he laid out his scheme. “If we’d conveniently forgotten our wallets, surely they’d simply let us go. We’d just gotten engaged after all! It’d be kind of a dick move to accuse us of anything or demand payment. I decided against it though, I’d feel bad not being able to leave a proper tip.”

“Amazing,” Klaus laughed, leaning into him. “Man after my own heart.”

By the time they made it back to the house, enough time had gone by that it could charitably be called early morning. Ben was already up and eating breakfast like a responsible adult, no doubt getting ready to head to class. Klaus was still full of too much energy and excitement and didn’t waste any time.

“Ben!” he exclaimed, bounding up to him and holding up his hand. “Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, look! We’re getting married!”

“About time,” Ben said with a smile, looking truly happy for them. 

“Wait, why don’t you look surprised?” Klaus asked, immediately suspicious when Dave blushed crimson and avoided eye contact. 

“Your fiancé there actually asked for my blessing,” Ben chuckled. 

“What?” Klaus said, drawing out the world, and he couldn’t help but laugh, wishing he could have been there to see it. 

“What? I don’t know how these things work. I never thought this sort of thing would apply to me so I never really paid attention.”

“You are too adorable,” Klaus said, pinching his cheek.

“Did he propose with the RingPop?” Ben asked. “I thought it was a nice touch.”

“Oh yeah, and check this out, you’re never going to believe this,” Klaus held up Dave’s hand to show off the plastic ring there as well. 

“Klaus also got a RingPop to propose with,” Dave explained. 

“Oh my god,” Ben laughed. “You have got to be kidding me. You guys really are ridiculous.”

Klaus beamed at that, finding Dave’s hand again and squeezing tightly.

“Come on,” Dave said to him. “We’ve been up all night, I think we’ve earned some sleep.”

“Good idea. See ya, Ben, good luck in class.”

“Sleep well,” Ben said, smiling and shaking his head as he watched them go. 

-

“Klaus Katz,” Klaus said dreamily, hand up in the air as he examined the ring on his finger as if it had a diamond on it. He rolled over on the bed and scooted closer to Dave, taking his hand as he did so. “I think I like the sound of that.” 

“Hmm, I dunno,” Dave chuckled, so close that their noses bumped.

“What? I think it’s perfect. It might as well be alliterative and over the top. Go all in, baby.”

“Over the top is definitely you, but what about Dave Hargreeves?” Dave countered.

“Aww, have you been doodling that in notebooks?” Klaus asked. “Maybe with little hearts around it?”

“Maybe,” Dave said evasively, grinning.

“Adorable. But really, you don’t want to take that name,” Klaus chuckled. “I’m fine with leaving it and all of Reggie’s legacy in the dust.”

“Is that really what you want?” Dave said, voice thoughtful as he ran a hand absently through Klaus’ hair. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, fuck your old man, but it’s not his name I’m taking. It’s yours. It’s the family you and your siblings are making. You took all the shit he dumped on you and you’re turning it into something good. A real family. And I’m honored to be a part of that.”

He extended Klaus’ arm so he could run his thumb gently across the umbrella tattoo there. Honestly, Klaus would have gotten it covered up with a different design a long time ago if he hadn’t found the entire thing so hilarious; a ‘fuck you’ to dear old dad, having his symbol on his greatest failure, and wasn’t Klaus just the perfect representation of how the whole Umbrella Academy business had turned out? Quite literally in the gutter. But Reginald was dead and this didn’t have to be about him any longer. 

After they’d saved the world, Klaus was actually truly glad he hadn’t gotten it covered or removed. Sure, there was still a lot of pain there, but Dave was right, they were making this their own, repairing their relationships and building the family they’d never had. And to represent that, he and his siblings had gone out and gotten the old faded tattoos touched up, tweaking the design to be their own, to represent something else. Something new. 

None of them had really bothered to put it into words but Klaus supposed it sort of existed as a representation of a promise to try to do better by each other, to make sure none of them had to feel so alone and helpless again. And this time, Vanya was a part of it. Not because she had powers now but because she was their sister.

“But you don’t need to keep the name to keep your family,” Dave continued. “So if your dad is all you think about when you hear the name, then by all means, ditch it. It’s just, I know how hard you’ve tried to keep me away from everything he did and how glad you are I never had to meet him. I just don’t want you to give anything up for me that you might regret.”

“I’m not going to regret anything with you,” Klaus said, placing a quick kiss to his lips. 

“Good. If you’re happy, I’m happy. Because you’re my family.”

“Oh my god! You are too sentimental, you know that? I’m way too tired for you to be this sappy,” Klaus laughed, burying his face in Dave’s neck.

“I can’t help it, I get sappy when I’m tired,” Dave said. “Really this is your fault for keeping me out all night.”

“Maybe that’s because I secretly like it,” Klaus said. 

“We could always abbreviate. Katz-Hargreeves. Hargreeves-Katz? I guess we have plenty of time to work it out. When are we doing this anyway?”

“Oh, right,” Klaus said. “I’d been so focused on the asking part that I completely forgot that it’s not over, we still gotta do the actual wedding. When did you want to do it?”

“Fuck, I don’t know,” Dave laughed. “I also wasn’t really thinking that far ahead.”

“We could stick to the plan,” Klaus suggested.

“Yeah, save up, rent a place, then I guess save some more for some actual rings that are a bit sturdier than cheap plastic? We could probably use our average income to figure out how far away that’ll be.”

“Uuugh, math,” Klaus groaned. “Math is for morning us.”

“It is morning. And besides, I know you’re secretly great at math.”

“It’s for ‘after sleeping’ us then because I am not so secretly exhausted.”

“Sounds good,” Dave said with a laugh. “As for the actual wedding, did you have anything in mind for that? I’d be fine with just going to a courthouse and getting the paperwork taken care of or whatever. I don’t need anything fancy, just you.”

“That’s very sweet but you are missing the perfect opportunity for an excuse to put on a wild party,” Klaus pointed out. “And Pogo would probably pay for it.”

“Oh shit you’re right.” 

“Besides, you can’t tell me you never dreamed of being able to have a traditional Jewish wedding.” 

“Aw, has someone been doing research?” Dave said and he looked much too fond.

“Of course I did, babe,” Klaus said, bringing his hand up to frame his face, brushing his thumb fondly across his cheek. “It’s important to you. So? Do you want that?”

“Yeah, actually, I think I do want that,” Dave said, smiling. “I never really thought it would be an option for me so— yeah. Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for?”

“For this, for thinking of me even when I forget. Just for everything. You’re my dream come true.”

“Oh my god, stop,” Klaus said, beaming and maybe even blushing a little as he hit Dave with his pillow, but not very hard. Dave was about to retaliate, the two of them sitting up for a better angle, but Klaus suddenly thought of something and raised a hand. “Wait, wait, wait, wait, I just had an amazing idea! What if we got an elephant?” 

“What? Is that even possible?” Dave asked, lowering his weapon, looking curious but suspicious. 

“I dunno but it would be pretty awesome. Come on, it’s your special day, live a little! What else could we do?”

“Okay, how about this,” Dave said, hands out like he had something huge. “An elephant wouldn’t fit, but what if we went somewhere with a ball pit?”

“I’m intrigued, please continue,” Klaus said with a grin, chin in hands.

“It’s suddenly become my dream to see Diego in one. Can you imagine?”

“Oh my god, yes,” Klaus cackled. “We have to do that now. And I’m not above tackling him into it if necessary.” 

“I’d ask if you think we could get Five too but that’s probably pushing our luck.” 

“I guess it depends if you want to die on our wedding day or not.”

“Point taken.” 

“How about Luther instead?” Klaus suggested.

“It might take more than the two of us to tackle him in though.”

“Ben will help. But we gotta be careful or people might catch on the third or fourth time we tackle someone.” 

-

It felt like something huge had happened, even though a proposal didn’t actually change anything between them. Their day to day was the same, but there was just something so official about it all, it just reinforced the fact that they had done it, they had found love, a partner in life, and they were overwhelmingly happy. 

Both of them went into Vietnam thinking they had nothing, that their lives were virtually over, and now, after somehow surviving and coming out the other side, it felt like their lives were just beginning. This was so much more than either of them ever expected to have and suddenly they had a future to look forward to. Together.

Thanks to the success of their channel, they were able to move out sooner than they’d anticipated. They found a tiny apartment, just like they’d talked about, and even if it wasn’t the nicest, it was still utterly perfect. This was theirs. Their home. They stood there side by side, an arm around each other’s waist, perhaps a dozen boxes full of their belongings strewn about.

“We did it,” Dave said, voice full of awe. “Holy shit we did it. We really are adults.”

“Debatable, but we already signed the contract so they can’t kick us out now,” Klaus said gleefully. 

“I mean, they can, but never mind,” Dave said. “Hey, we can do whatever the hell we want in here! What sort of childhood dreams do you want to fulfill? We could get a hammock if we wanted.”

“Yes! And we need a pillow fort! And lots of hideous decor!,” Klaus said.

“I know it’s only one floor,” Dave said excitedly. “But do you think we can fit a slide somewhere in here?”

“I don’t know, but we’re gonna try,” Klaus said. “And obviously we gotta make it all as gay as possible.”

“Hey, Klaus?”

“Yeah?”

“Love you.”

“I love you too.”

It was so strange for Klaus to be standing in the middle of a home he could actually call his own with the man of his dreams in his arms. He’d lived on the streets for so long, he’d gotten so used to just drifting, never having a place of his own, and the only place he had been able to call a home, the place he’d grown up, was anything but. It had been full of so much cruelty and loneliness. 

But this? This was theirs. And they would make it everything a home was supposed to be, full of laughter and love, where they could both be happy and live the lives they always wanted, that they could be proud of. He hugged Dave a little closer, letting him rest his head against his shoulder and he couldn’t stop smiling.

“Wait,” Dave said. “We’re gonna have to unpack all this shit.”

“Fuck. This is gonna take forever.”

-

(Author’s note: apparently I spoke too soon and I’m not done with this yet, bonus chapter here)

[angelpunswriting]

Show Me (unfinished NaNoWrimo story)

(beware, this is super long, read at your own risk)

Landon sighed, gripping the handle of his suit case tightly. He didn’t want to be here. As nice as this family was for taking him in, he was sure they didn’t want him here either. He continued to stare up at the ranch-style house for a few more moments, admiring the chipped white paint and broken shutters. It wasn’t exactly the nicest house, but the rustic vibe was rather charming. Taking a deep breath, the raven finally made his way up the creaking, wooden porch steps and into the house. Before he even opened the door, Landon could hear a woman singing along to a radio inside, her voice loud and rising even above the laughter and shouts of children throughout the house. He reached up and fixed his hearing aid, knowing it’d be too loud the moment he went in. As he stepped inside, the smell of something cooking filled his nose. It was pleasant, but he couldn’t exactly place what kind of food it was.

The door squeaked as he opened it, and the singing stopped, a rather plump woman looking up from her work at the stove. He didn’t realize the kitchen was so close.

She grinned at the sight of him, showing off the gap between her teeth.

  “ oh, you must be Landon! “ She wiped her hands on her apron and sauntered over, pulling him into a tight hug. The male stiffened at the touch, but didn’t push her away.

He wasn’t sure he had the strength to, anyway.

Even if she only came up to his chest, she had a steel grip on him. Despite being short, the woman was quite stocky, her skin dark and her chestnut hair pulled up into a bun on the top of her head.

It tickled his chin a bit when she hugged him, and Landon could only wonder if she put it up that way to make her appear taller.

“ sorry I couldn’t pick you up at the airport, I’ve been up to my ears in kids and housework for the last two weeks!” She laughed, her booming voice making his chest vibrate.

She finally pulled away, though her hands remained on his shoulders and she gave him a once over.

“ Look at you, doll, you’re so big now, “ she smiled warmly, squeezing his shoulders gently, “ last time I saw you, you were just a baby..”

There was a brief moment where she looked as if she were recalling a good memory, but the woman shook her head and let go of him, grabbing his suitcase. He almost protested, but she had already started down the hall, telling him to follow her.

“ let me show you your room, then you can freshen up before dinner,”  she headed up the staircase at the end of the hall, kicking at toys and shoes that sat in her way.

Landon followed close behind, simply avoiding the stray items altogether. He guessed that this woman was Mrs. Harper, his dad’s old buddy. He hadn’t expected her to have so many kids, or to be so kind. His dad was always telling stories about his old friends, and he’d been told some crazy ones about Mrs. Harper. Now that he’d actually met her, he wasn’t sure which reality to believe.

“ Maybe after dinner you can get Jesse to show you ‘round the farm, “ she began, pulling Landon from his thoughts, “ he’s about your age, maybe a couple of months older”

She continued to talk about the rest of her children, though Landon only really caught bits and pieces, as she was so quick on her feet that she was a bit too far away for him to hear. They finally stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, Mrs. Harper pulling out a key and unlocking it  for him.

She handed Landon the key, before making her way inside and setting his suitcase by the bed.

Landon followed her into the room, glancing around as she continued to speak.

“ make yourself at home, honey. Dinner’s at six or so, “ she began out the door, giving him a little wave before closing it behind her. He watched her go, making certain she was gone before taking in the room.

It was cleaner than the rest of the house. At least, cleaner than the parts of the house he’d seen already.

The bed was pushed against the wall under the window, and had been fitted with clean, white sheets and a nice quilt. The only other pieces of furniture in the room were a desk and a dresser, both of which were bare, except for a small lamp they’d placed on the desk.

It wasn’t particularly small, but he could tell it only seemed bigger because of the lack of furniture and how clean it was. Landon didn’t mind, of course, he was just thankful that he didn’t have to share a room with anyone. As many children as there were in this house, he wouldn’t be surprised if more than two slept in a room together. Landon picked his suitcase up and set it on the bed, unzipping it and starting to unpack.

When his dad had told him that he’d be living with a couple of his friends, he hadn’t expected them to be this inviting. He’d been even more surprised to find out that they lived on a small farm. They lived so far out from the city, he wondered if they had really been friends with his dad. After all, all the other people he’d met that were involved with his dad were gang members, drug addicts, and prostitutes. The fact that the Harper family was so normal was surreal.

The raven got over his initial shock pretty easily and began putting his clothes away. He’d only really brought enough for two weeks and two or three pairs of pajamas, all of which he put into the bare dresser. The only other thing he’d brought aside from clothes and his toiletries was his spiral notebook. It already had several pages that were filled with stories and doodles, some of which his dad had helped him out with.

Some pages had little conversations between him and others, when he couldn’t speak loud enough or didn’t understand. The latest was between him and a police officer, only minutes after his father’s arrest.

He’d been crying so much he couldn’t understand what the officer was saying. Even if he had, he might have turned his hearing aid off completely so he wouldn’t have to hear it.

Sometimes Landon wished he was deaf in both ears so he wouldn’t have to listen to some of the bullshit he’d heard in his lifetime.

Landon was a lot like his dad.

They both liked to write stories, but his father had stopped after they’d left his mother back in Washington, turning instead to his cultivate his new business. If that’s what he wanted to call it, anyway.

That damn business was the reason he couldn’t have new clothes, or a new hearing aid. They needed as much money as possible for his dad’s ‘very important job’, as he called it.

His dad had been found two weeks ago with illegal drugs that he’d been planning to sell, though he was clean. He’d never liked using the merchandise for himself, after all.

Landon didn’t know how long he’d be locked up, but he hoped it wasn’t long. He just wanted to go home at this point, it was too quiet out here in the country.

The raven-haired male was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by a loud knock, and he was quick to get up and answer, knowing that whoever it was had probably been knocking for a while.

A boy stood on the other side, obviously annoyed and looking to be about his age despite being quite a bit shorter. He looked a lot like Mrs. Harper, though his skin was a bit lighter and his eyes were a lighter brown. His hair, however, was very similar. It was just as unruly as his mother’s, the brown curls falling a little over his ears and eyes. He had very faint freckles as well, barely noticeable in the dim light.

“ you Landon?” The boy asked, his soft southern drawl coming out as he continued, “ dinner’s ready, mom said to come get ya”

Landon nodded, though he really wasn’t fully sure what the other said. He grabbed his notebook and a pen, just in case. He guessed that this was Jesse, judging by his looks.

The dining room and kitchen were connected, but the Harper family had managed to cram two tables into the room, as well as twelve chairs, including one for Landon. He was surprised that there was any spare room at all, really. Everyone was already sitting down, passing the food around and filling their plates. Landon took a seat and filled his plates with what was left over, he wasn’t all that picky. He was stopped, however, by Mrs. Harper suddenly shouting for everyone to settle down. They did immediately, even the youngest of the children going silent.

 “ now, who would like to say Grace?” she asked, glancing around the table. Her gaze stopped on Jesse, who had taken the seat next to Landon. He was quick to refuse, and one of the other children called out before Mrs. Harper could chastise him, “ Landon should! He’s the guest!”

The raven heard his name, but he hadn’t been paying attention at all.  However, Mrs. Harper just scoffed, “ well, Georgia, since you decided to volunteer Landon, you can do it.”

He was relieved, knowing he wouldn’t be able to even if he wanted to.

The girl pouted a bit, but finally clasped her hands together and told everyone to bow their heads. Landon had never been religious, but he did as he was told. Once Georgia said ‘amen’, the room was loud once again, everyone talking and laughing and fighting over food. Landon began to eat slowly, not wanting to make too much of a mess. The atmosphere was pleasant, despite how loud it was, and he figured he’d eventually warm up to living with these people.

Jesse nudged him, startling the male so much he almost dropped his fork.

“ so, you’re Uncle’s kid?” he asked , studying Landon’s face, “ ya don’t look nothin’ alike. Don’t act nothin’ alike, either”

Landon must have looked confused, because the brunet beside him suddenly set his fork down and began to explain.

The raven attempted to listen, but it was hard with the buzz of his family’s other conversations in the background. So he just smiled and nodded, attempting to read the other’s lips to compensate for the pieces of the conversation he was missing entirely.

“ ya see, mom used to be doin’ drugs and all that, and she was always hangin’ with this guy Jimmy, they had a business sellin’ them too. When she got pregnant with my brother Mason, he told her he’d help her out ‘n’ take over the business and stuff. Said he’d help her quit doin’ drugs, too” He informed, using his hand to gesture as he spoke. He stopped a moment and waited for Landon’s reaction, as if waiting for the other to confirm what he’d said.

The raven-haired male nodded faintly, as if telling him to go on.

So far he’d gotten that Mrs. Harper and his dad used to do business together, but that didn’t explain why she was so different now.

Jesse sighed, taking a moment to squash up his steamed carrots with his fork and take a bite. He seemed to be finished with his story, since he continued to eat in silence.

However, when Landon glanced away to eat his own dinner, the male seemingly began speaking again. The only reason he knew was because the other suddenly tapped on his shoulder, making the raven jump.

He glanced at Jesse, afraid he did something wrong.

“Hey, are you deaf or somethin’? I asked you a question” The brunet spoke a little louder than he had been before, making it easier for Landon to hear what he’d said.

However, it seemed that everyone else at the table had heard it loud and clear as well.

Landon nodded slowly, opening his mouth to speak. However, before he could utter a word, Mrs. Harper suddenly stood up from the table, her chair squeaking against the wooden floor.

She looked absolutely furious.

Landon shrunk under her gaze, averting his eyes as she stood up and stormed over to where he and Jesse sat. She looked like a bull about to charge and Landon wouldn’t be surprised if he saw steam emitting from her ears and nose.

Jesse dropped his fork, already apologizing repeatedly, both to Landon and his mother. Landon watched, wondering silently if she was going to ground him or something. He didn’t really think it necessary, he was used to this kind of reaction, after all. It had made things feel a little more normal, after all.

However, all she did was demand him to come with her, and he better not say a word!  Jesse did as he was told, looking ashamed and scared. They headed into the hallway, and Landon couldn’t help but watch the door with a soft frown. He finally turned back to his food, as everyone else already had, and continued to eat.

He was eventually tapped on the shoulder, gentler this time. He turned, glad to see that jesse was back despite what the other said. He knew Jesse couldn’t have known, and besides, the raven had been through stuff much worse because of his disability. This was nothing compared to his days in elementary school.

Jesse held out his hand for the other to shake, looking faintly annoyed that he had to do this. Landon shook, the other nodding in some sort of half-assed apology.

Jesse stared at him for a moment, opening his mouth to question him before closing it again when his mother shot him a look. He began to eat as well, glancing at Landon every now and then, as if scared that he’d be angry about the whole outburst thing.

Landon eventually nudged him and told him that it was fine, that he was only deaf in his right ear and partially in his left.

“ it’s no big deal, really” the male had smiled, knowing full well that he was a lot louder than he intended to be. He’d never been all that great and knowing when his voice was too loud or too soft.

Jesse didn’t even say anything, simply nodding and thanking him with a faint smile.

Landon finished his dinner easily, assuring Mrs. Harper - Bea, as she’d told him to call her -  that he was full. All the kids were told to help clean up the mess from dinner, but Jesse suddenly grabbed Landon’s hand and practically dragged him out the front door, shouting that he was going to show him around. He let go of the the raven’s hand once they were out the door, before sauntering across the lawn and plopping down into a hammock.

Landon watched, figuring Jesse was just trying to get out of working at this point.

“ ‘s too dark to for a tour, I just don’t wanna mop” The brunet exclaimed, laughing a bit. He rocked the hammock with his foot, glancing at Landon as he made his way over.

“ I’ll give you a proper tour tomorrow, we can go into town ‘n’  all that”

Landon just nodded,  a little relieved that he could hear the other a bit better now. He had turned his hearing aid up a bit after the incident earlier, not wanting to get Jesse in trouble again. He’d much rather spend the day in his room. Hell, if he could have he would spend his dad’s entire sentence up there. Then again, Mrs. Harper didn’t seem like the kind of woman to tolerate that kind of thing.

“ so, you’re from the city, right? We went to New York once, is it anything like that?” Jesse asked, turning his gaze back to the night sky.

That made Landon laugh a bit, shaking his head as he did, “ it’s small!” he exclaimed, “ so much smaller”

Jesse looked quite surprise to hear Landon yelling and laughing like that, but soon enough he was laughing as well. Landon rather liked his laugh, it was soft and kind of stifled, but it was still pleasant.

The two stayed out there for a while, until Jesse was positive that they’d finished cleaning the kitchen. He said something about the lights turning off when they were finished, and it wasn’t until they saw the kitchen light shut off that they actually went inside.

“ I doubt you’ll be able to get a shower after dinner most days. Your best bet is to take one after lunch or in the mornin’ “ The brunet explained, leading the way back into the house.

Landon was a little surprised to see the kitchen look so clean, glad that Jesse had been right. The rest of the family had finished cleaning without them, and were supposedly getting ready for bed.

Jesse walked Landon to the end of the hall, before leaving him at the staircase, “ well, I’ll see ya in the morning. Meet me on the front porch at six, and we’ll go to town after I finish my chores” .

With that, Jesse turned and headed back down the hall and into what Landon guessed was his room, slamming the door loudly behind him.

Landon headed upstairs to his own room, gently shutting the door behind him and locking it.

 He sighed, plopping back onto the bed and closing his eyes. He was exhausted.

Between a five hour flight, another hour of driving and a hectic dinner, he hadn’t had a moment to actually relax.

Of course, he had so many unanswered questions.

Would he have to do chores? What if they kicked him out? What if Mrs. Harper suddenly decided she didn’t like him?

His inner questioning was interrupted by a pounding at the door, and he hurried to get up and answer it.

It was Mrs. Harper.

“ I didn’t see you after dinner, was Jesse tryin’ to get outta cleanin’?” she asked, coming into the room with a warm smile.

He stood and nodded a bit, smiling a bit at the sight of her. He rather liked Mrs. Harper, as she had a loud enough voice for him to hear properly, and from the moment he got she’d treated him like her own son. It was nice, even if he did plan on leaving as soon as possible.

She laughed at his nodding, knowing exactly how Jesse acted, “ s’pose it was too dark then. You can get ‘im to take you tomorrow, I’ll make sure he takes ya into town, too”

“ uh..” he was about to speak, but ended up grabbing his notebook and just writing it out. He didn’t want to speak too loudly, knowing he’d wake someone up.

All it said was ‘thanks for letting me stay here. Goodnight Mrs. Harper’

She read it with a smile, starting to close the door, “ Sweet dreams, Landon”

The door closed slow and gentle, the room becoming dim once again. The sun had gone down at this point, and the only light came from the lamp on his desk.

THe raven got ready for bed, curling up in the rickety bed and attempting to get comfortable.

He didn’t turn out the light, the soft orange glow comforting him more  than he’d like to admit. The male fell asleep soon after, too exhausted to bother with what side he slept on. It didn’t matter here, he wouldn’t be screamed at to wake up and hide in the middle of the night, and he wouldn’t be shaken awake to help count money.

It didn’t matter here, in the near silent countryside.

The next morning, he was dressed and sitting on the porch by six o’ clock sharp. He hadn’t bothered with breakfast, figuring everyone was too busy to eat anyway. After all, Jesse had described their life as hectic and crazy busy, especially in the morning.

Landon waited for a while before Jesse actually showed up, sweaty and slightly out of breath. He apologized, breathlessly telling him about having to chase goats.

The raven didn’t bother telling him that he couldn’t hear a single word the other had said.

Jesse managed to catch his breath, before standing up straight and instructing Landon to follow him. They headed down the small slope the house was on, and into the driveway, where an old white truck was parked. It was pretty rough looking, dents were all over and it was halfway rusted.

Landon gave Jesse a look that said ‘really?’,  bit the other didn’t even seem to notice. He’d already gotten into the driver’s seat, and was currently attempting to start the old vehicle.

Landon got in as well, though he was pretty hesitant. The truck finally sputtered to life, though it sounded like it could stop at any moment.

The raven went to buckle his seatbelt, but there were none. He glanced at Jesse, who assured him he’d drive slow. It seemed like he got a lot of looks like that when someone got into the vehicle.

Jesse pulled out of the driveway, turning up the radio and singing along as they went. For such a raggedy truck, it rode pretty smoothly. As smoothly as possible on a dirt road.

The drive into town was mere minutes long, and soon Landon could see the tiny town he’d passed through on the way to the Harpers’ home.

There was only a few stores, one being a terribly-run down Walmart, a post office, a couple of restaurants and a courthouse. The nearest hospital was about thirty minutes away, in the next town over.

Jesse drove slowly, as he’d promised, pointing out certain restaurants and monuments and explaining them.

“ we sell our goat cheese and crops in that lot over there, but people come to our house and pick them up too” he told Landon, nodding to an empty lot with a couple of tables and chairs.

Landon really didn’t pay attention to a lot of the things he said, mind drifting easily since the other was speaking so quietly.

He silently wondered how his dad was holding up and when they’d be able to see eachother again. Would Mrs. Harper really be willing to take him all the way back to Louisville to visit his dad? She didn’t seem like she had a lot of time to spare just to take him places.

The raven-haired male didn’t like the idea of being apart for so long. It would be the first time in years that they wouldn’t spend his birthday together. Or Christmas. Or any other holidays. What if he graduated before his dad was released?

He didn’t have the money for college, and he couldn’t just live with the Harpers forever. They had their own family to worry about.

Suddenly, there was a hard tap on the male’s arm, making him jump.

Landon whipped his head around to look at Jesse, who had parked and was already halfway out of the truck.

The brunet waited for him to get out, before shutting his own door and starting across the street.

They’d parked on the curb, in an area of the town that Landon apparently hadn’t seen. It was shabbier than the rest of the town, but there was still one store open.

A bakery.

Landon hurried to get out of the truck, jogging across the street to join Jesse, who was waiting for him just outside the door. The raven felt bad about having not heard him, but what could he say, it was on his bad side.

“Hope you’re hungry. I’m payin’ so just pick whatever you want” The curly-haired male smiled, before starting into the bakery. Landon nodded, a little relieved that Jesse wasn’t completely angry with him.

Landon headed inside as well, a bell above the door signaling his arrival. A woman behind the register looked up, watching Landon curiously.

“ well well well, who’s this?” she asked, her gaze making Landon’s cheeks heat up, “ you’re pretty cute. What’s your name?”

Jesse answered for him, “ that’s Landon. His dad’s a family friend and we’re lettin’ him stay with us for a while. He’s too young for ya anyway”

Landon glanced at Jesse, thankful he had answered for him. He had never been good at conversing, especially since he could only hear fragments of their conversation. He strained to listen, letting Jesse do all the talking for him.

“ what? c’mon , Jess, you’re supposed to bring me boys I can actually date” The girl scoffed, giving Jesse a pouting look.

Jesse didn’t even look, too busy studying the menu.

“ you don’t have those chocolate things anymore? The ones filled with cream cheese?” he asked, finally turning to look at her.

The girl just sighed, giving up on her previous conversation too easily, “ nah, Dad said no one buys’em but you. besides, we’re gettin’ something new later this week.”

Jesse scoffed at that, “ what? C’mon, I can’t be the only one! Doesn’t Jack like them too?”

She shrugged, “ I just follow my Dad’s orders, okay? I don’t keep track of who eats what around here”

Jesse finally just seemed to give up, asking her for two chocolate donuts instead. He handed one to Landon and paid, before heading out the door without so much as a goodbye.

“ Jack’s at the riverside, if you were wondering” The girl called, “ you should introduce him and Landon!”

Landon glanced back at her, then to Jesse, only to see the brunet’s cheeks become a bit flushed. He nudged the other, nodding back to the cashier, “ what was that all about?” he questioned, knowing he’d been loud by the way Jesse’s face became an even darker shade of red.

“ Oh, that’s Maria. Her family owns the bakery, and her little brother Jack is a friend of mine” The male explained, looking both ways before he crossed the street, despite the fact that it was practically empty. Landon followed, nibbling gingerly at his donut as he did.

“ guess I gotta introduce ya now, since she’ll probably tell him everything anyway” The male muttered, biting into his donut and holding it in his mouth while he started the truck, needing both hands to do so.

Landon hesitated, before asking in a loud voice what he’d said. He ended up having to repeat himself three times before Landon finally got it.

Landon ate his donut slowly, taking small bites and savoring it. He hadn’t eaten breakfast, so of course he was starving. Jesse’s was gone before the bakery was even out of sight, and Landon really wasn’t surprised. They were pretty good, probably even better than Dunikn’ Donuts’.

Landon couldn’t help but smile to himself when he thought of that, knowing his Dad would be quick to argue against such a claim.

He was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by the truck stopping abruptly and Jesse cursing loudly.

“ Fuck! Jesus, don’t people know how to drive these days!?” The male cursed, running a hand through his hair and obviously trying not to completely freak out.

Landon glanced up, surprised to see that a car had apparently stopped right in front of them.

“ It’s a good thing I was payin’ attention, else we’d be sued or somethin’ “ Jesse muttered, putting the truck in reverse and back up a bit before just turning the vehicle off.

“ C’mon, let’s go meet Jack, he’s probably fishin’ “ He invited, getting out and slamming the door, obviously still a bit peeved about the car situation. Landon did as he was told, joining the male on the sidewalk that led down to the riverside.

The riverside here wasn’t as cleaned up and nice like Louisville’s, there was trash lying everywhere, all along the flood walls and in the grass. There were steps that led down to the water, but the railing was falling apart and the concrete was covered in graffiti. Landon tried to imagine this place being cleaned up, but it didn’t seem like something this town would really care about. After all, they weren’t exactly a tourist hotspot.

Jesse led the way down to the dock, waving to a figure seated at the edge of it. Landon guessed this was Jack, since the figure soon stood and set down his pole, waving with both hands in a goofy manner.

Jesse chuckled, the laugh soon softening into a warm smile.

They soon left the concrete and were on the wooden dock, the old, rotting planks creaking beneath their feet. It made Landon a bit uneasy, but he figured since Jack and Jesse were confident that it’d hold, he’d be alright.

“ Hey man, catch anything good?” Jesse greeted, holding out his hand for the other to shake. Jack did just that, though when their hands touched he pulled Jesse closer, into some kind of half hug.

Landon listened as Jack pulled away from their hug and began to go on excitedly about what kinds of fish were out today and how these were ‘the perfect conditions’ to catch something they called a Bowfin. The redhead before him could have been speaking a foreign language for all Landon knew, talking about amia calva and Etheostoma zonale. The only reason Landon was sure the other was actually speaking english was his accent, the soft southern drawl similar to Maria’s and Jesse’s. He supposed everyone around here had that sort of lilt to their voice, everyone but him, of course.

He guessed it had something to do with fishing, but he couldn’t be sure. Jesse, on the other hand, seemed to be absolutely enthralled by Jack’s words, nodding along and listening to everything he said as if he could understand perfectly.

Neither of them paid any mind to Landon as he sat on the edge of the dock, letting his feet hang over the edge. Water didn’t bother him all that much, he could swim at the least.

The brunet couldn’t help but think Jack was handsome.

He had full cheeks and large, awestruck eyes, his long eyelashes only contributing to that innocent, soft look he had. His nose was rather thin, the tip sloping down just a bit. His lips were thin, but it may have just been the fact that he had been smiling the entire three minutes Landon  had looked at him. His hair was shorter than both Landon’s and Jesse’s his red locks cropped short around his forehead and ears especially. It made his ears look a bit bigger, but that only made him look more pixie-like.

Landon admired him from his place on the dock, surprised when said male suddenly glanced at him, grinning still.

“sorry, I didn't catch your name. I'm Jack Faustas, nice to meet you” he greeted, speaking to Landon with just as much energy as he had been with Jesse. Thank goodness, he was just as loud as Mrs. Harper.

He stuck his hand out to shake, and Landon did just that, nodding faintly and glancing at Jesse.

The brunet didn't even notice at first, seemingly too busy gazing over Jack’s head at the water. Though at this point, Landon wouldn't be surprised if he was staring at Jack like that.

“Jesse, c’mon, introduce me to your friend here. I haven't seen him around” he mused, letting go of Landon’s hand to turn and speak to Jesse again. The male blinked in surprise, glancing at Landon and then back at Jack.

“Oh, right. That’s Landon, he’s pretty hard of hearin’, so don’t speak too quietly or he’ll keep o askin’ what you said. He’s stayin’ with us for a while” the male answered hastily, obviously more interested in their conversation from before than introducing Landon. He did chuckle a bit when he mentioned having to repeat himself, but Landon definitely wasn’t smiling. He frowned, but didn’t turn away, waiting for Jack’s reaction.

Jack glanced at him, “so you’re kinda deaf? Don’t worry, I’ll repeat it as many times as ya need, my grandma is gettin’ to be that way!”

“ Don’t worry,” Landon insisted, smiling faintly, “you’ve got a nice, loud voice”

“Gee, thanks!” Jack laughed, making Landon laugh a little as well, “ I’m usually told to shut the hell up!”

“ so, where you from? ” Jack questioned, sitting down cross-legged next to Landon. Jesse did the same, though he seemed a little annoyed that the conversation had shifted more towards Landon.

“ Louisville” Landon replied, playing with the sleeve of his shirt, “I lived with my dad”

“ wow, why’d you move here? You’re livin’ with Jesse or somethin’, right?” The redhead asked, glancing back at his friend to confirm it. Said male didn’t speak, simply nodding and focusing more on playing with the fishing lure he’d picked up moments before.

Landon frowned at that, shaking his head. He didn’t wanna talk about it.

Jack didn’t seem to mind, still smiling, “ you don’t gotta tell me, just curious.” He turned back to Jesse, asking him if he had his phone and if he could see it.

“ yeah, sure ” Jesse didn’t even hesitate, pulling his phone from his pocket and handing it to his friend, “ you gotta call your dad or somethin’?” he asked, glancing at Jack.

“ no, just didn’t want it to get messed up ” the redhead mused, setting the phone in Landon’s lap and suddenly pushing Jesse into the water, before jumping in after him.

Landon watched, gasping loudly. At first, he thought they weren’t coming back up, but then a couple of bubbles rose to the surface and the both of them emerged, Jack laughing as Jesse suddenly began to chase him around the river’s mucky water.

The brunet on the dock grinned, laughing as he watched Jesse chase the other in mock anger, the two of them getting water all over Landon as well.

They swam for a bit longer, before the both of them finally decided it was time they get out of their wet clothes.

“ Hell, maybe we could even get our suits and go swimmin’!” Jesse decided, grabbing Jack’s hand and starting to pull him up the dock, “ how ‘bout it? I brought my truck!”

Landon got up and followed, though he didn’t exactly plan on going swimming. He couldn’t, anyway, he didn’t know how.

Jack stopped, glancing back at Landon. He turned back to Jesse and said something Landon didn’t quite catch.

Jesse looked upset for a moment, but it was replaced with a smile. They stopped, and landon caught up, just knowing they were talking about it him. Jack probably didn’t want to hang out with someone he’d just met. He knew Jesse didn’t want to, he was obviously possessive of his friend.

However, Jesse just smiled and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, squeezing him a bit, “Landon, you brought a swimsuit, didn’t you?we were thinkin’ of going swimming, if you’re up for it, we could even jump off of Devil’s cliff”

He shook his head a bit, “ no...I-I’d rather just watch, I didn’t even bring a swimsuit”

Jesse sighed, shrugging and moving away, “that’s cool, it’s gonna get pretty hot though. You could always stay home if you wanna”

Jack had stopped as well, giving Jesse a look like ‘stop saying shit like that’.

The brunet immediately took his first statement back, telling Landon he could still come, whether he swam or not.

“No, that’s alright,” Landon assured, playing mindlessly with his hands, “ I’ve got summer homework to catch up on anyway, it’s fine”

The three walked back to Jesse’s truck, and Landon ended up sitting in the middle since he was the thinnest. Jesse and Jack talked over his head as they drove, laughing and carrying on about one thing or another. Landon couldn’t help but feel a bit isolated. He couldn’t even hear what Jack was saying, and he was sure Jesse wasn’t going to bother telling him anytime soon.

The drive back to the Harper’s home felt so incredibly slow that he thought he’d get car sick, the usual anxieties bubbling up inside of him.

They all got out when the truck finally rolled into the Harper’s driveway, Jesse leading the way into the house. He led Jack to his room, but Landon went upstairs to his own room, closing the door and immediately collapsing onto the bed. He couldn’t believe himself, telling them he had homework! Of course he didn’t, it was the middle of July. Even if he did, he probably wasn’t going to get to go back to Louisville anytime soon.

He eventually rolled over onto his left side, letting the silence take hold of him. He needed it right now, his mind too cloudy for him to really relax.

It took Landon nearly an hour to fall asleep and even then it wasn’t very relaxing.

But he needed this.

He needed to dream that he was home again.

Chapter 2(?)

Landon was later woken by one of the younger Harper kids, who he later learned was a boy named Max. It took him a couple of weeks, but he soon memorized everyone’s name and face.

He spent  lot of time in his room, but sometimes he could be caught following Jack and Jesse around town, or reading one of his stories to the kids of the household.

He was doing just that one evening, the lot of them sitting round him in a circle as he read aloud from his journal. He’d already told them this one before, but planned on changing the ending.

“ And then the king, he jumped off of his white stallion and said to the wizard, ‘begone, you old quack!’ and then the wizard turned him right into a frog!” The raven exclaimed, grinning as the children around him laughed. He’d somehow managed to settle into a life here, with everyone accepting him and how loud he was easily.

Mrs. Harper told him all the time  that he shouldn’t worry about it, after all, they were the ‘ loudest household this side of the ohio river ’. That always made him laugh.

“How come you never talk this much ‘round me ’n’ Jesse ?” Jack asked, coming up next to Landon with a grin. He didn’t know when the redhead had gotten her, but he hoped that he hadn’t heard too much of the story. After all, he never really spoke around Jack or Jesse. He’d sort of..learned his place as the third wheel.

After that first day out with Jesse, Landon began to easily notice how Jesse spoke to Jack or about him. How he looked at the taller male with this amazing expression. Like Jack could never do him wrong.

Landon was afraid to say it was love, but there really was no other explanation. Of course, he wouldn’t dare ask Jesse, knowing the other might punch him or something. He’d seen the farm boy beat a guy up just for making fun of him, who knows what he’d do if Landon questioned him.

The raven shrugged faintly, now at a loss for words that Jack was here.

His cheeks were faintly flushed by now, since Jack was so close.

Oh, that was right.

Landon only figured Jesse was in love with Jack because Landon might’ve been himself.

He’d never really shown an interest in anyone, much less another boy, but he knew the signs of a crush. Quick heartbeat. Sweaty palms. The way he’d feel when Jack looked at him. God, he’d fallen hard.

At first he’d thought it was some sort of anxiety thing again, but when he reviewed his last few weeks here at the Harper’s, he could really tell.

“Guess I thought you and Jesse wouldn’t like them…” he finally murmured, glancing away. He couldn’t look, knowing that even his ears were red at this point, “ uh...y-you can read it if you want”

Jack just stared, eyeing the book for a minute before even acknowledging the question.

For a moment he thought Jack hadn’t heard him, he’d been practicing keeping his voice quiet, but was that too low? Should he ask again?

“ sorry, Landon, but I’ve gotta get home. Dad’ll kill me if I miss my shift again” he seemed to get up in a hurry,a nervous smile on his face, “ but-uh- I think Jesse’ll really like it! He’s in his room, you should ask. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

He was soon on his way out the door, leaving Landon sitting cross-legged in the living room, alone. The kids had fled after Jack had sat down, already fighting over one thing or another.

He sighed, shutting his journal and getting up before heading down the hall and to Jesse’s room. He’d really never been in there, nor did he ever really speak to Jesse unless he was asked a question. He’d thought they’d be at least...sort-of friends when they first met, but Landon had tried a lot of things to get Jesse to actually want to talk to him and nothing had really worked.

Maybe jack’s suggestion would actually go well, but he doubted it.

He hesitated, but finally knocked sharply on Jesse’s bedroom door, waiting patienly for the knob to turn or even just jiggle a bit.

He ended up knocking three times before the other finally answered, in his pajamas and sock feet.

“ what? I’m real busy sleepin’ you know…” he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at Landon. The raven smiled nervously and tried to avoid his eyes. Yeah, this was pretty normal between them. Even when Mrs. Harper asked how he and Jesse were getting along, he told her it was just fine. And it sort of was. As long as Landon didn’t continue to bother the other, this could be fine.

“ Uh...Jack said you might wanna read my story... he said you like that sort of thing..” he greeted, holding up his notebook.

Jesse seemed to hesitate at first, but moved to open the door fully, “come in…”

He obviously didn’t really want Landon in his room, but said male guessed his mother had gotten onto him or something. Then again, she thought the two of them were a lot closer than they actually were.

“Lemme see. You can sit on the bed if you wanna” He took the notebook a little too forcefully, but Landon didn’t stop him, only telling him what page the latest story started on. He took a seat on the bed and glanced around, surprised the other had let him in at all.

It was a bit smaller than Landon’s room, but it also had more furniture. Jesse had a crappy tv sitting on a small dresser on one side of the room, his bed against the other. Navy blue curtains were drawn to cover the window, though Landon was beginning to wonder if there was a window in the first place, considering how dark it was. It smelled pretty bad too, the tiny trash can by Jesse’s window filled to the brim with food and trash of all sorts. He wouldn’t be surprised if there was a mouse or a cockroach lurking around somewhere.

The bed was an absolute mess. It didn’t have sheets or even a blanket, just a couple of pillows and a pair of jeans that looked like they’d been through hell and back.

Jesse also had something Landon didn’t; an actual closet. Of course, the door was open and the contents were spilling everywhere but at least he had one. Jesse himself was sitting on a beanbag chair by the tv, reading through Landon’s notebook without so much as a smile on his face.

He finished far before Landon would have thought he would, and tossed the notebook across the room back to the other, frowning faintly.

It was silent for a moment before Landon finally spoke, “ well?”

“ well, what?” Jesse scoffed, “ it wasn’t nothin’ special. Don’t know why Jack liked it so much, it’s not really his style”

“What’s his style, then?” the raven asked, watching Jesse curiously, “ since you know him so well and all that”

Jesse became pink at that, “well he likes...sports’ n ‘  stuff...like soccer..of course i know what he likes...we’re best friends..”

He just looked sad after that and Landon was worried he might actually cry or something. The raven frowned faintly, “ what’s wrong?”

Jesse didn’t answer for the longest time, just kind of mindlessly playing with his hands and thinking.

“ is it cause you like him?” Landon asked, knowing he overstepped his bounds. But he couldn’t just let this kind of thing go, “ did you tell him?

“ of course I didn’t tell him!” Jesse exclaimed, turning back to Landon angrily, “ we had a fight, dumbass! A-and I don’t like him, okay? Who the hell even told you that?”

Landon just shrugged, not really phased by Jesse’s shouting like he used to be“ I sort of figured it out for myself. You’re always looking at him and listening to whatever he says. It’s pretty obvious”

“ Just shut the hell up, lefty. Get outta my room!” He turned away from the door, not even watching as Landon got up and left, slamming the door behind him. He didn’t even care if it pissed Jesse off, he was pretty pissed himself. After all, he had finally gotten away from being called ‘ lefty ‘ and now it was back? Jesse could be such an ass, he really couldn’t believe that guy had said such a thing.

The raven walked out after that, knowing he didn’t need to get all worked up over something little like this. He had more important things to worry about.

He headed out the door and into the front yard, taking refuge in the hammock Jesse’s older brother Mason had set up earlier that summer. He curled up inside of it like some kind of cocoon, already scribbling angrily i  his journal. It wasn’t even words, just ugly, ugly scribbles.

Landon had become so comfortable here. He had his own chores. He felt like he was a part of the family. He didn’t have to be shy anymore. The raven didn’t like this, of course, since he also got mad at people more often when he was comfortable with them. Hell, he and one of the younger kids had even had an argument already. Mrs. Harper took his side, if only because he was the guest. It really isn’t all that great to get comfortable in a home you’re not meant to be in the first place.

The scribbling and fuming continued for a little over ten minutes before Landon finally cooled down a bit. He eventually set the notebook down on the ground beside him and just relaxed, letting the gentle breeze calm him.

That was right, he reminded himself, he shouldn’t have gotten so mad. Especially after saying something like that to Jesse. The other hadn’t been all that hospitable, but it still wasn’t his place to suddenly claim that Jesse was gay. Besides, what if he was wrong? Maybe Jesse really did just admire his friend a whole lot.

WIth enough rational thinking, maybe Landon could fix things. As long as he thought things through he’d be alright.

After all, his dad’s motto had always been something like ‘you don’t succeed just by working. You have to think about it’

Of course, it wasn’t like his dad was the best role model, but still. He was better than nothing.

Landon eventually began writing again, starting another story. It always made him feel better, writing about things that didn’t exist or couldn’t exist. It was nice to think that there were realities where he could do whatever he wanted. He could be anyone, say anything. Hell, there was probably a reality out there where he could hear everything. Sure, he’d managed to live this long without being able to hear much, but he knew there was so much more that he could do if he could just hear.

Like just a moment after that, when someone suddenly pushed the hammock a little too roughly and the brunet was promptly dropped to the ground. It only hurt a little, but that didn’t stop him from immediately turning to the culprit and shooting them a glare.

It was one of the preteen twins, either Dahlia or Amanda. He still couldn’t quite tell them apart.

“Woah, sorry Landon, I thought you were Jesse. That jerk still owes me twelve dollars’n’ I’m gonna hold him to it”

She left without even asking if he was alright or anything. He didn’t care, her actions told him who it was. Out of all the younger kids, the most well-behaved had to be Dahlia. Unlike Amanda and all her other siblings, the ravenette was quiet and would keep to herself. Landon didn’t actually have to talk to her to enjoy her company  and vice versa. That said, they still didn’t hang out a lot. She would always choose hanging out with her friends in town over sitting in the living room with him and reading.

Landon didn’t bother with the hammock again, deciding he could be doing something productive rather than writing. Maybe he could try and pull weeds again, or offer to the dishes. He’s been put on the chore chart, but he only had one or two chores. He didn’t mind helping out, it was the least he could do. After all, the Harpers weren’t really gaining anything from him being here.

The brunet headed inside and put his notebook up, before searching the house for Mrs. harper.

He asked if there was anything he could do to help out, but she assured him it was fine. He ended up sweeping the kitchen, but he wouldn’t tell her that he’d done it. It would be nice to see Jesse sweep it again after dinner, kind of like a miniature-payback for being kind of a jerk earlier.

Besides, it gave him time to think. He had begun devising a plan the moment he’d arrived at the Harper family farm,  but he’d gotten off track what with all the chores and having to tag along with Jesse when he went into town, not to mention trying to figure said male out.

Just days after his dad’s arrest, Landon had figured out that with enough money, his dad could be out of jail in no time. Bail money.

He realized, of course, what a crazy idea that was for someone like him, with no money, job, or even his own room. Where the hell was he supposed to be getting this money, anyway? He considered a fund-raiser, but he had nothing to sell. It wasn’t like he could bake, either, so even a bake sale would be a bust. He certainly couldn’t ask Mrs. Harper for money, she’d been way too nice to him for that. Not to mention it was almost like she didn’t want his dad out of jail at all. He couldn’t imagine why, they were friends, weren’t they? Even if she had given up the life of selling drugs, she’d been close enough with his dad to take him in while he was in jail. She wasn’t rude to Landon either, despite the rough circumstances.

He didn’t bother asking, knowing she’d either lie or simply not tell him. She wasn’t secretive like that, but he knew the idea of bail money should be kept between himself and his notebook. Maybe even Jack, if they ever got the time to talk alone. It was unlikely, since jack was always rushing off to work and Jesse was with him every other time.

He couldn’t have Jesse knowing either, since the other might tell Mrs. Harper and try to make a big deal out of it. He just knew Jesse hated him enough to do that, especially after today’s incident. It would be the perfect payback, wouldn’t it?

Little did he know, Jesse was quite the sneaky male. He’d already planned the perfect payback, and the dismissal of Landon from his room was only the beginning.

Chapter3

It wasn’t that he was angry at Landon that particular day, it was more like he was angry at how Landon’s appearance had shaken everything up. Even Jack was beginning to like him just as much as he liked Jesse. Landon was like some sort of replacement, except everyone liked him more and treated him like he was something special. Not to mention how much better he was at nearly everything.

In the past month, Landon had shown Jesse up at almost everything. He was better at doing the chores, better at dealing with kids. Hell, Landon probably had perfect test scores too.

The only thing Jesse bested him at was soccer. The other didn’t even know how to play, he’d never even played a sport before.

Talk about sheltered.

Jesse’s mama had ended up making him teach the raven how to play, but Landon still sucked. He claimed he couldn’t hear the other well enough, but sometimes Jesse wondered if he was faking it or not. After all, he talked fine now, he had even managed to control his voice volume. Jesse had yet to call him out on it though, knowing his mama would slap him upside the head if she heard anything like that.

Jesse had a plan, though, knowing if he could just catch Landon in the act, it would be the other’s downfall. However, it just hadn’t happened yet. Landon was either too sneaky or an amazing actor. He didn’t know which would be worse.

So, that’s why Jesse had lied, and why he was now crouched behind one of his mother’s huge flowerpots, peeking through the leaves at Landon. He was writing in that little journal of his, Jack sitting next to him and reading as he wrote.

He was sure that Landon trusted Jack more than anyone else, especially since Jack was so understanding. The brunet moved a bit closer as the two began to talk, straining to hear their conversation. He didn’t like how close they were sitting, or the way Jack’s hand brushed Landon’s when he pointed something out in the journal. He’d rather get this over sooner or later so he could put an end to this.

It was true, after all, what Landon had said. He really did like Jack and it was definitely ‘more than just friendship’. His mother didn’t know, no one knew, so he was pretty surprised when Landon so easily guessed the truth. That guy was going to mess this all up if he told either Jack or his mama. He’d be ruined. His life would be ruined.

They talked for a bit about Landon’s story and occasionally laughed at some joke the other said, the both of them having too much fun for Jesse’s liking. He was about to give up when he heard it, the words that would turn this all around for him.

“Listen, you can’t tell anyone what i’m about to tell you, alright?” Landon warned, voice softer than usual. It was an obvious attempt at whispering, but he wasn’t doing all that great. Jesse leaned in closer, nearly visible by now.

Jack hesitated at first, then nodded, promising softly that he wouldn’t say a word.

“ I’m going to bail my father out of jail,” Landon continued, scribbling in a corner of his sketchbook as if to distract himself, “I don’t have the money yet, but I’m going to save up enough money in secret, then I’ll run away and bail him out myself. I can’t keep living here, Jack..”

Oh, that was good.

That was by far the stupidest thing Jesse had learned today, and he’d heard a lot of stupid shit from his siblings that morning already. But this was even better, especially seeing the way that Jack frowned uneasily in response to what Landon had said.

“ I’m not sure that’ s a good idea. Besides, Bea is taking great care of you, isn’t she? You said she was the nicest woman you’ve met!”

“And I still think so,” Landon retorted, sighing, “I just don’t want to cause her more trouble than I already have just being here. I can’t stay here and have her pay my college tuition, she’s already got so many other kids to take care of, too. She shouldn’t waste her time with me”

Jack just shook his head, standing and patting Landon on the shoulder, “you know she doesn’t think you’re a burden. Just think about it, okay? Besides, I’d like it if you stayed here…”

He gave Landon’s shoulder a little squeeze and smiled at him, before starting away, “ I’ll see you later. Jess and I are going to play a soccer match with some school friends if you wanna come”

“Thanks, but I’m good” Landon assured, smiling warmly as the redhead walked back into the house. His cheeks were a bit flushed, but Jesse was already gone, running around the house in an effort to get to his room before Jack could. He couldn’t know Jesse was eavesdropping, he’d be pissed.

The brunet made it back into his room just in time. Luckily, Jack had stopped to talk to one of his younger siblings, making it easy for Jesse to slip past him and get to his room.

He was sweaty and panting, but was sure Jack wouldn’t really notice. Said male knocked on the open door, grinning at Jesse.

“Hey, sorry I’m late, my dad made me stay a little late at the bakery, someone puked on the front step” He laughed, taking a seat on the bed next to the other, “you ready to go?”

Jesse returned his smile, trying not to make it obvious that he knew Jack was lying. He stood, “yeah, let’s go. We’re already pretty late..”

The two made their way back out to Jesse’s truck and soon left, Jack showing know signs that he knew a secret or even knew that Jesse had been spying on him. Said male still didn’t know what he’d do with this information, but he knew something like this could get Landon either kicked out or shunned.  

He wouldn’t mind if it was both, really.

Jesse’s other friends were a little more rough around the edges than Jack. They didn’t care for Landon either, but their reasons were a bit different. They only thought he was a bad guy because of all the things Jesse had said, so he’d never introduced them to the guy. After all, he wouldn’t have anyone on his side if they really met him.

The game itself went pretty well, Jesse and Jack’s team winning with ease. However, he really hadn’t thought out his plan well, because the other two males began questioning Jack about Landon.

The three of them were sitting in the grass, huffing and puffing and just trying to catch their breaths when his friend Alex brought it up.

“ so, have you met that bastard that Jesse’s been tellin’ us about?” Alex  asked, blowing his blond bangs out of his eyes, “He sounds like a real douche, I’d totally fight ‘im if we ever met”

Jesse was quick to intervene, laughing nervously, “ you mean that guy Brent? Don’t worry, he moved away, you’ll never have to meet him! Jack hasn’t met him…”

Of course, even Jesse couldn’t stop them from talking about it.

“What makes him to terrible? He didn’t hit you or nothin’, right?” Jack asked, glancing at Jesse with a frown. He didn’t like it when the male got into fights and he’d scold him terribly if he thought the brunet had even argued with anyone.

“ nah, Jess said he was a weakling! He’s a liar too, he’s even tricked this guy’s entire family” The blond continued, laughing a bit, “said he might even rob’em or somethin’!”

Before Jesse could try and rebuke such a thing, his other friend Emmet suddenly clapped him on the shoulder, sipping the drink he’d gotten at a nearby vending machine, “ you all talkin’ about that asshole that’s stealin’ your life? What was his name again?”

“ Brent. His name’s Brent, but he moved away..” Jesse assured, glancing at Jack. The redhead looked suspicious and Jesse knew he was putting it all together in his head. He had to do something quick, before he figured it out.

“C’mon now, I never said he was stealin’ my life. More like he looks enough like a thug that he’d steal all our stuff. He’s more of a stalker, really, he was always followin’ me around’n’ tryin’ to ask me out’n stuff” He explained, twisting the story a bit so Jack didn’t catch on.

“Really, Jess? This faggot’s been followin’ you for what, a month now? You shoulda just punched him before he left or somethin’, let him know who’s boss!” The blond boy scoffed, standing, “ If he comes ‘round again, you should call us up, we’ll fight your fights if we gotta!”

Both he and Emmet headed for Emmet’s truck, wishing Jesse good luck and promising that they’d get ‘Brent’ next time. Thank God they were idiots, he thought, they could have messed everything up way too easily.

Of course, Jack was still suspicious. He wasn’t thrown off the scent too easily.

“How come I’ve never seen this guy?” he asked, frowning and putting a hand on Jesse’s shoulder, “ is he really stalkin’ you? What makes you think he wants to steal your life?”

Jesse shrugged, “ who knows. It’s over now, he moved back to the city a couple of days ago. I really only saw him once, but i know he was followin’ me”

Another blatant lie. He didn’t like lying to Jack, but this was another of those times where he had to.

The redhead just shook his head, grabbing the other’s arm and helping him up, “think you can drop me off at home? Dad’s wantin’ me to meet his new girlfriend’n’ I need to at least try’n’ look nice”

He smiled a bit,  but Jesse just sighed, “ how long are you gonna pretend you’re okay with all this? I’d be havin’ a fit if my Momma did somethin’ like that….”

Jack’s mother had died nearly two years ago,  but his dad had sure moved on quick. He was always dating younger women, though it never lasted. Jesse knew how much Jack hated it, but the other insisted on keeping it to himself.

He would always greet the girlfriends with a smile, even if he’d just end up calling Jesse ad asking him to come over so he didn’t have to be alone. Those were rough nights, but Jesse would do anything for him. He was in love with the other after all.

Jack didn’t say anything, just shaking his head and getting into Jesse’s truck. Jesse got in as well and started the vehicle before pulling away from the soccer field and heading towards downtown.

“Just promise you’ll call me later, alright? I’ll bring our emergency granola bars if it’s before dinner” He chuckled, nudging the redhead playfully. He could see Jack smile at that out of the corner his eyes, and smiled as well, just glad he could be of use to his friend. He knew that even if Jack found out how much he hated Landon, he’d still be there for him.

                                                 CHAPTER FOUR

Even after telling Jack everything, Landon still felt guilty. Like he was keeping some sort of terrible secret. The other had given him some options for raising money, but they wouldn’t be quick enough or get him enough money. HIs own options were awful.

He wrote them in his notebook, but that only made him feel worse.

1. Sell everything in my room

2.write stories and sell those

3.get a job in town

4.steal it

He hated it, he really did, but the truth was that the only thing that could get him money fast and with minimal effort would be stealing it. Over the past few weeks he’d gathered his courage and began stealing little things. Pennies and dimes he found in the couch cushions or on the floor. Of course, he still had no money, since he would immediately take it to mrs. Harper and apologize. She assured him it was alright, but he ended up putting it in the ‘rainy day jar’ they’d set up on a table in the hall. It made him feel a bit better, imagining that money going towards their Christmas or something.

Of course, the idea still lingered. Even if he did steal the money, it’d have to be from somewhere with lots of it, enough they wouldn’t notice. Plus he would have to be sneaky, so it would have to be somewhere with a shitty security system. There were only a couple of places like that around here, and Jack’s bakery was one of them. He definitely couldn’t steal from them.

He’d realized, just days after talking to Jack about the matter, that he  also had feelings for him. Just like Jesse. He’d never really speculated on his sexuality, nor had he cared. The brunet was too busy to even think about dating anyone, plus he’d sort of been a social outcast at his school. He’d never really liked anyone before, his dad had never given him the talk. Or any talk about relationships for that matter.

They only talked about the things that were important.

Money and stories.

That was all they needed back when it was just them. When they had just left his mother behind and moved into their crappy apartment, that was all they had to worry about. His dad had been writing a novel when they arrested him. Landon could only wonder if after all that he was still writing. Maybe he would even write Landon a letter or something one day.

He could only hope.

The male shut his journal and tossed it at the end of his bed. He didn’t want to think about the list. Not right now, anyway.

He knew he’d have to do something to get the money, but it was hard. There was only one other person he trusted to help, but if he hurt Jack like that...Jesse might actually kill him. That or the guilt, whichever came first.

Landon sighed, running a hand through his hair. What was he going to do? He didn’t mind living here, but he couldn’t help but want to be home. In his own apartment. In his own bed. If it was even still there for him to sleep in. He doubted that their landlady actually kept the apartment closed for them, she was greedy enough to auction off all their stuff without so much as an email. He had to get his dad back before it was too late. Their books were there. His journals. Those stupid family photo albums were still there, he knew how much his dad liked those photos. They reminded him of when Mom wasn’t completely crazy.

The male finally got up and changed into his pajamas, deciding on a plain white t shirt and a pair of fuzzy pajama pants his dad had gotten him as a joke for Christmas. It was only 7:30, but Landon was honestly too anxious to stay up much longer. The guilt from even thinking about stealing from the Harpers made him feel nauseous, but sleeping would definitely make him feel better.

He curled up in bed and turned out the light, but less than fifteen minutes later was jolted awake by someone shaking him roughly.

He pushed them away and sat up in a panic, not sure what to think. Oh. It was just Jesse.

“ Jesse, what the hell?” he muttered, sitting up and putting his hearing aid in so he could actually understand what the other was saying.

“ just hurry up. Get your shoes on, we’ve gotta get there before it’s too late” Jesse retorted, obviously terrified. He was panting, his cell phone gripped tight in his left hand, as if he’d just immediately run to Landon’s room. “ Jack’s in trouble, okay? I’m gonna need backup”

The color drained from Landon’ face and he was quick to get his shoes on and follow the brunet down the stairs and out the door to his truck. It didn’t start right away, but Jesse finally managed to get it running and he sped out of the driveway before Landon could even register what was going on.

“ what’s wrong with Jack? Why do we need to go help him?” he questioned, but Jesse didn’t answer, driving in concentrated silence. Why would he even bring Landon? THe raven knew the other didn’t like him, he especially didn’t like how close Jack and Landon were getting. Jesse tried to hide it, but his facial expressions gave him away, just like when he looked at Jack. He was constantly glaring at Landon or looking like he wished he could push him off a cliff. Well, maybe not something that dramatic, but something close to it.

They arrived at the bakery sooner than Landon thought they would. Jack was waiting outside, wearing a nice suit but looking way too pale and disheveled. Jesse got out and told Landon to scoot over, before leading Jack to the truck with the most gentle expression Landon had ever seen.

Jack got in next to Landon, but didn’t greet him. He didn’t even look at him, resting his head on the window without a word.

Jesse got in and zoomed off towards the river, reaching across Landon to tap Jack, “ what happened? What’s wrong?”

The redhead didn’t respond until Jesse parked on the side of the road , ready to go down to the dock for who knows what.

“...we had a fight…..Dad, he..he was talkin’ about marryin’ her and I started to argue with him’n’ i ran to my room….I climbed out the window, but i was afraid he’d do somethin’ crazy..” He murmured, voice shaking, “ He looked pissed, I thought he was gonna punch me right there…”

Jesse and Jack both got out, but Landon wasn’t sure if he should. He wasn’t even sure what was going on, what Jack was talking about. He knew next to nothing about Jack’s family, only knowing that they owned the bakery and that his dad was the boss.

The two left for the dock and Landon finally got out, following at a distance. He really shouldn’t be here. This….it wasn’t really his business, he knew, but what was he supposed to do? Just wait in  the truck the whole night? Besides, Jesse had brought him for a reason, hadn’t he? He knew the other was in love with Jack, but maybe he needed help comforting him.

nO, that couldn’t have been it.

Landon gave up on trying to figure it out, settling down with the other two at the end of the dock like they had the first time Lando  had come here.

It was silent for a while, spare for the croak of frogs in the night and soft buzz of the last of the summer bugs, all preparing to leave once fall rolled around.

Finally, after nearly half an hour, Jack spoke.

“ I’m….really glad you’re both here…..it means a lot, thanks..” he murmured, smiling faintly up at jesse, then at Landon. Jesse smiled warmly at his words, gently patting the redhead’s shoulder, “you know I’ll always be there for you. Wanna head to my place for food and relaxation?”

The redhead nodded a bit at that, “sure. Maybe Landon could join us this time?”

Jesse hesitated, glancing at Landon with a faint frown. The raven felt himself flush, but didn’t say anything, glancing between Jack and Jesse nervously. He definitely didn’t want to hang out with Jesse, but he supposed if jack was there it wouldn’t be terrible. After all, said male was something of a mediator for them.

Jesse finally caved, nodding, “sure, i don’t see why he can’t. We’d better get goin’, Mama will be pissed if she knew I was drivin’ round town this late”

The three got up to leave, Landon still allowing himself to lag behind a bit. He couldn’t imagine this miniature sleepover going all that well, but he supposed he could try to enjoy it. It was all for Jack’s sake, after all.

The three did get yelled at by Bea, but she softened a little when Jesse told her what had happened. She even made them all some snacks and told them they could stay up late if they wanted. It seemed kind of childish, but Landon didn’t mind. He hadn’t had a sleepover of any kind before, so the special treatment was kind of nice.

The three of them headed to Jesse’s room, but Landon ended up going upstairs to get his pillow and notebook. He ended up tearing the page with his little ‘money list’ out, crumpling it up and throwing it away in a spur of the moment decision. He didn’t want either of them to read it, but he knew he’d need his notebook at some point.

He headed back downstairs, hearing the two others laughing like crazy when he went to open it. He couldn’t back down, though, Jack had asked him to stay.

THe raven entered with a faint smile, shutting the door behind him a bit nervously. The two of them were playing a video game on the Harpers’ old wii, the both of them claiming they’d win by a landslide and just...laughing. Already Landon felt like some kind of intruder, but he didn’t leave, simply sitting on Jesse’s bed with his notebook and pillow in his lap, just watching the two of them play for a while. He didn’t mind, it’d been so long since he’d played a game like that, he was sjure he’d lose easily. However, after nearly an hour of Jesse and Jack battling to the death, Jack tossed the controller to Landon.

“ you know how to play Mario Kart, right? “ He asked, sitting on the bed and nudging landon towards the empty bean bag chair beside Jesse, “ I bet you could beat ‘im. I’m all tuckered out, I never win”

Landon nodded a bit, setting his stuff down and taking a seat next to Jesse. SAid male gave him a dirty look,  but said nothing. He obviously intended to beat Landon and make himself look better to Jack, but Landon had the same idea. He may have been a bit rusty, but that wouldn’t stop him from winning. Afterall, he easily beat a grown man all the time, why would this be any different?

He ended up losing the first two races in eighth place. Embarrassing.

However, by the last few races Landon got it together and ended up winning the rest of them easily, with Jesse just behind him in second and third. Said brunet was absolutely pissed, but he hid it just as easily as he hid his other emotions. That is to say, he really wasn’t doing a great jb keeping his anger contained. He was red in the face and trembling, gripping the controller way too tightly. Jack didn’t notice, cheering and giving Landon a high five for ‘defeating the king’.

“ What do ya think of that, Jess? The newbie beat you more than once, five times, even!” The redhead laughed, clapping Jesse on the back. Landon was sure the brunet would shout at the both of them, but he only turned to look at Jesse sheepishly, “ I didn’t think I’d be givin’ up my title to this bastard”

He punched Landon teasignly in the shoulder, laughing along with Jack now, though it was a little forced. Oh God, this guy was definitely pissed.

“ Oh, uh, you can keep your title, “ he assured, nervous now that Jesse was angry with him, “ I only one those few rounds, it was probably just luck”

“ nuh-uh, no one’s ever beat Jess, not even Bea or his brother Mason. I can’t imagine how much you’d have to play to be as good as this guy” Jack retorted, “ that’ why his grades are so bad, cuz he plays video games instead of studyin’”

“ why you-” Jesse turned at that, pulling Jack off the bed and attempting to pin him to the ground as if they were pro wrestlers or something. Landon couldn’t help but laugh a bit, but he was more relieved that the attention was drawn away from the whole ‘Jesse lost’ thing. He was a little afraid to see what Jesse might have done if Jack kept going on about how he’d won.

They continued to joke around and play games, though Landon said he was tired and just sat on the bed and watched for the rest of the night. They finally decided to go to sleep around one am, but Jesse and Landon were still up, the silence between them far too heavy.

Landon had opted for the floor, though he knew he’d be sore in the morning.He just couldn’t accept having to sleep in the same bed as Jesse, and he knew the brunet was going to keep him and Jack as far apart as possible.

“ You still up, too, huh?” Jesse muttered, rolling over and looking at Landon through the darkness. His curtain was open a sliver, so the light of the moon peeked through a bit. Though it was dim, it lit up Landon’s face easily, but he couldn’t see Jesse as well from where he was, both the fact that his vantage point was too  low and the moonlight didn’t quite reach the bed, leaving Jesse in the shadows.

It was silent for a moment, save for Jack’s soft snores from the other side of the bed. He was fast asleep, and apparently a deep sleeper.

“ Isn’t there some other relative of yours you can go live with? What about your mom or an aunt or uncle or something? Grandparents?” He asked, the words making Landon frown, “ Neither of us wants you to be here, ya know. You want your dad back and i want my whole damn life back”

“ I can’t….i don’t have anything like that…” he murmured, though he realized it was kind of a lie. HIs mom was still around, after all, they just didn’t contact her anymore. They left for a reason, he sure as hell wasn’t going back, “everyone’s gone…”

“ even your mom? What happened?” Jesse continued, apparently not seeing the look on Landon’s face when he said that.

“ nothing. We left. I don’t think it’s your business, anyway….” He murmured, looking anywhere but the bed, “ Sorry I’m makin’ your life shitty, I’ll try and leave as soon as I can…”

Jesse was silent for a moment, before sighing, “ I’m sorry, alright? I just...you’re everyone’s favorite, but you’re not special….You know I like Jack, right? I just don’t want you to get between us, too…”

“ thanks, I guess…” he muttered, “ listen, I’m not gonna steal him away or whatever, i’m not even gonna tell him i like him, but you should. You can’t hide it forever, Jess, he’s gonna realize it soon”

“You what?” Jesse asked, voice angry now. Landon could tell he’d sat up, probably preparing to tackle Landon right then and there, “ you-you don’t have a chance with him, anyway”

“Yeah, I know, genius. I’m not gonna confess anytime soon, okay? I’ve got a lot of other shit on my plate right now, anyway..” he muttered, “ ‘sides, i’m not sure you’ve got much of a chance either. How do you know he even likes you back? He might not even be gay”

“ I know that…”Jesse sighed, the bed creaking as he settled back down, “ I’m….probably never gonna tell him…..I’d rather him not know’n’still like me as a friend than know and hate me for it….”

Landon’s expression softened a bit at that, but he said nothing. He felt bad admitting aloud that he liked Jack too, especially after hearing what Jesse had to say. He felt the same, he’d much rather have a secret and a good friend than truth and an enemy.

“I….know I said i don’t want you here, but I guess it’s alright if you got nowhere else to go….” Jesse muttered, “ let’s make a deal. Neither of us makes a move on Jack and we’ll keep each other’s secret. mIne being my crush and yours being the fact that you wanna bail your dad out”

Landon sat up at that, paling at Jesse’s words, “How the hell do you know about that?”

“ did you read my journal?did Jack tell you?” he asked, his anxiety growing. Was he going to tell Bea? What if he was sent away? What if Landon was kicked out and left with nothing? He couldn’t live alone, how would he get food and shelter?

Not to mention he was going to be eighteen in less than a year, he could be charged as an adult and sent to jail. He might be with his dad again, but it wouldn’t be the same.

“ I heard you two talkin’...don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone if you don’t “ Jesse assured, chuckling a bit, “don’t know why you’re so scared, my mama wouldn’t do nothin’, hell, she’d probably even help you out”

Landon shook his head,” I couldn’t ask her to do that. She’s been so kind to me already. I promsed I wouldn’t make her spend too much on me”

Jesse was quiet for a moment, hesitating to speak. He finally did, his words too soft for Landon to hear.

“What did you say?” the raven asked, glancing up at the bed. He never did get an answer. There was a long, still silence, and then he heard Jesse sgtart to snore as well, his being a bit deeper and softer than Jack’s.

Landon soon fell asleep as well, managing to doze off easily after Jesse’s confirmation that he wouldn’t tell anyone.

He was just glad the other didn’t seem to completely hate him anymore.

CHAPTER 5

Several months passed with no mention of money or unrequited love. Thank God.

Jesse didn’t like the idea of Landon being able to blackmail him, but he was sure the other didn’t like it either.

The both of them had agreed to some kind of truce, but Jesse still wasn’t completely on board with the ther living with him and his family. He even considered helping Landon get the money to bail his dad out, but he didn’t know where he’d get it either. He didn’t have a job and he’d rather not get one in this area. Don’t get me wrong, Jesse loved his hometown, but there was just no where to work that could get him enough money to bail Landon’s dad out. Besides, he’d much rather use that money for college. He wanted nothing more than t support his family. After his dad had run off, both Mason and his mama had been workin’ their asses off trying to keep the family from falling apart. The money from their produce and eggs helped too, even if it was just a little. Landon was just another mouth to feed, another student to support.

He was going to bleed their family dry.

He, Jack and Lando were hanging out again today, own by the river. Landon had been following them around more and more since that night they divulged their secrets to eachother, but Jesse reminded himself that if he even thought about sending the male back home, Landon would probably tell everyone he was gay and in love with Jack Faustas. He wouldn’t have any friends or life here anymore. Not to mention he already didn’t have any money. His family wouldn’t turn against him, but ti would be so awkward all the time. He didn’t know if he’d be able to take it.

“Jess, you’ve got a nibble”

The brunet looked up when he heard Jack’s voice, surprised to see his fishing line wiggling a bit, the fish that was nibbling not strong enough to pull the entire pole. He was quick to reel it in, standing and rushing to get the line in before the fish could escape.

Jack cheered when he managed to pull the fish up onto  the dock, the thing flopping and wriggling around in an attempt to get back in the water.

“Damn, it’s just anoter bluegill…” Jesse muttered, picking it up and removing the hook from it’s mouth before tossing it back into the murky water, “ I was hopin’ i’d get a catfish, that’d really be impressive”

“Well, you’ll never beat me in terms of fishin’” Jack laughed, casting his own line back into the water, “then again, Landon’s doin’ pretty well’n’ he’s a city boy”

Landon smiled faintly at that, moreso at Jack than Jesse. It was digusting, watching him get all dopey and lovestruck over a little attention.

“ well, maybe one day we’ll have a big fishin’ competition. We’ll see who the winner is then~” Jesse decided, drawing back and casting his line back into the water.

He sat back down again, pole sitting lightly in his grip so he could enjoy the view. It was near dark, the sunset peeking over the trees on the other side of the river and casting a soft, pink glow on the three. Their bobbers wiggling with the cool breeze that October had brought on.

Fall break was nearly over, but the three of them would continue to hang out after school, like they had been.

{ completely different scene}

“ Jess….you don’t still hate me, do you?” Landon’s voice was softer than ever, his now calloused hands sitting still in his lap, as if his heart wasn’t beating like crazy in his chest. He knew he’d messed up, he just..he didn’tknow how to fix it anymore. Promises meant nothing now.

It was silent for several minutes, Jesse lightly rocking the hammock with his foot, as if waiting for Landon to just leave him alone.

He didn’t.

After what seemed like forever, Jesse spoke, his voice trembling as he did.

“ I-I’m not….I don’t hate you..” he murmured, just loud wnough so Lando could hear him, “ I just….I can’t believe you told him…”

“ I’m sorry, Jess, I just couldn’t bear to watch you two any longer. He needed to know and you needed to see the truth” Landon retorted, “ besides, you said you didn’t even like him anymore...do you?”

“I don’t” the brunet replied. His gentle rocking had long since stopped and he was sitting up in the hammock now, frownng at the male on the ground beside him. The full moon left nothing unseen, Landon’s unkept hair looking even worse after running , his jacket slipping off of one of his shoulders. He shivered in the chilly March air, but didn’t lok up at jesse. He hadn’t noticed him watching, too bus fis=dgeting with his hands in his lap.

“ why not?” “I like someone else”

Landon looked up at that, fear evident in his features, “ who is it?”. It was obviou he didn’t really want to know the answer, like he was afraid to hear it. Jesse hesitated, the air between them thick with fear and nervousness.

“It’s you. I like you” he murmured, glancing away, as if that would makd him any less embarrased. Landon was silent for too long, and Jesse looked up at him again, only to see him flushed red and hiding a smile with his hand.

“I-it’s embarrassing, stop looking at me!” he exclaimed, hiding his face further, “I...also...like you..” he muttered, voice muffled by his sleeve.

Jesse sat there in shock, his chest filling with warmth and his heart feeling fuller than ever. He smiled, “ really?”

“Yeah...for a while now, too…”Landon retorted, his smile showing on the moonlight,  “just...s-stop looking at me with that stupid grin on your face!”

Jesse continued to gaze at him for a moment before lying back down with a sigh. Landon went back to fiddling with his hands, but the silence was soon filled with Jesse’s laughter, the brunet making the entire hammock shake. He was just...he was so happy.

Jack wasn’t mad at him, his mother hadn’t found out and Landon even liked him back! It was funny to think that nearly a year ago he’d hated the guy, and here he was falling for him!

“Jess?” Landon asked, peering over the edge of the hammock, “what the hell is wrong with you?”

The brunet didn’t answer, too busy just laughing and laughing and laughing at all of this. At everything.

He finally managed to get his words out, but it was still hard to understand. “ y-you just- I can’t beleive you l-like me back!” He was gasping for air at this point, his laughs mostly just wheezing, near silent ones now, “ a-and my life is still t-together! Everything’s okay!”.

Landon was surprised for a moment, but just smiled and began to laugh a bit as well. He soon climbed into the hammock with Jesse, the both of them laughing their worries away through the night.

{chapter end}

The both of them were nervous, squeezing eachother’s hands under the table. Any moment now and that officer would walk back in with Landon’s dad. It’d been so long since he’d seen him, even this little conversation would mak him feel amazing Especially since they had th money to bail him out now.

After getting the money, Jesse had driven him across the river and into Lousiville, promising that they’d come back with his dad. They had the money, they had a car. Landon was finally getting to see his dad again and he was coming home with them.

The both of them straightened up in their chairs when the door opened, the officer leading his dad in with handcuffs on. Landon stared, unmoving, his mouth open in surprise His dad looked so..different. He was so skinny and his five o’ clock shadow had grown out into a short beard. His hair was graying in some places, and his curly brown hair was an absolute mess. Why did he look like that? Landon thought prison treated their inmates better.

“ you get an hour, then he has to go back” the officer muttered, uncuffing his father and leaving. He closed the door, but it was apparent that they would be watching through the one sided mirror on the far wall.

The moment the door shut, Landon got up and hugged his dad tight, his arms fitting way too well around his dad’s waist. Hot tears picked his eyes, his throat burning when he realized he’d get to see him everyday, just like he used to.

“Dad-” “what the hell are you doin’ here, Landon?”

The raven looked up at the man through a teary gaze, frowning and pulling away a bit, “what...we...we came to see you, i-it’s been a year….”

His dad gazed at him for a moment, his warm, brown eyes glassy with emotion. He said nothing, pulling the male back into the hug and burying his face in his shoulder, his own tears slipping down his nose and onto his son’s shirt, soaking it through.

“ I’ve missed you so much….how’re they treating you? Is Bea nice’n’healthy?” he asked, pulling away with a faint smile. Landon had gotten taller, he knew, and was now almost the same height as his dad. They didn’t look alike at all, save for their eyes.

“ yeah….she’s great, they’re all great…”Landon replied, glancing back at Jesse with a warm smile. He turned back to his dad, now speaking rapidly, “ I can’t wait til you meet everyone, the twins are so cute and Geogia has sucha  great imagination and Ja-”

HIs dad cut him off, “ what? Landon, I can’t just leave….I’m never getting out, don’t you know that?”

“No, no, we brought bail money it’s enough to get you out!” Landon assured, Jesse nodding behind him, “ I did all my research and now we’ve got plenty of money and you can get out and we can go home, right?”

“It...it’s not that simple, Landon….”he murmured, running a hand through the boy’s hair, “I’m really not gettin’ out, Little Legs, they’ve got me here for good”

Landon was becoming desperate, already begining to cry again. He gripped his dad’s arms tightly, face paling, “why not? Y-your sentence can’ be that long! You only got caught with the drugs, they didn’t know you were sellin’ them! Why can’t you come home?”

He was shaking his dad by now, desperate for the information. He’d been waiting a whole year for this, why wasn’t it going right? Why now? They’d worked so hard and now it was falling apart, it was all crumbling and slipping through his fingers like sand.

An officer burst into the room before Landon could get his answer, pulling the two of them apart. He held Landon back, asking what the hell had gotten into him?

“ B-bail money! we ‘re bailing him out! I-I just want my dad back, please!” He cried, not fighting the officer too much, “ He’s innocent! “

A lie, but he wanted so desperately to believe it. The officer let him go, Jesse gently taking the male’s arm now. He’d stood up when the commotion started, he’d never seen his boyfriend like this. H’d never seen him act so desperate, so scared.

“ he killed a man, son! You expect us to just let a kid bail him out!?” The officer scoffed, cuffing his dad and leading him out again.

Landon stopped, watching them go with wide eyes that were already filling with tears again.

His dad…? A murderer..?

The officer soon came back alone, both Landon and Jesse now seated again. Landon was pale now, lip trembling as the officer began to tell him the truth. His dad had murdered one of his clients after a deal went south and was charged with manslaughter. He was going to live out a life sentence in here, no bail money could help him now.

Landon didn’t want to believe it. He was full-on sobbing now, desperate for this to be some kind of dream or something. Of course, the officer wouldn’t lie, and when he realized this Landon just started screaming, the sound echoing back at them. He hugged himself tight, ignoring jesse when the other tried to calm him down, his hands over his ears. Not like he could hear them anyway, his hands covering his good ear and silence befalling him. He couldn’t hear himself think, he just kept screaming and screaming and screaming , fighting both the officer and Jesse when they tried to get him to stop. He just wanted it all to go away.

Landon wished they’d never come here, they never stole that money. He wished he’d never fallen in love with jesse and had never moved in with his family. He wished his father had never been arrested. He wished he’d never been a drug dealer in the first place, wish they’d nver left his mom. Even if it meant living with the devil herself, he wished it would just go back to how it was before.

{excerpt}

“Come here, let’s lie together..” Jesse murmured, pulling Landon towards the hammock. He’d been crying again, face red and puffy and tearstained. He looked so much like a little kid, jesse could have laughed at the sight. But he didn’t.

The two curled up together in the hammock, Landon’s face buried in his boyfriend’s chest, just breathing him in for a moment. It was nowhere near silent, the buzz of the cicadas and other nightlife singing to the both of them.

It was a while before Jesse spoke, one of his hands now entangled in the other’s hair, his other holding Landon’s hand. He rubbed circles into Landon’s palm, soft and slow like he always did.

“ Is it about your dad…?” he asked, voice almost too soft for Landon to hear. He nodded a bit, looking just a little less pitiful than he had moments earlier.

“ ...he-he’s not like that...he’s no killer, Jesse…” he whispered, “he’s not like...her”

“Who?”

Silence.

“ Landon…” he started, cupping the raven’s cheek and pulling Landon’s face closer to his own, “ I wanna know everything about you, even if it’s difficult. Tell me so I can help you…”

Landon gazed up at the other, speechless for a moment. He wiped at his tears and let out a shaky breath, nodding, “alright….alright, but it’s...a really long story…”

Jesse smiled softly at that, “ we got all the time in the world. Tell me everything that’s a burden’n I’ll help you carry it”

Landon was smiling now too, relaxing into the other’ grip and closing his eyes as he began to speak. He told Jesse everything, all about how his mother was normal until the year he turned nine. Then she just went crazy. He recalled coming home from school one day and there she was, standing above his dad with the tv remote and threatening to kill him. She’d threatened Landon too later on, and soon his dad just packed up and left. He didn’t tell anyone where he was going or why, he’d just left his life behind. He told Jesse about how he’d help organize the merchandise and hide the money his dad got. How they had thrown most of it away on even more merchandise. How he’d go to school sometimes and he wouldn’t even be able to eat lunch because his dad couldn’t give him another two dollars for whatever reason. Landon didn’t cry anymore, soon going on aboujt the dozens of stories he and his dad had written, about the prizes he won and the newspaper he was featured in. By the time he finally stopped talking, the sun was beginning to rise over the fields behind them, bathing them in a soft pink and orange glow, the both of them grinning like the lovestruck idiots they were. THey remained there for most of the morning, soon dozing off to a chorus of birds and a rustle of trees in the summer breeze.

[dailyironfamily]

day 17 - fashion au

Day seventeen of the November Fic Challenge is a fashion AU! Which I put on the list at the beginning of the month without even thinking about it and when I looked at it today I was like, I know absolutely nothing about fashion? But here you go. Tony/Rhodey established with future Pepper/Tony/Rhodey. Partially inspired by this photo.

“She’s the one, Rhodes, she’s absolutely perfect.” Tony sighs wistfully, staring down in the magazine in his hands. Pepper Potts stares back at him from a full spread showcasing some nobody’s spring fashions, which are nowhere near as good as his spring lineup and thus why Pepper Potts should be modeling for him instead.

“So just ask her to model for you,” Rhodey replies, clearly some sort of mind reader. He turns a page in his own magazine, not even looking up at Tony.

Tony groans and shakes his head. “I can’t! She’s super picky about who she works with, she likes highlighting new designers.” Which is all well and good for newbies trying to break into the scene, but that’s definitely not Tony. There’s no way Pepper would want to work with him.

“You’ll never know if you don’t ask,” Rhodey points out, and while he has a point, Tony’s too buy wallowing in his own pessimism to consider it right now.

“Rhodeyyy,” he whines, flopping down on the couch and dropping his head in Rhodey’s lap. “Help me.”

“You’re crushing my magazine, man,” Rhodey says, frowning, and tries to tug it out from under Tony’s head.

Tony pouts up at him. “Please?”

Rhodey sighs, giving up on his magazine and carding his fingers through Tony’s hair. “Look, I think you’re an amazing designer, otherwise I wouldn’t shoot so much of your stuff.”

“Even though we’re sleeping together?” Tony asks, mildly offended. He’d hope his ass was worth a few photo shoots even if he was only mediocre.

“Even though,” Rhodey agrees, patting him on the cheek. Tony tries to bite Rhodey’s fingers and they get distracted for a moment as Rhodey fends him off. Tony gives up on the biting and just takes hold of Rhodey’s hand in his.

“As I was saying,” Rhodey tries again, glaring at Tony, who just grins and presses a kiss to his knuckles. “Your work is great. Show her some of your ideas, ask if she’s interested. It’s simple.”

“It’s not simple. I can’t just toss my old inferior designs at her. I’d have to create an entirely new line of stuff for her.”

Rhodey raises an eyebrow at him. “You say that like you weren’t going to do it anyway.”

Tony huffs and rolls onto his side, burying his face in Rhodey’s sweatshirt, but his mind is already laying out patterns and themes and colors. Maybe Rhodey’s dumb plan might just work.

“Oh, Pepper! What a coincidence seeing you here,” Tony says brightly, managing not to wince at how incredibly forced that sounds. To be fair, it is a coincidence; he hadn’t known she was on this particular set when he walked in.

Pepper must’ve just finished a shoot, her face still in full makeup, but she had her hair pulled back and was wearing a silky robe over her underwear. Tony blinks and looks up―damn, she’s even taller in person.

“Can I help you?” she asks, curious but not annoyed, from the sound of it. That’s probably a good sign.

“I’m Tony Stark.” He holds out his hand and she gives it a shake.

“I’ve seen you around,” she says, drawing her hand back and crossing her arms over her chest. “Your designs are very...avant-garde.”

Tony grins. “So I’ve been told. But I was wondering―speaking of avant-garde―if you’d be interested in a show I’m putting together. Kind of a ‘fashion of the future’ sort of thing. And it’s for charity,” he adds quickly, hoping that might encourage her to consider.

Pepper purses her lips, and for a moment Tony thinks she’s just going to turn him down, but instead she says, “Why don’t you send me the details and I’ll take a look? I should have a card around here somewhere...”

She pats her hips as if checking for pockets, realizes she doesn’t have any, then looks around. Instead of a business card, she grabs a marker from a nearby table, then takes Tony’s hand and jots down a phone number on his palm.

“Thanks,” he says after a very long delay of just staring down at his hand, which had been in her hand, and now had her number on it. “I’ll, uh, yeah, I’ll text you all the info. Thanks!”

Pepper smiles at him, charmed, he’s totally sure, then someone calls her name and she excuses herself, walking back toward the set.

When Tony shows Rhodey his hand later that night, giddy with success, Rhodey just rolls his eyes and says, “What the hell is this, some ‘90s teen movie? Write it on a piece of paper and go wash your hands.”

Pepper agrees. He has no idea what convinces her, but he’s ecstatic. Now all he has to do is actually finish putting together the show. Rhodey helps, of course, bless his heart. Tony calls up a few of his usual models, lines up a caterer and venue, coordinates with the charity the show’s proceeds will go to, and everything falls into place.

He puts together some rough drafts of his designs based on the measurements she sends him, and Rhodey comes with him when they meet up for a quick photo session. Tony wants to see what she’ll think of his pieces, and Rhodey wants to make sure Tony doesn’t embarrass himself too much.

Tony keeps the backgrounds simple, wanting to focus on Pepper and the outfits. When she walks out in the first dress, a dark maroon color that stands out against the off-white set, Tony can practically feel his heart beat right out of his chest.

“How’s the fit?” he asks instead of saying what he wants to say, which is a bunch of variations of ‘Wowza.’

“Not bad,” she answers, moving across the set to where Rhodey directs her to stand. “The drawings had a glove included?”

“Yeah, it’s not done. I do all the metalwork nearer to the end,” Tony answers absently, standing behind Rhodey and looking through the screen on the camera.

Pepper looks over at him, surprised. “You do the metalwork yourself?”

“I do everything myself.”

“The papers you emailed had some helmets doodled on them, like armor? It’s interesting.”

Tony grins and asks, “You want me to make you a suit of armor for the catwalk?”

Pepper laughs. “It’d be an interesting change of pace.”

“Okay guys, let’s cut the chitchat,” Rhodey interrupts, going over to the camera. “Time to let the real master work.”

“The real master of bossing people around,” Tony huffs, but he steps out of the way and lets Rhodey work his magic. He makes notes of changes as Pepper goes through the different outfits he brought. Seeing them on her in person is even better than just imagining it. The elegance is breathtaking.

Pepper snorts softly and Tony looks up from his sketchbook, confused. Had someone been talking?

Rhodey, taking pity on him, says, “You said her elegance was breathtaking. Out loud.”

“Oh god,” Tony mutters, looking back at Pepper, but she just smiles and waves at him. “Why didn’t you stop me?”

“I’m working,” Rhodey says, keeping his voice down. “Besides, I think she finds you charming.”

“Really?”

“In a super dorky way.”

Tony beams, even when Pepper asks them if they’re done gossiping so they can get back to work.

Everything’s going so well, Tony can’t believe it. Three days from now everyone will see Pepper Potts wearing his designs and be totally blown away.

And then he gets the phone call.

“You did what?” he asks, startled. “Are you okay?”

Across the table from him, Rhodey stops eating and mouths ‘What?’ at him. Tony shakes his head, still listening.

“Shit, no, don’t apologize,” he says at last into the phone. “We’ll find someone else. Yeah, it’s fine. You take care, okay?”

He hangs up and lets out a deep sigh. Rhodey waits, concerned.

“Pepper broke her leg,” Tony announces, head in his hands. “She can’t do the show, unless we want her to hobble down the runway on crutches, and obviously I wouldn’t make her do that.”

“Shit, Tones, I’m sorry.” Rhodey reaches over and puts a hand on Tony’s arm. “Is she okay? Aside from the leg thing.”

“Yeah, that was the worst of it.” He sighs, putting his head down on the table, no longer having any appetite for dinner. “This sucks.”

“Hey, the show’ll still be great,” Rhodey reassures him, gently squeezing his arm. “Your new collection is amazing.”

Tony looks up, disappointment clear on his face. “I know, but I made it for Pepper.”

“So make her something else. I bet she’ll love it anyway.”

Tony takes Rhodey’s hand in his, giving it an affectionate squeeze. “Thanks, honey. And thanks for all your help.”

“Of course,” Rhodey says with a nod, and the two return to their dinner, hands still clasped in the middle of the table.

They get one of their regulars to fill in for Pepper at the show, but while the overall effect is good, it’s just not the same. Tony sighs into his champagne glass for the hundredth time that night, and Rhodey tells him to stop looking so gloomy at his own show.

“I know, I know,” Tony grumbles. “It’s just that Pepper―is here?”

He sees the tall redhead approach from across the room, slightly hindered by crutches and a cast. Rhodey helps her into a chair at their table, and Tony asks,

“What are you doing here?”

“What, just because I broke my leg I’m not invited anymore?”

“No, of course not,” Tony says hastily, but she just laughs and waves away his attempted apology.

“I wanted to see the show. I really do like your designs, Tony. And I was hoping...” She glances between him and Rhodey, suddenly looking embarrassed. “I was hoping I could model something else for you instead? Once my cast is off, of course.”

“Wait, you want to model for us?” he asks, a little stunned. “But you never work with big-time designers.”

Pepper blushes, the tips of her ears turning red. “Not usually. But you two are a lot of fun, and your work is really interesting.”

Tony looks at Rhodey, flabbergasted. He just shrugs and says, “Fine with me. She’s really easy to shoot.”

“We’d love to,” Tony tells her without hesitation once he has the okay from Rhodey. “You know what, we might not even have to wait for the cast to come off, I’m already thinking of some designs we could incorporate―”

“Slow down there, tiger,” Rhodey says, patting him on the hand. “Enjoy your current show before jumping ahead.”

“That’s the theme tonight, isn’t it?” Pepper says with a little smile, looking at Tony. “Fashion of the future.”

“That’s the spirit!” he cheers, raising his glass in a toast. Tony sure is looking forward to what the future has in store for them.

[wannawrite]

Are You Jealous?

Wanna One’s Lai Guanlin X Reader

Fluff, angst 

TW: use of explicit language 

Word count: 3062

• you’re jealous

• boyfriend! Guanlin 

• ft. created solo idol, Hung Aeri  

• ft. mY CUBE CHICKS DEBUTING TOGETER 

hEeyy tiME TO TAKE ON MY BIAS AGAIN i love soft guanlin, thERE’S A LACK OF GUANLIN IN MY LIFE Fun fact: Guanlin has wrecked Sanggyun and Justin for the place of bias when it was still broduce 101 days….actually I was inCreDIBLY JUSTIN AND YUEHUA OBSESSED IN GENERAL pls stan them and go support my TOPPDOGG sons ;) 

__________ 

Hung Aeri. 

You’ve known her for majority of your life, being classmates in high school and even sharing the same lunch table. It didn’t come as a shock when you found out she had debuted under Cube Entertainment as a solo idol, the whole school knew just how talented she was. She could sing and dance well and her bubbly and kind personality was incredibly attractive, it was the icing on the cake. 

Aeri never forgot her friends even though she had the busiest schedule, the two of you had gone out to try a new waffle bar recently. She even invited you over to her house, just for old times’ sake. You often found yourself waiting outside Cube’s studio in the evening for her and you would go out for dinner together. On occasion, Aeri would invite other trainees or artists. 

She practically introduced you to your current boyfriend, Lai Guanlin. He was a tad bit shy and awkward at your first dinner out as friends, Aeri only made the situation worse as she kept winking and sending sending suggestive looks but he warmed up to you and grew to love you. You owed Aeri so much, she pretty much got your life plan on track. 

So why were you feeling so bitter when Guanlin told you he would be working on a track with her? 

 It hurt, deep down inside. 

As much as you wanted to be happy and as excited as they were, you couldn’t bring yourself to, yet you still faked a smile and congratulated your friends. Guanlin was anticipating the song so much, his debut with Seonho would be happening soon and this would definitely give them a boost as Aeri was a well known singer already. 

“Jagi, why the sad face?” Guanlin poked the sides of your face, grinning. You were curled up on his couch in his living room…in his huge castle-like house. He had invited you over to hangout, nothing much. 

Your mind drifted to how many times he had brought Aeri over. 

Snap out of it Y/N, you scolded yourself. Let’s not think about that. 

You smiled back at Guanlin and reached for his hand. “Nothing, just a bit busy with school, that’s all. Final years are tougher than they look.” Your eyes caught a peep of something that was well hidden by his sweater sleeve, it seemed like ink. Tentatively, you pushed the material back to reveal a realistic looking tattoo. You gasped, glaring at Guanlin. He only chuckled, “Y/N, calm down. It’s only a temporary one. Aeri noona and I got bored and stuck on one part of the song so we looked temporary tattoos up and ordered some ink. Do you like it? Aeri noona did this one for me!” His smile only seemed to widen the more he talked about Aeri. 

Ahhh, the multi talented Hung Aeri. You remembered the times when the teacher caught her doodling in her sketchpad during classes and since you sat next to her, your hand often became a drawing block. She was very quick with small scribbles but the one she did on Guanlin’s arm was intricate and clearly took quite some time. 

The jealously monster in you was being fed very well today. “Ahh, Aeri unnie is good at these kind of things. Yes, it’s very pretty,” you praised, and it was the first truth in awhile. 

Guanlin tucked a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “Never as gorgeous as you,” he declared. “Nothing will ever compare.“ 

You blushed at his cheesy words but that didn’t help the guilt and envy bubbling inside of you.

… 

"Hi! I’m a friend of Hung Aeri and Lai Guanlin. I brought them some cupcakes, could you pass them-”

“Just go in. They’re in studio four.” The annoyed staff who sat behind the counter typing absolutely nothing on her laptop said, dismissing you without a reply.

You rolled your eyes once you were pass the counter, what great security they have here. Or…it could be that you’ve visited too many times everyone here knows you by name. Still, shouldn’t they at least check my ID or get me to sign in? Nevermind. 

“Huh? Y/N!" 

You nearly jumped at the loud exclamation that was made, then realised who it was. 

It was your other good friend, Yoo Seonho. 

"Hello Y/N! You look very pretty today,” Seonho complimented, nearly knocking you over with his famous bear hugs. 

“Aye, you’re only complimenting me because I have cupcakes with me but thank you,” you replied, but softly because Seonho was squeezing the life out of you.

“I missed you Y/N! I’ve been working hard on our debut song! Do you want to hear it?” Seonho offered, taking your arm and strolling to his workroom anyway. 

You laughed and agreed to listen to the song. Knowing how much effort the boys put into it, it was bound to be worth it. Just as you predicted, the music was melodious, it was perfect. “It’s amazing! You will do so well! I’m so proud of you, Seonho,” you praised. “I’ll buy you another box of cupcakes!" 

Seonho perked up at this. "Really? You will?" 

You nodded your head with vigour. "Let’s go right now!”

… 

You felt a sharp nudge in the ribs as you were paying for the cupcakes, you opened your mouth to reprimand Seonho but he put a finger over his lips and bobbed his head to the left. You took a glance at whatever he was looking at.

Aeri. 

Guanlin. 

The two walked close together, giggling and whispering to each other with coffees in hand and her bag in Guanlin’s. They walked pass the cupcake shop Seonho and you were in but barely looked away from each other to take note of their surroundings. 

Your eyes nearly turned green with envy, it took a lot of effort to play it cool.

They’re just friends, Y/N. you reminded yourself. It’s nothing you should be worried about. 

You took Seonho’s arm and walked out of the shop. Guanlin and Aeri had disappeared long ago and you guessed it was back to Cube. 

Whatever. 

“Y/N…” Seonho began in a small voice. When he had caught your attention, he continued. “Are-are you jealous of Aeri noona?" 

The response was immediate, you shot him an ‘oh, c'mon’ look. "What? No way. They’re friends too and I’m super excited for their track! My best friends are working on it together! It really couldn’t be any better. I’m not.” You said it loudly in an attempted to convince yourself too. 

Seonho eyed you, slightly alarmed by your outburst but he shook it off. 

It was a silent journey back to the Cube building - minus Seonho already ripping open his box of cupcakes and devouring them. 

You were refreshing your message inbox, hoping for a message from Guanlin but of course, there was none. 

“You shouldn’t lie to yourself Y/N. I know you are not okay with it.” Seonho’s words cut through the quietness like a knife. 

The both of you reached Cube’s front door, Seonho pushed it open. 

Your jaw dropped. Was I that transparent? But I’m really okay with it. You twiddled your thumbs together. 

“Y/N….you can never lie to me,” Seonho said. 

“Am I that bad?” You asked, ashamed. 

Seonho shook his head and smiled. “No, I’m just one very observant friend. Have you gotten past Guanlin hyung or Aeri noona with your lies?" 

You had to think hard about that one. 

"I think they knew but let it drop. This isn’t something you can let go easily. It’s hard but trust me, Guanlin wouldn’t cheat on you. Believe that." 

Then Seonho spun away and vanished into his workroom with his box of cupcakes like he was never standing in front of you. 

Your mind wandered to what your good friend had said. 

Am I jealous? 

… 

The answer to your question came on Thursday night when Guanlin called you just before you fell asleep. 

You had answered in delight, wanting to talk to him too and it was a rare moment for his busy schedule kept him occupied every minute. You didn’t understand how he could balance so well, it was a blessing. 

However, your happiness was short lived and so was the call. 

Your boyfriend had only called to tell you that he wouldn’t be able to make it for Friday’s date night. He sounded regretful, apologetic and exhuasted so you let it go and told him to rest. Guanlin told you he was still in the studio, still working on the track. You asked about Aeri as you hadn’t talked to her in a long time too. Guanlin replied with a simple ‘she’s tired too but we’re happy to be working together. We’re more than just colleagues now. She misses you as well,”. 

He ended the call and you couldn’t help but have a restless night, knowing that both your friends were beyond bone-tired but still worked so hard. Unable to sleep, you checked Guanlin’s Snapchat story at 1.43 am and found that they were recording, it made you smile. But you couldn’t help but feel you were left out, Aeri had brought along tons of fantastic snacks that seemed to vanish quickly. 

You aren’t an artist Y/N, you’re just a college student. Sigh, look at Aeri unnie, so perfect, so slim and pretty. She can sing and dance well too, what are you? Guanlin probably deserves someone better… someone like Aeri. He’s probably happier with her. 

Aeri’s story was updated at 3.27 am with a picture that made your stomach churn and heart crack. 

It appeared they were spending the night at the studio, she and Guanlin had built a pillow fort and were cuddling inside of it. 

You had never done that with Guanlin. 

There was a video uploaded fifteen minutes later. You tapped on it. 

“Sigh, Guanlin offered to crash at his house since my apartment would be locked by now but I can’t do that to him,” she said and you couldn’t help but notice the terrible eye bags under her eyes and the close proximity between them. She zoomed in on Guanlin’s face, he held up a peace sign. “Goodnight Snapchat." 

It wasn’t a good night for you. You could feel the bitterness bubbling and threatening to spill.

…

Guanlin’s parents ushered you into the house, they were apologetic that they had to leave for a wedding dinner soon but promised to talk another time. 

You loved his parents. 

And so did they. 

You waited for Guanlin to come home, he had left for the studio again in the morning but today was one of the last days so he would be returning early. You texted him to say that you were in his room. 

Saturdays passed by lazily, all you wanted to do was cuddle with Guanlin so he would get some sleep. 

He probably has Aeri for that. 

No, stop it Y/N.

It was around 6 pm when he arrived home, you heard the opening and closing sound of the gate and doors. 

Something puzzled you, Guanlin seemed to be talking to someone. He pushed open the door and spotted you sitting at his desk, his eyes widened in surprise. "Y/N?" 

"Hey, how have you been?” You approached him for a hug which he gave half heartedly. 

“Uh, good. Why are you here? When did you get here?” He looked just as confused as you were. 

“I sent you a text? Did you not get it?” Guanlin scrolled through his phone and nodded. “No, sorry. I did. Aeri noona was playing with my phone just now. I’m sorry Y/N." 

You dismissed it with a wave of your hand and wished all that pent up jealously and guilt would too. "Is she downstairs?” You asked. 

Guanlin nodded, “But not for long. She just wanted to drop a gift off then she’s leaving. You should go say hi,” he added. 

Your 'hi’ wouldn’t be so friendly and you really didn’t want to hurt her.

Thankfully, Aeri yelled a cheerful goodbye and slammed the door shut just as you were halfway down the stairs. 

Guanlin had changed out into a more comfortable set of clothes, grey sweatpants and a black sweater. He sat on his bed and pat the space next to him, inviting you to join him.

A comfortable yet constrained silence settled between you and him. 

“Y/N? Are you angry with me?” He sounded so nervous and guarded you nearly burst into tears. “I’m sorry I haven’t spent as much time with you as I normally do." 

"It’s okay, I bet you enjoy it more with Aeri unnie,” you snapped, then a huge bulk of unease and guilt washed over you. 

You knew Guanlin was unpredictable and wasn’t exactly the best at managing his emotions, you understood, both of you were young. Your face changes as fast as you change outfits. 

Guanlin scoffed. “Are you seriously being like is? We’re friends!" 

"Well, it sure didn’t seem like it. I didn’t know you liked noonas more.” You were upset and angry…and acting purely on emotions. 

“If I did, I’d be dating her by now. Do you not trust me?” Guanlin yelled, jumping off his bed. “Do you trust me Y/N?" 

Your mouth was clamped shut. 

Guanlin chuckled and shook his head. "I knew it. I knew you couldn’t trust me. Do you think i’m so dumb to chase after noonas even when I have a girlfriend? Thanks Y/N. I get it, Aeri noona is gorgeous, she’s talented, she’s all every man wants but guess what, I thought I was doing the right thing by turning her down and being loyal to you. Turns out, you don’t trust me at all. That’s a key point in a relationship but now that I know ours doesn’t have one…I don’t know if I want to keep it,” he growled. 

“Guanlin, wait! I’m sorr-" 

"Save it! I don’t want to hear your damn excuses.”

“It’s not completely my fault! The nights spent together in the studio, cuddling! The tattoo! All those times you went out together looking like a couple! How can you think for a minute that I wouldn’t feel jealous!” You screamed, causing Guanlin to recoil in shock for you had never raised your voice at anyone, especially him. “Lai Guanlin. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you, but it isn’t my fault that I naturally felt envious because my boyfriend was constantly with another woman!" 

"So you’re going to blame me for how you feel? Is that so? Well, Y/N…I’m sorry about that but I’m sure you’re old enough to control your own emotions! God! Who knew I would be dating an emotional bitch?” He spat, running a hand through his hair and huffing in annoyance. 

You were stunned beyond words. Guanlin had never called anyone such a derogatory term. He realised what he had said and immediately, his posture changed. His face fell. “Y/N, I didn’t-" 

"I don’t care! I never thought I’d date an insensitive prick like you!” You pointed a an accusing finger at him, tears already streaming down your cheeks. “To think I wasted all my time and love on you." 

With that, you grabbed your bag and stormed out of his house, ignoring his desperate calls. 

… 

The night reflected how you felt, it was dark and stormy, rain fell from the skies endlessly. All you had been doing was laying face down on your bed, sobbing until your eyes hurt. You were grateful your parents hadn’t posed any questions, your mother had called you out to eat but left quickly when you ignored her. 

You curled up under your blankets, wearing Guanlin’s old sweater. It swamped you but it provided warmth and comfort. The fact that you might never see him again because of a stupid fight made you feel like the worst person in the whole world. You just hoped his friendship with Aeri wouldn’t be affected. 

Knock, knock. 

You refused to answer, pulling your blanket over your head and pretending to be fast asleep despite the rebellious tears that still rolled down your face. Wait, those footsteps are too heavy to be my mum’s…or dad’s. 

Guanlin. 

You kept your mask on even as Guanlin sat next to your bed, he was pretty tall so his face was right next to yours. You felt him lean his head against your bed, his hair nearly tickling your nose. 

"Ahhh Y/N, I was hoping you wouldn’t be asleep but I suppose today’s been really rough for you,” he muttered, not knowing you were listening. “It’s really all my fault. I never meant to yell at you or cause you heartache but I suppose I did and I’m sorry. I’m sorry I called you a bitch, you really aren’t. You’re the best, most awesome and swag girlfriend I could ever ask for. You always know how to handle situations well, I must have pushed you over the edge for you to yell at me like that.” He chuckled softly. 

More tears dampened your pillow. 

“Look at my jagi, crying even as you sleep. Please stop. I hope you aren’t dreaming of what happened today but you probably are and I regret it." 

You felt his fingers brush over your face as he wiped away your tears. 

"There’s a lot I wish I could say when you’re awake but I don’t have the courage to at all. Let’s talk more in the morning. Goodnight Y/N, I love you. Please don’t break up with me,” Guanlin whispered before pressing a soft kiss to your cheek and slumping down beside your bed. 

You were sure he was knocked out cold before you declared, “I would never dream of it." 

Guanlin awoke to you peppering tender kisses all over his face and running your hands through his fluffy hair. He was shocked but pleasantly surprised. 

"Y/N-" 

"I love you too. Let’s not break up." 

He beamed brightly despite how sleepy he was and pulled you in for a tight hug, rubbing circles on the small of your back.

"Goodnight jagi, sweet dreams." 

And in Guanlin’s arms, under your duvet, you sure did.

[lonedailydoodle]

Daily Doodle 198/365 - July 17, 2017

Today was sure full of surprises! Every time the day seemed to get boring, something happened

.. like rain.. no wait, get away!

Today I woke up a few minutes before my alarm to start getting ready. I didn’t get ready though.. yesterday Pixie had asked me about an art trade which I wanted to do as quickly as possible in the morning, so I sketched it up in 20 minutes super quick and will refine tomorrow when I have the full day at home!

I then got ready and walked outside.. but couldn’t move much as it was raining pretty badly. I waited a few minutes until it subsided, grabbed a single guava I could find and headed down to Pixie’s

Picked that sweetie up and ate at Subway real quick before going for a supply run at Walmart, there he got a few fursuit supplies. Then going to a fabric store nearby to get the remaining supplies

After this, we went to the local mall and realized time was moving way too slowly and we were getting bored of just moving around. We browsed a Burlington store and realized that.. for the quality of the stuff there, they were incredibly cheap.. and by quality, I mean the tube water bottles! They’re massive, heavy, made of glass and cost just $2!! They look like futuristic water bottles! .. but I resisted my urge and didn’t get one, I bet it’ll just taste like water anyway.. FUTURISTIC WATER

We later went to Chuck E. Cheese and just hung out there, Pixie and I played a quick game and then he dances at the usual Pump It Dance Machine before he got tired, collapsed on my lap for a few minutes before we left

A friend of mine had sent something via UPS, so I had to pick it up since they don’t deliver to my house (Disadvantages of living on a mountain) and he wanted Pixie to be there when I opened it. I picked it up, opened it and saw a shirt.. then a 6 pack of some very unique looking sodas! They don’t sell these here!

They were Jones brand sodas. One was berry lemonade, another was crushed melon, lime lemonade, strawberry lemonade, cream soda and birthday cake. My favorite was berry lemonade and the most odd one was birthday cake since it.. tasted like liquified birthday cake, but a bit more stronger. My friend wanted me to really try the cream soda one and I thought it was good too! Pixie agreed that the sodas were goodie

I switched shirts and we headed to a Wendy’s for lunch and to just spend the time together. Leaving a little bit later

When leaving, I think I took a curve too strongly and the car started smelling like birthday cake all over, so we stopped and fixed up the soda cans. The birthday cake one, the one I liked the least, spilled a tiny bit. We fixed that up and left to the other mall of the city.. with my car smelling like birthday cake now.. and Skittles vape.. oh god my car is all sweet inside now

At the mall we just hung out, I was super clingy with Pixie, essentially being a backpack or something for him and just talked and joked lots, later leaving yet again but this time to a small PC part store in the city.. one of the last remaining ones since the last big PC part focused store chain left the island. There Pixie got a small fan for his fursuit and we later had to run to the car to not get wet.. we still got wet

We then went to the other mall again, but just hung out. Sitting down to joke around, watch Pixie pet dogs at PetSmart, share memes and enjoy each other’s company (Hope I’m not boring you guys with what we do)

Then it was late enough for us to decide to have dinner. We went to Fuddruckers for this. I hadn’t spent much through the day since I’m not on a strict budget of around $5 per day I go out. It’s really small, but I really need to hold on to what I have

There I decided to try their shakes, so I got a single chocolate shake. No burger or anything since it’ll be past my budget. Pixie ordered separately and I sat down, later getting my shake which I enjoyed a LOT!! The creamy chocolaty flavor reminded me of nights I would spend watching a movie before bed while drinking chocolate milk, it was that good

I have to admit the shake left me a bit hungry anyways though.. but soon after, they called Pixie on his order and to my surprise, he brought two plates! He got me a burger!! Which really really surprised me, I had to squeeze him a bit in a hug, it was so unexpected it made me really happy!

We ate very happily, talked lots and later Pixie got full. He got to play at the arcade there a bit and we then left

It was such a great day, wow. I love that guy <3

[technomanish]

If someone sets fire to your trousers once, are you ever really going to trust them with a box of matches again?

That’s just how big a deal the Galaxy Note 8 is for Samsung. Last year’s explosive Note 7 launch (and subsequent recall) was nothing short of calamitous, so its successor absolutely has to restore confidence in the battered sub-brand.

The good news? It’s every bit the kick-ass flagship phablet you’d expect it to be.

With design and display smarts borrowed from the Galaxy S8, software tweaks that give productivity a boost, and an upgraded S Pen that’s learned a few extra tricks, the Note 8 shouldn’t have any trouble shooting straight to the top of Samsung’s smartphone offerings.

And that’s before you start playing with the dual rear cameras – marking the first time the tech has appeared on a Samsung phone.

I got to try one out ahead of launch to bring you some early hands-on impressions. And I didn’t even need my oven gloves.

DESIGN & BUILD: TIME TO GET SERIOUS

With more angular edges and a screen that curves at a much steeper angle, you can instantly tell the Note 8 apart from Samsung’s other top-end phones.

The Galaxy S8 is smooth, soft, and almost pebble-like, but this feels like it means business – even in the jazzy new Maple Gold colour. We get the choice of gold or Midnight Black colours here in the UK, while the rest of the world gets Deep Sea Blue and Orchid Grey.

The metal frame still gives you something meaty to get your mitts around, and the skinny 18:9 aspect ratio screen means you don’t need the hands of a giant to grip it – even with a whopping 6.3in AMOLED panel squeezed in there.

A lot of features have been ported across from the Galaxy S8, including the digital home button – with the screen taking up so much space, there’s no room for a fingerprint sensor up front.

It gets moved to the back, right next to those dual cameras. There’s the smallest of bumps to let you know you’re fondling the fingerprint sensor and not the camera lenses, but it’s still awkward to reach – maybe even more so here because of the sheer size of the phone. Samsung is clearly hoping you’ll use iris or face recognition instead.

The whole thing is water-resistant, you still get a 3.5mm headphone jack, and there’s USB-C charging at the bottom – so the full package, basically.

There’s also the ever-present Bixby button on the left, just below the volume controls. Samsung’s live-in butler still hasn’t found his voice, at least here in the UK, but it is apparently due to arrive shortly after the Note 8 launches.

CAMERA: SEEING DOUBLE

Dual cameras have been doing the rounds for a while now, but this is the first time Samsung has joined the fray. The Note 8 has two 12MP snappers, and is the first phone to give ‘em both optical image stabilisation.

It’s an interesting approach, with the main sensor getting the same f/1.7 aperture and dual-pixel autofocus as the Galaxy S8, but the secondary telephoto lens sticking with f/2.4 and phase-detect AF only.

That means you can toggle between 1x and 2x ‘optical zoom’, to get closer to your subjects without actually moving, only without any nasty digital noise or compression.

Naturally there’s a bokeh-blurring portrait mode, too: Samsung calls it Live Focus, because you can tweak the amount of blur before you press the shutter button. It saves two shots, so you can go back and adjust the effect (or delete it altogether) whenever you like.

The 8MP selfie cam up front is probably using the same snapper as the Galaxy S8, seeing how both have f/1.7 apertures and autofocus.

Everything felt quick and responsive, but how the Note 8 compares to the rest of the dual camera-toting world will boil down to pure image quality. Samsung isn’t really doing anything different from what we’ve seen before, even if it is the first with dual OIS, so I’ll only be excited if it takes fantastic photos.

Of course, the Galaxy S8 is one of the best smartphone snappers around, so that feels like a pretty safe bet.

SCREEN & SOUND: BIGGER IS BETTER

If you’ve seen a Galaxy S8 or S8+ in the wild, you’ll know exactly what to expect here: the Note 8 has an absolute stunner of a screen.

The AMOLED panel has the same super-high 2960×1440 resolution, only here it’s stretched out over 6.3in. That means pixel density isn’t quite as high as the S8, but that’s still loads more pixels than you’ll be able to make out without the help of a microscope.

That extra screen space isn’t wasted with cutesy curves, either. The screen sides still bend around the edge of the phone, but at a much sharper angle, leaving more space to doodle onscreen with the S Pen.

It can crank the brightness up to ridiculous levels when you step outside, so you won’t ever have a problem seeing what’s onscreen, and the contrast we’ve come to expect from OLED screens gives movies and games a gorgeous, cinematic look with deep blacks and vibrant colours.

I didn’t get a chance to properly test out the built-in speakers, so can’t speak for quality just yet, but if the Galaxy S8 is any indication, the Note will be plenty loud enough to catch up on Podcasts and YouTube videos without reaching for a pair of headphones – even if Samsung does bundle a tasty pair of AKG ‘buds in the box.

OS & SOFTWARE: THE WRITE STUFF

Give the S Pen a poke and it pops out of its sheath with a satisfying, spring-loaded pop. This is when Samsung’s Android customisations spring into life, letting you pick from a whole host of different abilities and tools.

All the old favourites return, but new for 2017 are Live Message, a cute way to draw doodles or annotate images for livening up your Whatsapp chats; PENUP, a social hub for sharing your S Pen sketches; and live translation of whole sentences, instead of just single words. The Pen’s 4096 levels of pressure should come in pretty handy for digital artists looking to get their creativity flowing, too.

Beyond the S Pen, Samsung’s spin on Android is a lot more minimal than in previous years. Sure, the icons look a little different, but Touchwiz really is massively improved. You can even swap the Back and Recents keys, if you don’t like the Galaxy way of doing things.

The only real flourish is the Edge panel, which lets you swipe between app shortcuts, contacts and widgets from any screen. App Pairs can be pinned here too, opening two apps simultaneously with a single tap. Think maps and music whenever you get in the car, or YouTube and a web browser for a soundtrack while you browse.

Samsung has also tweaked the software that kicks in when you slam a Note 8 into the DEX docking station, too. A lot more of the keyboard shortcuts that come as second nature on a Mac or PC work here now, and you can finally run certain troublesome apps on the big screen at full-size, instead of in a window. It’ll even play nicely with games now, too.

DEX makes a lot more sense for the Note than it did for the Galaxy, because it’s so focused on productivity. That’s probably why Samsung is bundling the two together, at least for people that pre-order the phone.

PERFORMANCE & BATTERY LIFE: NO SURPRISES

As if there was ever any doubt: The Note 8 absolutely flies. With the same octa-core Exynos 8895 CPU as the Galaxy S8 (at least here in Blighty) there’s nothing that won’t run smoothly on that super-high resolution screen.

With an even bigger emphasis on multi-tasking this year, it makes sense that Samsung would stuff 6GB of RAM inside it, too. Using two apps in Multi Window won’t be a problem, and the S Pen integration pops in and out without any slowdown or stutter.

There’s an ample 64GB of on-board storage for all your apps, plus a microSD card slot should you need more room later down the line.

How long you’ll be able to go between charges is the biggest mystery right now. A 3300mAh battery feels like Samsung playing it safe, but that’s understandable. I’m expecting it to comfortably last a day, but need topping up overnight – at least if you’re using it as more than a glorified MP3 player, anyway.

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 8 INITIAL VERDICT

So, does the Note 8 do anything drastic to shake up Samsung’s now-familiar Galaxy Note formula? No, not really – but then it doesn’t have to. It just has to avoid blowing up.

Sure, the iPhone might have won over a few ex-Galaxy owners when the Note 7 disappeared from shelves last year, but with nothing truly taking its place, it wasn’t going to be too tricky for Samsung to waltz back in and reclaim the throne it had just vacated. The S Pen really is that damn good.

The Note 8 feels like every bit the superphone, with plenty of power, a gorgeous design, and productivity boosts that should keep it the king of stylus-toting smartphones. I can’t wait to get one and give it a full review, to see if those dual cameras can deliver.

The largest display on any Note ever (6.3 inches) If someone sets fire to your trousers once, are you ever really going to trust them with a box of matches again?