#sophs-escape

[floralcrematorium]

back again with the american chain restaurant thoughts

not to get into old fandom “haha alfred looooooves hamburgers” thinking because he’s so much more than that now, but i think maybe i could spin that into something plausible,,

he once had a cheeseburger so fucking bad that he was determined to make a list of every restaurant he’s ever been to and rank their burgers to prevent it from ever happening to another person

you cannot tell me this man wouldn’t. he likes organization and would totally have a spreadsheet for this. he likes control and if he doesn’t know where he wants to go, he’d look at his reliable old spreadsheet

it sounds silly but i’m so dead serious right now. i think similarly to Food Youtuber Alfred from my margaritaville AU, food critic is also a viable career for him. like. i usually throw in FACE fam dynamics — he has some taste considering he grew up on Francis’s snobby cooking

this is such a stupid thought, but i REALLY just want him to have an interaction that’s like. Mattie’s picking him up to go somewhere and they’re going out to eat. Matt asks him if he’s thought about where he wants to go and Pulls out this google sheets document. he treats it like a Bible. you can’t take him ANYWHERE

and it could apply to other genres of food too

like he ranks restaurants on how well they can make a reuben sandwich (my father is a snob about that so like. i know which restaurants are NOT approved by my father)

he ranks them on things that just don’t make sense to anyone but him

you know how documents can have multiple spreadsheets in them on google drive? that. yeah that. he’s got that. it’s color coded too.

alfred f jones is a chaotic being of a man but in my head he cares deeply about the thinks he cares for and executes ideas in terrible ways

he could’ve just left a review on yelp, but no.

[thedandelionthief]

hey im giving you attention

i love you dearly dawg

i’m your favorite , right ?? ;3 ?

i’m slowing morphing into emu otori help me

i miss you

call me tonight i’m free and i miss you

how are you?

I don’t call you for one night and you come begging for attention in my asks :eyeroll:

Anyways hi i also love you <3 I am loving the emu ootori layout it suits you well.

I will! And I’m doing well :) I just got back from a little shopping with my mom (we went to get birthday gifts for two of my friends and i got like four books from barnes and noble lol)

How about you?

[sophiewagentje]

Y’know sometimes this actually is a beautiful country

[lost-in-sokovia]

after a talk with my sister @creme-bruhlee about how i would insert myself into escape at dannemora i would definitely be a civilian worker like tilly and i would HARDCORE be hooking up with david

would y’all wanna see me write for david? buzzcut paul is FINE lemme tell you

WHATTA MAN

[field-s-of-flowers]

Favoured son has to be in my top ten songs of all time

[sophsun1]

what new shows did you try? and yes you do need to go back to gif making you make wonderful gifs

Hey anon!

That's sweet of you to say 😊

I think I've had a sensory overload from all the new shows I've watched recently and tbf the ones I tried watching today on any other given day maybe I'd completely love. But I kinda went on a journey of watching Russian Doll for two episodes and I did relate to Nadia's complete love for her cat Oatmeal and risking death each time to find him. Then I somehow ended up watching the entire first season of Galavant even though I'm not into musicals and yet I kept watching and then half an episode of Parcs and Rec before I gave up. I'm probably experiencing some sort of breakdown 🙃

Ah gifmaking *sighs wistfully*

I'm basically like a fic writer who's got the plot of a new fic completely plotted out in their mind but never put a word down. I've got hundreds of unmade gifsets bouncing around my brain from past and new shows. But a combination of needing a new laptop and having to spend the said funds on the cost of living, an estranged parent turning up and making me relive my childhood trauma and general life shittiness we all experience has put it on hold. But I'm hopeful I can save up soon to get a new one and gif my pain away.

[wileys-russo]

new alessia x reader series sneak peak:

UNC!lessi x DUKE!reader slow burn enemies to lovers vibes based around this request here

"where are you going?" you looked up from your phone at the blondes voice, raising an eyebrow where she lay on her bed. "and you care because?" you questioned sarcastically as her baby blue eyes narrowed.

"just hoping each time you walk out that door one day you just magically don't come back." the english woman grinned as you flipped her off, grabbing your toiletries bag and a change of clothes.

"i wouldn't dare give you the satisfaction, chav." you bit back as her grin dropped. "you don't even know what that means!" she protested with a huff as now it was your turn to grin.

"all i need to know is that it gets under your skin, so it works for me." you smiled mockingly, taking your towel and leaving her behind. "whatever redneck!" the blonde shouted after you but you'd long blocked her out, putting your phone to your ear.

"oh my god she lives!" you cracked a sincere smile at the sound of the girls voice. "ha ha, i've been gone like a few days soph." you chuckled, catching her up on everything as you made your way over to the staff shower block.

"-she is driving me crazy! every night i lay there and the temptation to just smother her with a pillow and end my suffering is overwhelming." you scoffed, blood boiling as the image of the strikers smug face hovering over you at the championship burned into your brain.

"well, why don't you do something about it?" sophia questioned as you paused. "what do you mean?" you retorted with a frown. "you don't want her there, but she needs to be there to make up her community service hours since the vandalism right?" your best friend pushed as you hummed, starting to see where she was going with this.

"so? make her leave, or get her kicked out! problem solved and you don't have to see her again until next season. or if she fails to make up the community service she'd lose her scholarship and its bye bye miss england." sophia encouraged as a small smile curled onto your lips.

"lois you don't understand. on the pitch i have to deal with her attitude for like two hours, here its twenty four seven i can't escape her and she is fucking insufferable!" alessia groaned, collapsing back into her bed.

"so you're telling me you share a room with her and you can't think of any advantages to that?" lois quipped as alessia scoffed. "no? other than that she's constantly within strangling distance!" alessia grumbled with a roll of her eyes.

"less i love you but sometimes you can be so thick. this is great! its like the golden opportunity to get in her head. you have to do the whole camp for your service right? well if you make her life a nightmare she's hardly going to want to stay since she doesn't have to be there." lois continued to hint as finally the blonde started to follow along.

"plus if i can get into her head before the she believes tournament, if we both get a call up i can use that to play some serious mind games. for the good of the cause!" alessia grinned as lois sighed.

"less sometimes my own genius even surprises me."

~

you glanced up as you heard footsteps, your singing ceasing as suddenly there was silence and you wondered if you were hearing things. with a shrug you started humming again, ducking your head back under the water to wash the conditioner out.

but as suddenly your towel disappeared from the top of the cubicle your eyes widened and you hurried to shut the water off, sticking your head out.

"oh you have to be fucking kidding me." you scoffed, all of your clothes and towel suddenly missing in action, and you knew exactly who the culprit would be.

"fuck." you mumbled looking around desperately for a solution. with a groan you realised you really only had one choice, not particularly wanting to have to wait there soaking wet and shivering until night fall.

so with an enraged huff you ripped the shower curtains down with a tug, wrapping them as best around your body as you could, having to hold them up as to not let anything slip out.

cautiously poking your head out of the door your eyes locked in on your target and you retreated, taking a deep breath and muttering some affirmations to yourself.

"if you don't show weakness nobody can take advantage of something that isn't there." you mumbled, cocking your chin up high as you kicked open the door and stormed out of the building.

you heard the wolf whistles but paid them no mind, keeping your head held high and marching your way over toward the blonde sat by herself with a smug grin.

"did you leave something behind america? thought i'd bring it over to you, save you the embarrassment but well...guess you were too impatient to wait." alessia smirked as you snatched back your towel which was held in her hand.

"where the hell are my clothes england?" you warned, alessia looking upward with a slight smile as you followed your eyes, scoffing seeing your clothes hanging from one of the trees.

"cheeky kids. never know when a joke goes too far!" alessia tutted, unwavering as you squared up to her, the blonde standing so she was a head taller than you as you exhaled.

"you know russo if you wanted to see me naked so badly, next time you could just ask."

[luvhu9hes]

It Was Only a Kiss | EE73 x Fem!Reader

Warnings: 18+ Content, Minors DNI, Underage Drinking, P in V, Thigh Riding, Cursing, use of pet names (baby, princess), not proofread, Slight Angst (If I missed anything please let me know)

Word Count: 2.4K

A/N: So, this is my first time ever writing something like this, this is also my first time writing smut. Please let me know what you think of this, but I'm also sensitive so please be nice abt it, thank you! All love - Chaela <3

"Come on y/n/n please, it's been so long since we've gone out together" Lydia pleads as I try to hide under my comforter. Normally I would love to go out and party with her, but ever since she started dating our friend Mark I've turned into a major third wheel. Don't get me wrong, I love the two of them and how happy they make each other, but sometimes I'd like to be able to enjoy myself without having to watch them suck each other's faces. After a tremendous amount of prodding Lydia finally coerced me out of bed picking out my outfit for the party.

"Lyds, are you sure I should wear this? Isn't it a bit, much?" I ask as I rake my eyes over the outfit she chose. The outfit consisted of a black miniskirt, a red lacy top which showed off the tops of my breasts really nicely, and some matching black boots.

"It's perfect y/n/n you look hot, nobody will be able to keep their eyes off of you babes."

I roll my eyes at her comment and go to finish my hair and makeup before grabbing my keys and head out the door following behind Lydia. The Soph house, home of the University of Michigan hockey team was only a 10 minute drive from our dorms and we arrived in no time. We made our way inside, music blasting throughout the house practically making the walls shake. The house was hot and stuffy as the sea of bodies was full of young adults grinding and dancing along to the music the air smelling of smoke and alcohol. Almost immediately upon arriving the two girls are greeted by Mark.

"Hey babe" he smiles leaning down to press a kiss to his girlfriend's lips, he then turns to the other girl greeting her as well.

"Hey y/n/n, we've missed you" he says hugging his friend.

"Hey Marky, I've missed you guys too, i've just been busy" I lied not wanting to admit i've been avoiding hanging out with the couple. Just as the three of you were about to head towards the kitchen to pour yourselves some drinks an arm makes itself comfortable around my shoulder causing me to look up and see none other than Ethan Edwards. You weren't exactly sure how the rivalry had started, but for as long as you could remember you and Ethan had hated each other. Growing up next door to each other you and Ethan had been forced to spend time around each other, due to always going to the same school and our parents being good friends. When I had gotten accepted to University of Michigan I had expected to finally escape the brunette, but of course to my disappointment he had been accepted right along with me. At the sight of the boy I tried to contain the look of disgust in my face as I pushed his arm off from around my shoulders. Upon Ethan's arrival Lydia and Mark took it upon themselves to make their way to their other friends across the house.

"Wow y/n/n, it's good to see you too." Ethan teased as he moved to put his hands in his pockets.

"What do you want Ethan?" I asked getting irritated by his presence.

"Pump the hate breaks princess, I was just trying to be civil" Ethan states as he holds his hands up in defense.

I scoffed at the idea, Ethan Edwards? Civil? I think hell would freeze over before that happened. I tried to push past him and move towards to kitchen to get alcohol in my system, but of course he had to follow right behind me. I grabbed myself a beer from the fridge cracking it open and letting the golden liquid glide down my throat the sensation already seeming to ease my annoyance. That was until a set of arms were working to trap me against the fridge.

"Ethan, what are you doing" I asked in a questioning tone.

"Just admiring" the boy admits.

"Where the hell is this coming from Ethan? For as long as I can remember you've hated me" I asked him.

"Who says I hate you?" he questions.

"I don't know Ethan, maybe the way you've been an asshole since the day I moved in next door" I state in a matter of fact tone.

"I wasn't trying to be an asshole y/n" the use of my full name shocks me as he continues. "I just wanted to get to know the pretty girl next door, but the only way I could think to get your attention was to tease you." He finally admits.

"W- what? You're telling me all of these years you've been an ass because you had a crush on me?" I ask hesitantly.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I was doing" Ethan starts,

"and if you'd let me make it up to you I'd show you exactly how I feel for you princess"

"Oh yeah?" I asked, my voice just barely above a whisper

"Yeah" he breathes, his hands on my hips as he leans his face down towards mine his lips ghosting over mine as he says, "You have no idea how long i've wanted this."

"Just kiss me already Ethan" I mumble starting to get impatient. Ethan doesn't take a second longer to crash his lips onto mine. I never would have thought that I would be in the kitchen of the Soph house making out with Ethan Edwards, but here I was with one hand tangled in his hair at the nape of his neck, while the other still held onto the long forgotten can of beer I had grabbed minutes earlier. I tugged at the ends of his hair causing him to groan into my mouth allowing me to slip my tongue in and explore his mouth with my own. After what feels like hours we finally pull away to catch our breath, but within seconds I'm pulling Ethan back down to my lips kissing him with a bruising force. Soon Ethan begins trailing his lips down to my jawline and my neck causing me to tilt my head back in pleasure allowing him more access as he nips and starts to leave marks all over. I know that at this point my panties are dripping from the immense amount of pleasure i'm receiving in this moment.

"Eth.." I moan out as his hands begin to explore my body. He hums in response not fully acknowledging me. "Ethan" I repeat this time in a more firm tone.

At the sound Ethan lifts his head from my neck to look at me. "What's wrong princess? Do you not want this? I can stop it's no problem I just-" he begins to ramble worried he's scared me off.

"No Ethan, I want this, just not- not in the kitchen Ethan" I say reassuring him. Ethan gapes at me as though he had completely forgotten that we were still in the middle of the kitchen. "R-right, well then let's get out of here" Ethan says as he grabs my hand guiding me through the crowd of people and upstairs towards his room. The second the door is locked behind us my back is pushed up against the door as Ethan smashes his lips against mine with the same intensity as minutes ago in the kitchen. My hands go to tangle themselves within his hair once more has his go around yo cup the backs of my thighs. “Jump princess” he mumbles into my lips and I comply immediately eliciting a breathy “good girl” from him causing me to moan into the kiss and him to smirk. Ethan backs us up until he's sitting on the foot of his bed with me straddling his lap. As though my hips had a mind of their own they slowly began to rut against Ethan's causing him to pull away and groan. “What have you done to me Princess?”

“Less talking, please” I breathe out as I continue to grind my hips against his. Ethan lets out a chuckle as he goes to take off my top, looking at me for approval to which I nod. He slowly removes the article of clothing and gapes as my bare breasts are revealed. Starting to feel a bit self conscious I go to move my arms in front of my chest to which Ethan immediately grabs my wrist saying “Don't hide from me now Princess, you're gorgeous.” His hands move from my wrists, down to knead my breasts letting his thumbs flick over my hardening nipples.

“Oh God” I moan out at the sensation and before I can speak again Ethan is enclosing my nipple in his mouth licking and sucking at the bud eliciting a string of curses to come pouring out of my mouth. I tug at the strands of Ethan's hair pulling him away from my chest and back to my lips, my hands moving down his chest to palm his strained cock through his jeans. “Oh Princess” he groans. The two of us are quick to start stripping each other down leaving ourselves bare in front of each other. To say Ethan was attractive was an understatement, he quite literally looked like he had been sculpted by Greek Gods with his chiseled jaw, toned abs, and his incredibly muscular thighs which you couldn't help but staring at. Ethan caught your gaze and smirked as he began to speak, “I see you looking at my thighs Princess” you flush at the realization you've been caught, but he only continues when he says “does that turn you on Princess, the thought of getting off just by pleasuring yourself on my thigh. You like that idea don't you?” he pulls me in by my wrist choosing to run his fingers along my slick folds “Look at you Princess you're so wet f’’me already, c’mon baby come ride my thigh like a good girl” he begins to slur lust evident in his voice. Not being able to decline his request I move to sit with my cunt directly on his thigh as he puts his hands on my hips and begins to set the pace for me flexing his thigh every once in a while the muscles in his thigh touching my clit sending the most delicious sense of pleasure coursing through my body. I very quickly could feel the the very familiar knot tying in my stomach as Ethan quickened the pace enjoying the view of me getting off just at the feel of his thigh. Reaching between our bodies I snaked my hand down to my clit pressing tight circles only increasing the pleasure I was feeling at the moment. “I- I’m close” I'm barely able to muster out before my orgasm overtakes me and I clench my eyes shut leaning forward to bite Ethan's shoulder at the sensation.

Ethan mumbles sweet nothings in my ear as he moves his face to the crook of my neck leaving sloppy kisses in his wake. As I come down from my post orgasmic sensation I reach my hand down to begin stroking Ethan's cock which is angry due to its lack of attention. This is a sign to Ethan that I am ready for more. Quickly Ethan moves us around so that I am laying with my back against his mattress with him hovering over me leaning down to leave a kiss on my lips, this one was different from the others, not full of lust or need, it was a kiss full of passion and emotion. Ethan pulls away and looks me in the eyes with a look clearly asking for permission to which I quickly nod needing to feel him inside me. “Uh uh baby, I need words Princess” he says.

“Ethan please, need your cock. Need you t’ fill me up so good” I babble. That's all he needs to hear before teasing my folds with the tip of his cock and then pushing into my entrance without warning causing us both to moan out at the feeling.

“Fuck baby you're so tight f’me, milking my cock so good baby” Ethan groans into my ear.

“So full Eth. You fill me up so good” I practically cried.

Sure I had had hookups throughout the last few years, nobody had ever been able to please me like Ethan already had, and nobody even came close in size compared to Ethan. After adjusting to the stretch, I encouraged Ethan to move and he did just as I had asked. At first it was painful due to the new feeling but soon that pain was replaced with pleasure. Once the pain was gone I urged Ethan to to move faster to which he gladly obliged setting a harsh pace eliciting almost pornographic sounds from my mouth. All that could be heard throughout the room was the sounds of skin slapping and moans coming from both me and Ethan. The knot in my stomach began tightening again as I was starting to get closer and closer to my orgasm for the second time of the night. I could tell Ethan was getting close as well as I could feel his thrusts getting sloppier and his cock twitching inside of me at each thrust.

“‘m so close Ethan, so close” I breathe out.

“Me too Princess, I want you to cum with me baby, okay? Can you do that f’me baby?”

“Yes, please Ethan ‘m gonna cum”

Ethan reached between our bodies going to draw tight circles on my clit, pulling my orgasm out of me, my pussy fluttering around his cock milks his orgasm out of him as he lets himself lay on top of me. We lay there for a couple of minutes coming down from our highs basking in the post orgasmic feeling. Once we’ve caught our breath Ethan gets up pulling on his boxers leaning down to press a kiss to my lips before he heads to the bathroom. He returns with a washcloth in his hand going to clean the mess made between my thighs trying to be gentle as to not cause overstimulation. Ethan then goes to grab me a pair of his boxers and a shirt for me to sleep in. After I get dressed Ethan opens his arms for me to come join him under the covers to which I happily obliged laying with Ethan as we slowly drifted off to sleep, deciding to leave the conversation about where this will lead for tomorrow.

fin.

a/n: I have no clue how I feel about this or if I even like this but yk 💁🏻‍♀️

[hanniluvi]

BITTERSWEET DELUSIONS — JAY ONESHOT

— you still exist in jay’s world. you’re still here, he believes, yet he doesn’t want to face the real truth. you’ll still stick with him, right?

pairing ⋆ 𖦹 ‧ best friend!jay x best friend!fem reader

(_ _ ) . . z Z % genre : angst, best friends to ???

warnings : mentions of diagnosis of disorder

feat. ᥫ᭡ : jake (enhypen) | word count : 1.4K (1408 words)

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 — no way, soph is going on a posting streak??? only the proofreaders remember this fic 🙏 LMAO idk why i didnt post this sooner — i kinda forgot about it and would always scroll right past it in my drafts (or i never see it cause i dont scroll that far down) this has been stuck in drafts since may 25 2023 😊 BUT this is finally released !

"Whoever loses has to buy lunch for the other person!" Your words echoed as you sprinted along the sidewalk. Glancing behind, you noticed Jay's bewildered expression while you dashed ahead. The black cat keychain swung side to side with each stride you took.

"That's not fair! You started running first!" Jay remarked, observing your increasing distance with a smirk. As usual, he swiftly caught up, transitioning from being far behind to directly trailing you. His sudden voice surprised you, causing a gasp to escape your lips.

"How did you—?" Before you could finish, Jay leaped onto you, causing both of you to tumble onto the ground. Instead of getting upset, laughter erupted from both of you. Clutching your sides and still pinned beneath Jay, you playfully nudged him aside.

Feigning offense, Jay's expression elicited more laughter from you. He smiled, captivated by your radiant smile and how you wiped away tears of joy. He wished he could witness this pretty sight every day.

"Shall we start over?" you proposed, smirking once more.

Beep Beep.

Jay's eyes shot open, startled by the sudden sight. He gasped for air, his heart racing. Anxiously, he fumbled for the towel placed beside his bed, using it to dab away the sweat clinging to his forehead. Tossing it back in place, he sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a sense of emptiness wash over him.

Oh how he could wish he could start over with you.

With groggy eyes, he tries to make out the numbers on his digital clock.

9:15 AM.

He sighed, rubbing his eyes. He had another dream about you, a bittersweet one. Or, should he call it a nightmare? Every time he dreams about you, a wave of guilt crushes over him, even if it’s not his fault. Staring at the blank expanse of his white wall, he reluctantly rose to begin his day.

Jay made his way to the bathroom, methodically rolling up his sleeves. As he turned on the tap, he cupped his hands to splash water on his face, revitalizing his senses. Wiping the water off his face, he noticed a new notification on his phone. Curiosity piqued, he glanced at the screen to find a text from Jake, compelling him to click and read the message.

“You wanna meet up?”

Grasping his phone, Jay contemplated his response. After thoughtful consideration, he finally typed out his reply, observing the words before hitting send: "Sure, where?" Suddenly, with a plan to hang out and no longer a day filled with nothing, a sigh of relief escaped his lips. Placing his phone on the counter, he resumed his morning routine, knowing that today held a purpose.

Running a comb through his hair, he meticulously arranged each strand, allowing them to gracefully cascade across his face.

It's a hairstyle you adored on him, often playfully brushing the strands away and commenting on how handsome he looked.

As he selects his attire, he opts for a simple combination of beige pants and a brown cardigan, a wistful sigh escaping his lips.

The colors hold a special significance, reminiscent of the times you praised how well they suited him. In an attempt to hold onto a piece of your presence, he chooses to wear lighter shades day after day.

Preparing to leave the house, he reaches for his cologne, spritzing a few times with a bittersweet smile.

Jay recalls how you held strong opinions about his fragrance choices, finding some too subtle and others too overpowering. However, this particular scent held a special place in your heart, and he remembers the joy it brought you. Since you mentioned it, he always made sure to keep that bottle in his possession, a subtle gesture made solely for you.

Exhaustion engulfed him, as the burden of the world settled upon his shoulders, relentlessly crushing his spirit. The weight of it all became insurmountable, rendering him a prisoner within the confines of his own room.

Every breath felt like a futile struggle, an agonizing reminder of the impossibility of escape from the torment inflicted by your absence.

Ignoring his thoughts, Jay steps outside his house, a rush of nostalgia flooding his senses as he inserts earbuds into his ears. The gentle caress of a fresh breeze momentarily grants him a fleeting sensation of freedom, but it quickly gives way to a surge of overwhelming emotions.

Each stride feels burdened, as if his body rebels against venturing into a world that still echoes with your memory, causing a subtle frown to etch upon his face. It serves as a constant reminder of the connection he once shared, amplifying the weight of your disappearance.

Despite knowing deep down that you wanted something better for him, Jay finds himself trapped in the inability to move on. He's trying with all his might, and today is no exception.

As he crosses the bustling streets, a soft, melancholic melody seeps through his earbuds, the gentle beats mirroring the fragments of you slipping away, gradually causing him to lose himself in the process. The sidewalks grow increasingly crowded, forcing Jay to navigate through the swarm of people, squeezing his way past them in a bid to move forward.

Placing his earbuds back into their case, he retrieves his phone and scrolls through his contacts until he finds Jake's name. With a mix of anticipation, he dials the number and brings the phone to his ear, the ringing echoing on the other end. His gaze scans the surroundings, desperately searching for any sign of his best friend's familiar presence.

Amidst the sea of faces, Jay's eyes lock onto a figure in the distance, stirring a glimmer of hope within him. Squinting, he desperately tries to discern the features, momentarily believing it to be Jake. But as he looks again, his heart sinks. It's not Jake; it's someone else entirely. Yet, their back, the way they stand, the clothes they wear—everything resembles you, frozen in time since the day you vanished. His eyes widened in disbelief, momentarily forgetting the call with Jake.

It was you.

There was no denying that that black keychain was yours, you guys had matching ones.

He could spot it anywhere, he knows.

Igniting an urgent determination, Jay pushes through the crowd, disregarding the pleas of his best friend on the other end of the line. He runs closer, his voice cracking as he calls out, desperately pleading for people to clear a path, oblivious to their bewildered gazes and startled reactions.

All that matters in that moment is the possibility of finding you, of reuniting, even if just for a fleeting second.

“Y/N!”

No response.

“Y/N!”

No response still. Just you moving farther and farther from him.

Farther.

and Farther.

He's on the verge of reaching you, his heart pounding in his chest, but among the overwhelming crowds flooding the streets, he loses sight of you. A rasping cough escapes his throat, his vision blurred by tears, and the last glimpse he ever catches is of your retreating back.

All he could see was your keychain, swinging from side to side. But this time, he couldn’t chase after you.

He can’t see your face again, can’t hear your laugh again, and can’t hear you request for another race.

You had won.

You had finally won the race.

So, why do you keep leaving him?

Why can't you simply return and reassure him that everything will be alright?

“Jay? Jay, listen to me.” a voice pierces through the haze, calling him back to reality.

He lifts his gaze from the black cat keychain in his hand, finding his psychologist looking at him with a gentle smile.

Confusion mingles with emptiness as he sits in the suffocating confines of a small room, engaging in a conversation he has no desire to partake in.

"Where's Y/N?" he finally manages to utter, his voice tinged with desperation, causing a slight frown to crease the psychologist's brow.

"She's not here anymore, Jay," the psychologist responds, and an irritated expression flickers across Jay's face, disbelief etched in his features.

"No, she is. She's still here!" he insists, his voice growing louder, his anxiety showing up with his bitten, peeled lips. "You just don't understand!" He confronts his helper with a mix of aggression and frustration, seeking validation.

“She’s going to come back. I just saw her earlier—even though she disappeared before I could talk to her, I know she’ll come back to see me.”

His psychologist sighs, holding onto their clipboard. Clicking onto their pen, they swiftly scribbled the words:

Delusional Disorder.

ENHA PERM TAGLIST (1) — @flwoie @ixomiyu @haruavrse @shinsou-rii @bearseulgs @ilovewonyo @yenqa @dimplewonie @bubblytaetae @wtfhyuck @ineedaherosavemeenow @ml8dy @starikizs @wonioml @chirokookie @xiaoderrrr @neozon3nha @en-chantedtomeetyou @millksea @enhaz1 @eundiarys @hyeosi @ja4hyvn @judeduartewannabe @j-wyoung @thia-aep @vampcharxter @softpia @officiallyjaehyuns @itsactuallylina @hsheart @sweetjaemss @ahnneyong @hanienie @jwnghyuns @kpoplover718 @jiawji @rikizm @haknom @yeokii @wvnkoi @whoschr @teddywonss @shinunoga-iie-wa @isoobie @skzenhalove @misokei @s00buwu @ox1-lovesick @miercerise @litttlestars @enhapocketz

[huggyhughesy]

slow mornings | quinn hughes

a little dad!quinn blurb for your sunday evening <3

The house was quiet. Too quiet for a Saturday morning.

Usually, Saturday mornings started early with Sophie climbing into Quinn and I's bed. This morning, though, I was the only one laying under the duvet. As I racked my brain, trying to remember if there was a reason I had been abandoned in the bed, I remembered that I'd never seen Quinn last night. He was supposed to get home after midnight, flying home from a five-day road trip.

The panic began to set in when I realized that I had no messages from Quinn, his phone wasn't on his bedside table, and -- most importantly -- he wasn't lying in bed next to me. Flinging the covers off, I made my way down the hall to Sophie's room, where I discovered that she too was missing. Deciding to venture downstairs, I could hear the faint sounds of music coming from the living room.

As I entered, my heart swelled at the sight in front of me. Laying on the couch, both asleep, was Sophie and Quinn. Sophie was cuddled into her dad's side and didn't appear to be waking up anytime soon.

I quickly snapped a picture of the two of them before leaning down and placing a kiss to the top of Quinn's head. His eyes fluttered open and a lazy grin came over his features.

"Hey," he mumbled. "Can I have a real kiss?"

I smiled at his request.

"You want me to give you a kiss after you abandoned me in our bed?"

He just continued smiling at me, knowing that I'd give in eventually. And I did, leaning back down to give Quinn a 'real kiss' before walking around the couch and sitting on the unoccupied side of Quinn's body. I leaned onto his side as his arm came to wrap around my waist. I was looking at the movie currently playing on the tv; Winnie the Pooh was currently one of Soph's favorites. She especially loved Eeyore.

"Eeyore's actually such an underrated character," Quinn said, as if he could read my mind.

"You and Soph are too much alike," I replied, earning a nudge from my husband.

"Who's your favorite then?"

I didn't reply, which was an answer enough for Quinn.

"There's nothing wrong with liking Eeyore, you know. His grumpiness is funny. And realistic."

"Fair point."

We both laid in comfortable silence for a while, watching the children’s movie, when I figured I’d bring up the potentially touchy subject of Quinn’s road trip, during which they’d lost two games and won one.  

"How was the trip?"

The involuntary sigh that escaped his lips was all I really needed to know. Quinn had already confided in me about how frustrating it was for his team to be having such an awful season, especially compared to Jack's, but to also have to see so many of his teammates and people he considered to be good friends get traded away. He didn't talk about it in front of his parents or his brothers, specifically Jack, because he didn't want to make everyone listen to his pity party when he knew they really just wanted to be basking in the glory of Jack's first really good season in the NHL.

"It sucked," Quinn admitted, his arm gripping my waist a little tighter. “But it’s over now, so it’s whatever.”

I looked up to him, communicating with just my look that it, in fact, wasn’t whatever.

“Fine, fine. It just wasn’t fun overall. I didn’t play very well, and I missed you guys.”

Quinn had a pout on his face when I looked up at him. I couldn’t help myself but to lean up and kiss his jaw.

“We missed you too,” I informed him. “Soph watched every single minute of every game.”

As if she could hear us mention her name in her sleep, Sophie stirred. Wiggling around and rubbing her eyes. Upon her opening her eyes fully, she looked at Quinn, then at me, and did a double take back to Quinn, letting out a little gasp.

“Daddy!” she squealed and wrapped her arms around Quinn’s neck. Quinn chuckled but pulled her closer to his chest.

“Hey sweetheart. Have a good nap?”

The massive smile on Sophie’s face and the hands that were still clutching onto Quinn’s shirt were enough indication that she was more preoccupied with her father than to answer his question.

“Daddy, are you home now?”

The grin that graced Quinn’s features wavered slightly. While Soph was asking if Quinn was home, she was really asking if he was going to stay home.

“No baby, not yet.  I’m home this week, and then I’m going to see Uncle Trevor.”

She tried to mask her disappointment. After a moment, though, her features changed to one of curiosity and excitement.

“Oh. But can you ask him to bring me some candy? He always brings me candy when you see him,” she informed us.

I raised an eyebrow and side-eyed Quinn, who looked guilty.

“Uncle Trevor always brings you candy?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Daddy brings it, but Uncle Trevor gives it to him to give to me.”

“Ah, I see.”

I decided to leave the subject of Trevor and Quinn conspiring to sneak our kid candy another time. Right now, though, I was going to spend the morning watching Disney movies.

[larissaschristies]

Symphonies by LarissasChristies

(AO3 Link in Title)

Summary: You are Lillian Crowe, a young cellist hired by Larissa Weems as the new Music Director at Nevermore. You quickly develop feelings for Larissa, but the other woman is guarded, walls built high from years of having to protect herself. Will you be able to show Larissa that she deserves to love, and to be loved in return?

Chapters: 1/?

Word Count: 1,506

HUGE thank you to @weemssapphic for being my beta!

—————————————————————————————

You looked around the grandiose office, taking in the decor the principal had chosen while waiting for her to arrive. Compared to the rest of the school, it was rather plain, but you could tell that each piece had been selected with purpose and care; the two leather armchairs, one of which you were now sitting in, matched the leather chair sitting empty behind the principal’s desk, the oxblood curtains covering the floor to ceiling windows, the two chandeliers casting a warm glow across the room, all meticulously selected and placed by the principal herself. You lost yourself in thinking about the woman behind the decor, zoning out to a point that you didn’t hear the door to her private quarters open and click shut as the principal appeared.

“Good morning,” she said, her words lilting with a British accent. “I am Principal Weems, and you must be Lillian!”

You stood and whirled toward the sound of her deep voice, having been jolted from your thoughts by her sudden arrival. A small gasp escaped your lips as you took in the woman before you; she was the most beautiful person you’d ever seen, and her crystalline blue eyes pierced your own as she strode toward you with her hand out in greeting. You took the opportunity of the space between you to really look at the woman as she made her way to you. She was wearing a form-fitting tan dress that stretched deliciously across her hips, the heels she wore making her even taller than she already is, and her white-blonde hair was perfectly pinned in a gorgeous updo. As your eyes made their way back to her face you realized she had already closed the distance between you. She raised her eyebrow at you and glanced down at her extended hand expectantly.

“Oh, sorry,” you muttered as you rushed to take her hand in your own, and your mind reeled at how small yours felt in hers. “Yes, uh, my name is Lillian and I am here to interview for the position of Music Director.” You fumbled over your words, still trying to recover from being caught off guard.

“Yes, of course.”,” Hher smile as she gestured for you to sit made your stomach clench and you did as she requested. You quietly dug your nails into your palms in a feeble attempt to pull yourself together as the principal launched into her introduction.

——

You walked out of Nevermore with a huge smile on your face. The interview had lasted a little over an hour, Principal Weems asking questions and watching you with a shine in her beautiful eyes as she listened intently to your answers. You found yourself getting carried away a couple of times, but it seemed like the principal had enjoyed the passion with which you responded because by the end of the interview she had offered you the position. Once at your car, you did a little victory dance and took out your phone, and sent a quick text to your best friend before sliding into the driver’s seat.

“Hey Soph, guess what?! I GOT THE JOB!!! Drinks at my place this evening to celebrate?”

You hit send, locking your phone and dropping it in the cup holder before putting your key in the ignition and turning your car on, the radio coming to life playing the lively 4th Movement of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, one of your favorites. The drive home was short, your apartment only ten minutes away from Nevermore,which was just enough time to finish the symphony. You turned the car off and grabbed your phone from the cup holder before getting out, gently closing the door behind you and walking toward your apartment. Just as you put the key in the front door your phone chimed, a text message popping up on the screen.

“Hell yes, babes!!!!! I knew you would get it, you’re the best cellist I know!!!”

You rolled your eyes and chuckled, pushing your door open and tossing your keys into the bowl on your entry table before unlocking your phone to reply.

“I’m the ONLY cellist you know, doofus. Be here around 8.”

You gently slipped your feet out of the heels you had worn for the interview, sighing in relief as your feet relaxed. You hit send on the message as you slid your feet into your slippers, padding over to the couch. After getting comfortable and turning on your television, you found your mind wandering back to the principal, thoughts of finding something to watch gone. She was absolutely gorgeous, and the more you thought about her the hotter your cheeks got. Her deep voice, her crimson lips, those beautiful blue eyes…. what you wouldn’t give to get lost in those eyes and feel how soft those lips are. To hear her moaning your name.

Nope, you thought to yourself, this is your new boss! You can NOT be having these thoughts!

You shook your head and slapped your hands on your knees, standing up and heading toward the kitchen. Your stomach growled as you opened the fridge only to find a moldy apple and some week-old takeout from your favorite Japanese restaurant. For half a moment you contemplated eating the leftovers before your self preservation kicked in and you closed the refrigerator. Your phone dings from the couch and you lean over to grab it, a text from an unknown number on the screen.

“Hello, I apologize for getting your number from your file. This is Principal Weems. Larissa. I was wondering if you might be free this evening? I’d like to get to know you a bit better before the start of the term. Dinner at Koto, say 7pm?”

Your heart skipped a beat at seeing who the text was from. You quickly unlocked your phone and read the message again, your brain taking a minute to catch up with what was happening. Your thumbs hovered over the keyboard, the blinking cursor taunting you as you try to come up with a reply.

Come on, Lillian, she’s your new boss and simply wants to learn more about her new employee. It’s not that deep! You thought to yourself as you began to type.

“I’d love that, Koto is actually my favorite restaurant! I’ll meet you there at 7!”

You hit send before you could overthink and retype the message six times. As you took a deep breath to steady your heartbeat, a text from Soph came in. Shit.

“8 sounds great! Do you want me to grab anything on my way? I know your fridge is probably barren.”

You rolled your eyes, oddly comforted by how well she knows you, and clicked the message to reply.

“I actually can’t do it tonight, I'm sorry. Larissa— Principal Weems wants to hear more about my career prior to applying at Nevermore over dinner at Koto. Rain check?”

Three bubbles popped up almost immediately as Soph began to reply.

“Dinner at Koto?! Sounds like she wants to do more than just ‘hear about your career’ Lil ;)”

“Oh shut up, there’s literally no way. I am her e m p l o y e e.”

Your phone started to ring then, Soph’s face filling your screen as her contact photo popped up.

“I am her em-ploy-ee,” Soph mocked, her voice echoing around your apartment as you hit the speaker button.

“It is completely normal to want to learn more about the person you have hired to teach your students, it’s not a big deal.” You blushed, your cheeks getting hotter by the second.

“Wait. Am I sensing a hint of…. a crush?” Soph’s voice went up on octave at the end of her question, excitement clearly getting the best of her.

“NO!” You nearly shouted, your cheeks practically catching fire before calmly repeating, “No. I do not have a crush on my new boss. This is just a professional meeting between two coworkers.”

“Oh, my ass, Lil. You totally have a crush on your new boss. Is she taller than you? I bet she’s taller than you. You’re SO predictable.”

“And what if she is?” You said incredulously. You glanced down at your watch, “I’m hanging up now, I need to get ready. Goodbye!” You practically slammed your finger on the red button, briefly missing the days when you could dramatically snap your phone shut. You looked at your watch again: 5:15pm. You had about an hour to get ready before you had to leave and you had no idea what to wear.

Why does it matter, Lillian? Just wear what you’re wearing now, it’s not a date! You told yourself.

With a heavy sigh, you walked toward the bathroom to wash your face and reapply your makeup. Before you knew it, it was time to leave for Koto. You slipped your feet back into the black heels and grabbed your keys. You forced a deep breath to fill your lungs to calm your nerves before you headed out the door

[katsona-the-katsequel]

Timeline Preface

First of all, it's necessary to make clear which years will be used as reference for each game, for these years will dictate everything else in the timeline.

Persona 1 -> 1996

Persona 2 -> 1999

Persona 3 -> 2009

Persona 4 -> 2011

Persona 5 -> 2016

In total, we will be covering 20 years of in-game events plus a few here and there. The following is a list of the events that WILL NOT be considered canon in the timeline, just to keep it in mind:

Shin Megami Tensei: if... Gakuen no Akuma Tsukai

Shin Megami Tensei if...: Jin of the Expanse

Shin Megami Tensei: Kahn

Revelations: Persona (basically the americanized version)

Megami Ibunroku Persona: Ikuu no Tou Hen

Megami Ibunroku Persona: Shadow Maze

Megami Ibunroku Persona Digital Collection

Persona 2: Innocent Sin ~ The Errors of Their Youth

Persona 2 Tsumi: Lost Memories

Persona 2: Tsumi ga Ataeshi Batsu

Persona 2 Batsu: Infinity Mask

Persona: Tsumi to Batsu

Persona 3: Owari no Kakera

Persona 3: Shadow Cry

Persona 3: The Night Before

Persona 3 Portable

Persona 3 Portable: Velvet Blue

Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight

Persona 3 Em

Megami Tensei Chaining Soul: Persona 3

Megami Tensei QIX: Persona 3

Persona 3 Broken Shadow

Persona 3 Illust Puzzle

Persona 3 Escape

Persona 3 Drama CD: New Moon

Persona 3 Drama CD: Full Moon

Persona 3 Social

Persona Ain Soph

Persona 3 FES: Alternative Heart

Persona -trinity soul-

Persona -trinity soul- Novel

Persona 4: Kiri no Amnesia

Persona 4 The Card Battle

Persona 4: Your Affection

Persona x Detective Naoto

Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight

Persona O.A.

Persona 5: Mementos Mission

Persona 5 Tactica

Persona 5: The Phantom X

Persona Mobile Online

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth*

Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth*

Vanilla Versions of P3, P4, and P5

Animation and Movie Adaptations

Manga Adaptations

Bad Endings

Comic Anthologies

Live Action and Stage Adaptations

Drama CDs unless specifically mentioned

Novel Adaptations

That weird promotional P4 flash game

The ones that WILL be considered canon and will be included in the timeline are the following:

Plus the Persona 2: Eternal Punishment PSP additional scenario.

Final Details

After each part, I will be including a "personal assumptions and headcanons" section. None of the things mentioned in said section are confirmed, in fact, some headcanons will be mentioned. Its purpose is just to enrich the canon already established by the timeline. You'll get it when you see it.

If there is a Social Link/Extra Scene/Additional Dialogue in another game/novel/CD that wasn´t in the list but enriches the story, those details will be included (glances at P3 Portable and Reload). A similar thing happened with PQ, which was almost included because of Chronos. Since everyone's memories were erased anyways, I just took Chronos and left them in their pocket dimension to live their non-canon adventures. Same thing happened with the P1 manga, since it offered extra details and more about Naoya. From Tsumi to Batsu I only took the extended Philemon lore.

Possible Questions

“Why wasn't X media included?”

It depends.

I would have been okay with Tsumi if it didn't overlap with what happens in the main game. Batsu did have some interesting elements, but I couldn't find a gameplay in a language I spoke.

I wanted to include Tsumi ga Ataeshi Batsu so badly, but also couldn't find it online.

I didn't include Vanilla P3 since it needed The Answer to feel truly complete. The same happened with Golden and Royal. Portable was already an AU the moment Minako was included (sorry, queen). Honestly, you can just ignore the extra content from the remastered games or change Minato's name to Minako/Hamuko/Kotone to get the timeline you want (if you want the full FeMC experience, also read Velvet Blue).

At the moment of this timeline's creation, Reload still hasn't launched their own version of The Answer.

Ask me for specifics about other media that wasn't included.

"You forgot X media, which wasn't on either list!"

PLEASE, LET ME KNOW! I know the wiki is incomplete (discovered this when I tried doing an iceberg years ago), and that some media slips through the cracks.

If you can provide a link where I can read/watch/hear it (either English or Spanish is fine), I would be eternally grateful (also if someone can give me a translation of the Naruhodona-SEES section of the Persona Stalker Club pretty please, I would kiss you).

Though if new media was released after March 2024, the year this timeline was made, then that's why it wasn't included.

"Are the timelines already done?"

Nope. They're still in progress, but I wanted to leave some things clear before I published them. If you have any proposals or recommendations, there's still time.

That's all for now. See you next week!

[lost-in-sokovia]

I am a Paul Dano girlie first and a Stranger Things fan second so if you’ve got Dano content you’re withholding I could really use some of that right now 🥺

(I’m half kidding by the way you post what you want when you want when you feel comfortable ❤️)

no no no of course if i can publish something to make y’all feel better i wanna be here for you i just don’t wanna take away from the stranger things fandom today because i know this is huge for you. like if someone was trying to like post random stuff when like let’s say avengers endgame came out i would’ve been ticked so i just want to make sure you guys have the time that you need. maybe i’ll post something today just incase you guys like, need to take your mind off of stranger things just know that even though i don’t watch it and maybe don’t care about it like, the super most, i understand the impact this show has had around the world and id never do anything to take away from y’all💘💖💕

[withahappyrefrain]

For your 3k celebration: pregnancy reveal with dilf peter 👀

Here have some girl dad DILF Peter fluff

You felt a small hand tug on your dress. You looked away from the dishes you were washing, to find your daughter looking up at you.

"What's up Sophie?" You asked. Her brown eyes were wide, a smile on her face.

Sophie pointed to the door, "Daddy!"

You grinned, "Is Daddy about to come home?"

Your toddler nodded her head. Peter claimed it was the inherited "Spidey sense" that alerted her when he was about to walk in the door.

"You want to greet Daddy? Show him your new shirt?" Sophie nodded her head.

A smile spread across your face as you watched Sophie run to the door. Her little feet were rocking back and forth as her body wiggled in excitement.

The door opened, your husband stepping in. No matter what kind of the day it had been, Peter's eyes always lit up when he saw Sophie. The smile that adorned his face upon laying eyes on her made your heart flutter, no matter how many times you saw it.

"Hey there mamaleh!" Peter quickly put his bag on the coat hook, crouching down so he was closer to eye level with Sophie (as close as one can be with a toddler).

"Daddy!" Sophie shrieked, running up to Peter. She was quickly engulfed by Peter's arms.

You leaned against the doorway to the kitchen. Despite being an everyday occurrence, the scene never failed to make you smile.

As Peter kissed the top of Sophie's head, his eyes met yours.

"Daddy! Look!" Sophie tugged on the collar of Peter's shirt. He looked down to find Sophie pointing to her shirt.

"Oh that's new," Peter's voice trailed off as he began to read Sophie's shirt. His eyes widened and you could see them scan the text on the shirt again. And again.

"Bug?" Your eyes perked up at your nickname, a sly smile slowly creeping across your face.

"Yes Peter?"

"Why does Sophie shirt say 'promoted to big sister'?" Peter took a step towards you, still holding Sophie in his hands.

You giggled, leaning over so you were at eye level with your daughter, "Wanna tell Daddy?"

Sophie pointed to your stomach, "Mamma has a baby!"

"What?" Peter's voice was breathless. You didn't think his eyes could get any wider. The wheels were turning in his brain, connecting the dots. You could see in his eyes realization sweeping through him.

"Really?" He asked, looking at your stomach and then back to you.

You nodded your head, "I'm eight weeks. Doctor confirmed it today."

A joyful yelp escaped Peter's lips as wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you into a kiss.

You couldn't help but laugh into the kiss. Sophie giggled at the sight.

"I love you," Peter whispered against your lips.

"I love you too," You responded back, breaking away to press a kiss against your daughter's forehead, "And I love you!"

"You're gonna be a big sister Sophie girl!" Peter exclaimed, bouncing Sophie against his hip.

Sophie giggled, "I know Daddy!"

"You know?!" Peter asked, feigning shock to elicit another giggle from her, "Well Daddy didn't know!"

"Had to wait until the shirt arrived," You confessed. Keeping this a secret had been hard. You hadn't told Sophie until today when the shirt arrived. After all, toddlers didn't really understand the meaning of secrets.

Peter put Sophie down, engulfing you in a proper hug this time.

"You happy?" You asked before pressing a kiss against his cheek.

"Overjoyed. We're about to have another little spider!"

You fought the urge to roll your eyes, "Please stop calling our children that." Peter flashed that boyish grin, the one that made you fall head over heels in love with him all those years ago.

"Sophie doesn't mind, do ya Soph?" Sophie laughed as she clung to Peter's leg.

"Nope!"

[sophsicle]

psssss, Soph I can't stop thinking about pirate!James pls OMG, why did you do this to me WHY

it'd be so fun right??? I mean, obviously if I wrote it it would be a bit different than that one shot cause I was trying to tell a story very fast But the possibilities like, I like the idea that James helps Sirius escape, because he never wanted to be king, and so he sneaks him off incognito on one of his buddy's ships masquerading as just another member of the crew, and no one knows he's the king they just think they're doing James a favour, and the buddy in question is James's good friend Remus who's like "god ok, i guess I will take care of this poor idiot who has no idea how to be at sea and make sure he doesn't drown or get himself thrown overboard or something" And then while THAT'S happening you have Regulus who has suddenly been thrust onto the thrown and is like "fuuuucckkk" I'm not a king and he's convinced that his brother's very scandalous pirate friend knows where he is but James isn't saying shit and ends up kinda helping Regulus figure out how to be a king and also like, you know, they get all gooey for one another. And in the end Sirius and Remus are pirates together and James and Regulus are ruling a kingdom together and it's like SO dumb obviously, like so silly. But there would be so much swashbuckling fun. Idk

[writingplotbunnies]

Best Served Cold (7/?)

Pairing: Jax Teller x OFC

Summary: Sophie learns not all consequences are bad as SAMCRO embraces her after she saved Gemma.

Word Count: ~3900

Warnings: angst, illegal activity, possessive behavior, sexual content, canon typical violence

“My car?” Sophie asked as they walked into St. Thomas. 

Jax laughed. “Sent Sack for it. It’s safe and waiting for you at TM.”

“I know it’s silly given everything else.”

“Nah,” Jax said, smile in his voice as he wrapped his arm around her waist. “It’s normal, and I know how you feel about that car.” 

Walking down the hallway, she saw a mass of leather-clad bikers. For a moment, the walls contracted around her. She’d been down a hallway like this, seen bikers loitering in the halls like this. That time, she’d been too late. That time, she’d allowed harm to come to her family. Blinking back tears, she forced herself to be in the present, to remind herself that everyone was fine. Then all she saw was leather because each biker took turns pulling her into a massive hug. 

“So glad you’re alright,” Chibs told her.

Tig held her face gently in his hand, turned it left and right, brows knit in confusion. “Thought she shot you?” 

“Nah,” Jax said as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, chin resting on the top of her head. “Soph shot the bitch in the shoulder. The other shot went wide.” 

Tig’s whole face lit with a smile. “You ever get tired of Jax, sweetheart, I’ll let you make an honest man out of me.” 

Sophie snorted. “I don’t know that anyone could make an honest man out of you, and I like you too much to insult you by trying.” 

Smile still on his face, Tig ruffled her hair before moving back. 

“She here?”

Sophie glanced up, saw Clay walking towards her. She’d never seen him look so serious, and she gulped at the intensity of his gaze. 

“Clay - ”

“Not now, Jackson.” 

Sophie moved herself from Jax’s arms, thankful he didn’t fight her on it too much and faced the SAMCRO president head-on. When Clay’s arms wrapped around her, she felt the whole atmosphere change. She hadn’t known what to expect from the man, but, when she felt a few tears escape his eyes to land on her neck, she understood. Whatever else these men were, they, like her, loved their families. 

“Thank you,” he whispered against her skin. “I don’t know what I would have done if - ” 

Sophie nodded. She understood far more than he knew. No one deserved the fate that might have awaited Gemma tonight. The fate that Olivia had faced. 

Clay pulled back, rested his hands on her shoulders. “Whatever you need, Sophie. Anything. You say the word, and I’m there.” 

Sophie smiled up at him, tears pricking her eyes. “Thanks. I’m just glad I was there to help her.” 

Clay nodded. “Gemma wants to see you.” 

She followed him down the hall to Gemma’s room. She smiled up at Sophie when they walked in. No bruises on her face, no cuts, no vacant expression. No tears. Something warm nestled in Sophie’s chest as she stared at Gemma.  

“Can you give us a minute, baby?” she asked Clay. 

“Sure thing. I’ll be outside when you’re done.” 

Sophie nodded, waited until Clay left before crossing over to where Gemma lay in the bed. Nearly collapsing into the chair at her bedside, Sophie managed to get a grip on Gemma’s hand before her face fell forward and the tears streamed freely down her face. For once, Gemma didn’t say anything, didn’t ask her any questions, but she could feel them in the air above them. Instead, Gemma carded her fingers through Sophie’s hair, which only made her cry harder because Gemma was the one hurt - alive, but hurt and here she was the one getting taken care of. 

“It’s okay, baby, let it out.” 

After a few more minutes of crying, Sophie lifted her head, wiped the tears from her cheeks and smiled at Gemma. 

“How are you feeling?”

Gemma gave her a wry smile. “Like I got hit in the back of the head.” 

The response startled a laugh out of Sophie. “I’m so glad it’s not worse.” 

“Thanks to you.” Gemma paused, settled back against the blankets. “Whatever it was that brought you to Charming has something to do with what almost happened to me tonight. Trust is a fragile thing. Which is why I’m not going to ask today. SAMCRO takes care of its own.” 

“I’m not SAMCRO.”

Gemma smiled indulgently at her. “You are now, sweetheart.” 

Sophie frowned. “The way you say that, you make it sound almost like a threat.” 

“No, baby,” Gemma said, voice soft. “Not a threat. Even if it was, wouldn't work on you. It’s a good thing. Those men out there - ” Gemma gestured towards the door. “They protect their family, just like you. Tonight, you became part of that family. That’s what SAMCRO is.” 

How did she tell Gemma that she didn’t deserve it? How could she possibly explain her guilt? Each time she closed her eyes she saw Olivia’s lifeless body lying in that hospital bed. 

“One day, Sophie, you’ll trust us enough to let us help you. Whatever you need, whatever trouble you’re in - you’re not alone anymore.”

Not knowing what to say, Sophie stood from the chair. She fiddled with Gemma’s blanket, fluffed her pillow. “You should get some rest.” 

Gemma looked at her with a mix of understanding and disappointment in her eyes. “You too, baby.” 

This fucking town and its nicknames. Sophie wasn’t sure she was ready to take on another family. She hadn’t managed to keep her last one whole. Shutting the door behind her, Sophie closed her eyes, leaned back against it and took a deep breath. 

“You okay, babe?”

Jax’s head was ducked, shoulders rolled forward, hands shoved in his pockets so he could look up at her, find her eyes. As unthreatening a posture as he knew. She nodded. Allowed him to pull her into his chest. Breathing in the smell of him, the leather and cigarettes, she found some balance. All the bullshit with Zobelle aside, she liked Charming. Enjoyed being around the guys. Loved the way Jax always needed to be touching her in some way - as though to remind himself (and her) that they were connected. Maybe she didn’t deserve another family, but that didn’t prevent her from wanting one. Hope they’d accept the tattered pieces of herself - it was the best she could do. If she had any luck left, they might forgive her when they learned the whole truth. 

Sophie leaned back, smiled weakly up at Jax. “I’m gonna go grab a cup of coffee. I’ll be back.” 

“I’ll come with you,” Jax said, falling into step with her. 

She pressed her hand to his chest. “I need a minute to myself. I haven’t had a minute alone since it happened, and while I adore you all for looking after me, I just need a second to breathe without someone there to see.” 

Jax didn’t look pleased, but he nodded. “Okay.” 

Before he could walk away, she grabbed his sleeve, turned him to face her and kissed him. Sinking her fingers into his hair, she held him against her as her tongue danced with his. Every nerve ending in her body erupted in sparks as his arms closed around her, his hands smoothing down her spine. Pulling back a bit, she breathed heavily against him. 

“I - ”

“Go get your coffee. I’ll be here.” 

She nodded, moved slowly from his embrace and walked down the hallway, the heat of his gaze never leaving. It took a couple of minutes, a few wrong turns, before she found a coffee machine, and when she walked up to it, she realized she didn’t have her wallet with her. Everything had been in her car. She shook her head. 

“Shit.” 

“Allow me.” 

Spinning around at the voice, she felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest. Ethan Zobelle stood in front of her. He wore a pleasant smile on his face, but the darkness in his eyes revealed his true nature. In his hand, he held a five-dollar bill. Hand trembling ever so slightly, she took it from him with a mumbled thanks. 

“It’s the least I can do for the woman who spared my daughter’s life tonight.” 

Blood turned to ice in her veins. Nothing could have prepared her to stand face-to-face with the man who murdered her sister. The scene featured heavily in her nightmares. On instinct, she reached for her gun, cursing as she remembered she didn’t have it. Police evidence. 

He held his hands out, palms forward. “I mean you no harm, Miss Cooper. It’s why I didn’t press charges. I saw no reason to make a bad night worse for everyone. And, to your credit, you are a remarkable shot. According to the surgeon, she’ll regain full range of motion.” 

“I know.”

She bit the words out without thinking. Zobelle offered her one of those condescending paternal smiles that men gave to women when they thought they’d done something particularly adorable. 

“I’m sure you knew exactly what you were doing tonight, and while I can’t figure out what stayed your hand, I won’t stand here and pretend I’m not grateful.” 

“Consider it a gesture of good faith,” Sophie offered. “Leave SAMCRO alone. Set up your white hate cigar shop in a different town.” 

His eyes turned down, faux sorrow on his face. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. I have business interests to protect here in Charming. I did extend my friendship to SAMCRO, but they were…unreceptive. ” 

Sophie nodded. It had been worth a try. Not that it would have kept him alive, but it would have gotten him out of Charming, away from SAMCRO. “In that case, Mr. Zobelle, if you’re determined to remain, you should consider why I allowed your daughter to live. Contemplate the choices you might make that would lead me to choose less honorable actions moving forward.” 

She could see the way his eyes had narrowed, the slight tension along his shoulders. Poking the bear might not be the smartest move, but she refused to stand there and make pleasantries. And since she couldn't shoot the bastard in the face, this would have to suffice. 

“Sophie,” she heard Chibs call as he came down the hallway. “There you are, lass.”

Coming to a stop at Sophie’s shoulder, Chibs eyed Zobelle, took a more protective stance in front of her. Part of the family indeed. She put a hand on his shoulder. “Sorry. I got caught up in conversation.”

“Aye. We’ve met.” 

Sophie cursed silently. She had hoped the overtures Zobelle had made hadn’t been in front of the whole club, but it seemed that her worlds had well and truly collided. Her new family was now caught up in the ashes of her old one. It wasn’t that she didn’t want any help, it was that she doubted they would be willing to provide her the help she wanted. She figured they’d take over, kill Zobelle themselves, and expect a thank you for their trouble. No part of her was going to allow that to happen. 

“Enjoy the coffee,” Ethan said as he inclined his head. 

Neither said anything as they both watched Ethan walk down the hallway, before turning a corner, disappearing from sight. Her shoulders slumped once she could no longer see him. 

“You alright?” 

“No,” Sophie said, too tired to lie. She could feel small spasms in her limbs as the adrenaline began to fade. The symptoms were familiar to her, and she hoped she could keep it together long enough to make it home to a nice warm shower. 

“Come on,” Chibs said, frown on his face as he tucked her close to his body. “Let’s get you back to Jax so he can fuss about you.” 

“I don’t need Jax fussing over me. Zobelle didn’t do anything.” 

“He upset you.” 

She rolled her eyes. Of course, the whole group still stood in the hallway, Tig, Jax - even Clay standing as she and Chibs came closer. She could read the concern in their eyes. 

“What happened?” Clay asked, eyes flinty. 

“Zobelle cornered her at the vending machines.” 

“That’s it.” Jax clenched his hands into fists, turned on his heel. 

Sophie reached out, just managed to grab the sleeve of his flannel shirt. Tugging him to face her, she placed both hands on his arms and forced him to meet her gaze. She couldn’t have him going off after the man. Not like this. Sophie refused to have another man in her life behind bars because of fucking Ethan Zobelle. 

“I’m fine. He didn’t do anything. Gave me five bucks for a coffee and thanked me for not shooting his bitch of a daughter in the fucking face. Now, I’m tired and you’re going to take me home so that I can have a nice hot shower.”  

She watched Jax’s jaw clench, saw how wound up he was about the whole thing, and she didn’t blame him. Understood how he felt. Enjoyed that he felt that upset because of what happened to her. Made something warm bloom in her chest. None of that changed her mind about how things with Zobelle would go down. 

Moving in close to him, sliding her hands up his arms, up to his neck so she could sink her fingers into his hair, she whispered against his lips. “I’ll let you wash my back.” 

Behind her the boys chuckled, a few offered a low whistle. Clay clapped Jax on the shoulder, a knowing sort of amusement in his eyes. No doubt Gemma used similar tactics to keep him in line, to get her own way. It was a dirty trick, but she would use whatever she needed to - a win was a win. 

“Take your Old Lady home, son,” Clay told him. “We’ll finish this at church tomorrow.” 

She mouthed a thank you to Clay who inclined his head. Following Jax down the hall, she knew he still wanted to go after Zobelle. His silence told her all she needed to know about how he felt about it. Sliding onto the bike, she held herself back a bit. She understood that he was upset, but she wasn’t just going to let him go do something stupid. When they pulled into TM, Sophie got off the bike and glanced around for her car. Locating it near the far side, she strode towards it. The shower idea hadn’t just been a ploy to get Jax to leave the hospital. She wanted one, and her shitty little rental house had one with decent water pressure. 

“Where the hell are you going?” 

She turned to glare at him. “Home.” 

Jax’s jaw clenched. “No, you’re not.” 

“Jax - ”

“He went after my mother. She shot you,” Jax spat out, eyes dark with fury. 

Ah. Sophie smiled softly. He was scared about what could have happened tonight. Closing the distance between them, she wrapped her arms around him, felt his own lock tightly around her. 

“I’m here,” she soothed. “She was a terrible shot.” 

Jax chuckled against her neck as he pulled back, his hands palmed her face, thumbs tracing along her cheeks. She covered his hands with hers, moved her face to press a kiss to the palm of his hand. 

“Clay called me your Old Lady. You gonna explain that to me?” 

Jax smirked. “Why you wanna know?” 

“Like I told your mom, seems to be a hierarchy around here. That douche canoe called me a croweater, which next person to call me one gets a bullet between the eyes because I know how the word whore sounds no matter what letters are used.” 

“You’re no croweater, babe,” Jax said as his hands moved down her body. He got a solid grip on her ass and hauled her up his body. Getting the idea, Sophie helped and wrapped her legs around his waist. Laughing as he carried her into the clubhouse. Looking around at the familiar mess that was his room, she laughed even harder. 

“Old Lady better not mean housekeeper because, between the two of us, it would become uninhabitable.” 

“Yeah?” Jax asked, smirk on his face. “Thought the Corps was all about hospital corners and snap inspections.” 

Sophie returned his smirk with one of her own. “I’m retired. No one gives two shits how your bed looks when you’re in the field. Plus, never was much good at keeping things tidy when I was on leave. It was one of the ways I disengaged. Clutter meant I was home.” 

He kissed her then. Slow, tender. The type of kiss that ruined people. Made them think about fantasy endings, a happily ever after. Sophie lost herself to it. She moved her arms up when Jax lifted her shirt. Moaned when his lips traced over her collarbones, the valley of her breasts. Goosebumps erupted on her arms as he slid her bra straps down her arms before tossing it over his shoulder. 

“What are you doing?” she whispered, smile in her voice. 

“Washing your back.” 

He continued to press open-mouthed kisses to her body as he unbuttoned her jeans. Pulling them down her legs he cursed when they caught at her ankles. Boots; they’d both forgotten. 

“Get on with it,” Sophie said with an imperious wave of her hand. “You’re not washing my back fully clothed.” 

She intended to pull her boots off. Honest. But, when Jax pulled his shirt over his head, she couldn’t help but stare. Knew her mouth hung open, knew she licked her lips in an obscene way. God, she wanted to lick every inch of his body, rub herself against him. Given the smirk tucked into the corner of his mouth as he winked at her, he seemed amenable to the idea. Unlike her boots which required the use of her hands, he simply toed off his ridiculous white shoes before pulling down his jeans. 

“My eyes are up here, babe.” 

Sophie nodded without looking away from his body. “I know where your eyes are. I’ll get there.” 

Chuckling, he pulled his boxers down his hips, allowed gravity to do the rest and Sophie let out a low whistle of her own. Now she really wanted to lick all of him. Half hard and hanging to the left, his cock fit the rest of him. When her eyes did trail back up to meet his, he simply raised his brows at her. Getting the hint, Sophie leaned down and unzipped her boots before shimming out of her jeans. Standing, she reached for her panties only for Jax’s hands to stop her. When he’d moved she didn’t know, but the heat from his body rolled into her as his fingers teased along the band of her panties. Hooking his fingers in, he tugged them down. They stood there for a moment. 

Jax stepped back first, running a hand through his hair before moving into the ensuite and starting the shower. Sophie took a deep breath before following him. Noting the SOA tattoo on his back, she licked her lips again. Gently, she reached out and trailed a finger along the edge of the reaper’s blade, loving the way Jax shivered under her touch. 

When the water temperature met Jax’s standards, he held the curtain back so Sophie could step in. Perfectly warm water cascaded down her body. Closing her eyes, she turned her face up to allow the spray to wash across her skin, pull the grime and the sorrow from her face and wash down the drain. 

“Nice ink,” Jax whispered against her ear as he plastered his torso to her back. 

“Thanks.” 

She felt his fingers trace along the rose petals inked into her skin. On each side, she had a black and grey rose with pink rose pedals floating up in parallel lines along her back. He pressed kisses along her shoulders before nipping her ear. His now soapy hands began to trace along her body in strong, sure strokes. She moaned as his hands moved around her stomach, up to cup her breasts, fingers teasing her nipples - making sure every inch of her body was covered in soap. As sensual as it was, she felt her muscles relaxing the more his hands moved over her skin. Even knowing she was wet enough he could slide in with no resistance, something about the moment indicated that he wouldn’t. He was taking care of her, and that realization nearly had her knees give out. 

“I got you, babe,” Jax whispered, hand gripping her hip. “If you’re gonna be my Old Lady, it’s my job to take care of you.” 

He pressed a kiss to the top of her spine. “If you’re gonna be my Old Lady, there’s only two ways it works. I tell you nothing, or I tell you everything. Can’t be any in between.” 

Sophie fought the urge to stiffen at the vague accusation in his tone. He continued to press kisses to her skin, so maybe she’d imagined it. Still, the knowledge of what she held back from Jax pressed against her. Gemma’s words from earlier floating back to her trust is a fragile thing. What would trusting Jax cost her? As secrets went, hers wasn’t really a secret. It’d been in the paper, well, a version of events had been. The court proceedings had been public record.

Her need to be the one to see the light leave Zobelle’s face kept her silent. She barely knew Jax. Knew he had secrets that could have far-reaching consequences - no outlaw biker had safe or insignificant secrets. Placing trust in the wrong person meant people died, and Sophie knew that firsthand, too. Too many engagements had gone sideways because the wrong person had said the wrong thing at the wrong time. 

Sophie reached forward and turned the water off. Jax got out of the shower and held a towel out for her, allowing him to wrap it around her body before he quickly dried himself off. Not even him wearing nothing but a towel tied around his waist distracted her from the dark, heavy place her thoughts had taken her. When Jax pulled one of his shirts over her head, she offered him a small smile. She might never buy clothes again. 

“I only have one real secret, well, one I’m not sure I want to tell you,” Sophie whispered.

Jax cupped Sophie’s face. “Trust don’t happen overnight, I want this thing between us to work, want you on the back of my bike, wanna see my crow on your skin. That only happens if we trust each other.” 

Sophie searched his eyes. He meant each word he said, and she wanted the same things. Times like this made her miss Olivia all the more because she’d know exactly what to say. But, nothing ever got accomplished by running away from it, from hiding. As she stood there staring at him, she realized something. She wanted him. She wanted the messy group of bikers who hovered and cursed and did bad, bad things. Olivia had tried describing it to her, but she hadn’t understood it all, not really, not like she did now standing in Jax’s shirt in the SAMCRO clubhouse. Since retiring, she missed her team. Missed having the camaraderie, the mutual respect and understanding. Jax deserved the opportunity to earn her trust, so show her that he respected her. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. 

“My sister, Olivia, she married into an MC. Michael was the Sergent at Arms for the War Boys before Ethan Zobelle came into town. Now Olivia is dead and there’s no more War Boys MC in San Bernardino.”

Part 8

Master List