#thank god the theater gave napkins

[confusedcheeseparrot]

Just watched the barbie movie was hype, cried, love allen, love weird barbie, loved the kens with their whole macho cowboy vibe after the patriarchy, depression barbie ad was dope, soundtrack with the disco violins reoccurring was a mood lifter whenever I heard it, ryan gosling ken was simultaneously sad, infuriating, hilarious and hype all at once, the patriarchy being talked about as an invasive species, the barbies having to be decoded like like cult indoctrination was pretty funny, john cena mermaid was a welcome surprise, was wondering where the pet accessories were in the movie as well as the fairy barbies and princess barbies but other than that it was perfect so campy but existential.

I'm not even a dude but I really want an I am kenough shirt.

[yutahoes]

Miracle

(Surrogate Special Chapter #2)

I just saw this gif and thought this is better than just using Kun's gif. 😅 I do feel that this is lacking and super fast paced but I wanted to move on from Surrogate. Ideas for this special chapter are given by the readers. 

characters: female! Reader, husband! Kun, daughter! Ichika, dad! Yuta, dad! Mark word count: 4.5k words genre: fluff, smut summary: Everything is perfect in your life until a miracle happened. warnings: being naked in the bathtub, grinding, kissing, oral (female receiving), penetrative sex (but not too explicit), multiple orgasm, breeding (?), mentions of cursing, mention of cheating, punching Yuta multiple times, pregnancy, giving birth, a change in POV

taglist: @meowniee @aiforyuu @roohnyk @a-bts-world @thetwinkrenjun @multiyuta @destinyg237 @freshtaledonut @sunshinetaetaev @baehaechannie​ @ytzvivi​ ​ @yujaesbestiee​​ @what-sarah​​ @foreverabrunette​​ @a-place-filled-with-random​​ @anonjyxd​​ @joepomonerof​​ @iwannabreathetosetmefree​​ @brightestmark (These are the users tagged on Surrogate)

You thanked the cab driver after handing him the fare then closed the door gently. It’s a long day from the theater with all the practices for the new Broadway play and you just wanted to get home and relax. You pushed the keys to the house, surprised that the door was open. Your mom is out of the country, hanging out with her friends from your hometown. And it’s impossible that Kun is home. It’s a Tuesday night. 

But as you stepped inside, seeing the small candles lit in the hallway, you realized that it might be him. There were flower petals on the floor as faint jazz music could be heard. Wait. What date is it today? It’s Tuesday, right? 

“Happy Anniversary!” Kun greeted. The dimples on both his cheeks popped as he held a large bouquet of red roses. Oh my God! How stupid Y/N? Why would you forget your anniversary with your husband? You immediately leaned on his chest, muttering an apology. He chuckled, rubbing the back of your head. “It’s my job to always remind you anyway.”

You smiled at him, apologizing again, but he only shook his head and then kissed your lips. “Busy day?” You nodded and he kissed your forehead as if wanting the tiredness to go away. “I hope you didn’t have dinner yet.” 

Kun pulled the chair for you to sit on, taking the napkin to place on your lap. “Are you supposed to be the waiter now?” He laughed as he took the dish from the kitchen. The steak looks so good, it’s mouth-watering. “Did you cook this?” He nodded while slicing the steak into small pieces. “When did you have time to make this?” 

“I had a day off in the hospital today.” You felt bad once again. Why would you even forget your anniversary? And here is your husband who prepared everything just for this day. “Eat first. I’ll just turn off the candles.” 

You smiled then nodded. He outdid himself this year. This is all so romantic: the candles, the flower petals, the bouquet, the candlelight dinner. Kun preparing all of this is much more romantic. You don’t deserve him. 

“Is the steak well-cooked?” You nodded. It was so tender, so juicy. He’s such an amazing cook. You gave him a bite and he smiled, humming that it was cooked well. Kun rubbed the back of your head affectionately while standing up, “Eat lots. I’m going to prepare the bath for you.” 

He’s even going to prepare the bath for you? You feel like a queen now. It’s supposed to be your anniversary, not your birthday. You cannot buy him a gift, it’s too late. So maybe you can share the night with him. “Love,” you called and he hummed from the bathroom. “Do you want to bathe with me?” 

You honestly thought that by the time you marry Kun, nights with sexual interactions would become lesser. You heard it from your customers before how doctors have a busy job and less arousal to their wives, since they see naked bodies all of the time. And it doesn't help that your husband is an obstetrician. You were worried that he might be so used to seeing women's vaginas that he wouldn't like yours. 

But Kun is an attentive husband. He makes sure to give in to your needs. So even if you both have a problem reproducing, intimate moments are still not lost in your everyday life. It isn't that awkward that you were seated on his lap in the tub, naked from head to toe. "Sorry, I forgot our anniversary." You whispered, leaning on his chest as he rubbed the shampoo on your hair. "I feel so bad when you do all of these." 

Kun chuckled, his chest vibrating against yours. "It's alright. I'm not mad or anything. Instead, I'm worried." You stared at him in confusion before he continued, "You're too busy. I'm worried you aren't taking enough care of yourself." 

You returned to your original position, hugging him. "I'm fine. We're just getting ready for a new production so there's a lot of preparation. Sorry if you have to worry about me." 

"Are you having fun with your work?" You nodded. This is your dream. 

Along with the stable family you have now. 

"Kun," he hummed in response, “You are the best thing that happened to me.” You leaned closer to hug him, arms wrapped around his neck. Kun’s hands were rubbing your back in comfort. “I don’t know what will happen to me if I didn’t meet you, love.” 

A chuckle can be heard as you felt a vibration on his chest, “You are my greatest dream, Y/N.” He had always said those words to you. And by now, you knew where this conversation will head to. “You have no idea how thankful I am to meet you again and had a chance to hold you like this.” Words that would always make you swoon. “I’m sorry I cannot give you a child. Everything will be better if…”

“It’s not.” You claimed, hushing him up by putting a finger on his lips. “I’m still happy to be your only baby.” He smiled in that dimpled smile of his, sending butterflies in your stomach. “And it’s been so long since we last had the house to ourselves,” You whispered in a low, erotic voice. “...daddy.” 

Kun pulled you closer, lips placed on top of yours. Your fingers tugged on his hair as he sucked your bottom lip. His nails dig on your skin and a small moan escaped your lips when you felt his hardness rubbing along your thigh. He took this as a chance to slip his tongue inside you, eagerly rubbing himself on you. 

But having sex in the bathtub is a complete no-no. You learned that a hard way when you both slipped because of all the soap suds. He might have noticed your hesitance when he pulled out of the kiss and stared at you with a lot of want in his eyes. “Let’s take you to bed.” 

Kun had always been a people pleaser. With everything he does, he has to succeed and make the people around him proud. It was the same reason that you found, while dating him in New York, his kink. He loves giving head. 

He didn't care where. Even if it is in the bedroom, the bathroom, even the kitchen, or the living room, he'll make sure to get you on first by licking and sucking your core. He even gave you head in the backstage of the theater once, then in the dressing room. Even the piano on the stage wasn't saved. He licked your insides in his office and even when you were lying on the hospital bed with your legs apart.

And you love it. If his fingers were good, his lips were better. You love how he sucks your wetness, how he presses soft kisses after making out with your labia, and how he thrust his tongue inside. You'll surely orgasm whenever he would suck on your clit. And when he flicks his tongue during your release, a scream would just escape your lips. 

Your husband will always wrap your legs around his head, holding your waist if you're sitting or your breasts whenever you're lying down. He makes sure to give you an immense pleasure that would make you squirt on his face. He would always look at you after sucking your soul out of you, dimples on his cheek with your juice shining on his lips and chin. An image that would turn you on immediately, as if he hasn’t given you an orgasm just yet.  

Kun is a gentle person. You have never seen him raging in anger before, he would just hiss whenever he’s annoyed and then smile as if nothing happened. Your friends were scared that one day your husband will just explode all the anger he was hiding inside but it’s been years since you started dating him and his patience is off the hook. His voice is always so calm, whoever he was talking to.  

But that is not the Kun you knew in the bedroom. 

Kun is a beast in bed. Probably all his pent-up anger and emotions were released whenever he let go of himself. He would make loud groaning sounds and curse like there was no tomorrow. He would hold you so close that bruises would start appearing on your hips. An image of him that only you can see. A side of your husband that is exclusively for you. And you wouldn't mind crying while shaking in orgasm in his arms. 

"Are you alright, love?" he asked in his gentle voice, pushing the hair out of your sweating face. "Am I too rough again?" You shook your head, rolling on your side. He leaned in to kiss your lips, slipping his tongue inside your mouth as he pulled you closer to his nakedness. 

A giggle escaped your lips as you felt him getting hard once again. "Seriously Kun?" He chuckled at the question. "I can still feel your cum dripping out of me." 

"More reason to do it again." 

—----

You had always hated hospitals. The only time that you go to a hospital is your yearly check-up or when you visit Kun, but you prefer to be in the lobby all the time. It’s actually nauseous to think that you’re lying in a hospital bed after fainting from practice. It’s nothing. You have been feeling really bad since the morning and even if your mom told you to skip musical practice today, you insisted to go. Your doctor husband was beside you, still wearing his white gown, holding your hand tight. “Are you my doctor?” 

Kun smiled while shaking his head, kissing your forehead. “I am your husband.” He sat on the chair beside your bed, brushing the loose hair away from your face. “Did you eat breakfast?” You nodded, moaning weakly. “Why didn’t you call me if you’re feeling bad?” 

“I’m fine. I think I’m just tired.” 

The door opened and in came a female doctor wearing the same gown as him. He introduced her as a family medicine doctor and she gushed at how long she had wanted to meet you because Kun cannot stop talking about you. A chuckle just escape your lips, thanking her for all the compliments she threw at you. “We did a series of tests and I think I’m not the doctor who should check you,” She claimed then handed the tablet to Kun. “She’s yours, Dr. Qian.” 

Wait, what? You cannot be pregnant. But Kun’s face looked surprised as he kept looking at the gadget in his hand. “Congratulations on your baby!” 

Kun stared at you in question and you grew worried. All these years of trying and now, you’re pregnant? “Kun it’s been so long since I last saw Yuta and I don’t…” You tried to reason out, making sense of everything. “The anniversary. That was the last time I slept with someone and that’s you.” 

He sat on the edge of your bed, the other doctor excusing herself after your rants. “I know,” he said in a soft voice. “Can you stay for a while? I want to run more tests to confirm that you’re pregnant.” You nodded and he stood up to exit the room, leaving you in your own thoughts. 

Lightly, you touched your stomach. Is it possible that you are pregnant with Kun’s child? 

You should be ecstatic at the news, excited that the long-awaited child is here. But Kun’s face remained stoic as he put the apparatus for the ultrasound on top of your stomach. He was still gentle, asking you if you feel uncomfortable or if anything hurts, but his voice was in monotone. The appearance of a small white bean-looking image made you nervous. 

Ichika was once like that. 

There’s really a child inside you. 

Kun dropped the apparatus beside you and then held the edge of the bed, head bent down so that you cannot see his expression. Is he mad? You called his name but he only stared at you with a light smile on his face, eyes misty. “I’m sorry, I should be professional but I can’t help it.” He started then hid his face with his hand, sobbing. His other hand held your hand, squeezing tight. “I’ll do my best to protect you and our baby.” His voice choking as he said those words. “I promise I’ll do my best as a dad, Y/N.” 

You sat up from the bed, hugging him. He kept on sobbing on your chest, tears threatening to fall from your eyes as well. “And I promise to do my best to protect our baby, Kun.” 

It was your choice to quit the production of the musical. Kun kept on asking if you were sure but all that's running through your mind is how to keep the baby safe. Your husband is so protective that even if you complain of just a simple headache, he would bring you to the hospital. This was also his reason why instead of him as your obstetrician, he transferred you to his senior doctor. You didn't mind but it was worrying to see your confident husband being a mess because of his future child.

During the fifth month of your pregnancy, you finally decided that it is time to tell Ichika about the news of her new sibling. Although you talk to them all of the time, you never told them about your pregnancy. You don't want Ichika to expect too much when you weren't sure yet if you can keep the baby in your stomach. Kun was the supportive one who actually thought about you giving birth to where your future child’s sister is, reasoning out that he wanted Ichika to be there every step of your pregnancy.

The moment you landed at the airport, he immediately checked if you were feeling different. He kept on asking if he should book an appointment for the obstetrician you’re transferring to and you just laughed at how too protective he is. He volunteered to take the luggage and that he’ll just see you in the waiting area where Ichika and her dads are waiting. 

Your daughter was running when she saw you in the crowd, greeting you with a wide smile on her face. She seemed taller since the last time you saw her but she’s more cheerful. Immediately, you wrapped her in a tight hug muttering how much you missed her. “I’m so happy you’re here, mommy.” She said with a smile, “Where is daddy Kun?” You said that he’s getting the luggage and that he’ll be here. “How about grandma?” 

“She’ll come later.” You claimed just as you waved for Mark. “Daddy and I will stay here for a while.” 

Mark greeted you with a kiss on the cheek, “You look different.” He started, “But a good different though.” Do you? Yuta greeted you as well, asking where your husband is. 

“We were surprised when you said that you’re coming here,” Yuta claimed then waved at Kun. Ichika ran to him and he lightly lift her up. “What’s with the sudden visit?” 

Your husband came beside you, carrying your daughter in his arms. He gave you a knowing look before you started unbuttoning your large jacket and showing your growing bump. You saw how Yuta’s eyes widened and Mark’s lips formed a smile. He shouted an ‘Oh my Gosh’ and your daughter squirmed to get out of Kun’s arms. She stood in front of you, reaching her small hands in front and holding your stomach. “Mommy, you have a baby inside?” 

You nodded, smiling at her. “And your mommy is going to give birth here so you can see your baby brother or sister first.” Kun supplied and the younger girl cheered, shouting that she was going to have a baby sibling that earned looks from the crowd. Yuta had to hush her up and Mark just laughed, congratulating you and Kun. 

“Is Kun the dad?” Yuta asked and you punched his shoulder, blood suddenly boiling at the question. 

You thought the pregnancy is different from when you had Ichika, you didn’t have any morning sickness or any cravings. But what didn't change is the annoyance you have whenever you see Yuta. You love to punch him, even bite him. Mark would always laugh, saying how the two of you used to be like that when you were pregnant with your daughter. Whenever Yuta would pick up Ichika from school and send her to your home address, he had to rush outside before you could see him. Or else he'll end up having another bruise before he could come home. 

Ichika is the most excited person about your pregnancy. The same as Kun, she was super protective that she would always make sure that you take your vitamins and eat your meals. During the ultrasound, she was sitting properly beside Kun and just rubbing your hand in comfort. Her eyes lit up at the image on the screen, your husband pointing the baby's limbs and head. "The baby is a boy." The obstetrician announced and for the second time in your life, you saw Kun tearing up at the news.

“I’m having a baby brother!” Ichika announced once you arrived at Yuta and Mark’s place. The younger immediately gave you a hug, congratulating you. Yuta had to hug you as well then congratulated Kun for what he claimed as the start of the busiest and most stressful moment in his life. Of course, you had to punch Yuta’s shoulder again which only made both your husbands shake their heads.

Your daughter is a frequent visitor in your home, always keeping you company whenever Kun had to be in the hospital. She would always share things about what happened in her school and even sing songs that they learned in class. Ichika would always read stories to her little brother in her animated voice. “You know daddy Mark is like that when I was pregnant with you,” You shared which made the younger girl confused and wide-eyed. “He always read stories for you and you would always kick inside me.” 

“I did?” She asked and you nodded. “Did that hurt? I’m sorry.” A giggle escaped your lips. She’s so cute. “Will the baby hurt you like that also?” 

You hummed in response, nodding at her. “But it means the baby is healthy so mommy is fine.” You explained as she started rubbing your stomach. “Do you want to talk to the baby?” 

“Will he hear me?” You nodded. The younger leaned into your stomach, her warm hand caressing your stomach as she whispered, “Hi baby.” You smiled affectionately, brushing her hair. “I’m excited to see you. Please come out healthy, my baby brother.”  

Her eyes widened seeing a bump appear on your stomach which made her move away from you and stared at you worriedly. “The baby kicked.” You claimed. Ichika stared at your stomach again, “Can you call him again?” 

“Baby brother,” Another kick. “Mommy, the baby kicked again.”

“The baby likes you.” The glistening eyes of your daughter made you smile. Deja vu. Yuta was the same as before. “You know papa also has that expression the first time he saw you kick.” Ichika blinked her tears and you giggled while pinching her chubby cheeks. 

“You are really Yuta and Mark’s daughter.”   

—-----

The moment you gave birth, Ichika backed out from staying inside the emergency room because of the sight of too much blood so it was Mark who came inside with you and Kun. It was another different experience. You were holding Kun’s hands as Mark kept on telling you that you were doing a great job with your breathing and pushing the baby out. When the baby started crying, Kun told Mark to hold the baby first. “I held Ichika first and I felt bad that time.” You giggled at his reasoning. 

But it was Mark who whispered that you were so lucky in marrying Kun when he held the young boy in his arms and he started tearing up. You only nodded watching your baby boy calm down in his father’s arms. “Thank you for being healthy, Theo.” Kun glanced at you then leaned in to kiss your forehead. “I love you, Y/N.”, he whispered. “Thank you for keeping our miracle safe.” 

Theo. God-given. It was Ichika who saw the name in the book and suggested it to Kun. Your little miracle. 

Ichika’s eyes didn't leave her younger brother when he was brought inside the room for breastfeeding. She was just seated in front of you, looking intently at the smaller boy. “Do you want to hold him?” The younger girl looked surprised then stared at Kun sitting beside her asking if she can do that. Your husband nodded, laughing at her innocent question. 

You kneeled on the bed, gently placing the baby in Ichika’s arms. “What if I break him?” You giggled while shaking your head. The baby started crying and she panicked, eyes darting to you and the baby in his arms.  

Kun suggested calling his name and Ichika followed, whispering “Theo, don’t cry.” The cries become softer so she continued, “Noona is going to protect you, my baby brother.” Then he stopped crying making your daughter smile widely. “He stopped crying.” 

“Theo likes you,” Kun exclaimed and she smiled widely, lightly rocking her little brother to sleep. 

—---

“Mommy!” Ichika called running to where you are, “Papa!” Since Kun is needed in the hospital as a guest speaker, you came with Yuta to pick Ichika up for school. It’s so boring at home although your days are always filled with Theo’s crying. Besides, you promised your daughter that you’ll bring her brother to her school one day. “Theo!” she called cooing at the younger boy inside the stroller. 

The little boy started smiling at his sister, making you smile. You hoped they could get closer like this even if they’re grown up. “Can I show Theo to my classmates?”   

“But make sure that we can still see you,” Yuta claimed and she nodded, leaving her backpack to her father and started pushing the stroller to where her friends are. “She wouldn’t stop talking about how cute her brother is.” He complained and you only chuckled at that. 

From afar you can see how her classmates were huddling in the stroller and Ichika kept on saying, “This is Theo, my younger brother. Isn’t he the cutest?” 

A sigh escaped your lips that made the guy beside you lightly nudge your shoulder, “What’s wrong? You’re thinking deeply.” 

“Well, Kun and I had to go back to New York with Theo. I’m just worried about how Ichika will take it.” You confessed then crossed your arms on your chest, letting out a heavy sigh once again. “Should Theo and I just stay here for Ichika?” 

“And leave Kun alone in New York?” Yuta asked which made you nod. “Your work is also in New York.” Again, you nodded. You just took a leave because you gave birth but the production had already contracted you for the next musical.  

Yuta laughed lightly, “This is supposed to be a surprise but Mark and I had been considering moving to New York.” You had to stare at him in surprise. They’re moving to New York? “Ichika already seemed a New Yorker and it’s closer to Canada, Mark can go visit his family anytime.” He reasoned out, “There are also more flights to other parts of the globe so business is easy.” 

“Are you sure?” 

He nodded, smiling. “When Mark tells you about this, pretend that you’re surprised. He’ll get mad at me for spoiling the surprise.” 

“Yuta,” He hummed as an answer. “I love you.” 

Yuta stared at you with a smile. That lovely smile that always makes you swoon. “I know, Y/N. Don’t overreact.” You punched his shoulder once again making him laugh. “I love you too. So stop punching me, I swear my bruises cannot heal because you’re too violent.” 

You laughed and he rubbed the top of your head, “Call your children, let’s go home.” 

—---

With the last note resonating through the air, I bowed to the applause of the audience. Standing up, I saw how they were all cheering and clapping their hands while standing up. A perfect ballet performance. A dream happening before me. 

I glanced at the people who became my source of inspiration. The people who made everything possible. 

Mommy. Papa. Daddy Mark. Daddy Kun. Theo.

“You were so cool, noona!” My younger brother claimed as he handed me a bouquet of pink roses. “You are better than mommy.” 

Our mom glared at the younger boy which made me laugh. Daddy Mark handed me another bouquet of sunflowers, “You look so pretty on stage, princess. I bet a lot of guys would fight for you.” 

I chuckled before taking the bouquet of carnations from Daddy Kun, “But don’t get a boyfriend yet. You’re still young.” 

“I’m going to shave all your hair if you get a boyfriend without our permission,” Papa claimed while taking the bouquets from my hand which made me laugh. Where did they get all these ideas? 

Mom had to slap Papa’s shoulder which made me and Theo laugh. She held my cheeks, smiling widely. “Don’t listen to them and just enjoy, baby.” From my peripheral vision, I saw how daddy Mark nodded at that. “You are the prettiest.” 

“That’s unfair, I look like you.” She laughed and I beamed at her. 

The person I always look up to. The person I wanted to be ever since I was young. “I’m very proud of you, my daughter.” Tears spring from my eyes at her words. It feels touching hearing those words from someone that you always adored. Theo had to whine, telling me to stop crying because it will make me ugly so I hugged him tight making the four adults laugh at the two of us. 

“Miss Ichika Nakamoto,” a photographer called and they gave me space to talk to him. “Can I take your photo for the local paper?” I nodded, quickly facing my mom to ask if I still look alright and she nodded, assuring that I’m still the prettiest.   

Once done with the photos, I noticed his polaroid camera. It would be good to have a picture of the six of us. “Can you take a polaroid picture of my family?” I asked and he nodded. Immediately, I ask them to stand beside me so we can take a family photo. The photographer looked surprised, telling me that I should pose with my mom and dad first but I shook my head. “There are six of us in the family. Thank you for taking a picture of us.” 

The paper looked so small in my hands, the first complete family picture that we have. A surrogacy baby and a miracle baby together with their three dads and one mom. 

Our inconvenient yet perfect family.

[utterlyhopeful-fics]

Love on the Line - Part 6

A/N: It’s finally here!!!

MASTERLIST      P1         P2           P3          P4          P5

Henry Cavill x Reader

If I keep tagging you and you’re not interested or want to be tagged; please let know!

Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: heartache, language, angst, a pinch of lovey dovey fluff, cliffhanger 

*****************************

“Ohhh myy god…it’s official. This is the best burger of my life, hands down.”

What could easily be perceived as orgasmic music delightfully made its way to his ears. Seb chuckled studying the beautiful girl across from him admiring her combination of burger grease, ketchup, and mustard staining her chin. Y/N was too lost in the delicious meal to notice Seb gleefully watching her. In an instant his hand wiped away the condiment catching Y/N by surprise. She smiled bashfully blushing.

“Told you I knew a place.”

She sighed genuinely happy in them moment; “I could die a happy girl tomorrow because of this sweet, juicy perfection of a burger. All thanks to you.”

“What can I say? I have good taste.”

“And how did you run across this wonderous joint? Kinda feels off the beaten path.”

“Well, when you fly as much as me you learn to ask around. I never trust the internet when it comes to what I put in my body. I like to know what and where the locals scavenge for a tasty meal.”

“You continue to surprise me …I admire your style, Seb. Original, classy, and you no doubt just about charm the pants off any person who walks your way.”

“Is it working now?” He flashed his most flirtatious smile devouring another sweet potato fry.

Quick on her feet, she shot back with wit and attitude; “Should it be?”

“I gotta say Y/N, I’ve never been happier to wake someone up on a plane until I met you.”

“Damn, you’re suave, Seb. Fucking suave.”

Her eyes bulged from their sockets at her crude choice of words; “Shit, I’m sorry. Ah, fuck.”

His laugh flew through the air like wind on a crisp fall evening; her cheeks flushed.

“I’m not usually such a sailor. Guess you bring out the best in me.”

“I don’t mind a bit. In fact, I kinda like that I fluster you if I’m being honest.”

“So smooth. Are you sure you’re not from LA?  I get the sense that’s a requirement in these parts?”

He shook his head in stark disagreement; “Nope, sorry to disappoint you. Just a common foreigner.”

“And a handsome one at that.”

Shocked at her boldness, Y/N stared down at the remnants of food moving her fries as a distraction from his adorable gaze.

“I haven’t felt this at ease in …well I can’t remember. It’s nice.”

“Couldn’t agree more. I never actually asked what brings you here?”

Seb nervously scratched the back of his head; “Uh, work. Like I said, I travel pretty frequently. Hollywood is a hub of sorts for me. What brings you here?”

“Okay, okay, I’ll take the hint and pry later. Well, I’m a writer and some big exec wants to discuss the rights to my book series. So, yeah.”

“Y/N, that’s amazing! Are you secretly a super hero, part of the Avengers maybe?”

“Hahah, flattery will certainly get you far. No doubts there.”

“You’re too kind, Y/N. I’m definitely far from perfect.”

“Good. Perfection is overrated. Flaws are attractively imperfect. I mean at the end of the day we’re only human.”

“Consider me intrigued. I’ve gotta stop by a bookstore and check you out now!”

“Oh, hush! If you must know, I try to keep a low profile. So, uh, how long are you here for?”

“A couple days. I’ve got a bit of free time after my meeting tomorrow and thinking of hitting some trails while I’m here. Don’t get me wrong, LA is cool and all, but kinda suffocating. I try and maintain my distance if possible.”

“Oh, you’re preaching to the choir. The hustle and bustle of London is the literal definition of overwhelming. Countryside getaways were my one true savior. Sometimes London feels like an overpacked sardine can just waiting to explode.”

“So why did you stay?”

Y/N bit her lip trying to keep quiet. She hadn’t once though of Henry since meeting Seb. The lump in her throat appeared by just the mere mention of her subconscious. A part of her wasn’t ready to reveal the ache left beneath her exterior.

“Friends and family. What else ties a person to one place?”

“Love? A relationship?”

His coyness was flattering. She gave into his curiosity.  

“Are you asking if I’m single?” Her feigned expression was enough to send him into a fit of harmonious laughter.

“Maybe, maybe not. Depends on your answer, I guess. Part of me believes you’re too good to be true which usually means taken.”

“HA, no. Relationships and I are not on speaking terms at the moment.”

“Ah, sounds like heartbreak hotel is just around the corner….”

“I recently got out of a long-term relationship. So, to answer your question; Yes, I’m single and so not ready to mingle.”

“Are you assuming I’m hitting on you?” His shocked appearance made her question their entire encounter and if she’d been reading the signs wrong all along.

“Well, good thing I’m only here for the coffee and platonic company, hm?”

Seb raised his mug in salute as her stress magically melted away; “Break-ups suck. But allow for a real opportunity to see who you really are. Pain can be a bitter reminder of sadness and strength.”

“Wow, philosophizing so soon into our newly found friendship? A man after my own heart!”

Y/N playfully placed her hand over her heart, smiling for particular reason.

“How about if you’re interested and only 100% positive you aren’t sick of my company; we do dinner or even drinks? Whichever the lady chooses.”

Seb motioned in jest. Y/N tried to remember the last time she’d felt so carefree unable to pin down an exact memory. For far to long Y/N trapped herself in a fog allowing Henry to rule over her even when he wasn’t physically there. It had to stop, she had to quit placing him on a pedestal if she had any luck of moving on from their failed love affair. One torturous long minute passed as Seb’s nerved ramped up.

“Shit, I’m that weird dude, now. Forget I asked and let’s chalk it up to an amazing afternoon as strangers who leave this diner and head back to our own separate lives without consequence?”

Again, Y/N was speechless contemplating what she truly wanted to do next.

“First things first, stop blubbering, you seriously are ungodly handsome. And on second note, our chance meeting was unexpected but kinda sorta awesome. I’d love to see you again. I can’t recall the last time I’ve felt so free…and don’t even get me started on the belly aches due to your comedic skills.”

“Damn, a woman that speaks her mind. Are you sure you’re not in politics?”

“Nope, never, no thank you. Sooo, it’s a date?”

Seb furrowed his eyebrow in pleasant surprise; “You said it, not me.”

Y/N rolled her eyes; “Yeah, yeah. What do the kids say nowadays…. YOLO?”

“Yes, and please never say that again.”

A napkin holder was placed strategically resting against the window sill. Seb signaled to their middle-aged waitress; “Pardon me, do you have a pen handy?”

“Course, darling. Anything for ya.” She winked dropping the pen on the edge of the checkered table leaving them to privacy. He scribbled his number on the grainy piece of paper and slid it her way.

“I’ll leave the ball in your court and pass the privilege of reaching out to confirm details.”

“Wow, and they say chivalry is dead? Obviously not in Romania.”

“What fine establishment do they have you shacking up in?”

“Chateau Marmont. Long story short, my publisher fully embraces and understands my introverted nature and love of historical hotels. Call me an oddball.”

“Oddball.”

They snickered like school children slowly understanding their time was coming to a close. A power, a force of sorts gravitated Y/N towards him. He felt the same way.

“I happen to think women who especially history buffs are so incredibly magnificent. I haven’t met many as beautiful as you.

Their flirtation skyrocketed like flicks of fire firing between them.

“Knowledge is like your super power…. also, intelligent women are a complete turn on.”

She swatted his arm smiling like a kid in a candy shop.

“Come on, let’s get outta here. I’ll drop you off.”

He offered his hand helping Y/N to her feet. She lingered a second too long. With Seb a couple steps behind her, she missed the clinch of his fists and Seb’s reddened cheeks.

---The Next Day---

No luxury was forgotten as Y/N observed her decadent hotel room, but no matter how comfortable the memory foam or high thread count sheets, Y/N tossed restlessly the whole night. Her anxieties attacking her mind at every possible angle. Worry engulfed her clutching on her own insecurities. Her fear? 

That she’d walk into David Fincher’s office and leave very humiliated and very far from home. Henry’s ghost loitered just out of reach. A ghost can be many a thing; a memory, a daydream, a secret, but most times, a wish. Old or new. But that was the past, memories she must let go of.

Y/N stared at the ceiling wishing her bed to open up and swallow her whole finally dozing off to her temporary dreamland. But sunlight painted the walls like a colorful painting. She stretched and moaned at the sensations of her waking bones.

Making her way to the bathroom, Y/N’s phone chimed forcing her to circle back towards the obnoxious device.

Seb: Buna dimineata prietene! (Good Morning, friend)

Y/N: Romanian? So early in the morning. How dare you sir?

Blinking dots ran across the screen as Y/N waited impatiently for his witty response.

Seb: Never too early for greatness. As they say in the theater, break a leg! But not an actual leg because I might be looking forward to our date. Okay, good luck with the meeting!

Y/N: Thanks for the good juju. Same to you! Call you later.

She unconsciously rubbed at the tender swell in her chest, the fluttering in her belly kicking wildly. Butterflies. It’d been ages since she’d been this excited and it surprised Y/N. Maybe she was ready for something more…Y/N shook her head ridding herself of such silly thoughts. She knew better than to rush full steam ahead.

    ---Later that day---

The fourteenth floor was decorated to architectural perfection. Every space had its purpose and the décor elegantly stylish.  There she stood in the presence of cinematic greatness! As Y/N was about to pinch herself, she heard an echo of a name. Looking up, she searched for the unknown voice before landing on an enthusiastic figure waving her direction.

“Y/N! So nice to finally see you in person. I’m Meg.”

“Meg, so glad to put a face to a name. Thank you for having me.”

Both women walked down a hallway lined of glass walls smiling at those who looked up.

“David has talked nonstop about your series. So much so that I ended up devouring your books in three days. You’re freaking brilliant!”

“You really think so? I worked my ass off to get it through any publishing house. I was on the verge of chucking my ideas in the trash and getting an actual job that paid real money if it wasn’t for a last-ditch effort.”

“I’ve blocked off a thirty-minute window before his next meeting begins. He’s booked back-to-back today but by no means feel rushed. He hates when I push him. Don’t tell him I said that.”

Her head bobbed nonchalantly taking notice of the stunning scenery from the 17th level.

“Alright, here goes nothing.”

“Best of luck, Y/N.”

Meg knocked; “Come in!”

“David, this is Y/N.”

“Thanks, Meg. Close the door behind ya, we’ve got loads to discuss.”

David extended his hand towards Y/N’s shaking firmly. Y/N reminded herself to breath and to quickly find her manners.

She stuttered trying to remember common speech causing David to laugh aloud.

“Ms. Y/N, you okay?”

“Yyess—just a tad shell shocked. I mean, I can’t believe I’m standing in a room with the David Fincher. Unbelievable, really. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”

“I should be the one thanking you. You wrote one hell of a series that I trust can be transferred stunningly over to the silver screen where it can be fully appreciated. I’ve never seen someone mold together so many genres with such ease yet adding a layer of complexity. You, young lady, kept me guessing every twist and turn. That doesn’t happen too often if you catch my drift.”

“I-I, it’s just nice all those late-night writing sessions and waiting tables paid off. I’ll have you know I was on the verge of giving it all up and going back to school.”

“So, let’s get down to details. My team and I have come up with an offer that is totally open for negotiations.”

David slid a piece of paper into view. Y/N stared at the parchment gob smacked. Her jaw fell open at the written proposal.

“Holy shit.” Her eyes snapped up at her vulgar language; “Shit! I don’t mean to be impolite.”

“Ha, it’s a bit flabbergasting upon first glance but I promise you I want to do everything in my power to make this work for both parties.”

“Am I…am I reading this correctly?”

“Indeed, $10 million for the first two films, advancing to an additional $13, $15, $17 million for the last three. Of course, aiding us in the writer’s room to make sure we bring your story to live through your eyes. This will undoubtfully increase book sales across the board, I’d say upwards of $60 million if all goes accordingly. Also, I didn’t forget about making you an executive producer.”

“You’re kidding me, riight? Am I dreaming?”

“You’re gonna be a big deal once the tabloids get their sticky fingers on this. I mean this is going to skyrocket you to the likes of Stephenie Meyer and Suzanne Collins status. I mean, I had to outbid Peter Jackson just for a chance at directing this masterpiece. Darling, you’re all Hollywood can talk about right now.”

“Wow, I’m, uh, seriously grateful. I guess I’ve been shacking up in London far too long. I don’t really read celeb gossip so needless to say I’ve been in my own bubble.”

“A huge thank you goes out to Henry Cavill for pitching the initial idea. He helped get the recognition you deserve. Nice fellow, that one.”

Momentary shock came over her face, mouth still agape; “He—Henry had a hand in this?”

“Most certainly. He was the one who brought it to my attention. Of course, he mentioned the desire to work with me was motivation enough, but genuinely, he seemed passionate about the project.”

“I-I had no idea.” Switching gears as fast as possible Y/N trotted forth; “So realistically, when can we get the ball rolling?”

“Once the proper documents are signed and stamped, we’re good to go. If negotiations aren’t necessary, I’d say within the next month or so we can start casting calls, booking air fare, figuring out destination shoots, getting a manuscript going. It comes together faster than people think. How about this; you mull it over, call whoever you need, and get back at me in the next couple of days. Sound good?”

“Sounds more than good! I think I’ll be forever be in your debt, Mr. Fincher.”

“Please, call me David. We have a long road ahead of us that has truly stoked a fire in me, all thanks to you.”

Her nerves triumphed pushing Henry to the back of her mind. Y/N had bigger fish to fry.

“May I be frank with you, David?”

“By all means.”

“As you probably know Henry’s my ex-fiancée. Is it true you’re possibly considering him for the lead role?”

David looked around quizzically composing himself.

“I figured we’d have to address the elephant in the office. Yes, I was aware and I didn’t consider him to be malicious. He’s a genius actor and I figured it was worth a chat. But if you’re worried about anything, just say the word.”

“No, no. I wouldn’t want to jeopardize his successes. I agree, he’s an untapped actor full of surprising talent. I’ll be okay.”

“You promise?”

“Yep.”

“Great! Rest assured he isn’t even in the country. Believe he’s still galivanting about London.”

Silently pleading to change the subject, Y/N snapped out of it as quickly as she flew in to.

“This is a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to working with you and bringing my story to life.”

The squeaky hinge of the door alerted her to Meg’s foreboding presence. Taking a cue, Y/N stood up shaking David’s hand beaming like a child on Christmas Eve.

“I’ll be in touch, Y/N. Until then, enjoy your stay. Venture out. You’ll find LA isn’t all plastic and bullshit.”

“Oh, thank god. For a second I was getting nervous.”

“Haha! Meg, next appointment here?”

“Yes, he’s right around the cor--.”

“Y/N?”

She searched for the familiar voice unable to pin it down.

“Seb!? Wha...what are you doing here? I thought you had that big meeting today?”

“Uh, I do. That’s why I’m here.”

Sebastian nervously scratched his neck. Bewildered and thoroughly confused Y/N pushed on; “Wait a minute…. Are you an ...?”

“Actor, yes.”

“Whoa, whoa whoa. Wait.”

“Holy shit. You’re Shirley Lovecraft. Catchy pseudo name. So, you’re the brains behind this witty madness. What an interesting turn of events if I do say so myself, a happy one.”

“Agreed. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. Kinda embarrassing.”

“Don’t. A perfect afternoon with someone who wasn’t using me for fame or money? Did I mention you look breathtaking today?”

Her cheeks fumed with heat stirring her butterflies back to life. Seb’s hand stilled on her waist unwilling to let go as they continued gazing at the other.

“Earth to Seb?

Seb broke eye contact first glancing over at David. Y/N was too busy memorizing the glimmer of his cobalt blue eyes.

“Yes, ah! So rude of me. Hello there, so great of you to squeeze me in. I appreciate it.”

He directed his attention towards Y/N once more leaning close to the shell of her ear; “Still on for drinks later?”

“Definitely.”

His wink sparked a jolt to her core leaving her weak in the knees. Somehow, some way, Y/N mustered enough confidence to walk without tripping. She glowed the whole walk to the elevator. Y/N pressed the button too lost in thought to hear the quiet ding of arrival strolling straight into a hard chest. Enormous hands grasped her shoulders; “Oh! Apologies Ms.”

“No, it’s my fault. I wasn’t paying atten—oh shit.”

Only one particularly charming British accent that could send a chill down her spine, one very distinguishable voice indeed. 

“Y/N?”

Time froze icily still.

“What the fuck? Henry??”

~~~~~~~~~~

Tags:  @thedeadhearted @giveusbackourbucky @henry-cavill-obsessed  @onlyhenrys @omgkatinka @thereisa8ella @threeminutesoflife @homewreckingwreck @gemini0410 @maan14@bluegalaxyprime @sofiebstar @whyyykitkat @encounterthepast  @readermia @ly-canthropewrites @scorpionchild81 @henrythickcavill @snowbellexx @stephartrave @agniavateira  @cap-barnes @henryfanfics101  @mary-ann84 @westcoast-nightowl @poledancingdinos  @justaboringadult @peakygroupie  @nalathefirefly @vikingsbifrost @bloodyinspiredfuck @moderapoppins @cooldiva1234 @icedcoffeeismythang @titty-teetee @summersong69 @kaatelyyynn @missursulacalmet @michelehansel @iloveyouyen @shyshu @star017 @raynosaurus-rex @radkesgirl83 @starrynite7114  @wheretheriversrunintothesea @i-love-scott-mccall  @darkbooksarwin @ellieseymour70 @designerwriterchic @studywithrosie01 @dangerouslovefanfic @lebguardians @crazybutconfidentaf @hen-cavill  @cavill-sass @oh-for-fic-sake @icedbottles @buckysgoldenheart @brexrif @gryffindorwriter @laketaj24 @foxyjwls007 @lawsofthejungle @henrycavillfanpage @kaboogie21 @fangirl199812 @gothicninibalor @qualitynightkoala @strictlybuckybarnes @toomanyfandomsshreya @hersilencescreams-blog​ @viking-raider​ @sesamepancakes​  @madbaddic7ed​ @fuckoffbard​ @funfickgirl22​ @inlovewithhisblueeyes​ @wolvesandhoundshowltogether​ @hoeforhenry​ @henrycavills-babe​ @abschaffer2​ @loving-this​ @one-of-those-fanfiction-blogs​ @lovelycavills​ @beck07990​ @bokillylovesloki​ @michelehansel​

[tinyboxxtink]

"Black Magic" *Part 3*

Alright y'all this took me ALL day to write [the entire rest of the story] and it took me an hour and a half to just edit this chapter. So I HOPE you like it. I had to find a breaking point it was getting too long, but the next chapter is coming like...maybe 30 minutes.

EEK!!!

Part 4

Part 2

Tag List

@wanniiieeee

@word-scribbless

@milkshqke

@gibbs274

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@aprildecker-blog

@lolliepopsicle

@stars-in-the-skies-world

@omgsuperstarg

@stars-trash-18

@objection-argumentative

@madamsnape921

-------

After saying goodbye to Maria and the kids Rafael took your hand and you both got in another Uber he had called.

“So where to now?” You asked.

“Well we're going to need somewhere to get this food,” he smiled. “So I'm taking you to my favorite place in the city,”

Soon enough the Uber pulled up in front of Central park. We both got out and walked to the front entrance.

“Central Park is your favorite place in the city?” You asked. “Kind of basic but okay,” you teased.

“Shut up,” he laughed, punching you in the arm playfully. “Wait until you see what part of Central Park.” He took your hand and you walked for a bit until you came across a fountain.

“I mean it's gorgeous but still kind of basic,” you teased some more.

“This is where we're eating lunch carino,” he told you. “The surprise comes after,”

You set up camp on the edge of the fountain and spread out the food. It was enough for a feast. Luckily Maria had included napkins, plates , silverware and sneakily enough she snuck in an old blanket that you could spread out.

“Oh my god.. this is so good,” You said in between mouthfuls of food.

“I told you,” he laughed through a mouthful of his own food.

“No like you don't understand. I've never had food this good,” You insisted.

“Oh no? The fancy lunches from work, not your style?” He smirked.

You stopped eating for a second. Had he really noticed that you took home whatever food the bigwigs never finished? It was kind of a detail that you never had guessed that he would even pay attention to.

“I have no idea what you're talking about,” You innocently replied.

“Sureee…” Rafael nodded with a smile.

“I'm sorry, please don't fire me,” You begged.

“Fire you? I think it's adorable. Trust me I would do the same thing back in my law school days when I had nothing,” He patted your shoulder.

“God do I hear that,” You agreed.

“Wait so you have nothing?” Rafael asked, concerned.

“What? No! Kind of…..I have enough.” You assured him.” It's not like I'm homeless or anything.” Oh my God this is getting worse. “I just mean like, back when I was in college I had even less than I have now.”

“Oh you went to college?” Rafael asked.

“Wow okay counselor I see where the snobbishness is coming back,” You acted offended. And you actually kind of were.

"Oh no no no, mi amor,” He put a hand on your knee, scared he had offended you. “Please don't think that I would ever think down of you. I think you are the most beautiful, smartest caring person in the world.”

He didn't even know you. That was definitely the spell. You sadly shrugged” it's fine,”

“No no what I meant.. I don't know I don't know what I meant,” He shook his head, blushing.

“Yeah you do it's fine you can say it Rafael I'm not going to get offended,” You assured him.

“I just meant... I don't know, or don't understand why somebody with a college degree would be temping, instead of using their degree for a job in their field. I seriously doubt you went to college for temping,”

“Well I don't know if you remember this since it was eons ago before you had money but living in New York is quite expensive.” You half laughed. "And when you have student loans to pay you kind of have to take what you can get even if it's not in your ‘field’,”

“I get it,” He nodded. “I totally get where you're coming from. I'm so sorry I offended you,”

“You know before today I would have stomped off and written you off as just the snob pompous asshole that I thought you were. But after seeing where you came from I know you really mean that,” You smiled.

“So…” he hoped to change the subject. “What exactly is your degree in? Something law related I assume?”

“Why do you assume that?”

“Well.. usually the people that apply to be my intern are only interested in kissing my ass and getting ahead in the lawyer corporate world. But you haven't done that.. Yet,” He raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

“Oh.. yeah.”. you look down at the ground nervously.

“What are you going to kiss my ass now? Because I'll gladly let you do it,” He smiled cheekily.

“No no!” You waved your hands. “I mean that would be nice but--I mean no, what?” You were flustered.

“You're adorable when you're flustered,” He rubbed your bright red cheeks.

“Haha,” you pushed a hair behind your ear. You thought to yourself “Well he's not going to remember any of this anyway so you might as well tell him the truth,”

“Truth is.. I may or may not have manipulated the system to beat out those other snobby law students to get this job,” You admitted, still looking down.

“Really…?” He looked at you suspiciously. “...And why’s that?

“...Because I saw your picture on the file and I thought you were gorgeous and I wanted to see that face everyday,” You blushed intensely, still looking at the ground, not able to tell him in his face..

There was a very long pause and then he put a hand on yours. You slowly looked up at him and he was smiling cutely.

“That is the most adorable thing I've ever heard in my life,” He grinned.

“Really? You think so?” Well obviously he thought so he was programmed to think whatever you did for the adorable duh.

“Yeah I don't think I've ever had a woman try that hard to get my attention. Or want to see me that much, or even think that highly of me,” He grinned.

“I mean it's not really thinking highly of you, just that you’re really attractive,” You laughed.

“Right, of course,” He was blushing even more.

“And that was even before I saw your butt!” You laughed without thinking.. But he really did have the best ass you've ever seen in your entire life. Everyday you walked into that office you just wanted to take a bite of it.

Rafael choked on his food. “I um…” His face was red hot now.. “Thank you?”

“Anyway…” He tried to steer the conversation away from his butt. “You avoided the question,”

“What question?” You asked. Completely in all honestly forgetting what you were talking about. Once you got lost in Rafael's ass your mind kind of went blank completely.

“What iis your degree in?”

“It's embarrassing,” You looked at the ground.

“What? It can't be that bad,” He shook his head.

“Well I say it's embarrassing to someone like you,” You half laughed.

“Someone like me?” He looked offended. “What iis that supposed to mean?”

“I mean I don't.. I mean the person that I thought you were before today,” You grabbed his hand.

“Well you seem to have really disliked me before today,” he nodded curiously. “It's like you don't know me at all.”

“What? Of course I know you.” You assured him. "I love you, remember? And you love me?”

“Yeah.. I do, but I don't know anything about you,” He looked away as if he was trying to figure out an equation.

Oh shit. What's happening? Was this supposed to happen? Wasn't wearing off? Oh God.

“It's a theater degree!” you blurted out, trying to change the subject. Maybe it would work. If you distracted him maybe this would take over again.

He turned his head to the side and stared off blankly, as if he was rebooting. Then he looked up and smiled at you. “A theater degree? That sounds exciting!” He was back to his “usual self''..

You let out a sigh of relief. However, you wondered if you had gotten him out of the spell, would he have freaked out? Would he have accepted it? Would he maybe start having real feelings for you? Well, it was too late now.

“Does it really though?” You rolled your eyes.

“It really does. I don't know if you would believe this, but I'm kind of a theater nerd myself,” He chuckled.

“No way. You? Nahh,” You blew a raspberry.

“Seriously! I had a bit of a theater bug when I was younger in fact. I wanted to be a big Broadway star” He admitted.

You couldn't believe what you were hearing. Raphael Barba the stuffy ADA of New York City as a big Broadway star? Yeah right!

“That's insane! You laughed. So why did you give it up?”

“Well.. as you know, being on Broadway isn't a great way to make money. It's more of a passion thing right?”

“So true,” You nodded as you were eating your empanada dessert.

“So.. I took a hard look at where I lived, and how hard my mom and abuelita were struggling and I vowed that I would get out of El Barrio. And make something of myself and be able to take care of them when I was an adult the way that I couldn't when I was a kid,”

You felt tears choking your throat once again for the millionth time that day. But this time it wasn't for you. It was for him. You really hadn't known any of this, to you he was just a pretty face. You actually had a lot in common.

“That is so sweet.” You pushed the trash between you away and moved up closer, pulling his hands into your lap and looking at him endearingly.

“Yeah?” He asked you with a half smile like a kid looking for approval.

“Yeah it really is. You gave up your passion for your family. I wish I was as selfless as that,” You said softly.

“What do you mean?”

What did you mean indeed? Did you really want to get into the story? Then once again you reminded yourself that he would have no idea no recollection of this after today, so you felt comfortable telling him your secret.

“Well….. You.... I came from nothing too. But all I could think of was getting out myself and never looking back,” You admitted in shame.

“Oh?” He looked at you curiously.

“Yeah, I was really passionate about theater and becoming a big Broadway star. With all the fame, and the money, and getting away from my small town in Jersey. So I threw myself into every activity, every theater, every play, every community theater, every performance, anything I can get my hands on. My parents were super supportive and never thought anything bad of me, even though they probably should have. They wanted me to have the world. And I took that for granted,” You began to get choked up.

“Why do you say that…?” He took your hand and squeezed it feeling like something bad was coming.

“They saved up their entire married lives to give me a college fund. I wasn't aware of it, but when I got accepted to NYU School of acting, they told me that they had enough saved for the first two years,” You continued, trying to breathe.

“Well that's good isn't it?”

“Yeah no totally, except I wasn't grateful,” You look down tears stinging your eyes thinking about how selfish you are as a kid. All I could think about and yell at them was how they didn't have enough for the full four years. How was I supposed to be a big Broadway star if I was still trying to pay student loans?”

“Oh Y/N…”.

“Yeah and that's not even the worst part,” Tears started stinging your eyes. You were lucky he was under some spell because he would definitely hate you after this under normal circumstances.

“Go on, I'm not here to judge you,” He pressed his forehead against yours. He realized how hard the story was taking its toll on you.

“One day it was my big end of semester performance and it was snowing. So my parents said that they weren't going to be able to make it. I screamed at them and told them that this was the biggest night of my life, and they couldn't be bothered to show up and what horrible parents they were and that they never cared about me and a whole huge temper tantrum like a 3 year old.”

You tried holding back sobs you had to make it through this whole thing without breaking down.

“No, honey…” He put a hand on your face.

”And so they tried…” You sniffed. They tried driving on the icy roads of Jersey to drive into the City and they served on black ice in the Jersey tunnel where they hit the wall and were killed instantly.

“Oh my god.. he whispered, “Baby I'm so sorry,” He grabbed you in a hug as you broke down. You just sat there for a minute letting him hold you while you sobbed into his shoulder.

“I just told them what shitty parents they were!” You sobbed muffled into his shirt. "And I killed them!”

“Hey,” he pulled your face from his shirt and looked you in the eyes. “No no you didn't do anything,”

“Yes I did! If I hadn't been such a brat and told them and guilted them into coming to see my stupid show then they'd still be alive!” you kept sobbing.

“No,” he took your head in his hands. “Look I didn't know you back then but I'm sure that your parents loved you and I'm sure that you loved them. That's why you wanted them there so bad. And sometimes it's just people's time. You didn't do anything wrong. Do you understand me?”

“Yeah.. I guess so,” you looked down. “I mean I was punished enough for it”.

“What does that mean?”

“Well I mean, obviously I was distraught from my parents dying. And that semester was the last one that was paid for. So kind of lied to you,” You paused to look at him apologetically.

“I had to drop out one year after that because I could only get student loans for that next year. And you had to have a certain GPA to get them to keep paying for the last year and I most certainly did not have that,”

“Oh...carino, I'm so sorry”

“Then me being me the arrogant bitch that I am, I thought well maybe I don't need a degree. Tons of actors don't have degrees. They can just make it on their own. So I just started throwing myself into auditions for about a year and a half, and I ended up living on the streets because I refused to take any kind of job. Telling myself that I was going to get my big break and be famous,”

“Oh my God”

“I know, right?” You laughed through tears. “I'm so stupid,”

“Hey you are not stupid,” Rafael grabbed your hands again.

“Yeah well, the first temp agency that I applied to had the first job as a personal assistant to a fancy lawyer. So maybe I'm not that stupid,” you smiled.

“Ah.. see? Happy ending. Maybe you went through all that to find me,”

“Yeah.. maybe,” You sadly smiled at him.

Although you knew deep down in your heart that was bullshit, because you really didn't have him. All you did was take another shortcut and be selfish and tried to take him for yourself instantly without any of the work. You were still a selfish bitch. And he didn't know that

“You know...if it makes you feel any better, you are lucky to have such loving parents,”

“What do you mean? Didn't you say you gave up your dream to take care of them?” You assumed that must have meant they were super close.

“Yeah well, for my mom and abuela..”.

You suddenly realized he hadn't mentioned a father.

"Oh? I'm.... No dad?”

“No, no dad.” He shook his head sadly. “I wasn't completely honest with you earlier YN,”

“What do you mean?” You took his hand, already knowing this wasn't going to be good.

“I was forced to give up my dream,” he replied sadly while staring at the ground.

“What?”

“When I was a kid I would watch musicals at my abuelitas house. It was the only place I was….safe,” He continued.

“Oh God.” You muttered.

“I would dance and sing all over her house. She was the only person in my life who ever supported that side of me,” he continued to stare at the ground.

“When my dad came to pick me up one day and he saw what I was doing…. “ He stopped again, you realized he was trying not to cry.

“Rafa…..”

“He tried to "beat the gay out of me.",” You saw tears dripping on the pavement.

You silently gasped.

"Not that I'm gay,' he quickly assured you.

"That was literally the last thing on my mind baby," you shook your head, tears coming to your own eyes as you pulled him into a hug. He collapsed into tears as you rubbed the back of his neck and whispered comforting words into his ear.

Finally he composed himself enough to finish his story.

“Anyway, he uh...he didn't just beat me for that. It was anything really. But I kept at it at my abuelas. She encouraged me even if she couldn't stand up to my dad. I can't blame her or my mother. When my mom caught me still pursuing it she told me to stop if I wanted to keep our dad around saying he wouldn't tolerate a….f word son,"

“Oh my god.” You whispered. You couldn't imagine your parents or any parents really, trying to discourage their kids from anything, and threatening them for being something they were so passionate about.

“Well I guess it didn't matter either way because he ended up taking off anyway. And I felt so guilty that we lost our only income, so my mom had to end up getting two jobs and my abuela moved in to help with bills that then I swore to become better so that I could atone for my sins,” He couldn’t look at you.

“Oh my god. Rafa, sweetie I…. That wasn't your fault., it wasn't your fault at all. He sounds like a grade a asshole,” You made him look at you just as he did when you told your shameful story.

“He was...is. I don't know if he's dead or alive actually. I haven't seen or heard from him since he left. I hate him so much,” he clenched his fists.

“Oh honey,” You pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“No you don't understand. My middle name is Eduardo, named after him. So he's always with me. I have always told people it's Antonio, because I want nothing about me associated with him,” He started to cry again.

After a minute, he looked back up at you very seriously. “I've never told anyone that story.”

“Really? Not even Liv?”

"Not even Liv," He stroked your hair. "I've never felt as close to her as I do with you.” He pulled you into his lap. “The truth is Y/N I have never felt safe since my abuela’s house. Until I met you,”

“Rafa…” You pulled him into a deep kiss, tears dropped down both your faces. “We can be each other’s homes now,”

[the-writing-mobster]

@fransweek The prompt was flirt! Here's an excerpt from my Mafiafell story still in the works.

”The House Painter “excerpt:

Hungover. That was how she felt. She hadn't completely scrubbed away the mascara now staining her face. 

She rubbed her eyes and sighed. She needed a coffee… and there was no way she was going to make it herself. Walking to the little diner at the end of the block would be a nice breath of fresh air. She lived far away from the burlesque theater. No one would recognize her. Hopefully no men would grab her. 

Pulling on a loose, coral, drop waist dress and hiding her dark, unkempt bob with a cap to match, she was out the door. 

She hoped no one would bother her. Not with her stained face and red, puffy cheeks. She couldn't even remember crying herself to sleep, but she was increasingly aware that she must've done just that. It's a fact, Frisky. You're pathetic. 

Frisk left her small, modest apartment. A group of little girls were playing hopscotch on the sidewalk. She smiled, a skip to her step. She remembered hopscotch. The innocent memory lifted her spirits a little. 

The diner bell rang and she hummed along. She felt real in that little diner. No stage makeup. No glittery plastic diamonds covering her exposed body. No rowdy men. No. Here, there was just Annie, Bob, and the old men who liked to tell war stories and proverbs. She liked it at the diner. 

She froze. 

There was a new presence. There was a new person in the diner. No. That wasn't a person. Not in the way she knew it. 

She blinked. Tall, at least six feet and eleven inches. Wide… not fat, but he had a girth to him unseen in human men. Muscular… a black button up rolled up to this man's forearms. Revealing bone. His head was a skull. There was a shadow of something dangerous hanging onto him. 

Frisk shot fervent glances around the diner as she edged herself inside. She couldn't believe it. A monster. An actual monster. 

Now, she had lived in Ebbot for a long time. She may have been an immigrant, but Ebbot had become her city. Her dirty little city filled with all her broken dreams. However, in her long time in Ebbot City, a city known for monsters… she had only ever seen one or two, from far away. Never… never up close and personal.

She was shaking. Was she shaking? Oh God she was shaking. She began to second guess her visit to the diner. Maybe she would go back to her apartment and make herself coffee. Her eyes darted back to the door, then back to the monster. You've come this far… how rude would it be if you just walked in, saw a monster, and walked out? You're better than that.  

Frisk swallowed her resolve and sat far away, in the corner of the bar. She spared a curious look at him from under her thick lashes. She quickly looked away when his red eyelights slid over to meet her gaze. Oh God I hope he didn't see me starin'... 

How long had he been there? 

“Hey! I don't remember lettin' monsters in my diner,” barked the owner, Bob. Frisk startled at the gruff greeting… hardly a greeting. The monster glared across at him. 

“Oh. How silly of me. I didn't see a sign… Thought there were finally some sensible folk… guess I was wrong,” he growled. Frisk glanced at him, then at the window. No sign. No sign barring black people, or monsters. It was a clean window. It was why Frisk liked this diner. 

She glanced back at Bob and she frowned. The man might have been a scary sight but… she began to think of her own experiences. How would she feel if she was treated with disdain because of her work? If people found out… Her soul burst with empathy, a red glow showing through her dress and she shot up. 

“Wait! No, no… no, Bob no. He's right. There wasn't a sign,” she argued. The skeleton shot her a look, his eyes widening a bit. Bob also sent a warning look at her, but it only made her soul glow a bit brighter. 

“We have the right to refuse service to—”

“—I want him here, hm? What about that? I'll never eat here again if you do this, and you know how well I tip,” she threatened. The monster seemed to shrink the more they argued, sending fervent looks at her. Confused looks. Shocked looks… grateful looks. 

The monster watched her. Watched her as she leaned against the counter and spoke sweetly, firmly, eyelashes batting, hips swaying like some kind of siren. He didn't even know if it was intentional… He definitely wasn't complaining. He glanced up at the owner and grinned when he saw the flustered look on his face. 

“Fine Frisk… only for you… Dammit… You better not scare away any of my customers!” spat Bob as he went back to the kitchen. The skeleton narrowed his eye sockets as he watched him leave. Ass. 

Frisk gave a small sigh and sat back down, going back to reading the menu, covering her face and trying not to dart cautious looks at the monster. He was still terrifying… and he was a man… what if he took her act of kindness as a ticket to harass her? That had happened to her plenty of times. 

A silence enveloped the diner. She couldn't help but glance at him and every time she did, she could see him innocently lift his head and eyes. He didn't talk to her. A part of her was silently grateful. 

She had her coffee. He had a slice of pie. She tried not to watch him eat it with fascination. This was by far the most interesting thing to ever happen to her… and that was saying something. 

She wrestled herself away from the counter to use the ladies room, a part of her a little worried he would be gone by the time she came back. She stopped herself. Stupid. Yet, she couldn't stop herself from shooting another hidden look at him before she left. A blush spread across her face when he winked. Fuck!

After washing her hands, she composed herself enough not to race out to make sure he hadn't slipped away. Sure enough, he was still there, tapping his skeletal fingers on the countertop. 

She glanced down as she took her seat to see a folded napkin. That wasn't there before. Frisk tried to be as discreet as possible as she unfolded the napkin. She could almost feel the skeleton's gaze shifting on and off of her. Almost feel that skull grin widen. 

“Pie thank you for doing that. I hope this isn't too corny, but I crust anyone with your kind of integrity to like bad jokes. Anyway, name's Sans, Sans the skeleton.” 

Frisk snorted with laughter and immediately hid her mouth with the palm of her hand. She didn't dare look at him. That's really sweet… 

She tried to hide her smile as she grabbed a pen and slowly began to think up a good response. 

Sans the Skeleton watched her with gentle curiosity as she wrote back to him. This was just too cute. He didn't deserve this at all. Why was she being so nice? Why did he write a note on a napkin for fuck's sake? He felt like an idiot… but that little hidden laugh? He didn't know her name but he was starting to believe in love at first sight. 

She glanced up with a blush and tried to act as aloof as possible as she scooted over one seat closer to him and slid the napkin to him. She quickly recoiled back to her seat as if he'd bite and he didn't blame her one bit. 

His mouth was full of sharp fangs, he was big, monstrous and smelled like smoke. Not cigar smoke either. Fire. He'd sit far away from him too. 

Slowly, he opened the napkin and tried to fight the grin growing on his face. 

“It's slice to meet you, Sans.”  

Sans snickered at her little joke. That was good… it was rare to find such a kindred spirit in the marketplace of humor. He spared another hidden look at her. He was starting to grow fond of the Sunlight district… 

The napkin was running out of room on the side he'd been using. He flipped it over and clicked his pen, tried not to notice the excited shift of her cute, little body as he did so. He also tried to ignore the ugly looks being sent their way, but that was something he was a bit more hyper aware of. It took everything in him not to snarl at them to fuck off into oblivion. 

Frisk was inwardly squealing with delight as he flicked the napkin to her. It took everything in her to keep composed as she coyly sent him a look and then delicately unfolded the napkin. Her eyes wandered the diner as she tried her best not to appear too interested, but she was dying to read what he read. 

“Stop or I might start pie-ning.” 

She blushed, a small giggle escaping her lips. She had never interacted with a man like this. At least not since primary school, and even that wasn't nearly as sweet as this… to think it was a monster who would approach her like this. She bit her lip to hide her smile and glanced back at him. And she had been scared… 

He was battling with himself not to look at her. She was so cute. Her puns, her smile, those eyes that stole coy little looks at him. Her dress was cute, and her hair, messy. There was something wrong about her though. Streaks of mascara… puffy red eyes. Those had started to fade but the smudged makeup remained. Was she ok? 

“Okey dokey, Ms. De Là Noir, ready for your bill?” asked a plump woman with a kind face. Annie. Frisk smiled at her and reached for her pur— Her… Frisk's head jerked about frantically as she searched for her purse. Fuck… Fuck I left my purse! She thought, her face paling with fear. 

“I'll take care of it,” the rumble of the skeleton's deep growl of a voice startled Frisk out of her panic. She looked up at him with surprise as he moved a bit closer to her. Annie sent him a fearful look and gave a curt nod. 

“Oh no, you don't have to—”

“—Nah, I got it, it's ok. Put it on my bill,” he growled with a firm look. 

“Of course,” murmured Annie as she darted to the back. 

The two sat in utter, dumbfounded silence. 

He didn't know what came over him. He had never offered to pay for someone before, but she was honest to God the most charming person he had met in a long time… and she had stood up for him, it was the least he could do. 

Frisk stared at her lone mug of coffee. A new fear began to creep into her mind. He offered to pay for her. She should've fought that harder. The last time a man had paid for her, he harassed her for sexual favors. Only because she had accidentally let slip she was a vaudeville dancer and… the implications of that. Of course when she had refused. She winced as her eye ached with phantom pain. She got off lucky… 

She sent a small, fearful look at Sans. He was bigger than that man. He looked stronger. He was a monster so she knew he had magic. He was a reaper so she knew even for a monster, he was powerful. 

But he just smiled kindly, as kindly as one could with sharp fangs and black eye sockets only lit by pricks of red light. 

“Thank you…” she murmured hesitantly. He shrugged nonchalantly. 

“Just returnin' the favor, kiddo,” he said. Something about the word kiddo put her at ease, but she didn't know why. 

Soon the bill came and he paid for both of them. He stood up and sent her another look. Is he leaving? She couldn't help but feel disappointed. 

He placed his black trilby on his skull and winked at her. 

“I'll miss you a latte,” he quipped one last time and she pursed her lips to hide her smile; she couldn't hide her blush. Before she could say another word, he was out the door. She looked back down at the napkin. 

“Stop or I might start pie-ning.” 

She couldn't help but give a girlish giggle as she neatly folded the napkin and carefully slid it into her dress pocket. 

Yes she definitely liked the diner… it made her feel real again. Real and sweet… real and delighted. Made her feel like she was more than burlesque. 

[thiswasinevitableid]

5, sternclay, nsfw? 👀

Here you go

5: Incubus

“Buddy, I promise, you can come in and cuddle in like, ten minutes.” 

The whining at the bedroom door stops, replaced by a big, wet nose, just visible through the crack at the bottom of the door as it snuffles back and forth. It’s very cute, but Barclay is not about to let his dog deprive him of a much needed jerk-off session.

He’s ready for bed, so it’s just a matter of pulling down his pajama pants and getting to it. Closing his eyes, he pictures that cute customer who gets black coffee and a croissant every morning at the Lodge. It takes a few tries to find a fantasy he likes, the one about the back counter and the new uses for a spatula.

Outside the door, Sass starts whining again, scratching frantically at the wood. There goes his deposit. 

God, he can practically feel the guy up against him.

The bed dips on the outside of each thigh. Opening his eyes reveals a man wearing nothing but deep blue boxer briefs and a smile. 

“Holyshitwhatthefuck?” He clambers back, banging his head on the wall in his hurry to sit up, “what the fuck man, how’d you get in here?”

“A portal between dimensions.  That’s the, um, simplified version. But don’t worry, I’m not here to hurt you. The opposite really. I’m an incubus.”

“Why the fuck is a fucking sex demon in my bedroom?” Barclay yanks his pants up. The incubus looks sad at this development. 

“I feed on sexual energy, and to do that I follow trails of that same energy to their source. You have a lot of it.”

“Yeah, year-long dry spell’ll do that.”

“Consider it broken.” The demon leans forward only for Barclay to hold up a hand.

“Nope. This is not how I want to break it. Sorry.”

“Is it my appearance? I can look like anyone--or anything--you want.” His features morph, eyes going from brown to blue to green, hair from honey-blond to fire red, “if you’re shy, my powers let me see into your deepest fantasies and make them come true.”

“No that’s not the problem, I wanna fuck someone I have some kinda connection to, not some guy who dropped into my bedroom. And would you please knock it off with that face-changing? I’m not gonna fuck you, so you can just look like yourself.”

The incubus starts, surprised by his sharp refusal, features landing on short, black hair, blue eyes, and a face that’d make a movie-star insecure. 

“I said you don’t have to try and be hot.”

“...This is how I look.” 

“Oh. Uh. Cool.” 

The demon smiles, “Having second thoughts?”

He takes a deep breath and lies through his teeth, “Nope.”

With that, he stands, grabbing the nearest shirt and pulling it on. Sass wiggles when he opens the door, takes one look behind him, and runs the other way.

“I wish I knew why earth canines react that way to me. I have a hellhound named Mother Leeds who adores me.”

“Jersey Devil reference?” He pads into the kitchen, starts the kettle and rummages in the cabinet for the most soothing tea blend he owns. 

“Yes!” The demon grins from his new position by the fridge, “when I found her she was pregnant with a litter. Most people don’t get it. Demons don’t either.”

“Friend of mine likes Mothman and all that kinda stuff. Uh” He takes a cup down, reaches for a second one automatically and then stops, “are you gonna hang around? Because my answer isn’t changing and if you keep pestering me I’ll just leave the apartment.”

“No, I’ll drop it. You’re not interested and sexual energy only works if it’s from something consensual. But, um” he toys with a magnet, “could I ask a few questions before I go?”

“About?”

“Humans. How things work up here, what your daily lives are like, that sort of thing.”

“Uh, sure.” He gets down the second mug, “is this so you can better seduce them or something?” Turning, he finds the incubus sitting at the table, producing a small notebook and pen from the air.

“No, this is my own research. I’m, um, more curious about humans than the average demon. I basically ended up an incubus because at my last job I kept trying to talk with humans or spend more time around them than was wise and, well, my supervisor got sick of it. So they offered me a reassignment to a role where the whole point was to be around people.”

“You fuck people just so you can, like, interview them afterwards?” He sets the two mugs on the table, notices that the notebook is crammed with questions in neat, elegant handwriting. 

“Technically, I also need the energy from it. But, um, yes” he blushes, “I know it’s a sort of silly hobby.”

“I don’t think it’s silly to wanna know about other worlds and people. But this doesn’t seem like the most, uh, effective way to do it.”

A sigh as the demon picks up his mug, “You’ve got that right. Sometimes I can get a few questions in during ‘pillow talk’ but mostly it’s in and out. Literally.” He snickers at his own bad joke, which further kindles the inexplicable, protective impulse Barclay feels towards him, “Don’t get me wrong, I like my work, and being a good incubus takes skill and dedication. It just...isn’t quite what I thought it’d be.” He sips the tea, brings the mug away from his mouth to study the liquid, “what kind is this?”

“Mostly chamomile.” 

“Chamomile…” he flips through the book, which contains more pages than should be physically and spatially possible, “that’s a plant, one that humans thing is calming, right?”

Barclay can’t help but smile, “Right. You want me to sit here and quiz you?”

“No, there’s too much to discover. What would you say is your area of expertise?” 

“I’m a cook, so food.”

“Food, food, ah here it is. Let’s see, why do humans persist in eating things that could kill them?”

“You mean things like rhubarb or are we in, like, Fugu territory here?”

The demon smiles, “I have no idea, please say more.”

They sit at the table until two in the morning, at which point Joseph ,the incubus, excuses himself to go collect energy from a willing participant. Before he disappears, he takes a chance and tells Joseph that he can come back if he has more questions. The demon thanks him and, out of what Barclay suspects is a habit more than anything else, blows him a kiss goodbye. 

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

“Y’know, I kinda figured you’d look more demonic. Do incubi just get human forms?” Barclay shakes red pepper flakes onto his pizza while Joseph finishes a filled breadstick. 

“This isn’t my ‘true’ form. When you asked me just to look like myself when we met, I figured you meant the least alarming version.”

“As long as it’s not, like, a beast with a thousand eyes, we’re good.”

Joseph wipes his mouth and by the time the napkin reaches the other corner of his lips, Barclay is gasping.

His nails turn sharp and silver, his eyes pure black, but it’s his skin that’s most noticeable; it’s swirls and swoops of blue and silver, dancing down his arms and blooming out from the neck of his  “Museum of Anthropology” souvenir shirt. He stands, giving Barclay a fuller view. Short horns sprout from his head, doubtless the perfect size and texture to hold him in place with your dick down his throat. His tail is that same mix of royal blue and silver, the right length to wrap around your hand and tug while you fuck him. Every inch of him is made to be pinched and pulled, groped and fondled, and Barclay will not be standing up from the table any time soon.

“It’s the color that gets people.” Joseph smiles with pointed teeth as he sits back down.

“It’s incredible, Joseph.”

The demon smiles, mischievous, “I’m glad you like it. Now, where were we?” He uncovers his notebook from a stack of parmesan packets and clicks his pen, appearance fading back to the human one Barclay is used to. He mourns his loss for a moment, before Joseph draws him into an animated conversation about movie theaters. 

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

“Come on Sass, it’s okay. Look, I even have your favorite.” Joseph holds out the treat, still fresh from the oven, while Barclay puts the rest of the batch out of range. The dog no longer runs from the demon, but will not come within arms reach of him. 

Sass whines, looking from Joseph to Barclay and back. 

“Here” Barclay settles on the couch next to him, resting his arm along the back of it, “see, buddy, he’s our friend.”

Sass creeps forward, still on his belly, plucks the treat from Joseph’s palm, and retreats to his bed. 

“Progress.” Joseph leans back, pleased. Their positions mean he comes to rest with Barclays arm around him. Barclay doesn’t move it, and the demon stays put until the end of the episode of Hells’ Kitchen

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

The newest Agent X is so engrossing that Barclay doesn’t register Joseph until his friend slumps onto the bed. 

“Hey, you’re early.” He sets the book down on the nightstand, scooching to where the demon sits rubbing his forehead.

“I’m, um, I’m having a bit of a problem.” When he looks up, silver and blue peeks through the skin on his face, “I misjudged how much energy I was going to get from my last two visits. I’m so weak I don’t think I can make it back home. I, um, I came here because if I’m going to be stuck and without powers I” his horns appear and he scratches them awkwardly, “I want it to be around someone I trust.”

“What’ll happen if you can’t get more energy?”

“I’ll get sick, and if the worst happens I’ll have to signal for someone to come get me. Which’ll get me demoted for sure.” He tucks his legs up onto the bed. He’s wearing the UFO socks Barclay gave him as a surprise last week, and the cook sets a hand on a flying-saucer covered ankle. 

“You can stay as long as you need, okay? And if there’s anything else I can do to help, let me know.”

“Unless you feel like taking me door to door to ask your neighbors if they want to fuck, a safe place to rest is what I need most.”

“What if, uh, you recharged here?” He draws a finger up and down the side of Josephs’ calf.

The incubus raises his eyebrows, “Barclay, are you forgetting how we met?”

“I didn’t want to fuck you then, but now...now you’re you, this handsome, clever, dorky guy who also happens to be a sex demon who hangs around my house most nights. I, I didn’t ask about sooner because I was afraid you’d think it was fuck me or lose our friendship, but if I can help you in a kinda self-serving way, I’m down.”

Joseph shakes his head, “That’s sweet, but you’re not the only one with concerns. How can I be sure you actually want me, and you’re not just offering because you want to help?”

Barclay snaps his fingers, “You can read my deepest desires, right? How about you take a peek and tell me what you see?”

Joseph closes his eyes, tail twitching as he concentrates, and Barclay gets the distinct pleasure of watching his face as he learns the truth. 

“Oh. OH. Um, you’re not kidding about how badly you want me. And some of this makes the reaction you had the one time I showed up in a suit make way more sense. But we can explore that later.” His eyes, now-pitch black, snap open, “right now, big guy, I’ll do whatever you want, however you want it.” 

“In that case” Barclay catches Joseph just as he tries for a kiss, “how about you tell me what you want?”

“Barclay, I’m an incubus, I want whatever the person I’m feeding on wants.”

“Nuhuh, I don’t buy that, babe. You’re telling me there’s nothing that’s your favorite, or that you’re curious about?” He teases their lips together.

“N-no?”

“You’re not getting any kisses until you tell me the truth.”

Joseph narrows his eyes with a “hmmph.” Then, as if it’s his greatest secret, he whispers, “I want to know what it’s like to get a massage as foreplay. No one’s ever wanted it or offered, and it sounds so nice.”

Barclay rewards him with a kiss. The demon melts against him, slides a forked tongue into his mouth to tease it. Clawed fingers tug at his shirt until Joseph remembers he can do magic and renders them both naked with a wave of the hand.

When they part, Joseph licks his lips, “Holy hell, Barclay, that kiss was enough to make me feel better than I did this morning. Tastes nice too, like coffee with lots of cream.”

“So, coffee the way you like it.” Barclay nudges him backwards, rolls him over as the incubus keeps talking. 

“Usually it’s a neutral sweetness. I wonder, hmm, maybe it has something to do with the fact you’re attracted to me, as in the actual meOHohhhhhhh” he flattens into the bed like a cat on a sunny floor as Barclay digs his thumbs under his shoulder blades. 

“You can theorize later babe, I promise. Right now, all you gotta do is let me rub you down. Uh, can you magic up some oil or something? It’ll feel better if--great, thanks.” Barclay sets the lit massage candle safely on the nightstand, waiting for it to melt. 

“Should I put my human form back on now that I can hold it?”

“Nope” he traces his hands up parallel patches of silver, pinches one horn playfully, “I love that version of you, but this one is so, so, fucking hot. Now” be kisses the base of his neck, “relax.”

Drizzling liquid wax down his spine makes the incubus moan, but the sound is nothing compared to what happens when he starts kneading him like dough. It’s a yowl, rough and inelegant in a way Joseph never is, and Barclay dedicates the next fifteen minutes to finding new ways to trigger it. He’s so beautiful, it’s like touching a painting, a galaxy, a miracle.

By the time he reaches his lower back the incubus is grinding on the bed and Barclay is half-hard from touching him. He grips Joseph’s ass, parting it enough to grind between the cheeks. 

“Don’t tease” his tail delivers a scolding thwack to Barclays cheek. The cook growls, turning his head to capture the offending appendage between his teeth.

“OHholyffffffuckinghell.” Joseph rips the blanket as he flails, “no one’s ever thought to do that before and now I really wish they had.”

That’s all the encouragement he needs. He ignores his growing hard-on in favor of nipping and kissing his way down Joseph’s tail. It’s velvety, feels like nothing he’s ever experienced as it twitches and trembles under his tongue. The base gets an extra-hard lovebite and Joseph moans, rolling over so fast he nearly catches Barclay in the face with his cock. And what a cock, on the narrow side but covered in swirling ridges.

“Holy shit, you just get hotter and hotter.”

“Th-thank you, big guy, now for gods sake pleeEEEase fuck me.” He whimpers adorably when Barclay licks up his shaft. 

“Okay babe, we can fuck. But I think…” he grabs the incubus, flipping them so Joseph straddles him, “I want you to fuck me.”

Joseph registers his words and his eyes glow deep blue. 

“Uh, is that a good thing?”

“Yes, big guy, it’s the closest I get to having my pupils dilate when aroused. And since you look so good underneath me, I’ll expedite things” he snaps his fingers and Barclay inhales in surprise; his ass is dripping lube and stretched like someone just pulled three fingers away from it.

“Fuck yeah” he spreads his legs, “c’mon blue eyes, don’t make me wait anymoreOHFUCK, fuck, yeah, like that.” He hooks his legs around Joseph as the incubus thrusts all the way in. Joseph kisses in precise shapes up and down his face, even as his hips keep a rapid, erratic rhythm. 

“Shit, shit, Barclay you taste so good, feel so good, please, please don’t stop touching me.”

“Not sure I could ever keep my hands to myself again, babe, god you’re so fucking handsomeAH, hah, someone got a praise kink?” He gasps out laughter as Joseph fucks him harder with each kind word. The ridges on his cock are solid enough that Barclay feels them with each drag, and it sets his toes curling.

“Maybe a little one” the incubus smiles against his neck, “though kink is a distinctly human concept and a complex one-SHITfuck, fuck please do that again.” He kisses Barclay hard as the human obligingly pulls his tail with one hand and smacks his ass with the other. Teeth catch Barclay’s lower lip on the next tug, a moan spilling from Josephs’ mouth down his chin. 

“That’s it baby, fuck me while I rough you up, fuck, Joseph, your dick is fucking perfect, never gonna want another one, c’mon please, I’m close.”

Joseph sits up, grinning joyfully, and grips Barclays cock. It’s a masterful handjob, because how could a sex demon give anything else, but what strikes Barclay most is how happy and relaxed Joseph is. The incubus admitted once that even when he was having sex, he constantly worried about fulfilling the fantasy to earn enough energy to feed. Yet here he’s laughing and smiling, eyes aglow as he works Barclay up to the best orgasm of his life. 

It means something; Barclay only hopes Joseph will stay in his life long enough for him to figure out what. 

He’s too busy with the sparks behind his eyelids and the pleasure coursing down from his head to his toes to note that Joseph managed to make them cum at the same time. The incubus pushes a hand through his fair, swooping it back and off his face, as he notes this accomplishment. 

“I want to run a marathon. Or maybe go hiking, or swim the lake. I have so much energy. Barclay, it’s amazing. You, it’s never been like that before. It’s felt good, but that was fucking transcendent. 

“No fucking kidding.” Barclay shifts onto his side, nestling up against him so his head is under Joseph’s chin. He yawns, kisses a blue shoulder, “but you might have to burn off some energy without me. You wore me out, blue eyes.”

Joseph adjusts his arms so he’s holding him, “If I stay the night, can I walk Sass with you in the morning?”

Barclay nods, already falling asleep, safe in the knowledge that Joseph is okay and, better yet, so fond of him that his eyes are still glowing, “You got a deal, babe.”

[suphoshi]

LOVE YOU LIKE THIS | Byun Baekhyun x Female Reader

Genre: Fluff, maybe the tiniest little bit of angst

Word Count: 2,057

Baekhyun loved you in loud ways. He shouted it from mountain tops, made sure every God knew you were his, kissed you like you were the most perfect thing in the world. You loved him softly. Quietly. Kept him tucked safely under your arm away from everyone else. You would never be good enough for him. He loved you anyways.

--

“I love you.”

He says it in the way he tip-toes into the room at 10 p.m. after he puts the kids to sleep, letting you go to bed early after washing the dishes. He says it when he crawls into bed and pulls the blankets over your shoulders even though he knows you’re going to pull them off of him in the middle of the night. He says it when he watches you breathe, touches your cheek, kisses your forehead. His arms wrap around you for just a few seconds because he knows you can’t stand being held for too long while you sleep. This is how he loves you.

He rolls away onto his back after a few minutes and his soft snores follow soon after. Your eyes peek open to see him and you sit up, moving closer. Even like this, him asleep and laying on his back with his head faced away, you feel so whole. You mimic his action from before and pull the covers up over him, but it doesn’t feel like enough. It never does. Unlike him, it was always so hard for you to show the small ways you loved him. He had a way of filling your heart up with the simplest actions. Making you breakfast even when he was late for work, holding you while you cried, which was often. He tied your shoes when you didn’t even notice they had come loose. He loved everyone. Brought his sunshine smile everywhere he went. Made you laugh more than you ever thought was possible. He made you a mom to the most beautiful children on the earth. Every day, he did something to make you smile. Every day.

When you were five, your mom died. You weren’t even fully able to grasp what that meant then, but you knew she was gone. An absence in your life that would never be filled again. Soon after, your dad left. He was never a loving person to you, never really showed much interest even before your mom died, but still. He was your dad, and he was gone. Your grandma raised you alone. She wasn’t a tender and loving person, but still. She was all you had. She died when you were fifteen. You didn’t cry, but you felt her loss in the same way you felt your mothers. You moved in with your aunt after that. She never wanted you, but she felt obligated as your mother’s sister to at least let you stay through high school, which you did. During your senior year, you applied for every scholarship to get into college just so you could get away, studied harder than anyone. Took every part time job you could manage. Did anything to make ends meet. Four years later, you had a job at an accounting firm in Seoul as a secretary. You had an apartment to yourself, lived comfortably alone. It was enough.

You met Baekhyun at a movie theater. It was the last showing of some stupid cartoon that had terrible ratings.

“What movie has the least amount of people in it?” You asked and the employee looked at you curiously before checking. You can’t even remember the name of it, but you bought a ticket, a box of candy, and a large sprite. The theater was nearly vacant, exactly what you wanted, minus one person sitting in the back corner. You didn’t mean to intrude on their space, but the back row was your favorite spot. So, you sat as far away as you could and put your feet up on the seat in front of you while the  previews came on. It wasn’t long before your shoulders felt heavier, your eyes drooping.

It felt like the next day by the time your eyes opened again, the sound of someone clearing their throat jolting you awake. All of the lights in the theater were on now. Your candy and sprite sat completely untouched beside you.

“Excuse me?”

Your head snapped up at the voice and you pulled your legs off of the seat in front of you so fast that one of your shoes came off. The person beside you chuckled and climbed over the seat below you, grabbing your shoe.

“You okay?” He asked. You looked at him and he was wearing a mask, brown hair poking out from under the hood of his sweatshirt, falling into his eyes some. You nodded your head, holding your hand out for your shoe.

“You slept through the entire movie.” He said with a chuckle and you stared at him, unsure of why he would care.

“I don’t come to watch; I just like the sound.” You said, still waiting for him to hand your shoe back.

“The sound?” He questioned, and you nodded.

“Yeah. Like, the vibrations when it’s loud. I like the sound of it.”

He took that in for a second, humming and looking around before his eyes settled back on you.

“Interesting. You didn’t eat your candy.” He pointed out and you looked down at the unopened box beside you.

“I know. I just got off of work, so I was tired.” You said before looking back at him. “What about you? You seem to have paid a lot of attention to me during the movie, did you even watch?”

You could see the smile in his eyes, even with the mask on, and it made your heart jump.

“I didn’t come to watch either. I just like to be alone and I heard this movie was awful and it came out weeks ago, so I knew no one would be here.”

You were both quiet for a minute, just staring at each other. It scared you how comfortable you felt in that silence.

“Can I have my shoe back?” You asked and his eyes smiled again before handing it to you. You smiled to yourself as you stood up, gathering your things. He didn’t move. Just watched you. You pulled your bag over your shoulder and looked at him while you adjusted your shoe back on your foot.

“What?” You asked and he shook his head. Those eyes were going to be bad for you. You could feel it in the way your stomach kept flipping, over and over when you saw them.

“What’s your name?” He asked and you answered quickly, waiting for his in return.

“I’m Baekhyun.” He said. More silence. It was cute how awkward he seemed, like he didn’t know how to talk to a girl when he had nothing to worry about with you. A girl who never even spoke to a guy before.

He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck before looking away. “Um, so. I come here every Tuesday.”

He said it so innocently that you softened for a second. Somehow, it was the nicest thing you’d ever heard even if he didn’t directly state what he meant by it. It brought the biggest smile to your cheeks and you nodded.

“Tuesday.” You repeated and he shook his head ‘yes’. You nodded in response before walking out.

You came back every Tuesday. At first, you both sat the same distance apart. Sometimes you slept, sometimes the movie ended up being funny, so you laughed. Sometimes you cried. The first time you did, Baekhyun moved to the seat beside you and handed you a napkin. You laughed because it was so embarrassing, but he said it was fine. Once that barrier was broken, he never sat anywhere but right beside you. Not much later, you started seeing him outside of the movies, texting and calling each other, talking about your lives. It was so hard to let him in the way you did, but Baekhyun did everything in his power to know the darkest parts of your heart, and you didn’t know how to make him stop (you didn’t really want him to).

Eventually, things changed from silent movie dates, to movie dates where you held hands. After that, he would walk you to your car, give you a hug. When he kissed you for the first time, you ran away because it brought tears to your eyes. It shocked you how tender and gentle he was. No one ever touched you like that before. He just smiled and watched you go. When you opened your phone that night before bed, scared and certain he would want nothing to do with you anymore, you cried again.

Baekhyun [ 22:37 ]:

You look so pretty in blue. And when you

smile. And when you cry. And when you run.

I hope you don’t run forever.

No one ever wanted you before, but the thought that Baekhyun wanted you filled that void in your life so quickly that it scared you. He was the most perfect person you had ever known. You grew up thinking you never deserved that kind of love, but he gave it to you despite that. And he never let you run again.

Now you’re staring down at him. Your husband, the father of your kids, your best friend, your favorite person in the whole world. You can’t help but cry. You don’t deserve him. You never will.

You sniffle too loud and he wakes up, eyes heavy, turning to face you.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, wrapping his fingers around your wrist. You shake your head and cry harder, not sure how to say all of the things you want to. ‘Thank you’, ‘Thank you for being there for me and the kids’, ‘Thank you for working so hard to keep everyone happy’, ‘Thank you for being my best friend’, ‘Thank you for loving me’.

“Babe,” he says sitting up now and pulling you onto his lap, pressing your head into his chest. “Why are you crying?”

His hand grips the back of your neck, holding you close, while his free hand rests on your lower back. He rubs gentle circles there, breathes love into your soul like it’s the only thing he knows how to do. It’s so easy for him to make you feel calm and you wonder if you’ve ever made him feel that way. If he feels the most at home in your arms, the way you do in his.

“Whatever it is, it’s okay. Don’t cry.” He mumbles into your shoulder and it only makes you cry harder. You grip him tightly and pray to a God you’re not even sure exists that he won’t ever take him away from you. No matter what it takes, you never want to live in a world without him.

All of those feelings sit inside your heart, beg for a way out, beg for a way to communicate to him the way you feel, but you just sit there silently. He grips your shoulders, pulling away from you a little to see your face. He wipes the tears from your eyes, kissing you lightly. His lips on yours ignite the same fire in your stomach they always have, even when they’re only there for a second. He doesn’t ask for more, just looks at you, caressing your cheeks with his thumbs, brushing away your tears.

“I love you.” You say. And it’s in the way his eyes smile before his lips do that you know. He can hear your love in the same way you hear his.

He hears it in your eyes when you tear up while he sings the kids to sleep. He hears it when you make him take his vitamins before he leaves for work. He hears it when you play with his hair on the couch while you watch a movie. He hears it when you lay out his pajamas before he gets home and they always seem to match yours. He hears it just like you.

“I know.” He says and you pout your lip a little, tears filling your eyes again. He kisses you just like he did all of those years ago outside of the movie theater and it continues to amaze you that someone could touch you so gently. He lays you back down and you let him keep his arms around you now, because even though you hate being held while you sleep, it’s okay because it’s Baekhyun. And you want him to hold you forever.

--

Hi guys!! So this is the first kind of fic I have ever posted, and I really hope you guys enjoy!!! I was inspired by Valentine’s day and just felt filled with a lot of love, so this is what came from that. Please like or leave me some critiques/reblog, whatever it is you wanna do, I would really really appreciate it!!! Also, if no one told you how much they love you this v-day, please know I love you dearly from the bottom of my soul and I hope you all find your 2020 filled with 100000000x more love. Okay, that’s all, bye bye!

[cesabutterflywrites]

Prince in the Storm Chapter Two

Summary: Contrary to popular belief, Virgil was sensitive. Most people saw him as some “spooky, broody dude”, when in reality he was just a private person. Teachers tried to open his mind up with a figurative crowbar. Everyone tried to get him to open up. Well, everyone except his best friend Talyn. They were the only one who understood his personality and inner workings just enough to be his friend. However, they haven’t seen his Marking. No one other than his parents have.

Contrary to popular belief, Roman was sensitive. Most people saw him as a fanciful, dreamy, somewhat egotistical thespian who wanted nothing but to be the best of the best. Everyone cheered him on in his performances. Everyone praised his original works. Anything he made others enjoyed. People would whisper about his Marking, wondering where it was and when he would reveal it. He had a whole circle of friends, yet no one except his best friend Joan understood him. Joan was the only one who saw Roman’s insecurities.

As students of Kingston High School, with zany principals and try-hard superintendents, it is up to Virgil and Roman to stay alive enough to fulfill their destiny.  Ao3

Genre: High School/Soulmate AU, angst

Pairings: Romantic Prinxiety, Platonic Teacher/Student Analogical, Platonic Student/Teacher Princeit, Father/Son Moxiety

Word Count:  1057

Warnings: Sympathetic Deceit, Sympathetic Remus, Strong T rating, cursing, mildly inappropriate humor, request if anything is missing

Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, Chapter Ten, Chapter Eleven, Chapter Twelve, Chapter Thirteen, Chapter Fourteen, Chapter Fifteen

Bonuses: Immune to Change

Chapter Two

“He was so rude, he was a rude dude” exclaimed Roman to his best friend, Joan. “He thinks he can ignore his surroundings like that. In a crowded hall no less. What if I wasn’t as strong and durable as I am? I could have been seriously injured! He’s a hazard to those of us who actually care about our safety” 

Joan snorted, “If you’re so strong and durable, why are you so shaken by it?” 

Roman opened his mouth to reply, but paused. Why did it shake him up so much? Here he was, during lunch hour, and still obsessed with a little accident. It wasn’t the first time he had accidentally bumped into someone. Hallways in high school being crowded was normal, especially on the first day. He spent the classes afterwards just reeling over this specific encounter, loudly complaining about it to anyone who would listen to his tale of woe.

He calmed down a bit. “I guess… I guess I’m so upset because I was already not looking forward to today, and that made it worse. Maybe I, perhaps, possibly took that frustration out on that little Emo.”

“Very insightful of you, you’re so wise. Is this a result of being a senior?” Joan teased, “Roman, don’t worry about it. Just let it go.”

Roman sighed and looked at the table. He saw his food on the tray and cringed. Did they really expect him to foul his insides with this filth? “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Besides, I do have more important problems at the moment. Like how they feed us this slop.” 

“Oh my god, right?” chimed in a kid who was sitting nearby at a different table. 

“Principal Duke is just trying to beat his record of How Bad It Can Get.” Joan remarked.

As the conversation continued, Roman made a point to ignore the altercation from that morning. Yet his stomach hurt. The cafeteria food wasn’t much help. Roman felt the muscles underneath his Marking tighten. Joan’s joking around became background noise as he started trying to distract himself from the hopes building up inside of him at the familiar ache.

I wonder when I’ll stop thinking nausea is a sign of my soul mate being near. Just because my Marking is on my stomach doesn’t mean anything. We all know that when we meet our Prince Charming it will feel different. Better. Feeling sick is not an equivalent to feeling in love. Such dreams are not attainable right now.

As he took a sip of his milk, he realized why he was feeling so gross. He sprayed the milk out of his mouth, “Ugh, it’s rancid!” he cried. 

Joan’s face stayed still as the sour milk slowly dripped off. “So, naturally that means you needed to spit it in my face. You trying to poison me, Your Highness?” 

Roman cringed, and started dabbing his best friend’s face. “Oh, I’m sorry, friend. I was just distracted in my thoughts.” The napkins weren’t doing much, they were thin and not very absorbent. He silently cursed himself for spitting in his best friend’s face. Joan was always there for him. 

Joan just shrugged it off with a laugh. “It’s fine, I’m used to you being half present when I speak. Your head is always in the clouds, especially nowadays.” 

Roman was hit with guilt, but the distraction of apologizing to his friend for the rest of lunch hour worked. Focusing on Joan, and bitching about how awful the school was the very first day kept his mind off of his morning.

-----

“Ugh, Talyn you should have seen the nerve of him! So concerned about breaking his face? Like, ‘wow, thanks for being concerned about me nearly breaking my skull’ Damn, he thinks he is so perfect, but HE IS NOT!” Virgil was interrupted by Talyn covering his mouth with their hand.

“I swear to all that is Viking Metal, just shut up about it!” 

Virgil gave his blue haired friend a pointed look. Talyn was a tiny, adorable, lovable little bean. Their cuteness softened Virgil’s edges. The pair could have easily been soulmates, but Talyn’s Marking was behind their ear. The Marking was in the shape of a Dragon’s skull. Nothing like Virgil’s. 

Talyn was soft and adorable, but they were also feisty. They weren’t afraid to call Virgil out on his bullshit, and they weren’t afraid to tell Virgil when he was being annoying. 

Virgil tried to lick their hand, but it didn’t work. Talyn was stubborn as hell when they wanted to be. After a minute or so of staring at each other, Virgil rolled his eyes in defeat. 

“Better?” Talyn asked. 

Virgil just nodded in response. His head still ached a bit, but perhaps that was all of the tension he was holding from the fall. Virge wasn’t a fighter-his dads had taught him better than that-but he still felt pissed. He wished people would take him more seriously. Part of the reason he put up an angsty, edgy, dark persona was so people would actually value what he had to say. Take him seriously, for once. 

“I’m sorry I’ve been ranting your ear off, dude.” 

“Don’t sweat it. I guess it’s better than me ranting about Digital Art” Talyn groaned. 

Virgil nodded. His “elective” (if you could call it that) wasn’t until sixth period. Second to last class of the day, Technical Theater. Virgil wanted Art 1 or Ceramics, like Tal had wanted. He was better at drawing and solo projects than he was at-what? Pulling ropes? Building sets? What was technical theater, anyways?

While imagining horrible scenarios involving his clumsiness causing a horrible theater accident resulting in his death, he took a bite of his sandwich. Well, if you could call it that. It was barely thawed bread with cold mystery deli meat and cheese. God, Dukey really is losing his touch. 

Talyn coughed violently. “Ugh, there was a hair in my salad!” 

Virgil patted their back in half hearted comfort. The other half of his heart was pounding at the prospect of being in school the rest of the day. Looking at the second half of his schedule, his eyes kept focusing on the Technical Theater aspect. He couldn’t help focusing on the sick feeling in his stomach. 

I got a bad feeling about this.

-

-

-

-

Let me know if you wanna be added to the taglist for this story!

[judgement-free-sideblog]

Cakes and accidents

Don’t you just love meet cuties?? I do, I got this idea in my mind for like a week and finally got the time to write it, I hope you like it as much as I did

Tom Holland x reader

One shot

Warnings: Fluff, maybe cursing

The brown box with a “Congratulations” write on top felt heavy in your hands, you checked the clock and it was 2:15 in the afternoon, your sister won’t be at home at least for another hour, and you had been sitting waiting for the cake to be ready at the shop for like an hour so you choose to walk the Canbury Gardens to the end instead of walk around and take the bus.

The cold breeze from the Tamesis felt nice in your face, it was lovely august afternoon and for once things were going great, not like they were bad before but there was hardly anything that could ruin that moment, until she arrived

The rumor of fast running legs and the voice of a man screaming “Tessa please stop!!” Make you turn around, still holding tightly the box but it was too late a big mass of grey hair and enthusiastic licking was already over you and suddenly you found yourself on the grass and the cardboard box completely destroyed with chocolate and hazelnut filling all over you and the friendly dog.

“I’m so sorry ma'am, are you alright?” A polite voice over your head said and then he talked to the dog “Tessa you naughty girl, I told you to not run away like that”

“Oh please don’t blame her, I’m fine. And please don’t call me madame I feel like a thousand years old” You immediately said and then taking the hand he offered you to get up, surprised by how strong he was, and there he was Tom Holland with a concerned look holding your hand “And I’m only twenty, I’m… I’m…” Your tongue froze in your mouth when you realize who he was, even when him screaming Tessa was a given you could not believe your eyes and considered the possibility that you may be having a concussion and imagine the whole thing"Y/N" you said finally trying to look casual but certain he noticed you staring for a moment to his arms, and you quickly let go of his hand.

“Oh nice to meet you miss” he said with a smile that started in his eyes and extended to his whole face “I’m…”

“Oh no the cake” you interrupted him when you saw Tessa desperately trying to destroy the rest of the box “Fuck! Now I’m never going to make in time” you take both hands to your mouth and look back at him with a nervous smile “I’m so sorry”

“Oh don’t worry darling” He said laughing “But please let me pay for what this troublemaker did, I’m sure your… boyfriend? Won’t mind if you are late with a cake” He said petting the dog and trying to read you reaction.

“Oh no, this was an accident I couldn’t accept, and no he wouldn’t mind” You said now mentally laughing at the subtle disappointment in his eyes “Because he doesn’t exists, it was for my sister she got a fancy exchange to a USA college and we are throwing a surprise farewell party at four”

“Oh” He said smiling again “In that case with more reason there’s gotta be something I can do, where did you bought it?”

“In a Pastry shop in Eden Street, like 10 minutfrom here is not far nut I’ll never make it in time, I have to get out of the garden, then go back and wait for the cake to be ready and then go back to my house” you start listening knowing too well it was impossible to be at home before four. “There is no way I make it on time, I’ll just bought some biscuits on the way home”

“This place is by any chance Glutopia?” He asked taking out his phone, you nod and he started dialing a number, so you take a moment to watch him, he was wearing jeans and a dark grey tshirt and a baseball cap, you can smell a discreet fresh scent and assume is his perfume, he looked as perfect as you can imagine if not better.

You look directly at your feet trying to remain calm and don’t freak out and start asking a million annoying questions that could make him feel uncomfortable, it was nice of him to try and introduce himself, but he was Tom Holland you knew that very well and your other concerns were keeping you from fully acknowledging the situation.

“Thanks man I’ll be there in fifteen” He hung up the phone and looked at you once again with that bright and contagious smile of his “it’s all settled, a friend of mine owns that Pastry shop and he seems to remember your order I asked him to make it again for you, let’s go!”

“Oh that’s so sweet of you, but you really don’t have to…” you start but he was already walking “Go where?” You manage to ask now following and the happy dog that kept trying to run.

“To my car of course, you’ll get there faster if I drive you, is the least that I can do” He said as if it was obvious and you ignore the surrealism of the situation and followed him.

“You lady are going to need a bath when we get home” He said to Tessa once she was comfortably in the back seat and you on the fron of his Audi, Of course he has this car your mind says and you prevent yourself for not taking pictures like a crazy person, thanking god you phone is in your purse. “I’m really sorry, she can be very strong, you are not hurt, are you Y/N?”

“I’m fine really” you said delighted by the sound of your name in his lips “If anything is my fault for being clumsy and getting on her way, we actually have a dalmatian at home and he can be very affectionate at times, so I’m used to”

“Oh that’s nice, what is his name?” He answered and you can feel he is genuinely interested.

“Bones, he was so skinny when my mom rescued him, and you could see his spine under the skin, so we called him that, poor thing had terrible owners before” You answered, and looked at the window sad because the ride was coming to an end so quickly.

“Oh that’s so sad, but I’m glad you and your family take care of him, I can’t live without this beauty right here” he said once he parked the car and give a friendly rub to Tessa’s head.

“Well he is the light of the house actually” You said looking at the entrance of the shop “Thanks for bringing me”

“I actually fancy a cup of tea right now, if you don’t mind me waiting with you, I will give you a ride home if you want, you know make sure the cake gets safe and sound to his destiny” He said taking the dog out and offering his arm to you.

“Sure, that would be lovely” you said taking it, and it was a good thing since your legs were about to not respond by how perfect he was and how sweet and chivalrous he acted.

“So your sister is in college, and you?” He asked once you were sitting in the thankfully empty shop, a pair of hot cups of tea and a plate of biscuits were between he and you and it felt so right and simple that you finally relaxed and were able to talk without fear, he had that effect on you, to make you feel comfortable and like all his attention was on you.

“I’m getting my Bachelor’s degree in English literature at Bristol” You said, with no success in hiding how proud of yourself you were “I intend to become a writer”

“Oh a smart girl, that’s amazing” he said taking a biscuits and giving it a big bite.

“I didn’t mean to brag really, what do you do you…?” Sure let’s pretend I don’t have all your movies at home a phone filled with pictures of your precious face, your mind said but you managed to sound convincing and even dare to ask “I’m so sorry I didn’t catch your name”

A baffled look appeared on his face for a moment, but he don’t seem offended, just surprised, and you were about to stop the joke and simply said that of course you knew who he was but he spoke first.

“How rude of me, I’m Stanley I live nearby and I’m an actor, and you should brag, never be ashamed of doing something you love” he said, and now you were not sure if he was playing along or if he was just relief of having a normal conversation, so you played along.

“Oh that’s so wonderful, theater, movies or telly?”

“Theater, and I’m actually about to start a play in a month, you should come” he said with no sarcasm, now you were sure he was enjoying not being the big star but a simple guy from London and that made you smile even more.

“I would love to, but in that case you should definitely let me invited you a pint after, since you have been so splendid rescuing me from my clumsiness” you said reinforcing your point since a piece of biscuit fall in your cup splattering your blouse.

“That would be perfect” he said and he offered you a napkin laughing, and then took another and to your surprise he started writing his number on it. “So you can call me in case you need to get rescued again” You took it with a foolish smile in your face, holding to it as it was your most precious possession. “So what kind of writer you want to be?” He asked and you keep talking like that for the next 30 minutes until the cake was ready, and as he said he took you home, and you were there with 15 minutes to spare before other people and your sister arrived.

“Well I guess that’s it” he said once you were in front of your house and you were petting Tessa and saying goodbye to her “I umm… I hope I’ll see you again, maybe in a less disastrous situation, I actually live nearby”

“I wouldn’t call it disastrous, more like a friendly accident” you said putting an almost imperceptible extra intonation on the f word, the idea of being so close to your door and back to reality gave you courage to take one last risk, and after you shake his hand and turned to enter your home you add “I’ll see you around neighbor” and run inside without looking back.

“Oh she definitely knows!” Harry said taking a big bite of the pizza Tom had ordered for dinner “What I still don’t get is why you didn’t tell her from the start hey I’m Tom Holland, although she looks hot, and you said she’s got a sister?” He was looking at the picture Y/N had sent him two days later and wich Harry had surprised him smiling at, there was dalmatian looking at the girl with sad eyes and the text said:

Someone’s jealous because I smell like Tessa.

“Well she is a smart woman, and it was nice having a nice conversation with her, and her sister sounds way too smart for you” he said teasing the young boy. “Maybe I’m just reading too much into this, but I still feel shitty about lying to her”

“Well your name is actually Stanley, and you do are about to star in a play, so no lies there, just call her and asked her out, I’m sure miss Bristol alumni here would like you”

He only nodded, even if she knew who he was her face and her laugh kept popping up in his mind in the last three days they had been chatting, so he finished his meal and walked away from the table, writing another text for her, thinking this was the best accident he ever had.

Hey neighbor, dinner tomorrow?

[hoodiehan]

Unlock Tour in LA Experience

I’m going through PCD right now, and I just want to list out everything that I remember from the concert before I forget so here goOOES all of my Y/N moments at the concert :’)

First of all: front row tickets. Holy shOOT I got so lucky with those. I can’t believe that I was able to score 3 front row tickets for Ruby, Aurora and I ahhh (+1 ticket from Aurora for Val hehe). And the fact that I was able to get seats in front of Changbin and Seungmin for Aurora and Ruby made me extra happy hehe.  I’d first like to start off by saying: the Microsoft Theater is so unorganized. Outside of the theater and inside the theater, it was chaotic. But anyways IMMA MOVE ONTO MY INTERACTIONS WITH STRAY KIDS BECAUSE THAT’S THE IMPORTANT PART HERE. 

I’d first like to start off by saying that Minho pointed at me with his blue rose and called me “baby”. And then Seungmin took his rose, but Minho stayed in front of me and waved. Then Minho went away, but he came back to wave at me some more, he saw that I was recording him, and he gave me a heart. My phone tilted away from him a little bit because I couldn’t see what I was recording (I had my screen facing Minho so that he could stop the recording) so Minho followed my screen and to give me a heart :((. SIR I HECKING LOVE YOU. But then I gestured to my phone screen to tap on it and I kept saying “TURN IT OFF”. In the video you can audibly hear me bEGGING Minho to turn off my phone. Minho just teased me by shrugging and going “Should I turn it off?” But then he gave in and turned off my video, and then he tapped on the screen again to start a new recording for me :((. He was so gentle with it too. Minho, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. But Minho was the first member that I looked at and purely thought, “Wow he looks like a God”. His facial expressions? Minho himself? He looked so manly and handsome, I sincerely could not take it. When he got so close to me I almost blanked out because he is just wow. Minho’s voice in real life is so beautiful, I can not get his verse in 3rd Eye out of my head. 

At the beginning of the concert (didn’t catch it on video) during a quick ment, I started hyping Changbin up by jumping up and down, pointing at him and yelling, “LET’S GO CHANGBIN YEAH CHANGBIN”. He saw me, and started dancing and laughing. 🥺I held up a Changbin slogan and he saw, so I got his attention a lot :(( He would wave at me in between dances, and for some reason, he just kept looking at me? Or at least in my direction? I have so many videos where he just kept looking at me, but I’m not complaining. Idk I was recording Changbin a lot because I just had to stand there and think “Wow he is real” and he caught me slipping in those moments. The spotlight was RIGHT on me since I was front row center, so pretty much all of the skz members could see me bright and clearly. As a result, I was definitely not discreet when recording Changbin. I was so in awe of him that I kept recording and taking pictures of him. He waved at me the first time when I waved a finger heart at him, and then in all the videos that I took of him, he was looking at me. He was probably this “This bitch again ??? Stop recording me” AKJGH 

SO. MANY. MFING. HYUNJIN INTERACTIONS LIKE YESSIR THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Hyunjin saw my Hyunjin slogan and waved at mEEEEe multiple times as he constantly bent down to grab a napkin/towel ahhh please sir I loVE YOU Omg rip me after skz watched the fanmade VCR for them, I thought Chan was gonna cry so I yelled out “울지마!!!!” AND HYUNJIN HEARD AND STARTED POUTING AT ME 😭😭😭 And he kept pouting and looking at me but his gaze was too powerful and strong so I hid behind my slogan hhhh Also, during the ments, the boys would randomly start getting hyped up, so I would get hyped up too. As a result, I did that one little dance that Hyunjin does where he puts his arms up into the air and waves them around while wiggling a little (the dance that Hyunjin did when they were going to go eat meat during the finding skz up where they were in chan’s aussie house). I kept doing that, and Hyunjin saw me dancing like that, and he started doing the dance too :( Sir, you and I are the same huehuehue. Also, Hyunjin kept bODY ROLLING IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS LIKE EXCUSE ME, I DO NOT HAVE THE STAMINA FOR THIS PFFt. 

Chan interactions were just him clowning me 😭😭 Hyunjin had a sweaty towel, and he threw it down but it landed SUPER close to me. So I laughed and pointed at it, but Chan saw me point at Hyunjin’s sweaty towel and was like “Are you gonna take it?” 💀💀 Then when I showed Chan my “Can I have a water bottle please :(” sign he asked me “Do you really want one? Can I really give one to you?” LMAOOA GKLHJG G AH IM SORRY CHAN AHAHAH Chan also said like “I don’t know if I can give one to you :(” So I just waved my hand and said “No it’s okay I’m kidding!!” But everyone around me saw my interaction with him and they started freaking out with me hahaha. I also made half a heart with my hand in hopes that Chan would complete it. I waved it at him, but he didn’t complete it ;-; He did wave and smile at me when he saw my heart though huehuehue anyways bang chan best leader I LOVE YOU Also Chan got so embarrassed when he Stays would chant “BEST LEADER”. Chan, please, you really are the best leader and we will forever cheer you on for it.  I couldn’t clearly hear what the members were saying during their ments because the speakers were a little further away from me, but I saw a video of what Chan said online about how it doesn’t matter what gender, age, identity you are and that makes me so :(( He sincerely is the best leader ever and I hope that he knows that. 

I waved a finger heart to Seungmin and he smiled, winked and waved back. I also just want to thank Minho for coming over to me so much during encore because Seungmin also came over to play with Minho and they were both so cuute :(

ONE JEONGIN INTERACTION !!! HE WAVED AT ME I WAS LIKE “FINALLLLYY AFTER ALL NIGHT”. I also just have to get this off my chest, I called Jeongin “오빠” during hi Touch and he was like “EH?” But.. it’s.. fine. I’m fine. I have no shame. 

ONE Jisung interaction 😭😭 when he smiled and nodded a little at me during I Am You because I waved a finger heart at him.

I had more interactions with the backup dancers than I had interactions with Felix LOOL. Their backup dancers are kinda cute though no lie... one dancer kept dancing right in front of me and I would just smile and wave at him trying to hype him up and he would smile back and nod at me. I was like “You’re doing great sweetie!!” 

During a couple of their ments, I would turn around so that my back was facing the stage and so that I could take a selfie with the skz members in the background (LMAO I HAVE NO SHAME). But when I took one of the pictures, Felix was looking and he caught me taking a selfie ha ha ha 🤡 That’s really the only “interaction” I had with Felix. He wouldn’t look at the front row :(( He kept gazing over our heads and into the void pfft 

I brought so many slogans to the concert. I brought a slogan for Minho, Hyunjin, Changbin, Bang Chan and Seungmin. I was constantly switching out my slogans during the concert so that I could get a member’s attention and I definitely do not regret doing so :) Those slogans helped a lot heheh. I also got slogans with pictures that horizontal instead of vertical so that it would be easier to hold during concerts. I do not regret anything one bit :)) 

[dammn-dean]

Decision Or Collision - Part 2

I know it’s been a while since I posted the first part of this but here’s the continuation! Hope you like it, as usual it’s unbeta’d so all mistakes are on me. Feedback is greatly appreciated!

Characters: Mechanic!Dean, Business Man!Bucky, Reader

Pairing: Could be Bucky x Reader or Dean x Reader (Let me know what you think)

Words: Almost 2.8k

Warnings: Maybe language, AU/Crossover

“You were right, this place is great,” he grinned from his spot, across the booth from you.

You couldn’t help but smile at him as you popped another fry into your mouth. Tearing your eyes from his you looked around the Roadhouse, your aunt’s place aka the perfect place to come for a great burger and beer.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be up for it ‘Benz guy’,” you teased, using Dean’s earlier name for him.

That made him let out a hearty laugh, “Yeah well, let’s just say I need to keep up appearances for my job.”

“And what is it that you do exactly?” You would be lying if you said this mysterious, well dressed man across from you didn’t intrigue you.

He stared at you with a glint in his eye, as if he was trying to read you. He waited a moment, figuring out what he was going to say. He reached for the mug to his left with, you watched it as he brought the mug to his lips and took a big gulp of his beer. You would never admit it out loud but your eyes were on his lips, he licked them before they softly were placed on the edge of the mug. Then your eyes drifted down his throat, eyeing his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed the amber liquid.

“My father is a very important man, with enemies,” His voice pulling you back to reality. “I don’t wanna divulge too much, let’s just say he’s a wealthy man with a big part in the state government. I just kinda have to play mediator a lot,” he says with a smirk on his lips. “Sometimes it doesn’t work out to great for me, but it’s what you do for family I suppose.”

You gave him a nod, picking up your own mug to take a sip of the golden liquid. You took him in, jacket now off, sleeves rolled up showing off his strong forearms, the thin white dress shirt he was wearing not hiding his thick bicep as it flexed and moved under it as he did normal human things that shouldn’t draw your attention, but they did. It was distracting really, you were trying your best to keep your eyes locked on his but you kept drifting and you just hoped he didn’t notice. He either hadn’t or he was being polite enough not to bring it up.

“How’s everything going over here Y/N?” Your cousin Jo popped up beside the booth.

You gave her a smile with a knowing eye, she spoke to you but her eyes were on James. You rolled your eyes when she started nibbling on her lower lip with a hand on her popped out hip. She was always such a flirt, and apparently she saw something she liked.

“I haven’t seen ya around here before,” she drawled with a grin.

“Never been here before, I’m James,” he smiled back at her and held out his hand, which she took and gave a small shake that lasted a second too long but that was just your opinion.

“Names Jo, my mom owns the place,” she gestured around the Roadhouse.

“And her mom is married to my Uncle Bobby aka this is my cousin,” you explained with a smile as James’ eyes fell back to yours.

“Well it’s nice to meet you Jo.”

“Pleasures all mine James,” she practically purred.

“Would you like to join us?” He was being polite and you loved your cousin but you were ready for this to become a two person thing again.

“Jo actually works here. By the way could you get ‘em to send us another round please?” You asked with a smile.

She let out a huff and muttered some form of affirmation then headed back towards the bar with sway of her hips. You let out a small laugh and turned your attention back to James. Whose eyes were on you with a small smile on his lips.

“She seems nice,” he said with a nod in her direction.

“Mhmm,” you hummed as you took another sip of your beer, finishing it before the next was brought.

“So what else is there to do around here?” He asked after finishing off the rest of his beer, perfect timing.

You both gave thanks to the server and watched as they gathered up your now empty plates and mugs. You waited for them to leave before responding to his question.

“Well honestly not too much, there’s a movie theater, couple hole in the wall restaurants that would surprise you, couple bars. Most people just like comin’ to the Roadhouse,” you answered with a shrug.

James gave a nod and took a sip of his fresh beer. You heard the bell at the door ding, indicating someone new was entering but you had your back and didn’t turn around to see who it was. Your eyes were on James, and his were on whoever it was to walk in. He gave a small shake of his head and a laugh as he sipped his beer again.

“Jo! My usual please, and might I add you look great tonight.” A loud voice boomed from the doorway.

You knew who it was without even needing to turn and look, yet you did to find Dean settling into a stool at the bar, facing Jo who was leaned up against the bar grinning back at him. Did he have to openly flirt with every female he encountered? While it did make you feel a bit better about how he was with you it also made you feel slightly less special, because that’s just how Dean Winchester is. You couldn’t hear their conversation but you didn’t really care to, Jo’s giggled floating around the place was enough.

“You alright?” He could sense a change in you since Dean walked in the bar, and you hadn’t mean to let him effect you.

“Of course I’m alright. Sorry,” you answered with a smile. You gave yourself a little mental pep talk, telling yourself to not worry about what was happening over there. Just have fun with this beautiful and mysterious man sitting across from you.

“Maybe while you’re in town I could show you a couple of the other things to do in town?” You asked with a quirk of your eyebrow.

James’ eyes widened but he still held a smirk, “Oh yeah like what kind of things could I do, doll?”

Your eyes mimicked his, you realized how your question came across. The sip of beer you had just taken got stuck in your throat mid-swallow causing you to start coughing. All while trying to explain what you meant. James laughed amused the whole time, while holding out a napkin for you, which you took patting away any beer that had managed to spill out. God, why were you so embarrassing?

“That is so not what I meant, I mean not to say..” you were cut off before you could add to your embarrassment.

“You alright over here sweetheart?” It was Dean, right beside you with a comforting hand on your back. “Sounded like a lung was about to come up.”

“I’m fine, thanks for checking on me,” you tried to reassure him with a smile.

Your eyes flicked across the table, you noticed James sitting there taking in you and Dean. You really wanted Dean to leave without noticing you being here with James, but it seemed rude to not bring up the fact you were indeed here with someone else. Before you made the decision Dean made it for you, his eyes followed yours and he then noticed James at the booth across from you.

“You remember James from earlier right?” Sure that works, make it seem like you were introducing them.

“Oh of course, sorry man. Didn’t see you there,” Dean seethed.

They each held out a hand to shake the others, almost imitating the weird stare off they had earlier, causing you to roll your eyes.

“We noticed you come in, seems like your having a great time with Y/N’s cousin?” James retorted as their hand shake broke.

“Jo’s been a friend of the family for a while,” Dean grumbled.

“Of course, would you want to join us by chance?” James asked. Making your eyebrows shoot up into your hairline, this is definitely not what you wanted.

“I would hate to intrude.” It sure didn’t sound like he would hate to intrude.

“No of course, join us,” you chimed in.

You glared at Dean, but he either missed it or didn’t care because he plopped down in the booth right beside you, arm up and around the back of the booth behind you. Here we go.

The next few moments were filled with awkward silence. So your mug just about stayed on your lips, draining as much beer as possible. You waved down your server for another one, silently awaiting the next round.

“Maybe you should slow down sweetheart, got to be at the shop early in the morning,” Dean teased to the right of you.

“Yeah, you always have to be at the shop early, never stops you from having one too many.” You shrugged your shoulders.

Dean nodded in agreement before finishing his bottled beer that you hadn’t noticed in his other hand before calling out to Jo for another with a wink that you missed but James didn’t.

“How long have you two known each other?” James asked curiously.

“Well I’ve been working at the shop for a few months, but our families knew each other when I was little,” you eyed Dean as he nodded agreeing. “He was a few grades ahead of me, never really noticed or talked to me when I was here back then. Then my mom and dad moved us off when I was a teen. Wasn’t really until I came back that we really ‘met’ I suppose.”

“I can’t imagine how someone even back then wouldn’t notice you,” James smirked. It was hidden behind his mug but it didn’t stop the effect his words had on you, cheeks heating up at his admission.

Dean didn’t miss the jab, it didn’t sit well with him but he knew better than to bite. Why were you here with this douche anyways? You’d never even came to the Roadhouse with him, so why did you ask some random rich guy to come here with you? More importantly, why did you see him come in and not say anything? Surely this wasn’t like, a date.. was it?

“Oh believe me, I kick myself all the time for not noticing here when we were younger, but I’ve made it up to you sweetheart haven’t I?” Dean spoke directly to you the whole time and you felt your cheeks growing even redder by the second, you couldn’t do this anymore.

“You know what guys, it’s getting pretty late. I think that last beer really went to my head, time for me to head home,” you yawned to help your point.

“Of course, sweetheart,” said Dean.

“Sure thing, doll,” said James.

You closed your eyes and said a small prayer to whomever to let you get through the night. When you opened them you saw James flag down the server for the tab.

“All together?” She asked James, no one else even mattered at the table to her.

“Of course,” he grinned right back at her while fishing a card out of his wallet. You were about to protest when he spoke up again. “His from the bar too please.” James gestured towards Dean.

“No, that’s alright,” Dean held up his hand in protest. “I’ll just pay on my way out.”

“No this is on me, my treat. For all the work you’ll be doing on my car.” James gave Dean a genuine smile, he was just trying to be nice after all.

“I appreciate that but I can get my own tab,” Dean sounded a bit aggravated but James paid him no mind.

“I insist.” And without waiting he tossed his sleek black card on top of the table despite Dean’s words and just like that the server was off, card in hand.

You sent Dean a glare, telling him to be nice. He eyed you back, clearly not happy but he didn’t say anything else besides muttering a ‘Thanks’ to which James shrugged off with a friendly smile. When the server came back with his card Dean slid out of the booth and headed toward the bar without another word at either one of you. You let out an audible sigh, thankful for the relief of being around one of them at a time.

“Thank you James, I had a great time,” you beamed.

“I had a good time too doll, thanks for bringing me here,” he affirmed as he signed the copy in between eyeing you as you slid from the booth.

You reached for your jacket but before you could pull it on he was there, gently taking it from you for you to slide your arms into. You whispered a ‘thank you’, as you watched him reach for his own jacket, choosing to just toss it over his forearm for now. You took that moment to snag up your purse and look towards the bar to say bye to Dean but his eyes were already on you and they held a heat. You stopped dead in your tracks, unsure what the look was for but it didn’t stop the chill from running up your spine.

“You alright?” James asked with a hand on your lower back.

The touch caused you the recoil from and he reacted by pulling his hand from you, worried that his gesture upset you. In reality you were just startled, everything that was happening mixed with the beer you’d had was just too much.

“I’m fine,” you reassured him. “I’m just going to say bye to Dean really quick.” You didn’t really wait for a response before heading over to Dean.

“Heading out, I’ll see you in the morning?” You sounded weird, not like yourself but there wasn’t anything you could do about it.

“Of course sweetheart, be careful.” You didn’t miss the way his eyes cut to James when he said that.

“Just being friendly to a customer from out of town, D.” But were you?

“If you say so,” he muttered before sipping his bottle, lips wrapping around the end before pulling it away quickly.

You nibbled your lip and stared at him a moment to long, your brain swirling with thoughts and questions but instead of verbalizing any of them you just tapped his back and headed towards the door. You sent Dean one more goodbye in the form of a wave on the way out that he matched, they nodded towards another. Once the cool air hit your face making you feel better and more level headed instantly, almost like you could finally breathe freely.

“You need a ride back to your hotel?” You asked as you snatched your keys from the purse on your shoulder.

“I would hate to put you out of your way, I can call a cab,” he pulled his phone out and started typing away on it.

“I insist,” you used his earlier words against him.

He stopped typing on his phone and grinned at you, “Well alright then, I’d love a ride.”

Perma Taglist: @waywardbaby @mannls @msruchita @ashdownbloodline @his-paradox @mamaraptor @sophie-barnes26

Supernatural Taglist: @assassinofmasyaf @jessriley1109 @deaniepie24 @karikatz12481 @deanna-s-winchester @dean-winchesters-bacon

Marvel Taglist: @baebeepeach (Did you change your URL?) @josiejosie0 @technolilly @gabby913 @sonotalice @bexboo616 @gigistorm @just-trying-to-survive-marvel @doublephoeenix @rumoured-whispers @scarletsoldierrr

Bucky Taglist: @hiddles-rose @givemethatgold

Decision or Collision Taglist: @camillechan @thewinchesterchronicles @fairchild21 @faithfullpanicmoon @sunlight-dean @its-a-simply-me-thing  @darkangeldesignstudio @tardis-is-mine @jessieray98 @booksteaandrainyday

(I know it’s an AU, so if you don’t want like this or didn’t want to be tagged I’m sorry! But if you do like it and want to be tagged let me know. Also, if your name marked out it means I couldn’t tag you.)

[rulesofthebeneath]

how bout a dance: part 11

<AN> WELL HELLO THERE FRIENDS!!! Guess what week it is? IT’S SHOW WEEK(S)! Hope y’all enjoy this chapter, it’s long (as hell) but I had a ton of fun writing it. Gonna warn again for some suggestive content but we’re still firmly in the TV sitcom realm. [But I do think it’s entirely fair to mention that almost the entire beginning, as short as it may be, is a big sex mention, but that it’s a side plot development]. Anyways, credit as usual to @euphonyinestetica, tagging @pixelburied, @lilmissperfectlyimperfect, @ajaysbhandari, @itsbrindleybinch, @witchiegirl, @aidenzhous, @catlady0911, @ylevolenahs, @awkwardalbatros, @hufflepvnk, @ravenclawpokegirl25. Hope y’all enjoy, let me know if I need to edit the warnings. </AN>

The morning of opening night, Grace woke up to the smell of pancakes and the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. Isra was nowhere to be found, which was strange because Grace almost always woke up with the cat asleep on her chest. She put on her contacts and tried to tame her bedhead, shoved her feet in some slippers, and slowly opened her bedroom door to step into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Grace!” came Mayleen’s chipper voice from the stove, where she stood in a long t-shirt making the pancakes Grace had smelled. Unable to locate the source of the laughing, Grace stepped into the kitchen suspiciously.

“Hey, Grace,” came another voice, and Grace whipped around to see Rosa sitting at the kitchen table, also in just a long t-shirt, her face completely red but a smile playing on her lips.

It took Grace a second to figure out what was going on, but then she realized.

“Oh my god!” she squealed, clapping a hand over her mouth. “I must be a really heavy sleeper.”

Rosa’s face got impossibly redder, but Mayleen just laughed. “You were pretty exhausted after your shift Sunday. I was a little surprised, but it was convenient.”

Grace let out another surprised laugh, then sat down at the table next to Rosa, who had Isra in her lap.

“You stole my roommate and my cat,” she grumbled playfully to Rosa, reaching over to rub Isra’s gray ears.

“Lo siento,” Rosa muttered. Grace turned back to Mayleen, still at the stove.

“Wow, so uh, guys, how did this happen?”

“Well, when a woman and another woman like each other very very much…” Mayleen started in a teasing tone, but was cut off by Grace and Rosa both yelling at her, the former throwing a balled-up napkin that Mayleen barely dodged.

“You know that’s not what I meant! I don’t need to know about that! Tell me about your date!”

“Well, we went out dancing last night. I thought I’d try to help Rosa de-stress after final dress, because I get how tough tech and dress weeks can be. We went out for dinner, then we went to a club not too far away from your theater, then we came here.”

“Where you and Rosa de-stressed,” Grace deadpanned, sending Rosa into a fit of embarrassed giggles.

“Exactly. Several times,” Mayleen quipped shamelessly.

“God,” Grace snorted. “Well, I’m glad to see you guys together.”

“We’re glad to be together,” Rosa mumbled, flustered. Mayleen turned around with a smile and walked over to kiss her. Grace rolled her eyes jokingly.

“Yeah, we had a good time last night so I think we’re just gonna see how this goes,” Mayleen said, pulling away from Rosa and moving to stand behind her, wrapping her arms around her from behind. “But I have a really good feeling about it.”

Rosa turned to look up at Mayleen with soft eyes, and Grace gave them a second before she obnoxiously cooed at them. Then she got up to turn on the tea kettle on the other side of the room to give them a little privacy and pulled her phone out of the waistband of her pajama pants. There was a new text from Ajay.

Ajay: You ready for opening night?

She thought for a second before texting him back.

Grace: yes? maybe? i’m a little nervous

Ajay: I get that. But you’re going to be amazing.

Grace: i bet you say that to all the people who star in your productions

Ajay: You got me there. It doesn’t mean it’s any less true.

Grace laughed a little, then tucked her phone back into her waistband. The water was done boiling, so she dumped some loose jasmine black tea into the infuser in her teapot and poured the water in, setting a timer for five minutes to let it steep. Her phone buzzed insistently at her hip, so she wiped her hands off and pulled it back out.

Ajay: It might go without saying, but I’m really looking forward to seeing you today.

Ajay: This evening.

Ajay: At 6.

Ajay: Which is call time.

Grace: i know when call is

Grace: if you were trying to be cute it didn’t work 😂

Ajay: Just making sure.

Grace: i’ll be there. and hey, try not to melt into a puddle of stress today

Ajay: Anything for you. See you tonight.

Grace stopped by the fridge to take a bowl of fruit and grabbed her teapot to take back to her room. Rosa and Mayleen were still being disgustingly cute and Grace didn’t want to interrupt. Once in her room, she poured herself a mug of tea and sat on her bed with her script, running through places that had been trouble spots during final dress. Thankfully there weren’t many, but Grace knew she couldn’t be too careful.

The morning faded into afternoon all too quickly, and after a shower, lunch courtesy of a microwave meal, some quick physical and vocal warm-ups and another anxious look at her script, it was 5pm. She knew she had to leave in about ten minutes in order to get to the theatre early (and early was on time), so she pulled on her socks, grabbed her theatre bag that was still packed from final dress, and walked out into the kitchen.

Mayleen and Rosa sprang apart from where they’d been on the couch. Grace just rolled her eyes with a smile. She crossed over to the kitchen to fill her water bottle.

“It’s almost time to go, Rosa,” she called in the direction of the couch. Rosa made her way back to Mayleen’s room (probably where she’d kept her stuff) and Grace dropped down onto the couch next to Mayleen.

“So,” Grace said, grinning widely.

“So.” Mayleen answered, matching her grin.

Grace shook her head slightly. “I’ve never seen you this smiley. It’s weird.”

Mayleen gave a noncommittal shrug, and Grace laughed.

“Oh, I’m coming to see your show next Friday,” Mayleen announced, clearly wanting to change the topic.

“Wow, okay! Stay after and Rosa and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

“Awesome.”

The two chatted for a little longer before Rosa reemerged with her bag. Grace stood up and the pair put their shoes on at the door and Grace waited patiently outside while Rosa kissed Mayleen goodbye, then they walked down the street to the subway station together.

They rode for a few minutes in silence, then Rosa spoke up.

“You still sure that’s not weird?”

Grace giggled. “Yeah. But I would’ve appreciated a warning. I guess I’m just lucky Mayleen and I don’t share a wall.”

Rosa rolled her eyes, but Grace saw a genuine happiness in her expression.

“I’ve never seen Mayleen so cheerful in the mornings,” Grace said. “I’m really happy for you guys.”

Rosa ducked her head. “Thanks. If I’m being honest, I was only there for Isra.” Grace laughed.

The train ride and short walk to the theatre passed quickly, and the two walked through the stage door fifteen minutes early. They ran into Ajay just inside.

Grace gave him a teasing wink and tried to walk past, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards him. Rosa kept walking, and Grace knew that she’d hear about it later. Nevertheless, she let Ajay pull her back.

“You need something?” she asked, eyebrows raised. He slowly backed her up against the wall and pressed his lips to her collarbone, her neck, her jaw, careful not to leave marks, then pulled away with an intense look on his face.

“Yeah. You.”

Grace’s heart jumped into her throat, and she pulled him forward to crash their lips together. His hands came up to her hips and he pushed her back harder against the wall. She ran a hand through his hair.

When he pulled away again, her lips stung from the pressure. Something akin to joy sparkled in his eyes, and he pulled her in one more time for a kiss that was softer, shorter, sweeter. He ran his fingers through her hair, making shivers run down her spine.

“God,” was all Grace could say, completely breathless. “That all you got?”

He scoffed. “Hardly. But you need to get in costume. We’ll meet in the music room at quarter til to warm-up and for a pep talk. Oh, and Grace?”

His eyes swept over her. She shivered again, but met his gaze. He reached over to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. She barely noticed it, but he blushed just a little bit.

“There’s a lot more where that came from.”

He grinned at her—a bright, brilliant thing—then spun on his heel and left.

Grace took a moment to gather herself, to slow the desire that curled low in her stomach, to remember how to breathe again. He had her intoxicated by his presence, dizzying her with his touch until the only thing left in her head was a deep need for more.

He’d certainly come a long way from the awkward boy he was in high school.

She shook her head and tucked that away for later. She knew she needed to focus. Still, even though her mind stayed focused on the trouble spots she’d gone over that morning, her hand drifted up to stroke the places he’d kissed her, her thumb absently tracing her swollen lips.

She quickly got changed into the dress she wore at the top of Act One, an exact copy of the iconic burgundy dress but riddled with gunshots and bloodstains. One of the makeup artists came in to help her apply some blood streaks (made out of tape for easy removal) to her face. Grace took a little while to braid her hair flat against her head and to put her wig and hat on, then she was ready to go.

On her way down to the music room she stopped by Rosa’s dressing room. She shared it with the woman who played the governor, but she was finishing up her makeup when Grace arrived and vacated fairly quickly. Grace took her seat next to Rosa, who was intently lining her lips.

“You feeling ready?” Grace asked, nerves coursing through her veins. Rosa took a second to finish her makeup and consider the question.

“Yes,” she said decisively. “Everyone’s worked so hard and we’ve had a ton of fun. I think this is going to go really well.”

“Optimism. I like it.”

“I try. How about you? Feeling ready?”

“Mmm,” Grace hummed noncommittally. “I guess I kind of have to be.”

“Yeah, a little bit. But you don’t have anything to worry about. I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked on this show. You’re absolutely the right person to be the lead, and I’m completely sure that you’ll be amazing.”

“Aw, Rosa!” Grace quickly flung her arms around Rosa, trying not to tear up and ruin her makeup. “You always know exactly what to say.”

Rosa simply shrugged. “Anyone here would say the same.”

“Still. It means so much. I think… ugh,” Grace trailed off as she turned her face up towards the ceiling, trying desperately not to let tears run down her cheeks. “I think I’m breaking out of this funk that I’ve been in for half a year. Like, I heard your compliment and I didn’t automatically think that you were just lying because we’re friends. I don’t automatically declare myself a failure anymore when I mess up little things.”

“That’s great, Grace! I’m really proud of all the progress you’ve made. You’re a ton more confident than when we first met.”

“It’s mostly because of you, yknow,” Grace said, reaching over to squeeze Rosa’s hand. Rosa just shook her head.

“No, it was all you. But I’m glad that I could help.” Rosa handed Grace a stack of tissues and Grace carefully blotted at the corners of her eyes with them. When she finished, Grace moved to pull Rosa into a tight hug.

Once they separated, Grace’s eyes found the clock. It was almost 6:45.

“We should go soon. Ajay said to be in the music room at quarter til.”

“Oh, is that what he said?” Rosa asked, her face neutral but her voice light and teasing. Grace blushed and smacked Rosa lightly on the arm.

“Yes! Now let’s go.” Grace pulled Rosa from the dressing room.

“Ay dios mio! Let me put my shoes on!”

“Hurry up!”

After some friendly bickering and speed-walking to the music room, they were among the first to arrive. Rosa huffed indignantly at Grace, then went over to check her makeup in the mirrors that covered the walls. Grace looked around the room and settled down next to Kevin. She offered a hand for a high five.

“Ready to be a 1930s power couple?” he asked.

“Yup. ‘Two livin’ legends’,” she quoted with a smile.

He chuckled, then his face turned serious. “Nervous?”

“Yeah. I think I will be until we’re onstage.”

“Really?” Kevin asked. “I didn’t think you got nervous.”

“What? Why not?”

“I dunno. You always seem so calm onstage.”

“It’s an act. It’s all an act,” Grace laughed. Kevin looked relieved, and Grace set a hand on his shoulder. “We’re gonna be awesome.”

At that moment, Ajay entered, followed by Emily. He sent a stunning grin Grace’s way—she remembered with all too much clarity how that grin had felt against her lips—then turned to address the room at large. He spun a chair around and sat backwards on it, facing the collection of actors.

“Alright,” he started with a big smile, “you guys have worked so hard on this production, and I’m so incredibly proud of all of you. All I’m gonna ask of you guys is to keep that passion up for the entire run. Don’t let me down now.”

The cast laughed.

“I’m going to be watching from the audience tonight. We’ll meet here right after the show every night for notes, and I’ll also email them out.” He paused to check his watch. “Alright, curtain in ten. Go make me proud.”

With that he and Emily left, and the cast slowly got up from their seats. Grace’s stomach started to churn and a burning sensation ran up her throat into her chest. Her hands started to shake, and her leg started to bounce. She got up quickly and made her way backstage, where she paced behind the curtain until she nearly ran into Kaylie who was doing the exact same thing, her face white as a sheet.

Grace stopped her and reached around to adjust a bow on Kaylie costume.

“Hey, you okay?”

Kaylie swallowed. “I’m fine,” she said unconvincingly.

Grace grimaced sympathetically. “I’m nervous too. This waiting around part kind of sucks.”

A small smile reached Kaylie’s face. “Yeah, it really does.”

“Can I give you a hug?” Grace asked. When the girl nodded, Grace wrapped her arms tightly around her.

“You’re going to be great, Kaylie. I know it.”

The smile reached Kaylie’s face. “Thanks, Grace. You too.”

Just then, Emily appeared from the wings to tap on Grace’s shoulder and gesture to the car. Places. Grace took in several deep breaths, then walked onstage to join Kevin. She got in the car with him and he gave her a smile. She rested her head on his shoulder and they both closed their eyes. They heard the sound from the audience get quieter, then the curtains rolled open and the lights came up on the stage.

***

The light went amber, a sunset fading in the distance. Bonnie stood in front of her car, angrily kicking the front tire.

“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!”

Clyde sauntered up to her, an unkempt man in a torn white tank top and suspenders. She had no reason to trust him, but immediately upon seeing him she did anyways.

“Hey!” he said. “Engine trouble?”

She finally stopped kicking the tire. “Engine trouble, tire trouble, oil trouble…” she listed, sounding defeated.

“Looks like you and me got the same car,” Clyde noted. “Goes through oil like a preacher through whiskey, huh?”

Bonnie smiled, just a little. “Yeah.”

“How ‘bout I see if I can fix you up? And then maybe you gimme a lift into West Dallas.”

“Sure. Thanks,” she said, then stepped back to let him pop the hood and peer under it. “You live in the Devil’s Back Porch?”

“Not for much longer.”

“I don’t know anybody ever moved out of West Dallas,” Bonnie said, hands on her hips. He pulled his head out from under the hood and offered her a grease-stained hand.

“You do now,” he said with a wink. “Clyde Barrow.”

She shook her head, but smiled and took his hand. “Bonnie Parker.”

***

Clyde, now clad in a suit, pointed a shotgun at a bank teller. Bonnie stood beside him, a large leather bag hanging from her shoulder.

“Now, my partner here is gonna approach the counter with a bag that I would very much like you to fill with cash,” he said, his voice commanding the silence of the entire bank.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” the teller said calmly. Only his trembling fingers betrayed his anxiety.

Clyde raised his eyebrows, and exchanged a look with Bonnie. “Do you not see this gun, mister?” He gestured with the gun, causing a few in the crowd of hostages nearby to startle.

“I can’t fill your bag with cash because there isn’t any,” the teller clarified, a shake starting to become audible in his voice.

“This here’s a bank, ain’t it?” Clyde asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

“Yes, but--”

Clyde looked around as if he’d just noticed the uncommonly large crowd at the bank. “What is goin’ on here?”

“The bank’s closed.”

“Then what’re all these folks doin’ here?”

“Trying to get our damn money!” shouted an older man from near the back of the crowd.

“They’re sayin’ the bank is broke!” yelled the woman beside him.

“Not a nickle in the drawers,” said the teller.

“You’re tellin’ me I’m robbing a bank with no money?” Clyde said, disbelief coloring his tone.

“Complaint forms are over there.”

***

For Grace, the curtain call was always a precious moment. She and Kevin stepped onto the stage, hand in hand, to thunderous applause. Tears welled up in her eyes from the pure joy of the moment as she took her bow. As soon as the curtain closed, she let them fall. Rosa rushed up to her, putting a hand on her back as Grace desperately tried to wipe the tears away.

“Grace, are you okay?”

Grace nodded, a small sob bursting from her throat. She sniffed and tilted her head up to the lights. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy.”

Rosa grinned and put an arm around Grace’s shoulders, guiding her backstage to the music room. After a few minutes of the cast circulating the room, hugging and cheering, Ajay stepped in and they all fell silent.

“Good job, guys,” he said, trying not to sound too enthusiastic. “I have a couple notes, but that was a good show.”

The entire cast started cheering again, louder than before. They knew that that kind of compliment out of their director was  rare, and it meant a lot more than he wanted them to think. Eventually, they quieted down to receive their notes, then dispersed to their respective dressing rooms. Grace stayed behind, waiting in the hallway outside the music room. When Ajay finally emerged, she caught his attention and he pulled her over to an alcove in the hall. He took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead almost reverently.

“You were stunning up there, Grace. I knew you would be.” He kissed both her cheeks and then pressed his lips softly to hers. “Now go home, get some sleep. We’ve still got three shows left this week.”

***

After the show Sunday, the end of the first week:

“Mom! Dad! James!” Grace cried, running full tilt through the nearly empty lobby to sweep her family up into a giant hug.

Once they broke apart, everyone grinning, Grace’s dad handed her a gigantic bouquet. Her mom beamed at her. James just sighed and ruffled her hair from his height almost a foot above her.

“Thanks, guys! And hey, cut it out!” She batted James’ hand away from her head. “But really, thank you guys so much for coming!”

“It was great, Gracie,” her mom said, smoothing her hair down where James had messed it up. “You’re our little star.”

“Hey!” James protested, sending the whole group into peals of laughter. Grace caught Ajay’s eye from where he was leaning against the wall, waiting.

“Guys,” she said, turning back to her family, “I want to introduce you to the director. Or, reintroduce you.”

Her father’s brow furrowed in confusion, but her mom’s eyes widened when she saw Ajay walking up to the group over Grace’s shoulder.

***

Friday, the second week:

“Bonnie!” Clyde yelled, reaching through the bars. Bonnie rushed over to him, throwing her bag to the ground and sinking to her knees when she saw him.

“Oh my god… what happened to your face, baby? What’s goin’ on? Can’t I complain? Can’t I do something?” She turned to yell for the prison guards.

“Somebody help him!”

She turned back to him, her eyes searching his face for some sort of explanation. Clyde opened his mouth, but said nothing.

Grace tugged on Kevin’s collar again, but the only thing she could register on his face was sheer panic. His line cued the guard’s entry, but he wasn’t saying it. The silence grew awkward, and Grace knew she had to do something, she just didn’t know what.

“Baby, what can I do? Can I–” Bonnie looked around, then lowered her voice. “Can I break you out of here? You got somethin’ I can bring you to help you bust out?”

Grace searched Kevin’s still-panicked face, hoping that improvised line was enough to give him a cue. And as realization slowly flooded his eyes and his face relaxed, she breathed a sigh of relief and knew it had been.

“Yeah, at the gas station, there’s a gun hidden under the porch–” he started, but a guard burst into the room, interrupting him.

“What seems to be the problem?”

Bonnie turned to face the guard, standing up. Pure rage twisted her features.

“Look at him!”

***

After the show Friday, Grace leaned against the door of her dressing room, scrolling through something on her phone. Ajay sauntered up.

“Hey,” he said, startling her. “Oh, sorry.”

“No, don’t worry. I’m just waiting for Rosa.”

“Is she running late, or something? You guys usually leave together.”

“Yeah, but my roommate came to this performance so we’re all going to leave together. But Rosa’s currently making out with my roommate in her dressing room, so…”

Ajay’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow.”

“Yeah,” Grace sighed. “If only there was something I could do in the meantime…” She cast him a meaningful glance. He promptly turned red and started stuttering. Grace burst out into laughter.

“I don’t get you,” she said between laughs. “You can be the smoothest guy in the world one second and a blubbering mess the next. What’s up with that?”

He shook his head with a smile. “I don’t know. I guess you bring out the best and the worst in me.”

***

Sunday, the second week:

Bonnie threw a glass jar to the ground, enraged. Then, all the fight gone out of her, she sighed and dropped to her knees, sweeping the shards onto a piece of fabric that she dumped in the trash. The familiar piano-and-guitar melody started up, and after a few bars Bonnie began to sing.

“I know my heart don’t care what people say. All I know is that I never felt like this. And besides, I wouldn’t change him if I could… No man’s all good…”

She walked over to an old armchair and sat heavily in it while Blanche sang from inside her beauty parlor.

“I always knew what I was takin’ on, but I always felt that I could change his ways. Even if my man will never fall in line… glad he’s mine.”

And then, from opposite sides of Cement City, Bonnie and Blanche sang in harmony.

“‘Cos you love who you love, and you can’t help how you’re made. You don’t have no say, your heart decides. It’s that simple, I’m afraid…”

Later in the song, Bonnie got up from her armchair. She pulled on Clyde’s old coat that he’d left in her house, and she gazed offstage, singing as if he were there.

“I only care that he’s mine and I am his. There ain’t no rules, that’s how it is. Most girls would hate to be standing in my shoes, but true love’s something you don’t choose,” she belted, all the loneliness and anguish and desperation flooding her face and affecting her tone.

Grace poured her own emotions into every syllable of those words, singing to her invisible Clyde right in the front of the wings. Except he wasn’t invisible, and he wasn’t Clyde, and he wasn’t even hers yet but he was standing there in a beige blazer and tortoiseshell glasses with gentle eyes and a soft smile, his face reflecting every sentiment she expressed. And she hoped that he knew that she meant every single word, even if she couldn’t tell him.

***

Thursday, the last week:

As she stormed offstage as Bonnie, Grace felt a sharp pain in her foot. She ignored it until she got to the wings, but immediately sat down under a blue light once she was there and took off her thin-soled shoe. The sharp pain only got worse when the removal of her shoe meant pulling a large shard of glass out of her heel. She nearly cried out in pain, but clamped a hand over her mouth before any sound could escape. One of the dressers—the one that helped Grace pull the gunshot wound stickers off her face during the prologue—noticed and rushed over, grabbing the first aid kit from the wall.

The dresser helped her back to her well-lit dressing room, then inspected the cut.

“It’s not too deep,” the dresser smiled up at her. “I’ll just clean it, stick a bandage on, and wrap it up. You’ll be fine for the rest of the show, but you should probably get it checked out tonight or tomorrow morning.”

Grace hissed as the dresser sprayed antibacterial on her foot. “How do you know all this?”

“I’m a paramedic,” the dresser grinned up at her.

“Wow. Well, thank god for you. I hope this is the worst you ever have to save me from.”

They laughed softly as the dresser finished bandaging her foot.

“When do you have to be back on?”

“After they do ‘When I Drive’. It’s not a lot of time, but it’s something.”

The dresser sighed. “Well, rest that foot as much as you can.”

“Yeah. Thanks so much.”

The dresser turned to leave, and Grace sighed down at her foot, still smarting from the glass shard. She’d have to be careful next time about only breaking the jar over the rug.

***

Curtain call closing night was indescribable. The joy she’d felt opening night was multiplied and combined with nostalgia, fierce love for every person onstage and backstage, and this time she really did tear up right on stage. Kevin wrapped his arm around her shoulder (and pressed a kiss to her temple for the sake of the audience) as tears rolled down her face. She wiped them away and put on her best and brightest smile for the audience, all standing, until the curtains closed. Then she turned directly into Kevin and wrapped her arms around him, sobbing into his chest.

When she looked up, she was surprised to find that his cheeks were wet too. And she was even more surprised when Rosa came and wrapped her arms around both of them, then Elijah, then Andrew, then Lysander, then Kaylie and Jackson, then all of the ensemble and even the dressers and run crew came out and joined the massive group hug. More people were crying than not, and most from pure happy joy.

Minutes later, when the hug finally broke up, everyone split off in opposite directions. They were all eager to get home, fatigue turning to happy exhaustion. They’d all help with strike Monday, but nobody planned to show up before noon. The theatre may have been rapidly emptying, but Grace’s heart was filling up fast. The cast and crew might have been wavering, but she thrummed with energy as she went to look for Ajay.

She searched backstage for him, behind every set piece and in every darkened corner. Nothing.

No mind, she thought, he’s probably in the music room. That was where they had notes every night, and even though they wouldn’t tonight it wasn’t unreasonable to think he’d be there. She made her way down to the music room, but it was empty.

Turning desperate, she searched the halls through the theatre, the house, and the lobby for him, but he was nowhere to be found. As she made a final lap through the music room, just to make sure she hadn’t missed him, her heart sank lower and lower until she felt it drop out of her body and sink into the floor. She rounded the stairs to head resignedly back to her dressing room.

He stood me up, was all she could think. He realized he was making a mistake and he bolted. Logic piped up and tried to tell her she was being unreasonable, but between the emotions running high from closing night and the fissure quickly forming in her heart, she couldn’t listen.

Maybe he has a good explanation, her brain protested as she trudged up the stairs. You should go check your phone. See if he texted.

Or maybe I’m just a failure again, her heart screamed, drowning out all reason.

Tears sprung in her eyes again, but for a completely different reason this time. She slowly turned the knob to her dressing room door, all the happiness gone out of her. 

She was so preoccupied with her warring emotions that she didn’t even notice that the light was on in the dressing room.

[savory-n-sweet]

May I Have This Dance?

requested by anon: 011 and 012 with racetrack higgins?? thank u ur writing is amazing!! :)

pairing: racetrack higgins x female!reader

words: 1.9K

warnings: smoking, its long as hell

princess au (you’ll get it once you read, i promise)

2017 | 1992

edited | not edited | skimmed

this has been in my drafts for so long?? like i’m talking MONTHS. but anyways enjoy. reblogs are always appreciated!!

- - -

racetrack higgins was nowhere near being a prince, or even someone that hung around royal families. his friend jack, however, was. they had paid jack to paint a mural, and he invited race as his plus one to the reveal party. race was unsure of going at first, but once he found out about you, he decided to give it a shot.

he was sitting at a round table next to jack. they were both in suits, but race’s was a rental. jack owned his, though it wasn’t tailored like everyone else’s. his pant legs pooled around his ankles, making him look shorter. however, the two of them were enjoying themselves. they were cracking jokes and engaging in pleasant conversation with the other members of their assigned table.

race felt extremely out of place. he was a poor kid while everyone else in the room was filthy rich, practically showering themselves in money. the guests were in fancy ball gowns and tailored suits accompanied by even fancier jewelry. he was insecure, more so than he’s ever been. the only accessory he had ever owned was a silver watch his father gave him.

suddenly, a hush fell over the room. he noticed the guests move out of the way, and immediately fall silent. he stood up and brushed off his pants, purely out of habit.

then, he saw you. he saw you in that dusty pink, glittery gown. he saw your smile and his heart fluttered. he watched you descend the stairs in awe. you walked with such grace and poise.

when he noticed you walking towards his table, his palms instantly went sweaty and his mouth dried.

“hey jack,” you hugged the shorter boy, smiling on his shoulder. you let go of him before noticing the drink in his hand. “what’re you drinking?”

“scotch,” he handed you the glass. you took it and downed what was left.

“thank god. planning these balls are so stressful,” you sighed, placing the glass on the table to your side. you looked over his shoulder, noticing race. you walked around jack, holding your hand out for race to shake. “hi, i’m (y/n).”

“uh, yeah i, uh, i know,” he took your gloved hand and shook it. he was extremely thankful you wore gloves tonight.

you laughed, looking down at your shoes, still shaking race’s hand.

“kid, tell her your name,” jack coughed from behind you.

“race,” he cleared his throat and let go of your hand. you smiled, glancing from your burgundy heels to his blue eyes.

he was beautiful. his curly blond hair, his deep blue eyes, and his tan skin were absolutely stunning. you assumed he was your age, maybe a little bit older. he looked like a deer in headlights at the moment, though.

“oh! jack told me about you!” you exclaimed, lightly hitting his shoulder out of sheer excitement.

“what? why?” he swallowed rather loudly. he looked like a deer caught in headlights, but you thought it was cute.

“when i invited jack, he asked to bring a plus one. when i asked who, he told me about you.”

race didn’t look any more relaxed. in fact, he looked more terrified.

“oh, don’t worry! he said nothing but good things, i promise,” you placed a hand on his shoulder, a dopey smile on your face. “i just hope you live up to those good things.”

“i’m gonna get something to drink. you kids want anything?” jack winked at race causing him to blush heavily.

“surprise me,” you said.

“whiskey?” race requested. “you have whiskey here, right?” he looked down at you.

“we have just about everything,” you grinned.

-

about an hour later, the three of you were having the time of your lives. race had had a few glasses of whiskey, causing him to relax quite a bit. you were seeing more of his smile as well as his humor. you had relaxed a bit too. the conversation never seemed to dull. the three of you were telling stories, jokes, and race even showed off how many peanuts he could catch in his mouth. race was showing off in general. card tricks, magic tricks, you name it. you loved it though. it was nice to be able to be yourself without having to worry.

“i’ll be right back,” jack excused himself, placing his napkin on the table. you looked to race, then grabbed his hand.

“wanna get out of here?” you raised your eyebrows, smiling like a maniac.

“where are we gonna go?” he furrowed his.

you got up and dragged him through the crowd. the two of you dodged too many people to count, waiters included. you ran, with him in tow, out of the ballroom and up the grand staircase. you lead him to a room far down the indoor balcony, pushing him inside first. you closed to door behind yourself, promptly locking it.

“it’s just quieter up here. and,” you pointed to your balcony doors. “fresh air.”

“it’s pretty in here. your room?” he questioned, looking over your knick knacks and photos. he held a ballerina figurine in his hand, examining it before moving onto the next thing.

“yeah. hey, do me a favor and unzip me?” you turned around. he nodded, doing so. you pushed the sleeves off your shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. “god, this thing is suffocating.”

race covered his eyes and looked away. “hey! i’m still in here! don’t you want me to leave or something?”

“race, i still have the underdress thing on. it’s fine,” you smiled when you saw him peek through his fingers. “but you can stand on the balcony or wait in the hall if you’d like.”

“i’m gonna go on the balcony,” he stated as he walked toward the doors.

“okay! i’ll grab you once i’m changed.”

once he was out there, he lit his cigar. he leaned against the railing and thought for a bit. he knew two things; he absolutely loved spending time with you, and that you were very far out of his league. he didn’t know what to do or even if he should do anything.

“hey, you can come back,” you popped your head out beyond the doorway.

he didn’t look back at you. he kept his eyes focused on his cigar he kept flicking with his thumb. “give me a minute?”

you nodded, closing the door. it took a few seconds before you stepped onto the balcony. you threw a blanket over race’s shoulders, getting close to him so it covered yours as well.

“don’t want you to get cold or anything,” you smiled up at him. he smiled lazily in return, bringing the cigar to his lips. “so, how do you know jack?”

“we work together,” he shrugged. you nodded, sensing he didn’t want to talk about it.

you leaned against the railing as well, propping your head on your hand. you closed your eyes as you listened to the song below. it was fairly muffled, only becoming clear when someone walked onto the patio below. one of your favorite slow songs was playing, causing you to smile softly.

race looked at you, smiling when you did. he put out his cigar, placing it in an inside jacket pocket. he got out from under the blanket, then held his hand out to you.

“may i have this dance?”

you raised your eyebrows, then giggled. you took his hand and stepped closer to him.

the two of you swayed to the music, slowly inching closer to one another. by the end of the song, your head was on his chest and his arms were wrapped around your torso. you felt safe and comforted right there, in his arms. you never wanted to leave them.

the song ended, but the two of you stayed like that—in each other’s arms, swaying. you sighed in content, a small smile on your face. you closed your eyes, taking in the smell of his cologne.

race rested his chin on the top of your head, holding you close. he didn’t want this to end. he knew that once he left, there was a rare chance he’d ever see you again. he held his wrist high enough he could see it and checked the time.

“hey, i actually have to get going,” he mumbled, disappointment lingering in his voice. “i’m sorry.”

“what’s there to be sorry for?” you asked, following him to your bedroom door.

“leaving,” he shrugged. he was really apologizing for his thoughts. race wanted to kiss you, right then and there, but he knew it was inappropriate. he just met you, barely an hour ago. he knew life wasn’t like the movies, especially his life. nothing came easy for him, so why would this?

“you don’t have to apologize. i’m sure we’ll see each other around,” you smiled as you leaned against your doorframe.

“i hope we do,” he smiled, too.

-

it had been close to a week since you last saw him. you couldn’t get him out of your goddamned head. everything about him was wonderful. you wanted to learn as much as you possibly could about him, but you couldn’t even find him. so, you ran to jack.

he was sure to know where to find him. you assumed they were close, so you hoped he knew. if he didn’t, you were back to square one.

you found yourself in miss medda’s theater, searching for her or jack. you made your way backstage when you saw jack on the top of a ladder, painting a backdrop.

“oh, thank god. jack!” you jogged towards him. you had never been happier to see someone who was covered in paint.

“hello miss (y/n). what’re you doing over here?” he looked down at you. there was a small smirk playing on his lips.

“do you know where i can find race? i need to speak with him.”

“sounds serious. everything alright?” he asked as he climbed down be shaking ladder.

“yeah, everything’s fine,” you nodded. “do you know where he is?”

“he’s in the bathroom,” he smiled, pointing behind you. “can i have that brush?”

you handed it to him, unsure of what to say. so, you looked at what he was working on.

it was a woodsy scene. it was unfinished, but still beautiful. the sun was setting behind the trees, giving them a faint orange glow.

“this is stunning, jack.”

“thank you. it’s taken me about two days so far. i’m hoping to be done by tomorrow.”

“jack, who’re you talking to?” a familiar voice mumbled.

you turned around to see race. he had his cigar dangling from his lips while he was trying to tuck in his dirty, paint stained shirt.

“hey,” you smiled once he looked up.

“(y/n), i-i didn’t know you were gonna be here,” he took the cigar and put it in his shirt pocket. “i would’ve dressed up.”

jack snorted from next to you, then quickly covered it up with a cough. you smiled, shaking your head.

“you’re fine, race. can i, uh, talk to you?” you nervously picked at your fingers.

“yeah sure,” he gestured for you to follow, and you did. you were farther backstage with more props and equipment. “what’s up?”

“this is going to sound weird, and maybe a little crazy, but i can’t stop thinking about you. you’ve been in my head since the night of the ball and you won’t leave.”

he smiled and shook his head before pulling you into a hug.

“wanna go on a date sometime?” he laughed, still holding you.

“yeah, that’d be great,” you laughed into his chest.

- - -

[ tag list: @brooklyns-here-for-ya-erster @kingofsantafe @who-is-the-king-of-new-york @thwiparkers @newsies-trashboat  @notes-the-newsie @musical-trash-meg @rebecko @princeandreis @we-dont-sell-papes @brooklyn-anon @viennaleia @fandomscraziness22 @broadwayandbookblog @i-got-personality @king-of-newyork @heytheywascoronas @elmers-half-a-cup @papesandcigars @the-kid-blinks @purplelittlepup

n my hype beast @supremebesson ]

[bee-kathony]

Fraser Memorial | Ch. 3 “Movie Date”

Thank you @sassenachwaffles for being my beta for this chapter! 

Ch. 1 - Sutures | Ch. 2 - Maybe This Time 

Present Day

Taking a sip of my coffee, I scanned my surgery schedule for the week quickly. I had a major surgery today; one of my patients who I’d been seeing for the last three years was finally getting a heart transplant. Days like this always made me nervous, would the heart take to it’s new owner? Was all the waiting worth it?

Jamie’s hands rested on top of my shoulders, lightly kneading the hard knots that were a constant presence on my body. “Ye’ll do great today, Claire. Ye always do.” 

“Thanks,” I sighed, tapping my fingers on my journal. “I just really want this to work — not only for me, but for Joe as well.” Joe Abernathy would be getting his new heart today, he was strong. I knew he could handle it.

Joe was also a close friend. He had been there from the start of mine and Jamie’s relationship; there to offer advice and to tell me when I was being daft over some small issue. 

“I’ll drop by his room after the surgery today,” Jamie kissed the top of my head, smoothing my curls. 

“He’d love to see you.” I stood from the table, drinking the last sip of coffee as I reached for my bag on the chair. 

“Do you want to drive or shall I?” I asked, holding out the keys. 

“I ken ye think I’m a granny driver, Sassenach,” he rolled his eyes playfully at me. “But it’s only to keep ye safe. Ye and the bairn.” His eyes drifted down to my stomach and I slid my hand across it. 

“You don’t know.” It had been two weeks since my missed period, and I was never late. I should have known Jamie would be tracking my bodily functions. 

“Aye, I don’t, but I know you.” He stepped closer, slipping an arm around my waist. “I ken yer body better than you do. Yer breasts…” he ran his thumb lightly across my nipple over my scrubs. “They’re bigger, and ye’ve got a glow about ye.” 

“I don’t want to jinx anything,” I sighed and leaned my head against his chest. The last time my period was late by a few days, we had gotten our hopes up only to have them crushed the next day when a small spot of blood showed up on our bed sheets. 

“There’s nothin’ wrong wi’ hopin’ is there, Sassenach?” Jamie held me to him, his heart beating steadily under my ear. 

“No, I suppose not.” Jamie grabbed the keys from my hand. We drove to work with the windows down. As the summer air blew across my cheeks, I allowed myself to hope for the thing I wanted so badly in this world, a child of my own. 

2015

I changed my outfit probably five times before deciding on a pair of black jeans that hugged my arse, accompanied with a thin green sweater. The air was crisp, but not quite cold enough to fathom lugging around a coat the entire evening. Besides, if I got cold, maybe Jamie would be a gentleman and offer me his coat. 

“Yer wearing that?” Geillis stood in my doorway, disapproval crossing her face. I’d asked her to come over to help get me ready for my date with Jamie. 

I looked again in the mirror, “Yes. What’s wrong with a green sweater?” 

“Och, nothing.” She smirked, “If ye want the man to think of vomit whenever he looks at ye, ye’ve achieved it wi’ that sweater.” 

Rolling my eyes, I huffed out a frustrated sigh, and pulled off the sweater. “Fine. You pick something then since you’re such an expert.”

Geillis smiled, and crossed the room to my open closet, where clothes were strewn about in a mad rush to pick an outfit. 

“Those jeans are good, we’ll stick wi’ those.” She pulled out a red camisole and held it up, but decided against it, letting it fall to the floor. 

“Geillis, don’t make more of a mess.” I grumbled and bent to pick up the articles of clothing she was flinging around the room. 

“Yer closet is already a mess, Claire. What’s a few more pieces?” She laughed and stood on her tiptoes to reach for a black sheer shirt, that I hardly ever wore. In fact… I’d never worn it. 

“No! I’m not wearing that on my date. It’s practically see through.” I took a step back from Geillis as she pulled it off the hanger. 

“That’s just the point, Claire. Ye want him to get a good look at what ye’ve got to offer, but still leave a little something to his imagination.” 

She was right, as always. 

I held out my arms for her and she squealed, sliding the sleeves over my arms as she dressed my like her rag doll. When she clasped the small button at the back, I turned to take a look in the mirror, and was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t hate it. 

“Not bad, Beauchamp.” She slapped my arse, and I jumped, swatting at her hand. 

My buzzer rang, and Geillis shouted “Come in!” I gave her a cross look, but smiled, she was having too much fun with this. 

“Sassenach?” Jamie’s voice called from the living room, and I walked out. The look on his face when he saw me, had the butterflies stirring in my stomach. Thanks Geillis. 

“Wow.” He held out both of his arms to me, “Just look at ye, Claire. Absolutely stunnin’.” Blushing, I took his hand, and let him turn me towards the door. 

“Just lock my door when you leave, alright, Geillis?” I paused in the doorway, hoping Jamie didn’t see her making kissy faces at us. I flicked my middle finger up at her, and shut the door as fast as I could. 

++++++

“Ye do look verra bonny, tonight.” His arm slipped across my back as we walked up to the theater’s entrance. The thin material of the shirt left very little to the imagination, and I could feel the heat from his palm on my skin. 

“Thank you,” I blushed, pulling back a curl behind my ear. 

“Two for ‘Titanic’.” Jamie paid for our tickets, and led us into the movie theater. “Ye want popcorn, Sassenach?”

“Is that even a question?” I laughed, and we got in line for concessions. “Did you really cry watching this movie?”

“Aye. I tried no’ to, but I was young and impressionable when I first saw it.”

“Did you see it when it first came out? What was that… 1997?” I grabbed my drink from the concession and a few napkins, stuffing them into my purse. 

“Och, no. I woulda been only seven years old. No way was my mam lettin’ me see that movie.” He nudged my side, “Wi’ that steamy car scene.” 

“Oh good.” I laughed, “So that makes us about the same age then, I was born in 1989.” We walked into the theater and to my surprise it was virtually empty. 

“An older woman,” he smirked, taking the stairs two at a time and chose the row at the back of the theater. “I knew ye were wise, but I ken why now.” 

A few more people trickled in, but we were still the only ones near the back of the theater. When the lights dimmed and the first trailer started, Jamie and I simultaneously put our legs up on the back of the chairs in front of us. We both started laughing, “I always wait for the trailers, and if anyone hasna come by then, the chair is free game.” 

“I do the same thing!” I wiped a stray tear from my eye… this man. 

We watched the beginning of the movie in silence and I thanked God that he wasn’t one of those annoying movie talkers, always interjecting with his opinion every five seconds. 

As time passed, Jamie’s hand inched closer and closer to mine, before he finally intertwined his fingers with mine. 

I smiled at him, and leaned my head against his shoulder. Going to the movies on a first date was always tricky, since you really couldn’t talk and get to know each other. But I felt I was learning things about him even in the silence. In the way he laughed at the funny parts, and squeezed my hand tightly as the ship sank. He was a man of feeling, a man of passion. 

I couldn’t help but lift my head and sneak a glimpse at his face as Jack drifted down into the water. He was crying. Not sobbing, but a few tears slid down his face, and when he caught me looking at him, he laughed. He brought our joined hands up to his face and wiped his tears with the back of my hand. 

“There, there.” I felt tears of my own springing to my eyes, not because of the movie, but because of the intense emotions I was feeling for Jamie. 

When the lights came up, we sat there for a moment, our hands still clasped, laying on his thigh. “Do ye want to go for a wee walk? Before I take ye home.” 

“Sure,” I smiled, and we left the theater, heading in the opposite direction of my house. 

“I’d like to see ye again, Claire.” 

“Really? Asking me out on a second date before the first is even over?” I laughed, wrapping my arm around his. “How bold of you to assume I enjoyed this one.” 

He turned his face to me, his eyes wide, “But I fed ye popcorn and candy, Sassenach. How could ye no’ be pleased?” Jamie walked us towards a fountain in the middle of a small park. 

“I did enjoy it, Jamie.” He sat down on the edge of the fountain, giving his knee a gentle pat for me to sit on. With previous relationships, I had never been so touchy this quickly. But with Jamie, it was all I wanted to do. My hands ached for his when they were apart, and my lips were practically burning with the need to feel his against mine. 

“Maybe for the next date,” he slid his arm around my back to hold me there against his lap, “we do somethin’ that requires more talkin’… I didna realize until we got to the movies how little of it we’d be doin’.” 

I looked into his fathomless blue eyes, those same eyes I had dreams about for the past few weeks since I met him. “There’s something else that we could do right now…” sighing, I ran my fingers through the curls at the nape of his neck, “that requires little talking.” 

He arched his eyebrow, and his hand came to cup my cheek. “I would verra much like to kiss ye, Sassenach.”

I leaned in closer to him, “Please,” I begged, and finally our lips met in the most delicious way. 

He tasted salty from the popcorn as I ran my tongue along his bottom lip. Jamie made a contented sigh against my mouth, and he pulled me closer against him. If we weren’t in public, I’m sure we would have ended up tearing each other’s clothes off just then. 

His kiss left me feeling so alive, full of electricity. Since my horrible break up with Frank, I had been so down on myself, blaming myself for my failed relationship. If I was being honest, from the beginning, Frank made me feel like I wasn’t good enough to be with him. 

It was the opposite with Jamie. As he held me in his arms, in a small park in Edinburgh, he conveyed his true feelings with his lips. Every touch was a promise, a spark of hope that made me feel worthy - that made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I could be whole again. 

[frisbee-camp]

Let Me Help

AO3 Link//Wattpad Link

Tj and Cyrus have been friends for a long time, but will that change after life comes crashing down and impulsive decisions catch up to them? (Angst, Ambi, love notes, slow burn, aged up so they're all in high school, god tier ships, mental health, and like a whole bunch more ladies! Let’s get this angst.)

Chapter 15 If You’re There

"I'm freaking out you guys!" Cyrus had to sit down for a moment, "Navy blue or midnight blue?" He held up two bow ties, Andi and Buffy looked at each other annoyed. 

"Whichever Cy, I really don't think TJ Kippen is going to care," Buffy said as she added some last minute setting spray on her and Andi. The dance was in a few hours and Cyrus was very close to throwing up. He hadn't coordinated with TJ, Why didn't I coordinate? What has happened to me?

"Won't notice?! Won't NOTICE?! Everyone will know if we're not matching Buffy! This is the most important thing that has ever happened to me in my life, I will not mess this up." Cyrus had texted TJ earlier that day to ask what color tie he was wearing, but TJ had only said blue. Cyrus was now faced with the overwhelming assortment of blue bowties he owned.  "Cyrus, we need you to calm down. Why don't you text him again?" Andi came over and plucked a stray eyebrow hair, Cyrus winced.  "I would," he said as he rubbed his eyebrow, "but I don't want to be annoying. We've only been together for a week and I don't want to scare him off already." "Really? You think that will scare him off? That boy has been on you for years Cy, he's not going away anytime soon," Buffy smiled and texted someone. Cyrus smiled to himself. The friends had decided to meet at The Spoon before the dance. Andi, Buffy, and Cyrus sat in a booth away from the door. They ordered baby taters before the others got there, he picked one up, but was too nervous for tater theater.  "So, are we going to Angel's after party or what?" Buffy said as she looked at herself in her compact mirror.  "Buffy? Since when are you a party animal?" Andi laughed. "Oh come on, it'll be fun. Plus we've learned our lesson from last time," Buffy gave Cyrus a knowing look. Cyrus fiddled with a napkin. "And what's that?" Cyrus looked up at his friends, Andi had made their own silk dress and Buffy wore her favorite over the shoulder dress in blush.  "Not to leave you alone," Buffy laughed with Andi, Cyrus felt lightheaded. He had really really really tried to forget about Iris' party.  Cyrus heard the doorbell chime just as Andi brightened and said, "Here they are." Cyrus turned and thought he had accidentally stared into the sun. Right behind Marty and Amber was TJ who wore a well fitted black tux with blue accents. Cyrus blinked and blinked again until TJ was in front of him. He heard someone say his name very far away, he blinked again. "-rus. Cyrus?" Tj sat next to him. Cyrus could hear again.  "Hi," Cyrus said bashfully, he was flushed. Tj smiled and looked him up and down, Cyrus' stomach felt like a hurricane, "Midnight blue," he lightly tugged and Cyrus' bowtie, "Nice choice." The dance was as Marty put it, 'Not the best but, nonetheless doable.' Jefferson didn't have enough money to rent a DJ, so Dr. Metcalf was set to entertain more than 300 kids in a dark gym. It smelled like musk, the lemonade tasted faintly of Windex, and the floor was already sticky. But, Cyrus was with TJ, and that's all that mattered to him.  The friends didn't care about the horrible music or the sweaty teenagers, they danced and laughed and ate storebought cheese with each other. Cyrus thought death was near after Metcalf played 'The Macarena' for the fourth time. Cyrus leaned on Tj, Tj knew it was a cry for help. Tj grabbed him by the hand and dragged him to the table Amber had set aside for all of them.  "If Metcalf plays that song one more time, I swear to God," Tj said as he pulled out a seat for Cyrus. Cyrus gave an airy laugh and laid his head on the table. TJ gave him time to catch his breath, when he looked up Tj had already gotten him a glass of lemonade. "For my boyfriend," Tj said smiling. Cyrus giggled and sat up, he chugged the contents in one go.  "Thank you, boyfriend," Cyrus gave a small nod and scooted closer to TJ, "Amber did a great job on the decorations," he said as he looked up. Sure, everything else sucked, but Amber had perfectly recreated an enchanted forest in the Jefferson Gym. There were beautiful flowing vines, real apple trees, and candles everywhere. It was very romantic, Cyrus felt his face warm up.  "Yea, I'm pretty sure she forced them to give her the entire budget," Tj said as he took Cyrus' hand from across the table. No one gave them a second glance when they entered the dance holding hands, people were too busy getting pictures for their snapchat stories. Cyrus hummed, TJ had his hair perfectly sculpted again.  He missed the fluffier TJ. This one was too stiff.  Cyrus poked his cheek, "What?" Tj lightly said.  "I like your boutonniere, who gave it to you?" Cyrus looked down at Tj's pinned white flower. Cyrus had a matching one.  "Oh, this?" Tj teased, "Just some kid that has a crush on me I don't know his name though, he was cute though." "Oh really? Did you get a picture at least? He seems cool," Cyrus gave him a loving smile, he leaned forward and placed a hand under his own chin.  "Hm I'm not so sure," Tj said as he leaned on the table. Cyrus' parents had taken at least a hundred pictures of him, Buffy, and Andi at Buffy's house before they left. He hadn't exactly lied to them, he just didn't tell them who his real date was. His parents had been keeping a close eye on him since his last episode and Cyrus did not have the energy to fully come out to them. TJ had insisted that Cyrus text him every time he took his meds. He hadn't felt the effect yet, but he wasn't going to go off of them again. Too many people were watching.  "Well, I'm sure he's really cool and cute," Cyrus said.  TJ looked amused and said, "Of course Muffin." Cyrus giggled and brushed Tj's knuckles with his thumb.  "Can you tell me more about you?" Cyrus didn't know why he said that, but he was glad he did. He felt like TJ knew all of him but he only knew half of TJ. "Like what?" Tj shuffled. Cyrus knew he hated talking about himself. "Like how do you know Reed and them?" TJ looked down for a moment. The fake candlelight flickered across his face, he looked like a vintage photograph.  He took a shallow breath, "Amber and I used to ice skate. We loved it, you know? We'd have a little squad at the ice skating rink and things like that. We did it for years, we all kinda sucked, but at least we had fun. Our mom used to love to take us. That's where we met Reed and Lester and Angel and the others. But then one day our mom said we couldn't anymore and next thing we know we're living with our grandparents. Amber cried for days, she never forgave her for it. Our dad wasn't even around back then, or at least I don't remember him being there. And then our grandparents died so my mom got their house. That's where we live now. I don't know, I kinda miss our old group. They were wild but they were my first friends, but now I know why Amber never liked them. She said they were too mean. I guess now that I think about it, they did make her cry a lot. So maybe that's why I was like that. Sorry, did I answer your question?" Tj looked up at Cyrus.  Cyrus slowly nodded, TJ never opened up to him like this. It made his heart warm, "Do you want to be their friends again?" TJ scoffed, "No, I just wish I had ended it better." "Well you still can," Cyrus looked towards Reed and company. He didn't like them, but he wanted to help TJ.  "Maybe," Tj followed his line of sight and sighed a little, he paused, "Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."  Cyrus' lungs dropped into his stomach, "Sure," he said softly. There was really only one thing TJ didn't know about him. "What happened to your bother?" Tj said it very carefully as if every single word mattered to him. "Oh," Cyrus had never told anyone other than his therapists, "He killed himself. I guess having four psychologists as parents couldn't save him," he gave a sad smile. He didn't want TJ's pity, but he had asked.  "Cyrus, I'm so sorry," Tj placed a hand on Cyrus' cheek, Cyrus lightly nuzzled into it.  "It's not your fault," Cyrus said softly, he then added, "and yes, I took my meds today."  "I'm glad, but why didn't you tell me?" Cyrus could hear TJ's concern. "I guess it never came up," he wrapped his hand around the one on his cheek and brought it down onto the table, the table was sticky too. The truth was, Adam had been his life force. He had taught him everything he knew, he was his role model and when he died it ruined Cyrus. He had forgiven him a long time ago, but it still followed him everywhere. Sometimes, he'd rather not talk about it. Especially not now. Not in the middle of a dance Dj'd by Dr. Metcalf.  "Do you want to talk about something else?" Tj said. Cyrus nodded a bit, he felt tears pooling. "Do you want to go to Angel's party? He has a lake house. It might be fun" TJ gave him a tender smile. Cyrus cracked a bit. "Maybe. I'll only go if there's karaoke." "Maybe?" Tj laughed and lightly poked his side. Just then, Buffy and Marty pulled them back onto the dancefloor. Apparently, Andi had forced Metcalf to play modern songs. The rest of the night consisted of Tj and Cyrus laughing at each other's horrible dancing. The strobe lights and loud music made Cyrus feel surreal, nothing he did on the dancefloor really mattered. Cyrus didn't want to think about having to come out or his bio final. He only wanted to dance to songs alongside his boyfriend. His boyfriend. It still didn't sound real. To him, it was as if nothing changed, now they were just allowed to hold hands more often. It felt right, it felt secure. He trusted TJ, and TJ trusted him.  Tj had even asked Cyrus to dance during the last slow song, "May I have this dance?" he said as he bowed dramatically. Cyrus grinned and held out his hand, "You may," he said in a horrible English accent. Neither of them knew what they were doing, but it didn't matter. Cyrus eventually just wrapped his arms around TJ's waist and laid his head against his chest, TJ hummed along with the music.  At the end of the night, Andi, Amber, TJ, Cyrus, Marty, and Buffy pilled into Amber's tiny green bug. Cyrus had to sit on Tj's lap, and Buffy on Marty's, but no one minded. On their way to the after party, they all shared drive-thru curly fries and sang along with the radio. Tj had a surprisingly nice voice. Cyrus felt all the love in the world in that tiny green car, his cheeks hurt from smiling so wide. It felt like home.  "Here we are, now remember guys, come back here before 2 am. If you don't I'll go looking for you," Amber said as she pulled in behind an already full driveway. They were in front of a wooden three story lake house in the middle of nowhere. When they clambered out of the car, the group was met with the smell of forest and cheap alcohol. Cyrus had a bad feeling about this.  TJ took his hand, he had a wide smile on his face, "C'mon it'll be fun." Cyrus gave a small nod and followed behind him. 

[ellysketchit]

King of my Heart - 4

Hizashi x Elly / Present Mic x Cheshire

First date, first kiss

Tags are “micshire” and “elzashi” for those that don’t want to see these

Hizashi was early to pick Elly up for their date. He slouched against the hotel outside, sending a quick text message before heading in. I'm here early! That ok?  He had barely waited for a few seconds before it chimed. Great! I'm ready early, too lol He slid his phone back into his pocket and, after a brief introduction at the counter, was walking down the first floor hall to 15b. He took a deep breath and then knocked. Elly opened it at once. He got the impression she had been standing close by and grinned. "You look great," he chirped happily, taking in her outfit at a glance so as not to stare too long. She wore jeans and a t-shirt again, nothing too formal. He pointed at the design on the shirt. "That's one of my favorite shows!" "Mine, too!" Her ears flicked towards him as she closed the door. "Remember when they had the party for his sister and Jimmy had chicken pox -" "But he went downstairs anyway and got em all sick and the kids thought they were turning into chickens!" Hizashi burst into laughter, pounding on the wall next to them until someone yelled angrily. "Whoops." "It's okay," she chuckled. "We'd better leave before we upset any more people here, though." She grinned. "I'm feeling very vocal today." "Yeah, baby!" He waited this time until they had stepped out into the cool afternoon air. He swished his fist around, missing her head only because she was so much shorter than him. "You're super tall," she noted as they began to walk. "Huh?" He blinked. "I guess?" He didn't pause his stride, but made a measuring gesture in the air against her. "I'd say that you're a pretty little thing, myself." "Flatterer." "Is it flattering to be told you're short?" He laughed when she mock-swiped at him. "Hey - that's the cafe I told you about last night when I texted ya." He quickly leaped forward and held the door open for her. She smiled and walked inside, inhaling deeply with some pleasure. "It's a bakery!" "Sort of, yeah!" He motioned to the counter. "It's got coffee and baked stuffs..." He suddenly squealed and she had to press her hand to her mouth to stifle a huge attack of the giggles as he plastered himself to the display case. "They've got those strawberry things! I love those!" "Good god, you're cute," she said softly in english as he was ordering. Hizashi turned to look back over his shoulder at her. "This cute guy is also getting you whatever you want." He winked at her when she blushed and pointed at a corner of the pile of freshly baked goodness. "I recommend that one, though." They got their food and some coffee and sat in a seat by the window. "I thought we could go see a movie," Hizashi said through a mouthful of pastry. He'd taken two bites before they had even sat down. "Ooh, what's playing?" "Ahhh..." He swallowed mightily and tapped on his phone. "Crap. I got some goop on it." She handed him a napkin and he grinned his thanks. "Here we go! There's a comedy adventure, some kind of romance movie, and..." He paused. "Uh, another romance? Geez." He scratched the side of his head, looking puzzled. "That's a lot of romance movies." "How about the action one?" She sipped her coffee. "I love comedies, too." "Sweet! I'll order the tickets online." "So..." Elly peered at him over the rim of her cup. "Uh, here's something I wanted to ask you." "Mmmn?" He had strawberry filling on his mustache. She struggled to hold back the hand that wanted to wipe it off. "Um, you've got..." "Oh yeah. The crumb catchers. Among other things." He swiped a hand at the Errol Flynn points, wriggling his upper lip comically. "Gone?" "Yep." She was biting her lip to stop the even worse attack of the giggles that wanted to break free and finally just blurted out her question. "Um, what - what should I call you?" "Ohhhh. 'Cause it's different in America." "Yeah. We use first names, but I know here it's considered very informal to do that, or, um." She flicked her ears coquettishly. "Very friendly." "I like friendly." He boldly reached across the table and touched her hand. "I think I'd like to hear you say my name. If you don't mind me calling you Elly." His pronunciation of the L-sound in her name made her smile. "I don't mind at all, Hizashi." He made such a face that she couldn't hold it in this time and bent over the table laughing. "Oh, oh my god..." "B - but that was so cuuuutee!" He drew the last word out so comically and with such a high pitch a few other people glanced their way. Elly laughed even harder. "Aww." He pouted, his lower lip jutting out. "No, no, seriously. You're killing me." She reached out and tweaked his nose. "Beep." His green eyes widened. "D'you just beep me?!" "Yes! I thought it might distract you for a minute, there. Reprogram the nerves." "Oh." He thought for a minute. "I guess it did." He checked his phone as it started to play what had been a popular 70's song as a ringtone. "Good thing too! Almost movie time!" They cleaned up their mostly empty plates and cups. "Is it nearby?" "Oh, yeah." He pointed down the street. "It's one of the reasons I suggested it. They put a lot of stuff close by in this district. The kids don't have access to cars usually, and a lot of us just don't use them." "Like New York," she murmured. They arrived at the movie theater and they got comfortably seated, settled in and chatting before the movie started. Once it began, he was thrilled to be in close quarters, in the dark, with her. The chairs were comfortable and he was acutely aware she was close by him. Hizashi peered at her through the darkness. She was relaxed and smiling, her ears twitching from the louder-than-usual noises the theater produced. He reached carefully out and curled his arm about her shoulders. She glanced at him, surprised. Just as he was about to apologize, however, she flashed him the biggest smile she had yet and curled cozily into the warm curve of his body. His face flushed with success, he squeezed her enthusiastically and felt more than heard her purring response. They stayed that way the rest of the movie, through all the final credits until they were the last ones left in the now-lit theater. Hizashi sighed and removed his arm with much reluctance. "That was good." "It was." The twinkle in her eyes suggested that she meant far more than the movie. He led the way out, standing close to her when a huge group of teenagers started staring at them. He hadn't thought they stood out that much, but there weren't too many Americans here, really. She was a bit of a novelty at the moment and they were looking a little too long for his liking. He wrapped an arm around her once more and she didn't hesitate this time, just reached up and touched his hand. He immediately forgot the kids and they left to begin the walk back. They talked some length about the movie and it was clear they both had really loved it, although they disagreed about which were the best parts and some other trivial things. He found that he really enjoyed being with her and the time flew even faster than it had before, so it seemed only a few minutes before they were back at the hotel. He fidgeted nervously as they got closer to her room, realizing this was the end of the date and he had a big choice to make. "I hope you had a good uh, t- time," he stuttered anxiously. He was suddenly sweating. "I had a great time," she said firmly, and he could see she really meant it. Her tail swished to one side, and slowly back. He had the sense that she was stalling, and that gave him courage. He placed an arm on the doorframe and leaned over, creating a little curl of privacy between them. When he was within an inch or less of her face he stopped, however. "No biting?" "Not you," she breathed. "Unless, of course, it's a request." Her lips quirked in a smile. Hizashi dropped his gaze to stare deeply into her eyes. "Naughty," he chided in english, wiggling a finger. "Just a smooch." He did just that, kissing her softly full on the mouth but not pressing further. They parted, both whispering "Wow," at approximately the same time. "G'night, baby," he managed to choke out through his excitement. "Good night," she echoed dreamily back. He noticed her eyes were glazed over, almost starry. Had he caused that? Hizashi stood there for a moment even after the door had shut. A huge grin slowly crept across his features and he spun about, whipping an arm back in a fervent "yes!" gesture.