#then on friday i’m flying all the way to california

[annarubys]

too much is going to happen to me this week i’m already exhausted thinking about it. horrors unimaginable are in my future

[startrekfangirl2233-writes]

Okay I am in dire need of some more sweetness. Could I request “Person A stealing person B’s sweater/clothes” with Phoenix??

And big congrats too love! ❤️🎉🎊

Hi Sylvie! Thanks for the congratulations! More sweetness you say? Ask and ye shall receive. Have some more super fluffy Phoenix shenanigans! I know, I know, this isn't quite Person A stealing person B’s sweater/clothes as much as it is clothing freely given, but I thought it was too cute for words! I hope you like it!

Cardigans and Movie Nights

You’re not sure when it started, but some time after the Uranium Mission, the Dagger Squad started holding movie nights. Once a week, the entire squadron would pack up after flying, get into their cars and drive to Maverick’s hangar in the Mojave Desert. Mav has an outdoor projector and each week, one of the squadron would take a turn to pick the movie. There is always popcorn, pizza and drinks. As the squadron settled into their permanent assignment, they opened the invitation to other people on and around the base at North Island. 

You’re a communications officer working out of the air traffic control tower in North Island. It was a complete accident that you’d been assigned to manage Phoenix and Bob’s comms. You got used to hearing Phoenix’s voice through the comms and even began to chat with her. You like talking to her. It makes you smile throughout your day when you get to chat with Phoenix during those few moments before she’s taking off and after she’s landed. You weren’t ever expecting to share anything other than those fleeting chats with her, though. She’d walked up to you when you were in the mess one day, Bob behind her and pulled up a chair. That had been what sparked a beautiful friendship and your invitation to movie nights at Maverick’s.

The first couple of nights, you’d stuck close to Phoenix and Bob, smiling and laughing with them as the three of you curled up on a blanket in the warm grass. It wasn’t long, however, before you were smiling and laughing with all of the other Daggers as well. Sometimes, you still can’t believe that they are your friends. Even though you’re comfortable with all of the Daggers, and can, in fact, rebut Hangman’s flirting, you still prefer Phoenix to them all. As autumn has been creeping up on Southern California, the nights have been getting colder. This particular Friday night, it’s Mickey’s turn to pick the film. You settle into the blanket next to Natasha and wait for Mickey’s pick to come up on the screen. Knowing him, it’s probably some sci-fi flick you barely recognize. 

Of course, before the movie can even start, there are already squabbles breaking out in the crowd. You can see Hangman and Rooster chucking popcorn at each other, and Mickey’s in a deep discussion with Hondo and Payback about his movie of choice. The only place which is nearly silent is the blanket where you and Natasha sit. Bob and his girl are chatting and laughing on one of the blankets nearby. It makes you smile, seeing Bob so happy. You’re just reaching for a piece of popcorn from the bucket you’re sharing with Natasha when a gust of wind blows through the gathering. It sends shivers down your spine and goosebumps over your exposed skin. That’s what you get for wearing a sundress in the middle of October, even in California. 

“Hey, Rosie? Are you okay?” It’s Natasha who notices the shivers on your frame first.

“I’m fine, Tash!” Your cheery tone is spoiled by the way your teeth chatter lightly.

“Bullshit. Here, Rose. Take my cardigan, at least.” She shrugs her cardigan off, revealing the sensible long sleeved tee she’s wearing under the thick oversized fabric.

“I’m really, alright, Tash! That last gust of wind just caught me by surprise.” You can see her eyebrow raise skeptically, but thankfully before she can start speaking again, Mickey starts the film. Natasha pretends not to notice how you cuddle a bit closer to her as the opening credits for the movie spill forth. It looks like Mickey’s decided on Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Soon, the movie takes up all of your focus. 

You love this movie. You’ve seen it a million times and can probably watch it a million more. It’s right in the middle of the scene when Indy and Marianne get trapped in the Egyptian ruins with the snakes that another gust of wind, this one much stronger, sends napkins and empty cartons flying. It also sends another set of shivers coursing through your system. This time, you can’t stop Natasha as she slings the cardigan around your shoulders.

“Wear the sweater, flower.” Her voice is soft as she wraps an arm around you. “Don’t even think about arguing.” You can’t, not when you’re two inches away from her and can feel her breath on your face. You feel flushed and flustered as you put your arms in the sleeves and snuggle in closer to her form. 

You don’t remember much of the rest of the night, perhaps because you’d fallen asleep curled up against Nat’s shoulder wrapped up in her thick, fluffy cardigan. You’d heard the story from Hangman, who’d picked you up and carried you to Mav’s guest bedroom, the next morning. Your face had gotten hot and you’d turned away and gone quiet hearing the Dagger’s teasing. There wasn’t anything between Nat and you, right? There couldn’t be! You were quite content to live in that delusional world and ignore everything they say, at least until the seat next to yours is suddenly filled with the woman herself.

“I’m so sorry.” You can’t even look her in the face, you’re that mortified.

“What’re you apologizing for, flower?” Her voice is that mix of chiding strictness and fond amusement that only Natasha can ever pull off.

“I fell asleep on you.” You can’t hide how you’re wringing your hands together in distress.

“Flower, I was okay with it. Frankly, you’re as light as a feather.” Her words have your head snapping up. She cups your cheek, tugging you in. “In fact, I like it when you wear my clothes. Do you want to do that again?”

“Which part? The part of the night where I was wearing your sweater? Or the part where I probably drooled while sleeping on your shoulder?” Your face feels like the surface of the sun.

“How about both?” Your eyes are wide as Tash tugs you even closer. You can’t help how your eyes flutter closed when she kisses you, once, twice, thrice. “Have dinner with me tonight?”

You can hear the rest of the squadron jeering in the background when you peck her lips one more time, flip them the bird in unison with her and giggle out, “Yes, of course. It’s a date.”

Want to request something for my 100 Follower Celebration? The guidelines are here! Please leave me a request in my inbox with your ask!

- XOXO Star

[stiles-banshees]

Good Things Come in Threes: Prologue

Summary: Growing up on the East Coast her whole life, Summer Hastings always longed for more. The niece of Penny Benjamin would often fly out to the West Coast every summer to visit her aunt and cousin. Summer didn't realize how much her life would change that night she called her aunt to book her plane ticket when she was 18 years old when a certain Jake Seresin answered the phone.

Series Masterlist

Next Chapter

Warnings: 18+, swearing

Word Count: 2.7k

Summer 2013

The first time Summer Hastings met Jake Seresin was an accident. The eighteen-year-old was almost finished with her first year of college and needed to confirm summer plans with her aunt Penny. For as long as Summer could remember, she’d visit her aunt in California during every holiday break. It’s almost as if holidays were theirs. Summer would typically FaceTime with Penny to see when would be the most beneficial for her to visit. Penny answered her phone on the fourth ring, and a smile graced her lips once her niece popped up on her screen.

“If it isn’t our little teacher in training.” Penny laughed as she angled her phone against the bar to help any other customers that might come in.

“Hi, aunt Pen!” Summer smiled, the worries of studying for finals leaving her brain.

“Is it already time to book your ticket?” Her aunt asked while she filled an empty bowl with peanuts.

“Sure is. How does the first weekend of May sound?” Summer eyed her calendar, knowing she’d be staying the whole holiday, only to go home to the east coast a week before her next semester started.

“Honey, you realize that’s next week, right?” Penny asked, collecting a few empty beer bottles abandoned on the bartop.

“I do,” Summer nodded, “But dad’s still on my case about going to school to become a teacher, and I really don’t feel like dealing with that for the next three months.”

“You only have to deal with it for four more years, kid, then you’ll be out here with me,” Penny assured her niece.

Summer opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a loud crash on Penny’s end. 

“What the hell, Coyote?” Penny rushed away from the screen, abandoning the conversation with her niece entirely.

Summer knows all about The Hard Deck and its customers. About 99% of anyone that frequents the bar tends to be in the Navy. Penny rushing off as she yells someone’s callsign is something that Summer is now used to at her age.

“Pen, I don’t know if you can hear me, but I think I’ll book the ticket for that Friday.” The younger woman called out in hopes her aunt would hear her. 

She booked her plane ticket, the time stamp of her flight’s arrival flashing on her laptop screen. A confirmation email also made its way to her inbox.

“Hey, Penny?” Summer called again.

“Penny’s a little tied up, sweetheart.” Summer heard a deep voice respond before she saw a hand reach for her aunt’s phone.

Her view of alcohol bottles is soon replaced by a man who looks a few years older than her. Her eyes caught sight of his blond hair and green eyes before the camera panned over to the mess that ‘Coyote’ had made. Summer winced as she looked at the broken glass bottles littering the bar floor.

The man panned the camera back to himself before he asked, “Do you want me to pass anything along?”

“Can you just let her know Summer booked her plane ticket for next Friday, and she’ll need to be picked up from the airport around nine-thirty?” Summer smiled kindly at the stranger.

The man nodded, “I’m assuming you’re Summer?”

She nodded back, a slight blush making its way across her cheeks.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Summer. I’m Jake.” He-Jake grinned at her. “I’ll let her know.”

“Thank you, Jake.” She smiled again.

“See you in a week.” He replied, then the two waved at the phones in their hands before ending the call.

That night, Summer went to bed feeling the most excited she’s ever been, and Jake got an earful from Penny for talking to her niece.

Summer 2016

The first time Summer meets Hangman is a disaster. Turns out that Summer didn’t see Jake that next week. Or the week after that. In fact, it had been three whole years since Summer’s interaction with the attractive man that happened to be in her aunt’s bar. Summer had always dreamt about spending her twenty-first birthday with her aunt Penny. They would always talk about how they’d drink tequila lemonades and talk about boys as the sun would set on that day. 

The one thing the two hadn’t thought about was that Penny bought the bar at the beginning of the year. So, instead of drinking tequila lemonades, Summer was helping serve them. The Hard Deck was packed with naval aviators that had just completed a mission. A few men tried to woo Summer with some stories, but she decided to tune them out. Empty bottles littered the entire bar, leaving Summer wondering how much these people drank. Penny sent her off to clear up the empties while managing the bar. Summer started to grab the bottles that circled the pool tables first and dropped two of them when a body knocked into her.

“Shit, sorry, sweetheart.” The voice sounded familiar, but when Summer made eye contact with the man, she couldn’t place him.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I should’ve been paying more attention.” She looks at the man guiltily.

“Are you hurt at all?” The man looked her over, eyes briefly stopping at the hem of her sundress before making eye contact again.

“I’m good, just a little jumpy, I guess.” She laughed, embarrassed.

The man grinned at her, reaching his hand out. “Hangman,”

“Hastings! I know it's your twenty-first, but I need some help over here!” Penny yelled, efficiently interrupting the two.

“On it!” Summer yelled back.

“I’ll let you get back to work,” Hangman said before pointing at the floor. “Don’t worry about those two. I’ll get them.”

“Thanks,” Summer responded, anxiously running a hand through her hair as she scoped for more empty bottles.

“I heard it’s your birthday.” He said, attempting to keep the conversation going with the beautiful girl in front of him.

She nodded, not knowing where the conversation was going.

“If you get a few drinks, just have Penny put ‘em on my tab.” He told her.

“Hastings!” Summer heard another female voice call to her before she could decline Hangman’s generosity.

“Oh my god, Nat!” Summer shrieked and ran toward her friend, forgetting about the attractive man by the pool tables.

“Of course, she’s friends with Phoenix.” Coyote laughed as he watched Summer jump into the other woman’s arms.

“Shut up,” Hangman groaned, “And pick those broken bottles up when you get a chance. You’re the reason why they ended up on the floor anyway.”

“I got her to talk to you, didn’t I?”

Summer 2019

“Summer, I love you, but why did you drive forty-one hours?” Amelia laughed, her cousin’s head resting on her folded arms sat atop the bar.

“Don’t judge me, Ames. My new life starts today. Or, at least, after the summer.” The now twenty-four-year-old groaned.

“Does my mom even know you’re here yet?” The sixteen-year-old asked.

“I don’t think so. I didn’t call or anything.” Summer tells her younger cousin.

“Mom! Summer’s here!” Amelia yells in the empty bar.

Seconds later, Penny appeared with a big grin on her face.

“There’s my girl.” She said with arms wide open for her niece.

“Penny, I love you, but can I have coffee first?” Summer asked.

Penny looked at the clock and noticed the bar would open in 30 minutes.

“Absolutely, Sum.” She rubbed her niece’s back before running to the kitchen to start a fresh pot.

“Alright, I’m going to my friend’s house for a bit. I’ll see you when you’re functioning, Summer.” Amelia patted her cousin’s head before heading into the kitchen to say goodbye to her mother. 

Twenty-five minutes later, Summer is found sipping coffee from her mug behind the bar as Penny unlocks the door for the night. A stream of people wearing khaki-colored uniforms file in, a few wearing casual attire mixed in the bunch. There’s a slight breeze throughout the bar as the door doesn’t stay closed for long. Summer crossed her legs, wishing her yellow sundress would bring her some type of warmth.

Penny had disappeared five minutes ago, excusing herself to talk to an old friend. Summer maneuvered her head, seeing more aviators before finally seeing Penny talking to none other than Maverick. Summer grinned to herself once she saw the older man’s cell phone sitting on the bar next to his glass.

That’s gonna burn a hole in his pocket. Summer winced.

Penny rang the bell, signaling that Maverick would have to pay for everyone’s first round for the night. Summer finished her coffee, then sat her mug on the counter behind her to scan the bar. The first person she recognized was Rooster, and she was sure she spotted him because of his outfit. She grew more excited when she saw him walk up to a group of people, and she totally knew the woman standing a few feet over.

Summer nudged her way through the crowded bar to make her way over to Phoenix. It took her a bit to walk the short distance; she was getting bumped into and stumbled every so often. When she reached her friend, the short woman wrapped her arms around her waist. Phoenix jumped but relaxed once she saw the dainty bracelet hanging from Summer’s wrist.

“Oh my god, my favorite season!” Phoenix turned to give her friend a proper hug.

The girls rocked back and forth in the hug, and Summer waved to the man quietly sitting on the stool when they made eye contact.

“What do we have here?” Summer heard a familiar voice and felt Phoenix tense in her arms. “If it ain’t Phoenix. And here I thought we were special, Coyote. Turns out the invite went to anyone.”

Isn’t that the guy that caused that big mess a few years back? Summer wondered.

Phoenix pulled away from Summer before addressing the man she dubbed an imbecile. Summer bit her lip when she faced the rest of the aviators, remembering the man from the night of her twenty-first birthday. She remembers the broken bottles and adding three tequila lemonades to his tab.

“Fellas, Hastings, this here’s Bagman.” She said. 

“Hangman,” The familiar man responded, looking Summer over, noticing her just like she did him.

“Whatever,” The female fighter pilot shook her head. “You’re looking at the only naval aviator on active duty with a confirmed air-to-air kill.”

Summer couldn’t help widening her eyes at that statement. Yes, she knew that people died in this field of work. She didn’t think her friend would be so candid when talking about it.

“Stop,” Hangman replied as if he was honored that Phoenix remembered that in the first place.

“Mind you, the other guy was in a museum piece from the Korean War,” Phoenix said.

“Cold war.” Coyote corrected.

Summer suddenly felt cold; it was almost as if all the tension in this corner allowed the temperature to drop.

“Different war, same century.” One of Nat’s coworkers responded.

“Not this one.” The other followed up immediately.

“Who are your friends?” Coyote asked.

He’s kinda cute. Summer thought to herself.

“Payback,” Coworker number one answered.

“Fanboy,” Coworker number two replied.

“Hey, Coyote,” Phoenix made eye contact with the cute aviator.

Interesting. Summer thought, glancing between the two. She still felt Hangman’s eyes on her but decided to ignore them.

“Hey,” He replied.

“Who’s he?” Phoenix asked, subtly talking about the man Summer waved to earlier.

“Who’s who?” Coyote asked back.

Phoenix cast a glance over to the man sitting quietly.

“When did you get in?” Coyote addressed him.

“Oh, I-I’ve been here the whole time.” The man answered.

“Man’s a stealth pilot,” Hangman joked.

Summer cracked a small smile at that. Phoenix noticed, giving her a light pinch and a look to remind her friend that Hangman sucks.

“Literally,” Coyote joined in.

“Weapon’s system officer, actually,” The man replied sheepishly.

“With no sense of humor,” Hangman looked over to Summer as he said that. His eyes searched for any kind of reaction she could possibly give him.

“What do they call you?” Phoenix interrogated the man. 

Summer nudged her friend as a sign to chill out.

“Bob,” The man answered.

“No, your callsign,” Payback reiterated.

“Uh…Bob.” He laughed, embarrassed.

“It’s okay, Bob. I don’t have a callsign, either,” Summer had been explaining, but then she saw Phoenix’s eyes on her. “Except I’m not in the Navy. Hi, I’m Summer.” She rushed out and then followed up with a shy wave.

She could’ve sworn she noticed Hangman sit up a little straighter when she introduced herself.

Maybe he remembers me, too. Summer thought to herself again.

“Bob Floyd, you’re my new backseater? From Lemoore?” Phoenix grilled Bob some more.

Summer mouthed to her friend that she was going to get a drink, walking off as Bob responded with a “Looks like it, yeah.”. 

Walking back to the bar, Summer made eye contact with Rooster. She waved to him, laughing as he waved back excitedly. She made her way behind the bar to make herself a drink before Penny stopped her.

“And what do you think you’re doing, young lady?” She teased her niece.

Maverick laughed at the interaction between the two women.

“I’m getting a drink.” Summer shrugged, running to the back to grab the better lemonade.

“Save some for Amelia, honey,” Penny begged when Summer made her way back up front. 

“Sure thing, auntie Pen.” Summer smiled as she made her drink, taking small sips to measure its strength.

“Hey, Summer!” She turned around to see Hangman leaning against the bar.

“I’m not working, Hangman. Ask Penny.” She waved him off, running the lemonade back to the kitchen before heading back to the group.

Hangman intercepted her right when she stepped down a level and dragged her out of the staff exit and onto the back deck.

“Hangman, what the hell?” Summer gasped once they were outside.

“Do you remember me?” He asked.

“You pulled me outside to ask if I remember you?” Summer cocked her head to the side in confusion.

“Hastings,” He rolled his eyes at her, expecting an answer.

“We met a few years ago…on my birthday,” Summer answered awkwardly.

“Do you have a sister?” Hangman asked yet another question.

“No. Why?” Summer was confused. She had no idea what was happening right now.

“When did you start coming to visit Penny?” He asked.

“My whole life. It became more frequent when I got to college. Why?” Summer started to feel a bit nervous. Not because Hangman made her nervous but because the whole situation was wracking her brain. 

“This might sound creepy, but you didn’t happen to FaceTime her a few years back and talk to a random guy, right?” Hangman stuffed his hands in his pockets with an almost hopeful look in his eyes.

“I did when I was like eighteen. I think that guy might be dead now, though.” Summer winced, remembering the stupid crush on the man she talked to six years ago.

“Dead?” Hangman asked with a smug look on his face.

“Don’t make fun of me. It’s very possible.” She took a nervous sip of her spiked lemonade.

“Unless you have a habit of talking to random men on your aunt’s phone, it was me.” He chuckled.

“There’s no way; he didn’t have a callsign. His name was-” Summer couldn’t finish her sentence before he interrupted her.

“Jake?” He still had that smug look on his face.

“Why are you looking at me like that? You’re freaking me out.” Summer put her drink on the deck guardrail before crossing her arms.

“You were waiting for me.” He teased.

“I was not! I thought you were dead!” Summer shrieked.

“You thought I was cute!’ He kept teasing.

Summer leaned against the guardrail, groaning when she set her head in her hands.

“It’s all good, Sunshine. I’ve been waiting for us to be together for the past three years. That dress was something.” He walked over, nudging her shoulder with his elbow.

“Oh, you mean when Coyote bodychecked you into me on my birthday.” Summer lifted her head to glare at him.

“It worked; it got you to notice me.” Hangman-Jake-Whoever gloated.

Summer huffed before setting off to walk back into the bar. Jake follows behind quickly, grabbing her drink in the process.

“Nat! Bagman won’t stop flirting with me!” She called out to her friend.

“Ring the bell, Hastings!” Rooster laughed from his spot at the piano.

“Fuck off, Bradshaw,” Hangman said, grabbing a beer and immediately placing himself next to Summer as she sat with Phoenix, not planning to leave her side for the rest of the night.

-

Here is a link to my masterlist if you'd like to read any of my other writings or if you would like to send requests :)

[robertlaskarzewski]

Fourteenth Week

Hi, my name is Robert Laskarzewski, and I am currently a sophomore at the Darla Moore School of Business studying International Business and Marketing. I’m a part of the International Business Responsible International Leadership (RIL) program and will spend the Spring and Fall semesters at the ESSEC Cergy campus. I was born and raised in California, about an hour away from San Francisco. I chose to attend the University of South Carolina specifically because of the RIL program and the amount of time abroad that was offered. Once I was accepted, it was an easy choice to choose to pursue my studies there.

Unsurprisingly, I started my Monday by going to the Paris Flea Market again. I realized that the market was far bigger than I had realized. There were two or three other sections that I had not stepped foot in until this week – I’ll be back in the coming weeks for sure. I also went to go get some of my film developed at a place called Negatif, an independent film developing studio in the center of Paris. I had found it on google and the place was really interesting and exactly what I expected of a film developing shop. Later whence I was back in Cergy, I visited the Église Saint-Christophe de Cergy, a church near the Cergy port area (construction beginning in the 12th century and finishing in the 13th century).

On Tuesday, I had my final for my E-business class which was taken in-person but online. On Wednesday, I did another long run to the Axe Majeur of Cergy where I could take in the nice weather we were having. I also had my last class session for my EU history class, one of my favorite classes that I’ve had so far. On Thursday, I had part of my French language final where we had to listen to several audio excerpts and answer some questions about them (I thought it was easier than the mid term that we had).

On Friday, I had my final Responsible Marketing class where my group had to present our final proposition for Longchamp (a recycled leather jewelry program) and a video along with it. Afterwards, I went to Paris to pick up my developed film but unfortunately, out of the 72 pictures I had taken, (2 rolls of 36 pictures) only 4 had been captured correctly a bleak 5% success rate. Although I was a little disappointed, I knew that this was just part of the learning process and that I can only hope to improve upon it. Either way, I received a refund from the store, so it wasn’t a complete loss. For dinner, I went to a restaurant in the port with some of my friends and I got a big hamburger.

On Saturday, the only thing on my agenda was attending the Paris F.C. game against Saint-Étienne – a team with lots of history and a successful past but now is stuck in the second division of French soccer. As soon as I arrived, my heart was in my stomach as I saw the crowds of green gathering outside the stadium (green being the color of Saint-Étienne). Although P.F.C. was technically ranked higher than Sainté, I knew that the number of supporters could be troublesome for my beloved Parisians. Less than a minute in, the visitors were a goal up – a nightmare scenario for the home team. I thought there was no way the team could get back into the game after being shocked by such an early goal, but they were somehow able to scrape back one goal. Then another. The home crowd was flying, the belief was there that a win was possible. Less than five minutes later, the visitors scored again, putting the Parisians back at square one. Two quick consecutive goals for the visitors in the second half meant that all hope was lost by the end of the game. The visitors’ end was roaring with their devoted fans, and it felt like the stadium was being dominated by green shirts in the stands. Despite the loss, the home fans (myself included) still clapped for the team as they left the field after the game to put in a valiant performance against a side with such huge support.

On Sunday, I was supposed to have an Easter brunch with several of the members of my cohort, but unfortunately the plans fell through. Instead, I ended up getting an early dinner with some of my friends at a small taco restaurant. It was good but could not compare to what I would be able to get in the states. Afterwards, we got ice cream and wandered throughout Parc Monceau, a pretty park that was filled with locals and tourists alike, soaking in the sunny weather.

[astronomyforastrologers]

Pluto’s Statehood ~ 05 Apr 2024

Pluto’s Statehood ~ 05 Apr 2024, Philip Sedgwick            

On Friday 29 March 2024, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed into law a bill that Pluto is the Official State Planet of the Great State of Arizona. This action was caused (inspired?) by the fact that Clyde Tombaugh “discovered” Pluto at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, on 18 February 1930. What’s your state, territory, province, commonwealth or feudal lord dominion done for you lately?

As far as states go, only California (Eris, Makemake, Gonggong, Sedna) and Hawaii (Haumea) could pass similar legislation. As far as countries go, who knows where the classical planets were discovered. Greece, what is now Saudi Arabia? The United Kingdom could fairly claim Uranus, though it not given proper due during the discovery process. Neptune presents a more complicated problem. While discovered in Germany, it discovery position was calculated by mathematicians from France and England... perhaps this marks the start of the United Planetary Nations.

Back to Arizona... news sources made a huge point of splashing their content pages with the allegation that Pluto is not a planet. So did politicians opposing the bill. Actually, for them, it was not so much about Pluto’s planetary status as it was the idea that legislators from the other party advanced the bill. Pluto’s planetary status is political as well. Back a few decades ago, a semantical and fiercely political battle occurred during the meeting of the members of the International Astronomical Union over what makes a planet a planet. The concluding definition is complicated, semantically flawed, and ultimately is as unclear as the River Styx is dark. Nowadays, there are several movements to restore Pluto’s pristine planetary status. Cheers to that.

Anyone who has ever had a Pluto transit, can confirm Pluto is a planet. Who else but Pluto can take the highest flying personality and knock that person to their knees for an in-depth look at the underworld, the machinations of the psyche, and the ultimate needs of the soul?

Will Pluto’s statehood status mean anything to those enduring one of his transiting passages that seem to last for ever? “I have nothing to do with the affairs of state,” Pluto may reply, “it’s all about the affairs of the soul. Should soulful individuals conduct themselves in such a way that states benefit, then the world may be on its way to more humanistic possibilities. After all, I currently occupy Aquarius.” Then he breaks into renditions of songs from the musical “Hair.”

Of course, those being “practical” and uber-cautious with Pluto point out that in the upcoming presidential election in the United States - an event that dramatically impacts all states and countries in that “everything is connected” way, Pluto transits the last minutes of Capricorn. Will this permit greed, economic influence and income disparity to inflame the globe? It could.

However, consider that the other big planetary players all transit Pluto through positive and benefic ways over the course of the next years.

As June begins, Jupiter in Gemini trines Pluto in Aquarius. That should be good for truth, justice and a kinder way of thinking and being. Of course snicker fans of Saturn, every solution starts from a mess. Jupiter winks at Pluto and retorts, “No. Good things come from the realization of necessity.” The benefic planet then whips out his golden ephemeris and points to July of 2025. “Check this out,” he bellows, “Saturn is in Aries about to go retrograde, but so what? He’s sextile Pluto. Not only that, Uranus is in Gemini, close enough in orb to be considered a trine. Not only that, Neptune bolts through the early degrees of Aries, more or less conjunct Saturn, sextile to Pluto. If that won’t bring visions and dreams to reality, by Jove, I’m not Jove.”

Sure say proponents of safe prognostication, “All those gaseous planets retrograde as they do and it takes time for the effects they seek to render to come into being.” Okay, fine. As April 2026 begins, Saturn sextiles Pluto from his foothold in Aries. Come July 2026, Neptune again sextiles Pluto, also from Aries, and at the same time Uranus repeats a trine to Pluto. Sure Neptune sextile Pluto repeats in June 2027 and this occurrence again with the Uranus in Gemini two-step trine to Pluto in Aquarius.

This goes on a while. Through May 2028 Uranus continues the parade with yet another trine to Pluto. The entire Neptune to Pluto thing goes on well into 2031.

So what are you going to do to make good from the impelling influences setting up years of possibility and promise ahead?

Rumor is that Jupiter and Uranus are less than three weeks from lining up in a conjunction in Taurus. Sure, there’s a materialism with this that may not become entirely evident until Pluto does his last ding into Capricorn. There’s also innovation, application of insight, manifestation of necessities promised by Jupiter and realized by Uranus. Will these commodities produce overnight product development and consciousness shifts? Not likely. Those who are overnight successes typically have done heaps of Saturn work for what seems like eons out of sight to prepare for the big events to come... and also to please Pluto’s fondness for invisibility.

Could the solar system feel flat and uninspired after the touted Jupiter to Uranus transit? Sure. Could things feel unsettled after next week’s highly promoted Solar Eclipse? Most certainly. But the eclipse intends to stir and shake the fabric of self into realization of what clearly means the most to the soul. With that, the stirring settles and focus can be restored to what matters most and that can become the focal point on everyone’s distant horizon.

Yes, and down the road over the next few months, Jupiter and Saturn aspect the Great Attractor, a plethora of black holes and more galactic goodies than jelly beans recently placed in Easter baskets. It’s not going to feel flat... in fact, the curvature of space caused by galactic entities might bring everyone to the correct position just around the bend.

It’s Aries season, despite Mercury retrograde. Honor Pluto’s new statehood. He dares you. On your mark, get set...

More soon.

Given Aries season, how about hair-triggered actions using the links below to get what you need for astrological insights? Questions answered, reports and consultations are yours for procurement and scheduling.

One Stop Shopping Order Form Astrological Texts

[thegirlwhodownunder]

Vlog 4" Planes, Buses, and Trains

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well at the end of the week. Happy Friday to some and Happy Saturday to others. Good morning for some, good afternoon for some and good evening for some outside where I currently am. Can you guess where I currently am? I am currently in Melbourne Australia where La Trobe is located which is the place I’m currently studying abroad. I just arrived here in beautiful Melbourne Friday afternoon after spending 3 days in Sydney, Australia. So today I talked about some of my international journey of coming to this beautiful continent and some of the methods to travel.

Since I travel internationally, a plane has to be involved since how would I get across the sea to study in different continents for the next few months. So I took a flight from my home state of New Jersey where the first stop was to San Francisco California. From San Francisco, California. I officially headed to Sydney. One of the main things when traveling internationally is that more than one airport stops to get to your final destination when traveling internationally. I learned this when researching tickets where a person may need to take a stop at an airport or two before reaching their final location when traveling internationally. In the United States it more straight forward in a few ways. It depended more on the flights/airline/destination of where you're going. What I mean by this is some flights are straight-forward where there are no stops at all to reach the place you plan to stay; some have one or two stops but there in different states. With Australia it is a bit of a toss-up since some stops are in the United States before flying to Australia, while others transfer flights in different countries. 

I’m still currently learning how public transportation works in Australia. For the past few days, me and mom have been using a taxi mostly to get around since she isn’t a huge fan of public transportation due to safety reasons. We only go on the buses in Sydney are the double-decker buses just to sight-seek and get off at various points of interest just to explore what makes Sydney interesting and beautiful. But when I’m in Melbourne I plan on using mostly public transportation to get around the places I need/want to go to with a bit of walking when necessary.  Just like in the United States, Australia has buses, trains, and trams but they’re more frequently used here than in the U.S. 

So, the next few weeks in Melbourne are going to be very interesting since I’m learning not just the country system, but the multiple cities at the same time. I know before coming here I don’t want to rely on Uber/Lyft all the time because it drains your bank account every time a person relies on private transportation. I plan to only use those, where there is a long walking distance or if I need to find my way to the place I need to go. That's all I have for this week vlog; I hope you have a great day no matter where you are in the world. 

[michellefuller]

here’s a list of things that went wrong this weekend so i can’t gaslight myself in the future into think that “it wasn’t that bad” or that i’m “being overdramatic” when i call it the worst couple of days of my adult life thus far:

before

• i had either really bad allergies or a small cold the week leading up to the flight (but after mcr) so i’m severely congested which doesn’t make the flight fun

•i almost passed out from the stress of anticipation… but like ooooh honey, you’ve got a storm coming

friday

•we left like 45 minutes late bc of the winds in vegas and bc of air traffic

•we couldn’t find the airbnb for a solid 15 minutes

saturday, day of wwwy

•my sister loses her drivers license the first time, so we spend 20 minutes looking for it and stressing about lyft possibly showing up before we find it (she found it and her debit card in her makeup bag)

•lyft shows up to take us to the hotel we were staying in the following night, she loses her if a second time on the walk from the door of the airbnb to the car. it fell out of her pocket. so we book a lyft back to try to find it again but we think someone probably picked it up. this is the start of some major problems

•on the drive back to the hotel, we see the fest has been canceled for day one

•my sister gets in contact with groupon, starting at 11am to try and modify the reservation and put my name on it so we can use my identification to check us in. they tell her to expect an email “SOON” with confirmation that it’s changed. it isn’t until 3:30pm that someone tells us it could take up to a week for the email to arrive

•we see if we could fly home that night. flights are at 6 and 7pm, but we don’t feel comfortable enough to book those bc of the loss of driver’s license problem. we were told you’re supposed to arrive 3 hours before the flight for tsa shit. so let me reiterate in different terms: had any of the SEVERAL groupon representatives told us even 30 minutes earlier about how long the email could take we could’ve flown home THAT NIGHT. so we scramble to book a different hotel for the night

sunday

•we get to the airport at 8am, our flight is at 12:16pm

•tsa takes her (and she takes my wallet??) i wander aimlessly around for 45 minutes, unable to buy some stupid entertainment or food

•they release her. it’s almost 9am, we kill time until noon.

•flight is delayed an hour and they move us from gate a to gate b, all the way across the airport.

•we kill more time, no one know where the flight crew is

• we finally board about 1:30 (two hours after original boarding time)

•we sit for 30 minutes before they tell us a nonessential part of the plane is broken after de-icing twice, but they’ll check if everything else is legal and safe for flight

• another 15 minutes, the deplane us, and move us back to the gate a side (?????)

•another 15 minutes: “hey folks, flight is CANCELED and our next available flight is friday” entire gate laughs at the audacity. the give us $200 vouchers + flight refund, supposedly FOR THAT NIGHT, but it doesn’t actually come through until today. two days later. and they refuse to help us get on another flight

•bc of the driver’s license situation, we scramble to to look for other flights because we can’t definitively leave the airport until we know we’re not taking a flight bc they told her they won’t let her back through tsa

•we also can’t rent a car bc i can’t drive. but i have a lightbulb moment and suggest amtrak. the idea takes, so we scramble for a second last minute hotel room

monday

•nothing went terribly wrong other than our bus started running an hour behind after we got into california, which turned a 10 hour trip into almost 12 (not accounting for the 2 hour trip home i still had to take after we arrived in my sister’s city)

-i’m writing this all down bc my body has only just now started to decompress and process 4 days of constant stress, so i started to cry a little bit and i needed to remind myself it’s okay bc i did go through a lot bc i kept vaguely tweeting about it on twitter and it sure people thought i was being over dramatic bc the silly little festival fucked us over

[academyguide]

Hocus Pocus 2: Return of the Sanderson Sisters was released on Disney+ this past Friday and fans are already rewatching it for Easter eggs they may have missed.  The sequel takes place 25 years after the original movie and follows the now-adult children of Max and Allison as they move back to Salem and reconnect with the Sanderson sisters. Here are 5 Easter eggs you may have missed in the sequel! A Calming Circle in Hocus Pocus movie Hocus Pocus is a movie full of magic and mayhem. But, in the midst of all the chaos, there is a scene that is absolutely calming. In this scene, the three main witches cast a spell that creates a circle of protection around them. This circle is full of bright light and it surrounds the witches as they stand in the center, holding hands. The light grows brighter and brighter until it becomes so intense that it fills the entire screen. “Come Little Children” Anthem I’m sure you remember the iconic scene in Hocus Pocus where the Sanderson Sisters sing “Come to Little Children” as they prepare to capture children’s souls. The song is both spine-chilling and catchy, which is why it’s stuck with us for over 25 years. The movie itself is a cult classic and has become a must-watch every Halloween. Winifred’s Spell Book The Hocus Pocus movie is a Halloween classic. In the movie, Winifred’s spell book is a key plot point. The book is full of spells that the Sanderson sisters use to try to take over the world. The spell book is also full of information on how to defeat the sisters. In this article, we will take a closer look at Winifred’s spell book and some of the spells it contains. The Sanderson Sisters’ House The Sanderson Sisters are the main antagonists in the 1993 Halloween cult classic movie, Hocus Pocus. The movie tells the story of how the three sisters, who were witches, were resurrected after 300 years and try to take over the town of Salem on Halloween night. The movie was filmed in various locations in California, but the house where the sisters lived is located in Salem, Massachusetts. Black Flame Candle The Hocus Pocus movie features a black flame candle that plays a significant role in the plot. The black flame candle is used by the main characters, the Sanderson sisters, to bring people back to life. The candle is also used to create a potion that makes the person who drinks it young again. In the movie, the black flame candle is shown to be a powerful and dangerous object. Clothes Callback Halloween is just around the corner which means it’s time to start getting excited for all the spooky movie classics that will be playing on TV. One movie that is sure to get plenty of airtime is Hocus Pocus. This film has become a cult classic over the years and there are plenty of reasons why. One of the most iconic aspects of the movie is the costumes. The fashion in Hocus Pocus is unique and unforgettable. Sanderson Sisters Musical Numbers The Sanderson Sisters are a witchy trio who first captured our hearts in the popular Disney movie Hocus Pocus. Since then, they’ve become iconic Halloween characters, and their musical numbers are some of the most memorable in the film. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Sanderson Sisters’ best musical numbers from Hocus Pocus. Salt in Hocus Pocus Movie In the movie Hocus Pocus, the use of salt is shown as a way to protect oneself from harm. In one scene, the character Dani uses salt to keep away the evil spirits that are trying to hurt her. By doing this, she is able to keep herself safe and protect her loved ones. Salt is also used in another scene when the characters are trying to get rid of the witches. They throw salt on them and it burns them, killing them. New and Improved Brooms Broomsticks are a key part of any witch’s arsenal. In the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, the witches use their brooms to fly, clean their houses, and stir up trouble. In the new and improved version of the film, the broomsticks are even more integral to the plot.

The witches use them to fly around Salem, clean up the town, and cause mischief. Fan Favorite Lines The movie follows the story of three witches who are resurrected on Halloween night and wreak havoc on the town of Salem. The movie is filled with quotable lines, but there are a few that stand out as fan favorites. Gilbert’s Origins The character of Gilbert is based on the historical figure Giles Coren. Coren was a real-life witch hunter who played a key role in the witch trials of 1692. Billy’s Back Billy, the little boy who turned into a black cat in the 1993 movie “Hocus Pocus,” is back in the upcoming sequel. In the original movie, Billy was played by actor Omri Katz. Now, 26 years later, Billy will be played by actor Max Charles. Charles is best known for his role as Young Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” The new “Hocus Pocus” movie will be released on Disney+ on October 20, 2020. Master Devil and Medusa Lady Return—Sort of One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the relationship between the two main villains, Master Devil and Medusa Lady. Although they are always bickering with each other, there is a clear sense that they care for each other deeply. Conclusion In conclusion, the Hocus Pocus sequel is definitely worth watching. Not only are the Missed Hocus Pocus Easter Eggs in the Sequel? interesting, but the movie is also full of laughs and suspense. If you’re a fan of the original Hocus Pocus, then you’ll definitely want to check out the sequel. [ Source link

[heavyhitterheaux]

Take Your Pick

AN: Now Urban knows better.....

Synopsis: You catch sight of a viral video that features your boyfriend Urban. It also features two other people that you cannot stand and had told him to steer clear of them. Now he finds himself regretting it.

Pairing: Urban Wyatt x Reader

Requested by: my cutie pie @blackenedsunflowers​ 🥰

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

You had woken up from a peaceful slumber and simply laid in your bed for a few minutes taking in the sunlight peeking through your floor-length windows and listened to the birds chirping outside.

As much as you didn’t want to, you rolled over and got your phone that was placed on the charger to look up all that you had to do today.

You were so incredibly thankful for the life that you have, but it was a lot and you couldn’t wait to see your boyfriend, Urban.

It had been a total of two weeks since you had last seen each other and you admit that you were getting antsy.

But, that would soon be over with when the two of you met up in Anaheim since Urban wanted to take you to Disney Land for your one year anniversary that would be taking place this Friday.

All he told you was to bring yourself and that he would take care of everything for the two of you.

The two of you met when you slid into his DM’s on instagram.

You’re a model and have gotten popular in the last few years and wanted for Urban to do a photoshoot with you. It was just something fun for your birthday and had a Monte Carlo theme. 

And that was all she wrote.

The two of you were head over heels for each other and Urban only had eyes for you.

He would talk to any and everyone about you for hours and usually Jack was on the receiving end.

But, he didn’t mind because he adored you too. 

You looked at your phone to see that your notifications were blowing up and you couldn’t understand why.

And then you saw it.

Only because your best friend Destiny tagged you in it and commented that Urban had her all the way fucked up.

A video featuring your boyfriend.

And the two bitches you absolutely could not stand.

Stassie and your ex-best friend Kylie.

People were tagging you in it left and right and it was safe to say that Urban was about to get his ass kicked by you.

You never actually explained to him why you didn’t fuck with those two, but there was absolutely no reason for him to go behind your back essentially to hang out with them.

You and Kylie had been extremely close having grown up together in California and one day you called her out on her shit being the good best friend that you are or try to be and she didn’t like that one bit.

Hence the fall out.

You weren’t trying to be mean or evil spirited with what you had shared with her, you were only trying to help.

Then she replaced you with Stassie, someone that you absolutely could not stand.

She had it out for you and the only reason you could think of as to why is to get back at you for hurting Kylie’s feelings.

But you didn’t give a flying fuck because she hurt you just the same.

But, she never thought that she had done anything wrong by you.

You immediately dialed your boyfriend on Facetime, but he didn’t answer wanting an explanation to this video.

And it only rang once.

Now your blood pressure was sky high so you thought you would resort to calling his best friend, Jack.

You and Jack had gotten extremely close over the past year and you loved spending time with him too.

However, if an argument was on the verge, Jack never chose sides and would tell the two of you to work it through yourselves. 

Jack picked up on the third ring to hear you screaming in his ear.

“JACKMAN HAND THE PHONE TO YOUR BEST FRIEND NOW!”

“Well, damn! Hi to you too, Y/N, I miss you too and I’m doing well.”

You heard rustling in the background and it almost sounded like the phone was being tossed back and forth between the two before you finally heard his voice.

“Not now, Jackman Thomas. HAND HIM THE PHONE. If he think he can avoid me he got another thing coming. I will catch the first flight out to BEAT HIS ASS”

"Hold on a minute."

“Hi, baby girl, I can’t wait to see you on Friday.”

“No. Absolutely not. You already know why I’m calling since you’re trying to avoid me. Did you seriously have the fucking balls to do that?!”

“Do what, baby?”

“Oh, so now you want to play stupid?”

“Umm.....”

“Didn’t I tell you to stay away from them?! Especially Stassie!”

“Baby, I’m allowed to have friends!”

“Not friends that I don’t like!”

“Wait a minute now. I’m a grown ass man so you aren’t about to sit up here and do this shit and tell me what the fuck to do and who I can talk to.”

“Oh, so it doesn’t matter that she has it out for your girlfriend and wants you for herself?”

“No, she doesn’t and you are blowing this shit out of proportion. It’s too early in the morning to be dealing with your fuckery. Nothing happened.”

“You are so fucking blind that it’s not even funny. Yes she does and why were you out with her? DO YOU HAVE HER NUMBER?!”

“First of all, stop yelling in my GOT DAMN EAR. And Me and Jack were at an event and they were there too and asked me if I wanted to hang out with them. And I’m done talking about this shit so this conversation is now over. We can talk about something else but not this.”

“You got some fucking nerve, Urban. That shit really did hurt my feelings because of how bad Kylie hurt me but go and do what you want since you’re a grown ass man. Oh, and consider yourself single from now on. Bye now.”

You hung up without another word and threw your phone to the side of you.

The tears came almost immediately and Urban was steadily blowing up your phone right alongside Jack.

You simply stared at it ringing and declined every single time.

He had another thing coming if he was going to think that he was about to have you out here looking stupid.

Because two can play that game and you’ve been in the game a lot longer than Urban has.

It was time for him to get a taste of his own medicine.

As soon as you figured out what you were going to do about it.

Liked by jackharlow, anguscloud, destinyadams, zendaya, and 5,459,182 others

yourinstagramname: it's a celebration every time we link up!!! anguscloud love you my baby. didn't realize how much I missed you!! 😘🥰

destinyadams: yourinstagramname mm hmm give your boyfriend a taste of his own medicine

anguscloud: love you too mamas! don’t go that long without seeing me again!

yourinstagramname: anguscloud I promise!

yourinstagramname: destinyadams he doesn’t hold that title anymore

zendaya: EXCUSE ME, WHAT?!?!

yourinstagramname: zendaya girl he had me fucked all the way up with some shit he pulled

urbanwyatt: yourinstagramname are you fucking serious? pick up your damn phone so we can fix this

yourinstagramname: urbanwyatt nah you made yourself very clear that you don’t give a flying fuck about my feelings

urbanwyatt: yourinstagramname so you essentially go and do the same fucking thing?

jackharlow: Y/N!!! UNBLOCK ME! I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!!

yourinstagramname: jackharlow you’re guilty by association and you can tell that best friend of yours to fuck all the way off. we’re done.

urbanwyatt: yourinstagramname why are you being like this?! you know I love you!

yourinstagramname: urbanwyatt that conversation we had earlier this week says otherwise now gtfo my comments and go fuck stassie

urbanwyatt: yourinstagramname I am NOT arguing with my girlfriend over social media. answer your phone and UNBLOCK ME and we need to talk about you missing your flight this morning to see me! I have a whole vacation planned for us!

yourinstagramname: urbanwyatt I am NOT your girlfriend and I didn't miss shit.

urbanwyatt: yourinstagramname baby please!

yourinstagramname: urbanwyatt you really did hurt me so my answer is no

Instead of catching your flight to meet up with Urban, you were staying put.

He needed to realize that he shouldn’t be able to get away with hurting your feelings, because you would have never done that to him.

Urban never liked your relationship with Angus Cloud even though you had reminded him time and time again that the two of you were just friends.

You literally only had eyes for Urban and no one else.

You had just wished that he would have gotten that through his head.

It was now Sunday, and even though you had unblocked Jack, Urban was not coming off the list any time soon.

You knew that it was only a matter of time before Urban would resort to calling you on Jack’s phone in order to talk to you.

But, you were hip to the game and every time you saw a call from Jack you declined it.

You- I know it’s you Urban. Leave me alone.

Jack- Babe! Please! I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you.

You-No. I meant what I said. If you aren’t going to take my feelings into consideration and take them seriously, there is no reason for you to be in a relationship with me.

Jack- I love you, that doesn’t mean anything?!

You- I love you too but I can’t....

Jack- Y/N come on....

You- Have a nice life Urban

Jack- Nothing happened, I SWEAR TO YOU

You- At this point, I don’t even care if it did

Jack- You’re lying and you know it

You- Bye Urban

Your best friend Destiny had been spending time with you to distract you from your break up from your boyfriend and nothing was helping.

The two of you were currently having a movie marathon on your couch while you were deep in a tub of ice cream.

A few tears would fall every now and then and Destiny grew tired of you not wanting to fix things with your man. 

“You are so sad and miserable without him. Just unblock that man and talk to him.”

“No, what he did was wrong.”

“What he did was wrong, but he apologized for it. And I mean he was pleading with you to take him back.”

“But, what if he does this again?”

“I highly doubt it because of how much of a fuss you made this time around. Urban knows he has an amazing girlfriend and I don’t think he would do anything again to jeopardize that. Like you two are honestly perfect together.”

“Are you seriously taking his side right now?! You’re supposed to be on mine!”

“Listen, Y/N, I’m not on anyone’s side right now but that man LOVES you like there is no doubt in my mind that he sees a future with you or at least he did until that shit popped off.”

“Destiny, I don’t know.... I mean he’s always with Jack and they’re about to go on tour again and girls will literally be throwing themselves at him.”

“Okay, but this has happened before and every single time we see that he only has eyes for you. Don’t get me wrong Stassie and Kylie are dead wrong for this shit and I know they only did it to try and get back at you. At least you’re trying to be the bigger person and not say anything to them as much as I know that you want to.”

“Therapy has helped let me tell you. But if I see them out on the street it could be a different story.”

“But, let’s get back on topic. Answer him so he can get his baby back and vice versa.”

“I just don’t know right now.”

“It’s only be two days but I already know his ass is in shambles. He done turned into Khloe and is posting all these damn quotes on his instagram stories. He misses his girl.”

“What in the world did he post?!”

“Something about heartbreak but it was sappy as shit like this man is acting all hurt which he probably is, but he brought it on himself!”

Until there was a knock on the door.

“That he did!”

“GIRLLLLL!”

“WHAT?!”

“GO LOOK AT WHAT HE JUST POSTED!”

Liked by jackharlow, druski2funny, champagnepapi, destinyadams, and 6,243,198 others

urbanwyatt: one of my favorites picture of my baby girl yourinstagramname. the lighting was perfect when we went out for date night so of course I had to snap a pic of her, destinyadams tell my baby to unblock me! I miss her! 😥

destinyadams: urbanwyatt all imma say is that I’m trying but she isn’t budging on changing her mind yourinstagramname UNBLOCK YO MAN

staskaranikolaou: hmm that’s fine, urbanwyatt can come right over here to me

destinyadams: girl you better back all the way up, y/n would give you a two piece and a biscuit if you go near him

staskaranikolaou: destinyadams already did. urbanwyatt needs to be around people with class.

jackharlow: staskaranikolaou PAUSE. Y/N is my girl and you not about to talk about her like that 😐

staskaranikolaou: jackharlow then you’re just as blind as urbanwyatt 🙄

urbanwyatt: staskaranikolaou look I’m trying to get my girl to take me back and you are NOT helping. I only have eyes for her.

staskaranikolaou: urbanwyatt you sure about that? you weren’t saying that when you were with me and Kylie

urbanwyatt: staskaranikolaou you being messy as all hell nothing like that ever came out my mouth

yourinstagramname: staskaranikolaou hmm it always seems as if you have a track record of wanting everything I have. but let me tell you urbanwyatt will never be yours. he’s not going to stoop below his level. I’ve taught you a lesson once so don’t let me have to do it again. keep in mind, I can back up everything that I say, but you can’t. 

urbanwyatt: yourinstagramname baby can you unblock me now 🙃

yourinstagramname: urbanwyatt NO

“GIRLLL, UNBLOCK HIM!”

“I’m not ready to talk to him.”

“If not now then when?!”

Just then there was a knock on the door breaking the two of you out of your conversation.

You placed your ice cream down and walked to the door hearing the voice of your now ex-boyfriend and you instantly sighed.

"Baby girl! Let me in!"

"Get the fuck away from my door Urban!"

“Y/N, come on! Let’s be adults and talk about this!”

“Oh so now you want to talk?! You basically dismissed me before!”

“And I said I was sorry! I get why you felt the way you did and how it looked!”

“Girl, open the door! He flew all this way to see you! And your neighbors are about to start yelling about all this damn noise the two of you are making screaming through a damn door!”

“Fine!”

You opened the door to see your ex-boyfriend and your breath instantly hitched in your throat.

“Baby, please...”

“Just get in here.”

Destiny then gathered up her things and slipped past you and Urban.

“Wait! Where are you going?!”

“I’m leaving so the two of you can sort this shit out. Hopefully the night ends with the two of you fucking your brains out. I want to hear about it tomorrow but for right now, my ass is going home.”

Without another word, Destiny was making her way to the elevator leaving the two of you alone.

Urban simply handed you a bouquet of your favorite flowers along with a gift basket that had your favorite candy, a new hoodie, a black velvet box that you knew contained an expensive piece of jewelry, and even a new pair of Jordans.

“You got all this for me?”

“Yes, I was going to give it to you when we met up in Anaheim.” Urban answered while rubbing the back of his neck and sitting next to you.

“This was nice, I really like the shoes.”

“Baby, can we please talk about this?”

“Fine. I’m listening.”

“I never meant to hurt your feelings and I admit that what I said was harsh and I see why you were mad. But, nothing happened and she’s actually kind of annoying when I think about it. She probably posted it to get back at you but I don’t know for what. You never told me why you didn’t like them.”

“Stassie has always been jealous of me and when me and Kylie got into that argument and weren’t friends anymore, that’s who she got all cozy with. I’m telling you anything that I have she wants, but she for damn sure is not getting you if I have anything to do with it.”

“Soooo that means you forgive me?!”

You looked up at him and his eyes were pleading with you to take him back. You took note of how he grabbed your hand and was rubbing small circles on the back of it hoping that your answer would be yes.

He just didn’t know what he was about to do without you since these past few days have been literal hell. 

“Urban, please do not do something like this ever again because I won’t be so forgiving next time.”

“Consider it done. I hate when you’re mad at me.”

“Then I guess I’ll be your girlfriend again.”

“You never stopped.”

“Wyatt, don’t push it.”

“I still consider that we’ve been in a relationship for one year. These past few days don’t count.”

“I don’t think it works that way.”

“In my world it does.”

“Whatever you say, babe.”

“I hope your suitcase is packed.”

“Wait, what?”

“We have an anniversary to celebrate, baby girl.”

“I’ll go get them right now.” You stated as you got up from the couch. 

“And baby girl?”

“Yes?”

“I hope you didn’t think I forgot about the little stunt you pulled with Angus. I’m tearing your ass up when we get to Cali.”

“But...”

“Nah... don’t even want to hear it. Matter of fact, I can begin to teach you a lesson right now. You’re wearing too many clothes, take them off.”

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[hes-a-rainbow]

Something Happens And I’m Head Over Heels ~ e.m.

Summary: The freshman spring formal is approaching and they need one more volunteer to make it happen. Also, Eddie’s stupidly in love. 

Warnings: fluffy, Eddie being embarrassed

Word Count: 1.1k

“Absolutely not,” Eddie was already answering Mike’s question before he could even finish asking. Gareth had warned him last period that the little sheep of the Hellfire club were looking for volunteers for the upcoming freshman spring formal. Something nobody could convince Eddie to do even with a gun to his head.

Eddie turns back on the power saw, cutting the wood where he marked it just moments ago with his pencil. Whoever decided to give a bunch of high schoolers power tools was a total fucking idiot but Eddie would be lying if he said he didn’t look forward to wood shop all day.

The scraggly freshman backs away from the work table as pieces of plywood fly into the air around him. Eddie turns off the saw, rolling his eyes as he lifts it back into the safety position before reaching for an extra pair of safety goggles under the table and tossing them to Mike.

Even though they are no more than 2 feet apart, Mike still fumbles with the plastic goggles before hastily putting them on.

“What?! No, dude, listen, it’ll be fun!” Eddie grabs the measuring tape and his pencil, measuring out the exact size he needs for the mug shelf he was building (another good thing about wood class; free birthday and Christmas gifts for Wayne.)

“I don’t know about you, Wheeler, but being a chaperone for a bunch of horny freshmen is not on my list of fun things to do around here.” He positions the wood back under the power saw which cuts easily through the wood. Lifting the saw again, he takes the newly cut wood and adds it into the slowly building pile beside him.

“We just need one more volunteer!” Eddie looks over at Mike, now covered in pieces of plywood that stick to his black hair, Eddie’s sure his mane doesn’t look that much different. “Robin will be there! And Nancy! You like them!” At this point, the young boy was grasping at straws, and he must’ve known it too because Eddie could see his shoulders starting to deflate as he spoke softly down at the workshop table separating them.

“Look, if we don’t have enough volunteers, the dance will be canceled. El and Will are flying all the way from California to be here for it.”

Now contrary to what most of the other students of Hawkins thought, Eddie was not a soulless guy. Sure, he could come off as loud and obnoxious, but he was always there for the people he cared about. Especially his little sheep.

Eddie lets out a sigh as he leans his hands on the table, “Look, Wheeler, I feel for you I do, but I’m probably not even the type of guy they want watching after all you kids anyway.”

“But that’s the thing! They're looking for any Juniors or Seniors to help out right now! And it’s only like two hours after school for a week and then like 4 hours of your time on a Friday night and the time will count towards your volunteer hours for graduation and–” Mike’s pause during the middle of his rant got Eddie’s attention as he began counting up the pieces of wood he had in his pile.

1, 2, 3–

“And Y/n will be there.”

Eddie’s brain completely stopped as he took in Mike’s words. He knew the freshman was just playing dirty now, bringing up Eddie’s fellow classmate who he’s been crushing on since she moved to Hawkins last year.

Now Eddie could admit that maybe he was less than smooth when it came to staring at her from across the lunch room and maybe his cheeks flushed just a bit when the other Hellfire boys would tease him about her, but he liked to think he had at least some dignity left.

“Y/N who?” He pursed his lips as he looked everywhere but at Mike, trying and completely failing to come off as nonchalant.

The freshman threw up his hands, “Y/n who? Y/n WHO?! Oh I don’t know, maybe the same Y/n who you’ve been crushing over for months now but–” Mike cuts off his own words as Eddie leans across the table to grab hold of his Hellfire collar, “You want to take it down a notch, Wheeler? I don’t think they heard you in Ohio!” The students around the two boys pause to watch the scene unfold before them, but quickly lose interest when they see it’s only the freak and one of his minions.

Eddie pulls his hand away from Mike, slapping down the material of his shirt, “Don’t you need to get back to class anyway, I’m pretty sure that hall pass doesn’t last this long.” Eddie starts back to counting his pile of wood, using his finger to point as he adds them up in his head.

1, 2, 3, 4–

“Look man, all I’m saying is there’s only two months left before you graduate. I know you need the extra volunteer hours and it also means that this might be your last shot with her.” Mike leans his elbows on the table and lowers his voice as he continues,  “What’s the worst that could happen, she’s not everything you dreamed of and then you never see her again after you graduate?”

Eddie quickly played a million scenarios in his head, some ending with his dream girl laughing in his face and calling him a ‘freak’ just like he has been his whole life, another of them slow dancing in the empty gymnasium, and lastly a not so PG scenario of them in the janitor’s closet. He had to physically shake his head to get that last one out of the way, wood shop was not the time nor place to be thinking like that.

Mike’s eyebrows were raised nearly to his hairline as he awaited Eddie’s answer with bated breath.

“Okay, fine.” Mike let out a yelp as he clapped his hands loudly, causing one of the students at the next table to jump and drop the hammer out of their hand. A dirty look flashed towards their direction as Mike replied with a soft ‘sorry’.

“Not so fast, Wheeler. I’ll volunteer at the spring formal,” Eddie leaned over the table, clapping Mike on the shoulder causing some sawdust to blow off his shirt and into the air, “if, and only if, you can get Nancy to pull some strings and make sure I’m paired up with Y/n.”

Mike’s smile quickly dropped “Eddie, Nancy’s pretty strict when it comes to these things and–”

“Great! Sounds like you’ll figure it out one way or another,” He rustles his hand through Mike’s hair before going back to counting his pile of wood, “Because I would just hate for the dance to be canceled and you too not see your little girlfriend and Will…”

1, 2, 3, 4, 5–

Eddie can hear Mike’s small mumble of fuck, before the freshman is shedding off the safety goggles and headed towards the door. Eddie smirks to himself before continuing.

6,7,8…

.

A/N: Something I just wrote a few weeks ago, I love the idea of nervous Eddie with a big fat crush. I started a part two but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ let me know if you even like it first.

[undobutton]

Love Expert! Aaravi x Reader

warnings: Swearing, food mention

genre: fluff! established relationship

wc: 502

characters: Aaravi Mishra, Hex

synopsis: Hex teases Aarvi about her feelings for you.

a/n: this is for @whoneedscoffeeanyway who requested Aaravi fluff a while ago. I'm sorry for taking so long love, hope this is to your liking!

Aaravi? Expressing positive emotions?? Out loud???? 

No. Of course not. The flying pigs aren’t scheduled until next week. 

But! Hex telling you all Aaravi’s feelings is just a normal Friday night.

“Shut up Hex!” 

And this is a normal Friday night. One where you and Aaravi are stuck doing what Hex wants, and that is watching tv, eating pizza, and causing dear Ravi slight mental distress. 

“It’s not like they don’t know your feelings, Ravi. You’re dating them.”

“That's different!” The slayer pouts.

“No. It isn’t.” Hex counters.

“Yes it is! How would you know? You don’t even love anyone!”

“Yes I do. My love for the everything bagel knows no bounds.”

“That doesn’t count!”

“Since when do you get to decide what’s love and what isn't? You only ever deny your feelings for your lovely little player 2.”

“Only I call them that!” She blushes. “Ugh! And It’s not like you are any expert either.”

“Well actually in the state of California-”

This is going nowhere and you have unfortunately gotten sucked into the show the three if you are supposed to be watching. So, as per usual you need to come up with a way to resolve this silly problem.

Leaning on Aaravi’s shoulder, silencing her, you begin.

“Hex, wasn’t this all your idea? Now we’re almost to the season finale and you and Aaaravi have been arguing this whole time.” You sigh from the crook of Ravi's neck.

“... You’re not wrong. But this show is boring, since I've seen it four times already.  I’m gonna go nap in Ravi’s skull. Peace!” And with that Hex is gone. Leaving you and Aaravi (more or less) alone.

“Thanks” your girlfriend mumbles, taking a slice from the Pizza box on the coffee table in front of you. and bringing it to your mouth. 

“Here, to keep your energy up.”

You take the pizza happily and munch away as the show plays on. 

Time passes and Aaravi grows equally interested in the TV. But her attention fades onto you, and you can only ignore the holes she’s staring into your head for so long. As you turn to her she frowns. But before you can speak, she starts to talk.

“You know how I feel about you and shit already right? Cause that cutscene was not something I really want to relive.” 

You chuckle. “Yes Aaravi I know of your undying love for me.” 

She lets out a huff. Cheeks glowing pink. 

“G-good. Our relationship is a stat boost I have grown a little to comfortable with for  a misuderstanding to fuck everything over. Especially since we both worked so hard on it… and my therapist says I should be more upfront with my feelings.”

“Aw, I love you too… player 1.”

“Shut up! and spoon me. It’s cold.”

You do. pulling her in by the waist and nuzzling her head. Maybe today wasn’t a normal Friday night afterall. But this is way better than that. Isn’t it?

Oh! and you get +2 Charm and +1 Smarts. 

Thanks for reading! reblogs greatly appreciated! -button🌺

[just-here-for-the-moment]

Night Fever: Prologue

Night Fever: Prologue

Word Count: 1000

Rating: Mature, 18+ only (there will be sex and Narcos-style violence in later chapters)

Outline: Javier Peña x “You” (female reader; “blank canvas”/no physical descriptors/no use of “Y/N”)

Warnings: None for this chapter

---

Night Fever Series Masterlist

JHFTM Main Masterlist

---

March, 1978

Javier Peña wasn’t unhappy, exactly, just restless.

He felt like he had missed the boat on something big, a chance to get out of his hometown and really see the world, to do something important. But he had flunked out of his third semester of college back in Kingsville (too many girls and beers, not enough focus and willpower) and now he was here… which was nowhere, but at least it wasn’t Laredo. In Laredo everyone knew him and his family, and there were far too many people who were eager to butt in, inquire about his failed plans, or to try to pair him off with someone.

Antes, TX was smaller than home, but full of strangers so at least it felt a little bigger. Two days after dropping out, Javier started the engine of his yellow 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix and began a long, meandering road trip that led him from Kingsville to Corpus Christi to San Antonio, and then he just kept going. He wasn’t sure if he would leave the state or not, but after passing through Fredericksburg and then San Angelo, he ended up in a bar in Abilene.

After five beers and a game of darts with a guy around his age named Steve Murphy, Javier had a job offer at Steve's dad's sheet metal factory in Antes. The town wasn’t big, and it wasn’t flashy, but it was on the opposite side of the state from everything that Javier hoped he could leave behind. So Antes it was.

Javier had fallen into a routine over the past four months, broken only by a Christmas trip home to see his dad. He worked a hard forty at the sheet metal factory all week, and then logged another fifteen drinking after work with Steve.

Friday and Saturday nights were the most dull in Antes, save for the occasional hour-long drive into Abilene for some excitement. But after a few too many bar fights and one particularly nasty rollover that totaled Steve’s baby-blue Volkswagen Beetle, Javier decided to stay put in Antes and save up some money until he could figure out what the hell he wanted to do with his life.

Something to break the monotony was necessary, but he was hoping it wouldn’t lead to another broken wrist anytime soon.

- - -

“No, like this. Arms out, and then twirl me toward you.”

Your best friend Connie rolled her eyes and sighed for the millionth time that afternoon. “I’m gettin’ tired of helping you practice. Can I please go home?”

“No, just one more. Please? I’ll buy you that Donny Osmond album that you wanted. Pleeease?” You pushed your lower lip out a little and made puppy-dog eyes at her.

“C’mon, Connie. You love the way he sings ‘Fly Into the Wind’. And I’ll ask Aunt Linda to send you a signed picture from California.”

Connie grinned and gave in. “Okay, just one more, then I gotta scoot.”

Connie took her place again, arm extended to twirl you in and then back out. She was four inches shorter than you and blonde, but given the total lack of tall, handsome, Tony Manero-lookalikes in your tiny Texas burg, she was an acceptable substitute.

“One, two, three and back out.” You finished your twirl and bowed to Connie. “Thank you, ma’am.”

She pulled you in for a fierce hug. “You’re welcome. Sorry I’m not John Travolta, hon.”

You laughed. Connie pulled away from the hug and wagged her finger up at you. “Remember, that photo of Donny Osmond better be signed.”

You crossed your heart and nodded solemnly. “I’ll write to Aunt Linda this evening, promise.”

Connie smiled and waggled her fingers at you as she opened your bedroom door to leave. You heard her say goodbye to your mama as you flopped onto your bed, staring up at the posters on your walls, some of which you felt you were outgrowing.

Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox from “CHiPs” vied for wall space with Shaun Cassidy and Davy Jones, along with pictures of John Travolta with his gorgeous wavy hair from “Welcome Back, Kotter”. But the crowning jewel of your collection was a full-size poster of John Travolta as Tony Manero from “Saturday Night Fever” that Aunt Linda had sent you last week, all the way from Los Angeles.

The white suit, the light up dance floor, the smoldering look on his face as he struck that pose. It made you feel hopeful, like one day you might be special enough to catch the attention of a handsome man like that, go off and have adventures and see the world.

Tucked carefully in with two record needles and three new albums was her letter:

Dear Bug,

I miss you! I know you loved Saturday Night Fever when we saw it down in Austin over Christmas break (3 times). Hope this poster sets your heart a-flutter, but don’t get to staring so long that you forget to do your chores. Remember if you’re extra-extra-extra-good I might be able to talk your mama and daddy into letting you come see me this summer.

L.A. is so fun! Last week I was waiting for an audition and Julie London walked right through the lobby! Took everything I had not to jump up and squeal at her and start singing Cry Me A River. She’s just as stunning in person as you would think, only I didn’t get a chance to say anything.

Listen, Ladybug, don’t tell your mama but I had to leave my apartment because Bobby and I broke up, so when you come out you’ll stay with me at my new boarding house. She’d probably think it’s a flophouse, but it’s like a girls dormitory and we have fun all weekend. Just a lotta hootin and hollerin like a big sleepover.

Enjoy the albums, and take good care not to scratch em - I’ll show you some new dance moves next time I see you.

XOXO

Hugs & Kisses, L

- - -

[beautiful-songbird]

The Strings of My Heart [19] - Unearthing the Past

← Chapter 18 | Chapter 20 →

Pairing: Zoro x Jupiter

Genre: fluff, angst, f2l

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: mentions of trauma

Summary: Zoro’s moved to sunny California for college to escape from the life of fame for a little while. But when he loses his violin case in the second week of school, he’s sure his college experience has just gone up in flames. What will he do when, despite all odds, his case is returned to him?

—————

Zoro was glad for the break that came with the Thanksgiving holiday.  For his family, it was mostly just an excuse to get together and eat.  Eat a lot, that was.  That was followed by Black Friday, where his grandparents went to cut down their Christmas tree.  He’d be joining them this year.  It wasn’t often he was in town during November, but he did remember the couple times he’d gone to get a Christmas tree with them.  He’d been ten the last time he really remembered doing it.

Admittedly, the drive down to Temecula was awfully boring alone.  He’d discovered this in February when he’d driven down to escape Jupiter’s parents and the memory of the airport, but he’d been too panicked to care then.  Now, he was wishing he had Jupiter to accompany him like she had in the summer.

Oliver was out the front door the moment Zoro pulled up to his uncle’s house.

“You’re here!  You should change and come down to the beach with us.”

“Ollie, get back inside!  Let Zoro breathe!”

Zoro climbed out of his car just in time to see Luna waddle down the front path.  His eyes widened.

“I haven’t seen you this pregnant in five years,” he laughed.

She groaned. “Don’t remind me.  I’m so tired of being pregnant, but I still have a whole month to go.”

“When’s the baby due?”

“Your dad’s birthday.  Isn’t that funny?”

“That is funny,” he chuckled.

Oliver tugged on his hand. “Come on, Zoro.  Go change!  It’s half an hour to the beach.”

“You do know I’m staying with Grammy and Grandpa, right?”

“I don’t care!”

Luna nodded towards the house. “Kohen’s gonna be here soon to pick us up.  We’re headed down to Carlsbad.”

Zoro sighed. “All right, fine.  I’ll come.  Let me go change.”

◇◆◇◆◇

Zoro was crammed into the back of Kohen’s dinky car with Oliver not fifteen minutes later.

“I wish you’d told me you were headed there.  I drove through Oceanside on my way here.”

Luna winced. “Sorry.  I didn’t realize you were coming to our place first.”

“Grammy and Grandpa said they wouldn’t be home until six, so I can’t go there yet.”

“Oh, that’s right!  They had a meeting with someone.”

“Luna, tell him the news,” Oliver prompted.

“News?” Zoro asked.

“We’re getting married in March,” Luna smiled.

“Wow!  That’s coming up quickly!”

She nodded. “We would’ve done it sooner, but planning a wedding in a month isn’t really something you can do.”

“You’re one to talk,” Kohen laughed.  He glanced at Zoro. “She wanted to have it before the baby is born.  I said no, because there’s no way we can get all our family into town in less than a month!”

“He had a good point when he said it would be much easier to find a wedding dress without a pregnancy belly,” Luna laughed. “Do you think you could come, Zoro?  We’re having it on the sixteenth.”

“I’m flying out the next week, so I don’t see why I couldn’t come a bit early.”

“Flying out?”

He nodded. “I’m staying with Jupiter for Christmas, so I told Mama and Appa I’d come home for Mama’s birthday.  I’ll be missing Jupiter’s birthday, though….”

“Really?”

“Yeah.  Her birthday is two days after my mom’s.  Or three, if you count the time zone difference.”

“I can’t believe you’re missing your girlfriend’s birthday for your mom!”

“Are you kidding me?” he asked. “You’d skip your mom’s birthday if Kohen’s birthday was around the same time?”

Luna pressed her lips together. “Why can’t you just take Jupiter with you?”

“She has work, and all her siblings would miss school.  Besides, flying with nine little kids would be a disaster.”

She sighed. “I’m glad I’m not you.”

He chuckled ruefully. “You should be glad for more than one reason.”

“Don’t look at me like you’d prefer to be me!  Try getting pregnant twice while you’re single.”

“I don’t think I can try that.”

She tossed a towel at his head. “You know what I mean!”

◇◆◇◆◇

Zoro found himself sitting at his grandma’s island that evening after an exhausting afternoon of chasing Oliver around Carlsbad.  Luna couldn’t keep an eye on him, and Kohen insisted on staying with his fiancée.

“Ollie wore you out today?” Grammy asked with a laugh.

Zoro nodded. “I didn’t know what I was signing up for when I agreed to go with them.  We walked two miles just to get ice cream!  And then we had to walk back!”

“What?  Is four miles too much for you?”

“Not really, but it was too much for Ollie.  I had to carry him halfway back.  That was too much for me.” He laid across the chairs at her island. “I never would’ve imagined doing this in November.”

“Are you going to Korea for Christmas?”

“No.  Jupiter’s the main caretaker for her siblings now, and I’m not about to take nine kids to Korea with me.”

“Good choice.  We never used to go on flights when your mom and aunts and uncles were younger.”

“Uncle Ryan was probably the main problem there.”

“You’d be surprised.  It was Sophie.”

“Really?” Zoro asked, pushing himself up so he could make proper eye contact with his grandma.

She laughed and nodded. “When we moved out here, we took a plane.  Sophie was five, and she screamed for half the plane ride.  We didn’t go on another plane until she was thirteen, and the only reason for it was because your mom’s roommate was throwing her a birthday party.”

“Aunt Indigo?”

“Yep,” Grammy nodded.

Zoro laid himself back down on the chairs and sighed. “Well, anyway, I’m spending the holidays with Jupiter and her siblings.  We’ve already decided to not go down to Florida.  That’s where her aunt and her mom’s cousins live, apparently.  I am honestly not ready to see her aunt again, and I don’t really think she is either.”

Grammy hummed to let Zoro know she was listening.

“It feels stupid that I can’t face her, you know?  That was ten years ago, and she’s a heck of a lot smaller than me now.  She’s not even in New York, and I can barely bring myself to be there even for Jupiter.  The airport is still terrifying, but I’d never tell her that.  I think she figured it out, though.”

“Maybe you need to see her to put your fears to rest,” Grammy suggested.

“I’ve thought about that.  It’s just….”

“So scary you feel paralyzed?”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

“That’s how trauma is.  And it seems that nothing you’ve tried so far has let you fully let go of that.  You haven’t seen her since you were nine, so to you, you’re still tiny and helpless compared to her.  I think that now, seeing what little power she has over you would really help.”

“It would.  I just don’t know what I’m afraid of, really.  I can’t figure out if it’s her or the airport or just anyone having the potential to do that to me again.”

“It might be all of those things together, Zor.”

“Yeah.  I don’t know what to do about it, though.”

“I think that when you’re ready, you need to face Jupiter’s aunt with Jupiter.  I can’t tell you that it’ll fix the problem fully, but I think it will help.”

“I’ll think about it.  Thanks, Grammy.”

◇◆◇◆◇

December seemed to roll around in the blink of an eye, and Jupiter was giddy as she anticipated her boyfriend’s return.  Her mother and the baby had been home for almost two months already, and getting guardianship had been significantly easier than she’d expected.  Almost everything seemed right in the world again.  Except, there was a small part of her that missed her dad.  She wasn’t sure why she missed him.  He’d never been around, and even when he had been, he hadn’t paid much attention to her at all.  They hadn’t had a good relationship in years.

On the other hand, she remembered the father that he’d used to be.  She didn’t remember much, but before Venus was born, Jupiter’s father had given her all the attention that her mother neglected to give her.  He’d been harsh in the workplace, but there was the occasion that he’d take her out for ice cream and treat her like a normal little kid.  They’d chat about life, or he’d tell her how well she’d done in her training that day.

Nothing like that had happened in the past eleven years, but Jupiter still missed the man her father had once been, even if that once was only for a few minutes each month.

Regardless, Jupiter went on with life as if nothing had happened.  She had a company to run and siblings to take care of.  Not to mention Zoro would be staying with them for a few weeks before his apartment would be ready, so she needed to get ready for him.  That probably only entailed finally taking those glow-in-the-dark stars off her ceiling.  Zoro had seen her house is various levels of disarray before and had never commented on it.

Jupiter was halfway to being disappointed that Zoro wasn’t moving in with them, but there really was no space for him.  He’d been sleeping in her bedroom for the whole summer while she’d taken her parents’ bedroom, and now that her mom was back, they couldn’t do that.

Another odd thing was that her mom had been acting almost normal for the past couple months.  She actually paid attention to more than just the baby, and she’d even helped cook dinner a few times.  It was overall a very odd experience to see her mom acting more like a mom than just a nanny for the baby.  She was definitely still partially absent, though.

◇◆◇◆◇

Zoro was jittery as he packed his apartment up on the last week of school.  Truthfully, he could’ve stayed for a few weeks longer, but he knew Jupiter needed him, and spending Christmas alone seemed like an awfully depressing thing to do when he was already not going to see his family for the first time on the holiday.

As he made one last check of the apartment to make sure he’d taken absolutely everything, he frowned.  He’d spent over a year in this dinky apartment, and he was sad to leave it behind.  So many memories had been made in these rooms, and now he’d be leaving this place for good.  He and Jupiter had studied here many times and had little dates together, she’d surprised him for his birthday, they’d practiced their instruments together, and so many other little things that he would never forget.  He supposed the important thing was that he still had the girl.  The apartment could go.

He stacked his many suitcases into his trunk along with a few boxes full of valuables.  If he thought flying here last summer had been ridiculous, he was about to spend four days on the road just to drive to New York.  He had too many things to fly to New York, and he wanted to keep his car.

He walked around his apartment one last time to bid it goodbye before turning his keys in.  The good thing was that he didn’t have people to say goodbye to as well.  He’d never really talked to any of his neighbors.

He had one last lunch with Peyton before leaving.

“Man, I can’t believe you’re moving to New York right after I moved away from there!”

Zoro laughed. “At least one of your parents will be living in New Jersey, right?  You can visit me while you’re up there.”

“Yeah, but who knows when they’ll sort that out,” he rolled his eyes. “Both of them will probably live up there after everything’s said and done, but they’re still fighting over it!  I want to tell them to just sell the house, split the money, and buy two smaller houses!  They wouldn’t listen to me if I did, though.”

“Well, if you ever want to come visit, just let me know.  I’ll have a couch in my apartment you can crash on if you’d like.”

“Awesome!  I don’t know how I’d get the money for plane tickets, though.”

Zoro nodded.

“Are you really driving all the way across the country this week?”

“Yep.  I’ve got a friend I’m going to see on my way to New York.  I haven’t seen him in years.”

“That’s cool!”

Zoro and Peyton parted ways after lunch, and Zoro began his long trip to New York.  Maybe by the time he got there, he’d be mentally prepared to see the city again.  At least this time he didn’t have to enter it via the airport.

—————

Chapter 20 →

This is part of the Dad!BTS series that can be found here

Series M.list

A/N: haha. Back to multiple updates in a row! Isn’t that lovely?

It would be greatly appreciated if you reblogged the story if you liked it!

Taglist: @jiminie-and-his-pinky-finger @jinnie-forthe-winnie

[fruitcoops]

Part 3 of the disowning fic where Sirius calls Reg and Remus tells James (with Sirius’ permission ofc) and when Walburga calls Reg, he rips into her like never before. James rushing to Sirius’ house and basically having to be restrained from going to her house with Reg in tow.

Hopefully that makes sense. Sorry it’s probably really badly phrased

This makes a ton of sense--thank you for sending it in! Writing Regulus is such a neat challenge, since he and Sirius are so similar and yet so different. Sweater Weather credit goes to @lumosinlove!

Part 1 II Part 2

TW for disownment and past child abuse (mentioned)

If Sirius ever met the person that invented showers, he would kiss them on the mouth. With tongue, if requested.

His phone hummed on the coffee table; when he made no move to grab it, Remus reached over and flipped the screen up. “Reg is on the way.”

Sirius hummed and cuddled into his chest, tightening his hold on his waist. Gentle fingers combed through his damp hair and he was warm all over in the best way. His face and eyes still itched a little, and his throat was raw from crying so hard, but at least he finally felt clean. The ache in his gut had dulled.

Remus pressed his lips to the space just above Sirius’ ear and wrapped his arms around him, tracing patterns on his upper back beneath his shirt. The skin-to-skin contact was something he never knew he needed so much—he couldn’t imagine living without it now. “We should go on vacation sometime this summer,” he mused, absently braiding a few locks of Sirius’ hair.

“Where?”

“I dunno. Somewhere warm, where we can swim and you can get all sexy and tan.”

Sirius laughed against his chest and breathed in the honey-lavender smell of his soap. “As long as you promise to freckle.”

He could feel Remus smiling. “I’ll do my best. It wouldn’t have to be a long trip, either—maybe a week in Florida, or California.”

“Alabama?” Sirius teased.

“Honey.” Remus kissed his forehead. “If you take me to Alabama—” Another kiss. “—I will take the biggest spider I can find—” A third kiss, so sweet in comparison to his playful threat. “—and put it in your shoe.”

Sirius snorted. “Just divorce me, that would be nicer.”

“Mmm, no, you’d miss me too much.”

“Put a spider in my shoe and we’ll see if that’s true.” Remus’ shoulders shook under him as they laughed and Sirius kissed his collarbone, then closed his eyes. “Do we have time for a nap before Reg gets here?”

“Maybe. How fast does he drive?”

“Not as fast as Pots—”

The doorbell rang, and then kept ringing; someone knocked insistently on the door, and Sirius groaned as he untangled his limbs from Remus and wandered over.

Regulus was not alone on the porch.

“What’s her phone number?” James demanded, practically smoking with fury as he and Regulus stormed into the house. He let out a furious breath when he saw the open envelope on the kitchen counter.

Sirius raised an eyebrow at his little brother. “Did you call him?”

“Of course I called him,” Regulus scoffed. “We also called Logan.”

“Isn’t he in Canada for the rest of the week?”

“Yeah, but he said he’d be here on Friday.” Regulus gave him a quick once-over and a stormy look came over his face. “When did she drop those off?”

“She didn’t. The mailman did, just after five.” Something bitter tinged Sirius’ mouth. “That was after she tried to make Remus give them to me.”

“What a bitch.”

“Reg!”

“It’s true,” Regulus snapped, though his anger was clearly directed elsewhere. “She’s a horrible coward and you deserve better.”

James held his phone up to get Sirius’ attention. “What’s her number?”

“I’m not giving you her phone number, J.”

“Reg, what’s her number?”

Regulus bit his lip for a second, then shook his head. “She won’t know who you are, and she would sue your ass faster than you could blink if you lost your temper on her. Me, on the other hand…”

Sirius put his hand over Regulus’ phone. “Don’t do this. If she disowns you, too—”

“If she disowns me I’ll throw a fucking party!” Regulus all but shouted. The room went silent. “I am sick and tired of hiding and watching them hurt you. She doesn’t control me anymore.”

“I’m not letting you get hurt for me.”

“And I’m not asking for you permission.” Regulus stepped back and dialed a number; in the kitchen doorway, Remus and James watched them in a mix of shock and concern.

The call connected and Regulus’ whole face went stony. “What is it, Regulus?” a tinny voice asked.

“Is it true?”

“Is what true?” Walburga sniffed. “Please, Regulus, we’ve discussed this. You have to clarify your intentions—”

“Did you disown my brother?”

“He’s not your brother anymore.” Disdain dripped from her voice and Sirius’ throat constricted as cold fire lit in Regulus’ eyes.

“He’s more family to me than you ever were.” His tone was even and deadly.

“Don’t be ridiculous—”

“Shut up.” A protective urge jolted in Sirius’ gut and he almost smacked the phone out of Regulus’ hand. “Just shut up.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’re a coward and a liar, and I hate you.” A fine tremor slipped through and Regulus gritted his teeth. Remus touched Sirius’ elbow gently, and he gripped his hand tight.

“Listen here, you silly boy—”

“You don’t get to hurt him anymore. Sirius is a better person that you could ever dream of being and the fact that you can’t accept when your own son is happy—”

“He disgraced us—”

“You disgraced us!” Regulus snapped. “You and your rules, your blood money, your parenting that belonged more in a prison than a house! I’m not stupid, Mother, I know what you did was wrong!”

There were a few beats of silence. “I did what I did to prepare you for the real world.”

“The real world doesn’t give a ten-year-old a black eye for breaking a plate.”

Sirius closed his eyes and clenched his jaw as Remus inhaled sharply next to him; James cursed under his breath. The plate had been one of his grandmother’s, part of a twelve-piece set that they were using for Thanksgiving. One flipped corner on the rug had sent him flying, but the porcelain shard in his hand had hurt less than Walburga’s fury.

She was breathing hard on the other end of the line. “The world is a cruel place, Regulus.”

“No crueler than you.”

“Watch your mouth, you ungrateful child, or you’ll find yourself in the same shoes as that stain on our family tree.”

A flinty look came over Regulus then; if Sirius didn’t know better, he’d say he looked almost smug. “Do it. I dare you to look the media in the eye and tell them you disowned one son for being happy and the other for calling you out on your terrible parenting.”

“We disowned him for being a failure and a disgrace.”

Grey met grey as Regulus spoke next, his gaze never flickering from Sirius’ eyes. “Happily married to the love of his life, youngest captain in the league, with two Stanley Cups under his belt? Doesn’t sound like a failure to me, and far from a disgrace.”

Remus squeezed his hand as Sirius swallowed back a few tears that had started to gather. He offered a weak smile and the corners of Regulus’ eyes crinkled slightly.

“I’m hanging up the phone now,” he said, smooth and collected. Walburga was utterly silent. “Never contact me or my brother again. If you disown me, at least have the dignity to do it in person.”

He hung up and slid his phone into his back pocket. “Jesus,” James half-laughed behind them. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“That was really brave, and really stupid.” Sirius said as he walked forward. Regulus met him in the middle, tucking his head under Sirius’ chin in a tight hug. “Thank you.”

“Brave and stupid, huh? I’m turning into you already.”

Sirius flicked his ear with a grin, but never loosened his hold. “Brat.”

“Love you.”

He closed his eyes and felt Regulus’ heartbeat through his palm. “Love you, too.”

“Will you at least give me her address so I can egg her house?” James asked once they separated, already moving to give Sirius another hug. He melted into it; James had the incredible ability to make him feel completely and utterly safe, like the world couldn’t touch him as long as he was there.

“As amazing as that would be, I’d rather not see you arrested.”

“Fair point.” He pulled back a bit and James searched his face. A wrinkle appeared between his brows. “How can I help?”

“This is nice.” Exhaustion made Sirius’ limbs heavy and his head was starting to throb from his earlier breakdown. James pulled him back in and two more sets of arms followed, forming a shield all around him. He felt Remus kiss his cheek and Regulus’ hand splay over his ribs; James was steady, an anchor in the storm. “How am I going to tell people about this?”

“You don’t have to,” Remus murmured.

“If I don’t, she will.”

“Then tell them the truth,” Regulus said. “Maybe not everything, but the relevant parts.”

“We’ll be here with you.” James’ voice was soft. “Us, and the rest of the team. Anything you need.”

Sirius didn’t say anything, but he did sink into the warmth of their embrace and let the weight of fear and unease lift off his shoulders. The burden wasn’t his alone; it never had been.

[sisterspooky1013]

Only One Choice, Part 2, Chapter 21

Read it here on AO3 / Tagging @today-in-fic

“Hi,” she greets him as he walks in the door, “I have something for you.”

She’s perched in the armchair, a smile that’s coy and playful curling the corners of her mouth. He gives her a curious smirk as he slips off his shoes and overcoat.

“Okay, like a gift?” he asks, crossing the room to plant a kiss on her lips, stealing another to enjoy the warm feeling of her mouth against his, which is chilled from the wintery air outside.

She shakes her head as he goes into the bedroom, changing into sweats and a T-shirt.

“You’re going to have to find it,” she calls from the other room, and he smiles to himself.

This is his favorite version of her; playful and flirtatious, quick to smile and laugh. He loves all aspects of her personality, but the rarity of this one makes it feel special. She almost never acts this way in front of anyone else, even her family; it feels like it’s just for him. He moves to stand at the threshold of the living room, leaning against the wall.

“Are you going to give me a hint?” he asks, and she considers the question with a thinking man pose.

“Well, I will tell you that right now you are very, very, cold,” she finally says.

His eyebrows lift in understanding and he walks back into the bedroom.

“Colder!” she calls, and he moves to the kitchen.

“Still cold.”

He walks to her desk.

“Mmm, slightly warmer.”

Next he steps close to the fireplace.

“A little warmer.”

He turns to look at her and narrows his eyes. He takes a step towards her.

“Oh, warmer.”

He stands directly in front of her chair.

“Getting hot,” she says with a playful lilt to her voice.

He drops to his knees between her legs.

“Very, very hot.”

He slips his fingers into the waistband of her pants.

“On fire,” She says with a smile.

He moves to pull her pants down and the tips of his fingers meet with something foreign near the top of her thigh. He quirks his head quizzically, fitting his whole hand into her pant leg and pulling out two long strips of cardstock. Airline tickets.

“How do you feel about a California Christmas?” she asks hopefully, and he looks at the tickets to see that the destination is San Diego, December 22nd.

He knew that she and her mother had been talking about flying out to see Bill for the holiday, but he’d assumed that he’d be left at home.

“What about Priscilla?” he asks, both touched that she wants to include him in her family’s celebration and nervous about meeting her older brother, who he understands will hate him by default.

“We can ask the Gunmen to look after her,” she offers. “Unless you don’t want to come with me?”

He can tell by her tone that it’s not meant to be a way for him to opt out, but a test of his willingness to go. She clearly wants him to.

“Of course I want to go with you,” he replies, moving close and wrapping his arms around her waist. “I will admit to being a little worried about meeting your brother, and in his home, on his turf.”

She gives him a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry too much about Bill. Missy and Charlie are going, and Mom of course, and they love you. I know Tara will too. So even if he does pull the big brother card and give you a hard time, we have strength in numbers.”

“Is Byers going?” he asks hopefully, and she shakes her head. “Missy only just barely told Mom about him. It’s too soon for them.”

“But not for us?” he asks with the smile he reserves for the times when she alludes to the seriousness of their commitment.

She shakes her head slowly. “Not for us,” she says.

———

“Oh my god, I’m going to lose my mind, Mulder.”

She’s pacing around the apartment, putting things into different piles and open suitcases, her level of stress palpable in the air.

“Honey, stop for a second,” he says, grabbing her by the shoulders and dipping his head to meet her eye. “Take a deep breath,” he instructs, waiting as she does so. “We don’t need to leave for the airport for another twelve hours,” he says, keeping his own tone calm and level to counter hers, “we have plenty of time to pack.”

“It’s not just the packing, Mulder, this entire week was a nightmare. Everything I was hoping to accomplish before this trip was waylaid in one way or another; I missed my doctor’s appointment because of an emergency autopsy and forgot to reschedule it before they closed on Friday, Trudy was out sick half the week so I had to absorb her workload, the dry cleaners lost the dress I was going to bring for Christmas Eve mass, Priscilla is out of food AND litter, and I can’t find my earplugs for the plane,” she rattles off.

He pulls her into a hug, feeling her relax a bit with the contact.

“I will go pick up cat food, litter and earplugs,” he says, pulling away to look at her again, “and I’ll remind you to call the doctor tomorrow and reschedule. Wear that blue dress with the little flowers on it to mass, it looks beautiful on you. And try to breathe,” he finishes, giving her a sympathetic smile.

She forces a small smile onto her mouth and takes another deep breath. “Thank you,” she says quietly.

He pours her a big glass of wine before bundling himself up against the cold and venturing out into the December night.

———

She glances at Mulder intermittently, watching for signs of overwhelm. She knows that coming from a small, dysfunctional family means that he’s not accustomed to the type of gathering they are currently entrenched in; the entire Scully clan plus Tara’s parents and brother, and several members of their church. He seems to be faring okay, sipping a beer while talking sports with Charlie and a few others.

As nervous as he’d been about meeting Bill, he was well prepared. Scully directed him to speak highly of the Chargers while eviscerating the Patriots, and to go easy on the PDA. While they aren’t exactly best friends, Bill doesn’t seem to actively dislike him, and they are calling that a win.

She’d fully expected them to be set up in separate rooms given Bill’s traditional family values, but the number of people who needed to be housed made that impractical. They ended up relegated to the guest room and a single twin bed, though the enormous stack of pillows and blankets arranged on it suggest that one of them is expected to make a bed on the floor. They don’t do that, of course, instead sleeping nested together like spoons, Mulder continuously making half-hearted attempts at getting frisky while she laughs and slaps his hand away.

They are dressed for midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Scully in her flowered blue dress and Mulder in one of his typical weekday suits. They sit in the pew between Mom and Charlie, hands clasped chastely on the bench between them, suppressing giggles as he leans over to warn her that he is at risk of bursting into flame. He traces patterns on her palm with his index finger and she realizes at some point that they are letters. She concentrates, trying to understand his message, expecting it to be ‘I love you’ or something similarly sweet. When she puts together that he is spelling out ‘sex tonight?’ she looks over at him with wide eyes and then purses her lips together tightly to keep from laughing, doing her best to glare at him.

They file sleepily through the door at nearly 2am, quietly going off into their respective bedrooms and pull-out couches, hoping to get some rest before Christmas festivities in the morning. Scully quickly brushes her teeth and washes her face before darting to the bedroom, wriggling under the covers and pressing her back against Mulder, her cold toes brushing against his shins.

“Hm, you’re cold,” he says softly, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer.

“Thanks for going to mass,” she whispers back, “it meant a lot to my mom to have all of us there.”

“Thanks for inviting me,” he answers, his breath hot on her neck, “it’s nice to feel like a part of a real family.”

She threads her fingers through his where they rest on her belly, squeezing his hand. She tries to go to sleep, but his chest rising and falling against her back and the heat of his groin tucked against her backside are distracting. She wiggles a little bit against him.

“Hmmm,” he responds, thrusting his hips against her gently.

She swore that she was not going to have sex at her brother’s house. She knows that they can go without for the week they are here. But as she feels him grow hard against her ass, the throbbing between her legs suggests otherwise. No doubt it’s exacerbated by the forbidden nature of the situation; the door doesn’t have a lock and the house is quiet and still, though packed with enough ears that the risk of being heard is high. When his lips press against the back of her neck, she knows she’s done for.

She reaches behind herself to slip her hand into his pajama pants, stroking him firmly as he breathes hard into her ear, suppressing the groan that she knows would normally result from her touch. He pushes his pants down to his knees with one hand, then hurriedly brings hers down as well. She emits a small gasp when he slips inside her, simultaneously pushing his hand under her pajama top to squeeze her breast.

“Jesus fuck, you’re wet,” he whispers harshly in her ear, and she wants to make a joke about not taking the lord’s name in vain on his birthday but when he starts pumping in and out deliciously slowly, the thought slips from her mind.

If he moves too quickly the bed squeaks, so he keeps a languid pace as he pinches her nipples and kisses her neck, then slides his hand down to play with her clit in the tight space between her legs, which are still pinned together by the pajama pants around her knees. It feels incredible, and yet the necessary slowness and need to stay quiet make her wonder if she will be able to come. As if intuiting this, Mulder withdraws momentarily, sitting up and freeing her top leg from her pants, then lies back down and hitches her ankle behind his knee; her favorite position. He pulls the blanket back over them for warmth and modesty, though if anyone were to walk in now they’d have no chance of plausible deniability. With more room to move, he resumes his slow strokes and pairs them with hard and fast circles around her clit, murmuring little affirmations into her ear so softly she can barely hear them, much less anyone else. The vibration of his voice, the slip of his cock, the rough brush of his fingers, all come together in crescendo as she stiffens in his arms, turning to muffle her cries against his mouth as she comes. Now able to focus on his own release, he continues to pump slowly, pressing his face into her neck and letting out a low growl as she feels him throbbing inside her.

He slips quietly out of the bed, retrieving one of his dirty T shirts and swiping it between her legs before he pulls her pajama pants back into place. They get comfortable again, the sexual tension that had prevented them from relaxing before now dissipated.

He kisses her cheek softly, murmuring “Merry Christmas, Scully,” into her ear just before she drifts off to sleep.

In the morning, they sit around the lit tree, drinking coffee and eating pastries as they shake off sleep.

“Is your house haunted, Bill?” Charlie asks, and Bill gives him a doubtful look. “I swear I heard some weird noises, like creaking and whispering, I felt like I was in a horror movie,” Charlie defends.

Scully hides her face behind her coffee cup, glancing over to see Missy giving her a pointed look.

“I’m sure it was just the Christmas spirit,” Maggie says jovially. “Who wants to open presents?!”

[arielana]

Yeah, I don’t know what this is. It came from the tiny RNM teaser in TV insider - I was grumpy that basically all the info we got was about Liz’s lab partners abs (not that grumpy, but you know).

Anyway, I wrote this, about Liz and Michael bonding. Just really silly. 

A warning that there is drinking.

____

“Michael!”

“Ortecho, seriously why are you calling me at this hour?”

“I need you to take some time off. Come to California.”

“Sure thing, I’ll pack my little overnight bag and swing right by. I’ve been dying to do some sightseeing.”

“Yeah yeah, funny. I don’t have time for all that. Look I’ve discovered something, here in the lab, that might be relevant to your interests. I can’t get a sample out, but if an old friend from Roswell comes to visit I could give them a tour of the lab. So, just get your ass over here.”

***

That had been two days ago. Michael had some work he’d promised Sanders to finish first and he refused to fly (the thought of airport security freaked him out) so he’d set off in his truck after finishing up at Sanders the next day. He’d driven through the night, arrived very early in the morning and checked into a motel Liz had recommended that was close to her work.

After getting some sleep and showering he was now standing in the fancy lobby of the Genoryx building, feeling slightly overwhelmed but doing his best not to show it. His cowboy swagger usually worked in most places so he figured it would do ok here as well. 

Just to test it, he leaned slightly against the counter and threw the receptionist who had told him Liz would be right down a little smile. Judging by the way she blushed, he wouldn’t do too bad here either if he felt like it. Not that he did feel like it. There was really only one person’s company he wanted and since that wasn’t available to him currently, he focused on other things.

“Mikey!”

Liz came bouncing down the stairs, running straight up and jumping into his arms to hug him.

She had a certain energy that always put Michael in a better mood, even the times when she annoyed him. There was never any bullshit with her. 

“Hey Ortecho,” he grinned. “Good to see you.” 

“Good to see you too. Would have been even better if you got here sooner,” she bumped her shoulder lightly into his when he put her down, “but it’s great that you’re here.”

Before Michael could ask what all the fuss was about, he noticed a guy had followed Liz and was now hanging back, waiting to be introduced.

Noticing Michael’s look, Liz spun around, waving the guy forward. 

“Heath, come meet Michael. Michael, meet Heath. He’s my colleague from the lab. We do all our work together.”

Michael thought he picked up a little something in the way Heath looked when Liz said “colleague”, but he wasn’t sure. He was a good looking guy, tall, athletic, not the stereotypical scientist. Not that Michael cared much for stereotypes, so he shouldn’t apply them to others either, he reminded himself. 

“So, we’re just about to go out for lunch,” Liz said. “Do you mind if Heath joins us?”

“Of course not.” 

Michael was pleasantly surprised by how fun and relaxed lunch was. Small talk had never really been his thing, but science small talk was a whole other thing he realised. That’s why he had enjoyed hanging out with Liz back in Roswell, and Heath, despite looking more like an actor or model, turned out to absolutely be able to hold his own in the discussion.

After lunch things didn’t go quite as Liz had planned though. Her boss was apparently giving some other people a tour that afternoon and even if he kindly offered Michael to join them as well, Liz quickly switched gears.

“Actually Michael was yawning his way through lunch,” she ignored Michael’s little huff. “He pretends he’s fine but he’s had a long drive. He’s staying for a couple of days anyway, there’s no rush.”

She grabbed Michael’s arm firmly and dragged him towards the exit. 

“Really Liz, I was planning on going back home tomorrow,” Michael complained, without putting any real force behind it. “This isn't really my scene.”

“Oh knock it off, Michael. You were practically beaming at lunch, don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy yourself. And look, it’s just one more day. Tomorrow’s Friday so there’ll be less people around. We’ll do a tour in the afternoon. I’ll make up something to keep Heath busy, won’t be a problem.”

“So for today,” she continued, “how about you get some more sleep, and then we can go out tonight, eat something, have a few drinks. Maybe some dancing,” she winked at him.

“Drinks yes, dancing no, but sure, I don¨t mind checking out the bars here.” Michael gave Liz a considering look. “So tell me, is Heath coming?”

“What, no, why would he?”

Aha, judging by the brief flush of red on her cheeks, there was definitely something going on there, Michael noticed. Maybe something to explore later. He could be a good brother and try to get some more information. Max was certainly asking enough questions about him and Alex, looking at Michael with those big puppy eyes, acting hurt when Michael snapped at him. This could be payback (helping Max out, Michael corrected himself).

**

Dinner continued in the same way as lunch, with them geeking out about new research and theories (careful to steer clear of any alien references while in public) covering everything from global warming to medical advances.

Afterwards they continued on to a bar and after a couple of drinks Michael figured Liz had let down her guard enough for him to do some digging.

“So, Ortecho… tell me about Heath?”

“What?” Liz said with feigned innocence.

“Just wondering, I mean he’s really fit, dark hair, smart, funny, exactly what I look for, in both men and women,” he winked at her.

“Michael!” Liz sounded scandalized

“Unless he’s taken, of course”

Liz twisted uncomfortably in her seat. “It feels weird talking to you about this.”

“Why?” Michael smirked at her, raising his eyebrows. He enjoyed this. He never really got to have a bro moment with anyone growing up. Too busy not letting anyone come too close. But Liz, she got it, she was the same as him in so many ways. 

“Hey. no judgement here. Tell me, is he really as jacked as he looks?”

Liz sighed deeply, before giving up and leaning back with a dreamy expression on her face.

“He really is. Seriously, his abs are amazing. Not that that kind of thing is really important to me of course,” she hurried to add, “but it’s just- nice.”

“So, Valenti,” Michael pulled a face,” Diego, this Heath guy. I see you also prefer dark hair but other than that I really don’t see that many similarities to Max?”

“You know,” Liz took a sip from her drink, clearly deflecting, “from the stories I heard about you before, you know, everything,” she waved her hands vaguely, “I was under the impression it was mainly blondes that you were dragging home from the Pony?”

Michael shrugged. “That was just sex. But then again,” he added consideringly, “I’ve only ever been in two relationships. So they were both dark haired, but that’s not enough to draw a conclusion based on statistics, maybe it’s just coincidence.”

 Liz's gaze sharpened. “Relationships, huh?”

It was Michael's turn to try to deflect. ’Hey, see if you can flag down the waitress, I need another beer.”

“In a minute.” Liz tilted her head questioningly, “I wasn’t aware you considered what you had with Alex an actual relationship?”

Michael hesitated. He knew Liz could probably read him like an open book right now, but he also knew that if he said he didn't want to get into it she’d respect that and let it go. For now at least.

But he’d said more than once that he was tired of keeping secrets. Liz was a friend and it would actually be nice to talk to someone.

“If we’re really going to talk about this I’m going to need another drink.”

“Me too,” Liz thought about it for a second. “Tequila?”

“Tequila.”

**

An hour later they were both just giggly messes.

Michael had shared his and Alex's story over the years, Liz had opened up about the shock of seeing Max again and they had bonded over how no amount of distance or years really made the feelings go away. It had been very emotional once the tequila kicked in. They had both shed some tears and comforted each other. 

At this point in the evening however, they had gone full circle and were back to discussing abs again and both blushing.

“Maybe we should just tell them,” Liz said.

“Yeah, they’d hate that. You’re safe here, but I have to go back. If Alex doesn’t get to me first and give me the ‘Guerin, you’re such a disappointment’ look, Max will give me a lecture about ‘upholding personal boundaries, Michael’. Both a total pain in the ass.”

“Ok, let’s take a selfie and send as well then. If they see our sweet faces they can’t be mad.”

“Ortecho, I think you dropped your logic somewhere on the way here.”

“Come on, you said the two of you are at a stalemate right? Since Alex broke up with Forrest?”

Michael made a face.

“This will give things a nudge,” Liz said. “Plus it’s sent from my phone so you can deny all knowledge of it.”

“Have you met Alex?”

Liz just waved her phone at him. Michael swallowed.

He wasn’t drunk enough not to know that this maybe wasn't the smartest idea, but it was kind of tempting anyway. Just to see how Alex would react.

“Yay,” Liz pulled him in for a selfie, instructing him to make his best puppy eyes before adding the text to the picture and pressing send.

Just so you know, you both have really good abs as well. We love your abs very much. Xoxo, Liz and Mikey

It took no time at all before both their phones started buzzing with an incoming call.