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rentenier3148 · 2 months ago

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I Tried Not to Love You

Pairing: Thunderbolts!Bucky x F!Reader

Summary: You're an ex Avenger turned legislative assistant at the same time your ex boyfriend turned congressman. After avoiding him for years, Bucky calls you one night and asks for help. When a black void threat plunges the team, not only are you fighting the world—but also the versions of yourself you tried to forget.

Word Count: ~3.5k

Warning: THUNDERBOLTS* SPOILERS, So... so much angst, ex boyfriend and congressman Bucky (yes, it needs it's own warning), PTSD with a dark past, mentions of violence but nothing graphic, no use of y/n, not proofread

A.N: I did say I want to write something for Loki which is in the works! But I had to get this out of my head after watching Thunderbolts. Requests are open! I'll gladly make more!

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“Are you kidding me, Barnes?” You tell him frustrated over the phone pinching your nose bridge.

You’re sitting at home munching on some grapes you had in a bowl while you reviewed some pending bills waiting to be signed on your lap. The TV is on with a movie playing that you stopped paying attention to. It’s just some background noise to disturb the silence.

“I need someone who won’t flinch.” He said on the other line.

You haven’t talked to Bucky in years, you tried avoiding him after your break up. Until you found out he was running for congress at the same time you became a legislative assistant. Then the gala came that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine hosted is where you—unfortunately, but quite amusingly—encountered him again.

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The tux he wore made you gasp slightly and stand still for a good few seconds. He saw you eye him down and a small softness glazed over his face that nobody else would notice but you. Then you both looked away at the same time.

When you stood before the big ‘A’ he walked beside you. Quite frankly you didn’t notice him while you were reminiscing of your past as an Avenger. Maybe your keen assassin senses were starting to lack, or maybe his super soldier stealth was too good for you to catch up. You two were always butting heads about that.

“Didn’t think I would see you here.” He told you softly, he glanced my way but I stayed looking at the ‘A’. He pulled you out of whatever memory was playing in your head, and now you’re back to reality.

“Only here for the hors d’oeuvres and also my boss wanted me to gather information on others for an impeachment of someone.” You said with a sigh, like you were exhausted.

Bucky’s ears perked up. “Impeachment of who?” He asked but quieter this time. Hiding the fact he already knows who the suspected person is.

“It’s none of your business. Besides, why are you talking to me, congressman Barnes?” I say finally looking at him. I furrow my eyebrows at him, hoping it would scare him off but to no avail.

“I can’t compliment you and your outfit tonight, sweetheart?” He smiles the smile that makes you cause a flutter in your stomach. You hated it.

“No.”

“Well, you look absolutely beautiful tonight.”

You stayed quiet with the scowl on your face that’s contradicting with the blush slowly coming up your cheeks.

“Look, I know we ended things on bad terms back then. But since we’re in the same job now—why not at least be a bit friendly?” Bucky asks gently this time. That smile is still plastered on his face.

“I'd be more friendly if I was your assistant, but I’m not—aren't I? Plus if I was, one of us would've been dead by now.”

“I would love to be killed by you, doll.” He says playfully. I’ve had enough of his smile and petnames already.

“You’re infuriating.” You say as you quickly turn around and walk away. You didn’t notice the biggest breath of air he let out and his smile faltering as he remembers how much he loved you.

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“So… his name is Bob?” You ask. It almost sounds like a joke. On the other side of the line you hear a faint ‘Yeah, Bob.’ and a sigh from Bucky.

“... I’ll go.” You said after a moment. Bucky on the other side sort of hoped you didn’t agree so that you could stay safe. But he has no other option and really needed you to help him out.

“I’ll send you the coordinates so be prepared to leave soon,” he says until he goes softer, “thanks, by the way.”

You didn’t know how to respond to that. You both stayed on the line until you finally tell him that you’ll be on the way. You hang up on him and stare off at the TV huffing a big sigh. You cannot believe that you got yourself roped into this. But you needed a bit of excitement anyway.

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You are currently sitting in the back of a van on the way to the old Avengers tower—now called the Watchtower—where it held many fond and sad memories. You feel an ache in your stomach the closer you get.

Bucky and a bigger and older—though probably not as old as Bucky—man who you met named Alexei sit in the front while Bucky drives. You can slightly overhear them talking about being super soldiers and what kind of ‘super serum’ each one got.

“I don't know. Regular? Hydra.”

It’s an awkward silence between everyone else that you briefly met. You try to look anywhere else but at the others, but you guess the ceiling is quite appealing.

“How do you know Bucky?” Asks the blonde short haired girl. Yelena you faintly remember. You were best friends with her sister, Natasha. Yelena sought comfort in you after she died trying to find some type of closure. But you don’t think you helped her out much with that, and you get the sense she still feels the same way.

“We fought together when we were in the Avengers.” You intentionally kept it short and sweet. Yelena slightly squints her eyes at you—probably sensing I’m hiding more. A lot more.

The man with an odd copycat uniform of Steve’s Captain America suit—John—barks a short chuckle with a small shake to his head. You’re confused by his reaction.

A soft hum of acknowledgement from the other girl in the much cooler uniform comes out of her—Ava you think—until you crash into the tower.

You all get out of the van and start fighting the OXE group soldiers.

Then someone’s voice overhead speaks. It’s Valentina. She says that she intentionally left the doors unlocked and was expecting us. You watch Bucky headbutt a soldier as they hit the ground, making you slightly jump at the sight.

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Bucky’s arm is broken off as he is hauled to the wall. Bob—or Sentry as he is referred to now—sees you and comes towards you. You don’t know if it’s because of how terrified you are or because he is too quick, but he seemingly appears behind you and grabs your neck. Cutting off your oxygen supply and throws you hard against the wall making everything in your vision a bit blurry and feeling lightheaded.

You lift your head and see Bucky’s metal arm being picked up at the same time you are lifted by your feet and stumbling quickly to the elevator. The lights in the elevator are so bright that you don’t notice that Bucky was holding your side, gripping hard enough to not let you fall but supple enough to not hurt you further.

You all stumble out of the elevator and into the streets. The heated arguments commence between each other while you try your best to catch your breath. With your eyebrows knitted together, you take a look at Bucky as he reattaches his arm and does that swing thing to get it working again.

How it still makes your stomach flutter, but your emotions are so strong that you don’t notice.

“Are you okay?” He says to me with concern.

“James, what the hell was that?” You scold. “I didn’t agree to this, I agreed to help you get Bob and take down Valentina. Not almost die.”

“I… didn’t think this would happen.” he looks at me solemnly, a hint of regret behind that sentence.

“Yeah, like how you didn’t think I would be hurt after what you said that night.” You are full on angry and seeing red at this point.

It was bound to happen that you and him were to eventually work together. But not like this. You expected an office, writing memos and debate about the tax increase on produce. Quick, simple, and nothing more. This was more than that, and you were livid. Along with the past starting to resurface.

“What does that have to do with what’s going on now?” His eyebrows are now furrowed. By this point, everyone else had already walked away, you both were the only ones left in front of the tower.

“Oh, it has everything to do with what’s going on now. I really didn’t want to be part of this at all. And I really didn’t want to see you at the gala, much less have you talk to me. I wanted to never see you again because you let me go that night and I wanted so badly for you to come chasing after me… and yet you didn’t.”

A beat.

“I want to hate you so bad… but I can’t bring myself to do that sometimes…” you grew quieter with your head starting to hang low and your eyes staring at the concrete.

Bucky stood there listening to me. His eyebrows slowly unfurrowing and a sigh comes out of his mouth.

“I didn’t want to let you go that night. I couldn’t chase after you either, I thought that you didn’t want me around anymore. At the gala, you looked so stunning that I needed to talk to you. I couldn’t resist how beautiful you looked. I thought things were okay and that maybe I could fix things.” He spoke softly, as if he slightly raised his voice that you would disappear.

“Well obviously they aren’t okay. Especially now.” You huffed out, you looked up at him to fully see his sorrowful expression.

A quiet wave came over the both of you.

“I’m sorry, doll.”

“A bit late for that.”

Then suddenly a suspicious overcast started looming over you. You both look up with a squint and see a floating black figure, It’s hard to recognize who it is at all. Even the outfit and cape the figure wore was pitch black.

You see the figure stretch out their arm and slowly a black starts emerging from the ground. The moment it touched a person, it was just a shadow.

A panic crashes into you as you see people running, cars are crashing into each other, and a helicopter crashes into a building. The rubble starts falling, you and Bucky immediately run to rescue any standbyers who were about to be crushed.

Bucky saves an elderly couple by a car flying towards them with his metal arm sending the car flying over. I speed over to a little girl to grab her away from the falling rubble.

The blackness is starting to creep closer and closer.

From the corner of your eye, you see John trying to hold up a large piece of rubble from a mother and baby. You go over and try to hold it up as well, then everyone who had swarmed off came to help. Bucky was the last to join, you sensed his reluctance.

After saving the mother and baby, the six of you head over to find cover under an alcove in a building.

The blackness is quickly spreading, turning more and more people into shadows. You lean against the wall looking down at the ground, wondering what can be done. This is basically impossible, there’s no way to fight a thing that can turn people into shadows.

You’re taken out of your trance to see Yelena step out to confront the being. You stare off in shock when she's turned into a shadow. Something hits you on the inside which makes you realize what needs to be done—or perhaps a guess at trying to fix it.

You step out and follow Yelena’s footsteps immediately turning into a shadow.

You didn’t hear when Bucky cried out your name thinking that you had just made a suicidal decision.

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You jolt awake, looking around your surroundings. You recognize it too well.

You’re standing in the warehouse of your first mission during your youth.

The organization was a hybrid between the Red Room and Hydra, it essentially was the worst of the worst. Training you and rehabilitating you to become their most perfect assassin. Potentially becoming better than their Winter Soldier program and the girls who were trained in the Red Room.

You stood with a pistol in your hand that’s aimed at the temple of your older sister. You remember that your age didn’t hit double digits yet while your sister just turned ten. Your sister is on her knees with her hands tied behind your back. Your job was to execute your family to prevent you from being held back and expressing empathy.

Your sister pleaded your name and cried to let her go. You did not want to remember anything else so you merely closed your eyes as you heard the ‘bang’ that little you produced from the pistol. Your breathing staggers, then you open your eyes.

The same scene is repeated. You go over and grab hold of the gun to stop little you from doing anything else.

“Don’t do this, please.”

“You’re in my way, you need to leave!” Little you squeaks, quickly positioning the gun to your face and pulling the trigger.

You seemingly open your eyes again to turn and see the same scene repeat again. Before doing anything else, you see an open door with a white light emitting from the other side. You run towards it and step through.

As you step through, you open another door. You looked back and it looks like you stepped out of a small storage closet with the warehouse completely gone. You look around and it’s your room back at the Avengers compound.

You see ahead of you the scene play out. Past you and past Bucky in the most heated argument you’ve ever had. You look outside the large panned windows of your room and recognize it’s night time.

It’s that night.

“I can’t believe you did that shit! Are you too stuck in your Winter Soldier ways? Is that why you turned on me?” Past you scolded.

“You know I had no choice, you would do the same if you were in my position. I know how blood thirsty you can be…” He says with a scowl. You notice the blood stained knuckles past Bucky has and past you’s hair was slightly damp from sweat and stress.

“I’m not as bloody thirsty as you, Winter Soldier.” Past you leaned closer with her finger pointing into his chest.

“Winter Soldier or not, I would’ve murdered you on the spot if I wanted to… And I really did.” Past Bucky said with no remorse. Not even a change of expression, from your perspective you could see a hint of Winter Soldier peeking through his pupils.

Past you was mortified at his emotionless retort. With a small breath in, she looked deep into his eyes and said those words that you—and possibly her—never thought you would ever say in your life.

“I’m done with you.”

With that, past you storm out of your room slamming the door. You watch past Bucky bury his face in his and a long breath comes out of his mouth.

He didn’t go chasing after past you.

A single tear also falls from your face. You feel a presence slightly behind you. You quickly turn around and see it’s Bucky.

Your Bucky.

You can’t contain it anymore and the flood gates open. A hitch escapes from you from the sight of him. Bucky comes over and holds you so tight as if the entire world depended on it.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” Bucky whispers so gently. You cry into his chest, unable to produce any other word. But you feel like Bucky understood what you wanted to say.

The scene starts repeating itself. Neither of us could help to look at it again. It was already too painful to experience it a second time.

“I found a way outta here.” He tells you once you started to calm down. You look up at him and see a few tears falling from his eyes as he wipes yours away. His hand stays there a bit longer cupping your cheek and you both give in to a kiss.

It was deep and emotional that it almost made you cry again. You missed this so much, you’re certain that he does as well since his hands didn’t leave your face. Cradling you so soft and so warm, despite his cold vibranium hand and his flesh one.

It feels like eternity when you both finally separate. Bucky’s hands graces down your neck to your shoulders, however the vibranium hand is the one that holds one of yours to guide you to the supposed exit out of this nightmarish memory.

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You wake up on the ground all sprawled out. Your head is pounding with a fading memory. The last thing you remember was holding back Bob from beating up his ‘Void’ with everyone else holding on as well.

Also when we all reunited within the ‘Void’ someone asked about how our pasts were and Bucky said a sarcastic comment. “Oh I have a great past, so I’m totally fine.” or something along those lines with that stupid smirk he sometimes gives.

You slowly gather yourself up and push your hair out of your face. You notice everyone else is getting up as well, then you see Bucky. You both embrace and lips crash. The moment was shortened when you overhear the others checking in on Bob who’s no longer the other ‘him’.

Turns out, he doesn’t remember a thing and is just happy to know that he’s back with his friends.

You all spot Valentina Allegra de Fontaine getting up from the rubble. We walk up towards her as she tries to defend herself and walks behind a plastic sheet. From behind it, we are encountered with the press. The flashing lights and shuttering noise of the cameras overwhelm you that you don’t even hear Valentina introducing the lot of you as the ‘New Avengers’.

But you do see Yelena going up to Valentina and whisper something in her ear—a potential threat—as she falters slightly.

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“I don’t think Avengers with a ‘Z’ is gonna cut it…” You say concerningly to Alexei.

“It’s so soft too! It feels like the bottom of a baby seal. ‘Lena touch it.” Alexei proclaims in his new ‘Avengerz’ jumpsuit as he walks to Yelena and stretches out his arm inviting her to feel the… softness.

“No. I don’t want to touch the bottom of a baby seal.” Yelena sternly says without looking up at him.

You sigh and lay back on the couch. You never would have thought that Sam—of all people—would have a lawsuit against us. He is Bucky’s closest confidant and someone he considers as family. You’re sure that Bucky feels a little backstabbed by all this.

You glance up at Bucky, his elbows resting on his knees as he looks down in deep thought. You place your hand on his lower back and draw circles of comfort on them. Bucky looks back at you and gives you a small kiss. This—unfortunately—catches the attention of Alexei.

“Wait, since when did you and him become… a thing?” He points between us trying to connect the pieces together.

“Since last year right? Our anniversary was a few months ago.” You say calmly while Bucky tries to—very poorly—hide his gentle smile.

“Months?!” Everyone says in unison.

You draw an awkward smile at everyone with a prolonged “Yeah…” and a giggle right after.

“So there was more of a history between you two, huh?” Yelena confidently says. Her suspicions a year ago were proven correct.

“A lot more history.” Bucky quietly says looking back at you confirming his statement. You just softly nod back with a hum.

“Wonder when we’ll know the rest…” Ava says quietly.

Silence hits the room, until the suction of Bob’s milkshake ignites a lightbulb in your brain. You stand up immediately.

“You know, if Sam is going to file a lawsuit against us he’s gonna have a good lawyer with him.”

Everyone chimes in, intrigued but confused at what you’re trying to say.

You start pacing the room with a finger on your chin, Bucky could probably see the gears turning extra hard.

“That means we’re gonna need a lawyer.”

“Well duh, how else is this supposed to go down? We represent ourselves?” John retorts to you while fiddling with the unlabeled buttons of his chair.

“I think that wouldn’t go well if we did, you know… since my other ‘me’ did that last year… um, yeah.” Bob says out loud from his secluded spot, then returns to drinking his milkshake.

Your pacing stops as you look at everyone in the room, a devious smirk spreads your cheeks. Bucky also smirks, but you don’t think he has the same idea as you do.

“I know a lawyer… a really good lawyer…”

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I really love all the engagement on my series so far! I promise I'll return to it soon. If you want to be tagged, just comment or pm me and I'll add you. Thanks for reading!! <3

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ladykailitha · 3 months ago

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Heartbreak in Overdrive Part 4

I'm loving the response to this story. I think what I love about it is turning a well loved and well executed trope of model Steve and turning it around and having Eddie be the model instead.

Especially with the recent picture of Joe Quinn in the that red shirt and tux? Like damn!

In this we have the Model of Year shoot, and Steve and Eddie are soooo close to meeting, and Wayne absolutely comes in clutch!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

If Henry looked Eddie up and down one more time, Eddie was going to walk out, blacklisting be damned. The guy gave him the creeps. It wasn’t as though it was sexual either. It was like he was trying to figure who would put him as a top model and coming up blank.

Thankfully Jonathan spotted the tension and made sure to keep them apart as much as possible.

At least Henry managed to convince Jonathan that he should be in white and the others in black, instead of the other way round like had been planned originally. Eddie hated wearing white. He thought the color washed him out and with his aesthetic being black anyway, he figured he had really lucked out.

The composition of the group shots were absolute dogshit. With Henry supposing to be in the middle, the three women, two men, made it look awkward as hell. Most of the shots looked like they were trying to shoehorn Eddie into the frame.

After an hour of this shit, Eddie stormed off with a snarl of, “If you can’t make me look natural in the shot then why the fuck am I even here?!”

Jonathan called a break and everyone dispersed to get water and see what the catering had to offer. Nicole and Tina went off in a corner to twitter unhappily about their diet and how there was so little for them to eat.

Tammy grabbed a donut and shoved half of it in her face, turning to face the other two girls with a wink. She polished the rest of it off, making it as obscene as possible as Nicole and Tina watched in disgust.

About a half hour later, Chrissy came knocking on his dressing room door. “Hey, Jonathan thinks they have it figured out and still not have the two of you next to each other.”

Eddie assumed ‘they’ was some poor assistant like Carol or Karla and slunk out of his dressing room. When he saw the new set up, he knew it wasn’t Jonathan or any assistant who had come up with the idea because it was fucking inspired.

There were five white towers of varying heights and it was clear that Henry would be on the top one and Eddie the bottom, with the girls filling out the middle towers.

Eddie helped the women get into position after Henry had taken his place at the top. Then he turned around to see Jonathan chatting with two men. One was tall and lanky, all limbs. He had dark hair and eyes and looked awkward in his skin.

The other guy was the exact opposite. Well, not necessarily in terms of height, as the guy must have been around Eddie’s height. But with his honey colored hair, confident body language, and easy smile, he was everything the other man wished he could be. He was also a fucking smoke show.

Suddenly there is flash going off in his face and he got lost in the moment, getting his picture taken with the group. They do several poses, including one of Eddie laying down in front of everyone else. Once they’re done, the smoke show has gone, but everyone was happy with the final shots and so he slipped Eddie’s mind.

That final shot was put in as the centerfold and got all the rave reviews.

It wasn’t until later at the GQ party that Eddie learned that the towers and the shot of Eddie sprawled across the floor weren’t Jonathan’s ideas.

“He’s never going to let me live that down,” Jonathan was telling Argyle who had come as his plus one. “I can’t believe it worked so fucking well. Hell, Munson didn’t utter a fucking complaint the whole time.”

Eddie snorted. He knew what the camera jockeys thought of him. They hated him with the passion of a thousand fiery suns. Because they saw it as a job, and Eddie saw it as art.

“Yeah,” Argyle replied. “He like called me out for just barging in the dude’s dressing room. He asked him if I would have done that if it had been a female model. Which of course I wouldn’t have. But we’re both dudes, so I still don’t see the issue, man.”

Jonathan merely shook his head and then they changed subject, so Eddie moved on.

He swirled the drink in hand, watching as the amber vortex churn against the crystal of the glass. God, he had never had someone stick up for him before and it settled uneasily in his stomach. He knew he should feel grateful that someone cared even if they didn’t know him. But somehow, he just couldn’t.

He felt this boiling need to lash out, to bite, to snarl. Because it was bullshit. It was all bullshit.

Eddie’s phone rang out as his spiral began to darken, causing him to almost jump out of his skin. He looked around to see if anyone had seen him startle, but no one stood out as watching him, so he pulled out his phone to see who was calling him.

He melted and smiled fondly at the name on the screen. He swiped right to accept the call.

“Uncle Wayne,” he greeted warmly. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Just calling my awesome nephew,” Wayne said brightly, “and congratulating him on making the top five models of the year.”

Eddie’s smile grew. “Thanks. It’s nice to hear. I mean my friends all sent their warm wishes and it’s all Chrissy has been talking about for the last three weeks, but it never feels real until you call.”

“I know,” Wayne murmured. “I wanted to wait until the party when I knew you’d be feeling your worst about it. Getting in your head about not making model of the year, about how that Creel fella stole that shoot and your shot. When everyone would be givin’ ya side glances and sneering looks.”

Eddie huffed out a watery laugh. “Yeah, I was doing just that. You know me too well, I’m gonna hafta kill ya.”

“I’d like to see you try,” Wayne said dryly. “That would be a good laugh for the all of twenty seconds it would take ya before you folded like a house of cards.”

“Shut it, old man,” Eddie huffed. “But seriously. Thank you. I’m not going to sacrifice my beliefs and integrity just to make it in this business, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t absolutely gall when others aren’t the same.”

“I know,” Wayne said softly. “It galls me too. But I’m happy you’ve made it as far as you have.”

Eddie walked out onto the veranda and lit up a smoke. “I just know that bastard paid to have them choose him instead. Like the only solace I got out of it was that the photographer Del la Vega backed out of the shoot when they switched models.”

“Maybe you’ll still get that chance to work with him, yet,” Wayne murmured. “You just have to persevere until you do, all right?”

Eddie let out a shuddering breath and then another. “Yeah. I’ve got this. I get jobs based on my own merit and not because I have someone buying my ticket to stardom.”

“That’s the spirit!” Wayne crowed. “Now you enjoy yourself and knock back some champagne for me, okay?”

“Yeah,” Eddie said, feeling a billion times better. “Thanks, Uncle Wayne.” They said their goodbyes and he continued to smoke on the veranda, thinking about Wayne and Eddie’s mysterious champion.

The two were more alike than Eddie wanted to admit. Both of them had taken one look at him and said that they were going to look after him whether he liked it or not. And predictably Eddie had lashed out to Wayne too.

Standing on the steps of the trailer, clothes and whatever few belongings he had in a garbage bag, dirty faced and snort nosed, refusing to believe that this wasn’t anything more than just another place he’d be kicked out of.

But he thawed to Wayne when he showed time and time again that he was in it for the long hall. And maybe this other guy was too. He had seen Eddie throw his famous temper tantrums. More then once if it was the same guy at Tommy and Carol’s shoot, too.

Eddie still didn’t have a name for the guy, but he was going to have to just wait for his prince to come to him.

He put out his cigarette and tucked the empty filter into his pocket until he could find a safer place to dispose it. He walked out the party and turned on the charm. He was supposed to be here and he was going to make sure everyone else knew it too.

Bob called Steve with the juiciest offer to date. It was the makeup brand Ravenscroft Lmt., who specialized in stage makeup but did every day stuff too wanted him for a photo shoot. They were partnering with a metal band that did makeup for their personas to put out a line of makeup for that purpose. But other than a simple group photo none of the band wanted to be the spokesperson or model.

They wanted Steve to take the photographs because the idea they had in mind the model would need to be photographed highlighting all of him not just the makeup.

Steve went to the meeting and listened to all of their suggestions and put forth a few of his own. But by the end of the meeting, Steve was agreeing to take the job.

He paused at the door as he remembered he hand one more question. “Did you have a model in mind?”

“We have it down to two candidates,” their spokeswoman, Kimmy said. “Billy Hargrove or Eddie Munson.”

Steve blinked at her for a moment and then nodded appreciatively. Both were really good models, if but on opposite sides of the spectrum of counterculture. Billy was more punk and Eddie was more metal, but either one would bring their own flare to the shoot.

“Let me know which one you end up going with so I can have Ellie get the appropriate styles,” he said, nodding again.

“We want to go with Eddie,” Kimmy said, “but he is notorious for having things exactly his way, but as so do you, there may be some conflict and we may end up having to go with Billy. Because you are the important factor here.”

Steve nodded.

“Would you have a preference?” she asked, as Steve had one foot out the door. “Between Eddie and Billy, I mean?”

Steve seriously thought about it for a moment before he said. “Eddie Munson. I think you’re right. He’s go that something extra and would be perfect for it.”

Kimmy nodded and Steve was finally allowed to slip away. He really hoped it would be Eddie, but he forced himself to keep his expectations low. Eddie was known for being very particular with his hair and makeup and would only work with Vickie Cameron. All he could do now was wait.

“What do you mean I can’t use Vickie or Chrissy?” Eddie growled into the phone. He had been super excited going into this call. It had been a dream of his to work with the Ravenscroft group. But now he was rubbing his eye harshly as he listened to this idiot tell him that the photographer used his own people. Full stop.

“It’s in my fucking contract,” he continued. “If he wants to work with me, that’s who we use. End of discussion.”

The woman on the other end of the line sighed heavily. “We were afraid of that. It really is a pity you aren’t willing to bend on that particular issue. We’ll just have to go with Billy Hargrove then.”

“What?!” Eddie squawked. “You can’t be serious! He’s not metal at all. He’s punk. I know the two look very similar, but they really aren’t the same thing! Actual metal fans will feel insulted.”

“A model’s job is to model the product,” she told him dryly. “Dressed up as metal, he’ll sell being metal, regardless of what his actual preferences are.”

Eddie was stunned. To force his profession down to something so trivial hurt. But he had to believe that it was the spokesperson saying this and not the views of the whole brand. That would have really hurt how he viewed their company.

“So will you be taking the job or not?” she huffed when he had been silent for too long.

He let out a long sigh. “Yes, I will be taking the job.” You heartless witch, he added in his head.

“Fantastic!” she said with false cheer. “I’ll send over the details and contract to your manager. Ta!”

He stared at his phone for a moment and then growled in frustration, throwing his head back as he gripped two fistfuls of hair.

Eddie knew what to do. He dialed another number.

“Hey, Chrissy,” he murmured. “You’ll never believe their demands!”

Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Tag List: CLOSED

1- @itsall-taken @estrellami-1 @zerokrox-blog @sadisticaltarts @dolphincliffs

2- @gregre369 @a-little-unsteddie @irregular-child @cryptid-system @kultiras

3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

4- @bookbinderbitch @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji @dreamercec @blondie1006

5- @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @genderless-spoon @fearieshadow @thesecondfate

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

7- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

8- @gutterflower77 @a-lovely-craziness @just-a-tiny-void @w1ll0wtr33 @beelze-the-bubkiss

9- @chaotic-waffle @steddieislife @oh-no-its-danger-gays @ollieolive @micheledawn1975

10- @little-birch-boy @alfhitchblonde @tartarusknight @chocolateracconlights @spookycollectorcandies

#my writing #stranger things #steddie #ladykailitha writes #eddie is a model #steve is a photographer #fashion model au

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bigmegachad · 4 months ago

Text

Petey x Butler!Reader Chapter One: Job Prospect

You looked at yourself in a store window.

“Ugh, I look terrible.”

Your hair is a mess, all you have is an old suit you found near the “Tux’ n Stuff”

Store. It was ill fitting, too tight, but somehow too loose. And you smelled like rain water.

You had no where to go, all you had in your possession was one little flyer that read;

“Are you pathetic and out of luck?

Willing to throw away your morals for a bit of cash?

Well, come by and be a butler for Petey the Cat; The World’s Most Evilest Cat!

Apply at big, red, building in the downtown area, you can’t miss it!”

This was the only job opening you could find, this was your only hope.

…

You finally entered the downtown area, nervousness biting you from the inside.

You never worked for a villain before, especially one of such prestige. A sly, conniving, feline, able to create large machines of destruction, and able to slip away just in time before the police came.

It’s terrifying, it’s rotten, but impressive, almost mesmerizing, he truly earned his title. You looked around trying to find his lair, luckily it didn’t take long.

A large red building with a sign that reads;

“Petey’s Secret Lab”

It was surrounded by fluorescent yellow lights, with the sign itself lit in a baby blue.

You tilt your head in confusion, this is where a super villain lies? In such an obvious way? Why haven’t the cops just broke in already?

But all those questions didn’t matter, you couldn’t afford to question such behavior. You were just there to work and nothing else.

The building had six windows and a garage door out front, inspecting the building more closely, the true entrance was a door on the side.

...

You walked up the stairs, you were met with a dimly lit, blue hallway, with one door on the left. “This must be his,” you said to yourself, you knocked on the door. You heard what could only be described as a loud groan, the sound of clawed footsteps soon approached the door. Then it opened; revealing a tall, older, tabby cat. His fur was a mess and looked as if he awoke from a nap.

You never really got a good look at Petey, he was always guarded off by police officers and yellow tape when he rampaged through the city. You always imagined him to look younger and more well kept, that would fit a intelligent and slick villain after all. Someone with high standards for their appearance so they can leave an impression. But despite his ragged fur and uninterested stare, there was an attractive quality to him. You couldn’t really describe it, maybe it was his dark dreamy eyes, perhaps his slightly towering height, or maybe just the fact that he was older.

You couldn’t really pin-point the reason, but it left your face a light red.

“What?”

His voice ripped you out of your daydreams.

“Wha-huh?”

“You’re just standing there staring at me! What do you want?”

“Ah y-yes! S-sorry, I’m here about the job!”

You quickly shuffled through your tight pockets to find the flyer you found. “Here.” You handed it over, he eyed it for a couple of seconds before tossing it behind him. “Good, now clean this place up! It’s filthy.” He demanded as he went back inside. You followed him, sorta confused.

“Don’t you want to do some kind of background check on me?”

Petey gave out an agitated sigh and rubbed his temples, he turned around to face you.

“Look, do your hands work?”

“Um, yeah?”

“Can you speak English?”

“That’s kinda what we’re speaking right now, so... yes?”

“Perfect! You got the job! Review over.”

He continued his walk, which ends with him slumped down in a roller chair in front of the tv. You looked around his laboratory, it was dark with the only light sources was the tv and a florescent, green light illuminating the toolset on the wall. Under said toolset, was a work bench chalk-full of all sorts of gizmos, doohickeys, coffee cups, and takeout boxes, some of it even littering the floor. You decided to start with his inventions,

“Hey Petey, where do you want me to put your stuff?”

“Just, uh, put it in the box.”

His voice sounded completely zombified, barely conscious of his surroundings. You looked for the aforementioned box, is this it? A large cardboard box with “Petey’s stuff” written on it with sharpie, with mechanical parts over flowing from it, you weren’t even sure if Petey would ever bother doing anything with it. But alas, you did what you’re told. You gently placed the gadgets into the box, you couldn’t recognize what any the pieces were, the only one you could seemed to be a flame thrower of sorts. Soon, you found some blueprints that were buried; it seemed to be a robotic lizard that breathed fire. You actually really liked the concept, even if it was made for malicious intent. You would turn around to compliment Petey if he wasn’t consumed by his television.

...

You finally put all the parts and blueprints away, now was time for the trash.

“Petey?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you have a cleaning closet? Y’know, like a place where you keep cleaning supplies?”

“Ugh, down the hall, first door on the left.”

“Thanks.”

You followed his directions, you stopped by two doors. The one on the left said “junk closet”, and the one on the right was unnamed. You went into the junk closet; the place was dirty to say the least. It had crooked metal shelf with who-knows-how-old bottles of cleaner on it, an old mop bucket was perched next to it, and a low hanging ceiling lamp illuminated the room. You shivered at the sight, you rummaged through the shelf and found some trash bags, you also grabbed a broom that was leaning on the corner.

...

After you swept, you were finally done. You heard Petey stretch from his roller chair, followed by a yawn. It was the first sound you heard from him in quite some time, now that you thought about it..what was the time?

“Ugh, I’m going to bed...”

He looked at you confused, clearly wondering why you were still there.

“What are you still doing here? Are you leaving or what?”

“Oh..right..about that..”

You picked at a lose bit of string on your cuff, you forgot to ask him if you could stay here since you had no where else.

“I wondering if I could..stay here?”

“What!”

“No, no, absolutely not! You’re not staying here!”

“C’mon Petey, I have no where else! I have no family that lives here!

“Not my problem! Why can’t you go into a homeless shelter or something?”

“They’re all full, c’mon Pete, I don’t ask for much. Heck, you don’t even have to pay me! I’ll do what ever you’ll say and I’ll even sleep on the floor!”

“I-“ he paused.

He eyed you for a moment, then looked away stroking his chin. You heard him softly mumble to himself, he even glanced at you a few times. Then he finally decided,

“So...I don’t have to pay you?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re fine without a room?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ll do anything that’s asked?”

“Absolutely.”

“Alright, you can stay. Just don’t bother me.” He said in stern tone.

You nodded.

“I’m headed to bed. You can sleep wherever, I don’t care.”

He went into the room opposite of the junk closet and slammed the door. You sighed in relief; finally, a proper home. You smiled at the door “thanks Petey.” You softly said out loud, as if he could hear you. But then came the question; where could you sleep? You kinda only said that whole; “I’ll even sleep on the floor” bit just to convince him to let you stay. Of course the cold, dirty floor in here, would beat the abrasive, cold, public street out there, but at the end of the day; it’s still the floor. The most comfortable thing in the room was the roller chair Petey sat in, it looked like one of those gaming chairs you’ve seen in store windows while browsing around town.

It’s base was black and had dark orange highlights, the head cushion was cat shaped, and a giant black P was on the orange layer on the backrest.

It’s quite fierce looking for a roller chair, you would say it matches a cat who’s known to be the evilest. But after meeting him today, you weren’t sure if that description fits him anymore. Honestly, he just seems grumpy and kinda lazy, not a evil supervillain. He doesn’t take much pride in his lifestyle, nor himself for that matter, it’s pretty sad when you think about it.

As if this life has been forced upon him, not chosen.

Your own yawn interrupts your thoughts, how Petey feels doesn’t matter, all that matters is that you get some rest. You sit down on the chair, you sink into it’s warm leather. The faint smell of amber and metal fills your nostrils, the faint smell of Petey, as if your head is laying on his chest. You smile at the thought; the idea that someone so careless and mean, could have a soft spot for some ill-dressed nobody like you. Letting you lay on his chest, purring happily that you’re in his possession.

You drift off into such fantasy, the rest of the world melts away.

#dogman #petey the cat x reader #petey the cat #dogman x reader #dogman petey #petey the cat x butler!reader #dogman movie

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cloveroctobers · 6 months ago

Text

so yeah — 7. Roman Reigns [Winter Prompts]

A/N: uh oh, I’m dabbling a little more for this man! Also happy holidays to you all because I honestly doubt I’ll have anything else out before whichever holiday you celebrate. Hope you enjoy this piece and that it brings you comfort and feels? 🤪🤍

PROMPTS ARE FROM HERE & I’m using: SITUATIONS — My flight was cancelled and I went home to find my ex cheating on me, so now I'm at this pub.

WARNINGS: Language, break ups, reference to the netflix film, “Malcolm & Marie,” choosing to deal with your emotions at a later time, & strangers to friends trope?

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“Just say the word sis and I’ll slash all three of his tires, kick out the window shield, and leave multiple bad reviews of him as a screenwriter,” your best friend repeats over the phone while you use your elbow to push the swivel doors.

Rolling your bag into the lobby you close your eyes and let out a deep breath, “As much as I appreciate you always sitting on go, Malcolm isn’t worth it and I honestly don’t feel like riding around much more tonight, especially to bail you out.”

“Alright girl…I just wish you wouldn’t be alone on Christmas because of his dumbass.”

Flights were cancelled, “until further notice,” and you accepted that defeat more than anything.

“I won’t be.” You answer as you spy security keeping watch of the entrance to the casino.

The Medallion, the joint hotel and casino was a random spot you decided to stop at after that treacherous revelation you received. You had your own home in Miami, whereas your boyfriend of three years, screenwriter and producer Malcolm Elliot—who had his own home back in LA—thought the greatest gift to give you three days before Christmas, was to have his ex-girlfriend up in your house and bed.

The pulsing anger that dripped from the center of your forehead down to your entire being was tough to vocally describe. You were more angry than hurt because why would he play in your face like that? Putting in all this time just for him to decide to go back to the one relationship that was full of disagreements and doubts, just based off what he told you that is. Ultimately you learned that Malcolm Elliot was not the man or enough for you.

And that’s on Toni Braxton!

Closing your eyes, you took another moment to collect yourself before stepping forward, heels clacking against the polished floor, and bag rolling beside you. The process getting into the casino was easy, it was going on 3am so you understood the slow pace and lack of others as you made your way through the vibrant lights and empty seats.

“What can I get you?”

Snapping out of your daze, you turn your head to the left, response getting caught in your throat for a second as you got a good look of the handsome man behind the bar. He was dressed in a pinstriped tux with a whole tie (that didn’t match) and his dark shiny hair neatly brushed back.

There’s amusement in his eyes as he pushes off the counter, tucking the rag he was just wiping the bar with down below, “Or do you need a few more minutes alone burning a hole into my shelf?”

You scoff, resting your cheek into your balled up knuckles, “Is it that obvious I’m pissed off?”

He shrugs, “It’s not that hard for me to tell…interacting with people and analyzing them is part of the job.”

“Is that so…Mr…?”

He smiles at you and it almost makes your breathing hitch as he takes his time walking over to hold his hand out, “Just call me Joe.”

“Okay, just joe. I’m really a martini kinda girl so whatever you have left that won’t make me pick a fight with one of your machines would be nice.” You place your hand in his, which is actually warm and soft against yours as he gives your hand a firm squeeze.

Joe dips his head as he moves to get to work, “You got it.”

The phone that’s face down on the counter is buzzing madly that the side eye you’re giving it, makes Joe peek at your expression from over his shoulder. “I’m guessing who ever is on the other line, fucked up big time? I also get the impression you hardly ignore a phone call on purpose…depending on who the person is.”

Snatching the phone up, you roll your eyes as you quickly go to shut it off and toss it into the tote bag that seated right on top of your hard suitcase. “you’ve got that right, Joseph! A no good sorry excuse for a man is who’s on the other line. How do you cheat on someone a few days before Christmas? And not just with anyone, a ex who’s also an addict that you put on blast in one of your films?”

The pulsating ache was starting to hit harder now that you had to massage it some. Rolling your shoulders a bit, you sat up straight, trying to get rid of some of the tension. Joe sends a pretty martini your way, which you latch onto.

“I guarantee he’s not as great as he thinks he is…especially if he thinks it’s okay to be disrespectful by cheating and on someone like you.”

“You don’t know me, Joe.”

“Yet…but if you stay here until sunrise, I’m sure you’ll confirm my assumptions for me.”

Waggling your finger, you say with slits in your eyes after tossing back the drink, “I know you’re not trying to get me to partake in getting under to get over, are you Joseph? If so I might just have to turn into a Karen and request to speak to the manager.”

“You’re looking at both the manager and owner.” He states with ease.

“Oop, okay big boss!” You laugh while snapping your fingers, “Just shut me on up.”

“Nah, of course not. We’re just getting started.” The intensity in his eyes is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, so you just simply roll your eyes, a smile playing on the corner of your lips.

Joe flicks his eyes from your lips back to your eyes, “See…that’s all I want to see tonight. A beautiful smile on an even more stunning woman.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Good lookin’ business man.” You cross a leg over the other, “I’ll take another, please.”

Joe nods as he holds up some fingers, “Your limit will be three, so two more.”

You huff, “I didn’t come here to be bossed around but…it’s fine. I’ve got shrooms in my bag.”

The man frowns, “And you were getting on a flight with those?”

“Of course not!” You shake your head, “I only have enough to make me enjoy the flight.”

Joe wasn’t sure how accurate that was since most people needed someone they trusted to keep them grounded but all he responds with is, “…You are something else.”

“It’s Christmas!” You argue.

The man mutters, “Sounds like an excuse to me.”

“I can be your sugar plum fairy on the dance floor.” You suddenly say, “So you can feel the spirit.”

“…if slow dancing is truly what you want, I’m happy to oblige.” Joe shrugs before continuing on, “You don’t need liquid courage or shrooms to have a good time with me though.”

“You talk a good game…you do this with all your pretty customers?” You stare at him from underneath your eyelashes.

“Nah…I’m actually rarely down here at this hour but there’s a reason I’m here for the dusk shift.” He hands you another and leans over to whisper, “Must have been for me to meet something good.”

“There you go with your assumptions.” You sigh bringing the rim of the cocktail to your lips, “Alright, just call me Joe. Why are you lonesome during the holidays? There’s no chance there’s not someone at home waiting for you?”

He grins at you, lightly caressing at his facial hair, “Are you fishing?”

“Not at all. It’s too cold.” You easily respond, making Joe blink at you, while you hold his stare before slipping him a wink, “C’mon, I’ll give you a synopsis of my shit? I was supposed to be on a flight to visit my family for the holidays, flight got cancelled, went back to my home, just to find my shitty boyfriend who’s in the film industry, entertaining his ex girlfriend, Marie. Sounds like a cheesy sitcom doesn’t it? Malcolm and Marie! Yet I’m the one looking stupid! Those bitches.”

You finish the rest of the drink and slam it back on the counter.

“You’re not stupid.” Joe debates, “No one expects to be cheated on. You just expect someone to love you in return and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s his lost, remember that.”

“Aren’t you sweet but I’m starting to realize maybe I wasn’t in love with him,” you rest your elbows on the counter with a deep sigh before wiggling one finger at him, “But we’re doing no deflecting this morning! We’re basically friends at this point, blabbering at almost four in the morning.”

Joe shrugs with his bottom lip pushed out, “If you say so.”

“Heart to heart now and then we dance our sorrows away?”

Joe fires back with a frown, “Who says I’m sad?”

“You’re here at your place of business all by yourself during the holidays.” You state, “While you should be at home, tucked in bed with a loved one.”

Joe exhaled through his nose, “I got hit with an ultimatum to get married by a certain time and I don’t do well with others planning out shit for me. So…she left, decided to get in a relationship with someone we went to college with, and took the damn dog too.”

“Booo! Not the dog! And here I thought you were going to say she got struck by a car and left for dead or something.” You ramble.

Joe furrowed his brows, “Things don’t always have to be tragic.”

“I hear it builds character.”

Joe felt his eye twitch, “You want me to be the villain?”

“Something tells me you’ve already been through that,” you tilt your head to the side staring at the mysterious man who only gave some details here and there as this part of the world sleeps, “But I think I like talking to this guy instead.”

Joe hums, getting lost in thought but chose not stay much on that. You take this time to look around the empty casino before spinning back around to meet the stranger’s eyes, “Let’s make each other’s wishes come true?”

“Meaning?”

“We dance until sunrise.”

Joe grumbled as he glanced up at the ceiling, “You and this dancing.”

“Don’t tell me you have two left feet?”

“What?” Joe scowls, “I can do a little something.”

“Meet me on the dance floor then.”

Joe asserts, “It’s a casino not the club.”

“Aw, those are probably just closing now.” You’re pouting and it’s honestly the cutest thing the man has ever seen.

“Good, you don’t need to be in there.” Joe states as if it’s a fact, but he can only imagine how you’re in the club and that’s most likely a hand full.

You’re confused, “Where do I need to be?”

“Wherever you want to be.”

“You were supposed to sing Donell jones in that moment and you flopped.”

“…You always this much of a yapper in the mornings?” Joe crossed his arms.

“I maybe a morning person—or night owl? That going to be a problem for you bestie?”

Joe winced, “As long as you stop calling me bestie.”

“Only special people gain that title so you should be honored.” You hop off the stool, stumbling a little bit but catch yourself on the counter as you pick up on a sigh from the man behind you, “All part of my performance, Joseph. Tens across the boards! Now get over here.”

“You’re kinda bossy to someone who can escort you out.”

Spinning with your hair flicking behind you, it’s your turn to turn up the heat, “You’d miss me if you did.”

Joe pretends to think about it, humming but eventually makes his way over to you. You take your time taking in his appearance up close, “Did you ever play football?”

“Yeah…a little.”

“I know a baller when I see one.” You snap your fingers again, “Okay…so tell me…favorite Christmas song of all time?”

“Here’s a secret…” He’s leaning towards you again, “I hate Christmas.”

Gasping you latch onto your fur covered chest and almost choke on your saliva, making the man reach out towards you but you fan him away as you wheeze, “…What’re you some sort of krampus?”

He scrunches up his lips, “Do I look like some sort of half goat, half demon to you?”

“Ask me once the shrooms kick in.” You sass as you walk by him, making Joe pinch the space in between his brows.

When did you even?

“I’m going to assume that it’s because the ex broke up with you on Christmas?” You announce over your shoulder.

Joe slowly follows behind you, hands clasped behind his back as you walk through the aisles of slot machines looking for the perfect spot, “No. She actually did that around my birthday.”

“…I can fight her if you want?”

A rumble of laughter builds in his chest, “Appreciate that but everything isn’t so one sided.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.”

You left space open for the man to elaborate but he doesn’t so you sigh holding out your hands, “Hand in mine, babe. Looks like I’m not going to be the nutcracker tonight—you’re the nut by the way—so hold on to me and all your troubles will be miles away.”

He stares at your hand before cautiously taking yours in his, carefully he places his hand on your waist that buried beneath the warmth of the coat you have on as he predicts, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas?”

“You got it.” You sniff as you step closer and get a whiff of how good Joe smells: warm, woody, and slightly floral yet sweet, “That one makes me cry every time.”

“Hey now,” Joe moves to snake his arm around your waist as if to steady you if your knees so happened to get weak again, “There’s no need for that when you’ve got an Angel right in front of you.”

You snort out some laughter going to rest your head on Joe’s chest, which catches him off guard but he keeps on swaying.

“…You still believe in Christmas after what that Malcolm asshole did?”

You find comfort in Joe’s chest while keeping the tune of your favorite song in your head, “‘Course. Christmas is about a lot of things but just because someone did me wrong doesn’t mean all the love that I still have should go to waste, ya know? So shut up and feel my love, stranger turned bestie.”

It’s joe turns to roll his eyes but he takes in your words. You’re the woman that walked into his place of business, freshly cheated on, and ready to shoot laser eyes into the bottles that sat on the shelf, yet as time went on with a little liquor on your side and “magic,” Joe felt like just maybe your presence alone was supposed to be here.

To remind him that the holidays didn’t have to be so dreadful like they’ve been the past few years.

Slow dancing together with no one in the room was so intimate, so personal, and it wasn’t something Joe would be open to. There’s plenty of others who may or may not have been under the influence who have tried but he always had his business face on walking through. He’s been closed off for a while now and here he was with you, someone that he didn’t know who’s just been thrown for a loop, who just wanted to have a kind moment that didn’t feel so shitty.

Joe started to feel like he should be glad that he could provide that for you, without truly knowing you.

Maybe he did.

When the alarm goes off, signaling that it was time for him to shut down the casino, it brings you two out of your own little world. He’s clearing his throat, watching as you slowly lift your head from his chest. He wants to caress your face but feels like that might be too much, so he just gives your hand that he’s still holding onto, a gentle squeeze before stepping back to close out.

You’re back on the stool, room slightly spinning in various colors as you smile with your chin tucked on your fingers.

“Ive got to count the cash in the back but you’re welcome to stay here if you want…as long as you don’t fall asleep on me.” Joe’s got the register drawer in his hands as he glances at you.

You’re swaying but respond, “I’m far from tired…I actually want ramen.”

He laughs, “fortunately for you, I know a guy. If you want to stick around? We can head out to the lounge to enjoy it together?”

“I’d like that, Joseph.”

It’s a breath taking smile he sends your way before leaving you to enjoy your trip briefly. You’re not sure how long he’s gone until his hand touches the back of your bare neck that your Bob doesn’t fully cover. Together you take your things, walking towards the lobby as Joe locks up the casino doors before turning back to you. He leads the way to the lounge thats tucked to the right of the casino by the shut down escalators, leaving you again but not without telling his security, Heyman, to watch over you, while he went to retrieve the ramen you mentioned.

Once he returns, he doesn’t hesitate sitting beside you. He has all various types of the dish that has you smiling even harder now.

“Forgot to ask which you prefer so I figured why not get all from my guy? He’s the best of the best.” Joe shrugs, followed by a sheepish smile at the spread on the table.

Picking up a container, you sit back on the couch, ready to dig in. “Looks like we made it.”

“Huh?” Joe questions after picking a container himself, slightly glancing at you as he sits back against the couch as well.

You softly smile as you lift your chin in the direction you were staring out at, “To sunrise.”

“Oh, yeah. Looks like we did.” Joe replies, staring out at the glow of sun that’s ready to beam out from the dark navy skies.

Before you sip at the broth you say, “I’m going to rest my head on your shoulder now.”

“Go ahead, make yourself comfortable.”

You already did and this man didn’t even recognize the love he gives.

In due time, maybe you’d tell him.

Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

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Continue with my winter anthology prompts here.

#Spotify #queued #roman reigns #Roman reigns x reader #Roman reigns x black reader #malcolm and marie #winter prompts #winter fiction #winter fanfiction

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redheadspark · 6 months ago

Note

Hi, could you do Oliver Wood with #20 for the december prompt? Happy holidays!

A/N - I love this! Thanks for requesting this, anon!

Fireworks

Summary- It's the small things that bring people together

Warnings - Just fluff

“Luv, what do you think he has planned?”

“Who knows. It’s George we’re talkin’ about, he could be plannin’ anything,”

“You’re not wrong,”

Oliver chuckled as the pair of you stood inside Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, particularly for a Christmas Party that George Weasley conducted only for his closest friends. He closed the shop for the public and brought a handful of old friends, classmates, colleagues, and business partners, along with several families that he stayed in contact with since the Battle of Hogwarts. You and Oliver were freshly married, a month after the Battle, and starting a new life together. Back to reality, no more evil to look out for or Death Eaters that could swipe you. With Voldemort gone, peace was once again in the Wizarding World, uneasy at times with uncertainty, but peace nonetheless.

You and Oliver never expected to be married in such a rush, but you figured it was the best time after surviving the night at Hogwarts where your old school was ablaze and your friends were dying left and right of you. You both were planning a wedding a few months down the road, but it was put on hold when Voldemort took power and lives were being taken at night. Oliver wasn’t willing to let anything happen to either one of you when wizards and witches were being killed in their sleep or kidnapped out of the blue, so you both went into hiding instead. When the dust settled and families were rebuilding their lives again, you and Oliver finally got married with just a handful of closest friends and family in the garden behind Oliver’s childhood home.

George Weasley was in attendance as one of Oliver’s groomsmen, both yourself and Oliver taking care of him for some time after he lost of twin at the battle. He missed his twin, more than anything, and you knew he had changed for both the better and the worse. You invited him over to have dinner at least once a week, lending him your spare bedroom when he didn’t want to sleep at the flat near the joke shop, even giving him long talks and hugs when he was especially lost in his own mind.

He got back on his feet, marrying Angelina Johnson a year later losing Fred and the pair of them finding hope in one another. You and Oliver went to the wedding, seeing his happy George was when Angelina walked down the aisle to him and they kissed under the enchanted fallen flower pedals thanks to Mrs. Weasley. It was a magical afternoon at The Burrow, and a sure sign of new things to come.

With the holiday season well underway, George invited you and Oliver to his shop for his Annual Christmas Party. It was exciting to see George happy and almost back to full self again, working part-time at the shop and Harry Potter helping too since he invested some galleons in the business. Seeing a sea of old friends and new faces in the cramped but cozy shop made the night better, the fireplace active with a massive fire, and new gadgets and products being tested thanks to some of the shop employees invited to the party.

Oliver met up with all the Gryffindor Alumni and old Quidditch Team members, reviewing old stories and games they never forgot. You gravitated over to the other Gryffindors that were in your year back at school, seeing the familiar faces and going over old stories as well. About halfway into the party, you found Oliver again, seeing George standing at the top of the stairs that stood in the middle of the shop. He was sporting a maroon tux, looking healthier than he did before as he held a glass in his hand and the room fell silent for him.

“Thank you all for coming tonight, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people and supporters in my life,” He started, holding onto the glass a pinch tighter as he took in a long breath, “This shop was a vision of mine and Fred’s, and we wanted to have our heart and soul in this place. We couldn’t have done it alone, not without every single one of you. So, I personally wish to thank you all,”

He then held up his glass and smiled, “To Fred,”

“To Fred,” A chorus of voices repeated, everyone taking a small sip from their glasses. As you drank your glass of water, you felt Oliver reach down to lace your fingers together as he took a sip from his whiskey, making you lean your head on his shoulder and curl into him a bit.

“Now, I don’t wish to have this party be a downer, Fred would’ve killed me,” George replied, everyone, chuckling as he looked over to the left where Angelina was. She was grinning, sporting a cup of juice and her spare hand on her 7-month pregnant belly with a massive smile on her face, “Angelina and I are looking forward to the new year and the growth of this shop, as well as the growth of our family,”

You could see Mrs. Weasley to the right being misty-eyed as Mr. Wesley was watching George with pride in his eyes.

“But as a treat, for all of your support since we’ve opened this shop, I want to unveil our new product exclusively for this party,” George informed the guests, all of whom were looking at him in both confusion and excitement. He reached behind him taking out of a small wooden box what looked to be a turning top toy of sorts in his palm. Holding it out in front of him, the device looked like it was dipped in a rainbow, shining in the light of the shop as he touched the button on the top.

Within seconds, the top levitated in his palm and spun so fast it was almost memorizing. Every watched on bated breath as fireworks as small as his fingers shout out and around the top. George took out his wand from his suit inner pocket and tapped the top, which grew to the size of his head and the fireworks expanded to take up the space around him and in the air of the shop.

Everyone gasped in shock and awe, fireworks of all shapes and sizes boomed and exploded around the store. You too seemed amazed at the sight, something so simple as an item would bring so much joy within seconds. It made you look over at Oliver, seeing him look up at the fireworks with a smirk on his lips. You were glad to be where you were thanks to him: his patience in you opening up to him when you two were classmates, his hardworking nature in building a home together with you after you both decided to be together, his loyalty to his friends and yourself in fighting at Hogwarts against Death Eaters.

But most of all, his love for you from the moment you two met as 2nd years.

He tore his eyes away from the fireworks to see you staring at him, his smile not leaving his face as he leaned over to kiss you softly on the lips. You felt the rest of the world fading away, the sounds of the partygoers cheering and applauding George, the smell of sweets, and the fireworks exploding in the air. Oliver ceased to make you feel loved and adored by him, feeling like you were the one main component in his world that would keep him stable and happy. Even after the struggles of living in the real world, plenty of fights and spats, and ended in hugging and apologies, job opportunities and failures, you two stayed together. You both carried literal scars from the Battle of Hogwarts, reminders of being alive and not wishing to take it for granted for one moment.

Neither one of you saw George watching you two kiss, his smile a bit bigger since you told the news to George that you were pregnant and were planning to tell Oliver later that night at the party.

The End.

#Oliver wood #Oliver wood x reader #Oliver wood x you #Oliver wood x oc #harry potter #Harry Potter fanfiction #fanfiction #writing #hp #hp fandom #hp fanfic

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cinemaocd · 3 months ago

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If you don't mind me asking, and as someone who has pretty much no opinion on this subject, why don't you think famous actors should be in period movies?

It's because we are so used to seeing them as modern people, as celebrities. They are so instantly recognizable that their presence can just jar you and take you out of the film.

The most obvious example I can think of is Cary Grant. He acted in three period films. The first one, Gunga Din, was earlier in his career, before his persona was defined. He used a cockney accent and blended in with the other soldier characters in the film. Gunga Din is considered a classic and is one of the most popular films in Grant's filmography and was an important early success for him.

The later films are from the Post war period, when Grant's persona was fully formed. Both of these films, Howards of Virginia and The Pride and the Passion were both box office and critical failures. One of the main criticisms of Howards was that Cary was miscast. People were so used to seeing him as the suave urbane sophisticate in a tux that they couldn't accept him as a fractious virginia planter who wears a coonskin cap and bathes in a wooden barrel. The Pride and the Passion was a big, expensive technicolor epic, filmed on location in Spain. The film went way over budget (a condition which more times than not means it won't be well received critically because the people that publish film reviews are dependent on the industry and have a very pro-corporate attitude) and then was not well received. Audiences would not accept middle-aged Grant and Frank Sinatra in terrible wigs as soldiers in the Napoleonic wars and the film was overlong and had no real hook beyond the stars acting in it.

There are certain contemporary actors who are so well known that unless you give them full RDJ-in-Oppenheimer-his-own-mother wouldn't-recognize-him-until-he-speaks treatment, they are going to take most of the audience out of the film for at least some of the time. The worse the film is, the more likely you are to sit there and think about how dumb it is.

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jbuffyangel · 1 year ago

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Shame: Arrow 2x04 Review (Crucible)

The bomb of bombs is dropped....

SPOILERS!!!

SARA LANCE IS ALIVE! The many lies of Oliver Queen begin to unravel and even Diggle and Felicity have difficulty understanding his motivations behind this whopper.

Let’s dig in...

Olicity (and Diggle)

Oliver, per usual, is running late for a Queen Consolidated party due to a previous engagement with some gang members. Felicity makes excuses for him to Isabel Rochev as she listens on comms to the melodic sounds of gunfire and Oliver kicking ass.

The best part however is when he shows up at the party in a tux (SWOON) and Isobel notices he has blood on his face.

Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet

Felicity wipes the blood off his face, which is SOOOO MARRIED and why are they so perfect? This is classic "in a relationship" behavior before they're actually in a relationship.

Laurel is attending the party with Blood because… I honestly don’t know why. The party is to attract investors so why the district attorney and ADA is there beats me. Oliver, per usual, asks Laurel if she’s okay as she tosses back a glass a champagne like it’s water. In Oliver’s defense, she was kidnapped by the Dollmaker last episode so there is some cause for concern.

Why am I slotting this scene in the Olicity section? There is a shot of Felicity watching Oliver and Laurel and her expression is one of curiosity, concern… maybe jealousy?

Source: emilybettrickardslove:

It’s difficult to read, which is unusual since Felicity always wears her heart on her sleeve. Perhaps she is simply wondering the same thing the audience – where do Oliver and Laurel stand? Is he just a concerned friend? (Yes). Is there anything romantic in Oliver’s concern? (Nope).

Felicity interrupts them due to urgent Arrow business.

Source: @smoakmonster

It’s rare that Laurel and Felicity’s paths cross and there is an undercurrent of competitiveness between the two characters. I don’t know if that’s written intentionally but it’s certainly not warm between them. What I love is that Felicity asserts herself more than she did their first meeting in Season 1 and holds her ground and patiently waits for Laurel to leave.

The icy stare from Laurel Lance could freeze molten lava. I don’t know why Katie Cassidy chose to play the scene like this, but this is not the first time she’s looked at Felicity Smoak like an insect to be crushed, so forgive me if I don’t see these two going shopping together any time soon. Maybe it’s an actor’s choice or maybe she was instructed by the director to play the scene this way, but regardless if you are cold and unwelcoming to the universally liked character on the show, it does nothing to endear you to the audience.

It turns out my reasons above are not necessarily why Felicity was staring at Oliver and Laurel. Not the primary reason that is. She was staring at Laurel because Felicity finally pieced a mystery together.

Felicity: What if our masked friend that keeps showing up everywhere you go, you know her? What if we’ve been going about this the wrong way? We thought she was obsessed with you. I mean, she showed up in the DA’s office when you were there. And in the chemical plant the Dollmaker was holed up in. But who else was at both those places? What if our masked friend isn’t following you?

Oliver: She’s following Laurel.

Oliver heeds Felicity’s advice and stakeouts Laurel’s apartment. The Lady in Black shows up as Felicity predicted and Oliver is able to capture her in some pretty nifty trick arrows. Felicity has also developed some tech to counteract the sonic thing.

Oliver: Why are you following Laurel Lance?

Lady in Black: I could ask the same thing of you. But I guess some things never change. You and her, always and forever.

This is an oddly personal remark from someone who is supposed to be a complete stranger. But she’s not a stranger.

The Lady in Black is Sara Lance.

In all seriousness, this was one of Arrow’s bigger bombs dropped, but I honestly can’t remember if I was shocked to discover Sara was alive when I watched it live. The Arrow writers used Caity Lotz’s recast to their advantage. She looks completely different from the actress in the pilot. Now that her identity is revealed, they reshot the pilot scene of Oliver and Sara on The Gambit.

I do remember my heart sank when I found out Sara was alive. Why? I always felt the biggest obstacle between Laurel and Oliver reuniting romantically was A) he cheated on Laurel with her sister and B) Sara died because of that betrayal. Bringing Sara back felt like the writers were trying to fix the past to clear the way for Oliver and Laurel to be together. Particularly because they discussed in the premiere how much they wished they could go back.

Yeah guys, I’m gonna be straight with you. I was wrong a lot in Season 2 when I watched it live. The writers did a number on me this season – they twisted me every direction possible.

Oliver has to tell Felicity and Diggle that Sara is alive, which means he’s been lying about how she died all along.

Felicity: Sara Lance? Laurel’s sister? The detective’s other daughter, the one that you took on the Gambit with you even though you were dating Laurel, which we never talked about – I’m sorry, it’s just isn’t she dead? You told everyone that she died with The Gambit went down. That she drowned.

Source: Paige

Oliver Queen has many secrets, so many things he does not talk about, and to a certain extent Diggle and Felicity have accepted he needs to reveal those traumas in his own time. But this lie? This lie is a gut punch. This lie is not only difficult to accept it is difficult to understand. Felicity and Diggle's anger is palpable.

It puts a lot of other things that are never discussed on the table for Felicity. Her rambling feelings tumble out as she processes the truth, which is quite similar to what the audience was experiencing and feeling. I know it was for me. She brings up Oliver and Sara cheating on Laurel – another topic in a long list of things Oliver will not discuss. It’s a glimpse into Felicity’s frustration with Oliver – there’s so many questions, so many things he doesn’t say, so many things she wants to understand. As close as Oliver is to Felicity (and Diggle) there is still an almost impenetrable wall. This lie is not only a betrayal to the Lance family; it is a betrayal to Diggle and Felicity who have put so much trust in Oliver. Felicity is angry and rightfully so.

Sara’s arrival in Starling City forces the confession from Oliver, whether he likes it or not.

Oliver: When The Gambit capsized, Sara was pulled under. It was so dark and cold. And I thought she drowned. About a year later, I saw her.

Diggle: You saw her where, on the island? She drifted to the Island too?

Oliver: Not exactly.

Felicity: Why didn’t you tell the Lances that she didn’t die in that boat? Laurel and Mr. Lance, they blame you.

Oliver: It was my fault. What happened was my fault.

Felicity clearly cares about Oliver and cannot understand why he would allow himself to be blamed for Sara’s death when in fact she did not die in the way everyone thought. Even in her anger and confusion, Felicity is protective of Oliver.

The answer for why Oliver never discusses the cheating, how Sara really “died” or why he’s allowed himself to be hated by the Lance family is so very simple. Oliver is ashamed. Shame is powerful. It can make a person hate themselves. It can make a person lie to the people they trust and love most. It can be more difficult to confess our sins to those we love because we want them to see us as a good person. We want to be worthy in their eyes, even though shame makes us feel anything but worthy.

Diggle: Where has she been all these years Oliver?

Oliver: I don’t know! Diggle, I swear to God. I was sure she was dead.

Source: bratvaolicity

Felicity’s anger is fading more quickly than Diggle’s. She’s truly not trying to make light of the situation. This question is deep with genuine empathy. The more Felicity learns about Oliver’s past the worse it gets. It’s not terribly difficult to understand why he does not want to talk about it. Despite her anger and frustration, Felicity can see that Oliver is a traumatized man in pain.

Diggle: Alright, so just to make sure I understand this correctly, after not drowning when The Gambit went down Sara didn’t exactly make it to the island with you where you would see her die yet again. Feel free to fill in the blanks.

Oliver: Not right now.

Diggle: You mean not ever. Don’t you Oliver?

Felicity: Don’t you think her family had a right to know she made it to the island too?

Felicity and Diggle rarely push Oliver to speak about his years on the island, but they are pushing hard now because they feel they are owed answers. They feel the Lance family is owed answers. They are right. They do deserve the truth and Oliver feels their fair and understandable questions pushing up against his secret shame. But it won’t make the wall come down. At the end of the day, Oliver is a traumatized man and when experiencing trauma the body has one of two reactions – fight or flight. For Oliver Queen, it’s always fight and he pushes right back.

Felicity gets the answer to her question. No, Oliver Queen does not have any happy stories. He bore witness to horrors and whatever hate or recrimination he must bear is preferable to truth.

Oliver: And they were better off not knowing.

Angel: Some lies are necessary...

Buffy Summers: For what?

Angel: Sometimes the truth is worse. You live long enough, you find that out.

Source: @andjustforthismoment

We see Felicity’s forgiveness in this moment. There is nothing but empathy in her eyes. She may not understand why Oliver lied. She may be angry and frustrated with his lack of trust in her and Diggle. But Felicity clearly understands Oliver is a man who has suffered greatly and at the end of the day she has nothing but unconditional love for him.

Unfortunately, Oliver does not understand the only way out is through. The only way to heal from trauma is to share it with those we trust. We have to accept help. Human beings are not built to bear suffering alone. We need to share out pain with each other.

But Oliver is not ready to do that. In order to accept unconditional love, he must understand he is deserving of it first. But shame and guilt is all Oliver can feel right now.

This revelation does not stop Team Arrow from fighting crime. A local gang lord who calls himself the Mayor has military grade weapons that he is selling in Starling City. Every gun crate has a GPS, but the Mayor deactivated it. After Lyla provides Diggle with a similar GPS, Felicity is able to track down where it’s made – none other than Queen Consolidated.

Well she's certainly not too mad to flirt with him!

Source: @andjustforthismoment

Felicity determines how to turn the beacon back on and delivers the location of the guns.

Felicity: I believe you ordered a crate of stolen milatary weapons, Mr. Queen

Felicity calls Oliver “Mr. Queen" and he likes it. A lot. COMMENCE ALL THE EYE SEX. The chemistry is INSANE.

Felicity and Diggle don’t push the Sara issue anymore. Their silent resignation is their acceptance that Oliver is not ready yet. But it doesn’t mean they aren’t getting through to him. We will see their impact with Oliver’s interactions with Sara.

Sara and Laurel Lance

If it’s possible, I would say Sara is even more traumatized than Oliver. We may not know everything that happened to Oliver the five years away, but he did make the choice to return home. He told his family he was alive. Sara may be in Starling City, but she has not come home.

She is equally as vague with Oliver as to her whereabouts the last five years. Other than a disquieting remark about Slade, she is fairly mum on the details of her past as well. What we do know is this:

A year ago Sara heard about a man in the green hood and knew it was Oliver. She previously thought he was dead.

Sara learned to fight AFTER the island.

She came back to Starling City after the earthquake to make sure her family was safe.

Sara’s primary reason for not wanting her family to know that she’s alive is because she is changed. She is not the Sara they will remember. But as Oliver points out, Sara hasn’t left Starling City yet. In fact, she’s come up with vigilante persona of her own.

This is how she met Sin – she saved her from being attacked by a group of men. These are not the actions of someone who’s ready to leave town. Instead she’s been living in the shadows and watching her family through windows. Clearly, she wants to come home but she doesn’t know how.

The other Lance daughter is not doing much better. I’m sure Detective Lance never thought he’d be asking Oliver Queen for help with Laurel, but after she is pulled over for a DUI he’s ready to ask anyone who can get through to her. Lance is convinced Laurel has inherited more than his sense of justice. She’s also inherited his drinking problem.

In the immortal words of Cordelia Chase, Laurel is “campaigning for bitch of the year” and lashes out at Oliver as soon as he broaches the subject of her drinking. She fills him in on all the dirty details of Detective Lance’s alcoholism and insists it’s his problem and not hers. But by episode end, Laurel has added pills to diet of booze and we’re officially in a full blown addiction storyline.

Oddly enough, it’s Blood who gives Oliver some insight into the Lance women.

Blood: Sooner or later we all go through a crucible. I’m guessing yours was that island. Most believe there are two types of people who go into a crucible. The ones who grow stronger from the experience and survive it and the ones who die. But there’s a third type. The ones who learn to love the fire. They choose to stay in their crucible because it’s easier to embrace the pain when it’s all you know anymore.

Clearly, Sara is the third type. We can reserve judgment on Laurel’s crucible for now since it’s just getting started. Oliver straddles the line between surviving the fire and remaining in it. The key in pushing Oliver over that line is his ability to open up to those he loves and share his pain. He has Diggle and Felicity begging him this episode to do exactly that.

Sara: We’re both ghosts. We died on that island.

Oliver: No we didn’t. We both lived.

It’s interesting Oliver used the term “lived.” Typically he uses “survive.” Seeing his own shame and pain reflected in Sara brings about some self realization. Oliver doesn’t have to stay in the fire anymore than Sara does. There are so many sins Oliver cannot fix. There are so many losses he can never get back. He knows the Lance family will hate him for lying about how Sara died, but what he wants more than anything is to bring Sara home. It’s not just for her benefit. It’s for Oliver’s as well. This is one wrong he can make right. He all but begs Sara and finally she relents. They take a step out of the fire together and walk towards the living.

But Laurel is consumed by her shame and continues to burn.

Stray Thoughts

Does Oliver shower between the hood and tux change?

Diggle makes sure Lyla knows he’s single. It’s so slutty and I love it.

Oliver’s cash for guns reveals a cash flow problem, but I think Isobel is cheap and he’s more multi millionaire versus billionaire these days, which doesn’t feel like a real problem.

The DA was totally hitting on Laurel and she rejects him. GOOD. We aren’t moving on from Tommy any time soon. IT’S WHAT HE DESERVES.

So glad they are not going the love triangle route with Roy, Thea and Sin. Rather enjoy this little trio.

“Living is not for the week.” Anatoly is here! HURRAH!

Sara is wearing a Starling City baseball cap, so her mother was right about that photo.

Do I need to care more about the bones the island bad guys are looking for? I feel like I should care more about the bones.

Hey there Sara is on the freighter!

Blood is a villain. Not surprising. Anyone standing on that much moral superiority has to be evil.

The serum Blood use on the mayor ultimately fails and kills him. So, we have wacky evil science on top of the deeply disturbing hood.

Listen to the Watchover podcast reaction to 2x04!!!

If you’d like to support the blog, please buy me a cup of tea!

Disclaimer: Any gifs on the blog are not mine. If you would like a gif removed from my reviews, please message me!

#arrow #arrow 2x04 #olicity #olicity 2x04 #arrow reviews #arrow season 2 #arrow season episode 2 episode review #arrow review #oliver queen #john diggle #felicity smoak #sara lance #anti laurel lance #season 2 episode review #season 2 episode reviews #original team arrow #watchover #watchover podcast #watchover with jen and calli

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outhaulscheme · 6 months ago

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From @crabappels: hmm anything with jacob & melissa is fun… i don’t ship gregory & jacob often so idk what would be good but date night/janine finding out/pre-relationship crush type little vignette?….. or maybe scenes from childhood…. etc…. maybe them stuck in the rain..

Prompts used: pre-relationship, scenes from childhood (high school AU), stuck in the rain

“…indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” Jacob recited, as he did every morning. Then he brought his mouth closer to the loudspeaker microphone, stopping just before he knew the sound would begin to peak, and said, “I, Jacob Hill, am gay. Consider this an official announcement.”

He was reprimanded for his little stunt, of course — though as Principal Thompson wrung her hands and muttered something about supporting diversity in the student body, Jacob got the sense that the school administration didn’t really know what to do with him. As a high school senior, he had already established a stellar track record for himself: solid grades, diligent participation in extracurriculars — drama, broadcasting club, the school newspaper — and a known eagerness to please the authority figures in his life. Deviating from the script for the morning announcements was, in Mrs. Thompson’s eyes, out of character for him.

In the end, Jacob was kept after school for a perfunctory lecture from Mr. Friedman, the broadcasting club advisor, who kept smiling and shaking his head as he spoke. “You’re a good kid, Jacob. You’ll do great things one day,” he said, more than once — and so Jacob was let go with nothing more than a warning, a slap on the wrist.

It was raining outside. Jacob paced back and forth under the awning at the school’s entrance, waiting for the after-school buses and worrying about what he would say to his parents. After a minute, he realized with a start that Gregory Eddie, who sat next to him in chemistry class, was standing quietly next to the door.

“Whoa, hey, Greg,” said Jacob. “Didn’t notice you there for a second.” He smiled and shoved his hands into his pockets, affecting a casual vibe that hopefully distracted from the nervous wreck he’d been just moments before. Gregory was a reliable lab partner who didn’t seem to mind when Jacob told him all about his favorite Sondheim musicals, and so of course Gregory was one of Jacob’s favorite people in the world.

“I was going to say hi, but you looked completely lost in thought,” Gregory said. “Did you get in trouble for, uh…”

“Telling everyone I’m gay over the morning announcements? Nah, they just told me not to go off script again.” Jacob’s smile turned into a wince. “TBH, I’m kinda regretting it. It was an impulse decision. What keeps you at this place of learning, Sir Gregorio?”

“Mr. Rockwell was doing a unit review session, but I was the only one who showed up,” Gregory said, in the pleasantly impassive way he said almost everything. Yet Jacob saw the way Gregory slouched into himself, rounding his shoulders in an uncharacteristic moment of imperfect posture, and he understood what Gregory hadn’t said: I’m worried about the next unit test. I’m worried I’ll fail again.

Jacob tried to be supportive. “You’ve got this, Greg. You’re going to kill it.”

“Yeah,” Gregory said half-heartedly. “I got this.” He straightened up, standing to attention in a way that always reminded Jacob of the military. “I think the buses are late.”

Jacob snorted. “Typical.”

“You’ve got this too, you know,” Gregory offered. “Like, I haven’t seen anyone being homophobic.”

“Yeah, but still,” Jacob said. But still: his mother would hear about the event from one of her friends, probably, and she would clear her throat at dinnertime and ask if he had to be so public about it. For the past month Jacob’s mother had been prodding him about the upcoming senior prom, dropping increasingly obvious hints that she wanted him to attend. Little Jakey all grown up, posing for prom photos in a tux — while holding the arm of a girl, any girl, from his grade.

A thought occurred to him. Another wild impulse, fueled by the gnawing desire to piss off his parents. “I might go to prom alone.”

“Well, you don’t have to,” Gregory said.

“I want to go. I’m not missing out on a landmark high school experience, even if it sucks.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” Gregory sucked in a breath, staring out at the rain. “You don’t have to go alone. Is what I’m saying.”

“Oh,” Jacob said. He removed his hands from his pockets and grabbed at the straps of his backpack, squeezing so tightly that they would later leave indents on his palms. His chest felt light and heavy at the same time. “Cool.”

Then the after-school buses finally arrived, filling the air with the smell of exhaust, and Jacob and Gregory went their separate ways.

#abbott elementary #jacob hill #gregory eddie #hilleddie #my fanfiction

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watching-pictures-move · 11 months ago

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Put On Your Raincoats | Shocking! (Mulot, 1976)

This review contains mild spoilers.

This is a Cold War satire in which the Soviet Premier and American President start World War III, depicted through liberal use of stock footage, due to their respective dislike of the other country’s cinema, and potentially cause nuclear annihilation when they accidentally slam the launch button while in the throes of passion. The former, doing a terrible Russian accent, is accompanied by the sounds of the balalaika, and the latter, doing a terrible Southern accent, dismisses the concerns of his advisor “Henry” while with his favourite actress “Lovelace”. "Good old Canada is only a shadow of herself now,” we learn. How society at large deals with this we do not witness directly, but how the upper class deals with this is through a whole lot of fucking and sucking.

So as a satire it would be generous to call it shrewd, and perhaps some of the wit is lost in translation (I watched an English dub quite a bit shorter than the runtime listed on IMDb), but if like me you played that old MS-DOS game Nuclear War during computer class and thought “Ronnie Raygun”, “Infidel Castro” and “Ayatollah Kookamamie” were the funniest things in the world, you might get a kick out of this. (In case you’re wondering, this was in the mid-2000s and we were just fucking nerds. Also our high school’s computers were old as shit.) And this shares vintage French porn’s condescension towards sexual matters, but I suppose that’s allowed in a movie satirical in intent.

On a pornographic level, this is mostly distinguished by some inspired masturbation. There’s a scene where a wife pleasures herself on her bed while her husband looks back at her and rubs one out in the sink, another where the son and his tutor both lock eyes and masturbate so he can get back to his studies, and in the final orgy sequence, a woman with a lit candle in her vagina. In fact, you might be “inspired” to follow suit, although at least one of those scenes constitutes a fire hazard. Other sexual highlights include a jungle themed stag film in which a guy in a pith helmet and safari suit gets double teamed by two babes in leopard costumes, some gender play with the son dressing up as a woman during the action, and a big climactic orgy sequence.

I’ve said before that I’m pretty lukewarm on group scenes for their general lack of focus, and this one cuts to other scenes way too often. But as this is directed by Claude Mulot, the scene is executed with a certain amount of style. Lots of roving camerawork and compositions with objects in the foreground and action in the background, and I suppose there’s something to cutting between fucking and sucking and a mushroom cloud. And the glimpses we do see of the action are sufficiently spicy. (The cooch candle is part of the orgy scene.)

I watched this for Karine Gambier and her phantom eyebrows. She acquits herself nicely as the tutor, and in the climax spends most of her time with a butler who she sweats way more than despite him keeping on his tux during the action. At one point he eats her out, and it’s hard to tell where his mustache ends and her bush begins. But the real MVP here is Emmanuelle Pareze, who nails the role of the icy, supercilious blue blooded blonde wife, and who has a lot of fun putting down her husband, doing goofy, over the top dirty talk, and even wearing a pair of glasses, if only during a fantasy scene.

#film #movie review #shocking! (1976)#the last lustful night #claude mulot #put on your raincoats

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sunnydaleherald · 9 months ago

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The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Sunday, September 22nd

Xander: “Hey, Red. What you got in the basket, little girl?” Buffy: “Weapons.” Xander: “Oh.” Buffy: “Just in case. Like the tux, Xander.” Xander: “Bond. James Bond. Insurance, you know, in case we get turned into our costumes again. I’m going for cool, secret agent guy.” Buffy: “I hate to break it to you, but you’ll probably end up cool head waiter guy.” Xander: “As long as I’m cool and wield some kind of power.”

~~Fear, Itself~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

The Rod Beneath by Ellen_Brand (Batman crossover, Buffy/Jason Todd, Buffy & Giles, G)

Reflections Of Tomorrow by LoneFrog (Xander, FR15)

Just the Way You Are by Zab Jade (Buffy/Spike, 13+)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Something Red - Chapter 1 by Little_Bites (Faith & Willow, not rated)

Truth and Consequences, Ch. 25 by JamesMFan (Buffy/Spike, R)

Hope is the thing with feathers, Ch. 12-13 by will_ (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Degradation of Duality [Series Part 2] Ch. 52 by Ragini (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Little Light, Ch. 9 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Linchpin, Ch. 5 by hulettwyo (Buffy/Spike, Adult Only)

Troubling Deaf Heaven, Ch. 5 by JuneCurry (Buffy/Spike, R)

Unholy Matrimony, Ch. 1 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Dawn Rising, Ch. 75 by Luna (Buffy, Dawn, FR15, self harm)

Oh My Goddess, Ch. 4 by Maxine Eden (Buffy/Spike, R)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Drawings by darthmimaulette (Buffy, Buffy/Spike, probably worksafe)

Manips: The Hungry Wolf by spyder-baby (Drusilla, Spike/Drusilla, worksafe)

A Buffy the Vampire Slayer button in progress by lunar-goodness (no people depicted, Buffy quote, worksafe)

Sims by mistyintherivers (Scoobies, Drusilla, worksafe)

drew some buffys! one from the tv show, and one from the medieval flashback in the 1992 movie by nodudeshutup (worksafe)

A Gachnar doll in progress by Nocturnal-Nycticebus (worksafe)

Welcome 2 the Hellmouth collage :) by DefDoomedPod (Buffy, Darla, Luke, the Master, worksafe)

[Reviews & Recaps]

Episode 5.4 - Hell Bound - crossposted by rock-and-compass

The dialogue in IWMTLY [I Was Made to Love You] by Stoney, HardlyThere

Buffy Season 1 is low key maybe my favorite season by AmbitiousOutside7498

SEDUCED BY A TEACHER? Up The Buff! Ep 4 - Teacher's Pet by bigbadllama

Buffy Season 3: Where will it go from here? by RedRxbin

Vampire F/X- film or tv? by CaseTarot

the way season 3 final episodes are epic is beyond by Kindly_Ad2280

[Fandom Discussions]

I had a dream that Angel was helping Buffy... by oveliagirlhaditright

If you couldn’t have the original cast - which cast would you choose [BtVS S1] by primal-slayer

Skeptical of how realistic it was for the characters to consider working for Wolfram&Hart by thequeenofsastiel

Was Spike a special or unique vampire? by garfan and others

Are any of you involved in Scholarship on Buffy? by friendofathena

Looking for DVD set that has "Once More With Feeling" NTSC 16:9 native NOT letterboxed by Maximum-Telephone268

Fancast: Once More With Feeling - dream cast in music theatre by Icy-Morning6813

Did you know that TV tropes exists because of Buffy The Vampire Slayer? by Cailly_Brard7

Spike VS Faith (who wins in a fight?) by FoxIndependent4310

Has anyone gone to the Buffy Popup in Chicago? by BalrogSlayer00

What campfire songs do you think they sang? by AndrewHeard

Quotes from the show to remember when you're in a dark period of your life? by incantopatronus

A defense of Xander by foreseethefuture

Has your opinion any character shifted as you’ve aged? by Tamika_Olivia

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

James Marsters UltraCon 2024 Reports, Pics & Videos via dontkillspike

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Coming to Free Streaming (Tubi) Just in Time for Halloween

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

#btvs #buffy the vampire slayer #angel the series

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therecordchanger62279 · 3 months ago

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29 MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. If you got to choose your name, what would it be and why? I’d keep my first name, and use my middle name as my last name. It’s easier to spell, and say than the one I have.

2. What TV show would you want to be in? Which one would you not want to be in? WKRP in Cincinnati. I liked all the people, and I used to be a DJ at a small radio station. I think I’d have fit right in. I would not want to be in anything currently on television.

3. Do you have a secret talent? Can you do it right now? Facial recognition. Show me a face, and if I’ve ever seen it before, I can tell you when and where.

4. When you were a kid, what name did you give your favorite toy or stuffed animal? I had a stuffed monkey I named Coco when I was maybe 3 or 4. He never had his own fragrance, though.

5. If you had a pet parrot, what would you teach it to say? “Get off my lawn!”

6. If you could make the ultimate sandwich, what would be on it? Take me to Great Steak, and I’ll just order it.

7. What’s the funniest thing you’ve read recently? There’s a line I just read this morning in a Richard Meltzer anthology. He reviewed a Classical concert (he was a Rock journalist) for The Village Voice, and he said he couldn’t understand why rich people wasted their time on something so boring as Classical music. He asked, “Why not just watch gold being mined?” I laughed out loud at that.

8. What item do you hope will be obsolete in 20 years? Cell phones.

9. What character from a movie/book/show do you relate to the most and why? William Miller from Almost Famous. He got to live the life I dreamed about.

10. Who do you think will be playing on "oldies radio" in 30 years? Probably the same things they were playing 30 years ago – same stuff in exactly the same order. And nobody will be listening then either.

11. What is a food combination people eat that you just can’t get behind? Anything with guacamole.

12. What's the one item you can't live without? A turntable.

13. What is your favorite line from any movie? Joubert in 3 Days of the Condor says to Condor regarding his profession (assassin): “There’s no need to believe in either side. The belief is in your own precision.”

14. If you could attend any celebrity wedding which would it be? Taylor Swift. Although what kind of gift do you get for her?

15. What was your kindergarten teacher like? Her name was Mrs. Martin, and she was probably the nicest, sweetest teacher I ever had. After that it was all downhill.

16. If you could meet any author, who would it be and why? Most all my favorites are dead now except Lisa Robinson, the Rock journalist. I think we’d hit it off. Lots in common.

17. If you wore one, what did your prom dress look like? I would’ve had to wear a tux since I’m a guy, and I never have and never would have worn one. I did not go to either of my Proms. I wouldn’t have been able to get a date anyway. If I had gone, I’d have liked my date to be wearing a strapless “little black dress.”

18. If you could be any kind of animal, which would you be? Probably a lion so nobody could screw with me.

19. Is a hot dog a sandwich? No. A sandwich requires TWO pieces of bread or TWO buns with something in between.

20. Have you ever made a prank phone call? When I was kid, sure.

21. Which celebrity do you think you look like? I don’t think I look like any of them. But a woman I worked with as a teenager told me she thought I looked like Al Pacino. I was once told I looked like David Byrne of Talking Heads. And the last time anyone told me I looked like somebody famous it was a woman I worked with, and she said I looked like Javier Bardem.

22. How do you spell it: "OK" or "okay"? Both. I don’t believe Trump has issued an executive order on that yet.

23. What's the most embarrassing song on your phone right now? There are no songs on my phone. It’s a flip phone, and I almost never use it. I hate phones. And if I have any song on my iTunes program or in my collection, I’m not embarrassed by it. I picked it therefore it has merit.

24. If you could only subscribe to one YouTube channel for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Mike’s Rockin’ Relics. I like his presentation, and he appears to be completely sane.

25. What is one thing you'll never do again? Get married.

26. Can you fold a fitted sheet by yourself? Yes. It’s not perfect, but it’ll do.

27. Is soup something you eat or drink? Eat. If you’re drinking it, you left out the good stuff.

28. Does round or square pizza taste better? It tastes the same. Stupid question.

29. Which do you prefer: Talking on the phone or texting? I hate both. I hate phones, and never use them if I can help it.

#random questions and answers

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orionares · 2 years ago

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Whumptober, Day 2

Prompt- Day 2- "They don't care about you."

NCIS: Los Angeles

A/N: Late start!=]

—---

"Kade King- that name mean anything to you?"

Marty Deeks stops in his tracks, barely through the threshold of the Admiral's office. He hadn't expected anything remotely close to this question at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning- hell, he hadn't expected more than 'a 'sign this paperwork and then go back home to your girls' or a 'my bad, I missed dialed'.

Not the Admiral dressed in a black tux, LAPD Commissioner Imani James and a question about that man.

Ex- detective Kade King, also known as current inmate#6395 at Twin Towers Correctional Center in Los Angeles.

Kilbride sits down in his office chair and leans back, emitting a squeak from the chair. "When was the last time you spoke to King?"

Deeks glances between Commissioner James and the large, weathered LAPD file sitting on her lap. "The last time I talked or looked the man in the eye was 2010. It was for his trial….Hetty gave me the day off and….why? King got twenty-five to life for rape, bribery and second degree attempted murder. "

"Attempted murder against you," Commissioner corrects. She's around his age with a cold expression across her face as she continues, "Investigator Deeks, as I know you have a newborn at home, I'll get to the point. King has information about the Skorpios crew and he won't tell anyone other than you."

Deeks' eyes flicker over to the Admiral, also displaying an impassive although grumpy expression. "King got twenty to life, meaning his minimum for parole is 2030. What could he possibly get from bartering? He's not getting out early unless he breaks out- elopes- escapes? Don't they all mean-"

"Investigator Deeks!" Kilbride calls out. He scowls when Deeks freezes mid-rant. "A driver is downstairs to take you to Twin Tower Correctional. Take the time to review everything that's happened with King and maybe review your last interaction."

No need to review that day, Deeks thinks as Kilbride and the Commissioner share a glance. I've never forgotten.

—------

King is waiting, without a lawyer, when Deeks arrives .

Deeks slides past a bored looking Correctional officer and enters interview room #4 to face the sixty-one year old King. The man, once 5'8 and yet bulky and quick on his feet, leans back as far as he can with his wrists cuffed to the table. He's a little rounder now with his cold green eyes and scar hidden under his beard.

"Look who the cat dragged in," King jokes. He scans Deeks from head to toe and snorts, "You haven't aged a day."

"Why am I here?" Deeks snaps. He crosses his arms and peers down at King. "Scratch that- why am I here at 7:15 in the morning?"

King scoffs, glances over towards the barred window in the right corner of the room and mutters, "You remember the last time we saw each other?"

When you'd glared at me across the courtroom, Deeks recalls silently. The memory of sitting in the courtroom and feeling the anger resonating off of the ex-detective during sentencing.

"I hereby sentence you to twenty years to life, Mr. King, for the rape of Madison Nikalov, bribery and the attempted murder of a LAPD officer-"

King slams his both palms on the table, jolting Deeks out of the memory and back into the interrogation room where King is shaking his head at him.

"Still an idiot-"

"One- it's Investigator," Deeks huffs in annoyance and then asks, "Does Skorpios have a target?"

King ignores the question and points at Deeks' right leg. "How's the leg?"

Another memory flashes across Deeks' mind- King, charging at him after receiving the news that the officer who'd reported King for his crimes, was Deeks. No one had tried to stop King as he'd tackled Deeks to the ground, grabbed the closest sharpest object and-

"By the way you walked in here, I'm guessing my little cut didn't do much damage," King continues. He cocks his head to the right and Deeks can feel the man's eyes linger on Deeks' neck.

Deeks bites down on the inside of his cheek and thinks, Slicing my leg isn't a cut, you jackass. You gonna call you trying to strangle me as a snuggle?

"And when I-"

The Investigator holds up a hand. "I'm going to stop you right there, King. I am not here to share our feelings and catch up like old friends, especially-" He pushes himself off the wall, "- if it's for you reminisce on you trying to kill me for telling the truth-"

"After all these years, you still think you're special," King sneers. He leans forward across the table as far as he can go. "Good. That makes this so much more fun."

Deeks shakes his head, "The hell does that mean?"

"You know when I found out that you'd become a Fed, I'd been in disbelief…I thought I had taught you that you are a traitor and can't be trusted. But then I thought, NCIS would figure that out with their fancy government checks and big brains-"

"Stop-"

King's eyes darken as he smirks, "What makes you think NCIS won't throw you to the wolves at the drop of a hat? They don't care about you, Deeks- I thought I made that clear. "

"And I'm done." Deeks turns on his heels to walk off before King holds up a hand and mutters, "Fine."

King slides a crumpled piece of paper from the sleeve of his right arm and holds out the crumpled piece of paper.

"What is this?" Deeks mutters and takes the paper. He unfolds the paper and feels a chill run down his spine at the dated printed image of a middle eastern woman, early twenties, grinning in front of an unrecognizable building. Below the picture are two handwritten names, the first one being- Talia Amin.

"She's the daughter of Bahrain NCIS Station Chief Sayed Amin and about now," King twists his left wrist as far as he can in handcuffs, "he'll call his little sunshine and realize that she isn't traveling with her girlfriends around the capital."

Deeks examines the handwriting that scribbles a second name- his own.

"And in about an hour, Amin will get an email with one simple easy request to get his little girl-"

The Investigator doesn't need to hear the rest. Everything connects- the random call from the prison, the reminiscing and now the note-

A father will do anything to protect his child. Even if it means trading a life to get them back.

"My life for hers," Deeks concludes aloud. "I'm a bargaining chip."

King's smile widens like a Cheshire cat. "Told you it'd be fun."

-------‐-

A/N: Part 2?

#whumptober 2023 #no.2 #they don't care about you #ncis la #fic #marty deeks

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rosemaryentombed · 6 months ago

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2024 AO3 Year in Review!

Number of Fanfictions Published: 22 new unique works!

Number of Fandoms Written for: 2 unique fandoms; 1 sub-fandom

Top Fandom: DC Comics (21 unique works!)

First Published Fanfiction: Sleek Bindings, an Injustice: Gods Among Us fanfiction, published January 8th, 2024

Last Published Fanfiction: Skin Deep, a Gintama fanfiction, published December 23rd, 2024

Fanfiction with the most Kudos: The Red House (and all who live in its walls), a DC Comics fanfiction

Fanfiction with the most Kudos & Comments (Multichapter): The Red House (and all who live in its walls), a DC Comics fanfiction

Fanfiction with the most Kudos (One-Shot): A Handful of Pomegranate Seeds, a DC Comics fanfiction

Fanfiction with the most Comments (One-Shot): The Deification of One Bartholomew Henry Allen II, a DC Comics fanfiction

Fanfiction Most Proud of: The Deification of One Bartholomew Henry Allen II and The Unchained Promethean Heart, DC Comics fanfiction

Most Challenging Fanfiction to Write: A Man Named Humanity, a DC Comics fanfiction

Fanfiction That I Wish Got More Attention: I’ve Come Again to Break the Teeth and Claws of This Man-Eating Monster We Call Life, a DC Comics fanfiction, I brought back Ultraman

Favorite Quote/Passage:

“You’re healing it,” Metron told him when he ran into the New God while in the Promethean Galaxy to psyche himself up for his and Kon’s wedding that Bart would not be late for, but still needed to prepare himself for because they were getting married. Bart was dressed in a wedding tux Jenni had brought from the future so that Bart could pull out blaster guns in case anyone decided to crash the wedding. But even he looked normal compared to the funky little guy floating in his funky little chair. “Healing what?” He asked eventually. “Reality,” Metron told him. Bart considered it. “The Linear Men keep saying I’m breaking it all over again.” “You cannot break what is already broken. They do not understand beyond what they see. The only path forward is to keep moving. The more you run, the more the connective tissue of the omniverse heals.” “And that’s a good thing?” “There is no good nor bad, only the prime objective of securing life.” And Bart thought that finally, he understood why the Speed Force and the Great Darkness had pushed him to leave their embrace, to go outside the realm of probability and create infinite possibility. And once it clicked, he turned around and went home to marry his man with all his friends and family watching him, supporting him – loving him. - The Unchained Promethean Heart

Total Kudos: 377

Total Comment Threads: 133

Total Bookmarks: 101

Total Hits: 4,602

Total Wordcount Published: 207,648 words!!! (beating last year's 161,626!)

So I guess there are, in fact, consequences to getting back into comics you used to read as a kid. I'm thinking 200k worth of fanfiction in a single calendar year is proof DC Comics still has an iron grip on my soul. Ew, but I'll live with it. Imagine if I got back into Kpop....

In 2025, I plan to continue dodging layoffs and administering fandom-wide events. Being old and having too much time on my hands affords me many privileges.

As for publication goals…. whatever Allah deems acceptable. May be 1k, may be 100k. Inshallah, we will see. I will continue to write whatever my heart desires.

Have a lovely year, homies! And thank you for reading, as always.

#ava's ficcing adventures #real talk

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chrisevanslovesposts · 7 months ago

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Ginny and Georgia

Harriet was sat in her English class. The teacher wasn't even there, that's how bad this school was. Kids were blowing bubbles with their bubble gum, throwing papers around, sitting on the desks, drawing penis on the chalk boards. She sat at her one person desk drawing in her notebook when some kid sat in front of her, she looked up to see the person staring right at her.

"What?" She asked giving him the stink eye.

"Could I-" He went to say before she heard her name being called and looked up to see a woman poking her head in the classroom.

"Harriet Miller." She called. Harriet stood up and walked out into the hall with the woman.

"It's just Harry." She told her.

"You're stepfather has been in an accident. Your mom's on her way here with your brother and sister. I'm so sorry, honey. He didn't make it." The woman told her as her jaw fell and the woman pulled her into a hug.

The woman in front of her let her out of the hug and walked away. Harriet turned and walked over at the casket looking down at her stepfather.

"Poor Amber Lynn. I know they had their problems with the divorce, but still, she must be devastated. Have you seen the new wife?" She heard two woman talking behind her as she pulled Austin, who was in a black tux that match her and Ginny's black dress, into her side as Ginny joined her other side putting her hand on her shoulder as they all looked down at him.

"Who shows that much cleavage at a funeral? Tacky." The woman shook her head as Harriet looked over at her then at Ginny. Ginny looked at her before pushing her and Austin forward. As they walked pass the woman Ginny purposefully bumped into the woman.

"Oh!" The woman said turning to them.

"Oops. Pardon me. I tripped." Ginny smiled cunningly at them before they scoffed and walked away.

They stopped as they heard their mother talking very loudly and 'sad'. They stood there watching her as she tricked all the people around her into thinking she actually cared, not the Harriet actually cared either, she never liked Kenny.

"Kenny was the best. The best. After being a single mother for so long, he was like a godsend. And he was wonderful with Virginia, Harriet, and Austin. He treated 'em like his very own. He was a generous angel, and I can't believe he's gone." Georgia continued even let out some fake tears.

Georgia, Ginny, Harriet, and Austin all drove along the highway singing along to the music. Actually Ginny was driving and Georgia and Austin were singing. Harriet sat by Austin scrolling through her phone.

"But she caught me on the counter." Georgia sang.

"It wasn't me." Austin sung after.

"Saw me banging on the sofa."

"It wasn't me."

I even had her in the shower."

"It wasn't me."

"She even caught me on camera."

"It was- Hey!" Austin said after Ginny turned the music off.

"I'm sorry. Do you think this song's appropriate for a nine-year-old or a newly fourteen-year-old in the back?" Ginny asked

"Oh, please. Harry can listen to whatever she wants. And he doesn't even understand any of it. Austin, what's this song about?" Georgia asked him.

"Doing it on the bathroom floor and getting caught and lying so you don't get in trouble." Austin explained as Georgia chuckled.

"Go back to your Harry Potter game." She told him.

"What are you wearing? You look like Vanessa Hudgens at Rydell High." Ginny tucked the hair behind her head.

"The fact that that your Rizzo is Vanessa and not Stockard is literally everything that's wrong with your generation." Georgia shook her head.

"Stockard is great, okay, but Vanessa surprised everyone. Who knew?" Ginny said before Georiga shoved her freshly painted toes in her face.

"You like?"

"You look like you have gangrene."

"You guys are gonna like Massachusetts. It's very patriotic. Perfect for a fresh start." Georgia told them as she looked at Harriet in the review mirror.

There was only a handful of things that made Harriet and Georgia similar. By looks they could be twins. Blonde hair, blue eyes, similar face structure. Austin shared the similarity. She even had the same thick country accent her mom had. Not sure where she got it from, probably that Gil never talked to her when she was a baby. Georgia always did, so learning to talk, she always said things like Georgia and no one corrected her. On the inside they were alike as well, with the same protectiveness, bravery, and stubbornness. But Harriet was also kind and caring when wanting to be. And she had a big heart that she sometimes wore on her sleeve. She's been told many times she got a big heart, but sometimes people hated how big her heart was because she didn't say no very often and always saved others from situations they deserved to be in. But she could also very scary when needed. She also shared that with Georgia. And she didn't like when her family was messed with. But she always let people in fast and trusted a little too easy. When going through things she kept them to herself not wanting to put burdens on others. But she also had some really bad anger issues.

"You can't get pregnant." Ginny said.

"You know something I don't?" Georgia asked.

"A baby named Massachusetts or Wellsbury? It's Child Abuse." Ginny shook her head.

Ginny was born in Virginia, her full name. Harriet was born in Harriet, Texas and Austin was born in Austin, Texas.

"Bury is kinda cute." Georgia smiled.

"You said we'd be here for a while, right, mom? Just the four of us?" Austin asked.

"Remember that road trip Kenny took us onto the Great Basin Desert?" Georgia asked him.

"Yeah. It went on and on and on and on." Austin shook his head.

"Well, Momma's datin' life is like that desert. Nothin' in cite as far as the eye can go." Georgia shook her head.

"Their was nothin' in that desert."

"Oh! There was nothin' in that desert."

"I'll believe it when I see it." Ginny looked over at her before looking back at the road.

"You're crabby today!" Georgia laughed.

"What's wrong?" She asked seriously.

"I'm sad. I'm a human having an emotion. Am I allowed to be sad?" Ginny asked.

"Sad? You hated Texas?" Georgia looked at her like she was weird.

"Maybe I miss Kenny." Ginny shook her head.

"Please, we all hated Kenny." Harriet sighed from the back a Georgia raised her eyebrows pointing at her.

Harriet grabbed her Airpods the rest of the ride. As they drove around the town looking at everything she knew her mom was talking to them, she was always talking. Not caring she kept her Airpods in, looking around at everything. When they got to their new house, 2-story giant brick house they all got out together and Georgia all pulled them together.

"It's a far cry from the walk-up in Houston and the apartment in New Orleans. Look at it." Georgia bumped Ginny.

"It's just ours? Just the four of us?" Austin asked again.

"Mm-hmm." Georgia nodded her head at him.

"Let's go pick bedrooms!" Austin yelled grabbing Harriet's hand and pulling her in with him.

Austin ran to the biggest room claiming it as his. Harriet walked down the hall to the bedroom by the bathroom and walked in. Plain. That what it was, plain. Ready for fresh coat of paint and fresh start. Harriet smiled as she put her airpods in her pocket. Once the moving truck got their they started unpacking. By the end of the night she had all her stuff unpacked and set up nice and neat around the room,furniture laid out, bed and bed post, and bed made nice and neat.

The next morning Austin and Harriet stood with Georgia in front of their new school.

"Is this it? This is nothing. Hogwarts makes this look like a joke." Georgia told Austin who had been nervous for his first day of school since they started packing back in Texas.

"Yeah." Austin agreed.

"Would Harry Potter be scared?"

"No, but Ron would."

"Yeah, well, Ron's a pussy. Okay, now soldier. Ten-hut! Remember, you win more flies with honey, but if you get yourself a bee-" Georgia told Austin.

"You sting first. Crucio!" Austin said to her and she acted like she had been hit.

"Oh!" Georgia said then Austin hugged her.

"Hey. Hey, hey, he, it's okay. You're magic, remember?" Georgia told him as they heard laughing.

"Look at that kid!" Some kids across the yard were acting like they were hugging each other laughing at Austin.

"Go on in, then." Georgia told him.

"Austin, go on in, wait by the doors. I'll be in, in a minute." Harriet told him before he ran off and Harriet turned to Georgia.

"You nervous, too?" Georgia asked her as she reached up brushing some of Harriet's hair out of her face.

"No, kinda used to switching schools by now." She shrugged looking over at the schools before turning back to Georgia who was staring at her.

"I love you, Peach." Georgia told her smiling at her.

"Love you too, Momma." Harriet told her before walking away.

She found Austin by the doors. She walked him to his class before leaving school and walking to the high school. She promised Austin she would walk him to class first day of school and she wasn't one to break a promise. She went and found her first class. AP English. With Ginny. That was a high class just for Ginny. But her old school was a curriculum ahead of this school, plus she was smart. She also skipped a grade when younger. She walked over to the teacher where Ginny stood.

"Hi, Harry Miller. Ginny's sister." She introduced herself and the teacher looked at her then Ginny.

"Okay, um, let me just look there." He said grabbing his sheet of attendance. He found her and Ginny's names together.

"Right, wow a freshman. Okay." He said looking at the sheet as kids started to walk in. He set the sheet down before turning back to them.

"Virginia, Harriet, I should warn you. We keep a, uh, rigorous pace in AP English. The AP students take this very seriously. So, if my class proves to be too much for you, I suggest you do yourself a favor and move down to regular English, okay? I'd hate to see you you bite off more than you can chew. Uh, we cover all the greats. Steinbeck, Salinger, Miller, Homer, Fitzgerald, Shakespeare, of course. Um...16 books in total. Okay?" The teacher told them handing them the list.

"It's Ginny." Ginny told him.

"And Harry." Harry said kindly before turning and following her sister who scoffed as they found a seat.

"We're living in a crest commercial." Ginny told her as they sat next to each other.

"Welcome back AP English. Hiding in the back there, you will find the new students, Virginia and Harriet Miller. I trust you will make them feel welcome." He told everyone as they settled down and got seated.

"It's Ginny." Ginny called.

"And Harry." Harriet called after her. It was a habit, plus she just hated being called Harriet. The teacher completely ignored them.

"I know it's our first day back from summer vacation, but I thought it was a excellent opportunity for a pop quiz. Those of you who didn't do the summer reading of The Crucible are in for a world of pain. Uh, don't worry, Virginia, Harriet, I don't expect you to have read it." The teacher told them making Harriet look from her paper she was reading and to look at him. As she looked over at Ginny who raised her hand.

"Oh. Yes, you have a question?"

"There are 16 books on this syllabus."

"Yes. Like I said, you can always drop down--"

"Fourteen of them are written by men, 15 were written by white people, and I'm willing to make a guess that the one black author will crop up for Black History Month. Am I right?" Ginny asked him as some people laughed.

"Excuse me?" He asked and Harriet sat up a little straighter.

"We're very serious about our education, Mr. Gitten. I'm worried I might internalize an ideology that the main viewpoint, the viewpoint worth studying in class, the viewpoint of the greats, is only that of the white male, thus eradicating her voice as immaterial. And finally, I'm worried we won't be stimulated intellectually. Also, we both have read The Crucible, and I'm confident we can take the quiz today." Harriet leapt into her add in as the class chuckled.

"Are you through, Virginia, Harriet?" Mr. Gitten asked.

"No. Please call me Ginny." Ginny added sweetly and the class chuckled.

"And Harry." Harriet flashed a kind smile.

"Well, I don't know how things were done at your last school, Ginny, Harry, but here, we don't tolerate political outbursts and grandstanding at the expense of your peers' class time." He raised his voice at them before a girl on the other side of Ginny in a pink hoodie raised her hand.

"Yes, Maxine?"

"Hi. I'm, like, also super concerned about my subconscious digestion of the superiority of the white male perspective. Also, I have period cramps so can I go to the nurse?" The girl asked making everyone laugh.

"Okay, that's it. For the rest of the class, we will be silent and take the pop quiz. It's worth 10% of your first semester grade." Mr. Gitten told them as Ginny and Harriet looked over at Maxine who smiled at the both of them and clapped her hands silently.

After class Harriet was walking down the hallway towards her locker when she was stopped when someone stepped in her way and didn't move.

"Excuse me." She said but they didn't move.

"Excuse me." She said louder still no movement. She stepped forward shoving the person forward making them turn to her with a confused look.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there." He said smiling at her.

"Yea...it's fine." Harriet shook her head looking up at him as he just stared at her.

"I've gotta go." She said going to walk past.

"Oh, uh, wait. I'm-I'm Theodore Grant. We've got AP English together. We're the only two freshman to have it." He stuck his hand out.

"Harriet Miller." She shook his hand.

"It was pretty cool what you and your sister did back there." He smiled at her.

"Thanks. Just sticking up for my sister. Not a fan of when people trash her." She told him and he nodded his head.

"Bye, bye, Theo." She heard behind her and turned to see Maxine behind her with Ginny.

She turned back to Theodore and he winked at her before walking away.

"Sorry bout him, He's an asshole. Kind of like Marcus. He's also an asshole." Maxine told Ginny.

"Yeah." Ginny said quietly making Harriet turned and raise her eyebrows at her.

"Yeah, total asshole." Ginny crossed her arms across her chest.

"Yeah. He's my twin brother. Theo's our kid brother. Grown up together. He pretty much lives with us. but were not related. So two twin brothers kind of." Maxine told them.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I-" Ginny went to apologize.

"I'm sorry. I should've strangled him with my umbilical cord in the womb and done humanity a solid. Couldn't exactly do that to Theo, but could still strangle him." She shrugged before turning to walk away.

"You guys coming?" She asked them.

"Uh.." Ginny looked over at Harriet before they followed her.

"So, where are you from?"

"Texas."

"Texas. That's so exotic. That's your accent. Are you guys straight?" Maxine asked them.

"Um, what?" Harriet asked.

"Gay, straight, them, they? Do they even let you be gay in Texas?" Maxine asked.

"Um, I'm straight." Ginny told her.

"Me, too." Harriet nodded along.

"Ugh! That's such a bummer. There are no good gays here." Maxine told them as they walked into the lunch room. Maxine turned to them as they walked down past a bunch of tables.

"You guys are going to love my friends, okay? So that's Norah, that's Jordan, that's Brodie, that's Hunter, Theo, and this is Abby. Guys, this is Ginny and Harry. Their my new neighbors. Their from Texas. And I'm in love with them, so you need to worship them and be nice." Maxine told everyone.

"Um, howdy." Harriet smiled.

"Howdy. God! I love southern accents. You know, I feel like you could get away with saying the nastiest shit, and it would still come out sounding all sweet and charming like you were offering me lemonade, you know?" Max said as they sat down and she sat down on the table across from them.

"Like... I'll cut your face! See? It's still charming. And you know what? Both of your guys skin is flawless. Do you jade roll?" Max asked reaching out to touch Ginny's skin but she backed away.

"Oh, sorry. Is that like when white girls touch black girls hair?" Max asked making Harriet stand up.

"Ahem." She cleared her throat as she looked around the table at everyone that was staring at her. Keeping her shaking hands under bay she cleared her throat again, "I'm gonna go...use the restroom." She told everyone before turning and leaving.

She walked out of the lunchroom shaking her head. She took a deep breath and shook her shaking hands. It only happened every once in a while. It wasn't like it was all the time. Only when she got mad, or upset. It wasn't a panic attack. She didn't know what it was. Just that her hands shaked violently, and she itched to punched someone, or something so hard her whole hand broke her the other object on the other side of her hand broke. And her breath would hitch in her throat, making it seem like she just ran a mile but she barely walked two feet. As she took some more deep breaths Ginny walked out.

"You okay?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm good." Harriet told her.

"You sure?" Ginny asked

"Yeah... I don't know what happened. I was fine one moment, then the next.... I wasn't." She shook her head.

"Hey, were skipping to go get lunch, wanna come?" Ginny asked and Harriet turned and smiled.

"Yeah." She said and they went and found Max and left.

The three of them walked around town. They're was happy people everywhere, signs for local dances, the mayor, the school everywhere.

"Everyone here is just so happy." Ginny said as they walked down the sidewalk/

"It's a front. They're all miserable. Everyone's just slowly marching inevitably and irrevocably closer to death. Also, I totally saw Hunter checking you out earlier. It was very cute." Max looked over at Ginny who smiled before it dropped as she looked at something.

Harriet looked to where she was looking. Too see mother at Blue Farm cafe having lunch with a guy.

"Ginny? Harriet?" Max asked as they slowed down to a complete stop.

"That's our mom." Ginny told her.

"No! Are her boobs real?" Max asked them.

"Who's that guy she's talking to?" Harriet asked.

"That's Mayor Paul "waiting for my Bachelor casting call" Randolph. All the thirsty moms throw their twats at him." Max told them

"Let's get out of here." Harriet said turning and walking away.

At the end of the day Harriet left early and walked over to the elementary school and walked in and collected Austin from his class.

"Hey, buddy!" She smiled at him and he just walked over to her with a sad face and grabbed her hand pulling her out of the school with him.

"Hey, bud, what's wrong. Hey, where's you're glasses." She asked as they walked to the car.

He didn't say anything and just got in and Harriet stood their beside it.

"Hey, bud!" Georgia smiled but he just did the same thing he did to Harriet.

"Hey, what's wrong. Where's you're glasses?" Georgia asked him.

"Can we go?" He asked her as he looked down at his hands, where he held onto broken glasses.

"Who did this? Show me." Georgia demanded and Austin pointed out the kid from this morning that laughed at him.

"Looks like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Georgia muttered.

"Look at me. You're magic. Screw that asshole. He's a bee. And what do we do to bees?" Georgia asked him.

"I'm gonna go." Harriet said before walking away.

Even though headed to the same place she took the nice peaceful walk home.When she got home she went up to her room and started her homework. She knew when Ginny got home because her and Georgia immediately started yelling at each other. As she walked over to her door to shut it she saw Austin walking out of his towards where Georgia stood in Ginny's door screaming at her.

"Austin-" She went to say as she walked out towards.

"What guy?" Austin asked after Ginny brought up them seeing Georgia with the Mayor.

Hey, honey. Look, I fixed your glasses." Georgia walked over to him putting his glasses on his face and laying her hand on his cheek.

"Why don't you tell Austin, mom? Tell him how all your promises are shit because you're already getting your hooks into some guy. So don't give me the sob story on the crap you went through so we could have a better life. Frankly, it's boring." Ginny slammed her door.

"You were with a guy?" Austin asked.

"Austin, its..." Georgia went to tell before he turned around, went to his bedroom and slammed his door shut.

"Fine! We wanna slam doors? Well, we can all slam doors!" Georgia walked into her room and slammed her door.

Harriet headed towards Austin room but his door was locked so she went to Ginny's.

"Are you serious. It's not like she was rubbing up on him. You were with Marcus today. Must have slept with him. Hmm? Austin believes every word out of our mouth before moms." Harriet walked into her room.

"Get out!" Ginny yelled at her.

"No! You don't get to do around slamming doors and walking into the house screaming. There is a 9 year old here. Remember? So you know I'd rather him at least have half a better childhood then we had. You say the song in the car was bad for him, well this is too. Austin doesn't understand that he should 100% percent trust mom over you. You're his older sister, you're suppose to set the right examples." Harriet told her as Ginny got off her bed.

"Get out, now! What are you doing right now?" Ginny yelled at her trying to shove her out her door but Harriet just shoved her back.

"I'm not getting out! And I'm yelling because this is something to yell about. You don't care about anyone but yourself! Get over yourself, Ginny! He's you're little brother. All he's wanted this whole time was it to be us four. And now he thinks his mother is the worst person in the world because you wanna scream at her and make him think that she's already got some new man, when she was just having lunch him, because she doesn't want what happened to her to happened to you. For a good reason!" Harriet yelled at her as she just kept trying to shove her out of her room with no luck.

"Harriet! Room now!" Georgia walked out pointing towards Harriet's room.

"Oh, you're gonna side with her, she just screamed at you. Austin thinks that you're bringing another man into our four person family!" Harriet yelled.

"Room." Georgia told her

"Oh, this is bullshit. Why are you siding with her, she just screamed in your face. She's a horrible daughter!" Harriet yelled .

"Harriet Rue Miller! Room, now!" Georgia reached out to grab her.

Harriet moved her arm out of the way and grabbed her hoodie off the chair by her door and walked downstairs. She walked out of the house throwing her hoodie on and continued on down the street. She wasn't sure were she was going but she needed to go somewhere else then that house. As she walked down the street she felt her hands violently shake. She took a couple deep breaths. Two times in one day, this is really such a great town. By the time she reached the blue farming cafe she had calmed down. She walked up to the counter.

"Hi, Joe. Can I get a scone please?" She asked reading the guys name tag and he just stared at her.

"Um, are you okay?" She asked him as he cleared his throat.

"Yeah, um, are you related to Georgia?" He asked.

"Um... yes. That's my mother. She already causing mischief?" Harriet asked making Joe chuckle.

"Just a scone?" He asked

"Yes, please." She nodded his head.

"Alright, $2.34." He said and she pulled a five out of her back pocket.

"Keep the change." She said as he grabbed some napkins and grabbed the scone then handed it to her.

"Thank you." She said walking over to a table.

She pulled open her phone and and scrolled through as she ate.

"So, we just so happen to be in the same English together, same friend group, andddd we go to the same cafe." Someone said causing her to look up and see Theo.

"Oh, hi." She smiled

"Mind if I sit?" He pointed to the chair across from her and she shook her head.

Just as he sat down Joe was already at the table with a sandwich.

"Hey, Theo, just regular." Joe told him as Theo pulled 20 bucks out of his wallet and handed it to him.

"Keep the change." Theo said and Jeo walked away.

"So, you being a stalker, or what's happening?" Theo asked her.

"What? I was here before you." She told him as a small smile graced her lips as he chuckled.

"Hey, Joe, I'm gonna need that to-go box." Theo turned and looked at Joe who shook his head but went and got a box.

"Well, I have to go, lots of homework from Mr. Gitten today, just grabbing a snack." He told her standing up and pushing his chair in as Joe handed him the box.

"Yeah, he's an asshole." Harriet rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, he's always been like that. It's like he's got a 10 inch rod up his ass 24/7." Theo said making Harriet laugh.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Theo told her winking before walking out.

"mm." She nodded her head as another small smile graced her lips.

She finished her scone and walked back home. By the time she reached home, the street lights had come on and the sun had set. She walked into the house taking the money out of her pocket and throwing it on table near the door. She walked upstairs and it was completely quiet.

Guess no one has talked yet.

She opened her door to her room and find Georgia sitting at her desk.

"Oh, hi, Peach. Finally decided to grace us with your presents." Georgina smiled at her.

Harriet back tracked and shut her door before walking over to Austin's room.

"Nope." She heard and turned back to Georgina who was walking out of her room.

"He's in their crying because he thinks it his fault you left. He thinks because he was so quick to believe Ginny over me and you started yelling at her then left when I told you to go to your room and cool off, before some got hurt that it's his fault. I wasn't taking her side. I was telling you go to go your room before someone got hurt, because guess what, the first time that happened I was on the other end of it, remember, you got so angry cause Ginny took your toy. You started shaking and you sounded like you just ran 100 miles all at once. I tried to reach out and calm you down and you turned and punched me. I wasn't bout to have it happen to her. I get you were angry, you don't want Austin to grow up around me and her fighting or all the yelling like you did. But you need to learn control before you severally hurt someone." Georgia told her and she stood their listening to her before turning back to Austin's room.

"I'm gonna go apologize." She told her and Georgia nodded her head before heading off to Austin's bedroom.

As Harriet walked across the school yard where Austin was walking towards the car she watched the boys from yesterday walk over to Austin laughing and shoved him knocking his bag out of his hands. Harriet quickly walked over grabbing Austin's bag and handing it to him.

"Hey." Harriet walked over to the kid.

He turned to her and his smile dropped. Harriet shoved him and he fell to the ground.

"Leave him alone." Harriet told him and grabbed Austins shoulder and pulled him away with her. When she turned around she looked up to see Georgia making her way over. She walked pass them towards the kid. Harriet and Austin back tracked and walked over with him.

"Hey, Zach. I'm Austin's mom. Would you come over here for a sec?" She asked and they all walked behind a bush.

"Zach, Austin was telling me about how you broke his glasses." Georgia told him.

"No, I didn't" The kid lied as Georgia got a napkin out of her bag.

"It wasn't a question. You broke Austin's glasses, which makes you a bee. Austin, what do we do to bees?" Georgia asked and Austin reached his arm out and punched the kid in the nose and he yelled.

"I think you were right. Austin fell and broke his glasses just like you fell and broke your nose, understand?" Georgia asked as she took the napkin, covered his nose, and started twisting it sideways and Zach screamed.

"That was a question. Do you understand?"

"Yes! Ow!" Zach said.

"Mom, thats enough now." Harriet told her making her look at her before they walked out from behind the bush and Georgia acted like she was holding his nose.

"We got a nosebleed over here." Georgia called as Zach yelled making his mom, Cynthia, gasp and walk over.

"Oh! Zach! Sweetheart, are you okay?" Cynthia asked running over and replacing Georgia's hand with hers.

"He had a nasty little spill." Georgia told her.

"Thank you so much for being here." Cynthia thanked her.

"Of course. Such a sweet boy. You should be more careful. And I'll see you tonight, Cynthia. I am so excited for the school board meetin'. If we don't protect our kids, who will?" Georgia said running her hands through Austins hair and putting her other hand on Harriet's shoulder.

"Yes, that's exactly right. Oh, sweetie." Cynthia said

They left to go pick up Ginny from her school. Harriet walked over to Ginny and everyone else.

"Hey, Gin. Mom's here." She said making every look over at where Georgia stood.

Brodie whistled and stared at her.

"I know." Max said as they all stared.

"I'll catch you guys later." Ginny said.

"Bye, guys." Harriet smiled at them before following after Ginny. As soon as they were in earshot of Georgia, Ginny started in.

"What are you doing here? You know I hate when you show up at my school." Ginny stormed over to her.

"I wanna make up. I don't like when we fight. I brought a surprise." Georgia turned to Austin who stood in the front seat as Harriet jumped into the back.

"Car picnic! Car picnic!" Austin cheered.

"Fine. Whatever. Car picnic. Let's just get outta here." Ginny said and they all got in and drove to the park before setting up all the food they got on the back of the car and ate.

"Mm. Bacony. Pass the chocolate milkshake, please." Georgia asked Ginny as they ate their donuts that had bacon on them.

"Grotesque." Ginny said grabbing it and handing it to her.

"Okay. You have to stop. I shouldn't have gone all mom on you about that jerkoff with the bike, but I had flashback of this age. Your whole life flashed before my eyes, and you were pregnant and broke and a high school drop out, and all that was fine. And then, you had a super bratty teenage daughter, and honestly, that was awful. I just wouldn't wish that on you. Forgive me? Yes?" Georgia asked and Ginny nodded her head.

"Yes."

"Whoo!" Georgia cheered.

"You were right. He was a jerkoff. Besides, um, I have a date tonight with a different guy." Ginny told them and Georgia gasped as Harriet turned in her seat to look at her.

"Who? Who is it? Is it Hunter?" Harriet asked and Ginny slowly nodded her head.

"Zuckerburg?" Georgia asked

"Mom!" Ginny said.

"Your first date ever! This is big." Georgia smiled

"Hell yeah it is. Whoo!" Harriet laughed.

"That's what Maxine said." Ginny said.

"Maxine?" Georgia asked.

"Oh, uh, our new friend." Ginny looked over at Harriet.

"Your guys new friend! Together, like you both are friends with this person. Well, well, well! I told you this place was different." Georgia told them.

"Yeah, yeah, give me the bacon doughnut. This is putrid." Ginny said handing it to Harriet who took a bite and immediately spit it out and handed it to Austin.

"I like it." Austin said as Georgia wrapped ice in a napkin.

"This will keep the swelling down." Georgia told him taking the doughnut and putting the ice on his hand.

"Do I wanna know?" Ginny asked.

"You wouldn't approve." Georgia smiled.

"I am done here! Wow, these extensions are great. You look beautiful." Georgina told Ginny as they got her ready for her date. Max started squealing and jumping a little.

"You guys are really ruining this for me." Ginny looked at herself in the mirror.

"This is some straight Judy Blume shit. I want my ashes scattered in this closet." Max said looking through Georgia's closet.

"Don't rub your eyes. You'll smear your mascara." Harriet told her sitting down beside her.

"And under no circumstances have sex. However, if you end up giving him a blow job, there is this trick with the balls-- " Georgia started to tell her as she took off her sweatpants.

"Mom!" Ginny yelled as Georgia started taking off her shirt.

"I'm kidding! No blow jobs." She laughed as Ginny went back to fixing her hair in the mirror.

"You're trying too hard to be edgy. It's annoying, and no one likes you." Ginny told her.

"Don't be rude." Harriet pushed her shoulder forward before walking to her moms closet.

"I like you." Max looked over at Georgia.

"She likes me. Tell me about his Hunter kid." Georgia told Max.

"Oh, yeah, I've known Hunter my whole life. Seventh grade is when he got hot, but he's still super nice, so everyone loves him. And he's, like, super smart. He's in our AP English class, where he saw Ginny and Harry's epic take down." Max looked over at them as Georgia got her black dress on.

"Take down?" Georgia asked as Harriet stopped what she was doing and sat down.

"No, it was nothing." Ginny shook her head.

"It was awesome. Mr. Gitten was all like, "You won't be able to keep up in this class." and then Ginny and Harry were all like "You're a racist." It was awesome." Max told her.

"He said you couldn't keep up?" Georgia looked over at them

"It wasn't a big deal. Please, don't do anything. We can handle it." Harriet asked

"Fine." Georgia said before turning and looking the mirror and fixing her hair.

"Your wearing that to a school board meeting?" Ginny asked her.

"Yeah." Georgia said

Ginny and Max left and Harriet and Austin went to their rooms. A while later Harriet came down from her room and looked around for her mother. She walked out back to find Georgia and Ellen their neighbor and Max's mom smoking weed. She opened the door and they both just looked up at her.

"Oh...okay?" She said and turned around and closed the door back.

#ginny and georgia

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