#we saw close to 20 of them just snuffling around looking for food

[hellodarjeeling]

Discovered my new favorite animal at Chiricahua National Monument

[fiction-fun]

A Loving Headline

@braidedchallah @alexanderdamnhethin @creedtheconquer @rthoney @andpeggy21 @pixiepip @little-nymph-claro @haha-gunsgoburrr @hamiltimes

Fandom: Newsies the musical

Pairing: Jack/Oc

Words: 6526

I blinked open my eyes and stood quickly, pulling my vest tight around me and tucking my hair up under my hat. I reached down and shook the kid’s shoulders.

“Come on, little ones. Time to go see Ms. Medda Larkin.” I said softly.

The kids groaned but stood up getting ready for the day. I grabbed my paper bag and made sure I had enough on me for the hundred I’d be getting that day. I took Bea’s hand and lifted Ry into my arms before walking quickly down the fire escape and out of the alley. I took a look around before running across the street and ducking back behind the theatre. I knocked quickly still looking over my shoulder.

“Ley! There you are, I was getting worried.” Medda said opening the door.

I smiled softly and passed her Ry before lifting Bea up into the doorway.

“They didn’t wanna get up today. I gotta go, Jack'll never let me live it down if 'e beats me to the gate! I’ll sees yous two later, behave!” I called before turning and racing away.

I slid around the corner getting to the gate and catching my breath seconds before Jack and Crutchie walked up.

“Ley, how you always beat us here.” Jack said shaking his head and smirking at me.

I laughed sharply.

“Maybe someday you’ll be able to beat me. Not likely, but maybe.” I said a smirk curling my lips.

Jack laughed a bit at that before stopping and turning to the gate, the others coming around us. We stood watching the board.

“Whatcha think it’s gonna be today?” Someone asked behind me.

Jack shrugged and turned his head slightly.

“Doesn’t matter, if I don’t like it, I’ll just change it.” Jack said his solution to most things.

I shook my head and closed my eyes.

“I just hope it’s not the rail strike, again.” I muttered.

Those had been hard papers to sell lately. I heard murmured agreements and even Jack was nodding along. We all groaned as the board lit up.

“Rail strike enters week three! Great.” I heard muttered behind me.

The two goons opened the gate and we entered, forming the line.

“Hey Weasel!” Jack called.

We all laughed.

“It’s Wiesel!” the paper pusher called.

Jack shrugged and took his stack; I slapped my money done and shot him a look.

“Weasel, my man!” I shouted.

I walked over and grabbed my stack, high giving Jack as I did.

“Hey, weasel!” Crutchie continued the call.

I laughed and high fives him too. The kids behind Crutchie were new though.

“You could at least call me Mr.” Wiesel said with a gruff.

The kid behind Crutchie put his coin down.

“20 papers please, Mr. Wiesel.” He said as a younger boy darted over to us and grabbed a paper bag.

I looked at him and closed my eyes, he was barely older than Bea and Ry. I knew Jack saw it as an opportunity.

“Fifty more papes for the new kids!” jack said slapping a coin down.

The kid tried to fight him over it but his younger brother struck up a deal with Jack and I laughed when they shook.

“That’s disgusting.” Davey said pulling a face as Jack helped Les down.

“No, that’s how we do business. Good luck, I’m off.” I called sticking a hand up and walking away.

I went around and sold my papes the best I could, falling three short by the time my area cleared out. I sighed softly as I counted the money in my hands.

'Well, they’ll get to eat. ‘I thought as I headed back towards the theatre, seeing Jack, Davey and Les race in.

I looked and saw Snyder chasing them. I ducked back into the shadows praying they would keep me from being seen. I let out a breath and raced across the street when I was sure he was gone. I yanked open the back door and jumped in.

“Snyder after you again, Jack?” Medda was asking.

I saw Jack nod and look up I gave him a glare.

“Ya almost led him right to me!” I growled walking over to him.

His eyes went wide, and he backed up a step.

“Now, let’s not do nothin' hasty!” Jack said hands up.

I glared at him before turning back to Medda.

“Hey Ms. Medda, where are they?” I asked looking around.

She opened her mouth just as I heard two sets of feet racing towards me. I dropped to my knees and caught them hugging them tightly.

“Thanks for letting them stay here.” I said looking up at her.

“Anything for you Ley, you two know you’re always welcome.” She said smiling.

We ended up staying for a show before heading back out, Jack had tried to convince us to stay but I still had to get the kids food. I got them food quickly before we ducked back into the small hole we had found. The next morning, we repeated the morning. I got to the gate and waited, Jack and Crutchie joining me minutes later.

“Let’s hope.” I muttered.

The others nodded, and muttered agreements. All noise stopped when we saw the board.

“Prices raised for paperboys! Sixty cents a hundred?” someone read out.

We all turned to Jack; he was our leader.

“They can’t do that can they Jack?” was a common question I heard.

Jack laughed and shook his head.

“Nah! They’re just yanking us!” Jack said and that seemed to reassure everyone.

We formed a line and Jack slapped his coins down.

“Hundred papes!” he called.

Wiesel laughed meanly.

“It’s 60¢ for the hundred, Jack.” He called a cold cruel grin on his face.

Jack backed up and our line broke. He sat heavily on a crate and the others crowded him, until Les made them back up.

“Jack, you still thinkin'?” Les asked a few seconds later.

Jack nodded and then waved us in.

“We just ain’t gonna sell them, and we ain’t gonna let nobody else sell them either!” Jack declared.

Jack and Davey got into an argument about what a Union needs and how to go on strike. I swallowed feeling the ice slide down my back.

“Jack.” I called; he had just declared the strike.

He looked up at me, his eyes widening a bit, he waved me over to the truck.

“Go ahead, we won’t blame you. You gots responsibilities.” He said.

The others all started to throw a fit as I slowly walked over to the truck setting the sixty cents down to take my hundred. I kept my head down as I walked back passed the boys.

“Ley!” I paused at Jack’s voice.

I turned and looked at him.

“Don’t worry none.” He said and I gave a small smile before moving out into the city to sell my papers.

Each one I sold felt wrong, but I had to. I sold out and still had barely enough to get us all food.

‘I’ll go without tonight, so we have a little buffer in case I don’t sell enough tomorrow.’ I thought as I trudged back to the theatre.

I got the kids and we got food, then I got them back to the safe spot and got them laid down. I heard it then.

“Ry, buddy did ya just snuffle?” I asked crouching down to look at him.

I had already taken my hat and vest off, letting my hair fall down my back. The little boy nodded and snuffled again, I reached out and felt his forehead, flinching at the warmth I found. I sighed and leaned back, quickly tugging my vest on, and tucking my hair back into my hat.

“Stay here and don’t make a sound, don’t come out until I get back got me?” I asked softly.

Both kids nodded and I ducked out of the hole, running to the corner pharmacy looking through the medicine there.

'So much for a buffer.” I bit my lip as I tried to decide.

If I got the one, I knew would work it would wipe out the money I had left and make it so I couldn’t get a hundred papes tomorrow. I turned and looked trying to see if there were any other options. I reached my hand up and then hesitated.

“Are you buying something?” the counter person asked.

I looked at them for a second before looking down.

“Let me go get more money, the prices are different than what I remember.” I muttered as I turned and ran from the shop.

But I didn’t go back to the kids, I don’t know why, but I headed towards where Jack stayed. I stopped seeing him talking with that reporter lady from the other day.

“We’re counting on you, Katherine!” Jack called as she walked away.

I almost walked away; I knew Jack understood why I had to sell….but I still felt bad.

“Ley?” Jack asked turning and seeing me.

I looked up at him and waved slightly. He gave me a concerned look; he could always read me. He walked over and took my arm, leading me to the stairs, he was the only one who knew the truth.

“What’s wrong, Kaley?” he asked his voice dropped low enough no one else would hear.

I closed my eyes and bit my lip again.

‘Besides you flirting with the reporter girl?’ I thought before shaking it off.

“Ry is…is sick. And I didn’t make enough today to feed us and get his medicine. I already went without, so we’d have some incase somethin' else happened but the medicine, Jack it’s so much.” I said my voice cracking.

Jack watched me for a second before hugging me gently, that’s what was nice about Jack. He was all rough and tumble during the day but if you needed him, he was there for you.

“How much?” he asked voice soft.

I took a breath.

“25¢, I…I got most of it but it’ll wipe out any kind of buffer we had. But I have to get it! I swore I’d protect those kids.” I said my voice shaking slightly.

Jack patted my shoulder and stood up; I closed my eyes.

'He's mad, he won’t help. Why would he? I still sold; I broke us up during something so important!’ I thought.

My thoughts were cut off when I felt Jack take my hand and press a coin into it.

“Jack…I…” I said my voice wavering.

He shook his head and waved off my words.

“No, you get that medicine, and you pay me back later. If anyone knows what it takes to survive out here it’s you and me. Now, I know you’re all up in your head but, I ain’t mad atcha. I know what you gotta do, the others ain’t so happy with you, but they stopped bitchin' when I told ‘em to. Now go.” Jack said.

I stood up and hugged him quickly.

“Thank you.” I whispered before racing back off to the Pharmacy.

I ran inside and grabbed the bottle of medicine before going to the counter.

“I didn’t think you’d actually come back.” The person made no attempt to hide his disdain for me.

“Just this thanks.” I said a fake smile on my face.

He sighed and rung up the medicine, I paid quickly taking the brown bag and running from the shop. I took a long winding way back, just in case he watching me to try and send Snyder the Spider after me. I got back to the safe spot and ducked inside.

“Hey, hey, it’s ok guys. It’s just me.” I said crouching in front of them.

I tugged my cap off and pulled the medicine from the bag, I had read it in the shop and poured just the right amount into a cup for Ry. I gave it to him and he made a face.

“Now get some sleep buddy.” I whispered before settling down next to them.

I tugged off my vest and spread it over top of them, giving them a little more warmth. The next morning, I woke up early and let them sleep in for a minute with a sigh, looking at the sky as it slowly went from dark inky black to a lighter grey.

“Kay?” I heard a soft voice and turned my head seeing Ry sitting up, Bea behind him.

I smiled gently.

“Hey buddy, how are you feeling?” I asked as I grabbed the bottle and poured another dose for him.

Ry sniffled again and shrugged. I frowned softly and felt his forehead again before giving him the medicine.

'Maybe Ms. Medda will let us stay in the theatre for a few nights.’ I thought.

“You seem upset.” Bea said looking at me.

I smiled softly and ruffled her hair.

“I always worry boutcha when you’re sick!” I said smiling softly.

Bea batted my hands away and flattened her hair or tried to.

“But you look sad, like when momma and daddy didn’t come home!” Ry said looking at me.

I sighed and nodded.

“I let my boys down yesterday and I have to again today.” I said softly.

I didn’t like letting them into my problems, I was older I was meant to take care of them. Bea and Ry looked at each other before scooting to me, hugging me.

“So, don’t.” Bea said softly.

I laughed and kissed her forehead.

“If I don’t, we don’t eat.” I said softly.

They looked at each other and shrugged.

“We get can get food lots of other ways!” Ry said, with a smile.

I swallowed, the way he was talking about is when I used to steal for us.

“I can’t do that anymore.” I whispered.

It was true, Jack had been my partner and he had gotten caught, for me. They didn’t know that. They hugged me again.

“It’s ok, they’ll forgive you.” Bea said and I hoped she was right.

We got ready and headed to the theatre.

“Thanks again Ms. Medda. For everything.” I said as it turned to trudge off to the gate.

“Ley!” Ms. Medda called.

I turned to look at her and she stepped out of the theatre and over to me.

“Help your family.” She said softly.

I nodded towards the theatre.

“That’s what I’m doing.” I said trying to stay strong in my resolve.

She shook her head and pressed something into my hand, tilting my head up when I went to look at it.

“Your chosen family.” She said before gently turning me and giving me a shove towards the gate.

I walked a few feet and turned the corner, before pausing and opening my hand. Ms. Medda had pressed a roll of coins into my hand and sent me on my way, I looked back towards the theatre before nodding tugging my bag off I took off running.

“Ley! I beat you!” Jack called a smirk on his face.

I gave him a look, having tucked the coins into my pocket.

“Jack, shut up.” I said before throwing my bag on the ground at his feet.

His head followed the movement before his head snapped back up and he looked at me.

“What about?” He asked trailing off.

Only Davey, Les and him knew about the kids. I smiled and tilted my head back towards the theatre.

“Let’s just say Ms. Medda helped me make up my mind. And they also said I should help.” I said vaguely.

“Aw yeah! Ley’s with us!” Crutchie called waving his crutch with the strike flag on it.

I let out a sharp laugh and ruffled his hair.

“I was always with ya, ya damn fool!” I called.

After that, the day went downhill and before I knew it, I was running for my life from Snyder and the cops.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” I yelled as I spun around a corner and up a flight of stairs.

‘I hope everyone managed to get away.’ I thought as I finally stopped to breath, I was hidden behind an outcrop on a roof.

I waited a while before making my way over to Jack's, hoping to find him. I ran up the fire escape and looked over the railing giving a small sigh of relief.

“Jack!” I called relief in my voice.

He spun and in seconds we were wrapped up together.

“Thank everything anyone believes in! I thought they got you too.” Jack said looking down slightly at me.

I swallowed at what that meant.

“Too? Who else did they get?” I asked fearing the answer.

Jack moved away from me leaning on the rail and shaking his head, I walked up to him and laid my hand on his shoulder.

“Jack?” I asked, concern in my voice.

“They got Crutchie alright! I was right there but I couldn’t get him! They beat him with his own crutch!” Jack exclaimed.

I took a shaky breath and hugged jack.

“We’ll figure out how to get him back. It’ll be ok.” I said trying to reassure him.

Jack shook his head looking up at the sky, he blamed himself any time anything happened to any of us, but he took things that happened to Crutchie particularly bad.

“He was real hurt, what if he doesn’t make it?” Jack asked softly.

I shook my head.

“You can’t think like that. He’s stronger than anyone knows. If anyone can survive that hell hole, he can.” I said firmly.

Jack didn’t look convinced, but I knew nothing I said would actually help him. We stood there for a while in silence, before Jack turned to look at me.

“Shouldn’t you be getting the kids?” he asked me.

I saw a moment of worry in his eyes, I smiled softly and shook my head.

“Ms. Medda said they could stay at the theatre for a few days while Ry gets better. I'll head over in a few minutes, unless you want me to go now.” I said voice gentle.

He shook his head.

“No, you don’t gotta go yet.” He said quietly.

I nodded and we stood there for a while longer, letting the sun set. I took a breath and turned to Jack hugging him again before moving towards the steps.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Jack.” I said softly.

He nodded and did his best to give me a smile, I knew he felt our injuries were his fault, and sadly I knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t be out there tomorrow. I walked quickly down the steps and stuck to the shadows, popping into the shops and getting something quick to eat for the kids, I ran to the theatre and inside. I quickly fed them, ignoring the questions about my cuts and bruises before giving Ry another dose of medicine and getting them ready for bed. The next morning, I woke up and got ready quickly letting the kids sleep in. I turned seeing Ms. Medda standing there, I had already tucked my hair up so I wasn’t worried.

“Thank you.” I said sincerely.

She shook her head and smiled softly.

“Of course, dear!” she said with a smile.

I ran out of the theatre and head towards Jacobs Deli hoping no one else had been caught. I slid to a stop in front of the door and pulled it open, seeing Katherine standing there with the guys I did a quick count and saw that besides Crutchie only Jack was missing. I quickly fell into a chair beside Les and Davey. Everyone looked to happy this morning, that’s when I saw the paper.

“We made the front page?” I asked softly.

Davey nodded bouncing slightly.

“Above the fold!” He exclaimed happily.

I let out a soft laugh, they couldn’t ignore us if we were in the papes!

“Ley, where’s Jack?” one of the boys asked and I looked up, seeing them all looking at me.

I looked away and everyone started talking.

“Shuddup wouldya!” I yelled standing up on my chair.

That go their attention.

“Jacks fine, Snyder missed him. But I ain’t gotta tell yous all how he is.” I said quickly.

The others nodded, except Les, Davey, and Katherine, who looked at me. I sat down in my chair.

“How is he?” Les the more outgoing brother asked.

I sighed and shook my head.

“I forget, yous two…. three sorry reporter girl…are new.” I said softly.

“It’s Katherine.” She said hands on her hips.

I waved my hand, waving off her words.

“Yeah, yeah. Jack takes all the bad stuffs that happens to us and blames himself. I saw 'em yesterday and he was bustin’ himself up over what happened to Crutchie. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was hiding out in Ms. Medda Larkin’s theatre.” I said sipping the water that had been put in front of me.

That’s all it took and the four of us were up, I paused at the door letting the others run ahead of me, I turned to the others.

“Get word to Spot Conlon! His cousins callin' in the favor 'e owes!” I shouted and darted from the building before they could question me.

The four of us ran into the theatre, and down the steps into the basement.

“There you are! How about letting a pal know you’re alive!” Davey called running down the steps to him.

Jack shook his head and kept working in the background. Katherine Les and I stayed back.

“Look! We made the paper! Front page, Above the fold! That’s right! Above the fold!” Davey said enthusiastically.

“Yeah that’s great.” Jack said.

“Is that Santa Fe? I have to say Jack this go west young man thing is getting old. You should paint something you know.” Katherine said and I slapped my forehead.

Jack froze for a second a dark look over taking him.

“You wanna see somethin I know?” Jack asked and his voice was low.

I didn’t want to see what he was going to do. He spun the background around and in almost photo realistic paint was the fight that had happened yesterday. I swallowed looking away.

“That’s what I know! That’s Newsie square, all of the kids gettin’ beat down for standin' up for themselves! I ain’t puttin’ them through that again!” He yelled, face contorted in a mix of anger and upset.

Davey tried to convince him to have hope.

“You know why a rattle snake rattles?” Davey asked walking up behind him.

“No, why?” Jack asked sarcasm clear.

“Cause he’s scared!” Davey said.

Jacked huffed and shook his head.

“Look it up! Why else would he have sent the goons!” Davey continued.

Jack started to slowly nod.

“Maybe your right!” Jack said finally.

“Thank the god!” Davey said.

I huffed a laugh at that, and we all started to plan a bit. Katherine had to leave and so Davey, Les and I stayed with Jack for a bit. Davey and Les started up the stairs a while later and I kept an eye on Jack knowing he was planning something.

“I'm fine.” He said as he kept working on the painting.

I nodded and pursed my lips.

“Ok, but bullshit.” I said letting my opinion be clear.

He let his head drop back and he laughed, turning to face me.

“I hate that you know me so well.” He said finally.

I crossed my arms and smirked.

“No, you don’t.” I said firmly.

He nodded and laughed, his own smirk on his face. We stood there staring at each other for a while. He finally set down his paint brush and refused to meet my eyes.

“I’m going to go invite Pulitzer to this rally maybe let 'em see who he’s messing with.” Jack said finally, still not looking at me.

I sucked in a breath and looked at him, his mind was made up. I nodded slowly, my arms dropping to my sides.

“Ok but what if it’s just us? Spot hasn’t said one way or another that he’s in this, and without him, without Brooklyn, you know damn well the others won’t come!” I exclaimed frustrated.

He nodded and looked up at me.

“I know, that’s why if they don’t come, I want you the kids Les and Davey outta here. Cause if the others don’t come, you know Snyder's going to find a way to get in here.” He said firmly.

I bit my lip and nodded.

“I don’t like it, Jacky.” I said quietly.

Jack sighed and dropped the cloth in his hand, walking over he wrapped his arms around me, we had always been close. I wrapped my own arms around his chest and tucked my head under his chin, we were alone I could do this without worry.

“I know, I don’t like it none too much neither, but if it’s the only chance we all got.” Jack said pulling back to look down at me.

I nodded and closed my eyes, letting my arms fall from him and he stepped back.

“Just be careful, Jacky. You got all of us here waiting for you, and reporter girl to impress.” I said softly with no lack of scorn buried in my tone when I said that.

Jack had picked up his brush to finish the backdrop but he paused at my words and tone. He turned back to face me, a smirk on his face.

“What, are you jealous?” Jack asked a teasing turn to his voice.

I felt my face flush and turned away a bit.

“Kaley?” Jack asked softly.

I bit my lip before looking up at him.

“Yes ok! Is that what you want to hear? I've liked you for a while now, can’t help it. Seein you pine after that reporter girl makes me realize…” I broke off and shook my head.

Jack was just watching me now, his eyes wide.

“Doesn’t matter, I gotta go get food for the kids.” I said turning and running up the steps.

I didn’t stop running until I was out of the theatre, ignoring Jack’s voice as he shouted my name. I ran to the shops and got food, paying quickly and walking back to the theatre. I paused at the corner seeing Jack just leaving, I waited until he was gone before I walked back into the theatre. I fed the kids and cuddled up with them giving Ry his medicine. When they were asleep, I sat up and crossed my arms over my legs.

‘Jack still hadn’t come back; I hope Snyder didn’t get him.’ I thought with a worried frown on my face.

I laid back and tugged my cap over my face to try and get some sleep. Early the next morning I woke up to chanting voices in the street. I stood up, tugging my cap on and looked out of the door, before yanking it open and rushing out.

“Spot!” I yelled.

He turned and grabbed me, his arms around me as he spun.

“Brooklyn’s here. We’ll win this thing yet!” He shouted.

That got mass acceptance and that’s when I realized, all of the paper boys from the entire city were here including our group. Davey walked up to me then.

“Where’s Jack?’ he asked quietly.

I swallowed and shrugged.

“I don’t know, we got into a fight after you guys left and I haven’t seen him since I went to get food.” I said softly.

Davey gave me a worried look and I knew my face mirrored it. Within a few hours all of the boys where gathered into the Theatre. I had given Ry his medicine and moved the kids into another part of the theatre incase anything happened. I stood by Les and Davey. I smiled as Spot took the stage and rallied the boys. And I actually breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Jack appear.

“He raised the price and we strike, so he lowers the price. And in a few weeks, he Jack’s them right back up, because let’s be honest, he will.” Jack said and I froze.

Everyone in the theatre erupted in anger at the same time, except me, I was still to shocked at what Jack had said. The others had already started to clear out about an hour later when I saw Jack and one of Pulitzers men. I saw the money the guy handed him and I shook my head.

“I thought they were worth more to you then a wad of cash, Jack.” I said disbelief and anger coating my tone.

He jumped at my voice and turned to me guiltily.

“Ley, I can explain.” He said looking at me worriedly.

I closed my eyes and turned to walk away, but something told me to hear him out.

“You have two minutes.” I said still not turning to face him.

I heard Jack let out a breath, in a sigh.

“He said I had to talk against the strike or he’d throw me back in.” Jack said quickly.

I didn’t have to ask, 'in where?’, we all knew where.

“The money, Jack.” I said firmly.

I heard a soft thump as if Jack had thrown the money down.

“It was part of his deal. He cleared my arrest record, including the warrants and gave me enough money to go wherever I wanted. I just didn’t want to go back in.” Jack said and I turned slightly.

I took a breath.

“Well you’re lucky it was me who saw that. But you have to fix this Jack, those boys don’t think you care.” I said my voice stronger than I thought was possible.

He watched me for a few seconds, taking a small step closer.

“What about you?” He asked.

I closed my eyes and shook my head, moving to the stairs.

“That balls in your court, Jack. Your decision and your move.” I said before disappearing to go take care of the kids.

I didn’t see Jack at all for the rest of the evening and laid down after giving Ry his medicine. I was shaken awake hours later, I sat up rubbing my eyes.

“W-wha?” I asked before my eyes cleared enough to see who was standing before me.

There I saw Les and a bit away I saw Davey, his eyes wide.

“Woah! You’re a girl!” Les exclaimed, and I shushed him.

I quickly pulled my vest on, making sure the kids didn’t wake up, before I tucked my hair up into my cap and stood shooing them into another area of the theatre.

“You’re a girl?” Davey, this time, asked shock coating his tone.

I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, I am. You gots a problem with that, skinny boy?” I asked him quickly.

Davey put his hands up and stepped back.

“Jack needs us! Katherine and him planned somethin’! Come on!” Les said grabbing me and tugging me along.

I bit my lip and looked back towards where the kids were, before finally nodding

“Alright, let’s go.” I said and the boys led me outside and we ran through the streets before busting into Pulitzers basement.

“Woah.” I said quietly.

“You got enough people coverin' us?” Jack asked looking up at Davey.

Davey tilted his head and gave Jack a slightly unimpressed look.

“We could have a hoedown down here and no-one would know.” Davey said.

Jack smirked and nodded.

“Good let’s do this.” He said.

I walked down the steps and looked Jack in the eyes.

“What is this?” I asked looking at him, a smirk playing across my face.

He smirked back and looked towards the room; I turned my eyes widening at the printing press.

“You told me to fix it, this is how we’re fixing it.” Jack said softly.

I turned and nodded.

“We got work to do. I’ll get Spot on the line and get his group rallied, they’ll spread the word.” I said nodding already racing up the steps.

“Let’s do this!” Jack shouted again.

I ran out of the door and to the nearest payphone, using a trick I had learned a while ago I entered Spot’s number.

“Spot, rally the gang. We are going to make first light news.” I said quickly when he answered.

“You got it! Let’s go boys!” Spot called from the other side of the line.

I hung up and ran back down into the building, quickly helping bundle and stack the pages. Before long we had enough to blanket the city, and that’s exactly what we did. Hours later, saw everyone with one of our papes and Jack looked at me smirking.

“Time for Davey and me to make the final blow.” He said with a bright sparkle in his eyes.

He knew we won. I laughed and shook my head.

“Go, we’ll be there with you! RIGHT BOYS!” I yelled the last bit to a resounding agreement from everyone in the area.

Jack smiled at me before taking off, Davey right behind him. The next thing anyone knew we were all outside Pulitzers building looking up and blocking all of the streets, we saw Jack and Davey and Les managed to get away from us and ended up with them in Pulitzers office. The thing that did surprise us, with Governor Roosevelt was stood with them. Twenty minutes later and Davey Les and Jack came racing from the building.

“WE WON!” Jack shouted in such a manner I hadn’t seen on him in a while.

A bright cheer went up, it got louder when Governor Roosevelt announced that the Refuge was closed, Crutchie joining us again. All of us surging over to him, the best news was when Snyder the Spider was put in chains, Crutchie took great joy in whacking him with his crutch.

“Could be used for a weekly political comic, what do you say Theodore? Let Jack behind your back door?” Pulitzer was saying.

I looked over and saw Jack debating between staying and leaving for Santa Fe.

“What’s Santa Fe got that New York doesn’t? Tarantulas?” Davey asked walking over to Jack.

Katherine walked up to Jack then.

“Better yet, what does Santa Fe have, that New York doesn’t?” She asked him with a smile.

I turned and gave a smile to the guys walking through the crowd. We won today and tomorrow, I’d be back out selling papes to help my family, I felt a hand grab me and turn me.

“Ya know, you walk really fast when you wanna get away from somethin’.” Jack huffed out, still holding my hand.

I smiled weakly at him.

“We won, congrats.” I said softly.

He tilted his head for a second and sighed shaking his head.

“For a smart girl, who can hide in plain sight. You can be kinda dumb.” Jack said.

I huffed out a breath and closed my eyes.

“If you’re just going to insult me you can just …” I started before Jack interrupted me.

I would have smacked him if he hadn’t had his lips attached to mine. I froze for a second before my eyes fluttered shut and my arms wrapped around his neck. I lifted one hand placing it on the back of his hat, giving absolutely no fucks when I heard it and a similar thing hit the ground. I didn’t care when I felt my hair down my back. The only thing I cared about was Jacks one arm wrapped around my waist and the other around my shoulders as he tilted me.

“Jack where did you…. Oh!” We heard a voice from behind us and stood up slowly.

Jack pressed his forehead to mine, and didn’t look up.

“What is it Crutchie? Can’t ya see you’re interruptin’ somethin’?” Jack asked looking into my eyes.

I smiled softly at him, running my fingers through his hair.

“S-sorry!” Crutchie said and I heard him move away.

I smiled again, closing my eyes.

“So, what’s this about?” I asked still a bit breathless.

He laughed and held me closer, if that was possible.

“Well you did say that this particular ball was in my court right?” He asked turning it back to me.

I took a breath and stepped back, breaking his hold on me. I turned my back and crossed my arms in front of me.

“I…I just…I saw how she looked at you and I thought…” I said softly.

Jack laughed and I felt him wrap his arms around my waist, placing his head on my shoulder.

“Nah, she’s just a girl. A friend yes, but just a girl. You’re so much more than that.” He said gently swaying us.

He turned me around and looked down at me tilting my head up.

“My best friend. My partner. The only person I’d willingly get arrested for again. Beautiful. Witty. Wise. Bright as a whip. Caring. Loving. Kind. Do I need to keep going?” He said pressing a soft kiss to my lips each time he paused, before turning the ending into a question.

I was bright red as my arms wrapped around him.

“The kissing, yes please. The compliments…. only if you want to.” I said softly burying my head in his chest.

He laughed and I felt him kiss the top of my head.

“Oh finally!” we heard and turned again, seeing a small group of boys at the mouth of the alley we were stood in.

I raised an eyebrow.

“What?” I asked.

Most of them groaned and rolled their eyes.

“One, we’ve known yous was a girl for a while. We just didn’t care. And two, yous two dancin' around each other for years got old real quick.” Romeo said stepping forward.

Jack and I laughed and spun a bit, just then the paper alarm sounded. Together jack and I leaned down grabbing our hats and quickly got them back on our heads, my hair tucked back under it.

“Well, what are we waitin' for? We got papes to sell!” Jack shouted.

With that we headed back out and into the streets selling the papers. Jack did eventually accept Pulitzers offer of the cartoonist job and we eventually were able to afford a small apartment. It took a little bit but, everything worked out in the end. Including Jack and I.

“EXTRA, EXTRA OUR BOY JACKS OFF THE MARKET STEP ON UP YOU HEARD ABOUT IT HERE! READ ALL ABOUT IT!” if I had figured out who yelled that I probably would have cuffed him with the paper.

Instead I shook my head, holding Ry in my arms as he held up a paper, Jack doing the same with Bea.

“Get yer paper!” Ry called.

I smiled and patted his head gently; Bea made an echoing call and I saw Jack nod at her sales tactics. That’s how the next while went, until we saved enough to send them to school, then Jack took the cartooning job and I sold Papes. Taking over the pack for Jack. And that’s just how it went.

[honeymoonjin]

enjoy your stay chapter three

A/N This is a re-write of the actual chapter, which got completely deleted when I tried to get rid of a self-reblog (ugly evil tumblr) so it might not be perfect! I’ll do my best to keep in everything I put in last time (and from now on I’m going to back up my fics).

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven

ENJOY YOUR STAY ↳Boss!Namjoon, Chef!Jin, Receptionist!Hoseok, Bellboy!Jimin, Bartender!Jungkook, Accountant!Yoongi, Photography student!Taehyung ↳Some inappropriate language and cursing. Later chapters will have sexual content.

SUMMARY ↳Working the graveyard shift at a hotel isn’t the most exciting job in the world, but your coworkers are certainly happy to have you here.

CHAPTER ONE ↳Supporting your colleagues is an important part of your job description, although this kind of comfort is probably not what Namjoon had it mind. It also lands you in a precarious position when a certain someone knows more than he should.

Most days when you did your final round, Jin had long since gone. He started a few hours before you to prepare for the dinner service, then was the last to lock up and leave. Occasionally he would hang around for a bit to trial a new dish or fill out an order form, but as it was 6am, he should’ve been out for a few hours.

So when you entered the kitchen one last time for the night, and saw the walk-in-chiller door sightly ajar, with a strange snuffling noise coming from inside, your first thought was a burglar or a raccoon.

In fact, you recalled Jungkook once telling you a story about an escaped convict who once broke into the hotel to hide from the cops. Namjoon had repeatedly reassured you that Jungkook was just winding you up, but like watching a scary movie at night, you can’t help but feel unsafe anyway.

You creep into the kitchen as quietly as you could manage, and grab the broom from the corner to hold out as a makeshift weapon.

Tiptoeing slowly, heart racing in your chest, you slowly pushed open the door a little further with the end of the broomstick.

The snuffling stopped.

You froze in your tracks.

It wasn’t a pest or an intruder at all, but the mad chef himself, cross-legged on the freezing cold floor, crying into a 20 litre tub of vanilla ice cream.

The two of you stare at each other in silence for what is surely over a full minute, then you awkwardly lower the broom. With watery eyes and a puffy face, he gestures with his head for you to join him.

You hunker down into a cross legged position beside him and ask what’s wrong.

He sniffs again, miserable. “My girlfriend left me,” he mumbles. Another tear tracks down the side of his face, and he doesn’t bother to wipe it away before it gathers on his chin, and drops into the slowly melting tub of dessert. He reaches a hand up to the cabinet behind him, opens the top drawer, and fumbles around the cutlery until he produces a dessert spoon identical to the one in his hand. “Dig in,” he sighs, “it’s probably got a little bit of snot in it, but it’s still good.”

Not wanting to make him feel worse, you dip your spoon into the tub, finding what looks to be the most solid portion of ice cream in the hope that you’ve successfully avoided any bodily fluids. “Did she say why?” You ask, watching with concern as he shovels his face with another spoonful.

He swallows too soon and winces as the cold gives him a headache. He nods his head sorrowfully. “We never see each other. She works during the days at a pre-school, and then I’m here all night. She told me we were more like roommates than a couple. She didn’t even tell me in person, either, just called me in the middle of the dinner rush. I had to go back to grilling filet and try not to burst into tears like a sad loser.” He wipes his nose with the sleeve of his chef’s uniform and sniffs again.

You let your spoonful of ice cream melt in your mouth before responding, taking the time to consider the situation. “I’m really sorry that that happened to you, Jin, but it seems like maybe it was for the best.”

He moans low in his throat. “I know, I guess I’m just destined to die alone.”

You blink. “That’s not what I was going for. All you need to do is date somebody who works a night shift as well. Problem solved.”

He pauses, head still bent over the tub, and slowly turns to face you, a glimmer of hope sparkling behind unshed tears. “You think?” He sits up, licks his lips once, then leans in towards you.

“Oh!” You sit back quickly. “I was meaning in general. It wasn’t…self promotion, or anything.” You mentally berate yourself for not thinking through your phrasing before you said it.

He lets out a heavy sigh which breaks off into another sob, and reaches for his spoon again. For a few moments you sit in silence as he makes incredible progress down the massive tub. It had never really occurred to you to think of Jin in that way, but now that you were confronted with the reality of it, you noticed how good-looking Jin was, even through the tears.

He was clearly sweet and sensitive, too, if he was taking a break-up this hard.

You blame your hormones, or maybe your lack of action over the past few months, but you wait until he swallows his current mouthful, and reach out your hand, pushing his chin towards you.

His mouth opens slightly, pouting in confusion, and you just can’t resist yourself from leaning in, finishing what he tried to start just a few moments earlier.

For a second, he doesn’t respond, sitting rigidly, eyes wide open. But when you drop your spoon on the floor, and bring up your other hand to cup his palm and slide your fingers into the hair at the back of his neck, he lets out a shaky breath and leans into it.

His eyelashes flutter against the bridge of your nose when he closes his eyes, and his arm flies up, hand caressing your elbow. He tilts his head slightly to deepen the kiss, and a cold, vanilla-flavoured tongue finds its way into your mouth, the two of you groaning at the drastic contrast of temperatures.

Kissing Jin is like the first moment when a rollercoaster tips downwards, and jolts of adrenaline run through your system like livewires. In the back of your mind you can’t help but wonder how great he must be at making out normally if this is him in a post-breakup funk.

His teeth graze the inner edge of your bottom lip and nip a little, and his mouth swallows up the gasp you let out.

His warm palm slowly moves up your elbow to your shoulder, then dips down to rest against the side of your chest, thumb rubbing along the band of your bra under your shirt. He’s taller than you when sitting, and he’s leaning over just enough that you are tipping back slowly, letting his other arm snake around your middle back to keep you from falling over.

When your brain stops doing cartwheels, and you start to come back to your senses, you can hear delicate, needy whines coming out of his mouth periodically.

His hand comes back up to tip your jaw back, and his mouth falls to your neck, the chilled skin on his lips causing you to break out in goosebumps and shiver wildly.

He leaves a trail of open mouthed kisses down your neck, teeth grazing and tongue laving over the skin.

Your eyes have been squeezed shut in bliss for a while, but when you open them slightly and see the plain concrete ceiling of the chiller, you realise where you are at what you’re doing.

Your hands push against his face, using a fair amount of force to break him away from your neck and get him to stop.

Both of you are panting desperately, and the wet patches on your skin are freezing in the cold air.

“We can’t do this here, Jin, and we can’t do this now.” You huff a few breaths before continuing, feeling your heart rate slow back down to normal levels. “You’ve had a rough day, and I think you probably need to go home and sleep it off. I don’t want you to do something you will regret because you’re feeling upset right now. We can talk later, okay.”

He nods and sighs heavily, hoisting himself off the ground. He dusts off the seat of his pants, and picks up the tub of ice cream and two spoons. “I guess this isn’t exactly food safe anymore,” he ponders out loud, “I should just take it home with me.”

You hear him dump the spoons in the sink, and you get up to follow him. He’s wiped his face off with his apron, and looks a little less miserable than he did when you arrived. You look at the time on the microwave and are shocked to see that you spent over half an hour in there. No wonder your nose feels numb.

“Thank you for…comforting me,” Jin murmurs, retrieving his bag from the lockers.

“Look, if you have any problems, or you can’t get to sleep today, just call me, yeah? I’m here for you.”

He nods, but doesn’t seem convinced. “I don’t want to wake you and ruin your sleep just because I’m having a rough time.”

“That’s exactly why Mr Coffee invented his wonder drink. Don’t you worry about that, okay?”

“Coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goatherd, actually. But I’ll send Mr Coffee your regards.” A weak smile graces his face as his eyes narrow in mischief.

“Okay, smart-ass, get some sleep.”

Without further ado, he leaves out the back entrance, and the room returns to silence. You shut the chiller door again, and hang around in the kitchen, checking out your reflection in the stainless steel of the backsplash. After a few moments to compose yourself, you push through the double doors that lead you into the restaurant proper.

And bump right into a solid chest.

You let out a little squeak and step back, ready to rattle off an apology when you stop in your tracks.

Taehyung stares down at you, a mischievous grin lighting up his face. You swallow hard, attempting to pass around him, but his hands latch onto your shoulders and hold you in place.

“You look a little worse for wear, Miss Manager. I sure hope you weren’t up to any nonsense in there.”

You shrug noncommittally, trying to ignore the rush of delight you have at feeling the warm weight of his hands on your shoulders when you try to push them up.

He doesn’t seem put off by your lack of response. “I do imagine my lovely brother would be extremely disappointed to hear that his sweet little night manager was off fucking the chef on company time.” He wiggles his eyebrows wickedly.

“We didn’t fuck!” The defence jumps out of your throat before you can phrase it better, and you clear your throat awkwardly. “We didn’t have sex. Why do you care, anyway?”

He draws his head back slightly to get a better look at you. “You’re telling me that if I march you down to Namjoon’s office and tell him I walked in on the two of you in a rather compromising situation, that he’ll believe you over me? Have you see yourself?”

You had. Even through the warped reflection on the oven door, you could see how your hair stuck up at odd angles, and your throat was lined with a trail of red.

You keep your expression neutral. “What do you want?”

His triumphant grin is something to behold.

Jimin is unbelievably hot. You know that, he knows that, the old ladies that stay at the hotel longer than they originally booked for know that. But, as it turns out, so does Taehyung.

An eye for an eye, he phrased it. His brother was so overprotective of him that he never let him bring back girls or guys to the hotel, so his only option for a good time would have to be within the hotel walls.

You were just glad he didn’t outright proposition you, although your current situation wasn’t much better.

You were crouched behind the vending machine, waiting for Jimin to leave room 7.

He was a real hit with older, single women, and he certainly knew how to milk it for all the tips he could get.

They would get an eyeful of him in the lobby, then call Hoseok’s desk however many times a day for the most mundane of chores - changing lightbulbs, showing them how the TV worked, killing a spider that had snuck into the room - all for the sole purpose to get another few moments alone with Jimin.

You were pretty sure with the amount of tips he got, that Jimin probably got paid more than any other staff member in the hotel at this point.

Finally, the door cracked open, and Jimin strolled out, turning around and saying a sweet goodbye to Mrs Ji. Her spindly little hand snuck out of the doorway to tuck a wad of cash into his belt like he was a stripper. His face flushed pink and his smile grew even wider.

The moment he shut the door, he was grabbing the cash and counting through it, pleased at his haul.

You intercepted him as he past, and he grinned when he looked up and saw who it was. “Guess what? Mrs Ji pretended she dropped her book under the bed, so I bent over to fish it out for her, and this glorious ass of mine just earned me two nights worth of work.”

“Ah, my darling Jimin, you walk the line between bellboy and prostutite so well.”

“I do, don’t I?” He flashed you a shit-eating grin, and the two of you began to continue on down the hallway to the main lobby.

You steeled yourself and took your chance. “You see that Taehyung kid around?”

“Namjoon’s brother? Yeah, he’s here this time every year.” He let out an airy sigh. “What a man.”

You raised your eyebrows. “Wait, you’re interested in him?”

Jimin mistook your surprise for jealousy, and wrapped an arm around your shoulders, bringing you in close as you walked. “Don’t worry, babe, you’re still my best girl.”

Flushing darkly from the compliment, but trying not to get distracted, you pressed on. “No, it’s just that he seems pretty into you too. You should go for it. I can cover for you.”

He hums in consideration. “I probably would, only that he’s completely off-limits.”

“What do you mean?”

“You think Namjoon would react well to me being balls deep in his kid brother?” You cringe and quickly glance around the hallway to make sure it was still empty. “Although, the danger of being caught is pretty hot.” His hand squeezes your shoulder playfully. “I must say, I like how you’re pimping me out to the hotel guests. Very dom of you. Are you sure you don’t want to cut out the middle man and just have sleep with me yourself?”

The look in his eyes tells you while he’s bantering with you, he’s dead serious. You laugh awkwardly. “I have to go pick up something from Namjoon’s office. See ya.” You wiggle your way out of his embrace and run back the way you came.

Before your shift ends, you’re knocking desperately on Tae’s door. He takes a while to answer, and when he does, it’s clear he just woke up by the bleary gaze and mussed up hair. He brightens up when he sees you, and ushers you in, clearly expecting news.

“I’ve done my best, but you need to actually put some effort in here.”

“Woah, woah, woah,” he exclaims, “is that any way to speak to the man who’s blackmailing you?”

You roll your eyes, stubbornly trying to avoid the delicious sight of him wearing only boxers and a pair of socks. In an effort not to drool over the golden planes of his chest, you make your way around the room. It only takes you a couple of seconds to take it in, but it’s so obviously his room. A couple of tripods are shoved into the skinny wardrobe, every plug outlet is swarmed with charging cables and expensive equipment, and the desk is filled with pictures and sketches. You sit down at the desk, and flick through some of the pictures as you talk.

He definitely has a talent for photography, and the photos he has taken of the hotel are absolutely beautiful. You pause on one of the hotel pool, which is closed until summer, and is currently overgrown with vines and flowers. The photo is a close up of a dragonfly hovering over the glimmering surface of the pool, with pink petals out of focus floating on the water. He seems uncomfortable with you inspecting his work, so you put them down and turn back to him.

“Jimin’s interested in you, but he doesn’t want Namjoon to find out. If you don’t make a move on him soon, he’s going to find someone less risky to get with.”

“You, you mean.” It’s not a question, and your mouth drops open. “Don’t worry, I’m well aware of the way he looks at you. It may not be obvious to you so far, but I’m a very generous man. I’m quite happy to share.”

You excuse yourself after that, not having anything else to say, and not knowing how to respond. It’s only hours later, when you toss and turn in your bed and ruminate about the stressful night you’ve had, that you realise you don’t know which one of you he was planning to share with whom.

[twistedsimblr]

"Trust Me."

For  you @saps-sims  ( Yes I sent this to myself lmao!)

 Also going to throw in a NSFW warning because well it’s not M.K or Meg with out it going there lmao!

“You ready to go Meg?” I hollered buttoning up the last few buttons of my shirt and spraying .. maybe a little bit too much cologne … “Shit” the bottle broke thankfully not on me though. I quickly rinsed my mouth with mouth wash and grabbed my hat. 

This place required you to dress somewhat nice. This wasn’t your normal fancy restaurant this was a restaurant owned by vampires. With exquisite taste. which meant expensive elegant clothes.

Me and Meg liked to have fun and often we’d go shopping for each other.  we were weird I knew her size and of course her bra size.  daaaaaym girl  She was a  D cup lucky me. Not that it mattered but we would pick each other stuff out and then surprise each other with it.

“I don’t know do other couples do that?”  Or just us?

Anyway, I put my imported Italian I mean leather boots are pretty much Italian right?  on and walked out into our bedroom Where Meg was just slightly leaned over her vanity putting earrings on  

She could only wear real gold silver or what not. Mostly gold though silver makes me queasy a little not much though a little nauseous some times despite my dolphin bites well never mind they were some kind of metal in space that was nonirritating anyway not important.Here’s where it got weird.

A wig?  I don’t remember buying that?  Anyways it was styled and it was warm out not super humid but warm anyway it was spring-like April May I don’t remember the exact month.  I never saw Meg with long hair like that it was so pretty. okay, maybe I did. But I had my reasons. Like I said vampire restaurant. I was hoping it would help maybe mask her scent? If her head made one.

I’m not going to lie. I had my doubts about this place but, every once in a while We all had to gather to discuss things that were happening I hated it it was boring as fuck and I never really fit in my self, because I’m not fully vampire and a lot of people didn’t like that.

 But I was the Grand Master of Brindleton Bay .. Maybe that’s why nobody challenged me because everyone hated that area, it’s not heavily populated so the food source is sort of limited must be a water thing.

I wanted Meg to tag along this time because I really hated going, everyone else brought their spouses so I was going to bring mine. Little did I realize how almost stupid that idea was going to be.

“Wow…” I walked up behind her and put my hands around her waist it hugged the pudge but just the right amount.  She seemed somewhat annoyed though.  When she turned to face me. “Don’t say it   I know it makes me look fat…”  “You look good though.” 

 “Nah it’s perfect I like a little jiggle and you jiggle in all the right places I teased tickling her causing her to giggle. It was an A-line hybrid trumpet dress with a low back that tied up. and tie behind the neck with an open back that laced upThis dress prohibited her from wearing a bra but it could be tightened.It made access to the goods easier later on. I started to zone out.

  “ Mal…  .. “ MALIKOR!”    “ Huh, what?” I was distracted.”  “Can you tie me up?” Meg asked.

  “Sure..”   as I started the long and agonizing process of crisscrossing this thing I started to feet a aroused and casually pressed myself into her standing close to her so she could feel how hard I was getting because I’m a nasty bastard.“You perv..” She snickered  Is that why you picked this out? “Maybe.“ I winked as she turned around after I finished lacing her up.

I looked out the window, and heard the sound of a horses neighing and snorting had to be at least 6 of them maybe 8 of them I could see and a rather large carriage behind it. It was almost the size of a bus!  They had glowing eyes and they were huge.  And it was very gothic looking almost deathly which I found rather odd. But didn’t think much of it.

“That’s our ride..”  

“Wait what?” Whoa!  Talk about riding in style! Meg piped giddly 

 ‘Well ,we don’t fly there silly .Well at least I can you can’t. I said scooping her up.She let out a shriek of surprise as I literally exited our bedroom to our front second floor balcony and jumped from it. I can’t fucking jump skyscrapers or anything but I can jump a bit think sort of Dragon ball Z Okay bad example but I can jump pretty fast hop from one place to another. It beats getting distracted by street lights and moths… tasty moths. Meg buried her face after screaming. I threw in an overly enthusiastic WEEEEEEEEE .

(insert Siren/ A.J  reading a book or something as they pass her and his window lolol with Meg   SCREAMING)

I helped  Meg in first before getting in my self This carriage was huge it even had a bar in it with some  ghost taking orders  It was pretty scary considering my own heritage apparently it was up there for being super weird the weird wraith-like creature both handed us, wide-eyed doofuses, a drink Meg hung onto my arm so tightly her nails dug into my arm.

“What is this final fantasy 3?”  Am I in a video game? Meg asked.  “I don’t know maybe? I shrugged.   A gnarly creature greeted us it pretty much came out from under   Megs dress.

She gave it a kick   “ Wife not wearing  undergarments   lovely body ..” NICE BOOBIES YES!   Lucky man, you are Malikor yes.

“Ride will be  little long yes an hour or 3  hours  weather rainy there  lots of lightning do ring if need much else.”   Meg’s eyes were wide as she shook her head.  “We’re good thanks…”   a package appeared upon the table 

  “This must be the low down of all the shit that’s been going on in the vampire realm that I have to read.

“Ugh, I hate this crap. Wanna blow me while I do it?”  Megs features fell flat as she looked me dead in the eye. “I just had a gremlin crawl out from my dress a GREMLIN  who knows what else is up there.  “I could check I grinned cutting Meg off causing her to blush.  “THAT’S NOT THE POINT!”

“No  blow yourself.”  She huffed and looked out the window. For a moment.  ‘Where is this place anyway?”“ Outside of  The Forgotten Hollow in a place called the Enchanted Vale   

Forgotten Hollow apparently is the place where humans tried to get into the vale and burned it down out of anger that they were denied entry. Thinking they were superior or some shit.,

Apparently, this was in the late medieval times despite what people think it’s freaking huge humans just aren’t supposed to know about it because they can’t really process what they are seeing here. It could literally fuck them up.

I saw Meg swallow nervously. I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “ You’ll be fine, trust me Her eyes became glossy I could tell she was starting to feel a little scared.  That’s only if your heart is already corrupted or something. “Like the Zelda games?” 

 “Yeah, something like that I took my hat off and ruffled my hair. Even though I was wearing what Meg picked out for me I was still required as per tradition to sport my Area Grand Master Emblem or Badge which was an Anchor to represent the bay. The hat wasn’t necessary I just liked it and it made me feel more traditional.

I suppose I should get to reading this then. I sighed. About half an hour in my interest was fading and was starting to get distracted. Meg had fallen asleep her head on my shoulder. I pulled out my phone. “  Dammit no wifi”  Maybe I need a password.

I called over the whatever that thing was that crawled out from  Megs dress.  “Hey is there a wifi password I need?”“wifi?” 

 Yes .. please give phone will put password in.” Reluctantly I handed him my phone which he put in the password and handed it back to me.“Great thanks..” I whispered. I quickly checked my messages I texted Ren telling her to make sure her stupid brother did his homework Archie had his bath and Fae and Hunter were getting ready for bed.

But then I got another hankering … Noticing a curtain up above me I examined where it goes and noticed it was a privacy curtain and in case you wanted to nap or something I stood up and slid the curtain over and around the area we were seated in waking up Meg in the process. “ Are we there yet?” She snuffled.  “ No not for a while.  about another hour… Or 2.

I started to fidget as I was reading. Maybe I had adhd too  I couldn’t focus now that I knew nobody was watching at least I hope they weren’t.“ You okay?”    Me I’m fine I just have to piss real bad..”  Megs hand slid over my left thigh she inched closer and closer to my crotch and rubbed playfully.   She smiled seductively …she knew

 “ You sure it’s not cum real bad?” “You’re really hard right now,” I grunted  I’ve been trying to tuck it in my belt for about  20 minutes.

 “Poor baby…” She quivered her lip mocking me… 

“Yeah.. poor baby..” I raised a brow.  “  Do you want me to help you?” She canted her head in a way that suggested she maybe will do it or maybe wouldn’t   “It would be nice. I swallowed my voice cracking

. “If you won’t at least don’t make me jizz in my pants.” Her fingers toyed with my belt  “  “What do you say?”   

 “Please, just fucking suck my cock already .” 

“ That’s better, I love it when you talk dirty.”

  “I breathed a sigh of relief as she loosened my belt and started to tease me even more.  My dick was twitching like mad as she continued to tease me her warm tongue soaking the front of my briefs her lips leaving traces of lipstick around my bulge.

I wriggled slightly in the seat to get my pants down  I really wanted them down to my ankles a little more. She was taking her sweet time. Not that we were there yet. At least… I hope not. 

 “ Ungh finally..”  Her hands twisted around my shaft and stroked I know this was a pretty basic handy she spat on it for lube kinda gross but kinda hot at the same time.

I had to ask.. “Are you really wearing anything under there?”  Meg briefly stopped sucking me to answer but continued to stroke me. “Didn’t you offer to check?”   “I did didn’t I?”

And I didn’t spare another minute let me tell you, She sat with one leg on the ground and the other hoisted up on the bench with this look on her face. That just drew me in.  she pulled her dress away from her behind so her ass was on the seat but I still couldn’t tell if she was her dress was rather long. I slowly pulled her dress up over her knees and saw.

“ Well, what do you know you really aren’t wearing panties.” I could see clearly through those nylons

“You know how I feel about panties..” M.K fuck em.  

Meg stood up her dress rolled up from behind. She almost lost her footing when we went over a rather large bump this also forced me to my feet as it sort of threw me off the bench.

Slowly and carefully once it seemed like there were no more bumps  I rolled down that thin material while loosening the lace corset gusset whatever you call that thing. 

That was keeping me from what I wanted.

“Mal I don’t think..” She started I silenced her by kissing her neck gently nibbling on it while my hands  pulled the string keeping her chest in place her dress fell forward. Freeing her breasts. Shortly after her dress followed.

 It slipped down her body leaving my wife in only heels and pantyhose slightly pulled down  as I went down to pick up the dress I couldn’t help my self and kissed her thighs

 I threw it to the corner of the bench no sense getting that dirty. When she had to look pretty. “That wig looks nice on you,

” I commented.  “ If only my hair were really this long she sighed,” “You’ll always be fuckable no matter what you do with your hair… As long as you don’t cut it butch ass short.”

 I said continuously nibbling and kissing her neck as I slid myself inside her unable to stand it anymore.“You’re an ass hole ungh,” she replied her voice breathy as I went on full bunny mode thrusting wildly.

 I placed a hand around her throat gently and allowed my thrusts to get harder choppier and louder. I was forced to place a hand over her mouth for a second as a way to tell her to be quiet before I was able to massage those creamy white tits I love so much.

 I tugged and pulled and rolled her nipples between my fingers. She spread her legs wider for me that or she was going to pass out from pleasure “Oh god…” 

She whined almost pathetically  I’m gonna cum.” She whispered repeatedly between breaths and pants Unhh unnhh…"she purred before I grabbed her holding both legs around my waist and laid her back on that table. 

I bent over her and kissed her. My hands still glued to her boobies of course.We honestly had no idea how long we’d been at it but a sharp abrupt stop sometime during our heated love making that this time made me bite Megs neck hard enough with my fangs that it caused her to bleed a bit.

“OW!”  She cried. Like a lobster pinched her nose or something.  Without thinking she slapped me out of anger. “  It was an “ACCIDENT MEG!  “We’ve stopped moving.

“Now hold still.” And stop panicking you’ll bleed more. I didn’t get your jugular but close.” I’m kidding.” She shot me daggers for that one. 

  She was bleeding not too bad but bad enough which allowed me a quick moment To greedily lap it up it was serious enough to maybe require stitches but it was where her neck met her shoulder where it happened but it was deep enough to get a decent taste of her sweet life nectar.

  A quick lick from my tongue across what just looked like a  giant snake bite  across her wound would close and make the wound disappear completely.  We didn’t speak for a moment she was furious.

As I helped her get dressed. I felt horrible. She stormed out of the curtain once dressed to see what was going on.  After I pulled my pants back on and zipped my pants back up and grabbed my jacket and hat I quickly followed.

We both stood in awe.  Meg’s anger diffusing almost completely as her eyes focused on the huge gothic castle-like building.  

“Vampires all over the world must come here..”

 “I’ve never seen anything like this.  This is a restaurant? Or is it a venue?  The food here must be good then. …” She opened the door and stepped off the carriage. 

 “ Yeah hahaha” I  swallowed nervously. right behind her.

 “If this place serves food…”    

“I’m sure it does Mal.”

 Meg says as she held onto her clutch bag. But I brought some snacks just in case  hehehe.”  ‘At least it stopped raining anyway. I muttered.”  Not that I mind the rain. “

This place looks like it caters to every type of vampire out there at the moment.” “ Let’s hope.”

 I swallowed.  wondering if this was a good idea I quickly caught up with her and allowed my hand to curl around hers stopping her for a moment.

Pulling her out of an eager and excited state.  I couldn’t look at her I was totally ashamed of what happened and she was quick to pick up on it. 

“Mal it’s okay I’m sorry I overreacted her hand caressed my cheek still stinging from when she slapped me. I’m sorry I slapped you.  I know you’d never hurt me..”

“ Not on purpose anyway.” I snorted, my gaze finally shifting to look at her. 

“ But it’s not me I’m worried about.” “ Do you trust me?”  

I asked tilting her head up to look at me.

 “With my life.”  She shuddered but her expression was sincere  “That was all I needed to hear.” I smiled and replied with a quick peck on her forehead.  “ Stay close or things could get ugly alright?”

 I put my arm around her and escorted myself and her to the front entrance of …this strange place.”

 “Least it’s warm outside.”  I could hear music Classical music as we approached.

  Almost immediately we were greeted by a vampire that seemingly came out of no where.  He had a large book in hand. “Good Evening Sir, Madame may I have your names, please?”

“I’m Malikor Kregore Grand Master of Brindleton Bay.”

 I saw him smirk.  “So that place hasn’t floated off the map yet then.”  

“ Oh fuck off  very funny.”

  And  “Yours love?” his demeanor changing upon eyeing Meg becoming sweet on her.  

Megan Kregore  “lovely just like yourself.” as the vampire flipped through the book  “Ah yes there you are.

 Welcome to the estate. - You may board here for the night as well if you are interested. I mean You must be exhausted after all that swimming … “Oh for  Christ-“Please remember to “drink” responsibly enjoy yourselves!”.  he cackled. As he disappeared.  

“I swear I’m going to hit that son of a bitch with a brick,” I uttered to Meg as we walked through the door.

                                             End of  Part One

[snezbabe]

Mazi is Sick and Noel is Mad

ok soo... i was thinking of this idea like all day... and ... mmp.

-

Mazi basically dragged her cold, achy body to their front door. Her frozen fingers fumbled around her keys until she finally found the right one. A burst of warm air welcomed her as she swung the door open. She needed a break or something relaxing to do immediately. 

Footsteps pounded through the hall, revealing Noel with a furrowed brow and clenched fists. Mazi kicked off her shoes and gave a weak smile.

“What’s up, Noel?” He voice shook with exhaustion, lacking the vibrancy it usually has. He scoffed and stepped forward.

“Don’t act oblivious.” He snapped, his voice rising. Mazi took a step back, bewildered. “You don’t have enough money for your third of the rent. Reese and I made our share. Where’s the rest of yours?” Noel rebuked, crossing his arms.

“N-Noel, I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal. You know I had those appointments, so I had to take off work. I’m not short that much. I need to use my extra fifty dollars for food and stuff.” Mazi spluttered, totally taken aback by the anger lacing Noel’s usually light-hearted voice. 

“You were short 73$, Mazi. We can’t afford to live here if you don’t pay.” Noel growled. 

“I-I’m sorry... I can pick up some extra hours this week and pay more, okay.” Tears pricked Mazi’s dark eyes. Why was he being like this? He is usually much more understanding.

“Mazi, we needed the money this week! Just please stop talking to me, okay. I don’t want to get even more angry.” Noel pressed a hand to his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut.

“But Noe-” Mazi started, voice catching.

“Just go, Mazi!” Noel’s voice cracked as he yelled. Mazi stumbled backwards before fast-walking past him and making a beeline to her room. 

Mazi collapsed onto her floor and broke into a sob. She kicked the door shut and curled into a ball. She felt like a toddler. God she wishes she was a toddler right now. Sob’s broke through her raw throat and she coughed softly, spitting salty phlegm onto the ground. She felt like her body was burning. She pressed the heel of her hands into her stinging eyes and whimpered. She lethargically  crawled across the floor to her rickety bed and pulled the comforter off, too weak to hoist herself upon it. 

She let out a choking cough and gasped for air. Why didn’t anybody understand? Why didn’t her best friend understand? Sweat pooled on her forehead and pricked at her back. She sniffled the dripping mess of snot and then wiped her face with the sleeve of her work shirt. Grimacing, she began to work it up and over her head, leaving her in nothing but her ratty, old bra. She whimpered, unable to escape the heat that was coming in sharp waves. 

“My best friends hate me.” She whispered into wooden floor. Thick phlegm coated her throat leading to another round of fitful coughs. She hacked until she found herself gagging, spit dribbling down her throat. She flopped over onto her other side, letting her skin absorb the coolness of the floor boards. Her face felt fuzzy and sticky. She was too tired to do any more moving. Her sinuses prickled woozily pressed her face into her shoulder.

“hhh’KNTSCH”iew HEP’KTNCH’IEw” She sprayed her arm and snuffled, closing her eyes as another round of tears came over her. 

She was pathetic. Only making 150$ a week. What kind of 20 year old is that much of a loser? Mazi whimpered in pity. Why did she have such great friends if she was such a shitty person? She was the one that would always get too fucked up. She was the one who has vomited on the floor and the boys have had to clean it up numerous times. Why is she such a burden. Why does she have no self-control. 

Mazi practically screamed out a strangled sob. She gagged with the force and let spit fall loosely from her mouth. So worthless. She cried and cried till the relief of sleep finally took over the pained girl.

-

“Mazi! Open your door!” A loud voice broke her from her sleep. She cracked her dry eyes open, instantly wincing at the sunlight the poured through the window. A muffled groan was all her tender throat would allow.

“I’m coming in!” The voice boomed. Then the door swung open revealing a tired looking Noel and worried looking Reese. Their faces instantly fell as they saw the small, shirtless heap on the ground that was Mazi. 

“Wht’re ya doin’” Mazi slurred, feeling the same cloudy heat that had enveloped her last night. Reese instantly was at her side, looking her over. Noel was frozen in place, regret etched into his normally relaxed features. 

“Mazi, what is wrong with you? What are you on?” Reese kept a hushed tone, eyes looking over his friend, searching for an answer. 

“I ain’t on an’thin’“ Mazi mumbled, sniffling thickly and sliding a limp arm towards Reese. Reese looked baffled. 

“My fault.” Noel slowly walked over. “I yelled at her last night. I don’t know how she got to this point, though.” Noel scanned her up and down with pitying eyes. Reese pressed a hand to Mazi’s shoulder, immediately retracting it. 

“Mazi, you are burning!” Reese yelped. “I’ll have a word with you, Noel after I take care of Mazi.” Reese snipped, before quickly making his way out of the room. 

“What is happ-hhh-eninhhh hh’GKNSCH’iew hhh’kngch’eww” Mazi lazily whipped her head to the side trying not to let Noel see the disgusting mess she was. She sniffled and then gave a small, raspy cough. 

“Bless you.” Noel whispered. “I’m sorry, Mazi. I just have been so stressed and I really shouldn’t’ve taken it out on you. It wasn’t your fault.” Noel stared at his shoes. Mazi felt like crying. 

“Noel, I felt.... so sad. I just felt so bad after work and you helped  nothing!” Mazi squeaked out before falling into hiccupy sobs. Noel looked alarmed and quickly sat her up and started rubbing her back. She coughed roughly and sighed, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Maze.” Noel’s voice shook and he gave her shoulder a firm squeeze. Then Reese popped into the room, holding a water bottle, crackers, and a couple pills. 

“Here kiddo, take these.” He handed Mazi the pills and she instantly threw them down her throat, then taking careful sips of the water bottle.

“Thank you.” She coughed softly, rubbing her nose harshly before pulling an elbow over her face. “hh’KTSCH hhh”TKSCH’IEW” She sneezed loudly compared to her normal sneezes, which tended to be on the softer side. 

“Bless.” Reese muttered, bending down and hoisting the small girl up onto the bed. “There. That should be better.” He gave a small smile. Mazi felt herself break into a grin. Maybe she is loved after all.

[vivaciouswordsmith]

New Thing

So, I got inspired by @ask-thevagabond‘s Wolf!Ryan AU (Yes, I’m aware of how late I am to hop onto this train. That’s kinda how I roll) and am starting on a fic based on it. It’s called Four-Legged Fiend and you can read it here or beneath the cut, as always. I hope you enjoy. :D

Chapter 1: One Man’s Trash

Police sirens wailed through the night while the best and brightest of the Los Santos Police Department sought them out. 

Sniffer dogs searched every slum, every nook and every cranny a criminal might hide in, and choppers circled restlessly over the tallest rooftops, but to no avail. It seemed that the two crooks had gotten away scot free with their jewelry store heist.

Several miles away, the two criminals in question peeped through the blinds of their hideout. It was a tiny, three-room shanty built into the side of Mount Chiliad that didn’t face Los Santos. Unless you knew how to get to it, the little hideout was impossible to find. The footpath leading up to it was almost overgrown, and the road accessing the footpath was made of dirt and gravel. It had cost them quite a few heists to invest in it, but seeing the cops swarm like ants over the city made the endeavors worth it.

“See? I told you this shack was a good idea,” said Geoff. He was the older of the two, and much more richly outfitted, even considering the liberal coating of dirt covering his black shoes and the cuffs of his pant legs. He let the blinds fall back into place and flopped down into his lawn chair. “They’ll never find us here.”

“Still, we cut it pretty fucking close,” said Jack. His clothes were much more casual, consisting of tennis shoes, white and blue striped shorts, and a Hawaiian shirt. He continued to watch the night while his partner relaxed. His heart still pounded hard after the chase through the city. “You know, that crew idea of yours is getting more appealing every day.”

“I know, right?” Geoff smirked up at him. “Think about how much easier it’d be to disable cameras and shit with a real tech expert.”

“What about an explosives guy? That’d made safe-cracking much less of a hassle.”

“See? See how awesome it would be?” A water bug skittered over Geoff’s shoe. He jumped and squashed it with his heel. “Besides, I’m fucking sick and tired of squatting in these fucking…fucking…holes.” He sagged into his chair and gestured towards one of the doors. “Now be a pal and grab some celebratory beers for us.”

“On it.” Jack turned from the window and made his way into the kitchenette. There was a mini-fridge and a tiny stove and one cupboard in there. They’d stocked it the week before the heist with the hopes that they could live off that until the coast was clear. Jack popped the door of the mini-fridge open and peered inside. There was one gallon of milk, a carton of orange juice, a carton of eggs, some sliced cheese, a package of lunchmeat, and four apples. No beer.

“Uh, Geoff? We have a problem.”

“Please tell me it has nothing to do with not having beer.”

“Bingo.”

Geoff let out an incredulous groan. Jack stood and shut the door. He returned in time to see Geoff drop his head into his hands.

“The one thing we didn’t fucking grab. Of course.”

“At least we have plenty to eat.” Geoff lifted his head and looked Jack dead in the eye. “You’re seriously not considering blowing our cover for beer, are you?”

“Why would I go? You’re the getaway driver.”

“Wha – why the fuck would I go?”

“You don’t stand out as much as I do!”

“Bullshit I don’t!”

“C’mon, what’s a heist wrap-up party without booze?” Jack didn’t budge. “Please? Fuck, I’ll even give you a bigger cut if you want.”

Jack sighed and finally relented. “Fine, fine, I’ll get your beer.”

“Great! I’ll see you in…however long it takes you to find a convenience store that hasn’t heard the news.” With that, Geoff pulled out a laptop and started tapping away at it.

“Whatever.” Jack turned on his heel, pulled the door open and stepped into the night. He struggled to close the door behind him, and as soon as it was closed, he was on his way. The footpath was even more treacherous at night, and he stumbled on rocks and roots jutting unseen out of the ancient path. Each trip was accompanied by a garbled swear and a frenzied stamping to regain balance. Fortunately, Jack made it back down to the little road alongside the river without severely injuring himself.

“Fucking finally. Thank God I didn’t fucking break anything.” The disgruntled getaway driver stepped toward his concealed car and immediately slipped on a loose river rock. “Goddammit!” He wormed it out of the ground and chucked it into the river. It plopped into the water and disappeared in a cloud of dirt. Several drops of water splashed against something dark and oddly plastic. Jack blinked and looked up.

A black garbage bag stuck out amongst the rocks in the river. Jack sighed and shook his head. He may be a criminal, but even he knew littering was wrong. He stepped down onto the bank, grabbed a stick and looped it through the yellow handles. The weight tugging on the stick made him pause.

“C’mon, a full garbage bag? Really?”

Jack toed off his shoes and waded into the river. He bent down and pulled the bag out of river fully. The lump at the bottom shifted. Jack trudged back to the bank and set the bag down next to his shoes. It flopped over, and the lump shifted to the middle. A tiny whimper sounded from the bag.

He stopped dead.

“Oh my God.”

Jack pulled a knife from his back pocket and cut through the knot keeping the bag closed. He pulled the bag open and reached inside. Something sharp nipped at his fingers, and a hot, sticky wetness engulfed the tip of his index. With his other hand, he pushed back the plastic.

A tiny black pup nipped weakly at his fingers. It blinked when the light hit its face and looked up. Jack let out a gasp. It had two bright blue eyes, and white markings around its eyes and on its nose and cheeks. Maybe it was a trick of the light, but those markings looked an awful lot like a skull. More white splotches dotted its back and tail, and one foot had a white sock. The pup whimpered and drew back into the bag.

“You poor thing.” He reached out and scooped the pup into his arms. It nibbled on his fingers for a few seconds, but ended up curling into his warmth. Its stick-like tail tucked between its legs, and it hid its face in Jack’s Hawaiian shirt with a soft whimper. Jack scooped up the bag and scowled at it. “Who the fuck would do this?”

Mt Chiliad didn’t offer him an answer, so Jack stood up and headed back to his car. With his free hand, he pulled out his phone and dialed Geoff’s number.

His partner picked up after two rings. “Seriously? Already? You just went out for drinks!”

“No, it’s not that, I’m fine. There’s no cops.”

“Then why are you calling me?”

Jack set the pup in his lap and started the car. The noise startled the pup, and it lifted its head and let out a little howl. “That. That’s why.”

Geoff was silent for a long moment. “Was that a dog?”

“I found it, Geoff. Someone dumped it in the river. In a fucking garbage bag.”

A sharp inhale whistled over the line. “Okay, that’s fucking awful, but we can’t keep a dog.”

Something nudged at Jack’s stomach. He looked down and saw the pup attempting to bury into his lap. His heart tightened in his chest, and tears beaded up at the corners of his eyes. He pet the pup’s tiny back with his index and middle fingers, and it relaxed and curled up in his lap.

“If you saw him, you wouldn’t say that.”

“Fuck. You’re already getting attached.” He sighed, and Jack could almost see him putting his head in his hands. “Fine. We’ll keep it while we’re in hiding, and then you have to find it a home.”

“Yeah, I’m sure that’s how it’s gonna go down.”

Jack drove down the highway with the utmost of care, much more than he usually did. Every time he went over a bump the pup whimpered and curled as tightly as it could. Its tiny heart pounded so quickly in its chest Jack could feel it fluttering against his leg. His tiny flanks heaved with every breath he took. Occasionally the crook would run a finger down the pup’s back, and it would relax ever so slightly.

It took him about twenty minutes to reach a relatively dead-end gas station in San Andreas. Jack crossed his fingers and hoped the news of the heist hadn’t reached it yet. He parked in front of the store and tucked the pup close to his chest. Its little paws batted at his hand before it burrowed into his chest with a whimper.

The door pinged when it opened, and Jack quickly ducked into an aisle. The clerk briefly glanced up from his magazine, saw Jack hovering next to the beef jerky, and returned to his articles. Jack let out a sigh and walked down the aisle toward the booze. He paused next to the canned dog food mid-aisle.

He looked down at the pup and stroked his tiny head with a finger. “Are you old enough for solid food?” The pup’s little blue eyes peeped up at him and blinked solemnly. “We’ll try it.” He grabbed a couple cans of food, swung around to the very first aisle, and picked up a few baby bottles. Next he grabbed a 24-pack of beer from the fridge and headed toward the register. Briefly he entertained the thought of shooting the cashier and walking out without paying, but they were in hot shit enough already without him bringing the heat to San Andreas.

He put a $20 down on the counter and cleared his throat. The cashier shut his magazine, picked up a decrepit scanner, and slowly rung up his items. The pup yipped and wiggled in Jack’s arm. He lifted him up and tucked him more securely against his chest. A wet nose snuffled at his neck and chin for a few seconds. Then the pup nibbled at the collar of his shirt and growled low in his throat.

The entire time he was checking out, Jack crossed his fingers and hoped he could get through this without resorting to violence. Ordinarily he wouldn’t be opposed to a shootout, but the tiny pup curled against his chest made him change tactics. Plus, Geoff would be up his ass if he brought any more heat down upon their heads.

After an eternity, the clerk put Jack’s stuff in a plastic bag and pushed it and his change across the counter. Jack scooped it up and hurried back to his car. He put the bag in the floorboard and set the pup in the passenger seat. It whimpered and huddled against the seat. Jack pet its ears and dialed Geoff’s number.

“I got the booze. We’re heading back now.”

Geoff was quiet for a long moment. “We?”

“Me and the puppy.”

“You seriously still have that thing?”

“Oh, trust me, once you see this little guy, you’ll understand.”

Suddenly, the pup scampered over the center console and into Jack’s lap. He started and nearly drove into a ditch. He regained control just in time for the pup to hide its face in Jack’s Hawaiian shirt. “Jesus Christ!”

“What? What’s going on? I swear to God-”

“No cops, I promise! It’s just…he’s really cuddly.”

“Jack, we’re not keeping it.”

“Just for the week, Geoff. At least until the heat blows over.” A tiny set of teeth nipped at the hem of Jack’s shirt, and Jack brushed the tips of the pup’s ears with his knuckles. “I’m telling you, when you see him, you’ll bend.”

“Bend nothing! We’re not adopting a dog. I don’t care how fucking cute it is.” Geoff hung up after that. Jack chucked the phone into the passenger seat and set about returning to home base.

All the while, the pup never moved from his lap.