#we then went to the ice cream place just across ^^ i got oreo ice cream and gum flavored ice cream

[crescentmp3]

many experiences today

[random2908]

I have been conducting a study.

I have been studying fast food chocolate shakes. I am now prepared to share my findings:

McDonald's: it's fine. It's the most generic milkshake possible, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. There's nothing to complain about, but there's nothing to laud, either. If you haven't tried a McDonald's shake in 30 years, give it a try again, they completely revamped the recipe in like the late 90s or something and it's a lot better now.

Jack in the Box: it tastes like chocolate syrup, very sweet, very artificial-chocolatey. Fine if you like that kind of thing; for me, I think it's an ok flavor for a topping but not as the main flavor in my milkshake.

Carl's Jr: tastes very real. Like milk. Tastes like milk and real ice cream but not much like chocolate at all. If you want your milkshake to taste like it's healthy go with this one. I could imagine having this at a diner.

In-n-out: despite the reputation, I really don't think it's particularly better than McDonalds. Its defining feature is that it goes heavy on the vanilla, even in a chocolate shake, which I find very nostalgic. Specifically, it's nostalgic of 9th grade, when used to walk through the In-n-out "drive"-thru across the street from my school and get a shake for lunch like two days a week. I will say this and music are the two things that are nostalgic of high school in a good way. That still does not make this an especially good milkshake, though. I mean, it's fine. Like McDonald's, it's perfectly fine, but it's not especially good.

Burger King: you can get a chocolate oreo shake here, not just chocolate or oreo like at most other places. So I've never had the chocolate shake here.

Five Guys: you can also get a chocolate oreo shake here. The one in Ann Arbor was better 5-10 years ago, chocolatey but not sweet--or at least not so sweet as to completely cover that very specific chocolate bitterness, which is something I've grown to appreciate as an adult. More recently there, and also here, it's not as chocolatey. But it is probably the thickest ice cream of the fast food shakes. Really very good.

Wendy's: I've only had a Wendy's frosty a handful of times in my life--a few times in early childhood when they still existed in my hometown, and then a couple times in college and grad school. My memory is the texture is bad and that's why they call it a frosty rather than a milkshake. It's fine if you just need a chocolate-flavored fry dip, but maybe not as a drink. I don't know, maybe I'm misremembering, though.

Sonic: this one is the best. It tastes like chocolate pudding, and I love chocolate pudding. This is the first time I've ever lived within 50 miles of a Sonic (shocking that that happened in NorCal of all places). But since I was doing a study, I went out of my way to get one. I drove over 20 minutes, telling myself I'd been waiting 18 years for this--ever since I had a classmate in grad school from Oklahoma who used to rave about them and complain that we got radio ads for them in the Detroit area even though the nearest Sonic was well into Ohio. Anyway, yeah, it was worth it. I can't believe it beat Five Guys, but it beat Five Guys by a lot. The one negative, and I can't believe I'm saying this, is there was about twice as much whipped cream on it as I really wanted.

I had been going to extend this test another couple weeks, to give Burger King, Wendy's, and Five Guys their fair shakes (...as it were)--Wendy's because I remember not liking it but haven't had it since... like... since I was a TA and it was the only thing open near the bus stop after my night classes? And Burger King and Five Guys because I only ever get chocolate oreo, and it's not fair to all the other shakes, so I was going to try plain chocolate--but Sonic blew everything else out of the water tonight so I gave up.

[blackknightgargiefoodtopia]

Fleur-de-lys Bakeshop

Was feeling down in the dumps towards near lunch hour, and thank god my gal pal called up to ask if I had plans for lunch. I jumped to the chance to have my girl time with her, and she decided it would be better to eat nearby coz of the jam, so we went to Fleur-de-lys Bakeshop

This be the signboard and entrance of the bakeshop. This bakeshop has plenty of branches throughout Brunei actually, but the one we're going is opposite my office across the road here at Kiarong Complex. It's basically almost like Secret Recipe, but selling bread and confectioneries on the sidelines

This be the interior of the place. Pretty small and quaint, almost like a Western bistro, though it feels a little odd to sorta be eating in a bakeshop, but I got over it anyways

Trigger-happy on the cakes that were on sale

My gal pal's diet coke...

And my soup of the day. Tastes nice and creamy and pretty flavourful, though I think I should've just asked her to serve it in a bowl instead because the bread seems to be soaking up my soup and I'm left with not much ^^;

My fettucini carbonara. Thick and creamy with cheese and sauce, and the noodles are cooked just right with the chewy tang, but unfortunately probably not as cheesy goodness as Mauri's

My gal pal already had a heavy breakfast, so she settled for waffles with ice-cream. The waffles (which I grabbed a bite from) tastes pretty good actuallly, nice and crispy. No qualms over there

I decided to fuck diet and got myself an Oreo cheese cake because I was stressed out, dammit! Nice and thick with cheese that melts in your mouth with a great crunch of Oreo biscuits in the bottom, this is definitely girl's best friend

Ordered myself some English Breakfast tea to wash the cake down. Prolly defeat the purpose of eating healthy, but who cares.

Here's my two-cents on this place. Reprisal is possible, but so far, I'm giving a bit of a thumbs-up for this bakeshop slash bistro eatery

[ssatoritendou]

Love Affair at the Museum

Pairing: gojo/reader

Gojo Saturo

Word count: 2k

+ summary: You are Megumi's babysitter for when Gojo goes out to work. Gojo and you are secretly dating behind the little boys back while going to the museum one day Megumi thwarts Gojo's advances towards you because of Megumi's little crush on you.

Genre: fluff, humor

Warning: N/A

“I’ll be back around 10 p.m. Gumi you be good for ___ like we promised. You be good then we go to the museum tomorrow.”

He gave Gojo a blank stare then responded, “Nanami is coming too?”

“Yes, he said he would. I will tell him again.” He patted his head.

“Don’t worry Mr. Gojo Megumi is always good. Plus I brought a puzzle for us to do.” You told him lifting the puzzle box lid showing the movie Aliens.

You watched as his little blue eyes lit up. He got up from the table he was coloring at and went to push Gojo out of the apartment.

“Someone really likes puzzles.” Gojo chuckled. “Also ___ don’t call me Mr. Gojo we are the same age. If there is an emergency you have my number.” He winked at you.

“Gojo stop hitting on ___ and go already.”

“Alright kiddo I’m going I’m going. Be back soon.”

Megumi slammed the door shut and locked it.

“He’s gone. Can we watch the movie and can you please make ice cream sundaes again?”

You smiled down at him. “You pop the movie in the DVD player and I will prepare the ice cream.”

You scooped the ice cream into small bowls and added Megumi’s favorite toppings which were Oreo cookie crumbles and gummy worms.

You spoiled Megumi. He was a good kid and he was definitely not a wild child.

There were a few things he did like was violence, horror, and ice cream that looked like dirt with worms.

You came over to the den placing the bowls on the coffee table. You sat down at the table across from Megumi.

Seeing paper, crayons, and markers spread across the table. Mixed with a few drawings.

You noticed a picture of black and white dogs. Frogs with wings. Then the ever disturbing photo of Gojo with his unnaturally crystal blue eyes.

“Hey, that is a great portrait of your Uncle.”

“Gojo isn’t my Uncle ___. How many times do I have to tell you? No wonder your mom says you are failing English your comprehension skills are not that great.”

‘The attitude on this kid. Insulting his elders like that. Eavesdropping on a conversation.’

“Gumi it’s disrespectful to say that to your elders. You and I both know this is not the first time you have been caught eavesdropping on other people's conversations. All these attributes you develop from Gojo. You even style your hair like you Uncle.”

He stood up and shuffled his hair around looking at a picture of Gojo and his friends on the wall seeing the resemblance of the hairstyles.

“Hey, guys I got off work early…” Gojo had gotten home to see you and Megumi sitting on the couch watching as Newt was floating in the water waiting for Ripley and Hicks to save her.

“What are you guys watching?”

“Aliens,” Megumi stated shoving some pretzel mix into his mouth.

“Aren’t you seven? Doesn’t this scare little Gumi?”

“I’m not little. I’m almost taller than the kids in my class and Panda.”

Gojo smacked the back of his head at the mention of Panda.

“Kid it’s time for bed.”

“Oh come on Satoru it’s a Friday night the movie is almost over. Just sit down.” You patted the couch.

As the end credits were filling up the screen.

“Can we color?” Megumi asked not wanting to go to bed.

“Megumi it is bedtime. You need your eight hours so you can enjoy the museum tomorrow.” You told him.

“Can you put him to bed? I’ll give you tip.” Gojo flashed his flirtatious smile.

“Anything for my little Megumi.” You pinched Megumi’s cheek.

Megumi jumped onto his bed picking up a quarter and scratching the little square off his movie poster box that read Aliens.

“Next time you watch me can we watch the Dark Knight?”

“Sure. You want the night light on?”

He got a little embarrassed, shoving the blankets over his face. You flipped his wall socket blue light. You went to close the door.

“Oh, Megumi there’s one thing more thing I had to mention..”

“What is it?” He asked.

“I love you goodnight.” You closed the door and went to the front hall.

“The kid asleep?” Gojo asked starring at his phone.

“Yeah out like a light.”

“Great.” He smiled getting up from the couch kissing your cheeks. You giggled at his over affection.

“Hey, how come you never told me that Megumi was not your nephew?”

“I didn’t think I had too I just thought you knew he wasn’t related to me. I thought it was pretty obvious. Wait you thought this whole time that..” The man started laughing his ass off at the thought of Megumi being his actual nephew. “We are dating and you thought I was an uncle. Megumi and I don’t even look alike.”

“Not true you guys style your hair the same way. Gumi must look up to you a little bit.”

He continued laughing handing the cash over. “Here is the money for tonight.”

“Thanks, Gojo and I can babysit anytime Megumi is the best kid.”

“Too you. He can be a brat sometimes. Speaking of which he is going to upset tomorrow.”

“Huh? Why?” You asked putting your items in your backpack and putting the dishes in the sink.

“Nanami can’t come to the museum with us. He has to work tomorrow. He felt bad about not being able to come for Megumi but he is happy he doesn’t have to hang out with me.”

“I can come with you guys.” You stated.

“I don’t know you are a pretty expensive babysitter/ date and I promised Megumi museum food and two gift shop toys.”

“One I will do it free of charge. Two museum food is bad. I will make lunches and I need to get out of the house tomorrow my mom is going to be mad.”

“English?” Gojo asked.

“It is not an easy class.” You argued.

He chuckled again.

“What time do you want me here tomorrow? I’ll pay for my train ticket and museum pass.”

“I’m paying for that stuff. Just make some lunches and be here at 9:30.”

“Who are you making lunch for this morning?” Your mother asked. “You aren’t going out with your friends this weekend missy until you get your English grade up.” She swatted your head with a spoon.

You rubbed the top of your head. “Ma I’m going to the museum with Satoru and Megumi.”

“A date certainly not.”

Your face turned beet red at the comment your mother made about you going on a date with Satoru. “Mom it is not a date. Satoru told me that one of his friends couldn’t come and it would crush Megumi. Look at him mom, I couldn’t let the kid get his heart crushed.” You show a picture of Megumi that was on your phone.

“That Satoru is very irresponsible. Getting a girl pregnant at a young age and now a single dad.”

“Mom I have told you a million times that he isn’t his dad. He is his guardian. Megumi’s father and mother passed away and his stepmother too. Gojo told him that he would take care of him.”

“What kind of grown man lets a teenager take care of his child?”

“According to Gojo, their families have a special connection something about them working with the same organization or company.” Her eyes went wide, she gasped to ready to yell about you hanging out with a gangster. “Mom they are not in the mafia or were in the mafia. Satoru does not have any tattoos. And I don’t like gossiping about this. I’m going to finish making our lunches and then I’m going to go up to their apartment and leave.”

She hummed. “Be home before 4 o’clock.”

“Ok, mom.” You kissed the side of her face and wrapped up the little boxed lunches.

“So Gumi what are you most excited to see at the museum?” You asked holding his hand walking inside the building.

“The dinosaur exhibit.” He said confidently.

“Me too buddy,” Gojo said.

“I personally am excited about the sea life exhibit. I wonder if you got on Gojo’s shoulders if you can touch the whale's nose.” You said.

“Let’s test that theory.” Gojo picked up Megumi and put him effortlessly on his shoulders. “Hold the hair Buddy up there.” Gojo held your hand going into the museum.

Megumi felt a tinge of jealousy go through him. He tugged at Gojo’s white locks.

“Hey kid easy with the grip. I’m going to get our tickets can you put our jackets in the check.” Gojo gave you his and Megumi’s jackets. You nodded and went left as he went right for the tickets.

The first exhibit was the dinosaurs, Megumi asked to get down from Gojo’s shoulders and went to running around the museum as the pair of you watch him.

But it was like the kid had a sixth sense as soon as Gojo got an inch of you. Whether it was holding your hand or putting his arm around your shoulders, Megumi was dragging you away to look at the dinosaurs.

Even when you finished those exhibits and went to a little galaxy film he sat in between the two of you.

As soon as you got to the sea life exhibit Megumi went back up on Satoru’s shoulders.

He told Gojo to go straight for the whale. He reached for the whale with his small hands. You were a few feet behind them taking a picture of them.

Megumi tugged at Gojo’s hair while they were alone.

“What is it kiddo?”

“Do you like ___?” He asked nervously.

“Sure I do Buddy. I have to make sure you are being taken care of by someone I like and trust when I’m out.”

“I mean do you like-like her?”

Gojo sighed pulling him down. “Something tells me with your sneaking around and always lurking in the doorways you already know that answer. Which is a good thing for a sorcerer to know but for a kid is troublesome. Sorcerers and teachers keep coming to me about it.”

Megumi puffed his cheeks out and huffed. “You taught me to do that.”

“Ok ok, we can talk about this another day. But yes I like her. I am scared though.”

“You get scared?”

“Yeah of course I get scared. I’m scared now because she is normal. She is lucky to not live as we do. I’m also afraid of what my parents will think of her even if I think they are shit people. You will understand that when you are older. However, I know I can handle it as life goes on.” Gojo told him. “Do you have a crush on ___?”

“NO!” Megumi shouted.

Gojo wrapped his hands around Megumi’s face. Parents around the museum starred him down. “Not trying to kidnap just trying to stop a tantrum.” Gojo laughed.

You walked over to them. “Gumi is this gnome bothering you?”

He nodded his head yes.

“Remember what I taught you to do when Gojo covers your mouth.”

Megumi thought for a minute and then a light bulb went over his head. He licked the palm of Saturo’s hand.

“Of course you taught him that.” He said pulling his hand away. “Come on let us go to the cafe and eat the little boxed lunches ___ made for us.” Gojo came back up and kissed your cheek. Walking towards the door to the courtyard.

You were a little shocked and you stuttered some syllables following after him and Megumi.

“Don’t worry cutie he already knows. He has been eavesdropping and watching.”

“Some of that content was not safe for children.” You smushed your face into your hands.

“As soon as you started kissing Gojo I closed my door and started playing with my dogs.”

“What dogs?” You asked.

Gojo smacked his head again. “Gumi we will cross that bridge when we get there.” He growled.

“Sorry. I have secret dogs.” He made a puppet with his hands in the sunlight.

“Aw shadow puppet dogs. Those are cute.”

Gojo gave Megumi a warning look so he wouldn’t say the keyword. He stuck his tongue out.

“Alright, let's eat boys, and then I have to go home.”

Gojo smiled at you and sat down across from you and Megumi. He finally had a little family again. He hoped it wouldn’t get ruined by him or his life.

[houseofperfecttaste]

Liam Dunbar - Beach Day

"Liam it's like a thousand degrees out do we have to do this today?" Y/N groaned as Liam handed her a lacrosse stick kissing her cheek. "I need to practice baby." "You don't need practice you're the best on the team." Liam kissed her lips before walking away from her and throwing the ball to her, her throwing it back. Y/N helped him with passing and scoring before she exagratedly collapsed on the ground laying on her back as Liam laughed.

"Okay okay you've had enough torture time for someplace fun." Liams sentence made Y/N open her eyes and sit up looking up at her boyfriend. "Where?" "The beach." Liam smiled at her grabbing her hands and pulling her up. "Yay let's go!" Y/N clapped her hands together running to the car. Liam chuckled at his girlfriends excitement and he grabbed his lacrosse things heading to the car putting it in the trunk. Liam drove to Y/Ns house so she could get one of her bathing suits and she put on a floral print underwire swimsuit with Liams extra lacrosse jersey thrown over. She grabbed her beach essentials throwing them into her bag slipping on her flip flops.

After they went to Liams for his things they made their way to the beach with the windows down music blasting. Liam pulled into a spot and they headed down to the sand finding a spot. Y/N laid her towel down as Liam set up his chair and she threw her hair in a bun. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom I'll be back." Y/N kissed his lips heading to the bathroom. When she was heading back she saw two girls talking to Liam or trying to talk to him but he was just on his phone, she couldn't blame them Liams hot and so is his body. As she walked closer she heard the conversation.

"Like I already said to both of you I have a girlfriend." Liam said and the two girls rolled their eyes. "I'm sure she won't mind if we get your number." Y/N smirked walking up next to Liam leaning down grabbing his cheeks turning his head to look at her and smashed her lips on his. "I actually would mind." Y/N stood up straight smiling at the girls with Liams arm around her waist as they walked away.

"That was hot." Liam said with a smirk on his face standing up placing his hands on her waist kissing her. When she pulled away for air Liam threw her over his shoulder running to the water as she hit his back telling him to put her down. He ran into the water and threw her in laughing. She resurfaced playfully glaring at him splashing him. "You're a jerk." She laughed wrapping her arms around his neck and he leaned forward closing his eyes wanting a kiss. Y/N dunked his head underwater laughing uncontrollably running away from him.

He caught up to her wrapping his arms around her waist from behind lifting her up. They were both swimming around getting knocked under by waves but having a blast with each other. After a few hours they got out of the water going back up to their things and Y/N laid down wanting to tan and Liam sat in his chair pulling his phone out and watching a replay of his lacrosse game. After an hour or so they decided to go to the shops across from the beach and they got fried oreos and ice cream heading back to the beach to watch the sunset.

Pink, purple, and orange started coloring the sky and Y/N grabbed her phone taking pictures and Liam took his out taking pictures of her and the sunset. "Liam come here." Y/N signaled him to sit next to her and she turned her back to the sunset with Liam beside her and took a picture of them with the sunset in the back. Y/N turned back around and ate her ice cream just admiring the view in front of her. Liam took a lot of candid pictures of her a huge smile on his face.

Y/N was glowing in the golden light and Liam couldn't tear his eyes away from her. "You are so breathtakingly beautiful." He scooted closer to her wrapping his arm around her waist pulling her into his side and she kissed his lips and then rested her head on his shoulder. "I love you Liam."

"I love you too Y/N." Liam placed his head on top of hers both watching the sun finally set.

[justreadingfics]

It’s a Deal (Chapter 11)

Chapter Summary: Bucky is ready for commitment.  

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 4.6k

Warnings: fluff. Bucky is so smitten.

A/N: It’s been 84 years, but I hope you have fun! Thank you, @lesqui, for reading it over and helping me out with English and everything. The link to my masterlist, where you can find the other chapters, is on my description. Feedback is highly appreciated.

Tag list for this story is closed.  

  Placing your hands on each side of your hips, you smirk at the popped-up screen in your office. Another project you just nailed. Ever since the promotion, your productivity has increased tenfold and you feel as motivated as ever, your creativity on a top level. Also, the last few weeks, after you decided you needed some time alone, you did set more focus on yourself and your own projects. Work being one of them.

It’s weird to say the least… you’ve been busier than ever and yet, it seems like you actually have much more time to yourself now. You’ve been reading books you’ve bought but never really got to read them, eating ice-cream at 3am as you watch The Return of the King for the millionth time, your drawers are finally organized and so is your precious DVD collection. You got to explore a great number of parks and spots you’ve never been before, even living in New York for so long. You’ve been going out a lot and catching up with friends and family. 

It was a good decision. You remember in your relationship with Eddie there were always obstacles for you to hang out with people outside the small inner circle of you as a couple. Sometimes the obstacles were subtle, and not always brought solely by Eddie, but also by you who let yourself get involved in that dynamic. You had no idea how much you missed people that were yours only, and not yours and Eddie’s.

It’s been great to be single. Really, really single for the first time in your adult life. No boyfriends or fiancées, no booty-calls or deals. Completely single… A title and state of mind you didn’t really get to enjoy in the first months of being broken up, being too heartbroken to even think of everything you could do with your life then.

Deciding to be alone for a while…It was a great and reasonable decision.

You have to admit something to yourself, though.

Sometimes you just wanna throw “great” and “reasonable” out of the window. Because you do miss him… A lot.

Finding out how he’s changed his mind and predisposition towards your relationship has messed quite a bit with your mind… and heart. You weren’t expecting that at all and now you don’t really know what to do with the chaos that’s bringing upon your feelings. And what’s making it even messier is the other guy who also changed his mind and predisposition towards your relationship… you weren’t expecting that either… however, that particular change of heart hasn’t been making your own heart jump each time you think of it…

Squeaky little yells and an animated chattering sound of female voices catch your attention to outside your office. Your previous smirk turns into a smile while you shake your head to yourself. That type of commotion only ensues when a certain someone drops by the Tech Department.  

With a wave of your hand, you shut down the screen you’ve been working on, before moving towards the sound. What you come to find a few stops outside your office, at the Department’s common area, is a little circle of your female coworkers around a Super Soldier. He’s always a hit among your coworkers, but today it seems like they’re even in a bigger frenzy, fussing around something that he seems to be holding in his arms. You attempt to catch an eye of it, but the bodies in front of you make it quite hard.

He spots you as you approach them and opens a huge grin at your sight.

You smile back at him just as widely and after you come closer and some of the girls make room, your eyes widen and a small little gasp slips out of you when you finally find out what the fuss is all about. They are all cooing and marveling at a beautiful cat on Bucky’s arms, white as snow on a mountain peak, standing there like royalty, staring back like they’re nothing but proud of being where they are.

“Hey,” Bucky greets, prompting your eyes to focus back on him.

“Hi, there,” you answer back while your gaze carries an amused question mark at him.

He lifts a hard drive with his free hand to your vision field, “We collected this last mission, it’s some alien stuff,” he offers you the drive, keeping his eyes on yours.

As you gaze at each other, you reach for the little device. His fingers brush against yours and that’s precisely when the chattering around both of you becomes nothing but a distant and vague noise that barely reaches your senses… until a loud clear of throat sound stands out.

“Alright, girls, let’s get back to our desks and let these two, ahm… work,” Camilla, your closest friend there, gives you a pointed look and a discrete curve curls the corner of her lips as she leads the group - which looks far from happy about it - away.  

When your gaze meets Bucky again, he’s got that shit-eating grin of his that tells you the little interaction between you and your friend didn’t quite skip from his attention.

You bite your lip and are about to say something when he beats you to it, “Sorry, I had to bring her with me.” He looks down at the cat on his arm and gives it a gentle shake, grinning down at her while she looks up at him before her incredibly blue eyes shut in what looks like sheer contentment, “This little girl right here started whining at the door when I was leaving… she just can’t leave my side anymore.” Bucky shrugs and ticks his tongue, before winking at you.

You chuckle, finding the surprising scene before you nothing less than adorable. The fact that you enjoy being in the presence of his charm again doesn’t go unnoticed by you, but you say nothing about it, “It’s ok, of course. I love cats. What’s her name?”

“Y/N, this is Alpine. Alpine this is Y/N,” he introduces you two with pride lacing his voice.

“Oh, hello, Alp-” your attempt of petting the cat comes to an abrupt halt with you withdrawing your hand at the loud hiss the animal aims at you.

Your eyes snap at Bucky to see his jaw dropping and his eyes widening with a mix of shock and fluster, “Fucking Christ,” he gasps, before looking down at the cat who now licks its paws absentmindedly, “What the hell, missy? Apologize. Apologize now,” he scolds, gaining absolutely no reaction in response.

He scoffs, looking back at you with incredulous lifted eyebrows.

You laugh, mainly at his attempt of making Alpine apologize, “Don’t worry…” You wave him off, “How did that happen, though? I don’t remember you having a cat.” You narrow your eyes just when your head tilts.

He bites his lower lip before an almost cringing smile forms on his lips, “Oh well…”

 A FEW WEEKS BEFORE…

 “Weren’t the Skrulls, like, actually good guys?” Bucky frowns, shoving one of his post-missions Oreos in his mouth and crossing his ankles over the spaceship’s dash.

“Every bunch has its bad apple, I guess,” from the pilot’s seat Natasha shrugs, eyeing the apple in question from over her shoulder.

“You’ll regret this,” threatens the prisoner, who’s actually a Skrull slaver named Gragnon and has his hands and feet securely tied up, stuck on a sit at the back of the ship. Still, he tries to get up and advance towards the front, but a shield of red mist surges in front of him, making him fall back on the chair again with a growl.

Wanda, the third member of the party on that mission, smirks from her seat right behind Nat’s.

Nat rolls her eyes, “What a douche… Talos has been leading a search for him for years now, he’d be thankful we’re taking him to them. Feet off the dash, please.” 

Bucky quickly obeys, pulling down his legs to the floor as Wanda snickers.  

“In fact… we should thank the success of this mission to a certain someone, who came up with a device to break alien codes.” The cheeky smile on Wanda’s face as she started speaking only fades so she can shoot a glare back at the prisoner, who’s now revolved by a red mist dome.

“Damn right.” A dreamy little curl pulls Bucky’s lips as he swings on his seat and passes the bag of Oreos to Wanda.

“Jesus,” Nat scoffs, setting the ship on autopilot, before swirling her chair to see both Bucky and Wanda, “Could you ever imagine this could be possible? That this guy would someday be that smitten over someone?” she questions Wanda.

“Not in a million years. I don’t know Y/N that well, but I bow to her.” Wanda mimics the gesture before shoving a cookie in her mouth.

Bucky doesn’t even drop the dreaminess of his smile. He is smitten… completely… utterly… and fuck if that doesn’t feel damn good. He always thought that kind of feeling would be a pain in the ass, boring and painful. It is not. He feels like singing, dancing, hugging every human being and alien he comes across. Fuck, he would hug the Gragnon dude if it didn’t mean to get a kick in the ass from Natasha. It’s been ages that he doesn’t really get high on anything, but that feeling… he’s definitely hooked on it.  There’s not a doubt inside him anymore and he’s in love with being in love with you.

“So, spill it,” Nat crosses her legs, swinging on her chair “You really went to her place and poured your heart out to her? Right after her ex proposed to her?” She questions, “What did she say?”

“Well, first she thought I was kidding and laughed her ass off…” He shakes his head with the same dreamy little smile on his lips, “Then, when she realized I was not, she started crying and, of course, so did I.” He shrugs, ignoring when Nat and Wanda exchange looks, “She wasn’t expecting that from me at all, and, we can’t really blame her can we?” 

“Definitely not.”

“Nope.”

Bucky chuckles at the unison response from her friends before leaning over and snatching the bag of cookies from Wanda, before giving them the details of his talk with you, having their undivided attention.  “And she said she needs some time alone, being single, I mean, to sort her feelings out… Also, it seems like she doesn’t think I can’t deal with the kind of commitment that being in love requires,” he says with a mouthful.

“Oh, honey…” Nat tilts her head.

He notices the sympathy on hers and Wanda’s expressions and waves his hand to brush her worries off, “No, no. None of that. All in all, it went pretty well. As much as I wished it would be different, I think her decision is fair. At least she didn’t say yes to the jackass with the ring,” he huffs, “I wasn’t really expecting her to throw herself in my arms. At least, not just yet.” He smirks.

“What?” Natasha shoots a look at Wanda before turning to him, “You’re not stepping aside?”

Bucky snorts at the question, “Are you kidding me? The first broad I ever fall in love with and you think I’ll leave the path free for that short little clown who thinks ten years matter?” He lets out an exaggeratedly loud laugh, “I’ve lived more than one hundred of them. Ten years mean nothing to me, and soon enough she’ll realize it doesn’t have to mean much to her, either.” A small smile rises on his face, “Of course she can have the time for herself she wants, find out what’s like being single. She deserves that. And she can think and figure out all she needs… have her fun... It’s all good…” He nods, “But in the meanwhile? I’ll be around romancing the shit out of that woman,” he states, right before tossing another cookie in his mouth.

“Holy shit,” Wanda addresses Natasha, with both eyebrows high on her forehead.

“I know…” Nat answers with an equally dumbfounded look on her face, before turning to Bucky, “Listen,” she sighs and tilts her head, “I hate to be such a killjoy here, but… I get you’re in love, and I know this is new and exciting for you.” She’s smiling before her lips tighten, “Having said that… I think she might have a point about you not being ready for commitment Bucky, you never wanted that. I’m gonna be honest here, I’m the one who set what you two had up because I thought it wouldn’t lead to this…” She waves all around him, “Feelings, I mean… and I would hate myself if you two ended up hurt because of it.” She focuses an apprehensive gaze on him while Wanda also rests her attention on him, looking like she agrees with her friend.

Bucky takes a good look between the two of them before putting into words the answer that’s so clear on his head now, “I know it may sound weird and uncharacteristic of me. Trust me, I know that.” He nods at Natasha, taking a moment to silently communicate with her in the way that has been always so easy for the two of them, “You’re right, I’ve never wanted that. Settling down to just one person, commit to a long term relationship…But with her,” he sighs and the corner of his lips curl up without further notice, “I want her and I want all of that with her, the whole package. I’m ready. I’m not afraid. I think the reason I didn’t want all of that before is because I hadn’t met her yet. That’s it. Simple as that. I know it’s not going to be easy, but to hell with easy. I want her. And I want her hard.”

Wanda already has a huge grin on her face when a satisfied little smirk twists Nat’s lips, “That’s what Amanda said.”

Bucky’s eyes widen before he squints at her, “What’ve you been up to?”

Nat puts on a nonchalant face and reaches forward to grab a cookie from the package. She takes a bite and shrugs, “Poor girl… needed some comfort after being let down by your buddy down there.”

Bucky lets out an outraged scoff and throws a cookie on her way, from which she dodges easily as she laughs, “I bet you were of great help in consoling her… Jesus… Amanda and you? The world isn’t ready.” He shakes his head.

Natasha sports a smug smile on her face when she nods her agreement, “You’re not wrong.”

“Alright, as much as I want to hear all about this Amanda girl, we’re getting close to the Skrull base now and we need you to land us, Nat,” Wanda nods towards the dash.

“Copy that,” Natasha makes a military salute at her, before shifting her seat and taking control of the ship again.

“And as for you,” Wanda turns to Bucky, “I don’t need to read what’s on your mind to know you’re telling us the truth. You’re ready for commitment,” she offers him a soft smile, which he reciprocates, “And if you really wanna show her that, I may have an idea.” Her smile turns into a devious little smirk and that’s enough to pique Bucky’s interest.

~~~

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Bucky asks, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walks alongside Wanda through the busy sidewalks of Manhattan, “I mean… I know I said yes, but it is one hell of a commitment, what if it’s not for me?”

“Don’t worry, Bucky,” she smiles, “We’re just gonna take a look around, feel the vibe, and then see what happens. You don’t have to decide anything just yet,” she assures, wrapping an arm around his elbow as he looks down at her, “I just think it’s a good idea for you to get to know a bit more of this sudden inclination to commit…to experiment, I guess,” Wanda shrugs, “Besides, a dear friend of mine runs the shelter and the girl knows her stuff. If she feels like you’re not ready, she won’t allow you to get out of there with one of her babies.”

Bucky lets out a laugh. Feeling a little lighter about the subject, he places his hand over the one Wanda has wrapped around his arm, “Alright… I’m not opposed to the idea of having a dog, I guess. I always loved Labradors…” he frowns, “I would have to switch apartments, though…”

“Look at you.” Wanda nudges her shoulder on him, “Already making plans for your child…”

“Child…” Bucky can’t help but snort. He had agreed to Wanda’s idea of going to an animal shelter because he thought it would be a good way to show you he’s ready for commitment and, like he said, he’s always been fond of dogs and he’s sure if he ends up taking one home he’ll treat them well. But he also never understood how some people could be so attached to an animal to the point of considering them a child, or family…“I don’t know… I’m definitely not taking a pet home today. I agree with you, I shouldn’t decide anything just yet.”

As they walk past a small alleyway, Wanda halts, forcing him to stop with her.

“What?” Bucky frowns down at her.

“Shhh,” she brings a finger to her lips, staring towards the alleyway, “Listen.”

That’s when Bucky’s enhanced hearing catches the thin and shaky little sound coming through the trash cans.

“Come on,” Wanda pulls him to the alley and towards the cans.

What they find behind one of the containers, among all the filth around is a ball of white fur. Curled up and shaking just like the meows they heard seconds ago. A cat, a young adult white cat looks up and a pair of baby blue eyes meets Bucky’s and he just can’t look away from the plea on them and it’s just when something clicks inside his chest.

“Oh, no, look,” Wanda points at the tail, that has an evident injury on it, but when she leans down to examine it further, the animal flinches and rushes towards Bucky’s legs, letting out another trembling and weak meow. Bucky freezes as it starts climbing up his calves. 

Given the poor coordination on their back little legs – probably from the damage on the tail- it can go much higher,  but keeps trying. After the initial surprise, Bucky can’t help but to smile at the little fighter, who seems to reach out at him for protection. Next thing he knows, he’s leaning down and picks it up with all the caution he can muster.

“Hello, little lady… what happened there, huh?” He coos, nodding towards the small injury, which looks like a bite, having the cat meowing while bumping and rubbing the head against his chest.

“Is it a female?” Wanda tilts her head, an amused and questioning expression on her face.

Bucky smirks, not taking his eyes away from the animal, who is now quiet and seems much calmer, but digging her little claws on Bucky’s shirt, “I know a beautiful lady when I see one. Don’t I, gorgeous?”

A purring sound comes out of the now contented animal, the small injury on her tail apparently not being a problem anymore while she climbs higher and practically hugs Bucky with her little paws, whose fur is smudged by dirt, making his heart take a flip in his chest. Damn his heart nowadays…

“Aww, Bucky…” Wanda smiles, placing her hand over her heart, “What are we going to do? Should we take her to the shelter?” Wanda offers, with a bit of tentativeness on her voice.

Bucky’s eyes widen largely, before they snap to her friend. A protective tightness laces his hold on Alpine, who lets out another weak meow. Shit… Alpine? When the hell did he even come up with a name? Fuck if he knows, all he knows he’s done for and can’t possibly think of parting from that white furry little thing, who seems to have gone through a lot in her life already and probably has never met with human kindness before.

He doesn’t need to say anything as understanding falls upon Wanda’s face. He would even guess there’s a bit of pride adorning the smile on her lips now, “Alright, alright… we do need to take Alpine to the vet, though, Mr. I’m not gonna take a pet home today.” She winks.

~~~

PRESENT DAY…

“Oh well…” Bucky scratches the back of his neck while you keep your beautiful interested eyes on him, “I found this beauty on the street… she had an injured tail, poor thing… probably bitten by a dog. But she’s fine now, aren’t you, sweetie?” He coos, putting on the new tone of voice that belongs to Alpine now and loving the sound of your chuckle, “You know… I’m fully committed to taking care of her. I’m a cat dad now.” He says, putting some effort to highlight the word “committed”.

“I can see that…” you comment, nodding with a glimmer of fondness in your gaze at where Alpine is cuddled against him with eyes closed, completely relaxed.

Bucky looks down and smiles. That one is too cute for her own good, but he’s definitely having a talk with her later, for hissing at you like that, like he hadn’t given her a lecture about good behavior and how incredible you were before they left home.  

“So, it’s been a while, huh? How’re you doing?” He asks softly, boring his eyes on you and holding back every ounce of him to not pull you to his arms and shower you with all the intense love he’s gathering in his chest at your sight in front of him. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t have spent those long weeks apart from you, but he met with missions and an Alpine in the way. Also, as much as he’s resolved to show you he’s the one for you, he understands you needed time for yourself. But, hell, he missed you so much.

“Oh, I’m good, I’m good… pretty good,” you ramble, brushing a finger behind your ear, that thing you do when you become a bit self-conscious, which happens often when he places his gaze so intently on you.

He can’t help but smile, his chest impossibly swelled with his feelings for you, because that woman who becomes all flustered with his attention is the same woman who whined to suck his dick while shitfaced after a party. Damn, he’s so in love with you.

“That’s great...Are you free tonight?” He asks, smoothly, “Wanda and Sam will make hamburgers, they’re one hell of a team in the kitchen, you’ll be welcome to come if you want to.”

“Oh… I…” You falter.

“I’m not trying anything, I promise,” He’s quick to add with a chuckle and raises his free hand up, noticing the trepidation in your voice. “Everyone’s gonna be there. We’re just gonna eat and hangout.” He shrugs.

“Oh… no, it’s not that, it’s just…” You tighten your lips “I’ve got plans.” Something Bucky guesses to be disappointment or something like that sweeps into your voice. As for him, he holds his breath, bracing himself for the news that you’re going out with that douche of an ex, “I’m gonna meet some friends from college tonight. I got a reservation for us for dinner and then we’re gonna go dance…”

Bucky lets out a breath and the smile that grows in his face is wide when he says, “Oh, alright. That sounds like fun.” Really, really fun, especially if that jackass isn’t involved. He’s not disappointed. Far from it.  

You smile back at him, matching his mood. It doesn’t slip from his attention that you seem a bit surprised by his reaction at you declining an invitation from him in favor to hang out with your friends, but he says nothing of it.

“Yeah… I’ve been getting reacquainted with them lately,” you say, excitement plastered on the little curve of your lips and the glint in your eyes, “It’s been fun. I’d love to get to know Wanda and Sam’s talent in the kitchen, though….Maybe some other time?” You offer.

“Sounds perfect, sweetheart.”

The term of endearment brings the effect he was aiming for when you promptly does that thing with your finger on your ear again, but it was also noticed by the other girl in the room and currently in his arm, who seems to wake up from her comfort slumber against his chest to hiss at you again.

You look at each other in widened eyes.

“What the hell,” Bucky scolds down at the cat, glancing at you briefly, catching your now amused expression, before addressing Alpine again in a whispery voice, “We’re gonna have a talk back home, young lady.”

~~~

“What a number you put out there, huh?” His voice is gentle despite the reprimanding intention in his words while Bucky crouches and fills her little plate with the special food the vet recommended.

With her crystal-clear eyes glued on the plate, Alpine doesn’t really acknowledge his half attempt of admonishing her before digging in.

Bucky chuckles, “She’s cute, isn’t she? But so are you,” He scratches the back of her ear and she stops eating for a moment to brush her head against his hand, “You don’t have to be jealous, doll. You’re so cute, you’re my girl, too, you know?” he coos, still petting her, “But you gotta help me out there buddy. Ok? She’s really special and I know you’ll love her, too.”

Alpine lets out a weak meow before getting back to her plate and Bucky swears to God he sometimes wonders if the cat is some sort of shapeshifter in disguise, understanding every little thing he says.  

Letting her out to eat, he stands up, “Hey, Friday,” he calls.

“Yes, Bucky?”

“Could you search for a table reservation in the name of Y/N Y/L/N tonight? I need the address of the place.”

A small silence ensues before the A.I speaks again, “Isn’t it a bit creepy?”

He sighs, placing his hands on his hips, “Friday… babe…” He smiles at the giggles that resound in his kitchen, before bringing a hand to his heart, “I’m in love, ok? I’m not gonna ruin her night…If anything, I’m just going to make her night out with her friends more… interesting.”

“Alright, you know I can’t say no to you,” the A.I concedes, “You can find the address in your phone’s map. Good luck, handsome.”

“Thanks, babe,” Bucky grins, before turning to Alpine, who’s now about done with her food, sprawled on the floor busy with cleaning out her paws, “And you?” He calls, catching her attention before he points at her, “You’ll have burgers with your aunt Wanda. I have plans for tonight.”  

~~~

To be continued...

[deobienthusiast]

forever have my heart

• pairing: lee jaehyun (the boyz) x reader ft. Jacob, Kevin, Sunwoo, and Juyeon + slight mentions of Sangyeon

• word count: 3,545 words

• genre: ex to lovers!au, angst, fluff

• rating: PG

• warnings: sad hyunjae, sad reader, crying hyunjae, basically all about hyunjae

• notes: if the warnings didn’t give it away i don’t know what will🤷🏾‍♀️

• requested: yes | no by anon

You remember that day like it was yesterday. You remember that entire year, and the year before that. It wasn’t hard to distinguish the day you met Lee Jaehyun, or Hyunjae as he liked to be called. Hyunjae was loud, bold, and out there. He loved having the attention on him, and he befriended people wherever he went. The day you met him was nothing short of a mere coincidence.

Valentine’s day, and you had been stood up. Lucky for you (or so you thought), so did Hyunjae. You both ended up at the same McDonald’s and ordered an oreo mcflurry. Low and behold, their ice cream machine was down. To say you were pissed was an understatement. All you wanted was to drown your sorrows in a large oreo flavored ice cream cup. Was that too much to ask? The boy sitting next to you seemed to sense your anger as he spoke.

“I know an ice cream place just up the way from here. If you want, I’ll take you.” The boy had offered.

Blonde hair covered his head and a grin made its way to his lips. You gave him a confused look as you spoke.

“Do they have french fries?” You asked him.

The boy nodded before holding out his hand. “I’m Hyunjae.”

That day, you shared a large oreo milkshake and some french fries. Hyunjae made you laugh until your stomach hurt and no more tears could come out of your eyes. You both learned that the other was stood up, and Hyunjae couldn’t have been happier. He used the time to cheer you up, and get to know you. That day you got Hyunjae’s number, and you two became inseparable.

Hyunjae became your everything. He exceeded your expectations on love. Making you smile and laugh was his daily mission. You were never alone, until you were.

It seemed as though things were going swimmingly with Hyunjae. You both told each other you loved each other, you had met each other’s parents and families. Everything seemed okay. You were madly in love with Hyunjae, and you were convinced he was the same with you. That was until he stopped showing up.

It started with dates that he’d start showing up late too. Hyunjae would never stand you up, until he did. You never got upset at first. Hyunjae was a busy man. His job required a lot of his attention almost every single day, and you were prepared for that. The time away from you that it took, however, wasn’t something you were prepared for. You pushed through it, though. You did it for love. You did it for Hyunjae, and you thought he would do it for you.

The day you two broke up was burned into the back of your mind. It was a day you would never forget.

It was your one year anniversary. Hyunjae had taken the day off, and he had told you that he prepared a day of excellency and he couldn’t wait to spend it with you. It was a day you were so looking forward to. Except when you woke up, everything went downhill. You tried to look past the silly mistakes that were made, and eventually you did. The day, however, just got worse. Arrangements had fallen through, Hyunjae had gotten called into work. Nothing was going the way Hyunjae had planned it. He did continue to mention a dinner that you two would have when he got off work. Things were starting to look up. You had gotten all dressed up in a new outfit with which Hyunjae had insisted you wear to dinner. Getting all dressed up wasn’t exactly anything you really cared for, but you did it for him. All for him to do the one thing he promised you he wouldn’t do, stand you up. For someone else, at that.

You had sat at the highly expensive restaurant for almost two hours, waiting, hoping that he would show up. Only for you to sit and eat a meal by yourself. You didn’t do much eating that night. The sight of other couples loving and doting on each other just made you sick to your stomach. Unfortunately for you, it only got worse. You had taken a ride to the restaurant that Hyunjae had set up for you, leaving you with no way to get home. Almost every car service was booked up for the night. This left you to call a mutual friend of yours and Hyunjae’s. A sweet boy named Jacob. Jacob was one of Hyunjae’s closest friends, and was the first person to meet you when you and Hyunjae got together.

“Thank you for this Cobie.” You had told the boy softly.

Jacob gave you a small, sympathetic smile. “No problem.”

You let out a sigh as Jacob spoke again. “So where is the man of the hour?”

You let out a laugh. “You tell me. Hyunjae had gotten called into work. I guess time just got the best of him.”

Giving Jacob a look, you noticed the confused expression he was wearing. “Cob, what is it?”

“Hyunjae never came into work today. He specifically asked for the day off, and Sangyeon isn’t the type of boss to call someone in on a day they requested off.” Jacob explained.

The car came to a slight stop before you recognized the front yard you were pulling into.

“What do you mean he never came in? Hyunjae told me he got called into work.” You exclaimed.

The quiet boy shook his head. “I had to work today. I had just gotten off when I got your text message. He wasn’t in the office at all. Come to think of it, neither was Juyeon. I remember them talking a few days prior about a guy named Sunwoo. Apparently he was supposed to be in town. Juyeon was trying to convince Hyunjae to come hang out with him and the guy.”

You hummed in response. You had heard about Sunwoo. An absolute party animal who was spoiled to no end. He never had to worry about a job because he had his parents inheritance to fall back on. Hyunjae always claimed Sunwoo brought out the worst in him. Whenever Sunwoo was in town, Hyunjae was off his rocker in an attempt to keep up with the younger counterpart.

“He stood me up, on our anniversary, to spend time with a boy that can’t even keep himself in a committed relationship for longer than a week. Everytime Sunwoo gets into a relationship, he’s convinced that this one is the one. Sunwoo still acts like a child. I’ll never understand why Hyunjae hangs out with him.” You yelled the last part as you hopped out of Jacob’s car, trudging towards your front door.

Jacob had followed you out before a car came barrelling into the driveway. As if on cue, Sunwoo, Juyeon, and Hyunjae got out. All three of them were laughing like there was no tomorrow. The sight of them made you want to scream. Hyunjae’s eyes were focused on his younger friend before they met your cold, desolate stare. He stopped in the yard, the two boys with him not realizing as they bumped into him.

“Yo, what did you stop for? I know we haven’t drank that much.” Sunwoo said with a laugh before he, too, met your gaze.

“You never told me Sunwoo was in town.” You called out across the yard.

It was at this moment that you were glad you and Hyunjae didn’t have any neighbors. The home you two shared lay at the end of a dirt road that only harboured one other house that was all the way at the entry of the road.

Hyunjae’s eyes left yours momentarily as he took cautious steps towards you, eyeing the boy next to you. “What’s Jacob doing here?”

Jacob looked between the two of you. “I provided transportation. That’s all.”

“Yeah. You know our anniversary dinner at the crazy expensive restaurant you booked? The one where you sent a car to drive me there? The dinner that you never showed up to because of him.” You pointed your finger at Sunwoo as Hyunjae gulped. “Jacob told me you never went into work today. The moment he mentioned Sunwoo, I started to wonder. Just how many days did you really put off for?”

Hyunjae shuddered at your tone. “I took my vacation time off. I had accumulated about a month of vacation time.”

You nodded at his words. Not bothering to say anything else, you had headed into your home, slamming the door behind you. You locked it as you heard Hyunjae run up the stairs. His fists slamming hard on the door. No listening to his pleas, you packed two suitcases before coming back downstairs. Laying them on the ground, you walked towards the door, opening it as Hyunjae fell inside. He lay eye level with the suitcases as he scrambled to his feet.

“What is this? What are those?” Hyunjae asked quietly.

He closed the door behind him as you spoke. “I can’t do this anymore.”

You kept your head down. “It has nothing to do with Sunwoo or work. It’s just you. I think we’ve grown apart.”

Hyunjae’s eyes widened as he was starting to pick up what you were saying. “No. No, I don’t think that. We haven’t grown apart. Look at me. You’re my everything. You mean the world to me.”

His voice cracked slightly as he continued. “Please don’t leave me.”

Tears welled up in your eyes at his words. “I’m sorry, Hyunjae.”

You remember picking up the suitcases, and having Jacob take you to a hotel across town. You made sure he didn’t tell Hyunjae where you were staying. That was the last day you and Hyunjae had seen each other. You didn’t feel like going back for any of your things. Everything you had, you shared with Hyunjae. That was almost two years ago.

You still remember that day, but you had managed to pick your life back up and move on. You had your own friends along with the ones you shared with Hyunjae. The only one you really kept in touch with was Jacob. He had helped you pick yourself back up. You eventually got a new place with a roommate. A funny, artistic boy named Kevin. Kevin, Jacob, and you became the three musketeers. Jacob even got engaged to the sweetest girl you had ever met. She was like a female version of Jacob, and he seemed so smitten over her.

“Hey! What are you wearing to Jacob’s engagement party?” Kevin asked you from outside your bedroom.

Opening the bedroom door, you were met with Kevin holding up different shirts. You laughed.

“Those are both absolutely horrible, Kevin.” You told him.

Kevin dropped both the shirts to his side as he whined. “Well help me then. I’m supposed to be one of his groomsmen and I can’t even dress myself for a proper engagement party.”

Letting out a chuckle, you followed Kevin into his room as you walked straight to his wardrobe. He fell back on his bed as you searched through his clothing. You pulled through each pair of pants and nice button up shirts he had before settling on a nice suit. Pulling it out, you laid it on top of Kevin’s body nicely as he lifted his head.

“See? This is why we’re friends. This is why I like you. Who else would help me get dressed for an engagement party?” Kevin said with a smile.

Shaking your head, you headed towards the door as you yelled. “Nobody! Now get dressed.”

You were excited for tonight. Jacob was over the moon in love with this girl, and he couldn’t wait for the chance to have everyone that loves him in the same room supporting him. Plus, Kevin and Jacob thought it would be a good opportunity for you to quote on quote “get back in the dating scene”. You never agreed, but you weren’t going to argue with the two of them because there was never any winning.

You got changed into your outfit of choice, fixing up your hair, and everything else that needed a touch up. When you were finished, you headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. You scrolled through your social media before hearing Kevin yell from the top of the staircase.

“You should’ve just become a fashion designer.” Kevin said as he made his way down the stairs.

His hands were fiddling with the bow tie around his neck as he finished tying it. You looked over his outfit before focusing back on his hands.

“Kevin, enough with the bowtie.” You told him as you headed his way, pulling his hands away from the garment.

You untied and retied the bowtie for him, straightening it out before dropping your hands. “Now, stop messing with it. Don’t touch it. Or I’ll let you walk around the party with a crooked bowtie until someone points it out, and you know someone will point it out.”

Kevin smiled at your words before you both heard a beep from outside the door. “That’s our ride. Time to go congratulate the bride and groom-to-be.”

Smiling, you kept a grip on the water bottle you had opened as you headed for the door. Kevin quickly ran back up the stairs and came back down with a bouquet of flowers as you laughed.

“Awe, Kev. How sweet!” You said before he pulled his hand back.

“Haha, very funny! They aren’t for you. They are for Jacob and Mina.” Kevin said with a smirk, making you roll your eyes.

The car ride to the venue Jacob had booked wasn’t very long as you and Kevin made small talk. He mentioned this funny girl he had met at work, and it made you smile like no other.

“I’m so glad that you like this girl. Did you get her number?” You asked as the car came to a stop.

Kevin shook his head. “I was too nervous.”

You laughed as Kevin helped you out of the car. He clutched the bouquet of flowers in his hand as he headed towards the entrance. Your arm was looped with Kevin’s as you both scoured the building, taking in all the people that were there. You were quick to point out Jacob’s family. His parents and brother were seated at the head table where the wedding party was to sit. You allowed Kevin to take you towards the table as Jacob noticed you two.

He came up to the both of you with a huge smile. “There you two are! I was wondering when the most important pair of my wedding party would show up.”

You and Kevin both smiled as Jacob pulled you both into a hug. He pulled back from Kevin as he walked off to hand Mina the flowers he brought.

“I’m about to go steal your fiancé.” Kevin said jokingly.

Jacob rolled his eyes at his friend as he turned back to you. You gave Jacob a smile as he pulled you in for another hug.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Jacob said softly.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world Cobie. This is your second big day because the wedding is obviously going to be the true big day.” You replied.

Just as you said that, you saw him. Your smile faltered slightly as Jacob let his eyes follow your gaze. There, standing in the middle of the ballroom, was none other than Lee Jaehyun. He let out a sigh before looking at you.

“I know you still have your reservations about him, but I couldn’t not invite him. He’s my friend.” Jacob reasoned.

You shook your head. “I’m not mad at you. I can’t tell you who you can and can’t invite to your engagement party.”

Jacob smiled before stopping. “You should talk to him.”

Shaking your head, Jacob laughed. “Probably not.”

He went to speak again before someone yelled out to him. He gave you a smile before walking off. You took the opportunity to get yourself a glass of champagne as you looked over the decorations that were hung up. Pictures of every moment that had been captured in Jacob and Mina’s relationship hung up all around the room. Each picture with a date and sweet caption written on each photo. The captions written by both Jacob and Mina. You smiled as you heard someone speak from behind you.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it? Their relationship? I think it’s incredible.” Hyunjae’s voice said quietly.

You kept your back to him as he chuckled softly, taking the initiative to step forward so that he was beside you and visible in your peripheral vision.

Hyunjae spoke again. “You look amazing tonight. I mean, you look amazing all the time, but especially tonight. Of course, you’ve always stood out to me.”

You gave him a side eye look that made Hyunjae crack a smile. “What? Are you trying to woo me now?”

The boy shrugged. “I don’t know? Is it working?”

You shook your head, turning your attention back to the pictures hung up on the wall. Reading the sweet captions to yourself, you were pulled out of the moment you had created for yourself by the same boy.

“How have you been?” Hyunjae asked.

Shrugging, you caught the boy’s attention. “I’ve been okay. Found a job that I really like. I met Kevin, and he keeps me pretty busy.”

You turned to point at the boy who you had mentioned as he saw you and gave a friendly wave and a smile. Hyunjae watched the way your face lit up as he looked back at the same boy.

“That’s Kevin? He seems nice.” Hyunjae said.

You chuckled. “He’s incredible, in more ways than one. Should’ve given that girl his number.”

“Wait, he’s not your boyfriend?” Hyunjae asked.

The laugh you let out made Hyunjae laugh himself as you covered your mouth.

“Kevin? My boyfriend? Absolutely not. He’s great, but not my type. I’d much rather keep him as my roommate.” You told him.

Hyunjae felt his heart pick up as he spoke again. “Hey, can we talk outside? Just the two of us.”

You finally turned to look at him fully making Hyunjae lose his breath. You looked absolutely stunning. You just happened to get even more amazing as time went on. You kept your gaze on him and went to answer before being interrupted. The devil, himself, threw an arm around Hyunjae’s shoulders, throwing off the boy.

“Hyunjae! Man it’s been so long. I’ve missed you, bro.” Sunwoo said.

Not wanting to be in his presence any longer, you headed outside to get some fresh air. Sitting outside on your own, you let yourself get lost in the night sky before being interrupted, again.

“There you are. I’m sorry about that.” Hyunjae apologized.

Shrugging, you looked at him. “Still hang out with Sunwoo?”

Hyunjae shook his head, catching you off guard. “No, actually I haven’t hung out with him since you left.”

Your eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Oh. I didn’t know that. You know, you didn’t need to cut off a close friendship of yours because of me.”

“Yes I did,” Hyunjae started as he sat down next to you. “You are the love of my life whether you’re with me or you’re not. I know my crazy friendship with Sunwoo was a part of the reason you left. I was hoping that distancing myself from him would bring you back to me. Jacob rarely gave me updates, and you never really gave anything away on your social media. I just tried to do everything I could to get you back.”

His statement made you scoot closer. “Sunwoo’s your best friend.”

“And you’re my everything. No matter what, you forever have my heart.” Hyunjae told you softly, looking you in the eyes this time.

Your breath got caught in your throat. “I love you, too.”

“Y-you do? Even after everything?” Hyunjae asked softly.

You nodded. “I never stopped. I think that's why I never bothered to get back out on the dating scene. Despite how hard Jacob and Kevin tried, I didn’t want to be with someone else. I guess I was just always holding on to this hope that we’d be able to try again. Truth be told, Jacob invited a lot of his single friends because he wanted me to mingle with them.”

Hyunjae laughed. “Glad I got to you first then.”

You laughed alongside Hyunjae as he leaned closer to you, his hand now placed lightly above yours, both your pinkies interlocked.

“I missed you.” Hyunjae said softly.

You smiled to yourself as you turned to look at the boy. He leaned his forehead against yours as you took the first step, moving your head just enough to peck his lips.

“Does this mean you’re going to come home with me?” Hyunjae asked.

You pulled away as a mischievous smile made its way to your face. “You’ll have to go, and fight Kevin for me first.”

Hyunjae grinned. “Name the time and the place, my love.”

[honey-dewey]

Wisdom Teeth Imagines

My sibling is having their wisdom teeth out tomorrow and I felt like writing wisdom teeth imagines because I dunno I was bored? This’ll focus more on Reader getting their wisdom teeth out, but who knows. Maybe I’ll do this again. 

Total Word Count: 2,988

Permanent Taglist: @phoenixhalliwell @star-wars-hell

Din Djarin:

Din watched as you stumbled a bit coming up the ramp into the Crest. You’d just had surgery to remove your wisdom teeth and if Din had known you’d be this high, he probably would’ve left you with Peli until the drugs wore off.

“Din,” you whined, reaching out and stumbling over your own two feet. Din caught you, carrying you to the cockpit. He’d set up a sleeping spot there, warm and cozy so he could keep an eye on you while you recovered.

You looked at him with wide eyes. “Din,” you said again, putting a hand slowly against your face. “Din!”

“Yes ner ka’ra?” Din said, crouching down so he was at your level.

“Can’t feel my face!” You said, voice overly worried. The cotton in your mouth and the numbness of your face give you a lisp, and Din couldn’t help but grin.

He smiled despite the helmet, putting a hand on the top of your head. “It’s okay, that’s normal. Lay back now, my star. That’s it, it’s time to sleep.”

You didn’t fight as you sunk into sleep, eyes flickering shut. Din took a minute to admire you, cotton stuffed cheeks and all, before he stood to sit in the pilot’s seat. He wanted to find somewhere safe where you could recover for a few days, at least.

Sorgan was a day’s trip out of the way, and Din set course for the backwater planet. He turned once the coordinates were set, looking at you.

Din sighed, sitting on the floor beside you. He’d gone through this years ago, and knew that what you’d need most was comforting company.

As you shifted in your sleep, he moved so you could use him as a pillow. While you slept, Din relaxed, his helmet off. You wouldn’t remember anything if you woke up, so what did it matter?

Your eyes cracked open and you grumbled. Din, above you, smoothed down your hair and smiled. You gasped softly. “Brown eyes,” you murmured.

Din chuckled. “Brown eyes,” he agreed. “Go back to sleep.”

“Okay Brown Eyes,” you said softly, rolling over and falling asleep once more.

Marcus Moreno:

(Side note! For more Marcus wisdom teeth shenanigans, go read When I’m Older and I’m Wiser.)

“Oh babe,” Marcus said, trying not to laugh as he walked into the operating room. You stared at him, wide eyed.

“Holy shit,” you slurred, still staring. “You’re hot.”

Marcus pressed his lips together and suppressed his laughter. “Thank you,” he said. “Are you ready to go home?”

You nodded, trying to stand and immediately falling into Marcus’s arms. “Are you single?” You asked as he carried you to the car.

“No, I’m not single. I’m actually engaged,” Marcus said, and you immediately started to sniffle. “What? What’s wrong? Does your mouth hurt?”

You shook your head, nearing tears. “Why aren’t you single?” You wailed as Marcus put you in the car. “This isn’t fair!”

Marcus’s worry melted away. “Oh, honey. No, hey, I’m engaged to you!”

Your eyes went wide as your tears stopped. “What?”

“Yeah,” Marcus said, showing you the ring on your hand. “I’m engaged to you.”

“Woah,” you breathed, watching his face as he buckled you in. “Damn, I hit the jackpot.”

Marcus had to turn away and take a few breaths so he didn’t start laughing. “Okay babe. Ready to go home?”

You nodded, leaning against the door. “Can I sleep?”

“Of course you can sleep,” Marcus said, getting into the car and kissing your temple. “Close your eyes, we’ll be home before you know it.”

“Okay,” you mumbled, looking down at your hand one last time and grinning. “I’m so lucky.”

Max Phillips:

“Head still hurt?”

You groaned in response.

Max chuckled softly. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he said. He’d been looking after you since you got your wisdom teeth out, and now that you weren’t high anymore, everything hurt.

“Wanna eat something?” Max asked, looking over at you. You were face down on the couch, breathing slowly through the pain. “We have ice cream.”

You nodded, mumbling something softly. Any normal person wouldn’t have been able to hear it, but Max was no normal person.

“Okay,” he said, standing and closing his book. “Vanilla it is.”

He made you a bowl of vanilla ice cream, grabbing himself a Max popsicle while he was in the freezer. Sucking on the popsicle and letting the metallic tang coat his senses, he handed you your bowl. You made a face at his blood popsicle, but didn’t say anything as you sat up and very slowly spooned ice cream into your mouth.

You’d eaten maybe five bites by the time Max had finished his popsicle.

“Oh for the love of god,” Max said softly, scooting closer and taking the ice cream from you. You whined, but he shook his head. “Open wide.”

You did so, opening your mouth as best you could. Max put the spoon in, and you swallowed the ice cream.

“Better?” He asked, spooning up another bite. “Probably faster.”

You stuck your middle finger up and Max and took the next bite of ice cream.

“Mhm,” Max hummed playfully. “If you’d let me turn you, you wouldn’t be in pain right now.”

“Fuck you Phillips.”

Max’s grin grew. “I’ll take you up on that,” he promised. “Once you get better.”

You groaned. Later, you’d punch him for that comment, but for now, you resigned yourself to being spoon fed by the world’s most annoying vampire.

Frankie ‘Catfish’ Morales:

“Okay Sparks, in the truck, there you go.” Frankie held your hands as you unsteadily got into his truck. He’d been the only one available at seven AM, so he’d driven you to your wisdom tooth appointment.

You hummed slowly, watching with unfocused eyes as Frankie got into the truck with you. “Fish?”

“What’s up Sparks?”

“I-“ you stopped abruptly as the truck growled to life. “Rumbly.”

Frankie put his phone on its holder and hit the record button on the camera. “Sparks. You okay?”

“The truck is purring!” You said, patting the dashboard. “Like a cat!”

“Like a cat,” Frankie agreed, driving out of the parking lot and across the street to the nearest fast food place. “You still want that milkshake?”

You nodded. “Cookie?”

“Oreo, if they’ve got it,” Frankie said, putting a hand on your shoulder as he pulled into the drive through line. “If they don’t, we’ll do vanilla, how’s that sound?”

“Okay.”

“Perfect,” Frankie said. “And then we have to get your pills, and then we can go home and take a long nap.”

You pouted. “Wanna nap now.”

Frankie smiled. “Go ahead. You’ve slept in this truck before.”

“Oh,” you said softly, leaning your head back and zoning out.

In a blink, almost five minutes had passed, and Frankie was pressing a cold milkshake into your hands. “Oreo, just like I promised.”

You looked down at the small cup in your hands and immediately looked up at Frankie with pure love in your eyes. “I love you.”

Frankie almost crashed the truck. “I’m sorry?”

“I love you so much,” you said again, scooting closer to Frankie and leaning your head against his shoulder. “Have for a looooong time. Napping.”

Frankie floundered as you fell asleep. He had no idea what to think. You were high as hell, but not entirely unreasonable. Was his massive crush actually reciprocated?

Deciding he’d wait until you woke, Frankie put an arm around your shoulders to steady you against his side and kissing the top of your head at a red light. “Sweet dreams.”

Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels:

“Jack?” Ginger said, poking her head into Jack’s office. “I’ve got them here.”

“Bring them in,” Jack said, standing.

Ginger wheeled a wheelchair in, you sitting in it. Your cheeks were swollen and your head was wobbly, but Jack expected that. He helped you up, kissing your forehead and scooping you into his arms to keep you off your unsteady feet.

“I got it,” he promised Ginger. “You don’t need to hover Ginge.”

Ginger left, leaving Jack to deposit you on his lap in his office chair. “Darlin’,” he said. “I got a meeting soon. Think you can behave?”

You nodded, cuddling up to Jack and promptly falling asleep.

You were awoken by the door opening. Champ walked in, looking over you curled up in Jack’s lap. Jack simply gestured to the chair opposite his. “Cosmopolitan had their wisdom teeth out today,” he explained as Champ sat down.

The meeting was boring. Boring enough for you to zone right back out, breathing Jack’s intoxicating whiskey and leather smell. You must’ve fallen asleep again, because one minute Champ was talking about the New York branch, and the next, he was standing and leaving.

“Naps?” You asked softly once the door closed.

Jack chuckled, carrying you to his couch. “Of course,” he said, kicking off his shoes and laying you down. He grabbed a blanket and lay beside you, lightly kissing your cheeks. “Love ya.”

“Love you too,” you mumbled, right before falling asleep yet again.

Ezra:

“I told you not to come,” Ezra said, reading his book while you put your face on his thighs and groaned loudly. “But no, you had to be stubborn.”

“Fuck off,” you mumbled into Ezra’s pants. “Didn’t hurt yesterday.”

Ezra rolled his eyes and flipped a page in his book. “Songbird, I love you, but you should’ve stayed home with Cee.”

“And let you come alone?” You said, rolling over so you were facing the ceiling. “I think not.”

“Then stop complaining.”

A throb of pain his your face and you winced, curling towards Ezra and whining. “Distract me?”

Ezra shut his book with a sigh. No matter how much you annoyed him, he loved you unconditionally. “Okay. How shall I distract you?”

Another worse throb, and your whines grew in volume. Your eyes screwed shut, muscles tensing. “Ezra!”

“Oh songbird,” Ezra said softly, leaning down to kiss your forehead. “Songbird I’m so sorry I can’t make the pain go away.” He pressed his ice cold hand against your cheek, hoping it would help with the pain. “Do you want medicine?”

“Took it already,” you said, leaning against Ezra’s hand.

Ezra smoothed his thumb over your cheekbone. “Ah. Apologies. There is nothing else I can do.”

You eventually fell asleep, somehow. When you woke, Ezra was in the kitchen, making a smoothie. The loud whirring of the blender woke you up and spurred you to your feet, head still aching something fierce.

“Songbird!” Ezra said upon seeing you awake. “You should be laying down.”

“Nah,” you said, sitting on the kitchen counter. “Can’t sleep. Blender’s too loud.”

Ezra sighed. “I made this for you,” he said, handing you a cup full of pink sludge.

Unable to use a straw, you grabbed a spoon and began to eat, humming around the frozen drink. “Damn Ez. This is good.”

Ezra smiled, kissing your temple. “Only the best for my songbird.”

Shane ‘Dio’ Morrissey:

Dio paced the waiting room, worry making his stomach twist. He was the only one here aside from the receptionist, who’d stopped giving him odd looks after the first twenty minutes. Dentist’s offices made him incredibly anxious, and the prospect of you having a full blown surgery right at this moment made him want to puke. But he had to be here. Had to be strong for you.

“Mr. Morrissey?”

Dio’s head snapped around. “Yes?”

The surgeon looked at him. “The procedure was a success and they’re waking up. Do you want to come get them?”

“Yeah,” Dio said, following the surgeon back and trying not to freak out.

“Dio!” You said happily upon seeing your goth boyfriend. You were in a wheelchair and had a very far away gleam to your eyes. “Dio!”

Dio sighed. “Hey. Feeling okay?”

You nodded. “I feel great,” you said loosely. “You don’t look okay.”

“Let’s just go,” Dio said tightly.

“Oh right,” you said, looking up at the nurse pushing your wheelchair. “He’s scared of the dentist.” You said it in a loud whisper, like you were trying to share a secret. The nurse smiled and looked at Dio.

“The anesthesia loosens the lips,” she said. “Try to keep an eye on them until it wears off.”

Dio nodded, just eager to leave.

You were high for another three hours, most of which were napped away in the safety of Dio’s apartment. He messed around in his spare room, which had been converted into a sewing room. He kept the door cracked open so he could see and hear you.

Eventually, you sat up, rubbing your eyes and poking your nose experimentally. “Huh.”

You stood, shuffling into Dio’s sewing room. “Dio?”

Dio turned, halfway through putting a new patch on his jacket. “You’re awake.”

“I am,” you agreed, holding your arms out. Dio stood and hugged you, his project abandoned on the table. “Sorry I made you go with me. I know you hate it a lot.”

“I didn’t mind,” Dio promised. “Not for you.”

You made a face, and Dio smiled. “Okay, maybe I minded a little bit.”

“That breaks your what? Ten year streak of not entering a dentist’s office?” You asked, pulling Dio into the living room and sitting on the couch. “That isn’t healthy.”

“Eleven,” Dio said, sitting next to you and pulling you close to his side. “And I know.”

You didn’t press further. Instead, you snuggled up to Dio’s side and yawned, wincing. “Ow.”

Dio pressed a kiss against your head. “Go back to sleep,” he said softly. “I’ll put on that documentary we were watching last night.”

You nodded, closing your eyes. You were asleep before the documentary even began.

Javier Peña:

Javier had seen some shit in his day, but watching you come out of surgery and go almost directly to work was one of the most ridiculous things he’d seen in a while.

“Go home!” He said for the eighth time, watching you rub your jaw. You’d napped off the drugs, but walked into work as soon as you were sober. For the past hour, you’d been suffering through work with what had to be a raging headache.

You rolled your eyes. “Javi, I’m busy.”

Javier stood, finally at the end of his rope. He scooped you up out of your chair and you squealed indignantly, thumping your fists on his back as he carried you out to his car. Steve gave you two a look as you exited the building, but didn’t try and stop Javier as he opened his car door.

“Stay,” he said firmly once he’d put you in the backseat. “I’m taking you home and you’re getting the appropriate amount of rest.”

You pouted, but your pounding head made you sit still while Javier drove you home. He watched you carefully as you set yourself up on the couch with soft foods and your phone nearby, and then you turned your eyes on him when he didn’t leave.

“You aren’t gonna go back to work?”

Javier shook his head, sitting on the couch with you. “I don’t trust you. So no, I’m gonna stay right here until you’re better.”

Your eyebrows went up. “Javi, that’ll be days!”

“I know,” Javier promised. “I’ve had my wisdom teeth out. Now, get some rest. I’ll run out later and pick up some pain meds for that headache you haven’t told me about yet.”

Another eye roll, and you were snuggling down into the safety of your blanket cocoon. Your head did really hurt.

The gentle sounds of Javier working, his typewriter balanced on his knees, lulled you into a gentle and well deserved sleep.

Maxwell Lord:

“Hey doll,” Max said, smiling as a nurse helped you out of the office. “How’re you feeling?”

You groaned, and Max laughed. “Oh really? C’mon, let’s get you home.”

You were mostly quiet on the ride home, head cradled by the car door as you napped. Max had expected this when he’d sent you into the office an hour ago to get your wisdom teeth out, and he was definitely prepared.

“Let’s get you in the house,” Max said, helping you up once you’d gotten home. Your legs were still wobbly, so Max basically carried you in and set you in the bed. Duchess looked up and meowed indignantly, but when she realized it was just you, she sniffed you over and plopped down at your side.

“Kitty,” you said softly, petting Duchess. She purred, rolling over and butting her head into your side.

Max smiled. “I’m going to grab ice for your face. Want anything else?”

You shrugged, engrossed in your actions of petting Duchess.

“Alright,” Max said, kissing your head.

When he came back, you were asleep.

Chuckling, Max put the ice bag back in the freezer and set his book on the bedside table. Duchess left, probably because you’d stopped petting her, and Max took her place, curled up at your side.

“Daddy?”

“Alistair,” Max said, looking over. “Hey.”

Alistair looked hesitantly at you. “Are they okay?”

Max nodded. “Of course. Just napping. Wanna stay with us? I was going to put on a movie.”

“Can we watch the Jungle Book?” Alistair asked eagerly, jumping up into the bed.

Max smiled. “Of course. Stay here, I’ll go get it.”

You woke up a while later to the singing monkey, blinking slowly and rolling towards Max’s warmth. “Max.”

“Good morning sleeping beauty,” Max said softly, kissing your forehead. “How was your nap?”

“Good,” you said, looking around and seeing Alistair curled up in the bed with you. “Whole family’s here.”

Max chuckled. “Duchess is even here,” he said, pointing to where Duchess was laying in her bed.

You leaned against the pillows. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” Max said. “Still wanna sleep?”

“Yeah,” you mumbled. “Wake me at dinner.”

Max pressed one more kiss to your head before you fell asleep once more.

[allisonxmoynihan]

illicit affairs ~ a. turcotte

Requested: yes | no

Song: this series is loosely inspired on Illicit Affairs by Taylor Swift (you can listen here!) 

Note: okay this is my first time writing in months and i’m kind of scared about it, but please let me know your thoughts, opinions, feedback, whatever! Special thanks to @hockeyhughes11​ for helping me with this and reading it as I wrote, you rock!

Word Count: 2663

“y/n,” his shaky voice whispers hoarsely on the other side of the phone.

“Hey superstar!” you cheer, an inevitable smile fluttering across your lips, as you turn the tv off so you could hear him better, pressing the phone firmly against your ear as if not to miss a thing he says.

You hear a faint scoff in the background, “wanna come over?” he slurs, sending the butterflies racing in your stomach like the low hum of his voice always did.

You slowly release the breath you didn’t realize you were holding in, “not celebrating the big win with the boys? 3 goals and 2 assists and the superstar doesn’t want to party?” You joke with him while scrambling around your apartment searching for your sneakers and hunting for your keys.

You sense him smiling on the other line, “I got other things to attend to tonight, you know that,”

You feel your face grow hot as your breath hitches, “c’mon y/n, i’m dying to see you…” 

~*~

Work was an absolute blur, the grouchy morning rush of commuters flooded the coffee shop and it was nonstop brewing coffee and preparing breakfast sandwiches before they ran out the door to catch a train. You were thankful for the mid morning slump; middle aged women occupying tables and catching up on neighborhood gossip and reminiscing about their sorority days.

You look up from wiping down the espresso machine to see two boys, about your age, standing on the other side of the counter, wide smiles on their faces as they laughed with each other while sneaking glances at the menu.

“Hi, welcome to Aroma Mocha Cafe! What can I get started for you today?” You exclaim, a forced smile overtaking your face.

The dark haired boy steps forward, “hey, can I please get uhhh…” his voice trails off as he looks up at the menu before he looks back down, “uhh, the seasonal iced coffee?”

You smile, “sure thing, our seasonal flavors are lavender vanilla or salted caramel, which one can I get for you?” 

You watch his face as he contemplates which one, “oh, you can’t go wrong with salted caramel!”

“Alright, your total today is going to be $2.57,” The boy quickly takes out a $5 bill and instructs you to keep the change before moving over to the pick-up counter.

As you’re preparing the two drinks for the boys you can’t help but overhear the small fragments of their conversation you can make out.

“Bro, c’mon, just ask for her number,”

“Trev, I said no.”

“You’ve been…. All… you… Alex”

“No”

“I will then”

You put the drinks down in front of them, “enjoy! Napkins and straws are straight ahead by the door,”

As you’re cleaning up your station, the dark haired boy comes back up to the counter and you feel his eyes on you before you look up and smile, “can I get you anything else? Our seasonal scones pair nicely with the coffee,”

“I’m Alex,” he says awkwardly, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets.

You nod slowly, “that’s nice…”

“We should get dinner one day,” he suggests, and when he’s met with your silence and a blank stare he adds, “you know, cuz you’re cool.”

“Oh, um, thanks, but I really can’t,”

Alex nods, looking at the pastry display case for a few minutes, “well can I at least get your number?”

You notice a group of moms, the weekly book club group, walk in the door and head up to the counter. “Alex, I’m really sorry, but it just can’t happen,”

Alex nods, looking back up at the menu, “so, uh, how long you work here?”

One of the book club moms offers you a sympathetic smile as she turns to talk with one of her friends, “Alex, I’m sorry, but we have a lot of customers right now, so if you’re not go-”

“What, am I not a customer?” he interrupts, and you breathe out heavily in annoyance.

“What can I get for you?”

“A date,” he offers with a shy, boyish smile, his dimples becoming apparent.

You sigh, scribbling your number down on a piece of paper, “fine, but only because I want you to leave me alone.”

~*~

Cold, faint rain ricocheted off of the windows of your bedroom as you crawl onto Alex’s lap, his lips nipping at your neck bound to leave marks that you’d have to figure out how to cover the next day. 

His hands slide underneath your sweater and rest gently on your hip, “no one’s home, right?” he whispers, his lips vibrating against your skin.

You rest your hands on his bare chest, feeling his heart pound against the skin, “we’re all alone baby,” you murmur, pressing your lips to his once again.

He effortlessly lifts you up and lays you down on your bed, suddenly towering over you, “you know i scored the game winning goal today” He smiles cockily.

You look into his dark brown eyes, feeling a blush creep over you, “oh and how should we celebrate, superstar?”

He chuckles softly before leaning down and kissing down your jaw, slowly removing your shirt from your body, “i got a few ideas in mind,”

Within seconds he’s on top of you, one hand kneading your breasts, the other slipping underneath your leggings and collecting your wetness. 

“Are you going to be a good girl for me?” he asks, sliding your leggings and panties down your legs as your legs fall open for him and he begins to kiss down your abdomen.

You writhe underneath him and let out a gasp as his tongue licks up your folds. You run your hand through his luscious locks as he picks up his pace and begins to work at your clit. You buck your hips up as you moan out with pleasure.

“So good for me you pretty girl,” he grumbles against your dripping pussy, slipping three fingers into you, his calloused fingers pumping in and out of you. You felt a knot forming in your stomach and knew you were close.

“Alex, please, faster,” you moan, only alex lifts his head and kisses back up your torso before placing a sloppy kiss to your lips, sucking on his fingers. 

“I want you babygirl,” he mumbles as your hands fumble with the zipper on his jeans, helping him slide out of his boxers. Without any warning alex pushes into you, his thrusts harsh and fast. The room is filled with the sound of both your moans, his thrusts getting sloppier and sloppier. And when you both reach out your highs he slows his pace to drag out your orgasm, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead.

“Such a beautiful girl,” he hums, sliding off the bed and redressing before looking over at the clock.

You suddenly feel vulnerable and exposed, bringing your blanket up to cover yourself as Alex approaches the door, “I’ll be seeing you princess,”

You wave sheepishly at the closed bedroom door that he just escaped behind, sighing at how foolish you are, how you would consistently drop everything to be there for him. You think back to the hundreds of other nights spent like this, the two of you having your moment, and him bolting as soon as he decides it’s over leaving no trace behind. 

You sit in your dark room, convinced alex does love you deep down, that he’s different and not the kind of guy that shows up on your doorstep just for sex. But you’d be lying if you didn’t admit that sometimes, you felt as if you were a pawn in his game. 

You think back to your first “date” with him, how you were defiant and didn’t want to go, but how 10 minutes quickly turned into an hour and that hour was suddenly six. He made you feel special, like you were on top of the world, like you could be something more than just a barista in a busy city. You reminisce about the time you and alex once dreamt up a future together: a small cottage in minnesota, three kids running wild in the yard after a long day at the beach. You wipe away tears that happen to fall as you realize what you’ve been trying to fight for months: you were in love with him, and you could only hope that you actually meant something to him.

~*~

The crackling noise of the firewood and the light tunes of your favorite band filled your living room where you and your best friends sat binge watching the latest reality tv episode. You lean forward to grab an oreo off the plate on the coffee table, breaking it in half and eating the side without cream first.

“You know the guy I matched with on tinder the other night?” maddie asks, taking her phone out. You and christine hum in unison.

“So, i was curious and went to look at his instagram, and…” her voice trails off as she scrolls through her phone’s home screen, “here i’ll just show you.” 

You lean back on the sofa, running your hands through your hair, “how bad is it?”

“You really gotta get better taste, if i see one more picture of a guy holding a fish i’m going to lose it,” Christine laughs, grabbing an oreo for herself.

“Oh shit,” maddie whispers

“What?” you and christine ask impatiently

“Hey, uh, y/n, isn’t this the guy from the coffee shop? Mr. I want a date and I refuse to leave this shop until I get your number?” she laughs, and you instantly reach to take her phone from her hands desperate for any opportunity to see him, but when you see the picture your face falls and you can feel the color drain. “It was on my explore page…” maddie adds, reaching for her phone but you turn away continuing to look down at the screen.

There he was. Your superstar. Wide grin, dimples present, his hair still wet and curling loosely at the ends, his button down shirt wrinkled and exposing his upper chest. His arm wrapped tightly around a girl’s tiny waist, her pressing her lips firmly against his cheek, cupping his face in her perfect hands. 

You swallow the lump that formed in your throat, scoffing as you toss maddie her phone back, “so? He was just a normal customer, never even took me on that date he insisted on” you lie, turning your attention back to the tv.

Your mind is racing and the conversation between the other girls is drowned out by the flood of thoughts running through your mind. Alex was so much more than just the coffee shop boy, he meant everything to you, he was the only person that could make you feel whole and complete. You hated being a secret to him especially when he consumed every single one of your thoughts, you wished you could be the girl that meant something to him, the one to wear his jerseys at his games as you cheer him on, the one who goes out with his teammates after a big win, the one who gets to go home with him for the holidays to meet his family and fall in love with them for raising the man of your dreams. But you weren’t that girl. You weren’t her and you never would be her.

Later that night you go to alex’s instagram, and it’s as if you got fifty punches right to the gut all over again. Alex was happy with her. Hannah. That was her name. Alex was happy with hannah. You continue to scroll down his page and see that hannah first appeared on his page six months ago. The two of them pressed up against each other in the dim light of a bar, him leaning down and kissing her cheek. You laugh sadly at how stupid you were thinking that what you had with him was real and that you were anything more than someone to help fill a void. Your phone lights up with an incoming call, alex’s name appearing.

“Hey superstar!” you cheer, forcing a smile.

“Hey you,” he grins, “i was just thinking about you actually, can i come over?”

You say yes without hesitation, and that’s when you realize that you would continue ruining yourself for his sake as long as it meant he was going to stay in your life. You’d do anything to make him stay.

~*~

Work was a hassle, the coffee shop getting slammed with the drop of the holiday drinks, the city streets constantly bustling with tourists and holiday shoppers trying to find the best deals. You were excited to finally have a weekend off to just relax and have no worries. You approach your apartment door and smell the savory aroma of food cooking, and you're confused since you live alone.

You cautiously push open the door, peeking into the kitchen as a smile blossoms on your face. “Alex!” you cheer, running up to hug him as he peppers your face with kisses. 

You pull away from him, setting your bag on the kitchen table, “what are you doing here?”

He turns his attention back to the stove, “well, i know you’ve been stressed with work and school lately, so I thought i’d do something nice for you,”

Your heart swells and you begin to feel all warm and fuzzy, “i don’t deserve you,” 

He laughs, “go change and get comfy, dinner will be ready soon. It’s your favorite and I also brought your favorite movies.”

You smile to yourself as you walk into your bedroom, putting on your pajamas and walking back out to see alex has prepared two identical plates, “ready?” he asks, a boyish smile on his face.

The night is filled with the two of you snuggled into each other’s sides on the couch, laughing at all the same parts of the movies, crying at other parts, making jokes here and there, and planning a getaway trip to a small coastal town. After three movies, and the sun long gone, the soft beat of his heart begins to lull you to sleep.

“You sleepy princess?” he asks softly, scooping you up in his arms and carrying you to your bed.

You’re half asleep as he tucks you in and presses a kiss to your forehead, “sleep well baby”

You reach your arms out for him, “you’re not going to stay with me tonight?” your voice is sad, not wanting this picture perfect night to end.

You hear him laugh as he runs his finger up and down your hand, pressing a light kiss to the top of it, “not tonight princess, i’ll call you tomorrow though.”

“Promise?”

“I cross my heart and hope to die,”

“Good,” you mumble, turning over and getting comfortable.

There’s a long silence and you know he’s still in the room since the hallway light is peeking into your room. And you can’t help but fall asleep happy, thinking that life is finally going right and you have the best guy by your side.

“I love you…” 

You hear the floorboards shift under his weight and just like that he’s escaped into the abyss of the night, just like he always does. 

~*~

“So you coming over or what?” he repeats, a harsh undertone suddenly appearing.

You smile, impatiently pressing the elevator button over and over again because it never seems to come quick enough, “uh, yeah, yeah, I’m on my way. I was thinking, we could maybe watch that movie you were talking ab-”

His deep voice cuts you off, his usually kind and patient tone now stern, “we need to talk.”

You stare at your reflection in the elevator door as your face falls, trying to fight the inevitable tears that spring to your eyes, and you just know tonight isn’t going to be like the others.

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

“I think I’m going to faint…”

So this got a little outta hand and is a little over 1900 words. Enjoy!

He hated this. It was supposed to be just a check up - something that should’ve taken 20 minutes but they wanted tests and diagnostic done before letting him go. And Race was about to lose it.

“I think I’m going to faint ….” Race gripped Spot’s hand tighter as he looked at his husband. “Why did we even have to come to this dumb appointment?”

“If you weren’t an idiot in the first place and broke that arm of yours, you wouldn’t have to have a follow up appointment.” Spot gave him a look as he felt the pressure tighten on his hand.

Race glared at him. “Now is not the time to talk about what an idiot I am. I’m freaking out here Spottie.”

“Hey, hey you’re alright.” Spot stood from his seat, running a hand through Race’s hair, pulling Race close to him. “Just take a couple of deep breaths and you’ll be fine.”

Race leaned into his embrace. “Tell me a story, Spottie. Just something to get my mind off of this nonsense.”

“Do you remember that one time in high school where we skipped school?” Spot raised an eyebrow at his beloved.

Race’s face scrunched up before shaking his head. “No, tell me.”

“Liar.” Spot said before sitting beside Race on the bed before launching into the story.

Sitting in English, Race’s feet tapped to some unknown beat. Spot sitting just to the side of him tapped his arm. “Wanna get out of here?”

“Yea.” Without any hesitation, Race agreed before the two of them hastily made their way out of the classroom and down the hallway leading to the parking lot.

Once they were in Spot’s car, a sigh of relief was breathed by both of them. “Where to?”

“As long as I’m not in that school, I don’t care.” Race grinned, tapping the dashboard of the car as Spot rolled the windows down.

Spot nodded, turning the car on before backing out and driving out of the parking lot. An old Rolling Stones song was playing on the radio as the wind whipped through their hair.

Pulling up to Dairy Queen, Race raises an eyebrow in Spot’s direction, the question unasked. “You can’t skip school and not go out for ice cream to celebrate.”

They ordered, an Mint Oreo Blizzard for Race and a M&M one for Spot. “Now where?”

“You’re the one driving. Lead us into the sunset, Spottie.” Race dramatically threw his arm out the window and moonroof respectively.

Spot gave his best friend a look before shaking his head. “It’s 1:30 in the afternoon. Sunset isn’t until 5:30 - you gots a long way to go, Pooks.”

“Shut up and just drive us somewhere.” Race waves off the semantics with a chuckle, enjoying the sun splashed on his face and the wind through his hair.

Pulling into the parking lot, Spot threw the car into park before looking over at Race with a grin. “Here we are!”

“Why here?” Race asked, grabbing his blizzard before getting out of the car and heading to the ticket office. They were at the Statue of Liberty ferry.

Spot quick bought tickets before grinning at Race, walking down the gangplank to the ferry. They found seats before Spot looked at Race. “You mentioned you’ve never been here so I thought it would be a good place to visit on your skip day.”

“My skip day?” Putting a hand on his chest, Race chuckled. “I distinctly remembered you asking me if I wanted to get outta there.”

“Potato potahto!” Spot shrugged, taking a bite of his blizzard. Race had to look away so he wasn’t caught staring at his best friend.

They were both quiet as the ferry puttered along, the wind in their hair as they got closer to this destination. Once docked, they threw their blizzard cups out before Spot tugged on Race’s hand, dragging him off the ferry.

They walked around the island, Spot being the unofficial tour guide, telling Race random tidbits and shaking his head in amazement that Race had never been there.

“Wanna people watch for a bit?” Spot was a little excited as he asked Race.

Finding a bench, Race gave Spot a weird look. “I wouldn’t have taken you as a person watching aficionado.”

“There are many things you don’t know about me.” Spot grinned, nudging Race with his shoulder.

He went quiet as he studied Spot. He quickly averted his eyes to the ground. “Like what?”

“When I grow up I want a grey Staffordshire Terrier.” Spot shrugged. “Let’s see …. I want to go to college but I don’t know what I want to study - maybe something in medicine or architecture.”

Race smiled. “What are you going to name your dog? I think you’d do well in either of those areas. I can see it now, Spot Conlon, MD!”

“I’m going to get a girl and name her Rosie or Violet or Scout.” Spot grinned. “I don’t know if I want to be a doctor. A little too much schooling for me. What about you? What’s something that I don’t know about you?”

They had been friends for a little over two years. Race kind of barged his way into Spot’s life the first day of freshman orientation and they’d been buddies since.

“Something you don’t know about me?” Race leaned back and sighed. There were many things Race had kept close to his heart after growing up in the foster care system. Many things only Medda, Jack, and Crutchie knew.

He chuckled, something hitting him. “Growing up, I had a stuffed bear that was with me through every home I went to. After Medda officially adopted me, Jack, and Crutchie, we got into a fight and Crutchie had tore the bear’s leg so the stuffing was coming out. I was so pissed at him. But Medda sat me down and taught me how to sew up the tear so the bear was good as new.”

“That was sweet of her.” Spot grinned.

Race nodded. “That was right after the adoption was official, probably seven years ago. And since then she’s taught me so much, just having the right amount of patience for the three of us.”

“You’re lucky she found you.” Spot mentioned, as Race’s heart warmed.

“I’m lucky we found her. She took three cocky kids, a 10 year old, 12 year old and 13 year old in without a second glance.” Race whistled. “We were awful but she kept on loving us and showing us what a family was.”

Spot was quiet as Race gathered his thoughts. “So there’s one more thing that I haven’t told you.”

Spot raised an eyebrow, giving Race a look. “What’s that?”

Instead of saying anything, Race took a deep breath before leaning forward and pressing his lips to Spot’s. Pulling back, he quickly looked at Spot’s face for any recognition and was about to open his mouth to say something, when Spot pulled him close, kissing him again.

The two made out for a few minutes on the bench before Race pulled away, his heart pounding in his chest as he looked at Spot. “So yea …. I like you.”

“You’re an idiot, Race. Why didn’t you tell me?” Spot’s lips still tingled from that kiss but a grin won out, tugging across his lips.

Shrugging, Race looked at Spot, holding out his hand for him to take. “I don’t know. I realized it about a week ago. You were laughing at something Jack had said and it hit me that I liked you. I tried saying something but nothing would come out.”

“Well I like you too.” Spot yelled, giving Race a look. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you for the last few months. I didn’t even know if you liked me.”

Race shook his head as Spot chuckled. “Let’s chalk it up that we’re both idiots and decide what we’re going to do.”

“Gotta love what ten seconds of courage will do for you.” Race grinned, leaning forward to kiss Spot. “We were dumb 17 year olds who knew nothing about the world.”

Spot laughed, nodding. “But if you hadn’t kissed me, who knows how long we would have been dancing around one another.”

“True. I’m a genius!” Race polished his nails on his shirt with a grin. “But the dressing down I got from Medda was so worth it.”

Spot raised on eyebrow. “How bad was it?”

“ANTONIO MICHAEL HIGGINS, you get your ass in that house and sit in the living room.” Medda was waiting on the front porch for him when Spot dropped him off.

Race gave Spot a look, before grabbing his book bag and exiting the car. “I’ll see you tomorrow at school. I’ll text you later if I still have my phone.”

“She won’t kill you.” Spot grinned, watching Medda out of the corner of his eye.

Race shrugged. “You don’t know that for sure. Thanks for a great afternoon. See you tomorrow.”

He shuffled up the sidewalk, walking past Medda into the house. He threw his book bag down before collapsing on the couch, a grin on his face.

“Care to explain why I got a call from the school that you skipped your last two periods?” Medda crossed her arms, giving him a look.

He looked over her shoulder to see Jack and Crutchie sitting at the table watching him and Medda with a close eye. “I wasn’t feeling school today. I dragged Spot out of class and we skipped. We went to the Statue of Liberty.”

“You didn’t think to let your mother know so she wouldn’t worry about you?” Medda raised an eyebrow at him.

Shrugging, Race bit his lip. “I wasn’t really thinking straight if I’m being honest. I told Spot I liked him today.”

“Oh you did?” Medda’s face broke out into a smile before she masked her happiness. “Race, you’re in trouble. I’m very happy for you and Spot but you just can’t skip school without telling me. What if something had happened and I didn’t know where you were?”

“I’m sorry momma.” Race gave her a sad side. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

Medda nodded. “That’s a start. But you’re grounded - a week and you’ll pick up extra chores around the house. And before you ask, Spot cannot come over, even for homework help.”

“Alright. That sounds fair.” Race expected the grounding and anger from Medda.

Medda sat beside him on the couch. “Now tell me about you and Spot. You said that you told Spot you liked him.”

“Well there weren’t many words exchanged ….” Race grinned. “I took Jack’s advice, had like 10 seconds of courage and just kissed him. I quickly pulled back before he kissed me again.”

Jack and Crutchie started slow clapping, grabbing Race and Medda’s attentions. “Well done little brother. About time you fess up to Spot. If we had to hear once more how much you liked him …..”

“Yea yea laugh it up.” Race grinned.

“At least she didn’t kill you.” Spot shrugged. “Grounding you for a week wasn’t that bad.”

Race groaned with a chuckle. “You would’ve thought she killed me with how long that week was. Also how many chores she made me do. There’s a reason why you do the laundry.”

“You mean besides to save our whites from becoming pink?” Spot suggested with a grin.

“That and she made me wash my laundry by hand so I would really feel the punishment.” Race shook his head.

“But look where we are now. Together for 10 years and married for 7.” Spot leaned closer before kissing him. “I love you.”

“I love you too Spot.” Race smirked. “It’s been a great ride and it all started on the Statue of Liberty Island.”

The door opened causing them to look over. “Sorry for the delay. You’re free to go, Mr Higgins-Conklin. Come back in 2 weeks and we’ll take your cast off and you should be good to go.”

Race hopped off the table, holding his hand out for Spot to grab. “Let’s blow this popsicle stand.”

Spot chuckled, leading Race out of the room and outside into the bright sunshine. “Where now hotstuff?”

“I’m thinking Dairy Queen and a trip to the Statue of Liberty.” Race grinned, as Spot held open the car door for him.

Leaning over, Spot kissed him before shutting the car door. “Sounds like a solid trip down memory lane.”

Thanks @wide-eyed--wonderer for sending in that prompt.

[love-fireflysong]

Day 10: Road Trip

Fandom: Until Dawn Character(s): Josh Washington, Chris Hartley, Ashley Brown Words: 2791  Rating: General Author’s Notes: And we are back to our regularly scheduled dose of Nerd Trio™ shenanigans! With bonus appearance of “oh no. there’s only one bed!”. I can only hope that you guys have half as much fun reading it as I had writing it.

To say that the three of them weren’t looking forward to this trip, would have been a dirty, rotten lie. They had been planning this ever since Ashley first joined them in the esteemed and hallowed halls of high school. The moment (or at least, couple of weeks after) she graduated, the three of them were going to rent an RV and just go. They had spent the last couple of years saving up for it in fact. While Josh had graciously accepted the cost of renting the RV, they still needed money to pay for gas, food, lodging, and so forth. It was planned as one last summer of freedom for all three of them before the duties of college, work, and being an adult lessened the ability to just hang out.

And oh, did Josh have a plan

He stood in front of the RV rental location, hands on his hips, and his head held high as he went through the objectives of said plan once again.

Step 1: Rent RV with 3 beds Step 2: Immediately change rental to two beds when the other two leave. Step 3: Feign shock when you drive it to pick up the others at how there’s not enough beds anymore. Oh no! What to do?! Step 4: ???? (Hint: it may have involved sharing the bed) Step 5: Profit

Steps one and two had been completed at the beginning of May, and now he had to get his acting chops together for step three. He had a bet to win after all. He had put down a frankly stupid amount of money that Chris and Ash would be married before they finished college. And the best way to do that was to get them dating before Ash even started. Hence, the whole ‘there’s not enough beds’ shtick.

‘I don’t know what to say guys’ Josh practiced in his head as he walked to the front desk. ‘There was a mix-up and we got stuck with this one instead. I tried to talk to some people but because it’s summer it was just too short notice to find another vehicle. But it’s fine! We got this! I’ll take the smaller bed, no, it fine, I’ll be okay, don’t you worry. You both know how I tend to hog the blankets anyways. And you two—oh. I guess that just leaves the double for you. Well, I’m sure you’ll manage.’

It was perfect. The plan was completely foolproof. Sure the multiple others he had tried over the last couple of years had failed spectacularly, but this one was different. If the two of them waking up in the same bed nestled in each others arms everyday for a month didn’t change things, then nothing would.

And so, Josh walked into the air conditioned lobby of the rental place, and greeted the man sitting at the front desk with an exuberant cock-sure grin. After a quick confirmation check, making sure to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s, Josh signed the paperwork with an overly outlandish signature and was handed the keys to their new home for the next month.

This month was going to be great.

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

“This month is going to be awful.”

Ashley stood in the center of the RV, her arms crossed angrily over her chest as she glared at the double bed situated further to the back. 

“C’mon Ash, it’s not so bad. I mean, we can definitely make it work. Maybe?”

She turned towards Chris, who’s skill at placating Ash was less then stellar right now. “Make it work? How in the world are we supposed to make it work? There are three of us Chris! And only one bed!”

Unfortunately for everyone, especially Josh, she was right. After a day of driving, the three of them had finally arrived at their first stop on their leg of the journey. And with the way things were going already, it was looking like it might be their last.

“I don’t see how on earth you didn’t catch this Josh!”

From where he was sitting at the kitchen table and leaning back against one of the wall cushions, Josh shrugged weakly. “There was a mix-up and they accidentally booked us the wrong RV.” he lied, though not quite as smoothly as he had planned earlier in the day. “It’s summer and they didn’t have any others available that weren’t already booked.”

There was no way he was ever going to admit that he had declined the quick inspection that the agent had offered. He had just taken the keys and hooked it up to the truck without a single look. He was taking that secret to the grave.

With a groan, Ash joined Josh on the bench and placed her head in her hands. “I knew that I should have insisted a look when we were throwing everything into the back of the truck. But no, you insisted that everything was fine and we were late leaving anyway so I didn’t argue.” She moved to just placing her head face-down onto the table in the circle of her arms. 

Hesitantly, Chris walked over to the table and joined them. For a moment, Josh thought he was going to start rubbing Ash’s back to try and calm her down, but he chickened out and awkwardly placed his hand back at his side. Instead the blond looked at the two of them hopefully. “I mean, maybe there is another bed somewhere?”

Josh regarded him with a flat look. “And where would you suggest that be Cochise?” He gestured with his arm to the rest of the area and watched as Chris’s face fell at the admittance the Josh had a point.

The area of the RV was small, as one would expect. There was the aforementioned double bed at the one end of the trailer, the kitchen table and its U-shaped benches where they sat at the other end, and the door leading to the small bathroom across from them. In the middle was a small kitchenette with a couple of cupboards, and the storage closets across from it. There was no chair or couch for them to sit on, or sleep on as the case was. They couldn’t even use the weird little table alcove as a bed either. The table was bolted into the floor of the trailer so you had to literally slide in if you wanted to sit down. Meaning that there was a very high chance of someone waking up and cracking their head on the table if they weren’t careful.

Ashley’s voice was muffled but mournful from where she had deigned to face plant on the table. “Knew Josh shouldn’t have went alone to grab the stupid thing. One of us should have went with him.”

“Yeah, well, them’s the breaks girl. I hate to be the one to interrupt this lovely pity party we have going on, but we really need to finish bring in the rest of our shit.”

Thankfully, Chris seemed to agree with him. “He’s right, Ash. Aside from bringing in the pots and pans and our clothes and toiletries, we still need to buy food. And I don’t know about you two, but I for one am starving.”

Slowly coming up from the safety of her arms, Ash sighed. “You’re right,” and continued with a more hopeful “And hey, maybe we’ll figure something out after eating some food.”

Three hours later, after an exciting evening of putting away their stuff, fighting over what food to put on the list, grocery shopping, fighting again (‘Who put the stupid Oreo's in the cart? We agreed no Oreo's!’ and ‘Really? Spinach? What are we, rabbits?’ being only two examples of the many, many arguments had there), and having shared a hearty and nutritional dinner of Kraft Dinner before bickering over who got to clean the dishes first (Josh lost that fight, on virtue of screwing up with the RV), they still hadn’t figured anything out. So now here they were, the three of them dressed for bed in old t-shirts and sleep shorts and/or sweats. And all staring at the only bed in resigned acceptance of their fate.

“I mean, one of us could just sleep in the truck.”

Ashley sighed. “No Chris, no one’s sleeping in the truck.” Noticing the look on his face, she was quick to shut him down. “Or on the floor, so don’t even bother offering.”

Josh shrugged. “ I mean, we’re all pretty skinny people. The one benefit of being pasty bookworm, and even more pasty technophile, and a handsome horror movie connoisseur.” He expertly ducked to avoid Chris’s headlock, though it put him right in line for Ash’s smack to connect with the back of his head. “So if we squeeze, we might all fit.”

The groan that came from Ash would have been insulting if he wasn’t feeling the same way. “Unfortunately, I think that’s the only option available to us. Oh, this is so not going to be comfortable.”

“Well, excuse you Ash, but I have heard from reputable sources that I am a very comfortable person, a human shaped body pillow if it were, so I take extreme offense to your complaints.” Again, Josh was able to avoid Ash’s push but was left open for Chris to punch him in the arm. He rubbed his arm as he stared at the other two. “Okay, seriously, how are you two doing that? Do you plan this out or something? Have normal, scheduled meeting about how best to injure me?”

“Something like that.” Chris responded distractedly as he dug through a drawer, closed it, and then opened another. Eventually, he managed to find what he was looking for and after a few more moments, turned around with three pieces of a plastic straw in his hand.

Josh eyed the straws warily. “What? You planning on having one last milkshake before bed or something?”

Chris rolled his eyes as he offered his hand clutching the straws to both Josh and Ashley. “Of course not you moron. Ash didn’t let us buy any ice cream anyway. No, this is to decide who gets to be in the middle.”

With a slightly nervous glance shared with Ash, Josh swallowed and reluctantly chose a straw.

And, as it turns out, ending up as the middle spoon as he laid cramped and miserable and oh so awkwardly between Chris in front and Ash at his back.

“This is awkward and I hate it,” Josh said.

“Shut up, Josh,” Chris and Ashley replied in unison.

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

When Josh woke up the next morning, the early morning sun shining into the window right above the bed, it was with him spread on his back. Chris was snoring right by his head, Ash’s face was smushed into his shoulder, and each of them had one arm draped over his chest. Someone might have found this entire scene cute.With Chris snoring loudly in his ear and Ash drooling on shoulder though, Josh was not that person. 

With a groan, he carefully extracted himself from the center of the bed, somehow miraculously managing to not wake the other two up, and watched with nonplussed amusement as Chris and Ashley gravitated in their sleep to the now empty center, Ash ending up pressing her face into Chris’s chest as he buried his own into the top of her head, still snoring all the while. With a wistful sigh, he could only bemoan the fact that his plan totally would have worked. If only there had been a second bed.

Yawning and scratching at his stomach, Josh made his way to the shower at the other end of the trailer, grabbing a fresh set of clothes and his own shampoo on the way. When he emerged refreshed and marginally more awake thirty minutes later, it was to the smell of bacon and eggs and the still slightly red faces of his two best friends.

“Oooh. Service and a show.” With a grin, he twisted his towel and as a joke snapped it lightly at Chris’s ass while he cooked the bacon. He snickered at the yelp that resulted, and even more at the flat eyed look of disapproval from Ashley as she sliced a loaf of bread at the counter.

“That’s it. No breakfast for you.”

“Oh come on, Ash!”

“Nope. You lost your chance. Either cook your own bacon and eggs or have a bowl of cereal.”

“You are a cruel and heartless woman, Ashley Brown. I hope you know this as you sentence me to this injustice.”

Josh gave an overly exaggerated wail of despair as he moved to steal a piece of cooked bacon from one of the plates, and was intercepted by a smack to the back of his hand from Chris’s spatula. He cradled his now grievously injured hand to his chest. 

“You heard the lady. You’ve been regulated to cereal like the child you are.”

“You two are going to be the most killjoy and unfun parents ever. I will have to rescue my poor nieces and nephews from your clutches just to show them life outside of their bleak and dreary lives.” He ignored them sputtering behind him as he dug through through their makeshift pantry. “What did we do with the cereal?”

While not removing his eyes from the pan of sizzling bacon, Chris turned his head slightly to talk over his shoulder. “Check the middle shelf to the right. I think Ash put a couple of boxes there.”

“Yeah, I see those one’s Cochise, I meant the fun cereal.”

“And what exactly is wrong with Raisin Bran and Cheerios?”

“Um, everything Ash. Just, everything.”

Chris snorted, then gave another yelp when he moved to dodge some grease when the bacon popped with a sharp crack. “Top shelf. I put the good stuff up there.”

“Chris!”

 With a shout of victory, Josh pulled out a box of Oreo O’s and came behind Ash to grab a bowl from the cupboard above her head and the carton of milk from the fridge next to her.

“Wait, how the hell did you manage to sneak those into the cart?”

“I wanted Oreo’s, Ash, and I was gonna get my Oreo’s one way or another,” Josh said as he poured way more then the recommended serving into the bowl and poured in a helpful amount of milk. Replacing the milk in the fridge he grabbed a spoon and sat down at the kitchen table and started to eat his bowl of pure sugar as he reclined into the cushioned back of the benches. Shortly after, Ash and Chris joined him at the table with their own plates of slightly burnt bacon, eggs, and toast. “So, sleep well?” he asked innocently.

In response, Chris and Ash both ripped off a piece of toast and threw it at his head, which Josh easily dodged with a cackle. The rest of the meal passed in relative peace, aside from the occasional minor food fight that was Josh flicking pieces of cereal at their heads, as he felt wont to do every now and then. Until, that is, Chris dropped his fork by accident and it fell to the floor with a clatter.

Swearing under his breath, Chris vanished under the table only to not reappear seconds later with said fork in hand.

“Ya doing alright down there, Cochise?”

When Chris responded back, it was with a pained edge to his voice, still under the table. “Can you two clear the table for me please.”

“You get stuck down there or something?”

“Just, just clear the table.”

Giving Ash a look of confusion similar to the one she was giving him, the two of them nonetheless cleared the table of all dishes, cutlery, cups, and ketchup that rested on it. With a grunt of effort, Chris extracted himself from beneath the table. And then, giving an extremely pained long-suffering sigh, put his hand underneath the table top and something mechanical snapped. In silence, they could only watch as the table slowly collapsed down to rest on what everyone now noticed to be the slightly lowered edges of the u-shaped benches, making a completely flat surface.

Without a word, it was Ash who reached for the cushioned backs of the benches and was easily able to rip them from their velcro and laid them across the newly flat surface. The three of them could only stare nonplussed and quiet at what was obviously a second bed. The burnt bacon and soggy cereal now long forgotten on the counter top behind them.

“I call dibs on the Table Bed.”

[canaryatlaw]

it’s late, and I do have to get up in the morning, though I may just go back to sleep afterwards. my church has been having very limited gatherings over the past few weeks, and in March they’re planning on opening them somewhat more, and restarting our kids program as well, so kids have somewhere to go while their parents are in the service, and tomorrow morning we’re having a training on how that all will take place, I’m assuming it’ll mostly be covering new protocols and the technicalities of how everything will work. They are holding it in person at the church but also on Zoom, and I’m just going to do Zoom of course because I am still always hesitant about going out, and an uber down to where it is is going to run me at least $25 each way, but I’m definitely not at a place where I can go back to public transit, not just because of the pandemic but more because of my stupid, not working legs that would definitely not cooperate with the distances of walking required to use public transit, even if it’s just a few blocks, it’s too much. I am still concerned that being at church and with the babies isn’t going to work well- that things are going to go wrong, like they did with soccer, and it’ll just be a dismal failure and I’ll be even more frustrated and upset with myself, but I have to try. I have to at least know there’s a reason I’m not doing something, not just too scared to take a chance and wind up stuck in my apartment for the rest of my life. I just hope nothing goes wrong especially when I’m with the babies because that concerns me greatly, but it’s really not like it would pose an actual risk to anybody, even if I’m like holding a baby I can control it enough that I can get to a sitting position and stable before I let it go and let it flail around until it gets its fill. I’m sure I’m going to have to give the other workers a disclaimer at the beginning of the service so they won’t be super alarmed or concerned if something happens, though I’ll still be pissed as hell that it did happen because I just hate feeling helpless oh so much, and just being in positions where I have to rely on other people to help me just drives me nuts, I don’t like sympathy I don’t like pity, don’t feel bad for me please, I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ll be fine, I can control this. I’m in control. 

sigh. that’s what I keep telling myself at least. I should probably actually get to describing my day now that I went on a whole rant about that. Alarm went off at 8:30 because it’s the Saturday of our once a month church legal clinic, which starts on Zoom at 8:45 for a brief powwow with everyone, then at 9 we start the consultation with the client until 9:45 at which point we go back and chat with everybody, and end roughly around 10. my friend from school that I know has been going to the same church as me for some time but of course between pandemic and everything else I haven’t actually seen her face to face, but I knew she was doing the justice center too and we were both in the general zoom room before we started so I private messaged her just a few things saying hi haha so that was cool. The actual consultation was fine, I’m always so anxious they’re going to ask me about stuff I don’t know about, but I did know this was another divorce case, and while I definitely don’t handle divorces at my actual work, it coincides with my work a lot of the time and from being in family law focused spaces I’ve learned quite a bit about it, so I know my way around it fairly well. this was a bit more complicated case so I did recommend she consult with a legal aid attorney to hopefully help her file things, because this was fair beyond what a self-represented litigant could handle, even with a legal advice clinic and the great resources we have to help pro se litigants, it was just way too much. but we got a start on things so she can at least have something to take to the attorney, so all of that was easy peasy. the notes we got prior to the consultation were from the client coordinator speaking to her earlier in the week, and also included a line that was like “I need a divorce, I know it’s wrong but...” and went on to cite spiritual and cultural baggage surrounding it, so when we were at the end of the session I just told her that something we say a lot in my work (we don’t actually say it a lot, generally just when spiritual concerns are interfering with a victim’s safety, which thankfully isn’t often, but the point is the same) is that people are more important than institutions, and that her worth as a person is much more important than the existence of a marriage that has clearly broken down beyond a state of repair by so much mistreatment and bad behavior from her spouse. And I really just felt like it was important to tell her that she is doing the right thing here, and that she should not feel guilty about doing this, even that it is explicitly stated in the bible (by Jesus, no less) that divorce is allowed when the woman (or either spouse practically) is being abused, and that emotional abuse is just as valid as any other type of abuse, and taking steps to protect herself was the best thing she could be doing right now. so I clearly had a lot of feelings about that, and our client support coordinator (that’s not what their actual title is but that’s what we call their equivalent at my job so it’s good enough) really echoed it and affirmed it from a cultural perspective as well (coordinator was Asian, client was South Asian) and the client ended up in tears and I just felt satisfied that I was able to get that message across, because very few things truly piss me off more than “Christians” trying to “save a marriage” at the cost of the safety of one of the parties, and it’s been well documented that abusers can very easily manipulate counseling situations and paint the other party out to be the one that is being ungodly because they want out of the marriage, and it’s a giant load of bullshit that loses sight of the importance of a human being and it’s such a perversion of what God actually wants for his children and is just the result of legalism taken to an extreme and people’s welfare not actually taken into consideration, only the rules. Thankfully I haven’t run into this situation too many times while doing this work (I can think of two off the top of my head, and both of those very clearly stuck with me, even several years later), and I have encountered a very opposite situation of a pastor being incredibly supportive and even accompanying the client to file and for court dates, and it was just so heartening for me to see- the pastor wrote me an email later that night saying thank you again, and I just expressed that as a Christian myself, I had so much gratitude at seeing his supporting a member of his church so strongly. so that positive experience has stuck with me at least. anyway. we wrapped things up and I did consider going back to bed lol but ended up choosing to stay up, I’ve had such a baking itch and now have a lot of things I have to eat haha but I had seen something a while back about caramelizing white chocolate, which sounded super intriguing and I really wanted to try it, but it very strongly focused on having high quality white chocolate for it to work, so I tried to get the fanciest I could from my instacart order and I couldn’t find the cocoa butter percentage listed (that’s apparently the most important part) so I thought it probably wasn’t good enough, but I was going to try anyway. it basically involves a low-temp oven (like 250f) with it being spread out on a baking sheet, and every ten minutes taking it out and like spreading it as it darkens and such, for like an hour. so I had started doing that but it was pretty obvious from the start it wasn’t going to work how it should, it was very grainy and just not cooperating, at around that same time friend messaged and asked if I wanted to do one of our taco bell and target runs that we’ve been doing lately like right then, and there wasn’t much else I could do with the chocolate at that point so I left that and got real clothes on and left for taco bell and then target. I was disappointed to find out taco bell’s build your own cravings box could only be ordered from their mobile app and not the drive-in, but as a result I ended up with chicken chalupas instead of my regular “seasoned beef” (because you know that’s deff high quality stuff) and they were actually really good, so I may continue those in the future, lol we’ll see. so we sat in the home depot parking lot to eat like we normally do then drove over to Target (the taco bell is farther away, so we have to drive there and then back to the Target) and go from there. I didn’t need too many things, mostly just toilet paper and a few random food items, and I ended up with toilet paper, a pint of my super favorite ice cream that’s like $8 but is so damn good it’s worth it, some actual popsicles, some lemonade (my sodastream canisters are MIA at the moment so I needed something else to make my water at least somewhat appealing), and these little frozen crushed garlic cubes that are each equal to one clove of garlic and I’ve heard very good things about, so I wanted to try that since I couldn’t find any garlic while making the chicken scampi the other night. so we checked out and I ended up obtaining a watermelon mountain dew, because I saw that and knew I needed to have it, though I still had baja blast left from taco bell, so the watermelon one is in my fridge yet to be opened (it’s a 20 oz bottle, not like a 2 liter). from there I got dropped off at home and put some stuff away and worked on a few things, eventually watching a few episodes of Scrubs before remembering I had some stuff recorded still that I hadn’t finished, so I watched 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star, which were of course very good, and while viewing was looking at various recipes for oreo rice krispie treats which I’d had a random craving for and bought supplies from instacart the other day, and after reading a few I decided to just kinda make up my own rules and go with it haha I had to revive some slightly stale marshmallows (put them in a ziploc and then in a bowl of hot water until they soften) as well as some stale oreos (350f in the oven for 3 minutes), though there only ended up being like 4 left in that pack and the rest from the new one, so that worked. I browned like 6 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and then transferred it to a big pot, addedt the old marshmallows (like 3/4 of a bag) as well as a bag of new ones, then crushed up most of the oreos and mixed them with a good amount of rice krispies and went from there. when I first dumped them into the pan it was just like this giant blob and I was like welp perhaps I made too much but then it kind of settled down to a more reasonable size, just still pretty large but that’s fine. I went back to the tv and watched For Life, and then to the news and SNL for a bit before getting in the shower and getting ready for bed, and of course now it’s almost 2 am and I am oh so tired, so I’m going to go to bed now being that I have to wake up at 10:15 (much better than 8:45 for work, but still). Goodnight friends. Hope you had an awesome Saturday.

[fanghuas]

Tim always liked it when Dick was in town. He liked working with Nightwing, he liked training with him, he liked their post-patrol talks in the kitchen. He liked how Dick always seemed to have time for these things, how he always looked interested no matter what they were talking about.

Of course, Dick wasn't in town very often. And it was easy to be nice to someone when you only saw them once in a blue moon. Whenever Tim's mother was home - she and his father traveled together for the most part, but not always - she was always pleasant and happy to see him, taking him to museums and exhibitions and fancy coffee shops. But once his nanny had bailed, and his parents had been forced to take him on a trip with them, a whole month. He'd never felt more acutely how much of a burden he was on them. Dick had never had to be around him for a month.

"What're you thinking?" Dick asked now with a disarming smile, enough to put anyone at ease. Tim knew it was at least partially an act, but that didn't mean it didn't work.

They were sitting together at the den, in comfortable silence up until now. Dick was sprawled across the sofa, feet on the armrest and crossed at the ankles, reading a comic. Tim was curled up with his knees close to his chest, absently doodling new costume ideas. The suit he was using currently was one of Dick’s old ones, but Bruce had given him permission to come up with a design of his own.

It felt good. He couldn’t think of a better confirmation that he was Robin for real.

"Just about the upcoming science fair," he lied easily. "My science teacher thinks I should participate, but I don't know. I'm kinda busy."

Dick's smile slipped. "Robin stuff?"

"Yeah," Tim said with a shrug. "And I mean, I don't care about it that much? I have better things to be doing than making mini-volcanoes or potato solar systems, you know? Mom and dad might think it's cool if I won first place, but..."

He cut himself off and shrugged again. Dick was quiet for a long time.

"Well,let me know if you decide to go for it," he said cheerfully. "I'd love to come. And I'd offer my help, but you're probably better at this stuff than I am."

"Why?" Tim asked, baffled. "You know it's just gonna be a bunch of middle schoolers with projects made by their parents, right? It's not very interesting."

Dick shrugged. "If you're participating, it'll be interesting enough."

Oh. That was a very nice thing to say, but it made Tim want to cry a little. No one had ever been interested in something just because Tim was.

"I mean, I don't know," he said, "I'm not even sure I wanna do it, you know? And you don't have to drive all the way from Bludhaven just for that, so..."

"Oh, I don't mind the drive," Dick dismissed. "It's an hour tops. Totally worth it."

Tim wanted to insist, but his mind was already spinning with ideas for the project. He'd have to balance his time, obviously, he couldn't afford to look like he was slacking in his duties as Robin, but there was still plenty of time before the fair. If Dick really wanted to come, at least Tim ought to present something that would make it worth his while.

"Okay," Tim agreed.

True to his word, Dick was there. Tim watched him make his way through the crowd, eyes scanning the room. His face lit up as soon as he spotted Tim and he waved, changing course to come greet him. Tim waved back halfheartedly, glancing at his solar oven.

It had seemed like a good idea at first, but now that his project was out in the open for everyone to see, it felt woefully insufficient. He'd hand-painted it and made sure it looked good on top of being functional, experimented with different materials for the insides of the oven to find the one that'd heat up faster, double and triple tested the boiling time to be sure he wouldn't keep the judges waiting too long. It didn't feel like he'd done enough. Why had he even bothered participating in this again?

"I'm not late, am I?" Dick asked as he reached Tim, catching him off guard and momentarily trapping him in a one-armed hug. He pulled away and ruffled Tim's hair. "This looks amazing. Can I touch it or am I gonna break it?"

Tim squirmed. "Maybe wait until after the presentation."

“You got it,” Dick said.

By looking at Dick, you would have thought he was faced with a real scientific creation, not just some kid's school project. It made Tim equal parts wary – he wasn't at all sure what he'd made could live up to those expectations – and excited. If he did well in the competition, his parents might be pleased, but there was no question that they would ever take the time out of their busy lives to attend something like this. Neither would they gush over a cardboard cut-out solar oven.

It gave him the confidence boost he needed. Once it was his turn to show his work to the judges, he placed the little black pot filled with water he had next to him in the oven, walking them through the way it worked while they waited for it to boil. He'd timed his speech exactly so that he could take the pot out the minute he was finished talking, presenting it to the judges as proof that it'd worked.

To his immense relief, everything went off without a hitch. He got the timing down perfectly and he didn't trip over his words too much, neither did he stumble and shower one of the judges in boiling water, as had been a recurring fear of his. Throughout the whole thing, Dick watched with a wide, proud grin spread across his face.

Tim kind of felt like a fraud – he hadn't done anything that cool. He didn't even win first place. Other kids had better, more nuanced projects.

Dick insisted that they go for ice cream to celebrate, and like that wasn’t enough, that Tim tell him where his favorite ice cream shop was. Tim squirmed a little because it was halfway across Gotham, and it felt like he was just wasting more of Dick’s time, but nobody could resist Dick’s puppy eyes and relentless spirit for long.

They each got a huge ice cream in a cup with far too many toppings, and the lady behind the register slipped Tim an extra oreo. He was happy to have it but frowned a little. Surely twelve was far too old to be given free stuff on account of cuteness, although Dick did always tease him about how small he looked.

“Nice of you to treat your little brother,” she said, eyes crinkling at the corners. “All my sister ever does is hog the TV."

Wincing, Tim opened his mouth to correct her, but Dick just laughed it off.

“Well, I don’t live at home anymore, so that’s rarely a problem,” he said in good humor. “And he deserves the treat. His school was holding a science fair today, and -”

To Tim’s growing horror, Dick proceeded to talk her ear off about Tim’s project, blowing the whole thing out of proportion. Luckily the shop was mostly empty and the girl didn’t seem to mind, but Tim was still mortified by the end of it.

“What was that for?” Tim demanded quietly as they finally turned to leave.

Dick put an arm over his shoulder and pulled him into a loose hug. “Hey, you did good. Don’t I get to brag about you?”

Tim shook his head, perplexed and embarrassed. “Think you might be overselling it a little?”

“Nope,” Dick declared, popping the ‘p’ with great authority. “I’m proud of you, and that’s that. I’m telling everyone we see today about it. Deal with it.”

“Dick, no,” Tim groaned.

“Everyone,” Dick insisted, and just to prove his point, waved cheerily at a man crossing the road. “Excuse me, sir, but did you know that -”

“Dick,” Tim hissed, grabbing his arm and dragging him away. Dick went willingly, laughing all the while. “Oh my god, what’s wrong with you. That guy’s giving me the stink-eye now.”

Dick waved a hand as he tried to catch his breath. “Sorry, sorry. I’m just teasing you.”

Tim huffed. “You’re a real dick, Dick.”

“I know. But Tim,” his smile fell away, eyes earnest, “you know that I really am proud of you, right?”

Affirming it verbally felt like hubris of the worst kind, so Tim only nodded and, for once, allowed himself to believe it.

[natsumiheart]

A rant talking about and defending Saihara Shuichi from haters for like an hour for his birthday.

(Warning: This post is long, again.)

Over the last (two-three???) years after DRV3 has been released I actually came across Shuichi haters here and there, and I have seen their arguments as to why they think he sucks, why he should’ve died, why Kaede should’ve survived instead, etc. Making full on posts on amino, or just scribbling his face on drawings of him and reposting the edited art on instagram. (Don’t do that to anyone’s art that’s disrespectful as hell, disgusting.)

So after I’ve seen all that, I’m going to explode and defend Shuichi right here on his birthday. I rant a lot so it’s not really new or anything so! Enjoy?

> “Shuichi doesn’t deserve to be a detective, he’s so dumb and afraid of the truth.”

Shuichi IS afraid of the truth, but he’s smart as hell. Let’s discuss something, would you, in all honesty, want Shuichi to be exactly like Kirigiri? Because most of the people who believe Shuichi is actually not smart had these expectations for him.

First off, that would be very unoriginal and unlike the writing in danganronpa. What I like about the games is how every character is written, they are all so different and unique. Just because Shuichi is the ultimate detective doesn’t mean he is going to be Kirigiri level or act like her, same as Nagito and Naegi who have the same talent and yet are so different. 

The second point is that Shuichi’s specialty was doing small cases for his uncle so that he can focus on important things, which basically included finding lost pets and infidelity cases (catching cheaters). He solved only ONE murder case, he isn’t at Kirigiri’s level who may I remind you was born in a family full of detectives and had undergone strict training by her grandfather Fuhito who wanted her to be a detective no matter what. They are two different characters with completely different backgrounds, personalities, and mentalities, so they shouldn’t be compared for having the same talent.

Third thing, Shuichi ended danganronpa. He’s not stupid, he figured out Tsumugi was getting them into a trap with the hope and despair options and exposed her for wanting them to choose hope so danganronpa continues. He also figured out that Kaede’s plan to kill the mastermind failed as soon as he found a shotput ball in a trashcan. He is an actual detective, just went through shit making him afraid of the truth (which I’ll discuss next.)

People who say Shuichi doesn’t deserve to be a detective should be legally not allowed to have ice cream, no cookies and cream flavor, no oreo flavor, nothing is allowed. (I’m jk ahahaha… maybe-)

 > “Shuichi is weak.”

Shuichi didn’t have enough self-confidence in himself at first, but there’s a huge reason for it. It’s the same reason why he started being afraid of the truth. Because every single time he tried doing the right thing, life came back and bit him.

He solved a murder case, turns out the killer was taking revenge for his family. He told Kaede about the possibility of a traitor, she ended up using their plan to try and kill the mastermind and was executed for killing Rantaro. He solved Miu’s case and Gonta was executed, Kaito literally stopped talking to him when all he was trying to do is keep them alive.

His parents also neglected him as a kid, probably making him think the problem is with him until he started being bitter towards them instead. These situations and the way Shuichi was raised led to him having self-confidence issues, always doubting what he was doing, if it was the right thing, and if he deserved to be a detective. (and I don’t think he should be blamed for feeling this way, heck.)

But in the end Shuichi had to believe in himself and all his feelings and deductions to end danganronpa in chapter 6. If anything, in my opinion, Shuichi is one of the strongest characters in DR for dealing with so much, he’s no longer “weak” by the end of the game but I don’t think he was in the first place.

TLDR; he’s not weak, just went through a lot and probably suffers from anxiety rip.

 > “Shuichi is also extremely physically weak, a noodle, a twink, etc.”

Shuichi is in fact not weak, he is shown to be able to do up to 50 pushups a day. I can barely do one (yes the real noodle was actually me all along) He may not be the strongest man alive, but he’s not that lacking in physical strength. At some point even during the training with Maki and Kaito he reaches 50, then Kaito says he lost count and makes him start over.

If you check the caged child scene, he lifted the cage with Kokichi (Who was saying he shouldn’t have lied about being strong because it was really heavy.) So he can at least lift up a cage too.

 > “Shuichi’s real self is some murder obsessed psychopath that assaults others.”

That was never confirmed by the game, it is just a fanon version of pregame Shuichi that some fans believe in. We never know if those tapes that Tsumugi showed were real or not, since the pre-memories Shuichi that we saw in the beginning of the game was more of a nervous and scared boy who said he was kidnapped (Also Kaede had to yell at to calm down, which is a notable difference to her reaction when he did the same thing the second time they got out of the lockers.) 

I believe those characters we saw in the beginning were their pregame selves, Kaede wasn’t as nice and had lost her faith in humanity (but she probably knew what DR is because she was trying to ask, and didn’t exactly look happy about it), Rantaro suspected what was going on because he experienced the same thing before, and Shuichi was confused and most probably scared (I have a feeling he’d know what’s going on if he really is a huge fan of DR). The reason Tsumugi got the idea of “a weak detective that gets more confident” is because of his pregame personality. So pregame Shuichi is actually way less confident than his ingame self and it shows mostly in chapter 6.

But that’s just how I view it, take of it as you will. In the end pregame Shuichi and Ingame Shuichi are two different characters, just like pregame Kaede and ingame Kaede. So even if pregame Shuichi was like that I don’t think his ingame character should be held accountable for it. (and like I said, that's just a fanon version of him, not confirmed. You can’t even tell from the tapes if he assaults people like everyone claims he does.)

 > “Kaede should’ve survived instead, she’s a way better protagonist!”

Now this is a controversial topic in the fandom, I think. Because some people love Shuichi more than Kaede and vice versa. I think people can love Shuichi but also want Kaede to be the protagonist, So I’m not going to touch on the topic of whether our favorite pianist could be a good main character or not. (We only experienced a chapter with her, we can’t tell what would’ve happened if Shuichi died instead and we continued the story with her so we can compare who is a “better” protagonist.)

But I’ll explain why Kaede HAD to die.

Kaede didn’t die for Shuichi’s development, she died because she was practically a perfect character. People suspected her dying before the game even came out! She had an actual talent, she was positive as hell, she tried uniting everyone as best as she could, she was confident and sometimes even bossy. Those were all warning flags to the fandom.

But thing is, Kaede isn’t perfect, paranoia got to her too and because she wanted to save everyone so bad she tried to kill the mastermind and died thinking she killed someone. I personally love how everything played out (except for the part where it turns out she didn’t kill anyone anyway, but I can see the appeal of the plot twist) but that’s just my opinion. 

Point is, Kaede didn’t die for Shuichi to become the protagonist, there was a reason everyone suspected she’d die before the game came out and before they knew the role would go to Shuichi instead.

Also a lot of people tend to forget that Shuichi was the one who ended danganronpa. I’m not sure Kaede would’ve been able to because she probably would agree with Kiibo and chose hope, she’s not a detective after all.

 Now onto the smaller arguments that I saw

> “His design is boring”

Let me see you make a better one 👀

I’m just kidding don’t kill me, but I’m pretty sure the thousands of fanarts of him prove that a lot do not agree with that point. (Me included, he is pretty boi.)

> “Playing as him sucks because he cries a lot.”

Are people are not allowed to have feelings now? The portrayal of his feelings is what made him my favorite DR protagonist, so saying you hate him for crying a lot makes it obvious that you’re either grasping at straws for reasons to hate him, or you seriously lack empathy... I don’t even think he whined / cried as much as the haters claim he does.

> “He stands in the way of my ship!”

…. Wow, I’m actually at a loss of words. I only have one advice if you hate a character for standing in the way of your ship: grow up. It’s good for your emotional health I promise.

[snarkythewoecrow]

sometime you just gotta run to fly

By: snarkymuch

Word count: 3.7k

Rating: G

No warnings. This is mostly fluff.

Part 12 of the Broken Wing series

Summary: *reading the first would help you understand this, but it's fairly easy to read as a standalone*

Morgan has reached the age where she knows wings are for flying and starts jumping off the furniture to try. Peter stops by the lake house and helps Tony with her. It all family fluff with some questions answered about wings in this universe.

Read on AO3

Tony placed the last pillows on the floor in front of the couch and turned to look over his work. Morgan was stacking blocks on the floor by the coffee table, her small wings resting on her back.

Like all children, they were more rounded then they would grow to be, and the feathers fluffier, more down than actual feathers. Her bare feet wiggled into the strands of the carpet as she worked on her block tower. Tony took a moment to settle his nerves.

Ever since seeing the birds outside flying, Morgan had been obsessed with trying to fly, which just wasn’t possible. The wings they had were vestigial, a remnant of an earlier time.

Humans were too heavy for their wings to carry, though they could glide and control their falls, which brought Tony to his redecorating of the living room and all the pillows on the floor.

Ever since Morgan got the idea in her head she could fly, she’d been pulling herself up on the couch and throwing herself off, just to let her wings try to catch her. Her wings were small, though, and the feathers were immature, so he was worried she’d get hurt.

The squeak of the screen door made Tony look up, and he saw Peter’s beat-up Volvo through the window. The kid was just starting college, and it was his first car. Tony had offered to buy him an Audi, but he balked at the suggestion.

The kid was stubborn at the best of times, and he didn’t like to accept anything that resembled charity. Not a bad trait, but it did drive Tony insane, especially when it meant he was driving a car old enough to register as an antique.

It was safe, though, despite its flaws. Tony didn’t budge about safety. He’d gone over the car personally, making sure it wasn’t going to break down, or worse, cause an accident. That gave Tony some peace of mind.

The door opened, and Peter stepped into the living room, plastic bags hanging from his arms and backpack over his shoulder. He transferred some of the bags to his other hand and then shimmied his backpack off, tossing it with a thump by the door.

A broad smile stretched across his face when Morgan looked up at him, her wings fluttering and then charging toward him. Tony dashed after her, but she reached Peter first, grabbing onto his legs and looking up at him.

“Piggy ride.”

“My hands are a little full right now, Momo, but I’ll hold you in a minute. Promise.”

Morgan huffed, her wings arching up and flapping again. She took off back to the coffee table, bumping into Tony’s leg on the way.

“Don’t mind me,” Tony said with a smile. He looked at Peter, the kid looked tired but otherwise okay. “Hey, kid, how was the trip? Your jalopy make it alright?”

“Thelma’s a champ. Though she’s burning oil like crazy still but that’s no biggie. I keep some spare on the backseat.”

Tony drew a breath, shaking his head. “I really wish you’d let me buy you something newer.”

“Me and Thelma, we’re connected. She’s ride or die, Mr. Stark. I can’t just replace her because she’s a little needy.”

“Yeah, whatever that means.”

Peter started walking toward the kitchen but paused when he passed near the couch. “Why are all the pillows on the floor?”

“Morgan is going through the flying phase.”

Understanding crossed Peter’s face. “Yeah, I guess I was really a handful then. May told me stories from my mom about me trying to fly off the stairs.”

“Shh, don’t give her ideas.”

“You know it’s normal, right? All kids go through this.”

Tony huffed. “Normal or not, I’m not letting my baby girl get a concussion.”  

Peter went to the table and placed his shopping bags down, digging into them. He pulled out a package of Oreos and chocolate chip cookies with a grin. Tony raised a brow. Next came Twizzlers followed by Hershey Kisses.

“Really, Pete? You’re not giving all those to Morgan.”

Peter laughed. “Duh, I’m gonna eat some, too. Oh, and I got ice cream.” He produced a container of chocolate with marshmallow swirl.

“You’re putting her to bed tonight then, and make sure she brushes her teeth.”

Peter shrugged, taking the ice cream over to the freezer and stashing it by the frozen peas. “When’s Pepper coming home?”

Tony rolled his eyes. “You know, it drives me crazy you’ll call everyone else by their first name but me.”

“Sorry, not sorry, Mr. Stark. It’s gone on too long. We can’t change it now. It’s our thing.”

Tony shook his head, picking up the cookies and putting them away in the cupboard. “Pep should be home some. I need to start on dinner soon, but no treats until after, or I’ll never get her to eat real food.”

Peter turned, leaning on the counter. His gaze drifted past Tony, and then his eyes went wide. “Wait, Mo!” And then he was charging toward the living room.

Spinning, Tony saw what had startled him. Morgan was on the back of the couch, trying to stand, her wings flapping uselessly behind her.

Tony took off toward her just as Peter caught her in his arms, setting her on the floor. Morgan looked utterly put out to have missed out on flying, and Tony’s heart was still recovering from seeing her nearly jump. He hadn’t thought of putting pillows behind the couch. He’d thought she’d only jump off the arms or cushions.

xXx

Peter crouched down to be on Morgan’s level and brushed her hair back from her eyes. She was scowling at him. It was adorable how well she could pout.

“You can’t fly, Mo. I know it sucks, but our wings just don’t work like that.”

Her frown deepened, and she huffed. “Not fair.”

“I know it’s not, but there are lots of other cool things we can do.”

“Like what?”

His face scrunched in thought. “Well, uh, we can glide, which is nearly as cool as flying.”

He heard Tony sigh behind him. “Not to rain on your parade, but I don’t want anyone trying to glide either. Two feet on the ground at all times, them’s the rules. My house, so I get the final say.”

Peter rolled his eyes, making Morgan giggle. He tapped her nose with his finger and leaned in to whisper to her. “I’ll teach you to glide when you’re older. That’s what brothers are for.”

And Peter didn’t mind, and it was right that he be the one to teach her. It made him sad to think about, but Tony wouldn’t be able to take her gliding with his wings. Pepper could teach her, but if Peter was honest, it was something that he wanted to do with his sister when the time came.

Morgan grinned, seeming content with Peter’s offer. She turned and took off back to her toy hoard, and there wasn’t any other word for it. Tony spoiled her. They all did. Even Happy got in on it. And her Uncle Rhodey was always stopping by with cool toys. It was like a competition between him and Tony to see who could outdo the other.

Peter might not have had endless toys to bring with him, but he had something they all didn’t. He had raven wings, raven wings that made Morgan settle even when she was having the worst tantrum in history. She loved his wings.

Whenever they were together, she insisted he showed them so she could climb up underneath and let them settle over her. She was even getting better at preening. She didn’t pull on his feathers as badly as she used to.

Tony called over to Morgan, “I’m going to start the lasagna. Be good for your brother, Maguna.”

Peter grinned. “Of course, she’ll be good. I brought treats.”

Tony laughed, rolling his eyes. “Bribery only gets you so far. Just remember, you’re the one putting her to bed.”

Tony excused himself to the kitchen, and Peter glanced at Morgan, who was playing with a small, robotic dog. It looked like something Tony had built.

The down of her wings was puffed up, and some spots were being pushed out by adult feathers. She needed someone to preen to her wings a little.

Shaking his wings onto his back, he walked over to the chair next to Morgan and squatted down, resting his forearms on his knees. He peered over her shoulder, watching as she fed her doll to the robotic dog.

With the lightest touch, he rested a hand on her soft, downy wings. “Hey, Mo, whatcha got there?”

The small baby doll blinked at Peter as Morgan rolled her onto her side to better fit her into the dog's mouth.

“I’m feeding, Molly.”

The corner of Peter’s mouth tugged up. He shook his head a little. He was pretty sure this was just regular imaginative play and not some red flag about future problems. Morgan was just very creative.

Now that he was up close, he could see her wings better and brushed his fingers over the tufts of down that were sticking up. It wasn’t good to pluck the down, but he could smooth it out.

“I’m gonna preen your wings while you feed Molly. That sound okay?”

She nodded and continued her elaborate play. Peter gently ran his fingers through the down and feathers, letting them run through his fingers. He found a spot the down was knotted, and he worked it out.

“Ow!”

“Sorry, Mo. I won’t do it again. I think I’m all done. You want to do mine?”

If you had told Peter that he would be letting a child touch his wings before, he would have laughed, but now it felt natural. He wasn’t scared. How could he look at himself in such a bad light when the sunshine that was Morgan existed with wings just as black as his.

He carefully turned and got on his knees, so his wings were facing her, and a moment later, he felt her little hands ruffling the feathers. He let himself relax while she played with his wings. At one point, he was pretty sure Molly, the robotic dog, got involved and was walking across his wings. He didn’t mind, though.

He heard Morgan yawn, and he turned to see her looking back at him with tired eyes. Smiling, he got up and scooped her into his arms before settling on the couch, so his wings weren’t in the way.

Morgan wiggled into his side, pressing against him and touching his wing. She felt warm under his wing. The air was starting to smell like lasagna, and he knew dinner would be soon.

He didn’t intend to sleep when he closed his eyes, but he still drifted off, waking a little later to someone running their fingers through his hair. He blinked his eyes open, seeing Pepper looking down at him. Morgan was still tucked into his side.

“Hey, dinner will be ready soon. Why don’t you and Morgan get washed up?”

Sucking in a big breath, he yawned, dragging a hand over his face. He looked down at Morgan, who was still out cold.

Brushing her hair back from her face, he said her name a few times, getting a little louder each time. Finally, she stirred and looked up at him and then to her mother, who was still nearby.

Unlike Peter, Morgan didn’t need a minute to wake up. She went from zero to sixty in two seconds flat, launching off the couch and crashing into her mother’s legs.

Peter got off the couch and stretched his wings once before pulling them close and tucking them away. He wandered to the kitchen where Tony was cutting up the garlic bread. A bowl of salad was already on the table and the places set.

“Is there anything I can do?” Peter asked.

Tony shook his head. “Nope, I got everything under control, believe it or not. Maybe you can help Pepper get Morgan ready?”

“Yeah, sure, no problem.”

Peter could hear Morgan arguing with Pepper from the kitchen, and it only got louder when he got closer.

“I want my wings!” Morgan shouted.

“Sweetie, it’s better to put them away when we eat. It’s more comfortable to sit in the chairs.”

Morgan crossed her arms and huffed. “I don’t wanna.”

Peter walked over, kneeling in front of her. He tilted his head to the side. “Hey, Mo, we need to put our wings away sometimes. You can take them back out after.”

The little girl growled at him, honest to God growled. Peter glanced up at Pepper, who shrugged a shoulder. He looked back at Morgan.

“If you put your wings away, I’ll let you have an extra scoop of ice cream tonight.”

Morgan’s eyes widened just a fraction. “I get two?”

“Yep.”

She chewed her lip for a moment but then nodded her head. Squeezing her eyes shut and scrunching her nose, she pulled her wings tight against her and then made them disappear.

“Thank you, Peter,” Pepper said. “Do you mind taking her to wash her hands?”

“No problem. We’ll be right back.”

Peter scooped Morgan up and swung her onto his back, running towards the bathroom while Morgan squealed in delight.

After they were both clean and shirts a little wet from sprayed water, they went to the kitchen table, and Peter helped Morgan into her seat.

Dinner went well. Peter talked about starting college soon, and his budding relationship with MJ. Ned was coming to MIT with him, so that was cool.

Pepper talked about her meetings and how SI was doing, and Tony ate three helpings of lasagna while talking about how he spent his day with Morgan. Tony had become a stay at home dad, something that some people were surprised by, but those people didn’t really know him well then.

Morgan tried hiding her salad under a piece of her lasagna, but it didn’t go unnoticed.

“You need to eat the green stuff, too, Maguna,” Tony said.

“Don’t like it.”

Tony sighed, reaching over and picking up a piece of green pepper. “Eat this, and we’ll call it good.”

Morgan eyes it suspiciously but nibbled on the end.

Peter looked at Tony. “If it’s any consolation, I didn’t eat a single vegetable until I was like ten.”

Tony shook his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “You’ve been bitten by a radioactive spider, so your example doesn’t count.”

Morgan finished her green pepper and then pushed the plate away. “Ice cream?”

Peter laughed, getting up and taking his plate and stacking hers on top of it. “Yep. It’s chocolate with marshmallow swirl.”

Peter helped Pepper and Tony clean the table and pack away the leftovers. Morgan sat in her chair, watching them, swinging her legs.

As Pepper wiped down the table, Peter got a few bowls out and grabbed the cookies and candy, too. If he was gonna spoil her, he was going big.

“Do you and Tony want some?” Peter asked Pepper who was washing her hands.

“I’m all set, sweetie. Tony probably wants some, though.”

“Just a little,” Tony said, straightening the leaning tower of leftovers in the fridge.

Peter scooped Tony’s first, handing it to him as he passed beside him. Tony took it to the living room, finding his usual chair and plopping down. He filled the other two bowls with ice cream and tossed some cookies on the side for Morgan, leaving the candy on the counter for later.

After he put away the ice cream, he set a bowl in front of Morgan, along with a spoon, and sat next to her.

She managed the first bite with little mess, but soon, her face was covered in ice cream.

Sticky hands wrapped around the spoon and shoveled bite after bite into her mouth. She paused to nibble on the cookies, then her eye caught the Twizzlers, and any hope she wasn’t going to have a sugar high was thrown out the window.  

He grabbed the Twizzlers and peeled a few out of the package for her, observing her as she chewed them. He didn’t want her to choke.

When the pieces got too slimy and small, he took them away and grabbed a wet cloth to wipe her face and hands.

The moment her feet hit the floor, her wings were back out, and she was running off at warp speed for the living room. Peter finished cleaning up the rest of the mess and then joined the rest of the family.

The only thing that was missing was May. Having her there would have made his night complete, but she had to work. Apparently, car insurance for Peter didn’t come cheap. He’d offered to pay, but May wanted him to worry about buying what he needed for college instead, though Tony was covering the actual tuition. He’d tried to argue it, but Tony had dug his heels in and made a scene. It was easier to just agree than keep arguing.

Tony was already looking drowsy by the time he got to the living room, stretched out in his recliner with his ice cream bowl and spoon on his lap. Pepper listening to Morgan ramble about her toy dog, nodding at all the right moments. Morgan was talking a mile a minute. Clearly, the heavy dose of sugar was having an effect.

Pepper looked up at Peter with tired eyes. She’d had a busy day, and Peter felt for her.

“Hey, Mo, how about we go outside, and I show you something cool?”

“Like what?” Morgan turned to him, head tilting to the side.

“Remember I said we could fly, and your dad doesn’t want you to glide yet, but there is something else kinda fun. It’s kind of like gliding.”

She pursed her lips and then nodded, tossing the toy dog down on the floor.

“Be careful,” Pepper said as Peter took Morgan’s hand, guiding her out.

“I wouldn’t hurt her. She’ll be safe.”

Peter brought Morgan down to the driveway and turned to face her, letting his wings fall onto his back. Morgan watched him curiously, a line etched between her brows.

“Okay, now watch me. You should be able to do this, too.”

Peter bent a little and let his wings stretch out behind him, flapping them a few times. He could feel the power they had, even if they couldn’t get him off the ground.

Staying kind of low, he began to run down the driveway, feeling the wind catch his wings, then he jumped, flapping a few times, and got off the ground just a little. It was almost like gliding. He managed to stay in the air for a few seconds, longer than if he hadn’t used his wings.

When he looked back at Morgan, she was already flapping her wings and taking position at the start of the driveway, a look of sheer concentration on her face.

Peter smiled at her and waved for her to go. She took off as fast as her little legs could go, and Peter hoped she could get some lift.

Once she was running as fast as she could go, she jumped and flapped, stretching her wings. She didn’t stay up long, but it was enough for her face to split into a wide grin.

“Again!”

Peter laughed as he watched her run back the other way and repeat the process again.  

Eventually, Morgan began to slow as she tired herself out. Peter gathered her up and carried her inside. She rested her head on his shoulder as he walked. When he got back into the house, Tony was snoring in his chair, and Pepper was reading a book. She looked up when he walked by.

“Have fun? I took some pictures from the window. I can’t believe how grown up she’s getting.”

“Me either,” Peter said, still holding her tight. He ducked his head to see Morgan’s eyes were closed. “I think she’s ready to sleep for a few days.”

Pepper laughed. “She’s her father’s daughter. Give a few hours, and she’ll be recharged enough to go again. Of all things she could have gotten from Tony, she had to get his sleep schedule.”

“You want me to take her up? I’ll make sure she brushes her teeth and get her changed into some PJs.”

Relief washed over her, causing her shoulders to drop. “Thank you, Peter. Maybe we should be paying you when you come for a visit.”

He shook his head. “It’s no big deal. I always wanted to be a big brother.”

“Well, thank you again, Peter. Her pajamas are in the second drawer. I can give her a bath tomorrow.”

Peter carried Morgan upstairs, stepping into the bathroom first. Bending, he lowered the lid to the toilet and then gently nudged Morgan on the shoulder. She grumbled, but her eyes opened, and she looked around.

“Hey, little miss, we need to brush those teeth.”

Her bottom lip stuck out, but she wiggled out of his arms, and Peter set her on the closed toilet. He got her toothbrush ready and helped her brush her teeth, picking her up to spit in the sink after.

With that out of the way, Peter picked her back up and carried her to her room, setting her on her bed. He kneeled in front of her, untying her shoes and taking them off. He peeled off her socks afterward, sticking them in her shoes for now.

As he went to her dresser to find pajamas, he glanced back over his shoulder and asked, “Hey, Mo, can you put your wings away now?”

She nodded a few times quickly and then willed them away as Peter found her something to wear.

He helped her into her PJs, his wings still out behind him. Morgan grabbed the feathers for balance.

Once she dressed, a huge yawn broke from her, and she stretched her arms over her head. She crawled across her bed, grabbing her blanket and pillows and making something of a nest. He’d forgotten how young children found comfort in the primal activity. It was a remnant of times past.

She wriggled down into her nest and looked up at Peter. “Story, please?”

Peter smiled. “Yeah, how about I tell you the story of how I met your dad.”

Her brow wrinkled in thought. “He’s your dad, too.”

“Yeah, yeah, I guess he is. You’re right, Mo. How about I tell you the story of how we all became a family instead.”

[elopez7228]

Scenic Route 4/47

Read on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/18268208/chapters/43229774

Start over : https://elopez7228.tumblr.com/post/620919089893933056/scenic-route-0147

Jessica was both overjoyed and terrified when she recognized Rey’s voice over the phone. She was shouting with a mixture of glee and rage about something along the lines of worrying to death and never being happier to hear something in her life.

Noticing Jessica’s sheer levels of anxiety, Rey strategically omitted certain details. She confirmed that she had arrived safely and had spent an unforgettable night in a luxury hotel—all at Finn’s expense, of course. She also downplayed the fact that her phone had run out of battery.

On the other end of the table, Ben Solo was trying very hard to pretend that he wasn’t listening. Rey knew that he didn’t miss a single word she said. She didn’t like the idea of being indebted to him, so she cut the call short, simply asking Jessica to tell the others that she was doing just fine and was having a splendid holiday.

Except for Finn of course. Finn could go die for all she cared. In fact, she really hoped he would.

She handed the phone back to Ben, who was still pretending to be disinterested.

“Problems with the boyfriend?”

Rey narrowed her eyes, dismissing the question as inappropriate.

“None of your business. Thanks for the cellphone. How much do I owe you?”

“Your digits. Then we’re even.”

Was he actually flirting with her? Rey sighed disdainfully.

“After nearly killing me with your Monster Truck, you’re trying to flirt with me? You have some gall, don’t you? Have a nice day, and thank you for the call.”

Picking up her damaged suitcase again, she waved politely to the waitress, who waved back. Then she headed over to the door. At the shopping center, she withdrew 500 dollars in cash, some of which she used to buy an adapter and a shoulder bag. She judged the new bag to be more suited to her trek across the country than her current roller model (which wasn’t doing a whole lot off rolling anyway).

The encounter with Ben Solo kept gnawing at her. The man was both intoxicating and insufferable, like over-sharp cologne that gave you a headache and made it harder to think.  He was a bullish, arrogant show-off—and yet something about him mesmerized her. The way he chewed his lip when he was deep in thought, the constellation of beauty marks on his face, or the involuntary grace in the way he ran his fingers through his hair. It made him seem vulnerable, utterly human. A far cry from the apathetic snark he pretended to be.

Emerging from the shopping center, she peered around the corner to make sure the pickup was no longer parked there.  Reassured that it had disappeared,  she walked over to the Night Owl café in relief now that Ben Solo had left the premises.

The new customers were hipster types, likely students, clad in harem pants, plaid, and oversized glasses. They typed away on their laptops, sipping from fancy drinks graced with floating scoops of ice cream.

“Hello again, can I hang around here while I recharge my phone? Should I order something else?” She asked, approaching the waitress again.

“No need, go ahead and make yourself at home. You can stay as longs as you want. I’m sorry about that annoying customer. Are you alright?”

Manners dictated that Rey should simply have responded fine, thanks, but the words that left her lips instead were “It’s absolute hell, I want to die.”

She blushed immediately, chewing on her lip. What had possessed her to open up to a stranger?

The waitress looked up at the clock mounted on the wall.

“I’ve got some time before the lunch rush, wanna talk? I can make you some fresh squeezed orange juice, it’s loaded with vitamins, it’ll help you recharge,”

“I—well…alright. That’s kind of you. By the way, I’m Rey,”

“I’m Rose, nice to meet you. I have a feeling your trip hasn’t gone to plan. Have you been here long?”

“Since yesterday,” Rey sighed, taking the glass of orange juice that Rose offered. She plopped down onto a bench and when Rose sat across from her, she told her everything: Finn, the wedding, the annulment, Poe, Jessica, the honeymoon trip, Ben Solo and his pickup.

Rose listened attentively, occasionally nodding mhm to encourage  Rey to keep going. Finally she asked, “But how much money do you have for this trip?”

“Not much, really” Rey shrugged, “Finn and I took out a loan to pay for the wedding, but now I have to reimburse the suppliers, give back our apartment, and whatever else I have to budget for the next five years. I’m generally better off the less I spend. It wasn’t the idea of the century to go on a two-week holiday with barely a quid to spare.”

Rose pursed her lips, assessing that last sentence. “I know someone who could use your services, if you’re interested. The job will make you some cash and take you pretty close to San Francisco.”

Rey hesitated. Silent alarm bells went off in her head, a gut instinct to pull away. She responded without thinking, “Is it prostitution or something? Because even if I’m penniless that’s out of the question,”

“No, not at all! It’s completely harmless. It’s just that I don’t have time to do it because of the café and all. No one will force you into anything.”

“Is it drug trafficking? Cannabis?  That’s legal in Colorado, isn’t it? Will I make enemies in the police department?”

“No, none of that,” Rose giggled, “It’s actually just taking a car up to California. And knowing your situation, I thought you could really use a ride. But if you don’t feel like it we can figure something else out.”

“And what does that entail exactly? What’s in this car?”

Rose jotted down a number on a Night Owl business card, handing it to Rey.

“You can contact Leia Skywalker using this number, she’s a friend. She’ll explain everything. I would do it myself but like I said, I just don’t have the time. And it would be a two-way trip for me anyway. You would only be driving one way, it’s totally convenient.”

Rey slipped the card into her pocket and drained her glass, rising to her feet.

“I’ll think about it, thanks a load,”

“You’re welcome, thank you too. I hope it all works out for you…”

Rey threw her bag over her shoulder, taking out her phone, she made her way to the exit.

“Yeah, I hope so too...”

She found herself on the road again. Inside her pocket, her fingers fiddled with the glossy edges of the business card.

The thought of that card in her pocket distracted her throughout the day.

She went to the Black American West Museum on California Street, to broaden her horizons on a culturally and historically relevant fieldtrip. She didn’t retain anything however; distracted by hard realities like not knowing where she was going to sleep that night.

She ate a cheeseburger and an Oreo milkshake at this “Jack in the Box” place, where the hundreds of options at the soft drink machine left her feeling indecisive. Looking at the advertisements, this Jack fellow was an odd mascot who only appealed to American sensibilities; his prim suit contrasted comically with his ballooning head, which looked like it was decorated by a child no older than five.

She travelled on foot to the Santa Fe Art District, where she wandered without really admiring the bright murals and art galleries. It was getting late and she was feeling tired due to the lingering jet lag. She needed a room for the night.

Worn out from her day-long walk, she slumped onto a bench. It was there that she saw the poster, in the corner of a shop window across the street.

Howl at the Moon presents: Kylo & the Knights of Ren, June 30th to July 4th: Free admission

Where had she seen that name before? Kylo and the Knights? What a bizarre name, but why was it so familiar?

It dawned on her. Kylo Ren was written on the bumper sticker of that pickup. The one belonging to what’s-his-face Ben Solo. It was a rock band.

Well, then! Instead of finding a place to sleep, she had stumbled upon the perfect place to spend the evening…

When she made it through the doors at 7 PM, the place was still quiet. It was too early for the show and the scene was deserted. Rey ordered a beer and a club sandwich at the bar. Gritting her teeth, she sat down at a small, empty table in a quiet alcove. She had a good view of the stage while taking up as little space as possible. Why had she come? Objectively, she had no desire to see Ben again, the unbearable arse. And yet—and yet she was curious. If he was any good, she could ostensibly revise her judgement.

The venue filled up slowly as the music blared. The crowd was tight-knit, greeting each other with smiles and pats on the back. The drinks kept flowing all night. At first Rey thought she would garner attention, a girl sitting all alone with her beer. But the crowd thickened, and soon she was safely just another silhouette in a sea of hundreds of others.

The sound of a few stray guitar notes made her look up. The band was onstage. There were seven of them—four women and three men. Clad in that many shades of black, they left no doubt that they were a rock band. They had it all, the leather and denim, Doc Martens, miniskirts and crop tops. Their hairstyles ranged from expertly shaved to long flowing locks and intricate braids. In center stage was Ben Solo (or was it Kylo Ren?) microphone in hand. He chewed on his lip and ran his fingers through his hair, habits that Rey had already picked up on after just two encounters. He had an unusually deep, almost guttural voice—Rey would be lying if she said that her interest wasn’t piqued. The music was a perfect sort of chaos—the melodies hypnotic under the savage rhythm and relentless beat. Rey surprised herself by singing with the crowd, repeating the refrains that she hadn’t memorized yet but which descended upon her ears and lips as though they had always been there.

Realizing that she was finally smiling, Rey thought of how the past hour had rid her of her worries for the first time in a long while. It was cathartic—she felt alive again. She had no desire to leave this place, to go back out there and find a room, as common sense would dictate. She wanted nothing more than to stay there a little while longer, a carefree spirit enjoying the music as she basked in the anonymity of the crowd.

She stayed for just about the entire evening. The band descended into the crowd after the show to drink a few beers with a small group of regulars. They laughed like old friends. Rey couldn’t help but notice their guitarist. Her style was gorgeous punk, complete with an immaculate mohawk and studs in her nose and ears that contrasted beautifully with her ebony skin. She never left Ben’s side. Shoulder to shoulder, her hand on his arm, her subtle touches and accidental brushes seemed to multiply.

Stars, I’ve never seen a girl more madly in love, too bad for her that he doesn’t look like he will ever reciprocate it.

And as though it was meant to contradict her, Ben’s hand shifted to rest on the girl’s hip, subtly pulling her against him. Rey raised the beer bottle to her lips, and found herself eye to eye with him as he looked up.

He was so shocked to see her that he began looking around, perhaps to make sure that it wasn’t one of those tacky hidden camera shows. As nothing continued to happen, he got up and walked in her direction.

The guitarist let him go, but not without seeking a reason for the sudden desertion. Her eyes locked on to Rey. Suddenly, Rey felt that she hadn’t exactly made a new friend.

“Good evening! Lovely concert there, Kylo Ren,” Rey said sweetly as Ben towered over her.

“What are you doing here?”

The question could have been unexpected if she wasn’t so naively spontaneous. Rey took a large swallow of her beer.

“I saw the light and I wandered in, what a small world, right?”

“Denver is a small town. And the nighttime rock scene even is even smaller. I didn’t realize that you liked rock music.”

“Well I don’t mean to brag but I have all sorts of hobbies apart from throwing myself at moving vehicles, really. But we never got around to that. How long have you been playing?”

“A few years.”

He wasn’t talkative and Rey pursed her lips as she scratched her brain for topics of conversation. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the rather impatient guitarist and seized upon the opportunity to ask him about her.

“Lovely guitarist you’ve got there, is she your girlfriend?”

“None of your business.”

Rey took the blow. It was fair play. She finished her beer and turned to leave.

“Well, then! Alright Ben Ren, Kylo Solo, or whatever your name is, thank you for the evening—it was a memorable performance. I had a great time but I ought to leave.”

She rose and slung her bag over her shoulder again, as it caught Ben’s eye.

“New bag? You were right to buy it, your other one was completely useless.”

“Yeah, someone was nice enough to tell me that it didn’t match my outfit. Goodnight, then.”

She had only taken a few steps toward the exit when he called out behind her:

“Where will you be staying tonight, Rey from England?”

“Nowhere. I’m a free woman in the Land of the Free.”

Her response was drowned out by the voices of late-night conversations between party diehards and smokers who congregated in packs near the door. Rey was feeling lightheaded and tipsy; she took a few wobbly steps onto the sidewalk before he called her name.

“Rey, wait!”

She turned around to see Ben cutting through the crowd in her direction, as she hit the lamppost hard. I must really be drunk then, she reasoned before giving in to the darkness.