#feat. charades and divorce

[sgiandubh]

Dear 'Hi, darling' Anon

You are so polite and I am so sorry. But I am not going to publish your ask here. The question has been asked before, in many different ways, which tells me a lot about this fandom's - maybe understandable - impatience. The reason I will not answer it in here is simple: as tempted as I might be, I will not write the damn script.

I am an optimist and I believe these two are good people. It is as simple as that.

However, what I can and will do for you, is to tell you a real French story I will try to sum up as best as possible. You take out of it whatever you want. I am just the narrator, here.

I suppose you are not very familiar with this guy, are you?

His name was François Mitterrand, and from 1981 to 1995 he was the President of the French Republic. A cunning, even ruthless politician, he managed the feat of uniting a French Left in shambles and leading it back to power after more than twenty years on the opposition benches. He truly was the master of all combinations, with an almost diabolic sense of human nature and a cult for secrecy and privacy. So much so, that even in a country like France (where people are rather fond of gossip and backstage gaming, provided all of this is masterfully executed) he was nicknamed both 'The Florentine', in an expected parallel to Machiavelli, by politicos & pundits, and 'Tonton' (Uncle), by all the rest of the nation.

His only weakness was to have led a double life for 30 years.

A scion of a deeply Catholic bourgeois family of vinegar distillers from Jarnac, Mitterrand married the atheist and radical Danielle Gouze in 1944. They met in harsh times, while he was one of the chiefs of the French Résistance, after being an underling of Marshal Pétain's Nazi collaborating puppet regime, based in Vichy. They never divorced, even if the couple became increasingly estranged after the birth of three sons, in rapid succession. She found solace in the arms of a Corsican sports instructor and he, by now a rising star of French politics, went his merry way with probably hundreds of affairs. I bet you couldn't tell, by simply looking at his official portrait, but hey - never judge a book by its cover.

By the autumn of 1965, Mitterrand started his lifelong affair with Anne Pingeot, an Art History student at the fabulous Ecole du Louvre, hailing from a well-heeled family in Clermont-Ferrand. She met him in 1957, while vacationing with her parents in Hossegor, a posh summer resort on the Atlantic coast. Both families stroke up a polite holiday friendship, so when Anne went to study in Paris, Madame Pingeot naturally asked 'François' to keep an eye on her daughter. It took him two years to seduce her, with flowers, daily letters, books, midnight walks, art exhibitions, concerts, lies, stories, restaurants and drama - Frenchmen really, really are unparalleled at this cat and mouse game. They never broke up and if Mitterrand never was exclusively attached to her, she remained the love of his life until his very last day on Earth.

The only real crisis moment in this stars aligned story came in 1973, when Anne really wanted out of the whole charade. She wanted a younger partner, an easier plot and (of course) a child. He relented. Mazarine was born in December 1974, in the deepest possible secrecy, somewhere in Southern France (this is a well-known plot device in any good French Nineteenth century novel, by the way). Her father legally recognized her only in 1984, via a simple notary statement. From 1981 to 1995, the second family shared an apartment in a building reserved for the Elysée Palace top level public servants, on Quai Branly, in Paris. At the same time, Mitterrand kept his usual home on rue de Bièvre, steps away from Notre Dame cathedral, on the Left Bank and made sure he was regularly seen there by the press, the paparazzi and the odd passerby. Anne and Mazarine were always monitored by the President's security detail, of course.

Did people know? Many did and at least as many didn't have a clue. Mitterrand was a master at separating his social life into concentric zones, but even as such, lots of people in his intimate circle had no idea he was a new father to that little girl whose toys they sometimes saw in the trunk of his official car, or who happened to be around at political gatherings. They simply assumed the toys belonged to his grand-daughters, the fugitive appearance was a relative and in general, they knew better than asking questions. Sometimes, he joked in interviews, as in 1986, when he told, on a very relaxed tone, to French TV star journalist Yves Mourousi "a certain little miss of my acquaintance told me I have to be more chébran (slang for also slang branché - trendy) and as you see, I am doing my best". Nobody batted an eyelid. When Mazarine dutifully wrote on her first day at school, sometime around 1983, "President of the French Republic" under the Father's job entry on the yearly data sheet every pupil must fill in, the headmistress thought she was joking and never brought it up again. Some of her school friends were even invited for pajama parties at Souzy-la-Briche, at the time the week-end residence of the French President, and even met Mitterrand. Nobody ever spoke.

But some people did know and could not exactly remain silent. When Françoise Giroud, a legend of French journalism, published, in 1983, at the Mazarine publishing house (!), her roman à clef (novel with a key), Le bon plaisir (As He Saw Fit), heavily alluding to the Mitterrand situation, she was forced by her editor to write a very clear frontpage disclaimer. She also had to tinker a bit with details: it was a boy, not a girl, etc. But when venomous polemist Jean-Edern Hallier, disgruntled that his support efforts were left unrewarded, wrote a tell-all pamphlet  L'Honneur perdu de François Mitterrand (François Mitterrand's Lost Honor), in 1984, the manuscript mysteriously vanished without a trace (the book appeared, however, after Mitterand's death, in 1996).

All was revealed in 1995, by a paparazzi photograph being published by the reliable people's magazine Paris Match, with no intervention of the French Presidency administration to stop it. On its cover, a by now terminally ill with cancer Mitterrand was seen standing with Mazarine in front of the (wonderful) fish restaurant Le Divellec, in Paris, under the caption (I will never forget it): La fille cachée du Président (The President's Hidden Daughter). Body language was very clear (another caption: The tender gesture of a father):

And the good people of France could finally see Anne and Mazarine mourning him, on January 11, 1996, after he let himself die upon finding out that the disease attacked his brain:

First row, near the official family.

As I said, draw your own conclusions, Anon. I am not implying anything and I do not think, by any means, this is a copycat scenario. Two fifi la plume (= scoundrel, but also naïve) B-listers are not a powerful French politician, with a decisive influence on the country's society, media and secret services. The UK or the US are not France, never will be. The Eighties had no Facebook, no Twitter, no Internet and no cell phones, able and willing to turn just about anybody into a paparazzo. Mitterrand's fandom, if you want, was the Socialist Party and its army of ambitious technocrats, not the considerable mess that is the OL circus.

What I am implying, is that no secret, no matter how deeply buried, stays forever in the shadows. Have a little more patience and, damn it, faith.

I rest my case.

PS: Anne Pingeot is a Taurus. Don't mind me. I am just babbling, as usually. ;)

#Anon

[incorrect-assvengers]

(during charades)

Harley: You CANT ACT at all!

Peter: Maybe if you could GUESS the words we wouldn’t LOSE all the fucking time! I’m taking the ring OFF.

Harley: Oh so now the BOTTOM has something to say?

Mj: Wait you’re engaged??

Ned: He BOTTOMS???

May: YOU’RE TOGETHER?????

#hello archivist #this is just gonna be my archive tag cause i'm obsessed #but of course i had to start it during the end of season four #alright let's do this one last time #harley keener #peter parker #mj jones #may parker #ned leeds #feat. charades and divorce #michelle jones #spider-man #spiderman #spider man #iron lad #spiderlad #parkner #parley #spider-man: far from home #spider-man homecoming #spider-man far from home #Spider-Man: Homecoming #incorrect quotes #incorrect marvel #incorrect marvel quotes #incorrect spiderman quotes #incorrect avengers quotes

[gravegroves]

"steve kills neil" hell yeah, now we're talking

Lol, you wanna read it? Here ya go:

The newspaper article never mentions why Steve Harrington drove to Old Cherry Lane one early December morning and caved Neil Hargrove’s skull in with a nail studded bat. Though there are... rumours.

It doesn’t mention Neil's son -- well, it does, but it doesn't mention how the day before, Billy had limped and later crawled his way to Loch Nora, half frozen, barely conscious and almost unrecognisable to his boyfriend when he answered the scrambled knocking on the door.

(It doesn't mention how unsteady Billy was on his feet for weeks after, how the hearing in his right ear was almost completely gone and never really improved much in the years since or the seven -- seven -- broken ribs, the dislocated shoulder or the fractured collarbone.)

It doesn't mention how Steve had held Billy until he passed out from pain and exhaustion, barely able to breathe, but still able to make Steve swear not to take him to a hospital.

It doesn't mention Steve panicking for two hours. Listening to Billy's rasping breaths and not knowing what to do. Or Steve picking Billy up and, in a feat of pure desperation, carried him to his car. How he drove like a bat out of hell to a clinic two towns over and hoping to Christ that they'd be able to help.

It doesn't mention the one nurse who takes one look at Steve clutching Billy's limp hand and understands. Who calls her brother doing his residency at the local hospital and tells him to sneak out an IV bag and to come check out a patient. Or the other nurse who keeps the clinic open and stays with them all night, checking on Billy's concussion every few hours and squeezes Steve's shoulder whenever he looks seconds from breaking apart.

It doesn't mention Steve driving Billy home in the early hours of the morning -- taking him up to his room and laying him on the bed where Billy had laid many times before. How Steve had tried to touch Billy, to comfort him, but there isn't a patch of skin left unmarked or uninjured for him to run his fingers over. How he runs from the room to scream into his fist.

It doesn't mention Steve sprinting to his car, driving in silence -- so carefully. Wanting to get to his destination unfollowed and unbothered.

It doesn't mention Max answering the door, how she watches him standing on the porch with the nail bat clutched in his hand, or how she silently lets Steve move past her into the house and gently push her outside before he closes the door. Or how she walks down to sit on the curb beside their driveway. Refusing to cry.

---

It does mention the screams that startle a neighbour. 

It does mention Susan Hargrove being shoved and locked into Billy's room after the first swing incapacitates her husband.

It does mention that Neil Hargrove's head had resembled more of a pulpy soup by the time Steve hits hard enough to embed the nails into the floor and leaves it there, poking up from the mess like a tombstone.

It does mention Steve walking calmly out onto the lawn, covered in blood and bits of brain to tell Max to go to the Sinclair's and to stay there.

It does mention Steve going home to change before turning up at the bank, draining his account and as much from his parents' as he can manage before he and Billy disappear.

It does mention the last place they were rumoured to have been seen: five states away, sitting in a diner and holding hands across the table.

It does mention the fact that the boys have yet to be found, some four years later.

---

It doesn't mention the people they left behind.

It doesn't mention that Nancy Wheeler chooses to abandon her dreams of becoming a journalist. That publishers are only ever interested in her stories if she's willing to talk about Steve Harrington. Her ex boyfriend. The Killer King of Hawkins High.

It doesn't mention how Steve's parents sell the house and leave Hawkins for good. How his father loses his job and his mother her bankroll. How they get divorced and never speak again and it's like their little charade of a family had never existed at all.

It doesn't mention that Tommy and Carol never regain any significant social standing at Hawkins High or that they leave the town not long after graduation. They are the couple that hung out with a killer and his suspected accomplice, possible gay lover, and in Hawkins, that's all they'll ever be.

It doesn't mention how Jim Hopper spends sleepless nights talking himself out of tampering with evidence. How one day, in desperation, he asks El to find either of the boys, but only gets a shake of her head in response and a firm: "Better like this."

It doesn't mention how Susan Hargrove, soon to be Mayfield once again, moves herself and her daughter to a different house. How she tries to repair the relationship with her daughter as best as she can, but the damage is mostly done. 

It doesn't mention that Claudia Henderson cries herself to sleep for many nights after, thinking of all the times she let that boy near her precious Dusty.

It doesn't mention how Dustin still talks into his walkie talkie at night, tuned to a private frequency that never answers him back. How he buys a bottle of Farrah Fawcett hair spray and uses it religiously despite varied results. How sometimes, when the party meets up, he and Max will lock eyes and share a private moment of pain that neither of them can talk about out loud.

It doesn't mention the envelope Max receives two days before her graduation and three weeks before she moves out for good. It contains a photograph of two young men kissing in front of a huge ornate building, holding up their hands with matching rings.

It doesn't mention how Max smiles at the writing on the back, tucks it away for safekeeping and wonders if she can save enough to go to Europe before her first summer break at college. How Max already knows Dustin will join her.

---

It doesn't mention that Billy and Steve live happily ever after.

But they do.

#gravegroves writes #anon ask #tw: murder

[whereisten]

The Wedding Singer - Part 4

The Wedding Singer (feat. Taeyong and Yuta)

Summary: You are an up-and-coming singer and songwriter who is thriving in the wedding singer business. When you find yourself singing for your former best friend Samantha Perez and not-so-former crush Yuta Nakamoto, shit really hits the fan.

Genre: fluff, drama, romance

Multi-part Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Part 4

Word Count: 3.9k

To many people, Yuta Nakamoto was a shining star. Always happy, always collected, always blessed. He was studious and athletic. He gave off a happy-go-lucky aura while he mastered a physics lab in the first try or a mind-boggling task in PE. It was hard to detect any flaws on the surface.

Which he worked so hard to conserve for a long, long time. When he was fifteen, his parents divorced and his mother abandoned his family, leaving him, his sisters, and his father dumbfounded. The finances of the house were thrown off-balance, which meant Yuta would have to work harder to secure a basketball scholarship to a university. Ideally, somewhere close enough to home to look after his sisters. But he never told anyone the truths of his household. He told everyone that his mother was traveling the world for her job. It wasn’t a lie but it was better than admitting to the truth: she went to start anew back in Osaka, remarried, and had twins with her younger boyfriend.

Yuta and his older sister Akira both took on part-time jobs so their younger sister Haine could perfect her piano skills. Their dad made enough to keep their home and their utilities afloat. But the things that were once guaranteed for them became luxuries they had to strive for. Akira delayed her college applications to get a part-time job to support her younger siblings and Yuta felt helpless.

But once senior year came around for Yuta, he just couldn’t take it anymore. He may have gotten the college scholarship and scouts were very keen to be in contact with him for postgraduate opportunities. But he had his family at the forefront of his mind.

Then, came Samantha.

Samantha was never shy about how she felt about Yuta. Yuta denied her advances a few times throughout their high school career. He didn’t have time for a relationship. Hook-ups, sure. But those were fleeting. And that was what made them ideal. Samantha thought she could convince him to change his mind but he made it clear from the start that he was strictly casual, never anything more than that.

However, he carefully harbored a huge crush on you. You were innocent and kind, blowing everyone away with your poetry in AP English and your motivation to join every club on campus. You were so bubbly and adorable, he could almost scream. You’d blossomed so much since middle school, becoming more secure with yourself that you finally let people around see the real you. You were sassy and when you rolled your eyes at something that annoyed you, Yuta would chuckle to himself. You had a fire inside of you that Yuta couldn’t wait to see you let shine through. He admired you from time to time in high school but he didn’t act on it until it was too late.

And when you weren’t interested, he thought, he realized that he needed to get back to dealing with his own issues. He shouldn’t daydream so much. There was too much at stake. And time was running out.

Samantha came up to Yuta after graduation and he was prepared to run in the other direction until she said,

“I have a proposition for you, Yuta. And I think you’re gonna want to hear it,” she said.

Her proposition was that she would help alleviate all of his family’s troubles. She wouldn’t stop there, though. She would put him in touch with top basketball teams before they graduated. Originally, Yuta was going to go to his second choice, the University of Miami because of his scholarship and so he could be close to his family. However, Samantha pulled several strings to fund his tuition to the University of Florida, his dream school. And she scored him a basketball scholarship he thought he lost out on. Samantha’s family would fund Akira and Haine’s college tuitions, wherever they wished to go. Yuta’s father could retire early, if they played their cards right.

“What’s the catch?” Yuta gaped, finding it hard to believe that this girl he only casually knew could be so generous.

“You would be mine,” she proclaimed shamelessly.

Yuta didn’t want his family to struggle anymore. He wanted his family to have a new beginning. And Samantha was dangling right in front of him in a neat little bow. He could make everyone happy.

He wasn’t keen on falling in love, really. Seeing as how his mother up and left, he had a hard time believing that he could find something like that. With Samantha, there was a physical attraction but there was no warmth. It was a relationship in which both parties would benefit. Yuta’s family’s future would be secured and Samantha could have...him.

Yuta’s professional life was on the rise. He was in the Miami Heat, earning several titles and awards. He scored several sponsorships and was recently offered his first movie role. Samantha’s father was one of the heads of Miami: basically, royalty. He opened doors for Yuta. Mr. Perez was more than obliged when he realized how happy Yuta made Samantha. Yuta refused to be a total sell-out, though. He worked twice as hard to prove that he deserved the jobs he was given.

When Yuta was officially in the limelight, that’s when his mother came back.

She claimed to be remorseful for all of the heartache she caused and she wanted to be in her children’s lives again.

The Nakamoto children saw right through her charade. At least, Mariya Hirai (formerly Nakamoto) had the decency to leave her husband and his half-siblings at the hotel the first day she met up with her children from her first marriage.

Mariya only resurfaced because she thought she too could bask in the glow of her son’s success.

After all, she did raise him (up until the age of fifteen when she ditched him).

And Samantha helped Yuta, then, proving that he could rely on her as his partner. She and Yuta told Mariya and her family to leave because the rest of Yuta’s family refused to acknowledge her.

Mariya begged for mercy. Her new family was in financial struggles. Samantha was about to tell her to fuck off and remind her of the irony: how Mariya left her family broken and struggling while she thought she could start over without them. Yuta, swallowing his pride, told them that he would help Mirai and his family. The Hirai family just had to leave and never come back.

And that worked surprisingly well.

Samantha had seen Yuta through his ups and downs and she wished she’d only helped him sooner. Yuta confided in her more so it gave Samantha hope that one day, he could truly open his heart to her: only her. Her father nudged Yuta to propose to Samantha. He knew it was his duty to Sam, her family, and especially, to his own.

He had everyone convinced that he was truly happy. And most of him was. Professionally, he was at the top of his game. His family was happy. His father remarried and retired. Akira was a successful biochemist. Haine was composing for Pixar movies. His family was safe and healthy.

But he was not in love with Samantha. He didn’t think he ever would be.

And well, he would just have to suck it up.

The engagement was highly profiled in all of the tabloids and social media. The Nakamoto-Perez wedding was the most anticipated event of the year. The idea of being committed to Samantha wasn’t that scary. He’d already been with her for almost eight years. The marriage was inevitable.

And then came the wedding singer.

Yuta was right about you. You glowed with charisma, grace, and confidence. He had no idea you were shitting bricks at seeing her ex-friend and that you also had a crush on him. You two were utter fools. But you couldn’t turn back the past.

And when you sang, Yuta’s heart simultaneously soared and shattered.

Seeing you again reminded him of the fact that he was entering a loveless marriage. He guarded his heart for so long. He and Samantha were aware of their partnership. He denied true love because he didn’t want to suffer at the hands of it. Not after what happened with his parents.

But seeing you at the rehearsals, at the coffee shop, and at Holy Hell nightclub...he started getting ideas into his head.

About you. About what his life would’ve been like if you two had confessed to each other at the right time.

For his own happiness should’ve meant more to him.

But he knew better. You were spoken for by his good friend...His best man, Taeyong Lee. And he couldn’t hurt either of you. You didn’t deserve it.

So Yuta helped you in ways he could. He invited the Epic Records executive to come see you. It was the least he could after you helped him with his wedding vows.

And Samantha was so insistent on putting you down: it killed Yuta, honestly. And when Sam reminded him so pointedly that he had trapped himself with her for life...something inside him snapped.

For once, he released his inhibitions and didn’t think. He didn’t restrain himself. And then came his next regret.

Yuta drank at Sooyoung’s wedding reception. He drowned his sorrows as he watched you and Taeyong enjoy the night together on the dance floor. How Yuta wished he could turn back time.

Perhaps there could’ve been another way to save his family and their future: without having to surrender his own happiness.

Yuta saw that Taeyong left you alone in the photo booth. Why would he do that? He should never want to leave your side. He should treasure you and kiss you every chance he got. What made Taeyong think he deserved to be with you?

Stumbling, Yuta made his way over to the photobooth. The curtain was half open so he saw your gorgeous hair run down past your chest and he licked his lips. Your lips were so soft…He had to know what they felt like. Just this once.

He opened the curtain completely. Seeing you make eye contact with him drove him crazy and he ran his hands through his hair. He smiled fondly at you, “Hey.”

You looked so concerned he wanted to hold you tight. “Yuta, are you okay? I-”

He couldn’t hold back anymore. He moved in and held your face as he kissed you, his tongue begging for entrance into your mouth.

You two heard the flashes from the camera. You panicked and pushed him away. He saw you cower in fear.

“Get off of me,” you said, harshly. You pushed

past him out of the booth.

“Y/n, come back! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” Yuta said, pathetically.

Yuta should’ve known better. He let you and Taeyong down. He let Sam down. Even if he didn’t love her, he owed her his honesty and fidelity, at the very least.

He left the photo booth, feeling more sober all of a sudden.

Taeyong surprised him when he scared him from behind. Yuta jumped. “You are wasted,” Taeyong said, laughing, “You alright?”

Yuta nodded, working as hard as possible to look Taeyong in the eye but it was hard to meet those eyes. Taeyong was the kind of person who was very easy to confide in. If Taeyong knew Yuta had stabbed him in the back and made a move on his girl in one fell swoop, Yuta’s days would be numbered.

And he never wanted to bring Taeyong into his mess.

Taeyong patted Yuta in the back. “Sam’s gotta take you home. Listen, have you seen y/n? She’s not in the photo booth.”

Yuta thought about telling him right then and there. Just rip the bandage off, he deliberated. “Taeyong, I-”

“She went to the ladies’ room,” Samantha piped in as she walked up, scrolling through her phone. “She looked a little ill. I think you should check up on her.”

Taeyong’s eyes grew in concern. “Thanks Sam.” He ran off to find his girl.

Poor y/n, Yuta realized, what have I done?

“Idiot,” Samantha said without looking up at you.

Yuta frowned. “What?”

She held up a photostrip. “You left this behind.”

Yuta was confused and he took the photostrip. It was of you and him. He turned pale.

“Sam, I-” Yuta began.

She sighed. “I knew this would happen one day. I just figured it would be with someone worth crying over. But her? Yuta, you’ve disappointed me.”

“I’m sorry. I am so sorry, Samantha. I...I will do anything. Please don’t-”

“All is forgiven, my prince…” Samantha said as she wrapped her arms around him. “You’re mine. Always. Mistakes happen. But we will always have each other.”

Sam’s words may have sounded comforting to anyone else but it unsettled Yuta to the core.

;;

You ran to the girls’ room after leaving Yuta in the photo booth. What the hell just happened? You rinsed your mouth out at the sink and wiped your mouth repeatedly. Tears welled up in your eyes.

Taeyong was all you could think about. How would you be able to tell him this? It wasn’t your fault. What was Yuta thinking? How-

You heard a knock outside of the room. “Y/n? Baby, are you okay?” Taeyong’s normally soft voice was alarmed.

You fought back a sob and cleared your throat. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’ll come out in a minute.”

“Sam said you looked sick. What do you need? What can I do?” He asked. You wouldn’t be surprised if he entered at any second.

The sound of his voice was so comforting but you were scared. What would he do when you told him?

You took a couple of breaths and cleared your nose up. “I’m coming out. Hold on.”

You walked out of the room slowly to see Taeyong at the door. He was so...There weren’t enough words to describe how this man made you feel.

“Hey…” He said carefully. “What’s wrong?” He saw how red your eyes were. You looked stunned.

You shook your head and tried so hard to meet his eyes. But you couldn’t. It wasn’t even your fault but you felt ashamed.

“Taeyong, the thing is-” you began as you met his eyes, knowing you had to suck it up, tell him, and prepare for the worst if it came down to it.

Samantha interrupted, “I may have been a little harsh with her, earlier…”

Taeyong looked at Samantha in confusion. “What?”

“Y/n and I used to be good friends...And I...was feeling incredibly envious of her tonight so I...insulted her deeply. I said that she didn’t deserve you and that if it weren’t for you, she would be nothing.”

“What the hell?” Taeyong glared at his step-sister. “How could you?”

You had no idea what was going on. Why was Sam saying these things? She thought Taeyong would be the last person to hear about the insults Samantha threw at you. It was almost as if…

She was covering for you.

But...why?

“I was fucking jealous, Taeyong. This girl comes into our lives only months ago and now she’s everywhere...I...miss spending time with you and Yuta. Just the three of us.” She glares at you. Finally, something real. “Without her.” Very convincing.

That was the most sincere she’s been. The most effective way to tell a lie is to feature a little of the truth in it.

“Sam...I can’t let you treat y/n like that. It needs to stop. I love y/n. You have to respect that,” Taeyong said as he wrapped an arm around you.

Samantha sighed as she rolled her eyes. “I know that. I’m sorry. To both of you.” She met your gaze, then. “I’m so sorry for giving you a hard time.”

Taeyong squeezed you tightly. You started, about to tell Taeyong the truth. “Wait a minute. I-”

“Taeyong, I need to speak to y/n about something urgent. It’s business-related,” Samantha requested.

Taeyong nodded, eyeing her. “Be nice.”

She sighed. “I’ll be perfectly pleasant.”

Taeyong whispered in your ear. “I’ll bring the car around to take you home.”

Samantha said immediately after. “Let’s go.” She grabbed your arm and pulled you to the lobby of the hotel.

You sat together on the loveseat. “Samantha, what’s going on?”

“I know you and Yuta kissed-”

“He kissed ME. I did not...What?!” You paled just like Yuta had.

She continued as she admired her nails. “It doesn’t matter. The wedding was almost jeopardized because of this. I don’t need you running your mouth to Taeyong about what happened.”

You gaped. “What?”

Samantha’s sharp eyes met yours, then. “Yuta and I are getting married. Nothing. No one. Not you. Not even Yuta is going to get in the way of our happiness.”

“Why would you want to marry Yuta when he just cheated on you?” You asked. Had Sam lost her mind?

“He was bound to cheat on me eventually...But he would still be mine,” she said, calmly. Not even a flinch.

“Sam…” You said, feeling a sudden ache in your chest.

“No. No. None of that ‘Sam’. Don’t give me that look of PITY.”

“You don’t have to do this. We may have our differences for God knows what reason but...I don’t want you to marry someone who would hurt you like this…”

“That’s none of your concern, y/n. Take your sympathy and shove it up your glorified asshole.”

You lifted your brows. “Fine. I won’t feel sorry for you. Now I’m wondering...You hate me. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get rid of me. Why not tell Taeyong about the kiss? You couldn’t have done it for me.” The last sentence was meant to get a laugh.

“Get real. I didn’t do it for you, y/n. I’m doing this for Yuta. You think my family would let me marry Yuta if they found out about his...indiscretion?” She asked you.

“Huh?”

Samantha explained her arrangement with Yuta that began at high school graduation. You knew what was at stake. Yuta’s future. Yuta’s family. It explained why Yuta was reluctant about marrying Sam but he wasn’t doing anything to stop it. Now, you were pinned up against a wall.

“If Taeyong finds out about this...not only will my entire family know….All of Yuta’s opportunities will go down the drain. His name will be dragged through the mud. His family’s name will be destroyed. His father’s livelihood will be compromised. My family is just that good, y/n.”

You couldn’t say anything.

“I have to protect him. I love him, y/n. I gave him everything. I would hate for all of that to get taken away from him because of one little mistake. Which is why I beg you to keep your mouth shut.”

You couldn’t imagine lying to Taeyong but you also didn’t expect the reality of Sam and Yuta’s relationship to come to light at this moment. If you say something, Yuta’s life could be ruined.

“I know Yuta doesn’t love me, y/n…”

Sam’s voice cracked. “But one day, he could...We owe it to ourselves to try.”

You remembered when you asked Yuta why he was marrying Samantha if he didn’t love her. He told you, “I think I could love her...someday.”

This was insane. You were stuck. But...part of you already knew what you had to do.

;;

Taeyong drove you home and you were mostly quiet, deliberating over how you were going to tell him.

“You sure you don’t want me to stay the night?” Taeyong asked as he turned into your driveway. “I can take care of you. I’ll even brush your teeth for you.” He pouted, knowing how much his facial expressions softened you up.

Damn it, he was making this so hard.

“Taeyong,” you started slowly.

“Yes?” He said as he ran his fingers through your hair.

“I’m so sorry,” you started, “I...can’t do this...anymore…”

He smiled in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“We need to break up,” you said.

Taeyong felt his world crashing down. “y/n, stop messing with me. You’re being mean.”

You sighed, releasing the words you rehearsed in your mind before you met up with him to take you home and on the car ride over. “I..can’t leave Miami...My singing career is my priority and I owe so much to you. You’ve made me so happy...But I can’t take advantage of you anymore. It’s not right.”

He laughed humorlessly. “What are you saying? You have never taken advantage of me.”

“I need to figure out my next step on my own. And so do you. Your dreams are in LA. And for now, I’m meant to be here in Miami. I can’t hold you back.”

Taeyong’s eyes began to water at your dismissive tone. “You’re not holding me back. We can do long distance. I respect that you want to stay here but we can make it work. I travel all the time, anyway. We can still be together,” he pleaded, hopeful.

“No, Taeyong,” you said as you looked down at your lap.

He scoffed. “You can’t be serious. You love me. I love you. What happened, y/n? I don’t understand.”

You couldn’t help the tears that fell. You couldn’t tell Taeyong that Yuta kissed you to protect Yuta’s family. You couldn’t continue in a relationship with Taeyong if you had to keep this betrayal bottled up. And maybe Samantha was right all along. Even if you didn’t sign with any of the labels Taeyong invited that night, you would’ve relied on him one way or another. Taeyong would insist because he was so good to you. No matter how small the favor, it would have bothered you, though. You didn’t want to believe that you had taken advantage of him or that one day you would.

And to hide the fact that Yuta kissed you? Taeyong had every right to know the truth...Since your hands were tied, you couldn’t tell him. You couldn’t keep being with this incredible man if you couldn’t be honest with him. It would make you rot from the inside out. Taeyong deserved complete honesty. And you couldn’t even give that to him.

You had to let him go. And you had to push him away. You didn’t deserve him.

“Taeyong, music is the most important thing to me. And I will be forever thankful for everything you’ve done for me. But I can’t keep this up anymore. I’m not signing with any of the labels...It wouldn’t be fair to you. I have to work my way up on my own. And that means staying in Miami for now.”

“y/n, please look me in the eyes,” he took a hold of your hands. “I can wait for you.”

“Don’t,” you said, harshly. You were shaking.

“You can’t do this to me. To us. Please,” Taeyong begged.

You sobbed, then. “I’m sorry.” You said as you let go and left Taeyong in his car, shattered.

You unlocked the door to your apartment and slammed it shut. You couldn’t risk turning around and taking it all back. One look into Taeyong’s puppy dog eyes and you surely would’ve gone down on your knees and begged him to take you back. You’ve done enough damage. You hated yourself, then. You hurt him deeply. But it was the only way for him to let you go. You just hoped that he could find happiness when he left for LA. Meet a nice girl who didn’t take advantage of him and who could give him everything he deserves.

Someone Yuta wouldn’t kiss so she wouldn’t be at a crossroads.

Someone Samantha couldn’t blackmail.

To hope for Taeyong’s forgiveness would be selfish but you prayed for it.

And you prayed that the Nakamoto-Perez wedding would go by quickly so you can never see any of these people again.

-To Be Continued in Part 5-

#nct 127 taeyong #taeyong au #taeyong imagine #taeyong blurb #taeyong scenario #taeyong aus #taeyong imagines #taeyong blurbs #taeyong scenarios #nct 127 #taeyong nct #taeyong #lee taeyong #taeyong fluff #taeyong romance #yuta #nct yuta #nct 127 yuta #nakamoto yuta #yuta imagine #yuta imagines #yuta blurb #yuta blurbs #yuta scenario #yuta scenarios #nct fluff #nct 127 fluff #nct romance #nct 127 romance

[violentendsrp]

SHERIDAN CARRINGTON —  

twenty-five, fashion blogger, model

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS   —  

Carrington is not an unknown name, especially when you’re the daughter of Cece Carrington, the Editor in Chief of Q Magazine, and her British Ambassador husband, William. It doesn’t bare the immediate attention of a Kirbey in the Upper East Side, in the streets of London -- They’re practically part of the royal family. Of course, Sheridan fit the role with ease, having a grace and charm about her that could rival any princess, Duchess, or Lady that crossed her path. They were untouchable from the beginning, pure porcelain, the picture perfect family. A woman proving you can have it all -- Two daughters, a loving husband, a successful career. They were perfect, not allowed to be anything less.

Sheridan spent her childhood in the day care of Q magazine. She grew up in that office building, given that her father traveled far too much for the family to consistently come with him. She found a home in the halls of Q headquarters; roaming the halls playing hide and seek with the interns; finding her love for fashion design in listening in to meetings; a passion for writing built in reading each new edition cover to cover. Her entire life became Q, and at the age of eighteen, she became part of the magic -- Sheridan took on a position as a writer, becoming a weekly blogger for anything and everything going on in the fashion world, all coming from the perspective of a young up-and-comer with a fresh set of eyes. She was easily being groomed to take over her mother’s company when the time came, happy to continue wherever her mother decided to leave off.

That is, until her family gathered for a holiday, having puzzle pieces she didn’t know to look for begin to connect. As her dots began to connect, her mother making it clear that her daughter was to take over sooner than later -- The Carrington family had their first earth-shattering scandal break, one that slapped divorce papers on to the kitchen table within hours of her father’s confession. He had an affair -- And not the kind you’re thinking. During a trip to New York, he found himself in the company of Freya Atanas, and nine months later -- Ophelia. It pulled Sheridan’s family apart at the seams, without hesitation. With the betrayal of her father, her mother found a way to poke her bruises further -- Any hope to take over the family business dissipated, with Cece now desiring to rebrand her company, life, and family.

ACT I   —

Sheridan once knew exactly who she was – A fashion blogger, the daughter of a fashion magazine editor mother, and Ambassador father. It was clear what she was meant to be as a child, and Sheridan never missed a beat through the years. She never faked it, never put on a charade -- Much to the frustration of many, she actually grew up to be the doe-eyed optimistic faux princess the tabloids paint her to be. She grew up without scandal, without a tabloid worthy issue looming over her; Her parents loved each other, loved her, and she never had to worry much. Silver spoon, wealth beyond their means, high society in her blood. Now, set the newest scene, cue the plot twist: The death of a fashion empress. A quiet holiday spent in the south of France. A father’s confession leaving a family in ruins. A one way ticket, and a new life begun in New York City.

ACT II   —

Meeting Buffy Seymour was chance, partnering with her was a long time coming, but finding herself in New York City was no mistake. Though she’s excited to start a new chapter of her life, now working along side one of the hottest up-and-comers in the fashion world, Sheridan can’t seem to fully distract herself with the work load she’s taken on. She packed her bags and set her sights on Manhattan with one intention: Finding Ophelia Atanas, her newly found half sister. It’s a fact Sheridan isn’t sure she’s truly processed, and though she wants to forge a sisterhood somehow with the other girl -- It’s unclear if the sight of her will bring out a familial bond, or anger for her indirectly tearing apart her family.

INSPIRATION  —

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT / the killers MOUNTAIN SOUND  / of monsters and men COUGH SYRUP  / young the giant

CONNECTIONS   —

OPHELIA ATANAS — half-sister. Being an only child, Sheridan spent her childhood wanting nothing more than to have a sister. She practically begged her parents when she was a child, only this wasn’t what she had in mind. Finding out her father had an affair with none other than Freya Atanas while Sheridan’s mother was pregnant with her was something she never thought she’d face. Learning that Ophelia Atanas, someone Sheridan considered to be a role model to her, was her half-sister was earth shattering. Naturally, Sheridan sought a reason to get herself into the Upper East Side. Thanks to Buffy Seymour managing to show up at the right place at the right time, Sheridan’s found herself signing a lease at the Kirbey hotel, sitting in the belly of the beast. She doesn’t know how to even approach O, let alone somehow tell her ‘By the way, the father you don’t know is my father, too.' It won’t be a simple feat, but Sheridan’s determined to make a new family from the torn shreds of her old one.

BUFFY SEYMOUR — business partner. Buffy and Sherdian met after the former’s debut at fashion week, and while an ocean has consistently been between them -- They’ve remained in touch ever since. They sit together at whatever fashion show they attend together, Sheridan having modeled Buffy’s last collection for her, her blog filled to the brim with promotion for the new brand. Most of their conversations have ended in Buffy mentioning Sheridan should work with her more directly, more than just Buffy shipping new pieces to the other girl. She’s insisted from day one that they collaborate together, become a force to reckon with in the fashion world. After her father’s confession, she finally reconsidered the offer. She agreed to work with Buffy, only deciding to omit the detail of why she wanted to be in the city to begin with. Buffy’s become a dear friend to her, Sheridan’s not sure she’ll be able to admit her ulterior motive to the other woman.

NATHALIE KIRBEY  — new friend. A new forged friendship and partnership with Buffy found Sheridan in the company of Nathalie Kirbey, as well. Needless to say, she’s can’t help but feel Nathalie is the American version of herself. And of course, the two get along because of it. It’s as if Aubrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly crossed paths, becoming close seemingly over night. Any concern about moving into a new city, into a new country, into a new world -- All have been soothed by the company of Nathalie, the two have formed a trio along side Buffy. She’s excited to start her new life in a new place on the right note, but she can’t help but let second thoughts invade her mind -- She didn’t come to the city to start over, she came to find O. Sheridan hasn’t confided in anyone about her secret, and she’s unsure how her new friend will take it.

QUINN ARCHIBALD --- childhood friend. Quinn is someone Sheridan barely remembers, but knows nonetheless. In the time she’s spent traveling because of her father’s work --  the Carrington’s found themselves in the guest rooms of plenty of homes, ‘hosted’ by various family friends. The Archibald’s are no exception, having opened their home to Sheridan’s family. Given that they have a son around her age, it wasn’t surprising that the too were put together, declaring Quinn has her ‘guide’. The two actually kept up their friendship long after the Carrington’s returned home, having become traditional pen pals through out their childhood. They wrote to one another frequently, but of course -- Once graduation came, the letters became far and few between, before nonexistent all together. Sheridan hasn’t heard from Quinn in years, but she hopes that her return to the city will reunite them.

sheridan carrington’s face claim is adelaide kane  &  is taken.

#adelaide kane #gg rp #bio rp #lsrpbio #lsrp #new rp #scarrington #t

[dontshootmespence]

You Have to Live For You

A/N: An anon request for a Spencer x Luke high school au. Spencer is gay and out of the closet; still bullied as he is in the show. Luke however, is the typical athlete, popular and good-looking, but he’s actually in the closet. They sneak around to see each other a lot, and eventually a teammate of Luke’s finds them together and threatens to out them. 

Warnings: Homophobia, and one mention of the word f**.

Stiff hair brushed against Spencer’s chin as Luke pulled away. “I have to go.”

“Why?” Spencer asked wistfully, bringing his face back toward him by the tip of his index finger. “Don’t go.” He kissed him again. “I want to stay here and kiss you all night.”

Luke leaned his forehead against Spencer’s and smiled. “I’d like to do that too, but you know the types of people that pass around here at night. We’d both be vulnerable in this town of backwoods idiots, and the rest of my team is going to be passing here on their way to dinner. We can’t get caught.”

Spencer’s relaxed smile started to fade from his face. He kissed Luke one more time before separating. “You’re going to meet them at dinner right?”

“Yea, I have to keep up appearances.”

“Okay,” Spencer said solemnly. “I’ll talk to you later?”

Luke forced a smile and nodded enthusiastically. “Of course.” He turned to leave, but spun around one more time to say just one more thing. “Spence?”

“Yea?”

“You know I love you, right?”

Despite the situation they found themselves in, he smiled. “I do now.”

They said goodbye again and Spencer promised to text Luke when he got home safe. It was never good for him to be alone with his own mind. That’s when he spiraled.

Coming out of the closet was no small feat. It had taken Spencer nearly three years of talking with his mother about who he truly was before he felt comfortable enough to admit it to her face. I’m gay. But when he said it the weight had been lifted. With that push, he’d been able to say it to his friends, and soon the school and even their small town knew it. Most people congratulated him for being brave, while a select few, inside and outside of school, bullied him relentlessly; he’d always been a nerd though so he was used to it. Now, he was just a gay nerd.

Luke on the other hand was the epitome of popular high-school jock. He was on the football team. Known he was gay for a very long time, but because of his status in school, he was scared to let everyone know who he truly was. He’d even “dated” a couple of girls in order to keep up the charade. 

Spencer knew that Luke loved him - he believed that with every fiber of his body, but it was so hard to feel that way when he couldn’t even admit to those around him that he was in love with a man. Hopefully, he would be able to say it from the rooftops one day with Spencer’s hand linked in his own. 

Nearly half of junior year passed in the same way it had before. Spencer and Luke would sneak around whenever and wherever they could to spend time together. Since Diana new about her son, she allowed Luke to come over frequently; he still hadn’t told his parents for fear of what they’d say. “You’re always welcome here,” Diana said.

Then everything changed. Luke had a big game; he was hoping to go to college on a football scholarship and a scout from his first-choice college sat on the sidelines watching his every move.

Before going off to play, he snuck into an alley between two buildings of the school to meet Spencer. “Good luck,” he said as he kissed him.

Luke sunk into the feeling, tuning all other sound and the nerves of his big game out of his mind. Apparently, one of his teammates had been calling his name, but he hadn’t heard and until TJ was there, standing at the opposite end of the alley. “Well, well, Alvez.”

Spencer was about to say something when Luke asked him to keep things a secret. “Sure. For a price?” TJ was Luke’s least favorite teammate - a bigot, misogynist and all-around asshole. 

Luke’s shoulders hunched, his heart racing. “What do you want?”

“Do my math homework for the rest of the year.”

In desperation, Spencer whispered. He didn’t want him to do this. But he still wasn’t comfortable enough to confess to everyone who he actually was. “Fine. Just keep quiet.”

“Deal,” TJ replied smugly.

Quickly, he turned to Spencer and told him he had to go. Up against the wall, Spencer allowed a few quick tears to fall from his eyes before going to the stands to cheer Luke on.

“Babe, I don’t know! I don’t know when I’m going to be comfortable enough to tell people! You think I don’t want to be able to tell people around us how in love with you I am?”

Spencer walked up and wrapped his arms around his exasperated boyfriend. “I know this can’t be easy for you. It wasn’t for me either. What can I do to help?”

“Be there,” Luke said emphatically. “Take us away so I don’t have to live in fear in this ass-backwards town.” 

Sitting down on Spencer’s bed, Luke pulled his knees up and curled into a ball. “I just want to feel okay with myself.”

“Well, how do you feel when you’re with me?” Spencer asked.

Luke looked up from where he was sitting and reached out his hand. “Free.” His fingers grazed the inside of Spencer’s palm. “I feel right I guess. I don’t know if that makes any sense.”

“It does,” Spencer said. “Well, from what it sounds like you’re already halfway there. You are comfortable with yourself. It’s about being yourself around others.”

Nodding, he leaned his head into Spencer’s shoulder. “I feel like I could tell my mom now, but I don’t know about my dad. He doesn’t really talk about gay people so I have no idea how he’d feel. Latino men are supposed to be ‘macho’ and apparently gay and macho can’t go together. I just don’t want to let him down you know.”

“I do,” Spencer said softly, tipping his boyfriend’s head upward with his index finger. “But you know that if he had a problem it would be him letting you down, not the other way around.”

He did know. But that didn’t make it any easier. 

Spencer continued. “I can’t come out for you, but maybe try feeling things out at home. See what they think. Maybe your dad won’t have any issues and then at least you could be out at home. That would be a big step.”

“Yea, but then everyone else,” Luke replied. His head hurt.

There was something that Spencer had learned throughout his life that he felt Luke needed to hear. “Know that I only say this because I love you, but I’ve come to learn that no matter what you do, you won’t please everyone. You’ve been able to do that your entire life so far. Your parents love you. You’re popular. All the girls fawn over that amazing beard. Sooner or later though, you won’t be able to make everyone like you.”

“I know, but...” He didn’t know what to say.

“You have to live for you,” Spencer said, wrapping his arm around Luke and bringing him closer. “You have to make yourself happy. Live your own life. People will gravitate toward you because of that, and the ones that don’t aren’t worth your time anyway. When it comes to bullying, you’re like the most physically imposing guy on the team, so no one would fuck with you and I don’t think any of the girls in school would care either. Worse comes to worst and we’re out of this shit town in less than two years.”

Luke had a lot to think about. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll work on it. Baby steps though, okay?”

“Of course,” Spencer replied. “And I’ll help if I can.”

“Just tell him, preciosa,” his mother whispered, patting her son on the shoulder. He had managed to tell his mother who instantly asked if Spencer was his boyfriend because if he was, she approved. His father had been a different story though. No matter how close he got, he ended up backing out. 

Luke swallowed hard against the insistent lump in his throat. “Are you sure he won’t hate me, mama?”

“Yes. And if I thought it was even a possibility I would divorce his ass,” she said proudly. 

Her son chuckled softly, making his way into the living room where his father sat. His heart beat what felt like a thousand times a minute as he approached, sitting down beside him. “Dad, I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?” He asked. His eyes were soft with concern, darting between his son and his wife who was standing in the doorway. “Luke what’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing,” he stuttered, shaking his head. “Dad, I’m gay.” It came out so quickly he surprised himself. “I’ve known it for a while but I didn’t want you to hate me so that’s why I didn’t tell you.”

His father started to tear up slightly and it made Luke’s heart drop. Immediately, he noticed Luke’s fear and grabbed his hand. “I’m only sad that I ever made you feel like you couldn’t tell me. I want you to love who you want to love. No matter who that is.”

Luke broke down into tears, sobbing against his father’s shoulder for nearly fifteen minutes before calming himself down. “Are you seeing anyone?” His father asked.

“Yea,” he replied, smiling as Spencer’s face shot to the forefront of his mind. “You know my friend Spencer?”

“That lanky, geeky boy? I like him.”

“I’m glad,” Luke chuckled softly. “Did you want to meet him?” He looked between both of his parents. “Like officially, I mean.”

“Yes,” his father replied. “I have to make sure he knows not to mess with my son’s heart.”

“Oh my god, dad, don’t.”

After meeting his parents, Spencer finally felt like they were moving in the right direction. It gave him hope that one day they’d be out and proud to everyone they knew whether those people like it or not. He was still doing TJ’s math homework, and weeks earlier had been coaxed into doing the science as well in return for continued silence. 

In his desperation for true freedom, Luke had been tuning into everyone’s thoughts on sexuality. For the most part, it seemed like most of the other students were fairly open-minded, having different opinions than their parents, but there were quite a few who were violently bigoted. Spencer’s words always stuck in the back of his mind though. You have to live for you. What Luke wanted was to walk through the hallway hand-in-hand with Spencer. He wanted to sit together at lunch at act like a couple. He wanted to take his boyfriend to prom next year and not have to go with a girl for ‘cover.’

“Hey, Spence?” He asked.

“Yea?”

“Tomorrow, when we get to school, are you okay with walking in holding my hand?”

Spencer smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

Luke threw TJ’s homework to the side. “Good, because I’m going to march right up to that asshole and throw his homework in his face and you’ll be there and then everyone will know. I can’t make everyone happy and keeping this inside is making me miserable, so screw it.”

Walking up to his side, Spencer pressed his lips to Luke’s. “I’m proud of you.”

The following day they arrived at school at around the same time. “Are you sure?” Spencer asked.

Nervously, Luke said yes. When his hand first slipped into Spencer’s, Luke’s heart raced, but they crossed student after student, and other than the occasional stare, no one said anything - and anyone that did said congratulations. A couple of the teachers seemed to look down at them, but Spencer just stared them down until they felt uncomfortable and looked away. 

“Your football team is going to know now. You sure you’re good?”

Luke nodded more confidently than moments earlier and strode into their homeroom with Spencer trailing behind him. “Hey TJ!”

The other boy snapped his head toward Luke, eyes widening in surprise. “Never pegged you for a fag.”

It stung like a dagger, but he pulled TJ’s homework from his bag and through it on the desk. “Don’t act like you didn’t know. Do your own homework.”

As the bell rang, TJ looked on in shock while Luke and Spencer went to their desks with smiles on their faces.

During class, Luke got text after text from the members of his team, saying how they thought TJ was an asshole and they hoped that he was happy.

For the first time in years, he could say that he was. Sure there would come some days when everything wasn’t so perfect, but for now, he was happy. He was living for himself.

@kalie-bee​ @jamiemelyn @prettyboyeffect @unstoppableangel8 @iammostdefinitelyonfire26 @bitchinprentiss @captainreid @lukeassmanalvez @veroinnumera @lookwhatyoumademequeue @tippy06 @ralvezmood

#spencer reid x luke alvez #spencer reid #luke alvez #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fic #luke alvez fanfiction #luke alvez fic #ralvez #reidvez #dontshootmespence #you have to live for you

[alongwalktoforever]

Bad Liars (Japril)

Jackson and April try to do the friendly ex charade, but jealousy is a tricky feeling. Written for the What’s Next Challenge on FF.net 

Jackson paced back and forth in front of the emergency room door. The hospital was still under construction from the fire, but the ER had minimal damage and remained open. The last week had been crazy hectic. People were still reeling from everything that happened, but Edwards was alive and that evil man was dead so things worked out better than anybody expected. In fact, Jackson was just getting back into the swing of normalcy when something threw him for another loop. After a long day of looking at budgets and proposals with the board (now just Arizona, Meredith, and Bailey), Maggie Pierce had asked him on a date, like a romantic date. He was surprised and a little bit confused. He liked Maggie, they had gotten closer over the last couple months, after everything with her mom. Also, they had a lot in common and he did enjoy spending time with her, but he wasn’t sure if it was more than that. Furthermore, the idea of going on a date with someone at the hospital, with someone that April knew and had to interact with, that was something he had to think about for a minute.

Raising a kid together when you are separated is no easy feat and they were trying their best to be friendly exes, but the lines had become a little blurrier since Montana. April and him had both agreed that their night together shouldn’t change anything. And he had to keep reminding himself that was the best decision for everybody, but he just didn’t want to hurt April’s feelings more than he already had. So, he asked Maggie for some time to think about it. Mostly, he wanted to tell April before she heard about it from anyone else. However, April and Jackson had been so swamped with getting the hospital back to working order that they had hardly seen each in days, which is why he found himself pacing outside the ER. He would have preferred talking to her at home, but they had just kept missing each other.

Jackson takes a deep breath and enters the hectic room. He scans until he sees April standing by the front desk, assigning interns different patients. Sometimes, Jackson was in awe at how commanding April was in the ER. This was her domain and people knew not to mess with her. Jackson couldn’t help but feel a glow of pride when he thought about how far April had come, not that he had any hand it in it, that was all her. As if feeling his gaze, April looks up and a flicker of apprehension crosses her face, but is easily replaced by a guarded smile. She waves him over.

“Hey! What’s up?” April greets, but remains busy entering information into her tablet.

“Hey,” Jackson waits for her to look up, but her eyes seemed glued to the tablet. After a few seconds, he continues anyway. “Ummm… I just wanted to talk to you, but you seem busy.”

“Actually, this is the slowest that this place has been in days,” April replies, stiffly. “So, shoot.”

“I hadn’t seen you in a while...” Jackson starts.

“You saw me yesterday.” April interrupts him. Jackson was going to point out that it was for all two minutes between handing Harriet over, but he decided not to push it.

“Well, we just haven’t had a time to talk since the fire and everything. I know you were mad at me for being reckless,” He vividly remembers being harangued by her in the parking lot. Ironically, April always got a little violent whenever he did something dangerous.

“Jackson, it’s fine. You like to run into burning buildings and flaming buses that is just who you are and I can’t change that,” April states calmly and shrugs. He wasn’t sure if he believed that statement, April had always called him out on his crap. He knew that minute that she stopped, he should be worried.

“Okay…Well there is something else that I have to talk to you about. Could we go somewhere more quiet?” He was nervous again. This conversation was going to bring up some feelings and the last thing he wanted to was burden her in a room full of people. However surprisingly, April looks him straight in the eyes and calmly drops a bomb.

“You want to date Maggie,” She states, without any trepidation.

“Uhhh… How..?” Jackson asks, stunned.

“I have eyes, Jackson,” April walks behind the desk and starts organizing files. “And Maggie talked to me.”

“Maggie did? It’s not… nothing has happened. I wanted to talk to you first,” Jackson was taken aback. He barely knew that Maggie had feelings, let alone that they are developed enough to talk to April about it.

“Jackson, we are divorced.” April sighs and stops moving for the first time since they began the conversation.  

“Yeah, I know.” Jackson had begun to wonder if other divorced people have to keep reminding themselves as much as they do.

“For more than a year. So, you can date, I can date. There shouldn’t be all this guilt,” She states.

“Right…” Jackson was processing her reaction, when suddenly he grasps what she is saying. He scratches the edge of his jaw, a nervous tick “So you’re...dating?”

“Yes,” She nods and Jackson is overcome with an emotion he can’t quite place. “So go on your date. I’ll go on mine. Really. It is okay.”

“So are you’re seeing someone? Like someone, more than once?” Jackson knew that this information wasn’t all that relevant but he needed to know.   

“Yes, more than once,” April feels her cheeks get warm. Never thought she would be gossiping about her dating life with Jackson.

“How long?” Jackson pressed. He had conflicting feelings,  he wanted to know all the details and none of them.

“This will be our fifth date,” April tried to keep her hands busy so he wouldn’t see that she was nervous.

“FIFTH!” The exclamation is much louder than he intended and a few interns look over. Jackson clears his throat and continues at a lower volume, “You just haven’t mentioned it before.”

“Well, this is me mentioning it,” April looks at him. She refuses to be apologetic about this.

“Okay...Okay,” Jackson nods, overwhelmed with all the information he received in a short three minute conversation. “So I guess... I’ll tell Maggie yes?”

“Great!” April smiles at him, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes.

“Good,” Jackson and April stand there for a few more seconds as if waiting for the other to say something more. When neither speak, April moves from behind the desk.

“Well, I have work. I’ll see you later.” April doesn’t wait for a response but heads over to assist one of the interns. Jackson walks out of the emergency room in a daze. He wasn’t quite sure what he was expecting out of this conversation, but finding out that April has been actively seeing someone was not one of them.

He felt nauseous, but maybe this was the normal shitty feeling of moving on. It will go away in time, at least he hoped.

He found Maggie in the cafeteria an hour or so later, she was eating lunch with Alex and Meredith. When they walked into the hallway, Jackson ineloquently began his speech. “So the thing you asked me before... well, I considered it. And you know, a date...a date would be nice.”

“You and me?,” Maggie looked surprised as if she had forgotten their conversation from a couple days ago.

“Yes, you and me,” Jackson answers with incredulity.

She nods for a few seconds before continuing. “Great, that..is...great.When?”

“Oh, umm...Tonight?” Jackson felt like he would lose his nerve if they waited to long, talk himself out of it.

“Wow, okay. Tonight. We are going out tonight. You and me,” Maggie rambled and Jackson finally understood, she was stalling. “I mean, only if you want?” Jackson asks, and Maggie nods. “Okay, good. Antonio’s at 8?”

“Great, see you then,” Maggie awkwardly waves goodbye as she heads back into the cafeteria. His smile fades as she disappears from sight. He took the leap. He made the first step in moving forward. He thought he would feel exhilarated or excited, but he only felt lost.

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April was nervous, so nervous that she had changed her dress three times. She had trouble deciding between floral dresses and a dark green number that she was almost too scared to wear. It had thin straps and was a little too tight for April, but she decided tonight she wasn’t going to play it safe. It was an important occasion, she was going on a fifth date. She hadn’t been on a fifth date… Well, she couldn’t remember the last time she had a fifth date. Like she had told Jackson, in college, she had friends who slowly (slowwwwly) turned into boyfriends, and Matthew and hers first dates were burritos in an ambulance. While, Jackson and hers never had a first date or fifth date, it went straight from hooking up in bathrooms to marriage. Vince is the first time she had any inkling of feelings for since... No, she was not going to think about Jackson tonight, she was just going to enjoy her date with Vince. He worked in Oncology and they had met after a consultation with one of her patients. After that, they kept bumping into each other at the coffee cart, until they started meeting there on purpose. It took a few months for him to finally asked her on a real date and her a few more weeks to agree. She declined at first, it was too soon after Montana and her head was not in the right space. However, a few more lonely nights and April decided it was time for a change.

Tonight, they had agreed to meet separately at the restaurant, she didn’t want him getting any ideas of where the night was going, fifth date and all. Officially, it wasn’t against the rules. The Bible doesn’t mention anything about dating after divorce so April was on her own. She liked Vince, but anytime she thought of sleeping with someone new, she grew a little light headed. That probably meant that she wasn’t ready.  

In the restaurant parking lot, April checked her makeup and hair once more in the car mirror, before she made her way inside. Vince was waiting for her by the hostess, he was always early (a stark contrast from Jackson). When he saw her enter, a smile crossed his face. April had missed being looked at like this, it felt very very nice.

“You look amazing,” Vince greets her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh thank you, so do you. Have you been waiting long?” She asks as he takes her coat.

“Not long,” He states, agreeably. Vince gestures toward the hostess table and says, “Shall we?”

April smiles and follows him. Vince starts giving their information to the hostess, when April hears a voice behind them.

“April?” She turns to see a surprised Jackson and Maggie at the front entrance. April looks back and forth between them, putting it together that they were on a date. Hmm, that didn’t take long. Jackson seemed a loss for words, his eyes fixed on her figure for a few seconds longer than acceptable. April suddenly felt very self-conscious. To her right, Vince makes a noise asking for introduction.

“Oh right… Vince, Jackson. Jackson, Vince. And Maggie. Hi Maggie!” April goes in for a few awkward hug with the cardio surgeon.

“Yeah, man. What’s up?” Jackson shakes his hand and pats him on the back, that seemed too friendly to April for having just met.

“Hey, long time. How’s your jumper?” Vince asks, good heartedly.

“Still better than your free throws,” Jackson replies.

“Do you guys know each other?” She asks, looking back and forth between the two men, confused.

“Yeah, we played ball on Wednesdays,” Jackson looks at April from the corner of his eye, she looks even more uncomfortable at this development.

“Oh...Ohhhh!” April suddenly had a vague memory of Jackson mentioning a Vincent in Oncology, but she hadn’t put it together. Jackson had liked the guy, but called him boring from time to time. He talks a lot about artisan cheese, Jackson had told her once causing her to burst out laughing. April looks over and sees a hint of grin on Jackson’s face, she wonders if he was remembering the same memory.

“Small world,” Maggie adds.

“Where is Harriet?” April asks suddenly, remembering that it was his night to watch her overnight.

“Oh crap, Harriet!” Jackson smacks his forehead with his palm. “I knew I was forgetting something.”

Maggie and Vince both chuckle at his joke, but April isn’t all that amused.

“She is with my mom,” Jackson answers, seeing April’s expression .

“Okay good,” April replies. She knows that she was being overdramatic, but she was suddenly feeling very aggravated at Jackson and everyone in this room.

“How do you two know each other?” Vince gestures to Jackson and Maggie.

“Their parents are married,” April blurts without thinking. When they all look at her, April starts to ramble, only making things worse. “Not like their parent-parents. Maggie wasn’t raised with Richard so it is not like taboo. Obviously. Also...they work together.”

“Wow, that is...neat,” Vince nods, with an air of confusion but luckily he doesn’t push it.

“Powell, party of two,” The hostess calls.

“That is us. Well, have a good night!” April’s voice sounds unnaturally high, but is relieved for an escape route. However, their escape is disrupted by the hostess.

“So, unfortunately, it is an hour wait for two person tables, or you all can sit at a four person table, now,” The hostess proclaimed

“Ohhh��� no, no, no, no. We are all not together,” April crosses her arms and shakes her head, making it very clear that the hostess was very mistaken.

“Yes, well…” The hostess is taken back by April’s vehement denial. “Then you all will be waiting quite a while.”

April turns to Vince to suggest that they just go somewhere else for dinner, but he has other plans.

“Would you guys like to join us?” Vince turns to the group

“Oh Vince, I don’t think they want…”April could guess that is probably the last thing anyone wanted, but before she can finish her thought, Jackson interrupts.

“That sounds like an excellent idea, Vince.” Jackson agrees, enthusiastically.

“What the hell are you doing?” April mouths to Jackson, but he just shrugs. Jackson couldn’t explain his actions, because he didn’t really understand them himself. It was like he was possessed and the idea of leaving April alone with this guy was out of the question.

“What? We will be waiting together anyway, might as well get some good food while we do it. What do you think, Maggie?” He turns to his date.

“Uhh. Yeah that makes sense,” Maggie agrees halfheartedly.

“Great, we will take the table for four!” Vince calls to the hostess. April feels the blood drain from her face. This was going to be a very long, very uncomfortable night.

As they all walk to the table, April wonders how believable would it be if she came down with a spurt of food poisoning right now. Or she could fake a page, but Jackson already knew that trick. Maybe, she could just sneak out the back of the restaurant and hope no one would notice. All of these ideas were pretty unreasonable, but April felt her options were very limited at the moment. All she knew was that this night is going to be a disaster. First piece of evidence? When they reach the table, Vince tries to pull out her seat for her, but April had already began to sit down. This resulted in awkward tussle that Jackson seemed to find exceptionally entertaining.  

“Oh, no you don’t have too... thank... thank you, Vince,” April sputters, before finally sitting down. Vince sits next to her, while Jackson sits across from her. She fixes her eye on the menu, sure that any eye contact with Jackson would make things worse.

“Has anybody been here before?” Maggie asks the group.

April and Jackson both nod, while Vince shakes his head no.

The conversation takes a pause while the waiter takes their drink orders. But April can’t help but remember the first time that Jackson and her had come here together. It was their one month wedding anniversary and to celebrate everyone finding out. April loved their secret marriage bubble, but not having to hide anymore, being able to hold his hand in public or kiss her husband whenever she wanted was even better than she could imagine. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other that night and April was too happy to be embarrassed by any of it. They had come here a handful of times after that for boring date nights, or the odd birthday, but that first time held a special place in her heart.

“April?” Vince seemed to be waiting for an answer for a question that April didn’t hear.

“Sorry, what?” April focuses back on reality.  

“White or red?” Vince asks.

“Whichever.” April answers, agreeably.

“Hmm,” Jackson makes a noncommittal noise from behind his menu.

“Yes? Do you have something to say?” April was growing increasingly annoyed with Jackson, he was not making this weird situation any easier.

“Nothing, nothing. Just in the ten years I have known you, you have never drank red wine. Ever.” Jackson’s expression is a smile, but his tone has a bite that only April seems to notice.  

“Well, I can try new things. That isn’t a crime. Either is totally fine, Vince,” April turns back to her date.

“Okay, let’s stick with white. Don’t want to ruffle feathers,” Vince states with friendly ease.

“No, let’s do red. I am feeling adventurous tonight,” April reaches across and grabs Vince’s hand, Jackson has to do everything in his power not to scoff.  

“Red it is,” Vince smiles.  

Jackson orders a double whiskey sour, finishing it as soon as it arrives then gestures to the waiter for another.

“I think I am going to order the salmon, what about you guys?” Maggie asks, trying to diffuse the situation.

“Gnocchi.”

“The Gnocchi,” Both Jackson and April answer at the same time. There is an awkward pause, before April continues, “It is really good here.”

Maggie and Vince nod, but they aren’t idiots, there is obviously some history here.

“I am getting the steak, maybe we could split?” Vince asks.

“April hasn’t eaten red meat since her pet cow died,” Jackson states without looking up.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Vince apologizes, while April glares at Jackson.

“No, it is totally fine,” April explains. “Well, you know, I lived on a farm and we had plenty of livestock, but I got really attached to this cow, Margo, and well now I just don’t eat cow… but you totally can. You should! I bet it is really good here.”

“Okay, if you are sure?” Vince asks and April nods. She hadn’t really gotten into the details of her childhood yet with Vince, mostly they talked about work or current events or the farm to table process.  Actually, April couldn’t remember a time when they had a real conversation, but she thought that this was the process of early dating.

“Totally, totally, totally sure!” April impresses on him. There is another awkward pause in the conversation.

“So where were you guys when everything with the fire went down?” Vince asks, unaware of the situation that occurred between the three surgeons.

“Well, we were treating the girl,” Maggie nods to Jackson, before catching April’s expression and continuing on, carefully picking her words. “And then we… well, I came out to help with the evacuation process which April was in charge of and knocked out of the park.”

Maggie smiles at April, which she returns. April doesn’t have any bad blood with Maggie, all of her annoyance solely sat with the man sitting across from her.

“I was looking for another surgeon, who was hurt,” Jackson maintained his defense. “I had to see if she was still in the hospital.”

“Instead of letting the firemen do their job,” April mumbled under her breath. Jackson heard the slight, but chose to ignore it.

“How about you, Vince? Where were you?” Jackson asks leaning forward. His question was half sarcasm and half intrigue. If Vince was similarly as reckless as Jackson then April wouldn’t have any excuse to be mad at him.

“A few doctors got locked out after the lockdown so we just went home. I learned about it all from the news. It was just crazy,” Vince states matter of factly. The other two surgeons nod silently, but April feels irked by this revelation.

“You...didn’t check to see if they needed people? Did you even know what the lockdown was about?” April asks.

“Well, what could I do outside the hospital?” Vince answers feebly.

“Plenty. Most of the triage work was done in the parking lot. People had to carry all of the patients out of the hospital. We needed manpower. We needed doctors,” April would never be the one to turn her back on an emergency or go home when there are things to be done, people to save. And she didn’t know if she could be with someone who could.

“Next time, I guess,” Vince shrugs, but April was not going to let it drop. However, before she interrogate him some more, Jackson interrupts.

“So, anybody watch the Warriors/Cavs game last night?” Jackson asks with an unsubtle attempt to change the subject.

The waiter brings their food and the conversation returns to normal, however April just feels off about this whole night. As Vince and Maggie make pleasant small talk, April feels Jackson’s eyes on her again, yet now she decides to finally meet his gaze. There is silent communication between the two exes. He has always been able to read her better than anybody, even before they became a couple. Here was this man who knew everything about her, even the stupid details like her pet cow or how she preferred white wine. How was anyone supposed to compare? April looks down and notices that his hand is very close to hers at the edge of the table, almost touching but not quite. She suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe. April stands up suddenly, while the rest of the table stares at her surprised.

“I have to… um go to the bathroom. Excuse me,” She walks straight to the bathroom, without waiting for a response. She runs the facet and stands in front of the mirror, trying to control her breathing. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door.

“April?” It is the last voice, she wanted to hear.

“Go away, Jackson,” She just needed to be alone for one freaking minute.

“April, just open the door,” There was a pause. “Please?”

When she doesn’t protest anymore, Jackson enters the bathroom. She faces away from him, but he sees her expression in the mirror. He has to fight the ever-present urge to take her in his arms and wipe the tears that she is unsuccessfully trying to hide. Instead, he leans against the wall opposite of her, knowing that he had pushed too many boundaries already.

“What do you want, Jackson?” April asks, she was exhausted by this whole night.  

“I just wanted to check to see if you’re okay,” He answers, honestly.

She scoffs.

“Listen, would you just come back to the table so we can just get this weird social experiment of a night over with?” Jackson gestures toward the door. He was being an ass, but he didn’t have much control over his emotions at the moment.

“Why are you here? Why did you sit with us?” April turns to him. She is royally pissed off.

“You heard the hostess…” Jackson evades, once again.

“Stop. No. Jackson. For once, can you just say what you mean?” April walks up to him and looks him square in the eyes. He can’t walk out or change the subject.

“What do you want me to say, April? That I hated seeing you on a date? Okay, I hated seeing you on a date!” It was the first time he raised his voice.

“You’re on a date too!!” April points out his ridiculousness. “You started this! You sat with us! You said dip your toe!”

“I know!” Jackson didn’t know what the was trying to say, he just knew that seeing her on a date was driving him crazy.

“And I’m not insulting your date or interrupting every conversation or staring at you,” April was making some very true points.

“Yeah, well. You’re a better person than me.” Jackson evades her point once again.

“If you hadn’t been here, if you had just minded your business then Vince and I…”

“Then what?” Jackson asks, exasperated. “No, seriously what? You would continue to go out with that idiot? Come on, Vince is not the guy for you.”

“You don’t know that,” April defends, feebly.

“Yes, I do.” That was the one thing he was sure of.

“Then who is? Jackson, help me out here because I keep putting myself out there and...” Before she can finish her thought, Jackson puts his hand against the wall and April finds herself trapped between his body and the wall, with only a few inches separating them. If she looked up, his face would be exceptionally close to hers. She was having trouble breathing and her heart was picking up in the usual fashion whenever Jackson was around.

April knows what could happen next. She could kiss him or he could kiss her back, it wouldn’t matter. She could wrap her hands around his neck and he could push her against the wall. She could sigh into his mouth, while his hand could travels up her thighs. She could unbuckle his belt as he unzips her dress. He could kiss her neck, while she takes off her panties. He could lift her as she grips her legs around him. She could moan as he slips inside her. They would be so hungry for one another that a few minutes would be all it took to come together.

But that didn’t happen. Instead, April puts her hand on Jackson’s chest and gently pushes him away from her. He resists ever so slightly, but they both know that the moment has passed.

“Let me go,” April pleads. The next part, she states with clear intention. “You have to let me go.”

Jackson studies her hazel eyes. The moment he moves, he knows it is all over. These years of separation and the feelings that still hadn’t faded.  How do you move on when your life is still so entwined with the other person? He doesn’t want to let her go, he never really did. He thought he was doing the right thing for both of them, but nothing about this felt right. Finally, Jackson lowers his arm and let’s April pass. She wavers at the door, until he opens it for her. She steals one last look before she starts walking down the long hallway. April refuses to look back. It is time to move forward.  

At the table, April makes a feeble excuse about not feeling well and having to go. Ever the gentleman, Vince walks her to her car. As he kisses her on the cheek, April tells him the truth. I don’t see a future here. He seems surprised by her admission, which April decides could only mean that he never really knew her. She sits in her car, trying to decide the next move.

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

Jackson and Maggie were walking silently to her car. The meal was over soon after Jackson returned without much of an excuse at his prolonged absence. He had spent most of the walk apologizing until Maggie had told him to shut up. Jackson knew that the right thing to do was tell her the truth, but before he can even begin, Maggie interrupts him.

“Maggie…”

“My mom said that I should make some mistakes,” Maggie begins, calmly. She wasn’t mad, but he did detect a hint of aggravation in her voice. “Well this night was sure as hell a mistake. What, am I magnet for complicated, unavailable guys?”

“I am…”

“Sorry...Yeah, I know. Listen Jackson, I don’t know what happened with you and April…”

“It’s complicated…”

“It shouldnt be,” Death always puts things into perspective and she was tired of people not saying what they mean and not doing what they really want. “If you love each other, it shouldn’t be complicated. You should talk to each other. And figure it out.”

“Maggie…” Jackson didn’t know what he was going to say, he just didn’t want to lose her as a friend.

“We’re good, Jackson. We’re all good. Go get the girl, please.” She enters her car and drives off. Jackson knew he had some work ahead of him, but he was finally ready to fight for what he wanted.   

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

April was sitting on the front steps of the house. She hadn’t gone in yet, she was scared that Jackson was there and scared that he wasn’t.The fresh air was doing her some good and she enjoyed looking at the stars. Everything was always put in perspective when she thought about the stars and cosmos and heaven and earth. It would work out. God is with her, even when she feels him the least, especially when she feels him the least.

“Hi,” Jackson is in front of her, his hands in his pockets.

“Hi,” She replies. April should have known that it is impossible to have a dramatic goodbye when you live with the person and raise a child together. He sits down next to her and there is a few seconds of silence.

“So… Some night?” He states and April lets out a relieved laugh.

“Some night,” She nods.

“Maggie broke up with me,” Jackson states. If what they had could even be considered a relationship.

“I broke up with Vince,” April counters. They look at each other, neither are surprised nor that upset at these developments.

“April, I don’t think it is supposed to be this hard.” Jackson looks down at his hands. For years, he would fidget with his wedding ring when he got thoughtful or introspective. Even now, he would instinctively reach for it, only to feel naked without it.

“What is?” April asks, not sure where he is going with that.

“Moving on.” He says, clearly.

“Jackson…” April shakes her head. She knows what happens if they go down this road and it won’t be good. But Jackson continues, anyway.

“A wise person once told me that if something feels good, then it can’t be bad. Well, what if something that feels this bad, can’t be good. We keep trying to move on and it just doesn’t work. I don’t want it to work. Do you?” Jackson thought he knew the answer, but he just had to make sure.

“I… No,” April answers, truthfully. Suddenly, she stands up and begins to pace. “So what Jackson…How do we? I mean, what does this even look like?”

“How about we start with a date?” Jackson suggests, knowing that she was in full spiral mode.

“A date?” April repeats back, as if Jackson was speaking in another language

“Yes, a first date. We never had one of those, did we?” He smiled, feeling her resolve fading.

“I...When?” April was

“Now? I didn’t get to eat dinner. Did you?” Jackson asks. He was very hungry and Harriet was with his mother for the night. Most of all, he just didn’t want to waste anymore time. April is staring at him, dumbfounded by the turn of events this night has taken. A part of her wanted to run, yell, make him pay for hurting her. But she had caused her fair share of pain too. They had gotten passed that, they had moved forward, they were different now. Could they really do this? Could they really start over?

“Jackson?” April starts.

“What?” Jackson was nervous, if she says no then he would feel very very lost.

“I’m starving. Let’s go,” April walks past him to the car. He lets out a loud laughter before he runs after her.  

#Japril #grey's anatomy #jackson avery #april kepner #jackson x april #season 14 au #maybe #we'll see

[unfilteredpatriot]

New Post has been published on Unfiltered Patriot

New Post has been published on http://unfilteredpatriot.com/mainstream-meltdown-the-fake-news-media-is-getting-worse/

Mainstream Meltdown: The Fake News Media is Getting Worse

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You will probably recall that in the weeks after the election, several news organizations – including, memorably, The New York Times, issued mea culpas about their coverage of the ascendant Donald Trump. Still in shock over the fact that he defeated Hillary Clinton (and deeply embarrassed about their proclamations that he had no chance whatsoever of accomplishing that feat), they admitted that there was a segment of the American population that had been ignored by the mainstream press. This segment, otherwise known as every American who doesn’t live on the coasts or in a major metropolis, came out to vote in November 2016, and the media promised to start paying attention to them from now on. Implicit, but unstated, in these apologies was a promise to actually treat the incoming Trump administration with the fair coverage it deserved.

If their change in reporting style lasted a day, we didn’t notice it.

Rather, the longer Trump remains in office, the worse the fake news media gets. Now becoming familiar with what it takes to be a successful president, Trump is living up to the promise of his historic candidacy with initiative after initiative. And with every successful move the president makes, the media gets angrier and angrier. WHY can’t they sink this guy? It’s the 2016 election all over again, and the media is an unhinged and divorced from the truth as they were in the darkest months of that campaign season.

Just last week, President Trump made an extraordinary splash at the G-7 summit in Canada, where he refused to back down on the world stage. Trump was Trump, representing the American people and NOT kowtowing the global elitists and liberal world order that gathers at these conferences. For his willingness to simply stick to his guns on trade, the media went ballistic.

Then there was the long-awaited summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Instead of focusing on the historic importance of this amazing breakthrough, the media slammed Trump for a video he made to get on the dictator’s good side, slammed him for not being prepared (no proof of this was ever provided), slammed him for getting suckered by North Korea (again, no proof), slammed him for accidentally saluting a North Korean general (which we didn’t love, either, but what does it matter in the grand scheme of things?), and more. You would almost believe that the fake news media would rather go to war than to see Trump succeed in this endeavor. In fact, there’s no “almost” about it.

Finally, there was the coverage of the DOJ’s Inspector General report, which confirmed so much of what Trump’s supporters have been saying about the corruption and incompetence within the FBI. What does the media say? Oh, it’s a “dud.” It’s only meaningful content is what it said about Comey costing Hillary Clinton the election. Other than that, it’s not worth your time.

The reason they reported it that way – the reason they report ALL of this in this way – is because to tell the truth would be to admit that Trump was right all along. And that is to essentially admit that they HAVE been fake news for the last three years. So they double down and they double down, because they will never, ever make that admission.

But that’s okay, because Americans are starting to see through the charade.