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crownedbyluke · 3 years

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Long Road Ahead (Chapter 16)

Estelle Finley has been friends with Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings for three years. When the boys bring her along on a jam-packed road trip to Cape Cod with the rest of the band, their adventures are just beginning. Through long hours driving, exploring cities, and hidden secrets, something more is bound to happen on this journey. How will this road trip change Estelle’s friendship with the friends she’s come to love so dearly?

Word Count: 2,527

{Chapter One} {Chapter Two} {Chapter Three} {Chapter Four}{Chapter Five} {Chapter Six} {Chapter Seven} {Chapter Eight} {Chapter Nine} {Chapter Ten} {Chapter Eleven} {Chapter Twelve} {Chapter Thirteen} {Chapter Fourteen} {Chapter Fifteen}

“Dad?” I asked, utterly shocked at the mess that was unfolding before my very eyes.

“What? No acknowledging me?” the familiar voice asked.

I looked just slightly to the left of my father, the familiar face of my brother Wesley came into view. He clearly hadn’t shaved in at least a month with his scraggly half shadow of a beard. It had been at least two years since I had seen him and now, seeing him again, made me want to scream.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

Ashton had his hand on the small of my back, trying his best to comfort me. It felt like everyone in the house was watching me, like I was living my life out on a television screen.

“You remember your betrothed,” my dad said, gesturing to the man standing behind Wes.

My heart stopped. A commitment that I had never agreed to and yet, here was my father bringing it back to haunt me. Aiden Harper. He had certainly gotten taller since we were in middle school. The likelihood of him being less of a giant idiot though was probably very small.

“Aiden,” I whispered, still in shock.

“Who the hell is he Estelle?” Luke asked, voice full of anger.

I met his eyes, finding the storm of hurt and rage swirling in them. It took everything in my body to not just run over to him. There were more eyes on us than I wanted for a conversation like that.

“Oh, I suspect she didn’t inform you. This is the man she is intended to marry in two years time,” my dad said.

Luke clenched his fist. I felt the anger radiating off of him from the stairs. Before anyone got into a fight, I stepped down from the stairs and stood between the two.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Well darling daughter, you seem to think that I can’t stop you from seeing this man child over there, so I’ve come to prove you wrong,” he said with a smile.

It was the same smile I had seen my entire life. One of manipulation and dishonesty.

“How?” I continued.

“You see, your friends here, well, they sometimes do great work at covering up their partying or their general misuse of their fame, but myself and my contacts are more clever than their publicist. I have a multitude of photos and videos of them misbehaving that would surely ruin any chance they had at making another album,” he said, the smile widening.

“You’re lying,” Ashton said from behind me.

“Oh son, you wish I was don’t you? Doubt you’d like that threesome video from your Vegas trip a year ago to get out,” my dad said, gritting his teeth.

I felt the whole room tense. This was serious and it was happening right in front of my face. There were stories of how my dad would manipulate people into what he wanted, but I had never seen it happen. Some of them felt more fabricated than reality would allow. Yet, it was reality and he was doing everything he could to stop me.

“What do you want?” I asked, biting back tears.

It was no longer a question of what I had to do. I’d do it to protect them. Ashton reached for me again, but I moved away. It was my battle now.

“You’ll be coming home with me right now. You can move into your new house in August and you’ll stay in your tiny little apartment until then. You will no longer speak to these children or be seen with them in the media. Oh and you’ll be seen with Aiden getting engaged next week,” he said.

My eyes went wide. Engaged? It meant giving away my entire life to a person who would most likely cheat on me the first chance he got.

“Elle, you don’t-”

“Fine. If I do this, you leave them alone?” I asked, cutting off Calum.

“Yes.”

“You will never threaten them or harm them?” I pressed.

“I promise,” my dad said.

“Fine. I’ll get my stuff,” I said, turning around and marching up the stairs.

The tears fell down my face as I reached the landing. I was defeated, hurt, and exhausted. All I cared about was protecting them from him. There were footsteps following after me as I opened the door to my room.

“Don’t do this,” Luke said, a waiver in his voice.

I looked up, seeing the tears in his own eyes that matched mine.

“If I don’t, you lose your dream,” I said, grabbing the clothes from the closet.

“We can fight this, make it through this,” he argued.

“No we can’t Luke! If he has that kind of stuff on Ashton, what do you think he has on you or Cal? I won’t let you guys be collateral damage!” I said.

“Little dove-”

“Don’t. Please don’t.”

I stopped, balling my fists into the pair of shorts in my hands. That nickname meant so much to me. Luke called me it for the first time after he heard me sing and then he kept using it whenever he was saying something nice or being sweet. It was just our thing. He wrapped his arms around me, taking the shorts out of my hands. His short breaths gave away the fact that he was crying too. We were so close to that happiness I wanted and it was all going away.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too.”

He pulled away, pressing his lips against mine shortly before resting his forehead on mine.

“Don’t walk out the door,” he begged.

“I have to or else everything you worked so hard for gets ripped from you by that man and I won’t be able to live with myself if that happens,” I said.

My hands rested on his cheeks, gently running my finger against the stubble growing. This was it. My lips touched his one last time before I went back to grabbing my things.

“Bugs, you don’t have to do this on your own,” Ashton said from the doorway.

“Yes I do. You’ll do amazing on the next album,” I said, wiping at my tears.

“What am I gonna do without you?” he whimpered.

“I don’t know, but you’ll figure it out.”

He hugged me tightly, putting every last ounce of love into it.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, holding on so I didn’t have to let go.

“Shh, it’s okay.”

After my things were tucked into the suitcase, I gave my last round of hugs. The sound of us all walking down the stairs felt wrong. Everything was wrong. I stopped just short of the door, turning and meeting everyone’s watery eyes.

“I am so incredibly sorry for this,” I said, the weight of the apology heavy on my heart.

“Save it dear. They can watch the wedding online,” my dad said, pulling on my arm to get me moving.

“Don’t touch her!” Luke yelled.

Everyone stopped again. Things felt like they were going in slow motion.

“You might be her father, but you will never be her dad. No dad would put his children through this,” he said, voice laced with venom.

My father smiled at him, letting my arm go. Wesley took my suitcase and nudged Aiden to lead me out of the house. Luke stood there, waiting, but all my father did was smile. Aiden closed the car door after I got in, making me watch Luke stand there as we drove away. Every piece of my heart shattered as I watched him fall to his knees in tears. Timing was a bitch.

TWO MONTHS LATER

LUKE’S POV

“Luke! Come on dude!” Calum yelled from outside my room.

I had yet to leave my bed and it was already 5 PM. He came by every day to check on me and almost every day, he found me still in bed.

“Go away!” I yelled back.

Getting out of bed never felt right or even remotely okay. Since Estelle left, nothing felt right anymore. Everyday was just a different way of going through the motions, barely existing.

“You gotta get out of bed today,” Calum said, bursting through the door.

“Why? We don’t have anything to do,” I said, tucking my face into my pillows.

“Maybe, but you haven’t left the house in two months and it’s time you did,” he said, opening the curtains.

The bright sunshine of L.A. hurt my eyes. Petunia licked my face as she saw the sun. The look Calum gave me felt like one from my mom when I was younger.

“If I get up, will you leave me alone for the rest of the week?” I asked, slowly sitting up.

“Sure,” he said.

I knew he was lying from the smile on his face. My feet dragged as I went to the bathroom. Another routine of washing my face, brushing my teeth, and brushing my hair gone. When I came back out, Calum was holding up new clothes.

“Why?”

“We are going out so put on something that isn’t sweatpants,” he said.

I groaned, taking the jeans and button up from him.

“You realize I’m not bringing anyone home right?”

“Yes Luke. Just shut up and get dressed.”

Legs went through the jeans and arms went through the shirt. It was a facade as to the pain that I felt every single day I woke up and remembered I couldn’t be with my person. Calum messed with my hair and patted my back, ushering me out of the house.

“Be a good girl piggy!” I yelled before Calum closed the door.

My phone dinged.

Mentioned: @Luke5SOS when is there gonna be new music?

The muscles in my face relaxed. No tweets from her...again.

ESTELLE’S POV

The setting sun was blinding through the windows of the cafe. Everyone was going about their evenings, enjoying their coffees or teas. A familiar face tucked underneath a hoodie and a baseball hat walked in, the sun behind him making him glow like an angel.

“One black coffee please,” he said softly.

Stress from the week of teaching melted away as I listened to him. My iced vanilla latte swirled as I stirred it carefully. The chair squeaked against the tile as he sat down. I met the hazel eyes staring at me.

“Hey bugs,” he whispered, taking a sip of coffee.

“Hi there stranger,” I said, a smile slowly coming out.

“How’s life?” he asked.

“Shitty. I miss you guys,” I said.

Our hands touched, the slightest bit of relief washed over me. It felt nice to be able to see him again. The weeks we weren’t able to do this seemed to drag on longer than most. It wasn’t easy to forget about the friends I was no longer allowed to see. The moments I had made me feel more guilty than anything else. He turned his palm over, gently squeezing my hand.

“We miss you too, bugs,” he said.

I wanted so badly to ask about Luke, but knew it would hurt more than I was prepared for. Ashton squeezed again.

“He’s doing his best,” he said.

Tears welled up in my eyes. If Luke was okay then surely, I should be too.

“How are the kids?” he continued, pulling away.

“Good. They’re still excited about school and spritely,” I said with a shrug.

“And you?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Holding up. I have to be seen with Aiden once a week so I keep my distance as long as possible until our scheduled outings. He goes around sleeping with women in the off time and pretends to be the perfect fiancé in the meantime. Guess that’s life now.”

“I wish it wasn’t that way,” he said, slightly angry.

“Ash, you know I don’t have that much of a choice,” I argued.

“I know, but I hate it. I hate that you can’t come over or see us or come to shows. I hate that we have to tell everyone that we aren’t friends anymore. You’re my best friend and I have to hide you.”

“I should go,” I whispered, suddenly no longer feeling up for talking.

“Bugs, I didn’t mean to-”

“No, I should go. I’ve got grading and lesson plans,” I said, cutting him off.

Without looking, I walked out of the cafe. The pain took over once I closed my car door as it always did after seeing Ashton. The relics of the past hurt more and more and when I attempted to go back to normal or confront them, I ended up crying in my car. The amount of times I had driven past Luke’s place just to see if a light was on was ridiculous at this point. My phone screen lit up with a text, my background of me and Luke bringing on more tears.

Aida: Miss you. Drinks on Friday?

I ignored it, opting for driving home instead. The drive went by like it always did. My house was empty and lonely. Another thing that was meant to be something else. The exhaustion of the day wore on me as I collapsed into the couch cushions, sleep slowly taking over.

The pounding on my front door woke me from the nap I was taking. I groggily got up from the couch and made my way to it, peeking through the window.

“What the hell are you two doing here?” I asked, finding a very drunk Luke and Calum.

“Estelle!” Luke cheered, a giant smile on his face.

“Again, what are you doing here?” I repeated.

“I might have given your address to the Uber driver on accident,” Calum admitted.

“Get in here,” I groaned.

They shuffled inside behind me. I checked the door to see if any of the press had followed them. Calum fell onto the couch, giggling as he did so. Luke kept staring at me.

“I thought I’d never see you again,” he mumbled.

“Shush,” I said, helping him into the guest bedroom.

He giggled as I tucked him in. I put a glass of water on the side table for him in case he woke up. As I went to turn off the light, he grabbed my hand.

“I missed you little dove,” he whispered.

His eyes were sincere and it broke every piece of my heart. Luke fell asleep shortly after speaking, his face becoming relaxed and serene. It reminded me of the first time he ever stayed the night at my place. He had slept so soundly that night that he was asleep until one in the afternoon. My heart ached as I looked at him.

“He still loves you Elle,” Calum said from the doorway.

I walked towards the door, shutting off the light as I exited and closing the door behind me.

“I love him too. Now please go rest in the upstairs guest room,” I said with a sigh.

Calum stumbled his way up the stairs before closing the door. My head fell into my hands, frustration building. The morning couldn’t come fast enough.

A.N: It’s been ages and I feel horrible for leaving this on such a cliffhanger for so long, but I want to finish this story. It’s almost done. It’s mainly all written and it’s time Estelle and Luke get their story told. So here we go.

tag loves: @tommossoccer @bbycal @cakesunflower

#d writes #my writing #5sos #5sos fic #5sos fan fic #5sos au #5sos fluff #luke hemmings #luke hemmings fic #luke hemmings fluff #luke hemmings angst #ashton irwin #michael clifford #calum hood #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer fic #5 seconds of summer fluff #5 seconds of summer angst

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jess-rewatches-prodigalson · 3 years

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Face Value (S2, E7)

My time-stamped thoughts for this episode. As always I reference Malcolm’s mental health. A lot. So if that’s going to be a trigger for you, don’t keep reading.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

0:05 - Hold your horses. Malcolm taught at Quantico?!? I mean, I realize that he probably just did the occasional guest lecture (like most profilers?) but I’m still stupidly proud of him. <3

0:50 - ngl Malcolm’s a good lecturer. Take it from a university student.

1:13 - “It’s okay. We don’t know what you did and it’s not that mu-....BREATHE” Holy shit. I’m torn between ranting about what a great actor Tom Payne is and losing my mind because this scene is heartbreaking. Look at Malcolm. I swear he’s reminding himself to breathe - not Ainsley. He’s completely panicking but he’s trying so hard to be strong for Ainsley. This boy is an absolute treasure. Brother of the CENTURY.

1:41 - “You’re right Ainsley. I screwed up.” NO NO NO NO NO. Can you hear the sound of my heart shattering?!? This scene is so much more devastating the second time. When you know Ainsley is putting ON A SHOW HERE. Look at Malcolm’s face. He’s devastated. He blames himself for AINSLEY’S actions. He’s starting to genuinely believe that he’s no better than Martin Whitly. Malcolm’s depression/anxiety is through the roof in this episode. I honestly won’t be shocked if Malcolm has a complete mental breakdown in the next few episodes. Hell, I don’t think I’d be surprised if he tries to OD on his meds. This boy is in crisis and I’m terrified for him.

1:44 - “I think I did too.”.....this line is interesting. Is this part of Ainsley’s act or is she showing some regret for putting Malcolm through this much emotional torment? She can clearly see that this whole situation is literally destroying her brother’s already fragile peace of mind.

1:55 - “Today could be the day!”.....the day that everyone finds out about Endicott and Ainsley.....seriously, Malcolm’s daily affirmations this season have done nothing but feed his anxiety.

2:04 - OF COURSE. A call from Martin. Malcolm is going to have a mental breakdown. It’s just everything. All at once. I’m getting secondhand anxiety FOR him.

2:35 - hahaha Martin is a crazy, evil, pain in the ass but damn is he entertaining.

2:55 - 1) Ainsley looks adorable in Malcolm’s hoodie. 2) Ainsley straight up leaves his loft later in this episode. Did she hid a change of clothes in the loft before Malcolm got home last night? Or does she actually leave her big brother’s apartment in his clothes?

3:05 - “Getting hit by a train might be better.” Yep. Malcolm is entering a dangerous territory. I know depression is different for everyone but for me, when I start joking - out loud - to people I love about death in passing....things are bad. Like I’m getting suicidal bad. I know Malcolm has a morbid job and he talks about death all the time but this feels like Malcolm is starting to consider suicide as an option.

3:34 - I can see Ainsley’s “You were trying to control me” perspective. BUT honestly? Take a step back and listen to the desperation and fear in Malcolm’s voice. Anyone with half a brain cell can HEAR how scared Malcolm is and how deeply he loves his sister. Ainsley has known Malcolm her entire life. If she was functioning on all cylinders - she would know that Malcolm is just being a protective big brother. He’s not trying to control her - just help her. But this has been a theme for Ainsley since season 1 when she brought up visiting Martin during family dinner. She seems to believe that Jessica and Malcolm think that she’s a “fragile flower” and that she can’t take care of herself. I understand how that could be frustrating but I also find it concerning that Ainsley doesn’t seem to understand that they aren’t treating her that way because they think she’s weak or stupid but rather out of love. Ainsley acts like a petulant child about this sort of thing (anger, whining, eye-rolling). Ainsley acts very entitled a lot, in the sense that if something doesn’t go her way she just throws a hissy fit (think reporting and/or any Whitly family squabble). Ainsley is messed up. Unlike Malcolm, she doesn’t seem to have any self-awareness when it comes to her behavioural eccentricities. Malcolm actively tries to improve his mental state. Ainsley just throws a hissy fit when the world doesn’t bend to her will.....and this stream of consciousness Ainsley rant just became wayyyyy longer than I had anticipated (sorry).

3:41 - “Promise me.” See that look? Ainsley is pissed at Malcolm. This girl’s anger is concerning me.......what if (crazy thought) the season finale is Martin escaping Claremont to stop Ainsley from killing Malcolm?

3:43 - I wish I could be happier about this hug. Malcolm is finally getting a hug but.....he instigated it and he’s not the one being comforted sooooooooo I’m still unsatisfied.

3:49 - “Hey, you look...terrible.” SCREAM IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS DANI!! God. I love how concerned she is about Malcolm. IDC how you feel about Brightwell. If you don’t think they’re good friends - you’re a moron.

4:05 - This is the moment when I went....oooohhhh yeah. LDP directed this episode. That’s probably why he’s not in this scene.

4:10 - JT is a GOOD husband. Give him a medal. Seriously - last season he was going to watch the Taylor wedding live with Tally (who was going to wear a hat <3 ), this season Mr. Masculine casually throws out stats about the Housewives. hahaha I don’t even care if JT genuinely enjoys the Housewives or not. I’m just so utterly delighted at the idea of him watching it with his wife and having a good time with her. <3 JT is the definition of a good husband and I’m HERE FOR IT.

4:34 - .......seriously? I thought Edrisa had realized that this crush is unrequited last season? I love Edrisa but her obsession with Malcolm is getting a little creepy. Like “13 year old in love with the 40 year old math teacher” creepy. It’s sort of cute but also like - gurl. No.

4:38 - Ok. Dani’s reaction to Edrisa hitting on Malcolm saves the scene for me. Lol.

4:51 - Ugh. That is a really creepy corpse.

4:56 - Look. We’ve all obsessed about it already but I have to bring it up: MALCOLM STILL HAS THE BRUISE FROM THE ELEVATOR. SOMEONE GIVE THE MAKEUP DEPARTMENT A MEDAL. THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING MALCOLM’S PHYSICAL TRAUMA.

5:21- ......ok maybe I’m projecting my cynicism here but anyone who has framed newspaper clippings about themselves in their office is seriously egocentric. Maybe it’s just me - but that’s a massive turn off and takes someone out of the running for “angel” status.

6:10 - I’m sorry for every time I thought Jessica was a crazy rich lady during season 1. Birdie is so so so much crazier.

6:36 - “Only the men you date.” Bitch. OMG. Who says something that backhanded and cruel to their sibling?!?!? ......oh wait. I remember how this episode ends :|

7:15 - THANK YOU. I’ve been wondering about the status of Martin’s medical certification since I watched the pilot. SO happy to find out that he couldn’t weasel his way into keeping it.

7:37 - Like most of you, I’ve been creeped out by this whole Martin/Capshaw interaction since it was released as a promo clip. Seriously - it’s creepy. There’s an upsetting amount of subtle flirting here. I’m not sure what it is about Capshaw but her whole energy is just really unnerving to me. I immediately hated her in the promo. Istg Capshaw is an undercover serial killer or something. AND IF SHE BECOMES A LOVE INTEREST FOR MARTIN I WILL LOSE MY SHIT.

8:06 - Oh yeah. She’s either romantically interested in Martin or she’s a psychopath on the DL and is playing him.

8:12 - YAY!!! The Yankee mug returns!!! <3

8:34 - “Sometimes the most monstrous people are the ones hiding in plain sight.” Ouch. I know the writers like to project Malcolm’s emotional turmoil on the case of the week but hearing those words come out of Gil’s mouth?!? Ouch. That hurt Malcolm. Bad. It wasn’t even directed at Malcolm but damn. This is not helping his mental health. At all.

8:41 - Gil. Is. Concerned. <3 :) .....pretty sure Gil also suspects about Endicott and Ainsley by now too. .....hmmmmm maybe that comment about monsters was Gil’s way of trying to get Malcolm to confess (or to gauge Malcolm’s reaction)?

9:15 - I feel so bad for Malcolm here. He’s literally juggling everyone’s problems. Ainsley’s murder situation. Jessica’s personal drama. But is he dealing with his emotional problems? No. He’s too busy being a good son/brother. SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION TO MALCOLM. HE NEEDS A HUG.

9:35 - Deer. In. Headlights. Well....at least Dani knows Malcolm’s about to have a mental breakdown. This boy just got more information to help him crack a murder case and he looks confused, startled, and lost. He’s usually excited and motivated. This Endicott situation is slowly killing Malcolm. I don’t know how much longer he can struggle under the weight of the guilt.

9:48 - Look at this. Ainsley is pissed off that Malcolm isn’t paying attention to her. We know that this whole 2nd murder was a sham so WTF? Is she really just that hungry for attention? That sounds like Martin Whitly to me - the narcissistic psychopath who needs attention like an addict needs cocaine. Also AINSLEY’S acting here?!? We know that she’s lying to Malcolm but holy shit. She’s a really good actress/liar? What else has she lied about?!?

10:05 - Ok. So just when did Ainsley remember? I honestly think she’s known since at least 2x01.

10:20 - Look. I understand that Ainsley is pissed that Malcolm is trying to ‘control her’. But did she even listen to the desperation and fear in his voice? This boy wants her to stay in the loft because he’s scared of who she might hurt if she’s out in public, unsupervised. He’s not trying to abuse or hurt her - just protect her. Is he misguided -maybe? Should he have called the cops on Ainsley right away - probably. But he didn’t out of love. Ainsley doesn’t even seem to realize how much this whole situation is hurting Malcolm and that’s the biggest problem. She doesn’t show any remorse at killing Endicott. She’s just pissed off that Malcolm lied about it. SHE KILLED SOMEONE an she (outwardly at least) feels no remorse. This girl is a psychopath (sociopath?) and this will NOT end well for Malcolm and Jessica.

10:27 - This whole scene was awesome btw. Tom Payne flawlessly communicated Malcolm’s panic, fear, anger, and desperate attempts to stay calm. And Dani’s blatant concern (and suspicion) of Malcolm and his mental state. AND Ainsley being a little brat. Ugh. So beautiful.

10:45 - I love this scene. I love the fact that they have the type of friendship where Dani’s not afraid to call Malcolm out on his crap (trying to hide things from the team). I love that Malcolm isn’t offended that Dani called him out. He doesn’t lie. Ainsley is lost at the moment. Malcolm is more honest with Dani about how the whole Ainsley thing is affecting him than he is with anyone else. I love that Dani still looks suspicious and concerned. I love watching Dani piece this whole thing together. I’m honestly at a point where I think Dani is going to know about Endicott before Gil. I love that Dani gives Malcolm honest, judgement-free advise. Because she doesn’t like seeing how much pain Malcolm is in. I love that Malcolm isn’t completely shutting her out. <3

11:00 - “What if she already has?”.....yep. Dani is totally piecing the Endicott situation together.

11:09 - “I’m overthinking it.” THIS. There is a split second where you can see the betrayal on Dani’s face. She knows Malcolm is hiding something and she’s hurt that he doesn’t trust her enough to let her in. She’s also probably hurt because she views this as a lie - which brings back 1x20 memories.

11:35 - “Even when they’re as beautiful as you.” Ugh. I love this so so so so much. Look at how Dani absolutely lights up at Malcolm’s unintentional compliment. I relate to Dani in the sense that I’m a woman in a male dominated field (engineering). I can’t tell you how often men that she works with have probably objectified her, belittled her, and sexualized her. Malcolm isn’t doing this. He doesn’t call her hot. He doesn’t comment on her body or how she dresses. He doesn’t even acknowledge that she’s a woman. He just calls her beautiful. But he does it in a way that you can tell he’s being genuine. He doesn’t expect anything in return for the compliment. He’s not trying to play the long game. He’s just thinks she’s beautiful. He doesn’t even realize that he said it. BECAUSE Malcolm is in profiler mode. He’s focused on the murder - not Dani. He mentioned that Dani’s beauty off-handedly because 1) he believes it and 2) it was relevant to his profiling train of thought. BUT LOOK AT HOW MUCH IT MEANT TO DANI. <3 <3 <3

12:00 - Why is Chabra exiled to the corner of the room?!?! Someone explain this tomfoolery. Is it literally to just get across that Chabra is not the alpha in this corrupt plastic surgery business?!?

12:16 - Ew. Please never say YOLO. Ever. It’s cringy when kids say it but it’s so so so much worse when someone over 25 says it.

12:18 - hhahahahahahaha OMG. Dani’s face after he says “yolo”.

12:31 - Yep. This dude is an asshole. DO NOT try to convince Malcolm to get plastic surgery. The dude has enough problems without adding dysmorphia to the mix.

12:41 - Yep. Chabra is the little puppy that follows Donahue around and does the grunt work.

12:50 - LOOK AT THE NOD DONAHUE GIVES CHABRA when Chabra denies that stock has gone missing. Can you arrest someone for being a rich, corrupt, asshole?! Ugh. Hate him.

13:20 - Ugh. I really want to know more about Dani’s past. Who in the NYPD tried to belittle, micromanage, or sexualize her just because she’s a woman?

13:30 - “I want Donahue to be the bad guy.” PREACH SISTER.

13:48 - “Easy. We just isolate him with our own alpha males.” hahaha OMG. LET”S GO. I was so pumped when this scene cut to JT and Gil. BUT I was also a little sad. Malcolm doesn’t consider himself to be an alpha male (I mean, he’s not) but it really just drove home to be that Malcolm sees himself as broken. Gil has been Malcolm’s positive male role model for years. But Malcolm doesn’t think he’s anything like Gil. Malcolm thinks he’s broken where Gil is whole, weak where Gil is strong, and bad when Gil is good. It just sort of broke my heart.

14:00 - hahaha Chabra is just a wimp. Watching Gil and JT play angry cop, calm cop was so so so good though. <3

14:05 - This was the moment that I remembered LDP was directing this episode. I’m not usually someone who notices camera work or anything but this was a really cool shot.

15:00 - Oh c’mon. Seriously? Edrisa’s crush has gone too far. She knows he doesn’t like her romantically. Everyone knows it. Please stop this. I’m getting secondhand embarrassment.

15:16 - Did Edrisa think they were going to do it in the morgue?!? Those flowers?!? Like wtf. I can’t.

15:29 - I’ll give props to Malcolm here. He’s being really kind to Edrisa here. BUT HE NEEDS TO TELL HER HE’S NOT INTERESTED BECAUSE SHE’S CLEARLY NOT GETTING THE MESSAGE.

15:33 - Ugh. Look at how uncomfortable Malcolm is. This is upsetting.

16:08 - “What?!? How do you -” Panic. Pure panic in Malcolm’s eyes. Damn. This boy is spiralling. Someone needs to find out about Endicott. Malcolm can’t keep trying to protect Ainsley and Jessica alone. It’s literally killing him.

17:14 - “All she could see was the ugliness she felt inside.” “That’s a sad way to live.” .........the parallels between the plastic surgery, dysmorphia, and vengeful crime of the week to Malcolm’s current mental health and Ainsley’s crime is slowly killing me. I’m honestly getting annoyed that the other characters aren’t picking up on all the subtle references Malcolm’s making to the fact that he thinks he’s a monster. I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO COMFORT HIM. THAT’S ALL. WHY IS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK FEDAK!??!

17:30 - Another point to the Dani/Malcolm friendship. She takes out the gun and pushes Malcolm back. Is she trying to protect him? Technically, yes. BUT she’s just doing her job. I love that Malcolm respects Dani enough to let her take charge and do her job. I love that he’s secure enough about his masculinity to let her.

18:15 - Yikes. This woman is 90% plastic. Cosmetic plastic surgery is terrifying.

20:16 - Another reminder of the woman’s ward. Either Sophie Sanders or Ainsley is going to end up in that ward soon (I’m still half-convinced that Sophie is going to appear out of the woodwork and take the fall for Endicott).

21:49 - “...convinced her that she would never have a career unless she looked the part.” <3 Look at how disgusted Gil is when Dani tells him that. Gil is a good man and I love him forever. <3

22:33 - I love this. Dani and Gil are both concerned about Malcolm and communicating it in looks. It won’t be long until there’s a team intervention for Malcolm’s mental health (or at least, that’s my headcanon - if someone wants to write me a fic about it I’ll love you forever).

22:44 - WTF GIL. WHY AREN’T YOU ASKING MALCOLM WHAT’S WRONG?!?! IS IT BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW AND YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO FEEL ABOUT IT YET?!?!

22:49 -.....soooooo does this mean that Gil already knew that Birdie existed?!? How often did Birdie appear after Martin’s arrest?!?! I WANT DETAILS.

23:06 - Holy shit. Look at that little smirk Ainsley shoots Malcolm when he first walks in and sees her. Ainsley is maliciously toying with Malcolm and I DON”T LIKE IT.

23:14 - Jessica is concerned. I promise you Ainsley and Malcolm have rarely - if ever - fought like this in front of her. I was raised in single parent home after my abusive dad left. I know how that changes the sibling dynamic. No matter how genuinely pissed off you are - you don’t stress Mom out more. If you’re just annoyed with each other and doing regular ‘sibling squabbling’ - then you whine and argue in front of Mom. But if you’re seriously angry with each other - you deal with it when Mom isn’t home to see it because no matter what - you both appreciate how hard Mom is working to keep what’s left of your family together.

23:28 - “Malcolm. Looking more like your father every day.” BITCH. Did she just say that because she watched Malcolm go off on Ainsley? Sure, Malcolm was a little controlling (probably similar to a situation Birdie witnessed between Jess and Martin back in the day) but HOLY SHIT. That is your nephew. Maybe he’s having a bad day. Maybe being told he resembles a serial killer is really damaging to his already fragile pysche. I don’t like Birdie. AND I DON”T LIKE THAT JESSICA DOESN”T STAND UP FOR MALCOLM HERE.

24:00 - I don’t like this. These Martin+Capshaw scenes are really hard to watch. Martin is still acting like Martin - manipulative, egotistic, manicA. But he’s also acting like a professional doctor (an asshole doctor but still). It’s really disconcerting to watch Capshaw take his medical opinion seriously. Plus - there’s something about Capshaw that creeps me out. I just haven’t figured out what it is yet. But I’m pretty sure she’s a bad lady.

24:16 - “What bit should I use?” - See this? No. Just...no. I don’t like how she’s taking Martin’s medical advise to heart so readily.

25:04 - Why was Martin allowed to watch the procedure?!? He’s clearly getting a sick amount of pleasure from the blood and drilling. Look at the way Martin grins at Capshaw too. Martin is planning out an entire scheme to manipulate Capshaw into helping him escape. You can see the metaphoric lightbulb above his head.

25:29 - This meal. Seriously. Was I the only one who got a glimpse of the meat in a red sauce and thought “human meat”?!? No wonder Malcolm’s main food group is liquorice.

25:44 - Poor Jessica. She is not having a good time. Jessica’s behaviour in this scene is really interesting though. Jessica repeatedly shoots apologetic looks at Malcolm. She looks at Ainsley with fear. She looks super uncomfortable. She’s not saying much because she desperately wants a relationship with her sister but she also doesn’t want to belittle her son’s career. She’s proud of Malcolm - in her own way.

26:00 - “The family trust fund would run dry.” hahahahaha YES MALCOLM. THROW THAT SHADE. hahahaha

26:23 - “Most of the time anyway” Wow. Uncalled for. I know Ainsley is mad but this isn’t cool. I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that Birdie has been approached by Europol about the Endicott murder. I have this terrifying notion that Birdie is trying to collect intel so she can sell the information to Europol. If I’m right (which I’m probably not) this comment will not help Malcolm’s case.

26:41 - hahaha look at how annoyed Jessica is. Is she annoyed because her children are openly fighting in front of their Aunt when Jessica wants to portray the “perfect, undamaged family”? Or is Jessica annoyed because what Ainsley just said was out of line and she’s scared of Ainsley right now?

27:02 - “Why would you do that? I told you I would handle everything.” This. This is why I will argue that Ainsley is way out of line. Yes, Malcolm is sort of trying to control her. BUT listen to his words, the desperation and fear in his voice. Malcolm is trying to protect Ainsley. Ainsley has every right to be annoyed with him but if she was functioning at an adult mental capacity she’d be able to see that he isn’t being malicious.

27:35 - The fact that Birdie is a backstabbing, lying bitch is so frustrating to me. Look at how badly Jessica wants to have a healthy relationship with her little sister. Jessica just wants a girl-friend to confide in and drink with. I’m heartbroken that Martin stole that from her.

28:05 - I know LDP was directing this episode but JT or Dani should’ve called Malcolm. Why? This conversation between Gil and Malcolm (WHEN GIL IS WEARING HIS COAT) just makes me wonder - where is Gil going? JT is at Donahue’s apartment. Dani and Malcolm are going to talk to Chabra. Where is Gil going?!?

29:07 - ....how did Donahue get the coke into the cheetah? Was there a release thingy (like in a piggy bank) that Malcolm just elected not to use in the panic of the moment?

29:14 - “What else would you hide in a cheetah?” hahahahahaha

29:40 - “No. No. Only if I got the dose wrong.” Yikes. Malcolm is operating in full panic mode here. This is not good for his mental health.

30:08 - “This is the worst cooking show ever.” hahaha this was hilarious but cooking show? What? Do I not watch enough of those? Because I don’t see the link.

30:38 - The moment when Malcolm looks at Dani with fear. He thinks he just killed Chabra and he’s terrified that Dani is looking at him with hatred. :(

30:46 - The two seconds when Malcolm thinks he killed someone. Look at his face. That boy is broken. Again - if he doesn’t have a full on mental breakdown soon I’m going to be so annoyed with the writers because NO HUMAN CAN WITHSTAND THIS MUCH TRAUMA THIS QUICKLY - WITHOUT ANY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT - AND COME OUT FUNCTIONAL.

31:03 - “I do not miss drugs.” :O Dani :( Sweetie <3 Ugh. This line was heartbreaking because it hurts to remember that Dani had a drug problem. But it’s also really great. She was just in front of 1 gram of cocaine. She didn’t grab for it. It didn’t reawaken the urge to use in her. She was strong enough to say “I don’t miss this life” and say it OUT LOUD in front of Malcolm. <3 Friendship. She’s starting to trust Malcolm more. This is good....until she finds out about Endicott.

31:45 - Wait. If Birdie knew about Endicott and Jessica.....does she know about Gil?!?!

31:49 - “Trust but verify.” That’s such a heartbreaking way to live. I hate that she has to live in a world without trust because of what Martin did. I want Jessica to be happy. So so badly.

32:06 - .....how did Jessica find out about the book?!!?! Seriously.

32:17 - “Mummy”. Mrs. Milton is alive?!?! What. OMG. So....but how? Jessica is living in the Milton family home. Jessica is rich. But Birdie has been cut off from the family money. However, it’s clear from this conversation that Jessica and her mother aren’t on speaking terms. So how did this work? When did Jessica move into the Milton family home and why? Where is Jessica’s money coming from? Did Jessica invest her trust fund money smartly and make a fortune? Does Jessica still have access to the Milton family bank accounts?!? AND WHERE IS JESSICA’S DAD?!!? I WANT MORE INFORMATION FEDAK.

32:49 - Malcolm is his mother’s son. Look at this. Jessica is so hurt by what Birdie has done. However, Jessica sighs, takes a breath and helps her little sister out at the cost of causing herself pain. Malcolm would do the exact same for Ainsley. He has.

33:40 - “And do we need to talk about last night?!?” Gil has been different this season. Less soft. More strict.

33:51 - Look at how Gil stares at Dani here. He’s annoyed and concerned. Concerned because she was in close proximity to drugs last night. Annoyed because he created a monster. Gil put together is badass, sarcastic daughter with his unstable, awkward son and they are creating a headache for him.

34:41 - “even for consultants?” hahaha

36:50 - The irony that our killer of the week is a woman who is in pain, feels disfigured, and murders in revenge is so so thick.

37:18 - “It’s enough to drive anyone insane”.....like the emotional pain that Malcolm is currently suffering from?

38:42 - “The best revenge is letting him live like this.” The moment Malcolm realized that Ainsley was manipulating him. Look at the hurt and fear on his little face. :(

39:00 - Ugh. I can’t tell who’s manipulating who in this whole Capshaw+Martin relationship but it’s all gross. I swear if they become romantic I will puke. These two are a psychopathic match made in heaven.

40:08 - I could write essays upon essays about this final scene but I need to sleep. So it’s going into point form without time stamps:

First off - Halston Sage and Tom Payne give us an AMAZING performance in this scene and they deserve an Emmy for it. Seriously.

Look at how Ainsley walks into the room. She’s self-satisfied. She feels no remorse. She’s pleased that Malcolm has been suffering.

Look at how utterly empty Malcolm is when he greets Ainsley. This boy is in shock. He’s so deeply hurt and he just had one of his greatest fears confirmed - Ainsley is like Martin.

“Do you have any idea what you put me through?!?” This. Yes, Malcolm is upset and hurt but there’s a part of me that genuinely thinks this question isn’t rhetorical. There’s a part of me that thinks Malcolm is desperately trying to get Ainsley to admit to feeling remorse so that he can convince himself that his baby sister isn’t gone forever.

“Do you?” Ainsley is mad. She has a right to be. Malcolm did lie to her. He probably should’ve told her the truth. HOWEVER, if Ainsley was a functional adult - she would’ve just confronted Malcolm about it. She has every right to be pissed but her behaviour has been downright petty, juvenile, and cruel.

“Underestimated me. For months.” Is this the root of Ainsley’s anger? She mentioned something similar in 1x6 when Jessica and Malcolm tried to stop her from visiting Martin. She resents Jessica and Malcolm for treating her like a child. For trying to protect her from Martin. On one hand, I understand - that’s probably suffocating and frustrating. On the other hand, Ainsley’s acting like a child so....why wouldn’t they treat her like one?

“I have given up everything for you!! I don’t even know who I am anymore.” This breaks me. Malcolm is screaming through tears. He’s so utterly broken (this doesn’t count as a mental breakdown Fedak....you better give me more). Malcolm is rightfully frustrated that Ainsley doesn’t acknowledge that he literally threw out his moral code to protect her. That when this gets out - his relationship with his only real friends since he was 10 years old (JT and Dani) will probably want nothing to do with him. Malcolm probably thinks that Gil will abandon him WHEN the Endicott thing comes out. Malcolm has thrown his fragile mental health down the drain to protect Ainsley. He thinks he’s a monster. Yes. Malcolm made the choice to protect Ainsley. Ainsley doesn’t have to be grateful. She doesn’t have to respect his decision. But acknowledging that his decision was made out of love would sure help. Malcolm wanted to be a good big brother so badly that he threw away his sense of self.

“Protect me? Or control me?” Wow. Okay. I get it. Ainsley feels controlled which is bad for someone who likes being in control. But Malcolm was never trying to control Ainsley. Malcolm was trying to control a situation. Not a person. Is what Malcolm did right? No, lying to Ainsley wasn’t a great choice. But telling her the truth also wasn’t a great choice. He was damned either way.

“For someone who spent the last few decades trying to recover from being gaslight; it’s ironic how quickly you resorted to it.” Uncalled for. Was Malcolm gaslighting Ainsley? Technically, yes. HOWEVER, one of the main criteria for gaslighting is that the gaslighter is aware that they’re gaslighting someone. I honestly don’t think Malcolm realized he was gaslighting Ainsley - look at his face when she mentions it: he looks heartbroken. BESIDES. How is AINSLEY NOT GASLIGHTING MALCOLM RIGHT NOW?!?! “That’s exactly what Dad would say.” She’s trying to convince Malcolm that he’s just like Martin. She’s made him believe that she murdered a second person. She made him an accomplice to her fake murder. She knowingly continued with this ruse after he came clean and told her the truth. And he was nothing but supportive and protective. Malcolm helped her hide a body. Why is Ainsley playing the victim?!

Look at the torture on Malcolm’s face right before he apologizes to Ainsley for lying to her. This boy is being gaslight and he doesn’t even realize it.

FURTHERMORE I DON’T RECALL AINSLEY APOLOGIZING TO MALCOLM FOR MAKING HIM 1) HIDE A BODY, 2) LIE TO THEIR MOM, 3) LIE TO GIL, 4) AN ACCOMPLICE TO A SECOND (FAKE) MURDER, 5) LYING TO MALCOLM ABOUT THE SECOND MURDER. She just says, “Maybe it was a little over the top.” Come on. No.

“I appreciate that.” SERIOUSLY. Ainsley doesn’t even have the curtesy to say “I’m sorry too.” or “I know you did what you thought was best”?!? Her response feels bitter and angry. She doesn’t forgive Malcolm. She’s still livid despite the fact that her brother is literally breaking apart in front of her. There’s no questioning the genuineness of Malcolm’s apology. That’s sincere pain and remorse.

This whole scene is super disturbing because Malcolm is on the verge of tears. He’s visibly upset. Yet - Ainsley is channeling a quiet, disassociating anger (similar to what she looked like right before she murdered Endicott). She’s completely consumed by anger. She’s not acting rationally and it’s really disconcerting to watch the contrast between the two siblings.

“I had to make sure that you were never going to mess with my head again.” .....you know, a functional adult human (hell, even a half-functional adult human) would just verbally confront their sibling about it. They probably wouldn’t fully trust or forgive their sibling right away but they wouldn’t pull a stunt as cruel and malicious as Ainsley just pulled on Malcolm. The problem with Ainsley’s behaviour vs. Malcolm’s is this: Ainsley is intentionally hurting Malcolm out of anger. Ainsley wants revenge. Malcolm reacted out of fear and panic to protect Ainsley. Malcolm just wants to be a good big brother. Neither of them are perfectly in the right but Ainsley is so so so out of line.

“You need to lighten up. We got away with it.” Ainsley is a serial killer. Say it from the rooftops. This is the first time she’s shown an emotion other than anger/disassociation all episode. Ainsley is happy that they got away with it. Malcolm is crumpling under the guilt and grief but Ainsley is happy.

“No one does this murder stuff better than us.” Holy shit. I can’t. Malcolm looks so so so heartbroken here. He just realized that his sister is gone forever. AND AINSLEY damn. This girl needs some serious help. She’s going to kill again. She liked it the first time. I bet you she slaughtered the pig just to get her fix. She could’ve boughten the pig’s blood from a butcher shop or something but I bet you she killed the pig herself. And I bet you she liked it.

Hoxley is a flamboyant gay and a cocky profiler. That’s just a fact.

I can’t. Alan Cummings will always be the villain from Spy Kids to me. I don’t know how I’m going to take Hoxley seriously.

Yoooooo Endicott’s head is creepy af.

Damn. This isn’t good. Hoxley is going to ruin Malcolm’s life. I can feel it.

Okay. I loved this episode. I have a lot of feelings about it (obviously). I’m so bitter that we have to wait until April 13th for the next episode. See you guys next time. If you read this far - thanks for hanging out.

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dreamofkpop · 6 years

Text

family matters

stray kids 10th member au

Charlie x Valerie x Stray Kids

[for those don’t know, or have forgotten Valerie is Charlie’s step-sister (she’s the same age as minho) and she hates Charlie & Jacob (Charlie’s twin brother) she is very rude to them.]

important information: Charlie’s father and step mother are both unfit to work at the time after a incident so Valerie is looking after their companies (which are massive) because neither Charlie or Jacob are able to do it...and their recoveries could take months.

questions? thoughts? requests? send me an ask!

bold = english

(gif not mine! credit to owner!)

October 21st - unveil showcase

“we can eat now!!” Felix cheered, as they exited the stage and walked down the long corridor back to the dressing room. most of the boys laughed at his enthusiasm, agreeing with him. Charlie walked behind them all with her head down, deep in thought.

that couldn’t of been her in the crowd, why would she be in korea, why would she come to the showcase. why-

her little train of thought was cut if when someone slipped their hand into hers, tugging on it a little. she looked down at her hand then up at the person, it was Minho.

“what’s wrong with you? you’re never this quiet” he nudged her shoulder with his own, a small smile painted onto his lips. Charlie shook her head dismissively and looked back down

“it’s nothing, just thinking about something”

Minho pulled his hand from hers and swung his arm over shoulder. “about what? you seem....troubled” he raised on eyebrow at her. the younger laughed and leaned against him, “you sound like my English teacher..” Minho laughed at her comment before she started talking again “i just thought i saw someone in the crowd”

“ahhhh okay” he nodded. with no attempts to continue the conversation from either of them they walked in silence, listening to the other boys bicker playfully, that was until the sound of feet running down the corridor and shouts caught the attention of the whole group.

“hey! charlie, wait!”

i recognize that voice charlie thought and spun around coming face to face with her step sister, Valerie. the older girl skid to a stop in front of Charlie, breathing heavily. “Jesus Christ girl you need to pay more attention to the people around you” she snapped.

Charlie scoffed and went to reply but remembered the boys were with her she quickly turned back to them.��“you guys go ahead, seems like I've got company to deal with” she rolled her eyes.

“who is she?” Hyunjin piped up, Charlie glanced behind her before answering “my step sister from hell”

some of the boys bit back laughs, Charlie as well. “i’ll join you guys once I've sorted this out, but if i’m not back in 10 minutes someone come look for me”

they all nodded and turned around, shuffling towards the dressing room and disappearing through the door. once she was sure they had all gone she turned to Valerie. “two thing. one, why the hell are you here? two, what the hell do you want?”

Valerie scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest “that’s no way to talk to your sweet older sister is it?” she fluttered her false lashes, a wicked smile on her lips.

Charlie took a step threatening step forwards. “you are not my sister, and you’ll never be. so tell what you need to and get lost” she glared up at the girl. usually Charlie held back during arguments with Valerie but that wasn’t going to be the case today.

“okay first things first darling, you are not allowed to talk to me like that. i’m older than you and that means you respect me, got it?” she grabbed Charlie by the collar of her shirt, tugging her forward.Charlie grabbed hold of her wrists, yanking them off her collar and pushing the older girl backwards.

“i have no respect for you and i never will” she kissed her teeth, glaring at Valerie. “just tell me what you were gonna say and fuck off, i don’t have time for this” Charlie took a step back, shoving her hands into her pockets and leaning all her weight onto her left leg.

“oh, right!” Valerie giggled obnoxiously which made Charlie roll her eyes. “i have some exciting news for you!! you’re going to have a step-niece soon!!” Charlie’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she watvhed the older girl move her hands over her stomach.

“y-you’re...you’re pregnant?!” she yelled, startling Valerie “wait hold on, give me a minute. you, the biggest bitch on the planet, are having a child?” she snapped.

Valerie’s face contorted in anger. “you will not raise your voice at me! you are not allowed to do that!”

throwing her hands over head, Charlie walked in a small circle. “so i can’t raise my voice at you but you can scream at me all you want?! no see that’s not how it is works mate if i’m gonna raise my voice then i will!“ Charlie raised her voice, glaring daggers at Valerie. “so tell me, who’s the dad?” she crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot against the floor.

a proud smile grazed over Valerie’s face. “a man, Micheal, that i met at a party a couple of months ago!” Charlie felt like her eyes were gonna pop out of their sockets at the amount they had widened.

“okay so if i’m hearing correctly you got knocked up by some guy that you met a couple of MONTHS ago at a PARTY?!” Charlie stressed the words ‘months’ and ‘party’. Her mind flicked to the company, a bad feeling washing over her.

“have you completely forgotten about the company? you are in charge of one of the worlds biggest companies and you go and get knocked up by some guy? do you not realize how much responsibility you have right now? Who’s gonna look after the company when you go on maternity leave, cause my dad and your mum aren’t gonna be well enough when that happens so who’s gonna do it?” Charlie snapped, the vein in the side of her neck bulging.

an evil smirk and glare took over Valerie’s features. “that’s for you to decide sis, gotta run~” she winked and took of running before Charlie could register it.

a heavy sigh escaped her lips as she rubbed her hands over her face. “i fucking hate her” she muttered angrily. stomping towards the dressing room, she stood outside the door taking a few deeps breaths to calm herself down. “okay charlie calm down, don’t tell them what happened” she spoke to herself before opening the door.

“Noona!!” Jeongin shouted when he saw her enter. “what happened out there?” he ran up to her. Charlie giggled and ruffled his hair. “nothing jeonginnie, just a little.....family business” he nodded and ran off to where he had been sat.

Charlie took a seat in the furthest corner of the room, pulling off her hoodie and dropping it into her lap before dropping her head into her hands, feeling a headache beginning to form in her head.

pushing her hands up onto her head, she knocked off her hat and ran her hands through her blonde hair before closing her eyes. someone crouched in front of her, gently placing their hands on her knees to steady themselves. Charlie opened her eyes and looked up, becoming eye level with Felix.

“Charlie...” his deep voice rang through her ears. “yes lix?” she asked, leaning her arms on her thighs. “what happened with your step-sister? you like your ready to cry and or murder someone” he laughed, Charlie weakly smiled and looked down.

“its a long story lix, i’m sure you don’t wanna hear it” she played with a loose thread on her jumper, distracting herself. looking p, she saw Felix shrug and check the nonexistent watch on his wrist. “I've got time, spill, what’s going on?”

with a drawn out sigh, Charlie sat up and pressed her palms flat against her thighs. “so y’know my dad and step-mum own these companies and shit but they got into a really bad accident a couple months ago and they’re both in hospital blah blah blah and my step-sister had to basically run the company and shit. turns out she’s pregnant which means that soon enough she’ll go on maternity leave and i know for a fact that my parents wont be well enough by then which means that there’ll be no one to look after the company because i can’t do it and neither could Jacob and....and...” she started breathing heavily, beginning to panic.

Felix gently placed his hand on her face making her look at him. “hey char, look at me, you’re panicking, breath okay? go on, in....out, again” he helped her calm down then let her lean her head on his shoulder.

“i can’t deal with this now Felix, not with how busy things are going to get, i don’t want any of this stress...it’s too much” her voice dropped to no higher than a whisper, Felix barely hearing it over the boys’ loud bickering behind him.

his hand gently threaded through her hair. “i know Charlie, first a breakup and now this...” at the word ‘breakup’ Charlie pushed herself up and looked up at him questioningly.

“how did you know?” she raised her eyebrow cautiously. Felix chuckled and shook his head. “the night you two broke up, he told me and hyunjin what happened” he said quietly, remembering the others didn’t know.

Charlie groaned and rested her head back onto his shoulder. “why must my life be such a fuck up?” she shook her head. Felix started playing with her hair again to calm her down. “don’t worry char, things will work out eventually”

she went to reply when their manager walked into the room, announcing it was time to leave. Felix stood up and pulled Charlie with him, chuckling when she slumped against him, “okay, let’s get you back to the dorms...you need sleep”

#female!straykids #stray kids 10th member #kpop female additions #female!kpop #fem kpop additions #kpop oc #kpop female oc #stray kids oc #stray kids female addition #stray kids #stray kids au #kpop au #charlie kim #charlotte kim #kim taeshin #lee felix #stray kids felix

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what-even-is-thiss · 7 years

Text

The Four Seasons, Missing

AAAAAAHHH! I’m finally writing more of this! And there are mortals in it this time! Well, barely. So, if you’re just catching up, this is more of the Norse Mythology/Seasons au for the sanders sides. Here is the first one I wrote, and here is the origins story. Reminder: Roman is summer, Anxiety is fall, Logic is winter, and Morality is spring, and their ages are in that same order. Forgive me for using google translate. Okay, let’s do this.

Tip Jar

Warnings: None I can think of. 2,086 words.

Abstract: A modern day myth. The myth of an abnormal year.

Autumn walked over yet another building. The summer was extremely hot this time around. He was in the mood to cut it short, if only he could find him.

“Where are you, you prep?” He mumbled to the desert landscape.

Autumn removed his hoodie and held it over himself as a shade. The hot Arizona heat was making him irritable. He caught a breeze and rode it to the top of the Chase Tower, the tallest building in the city. From there he scanned the city streets, looked out into the suburbs, and looked out at the mountains. He sensed nothing.

Autumn glided down to the hot cement below, mumbling curses to himself. This summer, his highness, as he and the others often called him behind his back, had not returned home once. The cabin was usually hot and dry this time of year, but not this hot. The trees were beginning to become dehydrated, which was beginning to make Spring distressed. Autumn had to cut this off now.

Autumn knew about Phoenix. He knew how hot Summer let it get here, but somehow this year was worse. It had been over a hundred and ten degrees Fahrenheit for over a week. Even for Phoenix that was a bit much. He had to be around here. He had to be.

Reluctantly, Autumn ducked behind a building on his walk and tied the hoodie around his waist before making himself visible to the mortal eye. He was going to regret this. He just knew it.

Humans. So many humans, even with the heat. He leaned against a tree and tried to psych himself up to talk to someone.

Ugh. This was hard for him. Spring and Summer talked to mortals all the time. Summer flirted and made friends and went to parties. Spring played with children and playful adults and complimented random people. Winter didn’t talk much, but if he wanted to or needed to he had no problem. Autumn, on the other hand, was terrified of approaching people.

He swallowed hard. Just talk to one. Summer loved showing himself to mortals and it is really hot here. Its really likely he’s been here.

He began walking up to humans and fighting through his social anxiety to talk to them. None of them he talked to had seen a guy that kind of looked like him but in a gold jacket and white shirt or skater t-shirt or something wearing sunglasses.

After a while he simply couldn’t take the heat anymore and felt like he was going to pass out, so Autumn rode the winds home.

He opened the door noisily with his hoodie tied around his waist. It was over a hundred and ten degrees outside. In here it was only ninety.

“Shut the door! Shut it!” Came an irritated voice from the other side of the large one room hall.

Winter was sitting on his bed with his shirt halfway unbuttoned looking like he wanted to kill someone as Spring set up another fan next to him and he held a bag of ice to his head.

Autumn closed the big wooden door.

“Hey, big brother!” Spring said happily despite the sweat sitting on his forehead. “Any luck?”

“Afraid not. His highness, lord of deserts and drunken beach parties is nowhere to be found.”

“Did you check Phoenix?” Winter asked.

“Yes. I spent a good portion of today in Phoenix. I was saving it for last though because you know how I hate that place when he’s in charge.”

“Whyyyy do mortals even live there?” Winter groaned. “Augh. Its even worse than here.”

Fall went to a freezer in the corner and pulled a bag of ice out before throwing it at Winter who caught it despite his diminished reflexes.

“Why don’t you go to Canada or something? Man, you morons hardly ever leave the house when its not your season. Canada is nice this time of year by both of your standards.”

“What about by your standards?” Spring asked.

“You know the answer to that. Nothing impresses me.”

“What about Led Zeppelin? Winter asked, holding the new bag of ice to his forehead.

“Hey, Jimmy Page was hot. You can’t blame me for going to a lot of their concerts.”

“Was?” Spring said in confusion.

“I was going to lead into something but I don’t remember what.” Winter said, taking off his glasses and rubbing his head.

“You were talking about Led Zeppelin.” Spring said helpfully, getting Winter to lie down and putting a damp washcloth on his brother’s forehead.

“Ah, correct. The heat is dulling my senses.”

“What else is new?” Autumn murmured under his breath.

“I was going to mention that you spent a lot of time following them around during their 1975 tour. You barely remembered to find Summer that year to stop him, and I actually had to find you to get you to relinquish control.”

Autumn folded his arms, indicating that he was both annoyed and thinking.

“So, you’re thinking that our big bro has a new boy toy he’s stalking?”

“Correct. And if he gets distracted, well…”

‘Drought!” Spring said excitedly.

“Spring, buddy, that’s a bad thing.” Autumn said as patiently as he could.

“Uh, drought. Noooo.” Spring said, trying to sound more upset.

“There we go.” Said Autumn.

“Just find him!” Winter complained.

“Well, if he’s got a new crush there’s only one person to talk to.” Autumn said.

Spring audibly gasped. “You don’t mean?”

“Yup. Her. And you’re coming with me. She hates you the least.”

“Oh sure. Perfectly reasonable to just leave the one who relies on cold to survive at the house during summer.” Winter said.

“Quit your passive aggressive moaning and go cause some mayhem in Australia or something.” Autumn said. “Come on, Spring. We need to call in a favor.”

Freja sat on her throne of wood, looking in a hand mirror, putting on eyeliner. She did not want to go into battle looking like she had just rolled out of bed.

Suddenly there was a whoosh of mixed warm and cold air and it was so distracting her hand slipped. A line of liquid eyeliner was now going down the right side of her flawless face.

“Who DARES…” she began before seeing who it was.

“We dares.” Said Autumn, waving with two fingers pointing up and pressed together. “Sup?”

“Hiiiiii!” Spring said. “Woah, your makeup’s looking a little out of line there, isn’t it?”

“Would you… not make puns when we’re here on business?” Autumn asked.

“I can’t help myself. I just have to spring into it.” Spring said, a huge goofy grin on his face.

“Pardon me, but why are you here? Whenever you show your faces it never means anything good.” Freja said, fishing around in her purse for a makeup wipe.

“Well, you’d be right about that!” Spring said happily.

Freja looked at him in confusion. “How can a god be that powerful and stupid at the same time?”

“Ya met Thor?” Autumn said, raising his eyebrows in a condescending manner.

“Fair enough. Why are you here? You hardly ever talk to the gods.” Freja said, beginning the process of fixing her eyeliner.

“Summer’s gone missing.” Spring said.

Freja’s hand slipped again and the makeup wipe flew down to her blush, undoing a lot of the work she had done there.

“What? You cannot find him?” She said. “But you are the only ones that can keep track of each other.”

“And it gives me stress.” Spring said, his smile unwavering.

“Same.” Autumn added.

“So why are you telling me this? I am a very busy goddess.” She said, removing the rest of her makeup because what was the point anymore

“We think he’s found a new boy toy.” Autumn said. “That’s usually enough to distract him.”

“Is this anything like what happened with Jimmy Page?” She asked.

“So she does know! Alright!” Spring said as Autumn blushed a deep pink that showed through his pale makeup.

Freja thought for a moment. “Yes, I think he is infatuated with someone, but I can never pinpoint any of you. Unless you’re standing right in front of me.” She said, gesturing angrily to them.

“Well, you’ll have a story to tell all your friends.” Autumn said. “That’s all we seem to be, really. Conversation starters.”

“But not with Ægir.” Spring said.

“Yeah, not with him.” Fall agreed.

“I think I might be able to tell you which continent though. If I concentrate hard enough. But why would I do that for you? I have to fight a bitch that was insulting my outfit the other day. He is going down.” Freja said, murder building in her steely blue eyes.

“Fighting people isn’t nice.” Spring said matter-of-factly.

“I’m a war goddess. Now get moving. You look like a young suburban dad and a tacky hot topic customer.” She scoffed.

“You’re going to help us.” Autumn said, folding his arms as a threat grew in his deep brown eyes.

“And why is that, tall, dark, and brooding?”

“Because we know just how many dwarfs you’ve slept with for jewelry and one time I hid a cursed hat for you.” Spring said happily.

“We see a lot of things, girlie. Remember what happened when you got that?” Fall said, getting close to her and pointing at the intricate amulet hanging around her neck. “Odin made you start war among men to get it back. What’s he gonna make you do if he finds out you’ve been doing that same thing for over five thousand years? Something much worse than war, I’m guessing.”

“And if we can’t find Summer its only gonna get hotter. We have you cornered!” Spring added happily.

“He is… much less stupid than Thor.” Freja remarked nervously.

“And a lot more dangerous than he looks.” Autumn admitted.

Summer sat on a bench staring longingly at the young man that had fallen asleep next to him. Yes, this was perhaps the best month he had experienced in many decades. He brushed back the man’s braids to get a better look at his dark face. So perfect, so…

“France, huh?” Said a voice behind him. “I didn’t know you liked French boys.”

Summer jumped. It was Fall. The boy sitting next to him was startled awake and began making some surprised declarations in French.

“ Þú ættir að byrja að keyra” Autumn said, a playful threat in his voice.

Summer did start running. He flew through the streets of Paris, never stopping for an instant. He crossed the river in one bound, but the second oldest followed closely behind.

Summer ducked behind buildings and between mortals, invisible to their eyes. He thought about making his way into the French countryside, but that always just made it easier for the other. Autumn was faster than him.

Some years the chase went on for days or weeks. This was not one of those years.

Autumn sat happily on Summer’s back, pinning him down.

“Well, right under the Eiffel Tower. Don’t think I’ve ever caught you here before. I’ll have to add this to the list. Statue of Zeus, Taj Mahal, Battle of Chickamauga, and the Eiffel Tower.”

“Why do you always include the battle on there?” Summer asked, fighting his way up.

Autumn let him go. “Because you refuse to run around interesting places. Its a short list. By the way, next time don’t get so distracted.”

Summer put his sunglasses on. “You’re one to talk, Led Zeppelin.”

“That was one time! Uh, I have to get to work. You made it pretty hot.”

“Oh really?” Summer asked, looking at his younger brother over his sunglasses.

“Not like that! You’ve doomed the west coast for several years to come! I hate it when you do that. This is the dust bowl all over again.”

“Hey, I was really drunk. I don’t even remember most of 1930.”

“Oy. Just go home.” Autumn said.

Summer did go home. As soon as he opened the door he was greeted by a book to the face that knocked him over completely.

“What!?” He yelled.

“Welcome home.” Winter said, giving him a hand up.

“I hate you.” Summer said, taking the hand.

“Spring is out visiting a mortal friend. Do you want to watch a movie?”

“Can it be Pixar?’ Summer asked, rubbing the bump on his head.

“Yes, but I get to choose which one.”

“So, Wall-E then.” Summer said, opening the cupboard looking for jiffy pop.

“Precisely.”

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