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#but when i heard the other applicant is someone who's been working for them for the past semester i was like 🤡

sinnersweets · 2 months

Text

DogDay x Reader

part 2 ----->

A/N: My HC is that DogDay has an adult inside of him, unlike Catnap.

“Congragulations! Your application was chosen, and you are now part of the Playtime Co family! Please review all the following information provided in this email.” was all that was said in a recent email I had gotten. Finally, after weeks of job hunting, I heard back from someone, and it only took them a day to respond! I briefly skimmed through the email, knowing it was just boring company policies. At the very bottom it said that my first day was tomorrow. Wow, they sure do not waste time. I set an alarm and went to bed early, excited about my new job.

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

When I applied, I put down that I did not mind working anywhere in the factory so imagine how surprised I was when I showed up, they told me I would be working down below in a room called ‘Playcare.’ In fact, it was highly requested that I was to be stationed there. They told me it’s where they house orphans. It’s fascinating that a factory that builds toys for kids has its own orphanage here, right in the factory! I was given a uniform to change into and the uniform was honestly quite cute! The shirt was a golden-brown color that smelled like vanilla, I was given a nametag with a sun pin attached and... a headband with dog ears the same color. I didn’t think much of it and just went to change before heading off to Playcare.

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

I stared in awe as I looked down below at Playcare. This place was huge! I still could not believe that little kids lived here. I looked around at all the buildings. There was a school, a circus tent, a few more buildings and right up top was where all the orphans lived. Seeing all of this gave me the vibe of that one anime called ‘The Promised Neverland’ but I soon laughed at the thought. Kids do not die here, no demons feed on their brains, they get adopted. Adopted.

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

As I exited the cable car, I was instructed to meet my boss inside of the Playhouse. While walking to the playhouse some kids would run up to me and call me ‘girl DogDay’ whatever that meant. I just smiled and waved at them before entering the Playhouse. I was not given a name for who my boss was but was just told that they would know what I looked like and would spot me. Lots of kids were in this area. All screaming and chasing each other. One of them grabbed my hand and said, “Hurry we have to hide before he finds us!” I had no time to protest as I was led behind some foam building blocks. “Um, who exactly are we hiding from?” I whispered back to the kid, might as well play along. “Shh. He has good hearing.” was all that the kid said before peeking over the blocks we were hiding at.

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

Two minutes went by before we both heard some footsteps approaching. “He’s coming! Run!” and then the kid ran into a slide and started to climb up. I laughed at the kids' action and started to get up before I felt breathing coming from above me. I slowly lifted my head up and was shocked to see a giant dog hovering above me. “Hiya Angel!” I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t say anything, I was in shock. This enormous dog that looks like a plushy is speaking to me. “I found you which means now you get to help out with catching everyone!” The dogs tailed wagged. I stood up and got a good look at this...dog thing. He was tall, around 8 ft. He had a pendant in the shape of a sun, and he smelled like vanilla. Oh, that’s what the kids meant earlier by ‘girl DogDay,’ this is DogDay. “Come on Angel, I know if we work together, we can find all the kids before time is up” and then DogDay ran on all fours like an actual dog, in search of the other kids.

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

I think it was safe to say that DogDay found the rest of the kids while I just knew of the one that was with me before was hiding at. As we made our way back to the entrance, I noticed the kids laughing and trying to climb onto DogDay. Maybe he’s been with them forever and that’s why they don’t seem terrified by a dog that stands 8 ft tall. DogDay looked over and saw me and the last kid approaching and waved at us. The other kids stopped what they were doing and looked in my direction. In unison they all screamed “Girl DogDay is here!” I smiled sheepishly and waved at them. “Hi there....” Did these kids know about me? DogDay then put down some kids that he was holding and walked over to me. “Sorry about that Angel, I told them that I was getting a helper the other day and they have been wanting to see you.” “Oh, that’s fine. Hey um DogDay was it? Do you happen to know who my boss is by chance? I was told to meet them in here.” The kids behind Dogday started giggling. “You’re looking at him Angel!”

Huh? He’s joking right? This dog looking mascot is my boss?! DogDay then picked me up and hugged me tight. “We’re going to have so much fun working together Angel.” I could hear his tail wagging back in forth. He put me down and led me to the rest of the kids. “Kids, we have a new face joining us today. Why don’t you introduce yourself to us Angel.” I suddenly felt nervous. All these little eyes staring at me so excitedly. “O-okay, um well hi, my name is Angel- wait no” the kids started laughing. That wasn’t my name but hearing DogDay call me that this whole time just slipped out. DogDay was even laughing. I blushed in embarrassment. I cleared my throat and continued. “My name is Y/N, but I guess you could also call me Angel. I like to read, draw, um I guess sing, but I haven’t done it in a while. Umm, I’m 20 years old and my birthday is on November 14th and that’s pretty much it I think.”

DogDay clapped and soon the other kids followed his lead. “Well put Angel, now it’s my turn, though I think I’ll let the kids introduce me.” All at once the kids started yelling over each other to tell me about him. “He’s the leader of the Smiling Critters!” “He smells like vanilla!” “Super strong!” “DOGDAY CALLED YOU PRETTY!!” “Okay! Thank you, Damian, no need to shout now friend.” The shift in DogDays attitude changed, he was the one that seemed nervous now. The kid that was hiding with me was named Damian. Dogday then cleared his throat. “Let’s all go outside and wait for KickenChicken now alright?” The kids yelled in delight and pushed their way out of the Playhouse.

It was now just me and DogDay. “So, um I’m guessing you picked me to work here?” I tried breaking the awkward silence between us. I decided to not bring up the fact that he called me pretty, too awkward right now. DogDay then seemed to snap back into his cheery self. “Yep! I looked through a lot of applicants, but yours stood out to me.” It’s amazing that a toy factory lets a toy pick out an employer. DogDay then grabbed my hand and led me outside. “Come on, I’ll give you a tour of the place Angel.” I smiled and went along with him. I could see myself liking it here.

A/N: part 2 anyone?

#sinnersweets #poppy playtime #poppy playtime chapter 3 #dogday #x reader #dogday x reader

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cissywritess · 1 year

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𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒆 | One

Summary: You’re in your last year of high school, you want out of this town. It won’t be so easy when you got a stalker.

Pairing: Dark!Stucky x reader

Warnings: 18+, Dark Themes. Do not read if you are sensitive. Please, also check warning before you read anything 18+

Notes: The reader is obviously 18, calm down don’t call paw patrol. Unedited. This will be a series called ✨𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒆✨

You have always been lonely, mentally. You had one friend, Amelia was her name. You and Amelia have been friends since elementary. “Y/N! You won’t believe what just happened,” Amelia approached your locker. “I got voted for captain of the cheerleading team,”

The difference between you and Amelia was that she was popular and well you weren’t. She had friends while you only had her. “I just heard the news,” one of her friends ran up to her. “Let’s celebrate by going to the mall,”

Amelia paid no more attention to you and let her friends take her away. As much as you hate to admit it, she wasn’t a good friend. She only wants to talk to you when she wants to. She’ll ignore you if you approach her and ask to hang out. The only reason you’re still her friend is because you have no one else, you don’t think you’ll take it having no friends. You’re in senior year now you can’t be sappy.

You have it all planned out, after you graduate you’ll leave this town, go to college, find a lovely spacious apartment, and who knows maybe you’ll find someone. You have already been saving up, working at a diner after school.

As you walked home you couldn't help but feel eyes on you, everytime you stopped and looked around no one seemed suspicious. It's been like this for a couple of months now, they wanted you to know. Sending flowers to your house, you even get messages online from them. Whoever they are.

Once you made it home you didn't have time to do anything else but change into your work clothes. Your stay-at-home mother wasn't home, you weren't surprised by this because she was never home. She'd stay at some random man's house, after your fathers' death she wasn't the same, and that was 6 years ago.

Work stressed you out and with sending college applications out, you barely have time on your hands. The door opens with a ring and you look up and smile, "Hi Steve, the usual?" you asked, Steve was a regular who'd come in around the time your shift started. Sometimes he'll come in with a friend, Bucky. Steve was nice and always knew how to start a conversation while Bucky was quiet. They always lighten up your shift, making it a little more bearable.

"Yup," He sat on the stool. You set a mug in front of him and grabbed the coffee pot beginning to pour coffee into his mug. "How's school any letters?" you have a tendency to overshare, it's not like Steve was a creep. He came in a lot, so much you grew a bond.

"Not yet, which is weird. I sent them out weeks ago," You told him as you wrote his order down, you ripped the paper out of the book and took it to the kitchen window.

"I'm sure they'll come in, don't get your hopes up," He assured you, you cleaned up the plates and trash from the last customer, wiping down the table. You went to the kitchen window and grabbed Steve's order, you put his plate in front of him, "Thanks sweetheart," He said, making your heart bounce out of your chest. It was wrong to like someone who is way older than you. But it was just a crush and you're pretty sure he has a girlfriend or something considering he's very handsome.

"You're welcome," You replied and let him be, you attended to a new customer, taking their order. The door rings and you look up, your heart drops. It was Amelia and her friends, they never come in here. You looked around wondering where the other waitress was, you sighed knowing you'll have to do your job. You calmed yourself and walked up to their booth, taking a small book out and pen. "I'm Y/N I'll be your waitress today, drinks?" You said,

Amelia ignored you whatsoever, while her friends giggled once they saw you, "Y/N I didn't know you worked here," one of Amelia's friends replied, she looked at you up and down and sighed. "Not surprised, anyways we'll all take milkshakes, strawberry," she smiled. You wrote it down and left going back behind the diner.

You got to another customer, after a few more minutes you got their milkshakes and went to where they were handing them out to them. You once again took out your book and one out. "May I take your order?” You look down at the book ready to write it down.

“Nope,” she pops the p at the end with her lips. You nod and leave.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Steve pulled out his wallet and left the money next to the plate. You picked it up and saw he tipped you forty dollars. It’s not unusual, he always leaves a big tip.

“Are you sure, it’s a lot for a tip,” you look at him. He chuckles, you’ve had this conversation with him before,

“I’ll see you soon,” he says and heads for the door.

After more cleaning and serving customers Amelia and her friends leave, you go to their booth to clean up only to find out they didn’t pay for their drinks. You huffed out knowing it’ll come out of your paycheck.

When you got home you quickly dropped your stuff and headed to the bathroom. You needed a hot shower to relieve some stress, once you were out you went into your room, that was small. Your mom is a single mother, which means she can barely afford things. Like this small house, she bought with your dad's inheritance, she's been making money in her own ways. You changed and did your usual routine.

You pulled your laptop out of your backpack and sat up on your bed. First, you checked your emails to see if any colleges responded back to you. You then checked your messages, there was nothing but one message.

You look gorgeous as always baby

You tried to tell someone about this stalker but no one listened, they either don't believe someone like you would be stalked or they say, "We'll look into it" but never receive a text or call. This is why your dream is to leave this town, you're nothing here. If you leave you can start fresh. You leave them on sent and close your laptop, you went downstairs making sure all the doors and windows were closed.

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oneshotnewbie · 2 months

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do you write for greys? if so, could you do something with Amelia Shepherd and teen reader? Whether it's her daughter or a patient, i don't mind. and could the story be suuuper cute and fluffy? or whatever you feel up to writing is fine. Thx! 🥰

Summary: Amelia Shepherd meets a talented young medical student who wants to learn from her. A close relationship develops between the two of you, with Amelia not only sharing her medical expertise, but also acting as a mentor and friend while you help Amelia regain confidence in herself after botching a surgery that she actually knows by heart.

ᕚ---ᕘ

Amelia Shepherd hurried through the busy hallways of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, her gown flapping behind her as she was summoned to a consultation. Her mind was whirling as she prepared to tend to a new patient when suddenly a gentle voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Excuse me, Dr. Shepherd? Would you have a moment for me?" you asked and Amelia turned around, a young woman with a backpack over her shoulder and a stack of books under her arm catching her eye. Your eyes sparkled at her, and the neurosurgeon could immediately see the glint of curiosity in them.

"Of course," Amelia spoke and smiled. She tilted her head to the side and slipped her hands into her coat pockets before continuing. "How can I help you? Are you hurt?"

You stepped closer and held out your hand. "No. My name is y/n y/l/n. I am a medical student interning and I heard that you are one of the best surgeons here. I would really like to learn from you."

Amelia's smile deepened as she saw the determination in your expression. "It's nice to meet you, y/n. And of course I'm happy to help you. What exactly do you want to learn?" she asked and you beamed with joy, keeping pace with her as she continued walking, signaling you with a hand signal to follow her. "Anything you can teach me! I admire your work and want to learn as much as I can from you."

The brunette felt a wave of warmth in her heart. It had been a long time since someone had so enthusiastically asked to be her mentor. Far too long. "Well then let's get started." she said, leading you through the corridors of the hospital to the consultation she was needed for.

In the following days, Amelia and you spent a lot of time together. She showed you the different departments of the hospital, explained complex medical cases and even let you watch some operations. As you worked together, you began to get to know each other better, and Amelia became more and more impressed by your intelligence, ambition, quick wit, and kindness.

One day, while you were taking a break together in the cafeteria, you turned to Amelia with a shy smile. "Could I perhaps ask you for a favor, Dr. Shepherd?"

Amelia nodded and placed a hand on your shoulder while fishing for her fork with the other hand. "Of course, y/n. What's wrong?"

You hesitated for a moment before continuing nervously. "Well, I recently heard about a scholarship available for promising young doctors like myself, but the application process is quite demanding. I was wondering if you could perhaps write me a recommendation?"

Amelia smiled softly and nodded. "Of course I will, y/n. I'm sure you're an excellent candidate. I'm happy to support you and hope to see you here permanently as a medical student." She answered and you beamed with gratitude and relief, barely able to contain your joy. "Thank you, Dr. Shepherd. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"From now on it's Amelia, not Dr. Shepherd." She interrupted and as she continued to smile at you, she couldn't help but feel warm and fulfilled. In you she saw not only a talented young medical student, but also a friend and a possible successor. And she looked forward to supporting you on your journey, just as so many others had supported her when she was an aspiring doctor herself.

ᕚ---ᕘ

The news of your successful acceptance into the prestigious Grey Sloan scholarship spread like wildfire through the hospital, and Amelia couldn't help but beam with pride as she prepared to teach you everything she knew.

When you came to see her in person the next day, Amelia could hardly contain her excitement. “Congratulations, y/n!” she shouted, walking the last few centimeters towards you to pull you into a strong hug.

You grinned widely with joy and returned the hug as you laid your head on her chest and she planted a kiss on the top of your head. "Thank you, Amelia! I couldn't be happier!"

Amelia stepped back and regarded you with a beaming gaze as she wrapped an arm around your shoulder, leading you with her. "You deserve it, y/n. I knew from the beginning that you would make it."

The two of you walked up to a meeting room before you started talking about the future and how you would work together. You were excited to finally have the opportunity to develop the full extent of your knowledge and skills, and the neurosurgeon promised to support you every step of the way.

In the weeks and months that followed, an even closer friendship developed between the two of you. You continued to spend a lot of time together, both in and out of the hospital, sharing your thoughts, fears, and dreams.

Amelia was impressed by your eagerness and insatiable desire to learn and grow. She recognized that you were not only a talented aspiring doctor, but also a remarkable young woman with a strong moral compass and a warm heart.

As a mentor and friend, she stood by you when you needed support, be it with difficult medical cases that she assigned to you or with personal challenges. She encouraged you to do your best and never give up, no matter how big the obstacles might be.

And while Amelia helped you grow professionally and personally, she also found comfort and inspiration in your close friendship and enthusiasm. Together you went through ups and downs, but through your mutual support and affection, you grew stronger and closer together.

For Amelia, you were not just a student or a colleague, but an important companion on her own path, and she was grateful for the chance to have you on her path. Because in you she not only found a mental heir, but also a friend for life. She was able to lean on you especially in the difficult times, like during the time of her brother's death.

She had thrown herself back into work immediately after the funeral without taking a few days off, and now she was standing in front of the mirror in the relaxation room at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, staring at hersel. Her eyes shone uncertainty and self-doubt as she reflected on the events of the last few weeks.

An operation gone wrong. A patient who had suffered. And above all, the agonizing realization that she, an experienced surgeon, had made a mistake. A mistake that could have been avoided. A mistake that haunted her and shook her confidence in her own abilities.

Since her brother's tragic death, Amelia had struggled with grief. She had thrown herself into work to distract herself and numb the pain, but somewhere deep inside her doubt continued to gnaw at her. You had been a constant source of support and comfort during this dark time. As her young student and friend, you had not only supported Amelia with medical matters, but also served as an emotional support, encouraging her and reminding her that she was not alone.

There was a knock on the door that took her out of her thoughts and you walked in, a worried look on your face. "Amelia, how are you?" You asked softly, stepping closer. The brunette sighed and turned to you, her eyes dark with pain. "I'm sorry, y/n. I failed. I should have been more careful, I should have been better."

You moved closer to her and put a hand on her shoulder from behind, giving it a tight squeeze. "Am, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. You're only human." You spoke but she shook her head at your statement, unable to overcome the self-blame that tormented her. "But I should have known, y/n. I should have known better."

You looked at Amelia seriously and then lowered your voice to a very soft, quiet whisper. "Amelia, I know you are going through a difficult time. But I want you to remember who you are. You are an incredibly talented and passionate neurosurgeon. You have helped so many people and saved so many lives. Mistakes don't define your entire career."

Your words slowly penetrated Amelia's veil of self-doubt. She raised her eyes to meet yours, but you nudged her to look back in the mirror. When she had done this, you spread her legs with a light kick of your foot and placed one arm after the other on her hips. "Say it, Amelia."

"I am a superhero, let me fly." She whispered and you made the gesture with your hand that warned her to repeat the sentence. You had her repeat it several times until she realized which reflection she was looking into. "Just one strong and combative personality can make mistakes and still shine as much as you do in your Superman pose."

"Thank you, y/n. It means a lot to me." She spoke much stronger and you smiled softly. "We all need a reminder of who we really are sometimes. You are not alone, and I am here to help you remember."

Amelia threw her arms around you before getting back to work with you. Slowly but surely, Amelia began to regain her confidence in herself. With your support and your regular forcing to pose as Superman whenever she had self-doubts again, she overcame them and returned to her true passion: healing and helping people.

Amelia's journey has not been easy, and there have been many challenges and setbacks along the way. But with your continued support, she found herself back, strengthened by your friendship and unwavering confidence in her.

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who-is-page · 5 months

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i heard that youre a good resource on therianthropy/otherkinity so uh

i know that you can be a therian for animals, real or otherwise (im a cat therian) but can i be, like, a scoutbot tf2 therian? is that allowed?

also can you have multiple theriotypes (i think thats the term) at once?

There's a longstanding history of therians who have had multiple theriotypes at one time, so you don't need to worry there. The idea that therians could only ever have one theriotype arouse around the mid-2000's, and was propagated largely due to the grilling and gatekeeping culture that was ongoing at the time-- the circles you will mainly see parroting that language nowadays usually are similar in the ways they micromanage the ideas around what does and doesn't count in terms of someone's personal therianthropy.

The Scoutbot TF2 question is trickier to answer. In terms of "is this a thing you're allowed to do," the answer is yes (as the saying goes, you can do whatever you want forever) but you might run into an issue where people assume your experiences are different than you may intend to represent them as.

The therian community traces its roots back to the were community of the 1990's, specifically to alt.horror.werewolves (which is often shortened to AHWw). On AHWw, there was a were-Pontiac who went by the name Ponty. I've seen arguments for and against the legitimacy of this user, but there's still the fact that they were an active participant in the community, and they specifically identified as a Pontiac car. There have also been other inanimate objects within the community, such as a broom who was on the Werelist forum for a brief period of time (and I think I've heard talk of a violin on a different forum elsewhere, too-- but take that one with a grain of salt, since I can't remember exactly where or when it was, and I could be misremembering).

So is there historical basis for non-animal therians? The answer is, absolutely, yes! However, when people use the term therian or reference their theriotype, there is an underlying assumption that there is an inherent form of animality connected to their identity because of the history and culture around the community and term. For some non-animal therians, that works perfectly into their paradigm and is exactly why the term therian appeals to them so much-- they may not be an animal, but they still experience that animality and ferality that is so often closely associated with therianthropy and which is often assumed to be a relevant part of the concept, so the term perfectly encapsulates everything they hope for people to understand about their identity and its experiences.

For other non-animal identified folks, they don't experience anything they'd want to label as animality, and so they don't find the term therian useful to apply to themselves. If they were to use it, they would end up in a situation where they would be presenting their identity in a way that implies importance on specific things that aren't actually relevant to them.

What terms someone uses are going to come down largely to personal preference, how accurate they feel the term is in application to their experiences, and how well that term conveys their experiences to others on a surface level. Therian isn't necessarily a term everyone will find applicable, but for those who do resonate with it, it's perfect for what it needs to do.

I hope this made sense!

#Ask #Anonymous #therian

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rebelwrites · 2 years

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Dreams Do Come True

Charles Leclerc x Reader

Maybe Summer Doesn’t Have To End

Summary: One phone call is all it takes for your life to change forever.

Warnings: none I don’t think

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

Nearly two weeks had now passed since you flew home from Monaco, you and Charles kept missing each other's calls so it was always a one sided conversation through voicemails between you. Each day was getting harder, you had at least managed to leave your bed.

The hot water lashing down on your skin as you stood under the shower head letting your mind replay the memories of your time spent in Monaco.

You still hadn’t heard from the Ferrari team regarding your application and you had officially lost hope and the dream was dying.

Leaning your head against the tile wall you let a few stray tears roll down your cheeks as once again your heart called out for Charles, all you wanted was to be wrapped up in his arms forgetting your worries and stresses.

The sound of a fist pounding against the bathroom door pulled you out of your thoughts.

“Re, I’m in the shower, stop trying to break my door down.” you shouted, reaching for the new showergel you brought, it was the same one Charles used so at least you could smell like him.

“This is important, so get your ass out of the shower.” She shouted, pounding her fist against the door some more.

Sighing, you put the bottle down, shutting the water off. The sound of her voice told you that she wasn’t lying. Reaching for the towels you quickly wrapped your hair up in one before wrapping the other around your body. Rena was persistent with her pounding on the bathroom door.

“Jheeze, I’m fucking coming.” you shouted, unlocking the door pulling it open. “Now what was so fucking urgent I had to cut my shower short.”

The grin on her face grew twice as big as she waved your phone in the air.

“You got a call.” she grinned, holding the phone still.

Your heart dropped as you saw ‘WITHHELD’ on the screen, your hand flew over your mouth stopping you saying anything else. You weren't expecting a call from anyone, that's when it hit you. This was the call, the one you had been waiting for.

“Don’t worry, I put them on hold.” your sister smirked, “I had a feeling you would be a potty mouth and didn’t think it was a good look. Now take a deep breath and take the call.”

Swiping the phone from her you retreated back to your bedroom, perching on the edge of your bed as you took the call off hold.

“Hi, Y/N Y/L/N speaking, thank you for holding.” you said, trying to sound as professional as possible, not like someone who was just crying in the shower.

“How are you doing Y/N.” the voice on the other end of the phone answered, it was the same lady that rang you for your phone interview.

“I’m good, thank you.”

“I’m glad to hear,” she said with a cheery tone. “But I think I might make your day just that little bit better.” You could hear the smile in her voice. “We reviewed your application and went back over your phone interview and we are extremely excited to be able to offer you the job as the social media manager here within the scuderia Ferrari F1 Team. We also had a look at your instagram and we are very impressed with your photography.”

“Oh wow.” you breathed taking a second to process what she had said, once your brain had caught up you started speaking again. “Thank you so much, I was starting to lose hope due to my lack of languages.”

“At first we were concerned, but your work speaks for itself and we spoke to your old boss who sung nothing but your praises.” she said softly. “We would be stupid to let someone as talented as you slip through our fingers, and I am sure that once you are around the team you would start to pick up things quickly.”

“Thank you once again,” you breathed, running your hand over your face, you needed to stop your heart from pounding against your chest but the excitement coursing through your body was too much.

“No need to thank us, I will email over all the information that you will need. We would like you to start as soon as possible so you will fly out to Italy tomorrow morning as we think the perfect time to put your skills and magic to the test will be the release of the special livery and race attire for the Monza grand prix.” the lady said.

“That sounds perfect.” you grinned, right now you felt like a child on Christmas morning.

“Enjoy the rest of your day Miss Y/L/N and we will see you in Italy tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

The line went dead and you spent the next few minutes staring at your phone screen. Once you had finally caught up with what had just happened you quickly threw on a pair of leggings and Charles hoodie. The moment you pulled the hoodie over your body Rena quickly barged into your room, causing you to look up at her with tears in your eyes.

“So?” she asked, raising her brows at you.

“I GOT THE FUCKING JOB!” you squealed.

The moment the words left your lips she tackled you in a tight hug. “I told you that you can fucking do it, kiddo.” she said excitedly. “You just needed to have a little faith.”

Once you had come down to earth a little you flopped on your bed, staring at the ceiling as happy tears streamed down your cheeks. Never in a million years you thought this would happen to you but your heart was beating twice as fast when you realised what this meant.

You would be reunited with Charles.

You were on cloud nine as you and the girls were strolling around the shopping centre, this was the perfect excuse for a shopping trip and the girls refused to let you pay stating this was their treat and you weren’t allowed to use your savings. You had managed to let them agree to you buying coffee at least.

“Are you going to tell Charles?” Jessie asked as she sat down in the booth with the tray of your drinks.

“I was but then I changed my mind.” you laughed, taking your coffee off the tray, ripping open the sugar packets. “I want to surprise him before the start of practice one.”

“So how will this work?” Holly asked, raising her brow at you.

“I had a quick read of the information pack that I was sent and I won’t be at any of the photoshoots this week but all the images and videos will be sent to me and I will be in charge of scheduling etc but for the first couple of days I will be shadowing someone before I fully taken the reins.” you beamed, fiddling with the sleeves of Charles’ hoodie.

You couldn’t wait to be reunited with Charles, the thought alone was getting you through the day. You had it planned perfectly in your head, you weren't going to tell him you were just going to walk into the garage and let it go from there. You were so ready to stop living your life with him through voicemails.

“And what about you and Charles?” Rena asked, “Do they know that you two have a thing going on?”

“Yeah, when I got the info pack with my contract, flights and schedule I came clean and told them that I had a relationship with Char over the summer and that it would possibly continue.” you nodded, taking a sip of your coffee. “They were happy that I told them and as long as it doesn’t affect our jobs then they are okay with it.”

With each second that passed your smile was getting wider, your heart was beating faster and your excitement was growing.

Once again you found yourself staring at your passed cases that were sitting by the door, you had a rush of deja vu but at least this it wouldn’t leave you heartbroken.

You had checked your bags and documentation a million times wanting to make sure that you hadn’t forgotten anything.

This was finally the new start that you needed.

“You ready?” Rena asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“I think so.” you hummed looking up at her with tears in your eyes for the second time today. “I’m gonna miss you.”

“Hey, we will have no tears.” she whispered, strolling across the room, pulling you into a tight embrace. “You have landed your dream job and in a few days you will be reunited with your dream man. I am the proudest big sister in the world right now.” As she pulled away from the hug you saw her goofy smile causing you to burst out laughing. “Now come on, get that ass moving, you have a flight to catch and you are sure as hell not going to be late.”

As you gathered your bags and cases, you took one final look around your apartment taking it in for one last time. It was going to be a while before you would be back here but you were so ready for the next chapter of your life and ready to start this amazing adventure or travelling the world with Ferrari.

Charles was right you just needed to have faith in yourself because dreams do come true.

Charles found himself alone again, he knew he was just torturing himself by scrolling through your Instagram. There have been a few new posts today. The one thing that he noticed was how bright your smile was, it was a smile that melted his heart. You were happy and that was all that mattered. The picture was of you, your sister and your friends, his heart was racing at how bright your smile was. Dropping his gaze to the caption he was intrigued.

Last night with the girls before I start my big adventure tomorrow

Raising his brow at the screen he had no idea what your adventure was but he clicked onto your stories to see that you were at the airport, now he wanted to know where you were going. Swiping off Instagram he checked to see if he had any missed calls or voicemails from you.

But he had nothing.

Throwing his phone onto the bed he flopped down staring at the ceiling. His heart was heavy as a few tears rolled down his cheeks, he should have been bouncing of the walls as Monza was the next race, and it was set to be a good one with the celebration of Ferraris the new livery and race suits but he couldn’t find it in his heart to get excited about the race.

His thoughts were disturbed as Pierre walked into the room, completely focused on his phone. His fingers darted across the screen as he smirked to himself.

“Qu'est-ce qui te rend si heureux ? What makes you so happy?” Charles asked, sitting up so he was at the end of the bed.

“Nothing you need to worry about.” Pierre winked, locking his phone before tucking it into his jeans pocket.

“Liar,” Charles half laughed. “You seem to have forgotten that we have been friends for so long that I know when you are lying.”

“Rena, just texted me.” He hummed, he had to think of something that would sound believable and Charles knew that he had a crush on your older sister. But in reality you were texting him, telling him that you were planning on surprising Charles at first practice.

“Oh okay.” Charles sighed, checking his phone once again but there still wasn’t a text from you. “Has Rena said where Y/N is heading, she’s put on insta she’s at an airport but didn’t say where she was going.”

“No she’s not mentioned it.” Pierre shrugged, trying to hide the fact he knew exactly where you were heading. “Now come on, we both have photoshoots to get to.”

Charles nodded at his friend, reaching for the sun glass off the small table before pushing himself to his feet. Glancing in the mirror he couldn’t help but laugh at his appearance, his hair was messy but the stylist would sort that out and it was obvious he wasn’t sleeping well by the dark circles appearing under his eyes. Whoever was editing these photos for the new race suit would have their work cut out for them.

His mind was spinning as he mentally planned how he was going to surprise you during the 2 week break after Monza. He desperately needed to see you even if it meant flying over to the UK to do so. But little did he know he would be seeing you sooner than he planned.

@chibsytelford @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @stillbreathin @angywritesstuff @miamedyu @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @micks-afterglow @livo676 @buendiabebeta @pleasedontfollowinlost @ferrarifwendvale @hungryhungarian @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @sunf1owerrq

#Charles Leclerc #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc imagine #charles leclerc x reader #f1 #f1 x you #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #formula 1 imagine #formula 1 x you #formula 1 x reader

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miss-atena · 9 months

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Hellooo, hope you are having a nice day! I discovered your work not long ago, but I already liked it a lot! I'd like to order a Cody/X Virus x Reader, in which the Reader is a biology nerd who is enthralled by Cody's skills and knowledge! Just the two of them being adorable nerds together!! 👉👈🤧💕

((it's so hard to find content about Cody, and it makes me particularly sad because he's my favorite creepypasta! 🥹🥹🥹))

Anyway, thank you in advance!! 💞

HIHII! I'm so sorry for the long wait, my life has been wild this last couple of weeks, but I'm back at writing and YES CODY'S FANS RISE UP!! Love me when he is a psychopathic scientist lol. Hope you enjoy this!

X Virus x Biology Nerd Reader

Cody normally keeps to himself in his lab, and is not really used to having people besides EJ or Toby around. So when he gets assigned a lab partner, he got skeptical.

He couldn't understand if this was some wild scheme from the others to make him interact more, or if you were actually someone with enough knowledge to work with him, but he couldn't complain since it was orders from the proxies.

You were going to be Cody's lab partner due to your area of knowledge on biology being similar in level to his, and you were certainly excited to find someone with an interest similar than yours, from what you heard of him.

When you did come to the lab, and looked around the place, you were certainly excited with the amount of biology related stuff. It was all you ever wanted, and it made your love for the subject bubble out.

Cody met you right there, on the lab, and at first he was REALLY skeptical, because you looked decent.

'since when does a scientist looks decent? They will not understand at all what I'm doing'

But the moment you opened your mouth and started accurately guessing what each thing he had was, his eyes sparkled. No way...

"Oh my god, you have a guide to the human cardiovascular system! Do you use it often? I bet you do, look at the amount of stuff that needs an intravenous application..."

"Wait, you actually know what you're talking about?"

It didn't take long to Cody to open up about his current researches and projects, like his experiments with the xelymtopa virus, or how he was experimenting on the maximization of effects on cyanide based poisons.

You were excited and eager to know, even bringing your own hypothesis on what could happen depending on the person he experiments on, which he appreciates.

Soon enough you were one of Cody's closest friends (and maybe he had a bit of a crush on you too), and were together everywhere, freaking everyone out by your casual talks about deadly diseases and poisonous animals.

Cody, while doing his work on the infirmary with EJ, opened up about how he felt close to you in a deeper level than anything, but he couldn't put a finger on what exactly he felt. EJ advised him to be open with you besides the work talk.

Cody felt confused and even a bit scarred. Open up about feelings? That is not like him at all...

His mind went in circles on how this was a bad idea and how he would lose your friendship, and you were the only one that actually understood what he said for once, but... EJ never wronged him. Why would he be wrong this time, right?

The next day, on the lab, you were working on one of your projects, some vaccines for one of the many viruses samples Cody had, when he came inside the labe with something behind his back.

"Hey, uh, I hope I'm not interrupting but... Can I talk to you for a second?"

After you looked at him and nodded, he basically dumped all of his feelings for you at once, and you couldn't help but giggle at how the usually confident in himself Cody was a blushing and rambling mess.

You did feel the same towards him, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He did have something to give you, your very own test subject. It was a golden poison frog, which was being securely held in a small vivarium.

Let's just say that both of you are probably the deadliest couple in the manor, and that if anyone bothers one of you, the other is very capable of performing inhumane tests on them just out of spite.

Hope you enjoyed it! I am not particularly knowledgeable on Biology, never had very good teachers on the subject, but it was certainly fun to write this. We need more Cody love in the world fr fr.

#creepypasta #creepypasta fanfic #creepypasta x reader #x virus #x virus x reader #tena writing #gihzinha #thanks for the request!#i love cody so much me and my friends r such simps of him shsjsbksns

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tcwmatchmakingau · 10 months

Text

Third Time’s the Charm

Captain Rex x Gen!Reader One-Shot

Summary: The war is over, and the Republic has won. Rex signed up for a matchmaking service and you’re meeting for a third date. Basically just Rex fluff and him being nervous and awkward lol.

Rating/Warnings: SFW with kissing, making out, slight suggestiveness.

Word count: 1800-2000ish

Author’s Note: This is a two in one, baby! Not only is it a submission the the Clone Matchmaking AU @tcwmatchmakingau (pls read the other fics that have been submitted!) but also a prompt from @freesia-writes ! The prompt: “kiss me again, but- mphh" from the kissing prompts list. Idk how I feel about this one but I gotta get it out of my drafts.

Please enjoy and reblogs/comments are always appreciated. I just want to kiss Rex, okay? 💕

Rex was pacing, his nerves almost completely shot. He checked the time every few seconds, subtly breathing into his palm to make sure his breath didn’t stink. He smoothed out his civvies, hoping they weren’t too wrinkly.

Shockingly to Rex, you had agreed to meet for a third date.

He was excited, yes. But also incredibly nervous.

Rex liked you.

A lot.

Rex never thought he’d get this far.

He didn’t know what to expect when he reluctantly accepted the first date match from Right to Love Matchmaking Service.

Rex had heard about it from some of his brothers but wasn’t sure it was for him.

Who would want a washed-up soldier? He also knew nothing about dating. Sure, he’s had a few quick flings and stolen kisses in the back of 79s when he was a cadet. But now, the thought of putting himself out there, looking for something serious while having strangers match him with another stranger… sounded like a recipe for disaster.

On the other hand, now that the war was over, companionship did sound nice. And a few of his brothers have had success with the service…

He continuously tossed around the idea, a few times half-filling out the Holonet application before deleting it, the fear of the unknown getting the best of him.

Rex even walked by the building once, Right to Love flashing in neon lights, almost stepping inside before his nerves sent him in the other direction.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, when Fives and Echo invited him to a “boy's night out” for drinks, that he was convinced.

Or more like the alcohol did the convincing for him.

One drink turned into two, then three, and somehow the conversation switched to the matchmaking service.

Both Fives and Echo had girlfriends now, having met through Right to Love.

Rex has met them a few times, and they did seem like good partners, and Fives and Echo were happier than he’d ever seen them.

He was proud of them for moving on from the war and finding happiness. Rex couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy sometimes, wondering if he’ll ever get to experience that, too.

Rex mentioned how he’s been thinking about signing up for Right to Love, and that’s how they persuaded him to fill out the digital application right there with them at the bar.

“Aw c’mon Rex!” Fives clapped Rex’s shoulder. “You should try it out. Anyone is lucky to have you!”

Fives took a large swig of beer, slammed it down, and pulled out his datapad.

“The application is easy. I don’t know how they do it, but they work some kind of magic. My girl is perfect, the woman of my dreams. I don’t think I would have ever found someone like her without them!” Fives shoved his datapad over to Rex, wiggling his eyebrows. “You don’t even have to go in person. Let us help you, vod!”

A few more sips of liquid courage later, Rex was pressing submit on his application while Fives and Echo cheered him on.

The rowdy night continued, and Rex quickly forgot all about it.

Rex didn’t remember he followed through until the next morning when a notification chimed on his terminal.

He woke from his deep sleep, still recovering from the night before, reading the message with blurry eyes and a headache.

Dear Rex,

Thank you for choosing Right to Love Matchmaking Service, where everyone deserves the right to companionship!

We have received your application and are processing your submission.

A matchmaking representative will be reaching out to you shortly. Have a wonderful day!

Rex’s brain almost short-circuited, the hazy memory of Fives and Echo helping him fill out the form coming back to him.

Those kriffing di’kuts!

Rex panicked momentarily, not sure if he was ready for this. But he thought of how happy his brothers were, and maybe it was finally time for him to step out of his comfort zone.

Rex commanded battalions alongside Jedi in life-or-death situations, and yet here he was, afraid to go on one singular date.

To Rex’s surprise, the whole process was easier than expected. The representative that reached out to him was nice, eased some of his worries, and answered all the questions he had. At the end of the conversation, the representative said they already had a match for him.

You.

To his even greater surprise, your first date went fine.

Fantastic, even.

Rex was an anxious mess leading up to meeting you in person, but you were kind, patient, compassionate, everything he would want in a partner.

It was almost like this matchmaking service did its job.

The next morning after your first date, you comm’d him asking to meet again, saying you had a good time.

Rex responded immediately with a resounding yes, hoping he wasn’t coming off as too desperate.

Your second date was even better than the first, learning more about one another, and you talked for hours.

You both hadn’t realized how late it had gotten and completely lost track of time. The restaurant you met at for lunch was now finishing up the dinner rush, you two the last ones in the eatery.

Rex walked you back to your apartment, and you hugged him as you said good night.

Maker, he couldn’t stop thinking about the hug. How warm and soft you felt against him. How he could smell the faint floral aroma of your shampoo. How your eyes shined as you whispered good night. He couldn’t stop thinking about you, Rex was completely smitten.

He was feeling the pressure now, waiting for you to meet him in front of the Coruscant Botanical Gardens where you planned to meet for your date.

Rex was low-key fretting about what came next. Another hug? Maybe holding your hand? A kiss?

Rex swallowed thickly.

He wanted to take things slow and didn’t want you to feel pressured into anything.

If a quick hug from you made him feel this good, he couldn’t even imagine what a kiss would be like.

He could feel his palms begin to sweat. Before he could spiral anymore, he heard his name.

You were walking toward him, a large smile on your face.

“Hey, Rex!” You waved, stepping up to him. You stopped, hesitating for a moment. Little did Rex know, you were having the same thoughts. Maker, he’s so handsome, I want to kiss him! I hope he wasn’t weirded out by the hug from a few nights ago…but he agreed to meet me again so I guess I didn’t scare him off…

“I’ve lived on Coruscant my whole life, and never been to the gardens. Funny how that happens sometimes.” You laughed.

Rex nodded stiffly.

“I’ve never been here, either. But I’m glad we can experience it for the first time together.”

You blushed at his words, Rex’s ears feeling hot at his admission.

You smiled again. “Me too, Rex. Shall we?”

The gardens were huge and seemingly endless, growing flora from hundreds of planets. Rex was able to point out some, recognizing them from the war. He was well-traveled because of it.

You enjoyed hearing him speak of his past, his brothers, and the sometimes downright insane feats he was involved with during the war.

Your conversation was always easy, like you’ve known one another for years. You couldn’t believe how perfect he was and how comfortable you felt around him.

Was it too good to be true, though?

You wandered for a while, keeping up conversation. You eventually sat on a bench in a massive greenhouse, admiring the lush greenery around you.

You were silent for a few moments, Rex wondering if this was his chance.

He wanted to kiss you. He was going to ask you. He was a soldier, no, a Captain, dammit! He should have the courage to do this!

Rex took in a breath, knowing he had to get over his anxiety and just take the leap. It was now or never.

You heard Rex’s inhale and you felt worry stir in your gut. Here we go, he’s going to tell me he doesn’t want to meet again. The classic “it has been really fun but…”

“I’ve…enjoyed our dates.” Rex turned to you. “And I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. So, thank you.”

You raised your eyebrows, meeting his gaze, surprised at his comment.

“Rex, you don’t have to thank me. I’ve been enjoying them too. I like you a lot.” You fidgeted a little, blushing. Maybe I didn’t screw things up!

You took your own breath, continuing.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for the dating service…I went on some bad dates a while back and was kind of fed up with it all, you know? But I’m glad I took the chance on you.”

Rex felt some confidence rush through his veins. “Really?” He asked.

“You’re easy to talk to, kind, a good listener. Not to mention a complete gentlemen. It’s hard to find that.” Your cheeks were hot at your own words, suddenly too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

“I like you a lot, too.” Rex’s voice was low, and you felt something brush against your hand on the bench, looking down, and saw Rex’s hand barely touching yours.

You moved your hand closer, and Rex took your hand in his. You thought your heart might leap straight out of your chest. His hand was calloused, yet warm. Comforting.

“You’re brilliant, remarkable. Not to mention the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. I…I’m so happy I met you.”

“Oh, Rex…you mean that?” You’ve never had a man say those words to you with such sincerity.

“More than anything in my life. Can…can I ask you something?” Rex was almost whispering. You nodded, eyes wide, wondering what he wanted to say next.

“Can I kiss you?” Rex was gazing right at you, his heart pounding in his ears.

Warmth blossomed in your chest, entwining your fingers with his. You couldn’t keep the grin from spreading on your face, and Rex saw how your features lit up like the Tattooine suns.

“Yes…Rex. I thought you’d never ask.”

Rex could see the colors of the bright flowers that surrounded you in your eyes as he leaned toward you.

Rex stopped centimeters from your lips, bringing his free hand to tenderly cup the side of your face. Your breath hitched at the gentle gesture, your eyes fluttering closed in bliss as he shyly brushed his lips against yours.

For Rex, the world melted away. Did he die and go to heaven? Because that’s how he felt when your hand moved to his shoulder, your unbelievably soft lips pressing back into his in a chaste kiss.

All of his anxieties dissipated, forgetting why was so nervous about this date in the first place, all he could think about was you and how lucky he was in this moment.

You pulled away after what could have been hours, your eyes hooded, looking up at him, smiling, realizing you were still holding hands.

“Rex…” The way his name fell from your lips, husky and almost sensual, ignited a fire in him. He wanted to hear it again and again.

Rex released his hand from yours, bringing it to your other cheek, cradling your head with both his hands now with such reverence you thought you might faint.

“Was…was that ok?” He murmured, wanting more, but didn’t want to push your boundaries in any way.

“Yes…kiss me again, Rex. Pleas-mph!” Rex quickly slid his mouth against yours, still cradling your head as your arms wrapped around him, your words cut short by his lips.

The kiss was deep, passionate, just like him. You sighed against his mouth, Rex using the opportunity to sweetly lick your bottom lip, politely asking for entrance.

You eagerly obliged, excited by his newfound confidence. His tongue entered your mouth, eliciting another satisfied sigh from you and a groan from Rex. Your body to trembled against his in fervor, feeling his muscles flex under your hands.

Your lungs began to burn, needing oxygen but not wanting this kiss to end.

Your mouths moved as one, gripping one another like you were the last two people in the Galaxy.

You let out a small whine as Rex pulled away, both your lips swollen from the intensity, your faces flushed and your bodies on fire.

“Wow…” was all you could mutter, as Rex’s hands fell from your flushed face. “That was…”

“Incredible?” He mumbled. You nodded in agreement, leaning into him. Rex wrapped his arm around you, still seated on the bench.

“I’ve been wanting to do this since we first met,” Rex admitted, his thumb slowly caressing your arm.

You were quickly turning into mush seeing this new, romantic side of Rex emerge.

“Me too.” You couldn’t help but giggle, giddy at what had just taken place.

Rex brought you into him, embracing you in a hug, silently thanking his brothers for making him take the plunge and sign up for this dating service.

“I think we’ve seen enough plants for one day. Want to come back to my place?” You asked, nuzzling against his chest. “We could make dinner and watch a Holomovie?”

“I’d love to,” Rex answered as you looked up at him. “I’d really love to.” Rex hasn’t been sure about much since the war ended, trying to find purpose and meaning in a new Galaxy.

He was sure about one thing now, and it was you.

Taglist: @pb-jellybeans @dukeoftheblackstar @king-chaos-world @523rdrebel @wanderer-six @the-cantina

#clone matchmaking au #501st Legion #tcw matchmaking au #captain rex x reader #captain rex x you #captain rex x gen!reader #captain rex #the clone wars fanficfion #starrycatwrites #submission

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our-t4t-experience · 3 months

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hi Evan! Big fan of what you do on your page. I very recently got a boyfriend who is also a trans man. Do you maybe have any tips on how I can make this relationship last more than a month? (Knowing my luck…)

-🦦(if I ask anything else)

there are some things that are in your control and some things that are out of them. its worth mentioning that if you have been abused before, its more likely that you will either perpetrate those behaviors, or on the flip side, allow people to perpetrate those behaviors against you

in my experience i have had a lot of unstable relationships where the instability wasnt necessarily caused by me (or me alone) as much as it was the other person being abusive to me and me letting it happen

so this advice IS coming from a place of "ive been abused," if this isnt applicable, my apologies

-communication is very important and remembering that people communicate in different (and sometimes incompatible) ways is also very important. you may be extremely direct and dating someone whos a little sensitive. you may want to de escalate an argument by being by yourself and they may want to talk about it. its important to be able to compromise sometimes and for them to compromise sometimes if your communication styles arent aligned. my girlfriend has to be very direct with me because shes learned that while we're both southern and she has learned to approach boundaries and conflict in a passive, sugar coating way, because im autistic, that approach doesnt work, for example

-how do you express love? how does your partner express love? its important to show your love in a way that is fulfilling to you, but its also important to show your love in a way that your partner receives it. ive heard mixed things about the "5 love languages" test but honestly i did the test and it was decently accurate and may be a good start, its also worth noting that neurodivergent people may also express love in different ways than the "norm"

-never stop dating your partner. yall like flowers? get each other flowers! go on cute dates! send each other memes that make you think of the other person! never stopping trying to impress your partner can make for a more fulfilling and exciting long term relationship

-time together, especially later in your relationship, is super important. distance can make the heart grow fonder (trust me, we're long distance lol) but you dont want to be away from them all the time. work and family obligations can make that hard, but having time to yourselves is important, me and caspian sleep together on the phone every night, and thats one of my favorite parts of the day

-specifically trans advice, but your trans partners transition should be a celebration. ive heard from one trans man that you should be responding to your loved ones transition like you would if someone was having a planned and wanted baby, and thats good advice. get excited! get funny with it! get romantic with it! my girlfriends excited for me to get top surgery and that makes me feel very good about my transition

(past this is longer term advice)

-i dont usually like those "3 weeks 3 months 1 year" rule stuff, but in my experience, you can usually tell if youre compatible with someone by 3 months. this is enough time for the "honeymoon phase" to chill out a bit and youre more receptive to their flaws. by some point you should be able to know if these flaws are a dealbreaker (unless youre like me and have a fawn instinct lol), and ive also found that i can tell when a relationship is unhealthy USUALLY by around 3 months, at least in my subconscious

-i knew i wanted to marry caspian by 6 months of us being together, and we're not getting married right now for a couple different reasons mostly boiling down to we're just not ready yet, but id recommend waiting 6 months before you start thinking seriously about a future with this person

-a rule ive had for a long time regarding marriage with anyone is that i want to have lived with them for a full year before we get engaged. i dont live with my girlfriend and wont until probably the end of this year (our 7 months os tomorrow!) but i have lived with a partner and have found that you can find out a lot about a person by living with them for an extended period of time

if i missed anything lmk, anyone else is also free to give advice in the comments (:

#🦦 anon #trans #t4t mlm #tm4tm #gay t4t #t4t

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wishtherebestars · 1 year

Text

WHITE LIES ✴︎ peter dawson

peter dawson x f!reader

WARNINGS: mention of war, violence, death, wwii, spoilers for dunkirk

WORDS: 4.5k

⎯⎯⎯⚜︎⚜︎⚜︎⎯⎯⎯

Evelyn had always been told by her mother that a little white lie once in a while would not hurt anyone, not truly. Evelyn herself had used a few white lies here and there, the most recent one was her job application. She had enlisted to become an army nurse for the English Army, and when they asked how long she had been a nurse, she had said a few years, which was not totally a lie, she had been working as a nurse for a few years, in her hometown of Shaftesbury in Dorset, but she had been unlicensed when she worked then.

She didn’t get her license until a few months ago when the town doctor granted it to her after some quick courses. She didn’t care for her experience, she wanted to help as well. Men were laying down their lives for them, the least she could do was help where she could. She had joined just before Christmas, her own parents had not been alive anymore to see this new war, and she only had one brother left who had joined the army as well, specifically the Air Force.

She had been quickly assigned to France, even more accurately, in Dunkirk where currently many soldiers were waiting on the beach to be rescued as the Nazi’s were closing in on them, including Evelyn who tried to help where she could, wearing a long coat she had found in town of an abandoned house as she walked alongside the men, coming whenever one called her.

“Miss, perhaps it’s time for you to board the ship as well, you’d be much more use there” Colonel Winnant told her as she walked around the docks, the long coat fighting to keep her warm. “I am good here, Colonel, with all due respect but what happens when all the nurses are on sea and these men need help?” she asked the Colonel and he nodded, agreeing with her slightly. “Very well, do be careful” he said, and she nodded before she went to check the next one. She had walked away when she saw a stretcher come towards her. “Move!” she yelled as two young looking men made way through the other soldiers. It broke her heart how often she saw soldiers, no older than 20.

The two young men were sent back on the docks after they gave the stretcher to the medical personnel of the ship they were clearly trying to board and Evelyn followed them with her eyes, as they got on anyways. She could say something but that was entirely useless anyways. What was the point to rat out someone who was only trying to save their own life, in these times she did not care. she continued her job until she heard something, like everyone when she looked up, she saw enemy planes above them, shooting at the ship and docks. Evelyn quickly tried to hide herself and then saw the medical ship was sinking. “Sweet Mother of—” Evelyn cursed when the ship started to fall against the docks as she watched soldiers jump overboard before she watched the ship go down, another attempt to rescue people had failed.

Evelyn continued to aid where she could until a soldier walked towards her. “We need a nurse on deck of that boat there” he told her to one somewhere in the distance. “There are no nurses on land, I am needed here” she said but he shook his head. “we are a medical ship with no medical staff, please” he begged, and she finally gave in as she joined them, her coat wrapped warmly around her body as they went with the rest of the people. Sailing as far away from Dunkirk as possible.

“You feel guilty” he said as he looked at Evelyn. “Only a little, I hope there is someone coming for them” she said, and he nodded. “Me too” he said as they went off, yet when they were half ways away, Evelyn started to feel uneasy, she stayed on deck as she looked out onto the sea.

“Torpedo!” someone yelled, and the ship was hit. People started running, most jumping off the ship, but not Evelyn as she tried to help everyone, trying to get them to safety when she saw the familiar face of the soldier who had asked for her help. “Here” he told her giving her a vest which she quickly put on. “What about you?” she asked. “Don’t worry about me” he told her before he threw her overboard, saving her.

She let out a squeal as the cold water hit her, letting her body float in the water as it had been easy waves, avoiding the burning spots where oil had leaked. She continued to float around until she hit a small boat. “Pick her up!” one man ordered as they saw her. “It’s a nurse” one said, and they all agreed as they rescued her. She sat with them. “Where are you going?” she asked as she sat in the middle, trying to make sure the boat wouldn’t flip. “England” the one standing said and she nodded, there was no way she could talk them into leaving for Dunkirk again. They sailed into the dark, until the wood of the boat suddenly creaked again.

This time it seemed a submarine had caused the damage, probably the same one who had sent the torpedo. Most men fell off, except Evelyn and another who placed themselves up on the flipped boat to get out of the cold water.

“We need to remain still” Evelyn said, in the hopes that they wouldn’t fall back in and die of hypothermia. They stayed in the same spot, the coat still around her as the soldier next to her found a blanket to keep himself warm. “Hey!” Evelyn heard and when she looked up, she saw a boat, one not meant for the spoils of war. “Can you swim?” someone yelled. Evelyn looked at her nameless companion who didn’t speak to her and only shivered. “I can!” Evelyn yelled back. “Can you throw a rope?” she questioned and soon a rope was thrown at her. She caught it before she turned to the soldier. “Are you staying or coming?” she asked, and he stood up, before diving into the water. Evelyn quickly followed but soon realised the coat was dragging her down. She took it off and let it sink to the sea floor.

“Here, give me your hand” the voice from before said and when she looked up, she saw a young man, with blond hair and a red knitted sweater which truly reminded her of home as she was helped on board. Her wet nurse clothes dripped onto the deck as she saw the other soldier hunched into a corner. Shellshock, she had seen it enough already to know it was not good news.

“I’m Peter Dawson, this is my friend George and my father” Peter said as Evelyn settled on the small bench behind the father of Peter, Mr. Dawson. “Evelyn, Evelyn Farrier” she said, and Peter nodded before he rushed away to grab blankets as she shivered from the cold. She was quickly wrapped in a blanket as was the other soldier with her and handed a similar knitted sweater. “To keep you warm” Peter said, and she gave him a small smile.

“Thank you” she said as she used the blanket to try dry herself before she pulled the blue sweater over her head. “Where do you come from?” Evelyn asked looking at the three people. “Weymouth, Miss” Mr. Dawson answered, and she nodded. “Long way from home” she said. “What about you?” Peter asked, kneeling before her. He couldn’t get his eyes off her, she had been beautiful. Her dark hair, in spite of the wetness, was pinned and curled rather neatly, and she had the softest expression on her face that had been a rare sight since the war had started.

“Dorset” she said, and Peter smiled. “Then we are not the only ones away from home” he said as he ordered his friend to start brewing tea. “Are you the only nurse?” Mr. Dawson asked, looking around to see if there were more people. “Yes, the others were hit on the Medical boat already, I’m one of few left” she said as she looked at the Captain of the small ship. He nodded and she understood this man had seen war before and had not hoped to see it again in his lifetime.

“You seem young to be a nurse” George said coming back up to give her a cup of tea. “I’m 19, that’s old enough” she said, and George nodded. “I’m 17 and Peter is 20, we are neighbours” George said, and she nodded before tea was thrown over her as the soldier next to her threw it away. “Easy” she told him, sliding slightly away. “You can sit down inside, it’s a lot warmer than out here” George said but the soldier didn’t respond. “Would you mind if I went down?” she asked and they all shook their head as Peter stood up, offering his hand to help her down. “I might have some more dry clothes here somewhere, perhaps you can wear that instead” he offered, and she nodded in thanks.

Peter turned around as she looked and indeed found old trousers made from wool that would be a better replacement than her wet nurse outfit. She jumped into a small room and redressed herself, throwing the wet clothes in a corner to dry out. “There much better” she said as she gave Peter a small smile. George came down again to make another cup of tea for the soldier. “Peter? Is there still a room to sleep down there?” Mr. Dawson asked, and Peter looked around. “Yes” he called back, and Evelyn quickly got back on deck to make sure there was room down below. She listened to what Mr. Dawson was doing, convincing the soldier they were turning around back to England, but Mr. Dawson did no such thing when the soldier was down below deck.

Evelyn stayed on top, looking at the sea when they kept seeing planes go over. She silently wondered if one of them held her brother, she knew he flew one of those planes, she was unfamiliar with the correct term, but she recognised them. “You look at them longingly” Mr. Dawson said as Evelyn snapped back from her daydream, a blanket around her shoulders as she wore old clothes belonging to Peter.

“My brother, sir, he is a pilot and I have not heard from him in months” Evelyn explained and looked up again. “I hope he is safe” Mr. Dawson told her, and she nodded. “Me too” she said when she heard knocking from down below and when she stood to look, she saw Peter stand before the door where he had locked the soldier in. George stood close to her, on just before the steps as they looked down, but when Peter opened the door again the soldier was gone.

Evelyn sprang into action, looking around the deck when she saw him approach Mr. Dawson. “You lied to me” he said looking at Mr. Dawson. “I cannot turn around; this boat is meant to help people” Dawson said as he looked straight ahead. “Meant to help?” the soldier mocked, as he looked at Dawson. “This is a pleasure boat, it serves no purpose in the war” he said, and Evelyn could find it in herself where she understood him, he was frightened. “There are still people on the beaches of Dunkirk that need our help son, and we cannot abandon them in times of need” Dawson said but the soldier didn’t agree as he started to attack Mr. Dawson.

Evelyn quickly grabbed the soldier, trying to hold his arms down as she heard Peter rush up the stairs trying to help his father and her. She eventually fell flat on her behind on the deck as the Soldier pushed everyone away when she heard a bang. She quickly stood up and rushed over. The Soldier had placed himself in a corner as Peter rushed down. “George!” he yelled out in shock, and she quickly followed after him when she saw George lay on the ground emotionless. He wheezed slightly as Evelyn reached him. “Give me one of those vests” she ordered, and Peter did as she told him as she fumbled it up until it made a decent pillow which she placed under George’s head.

“It’s okay” she kept telling him, and she wasn’t sure which of the three she was comforting; George, Peter, or herself. She carefully checked his head and found a spot that was bleeding. “Do you have a clean rag?” she asked, and Peter nodded as he handed it to her. “You’ll be okay, George, you hear me” Peter told his friend and although the gesture was meant to be kind, Evelyn saw the metal piece he must have hit with his head, and it didn’t mean anything good especially on open water nowhere near a decent hospital.

“I need to bandage this so it’ll stop” Evelyn said, trying to hide her thoughts as she looked at Peter, as she knew she could do was make George comfortable and make sure the Soldier didn’t catch a whiff of this information as she was sure it would send the Shellshocked Soldier into another fit of rage and sadness. Peter did whatever she asked and gave her a first aid kit as she wrapped George’s head. “There, now, be careful alright” Evelyn said, and George grunted in agreement.

Peter stayed with George for a moment longer making sure his friend was alright. Evelyn went to check on the Soldier. “Is he?” he asked, his hands shaking. “He needs some rest, and he has a small wound” Evelyn said sitting down the soldier on deck. “He’ll be fine” she lied, she hated lying but it seemed the war made her a liar. How many more lies of people being okay when they aren’t would she spew, she had done it so many times before.

Mr. Dawson shot her a look, but he noticed the sadness in her eyes and knew, George was not doing as well as she made everyone believe. But she couldn’t worry them now. Again, the planes went over their heads, this time lower than before. “Evelyn!” she heard Peter call, and she took her eyes off the planes as she went belong deck where she saw a frantic Peter. “He says he can’t see” Peter said, and Evelyn looked at George who laid still on the ground, looking at nothing as his eyes couldn’t focus. She walked closer and moved his face to make him look in her direction. “You cannot see anything?” she asked. “No” George muttered.

“What does that mean?” Peter asked, looking at Evelyn as she checked the wound, it was still bleeding a little. “It’s not uncommon, he hit his head, there is probably a swelling like when you injure yourself on the outside, it turns blue, or it swells, same can happen in the inside of your body, George just needs to rest” she told Peter as she gave him a weak smile, but he seems to buy it. Peter nodded and went above deck when his dad called. “You are a smooth liar” George whispered softly. Evelyn looked at George as his face was in the direction of the wall. “I don’t want to worry you, or your friend” she said, and George nodded. “Am I going to die?” he asked. “Not if I can help it” she said and grabbed some new bandages to tighten the first one to try stop the bleeding.

“It’s not his fault, the soldier, he is shellshock, that’s what Mr. Dawson calls it” George said. “Mr. Dawson is indeed right” Evelyn said. “Distract Peter, he is needed” George said, and Evelyn nodded before she realised, he wouldn’t be able to see it. “Of course, I won’t let him worry” she said, and George smiled. “Thank you” he said. “No, thank you, if you hadn’t joined this crew perhaps, I would still be out there” Evelyn said, and George smiled proudly. “My young hero” she said, and he smiled still when Evelyn went on deck to see what was happening.

Evelyn saw as one of the planes had crashed and Mr. Dawson seemed determined to sail towards it. “Dad! There was no parachute, he’s dead” Peter said, sounding a lot more pessimistic than before. “He can still be alive!” Mr. Dawson said, and it made Evelyn wonder if he had lost someone during the last war. They sailed closer and Peter grabbed a stick used for the sails to crack open the glass to release the pilot who swam to the surface. “Good day” he said with a thick accent. “Come” Evelyn said holding out her hand for the pilot as he climbed on board.

Peter went to grab him a cup of tea and a blanket and when Evelyn had been turned around, he had asked him for medical advice. “I am no doctor, son, I don’t know, what about anyone else?” the pilot asked. “Evelyn is a nurse, but she said it was nothing to worry about” Peter said. “Then trust the Nurse” he said before coming back on deck. “What’s your name?” Evelyn asked as she looked at the Pilot. “Collins, Miss” he said. “Farrier” she said in the same tone as he did while she placed a teasing smile on her face.

“Farrier? Henry Farrier’s family?” Collins asked and she nodded. “That’s my brother” she said. Collins pointed to the other plane, the last Spitfire on their side. “That’s him” he said. Evelyn looked to the sky, anxiety washing over her body as she crossed her arms, fisting the fabric. “Don’t you dare die” she muttered as she kept an eye on the Spitfire.

Collins made a quick promise to himself and at the same time Farrier, that he would let nothing happen to his sister, the man would have his head if he did. Evelyn walked down below deck again, checking up on George, whose breathing had slowed down. “How do you feel George?” she asked softly. “The pain is gone” he said, and she nodded. “Good, that’s good” she said, and he nodded softly. “Can you distract me” he asked, and she nodded before again realising the sight in his eyes had been gone. “I am not a good storyteller, but I know some songs my mom used to sing when I couldn’t sleep” Evelyn said and proceeded to sing to George, before she walked called up to the deck again. “Take it easy, okay, my young hero” she said, and George nodded as she walked on deck.

In the distance, herself, and Peter, noticed a ship slowly sinking and being surrounded by oil. “There are too many people on there to help” Peter said before Evelyn smiled. “Not with them” she said as they were surrounded by other boats who had sailed all from England to aid Dunkirk. Most continued until they reached the shores, and some, like they were, were helping the soldiers out of the water. Directing them somewhere on deck or below.

When Peter saw soldiers go down, he rushed with them. “Careful!” he called out when he looked at George, who in his eyes looked to be sleeping. Evelyn stood behind him as she watched the soldiers put on vests if they did not yet have them. “He’s dead, mate” one soldier said, and Evelyn gasped softly as she pushed passed Peter. She knew his injuries were bad, even with hospital care a hit to the head with metal like that would be risky, but she had held so much hope, praying for a miracle, as she hoped he pulled through long enough.

She reached George and checked his pulse and breathing and closed her eyes when she couldn’t find it. “Can you pass a blanket” she asked a soldier when she looked at Peter with sadness in her eyes, and pain. She had promised him, and George, he would be fine. Mr. Dawson had looked over his son’s shoulder to see Evelyn cover George’s body, but no one spoke of it. “Is he alright?” the Shivering soldier asked Peter who walked up again, fighting tears. “He’s fine” Peter lied, like Evelyn had done to him, which now he understood.

The boat was quickly filled as they sailed back to England. Evelyn helped everyone off the boat and made sure to clean the mess as they carried away George’s body. She grabbed her, now dried, nurse’s outfit and walked around to find a decent place to change back, but by the time she returned to give back the sweater, the Dawson’s and their ship was gone, sailing off in the distance as they went back to Weymouth.

Evelyn continued again, placing the sweater in a bag as she waited for her next orders, she was given a week leave to recover before she was sent back into war, taking the dark blue knitted sweater from Peter with her wherever she went, from France again, to the Netherlands and eventually she had been stationed in London again, at the near end of the War. Winter of 1944 had been a brutal one, and she had not heard from friends or family since Dunkirk.

Part of her avoided friends, and another was afraid she had lost her brother. She vowed to herself she would not rest until she knew what happened to him when she had received a MIA notice for her brother. He was alive, she could feel it in her bones, and if anyone would know it would be the headquarters in London.

She had asked around, but no Air Force official knew the fate of Henry Farrier, she eventually decided to try the hospital ward, where nameless soldiers were kept who either forgot their name or were unconscious still to tell their name and no other identification was found when they were.

Evelyn walked around, helping people while she looked when she saw a familiar face. “Peter?” she said as she looked at the young soldier, holding a clipboard and a medical band around his arm. He turned around and saw Evelyn and gave her a smile. “You’re still going?” he said and walked over. “I could say the same for you, when did you join?” she asked playing with the medical identification band, which had been white with a red cross. “After George died, I felt like I needed to do something, and although my father did want me too, I felt this would be the best thing for both of us” Peter said, looking at her. “I am sorry, I should have told you sooner when I suspected George might not—” she tried but Peter shook his head. “I understand, now that I work here, I understand more than anything” Peter said and gave her a half smile.

His posture changed when he remembered she had not been here for a playful visit. “Are you visiting someone? Looking?” he asked when he noticed her common clothing, especially the blue sweater which he knew belonged to him, as he saw the ripped seem on the right sleeve which he caused during fishing. “My brother, Henry” she said, and he immediately checked his clipboard. “No Farrier listed, perhaps with the John Doe’s” Peter said. “Thank you” she said and planned to walk away again.

“Wait!” Peter said, almost hitting himself on the head for his awkwardness. “There is a pub, that plays music to calm soldiers and remind us, this will be over soon, hopefully, care to join me tonight? My treat” he said, and Evelyn smiled. “Yes, of course, I could do with a distraction” she said.

Peter gave her the address before he continued his work, and she continued her search, which ended nowhere. She went back to the small apartment she had acquired in London before she changed in the best dress her closest held and walked out into the night to find the club Peter mentioned. It had not been too far from the hospital, which was probably how he knew about it, and when she entered, she saw him sitting at the bar already, looking around to find her.

“Peter!” she called out to catch his attention, and the moment his eyes landed on her, in her dark blue dress, which was similar to the borrowed sweater, a smile was plastered on his face. She quickly joined him before others could speak to her. “You made it!” he said, he still wore his uniform, like most men inside the club did, as he held out a glass of what seemed to be beer to her. “I hope you like beer, otherwise I am a fool” Peter said, and she smiled. “I love it, it’s been too long” she said as she sipped her beer, even though she wasn’t usually the type, she did not lie to Peter, it had truly been a while since any form of alcohol touched her lips. They started with small talk.

“How is your dad?”

“How is the boat?”

“Where have you worked so far”

and slowly the questions about work and the war ran out, and a short silence fell. “I ran into the soldier once, after” Peter started, although he was unsure if it was the right moment. “He joined a program which helps shell-shocked soldiers to try find their footing again” he said before he took a cigarette from his pocket which he lit and held it up to her. She took it between his fingers and nodded. “I’m glad they can help him. I wouldn’t be able to imagine if it was my brother or husband who had to go through something like that” Evelyn said and Peter’s face paled.

“You have a husband? I feel so stupid now, I assumed you didn’t and when you arrived, God, I’m so sorry” he started to ramble to which she smiled before she stopped him. “No, no, I do not, I meant hypothetically” she said. She crooked her head. “You asked me here, not to catch up, but as a date?” she asked boldly, she had always been seen as a woman out of her time, which intrigued Peter even more, luckily. “Yes, I know I’m an idiot” Peter said before he hit his face.

“I think it’s sweet, but shall we continue this elsewhere?” Evelyn asked and he nodded before paying the tab of the bar as they rushed outside. Walking the streets of London to continue their date, as Peter had not stopped thinking about the Nurse he had saved from Dunkirk, and neither had Evelyn, who could do nothing but worry about her saviour.

#tom glynn carney #dunkirk #peter dawson #dunkirk peter dawson #peter dawson x reader #dunkirk imagine #peter dawson imagine #tom glynn carney x reader #angst #slow burn

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suppose-i-was-worm · 11 months

Text

Angst Central

**This is what happened in Danny's home universe in the Iceberg Siren story. There is angst, there is minor gore, there is some violence. It is along the lines of a fair amount of DPxDC fanfics as far as the Fenton parents experimenting on Danny. Love y'all, be safe!**

Jasmine Fenton often found herself wondering when Jack and Maddie had become the monsters they claimed ghosts were. Was it before she was born? Or had it happened right in front of her eyes, threatening her precious baby brother from the day he turned fourteen?

Or was the threat there before then? Had they looked at her and her brother like experiments from their birth?

Had the portal accident truly been an accident?

No. She couldn’t let herself think like that- they had been good, once. They had taken her and Danny on picnics, had taught them about the stars.

They had ripped into her baby brother with serrated knives- after the first successful autopsy, that is. Sawing off pieces of skin, digging into his organs.

Brutalizing the sweet boy who just wanted to help. Who only wanted to help.

Jazz hated herself sometimes, for going away to college. Danny had insisted on it.

“You can’t let me hold you back, Jazz. I’m only here for another year, it’ll be fine!”

It was not fine. Dani had called her, having not heard from Danny for a few days. She headed home for the weekend and met the young girl outside of FentonWorks.

They found their brother strapped to a table, bleeding out and crying for his parents to stop.

Jazz saw green. She was too liminal to allow her King brother to suffer. Without thinking, she knocked Jack and Maddie out with the Anti-Creep stick and a careful application of Maddie’s martial arts lessons.

Dani had released her original from his straps while she did so, and then picked him up with as much care as she could.

Jasmine Nightingale shoved the pair into the portal and then destroyed her former parents’ life work.

All of it.

~~~

Samantha Manson watched in sick glee as FentonWorks went up in flames. Maddie and Jack had been dragged outside one by one, still unconscious, by a furious Jazz, and then she’d gone back in.

Sam had thought she was going back in for Danny, that some ghost or burglar had been too much and that Jazz had come home to find it in shambles.

She was wrong.

Jazz had come back outside holding a remote, and, once she was a safe distance away, had pressed the big red button.

The explosion from the basement rocked the town, and Sam had to take a few steps back from the heat.

Only in the light of the flames dancing across Jazz’ vindictive expression did she notice the streaks of greenish blood on Jazz’s cheek and down her blouse.

Sam ran forward and grabbed at the older teen’s arm.

“Danny?”

“Safe.” The response came from a voice void of emotion. “Dani took him to the Realms.”

“When will they be back?”

Jazz snarled and threw down her remote, stomping viciously on it once.

“I destroyed the portal.”

Oh. That meant never. That meant never.

Sam felt herself begin to cry, and Jazz collected her into her arms, and the two of them stood together in the flickering light of the fire, crying for their loss. Crying for Danny.

The Fentons wouldn’t know what hit them- the Manson name would ensure that.

~~~

Tucker Foley was angry. Sam and Jazz had met him in the park after the explosion, both of them with tears still running down their faces, and told him what happened.

Told him that Danny was gone, and it was the Fenton’s fault.

Tucker Foley was more than angry.

Tucker. Motherfucking. Foley. Was downright livid. He knew, and the girls did not, that the GIW had been funding the Fentons in their ghost research. Had given them a grant when they ‘apprehended’ Phantom. Had made everyone look the other way every time Danny had gone to someone for help.

His last text from Danny’s phone was awful.

TooFine: want 2 play doomed 2morrow?

Ghost?: sure. Parents are home Ghost?: they promised nasty burger if I got a good grade on the english test Ghost?: guess who got a 85 Ghost?: maybe they’ll stay out of the lab for once

Tucker Foley stayed up late into the night, furiously working at his desktop.

In the early hours of the morning, he hit one last key.

The GIW’s files vanished, their computers fried themselves, and their bases stopped allowing access.

Tucker wished he’d had the motivation to do something before it cost him his best friend. He knew he would probably regret his inaction for the rest of his life.

Letters Unsent

Jazz- I know you’re probably feeling guilty still. It’s been three years for me- I don’t know how long it’s been for you. The realms have a weird time-dilation.

Don’t feel guilty. It wasn’t your fault, it was mom and dad’s. They chose their path, and you don’t have to keep that on your shoulders anymore. In any case, I think I’m happier now than I’ve ever been?

There’s this guy- (don’t you think it’s funny mom and dad were better about me being gay than me being a ghost?)- his name is Jason, but I call him Red. He’s like me, he died before and came back different.

Well, he’s more like the median between me and Vlad, but that’s not the point.

Jazzy, I love him. I miss you and Sam and Tuck, but I don’t think I could survive without him, and it’s only been a few months since we started dating.

I’m happy here, for the first time in a long time, I’m happy.

Love,

Your Brother

~~~

Sam! Sam, Sammy, Samalamadingdong- I miss you! You would love the city I’m living in. The Gothic vibes are there all the way. Every time I see a gargoyle I think of you.

There’s even a superhero called ‘Batman’- He’s totally a furry. My boyfriend agrees with me.

I wouldn’t think bats are particularly sexy, but hey, I won’t knock someone’s kink.

I- I love you, you know? You and Tuck are my best friends. I spent a lot of time hoping a new portal would open and I’d find my way back to all three of you, at first.

By now I’m glad one hasn’t. CW sent me to this dimension, and, while I haven’t discovered my purpose, I’ve definitely discovered the love of my unlife.

You and Jason would get along, I think.

Don’t let me catch you crying over me, Sam Manson. You’ll make your makeup run.

Love,

Danny

~~~

Heya Tuck! Something tells me you rained hell- that something being CW. I know Jazz and Sam did too, in their own ways, but yours is probably the most useful for the Realms. As a King, I gotta think about that before I think about what effects me.

Being king sucks, want to beat me in single combat?

Would Doomed count as single combat?

My boyfriend has brothers, and they haven’t managed to gain kingship from me yet- I’m so bad at this dimension’s video games it’s not even funny.

It probably has something to do with being a ghost.

Good thing Jason is worse at video games than I am.

I wish I could see you again, at least to say goodbye. It’s a good thing that Desiree doesn’t take wishes from paper, otherwise something would go wrong, I’m sure.

Love you, TF.

DP.

#dp x dc #dp x dc fanfic #danny phantom #arctic siren au #dead on main #jazz fenton #sam manson #tucker foley #canon typical violence #minor gore

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asexual-society · 6 months

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I needed another ace's opinion on this or I was gonna go crazy. I feel so alone.

My best friend is allo and recently started to go to therapy. His therapist told him something to incinuate that my advice about romantic relationships was less valuable/productive because "our brains work differently" because I'm ace and he isn't.

He's upset that I'm upset about it when I believe this is just benevolent aphobia. I see it the same way as someone telling a straight person not to take advice from a gay person. Am I just making a big deal out of nothing? Why is my opinion less important/applicable because I don't have the same experience as someone else?

I personally don't think an aro or ace person's advice on relationships is less valuable just because our brains work differently or our experiences are different, I mean, for most other topics, asking someone impartial for advice is completely normal, even if you take that person's advice with a pinch of salt because they don't have firsthand knowledge of the situation. I've had my opinions and advice belittled countless times and I know how hurtful it can be, and there are times when someone's opinion on a subject is totally useless because they're not informed about it, but this isn't like asking your friend who can't drive for advice how to parallel park or your American friend about British politics,, culturally and socially we are fed a LOT about relationships all the time for our whole lives, even without firsthand experience, we absorb a lot of information, and that's not even accounting for the things we have actively sought out, or the experiences of aspec people who have been in relationships.

I understand that we might not fully understand how it feels to be allo and want relationships of whatever kind in the same way, but a lot of (not all, I'll grant you) ace and aro people know as much or more about aspects of sex and romance than your average allo purely on the basis of having had to learn about it ourselves, and I think we have incredibly valuable insights into relationships that are generally overlooked by people who take for granted that everyone feels the same way about sex and romance. Maybe my confidence is unearned, but I'm still here giving advice to strangers on the internet, and people keep asking for it, so someone must think my opinion is worthwhile, and if I can't give someone the advice or help a person needs, I'll just say that. The number of allo people who have terrible relationships and then give out terrible advice because of it is crazy, like. genuinely there's some actively dangerous advice being pedaled by allos, I think on average an ace or aro person acting in good faith can give advice of a similar quality to your average allo person's.

By the therapist's same logic you can't trust them with advice about how aspec people are, in fact you can't trust them to give advice about any mental or physical illness or disability they don't experience, which is obviously not how therapy works. Tbh, I'd argue that unless a therapist is aspec themselves or has been given decent training about aspec people, which generally speaking, they aren't (although there are some good ones), anything they have to say with regards to us is even less "valuable or productive" than what an aspec person thinks about relationships.

There will always be aspec people who give terrible advice, and trust me, I have heard some terminally online or just downright ignorant takes, but I've heard just as bad, if not worse from allo people, and acting like we're the problem sucks.

~ mod key

#asks #anon #just my little rant of the day #sorry folks #asexual #mod key

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windy-trickster · 1 month

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A Mouse in The Snake's Coil

Another night of work as Roddie Lamare moved about the dining area, taking orders and sending them back to the kitchen, grabbing prepared food and bringing them to their respective tables. Night in and night out, this was his routine. This was his work. And honestly? He loved it. He loved finally having SOME semblance of balance and routine to his life, which was one a jumbled mess of job hunting and trying to pay his bills. He had been so nervous applying for the job at this high-class establishment, assuming the worst before even putting his application in. But he needed a job, he needed the money. So, he took the risk and went for it. And it turned out great! Wonderful, even. Now he had a job that paid him good, a boss who was on his side [for most things] and he could finally pay his bills! And have a little cash left over for other things. Tonight had been no different: Customer orders, he pens it down, sends it back and brings the food to them. Rinse and repeat for several hours. The dinner rush passed, and it seemed to slow down, Roddie was cleaning up a couple nearby tables when the little overhead doorbell went off, signaling the arrival of a customer. Roddie looked up and greeted the man like he did with every other customer, a bright smile and cheery tone. This guy was... Definitely different from the regular clientele. He wasn't dressed fancy nor did he give off that typical air of self-importance that all Highbloods did. Dressed casually in a jacket and jeans, heavy boots covered in... Some kind of gunk, the Indigoblood flashed Roddie a friendly smile and greeted him back. The two had a chat as Roddie wrote down his name, taking him to a table and watched the Indigoblood get all situated. Roddie held his pen and pad, smiling as he awaited the order. But was a little surprised when the other didn't order, flashing him another friendly smile before speaking. "🗡So. You're Vic's new server boy, yeah?" Roddie blinked and nodded, being caught off guard by the question. "🗡AH! Knew it. He seems to like hirin' cuties from what I've heard. And I've known him for quite a bit, y'know?" "Oh! You have? Boss never tolD me he haD any frienDs! Well... He Doesn't tell me a lot of things. But I'm very happy he's got someone in his corner!" -> The Indigo let out a booming laugh, leaning back slightly in his chair. "🗡Yeaaaaah. Me and ol' Vic go waaaaay back. Known each other since wrigglerhood. We've grown a little distant, but we're still pretty tight. And y'know... I kinda want to get to know YOU a little more too. Any friend of Vic's is a friend of mine." Roddie felt his cheeks flush a little at the blunt invitation to hang out with someone who looked... So cool! And made Roddie feel so comfortable despite having met this guy for the first time. He rolled the idea around in his head for a moment, feeling the flutterbugs kick up in his stomach. This was excited! How could he say no?! "Uh- Sure! I'D love to! I like makin' frienDs y'know!" -> The Indigo, who introduced himself as Jailyn, grabbed Roddie's hand and shook it. "🗡Great. I'll come by again at some point. We can make plans then, yeah? Now uhhhh. Hit me up with the best you've got here, mkay?" Roddie nodded and hurried off to the kitchen area to get his protentional new friend the best in the house. He was so excited! Too excited to realize the trap he just put himself in.

Vicnet Carbon - @alternias-madness

#homestuck #hiveswap #fantroll #fantroll writing #roddie lamare #jailyn kuukri #windy writes

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thepalmofyourfreezinghand · 8 months

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Joe loves acting and success and fame just like every working actor out there, but his idea of success isn't really realistic imo. He can book any role out there but he doesn't take any risks, because he's so careful with his picks, poor receptions always hit him too hard.

as an actor is coming up, they eventually learn the ebb and flow of the industry, but he never had that, he immediately got a fantastic agent and the best connections.

Normally he'd end up with an obnoxious ego like every other handsome tall man with a british accent, but it was the opposite, with Ang Lee and later Taylor, I'd say he just got the Imposter Syndrome of the century.

Paul Mescal at least had some works out before making it, but signing someone that has ZERO roles to their name? I don't blame joe one second for lacking the confidence. It's lowkey lunacy.

Maybe Joe is too afraid of not living up to expectations? I'm not sure if I'm giving him too much grace, but it's how I read the situation

Okay, so, I mostly agree, but I’d say that he’s actually gotten plenty of rejection (just based on the few projects we know he auditioned for and didn’t get and his comments about rejection), and that it’s probably hurt him more than it’d hurt an actor who’s had a “normal” rise to fame.

When you get specifically picked out of hundreds of applicants by a two-time best-director Oscar winner before you even finish drama school, but then none of your performances are ever unanimously loved by the critics, you’re bound to have impostor syndrome. Honestly Joe’s case is so peculiar and I struggle to think of anyone in Hollywood who’s had his trajectory: there’s really no-one he can compare himself to and no-one who can understand his specific history. I’m not trying to be dramatic, because every actor’s history is different and he’d have trouble understanding what most others actors feel too, obviously. But I really can’t think of anyone (famous) who has to face his specific struggles in Hollywood (though plenty of actors face WAY worse struggles).

He’s loved and cherished and complimented left and right by some of the best directors alive (I’m thinking about Ang Lee basically falling in love with him and trusting him endlessly, Yorgos who keeps going back to him, Claire saying that meeting him was the best thing about filming SAN…), BUT he struggles to get good reviews and, although he’s smart about the roles he picks, he’s also unlucky about how they turn out (I mean, The Favourite is really the only universally loved project he’s been in).

I don’t know, I’ve always appreciated how much thought he puts into his roles and the fact that - bar few exceptions - he doesn’t “work just to work” but he picks his roles carefully. And this is NOT me being elitist or whatever (I ABSOLUTELY understand that most actors have to pay their dues and they have to accept whatever role comes in, because most actors don’t have his luck and just can’t afford to be picky - and the strike is further proof of that), but since he (luckily) can afford to be picky, I honestly appreciate that he is and that he only chooses roles he’s passionate about. The ONE time we know almost for sure he accepted a role just to work (LLFYL), it ended up being his worst performance to date hahah.

I also think this is not appreciated enough about him, but 6 of his 15 projects so far have been directed by women. That’s a 40% rate, and it’s a fucking lot. And when he was asked which directors he wanted to work with in the future, quite a few of them were women, and he was very specific about their names, it wasn’t just a “I’d like to work with a female director because they’re awesome and they need more representation!” (an answer you often hear and we even heard from some of his co-stars). And you can say that the bar is on the floor or whatever, I don’t care, FAR from me to applaud men for the bare minimum, but the truth is that most actors in the industry (men AND women) simply do not have the track record that he has of working with women directors.

Returning to your point, I mostly agree, and I absolutely think that he’s afraid and he suffers from major impostor syndrome and he questions himself too much and he doesn’t seem to have Taylor’s ability to turn his anxiety and his self-doubts into better performances or a will to prove others wrong. I think when he’s in a pit he’s in a pit and it takes him a bit to climb back up, and that surely doesn’t help.

I CAN’T WAIT for his first work interview after the split (unfortunately it might be a bit with the FUNDAMENTAL strike), because I think that being separated from Taylor is actually gonna make him open up a bit more about certain topics, but we’ll see.

(This turned into a long ass rant but I’m sorry, Joe is just too interesting of a character not to discuss, I don’t get people who think he’s boring ahskshsksjdh).

#joe alwyn

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lifttheveilseethetruth · 2 years

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What do you need to know right now?

This is a small pick-a-card on what God wants you to know right now. Also at the end of your reading I will be pulling a card to answer a specific question that you have! So it’s kind of a 2 in 1! I hope you enjoy :))

Take some time now to breathe in and breathe out slowly and deeply. Once you feel grounded and ready you may pick from the photos above.

1- top left 2- top right 3- bottom image

Disclaimer- this is a general reading so only take what feels right. If it doesn’t feel right than maybe pick a different pile. If nothing resonates for you it’s okay! There’s plenty of other readers who may be right for you 🫶🏻🫶🏻 sending so much love, abundance and peace your way 🌤🌤🌤

Pile 1

You are about to gain a lot of money. I see you’ve been working your way towards this goal for a while now. Trying to build up clientele for your business?? Everything you have done in the past is now being circulated back to you. Good karma is on its way. There’s no need to worry about anything just stay patient, it’s coming in very very soon. If this is for a business and you have spent money on advertising just know that the money has been well spent and will be pushing more people towards you. What you have given is now going to be received. I see great great wealth coming in for you.

Answer to your question- There’s something better

Pile 2

If you have been waiting on an answer I see that this communication will be coming in. You’ve been pretty anxious about this, haven’t you? Communication you’ve been wanting is coming in soon for you and it’s going to make you feel a lot better. If you’ve been wanting someones attention I see them offering it to you very soon. Maybe they are replying after you haven’t heard from them in a while. Release any doubts or fears about this situation. Release any anxious thoughts about what you may have said to them or what they could say back to you. It’s going to be okay. Remind yourself that the things you say are important and deserve to be acknowledged. Clarity is coming in and you will feel victorious when this person communicates to you. If you have been waiting on a company or business to get back to you regarding the status of your application I see you being welcome aboard and being accepted into this new job or area you’ve been waiting to hear from.

Answer to your question- Success!

Pile 3

I feel the spirit wants you to connect with them. Connect with gratitude. Thank God for what you have in this moment and thank God for everything that continues coming in for you. I see you need to acknowledge how far you really are in life. How much you really have. You are so abundant already. Do not judge people who may look like they have more than you. Do not let others materials make you feel that you have less to give. You have an abundant amount of energy and love to share. Do not hold yourself back from giving yourself to others. The world needs you and you have something to share. I see you may have great wisdom that you could hold back from saying due to fears and limiting beliefs. Tell your friends that you love them. Tell that person how you feel.

Answer to your question- A year from now

#intuition #channeled #spiritualwisdom #intuitive #tarot community #earth angel #soul connection #pick a card #tarot #tarot reader #psychic #tarot reading #spiritualhealing #spirituality #free tarot #oracle message #what do you need to know #tarot messages #free tarot readings

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thepaintedlady00 · 9 months

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Nightshade

Chapter 18 | Chapter 20

Chapter 19: Shutter Speed

TW: Howard 🙄, Simone 🙄🙄, revenge on a naughty Russian, teasing, girl talk, as always language, mentions of drinking, smoking and sex/sex toys, a bit of errand running, some minor mentions of Jake's bender from chapter 8, some adorable cat content 🐈, slightly drunk/tipsy Lena, some pretty deep conversation/confessions, insecurities, very minor mentions (maybe even more like allusions) of past abuse, and finally the shit y'all are waiting for, sexy photoshoot, lingerie, use of sex toy, a bit of dirty talk, praise kink who? vaginal fingering, some edging, pretty girls cry during sex, some begging, oral (male receiving), mutual masturbation, mentions of cum, aftercare, and last but not least a bit of tooth rotting fluff between our idiots to send y'all off.

Time moved quickly after Halloween. At least, that’s how it felt to Jake. One minute he was with Lena in the alley and the next, he was back at work acting like nothing had even happened. Well, not entirely acting like nothing had happened. He and Lena flirted and played their usual games, but it felt different now that they’d been so close to actually taking the leap. Now, it was almost as if they were enticing one another, trying to shirk the responsibility of making the next move off to the other person… trying to tiptoe on the line between the feeling they both had buried.

Work was the same as it always was, too loud and filled with the ever-chattering gossip of their friends as they spread the information of his and Lena’s almost sexual experience to everyone with ears. Howard looked visibly angry whenever he’d look at Jake, and while the bartender thought his anger was hilarious, he wasn’t thrilled with the turn his attitude had taken.

The very next day, Howard started interviewing for a new hostess. The sudden influx of interested applications and the manager's willingness to hire someone new didn’t go unnoticed. Jake polished the glasses for the third time, eyes glued to the table where Howard and his newest interviewee sat, making small talk. Something about it all made him feel nervous… like this was part of some larger scheme that Howard had kept up his sleeve, but no one else seemed to think anything of it.

"My love,” Simone’s voice was soft as she slid behind the bar and offered him a gentle touch to his cheek. “Relax, or you’ll start getting worry lines.”

“I think I’ll be alright,” he answered, brushing her concern off to glare at Howard again.

“It’s about time he started interviewing people,” she noted carefully. “Especially with all the scheduling mix-ups that have been going on.”

Turning his head to glance at her, Jake finally asked, “Have you found anything… off with him?”

Simone simply shook her head. “Not yet. I think he’s trying to be more… discreet than last time. But don’t worry. You’ll be the first to know if there’s anything to know.”

He was grateful to have Simone. She was always so much better at everything than he was. When she’d heard the gossip about him and Lena, Jake was worried she’d be angry, but she simply smiled and offered him a general tip not to be caught with his pants down so often. No fight, no worry, nothing but the love she always bore him. And while he kept his eyes on her, he hoped that this was a sign that the two of them were finally back to how they used to be. Together. No matter what.

Lena hurried through the front door, greeting him and Simone with a quick smile as she made her way up to the locker room. Simone watched him watch her with a knowing grin and a simple gesture for him to hurry after her. His hand brushed against hers, a silent thank you, as he slid past. In the locker room, Sasha was, once again, going on his prideful tangent about Halloween. Heather groaned. "Come on, not this AGAIN!"

"Oh, so I can't be proud of my accomplishments now?" Sasha challenged.

Ari huffed and asked, “What’d you buy with my money?”

Holding the stylish jacket up from his locker Sasha smiled. “I bought myself a new jacket, of course! Shoes too! Tonight I’ll be irresistible to the pretty boys in the club!” He paused and sent a wink to Jake, "Well, almost all of the pretty boys."

Jake waited until everyone else was gone, and Lena had changed into the black dress Howard had set aside for her tonight to speak. “You’re late today.”

“I overslept,” she answered, voice sounding somewhat strained.

He wanted to press it. Wanted to broach the topic she’d seemingly been avoiding for months now, that fearful and pained thing she never dared to speak of - not knowingly at least. But instead, he turned his gaze to Sasha’s locker. “Well, I hope you’re feeling rested. I was going to suggest a bit of payback.”

“Payback?” Her eyes lit up as she turned and looked at him. “I’m listening.”

“Sasha’s been off the rails bragging about Halloween.”

Lena rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Fucking Russian.”

Nodding to the locker, he raised a brow. “Figured between the two of us, we could come up with something to get him back.”

She caught his meaning instantly, and Jake fucking adored it. The two of them hardly needed to speak to understand one another so perfectly. With a grin, she pulled her phone out and sent a quick message to Quinn, he assumed, before glancing behind him to the empty doorway. “Keep him busy for ten minutes, and I’ll get his shit packed.”

Jake turned to do as she said when a little box caught his eyes. The lost and found. Glancing back at her, he kicked it. “Pick some statement pieces out for him?”

“I mean, he does like to stand out,” she replied as she opened his locker.

“Exactly.”

Their plan went off without a hitch as Sasha was mostly distracted by the late family meal, where he bragged once again about his victory. Jake and Lena were unbothered this time, giving each other a smile over the table before going about their night as though nothing was out of the ordinary.

Service that night was average. Rich assholes spending rich money on asshole food. Nothing new until the servers scurried off to the locker room while Nicky, Jake, and Lena stood behind the bar cleaning up. Nicky was oblivious to the way Jake and Lena looked at one another, quietly counting down the seconds. “Three…”

“Two…”

Jake smirked. “One.”

"What in the fuck?!" The Russians' loud voice carried through hallways straight to the bar, where Jake watched in absolute delight as Lena burst out into an adorable fit of laughter. It was his favorite kind… the kind that made her nose scrunch up, and her smile practically glow.

The stampede of footsteps hurrying down the stairs and the giggling of the other servers made him turn to look. Will shook his head, taking a seat in front of them. “I hope you two know what you’ve gotten yourselves into.”

“I’ve never seen him get that red before!” Heather laughed.

The last set of footsteps echoed, and then Sasha emerged from the kitchen door with a deep-set scowl. Lena had picked out the best clothes he could have imagined for this moment. A neon orange tank top with a tiny jean jacket, a short - too short - leopard print skirt, and the ugliest green rain boots he’d ever seen. Jake couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, turning to Lena and asking, “Was all that in the lost and found?”

“The jacket was. I had Quinn bring me stuff from the strip clubs lost and found.”

“God, you’re a genius!” He praised, happily watching the blush creep up her neck to stain her cheeks pink.

Sasha was less than impressed as he waltzed over to them and spread his arms out wide with a sneering smile. “Yes, yes, everyone laughs at the mismatched Russian! You and your grumpy have had your fun, Tiger. Now give me my clothes.”

Lena leaned on the bartop and shook her head. “Can’t.”

“What do you mean?” The Russian demanded.

“You’re gonna have to win 'em back.”

Sasha looked over at Jake, who just shrugged his shoulders. “Where are my clothes?”

Lena glanced up at the clock and smiled even wider. “Right now? Hanging behind the bar at Ozzy’s.”

“You red-haired little tiger bitch!” Sasha grumbled. He looked down at his outfit and scoffed. “You’re going to make me walk around like this?”

Jake served a few drinks, offering Sasha a glass of Vodka, the Russian’s least favorite drink. “This is what ya get for being a dick. It coulda been worse. Trust me.”

He cursed them in Russian as he took hold of the glass and downed the vodka with a grimace. “This is cruel.”

Lena, who’d walked around the bar, threw an arm around his back and pinched his cheek. “Aww, lighten up, Sasha! It’s just a bit of fun.”

“Cruel,” he repeated, moving to leave. “Both of you.”

The group slowly made their way toward the door, but Jake caught Howard’s lingering glare. Lena tapped on the bar to get his attention. “Coming?”

Flashing the manager a smirk, he nodded. “Yeah.”

That night walking with the loud and unhinged crowd of friends and coworkers made Jake feel almost childlike. Sasha, still bitter about his clothes, made a fuss whenever anyone looked at him funny - which was often in that outfit. Ari, Heather, and Scott all laughed and cheered him on, calling him a brave boy for making the trek to Ozzy’s "without" whining.

It occurred to him then that Jake had always felt so separate from them before. He’d show up late to their dinners. He’d skip their shows and put off any personal requests they’d asked him for until they told him just to forget it. Before, he didn’t feel like they were his friends… instead, they were just a means to an end. A show to entertain him when he felt like it.

His brows furrowed, suddenly hit with how horrible of a friend he’d been. Lena’s hand tapping his arm pulled him from the guilt. “You’re it.”

It’d been a while since they’d played tag. So long that he’d forgotten how much he’d started to enjoy it. Lena didn’t run off, instead choosing to walk calmly beside him as he reached out and touched her. “You’re it.”

That beaming smile made him fight one of his own. “You’re it.”

“You're it. No tag backs,” he replied, earning a surprised look. He nodded, looking back at the path ahead. “That’s right, Patrick taught me no tag backs.”

“Damn him!”

Jake laughed, happily listening to her grumble about how rude it was of her brother to ruin her fun. As the group neared the bar, Jake decided he liked this better. And as the night sped onward, filled with drinks and laughter and Sasha’s shitty karaoke performance to win his clothes back, Jake decided he liked the changes in his life. He liked having friends.

I wrapped the food Nana put in front of me, keeping my head down and trying - though failing - to keep my mind distracted from what day it was. It happened every year, and while some had been worse than others, I was determined to make this one not as bad as it should be. So, I kept my hands and my head busy. I worked beside Nana, packing to-go orders and helping the customers as Patrick fiddled with the leaky pipes in the bathroom.

"I'm almost finished up in here," Patrick said as he tightened the last screw. "Then Pete and I will head out. You riding with us, sis?"

I shook my head, handing someone their takeout box. "I've got some stuff to do before, but I'll be there before it gets too dark."

Pat nodded. "Sounds good. You and Ozzy could probably ride together."

"I'll ask him when he's getting off tonight."

Quinn leaned against the counter, not helping but not in the way enough for either Nana or me to get mad at her. My phone sat on the counter in front of her, buzzing intently. She glanced at the number and smirked, answering it before I could even say a word. “Hey, handsome, looking for some fun?”

I rolled my eyes as she batted her lashes. “He’s not gonna think you’re me.”

“Course he isn’t,” she purred. “He’d recognize your sexy voice anywhere.”

Wiping my hands, I took my phone and flipped her off. “Hey.”

Jake chuckled. “There you are. I was worried Quinn was gonna start hitting on me for a second.”

“Nah, you’re not her type.”

“Yeah, my ass isn’t nearly as big as Ari’s.”

I giggled, ignoring everyone’s watchful and teasing eyes. “What’s up?”

“Just calling to see what time you’re wanting to come over.”

“Come over?”

“Forget already, princess?” He mocked. “I believe I’m owed a photo shoot.”

My hand slapped my forehead as I cursed myself. “Fuck.”

He chuckled. “We can always reschedule if you’re busy.”

“No,” I insisted, looking at the clock. “I’ve got time.”

“Alright,” he agreed. “What time do you wanna meet up?”

Ignoring Quinn’s quiet questions, I replied, “Well, what are you doing now?”

Jake sounded a bit surprised but answered simply, “Nothing. I do have a few errands to run, though.”

“Ooohhh,” I cooed. “Sounds fun.”

“So thrilling,” he replied. “You’re welcome to join me.”

“I can meet you at Ozzy’s in fifteen minutes.”

“Thirty,” he countered. “I have some smaller things to do first.”

“Thirty minutes then,” I said. “See you soon.”

“See you soon.”

The second I hung up the phone, Quinn was in my ear. “What was all that about?”

Patrick emerged from the bathroom, wiggling his eyebrows. “Sounded like a date to me!”

I shook my head at them while I gathered my stuff. “It’s not a date. I’m just paying a debt.”

“A sexy debt.” I didn’t deny it, essentially confirming Quinn’s words and making her face light up with glee. “Oh my god! Spill it! Tell me what you freaky little sluts are gonna get up to!”

“Oh my god, you’re the worst!” I pointed at Patrick. “I’ll meet you guys there.”

He waved me off. “Go have fun with your boyfriend. I’ll make sure everyone gets where they need to be.”

“Love you!”

“I expect to hear all the details about your dirty hook-up tomorrow!”

“Fuck off, Quinn!” I shouted while laughing.

My apartment, still cluttered with my old paintings and art supplies, was peaceful as I showered and changed into something a bit more… errand worthy. Long pants and a simple top that would keep me warm enough while Jake and I ran around doing whatever it was he needed to. After I’d managed to brush through my hair, my phone buzzed again.

I apologize for having to ask this on your day off, but we’ve hired a new hostess, and I’d appreciate it if you’d come in and give her a quick tour as well as a short rundown of her duties. Howard.

Sure, I answered, checking the clock. I’ve got some time. I’ll be there in a few minutes.

The restaurant wasn’t too far, and foot traffic wasn’t particularly bad yet, so getting there was quick and hassle-free. Nicky greeted me with a smile the second I walked in. "Mornin', Red. Come to laugh at the lowly serfs?"

"I would never!" I insisted. "I'm showing the new girl around real quick."

He nodded. "I think she's in the office with Howard."

"Thanks," I answered.

Sure enough, the brunette was there, sitting across from Howard as he went over a few finalizing papers with her. Once he saw me standing in the door, he smiled, shifting slightly to close one of his desk drawers before he stood. "Katrina, this is Lena Harrow."

The girl stood and shook my hand. She was cute, with a big smile and soft-looking eyes. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too."

"Lena is well acquainted with this place, so she'll give you a quick tour now before you officially start on Monday." He handed me a piece of paper with the locker number and combination on it, his fingers lingering on my palm for a hair longer as he said, "Thank you again for coming in on such short notice."

"It's no problem," I reassured him. "Follow me."

Katrina had decent experience in the restaurant field, so it was fairly some showing her around. She found her locker with ease and tested the combination a few times before we headed downstairs. I showed her the dining room first, then introduced her to Nicky and gave her a quick crash course on the bar before we settled at the hostess station. Amanda was working tonight, and had just finished changing in time to greet the new girl with me. While I found it slightly odd that Howard needed me while Amanda was here, I shrugged it off and focused on showing her how to go over the guest list. We both gave her tips on greeting people before Amanda got pulled aside.

"It's pretty simple," I told her, trying to help ease her nerves.

She smiled. "Everyone seems really nice."

I laughed and shrugged. "They all have their redeeming qualities."

"Lena," Simone's voice cut through the conversation as she exited the kitchen. "I didn't think you were working tonight."

“I’m not,” I answered. “Just showing Katrina around and helping her get the idea of what her job will look like.”

The blonde shifted, looking at the woman with calculating eyes that I could tell made Katrina feel more uncomfortable than she’d expected. “Howard’s finally hired someone, then?”

Katrina just smiled awkwardly. “Yeah. I hope I fit in around here.”

“I’m sure you will,” she answered, holding her hand out. “I’m Simone. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

“Thank you.”

She smiled, looking away from Katrina as she busied herself with the books to me. "You look adorable. Try not to be nervous, Jake is rather good with this sort of thing."

"What sort of thing?" I questioned with narrow eyes.

"Oh, don't worry,” she whispered, pulling herself in closer to fix my unruly hair. “I can keep your little date between the three of us." She bared her teeth in a tight smile, one that looked more like a warning than anything else. "Have fun."

I watched her walk away, a tension taking the excitement that had been safely growing within me since Jake's call and twisting it into something completely opposite. Others had insinuated that this was a date but when she did it I suddenly felt… Nervous. Is this a date? I wondered. Does Jake think it is? From then on, I tried to shift my focus to helping the new girl get a hang of the reservations book, but the feeling didn't go away.

As soon as we’d finished and Amanda had taken over for the night, I waved goodbye to everyone and caught Simone’s predatory, smug gaze as I slid out the front door. I walked to Ozzy’s, trying to forget about the whole interaction while also trying to forget about this whole day entirely and failing miserably at both. I need a drink, I told myself as I hurried down the stairs and into the space. Maybe six.

Quickly moving behind the bar, I grabbed a shot glass and a bottle of tequila. Ian watched me down two, almost three shots before he cursed under his breath. "Holy shit. You good, Lena?"

Carefully breathing out a hot breath, I nodded, giving him a simple thumbs up while I lifted a fourth shot and focused on the alcohol burn inside me. Ozzy's heavy steps echoed from behind, where he placed a careful hand on my shoulder. "It's a bit early to be taking shots, dear. Is everything alright?"

"I'm good, Oz. Just need a little liquid courage." I smiled at him and helped clean up my mess. "You're getting off early tonight, right?"

"Course," Ozzy's smile was slightly more tense than usual, but given the circumstances, I understood. "I'd never be late to this."

"Wanna ride up together?" I asked.

"Actually," he sighed. "I'd like to ride by myself… if that's alright with you."

I squeezed his hand and gave him a reassuring kiss on the cheek. "Course it is."

The alcohol made my head swim slightly as I sat at the bar and waited for Jake, focusing instead on Ian’s poor storytelling skills as he recounted his weekend in Las Vegas for a friend's bachelor party. It was nice to hear him talk with such enthusiasm, a thing that I knew today, of all days, would be lacking. Ian had a nice voice, so while he stumbled over his words sometimes or got lost on some long tangent, it didn’t bother me too much. A hand settled on my shoulder, and I lifted my head from off the bartop to find Jake standing next to me.

He glanced at the glasses in front of me and could no doubt smell the alcohol on my breath, but he didn't say anything about it. “Having a bad day?”

I shook my head. “Not yet.”

“Well, I hope you don’t start having one because of me,” he replied with a chuckle. “Like I said, we can reschedule.”

For a moment, all I could picture was Simone’s smug grin and her mocking eyes. For a moment, all I could focus on was the weight of this damn day. But, with a quick and determined shake of my head, I stood up, stumbling slightly. “No, let’s go. It’ll be fun.”

He watched me closely for a second but ultimately nodded. Jake walked close beside me, opting to stay on the side of the sidewalk that faced the street to, in his words, keep me from falling on my ass in the gutter. I wasn’t wasted. He knew that. I wasn’t even drunk enough to be numb or to say stupid shit. It was almost the perfect amount of buzz to get me through the day, hopefully.

We walked a few more blocks before a very familiar and obvious store window came into view. Surely not, I told myself. He wouldn’t… Jake’s steps never faltered as he walked forward, straight toward the sex shop with a shit-eating grin. God damn it. I paused, shooting him a look. Jake only pretended not to understand with a little tilt of his head. “Problem?”

"Seriously, a sex shop?" I asked, sending him a glare. "This is what you do on your days off?"

"Not often," he answered with a smirk. "But today's not a normal day off, is it princess?"

I rolled my eyes. "Riiigghhttt, your silly photo shoot.”

Jake bit his bottom lip. "You're welcome to wait out here if you're embarrassed."

God damn him. I scoffed, brushed past him, and entered the shop with my head high. I'd been in plenty of sex stores, and one of my best friends was a stripper. This was no different from when I’d gone with Quinn or Prue. Not different at all…

He held one of the lingerie sets up in front of me. “What are you doing?”

“I gotta make sure the color looks good,” he replied with the widest grin. “Plus, I have to imagine what it’ll look like when I get you in it. For photo purposes.”

“Photo purposes, sure.” I shook my head at him, pretending to look at something on a random nearby shelf. “And what makes you so confident I’ll even entertain your lingerie picks?”

Jake leaned forward a bit, ever so slightly brushing the soft silk of the red piece he held against my skin. “Because I’m asking so nicely.”

My jaw clenched slightly as I shrugged my shoulder and turned my head away from him to look at the shelf again, not to avoid getting lured in by his lips or those pretty eyes. “Whatever. It’s your money.”

“Cheer up, princess,” he chuckled, lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “I’ll pick something good, I promise.”

A shiver ran down my spine as I watched him return to his shameless browsing. This is no different, I tried to remind myself. But, if it was so “not different,” why was my heart racing? Why did my cheeks burn when he’d pause to glance at me or hold a flimsy piece of lingerie up to test the color against my skin tone? Why did I feel this… nervous? I decided not to focus on what Jake was doing, instead just aimlessly looking around the store until he finally nodded toward the exit, holding his bag of purchased goods like a trophy.

As we headed toward the next location, I tried to peek in the bag. “Well, what did you get?”

He pulled it away. “I’m not gonna let you ruin the surprise!”

“Oh, come on!”

“Sorry, princess. Maybe you should pay more attention.”

“Asshole.”

Jake had no idea what he was doing anymore. At first, the vision of what he’d wanted tonight to be like was so clear. After Halloween, it seemed so simple. He wanted Lena, and Lena wanted him. Yet, now that they were both here, it all seemed more complicated. He’d caught on fairly quickly that Lena wasn’t acting like her usual self. She seemed more distracted, and she’d clearly taken a shot or two before he’d showed up at the bar.

Whatever it was that made her feel so different, Jake felt determined to make sure she knew he cared. The last thing he wanted was for her to go through with whatever their day together held and regret it later. The mere thought made his stomach twist in knots.

The sex shop had been a fun tease but had also provided him with a tiny opening to getting her out of this shell of tension she’d wrapped herself in, as well as to pick up a few tricks for later, obviously. And while she still held onto some tension as they walked to the camera shop down the street, Jake could tell it had helped a little.

He held the door open for her and followed her inside, watching as she took in the space with quiet appreciation. Jake watched Lena weave through the shelves, bright eyes sparkling at the sight of antique cameras and equipment. She didn't even know what any of it was or what it did, but her genuine curiosity was obvious.

In truth, he appreciated her genuine curiosity more than she would ever know. The only other person that had entertained his hobby was Simone, and even then, she only entertained him just long enough for him to get his picture of her on the beach in the mermaid costume, and then she’d pleaded with him to never bore her with it again.

He walked straight to the counter, greeting the old man with a respectful nod. "Good to see you, Steve."

The man grumbled. "Here for your film?"

"Yeah," he replied, glancing over his shoulder at Lena. She kept her hands at her sides, but Jake could see the way she wanted to pick up each new thing and examine it. She'd once said he was observant and curious but, in his mind at least, she was the one that wanted to look at everything new until she understood it.

Behind his glasses, Steve watched him. "She with you or somethin’?"

"Or something," he replied.

Shaking his head, Steve dug around in a box. "She's outta your league."

Jake nodded. “Don’t I know it?”

“Least you ain’t as stupid as you look.” The old man set the film down in front of him and held his hand out. “Fifty.”

“You said it was only gonna be thirty on the phone.”

“Yeah, well, I lied. It’s fifty.”

He fished the money out of his pocket and set it in Steve’s hand. “Go to hell.”

The old man laughed. “I’ll save you a seat.”

Lena followed him out, asking questions about the various cameras she’d seen inside and the equipment that went with them. Jake took the time to explain it to her, promising to teach her a few things during their photoshoot, something that seemed to excite and terrify her. “So,” she asked carefully. “Where next?”

“Home bar.”

She made a face. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yep.”

With a groan, she followed along. “Alright, fine.”

“It’s not so bad.”

“No,” she agreed. “It’s got some… fond memories, but it’s still not Ozzy’s.”

"It's definitely not Ozzy's," Jake said with a chuckle. "Ozzy's has the best memories."

The bar was oddly crowded for three o’clock, but the types of people that hung around bars that early were the type that would usually stay as long as you let them. Jake greeted the bartender with a passive smile. “Hey, Viv.”

“Ah, shoulda known that bottle in the back was yours.” The woman gestured for him to go around and grab what he needed. “Don’t fuck anything up.”

Jake made a face, shrugging his shoulders. “I dunno if I can help myself.”

Whipping him with the bar towel, she shooed him away and turned her gaze toward me. "So you're her, huh? Lena?" The woman asked with a wide grin. "The famous redhead."

I tilted my head curiously. "Have we met?"

She shook her head, chuckling to herself. "No, but last time I saw Jake, he was pretty smashed and just kept talking about his redhead. His Lena.

My heart practically stopped beating as I stared, dumbfounded. "I… We… What?"

"It was cute," she insisted, looking over her shoulder at him. "I haven't seen him like that in, well, ever. It looks good on him."

Looking over at Jake as he found the bottle he’d been looking for, I admired his smile and the way his face looked so gentle when he wasn’t in the restaurant, trying to keep up his charming and uncaring persona. “Yeah… It does.”

She slid two shots across the bar with a kind smile. “On the house.”

“Thanks.” I downed the drinks quickly as Jake came back, and it was time to hop along to the next errand he had to run.

Bags in hand, Jake and I continued walking, making small talk. It reminded me of the first time we’d done this… spent time just running errands and enjoying the simplicity of each other's company. No expectations, no stress, just us. Suddenly Jake stopped and pointed to a pet store. “I gotta run in here real quick.”

“Do you have a pet?” I asked, face scrunching up in confusion.

“Oh, right, guess I didn’t tell you. I… uh… Took Hemingway home a few weeks ago.”

I faked a gasp. "You stole one of my brother's feral street cats?"

Jake rolled his eyes. "I didn't steal him. He followed me."

"Likely story, thief."

"You coming with or not?"

Nodding my head furiously, I followed him inside. Jake got the best cat food he could find, picking up a few toys along the way while I grabbed a small pack of cat nip and four of the most adorable sweaters I could find. I held them all up to Jake first, sticking my lower lip out. “Imagine how cute he’ll look in these!”

Jake gave me an endearing look and nodded along. “He’ll look great IF he’ll let you get anywhere near him with those.”

“He loves me,” I assured him. “Plus, I’m very persuasive.”

“Sure you are, princess.”

After paying and going on our way, Jake seemed to get quiet. “You okay?”

He sighed. “Last chance to reschedule. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything.”

I smiled at him, finding his constant need to reassure me that I was the one in control of this whole situation more adorable than I should have. “I don’t want to reschedule.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

From there, I could feel the tension between us lessen, and Jake seemed to get actually excited to show me his apartment. When he opened the front door, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but then I saw it, and it just made sense for him. The apartment was small, nestled above some Chinese palace and what looked like an old laundry mat. The exposed brick felt warm and inviting, while the walls of shelves that housed every book and all the pictures and knick-knacks he’d deemed important enough to display made the space feel genuine.

Some apartments felt staged and sterile, free of any and all personality, but not his. The tiny kitchen with a small island was off to the right, two stools were the only dining table I could see, and behind it was clearly the door to the bathroom. The left side was where all his shelves were, as well as a small coffee table for him to set things on. Straight ahead was his bed and an old, clearly worn leather chair with more shelves and an old guitar behind it, carving out a bedroom within the one-roomed space. Old hardwood floors were accentuated with patterned rugs and a few stacks of books that Jake was currently invested in.

He set his bags down and awkwardly gestured to the space. “Well, here it is.”

My eyes instantly started scanning the shelves, admiring the pictures that he’d taken over the years and gently running my fingers along the spines of his books and the small shells. “It’s very… you.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is,” I replied, giving him a smile over my shoulder. “It’s all so unique and personal. Kinda feels like I’m walking through your head right now.”

Jake made a face. “I think I’d be a lot dirtier if we were in my head.”

“Shocking.”

A light pressure pushed into my ankles, and a loud purr echoed in the apartment as Whisky came out from his hiding place and began rubbing his head on me. “Hey, little guy. I was wondering where you’d run off to.” I leaned down and began scratching at his little head. “I’m surprised you let the big grump take you home.”

Still unpacking some of the bags, Jake scoffed. “Hemingway likes me.”

“Whisky,” I corrected. “Likes a lot of people.”

“He likes me best, though.”

I rolled my eyes and reached around Jake to grab one of the sweaters. “Wanna try on one of your outfits?”

Whisky hissed.

Getting it on wasn’t difficult, but as I held the floppy cat in my arms, trying to convince him to stand up, I realized the stubborn nature of the animal was going to be the hard part. "Oh, come on," I laughed as the cat rolled out of my arms and tossed himself to the ground without warning. "You look cute!"

Whisky hissed, claws digging into the knitted material, trying to tug it off him on his own. Jake glanced over his shoulder with a grin at the sight of the cat. "Told ya he'd hate it."

I rolled my eyes. "He doesn't hate it. He's just not used to it. So, we'll keep the sweater on for a little longer and ease him into it."

He hissed again, glaring at me. From the kitchen, Jake chuckled. "I don't think he likes that idea."

Whisky flipped again, swatting the air and grunting wildly as he scooted across the rug, trying to find traction. Still giggling, I reached out for him. "Okay, okay! Hold still, I'll take it off."

Once his little body was free of the cursed material, he hissed again and scampered into the kitchen, leaping onto the counter and taking refuge behind Jake. I could see his ears and the tops of his eyes as he poked his head out to glare at me."Seriously?" I asked. "He bought it, you know!"

"Wow, torture and lying? That's a new low,” Jake teased as the cat's eyes narrowed and looked between the two of us, seemingly weighing his options. "Don't listen to her, Hem. She's just trying to trick you into liking me less."

"I don't need to lie," I insisted. "He likes me better than you anyway."

"Sure, princess," he replied with a shake of his head as he started making drinks for us.

I put the sweater back in the bag and pushed it as far from me as I could. "There. No more clothes." Whisky still didn't move. "Fine, guess you don't want any of this." I shook the little pouch of catnip.

Like a moth to a flame, Whisky came running. He rubbed his nose all over the pouch, peeing at it impatiently. Jake laughed. "You really gonna use drugs to make my cat like you better?"

Dumping a small amount out onto Jake's carpet, I watched Whisky sniff in it and roll around. "He was technically my cat first, you know. I helped feed him."

"And yet I'm the one he lives with."

"Because you snatched him!"

Jake just rolled his eyes at me and finished mixing the drinks. He turned, walking toward the cat and me, holding the glass out to me. "Cherry bourbon."

"Thank you." I took a generous sip, catching the quick look of worry in Jake's eyes before he moved his attention to the cat. Whisky was a good middle ground to distract us both from what was on our minds. "Sorry for making you play bartender on your day off."

"I don't mind," he said, nursing his own drink. "But I might have to cut you off after that one."

"Oh?"

"Oz told me you'd had a few drinks before I showed up. That plus the two shots you had at Home Bar and this… I'd say you're feeling pretty tipsy right about now."

I shrugged, trying to seem casual about everything. I didn't want to dive into the mess right now. "It's been kind of a day for me. Sorry."

"I know I’ve said it like a hundred times today, but we don't have to..." He sighed, scratching the cat's back. "You don't have to do anything. We could just watch a movie or play with the dumb cat. The photo shoot was just... Impulsive. I didn't even think-"

"I want to do it," I corrected, finally finding the courage to look at him. "That's not... I... I'm just… a little bit… camera shy."

Jake's grin made my cheeks burn. "You? Lena, goddamn Harrow, are camera shy?"

"It's not funny!" I hissed, kicking him.

His laughter eased the nervousness slightly. "It's kinda funny. I mean, I've seen you punch bikers and threaten gang assholes, but you're scared of a few pictures?"

I rolled my eyes, resuming the attention I paid Whisky. "I'm not scared of pictures! I just…" The playfulness was gone now. Old wounds now laid bare and unavoidable. With a deep sigh, I finally committed. "I don't want anyone to see me like that. Exposed and vulnerable. Posed like some trophy… Some thing to be used… Like I'm not me."

Jake was quiet for a moment, eyes carefully fixed on the cat that lounged between us. "I wouldn't do that to you. Whatever pictures I take… They're not for anyone but us. Hell, I won't even look at them if you don't want me to." Gently lifting my chin with his finger, our eyes locked. Bright blue eyes shimmered back at me, sincerity wrapped up like a present and held before me. "As for the posing, I think it'd be a waste to try and erase the you from anything. The whole point of taking any pictures is to capture you. Your tattoos, your smile, the way your nose crinkles when you laugh."

As if it were some reflex I couldn't suppress, I felt my nose scrunch as an embarrassingly loud laugh forced its way from me. Jake's smile widened. I shook my head and regained control of myself. "Sorry, that was kinda loud."

"It's okay," he answered. "My neighbors hate me anyway."

"I'm guessing it's from the noise you and all those pretty girls you bring back here make." The teasing helped shift the focus from me and helped me gain some tiny sense of control.

Jake shrugged. "Probably, but fuck 'em. They're just jealous."

Rolling my eyes, I scratched beneath Whisky's chin. "There's that complex of yours."

With a chuckle, he set his camera on the chair. "What are you thinking?"

I debated making another teasing remark to deflect his question, but Jake would see through that. Whether or not he'd press it didn't matter. He'd know. And I'd know that he knew. So, I kept my eyes glued to the cat and just opened my mouth. "I'm thinking that you have a vision in mind for tonight, and… I… I don't want to disappoint you."

"I'm not your mom." His voice was steady, calm. It didn't hold any expectations or signs of annoyance at my pitiful, slightly drunk, stalling. "This isn't a performance, Lena. And, just for the record, you could never disappoint me."

"What if they turn out bad?" I asked, holding the sting of tears back.

"Again, I don't think that's possible. But, in the very unlikely chance they suck, it'll still have been a good time."

I sighed, pressing my hands to my face with an embarrassed groan. "God, I must look like such a mess."

"You're beautiful, Lena."

Beautiful. The word was soft, warm, and safe. Unlike all the other times I'd been called that - by my mother or Tony or even Francois and Sam - this one felt real, and I suddenly felt so… Seen. How do you do that? I wanted to ask him. How do you see me without knowing all I've done? How do you see me the way no one else does?

My hands fell away from my face; embarrassment lulled to sleep by the sight of Jake's sparkling eyes. Waves of crashing emotion stared back at me, sharing every feeling he felt and every thought he didn't say. His eyes repeated the same sentence, the same feeling as if it were some simple rule… Some law of the universe. You're beautiful.

I cleared my throat and clumsily stood, taking the cat with me. My head spun, the alcohol filling me with a dizzying sense of numbness. Blinking the tears away, I set Whisky down on the chair next to Jake's camera and asked, "So, uh, what do we do first?"

He stood, quietly reaching out to steady me with one hand while the other grabbed the sex shop bag. "You go get changed. I'll clean up and get my stuff ready."

"Which one do you want me in?" I asked, digging through the bag. "Holy shit Jake, how many did you buy?!"

With a modest shrug and a wide grin, he gathered up our glasses. "I imagined you'd look good in all of them, so I just grabbed the ones I liked most."

My mouth hung open slightly as I stumbled over my words. "There's like five in here. Lingerie isn't cheap!"

"What was it you said?" He hummed. "Right, it's my money."

"Let me at least pay for half," I offered, hazily searching for my bag.

Jake scoffed, setting a hand on my lower back when I nearly tripped over his rug. "Cool it, princess, before you hurt yourself."

I huffed in his face. "Seriously, let me pay."

"What kind of bartender would I be if I let a pretty girl like you pay?" He teased with a chuckle.

"Jake-"

"Lena," he interrupted. "Don't worry about it. Now come on, go get changed, or we'll lose the good light."

I huffed again and carefully made my way toward his bathroom. "I'm gonna slip the cash in your pocket or something before I leave."

"I'll just give it back to you at work."

Quickly flipping him off, I closed the bathroom door behind me, settling into the quiet space with a shaky sigh. "You can do this," I muttered to myself, looking around his bathroom for a minute - a poor attempt to try and calm my nerves.

I would have expected Jake's bathroom to be like most city bachelors were. Dirty and cluttered and very obviously not well maintained. But, it was shockingly not what I'd expected. The floor was swept and looked freshly mopped. The sink was free of hair and toothpaste, the white contrasting against the red brick and dark tiled floors. Dirty clothes were in a hamper, and all of Jake's things looked organized.

Once the initial surprise wore off, I dove right into the bag Jake had given me and forced myself to push past the nervous pit in my stomach. Jake had bought five separate pairs of lingerie, each a different color and design. Two of them I put back in the bag immediately. They were both very beautiful but had no room for error. If I made one sudden move, my tits and bits would be fully out on display, and while it wasn’t anything Jake hadn’t already basically seen before, I still decided to spare myself the heart attack.

After a minute of consideration, I narrowed it down to two pieces. One a modest dark red with frills of black lace and structured boning that would accentuate all the right places. The other a silky green with a low-cut neckline and a more floral design. My eyes felt more drawn to the red, the design reminding me of the dress I’d worn to the club, and in the very back of my mind, I heard Jake’s multiple previous comments about how much he enjoyed the color red on me. Still, I held it up to my body and looked at it in the mirror for a minute longer.

Red it was.

I put the rest back in the bag and set it down on the tiny sink counter, changing into the soft material with ease. It was flattering and fit well. The bottoms were like shorts, but the kind that was far more like a pair of underwear that really showed off your ass, and the top was like a crop top but a lot more… durable. With a deep breath, I looked at myself in the mirror, toying with the fabric and my hair before just deciding to commit. “You can do this.”

When I opened the bathroom door, I half expected Jake to break his neck trying to peek at what I’d chosen, but he just kept his eyes trained on the task he was doing. He lifted the camera up to his eye for a quick glimpse before he lowered it and messed with the small machine for another minute. The floorboards creaked as I took a few tentative steps out into the main room, drawing his attention to me.

If looks could kill, then I would’ve died right there. He looked me up and down, mouth falling open slightly as he nearly dropped his camera. Jake looked at me like I was a piece of art… a sculpture of polished marble… something so perfect he couldn’t believe it was real.

With a burning hot face, I tucked my hair behind my ears. “I didn’t know what you wanted me to do with my hair, so I just… left it.”

My voice seemed to shake him out of the daze as he nodded, licking his lips. “You’re perfect - your hair… you…” He scratched his head. “You look perfect.”

“Okay,” I chuckled nervously. “Now what?”

“Now…” he lifted his camera up one last time with a tiny smile. “We take some pictures.”

I took a few steps forward, looking at the camera closely. "You gonna teach me some stuff?"

Jake looked distracted, eyes darting between my face and my body, but he nodded. "It's pretty easy with newer cameras. You just point, make an adjustment or two and push the button. The shuttered clicks, and boom, a picture."

Holding my hand out, I smiled, feeling a small surge of something that made my nervousness slowly start to fade. "Can I try?"

"Course," he said, setting the camera in my hand and showing me how to hold it.

I lifted the camera to my eye, looking at him through the lens and mimicking his movement before snapping the picture. "You're pretty even on camera."

He laughed. "Was there any doubt?"

"Course not," I replied, brushing my fingers against his skin as I returned his camera. "Well, master photographer, where do you want me?"

Jake considered his options for a minute, his pretty blue eyes sparkling in the setting sunlight. He traced the light and pulled his chair over slightly to get the perfect angle. "Right here."

A chair. Simple enough. I moved to sit when he held up a smaller bag. I recognized the sex shop's logo and looked at him quizzically. "What's this?"

"Another one of my impulsive moments."

I opened the bag, staring down at a small vibrator and remote. "Really?"

He shrugged. "I think it'd be fun."

"Why's that?"

"It'd give me a chance to capture that face you make when you're right there on the edge." His eyes focused on my lips.

Tilting my head to return his attention to my eyes, I smirked. "And that's an expression you like?"

Jake chuckled. "One of many."

I grabbed the toy and remote, setting the bag off to the side before holding the remote out to him. "I'm assuming you'll want that."

"Absolutely." He watched as I moved to the chair, getting in a position that would make getting the toy in the right spot a bit easier. I half expected him to look away, to give me a moment of privacy like he had earlier, but instead Jake watched, eyes dark and hungry. "Need a hand?"

"I know my way around sex toys, Jake," I replied, easily getting it situated without breaking eye contact with him. "Now what?"

He hummed, thumb stroking over the remote for the toy, pressing one of the buttons experimentally. The damn thing pulsed to life between my thighs, pressing perfectly against my clit. I gasped, and Jake smiled, turning the toy off again. "Just making sure it works."

"Sure."

Then he stepped forward and carefully examined the area, mind working to come up with determination. He reached out and slid his hand along my leg, moving it to cross over my other one. "Leg there." He urged me to shift, leaning on my legs just enough for my hair to fall over my shoulder and my chest to pop out. "Right there."

"Try to get my face in the picture," I teased as he stepped back, lifting the camera to his eye and making some adjustments.

The sunlight nearly blinded me entirely as it continued falling, ricocheting off the glass buildings. "Alright, look to the left. Keep your features as still but relaxed as possible."

I smirked. Click. "That's pretty vague."

"Just relax. Be yourself."

Just before I could open my mouth again with another tease, I heard another soft click and felt the toy start again. My eyes shifted, looking right at Jake as I pulled my lower lip between my teeth.

Click.

God damn him. "Starting already?"

He looked down at his camera screen with a pleased smile. "Yep. Next pose."

Time felt like it moved faster as Jake casually worked through a few poses. The toy steadily hummed between my thighs, slowly building my body up. My nervousness was entirely replaced by the pleasure of the toy and the soft praises Jake whispered after every shot. As I lay across the arm of the chair, legs dangling over the opposite side, my body bathed in the low reddish orange sunlight, all that building pleasure started coming to a head.

I could feel my legs starting to tremble and my chest rising and falling in heavy breaths as I tried to refrain from moaning.

"You're close, aren't you?"

"Yes," I whispered, not even an answer to his question, more a breathy plea.

I heard the mechanical click of his camera's shutter, but the sound only made the pleasure of the vibrations feel more powerful. Another click echoed, and within seconds the toy moved quicker against my clit. With a raggedy breath, I dropped the pose Jake had put me in, back arching off his chair as my nails dug into the coarse leather that felt too good against my skin.

Click.

"We should have done this months ago," he said quietly, reaching out to pull me into another position. His touch felt too good. Soft and lingering while at the same time firm as he positioned me again, fingers ghosting over my nipple and dragging across my skin to tilt my head toward him. “Look at me, princess.” My eyes couldn’t have closed even if I wanted them to, staring into the soft glow of Jake’s camera lens. “Good girl.”

My legs pressed together, something Jake noticed judging by the smirk he hid behind the camera and the instant press of the button again to make the toy stop between my thighs. “Fuck!”

Jake chuckled. "You didn't really think I was gonna make it that easy, did you?"

"I was hoping," I admitted with a sigh, bringing my arm to rest behind my head. Click. "Are you going to make me beg?"

"I haven't decided yet."

Scoffing at the smug tone of his voice, I carefully slid back into a normal sitting position. "Well, why don't you let me take a few pictures while you figure out what you want."

His smirk was wide and beautiful as he chuckled. "You wanna play photographer?"

"Maybe." I held my hand out and puffed my lower lip out to pout at him. Click. "I promise I won't break it."

Switching places, Jake got comfortable in his chair, leaning back to watch me as I curiously did my best to figure out the camera. Each photo I took seemed blurrier than the last, but Jake made for an excellent model. He took the initiative, changing his position after each click of the shutter. He kept it quite minimal, and maybe it was the alcohol, but I thought he looked good in every pose.

Too good.

I found myself gravitating toward him, mindlessly snapping pictures that I wasn't even sure he was in the frame of. With that dumb smirk, his hands slid up the backs of my thighs, tugging me down into his lap. "You seem distracted."

God I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to do so much more than that. "I'm not-"

A soft click echoed in the room, and the faint buzzing of the toy resumed. My eyes closed tightly, a sharp gasp escaping my throat as my fingers curled into Jake's camera. "What was that?"

"You're the worst," I bit out, holding in a moan.

Jake was insufferable as he nodded, his free hand setting the camera off to the side before caressing my cheek as he upped the intensity and listened as I finally lost control. "You want me to stop then?"

"No!"

His thumb pulled on my lower lip. Dark eyes focused on them entirely. "Say please, then."

I ground my teeth together, holding onto that last sliver of defiance. Jake's brow arched, and he moved his finger to the off button. My hand reached out and covered his. "Don't!" The pleasure was building quickly now. Just a little more, and I'd come.

Jake wasn't relenting. "Don't what?"

"Please," I finally whispered, my hips gently bucking against his body, searching for something to keep the vibrations focused where I needed them. "Please don't turn it off again."

"Mmm," he groaned, hands moving to grab my hips and help me find the spot I was looking for. "That's my girl."

It wasn't a promise not to turn the toy off, but my slightly intoxicated and pleasure-filled brain didn't register that at first. So, I moaned and moved my hips, ready to give into the wave of pleasure that was just right there.

Click.

The vibration stopped, and no matter how frustratedly I ground my hips down, the movement alone wasn't enough. With a soft whine and a frustrated breath, I shook my head. "You asshole."

"Sorry, princess," he murmured against my neck. "I just couldn't help myself."

Fuck this! I lowered my head and pressed my lips to his. Both of us surrendered to each other - to the blissful feeling of having our lips on one another - and sank fully into the moment. His fingers tangled into my hair, tugging just enough for the slight sting to feel good. My hands clumsily reached between us, trying to undo his pants.

"I think you're a bit too drunk for that," Jake breathed, moving his hands to stop me.

A pathetic whine bubbled up out of my throat as hot tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I tossed my head back. "Please!" God, I sounded fucking insane. "Jake, please!"

He groaned against my throat, forcing deep breaths in and out of his lungs as he held my hands firmly in his. "Fuck, you're making this harder than it needs to be."

I tilted my head back down, drunkenly bold enough to press my lips to his in a deep, drawn-out kiss. He could no doubt taste the alcohol on my tongue, which didn't exactly help me. Panting, I pulled away, pressing my lips anywhere I could get them, still fighting back tears. "I want you," I whispered against his skin. "Please."

Finally releasing my hands to cup my cheeks, Jake had the nerve to chuckle at the sight of my tearful eyes. Suppressing a grin, he wiped the corners of them with his thumbs. "Oh, don't cry, princess! I can think of other ways to relieve some of that tension."

Other ways? Other ways? I didn't want his fingers or his mouth. I wanted him to stretch me open with the generous amount of dick he'd been blessed with at birth. I wanted to feel every inch of him pulsing inside me. I wanted him to fuck me so hard it hurt. I wanted him. Hazy from the alcohol and the multiple almost orgasms, I couldn't think of the words to vocalize this burning need in my lungs, so I just dumbly repeated myself. "I want you."

"You have me," he said, hands gliding across my skin and fisting in the thin material of the lingerie. His head tucked beneath my chin, teeth grazing my peaked nipple as he pulled me forward, grinding me down on the bulge I wanted to impale myself on so badly. "God dammit, do you have me."

My body slid down his, pressing sloppy kisses down his neck and across his still-covered chest until my knees hit the floor. Our eyes locked, both of us breathing heavily as I once again started undoing his pants. "Then let me have you."

All he could do was nod his head as I palmed him through his pants, taking my time to free his soft and achingly hard dick from his pants. It felt like the first time we did this. It felt better than the first time.

Jake's fingers dug into the arms of his chair as I slowly licked him from base to tip. My tongue curled around the head of him, dragging against it almost torturously slowly. I could hear his blunt nails scrapping the leather. I had him exactly where I wanted him.

As soon as I took him into my mouth, Jake's hands were in my hair. He clutched me desperately as those pretty sounds echoed around us. I'd forgotten how unashamed he was about making noise. Each one of them went straight to my already-soaked cunt. There was a soft click, and the toy vibrated, albeit lowly, against my pussy.

I moved to pull back, eyes pinching shut and a moan stuck in my throat, but Jake's hands held my head in place as he rocked his hips forward, urging me to take all of him. My eyes watered. Pleasure coiled in my gut like a snake as Jake looked down with a half-lidded gaze. "That's it." I made a low sound. "You can take it."

God! I could feel him start to pulse, and I wanted nothing more than to swallow every drop he had to give me, just like I had the first time. But Jake had other plans. With a hiss, he pulled me off him, saliva pulling like strings between me and him. He pulled me up, seating me on his lap and pressing the buttons on the toy again, making the vibration stronger and faster.

I collapsed into him, my hand reaching between us to stroke his still-wet cock as he pulled my pants to the side and carefully maneuvered around the toy to shove his fingers inside me. "Jake," I gasped. "I… won't last… long."

"Me neither," he groaned. "God, you're so fucking beautiful."

My heart pulsed, a new kind of tear stinging my eyes. "Say it again."

His blue eyes held my gaze as he happily, stupidly said again, "You're beautiful."

It was embarrassing how quickly I came, head thrown back and my hand gently squeezing him. Jake turned the toy off, holding tightly onto me as my legs shook around him. Once I'd come down from the high, I started moving my hand again, more determined to feel him paint me with his cum.

"God," Jake said as his head hit the back of the chair. "Lena!"

I carefully leaned into his chest, pressing open-mouthed kisses to his throat. "Come on, pretty boy." My teeth latched onto his earring, sucking gently and listening to that absolutely perfect whine. "I want it." My lips hovered over his, eyes drinking in the sight of him so wrecked below me. "I want you."

With a loud groan, he pulled my head the rest of the way down, kissing me like his life depended on it. His hips stuttered below mine, and hot strings of his pearly white cum exploded between us, coating us both in the sticky release. My hand carefully worked him through the orgasm until he shuddered beneath me and went limp against the leather chair.

For a minute, all we could do was lay there, heavy breaths fanning across each other's faces, exchanging fucked out looks. For a minute, I could ignore the tiny sting of disappointment that we hadn't actually fucked each other because of me. But Jake didn't seem to care as he smiled up at me. His hands gently kneaded my still, slightly shaking legs, silently appreciating me in the now almost completely faded light. He reached over, grabbed the camera, and breathlessly looked through the pictures we'd taken.

"If you show anyone those photos, I'll kick your ass." It sounded confident and badass, but there was a softer, far more vulnerable tone that hid beneath it all. One Jake saw in an instant.

His smile was smug and prideful, but I could see that gleam of reassurance in his eyes as he said, "Don't worry, princess. Those are our eyes only."

"Our?" I asked.

Jake nodded, still visibly catching his breath beneath me. "You got a few good shots. They're blurry as hell but in an… artistic way."

I slapped the side of his chest, laughing breathlessly as my legs slowly began to stop shaking. "Asshole!"

"Artistic is good!" He insisted, setting the camera back down. "It suits you."

"Uh-huh."

The two of us just sat there for a minute, watching each other in that soft sort of way that made me feel tingly. Then, Jake tapped my hip, and his smile turned smug. "Think you can stand?"

Of course, I can! I wanted to say, but the numb tingle - a result of the overstimulated orgasm - made my legs feel like jello. "I…" Jake's brow twitched upward. "No… I don't think I can."

His chest swelled with pride as he wrapped his arms around me and slowly rose from his chair. "Hold on."

I clung to him as he maneuvered around the shit on the floor and walked us to his bathroom. He set me on my feet, holding me tightly as I adjusted to the blood rushing through them again, and quietly urged me to lean against the wall. Once he was sure I wasn't going to tip over, he started the shower, adjusting the temperature a few times before he was satisfied and turned his attention back to me.

Maybe I should have felt awkward about Jake peeling the sticky lingerie off me… Maybe I should have felt embarrassed by the fact that I was now naked in his bathroom, but I didn't. He tossed the fabric in one of his hampers and stripped himself beside me. Leaning against the wall beside his shower, I watched him, shameless in my admiration of his lean build and lovely tattoos. The alcohol made it easier to say the words I'd been thinking. "You're pretty."

Jake glanced up at me with a surprised chuckle. "And you're shameless. What happened to no peeking?"

"I was always gonna peek," I replied, giggling so hard I practically snorted.

Shaking his head at me, he tossed his clothes in the hamper and carefully helped me step into his tub, gentle hands lingering on my elbows as he guided me into the spray of hot water. I shivered as his hands stroked my skin. "Is it too cold?"

"No," I answered, relaxing into his soft body. "It's perfect."

"Good," he answered with a surprisingly gentle kiss on my shoulder.

Jake lathered soap on his hands, carefully scrubbing the residual stickiness off my body. He scrubbed himself as well, not once complaining that I was hogging the steady stream of hot water. Once I felt slightly more confident in my footing, I turned, letting the water douse my unruly hair as Jake massaged shampoo into his own.

I watched his muscles flex with his movements, mesmerized by how goddamn pretty he was. When he suddenly reached out and pulled me close, I jumped, slightly startled. Jake only smiled at me with a mumbled apology as he twisted, changing our positions in a second. He tipped his head back into the warm water, rinsing the suds from his hair and letting the hot water relax the knots in his back.

Without thinking, I reached out and traced his Adam's apple, admiring the little bruises already beginning to form in the shape of my teeth. I curled into his slick body, pressing my lips to each mark. I'd blame the alcohol later.

His hands danced along my spine and squeezed my hips gently. "Your turn."

All I could do was hum as he carefully turned me and squirted the shampoo into his palms. The sensation of his steady, strong hands lathering my hair and gently massaging my scalp was enough to make me moan. "God, you've got good fingers."

Jake chuckled, lips moving against the shell of my ear as his blunt nails continued to massage the soap into my scalp. "Told you I was good with my hands."

"Don't be so smug," I replied with another content moan.

His breath sent a chill up my spine as he chuckled against my neck. "Careful with those pretty noises, princess. Or you might just get yourself in trouble."

I smirked, leaning back against his chest fully. "I like trouble."

"I'm sure you do," he teased.

The concept of time was meaningless with Jake. I had no idea how long we spent in his shower, and I didn't care. His touch, soft and constant, was all that mattered to me. When we finally got out, he helped dry me off before disappearing into the main room for a minute and returning with a simple t-shirt that he helped me put on. From there, he wordlessly picked me up and took me to his bed.

It was just as soft as I'd imagined. Warm with that lingering hint of his cologne embedded in the fabric. I settled with my head on his pillow, eyes heavy as I watched him pull on a pair of sweatpants and continue with his nightly traditions unhindered by my presence.

Jake picked up the abandoned camera equipment, putting it all back where they belonged among his shelves of things. Then he set the glasses in the sink and put the alcohol back on his counter. He locked the door, a sound that made my heart tick slightly - old wounds and all - before turning the lights off.

The lights from the city outside cast an array of gorgeous colors through his windows. Shapes of light played across his ceiling. I sat up and watched them for a moment as the bed dipped, and he settled in beside me. "I like your apartment," I admitted softly.

"Yeah?" He asked, the tiredness finally beginning to sink into his voice.

"It's peaceful."

I could feel the warmth of him through his shirt on my back as he reached for me. Palms settled against my lower back, fingers tapping some unknown tune before he nudged me, a silent urging for me to lay down and settle, one I followed without hesitation. I curled into his side, resting my head against his chest as he pulled the covers over us. Hem- Whisky jumped onto the bed, curling into Jake's free side, stretching his little legs out to make tiny air biscuits for a minute before settling fully.

My fingers traced Jake's tattoos, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest and the way the lights danced through his apartment. If this were anywhere else, I would have been afraid to look out into the dark - afraid that I'd see old faces or nameless bodies. This wasn't anywhere else, though. This was Jake's safe haven. It was where he kept the things that mattered to him. It was his books and his camera. His old chair and vintage guitar. His alcohol and his cigarettes.

It was a place I felt I belonged in. Playing with the cat he'd "stolen", looking through his books and admiring his photos, sitting in his chair, showering with him, curling up in his bed… I belonged here. I belonged here with him. My fingers stilled against his skin as the feeling settled inside me. The thought, the feeling, was finally accepted instead of being denied once again.

"Jake," I mumbled into his skin, tired but unable to sleep until I knew he felt it too.

"Yeah?"

Do you feel that? My tongue felt unnatural in my mouth. Do you think I belong here too? My mouth was too dry. Do you want me to stay? The words tumbled out, hardly intelligible, "I didn't learn a damn thing about photography."

He laughed, a sound that made my silly little heart soar, smoothing a hand over my head and turning his head to smile down at me. "That's alright. I'm always willing to give you more lessons." Yeah, princess, I want you to stay.

"I look forward to it," I said, and with a tired smile, I tilted my chin up, pressing my lips to his in a soft kiss that he returned instantly. Good. Because there's nowhere else I wanna be.

Outside, the city kept moving. Time kept moving. But there, wrapped in warm blankets, pulled to sleep by a soft embrace - there in Jake's apartment, time stood still.

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