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drarrily-we-row-along · 2 years

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From Eden (Part 2)

Here's Part 2 to This Story. I am complete crap at coming up with titles, so I stole one from Hozier.

After Kingsley's lynx disappeared, they stared at one another in stunned silence for a long moment before Potter said, “Sorry about your date.”

“Yes, yes,” Draco said with a wave of his hand. “I blame you entirely. You’ll have to make it up to me.”

“Errrm,” Potter started before trailing off and Draco realized exactly what he’d just unwittingly implied.

His cheeks flushed hot, “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Of course not,” Potter agreed hurriedly.

“Let’s go,” Draco said with a sigh, “Here, I’ll apparate us. You’re terrible at blind apparition.”

Potter offered no resistance, he just reached out and took Draco’s arm and they were swept up once more and deposited just outside of the village. “24 Church St., right?” Harry asked.

Draco nodded, looking around the small town that was all but silent at half eight on a Friday night. He groaned, “Not much of a nightlife in this place.”

“Well, we’ve a new baby so it’s not as though a place with a nightlife would have done anything for us.”

“We’ve a new baby, huh?”

Potter rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly even as he cradled the baby closer to his chest with his other arm. “Well, you don’t have to do anything. I can,” he said, then swallowed, “I can-”

“Potter it’s fine. I was kidding. Merlin.”

“Right,” he said. “We need a plan.”

“The plan is to go to the safe house and wait until they come for us,” Draco replied simply.

Potter glared at him, “We have a baby,” he said. “A baby who is currently wearing rags and a soiled nappy, who is obviously very hungry. Do you imagine the ministry safe house has formula and nappies? Do you imagine that the safe house has a bassinet? How about baby clothes?”

“Well, what do you suggest, then?”

(Read more below the cut)

“I think one of us has to stay with the baby,” he started.

“Definitely should be you,” Draco said, feeling mild horror at the thought of having to stay alone with the wailing infant Potter currently had clutched to his chest.

“Great. Then you can go into town and pick up formula, diapers, and some clothes that are not rags. When you get back we can feed her and change her, then go into town to pick up the other things she’ll need.”

“Are you kidding? I can’t go to a muggle store. How do I even know what kind of formula? Or nappies?” Draco said. “And I have no idea how their money works.”

“Fine.” Potter said with a sigh. “Then you stay and watch her and I will go and get the things she needs.”

As they walked up the walk to the safe house Draco asked, “Is she going to be doing that the entire time?”

The child let out a particularly loud wail at this, apparently offended.

“Probably,” Potter said unflinchingly as he walked through the door that Draco had opened.

“And you want me to do what with her exactly?” he asked as he shrugged out of his cloak.

“Just hold her,” Potter instructed, gingerly holding her out to Draco.

He took her and it seemed she only started to cry harder, “She doesn’t like me,” he said, turning to look at Potter who was stripping out of his ministry robes to reveal denims and a soft looking green jumper.

“Well I can’t do everything,” he said and Draco could tell that he was starting to get irritated. Probably the way the baby was screaming, it was already making Draco feel irritated.

“No, you’re right,” he conceded. “Just be quick, yes?”

Potter nodded and left without another word.

Draco looked down at the baby in his arms, she wailed at him, her eyes scrunching closed in distress. “There, there,” he murmured, awkwardly trying to shift the baby onto his shoulder and pat her back. “Merlin, you stink,” he grumbled. Maybe a bath? Surely he could manage that and at least she wouldn’t smell so awful.

He carried her over to the kitchen sink and laid her on the counter beside it. “Alright,” he said as he blew out a breath, “we can do this.” He started to undress her, more unwrapping the rags that the hedge witches had wrapped her in than anything.

She wailed again and Draco could hear her stomach grumble. He watched as a tear tracked down her cheek.

“No more of that, little one,” he said, running a hand through the snarled curls on her head. Seeing her tears twisted something inside of his chest and he wasn't particularly fond of the feeling.

He peeled off her wet nappy, glad on one level that there wasn’t any poo to worry about. On the other hand, he thought as he cast a spell to make a hammock in the sink to lay the baby on, it was probably not a good sign that there wasn’t any mess in her diaper. He held her close, bouncing her as he tried to get the water temperature right.

He was just about to put her into the hammock when he realized he didn’t have any shampoo or bath products. “Damn,” he muttered as she continued to shriek in his ear. He went around opening doors, trying to find the blasted bathroom. “I know,” he soothed her. “Merlin, I know you’re upset. I know you’re hungry. And I am sorry there is nothing I can do for you.”

Finally, he opened the door to the bathroom and grabbed the shampoo and soap out of the shower and a towel out of the linen closet before heading back downstairs. He laid her in the hammock and poured water over her. She quieted down as the water washed over her. “You like that?” he murmured softly before gently pouring water over her hair, wetting the curls and carefully working some of the shampoo into her hair.

She let out a soft cooing noise at him and gave him a gummy smile.

“Well, good to know you like having baths,” he said to her, returning her smile as he rinsed the shampoo out of her hair.

She let out a guttural sounding goo in reply that Draco tried to imitate, it was something he’d seen Pansy do with her little one and it seemed to please the infant as he continued to wash her with a soft tea towel he’d pulled out of one of the drawers next to the sink. She seemed to like the scent of the soap, and so did Draco, lightly floral but not overpowering.

He’d just finished rinsing her off and had started to dry her with the towel, which she didn’t seem to enjoy as much as she had the bath, when Potter came flying back inside.

“I’m back,” he panted, then paused to look at them, bags dangling from his hands. “She’s not crying.”

“Not at the moment, no,” Draco replied.

“Did you cast a muffliato at her or something?”

Draco rolled his eyes as Potter looked over his shoulder at the baby. “Of course not.”

Potter set the bags down on the island, “Did you give her a bath?”

“Yes. Obviously. She smelled disgusting. I would have cried too if I smelled like she did.”

Potter chuckled and unpacked the bags, presenting Draco with a bag of nappies, a few tiny outfits, and some formula.

“You get her dressed, I’ll make up the formula,” he directed. “I’m better with measuring things as we both know from your disastrous potion skills.

Potter rolled his eyes at him but seemed happy enough to comply. “Well, hello there, beautiful,” he cooed at the infant,

She let out a happy sounding ‘goo’ as the other man expertly put her in a diaper.

“You’re good at that,” Draco commented.

“Well, I had a lot of practice with my godson Teddy, then Mione and Ron had Rose and Hugo and named me their godfather so I got even more practice,” he said with a shrug. Then he turned to look back at the baby as he got her into a long sleeve onesie, “Yes, I did,” he told her. “I’ve had a lot of practice,” he repeated as he tickled her stomach and she giggled at him.

Something about watching Potter with the baby made Draco’s heart stutter, so he turned away and focused on making a bottle. She started to whimper again just as Draco finished.

Potter held out a hand to Draco, “Here, I can feed her if you want to get changed. Then we can head in to pick up the things we’ll need for her.”

“What am I supposed to change into?” Draco asked. Obviously he hadn’t packed any clothes.

“Oh,” Potter said, glancing up at him from the baby. He balanced her in one arm and kept the bottle to her mouth as he went over to the hook his cloak was hanging on. He dug around in the pocket, then pulled out a tiny bag. Draco watched as the bag expanded to the size of an overnight sack and Potter started digging around in it. “Hermione was the one who suggested I carry one of these,” he said conversationally. “That year we were on the run she had this tiny little bag but it held everything.”

“Yes, she is quite good with her spellwork,” Draco said appreciatively.

Potter smiled at him, then tugged out a pair of muggle denims and a soft blue sweater. “When we got partnered together, I started carrying some clothes that I thought might fit you. Just in case.”

“That,” Draco started, without quite knowing how to finish, “Was very thoughtful. Thank you.”

Potter’s answering grin was brighter than the sun and Draco had to look away.

He took the clothes, “I’ll just get changed then,” be said with a nod.

The jeans were a bit tight, he thought to himself as he squirmed his way into them. Fortunately, the white T-shirt and the sweater fit well enough and he had to admit that the jumper was flattering with his complexion and his eyes.

He fiddled with his hair, he’d let his barber leave the top too long and the strands were always drifting into his eyes. It made him look younger, less professional, and paired with this outfit he looked utterly domestic. He signed and tried to comb the wispy blond hairs back into the quiff he preferred with his fingers but his hair wasn’t having it.

Eventually, he was forced to give it up as a bad job and left the bathroom. “These pants are too tight,” he complained when he reached the living room. “You didn’t take into account the size of my arse when you packed these.”

Potter looked up from the infant, reaching to shove his stupid glasses further up on his nose once more. “Uh,” he said ineloquently, as his eyes raked over Draco, making him feel slightly self conscious, “no. They’re supposed to look like that.”

“Oh,” he said, looking down at himself. “They’re tighter than Quidditch breaches and those are meant to be aerodynamic.”

Potter huffed a laugh at him, “You look fine. Watch, when we go out to the store, you’ll see all sorts of blokes with trousers like that.” He looked down at the baby in his arms and Draco followed his gaze. “Alright, little miss,” he said, “That’s the end of that bottle. We’re going to have a burp, then it’s time to go.”

“How long do you think we’re going to have to be here?” Draco couldn’t help but asking, watching Potter hoist the little girl up over his shoulder, patting her back.

“Hmm?” he asked, clearly distracted.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked instead.

Potter’s eyes flicked up to Draco’s, it was unnerving sometimes when he did that; his eyes could pierce straight through Draco’s soul and if he didn’t know for a fact that Potter was pants at legilimency he would have believed that he was reading his mind. His eyebrows furrowed slightly, “Do you ever-” but whatever he was going to ask was interrupted by the baby burping. “Good girl!” Harry encouraged, gently rubbing her back and wiping the small amount of spit up off her face.

“‘Do I ever’ what?” Draco prompted.

“Hmm?” he looked up at Draco then shook his head, “Oh, it’s nothing. Never mind. I’m just tired.”

Draco wanted to push him. He always wanted to push him. He’d spent pretty much his entire life after age 11 wanting to know what was going through that stupid, scarred head. With a great deal of practiced effort he let it go. “How do we know what we need to buy for a baby?” he asked instead.

“Ah,” Harry replied, giving him a small smile, “Lucky for you, Teddy has spent every other weekend with me since he was 5 months old. I’ve had to buy baby stuff before.”

“How domestic,” Draco teased. “It’s no wonder you never date.”

Potter’s smile slipped slightly and turned forced, “Yeah,” he replied. “That among other reasons.”

“Like what?”

The other man stood from his chair and tucked the now sleeping infant into a contraption that he strapped across his chest and buckled around his back. “Could you help me tighten the straps?” he asked, turning his back to Draco.

Draco stepped forward to tighten the straps as requested, resigning himself to the fact that Potter wasn’t going to answer his questions about his dating life, like always.

He was surprised when Potter said, “Who would ever like me for me?”

“What?” Draco asked.

“And even if they did,” he went on as though Draco hadn't asked him to repeat himself, “How would I know it was about me and not just because I’m the ‘Savior of the Wizarding World’ or the ‘Chosen one’ or whatever?” he asked with no small amount of derision.

“You really worry about that?” Draco asked, giving the strap one last tug to ensure it was tightened enough.

“Yeah,” Potter replied simply.

“Well, how do you know they wouldn’t like you for you if you’ve never given them the chance?” Draco asked, thinking that really Potter was quite likable, perhaps even more so when you forgot about the fact that he saved the world.

He glanced over his shoulder and gave Draco a rueful smile, “Which crazy person would you suggest I start with first? The witches who send me their panties? The wizards who’ve sent me handcuffs? Maybe the baristas that always upgrade my drinks?” he shook his head, “It’s a nonstarter every time.”

Draco was quiet for a moment, letting Potter wallow in self-pity before he spoke up, “Oh, poor you,” he teased as he nudged him toward the door. “Free stuff and people who love you are the worst.”

“Prick,” he said with a genuine chuckle, bumping Draco’s shoulder with his own once they were on the front steps.

“Yes,” Draco replied haughtily, “That is often what people say my best feature is.”

“What, not your massive intellect?” Potter joked.

He wasn’t wrong, Draco was smart but his dates didn’t often comment on it especially since they were mostly one night stands. “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

Potter laughed, all traces of bitterness and self pity gone, “You’d know better than I.”

“You know there are always things like Polyjuice Potions, disillusionment charms-”

He made a face at Draco, “Yes, solid start to any relationship. Let’s begin with lies.”

Draco rolled his eyes, “I’m not saying find the love of your life, Potter, I’m saying find someone to get off with.”

“I can’t,” he said as he adjusted the baby on his chest a bit.

“Why not?” he asked incredulously, imagining that he was going to say something about ridiculous Gryffindor morals.

“Dunno,” he said. “I’ve tried once or twice but I just couldn’t do it. I don’t know if it’s because it felt like a lie or if Hermione’s right and I just don’t feel sexual attraction to strangers.” He shrugged then shook his head, “Why are we even talking about this?”

“Because you’re sad and pathetic.”

“I am not,” he said with a laugh. “I’m very happy. My life is very full of good things. I don’t need a man or a woman to complete me.”

“The battle cry of all single people won’t fool me, Potter. You,” he said, poking the other man in the shoulder, “want a family. A spouse, 2.5 kids, a house with a yard.”

“Wow,” he said, narrowing his eyes at Draco, “And what do you want?”

“I have what I want,” he replied.

“No.”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

Potter shrugged, mischief sparkling in his eyes, “I mean that’s not true. You can say what you like but I know you Draco Malfoy. You,” he echoed, poking Draco in the shoulder, “have had your dramatic gay wedding planned since you were a child. You want someone to come home to every night, someone to snuggle by the fire-”

“Malfoys don’t snuggle,” he said with derision.

Potter ignored him and continued, “someone to eat dinner with, someone very good with his ridiculously big,” he glanced down at the sleeping baby, “you-know-what. You are a romantic, Draco Malfoy, and I won’t be convinced otherwise. You just want to be wooed.”

Draco spluttered and Potter merely grinned infuriatingly at him.

He nodded his head at whatever was in front of them, “Here we are.”

Draco looked up and saw a giant muggle store in front of them, garish florescent lights glaring at them. He winced, "This is awful."

Potter laughed, "Come on," he said. "You're going to love their candle selection," he added and Draco wasn't sure whether he was serious of not, but either way he followed him inside.

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Part One | Part Three

#part two #From Eden #drarry #100 drarry drabbles in 100 days #drarry fanfic #drarry ficlet #love #pining #domestic #raising a baby #found family #banter

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raspberry-arev · 3 years

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After the Flood (a.k.a. bicci fic)

Hello friends! Some of you may remember that back in... er, who knows, I was writing a Bicci Proposal Fanfic. However, school and lack of motivation got in the way, and essentially, I forgot it existed. Until now. It's done, it's ready, it's here for you to read in whole! (I posted half of it before, but I can't find the thing.)

Characters: Jimmy Kaga-Ricci, Lister Bird, Rowan Omondi, OC (Abby Omondi), Angel Rahimi

Themes: older Ark, marriage proposal, coming out, grand gestures, The Ark Revival Tour, and peak Bicci romance (hopefully)

TWs: mentions of recovery from addiction, anxiety, food

Word count: 9k

JIMMY

It’s often impossible to pinpoint what exactly set off an event – or perhaps multiple – that changed your life as you knew it.

That was not Jimmy’s case, however. He remembered that Barbecue Saturday very well.

This time, it was Rowan and his spouse Abby who hosted. The two couples took turns and Jimmy was oh so grateful for it; the idea of managing Lister’s chaotic culinary experiments more than twice in one summer filled him with dread.

On Saturday morning, Jimmy and Lister packed up and drove all the way to the suburbs of London where Rowan and Abby lived. The sun was bright, everything gleamed buttery yellow, and Jimmy managed to talk Abby into letting him set the table and carry in all the food instead of her, which was quite an accomplishment. She was about as stubborn as her husband.

They rarely invited more than three extra people though. Being in the public eye in your formative years made you appreciate small gatherings of trustworthy people. And one of those proved to be Angel. Or, you know, Feresteh, but her nickname really stuck with them. From that time Jimmy nearly quit the band and Lister impaled himself and almost drowned in mud… yeah, call that a wild youth.

Over ten years later, they were hardly the same people.

After they decided to quit being The Ark for their own wellbeing and safety, Rowan kept his place in the music industry as a songwriter, producer and a solo artist. He went with the name Le Monde, a play on his surname as well as French for “the world”. It suited him. He was the world, never small, never just one thing.

Lister stopped being involved in music after a few collabs. While he was figuring out what to do next, he took a few modelling jobs, acted in music videos and got a small part in a sitcom. Jimmy used that time to get a college degree, but found he just wouldn’t be able to get the usual “college experience” he yearned for, and only got his diploma after doing classes long-distance.

Jimmy and Lister also got together. After many failed attempts at courtship and pretending being friends with benefits was enough… they got together. To Jimmy, it felt like it was inevitable; they have acted like partners long before it was official, they just needed to clean up their own messes before they could be a couple. It wouldn’t have felt right back then, but it did now.

Rowan was already at the grill preparing meat and wrapping camembert in shiny aluminium foil when Angel marched in, tall, elegant, beaming. Jimmy loved to see her again. Each time, she seemed a little more confident, more expressive, more… just more. She really did find her calling in the music industry, just as much as he found his tucked away in rural England with his boyfriend.

Yet, he was to be “tucked away” no longer.

At a certain point, their group fell momentarily silent; everyone was chewing their meal and soaking in the sun. Then Angel said, in an unfamiliar, cautious tone: “You see, I was talking to a couple of people…”

Rowan exchanged a quick look with Jimmy. “Go on,” he said.

“It’s gonna be ten years since you guys disbanded, you know.”

“I know,” Jimmy echoed.

“So. I was thinking. Hear me out, even if you think it’s bollocks…” Angel shot them a look, and then made a motion with her hand as if she was presenting them with something. “Have you ever thought of doing a revival concert?”

As Rowan did a theatrical “errrm”, Jimmy saw straight through his best friend’s bullshit: the two of them rehearsed this conversation. He knew Ro for most of his life, who did he think he was fooling?

His mind offered the answer quickly: Abby, perhaps. He wants to see how she would react, doesn’t he? Rowan would love to do a revival show like that, no doubt, but he valued his wife’s opinion too much to make a decision without her.

He felt movement on his left, and looked Lister in the eyes.

“Well,” said Lister, looking at him. “Wow, okay,” said Jimmy. Both were considering.

Angel swiftly picked up, “Just wanted to run this idea by you. Not because it’s me who would love to see you play once more – I mean, of course I would – but it’s expected to have an amazing turn-out.”

“Obviously, they’re The Ark,” Abby commented matter-of-factly.

“You’re right, Abby. So, guys? How are we feeling about this?”

It was bizzare. Normally, Jimmy would have expected to say he wasn’t at all interested – the boyband life was not for him anymore, tough luck – but recently, he felt a strong sense of nostalgia surge through him as the ten year mark got closer. He found himself reaching for his old guitar way more often, strumming at it, looking for something between the strings he could not reach.

Maybe he could do it just once.

What eventually came out of his mouth was… “I haven’t sung like that for a long time though.”

“You sing to me,” Lister contradicted him, his fingers intertwining with his. “All the time.”

Jimmy felt his face get hotter. “That’s hardly… Are you thousands of people?” He turned to Angel. “How many are we talking, anyway?”

She smiled a kind smile. “I don’t know, Jimmy, that depends on whether you three are up to it or not.”

Rowan cleared his throat. “Personally speaking, I think I wouldn’t mind, as long as we are just doing it once, and not trying for a comeback. I wouldn’t go there.”

“Same,” Lister nodded. “I love you guys, but I’m fine the way things are.”

“Right,” said Rowan firmly. “But… just this once, I mean, why not? We could use some extra money.” With this, he gently let his palm rest on Abby’s belly that swelled under her summer dress like a balloon. (Jimmy fought the urge to aww at them.)

Abby immediately assured him they were more than fine financially, but Rowan barely listened, clearly waiting for his former bandmates to say something. Jimmy felt Lister looking at him, unwavering. So he turned to him and asked, “What do you think? Cool or not?”

“I’m waiting for you to say.”

“Why?”

“Don’t want you to feel pressured or anything.”

“You shouldn’t… Just say what your opinion is!”

“You express your opinion,” Lister retorted, pretending to square his shoulders as a threat. Jimmy lovingly nudged him, and to stop being annoying to the remaining three people at the table, he shrugged, “It doesn’t sound so bad. One concert. I mean, we are still friends after all this time, so why not?”

“In that case, I would love to be the centre of attention again!” Lister exclaimed and gave Jimmy a boyish grin. “The crowd was deprived of my looks for too long.”

“Buddy, you were the drummer,” Rowan said. “Bold of you to assume anyone even looked at you with me and Jimmy jumping at the front.”

Jimmy snorted with laughter, but Lister was quick to defend himself. “Google all Lister Bird slash Reader fanfic and then we can talk about who got noticed, buddy.”

“Oi, you’re not even properly revived yet, stop fighting!” Angel called out, but laughter started bubbling from every direction before she even finished the sentence.

They had a proper business meeting about it in two weeks. And then another and another. When they announced the first date, the sales went through the roof. Jimmy had to get off of social media because the internet exploded with their names and faces. But he sort of found it a bit sweet, that so many people stuck around for them, like old friends that he never had the chance to talk to. One concert became three and then five, which was, honestly, more like a small tour at that point. Jimmy fought to call it After the Flood and won.

LISTER

“You really shouldn’t do that, you know. This bitch is hard to get rid of.”

Rowan tried to hide a small cough and put out his cigarette on the metal window sill next to him. “Hey,” he greeted Lister. “Didn’t expect you to come out here.”

“Yeah.” Lister found it hard to hang around smokers, and unfortunately, he met quite the number of them while they were in the process of rehearsing. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“What’s up?”

“Can we walk, like, over there? So… nobody can hear us through the door?”

Rowan eyed him suspiciously, but he followed him to the railing on the edge of the roof. There, he turned to him, seeming to fight himself.

“I’m really looking for a less shitty way to ask this,” he admitted eventually. “But… What have you done now, Lister?”

Lister felt a sort of numbed cramp seize his stomach for a second. It took a lot not to let anger overcome him. They were well over thirty, how the hell was Rowan still treating him like a fuck up? But no. This was more important than old grudges.

“Nothing! As of yet,” he assured his bandmate.

“Okay…?”

“Right. So. Erm. Nobody is here, right? Fine. I had this idea… you know, Jimmy and I have been together for a long time and I obviously care about him a lot, I always have, you kind of know that…”

“Yes, go on,” he pushed on gently.

“Fuck it. I want to fucking propose!”

A giant weight fell off his shoulders when he spoke those words aloud. It was like coming out all over again, god.

Rowan’s eyes twinkled. “Oooh,” he almost whispered, “and you need my help with that? I’m your man, tell me the plan!”

“There is none right now.”

“Oh, okay. I can still help if you want.”

This was another part Lister dreaded discussing.

“I… okay, so, I was thinking of… doing it on stage?”

His friend’s face changed rapidly.

Lister’s dream of a grand proposal to the love of his life in brilliant stage lights and the roars of the audience faded away. “That’s a no? That’s a no. Shit, forget it then.” He felt sick.

“Lister, I’m absolutely positive you mean well,” Rowan started. “But Jimmy would-“

Speak of the devil.

The door opened and out of it peaked Jimmy’s unshaven face. “Oh! There you both are.”

Rowan froze for a second. Lister was ready to improvise. “Alright, so how about I come by yours after practice and you transfer the files to me?” He smiled, but impaled Rowan with a meaningful look.

Fortunately, he caught on. “Oh yeah, yeah, that could work.”

“What files?” Jimmy inquired as he joined them, oblivious.

“Rowan has some of our old drafts still saved. I was thinking of squeezing in a drum solo somewhere, maybe with spoken word over it?”

“Sounds cool,” Jimmy smiled at him and slightly brushed the back of his hand with Lister’s. “Anyway, Dick the Sound Guy wants us all in there immediately.”

“Stop calling him that or I’ll have a Freudian slip at some point,” Lister laughed and guided Jimmy back into the building. Him and Rowan managed to exchange a subtle nod over the shorter man’s head.

JIMMY

As they were packing up that day, Jimmy tried incredibly hard to catch Rowan alone. Just like the old times when he needed to discuss something personal. And yet again, it involved Lister. Jimmy felt young and stupid again, but not really in a good way.

Finally, he managed to stop him while he was putting away the equipment. Lister was meanwhile in the office of their temporary new manager. “Ro, I need advice!” he whispered to his best friend.

“What about?”

“It’s Lister.”

“Oh dear Jesus, I’m having flashbacks.”

“Don’t be a dick, it’s important.”

“Okay then, tell me.”

“It kind of involves you too. Just… tell me if it’s a good idea.”

“Go on!”

“I want to, uh… I want to tell people Lister and I are a couple…” He took a breath. “Which means I would be coming out as gay as well, probably. I know that’s, like, a huge pile of drama, so if you don’t want me to complicate the tour, just say it, it’s honestly kind of irresponsible when I’m thinking about it now…”

“Jimbob. Easy.” Rowan waited for a second for Jimmy to wind down, leaning on a stack of five chairs, and then asked, “Are you really sure about it? Do you want people to know?”

Jimmy felt his thoughts humming in his head. He forced himself to say exactly how he felt.

“I know it’s gonna sound super dramatic, but I don’t want to die not saying it,” he explained slowly. “It became really important to me… I don’t know when. But it did. Talking about this part of me, too. I’m just worried about what Lister might say.”

“So I take it that you didn’t discuss this?”

“No way. I don’t even know how to start!” Jimmy exploded in loud whispering. “I should have talked to him a long time ago, but I just didn’t have the balls.”

“I get that, but… just bring it up. Like, theoretically. What if. I think he’s going to support you through it.”

“How could he?”

“What are you even saying at this point?

“You think he would like people sticking their nose in our personal business? I feel like it’s so unfair to him and his privacy… And I feel terrible about still wanting to do it… even though it’s inconsiderate. It’s all a fucking mess.”

“Okay, okay.” Rowan massaged his nose. He looked like he was trying incredibly hard not to snap at Jimmy and be at least somewhat encouraging. “Look, no spoilers, but I am going to say this. Lister absolutely will notbe mad and he will want to talk about the two of you if you give him the chance. That is all.”

“Wait, what? Ro, did he tell you something?”

“I am not talking!”

“Is that how you treat your best friend in a life crisis?!”

“You’re putting me in a life crisis, don’t you dare play the pity card! I swear, the two of you are a nightmare.”

“Rowan! Come back!”

LISTER

His visit to Rowan’s place was very brief, but it was enough for him to understand Rowan’s concerns. Eventually.

Lister explained that it didn’t feel appropriate for him to just whip out a ring in a restaurant: Jimmy was his love, his dream boy, as cliché as it sounded, and he wanted to do something that would measure up to all he was feeling. Which was… well, a whole lot. Like a “get down on one knee in front of thousands of people” lot.

And yet.

“It’s all great, and I’m sure there are people in the world that would love it, but we are talking about Jimmy.”

“Come on. I know, he’s private about… well, everything, but…”

“That, yes,” Rowan pointed at him while holding a can of coke, “but don’t you think this proposal on stage would be an anxiety-inducing situation? Because to me, that sounds like a lot of pressure and nerves.”

“He hasn’t had attacks since we moved and he went on those meds.”

“That doesn’t really –“

“Matter. Yeah. Yeah, I get your point, mate, he would die of shock. And everybody watching him. Fuck, I’m stupid.”

“No, you’re not,” Rowan grinned. “The two of you are just different… in some aspects. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”

Will I? Lister asked himself as he was driving back to the hotel that Jimmy and him were staying at for the time being. This was the only thing I came up with, like, ever.

When he swept his key card over the sensor and the door to their suite opened, he was greeted by the smell of dinner. He took a look into their little kitchen and found his boyfriend sitting at the table with his laptop. He didn’t notice him for a second, so Lister came up behind him and hugged him tightly.

Jimmy yelped.

“Where’s the food?!” Lister shook him a little, imitating Batman.

“Your hands are so cold!” Jimmy protested, but there was a trace of laughter in his voice. “On the stove, you bully!”

Lister almost flew over there, looking under the lid on the pot.

“Pasta,” Jimmy shrugged. “I needed my comfort food, so that’s that for you.” Lister smiled and thanked him, because yes, he was starving. Pasta was Jimmy’s go-to meal to cook, as it was quick to make and he was a pasta-sauce prodigy.

While his dinner was heating up in the microwave, Jimmy made small-talk about the supposed unused lyrics Rowan and him exchanged. Lister found it hard to lie to him, so he just turned to playful teasing, telling Jimmy to stop sniffing around, he’ll hear it when the time comes.

“Oh come on,” Jimmy huffed. “I’m just asking! And it’s my show, too. Spill it.”

“Sorry. Totally gonna steal your spotlight.”

“Lister, just tell me what it is.”

“A song.”

“What song?”

“A song that you have to wait for.”

“Babe, what song?!”

Lister took him by the waist and pulled him against his body. “Are you trying to ‘babe’ me into telling you right now? Is that what’s happening? Right in front of my pasta?” He went in for a kiss, and Jimmy tried to murmur something against his lips… but then he gave up. They leaned into each other and kept kissing until Lister pulled away to open the microwave. He got himself a fork and went to sit down after the long day, but Jimmy stayed there, right next to the sink. Looking a bit like he was going to hurl.

Before Lister could ask if he’s okay, Jimmy sat down on the other chair with a determined look on his face.

“There is something I need to discuss!” he blurted out.

Lister cautiously dropped the fork back into the bowl. “Okay…? And it’s something to do with me, yeah?”

“Yep. A lot to do with you.” He was visibly nervous. He clasped his hands together, as if Lister would have not noticed. “I… I was thinking about this one thing, and I need your opinion about it.”

“Cool. Go for it.”

“It’s about our relationship.”

“Are you aware you sound very sinister right now?”

He wildly shook his hands as if he wanted to dry them off. “Sorry, didn’t mean to,” he apologized in a strained voice. Then he cleared his throat, sharply lifted his eyes towards Lister’s and exclaimed, “I would like to reveal that we’re together.”

Lister felt everything about his face go lax in shock. He opened his eyes round and wide, his mouth followed, and Jimmy looked like he would faint.

“I, er. I just. I thought about it and I think it’s a decent idea and – please say something, Lister, before I get a fucking heart attack right now.”

It must have been so hard for him to speak up. Lister thought of his proposal plans and felt his mouth slowly form a smile. “I think it’s… brilliant! Yes, I would really like to do that!”

“Wait, really?”

“This is – I didn’t think you would want to, when did you change your mind?”

Jimmy shrugged, grinning in a sheepish way that made him look much younger. And cuter. “I thought I just… wanted to be open about this part of my life. Figured it’s time to say we are together. But if you, like, don’t feel like it, then…”

Lister beamed. “I feel like it. If you do, I do, trust me.” He walked around the table and lifted Jimmy into a hug. He laughed, relieved.

This was when it dawned on Lister… it was not such an easy matter. Exciting, yes, but it would gather all kinds of attention. He leaned onto the table, grabbed his dinner and him and Jimmy started talking about the situation it would put them in. If both are truly okay with it, how much would they reveal, when is the best time to do it. They kept talking through the bathroom door and while they were changing into pajamas in their bedroom.

As they were laying down and Lister gestured Jimmy to crawl into his arms, they became quieter. “You know why I also want to say it?” Jimmy mumbled, lying on the soft linen with one eye open.

“I’m all ears.”

“If I have to see one more article about which model or actress you’re screwing, I’m gonna lose the remaining marbles that I have.” Lister started chuckling as Jimmy awkwardly added, “Which is, admittedly, not many. Most have been lost in my youth.”

“Oh no,” Lister laughed and turned Jimmy’s face upwards to his. “So this just in: my boyfriend is possessive. Fancy that.”

“I’m not, it’s… I am… Oh, you hated Jowan, stop being smug.”

“I know I did, we both know. But jealous Jimmy? That’s a rare sight.”

“It’s just super uncomfortable. It’s all women, as well.”

“Heteronormativity is a bitch,” Lister nodded. He snuggled closer and let out a breath, “Don’t worry though. I am exclusively your problem.”

Jimmy kissed him, smiling. Lister felt lightheaded. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against Jimmy’s. He loved this – he loved how much he felt for him after so long they have been together. It never ceased or faded away… because it was Jimmy.

Lister was pretty sure he would love him until his last day on Earth.

It was time to start looking for a ring.

JIMMY

Not much later, they had a team meeting scheduled with all the important people at their recording company that were involved with their tour. Jimmy and Lister announced their intention to come out during the tour, and with Rowan’s full support, it wasn’t too hard to win the producers over. Jimmy had anticipated the PR people would deem it overly risky to their image, but they were fairly chill. As Rowan had put it, “As if anything about The Ark was ever about pandering to conservatives.”

They agreed that their demographic is absolutely different, and before they knew it, they were being ignored while people were exchanging speculations about how it all could help them promote the tour.

“If they do it on, like, the second show…”

“…we could sell some extra tickets after… another wave…”

“…that would probably be a good time to release a single, something related to…”

Jimmy felt something in his chest sink. This is why they left. These people took something good, something from their hearts and souls, and wanted to turn it into money. Some part of him understood, that’s how business works, but mostly, he just felt really sad for them.

“Oi!” Lister exploded over the chatter. “Sorry, but we are still here, and – Could you maybe not act like this coming out is a marketing tactic?!”

The room went briefly silent.

Jimmy squeezed his hand under the table to say a silent thanks. Then he choked out, “That’s not why we’re doing it!”

Their producer looked at them over the top of her reading glasses.

“Of course it’s not, love,” she cooed. “But to say it bluntly, I think you need all the help you can get.”

After many weeks and many briefings, they had agreed on making the announcement on the third show. Right in the middle of tour. Everybody was nervous, expectant, but there was this air of hopefulness when Jimmy and Lister ended up alone together. The glimmer in his partner’s eye when their eyes met promised something… no, it was not living absolutely openly, they still wanted privacy. But it felt like they were sealing something.

This was not an easy coming out.

But they were in for it. Together.

LISTER

“Just so I know,” Rowan said as Lister was trying to take off his Doc Martens with all his might, “what did you tell Jimmy this time?”

“We’re still working on music.”

“We should really make something then, before you go. I am not gonna lie to my childhood best friend, y’know.”

Finally, the boot came off, and Lister got off the little cabinet in Rowan’s hall. Abby was already making tea, and when she saw him walk by the kitchen door, she just nodded at him. Lister smirked at her; she loved pretending to still be mad at him for taking Rowan to a strip club on his stag night. (Or was it dancing on the table at the wedding reception? Anyhow.)

Rowan sat him down in the lounge and started the conversation with: “So. The big reveal is getting closer. How are we feeling?”

“I – great, good. I’m fine, and Jimmy seems to be fine, so yeah, we’re fine.”

“But I assume that’s not what you need help with?”

“You assume right. I will need you to bear with me, though.”

“That sounds interesting,” Rowan retorted and flashed a smile at Abby who was bringing them two steaming mugs of earl gray. “And when I say interesting I mean impending doom, why thank you, Abby!”

“No problem.” She slowly leaned over, careful not to lose balance with her belly, and kissed him on the forehead. “I’ll be off for my swimming class then. You two behave, will you.”

As she was making her way to the hall, Lister jokingly remarked, “No goodbye kiss for me?”

She stopped in the middle of the room and exchanged a glance with Rowan. Rowan, stirring his tea with a teaspoon, said, “Please don’t kill him, I need him for the concert.”

“Come on, you guys, I was fully kidding. Goodbye, Abby,” he waved to her with a bright smile. “Enjoy your swimming stuff!”

“Thank you, will do.” She disappeared.

“Just a question!” he called after her. She came back with an eyeroll. “Is it, like, harder to swim when you are pregnant? Like, I don’t mean to insult you or anything, I’m just genuinely wondering.”

She, too, put aside her snarky façade for a second. “Actually, I go there because it’s relieving. The water makes you float, so the weight of the baby is taken off my back and legs for a little while.”

“Oh! That’s clever.”

“Thank you. The more you know, am I right?”

“You know what I was just thinking of?”

“Yeah? I really have to go.”

“When you’re swimming, you’re a human submarine for the baby.”

It seemed to take Abby a minute to realize what he was saying. Very slowly, she brought her palm to her forehead.

Rowan then didn’t make it much better by adding, “Since when does a submarine have water inside? That would defeat the purpose.”

Lister thought about it and then gasped. “So… right now, you are a reverse human submarine!”

Abby looked at them both, clearly lost for words. “I’ll just go…” She closed the lounge door behind her.

After a good ten minutes of Rowan half laughing and half chastising Lister for saying the things he says, Lister threw his hands up in the air and claimed they seem to have “traded their sense of humour for a marriage certificate” two years ago.

Rowan immediately followed: “Speaking of marriage, any updates on that? You and…?”

“Well, my friend, that is precisely what we need to talk about today.”

“Okay. The meeting is officially in session, go.”

“First: am I the only one that was really surprised by Jimmy wanting to make us public? Because I really didn’t expect that at all.”

“Yeah, I guess he’s still full of surprises, huh?”

“That he is. However, Ro, I was thinking, and I still want to do a proposal. No – let me finish, it’s not that straightforward. I spent a lot of time talking to Jimmy about what he wants and how he sees the future, and you were super right in saying that I should never put him on the spot like that. Being so exposed to the public when we were kids messed with us in a big way, all of us.”

Rowan snapped his fingers in agreement.

“The idea is… It would be a proposal before a proposal. Like… I don’t know, announcing that I have the intention of proposing to him soon. And asking him if he is okay with that, you know? If he’s okay with the idea of saying yes. That way,” Lister gesticulated with his hands, “he’s not forced right there to say yes, the eventual real proposal can be sort of expected, which would calm him down a bit, but still a surprise, because when is it going to happen? I’m not saying.”

Rowan stared at him for about three seconds. “That was… a whole thing, buddy.”

“Thoughts?”

“I’m just trying to wrap my head around this. Wait. You want to do a proposal before the actual proposal.”

“Yes.”

“On stage. At the same time you are announcing that the two of you are together?”

“No! I mean, I don’t think so. I thought like, more at the end, maybe.”

“Proposal before a proposal…”

“It’s clever, if you think about it.”

“To me, it just seems very extra, Lister. Which I know is your trademark, but –”

“No, but listen. I want to propose to Jimmy. He wouldn’t survive a big flashy proposal, but I still want to make it a big deal, because it is. Ergo, I announce that I want to spend the rest of my stupid little life with him and ask him if it is okay to propose to him one day, likely soon.”

Rowan’ expression changed. “That does make sense,” he said. “For the two of you, especially.”

“Okay then: dear dad, do I have your blessing?”

“Never call me that again. But yes.”

“You are the closest to being a father out of all of us.”

“That is not what it sounds like and you know it.”

JIMMY

The first show was an explosion of feeling and memories. Nauseous with anxiety, burdened with expectation and weak in the knees, Jimmy ran into his first appearance on the stage the same way he would run into the middle of the highway. The lights and screams and colours almost blew him to pieces and then glued him back together. His first words addressed to the crowd and the earth-shattering screams that came in answer woke something in him, a force of nature. The gig was rather small compared to those they ended on ten years ago, but the crowd loved them to pieces and oh, he felt so alive.

The second show was slightly bigger, yes, and their fans didn’t disappoint. Plenty of pride flags were chucked at him, and he waved them and gave them to his mates and it made him even more excited about what him and Lister were going to do the next time round. These people stayed with them for so long, this sea of faces that looked toward him… for many of them, he would be the representation they need, again.

He remembered being a young trans boy, questioning if there is a life, a future, for him. Where were all the queer adults? The trans adults? How could he imagine adult life if he had never seen someone like him live it?

There he was, now. Adult. Gay. Transgender. A lot of time, he still knew very little about what he was doing, but he had a boyfriend who knew equally little, and together, they might be just what some queer kid in the crowd yearns to see.

LISTER

It was D-Day. Christ and Mary, it was, and they were going to say it. Finally. The staff have been informed, the security has been strengthened, they did everything so that some fan wouldn’t try and knock them the fuck out…, but he was still incredibly nervous. Minutes before the show, among all the rush and flourish, he caught Jimmy and pulled him to the side, apologizing to a couple of sound guys securing some cables on the ground.

“How are you doing?” he blurted out.

“I’ll die, but maybe in a good way. You?”

“Same. Or I’ll throw up, in a bad way.”

“Wait really?”

“No, I’m sick, but not the vomiting kind.”

“Anxiety! Welcome to the club!” Jimmy shouted as he was being ushered away under the stage so he could come up on a platform.

More pushing, more ushering, and he stood next to Rowan.

Their intro – a dramatic organ solo as light flashed through the artificial fog like sunbeams – was rumbling all around them. The crowd was losing their minds. He didn’t know how, but he still heard Rowan whisper:

“Lister, promise me you won’t do the other thing today!”

“Told you I won’t, stop being patronizing!” he snapped back, but then it was their time, and they were on a stage, coming up from behind Jimmy, each on every side, acting astonished as they supposedly came down from Noah’s Ark onto new land.

Listed dared to put his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder as they did so.

The show was on.

Here we go.

JIMMY

During the concert, he used every opportunity to interact with the audience that he had. It felt a bit manipulative at first – he wanted them to be up for a bit of talking, eventually – but then the feeling of guilt faded away. However complicated his relationship with the fans used to be, these people were the fans. They stayed loyal to them, they kept their music in their hearts, and came to this revival gig…

It would be okay, okay, okay.

When the last accords of the last song whizzed away into the night and he was thanking the crowd that stomped and cheered and waved signs in hope of an encore… he stopped at the front of the stage. Rowan strummed a few last cords on the guitar and fell silent.

He wished he had somewhere to sit down. His legs were shaking.

But he was not afraid. Not really.

“Now, you guys, these shows are very special for us. Because every single one of you, as we’re standing here and looking at each other, you have been waiting for so long…” His voice was drowned out by cheers. “For so long, you have not forgotten us, you came to our shows, you have been amazingly supportive, and I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart!” He shouted the last few words as the sea of faces roared in joy.

When they calmed down again, he continued. “And because you are the ones that stuck with us… because of that, I would like to say a few things to you.

If you know about the days of my youth…” Pause as people laughed and shouted affirmations at him. “…you would probably remember that I was presumed to be in a relationship with a person that is standing on the stage with me, right now.”

It was good that only a few people cheered. But it made him sick to the stomach, still.

“Okay, no,” Rowan came in, and people applauded, and he pointed at them with a not-so-fake scolding look, “no, no, don’t you woo at me, young lady. This is so utterly not a thing! Jimmy has never left the friendzone!”

“Same here,” Jimmy laughed and patted Rowan across the back, maybe a little too hard, overcompensating. “Did you all, like, miss that Rowan came out as straight all those years ago?”

People were laughing. Nobody really cared, they just found it funny. Rowan claimed he was leaving it to Jimmy before “the PR team has me taken out”, and retreated a few steps, leaving Jimmy to face the crowd again.

Deep breaths, he told himself.

“What I wanted to say was that there was one thing that those people back then got right.” Breathe in, breathe out. “I am gay.”

Two seconds of silence and then an absolute thunderstorm of an applause. A rainbow pride flag landed at his feet and Jimmy took it, with meek laughter, and put it around his shoulders. He heard Rowan cheer and clap too, and for what felt like years, he couldn’t get a word in. He wished the whole world could be like this.

“I – gosh, thank you all, I’m not sure whether it was a surprise,” he finally managed to say, his voice breaking a little from surprise, “but yeah. I am a trans, gay man…” The hall exploded with joyous noise. “…and it’s not all that there is to me, but I’m here. And queer. Hello.”

He thought he was going to pass out. He had a clever segway prepared, but he couldn’t remember a word of it. This was the moment. He wanted to say it, but at the same time… How could he? It was so hard, why do things have to be so hard?

“The other… the second thing,” he said, gripping the pride flag. “It is that… wow, it’s hard. It’s that I am…” He felt himself turn around, and like a lost child call: “Lister?”

Lister climbed out from behind the drum set instantly. Nobody cheered, there were only confused whispers. Jimmy looked at him, asking for help without words, and he knew, as he always did. Jimmy found a place to look, above the crowd, beyond everything, as Lister stepped in and slowly took his hand.

“The second thing is that we are together,” Lister said, his voice steady.

And the crowd lost it.

There were people wailing in happy tears. Screaming at the top of their lungs. A dissonance of chanting their names, all at a different rhythm, before Rowan ran up to them and hugged them and spurred the crowd on, and they stood there wrapped in a pride flag, and Jimmy was kind of crying and leaning on Lister, and it was another half an hour of a pure mess, before they really left the stage with their ears buzzing and eyes wide.

Jimmy and Lister tumbled into a corner somewhere, and Jimmy had happy tears streaming down his cheeks and they were kissing and holding each other and shaking.

“Oh, I’m such a mess,” Jimmy laughed as he was smearing tears and foundation on his sleeve.

“And I love you so much,” Lister blurted out in a moment of raw honesty.

“Me too,” Jimmy took one of his hands and kissed the palm. “I love you so fucking much it’s unreal sometimes.”

LISTER

This was, hands down, the most jittery Lister got before a show. Ever.

Currently, he found himself sat at an old sofa in the dressing room, hands clasped and both legs involuntarily jumping up and down. Was it annoying? Likely. But he had to let his knees jump in such a vigorous way because if he hadn’t, his teeth might start clattering.

He hated that he couldn’t just be pumped and excited. He had to feel this unsettling, buzzing mess of an emotion. Anxiety, as Jimmy informed him. This is what it’s like for an anxious person, he said… except make it all the time and often for no real reason.

Lister shook his head a little.

His reason, too, was basically nothing. He knew. As if Jimmy would actually reject him or something…

Or would he?

Maybe he could? Oh God, maybe he could…

“Hey! You’re actually scaring me, what’s up with you?!”

Lister blinked in confusion. He saw Jimmy as he was making his way over. A half scolding, half worried look decorated his face.

He lowered his voice when he added: “The last time I saw you like this was when you had withdrawal symptoms. You can tell me if that’s what it is.”

“It’s not that. I’m fine,” Lister insisted. Crap, he was panicking too hard to actually come up with anything convincing. Come on, Bird, focus… He’s onto you…

“Actually,” Rowan’s voice travelled to them from the corner, “I just think we had weird coffee.”

“What? But you’re fine.”

“Yeah, well,” Rowan continued to make up a story, “we both got one, but I didn’t like the taste, it was too strong. Lister felt bad for throwing them out so he finished both of them, didn’t you?”

“Ye-Yes,” he finally caught on. Had to admit, Ro was impressive at this. Lister started to believe what their friend used to say: that he can lie very well, he just chooses not to. “I didn’t want to waste it. The coffee.”

“Lister,” Jimmy grunted in disbelief, hands on his hips. “That was a brilliant idea, you walnut! Look at yourself, you’re gonna be sick now!”

“I’m not.”

“You look it.”

“I’m just…” He rubbed his clammy hands together. “I’m just anxious I guess.”

“Well, no shit. Why do you think I avoid caffeine?” Jimmy sighed and dropped into a squat in front of Lister. He took Lister’s hands in his. “Seriously, are you okay? You’re not gonna have a heart attack, are you?”

“No, babe. I’m alright.” The last thing he wanted was for his boyfriend to be anxious too.

He looked down at Jimmy. The realization dawned on him, as he noticed that his partner dropped onto one of his knees to be more comfortable; very soon, the roles will be reversed. It will be Lister down on one knee, only Jimmy would be standing up in that case…

Okay.

Wow.

This is what true internal screaming felt like.

“You need water, as in now,” Jimmy decided and jumped up. “I’ll need you to drink at least three glasses before we start, that should help.”

He rushed out of the room to get hands on some water. Rowan and Lister looked at each other, the pretence gone.

“Alright?” Rowan nodded.

“I’m fucking choking, dude,” Lister replied.

It almost looked as if his friend was going to give him advice, or maybe say something generic and calming… but instead, Rowan let out a small laugh. Lister’s lips started twisting without him giving the command.

And then the two collapsed laughing. The pressure of this being the very last show and the knowledge of what Lister was about to do at the end of it were just the right recipe for hysterics.

Jimmy didn’t bother to ask twice what the joke was, as long as they promised they weren’t laughing at him.

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

As the concert was coming to an end and the crowd was cheering and chanting for an encore, Rowan seized the opportunity and called: “Alright, friends, we would like to indulge you in a little experiment! Can you join me at the front, Lister?”

Lister got out from behind the drum set and jogged to meet the rest of the group. Jimmy smiled, but his eyes studied both of them suspiciously. “What is this?”

Lister lazily raised his arms with the palms of his hands towards the crowd. “I have to admit, we kind of didn’t tell Jimmy what this is about. Sorry, my guy.” People laughed. Rowan signalled someone backstage, as Lister added: “But just so you don’t feel left out, you can have this triangle.” A nervous assistant handed Jimmy the instrument and ran off again.

Everybody was jeering and whistling, but there was an air of anticipation in the air.

“Oh wow, that’s generous of you,” Jimmy grimaced.

“I know, right? Anyhow.” Lister took a step forward, trying to calm himself. He could do this. He had acting jobs, he could absolutely pull this off.

He was Lister freaking Bird! He was the fan favourite!

“Dear audience, allow me to tell you a tale,” he addressed the crowd in his best narrator voice. A couple of screams rose from the crowd, but everyone else was listening intently. Behind him, Rowan started strumming a little melody on his guitar – one they created especially as a backdrop to Lister’s talk.

“I know this is a little unusual,” Lister admitted to the sea of people, “I know that you’re used to stories coming to you via this man’s voice,” he pointed at Jimmy, “and this man’s lyrics.” Rowan. “I know that I am just a simple drummer in this arrangement. But today, I will do the voice and the words. Because, well… Talking all the time is the one thing I am actually good at.”

That made the crowd laugh. Good. Great.

“But now, on with the story!” he exclaimed and made a motion with his hands as if he was showing them a canvas.

“Picture this. We are all fifteen, stuffed into a tiny studio in London,” he smiled, as if nostalgic. His voice flowed out of him in a steady melody, like the hum of a river. “We all had that awkward long hair phase – yes, I see some true veterans in the audience today. Good,” he smiled at a couple of girls in the front who seemed to know exactly which haircuts he meant. He raised his hands again. “I am sitting outside the recording room, behind the glass. On the other side, there’s Jimmy. I can see him clearly, I hope you can too,” he said, keeping his dreamy smile. “The giant black hoodie. The fringe almost hiding his eyes. Jimmy waits for the cue, bouncing up and down,” he chuckled as he swayed up and down on his toes, “and then starts singing the interlude in our first album. It’s only about two lines that we need to record, but I remember wishing it lasted longer. Obviously. Because his voice is amazing.”

The audience started yelling and swooning at once. Lister was honestly more okay looking at them than if he had to look at Jimmy and see what his reaction is.

Now, here comes the real cliché.

“But then,” he paused with real embarrassment in his voice, “then he looked up from under his hair… at me, with those big brown eyes… and asked me, if he was okay.”

Breathe in, and:

“My friends, that was the moment I have fallen for Jimmy Kaga-Ricci.”

A roar of screams started rising from the audience, when Rowan strummed dramatically on the guitar, as if something tragic had happened. Lister shot a look at Jimmy and found him laughing. Surprised, but amused.

Thank fuck. I’ve never told him that before.

On the outside, he theatrically turned to Rowan and scolded him: “I was just getting sentimental here?”

Rowan shrugged and strummed a more positive jingle. Everyone laughed and clapped. Lister was starting to enjoy this, actually. He sighed and walked forward onto a prolonged platform where Jimmy was usually stood on.

“Well, maybe my trusty assistant was right with the sound effects,” he admitted jovially. “Because my crush absolutely did not like me back for years. Hey, but that’s not to throw shade at the guy,” he added quickly to prevent any pitiful reaction that would make Jimmy feel bad. “Because you have to consider that I was and still am a bloody mess of a person.” That amused the listeners. Lister turned round, as he exclaimed. “I am the creator of problems, the maker of terrible decisions. We can all agree that Jimmy is a lovely lad…” He had to pause for the overwhelming reaction in support of that statement. “Yes, he is, but inflicting my teenage self upon him, that would just not be right.”

Jimmy suddenly clanked the metal stick against the triangle in an absolute cacophony to draw attention to himself. “Excuse me,” he called to Lister, “could you stop insulting yourself? I would enjoy that.”

A girl somewhere below them screamed as if she was getting murdered. They exchanged a quick glance, as if to say a little yikes, but then Lister laughed it off.

“Sorry, sorry,” he continued. “Through it all, Jimmy was always here for me. He was one of my first real friends. He was understanding when I needed it most, and ready to kick my ass when I needed it most.” He smiled at his boyfriend and hoped his voice is not shaking. “Look at you, Jimmy! I’m being embarrassing in front of hundreds of people and you still haven’t walked off stage.”

Jimmy laughed and lightly hit the triangle. He was ever the professional, but his eyes glimmered in curiosity. Expectation.

Lister kept looking at him. Rowan was strumming a slightly different melody now, and if Lister did say so himself, the atmosphere was fucking perfect.

“What I want to say is…, I feel that we were together before we got together. We were always partners. A great team. Maybe you wouldn’t think the same,” he admitted to Jimmy, “but a girl can dream. Oh! A rhyme!” He exclaimed to a symphony of awwws and ooohs. People were laughing again, clapping here and there. “That will be the only time!” Lister made a face of feigned shock. “Or not? Wow, I’m unpredictable!”

“You’re hot,” Jimmy rhymed with unexpected confidence.

The crowd was screaming their heads off at this interaction. Even Lister was a little flustered. He came back to his bandmates and gestured toward Jimmy, who was still smirking a little. “And he can improv, what’s not to like, honestly!”

Now, there came the challenge. Lister took a deep breath and prayed to all deities that were listening for this to come off as more sweet than cringy.

His voice fell into a different rhythm. One he kept studying every possible minute from any good slam poetry or original poem reading he could find online.

“But now, if our audience permits,” he put one hand on his chest, turning directly to Jimmy, “I would like to address you. Because, dear Jimmy, although I love each face in the crowd, my friends, my family, those that are both… I can state loud and proud that the biggest part of my heart goes to you.” He grinned sheepishly at Jimmy’s stunned expression, when he added: “If not all of it.”

“I can only guess what goes on in that mind, whether you think this is suspicious or kind… I can’t know these things. But there is one thing I do know. That no matter how much we grow, what we lose and what we gain, through all the smiles and all the pain, I will love you. It’s as big and as small as this. And today was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. So, nobody panic, stay in your seats. It’s not what it looks like.”

He got down on one knee in front of his boyfriend.

Jimmy gasped in sync with the audience: “Lister!” He backed away.

“Oh no, mister, don’t panic,” Lister retorted. That managed to amuse Jimmy a little – that he would know this would be the reaction. The audience was still going absolutely wild. Another pride flag just about missed Lister’s left ear.

“As I said, it’s not what it looks like. And I’m sick of rhyming by now, so…” He reached for Jimmy’s hand. Pulled it down to his by the triangle and encouragingly pressed a thumb into his palm. “I wanted to tell you – in a way that means something – that I don’t see myself living my life with anyone but you. So I have a question. Can you imagine me proposing in the near future?”

Jimmy looked like he suddenly couldn’t speak any human language. The only thing that came from his open lips was: “Huh?”

He was trying not to panic. To explain it well. Better than he had to Rowan.

“I would like to start talking about marriage. With you. I’m asking your permission to… go pick out a ring, perhaps. And propose to you. One day.”

“You want to…” He was trying so hard to make sense of this situation. Lister could almost hear the wheels in his brain clanking and whirring. After a second, Jimmy blurted out about the last thing Lister expected. “You really want to marry me?”

He had to laugh. That sounded so bizarre! You have the wrong number, I don’t think you want to marry me, of all people. As if.

Covering Jimmy’s hand with both of his own, he answered: “Who else, Jimmy?”

As there was no instant reply, Lister felt the audience grow impatient.

This was the time to smooth things out. Make it amusing.

“Okay, I don’t want to stress you out. You can just think about it,” he ensured his partner. But I just wanted to let you know my, er, intentions.” Wow, great choice of words, Bird. But was there any better? He decided to make fun of himself a little when he sarcastically added: “Because this is the regency era, apparently.”

People were losing it. However, Lister was only looking at Jimmy now… and realized that the eyes of his boyfriend were welling up with tears as he looked down. Were they happy or sad tears? Shit.

“Oh…” Lister managed to say, when Jimmy dropped the triangle on the floor with a thud and shakily took Lister’s face into his soft palms.

His voice was trembling with emotion, as he answered:

“Allister Bird, I would love to marry you. I don’t think you even need to propose again.”

Before Lister could even register what he meant, Jimmy leaned down and gently pressed a kiss at his forehead. This was probably as close to kissing in public as Jimmy would ever allow.

Lister finally realized. He realized.

At the same time, Jimmy dropped down and Lister shot up. They embraced each other tightly, a mess of crumpled clothes and limbs and teary laughing, and Lister almost lifted Jimmy off the ground as he was happy-crying into the shorter man’s shoulder.

They heard Rowan screaming at the top of his lungs: “HE SAID YES, PEOPLE!” His voice was drowned out by the massive storm of excited screams that wouldn’t seize for good twenty minutes after.

But Lister and Jimmy didn’t really pay attention.

Paradoxically, although everyone could see them – and everyone would see them, as the news probably already travelled through the internet at the speed of light – it felt like this moment was theirs alone.

#osemanverse #osemanverse fanfic #alice oseman #jimmy kaga ricci #lister bird #bicci #rowan omondi #angel rahimi #oc #bicci proposal #i was born for this #iwbft #the ark #older ark #older au #proposal #engagement #grand gesture #fanfiction

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bookscoffeeandracoons · 4 years

Text

The Birthday Cake

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Wordcount: 1630

Warnings: some cursing and just fluff

A/N: This is for @nerdy-bookworm-1998

Happy Birthday, sweets! I hope you’re having a wonderful day! This is just a little pressie but I really hope you enjoy it! ❤

To everyone reading this; comments and/or reblogs would be greatly appreciated! I’m not a regular fic writer so I hope this turned out well 😊

This wasn’t beta read so all mistakes are my own.

With a bright smile and your hands full of bags - that contained some things you had still needed for your birthday party and a little treat in form of a new outfit for later - you were making your way home.

You had been to the hairstylist for some new colour and a new haircut. So you had used the opportunity of being in the business area to do some shopping.

You bought some decorative items and had enough time to go and buy a pretty top, some new perfectly fitting pants, and new heels.

You had wanted those heels quite a while but they were a little expensive. Today you had thought “So what? It’s my birthday!” and had just bought them. You had to treat yourself good on your birthday, right?

You had felt amazing when trying on the new outfit and couldn’t wait to wear it later. You also had a feeling that your boyfriend would like it just as much as you did. After all it complimented you just perfectly and with your new freshly styled hair you felt like a fresh morning. Ready to start a new year of your life.

As you reached your home you started to fish around for your keys in your handbag. The shopping bags were rustling and the keys were jingling in your handbag but you could have sworn that you had heard something that sounded very much like your boyfriend cursing behind your door. Your smile faltered for a second as you wondered what the hell was going on inside. The keys finally found their way into your hand and you quickly unlocked the door and walked in.

“Shit, shit, shit”, you heard the deep voice coming from the kitchen as the biting smell of smoke hit your nose.

You dropped the bags and rushed to the kitchen. The first thing you noticed was the thick grey smoke and then you saw the glinting metal of Bucky’s arm. With a kitchen towel in hand he was trying to do his best impression of a fan to get the smoke out of the wide open window.

“Bucky?” you asked to get his attention. He whirled around to you, his supersoldier senses apparently caught up with whatever was going on here before you arrived.

“Hey doll,” he said in between two coughs.

“What happened?” you asked while you stepped further into the smoke to start the kitchen hood. Maybe that would help to get the thick grey clouds out of the room.

“Errrm”, he looked around as if he would find the answers somewhere in the room.

“I maybe tried to bake you a birthday cake”, he admitted with an almost shy smile. You took a closer look at him.

His black t-shirt was dusted with the white powdery leftovers of flour and on his left arm was some dried cake dough. The dark stubble on his cheeks also looked like it was suddenly turning white. And on his grey sweatpants were some blurred handprints that obviously were made of flour and cocoa powder.

With the slightly embarrassed expression on his face and the kitchen towel that whirled around him he looked adorable. But it was still too funny to see the super skilled, absolutely lethal and ridiculously attractive Avenger defeated by the attempt to bake a cake. You just had to laugh.

In the time that you had been dating Bucky he had made you breakfast and even dinner. He was a great cook and enjoyed trying out new recipes together with you. Somehow you had never baked together, though. You hadn’t thought about that until now but with him standing in the middle of the smoke, all messed up, and the smell of burned cake filling your home you thought that maybe this was the one thing Bucky Barnes hadn’t mastered yet.

“So what exactly went wrong?” you wanted to know. Still somehow laughing although the smoke started to burn in your throat.

“I’m not quite sure”, he shrugged his right shoulder, while still spinning the kitchen towel around in his left hand. “I’m sorry, doll. I wanted to surprise you with something sweet and not with a smelly kitchen.”

He looked as if he was mad at himself. His brows were drawn together and his mouth was a tight line.

“It’s alright, Buck!” you smiled at him while stepping right in front of him and wiping the flour from his cheeks. “I already baked a cake. It’s sitting in my mum’s fridge. I’ll pick it up later.”

Somehow he didn’t look satisfied with your answer.

“I know, but this one was supposed to be just for the two of us”, he now wrapped his right arm around you and pulled you closer. “I thought we maybe take some time for us before your party tonight. It’s only midday, there would have been plenty of time to get comfy on the sofa and just enjoy ourselves with a nice piece of cake.”

He leaned down and nudged your nose with his. You tilted your head up and gave him a light kiss before answering.

“That was a great idea and thank you” you kissed him again before looking up into his beautiful pale eyes that still seemed to be disappointed. “Maybe we could still just spend some time before the party? Watch a movie or just cuddle up on the sofa?” you offered. Even though he wasn’t particularly happy about his work you were still amused and a little more in love with him than you had anyway already been. If that was even possible.

But how many women could say they had a man like Bucky Barnes, who also tried to bake them a cake? Who also looked so adorable while failing at the task?

“Whatever you want, doll”, was his soft reply. “What if I take you out for lunch instead? I just have to clean the kitchen and myself up.” He pointed at the mess on the counter, that you hadn’t paid any attention yet. Among all the bowls and the cake pans with the black coal, that once could have been a cake, sat a big bowl with something in it, which suspiciously looked like chocolate frosting.

“What’s that?” you indicated at that one filled bowl.

“That’s the frosting. I think that turned out alright but as the cake is lost I’ll just throw it away along with the rest.” He sighed and picked up the baking pan. “I also have to get you a new one of these. This thing has been through some shit that can’t be undone anymore.”

You had to laugh again. That baking pan was really lost. Somehow it seemed to have burned edges itself. You had no idea how that could even happen.

You stopped laughing as you realised that Bucky wanted to throw away perfectly fine frosting. Stepping away from him you went to the counter and dipped your finger into the creamy chocolate goodness to try it. As soon as the frosting touched your tongue you sighed in bliss. This frosting came right out of some chocolate wonderland.

“You’re not throwing this away, Bucky”, you said sternly.

“Why? We don’t have anything to put it on”, he argued.

“Just give me a spoon. This frosting is heavenly and doesn’t need a cake.” You were already picking up the bowl to make your way to the living room with it.

Now Bucky was laughing. He dropped the kitchen towel, the air anyway was much clearer by now, and stepped into your path.

“I maybe have a better idea than the spoon”, he winked at you.

“And what idea would that be?” you wanted to know.

“Why don’t you just hold on to that bowl?” was his only answer as he swiftly picked you up. With a squeal you clutched the bowl and Bucky just chuckled.

With your legs in his left arm and his right one wrapped tightly around your back he carried you out of the kitchen and brought you to the sofa.

Just before he dropped you he looked at you as if he just noticed something.

“Is that a new hairstyle?”

“Yep, it is”, you nodded happily. He smiled and just looked at you.

“I like it. It suits you, doll.” Right after he had complimented you a small frown crawled back into his handsome face. You were just starting to worry if he didn’t like something when he spoke again.

“That means I shouldn’t mess it up, right?” A smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth.

“If possible, that would be good”, you smiled back.

He put you down on the sofa and before you knew what was going on Bucky dipped his right index finger into the bowl and dappled a chocolaty dollop of frosting onto your nose. For a second you had no idea how to react but as you looked at his cheeky smile you just had laugh again.

“Why did you put it on my nose?”

“Because I thought it would look cute,” he answered simply. “Don’t worry I’m planning to clean you up again”, he grinned.

“But I think I still owe you a little something for your birthday and I’ll do my best to not mess up your hair”, his voice had suddenly become a little darker and you noticed the heat rising in your cheeks while a giggle escaped from your lips.

Bucky leaned down to you and kissed the dollop of frosting off of your nose. While another laugh washed over you Bucky put the bowl away and leaned down again.

Right before his lips touched yours he whispered and you could feel his warm chocolaty breath on your mouth.

“Happy Birthday, doll.”

_____________

Thanks for reading and i hope you enjoyed it!

#happy birthday @nerdy-bookworm-1998 #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader fic #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes oneshot #Bucky Barnes #marvel fanfiction #marvel fanfic #i wrote something #my work

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taronfanfic · 4 years

Text

Fast Forward

A/N: There’s probably way more typos in the next few chapters. I’m writing with a splint on my right hand so it’s making life tricky, slowing me down, and kinda doing my head in too. Sorry in advance!

Chapter 18

The motorway signs continued to point straight ahead for Heathrow, and you found yourself glancing over to Taron as he watched you spot them and almost laugh to himself. He didn’t say a word though. Not until he’d indicated for the next exit and joined the M25, leaving the signs for Heathrow behind and heading south instead.

“If we had more time it would have been abroad. A romantic city break in Paris or Barcelona.”

“I’ve always fancied Milan.”

“Next year then! I hope you’re not disappointed.” Taron looked across to check your expression. You couldn’t stop your face from giving away how you felt, regardless of the words which left your mouth, but this time around you weren’t disappointed. Still being in the same country as your Dad gave you some relief. If anything were to happen you could get to him fairly quickly and not need to worry about flights.

“It’s going to be perfect.” You smiled back to Taron before turning slightly in your seat so you could admire him properly as he continued to drive you to your destination.

You arrived just before lunch, turning off the country road into a long, winding, private driveway which lead through the dense woodland of the New Forest before opening out into a small carpark at the front of a large country house.

“Wow, this looks amazing.”

“It’s going to get better, trust me!” Taron jumped out the car in excitement and collected your bags from the boot before following you in to the main reception so you could check in for the night. The receptionist handed over your room key before telling Taron that everything would be arranged as requested and that access would be allowed from 3pm.

As you sat down for lunch in the large garden conservatory, receiving glasses of complimentary prosecco to enjoy whilst you looked out over the view of the small country garden, you finally got chance to ask Taron what else he’d been planning.

“Please can I know now? You surprised me with the location, and I love it, but I hate not knowing what else is to come!”

“Where do you want me to start?” He laughed. “I’m genuinely amazed I’ve not let anything slip so far. This place is amazing. We’re going to the spa after lunch, got a couples massage booked because, well, you deserve it and I’m going to love seeing you so relaxed.”

“Oh my days, heavenly.” You smiled warmly back to Taron and reached across the table to take hold of his hand. “Then we can get into our room?”

“Yes. But it’s not exactly a room… more of a house.”

“A house? Just for us?”

“Yeah. I want to leave that bit as a surprise though. The last surprise, I promise. We’ve got dinner booked in the main restaurant at 8, but can get dessert delivered back to the room, house…if we get the urge to leave early.” He smirked and you knew full well that would totally be happening.

“Okay, okay, say no more. I’m getting impatient for it all but I also don’t want to rush any of it. This is so dreamy, Taron. Thank you, honestly it is perfect. Such a special place to spend our first anniversary.”

“It’s the least you deserve, especially after the last few weeks. That’s why I was so desperate to make sure it happened. I couldn’t have you missing out on all of this, I’d have been gutted.”

“So would I, if I’d have known! But ignorance could have been bliss, I guess.” You shrugged a little, thinking about how Taron was still oblivious to your Dad’s hospital appointment today. The thought made you check your phone and there was a new message waiting from your Mum.

We’re settled in for the day. They take it slow when it’s the first one so we’ll not be home until late. I’ll let you know how he copes with it. Hope you’re thinking of us and get a chance to call us at some point if you’re not too distracted by Taron. I know your Dad would appreciate it. Mum X

A momentary sadness fell to your face and as you looked back up to see Taron frowning at you, you knew you couldn’t keep it from him for any longer.

“Sorry.” You apologised immediately for your drop in mood. “It’s just my Mum.”

“Everything alright?”

“Errrm…”

“Y/N? You’re worrying me.”

“No, it’s ok. I knew this would happen. Don’t worry.” You shook your head as you instantly changed your mind and decided that you’d both have a better day if it wasn’t discussed. One more day wouldn’t change anything. The secret was still there and the last thing you wanted was for Taron to be worrying about you.

“What’s she said?” Taron asked, “What’s happened?”

“It doesn’t matter. Today is about us.” You forced back a smile, but Taron pulled his hand out of yours and shook his head.

“I saw the way your face dropped when you read it, and I know you too well Y/N. This will eat away at you for the rest of the day so talk to me now and then we can enjoy everything when it’s sorted.”

“It’s fine. Honestly. I won’t let it get in the way.”

“Please? It’ll make me feel better.”

“It won’t.” You replied before realising that you’d only made him more curious, intrigued and determined to find out what it was.

“Go on then…”

“My Dad has another hospital appointment today. My Mum wants me to phone him later.”

“and? … it’s clearly important.” He didn’t take your summary at face value and the shortness in his tone told you he was already pissed off that you hadn’t mentioned it before. There was no way you could avoid the conversation for any longer so you took a deep breath before continuing.

“Its erm… it’s his first day of Chemo today, and that’s kinda why I wanted to stay the full week with him before. The doctors changed their minds on the cancer diagnosis after his operation and so he might not be cancer free. They don’t know for sure.” You couldn’t look up from your hands, your fingers tightly gripped together as you finished your sentence and the silence took a firm hold against your table in the restaurant. There was no sense of comfort or reassurance coming from Taron. His eyes were firmly fixed on a spot out the window as he worked out what to say.

“Why didn’t you tell me? When you knew it was cancer.” He finally asked, very calmly.

“I didn’t want you to worry about me. I didn’t want you to drop everything and come up to be with me.”

“Why not?”

“Honestly? It would have made everything worse. The atmosphere at home was already bad, so it was better for my Mum with you not being there, I think she felt like we could handle it as a family without having to think about anyone else.”

“I’m not family.” Taron nodded to himself simply.

“You are to me.” You reached out for his hand. “I did try to tell you, but it’s not an easy thing to say over the phone.”

“Or in person it seems.” He finally looked back to you and you could see the hurt in his eyes that you’d kept this from him for so long. This was not how you wanted your first anniversary to go. “I’m trying not to be angry because I know this isn’t really about me. You’re putting your parents first and I get that. But I always would have done Y/N. If you’d have explained it to me I would have understood and I’d have respected your choices. I’m not a monster.”

“I’m sorry. I did plan on telling you, I really did, and I tried to… but after a while it just. I don’t know. Became easier not to. Especially when his first day of Chemo was today. I didn’t want you to be looking for signs of me being upset or distracted by it. I wanted today to be about us and only us. I wanted it to be special and not like this. I’ve fucked it all up now.”

The silence returned as you both sat and took it all in. Taron was right about his respect and understanding; you’d made a presumption about how he’d react and that was unfair. You never gave him a chance or the choice on what to do. You’d shut him out of a big part of your life and essentially said to him that he’s not part of your family; he wasn’t close enough to you to be included. He never deserved that. You knew you’d fucked up and there was only one thought racing around your mind. He deserved someone better than you.

“I think I should go.” You spoke quietly as you stood up from the table.

Taglist: @egerton-sweetie @amanda-tallmadge @lizziespidiepridie @leanimal90 @anantheminmyheart22 @aynsleywalker @bohemianrhapsody86 @butterfliesslugswormsandothershi @manners-maketh-taron @livingincompletesilence@marvelmakeuplover @ohsosmutty@misspygmypie @manners-maketh-a-kingsman@courtmr @baileythepenguin@thomaslefteyebrow @witchymarvelspacecase @samanthasmileys@nellietara @i-cant-remember-my-old-login @wheresmylightinthedark@kurtis-conner@hoe4dior @toky-9101 @mayaslifeinabox@fluentlyspeakingtreason @yallyallblanchett @whiskeylipsx@emmaelizabeth2014 @primaba11erina @fightuntilyoucan @carlita2025 @rocknrollmadden@walking-stressed-mess @dogmom2014 @aberystwythboy

#taron egerton #taron egerton fanfiction #taron egerton fanfic #taron x reader

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karlthecat15722 · 4 years

Note

Tolkien sorry didn't notice there was another thingy with numbers 👉🏻👈🏻

1- Hobbit or Lotr? ((aaaaah why do you make me choose???? Can I say both??? No? Hobbit I guess.....))

7- If you could have saved Thorin, who would have died instead? ((ummm... are you asking who I’d kill? If so.... hmmm... can I sacrifice myself???))

8- Favourite scene? ((errrm.... *shrugs* Idk... umm... the scene with Bombur doing that “I-love-cheese-so-I-will-stare-intensely-at-it” face bc same.))

12- OTP? ((either Elrondir, @captainpizzaroll4224 x Bofur or my OC Kriko x Bifur))

13- Scene that made me cry? ((I, ironically, am pretty much emotionless when it comes to movies/books. So none))

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cryingxdiamonds-blog · 5 years

Text

Drunk truths

Request : ‘I just noticed Natalie has been drinking a lot lately and can you write an imagine where Natalie gets home drunk and could barely walk and David helps her get to her room?’

David was lying across the sofa editing when he heard the familiar sound of keys scratching the front door key hole. The first time this happened his head popped up so fast he cricked his neck. But now the 4am disturbances were a weekly occurrence and so he just gets up and plods on over to the door, opening it to find a disheveled Natalie, fumbling round with the set of keys in her hand.

It takes her a few seconds to realise the door has been opened. ‘Hey David!’ She exclaimed, giggling and she slightly stumbled through the doorway. David moved to the side to let her pass, his hands skimming the air around her, ready to steady her if she lost balance. ‘Where’s (Natalie’s friend)?’ David asked, hot on her tails as she made her way to the sofa, a bag of McDonald’s in her hand. ‘Oh she met some guy in the club’ Natalie replied, already digging in to her Big Mac. ‘Hmm’ David responded with a raised eyebrow, going to the kitchen to get her a glass of water. ‘I already have a coke’ Natalie called from the sofa, aware of what he was doing after hearing the tap running, as well as the fact he did this every time she came in late. ‘Drink this anyway’ David replied, placing the water in front of her.

‘David?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Why are you always up when I get back?’

‘I don’t want you to choke and die on the burger you shove down your throat on routine’

Natalie snorted as she giggled, her mouth full of burger.

‘Thas cute, Dobrik’ she mumbled, almost incoherently

‘Not really, just cba to get my own food so I’d rather you be around’ David smirked, leaning back on the sofa with his feet resting on his beanbag

‘Why do you do that?’ Natalie asked, her face suddenly going from amused to blank, still munching on her burger.

‘Do what?’ David asked, oblivious to her change of expression because he was too busy picking at his fingernails.

‘Act like you don’t care about me’

David glanced upwards in Natalie’s direction. She innocently looked at him, as if she has asked him what the weather was like tomorrow

‘I obviously do care about you Nat’ David said and rolled his eyes

‘You don’t act like it’ Natalie shrugged

‘Hey! That’s not fair’ he said, offended.

‘I get it David, you’re the cool dude who doesn’t admit he needs the people around him’ She was teasing him now, swallowing the last of her burger and leaning back to lay on the sofa.

That was David’s cue to go over to her and lift her up by her arms and take her to her bedroom.

‘For the *oof* record.. I - did actually just *ugh* say I need you to get my food’ He kept pausing between trying to drag Natalie into an upwards seated position who had now turned into a dead weight.

‘David!’ Natalie yelled jumping up from the sofa and walking towards her room.

‘I’m not a child!’ She yelled and flipped him off, giggling in her room.

‘Hey!!’ David yelled following her ‘why do you bloody act like one then?’ He retorted, his hands on his hips as he stood in her doorway.

Natalie turned to face him, mimicking his stance, placing her hands dramatically on her hips. ‘DoNT acT liKE a ChILd’ she said in a snarky voice, laughing at David standing in shock.

He couldn’t help but laugh with her, she looked ridiculous and he probably did as well.

Natalie had now lifted her shirt above her head, tugging at the bottom trying to pull it over her arms. She stumbled around the room trying to tug it off her body. ‘Errr, a little help my knight in shining armour’ she said sarcastically towards her bedroom wall rather than In David’s direction. The shirt was now completely covering her face and her arms were stuck in the air. David signed, ‘sure’

He walked over towards her and carefully tucked his fingers under the hem of the material which was still attached to her upper mid drift. She jumped back and hissed. ‘What??’ David said alarmed, his eyes scanning her skin looking for drunken wounds. ‘Your hands are cold’ she stated, returning to her position in front of David. ‘Really?’ He questioned, rolling his eyes. ‘Yes’ she mumbled.

Tucking his fingers back under her shirt he began to pull upwards, revealing her bra and underarms. He tried to arch his head towards the side, giving her some sort of decency but couldn’t pull the shirt off without looking as it was getting caught in her earrings.

With a finals tug, Natalie was free from the shirt. David now realised how close they were, his face just inches from hers. They locked eyes for a brief moment. ‘Errrm right then, I’ll let you get to bed’ David stammered, making his way towards the door.

‘Urmm, David wait, can you - can you stay in here with me?’ Natalie asked, now clothed again in a baggy t-shirt and shorts.

‘You don’t have to go to bed Natalie, you can sit in the living room?’ David chuckled awkwardly, a confused frown on his face.

‘No, I errr - I want to go to bed... but can you stay here with me? ... in the bed with me I mean, do you want - to sleep with me?’ Amongst the alcohol she had confused and rosy hue which had appeared on her cheeks, she stammered - only making David more confused.

‘Not like sleep sleep with me!’ Natalie corrected herself quickly, unnerved by the fact David hadn’t responded.

‘Ohh, right yeah - yeah of course, um let me get changed’ David said, backing out of the door way, leaving Natalie gingerly biting on her nails.

David tried not to skip down the hallway in excitement. His heart has quickened in pace as he rummaged through his drawers trying to find an acceptable t-shirt. He stopped suddenly in his tracks. Shit. He thought. I can’t just wear boxers... I can’t wear joggers?? Shit shit shit he muttered to himself, scanning round the room for something to cover his ass with when his best friend who he’s in love with asks him to sleep in her bed.

That’s when he realised an even bigger problem. He hadn’t finished editing his vlog. His heart sank as he made his way to her room and leaned against Natalie’s door way. ‘Errr I haven’t finished editing Nat’

Natalie was already in bed, slightly propped up on a pillow with her phone screen lighting her face. ‘Oh’ she replied, mentally searching for a way to get him to finish it quicker. ‘Are you going to be okay on your own?’ David asked, slightly shuffling his feet.

‘Yeah yeah - no of course, yeah I’m fine, I’ll be fine, you finish the vlog’ Natalie said, trying to cover the disappointment in her voice.

‘I would edit in here but I don’t want the light to keep you awake.’ David said.

‘That’s very true... And I know how you hate editing with headphones on’

‘Exactly! Plus you’d probably wake up like an hour before I went to bed.’

‘Precisely! Not to mention, I’d probably annoy you by snoring’

‘Yeah’

‘Yeah..’

They both chucked awkwardly.

‘Well, goodnight Nat’ David said softly, giving her a small smile.

‘Goodnight David’ Natalie replied, returning his smile as he went to grab her handle and close her bedroom door.

‘Oh and David!’

‘Yeah?’

‘Thank you’

‘Anytime Nat’

#david dobrik #vlog squad #davids vlog #david dobrik fanfiction #david x natalie #natalie mariduena

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howl-of-the-blood · 5 years

Text

12/12/12

@dotr-rose-love you’ve tagged my other blog, but since my ocs are from HotB, I’ll post this first here. Thanks, pumpkin! And I couldn’t resist to RP a bit just like you did 😄

ME: Ino, Sabeha, (four-eyed moi) Elemir. You’ll be the first group.

INO: *suspicious as fuck* Group for what?

ME: Just an interview. You already did one of those.

SABEHA and ELEMIR: Yay! *way too excited to be in the center of attention*

1. What would you do if you were suddenly given a turtle?

*everyone is slightly surprised and silent for a few seconds*

INO: I would eat it.

SABEHA: Seriously? Is food all you can think about?

INO: What else am I supposed to do with it?

SABEHA: Well, anything else! Maybe… I dunno. If it’s from someone I like, than I’d keep it for I while, I guess. If it’s from someone I hate, then I would crush the bugger in front of the said person.

ME: Ooookaaaay… Elemir?

ELEMIR: *looks at Sabeha in deep thought*… What she said.

2. How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

ELEMIR: The fuck is that! What kind of interview is this?

SABEHA: A wood… chuck? You mean the groundhog, yeah? How much wood would…? Could you repeat that please?

ME: No.

SABEHA: Wha– Why?

ME: Ino?

SABBEHA: Hey, don’t you dare ignore me– I’m not finished!

INO: *ignores Sabbeha* Who cares?

ELEMIR: Seriously. Ask us some normal questions.

3. Why?

ELEMIR: Why? Because there are a lot more interesting things we could talk about than turtles and groundhogs.

INO: I think it’s related to the last question.

ELEMIR: *stares at Ino* Really? *turns his glare to me* What is wrong with you? You know what - give me that! I’ll tell you what to ask. You are too weird to ask normal questions. *tries to snatch the phone out of my hands*

ME: Hey! Get your hands off my phone!

SABEHA: Look, I have better things to do than watch you act like kids.

INO: I don’t. This is actually fun.

*I somehow manage to repossess my phone*

ME: Don’t. Try. This. Again. Or. I’ll. D̵͇͍̂͆̕E̸̖͌̈́L̴̰̥͝Ę̵̥̀T̵͇̟͆Ẹ̵̜͚̈́͒ ̴̠̦̪͔̑͊̌́͛Y̴͕̭̬̼̋̄͐̀͌͜Ŏ̴̡̯̉̌̄͝Ü̴̹͕̭̎

ELEMIR: Bullshit. I’m one of the plot related characters.

ME:

ME: Then I’ll cut your hair off and give you a beer belly.

ELEMIR: *gasps in horror*

4. In cubic centimeters, how much is a fuckton?

SABEHA: A thousand? No, a million, because it’s cubic! *beams*

INO: And what is a fuckton?

SABEHA: *sweats* She is asking questions, not you!

ME: Ino?

INO: *shrugs* A lot.

ME: Elemir?

ELEMIR It’s *gives me a forearm jerk* this much.

ME: Yo, don’t be rude! You touched my phone. How would you like it if I touched your sword, for example?

ELEMIR:

ELEMIR: Fine. I won’t do it again. But stop asking dumb questions!

5. Bees or bread?

SABEHA: Bees.

INO: Bread.

ELEMIR: I don’t care. Bees.

6. How far can an unladen swallow fly?

INO and SABEHA *dumbfound silence*

ELEMIR: Is it before or after carrying a coconut?

ME: *fistbumps with the blondie*

7. Do you like my underwear?

THE TRIO: *grin*

ME: *blushes but tries to keep it cool* Stupid question. Next one…

ELEMIR: Oh no you won’t! This one is actually interesting for a change… Well, come on.

ME: What?

ELEMIR: Well, show us.

ME: IN YOUR FUCKING DREAMS! I’M MARRIED!

INO: So if you weren’t, you would show them to us?

ME: *blushes furiously*

ME: No, of course not… Wait… *goes downstairs* *comes back up* Here.

SABEHA: *makes a disgusted face* I hope they are clean.

ME: *rolls eyes* Yeah, I just took them from the dirty laundry pile. Sheesh. I wear same as those right now.

SABEHA: They are cute but…

ELEMIR: Waaaaay too big. You are not that old.

ME: Shut up! *sighs* Ino, even though I really don’t won’t to push this subject any further… what do you think?

INO:

INO: Not really important how they look… but how fast do they come off.

ME: *snatches my underwear and leaves stomping like an angry hippo*

ELEMIR: *dies*

8. How much dick is contained within Dimitri at any given time?

ELEMIR: Errrm… What?

SABEHA: I met a Dimitri once but… I don’t know.

INO: It depends how wide– *Sabeha slaps her hand over his mouth*

SABBEHA: This is really not necessary. Next question.

9. Peanuts, are you for or against?

SABEHA: Oh, yes. They are tasty!

INO: Tasty? I don’t know what they are, but I’m in.

ELEMIR: Pee-nuts? No, thanks. I’ll pass.

10. What’s the deal with guinea pigs?

ELEMIR: *facepalms* And what’s the deal with these questions?

SABEHA: They are… cute?

INO: *shrugs*

11. How come I can’t fly?

SABEHA: You don’t have wings?

ELEMIR: If you ask one more dumb question, I’ll throw you out of that window and you’ll fly, no worri– OUCH!

ME: Thanks, Sabs.

SABEHA: You’re welcome *glares at Elemir*

INO: Maybe you can.

ME: Pardon?

INO: Maybe. Have you ever tried doing something? Making a contraption or something?

ME: N-no.

INO: Well, maybe you could fly if you tried.

12. How am I so incredible?

THE TRIO: *squint at me*

ME: *blush*

ELEMIR: I bet that’s not even a question.

ME: It is, actually.

ELEMIR: *honestly confused* But you’re not incred– OUCH!

SABEHA: Don’t be rude! She’s trying her best… I mean… *flustered* You are the best.

ME: Thanks, but I’m not buying it.

INO: You are the best we’ve got.

ME: Best what?

THE TRIO: *lost in the halls of space and time*

ME: Let’s drop this, okay? So it’s the end of the interview…

ELEMIR: *under his breath* *sarcastically* Really? So soon– OW! Let go of me!

ME: *while twisting his ear* … and thank you so much for participating. You did great!

INO: Well, you are definitely not an incredible actor.

This was so much FUN! Tagging:

@inkspilledqueen @pheita @inexorableblob @ratherinterestingmilkshake @ephemeralseraph @sweetcatminteareblog @rcris123 @zburatorii and I’ll tag you back @dotr-rose-love but with these questions for your OC(s):

Introduce yourself in 5 words or less.

Imagine you could be anything. Anything at all. What would it be and why?

If someone dared you to do the cinnamon challenge, would you do it?

Would you join a reality show?

Your house is burning and you have less than a minute to take something out! What do you save?

Your blind date ends up really drunk. What do you do?

Your The Ultimate Slow Dance song.

You have the opportunity to use the Time Machine. What time period would you go to?

Your best friend is getting married tomorrow. How will you prank the poor sod?

You have a blank piece of paper in front of you and you are bored. What do you draw?

Would you like to ride a dragon?

How was your first kiss?

#writeblr #amwriting #writing #tag game #howloftheblood #hotb #hotb:sillystuff #oc:sabeha #oc:ino #oc:elemir

19 notes · View notes

themultifandomgal · 8 months

Text

Tyler Hoechlin- Our Love

Girlfriend And Boyfriend

October 2010

It's Halloween, one of my favourite times of the year. I'm having a Halloween party at my apartment with the cast of Teen Wolf, Tyler is already over helping me decorate

"Where do you want the pumpkins?" He asks

"Just put them on the kitchen counters. I want us all to do pumpkin carving before we all drink to much, don't need anyone going to the hospital" I laugh making Tyler join in "you think this is decorated enough?" I ask looking back at my banners and sparkly pumpkins

"Looks wonderful. Why don't you go and get ready? I'll get all of the drinks and food ready

"What about you?" I ask

"I'll get dressed in a little bit"

"Ok. Thank you by the way, for helping me get everything ready"

"Don't worry about it" I give Tyler a smile before walking into my bedroom.

It took way to long to get ready, Tyler came in and got dressed within 10 minutes! Before everyone arrives we both decided to pour ourselves a drink

“So I was thinking” Tyler says pouring a vodka and coke while I take a sip of mine

“Oh no”

“Oi” Tyler nudges me

“Sorry continue” I chuckle. Tyler hands me a drink

“We’ve been going on dates now for a few weeks and errrm” he pauses. I can tell he’s nervous, hell I’m nervous as well at this moment “how would you feel if I started calling you my girlfriend?” I can’t help the smile that appears on my face

“I’d like that”

“Good. So does that mean that I can kiss you whenever I like?”

“Within reason. Like if you wanted to kiss me right now I wouldn’t object” Tyler takes the drink out of my hand with one hand while his other moves around my waist. He leans down and places his lips on mine. Before we can go any further the doorbell rings. I break away from Tyler

“Can we keep this a secret for now? Just between us?”

“Sure” he smiles. I peck his lips before I go to the front door. I open it up and see Crystal, Holland and Colten

“Ahhh look at you!” Holland squeals

“Look at me? Look at you all! Come in”

“Hey!” Colten walks through the door seeing Tyler. Holland looks at me with raised eyebrows. I roll my eyes at her

“Tyler just got here” I tell everyone.

The party is now in full swing. I may be a little bit tipsy while dancing with Holland and Tyler

“Ok so when are you guys going to hurry up and date?” Holland shouts over the music. Tyler and I look at each other then back at Holland “I’m kidding” she laughs. Tyler and I give off a fake laugh

“Obviously. I mean that would just be to weird wouldn’t it since being on a TV show together” Tyler nudges me to tell me to shut up “I’m gonna get another drink” I shout. I walk over to the kitchen and start pouring another drink when I feel someone brush up behind me

“You nearly gave us away, thought you wanted to keep us quiet?”

“Well believe it or not I haven’t done this before, I’m also a tiny bit tipsy” I hold my thumb and finger together

“Your cute”

“I know” I shrug then burst out laughing

“YN?”

“Hmm?” I turn around and see Dylan

“Have you got anymore of the no alcoholic beers?”

“Yes, I should do” I leave Tyler and walk over to the fridge. I open it up and pull out the nonalcoholic drinks. I hand one to Dylan

“Thank you”

“Don’t worry about it” I walk back over to Tyler where Crystal is now

“You guys need to take a photo together. Here” she takes out her phone and snaps a photo.

The night draws a close. I’m now lying in my bed with Tyler after everyone has left. I feel his fingers running up and down my arm which makes me feel very sleepy

“Tonight was good”

“It was” I reply yawning

“Tired?”

“Mmm” i snuggle closer to him taking his warmth

“Go to sleep. I’ll help you tidy up tomorrow as well”

“Thank you. G’night”

“Night” I feel his lips on my forehead and then I’m out like a light.

#teen wolf #teen wolf actress #teen wolf cast #teen wolf imagine #tyler hoechlin imagine #tyler hoechlin x reader #tyler hoechlin

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briarfox13 · 5 years

Text

Tagged by my dear @occorner thank you <3

I tag @adaar-i @norroendyrd @slothssassin @badwolf626 but no obligations!

1. What’s your name?

*With a grin* Artemis

2. Do you know why you are named that?

‘Cause me and Apollo are twins and Artemis and Apollo are famous twins. Mum liked reading Greek myths

3. Are you single or taken?

Why interested? *she winks at you*

4. Have any abilities or powers?

I’m a biotic

5. Stop being a Mary Sue.

Bite me

6. What’s your eye color?

Amber

7. How about your hair color?

*She tugs on it* Red or auburn.....maaaaybe ginger

8. Have any family members?

Yep, just my brother Apollo

9. Oh? How about any pets?

Does a Pyjack and a space mouse count? One day I want chickens

10. That’s cool, I guess. Now tell me something you don’t like.

Idiots

11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?

I like watching the sunrise with a good whisky

12. Have you hurt anyone in any way before?

Well I have killed people. I might be chaotic and a pain in the butt but I don’t like seeing people hurt

13. Ever… killed anyone before?

Yep

14. What kind of animal are you?

Chicken definitely

*A voice in the background* What is with your chicken obsession?

*She turns around* Fuck off Reyes, they’re cute and cuddly...you ever hugged a chicken? It’s like the best thing ever

15. Name your worst habits?

Next! *She winks again*

16. Do you look up to anyone at all?

One, Mara Shepard. I want to just like her. Strong, powerful, and kind. I met her once, best day of my life!

17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?

Bi and proud!

18. Do you go to school?

Yep, most boring years of my life

19. Ever want to marry and have any kids one day?

Errrm not thought that far ahead, come back when I’m old

20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?

No idea! Though as Pathfinder maybe a couple?

21. What are you most afraid of?

*She thinks for a second* Apollo never waking up and not being able to save my friends and family

22. What do you usually wear?

I like a tank top and some shorts, maybe with a jacket...and fuck tons of suncream

23. What one food tempts you?

Hell chips

24. Am I annoying you?

Nah! This is fun, it stops Cora from nagging me about that paperwork!

25. Well, it’s still not over!

*She laughs*

26. What class are you (low/middle/high)?

*She shrugs* No idea, middle maybe, we were well offish with Alec and mum being high ish up in the Alliance

27. How many friends do you have?

A lot! Everyone on the Tempest *she leans in and whispers dramatically* Even Cora though she’s a right pain

28. What are your thoughts on pie?

Fuck yes, make it Pumpkin and you have a deal

29. Favourite drink?

Whisky and coke

30. What’s your favourite place?

Hmm on Earth, the Grand Canyon. Here, Kadara definitely-so full of interesting people, sights and smells. Bless him Jaal hates it

31. Are you interested in anyone?

Yesssssssss *she side eyes Reyes who waves back with a shit eating grin*

32. That was a stupid question…

Nah, everyone asks *she rolls her eyes*

33. Would you rather swim in the lake or the ocean?

Ocean hands down, I love the beach

34. What’s your type?

Someone who walks on the wild side of life, but not like a total twat

35. Any fetishes?

*Winks* Wouldn’t you like to know

36. Camping indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors!

#Artemis Ryder #Mass Effect #Mass Effect Andromeda #ME:A #Pathfinder #SisRyder #FemRyder

11 notes · View notes

pretend-writer · 6 years

Text

Selfish (Billy Hargrove x reader)

Summary: Billy wants his close friend, Y/N as his lab partner but for a different reason than she thought.

Title Reference: Selfish x *NSYNC

Word Count: 425 words

Warning: none

✤ · ✤ · ✤ · ✤ · ✤

'Can you please be my partner for Chem? Aaron doesn't help at all.' Billy begged me as we walk our way through the hallway.

'You mean you don't help at all.' I corrected Billy.

He huffed, 'Notice I said "please" this time.'

Partnering with Billy could be really fun but today's experiment is one our big assignments of the year. There was no way I was going to let this go his way.

'I'm partnering with Steve so I can actually get a good grade.'

'Why are you being so selfish?' Billy pouted.

'Sorry pal.' I shrugged as I walked into Chemistry class and sat next to Steve.

✤ · ✤ · ✤ · ✤ · ✤

Steve reaches over me, trying to get his goggles. 'Alright, you ready to get an A on this?'

I grinned, showing excitement to work on this project with him. 'Let's do this.'

As I read through the instructions, I lead Steve on the experiment. He carefully measures the chemicals and mixes them up, creating different results for our project.

'Did we do this right?' Steve questions me, unsure.

'Errrm I don't know.' I giggled.

Flipping through the pages, I try looking for different solutions. Then, I felt a light thump on my head.

I looked down and noticed a balled up paper. As I sighed, I picked up the paper; It was a note.

Get an excuse to go to the bathroom

The handwriting was easy to recognize; It was from Billy. I turned around to see if he was looking but he was "working" on his experiment with Aaron.

Our teacher didn't care enough for us to ask to go to the restroom, so I walked out without a word. After a few seconds, Billy came out of the class.

'Cute goggles' Billy laughs as I quickly take off my goggles.

'You know how much this grade matters to me. What do you wan-'

Just before I can finish my sentence, Billy crashes his lips with mine. Before I processed the situation, he slowly pulled away.

'Uh, what are you doing?'

'Steve was being too close to you so...' he hesitates but continues. 'Uhm I thought I'd make a statement.'

Being one of the biggest player in the school or possibly the whole state of Indiana, I never thought that he'd make a move on one of his closest friends.

'That was quite the statement, Billy.'

He slightly chuckled, 'Yep. "Seize the day" am I right?'

'Mhm, Carpe Diem'

'Huh?' He furrowed his brows, showing confusion.

'Never mind.' I laughed as I tiptoed to kiss him.

#billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove one shot #billy x reader #billy hargrove fics #stranger things fic

239 notes · View notes

raspberry-arev · 3 years

Text

After The Flood - pt.1

@opalpower13 thank you for sending me a suggestion that inspired this!! There will be a part two :)

It has been 10 years since the famous British boyband, The Ark, disbanded for personal reasons. Jimmy and Lister have been a couple for a long time now, and as the trio of friends starts their small revival tour, they both realize there are things they need to say - to each other, to the fanbase, and to the world.

Characters: Jimmy, Lister, Rowan, Angel/Feresteh, OC Abby (Rowan’s wife)

Tags: Bicci, Older Ark, Proposal, Coming out ... no Frowan this time sorry

Length: 3.6k words

JIMMY

It’s often impossible to pinpoint what exactly set off an event – or perhaps multiple – that changed your life as you knew it.

That was not Jimmy’s case, however. He remembered that Barbecue Saturday very well.

Over ten years later, they were hardly the same people.

Rowan was already at the grill preparing meat and grilling camembert in shiny aluminium foil when Angel marched in, tall, elegant, beaming. Jimmy loved to see her again. Each time, she seemed a little more confident, more expressive, more… just more. She really did find her calling in the music industry, just as much as he found his tucked away in rural England with his boyfriend.

Yet, he was to be “tucked away” no longer. At a certain point during their cook-out, their group fell momentarily silent; everyone was chewing their meal and soaking in the sun. Then Angel said, in an unfamiliar, cautious tone: “You see, I was talking to a couple of people…”

Rowan exchanged a quick look with Jimmy. “Go on,” he said.

“It’s gonna be ten years since you guys disbanded, you know.”

“I know,” Jimmy echoed.

He felt movement on his left, and looked Lister in the eyes.

“Well,” said Lister, looking at him. “Wow, okay,” said Jimmy. Both were considering.

“Obviously, they’re The Ark,” Abby commented matter-of-factly.

“You’re right, Abby. So, guys? How are we feeling about this?”

Maybe he could do it just once.

What eventually came out of his mouth was… “I haven’t sung like that for a long time though.”

“You sing to me,” Lister contradicted him, his fingers intertwining with his. “All the time.”

Jimmy felt his face get hotter. “That’s hardly… Are you thousands of people?” He turned to Angel. “How many are we talking, anyway?”

She smiled a kind smile. “I don’t know, Jimmy, that depends on whether you three are up to it or not.”

Rowan cleared his throat. “Personally speaking, I think I wouldn’t mind, as long as we are just doing it once, and not trying for a comeback. I wouldn’t go there.”

“Same,” Lister nodded. “I love you guys, but I’m fine the way things are.”

“I’m waiting for you to say.”

“Why?”

“Don’t want you to feel pressured or anything.”

“You shouldn’t… Just say what your opinion is!”

“In that case, I would love to be the centre of attention again!” Lister exclaimed and gave Jimmy a boyish grin. “The crowd was deprived of my looks for too long.”

“Buddy, you were the drummer,” Rowan said. “Bold of you to assume anyone even looked at you with me and Jimmy jumping at the front.”

Jimmy snorted with laughter, but Lister was quick to defend himself. “Google all Lister Bird slash Reader fanfic and then we can talk about who got noticed, buddy.”

“Oi, you’re not even properly revived yet, stop fighting!” Angel called out, but laughter started bubbling from every direction before she even finished the sentence.

LISTER

“You really shouldn’t do that, you know. This bitch is hard to get rid of.”

Rowan tried to hide a small cough and put out his cigarette on the metal window sill next to him. “Hey,” he greeted Lister. “Didn’t expect you to come out here.”

“Yeah.” Lister found it hard to hang around smokers, and unfortunately, he met quite the number of them while they were in the process of rehearsing. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“What’s up?”

“Can we walk, like, over there? So… nobody can hear us through the door?”

Rowan eyed him suspiciously, but he followed him to the railing on the edge of the roof. There, he turned to him, seeming to fight himself.

“I’m really looking for a less shitty way to ask this,” he admitted eventually. “But… What have you done now, Lister?”

“Nothing! As of yet,” he assured his bandmate.

“Okay…?”

“Yes, go on,” he pushed on gently.

“Fuck it. I want to fucking propose!”

A giant weight fell off his shoulders when he spoke those words aloud. It was like coming out all over again, god.

Rowan’s eyes twinkled. “Oooh,” he almost whispered, “and you need my help with that? I’m your man, tell me the plan!”

“There is none right now.”

“Oh, okay. I can still help if you want.”

This was another part Lister dreaded discussing.

“I… okay, so, I was thinking of… doing it on stage?”

His friend’s face changed rapidly.

“Lister, I’m absolutely positive you mean well,” Rowan started. “But Jimmy would-“

Speak of the devil.

The door opened and out of it peaked Jimmy’s unshaven face. “Oh! There you both are.”

Fortunately, he caught on. “Oh yeah, yeah, that could work.”

“What files?” Jimmy inquired as he joined them, oblivious.

“Rowan has some of our old drafts still saved. I was thinking of squeezing in a drum solo somewhere, maybe with spoken word over it?”

“Sounds cool,” Jimmy smiled at him and slightly brushed the back of his hand with Lister’s. “Anyway, Dick the Sound Guy wants us all in there immediately.”

JIMMY

Finally, he managed to stop him while he was putting away the equipment. Lister was meanwhile in the office of their temporary new manager. “Ro, I need advice!” he whispered to his best friend.

“What about?”

“It’s Lister.”

“Oh dear Jesus, I’m having flashbacks.”

“Don’t be a dick, it’s important.”

“Okay then, spill.”

“It kind of involves you too. Just… tell me if it’s a good idea.”

“Go on!”

“Jimbob. Easy.” Rowan waited for a second for Jimmy to wind down, leaning on a stack of five chairs, and then asked, “Are you really sure about it? Do you want people to know?”

Jimmy felt his thoughts humming in his head. He forced himself to say exactly how he felt.

“So I take it that you didn’t discuss this?”

“No way. I don’t even know how to start!” Jimmy exploded in loud whispering. “I should have talked to him a long time ago, but I just didn’t have the balls.”

“I get that, but… just bring it up. Like, theoretically. What if. I think he’s going to support you through it.”

“How could he?”

“What are you even saying at this point?

“Wait, what? Ro, did he tell you something?”

“I am not talking!”

“Is that how you treat your best friend in a life crisis?!”

“You’re putting me in a life crisis, don’t you dare play the pity card! I swear, the two of you are a nightmare.”

“Rowan! Come back!”

LISTER

His visit to Rowan’s place was very brief, but it was enough for him to understand Rowan’s concerns. Eventually.

And yet.

“It’s all great, and I’m sure there are people in the world that would love it, but we are talking about Jimmy.”

“Come on. I know, he’s private about… well, everything, but…”

“He hasn’t had attacks since we moved and he went on those meds.”

“That doesn’t really –“

“Matter. Yeah. Yeah, I get your point, mate, he would die of shock. And everybody watching him. Fuck, I’m stupid.”

“No, you’re not,” Rowan grinned. “The two of you are just different… in some aspects. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”

Will I? Lister asked himself as he was driving back to the hotel that Jimmy and him were staying at for the time being. This was the only thing I came up with, like, ever.

Jimmy yelped.

“Where’s the food?!” Lister shook him a little, imitating Batman.

“Your hands are so cold!” Jimmy protested, but there was a trace of laughter in his voice. “On the stove, you bully!”

Lister almost flew over there, looking under the lid on the pot.

“Oh come on,” Jimmy huffed. “I’m just asking! And it’s my show, too.”

“Sorry. Totally gonna steal your spotlight.”

“Lister, just tell me what it is.”

“A song.”

“What song?”

“A song that you have to wait for.”

“Babe, what song?!”

Before Lister could ask if he’s okay, Jimmy sat down on the other chair with a determined look on his face.

“There is something I need to discuss!” he blurted out.

Lister cautiously dropped the fork back into the bowl. “Okay…? And it’s something to do with me, yeah?”

“Cool. Go for it.”

“It’s about our relationship.”

“Are you aware you sound very sinister right now?”

Lister felt everything about his face go lax in shock. He opened his eyes round and wide, his mouth followed, and Jimmy looked like he would faint.

“I, er. I just. I thought about it and I think it’s a decent idea and – please say something, Lister, before I get a fucking heart attack right now.”

It must have been so hard for him to speak up. Lister thought of his proposal plans and felt his mouth slowly form a smile. “I think it’s… brilliant! Yes, I would really like to do that!”

“Wait, really?”

“This is – I didn’t think you would want to, when did you change your mind?”

Lister beamed. “I feel like it. If you do, I do, trust me.” He walked around the table and lifted Jimmy into a hug. He laughed, relieved.

As they were laying down and Lister gestured Jimmy to crawl into his arms, they became quieter. “You know why I also want to say it?” Jimmy mumbled, lying on the soft linen with one eye open.

“I’m all ears.”

“Oh no,” Lister laughed and turned Jimmy’s face upwards to his. “So this just in: my boyfriend is possessive. Fancy that.”

“I’m not, it’s… I am… Oh, you hated Jowan, stop being smug.”

“I know I did, we both know. But jealous Jimmy? That’s a rare sight.”

“It’s just super uncomfortable. It’s all women, as well.”

“Heteronormativity is a bitch,” Lister nodded. He snuggled closer and let out a breath, “Don’t worry though. I am exclusively your problem.”

Lister was pretty sure he would love him until his last day on Earth.

It was time to start looking for a ring.

#bicci #rowan omondi #jimmy gaga ricci #lister bird #iwbft #i was born for this #fanfiction #osemanverse fanfiction #osemanverse #alice oseman #proposal #request

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