#jatp sweet tarts

[invisibleraven]

A firm hand grabbing the other’s elbow to guide them for Sweet Tarts

"Carrie! Carrie!"

The starlet waved at the crowd of screaming fans, smiling brightly at them as she passed. Ignoring those who pleaded for a selfie or an autograph-one too many bad experiences where fans tried to grab her too close, yank at her hair, scratch at her skin. One overzealous fellow even tried to steal a kiss!

So it sucked, and maybe it gave her the reputation of a snob, but it kept her safe, and able to continue making music and movies for them, so the true fans never faltered.

She stopped for the press though-they were the lifeblood of her career as much as her talent, keeping her fresh and relevant even when she felt stalled or less than. Sure they were also her harshest critics, but the supporters always outweighed the dissenters.

But today, maybe it was the questions regarding her latest flop, or low blood sugar, or the pounding in her temples as the hundred flashbulbs popped. Either way her smile faltered, and she went off to the side, out of view just to take a moment.

Carrie loved her life, she really did, but there were times she longed to just be a regular girl with a regular life. A good guy on her arm, dates without the paps scoping it out, a dull job that no one cared about.

Suddenly there was a firm hand on her elbow, and Carrie tried to yank it back only to be met with the stern look of her personal security, Reggie. "We have to keep moving Miss Wilson, it's not secure here."

Carrie nodded, letting him usher inside the venue, and into a private atrium. "You okay?" he asked.

"Got to be a bit too much," Carrie said, sipping from the flute of champagne she had grabbed on the way in. "Needed a sec."

"I get that," Reggie offered her an understanding smile. He had been in the life before, a fairly successful musician who had a bad encounter with a fan and gave it up. Now he strove to keep people safe from similar situations. Sure he didn't look imposing, but Reggie had a surprising amount of muscles under his suit, and knew how to use an impressive array of weaponry.

He even offered to teach Carrie how to use the sai swords-something he picked up due to a love of Ninja Turtles-and she proved to be pretty good with them as well.

However, he cared about her, and she knew he only wanted to keep her safe. Even if she didn't pay him an insane amount of money to do so, Carrie got the feeling he'd do it anyways. Reggie was a good egg.

So much so that she often brought him to events as arm candy, so people wouldn't pick up on her need for a bodyguard, and Reggie played the role happily. To the point where sometimes she questioned how fake it was.

But she couldn't think like that-Reggie was her friend, yes. But he was also her employee, and responsible for keeping her safe. No matter how well he filled out a suit or made her laugh, or understood why she still hadn't made a move to go find her seat.

Oh

Crap.

Carrie looked at Reggie, that same smile still on his face, the warm look in his eyes, and she knew-she was gonna have to hire a different bodyguard.

But maybe Reggie wouldn't mind an upgrade to being her for real boyfriend all that badly.

Turns out? He didn't mind at all.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[jmrothwell]

"I want to show you off." for Sweet Tarts?

Backlight

“Hey, Peach Blossom.”

Carrie just barely managed to hold back her near-involuntary giddy laugh at Reggie’s greeting. She would have greeted him with a hug closer to the door but she was already in the middle of prepping for dinner. 

“So, I had to deal with some interesting drama today.” Reggie said, hooking his chin over her shoulder as he hugged her from behind.

“Oh? What’s that?” Carrie asked, keeping her attention on her veggie chopping. Though she could just catch the disbelieving scowl Reggie shot her way. His wry chuckle and shake of his hard were more difficult to ignore given the movement somehow brought his face closer to hers.

“Well, apparently,” Reggie began, using that playfully clueless voice usually reserved for when he was trying to pretend he wasn’t aware of what was going on, but Carrie knew better to fall for it by now. “One Carrie Wilson personally reached out to see if our band would be interested in helping her out with some new secret project.”

“That does sound interesting.”

“Mhmm.” Reggie’s voice lost some of the playfulness. “Flynn’s almost certain you’re up to something.”

Carrie only hummed in response as she finally finished all her prep and went to break away from Reggie’s grip to move to actually start cooking, only he wouldn’t let her go.

“Are you?”

Carrie huffed before spinning around in Reggie’s arms, wrapping her own around his waist. “Maybe, I just want to show you off.” She was aiming for teasing but his lost, almost worried expression paired with his question made her think of something else. With an annoyed sigh she added, “You didn’t listen to the demo did you?”

His confusion furrowed deeper into her brow. 

With another sigh she broke free of Reggie, successfully this time. Though she only went far enough to get her phone from where she’d put it on the counter to switch it the demo in question. 

It was a rough idea of the song she had in mind, paired with the limitations of the program she had to use in order to even begin to get a vague idea down of the sound she was going for. Definitely stepping away from her usually pop genre and closer. More of a rock sound, with the bass standing out as a lead sound. 

“I’m no bassist so it definitely can do with improving.” She said, pocketing her phone and trying to not grimace at the poor quality of the demo. “And as I told Julie, Luke, and Flynn earlier I am looking for a band that I trust to help me get the right sound.” 

Neither her demo nor her explanation did anything to get the confused scowl off of Reggie’s face. Almost worryingly so. Maybe it sounded a lot worse than she thought and that was part of why Julie and Luke had seemed hesitant about it. 

“It’s okay if you actually aren’t interested, I'm sure I can hire someone.”

“No, that’s not it.” Reggie said, quickly closing the space to pick up one of her hands. “It’s not bad, just a little rough around the edges but, it’s just the instrumentation. I’m not sure where.”

“Where I fit in?” She quickly cut in, biting back a mildly bitter laugh when Reggie nodded. She definitely should have talked to him about this part before now. “I do have lyrics, two versions actually, and I figured you should probably help me decide which ones to use before anyone else heard them.”

She didn’t even wait for him to ask before she went to one of the demo’s with her singing. This was definitely angrier than most of her songs. An old venting song channeling her frustration and bitterness at trying to force himself into a mold, and definitely full of more growls and yells she’d ever had to record before. She switched over to the second version so quickly she’s not sure if Reggie even noticed at first, probably thought the song had looped. 

At least until she started singing. While this version was similar in tone, the lyrics were definitely more focused on her wanting to make her own place in the world. Though the second verse not so subtly was talking about how Reggie helped inspire that. Or maybe it was only obvious to her, his eyebrow barely quirked up.

His silence didn’t once the song ended didn’t help either. Nor the way he wasn’t even really looking at her anymore. 

“So when you said show me off.” He eventually said after clearing his throat. Though he left the statement to hang between them. 

“I meant as maybe more than just a bass player.” She finished the thought for him, smiling in spite of herself, at the awe written across his face. 

“But I thought.”

“I think I’m ready to let other people know about us.” Carrie cut him off, smiling brighter with his smile, sunshine bright as always. “And yes I’m sure.” She added when she saw that furrow start to form between his brows again.

He pulled her closer, kissing her before she even fully realized that’s what he was going to do. Catching her by surprise seemed to be something he was uniquely adept at. Almost as good as he was at distracting her. 

But she managed to pull herself away long enough this time to finish dinner and for them to flesh out her idea a little better. As well as to get a good second draft of the lyrics sort of combining the two versions. 

In the end she knows even if Julie and everyone else don’t agree to help with the song she’s got Reggie’s support.

#julie and the phantoms #reggie x carrie #JatP Sweet Tarts #This is very much the result of me listening to Amalee's Backlight a lot this week

[daintyduck99]

You like me because I'm a scoundrel for the Reggie pairing of your choice because I honestly couldn't choose between Sweet Tarts and Rulie.

Also tagging @jmrothwell, who requested this prompt for Sweet Tarts!

He isn't nearly as subtle as he thinks he is.

Carrie bites down on a smile. She continues to ice her latest batch of cookies without even glancing over her shoulder.

“Put it back.”

The rustling stops. She huffs a laugh.

“Scoundrel.”

Reggie wraps his arms around her waist. He presses a kiss to the nape of her neck.

“You like me because I'm a scoundrel.”

She hums. “True, but I doubt that line will work on Julie when we show up at her party with only half our share of cookies.”

He smears his pout into the crook of her neck, mumbling, “I'd help you make more.”

Carrie shivers. She dabs a little bit of icing on his nose in retaliation. “Liar. Scoundrel.”

He laughs a little, releasing her, presumably to rub the icing off of his face.

A gentle tug tells her that he's playing with the hair that's escaped from her bun.

“You say the sweetest things, blossom.”

She shrugs. “I do when you deserve it.”

He drops to his knees, hugging her legs.

“Dearest, you wound me—”

She picks the least perfect cookie of all those that she's just iced and holds it out.

Reggie’s up in an instant. He kisses her cheek, plucking the cookie from her hand.

“You're welcome,” she says. “Now shoo.”

He hums. “I guess I can make myself scarce. But if you need anything—”

“I'll let you lick the icing bowl, don't worry.”

“Yes!” he cheers. “You know me so well.”

Carrie shakes her head as she laughs.

“Of course I do. Scoundrel fiance of mine.”

And she'll admit it. She isn't subtle, either.

In the end, as usual, she makes extras.

#flirty prompts #jatp sweet tarts #reggie x carrie #ficlets with ash #julie and the phantoms

[bananakarenina]

30 and Sweet Tarts?

then tell me to leave (and baby I'll go)

the thing is about carrie wilson is that everyone leaves her, eventually. her mother barely stuck around to watch her take her first triumphant steps; she's met her grandparents all of four times and each time made her realize why her father Is The Way He Is.

she's got her dad. but trevor wilson is one person and her dad is another, and sometimes she wishes trevor was the one to leave more often.

she tells everyone she broke up with nick. but that's a lie; he left her too.

she's never been enough for anyone, and she knows it. it's why she tries so fucking hard at everything she does. one day she'll accomplish enough, be enough, and if the people she loves don't notice, well, at least the rest of the world will.

so when reggie peters, julie's weirdo space cadet bassist, asks her out she almost laughs in his face. not because she's laughing at him, but because it's ridiculous he'd want to stick around. he's basically the nicest person carrie's ever met (not that she'll say that out loud) and he's silly and goofy and does shit like wave at every dog he meets on the boardwalk and eat something as simple as hot dogs like they'll be his last meal.

she turns him down. and she expects him to freeze her out; it's what she would do. but he doesn't treat her any different. she can tell he's sad, but he smiles whenever she turns up in the garage studio, and still lends her notes in class, and still cheers from the wings during Battle of the Bands even though he's literally the competition.

months go by. she gets named homecoming queen. it's the loneliest she's ever felt, for some reason. she dances stiffly with nick (god, that's awkward) for the least amount of time they can manage to julie and her band covering "time after time", and after the first chorus nick leaves her standing alone on the dance floor in a spotlight and a plastic tiara.

carrie wilson does not cry in front of her senior class. she doesn't. but she wants to.

and then the music kind of changes. a gasp ripples through the crowd.

straight out of a movie: reggie peters shoulders his bass and jumps off the stage, and julie has to cover the bassline with her keyboard, and he's striding right toward carrie.

"you looked kind of lonely out there," he explains, lowly, as he pulls her into a respectably-distanced dance. "i didn't want you to be dancing alone."

carrie can't help it. she closes that respectable distance.

even years--decades--after: reggie never does let her dance alone.

if you fall i will catch you i'll be waiting time after time

#whew! #i am clearly feeling the Big Gestures so far #this is fun! #jatp sweet tarts #carrie x reggie

[onlygenxhere]

Hey there! Happy Friday!!

If you're still accepting prompts Sorry to text so late, can your dog come over? + Reggie/Carrie, please?

Dancing Queen

Sorry to text so late

Can your dog come over?

My dad is out of town and I’d feel safer with him here.

Reggie stared blearily at his phone. He’d already been asleep over an hour when the chirp had woken him. He could pretend he hadn’t seen the message. He’d just pulled down his notifications and not actually clicked on the text so she wouldn’t know if he didn’t respond.

But… it was Carrie and she wouldn’t text if she didn’t need something.

Han had been over enough in the past year to be comfortable there. Carrie had actually been the entire bands go to for keeping their animals when they were out on tour since she’d had to take a hiatus from her own rising fame after a scary incident with a stalker last year.

In fact her being alone in that house didn’t set will with him at all.

Reggie was nothing if not a good friend and he was too tired to wonder why she hadn’t texted Alex and Willie to see if Fosse wanted to come over or Julie and Luke to see if Fender or Gibson were available or even Flynn who had no pets but would surely come over if she asked.

He reached over and gave his best bud a pat on the head, “You up for a visit to Carrie’s?”

The golden’s tail thumped on the bed and he gave Reggie’s hand a deceive lick.

Ok then.

The man in black

Be there in thirty

He only added a black t-shirt to his attire of Star Wars pajama pants before grabbing Han’s leash and one of Luke’s energy drinks to wake him up on the way. Driving this sleepy wasn’t a good idea. Drinking the Monster probably wasn’t either but at least he’d be awake for the trip… and maybe the next three hours after.

Well, he had to get back home too. She’d only asked for his dog, not him.

He was practically vibrating by the time he punched in the code at the gate to let himself in, pulling up to the front door and sending Carrie a quick message to let her know they were here.

The front door opened and she was coming down the steps dressed in baggy pink pajama pants and a matching t-shirt before he was even all the way out of his truck.

Han bounded out after him, racing over to Carrie and jumping up trying to give her kisses.

“Han! That is no way to greet a lady!”

Carrie was laughing and trying to push the big dog down so she could pet him. “It’s ok. It’s nice that anyone is this excited to see me.”

Reggie frowned as he shut the door of his truck. “Are you kidding? Who wouldn’t be excited to see you?”

She waved her hand attempting to dismiss the comment as she finally got Han to sit and she knelt in front of him scratching behind his ears. “Who’s a good boy?” she cooed.

“Carrie?” Reggie stopped in front of her. “What’s going on? Where’s your dad? Hell where’s the staff you usually have here?”

She wrapped her arms around Han’s neck and looked up at him. “Dad is in New York for the weekend on business and we haven’t had live-in staff in almost six months.”

How did he not know this? He talked to Carrie pretty regularly he thought but apparently there were things she’d been leaving out. He nodded toward the house. “Want me to come in?”

Carrie ducked her head rubbing her check against Han’s soft fur. “You don’t have to. I have Han now… thank you.” She looked up at him and those big brown eyes looked so sad and lost.

“That wasn’t the question Care.” He reached a hand out to her and she took it standing up and looking him in the eyes as he asked again. “Do YOU want me to come in?” He wasn’t trying to imply more than the words he was saying but they both knew he was offering to stay the night too.

She nodded and took a step toward him. Han scooted out from between them and darted into the house, no doubt headed toward her room. Reggie took her other hand, holding them both.

“What’s going on darlin’?”

She closed her eyes and bit her lip shaking her head. “I just feel so stupid for being afraid of an empty house.”

“Carrie,” he squeezed her hands and waited for her to open her eyes. “There is nothing stupid about you,” he said softly shaking his head. “You have every right to be nervous about being alone after what happened.”

“It’s been almost a year Reg and nothing new has happened. Derek is still in jail.” She looked away from him. “I need to get on with my life.”

He didn’t know what to say, she wasn’t wrong but everyone got over trauma at different speeds. He pulled her into a hug, sliding his arms around her thin frame and holding her tight. “Just tell me what I can do?” They’d been friends for years and he cared about the woman in his arms more than he’d ever admit.

“You’re already doing it Reg.” she hugged him back just as tight. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

He felt his heart drop just a little at the word friend but that’s what they were and that’s what she needed. “Better not let Flynn or Julie hear you say that,” he said trying to lighten the mood.

“I didn’t message them.” Carrie pulled away from him and he saw the tears in her eyes. “I messaged you.”

He nodded, “And I’m here.”

She nodded again and let her hand slid down his arm till she could lace their fingers together. “Would you mind staying?”

He shook his head feeling like his voice might have left him.

Carrie took a step toward the front stairs pulling him with her. “Will you stay with me and Han?”

They both knew Han slept in her bed.

He licked his lips and nodded finding his voice. “Are you sure?”

She nodded, “Just to sleep.” A ghost of her usual smile found its way onto her lips. “For now...”

“Ok,” he followed her up the stairs and into her house shutting the front door behind them.

They got in bed that night, the dog between them, and they stroked his fur as they talked well into the morning. Reggie found out about all the fears and anxiety she’d been hiding from everyone and he confessed to her just how lonely he’d been feeling about living in a house with two couples. No matter how much you loved them.

They finally drifted off to sleep sometime around three with Han snuggled up between them but when the sun streaming in her windows finally woke him the dog was gone and Carrie was asleep in his arms.

It was the first morning of many they woke up together and the last time Reggie went to bed thinking he was only ever Carrie’s friend.

#jatp #julie and the phantoms #rarrie #jatp sweet tarts #not sure how i feel about this #i started with one idea and then it got kinda sad #not super sure of everyone's thought process either #but since you only see reggie's pov #carrie doesn't really explain what's going on in her head #it's fine #i'm picking at it too much #author's worst critic is the author

[invisibleraven]

"You still sleep with a stuffed animal?" Sweet tarts

Carrie let the smile slide from her face as the door to the hotel room closed behind her. Finally alone. She all but ripped the pink wig from her head, tossing it on its stand, and made quick work of getting out of her Pink Candi garb, and washing the make-up off.

Becoming Carrie Wilson once more.

Carrie who wore comfy clothes and wore her honey blonde hair in a messy bun with a clean face. Carrie who ate junk food while watching trashy TV. Carrie who wasn't an international pop sensation with demands for her time and talent.

She knew it had been what she wanted-the fame, the adoration. And she had done it without her father's name or money, even if no one knew who she was. Performing behind a moniker had it's own cost, but it meant she got a private life, and no one accused her of being a nepo baby.

But it was also exhausting, living a double life, on top of being famous and maintaining relationships with people who only knew one side of her. Thus her being glad for a reprieve for tonight-a night in, even if it was in a hotel.

Only her peace was broken by a knock on her door. Carrie scowled, and peered through the peep hole, sighing with relief when it was only Reggie. He was her oldest friend, and technically her assistant, even if he moreso functioned as the one keeping her sanity intact.

"Hey Reggie," she said opening the door. "Please tell me there's nothing going on that requires me leaving this room."

"Just wanted to go over the schedule for tomorrow," he said with an apologetic smile. "But I brought you snacks." He held up a bag full of her favourite bars, chips, and candy, so he was automatically forgiven.

"You may enter," she said, waving him inside and closing the door behind them.

Reggie whistled as he took in the suite. "Nice digs."

Carrie shrugged, each hotel room seemed to blend together this far into the tour. The same stiff mattress, the same smell of industrial detergent, the same luxury chocolates on the pillow. All it really did was made her long for her home back in Malibu.

"And who is this?" Reggie asked, picking up the small bunny that had been nestled amongst her pillows. "You still sleep with a stuffed animal?"

Carrie snatched the bunny back, holding it to her chest. "Shut it."

Reggie stifled a laugh as he sat on her bed. "Carrie, you know I, of all people, am not going to judge you. I wear cartoon jammies and half my boxers still have superheroes on them."

Carrie wrinkled her nose at that, but then laughed. "Fine, this is my bunny that my dad bought me after he adopted me. I've had it all my life. It's a little reminder of home, of who I really am when the whole Pink Candi thing becomes too much."

Reggie sobered at that. "Yeah, I get that. It must be hard to be a secret to everyone."

Carrie sat down next to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "Harder than you know."

"Well I know my opinion doesn't mean much, but I always prefer the real you," he whispered, tangling their hands together.

"It means so much," she replied, though it was so quiet and soft Reggie had to strain to hear it.

"How about we forget the schedule and pig out while watching Queer Eye?' he suggested.

"That sounds heavenly," Carrie admitted. "Go get your jammies on, we'll make it a real slumber party."

Reggie gave her a salute and took off, coming back a little later in his Star Wars pyjamas and holding a stuffed Chewbacca doll. "I figured your bunny could do with some company."

"You dork," Carrie said over a stifled giggle.

Reggie grinned. "You love me regardless."

Carrie softened at that. "Yeah, I really do."

Reggie blushed, and then coughed, turning on the television, opening the bag of treats. "Come on, let's get our slumber party on."

Carrie nodded and sat next to him, pulling out a bag of Skittles while Reggie chose the chocolate covered pretzels. Neither said anything as they drifted closer and closer as the snacks dwindled or how they were pretty much in each others arms as their eyes drifted closed.

Carrie just knew when she woke up snuggling Reggie, their stuffed animals sitting on the pillow above their heads that she had never slept better. And when he opened his eyes, a soft smile on his face, she finally saw everything clearly.

And he saw her right back.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

For the Fluff one - Do you want me to carry you? For Rarrie please.

"You ready to go?" Reggie asked Carrie as the party they were at started to wind down.

"God yes," Carrie replied. "I'm tired, my feet are killing me and I want to see Peter."

Reggie smiled, thinking of their little boy (who was hopefully asleep by now) and his desire to see him as well. Plus these parties were never his favourite, sucking up to the Hollywood elite in order to secure another record deal or photoshoot. He mostly came as Carrie's arm candy, but he still helped her network, using his minor fame and influence to help.

They went to the door, taking deep gulps of fresh air, free from smoke and perfume, but looked at the line for the valet. "Damn that's long," Reggie said with a whistle. "We could probably walk to the car faster."

"Not in these heels I won't," Carrie said, lifting a foot and wincing as it put more pressure on the other.

"Do you want me to go and come back for you or do you want me to carry you?" Reggie asked.

Carrie thought on it-if she waited she might find a chair, but she might also get sucked into more inane chatter and false platitudes from which there was little chance of escape. But it would erase all shreds of her dignity to be carried.

Weighing her options and her aching feet, Carrie decided to screw dignity. "Carry please."

"Bridal or piggy back?"

She snorted, and Reggie smirked, turning his back to her, and whooped as she climbed on, handing him her heels as she latched her arms around his neck. "Come on mighty steed, let's giddy up."

He let out a fake whinny and neigh before trotting off towards the large lot where the cars were crammed. He had tipped the valet well to put it near an exit, so he hoped the guy had followed through.

However, Reggie had been hitting the gym less since Peter came along, figuring he got enough exercise chasing the toddler around as well as walking Tisdale around Malibu. Thus even though Carrie hardly weighed much, he found his stamina flagging as they went along.

"You okay sinta?" Carrie asked.

"Gotta take a break," he heaved, setting her down, stretching out his back, and letting the strength come back to his legs. "Think I'm going to have to go back to doing my morning run if this is wearing me out." '

"I mean I wouldn't mind the company," Carrie replied, rubbing his back. "Toss Peter in a stroller, latch Tisdale's leash to it, we're good to go."

"Sounds like a plan," Reggie panted. "Okay, let's keep going."

"You sure you don't need me to carry you?" Carrie snarked.

"Hardy har, don't make me make you walk," Reggie replied, offering her his back once more.

"You'd never."

And they both knew she was right there. Reggie would walk over coals for Carrie, so there was no way he'd make her suffer the walk in her heels or barefoot, even as it exhausted and strained him further.

Finally, their sensible little car came into view, and Reggie let out a sigh of relief, nearly dropping Carrie as they were close enough. "You drive," he said, handing her the keys before slumping into the passenger seat.

Carrie tossed her heels into the back, along with her purse, and looked over to see Reggie already dozing beside her. She shook her head, but decided to let him rest, since he saved her from potentially twisting her ankle or needing to cut her out of her shoes later.

The drive home was quiet, without Reggie chattering away, the radio low so as not to wake him. Carrie followed the familiar route home, pulling up to their modest home.

"Reggie," she said, shaking him. "We're home sinta."

He snorted, then blinked. "Oh good. Let's go in, check on Petey and go to bed."

Grabbing their stuff, they went in, Reggie paying the babysitter while Carrie tossed her shoes into the depths of the closet, never wanting to see them again. They were the cutest shoes, but like most cute shoes, they were a bitch to wear.

She crept up the stair, peering into Peter's room, smiling when she saw him asleep. Thumb in his mouth, covered in his favourite blanket-the one covered in trucks and excavators, his favourite stuffy-an ancient Chewbacca from Reggie's own childhood cradled in his arms.

She tiptoed in, brushing back his dark hair, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Sleep well mahal."

"He asleep?" Reggie whispered from the door. Carrie nodded, and sat as Reggie came over, tucking the blanket in further when it had come loose. "Sweet dreams kiddo."

"Let's go to bed," Carrie said, easing up, the two of them creeping out, keeping the door open a crack, just in case. "It's been a long night."

Reggie grinned, scooping her up to carry her to the bedroom. "That it has. But before we sleep, how about a foot rub?"

Carrie's blistering kiss was all the answer Reggie needed.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[daintyduck99]

zipping or buttoning their jacket for them

Sweet tarts

Carrie's lounging on the couch, enjoying some well-deserved time off, when Reggie pokes his head into the room.

“Hey blossom, have you seen my scarf?”

She hums. “The one I got you for Christmas? It should be on the coat rack.”

A small frown tugs at his lips, and a little wrinkle appears between his eyes. “But—”

“Did you look under any of the coats?”

She rolls her eyes good-naturedly as a sheepish grin replaces his frown, unable to suppress a smile of her own. She glides out of the room, pressing a swift yet firm kiss to his cheek before she passes by.

She makes a sound of triumph once she unearths the scarf, which had been buried under some jackets and the black pea coat that she'd gotten Reggie the Christmas before last. They'll go together nicely; the scarf provides his signature pop of red.

It's why she bought it, after all. That, and he's always refusing to wear a hat, which is what she'd said when he unwrapped it.

But he'd known, going by the shine in his eyes and his bright grin, that she'd mainly bought it because it reminded her of him.

He's looking at her similarly, now, and it still makes her want to pull him close.

So she does.

“What would you do without me?” she teases, looping the scarf around his neck.

His grin widens. “Dress worse, I guess.”

She huffs a laugh, gently tugging him closer to kiss him, and he's still grinning against her mouth. She's smiling too, so it's not much of a kiss, really. But it's soft.

And she thinks that that's what matters.

“So where are you going?” she asks as he slips his arms into the pea coat, automatically straightening his collar and tucking the scarf flat before deftly finding and starting to do up the buttons.

He doesn't respond for a while, simply watching her with bright eyes, and she ducks her head as her cheeks warm, pretending to focus on the top button.

He brushes another soft, smiling kiss over her hairline, gracing her lips with one too when she looks up. Her hands find the curve of his jaw, the thump of his pulse.

“Well,” he breathes, “now I'd rather not go. But you know how Luke is. Band meeting.”

She hums, pressing one last kiss to his lips. “You'll just have to come back soon.”

“Wild horses couldn't keep me away,” he promises, laughing a little when she narrows her eyes playfully at him.

“I don't think that's quite the right saying.”

He shrugs. “I changed it for you.”

There's that tug again, but she can't give in this time, or he really will never leave.

“Alright,” she says, just a little too warm to feel truly stern, “get out of here.”

He sends her a salute. “Yes, ma'am.”

She shakes her head, laughing a little to herself as he finally goes. He's ridiculous.

And she loves him for it, oh so much.

#otp prompts #jatp sweet tarts #reggie x carrie #ficlets with ash #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

"Should I bring you some lunch today?" / sweet tarts

Reggie was almost vibrating with glee as he entered the cafe, and found himself a seat in the lobby. He had been looking forward to coming here for weeks but his schedule hadn't allowed him a day off in forever, but now he was here and was struggling to restrain himself.

"Welcome to Woof It Down," the (very cute) hostess greeted him. "The dining room is open, as well as the play area. So should I bring you some lunch today or are you just here for the dogs?"

Reggie blushed, wondering how often people came here just to have dogs wandering around you while you ate. "I am kind of hungry, but doggos..."

The hostess giggled. "I know, it's a hard decision. We do have a section where you can snack and play, and all the food permitted there is pupper friendly."

"Well then I want to go to there," Reggie said, and she nodded before leading him into the cafe, and a table that had a sleepy little mutt snoozing next to it.

"That's Lola, she used to be a show dog, and yes I realize the irony, but I didn't name her," the hostess said, handing Reggie a menu. "All the dogs here are available to a good home, and I'll be right back to take your order."

Reggie thanked her, watching her honey blonde curls bounce away before turning to the feel of a cold nose snuffling his hand. "Hey gorgeous, it's very nice to meet you Lola."

Reggie paid so much attention to Lola, and then a very wiggly puppy named Charlie that he barely glanced at his menu, but the hostess assured him it happened all the time.

"I'm sure, but I still feel bad," Reggie said. "How about you bring me your favourite item and a large glass of lemonade, and I promise to leave a very big tip for being a terrible customer?"

"Trust me, I've had worse," she said. "But I'm not going to say no to the tip." With that she winked at him, hips swaying as she retreated again and Reggie forced his eyes to tear away, as Charlie ran off towards another table, and Lola began to snore beside him.

Reggie fawned over the various dogs that came and went from his table, grinning like a madman-this was truly the dream. He scarfed down the chicken sandwich he was given, gladly sharing a few scraps with whatever dog happened to be nearby-though not as much as he thought-it was a really good sandwich. Plus the lemonade was cool, refreshing and the right of tart and sweet.

He was debating dessert when the hostess came back for his dishes. "I have something you might like," she whispered, and brought forth a box. Inside was a tiny golden haired labradoodle, yawning and blinking open her eyes at him.

"Oh my goodness, look at you!" Reggie cooed, and glanced at the hostess who encouraged him to pick the puppy up. "So tiny!"

"She's technically not ready to leave her mama until next week," the hostess said. "But all her siblings have been spoken for, and she's not ready for the cafe floor yet. I wanted to make sure she went to a good home."

"How do you know I can give her one?" Reggie asked, cuddling the puppy into his chin.

The hostess gave a soft smile as she shrugged. "I can read people really well. So do you want a form?"

"Yes please," Reggie replied, refusing to relinquish the puppy from his hold. The hostess came back with his bill (which he paid, along with said promised tip) and the adoption form. "Oh, she doesn't have a name yet?"

"Nope. You get to pick one out."

"I don't think I can decide that until I get to know her a bit better," Reggie admitted.

"Well I have plenty of suggestions," the hostess replied, then slid a card across the table to him. "Start with this one and then let me know before I come back for the cutie pie here."

Reggie turned over the card, seeing a string of numbers, and a name-Carrie. He grinned and cuddled the yawning puppy closer. "You might just be a good luck charm baby girl."

The next week, Reggie went back to the cafe, but left soon after, with Lucky in a carrier, and Carrie on his arm.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

“I need a hot water bottle, a cozy blanket, and a nap.” for any of the girls because they Deserve It

Carrie's first thought as her alarm blared was 'Nope', and she was severely tempted to shut it off, turn over, and go back to sleep. Her midsection was already protesting the idea of getting up, and she groaned, knowing that she unfortunately did not have that option.

Throwing the blankets back, she stumbled out of bed, clutching at her abdomen, bypassing her usual morning routine to throw back some painkillers before starting the kettle, and stepping into an obscenely hot shower. Fuck yoga and a smoothie this morning-she needed tea, carbs, and a miracle to get through.

Of course, her schedule didn't allow for miracles, since she had several important meetings, none of which she could reschedule, and a mountain of things that had to be done today of all days.

She did herself up, because she didn't think cramps were any excuse for sloppy presentation, even if she did spend an extra minute staring longingly at her sweatpants. With a huff she left for the day, longing for it to be over.

By lunch she was so over it-half her meetings could have been fucking emails, her errands didn't seem as pressing after that, and she just wanted to go back to bed.

But of course, the other Candis were here for rehearsal, and Carrie had never called a practice off before, even as she winced through the dance moves and prayed for death.

Finally, blessedly, her day was over, and she almost raced home. And curled up on the floor right inside the door as soon as it shut behind her, in utter agony.

"Hey doll!" Reggie called from the kitchen. "You hungry? I made those spring rolls you like!" He then came out and saw her in the fetal position. "Bad day?"

"I long for death," Carrie moaned.

"Sorry, not allowed to die, I forbid it," Reggie said, helping her up. "What can I get you instead?"

“I need a hot water bottle, a cozy blanket, and a nap.”

"See, that I can do," Reggie said, helping her to the couch, out of her nicer things, and into a soft pair of pyjamas that she swore were his, but she didn't rightly care as he passed over painkillers and a large glass of juice.

"You're the best," she moaned as she drained the glass, the sweetness helping to alleviate the dryness of her throat and the pounding behind her eyes.

"Only for the best gal there is," Reggie replied, helping her recline, placing the hot water bottle and blanket on her and flicking off the lights. "You nap, the food'll keep and when you wake up we'll eat, I'll rub your feet, and we can watch whatever sappy movie you want."

"Even The Notebook?" Carrie asked around a yawn.

"If we must," Reggie replied, kissing her forehead.

"Will you stay over tonight?" she asked. "Missed you last night."

"Of course I will," Reggie assured her. "I won't leave until you kick me out."

"Guess you're moving in then," Carrie mumbled as she dropped off.

Reggie bit back a grin, shaking his head at her. "We can talk about that when you wake up."

Carrie snuggled further into her pillow and sighed, a smile creeping onto her face as she slept, and Reggie slowly crept off to put away the food, and to ensure they had everything they needed for the next few days. Carrie liked to push herself when she really needed to give herself a break, and Reggie was determined to ensure he was here to make sure she got one.

And maybe beyond that if she was serious about him moving in.

Turns out? She was. And the next month, when her body decided to hate her once more, it was Reggie who turned off her alarm, and pulled her back into bed, assuring her that he had her schedule cleared. Carrie smiled, despite the cramps, and snuggled back into her human heating pad, letting herself drift off to sleep.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

"It was never about winning." for Sweet Tarts [insert eyes emoji here]

Normally Carrie would never put any merit to a high school talent show. She performed at almost every spirit assembly and did gigs on the regular-everyone knew how talented she was. And it wasn't like the prize was anything spectacular to entice her.

But then Julie and her hologram band entered.

Not one to be outdone by some fancy projections, Carrie signed her name to the form, recruiting the Candis for a brutal practice session that was sure to wipe the floor with whatever Julie could come up with.

Look, she knew Julie was good, there was denying that. And she knew winning wasn't everything. But there was something about being pitted against Julie that always drove up her competitive side.

All her life she had been compared to Julie, even when they were small kids. And though Carrie lived in a mansion with a millionaire rock star dad, it always seemed like Julie won.

She had the loving, present parents, the praise of teachers, the attention of Andi Parker, a spot she gain back after hijacking a spirit rally.

Callie meanwhile worked and trained and strived to reach half those heights. So who could blame her for wanting-nay deserving some of that praise and admiration? Couldn't she just win for once?

The day of the talent show, she was pacing backstage, waiting for her turn. Watching as each other paltry act went on, judging them and hoping she would blow everyone away.

As a result, she wasn't watching as she paced, meaning she slammed into someone who was walking around backstage.

"Watch where you're going you-" Carrie cut herself off as she starred into a pair of bright green eyes and blushing, freckled cheeks. "Oh, you're a part of Julie's band."

"Guilty as charged," he said with a chuckle. "I'm Reggie. You're Carrie right?"

"Yeah," she said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "Wait, I thought you guys were holograms?"

He ran his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, we normally are, but we came to visit Julie and decided to give y'all the live experience."

"So no hologram schtick?" Carrie snarked.

He grinned and shrugged. "Figure it's about time to let the music speak for itself."

"You're so right!" Carrie exclaimed. "Not that I can say much about gimmicks given the whole-" She waved at her Pink Candi gear.

"Well then, may the best band win," Reggie said, offering her a hand to shake, which she took. His handshake was firm, dry, and strong-she appreciated that.

"Oh I will," she said, grinning at him, liking his surprised, full laugh as he stalked off.

She gave it her all, smiling, dancing, singing her bedazzled little heart out. She knew they deserved to win, to finally beat Julie at something.

Sure, Julie and her band were great, even without the band blinking in and out during the set. And she honestly did wish them well. Julie was talented, and Carrie didn't want her to fail. Just not to skyrocket ahead of Carrie.

Yet Julie still won.

Carrie stood off to the sidelines, keeping a stiff upper lip, attempting valiantly not to cry. It was so stupid-it was only a measly little talent show, worth nothing in the end. Yet she couldn't even win that.

She slumped down backstage, head in her knees as the reality washed over her.

"Hey," Reggie said, sitting next to her. "Next time right?"

Carrie shook her head. "It was never about winning."

"Then what was it about?"

Carrie let a single tear fall. "Being enough."

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

Haunted Holidays

December 21: Wrapping Paper <-AO3 link!

“I think that’s everything,” Carrie said as she looked over the sea of bags and boxes surrounding her.

“It had better be, I think we bought out half of LA,” Reggie groaned from where he had flung himself onto the couch.

“You know some of that is for you right?” Carrie replied.

“I’m aware,” Reggie said, looking up from the arms he had covering his face. “Which is why you should hide them while I’m too tired to peek.”

Carrie hummed but did grab a few bags and rushed off, making Reggie bite back a grin. Honestly he loved that she used the holiday season to spoil their loved ones. Stuff none of them would buy themselves, but they all secretly wanted. Carrie was aces at gifts, and Reggie was getting better since they started dating.

“Okay Peters,” Carrie declared as she reentered the den with a clap of her hands. “No napping, we have to get wrapping!”

Reggie groaned, sitting up and looking at her. “Okay, gimme a beat.”

Carrie scowled and waved a tube of wrapping paper at him. “Come on you.”

Reggie gave a mock salute and started taking items out of bags, handing them over to Carrie so she could find the right gift bag or bow to go with each gift. “I always figured you’d get a professional to do this kind of thing.”

She shook her head. “That’s more my dad’s thing. I like wrapping gifts, giving it that personal touch. Shows that you’re willing to spend the time on it outside the thought of the gift itself.”

“When I was a kid I wrapped all my gifts in the comics section of the newspaper-saved up the colour pages every Sunday to do it,” Reggie commented.

“MeeMaw didn’t have paper for you to use?” Carrie asked. She knew better to ask about his parents-they only gave him shame, complexes, and recrimination, never presents.

“I wanted to do it myself,” Reggie said with a shrug. “She loved my version of a personal touch.”

“I bet you made her great gifts,” Carrie said. She had never met MeeMaw, the woman had unfortunately passed before she got the chance. But she loved hearing Reggie’s stories about her.

“Oh yeah, the best pages of scribbles, popsicle stick picture frames, and clay handprints you ever did see,” Reggie said, then a look of melancholy passed over his face. “She kept it all though, had a box of it all stored in the attic.”

Carrie scooted over , cuddling into his side. “She loved you, and treasured everything you gave her. I know I would.”

Reggie snorted. “Doll you gave me an itemized list of gifts.”

She had done that hadn’t she? And she knew he had bought her every one without complaint. “I know,” she whispered. “I think I needed a reminder that it isn’t what you get, but the love and thought behind it.”

“So I can return the ludicrously pricey scarf?” Reggie jested.

“Not on your life,” Carrie said, sticking her tongue out at him. “But feel free to wrap it in some newspaper if you keep the packaging on it.”

Reggie grinned, tilting her head back for a kiss. “You know, I just might do that.”

Then on Christmas morning, Carrie had to laugh when every single one of her expensive presents were wrapped in homemade paper-covered in Reggie’s doodles and lyrics.

She kept every piece. Which turned out to be worth it, as the next year she used the paper he had made to wrap his gifts in. RReggie gave a delighted bark when he noticed, and made a show out of oh so carefully peeling the tape off so they could use it again.

By the third year, it was getting a bit worn, so Carrie said they would just have to make new paper, and spent a lovely afternoon doing so. “But we’re still keeping the old stuff right?” Reggie asked shyly.

“Oh sinta of course!” Carrie assured him. “We could make a cool art piece out of them if you want.”

She missed the way his face lit up at that, but Reggie thought that was for the best because he now had a plan to blow all other Christmas’ out of the water!

Oh Christmas morning, Carrie came down the stairs, and saw something hanging on the wall, covered by a sheet. Reggie was standing next to it, looking a little nervous, a little tired, but still his gorgeous sunshiney self. “Hey doll, Merry Christmas,” he said, greeting her with a kiss when she replied in kind.

“You figure out what to do with the paper after?” Carrie asked, taking a step back to survey the large set up.

“Yup, you wanna do the honours?’ Reggie asked.

Carrie nodded and ripped off the sheet, then gasped. There they were --all the pieces of wrapping paper. Covered in their doodles, notes, and little bits of their history. A photo of the two of them after a paintball game where she had dominated and Reggie was just happy to be there. Riding side by side on horseback, though Reggie was doing so with considerable more grace.

There were programs and ticket stubs, and a few candy wrappers, lyrics to half finished songs, even a section for Tisdale, Carrie’s Shar Pei that Reggie used to walk every day-it was how they met after all. And though she had crossed the rainbow bridge, the both of them would forever be grateful for her influence in them getting together.

Then right in the middle, was an origami heart, with the words Open Me printed on it. Carrie grinned at Reggie, wondering what silly pun awaited her-he did love his jokes her man.

Only when she opened the heart, there were only two words printed there. WOrds that made Carrie’s heart race and her face break into a smile. A smile that grew even wider when she saw Reggie kneeling before her with a ring made of folder paper.

“I swear I got you a real one,” he said, offering it up. “But I kinda had to doll.”

“No no, this is perfect,” Carrie said, slipping the ring onto her finger. “Yes by the way.”

Reggie whooped and spun them around, all while Carrie admired her ring. She knew it would probably end up framed somewhere so she could keep it forever-but right now it outmatched even the brightest of diamonds, and was worth more to her than every gift under the tree.

#jatpadvent2023 #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

I want everyone to see that we belong together, sweet tarts

"Carrie! Time to get up lady!"

Reggie stirred from where he was curled around Carrie, then sat up quickly, almost jumping out of the bed, grabbing his things and diving into Carrie's large walk in closet just before Kayla walked in.

"Geez girl, you're still in bed?" Kayla asked as she pulled open the curtain, causing Carrie to groan and wince as the light assaulted her eyes.

"Kayla, too early," Carrie hissed.

"Hey, you're the one who told me to get you up at the ass crack of dawn so we could get your insane schedule done," Kayla said, hands on her hips, glaring at her.

"Remind me to put a hit out on past me for that," Carrie said as she slowly got up. "And not to let me schedule an early morning wake up call again."

"Duly noted, now up and at 'em!" Kayla said, clapping her hands. "Shower, dress, all that nonsense so we can get on the road for your eight AM appearance." She started to walk out and then turned around, pointing at her. "And no going back to sleep! If I don't hear the shower in ten minutes, I'm dragging you in there myself."

Carrie felt like she could breathe again once the door closed. "It's safe," she called out.

Reggie popped out, his tank and jeans already pulled on, flannel in his hands. "You gotta take the key from her, that was too close."

"She probably has a copy or five around," Carrie stated. She bit her bottom lip then, looking at him. "Would it have been so bad if she had caught us?"

Reggie looked at her then, his expression unreadable. "You're the one that wanted to keep us a secret doll."

"I know, I know," she said with a sigh. "It's just... I guess I wonder if my reasons are all that important anymore."

Reggie sat on the bed next to her, taking her hand. "Are you saying you're ready to start telling people about us?"

"Would you be okay with that?" she asked, giving him a small smile.

"I want everyone to see that we belong together doll, you know that," Reggie said. "Everyone would ask how a dolt like me got a bombshell like you on my arm, but to have you there to show off?"

"I'm not a piece of arm candy," she replied, smacking his arm playfully. "But... I do have a red carpet tomorrow, you wanna be my date?"

"It'd be my honour," Reggie stated, pulling her in for a chaste but loving kiss.

"I don't hear the shower, so I hope you're ready for me to drag you...oh," Kayla said as she came in. "Well then."

Carrie and Reggie exchanged glances, grinning at one another. "Guess the cat's out of the bag," Reggie said.

"I have a million questions and you," Kayla said, pointing at Carrie, "owe me a good gossip sesh, which we will be having in the car ride. So get in the shower. Alone."

"Yeah yeah," Carrie grumbled, getting up, but kissing Reggie as she went, whispering good luck.

Reggie was left alone with Kayla, and he was sure he gulped as she glared at him. "Um... I'm Reggie?"

"You're a complication," Kayla said. "a cute one to be sure. So you wanna give me your side of things over breakfast while I contemplate why my best friend and client decided to keep you a secret from me?"

"You say that like I have a choice," he said, getting up and following her to the kitchen.

Carrie emerged in the kitchen some time later, fearing for whatever is going on there, but she sees Reggie and Kayla sharing a laugh over coffee. "We all good?"

"He's gotten the Kayla Seal of Approval, but we're still having a talk on the way to your thing this morning," Kayla said. "Now, say goodbye, and let's get on the go."

Carrie grinned, looping her arms around Reggie's neck, kissing him goodbye, and he swayed her a bit before she took off, trusting that he would lock up before he started his day.

"Spill," Kayla stated as soon as the driver left the driveway.

Carrie sighed, but did, unable to wipe the smile off her face as she talked about Reggie. "Oh and he's my date tomorrow night."

"Of course he is," Kayla muttered, but then grinned. "Happy for you Care Bear."

Carrie pulled out her phone, seeing a kissy face emoji from Reggie, and beamed. "Yeah, me too."

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

Texting each other cute pics, sweet tarts!

Carrie glanced down as her phone chimed, a welcome break from cramming from her Economics final. Smiling wide as she saw it was from Reggie who was on tour with the Phantoms right now, the weeks between now and him coming home an aching void between them.

Only when she opened the message, it was a picture of Reggie with the laughing Chewbacca face.

Carrie: I regret teaching you about Snapchat filters

Reggie: You love it baby doll, don't front

Carrie rolled her eyes, even though he couldn't see it. But yes, she did love it; loved how goofy and carefree her boy was. How he brought those traits out in her, usually so serious and driven.

In that vein she sent him back a picture of the stuffed pink unicorn he won for her, sitting on her bed next to the little Build a Bear in a red flannel that he had gifted her for their one year anniversary.

Carrie: Lady Fluffikins and Bearinald miss you

Reggie: Just them?

Carrie: And maybe me, just a little.

Reggie texted back a picture of his actual face, an overexaggerated pout on it, but there was mirth shining in those green eyes, a faint flush to his cheeks that never seemed to fade.

Carrie: Maybe a lot. But i also have a test to study for and I don't need your cuteness distracting me.

Reggie: Call you later then?

Carrie sent back a thumbs up emoji, followed by a selfie of her blowing him a kiss, then went back to her books. The semester was almost over, and once it was... well the temptation to join Reggie for the last part of the tour was getting too great for her to resist.

Until then she survived on cutsey messages, goofy selfies, the odd shot of interesting landmarks or stuff he saw along the way. In return she sent him pictures of latte art, random dogs she saw, and always a selfie back.

Then a shot of her Economics textbook in the garbage after she finished her final, which got a picture of him laughing back.

She did not send him a picture of her ticket to the state he was in-wanting to be a surprise. She did send it to Flynn though, to make sure someone could get her from the airport.

Instead she sent him the cover of the book she brought on the flight, one he had been trying to get her to read for ages, getting a picture of his worn copy in return. A shot of the blue sky before she boarded the plane, with him showing her the skyline of Chicago.

Carrie: I gotta bunch of errands to catch up on now that exams are over, so if I don't respond don't worry.

Reggie: I'll try, but you know I always worry when we're apart. Only a few more weeks. Love you!

Carrie sent the same back, trading their usual heart hand selfies before shutting off her phone.

The flight was long and boring, the food bland and unappealing. But Chicago welcomed her like a hug, being that much closer to Reggie.

She couldn't contain her smile as she watched him from the wings of the stage, and when he finally saw her after their bows?

His face was worth a thousand words-she just hoped someone got a picture.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[invisibleraven]

Happy Thursday!

"I heard you liked (thing), so I brought you some" + Sweet Tarts?

Carrie Wilson had a lot of secrets. Her identity for one-performing under the Pink Candi moniker so no one accused her of being a nepo baby. Her love of country music (though that was earned due to Reggie and his constant singing of Dolly, Tammy, and Shania). Her cheating on her strict vegan diet for real ice cream when she was on her period because frozen vegan yogurt just didn’t cut it.

But her biggest secret was her sweet tooth.

Carrie had always loved anything sugary-gorged herself on every treat her dad brought home, their supply of snacks, and spending her expansive allowance on sweets for herself.

However the effect on her skin (not to mention her health) meant she had to moderate her love as she grew older. Balancing out chocolate with workouts and a strict skin regime.

But she still constantly wanted to sink her teeth into something sugary all the time. Especially Filipino treats that reminded her of lola who snuck her sweets from her homeland, teaching her the language, and treasuring her for the few years they got to be together.

She had confessed as much to Reggie, who told her tales of MeeMaw, who taught him to make challah, latkes, and the joys of homemade gelt. He’d even offered to make her a brisket if he could ever figure out how to make a vegan one.

She had adored him for that, telling him so with a million kisses. “If you ever find a place that makes good halo-halo, well then we can trade.”

That had been ages ago, the conversation mostly forgotten. Or so she thought.

Carrie was having a hard day-a harsh critique on their latest single from a renowned critic, a pulled muscles from dance practice, and a pounding head left her grumpy. She had texted Reggie asking him to handle supper that night, and was currently lounging on the couch with the curtains drawn and a heating pad on her sore body.

“Hey blossom,” he whispered as he entered. “You hungry?”

“Starved,” Carrie replied, sitting up slowly and taking a food package from Reggie. “What’s this?”

“Open it.”

She did, and gasped as she did. “How?”

He shrugged. “I heard you liked halo-halo so I bought you some. Hope it’s as good as your lola’s.”

Carrie dug in, moaning as the flavour filled her senses, not even caring to ask if it was vegan or not-she cheated when it came to dishes that reminded her of her great grandmother.

She even shared with Reggie who said it wasn’t really his thing, but he was happy to have made her day. Then he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Let me know when you want the pizza I got-dessert should always come first.”

Carrie grinned around her spoonful, enjoying her treat, right down to the last morsel, feeling so much better and only part of that was due to the food-more so with the man that got it for her.

But then again, her feelings for him had never been a secret.

#filled prompts #ficlet #jatp sweet tarts #julie and the phantoms

[jmrothwell]

"hold my hand" "absolutely not" "they'll think somethings wrong if you don't" *grabs hand and kisses cheek* / sweet tarts

“Do you need a job?” 

Reggie startled ever so slightly, trying his best to hide it by sitting up from the lounging position he was in while reading his book. Once up he found an aggravated Carrie standing in the doorway of the studio. 

“Are you talking to me?” He asked, looking around knowing full well he was the only one here. Everyone else had gotten pulled into various family holiday events. Even Luke and his mom had managed to reach a sort of compromise for the season. 

“Is there anyone else here?” She said again before releasing a long exhale disguised as a groan, “Anyway, did you need a job or not?”

“A job” He couldn’t help repeating the question, one of his eyebrows rising against his better judgment. 

“Ok, so it’s barely a job.” She said weight shifting as she adjusted her feet with her eye roll. Her gaze shifted away from him, examining the room around them, eyes lingering on the many photos Flynn and Julie had plastered across the wall. “I really just need someone to come with me when I go to my mom’s for Christmas.”

“I’m sorry what?” He really didn’t mean to blurt out the question as fast as he did. Still blinking away the shock of the words he was hearing. Couldn’t recall her ever mentioning her mom before, or anyone for that matter. Though if he had to judge based on the way Carrie’s face scrunched up and how she shifted her feet again she wasn’t very comfortable with the topic. 

“My mom’s been trying to reconnect and make up for lost time.” She said, voice bordering on her peppy show tone. 

“I don’t know.”

“It would be just for a week and she lives incredibly close to some decent skiing. So you could think of it more like a little winter vacation if you’d like.” Carrie said, her voice never straying far from that peppy ‘sales pitch’ tone which did not ease any unease he had at the idea. 

“What’s the catch?”

“There’s no catch.” She quickly said, disbelief written all over her face in the short seconds before managing to school her expression again. “Look, me and my family are even paying for everything. All you have to do is show up.”

He chewed over the idea, also chewing the inside of his bottom lip not really buying this perfect vacation she was trying to sell him on. There definitely had to be something she wasn’t telling him. Why him? Why not any of her other friends? 

On the other hand, it would be nice to have something to keep him out of his parents house that wouldn’t also have all his friends playing their usual ‘let’s help Reggie without him knowing it’ tactics. It might take them all a while to believe Carrie had randomly offered him what basically amounted to an all expenses paid ski trip out of nowhere. But weirder things had happened. 

“All right, when’s this trip?” He asked, trying not to be floored by Carrie’s unexpectedly bright, if short lived, smile. 

“We leave tomorrow.” She said digging her phone out of her purse and settling on the couch so close to him she‘d barely need to move to be in his lap. “Quick, give me your number so I can send you the details.”

“Oh yeah, sure.” He said fumbling for his phone, caught a little off guard by both her sudden proximity and the amount of shit he suddenly had to do before tomorrow. 

He barely registered everything she said about texting her his address to coordinate with her driver. Far too focused on mentally making his packing list, hoping he had enough clean clothes. Didn’t even question her when she suddenly pulled him in for a series of selfies, the first half dozen inadequate because he didn’t look happy enough. He doubted he ever looked happy enough, certain she just gave up, and resorted to using whatever filter for whatever app she was sure to be posting it to.

The next day didn’t fare much better for his nerves. Pleasantly surprised when she did in fact show up at his place several hours before the sun would even dare to be up so they could get to the airport on time. Too tired to enjoy the fact he got to sit in the slightly roomier business class, falling asleep before the even finished taking off. It was a rare direct flight too, so he wouldn’t get another chance until the flight home. 

Just as they passed security and into the throng of all the friends and family waiting, Carrie’s hand gripped his bicep tight pulling his attention to her as they walked. 

“Ok so, before we get too far there is something you need to know.” She said in a sort of half whisper, trying to not be overheard but still trying to be heard over the noise all around them. “I may have lied about there not being a catch.”

His heart clenched, he knew it was too good to be true, but more than that he felt more than a little betrayed. Did she seriously wait til he couldn’t escape to tell him what basically amounted to his side of the deal? He didn’t get the chance to call her out though, as soon a woman Reggie could describe as overly sparkly was rushing toward them with a big smile. 

“Carrie?” The woman said, throwing her arms around Carrie who had never looked so tense before.

“Aunt Debbie.” Carrie said through a forced grin, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“What nonsense.” Aunt Debbie said as she playfully slapped Carrie’s shoulder. “Of course we were going to pick you up, Richard’s keeping the car warm. Your mom would have come but she’s a little preoccupied.”

Aunt Debbie tried to do a little hand wave through the air, her vibrant nails looking more like talons than Reggie expected them to, clearly trying to dismiss or wave something away. The movement only seemed to make Carrie tense up more than she already was. Reggie didn’t get long to focus on that though as Aunt Debbie’s attention fell on him.

“Oh sorry, you must be..?”

“Oh, right, sorry. Aunt Debbie, this is Reggie.” Carrie said as Reggie extended his hand out to shake Debbie’s, all of the syllables he was going to use to greet her with however froze up in his throat as Carrie continued on. “My boyfriend I was telling you all about.”

“Ooooh well aren’t you handsome.” Debbie said, patting his, the sensation all he needed to know he wasn’t dreaming. “Well, we better hurry up before Rich gets too bored and does something foolish. Did you check anything?”

Debbie walked off after Carrie’s reassurances they only had carry-on’s. Reggie did not follow, forcing Carrie to double back for him, if she felt any guilt over the situation she had it hidden well under all the resigned exhaustion she wore.

“Your boyfriend?” 

“It’s only for the week.” 

“Carrie we’ve barely ever spoken to each other.” He said in lieu of saying how they could barely be called friends. 

“Please,” she said, surprising them both, though she recovered faster than he did. “Like I said it’s only for the week. We don’t even have to get all lovey-dovey with the pet names or overt PDA.”

“But why do they need to think I”m your boyfriend?”

Carrie quickly looked over her shoulder to where Aunt Debbie was impatiently looking like she was waiting patiently.  “I promise I’ll tell you later.”

He sighed, slowly resigning himself to the idea. His only other real options being telling everyone the truth and spending the next week uncomfortably awkward around strangers or trying to find some way to pay for a flight back home and leaving Carrie alone, by herself. “You owe me.”

She nodded as she painted on that winning showmanship smile of hers, “Of course, now hold my hand.”

“Absolutely not.” The words were out of his mouth faster than he intended, still too caught up in his own blindsided irritation. Her smile barely faltered, the slightest furrow of her brow.

“They’ll think somethings wrong if you don’t.”

He glanced toward Debbie who had definitely stopped trying to not look confused. He didn’t exactly trust his mouth at the moment, so he merely held out his hand towards Carrie. She grasped it in hers and pulled him down so she could quickly press a quick kiss to his cheek and whispering a quick “thank you” into his ear. 

He swallowed hard, an attempt to both unclog his throat of all the wrong words and to clear his head of the memory of her lips ghosting across the shell of his ear. This was going to be a more complicated week than if he had just stayed home.

#jatp sweet tarts #reggie x carrie #I was like these will probably all be short fills...nearly 1500 words later #took a few story beats from Summer Wars but turned it into some sort of holiday rom com