#my thought process was “can i get them to fuck in an airport lounge room” and then i never even wrote that part

[fulcrvm]

I am thinking thoughts about airports and flying again. And Dreamling, of course.

So. Human AU. History professor Hob has to fly around a lot for work, perhaps for conferences or smth of the sort so it's always to a small handful of the same nearby cities. He's pretty neutral on the idea of flying in general, though he wishes it was a bit more environmentally friendly, but Hob is a sucker for a nice airport and especially a nice airport lounge during layovers or before boarding.

Hob has begun to frequent a small local airline (White Horse Air, the logo is a coat of arms with a little pegasus, wyvern, and hippogriff on it, haha) when traveling because he likes their service (they've never lost his bags, not even once!) and their flights are never fully booked, which makes them quieter and easier for hob's chronic pains. He always picks seats with no one next to him so he can sprawl out and so it's easier on his knees.

Until, one day, he boards the little plane and there's someone in the seat next to his. Hob's sure that when he booked his seat, the other one was empty. Oh well, whatever, Hob's not going to bother the other man already sitting there for one flight— he'll just have to be a little more mindful booking next time. Hob shuffles into the seat, and notices that the stranger sat beside him is reading Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur! Hob gets excited because! That's a William Caxton publication! And Hob has so much to say about Caxton! He turns to the stranger to strike up conversation about it and... is immediately lost at how pretty the stranger is. Handsome, gorgeous, yes of course, but pretty, with the shell pink lips and focused blue eyes and slight frown at the book in his hands. Hob picks up his metaphorical jaw off the metaphorical ground and strikes up conversation with the stranger. Though the other man starts off apprehensive, somehow the two hours of flying fly by and the two of them end up talking about all sorts of art, history, and everything in between. Hob learns that the stranger works in publishing, thus his interest in Caxton.

Their flight lands, and the two of them disembark at the gate, still attempting to continue their conversation while Hob tries to wrangle his carry-on bags. (The Stranger only has a small laptop bag on one shoulder and a suit jacket folded over his other arm with him.) Then Hob has to check the time and begrudgingly says that he should probably head towards his next gate soon— this is just a layover after all. The Stranger looks ever so slightly disappointed and admits that this is his actual destination and he needs to meet his sister soon. They part ways, and Hob tries to dwell on the strange warmth in his chest. He thinks about the Stranger for his entire work trip afterwards.

This, somehow, happens a couple times. Turns out they both frequent White Horse Air, and though they're never in booked seats next to each other again, the flights are always empty enough that they can shift to sit next to each other once the plane's in the air. They chat the flight away, and then part ways once they disembark, with the Stranger headed to the baggage claim and Hob to his next flight. One time, the Stranger even requests the hostess to bring out a special bottle of Chateau Lafitte 1828 just for the two of them to share. Hob's in awe. He really enjoys their conversations, it's nice to be able to talk about his interests in a non-academia environment. The Stranger always has the most intriguing and eye-opening perspectives on everything, too. It doesn't really help that Hob thinks... maybe he's developing a tiny, teeny, really inconsequential really crush on his Stranger. He's not in grade school anymore, how does he feel like this about someone he doesn't even know the name of yet!

This all comes to a head when Hob mentions to the Stranger that his layover is a bit longer than it usually is, and if the Stranger is in no rush, they can continue their conversation in one of the airport's lounges. White Horse Air is a bit too small an airline to have their own lounge, but Hob's collected enough miles to get into one of the other airline lounges and is fully willing to pay to get in one if it means more time with his Stranger.

The Stranger is extremely enthusiastic about the idea— which shows up physically as a subtle, coy upturning at the corner of his mouth and a little sparkle in his eye. (Hob feels proud that he can read this reaction so well.) He's so enthusiastic, in fact, that the Stranger offers to get them both into a first-class lounge. Hob doesn't even pretend to hesitate to say yes.

Let's just say they get to the lounge, split some cheese and wine, and the proceed to get even more enthusiastic with each other in a private room. Hob's lucky he brought a change of clothes in his carry-on. (Maybe Hob's not so lucky and can't sit comfortably during his next three-hour flight.)

Hob gets a bit emotional when he has to leave for his next flight (already missing being able to hold his Stranger's face so gently, being able to card his fingers through his soft, smokey hair) and gets his guts together to ask if the Stranger wants to exchange phone numbers or something, so they can be in contact more regularly. Perhaps even, meet on purpose maybe? The Stranger smiles and kisses him lightly on the cheek when he slips a business card into Hob's hand.

Hob's so caught up in it all that he doesn't check the business card until he's fully boarded and sat on his next flight. And he gawks.

Morpheus Aion The Dreaming Publishing House

As in, one of White Horse Air's biggest shareholders? Aion, as in, probably the sibling of Teleute Aion? As in, Teleute Aion, the CEO of White Horse Air?! Hob almost passes out.

In the end, Morpheus and Hob laugh it out. Morpheus promises he never abused his sibling privileges to invade Hob's privacy, but used the sibling perks to frequent White Horse Air flights a little more than he even needed to just for the chance to see Hob again. They're both happy to not need to keep flying just for that chance anymore, haha. Idiots in love! Turns out, while Teleute lives where Hob keeps having his layovers, Morpheus and Hob actually live just a few hours driving from each other from their shared initial departure location. It all works out perfectly, and Morpheus self-restraint from inviting Hob to move in (so they don't have to keep travelling to see each other, no matter how small) lasts not even a year after they officially start dating. Hob doesn't even pretend to hesitate to say yes :)

(Years down the line, much after they're married, Hob finally has enough miles to get them back into those first-class lounges to have more fun. It's all very lovely.)

#my thought process was “can i get them to fuck in an airport lounge room” and then i never even wrote that part #guess what i am also a sucker for a nice airport and an even nicer airport lounge. i am yearning for a nice flight rn #i genuinely love flying so much. not domestic travel but international travel is what my entire life revolves around and i am allowed to #romanticise it a little bit haha #anyway #(me describing morpheus' lips with a guitar color) ah yes literature #how the hell do i tag this #i dont usually post idea dumps like this but i have no where else to put it haha #i'd love to write it but i dont think i'd know how to approach this lol #if anyone wants to take this as a prompt go ahead!! #the sandman #dreamling #dc #rex speaks #rex writes #(?) #long post

[illfoandillfie]

can you pleaseee do a blurb with 80s!Roger and younger reader and maybe like it wasn't supposed to be serious but they've fallen in love and roger admits his feelings like during or after sex??? lol sorry if that's too descriptive but i NEED IT! adore your writing btw <3

okay this is such a soft concept and i wrote nearly 2.5k about it so enjoy!

Blurb advent: Day 5

warnings for smut (implied and a little more explicit) but nothing particularly kinky

You met Roger at the airport of all places, first class lounge as you waited to board. There’d been a mix up with your ticket, entirely the airlines fault so they’d bumped you up to first class, free of charge. You felt a little out of place and must have looked it too because before long you were approached by Roger who struck up a conversation, commenting that you looked a little lost. Later he told you it was because you looked nervous and he thought he could help you relax, but you suspect he was actually checking you hadn’t snuck in or something like that. Either way you got talking. Of course, you knew who he was but you managed to play it cool, answering his questions about where you were flying to with only minimal embarrassment. It turned out you were going to the same place, Montreux. Him to meet the rest of the band and begin work on a new album, you as part of a holiday that was taking you through Europe and into Asia. It was nice to have someone to while away the time with before the plane started boarding and then during the flight when Roger took residence in the spare seat beside yours as soon as the seatbelt light had turned off.

For the two or so hours you were in the air you didn’t stop talking, discussing the places you’d been on your trip so far, a lot of which Roger had seen himself over the course of various tours. He was sweet and funny and by the end of the flight you couldn’t remember what about him had made you nervous when he’d first introduced himself.

“So how long did you say you’d be in Montreux for?”

“Two weeks and then it’s on to Germany for a little while.”

“Well, if you need a guide for the next two weeks I’m your man. I’ve spent a lot of time in Montreux so I know it pretty well. I could show you around, make sure you get back to your hotel safe and sound,”

You laughed at the flirty suggestion in his tone, “Don’t you have a band that’ll notice if you’re not there?”

“Yes but they won’t arrive for another few days. I decided to come out early which now I think was definitely the right choice.”

“Alright then, you can be my guide. It’ll be nice to have someone with me, I got totally lost while I was in Greece and obviously I don’t speak a word of Greek so it was hard to get unlost,”

“Sounds like you definitely need me then,”

If you were being honestly, having someone familiar with the area to help you wasn’t your only motivation. Roger was hot, even if he was a little older than you and really, you’d have to be out of your mind to turn down a celebrity who was smart and attractive and openly flirting with you. Especially one with such dextrous fingers as his.

When the plane touched down in Geneva you sort of lost Roger in the chaos of disembarking and finding your luggage and leaving the airport but he found you outside and offered you a lift in the car he already had waiting. He recognised the name of your hotel, though he’d never stayed there himself, and passed it on to the driver as he opened the back door for you. When you arrived at the hotel he offered to help you with your suitcases so you let him walk you inside and wait as you checked in.

“Right well, I’ll pick you up in the morning, 10ish work for you?”

“Sounds great. Where are you going to take me?”

“Haven’t decided yet but it’ll be fun. So I’ll see you tomorrow,”

“Can’t wait.” You watched him leave and then headed up to your room to wash your face and organise your bags before heading off in search of some afternoon tea.

 Roger was true to his word and the next morning he was waiting in the hotel lobby for you. He’d decided to start with Lake Geneva itself, taking you to some historical sites around it and treating you to lunch at a café with a view of the area. You caught him watching you a few times but, aside from offering you his hand to help you over a particularly rocky area and a couple of comments that could be considered flirty, he didn’t make any sort of move. But he came back the next day with two tickets for the Chocolate Train which would take you to Gruyeres for the day. You watched the picturesque scenery roll by from your window, Roger sitting close beside you, his arm draped over your shoulders as he leaned forward and pointed out things you passed. When you turned your head to ask him a question he took the opportunity to kiss you, stealing your breath away in the process. When you arrived in Gruyeres you got to tour where they made the cheese they were famous for and their chocolate factory as well, complete with taste tests. After that you were free to explore the town and visit its shops. Roger took your hand in his as you explored the medieval streets until the train was set to depart again. When he dropped you back at the hotel you were left with an immovable smile and a tingly sensation all over.

Day three included more site seeing, including a vineyard during the day where you shared a bottle of wine with your meal and bought another to take back to the hotel, and the casino in the evening where you had dinner and watched a local jazz musician perform before a few rounds at the card tables. You kissed Roger in the car on the way back to the hotel but were left a little disappointed when he didn’t follow you up to your room. You didn’t have to wait much longer though. On the fourth day Roger once again met you in the morning, this time promising something really special. You weren’t sure what could beat romantic meals and scenic walks but you trusted him and knew you’d have a good time with him no matter what you were doing. He took you to the studio. You couldn’t say it was the most interesting thing you’d seen so far but it was nice to have an insight into his world. He squeezed your hand as he explained all the parts of the studio, animatedly telling you stories of recording there and their rooms at Duckingham Palace and the mischief they all got up to. You laughed a lot and found yourself entranced by the stories and especially by the man telling them. The way his eyes lit up and the excited air he had as he said he’d have to introduce you to the others when they all arrived made your heart skip and you couldn’t help but ask him questions about everything you saw, just to be able to keep listening to him speak. That afternoon he did follow you to your room, unable to keep his hands from you for longer than a minute.

The next morning you woke to find Roger, still naked, snoring peacefully beside you. You snuggled back into his arms and dozed off again, waking a few hours later to him brushing your hair aside. There was no site seeing that day, no fancy restaurants, no cute cafes. In fact, there was no leaving the hotel room at all. You didn’t leave the bed or put on clothes except for when your room service lunch arrived and even then you only put on a robe so you could sit on the balcony and eat, opening the bottle of wine you’d bought at the vineyard. After you’d eaten you returned to the bed for a nap and then picked up where you’d left off once you’d both woken again. Even while you were eating Roger’s hands were never far from you, always ready to pull your hand to his lips or twist a strand of your hair around his finger or else just feel you up. Roger stayed until late that night but reluctantly left when he remembered the others would be arriving in the morning. You spent a lot of the next day catching up on the sleep Roger had kept you from and then exploring the shops around the hotel. You were planning on a quiet night in with a book until you got a call to your room from Roger, asking if you were free for dinner. He took you to a nice restraint, your table illuminated by candlelight, and then accompanied you back to your room to once again fuck you into exhaustion.

It felt good being with Roger even though you both knew it would only be short lived. You weren’t going to be in Montreux forever and it was likely that after you left you wouldn’t see him again. But that was okay. It’d just be a holiday fling, nothing serious. Probably for the best considering the age gap and his work and everything else about you. So what if he made you laugh and made your heart flutter and made you think about introducing you to your friends back home? You pushed aside those thoughts whenever they popped into your head, distracting yourself with touristy attractions and shops and food. Most days you’d fill the time with exploring the area, seeing sites Roger hadn’t got around to showing you. Once or twice Roger was able to get away and spend the day with you, holding your hand and pulling you tight against his side, maybe squeezing your bum when he thought no one was watching. He was true to his word too, bringing you back to the studio to meet everyone else. You spent most of the day with them, chatting and watching them work, though of course Roger did sneak you into the back of his car for a quickie at one point. Generally though, you wouldn’t see him until the evening, sometimes for dinner, always for sex. It seemed he wanted to have you in every position he could think of before you left, as many times as he could physically manage. He ran out of condoms fairly quickly but you told him you were on the pill he kissed you until you were dizzy from lack of air as he took you raw. And so it went for the rest of your trip.

On your last day Roger made sure he was free to spend it with you. He took you around the area, making sure you’d seen everything you should have, never letting you get too far from his grasp. There was an almost melancholy feeling around him, though you thought that might just have been you projecting your own sadness at saying goodbye onto him. It was frustrating to feel that way, to feel unhappy about leaving. You had so many more places to see, experiences to have, and you’d always known that whatever it was you had with Roger would be short lived. And yet you couldn’t help but be sad it was coming to an end. When he was sure you’d seen as much of Montreux as you could, Roger took you back to the hotel for a proper goodbye. He stripped you slowly, kissing your lips and your neck as he went and let you do the same to him before settling you on the bed, shuffling down to kneel between your legs and worship you with his tongue. He’d eaten you out a couple of times before but usually it was a way to make sure you were wet enough to fuck comfortably, his mouth entirely focused on your clit as his fingers stretched you open. Not this time though. This time Roger went slow, his movements deliberate as he trailed his tongue through your slit, kissing your cunt, avoiding your clit until you were quivering with built up need. Only after you were whining for more did he give you his fingers and drop his lips to your clit, praising you between the wet sucking noises and encouraging you to let go. When you did finally cum he prolonged the orgasm for as long as he could, leaving you panting and speechless. He left you with marks too, love bites on your thighs and breasts, as if he were trying to stamp himself all over your body so you wouldn’t forget him. And when you rode him he left crescent shaped indents over your arse and thighs where he held you so tight his nails dug into your skin. You cherished every one, relishing the way he touched you, the way he sighed your name as you sank down on his cock, every rough breath and horse moan, the feeling of being so full of him.

It was late when you both finally accepted you were too exhausted for more. You let Roger wrap you up in his arms again, stroking you hair as he held you close, wanting to prolong the moment for as long as you could. He was quiet for a while, his breathing evening out, and for a moment you thought he’d fallen asleep. Suddenly he spoke.

“Y’know the others keep giving me shit for coming here every night. At best they think you’re just a pretty young toy to keep me busy and at worst the start of a midlife crisis. But you’re not. They don’t get it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have really loved spending all this time with you for the last couple of weeks. Not just the sex, all of it. Taking you out, showing you sites, just spending time with you. You’re funny and bright and fun and I think I love you, which even as I say it sounds ridiculous because it’s only been two weeks but whatever I’m feeling definitely isn’t platonic and it’s definitely not just about the sex. I don’t know. Am I crazy to think there’s something here?”

You turned around to face him properly, studying his features for any signs on insincerity.

“Sorry, I’m being stupid.”

You leaned in to kiss him softly, immediately feeling him kiss back, “don’t apologise. You’re not crazy and you’re not stupid, I think I love you too.”

#my writing #my blurbs #blurb advent 2020 #roger taylor x reader #roger taylor smut #roger taylor imagine #Anonymous

[rebelwrites]

Chapter Three: A New Home and Revelations

Summary // Chapter List / Masterlist

Join The TagList Here 💜

A/N: feedback is always accepted especially with this as I’d love to know your thoughts.

As Brooke walked through the airport she was glad to finally be able to stretch her legs. She had never been that good at flying so now it was over at least she could take a breath and somewhat relax. To the world she looked like a confident twenty one year old exploring the world but inside she felt like the scared little eight year old she once was.

Finally after scanning the arrivals hall she saw a couple holding a sign with her name written on. It took her a second to start walking towards them but as she did she felt a sense of familiarity about them, like she had met them in a past life. Taking a deep breath she pushed the feelings aside, smiling at them as she walked closer.

“Brooke right?” The woman smiled softly at her.

“Yeah that’s me” Brooke nodded as the guy took her suitcase from her.

“I’m Chris and this is my wife Laura” he smiled.

They quickly sensed that Brooke wasn’t in the mood for talking as they walked through the airport.

The drive to her new home was quiet, which she was grateful for, all she wanted to do was eat and take a nap. It had been a long flight, but she had a feeling that she wouldn’t be able to get a nap for a while.

Looking out the window she watched the trees and scenery as she headed to her new home. Soon enough the car came to a stop at a large set of metal gates. This was it, this would be home for who knows how long. She watched as Chris spoke to the guys guarding the gate. Pulling her headphones out she paused her music to listen to what they were saying but it was all in whispers so she gave up. The sound of a familiar rumble in the distance caught her attention. She knew that sound anywhere. As they drove into the property Brooke was shocked this place was huge, there were bikes racing about and a lot of fit guys. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Once the car was parked she climbed out of the car, stretching her back, feeling the soothing of her bones cracking.

“Come on, first stop is meeting the president” Chris said as he hauled her suitcases out of the car.

“Is this some kind of democracy? Like you have your own President” Brooke said raising her eyebrow. Where the hell as she.

“All will come clear” Chris laughed holding his lighter out to light Brooke’s cigarette as well as his own “I have a feeling you are going to fit in perfectly”

Soon enough they were standing in a room that looked like an office, Brooke looked around seeing all of the pictures lining the white walls. Wherever she was, it looked like a big family.

"Prez this is Brooke her family sent her to live with me and Laura" Chris said nodding at the blonde who smiled, awkwardly waving a small wave as two more guys appeared.

One of them definitely caught her attention, and she couldn’t help but smirk. His golden hair, bright blue eyes and bulging muscles covered in tattoos. He was definitely a god and definitely Brooke’s type. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad living here with the eye candy she thought. Before mentaly scolding herself for practically drooling over the blonde god.

She was in a complete world of her own so she didn’t realise that the other guy was staring at her rather intently.

“Urm mate take a photo it lasts longer” she sassed “in fact scratch that I don’t know what the hell you would do with it.” All the guy could do was smirk which annoyed her.

“I mean the sass is there” he chuckled as he studied her face a bit harder. “Wait, it can’t be. Please tell me this isn’t a joke”

“Urm” Brooke said, extremely confused as everyone stared at her. To make matters more confusing everything and everyone seemed so familiar. Like she had been here before. There was something about this place that felt like home.

“Please tell me you actually brought her home” the dark haired guy said on the verge of tears.

"sorry don't know what you are on but I've never been here in my life" Brooke snapped as she fiddled with her lighter in her pocket.

“Yeah it’s definitely her Bro” Blonde god grinned.

“Can someone just tell me what the fuck is going on” Brooke huffed. She always hated being kept in the dark. Before she could process what was going on she the air was squeezed out of her in a bone crushing hug.

“I think you need to take a seat as we have some things to explain” Blonde god said, the power that radiated off him made Brooke want to submit to his every word. “Where have you been all this time?”

“Long story short, living in London, like causing trouble. Caused said trouble and my adopted parents sent me to live here and now I’m hella confused and I don’t like it” Brooke said as she played with her thumb ring, the one this she always did when she was nervous.

Around two hours had passed and Brooke learned that the dark haired guy was James, her older brother and blondie was Xavier. She was part of this family before she was kidnapped when she was around eight. Which tallied up with all her memories of the foster homes and that time she didn’t like to think about let alone mention. Every question or piece of information the boys have her made her head spin even more. She had so many questions but had no idea where to start. Whether it was from the confusion or lack of sleep she felt her eyes get heavy before everything went black.

The lads watched as Brooke’s knees gave way, without a second though Xavier was by her side wrapping his arms around her waist so she didn’t crash onto the floor. Adjusting his grip he laid her on the sofa that was in the office. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. The last time her saw her she was the shortest sassiest little eight year old known to man. He was honestly speechless as the woman laid in front of him.

“I can’t believe it’s her” he mumbled as he ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t think we’d see her again” he took in her features but a couple of things caught his eye as her jacket slipped off her shoulder revealing some nasty scars, most of which looked like burns apart from the six inch scar that was definitely from a knife. Anger ran through his veins as his blood boiled, this was his bumble bee and he was ready to find the bastard that did this to her and make him pay for laying his hands on the girl.

“Xav” James called “now isn’t the time to be thinking about revenge okay, we need to take things slow this is a lot to take in”

“Yeah you are right” Xav sighed, pushing himself to his feet. Before walking out of the office, he needed some air.

“Xavier please tell me my eyes aren’t deceiving me and that was actually Brooke I saw go into your fathers office” hi mum smiled.

“Yeah mom it is” Xavier nodded.

“And you aren’t happy about that no?” She said softly knowing the internal battle her son was having.

“I couldn’t protect her mom” he sighed not making eye contact as his mind filled with the events of that day “that day was the worse day ever, I told her I wouldn’t let anything happen to her but I didn’t follow her and she’s been through god knows what”

It was Brooke’s eight birthday party, the compound was buzzing with excitement, as they were getting everything set up for the princess of the club.

Xavier barged into Brooke’s room to find her sitting on her bed colouring some unicorn.

"Bumble you wanna to come down to the pool with me and James" Xavier grinned watching her green eyes light up causing her to drop her crayon.

"get out of my room then you big oaf" she giggled trying to push him out of the room.

Xavier grinned even though he was 5 years older, everyone knew he would do anything for Brooke, their bond was like no other and she always went to him is she was upset or needed a cuddle after having a bad dream. Within five minutes he felt a small hand grab his before being pulled towards the pool.

“Last one there smells” Brooke shouted already running off, with her panda bear safely tucked under her arms, before reaching the edge of the pool, dropping the panda on the lounge chari and jumping into the water, not wasting any time.

The hours passed and the place was filled with giggles as the three of them messed about in the pool, until Brooke was growing tired and climbed out of the water.

"I'm going to go for a walk" she grinned pulling her dress over her wet bathing suit and grabbed her panda.the bear she took everywhere since Xavier won it at the fair for her last year.

"OK B stay where we can see you" James smiled as he tackled Xavier dunking him under the water.

After about 20 minutes that’s when there was an ear piercing scream that could be heard around the compound making everyone freeze. That was Brooke’s scream. The boys clambered out of the pool so fast running over to where the scream came from but they couldn’t see anything and were soon ordered by their fathers to go wait in the clubhouse.

Xavier sighed as the memory replaced in his mind.

“I should have followed her, I should have been there to protect her. I broke my promise to her” he said blinking back the tears that had formed.

"Hey you didn't know son" his dad said putting his hand on his son's shoulders.

"The thing is she doesn't even remember us, that’s what’s killing me more than anything, she doesn’t remember her family” Xavier snapped as the tears threatened to fall. "I'm going on a ride" He muttered leaving the room. He needed to clear my head, he was future president of the Blackstar Mc and he couldn’t let people see him like this. See him so weak.

One thing caught his eye as he stood on the main steps to the club house. A perfectly white kawasaki ninja pulled up the drive but he didn’t recognise the bike nor the number plate. He was so caught up over the bike he didn’t even realise that James was now by his side.

"Xav we need to talk" James said. Xavier knew what this was going to be about. "I'm talking to you as my best friend and not how a future vp would to his future prez right" he said running his hand through his hair.

"Ok bro fire away" Xavier nodded, sparking his smoke.

"I know how much you are tearing up right now, but we all are. We just found Brooke after so many years” James said “but I know that look Xav, that’s your I want this girl to be mine look”

“I can’t help it” Xavier sighed.

"I know bro, I know" James sighed "I just want to say I am fine with you being with her and couldn't think of a better person to be with her, but please protect her and don't freak her out because there are a lot of things we are going to have to explain to her." Xavier knew where James was coming from at the end of the day she was his blood.

#rebel writes original #can love save a life? #romance #writing community #mc romance #motorcycle club romance #motorcycle club #love #fear #darkness #I still don’t know what to tag this as

[theycallmebeccawrites]

Chris & Ellie Series: Episode 21

Greetings all! I hope you guys are having a good day and if not, I hope it gets better for you. Today is a bittersweet day for me. I gave Ellie July 17th as her birthday in honor of my grandma, who passed away in 2016, a couple days after I started writing the Chris and Ellie series. My grandma would have been 92 today. ❤

My grandma always encouraged me to do what I love and I love to write, so I do. And I love sharing what I’ve written with you guys. So thank you for allowing me to share this little world I have created with all of you guys. And thank you all for reading.

xo Becca xo

Pairing: Chris Evans x Ellie Spencer (OFC)

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: language

Episode Summary: The lead up to Ellie's birthday and the surprise that Scott has planned for her.

Disclaimer: This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.

This episode can also be read on AO3.

The Chris and Ellie series is primarily chronological. It begins with a flash forward to 2016 and has a few other scenes in the future. However, the majority of their story is told in chronological order starting in 2013 and going through 2017. Each episode starts with a date to help you place it within the story.

The Chris & Ellie Series Masterlist | Chris & Ellie Masterlist

Episode 20.5

Episode 21: Birthday Confessions

July 2014

Music flowed through the speakers as Ellie merged off the freeway and onto the exit for LAX.

"I don't have to go, you know," Scott said as he looked over at her.

"Yes, you do," Ellie replied, glancing at him. "You're in a wedding and your family has been looking forward to seeing you."

"I just don't like the idea of you all alone," Scott admitted. He knew she had come a long way in the weeks since she'd started opening up about what had happened between her and Chris, but he hated leaving her there alone.

"I'll be fine," Ellie assured him with more confidence than she actually felt. She hadn't been by herself in the house since December and that felt like a lifetime ago. If she was being honest with herself, she'd never really liked being in the big house when it was empty, but now it was filled with memories she didn't want to revisit.

"Thanks for driving me," Scott said as Ellie navigated the departures drop off area.

"It was the only way for me to ensure you'd get on the plane," Ellie replied in a joking manner as she pulled over in front of the designated area for the airline he was flying.

Scott gave a mumbled 'ha' before he leaned over and gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then he got out of the car and went back to the trunk to get his suitcase. He gave her another wave before he disappeared into the steady stream of people going into the airport.

Not ready to go home yet, Ellie ran a few errands before she made her way back to Chris's house. She parked her car in the garage and then made her way inside.

With no desire to hang out in the big house, she quickly made her way through the kitchen and out the backdoor. Using the patio off the kitchen and the steps down to the pool deck took longer than going out the door through the basement, but she didn't like going down to that room if she didn't have to.

Once inside the guesthouse, Ellie let Daisy out of her kennel and then sat down on her bed to check her email. She'd finished editing a book a couple weeks ago for a new author and was waiting for her next assignment. Instead of finding a new manuscript to read, she found an email saying that one of her main authors would have one ready for her soon, so they were keeping her schedule open.

After replying to the email, Ellie closed her laptop and leaned back against the pillows on her bed with a sigh. She had been hoping to distract herself with a new manuscript while Scott was gone, but now that wasn't an option. She'd already picked up a few extra shifts at the bookstore, helping people who wanted to take days off, but picking up seemed better than staying at Chris's more than necessary.

Picking up her phone, she sent a couple texts, seeing if anyone wanted to hang out that night. Unfortunately, no one was available, but she was able to make plans for other nights during the week when she wasn't working. Including accepting a couple invitations for the Fourth of July.

Thus, the first week Scott was gone went by in a breeze. She worked on the second and went to a movie with some friends after work on the third. Then she spent the morning of the fourth with her cousin and the late afternoon and evening with Pierre and some of his friends. She picked up another shift on Saturday and then spent Sunday with her cousin's family, not wanting to spend the whole day alone at Chris's house.

"You've had a busy week," Pierre reflected after she'd told him all about it during dinner at his condo during the second week. In fact, he'd already known how busy she was keeping herself, thanks to a group chat he'd found himself part of with her sisters, cousin and Scott. He wasn't convinced it was a good idea to have such a chat, but it made the others feel better.

"It feels good to be busy," Ellie said with a shrug before muttering, "Better than staying alone in the house, anyway."

Whether or not she wanted him to hear the last part, he had, and he realized her sisters were right to raise concern over her sudden shift in personality. Ellie, they had explained to him, was a homebody by nature. A trait she'd shared with Chris, Scott had told him privately.

"What's wrong with staying at home?" he asked, cautiously.

Ellie sighed and shoved her food around on her plate before looking up. "Other than that it's Chris's house and I'm just a house guest?" she asked.

She sounded snarky, but he sensed that she was trying to mask her true feelings. Instead of prying, he waited her out. They'd been friends for nearly two months and he'd learned quickly that she liked to process her thoughts before she could speak them aloud.

"It's the memories," she finally admitted. "There's nowhere in the house that I can go that doesn't have a million memories flooding back to my brain of happier times. Not even the guesthouse is memory free, but there, with my things, I can push him out. That isn't possible in the rest of the house though. He's fucking everywhere."

Pierre nodded consolingly. He'd been through many a breakup, but only one that had left him in a house full of memories. Of course, he'd had to suffer through the rest of his lease before he'd been able to move. But moving to this condo had been a fresh start.

"And I'm crying again," she said in an exasperated tone as she brushed away the tears. "I told myself that I'd cried enough over this whole situation." 

Pierre stood up and grabbed a box of tissues off the kitchen counter and brought them back to the table. Instead of sitting back down across from her, he took the seat next to her. He handed her a tissue and she gave him a weak smile before blotting the tears.

"Obviously, I don't know your financial situation or what your agreement is with Scott's mom regarding room and board, but have you thought about moving out?" he asked Ellie.

Ellie shook her head. "I hadn't gotten that far yet," she admitted. "Chris is gone for another few months and technically, living there when he isn't there is what I'm paid to do."

"Think about it," Pierre encouraged her. "It might be the next step you have to take."

The idea of finding her own place stayed at the forefront of Ellie's mind in the days that followed, but it wasn't until a night where she had nothing to do but sit in the guesthouse that she did anything about it. She went back to the links she'd found in her early days of living in the Los Angeles area and looked for availabilities within her price range. There were a few of them, but none in areas that she'd feel comfortable living by herself in.

Unlike the last time she'd been hunting for an apartment, she wasn't tied down to a specific part of town because of a job. Nor was she as strapped for cash as she had been. Thanks to the added income of editing manuscripts and not having to pay rent, she had managed to pay down a lot of her debt with the money that Chris's mom had paid her.

Despite having a wider area to search for a place to live, Ellie found herself struggling to find anything less than $1,000 a month that allowed dogs. Frustrated, she closed her laptop and leaned back against the headboard of the bed. Which only served to remind her that in addition to finding a place to live, she'd have to buy furniture as well as she didn't have any.

"We'll find a place, Daisy," she said, scratching her dog's head. "I don't know where yet, but we'll find a place."

By the time Scott returned from the east coast, a few days later, she'd sent off applications for a couple of apartments an hour or so away, but both had come back saying she'd been added to a waiting list for an apartment. She considered telling Scott that she was thinking about moving out but decided against it. She knew he was still worried about her with everything that had happened and she didn't want to worry him more than she had to.

"You're a doll for picking me up," Scott said once he was in the car and she had merged into the traffic leaving LAX.

"Gave me an excuse to get out of the house," Ellie replied before mentally kicking herself. "Daisy and I spent yesterday lounging by the pool."

Scott lowered his sunglasses and raised his eyebrows. "Under an umbrella?" he asked, seeing that her skin, while glowing, was still barely tan.

"And wearing lots of SPF," she replied with a laugh. "How was Massachusetts and the wedding?"

"The wedding was beautiful," Scott stated before going into a full rundown of the wedding. Followed by an elaborate explanation of his family's Fourth of July party and what he had done with his family while he'd been home.

"Sounds like you had a blast," Ellie said with a smile.

"Oh, I did, but it's nice to come home to some quiet," he replied and then smiled. "But don't worry. It won't be too quiet, after all, we both know what's happening on Thursday."

"I know my birthday is on Thursday," Ellie said, cautiously as she glanced at him. He wore a big smile on his face. "Scott Evans, what have you done?"

"You'll just have to wait and see," he replied, then mimed zipping his lips closed, locking them and throwing away the key.

He remained annoyingly tight lipped over the next few days, which put her slightly on edge because she had no idea what he had up his sleeve. She knew the two of them had two very different types of fun; she liked to stay home and play games while he liked to go out and dance.

Thursday morning, Ellie came up to the big house to find a cinnamon roll in a pastry box for her on the kitchen counter along with a note from Scott.

Izzy told me that you guys always had cinnamon rolls for breakfast whenever someone in the family had a birthday when you were growing up. I didn't make it (that would have been a disaster) but enjoy!

She cut the large cinnamon roll in half and ate half of it, then took the other half back to the guesthouse with her, to take to work. Once Daisy was settled in her kennel, Ellie grabbed her stuff and left for work.

The sense of relief that came over her as she drove away from the house was only more confirmation that it was time for her to move out.

Later, during her lunch break, she looked for apartments again and, after failing to find much in the Los Angeles area, decided to try looking in Oregon. She hated the idea of leaving LA and her friends, but the truth was she could live anywhere and still do her editing. 

————— 

“She’s coming!” Scott called as he ran down the stairs. "Everyone get away from the window!"

He heard her sisters scrambling into spots that couldn't be seen from the window as he made his way to the main floor. Hearing the garage door opening, he made his way down the hall to the kitchen and was waiting there when Ellie came into the house.

"Hey there, birthday girl!" he greeted her with a big grin. "I noticed you didn't leave me a piece of the cinnamon roll."

"You're damn right I didn't," Ellie replied with a tired smile.

"Before you go to your room, can you come look at something in the living room for me?" he asked.

"I have a call with my sisters in like ten minutes," she told him, glancing at the clock on the stove.

"It'll be fast, promise," Scott insisted. "Like a minute tops."

Sighing, Ellie put her stuff down on the counter and then followed him down the hall to the living room. "So what am I -" she started to ask, but shut her mouth when she saw her sisters sitting casually in the room.

She stared in disbelief as tears began to well up in her eyes. She felt Scott nudge her from behind, encouraging her to go to her sisters.

"Happy Birthday, El," Izzy said, reaching her first. She wrapped her around Ellie and hugged her tight.

"I'm happy you guys are here," Ellie said, through her tears. "But what are you doing here?"

"You didn't think we were going to make you celebrate all by yourself, did you?" her youngest sister, Riley, asked with a grin as she gave Ellie a hug. "We were here last year, too. This year we just brought Sydney with us."

"I'm here to make sure those two don't get too wild," Sydney said, jokingly as she gave Ellie a hug. "And to make sure we do things you like to do for your birthday weekend."

"Birthday weekend?" Ellie repeated. Then she saw Scott lingering in the doorway. "This is what you've been planning all week, isn't it?"

"Part of it anyway," Scott replied with a grin. "I'll let them tell you the rest."

"You're the best," Ellie told him. She reached her hand out to him and he took it, squeezing it. "What is the rest?"

"Our gift to you is a weekend getaway at a beach house about an hour from here," Sydney told her. "The five of us and Pierre, but he'll be coming tomorrow after work."

"When are we going?" Ellie asked.

"As soon as you can pack a bag," Izzy told her. 

"What about Daisy?" Ellie asked, only then spotting her dog curled up in her favorite chair in the corner.

"She's coming with us," Scott replied. "I've already packed her stuff."

"Thanks," Ellie said, smiling at him. "What do I need to bring?"

"I'll h-" Izzy and Riley started, but Sydney stepped forward and took Ellie's hand before saying, "I'll help you pack."

"Thank you," Ellie muttered under her breath as she and Sydney made their way to the guest house.

Twenty minutes later, she and Sydney came back into the main house, locking doors as they passed them. They followed the voices out to the garage and found Scott and Izzy loading things into his car while Riley played with Daisy.

"Isn't someone driving with Scott?" Ellie asked as Izzy took her bag and put it in the backseat.

"Daisy is going to be my copilot," Scott told her

"Are you sure?" Ellie asked him. "I can ride with you."

"Nah, you ride with your sisters, Daisy and I will be fine," Scott assured her. "Besides, she doesn't try to change the music like some people I know." He gave her a pointed look.

"I would be offended except you do the same thing to me when I'm driving you," Ellie retorted before maturely sticking her tongue out at him.

"Very mature for a 29-year-old," Scott commented.

"Let's get on the road, shall we?" Sydney interrupted in a mom tone.

"You guys head out, I'll do a quick check around the house to lock it up and then Daisy and I will follow," Scott offered.

"Shotgun!" Riley shouted out.

"It's Ellie's birthday, Riles," Izzy said, shaking her head. "The birthday person always gets the front seat."

"Fine," Riley sighed. "Let's go."

Thanks to traffic, the drive took longer than an hour, but Ellie didn't mind. It had been a long time since she'd gone anywhere with just her sisters and it was just like old times. Telling stories, laughing, and talking over each other as Sydney drove.

The beach house was down the street from the beach, rather than oceanfront, but they could see the ocean from the balcony off the largest of the three bedrooms. The house had a Mediterranean feel to it in its design and decor. The first floor had the smaller of the three bedrooms rooms, a half bath and an open concept living, dining and kitchen. The second floor had a full bathroom and two bedrooms, the largest of the two having two queen sized beds in it. The best part of the house, though, was the backyard that looked like it belonged in Italy instead of Southern California.

By the time Scott got to the house with Daisy, the sisters had unloaded the few things that had been in the trunk of Ellie's car and had ordered takeout from a nearby restaurant. They helped him unload his car, putting their luggage in the bedroom with the two queen sized beds, leaving the other two rooms for Scott and Pierre.

Then they all headed outside to relax on the back porch while they waited for their dinner to be delivered. Sydney poured everyone drinks, except for herself, a fact that her sisters quickly noticed.

"Are you pregnant?!" Riley demanded.

The corner of Sydney's mouth twitched, but she nodded. "I didn't want to say anything tonight, because it's Ellie's birthday, but -"

"Shut up," Ellie said laughing as she gave her sister a hug. "It's the best birthday present you could give me!"

Hearing the doorbell ring, Scott went to answer it, leaving the sisters to celebrate. Knowing the sisters had already paid for the meal, he gave the delivery person a cash tip, thanked them and closed the door.

As he carried the food back to the girls, he paused when he heard Ellie say: "I have some news myself."

Given what her sister had just announced, he froze, his mind instantly going to the idea that she might be pregnant with Chris's baby.

"Relax, I'm not pregnant," Ellie said with a nervous laugh.

"Fucking hell, Ellie," Izzy said in a relieved tone that matched how Scott was feeling. "Don't scare us like that."

"What's your news, Ellie?" Sydney asked, drawing everyone's attention back to Ellie.

"I'm going to move out of Chris's house," Ellie announced. "I don't feel comfortable there anymore. In fact, I hate being there by myself."

Scott could tell that she was holding something back and so could her sisters, because Riley called her out on it.

"What aren't you telling us?" Riley asked.

"I'm having a hard time finding a place here that I can afford," Ellie replied, her voice trailing off. "So I might be moving home. Want a roommate, Riles?"

Scott felt his stomach drop. He didn't want Ellie to go back to Oregon.

"I thought you were saving money," Sydney said, snapping into the protective older sister/mothering older sister mode.

Scott smirked. Her sisters had this.

"I paid off a lot of things," Ellie replied. "And I have some savings, but…"

Scott heard her sigh.

"After everything with Chris went downhill, I haven't felt right accepting the money that Lisa has been paying me," she confessed to her sisters. "I've been donating my paychecks to a non-profit organization that provides books to underprivileged kids in the LA area. It seemed fitting since she and I met at the bookstore."

"Oh Ellie," Sydney said, the tone not one of scolding but of compassion.

Backing up, Scott decided to put dinner on the dining room table and get dishes out so they could serve themselves in the house. Allowing the sisters and himself time to process Ellie's confession. All of them.

He hated the idea of her moving period, but especially the idea of her moving to another state. The paycheck donation was a whole different situation, one that he wasn't fully capable of processing just yet. Obviously, there was guilt on Ellie's part, but for what? Taking advantage of his mom's trust by boinking Chris? His mom liked Ellie and she would have loved holding the fact that she'd picked Chris's wife over his head.

Scott shook his head and sighed. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Riley in the doorway. "I was just going to call you guys in," he told her, gesturing to the food that he'd laid out.

"Awesome, I'll get the others," Riley replied before disappearing outside again.

One thing he knew for sure was that if his mom ever found out that Ellie had donated her paychecks because Chris was a dumbass, Scott would pay top dollar to witness that confrontation.

He was still smirking to himself when the sisters filed in. He let them go first and then dished himself a plate of food.

No one said a word about Ellie's possible move until they were all seated at the table outside.

"For the record, I think you moving back to Oregon is a bad idea," Riley stated, looking at her older sister. "I've never seen you run away from your problems in my entire life. Never mind the fact that everyone will wonder why you left California. And you know how our family talks, it will be all over town within five days of you stepping foot on mom and dad's farm. We won't talk, but you know how they are, they'll figure it out. They always do."

Scott picked up his drink and took a sip, hiding his smile. Ellie was stubborn, but her sisters wouldn't let her do anything stupid. And neither would he. He was going to do everything in his power to get her to stay in LA.

Episode 21.5

Want to find me off tumblr? I'm @beccatheycallme on twitter. I also post my stories on AO3.

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[keanureevesisbae]

“The road to our forever” - Chapter 8

Summary: John and Darcie are planning their wedding, but it comes with certain ups and downs.

John Wick x OFC Darcie

Word count: 2.8k

Warnings: none

Masterlist // Previous chapter // Next chapter

A lot has happened in the past few months. We are completely settled into our new home. John has strategically stored his guns and other equipment around the house. He also has been talking to certain contractors about rebuilding some things here and there, but he decided that after we get back from our honeymoon, we’d finalize it all.

Jennie loves living in the old apartment and it’s like something insanely heavy has been lifted off her shoulders. She is happy again and she told me that her having to leave her apartment, because it was going to be much more expensive, caused her lots of stress and brought back multiple memories about when her parents suddenly passed away.

Raye and Aurelio have been on lots of dates and since a week after my birthday, they have been pretty official and I already caught them having sex after closing hours. So yeah…

And tomorrow John and I are finally getting married. Honestly, I can’t wait anymore. I really want to marry John and become Mrs. Wick.

After my shower, I walk to the bedroom in my pajamas, only to find John is not there. I frown, he was right here when I went in for a quick shower. I wander through the entire house, but there is no sign of him. He is not with the dogs in the living room, watching some television, not in the kitchen and he is also not taking a swim.

Finally I reach our roof terrace and see he is staring at the sky, on the lounge set that he insisted on buying the other day. ‘I was looking for you,’ I say to him, when I walk towards him.

The dogs are softly wagging their tails, but too tired to get up and greet me. ‘Sorry,’ John says, ‘needed to take a breath.’

‘Don’t apologize,’ I tell him. ‘You want me to join you?’

‘Please.’ He holds out his arms and I take place between his legs, my back pressed against his chest, as we look at the sky, staring mindlessly at the clouds.

‘It’s beautiful here,’ I admit.

John wraps his arms around my upper body. ‘It is.’

He feels tense, maybe he is nervous for tomorrow. ‘Are you okay?’ I ask him.

‘I’m fine, sweetheart,’ John says in a flat tone that tells me otherwise.

‘Are you sure?’

‘You think I’m lying?’

God, I didn’t want him to snap like that. I wiggle out of his arms and sit up straight. I turn around so I can look at him. ‘No,’ I tell him, ‘just wondering. Didn’t mean to bother you.’

‘I’m fine.’ His tone is a lot harsher now than it was before.

I stand up and walk towards the edge of our terrace. Great, the day before our wedding and he has a mood. I’ve barely seen John like this—actually, I haven’t seen him at all like this, especially not towards me. I think it’s for the best that I don’t say anything at all, because God knows what’s up and God knows what will happen when I accidentally say something else.

Oreo presses his cold wet nose against my ankle and when I pet him, I see out of the corners of my eyes that Tiki is accompanying John. I wonder what is going on in his mind. Is he having second thoughts about us? About the wedding? He seemed at ease. Even when we picked up my nosey ass family from the airport, he handled it with grace and was so incredibly charming, that I heard my grandma say to my mother that she likes him and wishes she wasn’t married to my grandfather.

‘Are you mad at me?’ John asks, breaking the silence between us.

‘Why would I be mad at you?’ I retort. ‘Because you snapped? Well, I could be, but I snap too sometimes, so who am I to be mad?’

‘You’re mad,’ he concludes. ‘I’m honestly fine, Darcie.’

‘Sure. If you say so.’

‘You don’t believe me, do you?’

‘No.’ I stand up and lean with my back against the balustrade. My arms are crossed in front of my chest. I’m really not looking forward to making a scene on our roof terrace, especially on the day before our wedding. ‘You’re obviously stressing about something and I want to help you, but you have to let me in.’

‘How do you know I’m stressing about something?’ He places Tiki on the ground and stands up. ‘When I say that I’m fine, I’m fine.’

He sounds pissed. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him talk like that and especially not to me. ‘Okay, you’re fine then. Good to know.’

John runs his fingers through his longish hair. ‘I’m going to take a swim.’

‘Go ahead,’ I say. ‘Just next time, when you feel absolutely “fine”, please be a little bit nicer. That you feel “fine”, sucks for you already, but you don’t need to make me feel like shit as well.’

I shouldn’t have said that. Why would I say something like that?

‘Are you fucking kidding me?’ John turns around and for the first time since we’re together, he is mad at me. Like, really mad at me. ‘Why would you say something like that?’

‘It’s obvious that something is bothering and you are not letting me in. You barely do.’

‘I let you in all the time.’

I can’t help but bark out a laugh because of that blatant lie. ‘Oh, is that so?’ I’m about to raise my voice, but since we’re outside, I manage to down it down a bit. ‘Because if I don’t ask, you don’t share. Do you have any idea how insanely needy, clingy and invasive it feels to pry and dig every single time, so I can get to know you a tiny bit better? John, honestly, I respect your boundaries, I respect the difficulties of opening up, but remember that I’m going to be your wife. And if you can’t fucking tell me what is going on inside your head a day before our wedding and you keep telling me that you are fine when it’s so obvious that you are not…’

‘You want to cancel the wedding?’

I think John could’ve slapped me in the face and it wouldn’t have hurt as much as this question. ‘What?’ I hear my own voice echo a few times. ‘That is not at all what I implied. I just said that you need to open up. How on earth does that equal canceling the wedding?’

John doesn’t say anything. His chest rises quickly and his fists are clenched. He can’t even look at me.

I almost feel sorry for him.

‘You know what,’ I tell him, ‘go ahead, take a swim. I don’t want to talk to you now, because I feel like I’m going to say something I might regret.’

John sighs.

‘See you tomorrow,’ I tell him, hoping he would just go away.

He turns around and walks from the terrace. Tiki looks up at me, before running after him, barking in the process. Oreo softly whimpers and I look to my side. ‘You want to go out for a drive?’

⟢⟡⟣

This is the first time I took out the Mustang by myself and I obviously do it in style, with my pink pajamas, with tiny milk cartons on it. I don’t know how long I’m driving, but after it’s already dark outside for awhile, I finally park the car in front of our house. Oreo sits in the passengers seat and he wags his tail when I look at him, but even then, I can’t stop thinking about John.

Earlier today, John and I checked out our venue, to finalize some things there. Aurelio, Raye and Jennie were there, my parents even stopped by for a second, probably to escape my family for a minute. John held my hand the entire time and whenever we were alone for a few seconds, he’d kiss me and tell me how happy he was that tomorrow is our wedding day. How excited he was that in less than twenty four hours we’d be husband and wife. We’d be at the beginnings of us being the Wick family.

That still hasn’t changed right?

‘Should I talk to him?’ I ask Oreo. ‘I have been gone for quite some time now, I bet he is worried.’ I did leave him a note, so I figure he knows I’m coming back. ‘I think I hurt his feelings,’ I say, ‘but he did the same to me. I know that since John and I are adults, it shouldn’t be like this and just because he hurt me, I can do the same.’

I sigh deeply as I unbuckle my seatbelt and get out of the car, Oreo following me. I lock the car, before I walk into our house. This can’t be the end of our fairytale, right?

From the looks of it, John is already in bed. I walk past the note to see he scribbled something on it. A simple heart, so I know that he read it and almost like he lets me know that he still loves me.

Oreo found his spot on the couch and I see Tiki is already curled up on her blanket. John left on some small lights, so while I walk upstairs, I click them off. I carefully open up the door and when I look inside, I see he is still up, staring at the ceiling with the lights next to him on.

This situation gives me major flashbacks about the time when he got shot during his final job.

‘You’re back,’ he says, when he sits up straight.

‘Of course.’ I lean against the door after I closed it. ‘How was your swim?’

John shrugs. ‘Okay.’

‘Right.’ I walk towards my side of the bed and grab my pillow. ‘I think I’m going to sleep in the guest room,’ I say.

‘Why?’

‘I don’t want to upset you.’

John sighs. ‘You’re not going to upset me.’

‘How are you sure?’ I hug my pillow to my chest and I wish deep down that I was hugging John right now.

‘I want to talk about this,’ he says. ‘I really do. But first and foremost, I want to apologize for how I behaved.’

I shake my head. ‘No, if anyone should apologize, it’s me. I treated you like crap.’

‘You didn’t,’ he tells me. ‘You stood up for yourself and I admire that. You should stand up for yourself, you know that and you know I want that.’

‘I hurt you, John.’

‘You did,’ he tells me, ‘but it was necessary.’

I shake my head. ‘No, John…’ This really shouldn’t be a moment for me to cry, but tears are spilling out of my eyes. I quickly wipe them away, but John noticed.

Of course he noticed.

‘Don’t cry, sweetheart,’ he whispers. ‘Please, come here.’

Hearing him so vulnerable, so tiny, I place my pillow back and crawl underneath our thin blanket. He holds out his arms and I curl up beside him, melting against his strong frame.

‘I was such an asshole,’ he tells me. ‘Especially since you were only being thoughtful and helpful, like you usually are. You were right anyways, something was bothering me.’

‘Before I ask,’ I say, ‘you think I’m invasive and clingy?’

John shakes his head. ‘No, of course not and I hate the fact that I gave you that impression. Fuck, I’m such a screw up.’

‘No, John,’ I say, ‘you are not a screw up. I love you, remember that.’

He nods. ‘I love you too.’

‘Do you want to let me in or…?’

‘I want to,’ he whispers.

‘But you can’t?’

John sighs. ‘I just keep wondering: what if this is all going to be taken away from me? It happened to me before, what if it happens again?’

‘And what exactly are you afraid of?’

‘That one day I wake up and you’re not there.’

‘You’re afraid I’m going to run off? Or be taken from you?’

He shrugs. ‘Both I guess.’

‘John,’ I say, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. ‘I’m not going anywhere. The one that I love, is you. You know how I was and still am a bit, afraid of talking to someone about the future. However, when I’m with you, I can’t stop.’

He places his forehead on my shoulder. ‘I’m just overreacting.’

‘No, no, no, don’t say that. You are not overreacting. When you are open about your feelings and insecurities, you’re not overreacting. I’m so grateful that you trust me enough that you can be open with me.’

‘But you were right, Darcie. I’m barely open with you. I told you I’m open with you all the time, but that was a lie. I lied to you.’

‘We’ll work on that once we are married, okay?’ I say.

John wants to say something. ‘Yeah, okay. Are we good again?’

I smile. ‘Of course, just can’t believe that one day before our wedding, we have our first real fight.’

‘But we handled it.’

I give him a kiss on his cheek. ‘We’ll always handle it. I still love you, John.’

‘I love you too, my sweet lovely Darcie.’

⟢⟡⟣

I’m going to get married in less than four hours. After our fight last night, John and I had  a good conversation about our wedding tomorrow, not mentioning all the things that he still didn’t tell me. Though we were tired, we woke up at four in the morning and John whispered in my ear that he wanted to make love to his fiancée one more time, before we got married.

It had been such a lovely morning and when we arrived at the venue, we realized that we’d be getting married in just a matter of hours. The smile on John’s face was priceless and it made me realize that I was so lucky that I’m going to marry him.

The make-up artist is finishing up the last bits of my make-up, while she continues to rave about how handsome my fiancé is, after she demanded on seeing more pictures of him. I take every possibility with both of my hands when I can show him off, so I kept looking for the best pictures I have of him, causing her to grow more jealous with each photo.

I’m already wearing my dress, with a see through cape draped over me, to protect it from the make-up. Raye and Jennie are wearing their respective bridesmaids dresses and they continue to make pictures, because—and I quote—this is so fucking amazing.

We hear two knocks on the door and my dad peeks around the corner after Raye told him it was all safe. ‘What’s up?’ she asks him. ‘Mister Angel, you look quite nervous. Is it because you have to walk your daughter down the aisle?’

‘No, I just want to talk to the bridesmaids for a second,’ he says with a smile, but something about it makes me feel a little worried. The smile doesn’t reach his eyes, like at all.

Jennie and Raye leave the room and thank God the make-up artist is done. I quickly thank her and walk towards the door. I place my ear against it and I hear Aurelio say: ‘I already checked their new place, the old apartment, but he is not there.’

‘I can’t believe you,’ Raye says to him. ‘I thought you were going to keep him company.’

‘Geez, I’m sorry, but a man’s gotta pee. Besides, I’m his best man, not his babysitter.’

I don’t like the sound of this. Without thinking I open the door. ‘What are you guys talking about?’

They all look at each other with a worried look on their faces. My dad takes a deep breath, before he says: ‘I’m so sorry, Darcie, but we can’t seem to find John anywhere.’

Taglist: @toomanystoriessolittletime​ / @flhorah​ / @allie1804-fan​ / @cynic-spirit​ / @raven-black102​

#keanu reeves x oc #keanu reeves fanfic #keanu reeves #keanu reeves x original character #keanu reeves x ofc #john wick x oc #john wick fanfic #john wick x original character #john wick #john wick x ofc #the road to our forever

[sunsetinmyvein]

I Know That I’ll Lose - Chapter Three - I Tell You Lies, But It’s Only Sometimes

It was 1am when she heard her phone buzzing relentlessly against the wood of her bedside table. She grabbed it, recognising the number that she really had to save as an actual contact. Eventually. One day. Maybe. But why was Matty calling at 1am? He was meant to be on a plane. 

“We have got to stop meeting like this.” She mumbled as she answered the call, still half asleep.

“My flight got cancelled.” He replied instantly; opting to ignore her fantastic joke.

“That’s shitty.” She said with a yawn. “When’s your next one?”

“They just asked me to come back tomorrow to find out if there’s another.” He explained. She hummed thoughtfully in response, only really sort of processing what he was saying. There was a pause on the line for a moment as Matty waited for her to put two and two together. “So… I don’t have a hotel to stay in.” He added.

“Better go book another one then.” She replied.

“But it’s midnight.” He whined. “And so last minute.” He continued.

Her brain was starting to catch up to what he was getting at now, and she sensed he would continue listing reasons it would be better for him to stay at her house rather than at a hotel all night if she let him. “No, Matty.” She said, properly awake now.

“Please?” She could practically see the pout on his face through the phone.

“Why can’t you just book another hotel?” She questioned, rubbing her eyes to get the uncomfortable feeling of being awake far too early out of them.

“You’re the one who said your place is close to the airport.” He reminded her. She had said that. Why did she tell him that? That was a bad decision.

She groaned loudly and he could already tell that she had given in. “Fine. FINE.” She caved. His quiet ‘yessss’ echoed down the line. “You’re sleeping on the couch.” She added, just in case he was getting the wrong idea.

“Aw.” He laughed.

  “I’ll text you the address and let you in when you get here.” She said, throwing the covers off and shoving some slippers on her feet.

“Wait, what? No, no, you can go back to bed. Just leave the door unlocked and I’ll let myself in.” He said, figuring it made no sense for the both of them to be losing sleep. Not over something like this, anyway.

“Firstly, no. That’s super unsafe. Secondly, no. I will wait for you to get here.” She was already out of bed at this point and starting to get a few blankets together to throw over the couch for him.

“You do a lot of waiting for me.” He quipped, the background noise of the airport filling the few seconds of silence as he let his comment hang there for a moment. She could just picture the smug look on his face as he said that.

“Shut up or I’ll take back my generous offer.” She shot back.

“Thanks! See you soon!” He said quickly, and with a click, the line was dead.

  She draped the blankets and a pillow over the couch before taking a seat and waiting for him to get here. At this hour, the airport would only be ten minutes away, so she just kept herself busy on her phone until she heard the knock at the door. When she answered it, he looked all too happy about the news that his flight had been cancelled. Almost as soon as the door was halfway open, a massive grin was plastered on his face and he instantly dropped his suitcase to wrap her up in a hug. She let him in, leading him through to the lounge room where he was going to be sleeping.

“Couch.” She said, gesturing to the three-seater sofa in the middle of the living room with bedding spread out over it. “Kitchen. Has water and glasses to hold said water.” She waved in the general direction of the kitchen in the next room. “Bathroom is that way.” She pointed down the hall. “Do you need anything else?” She asked, turning to face him.

  “I just really wanna look at all your stuff. Your house has such a different vibe to mine.” He said as he found himself drawn to all of the things around her living areas. His style of living was fairly… minimalist. He enjoyed things but didn’t own that many himself. Half of his life was spent on the road, if he had too much, he’d never be able to keep it all. So, most of his belongings were spread between a few different locations and his suitcase. This, in contrast, was extremely cluttered. Neat and organised, confined to only certain corners of the room, but cluttered nonetheless. He could tell with how things had been displayed that a great deal of care had gone into setting it all up and these items were clearly well loved. She sat down with a huff in the arm chair next to the couch he was meant to be asleep in by now, watching as he gently examined things around the room. He asked a few questions every now and again: where had she gotten this, why did she have such and such, what was the story behind that. At one point he had asked her a question and he had thought that she was trying to work out an answer, but when he had turned around, he realised that the reason for her silence was because she had fallen asleep while he was too busy fawning over inanimate objects.

  “Bollocks…” He muttered, trying to work out what to do. He already felt bad for having woken her up and making her wait out here for him to arrive, he didn’t want to wake her up again just to send her to bed. But letting her sleep on the recliner was hardly reasonable either, especially if he was supposed to be sleeping on the couch right next to it. That was just going to be awkward for whoever woke up first. He took a quick glance around the small home, eventually spotting a doorway with a bed on the other side that he suspected to be hers. Deliberating his options for a quick moment, eventually he decided that she’d probably appreciate getting a decent night’s sleep after having to get up and let his sorry ass inside. He opted not to overthink the situation and made an effort to try and switch his brain off for five seconds as he picked her up and carried her back to bed. After he had put her back safely in her bed and pulled the covers over her, he stopped for a moment.

  He had dragged someone else into his mess of a life to help him cope with shit that he should be able to deal with by now. Whenever he left the slightly darker part of his life behind, he was under the impression that he was capable of keeping himself in check. That was certainly what everyone seemed to congratulate him for; that he finally sorted it out, he got a hold of his addiction, he got himself through it. It had turned out that without company, his self-control was pretty limited. He hated how dependent that made him feel. When he was on tour and away from his friends and family, he could at least rely on the band. But, with the band already gone he wasn’t as much of himself as he usually was. However, her company felt comforting in a different way. Yesterday had gone exceedingly better than he would’ve expected it to, and he was sure that it was due to that. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, something wasn’t the same as if he would have been at those interviews with the band. But he thought that maybe he could work it out if he had enough time to. Hell, he fucking skipped out on his own flight just to hang around for one more day and see if he could do exactly that. She mumbled something as she rolled over, and he finally snapped out of it and realised he had been standing in this room for far too long now. “Creepy, Matty. Creepy. Leave.” He muttered under his breath to himself as he trudged back out into the lounge room to try and get some sleep.

  * * *

  “Sleep well?” He asked as she wandered into the lounge room the next morning. He was sat comfortably in the recliner, the blankets that had been tossed across the couch were now folded up neatly on top of it. The TV was playing some random morning news program, and he was mostly paying attention to that, other than the brief glance he threw her way as she entered. Did that man ever sleep? He looked almost exactly the same as he had when he rocked up last night.

“Not bad.” She answered, eyeing him curiously. Everything in the lounge room still seemed to be in place. Neater, even. “I fell asleep in here last night, didn’t I?” She asked eventually.

“Mmhm.” He nodded, not looking away from the TV.

“How did I end up back in bed?” She continued.

“I put you there.” He answered casually.

“I had a feeling that’s what you were gonna say.” She said, making her way into the kitchen to start finding some form of breakfast. “And I was kind of surprised to see that you hadn’t tried to worm your way in next to me. So, I wasn’t sure if that would be the correct answer.” She said with a dry laugh as she put the kettle on the stove top to boil.

  “Geez. I’m hurt that you think I’d do that.” He gasped; a hand clutched to his chest. His tone of voice sounded serious but the look on his face was still joking. “You told me to sleep on the couch. I might be a bit of an arse but I’m not a complete psychopath.” He added with a shrug as he came over to lean against the counter top.

She hummed thoughtfully at his answer, “How you act sometimes would have me convinced you don’t know where to draw the line.” That one felt like it cut him a bit deeper than he would’ve liked, but he shrugged it off.

“You have never once told me to stop acting how I do.” He pointed out. She thought about this for a moment and quickly realised that he was right. Maybe she should start doing that… Maybe. “If you did, I would. But I know there’s a line.” The silence hung between them for a moment as she thought about how to respond. She felt like she should potentially apologise for accusing him of something like that after his answer, but he continued speaking before she got the chance. He seemed to be pretty good at that. “Tea?” She gratefully took the way out of the conversation that he was offering her before it got awkward, nodding as she grabbed two mugs.

  They both prepared a quick breakfast, eating quietly in front of the background noise of the TV. She only had fairly limited supplies considering that she hadn’t expected to have to cater to a second person this morning. Which meant that they ended up stuck with buttered toast and tea, the breakfast of budget conscious champions. A decent amount of time had passed since she had woken up, and it was starting to move into mid-morning territory. So far, Matty had mentioned nothing about having to get on a plane and go home. “So, what are you going to do about your flight?” She asked him around a mouthful of toast.

“They wanted me to go back to the airport today to speak to the people and get a new one, but I think someone is just going to call me with the new details instead.” He answered, flipping channels to find something more interesting

“You just have to wait and see?” She asked with a frown.

“Yep.” He sighed, popping the ‘p’ as he said it.

  “Which, in light of that, what is there to do around here?” He glanced around the room, trying to spot something that could be used to kill the time.

“You’re intending on hanging out here?” She questioned in surprise.

“Well, I might be leaving in half an hour, I might be leaving in eight. I can’t just wander around outside like some lost puppy until they call me and tell me when.” He pointed out as he stood up and made his way over to a bookshelf.

“Why not?” She huffed.

He gasped loudly as he turned to face her, but his shocked expression gradually turned into a smile. “You wound me. You don’t want my company?” The look in his eyes and the smirk on his face suggested that he was already giving her shit for admitting that she enjoyed having him around. She shouldn’t have said anything yesterday in the bar. He was already well aware of her answer by the blush creeping onto her cheeks.

  “Okay, fine. You can stay until your flight. But I have actual things that I need to be getting done.” She finally agreed.

“But who will entertain me?” He asked with an exaggerated groan.

“Well, you can’t just expect me to drop everything I had planned for today.” She argued as she grabbed her laptop and set herself up on the couch.

“You should’ve been expecting me and freed up your schedule!” He said with a laugh.

“How could I anticipate that your flight would get cancelled and you’d rock up on my doorstep?” She asked without looking up from her screen. He quickly realised his mistake. Him intentionally ditching his flight to spend more time with her was a thought that only occurred in his mind, not hers as well.

He let out a nervous laugh, “True.” He mumbled as he quickly changed topics. “What you doin’?” He asked as he plopped himself down on the couch next to her.

“Answering emails.” She replied.

“About?” He continued, glancing over her shoulder and trying to read what was on her screen.

“Upcoming shows and sending spreadsheets off for yours.” She answered as she dragged and dropped a few excel sheets into an empty email.

“Any bands I’d know?” He glanced at the contact names on the email sidebar. None seemed familiar except the ones that he recognised as being Dirty Hit addresses.

“Doubt it.” She shrugged, “They’re all smaller, local shows.”

  He watched her typing away at the keyboard, his interest eventually waning as his eyes wandered around the room. “Got any weed?” He blurted out.

She rolled her eyes at his question, then supposed it was probably only a matter of time before he asked it. “I do.” His face lit up at her words. “But I’m not sharing it.” And out went that light as quickly as it had come into his eyes. He opened his mouth to begin arguing as to why she should indeed split some with him, but she continued. “You need to catch a plane, anyway! You can’t rock up at the airport stoned.”

“Why not? I’ve done worse.” He laughed loudly, thinking on all of the stories he could tell her that would definitely top arriving at a flight stoned.

“I am not letting you rock up to the airport stoned.” She rephrased.

“Just tell me when I’m getting warmer.” He said as he stood up and started moving around the living room, holding his hands out like he was stumbling through the dark about to run into furniture.

“We are not playing hotter and colder for drugs, Matty.” She tried to sound at least sort of chastising, but the laugh that fell from her lips betrayed her amusement at how silly he looked walking around blindly.

“I’ll pay you back for it.” He added.

“That’s not…” She let out a deep sigh as she ran her hands down her face. “That’s not the point.”

“If you’re hiding it on your person, don’t think that’ll stop me.” He turned to face her with a suggestive grin. As she went to discount that theory, his phone started ringing. Thank god for that.

  He held the device up to his ear, listening intently and making approving noises as he continued to pretend that he was a drug sniffer dog. While he was distracted, she got up and walked into another room. The random representative from the airline spent a good ten minutes apologising for the inconvenience of having to rebook his flight due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ before actually getting to the point. He decided it was probably best not to press that matter any further given it would come out sooner or later that the circumstances that caused him to miss his flight were pretty easily foreseen. She walked back into the lounge, seeing that he was still on the phone. “Sweet. Flight number BA637 at midnight? That’ll do.” He nodded to himself. After a few more apologies and pleasantries were exchanged, he finally managed to get off the phone and get back to the important matter at hand. “So… My flight is at midnight. That’s plenty of time to get stoned.” He said as he spun around to face her, only to find that she was already right in front of him, holding something out for him to take. He flashed her a confused expression before holding his hand out. She placed a snuff box and papers into it before taking her seat back on the couch. “Oh, you actually…” He seemed genuinely surprised to be presented with the drug. “Uh, thanks.”

  He hadn’t anticipated that she would actually go get it for him. For the most part, he had been joking. Not that it was an unwelcome offer. His stash had run out after the show on Friday, and it was incredibly good for calming his brain down. He took a seat back in the recliner, quickly rolling a joint. Before lighting it up for himself, he supposed he should probably share with the gracious host. He held the joint he had rolled out to her and she shook her head in response without even looking up from her emails. He frowned as he looked down at it, then back up at her. “You’re not gonna have any?” He asked.

“No way.” She said with a short laugh. “I’ve got shit to get done, I can’t be stoned.”

“What! Why didn’t you tell me that before?” He asked loudly.

“You seemed pretty hell bent on getting high.” She shrugged as she looked up on him. He looked like a child who’d just been told that they weren’t actually going to Disney World and were, in fact, going to the dentist instead.

“Not by myself.” He mumbled in disappointment.

“Tough shit.” She chuckled.

He let out a reluctant groan, pausing for a moment before speaking again, “You sure you don’t want any?” He offered one last time.

“Another time, Matty.” She sighed with a small smile.

“I’ll hold you to that.” He nodded as he tucked the joint behind his ear.

  He sat and waited patiently, half paying attention to the TV as she finished up the emails that she had to get done. Eventually, once she had finished the tasks that she was meant to get done with her day, she was considerably more willing to entertain the messy haired boy on her couch. They killed the time eating snacks and getting to know each other a bit better. She felt that she had a pretty decent grasp on the conundrum that was Matthew Healy after a few hours of chatting with him. They were both blunt and honest people, so it was easy to cut to the chase and skip around the idle chit chat that filled the majority of their day to day conversations. And he was finding that the more he spoke with her, the further the connection between them went. What had initially been him enjoying having someone around purely because of how well they reacted to him was fast becoming quite a well-rounded friendship. She was also quickly finding that whenever she got him onto a topic that he truly enjoyed discussing, he was an unstoppable force of enthusiasm and ridiculous vocabulary. A conversation with Matty mostly involved just listening to the torrential waves of thought that were Matty.

  Eventually during their chat, he discovered a few retro video game consoles that she had hidden under her TV. He was all too keen to prove that he’d have more skill than her at any game she could throw at him, and being the competitive person that she was, she wasn’t about to let him think that he was right. As soon as they got engrossed in the games, the time flew by. It wasn’t long before his phone was buzzing to remind him that he had a plane to catch. Whoever was organising his flights had also organised a taxi for him that was currently waiting outside. He flashed her an apologetic look as he paused the game and started grabbing his things.

“Sorry, I’ll have to kick your arse another time.” He said as he quickly scanned the room to make sure he wasn’t leaving anything behind. Would leaving his wallet behind be a decent excuse to miss another flight..? Probably not. He shoved it into his pocket.

“You have lost more games than you’ve won, y’know.” She pointed out with an eyebrow raised as she stood up.

“So far.” He shot back as he pointed at her seriously, before cracking a huge grin. His smile was ridiculously infectious.

  He started heading towards the door, pausing for a moment before grabbing the handle. “Thank you for letting me hang out here all day. Sorry if I was a bit of a burden.” He said with a sheepish smile, scratching at the curls sitting at the back of his neck.

“You’re not a burden.” She replied with a roll of her eyes. “But it’s no problem. Let me know the next time you’re back in this part of the globe.”

“Can do.” He said with a bright grin. “Bye, Y/N/N.”

“Bye, Matty.” She said, going in for a goodbye hug. He leaned forward in a different way than if he was reciprocating the hug, and for a brief moment the thought passed her mind that he might be about to try and kiss her. But he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling to himself as he did so. The blush that was rapidly spreading across her face gave her away before she could even try to cover it up.

“I’ll see you soon.” He said with a wink as he opened the door and walked down to the waiting taxi, throwing a brief wave over his shoulder in her direction. She realised as she stepped back into her house that the joint that she had given him was now sitting above her ear. She laughed to herself, expecting that she probably would be seeing that boy sooner than she thought knowing his antics.

  * * *

  When her phone buzzed loudly on her bedside table, pulling her out of her half-asleep state, she supposed that she shouldn’t have been surprised. Would it really have been a night of knowing Matty Healy without him trying to contact her at some ridiculous hour? She rolled over, grabbed her phone and held it to her face, trying to adjust her eyes to read the bright screen in the darkness.

11:36pm My flight got cancelled again :/

No way. Again? That didn’t seem very likely... The airports here were fairly reliable most of the time, the odd cancellation wasn’t unheard of but two in a row seemed pretty ridiculous. What had he said his flight number was? Maybe it said online what was happening with the plane. She quickly googled the flights heading to London that night, finding his flight number straight away. It was still scheduled on time. Why the hell was he trying to get out of his flight home?

11:39pm No, it didn’t

11:40pm It did. They said the engines are broken

  She sent through the screenshot of the page that she had just looked up.

11:40pm It says here that your flight is still scheduled for midnight

11:40pm Your website must be outdated

She didn’t have the energy at this hour to work out if he was joking or not. But she was pretty damn sure that the website would’ve been correct.

11:41pm Catch your damn plane, Matty

He smiled to himself as he read the message before tucking his phone into his pocket and handing over his boarding pass. The flight attendant gave him a warm smile as they scanned it and handed it back to him. He hadn’t really expected to be able to get away with it two nights in a row, but he felt it was still worth the shot.

 Last Chapter

Next Chapter

#matty healy x reader #Matthew Healy x Reader #Sunsetinmyvein

[hoseokutie]

Market Boy 9 (M)

Previous Parts: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 

Words: 7.3K

Warnings: Swearing, Hair pulling, Thigh riding, Fingering, Spanking, Oral (M. receiving), Love making, Multiple orgasms, Squirting, morning sex, Drinking, Fluffy Jungkook, Virgin!Jungkook, slight aftercare.

                           *************************************************

Once dinner ended, you and Jungkook made your way to the airport and eventually boarded your plan. During your plane ride, Jungkook took small clips of the two of you, and of your plane ride, he even snuck in some clips of you while you were sleeping. You’re definitely going to hate those, but he thinks that you look adorable. 

“What are you doing cutie?” You ask him, leaning down so that your head rests on his shoulder.

“I’m documenting this beautiful experience so that I can show this to our kids one day.” He responds and you feel your cheeks flush.

“T-that is if you want to have kids of course.” He says quickly looking away from you.

You chuckle and gently turn his face so that he is looking at you, he turns off his camera and looks down at you. 

“I wouldn’t want to have anybody else's children, trust me.” You reassure him, leaning over and placing your lips over his pulling away from him slowly.

He smiles down at you and rubs his nose against yours, he takes our hand in his and kissed it.

After a few more hours, the plane finally lands in Busan, and not only is Jungkook excited to see his hometown, but you are finally excited about being able to stretch out your legs.

You two grab your items that you kept in the overhead and made your way off of the plane to grab your larger suitcases. 

“Jungkook when the bags roll around, do not try and grab all of ours, I can take something.” You look at him and he pouts.

“I can take it, I swear.” He says, leaning down to kiss you in order to distract you.

You hesitate but eventually pull away from him when you see your bags arriving. 

“Nice try Kook, but nope!” You say, grabbing both of your suitcases from the machine. 

He takes his bag from you and whines when you don’t allow him to take yours as well.

“Don’t give me that look, come on, we have a car waiting for us.” You say, taking his hand in yours.

“How did we get that?” He asks you in utter confusion. 

“Your mom called a few people for me, also we are visiting your aunts and uncles while we’re here, I promised your mom we would.” You look around for the license plate that matched the picture on your phone that his mother sent you. 

“There we go, this is the one.” You check the phone to make sure it was correct and smiled.

“Since when did you start reading Korean?” He asks as the two of you load your bags into the trunk.

“I’ve been planning this trip for months, and your mother is an excellent teacher.” You hand him the keys and he takes them from you, he grabs your hand in the process and pulls you in for a kiss.

You wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him happily before pulling away, Jungkook whines like a child and goes in for more kisses. You giggle and press your hands against his chest.

“Jungkook, we have plenty of time to do that. Right now there’s a nice looking guest house waiting for us, also provided by your aunt and uncle.” You mention and he looks at you in surprise.

“How did you-” You cut him off with another kiss and shake your head.

“I have the directions pulled up on a gps, you understand it way better than me, come on market boy.” Jungkook smiles at the nickname and smacks your butt as you turn around.

You jump when his hand makes contact with your ass and he quickly runs over to his side of the car before you can hit him back.

“You’re sneaky, and I’m going to get you back Jungkook. I’m so serious.” You playfully point a finger at him.

He flashes you a bright smile and leans over to gently bite down on your finger, he even manages to keep eye contact with you without laughing. You stare at him in disbelief before slowly taking your finger out of his mouth.

“Yeah you um, you are definitely something else Jungkook.” You wipe your finger on your pants and put your seatbelt on. 

“Thank you, my mother likes to tell me I’m special.” He says in a cute voice.

“I can see why.” You mumble to yourself, shaking your head. 

Jungkook starts the car and slowly begins to back out of the parking space, being careful not to hit another car or pedestrian. The car ride to the house consists of Jungkook having road rage, him loudly singing over songs, with the GPS occasionally interrupting, and you documenting the whole thing on his camera. 

When you both arrive in the neighborhood, memories from Jungkook’s childhood begin to flood Jungkook’s mind. He thought back to the times when their parents would drop them off to visit other family members. He thought about all the games him and his brother would play, or how the time him and his brother were fighting and how Jungkook got the famous scratch on his cheek. 

“No way, this is the house my brother and I went to on family vacations. There’s my uncles car!” He says excitedly, parking in the garage.

“Surprise!” You exclaim and he bounces up and down in his seat happily, you record the whole thing and tries not to laugh too loudly. You promise everybody that you would film Jungkook as much as you could.

“He’s probably inside, isn’t he?” Jungkook asks excitedly, he takes himself out of the seatbelt and jumps out of the car. 

You sit in the passenger seat and watch Jungkook run around to the other side of the car to open your door. The poor boy got so excited that he unbuckled your seatbelt for you. 

“Baby!” You held his face and giggled kissing him.

“I’m sorry, I’m just way too excited right now.” He replies, he helps you out of the car and walks to the trunk to grab your bags.

“Jungkook, I can take my suitcase.” You inform him as he grabs both of your bags.

“Nope, just take the smaller ones.”  He walks away from you and you huff lowly.

“Show off.” You mumble to yourself while grabbing the smaller bags.

You follow Jungkook through the garage and into the house.

“Well it has definitely changed a lot.” Jungkook says to himself, looking around the kitchen and living room area.

“It’s beautiful in here.” You look around the spacious area in complete awe.

In the garage there is a door that connects the garage and the kitchen. The kitchen was so big that you were positive that the two of you and the other boys could all fit inside the area. 

The living room looks like the perfect area to lounge in or have a small get together with friends. There’s a television on top of the fireplace, and a game system, most likely for Jungkook to play.

You were deep in your thoughts up until a woman, who you assume is Jungkook’s aunt enters the room and says Jungkook’s named excitedly. Jungkook turns around quickly and drops the suitcases before engulfing the older woman into a large hug. 

You look in your bag for Jungkook's camera, and started taking pictures and clips of their mini reunion. You watch as Jungkook and his aunt speak in Korean, some bits and pieces you understood from what his mother taught you, but most of it you didn’t learn. 

“Baby this is my aunt.” Jungkook wraps an arm around her shoulder and walks over to you with a wide smile on his face. 

You sit your camera to the side and smile widely before politely bowing in front his aunt, you want to be as respectful as possible, so you make sure to bow like his mother reminded you. 

Jungkook feels his heart clench when you remember to bow in front of his aunt, he grabs his chest and has to resist the strong urge to just grab your face and kiss you, but he knew that would be slightly inappropriate. 

His aunt smiles before pulling you into a big hug, rubbing your back to make you feel more comfortable and at home. She greets you and compliments you in Korean, you look at Jungkook so he can translate for you. 

“She says that you’re much prettier in person, and you smell nice apparently?” He said the last part as if it wasn’t true and you stick your tongue out at him. 

“Jungkook!” His uncle came in the house from the garage 

The two excited men run up to each other and give each other tight hugs. Jungkooks aunt smiles at you and walks over to the two of them. 

                                          *******************

After all the greetings and getting to know one another, Jungkooks aunt and uncle were beginning to leave the house. All of your worries of them not liking you were beginning to finally disappear, you and Jungkook both bowed and waved at them as they left the house.

“They are some of the sweetest people I have ever met.” You tell him as he closes and locks the door.

“Yeah they are, and they really love you even more since you are the reason that I'm here right now.” He walks over to you and places his hands on your hips.

“That makes me very happy.” You put your hands on his biceps and he pressed his forehead to yours.

“Thank you, so fucking much for bringing me back home. I can’t wait to explore the city with you and show you everything.” His hands make their way to your face and he rubs your cheeks with his thumb. 

“You deserve it baby, I couldn’t listen to you tell those amazing stories and not have you show me everything.” You chuckle and run your fingers through his brown locks. 

“Your hair is getting longer, that makes it more fun to grab.” You gently whisper, tugging his hair lightly at the roots. 

You smirk as his grip on your hips became tighter and his body obviously shudders under your touch. He pulls you closer to him and rubs his hands up your back looking into your eyes.

“Are you trying to start something baby?” He asks, twirling a finger around your braided hair.

“I might be, but unfortunately we can’t. We have a dinner date on the beach, get dressed so that we’re not too late.” You ghost your lips over his and he rubs his nose against  yours.

“You are just full of surprises.” He kisses you on the nose and you scrunch your face as a reaction.

“That I am, now stop distracting me with your good looks.” You kiss him on the cheek and make your way to your shared bedroom.

“What are you wearing tonight?” He asks, curious but also excited for your answer.

“It’s a surprise, you head down to the beach first and I am going to meet you there.” You grab your things and make your way to another bedroom.

“Why do you always leave me like this?!” He whines loudly and you laugh in response.

                                          *****************

It takes about twenty minutes for you to fini   sh getting ready. Dinner is in about 10 minutes, and Jungkook is sitting on the beach anticipating your arrival. Jungkook looks around and wipes his sweaty hands on his jeans, waiting for your arrival is making his heart race. 

You let out a nervous sigh and look at your appearance in the mirror, happy with the results you make your way onto the beach to meet your awaiting boyfriend.

Saying Jungkook was handsome was an understatement, the boy was just so mesmerizing.

His long hair was slightly pushed back, you can tell he ran his fingers through it repeatedly. His button up shirt was partially unbuttoned, and his jeans hug his body and outlined everything perfectly, especially his thighs. 

“Holy shit.” He says looking at you in pure awe. 

Your dress hugs your curves tightly, making sure to enhance everything that needed to be outlined, just the sight of you in the dress made Jungkook's mind go wild. The way your hips move with every step you take made Jungkook want to make love to you on the beach.  

The eager boy stands up and slowly makes his way over to you, taking your hands in his own and gently kisses your knuckles.

“Baby you look so fucking good, fuck I’m at lost for words.” He takes you into his arms and slowly spins you around.

You started getting embarrassed and giggled, shaking your head as well.

“You look like a full course meal, I could eat you instead of dinner.” You raise an eyebrow at him and lean up to kiss him. 

“Say the word and I’ll get naked.” He starts unbuttoning his shirt and you shriek, hitting his chest gently.

“Stop being so scandalous and let’s eat, you’re going to like this.” You hold his hand and lead him to the table.

“Alright so everything we’re eating was picked out by Jimin. Since he’s also from Busan, so it’s only fair I ask him what’s good.” You hold his hand in your own and he kisses your knuckles.

“You really put a lot of thought into this and it shows, baby girl you’re so perfect.” Jungkook compliments you and you smile cutely.

“Wait do that again, the sun is shining perfectly on you.” Jungkook releases your hand and grabs his phone to take a photo of you. 

“Perfect.” He slides his phone into his pocket and gasps loudly when he sees the food that was being presented in front of him.

“Jimin said you would make that face.” You nod your head and thank the chef.

“Jungkook close your mouth, you look silly.” You grab your chopsticks and look over the delicious food in front of you. 

“Right sorry, I just, wow this looks amazing.” He excitedly grabs his spoon and goes for his soup first, moaning when the hot broth touched his tongue. He closes his eyes and dramatically throws his head back shouting in Korean. 

You shake your head and ignore his silly antics while you continue to enjoy your dinner, Jungkook bounces up and down in his seat again and continues to happily eat his dinner. 

Watching him eat made your heart feel full and happy. 

Eventually you two finish your dinner and sigh from the feeling of your stomachs feeling so full.

“That . Was. Amazing.” Jungkook groans out in bliss and leans over to hold your hand.

“Amazing it was, I owe Jimin for that one because, wow!” You sit up and smile happily.

“How does a nice little stroll on the beach sound?” You ask him, noticing that he repeatedly  looked out at the beautiful nature in front of him.

“I would love nothing more.” He stands up and holds his hand out in front of you for you to take.

You take his hand and stand up from your seat, you wrap your arm around his own and rest your head on his shoulder. The two of you begin walking in the direction of the house.

“Did I tell you that I am madly in love with you and I can’t stop thanking you?” He asks, looking down at you.

“You haven’t stopped thanking me since I gave you the envelope baby.” You laugh and rub his forearm.

“Well it’s true, you are just such an amazing person and you need to know it, and I swear that I am going to pay you back.” You stop walking and turn his jaw to face you.

“You do not owe me a dime, all I ask if for your love and affection in return.” You hold his face in your hands and he looks down at you pouting slightly. 

“But baby, I want to pay you back.” He rubs your hips and slowly trailed his hands up and down your back. 

“And you can, with food and lots and lots of kisses.” You lean up and kiss him happily.

“Oh trust me, I can give you more than just kisses baby girl.” He says in a flirtatious voice and you giggle.

“Speaking of that, Jungkook. I uh, I think I’m finally ready to have sex.” You place your hands on his chest and look up at him.

There is a short moment of comfortable silence between the two of you, he looks down at you and you look up at him nervously.

“Baby if you aren’t ready, then it’s okay. I’m sorry.” You quickly apologize and he shakes his head in protest.

“No, don’t be sorry. Trust me I am 100% ready to have sex with you, it’s just, I have never had sex before.” He confessed to you, you sense a slight tone of nervousness in his voice..

You placed your hand on his cheek and use your thumb to try and soothe his nerves, you could tell that he was becoming anxious.

“Hey, don’t be nervous, whether you’re a virgin or not, that doesn’t change how I feel for you. I’m kinda glad that I’m your first. It makes me feel special.” You tell him and he smiles, his cheeks more pink than before.

“My first and my only.” He pulls you closer to him and kisses you on your forehead.

“I better be.” You playfully mumble into his chest, rubbing your hands up and down his back. 

“Hey do you uh, do you wanna go inside? It’s starting to get a little chilly out here.” He pulls back a bit and looks down at you. 

“I’d love nothing more, I actually having something waiting for you inside.” You mention and he throws his head back in pure happiness.

“Where are all of these surprises coming from?!” He looked up at the sky as if he was asking the angels and you shake your head. 

“You are too damn cute Jeon, honestly.” You let go of him and make your way into the house.

“I’ve been told I could be a comedian.” He follows behind you and closes the door, making sure it was locked. 

“I wouldn’t go that far baby but sure.” You walk towards the refrigerator and pull out the chocolate covered strawberries that you had waiting along with some champagne.

You hear Jungkook gasp in excitement and walk over to you wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“You didn’t! You know I love chocolate covered strawberries, especially the ones your mom makes.” He gently takes the plate from you while you grab two glasses from the cabinet above.

“They may not be my mothers strawberries, but I’m sure that they’re just as good. Follow me to the bedroom.” You hold up the champagne and walk to the bedroom.

The eager boy quickly follows behind you with the strawberries in his hand, Jungkook can’t help but let his eyes wander down your body. The outfit that you’re currently wearing hugs your curves so nicely and he can feel his mouth go slightly dry each time your hips move from one side to the other. 

You open the door to the bedroom and walk inside before sitting down on the bed, Jungkook walks into the room behind you and closes the door with his free hand. 

You pat a spot next to you on the bed, and he happily sits down next to you. 

He jumps in surprise when you pop open the bottle and shriek from the bubbles running down the bottle. He quickly sets the fruit down on the bedside table and takes a glass from you. 

“I practiced that to make sure it didn’t spill.” You pout and pour him a glass, he chuckles and waits for you to pour your the bubbly liquid into your glass. .

“It was cute. Here’s to being together for almost a year, my graduation, and just how amazing you are.” He holds up his glass and you mimic his actions, you both gently tap glasses and take small sips. 

“That was beautiful.” You compliment him before kissing him.

“Oh not nearly as beautiful as you, I mean look at you. Baby you look fucking amazing.” He sips his drink some more and you feel your cheeks begin to warm up.

“Baby stop!” You whine cutely and he smiles, he sits back against the pillows and pulls you into his lap so that you are looking down at him. 

You reach over and grab a strawberry, he watches you bring the fruit up to his lips and he bites into it slowly closing his eyes and moaning lowly at the taste. You bite your lip and watch as he chews and swallows.

“Well that was a lovely sound that I could get used to hearing.” You smirk and drink some more champagne.

He laughs and rubs his hands up and down your waist, tracing his hands over the curve of your waist and your hip. 

“They’re just that good.” Jungkook reaches over and takes a strawberry from the plate before leaning up some more to feed you one so that you could get a taste.

You lean over and bite into the dessert closing your eyes when the mix of the chocolate and strawberries meets your tongue. You chew it slowly and nod in agreement. You open your eyes and giggle when you see a blush start to creep back onto Jungkook’s cheeks.

You smirk and lean down to suck the chocolate off his fingers that was left behind from before. 

Jungkook gasps lowly at the feeling of your warm tongue wrapping around his thumb, he feels his heart rate speed up a bit and his jeans suddenly feel much tighter.

“Fuck.” He mumbles when you pull off of his thumb and drink down the rest of your champagne making a slight mess. 

He quickly finishes his glass and sets it to the side, taking yours and putting it to the side before gently tilting your head back to lick off what didn’t make it into your mouth.

You gasp when his tongue meets your throat and close your eyes at the feeling of his tongue swirling around your neck. He closes his mouth and begins to suck on your skin until a hickey forms.

You grind down onto him in response and he groans against your skin, his hands make their way down your back before landing on your ass, he squeezes the skin gently and you grip his hair in response. 

“Fuck your hands feel nice.” You moan into the air, continuing to rock your hips against his own.

He grabs your ass again and pulls away from your neck slowly. You open your eyes and look down at him. His hair is messy from you grabbing it, his lips are pink and puffy and his cheeks are more pink than they have ever been.

“I want to taste you.” He whispers, looking up at you desperately. 

You bite your lip and nod before leaning down to capture his lips in another kiss, the feeling of his soft lips against yours was too good to miss. Jungkook wraps an arm around your waist and flips you over so that he is now hovering over you.

“You are so perfect, how did I get so lucky?” He asks before kissing down your jaw and towards your collarbones.

“I-I could ask the same thing.” You moan as his kisses start to trail down your chest. 

You sit up slowly and Jungkook takes that as a hint to remove the top part of your clothes, he slowly pulls your shirt off and throws it to the side. He looks down at your now bare top half and bites his lip in admiration. 

“You are beautiful.” He whispers, trailing his fingers down your chest.

You arch your back at his touch and use your hands to finish unbuttoning the rest of his shirt, once its unbuttoned Jungkook quickly takes it off and leans down to kiss you again. 

You both moan as your chest were pressed up against one another, Jungkook rolled his hips against yours to try and relieve some of the tension in his pants in anyway he could.

“I need to taste you.” He groans against your lips, he trails his kisses down your chest, he wraps his lips around one of your nipples and massages the other one with his fingers.

You moan into the air and grip his hair tightly, Jungkook sits up from your nipple and groans in bliss,  his dick twitches at the feeling of your hands in his hair.

“I love it when you do that.” He groans out, he sits up between your legs and slowly pulls your skirt off of your body.

You hiss when the cold air hit your legs and close your thighs together on instinct, Jungkook chuckles and opens your legs slowly admiring how pretty you look below him. He uses his pointer fingers to take off your panties, once they’re gone he sets them in the pile of clothes on the floor and rubs the inside of your thighs.

The feeling of his soft hands on your thighs causes you to grab the sheets in anticipation, you watch him lick his lips before looking up at you with rosy cheeks.

“Don’t be nervous baby, you don’t have to do this. It’s okay.” You sit up and place your hand on his cheek, he smiles and kisses your knuckles to calm himself down.

“I want to, trust me, I’ve wanted to for a while now.” He presses his lips against yours and his fingers move closer to your center.

He parts your lips with his fingers and rubs them up and down your slit carefully, he looks up at you and a feeling of pride washes over him when he sees you close your eyes and throw your head back.

He takes it a step further and uses some of your arousal and to rub your clit, you moan when he rubs small circles on your nub. His thumb continues to rub at your clit while his pointer fingers makes it way into your entrance. 

“Fuck, that feels so good.” You bite your lip and swivel your hips to try and get him in deeper.

“You want some more baby?” He asks in a sultry voice, sliding in another finger and curving them both upward.

You gasp loudly and open your eyes at the feeling of Jungkook fucking you with his fingers, you look down at him and he smirks at your reaction.

“You sound so sexy princess, I’ve been waiting for this day to come.” He whispers in your ear, leaning down to suck on your jaw. 

You whimper at the nickname and move your hips some more on his fingers, the mix of his thumb rubbing your clit and his fingers hitting your spot brought you to your first orgasm. You arch your back and moan into Jungkook’s mouth when he goes in to kiss you again.

He pulls his fingers out of you slowly and you whimper at the feeling of not being full anymore. You watch as Jungkook sucks your arousal off his fingers while maintaining eye contact with you. 

You whimper at the sight and grab his wrist, tasting yourself on his middle finger and moaning at the taste. Jungkook’s cock twitches at the feeling of your lips sucking around his finger. 

You pulled off his finger with a pop and smiled at him innocently, you kiss him hard and unbuckle his belt as quickly as you can. Jungkook helps you out and quickly removes his jeans and underwear. 

He sighs in relief when his underwear finally come off, and his length slaps against his stomach. You look down at his cock and bite your lip at the sight of how red his tip is. 

“Well aren’t you just eager?” You tease, you wrap your hand around his shaft and move your hand up and down to try and release some stress.

“Y-yeah.” He whimpers when your hands move over his tip.

“Right there baby? Does that feel good?” You ask, massaging over his tip.

Jungkook moans loudly and throws his back at the feeling of you massaging his tip repeatedly. You watch as some of his precum begins to pool at the tip and lick your lips, he quickly grabs your wrist to stop you. 

“I-I don’t want to come just yet.” He says while panting. 

“I didn’t bring any condoms with me.” Jungkook nervously said look down at you.

“I didn’t either, but I am on the pill if that makes it any better.” You rub his arms to try and soothe his nerves.

“I wouldn’t mind putting a baby in you.” He smirks and leans down to suck another mark onto your neck.

“As lovely as that sounds, I want to give it another few years before we start having babies.” You hold his face in your hands and kiss him, his lips were so irresistibly soft.

“That’s fair.” He smiles and rubs his nose against yours, smiling at your giggling. 

Jungkook holds his length in one hand and places his other hand by your head, gripping the sheets for support. He slowly moves forward and watches his cock slide into you inch by inch. 

You hold back a loud moan as he slides into you, he lets go of his shaft and places his other hand by your head. He begins to groan lowly as he slides deeper into you, you both moan in unison when he was completely inside of you. 

“S-shit.” He leans down and presses his forehead against your own, you shakily hold his face in your hands and pulled him down to kiss you.

“Are you okay?” You whisper, looking up at him.

“Aren’t I supposed to be asking you that question?” He chuckles and slowly pulls out, thrusting back inside of you slowly.

You moan at the feeling of his length hitting your spot every time he rocks his hips against yours. He hikes your thigh up onto his hip and begins to thrust deeper inside of you. 

“O-oh that’s good.” You throw your head back at the new angle and grip his arms.

The room was filled with the sound of your moans and your skin slapping together in unison. A sheer glow of sweat covered both you and Jungkook as your love making intensifies. 

“I-I fucking love you!” Jungkook groans, picking up speed with his thrust. 

“L-Love you too. Y-you feel s-so fucking good baby. Holy shit!” You cover your mouth to try and quiet some of your moans. 

Jungkook gently takes your hand in his own and squeezes it as his thrust begin to pick up speed. 

“I want to hear how loud you can get.” He groans into your ear, leaning down to suck on the skin of your neck. 

You whimper loudly from the feeling of him constantly hitting your spot and the feeling of his lips on your neck. 

It’s not much longer before the warm feeling in your stomach starts to become more intense and you can feel your second orgasm of the night creeping up on you. 

Jungkook lets out a loud moan when you start to clench around him, basically hugging his cock with your walls. 

“Y-you’re so fucking t-tight baby girl, are you gonna come for me?” He slows down his thrust, but continues thrusting deep inside you. 

You nod your head eagerly and pull Jungkook’s head down to press your lips against his, begging for his lips to be on yours. 

A few more deep thrust has you coming all over Jungkook’s cock. You moan loudly into his mouth as your entire body begins to shake and your back arches. 

Jungkook hisses from how tight you are around him and bites down on your shoulder as he comes inside of you, whimpering as he continues to thrust inside of you to ride out your orgasm. 

You whimper at the feeling of his come filling you up and clench around him again to make sure he rides out his orgasm. Jungkook shudders and tries to control his breathing as he lets himself go and falls on top of you. 

“O-oh shit.” Jungkook groans out into the air when both of your breathing finally calms down. 

He sits up on his arms and presses his forehead against yours giggling slightly when you open your eyes to look at him. 

“Hi.” He says, leaning down planting kisses all over your face.

“Hello handsome.” You laugh and hold his face in his your hands kissing him over and over again. 

“We definitely need to clean up, but not gonna lie I’m kinda comfy in here” He looks down at where you two are still connected and chuckles. 

“I am too, but it would be responsible if the both of us clean up, don’t you think?” You rub his shoulders and he pouts cutely. 

You both whimper simultaneously when he slowly pulls out of you. He looks around quickly and grabs some tissue to prevent anything getting on the bed. 

“There we go, no mess no problem.” He smiles proudly. 

                                              ***************

The sound of birds chirping outside the window, and the feeling of sunlight on your skin was enough to wake you up the next morning. 

You stretch out your body, internally groaning at the cracks and pops your limbs let out in return. You turn your head to the side and smile at the gorgeous man next to you 

His brown locks were messy, his lips were slightly pout and a little red from the night before. You watch his chest rise and fall as he sleeps and move closer to him pressing a gentle kiss on his cheek. 

“So soft.” He mumbles sleepily, his morning voice raspy and deep.

“Did I wake you?” You ask, rubbing your hand up and down his abdomen. 

He keeps his eyes closed and pulls you close to him wrapping an arm around your shoulder. 

“So last night was absolutely incredible” He says as the memories of last night begin flooding his memory.

“Incredible it was.” You agree, your body becoming excited just thinking about it. 

“I’m glad that you were my first, I honestly would not want it to be with somebody else. It wouldn’t be the same.” He confesses, opening his eyes to look down at you. 

“Thank you for letting me be your first, it was an honor.” You sit up and lean your head on your hand to stare down at him. 

Jungkook places a hand on your cheek and kisses you lovingly. He pulls you into his arms and onto his lap, making sure his arms are secure around your waist. 

“You know, I’ve always wanted to have morning sex.” You look down at him and smirk. 

You can feel him starting to get hard from under you and you try not to blush at the feeling. 

“Well then let’s get to it baby.” He kisses you again and grabs your ass in his hands, smacking the skin gently. 

“I can feel how wet you are on my thigh.” He trails his fingers down your body and rubs at your clit with his thumb. 

You bite your lip and grind yourself on his thigh, gripping the sheets for support. 

“Y-you’re just so sexy.” You moan out, throwing your head back.

Jungkook watches you get off  on his thigh and flexes it to make the sensation even more intense. He smirks when your body starts to shake and you come on his thigh seconds later. 

“There we go pretty girl, you’re so beautiful.” Jungkook carefully pulls you towards him and kisses you passionately. 

You slowly climb off his lap and crawl in between his legs, you massage his thighs with your hands and move away from his kisses. 

“It’s my turn to taste you.” You whisper in his ear and kiss down the column of his neck, your kisses begin to lead down to his abdomen. 

Jungkook sits up on his elbows and watches you intently, biting his lip as you kiss everywhere but where he wants you. 

“Why are you teasing me?” He whines looking down at you. 

“Be patient my love, you’ll get what you want. When I’m ready to give it to you.” You smirk and sucked a hickey on his thigh. 

He hisses at the feeling of your lips on his thigh and throws his head back, he can feel his cock stand up fully and whines lowly. 

“What a beautiful sound from a beautiful man.” You say looking up at him and wrap your hand around his shaft, stroking it slowly to get a reaccion from him. 

He sighs out at the contact and looks back down at you gripping the sheets. 

You lean forward and began to gently lick his tip, you giggle when his cock twitches in your hands, you lean in and wrap your mouth around his tip sucking gently.

“O-oh that’s nice.” He hums and closes his eyes throwing his head back. 

Starting to feel bold, you relax your throat and go as deep as you can before gagging around him. You pull off of him slightly before going back down, you continue to bob your head slowly and stroke what you can’t fit. 

Above you, Jungkook is having the time of his life. The feeling of your warm and wet mouth around his cock was driving him wild. Jungkook would be lying if he said he hadn’t been wanting this for a while, you hum while you move your head and Jungkook puts your braids up into a ponytail, making sure that they’re out of the way. 

One particular stroke of your hand has Jungkook on edge and panting quicker than before. 

“I-I’m g-gonna come.” He sits up and makes eye contact with you, you continue to suck him off, bobbing your head quicker and hollowing your cheeks. 

“Fuck yes, that’s it baby girl! O-oh my god!” Jungkook throws his head back and grips your hair tighter as ropes of come go down your throat. 

You moan as you swallow around him and slowly continue to bob your head up and down. 

Jungkook whines and taps the side of your cheek gently, falling onto his back as his chest moves up and down quickly. 

You pull off of him slowly and lick his tip one last time before pulling away completely. You wipe your mouth and giggle laying on your stomach right next to him. 

“Oh baby I’m not done with you just yet.” He hovers over you and presses kisses onto your neck and shoulders. 

“I thought you were tired baby boy?” You tease rubbing your ass against his length. 

“I’m never too tired for you baby, never that.” He grabs your braids in his hand and pulls your head back exposing your neck. 

He leans down and slowly plants kisses up and down the column of your neck. You grip the sheets under you and he smirks before sucking a hickey on your neck. 

You moan quietly and rub against him to try and relieve some tension. 

“Be patient baby, you’ll get what you want. When I’m ready to give it to you.” He bites your ear gently and smirks, using your own words against you. 

He sits up on his knees and pulls your hips up to meet his own, gently rubbing a hand over your ass before slapping it and watching it jiggle. 

“I fucking love that.” He comments before holding your hips and sliding into you. 

You moan into the pillow beneath you when he bottoms out inside of you. Your previous orgasm leaving you wet and easy for Jungkook to slide into you. 

“So wet baby, fuck you feel so good.” Jungkook grunts, pulling out halfway so he can push inside of you again. 

You sit up and reach behind your back to hold his hand in your own. He takes your hand in his and picks up the pace with his thrust. 

He groans and bites his lip at the feeling of your walls clenching around the shaft of his cock. 

The image of your ass bouncing against his hips with every one of his thrusts puts Jungkook in a trance. 

“Jungkook!” You moan as his tip hits against your sweet spot over and over again. 

“Right there baby! Oh fuck right there!” You grip his hand tightly and fuck yourself back against his thrust. 

Jungkook’s thrusts slow down as he watches you bounce back onto him trying to reach your orgasm. 

“Look at you, so so desperate to come. Are you gonna come for me baby girl?” He asks, rolling his hips deeper inside of you, grunting at the feeling of his orgasm sneaking up on him as well. 

You let out a mantra of moans in response and clench around him tightly feeling your orgasm rack through your body. You whimper loudly as Jungkook continues to fuck into your core. 

You let go of his hand and grip the sheets in both of your hands to hold as you bounce back against his thrusts. 

Jungkook groans loudly and brings his hand down onto your ass gripping it tightly in his hands. 

Between your previous orgasms, Jungkook’s hands gripping your ass, and his continuing thrust against your sweet spot, you feel another orgasm approaching and this time it was more intense than the others. 

“Jungkook!” You screamed into the pillow as your body convulsed and your ass was met with Jungkook's hips. 

Jungkook gasps loudly as your arousal covers his lower abdomen and part of his thighs, slowly dripping to the bed.

The feeling of your come covering his lower half and the way your core clenched around him pushed him to the edge. 

“Shit!” He groans loudly and grips your hair as he comes deep inside of you. 

You slowly fall onto your stomach and hiss when Jungkook slips out of you, you lay on the. bed and let out a sigh, all while gradually trying to catch your breath. 

Jungkook reaches over and cleans you up with a washcloth, he cleans himself up as well and puts the cloth in a dirty clothes basket. 

You watch as he flops back into bed and pulls the blanket over the both of you. 

“Baby you…” Jungkook started, looking over at you while blushing intensely.  

“I squirted. I’ve never done that before.” You pull the comforter up to cover your face and chuckle. 

“How are you so amazing?” He asks, looking over at you with pure happiness in his eyes. 

You shrug your shoulders and lean over to place a kiss on his cheek. He turns on his side and pulls you into his embrace, kissing you with nothing but love and affection. 

You kiss him back, with just as much passion and wrap your arms around his neck, running your fingers through his hair.

You both pull away and look at each other before you both start smiling and giggling. 

“We need to clean up and get dressed by 1:00, your aunt and uncle are expecting us for lunch.” You inform him, playing with his brown hair. 

He whines cutely and pulls you into his chest pretending to fall asleep. 

“You’re adorable but that’s not going to work on me this time cutie pie.” You kiss his nose and rest against his chest. 

“It was worth a shot.” He mumbles and pulls you closer into his arms, the two of you slowly falling back to a peaceful slumber.

#jungkook scenario #jeon jungkook #jungkook smut #jungkook #BTS jungkook #bts series #bts scenarios #bts scenario #bts smut #kpop smut #ambw scenario #ambw scenarios #bts au #jungkook scenarios #jungkook au

[dvp95]

can't breathe when you touch my sleeve - chapter 1

pairing: dan howell/phil lester

rating: e (eventually)

warnings: none

tags: alternate universe, slow burn, fluff & humour, tiny bit of inner turmoil wrt sexuality but trust me it’s not that deep, eventual smut, idiots in love

word count: 5,384 (this chapter & total)

summary: Dan keeps making a fool of himself in interviews, to the point where it’s basically a meme. Now he’s got to sit down for the better part of an hour and sell his show to the YouTuber he’d had a massive crush on when he was a teenager.

read on ao3 or here!

“You’re gonna need to do this one alone, dude, our flight’s been delayed again.”

At least Dan’s costar seems somewhat put out. She looks all chagrined and her accent has slipped back into a drawl since they’d finished filming. The FaceTime call is grainy, but he can tell she’s tired from being in the airport all day.

“It’s fine, Jaime,” Dan lies through his teeth, because there’s nothing she can fucking do about it anyway. He sighs and looks at himself in the mirror, where he’d paused in fixing his eyebrows to take her call. “Does Patrick even care, or is he just sleeping on his luggage again?”

“The latter, of course,” Jaime laughs. She turns the camera briefly so Dan can see the star of their show lounging across his bags with a blanket over his face.

Dan laughs, too, but there’s panic in it. “So you guys are really, like. Stuck in Atlanta.”

“Yeah,” she sighs. “But it’s just one interview.”

Just one interview. The amount of damage Dan knows he can do with just one interview makes him consider calling out sick.

“It’s an interview with BBC Radio One,” he reminds her. Jaime’s only reaction is to blink at him. This is why he regrets spending all of his time in America, with Americans. They’re fine and all, he loves his job, they just don’t understand the sort of ramifications that could come from Dan fucking up this interview. Ramifications like, his grandma might hear it.

“It’s fine, you’re talking to a YouTuber,” says Jaime. “You’re better with them.”

“That’s because they’re more like people.”

“Jimmy Kimmel is people, Daniel.”

“He’s not,” Dan says, adamant. “And Jimmy Kimmel saw me do a fucking nosedive on my way offstage, didn’t he.”

It’s their second year doing press tours, the first they’re doing any kind of international coverage, and it’s already become a widespread joke that Daniel Howell sucks in interviews.

Give him a script, he’s fine. Ask him questions he can riff off, he’s fine. But he’s easily distracted, gets starstruck in ways his coworkers have managed to suppress, and his limbs aren’t friends with his brain. He’s spilled iced coffee on many a PA, said BuzzFeed no less than five times during the Wired autocomplete interview, turned into an actual fucking tomato when Lilly Singh complimented him.

He always thought, hey, at least it’s mostly online coverage. Not the fucking BBC. He’s more comfortable in an online space. And he’s happy with it all, since being in a well-liked Netflix original means that he’s more or less living the dream.

If only he could stop making a fucking fool of himself in interviews. It’s basically a meme at this point.

“You’ll be fine,” Jaime says.

“I’m going to offend them and/or fall on my ass,” says Dan.

Jaime’s lips twitch, lagging a bit with the shitty airport wifi. “Yeah, maybe.”

–

It’s a very close call, but Dan doesn’t roll into the BBC late. His hair might be a fucking disaster and he might have almost left the house without his left shoe on, but he got here and that’s what counts.

“Hey,” he says at the desk, trying to act like he didn’t just run here after getting off on the wrong Tube stop. He’s never spent a lot of time in London, has barely been back from America in a few years, and he might have overestimated his navigation abilities. “Hi, um, I’m -”

“Daniel Howell,” the receptionist says, looking for all the world like he hasn’t done anything strange. “Sure, yeah, you’re just going to go down that hall there, it’s the third door. The toilets are on the way if you want to freshen up.”

Dan is fairly sure he looks like a mess, so he thanks the kind person profusely before running off to the bathroom to check.

Yeah, alright. He’s looked worse. He’s also looked a lot better, but he didn’t pack any straighteners or concealer in his jeans, so it’ll just have to fucking do. He fixes his hair as best as he can and dries the sweat off his face. After that, all he can really do is make sure his flies are zipped before he makes his way to the room he’d been pointed to.

It’s small and sparse, clearly not part of the radio behind-the-scenes. In front of a plain white backdrop, there’s just a couple dark loveseats and a coffee table with glasses of water that Dan is already having a premonition of knocking over.

A guy is setting up one of the two cameras, hasn’t heard Dan enter, and now Dan is wracked with the certainty that anything he says or does at this point will come out awkward.

“Uh,” is what he goes with, wincing when the guy almost knocks the camera off its axis as he jumps. “Sorry. For - that. And for almost being late.”

“You can’t be almost late, can you? You’re fine, sorry, just let me get this…”

“I thought this was a radio interview?”

“No, I mean, I do have a radio show, but I’m not hosting today. This is just for the website and YouTube.”

The voice sounds irritatingly familiar, like it’s on the tip of Dan’s tongue, but that doesn’t surprise him. He’s probably heard most of the people here on the radio at some point, even with how little he’s on this side of the pond.

He’s immeasurably relieved by this not being a live radio interview that his grandma might hear, but he’s still feeling weird without his costars.

“Sorry,” Dan says again, for lack of anything else to say.

“It’s seriously okay,” the guy laughs, finally securing the camera on its tripod properly and spinning to greet Dan. “Hi! You’re Daniel, right? I hear it’s just us today.”

Dan’s brain takes an entire second to place the eyes, the smile, when they aren’t half hidden by a long fringe and bad webcam quality; to place that voice when it isn’t accompanied by some kind of weird animal noise. He makes a weird noise of his own once the lightbulb clicks, and he finds himself blinking rather more than a regular human does.

“Holy shit,” says Dan. “You’re AmazingPhil.”

AmazingPhil smiles with his tongue between his teeth. “Last time I checked. You can just call me Phil, though.”

He’s got glasses on his nose, his hair pushed off his forehead, a corgi on his jumper, and Dan would be lying if he said he wasn’t considering just turning around and walking out.

AmazingPhil - Phil - looks good. The last time Dan had the time to sit down and watch one of his videos was back in uni, and he’d thought Phil looked good then, too. Really good. Like, put Phil’s videos on whenever he was sad and think about that stupid Britney lipsync whenever he was showering kind of good.

Now he’s got to sit down with him for the better part of an hour and sell his show to the guy he’d had a massive crush on when he was a teenager.

“Daniel,” Phil says when Dan doesn’t say anything, his smile softening. “You alright over there?”

“Yes,” says Dan, feeling his face heat up. “I - yes. Sorry. I just - I didn’t expect you.”

“I’m guessing you’ve seen one or two of my videos,” Phil jokes, gesturing for Dan to sit down. “Get comfortable, I’ll grab your mic.”

Get comfortable. Is Phil having a laugh? Dan doesn’t think he’s been this high strung in months, and he sits stiffly on the sofa with his hands clasped in his lap.

Fucking hell. Dan had embarrassed himself on nearly every stop on their press tour last summer, still new to the whole process, and the interviews in L.A. and New York earlier this year weren’t much better. He’s just a massively awkward person, not aware enough of his own body or of the things coming out of his mouth.

He can’t even imagine how he’s going to fuck this one up.

Phil laughs when he approaches Dan, fixing the mic to Dan’s shirt with long, fumbling fingers. Dan’s heart does something acrobatic. “I don’t bite. Y'know, more people have seen your face than they have mine.”

“Probably,” Dan concedes in a mumble, hyperaware of his gaze while Phil gets comfortable on the other sofa. He doesn’t know where to look. He wants to try and match this calm man to the guy in his memory who’d once put makeup on and meowed at a camera for twenty seconds. “It’s not the same, though.”

“Why not?” Phil asks, crossing one of his ankles over the other.

“Well, you’re, like,” says Dan. He gestures vaguely at Phil, and then again at himself. “And I’m, like.”

“Very informative,” says Phil.

“I’m better at talking about the show,” says Dan, feeling the very stupid need to try and prove himself to someone he’s only just met, really. Phil smirks at him a little.

“Well, you’d have to be.”

As much as it makes Dan flush red, he finds himself honking a laugh at the same time. Phil’s smirk widens into a grin.

“Don’t look so fucking pleased with yourself,” Dan says, trying to let the banter relax him a bit. He hasn’t fallen on his face or accidentally said something horrendous yet. He leans back into the sofa and smiles at Phil. “Okay, alright. Moment over. No longer starstruck.”

“Still seems silly to me, I’m really not that big.” Phil laughs. Dan has to bite back roughly a dozen inappropriate comments. “Not compared to some people on the platform, anyway, but that’s fine. I like where I’m at.”

“I understand that,” Dan says, surprised that he’s not lying to sound empathetic. “Like, I love making Heatwave, it’s fine that we aren’t going to be the next Stranger Things.”

“Do you mind if I turn on the camera?” Phil asks, those eyes focused on Dan in a way that makes him feel warm all over. “It’s just, you’re actually speaking. About relevant stuff. So I feel like I should be capturing this on film for some kind of posterity.”

“Fuck off,” Dan says, and then immediately freezes. Phil only laughs and gets up to switch on the cameras and lights.

Okay, good. Still hasn’t mortally offended his teen idol yet.

Phil sits back down and rambles an intro to the lens, looking somehow even more comfortable now that it’s on. Something about being filmed makes him sit up straighter and his eyes go a bit wider. He gestures at Dan with a smile, says, “As you can see, I’m here with Daniel Howell to talk about Netflix’s Heatwave! This is your first time doing an interview by yourself, isn’t it?”

Not a hundred percent sure how Phil knows that, but it’s probably obvious in everything Dan has said and done since getting here.

“Er, yeah,” says Dan eloquently. He scratches the back of his neck and gives his closeup camera a sheepish grin. “That obvious, huh? Jaime and Patrick hide a lot of my awkwardness, they’re good at this bit.”

“You’re doing just fine,” Phil says, encouraging and warm. He ruins it by adding, “At least you haven’t asked me when the baby is due or elbowed me in the face.”

“Oh my god,” Dan groans. He plays it up, throws his head back with it, but the blush is all real.

“I have to ask,” Phil says, and his voice changes slightly. It takes Dan a moment to figure it out, but then he realises that Phil is using his off-camera voice now. Deeper, less enthusiastic. “Is the whole awkward klutz thing a marketing ploy? Like, you’ve been at the center of so many memes.”

“I wish it were a marketing thing.” He blinks over at Phil and mournfully admits, “I got my head stuck in the doors of the Tube last time I came to London. Luckily nobody was filming.”

Phil laughs. It’s a really good sound. Dan wants to make it happen over and over, and he has to stamp down on the urge before it turns into a class clown act. “How did you even manage that? I thought I was clumsy.”

“I tripped,” Dan says, a little more whiny than he really meant to sound. Oh, well, seeming cool in front of Phil is a lost cause by now.

“I trip a lot, too,” says Phil. He’s back in his camera voice. Dan likes this voice, too, more familiar with it, but he already misses being spoken to in that deeper, calmer tone. “Probably a good thing we’re sat down for this, or we’d have to take a trip to A&E.”

“Touch wood, mate,” Dan says dryly.

He’s surprised and charmed when Phil actually does, reaches out and taps on the coffee table.

The conversation flows more easily, then, because Phil starts asking questions about the show and Dan is finally in his element. He knows the show back to front and he’s experienced in the art of holding back spoilers from two decades of finishing video games before his friends did. He tells the same story he’s told in three other interviews, about how he didn’t know he was supposed to do an American accent for the audition and the character got Britishized for him.

Phil laughs like it’s his first time hearing it, even though he’s clearly done his research.

“But you still do a slight accent,” Phil says.

“I do,” says Dan, mildly surprised. He shouldn’t be, but he’s so used to people not noticing or just not commenting on it that Phil bringing it up is strange. “I didn’t think it made sense for Warren to be, like, posh.”

“It doesn’t,” says Phil, “that was a good call.”

“Not that I’m posh,” Dan says, because it’s important to him that Phil know this.

“Really,” says Phil, dryly.

“Oh, fuck off,” says Dan. He regrets swearing on camera, but figures someone will edit it out. “It’s not my fault Winnie the Pooh raised me.”

The grin Phil turns on him makes Dan briefly forget where he is and what he’s talking about. Luckily, one of them is a professional, and Phil gets the interview back on track easily. Dan even manages to make him laugh a couple of times. When he dies, he wants someone to stand up at his funeral and tell everyone that he made AmazingPhil laugh.

Dan even manages not to embarrass himself on camera. He thinks he’s gotten off scot-free, actually, until they’re saying goodbye and Phil goes in for a hug at the same time Dan goes for a handshake.

“Oh,” Dan says eloquently, his knuckles just sort of pressed to Phil’s stomach.

“Sorry,” Phil laughs. He goes for it anyway, wrapping his arms around Dan’s shoulders and not letting go until Dan steps back, feeling so extremely awkward with his hand just kind of crushed between them. Phil doesn’t look awkward. Phil is smirking. “I always give my fans a hug.”

“Shut up,” says Dan. He’s aware of exactly how whiny he sounds, and he wishes he could suck the noise back in and sound cool, unruffled.

“What?” Phil grins. “I’m flattered.”

“I’ll have you know,” says Dan, “I haven’t even, like, watched you since 2011, so.”

Phil’s smile falters. Dan wants to punch himself in the face.

“Just because I got really busy,” Dan rushes to assure him, like Phil actually cares what one bloke thinks of him. “Like, I actually started working my ass off, and couldn’t keep spending fourteen hours a day on YouTube, and then it just stopped being a habit, and I got a new Twitter for professionalism so I fell out of the loop with a lot of people, and -”

“Dan, breathe,” Phil says, but he looks pleased.

Professional people don’t call him Dan very much anymore, not since some other idiot called Dan Howell joined the same union as him. Daniel was a better option than James, and Dan had been going through a pretentious phase that hasn’t quite ended yet, so.

He’s reminded people at work to call him Daniel before, when they try to get overly familiar with him, but. He doesn’t really mind when it’s Phil.

“Okay,” he says, a beat too late for it to sound natural. Well, self-deprecation hasn’t failed him yet. “I’m just walking a very fine line here between seeming cool and also telling you I used to reply to everything you ever tweeted.”

“Aw, Dan,” says Phil. He holds a hand up to his chest like he’s touched. “You couldn’t seem cool if you tried.”

“Shut up,” Dan huffs, shoving lightly at Phil’s shoulder.

Phil’s tongue pokes between his teeth again when he laughs. Dan wishes he could stop noticing that. “It’s nice. I like meeting someone just as weird and awkward as me.”

“I’m way more weird and awkward,” says Dan. “If I didn’t already know the shit you get up to in your bedroom, I’d think you were normal.”

Both of Phil’s eyebrows raise, and it takes Dan about half a second to realise what he’s said and promptly turn crimson.

“I’m alright at acting normal around celebrities,” Phil says, blessedly not drawing attention to Dan wanting something to strike him down where he stands.

“I’m not really a celebrity,” says Dan.

“Sure,” says Phil.

“So you don’t have to, like, act normal around me.”

“Alright.” Phil grins, shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans, rocks back and forth on his feet in what Dan recognizes as a nervous tic. “Did you know that caterpillars don’t just grow wings in their cocoons? They turn into caterpillar soup and then reform.”

Dan blinks. “Why the fuck would I know that?” He blinks again. “Oh, god, why would you tell me that? You mean they just fucking dissolve into liquid before becoming an adult? How fucked up would that be?”

“I know,” Phil says, very earnestly. “It keeps me up at night, Dan.”

Not a fluke. ‘Dan’ still sounds good coming from Phil. Although, if Dan’s going to be perfectly honest with himself, he thinks Phil could call him anything and he’d like the sound of it. He likes Phil’s voice and he really, really likes Phil’s voice when it’s just for him to hear. There’s a part of Dan’s mind that exists purely to remind him he’s attracted to men, and it’s currently clanging pots and pans together as if he couldn’t figure it out on his own.

“Now it’s going to keep me up at night,” Dan groans.

“At least I’ll have company,” says Phil. His voice lilts a bit on the last word, like he wants to make it a question but changes his mind at the last second.

That part of Dan’s mind that he usually tries to forget about, that part he keeps locked up tight unless it’s relevant, is now adding operatic singing to the percussion. It yells, This is flirting! The hot guy is flirting with you!

But he can’t trust it, not when the stakes are as high as having another conversation with AmazingPhil, so he stamps that voice down.

“Yeah, you can DM me,” Dan offers, putting that ball firmly in Phil’s court. “Like. When you can’t sleep. Or whenever, really, I’m jetlagged as fuck right now.”

Phil smiles. “Okay. I will.”

–

Dan doesn’t actually believe him. When his phone dings with a Twitter notification at one in the morning, he gets a sharp neck pain doing a double take at his screen.

Okay, cool. Actual AmazingPhil has sent him a caterpillar emoji. It’s stupid how fast that makes his heart race.

He’d followed Phil’s Twitter while he waited at the Tube station and had been pleased to see that Phil already followed him, too. He hadn’t had time to snoop on his profile or anything before the train came and then he’d gotten distracted when he got back to the hotel, but he’s got nothing but time and insomnia right now.

Dan opens his laptop and clicks on Phil’s Twitter profile to get a good look. He opens the Instagram and YouTube links in new tabs, since it’s not like Phil will know Dan is stalking every page.

youre really still thinking about that, Dan sends from his phone before he settles in to scroll mindlessly.

Phil’s not very good at taking pictures of himself, is the first thing Dan notices. He checks Instagram quickly to confirm it, and, yeah, what the hell? Phil either doesn’t know or doesn’t care what his angles are, because he looks more or less average in every single photo he’s posted in the past few months. He’s not an average-looking guy.

Twitter is kinda boring; Phil doesn’t tweet a lot and when he does it’s either video promotion or an anecdote that doesn’t sound fully true. Dan closes the tab and focuses his stalking on Instagram for a bit.

It’s a good choice. Phil’s selfies are still mediocre, but he’s got good photos with his friends, other YouTubers, some musicians. There’s about a dozen with Nick Grimshaw in some capacity over the past year, but that makes sense to Dan - he’s pretty sure they work together.

Lots of food pictures, which Dan can appreciate. Scenic views of Los Angeles, Orlando, somewhere by the sea that looks like Scotland or the Isle of Man. It doesn’t seem like Phil travels to many places, but those three locations pop up over and over again. And, of course, London. Dan wonders how long Phil has lived here, if he knows the city like the back of his hand the way Dan used to wish he could be rich and famous enough to do.

London used to be The Dream. Still is, really.

His phone vibrates again. I wasn’t joking, it drives me mad. I’ll just be minding my own business and all of a sudden I remember caterpillar soup and I start to spiral. Did you know they retain memories from being a caterpillar? How????????????? They’re SOUP. Then, after a couple seconds, Sorry. Hi., with a string of emojis.

Dan laughs quietly to himself. He’s still a bit starstruck, but he’s also just… charmed. Phil is a charming person.

that’s fucked up and i will be thinking about it for the rest of my short and meaningless existence, Dan replies, because if Phil can’t handle his humour then what are they even doing here.

Remember me when you’re soup, is what Phil says.

Dan decides to save his YouTube stalking for tomorrow night, closing his laptop so he can focus completely on the fact that he’s DMing with AmazingPhil right now. He bites his lip and starts one sentence about four times before he goes with, will do. soup will be soon, im gonna die of embarrassment tomorrow for sure.

What’s tomorrow??

buzzfeed uk. i hate doing buzzfeed interviews bc its like theyre waiting for me to fuck up. theyve got whole listicles on my messy ass

BRB looking up any and all listicles about your ass.

Dan feels warmth curl in his gut. He still can’t be sure if Phil is flirting with him or if this is just what he’s like, and he’s also not really sure what he’d want to do about it if Phil is flirting.

It’s not that Dan doesn’t know he likes guys. He’s known that for a long time. But aside from a few fumbling encounters during secondary and uni - and more than a few during his gap year, when he truly felt like nothing mattered - he hasn’t let himself explore that. It’s fucking terrifying just to think about, and that was before he had millions of people looking at his every move.

He pushes all that back into the box to deal with later, because Phil is messaging him again.

You could invest in a belt.

they dont help!!!! flat ass problems amirite? Dan tries to change the topic immediately after sending that, because the last thing his overthinking needs is to talk about ass with Phil. im also mad at buzzfeed bc they never let me play w the puppies. patrick got to last month and i almost cried i was so jealous

That’s not even a joke. Dan and Jaime had been stuck taking Buzzfeed quizzes on camera while Patrick got to roll around on the floor and play with dogs. When Dan heard, he’d literally started tearing up.

Patrick hadn’t even appreciated it properly. Fucking cat people.

Well, Thor isn’t a puppy anymore, but you can play with him while you’re in town if you want to!

Then, Phil sends him a photo, and Dan makes an embarrassing squeal of a noise, because, what the fuck, why didn’t Phil have any fucking dog photos from the past three years on Instagram? The cutest Welsh Corgi Dan has ever seen is curled up on a familiar duvet cover with one of its eyes peeking open at the camera, curious.

HOLY SHIT

PHIL

HOW IS THIS THE FIRST IM SEEING OF THJS DOG IM GONNA CRY

Haha, you weren’t kidding that you haven’t kept up with me! Thor is the most popular guest star on my channel.

Well, now Dan regrets starting with Instagram, but he doesn’t want to stop talking to Phil long enough to watch a video. He’ll enjoy that personal hell when he can’t sleep tomorrow.

WHY ISNT HE ON YOUR INSTA

Cos he’s got his own! Go follow him @AmazingThorgi if you wanna see! Dan immediately exits the app to do that, swiping up at the notification when Phil double-messages. You’re Insta-stalking me? :)

AmazingThorgi is Dan’s new favourite Instagram account. Thor is ridiculously cute, and Phil seems to have a habit of dressing him up and making him sit in front of plants.

Somehow, Phil takes incredible photos of his dog. Dan would like to know where that composition and lighting knowledge is in his selfies. He doesn’t even know how he’d bring that up, because how do you tell someone they’re smoking hot but have some kind of block when it comes to using a front camera?

When he’s scrolled back to puppy pictures and his eyes are in legitimate danger of watering, Dan goes back to Twitter.

amazingphil who i only know thorgi

He’s the best!!!!!! I’m slightly allergic to him but that’s ok he’s worth all the benadryl in the world!!

Jesus. Dan isn’t sure his heart is physically capable of handling all this new information about a guy he used to know everything about. There’s something so endearing to Dan about that, about a man who loves dogs so much that he’ll take allergy medication every day instead of not owning one. That’s just. Something Dan thinks is very cute.

They tell you not to meet your heroes for a fucking reason, and that reason isn’t 'because they’re somehow even better in person.’ Dan has met a few people in the acting sphere that he was disappointed by, to be honest, but.

Every new message he gets from Phil just makes him sound more and more like someone Dan really wants to hang out with.

And Phil had, in a way, offered that. Dan isn’t sure if it was just a lead-in to showing off cute photos of Thor, but he’s just sleep-deprived enough to take it as an invitation.

im in town for 3 wks what is thors schedule like

Phil responds with a couple of barely comprehensible, excited emojis, and Dan has to bite his lip so he doesn’t smile at his phone like a goofball. Not that anyone is here to see him, but. It’s the principle of the thing. He’s helping me film sometime tomorrow but he’s free all week after that!!

Swallowing down the minor uncertainty of whether or not this is flirting, if this is a date they’re setting up, Dan figures out a time and place to hang out. He’s got a day off between interviews this week that he’d originally planned to spend in bed recharging from all the social interaction, but being given the opportunity to get coffee and go to a dog park with Actual AmazingPhil is a gift from a higher power that he won’t ignore.

Phil gets sleepy and Dan finds it sweet that he can tell by the way Phil types, his grammar slipping by the wayside and his emoji use becoming a hundred percent incoherent.

we should both sleep mate but send me pics of thor to get me through buzzfeed hell

One comes in immediately, a somewhat blurry shot of Thor’s nose buried into Phil’s thigh, and Dan curses under his breath. He puts his phone on the nightstand and struggles to fall asleep when all he can think about is how cozy that photo looked, how much he wants to crawl into it and live there forever.

Dan may or may not be fucked.

–

It’s a relief to have Patrick and Jaime with him again, all three of them subject to the repetitive questions and whatever weird, unique tasks are thrown their way by entertainment news sources, but Dan can’t wait to get away from them once they’re back at the hotel.

He gets himself set up with a beer and some Dominos in bed before he opens the AmazingPhil channel on his laptop. Hotel wifi isn’t the best, but it’ll have to do.

There’s a lot of content and links, and every title is as clickbait-y as the last. Dan could probably scroll down Phil’s page for eternity without making a decision, so he sorts the uploads by most popular.

A video of Thor as a puppy takes the number one spot, which Dan isn’t sure he’s emotionally prepared for, and not far behind it in views is just a video thumbnail of Phil looking bemused and titled 7 SECOND CHALLENGE! (BONUS). It really is only seven seconds long.

Dan can’t help but be curious about that one. He clicks it, makes it full screen even though it’s a short video.

The shot opens on a closet door and it folds open, revealing a grinning Phil. His fringe is soft over his forehead and he’s wearing a shirt with a roaring bear on it - this was a couple of years ago.

“Hi,” video Phil says, jolting Dan back to the present. Phil giggles. “I’m gay.”

It’s not all that much of a shock, really, but Dan’s heart still picks up speed as he watches Phil laugh again, close the door, yelp as he knocks into something.

Something else starts autoplaying, and Dan lets it. A younger Phil talks to the camera about a bad gym experience, and Dan finds himself zoning out for half of the video.

Phil’s been out as a gay man since… when was that video posted? 2014? 2015? Dan doesn’t have the wherewithal to check right this second. For a few years, in any case, and he’d said it so casually that he must have known for ages before that, and Dan.

Well. Dan can’t quite shake the feeling that, if he had kept up with Phil all these years, he might have had to examine that box in his mind a lot closer by now. The word gay rolls off Phil’s tongue like it belongs there, like it’s second nature, like it has never been a weapon. Dan wants to hear him say it over and over like a personal calming ritual.

A cursory Google tells Dan that Phil’s coming out video was posted in 2014 accompanying a collaboration with Phil’s friend PJ, and that he has never spoken about his romantic life since.

That’s a blessing and a curse.

Dan sighs heavily and thinks, not for the first time, that he should really invest in therapy. Then, he lets himself become untethered from reality as he watches Phil talk and joke about silly things in the autoplaying videos. The pizza tastes like cardboard.

As if he’s looking at his own body from the perspective of an outsider, Dan takes the figurative locked box in his figurative hands and lets it fall open to sort through some things. Just for a little bit.

#phan #phanfic #phanfiction #dnp fic #words words words #can't breathe when you touch my sleeve

[argylemnwrites]

It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment - Chapter 13

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Romance (Canon Divergent from Book 2, Chapter 15)

Word Count: ~4800

Rating: R (adult language - like too many f-bombs to count, here)

Summary: Drake tries to process his most recent decisions in regards to Liam and Riley, but some of the palace guests and residents make that difficult.

Author’s Note: So, yeah. I’m back at this story. I never intended to take so long between chapters, but this content here is basically the reason I didn’t just write Chapter 1 as a one shot, but instead turned it into an actual fic. Well, it turns out getting this all out of my head and into words was a real struggle. I could keep playing around and tweaking this indefinitely, but y’all have been patient enough, so without further ado, let’s get back into things here. We last left Riley leaving Cordonia to return to NYC while Drake stayed for Liam. Meanwhile, Olivia had just discovered that her aunt was involved in the recent attacks. This picks up that same afternoon.

This series diverges from TRR canon, where instead of waiting to discuss his relationship with Riley until their last night in NYC, leaving her a note while Liam is proposing to her, Drake tackles this topic as soon as possible after Tariq makes his statement and Riley’s name is cleared. To catch up on this series, you can find the previous chapters in my masterlist (link is located in my bio).

The Cordonian royal palace had a total of six different lounges, but only one of them was truly a private lounge, tucked away in a back corridor of the royal family’s residential wing. It had been the location of many nights of drinks and cards over the years. The group in attendance had varied, starting with Leo and Bertrand years and years ago. Tariq and Rashad both would drop in if they were in the capital. And more recently, Maxwell had hustled Drake out of more money than he cared to admit over hands of poker. But really, the only constants at these private card games had been Liam and Drake himself. It was strange to sit there now, alone in the middle of the afternoon. But Drake had wanted a drink and a smoke, and it was the only place in the palace where he would find both whiskey and an ashtray and be likely to be left alone.

Drake didn’t know how he felt, exactly. Not that he was ever great at putting his feelings into words, but today was even harder than usual. He didn’t really feel sad. More empty. Hollow.

He took the last drag from his cigarette as he kept rooting through the bar until he found the bottle of Yamazaki 18 tucked behind several other bottles of scotch and whiskey. If there was ever a day that warranted the good stuff, today was that day. Drake poured himself a double on the rocks before carrying his glass and the ashtray over to one of the armchairs by the fireplace. He knew he was wallowing, but he figured he’d earned it. Today just plain sucked.

The drive back from the airport had felt kind of covered in this sort of surreal haze. Had he really just let her get on a plane and leave? But what else could he have done? He had to stay. For Liam. And he couldn’t ask her just to hang around while he dealt with all that. It wasn’t fair to her. She, unlike him, actually had a life in New York. Asking her to abandon all of that just to sit around as some sort of fucking emotional comfort for him was selfish.

And truth be told, her being around would probably be counterproductive. It seemed like the three of them being in the same room was just a recipe for awkwardness. If Drake was actually going to be there for Liam, Riley’s presence would not make things easier. Even though Liam would never say anything, it was clear to anyone with half a brain that seeing him and Riley together was just adding stress. That he wasn’t coping with their relationship as much as he wanted to project that he was. And Drake certainly wasn’t going to stick around just to throw his happiness in Liam’s face. That was the opposite of his goal.

Still, watching her walk away from him at the airport had torn something deep inside him. It felt wrong, and he missed her already. God, he was a pathetic mess. He took a sip of his whiskey before lighting up another cigarette, but was interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open.

It was Leo. Of course he would be the only other person at the palace looking for a stiff drink well before cocktail hour. He strolled in, whistling to himself until he caught sight of Drake, his eyebrows shooting up comically.

“Hey, what are you still doing here? I thought your flight was today.” he asked after a moment, continuing over to the bar and grabbing the bottle of whiskey Drake had left out.

“Yeah, well… I decided to stick around for a while.”

Leo looked up from the bar, seeming to stare at Drake with those words. “You’re here by yourself?”

Drake swallowed roughly, tapping his cigarette against the ashtray’s edge. “Yeah, Liu flew out.”

The only sound was that of a glass being set on the bar and the splash of liquid as Leo poured himself a couple fingers of the whiskey. He took a sip of his drink before he stepped around the bar, raising his glass toward Drake is if in a toast. “I can’t say I’m not a little relieved.”

Drake took a drag off his cigarette, trying to gauge how pissed that should be making him. Leo didn’t always think things through fully, so he probably didn’t mean much by his statement. Still, for him to be the one to give him shit about sticking around? Well, it was pretty damn annoying.

After another sip of his drink, Leo chuckled as he continued, “I thought I was going to have to fly out and track you down again for a moment, there.”

Okay, maybe Leo did mean something. Drake bit his lip, trying to control his temper. He knew he was already on edge, and at the end of the day, Leo really wasn’t worth it. But his patience was tested as Leo continued, “I mean, I get it, the whole ‘following some girl halfway across the world’ thing, but I’m glad you finally came to your senses.”

“My senses?”

“Well, yeah. I know, chasing skirts is fun and all, but at the end of the day, you gotta admit that you belong here, right?”

Drake swallowed, trying to find his words before he spoke. He was trying to control his temper, he really was. But today had sucked enough without having to listen to Leo spout this bullshit.

“I mean, you did have me worried for a minute there. That pussy must be truly spectacular for both you and him to lose your minds over it.”

Drake heard a loud rushing in his ears and realized he as out of his chair and striding over to Leo before he could even think about what he was doing. Leo’s eyes widened and he maneuvered himself behind the bar, the fear evident in his eyes.

“Relax, man. I didn’t mean anything, really. I’m sure she’s a great woman. All I was trying to say is that I’m glad you’ll be here for him.”

“Right, because otherwise you might have to act like his actual brother, not just some drinking buddy.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Come on, Leo. You’re not gonna stand there and act like you’ve been the brother he deserves, are you?”

Leo scowled, taking a long drink from his glass before he responded, “Just add it to the list. One more way that Leo is a fuckup who could never measure up to his perfect, saintly little brother.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up!” Drake groaned, rolling his eyes. “Nothing you can say will ever make me feel sorry for your irresponsible, hypocritical, entitled ass.”

“You have no idea what the pressure is like! You have never had to carry that weight, knowing you would never be able to-”

“I’m not talking about your abdication, Leo!” Drake yelled, smacking his hand down against the top of the bar. “That’s a whole other thing, and I don’t really want to get into right now. I’m talking about the fact that you have been a shitty brother to him since day one. And guess who always had to be there to pick up the slack?”

“Ah, yes. Drake Walker - a modern-day martyr. Your life has been sooo difficult, what with the living rent-free at a palace, drinking top shelf whiskey, going horseback riding on private trails whenever you wanted. Tell me again of the great woes and tribulations that were thrust upon you because of your burdensome friendship with His Majesty. I know he asked so much of you.”

“Classic Leo, deflect away any real criticism. Nothing is ever your fault, is it? Your father expected too much. The world just didn’t understand you. You weren’t cut out for this life. It’s your own fucking greatest hits album, and I’m so goddamn sick of it. But you know what? Play the fucking victim. Tell me again how fucking hard your privileged little life is. I honestly don’t give a shit. But I’m not gonna stand here and listen to your bullshit tales of how I was somehow the one who mistreated Liam.”

“Let’s see - you fucked the woman he loved and left him alone while terrorists tried to kill him. Am I leaving out any other recent developments?”

“Are we just gonna pretend that the first 28 years of his life didn’t happen? Because last time I checked, you haven’t exactly been some beacon of brotherly support. And rich of you to give me shit for choosing one woman to be with when your whole life has been nothing but a string of girls you claimed were different that all the ones who came before. First there was Charlize, then Fiona, or did Katrina come before her? Then Gigi, and that redhead whose name I never did find out, then-”

“Liam wasn’t in love with any of them. Besides, it’s not like you were some celibate monk all those years.”

“Yet someone I was able to find a way to sleep with women and be there for Liam. You on the other hand, were always just a bit too busy to find time to call and check in.”

“I love my brother, and I tried to be there for him. I’m sorry if my best isn’t up to the impeccable Walker standards,” Leo sneered, finishing his drink and slamming his glass down on the bar.

“You tried? Really? Leo, you took a fucking private jet and dragged me away from my life because you couldn’t handle his actual emotions! Then you dumped the crown on him without a backwards glance! I was always the one who had to clean up the mess!”

Leo opened his mouth, undoubtedly ready to defend himself, but the door to the lounge swung open, stopping the two men in their tracks. There was Liam, a scowl etched across his face, “I thought it might be best to inform you that approximately half the palace can hear you right now.”

Drake swallowed roughly, trying to control the anger rolling off him in waves. Fucking Leo. At least he had the decency to look guilty, dropping his eyes to the bartop and taking a deep breath before he spoke again.

“How much did you hear, Liam?”

“More than enough, Leo. Would you mind giving me a moment with Drake?”

“I should have known you’d take his side.”

“You and I will talk later. Right now, I need to speak to Drake.”

Leo stared at Liam for just a second before shaking his head and brushing past him on his way out the door. Drake waited until his footsteps trailed off before he spoke.

“If you had heard some of the shit he was saying, Liam, you-”

“I did hear ‘some of the shit’ he said. I, along with numerous palace employees, heard many things that both of you said. That really isn’t important at the moment. What I’m most interested in is your statement that he dragged you away from your life.”

“Liam, come on. Let’s not do this.”

“Do what, exactly? I am merely asking you to clarify the circumstances under which my brother-”

“Cut the diplomatic bullshit. If you’re going to fight with me, don’t talk to me like I’m some foreign dignitary.”

Liam just shook his head, “I’m not trying to fight with you, Drake. I didn’t even know you were still in the country, so imagine my surprise to hear you and my brother with raised voices, airing what seems to be years of personal grievances loudly enough for all the staff to hear. I’m simply trying to figure out what set both of you off. Leo isn’t usually one who angers like that, so it strikes me that this might be serious.”

“Oh, so you’re saying I'm the one who flies off the handle? The hot-headed commoner can’t control his temper, huh?”

Liam’s eyes widened and he took a beat before he continued, “What the hell is going on with you, Drake? I’m not even sure why you are here, but you seem determined to be furious with someone right now. Why don’t you just take a deep breath and try and-”

“Don’t you dare try to tell me to calm down. Don’t fucking placate me just to fucking keep the peace. I’m not some foreign diplomat, Liam. I’m supposed to be your friend. So don’t fucking treat me like we’re in the midst of a treaty negotiation.”

Liam sighed heavily. “Drake, all I want to do is figure out what is bothering you. I care about you, and I know whatever transpired between you and Leo-”

“Cut the bullshit; you came in here with a purpose. You had a question for me.”

“That’s not important right now. Hearing the way you are getting upset, seeing you here at all, I just-”

“Ask me your goddamn question, Liam.”

Liam hesitated for just a moment. He was clearly trying to gauge whether Drake was past the point of no return here, some part of Drake’s mind could sense that fact. But right now, his blood was pumping. His frustrations from the past few weeks had boiled over, and he was pissed. At Leo. At his life. At himself. And Liam must have realized that, because he decided to feed the beast, knowing there was no other way for Drake to have any sort of rational discussion if he didn’t do him the courtesy of granting him this. 

“What did you mean when you said Leo dragged you away from your life?”

“Did you really never figure out how I was able to afford a last minute flight to Cordonia when I was a broke university student?”

“Leo bought you your ticket back?”

Drake let out a harsh chuckle. “Try Leo fucking showed up on campus, took me in a towncar to a private airplane hanger, and put me on the fucking royal jet.”

A range of emotions rolled rapidly across Liam’s face. Confusion. Shock. Deliberation. But finally, a firm hardness settled into his eyes. Liam was in full-on negotiator mode. It wasn’t a role he had to play often, but when he did, it was always a sight to see. He was poised and calculated and sure. It was great to watch him corner people who mistook his kindness and compassion for weakness. Or at least, Drake had always reveled in it before, when it was directed at presumptuous foreign leaders or entitled and under-prepared nobles. He’d never felt it directed at him. 

“So would it be fair to say that it was out of obligation, not friendship, that you returned to Cordonia?”

“No, I came back because I cared about you and I was worried about you.”

“But you never would have returned if it wasn’t made clear to you that I was struggling to cope. You weren’t worried about me. Leo, the fucking flakiest man on the planet, was worried about me. You just served your role. Well, consider you obligation to me over.”

“Liam, stop it!” Drake tried to cut it, but Liam was far from finished, his words piercing through the room like a dagger.

 “I now understand what you meant about you being the one who had to clean up the mess. I was just some liability punted from Leo to you.”

“Come on, that’s not-.”

“No, you ‘come on,’ Drake. It was obviously in reference to me. In what ways was I such a burden to you? In what ways did I hold you back from your real life?”

“I didn’t mean it like that, I just-”

“How did you mean it Drake? Anyway I can fathom you meaning it undercuts years of friendship, does it not?”

“No, it doesn’t! This is a two-way street, Liam. I know for a fact that I’ve been a burden to you at some points, too.”

Liam paused, swallowing roughly before he continued. “I never saw it that way. I was grateful to be there for you, someone I consider to be family. You were never a burden to me.”

Drake sighed, “I’ve never been as optimistic as you. I’m sorry that my phrasing is harsh, but you know me. I’m not saying that your friendship is some drain on me. But it is a fact that I had to walk away from some things after that assassination attempt. And I don’t regret doing it; but yeah, I left some things behind.”

“Are you sure you don’t regret it? Because listening to you now, it certainly seems like you hold some resentment there, if it still affects you years after the fact.” 

Drake rubbed his face. How had this spiraled into some discussion of his decision years ago? “Look, you needed me then. Everything else kind of fell by the wayside.”

“I may have appreciated your return, but I certainly didn’t need you. You didn’t even realize that I was struggling. I would have been perfectly able of coping on my own.”

Liam paced away from Drake at that, trying to put some distance between them. Honestly, it somehow pissed Drake off even more. This was fucking revisionist history bullshit, that Leo was some intuitive brother, a saint who tracked down a comfort for Liam out of the goodness of his heart, not some responsibility-phobic asshole who booked it the second things get hard.

“Liam, I don’t know whether you needed me or not. But the fact is having me here was helpful, so I stayed. Not just because Leo asked, but because I cared more about your struggles than my own.”

“But I never asked you to do that! And now, years after the fact, you somehow still find a way to hold that against me.”

“What are you talking about?”

Liam spun around and stalked over towards Drake. He had a burning look in his eyes, but he kept clenching and unclenching his fists, as if he were trying to hold back this raging fire of anger and pain inside of him.

“I always looked past the fact that you were envious of me, understanding that some of the privileges of my station might appear to outweigh the burdens from an outside perspective. But now, hearing all of this, I just wonder if…” Liam trailed off, seeming to gain control of himself once again before he continued speaking. “Nevermind, it’s not important.”

“No, go on and say it.” The anger churning inside Drake wanted, no needed, to hear whatever thought Liam had apparently had decided was worth censoring from him, the one person he was never supposed to have to censor himself around.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“That’s fucking infuriating. You started the thought; you might as well finish it.”

Liam closed his eyes briefly before opening them and staring Drake down. “Fine. I wonder if you didn’t pursue Riley as a way to get back at me.”

Drake paused for a moment, trying to wrap his mind around the absolute insanity he was hearing. “What the fuck, Liam?”

“Maybe not consciously, but yes, since you clearly have some sort of resentment you hold against me, I just have to wonder if you maybe you went after her because you knew how much I liked her.”

“Went after her- God, do you really think so little of me that you think I toyed around with some poor woman just as part of some misguided revenge against you? I don’t even know how to respond to that, Liam. It’s so fucking insulting.”

Liam dropped his gaze at Drake’s statement, having the good grace at least to realize that statement was pretty horrible, but Drake felt more and more words coming up. It seemed like once he and Liam started down this road, he just couldn’t stop the thoughts from flowing out, unchecked and without pause.

“And not just to me. She is a grown ass adult who is perfectly capable of making up her own mind about her own relationships. It’s not like she just sat around, staring off into space, waiting for one of us to come along and convince her to be with us.”

“Stop putting words in my mouth, Drake. It isn’t fair and you know it. I have never treated her with anything but the utmost respect and hospitality.”

“That’s how you treat a distant relative who needs a place to stay for a few days. It’s not how you treat someone you want to marry!”

“Well, I don’t think open disdain is the best way to treat a romantic partner, either.”

Drake knew it was an earned dig. After all, he hadn’t exactly held back with his early cruelty towards Riley when speaking with Liam all those months ago. But to have his first impressions thrown in his face, when he had eaten so much crow and opened up to the woman in question so much? When Liam seemed to be stuck on his own first impressions of Riley? It just pissed him off all over again.

“I at least always treated her as an equal. I didn’t put her on some impossible pedestal she was bound to crash from.”

“I did everything in my power to show a woman that I was falling for her, that I adored her, and somehow that is a problem? I respected her roots and her background with kindness and gentleness. I tried to arrange ways to make her feel comfortable in a new country. I researched how to woo someone who had never been part of the nobility. I did everything I could think of to welcome her into this world. I courted her the best way I knew. In fact, I showed her far more affection than any of the other women here for me, even though it weighed on me that I wasn’t treating the rest of them fairly. Explain to me, Drake, how that degree of romance is somehow less desirable than sarcasm and condescension.” 

“You are so fucking blinded by your cloud of royal entitlement, and you can’t even fucking see it. ‘Here for you?’ News flash, Liam - Hana and Maxwell figured it that we were together. I’m pretty sure Bertrand did as well. Hell, my sister claims she knew something was going on between us, and she met Liu for all of an hour. Why is it that you are the only one who didn’t see that something was going on between us?”

Liam opened his mouth to retort, but Drake kept pushing, “I’ll tell you why - you like to think you’re this down to earth royal, but the fact of the matter is, you could never envision a woman willingly choosing to be with me when she had the option to be with you. And maybe I’ve been a shit friend to you in some ways, but guess what? That makes you a pretty shit friend, too. Because you’re willing to sit here and imply that my love is not real, just some petty revenge because you were more important than I could ever be. And you know what? It’s bullshit.” 

“Tell me, Drake - what is the appropriate response in your mind when you find out the woman you were pursuing was sleeping with your best friend and neither one of them saw fit to clue you in?”

“She tried to clue you in. Sure, she could have been more blunt, I guess. But did you really not notice that she stopped sneaking away to meet up for all of your little secret rendezvous? Or how about the fact that she stopped kissing you? But you kept after her. Because of course she was into you. What woman wouldn’t be? Who would choose to be with the lowly commoner instead of the handsome king?”

“Instead of playing the victim here, you could at least treat me with enough respect to acknowledge that you, while claiming to be my best friend, lied to me and let me look like a fool. You could have saved me a lot of pain and heartache. You made the conscious decision not to, and yet you have the gall to stand here and act like I was the one in the wrong.”

Drake glanced away, taking a swig from his glass, but unfortunately it was empty. He couldn’t even get a little distraction as Liam let him have it.

“You always see the worst in people Drake. You claim they see you as less than, that you are somehow treated as worse than others around you based simply on the fact that you were born a commoner. But you never take ownership of your own actions. You expect to be treated with respect when earning your respect is a monumental task that almost no one could ever hope to achieve. You write people off simply for having the misfortune of being born to a different social class, not acknowledging that they have as much control over their heritage as you do over yours. And you expect to be treated with dignity without offering any in return. 

“And I tolerated it, because I knew that there were some people that did treat you as second class, and because you always respected me enough to be one of the few people in my life who granted me complete honesty. But now, that is called into question, because you lied to me, repeatedly. And I have to wonder if you ever cared for me, how you could be so callous in the way you treated me in all of this?”

The question hung in the air, sitting there. It smothered the lounge in thick layer of suspense, neither man able to move forward and speak, yet at the same time unable to look away from each other. Drake felt equal parts guilty and damaged. It seemed like for every critique he’d had of Liam, Liam had his own to hurl right back. Neither one of them held the high ground here. They both were metaphorically beaten and bruised. Eventually, a sharp knock on the door broke the tense silence. After a few more seconds of staring at each other, Liam finally spoke.

“Come in.”

“Of fucking course,” thought Drake. Who else would be here but Olivia fucking Nevrakis? 

“Your assistant told me I might find you here, but he looked awfully uncomfortable about that fact. Did he send me to interrupt a lover’s quarrel?”

Drake refused to dignify her with a response, but the complete silence from both of them clearly spoke volumes. Olivia rolled her eyes slightly before she spoke again.

“As much as I would like to stay for the inevitable brawl and see who wins this, I have something to discuss with His Majesty that’s rather time sensitive. Liam, do you mind?”

Liam turned to face Olivia, but even in profile, Drake could sense him plastering on his diplomatic mask once again. “Of course, Lady Olivia. Let’s head to my office.”

And without a backward glance, he was off, falling in stride with Olivia as the two of them exited the room. As soon as the lounge door swung shut, Drake sank into the closest chair, letting out a long sigh. He felt like he had just thrown up, but in that way when you’ve been nauseous all day from a stomach flu, and then when you finally puke, you somehow feel awful but somehow better all at the same time. 

Telling Liam all these thoughts he’d kept to himself. Telling him the thoughts he didn’t even realize he’d been keeping to himself. Well, it was damn cathartic. To have it all out in the open felt like a relief. Even if Liam had his own issues to throw out there. Hell maybe because Liam had his own issues with him. Finally, they were talking. Really talking, not just beating around the apple tree. And that had to be progress, right?

Sure, as the adrenaline from the fight wore off, some of Liam’s barbs sunk in. And boy, did they sting. But at the end of the day, Drake somehow felt that this was better than their stilted half conversations and awkward small talk. At least this was real. And quite frankly, today kind of felt like rock bottom. That meant things could only improve from here. Drake just had to figure out how.

@dcbbw @mfackenthal @jovialyouthmusic @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @riley–walker @thequeenofcronuts @notoriouscs @butindeed @thesumofmychoices @cosigottahavefaith @thequeenchoices @katedrakeohd @feartheendlesssummer   @sirbeepsalot @ladyangel70 @ao719  @ooo-barff-ooo @octobereighth @sunnyxdazed

  @wickedgypsymoon

@carabeth

#drake walker #drake x mc #king liam #trr liam #roe leo #trr #the royal romance #trr fanfic #choices trr #choices #playchoices #choices stories you play #choices fanfiction

[septic84]

Eschew The Chew

“Phil, wake the fuck up!” I jerked up fast, feeling my stomach lurch.  

“What the hell, Dan?”  

“We need to pack and go, now!”  

“Go where?” Dan wasn’t playing a joke on me; I could tell by his demeanor that he was scared. “Dan, calm down, what’s going on?”  

“It’s all over the BBC, Phil!” He said, pulling a travel bag out of the closet. “It’s like some virus,”

A03

 I had now fully sat up, if Dan had not have been so scared, I would have laughed at how animated he was.  I grabbed my glasses and placed them on my face. “Virus?”  

“Yes, it’s making people cannibalistic.”    

“Dan, are you intoxicated?”  

“Fuck off!” Dan was now shoving random pieces of clothing into the bag. “Just look at your fucking phone, okay?”    

So, I did, but nothing would load, not on Wifi, not on data. “there’s nothing Dan, I can’t get anything to load.”  

“Shit,” Dan said, “That means it’s getting worse.” I walked into the lounge where Dan had the TV on, we hardly watched anything on cable.  

“Started in the northern parts of Ireland and is spreading rapidly. Daily curfews and quarantine zones are now going into effect in all of Ireland and are expected to affect the UK later tomorrow.”  

“Holy shit,” I muttered.  

“You see!” Dan demanded, “What I believe to be one of or the last Plane to Florida is leaving in three hours and we need to be on it. It may be our only chance.”  

“Hold on,” I took a deep breath. “Dan, we are talking about leaving country. We are going to leave our families here?”  

Dan took a deep breath, “Phil, we are going to have to trust that they can take care of themselves.”  

I was stood frozen, I couldn’t move.  

“Phil!” Dan screamed, “I am not fucking kidding. We need to move!” I went back to our room, placing various things in my travel bag. How do you know what to pack for the apocalypse?  After I had packed clothes, some irreplaceable keepsakes, and my pillow, I took another bag to the kitchen and filled it with nonperishable food items. That was smart right? If the disaster movies taught me anything, it was that food becomes scares quickly in these types of scenarios.  

Dan walked into the room, “Okay, I have packed everything in the bathroom.” He looked at me and nodded approvingly. “Oh, good idea. I hope they don’t limit our baggage.”  

Once we arrived at the airport it was sheer chaos; people were screaming, crying or just staring into nothing. “Dan,” I whispered, “What if we don’t get out?”  

“We will,” was all Dan said. He was surprisingly calm. We saw armed officials with medical staff examining people.  They were making their way throughout the lines and were currently examining the family next to us.  I started to panic.  

“Deep breaths, Phil. Don’t draw too much attention to us, okay?”  

“Right,” I said  

“Names?”  

“Daniel Howell,”  

“Phil Lester.”  

“Country and city of origin?”  

“United Kingdom, London.”  

“Both of you?”  

I nodded.  

After the doctor looked into both of our eyes, then mouths, he took each of our temperatures. “They’re good.” I breathed a sigh of relief.  Since Dan and I were cleared to fly, one of the armed guards led us directly to the plane. There seemed to be limited staff and the normal “check your bags” policy seemed out the window.  Dan and I had all of our bags with us in the cabin of the plane, on our legs.  

“See, we’re fine,” Dan said when we had gotten arranged.    

“Are we?” I asked, hesitantly.    

“Don’t Phil, not now,” Dan warned. Looking closer at him, I now noticed the fear on his face. I could tell he was doing everything in his power to keep moving forward, to keep going. I took his hand and squeezed it, not releasing it when I had finished. He gave me a tight-lipped smile.    

The plane took off a short time later; it was eerily quiet. There were no conversations and only the occasional wail from one of the two babies that were on board. Glancing around I noticed everyone either had blank stares or panic on their faces, there was no in-between.  

“Where are we going when we land?”  

“I have booked a hotel for at least a week in Orlando.”  

“Okay, then what?”  

“I don’t know Phil, I got us out. Right now, that’s all that matters.”  

“Thank you,” I stayed quiet for the rest of the flight. I wondered how many people in the UK had already been infected, how quickly had is spread and if it had reached London. I then wondered how much time we had running to Florida before it got there.    

The plane had touched down about 10:00 pm local time. At the Orlando airport, there were also many armed guards and more medical personnel at the gates, screening people before they were allowed to enter.  We had passed again, but this exam was more in-depth. They asked about medical issues, medicines we were taking and the last time we had had a physical. They went through all of the bags of the passengers and gave them cards that showed they had been cleared medically and their bags had been searched.  

When we were in the hotel room Dan looked as if he were about to break.  “I’m going to go take a shower,” he didn’t wait for my response, but I still muttered “Okay.” As soon as the water had been running for about 5 minutes, I heard Dan start to sob. I wanted nothing more to comfort him, but he clearly needed to be alone. Using the hotel phone, I called my parents and brother, leaving them messages in case they were able to get them. I hoped they were okay. When Dan came out he looked as if he hadn’t slept for days.    

“I called my parents and Martyn and left them messages in case they can get them at some point, you should do the same. I am going to shower now.”  

“Okay,”    

The bathroom was steamy and smelled like Dan, this brought me a little comfort. I wiped the fog off of the mirror and stared at my face. I didn’t look that bad, maybe a little tired.  I turned on the shower and stood under the stream of water, watching it swirl down the drain.  I wondered why I wasn’t crying now, why wasn’t I as upset as Dan? I didn’t feel much of anything and I figured I must have been in shock.  I washed and got out feeling like I was in slow motion; as if time had been thickened by honey and I couldn't move properly.    

When I went back out to Dan, he had the news on. As he predicted, all flights out of Ireland and the UK had been grounded. Also, the same had happened in The Netherlands, Belgium, and France; no planes were allowed in or out. The number of infected people had grown increasingly, hour by hour.  The news was repeating clips of people that were caught on security cameras who were infected. Some were just aimlessly walking, staring blankly ahead. Others were violent, going after and attacking anyone who was not behaving as they were. It was horrific to watch, I was numb.  

“They are literally fucking Zombies,” Dan breathed out.  

I did not have the words to respond to that. I sat next to him watching video after video of the same scene. The further advanced the virus progressed, the more violent and dangerous they became.  If I didn’t know better, I would have thought we were watching a movie, but this was real life. Dan silently grasped my hand as we watched what appeared to be the fall and demise of humanity.    

“Are you hungry?” he asked, surprising me.  

“Are you being serious right now?” I asked, motioning to the TV.  

“I,” I watched his head fall in dismay. “I don’t know what to do, Phil. I don’t think we are ever going back to London.”  

“You don’t know that,” I said, indignantly.  

“Phil,” He said softly, “Look at them. Even if they can cure these people, they are destroying everything. Without humans, healthy working humans, the city will collapse.”    

“So, what are we going to do then, Dan? Live here? Look for a house? Do we go elsewhere? What do we do?”  

“I don’t know,” he said honestly.  

“I don’t either.”  

“This is really happening isn’t it?”  

“Yes. It is.” He yawned.  

“We should sleep, it’s not like staying awake is going to help us right now, watching this over and over won’t either.” I turned off the TV.    

“I don’t know if I can sleep,”  

“Then we should lay down and at least rest.”   We both got settled and started by laying far away from each other, but gradually Dan was inching closer to me.  I pulled him onto my chest, kissing the top of his head. “Rest, love.”  

“Phil, I’m scared.”  

“I know. Rest.” After a while, Dan’s body stilled. Knowing he was asleep helped me to relax and with his breathing as my guide, I drifted off.  

We woke up around noon the next day, we didn't speak. We sat on separate beds, both trapped in our heads trying to process the unthinkable.  

“Should we turn on the TV?” I asked.  

“No,” He said, “Not just yet.”  

“Okay.”  There was still Wifi in the hotel; Dan started one of his playlists and we sat together, listening to relaxing instrumental melodies that helped to somewhat put my mind at ease.  

“I'm not sure what I am allowed to say,”  

“Well, talk to me about anything other than what’s going on.”  

“Ah,” I came up with nothing.  

“Yeah, I know.” He said shaking his head.  

“I didn’t pack sun cream.”  

He smirked. “Lucky for you, I packed the bathroom and there was some in there.”  

"That is lucky for my translucent skin, thank you. We should eat something.”  

“Are you hungry?”  

“I don’t feel hungry, but I am sure I am.”  

We decided to walk down to a nearby café, not going too far from the hotel. As we picked at our sandwiches, I started to watch and listen to the other patrons.  

“It’s spread into Spain already,” someone said. “It’s spreading so fast and no one knows how to stop it. I am afraid it’s only a matter of time before,”  

“Phil, don’t eavesdrop,” Dan looked at me. “Hey, we should go swimming.”  

“You want to go to the beach?”  

“Yeah, why not?” He opened his backpack, showing me the towels and sun cream.  

“Okay, yeah.” I smiled at Dan as we left money at the table. On our way out I overheard the same person say. “We are all screwed.” I couldn’t help but agree with them. It seemed to be the end of the world.  

On the beach Dan and I were sat on our towels, watching the waves. I had to admit, it was easy to get lost in them and forget why we were actually here. I wondered how many more moments like this I would have with Dan. Would this be the last? I looked at the way the sun was hitting his face, he was truly beautiful.  

“Let’s swim.”  

I smiled at him, “Yes, let’s.” I wanted to make sure whatever time we did have left was spent doing things that made us happy.  As we made our way out into deeper waters, Dan came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.  He started to kiss my neck. It was so public; it wasn’t something I was used to.  

“The ocean and the sun make your skin glisten a lovely shade.” He murmured against my neck. He continued to kiss my neck, softly starting to suck at the flesh. “So, you wanna?” he whispered as he trailed his hand down my side.  

“Here?” I whispered harshly, “Dan, the world is ending and it’s three pm, we are at a public beach .”  

“I know, but no one can see us.” I was hesitant, but remembering my earlier vow to make sure the time we had left was memorable, I agreed.  So that is how at three pm, in the ocean during the apocalypse Dan and I were having sex. “I love you so much, Phil.”  

“I love you too, Dan. You mean so much to me.”  

“Please don’t stop, I am so close,”  

“Me too,” I moaned. When I felt a breeze I noticed that somehow, we were not in deep water anymore, not at all. The water was brushing against us about knee level.  Anyone who looked our way would be able to tell what we were doing and could see all of Dan. “Dan,” I slowed down, “We’re in the shallow, people can see!”  

“Good,” He growled, "I want them to see.”  My whole body shuddered, I was moving my hips faster, spilling inside of him.  

“Yes, Phil, I’m cuming.” Dan moaned low and quiet as he found his release. When he had stopped panting so heavily, I slowly moved us back to the deeper water.  “Holy shit Phil, that was so hot.”  

“End of the world brings out your kinks, does it? I see you were already prepped.”  

“Well, It could be now or never so, a guy needs to plan ahead.”  

“And if it ends up on the internet?”  

“Well, then we will be giving them one hell of a finale, won’t we?”  

I laughed pulling him close to me, kissing his lips. He tasted of salt. Looking deeply into his eyes, I brushed a curl off of his forehead, suddenly his brow knit together.  

“Phil, promise me something?”  

“Anything.”  

“If I get infected, leave me.”  

“What?”  

"We both know it will be me that will get infected, of course, it will."  

"Dan,"  

“Don’t stay with me and die. Please.  

“We’re not going to talk like this.” I said, “We are going to be fine.”  

“You can’t possibly know that, Phil.” He said softly.  

“I can and I do. I’m done swimming now; I need to shower.” With that, I started to make my way back to the shore. I refused to listen to that, I just couldn’t.  With Dan in tow, we made our way back to the hotel.  We did not speak, but Dan did bump his shoulder into mine. It was our silent signal that we were good.  

“We should turn the telly on now,” I said after we had both showered. “As awful as it is, we should know what’s going on.”  

Dan sighed, “At least we had a nice day.” Grabbing the remote, he turned on the news. It was worse than we could have thought.  They now had blocked off most of western Europe.  So many countries were infected now, it was only a matter of time before it made its way to America.    

“How does it spread? Where did it come from?” I asked, not expecting an answer.  

“I have no fucking clue, it seems to have started in Ireland, but who knows what started it.” Dan sighed. “We have to figure out what we are going to do, Phil.”  

“How? We are Youtubers, we make videos, what would it be? “How to survive Zombies” tag?”  

“Actually,”   “DAN! I am being serious.  

“Jesus Phil, how should I know? It’s not like I have a contingency plan for the living dead, do I?"  

“Dan I’m,” A knock at the door cut me off midsentence.    

Dan looked at me and got up to answer it. “Tom?”  

“Oh, thank Christ, you’re still here. I’m glad to see you, mate.” He invited himself in. “Hey, Phil,”  

“Hi, Tom. Glad to see you’re okay.”  I said,  confused as to why he was here.

“Well, I’m not sick physically, so there’s that.” He ran his hand through his hair. “A literal Zombie apocalypse, bloody hell.”  

“How are you here, Tom?”  

“I hoped that you both had gotten on one of the planes to Florida, I checked and you had. Then I tracked you here, was able to get your hotel information and here I am.”  

“Wait,” Dan said, “what do you mean you tracked us here?”  

“Well, I hacked into some systems, but yeah, I found you.”  

“How?” I asked.  

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, boys.” He said.  

“Right, so what’s the plan then, Tom?”  

“Go north, into the woods.”  

“Are you mad? Into the woods, he says. What do you know about the woods, Tom? You’ll get eaten by wild animals. What do you know about survival?”  

“You really think that I would be unarmed in a Zombie apocalypse?”  

“Okay, but why are you here? Why did you come to find us specifically?"  

Ah,” he rubbed his neck. “I figured you may need help.” He sat down. “I was already in the air when it crossed the border into the UK. I knew America would be the best bet.  I lost my cell service, then I knew that it was bad. I am kind of a doomsday nerd, so I have planned for something like this."  

"You think you know a guy, "Tomska, Youtuber and a doomsday aficionado." Dan sighed.  

“You want us to go with you?” I questioned.  

“Staying here is a death sentence. “  

“What are you on about?”  

“I am sure it’s here already, Phil. I am sure someone, perhaps even many people are infected.”  

“How? There are medical screenings.”  

“Yeah, but what are they even screening for? A fever? No one knows how this started. It is spreading too quickly to do any early-stage testing. They have no idea what it is. They can’t tell if a fever is even a symptom. How could they know?” He paused. “Look, lads, this thing is unpredictable and it’s quick. If you are in a city that is infected, the chances that you will get away unscathed are slim to none.”  

“How do we know you’re not infected, then?” Dan asked.  

“How do we know either of you isn’t infected?”    

I sighed. “We don’t.”    

“No, we don’t, however with how fast it develops, I think we would have been starting to feel off by now. Then again, I have no idea. Maybe it’s just poof, Zombie.”  

“Right, so what do we do?”  

“We head north,” He said.  

“How do you even know where to go? How familiar are you with America?”  

“Oh, I know enough.”  

“Where north?”  

“Just north, for now.”  

“This is all so fucked,” Dan said, looking at me. “What do we know about survival?”  

“Not much,” I admitted.    

“As I said, I thought you may need my help.” Tom looked at the TV. “We aren’t going home lads, soon there will be no home left.”  

“What does that mean?”    

“They are going to burn it, Dan.”  

“The entire country? What? Why?” I was confused.  

“Phil, they are trying to save humanity. They have already burned most of Ireland.”  

“Who is “they?”  

“I don’t know, citizens? Government? I don’t know. All I know is that it is what is in store for our homeland too. It’s been three days and it’s ramping up to take over all of Europe.”    

“Oh my god,” I muttered.  

“We want to survive, right?”  

Dan and I both nodded.  

“Good, pack your things, we need to get petrol for the car, supplies and we will leave.”  

“Right now?”  

“The longer we stay here, the less likely we will make it out alive.”  

“Wait, can you even drive in America?” I asked.  

“I’ll manage just fine." Dan and I exchanged looks. “Listen, it’s not like we are here to sightsee, we are running for our lives. I’ll be fine driving.”  

The Black SUV was packed to the gills with supplies. We were both nervous about Tom driving in America, let alone in a huge SUV, but we didn’t know what else to do. Tom seemed to have his wits about him and he had a plan, that was more than we had.  Tom’s gun occupied the front seat as Dan and I sat in the next seats back.   I figured that he probably had more than one, but I didn’t ask. As much as guns made me nervous,  in the circumstance we were in, it seemed like a good idea that someone had them and knew how to shoot; at least if the movies were any indication.  

“I’ve got it mapped out; we will be sticking to the back roads to avoid the county border health checks.”  

“We aren’t sick though,” Dan said.  

“Mate, we are British, they will automatically assume that we are infected.”  

“I don’t know that that’s true,” I said.  

“It is. People are scared.”  

“That’s xenophobic,” I muttered  

“None of that matters, right now Phil. Even though the American media has given them a false sense of security by closing the borders, people are still fucking scared. How could they not be?”  

“So, do you know exactly where we are going yet?” Dan asked.  

“North,”  

“You keep saying that,”  

“You’ll know when we are there.” He looked at us in the rearview mirror, “Why don’t you try to get some sleep?”  

I felt Dan grasp my hand, it was the slight comfort that I needed to be able to fall asleep. I was awoken an unknown time later to hushed voices.  

“He’s very calm about this,” Dan said.  

“I think he’s in shock Dan, no offense intended, but Phil’s a pretty happy go lucky guy. Something like this must take a much larger toll on his mental state. We are darker, more cynical.   I mean, how many times have you been in an apocalypse together?”  

“Fuck off, Tom.”  

“I’m just saying, give the man some credit. He seems to be holding his own.”  

“Right. Tom,  I am still a little confused. Why did you look for us? Phil and I, I mean.  You have been friends with us for years, but we have never really been good friends. I don’t mean to be rude and I am not ungrateful, I’m just wondering why you went to so much effort to find us.”  

His voice dropped low, “I didn’t want to be alone.” He paused a moment. “I tried to find the others, too you know. The “YouTube” gang.”  

“Well, who else did you find?”  

“No one.” He said, his voice thick with emotion.  

“Oh god.”  

“I think the Brighton crew made it out, but I can’t be sure.  I really hope they did.”  

“Me too,” Dan said, somberly.  

About 20 minutes had passed, I still had my eyes closed. I hadn’t even thought about our other friends, they could be dead, infected or just as lost as we were before Tom found us. Just like my family, just like Dan's. I still really couldn’t muster any emotion about it, but I knew I would be shattered if my emotions ever returned.  

“We should stop and eat,” Tom said, breaking the quiet. “We’ll stop here, wake him up.”  

Dan slowly rubbed my shoulder, but I could tell he knew I was awake. I faked waking up.   “Hm?”  

“Food time, Phily!” Tom said from the front seat.  

I sat up and stretched. “Is it safe to stop?”  

“We’re going to find out,” Tom responded, parking the SUV in front of the large windows. When we went in, he requested the table in front of those windows. Tom wanted to keep an eye on our lifeline, which currently was a vehicle full of our supplies.  

“Glad you fellas are here and not over there,” The waitress said thoughtlessly as she handed us menus. I somewhat agreed with her, but the uncertainty of the health and safety of my family and friends had me on edge. “So, what’ll  ya have?” I pointed at some sandwich; I wasn’t very hungry anyway. I guess I had been lost in my thoughts because Dan was softly nudging me.  

“Food’s here.”  

I shrugged, looking down at the food as if it were the enemy. My stomach lurched.  

“You should try to eat something,” Dan said, softly.  

“I don’t know if I can,”  

Tom cocked his eyebrow at me, “You’re not feeling poorly, are you?”  

I was, a little, but I said. “Not Physically.” I figured the unease in my stomach was fear or emotion-related. Maybe even both. Also, some could be contributed to the fact that we had been riding in a car for so long.  

“You should try to eat,” Tom said, his voice harsher than before, almost as if I were to eat something it would prove to him that I wasn’t infected.    

“Tom, back off. Phil gets travel sick; we have been in a moving car for hours.” I was thankful for Dan.  

“Oh, right.” He looked at me. “Sorry.”  

“When are you going to sleep?” I asked I wanted to take the attention off of myself.

“I don’t know, I don’t want to stop moving.”  

“You still need to sleep,” Dan said, taking a drink of his coffee. “We’re sticking to back roads still, right? Then I can drive while you sleep for a bit.”  

“Dan, are you sure?”  

He shrugged, “It can’t be that hard, just the other side of the street, right?”  

“Yeah, okay.” Tom conceded, “I could use a nap.” We had finished at the diner, after paying for our food and an uncomfortable and disgustingly wet handshake from the owner, we piled into the car.  Dan and Tom had gotten out the door before me so they had avoided the grotesque gesture of appreciation.  As I walked to them, I noticed my hand was stinging.  I looked down to see a cut that the man’s sweaty palms had come into contact with; I cringed and desperately attempted to keep down the two bites of sandwich that I had taken.    

“You okay?” Dan asked.  

“Yeah,” I said wiping my hands on my pants.  I didn't want to talk about it.

 Tom pulled into a petrol station and filled up; he also bought many food items and drinks. He waved his credit card at us. “Might as well max the bastard, they can’t expect me to pay the bill when the world’s ending, can they?” He winked; Dan rolled his eyes.   Tom drove us to the back roads so Dan could take over. He turned on the radio.    

“Officials say outbreaks will be likely, but the CDC has assured AXI news that they will be able to maintain it, keeping casualty rates lower than other countries”    

Tom scoffed, “Oh yeah.” he said sarcastically.  

“Be as snarky as you want, but you had better hope they’re right,” Dan said.    

Tom had pulled over for Dan to drive; but not before a quick insisted lesson on how to shoot a gun.  

“Tom, I don’t want to know how to shoot a gun.”  

“Tough, you need to. If something happens to me, you need to know how to protect yourself.  

“I won’t shoot anyone, anyway.” He said, bitterly.  

“You would if it saved him.” Tom pointed in my direction. I saw the inner struggle happening, it was written all over Dan’s face.    

“Okay, show me.”  He said, his voice wavering.

I had stopped paying attention at this point. I couldn’t handle the thoughts that the conversation had spurred on. It was too much.  Watching Dan have to choose to kill someone to save me was a daydream I didn't want to indulge.

After about 20 minutes, they both got back into the SUV, and Dan started to drive. He surprisingly did pretty well. Tom and his gun (at least the one I knew of) were now in the back and I was next to Dan upfront. With Tom sleeping, I felt calmer.    

“How are you doing? Dan asked, quietly.  

“I’m not sure,” I was progressively starting to feel worse. I had a headache and was currently doing everything in my power not to vomit. Dan knew I was sure of it.  I knew he hadn’t said anything because he didn’t want to draw too much attention to me; Tom was already suspicious.  I wasn’t sure what lengths Tom would go to avoid infection.  Even if I wasn’t infected, would Tom’s paranoia get the best of him?  

“I’m not sure we are doing the right thing,” Dan said.  

“I know, neither am I, but I don’t know what else to do.”  

“I know.  

It was starting to get dark and I could tell that Dan’s confidence in driving had drastically diminished. I saw a sign for a motel, lit up. “We should sleep,” I said, motioning to the sign.  

“I doubt Tom would approve,” He said, but he was already slowing down.  

“I don’t care,” I said looking at him. “Dan, I need to get out of this moving vehicle.”  

Dan nodded, took the exit and pulled into the “Lazy side Inn.” He left me in the car with a sleeping Tom while he got the rooms.  

“Wake up, Tom,” He said getting back into the car.  

“What?”  

"I have gotten us two rooms for the night. I need to sleep on an actual bed and Phil needs to be stationary for a while.” Tom sighed but didn’t protest. Dan handed him his room key as he unloaded our bags.  He went directly to the shower as I sat on the bed observing our room. This was a questionable hotel, I was sure it was typically only used for one thing, but at least we weren't driving.  

“What are you thinking about?” he said, scrubbing his hair with a towel.  

“Nothing, really. I am just thankful to be still.”  

He kissed the top of my head, “Go shower, you’ll feel even better.”  

So, I did.  The water felt fantastic and it was nice to change into clean clothes. When I came out, Dan had the Tv on.  

“In addition, to the closure of the US border, the military has amped up the efforts, putting in a nationwide curfew. No one is to be outside after 10:00 Pm in your respected time zone.  Fighter jets and military-grade vehicles will now be on constant patrol. This will remain in effect for an undetermined amount of time.”  

“So, it starts,”    

“Yeah,” Dan said softly. “It appears so.”  

“I’m so,” I paused trying to find the words.  

“So,” Dan prompted.  

“I don’t even know, numb, I guess.”  

“I’m sure a lot of people have that reaction,”  

“I’m just having a hard time accepting this is reality.” I shook my head. “This is actually a Zombie apocalypse. I just don’t understand, how?”  

Dan threw his arm around me, “We should sleep, I’m sure Tom will have us up early.”  

“Probably,” I groaned.    

Dan looked at me intently. “I know car rides make you sick, but you seem unwell otherwise,”  

I looked at him, “I’m not sure.” I sighed. “Maybe you should just leave me here.”  

“Fuck off, Phil.  I am not leaving you.”   "How is this any different than what you asked me in the ocean, Dan?" "Goodnight, Phil."  

When I woke up the sunlight told me that it was probably late morning. Dan was still sleeping; I kissed his forehead softly so it didn’t wake him up. I looked out the window, everything seemed peaceful, calm, normal. If I didn’t know better, I would think we were on holiday and not running from a deadly virus.  I guess we could look at it as a holiday, except we wouldn’t ever be going home. We didn't have a home left, from what we were told. My stomach felt better today and I was starting to feel hungry. I wondered if that was what happened in stressful situations; once you accept the chaos and fear, your emotional responses are muted and they stop having physical effects on you. I didn't know, but it seemed plausible.  

“What are you looking at,” Dan’s sleep voice was one of my favorite sounds, I smiled.  

“Birds, currently. I wonder if animals can be infected?” I asked, rhetorically.    

Dan grunted and stretched, untangling himself from the blankets. “How are you feeling?”  

“Better, hungry.”  

“Good, that’s good, Phil.”  

“Mm,” I hummed, noncommittedly.    

“We should eat, I’m surprised that Tom hasn’t been banging on our door for ages. What time is it?”  

I looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand, “11:30.” I frowned. “That’s a good point. Maybe we should check on him.  

Dan hung his head, “Yeah, maybe.”  

We got dressed and attempted to leave the room, but before we could I noticed an envelope on the floor.  

I picked it up, retrieving the letter inside and read it out loud.  

“I had to leave, I located some of the others. I have left you the car and half of the supplies, there are bullets and a gun in the glove box. DON’T GET RID OF IT. You need it and I want it back when we meet again.  I left a map in the car, the route is highlighted and marked, I also made some marks for stopping places. We will all meet up at the circled area as soon as we can. Don’t waste too much time staying in one place. I have heard that it was confirmed to be in America now, so the further north we get as quickly as possible gives us the best chance. Be smart, don’t get caught up in things that don’t matter. God speed! (I’ve always wanted to write that in a letter.) -Tom”  

I stared at the note stunned, I wasn’t sure that Dan and I could do this on our own.  

“Well, I suppose we had better get moving then.”  

I looked up at him, “How are you so calm about all of this?”  

He shrugged, “This is pretty low shock value, all things considered.” He was calm, I was numb and I still couldn’t wrap my head around any of this. "We can eat in the car."  

“Dan, the gun,”  

“I can use it if I have to. Hopefully, It won’t come to that and I can give it back to Tom without shooting it.”  

“Right,” I wasn’t sure Dan would shoot anyone, even if it was to protect me. “So, I guess we are leaving?”  

“Yeah, I suppose.”  

Dan’s driving wasn’t good back home, so here it was even worse. Despite that, I was giving him credit for how well he was doing. He had managed not to get stopped by the authorities and we had not been in a collision. That’s all that mattered, I supposed. The map was leading us far north, to Thunder Bay Canada, so following the map, we drove. We had driven for most of the remaining daylight. It was starting to become dark.    

“We need petrol,” Dan said  

“I will look for a place,”  

“Great.” He rearranged. “I am so bloody bored. And sick of fucking driving.”  

“I’m sorry.”  

“S’not your fault. I just am sick of this nightmare. No internet, no sofa crease, no Netflix. Tom is gone and we truly are on our own. We have no idea how to get anywhere without this map, which is just fragile paper that can be destroyed at any moment. It's pretty much our lifeline at this point. If we lose it, we are screwed. I am not sure why we split up. In every movie known to man, splitting up ends badly. Yet here we are.” He glanced at me, he was waiting for me to reply.  

“I’m not sure what to say,” I said honestly.  

“Then don’t say anything, much like you have been since this started,” he huffed.  "I'll just be alone in this worry, I guess."

“Dan,”  

“Don’t say you’re sorry again.”  

“Why are you mad at me?”  

“I’m not mad, not exactly, but you’re acting strange and I’m bloody scared, Phil.”  

“I’m,”  

“Don’t. Just don’t”  

We got petrol and drove for about another hour, tense silence as company. There was no light left in the sky now, it was fully dark.  

“I need to sleep," I could hear the fatigue in his voice.  

Holding the map close to the radio for light, I said “There’s a “rest stop” marked here."  

“What does that even mean?”  

“For lorries, I think.”  

“Right, just tell me where to turn.”  

We had parked in a quiet corner, under a tree, and dim amber light. The rear seats were folded down into a makeshift bed, I grabbed a bag that contained some of our food and set up two plates.  

“Snacks for dinner,” I said, smiling slightly in the overhead cab light.  

“No shit, Phil. You don’t see a diner, here do you? Don’t be stupid.” His voice was callous and mean.  

“Dan, can you please stop being rude to me?” I had finally broken. The tears I had questioned the existence of that first day in Florida were now flowing down my face. “I know you’re scared and I haven’t been that supportive, but now,” I stopped and looked at him. “You may be the only one I have left. My family may be dead. I can’t deal with your cruelness or attitude right now. I am sorry, whatever I did or didn’t do to you. I am sorry. Just, please.”  

“Phil,” Dan said softly, moving towards me, pulling me into a hug. “I’m sorry. I will do better. It’s not fair for me to expect you to process a certain way or in a certain amount of time. I’m just tired, yeah? I’ll do better. Once I sleep, it will be better. Please, don’t cry.” I sniffled, “Let’s eat, I’m sure we both could use some food.”    

We had eaten and were getting ready to lay down to sleep. Dan had the gun back with us, though I was sure he was somewhat scared of it. I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it either, but I didn’t say anything.    

‘I love you, Phil,”  

“I love you too, Dan.”  

Unfamiliar voices woke me up, harsh hushed whispers seeped in through the doors.  

“Do you think anyone is in there?”  

“Maybe they are asleep?”  

“There isn’t anyone around, maybe we could,”  

“I don’t want to do this,”  

“Dan,” I whispered directly in his ear “Wake up.”  

“Wha,” I put my hand over his mouth, pointing to my ears indicating to him to listen. The dim amber light from outside gave just enough light for him to be able to see me.  

“We have to do this. We have to at least check.”  

“What if they are infected?”  

“We don’t even know if it’s occupied.”  

“It could be,”  

“I don’t think it’s spread this far north.”  

Dan reached for the gun and sat up, oh god. This was happening. He didn’t pick it up yet.  

“There is someone in here and we are very much awake.”  He said, causing me to jump.

“Oh shit,” the female voice hissed.  

“So, you’ll be on your way then,” Dan said with more confidence than I had ever heard him express.    

“Ah,” I heard more whispers, unable to make them out I strained harder with no luck. “Listen, we don’t mean any harm. We just need some supplies, we had to run,”  

“They were collecting sick people, we had to go.”  

“You’re sick?” I squeaked, fear in my voice.  

“We’re not sick at all and the one who is isn’t “Zombie” sick.”  

“Doesn’t matter, leave!” Dan yelled.  

“Please,” the female voice sounded desperate, “We just need a little food for my child so he can take his medicine. We don’t have any food right now, we are,”  

“Prove it!” Dan barked. I had never heard him speak in this tone.  

“What? How?”  

“I haven’t heard any children.”  

I heard a car door open and close, then a child whine. “Moses, wake up,”  

“Momma, I don’t wanna,”  

“I know, baby,”  

“There,” the male voice said. “So, you see, we need to help our child. We don’t want to hurt anyone.”  

“Dan,” I whispered, “The kid,”  

“Yeah, I know,” he closed his fingers around the gun, still not picking it up. “Okay, this is how this is going to work, I have a gun.” He took a deep breath. “If this is a trick, I would just leave right now. Think of the kid.”  

“We promise, just a little food and we will leave.”  

“Momma, I’m scared,” I heard the child start to cry.  

Dan’s hands were shaking so badly I doubted he could have opened the door, let alone pick up the gun. Without much thought, I picked it up, Dan looked at me confused. My hands held it steadily, I wasn’t sure how. “Phil,” Dan whispered, I shook my head  

“How can we be sure you’re not infected?  

“We have hand sanitizer!”  the male exclaimed  

Dan scoffed. “I doubt that will combat becoming a Zombie,”  

“The alcohol sizzles on the skin of an infected,” the female said, “It’s been all over the news!”  

“What?” How could we know if that were true? We hadn’t paid any attention to the news lately.  

“Do we trust that?” Dan whispered.  

“I don’t know,  how do we know how it spreads, is it through the air?”  

“No,” the male voice said, “direct contact with bodily fluids.”  

“We haven’t been keeping up with this as well as we should have been,” Dan said, shaking his head.  

“Fine,” I took a deep breath. "I have the gun, I am going to crack this window,”  

“Put your arms together and show us you aren’t infected.” Dan finished.  

We cracked the window and saw three arms and a hand applying the sanitizer, nothing happened. Dan opened the door and climbed out, I followed closely.  

“Thank you,” the woman said, relief flooding her face. I looked at the little boy, he looked sick. I frowned. Dan reached into the back and grabbed a bag of fully sealed food and water. He knelt to him, “Hello,” I heard him say in a tone of voice he saves solely for animals and children. I smiled. “Are you hungry?” The boy nodded. “Okay, here.” Dan handed him the bag as he retreated to his parents, stumbling slightly from the weight of it.

“Thank you,” the man said.  

“You’re welcome,” Dan said. “So, they are rounding up sick people are they?”  

“Yes,” the woman said, “They think they are more susceptible, but it’s spread through bodily fluids, not the air. It’s ridiculous."  

“What are they doing with sick people?” I asked. Both of them remained silent. “Oh,” I said.  If they couldn't answer, I knew it wasn't good.

“You’re British?” The man said, panicked, suddenly noticing our accents. “Did you live here before, or did you flee?”  

“We just made it out,”  

“They say it started in Texas, a flight from Dublin. At least in the US”  

“We hadn’t heard,” Dan offered.  

“The updates we’ve heard is that they lit most of the Uk on fire and alcohol burns the skin of those infected in the stages where they don’t physically appear sick.”  

Suddenly, the woman dropped the bag and the man tossed the hand sanitizer to Dan. They just had realized they didn’t know if we were infected or not.  “Your turn then,” He was nervous. Dan nodded and applied some to his arm and nothing happened. Relieved the woman picked up the bag. Dan handed it to me.  My hands shook as I took the bottle, setting the gun down on the seat.    

“Phil?” Dan asked, his face dropping.  

“Yeah, Yeah.” I popped open the cap and drizzled a large glob on my arm, suddenly pain blossomed and I heard sizzling.  

“Holy shit,” the man said, ushering his family quickly to his car. “He didn’t touch the bag, did he?”  

“No, I didn’t,” I said sadly. They all slammed their doors and sped out of the parking lot.  

“Oh, Phil,”  

“Dan,” I said quietly. “I am not sure how I haven’t infected you.”  

“How did you get infected, Phil?” He asked, raking a hand through his curls.  

“Must have been the sweaty guy at the diner,” I said. “Dan, I’m going to turn into one of those things. I am going to die.”  

“You don’t know that, I bet the American government is trying to find a cure right now! You’re going to be fine Phil; it’s going to be fine.”  

“I don’t know how I am still me; I thought this thing moved fast.”  

“See? Maybe you are somehow immune to that part!”  

“Dan,” I said softly. “You know you have to leave me here.”  

“What? No Phil. No. We have to go to meet Tom and the others.”  

“Dan, I am going to become a Zombie.”  

“We don’t know that for sure!” He insisted, he was becoming hysterical.    

“Dan, please don’t make this harder than it needs to be,”  

“No, we will live here, in the car, until they come up with a cure!”  

“Remember Florida? You asked me not to stay and die with you. I am just asking you the same.  How can I allow myself to even consider having you stay with me? How can you do this to me? I am going to infect you.  You are going to die, because of me. You have to leave, now! Somehow you are not infected!  You are going to survive. Go.”    

Suddenly Dan opened the front door, laid across the seats and got something out of the glove box and came back to me.  “I'm sorry about this," He said, confusing me.  

“For what?” Suddenly, Dan, had me pinned to the rear seat; I saw he was holding something that glinted in the light. “What are you?” My words died in my throat as there was a  sharp,  burning pain in my arm. Dan then slit his palm open and pressed it into my cut, as hard as he could, causing both wounds to open further.  

“No, Dan, what are you doing! Stop!”

"You have not infected me and you won't, Phil. I am infecting myself."

I struggled against him, “Please, stop.”  Tears welled up in my eyes.

“Shut up, Phil.” He said softly, “You know, my whole family is probably dead too.  I’m not fucking leaving you, Phil. I knew you wouldn’t accept that. Now we both are going to be infected.”  

I was crying at this point. “You are an idiot.”    

“I don’t see it that way.”  

“We are both going to die now, you realize that, right?”  

“Or become mad Zombies together,” He had removed his hand from my arm and grabbed a wad of napkins. He pressed some to the cut on my arm as he tried to control the bleeding in his palm.  

I moved my arm and held the pressure on my wound. “You could have gone to Tom, could have been happy. You didn’t have to become this,”  

He shrugged, “Can’t be bothered, I can't see a life where I am happy without you.” He grabbed my face and kissed me hard. “I love you.”   “I love you too,” I said resolved.    

“So, what do you say, Phil? Want to be my Zombie boyfriend until the end?”  

“This is so stupid, you should have run from me. This is going to be hell.”  

“Nah,” he said kissing my cheek. “This will be the most fun I’ve ever had!”  

#phanfiction #pff bingo 2019

[daathren]

Looking through My Old Documents

I actually found a Sherlock/Original Female Character story I had started but never finished. I think I might actually pick it up again since just reading through it, I was highly impressed with where I was going with it. Definitely a BBC Sherlock AU at this point. Let me know what you guys think about it.

~*~*~

Trigger Warning:  Mentions of Rape, Attempted Rape, Extreme Violence

Power of Three:  Adventures of a Mad Genius, his Protector, and his Keeper

Book One:

by

D. A. Athren

 Summary:

Sherlock was never one to make alliances. Even when he went underground to burn Moriarty’s Web, he was a lone wolf. Well, at least that’s what John thought until he came home from the surgery one afternoon to find a young woman crawling along the floor of the sitting room, leaving a trail of blood in her path while she cried out for William.

   Prologue:

 Mycroft watched the camera. That’s all he really could do. He couldn’t send a team out to stop it. He couldn’t tip off Lestrade so he could get a patrol and an ambulance out there as soon as possible. No, all he could do was watch and wait and pray to a higher power that he knew wasn’t there while the gruesome scene unfolded. He couldn’t even message Sherlock to tell him what was happening or that he had a private jet already on its way to him to get him home as soon as possible.

 It was rare to get Mycroft worked up about anything or let his mask of complete emotional control crumble but when Anthea rushed into his meeting with the Prime Minister and told him that a Code Mauve was happening, the panic rose from him instantaneously. He grabbed the tablet from her, activated the feed, and yelled at her when he found out she hadn’t already started Code Mauve procedures. He hadn’t even bothered to properly inform the Prime Minister of what was happening when the live feed finally patched through and he saw the woman being pummeled into the ground by 5 men.

 He just rushed out of the meeting room to make his way to his office, hoping that he wouldn’t have a funeral to plan instead of getting the proper paperwork ready.

 ~*~*~*~*~

 “Come with me.”

 He had blurted it out, which was so unlike him. She was shocked. Shocked that he asked, shocked at where he had asked, and shocked that the three words lacked the baritone confidence his voice usually carried. She looked up from the safe’s dial briefly, finding that his gaze was still secure and unwavering on the door. “I would love nothing more than to explore your home.”

 You’re only doing this because you’re a creature of habit…

 “I hear a ‘but’…”

 “But you know I have burned bridges there.”

 “I could protect you.”

 She sighed, starting her calculated motions on the dial again until she felt the pins slide into place. The safe was unlocked. “Of course you could protect me, William, but your protection would place me in another guiled cage.”

 I’ll get bored. I know I’ll get bored and I’ll do something stupid and I’ll fuck up your life…born a criminal, always a bloody criminal!

 He turned his piercing, turquoise gaze on her. “You waste your gifts.”

 She sighed; running a hand through her kinky curls before popping the safe open and taking the security box from within it, placing it in her hobo bag. “And you let your genius idiocy get the best of you…again,” she muttered.

 He pondered her words for a moment before a look of realization formed in his eyes. “Nic, what have you done?”

 “I got you the files that you need to kill Moran,” she mumbled.

 “This is a Mạngkr base, isn’t it?”

 “Yes.”

 “You lied.”

 “Oh yes.”

 His eyes sparkled with amusement. “I am getting rusty.”

 She closed the safe door hard, triggering the alarm system as planned. “No, you aren’t and don’t ever say that around me again,’ she grumbled with a wicked smile on her face. He couldn’t help but give her a small smile in return before turning his features serious.

 Just let it go, Sherlock…let me have this!

 “You have destroyed your security in order to give me the piece to the puzzle I need in order to find Moran and then return home,” he stated as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet.

 She adjusted the bodice of her cocktail dress before they both made their way back into the hidden service entrance that they used to enter the office; just moments before the security team entered it. They had made their way out into the garden, towards the party, before she spoke. “Moran is keeping you from your home, from the people that you need. You are brilliant and that brilliance should be shining in the open not hidden and dirtied in the shadows. The true security I had died 4 years ago when those two bastards took them from me. I also can’t miss what I never really had,” she whispered as they blended into the crowd on the dance floor.

 You promised never to compromise me. You promised!

 “You could use your talents for more than being a thief among bloated clan leaders who think everyone is too afraid to rob them so they leave their wealth behind simple locks I could pick in my sleep,” he whispered back, pulling her into a swaying dance as his eyes scanned the area.

 She giggled a bit at his words, wrapping her arms around his neck. She was uncomfortably tempted to run her fingers through his dark curls. “That was a Doettling’s Fortress I just cracked in less than 10 minutes. Mr. Miyamoto is very serious about his business with the international branches.”

 His eyes drifted down to her. “London could give you so much more than what some overly expensive safe can. You crave a challenge as much as I do and I can give you that. You are not meant to live a life in the dark,” he stated matter-of-factly. She just shook her head softly at him, giving him a sad yet knowing smile.

 All this time and you never deduced that I’m…content…

 They danced in silence until the song was over; a signal that everything had gone according to plan and it was time for them to go their separate ways.

 “It was a pleasure, Mr. Holmes,” she said with forced politeness, letting her arms fall to her sides.

 Don’t know if I’m going to miss the danger or miss you…

 “I cannot leave you so exposed,” he nearly growled out, defiance in his eyes. His grip tightened on her, his eyes narrowed on something behind her; a guard.

 “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. William, if I return to London the Fateralis would have me beaten to within an inch of my life and would leave me for dead in the heart of London. I killed the Boss’s son, my boyfriend, when he tried to rape me. The only reason I was given a chance to leave the UK is because my father was the Boss’s right hand man. It would be up to me to get somewhere safe. I couldn’t go to A&E. I couldn’t have someone in waiting to pick me up wherever they drop me off and I definitely couldn’t have your protection swooping in to save me. I would have to survive all on my own in order to earn the right to walk the streets again. You do not want that blood on your hands. You might not be an angel but you are nowhere near the demon you claim to be.”

 That sacrifice would be in vain!

 He stared at her for a moment; giving her that look that she knew meant he was analyzing every detail about her. “Neither are you. Your heart is racing right now. Not because of the adrenaline from getting away with it. It’s not even because you are pressed against me in an intimate fashion. It is because you are afraid you might never get to shine like this again. You think this was all me but it was not. You did this, Niccola. I am usually self-centered and would never admit that out loud. I call John an idiot all the time even when he is 100% correct about something. I am admitting to you, right now, that without you this plan would have never come together and I would have gotten myself killed. Take that for what it is worth!”

 And with that, he let go of her and backed up into the crowd; his eyes moving to each direction a guard was stationed. She nodded to him, heading into the crowd in the opposite direction and away from the guards.

 You’ll erase this when you get home. You’ll erase it and just go on your way!

There was a boat waiting for her on the docks. He had a car awaiting him down the road that he would use to get to the airport. She was to open the security box once she got to her hut, keeping anything that wasn’t the manifest and ship that off to the British government.

 It was a good bounty. A few rare gems, some photos she could use to get what she needed to get out of Japan, and 2,195,500 yen. She should have gotten the manifest in the mail the very next day but she couldn’t quite bring herself to do it. Gods, she hated it when she let anything besides the thrill of the catch sidetrack her but there she was; lounging around her Taiji hut for almost 3 days before she finally decided on what to do.

 You’re an addict. It’s why you do what you do…

 She headed out the very next day and dropped the manifest off in the mail with a handwritten letter to Mister W. Holmes tucked inside of it. She was starting her life over. She might as well start it off right, which meant taking a chance. And by taking a chance, she was going to need to prepare herself…

 ~*~*~*~*~

 Sherlock knew he wasn’t dead. If he was dead, his head wouldn’t feel like it was threatening to explode behind his lids. He tried to open his eyes but they refused to obey his command and when he tried to reach a hand up to force them open, a sharp pain traveled up the length of it and caused him to hiss. It was then that he heard the sounds of someone else being in the room, triggering his memory. He had been captured and the captors were in the process of beating information out of him, well, at least trying to. He refused to talk, which caused his captors to beat him even harder. In fact, he wasn’t supposed to wake up from the last beating, which involved an industrial-size wrench.

 “Don’t move, ok? The Uzumaki twins did quite a number on you. I don’t know what you did to help Tamiko but you should thank your lucky stars that she called in the favor I owe her,” a feminine American voice whispered to him. He wanted to ask her how Tamiko found out he had been captured but he soon realized that his teeth were sewn shut; his jaw must have been broken for such an action to be taken.

 He heard the sounds of water cascading before he felt a cool cloth pressed to his face gingerly. “Don’t try to speak either. It will be just as painful as moving at this point. You had a lot of injuries I had to set in place. A broken jaw, fractured skull, broken left wrist, several deep cuts across your back, 5 broken ribs each side, and a dislocated right ankle not to mention you had pneumonia deeply set in your chest and infection in all of your open wounds. You will be out of commission for quite a while but this is the first time you’ve actually been fully conscious in almost a month.” She spoke as if she was trying to sooth a startled animal as she continued to clean his face and his chest with the cloth.

 “I lost you a few times in the beginning. You would stop breathing or your fever reached a point that I had to drive into the village in order to get ice blocks to help cool you down. By the time I got back, you would be seizing up. The village medicine woman has come by every Monday to give me some reprieve so I could bath and take care of the house. The only room I kept clean was yours. I wasn’t going to have you dying because of an infection that I introduced,” she said with a snort. He heard her ring out the cloth a few times before bringing it back to his skin.

 “You’ve been doing very well the last 2 weeks. The swelling in your face has been slowly retreating, which means that your jaw is finally healing properly and I should have the stitching out in a week or so. I also checked your wrist a few days ago and it is healing quite well. I should be able to put it in a fiberglass cast around the same time I work on your jaw as long as the swelling stays down. The most I can give you for pain management is low grade codeine. Tamiko told me a bit about your past and I don’t think your system could handle any form of withdraw. I definitely won’t deny you a cig though once the rattling leaves your lungs. I think by the time you get there, you will quite deserve it. Either way, the best thing for you right now is to finally enter a true sleep instead of unconsciousness. Don’t worry…I won’t leave your side.” With that, she laid the cool cloth across his forehead and he felt her move away from his side.

 He was already missing her voice when he heard the most beautiful cello work he had ever experienced. The melody was soothing yet haunted and it kept his mind off of the pain. Sherlock slipped into the first dream he had dreamt in over a year…and oddly enough, all it involved was him bantering with John at the kitchen table.

   The next time he woken, he was greeted to the sounds and warmth of a crackling fire and the smell of roasted chicken. He groaned in a mixture of want and pain. It had been a very long time since he had a decent meal. “Ah, I see that you’re awake. You’ve been sleeping for roughly 24 hours give or take. I figured with you in your first true sleep that I would actually cook for once instead of living off of canned clam chowder from the fishery.”

 He heard the sound of a metal clanging against metal before he heard her shuffle over to him. The cooking fire must not be too far from here. Soon he heard the telltale sound of water cascading again before he felt her gentle touch with the cloth against his chest. “Tamiko has been sending me weekly posts asking about your progress. She told me to make sure you knew the only reason she wasn’t here right now is due to it would bring too much trouble to you and I for her to suddenly have business in Taiji. Her husband doesn’t even know that she let me go. Either way, she is very worried about you and has been praying to her Gods that you would make it through. As long as you keep resting peacefully for the next few days and your fever doesn’t return, I’ll be happy to let her know that her Kenjin is recovering quite nicely.”

 He wanted nothing more than to open his eyes and visually deduce his caretaker but his eyes were still too swollen to allow him a peek. Now that he had rested though, his mind seemed much sharper than earlier and he settled on deducing what he could from the way she talked.

 Her accent was interesting. What he thought earlier was clearly American didn’t quite describe her dialect. She was born in America but moved to the UK when she was young, maybe 7 or 8 years of age. Young enough for her mind to still be influenced by the dialect that surrounded her but too far along in development for her to completely forget the dialect she was born in. The way she pronounced her vowels and Rs screamed Swindon but the way the Japanese words rolled off her tongue showed that she had been in Japan long enough to perfect the language.

 Average intelligence with complete immersion in the culture would have her pronunciation perfected in 10-12 years but she wasn’t average. She had advanced medical knowledge, enough that she knew how to revive him slowly from near death. Enough knowledge that she’s confident in delivering news on his various injuries and how they will heal so…she could pick up the Japanese language in 6-8 years.

 She speaks of Tamiko with a casual air meaning she knew Tamiko before she married her husband, who is a clan leader in Northern Japan. Tamiko had been married to Hideo Maki for almost 6 years so Tamiko would have met her as soon as she arrived in the land. Tamiko is also the daughter of the local Yakuza boss so they most likely met through the family business.

 She recused him from a secure gang location meaning she was skilled in stealth and quite experienced with high stress situations. She also must have underground connections as she would have needed help sneaking him out of the location. Even with them starving him for the last week of his ‘stay’, his weight would have been roughly 9 stones when she rescued him and even a female with above average strength would have trouble sneakily dragging 9 stones out of a secure gang location.

 As he pulled himself out of his thoughts, he realized his caretaker had been quiet as if she knew exactly what he was doing. Sherlock had so many questions but they would go unanswered until the stitching in his mouth was removed and as if reading his mind, she answered him intuitively.

 “You probably have so many questions for me; wondering who I am, if you’re safe, or if you have gone from one bad situation to another. Just trust me Kenjin, you are in good hands and I’m not putting you back together just to tear you apart again. We have the same enemy and I have promised myself to you until he has been brought to his end. Now, I’m going to finish cleaning your front and then I’m going to lay you down on your stomach so I can check the stitching on your back. Since you are conscious, it should be safe for you to lie on your stomach for a while and allow them to air out for a bit. It’s going to be painful rolling you over but I’ll give you your first dose of codeine afterwards. I also made you some chicken broth while you were sleeping. It should be cool enough for you to sip on through a straw once I finish cleaning your back. Nod if you understand.”

 Even though he’s in no position to refuse any of her demands, she still asks and awaits his acknowledgement before she’s goes about her task. She’s loyal and considerate. She could possibly be military trained medical like John. It would explain her skillset in stealth and high stress situations.

 The detective nodded in understanding, giving a grunt at how stiff his neck was. He shouldn’t be surprised that the movement was strained; he had been out of commission for a month or more meaning his muscles were more or less useless. He had a long road of healing and pain before the movement would come easy to him again. “Alright, Kenjin, Tamiko says that you have a sharp mind and can easily fall into Zen like trance when presented a puzzle to solve so I will try to work your mind so the move to place you on your stomach will be as painless as possible,” she stated in a professional tone. She rubbed his chest down a few more times before he heard her toss the cloth into its water source. “I’m going to give you a riddle. After I finish giving you the riddle, I’m going to count down from 5 and by 0 I want you to be in your trance. Alright, here we go…while exploring the Wilds of Ireland, Robert was captured by goblins. Grumpy, the Chief of the Goblins told him he was allowed one final statement on which would determine how he would die. If the statement he made was false, he would be boiled in water. If the statement were true, he would be fried in oil. Since Robert didn’t like either option, he wanted to make a statement that forced Grumpy to release him. What is the one statement he could make to save himself? Five…” Oh this was child’s play!

 “Four…”

 Tamiko must not have told her how brilliant his mind was…

 “Three…”

 It’s really just a simple matter of hidden logic. Don’t they teach that in literature class in elementary school?

 “Two…”

 Robert would have to throw the Chief through a loop. Make him question whether the statement is true or false.

 “One…”

 And the only way to he could do that is to give a statement that was completely dependent of the actions that the Chief was going to take.

 “Zero!”

 Meaning the only statement Robert could make is ‘You will boil me in water!’…wait…how am I already facedown?

 “Don’t tense up. In this position you could cause the stitching to rip,” she mumbled. She was already peeling back what he assumed was tapped down gauze. She had distracted him enough with her simple riddle that she was able to flip him over even before she spoke the word zero. He was impressed…and in major pain. Luckily, she had already removed the last of his bandages and he could hear the pull of a needle sucking up fluid.

 Sherlock was really starting to wonder if his caretaker could read his mind.

 ~*~*~*~*~

 “You have some nerve showing up here, whore!” a tall, stereotypical Italian man yelled at Niccola.

 The short, caramel complexion woman rolled her eyes at him. “I’m not a whore. I’m a slut. I don’t get paid to sleep with people. Do your research, Tom…”

 The man got right in her face, grinning twistedly. “I can’t wait until I get punch you in those pretty little lips while I put my cock in you.”

 She couldn’t help but wince at the thought of him getting his hands on her. “You’re too much of a Daddy’s boy to do that. Sorry but you’re only going to get the chance to knock me around.”

 Somehow his grin got wider. “Pops would never have to know!”

 “You do anything more than beat me and the conditions are breached. With the conditions breached, that means I get to retaliate. And trust me; I could kick you and those pathetic excuses for men arses from here to Sussex and back again without breaking a sweat.”

 “Yea fucking right!”

 Her features went creepily blank. “Didn’t you guys have to have a closed casket funeral for Tony? The news said he was beaten with a crowbar but I have it on good authority that the sick bastard did it with their fist. What kind of sick fuck does that to such a young, upstanding man?”

 He lunged at her at her words but she already knew what he was planning. With a quick sidestep, she used his momentum to slam his head into the elevator wall behind her with a sickening crunch; his body folding in on its self. “That should put you out of the equation for when my punishment comes. Men, so easily fooled. It must be my height that makes them underestimate me,” she mumbled to herself with a shrug of her shoulders.

 Several moments later, the elevator door opened to reveal a Victorian style office decorated in dark tones. An older Italian sat behind the ornate oak desk positioned in the middle of the round room. “I see ya dispatched my son,” he stated in a gravelly voice.

 “Sorry, Mr. Travis. You know how it gets when I’m around and you know I was never one to take any shit,” she said as she made her way into the room and sat down in one of the matching chairs in front of the desk. “You know why I’m here.”

 He nodded. “Ta, Nicky. I know why you’re here. It’s been, what, nearly 9 years since I last saw ya. How was Japan?”

 “It was nine years two days ago. I wouldn’t think you would forget the death of your youngest son though…”

 “Well, I have come to terms with the fact that my sons were right bastards. Apparently Tony was a women beater but I didn’t find that out until my wife died 6 years ago…”

 She flinched at his words. No one had told her Mrs. Travis had passed away. “I found myself missing Grandma’s ravioli while I was in Japan. As you can imagine, it’s hard to find good Italian over there. The fresh, cheap sushi made up for it though.”

 I’m so sorry Jake…

 He smiled weakly at her. “You were, are, like the daughter Lily could never have to me. If Michi were still alive, I would tell him that he did a bloody fine job raising you…so here’s what I’m going to do. Even though my son was a slimeball to ya, ya did kill him and ya did break your exile so I’m, unfortunately, going to have my guys beat the shit out ya. I’m also going to turn over Tony’s trust fund to ya. Don’t worry! The money that goes into it was gained through legitimate means and you’ll have full legal control over it so even if I die no one can take possession of it. The least I can do is have ya made since you’re back; to make up for the time I have lost.”

 “What makes you think I’m going to survive long enough to be set?”

 He got up from the desk and headed over to the elevator. He didn’t even bother to turn around when he answered her. “You got Michi Thomas and Morgana Lei blood running through ya and ya put a Faterali 6 feet under AND you had the bollocks to come back to London knowing what was going to happen. You’re scared out of ya wits not because you’re afraid of getting the piss kicked out of ya but ‘cause you’re scared of the lack of control you’ll have while you’re out. I don’t know who ya got in these parts but if they were enough to bring ya back here then I think you shouldn’t be so worried ‘bout it!”

 And with that, he disappeared into the elevator, leaving Niccola feeling a little better about her decision until she saw the five guys Jake sent after her. Then she thought he was full of shit!

#Sherlock FanFic #Sherlock/Original Female Character #TW: Rape

[cozy-possum]

A follow up to this

Demetri calls them from their room, he does not comment on the bracelets under their robes or the paper that rests on the desk, he simply hands them their cloaks and gestures to the door. Jane follows and Alec hesitates before Demetri nods at him. Alec tucks the paper into his robe and rushes to catch up with his sister. “We’ll be going now sir.” Demetri nods to Aro who lounges reading. “Of course. Enjoy.” Caius responds for him, not looking up from the book he’s translating.

They’re taking a plane. Jane looks bored as usual, but Demetri catches the faint smile when they pass by the souvenir stands and she see’s the St. Marcus day statue’s lining a wall. Alec refuses to leave until they buy three. Jane tucks a keychain and a shirt into the bag as well. Demetri doesn’t say anything as they board the plane. They hide the food the hostess offers and Demetri tries to remember which pocket of the bag the stuff it in. Alec spends most of the time starting at the clouds and Jane writes in the journal Caius bough her. Demetri lets his mind linger on the potential meals they’ll have when they land. He makes them take the blankets with them, they drop them off at the animal shelter and Demetri refused to look at Jane and Alec as he drags them from the shelter ignoring the chorus’s of “Please dad! It’s almost Christmas!” He remembers why he doesn’t like going out with them when Alec starts crying when he see’s someone bringing a dog into the drop off area. “No, come one. We still have another four-hour drive and then another plane. Come on.” He sighs picking both of them up as he walks back to the rental car.

“You’re lucky I didn’t get booster seats for you little shrimps.” Alec snickers when Jane glares. “I don’t need a booster seat!” She shouts angrily as she buckles her seatbelt. “You’re under four ten you need a seat, it’s the law.” Jane glares keeping her eyes narrowed as they merge onto the highway. “Why can’t we go from this airport?” Alec watches the airport pass them by. “Doesn’t have an international terminal.” Demetri doesn’t glance from the road. “Yes it does the entire airport is-“ “We’re going to the other airport.” Demetri cuts her off and Jane hisses slightly. Demetri rolls his eyes. He parks the car in the long-term garage and drags both of them towards the security. Jane shifts nervously and Demetri grips her hand. “The one good thing about being out in public is you’re just a kid again and I can do this.” He grips Alec’s hand and Jane grudgingly holds his other. “And you can’t do shit about it.” “Aww, Jane it’s okay, I know planes are scary.” Demetri snickers under his breath as the security guard shoots her a look of sympathy.

“Come on sweetheart, we’ll get you some candy so your ears don’t pop on the plane.” Demetri’s face does not change from his smirk as Jane’s glower only deepens. “When we get home you’ll wish for your transformation’s pain again.” She seethes as he drags them around the stores, buying a few new books. “Dad! Can I get this!!?” Alec holds up a massive notebook and a set of colouring pens. “Of course, Jane, do you want anything?” “No Demetri. I don’t.” She spits out and glares at Alec who beams back holding the notebook out to Demetri. Demetri waits by the cash register. “Jane are you sure?” Jane scowls as she grabs a similar notebook and her own set of pens, placing them next to Alec’s. Demetri side-eyes her and pulls a couple magazines as well. “I didn’t know you were into celebrity gossip!” Alec grips his notebook as Demetri leads them to the gate to wait for boarding. “Its entertaining.” He shrugs; Alec opens his pens and is about to start drawing something when Demetri puts his hand out. “Whoa kid, we’re about to board wait a minute or two?” “But I have an idea!!!” Demetri rolls his eyes holding the extra pens as Alec scribbles something onto the first page as they wait in line to board.

“Excuse me young man, your boarding pass?” The attendant smiles as Alec hands it to her not looking up from his drawing. Demetri settles him into his seat placing the pens on his lap. He watches Jane who’s stopped glaring as she doddle’s flowers, which she covers with her hand. Demetri pretends not to notice her eyes flash with panic when she realizes her bracelet isn’t on her wrist. He waits for her to sit up; watching her trying to force the panic away as she turns to looks at him. “My bracelet, I took it off when we went through the security.” “Did you lose it?” Demetri watches her squirm. “I left it. I forgot to pick it up.” “Esme’s gonna be so upset when she finds out!!” Alec turns into the conversation and Jane stutters in panic. “You can’t tell her!! You can’t!” Alec winces, and Demetri places a hand on her shoulder. “Jane, it’s alright. I have it here. See.” Demetri holds the bracelet up and Jane snatches it from his hand, she swallows looking a little sick and Demetri’s eyebrows crease in worry. “Thank you.” Demetri closes his eyes sighing. “Can you say that one more time I want to get it on recording.” “Fuck off.” Demetri laughs helping her fasten the bracelet back on her wrist. “Jane you can’t say bad words like that! We’re supposed to be kids.” Jane rolls her eyes and returns to her drawings. Demetri peers at Alec’s. “What’s that?” “A dragon.” “I know it’s a dragon but what is it sitting on.” “Mantle of a fireplace. It’s for the castle!!!” Demetri looks at the rest of the page, a mess of reds and browns. “And that?” He points to a mass of purple and blue, Alec swipes his hand away and nods. “Curtains. The books I was reading said they used fabric to make the place look nice! Like how the upper parts of Volterra have tapestries! I thought curtains would be more practical.” “Practical?” “If you’re trying to resell it.” “Why would you need to resell your castle though?” Demetri watches Alec stumble over his words. “Well, cause, you need to make money, of course. To buy another castle!” he nods to himself and continues his drawing, he watches Jane drawing for a while, she’d found a pencil in the bottom of the bag he’d brought. Demetri turns from the drawing when he does not recognize the woman’s eyes that stare back at him. He knows Jane does and he leaves her to her sketches and memories. 

He tells them to pack everything up five minutes before the plane lands. Letting Alec stare out the window as they land, watching the fog carpet the runway. Demetri holds his hand out and Alec takes it automatically, he’s surprised to find Jane does the same and he walks them towards the awaiting car. Jane looks confused. “Aro sent us a car for this mission?” “No dear. I did.” Demetri swallows when he feels Jane tug against him for a spilt second before she pretends to straighten herself out. Alec’s vibrating against him and Demetri releases his hold on his hand. Alec shoots across the pathway crashing into Esme’s arms. Jane scoffs.

“Alec we’re on a mission.” She turns to Demetri who just laughs, he can see her processing the lie from earlier and she scowls when Esme opens the door. “Now we have a lot of work to do, best get going.” Demetri pushes her to the back door of the car and he gets in the front. “Esme, lovely to see you as always. We brought presents.” Demetri presents a St. Marcus statue and Esme smiles tucking it into the cup holder. “The keychain too.” Jane speaks up as Demetri pulls it from the bag. Esme pulls away from the airport and Alec is surprisingly not glued to the window, carefully asking Esme how she’s been and how the castle is looking. Jane is the one staring at the rolling hills. She shifts in the seat and turns her attention back to her notebook opening it and returning to sketching another face. Demetri turns when he see’s the man’s face twist in anger. 

It doesn’t take long for them to arrive at the castle, the towering structure is half crumbling and is not the dusty brown-red of Volterra. It sits cloaked in the fog, gray and blending into the mist. Demetri steps out allowing Jane and Alec to clamber out and stand near him. Alec rushes forward as does Esme both excitedly chatting about renovations and colour ideas. “Don’t want to play house?” Demetri laughs but watches as Jane turns from the castle and stalks off towards the forest.

“Esme was saying this land has been untouched for generations, that a powerful family owned it but sold it to the Volturi when they could not keep it. Rumor is that Carlisle grew up here, that the Volturi gave it back to him as a farewell present. It’s how Esme has it in her possession now.” Demetri talks, easily keeping pace as Jane seems to feverently rush towards some spot in the overgrowth. She hisses tearing up trees and the brush that grows. Leaves and dirt flying as she snarls throwing it towards the pile she’s creating. Demetri is joined by Esme and Alec moments later. Alec watches Jane oddly and steps towards her, but he hits the ground screaming in seconds.

“Alec!” She stumbles back arms out whimpering as Alec stands brushing himself off and stepping towards Esme slightly. Jane panics, her arms gripping herself as she cries. “Jane sweetheart what’s wrong?” Esme’s crouched, Demetri is almost worried Jane will mistake it for an attack but she just shakes her head a whine falling from her lips. “Jane, we can’t help if you don’t tell us. Please dear?” Esme reaches her hand out, Demetri is surprised she does not scream when Jane’s powers hit her. “Jane. Stop this. You’re behaving like a child. It’s pathetic, you’re a Volturi guard.” Demetri stands tall scowling at her and she scowls back. “I am.” “A guard? Or a sniveling child?” Demetri watches her rise, her body ridged and jerking as she locks her muscles into place. “A child.” She chokes out and Demetri doesn’t allow his face to soften as Esme’s does. He steps, making a point to crush his foot over the patch of dirt she’s cleared.

“Stop playing like a child, we are here to help Esme, to help Alec. If you do not wish to help you may wait in the car, or you may go back to home. The choice is-“ Demetri is used to her powers, he’s used to the illusion and can almost completely block it out. He can feel the burning crawling up his limbs and twisting in his gut. She snarls glaring at him and he rolls his eyes. Esme moves in front of him, twisting in on herself stumbling forward pulling Jane into a hug, trying to calm her. Demetri can tell this angers her more. She shoves Esme back snarling and kicking the dirt up. Alec steps forward and Demetri notes with fear the shimmer of his mist snaking towards Jane. She stills seconds later. She starts crying in the same breath. It takes Demetri a moment to realize she’s talking.

“Why can’t you remember too? I hate it. I hate it. I want you to remember. Please. Please remember. I don’t want to be alone. Please Alec. You know where we are.” The mist vanishes and Alec wraps his arms around Jane, they cling to each other refusing to look at Esme or Demetri. “I don’t know Jane. I can’t remember.” Jane nods curling her head into his neck. “I miss her. I miss her so much.” Alec swallows. “I know, I remember her. I miss her too.” Demetri refuses to look at them as they stand up and Jane carefully smooth’s the dirt from her clothes and nervously looks up to Esme and him. “Can we work on the castle now? I have a few ideas.” She smiles but it drops off as she regains her normal façade. Demetri wonders how long she’d been covering herself with it as she glides in front of him. He ignores the grip she has on Esme’s hand. Turning to Alec who hovers nervously. Demetri turns from the patch of dirt and pretends not to notice the homemade cross stabbed into the ground. “Alec come on, the faster we finish this the faster we go home.” Demetri tugs his hand and Alec does not rush ahead. “We are home.” He and Jane say in the same breath.

#jane volturi #alec volturi #demetri volturi #esme cullen #twilight saga #twilight revival #twilight fanfiction #twilight #twiwrites #this is way longer than i planned #also book ages are much better for jane and alec tbh #let them be kids #they have centuries of trauma to work through #stattic

[kilojulietsierra]

Better The Devil You Know - Chapter Two (Ulysses Klaue x Female OC)

Read Chapter One Here

Chapter Two - July 17, 2014 Tripoli, Libya

Savannah shoved a blind handful of clothes into a backpack and glanced frantically around the room for her headscarf.

“Miss Thorne, we need to go. Now!”

“I’m coming!” She found the piece of fabric draped over the chair in the corner and she snatched it up, putting it on with one hand as she grabbed her laptop and shoved it in the bag with the other. “Okay, call the pilot.” She slung the backpack over her shoulder. “I’m ready, let’s go.”

Security officers, one in front and two behind, escorted her out of the hotel at a jog and to the waiting vehicle. The streets were filled with locals running, yelling, chanting, guns firing both at people and into the air. Smoke pillars were scattered around the skyline and jets flew overhead. The week before nearly 300 government officials and employees had been killed in Benghazi, militias had been batting over the airport in Tripoli for nearly a weak and the State Department was preparing to evacuate its employees from the US Embassy.

At the private gate they were stopped by the militia that currently held control of the airport, but they let Savannah and her car through after a substantial bribe. She breathed a sigh of relief as they approached her plane and she saw that it was not one of the dozens on fire. There was no true relaxation until the jet was in the air and out of Tripoli air space. Her headscarf had fallen to reveal her hair but she left it, it was only a disguise, something to keep her from drawing more attention than absolutely necessary. An American in Libya was a prime target. As were any American operated oil wells.

She couldn’t count how many burned on the desert floor beneath her, the blanket of thick black smoke was too dense.

“Ma’am are you sure you want to land?” The pilot asked over his shoulder as he circled.

He had circled the oil field three more times before she answered, “No, Rick. Let’s just go home.” The words tasted more toxic than the smoke below them. She continued to stare as the plane eased out of it’s banking maneuver and reoriented south. “Who’s still down there?”

Her head of security, Kristoffer, sat across the table, “Most of my team is still on the ground Miss Thorne. We’ll hold it.”

Her burning oil no longer visible from her window she slouched into her leather seat and faced him, “Hold it well enough to get fire crews in there and put the wells out?”

When Kristoffer didn’t answer right away it didn’t bode well, “We can hold, but limited firepower, limited manpower. We’ll be on the defense, not the offense.”

Savannahs eyes hardened, as dark and smothering as the smoke that now haunted her waking life. “That’s not how I play.”

~~~~~~~

July 17, 2014 Somewhere Over the Central African Republic

“At this point, say we get the wells put out and capped. How long before the next coup, the next militia or some scraggle of rebels comes along and blows them again? The oil is more valuable in the ground than it is in a pillar of hellfire.”

Savannah glared at her business manager on the screen in front of her, “No, it’s more valuable in a tanker on its way to Europe.”

“Sell it.”

“Nobody is going to buy on oilfield that’s burning up all it’s oil. Nobody is going to buy an oilfield in Libya period. That’s why we are there! It’s the cheapest most abundant reserve in the world, with the least competition. My father drilled there for decades, I’m not going to lose it just because of some pissing match between regime’s. It’s Africa for fucks sake, this shit happens every day.”

“If you just called to yell, I’m hanging up now.”

“Hang up and you’ll be managing a Whataburger off I-45.” She snorted derisively and sipped on her whiskey.

Her manager snorted back, “Well at least there wouldn’t be terrorist groups trying to takeover my Whataburger.”

Savannah crunched a piece of ice and cocked a slightly less than perfect eyebrow. “Have you ever been to Houston? You never know.” She chuckled dryly to herself. “Options Reed, give me options. Other than selling.”

The man on the videochat fiddled with his pen and and tapped at a key on his laptop repeatedly. “Well, I mean my first suggestion is to get more security on the ground so we can at least get fire crews in. But, like you said, you don’t have the men or the arms.”

“Men and guns can be bought.” Savannah glanced to the four, strapping examples lounging around the cabin of her private jet.

“Okay, well, do that.”

“As much as I hate telling you this; you are right. Cap the wells, some goat herder is just going to blow them up again.” She finished her drink and let another ice cube fall into her mouth, crunching it as she thought. A habit she knew Reed hated, which only made it more enjoyable for her. “What is there for… new well heads, derricks, caps, rigs… something, some sort of advancement maybe, that makes them less vulnerable to attacks?”

The video feed glitched a few times before he answered, “I don’t think manufacturers build their drilling equipment to be terrorist proof.”

Savannah stood up and spun the laptop towards the planes mini galley, where she was heading. She raised her voice as she made herself another drink. “No, but they do make them safer. Less likely to blow out, more stable during the drilling process, more efficient. OSHA be damned but someone somewhere makes… something… we can repurpose. Unbreakable steel, self cooling drill stem or pipes, a fucking force field I don’t know…” She trailed off, filling her glass to the top in the process. “Fuck.” She twisted the cap back on the whiskey bottle and took a drink on her way back to her seat.

“Maybe Tony Stark has something we can use.” Reed laughed at his own joke.

“Oh please, Stark wouldn’t come near us with a ten foot pole and a NDA. I like the way you think though.”

Reed paused, “You mean… go superhero or go scientist?”

Savannah cleared her throat, realizing she had forgot the Coke for her whiskey and cola. “Find me a nerd. Someone working on, something we can apply to this. If they want research funding, labs, resources, whatever. Find me someone and I’ll make a deal.”

~~~~~~~

July 17, 2014 Somewhere Over the Democratic Republic of the Kongo

“We’ll be stopping to refuel at Kisangani Miss Thorne. Then we’ll stop at your site in Angola to top off before we head for Joburg.”

“Dumbo?” Savannah sat up from the ‘nap’ she had been taking on the couch.

“Yes ma’am, I’ve already radioed ahead so they’ll have the fuel truck ready when I call in to land.”

“You’re the best Rick.” She stood up and stretched.

“That’s why I work for you ma’am.” He chuckled to himself as he set back to the controls.

Savannah chuckled too as she dug through the snack cupboard. She had just opened a package of jerky when her video call notification lit up her laptop screen. One of the guards was playing online Texas Hold ‘Em and glanced up at her. “Who is it?” She walked around to look over his shoulder. He was playing with two Queens in his hand and another on the table lined up between two eights and the seven of spades.

“It’s Reed Miss Thorne.” He looked back to the screen as it was his turn to call or fold.

Savannah nodded, “Let it ring.”

The guard smiled and nodded as he clicked the button to ‘call’. The online players showed their cards and his Queens over eights took the pot. Nearly $2,000 American dollars. Savannah patted him on the back as he cashed out and stood up from the seat so she could answer the video call.

“Reed, do you have good news for me?”

“How desperate are you?”

She slouched back in her seat and gnawed on a piece of jerky, “That’s not what I want to hear.”

“I know, but hear me out. The superhero thing got me thinking…”

“Oh Lord give me strength.”

Before she could continue her lamenting Reed cut her off. “Vibranium.”

All that could be heard was the hum of the jet and Savannahs chewing.

Reed took that as his leave to continue, “I found a young research scientist in Germany, at the Technical Institute of Munich, that has been working on a theory that if blended with structural and manufacturing grade steel, Vibranium could reduce Industrial accidents by nearly 80%. I’ve been looking into this guy for hours, squeaky clean, super nerd, he’s perfect.”

“Where’s he get the vibranium? Its… you can’t get it.”

“That’s just it, this is all theory! He’s never had any to work with… So, if a certain wealthy business owner were to come forward and…”

“Offer to supply him with vibranium he might just be grateful enough to say... Build us indestructible oil wells?”

Reed’s smile bordered on manic and Savannah realized it must be nearly three in the morning at the main office in Dallas.

“Great idea except I don’t have any.” She ripped a piece of jerky in half and shoved it in her mouth. “None that isn’t already being used.” She added around a mouthful of teriyaki jerky.

“No, but you’ve gotten it before.

Savannah chewed. “Fuck me sideways. Is this really our best option?”

“It’s our only option hun.” Reed looked as tired as she felt.

“Fuck… Fuck… Fuckity fuck, fuck, fuck. Fuck it. Call him. Put him on a plane to Johannesburg muy pronto. Tell him whatever he needs, it’s paid for.” Savannah slammed the lid of her laptop much harder than necessary. It didn’t even make her feel any better. Instead she grabbed a water bottle off the seat next to her and threw it at the lavatory door as hard as she could. “Fuck!”

Her security team remained silent, waiting.

“Kristoffer, tell your boys to hold the fields no matter what and that they’re all on time and a half pay until I get back.”

“Yes ma’am.” He walked to his gear bag and pulled out the satellite phone, ready to give orders.

Savannah waited patiently for him to finish and then took the phone from. She dialed a very familiar number. A number she had sworn she would never dial again. If her way of life did not depend on this phone call she would have hung up as soon as she heard his voice.

“Yeah?

“Ulysses?”

She closed her eyes and counted her breaths as the line remained silent. Then, the sniggering began. Slowly and almost too quiet to hear until it grew to the point she held the phone away from her and considered ripping off the emergency exit door and throwing it out. “Hello Annah, Love.” He chuckled some more, “Tell me you need me.”

Her hand closed around the sat sphone like a vice. Her eyes screwed shut and her molars ground together. But, she collected herself and spoke, “I need you Lee.”

~~~~~~~

Read Chapter Three Here!

#Ulysses Klaue #ulysses klaue fanfiction #black panther #black panther fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic

[oddree13]

Dec. 17 - Flight Cancelled - @omgcpwinterextravaganza (Read on AO3)

Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Delayed. Cancelled. Delayed. Cancelled.

That was the pattern going down the board at Logan Airport, a few days before Christmas. A snow storm had blown in, bring more snow than expected, and it looked like it wasn’t letting up anytime soon.

Sighing, and glancing at his phone for no other reason than habit, Nursey went to go sit back down, hoping somehow that the weather would change.

It wasn’t like he really celebrated Christmas, but if he was going to be alone he might as well do it in New York City where he could be alone with the bustling city. But after ten minutes of brooding, he realized that nothing was going to change the weather now, and went off to find an agent to rebook him.

As he walked past security, back into the main terminal, he spotted a familiar shock of red hair and strided over, hoping his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him.

“Poindexter?” he called out, and was relieved when Dex turned around startled by his name being called.

“Nursey? What are you doing here? I thought you left yesterday?”

“I did technically. I went into Boston a day early for this lecture I wanted to check out, but now I’m snowed in. You?”

“Flight was today and well, you can guess what happened,” he sighed, looking around as if by looking out the windows the snow would stop.

“Any chance we can get back to the Haus you think?” Nursey asked, in case Dex had already looked into that.

“We’d have to take the T then a bus back, but the Samwell buses aren’t running anymore,” Dex said, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “They stopped at noon today, and I doubt any ubers and taxis would be willing to drive that far out in this weather.”

“Right....” Nursey trailed off, running a hand through his hair in thought. “Look, I don’t want to recreate every bad holiday movie that glorifies sleeping in a terminal, and I know how you get when you don’t sleep well, so how about this - I’ll get us a room at the hotel attached to the airport, and before you say anything, I have travel insurance so it’ll be covered. The only thing that’ll cost us is the room service we will most certainly order along with the movies,” he grinned, doing his best to convince his friend that it wouldn’t be a huge expense.

“Nursey, that’s really nice but I can stay here, it’s fine. Really. Besides if the weather clears up I could get the first flight out,” he tried, but Nursey leveled him with a look and before he knew it, the two of them were on the shuttle to the hotel.

It was obvious that Nursey wasn’t the only person with this idea, because the line to get a room was long, and by the time it was Derek’s turn they only had king beds left. As he looked to the side to see if Dex would be alright with it, the redhead just gave him a look that said ‘we do this every roadie.’ Without another moment’s hesitation Derek booked the room, and soon the two men were ensconced in a king room with a stocked mini fridge.

In no time Derek ordered room service, to which Dex rolled his eyes at, but soon had no ground to tease Nursey on as he discovered the bathrobes and, embracing their situation, wrapped himself in terry cloth and lounged on the bed.

“You know two years ago I would have murdered you for even suggesting this and then stayed in the airport out of spite,” Dex laughed, as Nursey stripped out of his clothes and into just pajama bottoms and a matching bathrobe. “I know now that this is just how you help out and show you care. I get it’s not a show off thing.”

“I’m sorry you thought that,” Nursey said laying down on the couch and picking up the remote. He looked over at his friend, with a small smile. “I get why, but I’m glad you didn’t murder me for suggesting it now. I don’t think I would have been able to get this room knowing that you’d still be at Logan curled up on an uncomfortable chair.”

“Yeah that would have sucked,” Dex agreed, and settled down as Nursey scrolled through the movie options.

***

A tray of food and two wine bottles later, Nursey and Dex lay on the bed, watching Star Wars: the Force Awakens.

“Honestly at this rate I don’t think there isn’t a human in this movie I wouldn’t sleep with,” Nursey giggled.

“Is that so?” Dex teased, watching Poe and Finn reunite on screen.

“Yeah, I mean you’ve got the obvious main trio - Rey, Finn, and Poe - that are all too pretty for words. I’d sleep with Harrison Ford no matter what his age is,” Derek began.

“But you’d even sleep with the First Order guys?” Dex asked, curious.

“Well, Kylo Ren honestly might just need an orgasm to calm the fuck down, and Hux, well,” he started, but stopped suddenly.

“What about Hux?” Dex asked, peering over at Nursey.

“Well I actually wouldn’t sleep with him. I don’t substitute,” he shrugged, hoping the vague response was enough.

“What do you mean substitute?” Dex asked, turning his full attention to his roommate.

“You know, go after someone because they look like someone you’re into,” he muttered.

“I wasn’t aware you had a thing for military dudes, Nurse,” he teased.

“Yeah it’s not the military thing and before you asked, it isn’t an allegorical Nazi fetish either,” he snorted.

“Then what is it?” he asked, but before he got an answer, his attention was drawn back to the fight between Rey and Kylo, forgetting to pester Nursey about his unwillingness to fictionally go to bed with Domhnall Gleeson.

It was only when they were both tucked into bed later, not quite drunk, but still tipsy, that Dex asked, “Is it because he’s ginger?”

“What?” Nursey asked, a little confused at the question.

“Hux. You don’t want to fuck him because he’s ginger,” Dex replied, staring at the back of Nursey’s head in the twilight of the room. When Derek didn’t answer he continued.

“Whatever guy you like right now must be ginger if you won’t substitute,” Dex began, turning over onto his back to think. “Well he can’t be at Samwell because there honestly aren’t that many redheads at school, and half are girls, and the guys that are there don’t see like your type.”

“Dex, just drop it,” Nursey warned, his chest tightening in worry.

“So that means that the guy must be on another hockey team or back in New York,” he continued, ignoring the warning.

“Dex, it doesn’t matter. It’s not going to happen so there’s no need to talk about it.”

“But why not? You’re good looking, smart, funny, and the clumsiness thing has a charming side effect if you play it right.”

“He’s straight,” Nursey gritted out, ignoring all the compliments that Dex had just showered on him.

“Oh,” Dex said, his mouth closing in regret. “I’m sorry, Nursey, I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s fine. He’s just not into dudes and that’s fine. I just have a rule that I don’t go to bed with people to fuel unattainable crushes, fictional people included.”

“That makes sense,” he agreed, but instead of turning back over and trying to sleep, Dex rolled over and hugged his friend.

“His loss then, Derek,” he whispered, his breath ghosting on the back of Nursey’s neck.

“Yeah,” Nursey squeaked out, his throat tight, “his loss.”

***

The next morning the snow was still going, coating the city in several more inches. After each of the defensemen were on hold for over an hour with their respective airlines, they decided to order some breakfast and work on some homework to kill the day.

By the time evening came, the pair decided another movie was in order so Nursey scrolled through, reading the titles to Dex.

“Zootopia?”

“Not in the mood.”

“Deadpool?”

“Saw it.”

“Moo- nah nevermind you wouldn’t be into that”

“No wait, what movie?”

“Moonlight,” Nursey finished, looking over at Dex.

“For your information, I already saw it,” he replied, looking smug.

“For real?” Nursey asked in disbelief.

“Yeah, for real. It was during a long weekend and well I was curious.”

“Curious about what?”

“About what life would look like if you just never admitted to yourself what you really are,” he shrugged, not meeting Nursey’s eyes.

“And what did you think?”

“I thought it was good. My goal this year is to admit to myself some things,” he swallowed, clearly uncomfortable.

“Well that’s healthy, Poindexter,” he offered, and went back to scrolling through the movies, settling on Captain America: Civil War.

As the Marvel film played before them, Nursey wondered what Dex had to admit to himself. Earlier he’d explained how he would have reacted differently about the hotel had it been two years earlier, so maybe he was generally trying to become more self aware. But there was also the other possibility lurking in the back of Derek’s mind.

“You know if you wanted to admit something you can always talk to me...you listen to my bullshit all the time,” he offered, his eyes still focused on the screen.

Dex just nodded and didn’t say anything.

When the movie ended, they decided to skip a second movie in favor of lounging, so Nursey got out a book to read while Dex went back to working on his homework. The sound of typing filled the room and became background noise to Derek. So when Dex spoke up he was a little thrown.

“...I just wanted to tell you I'm gay. That's what I meant earlier...and I've only got a handful of days left this year so might as well finish up this resolution.”

It took Derek a few seconds to process the information but once his brain filtered what Dex said and stopped short circuiting, Derek defaulted to the tried and true Samwell line of, “Thank you for trusting me with this moment,” to which Dex laughed.

“Really, that’s what you’re going with?”

“What do you want me to say?” Nursey countered, his book now closed on his lap.

“I don’t know, freak out more? I’m really not sure I’ve never told anyone before.”

“I mean, I’ll tell you that I didn’t see it coming that’s for sure. I thought you were going to go off and get married to a girl and make a family fit for an LL Bean catalog.”

At that Dex had to laugh. “Yeah I don’t think the family I want right now is the kind they put in a magazine,” he snorted.

“And what kind of family is that?”

“A fictional one, Nurse. What I’m picturing right now isn’t going to happen. The guy is way out of my league, and well the kids I’m picturing aren’t exactly biologically possible.”

“I doubt this guy is out of your league,” Nursey began scooting over to be able to look at Dex properly. “You’re an NCAA athlete with the body to match. You’re smart, hard working, and loyal to a fault. If this guy doesn’t see that then he’s a moron.”

“I mean he is a moron but not for those reasons,” Dex smiled, a blush rising on his cheeks. “But he’s into someone else, I know that.”

Derek looked intently at Dex and took a chance. Moving his hand, he covered Dex’s hand, and was pleased when he heard the hitch in his breathing. “You were right. I didn’t want to even go to bed with a fictional ginger because I would look at them and want it to be you. And I know you just came out, and that I might not be the guy you were just talking about, but if I am, I need you to know that you aren’t out of my league. Fuck, Will, you’re the only one in it because I can’t get you out of my head. And I’m not expecting anything because you literally just came out and we’re about to go home, but I needed you to kn-”

Dex leaned in to kiss Nursey, cutting off his rant, cupping his check with one hand, the other resting on the back of his neck. “Shut up Derek,” he whispered as he pulled back a bit from the kiss. Nursey for his part just nodded, and went back in for another kiss.

***

The rest of the evening was spent trading lazy kisses and talking, and come morning when the weather evened out, Derek may or may not have changed his ticket to spend the holidays with his best friend turned boyfriend, instead of spending it alone in Manhattan.

#omgcpwinterextravaganza #omgcp #dexnursey #omgcp fic #nurseydex #myfics #advent calendar

[miss-m-and-her-blog]

He’s My Girl (Chapter 10)

TITLE OF STORY: He’s My Girl CHAPTER: 10 AUTHOR: miss-m-and-her-blog WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: AU Actor!Tom GENRE: Romance, Action, Drama FIC SUMMARY: He’s a guy, she’s a boy in disguise. He’s an actor, she’s a stuntman or -woman. How can it ever work when the famous Tom Hiddleston stars in an action film, with Charlie or Charlene as his stunt choreographer? RATING: T WARNINGS/TRIGGERS/AUTHORS NOTES: I didn’t go through describing every detail (the names at least) about Tom’s family here, because I strongly believe that Tom’s family, is something he can show us fans a glimpse of but not all of it. I suggest maybe the readers focus on fluff moments between Tom and Charlie, though haha :D FEEDBACK/COMMENTS: 

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The whistle of the airplane engines can be heard from the departure lounge of the Heathrow Airport as Tom and Paula sat beside each other. Paula had her legs folded and up at the seat while she leaned in against Tom who held her hand tight. Tom placed a kiss on the top of her head as he would miss his girlfriend so much. Paula looked up to him, her beautiful pale-blue eyes reflecting his sadness.

Then he spoke, “Why don’t you just take me with you? We’ll visit your Mum.”

Paula’s brows furrowed then she sat up, “Then you’ll miss Christmas with your own family.”

Tom sighed, “I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Paula cringed and shook her head, “Don’t be ridiculous. You sound stupid saying that.”

She looked away, but Tom just gulped down as he felt hurt with the way she reacted.

“What’s so wrong if I wanted to meet your mother?” Tom demanded an answer.

Paula now untangled herself from Tom; she was not ready to explain those kinds of things to him right now. She didn’t say anything, which made Tom ask more, “Maybe I just don’t reach up to your parents’ expectation. Is that it?”

Once again, she didn’t respond and she just distanced herself from Tom. Tom wanted to know why Paula is this way; she tends to dismiss talks about her parents, but Tom just wanted to know the truth.

“I didn’t know I’m dating a girl who doesn’t want to introduce me even to her mother.”

Tom was not careful enough with his words; Paula shot a dark look at him.

“Fucking drop it, will you?” Paula hissed.

Tom wanted to reach out for her; hold her and make her let down her guard.

“Just tell me something… I love you, Paula; I’ll accept anything about you; I’ll understand everything that you say and feel… just tell me anything.”

Paula had her back at Tom, and he was guessing what was going on in her mind as she went quiet as the dead. As much as Tom wanted to hear more from her, they heard from the PA that the flight to Los Angeles is ready for boarding. She got up and reached for her bags, not even bothering to ask Tom to help her. He could only watch her grab her luggage and take her backpack, but, before leaving, she said, “Next time, don’t ask me again about my mother. I don’t like talking about her with other people.”

Then, she left as she didn’t even give Tom a kiss goodbye.

“Text me when you get there!” He shouted as she was already too far away.

Tom sat there for the next few minutes, confused and also a bit hurt as to why Paula acted that way. She was the only woman he dated that didn’t want her parents introduced to him. And it leaves Tom hanging and wondering why Paula is so sensitive when it comes to her parents. When he finally stood up, Tom grumbled but then he found himself brushing the argument between him and Paula away and off of his mind.

I may never know what Paula feels, but I have to understand her. If you love someone, you have to accept them for who they are. He thought as he left the departure lounge.

Charlie sat over the sill of the 4th-floor window, looking at the hazy afternoon sky. The production crew and stunt team were already getting ready for the Christmas dinner at the dining hall at the ground floor, but he didn't want to join in for the fear that Dodong might recognize him. Charlie had no choice but to spend this day alone.

Before Ian left for Malibu, he had given Charlie a hoodie as a Christmas gift.

So you won't forget me whenever you wear that. Ian told him before he left the hotel.

Charlie decided not to come with Ian and spend the holidays with him; he didn't want to disappoint Ian, because they are friends, but he didn't want to take advantage of Ian's feelings for him.

As the cold air had wrap itself up into his arms, he also felt hungry and melancholic. How Charlie wished that he is in L.A. right now with her wonderful cousins and her fun-loving Uncle and Aunt.  His Christmas would be better if he is with his family. He couldn't get home because his money is not nearly enough for a round-trip ticket to L.A., he thought that it was better to save the money and endure the homesickness.

Charlie found himself trying to gulp down the lump in his throat, until,

"Charlie?"

He turned his head only to see Tom, with a backpack on, ready to leave.

"Why aren't you with the prod crew? You're all alone up here." Tom's concern was more than evident.

Charlie put down his legs and faced Tom, "I... I just wanted to be alone," his voice was flat, but Tom bit his lower lip, feeling sorry for him.

Then Tom said, "This is all my fault. If I didn't argue with Ian, you would've been in California right now."

Charlie shook his head, "No, no--It's not your fault, Tom. I couldn't really go home; the airplane tickets right now are very pricey so... it's better to save up my money."

They both stared at each other. Tom blamed himself all the while he looked at Charlie's sad almond eyes. Charlie tried to muster up a smile, but instead, he looked like he was cringing.

Finally, Tom spoke up, "This won't do. Come with me."

Charlie almost jumped when Tom reached out for his wrist, "Come where?"

"I have to make it right. Spend Christmas with me."

Charlie's eyes bulged out of its socket after hearing that, "With you?"

Tom shrugged, and corrected, "With me, and my family."

"But! But, Tom--!" Charlie wanted to refuse but the way Tom held now his hand felt like he just became putty in Tom's hold.

"No, come with me. Get your things, we're leaving," Tom's instructions were strict, and Charlie wouldn't dare disobey it.

Charlie went to their room and Tom came with him to help him get his backpack.

"When we'll be back?" Charlie asked as he threw in two shirts inside his pack.

"Tomorrow or maybe the 28th," Tom explained.

Charlie looked back at him, and he wasn't sure what else he had put on his bag. "But, wouldn't the shooting resume on the 27th?"

Tom waved it off and said, "That's the least of our problems. Come on! Hurry up, we haven't got all the time."

Charlie quickly closed off the clasps of his backpack and threw it over his shoulder. The next thing he knew, he is now with Tom inside the elevator; until they arrived at the entrance, waiting for the valet to bring Tom's car. Charlie tried to process everything that is happening right now, his crush is taking him home to his family for Christmas.

Because he pitied you, you idiot. That's why he's tagging you along. Charlie scolded himself internally.

Tom's car finally arrived, a Chrysler SUV. Charlie rode shotgun at the left side of the car; when he looked back at the rear seat, it was full of perfectly wrapped gifts.

When Tom finally sat at the driver's seat, Charlie asked, "Are these all for your family?"

Tom took a quick glance, "Yup. Everybody's in Suffolk right now. My parents, my sisters, my brother-in-law and niblings, and a few cousins, aunts, and uncles. You have to meet them because they are all amazing."

Charlie's face went red at the thought that Tom would have to introduce him to his family.  Tom saw it and he immediately responded, "Don't worry. I got your back. Though, Mum could ask you some questions, but it's all right."

Charlie only sat back as Tom started to drive out from the hotel driveway. He wasn't expecting this to happen at a such short notice, but Charlie has no choice but to let it happen.

The drive to Aldeburgh took them almost four hours. As the car passed by the boulevard, Charlie saw the rows and rows of establishments near the beach.  The bleak water of the beach reflected the grayish duskened skies and the blanket of snow had fallen over the shores, but Charlie had never seen something so scenic in his life before.

"This is where my Mum grew up. I spent summers here too, and once brought Tay--" Tom stopped mid-sentence then continued, "I brought one of my exes here... I wanted to bring Paula, but she had to be with her mother."

Charlie glanced at Tom for a moment. "Couldn't Paula make time to come here with you?" Tom didn't answer that.

He knows Paula couldn't and won't make time just to come here with him in Aldeburgh; quietness fell upon them after. Even at night, Charlie’s fascination with the homes and shops that lined now the street that they are driving through to had left him wide-eyed amazed.

He only saw places and houses like those in foreign films that sometimes he watches, back when he was still in High School as Charlene. There was something about these places in Europe that caught Charlie’s attention and fancy. Sometime when his father, Bo-Gyeong, was still alive; he wished that they would live overseas. Maybe they’d have a house in Venice; live in Spain or even in London.

Just in some faraway land where no one knows who they are; and Bo-Gyeong would be happy, and at least the sad memories of his mother would be lifted up from him. But, it never happened. Charlie’s father was taken too soon from him. This time, Tom noticed Charlie had been too quiet as he slumped over the edge of the car window.

“Charlie? Are you all right?” He turned his head towards Charlie.

He snapped from his reverie and looked back at Tom, “I’m all right. This town is just so wonderful... it looks magical in the snow.”

Tom smiled, “That’s why I love spending Christmas here. Especially with my family.”

Charlie only smiled back at Tom. Charlie had seen Tom happy as always; forever smiling and enthusiastic as a puppy whenever he’s on set. But this time, he had that certain warmth and glow around him that made Charlie feel at home. This side of Tom is a new sight for him; and he is grateful that Tom is kind enough to show to him this another layer in his personality and also the courtesy of bringing home so he won’t be alone this Christmas. When they reached the part of town where more houses stood and line the streets, Tom drove on at the end street and when reaching the second to the last house, he stopped the engine.

“We’re here,” He tapped Charlie’s shoulder.

Charlie saw him point at the house in front of them, grand and yet humble-looking. The facade of the house glittered and twinkled with all the decorations placed upon the roof, the front porch, and also the lawn. They both got out of the SUV, but Charlie couldn’t help but stand there, gawk at the house while Tom was busy at the car.

“Charlie, can you help me bring out the gifts?” Tom opened the door to the rear seat, and Charlie quickly went to Tom’s side.

He gave Charlie two large paper bags that both contained eight or more gifts, while Tom took in his arms the larger boxes.

“Can you handle that?” Tom asked Charlie.

He only nodded in response. Tom set the alarm of the car; then they walked over the low iron gate that enclosed the lawn. When they got to the porch, Tom had his free hand push for the doorbell. They waited for a few minutes for the door to open, and when it did, three children popped out of it and attacked Tom.

“Uncle Tommy! Uncle Tommy’s here!” said one of the fair-headed girl that pounced on Tom as he fell down on his butt at the porch, the box turned at his side.

The children--two boys and a girl, were jumping around and giving Tom kisses and hugs. Tom was helpless as he lay there on the wood floor of the porch.

Charlie’s eyes widened then he let out a crisp laugh when he saw how defenseless Tom is with his niblings. He retorted by tickling them and hugging them which filled the porch with the children’s laughs.

Then, an old woman, her hair white as the snow outside, came to the door to see what her grandchildren had done to their poor uncle.

“Hi, Mum,” Tom waved at his mother while the children sat on his chest and one who hugged him.

“Tom, my dear boy! Oh, you little rascals, get off of your uncle!” She tried to pick up her grandkids off of Tom and he helped himself stand up to his feet.

Tom firstly gave a warm and long hug to his mother, Diane, whom he had not seen for months.

“Mum, I want you to meet my friend, Charlie Go,” Tom held out a hand to Charlie and Diane faced him.

Charlie felt nervous at first when Diane peered through the wrinkles of her eyes to have a look at him. But, he calmed off when he saw her lips stretch out in a smile across her face; a smile he recognized that is the same as Tom’s.

“Why, dear, he’s a handsome young man! How do you do, Mr. Go?” Diane held out a hand to shake Charlie’s.

Charlie accepted the old woman’s hand with all respect, “Please call me Charlen--erm, Charlie. It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Hiddleston.”

Diana softly tapped the back of Charlie’s hand, “Oh, call me Diane. Come on in, you two must be freezing! Tom, dear, give me that box,” Diane took the smaller box stacked up top the other box Tom is carrying, then she motioned to them, “Come in, come in.”

Charlie felt so happy and warm just because of how Diane had received them and the way they were introduced to each other. He felt like a small child again in those Christmas gatherings that the Gosengtian clan had every year when he still lived in Manila. Tom followed Charlie at the door; he immediately saw his older sister, Sarah with her husband; his younger sister, Emma and her boyfriend, and some cousins, uncles, and aunts gathered at the fireplace, sipping tea and warming themselves.

His father, James, immediately stood up from his rocker and went to his son. The semi-circle they formed at the fireplace scattered as Emma and Sarah came to Tom to give him the warmest of hugs and the brightest of smiles. The children, along with the first three that greeted them at the front porch, flocked over them while Tom greeted each and everyone Happy Christmas. Charlie stood beside the tall and elegantly decorated Christmas tree that mightily held its place at the corner of the house. He only observed them for a minute, he didn’t wanted Tom to bother with him; he wanted Tom to savor the moment of being home again.

I’ll be here. Just please, enjoy it, Tom. I’ll be okay here. You’ve been kind enough to let me come with you. Charlie thought.

Then, Charlie, who is that time distracted by the glittering things hanging at the Christmas tree, suddenly felt Tom’s hands reach for his shoulder and pull him closer.

“Everybody, this is my trainer, Charlie Go. He’s also part of the stunt team and damned good martial artist,” Tom huffed jovially that Charlie wished he didn’t blush.

Everyone waved at him and even shook his hand, then Tom spoke again, “He couldn’t go home to L.A. to spend Christmas with his family, so, he’s going to spend it with us.”

Charlie tried to smile instead of cringe, because he didn’t want to hear their pity for his situation but, he only heard positive responses and agreement to Tom’s words. The convulsing warmth of joy tried to get out of Charlie’s chest when he now realized that he is fully and endearingly welcomed by Tom’s family.

“You are most welcome here, Charlie--can I call you Charlie?” Tom’s older sister, Sarah, placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

“Oh sure. Thank you very much, this means a lot to me,” Charlie replied to both Sarah and Emma who are conversing with him now.

For a while, Tom left Charlie to his sisters; then he went to the kitchen where his aunt and Mum are preparing the feast that they are going to have for the evening.

“Mum, let me help you with that,“ He immediately took the heavy pot that Diane held.

Diane could see that Charlie is now caught in a good conversation with Tom’s Dad, uncles, brother-in-law, and Emma’s boyfriend.

She turned to her son and said, “Charlie is a good looking young man," but Tom noticed how his mother stressed on the word man.

Tom chuckled, “He is. Almost all the girls on set, and even Paula’s assistant, Gwen; they all have a crush on him. I’ve got a rival to the ladies now, Mum,” He didn’t mention Ian as one of them that is obsessing over Charlie.

Diane only shook her head and remarked, “But... He looks a little bit--”

Tom spoke first, “Don’t say gay, Mum.”

Diane smiled, “I was going to say effeminate, dear. Or maybe he’s just soft-spoken.”

He shrugged, then he looked over to Charlie’s position at the living room where he is now fully engrossed with a conversation with the men, maybe he is now telling them the action sequences for the film.

Then, he heard James ask Charlie, “How old are you again, man?”

“I just turned 24 last November,” He replied cordially.

Tom paused, then he thought, He told Al Greener that he is just 19. We all know he’s just 19.

He was too deep in thought that Diane had to press her fingers into his arm, “Tom, my dear, would you be a doll and bring this to the table?”

Tom turned to his mother and took the heavy pot that contained the stuffed turkey for the main course of the dinner. For a while, he saw Charlie feel his phone vibrating through his pocket; then he stood up to excuse himself to receive that call. Charlie had to go outside and when he’s finally at the porch, he answered Lily’s call.

“Hello? Couz?” He spoke over the line but he only heard the Gosengtian family scream Merry Christmas over the phone that it made him giggle and gasp with joy. It was just the 24th there in L.A. and he is sure that all of Uncle Barty’s children and grandchildren are present for the Christmas Eve dinner.

He also heard Demi shout out, “Merry Christmas, Cha-Cha! We miss you!” before he heard Lily speak, “Oh, Cha! Merry Christmas, girl.”

“Oh, Merry Christmas, Lily. I miss you guys. How’s the **Noche Buena?”

“Of course, still so Pinoy* and Chinoy*! Papi made the egg rolls too salty,” Lily sighed then he spoke again, “So, how’s your Christmas?”

Charlie looked around and saw the snowfall over the lawn and coat everything in its path the white magical flakes that Charlie could watch forever, “It’s more than fine, Lily.”

Lily sounded a little drunk over the phone, maybe his older brother, Bobby, had just challenged him to a drinking game earlier that Charlie also knew so well.

“Why? Is Dodong there with you? And the rest of the guys of the stunt team? Oh, Dodong and his biceps and triceps...” Lily’s voice went ditzy as he started to imagine the muscular Dodong.

Charlie answered, “No, I’m not with the crew. I’m here with Tom... and his family.”

Lily, who is now at the rooftop of their house, had to straighten himself when he heard that from Charlie. He even felt like he lost the drunken feeling when Charlie mentioned Tom’s name.

“What? Couz, can you say that again? You are with Tom?” He almost shouted at the phone.

“And his family too. I couldn’t spend the Christmas with the crew; Dodong might see me there. I had no choice when Tom asked me to go with him here in Suffolk... I went with him,” Charlie looked down on his shoes then waited for Lily to speak again.

“You have to be careful, Cha! They don’t use spoon and fork for eating like us Filipinos do, or chopstick like Koreans!” Lily exaggeratedly joked over the line that made Charlie snort with laughter.

“I know, I know. They’re Europeans,” Charlie replied, still chuckling.

“But, seriously though, Cha--Be careful. Tom might be friendly with you, but don’t let him blow your cover,” Lily now sounded worried.

Charlie paused before answering; of course, he would never let Tom know of his secret, but it already has gotten too complicated when his feelings for Tom had been thrown in the mix.

“Yes, I know that, couz.”

Before he could speak again, Tom opened the door and went to Charlie, “Charlie? Dinner’s ready. Come on in.”

Charlie then bid goodbye to his cousin, “Lily, I have to go. Take care there, and Merry Christmas, girl.”

After a while, Charlie put down his phone and pushed the lock button. Tom’s eyebrow raised, “Lily? Is she a girlfriend?.”

Charlie shook his head, “No, Tom, that’s my cousin--Lily. LilyShimmers. He’s a make-up artist and he has a channel on Youtube.”

Tom remembered the make-up artist that Paula once told him about, the one she wanted to do a video with because she adored the Youtubber so much.

“Oh, I know him. He’s your cousin?”

“Yeah. From my mother’s side.”

Tom could see that Charlie is sincere, but then, they couldn’t let the dinner go cold and so, “Let’s get in. Dinner’s ready.”

Charlie only nodded with a smile, then they both got inside the house. Tom lead Charlie in the inner dining room where the whole family already sat, the food and drinks served at a very long table that almost occupied the whole room. Charlie’s eyes bulged as he saw the served stuffed turkey, Yorkshire puddings, roasted potatoes, and more than Charlie didn’t know what to call them as the dishes are British. It was not the usual Filipino Noche Buena that he is accustomed of. Tom sat at the other head of the table and a seat is reserved beside him. He pointed it out to Charlie and there he found his place.

James, who sat at the head of the table, proposed a toast, “To my son, Tom; thank you, for being home this Christmas.”

They lifted their glasses and drank the champagne, except for the children. Someone said grace and afterward, they all started to eat.

Charlie only followed what Tom ate as he didn’t know what to take first. Then, an aunt of Tom’s asked Charlie, “Is this your first time spending Christmas here in Suffolk?”

Charlie kindly replied, “Yes, Ma’am.”

Another one of Tom’s aunts asked Charlie, “I guess a girlfriend is missing you right now.”

Charlie smiled, “No, Ma’am. I don’t have a girlfriend right now. And I never had one.”

The women at the table looked at Charlie; there are two truths in what he had just said, the first one is that he didn’t really have a girlfriend all his life because as Charlene, he is a straight woman; then the second truth, he never had any relationships all his life.

“Tom, dear, you have to find Charlie a girlfriend. As a friend’s courtesy,” Diane remarked.

Tom only chuckled after gulping down the turkey he had just chewed, “I don’t know, Mum. I guess it’s up to Charlie because I don’t even know what’s his type.”

Charlie threw a surprised look at Tom. He doesn’t know if Tom is implying that he is gay or if he is really just being honest that he has no idea what Charlie prefers. Tom, who started eating again, actually means the former. The only thing that he knows about Charlie when it comes to his love life is that Ian had found a place in it and Ian’s more than willing to make a mark on it. Once again, not that he needed to stuck his nose up in their business, but he still doesn’t approve of Ian’s behavior and motives.

The dinner continued until 8 o’clock. After the dessert was served, Tom’s sisters and cousins had enticed him and Charlie for a drinking session at a local pub not far from their home. The younger members of the family, along with Charlie, went outside, while the elders and the children stayed at home.

Charlie still wore the hoodie that Ian gave him, but he had forgotten to pack a scarf. They were already at the porch, waiting for Tom to come out. All of them in the group, Tom, his sisters, and their beaus, and their cousins are completely dressed for the cold weather, but Charlie was not. When Tom saw Charlie only wearing a hoodie, he paused, “Charlie, you’ll freeze to death only wearing that.”

Charlie, who tried not to let his chatter while he spoke, “No! I’m okay.”

Tom didn’t believe him, and so, he went inside the house again and rummaged through the paper bags of gifts he had brought for his family. He searched for the gift he had wrapped for Paula.

Tom wanted to give that to her if he had persuaded her to come with him there in Aldeburgh, and he failed at that. He ripped the wrappings and it revealed a thick, long red scarf.

This would do. He thought.

When he came out, he handed the scarf to Charlie, “I was supposed to give that to Paula--but anyways, it’s yours now,” Tom explained.

Charlie initially didn’t want to accept it because it was meant for another person, but Tom gave it to him, and it was enough to accept it. He drew back the cover of his hoodie to put the scarf on his neck. Charlie spent a snowless and warm Christmas in the Philippines back then, that now, he has quite forgotten how to put on a scarf properly.

Tom, felt anxious when Charlie fumbled with the length of the scarf, and so, he helped him, “Here, let me.”

Emma and Sarah only watched as Tom towered over Charlie while he placed the red scarf on his neck. If Charlie weren’t a guy (in their eyes at least), they would’ve thought that Tom cares for Charlie.

Charlie tried not to let the evidence of his embarrassment appear on his face after Tom had just wrapped the scarf on his neck.

“Let’s go,” Tom finally said and they started to walk to the pub.

They all sat at a long table that is situated over the brick wall of the pub. All of them had beers as their drinks, Tom sat opposite Charlie at that time. Tom’s cousin, stood up to take selfies and group pictures. They posed as comically as they could and Charlie was no exception to it.

Then, to spice up the drinking session, one of them proposed to have a game of something like Never Have I Ever. A strong drink was ordered, the pub’s best bottle of Vodka--a Smirnoff.

Charlie, who can already feel the effects of the beer, agreed to the drinking game. The Smirnoff was opened and they can already smell the distinct scent of the liquor. For the sake of the game, the vodka would be drunk straight but in a shot glass only.

“Here’s goes the game; each one of us would be asked by questions that can only be answered by yes or no, and to answer is to drink,” Emma explained as all of them are now giggling and excited for the drinking game.

“But, what would happen if you don’t want to answer?” Tom asked aloud to his sister who sat at the other end of the table. He only asked that for fun but he already knows what will happen.

“You have to do a dare,” Emma shot a knowing look at each and everyone at the table to which it was met with a cheer.

Charlie suddenly felt that he wanted to be out of it, but, he didn’t want to look disrespectful; they already took him in for dinner, and perhaps a drinking game won’t hurt. The game started with Sarah’s husband, that will go around that will end with Charlie. Each question became more and more embarrassing at every turn; some drank to say yes, while others who don’t want to answer had paid a price.

When it was Tom’s turn, he was asked by Emma’s boyfriend, “Do you still think about Taylor Swift?”

Tom let out a sigh, then, his thin lips curled into a smile. They were all waiting for him to answer, even Charlie. He threw back the vodka into his mouth and all of them jeered and laughed at Tom.

He held out his hands, “Hey, I do think of her sometimes. But, all I can think about now is Paula.”

Finally, it was Charlie’s turn, this time, it was Emma who asked the question, “Are you still a virgin?”

If he was Charlene at that moment, he might have laughed loudly and refused to answer that kind of question; but he is Charlie right now, and he only had a tight smile on his face and he tried to look composed but not shy. Charlie took the shot glass full to the brim of vodka on his fingers, and he also downed the shot glass in one gulp. He felt the warm surge of the liquor go down his throat and warm up his chest, he had forgotten how strong vodka is.

Before he could pass the shot glass to the next person, another cousin of Tom asked Charlie, “You must like someone, though.”

Charlie didn’t want to answer that, but he is not sure if it’s the vodka that gave him the strength to say, “Yes, I do. But I’m not hoping for any chance that one day he would notice me.

For a moment, Charlie wanted to slap himself on the face for letting that slip out. They all froze as they heard that directly from Charlie; it’s a he that he is pining for. Tom also head that, and at that time, he finally concluded that Charlie is gay and he might also like Ian. But there, was something off with what Charlie had just said, that his crush might not even feel the same way as he does.

“Okaay... So who’s turn is it now?” Sarah tried to break the ice again as all of them fell quiet after Charlie had just declared something like that.

The game continued, but Tom watched Charlie (who had backed out of the game.) He doesn’t mind if his friend is gay, but somehow, he felt that Charlie is hiding something greater than his own sexuality.

They both caught each other’s glances, his blue eyes seeing through his brown eyes. Charlie felt helpless over Tom’s gaze. If only he could outright tell Tom who he meant when he answered that, he wondered how Tom would react to it. He looked away and pretended to laugh with them as the game rolled on again. Tom had his gaze fixed on Charlie and he could feel Tom’s eyes.

Don’t let him blow your cover. Lily’s words echoed to Charlie’s ears.

Somehow, there was a part of that wished that he shouldn’t have gone with Tom. His feelings for Tom is what would bring his secret purpose down to the ground, and probably all of his efforts in disguising himself would just be in vain.

Around dawn, they all went back home drunk and laughing. But Charlie had chosen to isolate himself a little from the group. When they arrived at the house, all of them had settled fast into the rooms to finally lay down and sleep. Tom, who is just mildly drunk had chosen to go to bed but he had forgotten about Charlie who at that time had only taken a blanket and his pack to lie down beside the fireplace. But, with all the drinks Charlie had, he lay awake near the fireplace as he observed the fire crackle and the flames dance over the logs.

Why did you have to say that? Now they’ll think you’re gay. But Tom... It’s either he’ll figure it out or just think that I am a gay man. The thoughts swirled up and down in Charlie’s mind, making him more dazed than the vodka he had just taken.

The daylight had started to shot through the windows and curtains. Charlie turned to the grandfather clock that is situated near the corner that leads to the stairs. It just ticked 6 o’clock. When he was just observing the clock, he saw legs come down by the stairs; long legs that belong to Tom.

They both looked at each other but Tom grimaced, “Blast it, I forgot to let you use one of the rooms!” he harshly brushed a hand from his forehead to his hair.

Charlie sat up, “No it’s all right. I wanted to be here.”

Tom only clicked his tongue, blaming himself for not treating his guest right.

“If you still wanted to sleep, you could use my room. I’m going out, actually,” Tom pointed upstairs.

“I can’t. I don’t really feel like sleeping, anyway,” Charlie explained.

Tom then took steps toward him, “Do you fancy taking a walk to the beach?”

Charlie smiled slowly, a walk on the beach is not at all awful and it might shake things off of his mind, “Sure.”

They went out, Tom had a thick jacket on and a scarf while Charlie, he still wore the hoodie from Ian and the scarf from Tom. The two men that he is crushing on right now and he is wearing something that came from them. They walked near Aldeburgh Beach, the snow still fell slowly over the shores, but at least the faint glow of the sun is starting to rise beneath the white puffy clouds.

Tom breathed in the cold sea breeze into his nose, something he always loved to do. Then he turned his eyes to Charlie who is looking far away at a flower shop at the end corner where the boulevard ends.

“What are you looking at?”

Charlie brushed off his bangs from his face, his short hair is already growing long and he will be needing a haircut soon if he wants to keep his disguise.

“The flower shop. I remember my mother, as early as 5 o’clock; she already had set up the flowers that she would sell. She used to peddle roses at Chinatown; that’s how she met my father.” The way Charlie say it made Tom feel the same reminiscent feeling that Charlie has.

Tom picked up a pebble at the snowy shore and held it in his hand, “To think of it, you never told anyone about yourself. Not even the fact that you are already 24 when I know you’re just 19.”

Charlie felt the stab of panic in his chest when Tom said that, he must’ve heard him when James asked him last night.

“There are a lot of things that I haven’t been honest with,” Charlie was just a few words shy of his cover being revealed to Tom.

“Anyways, how did your father met your mother?” Tom wanted to know more about the tale Charlie had left open for him.

“My mother’s name was Rosanna Gosengtian. She lived in Manila most of her life; taking all kinds of jobs to support her family. One time, when she was peddling roses in Chinatown on a Valentine’s Day; my father, Bo-Gyeong saw her.”

Charlie swished the snow below his soles and smiled, “My father, came all the way from Seoul to the Philippines to study English because it’s cheaper there. But he never knew that he would meet the love of his life in Manila.”

Tom motioned to them to sit in a raised wall that separates the road and the beach. They sat beside each other so close that Charlie could feel Tom’s strong knees touching his own.

“Where are they now?” Tom asked again, they both now face the gray and icing open sea.

Charlie looked down on his lap, “I’m an orphan now. Mama died when I was just 4--Kidney failure. Then Appa last year--Pneumonia. Diseases that takes hard working people’s lives.”

Tom felt the sudden silence to be a blanket of sadness that had just been draped over them. Tom thought, maybe the reason why Charlie don’t talk that much about himself is that everything about him is too painful to talk about. But, he admired Charlie. Being all alone yet he could hide it so well has amazed Tom because it only meant that he is resilient enough to face this world’s challenges.

“I’m sorry, man,” Then he put a warm hand over Charlie’s shoulder.

Charlie, for a while, forgot his silly feelings for Tom and felt that his touch was someone a friend would give.

“Thank you, Tom. But, hey, I still have my extended family. I live with them now in L.A.,” Charlie now sounded cheerful.

Tom felt himself smiling when Charlie did. But when Charlie looked over to Tom’s face, the same glow he had when they are on their way there to Aldeburgh, surfaced again; and for Charlie, Tom had never looked so wonderful and resplendent to his eyes now that he is seeing this side of him. Once again, his crush for Tom had crept up again in his chest that made his heart pound. If only he could set aside his feelings for Tom, he would.

Tom, placed down his hand and started to form a question in his mind. He just wanted to ask Charlie and clarify everything, “Charlie? Can I ask you something? I hope it won’t offend you...”

Charlie nodded, “Sure.”

Tom let the words slip, “Are you really... Gay?”

Charlie immediately knew that Tom is curious, and maybe also because of what he just said at the pub had caught Tom’s attention.

“You already said that I might be gay for Ian, back at the hotel, remember?” Charlie quipped.

Tom tried to let out a laugh but he couldn’t, then Charlie said, “Does gender have to matter when it comes to love?”

For a long moment, they didn’t spoke. They just faced again the gray winter sea and let the quietness shroud them. It was a vague thing that Charlie had just said, but Tom knows that it’s the answer that had satisfied his curiosity. But, all the more, it added up to list of things he admires from Charlie. He believes in true love, he stays strong even though he is an orphan; he’s not afraid to let his thoughts be known, and he helps a friend (Julian) in the matters of love.

Tom then pondered, he had admired a lot of people all his life, but never this way with Charlie. He believes that he is fond of Charlie and the way he is.

But I do hope it’s just admiration. He quietly thought to himself.

The sound of waves breaking down the shore was the only thing they could hear right now. Charlie didn’t speak as he wanted to relish the moment with Tom.

If only he knew, that’s what Tom also wanted; to sit quietly beside him.

---

*Pinoy/Chinoy: Demonyms of Filipino and Filipino-Chinese

**Noche Buena: Dinner that Filipinos have during Christmas Eve

#my fanfics #tom hiddleston #AU!Actor Tom #hiddlestoner #thfrustration #thfrustration submission #jessica as Charlie/Charlene #fanfic #fanfiction

[5hfanfiction]

our broken white rose (3/?) ⇾ camren

a/n: i was gonna update tomorrow after wedding planning with my fiancée but she’s with her dad doing father, daughter shit and im home alone, bored and cold so after this if y'all wanna pm me, im not opposed to it. seriously. be my friend. pLEASE! ok enjoy this chapter. please comment as you read, let me know what you think, answer end of the chapter questions and vote! ilyy..

-after writing chapter: i started this at like 6 PM east coast time AND ITS LITERALLY 3:30 AM. fuck lmao. ok enjoy

***

***

I lightly drummed my fingertips on the wooden table, humming to myself as I glanced up at the clock. Tori should be here any minute now.

Its been about a week since my encounter with Tori at Luca’s Ice Cream Shoppe and since then, I’ve managed to give her my number and semi let her into my life. It’s weird. I haven’t made “friends” with anyone other than my co-workers since Camila’s passing. The only person I had was Lucy and if she wasn’t watching the girls for me, she was spending time with Kandee (kay-n-dee). So it was nice but, weird, having someone I can just talk to whenever.

Today happened to be Tori’s last day in California and as weird as it sounded, I’m going to miss her. Her flight was to take off in about three hours from now and she was coming in to collect the demo she had recorded for her friend Karla and the few solo tracks we managed to edit and get done.

When I heard the creek of the studio door opening, I turned around and smiled at Tori as she shoved her wild curls out of her face and hurried in. “I’m so sorry I’m late. The checkout line at my hotel was crazy. I had to checkout before noon or they’d charge me for the night and I’ve been there since eight in the morning,” she explained with a loud sigh. “I’m sorry.”

I shook my head, chuckling softly. “It’s fine Tori. I’m in no rush, you’re good,” I shrugged it off.

She nodded, seemingly relieved. “Thanks.”

Walking over to the recording booth, I grabbed the two CD cases before walking back over to Tori who was in the process of putting her hair up. “This is your demo and your other recordings,” I explained, handing it over when her hands were finally free.

A wide smile formed on her lips. She took the CDs from me before throwing her arms around me. I stood in shock for a few moments before laughing awkwardly and hugged her back. She pulled away, dimples on display. “Thank you so much Lauren. I can’t wait until Karla and my mom sees these,” she said, looking down at them with nothing but excitement.

I smiled. “I’m sure they’ll love it. You sound amazing.”

I watched as a small blush fell upon her cheeks before she looked up at me. “Thanks a lot Laur. I couldn’t have done all this without you.”

“Yeah you could’ve. You’re incredible all on your own,” I said. “Have you ever thought of moving out here and starting a music career? Any label would be fucking stupid not to sign you. I could even get you in touch with the label my w…” I trailed off, waving my hands around, hoping she’d catch on. She looked at me for a moment before her mouth formed an ‘O’ shape and nodded. “Yeah. With her label. It’s really hard to come across good talent nowadays. The industry could use real people like yourself.”

Tori shook her head, a bashful smile gracing itself on her lips. “I don’t know about all of that… my family is in Alaska. And Karla’s having a baby soon and her fiancée isn’t too fond of leaving town let alone the state.”

I shrugged, “Who says Karla and her crew has to come? I think you should put your dreams before them. But that’s just me. I don’t want you to feel pressured or anything, but if you ever feel like it’s the right time, you know where to reach me.”

Tori nodded slowly, in thought. “Well, Karla’s my best friend. And I don’t think I’d want to leave her all alone while I’m over here. And my mom and her sisters and brothers…” she shook her head. “Music is just a fantasy of mine I’ve gotten the chance to make reality within this last week and a half thanks to you. But I think after this, I’ll just let it stay a fantasy. I have too many people back home to just up and abandon to live some dream that’ll probably fail,” a small frown replaced her perfect smile.

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head before leading her over to the lounging couches to take a seat. My feet were hurting. I thought for a second, attempting to gather my words. “When I left my family and friends, I had just turned sixteen,” I started. “It was the scariest thing of my life. I auditioned to start my dream as a solo act but instead got paired with four girls who absolutely changed my life. It was beyond terrifying to be just a teenager leaving home. I left my little sister and brother, my grandma had died while I was on the road.

“I missed so much of my siblings growing up. And sometimes I really regretted it. I didn’t get to go to college like my brother and sister and everyone else I grew up with. I didn’t get that normal upbringing. But if I had the chance to go back and change anything, I wouldn’t. Because my dream had come true. I got to tour the world with my favorite people for four fucking years, married the woman of my dreams, had two beautiful daughters and now work with helping others make their dreams come true.

"It may be scary, and it may be hard letting go, but God it’s the best feeling in the world - knowing you’re impacting just one persons life with your voice. Its incredible. And I wouldn’t be sharing this with you if I didn’t think you were cut out for it. You remind me a lot of two people. One of my former bandmate’s, Ally. Always wanting to care about everyone, sometimes forgetting herself.

"And my wife… so much talent but so scared of upsetting people that they sit on it for years. When she left our group, people hated her. Hell, I hated her. But what I loved about her and still love to this day was that she finally got up one day and showcased her talent the way she wanted to. Not the way the world wanted her to. And hopefully that one day comes soon for you too.”

I wasn’t sure where all of that had come from. It seemed the the words just kept on falling through my ass crack and out my mouth and it wouldn’t stop. Kinda like when Dinah made those tacos all those years ago and we had only one bathroom. What a night.

Tori smiled slightly at me before laughing to herself, “Your wife seemed like an amazing woman.”

I shook my head, “Not seemed. She’s not gone. She’s always with me.”

Tori nodded, apologizing. “I’m sorry. Seems. I’m sure she’s really proud of you. Wherever she may be.”

I looked down at my fingers before sighing. I missed her. But I wouldn’t cry. Not today. Looking back up I smiled. “I sure hope so.”

***

“Promise you’ll visit again?” I asked, pulling away from Tori and I’s hug. I had offered to drop her off at the airport, insisting that Uber’s were crazy and Taxi’s were overpriced but really, I just wanted to spend a little more time with her. Of course she protested a million times. That’s something I learned about Tori in this last week. She hated feeling like a burden or like she was bothering you. I admired that about her.

A wide smile took over her features, dimples on full display saying hello to LAX. “Of course. I’ll text you when I land,” she promised.

Nodding once more, I watched as she turned around and heading to check in her luggage. Sighing to myself, I proceeded out the airport. Well, there goes another person in my life.

When I returned home, Lucy was watching TV on the couch, phone in hand and different pouches of candy scattered all over. I rolled my eyes.

“What are you, a troll?” I laughed, plopping down beside her.

She glanced at me with a raised eyebrow before looking back down at her phone. “Well hello to you too,” she mumbled.

“Where are the girls?” I asked, looking up towards the stairs. The house didn’t seem to be upside down like usual.

Lucy shut her phone off, looking at me. “Luna is probably sleeping off her sugar rush and Lana is in her art room.”

“You gave them candy?!” I yelled, throwing a couch pillow at her to which she caught with ease. “Stop trying to give my kids diabetes! You do this every time.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m just trying to sweeten up their lives. You’re the one making them drink fucking green vegetable shakes telling them they’d get cancer if they didn’t. The only thing at risk of giving those children cancer is whatever is in that  poison you call health,” she huffed, opening a new pack of skittles and downing a handful.

I looked at her for a moment before sighing to myself. “You’re absolutely ridiculous.”

“Yet you use to be in love with me.”

“Yeah, before you cheated on me and brought another woman in my bed,” I blurted out. Lucy turned to look at me, obvious pain behind her deep brown eyes. I sighed, shaking my head at myself. No wonder I had no friends. I’m such a mood killer. “Sorry, I was just fucking around.”

Lucy took a deep breath, looking down as she fumbled with the empty pack of skittles. “I know. I just can’t help but feel you’ll never fully forgive me for that…”

I shrugged, “I already forgave you. I guess it’s too sensitive of a topic to joke about.”

Lucy laughed humorlessly to herself, before looking at me again. “You say you forgave me but if you did, you would have given us another shot last year when I brought it up.”

I shook my head, “Don’t start again please. You’re with Kandee.”

“I know that, but you know if you would’ve given me a chance I’d be with you. Helping you raise Luna and Lana. I love those girls… and you. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to get you to replace Camila–”

“Can you just stop?” I cut her off. I looked away, not wanting to see the pain behind her eyes. “I thought we agreed on only being friends, Lucy,” I sighed. “Besides, my wife just died–”

“Oh my god Lauren its been four fucking years. She’s not your wife. She’s a dead woman. They found her remains. She’s gone. Luna and Lana hardly fucking remember her. Stop talking about her! We’re over it, you need to get over it too.”

I looked at Lucy in nothing but disbelief. Taking several calming deep breaths, I blocked out her attempts to apologize as I made my way up the stairs, stopping the tears from falling. Halfway up the stairs, I looked back down at Lucy who was now standing, getting ready to follow me up. “Please go home to your girlfriend and stop telling me how to live my life simply because you can’t get over the past.”

***

Tori tossed and turned in her bed. It was her first night back in Alaska and although she was happy to see her mom again, she’s been battling with an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach since earlier that day when she had went over to visit Karla, only for Kristen (Lola) to throw some absurd excuse as to why she couldn’t come in.

*Flashback*

Ringing the doorbell by the wooden door, Tori gripped the box of Hawaiian Pizza tighter from excitement. She had just arrived no less than two hours ago and was ready to surprise Karla with a box of her favorite pizza all while binge watching ‘Friends’.

When no one came to the door, she glanced at the driveway to make sure Kristen’s Dodge Durango was still there. Looking back at the closed door with a frown, she rang the doorbell two more times. “Maybe they just didn’t hear it,” she mumbled to herself.

A few minutes passed before she heard someone unlocking the several locks on the door. It was still crazy to her that Kristen felt that they needed six locks on one door, but she wasn’t one to judge.

When the wooden door to the cabin like three story home flew open, Tori smiled widely at Kristen, getting ready to walk in only to be stopped. Frowning, she shot Kristen a weird look. “Uh, I have pizza for Karla and I. I just got back from my trip,” she explained, waving the box of pizza in a form of obvious proof.

Kristen looked back into the house for a moment before stepping out and shutting the door behind her. Tori stumbled back, a confused frown permanently etched onto her lips. “What the hell? Why aren’t you letting me in?”

Kristen crossed her arms, looking at Tori with raised eyebrows. “Okay first, I have no obligation to let you into my home,” she started. “And two, Karla isn’t feeling too well. Pizza isn’t exactly something she should be eating.”

Ignoring Kirsten’s first comment, concern instantly washed over Tori. “What’s wrong with her? Why isn’t she feeling well?” She asked, attempting to weave around Kristen to go on inside. When she felt a strong arm shove her back, she grew angry. Light brown eyes glared at hazel ones. “What the fuck Kristen!”

Kristen rolled her eyes, holding Tori away. “She’s not having any visitors right now. She’s contagious.”

Tori scoffed, “That’s bullshit, I don’t care. Can I please just see her? To make sure she’s fine at least?”

Kristen raised an eyebrow, now glaring at Tori in annoyance. “What, do you not trust me? Just go home and rest Victoria. You probably have jet lag or something. You can come back next week.”

Tori’s eyes nearly fell out of their sockets. “Next week?! What the hell, please tell me what’s happening. Can I just say hi? I promise I’ll leave right after Kris,” she begged.

Her heart fell into her stomach when Kristen ignored her, walking back inside and shutting the door behind her. Concern was swarming throughout her body and she didn’t know what to do.

“Does Karla not wanna see me?” She mumbled to herself.

That was the only thing that made sense. Kristen wouldn’t intentionally keep her away like that. Even when Karla had strep throat, she was still allowed to see her. It wasn’t about it being contagious. Karla just didn’t want to see her anymore.

Frowning down at the box of pizza, she sighed, holding her tears in as she turned back around and headed back to her car.

***

Staring up at her bedroom ceiling, she huffed before crawling out of bed. Heading into the living room, she was about to make her way into the kitchen for some water when she realized her study room light was on. “I thought I turned that off…” she mumbled.

Crossing the floor of her living room and into her study room, she jumped nearly twenty feet into the air. Heart beating erratically, she held her chest as her breathing hitched.

“Oh hey Tori,” her mother greeted looking up from the computer screen in front of her before looking back down. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

She took a deep breath before letting it out. “I didn’t know you decided to stay,” she mumbled out, pulling a chair up and sitting down.

Her mom raised an eyebrow at her, “That’s never bothered you before.”

“Yeah I know, I’m sorry. Just kinda scared me…”

“Alright. Well what are you doing up? Don’t you have work? It’s nearly four in the morning.”

Sighing dramatically, she ran her hands up and down her face. “Just kind of worried about Karla,” she said quietly, playing with the loose thread on her pajama bottoms.

Looking away from the computer screen, Laura (Tori’s mother) turned to face her daughter and gave her full attention.  “What’s the matter with Karla? Is she having issues with the baby?”

Tori shook her head, shrugging. “I’m not even sure Ma. I went over there after my flight with a box of her favorite pizza and Kristen opened the door, and made up an excuse as to why I couldn’t come in. She said Karla had some sort of "contagious sickness” and that I should come back next week. But Ma, I was with Karla when when she had strep throat and every other illness. I think Kris is being a little sketchy. She even shoved me away when I tried to go inside.“

Laura gave her daughter a puzzled look before sighing. "I never really trusted that woman…”

“Karla? Why? You know she’s more honest than Mary herself.”

Laura shook her head laughing lightly. “Not Karla, she’s a sweetheart. I’m talking about Kristen.”

Tori frowned, “Oh. Well, this is the first time I’m actually doubting her words. I don’t really know her, whenever I’m around she’s either working in her office or not talking. Karla says she doesn’t like a lot of people and she’s really closed off.”

Laura rolled her eyes, sliding her rolling chair back and forth on the carpeted floor as she thought. “I don’t know sweetheart. She just has rubbed me the wrong way for far too long. I don’t think she’s as good of a person as you think she may be.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about Ma. Karla wouldn’t be with her if she was a bad person. I’m just overreacting because I couldn’t see my best friend,” Tori defended.

Laura sighed to herself as she stood up. Walking towards her daughter, she planted a soft kiss on her forehead, pushing her curly blonde locks back. “I like how you always want to see the best in people baby girl, but I’ve been around far longer than yourself. I think I know a good person verses a bad person when I see it. Maybe Karla herself doesn’t even know. But I could be wrong, just get some sleep. I’m heading to bed.”

Tori felt her shoulders drop. “Okay. Fresh towels in the guest room bathroom,” she called over her shoulder.

“Thanks baby! Go to sleep now.”

Tori didn’t know how long she sat in the study room of her condo just thinking. But when she finally decided to head on up to bed, the sun was nearly coming up. “I guess this calls for a phone call to work faking sick…”

Entering her room, she flopped down on her bed staring up at the ceiling. Looking over at her nightstand where her phone sat, she picked it up deciding to do a bit of internet surfing before sleeping.

On her screen was two messages from Lauren. “Oh shit.”

Lauren - 7:24 PM: Hey, I don’t mean to be annoying and shit but just checking in to make sure you landed safely??

Lauren - 2:03 AM: I’m kinda worried. I gotta head to bed now but I bet you’re just busy or sleeping or something. Get back to me when you can.

Sitting up, she couldn’t help but smile at her concern but felt bad at the same time. She totally forgot to text her after she landed.

Tori - 5:59 AM: hey, i’m really sorry. i literally JUST saw your messages. i landed safely. just been stressed.

Tori went to put her phone down and head to sleep when it all of a sudden beeped. Frowning down at it, she raised an eyebrow when she realized it was Lauren.

Lauren - 6:01 AM: Oh no it’s okay. Just glad you’re safe and all. Penny for your thoughts?

Tori - 6:01 AM: wow, did you stay up awaiting my message? lol. but nah, i don’t wanna bug ya

Tori fumbled with her phone as she waited for a new reply. “Sleep is for losers anyways,” she mumbled to herself.

Lauren - 6:04 AM: Nooo, lmfao. I have kids, remember? It’s like 7 AM and I gotta take them to school. And you won’t, I promise.

Chewing on her bottom lip, she contemplated talking to Lauren about her concerns before typing away on her phone.

Tori - 6:05 AM: ooohhhh. damn i’m sorry that legit slipped my mind. sucks you gotta be up so early )-:

Tori - 6:05 AM: and i’m just worried about karla, you know, the one i made the demo for? yeah her

Tori found herself falling asleep when Lauren didn’t reply after a few minutes. She was nearly in sleep world when her phone buzzed beneath her finger tips.

Lauren - 6:13 AM: Me being up early? Look at you. But what are you worried about? Her not liking it?

***

Walking up the stairs, body beyond sore, Camila banged her fist on the locked door. “L-Lola. Please, I’m sorry,” she croaked out through the shut door. She’s been down in that basement for far too long and she was tired. She rather live under Lola’s rules then down there in darkness.

She felt tears prick her eyes when no one came. She was probably gone. Limping back down the stairs, she walked over to her corner and sat. “Please hurry up and save me Lolo…” she whispered as the first tear escaped.

She had bruises covering every inch of her body. Her stomach was in severe pain. She didn’t even know if the being within her was still alive. She hasn’t felt a single kick in days and she couldn’t help but feel worried but relieved all at once.

Minutes after she had come back down the stairs, the basement door swung open, Lola standing at the top. She flicked on the lights and Camila stood up as quickly as her body would allow her to. “Please Lola, I’m sorry,” she whispered as she came closer. “Don’t leave me down here anymore. I’m scared.”

Lola stared at her fiancée for a few moments before dropping the wooden stick in her hand, watching as it tumbled down the stairs. Hazel eyes locked with brown ones as she descended from the staircase. Camila stumbled back slightly when Lola unexpectedly wrapped her arms around her. “I hate to teach you lessons like that love,” She could feel her body tremble in fear but forced herself to hug her back, scared she may upset her and make her leave her down here again. “I love you.”

She stayed silent, hoping she could pass as not hearing it, but of course Lola wouldn’t allow that. Pulling away, she bent down to stare her in the eyes. “I said, I love you,” Looking down, she felt Lola’s hand grip her chin firmly. “You love me too, right?” Camila could feel a fresh set of tears coming as she nodded hesitantly. “Words baby, use your words.”

“Y-Yes… I love you too,” she whispered softly.

Lola smiled a creepy smile before bringing her lips down to Camila and engaging her into a rough kiss. She could feel the bile of disgust rising up her throat as she forced herself to kiss back. Lola soon pulled away, smiling creepily at Camila. “Good girl. Now, we’re gonna go make sure our baby boy is okay, alright?”

***

Camila sat and looked around the small examination room nervously. Lola had covered all of her bruises up with waterproof makeup. You could still see the slight obvious swelling on her lip and left eye, but it looked mostly like bloating.

The ultrasound technician walked in with a bright smile. “Hello Karla, Kristen. Its been awhile,” Holly greeted.

Holly was the first ultrasound technician to take a look at Camila when she had found out she was pregnant and had helped them several times before. Its been a few months since they’d last seen each other.

Lola smiled at Holly; extending her hand out to which Holly shook. “It has, hasn’t it?”

Smiling slightly herself, Camila nodded, not in the mood to speak. “So lets begin, yeah?”

Laying back on the examination bed near the machine, Camila raised her shirt up, exposing her protruding stomach. She hoped the makeup Lola put wouldn’t rub off when Holly started with the gel.

She winced when Holly pressed the gel covered wand firmly onto her stomach, swiftly moving it around.

Minutes later, Holly gave Camila a wipe to clean herself up and smiled at her. “Dr. Peterson should be in shortly,” she said before walking out.

Lola and Camila sat in silence as they waited for the OBGYN. Soon, the familiar blonde haired woman walked in with a bright smile. “Karla, Kristen! How is my favorite couple doing?” She laughed, taking a seat at the doctors chair.

After doing the usual friendly greeting, Dr. Peterson set her belongings down on the table before going over Camila’s chart silently for a moment before turning to the “couple.”

“Well, everything looks pretty decent to me. What does concern me although is the slightly slowed down heartbeat but that could just be due to early stages of the pregnancy,” or your crazy bitch of a “fiancée” trying to kill you by kicking your stomach over and over for an hour straight, she thought to herself. “Kristen, do you mind stepping outside with me? I want to speak to you about something,” Dr. Peterson requested.

Lola glanced at Camila before looking at Dr. Peterson and nodding. Camila watched in silence and confusion as the two women walked out of the room.

Minutes passed and neither have returned. Camila glanced around nervously before her eyes landed on Dr. Peterson’s cell phone sitting on the counter. A risky thought crossed her mind as she glanced at the door.

She waited a few more minutes to make sure no one was coming before quickly getting up and dashing across the room to retrieve the cellular device. “Please don’t have a lock, please don’t have a lock, please don’t have a lock,” she whispered over and over again to herself as she turned it on. She paced around impatiently as the apple logo came onto the phone. Glancing back the door, her eyes widened when she saw the handle turning slightly.

Looking at the phone in her hand that was currently rebooting, she shoved it into her bra and made her way back to the examination table, sitting and acting as normal as she possible could. Praying that Dr. Peterson doesn’t notice her missing phone right away.

“Well, you ladies are free to go. Make a follow up appointment for a well check in four weeks at the front desk. Hope to see you soon,” she smiled, gathering her things all at once and walking out.

Lola looked at Camila with a raised eyebrow. “C'mon.”

Standing in place Camila tried to think of an excuse as quickly as possible. “I… I uh. I have to poop!” She blurted out.

Lola looked at her with slightly wide eyes before sighing. “You can do that at home.”

“I can’t hold it,” she insisted.

Lola rolled her eyes in annoyance, “Hurry up and ask someone for the bathroom.”

Nodding and shooting Lola a small nervous smile to seem as unsuspicious as possible, Camila hurried and waddled out of the exam room, spotting a near by bathroom and walking in. She quickly locked the door behind her.

Taking the phone out from her bra, she was surprised that Lola didn’t notice it considering the fact that she had absolutely no breasts and anything against her chest was pretty obvious but she thanked god she hadn’t cause she was kind of nervous to find out what Lola would have done if she did. Lola never allowed her to have a phone, being the main reason why she’s never been able to find help for herself. Lola tracked her every move. Almost like a stalker. She couldn’t tell her co-workers because Lola was pretty much always at work with her or watching from afar. Lola was everywhere. But this was her moment. Her one chance.

Turning the phone on, she slid her thumb across the screen and nearly cried tears of joy when she realized there was no lock. She begged her mind to remember the one persons number she hoped and prayed stayed the same all these years. Her thumbs shook nervously as she typed away.

***

“Wait, I gotta go grab my phone!” She called out before running up the stairs and into her room.

Walking over to her nightstand, she picked it up getting ready to chuck it into her purse before it vibrated several times. Her heart stopped at what she read. Someone had to be fucking with her.

At least that’s what she thought until she read the last message.

Unknown - 2:34 PM: dinah, i need your help. it’s camila

Unknown - 2:34 PM: please don’t reply to this number. its not my phone

Unknown - 2:35 PM: im in yakutat alaska. lola is literally keeping me hostage

Unknown - 2:36 PM: i cant explain much but im in danger and i need your help. please. is lauren ok? are my kids ok?

Unknown - 2:36 PM: fuck dont answer that. i have no time at all. but if you do see them, tell them i love them so much and i miss them more than anything in the world

Unknown - 2:37 PM: i told lola i had to take a shit but i gotta hurry. dont reply back. PLEASE! just send help. im in yakutat alaska living on 5285 maplewood road

Unknown - 2:37 PM: please… im begging you cheech. help me

***

a/n: oooooooo…. alright. welp, this chapter sucked ass but idk. tell me what you think.

what do you think is gonna happen next?

what do you think about tori’s mom’s suspicions?

how do you feel about what lucy said?

what do you expect going forth?

how do you think dinah will respond to those messages?

what do you think dr. peterson and lola had to talk about?

camila and her new son on the way?

what are your overall thoughts?

thanks so much for reading. dont forget to comment and vote, ily yall.

to my tumblr readers, add this story on my wattpad to comment, vote, ask direct questions, etc. @ wthbello also don’t forget to follow (:

ellianna, xxxxxxxx

#UPDATE #series #x factor #non AU #AU #slash #camren #angst drama #romance fluff #submission #our broken white rose