#so our fridge always smells like shit because even when the food goes bad she can't throw it away and if i throw it away i get yelled at

[dilfcherricola]

one thing about me is that if the fridge smells bad its over for me. i will not eat anything stored in that fridge that wasnt in a sealed container.

#having to clean the rotting vegetables out of the crisper in our yearly clean out has ruined me #for information my mom is a food hoarder but she also has orthorexia and so she only buys healthy (read: perishable) food #so our fridge always smells like shit because even when the food goes bad she can't throw it away and if i throw it away i get yelled at #and also fun fact about having rotting food in the fridge. it makes anything uncovered also taste like rot #i tend to shy away from leftovers because i dont trust the tupperware to keep the taste out #bitches will be like 'autism doesnt effect me that bad' and then do shit like this #my mom is like 'why cant you buy stuff in bulk just get the big container and keep it in the fridge once you open it' #mom it will get thrown away anyway because i'll imagine maggots in it and get so skeeved out i wont be able to eat anything like that #when i was a kid i saw a weird gluten formation in a bagel and i thought it was a silverfish #and my dad made me eat it anyway #and i couldnt eat bagels for literal years #shush up jj #personal

[fernpost]

Cycle 3 - A Meal

[link to ao3]

[first] - [previous] - [next] 

“Do we not have it?” Lup’s voice, just on the edge of unadulterated panic, filters through the room. It is borderline sweltering, and they’ve been at it all day.

If they don’t have it, it’s all been for naught. Taako bites at his nail, racking his brain, “fuck, do we not?”

Lucretia is sitting across the room, writing down notes from the day before. Her hand stills as she looks up, “it’s missing?”

Lup wipes her brow, before snapping her fingers and dropping to her knees, opening a small cabinet. She digs frantically through what they have, “if it’s not here, there’s none. I’ve looked all over- we honestly should have had it sooner but there was so much to do and-”

Taako steps behind her, hands resting on his hips to feign casualness. Lup adjusts her position and curses as she hits her head. Taako is about to comment, when she gasps.

He is silent as she jolts backwards with a cry, hand held in the air in success, waving it in the air, “we have it!”

Taako pulls it from her grasp, making his way towards the stove. Lup follows close behind, “if we had used the rest of the garlic last week, I would have jumped ship in shame.”

“Can’t make Mama Davenport’s special meat stew without it. Who are we to surprise our great captain with subpar stew.” Taako peels it quickly, cutting it up and tossing it into the pot liberally, firm in his lifelong belief that no recipe can have too little of the perfect allium.

Lucretia smiles as she scribbles in both of her notebooks from the table, “and Taako couldn’t have transmuteted more because…?”

Handing the spoon to Lup, he turns with an affronted gasp, resting his hand dramatically against his chest, “Do you think me a subpar chef?” With a snort, he kneels to peek into the oven, checking the status of the bread they are baking, “but actually, transmuted food is never as good as the real stuff. You can always taste the difference. It’ll do in a pinch, but for the occasion the Taaco’s spare no expense.”

“Ah, of course.” She goes back to her writing, content in listening to the two of them cook more.

After a few more minutes of gentle stirring, Taako sends Lup to grab Barry from the lab, where he’s been pouring over the same notes for a few hours now. Magnus, Merle, and Cap’nport should be back within the next half hour, if the Sending note Taako received is to be believed.

Considering it’s from Merle, who's to say. But preserving the heat of a dish with magic is much easier than making a dish from scratch, so it won’t be the end of the world. Anyways, Taako will give Merle shit either way.

Taako hear’s Lup laugh as she approaches, so he knows she successfully managed to wrangle Barold away from his work. He is already tired of their strange almost-flirting rituals, but it’s nice to see Lup so excited about something, even if it is a nerd like Barry.

(Taako is steadfastly ignoring how much he enjoy’s Barry’s company himself. Or Magnus’s. Or Lucretia’s. Or how comforting it is to talk to Merle. Or how welcoming Davenport always is. It all means nothing. They’re all still his coworkers. He definitely never seeks out their company. He pretends not to think about how the last time he was around the same people this long was his aunt, and he pretends not to think about how that ended. And it never feels bad when they leave on dangerous missions to look for the Light. Never.)

“Lup, the bread!” Taako calls out, pulling the stew from the stove and bringing it over to the table. Lucretia picks her notebooks up, bringing them over to the small sitting room and leaving them on the rickety coffee table (it wasn’t always rickety. Magnus had been trying, apparently, to teach Barry a wrestling move Merle had described to him once. Mending only goes so far). Lup crosses the small kitchen quickly, grabbing the oven mitts from the counter and pulling the bread out. It smells absolutely divine, of course.

Barry hovers near the edge of the kitchen, hands hovering awkwardly in front of him, “can I help-”

“Not after last time, Bluejeans.” Taako places the lid on the stew, turning to the fridge to look for the cider bottles he knows are in there somewhere from a small market they found near the end of the last year.

“Can you grab the plates?” Lup asks as she removes the bread from the tin and begins cutting it. Barry is quick to help, pulling the plates down from the cabinet right next to her (he’s trying so hard to not brush against her, it’s almost sad). Once he has a stack of seven, he pulls out the utensils as well.

Lucretia stiffens from where she has made her way to the window in the sitting room, peering out. “They’re back!”

Barry glances over, almost overbalancing and dropping the silverware as he gets distracted. After he regains control of the plates, he asks, “how do they look?”

“No worse for wear. No one’s limping or missing anything important, at least.” She pauses, and squints, “I think Magnus is a little singed, though.”

“He’ll be fine.” Taako waves it off. The big guy not getting injured would be more surprising.

Lup is bringing the tray with the bread over when the front door opens. Taako places the last cider down before calling out, “oh Captain!”

“We have a surprise for you!” Lup yells.

“What do you-” Davenport pauses, and Taako has cooked enough for the gnome to know he is smelling the air. “Is that stew?” He rounds the corner with the others. He looks tired, thick bags hanging heavy under his eyes.

They were supposed to be gone a week for a recon mission, but Merle sent a message saying they’d be a few days later. About halfway through them being gone, Taako had started digging through the books Davenport brought. One was, for some reason, an old cookbook. It was covered in scribbled writing, and a note left at the beginning detailed how Davenport’s mother gifted it to him when he left for his first job on a ship. One recipe in particular had a sticky note marking it, and Taako had glanced through the recipe. It seemed easy enough, so he brought it to Lup to make.

If she had said anything about him being a sap, he’d deny it. He just enjoyed trying out a new recipe.

“Are we going to eat or just bask in the smell?” Taako sits at his normal seat, not waiting to begin to serve himself. He passes the ladle to Lup, watching as the others join them. Davenport remains standing, only moving when Magnus kicks his chair away from the table, gesturing for him to sit.

The ladle is passed to their captain, who scoops some of the stew and stares at it, “is this…” Davenport looks up at Lup and him, squinting, “did you two go through my cabin?”

An overlap of “no,'' and “Taako did,” answer his question, and Taako quickly slaps Lup on the arm. “Was just looking at your books. You expect me to not read a cookbook you’ve got hidden away?”

Davenport doesn’t answer. He scoops up some of the stew and sips at it, obviously hesitant. It’s quiet in the room, before he smiles, “almost as good as my mom made it.”

A cacophony of mockery aimed at Taako blusters out, his own voice just barely rising above as he defends his honor and abilities.

No one mentions how their captain looks a little misty-eyed. It’s been a long three years.

Later that night, Magnus approaches him and Lup as they play cards in the sitting room, vaguely describing a pie his dad used to make on Candlenights, asking if the two of them thought they could recreate it.

Taako is offended that he believes they can’t.

#lup #taako #lucretia #barry bluejeans #davenport #magnus burnsides #the stolen century #taz balance #my works

[everybodyscupoftea]

rockin around the christmas tree

pike jj x reader

you and jj decorate your first apartment together

this is in the future when you and jj are in nashville :)

(warnings: cursing, implied drinking, very very little editing)

At the words, “I’ve never really decorated a tree before,” you knew immediately that you were going to go all out for JJ. You knew his childhood wasn’t great and that he didn’t really experience it in college either with living in the dorm and then the frat house, but you didn’t consider that meant he’d never really done the tree and lights shebang.

Over the month of November you started gathering up random decorations, here and there, that you thought could fit in your apartment without being a nuisance. One afternoon you convinced your mom to drive over from your hometown with some of your favorite ornaments and decorations from childhood.

She loved JJ and was plenty happy to part with them for his sake. You made sure all the bags and boxes were put away in the second bedroom and made a promise with yourself to not tell him until after Thanksgiving.

Then you got slammed with paper after paper and quiz after quiz which led you to truly forget about everything until you went in there to make sure things were all clean for guests and tripped over a box full of lights.

“Ow, fuck!” you yelped, looking down to see what you’d hit, stomach dropping when you saw it all and heard JJ coming to see what was wrong. Before he could quite get to the door, you waved him away, “All good, just stubbed my toe.”

He backed away, hesitantly, toward the kitchen where he’d been cutting the turkey for dinner. Cody and Tyler were coming into town, and you were doubly excited that they were staying the night so that you could rope them into putting up the once forgotten decorations.

Just as you finished pushing everything out of the way and clearing off the bed, there was a knock at the door. JJ called from the kitchen, “Can you grab that, sweetheart, I’m almost done with the turkey?”

“Got it,” you yelled back, practically skipping to throw the door open for your friends you hadn’t seen outside of FaceTime in months. As soon as you threw the door open, Cody, who was closest, was pulling you into a tight hug, face pressed firmly into your hair. He sighed, “Damn, smell the same, kinda nice.”

You snorted, squeezing back, “That was soft.” 

“Forgive me,” he answered sarcastically, “I just missed you is all.”

“Move,” Tyler interrupted before you could respond, elbowing Cody out of the way to hug you. You hugged back just as tight before grabbing both of them by the arms to pull them inside.

“JJ is finishing up the food, so I’ll give you guys a tour real quick and you can drop your stuff in the guest bedroom.”

“Sweet,” Cody nodded, “though I’m not sure how I feel about JJ being in control of the food.”

“Let him have it, I need to tell you guys something.”

They followed you around the whole place and ended in the second bedroom where you shut the door, Tyler smirked, “Getting us alone to pitch a foursome?”

You blinked, not prepared at all, “I-” after a few seconds gathered your thoughts, “no, I just wanted to know if you guys needed to be anywhere early tomorrow or if you could help us decorate for Christmas. JJ never has before, so I thought it could be a fun family activity.”

Before you even finished, Cody, who loved Christmas and decorating for it was nodding eagerly, “Oh fuck yeah. I’m so down. Is that why this room is so messy? Christmas decorations.”

You snorted, “Please, I haven’t forgotten how messy y’all are, I spent so much time in that disaster of a dorm room.”

Tyler waved you off, “We’re much better now.”

“I’m sure,” you answered sarcastically.

“I am, my girlfriend whipped me into shape,” Cody told you, “our apartment looks so dope.”

“Yeah, because your girlfriend has her shit together and a Pinterest board.”

Tyler snorted, “True, you have no eye for interior design.”

Cody rolled his eyes as JJ yelled for everyone to come eat. The four of you sat around the small table you and JJ found on sale with plates heaped full of food. Before anyone could take a bite, you cleared your throat, “Okay, everyone share their lists.”

A tradition the four of you started in college was to share at least three things each person was thankful for before eating whatever you’d managed to put together for dinner, usually takeout because no one was thankful for cafeteria food and the shitty dorm kitchen.

“I’ll go first,” Tyler started, “I’m thankful for the Sixers finally playing well, my girlfriend for getting me a new job, and for you guys having a nice enough apartment to play host.”

“Wait wait wait,” JJ held his hand up, “your girlfriend got you a job?”

Tyler shrugged, “I figure if I play my cards right and don’t fuck anything up, when she finishes law school and has a nice job, I can become a trophy husband. I’ll be supportive as fuck and the  best arm candy on the planet.”

You snorted and said, “Okay, poor Emma first of all. It’s my turn though. I’m thankful for my therapist, she’s really done a lot of heavy lifting this fall, I’m thankful for JJ not burning the building down while cooking, and I’m thankful for you guys driving to see us because my separation anxiety was getting pretty bad and my poor therapist needs a break.”

Cody gave you a thumbs up, “Live to serve. My turn, I’m thankful for Liverpool sucking ass this season, I’m thankful that my girlfriend is good at everything I’m bad at because I’m pretty sure I’d have died by this point, and I’m thankful that you guys live somewhere interesting enough that I want to come visit.”

“Okay, me last,” JJ started, “I’m thankful for you guys being here even though it was kind of an inconvenient trip, I’m thankful for my boss for giving me a holiday bonus, and I’m thankful to finally get to spend a holiday in my own space. A safe space.”

Cody and Tyler, both great with emotion, held out fists for him to bump and then started eating.

-

“Okay,” you clapped your hands, startling JJ awake the next morning, “it’s noon, we’ve slept off most of the hangover, and now we have shit to do.”

“What?” he asked, voice cracking, as he rubbed his eyes.

“It’s Christmas season, we have to decorate.”

JJ groaned, “Shopping? While I feel like this? No.”

“No need to shop, I have it all. Now get up, get dressed, and let’s do this.”

Tyler was already up when you walked out of the bedroom, and he waved, “I ordered breakfast but couldn’t find your coffee pot. Cody is sorting through the decorations, did you have a tree?”

“Yeah, I have one in the closet, we always did a real tree at home, but I figured we should start small and see how it goes.”

“Good plan. I think Cody has a Christmas playlist ready. He’s so excited, could barely sleep.”

He followed you to the kitchen and leaned against the door frame while you made coffee. You chuckled, “Yeah, I know how much he loves Christmas. I’m honestly kind of surprised we never did a group decorating thing like this before.”

“Well,” Tyler crossed his arms, “we did the small trees in the dorm, but JJ didn’t want to buy one for himself so it didn’t really count. And then decorating the frat house was just not worth the effort.”

You passed him a mug and he took a sip while you answered, “JJ never really seemed super interested either. I mean I was going to keep it chill this year too but he brought it up.”

“Cody said you had a whole bunch of homemade stuff.”

“Yeah, my mom brought it to me. I was thinking of making JJ do some of the ornaments to make it even but I’m not sure he’d go for that.”

Tyler snorted, “Man’s a simp, he’d do it for you.”

“Who’s a simp?” Cody asked, walking into the kitchen to take the second mug.

“All three of you,” you told him, grabbing the creamer out of the fridge for him.

He took a sip and shrugged, “Yeah, true. But who are we discussing in particular now?”

“JJ. Whether he’d made homemade ornaments,” Tyler responded.

“He definitely would,” Cody nodded, “I would too. Is that on today’s agenda?”

“It is not. But I mean, if you guys want to make us some in the future and mail them, I’ll gladly hang them on the tree.”

“Deal.”

 “What’s the deal?” JJ asked, finally joining the rest of you.

“Nothing, drink some coffee and we’ll decorate.”

-

After the food arrived and everyone ate, Cody did in fact have a Christmas playlist queued, and he hooked it up to the speaker to blast in the living room. Tyler strung lights around, and JJ told you, “We should just keep these up after Christmas.”

By the time the two of you had struggled to get the tree put together and in a good spot, you added, “Maybe we don’t take the tree down either. We can just decorate it for every holiday.”

Tyler laughed, “Don’t be those guys.”

“We will,” JJ vowed, “we will absolutely be those guys. I just broke a sweat.”

“I will come back for New Years and start a riot if the tree is still up. You laugh like I’m joking, but I will,” Tyler told the two of you.

Cody was barely paying attention, reaching up to put an ornament on the tree when you stopped him, “JJ has to put the first one up.”

JJ gave you a weird look, “What? Why?”

“Bro,” Tyler told you, “lowkey this is a foursome.”

“No, it’s so not.”

“But, it kinda is. We’re taking JJ’s Christmas tree decorating virginity.”

“That’s so-” JJ paused, “okay the logic works a little but I don’t like it.”

“I hate you all,” you groaned, handing JJ an ornament and gently shoving him toward the tree.

“You don’t,” Cody singsonged from his spot across the room.

When everything  was done, Cody turned all the lights off in the room and JJ plugged the tree in. Tyler flipped all the lights he’d put out on and the four of you stood in the doorway to take it all in. 

JJ sighed, “Kinda love it. It’s going to be such a pain to take down, but it feels good.”

“A good family decorating day,” Cody added, “next year we’ll make ornaments.”

You laughed, “Sure.”

Wrapping his arms around your waist from behind, JJ hummed, “Gonna miss our Christmas this year.”

Tyler looked a little teary eyed, “Yeah, we can FaceTime though.”

“Are you crying?” Cody asked incredulously.

“It’s the hangover,” Tyler denied, wiping his eyes.

Cody rolled his eyes, “Sure it is. I’m gonna miss you guys too.”

“Group hug,” you said, holding your arms out. For the first time in a while and the last time for an even longer while, you hugged your boys close. You sniffled, pulling back, “Bring your girlfriends next time. They’re always welcome too.”

They nodded and left after one more hug. JJ and you sat on the couch, soaking in the sudden silence. You leaned into his side and he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, “Movie, sweetheart?”

“Please,” you answered, “Home Alone.”

~

day four of @obxmermaid​‘s holiday challenge: decorating the tree

#pike!jj #jj maybank #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank x you #jj maybank fic #outer banks #outer banks fic #obxmermaidholiday #frat!jj

[isitgintimeyet]

Just a Friend

So I finally started to write another story...

I will try and post weekly, but can’t promise on account of real life and my inability to actually focus on translating what’s in my head onto paper (or screen!)

Getting the courage to post never gets any easier, but here goes. I hope you enjoy this frothy bit of fun. I will also post on AO3.

Thanks to @wickedgoodbooks for being an excellent beta.

Chapter 1: From Airport to Aggravation

Bank holiday crowds, on the whole, are hell.

And this one is rapidly turning into an even deeper level of purgatory. The hottest May for years in Scotland and I’m stuck at Glasgow airport with a dozen women, collectively known as ‘Geillis’s Hen Party Posse’, each displaying varying degrees of inebriation, hangover or general sleep deprivation, and all aiming for the luggage carousel showing the flight from Barcelona. Which apparently is where several hundred other disembarked passengers are also heading.

Eventually, I manage to get a view of the bags and cases slowly making their way around the belt. They’re pretty picked over by this time, apart from the couple of boxes covered in gaffer tape that always seem to be first off a plane—any plane—and last to be collected. They’re always there, on every flight. Why is that?

I pause from my musings to wave frantically at Geillis, who now has a trolley and is clearing a path straight towards me.

“I got us a trolley.” she informs me, stating the obvious. “I thought it’d be easier. Have ye seen ours yet, Claire? I canna see the others. They must have already gone through.”

“No,” I answer, keeping my eyes firmly on the little hatch, willing our bags to appear. All I want is to go home, put my sleep mask on and try and get some sleep. Three days in Barcelona celebrating Geillis’s forthcoming nuptials have worn me out, and, I glance at my watch, I am due in theatre in approximately seventeen hours time.

"It's there, it's there," Geillis points excitedly at the neon pink and green leopard print bag making its way towards us.

She makes a grab for it as I continue to look for my bag. Predictably, it’s one of the last ones on the carousel. I recognise it immediately from the piece of red gift ribbon tied to the handle of the plain black Samsonite. I load it onto the trolley and Geillis and I head through customs to join the rest of the posse.

We say our goodbyes loudly, with much hugging and kisses. A stranger viewing this scene might imagine we won’t be seeing each other again for weeks or even months. In truth, I’ll be seeing most of them in the next week or so at the hospital as our schedules coincide.

“Shall we two get a taxi, then?” Geillis asks me.

I start to answer as my mobile pings — a text from Frank...very nice, very caring, very predictable.

Darling, it’s been a long three days without you. I am ready to collect you from the airport if you would like. If not, might I see you later this evening? xxx

And that is very clearly Frank. Correct grammar and punctuation, even on his texts. I shake my head as if to drive away my inner bitch and pretend I haven’t read it. I will respond, of course, just later when I’m back at home.

So, I smile at Geillis and agree. “Of course, we can go halves.”

***********

As I walk into my flat, the peace and quiet and sheer bloody calm wraps itself around me like a swaddling cloth. It’s blissfully cool too, with all the shutters closed.

It’s not that I didn’t have a good time in Barcelona. It was actually great. But being in the company of others twenty four hours a day is wearing, much as I love them. And we all had to do everything together. No sneaking off for a solitary walk, or escaping to bed for a little siesta.

I deposit my suitcase by the bedroom door, slip off my converse, pour myself a glass of orange juice, settle down on the sofa and figure out how best to tell Frank not tonight without offending him.

Frank, Sorry but tonight isn’t —

I delete and try again.

Thanks for the offer to pick me up. I was already in the taxi when I got it. Can we give tonight a miss? Theatre in the morning and I’m knackered totally exhausted. You know what Geillis is like. Speak tomorrow, I promise. C

Frank knows what Geillis is like. Frank thinks Geillis is a bad influence on me, with her larger than life personality and wild ideas. I think Frank doesn’t really know me at all if he believes I can be influenced like that. I hang out with Geillis and my friends because they’re fun and we laugh… a lot.

Without realising, I feel my shoulder muscles relax as soon as I’ve sent the message. These are not good signs for my relationship with Frank. He’s investing far more into ‘us’ than I am willing to do. But as long as I’m honest with him…

There are advantages to being with Frank, of course. He’s punctual, very organised and a proficient and considerate lover. He always makes sure I come, even if I sometimes...er… exaggerate my reactions to hurry things along. So much for honesty, then.

I finish my orange juice and plan my evening. Four things to do - unpack, grab some food, shower and sleep. Not even going to wash my hair. That would really be too much effort, struggling with my untameable mane, and it’s going to be stuck under a surgical cap for most of tomorrow anyway.

It takes a bit of effort to actually move from the sofa. I could quite happily fall asleep there. But then I’d wake up in the middle of the night—starving hungry and still smelling of sweaty airports. Reluctantly, I haul myself into a vertical position and head for my bedroom picking up my suitcase en route.

Opening the suitcase, I am not greeted with the expected haphazard mass of sun dresses, t shirts and shorts—all with the evocative aroma of Hawaiian Tropic—but a layer of white dress shirts, immaculately folded and the faint scent of a musky cologne.

Shit, shit, shit!! Some else has walked off with my black samsonite with the red ribbon on the handle. My evening plans are rapidly going awry. I delve into my handbag praying that I kept my boarding pass with the sticky bar code luggage receipt. The relief when I find it lurking in the bottom of my bag is immense. Quickly I google the airline lost baggage number and dial.

After a few bars of some god awful plinky plinky hold music, I hear a recorded message. “Your call is important to us, please hold. Your call is important to us, please hold.”

Good to know, then back to the plinky plinky before another message. “The office you are trying to reach is now closed. Please try again during office hours nine am to five thirty. Thank you.”

“If my call is so important to you, why is no one there at six o’clock?” I yell down the phone, but the plinky plinky ignores me and continues its irritating melody.

I sigh. I don’t want to have to wait until tomorrow morning to sort this out. Besides, by nine am tomorrow morning, I will be somewhat unavailable - reshaping the hip bone of a seven year old boy. So, I have no alternative. I will have to have a bit of a dig around this stranger’s suitcase, looking for any clue or contact details.

As I start to have a feel around, it occurs to me that some stranger might, at this very moment, be doing exactly the same thing — having a poke around my suitcase in the hope of finding my details. No doubt judging me based on my choice of holiday attire.  And, I suddenly realise, his judgement may well be coloured by the discovery of some items of a more adult nature.

I say ‘he’, based on the XL white shirts, the pair of battered jeans and faded Scotland rugby shirt, but I could be wrong. I don’t have to dig any further into the case as I spy, in a mesh pocket, a neat rectangle of card with a name — James Fraser — a mobile number and an email address.

Relief sweeps over me. Perhaps we can get this all sorted tonight. Unless this James Fraser lives miles away and was just passing through Glasgow on his way to, say, the Outer Hebrides. That could be a whole other level of problem.

I quickly reach for my phone. Another message from Frank awaits.

Are you sure, darling? I’m looking forward to seeing you. Would tomorrow evening work for you?

I ignore it for the moment. Let me sort my luggage issue out first.

I dial the number on the card and begin to pace around my bedroom as it rings and rings. I am just about to give up when, thankfully, it’s answered.

“Hello?” A female voice asks warily.

I clear my throat and put on my most pleasant phone voice. “Is there a James Fraser there please?”

“Ye’ve the wrong number.”

“Oh, sorry, I must have mis—“ I begin, but find myself apologising to dead air.

I try again, carefully comparing each digit to those written, very neatly, on the card.

“Hello?” The same female voice answers, more than a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“I’m sorry, but this is the number I have for James Fra—“

“And I already told ye, ye’ve the wrong number. Dinna bother again.”

In the days before mobiles, I’m sure this would have been accompanied by a deafening crash as the receiver hit the cradle. Pressing a soft key doesn’t have the same dramatic effect. But I get the message anyway.

So, new plan needed. All I can do is email this James Fraser and hope he actually has written down the correct email address. If not, I’ll have to sort it out with the airline tomorrow afternoon.

My stomach rumbles and I suddenly realise that I’ve not eaten since breakfast, unless you count the slices of fruit in my jug of sangria. I wander into the kitchen and peruse the contents of my cupboards and fridge. I’m not the most gifted cook, but I’m not too bad and can usually rustle up something edible and fairly tasty. The bread feels a bit on the dry side but will be fine toasted, and I know I have eggs.

I put a knob of butter in a pan and text Frank while I’m waiting for it to sizzle.

Think tomoz will be ok. Talk 2morrow. C

I don’t normally use text speak at all,  but something about Frank’s perfectly formed text messages always makes me want to rebel. I can imagine him wincing right now.  He’s a professor at the university and is forever complaining about the standard of literacy amongst his undergraduates. If he thinks he has problems, he should try dealing with junior doctors.

With my scrambled egg on toast all eaten, I focus my attention on the email to James Fraser. I write it quickly, brief and to the point: I have your suitcase and therefore presume you have mine, can we meet to swap them over and here’s my phone number.

The longing for a shower and then bed is now overwhelming. I strip off and bundle all my clothes into the laundry basket, tie my hair up with a scrunchie and step into my shower. This is undoubtedly one of my favourite places on earth and possibly the reason that I bought this flat. Large enough for two, I suppose. Although none have yet been invited to partake in this heavenly experience. Maybe I’m saving that for someone extra special. It has a huge overhead rainfall shower head and a handheld shower head too.

My indulgences are all in here — a selection of expensive shower gels, scrubs and lotions and an assortment of huge fluffy bath towels. I choose a lavender scented gel and scrub all traces of the day from my skin.

Wrapping myself  in one of my pristine white towels, I slather shea butter lotion on my slightly sun-burnt skin, noticing the uneven red patches where the sun cream hadn’t quite reached but at least it’s not sore.

A quick check of my emails shows there’s no word from James Fraser as yet, so I decide to just settle down to sleep and leave luggage worries until the morning. Fortunately, I had changed the sheets before my weekend away, so I simply unwrap my towel, leaving it in a heap on the floor and slide into bed. The feeling of the cool, crisp bedding against my skin is wonderful. I assume a sort of diagonal starfish position, not having to worry about any other occupants. It crosses my mind whether to reach for the tiny vibrator in my bedside drawer, but I’m too comfortable and drowsy for that, so instead I check my alarm and settle down for sleep.

#outlander fanfic #outlander fanfiction #Jamie Fraser #Claire Beauchamp #Just a Friend #chapter 1 #Here goes

[sleepyweepypeaches]

Cookies and crime pt.2

----------------------------------- Keigo Takami x reader - Fluff -

Y/n uses They/them pronouns.

Warnings:Cursing, mention of a gory true crime story

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

Takami walks into the kitchen, over to Y/n who has just finished warming the food back up. "So, Cookies and crime?" Takami asks grabbing his la carte box of chicken. "Cookies and crime." Y/n confirms. On nights like this when there's nothing to do Y/n and Takami get together bake cookies and watch true crime cases. Y/n and Takami walk over to the couch with their food, "Hay, also. Did you say you turned Mount Lady away at the door, AGAIN !?" Takami asked realizing all of what Y/n said earlier. Y/n sighs, sitting on the couch "Ya, My boss might be a bitch but her boss us actually pretty cool. They said they don't want to promote heros that don't do they're actual job. So this is the third time I've had to personally turn Mount Lady away at the door. She's exhausting.". Takami throws his head back laughing "Thats so funny!" Y/n laughs along with him "I guess, she's kind of annoying after a while. I feel like I'm reasoning with a child. She's like 'do you even know who I am!?'. Ya bitch, Walmart Regina Gorge. Now stop harassing my boss before a call security! Ugh!" Y/n and Takami burst out laughing. This was the bast. Being able to vent and really laugh with each other. It's so special, when they could be themselves. Happy together.

Y/n and Takami finish eating. On they're wayback to the kitchen Y/n pops an edible. "Okay cookies!" Takami laughs. "You have been very exited about these cookies." Y/n says taking the dough out of the fridge. "Well ya, they're cookies, you're not exited about cookies!?". Takami asks, getting a pan from a cabinet and putting it on the counter. "Of corses im exited about cookies!" Y/n laughed, setting the oven. "But i'm more exited to tell you about this true crime case I saw the other day! It was fucking crazy!" Takami cuts the dough packaging open. "I don't know. Ive seen some pretty crazy shit myself." Takami smiles at them. They both go to wash they're hands in the sink." Ok, so theres this woman her name was Katie or Kathy knight or something. And she was fucking crazy! She did all kinds of terrible stuff. But what she got caught for was the worst!" Takami and Y/n finshed washing theyer hands and started putting the dough on the pan. "Well now i'm getting exited." Takami said. "So her husband at the time got a restraining order on her and told the guys he worked with if he didn't show up the next day to call the police.". "Smart" Takami chimed in. "That night she seduced him with sex to get him in a venerable position. When he was asleep she stabbed him. He woke up and tried to get away. But she chased him down the hall and continued to stab him till he was dead!". "Damn she couldn't get a divorce!?" Takami laughed. "Apparently not," Y/n said. Takami picked up a piece of cookie dough and plopped it into his mouth. "So after she killed him, she skinned him and cooked some of him into meals for they're children!" Y/n said. Takami stoped chewing his cookie dough and looked up at Y/n. "You could have told me that before I put the cookie dough in my mouth?" Takami asked jokingly. "You couldn't have waited till I finished telling you the true crime story?"

Y/n smiled at him. After Takami finished eating his cookie dough he stuck is tong out at Y/n. Y/n stuck they're tong back out at him and giggled. "Thats pretty fucked up." Takami said. "Isn't it?! I'd just get a divorce. And thats probable not going to happen ether! I'm a ride or die kinda person." Y/n says. "If you were in a relationship and the only way out was murder. I'd kill them for you on the spot!" Takami said. "Aww, you'd do that for me!?" Y/n made puppy dog eyes at Takami. Takami made puppy dog eyes back at them "Would you hide a dead body for me?". Y/n laughs "Abso-fucking-lutely! You're my best friend, I'd commit arson for you!". "Aww, same" Takami said putting a hand over his heart. Then eats another piece of cookie dough. "Ya! you're going to eat it all before we can even get the pan in the oven!" Y/n points out. "But raw cookie dough tastes really good! Here." Takami says feeding Y/n some cookie dough. "Mmm, it is. But they're better baked!" Y/n said finishing the piece of dough. The oven beeps and Takami puts the cookie into the oven. Y/n sets the timer.

After word Y/n sits themself on they're island counter. Takami positions him self in front of them. Putting his arms on each side of them. "You know. Now that I think of it. I don't think I'd ever worry about divorces or anything like that. If I were to merry someone it would probably be my best friend. Because I know they'ed be good to me and we'd take care of each other." Y/n says thoughtfully. Looking down at Takami who had dumbfounded look on his face. Takami face went pink when they made eye contact. "I umm. I never thought about marriage really." Takami says looking away. "No? I always thought you'd be a great dad." Y/n says. Takami looks back up at them. "A dad?" He asks quietly. "Ya! You're funny and caring. And you're stern when you half to be. And you're super understanding and patient!" Y/n goes on about Takami. Y/n playfully raps they're arm around his neck. "All the sexy milfs, dilfs, and nilfs would all go. 'Oh Mr. Takami, your so attractive and good with kids! Would you like to get a drink sometime?'." Y/n pouts and bats they're eyes. Takami laughs sheepishly and rest his hands on Y/n's arms. " And i'd say, 'Sorry but i'm already married to a wonderful person! And, its cookies and crime night. And it would brake they're heart if I wasn't home for it!"

Y/n's eyes light "Cookies and crime night!?" they laugh. "Ya, Its our little tradition. I thought we might keep it." Takami shrugs, smiling giddily. Y/n's face grows warm "Oh" They smile. "Is that okay?" Takami asked tilting his head. "Y-Ya! I actually like that a lot." Y/n smiles, pulling Takami slightly closer to them. Y/n laughs "Was that your husband audition?". Takami moves his hands from Y/n's arms and places them beck by they're sides. "Ya. How'd I do?" He asked. "Pretty good." Y/n says. Y/n brushes they're nose up agents Takami's but he hesitates and pulls away. "Takami-" "Keigo." Takami cuts Y/n off. "What?" Y/n asks backing up a little. "I know we joke around a lot but. If we're going to do this. I mean really do this. You might as well call me bay my first name. It's Keigo." Keigo says. "Okay." Y/n smiles at him. Pulling him back in. "Keigo, will you just kiss me already." Keigo laughs "I wasn't expecting the sass!" Y/n sighs "Well it's taken you all night." Keigo tilts his head confused "Why didn't you just kiss me first, if you were waiting for so long?" Y/n lets out a small laugh. "Because you looked like you wanted to do it so bad. You even asked me to get in the tub with you. Plus I was kinda nervous." Keigo panics "Shit I thought I deleted that!?" Y/n shakes they're head. "Nope. I've been waiting for you to do something all night. Then you texted me that but never acted on it. So I figured you sent it by mistake." Keigo smiles sadly. "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable." Y/n runs they're fingers through his hair as he explains himself. "I didn't want to ruin what we already have. You're so important to me, and I don't want to lose you. I've never had someone like you in my life. To take care of me. Hold me so sweetly. I don't know how I couldn't fall in love with you. And I really do love you so much." Keigo raps his arms around Y/n waist. Pulling they're body's together fully. Y/n smiles and presses they're forehead to his. "I love you too." Y/n giggles in disbelief. Keigo caresses Y/n's jaw before leaning close. Placing a soft kiss on they're lips. They're lips feel so soft agents his. Light pecks turn into a drawn out kiss. A long awaited kiss. After the kiss ends. They looking into each others eyes smiling brightly. "You have no Idea how happy I am right now!" Keigo laughs, pecking Y/n on the lips again. "I love you, I love you, I love you, so, so much!" Keigo says nuzzling he's head into Y/n's shoulder. Y/n laughs "And I love you, I love you, I love you, so, so much more!". Keigo laughs "Is that a challenge?". "Yes!" Y/n laughs.

Y/n rests they're head atop Keigo's head and takes a deep breath. "Keigo?" Y/n asks. "Yes?" Keigo replies looking up at them. "I think our cookie's are burning." Keigo is knocked out of his haze. Smelling the air, woof. "Aa shit" Keigo spins around and grabs a kitchen mit and swiftly scoop the cookies out of the oven. "Well its a good thing you brought ice cream!" Y/n laughs, jumping off the counter. "Im sorry." Keigo sighs. Y/n walks over to Keigo and raps they're arms around his waist. " It's okay, they're just burnt cookies. I don't think anything could ruin my night right now!"

#my hero academia #hawksbnha #hawks #hawks x you #hawks x y/n #x y/n #they/them #they/them y/n #bnha #bnha x reader #my hero x reader #my hero academy x reader #text fic #fanfic #fluffy #fluff fic #fluff fanfiction #pt.2

[lio-the-chaotic-nonbeanie-weenie]

A Supernatural World: Chapter 2

Prev | Next

Summary: Fleeing their hometown of Miami, Florida due to it growing far too dangerous, Roman and his vampire brother Remus move to Detroit, Michigan. Remus hopes it’ll be safer here for his human (or so he thinks he’s human) brother. Roman only wishes to start anew after a traumatizing incident in his last college, hoping to make new friends and maybe even find love. They don’t know what this city or the future holds but it’s going to be quite the adventure as they explore their new surroundings and the…interesting people that live in it.

Pairings: Eventual roceit, Eventual Intrulogical, slowburn roceit, slowburn Intrulogical, romantic roceit, romantic Intrulogical. BROTHERLY CREATIVITWINS (rem/rom shippers fuck off)

WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF ABUSE, IMPLIED ABUSE, TOXIC PARENTING, MENTIONS OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, IMPLIED SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, POSSIBLE IMPLIED RAPE, SLIGHT BLOOD MENTION, SLIGHT MENTION OF MURDER, MENTIONS OF FOOD POISONING

Taglist: @mychemically-imbalanced-romance

(If anyone else would like to be tagged, let me know!)

________________________________________________________________

Moving to a new apartment after being on the run for so long had been exhausting but they made it and they were a lot safer now. For the first time in a long time, Roman finds himself waking up with little to no worries in his mind. He sits up and yawns, stretching his arms. He takes a deep breath and perks up a little when he smells breakfast in the air. With a rumbling tummy, Roman slips out of bed and ambles out of the bedroom and to the kitchen, finding Remus at the stove and making breakfast. Bacon and eggs sizzle away in the frying pan.

“Morning, Ree. Where’d you get that?” Roman asks, plopping down at the dining table.

“Hey, sleepyhead. I wasn’t going to go grocery shopping until some time later but I figured we could use a good breakfast after all the shit we went through to get here. So, I went out and bought a few things at the convenience store across the street.” Remus replies, plating up the food.

“I do miss having good breakfasts like this.” Roman giggles before making a face. “I don’t think I want to eat more yucky hotel food or disgusting gas station meals.”

Remus huffs a laugh and gives Roman his plate.

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“I got food poisoning twice in Alabama and Kentucky.”

“Okay, fair point.” 

Remus shakes his head fondly at the memory of poor Ro throwing up in their motel room. He hadn’t meant to make his twin sick but he couldn’t exactly order anything fancy. He was trying to save up for an apartment. He did feel bad for Ro. His twin had been eager to try KFC when they got to Kentucky. Turns out that the KFC they ordered from was a bit, well, unsanitary. Oh well, at least they don’t have to worry about that now. Remus gets his own plate and sets it on the table before turning to the fridge to get juice for them both.

“So, did you sleep okay? I know I used my magic on you but it can’t always block the nightmares.” Remus says, setting the juice bottle on the counter and moving to get glasses.

Meanwhile, Roman eagerly starts eating. He makes a delighted noise and eats more.

“I did. It feels nice to wake up without worrying if someone broke in or freaking out because you thought the cleaning lady was an intruder.” he grins, taking another bite.

“That’s good. And don’t worry. I’m sure there’s no scary cleaning lady here this time.” Remus chuckles, pouring him and Roman some juice.

Roman giggles and goes back to eating, humming in thanks when Remus gives him his juice.

“I know, Ree. So, what are you going to do?” he asks.

“Well, since everything is mostly unpacked, I’m going to explore around the city and see what’s there to see. Maybe find a job too. We can’t exactly live on our money forever.” 

“True. I’m going to see if I can enroll in theatre after breakfast.” 

“Ooh, good luck with that. I know you’ll kill it out there.

“I know. Promise you won’t kill anyone out there?”

Remus huffs a laugh. 

“Promise, Ro.”

The twins share a laugh and continue talking, Roman eagerly telling Remus all the stuff he’s excited to do again. Roman used to be in theatre in high school but it wasn’t fun. He had constant pressure on his shoulders to be a star performer in their parents’ eyes. He’d spent restless nights rehearsing and practicing under his mother’s command. He’d endure other nights where his mother would reprimand him for even the smallest slip up in his plays or when he didn’t get the lead role she demanded him to get. He’d been forced into diets and dressed uncomfortably to look perfect for his parts. Theatre was ruined for him then and he endured it until high school was over.

Then there was his first year of college. Roman had been happy to have at least a bit of distance between him and his abusive home. He had tried for theatre again in hope it would go well this time. It didn’t. The professor who led the whole theatre crew was a creep along with a few techies. Roman was the poor victim who was constantly targeted, getting groped or hit on whenever he was alone with either a techie or the professor himself. At first, Roman had been clueless, thinking the groping was an accident and the flirting was all in good fun. Then it kept getting worse and worse until one day, the professor and his techies cornered Roman in the dressing room and left him a wreck with his costume torn. 

Remus found out when Roman came home crying and told him. They tried to get justice but the professor and the techies left no proof so their case fell flat and was never opened again. All they could do was leave that college. Of course, their parents didn’t side with them, accusing Roman of ‘asking for it’ and punishing him for ‘selling his body’. That’s when Remus had enough and broke out of the basement he was forced to stay in. He went to Roman and comforted him, telling him they weren’t staying here anymore. After waiting for their parents to leave the house for another drunken night at some bar, the twins packed up and left. Roman hasn’t tried theatre since. The funny thing is, that was only a year ago.

Now, Roman was feeling a bit confident and wanted to try theatre once more. He even wanted to help with costumes and makeup or maybe even make props. He also missed singing on stage so he was excited to do that again. Eager to try out again, Roman eats a little faster. He really wants to enroll and step up on the shiny stage floor again. 

Meanwhile, Remus huffs a laugh, seeing how eager his brother is.

“Easy, Ro. You have plenty of time to sign up for theatre.” he says, patting his twin’s head.

Roman smiles bashfully.

“I know. I’m just so excited, Ree! I miss the stage! Now that we’re free from our parents and those creeps, I feel like I can do theatre again without all these problems!” he exclaims, grinning.

“I know but you can’t do that if you choke on your breakfast.” 

Roman giggles.

“Right. Sorry.”

Roman slows down but keeps eating, babbling about theatre stuff in between while Remus listens along. It’s not long before Roman finishes and puts his dishes in the sink before going back to his room to get his laptop from his bag so he can start enrolling. His eager humming can be heard around the apartment and it makes the atmosphere a little bit more warm and peaceful.

Meanwhile, Remus quickly did the dishes then went to get ready to explore. He cleaned up as best as he could before getting changed into a black t-shirt, grey ripped jeans, combat boots, and a dark green leather jacket. He then returns to the bedroom and finds Roman sitting on his bed, already with his laptop on. Remus chuckles and ruffles his twin’s hair.

“Alright, I’m gonna head out now. Will you be okay with being alone for a bit?” Remus asks, watching for a moment as Roman reads through some search results.

“Yeah! I’ll call you if anything happens and Janus is upstairs too!” Roman beams.

“Good. I’ll be back later, Ro.”

“Kay! Stay safe!”

Remus gives Roman a lazy salute and leaves him to do his college hunting. He grabs his bat and his pocket knife from his backpack along with a pocket flask filled with emergency blood. Then he slips out the door and heads down to the lobby. He waves hello to Jeremiah as he exits the building, Detroit’s cool and smoggy air hitting his face. After making sure no one is around, Remus sneaks around to the back and jumps his way up the apartment building using the fire escapes there. He then climbs onto the roof. Sure, he could have taken the stairs but that wasn’t as fun. Remus takes a deep breath and walks over to the edge, taking in the view and plotting out a path.

Remus sees the bridge and the old freighter. In the distance, he can just make out the edge of Belle Isle in the morning fog. He can see a nearby police station too. Immediately, he makes a note to avoid the station for safety purposes. It takes a few more minutes but he figures out a route through a mostly empty street that leads to a cluster of small businesses and restaurants. Taking a deep breath, Remus turns and runs before leaping over a gap and landing onto the next roof. His speed picks up and he keeps moving, jumping from roof to roof.

To Remus, it always felt thrilling to go on a rooftop run. He liked the feeling of cool air on his skin and the rush he gets when he leaps high into the air. It’s almost like he was flying. He liked watching the cars and buildings rushing by him. He liked being able to explore and see new places, especially the ones with good views or creepy vibes. 

Maybe he’ll explore the burnt down mansion in the outskirts of Detroit some other time. He hears it’s haunted. Maybe he’ll explore that old tech company that shut down and became abandoned due to a lot of bad business incidents. He found some rumors online that the company was going to create an android before it fell apart and shut down. He also heard of an abandoned mansion hidden somewhere in an isolated location of Detroit. He heard rumors of the last owner being a rich CEO who was murdered by his wife and her sister. Others say his remains could be found at the bottom of his dried up indoor pool. 

The thought of it all excited Remus more. It felt nice to be in a new place so once he and Roman were settled in enough, he decided he’ll explore those places in the future. For now, he jumps to another rooftop and pauses to catch his breath. He may be a vampire but not even the undead can run without tiring. Remus decides to hop down from the roof, exiting through an alleyway and slipping wordlessly onto the street. He carefully weaves between some people and hums as he starts walking, passing by a grey haired man and his companion walking a Saint Bernard. 

Remus looks around as he walks. There isn’t much here. There’s a homeless man on the street corner, begging for change or food. There’s a stray cat sniffing at something in the garbage cans by the alleyway. There’s a small convenience store selling party decorations and supplies. Across it is an old bar with a flickering neon sign. A faded ‘Help Wanted’ sign sits in the window, asking for someone to come work as either a cleaner or to work behind the bar. Remus knew he had no skill in working behind the bar but he figured he could try for the cleaner position. Cleaning isn’t usually his thing but he’s willing to try so he can at least make enough money to pay for rent and for any funds Roman may have for theatre. Taking a deep breath, Remus steps inside.

“Oh! Welcome to Jimmy’s Bar! I’m Jimmy!”

#sanderssides #sanders sides #roman sanders #remus sanders #creativitwins #brotherly creativitwins

[lochrannn]

Warnings: Sexual Content (M Rating)

Characters: Lila Pitts; Diego Hargreeves; Allison Hargreeves; Klaus Hargreeves; Hargreeves Siblings (background)

Relationship: Lila Pitts/Diego Hargreeves

Roommates AU; Fake Marriage; Slow Burn; Mutual Pining; Emotional H/C

Chapter 4/?

-

Of course it’s been something that, at the very back of her mind, has been causing her no small amount of stress, but Lila has been doing a very good job of just completely ignoring the topic. Only, when her co-worker Nandi, a med student from South Africa, asks Lila how much longer she’ll be staying in the country, now that she’s dropped out of her degree, does it fully register with her that her student visa has expired and she’s into the last three weeks of her grace period. After that, she’ll be in the country illegally.

Lila smiles at Nandi brightly and tells her that she’s not made a decision yet and that she’s looking at a couple of options.

On her break she goes out into the alley and bums a smoke off one of the teenage busboys who seems to be working at the restaurant that’s right next to her café, even though she’s not had a cigarette in years, and contemplates what to do.

And predictably she comes up short.

So after her shift ends, she heads to the public library and finds several volumes on immigration law for research, because she doesn’t want to ask one of the librarians.

After an hour of frustratedly thumbing through the books, the only short term solution she has found is to get married to a citizen.

She’s back at square one with no idea what to do, when she leaves her books on the collection cart and heads out into the rainy evening.

By the time she walks in through the door, she’s not sure if she’s just breezed straight through panic and worry or whether she’s just too numb to feel it, but at the smell of cooking food, she immediately follows the aromas to the kitchen and for a moment gets distracted at the door by the sight of Diego gently stirring something on the stove.

Apparently sensing her arrival, Diego twists around to look at her and says, “Oh hey, I didn’t hear you come in.”

Lila drags her eyes up to meet his and belatedly realises that she’s unabashedly been staring at his arse in a pair of perfectly fitted jeans.

“Uh…” she says dumbly.

Somehow she’s got so used to him not being around over the last few days that coming home to someone in the flat is completely throwing her for a loop.

“I’m making gorditas,” Diego says, having turned back to stirring and making idle conversation, “d’you want some?”

When she doesn’t answer right away, still dealing with the whiplash of her day, Diego turns back around and asks, “Hey, you ok?”

Lila scrambles for an answer and, trying to avoid telling Diego that the sight of him all sexily making food has made all the thoughts in her brain combust, she accidentally lands on the other truth and blurts, “Yeah, uh, fine… just dealing with some visa troubles!”

Diego’s expression turns into one of such genuine concern that Lila instantly regrets being the cause of that.

“Ah shit! That sucks,” he says. “Anything I can help you with?”

Lila snorts loudly, “Thanks, but I doubt there’s anything you could do… short of marrying me,” she adds in a sarcastic tone.

There’s a beat where Diego looks at her with a completely blank expression and she knows it’s not the cooking that suddenly makes the temperature in the small kitchen go up a couple of notches. Then he makes a face that’s half smirk and half shy smile and something behind Lila’s ribs cracks at the sight and she hopes she never has to see it again, because she hasn’t the foggiest idea how to respond to it.

“Ha! Yeah,” Diego says then, pointing at her with his spatula and then turns back to the stove again.

“So, uh, d’you want some?” he asks, with a strained kind of casualness, not actually looking at her, and this time Lila is quicker to answer, “Yeah… yes, thanks! I’ll just go get out of my work clothes!”

Lila hurries into her room and then leans against the closed door for a moment. What the fuck is wrong with her? Only a few days ago, she was accusing Diego of being weird and now she’s joking about getting married. This is ridiculous!

She pushes off from the door and begins taking off her work clothes to change into something more comfortable.

Lila’s only justification for her odd behaviour is that she really is stressed out by the idea of having to leave the country. It’s not like she couldn’t start out again somewhere else, Australia maybe, the main thing is, she knows she can’t go back to England, too many bad memories there, but she just doesn’t want to.

She’s been floating about her whole life, and even though what she has going on right now isn’t exactly conventional, to her it feels like a respite. Maybe it won’t be permanent, but here in this city, with her job, and her flat, she’s been feeling significantly more settled than she has in a while and she doesn’t want to have to give that up so soon.

If only she could just marry Diego…

Is that really such an insane solution? Lila thinks to herself, while pulling on a pair of leggings.

She would pay him, of course, and she knows he needs the money. It’s a terribly weird thing to ask your landlord/recent lover/friend but Lila just cannot conceptualise any other solution. And he’s been remarkably patient with her antics over the last few days, maybe he’s actually a lot more relaxed about this sort of thing than she thinks. She can at least make the offer, worst case scenario they go back to being awkward around each other for a few days and she’s sure they’ll be back to normal in no time at all.

Lila makes her way back towards the kitchen and finds Diego already in the process of piling food onto the small table that barely has any room in the first place.

There’s a plate with little flat and round doughy things and a few dishes with different steaming fillings in them. There’s a decidedly spicy smell in the air and Lila can’t help the way her mouth starts watering.

“Yo, don’t just stand there, take a seat!” Diego says with a chuckle and Lila heads straight for the table and says with a laugh of her own, “Don’t have to tell me twice! Fuck that smells amazing! Did you make all of this yourself?”

“Uh, some of the fillings are made up of leftover takeout from the last couple of days,” Diego answers with a bit of a bashful shrug as he sits down across from her and shuffles around some of the dishes so he can squeeze one more onto the table, “but I made the gorditas and added some shit to the fillings,” he amends a bit more confidently.

Lila takes one of the little dough pockets and immediately starts spooning in different salsas and pastes. She doesn’t ask what’s in them, just picks up the dishes and gives them a sniff to decide which ones she wants.

“Mmmm!” she hums almost desperately when she takes her first bite. She looks up at Diego who is looking back at her with a glint in his eyes and chewing delightedly on his own food.

“Fuck, this is good!” Lila says, rudely not even having swallowed all of her mouthful.

“I know, right!” Diego answers with a chuckle.

They fall into easy conversation. At one point Diego gets up to get two beers from the fridge to wash down the food and Lila tries to get comfortable on the hard kitchen chair by tucking one of her feet underneath herself and her knee up under her chin.

After they run out of gorditas, Diego uses some slightly stale bread to finish up the rest of the fillings and then gets up to pile the dishes into the sink.

“I can do the dishes!” Lila offers, seeing as she’s been mooching off of Diego’s labour all evening.

“Nah,” Diego says, “dinner’s on me!”

As he starts filling the sink with water, the sudden domesticity of the scene reminds Lila of her plan to actually ask Diego for help.

She excuses herself and heads back to her room and while she’s rummaging through her drawers looking for her cheque book, her pulse starts speeding up and she tries to calm her nerves.

If he says no, she thinks she can handle the fallout of that, though she’ll still be lost for a way to stay in the country. But right now, she’s almost more anxious about what happens if he agrees. But tonight has been one of the most pleasant evenings she’s had in months and probably the most fun she’s had with anyone – she’s strenuously not thinking about the amount of fun she had sleeping with him. Diego’s her only real friend in this city and if after everything they can manage to hang out like this, then, Lila tries to convince herself, they can be pretend married for a while without it being too awkward.

Diego’s drying his hands on a dishtowel when she comes back into the kitchen.

“Diego?” Lila asks, tentatively.

“Mh?” He doesn’t properly acknowledge her as he reaches up to put the clean plates back into the overhead cabinet.

“Earlier… you asked if you could help me with my visa troubles…” Lila feels ridiculous. She’s always been confident and able to ask for, occasionally even straight up demand things. She has a sneaking suspicion that if it were anybody else, she’d just slap the cheque down on the counter and inform them of her plan, but somehow here with Diego, she’s just so unsure of herself.

Diego turns around and leans against the stove top. “Yeah?”

“I… uh… I’d pay you of course! I have money. Turns out I don’t have the same sense of pride as you,” Lila says with a slightly wistful shrug, “I took my mother’s money when she died, felt like it was the least I deserved after the way she treated me my whole life…” she drifts off.

“What do you want to give me money for?” Diego asks, crossing his arms but there’s a peculiar expression on his face that Lila can’t quite read.

“Will you…” She cuts herself off, she can’t ask him like that, “Would you marry me? You know, for money, so I could get a visa?”

Diego’s eyes go really, really wide. Clearly he did not expect her to ask that question and Lila immediately decides to backtrack, “No, you’re right, that’s insane! Forget I asked, I’m sure I can work something out somehow. I just need to do a bit more research and then…”

“Yeah, ok!” Diego interrupts her firmly and Lila’s mouth snaps shut.

She stares back at him and Diego looks no less harassed than when she first asked but he also seems resolved.

Lila panics. “You really don’t have to, I’m sure there’s loads of options. And honestly, if I’m just careful about it I’m sure nobody’s going to find…”

“I’ll do it!” Diego interrupts her rambling again and Lila can’t quite believe her ears.

“Diego, it’s illegal!” She says almost desperately.

“Are you trying to talk me out of it now?” Diego asks with no small amount of exasperation. Then he laughs, but with very little humour in it, “To be honest, the United States government and I have a slightly different understanding of what illegal means in this context.”

That gives Lila pause and she raises her eyebrows, questioningly.

Diego looks down at where he starts scuffing the toe of his shoe into the grout between the tiles, his arms are still tightly crossed.

“I was born in Mexico. From what I can piece together my mother brought me over the border when I was only a few months old. She died soon after that. The only things I have my father to thank for are my siblings and my citizenship. So yeah, I’ll help you.”

-

They’ve agreed to go down to city hall the next day to apply for a marriage license. No point in delaying the process, this way they can start the visa proceedings before Lila is officially illegally in the country.

After agreeing to get married the ease with which they spent the evening flies out of the window again and they quickly retreat to their separate rooms.

Diego’s lying, still dressed, on top of his comforter waiting till he can’t hear Lila moving about anymore before he’ll head to the bathroom to get ready for bed himself.

He doesn’t regret agreeing to Lila’s plan, not really. It’s fucked up that she has to even resort to something like this to avoid getting thrown out of the country, and honestly, had she asked he would have said yes even if she hadn’t offered him money.

But it’s less messy this way, a clean business arrangement. He already feels just a little bit guilty, because he’s not sure he didn’t also agree out of some sudden selfish fear that she’d leave. He pushes that thought back down as well, because what should he have done, say no just because he can’t quite handle his feelings for her? That wasn’t really an option either.

He breathes out heavily when the light in the hall goes off and gets up from the bed to go brush his teeth.

#otp: just be gentle #lila pitts #diego hargreeves #dielila #diego x lila #diego/lila #tua #the umbrella academy #fanfic #ongoing fic

[13-reasons-ideas]

Can’t Go Back Part 11

A/N: Next chapter is here. This one has some angst. I expected dinner to go longer but the angst felt like it needed to take precedent. There is a slight time jump about half way through the chapter. Feedback is always appreciated!  Trigger warning alcohol abuse. implied drunk driving. 

I was up early again the next morning to start getting things ready for dinner. The counter quickly became a picture of organized chaos. I had ingredients for dessert out on the island, waiting to be made into my mum’s favourite cake. Monty woke up a while later and after a cup of coffee, was ready to help me cook. “Morning love.” I greeted after he finished his coffee.

“Morning you.” He kissed my forehead softly. “What do you need help with first?”

“Can you grab the mushrooms and plastic wrap please? I’m getting ready to start heating the pan for the meat up now.”

“Sure thing. What am I doing with them?”

“Blitzing them.” I stated. Looking up from my cake recipe, I bit my lip to hold back a laugh. He looks so confused. It’s adorable.

“What now? Also don’t do that.”

“Blitzing them. In the food processor until they’re chopped small. Don’t do what?” I asked, coyly, pushing his very pushable buttons.

“You know exactly what. Don’t think I’m not taking note of all these tests missy. It’s going to be a very long day for you in a few weeks.”

“Oh I’m counting on you noting.” I muttered under my breath. He growled lowly and I whimpered. “Mushrooms mister. That’s what you need to be concerned with. Not sex.”

“The mushrooms can wait a few minutes.”

“We can’t have sex and I’m not giving you a blowjob in the kitchen.” I told him as I moved to the stove to turn on the heat.

“I didn’t say anything about blowjobs or the kitchen Addison.”

I paused. Insufferable. “You are such a little shit. Sit down and blitz my mushrooms.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Don’t ever call me that again. It’s too domme-y for me.”

Monty laughed and muttered a retort under his breath. Ignoring his sexual comment and the ever-present sexual tension, I set about getting the cake batter ready.

While the cake was in the oven, I set about searing the meat and getting the prosciutto ready for wrapping. I could feel Monty’s eyes on me as I worked. He gave me the bowl of the food processor and I dumped them into a dry pan, as per the recipe instructions. The meat was seared off and resting on a plate. Everything was going according to plan. I had Monty slather the tenderloin in mustard and wrap it tightly again. “Now it sits in the fridge for a while.”

“I can think of many things we can do to occupy our time.” He smirked, cheekily at me.

“Montgomery. No.”

“Okay, okay. Can’t blame a guy for trying.” I grinned at him and walked around the island, over to the laundry closet.

“You can help me fold laundry instead.”

“Oh joy.” He rolled his eyes playfully. I giggled at him and he smiled. Together, we went about folding the laundry on our bed and organizing it into the appropriate drawers. He made the odd lude comment on my underwear and I simply shook my head. My man and his one-track mind.

Once the laundry was folded, we set the table and got a few more dinner elements ready to be cooked. Mom loves mashed garlic potatoes, so I tossed some garlic in oil and roasted it. Soon, the whole house smelled like the sweet aroma of roasted garlic. I had Monty man the vegetables while I went and changed into my red sweater dress. He changed into a dressier flannel and crisp white t-shirt. How can one man make white look so nice? We spent the rest of the day taking care of minor household things and enjoying each other’s company.

My parents arrived at five, with salad in hand. Dad must have told her we were having food. “Hey Mum, hey Dad.” I called from my place at the island. I lit a cinnamon candle a few minutes ago to cover the garlic smell.

“Hi sweetie. Where’s my favourite son-in-law?” Mom joked.

“Right here. Hi Margot. Happy birthday.” Monty greeted her, exiting our room and balancing his crutches to hug her. “Hey Brooks.” He greeted my dad.

“Hey Monty.  How’s the leg feeling? Hey Addy.” My dad asked, hanging up their coats before walking over and giving me a side hug. It was still kind of awkward for my dad to hug me, but I smiled and hugged him back.

“Meh. It’s feeling okay. The pain comes and goes.”

“It feels better when he actually uses his crutches and rests.” I teased playfully.

“Yes dear.” He shot back. I shook my head, smiling, and got the waiting wellington out of the fridge. The oven beeped as I closed the door and put it in.

“Happy birthday mom.”

“Thank you. It smells delicious.”

“Beef wellington and garlic mashed potatoes with steamed assorted carrots.”

“My favourite.” She smiled.

“Babe would you mind filling a pot with water for the potatoes?”

“Sure.” I nodded and went about peeling the potatoes. “Salt?”

“Yes please. Oh, and Justin says happy birthday too mom.”

“Tell him thank you for me.”

“I will.”

The four of us spent the half hour while dinner cooked and rested, chatting about our weeks. Dinner was fairly uneventful, but delicious. Mum loved her new pumpkin vanilla candle and chocolate strawberry tea. Dad and I continued to try and navigate our new relationship. All in all, it was a nice way to end a weekend.

A couple of weeks later, Montgomery was given the all clear to begin physio by Dr. Marcus. Thankfully for both of us, that also meant he was cleared to begin to foray back into “physical intimacy”. Nothing too crazy yet. Yeah right. That’ll last maybe one round. It seemed that he was more excited to get to drive home than to have sex for the first time in weeks. In addition to sex, he was also able to give up the crutches for the most part. It was only if there was a particularly intense physio session, he would use them. He still wasn’t cleared to play sports, nor would he be for quite some time.

Even with not being able to actually play ball, being one step closer to that goal, seemed to help bring him back to normal a bit. Everything was going great for a week or two. He would go to physio three times a week and do his assigned exercises without complaint. He made sure not to push himself too hard. He didn’t stay out very late on game nights, and when he did, he would call or text me to let me know he was okay and on his way home.

I woke up to the sound of something crashing to the floor. In my half-sleeping state, I reached out to Montgomery’s side of the bed and found it cold. Feeling my nerves grow at being alone in the house, I checked the alarm clock beside the bed. 2:24am. I gulped and got out of bed, grabbing one of Monty’s sweaters to wear and the baseball bat he kept next to the dresser. I’ll never give him crap for keeping a bat next to the bed again.

Walking out of our room, I turned a corner and heard a very familiar voice. Monty was standing in the living room, muttering curse words to himself. I lowered the bat and turned on the lamp, causing him to jump, trying to hide what he had broken behind him. I could tell he was wasted just by looking at him. He had to hold on to the wall to keep himself upright. I set my face stoically and stared at him for a moment. It was then that I saw what he had broken. It was the framed photo on our side table, of us on our wedding day. Now I’m a little more upset. “It’s 2:30 in the morning.” I stated with my arms folded at my chest. He didn’t respond. Instead, he looked at me with an odd mixture of surprise and guilt. I shook my head and pivoted around to go back to bed, but not before firmly shutting the bedroom door.

The next morning, I woke up and got ready as usual. I walked out to the kitchen and did a double take at what I was witnessing. Shockingly, Monty was up and dressed in clean clothes already. He even had a cup of coffee to drink. I didn’t hear him come in our room. “Morning.” He said, from his seat at the table. He didn’t appear to be nursing that bad of a hangover, shockingly. Still mad, I ignored him, making myself a cup of coffee and getting my bag together for school. I didn’t spare the side table a glance, knowing that if I did, I would snap. His eyes followed my every move, probably internally begging me to speak to him.

“I’m meeting with my English teacher before class so I’m leaving now.” was all I said to him before I left the house.

I left the meeting with Mr. Luft about a recommendation letter in better spirits than when I left the house. It was a short-lived feeling because I spotted Monty brooding from across the hall. I knew he was waiting for me because he had neither a locker nor a class in this building at this time. My anger came back in full force when I saw him. Adjusting my bag on my shoulder, I walked straight past him. He followed close behind, hot on my heels. “Addy can we please talk about this?” I didn’t respond. He sighed gruffly, “can you say anything at all to me?” I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see my face. When we were away from students, in a less crowded area of the building, he tried again. “Addison, please?”

“I’m not fighting with you in public.” I told him, not turning around.

“We don’t have to fight in public. Will you please just say something about what happened? Are you really this upset about the fact that I broke a picture frame?” Upset that he… seriously? That’s what he thinks this is about? I mean, I’m upset that its broken, but it can be replaced. I’m upset because he came home drunk… again. I’m upset because he didn’t even text me to let me know he wasn’t coming home for a while, if it all. I’m not upset because of a goddamn picture frame.

“Don’t bother coming home tonight.” I ground out before walking away.

My friends were surprised when I walked over to their table at lunch and put my bag down, rather aggressively. “Hey Addy.” Tony greeted.

“Hey.” I replied, trying to keep the shortness out of my tone.

“How’re you?” Alex asked, digging around in his lunch bag.

“Fine. But let’s not talk about me. How are you guys?”

“Right. Fine. Uh… I’m good.” Justin said, giving me a cursory glance.

“I’m good too. Justin learned not to throw food at me in bed this morning.” Clay added.

“Justin don’t throw food at your brother. It’s rude.” I told him, shaking my head.

“Or keep doing it so we can give Clay a hard time about it, your choice.” Alex laughed. We carried on for a while, my friends bringing a smile and some light to what had started as a very gloomy day. The light shifted again when Scott approached our table.

“Addison, can we talk for a minute?”

“About?” I asked casually, as I dipped my cucumber in salsa.

“Why Monty is eating fruit snacks, fruit snacks, and sadness for lunch?”

“I had a meeting this morning.”

“Okay. What about the fact that he said you told him not to come home tonight?” he implored. My friends froze.

“Yes.” I stated.

“Why?”

“I don’t want to discuss it with you. It’s our business.”

“Addy. He’s my best friend and he is upset. It is my business.”

“What happened Addison?” Justin asked, reaching across the table for my hand.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I muttered, feeling like I was being backed into a corner and struggling to find my way out. I pulled my hand out of Justin’s reach. He’s the one who screwed up here. Not me. Stop making me feel like garbage for needing some space for one day. Scott shook his head, in disbelief.

“Well you’re going to have to talk to him. You’re stuck together now. Or did you forget about the whole ‘better or worse’ part of your vows?”

That got my anger going again. “I am not discussing my marriage with you Scott Reed. Especially not in a room full of people who are just counting the days until we decide we made a mistake and file for divorce. This is an issue between my husband and me. Not my husband, me, and my husband’s best friend. And never insinuate that I do not take my vows seriously again.” I whisper-yelled, standing to walk away. Justin stood up too.

“I just want to help. He’s my best friend and you’re my friend.”

“You can help by giving him a place to crash tonight.” I said, walking away.

Justin followed behind me with my bag, which I left at the table in my haste to get away from the situation. He pulled me into an empty classroom, and I felt hot, angry, sad tears fill my eyes.

“What happened Addy?”

I tried to respond but all that would come out were gasps and squeaks. Justin pulled me into his arms and embraced me while I cried in his chest. The frustration of the last thirteen hours had finally reared its head and I couldn’t stop the floodgates from opening. A knock on the door made me remember where we were, and I stepped away from my best friend. Scott opened the door a bit and poked his head in the room.

“Can we talk about this now?”

I didn’t respond but Justin waved him in the room and motioned for him to shut the door. We stared at each other for a solid three minutes before I spoke, “I told you I’m not discussing my marriage with you Scott.”

“If he is going to spend the night in my parents’ guest room, I think I deserve to know what actually happened to cause it.”

“What did he tell you?” I asked, sighing.

“That he broke the picture from your wedding last night. But you wouldn’t be this mad about a picture frame, so there has to be more to the story.”

I laughed humourlessly. “Yeah. Try ‘broke it this morning’ when he came home at 2:30 so wasted he could barely hold himself up. And couldn’t call or send me a fucking text message that he would be out late. I was up until 12:30 worrying about him, when I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore.” The boys gaped at me. “Left that part out, did he?”

“Uh… yeah. He did.” Scott paused briefly. “I thought you guys talked about the occasionally overdrinking. And it was basically a non-issue now.”

“It was until last night.”

“Do you want me to talk to him?” Justin offered. “From what you’ve said I don’t think he’s an alcoholic by any means, and NA is different than AA, but the basics are the same.”

“I don’t know. I think I need to talk to him first and see if he will tell me what’s going on. This can’t become a thing.”

“A thing?” Scott asked.

“What is the one thing Monty is afraid of aside from me leaving him?”

Scott thought for a moment. “Becoming his da-. Oh. Yeah that can’t happen.”

“Exactly. So, I will talk to him tomorrow about it when he comes home. In the meantime, try to keep him occupied please? I don’t need him spiralling and making things worse.”

“I will. Might have to give him hell first though.”

“Okay. As his wife, I give you permission to do that.” He hugged me before leaving Justin and I on our own.

“Do you want me to come over tonight to keep you company? We can watch stupid movies.”

“Nah, it’s okay. I think I need to be alone to think for a while.” I hugged him, “thank you. I’ll text you or call you if I need you.”

“You’re welcome. If you need me to come over, I will. Just say the word.” I nodded as I pulled out my compact. My makeup didn’t look too bad considering I had cried. Taking out a tissue, I wiped underneath my eyes and touched up a little bit. Just as I finished, the bell rang.

Coming home to an empty house wasn’t unusual, what with Monty’s sports schedule and other things in our lives, but there was something different about this time. I told him not to be here. I didn’t want him here. He wasn’t in our home because of me. For some reason, that made the house feel a little colder and a little less like home tonight. “Well, I guess I should make myself some food or something.” I muttered into the quiet house. Working quickly, I whipped up a pita pizza and some veggies, before opening up my laptop to work on some more essays.

A few long, lonely hours later, I turned off my computer and went to change. Unconsciously, I went into Monty’s dresser and grabbed a shirt to sleep in, along with a pair of my softer pyjama bottoms. Curling up in my spot on the couch, I turned on the tv and checked my phone. Justin texted me about an hour ago, as had Scott. There was a couple of apologies from Monty that I ignored. Seemed pretty clear that I didn’t want to talk to him but sure. I swiped to open Justin’s text first.

Hey Addy. Just checking in to see how you’re doing. Do you need anything? This is me reminding you not to work on your essays for too long and not overthink too much. I love you.

Hey, I’m okay. A little lonely but I think I need it tbh. I’ll try not to think too much, but we both know how my brain works. Scott’s texts were next.

We got home safe. Mom and Dad are a little concerned about him but other than that, it’s all good. I’m still giving him hell for you.

Thanks Scott. Make sure he eats something of actual nutritional value please. Monty’s texts remained unopened.

I eventually turned my attention to the end table and the broken picture frame. Carefully picking it up, I examined it. The frame itself had broken in two places and the glass was shattered. Thankfully, the photo was still intact. “Time to dig through our stuff for a new frame.” Finding one was easy enough. They were on sale a while ago at IKEA, so we bought a bunch. Soon the picture was back in its rightful place on the table. At least one part of this mess was taken care of.

By ten thirty, I was ready to go to sleep and forget about the stress of the day. I went about the ninety-seven thousand things I do before bed as usual. I crawled into the large, cool bed and curled up in the same position I usually did, in an attempt to help myself fall asleep. It turns out, sleep wasn’t going to be easy to come by. I rolled onto my back, and then onto my side. When those positions weren’t comfortable, I rolled onto my stomach and then back to the other side. I tried turning Monty’s pillow longways so I could cuddle it. It smelled like him, which was nice, but it was too soft and didn’t move like he was breathing. I put the pillow back in its normal position and tried to stretch out. That didn’t help either. You know where he is. It’s not like he’s in danger. You can go to sleep. He is safe. Just sleep. The tossing and turning and racing thoughts went on for at least another few hours, before I decided I needed to take a sleeping pill. I had to get enough sleep, in order to deal with the argument that would most likely occur tomorrow.

I was awake at the ungodly hour of six am on a Saturday, lying in bed, trying in vain to get at least a couple more hours of sleep. By six thirty I gave up on that plan. I dragged myself out of bed and made a very large, very strong, cup of coffee. Deciding it was probably time to bite the bullet and read Monty’s various apologies, I took a deep breath and opened his messages.

I’m sorry.

I’m sorry I screwed up Addison.

Please don’t be mad at me. I love you.

I love you.

Please talk to me. I know I fucked up, but this silence is killing me.

Addison. Baby. Please.

I need you.

Please just tell me how to fix this?

Addy, please talk to me. I’m really fucking sorry.

Okay, Scott says if I don’t stop texting you and go to bed, he’s throwing my phone in the garbage. I love you and I’m still sorry. I couldn’t stop the urge to roll my eyes at the string of pleases. He made no mention of what he actually did. I sent him a quick text, knowing he wouldn’t answer at this hour.

We will talk at home. Tell Scott and his family thank you for letting you stay there for me. With that arduous task completed, I puttered around the house, tidying the nonexistent mess.

I was lounging on the couch, reading a book, when I heard the door unlock. I didn’t look up until I had finished my page and Montgomery cleared his throat. “Hi.” He greeted me, awkwardly.

“Hi.” We were silent for a few beats. Neither of us knew what to say to each other. I turned to look at him. He was looking around the room, anywhere but at me. I felt a small tinge of regret and pity at the uncomfortable look crossing his features. You have nothing to be sorry for. He is at fault here.

“Can you just say something so we can get this over with?”

Get this ov- seriously? “Depends. Can you act like an adult take responsibility for your actions?”

“Oh, so that’s how you want to start this?”

“I guess so, yeah.” I shrugged, standing up.

“I don’t see why you are so upset Addison-.”

“I swear to God Montgomery. If you say a word about the picture frame.”

“Scott already gave me shit for fucking up last night.”

“Oh! Okay, I’m sorry. Why didn’t you say something before? Clearly, we have nothing to discuss here, since Scott fucking Reed already talked to you about it?” I yelled, throwing my arms up for dramatic effect. “Do you even understand why I’m upset?”

“He’s my best friend. I listen to him. Yeah, I get it. I’m sorry I screwed up Addison.”

I blinked slowly at him, trying to figure out if he was being serious or not. “You listen to Scott? Because I’m almost certain it wasn’t Scott that had no issue with you getting so drunk you could hardly stand on a Thursday night.”

“Seriously Addison? You are going to bring your issues with Bryce into this?”

“I never said that. You did. But sure, since apparently you can’t take responsibility for what you did, yeah. I’m going to bring Bryce into this, Montgomery.”

“It was one night Addison.”

“This time. This time it was one night. What about next time? Or the time after that?”  

“It’s not a big deal. What are you going to do, tell me I can’t be friends with him? He’s my brother.”

“I am your WIFE. I am your family. You need to realize your actions affect more than just you now.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” He crossed his arms.

“I don’t want to tell you that you can’t. That is something you can decide on your own.”

“That’s you politely saying yes.”

“No, it isn’t. If you want to take it that way, you can. Are you ready to discuss the real issue now? I don’t put even a quarter of the blame on Bryce.”

“Mhmm. Sure, you don’t.” He muttered, aggressively.

“You decided to get wasted at a party. You decided not to let me know where you were, or if you were okay, or if you were coming home. You decided to drive home.”

“I didn’t realize you needed to know where I was at all times.”

“I don’t.”

“Really? Because it sure as shit seems like it.”

“Sorry for wanting to know if my husband was okay or not.” I yelled.

“You knew I was at Bryce’s. I was fine.”

“Fine? If you think this is fine, you need to re-evaluate that idea really fast. You could barely stand up. It’s a wonder you didn’t get pulled over or hit anything. Or anyone.”

“I didn’t. I got home in one piece and everything was fine. Until you decided to throw a hissy fit about it. And newsflash, my leg is fucked, so I can barely stand up to begin with.”

“It is not fine Monty.”

“You keep saying that but aren’t giving me a reason or explanation why.”

“You mean aside from the obvious?”

“Yeah.”

“You need to realize that it isn’t just you anymore. You need to understand that you have a family to be concerned about now. I get that it’s not something you are used to, but you do.”

He scoffed. “I understand that perfectly well Addison.”

“Do you though? Because I don’t think you do. You don’t act like you do.”

“Because I went out with my friends for a night? You are going to question my commitment to you because of one night?”

“No. I’m not questioning your commitment to me. And I have no problem with you going out with your friends. I have an issue with you coming home drunk off your ass. Again. I have an issue with the fact that you do it and then we talk about it and then you go on like everything is fine for a while. And then you do it again.”

“It’s not like I do it all the time. Don’t make it sound like I’m just coming home drunk every night.”

“I’m not. I’m just saying that this is becoming a pattern. A pattern that I, for one, am not okay with.”

Monty stared at me incredulously. He rolled his eyes and shook his head, catching sight of the replaced frame on the end table. “I see you fixed your precious photo. So, there is no reason to be mad anymore.” He muttered just loud enough for me to hear.

“Seriously? It was never about the goddamn picture frame. It was about you. Do you honestly think I would make you spend the night at your friend’s house over a picture frame breaking?”

“I don’t know Addison.”

“Well clearly we aren’t going to get anywhere today then. Since you can’t seem to accept that your actions have consequences, and I can’t force you to understand my point.” I shook my head. I couldn’t keep going around in circles with him. If he wasn’t ready to have a mature discussion about this, then there was no point in trying.

“I guess not.” He said.

There was nothing more to be said anymore, so I walked back to the coffee table from the kitchen, where we had ended up in our fighting. Grabbing my book and phone, I stalked past him, half hoping he would reach out and grab me to apologise. When he didn’t, I went back into our room and closed the door. I went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. Instead, when I shut the door, I slid down to the floor and laid my head on my knees. My tears left little dots on my leggings and stains down my cheeks. Luckily, I was able to hold back any sobs that tried to break through.

After a while, I could hear Monty in our room. It sounded like he was opening and closing drawers. For a moment, I could hear him breathing on the other side of the door. It was like he was trying to decide to knock or not. I held my breath. A moment later, I heard his footsteps pad away from the door. Roughly an hour or so later, I decided I had hidden in my own home long enough. I stood up and splashed my face with cool water. I quickly changed into a pair of dark sweatpants and a comfortable t-shirt, with my favourite grey cardigan over top.

“I’m going out.” I stated as I walked out of our room and grabbed my purse.

“K.” Monty replied, not bothering to up from the playbook he was reading on the couch. I raised my brows sadly at his lack of response. My drive to Justin’s place was unusually silent. I normally drove with the radio on or AUX connected. I parked in front of the house and walked around back. I knocked on his door firmly a couple of times. While I waited, I unconsciously wrapped my arms around myself protectively. Justin opened the door not long after. He took one look at me trying not to cry and curling in on myself and stiffened.

“Clay, get out.”

#can't go back #monty de la cruz #monty x oc #monty de la Cruz fanfic #monty imagine #monty x reader #montgomery de la cruz x oc #montgomery de la cruz #montgomery de la cruz x reader #montgomery de la cruz imagine #13 reasons why #13rw #13 rw #Thirteen Reasons Why #Justin Foley #justin foley jensen #fanfiction #fan fiction #fanfic #fanfic writing

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

JOHNNY “COCO” CRUZ X CHIBS TELFORD’ DAUGHTER!READER

“What if you should move to Santo Padre for two months…”

Chapter index.

Chapter two.

Word Count: 3.5k

Author Comments: I hope you all enjoy. Gif credits: @angels-reyes.

Thanks to my lovely beta reader and partner in crime with this one, @chibsytelford 💘

TAG LIST: @starrynite7114 @dazzledamazon @chibsytelford @mara-mpou @sammskellington @gemini0410​ @whyisgmora​💥 (if you wanna be tagged, send me a message!)

The roulotte isn't that bad, but being placed in a yard of the car scrapping it's something that gives you chills. Still your new house, for the next two months, is enough for you. It has a bed, a little kitchen, a bathroom and a sofa next to a table. Large windows covered by curtains and a smell of jasmine that reminds you of your mother. Maybe your father told them. Your clothes are already hung inside the wardrobe, while the empty suitcase is under the bed. There's no food in the fridge, nor the furniture on the wooden wall, so probably you will have to wake up early to find a supermarket or, at least, a place to have breakfast. 

It's one at night and the heat of southern Cali is insufferable. You're rolling from one side of the bed to the other, with the sheets tangling on your feet. Leaving a heavy snort, you jump out of the bed to put on some sneakers and wear a shorts, to walk outside. Following the sound of laughter and voices, you arrive at the clubhouse. There's light inside and some latin music playing, similar to that one Canche listens to. Feeling stupid in front of the door, you don't know if you should call by knocking it, or come in without invitation. So you mixes both options. Opening the door you stick your head out. The silence floods the place. Everyone is looking at you, even the girls that you don't know, but you guess who they are. 

The president does a move with his hand to continue the party, getting up from the pool table and leaving away one of those girls, walking towards you. 

“'You ok?” 

No, you're not. 

“Yes”. 

The man opens the door completely to let you through. You're scared because you don't know those men and, even if they're allies and you're trained, it's one against nine. Not counting the women. 

“Can I help you?” He asks after some seconds, resting his forearm on the door frame. 

“I was wondering if... I could have some water, maybe a beer”. You finally say clearing your throat, with both hands against your back. 

“For sure”. When the Mayans president smiles, you feel somewhat better. Putting an arm on your shoulders, narrowing you for a second, guiding you to the bar. “Hey, prospect, give the kid whatever she asks fo'”. 

After palming the top of your head one time, Bishop comes back with his girl. 

“I'm Ezequiel, by the way”. The man offers you a hand, holding yours in a salute. “But you can call me ‘Ez’”. 

“(Y/N)”. You answer giving him back the same smile. 

“So, what you need?” 

“Water and beer, please. One and... maybe three?” 

“Take it easy, girl!” He says frowning in amusement. He turns to take the order, putting it inside a small box to make it easier to carry, adding a bottle opener. “Anything else?” 

Yes, you need a hug and company. 

“No, thank you. Enjoy the party”. Shaking your head and taking the box, you walk outside with slow steps. 

You don't expect anyone to ask you if you want to stay, but could be good have someone to talk to. Usually, when you feel alone, you call Happy or go to his house. The only thing you can do now is play some music on your headphones and write on your diary, drinking a beer. The front yard is dark and raising your gaze to the sky you can see all the stars in it, and it's really beautiful. So, when you're back at the roulotte, you take the decision to put a blanket outside on the ground with a cushion to be comfy. Lying on it and turning on the music with your phone, you open the diary to find some paper folders to write in. 

Usually, you write letters to your father, telling him about your days. Then, when he's back in Charming, he spends the whole night reading them while you sleep next to him. But before putting the pen on the paper, you hear some male voices coming to the roulotte. You get up on your knees, looking the five men walking towards you bringing some packs of the mexican beer you got minutes ago. 

“What's up, girl?” The taller says with a big smile on his lips. “We haven't introduce ourselves!” 

Sitting on your heels, you close the diary while the guys take a place on the ground around you. Then, the man points everyone. 

“I'm Angel, EZ's old brother. You already know Coco. Creeper, my skinny man. And Gilly, the big guy”. 

“(Y/N)”. You say with pursed lips, while they're opening the beers. 

“Yea', we know. What is it like to be the daughter of the great Chibs Telford?” Creeper asks before drinking. 

“‘The great Chibs Telford’?” You break in laughter, shaking your head. “I could kick your ass and empty a load in your chest without battin' an eye. Why don' ya' ask him what is' like to be my father?” 

Sometimes you should watch your mouth, but you live in a constant competition and you can't simply shut up. Drinking and looking away to hide your shame, the Mayans break in laughter. That makes you smile, glancing them with the bottle against your lips. 

“We heard about it too”. Angel says then, with all the looks on you. “Tel'us about'e”. 

“Should I introduce myself as in Alcoholics Anonymous?” 

It's six am and when someone yawns, the rest too. At this point of the dawn, they know a lot of things about you, like what are you studying, what you do in your free time, and you even talked about some missions in which you participated with Stockton and Yuma. But, even if they're interested in knowing more about you, the guys starting to leave one by one, because they have had a long day on the road. 

“You don' sleep?” Coco asks taking a drag of the cigar. 

“I can't”. You shrug your shoulders. “I mean... I'm tired, but I can't sleep”. 

“Wha' you were doin' when we came?” 

“I... Mm...” Pursing your lips, you push a strand of hair behind your ear, taking the diary to showing him. “When my father goes out of Charming, I write him... like... letters. More or less”. 

The man throws away the cigar, shaking and cleaning his hands on the shirt before holding it. He have a quick look, not wanting to seems too curious, giving it back to you when he finds the pen and the blank paper. 

“Wan' me to wait for you'?” 

“For what?” 

“Till you fall asleep”. 

“Sounds weird”. You try not to laugh, shaking your head slightly. 

“No! I mean...!” He laughs too, supporting his hands on the asphalt, and resting his weight on them. “You said before that sometime' you have nightmares. Maybe you're just... afraid or something like that, and that's why you can't sleep”. 

“Or maybe I took a nap of four hour hearing your battles”. 

“He', you asked fo' them! Don' play fool with me”. He says pretending to be offended. “See, mami? I didn' fall asleep with yours”. 

“Okay, I'll let you continue tomorrow”. Maybe you're not thinking about your words, but sounds better than having no plan. 

“Another battle, fo' a letter”. 

“What?” 

“I have to ride to Mexico on Friday. 'Will be back on Sunday”. He explains getting up, checking his phone to watch the hour. “Shit... I work in three hours”. 

“Me too, but it was worth it”. You nod, holding his hands to get up and be able to take your things. 

“Yea'”. Coco says keeping them inside his pockets. “So, we have a deal?” 

“About?” You ask then, going inside the roulotte leaving the stuff on the table, before sticking your head out of the door. 

“Another battle, fo' a letter”. He repeats standing in front of you. 

“Good night, Coco”. You chuckles shaking your head, closing the door. 

“Goo' nig', mami”. 

You can see him through the window going to the entrance. Taking your phone, you fall down on the bed, checking if you have any message. But nothing. At least, on Saturday, Canche will come to see you, so you could be entertaining for a day. 

You start to roll again on the mattress, till you find a good position with an arm behind your head. It feels like the first night in Charming, when you left Scotland, with the difference that you don't know these men and you have to be in a constant state of alarm, for anything that could happen. You know that, maybe in some days, this feeling it's going to disappear. But it's always hard to adapt yourself to new changes. 

Sleep seems like it's not an option today, huffing heavily and getting up of the bed, to get undressed and walk to the shower, when dawn begins. The warm water relaxes you, falling all over your body, till you know it's enough time in it. With a towel surrounding you, knotted above your chest and brushing your hair, you look for a track-suit to dress so you could go to find a supermarket to buy some food. 

It doesn't surprise you the fact that there are some vehicles near of the car scrapping, checking you have all you need inside your funny pack, leaving the Mayans property. With your headphones on and some music playing in your ears, your gaze travels from one side to another with curiosity. Santo Padre looks like Stockton but in a most mexican way. Even so, seems like a good place and people smile at you kindly, knowing that you're an outsider because of the way you dress and your smell. Good clothes, expensive perfume. Your father always giving you the best. 

(Meanwhile at Romeros and Bros) 

“THE HELL MEANS THAT YOU CAN'T FIND THE KID?” 

Bishop's voice resonating all over the car scrapping makes the Mayans tremble, even the most veterans. The man types your number again, but there's no answer before the voicemail. Rubbing his eyes with two fingers of his left hand, he knows he's fucked if Marcus comes to the clubhouse and you're not there. 

“I want you... ALL looking for the kid. Call your fucking contacts, kick the streets, track her scent if necessary! If Álvarez doesn't see her in thirty minutes, he's gonna rip our balls off and weAR THEM AS A FUCKING COLLAR. FIND. THE. KID”. 

Your stomach roared, putting boths hands on it with a soft sigh. Raising your eyes, you finally find the wished place. Yes, it's happiness what you're feeling. And hunger. Especially hunger. Walking inside and taking a basket, you walk the different corridors to catch the most basic things, at least. Once you're done with the shop, you place it on the cashier. An old man takes it, checking the price and putting it inside some plastic bags. 

“¿Algo más, señorita?” (Anything else, miss?) He asks you with a soft smile and a kind gesture on his face. 

“No, es todo, gracias”. (That's all, thank you). Your accent is a little rusty, but it's enough for him to understand you, offering him the credit card. 

Walking up the avenue, with the headphones kept in your pocket and carrying two plastic bags in every each hand, you see how two bikers pass you away by the road, staring at you for a second. Suspicious. Swallowing, your steps going faster. Without a gun behind your shirt, you don't feel protected yet out of Charming. 

“Hey! Hey! Chamaca! Bishop is looking fo' ya'!” 

Your heart stops for a second, rolling your eyes. Yes, for sure. You turn to the men shrugging your shoulders and pursing your lips. 

“Go up, I'm taking you to the Mayans”. The one with darkest hair, at the side of the other, talks then. You shake your head incredulous. 

“Do you think 'amma ride with you?” You're about to break in laughter. “Thanks, I have legs”. 

“Then, we will escort you”. 

You can't believe it. Rolling your eyes again, your feet starting to walk slowly, trying to desperate them so you can come back alone, enjoying the views and the town. And the way that took you ten minutes, it's transformed to thirty. 

“How it happened, primo?” You can hear Marcus' voice, walking faster towards the clubhouse and leaving the bags on the floor to run at him. 

“Shit, I'm gonna kill her...” Bishop whispers when he sees you. 

It's been two months since you last saw him and you can't be more excited to see a familiar face. You practically jump into him, before the mexican can holds you in his arms. 

“Look at you!” You say in laughs, referring to the suit he's wearing. 

“Sweet Jesus Christ! You scared the shit outta' me, (Y/N)! 'The hell you went, ah?” Marcus hugs you tightly, before pulling you to make sure you're ok. 

“I couldn't sleep and I was hungry, so I went to find some things”. You explain, before turning to the Mayan president with the crew behind him and upset gesture on their faces. “Sorry, I should have left a note”. 

“Yes, you should, kid! You scared us all!” He demands really angry. 

“Hey, don' yell at her, Obispo! Nine men and no one thought about the kid has the strange habit of feeding”. The older retorts sarcastically. “Show me the roulotte, I'll make you some coffee, ah?” 

You nod then with his arm surrounding your shoulders, walking next to the bags to carrying them to your new ‘house’. Marcus Álvarez was one of the first men you knew at Charming, when you had to move from Europe, being one of your father's best friends and loyal ally. He use to go to your city every two or three weeks, having meetings with the SOA and spending some time with you improving your spanish. So you like to call him ‘tío’, and it's makes him feel good 'cause he has never had a niece or a daughter or anything like that. 

He holds you the door, walking in to leave the groceries on the counter to keep the food in its corresponding place, while the man turns on the ceramic cooker to prepare some breakfast. 

“Now are you with the cartel? Galindo treats you rai'?” 

“Yes, as a Counselor. I was too old to keep ridin', mija”. 

“How are your knees?” You ask interested, grabbing the necessary cutlery to put them on the table. 

“So much better, without doubt”. Turning at you, he rests his body on the wall cross-armed, while the coffee maker is doing its job. “Listen, I know you, okay? I told your father, if you don't feel comfortable here, you can come with me. A mi casa. You know it's your house too. But every step you do, tell Bishop. He was really worried, not only because I was about to rip off his balls, but because of you, mija. You can fight, I know it well. But this isn't your territory, and you have to abide by the rules”. 

“I know, I know, tío. I just... forgot it, I didn't give any importance”. You sigh nodding, resting your waist against the edge of the table. “I was talking till late with Coco, and th...” 

“With Coco?” He raise an eyebrow with a funny smile on his face. 

“Yeah, the guys came to make me some company, and at the end we got alo... Why are you looking at me, like /that/?” 

“Coco, ah?” 

“Don't”. You point at him with your forefinger about to break in laughter. 

“Es un buen chamaco”. (He's a good guy). 

“I said ‘don't’, tío”. 

“I like it for you”. 

“Oh, bloody god... Here we go, stop!” 

Someone knocks the door, having your attention, with the mexican about to serves the coffee in two mugs. Opening the door, you find ‘the king of Rome’. 

“Hey, uh... I need 'talk to you”. 

“Sure, come in”. You say frowning, leaving him some space. 

“Ah, Coco! We were talkin'bout ya'!” Oh, shit. You rub the bridge of your nose, dying on shame and your cheeks getting red'. “Coffee?” 

“Were you?” He asks with no gesture on his face, looking at you. But you can't say anything, or do any move. “Well, the point is that Bishop asked one of us to be your sponsor, I've volunteered”. 

“Did you?” Marcus and you ask in unison. 

“Ya' know? I think I've some business to take care of. I'll see you tonight, mija”. The older runs away as soon as he can, leaving you there with your heart beating too fast. 

“But if you d...” 

“No! It's ok”. You say, trying to look normal after to be left lonely against a war. “I mean... Cool”. 

But you're so far to be normal. 

“Awesome. Uh... You're comin' with us to Mexico on Friday”. 

“Really?” You're always excited about ride to new places, but, damn! Mexico! Cross the border, another culture, real tacos! “Shit! That's bloody amazing”. You can't help but hugging him really anxious and happy about the travel. 

He got frozen, with your arms around his neck and you jumping as a rabbit does. But when he's about to put his hands on your hips, you turn away to offer him the coffee. Seems like he needs it as you do, before starting to work. 

┅┅ ┅ ┅ ┅┅ 

You also know Chuckie, the lovely and kind man without forefingers, who was formerly in Charming. He has been sometimes at the SAMCRO headquarters, always treating you with a lot of respect in a dearly way. Usually, he talks you about the things your father told them about his beautiful, smart and badass daughter. A scottish from head to toe, with his character and her mother's eyes. Chuckie knows a lot about you and your life, even memories you can't remember of your childhood. 

He's showing you all the car scrapping, while you're drawing something like a map with different notes in the borders to don't miss a single detail about the place, and about where is located every stuff for spare parts, the warehouse of new orders, the garage, the office... Everything. It's easy. It's a little bit bigger than yours in Charming, but it has no lose. 

“You fuckin' idiot!” 

“My bad!” 

“What's up, guys?” You ask, putting the notebook against your chest, between both hands. 

“This fuckin' idiot left the keys on”. Angel says snorting, pointing a smashed car above four more. “And now we need it!” 

“What you were thinkin', man?” Gilly breaks in laugh, giving your notebook to Chuckie. 

“Ok, Reyes, teamwork”. You palm his chest with the back of your hand. 

“Wha'?” The guys ask incredulous. 

“Lift me on your shoulders, you're the taller one”. 

The men look at each other strangely. But nobody says anything. Angel complies bending down to let you sit on him. Getting up, you try to keep the balance while he walks towards the row. Now, using his hands you place your feet on them to go higher, till you're able to crawl into the smashed car. Stretching an arm straight, you reach the keys, keeping them inside your pocket. 

The point is how are you supposed to go down? You duck your head down to the boys, seeing that Angel is gesturing to tell you to jump. You're doubting, but you finally do. He catches you on air and on time, feeling like you're about to having a heart-attack. 

“'Got you, kid”. He says in a whisper, so close that you don't find any distance. 

“What a superhero!” You answer sarcastically. 

“I earned a kiss”. Proud words. 

“In this case, you earned a punch in the face, Reyes”. You laugh putting your feet on the asphalt. “Maybe Coco forgot it, but you were supervising him”. 

“'Hell you doin'? Do ya' think the kid is a fair monkey?” Behind your backs, you hear Tranq's voice coming to you. “You ok, (Y/N)?” 

“Yea', I just... forgot a keys in the car”. You lie loudly, shaking your jeans and taking the green shirt his offering you. 

“Didn' Angel tell you?” 

“Yea', yea', he did. But I was overthinking, it's not gonna happen again, sorry”. 

The man looks satisfied with your reply, nodding before continue with his own business. Now that Coco is your sponsor, you've to cover his shit. You know well how it works. With your father was easy, of course, 'cause he's the president of your charter and he doesn't owe any explanation if he fuck up something. 

“Thanks, mami”. He says with some kind of surprise on his voice. 

“Watch your moves, Coconut, I'm too young to die”.

#mayans mc imagine #mayans x reader #mayans mc x reader #mayans mc #coco cruz x reader #coco cruz #johnny coco cruz x reader #here we go coconut

[fez-whyiwaited]

Chapter II - Why I Waited

Masterlist    Wattpad  

Our new house is not that small, but also not that big. It certainly is not that awful, it’s clean and it has some rustic and old details to it, but over all it’s a simple one story house, with tree bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen, and a sad small couch with a tv on the floor in the living room. 

‘’Jona, the house smells amazing’’ is the first thing Sarah says when we drop some moving boxes into the house. 

Jonathan is who gave us the opportunity to move into this town, he’s the manager of ‘The Handler - Strip club’, or as he likes to call it ‘’exclusive men restaurant’’, same one Sarah will be starting working tomorrow. 

‘’It really does’’ I laugh. 

‘’My Yankee Candle dropped, it’s a bitch to take the wax off the carpet’’. 

‘’Well, that apple-cinnamon smell is to die for’’. Sarah adds. 

‘’Here Joy, let me show you your new room, it has a window to the garden, Sarah told me you needed to have that view, please do whatever you like with the space… by the way, it does need a little time and patience’’. 

‘’Thanks Jona’’ I say. 

This bedroom is probably the biggest thing I have ever had for myself, Sarah and I always shared a bedroom since kids. 

I look out the window and see a big wood doll house, getting eaten by termite. 

I don’t know much about Jona’s private life, just that he’s a protective friend to Sarah, and that her daughter was taken away by her ex girlfriend. 

I can really make this garden look better, the first thing that needs to go is that nasty doll house. 

Gardening has always been easy for me, while my parents were not present in most part of my childhood, my grandma was. She used to teach me all about it, something about taking care of a living being made me feel important, that’s why I never want kids, because plants and animals can give me that happiness, one that has no expectations, you just need to be there, give them love and a little time, and they will not complain or ask for more. 

‘’Hey, do you like it?’’ Sarah enters the room

‘’Yup, pretty cool, can’t wait to remove that doll house and plant some lilacs’’ I say pointing out of the window. ‘’Also I’m pretty excited to not hear you snore, I don’t even know how it is to sleep without a bear sound’’

‘’Ha, ha, smart ass. Hey? We should totally wreck it or something, ask Jona if he has a baseball bat, or something’’ 

‘’Will do’’

- - - - - - - - 

It only has been a few hours since we arrived, unpacking boxes was not that hard since we only had a few ones. My new room used to be of Jona’s daughter, so the walls are painted in baby pink. Completely empty, there’s two doors that lead to the wardroom. 

My belongings are not that hard to place, most of it is clothing, two bags of makeup, and a photo of Sarah, grandma and me. 

Jona placed a sleeping bag and a quilt on the floor for me to sleep. It’s not that bad, the room is quiet, and I know that if I open the window, I will hear the crickets, which sometimes the sound of nature gives me serenity.  

I lay down in my new ‘bed’, and while battling my thoughts, that I know if it wasn’t for my actions we could still be in our apartment in New York City, back to a comfort zone that took us years to built after our parents went finally away. As my grandma used to say, I should ‘’only focus on the next day’’, so tomorrow I will: A. Find a new job B. Try to get back to school and C. Buy pink hair dye. 

- - - - - - - - 

‘’Good morning’’ I say entering the kitchen

‘’Hey! Can you grab the orange juice and ketchup? They’re in the fridge’’ Jona answers

‘’Sure, want some help? What are you cooking?’’ Taking the juice, I take advantage to also place tree cups on the table. 

‘’Eggs with ham, I suppose you are hungry, Sarah told me you really didn’t ate yesterday’’ 

Avoiding to answer, I start to wonder the kitchen, learning the place of every single one of the dishes and at the same time helping with the table. I’ll definitely find some time today to accommodate in here. 

‘’Oh, oh, I already see your eyes, girl, chill a little, if something bothers you… you’re free to change it, just remember to calm’’ 

‘’Thanks Jona’’ 

‘’So, what’s the plan for today, I already know you’re all scheduled’’ Sarah says entering the kitchen ‘’I start work at 10 p.m. and we will probably be back at 6’’ she adds. 

‘’Try to find a new job, search for the nearest public school and buy hair dye’’ 

‘’First thing we need to go grocery shopping’’ 

‘’And that too…’’ 

‘’Hey have you tried this? Jona put ketchup on the eggs, this shit revolutionary’’ 

‘’Ew, there’s no way that’s entering my body’’ she says disgusted 

‘’Oh common, when have I failed you? Close your eyes’’ he goes near Sarah and puts the fork near her mouth. Sarah closes her eyes and gives a bite, while processing she opens her eyes fast. 

‘’Okey I need more’’ she states

‘’Told ya’’ 

- - - - - - - -

In the grocery shop, while Sarah’s taking the essential food and toilettree products, I use my phone to search the local public school. 

‘’Do you really think I can go back to school?’’

‘’I mean, of course, it’s January, you are good with grades, your advisor said she was going to send what was needed for you not to loose what you did for the year’’

I know it’s Sarah’s dream for me to go to college, but that’s just not going to happen. I know that because we don’t have extra money. A week ago, I had it all figured out, even the money, now… nada for college. 

‘’I really want to work, I can do school and a part time job, I know Jona even offered you for me to work in the kitchen of the club - ’’

‘’Which you’re not’’ she cuts me off 

‘’I’ll search for the hair dye, you want something?’’ 

‘’Water, chips, milk and Lucky Charms’’ 

I write everything on my phone, and start to venture the store searching for it. 

When I gather the food, I take it all with my two hands, as I walk to the beauty aisle I’m intercepted by someone, provoking me to fall and drop the stuff. 

‘’Oh shit, sorry, here let me help you’’ the male voice says 

I collect the cereal and chips, and he quickly pass me the water and milk. 

‘’Thanks’’ 

He looks me to the face and his expression is just the same as the ginger guy from the store. 

Uncertainty… Doubt… Incertitude… Dubiety… but not judgmental. 

‘’Hey? It’s everything okey?’’ He dares to ask

The question completely surprises me, I know people see it, I didn’t even made an effort to hide it , putting and removing makeup in the bruises will just hurt me more and just seem like a lot of work. 

‘’Yeah, thanks for asking’’ 

‘’Okey, I mean if you’re in trouble or something, I can get you some help, it does look painful’’ 

How the fuck does this guy reads people so well? 

‘’Thanks I just, you know… was cooking and the knife accidentally got to my face, I then fall’’ 

I smile a little just to make the comment more bearable, not for him, but for me. 

‘’Yeah, sure… Hey look this is my phone if you ever need something’’ he shows me his contact number on his phone waiting for me to take mine and save it. 

Struggling with the groceries I put the stuff on the floor and grab my phone from my jeans pocket. This guy has a friendly and welcoming aura that I like. 

‘’Are you in private school? I have never seen you before’’ 

‘’Is this town really that small? Am I suppose to expect just to see the same faces?’’ 

He laughs, damn he really is a town cliché. 

‘’Something like that, my name’s Ethan by the way, I go to public, are you a rich kid that likes buying at this cheap store?’’ 

‘’I mean I just save you as the guy who didn’t saw where he was walking and hit me’’. 

He gives a small nod and smiles back. 

‘’No, actually I just came to live here, my life isn’t that wild’’ I add

‘’Hey did you found everything?’’ Sarah yells from the distance 

‘’That’s my cue to go, thanks for asking Ethan’’ I say grabbing the stuff from the floor, and going without waiting for a reply. 

Author’s note

Hey! I hope you like this new chapter, please remember this is a Fez story. Not an Ethan, but I need to do some character development. Please be patient for next chapter <3 I promise so much fez! 

#Wattpad #Euphoria #Zendaya #Angus Cloud #Fez #Fez Fanfiction #Fez Fic #Fezco #Fezco Imagine #Fez Euphoria #Fezco Euphoria #Ethan #Austin Abrams #One Shot #Fezco X Reader #fezco edit #fezcoedit #Rue Bennett #Euphoria Edit

[maviemesregles]

Once I was an Eagle

The third chapter is here, folks! :) The story unfolds itself slowly but surely. (NSFW)

A shoutout to my lovely beta @eclecticstarlightconnoisseur <3 Thank you for sharing this journey with me and for your kind words of encouragement.

So from now on, you guys don't have to bear with my mistakes any longer :)

❤

As always it’s available on AO3.

Chapter I: The beginnings

Chapter II: Sassenach

CHAPTER III: Catharsis

Mess was something I was afraid of. I remember my mother always saying that sometimes I'm too emotional and irrational. So I've learned how to be organized and keep everything in order, including my emotions. I had to. I was a surgeon and could not allow my feelings or temper overtake me. Claire Beauchamp who knows what to do. Years of learning made me a perfect example of a control freak. I could be a coach giving lessons on how to hold your shit together. But, it was a facade, a mask put on for work and strangers, for the patients who needed to have a Dr. Beauchamp who has everything under control. My true nature did not always correspond with the show I tried to sell.

Since I bumped into that tall Scot, the last little thread I held over my inner world was slipping out of my fingers. Then there was a law of inertia. I was balancing on the edge before falling down to the abyss of the unknown.

I returned home with an unsatisfied ache in my belly, between my thighs, behind my closed eyelids, and on my swollen kissed lips. I jumped into the hot shower furiously scrubbing down myself to wash off the smell of the pub, the street, (and his cologne that traveled with me home) off my skin. I've spent a good twenty minutes standing under the shower trying to reclaim the power over the situation that was running away from me as quickly as the water into the drain below my feet. I inhaled and exhaled (the way they taught us at yoga classes which Geillis made me go).

My fingers traced the bottom lip where I could still taste him. Get a grip, Beauchamp.

When I just crossed the threshold, Geillis's number was shining on my screen before I even could take shoes off of my aching feet. "I hoped ye willna pick up." She mumbled mouth fulll, chewing on something crispy.

"Ye did so I reckon yer not with him?"

"Nah".

"Was he that bad?"

I shook my head as if she could see me. 

"No, not at all. At the beginning of the evening, I couldn't guess if he's just a confident prick who's trying to get into my knickers or not but now I don't know." 

After a detailed description of the date to Geillis, I strolled down to the bathroom. “Maybe he didn't like me?" I asked thoughtfully, trying to get rid of mascara that has imprinted into the delicate skin, which now was turning red.

"He'd better get into yer knickers"  Geillis snorted. "But I think the lad likes ye well enough, only he has decided to teach ye a lesson after Lallybroch or he's being a gentleman. If he wanted to get ye laid he'd done it this evening."

“Is it a good or bad thing?" I asked pulling my jeans down.

"I dinna ken. I'd say ye invite this Jamie over to dinner and see for yourself".

Grabbing Adso under my armpit on the way to the bedroom, my phone came alive with a loud ringing (Jesus, I have to change that ringtone). Already planning what I might say to Geillis (remembering all swear words I knew) I almost pressed Accept but stopped right in time, seeing "James" on the screen. I stared at my cell phone long enough to read now "Missed call".

I had texted him while in the cab "Home. Safe and sound." He replied what appeared in a second "Good. It was a bonnie evening."

I crossed my legs sitting at the end of the bed, watching Adso bury himself under the duvet. Why has he called?

I spent about ten minutes before my fingers finally hit the Call button.

"Jamie?"

"Claire"

He said my name in a way that made my toes curl and my heart race a marathon. The soft vibrating "R" and a hint of an accent turned just Claire into something more special than I could imagine.

 I heard a quiet rustling of the sheets and his quiet breathing before I spoke. That made me wonder how he looked in bed. Did he sleep on the right or left side of the bed? Was he a light sleeper or not? What did he dream?

"Is something amiss?" I bent my neck holding the phone between my ear and shoulder.

"No. Just wanted to hear ye voice again."

"Oh." I gasped. I bit down on my lip but nonetheless could see a stupid smile on my face reflecting in the window.

"I dinna wake ye, Sassenach?" I heard him shift, getting comfortable and tried to imagine what he looked like. Was he tangled into the mass of bed sheets and blanket, sitting upright in the dim bedside light. Or maybe laying down, one hand up, elbow supporting his head, chest rising and falling with his quiet breathing.

"No. I was just getting ready for bed."

Adso's grey head popped out of the duvet. My companion looked at me tentatively and climbed up onto my knees with a loud "Meow."

"Ye have a cat?” I was sure I could hear him smile.

"Uh uh". I mumbled stroking Adso's furry back.

There was a pause for what seemed an eternity before Jamie asked quietly.

"Can I meet the wee cheetie?"

* * *

That night, Jamie and I had agreed on what he simply called "a real date" I could not sleep. I was vaguely aware of the lonely cars passing down the streets, drunk gangs of students singing and screaming in the park across the way, I could hear my neighbour's TV speaking. I fell asleep by 5 am feeling absolutely drained. I took extra shifts for the next couple of days (to clear my head from him) and felt thoroughly exhausted. So now when my phone buzzed, I startled almost kicking a cup of Earl Grey off the table.

"What's yer drink of choice, Sassenach?"

"Make it wine. Red"  I quickly typed back rushing to my fridge. (what goes with red wine? Geillis and I never had this problem mixing up takeaway of all kind with a bottle of red)

"Sorted. 7pm, right?"

"See you."

"xoxo"

My cheeks blossomed into a rosy pink while I giggled at his last text. Adso glared at me from his windowsill perch, shook his head, licked his paw twice and jumped off heading to his bowl. That brought me back to my earlier task of the day to think of the menu for tonight. I had to fight an urge just to order from my favorite Italian restaurant and pretend I prepared it all. "Christ." I hissed examining the shelves of the refrigerator. Old curry takeaway, Brie cheese which was probably out of date, some leftovers from my attempt at the pumpkin soup and a pack of milk.

Next two hours I've spent tidying up my entire flat, doing several loads of laundry, changing the bedsheets to fresh crisp ones, and hiding away my Ikea plushy teddy bear that Joe got me last birthday as a joke. The kitchen was scrubbed down until the counters shone and all fridge food remains were thrown into the rubbish bin. Lighting scented candles that lived on the coffee table in the living room, I caught myself thinking I'm trying too hard.

Jamie would step into the house of Dr. Beauchamp - organized, clean and ordered. He wouldn't see two weeks piles of laundry needed to be done, he would not open the fridge and close it deciding to call a takeaway because he'd realize I'm a terrible cook. Jamie wouldn't laugh at me for sleeping with a toy in bed, nor he wouldn't know about the existence of "snack basket" full of crisps and Gummies next to my couch. He wouldn't know who Claire really is. Or would he? Did I want him to know?

After paying for the Waitrose delivery, I occupied kitchen with an unusual enthusiasm that didn't last long. I was a nervous wreck. My attempt at pasta Carbonara came out as someone's morning sickness and was sent straight into the trash. Cursing and praying to all existing Gods at once I've reminded myself that I wanted to keep this easy and fun. So pizza was the choice. Something that was hard for me to fail I still went through the recipe for the dough with surgeon precision. Popping the tomato sauce, spinach and white chunks of mozzarella on top, I glanced at the clock. Feeling the sweat sticky fabric of my shirt clinging to my back I sent pizza tray to the oven hoping Jamie likes Margherita. With Adso purring at my legs, I rushed to the shower mentally thanking myself for washing my hair the day before. Ten minutes later, wrapped up in a towel I was welcomed with a delicious smell of pizza lingering in my kitchen and satisfied with the outcome left to the bedroom.

The sudden doorbell buzz caught me just in the middle of dressing up. Hair looked as if an explosion happened on my head, with the only moisturizer on my skin while I huffed and puffed pulling on old jeans (the ones that lost all their blue from many washings). Grabbing the first jumper that fell out of the wardrobe and dragging it over my head on the way to open a door I prayed that Jamie wouldn't be all dressed up for the occasion. (why did he come twenty-five minutes earlier?)

My heart hammered in my chest and I had to take a few deep breaths trying to appear composed. He was casual. A simple white t-shirt with a leather jacket, the same tartan scarf, and jeans that looked as old as mine.

“I’m here.” His voice sounded low and hoarse.

“You are.” I swallowed a lump in my throat that seemed to suffocate me.

We stood in an awkward silence that stretched between us as the thousands of days, hours, minutes not spent together (yet?)

“Will ye let me in, Sassenach? I’ll freeze my bollocks off out here.” He smiled, the little wrinkles covered the sides of his eyes as the sun rays. I think I heard something in my heart shift.

The cold wind reached my bare feet and I moved aside just a little, letting him through. The familiar smell of his perfume (sea salt, amber wood and Italian cost) wrapped up around me when Jamie leaned to plant a kiss on my cheeks. One on the left, one on the right. I caught myself rising on my tiptoes for him as if I were a cat arching its back into his touch. Somehow it felt much more intimate than our full-mouth-greedy-tongues pub encounter. I watched him taking his jacket off, removing his boots and exclaiming happily “There ye are, wee cheetie” when Adso popped his grey head from the corner and strolled down to Jamie sniffing his hands. I leaned my back against the door thinking that it felt right. James Fraser in my apartment, crouched down on my floor, petting my cat who’s now was purring away. For a second there I wondered how it would feel to be touched by those hands. (is it normal to be jealous of your own cat?)

"I've made pizza. I did not know what you like." I announced, popping a cheesy slice on his plate, licking the grease glistening on my fingers. If it wasn't me kissing him just a couple days ago and flirting away then now I would have been very much offended by the look he gave me. As if he was ready to eat me alive right there, right now.

His gaze softened. (has anyone else on Earth had eyes this blue?)

"It's perfect. I couldna imagine a better option for a dinner than pizza".

It felt easy with him. There were minutes we ate in companionable silence, and minutes when we spoke, "clink-clink" of wine glasses interrupting our voices.

"So, I know horses are your hobby.But you still did not tell what it is you do for a living?" I looked at him over the rim of my glass. I watched him lick his lips, setting his pizza aside.

"I have a wee business with my uncles." Jamie took a sip, his Adam's apple bobbing under the skin as he swallowed. "It's a small beer brewery. Nothing verra special but sufficient enough."

"Beer is it?" I smirked. "I would think a Scot like you should be involved in the whisky business."

He grinned, glass in his hand, cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink.

"Well, I'm verra good at drinking it, no making."

When our dinner was demolished and plates covered only in crumbles and crusts (on my plate), I stood up bringing them over to the sink. My hands were almost elbow deep into the soapy water when Jamie had asked something that made my knees shake just for a moment.

"How come such lass as ye not married, let alone single?"

A heavy silence fell down, erasing our previous banter. Sensing my discomfort he added immediately "Claire, I dinna mean to be noisy". But I had told him anyway.

* * *

"But the main thing was that he had said I wasn't a woman if I could not give him a child. I was just an empty shell of female appearance, there was no much use to me." I inhaled deeply, feeling his eyes on my back when I finally finished. "Truthfully, I don't even know if I am really barren. I don't know who's at fault. Frank never went for a test and I...Well, I could not make myself do it afterwards."

I braced my hands on the opposite sides of the sink trying to compose myself. The swell of tears started to gather in my eyelashes threatening to escape.

"Sassenach."

I heard his quiet steps behind me and I shuddered a sigh thinking how did this evening (a promise of a good sex) turned into something that vaguely reminded me of a soap opera on TV that my neighbor Mrs.Baird watched.

I felt his fingers gently squeezing my shoulder.

"It doesna matter anymore."

"No." I sniffed. "It doesn't."

I turned to him then to be trapped once again by the studying gaze of his blue eyes which now were the reminiscent of storms at sea that promise clear skies. His long fingers brushed away loose curls off my face.

"Do ye need to be alone? Ye want me to go?" He asked softly, hands wrapping around my waist.

"No" I shook my head in protest, suddenly terrified he'd leave. " I don't want you to go."

He nodded.

"I willna. I promise."

On its own accord my forehead dropped against his chest and a sigh of contentment (I did not know was there) escaped my throat. We stood there in each other's embrace long enough for Adso to jump up on the counter to peek at Jamie and I with clear "What are you up to, hoomans?" written on its fluffy face.

"Netflix and chill?" I sniffed, the sound muffled by Jamie's t-shirt. He gave me a lopsided smile when I lifted my head.

"Ye ken what that means, right?"

"I do." I laughed rubbing my eyes, smudged mascara staining my hand.

We indeed watched Netflix. Sitting on a modest distance of each other, under the same plushy throw, still close for our fingers to touch. I was too aware of his presence and closeness that my back started to ache approximately 15 minutes after I sat straight up, afraid to move. But then the wine we drank started to kick in, my body (and mind) relaxing and by thirty minutes into the movie (The Notting Hill I'd made him watch), I found myself in the kingdom of Jamie's warmth, our thighs and hips pressed to one another, his hand wrapped up around my shoulder and my head rested just above his breastbone where I could hear his steady heartbeat. His chin rested on the crown of my head and I could feel his lips slightly brushing above but not kissing just yet. I did not know when and how I fell asleep. Lulled by Jamie's soothing presence I must have dozed off sometime after the credits rolled, last night shifts catching up with me.

I roused to a touch that faintly reminded me the butterflies' wings scattered across my skin. My eyes fluttered open when I could feel Jamie’s warm breath making my skin tingle.

The room was dark, dipped into the heavy night shadows with only thin moonlight sketching a path along the carpet. I had no idea how long I slept only to find myself still on the couch, Jamie’s smile lingering above me. I smiled back feeling his fingers softly caressing the sliver of skin between my jeans and sweater. My back arched instinctively to his touch. He leaned down to press his lips upon mine. It was a lazy kiss, unhurried in the way our mouths melted together, the way he tasted the fullness of my lower lip, the way our tongues sought permission and their slow dance continuing until we both were breathless.

Jamie was looking at me as if he'd seen me for the first time. I could see his eyes move, something faintly reminding me of a tenderness floating at the bottom.

"What?" My lips moved slowly, still numbed by his taste. I touched his cheekbone to see if it feels right for me, for him to do so. How many times would I repeat this simple move? Jamie's fingers had found my hand, turning it palm up.

"I think ye are beautiful, Claire. Verra." His thumb softly outlined my lifeline before he brought my hand up planting a kiss just in the center of it. That simple gesture made me surrender, undid me in fact. I could feel the hot bubbling sensation starting somewhere in my toes rising all the way up to my thighs, my belly, crawling inside my breasts and wrapping around my heart, taking a peek under my skin as if checking is it a suitable place to be here forever?

I dragged my lips over his clavicle that slightly stood out above the collar of his t-shirt, leaving a moist trail of my breath. He smelled earthy, slightly salty with a mix of his cologne. Jamie's breath was shallow and I shifted feeling my arousal build between my thighs. My own abilities to inhale and exhale properly failed me when his fingers dragged the woolen fabric of my sweater up up up until there was nothing to hide. I jerked involuntarily as his auburn curls tickling my skin when his mouth closed over the peak of the left breast. It seemed like a century passed by instead of minutes as his lips moved from one breast to another.

His hand splayed flat on my stomach drawing patterns up and down making me almost beg him to continue just a bit down where I wanted him to be. But before I gathered enough courage to do that his fingers slid under the waistband of my jeans, testing, teasing.

“Jamie” I pleaded with the voice that didn’t sound like my own.

“Do ye want me to stop ?” He asked softly kissing the corner of my mouth.

I did not know if “No” actually left my mouth, but only managed to cling to him in desperate anticipation of my own release. Sensing this, he seemed to slow down on purpose. His mouth hovered above mine, our breaths mixing up as he slipped his hand out (me whimpering in protest and him chuckling, the cocky bastard) to unzip the unnecessary piece of clothing. I raised my hips just enough for Jamie to pull them down to my knees. I was becoming lost in him, forgetting how to breathe. Needing to feel him, I reached for the hem of his t-shirt seeking access to his skin. He ignited a hunger in me, I needed to see him, feel the realness and closeness of him, to be in this moment for my life to have a meaning. Even if it meant just mere minutes.

Pulling the cotton fabric over his head my fingers traced the line of veins that ran along his arm until found where I had mended his flesh with the stitches I had placed. I leaned my head to kiss the spot where the scar would make its presence known. Jamie’s breath hitched and within seconds my lips were trapped by his once again. When we parted with a wet pop his fingers traveled south one more time pushing the grey cotton triangle between my thighs aside. My blood was rushing hot, heart hammering hard against my breastbone. So loud that I thought Jamie could hear. The promising warmth of his fingers drew a map on my inner thighs. Slowly tortuously from one to the other, traveling up to brush over my navel making me pant, and slippery with need.

“I want you inside me” I had whispered then, dragging my tongue over the stubble on his jaw.

“No, a nighean.” He sounded hoarse but dreamily sweet. “I want to watch ye first”.

If it was possible to become undone just from his words, it would have been then. His fingers drew another path, coming home, where I felt hot and greedy for him. I mewled, my hips rising into his touch, nails digging into his shoulders. I kept my eyes shut, fingers leaving marks on his skin, as he drove me down the road of pure sensation. Where my walls had crumbled and fallen down, where he had made me cry out God's name in vain. Where my trembling hands had managed to unbuckle his belt and in a swift motion pull his jeans down, Jamie's feet trapped in them, laughing hard. His moan that sounded more like a hiss when I ran my palm at the length of him, tagging his white boxers off. When all the sharp fences alongside my soul started to crouch down and fade away as our bodies joined. I gasped feeling the saltiness of tears rising up from my belly all the way to my throat because this felt like coming home, suddenly he felt like home. When the lonely tear had rolled down my cheek, into the hollow of my neck, to the fields of my curls (I did not know where it came from) I heard him whisper "mo ghraidh". It had no meaning for me but the way Jamie's lips imprinted those words into the column of my neck destroyed the last barricades I had built over my soft and sensitive, scarred heart.

After a time we were both gasping for air as fish landed on the shore his solid body pinning me down on the cushions. I whispered, "Jamie, you're crushing me".

He hummed a quiet apology. With eyes still veiled by an overtaking orgasm, he rolled off me and gathered me closer to him. His hands wrapped up around my waist, back pressed to his chest. I thought I heard him murmur something into my hair (that faintly sounded as ancient Gàidhlig) before after-sex slumber had taken us both to its realm.

* * *

The nagging ache in my lower back that I usually had from falling asleep on the couch (after a particularly hard shift at the hospital) was something that woke me up. I thought I was suffocating from the realness of the dream I had but it was just Adso who curled like a cinnamon bun on top of my chest.

I was alone. (not that I was really surprised)

But somewhere deep inside I felt a painful sting of bitterness to find myself in the reality of lonely-morning-post-one-night-stand. I reached for my phone with a stupid hope that maybe Jamie had texted me. Nothing.

"Looks like we are back to normal, baby" I sighed scratching Adso behind the ears.

The Edinburgh's skies were gloomy, heavy with a promise of rain. I stared into the window but did not really see anything behind it. The soft knock took me out of my stupor.

"I used the last of yer shampoo.I figured ye wouldna mind." Jamie stood in the doorway, his hair damp from the shower, now two shades darker, like autumn leaves.

My mouth dropped open as I just watched him casually stroll and make himself comfortable in the chair.

"And, Christ, Sassenach, but yer cat does fart like a freakin' raccoon."

"Does it?" I whispered.

#outlander #outlander fanfic #once i was an eagle #maviemeregles fic #jamie x claire #modern au #jamie fraser #claire beauchamp #this chapter has drained me these wee soft babies

[believeitseeitdoit]

Sunday Surprises

Summary: Week one of regular NFL season is always entertaining, but this year is extra special for you and Seb.

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Reader

Author Notes: Ummmm Hi, this is my first little ‘published’ fic, please be kind (or brutal it’s fine).  I'm only motivated enough to post this because @thebescht and Evan Williams are brave. For reference, the dog here is based on my moose, a 100lb Black English Lab, I might make a moldboard to go with this idk, I might also delete this soooo cool thanks bye. 

You sit on the ottoman, twiddling your phone in your hands waiting for Sebastian to find his coat. Jax bounces around the rest of the grey leather couch, disturbing the abundance of blasted throw pillows your mother insisted you buy when she first visited your’s and Seb’s apartment in Boston. Somehow, Jax hasn’t completely destroyed the merlot and sand throws, just a sprinkle of black fur littering their patterns.  A quick ping rings out from your phone, accompanied by rapid fire vibrations buzzing up your thumbs, notifying you that Chris has sent yet another “are y’all coming yet” text.

“Babe, kick off is in 30 mintues! I will not be late to the first watch party of the season because you can’t find your one pair of Pats socks just to appease Chris!” You holler towards the bedroom where Seb is inevitably wasting time to avoid being in a room with multiple football obsessed humans.

“Y/N, I swear they were in the drawer and now they’re gone! Did you wash them or give them to Jax?” Seb playfully questions back from the depths of his closet. You know full well the socks are already on his feet. Hopping off the ottoman, you grab the dog’s leash and your jacket as motivation to move your boyfriend along. The hardwood floors creak as you walk through the kitchen, narrowly missing the island with your hip bones and whistling to Jax so he can bound to Seb and investigate the slowdown.

“Seb, seriously, can we just go? It’s not like Chris will give two shakes about your socks. He’ll be too busy complaining about my disgrace of a jersey to be disappointed in your not-actually-missing socks,” you sigh as you wander back to the bedroom and lean against the door frame, feigning annoyance.

“Fair point, Y/N. He won’t even get near you in your Seahawks jersey; bad juju or something,” Seb spins around and strides over to the walkway, reaching around your waist and tucking you into his side while he jokes. As you travel back up the hall to the front door, you look at the pictures hanging from the walls, more of your mother’s visiting touches. All perfectly angled and spaced down the walkway and throughout the living room, moments from your lives together and alone. One of you with a client’s daughter back in Seattle brings a fond memory of your time with youngsters and your retired lesson horse to the front of your mind. Determined not to cry, you sniffle and hustle the boys out the door.

Finally ready, supposedly lucky Patriots socks on his feet, Sebastian gathers his sunglasses and car keys while you hook Jax up to his harness and wander down to the car. The oversized labrador flings himself into the backseat of your Xterra. Seb catches you for a kiss on the cheek before starting the car and heading across town to Evans’ place.

“Remind me why we’re going to this again? We could just as easily watch the game in our living room and not have to hear him and Anthony scream at the TV for two hours of the Pats winning… again..” Seb whines.

“Because, A: I’ll be yelling too and you would complain either way. B: Chris always hosts Sunday Night Football, we host Monday, that’s how it’s worked since he learned I love the game, babe. And C: you love me so…. Also you know the sex is always better after a good screaming match between me, Chris, and the TV.”

“That last one is so not a reason but I’ll let it slide because the sex is always great. Did you tell Chris we’re bringing Jax or are you just assuming he and Dodger will leave everyone to mind their own business?” Seb asks as the black moose tries to climb over his arm onto the center console and into your lap.

“I texted him about it last week. He said it was fine. Plus, they’ll make each other tired so we don’t have to take him on a run tonight. More time for activities,” you giggle as you shove the dog back into his territory and wiggle your eyebrows in Seb’s direction.

“You are so smart, you know that? Better knock on wood he doesn’t interrupt again like last week with the damn light up ball.”

“Hey , you bought him that so I take zero blame. Turn up at the corner. There’s a spot to park right there,” pointing to an empty space just a few doors down from Chris’ place.

You climb out and grab Jax while Seb grabs the case of beer from the back and start up the steps, laughing at the obnoxious yells already coming from his stairwell. The door’s unlocked the way it always is when you have watch parties, so Seb turns the knob and Jax goes bounding through the hall in search of the noises after you drop his leash. A resounding “oof” and various yelps of “dammit, Jax” and “hey, buddy!” make you burst into a fit of laughter as you and Seb round into the kitchen. Spying Mackie on the floor with Jax square on top of him, you reach around to help him up, only to have Dodger come bouncing out from behind the island and toppling you over next to him, leading everyone into a second bout of laughter.

“Boys, off! Jesus Chris, teach your kid some manners,” you jokingly chide as you hop up and start greeting the harem standing around the kitchen island.

“You say that like your’s is so trained,” Chris sighs humorously as Jax launches his front paws onto the counter to swipe a piece of cheese. You shove him off and toss a rogue chunk of cheddar in his general vicinity, giggling at Chris’ hand motions toward the dog.

“At least he knows what he wants,” you shrug and grab a cube for yourself and snicker. “What did you expect from oversized bear cub? Seb feeds him off the table all the time.”

“Excuse me, he was your dog first, and you started that. I just can’t be the asshole who denies him!” Seb shouts from inside the fridge while he digs for a beer that didn’t just come out of a roasting car.

“Alright, this is fun, but can we actually turn the game on now? Kick off should be in five and I need to judge this rendition of the National Anthem beforehand,” Anthony interrupts the dog banter while heading to the connected living room.

Jeremy nods and lifts his beer in agreement from the barstool to your left, adding, “Just turn it up and we can watch from here. Y/N, grab yourself something and lets catch up for a minute. Tell me about the ways you plan to ensure the Seahawks somehow take it all this year.”

You lift your Yeti and aim the straw at Seb in response, “I’ll stick to water, gotta be functional enough to get this lightweight home tonight. Russell’s got a better O-line this year starting out. If he can whip his runners into shape for the long passing game we’ll be knocking on the playoff door easy. So long as Pete has mustered up a good, fresh defensive line, they can block anything and everything from here to New England.”

Seb makes his way around the kitchen to you and reaches around to bear hug you. “Babe, you’ve never denied yourself at least one beer at a game. What did I miss? I am also not a lightweight. It was Jaeger and it was ONE TIME!” He leans into your back and continues to hold you with one arm and reaches for a chip. “And, we were all drunk. It wasn’t just me. Chris was puking for hours when we got home that night. Mackie was passed out on the couch. Downey had to play sorority sister and hold Chris up. At least I was responsible enough to call you to come get me!”

“Actually, Robert had already called me and I was on my way, Honey, but whatever you say. I’m fine, really, just a little nauseated from your terrible driving skills. Give me thirty minutes and I’ll be golden.” You turn around in Seb’s arms and soak in his warmth while reassuring him you aren’t reaching imminent death. “Now, let’s go watch shitty football!” You slip under his arm and drag him toward the leather sectional where Chris and Anthony were trying to convince Jax and Dodger to not wrestle in front of the game.

“I heard that! Oh, c’mon! Boys, out! Go play in my room. I need to see what BS call the ref has made already,” Chris yelled as he launched a squeaky ball down the hallway towards his master bedroom for the dogs to chase. You jump to the side so you don’t get taken out again at the knees and Seb pulls you down to curl up into his lap in the long corner of the couch.

“You just assume it’s bull because you think every ref has it out for Tom Brady since ‘deflategate’. The tight end was clearly over the line of scrimmage before the ball moved!” You shoot a playful slap at his arm as you shout agreeance with the ref’s call.

First quarter turns to second and as half time creeps closer, you still feel queasy. It comes in random waves that are just enough to make you curl into yourself tighter and feel a small spark of fear for Chris’ upholstery, but not enough to leave.

Seb notices you shift your hands into you stomach and prods for answers.“Babe, seriously, you have a body of steel. You didn’t eat anything crazier than usual yesterday and you actually haven’t eaten much today from what I’ve seen. Are you okay? Do you need anything? Do you want to go home? No -- I know that’s a dumb question. I just don’t want you getting sicker here cuz you hate being sick in front of people.”

“I’m fine, just -- jimminy christmas trees what did you eat? It fricken smells Seb. Get away, go get some listerine or something, please,” you shove him off of you as whatever forsaken food wafts into your nose, throwing you over the edge. By luck, you make it to the spare bathroom in time to dry heave and throw up whatever water and miniscule amount of crackers were in your system.

“Ungh, shit. This is going to be a long season,” you mutter into the porcelain throne of misery. Adding a grunt of effort, you lift yourself up to rinse your mouth out and splash some water onto your face. “Maybe this was a one time thing. Maybe I won’t be riddled with this for three months or so. I’m 100% going to be fine,” you tell yourself while staring into the mirror, trying hard to convince yourself that it was a fluke and morning sickness wasn’t real.

“Y/N, you ok? I’m sorry the chips smelled weird. I think Mackie switched them out. Hey, you look a little pale. You need to go lay down?” Seb rattles off concerns and gives you a visual once over when you open the bathroom door and make your way back into the kitchen.

“Seriously, Y/N, you look like you might fall over on us. Please, the guest room is clean and open. Ma made sure it was done when she visited last week. Just go lay down and take a break for a bit. You can’t tell us this is a fluke. You’re a vet assistant. Strange smells don’t do shit to you…” Chris came over and aimed you toward his spare room while Seb grabbed your water.

“Dear God, everyone chill I’m fine! And I refuse to lay down in that guest room where I know for a fact that your teenage boy style New England Patriots bed sheets are currently laid out. I can’t defile a Seahawks jersey in that way. It’s straight up blasphemous,” you grumble at the boys who are trying too hard to take care of you. You think your grumbling works until you see a few black dots and grab Seb’s arm to steady yourself.

“Ok, fine. I’ll go lay down but only because that room probably doesn’t have whatever mystery dip stench is coming from the kitchen, NOT because I am dizzy and tired and kinda still nauseous,” you state matter-of-factly at both Seb and Chris.

“Your grip’s awful tight for someone who’s just getting away from a smell. Okay, okay, point taken, c’mon.” Seb guides you to the back of the apartment while simultaneously avoiding your half-assed slap to the back of his head.

You pitifully look down at the bed and Sebastian stifles a laugh. You were right about the sheets, but also too out of energy to resist the calling of a nap, even if it meant sleeping on Patriots logos. He tucks you in, kissing the top of your head and telling you he’ll check on you after half time. You don’t register him shut the light off and let the dogs in to cuddle with you. You’re too busy rolling over into the pillows.

Somewhere after halftime, you wake up with Jax next to your arm and Dodger on your opposite leg, both dogs dead to the world. You revel in the moment of peace, smiling down at your not super flat stomach currently covered by the jersey you won’t be able to wear by the Super Bowl. You hear a dull set of hurrahs and cheers from the hall, assuming the Patriots got an impressive first down or a touchdown, and giggle. “Well, I ain’t cheering em on, but those stupid sheets seemed to calm you down I guess. At least we know Chris will like ya.” You rub along your stomach, joking about your baby’s future in football. As the cheering dies down, you continue to think about the million little things that will happen from this point on. You only found out about your pregnancy a couple days ago, haven’t even told Seb, yet.

“Waitin’ on the right moment, huh, baby?” You whisper to your stomach as you think of the perfect way to tell your boyfriend. Kids weren’t in the plans yet, but your birth control had other plans. Damn that .01 percent. With a smile and last sigh of peace, you throw the sheets back with a plan.

Just as you work your way out of the bed, feeling alive and functional again, the dogs leap up and run out to alert the boys of your movement. You make your way down the hall and into Seb who meets you halfway with a kiss.

“Feeling better? You look much less dead, Babe.” Seb smiles at you and embraces you tightly.

“Mhmm, much better. Your badmhmm….” You nod and mumble into his chest while soaking in his warmth.

“Didn’t catch that last part. Hmm?” Seb looks down at you with a quizzical eyebrow. You look up with a smile and press a kiss to his lips.

“I said, your baby likes the Patriots. They finally settled when I laid down and bundled in those stupid sheets.” You turn your lips up into a smirk waiting for the words to settle in and his reaction to launch.

“Wait, what baby? Jax doesn’t give a shit about the Patriots. I’m los…..” Seb’s confused expression turns into a bright smile when he registers you putting a hand to your stomach and your telling smirk. “You mean, our baby? As in one currently growing as in your gonna be a mom? I’m gonna be a father? No shit? Baby you’re shitting me? HOLY SHIT!” Seb rattles off curses of excitement in happy tears and litters you with kisses and pulls you back into a tight hug.

“What are we yelling about?”

“Why are you two crying?”

“What did we miss?”

The guys all ask in one quick sweep while staring at your exchange. You look at them from in Seb’s arms and ask if they should know.

“What do you think, Seb, tell ‘em? Leave ‘em guessing? Or be kind?”

“Baby please, we can’t be cruel after this little moment.”

“Ok fine. Only cuz we both suck at secrets. I was just telling Seb that his baby really likes the Patriots because they only calmed down once i was laying down on Chris’ blasted sheets. So I am assuming this kiddo’s gonna be a big fan of uncle Chris in a few years,” you retell the tale and walk over to the guys while they all start smiling wildly.

“Baby?! What the hell Y/N!? Shit so happy for you, Smalls!”

“Seb, man you’re so done for.”

“Dude, I am so happy for you. “

“You two are going to be amazing parents.”

“I call dibs on buying baby’s first jersey!”

The congratulations and hugs fly in the kitchen, week one game completely abandoned in favor of your news. As it dies down and the fourth quarter timer is heard from the living room, everyone saunters back to catch the last two minutes and other game recaps. Seb wanders away to his coat and calls the dogs over to help him with his own surprise. You turn around to call him over only to see Jax trotting at you with a strange collar attached to him.

“Where did this bowtie come from, huh, Bubs?” You reach down to inspect the adorable black and white tuxedo bowtie collar and find a box attached at the buckle. As you unbuckle the collar and separate the box, you stand up and see Seb coming out from the hall with a sweaty, nervous smile.

“Babe, what’s this collar? And did you forget to take this weird magnetic tag off?” You toss the cardboard back at him, only to underestimate its weight and lob it at his head.

Seb catches it and pulls you closer. “It’s for him to wear if you say ‘yes’. But you have to look inside the weird box first, Y/N.” Seb returns the box to your hand and lets you inspect it.

You open the taped slit and find a black velvet box, immediately you have to wipe tears from your eyes so you can look at Seb’s cerulean ones.

“I’m only gonna ask this once baby. You’re my best girl, closest friend, fiercest supporter, my rock. And now the mother of my child. I don’t ever want to spend another day without knowing we will come home to each other. So, Y/N L/N, will you marry me?”

You can barely form the words, but a choked “yes” and the happiest sob of your life come out as you launch yourself into Seb’s arms. A slough of hoops hollars and more congratulations come from the vicinity of the couch, along with howls and barks from the dogs at your knees. You wrap your hand up to Seb’s neck and pull him down for another kiss. “I love every Sunday night of fall. But this is the best Sunday night ever, Baby.”

#sebastian stan #sebastian x reader #sebstan x reader Sebastian stan x reader

[madamsixx]

Beyond The Leather Chapter 28: I Want To Be Your Boyfriend

I was out shopping for gifts to buy for Tommy and Heather's wedding. I didn't know what would be a good gift. I mean I always thought to myself what do you buy someone who already has everything? I looked around in a jewelry shop and settled on a his and her watch.

I haven't spoken to Lisa since we had our falling out. I really missed her and our friendship. Maybe later on I will call her. I called Slash today because I wanted to talk to him about Nikki. He said he will pick me up with Duff. Nikki's call last night really got to me. I wasn't able to sleep at all and I feel like such a crappy person for how I treated him. But in my defense I'm just trying to keep my distance from the drugs. But as Lisa pointed out every body is doing. Slash is doing it and I'm meeting up with him today.

I walked outside the store and saw Duff pull up on the side. "Hey Mani your right on time." He says looking at his watch. I got up and ran into the car. The smell of wet socks and weed hit my nose right away.

"Jesus this car stinks." I say as I'm getting in and plugging my nose. "Whine down the windows."

"Well princess Iman you can always walk to our place." Slash laughs sarcastically. "So what did you get Tommy and his wife?"

"I just got his and her watches. I couldn't think of anything else." I shrugged.

"So what's on your mind doll?" Slash asks.

"Well last night Nikki called me and he sounded really paranoid. He said there were intruders in his home hiding in his closet, his washing machine, and even under his bed." I said with a worried voice.

The boys looked at each other and started laughing. "Iman look theres nothing to worry about he'll be fine." Slash laughed.

"No Slash theres nothing to laugh about. I was really scared for him. I mean he called me for a reason. And ok in London when he nearly overdosed he ask Andy McCoy from Hanoi Rocks to bring him to my hotel room."

"Oh did he now." Duff smiled." So what else did you guys do in your hotel room?" They both started laughing again.

"Saul." I grumbled. "Ok ok geez Mani when did you become such a prude." He groaned. "Look Sixx likes you and clearly he trusts you if he's running to you every time he has a problem. And to be honest what's there not to like about you. Your a good person when your not following what your manager is telling you to do."

"What's that suppose to mean?" I hissed.

"It means you need to live a little. You need to break out of the shell she's keeping you in. And your mommy dearest isn't here so you don't need to report to her like your a soldier and she's your commander." Duff buds in.

"Um who told you about me and my moms relationship?" I questioned Duff.

It goes silent in the car.

Slash takes a cigarette out of his pocket and lights it up. "The point is." He laughs hesitantly. "You need to live. Were going out tonight and your coming."

"Ok but I'm only staying-"

"Iman shut the fuck up! Your staying out till what ever time we tell you too!" Slash yelled.

We finally pull up to a complex it was really small. We got out of the car and walked into there home. Again I was hit with the smell of weed, booze, and sweat. Izzy was passed out on the couch and Steven was snorting up coke off of the table.

"Oh shit Mani what the fuck?" He looked at me shocked. "No one told me you were coming. I would have cleaned up." He looked at the boys.

"Hey Steven." I walked over and hugged him.

The place was filthy there were dirty dishes piled up in the sink, half eaten food was scattered on the table, the walls were peeling, and there were clothes everywhere. How could any one live like this.

"So wheres Axl?" I asked. "He's in his room. He's a bit pissed for some reason so don't bother him." Steven warns.

"Ok." I look down at the so called chair that they had in there living room. I didn't want to be rude but at the same time I did. I cringed when I saw a roach run into the inside of the cushion.

"Sit." Duff got up and pushed me onto the couch making me squeal and get up fast in fear that the roach got on me.

"What... what happened." Izzy woke up in panic. The boys started laughing and I was aggravated.

"Say while your here we need a womans touch. Can you clean up the kitchen and cook something for us." Slash asked kicking his feet up on the table while smoking another cigarette.

"Seriously." I laugh humorously. "I came for advice and your asking me to clean up and cook for you?" I crossed my arms.

"The advice you got in the car." Duff spoke up. "So you have to repay us back by at least cleaning the kitchen and cooking something for us." Duff walked over to the fridge and grabbed a beer.

I groaned and walked over to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and noticed there were no groceries in there for me to even cook anything.

"It would help if you guys had groceries." I pointed out.

"Go buy some we'll still be here. Plus were going out tonight. So when we pick you up, bring the groceries with you." Slash laughed.

I scoffed and started heading for the door.

"Uh doll." Duff spoke up. I turned to look at him. "The kitchen isn't finished being cleaned. Even princesses have to do dirty work." He laughed.

Ugh ass holes. I walked back to the kitchen and started cleaning it up for them. Don't ask me why?

Later on at night...

I started getting ready for the night I was going to have out with Guns. I was hoping that Lisa would be there too seeing as there was something going on between her and Axl. And well also I didn't want to be the only girl tagging along.

I put on a silver short dress and put my hair up in a pony tail. I wore matching silver stelletoes and put a small black jacket over my shoulders to finish up my look. Slash said we were going to the Rainbow. At first I was hesitant because Tamara had told me never to go back there again. And here I was getting ready to go there again. I called the office were Tamara was and told her that I would be out with Lisa. She expected me home by 11. I don't know if Slash would approve but theres nothing I can do.

I grabbed my little wrist purse and the groceries bags I promised to buy and headed downstairs. I waited in the lobby until I heard a knock on the door. I saw Slash waving for me to come out. I headed over to him.

"Here are your groceries." I said with a sarcastic voice holding the bags up.

"Thanks doll I'll put those in the trunk." Steven got out of the car and took the groceries from me and put them in the trunk. I got into the car and we took off.

"That's is not an outfit for the Rainbow Iman." Slash chuckled.

"Well that's too bad." I hiss. This dress was made more for a modeling event. But im choosing to wear it at the Rainbow.

"You are certainly going to get picked up by a fellow at the Rainbow." Izzy piped up putting his arms around my shoulder.

"I am not talking to any guys there and I hope they don't talk to me." I warn.

We got to the Rainbow and the boys were already a mess. They got drunk, did drugs, were loud, and grabbing girls left and right. But im not here to judge. But places like this were not my scene. And being here with out any girlfriends or friends was awkward. Especially because I don't drink alcohol or snort drugs. So I just sat randomly at the bar looking at people drunk or high.

"What's a pretty little thing like you doing in a raunchy place like this?"

I turned around to see a guy or could be a girl with wild long hair and plump lips looking at me. "I...I'm sorry what?" I stuttered.

"You don't belong in a place this." He leaned closer to me smiling.

"What ever." I scoffed drinking my cranberry juice and turning away from him.

He chuckled and got up to walk in front of me. "I meant that with no disrespect. I just mean if I was a guy taking you out I would take you to the most extravagant restaurant there is around here." He smiled looking me up and down.

"I'm not into fancy restaurants. And I'm here with my friends. Guns n Roses." I rolled my eyes.

"Oh shit really? I love those guys." He flipped his hair. "I watched them play a couple times down at the Troubadour."

"Are you a rock star?" I asked with raised brows.

"Not yet but I'm gonna be. And when I do become one and I'm making shit loads of cash. I'm going to take you out on a date." He spoke softly.

I scoffed, "I don't think so." I say with attitude and turn away from him again.

He chuckled and walked closer to me. "I think so. I'm a gentleman and ladies such as your self deserve gentleman's." He signaled for the bartender to come to us.

"I don't have a lot but how much is her drink?" He asked the bartender.

"No you don't have to!" I wave my hands.

"$5.75." The bartender spoke. He placed the money down on the table and the bartender took it.

"I could have payed for it myself." I looked at him with annoyance.

"I said I was a gentleman." He smiled.

He's actually really cute.

"My names Sebastian... Sebastian Bach." He smiled.

"Iman Darlington." I smiled back.

"God I hope I see you again." He took my hand and gave me a sweet kiss on the back of it.

I felt like I had butterflies in my stomach. He walked out of the Rainbow with his long hair blowing in the wind. Lord help me.

2:34 am

The boys dropped me back home and I couldn't wait to take off my heels and get undressed. I tip toed to Tamara's room and noticed she wasn't home. I was startled when I heard the phone ring. I walked back to the living room to answer it.

"Hello!"

"You were suppose to be back at the condo for 11!" She snapped.

I sighed. "I'm sorry I went out with Lisa and ended up seeing Slash. We came back late."

"Iman can't you make better friends. I mean really. Use your break to hang out with Rachel. Hopefully some of her stuck up attitude can rub on you." "Anyways I wont be back till tomorrow morning around 10. I can call Jess if you want her to-"

"No I'm good I don't need a babysitter Tammi."

"Ok alright honey call me if anything. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok good night." I hung the phone up walking away to my room when I heard it ring again.

"Tammi I said I was ok." I raised my voice.

"Mani."

I paused for a second hearing Nikki's voice. I was hoping he wasn't a paranoid mess today again.

"N...Nikki are you alright?"

"Can you please come over?" His voice sounded shakey.

"To your home? I asked.

"Yes."

"Nikki it's late I can't"

"I need you. Please!" He cried.

"Give me your adress?" ____

The car drove up to the front gate of the house. I couldn't see the house properly because all the lights were off and it was night time. I whined the window down in the back seat and pressed the buzzer.

"Who is it?" What do you want?" He sounded paranoid.

"It's me Nikki. Its Mani." I replied hesitantly.

The gates than opened and we drove in. I told my driver to wait for me because I wasn't going to be long. I got out of the car and headed up his stone steps. I knocked on the door several times but there was no answer. I twisted the door knob and to my pleasure the door was unlocked. I let my self in and the house was dark except for a little light that was beaming through one room.

I walked around the house. It was a single level home and I noticed there three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house was interior decorated with red velvet hangings, gothic furniture, antiques and gargoyles that loom at you out of the darkness. It was creepy being in here.

I walked towards the light that was coming out of one of the rooms. I slowly opened the door and saw Nikki. He was holding his pillow sobbing listening to his answering machine. I walked closer to him and listened to the machine play two messages.

BEEP

Frankie this is your mom. I know that your busy being a big star and all. I'd just really like to talk to you sometime call me back.

BEEP

You must have gotten the selfish gene from your father. This is selfish what your doing. I just... I just miss you frankie. Talk to me please. Dammit frankie.

End of Messages

It was his mom, my heart was aching for him. I walked to the answer machine and deleted both of the messges.

"Don't listen to a single thing that she says Nikki. It's not worth it she's not worth it. She's not worth crying over." I calmly spoke.

I moved and sat down beside him and started brushing his hair with my fingertips. I felt guilty for the way I treated him when I was in Italy. I could tell now that he was a very hurt an lonely person. I didn't want to just leave him here by himself.

"Why the fuck did you come?" He sneered.

"Because you asked me too Nikki." I snapped back at him.

He scoffed. "So now all of a sudden you care about me?"

I furrowed my brows. "Nik I always cared about you." I whispered.

"No one cares about me!" He raised his voice. "Not my mom, not my dad, not my band mates. And you especially!" He says sobbing and squeezing his pillow tighter.

"Nikki I do care about you, that's why I came when you called. That's why in London when you nearly overdosed I took care of you. I care about you so it scares me." I mumble and look down at the bed.

He lifted himself up on his elbows and looked at me with his piercing green eyes that had tears all over them.

"What scares you?" He asks with confusion.

I stay silent and just stare at the sheets not wanting to look at him. He leaned and shuffled closer to me. He lifted my chin up with his finger for me to look at him. He leaned closer to face me with his lips barley brushing mine.

"What scares you princess?" He asks again.

"How I feel about you." I breathlessly reply.

He leans forward and kisses my lips. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me on the bed with our lips still together and lays me down beside him. I kick off my flats and pull my lips away from him catching my breath. He brushes the side of my face with his thumb.

"Mani." He whispers.

"Yes." I reply.

"I want to be your boyfriend."

#motley crue #nikki sixx #vince neil #tommy lee #mick mars #thedirt #model #chanel iman #bwwm wmbw

[hellas-himself]

Crack Ship Holidays

Halloween Pt. 4- Cassian x Feyre

This is the last one for Halloween. The next set will be based around Thanksgiving. 

.

.

.

Cassian and I wake up when we hear Valo at the door. I try to push myself up but it’s no use. I hear Cassian laugh.

“I’ll take him out,” he says. He sounds half asleep.

“I can do it,” I say as I go face first back into my pillow.

I don’t realize I’ve fallen asleep until Cassian comes back to the room. He whistles.

“Wait,” Cas says and Val huffs. I hear Cassian undressing and feel the bed dip as he climbs back in. “Come on, boy.”

I smile as Val jumps up on the bed and promptly comes to try to lick my face. I’m surprised at how much it hurts just to move my arm as I reach out to pet him. Val walks over both of us before going to settle down by our feet. 

“You’re so warm,” Cassian says as he grabs me with his cold hands and pulls me against his chest.

“Oh my god, Cas! What the hell?!”

Valo barks as Cassian starts to laugh.

“I’ll make it up to you,” he says and presses a kiss to my shoulder.

“How?”

“Breakfast in bed?”

“Hm…”

“Oh, I think I know.”

Cassian pushes the covers off us both and I throw my pillow at him while he heads to the bathroom. Valo jumps on the floor, clearly bothered by the interruption. Sitting upright hurts more than it should. My entire body is aching, and my head-

“Fuck my life,” I groan. “Mor is going to kill me.”

I force myself to my feet and walk to the dresser. I make to take the wig off but see blue on my fingertips. But then I hear the sound of water running.

Cassian is getting the bathtub ready. He’s kneeling on the white rug with one hand in the water. I close the bathroom door and walk over to him, cursing the freezing tile floor. I hug him from behind, making him laugh.

“I got some of that weird shit you like for the bath. It’s with your stuff in the closet.”

I kiss his cheek and let him go. The bathroom closet is bigger than my own at the apartment. One side is all Cassian but the other is basically mine. I grab the light green one and when I walk back out, I show it to him.

“What’s this one do?” he asks.

“You’ll see.”

He chuckles and watches me set it down on the counter. I smile at him through the mirror. We brush our teeth together, and Cassian keeps me close to him despite there being two sinks. When we finish, Cassian goes to check on the tub.

“Want to help me take this off?” I ask and hold up my hands.

He’s incredibly gentle as he helps me out of the damn wig and he sets it down before untying my hair and running his fingers through it. He massages my scalp and I let out a sigh, leaning back against him.

“God, I love you,” I say softly. The way he tenses isn’t lost on me but he recovers and presses a kiss to the top of my hair.

“I love you, too, bunny.”

When the bathtub is ready, Cassian turns the water off and helps me get in. I sit down and raise a brow when I see him walk away.

“Where are you going?”

He looks at me funny. “To shower?”

“Oh… I thought-” I blush. “I thought you were joining me.”

Cas breaks out into a smile.

*

I smile as Cassian stands behind me and ties up my hair.

“You’re the best,” I say with a contented sigh.

“I know,” he whispers and leans down to kiss my neck and then my cheek.

I roll my eyes. “Don’t let it get to your head.”

Cassian laughs. His hands roam over my body and it’s not until I hear our niece say our names that it dawns on me that I’m only wearing his shirt and boxers.

“What are you doing?” Iliana asks and it takes Cassian a second too long to get his hands off me and step away.

“I’m cleaning up the dishes from last night,” I reply, wanting to shove my face into the freezer. I must be beet red.

“You look like mommy,” Iliana says as she climbs onto one of the bar stools. “She wears daddy’s clothes to sleep. Just like you wear tio’s clothes to sleep.”

“How did you like staying over tio’s house?” Cassian asks as he walks right over to her. She laughs as he picks her up and starts to throw her up in the air. Her laughter is contagious.

“It was fun!” she manages to reply. He sets her down on his shoulder and walks to the pantry. “Auntie Feyre and I got chocolate wasted. Daddy was wasted too, but it was on grown up juice.”

I snort.

“Since you’re skipping school today,” Cassian says as he opens the door, “I’m going to give you something.”

“What is it?” I hear her whisper loudly.

“Your dad and I would have this every time we cut class.”

“Which is why your dad and uncle needed your mom and I to help them pass,” I say and Cassian looks my way with a glare. I blow him a kiss and give him a wink.  

“Show me!” Iliana orders and Cassian disappears from view. I already know what they’re going to walk out with but seeing my niece holding two boxes of Oreos and Cas with the peanut butter still makes me laugh.

“I can’t eat this just yet,” Cas says as he brings her to the living room. “But you can…”

He sets her up with Sailor Moon and makes her a milkshake before he gets a start on breakfast. By the time Elain and Az wake up, I’m setting the table.

“Oh, nice!” I hear Az say and when I look towards the living room, I see him sit down beside Iliana who offers him an Oreo covered in peanut butter.

“You are responsible for her when she comes down from her sugar high,” Elain says to Cassian.

“It’ll be fine!” Cassian gives my sister a wink and she rolls her eyes.

We all sit at the table for breakfast- and as always, Cassian’s made a feast. I am not surprised when Rhys, Lucien and Mor show up in their pajamas.

“Oh shit, guys! Mor brought Andy for her very first Halloween hangover breakfast,” Cassian exclaims and Iliana starts laughing.  

“I hope this lives up to the hype,” Andromache says with a yawn. “I’m working for the next four days straight.”

“Feyre’s the lucky one, she gets this every morning,” Mor says as she promptly piles her plate high with food.

“Almost every morning,” I correct her. Andromache smiles and accepts the plate Mor pushes her way. She tries the poached eggs first. Then the French toast. The morir soñando Cassian makes every time he makes hangover breakfast. Cassian has to make extra of that and when he leaves the table, everyone’s attention falls on me.

“What?” I ask.

“Oh… nothing,” Mor says teasingly and I roll my eyes.

*

After we eat, everyone gathers in the living room to watch Nightmare before Christmas. I take that moment to go put some pants on.

By noon, Cas and I have the house back in order while everyone else is asleep, or getting there. We take Valo and Iliana outside so she can run around with him while we clean up the backyard. Cassian chases them around and I can’t even be mad. I love seeing him with her.

“You’re the best,” Iliana says as Cassian lays out on the ground. She’s sitting next to him and twirling a loose strand of hair in her fingers.

“Better than tio Rhys and Lucien?”

She smiles and nods. Cassian pulls her in for a hug at that. Valo lays up next to Cassian, clearly wanting more attention.

“How come you and auntie Feyre only have Valo?” Iliana asks.

“She can’t have pets where she lives,” Cassian replies.

“No. I know that! I meaaaaaan when are you going to have a baby? A real one?”

It’s rare for anyone to leave Cassian stunned. Iliana waits but grows impatient.

“I think he’s malfunctioned, auntie Feyre.”

It takes a moment for me to speak, but when I do, I surprise myself.

“Well, your tio hasn’t asked me to be his girlfriend. And I’m still looking for a job.”

“You haven’t?” Iliana looks down at Cas and shakes her head with clear disappointment.

Azriel steps outside and Iliana forgets about Cassian and I. She jumps to her feet and runs towards her father before he’s even neared the first step.  

“Daddy! Daddy! Tio and auntie Feyre are going to have a baby after he asks her to be his girlfriend and she gets a job!”

“That’s… That’s wonderful, sweetheart,” he says as he picks her up. He looks at me and I just shrug. Az kisses Iliana on the forehead. “So we’re playing Super Smash-”

“Can I play?! If I beat tio Rhys again, I get twenty bucks.”

“That’s exactly why I came looking for you. I wanna kick his ass.”

“I won’t tell mommy you said a bad word,” Iliana says and Az smiles bright.

“That’s my girl,” he says and pinches her cheek. “So, let’s go over the controls…”

I watch them go back inside, already plotting against Rhysand. It’s far too easy to imagine Cassian just like that. But it isn’t Iliana he’s holding. I look over to where he is, still lying on the ground. I’m too afraid to ask why he looks as though he’s made a huge mistake.

I go back to folding chairs.  

*

I’m lying on my stomach on the sofa. I have one arm hanging off the edge and resting on Valo who is happily chewing on a toy. I love when our family is home, but it’s nice to sit in relative quiet. Especially with how bad my head hurts. Mor practically begged me to keep the wig after I told her I’d fallen asleep in it. Not because I fell asleep in it, but because of the events leading up to that.

I hear the front door open and Valo perks up.

“Daddy’s home,” I say as if he needs more incentive to haul ass to the door.

“Hey, relax!” Cassian exclaims and I laugh softly to myself. I see him walk past the living room with four boxes of pizza. The smell is divine.

“Need help?” I call, pushing myself up.

“No!”

I roll my eyes and go to the kitchen anyway. He has his back to me and is grabbing plates from the cabinet.

“What are we drinking?” I ask and go to the fridge.

“Whatever.”

I look his way and just sigh. I close the fridge and cross my arms.

“What is wrong? And don’t tell me nothing. You’ve been weird since everyone left.”

“Nothing is wrong,” he says and turns around, handing me a plate. I take it and put it down on the counter. Cassian sighs. “Beer.”

I get a beer from the fridge and use the hem of my shirt to open it. I hold it out to him and when he doesn’t take it, I set it a little too hard on the counter.

“Is this because of what I said?”

Cassian lets out an exasperated sigh.

“No. Nothing is wrong. Can we just eat?”

“You didn’t have to leave.”

“I wanted to drive. Sue me.”

When I roll my eyes Cassian walks past me and grabs his beer.

“I’m going to eat. I’m not doing this right now.”

“Doing what?” I ask but he keeps going. “Hey! Don’t you walk away from me! I’m talking to you!”

“I can hear you just fine.”

“I didn’t mean to shout,” I say, trying to keep my voice level. “But dammit, Cas. I am not Nesta. If you’re mad at me, tell me. Tell me what is wrong so I can fix it.”

That stops him. I hate to see him so tense, and hate the fact that it’s my fault even more.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything to Lia. But it doesn’t make it untrue.”

“That’s not-” Cassian sighs and turns around. He puts the beer down and runs his fingers through his hair. “It’s nothing you said. Nothing you did.”

“Then what is it?”

“I don’t know, Feyre… I just- I don’t know how to do this without worrying that I’m going to fuck it up.”

“Cassian…”

“I shouldn’t have needed our nine-year-old niece pointing out how fucking selfish I’ve been. You deserve better than that.”

“Better than what? You are the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. What could be better than that?”

He doesn’t answer me. So I walk towards him and hate that he won’t look at me.

“I meant it when I said you make me feel alive,” I say as I take his hand in mine. “And I know… I know no one is perfect and we’re going to fight. We’re not always going to be happy. But I know that because I have you. I don’t have to be perfect and happy all the time. And neither do you.”

He looks at me in disbelief.

“You have never tried to force me to be something I’m not. I didn’t have to hide how I felt just so it was easier to deal with. You love me when I’m at my worst. And I love you, Cassian. Good or bad. Especially when things are bad.”

Cassian lets out a shaken breath.

“And you are not selfish. You’ve given me everything I needed, and that’s all I want to be for you.”

“You are. You are everything I need,” he says. “I love you, bunny. More than anyone, more than anything.”

I let go of his hand and wrap my arms around him. He kisses the top of my head before hugging me.

“I… I do want more. With you,” I find myself saying. “But if you’re not ready for that, I understand.”

“I never said I wasn’t.”

“You haven’t said that you are.”

He sighs. “That’s my fault. I’m sorry.”

“You want more than this?” I ask, pulling back to look up at him. I already know his answer by the look in his eyes, but he still speaks.

“It’s all I think about,” he replies. “I just wasn’t sure if you were ready, if you’d even want that with me.”

“Cas…”

“I’ll try to be better about communicating.” He says it mockingly but I know he means it.

“You’re an ass.”

Cassian grins.

“So… I ask you to be my girlfriend, you’ll make babies with me?” he asks and I laugh.

“Eventually,” I answer haughtily. “I mean, is it too soon for us to even think about that? Is that something you want?”

“With you? Yeah.”

I don’t think it’s possible for my heart to feel fuller than it does right now.

“Good. I want that with you, too.”

His smile is like nothing else I’ve seen before. He’s fucking beautiful.

“Why are you looking at me like you’re about to break out your sketchbook?” he asks.

“Because I just might. But we should eat first- it might take a while and I want to get it right.”

“No, wait,” he says and I raise a brow as he keeps me from walking away. “Bunny, will you be my girlfriend?”

I smile, bringing my hands to his chest.

“Really?” I whisper and he nods. I get on my tip toes and kiss him. “Absolutely yes.”

Cassian hugs me tight and we laugh as Valo comes running and bumps into us.

“Hey, Val. I love you, boy, but mommy and I have something important to talk about.”

Cas hauls me over his shoulder before I can react and Valo starts to bark. He carries me to the bedroom and kicks the door shut.

We forget about the pizza. 

#crack ship holidays #halloween #cassian x feyre #part four of four #self indulgence #yall aint ask for this #cassian is a dork #he is to be protected at all costs #so is their dog #and niece #and I just really love this world I made up ok #Feyre Archeron #cassian

[jeonminhao]

Best Regards, Jeon Jungkook

BTS JEON JUNGKOOK | 2.5K WORDS  |  FLUFF

Rating : PG-15  | Pairing : Jungkook x Reader

Summary: Neigbor AU!   “You really didn’t hate Jeon Jungkook, the resident graphic designer with – as Seokjin had put it – a heart of gold and zero self-perseverance. You really didn’t think you bore any resentment for the tenant who lived next to your apartment. Or that was what you were trying to think for the past month until you saw three post-it notes stuck on your apartment door when you got home from a meeting.”

A/N. I’m trying to write again so here goes nothing! Let me know what you think! Find me on AO3 :D

You didn’t hate your neighbor, really. You barely knew the guy! Your landlord only told you his name was Jungkook and that he was a graphic designer. “Maybe you knew each other!” Seokjin, your overly optimistic borderline dopey landlord had said when you mentioned you were a music producer. That was not how it works, but you couldn’t really destroy your landlord’s excitement, so you replied him with a smile. You didn’t think you’ve even met the guy when you first moved in aside from the note slipped under your door telling you to stop making loud noises at night. It would have been fine if it weren’t for the fact that he took the time to doodles dying stick figures on one corner with one stick figure clanging cymbals on the other corner (you might have ended up replying with a very bad doodle and an equally passive-aggressive note but that was not the point).

You really didn’t hate Jeon Jungkook, the resident graphic designer with – as Seokjin had put it – a heart of gold and zero self-perseverance. Min Yoongi, the resident grumpy cat lady who happened to be your cousin, had also told you the same thing, although with a very much more interesting choice of words (“the dumbass who loves Iron Man a little too much and looked like a muscly rabbit” Yoongi said as he helped you unload some boxes). But then again, you’ve spent most of your life with Yoongi and you knew the guy never said anything nice to anyone except for his cats. Hell, he even told you, his favorite cousin, that you looked like 'the hairball his cat hacked up’ when you fought off some bullies who made fun of him.

“He’s not that bad.” Jimin, the beautiful dancer who lived two floors above yours commented the other day. He had accidentally listened to Yoongi’s very creative opinions on Jungkook. “Kinda dumb when it comes to girls, but a very decent guy. You look like you can get along with him.”

“Excuse me, are you implying I’m kinda dumb too?” You asked.

Jimin only flashed you a grin as he sauntered off and it reminded you of Yoongi’s cat that would always try to claw your face whenever you came too close to it.

“Come to think of it, you are similar in some ways,” Hoseok, your best friend, commented offhandedly as he picked up another box. “You have that look on your face.”

“What? Beauty?”

“It’s more of a perpetually confused look. But whatever helps you sleep at night.”

(You chucked your sandal at his head at his comment.)

So yes, you really didn’t think you bore any resentment for the tenant who lived next to your apartment. Or that was what you were trying to think for the past month until you saw three post-it notes stuck on your apartment door when you got home from a meeting.

“Do you want me to buy you a headphone? :(“

“It’s amazing how you and Yoongi and Hoseok are friends for so long! I wouldn’t have survived it.”

And more intricate doodles of what you thought was you screaming while the other stick figures cried in the corner.

.

Jeon Jungkook was a little shit and you didn’t know why everyone thought you’d get along with him. You, as the mature adult that you were, decided to play loud music that night only for Jungkook to slip more notes and stupid passive-aggressive doodle at midnight. The exchange went on for the next three months. Which was why you were now lying on Yoongi’s couch, asking him for more revenge ideas. You had played most of the songs on your favorite playlist, to the ones you hated. And you had collected a pile of post-it notes with doodles and weird notes that you were sure were filled with more passive aggressive messages and insults.

“He’s a little shit, Yoongi.” You groaned.

“You have one more thing in common then,” Yoongi replied.

“I am not!”

“Didn’t you try to make better brownies for our neighbors, Namjoon last week?” You opened your mouth to retort, only for Yoongi to cut you off, “and both of you ended up sending tons of food to our poor neighbors by the end of the week.”

“He started it.” You grumbled.

You should have known better. You should have left the apartment when you realized Yoongi was silent for a good minute before his lips curled into the most obnoxious smile you have ever seen.

“[Y/N]…” he started with a manic grin. “Do… do you have a crush on Jeon Jungkook?”

“I DO NOT!”

You definitely did not have a crush on your tall, cute neighbor of yours that always tried to get on your nerve. And the heat on your cheeks was definitely because of the hot weather. Nothing to do with how Yoongi kept staring at you with that stupid grin or the thought of Steve that popped into your mind.

.

“Hey, [Y/N].” You jumped at the voice and quickly turned around to face Jungkook standing by his door with his eyebrows raised. His lips quirked into a smirk at how wide-eyed you were.

“Jungkook.” You nodded, trying to calm your racing heart.

“Hey, can you play those cute songs you blast the other day? I kinda like it.” Wait, what?

“Do you not have iTunes, Jungkook? You know you can buy the tracks online, right?”

“It’s free.” He shrugged. “I’ll draw you some doodles if you want.”

You gawked at him. Jungkook, bless his heart, had the decency to look a little sheepish for a mere second before he went back to his annoying self.

“Don’t forget to play the songs!” He grinned before he entered his apartment, leaving you gaping at his door in confusion and shock.

.

“Were you trying to flirt with her?” Taehyung asked the moment Jungkook closed the door behind him.

“Uh…”

“Cause that’s so pathetic.” Taehyung snorted, ignoring how red his best friend’s face had become. “Man, I told you to be all cute and romantic and you decided that sending weird notes and doodles are romantic?”

Jungkook groaned and buried his face in the couch while his best friend watched him from the kitchen, clearly used to his antics. “Wh-ami-sup-to—do!”

“Well, you could start by actually talking to her and not acting like a kid. She’s pretty nice once you get to know her.” Jungkook quickly turned to Taehyung, his eyes wide.

“You’ve talked to her?!”

“She gave me some brownies, which, in my opinion, taste better than yours.” Taehyung shrugged, sipping his coffee while he enjoyed the sight of Jungkook flailing on the couch, mumbling more incoherent words. “I can’t believe you have a crush on your neighbor and your first idea is to tell her she played her music too loud.”

Jungkook was about to reply when he heard it. The bubbly pop music she had played the other day. The songs he requested her to play for her. His face bloomed into what Taehyung described as ‘disgusting, love-sick, puppy face’.

“Do you think she likes me too?”

“Jesus, you’re really pathetic, Jungkook. This is why you’ve been single all your life.”

.

You really didn’t think you like him. You were just entertaining him. Maybe he was too broke to buy one track on iTunes. Maybe his laptop broke. You were just doing him a favor. Definitely not because he flashed you that cute smile that morning when you picked up your mails. Not because of the way your heart beat a little faster at the sight of him helping your neighbor and playing with some random dogs by the street. Most definitely not because of the butterflies in your stomach every time he greeted you in the hallway. It was justa favor.

But when you jumped out of your couch to run to the front door, beaming from ear to ear at the little notes and cute doodles he drew you for the day, you knew it wasn’t just some simple favor for a neighbor. He drew you a little cat and you thought it was you, judging from the frown on the face and your favorite dress. It was too adorable and you ended up sticking it on the fridge along with the other doodles he had given you.

You were, as Yoongi and Hoseok had said, completely and utterly fucked.

.

Friday was supposed to be a good day. But it rained the moment you exited the building and you had to deal with traffic. As if it wasn’t bad enough for you, you ripped a hole on your rain boots on your way to a meeting. You had to sit with wet socks for a good three hours, freezing your ass off because you had also forgotten to bring your favorite scarf. The client ended up not liking the song and ordered you to do more revision, much to your frustration. But the highlight of your awful day has got to be the time when you realized you’ve forgotten your keys and locked yourself out of your own apartment while Seokjin was away for a vacation with his daughter and Yoongi was visiting his family for the weekend.

“Great.” You sniffled, rubbing your nose pink as you sat down in front of your apartment. Your hair and clothes were wet from the rainstorm and you wondered if your makeup was still intact or you’ve already turned into a sad raccoon. You were too engrossed in your pity-party for one to notice the opened door next to you. You didn’t even notice it until said person crouched in front of you with worry plastered all over his face.

“[Y/N]?” Jungkook hesitantly called.

He smelled like pine and fresh soap and something else that made you feel at home. You looked up at him, startled at how worried he looked.

“Are you okay?”

At his words, you sniffled a little louder, your eyes burned with fresh tears. He gently put his hand on yours in comfort and it was like a dam broke, the tears you desperately tried to keep in check rushed down your cheeks.

“I can’t get inside!” You wailed, slapping the door pathetically.

“Shit. Please don’t cry. Oh, shit–” Jungkook panicked. “Do- do you want to go inside? I can make you some tea?”

You really didn’t know why it just made you cried harder.

“Y-yes.” You hiccupped between your tears as you let Jungkook guided you inside his apartment.

.

Jungkook’s apartment was like how you imagined an artist’ apartment would look like. Books scattered near the bookshelf, his laptop propped on the coffee table with sketches strewn all over the floor. There was a small pot of cactus by the window. It was oddly endearing and so Steve.

“You can sit here.” He offered, grabbing all his sketches and dumping it on the lone couch beside you. “I’ll get you some towels and clothes? Will that be okay? I can make you tea too.” He rambled.

You can only manage a weak nod, trailing behind Jungkook while he dug out a T-shirt and a pair of sweatpants from his bedroom.

“You have a nice apartment.” You said between hiccups. “I like the little cactus.”

He laughed and it almost sent your heart into overdrive. He had that adorable blush on his cheeks as he led you to the bathroom, explaining which one was soap and which was shampoo in case you want to use it. You didn’t really pay attention to it, too focused on the way he smiled and the affectionate pat on your head before he left you alone. And if you accidentally used the soap on your hair, it was understandable. You were sad and tired.

.

Jungkook was sitting on the kitchen counter when you finally stepped out of the bathroom with a T-shirt and sweatpants that were definitely too large for you. You tried to pull up the pants as you waddled to the kitchen, trying not to trip on your pants by accident (damn Jungkook and his long legs). He quickly looked up, face blooming into a warm smile at the sight of you standing in front of him (his brain short-circuited at how adorable you looked in his clothes but he would never tell you that).

“TEA!” He said a little too loud, blushing as he almost shoved the hot mug at you.

“Thank you.” You hesitantly took it, sipping and sighing in relief as it slowly warmed your body.

“I have to finish some work first but you’re free to do anything here. You can grab anything to eat if you’re hungry or you can just sleep. Just–,” he paused, “just make yourself at home.”

You dumbly nodded while Jungkook ran to the living room, wanting to get away from you as soon as possible so you wouldn’t see how red his cheeks were. Too tired to do anything, you decided to join Jungkook in the living room. You walked past the fridge, smiling at the little notes he had until your eyes caught the familiar notes and handwriting that definitely belonged to you. The little ugly doodles you did for him, the weird messages. You froze as it dawned on you. Jungkook had kept every single note you have sent him and stuck them all over his fridge.

“Hey are you ok–,” Jungkook’s question died out when he saw you standing in front of his fridge, holding a piece of paper.

“You kept this?” You softly asked.

“Uhh–,” Jungkook’s mouth slightly opened, trying to find an excuse that doesn’t scream ‘I have the biggest crush on you’.

“That’s really sweet.” You giggled, feeling warmth creeping up your face. You didn’t know if it was the tea or the weather that made you look at him in the eyes and said, “I kept yours too.”

Jungkook was sure his brain stopped working the moment the words escaped your lips. You kept his doodles. The doodles Taehyung thought was a dumb tactic to get your attention. He thought he heard you said it was cute and you really liked them, but he couldn’t really hear it over how loud his heartbeat was. So, being the smart person that he was, he took a step closer towards you and blurted out, “I really want to kiss you.”

(He did get to kiss you, only to panic a moment later when he felt how feverish you were.)

“I’m okay.” You insisted as Jungkook dragged you to his bed, forcing you to take some medicine and get some sleep. “Kiss me, please?”

“You’re really sick, [Y/N]. Let’s talk about this tomorrow okay? When you feel better.” He smiled, though he still planted a soft kiss on your forehead.

“Okay.” You cutely nodded and Jungkook swore he died and went to heaven when you reached out your hand to hold his before you fell asleep.

#sfwbangtan #jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook fic #jungkook x reader #jungkook scenarios #bts #bts x reader

[bbyboybrock--archived]

Serendipity (C.B) | Chapter 22

Summary: Serendipity: (n) the chance occurrence of events in a beneficial way

Popular youtuber Isabella Hart, known as Bella to her audience, bends over backwards to separate her youtube life from her private life. Known for her overall clean content and her bubbly attitude, Isabella has a wild side to her that only those inside the youtube community know about. When Bella meets Colby during one of the trap house parties she finally meets someone she can be her genuine self with. When trouble arises after their meeting, will Bella be able to hand the pressure or will she destroy her relationship with Colby as well as herself in the process. [This starts in 2018]

Written: 2019

Word Count: 3,408

Warnings: swearing

Serendipity Masterlist

"Just be safe, all of you. Keep me updated. I'll be home all night in case you guys get arrested again." I joke as I kiss Colby and hug Sam goodbye.

"We're always safe and there is like, no way we can get arrested for this. We've already gone there a few times." Colby says ruffling my head.

"Yeah, we're not going back there." I watch them walk down the hall before closing the door and throwing myself on the couch.

I have stuff I should do, that I need to do. I can't get over this overwhelming feeling that something bad is going to happen tonight. Ever since Sam and Colby got back from Florida, things have been off. Nothing major where they've been completely changed by that experience. I know that Sam has been feeling weird about a lot of things. He even started overthinking more than he should. Colby keeps saying that everything is fine, but he hasn't even talked to me about what happened. He has trouble sleeping most nights. I end up going to bed before him, and I've been going to bed close to 2 am. It's been two months, and I don't want to push him, but I'm worried.

I can't tell Sam and Colby what to do. They're grown, men. I can't tell them that I don't want them going back to ritual tunnel with Matt and Elton just because I feel like something bad is going to happen. Just like how I can't force Colby to open up to me. He's my boyfriend, and I love him, but he has to want to come to me with his problems. If I charge at him with all my concerns and questions about his wellbeing, he might retreat further into his shell.

I push myself off the couch and grab my phone to order food. I go into my office and grab my laptop and headphones. I also take my blanket and adjust the pillows on the couch. I decided after one particularly scary night when Colby left me home alone to film with Sam that it would be best for me to work in the living room. I finish setting up my little impromptu work station and wait for my food to be delivered.

I've been working on an album for the past few months and it's finally being released next month. Nick wants me to do an album release party where we invite fans and a few people in the industry to see if anyone will sign me. I'm working on new merch designs that'll be released with the album. I turn on the tv and start working.

****

I wake up to the sound of glass breaking. I rub my eyes to see that I'm in a pitch-black room. Judging by my surroundings, I think I'm in bed. The last thing I remember was watching a movie in the living room. I don't remember falling asleep or going into the bedroom. I get out of bed quickly and rush to the living room where Colby is kneeling on the floor.

"Babe?" Colby looks up for a second and then goes back to cleaning up what he dropped.

"I didn't mean to wake you. I accidentally broke your Winnie the Pooh mug. I'm sorry, I'll get you a new one." I quickly grab the broom from the closet and hand it to Colby.

"It's fine, it's just a mug. When did you get home?" I start cleaning up what's left on the table, which is just my work stuff. Colby already threw away my food trash.

"We got back a while ago. I was in Sam's apartment until 15 minutes ago." Colby empties the dustpan and puts everything back in the closet.

"Really? Doing what?" I fix the pillows on the couch and sit down.

"We were just talking." Colby leans against the doorframe to our little hallway.

"About what? Did something happen tonight? Are—"

"What's with the third degree, Isabella? Sam and I are best friends and we sit around talking all the time."

"I'm sorry, you just seem off."

"No, you shouldn't have to apologize. I'm sorry for snapping. It's late and some shit happened tonight. I'm just tired. I'm tired and I really need a shower. Can we talk about this later?"

"Yeah, no, for sure, we can do this later. Go take a shower and get to bed. I'll leave you alone." I collect my things from the table, kiss Colby on the cheek, and put everything back in my office.

I climb in bed and decide to scroll through Twitter while waiting for Colby to get out of the shower. I stop on a tweet from the Sam and Colby twitter account about them almost losing their lives tonight. I close twitter and listen to some music. Nearly half an hour later Colby comes in, turns off the light, and flops down next to me. Almost instinctively, he wraps his arms around me. I turn the music off and try to sleep.

I stop thinking about that tweet. What happened? If what happened was worse than it turned out to be, would I still be sleeping on the living room floor thinking I'm going to wake up to Colby being home or would I be standing in a hospital? I can understand Colby not wanting to talk about it right now. He's probably still processing what happened. I wish I hadn't seen that tweet. Now I'm left with a million little questions bouncing around in my head. I can only imagine how Colby's feeling right now.

I adjust myself in his arms so I'm facing him. I softly stroking his hair and listen to his breathing. I don't know what happened, but the idea that I could have lost him tonight is scaring me shitless. I wouldn't be right here right now sleeping next to him. I probably would be regretting all the times I didn't take advantage of Colby's presence because I think he's always going to be here. His smell is all over this apartment, and it would be for a while. I would miss the fact that when we're sleeping, Colby is always touching me in some way. Like he's reassuring himself that I'm here. This is how Colby must have felt when I tried to kill myself. I hate myself for even doing that to him.

How would I even find out? Would they have died inside the tunnel? Would I have woken up tomorrow to an empty apartment? Would I spend the day calling every single police station in the area to see if they had gotten arrested only to find out that they were nowhere to be found? Would random people in the forest find them right away or would it take days? Would I deny even looking in the tunnel because I would hope that Colby is somewhere in the area hiding or playing a sick and mean prank? Who knows? Just thinking about this is making me feel nauseous. I focus on the sound of Colby breathing again and try to sleep.

****

"I'm coming! Jesus Christ..." I shuffle through the apartment to open the door to reveal Addison holding coffees and food.

"I know, I know. I have a key but I don't want to risk walking in on you and Colby. Were you still asleep? It's like 9 am. Where is Colby?" Addison walks in and starts setting everything down on the counter when everything from last night floods its way to the front of my brain.

Colby wasn't there when I woke up. I rush to the fridge to find a note saying that he and Sam are in a meeting and he doesn't know when he'll be back. For a second I thought that I dreamed Colby coming home but everything else was real.

"I didn't sleep much last night. Kinda slept through my alarms. Colby is in a meeting. Listen, Addy right now isn't a good time." I take a coffee from Addison and take a big gulp. Luckily, it wasn't too hot.

"Okay, but you have deadlines. I know it sounds rude but you have your album release party next month and vendors need to do test designs to make sure everything goes smoothly. Just give me everything that you have completed and I will be out of your hair. I'm your assistant, so let me assist you." Addison takes my coffee from me as I was drinking so I wouldn't brush her off.

"Fine. I'll set you up in my office. I finished the merch designs so you can email those as well as go through and start drafting the emails for the VIP list for the event. I also really need a nap so I'm going to eat the food you brought, take a shower, and then sleep on the couch. I'm giving you my phone. Only wake me up if I'm needed to approve something for a vendor or someone on the pre-approved list calls. And can you text Colby from my phone that you're here in case I'm asleep when he comes home? I don't want him to get scared." I bring Addison to my office and start pulling up everything I worked on last night onto the big computer. I'm hoping Addison will be gone by the time Colby comes home so I can see if he'll talk about what happened last night while he was out.

I take a sip of my coffee before hopping into the shower. I take a quick shower to clear my mind a little. I don't even wash my hair. I did that last night and I don't want the pink in my hair to fade out too much. I get out, change into comfy clothes, and then decided to take my nap in bed so I don't have to make it right now.

****

I climbed into the backseat of Colby's red Toyota Corolla because whenever Sam Colby and I need to go somewhere together, Sam always gets the front seat if I'm not driving my car. Not that I'm complaining too much. Sam was here first. Sam is Colby's best friend. He might even be his platonic soulmate. I'm only Colby's girlfriend and I would have a problem if Colby bumped Sam to the backseat because of me.

My quick nap ended up being nearly 2 hours despite chugging an entire cup of coffee to avoid that from happening. Addison woke me up because Sam texted me asking to go to lunch. And then soon after, he called. She said the tone in his voice sounded urgent and that's the only reason why she woke me up. When she handed me the phone Sam said that both he and Colby wanted to talk. So I told him that I would be ready by the time they came to pick me up. I changed quickly and waited nervously with Addison until they came.

Which leads to this exact moment in time. The music is on, but low. I can't even tell what station it's on. It might be on a long commercial break that won't end until we've neared our destination. The tension in the car is thicker than Colby's vape smoke. We make small talk, about trivial things: how our day has been, the strangely cool weather— things none of us care about. They're speaking lower than normal and I can barely hear them. It's what they don't talk about that's deafening: what happened last night and what their meeting is about.

Colby pulls into a parking lot of an unknown diner and all three of us get out. When we're seated, we still don't talk about what actually needs to be talked about. Instead, we continue our small talk, this time about what we should order. A few minutes later the waitress takes our order and after she leaves we still don't talk. I realize that it's because they don't want to be interrupted, which scared me more because what could have possibly happened last night where they wanted to take me out of our complex and have lunch in a random diner.

"Why do I feel like both of you are going to dump me?" I ask before taking a sip of my soda. The food finally arrived and I was getting tired of the unspoken.

"No, no we just wanted to get some advice from you. We just figured that it would be best to feed you beforehand." Colby responds. He's smiling, but not really. The corners of his mouth are making the shape of a smile, but the crinkles in the corners of his eyes aren't there. The same goes for Sam.

"Advice about what?" I pick up a fry and eat it slowly. I didn't eat it because I'm hungry, but because I needed to calm myself.

"Things just don't feel right with us right now. Everything has felt off since Florida and everything that's happened last night just doesn't help this feeling. We've been escaped pretty dangerous situations both times, but you know the rule of three. We've talked to our families and management this morning and they all suggested taking a break. Since you're the only one who took a break like this that we know of, we wanted your advice on that." Sam explains.

I stop stress eating my fries for a second and think carefully of what I'm about to say.

"You two have been making content for youtube practically nonstop since you switched platforms, so yes, in my opinion, you guys should definitely take a break. Especially because you guys are starting to feel off and what's happened. Do it now before you burn out later and regret it."

"Okay, what do you suggest we do? How do we go about this break?" Colby asks. He's not even looking at me. I look both of them in the eyes and the life that used to be in them before is nearly gone.

"You have a few things to consider: how long you're taking a break for, the purpose for the break, and how much you want to disconnect. For example, when I took my break, there was a time where I didn't think I was going to go back to the social media world. When I figured that I was going to come back, I set a mini deadline. The original purpose for my break was to let the drama around me fade and possible quit and go back to having a normal life. The new purpose became to change how I was on the internet. And when I disconnected I went cold turkey; I only exited through the inactive shells of my accounts. Nobody knew a thing about me because I didn't even want you guys positing anything about me on your social media. So, Sam and Colby, how long are you guys going to be gone, what is the goal of your hiatus, and how inactive do you want to be?" Sam and Colby look at each other for a second.

"We'll think about it. We do want to go back eventually. We just don't know when yet. Everyone we've talked to so far said that we should take a break while everything cools down. Especially with the whole thing with us getting arrested not being completely done yet. But thank you." Sam explains before finally starting to eat his food.

We all eat like our previous conversation didn't just happen. Colby is more quiet than usual. But I don't push, I will never push. If I push, Colby goes away.

****

Eventually, we finished talking and they take me back to the apartment. I only got dropped off because Sam and Colby still had another meeting. When I got home Addison left for the day and I had nothing left to do. So I wandered the apartment cleaning and doing the chores. I start doing the laundry, clean the sink, finally make the bed, etc. I run across the shopping list Colby and I keep on the fridge. It's a mix of food items and general hygiene things that we need. When one of us notices that something's out, we write it on the list and we either go together or one of us does the shopping. I took the list and went to Target.

When I got home I noticed Colby's keys on the hook. I set the bags on the counter and start unloading them.

"Colbs! I'm home and I did the shopping! Come help please!" I should as I put a tub of ice cream in the freezer. He doesn't respond. I don't even know where he is.

"Colby?" I shout again. I wait a few seconds before I stop what I was doing and start to look for Colby.

First I look upstairs. Sometimes he has his volume up so loud in his headphones that he can't hear me. He's not there so I walk back down and check in the bedroom. When I open the door I find Colby sitting on the floor with his back against the bed. Something's wrong. He's breathing heavy with his hand over his chest.

"Colby, what's wrong?" I rush over to him and place my hand on his back. He doesn't respond.

"Whatever it is, it's going to be okay. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. Why don't we sit on the bed." I stand up and help Colby up slowly and have him sit on the bed. I sit next to him and have him lay down and put his head in my lap.

"Let's just focus on breathing... let's just count for now. Let's count and breathe. Ready? One— Come on baby, count with me— breath in, breathe out, one... breathe in, breathe out, two... good job, keep going..." I stroke Colby's hair as we count together.

He stares up at me with tears in his eyes threatening to fall. The whole time I kept a small smile but seeing him like this was killing me. He calmed down by the time we got to eight. But I don't stop stroking his hair. I start to softly sing the only thing that I can think of, Colby's song. I do that until Colby slowly drifts to sleep. When his eyes finally close, the tears he was holding back finally fall. I dry his face, lift his head so I could get up, and kiss his forehead before writing him a note that I would be right back.

I quietly leave the apartment and walk over to Sam's. I knock and wait. I don't even know if Sam's home or even alone. I knock harder and fast and eventually, Sam opens the door.

"Isabella? What's up?" Sam moves out of the way so I could walk in.

"Look, I'm sorry to barge in and I know you have a lot to do but I really need you to tell me what happened last night." Sam closes the door and stands by me.

"Izzy, I really think you should talk to Colby about that. I mean, I could tell you but it's not going to be the same as him telling you and talking about it."

"Colby is Colby; he's not going to tell me anything if he knows that I'm going to worry about him. You know that. He still hasn't even told me about Florida. But I'm his girlfriend so I'm going to worry about him either way. I just want to be able to help him. And most importantly, I want to know why the hell I came home to my boyfriend having a fucking panic attack in our bedroom."

"What? Is he—" Sam starts walking to the door.

"He's fine. I got him to calm down. He's sleeping right now. Please, Sam, you know Colby better than anyone. I love him and I know you love him too so help me help him. Just tell me what happened. You don't have to talk about when you got arrested, just at least tell me about last night." Sam hesitates for a minute. He stares at me for a few seconds before sighing.

"Fine," he ruffles his hair, "I'll tell you everything. Let's go talk in the filming room."

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