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restapesta · 3 years

Text

gossip never ends

Mickey Milkovich simply just showed up one day at the Old Army, tattoos on his knuckles and a scowl on his face. Lola couldn't help but be intrigued -- nobody lasts here long enough to pique her interest, but there was something special about this guy. The gossip spreads like wildfire, but Mickey's something else altogether -- it's just a matter of time before Lola and her friends figured out why.

OR: How Mickey's coworkers found out about who Mickey really was back in season 10 -- this is more of an outlook on Mickey and his feelings throughout season 10 and how it reflected on his job and altogether his demeanor.

This is based on a prompt by @whatwouldmickeydo which was also even more explored by one of my favorite Gallavich accounts on Tumblr @ianandmickeygallavich -- so, I simply just worked through what they had already created. I hope they don't mind I used their prompt and this is dedicated to both of them! Enjoy!

words: 5.3k

The gossip began almost the exact moment Mickey was introduced to the three workers by the manager.

The Old Army staff was not a stranger to new workers coming and going, some people sticking around longer, working for a couple of months without stop, maybe even sticking around for a full-time position; some just passing through while on trial-basis, failing to meet the manager's demands and simply moving on to find better or more fitting employment -- but the sight of Mickey Milkovich was definitely not something, Lola thought, anybody, not just the curious employees, was used to.

Lola fell into the group of people who had been working at the store for ages now, starting years ago and still sticking around now, subsequently being present for all the biggest changes made to and within the popular store. She saw the interior change, the managers shift, the employees getting hired and fired -- she saw it all. It couldn't be said for many people. Honestly, only three members of the Old Army staff had actually been working full-time here, while everybody else was just a passing face.

She was so used to seeing new faces that it simply did not phase her anymore -- Lola had her own stable position in the store; she had her colleagues which she got along with, and she never paid much attention to the newbies once they came into the store. She knew it was almost always just for a short while, basically until they made a mistake while working and got politely declined for the position, so she usually just remained civil, not engaging in much mingling or bonding -- it wouldn't last anyway.

The staff change happened way too often, especially with security. The store management had no idea how to pick the right person for the job -- they either always chose the gangly, skinny types; the ones who couldn't defend others or themselves from a burglar if their life depended on it, or they chose the fatties who had a donut too many during their break and couldn't chase ten feet after the culprit.

Still, this guy -- this new, weirdly interesting guy -- seemed promising.

Lola had no idea where they managed to find him -- he was kinda hot, and definitely in really good shape with thighs and calves that could probably kill if they wanted to. He seemed crude and unapproachable, and the brooding, mysterious attitude definitely didn't quench anybody's curiosity as to where the hell he came from and how the hell they managed to find him of all the people in the world. A scowl was constantly etched on the newcomer's face -- not just when he was being introduced to the staff by the manager, as Lola thought would be the case -- but literally at every single given moment of the workday.

There were only rare moments Lola and the others saw him smile -- usually every single one of those moments being when he was texting someone during his break, or when he was coming back from having lunch with someone at the food court. Not that anyone would dare ask who, although they definitely speculated.

Mickey was the type of guy Lola was interested in making friends with. She approached him once during their shared shift -- usually, she wouldn't even bother, seeing how these guards come and go, but this one really piqued her interest -- trying to figure out who he was, where he came from, what he was doing here. Was he single? She needed to know for her lady friend considering how he was most definitely a sight for sore eyes.

It came as somewhat a surprise when he gave off clipped answers to her questions, most of them not even answering.

"Did you always work security?" She'd ask with a bright smile.

"You could say that."

Silence.

"How long are you planning on staying with us?" Trial-basis or undefined employment? Lola wondered silently.

"Until Larry finds me a better job."

Silence.

"Who?"

Silence. And then a quick, "Never mind."

Lola had officially given up on her efforts to befriend and find out more about the man once Mickey gave her a sharp, pointed stare after she pointed out he didn't have a ring on his finger, hoping he would reveal his relationship status to her.

She most certainly wasn't that lucky, and she almost shat her pants at the murderous expression on his face. She didn't ask again.

The others tried to pry information out of Mickey too, but they certainly lacked the subtlety Lola had. She honestly couldn't say she was the most discreet person in the world, but she was in the Old Army, considering how she found herself working with the two most non-discreet people in the world. Lola was upfront too -- let's not get that wrong.

But at least she didn't outright ask him if he was in a gang like Jeremy did.

"I wanted to know if the tattoos were gang symbols! They freaked me out!" The skinny twenty-year-old replied when the other workers gaped at him with wide eyes.

Jenna shook her head. "Dude, you can't just ask a guy if he was in a gang."

He wouldn't reveal his age, let alone his gang status if he had one, Lola scolded Jeremy mentally. The guy was as open as a seashell -- you could try and pry it open to see if it had a pearl inside, but you'll most likely fail and, to be honest, probably get pinched in the process, if not careful. It was perhaps best not to even try or, if you did, to proceed with extreme caution. A bunch of seashells didn't even have pearls in them anyway, so it'd all be useless in the end.

It only took a week for the staff to find out how Mickey managed to find himself here at Old Army out of all the possible places in the world. It was a shock, to say the least.

One morning, the revelation came when Larry Seaver showed up to the store, dressed in a nice suit and tie, wearing his casual, perky smile. He asked for the manager and had greeted Mickey immediately once he laid eyes on the man. Larry approached him as Jeremy went to get the manager, placing a firm hand on Mickey's shoulder, smiling widely at him.

Lola and Jenna weren't snooping, but they did manage to overhear Larry asking Mickey if he enjoyed working here; if everything was going well; if he was staying out of trouble -- a question that certainly didn't help stop the gossip -- and if he settled in home nicely.

Mickey responded to most of his questions with short, non-descriptive answers, but not with any malice or disdain. He answered them as if he had to, putting an emphasis on the "I'm not getting into any trouble, don't worry Mr. Cheery," making Lola wonder why the question even needed to be posed.

When the manager finally showed up, greeting the man happily, Larry followed him to his office, leaving the others to get back to the customers -- and some to get back to stopping crime. It was only when Larry Seaver left that Jenna shouted, "Oh my God, he's a parole officer!" at the other two workers while drinking coffee in the break room.

"He's a what?" Jeremy asked, slightly confused.

"A parole officer! I heard him talking to the manager about Mickey and how he's settling in. Mickey is a parolee!"

"Jesus Christ, I knew it! And you told me I shouldn't be scared." Jeremy answered with a sullen look, exaggerating a shudder.

Lola quirked an eyebrow at her friend. "Were you eavesdropping?" She was more amused than surprised if she was honest.

Jenna shook her head at Lola in exasperation. "So not the point. Lola, the guy went to prison!"

"We should all just quit now," Jeremy added.

"Come on, you big baby. The guy keeps to himself. You have literally nothing to be scared of." Lola was rolling her eyes at the man, slightly annoyed at the comments.

It didn't surprise her Mickey was here on parole -- it didn't surprise her he was in prison at all. He seemed like the type, not just because of his sullen look and crude knuckle tattoos. It also had a lot to do with the way he carried himself as if the entire world was against him and he needed to protect himself from the inevitable upcoming battle. It was probably why he never spoke to anybody, why he never had coffee with them, and why he seemed to avoid human contact at all possible times. It was also, now, very much obvious why he was so good at guarding the store -- it takes a criminal to catch a criminal, she guessed.

Honestly, it all just made him more interesting.

"I kind of think it's hot," Jenna admitted sheepishly.

Jeremy's eyes bulged out. "You're kidding me."

She shook her head, smiling like a teenage girl. "He's dark, brooding, mysterious. And he's got a really nice ass."

Lola laughed at her friend and at Jeremy's horrified expression. "You should go flirt with him. Maybe you'll be able to figure out if he's single or not." She was only partly joking. Jenna probably didn't need a repeat of what Lola had gone through.

She sighed sadly. "A guy like that is not single."

"Yeah, sure. An ex-con definitely isn't single and is probably in an extremely committed relationship with somebody who loves him for who he is. And that same ex-con guy totally loves somebody back with his whole, entire heart." Jeremy quipped sarcastically and Jenna pinched his bicep in response.

"Love is love, asshole. People murder for love."

Jeremy nodded in response. "Exactly. That's probably why he was in prison."

Jenna rolled her eyes. "You know what? Unlike Jeremy here, I'm not a pussy. I'm gonna go talk to him."

Lola's eyes widened in response and she smiled widely. If anyone would take the bullet for the team, it'd be Jenna. "You go, girl! Get him. Just make sure to be subtle about it"

Jeremy and Lola watched as Jenna went up to Mickey who was standing next to the Old Army store entrance, looking as bored and uninterested as ever. When he saw Jenna approaching, he grimaced, obviously preparing himself for the confrontation.

Jeremy and Lola locked eyes as Jenna began to audibly flirt with Mickey. They couldn't hear everything she was saying from where they were eavesdropping but they didn't hear Mickey even speak. Based on the disappointed look on Jenna's face when she walked into the break room again, they didn't think it went that well.

"So?" Lola inquired hopefully.

Jenna shook her head. "Completely uninterested. I even made my boobs look bigger in this shirt. Didn't work, obviously."

"What'd he say?" Lola probed deeper.

"Well, I asked where he lived, where he used to work, if he was settling in nicely -- and he just kind of hummed."

"Hummed?"

"He barely even answered the questions."

"Maybe he's gay and in a committed relationship with a dude," Jeremy added sarcastically, once again. "Maybe I should go up and flirt with him instead. See if it works for me."

Jenna rolled her eyes at Jeremy's sarcasm. "You're too big of a pussy to do it. Plus he's probably not gay."

Jeremy didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he just smiled. "Whatever you say, Jenny. Oh, by the way -- I totally am."

Mickey never spent his break with the others. In fact, he was either sitting outside the store, drinking Pinkberry and messing around with his phone, or he was at the food court, presumably meeting somebody for lunch. Lola was dying to know who, but she never dared to ask or to check, although it would have been so easy.

The curiosity extended out of the workplace as well -- Jenna, Lola, and Jeremy had a group chat. It was, at first, formed as a work chat, purely for announcements and work hours, but as time passed -- and as the employees and employers changed -- it evolved into something much more. Now, it was their main gossiping media.

--- old army besties ---

LOLA (9:56 PM): I can't find him anywhere on social media.

JEREMY (9:58 PM): You're obsessed.

LOLA (9:58 PM): Fuck off, Jeremy.

JENNA (10:03 PM): There are a bunch of articles about him escaping prison!!!!!!!!!

LOLA (10:04 PM): NO SHIT

LOLA (10:04 PM): LINK NOW

LOLA (10:04 PM): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JENNA (10:06 PM): https://images.app.goo.gl/rzDzCogf1H84QD78A

JENNA (10:06 PM): HEHAGDJADGAIGDAJFGAJFGAJFGA

LOLA (10:08 PM): oh my god

JENNA (10:08 PM): I KNOW

JEREMY (10:07 PM): ya'll are crazy

JENNA (10:08 PM): Is it bad it just makes me even more attracted to him??????

JEREMY (10:09 PM): yes.

LOLA (10:09 PM): NO!

LOLA (10:10 PM): Jenna, same.

JEREMY (10:11 PM): I have a psych ward to recommend you to. Hold up.

JENNA (10:11 PM): Jeremy, stfu

*JEREMY has left the chat*

LOLA (10:12 PM): You wanna add him back in or should I?

JENNA (10:12 PM): Neither.

JENNA (10:12 PM): Let him suffer.

The gossiping continued for a while. It didn't honestly seem like it would stop at all, and nobody really seemed inclined to put an end to the wildfire gossip that spread through the entire Old Army staff. Not that anyone cared much, either, if they were being completely honest.

One day, though, the Mickey who was always grumpy and never without a scowl seemed particularly furious.

He spoke to no one, he didn't check his phone at all, which was a rare occurrence and almost never happened -- he was usually glued to the thing, always texting someone -- and he basically looked like he was ready to kill the next person who dared steal something from the store.

"Anyone wanna ask what crawled up his ass and died?" Jenna asked lowly, observing Mickey from where she and Lola stood behind the cash register. Jeremy hung around in the back, angry that they still hadn't added him back to the group chat.

Lola simply grimaced. "I guess we've been dealing with happy Mickey all this time."

Jeremy pretended not to pay much attention to them, very much bitter. He just muttered, as a side note, loud enough to get even Mickey's attention, "Yo, I guess they found who killed that parole officer."

That piqued Lola's interest. The murder was all over the news the day before -- a parole officer named Paula had been thrown out the window -- and Lola didn't expect them to have found the killer so soon.

"Already?" She wondered, out loud.

"Who is it?" Jenna asked.

"Some ex of hers -- Shelly, I think. They arrested her yesterday."

Lola released a sigh. "That's some good news. Now she can't hurt anybody else." She mentally applauded the police for the good and quick work.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Mickey was listening in to their conversation. She could have sworn she heard him snort when she muttered the last part, the one about it being good news. She saw an opening, and when Lola began to open her mouth and try and include him in the conversation, he had already turned around and left to stand back at his regular spot, expression sullen, pretending as if he never even cared to listen in after all.

Mickey was gone all of a sudden one day -- as the manager had told them briefly, on paid leave. He didn't reveal why or when he'd be coming back, only saying how Mickey had something important come up, and that he'd eventually be back. He didn't seem to be aggravated while talking about Mickey, so Lola guessed he didn't get fired, nor that he was being tested again for his position -- he had honestly been doing great. Better than the ones before him, at least.

Lola was actually somewhat shocked. She was also slightly disappointed he didn't tell her.

Mickey had actually started opening up a little -- not much (when she said little she meant very little) -- but he was finally communicating with them during their shift together, something he most certainly hadn't even tried to do, no matter how hard they tried to push. He also seemed happier, coming in one morning looking the happiest Lola had ever seen him.

It was the first day Mickey made actual conversation with her -- about the ugly clothes in the store, nevertheless -- and she genuinely was starting to like him.

"Maybe he likes you," Jenna told her after noticing them talking.

Lola blushed. "Probably not."

Jeremy snorted and both women turned towards him. "He's probably more attracted to me than you." He muttered absentmindedly while scrolling through his phone.

"Still sticking to the gay theory?" Jenna asked pointedly.

"I may not be dark, brooding, and mysterious, but my gaydar is on point. At first, I was skeptical, but he rocks that pink pastel shirt a little too well." He said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Jenna and Lola shared a look before both rolling their eyes.

"Let's hope he asks you out." Jenna finished and Lola blushed even more. Stupid crush. Jeremy snorted.

She was a little disappointed he was gone but his step-in was a cute guy and the gossip between her, Jeremy, and Jenna was endless -- Jenna and Lola came up with different theories as to where he was which all ranged from family emergencies to crazy prison breaks -- Jeremy would simply roll their eyes at them whenever a new theory came up.

When Mickey came back a couple of days later, it seemed as if he had a spring in his step. For the first time in all the time Lola had known him, instead of a scowl, there was a smile present on his face.

"Holy shit, he's smiling." Jenna pointed out incredulously, and Lola simply nodded shell-shocked. He had a beautiful smile.

It was even weirder when he greeted them when he walked into the store, uttering a simple, "Hey" which neither woman expected.

"So, that's happy Mickey," Lola said under her breath. "Good to know."

The sudden chirpiness didn't disappear throughout his entire shift and Lola began to wonder what type of vacation he had gone on to be this happy. She needed to ask him -- if it could take the stick out of his ass, then it could definitely make her feel like she was in heaven.

The answer came shortly after.

"He's got a ring on his finger."

"What?" Lola and Jenna exclaimed simultaneously, looking at Jeremy like he was crazy.

"The hell are you talking about?" Jenna asked, glancing between Jeremy and Mickey, inconspicuously trying to catch a glimpse of Mickey's hand.

"He's married, guys. He probably got married while he was away. There is a golden band on his ring finger."

Lola and Jenna were surprised they missed it. The ring shone brightly on his left hand, reflecting the shitty lighting of the Old Army store. It looked beautiful and, somehow, it made him look complete. She didn't even realize something was missing until it was there, staring straight at them. That's what the wedding ring seemed like -- a piece of Mickey they were all simply missing. Something that let them know that there was somebody in his life, a single person, who had his heart -- a person who managed to pry open the shell and find the pearl. Perhaps the process was painless; perhaps it wasn't -- Lola supposed there were only two people in the universe who truly knew the answer to that question.

"Well, I didn't see that coming."

Lola chuckled, letting the genuine happiness she felt for him consume her. "Me either."

The next time she passed him, she smiled at the ring widely. "Congratulations! I see the ring." She pointed at his hand.

Mickey smiled softly, gazing at it with a look in his eye Lola could only describe as love. "Yeah, thanks."He seemed a little uncomfortable, so Lola refrained from asking about his wife, and if he had any pictures to show her. She was learning new things about this man every day. The woman who tied him down must have been patient, but also extremely lucky.

"Ugh, I wish he was single," Jenna muttered again later on in the day, gazing longingly at Mickey's ass. "That butt makes the whole ex-con, escaping prison thing worth it."

Lola laughed at her friend, agreeing silently.

It was nearing the end of their shift, and the four people had changed out of their uniforms, getting rid of the ugly pastel pink color, exchanging it with something that was actually fashionable -- Mickey had an especially good fashion sense, in Lola's opinion (he could rock ripped jeans). Mickey had still been in the staff changing room when Lola noticed a guy hanging around the store. A tall, extremely hot redheaded guy, with one of the best bodies she'd seen on a man in a while.

She shook Jenna's arm so she could point out the guy to her, aware that Jenna deserved to gaze at a man this good-looking. He was wearing a tight-fitting black shirt along with skinny jeans that accentuated all of his muscles, from the ones in his arms to his leg ones -- he was ripped, and Lola could only assume there were chiseled abs hiding underneath the shirt. He was drop-dead gorgeous.

Jenna turned around to see what the fuss was about, but her mouth fell open when her eyes landed in the ginger.

"Oh my God, I think just came."

"Me too," Lola admitted. She was genuinely concerned for her wellbeing. "I think we need to get laid."

"Definitely." Jenna's eyes were glued to the man. His hair was perfect too -- slicked back, and just... it was a sort of, ' you simply had to see it to believe it' type of situation. He was beautiful. "Man, how the fuck does God create these men?"

Jenna didn't tear her eyes away. "He must be either really bad in bed or a total douchebag. There's no way he's that hot and nice too."

They suddenly heard Mickey's voice behind them. "Trust me, he's neither."

Lola and Jenna jumped in surprise, but she didn't even have a moment to think about what Mickey said. She was still looking at the ginger, but his green eyes were locked on somebody else though, and he didn't even seem to notice the two women gaping openly at him.

When Lola turned to follow his gaze she was surprised to see it land on Mickey.

"Oh my dear Lord, he's totally eye-fucking Mickey!" She whisper-shouted at Jenna, Mickey being far away not to hear her. Jenna whipped her head around towards where Mickey stood, seemingly unaware.

"Oh my God, he totally is!"

Mickey noticed them staring. He raised an eyebrow at the two women and then as if on a whim, approached them. "You need anything?" He asked, seemingly uncomfortable, but he still paid no attention to the fact a guy was blatantly letting it show on his face that he was imagining all of the things he could probably be doing to Mickey, right now. The redhead had the biggest case of bed-eyes she'd seen in a while.

Lola blinked herself out of her daze. "Um, no. Uh, we just-- we, uh--" She was at a loss for words and Jenna didn't seem to even think about helping.

"Ugh, God." They suddenly heard Jeremy exclaim. All eyes turned to him. "There's a really hot guy outside the store, and he's staring at you." He made a gesture as if saying, 'See, that wasn't so hard now, was it?'. "That's what they're trying to say."

Mickey turned to look forward outside and when his gaze fell on the guy -- the guy he had most certainly already noticed -- his face lit up even more, and his lip curled into a smirk. He turned towards Jeremy and nodded at him. "Glad to see you toughening up."

Jeremy smiled at Mickey as if they were sharing an inside joke, and both Lola and Jenna had no idea what it was. They shared a disbelieving look. "Learned from the best, man," Jeremy replied as they fist-bumped and Lola knew her and Jenna's eyes had to be unnaturally wide.

"So um, so you know the guy outside? He's totally checking you out." Jenna nodded at the hot guy who was still watching them -- watching Mickey, specifically. Lola guessed he was waiting for him, for whatever reason. She guessed hot guys stuck together. If he wasn't a ginger, Lola would have assumed they were brothers and that the good looks simply ran in the gene pool. Lola watched as Mickey locked eyes with the man and smiled. The guy raised his eyebrows in question and Mickey just kept the grin on his face.

"That's Ian, my husband."

Shock couldn't even begin to describe what Lola was currently feeling. If somebody had dumped a bucket of ice-cold water down her back, she would have probably been less surprised. As she was contemplating everything she knew and had been learning about Mickey, the man in question waved towards Ian to join them. Ian made his way inside and Lola could lie and say she didn't swoon.

"Hi." He greeted sheepishly with a smile, previously observing the commotion.

Mickey seemed unnaturally relaxed as he stood close to Ian, wrapping a hand behind his back subconsciously. Lola wondered who the man in front of her was -- it most certainly wasn't the grump Lola had been working with all this time.

"Ian, meet Lola, Jenna, and Jeremy."

Ian smiled politely at all three of them, leaving Lola in a daze -- God, he was gorgeous. She was just about to reply when he nodded at Jeremy specifically. "Sup, Jeremy. Heard a lot about you."

Jeremy smiled back at Ian. "Same, dude. Your husband just can't seem to shut up about you."

Ian smirked, and then turned to look at Mickey, "Is that so?"

Mickey rolled his eyes. "Fuck you both. I got married. What am I supposed to do? Just shut up about it? Hell no."

Ian laughed and draped an arm around Mickey's shoulder. "Don't worry, baby. I don't mind."

Ian and Mickey shared a quick look, and Lola wondered if she would ever find a person who would look at her the way these two men looked at each other. She suddenly felt bad for thinking Mickey was straight -- everything about this simple interaction screamed gay.

"We should head home, I know you've been waiting for ages outside."

Ian nodded. "Yeah okay, let's go." He then smiled at the three people in front of them widely. "It was nice meeting you guys."

Jeremy was the only one capable of responding. "You too."

"See ya'," Mickey muttered lamely as a goodbye and the couple was out of the store in the blink of an eye, arms wrapped around each other, talking quietly, their expressions pure happiness.

Lola and Jenna turned around to stare at their friend.

"What the fuck was that?" Lola asked, incredulous.

The traitor in front of them shrugged. "What? While you guys were coming up with conspiracies and weird theories, I actually talked to the guy. He's pretty cool. He was raised and lives on the Southside where he met Ian. He first spent some time in juvie. Got shot twice. Went to prison, escaped from prison, went to Mexico, worked for a cartel, rolled on said cartel be with Ian. They were in prison together and they decided to get married when they got out. He's actually been giving me tips to boost my street cred. We've been working on that shit for some time now."

Lola shook her head in thought. "When did you guys become so close?"

Jeremy snorted. "When you decided not 5o add me back to the group chat, bitches." He smirked. "Revenge is a dish best served cold." As an afterthought, he added, "I'm not dark and brooding, but I guess I can add mysterious to my list of charms."

Lola and Jenna watched him as he turned around.

"Is it just me or did he suddenly get hot?"

Lola sighed loudly. "I think we've been tricked."

Jenna groaned, suddenly. "I can't believe it. Two men that hot -- and they end up with each other. Like, what the fuck? Why can't there be one for me?"

Lola laughed, but, as always, silently agreed.

Everybody lost their jobs when the pandemic hit, and when the Old Army finally went back into business, Mickey Milkovich wasn't there. The gossip moved on to different topics and different employees -- the hot security guard was nothing but a distant memory.

The next time Lola saw them was years later. She was much older, much more experienced, and much more in love. She had met somebody, had fallen deep, and it had changed her life for the better.

Love was an interesting thing.

Mickey was standing at the corner of a street. The sun was shining brightly above him, and Lola realized he still looked as beautiful as ever -- his face was much more relaxed though as if the walls he had spent years putting up were suddenly all down, letting his pearl shine through, and glint in the sun. He was waiting for somebody outside of a store, and somehow, Lola knew it was his husband.

She couldn't remember his name, but she could never forget the look.

So many years had passed, and Lola had gone through so many relationships -- but the look was what always had her looking for more, never settling for anything short of what she knew she could have. What they showed her she could have.

Once she found someone who looked at her the way Ian -- Lola would only remember his name sometime later in the day -- looked at Mickey, and somebody she would look at the way Mickey looked at Ian -- that was when she'd know she had found the one.

Ian exited the store, much to Lola's expectation, his red hair, slightly grown out, fiery red in the Sun. The boy holding his hand was smiling widely, and the smile only grew once he saw Mickey.

The boy dropped Ian's hand and ran towards -- Lola simply knew -- his father, jumping into his arms. Mickey picked the small boy up effortlessly -- he was no older than five -- laughing along with him as the boy dove into, what Lola presumed, a story.

Ian and Mickey shared a look, so akin to the one they had shared that day, years ago, in the store, filled with so much love, adoration and happiness before focusing their gazes on their child. It wasn't just between them anymore -- the love they had was now for the little boy as well, nurturing and taking care of him, allowing him to bask in it. They probably didn't even realize they were doing it.

Lola felt tears in her eyes.

She had once searched for the look.

Now, she hoped she would one day be able to share this look with her own husband and her own child.

Lola patted her swollen belly.

One day.

She watched as the two men and boy pulled away, still listening to the story the boy was telling. Lola pulled her phone out as she watched their retreating forms.

Lola opened the group chat, typing excitedly.

--- old army besties ---

LOLA (12:33 PM): You'll never guess who I just saw.

She was thankful for many things Mickey Milkovich showed her, but the one thing she was grateful for the most was that thanks to him, the gossip never ended.

#gallavich #ian and mickey #Ian Gallagher #mickey milkovich #ian x mickey #fanfic #based on a prompt #shameless #ian gallagher #ianxmickey #shameless us

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sailtoafarawayland · 3 years

Text

Living a Life (1/2)

Summary: Sometimes the things we see ourselves in most clearly aren’t made from glass, and sometimes death is not the ending we think it is, but a pause of breath that gives life to a new beginning.

Rating: T for now

AO3 - FF

Chapter 1

Emma didn't really know why she did it, why she stopped at all.

The sidewalks were an icy mess, like the city didn't even care that they were staring a lawsuit in the face, and the clean, shoveled pathway through the cemetery was just too tempting to pass up. She was exhausted after a day spent at the precinct with her latest collar – some sort of mix up with the payment, or the filing, or whatever nonsense it was this time – and she just wanted to get home.

She didn't like the thought of using the cemetery as a shortcut, but the thought of being out of work for two weeks while she recovered from a sprained ankle was even worse.

Maybe it was because she walked past so many other gravestones that had been recently dusted of snow, the past few days of New England weather not accumulating on top of them, brushed away by the hands of loved ones. Maybe it was because she saw the wreaths leftover from Christmas dotting the quiet cemetery, bright orbs of red peeking through snow sprinkled like icing sugar across them.

But she stopped in front of a gravestone that seemed lonelier than the rest, slightly removed from the path and resting beneath one of the many bare trees, days of hardened snow and ice frozen to its surface.

Looking at it – neglected, ignored – she wondered if that's what her grave would look like when she died.

She should probably get cremated.

She should probably just leave. She had no business here, staring at some stranger's grave like the person lying below it cared about anything – cared that no one had stopped to sweep off the snow, but she didn't.

Instead, she stepped off the clean, salted path and crunched through layers of icy snow, deeper than she had thought. She could feel it crumbling over the tops of her low boots, icy pebbles melting and trickling down her heel. Well, she was stuck for it now.

She crouched down in front of the gravestone, and raising one gloved hand, she began brushing the frozen chunks of snow from its shoulders. Removing the dusting of windblown ice from the engraved front proved to be more work than she had anticipated, but after a few minutes she had most of it cleared, the rest would just have to melt on its own. Her hard work rewarded, she finally took the time to read the face of the stone.

She hadn't been to any funerals in her life, but she knew enough that the brevity of what she saw surprised her.

Liam Jones, 1977 – 2011

Her breath left her body, a chill wind stirring her hair and leaving her feeling somehow exposed, like she was doing something she shouldn't be - peering through the window of someone’s life only to find it was an empty house, abandoned. She had expected an old gravestone, someone with no family left to come sit by them and wipe away the snow.

She hadn't been expecting this.

He was young, not much older than her, and since it was only February, it hadn't even been that long since he'd passed. She glanced at the frozen ground she was squatting above and moved hastily to the side, wondering if there was some kind of graveyard etiquette. There must be. Don't stand in front of the graves where people are...resting, she guessed. She wasn't really sure. She'd never had a family, a grave to visit.

She probably should be thankful for that, less heartache.

Snow removed, job done, she stuck her hand back in her pocket and headed down the path. She wouldn't be back again. He wasn't her family, whoever she was, and she wanted to leave the nagging fear that one day that might be her in the cemetery where it belonged.

Weeks passed and she told herself when she headed down the cemetery path again that it was because another big storm had just blown through Boston, and for some reason known only to the city, they never cleared or salted the sidewalks in this neighborhood.

But she didn't try to stop herself when she reached his grave again, this time the name Liam Jones clearly visible, a thick blanket of fresh snow cushioning the top. She walked between the first row of graves and to the side of his, taking care not to step where she assumes he's buried. It seemed like the right way to go about it, even if there aren't any rules. She probably should've googled it, but she hadn't planned on coming back.

She really hadn't.

Instead of questioning it too much, she brushed the snow away with her sleeve and tossed a few stray, fallen twigs back to the ground. It wasn't until after she'd thrown them that she thought to make sure she hadn't dropped them onto another resting place – littering on dead people was most definitely poor graveyard etiquette.

When she stopped in spring, she told herself it was just to enjoy the blossoms on the cherry trees that blanket that portion of the cemetery, knowing it was a lie. She knew because she'd bothered to look up cemetery etiquette online, and yes, it was a thing. She was also mildly curious to see if anyone had been to visit him now that the weather was nicer, if she would even be able to tell.

There were a few graves she'd passed that had small flowers gracing their shoulders, and others with ornate vases built into the stone, colorful blooms filling them. She brushed a scattering of cherry blossoms from the top of Liam's grave and wondered again at the emptiness of it. He must not have had anyone, because if he had, surely they would have written something other than just the year of his birth and death.

Was he a father, a brother? Was he a son? Was he alone, as she was?

“Who were you?” she asked, but no one answered.

The next time she passed through, the cherry trees had long since lost their blooms, and she swept the sickly sweet smelling remains of them from his grave, bending down to tug out the stray clumps of tall grass where the granite sat, immovable. It seemed pretty obvious no one else was visiting, and that not even the groundskeeper had enough hours in the day to really keep everything neat.

They'd had enough dry days that she didn't have to crouch to visit, and found herself sitting back onto the grass between his gravestone and the next.

“Is this...weird?” she asked, glancing around to make sure no one was listening to her talk to a dead person she didn't even know. “I'm sorry no one comes here but me.”

Suddenly she felt self-conscious, the whole situation settling heavily around her, the overpowering perfume of dying flowers clinging to her skin. What the hell was wrong with her that the only connection she'd allow herself was with some stranger's gravestone? Angry with herself, she jumped up and hurried back down the path towards home. She was out of the cemetery and an entire block away when she finally remembered the daisies in her bag. Reaching in, she brushed the crumpled edges of the petals and sighed.

There was another visitor a few graves down when she returned, but they clearly knew enough to not eyeball her or say anything when she walked back over to Liam's grave – mildly flustered – and gently placed the rumpled cluster of flowers on the ledge in front of his name. She brushed her hands roughly on her leather sleeves and left as quickly as she came.

The next time it was a lot easier to talk to him, even if she knew he wasn't listening, and he certainly couldn't talk back. The daisies hadn't lasted very long, so she tossed them and said she'd bring more next time, although she realized she may need to leave something other than flowers. Work had been slow lately, and she wasn't stopping at the precinct all that often to drop off skips – and she couldn't just make a special trip once a week to refresh his flowers.

That would be crazy.

She didn't even know him.

So when her fingers ran across the smooth ridges of the seashell on her windowsill at home, she put it in her pocket.

Spring faded into the suffocating heat of summer, the grass parched and brittle beneath her feet as she crouched next to Liam's grave, brushing away the small ant hills that had formed in the sandy soil with a vengeance she didn't know she had in her for the tiny creatures.

“You know,” she said, and the words hurt before they even left her mouth, “you might be the only person I've got to talk to. How pathetic is that?”

She worked around the back of the grave, tugging up stray weeds she'd missed the last time.

“I brought you something other than flowers. Maybe you weren't even a flower guy, when you were around. I'm not much of a flower girl, I don't think. I've never really had anyone to buy them for me though. There was Neal...but he...well, let's just say he didn't leave me with any good memories, let alone flowers. Is there anyone who has good memories of you? I wish I knew some. It would be nice to know who you were, not just sit here guessing.”

The cemetery was empty, and that's when Emma felt most at ease, most like she could just say what was on her mind without having to worry about anyone listening, or whether they think she's crazy.

She laid the scraggly bunch of weeds at the side of the grave, reminding herself to take it out to the trash can when she leaves.

“Here,” she shrugged, pulling the seashell from her pocket and placing it on the ledge where she last left flowers.

It was a spiral shell, small, but perfect and white with a soft, amber colored center.

“I don't know if you really like seashells either, but...I picked that up a few years ago down at the beach. In the summer, it's always full of families and couples, so I don't go much, but sometimes when it's a little grey and stormy...it's just the most peaceful place to sit and think.”

She didn't say the rest of what she was thinking aloud – that seeing the happy couples and the parents with their kids just made her stomach clench, that all she could think of was how that was never something her mom wanted to go with her.

– was never something she got the chance to do.

That feels like too much to unload, even on a dead guy.

“It's pretty peaceful here too,” she sighed.

Summer relented and fall crept into the city, the once green leaves crisping and drifting to the ground. Despite getting a payday, she was leaving the precinct in a pretty shitty mood. Her skip had almost given her the slip, and she was going to be nursing a bruised shoulder from where she tumbled in an alley trying to keep up with him. By the time she stepped through the archway of the cemetery, the sun had already set, the streetlamps casting cold halos across the damp ground. She heard them before she saw them, and it took her a few seconds to realize they'd gathered just off the path next to Liam's grave.

“Hey!” she snapped, immediately angered by what she was seeing. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Christ, relax, lady,” one of the kids drawled, taking a swig from his beer and clinking it against the gravestone next to Liam's.

Emma didn't know who it belonged to, but it was always well cared for, and she was furious. There were four kids, teenagers, and they'd stomped all over the damp ground in front of the graves, clearly not caring that they were drinking and walking all over someone's remains.

“Look, kid, you and your buddies have about ten seconds to take your crap and get the hell out of here. I just left the precinct, and I've got Chief Humbert on speed dial – ” They didn't need to know how untrue that was, that, in fact, the guy gave her the creeps “ – so I suggest you take your party somewhere else.”

A few eye rolls and snarky comments later and they'd cleared out, leaving Emma feeling both pleased and worried for herself. She plopped down next to Liam's grave, wincing as her palm hit a piece of broken glass.

“Little shits,” she hissed, pulling the chunk of glass from her hand and setting it aside. It was too dark to find all the pieces. “What the hell am I doing?”

She leaned forward and straightened the seashell that was still resting on the stone, glad it had survived Boston's vagrant youths for this long. Wet leaves stuck to the front and sides of the grave, and she pulled off a few that hid his name.

“That's going to be me one day,” she muttered, eyeing the paltry engraving once more. “Emma Swan, time stamp. I'll be lucky if anyone comes to chase delinquents away from my grave.”

Everything was wet and cold, the smell of decomposing leaves rich in the air, and while fall made most people think of pumpkins and Thanksgiving, warm cups of coffee on cold walks – right now she could only think about how dark and cold and oppressively heavy it must be six feet under.

The next time she visited, she left a little fist-sized pumpkin she'd picked up at the bodega. She'd thought about carving it, what with Halloween around the corner, but that was never something she'd done before, and if she messed it up, she'd have nothing.

It didn't take long for the pumpkin to turn into a Thanksgiving feast for the city's squirrels, barely more than a rind left behind like something someone had tossed into the garbage, and she felt bad. She should have come back sooner.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, removing the half-frozen leftovers and pulling the few stray weeds with enough gumption to grow in later November. “Looks like you had quite a bit of furry company while I was gone. If I were a normal person, I'd be home sharing a Thanksgiving meal with my family, or friends – but I don't have either of those, so here I am, talking to you. Happy Thanksgiving, Liam.”

It wasn't long after the first snow hit Boston, and Emma was reminded of that first time she visited the cemetery and wondered who Liam Jones had been, why no one stopped to visit his grave. She could have googled him, but if she was being honest with herself – which she was really trying to be better about these days – she didn't really want to know if he had family that couldn't be bothered to visit. If she didn't know, she couldn't be angry with them for no reason, since she had no right to be.

She didn't know Liam Jones.

She had no right to bear a grudge for him.

As Christmas approached, Emma saw more people visiting, sometimes with family, and other times alone, leaving little battery powered tea lights and wreaths to warm the cold stone. When she saw the bouquet of poinsettias at the bodega, she didn't feel the least bit strange as she placed it on the counter. There aren't any Christmas decorations in her apartment, but she felt like Liam should have something to show that at least one person was thinking about him on the first Christmas he was missing.

The air was bitter and cold as she made the trek though from her neighborhood to the cemetery, but she didn't mind. When she reached Liam's grave, there was a soft blanket of fresh snow atop it, and she brushed it gently to the ground.

“You know, I really should thank you,” she said quietly, glad for the peace and solitude that hung around her. It made it easier to say the words. “I felt like maybe I was doing something nice for you, remembering you in the way I would want someone to think about me, just so that I wasn't completely forgotten, but I feel like coming here...shit, it'll be a year in a couple months. I think I figured something out. I don't want to be alone, Liam. I know I can't guarantee that I won't be alone one day in the ground, with no one left to care, but...I don't want to feel that way now. I've always kept people at a distance, too afraid to get hurt again, but I'm tired of being alone. I want a life, I want to live it...”

There was no answer, but she hadn't been expecting one.

Instead she leaned down and brushed the snow off the little ledge that still held her seashell, frozen to the stone, and gently placed the poinsettias beside it. She reached out and traced her finger along the carved edge of his name before turning to leave, glancing up at the blue sky between the bare branches of the cherry tree.

“If you're, uh, listening anywhere, well, thanks for everything, Liam. Merry Christmas.”

~ * ~ * ~

When Killian woke, it felt like he was being dragged from the bottom of the sea, every force on earth weighing him down still not enough to keep his blissful, dark peace from being disturbed.

Once the light hit him, it wasn't like in the movies. He didn't wake up groggy, or wondering where he was, confused about the machines beeping around him and the tubes connected to his body.

No, he knew exactly where he was and what led him here, and he wanted nothing more than to sink back down to that darkness that was so complete and starving it devoured every thought before he could think it. He wanted to close his eyes and fall back into that oblivion that had been his only respite from the flashes of memory, the pull of voices.

He didn't want to have to remember the sound that steel makes when it cracks and groans, the way the dock shook beneath their feet as the freighter slid into the crane, the sheer force of it toppling the massive tower of heavy steel as easily as if it were nothing more than a house of cards. He wanted to forget running for his brother, watching the mass of cables and metal come down over them – screaming, screaming his name and trying to reach him, unable to move, unable to breathe...

“Can you hear me? My name is Dr. Whale.”

The voice was leaning over him, his mouth moving, more words floating around him. Killian didn't understand why they wouldn't just leave him alone – he tried to roll onto his side, ignoring the the objections from the doctor, and that's when he felt it – a pain that burned up his arm and into his brain, as if his hand had been crushed by his movement. He jerked his arm, trying to understand what he'd done, why it hurt so badly – and then he saw it.

The bandages, the stump, the strangely shortened arm that most definitely used to have a hand at the end of it – except now there was nothing, and it couldn't possibly be his arm he was looking at, his hand that was missing, because he could feel it. The agony was so real it eclipsed everything else – the pain in his ribs and elsewhere vanishing as he thrashed and tore out lines and catheters.

There were hands on him, holding him – voices shouting, someone screaming. He was screaming, but it was so far away, a sea of darkness rising between him and the place where his hand wasn't, cradling and dragging him back down to that deep oblivion where there was nothing.

Nothing at all.

Tagging: @justanother-unluckysoul @kmom0f4 @the-darkdragonfly @teamhook @zaharadessert @xarandomdreamx @jrob64 @wefoundloveunderthelight @tiganasummertree @pirateprincessofpizza @lfh1226-linda @alexa-fangirl-forever @alifeofdreams @superchocovian @donteattheappleshook @hollyethecurious @caught-in-the-filter @snowbellewells @itsfabianadocarmo

#Captain Swan #CS fic #cs fanfic #emma and hook #sailtoafarawayland #living a life

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blackhakumen · 3 years

Text

Mini Fanfic #800: Starting the New Vacation Day (Super Smash Bros Ultimate)

10:12 a.m. at Isle Defino's Patio.......

Dark Pit: (Slams hie Hands On the Table) ('SLAM') Alright, dumbasses. Any of you got any ideas on what we're gonna do here today?

Pit: There's so many places to choose from.....I'm not even sure where go to first.

Yoshi: I spotted this cool looking ramen shop a few blocks from here. Maybe we can go there for lunch later.

Ryuji: (Smiles Softly) I'm down. Their ramen might be good. Maybe even better than Min-Min's.

Elsewhere in Isle Defino.....

Min-Min: (Let's Out a Sudden Sneeze) ('Chu')

Capt. Falcon: You alright there, Min?

Min-Min: (Quick Turns to Falcon) Oh. Uh yeah. I'm fine, Captain. I could've sworn felt a distrubence just now.....

Capt. Falcon: (Shrugs) Eh. Probably just the heat weather.

Min-Min: Maybe..........

Back to the Patio.....

Dark Pit: That's one place down. Anything else?

Yusuke: I, for one, plan on going to the beach side of this island to begin my new creation thoroughly.

Ryuji: (Gives Yusuke a Bit of a Playful Smirk on his Face) Gonna find more crabs to draw, my man?

Yusuke: Not quite I'm afraid. I am more interested in finding unique and rare forms of seashells if anything. (Turns to Tails) And it seems I might need your mechanic assistance on this, Tails.

Tails: (Smiles a Bit Sheepishly at the Inspired Young Artist) I....didn't really bring my tools here with me. So I can't really help you on a mechanical level. But I can buy you a metal detector if you want.

Yusuke: (Smiles Softly) That sounds like a good enough comparison. Many thanks, my two tailed friend.

Tails: (Giggles Softly While Blushing a Little) No problem, Yusuke.

???: Morning, peeps.

Ryuji: Hey, morning bro- (Eyes Suddenly Widened For a Brief Second Before Snickering at the Sight of Making his Way to the Table With Red Kiss Marks on his Face) Dude, is that really you?

Ren: (Seats Himself Down) In the flesh.

Dark Pit: (Sighs While Pinching his Nose) Alright. I'll bite. (Turns to Ren) Why are you covered in kiss marks?

Ren: Oh. Well, Makoto and I found out that today's Kiss Day earlier thos morning. So Makoto decided to pull on the red lipstick Ann brought her for her birthday a few months ago, and started kissing my face. (Smirks Softly at the Memory) Loved every minute of it too~

Pit: And you still have kiss marks on you.....why exactly?

Ren: (Shrugs) Eh. No real reason really. Just felt it showing it to the world a bit longer, you know? (Noticed the Gang is Staring at Him) What?

Yoshi: You know what we're gonna ask you now, right?

Everyone: WHY AREN'T YOU TWO MARRIED YET!!?

Ren: Hey! Come on! We will! Just in the near future, alright? We JUST graduated high school together.

Pit: I still wanna be a Ring Bearer!!

?????: Who's wedding are we talking about again?

Tails: (Turns and Sighs Once He Sees Sonic Sitting Next to Him With Having Pink Kiss Marks All Around his Face) Let me guess: Amy found out today's Kiss Day and kissed you like crazy?

Sonic: Yup. Mom and pa blurted it out on our double date yesterday and the rest was history.

Tails: (Smirks at Sonic Playfully) You enjoyed minute of it, didn't you?~

Sonic: (Sighs While Blushing) Yeah......(Smiles a Little While Slouching his Head Down a Little) That girl sure knows how to kiss a guy, you know?~

Tails: (Chuckles Lightly) I believe so, Mr. Lover Boy~

Sonic: Keep making fun of me and it'll be your turn soon enough, Tails (Starts Smirking Playfully Himself) And with a certain bandicoot girl nonetheless~

Tails: (Already Has a Deadpinned Look on his Face) How many times do I have to keep telling you people that we're JUST FRIENDS? There's no way Coco and I would ever participate in something like that.

Sonic: Okay....(Smirk Starts Growing a Bit Wider) But why did you let her kiss you under the mistletoe though?~

Tails: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock) H-How did you.....

Sonic: Wave told Amy and I all about it when it all happened. (Gives Tails a Thumbs Up) And we already approved~

Tails: (Immediately Turns Away From Sonic While Blushing) S-Shut Up......

Morgana: (Sighs While Sitting Down on The Group's Table With Multi Color Kiss Marks (Pink, Blue, and Green) All Over His Face) Morning......

Ren: (Starts Snickering at Morgana Along With Ryuji and Pit) Damn, Mona. You too?

Morgana: Yeah. Me too. Once Futuba found out that today was Kiss Day, she SOMEHOW convinced Haru and Lavenza to kiss me. With different Lipstick colors!!

Ryuji: (Still Snickering) C'mon, cat. Look on the bright side. At least one of your kissers was a certain Velvet girl you've been crushing on~

Ren: (Teasingly Nodded in Agreement)

Morgana: (Glares at Ryuji) .......Ryuji. One of these days when I become human again and grow older, I will do everything in my power to suplex you into the ground.

Ryuji: (Chuckles Lightly) Cute threat, Mona, but uh...(Hold Both of his Arms Up While Showing Off his Muscles) ('Heh') I got bit stronger as of late. So might it take you a lot years before you even lift a finger on me, you know?

Morgana: ('Sighs in Defeat') Crap. You're right. It'll be too long if I waited.....Oh well. When all else fails, I can always kick you in shins.

Ryuji: (Glares at Morgana) Do it and I'll chase you to end the Earth, cat.

Morgana: (Glares at Ryuji) Wanna bet?

Ryuji: If you're up for it!

Dark Pit: Calm your asses down already. We still haven't decided what the first thing we should do here-

With the sound of two girls giggling with one another, the gang turns to see Ann and Shiho making their way to the table together while having kiss marks on each of their faces.

Ryuji: Geez....Even Ann and Shiho got into the holiday.....

Ren: Right?

Ann: Hey, guys. (Sit Herself Down Next to Shiho While Giggling Softly)) You're probably wondering why we're-

Ren: You two found out about Kiss Day is today. So it led to the both of you making out. Am I right?

Shiho: Wait. How did you- (Starts Snickering Once She Noticed the Kiss Marks on his Face) Did Makoto seriously kiss all over your face?~

Ren: (Smirks Proudly) Yep! It might be the most cutest thing she done so far~ Don't tell her I said that by the way.

Ann: ('Sigh') You know, Ren, it astounds me that you two have been acting like a married couple since since day one and yet neither of you STILL have proposal to one another yet!

Ren: Um. Does "We just graduated" doesn't ring you any bells, Takamaki? And besides, if anything, I'm surprised YOU TWO having proposal to one another yet. You already have apartment together and give each other pet names. Might as start now while you're ahead.

Ann: Oh trust me. Shiho and I WILL marry each other very soon and you are gonna be our best man.

Ren: (Eyes Widened a Little in Genuine Surprise) Oh shit. Really?

Ann: (Giggles Softly) Yes. Really. You're one of my best friends, Ren. I can't think of anyone else to fit that role better than you. Well, I mean, there's Ryuji, but.... I'm not sure if could take up the role that well. (Turns to Ryuji) No offense.

Ryuji: Eh. It's no problem. (Smiles Brightly at Ren) I totally see Ren being Best Man material lot more than I could.

Ren: Huh. Well, if that's really what you girls want....(Smiles Softly) I'd be happy to be your future Best Man.

Ann: (Squeals Happily While Pulling Ren into a Loving Hug) Thank you so much, Ren-Ren!~

Shiho: (Happily Joins into the Hug) You have no idea how happy you made us-

Pit: (Suddenly Slams the Table With Excitement) ('SLAM') I GOT IT!

Dark Pit: (Turns to Pit Along With Everyone Else) What is it, Pit-Stain?

Pit: I just thought of something we could do first! Souvenir shopping!

'Silence'

'Wave Sounds'

Yoshi: You.....got any ideas, Pit?

Pit: (Happily Nodded) Yep! We can go souvenir shopping together. All this talk about Kiss Day has really made me miss Viridi a lot more than before. (Smiles Brightly) So I wanna buy her souvenir gift we could enjoy, you know?

Ann: Awwwww~ Pit~ Of course we can go souvenir shopping together.

Shiho: (Smiles Softly) We can even help you pick something nice for her and everything.

Sonic: You ladies mind helping my little bro with that too. (Smirks Teasingly Again) He has a Bandicoot Girl back home to impress~

Tails: (Glares at Sonic While Blushing Again) D-Don't you ever shut up anymore, Sonic!? And besides, I already promised Yusuke that I would buy him that metal detector!

Yusuke: (Gives Tails a Reassuring Smile) Oh there's really no need for you to go to the trouble to buy it for me. I believe you should use it give your lady friend something nice.

Sonic: See? Yusuke's gets it.

Tails: ('Sighs in Defeat') Fine..... I'll buy her a souvenir. But NOT because I have a crush! She's my best friend and nothing more.

Sonic: Whatever you say, lil' bro.

Ryuji: (Turns to Morgana) Hey, Mona, maybe you should try souvenir shopping too. (Starts Smirking Again) Maybe something nice your Velvet girl~

Morgana: (Eye Starts Twitching Before Turning to Ren) Seriously. Can I PLEASE kick his shins already!?

Ren: No.

Ann: Be nice to Ryuji, Mona.

Mona: ('Ugh') Fine......

Yoshi: (Turns to Dark Pit) We should give it a shot, DP. You could buy something nice for your girlfriends back home.

Dark Pit: I don't know....There might be a possibility that they won't it.

Yoshi: Ah don't be like that. I'm sure they'll love anything you get for them. Even if isn't fancy like or whatever.

Dark Pit: Wait. How much souvenirs usually cost exactly?

Yoshi: (Shrugs) I dunno. Five to ten bucks maybe?

Dark Pit: (Shrugs as Well) Eh. Fuck it. I'm down.

Pit: Alright! All in favor of Souvenir Shopping say 'AYE'!

Everyone: 'AYE'

Happy Kiss! (Again!)

@keyenuta

@caleb13frede

@princekirijo

@26shann

@cyber-wildcat

@ma-lemons

@albion-93

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i-do-trash-fanfictions · 3 years

Text

Thera’s Journal Entry #15

This morning I awoke to banging on my door. It was very early so I had no idea who would be up this late. I groaned and rolled over, pulling the sheets over my head, and mumbled for Scout to see who it was.

“It’s Angelica!” I heard from the other side of the door.

“Scout, tell her to-” But before I could finish he already let her in.

Ann ran in and shook me until I sat up.

“Ann, it is still dark outside.” I said, rubbing my eyes. “Whatever it is better be good.”

“I had a dream-”

“Amazing.” I collapsed back on the bed.

“Let me finish.” She gave my arm a shove. “It wasn’t like a dream though. It was like a memory. I was in the backseat of a car. Under the seat in front of me was a shoe box or something. I think the car in my dream was the same one that Poppy had found me in before she resurrected me! I want to go back and see if that box is still there. It might have something in it about my past life.”

I sat up and looked at her. “Ann, you know that it’s a rule not to look into your past.”

“Other people do it. And since when have you ever followed the rules?”

Scout turned to me. “She’s got a point there.”

“Fine.” I sighed. Ann grinned. I held up my index finger. “But we don’t leave until way later. I’ve got a patrol in the Cosmodrone and I’ll tell Ikora that you’re coming with me. After I finish we can go to where you were revived and see if we can find that car.”

“Yes! Thank you! Do you mind if I ride with you in your ship?”

“Why?”

She seemed a bit sheepish. “I may or may not have gotten into a race with another guardian and overheated my engine.”

“What?” Scout asked.

“Did you win?” I asked. Scout gave me a look.

Ann grinned. “Yep.”

“That’s my girl. Now go back to your room and let me sleep.” I pulled the covers over me again and laid back down.

“Alright. Thanks, Thera!” She said as she walked out.

“You’re welcome!” I shouted back as the door closed.

“Do you think she should be trying to find out about her past?” Scout asked, as he took his spot on my nightstand.

“I don’t think she should think about it all the time. But it won’t hurt anything to know a thing or two about her past.”

“If you say so.”

I reached over and flicked off the lamp.

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

Ann was rushing to get going as we walked to the Hangar where my ship was waiting.

She only stopped once when she saw it.

“This must be Cayde’s ship.” She said, looking at it.

“Yep,” I said as the ramp in the back opened. “The Queen of Hearts. He wanted me to have it.”

Ann followed me onto the ship.

I had added my own touches to the Queen of Hearts. Little decorations mostly. And of course, a few speakers.

Ann sat down on a small couch I had installed, and I headed up to the pilots seat with Scout. I started up the ship and set the destination on the system. Then I let Scout take over while I headed back to where Ann was sitting.

“One thing about flying with me,” I said as I went over to the stereo box like thing Amanda had helped me install. “Is that I get to pick the music.” I picked out ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ and let it play. Then I took a seat beside Ann on the couch.

“I never will understand your taste in music, Thera.” Said Poppy from Ann’s side.

“You get used to it after a while! You might even grow to like it!” Shouted Scout from the cockpit.

“I like it,” Said Ann, moving her head to the music. I only mouthed the words, since I wasn’t very good at singing.

“So who showed you this music? It’s gotta be from a long time ago.” Asked Ann in the middle of the song ‘Jump’.

“Zane-2 did. He knew a few and showed them to me after I took interest in it. Then one day Amanda told us that a Guardian patrol team found some old CDs. Scout and Zane’s Ghost, Blaze, scanned the CDs and they were able to download the music to any device we wanted.

“Cool. Maybe I’ll have Poppy download some.”

“We’re about to land soon, Thera.” Scout told me.

I headed into the cockpit as Poppy headed out. As we got close to the ground our Ghosts transmatted us to the Cosmodrone, and the Queen of Hearts headed off.

“All right. Let’s get that patrol done.”

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

After Ann and I finished we directed our Sparrows toward where Ann had first been revived. Apparently it was near the same place as I was, many, many years ago. Once we reached where all the cars were, our Sparrows dissipated and Poppy led the way. eventually she stopped at one of the many, old rusted cars.

Ann went to the door and tried it but it was rusted shut.

“Help me with this.”

I went over and we both took hold and pulled. The door came off its hinges and we left it on the ground. Ann reached in and looked under the car seats. She pulled back with a dusty shoebox in her arms. In large black faded letters was the name Angelica Arden on the top of the box.

Ann stared at it for a long time before the sound of Fallen awoke her from her thoughts.

“Scout, call the Queen of Hearts.” I turned back to Ann. “We’ll open it on the ship.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

As the ship got close enough, Poppy and Scout transmatted the both of us onto it.

“Just take us into orbit,” I told Scout as he headed to the cockpit.

Ann sat down at the small round table meant for two. A minute later Scout returned and I sat down across from Ann. Poppy hovered over her shoulder.

“Open it,” I told her with a slight nod at the box.

she took the lid off and pulled three CD cases out. She spread them out and then laid them on the table.

“Queen,” I smiled as I recognized the name. “You had good taste.”

“Do you know anything about Footloose or Dirty Dancing?”

“Both are movie soundtracks. If you want, Amanda could probably get a hold of it.” I answered.

“What else is there?” Scout asked, curious, as he peered over my shoulder.

Ann pulled out a book and turned it over in her hands. “The Unwanteds. Huh.”

“Looks cool.” The cover had a large stone cheetah with wings on the front.

Next Ann pulled out a journal and flipped through it. “I guess I did a couple journal entries. Most are sketches though.” She shut it and laid it down on the table with everything else.

Then she pulled out a picture. Ann froze.

“What, what is it?” Asked Scout.

She turned it so Scout and I could see. She was in the middle, a bit younger, with a man on the right and a woman on the left. She looked similar to the woman, but had the man’s eyes.

“Your parents.” I whispered.

“They have to be.”

She laid it down carefully.

The rest of the stuff was little knicknacks. A pair of earrings, a card game called Uno (never heard of that one), a seashell, and a box of colored pencils. A few pencils were scattered around the box with an eraser too. Ann inspected each one and held it carefully in her hands, as if it would disappear.

“Is it what you’d hope?” I asked her as she put everything back.

“I guess so. It didn’t answer all my questions, but maybe once I look through my journal I’ll get more.”

“Scout,” I said. My Ghost turned to me. “Direct us back to the Tower.”

“Got it.” He went back to the cockpit with Poppy.

“Thera?” Ann asked.

“Hm?”

“Do you ever wonder about your past?”

“Not really.” I answered truthfully. “I mean, there are times where I’ll think about what I once was like, but honestly, I don’t want to know. I’d much rather focus on this life, and the people I have now, than spend time thinking about things of the past.”

“I guess that makes sense.” She smiled. “Thanks again for taking me.”

“Once again, your welcome. Just next time, don’t wake me up at four in the morning.” I said with a grin.

She laughed. “No promises.”

#destiny 2 #destiny #destiny guardians #destiny game #theras journal entries

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lovemesomesurveys · 5 years

Text

How many times have you ever ridden an elephant? Zero. Do you like cobblers? No. I don’t like fruit pies or things like that. What do you think about lord of the Rings? Not my thing. What kind of cup did you last drink out of? It’s a Disney glass. We have a few of them and each one has different Disney facts and pictures on them. Do you currently have any cuts or scrapes? Yes, on my right middle finger knuckle. I keep picking the scab. :X

Did you like Barney as a child? I was obSESSED with Barney. Probably annoyingly so to my parents with the songs haha. I remember this Barney in concert special that aired that my mom videotaped for me (I’m old, there was no DVR) that I watched over and over. What color vacuum do you use? Our vacuum is black. Do you have a lot of clothes hangers in your house? Yeah. Have you ever been in a Latin class? No. Have you ever had bubble gum stuck in your hair? Yes. I fell asleep once with gum as a kid and it fell out of my mouth and into my hair. Is there any pet hair stuck to your clothing? Yeah. What do you smell? Nothing at the moment. Have you ever watched The Gremlins? Nah. Looks kinda ridiculous in my opinion lol. What is your favorite type of seashell? I don’t have a favorite type in particular. Do you love 3-D movies? Nah. It’s annoying as someone who wears glasses to try and wear the 3D glasses cause I have to put those over my own and yeah. I’d just rather not deal with it. Plus, except for in some cases, it doesn’t really add much anyway. Have you ever used Proactiv? Yeah. Is your cell on charge? No. Do you like dirt or sand better? I’ll say sand only cause I associate that with the beach, which I love. When’s the last time you had a hamburger? A few weeks ago. Do you own an iHome? Not anymore, but I used to. Do you own a BEST FRIEND charm or figurine? What’s a best friend figurine? lol that sounds weird. Anyway, no, I don’t have either of those. What do you think about rainbows? I think they’re very pretty. Are you wearing anything on your head right now? Nope. Are you watching cartoons? No. I’m watching Catfish. Do you own a pet spider? EW NOOOO. Do you like mouthwash? It’s too strong and irritating for my mouth. Have you ever used a Ped-Egg? No. Ew, I’ve seen the commercial for that and it makes me gag cause it shows all the dead skin the person scraped from their foot. Blech. Do you like Olay products? I don’t use any. Have you ever gone on a cruise? No. They sound fun in theory, but actually going on one would be terrifying. The idea of just being out in the middle of the freaking ocean...sljfdkfjsldfk Do you use green pens? I have before, but no not regularly. I like black ink pens. Do you own anything that has a striped pattern on it? Yeah. Do you watch Wheel of Fortune? Not regularly, but I’ve seen it a few times throughout my life. Are there any fake tattoos on you? No. No real ones either. Can you roll your belly? No. When’s the last time you saw your grandpa? I saw my Papa back in September of last year. I last saw my grandpa in December of 2010 before he passed away. We were by his side when he did. :( Is there a rocking chair in your house? No. Do you call your animals “baby names”? Yeah. She has a ton of nicknames. Why does George Lopez say “I GOT THIS!!” in that voice? *shrug* That’s just his thing. Do you have homework? No. I’m not in school anymore. Have you ever gone to a Monster Truck show? No. Well, have you ever seen the Nutcracker? Not on broadway or anything. I’ve seen a movie or animated version before when I was a kid, though. Where did you get your bed sheets? Probably Kohl’s. Do you always use manners? I think so. Have you ever been stood up? Yes. Are your lips chapped? Yes. I’m always licking and biting/picking them. Have you ever been kicked in the throat? Ahh, no. I’ve accidentally hit myself in the throat, though. OW. Do you own a fishtank? No. When is the last time you were sick? I felt extra sicky this past Saturday. As far as like something like a cold, I got hit hard with the flu and bronchitis back in mid January. That really messed me up. I was down and out for like 2 months. Do you like the song “Barbie Girl”? Sure. It’s a nostalgic thing. What do you usually order from Taco Bell? Bean burrito with no onions and extra sauce and sour cream and guac on the side. Sometimes I’ll add a couple Doritos Locos Tacos, too. If you have a cell, is it touch screen? Yeah. Crazy how that wasn’t the norm at one time, but now it’s weird if your cell phone isn’t a touch screen. Do you own a feather boa? No. Are you allergic to peanuts? No. Do you wear ribbons in your hair? No. Did you get into the Livestrong bracelet kick? I did. I had others as well, like one for ASPCA. How many pictures are on the wall of the room you are in? 7. Do you use cheat codes on video games? I used to do that back in the day. Have you ever gone mudding on a fourwheeler? No. Is there a rolly chair in your bed room? My wheelchair, ha. What is your favorite flavor Jolly Rancher? I liked the watermelon, green apple, and blue raspberry flavors. I really liked the Jolly Rancher suckers they came out with, too. Who is your favorite super hero? Iron Man, Spiderman, Ant-Man, Thor, and Star Lord. && who is your favorite Villan? Michael Myers, Pennywise, Darth Vader, The Joker, and Loki. Have you ever been to a church camp? No. Is there a trampoline in your back yard? No. Have you ever played Dance Dance Revolution? Nope. Have you ever swam in a creek? No. Do you enjoy running? Not at all. How long has it been since you last slept? Uhhh I woke up around 9AM yesterday and it’s 2:42AM now. What are your thoughts on Myspace? It’s dead. Crazy how that was the big thing at one point. I was obsessed with Myspace. I used to obsess over my layout and what I’d add to my page, like cute icons and stuff, my profile name, putting quotes and lyrics as my status, choosing my top 8, posting bulletins with surveys, and joining those train things lmao. What is the last thing you dropped? A straw. How many nickels are in your possession? *shrug* A lot. Is the sound on your laptop or computer turned off? It’s turned down pretty low. How many items do you have in your “favorites”? I have a few things on my Bookmarks bar. Would you ever slide down a razor blade slide into a pool full of alcohol? A RAZOR slide? Uh, that’s a hard pass. What is the last infomercial you saw? I don’t remember. How many magnets are on your refrigerator? Several. How many keychains do you own? A lot. I have a good little collection going. I love getting keychains. Do you own anything with a peace sign on it? Yeah. Have you ever been to Johnny Rocket’s? Yes. How many stuffed animals are in your room? I have a lot. I should count them all sometime. Look up, then to the right. What do you see? The top of the curtains I have hanging up in place of the sliding doors I had for my closet. Have you ever done the “Cupid Shuffle”. I know the song and I’m familiar with the dance, but no I haven’t done it. Do you know how to do the Solja Boy dance? Again, I’m familiar with the song and dance, but I haven’t done it. When is the last time you wore shorts? Years ago. Do you like elevators or escalators? I have to use the elevator. Have you ever layed on a tampur pedic? No. I’d love to have that kind of bed, though. It would be better for me. Have you ever been in Karate? No. What color is the nearest lampshade? White. Is there anyone in the room with you? No. How long has it been since you’ve eaten a Reese’s? Like a couple years. When is the last time you went to Walmart? A few weeks ago. Do you own any body glitter? Nope. What brand of hair straightner do you own, if you own one? I think it’s a Conair. What is your favorite brand of chips? Doritos. Back when I could eat spicy things I would have said Cheetos cause of Hot Cheetos. What time was it 20 minutes ago? 2:34AM. When is the last time you pet an animal? Last night. Do you own anything from Aeropostale? Not anymore. I used to have some shirts and a couple hoodies.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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esmiblood90irisglimmer · 6 years

Text

Single Dad Life (Hamilton)

Squeal to: Remember Me and He used to mine

Hamilton POV

March 8, 2009

Today was an experience day for me since it would hit the mark that Eliza abandoned me and our eight children four months ago. I must admit it was hard for me to cope with the idea of me being a single dad with such a large amount of children. It was difficult from the beginning since many men and women would often laugh or create rumors behind my back. There has been a time where I wanted to leave myself but I couldn’t. I didn’t dare to leave my children behind like my father did when I was barely ten years old. And I won’t dare traumatize my children anymore after their mother abandoned them. How could a mother like Eliza leave her family behind while only leaving a note that said “I’m leaving” without an explanation? I continue asking myself that question until it didn’t matter to me anymore. Even my children just accepted that their mother will never come back and I know that feeling.

Anyway, I shouldn’t be getting off sidetrack. Today was one of the most experience days since Philip and Angelica decided to have a paint war during art class at school. It was a disaster when their principal call me during work. One sight of those two in the principal office, I have to stop myself from bursting out laughing. They were the colors of the rainbow from head to toes. Some of their classmates were cover in paint as well but not nearly as bad as Philip and Angelica. It was quite funny in a way in which I have to take a picture of them in the principal office in which the young man didn’t hesitate to smile while my eldest children were blushing of embarrassment.

It wasn’t easy scrubbing the paint off of them but after washing them from almost two hours, I manage to get all the paint off. I guess that’ll be the last time those two will ever do anything mischievous at school for the time being. Then again they’re Hamilton’s after all and they won’t hesitate to start another incident or memories at school again. Until then I must end this entry for the night

A.Ham

April 12, 2009

Whenever you needed a good five minutes nap just to take a break from your kids. Yeah, biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I forgot the most important number one rule of being a parent. When the kids are quiet, you know that they’re doing something shady. Them being quiet should've been my first clue but nope my lazy ass brain told me to sleep. And so I did but only a moment not even a minute later I see PJ, my youngest child cover in chocolate cake all over his face and clothes. I spring up off the couch and race toward the kitchen. I’ve forgotten that younger quadruplet had the day off from school and put them to nap. I know that they’re 7 years old and are too for naps but hey they’re my children!

But anyway as I soon I step into the kitchen before me was John and William eating the chocolate cake their bare hands. As for my daughter, Eliza was cover in chocolate cake all over her dress and face as well. As they saw see standing there in horror they were like a deer in the headlight before giving me those puppy eyes. I sigh in defeat before laughing a little before taking a picture of them sitting around the destroyed chocolate cake.

After washing my children and putting their clothes in the washer, I have to bake another chocolate cake and a spare one this time. I have to make sure that the children don’t get them this time. Being a single dad has it ups and down but it’s those memories that count. And this event will be one of them. Until then my friend, see you next month

A.Ham

May 21, 2009

I...I can’t believe it. After picking up the children from school on the way home. I got a phone call from Nevis Don’t worry we were out eating at a local McDonald. I don’t condone talking or texting on the phone while driving. Those can’t wait but another person life can’t. Speaking another living person in fact while my children were running around on the playground as I receive a call from Nevis. My home island where I grow up before coming to the United States. The people that I kept in contact with is a priest from a local church that always guides me during my high school and college year. As I answer it I recognize a voice that I thought disappears from my memory forever. It...It was my brother whom I thought died during the hurricane many years ago.

My oldest brother...James Hamilton Jr is still alive after there years. Tears were streaming down my face as I believe that he was gone from my life forever. Now, he’s alive and well but can’t come to the United States since it cost a large amount of money. I’ll be willing to help out but knowing my brother he would decline it but we’re both stubborn with each other. I thought it would be nice for my children to see their uncle at Nevis basically my home island. They get to play on the beach and see more where their father come from beside knowing that I’m from the Caribbean. After having a long but wonderful hour of having a conversation with my brother. We said our goodbyes and we love each other before hanging up.

Philip and the others were curious about why their Daddy was crying before telling them about their uncle. They were so excited knowing they’re going to see my brother in Nevis. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss my home country. I miss the smell of the sea and the sand between my toes. James and I always swim around the coral reef for a moment until returning back to shore. I’m glad that my dearest brother is still alive since deep within my heart I pray that he’s alive out on Earth somewhere. Now, we’ll be reunited in Nevis our home. Until then, I have to rest for the night, my dear friend.

A.Ham

June 12, 2009→July 20, 2009

The children and I had an excellent time in Nevis where once I saw my brother who changes a lot recently. He has gotten taller and muscular where I’m a bit muscular but still short thought which I hated though. Still, I didn’t hesitate running my brother as we hugged each other tightly. We share a few tears of our own before my children introduce themselves to him. He given me are you crazy? Look on his face when seeing all eight Hamilton’s before. Nevertheless, he loves them endlessly since he got along very well with William who hasn’t talked much since we sang our family lullaby. It was hard for him the most out of all eight children since he loved Eliza dearly. His anger issue has declined and went depress mode which worries me and made me sign him up for a therapist. Anthony Ramos is a nice young man and William really enjoy his company. It's weird how he has the same name as one of our founding father.

Still, William and James have a very strong bond where all my children were excited to stay at our old own. Turns out James has repaired the entire house himself after returning back to Nevis nearly ten years ago. Apparently, he was searching for me the entire time but had no luck until meeting up with the priest that took me him and gave James my phone number. I guess faith has brought us back together as a family. I remember the girls making a sand castle. As for James and John decided to bury William in the sand, don’t worry his head was sticking up. While James and I taught Philip how to swim around the ocean. They collected a few seashells. It was quite the entertainment when a large hermit crab pinch it claws on James' nose.

I couldn’t stop laughing as James was running back and forth while trying to take the hermit crab off his nose. The kids were giving us weird looks like we’re insane but can’t say I blame them. The crab did fall off after James trip and land on the sand. Luckily, I record the whole event and took some pictures of it. Not to mention that it also reaching my youngers quadruplet birthday and so James and I decided to throw them a camp birthday celebration. They had such a great time, with all the games they made and the pinata we made for them. Last but not least is when we saw a couple of shooting stars. Just laying down on the sand watching the night sky on the beach of Nevis is truly special and memorable. Remind me and James of when Mom took us here and star gaze after our father left. Perhaps my children needed to see this after all of what happens between Eliza and us.

I’m not sure what will happen if my ex-wife does return to us but I can’t and won’t forgive her. I shouldn’t be discussing her right now. This is a happy moment for both me and my family. Whereas my brother is able to get into the United State with the help from the priest. We made a sole promise that every summer vacation we would spend our time in Nevis where the children can get away from the city and enjoy the beauty of the sea. The hometown of Nevis..our beloved home. I shall tell you more then my dear friend.

A.Ham

The End

Thought yall needed a happy fanfic

#Hamilton #hamiltrash #hamilton fanfic #single Dad au #Alexander Hamilton #Philip Hamilton #Angelica Hamilton #Alexander Hamilton Jr #James Hamilton #john church hamilton #william hamilton #Eliza Hamilton #philip hamilton jr #Happy fanfic #family life #James Hamilton Jr #brothers #journal entry

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thesinglesjukebox · 6 years

Video

youtube

LIL UZI VERT - NEW PATEK

[5.44]

No, we did not intentionally score this such that it matched the song's run-time...

Julian Axelrod: Uzi's "Venice Bitch": One of our last living rock stars takes a dreamy, indulgent sojourn through the outer reaches of their mind, pushing up against the borders of their persona just to see if they can. It feels like three songs stuffed into one, or unedited audio of a xan'd-in-the-booth freestyle, but Uzi's raw charisma holds this ramshackle rari together as it lurches over the finish line. Between the tentacle line and SahBabii's Squidtastic, octopus-prog is the future of rap. [6]

Taylor Alatorre: With its nearly six minutes of uninterrupted triumphalism, "New Patek" is Uzi's way of gazing out upon rap's changing landscape and asserting himself as its singular icon. If there were a country whose founding documents were the Luv Is Rage albums, this is what its national anthem would sound like. Like most national anthems, though, there isn't much variation, and you kind of start to get the point around the second verse. The production, which sounds like if Zaytoven were commissioned to write music for a JRPG, is precious enough to warrant sustained interest. [6]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: "New Patek"'s formula is familiar -- take gospel piano runs (from Dolan Beats this time, though Zaytoven certainly must be wondering if he deserves a check), an out-there sample (this time from "Death Parade," a 2015 anime), and a constantly skittering array of trap drums dropping in and out, and let cook, and you end up with something that could be found on any number of trap records. What makes "New Patek" distinct is its scale, which runs nearly double the length of "XO TOUR Llif3." It's a proggy twist on a punk formula. And over the six minutes of "New Patek," Uzi acquits himself nicely. He takes the opportunity here to demonstrate what makes him the most promising of his wave of Soundcloud rappers, from his shifts from mumbles and whines to pinpointed rhymes to his ear for instantly distinctive metaphors and phrasings. (The one I'm still stuck on is the bit about putting diamonds on his tentacles.) But most of all "New Patek" is a testament to Uzi's skill as a hookman -- there are so many different hooks here that the song feels much shorter than its run-time -- its final seconds, where Uzi whispers "Yeah, that's it" before the track cuts out, feel like a necessary note -- the song as it stands leaves both artist and listener with enough energy to go another round. [8]

Alfred Soto: Fun in doses, oppressive in draughts. After a while mumbling forces this listener to put a seashell to my ear. [5]

Ramzi Awn: Lil Uzi's rhythm is admirable but structurally, "New Patek" leaves a lot to be desired. Repetition has its place but it can also just be dull. More importantly, male aggression in 2018 is about as interesting as nude performance art. [2]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: Reminds me of Juice WRLD's one hour freestyle on Tim Westwood in that I'm confused as to why people care for something that doesn't cater to an artist's respective talents. I understand that nearly six minutes of Uzi rapping in a relatively straightforward manner can feel like an exciting "old guard" legitimization of his talents but this has none of the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of Luv Is Rage 2. This Death Parade-sampling, post-Zaytoven-sounding production is enjoyably contemplative but after so long it only leans closer and closer to lethargy. Throw in a few off-tempo lines and a chorus that's less exciting with each revisit and I'm left mostly unmoved. Even the few lines that feel relatively exhilarating would be better suited in a song more spirited. [4]

Maxwell Cavaseno: Given the reputation of the Soundcloud rap generation's reputation for having the most neutered of attention spans, it makes sense that the one who'd not only built a rabid fanbase off of snippets but became arguably the first of them to deliver a major label album that might as well have been comprised of snippets' worth of input on his end might decide, "Hey, let me make a six minute song." To Uzi's credit, he picks a nice choice of a Dolan Beats production to ride on, sounding like a much more baroque spin on the Zaytoven formula to compliment his gurgling and frothing freestyling. Whether comparing himself to Naruto villains (of course this idiot would), sending subliminals at floundering junkie and woman-beater Rich the Kid, or implying he has tentacles (...?), Uzi's still managed to find himself in complete ease with rap and succeed in spite of his perceivable limitations by sheer force of personality. [7]

Ryo Miyauchi: For all he's championed as a leading name from rap's new generation upending the traditionalist culture of hip hop, the spirit of the old-school flows in Lil Uzi Vert as strong as his pop instincts. He refers to a bundle of cash as C-notes in "XO Tour Llif3" after all, and "New Patek" is rap in the classic way: just let that cosmic beat ride so he can rhyme his ass off for nearly six minutes. He leaves an excess of bars, though just focus on a section on the splattered canvas, and a new Lil Uzi Vert song emerges from every verse. It seems like a waste to just let his wealth of good ideas leak aimlessly like this. Yet Uzi harnesses that energy that comes from a sudden spurt of inspiration so thrillingly, the actual ideas feel secondary as long he just keeps continuing this hot streak. [6]

Crystal Leww: A couple of weekends ago, an album started cropping up on streaming sites under the name of Symere Woods, which is Lil Uzi Vert's real name, with some suggesting that it was a part of a broader marketing ploy. The tracks were fine -- fine, not great -- and it made sense that Lil Uzi Vert didn't want them as part of his official artist discography. Album Lil Uzi Vert is absolutely thrilling. Luv Is Rage 2 was one of my favorite releases of last year, and alas, the wave of Soundcloud rappers managed to finally release a studio album that sounded like one. "New Patek" is fine, not great. Uzi's still got the energy, but at five and a half minutes this doesn't quite sustain, nor is it tight enough to make me want more. I want album Uzi back again. [5]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

#Lil Uzi Vert #rap #hip hop #music #music reviews #writing

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jarienn972 · 6 years

Text

The Right Place - Chapter 14

Finally back with an update on The Right Place! I had more challenges getting this chapter to come out the way I wanted but after changing a few things, it is done. This new chapter opens back in Storybrooke with Regina and Henry and gives an answer to a question that came up much earlier in the story - was Ursula really involved in Killian's rescue or did he hallucinate it? It also becomes apparent that our poor pirate is getting a little cabin fever.

From the beginning on Tumblr: Prologue/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Also on FF.net and AO3

Wednesday Evening, Storybrooke, Maine

Deep beneath the town's cemetery, Regina admitted to herself that she'd lost track of time. Down here amidst the flickering of candlelight, the setting sun wasn't visible to alert her to evening's onset, not that she was going to be deterred by nightfall. She knew that damned shell was here somewhere; she'd tossed it down here herself when Ursula left town years ago with her father, Poseidon. She didn't figure she'd ever have reason to use it again. Of course, things had also gotten a little mixed up when her evil half had been utilizing the vault as well and while her intent had been to reorganize and return everything to its proper place, she hadn't really had the time. After defeating the Evil Queen and sending her off to another realm, the Black Fairy had descended upon them almost immediately.

Never a dull moment around here, that was certain.

"Any luck, Mom?" Henry asked as he reached the bottom step of the stone staircase.

"Not yet, but there are still a couple of chests I haven't gotten to yet."

"Well, I've finished all of today's homework and my make-up work. Can I help you out?" he offered.

"I would appreciate it. I didn't think it would be possible to lose a giant conch shell down here, but the Evil Queen moved some things around and I haven't found time to put everything back in order."

"Where should I start?" Henry wondered, glancing around the vault until his mother pointed him in the direction of two dusty steamer trunks stacked against the earthen wall to the left of the stairs.

"I haven't been through those two yet," she informed him. "Why don't you start with those while I go through this last one over here?"

"Sure. It shouldn't be too hard to tell if a large seashell is inside…"

"You'd be surprised…" Regina muttered under her breath, not wanting Henry to hear.

"Mom sent me a text a little while ago," Henry began as he flipped open the latch on the top trunk, brushing away the cobwebs as he raised the lid. "She said Killian might be released from the hospital on Friday."

"That's good news," Regina replied half-heartedly. "Just be careful around those. Most of that dust is older than you."

"If that's true, then the shell probably wouldn't be in here, would it?" he queried, holding back a sneeze at the cloud of dust particles he'd stirred up just lifting the lid.

"True," was her blunt answer as she realized that she hadn't put the shell into a trunk that she hadn't opened in decades. "Forget about those and come over here. I could use your help with something…"

"Sure," Henry responded, lowering the lid slowly to prevent another dust cloud and replacing the latch before he met his mother on the opposite side of her vault. "What do you need me to do?"

"Help me move this table," she instructed. "I'd almost forgotten about this…" The placed her hands atop a heavy walnut table that was draped with a regal purple and gold cloth and with Henry's help, they moved the table aside to reveal a two foot by three foot woven woolen rug that matched the colors in the tablecloth. "I stashed a few items down here after we learned that my evil half wasn't actually dead, things I didn't want her to get her hands on and since I was convinced she wouldn't harm you, I sealed it with a lock only you could open."

"Me?"

"Who better?" she countered as she rolled away the rug, revealing what appeared to be a metal trap door. "I don't think she ever found this, but either way, only your touch can release the seal, Henry."

"Okay... What do I need to do?"

"Just press your right hand down onto the metal plate and it should pop open."

"Okay…" he repeated as he lowered his palm onto the metal and pushed down. A few sparks flew into the air as the seal released and then the door snapped back against his hand before sliding aside. "Cool!"

"Cool indeed," Regina grinned as she reached inside the trap door and retrieved the conch shell from her secret cache. "I guess I put it in here so that Queenie couldn't contact the Sea Witch, not that she really seemed concerned with aligning herself to anyone besides Zelena, Hyde and Gold."

"So how to we summon Ursula with it?" Henry asked while Regina began extinguishing candles with a flick of her wrist.

"It works pretty much like a trumpet and once we sound the horn, the Sea Witch should appear," she replied, giving her son a gentle push toward the stairs. "Let's get back above ground and I'll show you."

She followed Henry up the stairs and out of the mausoleum, traversing the cemetery grounds to the park before stopping to summon Ursula. Raising the shell to her lips, she blew through it, releasing a sound that wouldn't exactly be described as melodious, but it wasn't as though she were using the shell for its musical qualities. She just needed it to garner the attentions of the Sea Witch herself.

"Regina? Can't say I was expecting you to the be the one summoning me at this hour," Ursula stated as she appeared behind the pair in her fully human form.

"Hello, Ursula," Regina greeted her former ally. "Can't say that summoning you was ever in my plans either but I'm doing it on behalf of a friend…"

"Really?" Ursula questioned Regina's intentions. "A friend asked you to contact me? Whatever for?"

"Well, why don't you tell me – did you really rescue Captain Hook from drowning off the coast of Portland a couple of days ago?" Regina asked directly.

"This is about Hook?" the Sea Witch chuckled. "You summoned me to ask about Captain Hook? Do I even want to know what tall tales he's been telling or how drunk he was?"

"The only tall tale he's telling is that you plucked him out of the water and tossed him onto a beach – and that was of course once he was finally able to tell us…" Regina clarified her prior question with the story that had been relayed to her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ursula demanded. "Yes – I rescued the pirate. Found him nearly-drowned, bobbing in the open ocean so I picked him up and deposited his soggy, probably drunken ass on the nearest beach. I figured once he got dried out and sobered up, he'd walk himself over to the ferry terminal to call his lovely wife…"

"I'm sure if this had been normal circumstances and he had been just a little tipsy, he'd have done just that, but it seems your little fishy senses were off. You didn't happen to notice that he's been stabbed?" Regina just threw it out there, not really caring if she offended Ursula.

"Stabbed?" Ursula's demeanor changed almost instantly. "What do you mean he was stabbed? I found him in the water and assumed he'd fallen overboard or something."

"Unfortunately, the situation was a lot more serious. He was rescued later when a couple of fishermen found him on that beach, but he lay unconscious in a hospital bed for two days because Portland authorities couldn't identify him or figure out how he got onto the beach and no one here knew where he was."

"What a mess she created…" Ursula sighed, her cryptic comment confusing both Regina and Henry. "Is there somewhere we can talk that's a little warmer perhaps? I prefer not to have detailed conversations in dark, dreary cemeteries."

"How about we move to my office?" Regina suggested. Ursula and Henry both nodded in agreement, happy to move this little reunion indoors as the evening chill set in. With a flick of her wrist, she whisked them all to the relative warmth of her office, shrugging off her coat and tossing it atop her desk upon arrival. "How's this?"

"Much better," Ursula replied with a grin, flopping dramatically into one of the two padded arm chairs placed in front of Regina's desk.

"Now that you've made yourself comfortable, how about we discuss what you said before I brought us all here. You said something about a mess someone created?" Regina questioned.

"I probably shouldn't have opened my big mouth back there in the graveyard," Ursula replied disgustedly.

"A little late for that," Regina reminded the Sea Witch. "So, why don't you tell us who you were talking about and what the hell it has to do with Hook?"

"The 'who' would be my niece, Tempest," Ursula stated. "Ever since Father allowed her to start testing her powers, she's been out of control."

"Didn't know you had a niece." Regina wondered how many other little demi-gods might be running around out there.

"The family history is a bit muddled, but suffice it to say she's my sister's kid – born with the ability to control the winds. She loves to toy with ships out on the open seas, blowing up rogue storms and endangering a whole lot of human lives. My father doesn't seem bothered by her actions, but then you know his opinion on humans, considering he once used my voice to lure unsuspecting sailors to their deaths. It really didn't come as a surprise."

"Okay, so your niece likes to make it really windy and endanger ships," Regina said snidely. "Can we skip to the part that involves Hook?"

"I wasn't aware that Tempest had ventured into the Land Without Magic until recently," Ursula began. "I'd just rescued a young mermaid who'd managed to get herself ensnared in a fishing net when I spotted a cloaked vessel, the Jolly Roger, anchored off an island south of here. I went aboard in search of her Captain but all I found on deck was a frayed rope, a damaged sail and in the Captain's quarters, a shiny steel hook. It didn't take much to put two and two together and figure that Tempest was involved so I went looking for him."

"You said the ship was already anchored so what made you think your niece was involved?"

"The damaged sail was a pretty good indication," Ursula responded. "I figured he anchored near the closest harbor and took the rowboat to shore. Maybe the dinghy got upended before he reached land or he got blown further offshore than he expected and he ended up in the water. Either way, a tracking spell led me to the pirate and I pulled him out of the water. Simple as that."

"Except for that bleeding out complication," Regina reminded her. "Well, at least now it makes more sense how he managed to sail so far south that quickly."

"So, where's the pirate now?" the Sea Witch asked.

"He's still hospitalized in Portland," Regina explained. "By the sound of it, he'll be there at least a few more days since Emma can't exactly magically heal his injuries outside of Storybrooke. She's also working with the local authorities trying to find and capture the men who attacked him."

"Sounds like our dear Captain had quite the eventful day," Ursula mused as she stood, her expression almost apologetic when faced with the revelation of what she'd overlooked. She'd hardly consider Captain Hook to be a friend, but they'd mended their terse past so she didn't count him among her enemies any longer either. She'd no obligation to search for the pirate or to rescue him before he drowned, but she'd felt it was the right thing to do. Damned heroes had gotten under her skin too but how had she not noticed he was bleeding? He couldn't have been in the water long though or he would have had predators all over him. "Is there anything I can do?"

"You may want to talk to Emma about that," Regina suggested. "She probably isn't going anywhere for a few more days."

"Is there a way to magically repair the Jolly Roger so we can bring her back to Storybrooke?" Henry jumped into the conversation with his question after listening silently for long enough. "Killian won't be able to finish the sail repair easily with his injuries and even if Mom brings him back home first to heal him, they'd still have to find a way back out to the ship without being noticed. And how long does a cloaking spell work anyway? What if someone discovers the ship?"

"Slow down, young man," Ursula replied. "I believe I can be of assistance there, but I'd like to speak to your mother, the sheriff, first. Can you relay a message to her that I'll meet her tomorrow in Portland at the harbor front park? I'll be there at sunset."

"I'll let her know right now," Henry stated, digging his cell phone from his interior jacket pocket. "She'll be happy to meet with you."

"For some reason, I doubt that," Ursula replied with a sigh. If this feeling of regret was what heroes had to go through all the time, she'd much rather be a villain.

Thursday morning, Portland Medical Center

The first thing Emma recalled hearing that morning was an ear-piercing screech followed by a muttering of curse words. Raising her head from the pillow, she brushed a curtain of unruly blonde locks away from her face so she could get a better view of what was occurring just a few feet away from her. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she could make out her husband standing next to the bed, fully clothed save for his socks and boots, although she could see that one of those black leather boots was clutched in his hand. The other half of the pair had apparently fallen onto the floor, ending up beneath the nightstand and as she put the pieces together, she realized that the screeching sound that awakened her had come from his attempt to move said stand to retrieve his footwear himself. His pursuit of stealth had failed miserably and now he knew he had his wife staring at him wondering what the hell he was doing.

"Killian?" she asked, still groggy with sleep as she tried to figure out why her husband would have put on jeans and why he was standing before her with his boot gripped in his hand. "What's going on? And why are you dressed?"

"Apologies, Love. I didn't mean to wake you," he replied with a sheepish grin, well aware that as soon as she was completely awake and alert, his actions would be abundantly clear. He lowered himself back down atop the bed with a defeated sigh, placing the boot beside him, next to his navy blue woolen socks. Emma shifted on the cot, pushing herself upright as she shrugged off the drowsiness, a frown scrunching her features.

"I can tell you weren't planning to wake me," she began as she figured out what he was up to. "Just where were you planning on going?"

"You and the two local officers, you're intending to locate and possibly question the Toliver brothers who accosted me and I intend to go with you."

Now she was definitely awake.

"Killian, you haven't been given the okay to be discharged yet. We were told maybe tomorrow…"

"I have spent more than enough time sequestered in this little room. I'm perfectly fine. A little sore perhaps, but well enough to accompany you today and then preferably return home by tomorrow if we're able to apprehend Mr. Donleavy and his accomplices."

"So, you just decided to wake up, get dressed and assume that I'd agree to all of this when I woke up?"

"Perhaps," he responded with a shrug. "I would have already completed the task of getting myself dressed had I not dropped my boot while reaching for my socks. I didn't expect that this metal cabinet to make such a horrendous noise when I tried to move it aside."

"That's what you get for trying to be sneaky," she scolded him, scowling as she stood up, took two steps over to the nightstand and dropped to a knee next to the cabinet. "We could have discussed this together."

"Ah, yes," he rebutted. "Just as we're 'discussing' it now. Clearly, you disagree with my decision, but it is still my decision and I wish to leave this place today so I can assist in the apprehension of my attackers. If our positions were reversed, you'd be asking for the same courtesy."

Emma remained silent as she reached beneath the nightstand and grasped his boot, using the cabinet to help balance as she pushed herself back to her feet. She handed the boot to her slightly irritated husband who tossed the pair to the foot of the bed in disgust. He shifted his weight back against the pillows once again, angry that his wife wouldn't listen to his argument. This was clearly where he was expected to stay for at least another day so he might as well try to get comfortable. Emma's demeanor softened as she recognized the dejected cast to his gaze.

"You really want out of there that badly?" she asked as she plunked her backside onto the bed next to him, her eyes locked on the floor as she wasn't yet ready to meet his.

"Aye," was his only response.

"Okay," she relented, lifting her gaze to the ceiling while shaking her head in disbelief that she was agreeing to this. "We'll tell the doctor that we've made arrangements with Whale to take over your treatment back home where we have family and friends to help us out. I'm sure Whale will agree to go along with it with the right persuasion. And you can go with me today on one condition – you stay in the car. No matter whose car we use, you stay put. I can't concentrate on the investigation if I have to keep an eye on you too."

"I can take care of myself," he assured her.

"Oh, I can see that. It's how you ended up here in the first place, but I'm not questioning why you did the things you did. You were doing exactly what any hero would do. So, you stay in the car. No arguments. Until I can get you across the town line and healed, I don't want you over-exerting yourself. Your lungs are still compromised from nearly drowning and you do have a hole through your chest."

"Agreed," he responded without hesitation.

"Alright then, let me get dressed and we'll go track down a nurse to explain your decision. They're probably not going to be too happy with it…"

"Likely not," Killian replied with a smirk.

"Almost certainly not," Emma sighed, now noticing the blinking light on her cell phone resting atop the same nightstand that had started all of this. She lifted the phone to see what messages she'd received. "There's a text here from Regina," she explained. "Came in some time last night. Wonder why I didn't see it… Anyway, she was able to summon Ursula and the Sea Witch wants to meet with me – well, us I guess, at the harbor park at sunset. I guess she's going to help us get the Jolly Roger back to Storybrooke."

"I'd prefer to sail her back myself, but I'll gladly accept her assistance at this time."

"Sounds like a good idea. Now, I'm going to take a quick shower and try to figure out how to convince hospital staff that you're making the right decision…"

#cs ff #cs fan fic #cs fan fiction #captain swan ff #the right place #sorry this took forever

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prettyfunkyunorganized · 6 years

Text

Christmas Daughter Series - McCree

Just a little belated Christmas sweetness between McCree and his Juniper! Inspired by Jesse’s Christmas sweater spray that is FANTASIC!!! Relatively short. Hope you like it!

More Daughter Series: Hanzo, Roadhog, Reaper, Soldier 76, Genji

McCree installments: part 2

Halloween Daughter Series: Roadhog, McCree, Genji, Reaper

Daughter Series AU: McCree - Monster Hunter

Christmas Daughter Series: Reaper, Roadhog, Hanzo

Christmas at Gibraltar was usually pretty quiet – just a few people left behind who didn’t have plans. Mercy went to her hometown to volunteer, Lucio went home to see his siblings and Mama, Torbjorn and Reinhardt went to see the engineer’s massive family, even Genji and Zenyatta had somewhere to be. Tracer had flown Emily to the base, though, so they were here, snuggled up on the couch. Winston was sitting by the small fake tree, drinking cocoa with a smile on. The chipper young woman, Mei, had arrived a week ago and seemed thoroughly happy to be with everyone, smiling warmly as McCree came into the room.

“Merry Christmas, McCree,” she sang, offering him a steaming mug topped with marshmallows.

“Thank you kindly, Mei,” he replied taking the drink with a chuckle. “Aren’t you sweet, making us hot chocolate like this.”

She flushed and giggled, “It’s my specialty!”

“Well we are mighty lucky to have you here,” the cowboy said tipping his hat and taking a sip.

Winston raised his mug to McCree as he took a seat.

“Morin,’ Winston.”

“Good morning, McCree,” the scientist replied. “Is Juniper with you?”

“Nah, I thought I’d let her sleep in while she could,” Jesse said with a stretch.

“Has she been sleeping better,” Tracer asked.

“Yeah, better, but not great. Not yet,” McCree said dejectedly.

He looked over to the couple as Lena put her hand on the cowboy's arm reassuringly. Then he frowned. “Emily, are you in a . . . poop emoji onesie?”

“You bet your chaps I am,” the redhead smirked. “Lena’s is a mermaid!”

The brunette Brit flopped on a hood with a plush seashell crown, making McCree burst out laughing. “I see why our speed demon here is a mermaid, but why’d you get stuck bein’ the foul end of a meal, Em?”

“Because, according to my dad, ‘I’m a little shit for not coming home for the holidays,’ not that he’s actually mad. Just being a troublemaker,” Emily explained.

McCree chuckled, “Sounds like a good man.”

“One of the best,” Tracer said fondly. “We’re video chatting around 3, right?” Emily nodded.

“Juniper, Hanzo,” Mei was suddenly chiming, “Merry Christmas!”

The archer and Juni came through the door one after another, one looking cheerful, the other . . . not so much.

“Merry Christmas Mei,” the youngest member of the team said brightly. Hanzo only nodded, bypassing the hot chocolate and standing by an end table, slightly removed from the others. As usual.

“Well I’ll be,” McCree said smirking at the eldest Shimada. “Gotta admit, I’m pretty surprised you decided to join us, Hanzo.”

He shrugged. “Your daughter caught me in the hall and all but dragged me here.”

“I did not,” Juniper retorted pretending to kick Hanzo as she passed him, “you came of your own volition.”

Hanzo scoffed and gave her a look.

“Okay, maybe I did a bit of convincing, but it didn’t take much,” Juni admitted, sitting next to her father. McCree instantly wrapped his arm around her and pecked her forehead.

“Either way, we are very glad to have you, Hanzo,” Winton said graciously, warranting a slight nod from the archer.

“Maybe you shoulda left him in the hall,” McCree whispered in Juniper’s ear. “He doesn’t seem to have much holiday spirit.”

“Can you blame him? The guy probably spent a whole bunch of Christmases alone since . . . ya know. And now, he has his brother back, but still doesn’t get to be with him today,” Juniper murmured back. “I just didn’t want him to be stuck in his room all day all by his lonesome.”

“Aw, sweetpea,” McCree laughed, “you’re our very own Cindy Lou-Hoo.”

She giggled, “Someone’s gotta keep the peace ‘round here.”

“Should we do presents now,” Mei asked, joining the other Overwatch members around the holographic tree.

“Everyone’s here,” Tracer said stretching under her girlfriend’s snuggles, “let’s do it!”

There was a small exchanging of gifts – Winston, being the one in the leader role, had bought everyone a little something. Mei had got each person on the base a pair of incredibly warm mittens and a matching hat. Tracer and Emily had designed and programmed a cute little ornament for each team member that popped up on the fake fir. Juniper hand made a stack of Christmas cards, and McCree had bought all of them a bottle of their favorite booze – except for Winston who preferred some strange imported cherry drink. And Juni of course. She was too young and too special to just get a jug of liquor.

“And one more for you, my little lady,” McCree grinned, pulling a package from behind the couch.

“McCree,” she squealed excitedly, pushing her long brunette hair behind her ears. She had the best toothy smile. “This box is too big! I told you not to get me anything over the top.”

“Why would you tell your dad not to spoil you,” Emily joked.

“Because he was going to bury me in gifts,” Juniper sputtered. “What did you say? Ten gifts for every year you missed and ten for this year, too?”

The cowboy snickered, “Fifteen, honeydew, fifteen.”

“Which is ridiculous,” Juni reeled as everyone else laughed. Even Hanzo had a small smirk.

“What?! I got a lot of making up to do,” McCree chuckled.

“I’ve told you before you don’t have any making up to do,” she insisted.

“Maybe I just feel like smothering you then!” He wrangled her into a tight hug, planting about a hundred kisses on her as she squirmed half-heartedly to get away.

“Lemme go, McCree,” she gasped through her laughter.

“Only if you let me get ya as many presents as I want for yer birthday!”

“Okay, okay, you win!” McCree relented and let Juniper catch her breath before putting the gift back in her lap. “Now open it! Suspense is killin’ me.”

She bit her lip in excitedly and tore the paper from the box, whipping out her pocket knife to slice open the tape.

“You didn’t!”

“I sure did.”

“You gonna teach me how to keep it on all the time like you do? Through training simulations and combat practice?”

“Of course, my sweetpea.”

“What is it,” Lena shrieked impatiently.

McCree beamed as Juniper lifted up a cowgirl hat of her very own, less tattered and worn than her father’s, but otherwise very similar. Shiny buckle in the middle and all. Her face was just as thrilled as he felt.

The room was filled with a collective ‘aww’ as the young woman put the wide-brimmed hat on her head. “Perfect fit,” she grinned at McCree.

“There’s somthin’ else, too,” he said with a nod to the present.

“I told you one,” she snapped playfully.

“An’ I didn’t listen! Shoot me,” he said shoving her shoulder. “Just open the damn gift.”

Juniper adjusted her hat before digging through the white tissue paper. She gasped and burst out in giggles. With one quick hop, she was on her feet and holding a dress over her body.

“Jesse McCree, where on Earth did you find a dress that looks like a serape? And not just any serape, but your tattered old red one,” Lena gaped.

“The internet is a magical place,” he chuckled in response, watching as Juni swayed with a giant grin on. “You like it then,” he asked.

“I love it, McCree, I absolutely love it!” She flopped back into her seat and threw her arms around him, sighing contentedly into him. For once there wasn’t a ball of tension knotted between her shoulders.

“And I love you, sweetpea,” he murmured, holding her as long as he could, but Juniper pulled away quickly.

“Now you open yours,” she chimed, grabbing a red and green bag.

McCree was grinning ear to ear – it had been years since he’d had a Christmas present like this, not a generic one bought out of coworker obligation. And it was glorious. A puffy red and yellow sweater unfolded as he opened his present. Within 30 seconds he was laughing so hard he was crying. There were all the traditional ugly sweater adornments on it: stout little trees and triangles pieced together in a row and a chunky line pattern, but there was a little extra McCree flare, too. Bright gold Peacekeepers, a row of bullets, and a big ol’ ‘BAMF’ right in the middle made this knitted monstrosity one of a kind.

“Ah, honey,” he said trying to catch his breath, “this is the single best piece of clothing I’ve ever seen! How did you – ”

“Specialty order,” she answered before he could ask. “One of a kind, just like you.”

“Aren’t you just the sweetest,” he gushed, taking off his serape and slipping on the sweater.

“Is it comfy,” she asked tentatively.

“Damn! Is this fleece lined,” the cowboy marveled, rubbing his arms. Juniper nodded. “This thing is magical!”

“I’m glad you like it,” she said biting her lip and looking delighted, “and I’m glad it’s cozy, because it might not 100% one of a kind, but close.” McCree frowned in confusion and Juniper smirked. “Look, I may have loved yours so much I got myself a matching one.”

The entire room laughed again as Jesse pulled his daughter into a glomp saying, “That is the only way you could make this sweater better, honeybun!”

For the rest of the day, Juni and McCree were sporting matching tops and wide smiles. Juniper wore her dress at least once a week for the next few months while her hat ended up being more of a special occasion sort of thing, but the Overwatch members all knew she often wore it when she needed a pick me up and always wore it when her father was away. “To keep him close, no matter what.”

Tags: @watch-your-grammer @winchester-sonsandcastiel @envy-kitty

#mine #overwatch #writing #overwatch drabble #my drabble #drabble #mccree #juniper #winston #tracer #lena #hanzo #mei #daughter series #christmas #christmas daughter series

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superleeleehipster · 7 years

Text

“Rest and Relaxation” Pt. 3

So here we are, another chapter. I liked the setting of the story so I wanted to expand and play with it a little bit.

And don’t worry, some good loving in this chapter too because Caryl deserves as much loving as possible after all the bullshit they’ve been through... in my opinion at least.

Rated M, for sexytime and language. Enjoy guys!

Carol squealed quietly as she stepped foot in the cool ocean for the first time, trying to take advantage of a beautiful hot day at the beach. She slowly made her way to where it was waist deep before dunking herself in the water. She came back up in a gasp as the cool waters sent shivers through her body, but it felt good with the heat of the day.

The area in which the house was in seemed to not be affected as much with the tide, for the largest waves she had seen weren’t even above her head. But she didn’t mind, for the calm waters failed to stir up the bottom, and she took her time peering through the clear water as she tried to see any shells or fish.

She leaned back up and had to chuckle to herself at the thought. Finding seashells? Now that’s something she never thought she’d ever think of doing again. The idea of taking her time to find shells after everything they’ve gone through to this point, and everything she’d done, it almost seemed kind of stupid.

But this was her vacation dammit, and if she wanted to do stupid trivial things then she was going to do it!

She stretched her arms out and smiled before falling backwards into the water as she reveled in the memories of her time here. These past few weeks have been absolutely amazing to say in the least, to finally be with Daryl like she’d wanted for a long time. Being with him made her feel beautiful and desired, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit prideful that the gruff and intimidating, yet attractive hunter had chosen her to be with. But being at the beach house also made her realize that he was right, she really did need a break from everything. She was just so used to putting her needs on the back burner for others that she didn’t even realize it herself.

It wasn’t just their love life she enjoyed though, it was just finally being able to spend some time with him. He was still her best friend, and it was nice just to take a moment and talk about anything. Sometimes they’d talk about before the turn, random things about childhood. Other times it was on sadder subjects like Sophia or their shared history of abuse. But it was nice to strengthen that friendship they already had together.

She turned towards the house for any signs of Daryl before being disappointed again, missing him already despite only seeing him 4 days ago. He had left in the morning to go on a hunt for them, and he’d warned her that it might take him a couple days to get back, but she couldn’t help the need for him to be close by. It wasn’t like they needed food, for they were stocked to the max with shelf food. But you could only eat so many cans of food before you start to crave anything but the same thing for dinner.

Still, neither of them liked leaving each other, but it was even worse now that they were finally together. She had assumed it would be like that of course, but it was also different than what she expected. It was like she was missing a piece of her, something that only he could put back once he was around. It sounded cliche and somewhat cheesy, but that was the best way she could describe it to herself.

She squatted under the water and massaged her upper thighs, trying to soothe them as the cool waters helped the remaining soreness from her body. If there was anything good she had to pick out from his absence, it was the fact that her body was given a break from the action. Since their first night together, they had sex pretty much twice a day, morning and evening, and it probably would’ve been more had he not had a body in it’s forties. But what he lacked in recovery time he sure as hell made up in stamina.

One day it was even more than that, for somehow his body had forgotten it’s real age that day, but in hindsight it might’ve been the cup of instant espresso coffee she had given him when he asked what it tasted like.

She loved being with him, loved having his arms around her as they joined together. But her body was not young either, and part of her thanked the universe that he went on a hunt to give her a break. She knew she couldn’t say no to him, for she wanted him as much as he wanted her, but she was grateful to have at least a few days off from their now favorite activity.

She waded in the waist deep water, looking down as the small fish swam by her legs and found something shining back at her. She deftly picked it up with her toes and brought it to her hand before washing the sand off the conch shell . It was small enough to fit in one hand, but it was stunning none the less. It was a sandy color on the outer edge with beautiful red strips and the opening of the shell had a smooth texture with a mixture of a coral and white coloration.

She got out of the water and moved her towel to an open area close to the water, just in case a walker came out of the treeline, before sitting down and looking at the shell dreamily.

She was taken back quite a few years ago to the beach vacation she had with Sophia. She had always told herself growing up that when she had kids, she’d take them to the beach every chance she got, just so that they had the same experience she had with her parents. But of course, things seldom worked out the way she planned them.

But there was one time, when Ed had gone away on a business trip for a week, a rarity even for his job, and she knew it’d be their best shot. She knew it would be risky, for there’d be hell to pay if he found out she went without his permission. But she wanted to give Sophia something to look back on with a smile, and that was worth any beating she would possibly get from her husband.

So she gathered up her daughter, who was 8 years old at the time, and a cooler of snacks before heading out in the early morning hours to spend the day at the beach. She bought the lawn chairs and the towels once she was there, planning to throw them away after since she didn’t want to worry about Ed finding any sand in the car or in the house somehow.

Once on the beach, she and Sophia had the best time of their lives. They were only there for part of the day, but it was one of those rare moments in time where they could pretend what was happening at home wasn’t their life. Carol saw her daughter come out of her shell completely and run around laughing as they did whatever they wanted, catching sand fleas, finding seashells, or just playing in the water.

It was the first time Carol really had a moment of resistance towards Ed, even though he wasn’t there to witness it. For once, she didn’t allow her fear of him to play it safe, and her daughter had a wonderful time because of it. Thankfully, he never did find out, and her and Sophia were able to find some joy at having a wonderful secret kept between the two of them.

Sophia kept some of the shells they found in a shoebox under her bed and had it very well hidden from her father so he wouldn’t find out. And at one point, Carol had come into her room after Ed passed out in his drunken stupor, making sure her daughter was okay after the ‘fight’ they had downstairs. It was then Sophia told Carol that she took her shells out often when she wanted to forget about the monster they lived with. Carol never felt more of an urge to leave than at that moment. But it was only a few weeks later when they all had to pack up and flee the city...

Carol sniffed and felt a few tears run down her cheeks as she looked at the seashell, thinking about her daughter. If she had the choice, of course she would want Sophia to be there with her and Daryl. The thought of him being her role model as a father figure brought a new wave of sadness, and she couldn’t help but mourn at all the things she dreamed about for her daughter.

For the longest time she blamed herself for her daughter’s death, naturally. She welcomed the pain from it because she thought she deserved it. But somehow, through healing, she came to understand that it wasn’t on her, and that she accepted what happened to her, as well as the actions she’s done along the way.

At first, it seemed more difficult to deal with the pain once she accepted herself than when she felt guilty. When she was at fault, her pain was there to punish her for her wrongdoing. But once she forgave herself, she no longer understood why it still hurt so much. She no longer deserved it, so why did she still have it? But soon, she began to move forward from it, thinking back to her daughter’s memories with joy and happiness instead of anguish.

She allowed herself to have moments like these though, whenever they came, giving herself some time to mourn for her daughter so that she could continue healing.

“I miss you baby girl,” she whispered to herself, rubbing the conch shell with her thumb.

She was so focused on her memories that she barely heard the faint whistling from a distance. She turned around to see Daryl waving at her from the house with a small doe slung on his shoulders. She smiled brightly and waved back before hugging her knees to her chest and biting her lip, trying to contain her excitement as her core came to life again.

“Damn traitor,” she said to herself as her core began to heat up in anticipation.

It was true that things seldom happened the way she pictured them, but Daryl Dixon was a good example of that being a good thing. He showed her that you can have a life after so much death, you can find happiness despite the world ripping you to shreds again and again. For a reason she did not know, her daughter wasn’t supposed to be on this earth anymore. But the universe was at least gracious enough to give Carol unconditional love to help her through the bad times, and help her find the good again.

A few hours she realized he was cleaning up the deer, a good decision considering how the smell could attract some unwanted attention. So she decided to head in the water one more time to cool off her body. But after she dunked herself, she heard the whistle again, this time much closer, and she smiled before peering behind her to see him walking down the beach. She could tell he had just showered, most likely cleaning up the aftermath of skinning the deer. But she couldn’t help but groan at the sight of him strutting towards her.

Why did he have to look so good walking towards her?

When he got to her section of the beach, he shrugged his shoulders. “You gettin’ out? Or am I gonna have to chase ya down?” he yelled to her.

She bit her lip trying to stifle a giggle. “You’re just going to have to get in and get me.”

He narrowed his eyes but smirked before undressing himself down to just his pants. He calmly walked into the water towards her, and she felt a shiver run up her spine, for he was looking at her like she was prey.

He glanced down at her top and smirked. “Like the bathing suit.”

She looked down and rolled her eyes as she tried to fix her boobs that kept threatening to burst free. She had found her closet stocked with different styles of bathing suits, but the sizes weren’t exactly matching what she needed.

“Whoever was on bathing suit duty failed miserably.”

He snorted, slowly coming closer to her. “I think that was Sherry.”

She sighed. “Well apparently Sherry got every size imaginable for bottoms but was very confident I was a small for a top.” She looked down at her very tight tankini top. “I know I’m short, but that doesn’t mean everything else is small.”

He huffed. “Well, in her defense, it sure as hell surprised me when I saw them.”

She gasped in mock outrage and tried to splash him but he dove under the water towards her, and she squealed when she tried to run away from him. His strong arms wrapped around her waist and he hauled most of her body out of the water. She yelped and laughed as he peppered kisses all over her face before hugging her tightly against him.

“Missed ya,” he whispered into her neck.

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I missed you too.”

He leaned back and pressed his forehead against hers, sighing in content. This was a new habit they’ve developed where they’d rest their foreheads against each other in a sort of intimate ‘greeting’. It reminded her of how cats greet each other, but she didn’t mind it at all. It made her feel safe, it made her feel loved

She leaned back to look at him. “Where’d you put the deer?”

“Freezer. Didn’t take long to get the meet off so I stored it in there. Then chucked everything else a few acres from here.”

“Where did you clean it up?”

“Outside and away from the house. Don’t worry, I covered the area in deer piss.”

Her eyes became wide and had a disgusted look. “You covered it in deer piss? Since when did you have deer piss?”

He laughed. “Found a bottle of it in a hunting store nearby. It’s good to use if ya wanna mask your scent and attract a buck.”

Her face scrunched up in disgust and he laughed. “I didn’t even know you could buy deer pee in the stores.”

“It’s a little hard to find, but you could usually find it in areas where hunting’s popular.”

“Huh... so it will mask the scent of blood but we might wake up to a buck in front of the house tomorrow morning?”

“Hey, makes my job easier,” he quipped, making her laugh. He placed her back on her feet but chuckled lightly when he looked down to her chest.

She followed his eyes and huffed loudly in aggravation. “Dammit!” She tried to pull her top up again.

“Just take the damn thing off. It’s obvious they want freedom,” he said with a smirk.

She swatted his arm. “No, I am not freeing them in public.”

“What public are ya talkin’ about?” he huffed, looking around them like he was looking for something.

“I know I know,” she sighed. “I’m just not a fan of showing off.”

“I don’t mind,” he purred as he reached for the knot in the strings.

She quickly grabbed his hands. “No, no. They’re only coming out indoors.”

He sighed in mock frustration before giving her a loving kiss. “Nothing but perfection in that body of yours sweetheart. Don’t ever think anything different.”

She smiled and rested her head on his chest, hugging him tightly as he stroked her back.

But the moment was cut short when she yelped and grabbed his arm in a panic. “Fish!”

He burst out laughing as she tried to climb him like an opossum. “Woman, you’re not afraid of psychopaths but you are with fish?”

“I’m not afraid of fish!” she hissed as she hung from his flexed arm, trying to keep her feet lifted from the sandy bottom. “I just hate the slimy feeling of them.”

He snorted before picking her up bridal style and heading out of the water.

“My hero,” she said, giggling into his neck.

He huffed out a laugh. “Stop.”

The logs cracked a few times as the fire grew in the fireplace. She and Daryl were lounging on the couch with a blanket draped over them as they let their amazing dinner settle in their stomachs.

With a working oven, she decided to slow cook the venison and make it similar to pulled pork. It would take longer for it to cook through, but she knew it would be worth it. But due to the beach day, Carol had forgotten to eat any lunch, so she was practically drooling by the time the venison was finished in the early evening hours.

“Best damn meal I’ve ever had,” Daryl quipped, dragging his fingertips over her shoulder.

“I must admit, I did really good.”

He huffed. “How’s your back?”

“Not as bad now,” she replied, her mild sunburn calming down after he applied some aloe on her.

She was quiet for a while so he turned his head towards her. “What’s on ya mind?” he asked.

She sighed. “I’ve been thinking about her a lot today.”

Daryl tensed slightly, for talking about her daughter was still a little touchie for him too, although he was feeling better about it. But he got himself together and tugged her closer to him.

“In what way?” he asked.

She smiled softly. “She and I went on a day trip to the beach when she was younger. It was the first time I ever went against Ed, and even though I could’ve gotten a beating, I don’t regret it. She had that one day where she could be by herself.”

He nodded and brought the other arm around her, the temptation to get angry at her dead husband still alive and well.

“It’s just hard sometimes, especially with moments like these where life isn’t all that bad... I can’t help but wonder what it’d be like for her to be alive right now... she would’ve loved having a life without Ed.”

“You’re forgettin’ how much shit we’ve gone through between then and now... even if she did live through all of it, who knows how this life could’ve effected her. She could’ve gotten cold... Carl almost did at one point.”

She nodded. “Yeah I know. I shouldn’t think about the what if’s. But every now and then it gets hard.” She sat up and looked at him. “You would’ve been a great father figure for her.”

He huffed. “Nah, ain’t good with that kinda stuff.”

“Well how do you know, you’ve never tried.” When she saw his insecurities she grabbed his hand. “You’re nothing like him Daryl. Knowing the man you are now, and the way you treat me, she would’ve loved you.”

His face softened and nodded. “Glad you think so.”

She smiled and moved the hair out of his face. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being who you are... for showing me that life is still worth living, that there is still something to live for.”

His expression changed into a conflict between being grateful for what she said and not feeling he deserved it. But he cupped her face and kissed her lovingly, showing her what she meant to him. She positioned herself to straddle him and kissed him back, his arms coming around her in a big bear hug as they made out like teenagers on the couch. Soon, things began to heat up quickly as the pent up desire from not having each other for a few days became too overwhelming to bear.

“Need ya,” he panted between kisses.

She smiled and nodded before getting off him and giving a hand to help him off the couch. But before she could turn for the bedroom he gently picked her up bridal style and carried her to the bedroom himself as she tried her best to keep the nervous giggle from coming out of her body.

They took their time, savoring the moment as they slowly undressed each other. He no longer showed much nervousness when it came to loving her, for he learned that this was a safe place, that he could express himself without humiliation or embarrassment. So even if there’s a slight hick up, like their heads colliding, they simply laugh it off and continue. Even the notorious bra clasp, which wound up being a formidable foe, was no longer a match for him as he nearly perfected the technique of unclipping it.

When they were fully naked, she tried to get on top of him, for that was his favorite position. They really hadn’t explored that much when it came to different positions to try because she was waiting for him to be ready. But she never complained, for she really enjoyed the angle as well. But he stopped her this time and laid her back down on the bed before kissing his way down her body.

“Daryl,” she panted as she watched him kiss lower and lower. “What are you-”

“Wanna treat ya right,” he whispered, kissing around her navel before looking back up at her, sensing her tense up. “What’s wrong?”

She sighed shakily. “No one’s ever...”

He nodded, his chin resting on her stomach. “Want to.”

“You sure?” she asked, unable to hide the fear in her voice.

“Only if you’ll let me,” he whispered before kissing below her bellybutton, making her shiver.

They had definitely explored each other the last few weeks, trying to find each other’s erogenous zones to please their partner. But for the most part, it was their hands roaming each other’s bodies. She was merely waiting for him to be ready for the next step, but now that it was here, she couldn’t help the insecurity of what if he didn’t like it, or what if he became less interested somehow because he didn’t like it.... But God help her, she wanted to try.

She gripped the sheets and nodded. “O-Okay.”

He smiled softly before wasting no time and giving her folds one slow lick, groaning into her heat as she gasped above him. He did that a few more times before exploring her heat, loving the whimpers and moans she was making as he pleased her with his tongue. He wanted to try this due to curiosity more than anything, but he soon became drunk with lust from the smell of her, of the taste of her, and he couldn’t get enough of it.

Carol raised herself on her elbows and looked down to see him ravishing her like his life depended on it, and she fell back and grabbed his hair as she moaned from the intense pleasure. She couldn’t believe how good this was making her feel, and the familiar fire within her core was escalating quickly. Her body began to shake as her panting became louder, and she kept a firm grip on his hair, making sure he stop what he was doing.

“Daryl,” she pleaded, whimpering as he played with her bundle of nerves.

“Mmm?” he moaned into her heat, making her yelp from the sudden vibrations.

“Please don’t stop.”

Suddenly he rose up and glanced at her with a mischievous grin, an expression she wanted to smack at the moment. “No! Wha... what are you doing?” At the nonchalant shrug of his shoulders, she whined shamelessly. “Why did you stop?!” She knew she was begging but she didn’t care, she was too damn close to care.

He dipped two fingers inside her and she gasped, some of her frustrations mixing into pleasure as he fingered her closer to the edge. But just as she thought she was about to tip over, he removed his fingers from her with that same stupid smirk on his face.

“What the fuck?!” she hissed, her eyes filling up with tears of ultimate frustration.

But just as she was deciding whether or not to punch him, he dove back down between her legs and she yelped, grabbing his hair instantly as he devoured her.

“P-Please,” she whimpered, tears running down her face.

Luckily for his own safety, he didn’t stop this time, and she moaned shamelessly as she finally felt her core ignite, sending waves upon waves of pleasure all over her body. The more pleasure she felt, the louder she got, and she couldn’t give a rat’s ass on the choked scream she let out at one point. Her body convulsed as he lapped up her arousal again and again, moaning into her heat as she twitched from his vibrations.

After a few minutes she finally calmed down, and he gave her one more lick before kissing his way back up her body. He leaned on his hand that was propped up by his elbow and looked at her with that same old smirk which looked like he owned the earth.

She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “You’re an asshole.”

He snorted, running his hands along her breasts. “Liked hearin’ ya beg.”

She sighed. “That was just mean though.”

“Didn’t think ya minded after a certain point...” he smirked.

The glare she gave him was enough to send a shiver down his spine, and he knew that she was going to make him suffer from this. But for now, she leaned up and kissed him passionately, pulling him down so as he hovered over her. He kissed down her neck as she kissed his shoulders, and she pulled his body down closer to hers.

“Please,” she whispered in his ear. “Please no more teasing... I need you.”

He couldn’t deny her plea even if he tried, for he needed her as much as she needed him. He trailed his hands up her thighs, signaling her to spread her legs for him before he moved into position. Filled with both nerves and excitement of being at a new angle, he slowly pushed inside of her and groaned at the amazing feeling of being surrounded by her warmth.

When he was completely sheathed inside her, he let out a moan of relief, grateful to finally be with her again. He got on his hands and peered down at her, waiting for her to be ready as she panted heavily below him. After a few minutes, she thrusted her hips up to tell him she was ready before he began to slowly thrust into her.

He had loved seeing her on top, being the confident woman that he loved. But being the one on top was strangely enticing, where he had an up close look at how he was affecting her. He was controlling the power and the speed, and there was something primally arousing to see those big beautiful eyes of hers peering up at him as she moaned and squirmed below him while he pleasured her.

Her brow furrowed and leaned back agains the bed as he picked up the pace, her hands gripping his arms next to her as she tried to hold onto something. She looked down between them and raked her hands down his back, unfazed by the ridges as she tried to pull him towards her.

“Please Daryl,” she cried as he thrusted faster, knowing exactly what she meant. He couldn’t tease her now, this was too good, too intimate of a time to be a tease to her.

He leaned down on his elbows and cupped her head with her hands, pulling his knees in before thrusting harder into her, burying his face into her neck as he struggled to hold on. She held onto his back as he gave her more and more pleasure, loving their union.

“So close,” she moaned into his neck.

He leaned up just enough to stare daggers into her eyes, the intensity of his gaze taking her breath away. This wasn’t just a good fuck or a scratch to be itched for neither one of them. This was two people giving themselves to one another as they throw all their fears and insecurities out the window.

And she could see through his eyes, just how he felt about her...

Her eyes filled with tears as he began to grunt with each thrust, signaling he was close. She wrapped her legs around his waist and used him to gain leverage and meet his thrusts. The new angle let him hit her sweet spot, and she became dizzy with pleasure as she felt her walls begin to contract around him.

“I’m coming,” she whimpered before throwing her head back and holding on for dear life as her body shook with intensity.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she squeezed him tightly again and again as he continued to thrust inside her, and her eyes rolled in the back of her head as she smiled with the amazing euphoria of her climax.

“Oh fuck... oh... oh god,” he gasped as he felt himself tip over.

He buried his face in her neck and pumped into her as fast as he could, making her yelp a few times through her lasting orgasm as he reached his. He held onto her as he growled and moaned through the delicious waves as he released himself inside her core with each thrust again and again. And as he felt the intensity of his orgasm ripple through him, his filter completely shut off...

“I love you,” he whispered in her ear as he thrusted his hips a few more times before stilling his body as he tried to catch his breath.

If she had hit her peak any later, she would’ve assumed she imagined him saying that. But she didn’t, and he did. Now she can feel him recoil ever so slightly, realizing his possible ‘mistake’. He clung to her tightly, almost like he was afraid she’d move away, and he hid his face in her neck to try and enjoy this moment before whatever happened next.

“Daryl,” she whispered, raking her hands through his hair. He shuttered at her touch but said nothing. “Daryl, it’s okay... I love you too.”

It took him a few moments before moving off of her and facing her, relief and doubt mixed in his eyes. “Really?”

“Yes,” she said as a few lingering tears ran down her face. She grazed her fingers over his cheek. “I love you Daryl... so so much.”

He sighed in relief as he wiped the tears from her face, and if she noticed his lip quivering from him trying to contain his own emotions, she didn’t let on. He leaned his forehead against hers and wrapped his arms around her, trying to keep her as close to him as possible.

“Love ya,” he whispered again, kissing her cheeks lightly over and over as he repeated the words a few more times, making sure she heard it and felt it.

“I love you,” she said again before the pull of sleep began to drag her under. And the last thing she could remember was his light kisses across her face as he nuzzled his forehead against hers.

#caryl #caryl fanfiction #carol peletier #daryl dixon #twd

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jakallx · 7 years

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Overwatch (Video Game) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Soldier: 76 | Jack Morrison/Reaper | Gabriel Reyes Characters: Reaper | Gabriel Reyes, Soldier: 76 | Jack Morrison, Hana "D.Va" Song, Junkrat | Jamison Fawkes, Roadhog | Mako Rutledge Additional Tags: Beach Holidays, Speedos, everyone drags Jack, Gabe still loves him though, Post-Recall

Gabriel Reyes just wants to lie on the beach and relax after a mission. Too bad for him he has an embarrassing husband who has a new-found love for Speedos.

Reaper76 Week Day 4: On Holiday

Overwatch was a Mistake

The scream cut through the air, slicing the world in two and throwing Gabriel Reyes out of his blissful nap and into high alert. Instincts and years of training kicked in as he leapt up off the sand, turning to face the threat—

Well… he tried to. Something in his back went ‘crick’, and he found himself clutching his spine in excruciating pain, and wishing he wasn’t so damn old.

Blinking away the tears in his eyes, he finally managed to see what had caused the scream.

It was Hana, her youthful face twisted in horror as she pointed at a man who had his hands on his hips and a thoroughly unimpressed look on his face.

A pasty white man.

An old pasty white man.

An old pasty white man in speedos.

That left absolutely nothing up to the imagination.

Gabriel almost added his own scream to the terrifying scene unfolding on the popular Australian beach. Instead, he channeled his intense embarrassment of his husband into something more constructive and laughed in Jack’s face.

“Oh come on. Not you too,” Jack’s gravelly voice seemed unsuited to anything except barking orders, but he hadn’t done much of that in the last couple of years. Neither of them had.

After Gabriel had been brought …back, and those who had caused Overwatch’s downfall had paid for their crimes, they had both decided to stay on and help the transition of the new Overwatch. But it was no longer their Overwatch. Sure, they occasionally tagged along on a mission, but most of the time Gabriel guarded his semi-retired status like a rabid dog. He only accepted missions that came with perks like this particular one. He and Hana had conspired to have it completed several days earlier than expected and of course, Hana had simply neglected to inform Winston of this fact. And so the team found themselves lazing on the beach and soaking up the Australian sun.

And of course, he only took missions that Jack was also assigned to. He had vowed to never let that man out of his sight again.

He wholeheartedly regretted this decision as Jack gave him the finger and stalked over to where their towels were laid out on the beach (though Gabriel had to admit that the speedos showed off his ass quite nicely). Jack grumpily sat down on his towel, wiggling his butt in the sand to get comfortable.

Gabriel was still caught off-guard by how much Jack didn’t act his age sometimes. The grouchy old man visage would slip off and underneath was the beautiful, youthful and socially-awkward butterfly he had fallen in love with all those years ago. Gabriel shrugged at Hana and grinned as he sat down next to his husband. Old man Jack wasn’t all that bad, but he was painfully embarrassing sometimes. Not like Gabriel. Out of the pair of them, he was definitely still the cool one.

“I did not sign up for this,” said Hana, averting her eyes.

“No, you signed up to be a hero,” Gabriel replied in a serious voice. He caught Jack nodding along in agreement. “And sometimes, being a hero means suffering through other people’s fashion choices.”

Jack’s face goes slack and he slowly turned to Gabriel. “I will not take a fashion insult,” he said, voice deadly quiet, “from a man who spent six years wearing Hot Topic’s clearance rack.”

Gabriel stared down at Jack for a moment before letting the smile creep onto his face again. He shrugged and lay back down on his own towel, stretching out in the sunlight, feeling it infuse his cold bones, the last side-effect left over from the resurrection. He’d made peace with that part of himself. And besides, Reaper had looked fucking awesome, and Jack was a fool for thinking otherwise.

“How come Roadhog gets to wear speedos and nobody says anything?” Jack was sulkily watching Junkrat and Roadhog as they built a sandcastle down by the shoreline.

Gabriel sat up again and gave Jack a look that said, do you really want to be the one to question Roadhog about his love of speedos?

Jack pouted his lips at that. Fair point. He popped open a tube of SPF50+ sunscreen to begin rubbing it onto his arms.

Gabriel snorted and glanced back down to the shoreline about to lie back down on his towel, finally able to relax. The skinny arsonist was decorating his sandcastle towers with what looked like fireworks…

—fireworks?! Gabriel bolted upright again and squinted down at the two Australians in dismay. They really did have fireworks. Well, Junkrat did—Roadhog was using delicate seashells to decorate his half of the castle. Godamnit. Gabriel had no idea how the little fucker managed to get a hold of illegal explosives at literally every opportunity he was left unsupervised, but somehow he did. He sighed and rubbed a hand down his reconstructed face, feeling his scars stretch and pull under his fingertips. He couldn’t have a moment of peace, could he? Just one minute to lie down in the sun without dealing with embarrassing husbands or letting insane pyromaniacs blow up half the beach.

Hana was still hovering about, clearly torn between the desire to drag Jack some more, and the need to never look in his direction again. She was the leader on this mission anyway. And you know what—Gabriel was suddenly struck with the realisation—she could do her job. Take responsibility for her subordinates and the safety of the civilians with which they were sharing the beach with.

“Hana,” Gabriel got her attention and then gestured down to the shoreline where Junkrat was crowning the top of his castle with a particularly big rocket.

Hana’s eyes bugged out and she cursed. She turned back to Gabriel and Jack but managed to get a particularly horrific eyeful of Jack’s speedos since he was rubbing sunscreen into his thighs.

“Oh my god. Why?” she dragged her hands down either side of her face in despair, while trying to look anywhere but at Jack. It was a look Gabriel was familiar with, having made it many times himself over the years.

Then she put steel in her eyes and hunched her shoulders forward. “Overwatch was a mistake,” she gritted out before she marched off down the beach to deal with Junkrat.

“I’ll have to warn the others before they accidentally gouge out their own eyes by looking this way.” Her parted mutterings were just loud enough for Jack to hear.

Jack sighed and looked down at his legs. “You don’t think I’m embarrassing, do you?”

He sounded so defeated that Gabriel’s heart broke just a tiny bit. Oh god, he had to patch this up, so he patted Jack on one of his blindingly white thighs and said, “Babe, you make having eyes again worth it.”

Jack’s face went a little red than it already was.

Honestly, Jack was such a dork. Gabriel shook his head at his husband, feeling the tug of the smile at his lips.

Jack noticed and raised an eyebrow at him. “What?”

He shrugged, almost not willing to answer, but at the same time he was curious. “Just thought you would have been the first one to be down there, sorting that out.” He vaguely gestured to where Hana was now in a loud argument with Junkrat, both of them shouting and gesturing wildly at the fireworks on the sandcastle. Junkrat was losing fast in this particular match-up, his composure withering as Hana gave him a thorough dressing down.

Jack snorted, fixing him with his piercing blue gaze. “Like you can talk. You were ready to jump up and go down there to deal with it yourself.”

Gabriel looked away, caught out. He was almost surprised with how much they had both changed. And also how much they hadn’t. It wasn’t the same as it was before, they could never go back to that, but both of them had never been that good at moving on from each other. Or from the job.

Gabriel watched the scene down at the shoreline come to an abrupt conclusion when a particularly aggressive wave on the incoming tide completely wiped out the sandcastle and all the fireworks atop it. Junkrat dropped to his knees with a wail, shaking his fists at the sky while Hana loomed over him with her hands on her hips. Roadhog quietly began picking his seashells out of the ruined castle.

Gabriel couldn’t have stopped the grin from creeping onto his face if he had tried. He picked up his pair of sunglasses and slid them on. “You know,” he turned back to Jack who was watching him with his own little smile, his scarred lips quirking up. “I would have once. But then I remembered.”

“Remembered what?”

Gabriel lay back down on his towel and finally let the sunlight soak into his old bones.

“That I’m semi-retired and it ain’t my fucking problem anymore. I’m on holiday.”

#reaper76week #reaper76 #gabriel reyes #jack morrison #dva overwatch #junkrat #roadhog #BEACH TRIP #this is so dumb #fan fic #my fic

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