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formulakatya · 1 year

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THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE | MICK SCHUMACHER

"living in a movie i've watched and funny, cause you couldn't have called it, met you at the right time, this is what it feels like"

not my gif :)

summary: where your best friend is sick of you thinking your not deserving of love and so she introduces you to a certain someone

pairing: mick schumacher x professional golfer!reader

notes: i really wanna make a part 2 of this, so if any of you guys are interested in a part 2 please comment! loosely based off 'feels like' by gracie abrams

warnings: a universe where mick is in ferrari and ferrari aren't idiots, unedited work

the sound of your metal club hitting the ball pierced through the quietness of the morning. the skies were still painted hues of orange as the sun was rising as you watched the direction of the ball.

using your foot to roll out another ball in front of you on the grass, you adjusted your stance as you set up. gripping the club as you gave yourself time before swinging back and hitting the white ball.

“nice one!”

turning around to see where the familiar voice was coming from, you smiled as you saw lily. you hadn’t seen her in quite sometime after she left to attend the australian grand prix to support her boyfriend and to play a tournament. “lily!”

you had known lily since childhood having met her at a small tournament. and eventually, what was just being penpals, meeting at tournaments and visiting one another with always the same talks about turning pro had turned into a life long friendship. and, truthful to your dreams, both of you turned pro at the same time and got onto the lpga tour.

“congrats on the t5 finish,” you smiled as you hugged the older girl. “i watched the highlights, you were amazing! how was australia as well?”

“australia was fun, alex bagged a p8 so he was quite happy about that,” she spoke as you two pulled away, going to her clubs which she had put at the bay next to you. “enough talk about me, how about you?”

shaking your head, you shrugged, “same stuff— golf, study, rest, the gym…finals are over now so i might go do something to reward myself.”

“i guess one of us needs to have a university degree,” she joked. you were on your final year of your mechanical engineering degree whilst she had dropped out from her course; though you couldn’t blame her for that as balancing university with being on tour was a difficult feat. “how about the rest?”

“the rest?” you asked, confused as you approached your golf bag, switching the club you were going to use. shortly, it dawned on you what ‘the rest’ meant. “still have no one, lily, you know that.”

“oh come on, (y/n)!” lily rolled her eyes, “please! i have some people that i can introduce you to!”

“lily…” you sighed, “i’m too busy with studying and practice half the time. romance just isn’t really something in the books right now and i haven’t exactly earned one.”

“how are you going to be smart enough to do engineering but dumb enough to believe that you have to earn love,” lily shook her head. “please, just let me introduce you to someone.”

“…and who is this person?”

“you’ll see, just follow me to monaco.”

“what?”

—

“lily, i hope you’re sure about this…” you mumbled as you two made your way around the paddock, the older girl clearly more familiar. “i feel a little out of place…and everyone else is—”

“quit that nonsense!” she let out a smile, “you look gorgeous! you’ve got the best paddock outfit in my opinion.”

“yeah, thanks for helping me choose an outfit,” you shyly smiled as you walked alongside lily as she showed you the ropes of navigating around a formula 1 paddock.

of course, you were familiar with the sport having been a formula 1 fan since you were young but being inside the paddock was a completely different experience for you. looking at the garages where the mechanics and engineers were hard at work, you adverted your attention to your best friend who had took your hand.

“alex!” she smiled, greeting her boyfriend before saying hi to the rest of the drivers. “oh, and i brought (y/n) with me!”

“oh my god, i’m starting to think you like her more than me! even your dog loves her more than me!” shaking his head, alex rolled his eyes, “how could you,” he playfully slapped his hand against his chest, pretending to be hurt by your invite to the weekend, “she’s literally responsible for ‘albolognese’!”

unable to hold back a laugh, you smiled, “you should take that as a compliment.”

“why?!”

“because the spaghetti was good!”

“the nickname is so bad!”

“no it isn’t!” you justified, “you had red hair and you cooked a really good spaghetti bolognese, calling you ‘albolognese’ is only acceptable.”

looking at his girlfriend hoping she would come into defence, alex let out a groan and a loud ‘come on’ upon seeing her struggle to hold back a laugh upon the interaction between her best friend and boyfriend.

“anyways,” you cleared your throat, still smiling over the dumb joke. “hi everyone, my name’s (y/n), i’m lily’s best friend. nice to meet you guys.”

“oh! you’re (y/n)!” one of the drivers which you recognised as mick could be heard. “lily always talks about you! hi, i’m mick.”

“i hope it’s all good things,” you smiled, glancing at lily who gave a playful smile and shrug. “nice to meet you.”

“mick! maybe you could show (y/n) around!” lily suggested, catching both of you off guard, taking alex's hand. "patrick is probably looking for alex, so we're going to be at the williams garage, see you!"

lily's intent crystal clear to everyone else except mick and you, everyone quickly making excuses to leave so that it was just the both of you as awkwardness settled in.

"uhm..." mick spoke, trying to figure out where to go next, "i could show you around the paddock?"

"yeah, that'd be nice. thank you, mick," you smiled as he took the lead, following behind him as he acted as your guide around the formula 1 paddock where risk met reward.

"you look really pretty- uh- your outfit is really nice," mick complimented, trying to break the awkwardness. but though the main intent of it was so there was less tension, the compliment was no less of genuine.

"thanks, lily helped me choose it," a giggle was let out, as you looked at mick who seemed to ease up as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"that's my car over there," the german spoke as he pointed towards the red car boasting the number '47' on it. "it's my first season with ferrari so i'm quite excited for the race and monaco is practically the crown jewel of formula 1...sorry i'm rambling."

"it's okay," you smiled, "it's the monaco grand prix! i mean, yeah, the track has no mercy and overtaking must be a nightmare but it's monaco. you win here, you're already one of the greats, plus ferrari has been competitive this season."

eyes widening, mick couldn't help but let out a grin, "formula 1 fan?"

"since young," you hummed as you walked next to him, "been a ferrari fan forever!"

as you continued your conversation as the german driver showed you around the paddock as both of you talked about anything from racing to your sports careers to your daily lives, you couldn't help but enjoy his company though having known him for a short time as you took in the sounds of the formula 2 and 3 cars and the smell of fuel and burnt rubber.

"hey, uhm, do you wanna go for dinner after the race on sunday?" mick asked, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "i mean it's fine if you say no-"

"i'd love to," you smiled as you soon exchanged phone numbers and social media handles with each other.

observing you two in secrecy, lily and alex watched as you became comfortable around each other.

a smile spread, "they like each other, definitely," lily sighed contently. "the eyes never lie."

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sunshinecoastqldnews · 2 years

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Video of parkour man leaping from Melbourne constructing goes viral as police subject warning

A video has surfaced displaying a person leaping between buildings in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane over the weekend in an alarming show of parkour. The video — which was despatched to the 3AW radio station — reveals the person leaping from the sting of a parking lot to the rooftop of the subsequent constructing, separated by a niche believed to be about 10 metres large. The leap was an excessive model parkour, a follow or sport used to traverse city landscapes by way of leaping, vaulting, rolling and climbing all in a strategy to get from one place to the opposite as shortly as potential. Founding father of Australia’s Parkour Basis Matthew “Chippa” Campbell — who has virtually 20 years’ expertise within the sport — advised ABC Radio Melbourne whereas he didn’t condone the leap-taker, there was a whole lot of calculation concerned. “I believe the notion is it is kind of … dumbasses who do not know what they’re doing, and simply in search of media consideration, and all that kind of stuff, but it surely’s not,” he stated. “They’ve spent years getting ready themselves to get to that kind of degree. “There’s there is not any doubt in that individual’s thoughts that they are going to make it. In any other case they would not do it.” Police subject warning Victoria Police stated in an announcement that they had been conscious of the incident however no formal report had been made. “Anybody who engages in one of these behaviour faces important threat of damage and even loss of life,” it stated. “They might additionally face costs of trespass amongst different offences.” Security a precedence Mr Campbell’s work as a stuntman has seen him soar from constructing to constructing, however with the safety of a web and wire, and his method was to think about security first. Matthew Campbell says the game he is been concerned in since 2004 requires coaching and cautious planning.(Equipped) “You’ve got a approach of measuring distances, so I can take these measurements away and practise on the bottom,” he stated. “I may spend years [practising] and that is the factor folks do not perceive. You could possibly spend years working as much as the soar.” Mr Campbell stated it was additionally straightforward to determine if somebody had acquired coaching within the sport. “You’ll be able to take a look at their method,” he stated. “Motion to me could be very very like studying a brand new language. If you do not know what you are taking a look at … it is all gibberish. “When you really be taught it, you possibly can see the method and the motion and the management.” Be a part of a gaggle as a substitute Mr Campbell hopes the video sparks an curiosity to be taught parkour, fairly than encourage folks to attempt such a soar for themselves. Folks thinking about parkour are suggested to hitch a gaggle fairly than try it alone and with out coaching.(AAP: Julian Smith) “There are a lot of people that suppose it is silly and deal with individuals who do parkour like idiots,” he stated. “However you may discover a whole lot of the folks, particularly in Melbourne, in Australia, which can be actually nice people who find themselves on the market attempting to raised themselves by way of their coaching.” Mr Campbell stated he had considered taking over the identical soar himself. “I’ve checked out that, however I have never carried out it,” he stated. Originally published at Sunshine Coast QLD News

#Sunshine Coast QLD News

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redxblueihateloveyou · 3 years

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Omg how bad were the screenshots?? Is it bad in a good way?? Like "this can't be interperted in any other way except romance angst"????

Scratch that. I just saw the thing.... like 12 times now and I'm lost right now. I for some reason wasn't at all prepared and I've seen only the 2nd half of it. gonna say that it's like whatever you expect, just expect more.

Saying this without exagerating this is to this day the most emotional scene of free! (and thats after watching half of it). It's the way its made that a killer tbh. Haru just plainly shocked me, but this one moment about Rin no one explained to me that shot me in the heart.

The song there. OMFG the song!! to say its fucking intense is to say nothing, its very emotional, like heart-wrenching and dark. Its not any usual music ost or anything. It's soooo good, like holy shit.

I'll try to explain gradually and in details what happened and why it felt how it felt to me. So if you don't want spoilers don't read after this.

I've seen since the moment when Haru is "trapped inside the crossroad gates" yelling "stop this, I'm begging you!" to evil!self, but on the outside he very cold and calmly says "after all.. you always suddenly disappear". Rin is shocked, the moment when he cries next to the pool and they go separate ways flashes before his eyes. It's seen that he's hurt. He gets upset and angry and grabs Haru and goes "teme, I... I... I..." but he can't seem to force himself to finish. Evil!Haru has no remorse in his eyes, flashbacks start of how Haru felt, when Rin left, what they show (I exactly remade the montage shot by shot) this:

and here's what killed me there... Rin is holding him and he looks like he's about to cry and song goes "what do you want? what do you want?". Flashbacks are shown in between Rin's eyes looking at Haru and with the song lyrics it looks like he understands how much damage he had done that time and he doesn't know how to fix it asking again and again "what do you want me to do?". Despite Haru's words, flashbacks are shown 3 times and only about that one particular time he left after returning to Australia aka the only one where Rin knows about the fact that he hurt Haru (so yes, he doesn't realize what Haru is saying), he understood it like the pain he caused him might never be forgotten and he was so lost for a moment there that I myself with Haru wanted to scream "no, please, I'm begging you, stop".

So he just lets Haru go, takes a step back and quitely says "I thought you understood". Haru goes back to normal self and looks panicked, Rin turns to leave, this reflection of small Rin leaving appears in Haru's eyes and he's frozen in fear. Rin then says "I was happy to swim in a relay with you", sounds like a goodbye.

Then he stops for a bit and goes "You can go on and become stronger, Haru. It doesn't concern me anymore." Haru starts hyperventilating, screams "Rin, wait", but Rin already can't hear him, then you can hear how Haru's heartbeat goes insanely loud and he falls to his knees, grabbing his chest and says "it hurts". "Albert" stands over him and Haru says "why" and starts crying.

I'm just gonna say that it's like... it just hits you with something I can't quite describe and I'm saying without seeing the first part about "it'd be better if you'd never appeared in my life in the first place".

It's also incredibly well done and it's extra sad from both parts, I just didn't expect some things, thats all.

And yeah, I do not see the point of denying the fact that they love each other. The fact that they both so sure its unrequited is murders me tbh.

I finally understood Rin and why he left. Before I was like "there's nothing that can make me go 'I get it'", but now I'm like... "I get it". There's another reason behind it. Not the fact that someone hurt his pride or that Haru misunderstood his intentions about dropping free and that he did it for them. I've seen it differently, at least. Although I agree with Rin himself, he's still an idiot.

Haru is in pain you've never seen him before. All in all, it's both incredible and fucking horrible. And it was too much for real. It leaves you with this feeling of... idk even.

#answered #anonymous #rinharu #harurin #free! the final stroke #free!#rin matsuoka #haruka nanase #matsuoka rin #nanase haruka #sharkbait #I can't quite analyse fully bc I want to see the 1st part too #but this now i get it yeah #this is awful #and it's so painful to watch #and I want this song now like right now #Haru crying on his knees killed me #I wanna die

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roonilwazlibimagines · 3 years

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What are some of your scenarios to fall asleep to? 👀

Ahhhh I’m glad you asked !! Also please feel free to share some of yours they can be specific or vague idc I’m in desperate need

I will be going into heavy detail because I can’t help myself I’m sorry and I will put in both normal ones and Harry Potter ones

Also this is just like one big ramble I’m sorry I got too excited I literally turned into that Tik tok sound where it’s like ‘you’re asking me about my theories? I’ve waited years for someone to ask me about my theories’

Update - I think I’m just going to keep updating this as well when I think of new ones because I keep forgetting some

My most recent one is a royalty one where they’re like royalty but in their really prestigious and royal school they were academic rivals and did not get along and after school they like try to go their separate ways until a couple years later their parents force them into an arranged marriage for like the good of the country or whatever I don’t really care!! You can take it wherever you want from there but in case you were interested in mine he fell for her first and kinda gave up on the enemies thing pretty early on but she still made it clear he wasn’t her favourite person and she despised the situation and there is still constant teasing until she meets his sister or friend or whoever who says that they can’t believe how happy he is with them and she feels so bad because she thinks he deserves better and ends up being much meaner to him because she’s an idiot who can’t express her emotions and he gets angry at her because she’s being super mean after they were just starting to get along and they have a big argument and are forced to talk about their feelings and then I can never decide whether they actually like each other when they get married, I feel like either way is fun

I have a thing for royalty so my other one is literally just princess x stable boy and you can honestly take that wherever you want but I will tell you where I took it for some ✨inspiration✨ so I don’t have my drivers license and get really bad driving anxiety so I self projected and made her terrified of riding horses right (I’m so smart I know) and he is like trying to help her ride the horse and feel comfortable and like obviously they end up in love but I created drama because she sneaks out to his birthday party (!!) but his friends don’t like her because they just think she’ll be a snob but he obviously defends her but like it’s a perfect opportunity for a bit of an innocent princess as well

My personal favourite is the two co stars falling in love and like thinking about doing all those stupid interviews from like buzzfeed and all that and I personally love the trying foods from different places thing (like making them try fairy bread - because I’m from Australia and we aren’t that cultured and being mad when they don’t like it because it is my favourite food) and it’s great because i can make the guy any actor I am currently obsessed with 😭 but also like the red carpet opportunities and interviews and fan reactions and it’s very fun also this keeps my brain very busy because I like making it as realistic as possible and figuring out the actors timeline so I can match the story up with it, it’s always really intense, also if you want inspiration for what moving they’re staring in I always go for the live action version of tangled even if I don’t look anything like rapunzel

Another fun one is where one of them is in a band and you have a friend who is dating one of the other members but you don’t like the band and you’re not shy in letting the other members know that and it turns into an enemies to lovers thing but I haven’t really developed it because halfway through I ended up changing it with the fact that they befriend one of the members and like fall for them but the band member like ‘gets around’ and it makes them jealous until they drunkingly confess it made them jealous this one’s a bit of a mess and is tipping into a 2012 wattpad story but it was how I got back into my 5sos phase two years ago because I felt icky about them but I’m still a slut for Calum 😭

Another one I love is moving abroad to study or whatever (idk I just always need a reason to be in America/Uk because there’s no one here in australia) and you make friends with someone who turns out to be related to someone really famous (insert whoever you want) and you meet them and you think they’re the hottest person you’ve ever seen and you get drunk to gain confidence to talk to them and you’re like unashamedly flirting with them and they think it’s cute and you’re funny but the whole little plot twist is that you don’t know they’re famous (famous people love that, trust me, I have about 10 wattpad stories in my library that can prove this) !! And the don’t believe you don’t know they’re famous !! Anyways I took it in a sugar daddy direction but each to their own!

Specifically for Harry Potter though, you ask?

Currently I am obsessed with Regulus Black and for about the past two weeks I’ve been obsessed with the idea of James potter sibling x regulus black enemies to lovers story and then about a week ago I found an actually good wattpad story about it?!?! (I have recommended it here with warnings but I really encourage you to read it if you’re not a minor) but you can also do your own version because I am still doing my own version and will continue to do my own version tonight even if I am obsessed with the wattpad one !! Currently I am up to post Hogwarts and her and regulus are trying to defeat Voldemort and regulus tells her that Peter is going to betray James and so ofc she tells James but James is like ‘how to do you even know this??’ And he is so afraid and gets angry at her and it’s really dramatic and she tells him she’s dating regulus and then he gets super mad at her because she’s dating like one of the most well known and loyal death eaters (even if regulus is sneakily trying to destroy Voldemort) and because he didn’t tell her and it’s very dramatic

My favourite Sirius black idea is also a James potters sibling one, but I never have any good ideas for it and just end up self projecting so if anyone has any ideas, I am begging you, please tell me !!!

My other Sirius black one is one I’ve been working on for like the last 4 years of my life and I probably should write it but who knows, but basically it’s a 10 things I hate about you x Harry Potter story where reader is about a year or so older than the marauders and she is like Kat Stratford (for people who haven’t watched it the best way to describe her is just an angry early 2000s feminist who is like anti dating and fun (kinda)) but she is Lily Evans sister!! And so Lily gets fed up of James constantly asking her out and makes an offhand comment that she’ll date him when her sister goes on a date with someone and James is like really?!? And Lily is like ‘sure’ because she knows her sister will never date anyone at Hogwarts so James tells the marauders and Remus is like ‘if anyone can take her on a date, it’s Sirius’ and Sirius is like ‘no, I’m stupid but not that stupid’ and James is like ‘please I’ll pay you’ and Sirius is easily bribed so he tries to get her to go on a date with him and like she doesn’t until she does and then finds out he only did it because James paid him but then they fall in love? Basically just 10 things I hate about you lol

My next one is with Draco Malfoy and all it is is that reader comes from a pure blood family and they’ve known each other since they were babies and it’s like basically destined they get married but she gets like really upset when he gets the mark which makes for a good cuddling and crying scene and like idk people are probably more creative than me but I just like reimagining scenes from hp but with this new character so like Poa when she gets angry at him about buckbeak or the bathroom scene (maybe she duels Harry?) and she’s so upset about Draco and comforts him, or helping him in sixth year and comforting him or the quidditch scene in the fifth book (weird note, but I’ve always headcannoned that my original character finds out about dumbledores army but doesn’t say anything and like the da knows she knows but she doesn’t tell Draco or maybe Draco finds out and gets angry at her?)

My other one is another Draco malfoy one where James and Lily live and she’s Harry’s younger sister (and Voldemort isn’t a thing) but like there’s still stereotypes and beliefs and such and like it’s obviously enemies to lovers and maybe they get prefect duties together ? (I am a sucker for this trope in Harry Potter) but then when they do date they try to hide it but Harry finds out but doesn’t say anything until they get into a fight at home and he is like ‘well at least I’m not fucking Draco malfoy behind everyone’s back) (in my head they aren’t fucking because they’re still in Hogwarts but you get the idea) and James and Lily are just like ‘WHAT?!’ Like idk I just think it’s funny imagining James and Lily finding out their kid is dating Draco and Lucius and narcissus finding out Draco is dating a potter - so many possibilities!

Update 6.10.21

I also have one for Charlie Weasley !! And basically you’re friends with the twins and like you go your whole Hogwarts life with the biggest crush on Charlie but like he low key doesn’t even know who you are and you want to become a healer and then after Hogwarts there is a position in Romania and you take it because you know Charlie’s there and at first he is like hmmm I think I know you and you explain you’re friends with the twins and obviously he falls in love with you I also took it in a nsfw direction where it’s like major innocence kink because Charlie is just such a dom to me and he like teaches you everything but he makes sure you’re happy and safe and it’s not really like serious sex you’re both just having fun and he kinda introduces you to dom/sub dynamics but you can do whatever is most comfortable

#I’m probably going to regret posting this #it’s a mess #but let me know if you do actually use any of them and how you change the story #and please feel free to share some of yours because I am running out of scenarios 😭😭#scenarios

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nightshade-minho · 4 years

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-Free Rent Part 1-

Stray Kids + fem!reader

Warnings: None in this part, except for shirtless Jisung I guess, and very slight suggestiveness. Eventual smut.

You wish you hadn’t agreed to this. What were you thinking? You could feel eight pairs of eyes on you, and you couldn’t help but feel utterly helpless under their gaze. You knew you had no reason to be afraid- everything had been discussed in detail and a safe word had been decided upon. However, you couldn’t stop your heart from thudding loudly, butterflies in your stomach.

It had all started a week ago, when your best friend Mina had told you about how ‘Chan and his gang of misfits’ were looking for a female roommate to live with them at their apartment. You were curious at first, prompting Mina to tell you more about this peculiar requirement.

“I don’t really know much about it y/n. All I know is that there’s a lot of candidates applying for the position already.”

You gasped. “Why? I mean...doesn’t this whole thing sound extremely sketch?”

“I mean, it’s clear what their intentions are, I suppose. But here’s the catch- you wouldn’t have to pay rent.”

You almost spat out your drink at that. No rent!? It sounded too far-fetched. From what you knew of the boys, they were quite well-off and lived in a huge, fancy apartment off campus. You, meanwhile, had been languishing in the dormitory with a despicable roommate- one who liked having her boyfriend over all the time, making the already tiny room feel cramped as fuck. She also had a penchant for leaving her dirty clothes all over the place- laundry was probably a foreign concept to her. You’d been wanting to move out since forever, and had already tried looking up some apartment listings since the dorms were full...however most of them were too expensive for you to afford.

As you bid farewell to Mina, making your way back to your dorm, there was this tiny part of your brain that was considering their weird proposal. It was clear what their intentions were...and you didn’t know how you felt about being a fucktoy for 8 people- it sounded demeaning and kind of scary, to be honest.

You finally reached your dorm, and was about to unlock the door when you heard moans coming from inside the room. Your head was boiling with anger, why did this always have to happen to you? You were extremely drowsy and just wanted to get to sleep already, but that was clearly going to be impossible.

Maybe...maybe you should check this new place situation out? Besides, you kind of knew Chan and Minho. The three of you had mutual friends and you’d been partnered up with Minho for a project once. They were genuinely cool, funny guys...and very attractive too.

You decided to go to their apartment, and if it was a really good one, you might consider it. Ugh...you couldn’t believe that you were even contemplating this right now.

And that’s how you ended up standing outside their apartment door at 8 in the evening, wringing your fingers nervously. You’d spoken with Chan on the phone earlier, and he’d recognized you almost immediately. He’d been very courteous and kind. You would think he was just a regular old landlord...if it weren’t for the end of the phone call.

“And...y/n? I hope you know what the payment consists of?”

“Oh? I thought it was free-“

He cleared his throat. “I mean...it doesn’t cost any money. We would prefer to be paid in another manner.”

“Ah. Um, yes...I’m aware.”

“Good. And remember, you can back out any time you want okay? If you’re completely okay with it, you can come.”

You suddenly regretted your choice of wearing a skirt today. Sighing, you silently gave yourself a pep talk. Breathing in deeply, you rung the doorbell.

“Coming!”

The door swung open, and you were met face to face with a shirtless blond haired dude, who stared at you wide-eyed.

“I’m sorry, but if you’re someone I fucked and never called back, I can’t go on a date with you. I apologize for-“

He was suddenly pushed to the side by Minho, who smiled at you warmly.

“Sorry about Jisung. You’re y/n, right? And you’re here for the apartment?”

“Mmhmm!”

He cocked his head to the side. “Didn’t we work on a project together last year?”

You nodded, trying to smile but ultimately failing. Your nerves were all over the place, and you were focusing on not running away right then and there.

There was an awkward silence as the two men stared at you and you stared back. You could see that they were analyzing you subtly, and your heartbeat grew faster.

Jisung yawned. “So...is she gonna come in or...?”

Minho silenced him with a sharp look, and then softened as his gaze turned back to you. “Would you like to come in, y/n?”

You paused, nodding again.

Suddenly, a slightly dark look flashed in Minho’s eyes.

“Use your words, sweetheart. You’ll find it a necessity if you want to live here.”

You gulped. “Uh. Okay. Is Ch-chan here?”

Minho nodded. “He’s in the shower right now. But I’ll show you around the house for now!” He beckoned you in, and you followed him as he walked into the apartment. Your eyes nearly bulged out of your head as you looked around. The hallway was fairly short, but then as you walked further in, you softly gasped as your eyes took in the huge living room. There was the biggest TV you’d ever seen, and right in front of it was a sofa that was so wide it looked more like a bed.

Seated on the sofa were two guys that you recognized from previous classes that you’ve had. Both of them noticed you, however one of them spared you nothing more than a glance, immediately looking back at the television. The other quirked a brow in interest, and made his way over to you and Minho. If you were right, his name was Hyunjin. He was very handsome, you noted.

“Minho, you never told me you went and got yourself a girlfriend!

Minho cleared his throat. “Hyunjin, she’s here for the house.”

Hyunjin’s eyebrows shot up, and a smirk grew on his face.

“Great. Cause I was thinking, it isn’t fair that you get such a pretty girl all to yourself.”

Your face grew red. Hyunjin smiled at you, grabbing your hand and pulling you along.

“So, this place has 5 bedrooms. Two master bedrooms, and the rest are normal. The master bedrooms are occupied by Minho and Chan, because ‘they’re the oldest’ or some shit.”

Minho groaned. “That’s not the reason, y/n, it’s because we started living here first, and the others came here later. Also, I’m willing to move in with Chan so you can have a bedroom all to yourself, so it’s not gonna be a problem.”

You meekly nodded. Minho raised an eyebrow, and you remember his statement from earlier with a blush.

“I’m not completely sure I want to move in yet, though.”

A disappointed look crossed both faces, and you quickly stated “Um, I said yet.”

They quickly regained their smiles, and you wanted to chuckle to yourself. The two of them were kinda cute.

“Alright so three of the rooms are downstairs. The two master bedrooms are upstairs, so if you were to move in, you’d be living there.” Minho resumed.

Hyunjin cut in, “There’s also a bathroom downstairs, and an open kitchen, as you can see.” Minho looked at him with an annoyed expression and you almost giggled.

“Chan!”

You turned around to see Chan himself descending the stairs with a smile on his face.

“Hey guys! And hello, y/n! Sorry I couldn’t be here earlier, I was in the shower.”

His hair was wet, and his white shirt was insistently sticking to his pecs. You felt slightly flustered.

“So, would you like to see the upstairs? I’ll take it from here, thanks Minho.”

He beckoned you to follow him. Chan showed you the second floor of the apartment, which was every bit as amazing as the bottom floor. You were trying to resist it, but you couldn’t. Your brain was rapidly falling in love with this house.”

As you made your way back downstairs, you saw four of the boys from before- Hyunjin, Minho, Jisung and...Seungmin? Yes, that was his name. Along with those four, there were two more who were in the kitchen, whose names you didn’t know very well. You knew one of them was from Australia, just like Chan, but not much else. The other’s name was...Changmin or something.

As you reached the bottom of the stairs, Chan spoke up. “So...are you interested in this place?”

You were extremely conflicted. You were no virgin, but you still felt this situation was entirely unorthodox and your mom back home would probably murder you in shame. However none of these boys seemed like bad people, and you were already familiar with a few of them. Your logic was telling you to get out of there and forget you ever came, but then there was this very very tiny part of you that not only wanted the house, but the sex too. Even though you’ve had sex a few times, you were often called a prude, and you weren’t very popular. And...these boys were the kings of the college. Being their friend would be an automatic ticket to ruling campus.

Your brain told you you were being an idiot and not thinking this through, but it was too late.

“Yes.” You blurted, and Chan’s grin grew wider.

Fuck, what had you done?

•••

(There will be smut in Part 2...which will probably be out by tomorrow. Happy SKZ anniversary!)

#bang chan smut #chan smut #chris bang smut #felix angst #felix smut #hyunjin angst #hyunjin smut #minho smut #stray kids smut #skz smut

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falcor-thee-luck-dragon · 4 years

Text

Klaus Hargreeves x Powered Reader

-Watch and Learn-

Warnings: buffoonery ensues, fun times

This gif is beautiful and represents the reader v well.

Masterlist

Do you realize shoplifting is bad, yes. Are you about to do it on a dare, also yes. You see, Klaus has been up to no good recently, you put it up to his desperation for your complete and undivided attention.

For about a month you were over in Australia visiting an old friend, and your poor Klaus was left all alone to fend for himself, for 30 whole days. You were honestly surprised that your apartment didn’t burn down, or look incredibly trashed with random street cats walking around it.

Amazingly enough, everything was intact, but oh man did Klaus miss you. For the first day he wouldn’t even leave your side. The two of you laying on the couch and Klaus couldn’t keep his hands off of you. Not that you minded, he was needy and very handsy that night. So let’s just say, no movie watching was happening.

But back to your current situation, here you are outside a high end clothing store, and you’ve never been more ready in your whole life.

“Remember the goal Y/N, some shiny bracelets, sunglasses, a pricy pricy shirt, and something special for, muah.” Klaus purred sweetly in your ear trying to throw you off, but you remain unflinching and determined.

“Piece of cake, this will be a record haul.” You tell him with a mischievous smirk as he grins back at you.

The two of you casually walk into the store, you’ve put on your long blonde wig and dark sunglasses to better conceal your identity if things did in fact go south. Klaus didn’t try much to disguise himself as he walked in looking like some carefree wanderer, but then again, he’s the distraction.

He walks to the nearest group of employees and begins an over dramatic display of fascination for a certain hat that is laying a top a mannequins head. You make a beeline for the jewelry, finding your prize and nonchalantly sliding them into your inner jacket pocket. Easy money. Next you practically glide over to the sunglasses, looks around you before snatching your favorite pair, ripping off the tag and placing them casually into your coats inner pocket. Yours now.

You scan the store for the shirt isle, easily enough your eyes land down an isle to your left where you let out muffled snort. Klaus now has dark glassed Harry Potter looking specs as well as a fancy cowboy type hat. All in all he looks relatively good, like a sexy desert traveler who’s about to steal some hearts. A smile forms onto your face as you briefly watch him keep up his dramatic act of being the best shoplifting distraction you could have asked for.

Turning back to the pricy isle of shirts that altogether probably cost more then your car, well that is if you actually payed for it. You continue forward, your eyes scanning over the silk and leather fabrics, over ones encrusted with jewels and animal fur that you’re hoping is just fux fur. Your keen eyesight finally stills onto a gorgeous Gucci sweater that practically screams take me. You glance up and find where the nearest security cameras are, spotting them, you pull your attention back to the task at hand. You run your hands down the sleeves and swiftly tug, the sweater comes off the rack and makes a quick descent towards the polished tiled ground.

As sly as a fox you kneel onto the tiled floor, picking it up and sliding it into your coat where it’s completely hidden from any prying eyes that might not be minding their own business. With a smirk you stand up, taking the empty rack and calmly sliding on a new sweater that you found at the local thrift store, that’s been patiently waiting for its next clothing rack. You turn down the isle watching Klaus sweet talk an employee who seems to be under his little spell. You can’t help it when your jaw clenches in subconscious jealousy, you know it’s all for show but still, only you get that adorable smile and emerald eyes that at least they can’t see due to his current fashion statement.

Shaking those thoughts away, you ground yourself again to what you and Klaus actually came here for. Now to find something special for your man, scanning over the brightly lit store your eyes widen in excitement at the beautiful jewel encrusted golden snake necklace that only queens of Egypt should be allowed to possess. You coolly walk over to the necklace, your nerves racing in a bustle of excitement as you make it to the glass case that surrounds it. You shift your eyes once to the left and then once to the right, surveying the area for any intruders. No ones in the nearest proximity due to Klaus’ amazing ability to draw in a crowd practically anywhere.

“Oh and look at you, Klaus is gonna love you, not as much as me but hmm you are one beautiful snake.” You whisper to the glimmering metal hiding behind the stores attempt at a security precaution. Reaching out your hand you simply use your power and defy the laws of what humans should be able to do. Your hand phases through the see through glass where you promptly pick up the dazzling trinkets made for royalty. You silently stick it into your bra and turn around, making your way down the isle and towards Klaus and his crowd of high end retail workers.

You walk past him and give him a wink, he takes the subtle hint, says his goodbyes and trails after you towards the doors. You slow down your pace so he can catch up, a sudden arm slings over your shoulders as he kisses the side of your cheek.

“My dear you would not believe what a bunch of kiss-asses those guys are. Enough to match Luther honestly.”

“Well you seemed to be handling them just fine from what I could see.”

“Huh yeah, they thought my tattoos where interesting.”

“They did, didn’t they.”

“Ohhh were you...were you, gettin a lil jealous Y/N?”

“What? Jealous of a couple of blonde bimbos, you need your eyes checked babe.” Klaus lets out a laugh as he opens the stores door for you. You avoid eye contact, your frustration slowly building until he reaches for your open hand. The contact and the way that he leans into your side instantly calming your agitation once again.

“Alright fine. That was admittedly mean and unnecessary, and yeah okay I was a tad bit jealous...but come on Klaus. You make me feel things.”

“Aww Y/N you’re so cute, my little thief. So watcha get?”

“Oh some of this some of that. I’ll show you when we get back to the apartment. I’m gonna have to come back later and destroy the security footage.”

“Oh right, that silly thing those pricey stores like to do. Security cameras.”

“Ruining fun for burglers since they were invented by some paranoid prick.”

“Eh they have their uses.” Suddenly his attention snaps over to a hotdog vendor further down the sidewalk, “Oh hey, you want a street sausage...and I’m not talking about mine..ah Jesus Y/N I was kidding don’t hit me.”

“Klaus.”

“You have a strong arm. It was a serious question before you assaulted me.”

“Babe we have stuff that’s worth more then the building we live in. We should just go home, we have leftover Thai in the fridge.” Klaus abruptly halts the both of you, shifting your body so he can rest his hands on either side of your shoulders as he looks deeply into your eyes, his face shifting into a pleading expression.

“But my tum tum is grumbling...listen to it Y/N...it says feed me or I’ll die of hunger.”

“Wow I didn’t realize you could speak stomach. Klaus you are truly full of surprises.” You deadpan with lack of facial movement but a low sigh coming from your parted lips.

“Do not antagonize me woman this is serious.” He gives you the biggest and most adorable puppy eyes, trying with all of his might to sway you to the dark side. You roll your eyes as a smirk tugs at the corner of your lips. His eyes go wide in excitement, knowing he’s won you over with his usual Klaus charm.

“My lovely lady, you are a gem among the city sewage.”

“Thanks Klaus. You really know how to make a girl feel special.”

“That’s what I do babes.” Replies Klaus with a quick kiss to your lips before he drags you over to the vendor, that admittedly smells quit delicious if you’re being honest. He orders a simple dog for the both of you, actually paying for it himself to your great astonishment. Then he slathers his in toppings as you select a few of your own, then it’s through the city park to reach your apartment. The two of you and your concealed stolen goods, walking casually down the parks walking trail as you both happily munch on your hotdogs.

“Maybe I have too much on mine.” You have a look at Klaus who’s face is smeared with ketchup and mustard as he fumbles with is already messy napkin while you take another bite from your own hotdog in an attempt at concealing your laughter. “Seriously Y/N, it’s all over my face now, I’m a mess.”

“That’s what she said.”

“Ben don’t laugh..” Whines Klaus with a pout as he glances over at you who’s definitely losing your shit. “Okay fine, it was pretty funny.”

“You walked right into it. I couldn’t help myself.”

“Well Ben’s about to pee himself if you’d like to know so good job at that.”

“Thank you thank you I’ll be here all night.” You bow to no one in particular as Klaus finishes off the last bit of his hotdog. You hand him your napkin as you throw your dirty ones in the nearby trash can. Klaus doing the same, now looking much less of a mess, both on his face and hands. He swiftly catches up to you and practically throws himself onto you. You stagger to the side as his full weight begins dragging you downward towards the wet pavement, oh no you are not about to have his lanky ass get you all dirty. As a witches cackle escapes from your mouth you use your phasing abilities and a second later your idiot boyfriend has fallen onto the cold cement. He lets out a yelp as his hands reach out to catch his fall, he does a little tumble before sitting on the ground, a annoyed huff leaving his lips.

“Eww Y/N I was in you.” Whines Klaus as he picks himself up once again, you cross your arms and bite your lip in amusement.

“You didn’t think so this morning.”

“That was very different.”

“Yeah well your fatass was about to send me into the dirt. I happen to like this coat and would prefer to keep it looking snazzy.”

“Your snazzy can kiss my buns, I’m going home and then I can be in you...but not in that way.” He quickly adds as he reaches out for your hand, you gladly accept his appealing invitation and just like that the two of you make your way out of the park and towards the apartment building where some fun times await.

#klaus hargreeves #klaus hargreeves x reader #klaus hargreeves x you #klaus hargreeves imagine #the umbrella academy x reader #the umbrella academy #the umbrella academy imagine #the umbrella academy x you #falcor the luck dragon stories

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outlier-rookie · 3 years

Text

Of Blood And Greatness - Chapter 3

Chapter 3/?? - Settling In With Some Concerns

AO3 Link

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26305741/chapters/71331201

***

The next few chapters might be a bit slow pace wise because I want to build up a few more interactions between Reader and the Gang members. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the action soon enough.

TRIGGER WARNING: Anxiety/Panic Attack

***

“Wow (Y/N)! You’re as strong as Uncle Arthur!” (Y/N) paused long enough to shoot Jack a cheeky grin as they continued their path towards the horses, slowly carrying the last hay bale. The tall skittish fella, Kieran, had tried to offer to take the bales instead but (Y/N) was insistent that it wasn’t that heavy and they were no stranger to hard work and heavy lifting. Miss Karen had also had a good laugh with the other girls about the teen putting the likes of Bill and Sean to shame with how much heavy lifting they did around camp. Mrs. Grimshaw, as scary as she was at times, was also quick to praise (Y/N)’s hard work and help with the camp chores.

It had been a few days since everything that happened up near Cattail Pond and as the teen feared, Dutch was less than pleased with the total sum brought back to camp. But like Arthur had promised he was also understanding and despite (Y/N) feeling like they hadn’t delivered on their promise, Dutch welcomed them into the ragtag family of outlaws with a speech and fanciful words of things only getting better from here.

Still, the teen spent their days mulling over their failure with a hollow feeling sitting in the pit of their stomach. Mr. Hosea had sat next to them by the campfire one night with stew in hand and talked about nothing in particular. He started telling short stories from the gang's past and it didn’t click until the teen was falling asleep that night but the stories all had similar feelings to their blunder with the money. (Y/N) fell asleep smiling at the stars that night, putting the memory of Dutch’s ill-concealed disappointment behind them.

***

“Arthur! Welcome back son.” Dutch was sat by his tent smoking a cigar as Arthur led (Y/N) over to him. “So!” he started, standing with his arms extended; whether it was meant in a divine or welcoming manner, (Y/N) wasn’t entirely sure. “How’d your little excursion go?”

“’Fraid we ain’t getting to Tahiti or Australia with what we recovered.” The grizzled outlaw started. “Seems that someone else got to the stash before young (Y/N) here and took most of what we had.” Something in the teen's stomach dropped as the light in Dutch’s eyes seemed to dim slightly. The dark-haired man hummed and folded one arm across his chest, the other bringing his cigar back to his lips. He paused for a moment breathing slowly, the smoke flowing past his lips before being taken by the breeze.

“How much did you get then?” He finally asked

“Would have had ‘bout one third.”

“’Would have’?” (Y/N) shifted nervously and refused to meet Dutch’s eyes, ashamed that they had disappointed this man.

“O’Drisscols.” Arthur replied. “Weren’t the kids' fault. They ambushed us as we were crossing Cumberland Falls. Some of the money went over the falls. Didn’t want to risk staying around in case the law came snooping around. Was a pretty big scene.”

“I see.”

(Y/N) timidly raised their head to find Dutch’s piercing eyes once again focused on them. An old but familiar feeling of helplessness gnawed at their insides, causing their stomach to twist. As their instincts yelled at them to hide, Arthur stepped forward slightly and half placed himself between them and Dutch.

“It wasn’t their fault Dutch.”

“And you can be absolutely sure about that Arthur?”

“As a matter of fact, I can. If they was working with the O’Driscolls to set a trap, then they would have shot me and not three of Colm’s boys.”

Dutch actually seemed surprised by this.

“Sounds like they weren’t embellishing their skills with a gun.” Hosea’s smoother voice was like a cool balm on (Y/N)’s nearly fried nerves.

“Damn right. Them idiots didn’t know what hit em. Kid put them all down with one bullet each.” Arthur replied, stepping back some. An unexpected swift and heavy pat on the back sent the teen stumbling slightly and (Y/N) swore they saw a slight grin on Arthur’s face.

***

“You ok there?” (Y/N nearly dropped the horse brush they were using, as Charles’ deep voice startled them out of their thoughts.

“Y-Yeah! Sorry, was just thinking. Did you uh, need something Mr. Charles?” Charles smiled and the minor change in his breathing suggested silent laughter.

“You can just call me Charles you know.” (Y/N) scrunched their face-up made a noise that was a mix between disagreement and something a bit lighter than disgust which drew another silent laugh from Charles before he continued. “Pearson was complaining that the camps getting low on meat so I offered to go hunting for him. You’ve got a good eye and steady hands so I figured I’d ask if you’d like to come.”

“Really?” Excitement bubbled up inside at the thought of being able to do more than just chores around the camp. (Y/N) could only lug so much water and carry so many sacks before it got repetitive and boring. They weren’t strong enough to properly chop firewood and Mrs. Grimshaw and practically chased them away from laundry and sewing after the first hour. “When you leaving?”

“As soon as possible. I’ll ready the horses while you grab your gun.”

“R-Right! Just give me five. I need to check my satchel.”

With a soft ‘Alright’ from Charles, (Y/N) dropped the horse brush by the hitching post and jogged across the camp towards the medicine wagon. A ratty lean-to was set up next to it and under it an old bedroll. It wasn’t a whole lot but it was more than they had before joining the gang. The well-used bedroll wasn’t nearly as soft as their bed back at Estelle’s home. A small framed photograph of the woman peeked out from under the corner of the bedroll. The faint reminder of the woman who could be sweet as honey one moment and mean enough to give an angry Mrs. Grimshaw a run for her money brought a familiar pang of guilt to the teen. Bitterly they pushed the feelings and memories away and turned the picture over, hiding away from the loving eyes of a woman hundreds or thousands of miles away.

(Y/N) blindly stuffed a few items in their satchel and reached for their gun. Their fingers had barely grazed the sun-warmed metal before they jerked their hand back as if it had burnt. Glassy blue eyes stared blankly at the gun laying on the ground, seemingly mocking them from its pathetic position.

Stupid child.

What were you expecting?

These people were outlaws.

They were no stranger to killing other people.

If you want to survive in their world, it's either shoot first or get dead.

It was hard to breathe as (Y/N) felt their chest tighten like a red hot metal vice had been wrapped around their chest. An old familiar panic started settling into their whole being, starting in their stomach before it wrapped its tendrils around their bones before boring its way into their throat and brain. The air itself caught in their throat and their vision was starting to blur slightly when a hot and heavy pressure made its presence known when it landed solidly on the teen's shoulder.

“Woah there! ‘Sokay! ‘Sokay kid, you’re alright ya hear?” The voice was deep and familiar and most importantly grounding. Still, it took a second for the pressure on their chest to dissipate enough and allow a cool, fresh breath to fill their burning lungs. Blinking, (Y/N) realised that some tears had gathered in their eyes and quickly moved to brush them away, sniffling as they did. Finally, they were able to look up as see Arthur crouching next to them, his brows furrowed gently as he watched them.

“Everything alright Arthur?” (Y/N)’s eyes flicked up to the approaching figure of Hosea.

“We’re fine Hosea. I just startled them is all.” Arthur replied easily. Hosea stood by for a moment before slowly approaching the teen, not too dissimilar to how one would approach a scared animal.

“You alright?” His soft, aged voice reminded the teen of Estelle once more.

“Y-Yeah.” They mumbled. “’M sorry. Dunno what came over me.” They looked away from the two men, eyes once again landing on their repeater as once again a wave of hot white anger flowed through their veins. A weight in their dominant hand drew their attention and (Y/N) suddenly understood why Arthur and Hosea were acting so cautious towards them.

In their hand was their trusty knife, the bronze metal gleaming dangerously in the sunlight. It quickly dawned on the teen that they had pulled it on reflex when Arthur had startled them. A hot flush of shame and embarrassment flooded through them as they frantically shoved the knife back into its sheath.

“Those are some damn fine reflexes you got kid.” Arthur said. The words may have formed a compliment but the tone was wrong and questioning. (Y/N) didn’t want to answer. They just groaned out a vague noise of agreement and pointedly avoided looking at the two men and finished packing their satchel. Slinging the strap over their shoulder the teen all but bolted past Arthur and Hosea making their way back to the horses where Charles stood waiting, making some final adjustments to Taima’s saddle. His movements held some extra tension and (Y/N) just knew that he had seen their little incident and the heat returned to their chest.

“Ain’t we going to go? Mr. Pearson needs meat, doesn’t he?” They snapped.

“You don’t have to come if you-”

“I’m fine!” They cut him off. “Come on.” They huffed, barely resisting the urge to stamp their foot. They were fifteen and basically a grown-up and grown-ups didn’t stomp their feet like toddlers when they were angry. A heavy hand was placed on their shoulder once more.

“Alright then kid.” Arthur said. His gruff voice was uncharacteristically soft. “Mount up. And let’s get goin’.” Gently, Arthur nudged them towards Fortuna who nickered and shoved her nose into (Y/N)’s chest. The mare huffed as the teen half-heartedly scratched her cheeks before silently climbing on. Fortuna shook her mane out and turned as much as she could, keeping an eye on her rider. She let loose another whine as she tried to nose (Y/N) again.

“I’m alright girl.” The whispered, pulling a carrot from one of the many pockets in their satchel and offering it to the worrisome mare. Fortuna took the carrot without protest and calmed as (Y/N) stroked her neck. Tugging on the reins, (Y/N) directed the mare’s head towards the path out of camp. Charles and Arthur were on the backs of Taima and Admiral. Not obviously watching them but also doing exactly that with incredible obviousness for two seasoned outlaws. Huffing, the teen kicked and urged Fortuna forward

***

I started hitting a wall with this chapter towards the end so the ending may feel somewhat abrupt. I didn’t have the energy to beta read this or whatever so all mistakes are mine.

I have a better plan for what will happen in the next chapter or two

#rdr2 x reader #rdr2 x male reader #rdr2 x gn reader #rdr2 x female reader #rdr2 fanfic #red dead redemption 2 x reader #red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #of blood and greatness

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sleepy-koda · 3 years

Text

Mmm yes a story

(I finally just decided to put the whole story even though I'm not done yet- oh well here goes nothing. Get ready to read through 5 google doc pages-) Russia and Finland were arguing. Again. RusFin sighed quietly and walked out of the room. She looked around the house and found her favorite teddy bear was on top of a tall cabinet. She climbed onto it and managed to grab her teddy. She suddenly slipped and fell but she didn’t feel like she hit the floor, she had been caught by someone.. The cabinet was being held by the person, too. He looked at her. “Are you okay, child?” She recognized his face but had forgotten his name.

She looked around and spotted a picture of her mom when she was younger. She had the same symbol on her face as this man did. The picture had been ripped but she knew who he was. He put the cabinet back in its place and turned to look at the picture. He chuckled. “She kept it, after all… She just ripped me out of there..” He hummed. “Where are your parents, dear? Well, I’m assuming they’re your parents since your flag looks similar to my daughter’s..” She looked at him and pointed upstairs, where there was still loud shouting. He picked her up again and walked upstairs with her. He opened the door to the room and inhaled quietly, then shouted louder than both Russia and Finland. “QUIET DOWN, BOTH OF YOU!” They both turned to look at him in shock. Russia froze and looked pale. Finland looked shocked and confused. Russia walked backwards and Soviet smiled. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Didn’t you miss your father?” She shook. “H-How a-are..” She felt light-headed and passed out. Finland caught her, laid her on the bed and turned to glare at Soviet. “How are you still alive..”

He glared back at him. “You know, I never liked you. I still don’t, so why should I answer?” Finland growled and looked at RusFin, then back at Soviet. “Let her go.” Soviet chuckled. “She’s my granddaughter, isn’t she? I hadn’t seen her before, let me at least have a small moment..” Finland walked towards him and looked at his daughter smiling. “Sweetie, can you go to your room..?” RusFin nodded and Soviet put her down. He was about to follow her but Finland grabbed him by the arm. “I don’t think so. It’s not happening, not again. And not my daughter.”

Soviet’s glare intensified and he snarled at Fin. “I wouldn’t do that, not to her. Russia was a brat, she deserved it. There’s a difference…” Finland finally snapped and raised his hand, striking the USSR across the face. He chuckled. His eye started to glow yellow and he slammed Fin against the wall. They began to fight. Soviet pinned Finland against the wall again and held him there. He took out a knife and made a cut on Fin’s arm, then took out a small bottle and emptied a small drop of a yellow liquid into it. Finland screamed and Russia watched horrified as she’d woken up a few minutes before. Finland collapsed, his flag changing to a new one. His eyes turned to a golden color and Soviet smiled, turning to stare at Russia. She was shaking. He walked towards her and she backed away. He put a hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes, seeing her fear. He smiled. “I’ll extend your suffering just a liiiiiittle longer, dear~”

He grabbed her by the arm and she shouted. “GET YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM ME! YOU’VE DONE JUST ABOUT ENOUGH IN MY LIFE!!” He smirked. “Well, you’re a little annoying, aren’t you..?” RusFin was standing in the doorway and began to cry. Soviet turned around and sighed irritated but let go of Russia’s arm. He walked towards his granddaughter and hugged her. She pushed him away and ran to her mom, hugging her instead. He seemed even more annoyed at this. He loomed over both of them and snarled. “Finland has been fixed. I didn’t want to do this, but it appears I must do it to gain your obedience, Russia.” Russia hugged RusFin protectively.

Finland walked up behind Soviet and growled, tackling him. Soviet threw him down and hissed at him. They started fighting again, but Finland had been weakened by the drop Soviet put in his arm. Russia took the chance and ran out holding her daughter. Finland was overpowered and knocked out and Soviet pulled Russia back into the room by the hair. She let go of RusFin and screamed. “RUN!! Don’t look back, Mama’ll be fine...” The door was slammed shut and there was pain-filled screaming. RusFin cried but ran downstairs and hid. The screaming stopped after a while and the door opened.

Soviet walked downstairs. He called out her name several times and she heard him slamming doors open. He sighed, irritated again. “Darling, if you don’t get out of wherever you’re hiding I’m afraid I’ll have to make your punishment worse.” She kept hearing his heavy footsteps around the house. He spoke loud enough for her to hear clearly. “You’re really making me angry, RusFin. I don’t think you want to see me angry, now do you?” There was quiet mumbling from upstairs. A few minutes later, Russia and Finland walked downstairs. Their arms were bandaged and they looked normal enough. They weren’t themselves, though. Their flags had changed to new Soviet flags.

RusFin held her breath and Russia sighed annoyed. Finland huffed. “You stubborn woman.” Soviet chuckled. “What’s wrong? Fighting again? Ah, and I thought you wouldn’t fight anymore.” Finland glared at Russia and she glared right back. Their eyes weren’t normal anymore, they’d changed to a golden color. Soviet said something in Russian and both Russia and Finland’s eyes turned completely golden. They turned to look at him. He smirked. “So, it did work.. Anyways. Both of you, go look for RusFin and once you find her, bring her to me.” They nodded and began to search. RusFin felt tears sting at her eyes from fear and she curled up in her hiding spot. Soviet continued to search. Once they were all away from her, she carefully snuck out of the spot and quietly walked towards the door to the outside. She heard shuffling footsteps and gasped as she turned around and saw Finland. He stared at her for a few seconds and then walked towards her.

His eyes glitched and the yellow color disappeared. She whimpered quietly and he kneeled down to her height. He looked around and whispered. “Run while you still can. Get out of here, your mother and I will be ok.. We’ll take care of this situation. I promise.” She hugged him and he got up again. She quietly opened the door and got outside. She hid outside and heard Finland say something. “Sir, I can’t find her.” Russia nodded. “Me neither.” Soviet growled. “You useless pair of idiots.” They both looked away. He sighed and suddenly froze, staring at Finland.

“...You let her go, didn’t you?” Fin looked at Soviet. “W-What do you-” Soviet grasped Finland’s arm and squeezed it hard. Finland squirmed in pain. Soviet yelled in his face. “YOU LET HER GO, DIDN’T YOU!?” Finland shouted. “No!!” Soviet threw Finland down and chuckled, very displeased. “Your eyes.. they gave you away, idiot.” He laughed, his dark and low laugh echoing through the house. Russia went back to her normal state and looked at them. “What happened-?” Soviet was holding on to Finland’s arm, slowly crushing it again. Finland was screaming aggressively, cursing in Finnish. “HÄNEN IT-LEVY, MENHETÄ!” Russia screamed at Soviet too. “PAPA OTPUSTITE YEGO!!” Soviet turned to look at Russia and got up to his full height, passing Russia by a fair length. He looked down at her, his eyes glowing in a scary way. “Who are you..” He grabbed her by the hair. “..TO SPEAK TO ME THAT WAY!?” He slapped her across the face and threw her down.

Finland got up, holding his arm in pain. Soviet kneeled in front of Russ and glared at her. “Speak like that to me again. I dare you.” She went silent and held her cheek. “I-I’m sorry..” He got up and snarled at her. “Dumb brat.” She silently got up and mumbled something then walked upstairs to her room again. Finland was about to follow her, but Soviet held him back. “From now on, I expect you to stay away from her unless you want to suffer more. She’s off-limits to you.” Finland pushed him away. “But she’s my-” Soviet shut him up. “I don’t care what she is to you, you’re not going near her as long as I’m nearby. Oh, and trust me. I’m going to be nearby as much as possible..” Finland just stared at Soviet, holding his breath. Soviet bared his teeth and then walked away.

A few years later..

Soviet shouted. “Russia, get over here!!” She rushed to him. “Yes, Father?” Soviet sighed and gave her a paper. “Go give this to Mexico and tell her to fix it, quickly.” Russia nodded and walked away. Finland walked to Soviet. “Sir, the riots in Australia have been stopped.. A lot of people were injured or died, though..” Soviet smiled. “Good. Don’t worry about the deaths, they’re simply sacrifices for the new Empire. Nobody cares about a few people dead.” Finland’s eyes dulled and he sighed. Soviet looked at him. “That reminds me, have our volunteers found her yet?” Finland shook his head. “N-No sir, they haven’t..” Soviet growled quietly and slammed his fists on the table in front of him.

“Tell China to send more people to ask the other countries. If they don’t comply, invade them. We need to find RusFin at whatever cost. The rest of those damned capitalist countries keep hiding or helping her. The more she grows, the less chance I’ll have to take her land..” Finland felt his blood boil with rage as Soviet said that. He knew he couldn’t do anything, but he wished he could. Mexico and Russia walked to Soviet. Mexico cleared her throat. “Señor, es posible que hayamos encontrado a RusFin y sepamos con quién está.” Russia looked down. “She says they might’ve found RusFin and whoever she’s with..” Finland harshly took in air and coughed. Soviet, Russia and Mexico looked at each other and then at him. He looked back at them. “Ah, sorry- choked on air.. What?-” Russ looked away and hid a smile. “Nothing.” Mexico mumbled. “Awkward..~”

Soviet looked at both of the ladies and sighed. “Jeez. Ok. Tell Germany and China to take back their volunteers and send them to her location.” Russia and Mexico nodded and walked out of the room. He turned to Finland. “You, continue to train the other countries for war with the Capitalist’s helpers. We have his sisters, so he must give in soon. This will be the last piece to get him to fall.” Finland nodded as well and left the room. Soviet laughed to himself and laid his head on his arms. “It’s all coming together.. I’m finally gonna take over the world, just like I planned to before my death.. He’s cornered now. He’ll have to fall to my new grand empire..”

Meanwhile, with RusFin, she was playfully arguing with Japan. Japan was trapped in Soviet’s empire too, but she usually snuck out of the “dorms”, well, more like prison to her. She snuck out to see RusFin and usually played and spoke with her. Japan booped RusFin’s nose and she giggled. RusFin and Japan were quite attached to each other, since Japan took care of RusFin for a long time before she was annexed. RusFin heard loud footsteps getting closer and she went to hide. Japan turned around and pretended to be looking at the sky. Soviet glared at Japan and she looked at him before bowing. “Konnichiwa, sir. What brings you here?” Soviet got closer to her. “Japan. You know we’ve talked about this. You cannot keep sneaking out of here, it’s dangerous-”

Mexico was flying above them and Germany and China ran there too. China spoke. “Sir, she’s here!” Soviet looked at the 3. “What?” Germany sighed. “She’s here. RusFin. The one you’re looking for.” Soviet looked around. “I don’t-” Mexico swooped down and picked RusFin up, then flew out of the bushes where RusFin had hidden herself. Soviet looked at her and smiled. “Ah, thank you Mexico, Germany and China.” Mex put her on the ground and Soviet snapped his fingers. Germany took out a device and put it on her neck. Soviet chuckled. “Move just one inch further from this area, you’re gonna be in excruciating pain until you get back here.” He turned to look at Japan and lifted her by the collar of her shirt. “So.. you were hiding her this whole time, huh?”

Japan looked nervous. “S-Sir, I-” Soviet threw her at Germany and he caught her. “Take her to the dorms, you know what to do.” Germany looked down at Japan and she began to cry. “Please sir, I’m sorry!” Germany carried her into the dorms. He set her down on her bed and looked at her. “I’m sorry Japan, you know I can’t disobey orders..” He put the same device RusFin had on Japan and left the room. She immediately felt a wave of pain go through her and shouted. Germany flinched outside the room and his face darkened as he walked away.

RusFin was forced into Soviet’s office and he smiled as the door closed. “Listen, child..” RusFin desperately tried to take the collar device off but it wouldn’t budge. She yelled at him. “You’re a psychopath! Let me go now!!” He untied her wrists and took out a remote. She immediately tried to lunge at him but she abruptly stopped and screamed as he turned on the device on her neck. He watched as she fell to the floor and squirmed, trying to take it off. “STOP IT!! TURN IT OFF, PLEASE!!” He turned the device off and stared at her, lying on the floor, breathing heavily.

#countryhumans #countryhumans rusfin #countryhumans japan #countryhumans germany #countryhumans russia #stories #fiction #Soviet!AU #countryhumans china #countryhumans mexico #countryhumans ussr #countryhumans soviet union

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closetofanxiety · 4 years

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Hana Kimura, 1997-2020

Of all the tools in the kit of the person who prides himself on being a hardened realist with eyes open to the deceit of the world, the most sensible appears to be contempt at expressions of grief over the death of a public figure: a singer, an athlete, a movie star. These aren't people we know, their deaths mean nothing to us in material terms (true also of their lives), and so any grief must be a performative display of self-pity calculated to gain sympathy from friends and strangers. So goes the wisdom of the hardened realist. On the other hand, as the Japanese poet Issa Kobayashi wrote: The world of dew is A world of dew, yet even So, yet even so ... If a song or an album or a musician's entire recorded output has ever entered your life and taken up permanent space there; if you've consciously or subconsciously matched your life to the events that befall characters in a novel; if you have happy memories tied up with a weekend baseball game attended with your father long ago, you understand the value and meaning the work and lives of complete strangers can have in your own life. There are unhealthy, and obvious, ways to take this identification too far, but at the same time, if you've never been moved by the death of a stranger you have, in some sense, missed something important about life. Hana Kimura, a 22-year-old professional wrestler in Japan who committed suicide two days ago, was someone I met three times, each one mediated by cash and the unspoken protocols of the interactions between fans and wrestlers. I didn’t know her, and her death ultimately doesn’t affect me in any material sense. Yet even so ... I've been a wreck since seeing the news on Twitter this morning. Yesterday afternoon Eastern US time she posted a tweet that read like a suicide note, along with grisly photos of her badly slashed forearms. There was a panic among wrestlers and wrestling fans, and one of her friends in Tokyo tweeted something that was taken as confirmation that she was alright, that whatever crisis she was experiencing had passed its most acute phase. The truth, it turns out, is that her mother, the retired wrestler Kyoko Kimura, was awakened around 2 a.m. Tokyo time by a phone call from the U.S., placed by a WWE wrestler who had seen Hana's tweets. Kyoko and her husband raced to her daughter's apartment, and arrived to find her dead. There is the obvious, awful tragedy of a 22-year-old dying at all, let alone this way; this is a blow I feel much more now than I did in the past. I have more sense of the precious fragility of life, and to see a life end so soon, so needlessly, hurts in a way it didn't when I was a young idiot. But it's more than that, obviously. Hana had "it," the elusive factor that separates stars from people whose work you admire. She effortlessly commanded the attention of a packed hall, getting more reaction from fans by simply walking to the ring than many wrestlers can manage in the course of a 15-minute match. She had an endlessly expressive face, an essential asset for anyone trying to succeed in wrestling, going from pop-eyed shock to sly mischief and back again, often in the course of a single sequence of moves and counter-moves. She was beautiful, but lots of wrestlers are gorgeous who don't have the charisma she deployed. She had the ability to make spectators care about the outcome of a predetermined exhibition of play-fighting, which is the most important skill a wrestler can have. She was one of very few women to have wrestled at both Madison Square Garden and the Tokyo Dome, and she did so in a span of eight months. She had the world at her feet, and best of all, she seemed like she was having a blast. In the tributes from fans that have poured in on social media in the last few hours, this has been the most common theme: she looked like she was having the time of her life. She made me want to have the time of my life. Fans from Japan, the US, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and other places, united not just in their grief but in their shared experience of having been elated, delighted, taken out of themselves for a few moments in small wrestling venues or giant arenas or watching alone on a laptop computer, moments that burned with enough light to illuminate feelings they didn't know they had, or hadn't known how to express. I took the photo at the top of this post on January 3, after a Stardom show where Hana unexpectedly dyed her hair and wore her old Oedo Tai gear for one final match with her mentor, Kagetsu. After the match they embraced for a long minute in the ring, and it's the only time I've ever cried at a wrestling show. I had to wait a long time to get the photo; Hana's line was always long. While I waited I talked with some of the people around me, people from Japan and Scotland and England and the US, most of them like me, polite and quiet and awkward men responding to some unexpected glimpse of transcendent joy in the unlikely medium of a wrestling match. The world has changed so quickly in so many cruel and ugly ways since that night in January. What I wouldn’t give to be back there now.

#Hana Kimura #joshi puroresu

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hoodharlow · 4 years

Note

could you pls do “Stop being grumpy, it’s lame.”, “OH you’re jealous!”, “Please just kiss me already.” with Calum and jealous reader? thank you 💕

Thanks for the request! 💕💕💕

AN: I suck a reader inserts so I gave “you” a name.

Warnings: smutish things at the end lol

Word Count: 1.9 k

Claudia wasn't the jealous type. Hell, she's seen Calum’s fans shamelessly try to flirt him or give him their numbers when ever they are out and about at the grocery store or airport.

But seeing Josie get close to Calum was not something she wanted to see. Her frown deepened every time she heard her laugh at something Calum said. Her blood boiled watching her squeeze squeeze his bicep as she casually leaned into him.

Calum and Claudia, along with Mali, had flown to Australia for the wedding of a family friend. She had met the groom a few times whenever he was in LA for work, but she never met his sister. Calum barely ever mentioned her.

A few nights ago at the rehearsal dinner, Josie had drunkenly mentioned that Cal and her dated for a bit until he moved to LA to pursue his music career. She went on about if it weren't for his music, they'd probably still be together.

Claudia didn't make much of the comment. Though seeing them now, in all her glory, made her feel somewhat insecure. She was perfect. Sofia thought deep down she couldn't compete with someone like her.

On top of that, she hasn't seen much of him this whole time because he's in the designated table for groomsmen and bridesmaids. Cal asked her to sit with him, but she felt uncomfortable being the only one that wasn't closely associated with either the groom or bride. Instead she sat with Mali and his parents, which she didn't mind. David and Mali kept her and Joy entertained with their shenanigans.

She pushed herself up from her seat and went to look for a drink. She couldn't stand watching that unfold anymore. She picked up the front of her dress, so she wouldn't trip over it as she beelined to the bar where she saw her trusted friend Patron and asked the bartender for a shot of tequila. She downed it without hesitation and asked for another, doing the same to two more shots.

Claudia turned back to where Calum was, but he was gone, and she was gone too. Something brewed in her stomach. Maybe it was the four shots without having food in the past few hours, but she felt sick to her stomach. When she got up from her stool, her knees buckled. An all too familiar pair of hands gripped her waist, keeping her from falling.

“Woah there,” Calum said.

Calum couldn't be more relieved to find her. He hadn't seen her almost all day. Being the best man kept him busy, so he couldn’t spend time with her. Then there was Josie. He tried everything to avoid her, but she was always there. He couldn't escape her.

"Let go, Calum." Claudia said, pushing his hands off her waist. She used the bar to right herself.

"You okay?" He asked her. The past few days he felt something off with her.

"I'm fine." She replied curtly.

"Wanna dance? I wanna show you off." He suggested. She almost scoffed at his offer, but didn't.

"Not in the mood." She crossed her arms. Calum noticed the way her bottom lip curled up into a pout and her nose flared as she puffed. How her eyebrows furrowed. Yep, she's a little grumpy, Calum thought to himself.

"Hey, stop being grumpy. It's lame." Calum pouted in a baby voice. He uncrossed her arms and placed them over his shoulders. She rolled her eyes playfully at him as Calum wrapped his arms around her waist. In her heels she almost reached his height, which Calum was thankful for because he wouldn't have to bend down as much to kiss her.

"Callie, there you are!" Josie's voice pierced their ears. Calum’s shoulders tensed up when he heard the heels clicking towards them.

"I'm gonna go get some air." Claudia sighed, pulling away her arms from him.

"Want me to come with?" He asked her. She glanced over to Josie and then back to him. "No, catch up with your friend."

Calum’s heart deflated as he watched her go. Though he did like watching her go. Claudia wore a dark burgundy custom Prabal Gurung dress. It hugged her body perfectly, and it showed off her ass beautifully. He couldn't wait to take it off her tonight, if she let him. He knew she was upset, but he wasn't sure why. His guess was because he was busy with his best man duties.

“Don't you just love weddings, Callie?” Josie asked, taking the stool where Sofia was.

“I suppose,” Calum shrugged. He took a sip from his rum and coke. It was watered-down. He signaled the bartender and asked for a refill.

“Well, I've had my wedding planned since I was thirteen. All I need is a groom to realize what's infront of him.” Calum quickly noticed the change in her voice. It was soft, like she was trying to be flirty. It made him uncomfortable. He remembered in primary school she had a crush on him. He felt bad because he never shared those feelings. He's never seen her more than just a friend.

"Hey, Josie!" Mali squeezed in between them.

"Mali, darling, are you enjoying yourself?" Josie asked, turning her attention to her.

"Yeah, so is Claudia. A while ago we were gushing about how beautiful the venue looks. I'm hoping that Cal gets a hint and finally proposes to her." Mali smiled at her. "Oh, I just remembered. I ran into one of the bridesmaids. She was looking for you. It seemed urgent."

"Oh, I should take care of that. I'll be right back, so we can catch up Callie." Josie waved to them as she wandered off. Calum let out a shaky breath, letting his shoulders relax.

"You would think that after fifteen years, she'd be over you." Mali commented, taking a sip from Calum's drink.

"I owe you. I didn't know how to get rid of her. Everywhere I go, she's right there."

"Yeah and it’s pissing Claudia off."

"Really?" Calum almost choked on his drink. "Mum must've dropped you at some point. How can you not see it? Josie was all over you!" Mali wanted to smack his head. He could be a complete idiot.

"No, she— Fuck! I've gotta find Claudia."

Calum went out to the garden because he knew Claudia would most likely be here. During the free time he had between the ceremony and reception, they had walked around the garden. There was a small bridge over a pond, and she mentioned how pretty it must look at night.

There she was. She had taken off her heels and dangled her feet above the water. She rested her arms on wood bars as she overlooked the water.

"Thought I find you here." Calum said. He rolled up his pants and sat next to her.

"Why are you here? I thought you were with Josie." She said quietly.

"Because I‘d rather be with you."

"Doesn't seem like it. I could've sworn she was the one that you've been with all day, not me."

"She's something."

"By something, you mean ex right? Ni te hagas menso. I know you dated." Calum cackled.

"Oh, please don't tell me you're jealous."

"Of course I am! Have you seen her? I can't compare."

"Claudia, I only went on a date with her when I was 13. It was one of those group dates because her brother was nervous to go on a date, so he asked me to go along with the story that it was a double date. I never thought of her any more than being my friend's sister."

"So you never dated after? She wasn't the one that you left when you moved to LA?"

"God, no! Where did you get an idea like that?"

"She told me."

"And you didn't think of asking me? You know I've been pretty honest about my love life."

"I'm stupid. I'm sorry." She rested her head on his shoulder. Calum wrapped an arm around her. They stayed like that for a bit.

"Wanna get out of here?” He asked her. “I'm kinda tired."

"Sure."

They stood up and put on their shoes. Calum held his jacket over her shoulders, so Claudia could slip her arms in, welcoming his warmth. They went back to his parents to let them know they were going back to their hotel. They said goodbye to the groom and bride as they quickly made their way out without being noticed by Josie.

The cab ride to the hotel was quick. Once they went into their suite all bets were off, or so Calum thought. Claudia kicked off her heels and plopped herself face first to the bed.

"Let's get you ready for bed. Yeah?" He told her. He lightly patted her ass before making his way to the bathroom.

Groaning, she pushed herself off and followed him. When Claudia walked in the bathroom, Calum was shirtless with his belt unbuckled. She bit her lip. When doesn't he look good. Fuck sleep, all she wants to do now is get on her knees and let him have his way with her.

"Need help with your dress?" He asked her, bringing her back from her thoughts.

"Um, yes please." She managed to say. Calum grabbed her by the hips and gently bent her over the sink. Their eyes met through the mirror. He pressed his hardened member on her ass, earning a moan from her. He ran his hands over her body squeezing here and there until he got to the zipper at the top.

"Cal, why are you taking so long?" She moaned.

"Just practicing for when I take off your wedding dress." He shrugged. Claudia's breath hitched. Sure they've talked about marriage as their next step, but she never took him seriously.

"Had I known you were wearing this under this ungodly dress, we would've never left the room." Calum groaned.

He pushed down her dress leaving her in her green La Perla set. He turned her around and sat her on the sink, so they faced each other. Claudia's breath hitched once again when Calum placed a hand on her stomach. She closed her eyes and enjoyed feeling his calloused hand over her soft skin. She felt his minty breath on her neck. Goosebumps dotted her skin as Calum felt her everywhere but where she wanted him.

"Please just kiss me already." Claudia whined after what felt an eternity of his touches.

"Okay." He smirked. He got down on his knees and pulled her closer to his face. Claudia's heart began to beat out of her chest in anticipation as Calum grabbed either side of her panties and ripped them with ease. Before she could scold him, Cal placed a chaste kiss onto her core.

Claudia made incoherent noises when he placed her legs on his broad shoulders. He slipped his tongue into her core and devoured her. She rode his tongue trying to reach her high. Calum dropped one of her legs, giving him better access. He slid his ring and middle into her as his thumb pressed her clit.

Claudia felt overwhelmed. Calum's fingers were moving in and out of her slowly. She needed him to go faster, but knowing him, he wouldn't. She began to clench around him, which only slowed his fingers down.

Calum pulled his fingers out of her, looking into her eyes as he licked them clean. Her eyes widened in shock. He'd never done that to her, he usually lets her come at least once with his tongue.

"Get in bed, we're not done."

#calum hood blurb #calum hood request #Calum hood imagine #calum hood smut #calum hood fanfic #calum hood fanfiction #calum hood #hope you enjoy

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shawnjamesgoodwin · 3 years

Text

Shawn James Goodwin — Four Valuable Lessons about Graphic Design

When it comes to graphic design, I(Shawn James Goodwin) am an idiot. I’m not embarrassed to admit it, although I probably should be since I manage the marketing for three exhibit companies. Yet, there’s rarely a day that I don’t make graphic design decisions about our websites, sales literature, email marketing broadcasts, and trade show displays. Does my lack of graphic design expertise show? I certainly hope not. Frankly, I think we do a pretty good job.

Like most marketing managers, or any manager who understands his or her limitations, I rely on talented people, such as graphic designers. Not only do they understand the tools, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Quark, but they spend their days immersed in graphic design issues. They understand the nuances and the trends. They remind me that this color text on that background is unreadable and that I’ve created visual clutter and confusion in my effort to say and show too much. If I ask them to add a “star burst” with a price, they guide me to a more contemporary solution that doesn’t reek of 1980’s clip art.

Fortunately, I’ve learn some valuable lessons over the years regarding graphic design, which I’ll share. These aren’t font, color, or layout tips. Remember, I’m an idiot. These are tips for anyone working with graphic designers, tips that hopefully will save you time, money, and slow the aging process.

Four Valuable Lessons about Graphic Design

It’s Your Project, Part 1: I’d hate to be a graphic designer and work with most clients. Their expectations are unrealistic, their directions are vague, and their budget is pitiful. Most clients don’t know what they want and expect the graphic designer to be psychic. Clients will use terms like “modern” and “visually striking” and “colorful” and expect those concepts to be transparent to anyone. They are not, any more than a “tree” looks the same to someone living in New England or the Pacific Northwest or Australia.

Take ownership of your project. The more information you convey to the graphic designer, the more effort you put into prepping the project, the more likely the final result will match your objectives. Take the time to collect examples of ads, websites, and sales flyers that you like. Graphic designers are visual. They’ll take those cues and use them to create your design. Too often I hear someone say, “I wanted something original and didn’t want to influence the creative process by being too specific or showing them examples.” Really? When did vagueness become a muse? Go ahead and be lazy. Just don’t pretend that your laziness is a brilliant creative design strategy.

It’s Your Project, Part 2. Let’s say you decide to ignore my advice in Part 1. I’m not offended, but I am snickering behind your back. Your graphic designer loves and hates you. You’ve made their job much harder, but you’ve made them a little richer. Most graphic designers work on an hourly rate with incremental time minimums. You are now paying for pondering and investigating and false starts. Each back and forth is getting you closer to your perfect design, but you’re paying for the privilege of having a graphic designer at your beck and call. If you work best following this process and have the budget, then hire a graphic designer full time or recognize that time is money, your money, and don’t complain when you get the final bill.

Mind Meld = Success and Increased Productivity. I’ve worked with the same graphic design firm for over four years. They are good, which is the most important criteria. Equally important is that we now have a history together. They understand what I want. I understand how best to communicate with them. They understand the exhibit industry and, in fact, have gone out of their way to learn about the trade show business — the graphic requirements, the shows, the publications, and much more. They have grown with us and have been instrumental in developing the graphics and branding for multiple product lines and marketing programs.

The lesson . . . once you’ve found a graphic designer (or design firm) that you respect and like, it pays to remain loyal. They’ll watch your back with ad agencies and suppliers. They’ll guard your branding, even when you want to trample all over it because of a wild idea at 2 am with a shelf life of 24 hours. You’ll develop a communication shorthand, which saves you money and them aggravation. Each project is still your project but getting from point A to Z, generally skips about half the alphabet.

Trust Your Instincts. It got you this far, and unless you have a history of flops, bad decisions, and marketing Hindenburgs, you’ve learned something valuable along the way. Be open to advice. But trust your instincts. If you are wrong, it was only a job in a down economy with little chance of future employment.

Finally, be amazed. There are lots and lots of people who call themselves graphic designers. Just as there are lots of people who call themselves investment advisors (GRRR!) or bankers (double GRRR!). When you find a talented graphic designer, one who syncs with your vision and your personality, hold on tight and be amazed.

Shawn James Goodwin a graphic designer from Ottawa, Canada. Contact us for logo designing, graphic designing and Social Media Marketing.

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misssophiachase · 4 years

Text

For @klaroline-events KC Bingo - “Opera House”

Bill Forbes is a well known mafia boss in Chicago. At 19, Caroline turned her back on her upbringing and left to study at a musical conservatory in Europe. Fast forward ten years and she’s a famous opera singer. Due to recent security concerns, she’s been saddled with a bodyguard she’s determined to resent, mainly because she knows the idiot.

Safe and Sound

-Caroline-

Present Day - The Bolshoi Theatre - Moscow, Russia

“Don’t you knock?”

“I did but I don’t actually need your explicit permission to enter.”

“What if I was changing?”

“It’s not like I haven’t seen it before,” he murmured, his dark, blue eyes flickering down the length of her neck and focusing on her gold necklace, obviously partially visible and peeking out from her costume.

Caroline could have kicked herself for letting him see that. But she’d become so accustomed to it and the way it made her feel.

Safe.

Protected.

The last thing she needed was to give him an inkling that she cared.

He was a well-built, five-foot nine, suit-wearing, former Navy Seal, pain-in-the-ass who liked to be right. All the time. He also liked telling her what to do. It was like he got a kick out of being the alpha male.

How did she know this? They had a complicated past, and he didn’t seem to have changed one bit in ten years.

Caroline didn’t like alpha males then and she sure as hell didn’t like them now. She also didn’t like playing the victim. She was many things, but she wasn’t that.

“You can’t just come and go as you please, Mikaelson,” she growled. “I’d like to have some semblance of normalcy in my life and your presence is cramping my style.”

“Well, I’m sorry to ruin your social life, sweetheart, but there are greater things at play here.”

“I don’t need reminding.”

“I actually think you do,” he shot back, his forehead creasing. “These people don’t mess around and given your past,” she gave him a knowing look., “our past,” he corrected for her benefit. “You should know just how much.”

“I’m perfectly aware,” she shouted. “But we’re not kids anymore, and I’d really prefer not to be treated like one.”

“Caroline,” he implored, instinctively moving closer, his hand finding a stray lock of hair and fastening it behind her ear. She felt her chest constrict; his touch was as familiar as it was tender.

She shook her head determined to pretend that their past and whatever this conversation had become was a distant memory.

“I’ve got to get to rehearsal.” She left without a backwards glance, albeit on unsteady legs.

Why did he have to come back into her life and why did it have to be now? She could still remember their reunion like it was yesterday.

3 months earlier - La Fanciulla del West Opening Night - Sydney Opera House, Australia

Caroline took her obligatory bow as the thunderous applause reverberated throughout the venue.

As someone who’d been singing since she was five, moments like this were still surreal. Caroline had worked hard to get where she was, and she didn’t take anything for granted.

Especially nights like this.

As she made her way from the stage, arms full of flowers, she noticed him standing in the wings. Given the intensity of the stage lights, all she could make out was his pristine suit, striped tie and imposing stance.

Caroline only realised it was him as she was giving her flowers to the stage attendant.

From one glance, Caroline could see that, albeit older, the years had been good to him. There were still the tell-tale curls, stormy, blue eyes and crimson lips but they seemed to be even more pronounced now if possible.

She was immediately curious about his unexpected appearance, but Caroline had no intention of reacting or acknowledging him, he didn’t deserve it.

She could sense him watching her, intense and focused, as she made her way purposefully towards her dressing room.

Caroline walked past several well-wishers but she could still feel him following closely. His footsteps were undetectable, but she could still sense his overwhelming presence.

She placed her hand on the door handle to the dressing room, not expecting his warm and masculine one to cover it. Before she could react, he’d spun her around so her back was up against the door and her arms pinned.

He was towering over her, his chest mere inches from hers, those dark, blue eyes angry and demanding. Those crimson lips she knew intimately were so temptingly close but pursed tightly. Caroline knew from experience she was in trouble but right now that was the least of her problems.

“Are you lost?”

“Cute,” he muttered, his hands slowly releasing her wrists. “Maybe you should consider a career in stand up comedy and not opera.”

“Maybe you should with lines like that,” she countered, her gaze unwavering.

Unapologetic.

“Can I go into my dressing room now?”

He didn’t verbalise a response just moved to the side so she could slip inside. Once the door was closed and curious onlookers shut out she let loose.

“How dare you manhandle me like that in front of the cast and crew!”

“Manhandle, Forbes? Nice to see your dramatic tendencies haven’t abated over the years.”

“That’s what you’re going to say to me after that little performance?”

“I’m your bodyguard, love, it’s what I do.” Caroline faltered, wondering when this terrible decision was made and also trying to ignore that familiar endearment which still sounded so good as it rolled off his tongue effortlessly. “Your team told me to introduce myself after the opera ended.”

She was going to kill Enzo and Katherine.

Sure, some guy had decided he liked her a bit too much and had sent a bunch of unsolicited mail and gifts, but she had no intention of changing her life for him and had told them as much. That was until her manager and publicist decided to conspire together, despite her express wishes, and contract a bodyguard without her knowledge.

A bodyguard that was not supposed to be her ex-boyfriend from another life. But here he was in the flesh. She couldn’t stop the memories from ten years ago flashing through her mind if she tried.

Kissing in the rain. Telling her he’d love her forever. Telling her she’d never be alone. Now, here he was after all this time.

Beautiful but demanding.

Breathtaking but arrogant.

“That’s what you call an introduction, Mikaelson?”

“Well, we do know each other so I had to be creative.”

“I didn’t appreciate you…”

“I only did that to illustrate danger is everywhere. In an applauding audience, in the wings, backstage in your dressing room. You need to be more aware of your surroundings.”

“You’ve only been back five minutes, and are already lecturing me. And when in the last ten years did you become a bodyguard?”

He paused, closing his eyes briefly, no doubt trying to find the words. Caroline mentally kicked herself for asking that. She didn’t want him to think she cared.

In reality she knew he’d left Chicago to join the Navy all those years ago. The only reason she knew that was because he left her there. Alone.

“I’m here because...”

“Actually don’t worry about it,” she said dismissively. “I don’t need to know. But it’s only one guy who likes to write letters so I think this is all overkill.”

It was only as she said it and noticed his expression change, and then darken, that this suddenly didn’t seem like such a big coincidence.

“My father asked you to come?” He nodded. “And this isn’t just some guy who likes giving creepy gifts, is it?” He shook his head.

Caroline needed to sit down.

She found her chair and sunk into it, her fingers combing through her golden waves. It was something she did when she was trying to process something she really didn’t want to process.

“They released him from jail.” Caroline barely got the words out. It was a statement more than a question.

“He won’t hurt you, Caroline.” He was beside her in an instant, his hand finding its way to her leg. It wasn’t necessarily unwelcome and that frustrated her more than anything. “I won’t let him.”

“Well, let’s hope you’re right,” she murmured. “I have an after party to get ready for and I’d appreciate it if you left the room.”

She busied herself choosing an outfit to wear, knowing if she looked in his eyes she was a goner. And she had no intention of losing it in front of him, of all people.

Present Day - Turandot Restaurant - Moscow

“How could you do this to me?”

“You’re going to have to be more specific, Care,” she replied. “I do things that annoy people on a regular basis.”

“Kat!”

“Fine,” she admitted. “But there are worse things than having a gorgeous hunk of man meat like that by your side twenty-four-seven.”

“Hunk of man meat? Just how many vodkas have you knocked back tonight?”

The Russian Operatic Society was hosting a dinner for Caroline, the cast and crew at the famed restaurant to welcome the production to Moscow. Her publicist and best friend Katherine had clearly been taking advantage of the free hospitality.

They’d met in Bulgaria three years earlier. Katherine was visiting family and Caroline was on a brief vacation between shows. Being European residents born in America, the two had hit it off and Katherine had become her publicist not long after.

“I lost count after the first couple,” she drawled. “You really could do with a few of these, they take the edge off.”

“I don’t need to take the edge off anything,” she hissed. Given the curious glances from their fellow diners she’d no doubt said it a bit too loudly.

“Say it louder for the people at the back,” Kat teased. “This is exactly what I mean. Something to take the edge off from all that sexual tension bubbling below the surface between you and lover boy.”

“Shhhh,” she chided. “Any louder and lover boy, uh I mean Klaus, will hear you.”

“For the last time, I had no idea you two had a past. The company said he came very highly recommended.”

“My father has networks everywhere,” she growled. “He has this amazing ability to insert himself into a situation without leaving his fingerprints.”

Caroline had left her family behind a decade earlier and even though it was difficult she knew to have any kind of a normal life it needed to happen. She was also aware that, deep down, her father knew that too which is why he’d let her go.

Obviously though not completely. .

“Who knew my bestie was a mafia princess? It’s like something out of a Robert De Niro movie.”

“Shhhh,” she repeated. “I really shouldn’t let you out in public, Pierce.”

“Says the girl who’s a famous opera singer and didn’t feel the need to tell me this pertinent detail that could come out at any time?”

“I’m sorry. You must think I’m strange wanting an out from my former life but choosing a not-so secret career path. I didn’t expect the singing career to happen so fast, let alone at all. I did change my surname.”

“Yes, Caroline Cassidy. Now I know why you weren’t impressed when I asked if your nickname was CC.”

“Cassidy is my middle name.”

“How original.”

“Enough with the snark, Pierce. I know I should have told you in case something came up but it just seemed easier to…”

“Play pretend and let some madman stalk you instead?”

“Yeah because I’d let him do that,” she teased, attempting to lighten the mood. Caroline knew exactly who he was and what he wanted with her and that thought was ruining the last shreds of her good mood.

“This isn’t a joke and as much as you like to pretend you hate Mister Muscles you need him.” Caroline snorted by way of response. “What’s the story with you two anyway? Were you like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, well without the dying part.”

“We weren’t the Montagues and the Capulets, Kat. Our fathers were in the business together and given my father sent Klaus my way I imagine they’re still close. And we had something, yes, but it’s been over for a very long time.”

“Did he dump you?”

“Why do you assume he did the dumping?”

“I’m just trying to put the pieces of this very complicated puzzle together, Cassidy or Forbes or whatever your name is.”

“He left to join the navy and I left to study in Europe.”

In truth, that’s what happened, plain and simple, but Caroline was still harbouring a grudge. One that had festered for years and now the memory of their time together as teenagers in love wasn’t a happy one. It was one full of questions and doubt that what they had wasn’t real.

She had never loved anyone like Klaus, even to this day, and she’d often wondered whether he felt the same way. Whether he found himself thinking about what they could have had. What they could have been.

It was something she desperately needed to know but would never ask. Her pride was everything.

“Well, if that isn’t the precis to a really boring movie,” she pretended to yawn for effect. “You wouldn’t be so hot under the collar about him if that was everything.” She had a point but Caroline had no intention of giving her the satisfaction.

“Why can’t we just ditch him? Enzo can protect me.”

“Enzo can’t protect himself let alone anyone else and you know how much he hates spiders. Yeah that’s a surefire way to protect you from getting killed.”

“Way to ruin the mood.”

“No, that’s my job,” Klaus murmured, suddenly appearing from what seemed like nowhere and placing himself between their seats discreetly. She was trying to ignore just how good he smelled, a mixture of sandalwood and spices. “We need to get out of here now.”

“This guy is the life of the party,” Caroline joked. She was getting a little sick of all the interruptions. Every time something seemed untoward they had to leave and every time it was a false alarm.

“I don’t want to scare you but there is someone across the room…”

“Where?” Kat asked, suddenly turning around.

“This is why I don’t tell you that information because you can’t be discreet, Pierce,” he noted, a grimace on his face.

“Enough with the theatrics,” Caroline muttered.

“The person in question looks like he wants to devour you and I don’t mean it in a nice way, Caroline.”

“Maybe he’s still hungry after the appetizer?” Kat suggested. “I know I am.”

“Do I need to call your sponsor?” Caroline asked, trying not to laugh.

“Enough, you two let’s go,” he gestured impatiently toward the exit.

“You’re really helping my dating life, you know that, Mikaelson?” Katherine asked, locating her purse and following him and Caroline from the room.

“You can stay as long as you like, Katherine,” he said, ushering them towards the exit. “Caroline’s mine.”

She should have been offended, he basically said he owned her like some chauvinistic ass, even if it probably wasn’t meant that way.

But for some reason she wanted him to mean it. And now it was too late. She felt the heat coil in her abdomen, the arousal that had been building for weeks between them threatening to spillover and Caroline was struggling to say the least.

She licked her lips, watching his taut behind move from side to side in those fitted suit pants thinking just what she wanted to do with him.

What came next she wasn’t expecting, three loud shots rang out and she felt his hard body envelop her, knocking her to the ground.

She was shocked, the fact she was also winded didn’t register, neither did the cries of the people in the room nor the general mayhem as they rushed to the exit all at once.

Suddenly darkness overtook her and everything went black.

-Klaus-

Present Day - Chastnaya Klinika Na Vernadskogo Private Hospital, Moscow

Klaus didn’t show emotion. He found that it just got in the way. He’d trained himself well over the past ten years in the Navy not to care about anything.

Klaus found without emotion he was unstoppable, focused and at his very best.

Now was not one of those times. And if he was being honest, Klaus knew that he’d shut her out of his life years earlier because the associated emotion would make him feel exactly like this.

Angry.

Confused.

Desperate.

All the things he hated because they made him extremely vulnerable and right now he needed to be able to protect Caroline.

He’d been in similar situations, gunfire wasn’t new, but with her it was. When her father called to ask he couldn’t say no. Not just because Bill had asked but because Klaus had missed her so much he ached.

He’d conveniently forgotten just how much his reappearance would affect Caroline and just how much their unresolved issues would be compounded.

And those two factors had combined together the past three months to create fireworks and not of the sexual kind, even if their tension was off the charts.

Being at the hospital brought back so many memories of a time when they were two very different people leading two very different lives.

12 years earlier - Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago Illinois, USA

“I came as soon as I finished work at the restaurant,” Klaus smiled, making his way to her bed side a bunch of white lilies , her favourite, in hand. “If I have to make another tortellini it won’t be soon enough.”

His father owned an Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago, amongst other things, and Klaus worked there a couple of days after school a week. He didn’t need the money but Mikael thought a job was good to build a strong constitution.

“I knew there was a reason I kept you around, Mikaelson,” she grinned, pulling him closer for a kiss. It was only when he pressed against her chest that she winced, her pain visible.

“I’m sorry,” he soothed. “At least tell me you fared better than the other person?”

“This is me we’re talking about,” she teased. “Hang on, how did you know there was someone else?”

“I’ve seen you yield that hockey stick. What exactly happened at practice?” He asked warmly, taking a seat and holding out his hand so she could place hers in it.

While Caroline attended Mount St Joseph Private Girls’ School, Klaus went to St Ignatius College Prep. A lot of their mutual friends were dating so were all part of the same group.

“It wasn’t my fault...”

“But yet starting your story like that tells me it’s probably the exact opposite, sweetheart.” She gave him a look which clearly meant she wasn’t thrilled by his response. “You know just saying.”

“In my defence…”

“This isn’t Judge Judy, Caroline. Just tell me what happened.”

“I fell over during our practice hockey match and bruised my ribs but it was totally worth it.”

“Why exactly?” He asked knowingly, a smile playing on his lips. “Fess up, Forbes.”

“I might have accidentally,” he gave her a look which clearly said he didn’t believe her. “Okay, I tripped Hayley Marshall with my hockey stick but she totally deserved it.”

“Oh really?”

“She said you were too hot for me and let’s just say I didn’t appreciate her for insulting my looks and fawning all over my boyfriend,” she seethed, her jealous tone not lost on Klaus. “If anyone gets to call you hot it’s going to be me not some whiny, doe eyed and, might I add, bad hockey player.”

“If you weren’t sporting an injury right now I’d show you just how hot I can be,” he said, emitting a low growl. “And she’s got nothing on you, love.”

“I’m far more resilient than you think,,” she purred, placing a lingering kiss on his mouth.

“So, today it’s tripping mean girls by hockey stick, how are you going to top this?” She rolled her eyes by way of response. “I know you like to run screaming in the opposite direction of your roots but maybe there’s more mafia in you than you think, Caroline Forbes.”

“My father will be so proud to hear his little girl is literally beating girls off you with a stick,” she drawled sarcastically. “But it’s my mother I get the hot temper from, don't forget.”

“I couldn’t forget that, love,” he shot back, thinking he’d been on the wrong end of her fiery nature more than once, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s extremely arousing.”

“I wasn’t lying about the resilience either so you better get me out of here before I encourage you to not be so PG with me, Mikaelson.”

Present Day

“How is she?” Klaus was broken from his trance by a familiar face.

Enzo St John was Caroline’s Manager and although he was jealous to begin with, Klaus had come to like the guy even if he was a little weird sometimes. He’d chosen not to go to the dinner in lieu of a date with a prima ballerina. From what Katherine told him, Enzo liked to experience the local talent wherever they travelled.

“I haven’t been in there,” he murmured knowing exactly why. “I, uh, had some phone calls to make.”

“But she’s going to be alright?”

“Yeah. Besides some bruising from the fall and a sprained ankle Caroline will be fine, I thought it was best to bring her in just in case.” Klaus knew he wasn’t the lightest of people and was worried that pushing her to the floor while throwing himself on top of her lithe figure might have caused some damage.

He’d never been so scared, even after years in the Navy. But that was because he was saving faceless civilians not the love of his life.

It scared him to think about it. But it was true.

“You did the right thing, I’m glad you were there to be honest, Katherine has a sharp tongue but when it comes to combat or protection of any kind she’s a pussy cat. But just don’t tell her I said that because she scares the hell out of me.”

Klaus fought the urge to smile thinking back to her interesting commentary about him compromising her dating life.

“Katherine’s gone home to nurse her hangover after one too many vodkas, so you’re safe. But It could have been much worse.”

“Thankfully you were there, if you hadn’t been I’m not sure what I would have done without my Care Bear,” Klaus again found himself suppressing a grin. And to think he was worried they were ever romantically involved.

“Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends. I had a chance to speak to the local police afterwards and they didn’t catch the perpetrator.”

“So, he’s still on the loose?” Klaus merely nodded knowing just how fraught the situation was.

Yes, they were dealing with a lot more than one person. They were dealing with the full force of the Chicago Mafia who could dispatch hundreds more people like the one tonight. They wouldn’t stop until Bill Forbes’ daughter was killed in retribution for something she didn’t invite.

“I spoke to the Bolshoi Management and they have some safety concerns about the opera going ahead. Not just for Caroline but also the cast, crew and audience and I’m fairly certain this kind of threat isn’t covered by their public liability insurance.”

“Of course,” he replied. “I was going to suggest it be postponed indefinitely but I also enjoy living and knew Caroline wouldn’t see it that way.”

“Is this your way of telling me I need to break the bad news?”

“Well, you are her manager, I think it goes with the territory.”

“Fine,” he conceded. “Plus, she seems to have years of resentment stored up against you so at least I can take one for the team this time.”

“Thanks, I think.”

“I’m not going to even try and understand your situation or your past with Caroline but if you hurt her I will kill you,” he promised before breaking into a mischievous smile. “Oh who am I kidding? You’d crush me like a bug. But you get my drift, right?”

Before Klaus could even begin to know how to respond they were interrupted.

“Excuse me?” They both looked up to see a nurse coming from Caroline’s room. “She’s asking to see the idiot who sprained her ankle,” they both looked at her curiously. “Her words, not mine.”

“You’re completely on your own this time,” Enzo teased, his gaze now resting on the nurse who seemed to have taken his fancy. “Maybe you can just tell her about the opera, you know while you’re in there anyway.”

He was chasing after the nurse before Klaus could respond. He really deserved a pay rise to deal with these people.

“I’m glad you cracked my code,” she drawled. Albeit a little dishevelled from the fall, Klaus didn’t think she could look anymore beautiful in her fitted, red gown with her blonde locks tumbling around her shoulders.

Suddenly it felt like déjà vu, like they were seventeen years-old again and she’d beaten up someone in a jealous rage. Times had changed in twelve years.

“It’s not the first time you’ve called me that and probably won’t be the last. Enzo is here but is currently trying to pick up your nurse and avoid telling you that the Bolshoi has decided to postpone the opera indefinitely due to safety concerns and Katherine needed to sleep off the vodka. Between you and me I’m glad they aren’t charged with protecting you, just saying.”

“It’s not over is it?” Her demeanour had rapidly changed from teasing to deathly serious.

She was scared and Klaus was too.

“They didn’t catch the shooter, no,” he offered. “But, if anything, this will serve as a deterrent to…”

“Please tell me you’re not saying what you think I want to hear,” she murmured. “Not after everything we’ve been through. This guy was put behind bars because my father framed him and this is called settling the score. Thanks, dad.”

“He didn’t do it,” Klaus replied, taking a seat on the bed and looking into her eyes. Klaus knew she could tell if he was lying and hoped that this would prove it to her. “Your father never framed him, it was an inside job. He’s doing everything he can to try and put a stop to this at his end, trust me on that.”

“Yeah because my father is such a saint.”

“I never said that,” Klaus agreed. “But this time it’s different.”

“Is it?” She asked, her blue eyes clouded with unshed tears. “Between you and me it feels a lot like the good, old days. And my father wonders why I needed to get away from him and that messed up life.”

“He understood it’s what you needed to do and he did let you go, Caroline. He’s so proud of you and what you’ve achieved, whatever you think he’s always loved you and wanted what was best.”

“Since when have you been my father’s biggest fan? I seem to recall you wanting to leave just as much, if not more, than me. You couldn’t wait to go and then one day you were just gone. I came to your house and that was it.”

“You were leaving me,” he bit back, frustrated that she got to be mad at him but he didn’t get the same chance. “You’d already been accepted to the music conservatory, I just got a head start I suppose.”

“But I would have said goodbye at least,” she mumbled just as the few tears that had been threatening to fall rolled down her creamy cheeks. “I must have read your letter hundreds of times, I’m surprised the ink hasn’t worn off completely.”

“I was a coward I know,” he admitted, instinctively wiping the tears away with his thumb. “And you don’t know how much I regret not saying it in person. But it was too damn hard. Life back then was too damn hard because escaping from that life meant, unfortunately, escaping from each other too.”

“I know,” she nodded. “But there hasn’t been a day in the last ten years that I haven’t thought about you and what we had,” she whimpered, fingering the gold necklace she kept safely around her neck. The one he gave her all those years ago.

“When I saw you wearing that, I thought that maybe there was a chance that,” he broke off, too overcome with emotion to finish that sentence. “And when those shots rang out tonight all I could think was that I hoped those ten years apart and finding each other again wasn’t for nothing.”

“I’m fine, although I’m not sure for how much longer.”

“Don’t talk like that,” he insisted. “Although, I do think it’s time to leave.”

“Leave where?”

“Back home. You can only run so far and for so long. I can only do so much. To these people the law doesn’t matter, borders don’t matter. Europe, North America it doesn’t matter. You’ve been running your whole life you just didn’t realise it.”

“So have you.”

“I have, I admit it. I thought that escaping to the Navy was going to somehow erase where I came from. But it seems like it has caught up to me like it has you. You need to go back, if anything just to sort this out with your father. I know you’re mad at him but he has the capacity and the resources to protect you, I don’t.”

“And what about you? Are you going to just up and leave me again? I remember once you said you’d never leave me alone.”

“And I meant it.”

“You really shouldn’t make promises if you’re not going to keep them,” she smiled despite everything. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this but, fine, let’s go back to Chicago.”

“And that’s what we’ll do once everything has died down in a month or two.”

“So, what exactly do we do until then?”

“We need to collect ourselves and be prepared for what’s to come.”

“Why do I suddenly feel like I’m in some post-apocalyptic movie? Are you going to take me out to the middle of nowhere and teach me how to defend myself?”

“You’ve seen this one then I assume?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me?”

“On the contrary, love, I’m deathly serious. An old colleague of mine has a cabin in the Austrian mountains. Nothing fancy but it’ll do.”

There was also only one bed but Klaus decided he’d broach that topic once they arrived. Yes, he knew that being with her in the middle of nowhere for two months was going to test every last shred of willpower but he welcomed the challenge.

He didn’t know it but, at the exact time, Caroline was thinking the same thing. And neither one was altogether upset by their impending predicament.

Once they dealt with that then they could face the bad guys once and for all.

#kcbingo2020 #klaroline drabbles #klaroline fanfiction #klaroline fanfic #klaroline #misssophiachase #safe and sound #my wriitng #phew that was a long one

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lu-undy · 4 years

Text

Chapter 7 - SBT

Here is Chapter 7!

Lucien pushed the door and entered. It was now past midnight. He neatly removed his shoes and went straight to his bedroom. The Frenchman changed for his pyjamas, throwing the map that he had bought off Joe on the bed and slid between the cool satin sheets. He adjusted his pillow against the bed head and sat against it. He wasn’t tired, neither was he sleepy, but given the local time, a bit of rest would help his body melt into the new timezone.

He slid a hand under his bed and retrieved his briefcase. After switching the night lamp on, he read through it again, his eyes lazily following the letters but not really getting the meaning from the words. Lucien raised his nose off the file and looked around him.

“Oh…?”

He hadn’t seen that piece of paper on the night table, next to the telephone. He took it between his long and slim fingers and read through it. It was a list of phone numbers for various services offered both by the hotel themselves but also by some shops around it. Lucien’s eyes scanned through it quickly until his eyes stopped at the last line.

Extra pillow - 99

He smiled. An extra pillow in the context of a hotel was not an extra pillow. Although it does get one to a more comfortable state to sleep, some would argue, and it most definitely warmed up one’s night…!

Non, number 99 called for some company to distract one of his daytime troubles and ease him into Morpheus’ arms after a bit of, well, physical satisfaction.

“Pfff…”

Lucien tossed the paper away. He didn’t need that. Non actually, it wasn’t that he didn’t need it, but rather that he couldn’t remember the last time he had needed it. After that woman disappeared off his days, he had lost any shred of life in his body and his mind and accepted his new companion. Her name in French was:

La Solitude.

Like with anyone else, he usually didn’t need much for her to fall for him. However, the other way around couldn’t be further from the truth. The Frenchman had grown a heart of stone over the years and was now desensitised to softness, in any form that it came. But that’s exactly what made him fall. She was the only one slim enough to slip into his heart and finish to seal it completely. Any hope, any ray of light, any candle that shyly shone, she blew away and extinguished.

Lucien had lived a long enough life. He had suffered enough and had seen it all. Yes, yes, it was all so good to love, feel the flutters of the heart and whatnot but, it all came at the dearest price. So he had taken the reasonable, some would argue inhuman, way out.

He remembered that day. Lucien had put anything he owned with as much as a shred of sentimentality in it and put it in a cardboard box. He put the cardboard box in a tin one. He didn’t have much so the box wasn’t much bigger than a dictionary. He didn’t take a coat and stepped out of his parisian flat. The Frenchman had walked in the streets, under the rain, the lamp posts showering him with their lights irregularly. He had walked and walked until he had found himself in front of a gate. He pulled it but it didn’t move a jot.

Merde…

Lucien put the tin box down at his feet and noticed the chain and padlock on the gate. He shook his head. His hair was stuck to his forehead as he was entirely soaked and the rain trickled down his face. He didn’t want to do it. He had sworn to himself he wouldn’t anymore.

Pfff…

He sighed and the metallic sound of the drumming of the raindrops on the tin box pushed him to make up his mind. He put a hand in his pocket and retrieved a couple of pins. In a few seconds, the padlock fell to the ground and the chain slid lazily to the floor.

Lucien entered the park. It was the middle of the night. He walked until he didn’t know where he was anymore. Everything was dark and he could only see the tall and menacing silhouettes of the trees surrounding him.

Bien…

He dropped to his knees and dug a hole with his knife. For every stab he gave to the ground, he could feel his heart rip further apart. When the hole was big enough, he lowered the box to the ground and covered it back with the dirt he had carved away with his blade and his naked fingers.

Voilà.

Lucien had now buried his memories, pictures of happier times, objects that rhymed with affection, passion and love. They were now under the ground, as was his heart.

When he got back home that night and switched on the lights in his lonely flat, she was waiting for him. La Solitude. She congratulated him, she was proud and applauded him into his new life. That night was the first that he shared with her, and she never left him since.

La Solitude.

That was his extra pillow and had been so for decades.

Lucien shook his head. Why did he have to think about it again? He had made up his mind. He had left her at the airport in Paris. Or did she follow him there? He turned his head to look and sighed.

“Fallait-il vraiment que tu me suives?”

[Did you really have to follow me?]

There she was, lying on the bed, as naked and raw as she could get. She gave him the impression that his bed was an ocean and him, stranded on a narrow plank, the result of the shipwreck of his life.

He lit a cigarette and smiled, as if he was mocking his own poor old self before opening the map on his lap and holding the list of his contacts in his hand. He spread the map completely and methodically went through the names on his list, trying to locate the addresses precisely.

“Ah, j’ai besoin d’un stylo…”

[Ah, I need a pen...]

He got off his bed and soon came back with a pen and an ashtray. He resumed his position on the bed and after an hour or so, he had circled the positions of all his contacts.

“Très bien.”

[Very well.]

Lucien read the file and tried to remember who did what. This one was an undercover agent, this one a beggar, this one had a convenience store, this one was a tailor… He leaned back a bit and realised that the circles were reasonably well scattered across the city. He nodded to himself and exhaled the smoke of his expensive menthol cigarette.

As soon as the day came, he would start and meet them. But for now, a nap would do, even if it was short. Lucien crushed his cigarette end in the ashtray, folded the map back and put his file neatly away in his briefcase before sliding it all under his bed. He then pulled his pillow down and laid on his back. He looked to his left, she was staring at him, with her big dark eyes. Lucien switched off his night lamp and closed his eyes.

The next day, the Frenchman went to Victoria’s restaurant.

“L!” She came to his table.

“Good morning, V.”

“What can I get you?”

“A black coffee, please and what pastry would you recommend to me?”

“I’d go for a bit of lemon tart, you seem like the lemon tart type.”

He smiled and nodded.

“Your instinct is right, I like lemon a lot, Victoria.”

Her eyebrows jumped.

“You know my name? What are you, a spy or something?”

“Maybe.” He smiled. “Actually, what would you like to have with me?” He asked.

“Oh, uh, not sure I can.” She looked around her and indeed there were no other clients. “Alright, get me some hot chocolate, maybe!”

“Fine, add it to my order.”

“Thanks, L! I’ll be a minute!”

And in a minute she came back with the man in a suit’s order.

“Pray take a seat.”

She did as she was told and they shared their breakfast.

“So…” She said between two sips. “You know my name but I don’t know yours.”

“And it is better this way, so I shall remain L.”

“Fair enough. Have any plans for today?” She asked.

“I need to visit a few people.”

“Friends?”

“More like professional contacts.”

“Oh, I see… What’s your job anyway?”

“I am looking for one.”

“What kind?”

“I used to be a singer back in France. I hope I can bring a bit of the classics of my country in the local musical landscape here.”

“Hm… Not a lot of places where you could do that. Also, by the looks of you and the way you talk, you aren’t a pub singer, are ya?”

Lucien shook his head.

“May God protect me against it ever…”

Victoria laughed.

“I can give you a few suggestions. There are a few restaurants posh enough for you.”

“I would gladly appreciate that, thank you.”

“Yeah, no problem.”

“But tell me, V....”

“Yeah?”

“Why help me?”

“I don’t know. You’ve just landed here and if I’d just landed in France I feel like you’d have done the same.”

“Not a lot of people would think as you do, or agree with you.” Lucien said.

“Well then, only a few people aren’t idiots, which is common knowledge, isn’t it?”

Lucien chuckled.

“You speak the words I would expect from someone much older than you.”

“Maybe. Maybe that’s why you’re offering me a hot chocolate.”

He nodded with a smile.

“Maybe indeed… But what about you? Do you have any plans for today, apart from serving an old man his coffee before he starts a long day?”

“Well, hopefully serving him his lunch and his dinner…?” She pushed her luck.

“You might be lucky enough for that, who knows…?” He mysteriously answered and they both chuckled.

“Cool. But yeah, apart from that, not much. I’ll go running tonight, some dinner, I’ll try to revise for my exams and hopefully not fall asleep too soon on my book!”

“Ah, what do you study?”

“Spanish. It’s a correspondence course.”

“Oh, I see. What would you like to do once you pass your exams?”

“Who says I’ll pass them? This job takes me most of my time. And then I need to go help Joe and a few other folks before I can hit home.” Victoria’s look saddened.

“But you like what you study, non?”

“Yeah, I do. I’d like to pass my exams and then I can start looking for a proper job, one that I really want.”

“What would that be?”

“Teacher. I’d love to teach Spanish to people. Pfff, I wish I had more time and energy to study.” She lowered her eyes.

“I can help you if you want.”

Victoria frowned as she listened to the Frenchman continue.

“You help me settle in Australia, and I help you with your Spanish, what do you say?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Wait, you know Spanish?” She asked.

“Por supuesto, Señorita.” He nodded.

[Of course, Miss.]

“Wow, wait, how many languages can you speak?”

“Enough to survive, I suppose.” He answered. “But that does not answer my question. ¿Quieres aprender el español conmigo? Puedo enseñarte si quieres.”

[Do you want to learn Spanish with me? I can teach you if you want.]

The Frenchman extended his hand to her.

“I have no money though…” She protested.

“Do I look like the sort of man who needs money?” He raised an eyebrow with a smirk and saw her eyes jump from his jacket, to his vest, and his watch.

“No, true…”

“As I said, let us make this a trade: I help you conquer Spanish and you help me conquer Australia. So…?”

She shook his hand firmly.

“Alright then! Thank you so much!”

“De nada. Do bring your homework with you at work and I shall help you with it.”

[You’re welcome.]

“Will do! Thank you so much again…!”

“My pleasure. Now, about those places you could recommend. I have a map that I have bought from Joe’s. He sends his regards to you by the way.”

Lucien splayed the map on the table.

“Oh, that’s nice of him. I’ll bring him his pills tonight, I didn’t have the time yesterday…”

“Here is the pen…” He handed her a black biro. “Show me where and I will go.”

“Right so, what kind of experience d’you have? Cause I feel like some places have the right style for you but you might not have the CV for it.”

The Frenchman couldn’t hold back an arrogant scoff.

“Oh, V… Pardon my impoliteness.” He cleared his throat. “Ahem, well, I have sung in the most prestigious places in my native country. By that, I mean the most sought after restaurants. Places where you would only meet people that you hear about on the television.”

“You shittin’ me…?” She asked.

“You will discover that I am not a man of many jokes, V.”

“Well then, let’s see…” Her eyes eagerly scanned the map. “Your first port of call could be this place at the corner between this street and that one. It’s relatively new so they can’t really afford to turn anyone down.”

“V…?”

She raised her eyes off the map to meet his light blue ones.

“Yeah?”

“Come on, let’s be ambitious here. What is the best restaurant here? One where not everyone can get a table and if you do, you have to know someone who works there already?”

“Wow, wow, wow, L…! No offense but they don’t take a newcomer just like that there?!”

“Leave that to me. Just point it on the map.”

“You’ll never get the job, even if they were lookin’ for someone!” She exclaimed.

“And I can wager anything you’d like that not only I will try, but I will obtain this position.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow and pouted. Her eyes darted left and right. Lucien stared at her arrogantly, he spoke with such self-confidence...

“Alright. If you get the job, you get me a table there for dinner.”

“Consider it done.” He answered.

“Hahaha! So, yeah, that’s the place you want to go…!”

The young lady placed a cross on the map and the Frenchman bent forward to take a better look at it.

“It’s bang on the center of the center.”

“What’s the restaurant called?”

“The Queen me!” She answered triumphant.

“The Queen you?” He answered.

“Yeah, the Queen Victoria!”

“Ah, well, then I just need to tell them that V herself sent me and I should get the position, non?”

“Pfff, you can try…!” She chuckled. “I know a lot of people in this city, but no one who goes there.”

“Not yet…!” Lucien added with a wink.

“Yeah, well, don’t forget your bet, old man. You get that job and you owe me some good dinner there, eh!”

“I shall not forget, do not worry.”

A voice cut them in the background.

“Victoria? Where are ya? We need you back here!”

“Oh, sorry, I’ll have to go.” She stood up and took the empty cups and the plate.

“Ningún problema, Señorita. I shall retire too. I have a long list of people that I shall visit.”

[No problem, young lady.]

He folded the map back neatly before putting it back in his inner pocket. Lucien followed her back to the counter and she took his payment.

“V?”

“Hm?”

“Muchas gracias.”

[Thank you very much]

“Oh, uh, de nada?”

He nodded.

“Victoria?!” The voice called from the kitchen.

“Yeah, yeah, can’t you live without me for a second?!”

The Frenchman laughed and left. As soon as the door of the restaurant closed behind him, he started his itinerary. The closest one was the beggar. Lucien walked in his direction. The path was clear in his head such that he could pay a bit of attention to his surroundings. The streets, the walls and shop windows rolled before his eyes and like the reel of an old movie, they slowly changed to older wood, and older colours, washed out and sometimes blackened by the years.

He lit up a cigarette and walked, looking up left and right. Lucien could feel the eyes of the people on him. Who was he? Clearly a foreigner, a madman, someone who didn’t know where he was, he was clearly lost. And look at him, he was smoking in his expensive light beige suit, the light sheen of which shone delicately. Ah, he finally stopped. Wait, did he drop a yellow note to that beggar?! Bloody hell…!

Lucien could almost hear the whispers of the million eyes on him. He didn’t mind it.

The homeless man saw a pair of polished brown italian shoes stop in front of him. He lowered his head and extended his plastic cup. When he saw the fifty-dollar note land, his eyes opened wide and his bushy eyebrows unfrowned like the Red Sea to let Moses through.

“Thank you good Sir…” He said, his voice weak and fragile. Lucien understood that he was a much heavier smoker than himself.

“Je t’en prie, mon ami.”

[My pleasure, my friend.]

The beggar raised his eyes.

“Je viens pour discuter.”

[I have come to have a chat.]

“Who’s the good Sir?”

“L.”

“L’s stopped for years, Sir. He’s out.”

Lucien chuckled and was about to answer when a child came running to them both.

“Uncle Jack! Uncle Jack!”

“Told you to not come when I’m in business Nick….”

“But they said it’s urgent…!”

“Who?”

“Them above! They sent this!”

The child extended a piece of paper to the beggar.

“‘Scuse me, Sir. Urgent matters apparently.”

“Take your time.” Lucien answered and put the cigarette back between his lips. He looked at the young boy. He mustn’t have been more than twelve and behind him, a few of his friends were waiting on the pavement.

“Bloody hell… We’ll all be damned… Nick, get Tommy to replace me.”

“Alright!” The kid darted away and the beggar stood up.

Lucien realised that he was taller than him now that he was standing.

“‘m sorry to not have believed you, L. Follow me.”

The Frenchman nodded and did as he was told. After a few minutes’ walk, both men found themselves in a dead end.

“Right, now we can talk… Vous pouvez m’appelez Maurice.”

[You can call me Maurice.]

Both men shook hands and Maurice removed his large hat to look his colleague in the eye.

“Enchanté, Maurice.”

[Pleased to meet you, Maurice.]

“How can I help the legendary L?”

“Introduce me to your trade and to your city first.”

“Ah, here we go then…”

“But before we dive into the matter, allow me to say that your accent is perfect. I cannot hear a shred of French in your English.” Lucien said.

“Well, I had a good accent to start with and now I’m perfectly transparent.”

“As all beggars should be.” Lucien added and his friend nodded.

“Yeah you’re right. So yeah, my trade? I’m the king of the street, posh or dirty. I hear the wind and the word that it carries. You need to know something or pass on a message? Come to me.”

“How shall I find you?”

“The kids. See one with green on the soles of his shoes? He’s mine. You tell him what you need and you’ll get it.”

“What can you provide?”

“My business is mostly intel’, but I can also arrange deliveries for letters and reasonably small packages.”

“What about the children?”

“They’re all orphans. We pay them and teach them how to use their money. Most of them find a job as early as they can and we encourage them to. Some of them even go to University.”

“We?” Lucien asked.

“There are a few adults of course. I can’t manage all those kids on my own. But of course because they’re kids, they’re hard to find during school time.”

“Who shall I go for then?”

“Same code.”

“Green soles?”

“Yeah, green soles. We’re a fairly big network now.”

“Understood. Anything you can tell me about my target?”

“Not much beyond what you know. We were the ones to spot him here. I had a hard time believin’ it so I went and checked myself.”

“So we are confident?”

“More than a hundred percent. It’s him, the bastard.”

“Any idea of what his main activity is?”

“Not precisely. But things are on the move. Big wallets are landing in Oz, more and more by the day. He’s preparin’ something big, don’t know what yet, but we’ll know it soon enough.”

“Fine. Keep me posted.” Lucien walked towards the exit of the dead end.

“Will do.”

“You know where to find me?” The Frenchman asked.

“Yeah, and thanks for the money.” Maurice added.

“Bah, I just needed your attention.”

“Not the one in my cup.”

Lucien frowned.

“Bastian’s got new shoes now.” Maurice winked.

It took a second but the spy remembered the shy, young man who worked in his hotel.

#tf2 sniper #tf2 spy #sniperspy #SBT

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vinylhazza · 4 years

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this is weird, but i kinda wanna see what it’s like from grayson’s point of view in that one ethan concept. like it’s so obvious that grayson is disappointed because he could just sense that there was so much love there. how does he deal with it? is it like losing his best friend? how was y/n and grayson’s relationship?

in reference to: part 1 & part 2

Graysons POV:

he’s beyond disappointed in his brother for his reckless actions. not only was he fucking up the best relationship he’s had with possibly the love of his life - but he’s fucking with his friendship too.

you and grayson had grown close since you came into the picture. yes you instantly grew attracted to ethan and fell for him, but you also were highly invested in the friendship you had with grayson. that was part of the reason you were so hurt by not being invited to any of the trips and being left in the dust by ethan - because you expected grayson to come to your defense in some way.

little did you know he was being lied to the entire time. he had been so excited that his favorite girl and his brother were going to go on all of these adventures and make memories together - but was left disappointed when ethan told him you had declined all of his offers and decided to stay behind.

of course he knew something was up, but was preoccupied by all the pre-trip planning and filming that he never really got a chance to talk to you about it. you understood. you knew that no matter what he would choose ethan over anyone else any day...but it still hurt.

grayson could see the messages pop up on ethans screen, and he could see ethans eyes linger on the message before clicking the power button once to shut it off. he knew that ethan was battling with something in his head, but was choosing to ignore it and run from it all together instead of working through it like a grown ass man. he was pissed off to be quite honest.

“you gonna answer her or just ignore her?” he’d questioned ethan while they ate at the wooden table on their house in hawaii, a place they had fallen in love with. but not totally, because something was missing, and that something was y/n. she was always at the back of their minds, and they knew she belonged there with them, but ethans stubbornness wouldn’t allow it.

“don’t worry about it grayson, it’s not a big deal,” is all ethan had said, shrugging his shoulders while he ate the reast of his avocado toast.

it stung him a little to hear those words come from him...he could see in ethan’s eyes that it pained him to say something like that when it was so untrue. it wasn’t a small ordeal, it was massive and scary. ethan had fallen in love and he didn’t know what the fuck to do. so he took the classic ethan route and shut it out - shut you out. and he shut grayson out as well.

“i hope you know what you’re doing man,” is all grayson said, pushing away from the table and walking out to the balcony to clear his head. he didn’t want to butt into your business, but thought it was kind of his place as your bestfriend and ethans brother. he just wanted to fix it, even if he knew deep down it wasn’t his problem to fix.

knowing that things were rocky between the two of you and he might lose you if ethan screwed you over hurt him greatly. you were one of the sweetest girls he’d ever known and not having you in his life didn’t sound like something he wanted. you had been the first person to drop everything and be there for them when their dad died, totally at their beck and call. you were there to hold their hand and rub their back and hold them while they cried. it made him sick that you were all alone now that you were going through a tough time as well. it made him sicker to know that ethan was causing that.

their father would never approve of the way ethan was treating you, and he knew ethan realized that.

he had minded his business, kept quiet and texted you as much as he could. he could see your mood changing and tone grow different with every message you sent back. he tried to hint that maybe ethan was hurting you in some way, but all you would respond back with was “hope you’re having a good time gray, you deserve it. don’t worry about me i’m fine” i’m fine. you’re anything but fine and he knew it. your heart was breaking because of his stupid fucking brother.

he attempted everyday, but everyday you got further away from him.

it was the third day in australia when he finally broke out into a rage - seeing the pictures of ethan with a girl they’d met that was a friend of kyles from his childhood that was on a family trip. she had been a little too touchy while grayson had gone off to the bathroom only for a minute - and this is the result? she’s all over him and it’s on the internet? what pissed him off the most was the absolute stupidity that ethan gave him when he asked him about it.

“really dude? i go to the bathroom for five seconds and this is what you do? what the fuck is going on, have you no self respect? do you have any respect for y/n? it’s one thing to ignore her, but then to make her think you’re cheating? are you actually stupid?” he was red in the face angry, fucking pissed that his brother wasn’t on the phone with you right now pleading his case and explaining that the picture was in fact not what it looked like, “she was there for you through everything. everything. she was the one by your side. this is what you repay her?”

“grayson i said leave it the fuck alone. the pictures aren’t even bad. it’s literally a kiss on the cheek, nothing major. fans do it all the time,” ethan muttered from his spot on the deck, laying back with sunglasses over his eyes.

“tell that to y/n maybe man. you know how bad this looks? and the fact that you’ve blown her off for nearly a month is nothing to you? she’s going to connect some dots that don’t even exist and you’re going to regret it,” grayson huffs, scrolling through more and more tweets about the pictures.

“have you ever thought that maybe it just isn’t working for me gray? that maybe i’m not as invested? or maybe the pictures mean nothing like i’m trying to tell you?” ethan is sitting up and ripping his glasses off then, glaring at his younger brother that stands over him in a hissy fit.

“oh bullshit ethan. you’re so whipped over this girl. you’re just a scared little bitch,” grayson seethes, wanting nothing more than to deck him in the face and make him come to his senses. he can play games all he wants but he won’t do this to his best friend.

he’s stalking off before ethan can protest any further, slamming the balcony door behind him and stomping to his bedroom, wanting to be as far away from his douche bag of a brother as he can be.

he sent a text your way, hoping that maybe it would ease your mind a little. he knew you saw the pictures and he also knew how the fans could and probably would react.

“hey i know you probably saw the pictures, but please don’t jump to the worst case scenario. it’s really not what you think.”

he hadn’t gotten a response back. you had already left at that point, emptied your things from the house and cut them off. it was probably the first time he’d actually gotten chocked up in a while, flicking through pictures of the three of you goofing around or a video he’d taken of you spraying whipped cream into ethans mouth and laughing when it overflowed and you reached out a hand to smear it down his face before running away only to be chased seconds later. it had ended with a kiss before he cut the camera - letting you two have your moment without prying eyes.

it hurt him to see the love that was so clearly being ignored right now. it hurt him to see the comments under your post and know he couldn’t say anything because it wasn’t his place. he just wanted you to be okay and know that ethan did love you - he was just being an idiot that got into his own head and ruined things for himself out of fear. he wanted you to know he’s done it before and to stick around please dear god don’t give up on him please, he really didn’t mean it.

the plane ride back to LA was filled with hostility that everyone could sense, grayson getting his last words in just to try and knock some sense into his brother once again. he knew ethan saw the comments as well. and you hadn’t left already, he knew you would soon when you didn’t see once message from ethan asking if you were okay.

“how fucking stupid are you e? this girl is completely fucking in love with you and you don’t even have the decency to call her and explain? you’ve been treating her like down right shit as it is and i’m honeslty surprised she hasn’t left your stupid ass,” is what he had spit out, rolling his bag away heatedly, not caring if he sounded too harsh or not.

it hit ethan how fucked up he was being to the woman he had fallen for and how foolish he was becoming out of fear of the unknown. it’s something that’s ruled his life for a long time now, and he didn’t know how to stop it. he just hoped you’d be there when he got back.

the moment they got home and ethan read the letter, was a proud moment for grayson. he saw the light come back into his brothers eyes, that strong determination come back to life, the light flick back on. he had hugged ethan tight, grinning while he watched his teary eyed brother run from the house to go get the love of his life - hoping that he was right about his gut feeling. he prayed silently while he unpacked, hoping he hadn’t lost both of you forever. he just knew ethan would never really be whole again without you.

#asks #e!concepts #ethan!concepts #grayson!concepts #gray!concepts #broken!ethan

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