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maddiwrites · 3 years

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The Hybrid (Prologue)

Pairing: JJ x Reader

Summary: The Pogues rekindle their friendship with their old childhood best friend and JJ��s first crush, Y/N. Old feelings resurface for JJ and Y/N, possibly leading to a summer neither one of them could ever forget. Due to past trauma, Y/N is reluctant to let anyone into her heart, but JJ never backs down from a challenge, even if he knows it will come back to haunt him in the end.

Note: So happy to be back with another series!!! I honestly really missed posting. Unlike Secrets of the Shore, updates will be slower because I don’t have them all written out yet. A couple things I wanted to let you know before you read. I based Y/N’s family off of Gilmore Girls. I thought they were the perfect fit for this story and the show in general and I just love their dynamic. (Including Luke who I renamed Steve for obvious reasons). Chapter 1 will explain more obviously but I wanted to give you guys a little snippet of the characters and relationships. So let me know what y'all think!

Word Count: 3.3k

Outer Banks. Paradise on Earth. It's the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island. As you know, the Outer Banks is essentially divided into two groups. If we want to be blunt - it’s the rich and the poor. Figure Eight is home to the rich. Aka the Kooks. With houses bigger than necessary with extra rooms that go untouched, boats the size of homes on the Cut - the other side of the island. Most people who live on Figure Eight are your naturally raised assholes. People who don’t know the value of a dollar and take advantage of people who do most of their dirty work that lets them prance around the island with perfectly manicured fingernails. These hard workers are the Pogues. They live on the south side of the island where most Kooks wouldn’t be found dead. They serve fancy meals at the country club for shitty tips, mow lawns, and work their asses off at any other job for minimum wage. The drastic difference in lifestyles tend to cause many spats and arguments between the two communities. Especially between the teenagers who still don’t know how to control their raging emotions or know when to bite back their tongue. For the Kooks, every fight is a fight for dominance where as the Pogues fight for equality - to put the Kooks in their place. Many of these fights happen at summer parties where the two groups clash to find a good time with their friends filled with alcohol, drugs, and good music.

That’s where they find themselves tonight. The infamous Pogues. John B, JJ, Kie, Pope, and now Sarah Cameron. Although born a natural Kook, she’s earned her spot next to the adventurous teens and her boyfriend. Unlike her brother Rafe who basically is the leader of his notorious group. Topper and Kelce are his best friends who follow him blindly.

The Pogues watch them from their spot surrounding the keg. Kie purses her lips in distaste as the boys cat call for the ladies around them. Somehow most of them finding it flattering. Sarah sips on her beer to hide her embarrassment, often wondering how she and her brother grew up to be so different. Pope and John B stay mostly disinterested, only worried if they try to make a pass at an unwilling girl or fire a degrading comment at their short tempered friend. JJ Maybank is known around the island for his trouble making behavior. Usually if he gets in trouble for fights, no one ever asks who the other people were in the scuffle. Because if JJ Maybank is in the fight, he’s the one who started it, right? Wrong. In fact, JJ usually is never the one to start it. He’s good at keeping his head down and only speaking when spoken to when it comes to the Kooks - the only form of advice worth taking from his father. But his short temper is something the Kooks his age loved to take advantage of because they liked getting a rise out of him. It was like an adrenaline rush.

Luckily, tonight both groups were keeping their distance, either only talking to each other or random Tourons that have found their way to the party. This is usually JJ’s favorite part of a boneyard party. Finding his one fish in a sea of many that he can reel in just for the night and never have to worry about seeing them again.

He has his eyes set on a beautiful blonde making her way to the bonfire when all of a sudden Kie’s voice pulls him out of his trance.

“What’s she doing here?”

JJ follows her line of vision, spotting you walking down the wooden steps that lead to the beach, pulling your best friend behind you by his wrist. He first notices your smile and how it brightens up your entire face. Then of course his eyes scan down your slim but athletically toned body. You’re wearing a pair of jean shorts and a cropped white T shirt that says UNC across the chest. Who knew someone could look so good without even trying?

Well JJ did. He’s known it for a while.

“Careful. I think you’re drooling,” John B whispers in his best friend’s ear.

JJ pushes him away and mutters, “Shut up. No I’m not.”

But maybe he was.

Y/N Y/L/N is a unique resident of the island. Unlike majority of the island, she doesn’t fall in either Kook or Pogue category. She’s what everyone calls the Hybrid.

People who work hard for what they have but haven’t fallen to be Pogue status. Quite literally living in the middle in a place they call the Crest.

Your story is well versed among the gossipers of the island (which tends to be just about everybody). And mainly that’s because of who your grandparents are. Claude and Doris Y/L/N. Two of the riches people on the island, living in a three story house on the beach. Many people fear them, others envy them. Most feel both. Even Ward Cameron walks on egg shells around them, which is quite often, considering he works for Claude. They’re the kind of people who have never heard of Barefoot wine or Walmart. They keep their noses up and turn a blind eye to the suffering communities around them. Thirty four years ago, Doris gave birth to a daughter that couldn’t be more opposite than them. Lorelai Y/L/N was a wild child. A rule breaker. She snuck out at nights, dated boys her parents would never approve of, dabbled in breaking the law here and there. It didn’t matter how many times her parents disciplined her. She always managed to make her parents’ life a living hell.

No one was surprised when word got passed around that Lorelai had gotten pregnant at eighteen. Although it was with another Kook, she brought shame upon her family name when she refused to get an abortion, even when her mom tried dragging her by her hair.

Lorelai risked everything by running away from her parents’ home in the middle of a windy night. With only one suitcase, the baby daddy out of the picture, and less than a grand in her pocket, she managed to make a life for herself on the South side of the island. She worked two jobs, found an affordable apartment for cheap rent, and managed to save some money before her babies were born.

Yes, babies. As in more than one. Five months after running away from home, she gave birth to twin girls and they instantly became her entire life. With the help of her best friend Steve, who she met one month after being on her own, meeting him at his automotive shop when she very much literally rolled her junky car into the garage, she raised you and your sister on the Cut. The two of you are her greatest accomplishment. Every now and then, she mentally throws up a middle finger to everybody who doubted her, proud of who the two of you have become.

Right before you turned ten, your mom took a business risk and opened her own Cafe. The Bikini Beans cafe, very popular amongst both Kooks and Pogues. The business did so well that she was able to move the three of you out of your shitty apartment into a beautiful one story home with three bedrooms in between the Cut and Figure Eight, aka the Crest, the summer going into your freshman year.

You actually used to be best friends with John B Routledge, JJ Maybank, and Pope Heyward. It was easier being friends with them than the girls, finding more joy in sports and rough housing than makeup and gossip.

Doing the same summer that you moved, your mom pulled you out of Kildare County High and placed you in Outer Banks Private Academy. Aka Kook Academy. Around this time, your grandparents had also become more involved in your life, and you wondered if they had somehow bribed your mom into forcing you to transfer schools. You tried asking her during one of your many fights that started with you begging her to keep you at Kildare County High, but she quickly shut you down and told you to be grateful. That was ironic coming from the woman who ran away from the people giving her an expensive high school career.

You had no choice but to do what your grandparents wanted and attend Kook Academy. Making friends was a lot harder there than it was in Kildare County High. You managed to make one friend in your freshman year. Andre Cortez. Due to an incident a couple years back, you built thick walls and Andre was the only one able to break them down. You were grateful for your friendship, but hanging out with him was nothing like hanging out with the Pogues.

When you transferred schools, you lost touch with the Pogues slowly. Your life became busy with school and playing dress up for your grandparents and the boys were starting to work. Eventually all contact was cut and ever since, you’ve felt a void in your heart.

“Look,” You tell Andre. “I told you I would be your wing woman and I’m not backing down from what could possibly be the most important role in my life.”

You didn’t notice the Pogues or any of the stares around you. It’s true you’re not much of a party girl. I mean, you’ll go out here and there, have a drink or two, but you felt more comfortable at places where you weren’t surrounded by drunk and horny teenagers.

“He’s probably not even here,” Andre says. He’s trying to look nonchalant but you notice the way his eyes dance from face to face of the people around him.

“He told you he was going to be here, right?” You ask him with one brow raised. Andre nods. “Then, we’ll find him.”

Sarah and Kie never made any effort to talk to you at school, but to be fair, neither have you. You’ve heard mixed reviews, some people call them spoiled brats, ungrateful...some even go as far as calling them ‘The Cut Sluts.’ Of course you never take any of those things to heart. You can’t judge a book but it's cover. Plus, they’re friends with your old best friends. They can’t be that bad for John B and JJ and Pope to be hanging out with them, right?

“You think she'll come over here?” Kie asks. No one’s ever said it out loud, but her friends wonder if deep down, Kie was a little jealous of you. Because you were their first real girl friend. You were the first girl they ever let in and opened their heart too. That was a tough pill for Kie to swallow when she originally thought she was that girl. Of course the boys don’t like you any more than Kie and vice versa. But sometimes Kie wishes she could have grown up with the boys the same way you had.

“Probably not. Unless she’s drinking,” Pope says and motions towards the keg they’re near.

“I have an idea,” John B says and fills up a red solo cup. He hands it to JJ. “Why don’t you go offer her a cup.”

JJ snags the cup out of John B’s hand and glares at him. “Fuck off, dude.”

“Do you guys ever see her around at school?” Pope asks the girls.

Sarah shrugs. “Not really. She doesn’t really get a long with my old group of friends.”

Kie rolls her eyes. “No one gets along with your old group of friends.”

Sarah playfully shoves Kie by the shoulder and they laugh.

“I heard she turned down Raymond Easterling a couple weeks ago and he didn’t take it very well,” Pope says, remembering the words he heard from the kids in his class roaming the school hallways.

Raymond goes to Kildcare County High with the Pogues. He’s known to be a trouble maker and a class clown. He works with JJ at the country club. The kid can make JJ laugh sometimes, but he wouldn’t necessarily say he likes him all that much. He can be an arrogant asshole with an ego bigger than it should be.

“She turns down everybody,” Sarah says. “Some people at my school call her ‘The Heart Sucker’ because she can pull people in with the snap of her fingers and break their heart just as quickly.”

Something stirred in the pit of JJ’s stomach.

“Hey! Where you going?” John B calls out to JJ who’s making his way deeper into the sea of people on the beach.

“Taking advantage of a good boneyard party, my friend,” JJ calls back and slugs the rest of his beer. Looking left and right, he searches for the blonde he had eyes on earlier. Because right now, he needed a distraction.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The party starts to die down a little after midnight. Some people leave to find another party, some are passed out in the back of their cars, and others had already found what they were looking for - someone to leave with.

The boneyard party wasn’t as bad as you expected it to be. You had found a couple of kids from your school who were nice enough to make small talk with you while Andre left to find a guy named Devon, a Touron he’s been talking to who’s renting for the entire summer.

Now you’re waiting for Andre to come back so the two of you can walk home. You find comfort under a slanted palm tree towards the back of the beach, scrolling through random apps on your phone to pass the time.

“Y/N?” You look up from you phone and smile when you see your former best friend inching closer to you, squinting in the dark to see if it’s really you.

“Maybank? What are you still doing here?” You stand up and pat the sand off your hands on you thighs.

Your heart skips a beat in your chest when you look at him. He’s beautiful. Lucious blonde hair, perfectly tanned skin, piercing blue eyes. You always knew JJ was going to grow up to be gorgeous. He was cute when he was younger. At least you always thought so.

“I was just leaving, but I thought I saw you sitting here and wanted to make sure you were all right.” He knows it’s not like you to stay this late at a party, especially all by yourself. When he first saw you sitting there, he didn’t know if he should say something. Mostly due to nerves of seeing you again. But the other Pogues had already left and he didn’t trust anyone else at the party to be near you alone late at night. It didn’t matter if you were sober or not.

“Aw. Was JJ Maybank worried about me?” You tease. Talking to him felt easy. As if you never stopped being friends. A few years ago, you and JJ had the best banter. Despite constantly bickering back and forth, John B always swore the two of you would get married one day. The two of you just always clicked like a natural connection. And even now, when only seeing each other every now and then for a few minutes at a time, it felt normal. You smirk when JJ rolls his eyes. “I’m kidding. Yeah, I’m okay. Just waiting for my friend to come back from his little rendezvous,” You say.

JJ nods. “Did you have a good time? I feel like I never you see at these things.”

“Yeah. Parties aren’t really my thing. But Andre was nervous to meet this guy he’s been talking to for a little while so I came for moral support.”

“Looks like he didn’t need much of the support.”

You shrug. “It’s better that way, anyway. I don’t mind waiting for him. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Did you have a good time tonight? I hear your quite the ladies’ man at these things.”

“Come on, Sparky. You know better than to believe everything you hear.”

Your face lights up at the mention of your old nickname. You use to always be busting out the seams with energy. On days where the boys just wanted to chill and play video games, you would drag them to the park for a game of kick ball. Or when they wanted to sleep in after a long week, you showed up at 8 am to drag them out of bed to catch the morning waves. So one day JJ started calling you Sparky, and it stuck with the rest of your little gang. You always pretended to hate it, but secretly you loved it.

“Oh I don’t believe everything I hear. I do, however, believe what I see. And your arm around that tall blonde in the little black dress looked quite convincing.”

You first saw JJ at the party when he was making his way to the pretty girl by the water. Your teeth involuntarily clenched and there was a twisted feeling in your stomach you couldn’t shake whenever you looked at them.

In that instant, JJ felt grateful for the dark sky. He felt the rush of heat rise up his neck to his cheeks before he could stop it. He knew the motivation to see that girl was because of you. He just wished you never saw it. But he didn’t know why.

“I walked her home. She wasn’t my type,” JJ plays it off.

“I didn’t realize you had a type,” You giggle, but a small part felt relieved to hear this. “So what is it? Your type?”

Hybrids with a Pogue attitude, bright smile, beautiful eyes, and a mouth that could make any sailor turn around, JJ thought.

“I don’t know. Haven’t figured it out yet.”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Well, when you figure it out let me know.”

“Why? So you can transform into my ideal girl?” He teases.

Now you’re the one thankful for the dark sky. “In your dreams, Maybank. But so far, I do have the perfect wing-woman track record, so if you needed help -”

“I don’t think I need any help in that department. Thank you very much.”

You throw your hands up in fake surrender. “Ooo. Touchy subject.”

JJ rolls his eyes at the same time your phone pings with a text message. You pull it out of your shorts pocket and open the text from Andre, telling you to leave without him because he’s gonna stay out late with Devon and won’t know what time he’s going to be done.

“Everything all right?” JJ says, watching you read the message.

You lock your phone and stuff it in your back pocket again. “Like I said. Perfect wing-woman track record.”

“That was Andre?”

“Yeah. He’s most likely not coming home tonight.”

“Lucky bastard.”

“At least one of us is,” You joke.

JJ’s grin slightly falters but you don’t catch it. You have no idea how much he wishes the two of you could be equally as lucky. Together.

“Well, I should probably go,” You say and bend down to grab your flip flops.

“Let me walk you home,” JJ offers.

“Oh no. It’s okay -”

“You’re cute. It’s wasn’t up for debate. I’m not letting you walk back by yourself.”

You scoff lightly. “I’ll be fine.”

“Just humor me.”

You roll your eyes and smirk but choose not to argue. In fact, you’re excited to spend more time with JJ. It’s been so long.

“Fine.”

“And here I thought you might’ve grown out of your stubborn phase by now.”

You shove him playfully by the shoulder. “Shut up!”

And just like that, it felt like old times.

#jj fanfiction #jj maybank #jj maybank imagine #jj mayback x reader #jj maybank imagines #jj maybank x reader #outer banks imagine #outer banks fic #obx imagine #obx fic #jj maybank one shot

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penguinwithitsarseonfire · 3 years

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Baby Just Say Yes

Relationship: 12th Doctor x Reader

Warnings: brief mention of drowning - but not graphically described, and some spoilers for War and Peace (the book, although I suppose it would apply to the TV show as well, since they're the same story)

Word Count: 2,704

Summary: When you, Bill, and the Doctor debate the merits of how many doughnuts are too many, it accidentally leads to a revelation on an event you hadn't actually known had happened.

Request: Bill finds out that the reader is "married" to Doc and at some point Bill jokes calling the two her grandparents

A/N: I took the route of reader knowing the Doctor for years and years, just so it was easier to justify the nature of the Doctor and readers relationship. As a result, it's got some implied past 11 x Reader. Hope that’s okay!

Your finger trailed along the spines of the collection of books on one the shelves in the second level of the console room. You paused when your eyes landed on a familiar novel, one you had yet to crack open, but really wanted to. If so you could boast to the Doctor that you'd read it.

War and Peace.

1,225 pages. The Doctor had never had the patience for it. You took the novel out from the shelf, only for a plume of dust to pool into the air. It tickled your nose, making it itch.

Then you sneezed.

You rubbed your finger along the base of your nose in a vain attempt to scratch it, and narrowed your eyes at the dusty bookshelf. The Doctor had said he was going to dust it.

A muffled voice spoke from below, it took you a moment to place what was said, but you were pretty sure it was ‘bless you’.

You were on a planet the Doctor and you had discovered in his last face, back when he had been younger, had a longer chin, and was far more obsessed with sweets. It was famous for its doughnuts, the best in the galaxy, the Doctor had decided.

And that decision had stuck, since, when the Doctor had told Bill about the planet, she had decided that they absolutely must go.

You poked your head over the bannister and locked eyes with Bill. She was holding a doughnut in her mouth, and her hands were full balancing two trays. You realised it must have been Bill who spoke, because the Doctor was only now coming in, holding a near empty tray of doughnuts in one hand.

“Hey,” you said, and you placed your book on one of the chairs before hopping down the stairs. “You two get enough?”

Bill snorted, dropping her boxes onto the console and taking a bite out of her doughnut. “Not even. He,” she nodded towards the Doctor. “Has already eaten nearly every single one out of that box.”

Your eyebrows flew into your hairline, and you snatched the box out of the Doctor’s hands. You waved the Doctor away when he protested, and instead eyed the boxes contents. There was a single doughnut left. Out of nine doughnuts, and only one was left. It was round, with no hole in the middle, and a good layer of icing sugar sprinkled on top.

You raised an eyebrow at him. “Feeling sick yet?”

The Doctor raised his own eyebrow at you, and you knew, instinctually, that it was more effective than yours. “You do not get to lecture me on health.”

It was a weak rebuttal.

“You’ve had eight of them Doctor,” you took the final doughnut out of the box. “Eight.”

He snatched it out of your hand, and your face fell. “Timelord,” he replied, and then took a large bite out of the final doughnut. The Doctor immediately winced, then hissed. He pulled the doughnut away with a frown, and you saw the remnants of hot jam on his lips.

A swell of vindication ran through you, and, under the guise of wiping some of the jam off, you took the doughnut off of him. You let the air cool the jam slightly, not wanting to burn yourself too. “Eight,” you said again. “Is more than enough.”

“The very basics of my physiology are different,” he gestured to both his hearts for good measure, then tried to reach for the doughnut, you were ready though, and you held it out of reach. “I’ll be fine.”

“Just because you've got two hearts,” you said. “Doesn't mean you've got two stomachs. At the very least you'll get indigestion.”

And with that you took a hungry bite out of the very doughnut he had just stolen from you. It was good, they’d made it with raspberry jam, and the stark taste of the sharp raspberry against the sweet sugar warmed you. You gave him a satisfied smirk, and turned to Bill. “What about you, what’s yours?”

Bill had been watching you both, her head swinging between you like she was watching a tennis match. She had just bitten into her doughnut, and she looked slightly stunned that you had spoken to her.

“It’s really good,” she said, but her mouth was full so it sounded more like ‘ts r’lly gud. She swallowed, then continued talking. “Can’t remember what they said this one was,” and she turned to the Doctor, holding the doughnut up so both you and the Doctor could see its contents. It was filled with a rich purple paste. “What’s supposed to be in it?”

“Ube,” the Doctor said coolly, and he shuffled over to your side. You sidestepped him, taking another bite of the doughnut. He wasn’t getting it that easily. “It’s from the Philippines, traditionally.”

“We should’ve gotten more,” Bill said. “I think these are my favourite so far.”

This was the beauty of this planet, they were obsessed with Earth doughnuts, so they’d preserved every culturally significant recipe that Earth had, 1,893 – the Doctor had counted. They even had cronut’s, of all things, though you’d yet to try them.

The Doctor scowled at the other two boxes, and you stepped carefully in front of them.

“I chose a new book,” you said, which was a blatant redirection of conversation, but you powered through. “One I’m sure you haven’t finished.”

From the corner of your eyes, you noticed Bill was watching the pair of you again, as if a spectator of a sport.

The Doctor studied you carefully, and you knew he was humouring this new conversation. “That’s an unlikely assumption.

“War and Peace,” you said, with only a small hint of pride.

The Doctor cocked his head to the side, considering it. “You’re right, actually. I got bored once the Anatole and Natasha affair got going. Couldn’t visit the opera for a couple decades either.”

Your face fell.

Bill spluttered. “Did you just spoil it?”

The Doctor waved a hand. “The book's over 150 years old. If Y/N doesn't know about the ending by now then that's not really my fault.”

You vaguely heard Bill breathe out an Oh my God.

“That's one of the most arrogant things you've ever said,” you said, still processing the shock of how he had so simply said what he had. “And I once listened to you drone on for an hour on how you choreographed the macarena.”

“I did that in a different face though, younger, more nimble. I’ll have to tell you about how I taught Claude Debussy how to shred.”

“Like, on the guitar, or in the ocean?” Bill asked.

“Yes,” the Doctor said, and then he went to grab for the rest of the doughnut in your hand.

“Oh no,” you said, side-stepping him. “No more, especially not after you spoiled the book for me.”

“That’s ridiculous,” he said. “It’s not like I told you how Andrei dies in a gruesome battle against the French, and Natasha coincidently finds herself by his side as he dies on his deathbed, even though they’d long parted. Honestly.”

Your eyes bugged out of your skull, you could feel it, as though they were ready to up and roll away.

“Is Andrei an important character?” Bill asked slowly, and then, she meekly added. “I haven’t seen the show.”

You spoke very slowly, your voice low. You narrowed your eyes to the Doctor. The death of a major character was a pretty big spoiler. “I cannot believe you.”

The Doctor winced slightly. “I just rambled like I was 900 years old again, didn’t I?”

“At least,” you breathed. You swallowed your exasperation, and then, suddenly, you sneezed. It was loud, like it had to announce itself to the world, and you rocked backwards slightly. You sniffled.

“Bless you,” Bill said again, but her mouth was full, so it sounded like ‘bleshooo’.

You gave her your thanks, then turned to the Doctor, your mind going to the reason why you were sneezing in the first place. “Dusting,” you said. “You haven’t dusted yet. You said you would.”

The Doctor waved a hand. “I will, I’ll get round to it.”

“You offered, Doctor,” you continued, and in the back of your mind, you wondered if it sounded like you were nagging him . “No one asked you to do it, Nardole didn’t even ask. You offered.”

“You’re in a mood,” The Doctor said suddenly, and he leaned forward, so his big nose was almost against yours.. “Are you sick?

“I – what, no, I’m not sick,” you said, and you stumbled back suddenly. His eyes were so large, so close, and it was momentarily disarming. “You can be so infuriating sometimes, you know that?”

“You tell me constantly.”

Bill’s face grew into a large, delighted grin. “Oh my God,” she said. “You're like an old married couple.”

You turned to her, stunned. Or course, you were with the Doctor, but the idea of being married to him… well, he had done it, you knew he had, you’d been there, several years ago now when he’d had a different face with a long chin and an affinity for custard.

It certainly hadn’t been to you, though.

Of course, time had been broken and you’d been wearing an itchy eyepatch, but schematics.

You’d also seen the Doctor, a much younger face, one you had never travelled with, marry Queen Elizabeth the first. You’d been a ring bearer. It had been too fun teasing all three of faces of the Doctor that day for it.

But no. You had certainly never married him.

It wasn’t as if you didn’t want to, quite honestly, the thought had never crossed your mind. You had been so content in your relationship with him, how sure it felt, how right it was, that you’d never thought about anything more.

The Doctor, too, gawked, but for an entirely different reason. "You called me old.”

Bill glanced up and down the doctor's frame, which was enough to make her point.

“Fine,” the Doctor grumbled. “I'm old.”

“How are we like an old married couple?” You pressed, because the Doctor was not getting the key part of Bill’s statement.

“The bickering,” she said. “It's totally what couples do.”

You gaped and turned to the Doctor for some sort of guidance. You waited for him to shut it down. To laugh and just say it was because you were comfortable around one another. Instead, the Doctor only shrugged. "I mean,” he said. “Technically we are married'

You did a double take. Married. You were, apparently, already married to the Doctor.

What?

Bill gasped. “What - no, since when? Why didn't you tell me?”

“Yeah,” you said, finding your voice. “I'd quite like to know too.”

Bill turned to you. “Wait what do you mean?”

“This is news to me,” you continued. “We're married? Where was my something old and something blue?”

The Doctor gestured to himself, then around the console room - the TARDIS. So those were, apparently, the something old and something blue. A bit on the nose.

He raised an eyebrow, and you wondered if your expression was as confused as you felt. “On the foreshore of Tralite,” he prompted. “With the Arhkor embassy.”

That... that hadn't been a wedding. Had it?

You mind went back to that evening, so many years ago now, back when you had been travelling with Clara, back when the doctor knew who Clara was. Your heart clenched for a moment, you didn't think about those times often. You felt alone in those memories, like you were the only one who held them, could cherish them.

But you remembered, quite clearly.

Here's what had happened:

Every decade, the Arhkor would sacrifice a person with renowned intelligence to the foreshore of Tralite, a beach that was more pebble than sand. The sacrifice would sit in the water until they drowned, and their memories would be recorded into the water. Living memory, the Doctor had said.

But the sacrifice that year, a young girl named Ardiel, whose bright purple hair had matched her purple scales, had been so young, and she hadn’t wanted to die.

So the Doctor, in all his foolish martyring glory, had marched out into the sea himself.

And of course, you couldn’t let him do that, so you followed.

“That wasn’t a wedding,” you said. “You were trying to sacrifice yourself to an ocean.”

You remembered it, your hand clasped in his, and the water settling over you both. You hadn’t been scared, which, in hindsight, terrified you. You should have been scared, but you weren’t. You had felt calm, at ease, safe even.

You couldn’t remember exactly why you had both been spared, but the water washed away, leaving you both wet and cold – but alive. And the water had never asked for another sacrifice since.

“It was a marrying of the minds,” The Doctor said, enunciating the words like he was trying to drill the meaning into your brain. “The water had been the officiant.”

“This is so weird,” Bill said, and she took another bite out of her doughnut.

You found yourself agreeing with Bill. “Doctor, that makes exactly zero sense.”

“The water had found something worth more than intelligence,” the Doctor continued. “It had found love. So when it copied and pasted our minds, that’s all it found. It unified us. It was a wedding.”

You rubbed your forehead with your fingers, trying to process this.

“I gotta say,” Bill commented, and she’d finished the doughnut she had been eating and was now fishing another out of a box. She pulled out a brown doughnut that was an oval shape with a silt down the middle. “I dunno how many people can say their grandparents got married by an ocean.”

“Ox-tongue,” the Doctor said, and he nodded to the pastry in Bill’s hand. Then, he considered her statement. “And that’s true, you should use that. It’s a good pick up line, should impress a girl or two.”

Bill scrunched up her face. “Okay, one; Ox tongue? Seriously? That can’t be right.”

The Doctor shrugged. “It’s Cantonese. A friend once told me about it. Apparently it references the shape of the dough. That being said, it might also be horse ears.”

“Okay,” Bill raised a sceptical eyebrow. “I’ll maybe half trust it, because it doesn’t sound right, but I don’t know enough to prove you wrong,” she paused before speaking again. “Also, two; I don’t think those two can get mixed up. Three, I’m never, ever using that as a pick up line. Not ever. It’s terrible.”

Thankfully, the Doctor was so focused on Bill’s last point, that he disregarded what she had said earlier. “It’s an excellent line! You’ll get to teach the girls something new!”

“Sorry, circle back,” you said, because your brain wasn’t computing. You weren’t even sure what you needed to address first. The marriage comments? The grandparents comment? The ox tongue?

Both Bill and the Doctor looked to you expectantly.

You pointed to the Doctor. “First of all, still wasn’t a wedding,” you then pointed to Bill. “Second of all, grandparents? I know he’s old but I’m certainly not.”

“Yeah but you’re with him,” she said, after swallowing part of her doughnut. She took another eager bite.

“He is sitting right here,” the Doctor grumbled. “But alright, if it wasn’t a wedding up to your standards, we can always do something different,” he stood up. “We can arrange it.”

Your brain short circuited, and you had to reprocess what the Doctor had said.

We can always do something different. We can arrange it.

Had the Doctor just proposed to you?

You were so stunned you didn’t even protest as he plucked the remaining doughnut from out of your fingers, wandering out of the console room. “Let me know,” he called out. “And we’ll get to reading that Tolstoy.”

You sat there, bug eyed, and turned to Bill. She was wearing a similar expression, she’d dropped her own doughnut, which sat dejected on top of one of the doughnut boxes.

“Did what I think just happened, happen?” You asked, your voice only slightly shrill.

Bill nodded. “I – uh, yeah. I think so.”

You stood up, and sprinted after him.

A/N^2: I gotta give huge thanks to the ever-sweet @phxntxmx, who pointed out there was a bit of confusion in how I described one of the doughnuts here. I’ve tried to clear it up and make it a bit more consistent, since it’s not something I know about for sure.

#the doctor x reader #twelfth doctor imagine #12th doctor x reader #twelfth doctor x reader #12th doctor #Doctor Who #DW #Elle: Speaks #opening Elle's vault #vault fic

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chaotic-wanda · 4 years

Text

Hope Of It All

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Prompt: “I need to know that it’s possible that two people can stay happy together forever.”

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: mentions of cheating, lots of angst, but I swear it ends fluffy (y’all should be proud of me for that)

A/N: Surprise! Here’s the Bucky fic I promised forever ago. Sorry for the delay, school and work is kicking my ass currently. So this is for @hopesbarnes 1k challenge (it’s super late, i’m sorry). Congratulations on the milestone!! If you’re not following her yet, you should be. This has not been proofread.

Y/N knew she was acting paranoid. She watched with close eyes as Bucky made the other agent laugh, the younger girl twirling her hair between her fingers and batting her eyes at him. He’s always been friendly with everyone he meets. So why was it bothering her so much now? And why did he have to make the girl laugh so much? Y/N tore herself away from the interaction playing out in front of her, opting to take a stroll outside instead.

There had been an obvious shift in her attitude since she got back from visiting her sister. She thought she had been doing a good job hiding it, but, anyone who knew her could tell something was off, even Vision. Instead of the happy and bubbly personality they were used to, she had grown tremendously quiet, withdrawing more into herself with each passing day. Bucky had noticed immediately, but whenever he would ask her about it, she would simply shrug and say she was fine.

As she walked, Y/N looked at the leaves that were already beginning to change color. Fall had always been her favorite holiday. The promise of change and being able to start fresh always made her feel rejuvenated. But as she kept walking, she pulled her cardigan tighter around herself, feeling bitter about the changes this time around.

She’d been so excited to see her sister and her family. Her brother-in-law was the closest thing she had to a brother and she loved her nephews as if they were her own children.

Bucky had laughed at how excited she was while she packed.

“You talk to your sister every day and yet, you’re acting as if you haven’t seen her in years.”

He watched her from the bed as she ran back and forth in their shared room, looking for a particular sweater to pack. She rolled her eyes at his statement but still couldn’t seem to wipe off the neverending grin she seemed to have for him. “This is different! We get to have wine nights in person and I can dance around with my nephews while having our sing-a-longs.”

Grabbing her as she passed, Bucky pulled her into his lap while wrapping his arms around her. “I would gladly do all of that with you and then you wouldn’t have to leave me for a week,” he whispered softly, barely brushing his nose with hers. Y/N smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and softly brushed her fingers through the back of his hair.

“Mmm as tempting as that sounds…” she started kissing up his jaw causing Bucky to shiver underneath her before leaning into his ear, “you’re not as cute as the 4 and 6 year old boys waiting for me.”

She grinned as she tried to pull away from him quickly but he was always faster than her. He threw her on the bed effortlessly as she giggled. Caging her in, he peppered her face with kisses as she kept laughing. He pulled back slightly with a soft smile as he watched her catch her breath.

“I’m trying very hard not to be jealous right now.”

Y/N grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling his lips down to barely meet hers. “There’s no reason to be jealous baby, I’ll always come home to you at the end of the day.” That’s all he needed to hear as his lips softly crashed into hers…

Her excitement for the trip however had been ruined the moment she’d gotten to her sister's house. What she thought she’d be welcomed with were warm welcomes and hugs to go around for days. Instead, she found her sister alone, with tear stained cheeks and a look of heartache and exhaustion. Y/N quickly learned the kids were with their grandparents and her brother-in-law… well he had been staying at a hotel.

An affair. Y/N was still having a hard time grasping the truth. The harsh reality of her favorite couple coming down around her. They had practically raised her during her high school years and supported her with every endeavor she chose to follow after her parents divorce. They were the only reason she had believed in love to begin with after learning about her mother's cheating habits. It was the one healthy couple she’d ever had involved in her life, and it all turned out to be a lie.

She’d stayed with her sister for longer than she had planned, only leaving when her sister swore that her best friend was coming to stay. But even as she left, she couldn’t help but feel like everything she had believed in was a lie. It had turned out that once your sister revealed the affair that many of the people in her friends group had one as well. Out of six couples, four had an affair that affected their marriage. Her sister and brother-in-law did everything right and always seemed so in love but it still didn’t work out. So what was the point of love if someone was always going to get hurt anyway? She’d lost her trust in anyone it seemed.

Y/N had always been wary of being in a relationship, the trust issues of her pass always seeming to build walls and keep people out. It had taken Bucky years to knock every obstacle down, but to him it had been worth it. Now the walls seemed higher than usual and he wasn’t sure how to bring them back down. Later that day, they silently got ready for bed, Y/N’s back turned towards him as she changed. The emotional distance made him feel sick to his stomach.

He slowly walked towards her and reached for her hand. She visibly flinched and he quickly drew his own hand back as quickly as he’d reached out. He was trying to hide the hurt that was evident across his face but she couldn’t even bring her eyes to look at him.

“Doll… please tell me what’s going on. If I did something, I’m sorry but I can’t fix this if I don’t know why you’re so upset.”

She stayed silent, leaving the room in a state of uneasiness as they both internally fought with themselves. She desperately wanted to tell him everything. About what happened and how scared she was that they would fall into the same fate. That one day he wouldn’t want her anymore. That she wouldn’t be enough. Bucky trying and failing to think of how to make this better.

Slowly, he lifted her chin with his finger. Her eyes finally met with his and Bucky couldn’t help but feel his heart break as he saw the turmoil within them. Before she could push him away, he quickly pulled her into a heated kiss. She met him with just as much passion, teeth clashing and desperation mixed in. Suddenly, Y/N thought of everything that had recently happened. Between her sister, Bucky with the agent earlier, and all of her fear and insecurities that were consuming her, she came to her senses and yanked herself away, keeping him at arm's length.

Keeping her eyes on the ground to hide the tears in her eyes, she hoarsely mumbled, “I think I’m going to go sleep in my old room tonight.” She made a quick exit and slammed the door before Bucky could even get a word out. The tears freely and swiftly ran down her face now as she choked back the sobs. She wanted more than anything to believe that Bucky truly loved her. He’d never given her a reason to doubt that. But she couldn’t help but think he’d leave her in the long run. It was better to have her heartbroken now than later down the road.

Bucky stared at the door praying she’d come back any second now. He knew he could chase after her but it’s like his feet were stuck to the ground. He had hoped that maybe after the past couple of weeks she’d finally open up and instead, she had shut him out even more. Running both hands through his hair, he tried to calm his racing heart before letting out a frustrated yell. He dropped himself on the edge of the bed, cradling his head in his hands as he kept trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

It had been over a week since their last exchange. Y/N opted for staying in her old room and every time he’d walk into the same room, she’d get up to leave. It broke his heart, but he didn’t want to be even more of a bother to her by chasing her down. The two of them moped around for days, always staring at each other longingly when the other wasn’t looking. The rest of the team was either concerned or annoyed by the lack of communication between the two. Sometimes a mixture of both.

“Sam, you’ve got to talk to her. Figure out what’s going on,” Steve insisted.

“How am I going to make a difference?”

“Are you kidding? You’re like a brother to her!”

“Yeah well you’re Bucky’s best friend. Why don’t you talk to him?”

“Because Bucky doesn’t talk when he’s upset.”

“Well neither does Y/N!”

The two bickered back and forth until Natasha finally snapped, “Enough! Sam, you’ll talk to Y/N and Steve you’ll talk to Bucky. It shouldn’t be this difficult.” Both nodded in agreement, not wanting to risk making her any more annoyed than she already was.

That’s how Sam found himself at Y/N’s door, knocking lightly and waiting for a response. He heard rustling but still didn’t receive an answer so he knocked once more. When he still didn’t receive an answer, he threw open the door. He was met with a pouting Y/N.

“Go away, Sam.”

“Nope. You’re gonna get your infuriating ass out of bed and we’re gonna go for a walk.”

She pulled the covers over her head like it would tune him out. He watched her as he brought his hands to rest on his hips. “Really? You think I won’t drag you out of this bed?” When he didn’t receive a response he sighed before making his way to the bed and yanking the covers off.

“Sam!”

“Get up and let’s go.”

She begrudgingly agreed, knowing she wouldn’t win this battle since he was so determined.

They walked along the path just outside of the compound, words barely being spoken. Sam wasn’t sure what to say and she wasn’t sure where to start. They would mildly chat about random things until the tension grew too much for Sam’s liking. Once they reached the lake, he decided it was time to level with her.

“Alright baby girl, what’s going on? You’ve got me worried. Hell, you’ve got everyone worried.”

She shrugged, not daring to look at him but instead out at the water. “I don’t know what you mean.” Sam couldn’t stop the full belly laugh that came out of him.

“Y/N I hate to break it to you but the only person on this team who is good at hiding things is Natasha. You’re closer to the bottom of that scale.” The comment made her smile slightly before the tears overcame her as she remembered why they were really out here. So she told him everything. About how her brother-in-law cheated, how she started feeling hopeless about relationships and saw that agent flirting with Bucky right afterwards, and especially about how she started pushing Bucky away before he realized he didn’t want her anymore.

After explaining everything, she looked up at Sam with tears in her eyes, “I just… I need to know that it’s possible that two people can stay happy together forever.” She then dropped her head into her hands in an attempt to hide her tear stained face.

Sam sat with her in silence for a while and tried to rub her back in comfort. He was upset that she had kept so much to herself, knowing she had a tendency to let things fester until it became too much, but even more upset that he didn’t push like he knew he should have. Letting out a sigh, he turned towards her and grabbed her hands, “I can’t promise that it’ll last forever. It takes a lot of communication and a lot of work. But what I can promise you, Bucky loves you. He loves you so much he would go to the end of the earths for you. Shutting him out won’t solve anything and you’ll lose him before you realize it’s too late.”

Y/N took in a shaky breath as she nodded her head. “I don’t want to lose him, Sam. He means everything to me” she whispered.

“Then go get your man and tell him everything you just told me,” he stood up and pulled her up with him. She gave him the faintest of smiles and threw her arms around his neck.

“Thank you, Sam.” After releasing him from her grip, she rushed towards the house in an attempt to find Bucky.

She looked in several rooms and even asked Steve if he knew without any luck. She finally made her way to their shared bedroom and slowly opened the door. She sighed in defeat as she found it empty but still made her way in, looking around the room. It was strange how it felt foreign to her at the moment. Seeing her favorite sweater of Bucky’s laying on the chair, she grabbed it and slipped it over her shirt, taking in the smell of him. She’d miss that scent and they way he’d hold her close. Y/N slowly sank to the bed and curled up on his side, thinking he’d come in eventually and she’d be there waiting.

She waited as the seconds passed into minutes which turned into hours. Sighing to herself in defeat since Bucky still hadn’t shown up, she slowly pushed herself off the bed. She lost him and had no one to blame but herself. Herself and her stupid insecurities. Y/N wiped the tears off her face but they fell quicker than she could catch them. Once she finally collected herself enough to be seen, she briskly walked out the door and to her own room.

The second she made it in, she slammed the door and slid to the ground. Sobs racked through her at the realization of her mistake that she couldn’t hear the feet running towards her. She felt hands clutching her arms and a voice asking, “Y/N what’s wrong?” Finally clearing the tears, she saw that Bucky was eye level with her.

She reached out her hand to softly brush against his cheek, “Bucky? What are you doing here?”

He grabbed her hands to lift her up before slowly leading her to the bed. Once she was settled, he found her some tissues to help wipe away the tears before settling in next to her. “I wanted to talk to you and when I couldn’t find you anywhere, I figured waiting here until you came back was my best option.” Y/N let out a slight laugh as she used the tissues to dab the tears from her eyes. “What’s so funny?”

She slowly reached for his hand and as he worked to intertwine their fingers, she smiled up at him. “Would you believe it if I said I had been doing the exact same thing?” He slightly smiled back before turning back to their hands, rubbing his thumb along hers. It was always the slightest sign of his anxiety getting to him and it broke her heart knowing she was the cause of it. “Buck, I’m so sorry for the way I’ve been acting.”

“What have I been doing wrong?” the look in his eyes as he asked the questions felt like a knife running down her chest.

“Nothing! I swear, it was all me.” She attempted to pull him closer without actually ending up in his lap. Bucky looked down once more, and she could tell he didn’t believe her. Letting go of his hand, she gently placed both of hers on his cheeks in order to get him to look at her. “Please… you have to believe me when I say it’s nothing you did.”

“Then why did you push away from me? You know I’m always here for you. And you even flinched when I tried touching you not even a week ago.” Her cheeks flamed up at the accusations. She knew he was right and she truly felt shitty for it.

“I know I don’t have the right to ask... In fact you could walk out of this door and never speak to me again and it still wouldn’t be enough for the way I’ve treated you… but can you just hold me?” her eyes were pleading and she looked at him with such desperation. Bucky didn’t even give it another thought though as he laid back and brought her with him. With an arm wrapped around her, he pulled her in close so that she could snuggle up closer to him. She rested her head on his chest just under his chin then grabbed his free hand with her own, working to intwine their fingers. Bucky was calm and understanding, and she knew he deserved better than her.

A few seconds passed as she gathered her courage. “When I went to my sisters house, it felt like everything had gone to hell. She told me how her husband had cheated on her and she just looked so… broken.” Her voice quivered and Bucky pulled her in even tighter if it was possible. He knew that they had been a role model of romance for her growing up. “It just made me believe that love was hopeless. If they couldn’t make it, then who could? And then I got home and I saw that agent all over you. Despite the fact it was obvious you weren’t flirting back, it’s like my mind just shut down. All of my fears and insecurities cruelly took over me and I was worried that we were destined for the same fate. As if you were already growing tired of me.”

Bucky adamantly shook his head despite her not being able to see then pulled away just enough that he could look her in the eyes. “Doll, I don’t want anyone else. You know I easily get sick of other people, but I’m not sick of you. Ever. I’m actually pretty in love with you.” Her eyes closed to let the words sink in and she couldn’t control the few tears that found their way out. He pulled her up higher so that they could be face to face, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb. “Out of everyone I’ve ever known, you’re the only person I want to spend every day of my life with and that’s counting Steve.” She laughed at his statement and the grin on his face grew at hearing that sound.

Her eyes met with his own as she placed her hand over his. She took a mental picture, wanting to remember this particular moment in spite of the ugliness and hurt that had been caused because it also came with hope and love. “What are you thinking about, baby?” Bucky’s voice coaxed her out of her own thoughts.

“I’m pretty in love with you too. I’m sorry I’ve been acting like an idiot.”

He brushed his nose slightly again hers, hovering right about her lips. “Promise me you’ll always talk to me when doubt starts creeping in? I’ll be sure to knock it right back out,” he whispered against them. She nodded and not even a moment later her lips crashed onto his, letting go of everything that had held her back. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her on top of him as he kissed her back with just as much ferocity, tongues tracing each other as if they were trying to learn each other once more. They both pulled away once the burning in their lungs became too much. Letting out huffs of air, they still didn’t let go. Y/N began leaving soft kisses along his face before meeting at his lips and giving him a soft peck.

They spent the rest of the night curled up into each other, catching up on everything that had happened from the past few weeks while sharing a few kisses here and there, only ceasing their discussion as eyelids grew heavy and sleep overcame them. And for the first time in what felt like a long time, she finally slept through the night while holding onto the man she loved and who she knew loved her just as much. All the fears and insecurities that once drowned her now easily had slipped away and was replaced with the hope of all they would become.

Tagging: @winterprincess-sky @bugsbucky

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes oneshot #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fanfiction #rogvewitch1k

167 notes · View notes

btxtreads · 4 years

Text

country boy - kth

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Reader Word Count: 9.4k Genre: fluff, smut, Cowboy!Taehyung Rating: +18 Trigger Warnings: oral (m-receiving), fingering, denied orgasm, penetrative sex, delayed orgasm, unprotected sex (pls wrap it b4 u tap it), just rlly cringey smut im sorry Banner Credits: Thank you so much for @kimtaehyunq of the Bangtan Headquarters Editing Team for this banner! It’s so pretty??? ajshjsahjsa

*some scenes inspired by the Hannah Montana movie and Girl Meets Texas because I have no country knowledge. I just felt the cowboy Taehyung spirit*

The tranquil plains and farmlands was nothing like the tall, concrete buildings and noisy traffic-filled roads that Y/N was used to.

Her eyes almost rolled back in exasperation as the car rolled onto a driveway leading up to a decently-sized wooden house complete with horses and a small cabbage patch at the side.

The perfect image that describes country.

Y/N’s father turned and faced her with a grin.

“We’re home, pumpkin,” he said.

“Right,” Y/N tried to smile—she really did, but she couldn’t. How could she?

Her father told her that he was going to England for three months for his job—which Y/N was totally fine with. What she didn’t understand was why she couldn’t go with, or at the very least stay in her house alone with her dad.

Why did she have to stay back with her grandmother?

Y/N stepped out of the car, a pained smile on her face as she watched her father unload her suitcases from his car.

“Alright, I’ll see you in about—ten weeks?” her father asked as he handed off the suitcases to Y/N who only sighed.

“Dad, I really don’t get why I have to stay here.” Y/N said, her eyes darting around the area. “I could’ve stayed with mom.”

Y/N’s father’s eyes turned sad.

“Honey, your mother’s busy—“

“Ah, yes. Too busy fucking her boyfriend to house her daughter for three months. I forgot.”

“Y/N!” Her father chastised to which Y/N only rolled her eyes.

“Why can’t I just stay alone at home? Or go with you?” Y/N sighed. “Why here?”

The two’s heads turned as the door to the house opened, revealing Y/N’s grandparents with a wide smile.

“Because you haven’t been back here since the divorce three years ago. Grandpa and Grandpa really miss you.” Her father explained softly.

Y/N only sighed, looking up at the sky in frustration.

“Whatever, let’s just get this over with,”

She now has to spend three months in the country. No friends, shitty wifi, no way out.

Except maybe an unruly horse.

Y/N sat in the living room, her father long gone as he drove back to the city for his flight the following morning.

Her grandmother came carrying a small platter of freshly baked cookies.

“Still hot!” She said as Y/N smiled softly.

No matter how much she despised the country now, she would never tell her grandparents.

Her grandparents were her only anchor during her parents’ divorce—her grandmother a total sweetheart who bakes cookies and cakes for all her cravings and her grandfather being a tad enthusiastic in learning the ins-and-outs for all her passions and interests.

No, this was the least she could do—pretend she was having at least a decent time.

Y/N gulped and took a cookie.

“Thanks, grandma.”

“Oh, and I invited some of your friends over, by the way.” Her grandfather said, appearing at the doorway to the kitchen. “Thought you’d want to catch up with them, kid.”

“I have friends?” Y/N asked, raising her eyebrow. “Who?”

“Oh dear, Jin, Hoseok, Namjoon and Chaeri, remember?” Her grandmother asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

“Ah, them.” Y/N nodded.

She supposed the three of them were her friends—in a way.

Friends she hasn’t spoken to since she was ten.

There was a series of knocks at the door which made Y/N flinch.

“Ah, reckon that’s them. You should get the door, honey.” Her grandmother said, moving towards the kitchen. “I’ll leave you children be to chatter.”

“Okay, thanks.” Y/N shrugged, standing up to get the door.

She was greeted with a tall boy with slicked back hair, a plaid polo, and a heart-shaped smile.

“Howdy,”

“Hello, Hoseok.” Y/N smiled softly backing away and waving him in as she peeked at his companions. “Seokjin, Namjoon, Chaeri. Come in!”

“Oh, it’s Hobi, Jin, Joon and Chae,” Hoseok said, waving nonchalantly as he took a seat on the couch. “We’re friends!”

“Sure,” Y/N shrugged, closing the door as she took a seat on the armchair opposite Hoseok. “We haven’t talked in like—what, fifteen years? Felt awkward to call you that.”

“Once friends, always friends,” Namjoon smiled as Jin nodded along.

“So, how have you been, how’s the city treating you?” Chaeri asked, leaning over. “Any cute city boys you wanna tell me about?”

As Y/N chuckled, Jin scoffed at the Chaeri.

“Please, I’m the most handsome person you’d ever meet. Y/N probably hasn’t found anyone handsome since me.” Jin commented.

“Ah, yes. Worldwide handsome, I think i remember.” Y/N nodded.

Jin grinned, pointing finger guns at the girl.

“Well, the city’s been great. I got a lot of great friends, and met a lot of cute guys, Chaeri—but no one as handsome as you, Jin.”

“See?” Jin boasted, grinning at his friends.

“I’ve seen handsomer,” Chaeri commented.

“I’m your boyfriend!” Jin gasped, appalled. “I should be the most handsome creature in the entire planet for you!”

“You guys are dating?” Y/N smiled, tilting her head.

“Yeah, and they’re disgusting.” Hoseok stuck his tongue out at the couple.

“They’ve been dating since two years ago—they’re pretty clingy.” Namjoon commented, to which Chaeri tutted.

“Yeah, no. Jin is clingy—I’m not.” Chaeri shook her head and pushed a whining Jin away.

“Anyways, how have you guys been here?” Y/N asked, changing the topic.

“Ah, good enough,” Hoseok shrugged.

“The old plains we used to hang around in became a pub. Oh, and Hansul’s sister went to the city to train to be a famous idol.” Namjoon recalled.

“Is she?” Y/N asked.

��Yeah, also our grade school teacher—remember her?—got remarried for the fourth time after you left,” Hoseok shared.

“Again?”

“Yes! The guy had a son, about our age—Taehyung. They moved here weeks after the marriage.” Chaeri gossiped. “Took the town by storm,”

“Took the town’s girls by storm,” Jin huffed.

“Ah, let me guess. A fuck-boy?” Y/N asked.

“Not really, he doesn’t really mind them much. Never really saw him flirt back to any of them—spare a girl or two.” Namjoon shrugged, leaning back.

“Ah, a heart-throb, then?”

“Sure,” Hoseok said. “You could call him that,”

“Hm,” Y/N said, shaking her head before shooting the group a mischievous smile—changing the topic. “So, tell me something—Does Namjoon know how to saddle a horse now?”

“Maybe if he didn’t keep breaking saddles every day.”

“Hey!”

It was hours after Jin and Chaeri they had to go for a date night, which prompted Hoseok and Namjoon to leave as well.

Y/N then decided to go out on her own to familiarize and acclimatize to her childhood home—after all, she’ll be here for three whole months.

It’s been two hours of aimless wandering when she reached the field she used to play with her friends when she was younger.

Her eyes landed on the big wooden-building with the big signboard that said “Big Billy Restaurant and Pub.”

“Oh, so, this is the new pub,” Y/N said to herself.

Moments later, a boy—about her age—stumbles out of the pub wobbly and red-faced, with a bottle of whiskey still in hand.

It was a look Y/N knew from her time in the city—he was shit-faced drunk.

Y/N chuckled, gazing at the boy who seemed to have had more alcohol than he could handle.

As soon as she turned around to leave, she could hear him clearly scream “you!” from the top of his lungs.

Y/N jumped in her spot and turned, raising an eyebrow. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” The boy said, clutching the beer in his hands. “youuuuuuuuu.”

“Meeeeeee… what?”

The boy collapsed on his knees and sobbed. “You broke my heart!”

“I did what now?” Y/N dead-panned as the boy wailed in front of her. “Dude, get up. What the fuck?”

“Ji-eun! Why?” The boy wailed, pounding on his chest with his fist. “I-I did everything for you! I loved you so much!”

He sniffled as he took another swig of his whiskey.

“My name is Y/N—“

“What did I do wrong th-that made you replace me?” The boy slurred sadly, waving his arms. “Whe-Where did I go wrong?”

“What?” Y/N groaned, running her fingers through her hair as she crouched down and shook the boy’s shoulders. “Buddy, I’m not Ji-eun. I’m gonna go.”

As soon as she finished her words, the boy let out a loud sob and jumped on her, clutching pathetically at her torso.

“Dude, let go of me.” Y/N hissed as the boy sobbed in her chest.

“Ji-eun, please! Be with me again! I don’t care if you want me to be your second man, I’ll be okay with that.”

“That’s so pathetic—“

“Ya, Yoongi-hyung, that’s enough.” A deep voice chastised from a few feet away.

Y/N’s head shot up, her eyes landing on a tall raven-haired boy frowning a few feet away.

He was, in simple words, majestic—godly—etheral.

His eyes were the prettiest shade of dark brown she’s ever seen, black hair slightly gelled and parted in the middle—showing a little forehead, his denim jacket snug on his body.

He grinned a little as he studied the sight.

“Ah, hyung. What am I going to do with you?”

The boy, Yoongi, only sniffled as he pulled back from Y/N.

“Taehyung, Ji-eun—“

Y/N’s eyes wandered back over to Taehyung with an open mouth. So this is the teacher’s step-son Taehyung who moved here.

“That’s not Ji-eun.” Taehyung chuckled, walking over to help Yoongi up. “Now, how about we stop bothering the little lady and apologize.”

“But—“

“I’ll help you talk to Ji-eun tomorrow, Yoongi-hyung,” Taehyung shook his head, shooting Y/N a small grin as Joon-hyuk pouted. “Now, come on,”

“S-Sorry,” Yoongi hiccuped, his lower lip shaking in a sad pout.

“Uh, that’s fine,” Y/N shook her head, amused.

“Can you wait for me out here?” Taehyun asked to which Y/N only raised an eyebrow to.

“Uh, sure?”

“Thanks, I’ll be right out.”

“Sure,” Y/N shrugged. “Goodluck with Ji-eun, Yoongi.”

Yoongi burst into tears as Taehyung snorted, leading him back into the pub.

Three minutes later, he sauntered out of the building with a smile.

“I’m back,” Taehyung said. “I’ll take you home now,”

“Thanks, but no need,” Y/N shook her head. “I can do just fine on my own,”

“I don’t mind, it was the least I could do after that whole scene with Yoongi-hyung.” Taehyung smiled, waving her hand. “Lead the way.”

Y/N bit her lip as Taehyung’s smile widened.

“Come on, I insist.”

“If you’re sure.” Y/N shrugged, starting to walk as Taehyung matched her pace beside her—hands in his pockets as he hummed. “Is your friend okay?”

“Oh, drunk beyond belief but nothing new with him,” Taehyung rolled his eyes. “He gets drunk a lot—it’s sort of a natural state to him,”

“He’s alright, then?”

“Yeah, I called his brother to come take him home,” Taehyung shrugged before smiling again. “That’s nice of you, Taehyung.” Y/N mused.

At this, Taehyung raised his eyebrows.

“Your friend, Yoongi, called you Taehyung earlier,” Y/N explained before widening her eyes. “Oh, unless he got your name wrong too. In which case, I’m so s—“

“It’s fine,” He laughed, waving his hand. “No, it’s Taehyung, yeah.”

“Oh, goodie.” Y/N smiled as Taehyung tilted his head.

“What brings you here, L/N?”

It was Y/N’s turn to raise her eyebrows this time.

“Small town, news gets around.” Taehyung laughed. “You were a face I couldn’t recognize, and you did say you were Y/N earlier too.”

“Ah,” Y/N nods slowly, before stopping. “Wait—you were there? Why didn’t you come sooner?”

At this, Taehyung burst into laughter at Y/N’s wide eyes.

“It was really funny to see you struggle.”

“Nice to know you enjoy my pain,” Y/N mutters under her breath.

Taehyung smirked over at her. “Hm, yeah, I do,”

Y/N bit her lip, her mind threatening to cloud over with inappropriate images that should absolutely not pop up in a conversation with someone you just met.

Y/N cleared her throat, her cheeks brushing a furious shade of red as she looked up at the night sky.

“But—uh, listen. I don’t plan to take Yoong-hyung to Ji-eun tomorrow if he doesn’t remember so just—can you keep that part a secret?” Taehyung said, rubbing his hand behind his neck. “He’s just a real sweetheart with Ji-eun,”

“By sweetheart—“

“By sweetheart, I meant a real pain in in the ass.”

Y/N laughed loudly, making Taehyung grin.

“Yeah, if I understood correctly, I don’t think Ji-eun needs to have a chance to be forgiven,” she shrugged.

“Yeah, she screwed him up real nice.” Taehuyng snorted. “Yoongi-hyung’s all tough and edgy but when he falls in love—I don’t know. Ji-eun's really done it.”

“Hm, I hope he gets over it soon,”

“Yeah, me too.” Taehyung hummed in agreement.

Y/N smiled. Attractive, funny, and a gentleman who cares for his friends—how much more beautiful can this guy get?

Upon surveying her surroundings, Y/N cleared her throat once more.

“Well, we’re here,” Y/N said, pointing at her grandparents’ house behind her. “I should—uh,”

“Head inside,” Taehyung nodded, waving as Y/N slowly walked up the drive-way.

Y/N took another glance at Taehyung, which only made him chuckle.

“Good night, ma’am,” he smiled, tipping an imaginary hat.

“Good night, sir,” Y/N giggled, tipping her imaginary hat back at the boy.

Taehyung laughed out loud one last time before turning around and making his way back to the direction he came from.

Y/N shut the door behind her and leaned back on it with a sigh.

Who the fuck was that boy and why was he the hottest person she’s ever met her whole entire life?

“It’s so nice that you volunteered to give us an extra set of hands at the ranch, kiddo.” Her grandfather gushed happily as he led her over to their barn. “We could really use the help,”

“Yep, real nice,” Y/N said, teeth clenched in frustration.

It was the next morning when she woke up to a new day of what her grandmother called an “honest day’s work.”

Y/N thought it was just a country saying—how wrong she was.

After breakfast, she was immediately ushered to prepare to go help at the barn because, apparently, her father said she whole-heartedly volunteered to do ranch-work.

This was something she never said she’d do.

Her grandparents, however, were ecstatic that she wanted to “immerse in the country-side”, so what choice did she have?

Her grandfather opened the doors to the barn, and she was immediately greeted with the sight of hay—so much hay—and a boy sitting next to a large table by the corner.

There, Taehyung sat with a phone in his hand.

“Taehyung is here today, he helps us from time-to-time,” Y/N’s grandfather said, leading Y/N over to the boy.

At the sound of his name, Taehyung snapped his head up and shot the two with a smile.

Taehyung looked absolutely sinful with his messy hair, high-waisted pants and brown leather belt.

His white shirt has the sleeves rolled up, perfectly showcasing the muscles in his upper arms when he raised his hand in a wave.

“Hello, grandpa,” Taehyung grinned before winking at Y/N, tipping an invisible hat in her direction just like he did the night before. “Ma’am,”

“Taehyung,” Y/N said smiling slightly.

“Our boy Tae here will be giving a bath to old Sally and Pumpkin today to prepare them for the big horse race tomorrow,” Y/N’s grandfather explained, handing the girl over to Taehyung with a pat on his back. “Now, you help him do that, maybe take the girls for a spin while you’re at it,”

At this, Y/N’s grandfather bid the two a quick farewell and left.

Y/N gulped at Taehyung’s smirk.

“So, how’s your day, Y/N?”

“Ah, pretty great so far, I guess?” Y/N smiled nervously as Taehyung raked his eyes on her from head-to-toe.

“You look beautiful today,”

“Thank you,”

“So beautiful, that it’s a shame that you have to get out of those clothes,” Taehyung quipped happily.

Y/N’s eyes widened, her mind short-circuiting as she processed his words.

“W-What?”

Taehyung let out a guffaw when he saw her wide eyes, shooting a quick wink.

“Mind out of the gutter,” He smirked, turning around to rummage around a small cabinet nearby. “Your clothes look expensive—not to mention it’s white. Don’t want to dirty that.”

Y/N glanced down at her current outfit—a white shirt she bought from Gucci and denim shorts.

He was right.

“W-Well, you’re wearing a white shirt, too!” Y/N defended weakly to white Taehyung laughed, standing up with a plaid top in his hands.

“Yeah, well, this white shirt is worth $4 for three pieces,” Taehyung joked. “I think I can afford to ruin it a little bit,”

Y/N smiled, taking the top Taehyung was offering.

“And this shirt?”

“Spare clothes I could bear to get ruined just for you,”

Somehow, the only words Y/N’s brain processed were I could ruin you.

Trying to maintain her composure, Y/N licked her chapped lips—an action noticed by Taehyung.

Taehyung’s eyes locked onto her lips, making him lick his own as well before clearing his throat.

“Well, suit up. This is going to be fun!”

Y/N grinned.

Yeah, this was going to be fun.

It was absolutely not fun.

It was one whole week of torture, for both Taehyung and Y/N.

One whole week of “you’re doing it wrong,” “stop whining it’s not hard,” “maybe if you actually listen,” and the likes and Y/N had enough.

It was one whole day of horse-riding—apparently, it was a good exercise for the horses—and Y/N was officially done with the whole country thing.

She marched into the barn and collapsed on the chair, leaning her head on the table.

Within a few seconds, a livid Taehyung marched inside the room—his pretty brown eyes wide in anger.

Y/N raised her head up and sighed in irritation. “Leave me alone, Kim,”

“No!”

“The fuck do you want?”

“You fucking screwer up, Y/N—again. For the millionth time this week.” Taehyung seethed. “The horse was going too fucking fast—I told you not to go that fast, but did you listen? No,”

Y/N clenched her teeth as Taehyung continued his rant.

“I told you to pull the rope to slow the horse down. Did you listen? No,” Taehuyng continued. “You said you put the saddle on perfectly, but you didn’t—“

“Taehyung, for the love of god—Shut the fuck up.” Y/N groaned running a hand on her face.

“Time and time again, you screw up, Y/N. What if you fell, huh? Hit your head, get a concussion? What am I supposed to tell your grandparents, huh?”

“That I fell,” Y/N hissed, glaring at Taehyung. “That fucking simple,”

“No!” Taehyung said once again, raising his hands in anger. “Are you that stupid not to follow such simple instructions—“

Y/N scoffed standing up and turning around to leave.

Immediately, Taehyung was at her heel, still continuing his rant.

“If you just did it the way that I told you to, then—“

“I’m doing my fucking best, okay?” Y/N screamed, turning to face Taehyung in anger. “You know I know nothing, I’m doing whatever the fuck I can—you can’t blame me for failing when I’m doing the best that I fucking can,”

“Yeah, that the best you can do?” Taehyung scoffed, crossing his arms. “Then you’re pure absolute shit at this—why did you even volunteer to help?”

“Because my father told me to!” Y/N argued back. “I didn’t even want to, but even then I tried all that I can to help you—“

“Well, you were absolutely no help.”

“You think I don’t know?” Y/N screeched.

“Tone it down,” Taehyung hissed. “You need to learn how to shut you’re fucking mouth,”

Y/N raised her eyebrow in disbelief in irritation.

“Oh, do I, now?” Y/N scoffed, leaning forwards with an angry glare in her eyes. “Fucking make me, country boy,”

With a scoff, Taehyung leaned down and crashed his lips on Y/N’s.

His soft lips were enough to shut her up until the next decade—only if he kept kissing her until then.

Y/N gasped, eyes wide as Taehyung harshly gripped her waist and pulled away.

“Shut you up real nice, didn’t I?”

“Fuck you,” Y/N hissed, leaning back up to reconnect their lips—hands and fingers immediately darting up to wrap around his neck and play with his hair.

Taehyung growled as he roamed her body with his hands, pushing her towards the table.

As soon as her back hit the piece of furniture, Taehyung pushed her up to sit.

He disconnected his lips with hers and immediately moved to her neck.

Y/N moaned as Taehyung quickly located her pulse point and lightly sucked.

“You’re such an asshole,” Y/N said through her moans, tilting her head to provide him more access.

“Yeah, you’re making out with this asshole,” Taehyung growled out as he returned to kissing her lips, a faint purple mark blooming on her neck.

Y/N whimpered as Taehyung’s hands reached up and grasped one of her breasts, groaning lowly as he bit her lower lip.

“Tae, please,”

“Please, what?” Taehyung muttered against her lips.

“Touch me,” Y/N moaned out.

“Fuck,” He hissed, feeling Y/N’s hands travel up his shirt.

Y/N pulled away and reached for his leather belt, slightly panting before—

“Y/N!”

Immediately, the two sprung away from each other fixing their messy hair and clothes.

As Y/N fixed her hair, the barn door open to reveal her grandmother with a smile.

“We’ll talk about this later,” Y/N muttered to Taehyung, who only smirked at the girl as he wiped the corner of his lips.

Y/N cleared her throat, slowly releasing her breath.

Kim Taehyung made her want to bite off so much more than she could chew.

“Honey, you have visitors,” Y/N’s grandmother called as she got close enough.

“I do?” Y/N raised an eyebrow.

Her eyes panned over to the entrance of the barn where a tall boy with a delicate bunny smile poked his head through.

“Hello!” Jimin cheered as he appeared behind Jungkook.

“Guys!” Y/N gasped, peeling away from Taehyung. “Jungkook!”

Taehyung blinked in confusion as Y/N darted forward and met Jungkook in a fierce embrace, being lifted up in the air and twirled as Jimin laughed behind them.

“Holy fucking shit, I missed you!” Y/N said, cradling Jungkook’s face in her hands.

“I have so much I need to tell you about,” Jungkook gossiped as Jimin reached the pair.

“So does she,” Jimin chortled.

He grabbed a few strands of Y/N’s hair and set it aside, chuckling as a dark purple bruise revealed itself on her neck.

Immediately, Y/N slapped his hands away and backed up as Jungkook chuckled lightly.

“They’re going to be staying here until the summer festa,” Her grandmother shared, making Y/N gape.

“Wow,” Y/N gasped, leaning against Jungkook who wrapped his arm around Y/N. “a whole week with me?”

“Two weeks, actually—You and me,” Jungkook giggled, squeezing Y/N at his side.

“And me, you turds.” Jimin scoffed as Jungkook slammed his palm on Jimin’s face.

“Kook, fuck off,” Jimin scoffed before pulling Y/N’s hand. “Anyway, show us around!”

“Of course—“

Taehyung let out a small cough, making Y/N snap back into reality as she turned to Taehyung.

His eyes danced between her and Jungkook, with an eyebrow raised.

“Oh, uh, in a while, Jiminie,” Y/N said as Taehyung glowered at Jungkook.

Jungkook was either impassive or downright oblivious.

Judging by how he only grinned at Y/N as he rocked back and forth on his feet.

“I have to talk to Taehyung in a quick whi—“

“Actually, I think I have something to talk about with your grandmother.” Taehyung declared, voice low and firm. “Don’t want to take you away from something important,”

“Tae—“

“Mrs. L/N, I wanted to talk to you about horse-racing,”

Y/N’s brows furrowed as Taehyung swiftly turned on his heel and marched out the back-door of the barn to the stables.

Y/N’s grandmother raised her eyebrows in confusion, facing Y/N. “Honey?”

“Touchy,” Jimin whistled as Jungkook snorted. “What was that all about?”

“Ah, that’s um,” Y/N glanced back at the back-door Taehyung exited from, almost expecting him to burst back in.

But he didn’t.

“Nothing, guys,” Y/N cleared her throat. “Just him being an asshole,”

Y/N hasn’t seen Taehyung in over a week.

Yeah, Kim Taehyung was indeed a grade-a asshole for basically sucking her face in the barn and then leaving her for dead for about a week.

Well, it’s not exactly just his fault.

But Jungkook and Jimin were here—she’s gotta spend time with her visiting friends!

Right?

Jungkook and Jimin burst through her doorway, screaming at her.

“Are you ready yet?” Jungkook screamed at her ear, tugging at her white dress.

“Jungkook, scram,” Y/N said irritably as Jimin collapsed on her bed.

“Y/N, you’re taking too long. I want to party,” Jimin whined, which Jungkook promptly followed.

“Yeah, stop trying to look pretty. You still look ugly anyways.” Jungkook commented, which earned him a slap at the back of the head from Y/N.

“What he means is the guy you made out with probably won’t be there.” Jimin shrugged, giggling as Y/N promptly turned around to shoot him a nasty glare.

“Who?” Jungkook said, oblivious doe eyes wide in surprise.

“That cute Taeyong guy from the barn when we got here,” Jimin huffed. “Remember she had a hickey?”

“Oh, yeah!” Jungkook gasped.

“It was just in the moment,” Y/N said, pursing her lips as she turned back to her vanity to apply the last few strokes of mascara. “at least for him, I think.”

“You see how he glared at me?” Jungkook snorted as he sat next to Jimin. “That’s not in the heat of the moment. He was, like, about to throw me against the wall for even hugging you,”

“That’s hot,” Jimin hummed.

Jungkook furiously turned a bright shade of red as he floundered around.

Y/N rolled her eyes.

At least her two friends were having a good… relationship, fling, whatever it was.

She picked up her lip gloss—cherry bomb.

As she applied it to her own lips, her mind wandered.

She distinctly remembers the same shade being transferred from her lips to Taehyung’s that day in the barn.

She can almost see his smirk as he wiped it away from his face.

“Y/N, are you dooooone?”

She gulped, snapping back as she slipped the gloss into her bag.

“Yeah, yeah. Come on,”

It was a big celebration at the pub.

Of course it was—it was the summer festa.

It was a big celebration all over the town.

There were food booths and picnics at every open park, rodeos and races at the open house, and a big discount on alcohol at the big party held at the pub.

There, Y/N sat by the bar with a beer in hand as Jungkook and Jimin did a surprisingly good rendition of Hannah Montana’s hoedown throwdown at the stage.

“It’d be fucking stupid to pass out on not popping, locking and polka dotting when I’m in the fucking country, Y/N,” she remembers Jimin chastising before dragging a pliant Jungkook to the stage.

Tuning out Jungkook and Jimin aggressively screaming “do the hoe-down throwdown!” through the excessively loud speakers, Y/N turned to the bar and peeked at the group beside her.

“Oh, Hobi!”

Hoseok turned around with a smile, two tequila shots in his hands.

“Y/N, didn’t know you’d be here,”

“Where else would I be?” Y/N snorted, taking the tequila shot glass Hobi offered.

“With your family, or at the rodeo?” Hobi shrugged, clinking his own shot glass with Y/N before drinking.

Y/N hissed at the alcohol’s burn as another voice sounded out.

“Someone can handle her alcohol,” Jin said teasingly, ruffling Y/N’s hair as he and Namjoon arrived.

“I did this practically everyday in the city,” Y/N huffed, batting her hands as Namjoon snorted.

“I pity your liver,” Namjoon said sympathetically.

“Where’s Chaeri?” Y/N asked to which Jin only shrugged.

“She’s at home, helping her mom cook for the big celebration. She’ll meet us here in about an hour or so,” Jin replied.

Before he could continue, a familiar voice called his name.

Jin turned around, smiling as Yoongi came into view.

“Ah, Yoongi great timing,” Jin smiled, slinging an arm around the boy.

“Stop touching me,” Yoongi whined, although he made no move to push Jin away.

“This is Y/N, our friend when we were kids,” Hobi introduced, pointing to Y/N who waved.

Immediately, Yoongi’s face burned red. “Ah, yeah. We’ve met.”

Y/N’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Oh, you remember?”

“I’m really sorry for last week,” Yoongi apologized, shyly giving Y/N his gummy smile. “I was in a, uh, really bad place,”

“That Ji-eun girl was a bitch for doing that to you, by the way,” Y/N snorted. “Did you talk to her the next morning?”

“Ah, no. I figured she didn’t deserve a chance to explain,” Yoongi shrugged as Namjoon gaped.

“What exactly happened?”

“Ah, he was, uh—pretty drunk,”

“An understatement. I sobbed on her and thought she was Ji-eun,” Yoongi winced, making the rest of their company laugh. “If it wasn’t for Taehyung, I probably would have sobbed on her all night.”

At the mention of the forbidden name, Y/N tensed.

Immediately, a feeling of sadness and longing passed through her—one whole week without something she got so used to.

“Oh, yeah, which reminds me,” Hobi piped up. “I would’ve thought you’d be with Taehyung now. You guys have been working together for the past weeks right?”

Yoongi nodded along, hands grabbing at the beer bottles appearing at the bar behind Y/N.

“He only ever talked about you, actually.” Jin snorted. “It got pretty annoying,”

Jungkook and Jimin suddenly appeared, presenting Y/N with a topic change.

She cleared her throat and smiled, gesturing at the two.

“These are my friends from the city, by the way. Jungkook and Jimin, these are Jin, Hobi, Yoongi and Namjoon.”

After a brief introduction, the group immediately dabbled into different topics before settling on the festa itself.

“So, what other things happens during the summer festa aside from parties where everyone gets wasted?” Jimin asked, supporting on a red-faced Jungkook who was coerced by Jin to take three consecutive shots.

“Well,” Hobi trailed off, trying to recall the events.

“There’s a horse racing track in two hours, Yoongi’s going to join,” Namjoon recalled.

“Oh, you’ve been drinking, though?” Jungkook slurred, pointing at Yoongi.

“Will you be okay?”

Yoongi only snorted, waving nonchalantly.

“That means he’ll be okay.” Jin translated, to which Yoongi replied with a two thumbs-ups.

“Oh, and bull-riding on old Hellraiser happening in like 30-minutes at the rodeo house.” Hobi supplied, turning to Y/N. “Did you wish Tae a good luck today?”

Y/N tilted her head, mind practically floating at the mention of talking to Taehyung again.

“Ah, I haven’t exactly had the time to talk to him recently,” Y/N shook her head.

“Well, you should,” Yoongi snorted, taking another swig from the bottle in his hands. “He’ll need all the luck he can get.”

“Why?”

Namjoon, Jin, Hobi and Yoongi exchanged confused looks before Hobi furrowed his eyebrows at Y/N.

“You don’t know?”

“Don’t know what?”

“Hellraiser is the bull. It’s an annual festa thing for men brave enough to try riding her,” Namjoon said.

“Then it’s probably fun,” Jimin supplied to which Jin shook his head.

“Not really. Hellraiser is named that because she’s too tough to ride. She’s sent a lot of riders to the hospital, that bull,” Yoongi shook his head.

“The longest anyone ever rode her was…” Hobi trailed off, looking at Namjoon.

“3.8 seconds.” Namjoon supplied. “That was Mr. Han—three years ago. He was sent to the hospital, he couldn’t move until about six weeks in. Took a week knocked out and multiple critical injuries—it was painful to watch,”

“Scary,” Jungkook commented.

Y/N shushed the tipsy boy before furrowing her eyebrows, heart racing a mile a minute.

“So, Hellraiser is a murder bull in-the-making,” Y/N said. “What’s that got to do with Taehyung?”

Everyone was silent before Yoongi raised his hand.

“No, yeah, I’ll tell her.” Yoongi shook his head, muttering about ‘cowards.’ “Taehyung’s having a go at Hellraiser in about thirty minutes.”

At this, Y/N froze.

This bull—Hellraiser—sent a grown-ass man to the hospital in a one-week coma and multiple critical injuries that took five more weeks for him to be able to move again.

This bull was going to hold Taehyung’s fate in half an hour.

She wasn’t exactly sure if she was ready to see Taehyung in the hospital. She can’t.

They said they we going to talk about what happened at the barn. She had to ask him why he didn’t even talk to her this week or why he left her that day, or—

“Y/N,” Hobi sighed.

Y/N flinched in her chair, gulping as she turned to Hobi who sighed as he held her shoulders.

“I can see you’re nervous about this. Go to him before he goes on,” Hobi reassured.

“I have to go,” Y/N agreed with a nod, her eyes quickly sweeping over her peers.

She shot out of her seat, barely registering Jungkook and Jimin bid swift farewells to their table-mates before following her trail.

She didn’t care—her gaze was directly set on one location and one location only: The Rodeo House.

Suddenly, the subtle red poster on the doors with the big black bull and the words “Hellraiser” on the front wasn’t so subtle anymore.

Y/N burst through the doors in anger, taking a sharp corner into the door labelled Challenger’s Lounge.

The inside was wide.

All around her were white walls, buffet tables, large televisions showing the arena outside and people wandering about as they waiting for their own respective challenges with their friends and family.

But none of this mattered to Y/N—No.

All she could see was the tall raven-haired male all decked out in denim by the television, crossing his arms and tapping his foot as he looked up at the live broadcast from outside.

This was a sight she could remember perfectly—it was what he wore when she first met him outside the pub.

Exactly in the same position.

She noticed his unruly hair that normally would’ve inserted some pretty sinful thoughts in her brain, and how we bit his lips and nipped at his nails in nervousness—a habit he usually did when Y/N went too fast while horse-riding, or how he raised his eyebrow slightly at every interesting thing he could see in the television.

Normally, Y/N would stop and Kim Taehyung in all his glory and she almost did—but her anger won in the end.

“Kim Taehyung!”

The said boy flinched, turning around with his mouth wide-open in surprise as he saw her.

Y/N looked so out of place around the plaids, leather and denim people sported all around her—she was decked in a flowy white dress and her hair was pinned back.

She looked so innocent, so delicate and gentle, but the anger in her face told Taehyung otherwise.

“What the actual fuck?”

“What?” Taehyung asked, ignoring the curious gazes casted on them

He grew even more confused as the girl marched towards her.

“A murderous bull? You’re going to ride a murderous bull?” Y/N seethed. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

“Technically, Hellraiser hasn’t murdered anyone yet,” Taehyung supplied. “Just critically injured. You know, maiming.”

“Is that supposed to be better?” Y/N hissed.

Taehyung shrugged, crossing his arms with a frown.

“Well, no, but I gotta.” Taehyung supplied.

“Why?”

“I just gotta,” Taehyung said, crossing his arms again. “If I could actually get to ride that bull for more than 3.8 seconds, It’d be really big for me,”

“How—“ Y/N started, but shook her head in exasperation. “You know what?”

“What?”

“If you do this, I’ll never speak to you again,” Y/N said, her voice firm. “Taehyung, please. Don’t get on that bull.”

Taehyung uncroseed his arms, his eyes turning soft.

“Y/N—“ He gently whispered, reaching out to her.

His eyes flitted over to the door as it opened once more to reveal Jungkook.

“Oh, Y/N! I finally found you,” Jungkook said, walking forward. “Been looking all over for you. Jimin, she’s here!”

Taehyung’s gaze immediately hardened, confusing Y/N.

He cleared his throat before stuffing his hands inside his pockets.

He turned and trailed his gaze back to the televisions, his voice low as he spoke.

“I’ve lived 24 years without you, I think I’ll be fine.”

Hurt danced in Y/N’s eyes as she slowly backed away.

“I’ll never speak to you again,” she nodded solemnly.

Taehyung could only look at her as she took Jungkook and Jimin with her and walked out of the lounge.

“Taehyung, it’s time,”

He had more things to worry about.

It was a few hours later when Y/N sat alone on a log in front of a campfire.

Jimin and Jungkook were long gone, talking about the time and how it’s late.

But she didn’t want to go home—not yet.

So here she was, a few feet from her barn alone and staring at a campfire without her friends.

A few footsteps told her there was someone coming.

She couldn’t really find it in her to care.

The figure took a seat beside her and cleared his throat.

“Hey,”

It was Taehyung.

Silly, denim-wearing, tall as fuck, messy-haired Kim Taehyung.

“I, uh, stayed on the bull for 5 seconds,” Taehyung shared, biting his lip as he also stared into the fire. “I fell, but nothing bad happened. A little sore,”

Y/N only hummed, still gazing into the hot flame.

After a few minutes of silence, Taehyung huffed and stood up.

“Alright, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know,” Y/N replied blankly, her eyes still trained on the fire.

-“I don’t understand,” Taehyung angrily said, his eyes glaring onto Y/N from his position. “Why are you ignoring me?”

Y/N only stayed silent.

“Why didn’t you want me to ride that bull?”

Y/N clenched her teeth, her eyes firm on its spot as she gazed at the burning fire.

“Why—“

“Because I like you!” Y/N exploded, her eyes wide in anger as she turned to Taehyung. “Because I don’t want to see you get hurt,”

“Why?”

“Should there be any reason why?” Y/N replied as Taehyung gaped at her, silent in her spot.

Y/N squirmed in her chair, sighing in exasperation as she shook her head.

“Let’s just watch this fire.”

There was a few minutes of silence between the two.

Taehyung turned his head to look at Y/N, who looked back at him. “Stop,”

He sighed and gazed back at the fire, slowly turning his head to stare back at her.

“I said stop.” Y/N hissed. “Just stop, I want you to stop,”

Taehyung sighed angrily and stomped off, leaving Y/N in her lonesome.

It was expected. She expected that.

She wanted to sit there and think, but she never got the chance to.

Just as quick as he left, Taehyung marched back to the campfire—his sleeves rolled up and arms bulging in strain as he carried two buckets full of water in his arms.

Y/N turned to him, her eyes wide in alarm as he approached.

“Taehyung, what are you—“

Not replying, Taehyung stopped next to her and dumped both buckets of water on the campfire.

Y/N could only look at him in shock as he panted in frustration, turning back at the girl.

“Will you talk to me now?”

“What the fuck do you want from me, Taehyung?” Y/N screeched, slamming a hand on his chest.

“I want you to talk to me.”

“You want me to talk to you? Fine. Let’s talk.” Y/N hissed, slamming a hand once more on his chest. “Why did you leave me that day, huh? Why did you leave me for a fucking week blank?”

“You tell me,” Taehyung glared back at Y/N, who only smiled angrily.

“No, I’m asking the questions. You wanted to talk—now, give me an answer.” Y/N sighed, sitting back on the log. “You’re a good guy, Tae. I believe you’re a good guy. I believe you won’t just turn back and leave me for dead,”

“Why?”

“Because if you weren’t you wouldn’t be here trying to ask me to talk to you.”

Taehyung sighed, sitting down next to her.

Silently, Y/N shook her head. “I like you. You’re a good guy, you’re a good friend.”

Just when it was all good, it spiraled back into a huge ball of disaster.

“Just a friend?” Taehyung scoffed. “Right. I should have known.”

He stood up with angrily, muttering the same sentence all over again. “I should have known,”

“See, this is what’s wrong with you!” Y/N angrily said, standing back up as she screamed at Taehyung’s back. “You’re making me so confused! Just a friend—this is bullshit.”

“You’re the one who said it,” Taehyung argued, but his words fell on deaf ears.

“Why did you kiss me that day, huh? What, you just wanted a good fuck that day? Were you angry you never got to do it, huh?” Y/N hissed.

Taehung raised his eyebrows, scoffing in disbelief.

“You’re one to talk. Who’s been dangling her city friend all around the fucking town, huh?” Taehyung replied.

“Dangling?” Y/N angrily laughed. “You’re the one who hasn’t talked to me in a week, you fucking asshole. You don’t get the right to talk about my friend like that.”

“Wow, you’re really up his ass, huh.” Taehyung shook his head. “Is his dick really that good, huh?”

At this, Y/N stopped.

His what now?

Taehyung might have been clever and charming—but his ass was definitely oblivious.

If he just thought for a second, he’d realize that Jungkook was as straight as a bendy straw.

Still, she couldn’t stop the word that spilled out her mouth.

“Fuck yeah. Fucking Jungkook is so fucking good, I couldn’t fucking walk for a week straight,” Y/N hissed, enjoying the way Taehyung’s expression progressively got angrier and angrier. “Fucking him would probably be a million fucking times better than your sorry ass.”

“Yeah?” Taehyung angrily growled.

“Yeah,” Y/N replied.

“We’ll see about that,” Taehyung gruffed, stepping forward and crashing his lips on hers.

Y/N’s response was immediate.

Her lips meshed with his so perfectly as she melted against his body, her arms wrapped around his neck.

Taehyung pressed closer deepening the kiss before Y/N pulled away.

“You know what? Fuck you, Taehyung,” She hissed before falling down on her knees.

“Oh, I will,” Taehyung smirked as watched Y/N reach for his leather belt.

As the girl cussed at him, she pulled the belt away and agressively pulled his pants down.

He was well-endowed. He wasn’t too thick, just the right size for Y/N’s hand, but he was long.

He wasn’t hard yet, but he was getting there.

Y/N almost hesitated and wondered if he would fit in her mouth as she placed a tentative lick on the tip.

Taehyung drew in a breath, his hands reaching to tangle in her hair.

Fuck it, Y/N thought before enclosing the tip with her mouth and sucking.

“Just like a fucking lollipop,” Taehyung guided as Y/N made her way down on him.

He was too long. What she couldn’t reach, she used her mouth.

“Fuck,” Taehyung hissed, groaning as he threw his head back.

Y/N pulled away and licked the underside of his shaft, sighing as she regained her breath.

Taehyung shuddered as Y/N’s thumb brushed over his bulbous head.

“You’re so fucking big,” Y/N moaned as she pumped him.

Taehyung could only look down at her with a smirk.

“Bigger than Jungkook?” Taehyung asked with a smirk making the girl roll her eyes.

Trying not to feed into his ego, Y/N descended back on him—going as deep as she can go.

Her hand reached up to fondle his balls, grunting in effort as she shifted back and forth on him.

“Fuck, you’re so fucking good at this,” Taehung groaned, his hands tightening in her hair.

He gave tiny thrusts that only increased his pleasure ten-fold.

“Feels so fucking good,” Taehyung hissed out, throwing his head back. “I can’t wait to feel you, shit. I’m going to fuck you so hard,”

Taehyung could swear, as he looked back down to the girl on her knees with him in her mouth, that this was probably the most beautiful sight he’d ever see.

Y/N whined in her spot, feeling her panties grow damp at Taehyung’s words.

She reached down and lightly rubbed at her crotch—aiming for a small sense of relief.

“Holy shit,” Taehyung hissed, looking down and catching Y/N palming herself.

Y/N moaned lightly, and Taehyung can feel it as Y/N shoved him deeper down her throat.

“Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!” Taehyung groaned out. “I’m almost there, I’m cumming.”

At his words, Y/N swallowed around his dick.

This was his last straw. Taehyung threw his head back as he released his load on her.

Y/N opened her mouth, letting him fill her mouth with his essence.

When Taehyung climbed down from his high, he looked down to see Y/N pull herself away from him and swallowing.

Somehow, this got him going more than the actual blowjob.

“Taehyung,” Y/N started, staring up at him from her position.

She was a mess—his mess, he thought.

She was still on her knees, her hand still holding him as she looked up at him with the biggest puppy eyes. Her lip gloss smudged around her mouth and her hair was totally mussed around.

“Taehyung,” she repeated. “I-I need you.”

His eyes shifted towards her family’s barn a few feet away, smirking.

Seems like he’ll get to fuck her there after all.

The moment they entered the barn, Taehyung shoved Y/N against the closed door and immediately went for her neck.

Y/N could only groan loudly as his hand shot up to fondle her breasts over her dress.

“Taehyung,” Y/N groaned, making Taehyung close his eyes with a groan.

Right there and then, he could die happily hearing her gentle voice say his name in the dirtiest manner.

Taehyung pulled away after he satisfied himself with a couple marks on her neck, moving to nip at her jaw and place another rough kiss on her lips.

“All mine, all mine,”

Y/N only whimpered, her head hitting the wooden door as she tilted it back.

Taehyung’s fingers made quick work of the zipper behind her dress, harshly pulling it off of her and somewhere on the barn.

As soon as Y/N heard the soft thud of her dress, she straightened her head up and furrowed her eyebrows.

“Tae, that’s Gucci—“

“Shut the fuck up,” Taehyung growled, pulling down the cups of her bra and attaching his lips onto her right nipple.

“Oh my god,” Y/N can only moan, closing her eyes as she heaved.

With a nibble, Taehyung pulled away. “All of this is fucking mine, make sure your city friends know that.”

“They will, they do,” Y/N breathed out in a whine as Taehyung returned to fondling and sucking on her breasts.

Y/N gasped as she felt him hard on her again, hips pressing roughly on hers.

“Take it off,” Y/N breathed, her hands underneath his denim jacket and tugging on his white shirt.

Taehyung made quick movements.

He barely registered his jacket and his shirt hitting the ground behind him as he felt Y/N’s hand fondle him.

“Y/N,” he breathed out, making the girl whine.

“Tae, please,”

Taehyung hissed, dragging her body away from the floor and harshly bending her over the fence of an empty stable.

His hand landed a sharp smack on her ass, making her grip the metal railings she leaned on.

“Taehyung, please,” Y/N whined, her head lolling forward.

“You’re so wet,” Taehyung said, rubbing his finger over the damp patch on her panties. “Who did this?”

“You did,”

“I didn’t hear it,” Taehyung quipped, landing another harsh smack on her ass. “Who did?”

“You did,” Y/N moaned louder, whining as Taehyung delivered another sharp smack. “You did, you did,”

Satisfied, Taehyung smirked and gripped her thin panties—ripping the delicate lace apart.

Y/N was so lost in a haze of lust that she didn’t even notice.

After a brief moment of anticipation, Taehyung placed his thumb of her hooded clit.

He took pleasure in the way Y/N inhaled a sharp breath, lowering her head down and releasing a high-pitched whine.

He played with her, rubbing her clit at a torturously slow pace and fingers itching closer to her slit but never dipping in.

“Taehyung, touch me please,” Y/N whimpered.

“What do you want?” Taehyung asked, eyes light with mischief.

“Stick your fingers in me,” Y/N whined.

“Whatever you want, princess,”

With two fingers, Taehyung eased his fingers inside her warmth.

He didn’t start slow, no. He set a fast, rhythmic pace that had Y/N quaking.

He let his thumb continue its assault on her clit, his other hand securely gripping her waist.

Y/N shuddered on her spot, eyes closed as she thrusted her hips on his hands.

At that moment, he could swear that she looked like a goddess.

As Y/N clenched on him, he abruptly pulled away.

Y/N let out a high-pitched whine turning her head to see a smirking Taehyung.

“What the fuck?”

“I said I was going to fuck you real good, Y/N,” Taehyung said, turning her around. “I intend to stick to it.”

Y/N shuddered once more, readjusting her grip on the fence as Taehyung massaged her waist.

“I’d love to taste you, but next time,” Taehyung sighed, positioning himself in her entrance before stopping. “I, uh, just realized I don’t have a condom,”

“Taehyung, I’m on the pill,”

“Good,” Taehyung sighed in relief. “I don’t think I can wait any longer,”

Before Y/N could let out a retort, Taehyung thrusted in.

Y/N released out a loud moan, her head falling down limply as Taehyung thrusted in and out on a rough pace.

“Holy shit, you feel so amazing,” Taehyung muttered as he smoothed his hands on her back. “You feel so perfect,”

“Tae, Tae,” Y/N only whimpered as Taehyung thrusted harder.

Y/n’s body shook everytime their hips met, her moans getting louder and louder.

“Scream for me,” Taehyung huffed, “Let everyone know who’s making you feel this good,”

“Tae, please, harder!” Y/N almost cried.

Y/N whimpered, her hands reaching back to lay on Taehyung. “Please, please. I’m gonna cum.”

At her words, Taehyung slipped out of her and picked her up.

“Taehyung, wha—“

He set her down on her back, gazing at her as she lied on the table.

“Tae?”

He pulled her closer, prying her legs open as he hissed.

“You’re so fucking hot,” He muttered before plunging back in on a different angle.

Y/N could almost scream, throwing her head back in pleasure.

Taehyung’s tanned skin was covered in sweat by this point as he grunted and panted with every thrust.

The barn was filled with nothing but moans groans, and the sound of their hips slapping against each other at every single thrust.

After one particularly hard thrust, Taehyung fixed his grip on Y/N’s leg—hitting a particularly deep angle.

His hand reached down to press over Y/N’s lower stomach, smirking as a bulge appeared at every thrust.

Y/N whined, a whole new plethora of pleasure clouding her brain.

“I-I’’m—“

“Are you going to cum?” Taehyung asked mischievously as he thrusted harder and faster.

“Yes, yes. God, yes.”

“Hold it,”

Taehyung groaned in effort, each rough thrust losing rhythm.

“Please, please, please,” Y/N whimpered, her hand reaching down to grasp over Taehyung’s please.

“With me,” Taehyung said through gritted teeth. “Now,”

As soon as she felt Taehyung explode inside of her, Y/N allowed herself to indulge in pure euphoria—his name falling off of her lips in a loud prayer-like chant.

All she could see was white. All she could feel was his shallow thrusts inside of her as he filled her up.

Taehyung kept thrusting as both of them, letting out silent moans and groans as he rode down their highs.

Y/N breathed out, completely spent as she climbed down from her orgasm, turning slightly to Taehyung with a smile.

“Hi,” she muttered, to which the boy only replied with a grin.

“Hi,” Taehyung replied, still hovering above her and tucked a lock of hair beneath her ear.

He leaned his forehead on hers as she giggled, raking a hand through his hair.

“What… exactly is this, Taehyung?” Y/N asked.

Taehyung hummed.

“Is this just for like one night? A spur of the moment thing or—“

Taehyung smiled.

“If it isn’t obvious yet, I really like you too,” Taehyung said. “Fuck you were so cute that day, when I saw you when Yoongi was crying on you,”

Y/N chuckled as Taehyung laid his head on her chest. “And those weeks at the barn, I was really nervous to spend so much time with you,”

“Is that why you were so mean to me?”

“Aren’t city boys mean to the girls they like?” Taehyung asked, hands roaming her sides in a loving caress. “I thought I was too late because of Jungkook,”

“You-You do know Jungkook doesn’t like me, right?” Y/N giggled as Taehyung buried his head in her neck again, laying little nibbles here and there. “He likes Jimin,”

Taehyung froze and raised his head.

“Wait, what?”

Y/N laughed at his stupefied gaze, throwing her head back in amusement.

“But… all those things you said about fucking him was—“

“Not true,” Y/N shook her head. “He’s gay, Taehyung. He’s always liked Jimin. I think Jimin likes him, too.”

Taehyung frowned, his hands caressing Y/N’s waist.

“So, you don’t like him?”

“Of course, not. Not like that,” Y/N shook her head, reaching up and laughing. “The way you got so riled up when I told you I fucked him, though. You were so—“

Taehyung leaned forward, crashing his lips on hers once more.

Y/N inhaled sharply, her hand climbing up to lightly rake on his back as she arched hers.

She could feel him harden against her hips once more.

“You need to learn how to shut your fucking mouth, baby.” Taehung mumbled lowly against her lips.

Y/N smirked, tilted her head as she felt Taehyung adjust himself to her entrance once more.

“Make me, country boy,”

118 notes · View notes

cosmic-affinities · 4 years

Text

Loathing....Right? Ch3

The two scenarios in this chapter are meant to be happening at the same time so hopefully, it isn’t too confusing!

Read on AO3 Here

The next weeks flew by quickly the six 8th years seemingly always in Harry and Draco’s room, to the chagrin of the latter. Although it was always the end of the night where things become stretched thin. Harry had seen Malfoy (they were still Malfoy and Potter to the disappointment of the two women) swipe the hair off of his forehead at least eight times in the last ten minutes they had been working. The platinum colour was distracting, especially since it was slightly grown out and not under the weight of a tub of gel.

Draco had to resist the urge to magically stick Potter’s glasses to his face at any given moment. He couldn’t even begin to describe the way Potter moved around, graceless one moment and using his Seeker reflexes the next, it caught him off guard. The way Potter’s face scrunched when he was too concentrated, it was positively annoying, and he wouldn’t even start on the ill-fitting muggle clothing.

The icing on the cake for Harry was how thrown off he was by Malfoy’s voice, in the morning it was unrecognizable next to his usual drawl, after being quiet too long his voice would be scratchy. It made Harry’s head reel.

Everything about the other seemed to make their flesh begin to crawl, the driving force behind the crawl though, was still unknown.

“Oh, Prongslet! How are you? I feel like I haven't heard your voice in ages! Tell me everything, like who your roommate is and how your classes are. Tell. Us. Everything.”

“Sirius, breathe let him talk. Go ahead Harry, we’re listening.”

“Alright, I guess. You want to hear about my roommate,” Harry started slowly but at the mention of his roommate his words came out faster. “Well let me tell you, I can never focus with him around, he has some of the most annoying tendencies. Ok like his hair, it's unnaturally blonde and he pushes it around every two seconds making it absolutely impossible to do anything. Oh! And his voice, Merlin you guys I don’t know how people do it when he wakes up his voice doesn’t sound normal, hearing him talk like that makes my head reel. Or! When he hasn’t spoken for a little while his voice gets all scratchy. Even. Worse.”

“Oh, wow ok. Harry? Who is this mystery man? I think we need to talk about this a bit more.”

“That’s the thing, Remus! McGonagall put me with Malfoy!”

Both Sirius and Remus thanked Merlin that Harry couldn’t see their faces, both were sitting, mouths wide open trying not to laugh. Sirius decided to speak up, he wanted to help Harry figure this out.

“Wow, McG has not lost her touch. Let me tell ya Moons; she has a way with Potter’s and Evan’s remember your prefect to his head boy stunt? That was good, but I think this might just be better!”

Sirius couldn’t help but think back to his own time at Hogwarts, very similar to Harry’s time.

“Love, let's talk to Harry now then we can reminisce, ok?”

“Yes yes! Of course! You were always the smart one moons! Harry? Are you listening? Good, I think you may have some strong feelings for Malfoy,” Sirius wanted to try and soften the blow a little bit “-L-word feelings.”

Remus shot him a look, it seemed to say ‘Really L-word was the best you could do?’

“You know what Padfoot, I think you’re right!”

Shock radiated off of the older pair, they were not expecting him to agree so quickly, they had just suggested that he loves someone he is convinced he hates. They seemed to have jumped to a conclusion too soon.

“I absolutely loathe him.”

“Prongslet, I don’t think the L-word Sirius was talking about was loathing.” Remus trailed off, he could only do so much to help Harry.

“Well, either way, that's what it is. Loathing….. Right? It has to be. Yes! Ok, wow I feel better.”

The couple only gaped, they had just witnessed Harry flit through three emotions in about three seconds.

“Padfoot?”

“Yes, my moonbeam?”

“Remind me to never let you lead this kind of conversation, ever again.”

“Of course, my moony. I don’t think I would ever let myself either way.”

“Good. Ok, now Harry?”

“Yeah, Remus?”

“Why don’t you keep telling us about Malfoy? I know it must be nice to vent I remember you saying no one else understood because they were all happy with their roommates, so let it out while you can.”

“Moony what are you doing?”

“Just listen ok? I’m trying to help him.”

Their whispers stopped as soon as Harry began again, blissfully unaware of the pair’s internal battle.

“Where was I? Right, everything he does just gets under my skin! Ugh, he, he- I don’t know.”

“Drives you crazy?” Remus supplied helpfully.

“Yes! Remus exactly! How’d you know that?”

“‘Cause I had a very similar experience at Hogwarts, in my 5th year.” He glanced at Sirius wistfully, thinking back to that time, seemed so long ago but still fresh in their minds.

“Well then, who was your Malfoy?”

“Your Godfather.”

He said it so matter of factly as if the statement wouldn’t make Harry’s walls come crashing down around him. The silence loomed on, Remus thought Harry would fill it, eventually, he did, but only briefly.

“How’d you know it was the good kind of crazy?” Compared to a moment ago, Harry seemed subdued, maybe thoughtful. Definitely introspective.

“Oh, um. I guess it was when I realized the only reason his hair bothered me was because I wanted to run my fingers through it, and I wanted to kiss the smug look off of his face every time he teased me instead of wanting to punch him. Oh, and when he woke up saying my name, I never wanted him to stop.”

Everyone was quiet for a moment when Harry broke through the tension by speaking.

“Well, fuck.”

Sirius was so surprised, he couldn’t help but let out a bark of laughter but he quickly covered his mouth. His plan would have worked too, but when he heard Remus start to giggle he could no longer hold it together. Soon the three were all laughing like madmen.

“Wow, now I just feel really dense, like it was so obvious to everyone but me. OH NO! IT WAS SO OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE BUT ME! Shit shit shit! Merlin and Godric! Hermione probably knows! Hell, half of Hogwarts probably knows! McGonagall probably knows! Ah! How will I ever be able to face these people?! You guys! This sucks! OH NO WHAT IF MALFOY KNOWS!?! Ok, now I need help finding a hole to throw myself into!”

“Harry! Calm down, you are acting as if this is your first crush. Wait, is this your first crush?”

“Well yeah! Look, Remus, when a mass murderer is trying to well, Mass Murder you, crushes aren’t really at the top of your priorities! I didn’t have time for crushes! Well, maybe I had more time than I thought! OH MY GODRIC I basically stalked him in sixth year! This is Bad!”

“Prongslet, calm down! We can help you through this, Moony and I danced around each other at Hogwarts and look at how we ended up!”

“Padfoot, I was not lucky enough to fall in love with my best friend. This would be like Peter falling in love with Snivellus!” The two remaining marauders shuddered, but he did have a point.

“Wait, Harry did you say love?”

“Well yeah. It’s not every day you realize you've had a big ole crush on your archnemesis for half of your life, I think at this point it would be silly to not call it as it is, it's been so long it wouldn’t be right to call it anything but love I guess.” A certain sadness radiated from his voice, he sounded like he had given up on something he never even started.

“Oh Harry, I wish I could wrap you in a hug. Don’t sound so sad though, I can tell with utmost confidence that you Potter’s have a certain knack for making people go from hating you to loving you. I know you’ve heard your parents’ story, asking her out every day, the infamous ‘toerag incident’ but I happen to know another one. You see your grandparents took me in when my family didn’t, gay was the topper of the disappointment cake for old Walburga. Anyway one day your grandmother, Euphemia, sat James and I down to tell us the story of how she and your grandfather got together. It was a long and heartwarming story that started with the two of them a year apart at Hogwarts, severely hating each other due to an unfortunate quidditch mishap. But towards the end you grandfather, Fleamont, walked in and all he said was ‘despite the anger I would give everything up for her, nothing is worth losing her.’ which for him was a lot, he was rich and popular but would have given everything away in a heartbeat if it meant he could be with your grandmother. Look, Harry, you can do this, anyone would be a fool to let you move on without them.”

“Thanks, Padfoot, no one has ever told me that story, maybe I can do this. Hell, I'm more scared to face him than I was to face Voldemort, I think I just need time for him to become Draco, and not Malfoy before I go professing my love, not loathing. I still can’t believe it took me this long.”

The three spent the rest of their call joking and enjoying each other's company. Harry went to bed that night feeling better than he thought he could.

“Pansy! Why did you have to befriend all of the Gryffindors?!”

“Draco, by ‘all the Gryffindors’ do you mean my roommate and the roommates of my two best friends? If you do, then I’m not going to answer your question because its stupid.” Pansy didn’t look up from her nails, she was focused on painting them to perfection.

“Yes, Pansy! I would have been more than happy to ignore my roommate and gotten this year over with quickly, it has been two weeks and they have lasted about a month! Salazar Potter is absolutely the worst!” Draco was walking back and forth, flailing his arms, Pansy seemed disinterested as if she knew what was bound to happen.

“Tell me how awful he is Draco, maybe hearing it out loud will help you realize how mental you are to try and hate the golden boy.” Pansy’s mock encouragement only spurred Draco on.

“Well, first of all, I can’t believe McGonagall would even out us as roommates, it's as if she is asking for a situation! And Potter, ugh I can’t even describe how annoying he is all the time. His mannerisms are so peculiar it's just impossible!”

“So, basically he is a person who has habits. Like everyone.” Pansy deadpanned.

“No! Not like everyone, does everyone rub their face every three seconds? He acts as if someone is flicking him constantly, it's so distracting that, in potions, I put in the wrong ingredient and ruined the brew! And on top of that! He always wears ratty muggle clothes that hang off of him as if it was made for a giant! How am I meant to focus when there is a fashion crisis constantly near me?!”

“Draco, why are you so bothered by him? You aren’t nearly this bothered by Ron and Hermione.”

“You don’t understand what it is like to room with him! Are you even listening to me? His face, his clothing, everything about him! He, he just makes me ugh I don’t even know! My skin starts to crawl when he is close to me!”

“Tell me something Draco, when Harry is around you-”

“I also hate that you and Blaise call him that!”

“Draco, don’t interrupt me! Does Harry make your pulse rush? How about: make you turn red in the face?”

Draco paused mulling over the question.

“You know what, yeah he does! It's awful, it’s as if he's about to attack me! But here’s the worst part! He isn’t about to attack me, which is even weirder.”

“Draco, you know I feel the same way around Hermione, my heart won’t relax and she consumes my focus.”

“Then how can you stand to be around her?!”

Pansy looked aside, her expression showing how done she was with Draco’s impression of the situation.

“Because darling, I don’t hate her. I have a crush on her.”

“How is that similar to Potter and I at all? I absolutely loathe him. And Pansy, you should tell me these things when I'm Not in the middle of a rant.”

“Draco, it is exactly the same, except you are being too dense to realize it! I really don't think you loathe him at all, in fact, I’m pretty sure you have had a crush on him for years!”

As Pansy finished her sentence the pair heard an indistinct yell from down the hall, from the direction of Draco’s room.

“I’m not going to entertain your crazy fantasy, just because I am gay and ranting about a guy doesn’t mean I have a crush on him, someone I dislike! And what is going on over there? Who is yelling, I'm pretty sure Potter is in there on a firecall!”

“Draco this isn’t a gay thing! This is a you and Harry thing! I have listened to you go on and on about him for years, as children I didn’t know any better but now you just sound stubborn and unaware of your own feelings!”

“Pansy, look I don’t like him I barely tolerate him! Right? Of course, he is a menace! Look, you are making me question my own judgment!”

“You should be questioning yourself! At this rate, you are more blind than Harry and his glasses are nearly an inch thick!”

“Pansy! Honestly what makes you think I like him?”

“Look Draco, I'm sure if asked you could tell me the little details of his face, or his normal nighttime schedule, but I ask you the same thing about Blaise, who you roomed with for years, you wouldn’t be able to tell me the first thing about it. And I can see the way you perk up when someone says his name, I just hoped you would come to the conclusion on your own.” The pair sat quietly, only hearing general distress coming from Draco’s dorm but Draco finally spoke up.

“Damn it Pans, why couldn't you have said something sooner? Now I just feel like a hopeless idiot.”

“Well darling, most people don’t need to be made aware of their own feelings. And you are an idiot, not hopeless but an idiot all the same.”

“Does everyone know but me?! No, they can't. We have hated each other for years, no one other than you and maybe Blaise could know, right? Ugh having a crush is stressful, that's why i don’t get them.”

“Draco, you act as if having a crush is like catching a disease.”

“It basically is, like I said, that's why I don't get them.”

“Darling I hate to break it to you,” Pansy’s focus shifted back to her nails “But you do realize that the only reason you don't have crushes is because you have had the same one for years right?”

“Whatever Pansy! You need to help me figure out how to fix this! How am I supposed to room with someone I have a crush on?!”

“The same way you have been since we came back, the only difference is you will be 100% more shirtless at any given opportunity, that should be enough to get his attention!”

“Pansy, we don’t even know if he is gay! I don’t want to embarrass myself, I do have to live with him for the rest of the year!”

“Well i happen to know that he is gay, and Hermione and I are pretty sure he has a crush on you!’

“How could you possibly know that he is gay? And of course, I’ll trust a Gryffindor telling you that Harry Freakin Potter has a crush on me, that doesn’t sound suspicious or anything!”

“Well, Draco unlike you, I actually talk to Harry and he told me himself that he is gay, And please do cut back on the sarcasm, people across the castle can hear it I’m sure.”

“Pansy! Why didn’t you tell me?! Well, not that I would’ve listened before this but either way a casual mention, while we were talking, would have been great!”

“I assumed you knew! Whatever that is beside the point, you need a plan to seduce him!”

“Pansy he hates me, there’s no way I could ‘seduce’ him without getting seriously injured first.”

Some more indistinct yelling came from Draco’s dorm, Draco thought it sounded like Harry, not that he would ever admit to being able to pick his voice out so easily.

“What is that noise? Who is yelling?” Pansy asked she seemed irritated at being interrupted again, no matter how indirect it was.

“Potter is in there on a firecall, probably just excited about something, just ignore him.”

“Draco, how did you manage to get all of that from two yells? He sounds crazy, you can’t even tell what he’s saying!”

“Isn’t it obvious? The yells have been far enough apart that you can tell no one is in distress, we already knew he was on a firecall, presumably with people he enjoys talking to since the year just started and he's already talking to whoever it is, and plus the yell did sound suspiciously like ‘oh my Godric’ something only a true Gryffindor would say. It's simple really”

“Darling none of that was simple, you sound like Sherlock Holmes, it's kind of scary how well you know him.”

“Oh whatever, at least Sherlock is well respected, Doyle was able to make a truly good character for wizards and muggles surprisingly.”

“Can we not talk about ancient wizard authors? We have something much more important on hand!”

“I’m sure Hermione wouldn’t mind discussing wizard authors with you.” Draco shot her a suggestive eyebrow raise and enjoyed the blush that rose to her cheeks. “Oh did you think i had forgotten that I am not the only one with a crush on their roommate?”

“Draco I do not need your help seducing Hermione, I already have a plan and you seem to be getting nowhere with your roommate so I suggest you stop teasing me or else I won't help you with Harry anymore!”

“Alright alright, I'm only kidding, do keep me updated on how everything goes with her, you are still my best friend and I do like to know these things.”

“Yes yes, of course, I will, you know that. Now I think you should just start throwing small hints, maybe sit a little closer to him and start conversations when you two are alone just so we can see how he reacts.”

Draco pondered the information for a moment and nodded his head. “Starting slow sounds good, I don’t necessarily fancy getting myself hexed because I hit on Potter.”

“He said nearly the same thing about getting you out of bed that first morning here, you two really are oblivious when it comes to each other, and you should really call him Harry, be friendly.”

“Calling him anything other than Potter or Scarhead would be weird so unless he asks me specifically to call him by his first name I will stick to Potter.”

“Fine fine, I knew I was pushing it a little, would you call him Harry if he called you Draco?”

“Probably not, unless he asks me to in the same breath as he says my name, I’m going to go with no.”

“Alright fine, I’ll see what I can do.”

The pair sat and talked for a while longer, straying away from their conversation about their respective Gryffindor crushes, they hadn’t been able to talk alone for quite a while, school was already beginning to get tough.

#drarry #drarry fic #harry/draco #Harry Potter #blairon #pansmione #ron x blaise #hermione x pansy #loathing right #chapter 3 #AO3 fanfic #what is this feeling

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berkcwitz · 4 years

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❛ ✶ ( madison beer, cisfemale, she/her ) spotted ! jalissa berkowitz was spotted singing along to find my way by dababy in hilton grove . you’ve heard of them right ? they are a twenty two year old pornographic actress / internet personality who has already amassed a net worth of 550m . you should really follow them on insta @callmejalissa , they’re about to hit 89m followers . the tabloids have been calling them the vixen because they are known for being whimsical but also a bit abrasive . though most people recognize them by a drunken gaze staring into the mirror as she holds finger guns to her head , a laugh too contagious , leaving notes in lipstick on bathroom mirrors & echoing of her mothers longtime disapproval . — ooc info ( mia. twenty. est. she/her. )

GUYYYSSSS ?! this group ? a masterpiece , wow . im hella excited to get to roleplay with you all . im mia by the way , im twenty ( i’ll be 21 in june what a vibe ) & i live in the est ( a clam chowder eating , dunkin donuts chugging , no Rs havin , boston sports loving new englander ). also i go by she/her pronouns ! i am going to be so honest with you guys . this intro is dummy long . like , i promise i will not judge you if you hmu asking for a quick synopsis of my girl because this shit below this cut ? is a novella & a half , sis . if im very honest i really just needed to flesh her out completely because she’s a new baby of mine ? and i wanted to make sure i really knew her before i put her out on the dash . im so anal about this , i know . anyways , before this little note section gets as long as the intro without further a do ? adu ? idfk ... here’s jalissa , she’s ... a piece of work . also if you'd prefer to plot on discord hmu @ 𝖒𝖌𝖐'𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖔𝖗𝖊#9789 .

𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐇

full name: jalissa billie-jean berkowitz nickname: lissa , jals , jb , berks , jalissa cadden ( porn name ) birthday: october 13th birthplace: fort lauderdale , florida hometown: hilton grove residence: hilton grove nationality: american ( est. 1997 through birth ) , british ( est. 1997 automatically a citizen due to mother’s citizenship , passport was claimed est. 2012 ) ethnicity: askenazi jewish ( maternal & paternal , 100% ) religion: judaism orientation: pansexual , panromantic ( she never really came out per say , people just kind of know she’s attracted to all genders . her family is very religious and she’s very involved with her synagogue so she’s made the choice not the necessarily put a label on her sexuality but is open about loving people no matter gender ) languages spoken: english ( fluent , first language ) , yiddish ( fluent , second language ) , spanish ( fluent , third language ) , german ( conversational , fourth language ) . father: henry christian berkowitz ( 50 years old ) was born & raised in fort lauderdale , florida by a politician / banking heir & talk show host / philanthropist . henry himself went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve as a us senator for two terms & currently is the ceo of berkowitz capital . ( relationship: it’s never been perfect but the love is clear in the relationship & he’s been much better at being supportive of her in recent years . certainly a daddy’s little girl even when you do wrong you can’t do much wrong type of situation ) mother : austen sylvia rachelson-berkowitz ( 48 years old ) was born & raised in westminster , england up until her teens when she & her mother moved to washington dc after her mother had become the incumbent uk ambassador to the united states . austen was crowned miss usa at the age of 20 & later went on to follow in her families long time involvement in politics ( holding former offices as a us representative as well as governor for two terms ) . today she spends much of her time putting her law degree to work on criminal cases . ( relationship: they’ve never been close & have never quite seen eye to eye . since jalissa was nineteen she & her mom haven’t said more than ten words to one another & if they have it’s never necessarily positive ) brother: kenneth patrick berkowitz ( 24 years old ) was born in fort lauderdale , florida & raised in hilton grove . he shares the same parents as jalissa and is the couples first born & only son . kenneth is following in the berkowitz footsteps & is heading the uk sector for berkowitz capital since graduating from columbia university a couple years back . ( relationship: the two siblings have always been close. they had a similar friend group growing up & alot of the same interests . they’re still rather close to this day despite being countries away from one another ) sister: sariah rachel berkowitz ( 19 years old ) was born in fort lauderdale , florida & raised in hilton grove . she shares the same parents as jalissa and is the couples last born . sariah currently attends stanford university where she’s on a pre med track . ( relationship: the two were often at each other’s necks growing up . mostly because how similar they are to one another . as of recently the two have grown close , though , with sariah fessing up to looking up to her older sister ) social class: upper education: highschool diploma ( hilton grove highschool g. 2015 ) career: youtuber ( from 2014-present ) , pornographic actress ( from 2016-present ) , podcaster (from 2018-present ) notoriety: being apart of the prominent berkowitz family , having one of the top 10 most watched pornographic movies , her podcast with her best friend tickets to our downfall & her youtube channel callmejalissa . weight: 122lbs height: 5′4″ hair color: brown ( with blonde highlights ) eye color: hazel ( wears blue contacts sometimes ) positive traits: whimsical , astute , extroverted , affectionate , quick , intelligent , friendly , ambitious , passionate , humorous , loyal , compassionate , effervescent negative traits: opportunistic , recalcitrant , hypocritical , vain , critical , stubborn , distant , sneaky , abrasive , sarcastic , obsessive , vengeful , reckless , arrogant likes: black coffee , birthday parties , lying , sunshine , baby pink , glossy lips , gossiping , stand up comedy , sunkissed skin , dogs , peanut butter , popping champagne bottles , driving with the windows down , swimming , mimosas , oversized sweaters , taco bell , cranberry juice , makeup , football , cosmetic work , arguing , online shopping , exotic foods , jewelry the price of a car , fresh berries , roller skating dislikes: liars , driving in the snow , her mother , jelly , basketball , bad drivers , when people lie about their cosmetic work , sushi , hateful people , disloyalty , overly emotional people , romance , being alone , astrology enthusiasts , hospitals , silence , cheap perfume , criticism , traffic , being late , red wine , short hair , anything banana or grape flavored hobbies: reading magazines , dancing to her newly curated playlist in the mirror , gossiping with her grandparents , video editing , meddling , going for brunch , goat yoga , drinking alcohol while snuggled up in bed , painting alternate universe cartoons , attending big soirees , making impulsive decisions , smoking weed , sleepovers with her closest friends , suntanning on yacht decks , late night instagram lives , marilyn monroe movie marathons chara inspo: kourtney kardashian , emily nelson ( a simple favor ) , tan france ( queer eye ) , evie zamora ( thirteen ) , rebekah mikaelson ( the vampire diaries ) , jennifer check ( jennifer’s body ) , gabrielle solis ( desperate housewives ) , regina george ( mean girls ) , lucifer morningstar ( lucifer ) , kathryn merteuli ( cruel intentions ) , veronica lodge ( riverdale ) , chanel oberlin ( scream queens ) , samantha jones ( sex and the city ) , andie anderson ( how to lose a guy in 10 days ) , blair waldorf ( gossip girl ) , naomi lapaglia ( wolf of wall street ) , maddy perez ( euphoria ) , kat hernandez ( euphoria ) fashion inspo: fran drescher , bella hadid , alex chung , madison beer , romee strijd , kendall jenner , selena gomez career inspo: tana mongeau , jordan lipscombe , sofia franklyn , alexdandra cooper , lana rhodes , abella danger headcanons: she has one hundred percent smashed the windows in an exes car , she drives a black range rover , vandalized an exes home before , says “ harely quinn is my spirit animal “ once a day , is not the type of ask if you’re okay with her vlogging , has slept with rock stars and couldn’t care less that they’re basically the age of dirt at this point , is actually very sad when she’s not putting on the vivacious front in front of people , dances on tables whens she’s drunk , its not a party unless someone has offered her a line

𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀

the berkowitz family name has long been one that holds prestige & power . among the 1% for over a century . they are a prominent banking family that has had their hands in the pots of nearly every big banking company across the nation . coming into the united states after word broke of the california gold rush back in 1849 , the berkowitz brother’s were of the lucky few to acquire pounds of gold by the thousands . later founding what would become a leading investment bank known as berkowitz capital . the generations to follow would capitalize on the head start given to them by the two brothers . expanding the family company as well as the knowledge of the family name through heavy involvement in politics alongside the kennedy’s . since as early as 1953 there has always been a berkowitz family member actively appointed to a political role ( governor , senator , representative , us ambassador , etc ) . although the families roots within the states are documented in the capital of california , as generations went on they made their way over to the east coast , with most of the family members now residing in southern florida .

the rachelson family is a prominent political family . synonymous with power & eloquence . with their rise initially taking place in the british parliament . many escaped to england from germany between 1933-1935 . they hadn’t settled into the states until jocelyn rachelson ( jalissa’s maternal grandmother ) was appointed the united kingdoms ambassador to the united states in 1987 . the rachelson’s have since had heavy involvement in the us government , both behind the scenes and at the forefront . much of the rachelson family have stayed within the european union ( germany & poland ) as well as england . although the few that followed jocelyn to the states now reside in washington dc and the tri-state area .

henry & austen had met through their mutual friends . it didn’t take long before the two became a rather public couple , a supercouple if you would ( similar to that of a brangelina of the 1% ) . although they’d met in new york the two decided that when it was time to start a family they wanted to move to hilton grove , an island austen had eyed for years . instead they found themselves moving down to fort lauderdale where henry had grown up . before they knew it , they were three kids deep in settling down in fort lauderdale . austen’s anger from never wanting to build a life in florida started to tumble into the relationship & the daily life of the family & so in an effort to recover the marriage henry agreed to moving the family up to hilton grove , where they have resided ever since .

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀 𝐄𝐑𝐀

jalissa was born the second of three children and oh boy does she suffer from middle child syndrome , riddled with a envy and a need to be in the mix . the berkowitz household , although , from the outside looking in looked like a fabulous family life was anything but . jalissa , like her siblings , was born on a pedestal & what came attached with that was even higher expectations from her parents . her parents found a way to be extremely authoritarian & uninvolved all at the same time . they were very dismissive if you disappointed them & everything jalissa did seemingly did just that .

for a long time she was obsessed with getting her parents approval , she’d turned life into a silent competition between herself & her siblings . she befriended only the people her parents approved of , did all the events they asked her to do , did everything she could to excel academically & only dated people who were of benefit to her parents ( people who’s parents where also in high places ) .

during highschool she joined the model un , debate team , and soccer team . if it were up to jalissa & not her parents she’d probably had joined the cheerleading team but her mother would never let that fly . it was too “ self indulgent “ to fit the family brand ( if only she’d known what would be coming years later lol ) .

it wasn’t until she was seventeen that she started to deviate from her parents wishes . of course , the catalyst to this was a boy , one her parents hadn’t really approved of but jalissa was completely head over heels for him . he really helped her boost her confidence to be her own person ? and not allow her parents to treat her like a puppet . with his encouragement she started her youtube channel , something she’d wanted to do for years but her mother had shot down the idea anytime jalissa brought it up . it was once again too “ self indulgent ” . the channel known as callmejalissa was an outlet for her , talking to a camera was the most heard she’d felt in seventeen years of her life . and god she knew that was hella sad . she really grew to view her subscribers as family & by the time her channel was brought to her parents attention ( more like her mothers , her dad had found her channel just four months after she’d made it and promised not to tell her mother so long as she was smart about what she posted ) she was about to turn eighteen and there wasn’t much they could do to stop her from doing it .

at eighteen she’d graduated highschool salutatorian with offers from university of pennsylvania & brown university . in all honesty she didn’t wnat to go to college , she saw it as a complete waste of her time . it wasn’t like she was going to do anything with the degree anyways . it would simply be a point of bragging for her parents at events & at this point she really could care less about them being able to brag to their friends . she knew she had to play along though , because this was the same year she was going to receive her first half of her trust fund ( a whoopin 500m , yes her trust fund in total will be 1b her parents are grossly wealthy guys ) so she bamboozled ? her parents , promising she’d committed to attending penn just so they’d allow for the money to be released to her account . she moved out of the house , literally moving into a house of her own a couple blocks from her parents house & claimed she was living in pennsylvania for college . we stan a sneaky binch .

two months later her parents were at her front door , though , ready to give her an ear full . her mother basically disowned her at this point . telling her how every year jalissa found a new way to be a bigger disappointment . her dad kind of played good cop , like he normally would because her mother often dug into her pretty deeply . to the point where any insecurity ( even though with the way she carries herself you’d never think she has any ) she has stems from something her mother has said / called her in the past . if henry berkowitz had a soft spot , it was certainly jalissa , it that had only grown clearly with the harsher austen became on the girl .

a few months before her nineteenth birthday a sex tape was released of jalissa cheating on her boyfriend at the time . it was a drunken mistake she’d made around the time of her mother basically disowning her , but that explanation did suffice for her boyfriend who inevitably broke things off with her . although this was a horrific time she’d received an abundance of offers to film more tapes . it was enticing to say the least . she was someone who loved intercourse but also had this deeply rooted desire to get back at her mother ? and what better way to do so then to something so far left from what her mother was about . this was next level disappointment in the eyes of austen berkowitz . the only thing that made sense ( in her mind ) was to dive head first into the porn industry .

like you’d expect her parents had a fit when they found out about her new career choice . although her internet fame had soared to new heights and her youtube & instagram followers were loving every second of this move . her mom was currently serving as governor and has since not been able to get elected in the political world since jalissa became one of the top porn stars around . they basically blacklisted her & jalissa feels no remorse , she’s gone so far as telling her mother “ sucks to be shunned , huh? ” .

although it took her dad a while to come around , he cares far too much to shut her out .

not to long after jalissa & her best friend started their podcast tickets to our downfall , it’s a mix of call her daddy & the basement yard , basically two besties talking on a level that most people wouldn’t want to leave the privacy of their own space , giving advice , hoe tricks , and telling funny stories of their past . it a total hit & one of jalissa’s favorite things to do .

she live sin the same house she has since she was eighteen . she lives on her own with three dogs and a cat . she absolutely hates being alone and so maggie ( a tan corgi puppy ) , louis ( a yellow lab puppy ) , humphrey ( a chocolate lab ) , and cedric ( a orange scottish fold ) are her babies that keep her sane in her big ole home .

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘

as you can tell jalissa is chaotic , impulsive , reactive , and overall just searching for attention . she doesn’t care if the attention she receives is for the wrong reason or not , as long as she’s getting it . despite this she’s a good person ? i promise . she’s very friendly , loves a good joke & having a good time . very fun loving . she’s the type of person to try and bring up everyone else’s mood even when she isn’t feeling 100% herself . she’s loyal to those she deems are loyal to her . sometimes she’s bad a seeing who is actually loyal to her though & will be disloyal to someone who actually has her back ? oops . she’s definitely not the type to sugar coat anything for you , she tells it like it is & refuses to apologize if that hurts your feelings . if you cross her ? i’ll be praying for you . she’s the type to fuck your s/o , tell your boss some wild story about you & dump alcohol over your head at an event all in the matter of a week . don’t get her going , she’s absolutely relentless . with that said she’d very affectionate ... ? you can catch her hugging up on whoever is next to her at all times . touch is her love language , because lord knows she’s no sweetheart . she hates the stereotype of porn stars / internet personalities being ditzy , although she didn’t attend university she was accepted into two ivy leagues based off her academic abilities alone . the girl is intelligent & enjoys having a clever conversation from time to time .

𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

a girl squad or just a squad in general really , give my baby her lil group of people please

her ex boyfriend from when she was seventeen ( he’s mentioned above ) but basically he’s the one who encouraged her to not let her parents make her their puppet , they didn’t approve of him , jalissa fell head over heels for him . they would’ve dated for nearly two years because the sex tape of her cheating on him came out .

the person she cheated on her ex with ? maybe they’re the one who leaked the sex tape ? maybe they never even told jalissa they were recording ?

her best friend that she does the tickets to our downfall podcast with ? these two are literally like twins , just two peas in a pod ( pun intended )

fans of her work ? and im not taking about her youtube channel or podcast

ex hook ups that think she’s crazy ? she probably gave them reason to think so lbr

frenemies give me blair & serena circa season one type of shit

just plain old enemies , they were probably friends at one point or maybe just have always disliked one another ?

smoking buddies were they literally just hot box cars together and munch on taco bell talking about why sound vibrates & shit

someone who isn’t afraid to confess their love for jalissa but her damaged ass refuses to confess her feelings for them ? so it’s just this constant cycle of them having a good time , them being sweet & her just gets weirdly quite & starring at them before she complaining about them going and ruining the vibes

she’s a bad influence on them ? they’re a good influence on her ? ride or dies ? partners in crime ? only friends when there is a substance involved ? sugar baby vibes ? unlikely friends ? flings ? crush ? friends with benefits ? everytime they are around one another its a fight ? someone she lets crash at her place sometimes ? someone she’s backstabbed & maybe they don’t even know she has & they still think she’s a ride or die for them ?

#hilton:intro #❛ 🍑 ── 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑. / INTRO.

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superthiccthighssavelives · 5 years

Text

Oceans

anonymous asked:

could you do one where taron & his wife haven’t been intimate in a while because of their newborn and their getting kind of stressed, so one night he plans a super romantic night with just the 2 of them and it’s sweet and passionate? xx

Ok so, this was now my 2nd fanfic, and usually the kind of topic I am not good at writing, I wanted a challenge, and it took me all day, but I present this to you, anon, I hope this is what you wanted and that you love it! Please let me know. Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to branch out and expand my story palette.

So again, music played a giant part in the overall emotion and tone of this story, I suggest listening to these couple of songs to set the mood:

Oceans - Seafret

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpdXBjwXbMg

Angel - Massive Attack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiK2JlBpzvI

I have a whole playlist, if anyone is interested, anyway, enough babbling! Here we go...Oh, obviously there is sex involved, some sweet nothings and a bit, very small bit of depression and insecurity. Onwards!

I stumbled sleepily down the hall, rubbing the remains of sleep from my eyes. I'm on autopilot now, no thinking or questioning it anymore. If you asked what I've done this month since (baby) was born, I could not tell you. Other than the obvious. I don't know when I've last spoken to my friends, or even my mom. It's been exhausting. Tiredness was now just 75% of my personality. The nightly tasks were routine; change, feed, burp, rock. Like clockwork. Sometimes I fell asleep in the rocking chair to be woken by Taron in the early morning hours. He'd take over and I'd collapse back in our bed. I don't think we've spent too much time together in months. I can't lie and say it's been easy. If we talk, which is rare, it's about the baby. He's just returned from a movie shoot, and while I'm thankful he's home, it doesn't fix the distance between us at the moment. I don't even feel like a person right now. I'm just...here.

I never imagined my life going this way. Don't get me wrong, I was happy, I had a beautiful new baby, a lovely home and an amazing husband, but something was definitely missing lately. We hadn't been out just the two of us in over a year, I don't even remember when the last time we were intimate. Not that I've thought about it much recently, who has the time? I lived in leggings and tops covered in baby spit-up. I didn't bother to do my hair or makeup, I was permanently and officially a mom. I didn't want to complain, nothing was actually wrong. I was, for the most part, as previously mentioned, happy. When Taron was away, we'd facetime or he'd give a quick call before a shoot that day. But it was a bit few and far between. The last trimester of pregnancy made me tired all of the time. I'd go to work in the morning, and come home crashing to bed at 7pm. I missed him, he's here, and I miss him. I wouldn't blame him if he wasn't attracted to me anymore. Look at me. Permanent eye bags, messy hair and post-baby body. I've lost most of the baby weight with all the running around I do, but getting to the gym was out of the question. I barely have time to shower. My insecurities were becoming more prominent.

It was a rare afternoon where the baby was asleep, the house was quiet and we were both home. I sipped my coffee, staring out the window. I'd say I was lost in thought but my mind was blank. I wanted to stop thinking and enjoy a moment to myself. I was startled by Taron's arms encasing me from behind. He kissed the top of my head stating he was going to run some errands. I wanted to be mad, why does he get to go off and do whatever he wants and I have to sit at home alone, taking care of everything? I knew my emotions have been a little, well a lot, heightened lately. I tried to keep them in check, but my mouth tends to run before I think. "Oh, great, yeah go ahead, I'll just sit here and do everything" I felt my face getting hot, and a million awful words running through my head ready to spit out of my mouth. I don't remember the last time we had a fight, it definitely was not a regular occurrence, if it all. I was stressed out, tired and I wanted to feel human again. I was ready for a battle. He stood there looking a bit stunned. "I won't be gone long, I promise" I could tell he was trying to keep the peace. He had this look in his eyes, I couldn't tell if it was pity or guilt. Either way it wasn't making me feel any better. I was starting to see red. My heart began thumping loud, and hard, so hard I could feel it pulsing in my ears. "Well go on then." "Go...do whatever it is that's so important" I felt my eyes begin to water, but I refused to cry. I knew this was coming. He wanted to get away from me. I've failed. His mouth was open, words trying to escape. "Y/N ...I..." "GO!" I was a bit louder than I intended to be and pulled myself back, I was going to wake up the baby. I got up and headed up the stairs.

I broke down a bit, tears flowed a little more now. I somehow ended up in the bathroom on the floor. What was happening? How did everything change so drastically? What could I do to fix this? I stood up, taking a long look in the mirror, which made me want to cry more. I didn't recognize this person. There was a gentle knock on the door, Taron's voice calling my name. "Are you alright love?" I squeezed my eyes shut tight, trying to stop the salty flow of pain coming down. "Y/N?" I opened the door, slowly. I almost couldn't bear to look at him. "I'm fine" I said rather coldly as I walked past him. I didn't want to keep this argument going but my mouth wouldn't shut the fuck up. "Don't you have somewhere to be?" I still couldn't look at him, I knew if I did, I'd melt, and I did not want him to see me looking like this. "I promise, It will be quick, I'll be back before you know and we can have a nice night together later yeah?" "Taron! God, go already, just fucking leave" I knew I was being irrational and probably seemingly insane, but that control to stop didn't exist.

I felt him behind me, rubbing my arm, he placed another kiss on the top of my head. "I'll be quick" He turned and walked out, leaving me a mess.

I let out a heavy sigh and sat on the bed, I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my Gerber banana encrusted sweatshirt. God, I felt awful, why am I like this? I gave myself a minute to get it together before I checked on (baby). She was still fast asleep looking like a tiny angel. She was beautiful and carried so many of Taron's features. I pulled her blanket up to cover her and crept out back downstairs.

I dumped my cold coffee into the sink and just stood there. I didn't know what to do with myself. I was startled by a knock at the door.

Taron's mum was cheerfully grinning, hugging me right away. "Hello dear, I am here for the baby, it's time to share her with the world." I was confused. "What?" "(Baby) needs time with the grandparents, not to worry sweetheart, she will be in good hands, we've been dying to take her for a night" I was still confused, and a bit reluctant. (Baby) was only a few weeks old and I haven't let her out of my sight since we brought her home. She gave me a gentle pat on the arm and a sympathetic smile. "I will collect her things, go have a seat dear" I plopped myself on the sofa, I couldn't tell her no, and as much as I hate to admit it, it would be nice to take a long bubble bath and relax. She appeared again, diaper bag in hand, fully stocked. "I'm going to put her things in the car, I'll be right back for the baby"

It's been an hour since she's left with (baby) and I think I may have fell asleep sitting here. Has it been an hour? Two? I checked the clock, it's been three. I don't know how I fell asleep sitting up, but my neck was aching.

I slowly made my way upstairs to the bathroom to draw myself a bath. I felt so relaxed I thought I might fall asleep again. I could certainly use this time to catch up on a bit of sleep. It was still early in the day, and I was at a loss of what to do.

It's been ages since I was alone. My phone caused me to slightly jump as it went off. There was a text from Taron simply stated "Tonight" "What?" I watched for the 3 dots to appear, but nothing did. "What are you talking about?" Still nothing. I resigned myself and dressed in something the baby hadn't been near, which didn't give me a lot of options. The sound of my phone rattled through the room once more "Get ready" "Taron, what the hell are you on about, get ready for what?" I am once again, confused. "Us" This was frustrating. He stopped responding after my numerous "WTF are you talking about?" texts. I had no idea what I was supposed to "get ready" for. Are we going out? Are we staying in? Is he going to drive me out in the middle of nowhere and murder me? Who knows!

After mulling it over for much too long, I styled my hair, once I remembered how to. I threw on some makeup, giving me some color back in my cheeks and dressed myself in a cute floral sundress, I almost felt like 'me' again.

I sat at the table again, looking out to the perfectly blue sky, feeling a small sense of excitement for the first time in quite awhile. "Come outside" I grabbed my denim jacket and wondered what awaited me when I got there. Taron was in the car motioning for me to get in. I climbed in and felt a twinge of nervousness, we hadn't been alone together in so long. "You look lovely" He smiled so heartily, it made my heart flutter. I was struck with butterflies dancing around my belly. He encased my hand in his and brought it to his lips, giving it a sweet kiss. "Where are we going?" He smiled again, not answering. I rolled my eyes, knowing at this point, he wasn't going to tell me anything. It was really cute though. He looked so happy and excited. I couldn't help but smile, and feel a hard lump of guilt inside of me.

Honestly, it didn't matter where we went, as long as we got this time together. He was my favorite person in the entire world and I had almost forgotten that. Time tends to rip you apart in places if you let it.

We ended up somewhere in the countryside. It was absolutely breathtaking. Taron led me out of the car and held my hand as we walked. He carried a basket in his other. It was quiet for a moment, I was unsure of what to say. I felt terrible for how I was behaving earlier but I didn't want to bring it up and potentially ruin what we were about to have. We made our way up a large lush hill, resting at the peak for a moment before heading down to a secluded beach. Taron laid out a blanket and unpacked a picnic lunch. It was still rather quiet between us

"This is amazing" I felt overwhelmed with guilt and sadness. He had left earlier to put this together and all I did was give him a hard time. I felt a bit emotional again and tried my hardest not to let my tears push through. He took my hand again, gently tugging me toward him where he placed the sweetest kiss on my lips. My head was swimming, the smallest touch of his lips gave me life. I'd forgotten what this felt like. It took me a moment to open my eyes to see his gorgeous face smiling back at me. "I miss you, Taron, I am so..." He cut me off. "Let's have some food then, shall we" I wanted to apologize and tell him how much he and all of this meant to me, how much I loved and appreciated him, but instead I shoved a triangle shaped sandwich slice into my mouth. The waves were crashing causing gentle chaos around us. There was a slight warm breeze blowing through our hair, it was so perfect. We sat finishing our food, just taking in the beauty around us. Taron stood up, reaching down for my hand. "Let's take a walk"

We strolled down the beach, the sky glowing golden and spectacularly changing to pink and orange and purple as the sun was setting. We remained quiet, just enjoying being by each other's side. "Can we stop please?" I looked at Taron, I needed to say something, it was eating away at me. He quietly nodded, looking at me with a bit of worry on his face. "Thank you, this has been wonderful, I know things have been...off, but I wanted to tell you how sorry..." He put his finger to my lips. "I know" "Let's not worry about that, let's enjoy our time"

I agreed, but still feeling somewhat melancholy. We were frozen, staring out into the vast ocean. I wanted to hold on to him forever. He was my home. I leaned into him, my head falling to his shoulder, our hands still entwined. He squeezed my hand tightly and tugged me back towards our picnic. He quickly packed up and we began our trek back to the car.

I was hoping this night wasn't over yet, and we'd get more time together. Taron had a new movie shoot coming up and he was leaving in a week. The night was looming, the sky fading into greys and navy blue darkness. Taron drove for a bit, and finally reaching a destination that lead us to a car park downtown. He lead me to an elevator, I had no idea where we were but I trusted it would be wonderful. The doors opened up to a hotel lobby, with marble floors and extravagant furnishings. He checked us in and again, back into an elevator, making our way to a room. The room was small but cozy, the bed took up a good portion of it, which was easily the most comfortable bed I had ever been in, in my life. I sank right in, the mattress curving to encase my body in pillowy contentment. I felt sleep creeping up and quickly sat upright, I was not wasting this night with my eyes closed, at least, not in that way. Taron excused himself for a moment and I took to the window to check out the view, it was a dazzling display of lights making the city look like it was shimmering.

A moment later he was back at my side, with another gentle kiss on my cheek. "You don't have to do all this, I am just so happy to be with you, alone" He turned me to face him. "Sweetheart, I know it's been difficult these past few months, but I want to have this, I want you to have this" "It's been increasingly harder to be without you and now with (baby) I can't bear to be away so much" His eyes bored into mine, searching, his hands reaching up to rest on either side of my face. "Look how beautiful you are, I can't believe how lucky I am to have you" "Are you kidding? I think you have that backwards, I'm the lucky one...and I'm sorry, I know you haven't been attracted to me lately, and I don't..." "Stop, Y/N, you are just as beautiful to me as ever, you're incredible, how can you think that?" "I...we haven't...I mean, look at..." I gestured vaguely at myself He shook his head, "You are absolutely mad!" "You. You are gorgeous, everything about you makes me wild, please believe that, I am completely enamored by you." I watched his lips as he spoke, craving them on my own. "Look at me Y/N" "You, are, everything" He took small pauses between words to emphasize their meaning.

My eyes were glued to his, the intensity in his stare giving me goosebumps. "Taron" I don't even know if it came out of my mouth loud enough for him to hear, my voice was cracking. I said it once more, whispering.

His lips were on mine in an instant, I felt the crave in his kisses. I wanted it just as much. Our mouths moved in a sweet rhythym, never getting enough. Our breaths became heavier, with want and intention. I pulled back, just long enough for him to miss my lips near his, making him lunge toward them again. I made this a game, the tension growing stronger. His mouth hastily found its way to my neck, languidly moving to the most the spot near my ear where he knew it drove me crazy. His tongue peeked out, licking the soft, sensitive skin there. His breath was hot and full of need whispering in my ear, drawing out my name.

I let out a small moan, my head falling back to give him full access. His hands moved up my body reaching my waist, squeezing me tight. I tore off my jacket and wrapped my arms around to caress the back of his neck, my fingers kneading up and through his hair. It's been so long since we've touched like this, it felt new but so familiar. He released his lips from my skin, leaving me desperate for his contact again.

In an instant my legs were around his waist as he picked me up. I felt the cool wall on my back and Taron's hands holding me up under my dress. His body pressed into me firmly, once again his eyes searching mine. "Y/N" was all he could say before his lips came back to mine. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest, the feeling was so much more intense than I had imagined. It was like the first time.

I slid slowly down as he let me go. He reached for the zipper in the back of my dress and watched as it fell to the floor. I felt a bit exposed, as I had not felt confident about my body since the baby, but that feeling was quickly forgotten when he dropped to knees to kiss my stomach. I ran my fingers through his hair once again, pulling him closer. His hands caressed my hips, reaching further back, running his palms over my ass. He looked up at me, his eyes so full of lust and passion, it made me shake.

"You are absolutely fucking amazing"

I wanted to freeze this moment, and live in it forever. I had never felt such intense love like this before. I couldn't believe I had it now, with him.

He watched his hands move over my body with incredible attention, slowly, taking in everything. My head fell back against the wall, never wanting this feeling to end. I felt his lips on my thigh and fingers so so slowly and softly tracing the lace detail of my panties. I shivered when his tongue moved from my thigh to my most sensitive spot, eliciting a quiet, breathy show of pleasure. The feeling was so heightened I thought I might explode. His mouth felt like heaven as it licked, nibbled and sucked until I was ready to fall apart.

He sensed I was close and was quickly up again to place me on the bed. He undressed, his eyes never leaving mine. He crawled slowly toward me, a look in his eyes I can't explain. His eyes trailed my body, his hands following, removing what was left clinging to my body. I heard him whisper "Gorgeous" before his lips met my breasts. His body was pushing me down, his mouth giving me the sweetest bliss. I felt his hand grip my thigh, bringing it up to meet his waist and hook around his back, his fingertips gracefully moved up it, leaving goosebumps.

I was most definitely ready to bust. I grabbed him to bring his face back to mine and allow me to show my gratitude. I nudged him to roll over so I could reciprocate and show him how good he made me feel. I wanted him to experience it too. I kissed his lips, then moved them to his forehead, gently placing the most softest quiet kisses on his cheeks, his nose, his jaw. I drank him in, this perfection below me. His hands never left me, his breath hitching when my lips met his neck. I couldn't help but let out another moan, enjoying the feel of him against me.

My tongue was eager, ready to please. I left a trail of wet kisses down his chest and stomach and finally to where I know he wanted it the most. I took all of him in, hoping I was giving him as much gratification as he had given me. I was drunk with want, enjoying every moan and staggered breath that was released from his lips. I moved back up, placing myself close to where we were about to join. His hand reached up, caressing my cheek, with that look in his eyes again. I felt his hand move down between us to feel what he had done to me. I was ready.

We both let out an exclamation of intense pleasure as I felt him slide slowly inside me. My head rolled back, wanting more. He gripped my hips, moving me how he wanted me but not letting me go as fast as I had craved. It was excruciating, I wanted to cry. It felt amazing, and dizzying, I just wanted him. He quickly flipped us and covered me with his firm and heavy warm body. HIs lips made their way back to me, his tongue tasting mine and then moving down again to my neck. I felt his teeth grip the delicate skin as he moved in and out of me. The tempo picked up slightly, the air getting heavier. To hear my name coming from his sweet soft lips in an all-consuming display of revelry made me even more turned on than I've ever been.

It was even hotter when he whispered "Fuck, baby, you feel so fucking incredible" while bringing his hips farther down to meet mine. I couldn't control myself any longer, I dug my nails into back while my head flung back, thrusting upwards to feel the increasing momentum. I couldn't stop saying his name, over and over, until my voice turned into quiet whimpers begging him not to stop. Watching him over me, his face dressed in ecstacy, was the most beautiful and amazing thing I would ever see.

Our pace slowed, neither of us wanting it to end. Our lips met again, a slow cadence of breaths expelled into one another. The pressure was rising, I could feel the heat creeping, my body tingling like I was being set on fire in the most delectible way. "Y/N, look at me" I could hardly open my eyes, the feeling was so amazingly intense. His eyes gazed down at me, feeling like he was staring into my soul, I trembled. Our bodies were in perfect rhythym, our eyes only fixed on one anothers, the burning grew, and I was ready to come undone.

It felt like time stood still, all I saw was him, his eyes, his lips saying "I love you", the pressure became too much, I shattered. I let out a gutteral whimper as I reached the apex of this moment. Taron gripped my hips and gave one last fervent thrust. I had never heard such sweet music from his lips as when he let himself go and gave into the moment. He fell to my side, out of breath, smiling. "I've missed you" I couldn't help but smile back, turning to him to caress his face. "I love you, I'm sorry" "Shush, come here" He enveloped me into his arms, planting tiny sticky kisses on my lips. "I feel like I could sleep forever now" my words trailing lazily as I drifted off. Taron settled into my side, giving me one last squeeze before sleep took him over.

#taron egerton imagine #taron x reader #taron egerton x reader #taron egerton oneshot #taron x you #fanfic #for anon #smut

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midnightsnyx · 5 years

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The Trouble With Faking It - Chapter 17

the trouble with faking it masterpost

my masterlist

*note: I know very little about adoption and the process - I know that it can take years but for the sake of this story, things moved quickly and I skipped over all the detailed stuff and jumped into July!*

also, i know its been a minute but between work, a broken laptop & writers block i didn’t get any writing done.

hope you like it!

Chapter 17: don’t give up on me

“she needed a hero - so that’s what she became.”

July 20th

Something I have come to understand is that life is unpredictable and planning anything is a waste of time because it’s not going to go the way you want it to. When I decided to look into adopting Clara, I thought it would be a long grueling process but somehow it only took a couple months for me to be able to have her stay with me. There is still paperwork and a few thing to work out but for the past few weeks, Clara and I have been staying at Tyler’s.

And it has been Hell.

I babysat kids from the time I was old enough until I no longer needed the extra cash but it turns out that having you own kid, and not being able to pull the “if you do not behave, I’ll tell your parents” card, it made things very difficult.

Because I was the parent. She listened to Tyler most of the time, but there was something about me that made her think she didn’t have to listen to anything I said.

“You know, you’re not my mom. Even if you gave birth to me.” Clara snaps one night after I tell her it’s bedtime.

It’s a constant cycle every day when I tell her it’s time to do something like go to bed, or get ready for the day and she pulls the same card. You’re not my mom, or why do you think you can tell me what to do. It’s like arguing with a toddler.

I sigh and open my mouth to say something, anything, to try and calm her down but as usual, Tyler beats me to it.

“Why don’t you pick out a book and we can read it together, kiddo?” He offers and she looks like she’s going to fight him on it but nods instead.

I watch her turn around and walk towards her room. When she’s out of sight, I look at Tyler who’s frowning.

“You’ve just got to give her some time, babe.”

“She hates me, Tyler. Time isn’t going to fix that.”

He sighs. “She doesn’t hate you.”

“Easy for you to say! She thinks you walk on water!” I snap.

“Daisy, you left her-”

I open my mouth to object but he cuts me off.

“You left her, because it was the right thing to do. You know that, I know that, and someday, she will understand. But you can’t force her to accept that until she’s ready to.”

I take a minute to let his words sink in and sigh when I realize he’s right.

“Have you been reading child rearing books?” I ask him and he smiles.

“Guilty.”

Both our heads turn when we hear Clara yell out to Tyler from the top of the stairs.

“Tyler! I chose a book! Can Cash and Marshall come read with us too?”

I smile at Tyler when he looks at me but it doesn’t quite reach my eyes. He offers me what seems like a reassuring look and heads towards the stairs. I hear Clara babbling to him about the story she chose which is about a princess who has to rescue a prince and I realize it’s one of the books my father gave me when I was Clara’s age.

I haven’t heard the story in ages so I creep upstairs and stand outside Clara’s room to hear her read it.

“Why does this say ‘to Daisy, love dad’?” Clara asks Tyler. “Did this book belong to my mom?”

Tyler’s voice cracks the slightest when he answers her and I don’t know if it’s because she just called me mom or because he’s thinking about my dad now. “Yeah, he gave it to her when she was around your age I think.”

“Where is he now? Why haven’t I met him?”

Tyler doesn’t reply right away because I know he’s struggling whether this is his place to tell her but when she prompts him again, he sighs.

“He went away. But I’m sure he would have liked you.”

She quiet for a moment. “You mean he died. When people say somebody went away, they mean that the person died.”

“Yeah,” Tyler tells her. “He died.”

“Is that why she’s always so sad?” Clara whispers so quietly I almost don’t catch it.

“What do you mean?” Tyler asks, sounding confused and I don’t blame him. Why does she think I’m sad?

“Never mind.” Clara says quickly and he doesn’t push her because what we’ve both learned, when we push Clara to share how she’s feeling, she retreats into a corner and we end up back at square one.

When I hear Clara start to read the book, I slide down on the floor and listen to them read the story my father read to me so many times growing up. He would tell me that I should always be my own hero and to never let somebody else stand in the way when I set my heart to something.

It reminds me again how little I really knew about my father. I had always painted him out to be this big monster in my story. The big bad man who tore my family to pieces and left me to clean up the mess but deep down he was a tortured man who was battling demons that none of us will ever understand and I don’t think I want to.

Tyler finds me sitting outside on the porch swing a little later. He points at the piece of paper I’m holding.

“My dad’s letter.” I say quietly and Tyler only nods in understanding, sitting next to me.

I re-read it a couple times before folding it up and stuffing it in my sweater pocket.

“Every time I think I understand why he did it, I realize how wrong I am.” I whisper. “At first, I thought he did it because he wasn’t happy with how things were going. Then I thought he did it out of guilt. This time I think he did it because he thought things would be better for us.” I shake my head and look at Tyler. “What kind of father does that?”

“I don’t know.” He says softly. “We’ll never know but it’s just something you have to learn to live with.”

“Yeah.” I whisper. “I guess so.”

July 24th

“I’d like to come meet her.” My mom says.

“I want you to meet her too, I just don’t think it’s a good time.” I tell her. Who knows what kind of reaction Clara would have?

“She’s been staying with you for a month now.”

A month from Hell.

“I know, I just need more time. Okay?”

I can tell she’s not pleased by my answer but she respects it. We chat a little longer before she has to go. With promises to invite her to visit soon or bring Clara to Montreal (very unlikely), I say bye and end the call.

I don’t notice Clara until she speaks.

“Who was that?” She asks quietly and I nearly jump out of my skin.

Her face turns red when she sees that she startled me but doesn’t leave. I consider it a win.

“It was my mom.” I tell her, watching as she takes a few steps towards the couch. She gauging my reaction when she curls up next to Cash, purposely emphasizing when he feet touch the cushions and I get the feeling she wasn’t allowed to do it at her previous foster homes.

I make sure to have no reaction and she seems satisfied.

“What were you talking to her about?” She questions.

“She was telling me how everybody else is doing and catching me up on what’s new.”

“Who?”

“My grandparents and brothers.”

She purses her lips like she is trying to decide whether to continue this conversation. When she speaks again, I hide a smile because this is probably the longest conversation we’ve had without her getting mad and storming off.

“Will I meet them?”

I’m surprised by her question. “If you want to, sure.”

She nods like this is a good enough answer. When the front door opens, I turn to look, expecting it to be Tyler but I’m surprised to see Jackie.

I quickly stand up and walk towards her, accepting a hug from her and preparing myself for the reaction we might get from Clara.

“How are you doing, honey?” Jackie asks me, making her way towards the kitchen still not noticing Clara sitting on the couch. All the dogs but Cash have run towards her begging for attention.

“Not bad.” I tell her, risking a glance at Clara who’s staring at Jackie wide-eyed and surprised. “I didn’t know you were visiting.” I say, trying not to sound rude since this isn’t even my house.

“Well, you know how busy I have been and it’s been awhile since Tyler has visited so - oh.” She stops mid-sentence, finally noticing Clara sitting on the couch. It takes her a minute before it clicks in who she is. “Oh.”

“This is Clara.” I tell her, looking at the little girl from the corner of my eye who looks ready to bolt.

Jackie’s eyes dart to mine and she nods in understanding when I shake my head slightly. She stays where she is and sends Clara a small smile.

“I’m Jackie.” She tells Clara softly and before Clara can answer, the front door opens again and I hear Tyler before I see him.

“Babe, who’s rental is that? Please tell me it’s not my mom, I told you to give me a heads up before - oh.”

He cringes when he sees Jackie and I feel no sympathy for him. This is going to be great.

I prepare to listen to Jackie yell at Tyler but before she can, Clara hops off the couch and runs to Tyler.

“Tyler!”

He catches her before she runs into him. “Hey kiddo.”

“Who’s the lady?” She whispers quietly but I can hear her.

“She’s my mom.” He says and Clara’s eyebrows raise.

“Oh.”

I grin, “Anyone want lemonade?”

I’m sitting on the edge of the pool with my feet in the water when Clara sits next to me.

“Tyler is in trouble.” She snickers, sitting next to me.

“He is, huh?”

She looks at me curiously. “Is Jackie nice?”

I smile. “The nicest.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

She’s quiet for a couple minutes, splashing her feet in the water. Some of it flicks up on me but I don’t complain because this is the happiest I’ve seen her since she came here.

“Can we go to the movies tomorrow?” She asks hesitantly and I try not to think about how long it’s taken her to work up the courage to ask me.

But I don’t hesitate to answer. “Of course. Do you have a movie in mind?” I ask and her face lights up.

Later that night after everybody is gone to bed, Tyler and I lay on the grass outside. It’s quiet and we haven’t spoken in almost fifteen minutes when he breaks the silence.

“What do you think would happen if we never met?”

I laugh softly but shrug. “My life would probably have been a little less complicated.”

Tyler laughs but I can tell he’s a little hurt so I nudge him until he looks at me.

“But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

#tyler seguin imagines #tyler seguin fanfic #tyler seguin fanfiction #the trouble with faking it #my imagines #dallas stars fanfiction #nhl fanfiction

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leo-lucid · 4 years

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Chapter 12: The Werewolf

My next date that was listed on the schedule was with Beowulf. I wondered what the date was going to consist of since I didn’t really know his personality well except what was on the surface. With Cassi and Danton, I could at least guess what was going to happen. Cassi did outright admit his date plans. The reading date with Danton was agreed on beforehand as well. However, I haven’t spoken to Beo since the levitation accident.

Without much knowledge as to what we would be doing, I dressed in something nice yet comfortable. A lilac sweater dress with black leggings should be nice enough for any kind of date, right?

I eventually heard a knock on the door and I took a deep breath. An equally nice yet kind of casually dressed Beo beamed at me once I opened the door, his tail wagging with joy. He wore jeans and a white button down, a green baseball style jacket over his shoulder. His usually shaggy hair was fixed to be nice and neat as well.

He gave an exaggerated bow and held out his hand for me to take. “Hello, Anise! Are you ready for our first date?”

I gave a small smile back and hesitantly took his hand. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Am I dressed appropriately for our date?”

He looked back up at me with those dark green eyes of his and paid me a compliment. “Yeah, and you look lovely too. I planned to just have a simple stroll with you to the park in town. It’s a bit of a ways, but I don’t mind carrying you if I have to. So, what do you think?”

“I think that sounds nice. It is a bit chilly outside though. Let me grab my jacket and then-”

Before I could finish my sentence, Beo took off the jacket that hung on his shoulder and put it around my own shoulders. I noticed a faint pink creep along his cheeks as he did this, the smile he had just making the blush more noticable. “Here. You can have my jacket for the day. I’m usually pretty warm, so I won’t need it.”

I felt my own cheeks grow a little warm and I pulled the jacket closer around me. A short laugh escaped from my lips as I replied. “Don’t you think this gesture is a little early into the date?”

“Is it? I’ve never been on a date before, but I’ve seen romance movies. The guy is always supposed to give his girl his jacket if she gets cold. Does it matter when exactly that happens?”

I blushed even harder as he said “his girl,” implying that I was already his. It was true that I was supposed to be his girl for however long the date would last, but it made me feel weird thinking about it. It was the fuzzy kind of weird feeling. “I-I suppose it doesn’t. Sh-Shall we get going then?”

Beo began to wag his tail once again and he took my hand back in his. “Yeah! Let’s go!”

His hand was big and warm, filling me with more of that fuzzy feeling. I followed him out of my room and out of the house, nearing the dirt road that led to the town. While we walked hand in hand, I began to think about some questions to ask Beo to get to know him better. “So, Beo. how well did you know my grandparents?”

“Oh, Rosemary and Joel? I watched her practice magic and I watched movies with Joel. I would also escort Rosemary into the town whenever she needed something. I would say that I knew them pretty well, but not as well as I would’ve liked. They taught me some pretty good life lessons while I helped them with some basic chores around the house too. Always be kind, show respect, and take some time to appreciate the beauty around me. I tend to think and move pretty fast unless I’m seriously focused on something, so that last piece of advice is hard for me to follow sometimes.” He explained to me.

Once again, I was surprised at how much of an impact my grandparents seemed to have on everyone. It was nice to know that my grandmother had a companion to walk her into town other than my grandfather. Beo seemed to be a good boy. “I see. Thank you for telling me this.”

“What about you, Anise? Did they tell you anything valuable?” Beo inquired, his head tilting along with his wolf ears. It was actually really cute how they tilted. It made me want to pet his head.

“Well, I learned a lot about magic and my family tree from my grandmother. Meanwhile, my grandfather taught me more natural magic such as garden-keeping and cooking. I also remember watching some documentaries with him when I was younger. As for advice, I was taught the same things you did. Treat others the way you want to be treated, learn to stop and smell the roses every once in a while, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.” I answered thoughtfully. Beo looked at me with amazement, his eyes sparkling like I just told him an impressive secret.

“Wow, it sounds like you were close with your grandparents.”

I then gave a sad smile. “Not as much as I would’ve liked to be. I wish I got to know them better, especially near the end of their years.”

“Speaking about the end of their years, I am curious about something. They both passed away at the same time. Was it just a coincidence that it happened? Or was there some sort of magic involved? I may not be that smart, but I did notice the timing of their passings. And I don’t think it’s common for couples to pass away at the same time together.” He suddenly asked.

I wasn’t too surprised by his question. Beo seemed like the type to ask any question he was curious about without hesitation. It was in his nature to be curious. That much I have gathered from our encounters. I also gathered that losing my grandparents was somewhat like losing his masters for him. Of course he would notice the timing. “When a powerful witch falls in love and marries someone, then their souls become connected. To a certain extent, they can feel what the other is feeling at all times. When one of them passes away, then the other will as well within the same time. It’s a natural spell and bond that occurs that we call ‘Eternal Soulmates’ which every powerful witch can experience. My mothers are under this spell.”

“That actually sounds kind of nice. Both of the souls don’t have to experience heartache in the end and they pass on together. Will you be under that spell as well once you find your soulmate?” Beo continued to ask.

I nodded. “Someday, yes. I come from a family of powerful witches and I would say that I hold quite a bit of power to be influenced by the natural spell as well. That is, if I ever find my soulmate.”

“You could always marry me if you don’t find one.” He beamed, obviously not thinking much about it at first. I grew a little wide-eyed and blushed at his offer.

“Y-Yeah. Thank you, Beo. . .”

“No problem! I like you a lot, Anise. I want to be someone you can count on. If you’ll have me, of course.” He revealed quite casually. I took his offer to be friendly above romantic though. Beo seemed a little naive, naive enough to not know that his words may be taken in a romantic way. It did make my heart flutter a bit, but I was pretty sure that that wasn’t his goal.

I gave a shy smile as well as a nod. “Right. Thank you again, Beo. I really do appreciate the offer. I’ll be sure to come to you whenever I need your help.”

We continued to walk, getting to know each other. Beo was actually quite funny and easy to talk to. His curious nature was contagious, allowing me to feel free to ask any question I felt like. Eventually we entered the town and walked along the sidewalk leading to the park. There were a few people on the street, enjoying their day strolling around just like we were. Before being noticed by anyone, Beo reached behind him and pulled a hat off of one of his belt loops, something I didn’t notice until now. He then put it on his head to cover his wolf ears.

Soon enough, we approached a small park surrounded by maple trees that displayed the most vivid fall colors I’ve ever seen. Reds, yellows, and oranges graced their large leaves, some falling silently to the ground. My breath was absolutely taken away. I always loved the fall foliage. Beo was just as taken by the scene from the way he stared up at the branches.

“Beautiful, isn’t it? Makes me wanna rake up all the leaves that fall and jump in the pile though.” He laughed, squeezing my hand in the process. I gave a little giggle of my own as we continued to walk under the branches.

“Hey, Beo? I have another question. How did you get cursed to stay in this town?” I finally asked. He held his chin with his free hand as he tried to remember.

“I remember encountering a woman when I was pretty young. I would say that I was ten at the time. I wandered into this town. I didn’t have any parents or guardians at the time. I had to hide in alleys and steal food from the garbage. That’s just how it was. One day, I ended up at a diner and saw this woman order a large amount of food. I was hungry and I figured that one sandwich out of everything she ordered wouldn’t hurt. As long as I was faster than her, I wouldn’t be caught. That’s what I thought anyways.”

“I was caught immediately. I would have never guessed that the old lady could be so fast. She called me a thieving poor puppy and said I needed to be punished. I then felt like there was a chain around my waste. Not fastened to anything in particular, but it weighed me down to this town. The feeling is still present. I never tried to leave the town. I just know that I can’t. The woman also explained to me how I could never leave. That was when she turned me into a werewolf too.”

“After wandering around some more, I came across your grandmother who took me in. I’ve lived in that house with her and Joel for ten years now. They saved me from being stuck on the streets. I owed them my life.”

I listened carefully to his story, wondering once again if this was the same woman that cursed Danton and Cassius. It was also surprising how long he’s been with my grandparents. How did my grandparents manage to keep him a secret from me all this time? He was only a year older than me after all.

“I remember visiting the house a few times after I turned nine. Where were you hiding within the house? And did you know about me back then?” I continued to question.

He gave me another toothy grin along with a nod. “Of course! I was instructed to hide in the attic at the time with Danton, but I could hear you play and interact with your grandparents. It sounded like so much fun, but I wasn’t allowed to meet you yet. To this day, I don’t know why. But I knew you somewhat.”

I took this information in, unsure of what to do with it. Why did my grandparents hide all the monsters from me? That was something I would probably never get the answer to.

A hand suddenly landed on my head to begin to pet me. I looked up at Beowulf to see a comforting smile and soft eyes. “Hey, as long as we know each other now, right? While I would’ve been nice to see you back then, I’m just happy that I can see you now. Do you feel the same way?”

That familiar heat came over my cheeks as he continued to pet my head. A few onlookers smiled and whispered, no doubt gossiping about us being a cute couple or something like that. That was what I thought at least. “Y-Yes. I-I’m happy that I know you, Beo.”

Our date continued on, walking through the park, admiring the leaves, and talking. I learned that Beo’s favorite color was green, his favorite food was steak, he liked to go on morning runs, but also deeper things like how he’s been an orphan since he was four and he ran away from home when he was eight. Despite the darker past, Beo was bright and cheerful as ever, his tail wagging so hard to the point where he adjusted himself to sit on it.

Before we knew it, the sunset came. Sitting on a park bench, holding hands with him, it made me feel fuzzy again. The way the orange sunset contrasted against the orange leaves in the trees made for a brilliant end to the date. As I looked forward, I commented on the scene before us. “It’s really like something out of a painting. Beautiful.”

“Yeah. Beautiful. . .” Beo repeated. However, I felt his eyes trained on my instead of the sunset. I turned my head and met his gaze, the heat on my cheeks growing for what I hoped was the final time for the day.

“Anise, I think I finally get what Rosemary meant when she told me to stop and appreciate the beauty around me. I don’t think she was talking about nature specifically. I think she was talking about you.” He admitted, pink falling over his own face.

Instinctively, I turned my eyes away from him to try to hide my blushing face behind my hair. Now, I wasn’t sure if he meant things in a friendly way or in a romantic way. A hand came under my chin and guided me to look back up at him. Slowly, he began to lean forward.

My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest. Was this really going to be my first kiss? I shut my eyes tight as he continued to lean forward. A soft pair of lips touched my forehead gently before pulling away. Now I felt a bit foolish, but also relieved that he didn’t take my first kiss. Not that I didn’t want to kiss him, but because it wouldn’t feel right with all the other dates I have to go on. I couldn’t even say that I loved him yet.

“I could sense your hesitance, Anise. It’s okay. I’ll only kiss you on the lips when you ask me to. I meant what I said earlier too. I really do like you. I wouldn’t mind it if we became soulmates one day. I would actually really like it if we had a strong bond like ‘Eternal Soulmates.’” He promised.

My heart skipped a beat when he confessed this. Just the way the sunlight fell across his features paired with the way he looked at me made him seem less like a cute puppy and more like a handsome man. I gave him a soft smile, squeezed his hand, and got up from the bench. “Thank you, Beo. For being patient and taking me on this wonderful date. Shall we go home now?”

“Yeah, let’s go back before it gets too dark.”

We walked back home, the stars and moon just emerging by the time we reached the front door. Before heading inside, Beo took off his hat and leaned down a bit. “You know, I could use a little pet if that’s okay with you?”

I couldn’t help but giggle at how cute he was at that moment. My hand extended out and gave him a pet between his ears, his hair still soft and fluffy despite being styled with hair product. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he sensed that I wanted to pet his hair earlier. Once I had my fill, I took off his jacket to hand back to him. He gingerly took it from me. His own hand then reached out to pet my own head.

“This was a wonderful date, Anise! Good job! I think I’m going to take one last stroll around the house before heading inside. See you later!” He finally said goodbye before putting on his jacket, leaving me to take his stroll. Of course a werewolf like him wanted to go for another walk.

I headed inside and sighed, happy to have gone on another successful date. From the kitchen I could smell a stew being made for dinner. After composing myself, I headed towards the dining room to enjoy a warm meal. ________________________________________________________________ Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11

#writing #novel #romance #writblr #reverse harem

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writeaday · 5 years

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10 Years Ago but Probably More, Has It Been That Long?

I read a while ago about this concept called the collective unconsciousness. As did I. But I did not. To explain, the idea was that if you thought about someone, they were most likely thinking of yourself too and that’s why we might just randomly think of a person. There was some scientific evidence but that’s not as important. What’s important was we all thought back to moments 10 years ago, maybe more, maybe less, and we thought whether we were doing ok. We thought about that incident as we’re sure we’ve thought about it as well and we wondered if we felt the same way as we did back then and could we talk to ourselves? Would it be alright if we did? Just asked how we’re doing, if we’re ok? Can we catch up? And that we’re sorry.

We know we’re sorry too and we thank ourselves but mostly we’re sorry too.

Do we all feel the same? We hope we all feel the same way because we’d like to say we’re sorry.

This morning, yesterday, last week we saw the same picture on facebook, uploaded by my mom, Rosie’s mom, my sister had uploaded of a picture from 10 years ago of a vacation but my mom, I wasn’t there because I just... couldn’t. Has it been only been 10 years? We think it’s more. That’s quite a long time ago.

At the end of 10 years, we suddenly find ourselves regretful. We wish those feelings had surfaced when we were younger. But we’ve moved on. We’ve moved on and yet we’re still regretful. It makes it not such a bad feeling and we hope you can forgive us.

When I was younger I really couldn’t stand seeing you enjoy yourself when you had such shitty grades. You were smart too, but boy, did you spend so much of your time being such an idiot and a child. Granted, we were literally children at the time but still. You sure were childish.

Can you blame your mom for liking me more than you? Or our grandparents?

I thought that often and even though I grew up and changed my opinion and became a more mature person, I still never really apologized.

I keep hearing through the grapevine, from this aunt and that aunt, that you keep having money trouble. Are you? Or are you just doing what you want? I can’t tell from what our aunts say.

I feel like I shouldn’t worry. It might be condescending. But I asked around for your number anyways. I thought our grandparents would have it, but they didn’t, which surprised me. I had to ask all the way to your mom. Your mom was friendly on the phone. After all, she always liked me a little more than she liked you. When we finally got to the topic of you, she clammed up. The conversation quickly ended after that.

I wonder how your mom’s doing? I wonder how Josh is doing too. Do you wonder about them, too, since it seems like it’s been a while since you all have talked?

I wonder how much you’ve changed. I thought all this as I listened to the phone ring before the voicemail message interrupted. I couldn’t hear any of your voice in the message, just the automated recitation of your phone number. God, I hope this is your number.

I tried again the next day, trying to get back into mindset I was in the day before, hoping I can remember all the conversation topics I wanted to bring up with you. Once again, the automated message interrupted.

Yet another day passed, yet another call. I realized you might have thought I was spam and blocked me, so I left a message this time.

I gave you a couple days before I tried calling again. I steeled myself to listen to your voicemail message again but you interrupted this time.

“...Hello?” I laughed internally, you sounded so worried.

“I’m not an automated ad in Chinese, I swear.”

“...What?”

“I’m sorry. It’s hard to make jokes when you haven’t really spoken to someone in years, huh? Your rhythms just get off sync.”

“Um. Who is this?”

“It’s Rosie.”

“Oh my god, Rosie?! Wow, dude, it’s been so long!” I calculated quickly how old you were and comparing it to the fact you still said, “Dude.” But you were so genuine, I’m glad I persisted in calling you.

“Yes, it has. How have you been?”

“Ah. Well. I dunno. Good, I guess.” I waited for more details but that you had given enough information. It left me lonely, thinking this was how you probably spoke to your mother as well these days.

“I’ve been well as well.”

“Ah, OK, cool. That’s good. Uh. What’ve you been up to?”

“Oh, you know. Just working.” Was it mean to be as cold as you were? But I couldn’t help it. I also did not call to talk about myself.

“That’s good then.” I could picture you were your hand on your head. Am I wasting your time? I’m sorry.

“How about you? I keep hearing from Tiya Diwata and Tiya Benilda you’re having money trouble. Always. Their words.”

“Mannnn, what the fuckkkk, are you serious? Can’t they mind their own fucking business, I swear.”

I laughed as I felt you easing into our conversation. “So? Are you?”

“Noooo. I mean, I do but it’s not, like, always. It’s not like I’m asking them for money or my mom for money. But also who doesn’t? God. I’m fine.”

I snorted in laughter slightly. “Hey. So the reason I called.”

“Yeah?” I hear you bracing for impact from my word choice.

“I just wanted to apologize for when we were kids.”

“Huh?” I can almost hear your shoulders relaxing.

“I really looked down on you when we were kids. And I. Just wanted to apologize for being so condescending. So. I’m sorry.”

“Oh my god, what? It’s fine! I mean, you didn’t look down on me anymore when we were teens, right?”

“No, not at all.”

“So it’s fine! We were just kids. I knew, anyways!”

I feel embarrassed. “I know but, I don’t know. I just felt like I should apologize. It’s just something I keep thinking about even all these years. It keeps me up and makes me embarrassed. I keep thinking about it and it was really unfair of me.”

“Oh my god, you’re being so crazy, we were literal kids! But thank you, man.” I could feel a smile on the line and I smiled back.

“Do you remember that time you were playing with our other younger cousins pretending to be Pokemon? And I was trying to read? I thought you were being so immature and I just need to apologize for that specific incident.”

“ROSIE, YOU’RE SO WEIRD.” I hear you laugh aloud and I keep trying to make you laugh until our phone call ends.

I didn’t get to ask you all the questions I had prepared to sate my curiosity but it was good to know you are alright. That you laugh and curse and say speak the way I remember you. I hope I can get my questions answered on our next phone call.

---------------- (I don’t remember how I put in that page break...)

I recognized the area code as one our family would have, since we all lived in the same area. It was probably one of our grandparents, again, and the conversation was ALWAYS awkward. We never had anything to talk about, they didn’t really raise me, I do NOT want to talk to them. It is fucking boring.

Oh god, what if it’s our Tiya Diwata again? I can hear her asking if I’m married and talking about how HER kid is married. I don’t give a FUCK! SHUT UP. I haven’t heard from her in years, anyways, and I like it like that. So why do they keep trying to contact me?

I put the phone face down. If I hit ignore, she’d definitely know and then she’d tell the whole family how I purposefully ignored her. I’ll just pretend I was asleep when I got the call. Or better yet I can actually fall asleep and that would make me not a liar.

The next day Tiya called again. What the heck, was there a new rumor going around about me or something? If I just keep ignoring her she’ll eventually give up. I hope.

I was taking a nap when my phone started ringing. I was half asleep when I looked at my phone and accepted the call. It was too late when I realized the area code is from where we grew up.

I braced myself for Tiya Diwata to yell at me for ignoring her calls up until this point. “...Hello?”

It was awkward at first but eventually I heard you laugh and, god, even though I don’t regret the distance between me and the family, it was still nice to hear from you again.

When you apologized, you reminded me of those darker days. It wasn’t your fault, memories of the past come up so easily. Don’t you wish we could physically run away from memories too?

I want to ask you what you’ve been doing, but I’ve evaded that exact question from you. I was too embarrassed to tell you what I’ve been up to but I want to selfishly ask you all the same.

We hang up and I promise I’ll ask you all the questions on my mind next time. And I promise I’ll be brave enough to tell you how I am next time. And I hope we can talk again. Next time.

I laugh internally, thinking about you apologizing for yourself as a child. And I think back to my mom from when we were children. How she said aloud what you thought but meant it but she definitely wasn’t a child then.

As a child she thought of me with expectation, she spoke of me with possibilities for the future, with the possibilities of change and hope.

How does she view me now? As an adult. Does she think of her actions in the past? Or does she have no regrets?

Even now I wonder what she thought of me then.

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

Rosie’s call had me thinking about Kara. Something I try to avoid doing but happens anyways. Especially when my cousins and sisters call asking about her. And Josh.

I really don’t know which I like to be reminded of less. Kara or Josh.

I stared at Kara’s number on my phone. I didn’t have a picture for her contact or even an address. Just her number and her name, written out in full, as if I’d get her confused with another Kara.

I wonder how she’s doing. I wonder if she wondered how I was doing. Or how her brother was doing. It’s the very least she could do.

I recall the photo my sister had posted earlier of a young Kara and Josh with Rosie. That was such a difficult time. The nights I stayed up, fretful, the mornings I had to drag myself to work after a night staying up.

My phone buzzed in my hand. I was confused for a bit, thinking I was still looking at Kara’s contact info. Instead, her name was displayed as a call.

I picked up. “Kara?”

“Mom! Hey...” I wait for her to give me the reason for her call. I give up on waiting.

“Hello.”

“Hey,” she repeats, “How’re you doing? I was just wondering what’s up with you.”

So she did wonder how I was doing sometimes. “I’m fine. I’m in bed right now, actually. I was about to turn in for the night.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s late. Want me to call another time? So you can sleep?”

“Oh, no, no. It’s fine. We can talk.”

“Oh, ok. Cool.”

I return the pleasantries. “How are you doing?”

“Oh. I’m fine. I mean... Well. I could be better. I guess. I’m always tired from work. I know I should cook but I’m just too tired.”

“You just need to prioritize your time better. Plan ahead and stick to it. Write a list and pick a time.”

“Ah, yeah. I guess I should.”

Kara’s silent as I continue. “But I completely understand that feeling.”

“Oh my god, right? It’s so hard to be motivated.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Especially after being stuck in traffic for so long.”

“God, yes. Especially when there’s hyper aggressive drivers.”

“God, TOTALLY!”

We continued talking until we were surprised an hour had passed. We hung up so that I could sleep and I wondered what it meant to have children when they weren’t around.

My phone buzzed again. A message from my parents back in the Philippines asking for money yet again.

I wonder what it meant to them to have children.

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

I wondered as I fell asleep wondering about you and me.

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speedygal · 5 years

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I feel I have to rant because I am still angry about last night about the phone call my mom had with my grandparent. I never talk about my private life. It’s one of the reasons I compare myself to a Vulcan.

Child neglect mention below.

She wants to reconnect with my brother and I and get us to move back in so she could get our social security checks. She knows about it. She has SEEN the amount of money that I get. She obviously wants that as she is determined on hell or high water to get a house that HAS A GODDAMN HOLE IN THE ROOF. She isn’t being smart. Not getting a trailer house that just has a hole in the window and is practically feasible. The house with the hole in the roof probably is infested with bugs and lots of them. LOTS OF THEM.

I haven’t seen the photograph of the house but I am taking my grandparents word for it. She was walking around in a circle with my grandparent and shouting at her about how the trailer park is crime filled. And I couldn’t restrain myself much longer so I had to say it was only dangerous BECAUSE MY AUNT DOESN’T LOCK HER GODDAMN DOOR. Away or not. I just wanted the yelling toward my grandparent to end. It was disrespectful.

You know what else makes me so goddamn angry?

She is coming back from sleeping off her mental health issues to taking pills for it.

Quite literal sleeping in bed or on the couch for hours.

FOR YEARS AT A TIME.

She thinks she can wipe away twenty-two years of “There but not there’ by taking me to the movies with one of my new AMC cards.

I have said once, jokingly, when it comes to being so nice and kind and worry wart when it comes to other people: “I’m the mom I never had.” and earned laughs because it was so true.

She had twenty some years to be a mother!

twenty years.

TWENTY-TWO YEARS.

YOU KNOW, I ONLY ATE RAMEN when we didn’t have food to easily make. Sometimes my brother and I have sugar on pieces of bread WHEN WE DIDN’T HAVE CEREAL OR MILK. SOMETIMES I HAD PIECES OF SLICED CHEESE. WE HAD PIZZA FOR DINNER BECAUSE SHE DIDN’T MAKE DINNER. THE ONLY ONE WHO MADE THE DINNER WAS MY STEP DAD WHEN HE WAS THERE. THE ONE WHO ACTUALLY GAVE A SHIT ABOUT US. I WAS EATING RAMEN FOR A LONG TIME. IT TOOK ME AWHILE TO START EATING DIFFERENT THINGS WHEN I CAME TO MY GRANDPARENTS HOUSE.

SHE DIDN’T RAISE MY YOUNGER SIBLINGS OR LOOK AFTER THEM.

MY BROTHER DID, GODDAM IT, AND HE ISN’T A FULL FLEDGED ADULT BECAUSE OF THAT. He is so childish. More childish than I am. HE WAS THERE FAR LONGER THAN I WAS IN THE HOUSE WITH THEM. TO BE THEIR BABYSITTER.

IT MAKES ME SO ANGRY.

SHE HAS VISITED US A COUPLE TIMES AND

SHE COULD HAVE TAKEN ME TO THE MOVIES

BEFORE THEN

BEFORE THIS PLAN WAS HATCHED.

She hasn’t spoken it but I know it is and so does my grandparent.

SHE NEVER TOOK ME TO THE MOVIES WHEN I WAS WITH HER.

Yes, she bought junk food but it wasn’t often.

When we did go to Wal-mart, we walked through isles for probably hours because she was on the goddamn phone.

When I came to my grandparents, I was very thin and my shirts clung to me.

Since my brother has came to us, he has changed from being thin to having body fat.

And eating food.

And he is working at Wal-Mart.

And he has a drivers license.

A ID card.

His high school GP or whatever the hell it is called.

Things that he didn’t have when he first came here.

Unlike Alara Kitan, I can’t reconcile with my parent or forgive her for it. I am going to tell her no when she wants me to go to the movies. I am not going to let her manipulate me. I won’t let her have that opportunity. She is more predictable and worse than lying villains. She only talks to people when she wants to use them. She never really cared about my brother and I but herself. It makes the most sense since she hardly knows me as a person.

She didn’t ask about me or my brother were doing when she was in the military when we were little kids.

She just isn’t reliable to live with when it comes to going to the store. I have a rabbit to worry about. Even if my grandparents passed away and she gets on good footing, I am never going to live with her. Because of her parenting style, I am a unfortunate product that asks ‘do you want that?’ before finishing off dinner and so is my brother. We are simply too nice when it comes to sharing food because we know how it feels when to be hungry. I thought it was normal not to eat for hours but it’s not.

If Captain Kirk and his away team were spending time at the house and there was one serving left of ‘visitors food’, I would let him finish the food and feel sympathy for him.

My brother and I were watching Friends, the beginning of that episode with the dog being used as a example of the dog, when my brother went: “So that’s what a normal family is like.”

And that’s just heartbreaking to hear from a twenty-one year old man than you can ever believe.

#Child neglect

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incorrectdeceptionquotes · 6 years

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A Bundle of Secrets Chapter 8

Chapter 8

When Kay and Cameron returned to work, they went straight to Mike’s office. Mike was in there, bouncing baby Farrah on his lap as she giggled, “Hey Mike,” Cam said.

“Hey guys,” He replied as he stood up holding the baby up. Farrah saw Cameron and she immediately held her arms and started waving her arms and legs to try and go to him. Mike, laughed, “I think someone missed her uncle.”

Cameron took Farrah from Mike as her little hands gripped the fabric of his shirt, “I think she just recognized me. Thanks for taking care of her for a little while.”

Mike waved his hand, “No problem. I think she’s used to me now. Kid didn’t cry once, just got a little fussy when she wanted her bottle. So... are you going to join us as we question Shawn’s parents?”

Cameron nodded, “I am.”

Kay spoke up, “But the plan is that Cameron hangs back for a few minutes so we can see the kind of people they are.” She explained.

“Yeah, I mean, if they weren’t active in their son’s life, then who’s to say that they even knew that they have a granddaughter?” Cameron added.

“That’s a good plan.” Mike admitted.

“We hope so.” Cam then put Farrah in her carrier and she started to fuss a little. He took a pacifier out of the diaper bag and gave it to her... only to have her spit it out a few seconds later, “Okay, I think she sees through the charade of the pacifier. She’s smart” He then gave her the pink dolphin and she seemed to calm down as she gripped the dolphin and held it close.

Kay smiled at the scene, “I think she just knows that the pacifier is not food so she’s not going to waste her time with it.” She helped Cameron pack up the bag, “Let’s go.”

They drove to a wealthy-looking neighbourhood, they reached the address they had found and went to the gate where there was a plaque over the intercom, “The Blanc Residence.” Cameron read aloud, “I think that this is the place.” Farrah gurgled in her car seat, “Don’t worry kiddo, I didn’t forget about you.” He took her in his arms and she rested her tiny head on his shoulder, “One good thing about babies, they can nap almost anywhere.”

Mike chuckled, “Well, not all babies. You actually got lucky with that one. My oldest son could never get to sleep.”

Cam smiled, “Really?”

“Oh yeah, he always had to cry himself out before he would get any sleep.”

They walked up to the intercom as a voice came from the box, “Hello? Whom is requesting to see Mr Blanc?”

Kay raised an eyebrow at the unnecessary formalities but played along, “FBI. We are here to speak with both Bennett Blanc and Vanessa Blanc.”

“What about?”

Kay and Mike looked at each other with the same incredulous look before Mike said, “It has to do with their son. Shawn Blanc.”

The intercom was silent for a moment then the sound of the gate buzzing came, “Please enter.”

When they got to the front door, they didn’t even have to knock; a butler opened the door and let them in, “Welcome to the Blanc Residence. The master and his wife will be with you shortly.”

Cameron turned to Kay, “Well... I don’t know about you but I’m getting some off vibes about this place already.”

“Tell me about it.” She replied.

“Okay, so let’s go over the plan one more time.” Mike said.

“Right, so you and Kay will question Shawn’s parents and I will stay behind the door to see whether or not it’s even worth bringing Farrah in.”

The butler came down the stairs, “The master will see you now.”

They followed the butler up the marble staircase to a very dim-looking sitting room where a man and woman stood waiting for them. They were both clearly in their late fifties and were both dressed to the nines, despite it being the early afternoon. The man had dark hair, dark eyes, and was wearing a dark grey suit and the woman had dark hair, dark eyes, and was wearing a beige pantsuit. “Thank you Geoffrey, that will be all for now.” The butler nodded and walked away. The man gave a cold smile, “Hello, I’m Bennett Blanc and this is my wife Vanessa.” He said shaking Mike and Kay’s hands.

“Welcome.” Vanessa said.

“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.” Mike replied.

“No worries at all.” He sat down as Vanessa, Kay, and Mike did the same.

“We’re here about your son, Shawn.” Kay began.

“You mean former son.” Bennett interjected.

“I’m sorry?”

Vanessa waved her hand, “We had plans for our eldest son. When Shawn wanted to run off with that... orphan, we gave him a choice. He could either, keep his wealth and marry the girl we picked out for him or he could leave and be with that little tramp.”

“Do you mean Fiona Jonbroni?” Kay asked.

“I believe that’s the girl’s name.”

Mike frowned, “So you haven’t spoken to your son since?”

“Not for five years but I believe he just needs to get it out of his system and he’ll be back soon enough.”

Kay raised an eyebrow, “So you don’t believe that it’s at all possible that he settled down with this girl and maybe even started a family.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes, “Of course not. My son is a playboy; he’s probably gotten sick of her and moved on by now. He’ll be home where he belongs very soon I should think.”

“Mr Blanc? Anything to say?”

Bennett raised an eyebrow, “I have to wonder why you’ve come here asking about our son? What has he done?”

Kay and Mike looked at each other then back at the couple, “I’m very sorry to tell you but your son was killed.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened, “K-killed? What are you talking about?”

“Both he and his wife, Fiona were killed two nights ago.”

“Th-that’s... that’s impossible, I know we have had our differences but... our son would have told us if he was married.”

Kay looked at the older woman, who was clearly distraught and had no idea that this had happened, “There was one person who managed to escape the killer. Shawn and Fiona’s daughter.”

“D-daughter? No. No. Shawn would have told us if he had a child. He would have...” The woman looked down to her hands.

Bennett raised an eyebrow, “Suppose we believe you. Where is your proof that the child is his?”

Kay furrowed her eyes but turned around, “Cameron? I think you should come in.”

Cameron walked in with Farrah who was still asleep with her head on his shoulder, “Hello.”

“Who is this?” Bennett asked.

“This is Cameron Black, he’s a consultant with the FBI and this little girl...” Kay placed a gentle hand on Farrah’s back, “Is Farrah. She is Shawn and Fiona’s daughter... and your granddaughter.”

Vanessa looked up at the child, “She’s Shawn’s child?” She then looked at Cameron, “And who are you to be holding my son’s child?”

Kay could feel frustration build up inside her but chose to ignore it, “Well, you see, when we were trying to ID our victims, we found that Fiona actually had a half-brother that she possibly didn’t know about.”

“As it turns out, I am Fiona’s brother... which also makes me Farrah’s uncle.”

Bennett’s face suddenly turned to disgust, “So she’s the orphan’s daughter?”

Cameron’s nostrils flared up but Kay was the one who spoke up, “Excuse me?”

“She’s the child of the woman who let our son astray?”

“Yes. She’s a child who has lost her parents... and seeing as you seemed to be unaware of your son’s death, we can rule you out as suspects. Good day.”

“Wait!” Vanessa exclaimed, “What about Sarah? Didn’t you bring her to give custody to us?”

Cameron frowned, “No. I brought her here because as her uncle, I felt that as her grandparents, you had a right to see her. That’s all.”Cameron turned to leave but made one last point, “And her name is Farrah.”

“And because according to the autopsy, Shawn was the one who passed first, Farrah’s custody would go to her mother and should anything happen to her, to her family.” Kay said, “If you wish it, we can send you some of your son’s personal effects after we’ve finished looking through it for evidence.”

Bennett gave a look of indifference, “Throw his belongings in the trash for all I care. Now, if you don’t have anything else then go... and never bring that... child back here” Saying the word ‘child’ like it was a dirty word.

Kay, Cameron and Mike all looked at each other before taking their leave. When Kay and Cameron got in the car, Cameron started to rant as he adjusted the still sleeping Farrah in her car seat, “Can you believe those people!? I mean, it is one thing to disown your own son but to insult his granddaughter’s parents like that? I didn’t think that they would be thrilled to see Farrah but I didn’t think they would be so dismissive and-” He noticed Kay giving him a look he hadn’t seen before when he looked up, “What?”

“Nothing. It’s just... you’re so passionate about your family. I’ve always liked that about you.”

“Yeah? Well... family means everything. I’m glad you, Mike, and Farrah are part of our little family now.” He said nonchalantly.

Kay smiled at his words, “That’s very sweet Cameron.”

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, Cam smiled, “What are you-”

“Taking the moments as they come.”

“What if Mike saw you?”

“Well, he didn’t, did he?” She grinned cheekily, “Now come on, let’s head back and see if we can uncover any more evidence.”

“Rodger that.” He said, stealing a quick..ish kiss from her lips.

“Cameron!” She whispered loudly when he pulled away.

“Taking the moments as they come.” He whispered back.

“Hey, you guys ready to head back?” Mike shouted from his car.

“Yeah, we are, see you there.” Kay shouted back. They drove back where they began to look through all of Shawn and Fiona’s personal effects to see if there were any clues to what could have lead to their deaths. It was bittersweet to say the least. Kay found a framed picture of Fiona in a simple white dress with her hair down wearing a blue flower crown and Shawn in a nice black suit. They were both holding up their left hands as if to show off their wedding rings, “Cameron, look at this.”

She handed him the picture, He gave a sad smile, “This must have been their wedding day... She looked beautiful...”

“Cam...”

“She looked happy. That’s important.”

“Yeah and look at him, Shawn has a smile that looks like he won the lottery.”

Cam smiled, then noticed a flash drive with writing on it, “For Farrah.” He read. Kay motioned for him to put it in the computer, “Wonder what could be on it.”

The screen popped up with a bunch of video files, they clicked on the first one and out popped a selfie-mode video of Shawn, “Hey Princess! It’s your old man here. I decided that I wanted to document everything I could for you because I want you to know everything. Here’s something that your mom and I might not talk to you about is that we don’t have much we can say about our pasts. My parents weren’t exactly the sharing type so I honestly have no clue what they were into and your mom... well, she grew up in the foster system so she doesn’t have many documented memories but what I could find, I included in this little video diary we’re making for you.” Cameron gave a half smile as he watched, “These videos will include your baby videos, some of our own personal videos that we’ve taken already, videos we will take, you think we’re just your dorky parents, well... these videos will prove you right.”

Farrah began to stir at the sound of her father’s voice. Kay noticed she woke up and took her out of the baby carrier, “You hear your Dada?”

Cameron smiled as Kay brought Farrah over and sat down next to him as they watched, Farrah pointed at her father’s face, reaching for the screen. Cameron’s heart broke for the little girl, “Yeah Farrah, that’s your Dada, he seemed like a good man.”

In the video, Shawn got up from where he was and walked to another room where a pregnant Fiona was lying down on the bed, “Now your mom’s extra tired today because she’s doing something very important right now...” He brings the camera closer to her stomach, “She’s busy cooking you.”

“Shawn, if you don’t get that camera away from me, I swear I will break the hand that’s holding it” Fiona said with a joking tone. Farrah shrieked with glee at the sound of her mother’s voice, Kay couldn’t help but hug the little girl close to her.

“It’s for posterity good woman!”

Fiona raised an eyebrow and Kay really saw the resemblance she had had to Cameron and Jonathan, “Define posterity.” Shawn was silent for a moment, “You don’t know, do you?”

“I am a doctor Fifi, not a linguist.”

Fiona smiled but rolled her blue eyes, took the phone from him and brought it close to her face, “Sweetie, if your dad’s still making quips like that when you get to high school, then I apologize in advance”

Shawn lay down next to her and pressed his cheek against hers, “Hey Princess, just remember who took you out to get ice cream for breakfast.”

Fiona’s eyes glanced at him, “You’re gonna give our baby ice cream for breakfast?”

Shawn shrugged, “Just on her birthdays or any other excuse I can find to get her ice cream for breakfast.” Shawn looked into the camera, “We love you Princess!”

“We love you Baby Girl!” Fiona said sending air kisses into the camera as the video ended with their smiling faces on the screen. Farrah reached out to the screen, wanting to go to her parents. Both Cameron and Kay’s heart broke for the little girl.

When Cameron closed the window, Farrah started to tear up. Cameron moved to take her from Kay but Kay was already acting on it. She ‘stood’ Farrah up on her lap while holding her upright under the arms, “Shhh... shhh... It’s okay Farrah. It’s okay... I know you miss your mama and dada.” She tried calming the baby down, it seemed to be working as Farrah’s silent tears were starting to cease. Farrah reached out her arms and Kay brought her closer so Farrah could wrap her little chubby arms around Kay’s neck. Kay just continued to hold the child, holding her with one arm and gently stroking the baby’s back with the other. Cameron smiled as he watched Kay calm her down, “What?” She whispered.

“Nothing... you’re just really good with her. Thank you.”

Kay gave a half smile, “I’m happy to help. If you ever need me, don’t hesitate to call =, even if it’s the middle of the night.”

“Thanks Kay.”

“Hey... why don’t you take this flash drive home, watch it and see if there could be anything useful on it?”

Cameron gave her a confused look which changed when she gave him a look which made him realize what she was talking about. This was so Johnny could see the videos too, “Uh, good idea.” He then glanced at Farrah who didn’t seem to be letting go of Kay anytime soon, “How should I... uh...”

Kay stood up, “I’ll take you home.” Cameron finally managed to have Farrah let go of Kay and put the baby in her car seat. Kay drove him and Farrah to his apartment. Kay parked in front of his building, “Remember, if you need anything at all, you can call me.”

Cameron took his seatbelt off and smiled at her, “Thanks Kay.” He then leaned over to stroke her cheek and then held her chin in his hand, “You really are amazing Kay.” He ran his thumb very lightly over her bottom lip. He then leaned in closer to close the gap between them.

The kiss was supposed to be short but Cameron let his lips linger on hers for a little while, not that Kay minded but she soon pushed him off, “I’ll see you in the morning Cameron.” She kissed his nose as he reluctantly pulled away, “Good night.”

“Good night Kay.” He took Farrah and her diaper bag out of the car, “Be careful.”

“You too.” Kay said as she started up her car and drove away.

Cameron went inside and in the elevator, he let go of a breath that he didn’t realize he was holding. His heart was beating out of his chest. Farrah let out a few baby babbles. Cameron sighed, “Yeah, I know... Kay’s something.” Farrah was actually babbling about unicorns but Cameron wasn’t pro at baby talk, “Can you keep a secret? Of course you can, you probably won’t even remember any of this.” He knelt down and looked at his little niece, “I know it’s soon to tell but... I think Kay’s the one.” Farrah grabbed his nose and giggled, “Okay, what is it with you and my nose?”

When he came back inside, Jonathan greeted him, “Hey baby brother. How were the in-laws?”

“Terrible people.” He took Farrah out of her carrier, “But I don’t think they’re killers.”

“How’s the kid doing?”

“Wanna hold her?” Cameron turned Farrah’s attention to Jonathan, “Farrah, wanna go to Uncle Johnny?” Farrah reached out her arms and Jonathan reluctantly took her, “Is there something wrong?”

“It’s just, I kept thinking about it all day and... me staying... is just going to land me back in prison.”

“Kay’s working on it. I don’t know what you did to her for her to be so cold around you but... she knows you’re innocent.”

“Like she said last time?”

“Hey...” Cameron raised an eyebrow, “That wasn’t her fault.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” Johnny placed Farrah in her play pen, “I got the crib all set up by the way.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, I had nothing better to do.”

“How’d you manage to do it?”

Jonathan smirked, “I followed the instructions.”

“They were in French!”

“And the other side was in English.” Cameron looked away, “You’ve been busy making goo-goo eyes at Kay, I think you just didn’t notice.”

“I don’t make goo-goo eyes.” Cameron defended as Johnny rolled his eyes, “Oh by the way,” He took the flash drive out of his pocket, “In Fiona and Shawn’s personal belongings, we found a flash drive containing home movies and stuff, Kay thought I should bring it here so we could both watch it and maybe get an idea about who Fiona was a person and maybe see if we could find clues in the videos.”

Jonathan looked unsure but he sighed and nodded, “Let’s see it.” Cameron put the flash drive in his laptop and played that first video again. They then proceeded to see videos of Shawn and Fiona singing musical numbers together while in the car, videos of Shawn following the pregnant Fiona around and videos of Shawn and Fiona with baby Farrah from her earliest days to even a video that was made just a week ago. Farrah had fallen asleep midway through watching so Johnny had put her in her new crib and covered her with a fluffy pink blanket. As they watched the many videos, they too started to nod off. First Cam fell asleep then Johnny fell asleep with the last thing he saw being his sister’s smiling face on the laptop screen.

I wonder, wonder as to what could possibly happen next... what do you think?

#deception #deception fanfiction #deception abc #cameron black #kay daniels #mike alvarez #jonathan black #kaymeron #savedeception #renewdeception

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alyricalberry · 6 years

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knew what i didn’t want to know || Puckleberry

Who: @alyricalberry & @pucketknife

Location: Coughing Coffee, NYADA

Time: January 24, 2018

Summary: Rachel asks Puck to translate the Asterismos note for her, but it leaves her with more questions than answers.

Rachel clutched the message from Asterismos Inc in her hands as she went to meet Puck at the cafe. She felt confident. Hopefully, she was going to start getting answers about this whole thing. Going to see Shelby had been more confusing than anything. Puck, she knew, would be honest with her. She smiled when she saw Puck sitting at a table and went over to him. "Hello, Puck! How are you? I feel like we haven't spoken in forever!"

Puck arrived at the coffee shop looked for Rachel, but since she was nowhere to be found yet, he sat down and ordered a coffee and a cookie to wait for her. He was about to pick up a copy of that day's NYADaily when she approached his booth and smiled back at her. "Hey, Berry, how's it goin'?" He and Rachel didn't talk much, but since teaming up with her in the NAO and given the fact that they shared the same beliefs, he felt somehow connected to her in ways he couldn't quite explain. He didn't know her well, but he knew getting to know her better wouldn't be something he'd hate. "Yeah, I've been kind of busy, studying and working and all that," he shrugged standing up to move the chair for her to seat. "How's NYADA treatin' you, by the way? You're liking your classes and all that jazz?"

Rachel smiled thankfully when Puck pulled out her chair for her and sat. "Things have been going ... not too great. Especially after New Years Eve. Kurt's still missing. We're trying to find him but..." she trailed off and took a deep breath. She couldn't get upset right now. She needed to focus on the task at hand. Maybe if she was lucky enough to find an answer here, she'd be able to find Kurt as well. "Thank you for meeting me here, Puck. Over the past couple of months I've gotten packages from Asterismos, Inc. Apparently there some sort of Bloodline company? Anyway, the last one had a card that had Hebrew written on it. I want to know what it says and I can't ask my dads. They'll worry, you know? And my Hebrew's very rusty. Would you mind taking a look at it?" she said, sliding the paper over to Puck.(edited)

Puck sat back down and clicked his tongue, "Yeah, I know what'cha mean... I've seen the posters around Campus... You got any news of him?" He didn't mention how much he laughed when he first saw them, since Rachel really seemed upset, but he couldn't quite hide a smile at the memory and he covered his mouth and coughed to make up for the inadequate gesture. He looked back at her as he sipped his coffee, his brows knitting as she went on talking. Puck shook his head, "It's no problem, but I've never heard of them-" he stopped talking as Rachel handed him the card, his brow raising as he read the writing in Hebrew out loud. "You said a Bloodline company sent you this?" he asked quirking a brow and looking back at her. "'Cause this just says 'Our greatest treasure, our granddaughter'..." he slid the card back to her, a questioning look on his features. "You have any idea what's that about?"

Rachel shook her head. "No, not yet. I'm still hopeful, though," she said. She decided to drop the subject. She knew Puck was a slayer, but wasn't sure about his stance on LN, so it might be better to steer away from the subject. No matter how much she wanted him to help them find Kurt. She frowned when Puck told her what the message meant. "Are you sure?" she asked, picking up the card and looking at it. "It can't be. That doesn't make sense. Are you sure you translated it properly? Or they have the wrong person. That has to be it," she said. That didn't explain how the first package wished her a happy birthday and appeared on her birthday.

"Yeah, well, good luck with that," Puck said, unable to keep the irony out of his tone as he raised his brows. If he had been sucked by the doors like the L.N. in the Guild's headquarters, he was almost sure there was no way Kurt was coming back. He squeezed Rachel's hand and gave her a small smile to encourage her. "I'm sorry. Didn't know you guys were close. If you need help or whatever..." he trailed off and shrugged his shoulder as he let go of her hand and sat back on his chair, sipping his coffee once more. Puck scoffed and nodded. "Positive. My family's big on learning our Hebrew. Something about keeping our roots strong and all." He leaned in again and pointed at the words. "See, these ones here are 'greatest', 'treasure' and 'granddaughter'..." he explained looking into her eyes. "You sure your grandparents didn't buy you something from that Asterismos company? Do they make, like, jewlery or something? Maybe fancy clothes?" Puck's head tilted. "Wrong person? A'ight, I gotta ask... what's this all about?"

Rachel took a deep breath. "I don't really know what the company does. Sam told me they made... luck potions, I think? Something like that," she said. "I really don't know what this is about, honestly. The messages don't really sound like they'd come from my grandparents. It's not really their style," she said. "I went to see Professor Corcoran - her parents own Asterismos - but she was kind of unhelpful. I don't know why someone there would send me these things. Like I said, they might have just sent the packages to the wrong person. I don't know."

Puck sighed and shook his head. "I dunno, have you thought about going directly to the company? Maybe they can tell you who or why they sent it? Have you even searched it online or something?" Puck took one of his burner phones out of his pocket and handed it to Rachel. "Search the company and call 'em, if you want," he offered. "Don't ask why, but it's an untraceable line. It's safe."

Rachel took the burner phone and looked at it, knowing it was better not to ask. "I, um... Yeah, maybe that would be a good idea. I think I'm going to talk to my dads first, though. Just to see," she said. "Thank you for your help, Puck. I really do appreciate it," she said. "Would you mind... maybe not telling anyone about this? I don't really want rumours getting out."

"Hey, you do what'cha gotta do, and when you're done with the phone you just bring it back and I'll take care of the rest, alright?" Puck gave her a reassuring nod and a smile, chuckling as she asked to keep his mouth shut. "Hey, my lips are sealed. You can trust me," he added with a wink. "Just let me know how it turns out and, y'know... be careful and shit." Puck smiled at her once more.

Rachel nodded and tucked the phone and the card into her pocket. "I will. I'll take care of the phone, I promise," she told him. She reached over to squeeze his hand. "Thank you so much, Puck. Again, I really appreciate this. I should... go. I have to look for Kurt some more. We'll have to catch up later, okay?"

Puck smirked. "It's fine. I got others," he shrugged. He squeezes her hand back and shook his head. "No need to thank me. Us the chosen ones have to stick up for each other, right?" Puck nodded his head as he let go of her hand. "I hope you find your friend soon," he said simcerely, even if he didn't think they would. "You call me if you need anything, 'kay?"

Rachel nodded. "I hope so too. I'll call you, I promise. Thanks again. I'll see you later, Puck," she said before standing up and walking towards the exit. She had her answer, but all it had managed to do was give her more questions. She would just have to ask the two people who could actually give her a substantial answer.

#para: knew what I didn't want to know #pucketknife #t: the thing

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eldritchsurveys · 4 years

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875.

5k Survey III

101. What does happiness/joy feel like physically? >> I’m not sure. I haven’t collected enough data. I really like the “quiet” feeling that happens when I’m in better moods, though -- my body just feels still and expansive and just quiet. I think it’s the absence of bodily sensation that feels most like contentment to me, since all my other emotions are characterised by a lot of hectic sensations. 102. List five people you love starting with the one you love the absolute most. >> Bruh. 103. How many movies have you gone to see this month? >> Zero, thanks to Miss Rona. Probably would have seen Tenet, since that was supposed to be out in the early summer. I don’t remember what else was supposed to come out. 104. If you could have 3 wishes…but none of them could be for yourself, what would you wish for? >> No. The only thing worse than blithely making wishes for yourself as if that’s not going to backfire on you is trying to do it for other people (particularly without their consent). 105. In what ways do you relax and de-stress when you are really tense? >> I go Inworld when that happens. It’s the only way I’m going to be able to de-escalate enough to process and deal with whatever is going on.

106. How much money would it take to get you to drive to school naked in the springtime and get out of the car? >> --- 107. Have you ever killed an animal? >> I mean, I’ve killed my fair share of insects. Nothing more complex than that, though. 108. Have you ever lost someone close to you? >> Yeah. 109. What do you think of cloning? >> I’m fascinated by it. 110. Do you read or watch TV more often? >> Overall, I think I read more than I watch television. I might watch an hour or two of television in a day, but if you total all the reading I do over different media (articles, posts, books, Reddit threads, wiki pages...) in a day, it usually adds up to more than 2 hours. 111. With all this talk of terrorism going around are you willing to sacrifice rights and freedoms for increased safety? >> The problem with this concept is that it never seems to actually work out that way -- those sacrifices that we made post-9/11 did not result in increased safety. It resulted in a permissive culture of fear and bigotry and a neverending war. And a whole lot of hassled TSA workers who probably don’t get paid nearly enough. 112. What is the punishment you would come up with for Osama Bin Laden if you caught him alive? >> Dude. Fuck off. 113. Have you ever named an individual part of your body? >> Nope. 114. Have you ever been on the radio or on TV? >> Yeah. 115. Have you ever won a lottery, or sweepstakes? >> No. 116. Have you ever won a contest or competition? >> Casual ones. 117. Do you like to watch The Joy of Painting show with Bob Ross (check out this link if you don’t know who he is. Also please note me if you notice the link is broken) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ross_(painter)? >> I’m really amused at the idea that Bob Ross’ wiki page needed to be linked here. Anyway, no, I don’t really care about it personally, but Sparrow likes it sometimes. I’ll watch it if it’s on, I guess, but it’s not something I’d seek out unless I was actually trying to learn how to paint. 118. Do you know what your grandparents and your great grand parents did for a living? >> --- 119. Is there anything really interesting in your family history? >> --- 120. Is there anyone you trust completely? >> No. Well, there’s Can Calah, I guess. 121. Have you ever lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye? >> Yeah. 122. How do you feel about women in politics? >> The same way I feel about men in politics -- it varies depending on the individual, but I’m also pretty sure that all politicians are full of shit. The exact amount of shit they’re full of is just variable. Like, sure, okay, AOC is probably full of less shit than Sarah Palin. It’s a spectrum. 123. Would you rather have an indoor Jacuzzi or an outdoor pool? >> I’d rather not have either. That’s a lot of money that could go to structural improvements, adding on a sunroom, rehabilitating the [former] lawn, upgrading appliances and plumbing... 124. What things are you interested in that you study or read about on your own? >> Everything that I’m interested in I study or read about on my own, so I’m not really sure what this question is asking. 125. Would you consider yourself to be intelligent? >> Intelligent enough, I suppose. 126. Would you consider yourself to be wise? >> I don’t really give it much thought. I figure it’s something that other people determine about you, not something I determine about myself. 127. Have you ever given or received a lap dance? >> I’ve received a couple. But like, jokingly. Not a real one from an exotic dancer or whatever. 128. Have you ever spoken to a homeless person? >> Of course... 129. Would you ever creep into the subway tunnels to go exploring? >> No, they’re too... wet. And dark. And full of vermin. I’m good. 130. If you could add 70 years to your life but only by making some random person die 70 years sooner would you? >> Bye. 131. Can you finish any of the following lyrics? A: Nothing to kill or die for… and no religion too. fuck this song. B: Late comings with the late comin’ stretcher… I don’t know this one. C: I could make a film and make you my star… I don’t know this one either. 132. Were you ever with someone while they died? >> No. I’d like to be one day. 133. Would you rather be a world political leader or a rock star? >> I’d rather not be either, thanks. 134. Have you ever given someone a love letter that you wrote? >> No. 135. Have you ever sent someone a surprise though the mail? >> I don’t think so. 136. Are you looking forward to any concerts right now? >> No, there aren’t any happening in the near future. 137. Of all animated movies, which is the best one you’ve ever seen? >> I’ve seen a lot of animated movies and I enjoyed most of them... 138. What are the best bands or songs to listen to while driving? >> I think outrun and other synth-y genres like that make good driving music. 139. What do you think is the most amazing thing that anyone has ever accomplished? >> *shrug* 140. What could a member of the opposite sex do to impress you? >> --- 141. About how many emails do you get a day? >> About five or so. How many of those emails are junk mail? >> I don’t know about spam, that get sent straight to the spam folder and I never see it (unless I go looking in there for some reason). How many of them are forwards? >> Zero. 142. What’s your favorite thing to do online besides write in your diary and hang out at this site? >> Oh, you know. Stuff. 143. Do you believe Kurt Cobain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Cobain) killed himself or was it a conspiracy? >> As far as I understand it, he killed himself. People do that, you know. Even celebrities. 144. Have you ever though about hitchhiking across the country? >> No. 145. Who would you bring with you on this kind of a road trip? >> I wouldn’t take a trip like that... 146. Of the following, which word best describes you: accurate, bold, charming, dependable? >> Bold, I guess. And maybe dependable, depending on who’s describing me. What the fuck does “accurate” mean when applied to a person? 147. If you are single, at about what age do you think you will be ready to settle down and get married? If you are married, how old were you at the time? >> I was 32. 148. Do you often wonder, when you say goodbye to people, if it is the last time you will ever see them? >> Sure. I mean, that kind of shit happens, I find it surprising that people don’t think about that more often. Awareness of [the randomness of, the suddenness of, the sheer indifference of] death is natural for a sapient creature that is knowledgeable of its own mortality, ain’t it...? 149. What movie are you most looking forward to seeing when it comes out? >> God, I’m just looking forward to having a cinematic experience again. I liked going to the movies, especially weekday matinees in empty or near-empty theaters... 150. What is your quest? >> ---

#surveys #survey #5000 question survey

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seriestrash · 7 years

Text

The Story of Us

PROLOGUE || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14

Chapter Fifteen: Wedding Bells

Word Count: 8121

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Throughout the week, Riley’s errands regarding the wedding continued and the more time she spent out, the more locals would stop her and press for details about the upcoming nuptials. Of course something like this is big news for the tiny town and it seemed that everyone wanted to be apart of it.

What was originally planned to be an intimate family thing in Jed’s own backyard turned into a Hillford Creek Spectacular held right in town square. Riley worried the towns involvement would take away from the magic of the reunion, especially since hardly any of them actually knew Jed on a personal level. Sure, maybe a few locals had surface level conversations if he ever ventured into town for groceries or to run errands but none of them - except for Cassidy - had made a real effort to befriend Jedediah.

Despite Riley’s concerns, both Jed and Rhiannon insisted that the only thing that mattered to them was that it happens and not how it happens.

It’s Topanga whom suggested they marry under the tree in which Rhiannon asked Jed to ‘come with her’, an idea Riley was more than happy to support.

Riley had spent the week organising the finer details of the ceremony. She’d been to the bakery, florist and even to Chubbie’s to organise food. The New Yorkers plan was to accumulate the things she deemed necessary for the small wedding but once the venue changed to the town square and it was posed as an open invitation, Riley began to panic. It was Mary - Mabel’s mother - during Riley’s final dress fitting the day before the wedding that calmed Riley’s nerves. The kind woman put down her dress pins and looked Riley right in the eye, a sweet smile present on her face and she said, “You need not stress, Riley darling, a little goes a long way in this town.” Strangely enough the womans words did calm Riley’s nerves about it all, even if they didn’t entirely make sense to her.

Come Saturday morning, Riley truly understands the meaning of Mary Becker’s words. For every person Riley had spoken to in the past week seemed to come through with the small arrangement she’d confirmed with them but on a much larger and very generous scale. It seemed that the people Riley spoke to, spoke to other townies and those townies passed on the word and in true tiny town fashion it seemed that everyone was lending a hand.

Once Riley first arrives in town square she’s at a loss for words when she spots the crowd of people buzzing around and the piles of supplies that seemed to be building up.

Throughout the day Riley is continuously surprised with the generosity of the town. Local business owners gathered up their spare tables and chairs, some owners went as far as offering up their own in store seating for the event. The florist not only came through with the bouquets Riley asked for but supplied a mix of beautiful centrepieces for each and every table.

The help everyone was giving became too much for Riley to track. At some point during the day a mix of beautiful white and lacy table cloths covered each table, a candle lit or little electronic lantern sat by ever flower centrepiece. Each table had a place setting but not all were the same, in fact, the whole setup was mix matched and Riley couldn’t have planned it more perfectly herself.

Even mix matched, everything flowed just lovely. The tables all lined in white, white plates, silver cutlery, flower centrepieces and lantern lighting, but it was the details that set each place apart. Some tables had solid white cloths, others had lace trims or embroidery, the flowers arrangements were different on every table, flooding the park with extra colour and beautiful smells. Everything was looking wonderful and it excited Riley as she felt it gave the vibe that both her grandparents lost touch with.

At one point in the day Riley caught up with the chef at Chubbie’s and he assured her that he’s got everyone’s bellies covered, he’d enlisted the help of a few other cooks in town.

Even the towns Mayor loans Riley some fairy lights from the Christmas decorations used in the street throughout the holiday season. The tree in which the couple are set to marry under is wrapped in strings of light and a few other poles are set in place with lights being hung between them, providing light for what is going to be an evening ceremony.

It’s late in the afternoon once it all finally comes together. At this point Mabel has already taken Topanga and Rhiannon back to her mothers shop where they’re going under all the beautification steps for the night. The men of the family gather at Jedediah’s to relax and prepare before they’re due back in town square. The locals whom had been helping, all sporadically left throughout the day. Riley stayed the longest so she could project manage. Tristan and Thomas stay behind still hanging up a few lights around the park. Riley looks at the setting in awe and has a wave of guilt for her previous negative thoughts about the locals. It’s clear to her that they’re willing to welcome anyone into their close community and are genuinely happy to lend a hand, especially to a sick old man who’s found love again.

Although it looked beautiful Riley still felt like it needed a personal touch, something extra special for her grandparents. An idea quickly comes to the forefront of Riley’s mind and she shouts at the twins that she’ll be back soon. With that Riley jumps on the bike Mabel lent her and rides back towards Jed’s house. She bursts through the front door and mumbles explanations to the men in her family as she pulls down the ladder to the attic. Riley is quick and purposeful with her trip home, it’s only ten minutes later that she’s leaving again on the bicycle with a basket full of of photo albums.

One Riley arrives back at the park she finds the twins packing up their things. With arms full and an innocent grin Riley approaches them and asks for a little bit more of their time. Thomas groans loudly which earns himself a whack in the arm from his brother but Riley just chuckles quietly at him.

“You know what, Tommy? You remind me a lot of my friend Maya.” A slight ache in Riley’s heart because they still haven't spoken after their phone fight.

“Is she also devastatingly good looking?” Thomas jokes.

“Or painstakingly annoying, perhaps?” Tristan jabs.

“No.” Riley laughs sofltly. “She has a real tendency to pretend like she doesn’t care when really she cares a whole lot.”

Thomas exaggerates a frown. “You’re going to ruin my image.”

Riley rolls her eyes and Thomas laughs and then asks what Riley needs him to do before they go. Riley points at the the beautiful white gazebo at the edge of the park. For someone else perhaps, that would make a lovely backdrop to be married under but since the tree holds more of a sentimental value Riley came up with another use for the gazebo.

Thomas marches the box of spare fairy lights over and Tristan helps Riley locate the fine fishing wire they were using earlier.

“You should bring Eli.” Riley whispers once Thomas is a few steps away from them.

“I don’t know, Riley.” Tristan shakes his head. “You know how Lucas and Thomas feel about Miles...”

“This relationship could be good for everyone.” Riley says positively. “It might help build a bridge between your two friend circles or at the very least it gives Eli other friend alternatives, friends that baa less.”

“I’ll ask.” Tristan nods sheepishly.

The pair find what they need and join Thomas in the gazebo. The musically inclined twin has already strung more than half the rails with lights. Riley begins cutting strands of fishing wire and taping them to the backs of photographs from Jed’s albums. Tristan helps by tying them to strings of light and he climbs on the ladder and hangs them from the gazebo’s roof.

“Have you seen Lucas?” Riley asks casually as she hasn’t seen or heard from him all day. Riley worries he thought about their whole ‘spending time with each other’ conversation and has since changed his mind about where they left things.

“Not since this morning.” Thomas shakes their head. “He said he had to do something at Pappy Joe’s farm but I stopped by earlier and couldn’t find him. He’s always disappearing like that, I wouldn’t worry about it. Lucas tends to adopt the broody cowboy persona sometimes.”

If he’s disappeared like Thomas said, Riley figures she’d find Lucas at the inn but with too much on her plate right now she has to give it a miss.

“Hey Riley, is this your mom?” Tristan asks with a small smirk. Riley takes the polariod he’s holding.

“Yeah.” Riley smiles at the photograph of her mother, back in her middle school days when she too rocked the flower child vibes. “My dad used to call her the ten pounds of hair in the front row.”

“I think that’s so sweet that they’re one of those forever couples.” Tristan smiles. “I guess your grandparents are one of those forever couples too...”

Riley smiles at his thoughts spoken aloud and slips the polaroid into the back pocket of her jeans. Shortly after, the three finish the last minute task and Riley dismisses each twin with a hug. Then, Riley runs over to Mary’s store to get ready.

Riley enters the shop and finds Mary and Mabel pinning hair curlers into Rhiannon’s hair. Riley’s grandmother sits in a silk robe with her face already decorated in a light and beautiful coat of makeup. Mabel’s ready too in a lovely emerald green dress with her hair pinned nicely off her face. The most shocking presence in the store was Vanessa, standing with a makeup brush in hand.

“Finally!” Mabel beams once Riley arrives.

“Sorry, I was just finishing up a few things.” Riley shrugs innocently. “Where’s mom?” Riley asks noticing Topanga’s absence.

“She’s dressed and ready,” Rhiannon begins, “She's just stepped out to run one last errand.”

“Did I forget something?” Riley crinkles her brows as she quickly tries to check off things in her mind.

“No darling, everything is beyond wonderful.” Rhiannon gives Riley a genuine smile. “Your mother will be back soon, nothing to worry about.”

“Riley, I’ll help you get ready.” Mabel wiggles the garment bag containing Riley’s dress.

“I can help with your makeup if you like.” Vanessa adds sheepishly.

“I’d love that.” Riley nods genuinely.

“Do you know how you want your hair?” Mabel questions.

“I have a few ideas.” Riley’s smile creeps wider. “But I’m going to need your help, all of your help probably... If you have any time, grandma?”

“It would be my pleasure.” Rhiannon smiles. “Now what did you have in mind?”

Riley pulls out the polaroid from her back pocket and hands it to her grandmother. “Do you think I could pull off something like that?”

Rhiannon takes the square photograph in her hand and smiles at the photo of her daughter around the age of twelve, back when her clothes were always flowy and her hair bouncy with tight and fluffy waves. “I think this will work just beautifully.”

With all hands on deck Riley’s hair and makeup is done in no time. Riley had worn her hair wavy before, any time she took it out of braids but this was different, there’s so much more volume to her hair which felt odd in a foreign sort of way but Riley really quite liked the fluffiness of it. She liked that it made her feel pretty, it made her feel like her moms daughter.

With time quickly getting away from them Riley steps into one of the change rooms with Mabel where the redhead helps Riley into her dress. Once Mabel ties the bow at the back of Riley’s garment she can’t help but express her awe.

“It’s like this dress was made for you!” Mabel gushes.

“Well technically it was made for me.” Riley laughs. “Your mom made all those changes for me..”

“Lets go show everyone.” Mabel clasps her hands together excitedly.

Riley steps out from behind the curtain, her feet still bare, the only part of her outfit right now was her dress.

“So?” Riley asks sheepishly under the gazes of the three other women in the room.

“Wow.” Vanessa is the first to speak with an approving nod.

“Beautiful. Truly.” Mary nods too and Rhiannon is left speechless.

Riley looks at herself in the full length mirror. Riley fell in love with this dress the moment she saw it, originally it was only half finished so Mary took on all suggestions Riley had and the end result was just so lovely and fitting to Riley and the event specifically.

The bodice of the dress is fitted snugly in an off white lace, thin straps supporting it over her shoulders. A lace sash separating the bodice and skirt, tied nicely in a bow and slightly off centre is an orangey flowery to brighten up the dress and draw focus. The skirt of the dress is made up of three layers, the top layer is the shortest and in a similar off white colour to the bodice. The next two layers are made up up of white and pink lace sections. Originally Mary planned to cover these bottom two layers with another piece of material matching the first layer but Riley asked if they could leave it as is, she loved that the dress felt inside out.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted from your things at Jed’s so I brought it all.” Rhiannon motions towards the corner of the room.

Riley finds the box of clothes and shoes Topanga sent to Riley and the duffle bag Riley originally brought with Maya’s old things in there. Riley has a quiet laugh at some of her old outfit options but she stops when one thing catches her eye. Riley picks up the black fishnet under shirt and thinks deeply for a moment before turning to the group. “Can someone hand me a pair of scissors?”

Everyone else in the room seems confused but no one questions the New Yorker. Riley uses scissors to cut the sleeves of the under shirt, she uses some thread to sew the pieces into socks. Riley slips each one onto her feet followed by a pair of black ankle boots, not the full bulky black studded ones she used to wear of Maya’s but a toned down version that she already owned herself.

Riley returns to the mirror and points her toe as she checks her outfit with the new additions. The fishnet socks poke out of the boots which Riley quite likes but worries it didn’t fit the rest of the outfit. Then, another thought comes to Riley’s mind and she digs through her belongings until she finds her thin black choker necklace, with the help of Vanessa, Riley secures it around her neck. The idea was to bring the black up higher and balance out the bottom half. Riley returns to the mirror again, immediately happier with the look of things. Finally, Riley scoops up her denim jacket and throws it on over her dress.

“Ready.” Riley holds her arms out by her side.

A collective “Whoa” escapes everyone else in the room.

“Is it too much?” Riley asks nervously under everyones gazes.

“I think it’s very, you.” Mabel coaxes her head with a smile.

“Are my clothes speaking to you again?” Riley jokes.

“Yeah and they've got nothing but good things to say.” Mabel smirks.

✮✮ Interrupting your reading with some visuals ✮✮

Riley’s outfit;

Riley’s hair reference; (So imagine she ends up with some beautiful version of this on herself)

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Rhiannon is last to dress, her gown is simple in the most beautiful way, it mirrors some similarities to her original dress but still fits the graceful woman she is today. Instead of a veil she wears a flower crown amongst her loose curls.

Once everyone is ready to leave Riley wonders where her mother is. Rhiannon says she had a slight delay but is waiting at town square for them now.

The group exits the clothing store, Mary insists no one - especially the bride - just walks over to the park so they all pile in her car.

Literally sixty seconds later the car pulls up at the edge of the park in town square. Riley spots her mother approaching the car, she’s looking lovely in a dress that matched the pink in her own outfit, close by Topanga’s side is Cory looking smart casual, suspenders that matched the ones Riley picked up for Auggie earlier in the week, an orangey flower pinned to his shirt.

Mabel, Mary and Vanessa exit the car to find seats. Riley gives her grandmother a small smile before leaving her to have a moment in the car. Cory opens the door for his daughter and offers his hand to help her out.

“Riley, you look so-” Topanga covers her mouth with her hand, speechless at the beauty of her daughter. Strangely emotional to see her so, herself.

“Did it work?” Riley asks quietly. “Am I fixed?”

“Oh honey, your father and I never thought you were broken.” Topanga says genuinely. “All we ever wanted was for you to realise that there’s nothing wrong with being yourself.”

“I get that now.” Riley nods. “But I can’t give Maya up, I won’t.”

“Is that what you think we want?” Cory furrows his brows.

“You were always so angry at me for being like her, for getting into trouble and-” Riley is cut off when her father takes her chin with his thumb and index finger, forcing their gazes.

“The world already has a Maya Hart. Maya Hart already has a Maya Hart. What the world and your best friend both need is a Riley Matthews.” Cory doesn’t break their stare for a second.

“I need a Maya just as much as she needs a Riley?” Riley crinkles her brows.

“It’s the secret of life.” Cory wears his cheesy grin.

“Not this speech again.” Riley groans playfully.

“It’s my best lesson!” Cory shrugs with a laugh.

“So you two don’t want me to stop being Maya’s friend?” Riley backtracks, she knew the whole secret of life blah blah but had she really villainized her parents during their fights, made it out like they wanted to cast away her best friend in order to have the perfect daughter return?

“Honey,” Topanga gives her a small smile before pointing towards the crowd of people gathering. “We would never.”

Confused, Riley follows the direction in which her mother is pointing. Shock waves over the brunette when she meets the gaze of the blonde girl she’s grown up calling her best friend. Maya is a small distance away staring over at the Matthews, she gives Riley a small wave and her mouth silently reads, “I’m so sorry.”

Overwhelmed, Riley feels the sudden urgency to cry but she manages to hold it together long enough to stress the silent words on her lips, “Me too.”

“I think it’s time to get things moving.” Cory says softly and it pulls Riley’s attention away from Maya. Cory gives his two leading ladies a small smile before meeting Auggie and Jedediah down the end of the aisle.

The intro of the music dedicated to them all walking down the aisle begins to play. Topanga gives Riley’s hand a gentle squeeze “I guess it’s time for my parents to get married... Again...”

Riley lets out a quiet laugh and begins to make her way down the aisle. Topanga helps her mother out of the car before walking a few steps behind Riley.

Riley spots Jedediah at the end of the aisle, Cory behind him and Auggie behind them both. The sight of her grandfather in a floaty cotton shirt is amusing and seems so odd yet nothing felt more right.

Once Riley’s nearing the first few rows closet to the end of the aisle, to her left, she gives Maya another small smile and then to her right, she finally spots Lucas for the first time that day. He’s sat with with his parents, Beth and Pappy Joe. Lucas is smiling at her with a big goofy grin, the kind that gave her butterflies and had her nervously pulling her attention away in attempt to regain composure.

The ceremony is simple but lovely. The sun was setting behind the couple as they gave new vows to each other and right when Jed pulled Rhiannon in for a kiss the big tree behind them lit up with thousands of twinkling lights.

Not wanting to waste anymore time, Maya approaches Riley immediately after the ceremony. She’s eager to see her best friend but still very nervous that they’ve been fighting and wondering what it’s going to be like after all the time they’ve spent apart.

“You look really pretty.” Maya opens sheepishly. “I like the socks.”

“I cut one of your old shirts.” Riley admits. “Sorry if you wanted it back..”

“It looks better on you this way.” Maya’s smile widens.

An awkward lull passes before they both burt out, “I’m sorry!- You’re sorry? I’m sorry!”

They both laugh off the weirdness and Maya talks first. “I should never have gotten mad at you about not wanting to come home. I should have gotten angry at that stupid, Charlie Gardner.”

“I should have been more sensitive about your feelings, I know how you feel about people leaving.” Riley watches Maya shift nervously. “You were right though. I have changed, but at the same time not really. Before I was trying to be you, now I’m just trying to be myself.” Riley holds one of Maya’s hands in her own. “It doesn’t matter where I am in the world, or who I am, I’m never giving up on you, Peaches.”

“You haven't called me Peaches in forever.” Maya’s smile has a slight sadness behind it. “I’ve really missed you, Riles.”

“Come here!” Riley pulls her best friend in for a hug. “Oh and I want your painting!” Riley blurts out.

“What?” Maya is evidently confused as she breaks their embrace.

“The one I helped you steal back from school” Riley says. “I want to hang it in my room.”

“Okay?” Maya says still a little puzzled.

“And I think we should apologise to Farkle.” Riley lets out a breath, quickly falling down a ramble hole. “I know he was weirdly obsessed with us but he was such a good friend to us both and we should have never neglected him or anyone else to prove how amazing our friendship was...”

“Okay...” Maya nods.

“And I think we should hang out with Zay more.” Riley adds.

“Zay?” Maya raises a brow.

“Yeah, he’s from here, I told you about that already.” Riley nods quickly.

“I know. When he got back to New York I actually hugged him because I missed you so much.” Maya admits quietly. “Zay..”

“So you’re okay with us expanding our friendships beyond just you and me?” Riley questions.

“Whatever you want.” Maya smiles.

“Only sometimes though.” Riley says. “I love you, Maya and I want to give you whatever you want, but from now on I’m going to be brave enough to tell you when I think that what you need is something else.”

“Oh yeah?” Maya coaxes her head playfully.

“Today I was looking through your old clothes that you lent me and I realised that I pretend to be you for so long that it did eventually rub off on me.” Riley says. “It was the insecure Riley parts that had me convinced that I was only pretending because eventually being like you did make me braver. You did inspire my own fierceness. That’s who I am now and that fierceness is fighting my insecurities and I’m not going to lie, I have had a little help here in Texas with finding myself again...” Riley’s eyes wander over towards Lucas whom is standing with his mother still. “...But you deserve credit too. I don’t think of us negatively, I hope this Riley is enough for you..”

“My strange little bird is all grown up.” Maya says with tears threatening to spill.

“Stop, you’ll make me cry.” Riley says with her own damp eyes.

“Fine, fine, I’ll hold it together.” Maya laughs as she clenches her eyes shut. “Can I meet your friend Mabel?”

Riley spends most of her time with Maya introducing her to friends and locals of the town but it did seem almost impossible for Riley to get a moment alone with Lucas. It seemed the most the pair could get were stolen glances and sheepish smiles as they interacted with whatever family or town member that called each of their individual attentions.

Now with the sky blanketed in darkness the park is lit up with fairy lights. Food is served, Riley sits with her family and Maya at a table, she spots Lucas at a table with his cousins, Mabel and Vanessa. Riley leaves her plate behind to go mingle and hopefully she’d finally get a chance to interact with Lucas, something more than sorry glances as one them gets pulled away before they meet up. Maya tags along with her overloaded plate in hand. Riley chuckles at the blonde and they head towards the table. Once they get there, Maya sits immediately in an empty seat on one side of Thomas and Riley realises Lucas has disappeared.

“Where'd Lucas go?” Riley asks the table.

“Pappy Joe called him over.” Mabel gives her a small and knowing little grin.

Rliey’s eyes scan the groups of people standing and sitting around. Her eyes fall on Lucas’ back as he stands with his grandfather and Jedediah. The three of them seem to be laughing about something and the sight of two old friends connecting made Riley really happy.

Tristan moves over on his chair and frees up space for Riley to share his seat. Riley takes him up on his offer and they not so comfortably sit together, not that either of them minded enough to move.

“No Eli?” Riley whispers very quietly to Tristan.

The twin shakes his head, “I did ask but it’s hard for him too, you know?”

Riley nods silently and turns her attention back to everyone else. The group falls into conversation. Naturally, Maya is quizzed being the newcomer to the group, she answers between mouthfuls of food but mostly offered up funny stories about Zay and how she teases him. Everyone laughed at each story, Riley notices Vanessa grow awkward listening to Maya and maybe even a little jealous but the cheerleader politely smiles and laughs along.

The thought of Maya and Zay as a romantic pairing had Riley confused so she laughs the idea off to herself. Riley’s eyes were fixated on the candle lit lantern in the middle of the table and eventually her gaze wanders around to the dinner plates of her friends.

“What kind of a wedding has pizza, barbecue ribs, Chinese food and a variety of home cooked meals?” Riley chuckles as she reflects again on just how amazing the towns efforts has been.

“The amazing kind.” Both Maya and Thomas say in unison, each with a mouthful of food.

“Whoa.” Tristan whispers to himself. “Now I totally get the freaky twin thing.”

Riley giggles along with the rest of the group at Tristan’s remark. Riley hangs around and participates in light conversation with her friends. Part of her was hoping Lucas would return, he hadn’t as of yet and not wanting to be the girl that spends the entire night with her friends, Riley stands to excuse herself.

“I’m going to see my family, Maya are you alright here?” Riley checks on her friend.

“I’m good.” Maya nods as she wipes at the corner of her mouth with the back of her palm. “I’m actually going to go get seconds.”

“Ooo, can you bring me back some of the pork dumplings?” Thomas asks excitedly.

“Do I look like a waitress?” Maya asks before stopping. “Wait- don’t answer that.”

Another laugh escapes Riley before she parts from the table and makes her way towards the wedding party. Riley’s about to approach them but notices her grandmother go off in another direction so she decides to follow. The two meet by the steps of the gazebo. The older woman radiating, not only from a beauty stand point but her whole aura seemed to shine.

The two step into the centre of the gazebo, now beautifully lit with all the fairy lights. Rhiannon’s eyes dance around at the many memories captured in photographs hanging from bits of wire.

“Riley, this is- amazing,” Rhiannon lets out a breath. “Did you do this?”

“I had the twins help me.” Riley admits. “But I just wanted to give you and grandpa a reminder of life before..”

“I love it.” Rhiannon smiles sweetly.

Riley lets her own gaze wander around the photos, one in particular catches her eye. She didn’t remember handing it up, it must have been one of the ones Tristan fixed up. Something about the photo felt familiar even though Riley was certain that she’d never seen it before. A picture of her grandparents at quite a young age from what she could tell. Riley turns it over in her hands and reads that pen written words, “The day we first met.”

“I have extra photos from that day somewhere back home in Philadelphia.” Rhiannon smiles as if she's looking back on that very day. “To think I almost never checked into the inn.”

“What do you mean?” Riley asks.

“Didn’t your grandfather tell you the full story?” Rhiannon questions. “That’s so like him, to let pieces fall into place as time goes on.”

“That’s exactly how it’s been,” Riley laughs softly. “I thought I got to know about you through the stories but it’s not until later that I find out that this is where you two met and then again it took even longer to find out that you both left town after a few days.”

Rhiannon shakes her head with a smile and begins to explain, “I suppose he left out the detail that Mae’s ballet school checked into the inn only minutes before me occupying all the rooms?”

“You knew Mae?” Riley questions.

“I met Mae before I met Jedediah.” Rhiannon nods.

“I don’t know why I’m so surprised.” Riley knits her brows together. “I don’t know why I assumed you came at a time before Pappy Joe met Mae...”

“I hitch hiked my way into town, a mini bus full of ballerinas picked me up and brought me to the inn.” Rhiannon explains. “That’s where I struck up a conversation with a beautiful girl named Mae.”

“Unbelievable.” Riley whispers to herself. “Jed and Joe of course knew each other at that point, the two of them were lingering around the front desk as everyone checked in. Mae’s dance teacher was taking care of their booking so I hung back and chatted with the dancer.” Rhiannon continues. “By the time I got to the desk, the concierge let me know the French school just filled up the last of the rooms. I was about to leave when Jed jumped in insisting that there was one more room left. After some hushed back and forth between Jed and the concierge I had a room to sleep in and as you probably know by the end of the day four people had fallen in love.”

“Where did the room come from?” Riley gives her grandmother a dubious look.

“Jed was staying in one of the rooms whilst he worked there so he just convinced the concierge to give me that room.” Rhiannon laughs softly.

“Because he wanted you to stay.” Riley laughs too. “But where did he sleep?”

“I didn’t find out until three years into our marriage that he slept in the stables on some hay.” Rhiannon laughs harder.

“Really?” Riley giggles.

Rhiannon lets her laughter tapper off. “So the young Friar boy, Lucas, I was speaking with him earlier. He seems lovely..”

“At least one of us has gotten a chance to speak to him today.” Riley sighs.

“The town has you occupied?” Rhiannon gives her a sympathetic smile.

“Constantly.” Riley nods.

“Go find him.” The elderly woman smiles softly as she edges towards the gazebos exit.

“Thanks grandma.” Riley gives her a smile before the woman disappears.

Now alone Riley’s eyes fall back on the photograph of her grandparents, it still has a strange familiarity Riley can’t quite explain. Without thinking about it too much Riley pulls the photograph off the strand of lights it hangs from and places it in her pocket.

Once Riley steps out of the gazebo she finds Lucas’ gaze, he’s back at the table with their friends, Riley’s surprised to see Eli has arrived and is mingling with Tristan and Thomas. Lucas nudges his head back, silently communicating for Riley to join him for a moment alone. She takes a few steps towards him but stops once she hears clinking of glasses. The two teen share yet another small smile and Riley joins her families table for the toasts.

Jed says a few words, Rhiannon says a few words, Cory and Topanga both get up and speak then there seemed to be a pressure put on Riley to say a toast. Nervously and unprepared the teen stands up. Riley fidgets anxiously with her hands for a moment. Quickly she collects her thoughts and begins her toast.

“I am a big believer in fate.” Riley says, “For a while I think I forgot just how much but my time in this town, with the people, getting to know my grandpa and his story, it’s made me remember why I was so trusting in the universe and it’s plan in the first place.” Riley begins to feel more natural talking in front of the large crowd. “In English class we were asked to partner up and write a story revolving around a person in their lives. I was fortunate enough to be trusted with a love story of a ballerina and a stable boy. My partner, Lucas,” Riley finds his gaze but only for a moment as she didn’t want to get distracted, “He wrote about Jed. Afterwards Lucas asked me what I would have written if I were him. I didn’t have too many details to give but I said I’d make sure Jed - my grandpa - got his happily ever after. But it looks like I don’t have to worry about that because the universe already had you covered.” Riley turns to her grandparents with a smile and then back to the crowd as she raises her glass, “To the forever couple.” Everyone clinks glasses, Riley can hear a loud whistle from Tristan, presumably because Riley used his words for the final toast.

And so the night goes on, Jed and Rhiannon have their second, first dance. Riley ends up on the makeshift dance floor with her younger brother, Auggie. Since his latest growth spurt the two at a comfortable height for each other without too much scrunching down or stretching up.

“I love that you’re not too cool to dance with your big sister.” Riley laughs.

“If you make it weird, Riley, I’ll stop.” Auggie shakes his head as they twirl around together.

“Newsflash, Auggie,” Riley’s smile remains. “I am weird.”

“Yeah, I know.” His grin is wide.

As the two twirl around together they spin past Lucas and Annabeth engaging in a similar dance together. There’s is a little more of an odd height difference.

Again Riley and Lucas exchange looks in passing but still nothing comes of it as they each get peeled off in opposite directions once their dances end.

Finally, after another hour since Riley last met eyes with Lucas on the dance floor she has a moment alone. Immediately she scans the park for Lucas. Riley finds him leaning against a tree, he’s watching his younger sister Annabeth and their father sweetly dance around together. Riley sneaks up on him and firmly tugs at the back of his shirt. The Texan jolts from the spook and staggers back a step before smiling when he sees it’s Riley.

“Well if it isn’t the hardest person to get a moment alone with in Hillford Creek.” Riley says with arms linked behind her back.

“That’s funny, I was just about to say the same thing about you.” Lucas jokes.

“You want to disappear for an hour or so?” Riley raises an eyebrow and nudges her head back.

“Now I know this is a wedding, Riley but I’m just not that kind of boy.” Lucas holds his palms out in a joking manner.

“Jerk.” Riley playfully smacks his stomach. “If you’re going to be like that then I don’t want to-” As Riley’s walking away from him Lucas grabs her wrist and spins her back around.

“The inn?” Lucas asks softly.

“The inn.” Riley nods.

The two look around to see if anyone was going to stop them and quickly exit the park together. A little way away from the park Riley feels it’s safe to finally talk.

“I am obsessed with today.” Riley beams as they stroll, Riley’s excitement turns into more of a skip. “Maya and I made up, she’s here! Vanessa and Mabel seem to be paving the way with their friendship again, my grandparents got married, again. Tristan finally told you about Eli-” Riley freezes dead in her tracks. “Wait he did tell you about Eli, didn’t he?”

“Yes.. When did he tell you about Eli?” Lucas pricks up a brow.

“I may have accidentally stumbled across them myself.” Riley lets out a nervous and breathy laugh.

“And you didn’t tell me?” Lucas questions.

“It wasn’t my secret to tell.” Riley gives him a look. “I hope you know that, I’d like to think it’s why you’ve trusted me with some of your own secrets.”

“I’m just kidding.” Lucas nudges Riley’s arm and they begin walking again. “You’re a good friend.”

“Thanks.” Riley smiles at her shoes. “So you’re okay with Eli?”

“Of course.” Lucas nods. “Surprised obviously but I’ve never doubted Tris’ judgement before, I’m not going to start now.”

“See, I knew you’d be cool about it.” Riley smiles.

“So Maya’s here, did you know she was coming?” Lucas asks.

“No. My parents organised it.” Riley explains. “I didn’t even see her until right before I walked down the aisle.”

“I got a chance to speak to her, she seems funny.” Lucas continues the conversation. “She has lots to say about Zay.”

“Oh yeah.” Riley laughs. “She’s been calling him cowboy names ever since he first transferred. So does she match ‘The Rebel’ stories you’ve heard from Zay?”

“I guess.” Lucas nods. “But I think she matches your stories more.”

A quiet but comfortable lull passes by and Riley uses it as an opportunity to bring up something she’s been dying to share.

“Guess what?” Riley bounces on her toes.

“Your parents have decided to move to Hillford permanently?” Lucas asks jokingly and when Riley frowns he apologies. “Sorry, that’s really unfair of me.”

“I was going to tell you about a conversation I had with my grandmother earlier.” Riley says, “Puzzle pieces just keep falling into place, just when I thought there were no more left to be discovered.”

“What new information has come to light?” Lucas asks intrigued.

“Would you believe me if I told you that our grandmothers met each other before they met Jed and Joe?” Riley raises a brow playfully.

“No way.” Lucas shakes his head. “You’re not going to tell me they met in Africa when they were seven or something are you?”

“Not quite.” Riley giggles. “But Mae’s mini bus did pick Rhiannon up on her way into town. They struck up a conversation with each other immediately.”

“Unbelievable.” Lucas says.

“That’s exactly what I thought.” Riley laughs. “Look at this,” Riley pulls out the photograph she stashed in her jacket pocket earlier. Lucas takes the photograph and looks closes at it. “That was from the first day they met.”

“It’s just like the one of my Pappy Joe and Grandma Mae.” Lucas smiles at it.

“Of course!” Riley says as it finally clicks. “That’s why it looks so familiar.” Instantly Riley remembers the photograph resting on the fireplace at Pappy Joe’s house. The faded photograph of a young Joe and Mae, from the way they stood together you never would have guessed it was the day they met. Riley figures each couple must have taken the photo for the other.

Riley is still looking at the picture as they approach the inn. Riley stops in her tracks again and Lucas pauses to find out what’s going on.

“Look.” Riley says with her smile growing wider as she holds up the photograph.

“What am I looking at?” Lucas is by her side staring intently at the photo trying to figure out what has Riley so psyched.

“Focus on what’s behind the couple.” Riley gives Lucas a hint.

Confused but without question Lucas examines the photo again, this time looking past the couple. Suddenly he sees what Riley sees, not only on the photo but the whole picture behind it.

“The inn.” Lucas says in wonder as he closes one eye and watches as the backdrop for the photograph matches up with the inn they stand before.

“Pretty crazy, huh?” Riley smiles at the side of Lucas’ face whilst he continues to measure up the photo with the burnt out building.

Lucas turns his head towards Riley and sheepishly meets her smile. “I want to show you something.”

“Okay.” Riley says with curiosity building. The Texan leads her inside but stops Riley in the front entrance.

“Close your eyes.” Lucas instructs.

“Really?” Riley questions.

“Really.” Lucas nods.

“Okay...” Riley says wearily and shuts her eyes. Lucas guides Riley with one hand gently on the small of her back into the room they've sat and chatted in before.

“Open.” Lucas says once he’s got Riley into position.

Slowly, Riley lets her eyes flutter open and for a moment is speechless at the sight of what used to be a burnt out and broken bay window. Now in it’s place is a repaired seat, with a fresh coat of paint even the windows had been cleared of all black smoke now leaving a clear and beautiful view of the outside.

“Is this what you were doing today?” Riley spins around and steps back nervously with how close she ended up being to Lucas who was only right behind her.

“Yeah, I mean I couldn't in good conscious keep letting you sit on the floor.” Lucas shrugs one shoulder nonchalantly.

“Oh that’s all is it?” Riley coaxes her head.

“Yep.” Lucas shrugs innocently again.

“You know what the bay window means to me.” Riley highlights.

“I’m familiar.” Lucas nods.

“You built me a safe place.” Riley takes a step towards Lucas. Nervously he steps back.

“It’s not like I built you a whole house..” His laugh is stuttered as rubs at the nape of his neck.

“You baby notebooked me.” Riley sways in place, her grin plastered widely across her face.

“Maybe.” A giggle escapes Lucas.

“Is it safe enough to sit down?” Riley jokes.

“I hope so.” Lucas laughs. “Otherwise I’m going to struggle to repair this whole place one day.”

Lucas motions for Riley to take a seat. She purposely pulls at the side of her dress like a curtsey and sits down. Lucas laughs and sits beside her. Riley lets her gaze wander out the window. Quickly the happy bliss she’s been feeling lets some of her past worries slip through to the forefront.

“Are you alright?” Lucas asks noticing her mood change.

“Just can’t help but think about the changes that are to come.” Riley chews nervously on her lip.

“Not all change is bad, Riley.” Lucas smiles. “Like the fall leaves for example. Change can be good, beautiful.”

A small smile flashes across the New Yorkers face but quickly her expression falls back into one of worry. “Can you promise me that no matter what happens next we’ll still be friends?” Riley asks. “I don’t want to lose you too.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Lucas smiles.

“Good.” Riley lets out a nervous breath before lifting her hands to either side of Lucas’ face and closing the space between them. The kiss was one that had Riley certain of the difference between compatibility and chemistry.

“What was that for?” Lucas asks with a sweet awestruck expression when they part. “Not that I’m complaining.” He quickly covers his tracks with a nervous chuckle.

“There are few certainties in life, inevitability's you know?” Riley is quickly heading into a ramble. “In my life there’s a sadness approaching not to mention the inevitability of my return to New York after that-” Riley exhales loudly, “I have no idea what that means for us in the long term- or even in the short term- but I do know that I really like spending time with you-” Riley’s now in full ramble mode. “But like I said, I am returning to the city and I know that might be a deal breaker- presuming you even want in on the deal-”

“Riley!” Lucas can’t help but let out a chuckle as he tries to slow her down. “We don't have to overthink things... We don’t have to be anything but us for as long or as little as you want.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Riley questions.

“On the off chance that you’ll kiss me again..” Lucas chuckles. “Yeah, I’m totally okay with that.”

Riley hangs her head forward with an embarrassed laugh. Lucas stands up and exaggerates a sigh. “As much as I’d like to keep you here I think people will be wondering where you’ve gone.”

Riley nods knowing he’s right, as much as she’d craved this alone time with Lucas she did know they had to go back.

“If I’m lucky I’ll be able to steal you again before the nights over for a dance.” Lucas says as he holds the front door open for Riley.

“Did you not see me stepping on my brothers toes out there earlier?” Riley scoffs. “You really want to sign yourself up for that?”

“Oh do I ever.” Lucas laughs. “I’ve seen the way you twirl.”

“Are you mocking me?” Riley folds her arms.

“I would never.” Lucas holds a hand to his chest. “I’m a Riley Matthews advocate.”

“Okay then.” Riley unfolds her arms and takes marching strides out onto the grass in front of the inn. “Spin with me.”

“What?” Lucas laughs nervously.

Riley looks Lucas dead in the eyes, his face only visible from the moonlight shining down on them. “You heard me.” Riley raises her arms out high and in line with her shoulders, she tilts her head back and points her gaze at the stars, she takes a deep breath and she twirls.

Lucas watches on with a grin, he still stands on the last step of the inns front porch. Riley stops her twirling and looks over at him slightly dizzy.

“Come on.” Riley says with a giggle as she waves her hand and Lucas sheepishly strolls over towards her. Riley pushes Lucas’ arms up and out by his elbows then matches his stance herself. “Head back and just-” Riley does as she did before and resumes her twirling, this time Lucas follows her lead. The Texan feels silly at first but quickly warms up to how freeing it felt. The two kept spinning and giggling until Riley catches her foot on a rock and trips backwards, her dizzy brain makes her stumble and land flat on her butt. Another round of laughter erupts from the girl as she tries to steady her brain. Lucas can’t help but chuckle too as he zigzags his way over to help her up.

“Time to go back?” Lucas asks as he holds out a hand to help up Riley.

“Yeah.” She says with a little sadness behind the word but still she takes his hand and allows him to help her up. The two take off in the direction of town square, neither of them noticing that they never let go of each others hand.

✮ ✮ ✮

End Notes: Firstly I would just like to thank everyone who has been patient with me in the time off I’ve had recently. Your kind messages of support have been lovely to read!

Secondly, this is a LONG chapter. The next part of this story is the epilogue but I will be releasing a bonus chatter after that. You will see why I’ve planned it this way.

Sorry if the editing in this is poor but I’m quite lazy with it, especially when it’s so long like this...

Please let me know how you feel about the story wrapping up. Lucas and Riley have FINALLY kissed. What does the future hold for them?

#rucas #rucas au #rucas fic #rucas fanfic #tsou

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