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#anyway somebody give alex a hug i think he needs one
ghostlyarchaeologist · 5 months
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"You know how many people I've seen die fighting this idiotic drug war?"
Almost Paradise S01E01 Finding Mabuhay.
Requested by @laser-tripwires
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zurako0 · 1 year
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Part 2
The next day comes, Ellie wakes up with a headache as if last night wasn't enough to begin with..
Anyway, she tries to ignore the headache and start her day like nothing happened but all she can think of right now is Alex. Alex, the man that saved her last night but she can't tell anyone about it? Or that's what he said. Ellie thinks about it a lot and decides to go along with it for now, after all she owes him her life, who knows what James would have done if he didn't show up.
Time passes and when she is done cuddling Bella, her lovely kitty she finally gets up and heads downstairs to greet her mother before she leaves for her business travel, second one this month. Her mother is a well known doctor, neurologist and neurosurgeon so she has to attend many events and hospitals quite often.
She greets her mother with a kiss on the cheek "good bye mommy good work!" She says with a smile on her face "good bye honey stay safe" her mother tells her before shutting the door closed behind her.
Ellie calls her friends she needs to get her stuff back and give them an explanation of what happened, which means she has to lie to them maybe tell them half the truth about James only.
"Hey Jess its Ellie I ne-" Ellie gets interrupted "Ellie where are you are you okay??? i have your stuff and everything" Jess says and you can tell she is very worried by her voice tone.
"I'm alright i will explain everything, call the others and tell them we need to meet at the cafe in 1 hour okay?" Ellie says and let's out a sigh, "okay sweetie we'll be there". They hang up the phone.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ellie arrives at the cafe first, she goes to take a seat somewhere and wait for the others. The girls arrived shortly after, they all ran to hug her they seemed very worried.
"Now you have some explaining to do where did you go with James what happened? i knew i shouldnt let you go" Jess says and her face is full of regret, "Im fine everything is fine we were just talking a lot, when he became aggressive i just left him, it took me so long because we were in the woods.."
"what were you doing in the woods with Jame?? are you crazy?" Marry kind of shouts at her, "i- i know i just got carried away and didn't think much of it.."
"so? what were you talking about?" Jane asks and raises an eyebrow.. "nothing much he was just telling me how sorry he is and to give him another chance", "you better not" Jess and Jane say together, "of course not, im stupid enough to go with him yesterday but not get back together.. not aftwr everything.." Ellie says and her face darkened, she has been through so much because of him.
Time passes the girls are chatting and laughing yesterday night was soon forgotten, if only they knew what really happened..
The door's bell rings as the door opens and somebody tall walks in, he catches Ellie's attention, Ellie immediately realises that the man is not other than Alex himself.
Alex turns his head towards them and they immediately lock eyes, Ellie looks away or else the girls might notice, which leaves a smile on Alex's face.
Alex takes a seat on the tables in the back, Ellie can't stop herself, she always his way waiting for them to lock eyes again, but when they do Alex always has that skirk on his face, he looks so handsome wearing a long black suit, she can feel his beautiful eyes targeting her when she looks at him again he gives her a wing, Ellie can feel butterflies in her stomach and suddenly gets fluttered.
"Hey what's up? why are you so red out of a sudden?" Jess asks and raises an eyebrow, "oh nothing its just very hot in here" Ellie says that as an excuse, adding more to her lies.
But she cant understand why, why Alex told her to not tell anyone about this? is he hiding something? what was he doing that time in the woods anyway?
So many questions to be answered but no answers. She must know immediately afterall she has to make it up to him, saving her won't be dealed with just a kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~
Long time passes and the girls decide to leave the cafe, they pay for their coffees and leave, Ellie gives one last glance back at Alex but he had already left the place seconds ago.
On her way back home she gives Alex a phone call, he picks up "Hey its me Ellie from last night.. would like to meet up for some coffe or whatever" Ellie says "You just drunk coffe, love" Alex says with a soft laughter "But oof course, should i come pick you up from your place?" he asks.
His voice deep but soft toned, he speaks so gracefully and calling her "Love"? she can't help it but feeling her heart melt with each word he is saying.
"yeah sure I'm heading home right now so what time is it best for you?" Ellie asks "Maybe in 2 hours? is that time enough for you to get ready?", "get ready? were are we going?" Ellie asks with a very query look, "Im taking you to a place i know dress however you like, you'll look gorgeous anyway love" Alex says and hangs up the phone, Ellie cant help herself, the bautterflies in her stomach are going crazy.
Ellie arrives home and she runs upstairs to find something to wear, her dresser is a mess that she created trying to find something that fits to an occasion she has no idea about.
She finds a classy long wine red dress that fit her slightly curvy body perfectly, she picks a small black hand bag and her favourite black high heels.
She decides to put her hair in a low ponytail, leaving 2 curled strands of hair in the front, she decides to be a little extra and sprays herself with a glitter spray she bought on a wimp and rarely uses, as always.
Later on she proceeds to do her make up, a full glam glowy make up that could make any man fall to his knees.
When she was finally ready she checks her clock and sees that 1 and a half hours past already so she decides to go downstairs and watch some TV till Alex arrives downstairs.
She turns on the TV and a news channel is on, "21 year old man found in the woods beaten up, signs that the mafia is involved, the suspect is still missing" Ellie's eyes are wide open, the mafia? Alex couldn't be involved there must be some confusion.. "2 bodies have been discovered close to the spot where the boy was.."
At this point Ellie is terrified she has no time to react, the door bell rings, she rushes to open door thinking it's Alex, he has some explaining to do.
She opens the door only to see James standing there, Ellie freezes.
"look you crazy bitch, look what your new boyfriend did to me, i will tell the police everything" James says to Ellie, who is still frozen.
Ellie manages to say something but only stuttering "What.. what are you talking about.." Ellie feels dizzy, can barely stand on her feet, she stumbles and almost falls but somebody catches her, she raises her look only to see Alex holding her tight in his arms, his look worried but furious.
The moment James sees him and remembers his face he tries to run but Alex grabs him by the back of his head pulling his hair, "what are you doing here you piece of shit, if you ever dare to show your face before her i will skin you alive, dont test me" Alex says grinding his teeth, still holding Ellie in his arms.
Alex let's go of James and he immediately runs away, Alex lifts Ellie up in his arms and takes her to the couch where he gently lays her down
"are you okay love? did he hurt you? tell me and I'll kill him" Alex says his gaze soft and worried.
"i will bring you some water stay still dont move" Alex hurries to the kitchen and comes back bringing Ellie a glass of water, "here love, drink this" Ellie drinks the water and immediately starts feeling better, she doesn't know what got her.
"Alex.." Ellie says with a worried look in her face, "yes love?" Alex says, "I saw the news.. they were saying the Mafia is involved in yesterday's events.." Alex face darkened his eyes starring inside Ellie's soul, ellie suddenly feels terrified, how could a man that treats her so gently become so terrifying?
His look changes and comes back to the soft worried Alex, "don't worry about it, are you feeling better?" Alex asks still a bit cold towards her, Ellie understands that she shouldn't ask more about it.
What if Alex is actually involved with the mafia, is she in danger? is he actually the sweet Alex that gently holds her in his arms, or a dangerous man that she must stay away from? A man with secrets and a dark past.
Ellie can't help herself and feel attracted to him, something inside her tells her that she should risk it all, right here right now.
Ellie grabs Alex by the back of his neck and pulls him towards her, "Lie to me and I'll make your life a living hell" Ellie says and catches Alex by surprise before she passionately kisses him.
Ellie can feel a fire isnide of her growing stronger and stronger she cannot control herself as she keeps kissing Alex, Alex by the other hand is kissing her back passionately, biting her lower lip, pulling back and looking at her with a smirk on his face.
He kisses her passionately grabbing her softly by the neck which makes her let out a soft moan, Alex starts giving her neck kisses, at this point they are both turned on and ready to devour each other, Ellie feels something tickling her as she feels his hand going down her breasts, Alex feels her breasts full on his hand, feeling his lower parts getting even more hard.
Ellie can't help herself and moan in his mouth, no man has ever made her feel this way, she grabs him by the back of his neck and pulls him into the kiss even harder, after a while she moves on her hand on his hars abs and later on, on his lower parts..
Ellie feels something hard and big on her hand but Alex stops her immediately "Don't rush it love" Alex says with a smile on his face.. they continue to kiss for a while Alex's hands are one time on her breasts and the other time on her ass.
He pulls her on top of him, Ellie can feel his hard cock like its already penetrating her under their clothes, he is so hard and big, it feels like she couldn't take it.
Time passes and they're still making out feeling as hot as ever in their tight clothing, all they want is the clothes to he removed, but it's not the time and the place.
Alex pulls back and looks at her, worshipping her beautiful with his gorgeous sea blue eyes, Ellie feels flattered by his gaze, she gently strokes her hair and Alex pulls her into a tight hug.
They lay down in the couch together until Ellie falls asleep in his big arms.
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supercorpkid · 3 years
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Mind Controlled – The Series.
Part 4 – There’s no forgiveness.
Supercorp, Kara Danvers x Daughter!Reader, Lena Luthor x Daughter!Reader.
Word count: 2190.
Warning: Injuries, pain, angst.
Previously on the series - part 1, part 2, part 3
Kara lands in the backyard when the first ray of the sun hits the sky. You’re still glued to her, covered in blood, sweat and tears. Your throat hurts like you’ve been screaming for hours straight. Your mind feels lazy, like for some reason you’ve lost part of your brain function. There’s blood coming out of several parts of your body, and you don’t know how any of those bruises ended up on you.
“Water, please.” You beg, when Kara goes inside the house and she takes you to the kitchen, still carrying your floppy body everywhere. You look at the kitchen wall. Bricks exposed, dust and broken parts on the floor and you gasp at the image imprinted on the wall. “I hurt you.”
“No, baby.” Kara sits you on the stool. She grabs water and pours cereal into a bowl for you. You don’t move. You can’t take your eyes from the wall. “You know I have super strength. You didn’t hurt me.”
“But I tried to.” You drink the water, so your mind gets occupied with something. What have you done? “Where’s mom? Did I hurt her too?”
“Baby.” Kara goes to you, and holds your face, gently. “I know you don’t remember anything, but you have to believe me. You didn’t hurt a single soul, ok?” You want to agree, but it’s hard because you really don’t remember if it’s true. “Eat something. You really need to shower this blood off, and you need some sleep.”
“But-” You try to argue, but Kara doesn’t want to talk anymore. So you look to the floor, finding impossible to stare at the wall and the proof you’ve acted like a monster. “Oh my God.”
“What, baby?” Kara follows your eyes to the floor.
“Mom’s vase. I broke mom’s vase.” You get up from the stool, stumbling your way to the vase. You fall on the floor, collecting one of the pieces. “She loved this.”
“My love, it’s just a vase.” Kara makes her way to where you are, crouching next to you.
“But you brought as a gift from that time you went to Japan, and she… SHE LOVES THIS!” You cry, trying to collect every piece, bleeding on the porcelain. “She will never forgive me.”
“Baby, no, no.” Kara takes the broken pieces from your hands, and picks you up. “That’s enough of self-loathing, come on.” She sits on the stool again. “Eat, please.”
You do as she told you to. It doesn’t take long until you’re clean and wrapped up in blankets and Kara’s arms, and you fall into a turbulent, but still needed sleep.
When you wake up, it’s the middle of the afternoon. You make your way to the kitchen, feeling equally shitty on the outside, but at least you can stand up now. On the inside you feel worse, like you have done things so horrible your brain is refusing to let you remember them. It sits heavy on your stomach and on your heart. You hope to Rao you haven’t done something irredeemable.
You walk in the kitchen and look around. Kara already cleaned the vase, and even though the wall is still broken, she somehow managed to make it look less like her body-shape. There’s so much food waiting for you, it looks like Kara is trying to feed a Kryptonian army.
“Hey, baby. Got some rest?” Kara comes closer, and she grabs your hands, studying them for the marks there. She looks at the marks on your wrists, and even lifts your shirt to look at the raw flesh of your ribcage, to make sure your injuries are better. They are not. “You need sunlight.”
“Momma, I’m not a sunflower.” You huff, while Kara picks you up again, taking you to the backyard, to the table there.
“Yes, you are.” She jokes and you look up to her while pouting.
“You are a sunflower.” You cross your arms, making Kara laugh.
She comes back into the house to pick up the food, and a few seconds later most of the food is in front of you.
“Where’s mom?” You ask, looking around, and since you don’t have your glasses, you can use your x-ray vision. “You said I didn’t hurt her, so why isn’t she home yet?”
“You didn’t hurt anyone, but you broke some stuff.” Kara grabs one slice of pizza, and sits next to you. Your eyes grow bigger.
“Besides her vase?” You still can’t forgive yourself for that. Kara nods. “What else?”
“Your training center.” She sighs, and your eyes are filled with tears right away. “You burnt it, actually.”
“I’m so sorry!” You cover your face with your hands, feeling embarrassed and sad. You loved going there and practicing with aunt Alex and your momma. Why the hell did you do that for?
“It wasn’t you.” Kara pulls you into a hug, and kisses your forehead. “You didn’t want to do or say any of those things. We know, baby.”
“But-” You tried to argue, still not understanding.
“Baby, you were mind controlled.” Kara breathes out her answer. “You did things you didn’t mean to. Someone else was pulling the strings. None of that was inside of you, none of that was what you once thought or wanted to do, ok?”
“Is that why I don’t remember a thing about it?” You ask, confused. Kara agrees with her head, and you look down trying to think. That’s a good thing. To know none of that was inside of you, and to know you didn’t mean to do any of that. But still, somebody used your body and your memories to hurt the ones you loved and the places you love, so that is terrifying. You look up to her again. “Someone, who?”
“Lex.” Kara lets out and you agree with your head, not wanting to hear anything else.
Ok, so you didn’t physically hurt anyone, but you know Lex (or at least his reputation), so you know that he probably found other ways to hurt people. And Lena, poor Lena, was probably his first choice for that, because he genuinely hates her.
You really want to apologize, so you can’t wait until Lena to get home for you to do so. But she doesn’t come. You wait and wait, but Lena never arrives. You probably screwed up with her big time.
Kara keeps reassuring you that you didn’t, that none of it it’s your fault, but it can’t be true. So, one day Lex mind controls you to beat up your momma, destroy important places to you, and you’re supposed to believe this has nothing to do with Lena not coming home to you?
You wake up before Kara does, and you go to the kitchen to make her breakfast, so you can somehow apologize for whatever it is that happened on the day and night before. You make her all of her favorites, and leave a note under a flower on the counter for when she wakes up.
You are the sunflower.
You don’t wait for her to wake up, though. Your heart has been desperate for hours wanting to see your mom and have her forgiveness and feel her comfort. There’s nothing more comforting in the world than Lena’s hands on your hair while you place your head on her lap.
You listen to her heartbeat, and you go to her. You land on Lena’s balcony at L Corp, looking inside to where she is sitting on the couch. You also notice other things: Her overnight bag pushed to the side, untouched food in front of her, her red eyes and puffy cheeks. It breaks your heart all the more.
“Mom.” You go to her, kneeling on the floor in front of her and placing your head on her lap. “Please, forgive me. Please.”
“Come on, baby, stand up.” Lena tries to hold your hand, but you settle on her lap, weeping mercifully.
“I don’t know what I said, or did, but I know I’ve hurt you. Please, please, forgive me.” You ask between the tears and the cracks in your voice. Lena’s hands go to your head. “I’m so sorry for everything.”
“It wasn’t you.” Lena strokes your hair, gently. “It was Lex mind controlling you. Babygirl, I’m not angry. Everything is ok.”
You lift your head so you can look at her. Lena gives you a sad little smile, while cleaning the tears on your face.
“But-but you’re here.” You look around. “You’re not home, because you can’t be around me anymore.”
“What? Baby, no!” Lena holds your arms gently, making you stand and sit next to her. She gives you a comforting hug, that feels too nice to be fake. And cups your face, right after. “This has nothing to do with you. Do you hear me?”
“I don’t understand.” You furrow your brows, looking scared and lost. “You’re sleeping in your office at L Corp right after I was turned into a monster. How can this have nothing to do with me?”
“Babygirl, do you trust me?” Lena asks. Her eyes flicker, anxiously, studying your face, like she’s afraid of your answer.
“More than myself.” It’s your most truthful sentence. She gives you a soft smile.
“Then believe me when I tell you, I’m not mad at you, and I’m not here because I can’t be around you.” She strokes your cheeks with her thumbs. “I love you more than anything, and I’m very, extremely, deeply happy that my baby is back.”
“I am.” You repeat, agreeing with your head. “Then, please come back home.”
“I can’t.” She kisses your forehead, and then lets go of your face. “Not now, anyways.”
“Mom.” You try, but she shakes her head like she’s telling you to stop this conversation.
“Please, have breakfast with me?” She asks turning to the food before you, and even though you already ate, you refuse to say no and let her eat alone.
When you’re finished eating, and you see that Lena actually ate something, you decide to pick the subject back again.
“Mom, I know I was mind controlled, but, um, I need to make sure I didn’t physically hurt you or said anything too painful.” She looks at you, pointing at herself, like she’s saying that she’s not hurt. “Right. And the second part?”
“Baby, I told you. The things you said? All Lex.” She kisses your forehead again. “Stop worrying.” You wish it was that simple. That you could just simply stop worrying, but you look at her face, you see the sadness in her eyes, and you know you would do anything to make her happy again.
Your phone starts ringing and she looks at it, reading the name in it.
“Answer it, so Kara doesn’t worry about you.” She says, and you furrow your brows.
Kara. Heart beating fast. Breath stuck in her lungs.
“Hey, momma.”
“Kid, where are you? You made all this breakfast and left me here to eat alone?”
“Came to check upon mom.”
“Oh, um, right. How-How is Lena?”
Lena. Choking on her words. Dear Rao. This isn’t about you at all.
“Sleeping at her office, so not great.”
Lena raises an eyebrow at you, and you hear Kara sucking on air.
“You guys want to tell me something?” You ask on the phone while looking at Lena.
“We’ll talk when you get home.” You hear Kara’s voice, and then the dial tone. You lower your phone and keep waiting for Lena’s response.
“It has nothing to do with you.” Lena says, holding your hands, and stroking your bruises lightly. “This is between me and your momma only, ok?”
“Mom, please, come home. Whatever it is, you two need to talk.” You ask, and she shakes her head in denial.
“Please baby. Let’s not talk about it.” Even though she added the ‘please’ you know it’s not a request. You know your mom, and you can see it on her face that you better drop the subject right now, or you will make things worse.
So, it seems that none of your moms are mad at you, or sad about the things you’ve said and done. It looks like it has nothing to do with you, and it’s a fight between them.
Alex also doesn’t seem to care, when you see her in the middle of the week, she just smiles and waves at you. She doesn’t even want to listen to your apology, she just cuts you off with a “kiddo, save that apology for a time you do this with your worst intentions. This wasn’t your fault, so I don’t need no apology.”
And you wish that could go into your brain and make you forgive yourself for the things that you know, now, you’ve done. But there’s still exposed bricks on your kitchen wall, there’s still no place for you to practice, and there’s still no Lena in your house. And as the week goes on and on, and you don’t know if she’ll ever come back, there’s no forgiveness you can give to yourself.
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noodlearg · 2 years
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I know i’m kinda late on this but like S2 isn’t out yet so i don’t care
1. What month will season 2 be released?
August 😏
2. What episode will Simon and Wilhelm have their first S2 kiss (who will initiate the kiss)?
I feel like it should probably wait until episode 2 or 3. I think Simon should be the one to initiate the kiss because I think Wilhelm would feel guilty for not giving him his space if he was the one to initiate it.
3. How will Simon find out about August being behind the leak?
I feel like somebody should mention it in passing at some point and then be like “wait you didn’t know?” Possibly some students were just kind of talking about it casually and he overheard.
4. Will there be snow in s2?
It’s Sweden in the winter. Id be surprised if there’s not any.
5. Will there be any physical fight (if yes, who will be involved)?
Probably not but if there is i’d want it to be somebody beating the crap out of August.
6. Will Wilhelm abdicate?
No and if he does it won’t be this season. It’s too soon.
7. Will Wilhelm make a new public statement about his sexuality?
Yes but I feel like it would be on social media or something because the crown doesnt really want him to come out and then the video will go viral
8. Will there be introduced another queer character (can be a s1 character - if yes, who)?
We need some WLW representation at some point. I feel like Madison is a little queer, maybe not WLW more like aromantic? Idk. They said that they do have new characters they’re introducing, so maybe one will be WLW?
9. Will Sara become a boarder student at Hillerska?
Yea but it’ll only last a few weeks before something gets in the way or she feels guilty and returns home
10. Do we get a forehead kiss between Simon and Wilhelm (if yes, who kisses who)?
YES ALL THE FOREHEAD KISSES. I feel like Simon would kiss Wilhelm.
11. Will Simon and the queen exchange any words (if yes, who will speak first)?
I don’t think so but if it does happen i think Simon would speak first.
12. Will there be clothes exchange between Simon and Wilhelm (if yes, what item)?
The scarf 💕
13. Will Sara speak any spanish?
Yes
14. Will Simon become aware of Wilhelm's anxiety?
I think he already is or at the very least knows something is up
15. Will Wilhelm break the 4th wall at some point?
We need another camera look pls
16. Will Alex get some sort of revenge (if yes, how)?
No i think he’s gone for good
17. Will Erik appear in any form (letter, flashback, etc.)?
Probably in like a flashback or i could imagine wilhelm finds an old video on his camera role of him and Erik and that’ll be a scene that’ll make me sob uncontrollably.
18. How many characters will cry (with tears) - who?
Definitely Wilhelm and Simon, probably Sara as well, hopefully August, and i would like to see the Queen finally break and start crying and give Wilhelm the hug he deserves so much, but that won’t be until the end of the season.
19. Will Simon and/or Wilhelm say 'Jag älskar dig' (if yes, who says it first - will they both say it)?
Yes and Simon will definitely say it first. Wilhelm will say it back.
20. How many times will we see Simon eat pasta?
Every episode. And with pasta sauce this time, not with ketchup.
21. Who will have the first kiss in season 2 (named characters)?
Sara and August even though i hate them as a couple
22. Will Simon and Wilhelm have any PDA (if yes, what kind)?
Yes but it would just be a quick peck on the lips or holding hands like i don’t think either of them would be comfortable full on making out in public.
Anyways yea those are my predictions, hopefully i’m right on some of them and wont look back on this in a few months and be like “oh honey you really had no idea”
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Daniel Le Domas x gender neutral reader
Yo I hate Alex that motherfucker but also I think it’d be easier if Daniel killed Tony in the forest and then ran away with Grace, but I guess it’d be safe to bet that others left for the forest when the car got flipped.
Also for some reason my gifs aren’t workin
Requested: No
Word Count: 2847
Warnings: suggested use of drugs because Emilie exists, mentions of hypothetical violence, some angst i think, mentions of a gun in a world war themed board game
Normal AU where Le Domas are a ‘normal’ rich family, still weird, but no deal with the devil.
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Servants, lavish parties, gourmet food, expensive alcohol, this was the life you might be inheriting. You say ‘might’ because you’re not married, nor are you getting married. 
Your partner, Daniel Le Domas, was born to a rich family, so he was entitled to all these privileges, not that he seemed quite fond of them. Deep down you knew he was, but he for sure didn’t make it clear.
“Don’t worry,” Speak of the devil. He reassures you, squeezing your hand as you walk down the halls to the music room. A music room, for god’s sake! Not speakers, not a radio, but their butler playing the piano. At least they didn’t have a ballroom, that would just be way extra. “We’re a normal family, I promise.”
“Normal?” You raise an eyebrow, gesturing to a nearby seemingly ancient, though you exaggerated that, portrait of a newlywed couple. “All the portraits I’ve seen so far are newlywed couples.” 
“That’s normal for rich families.”
“Haha.” You say sarcastically. “But seriously, you can’t even paint them in normal clothes? Not even family pictures of one of your many vacations?”
“First of all, who said we even had vacations?” You assumed they did, seeing as they were wealthy. Doesn’t the average rich person go on vacation twice a year? Whatever, who were you to assume? Though the thought of it is still a little peculiar, so you decide to question it.
“You don’t? No little tour over Europe? No visiting the seven wonders in the span of a week?” You go on and on, suggesting outlandish places.
Daniel nudges your side playfully to get you to stop. “No, haven’t even toured the US.”
You laugh, nudging him back. “You’re no fun, for a board game family.” You pluck a nearby board game from it’s shelf, Yankee Bayonet. Initially, you’d been attracted because of the gun on the box. It's world war one or two themed. “Well, can’t blame you. Don’t know how this would seem fun. What’s it even about?” You put the box back on display before Daniel can scold you for touching it.
“Honestly, I don’t know. There’s so many games, and I’ve barely played a quarter of them. That one, however,” he points at a box further down the hallway, “that one I play-tested as a kid. It’s somewhat fun.”
“Somewhat.”
As you near the end of the hallway, your eyes land on a portrait of Charity. You stop, which makes Daniel stop too. For a second, he’s confused, until he looks up at the portrait. Immediately, he turns to survey you. Among every emotion dancing in your eyes, he catches disturbance, nervousness, and most importantly, a splash of disgust. “Charity.” You say a little bitterly.
“Charity.” He repeats. “That’s where our painting used to be.” He cups your cheek and pulls you to look at him, putting his other hand on your shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
You shake your head, putting one hand on his hip and the other on the hand resting on your cheek. “It’s nothing. If I’m going to be with you, I’m going to have to face your family.” Daniel smiles, giving you a quick peck on the nose. He’s glad you’re so willing to get to know them, especially with how much he’s down-talked them, to put it lightly. “The only thing that confuses me is why this is still here. She’s your ex-wife.”
“They took a liking to her.” The both of you grimace. “She was just as crazy as them. Honestly, I don’t see what they see in her. But,” He takes your hand and presses a kiss on it. “I won’t let her bother you. If you want, I’ll even flaunt our relationship more than I would’ve.”
You shake your head, turning towards the next corridor. “No need. I’ll be fine.”
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Famous last words, “I’ll be fine.”
You were not fine, in fact, you were a fish out of water. Standing next to the family, you felt severely underdressed, even when you’d gone out your way to wear something fancy. Though that wasn’t the biggest problem. They were all very distinct, but they fit into the family. Of course, they were family, but it made you feel like an outcast.
“(y/n),” Becky greets you with a smile. You offer her a hand, but she gives you a hug instead. You barely manage to reciprocate it. “I’m delighted that you came for a visit."
You give her the best smile you can, hoping she doesn’t notice it’s fake. “I’m glad I’m here with you.” You’d really thought that meeting the family would go smooth, honestly though, how could you? These were rich people, your lifestyle, mannerisms, nothing was even remotely similar to theirs.
“Oh, thank you.” She hands you a glass of champagne which you gingerly take, just to be polite. “I hope you can bring my son back to his old self. He’s never been the same since the divorce!” Before she can take you off towards a couch somewhere, Daniel stops her. He’d excused himself for some whiskey when you made it to the entrance and promised he’d make it quick.
“Mom.” He scolds lightly. He takes the drink from your hands and leaves it on a servant’s tray, knowing you’re not one for fancy champagne.
“Daniel.” Her face lights up. She gives him a quick hug, which you notice Daniel is a bit uncomfortable in. “Haven’t seen you in a while.” She teases.
Daniel nods rather stiffly, moving to your side and taking your hand almost immediately. “Been busy.” The whole family knows that ‘busy’ meant being with you, yet he covers up for it anyway.
“I know, I know. They’re a nice catch, by the way.” Becky pats you on the shoulder, a gesture both you and Daniel seem to dislike. “Well, I better not keep you for any longer. I’m sure the rest of the family is eager to meet you.” For some reason, you highly doubt that. 
Becky leaves you for another glass of champagne. Daniel turns to you once she’s gone. “You okay?” He holds your hands in his in the hopes it’ll comfort you.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He can tell you’re lying, you’re not hiding it very well. He gives you a knowing look, pushing you to tell the truth. “Alright, I’m not okay. Charity and your aunt have been eyeing me up since we arrived, your dad looks way older than your mom, Emily and Finch seem too happy to be real, your nephews are creepy, and Alex and Grace both look like they want to leave. That’s not reassuring, now is it?” Your ever rising tone makes Daniel squeeze your hands to stop you.
“Honey, they’re harmless.” He knows that’s an awful way of reassuring someone, but he knows that no matter what he says, you’ll still be doubtful.
You frown, letting out a sigh through your nose. “I know they’re harmless, but..” You bite your lip, trying to find a way to sugar coat your words. “Charity looks like she wants to kill me and your aunt looks like she could skin me alive without even blinking.”
“Look,” He brings his hands to cup your cheeks. “there’s nothing to worry about. From now on, I won’t leave your side. And if I need a refill, I’ll bring you with me. I love you.”
You sigh again, closing your eyes. In the end, you nod, opening them back up to look at him. “I love you too.”
“Good,” He brings you in for a chaste kiss. “Let’s go fuck them, like mom says.”
"She really says that?"
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Daniel was right, they were harmless. Well, you hadn’t talked to Charity, but at least you’d talked to the second person giving you a serial killer look, aunt Helene.
Turns out the stink eye was her resting face and that her husband had died tragically. It was the main reason she looked so miserable. She was most likely merely reminiscing about her husband while looking at you two, the newest couple in love. If anything, it made you feel bad for her.
"I'm pretty sure I saw her take a pill like a shot in the hallway." You side glance Emilie as Daniel pulls you off to the side. You were just done talking to her, and somehow, even with all that parental stress, her smile was genuine. She was happy and extremely friendly. Well, so was her husband, but even he had a bit of awkwardness in him. "She's not suffering from anything, is she?"
Daniel shrugs, "Not that I know of."
He sits the both of you down on a loveseat out of earshot from the rest. "Now, we only have to wait until dinner." You nod. "But I have something to tell you. When somebody marries into the family, they have to play a game. It's just tradition. Play the game and you're part of the family, but win it, and you'll gain respect. Might as well get some practice in, right?"
"Did you just propose to me?" You mean it as a joke, but Daniel shrugs and reaches into his pocket. It's a wonder how people aren't looking over right now, well, apart from Charity.
"This is a claddagh ring. It's been sitting in my pocket for ages." He says as he pulls it out of the box. The majority of the ring is normal, but in the middle is a heart with a crown on it. "But, it's up to you how you want to wear it."
"So is this a proposal or..?"
He gives you a quick rundown on the meanings. On the right hand crown pointing towards the fingerprints is single and looking, towards the wrist is taken, on the left ring finger crown pointing towards the fingertips is engaged, and pointing to the wrist is married. Obviously, you're not married or single, so that leaves taken or engaged; and he's giving you that decision.
"You want me to choose?"
Daniel looks like he's regretting his spontaneous and presumably drunken decision. But with a swig of his drink, he smiles again. "Yes. I mean, we've talked about marriage and all but I wasn't sure if you'd be ready. I'm still not sure, but now that you know about it, you might as well wear it."
You admire the ring as you weigh your options. Daniel takes your free hand, absentmindedly playing with your fingers, especially your ring finger.
Engagement is the brightest thing in your heart and mind, despite that, it still finds doubts. Your in-laws, they were weird. But they didn't have anything to hide, they were harmless. On the plus side, you loved Daniel.
That was the final push. You grab Daniel's left hand, sliding the ring down his ring finger with the crown pointing to the fingertips.
Daniel's left hand curls around your right, the metal feels cold against your skin, despite all your fiddling. You look up at him, seeing his brows furrowed with confusion. You speak up before he can, "I might as well be proposing to you, if you're giving me the decision."
Daniel laughs, giving you a kiss followed by an eskimo kiss. He isn't usually one for eskimo kisses, but you figure it's happiness. "Okay, but I'll buy you one."
"Deal." You give him a final kiss before pulling him off the seat. "What should we play?"
"Well, first we have to go to the game room."
"The game room?"
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You were hoping the game room was the room with the double doors painted with the name 'Le Domas', seeing as they were a board game family, but apparently not. "It's reserved for family, so technically you're not allowed in. But, we have a game room for parties." Daniel explains on the way. Rich people and their special rooms…
Once inside, Becky plucks a family board game from the shelf, no doubt a Le Baile product. Before you can join them at the couch, however, Charity pulls you off to the side.
Daniel follows, putting his arm around your shoulder protectively. Charity glares at him for a second before turning back to you, it was clear she wanted you alone. "Care for a game of chess?"
"Usually, we play more traditional games, stuff that would be here during my great-great-grandfather's time. He founded the company but the family tradition comes from before most of the games they've created." He whispers quickly into your ear. Due to the quickness, you almost fail to comprehend his words, but luckily you understand them.
"Alright." You agree to the game. Charity leads you over to the chess table, where conveniently, the chess board is already set out.
Daniel pulls a chair from seemingly out of nowhere, setting it down to your side, much to Charity's distaste.
"I got chess when I married in." Somehow she manages to avoid bitterness in her tone. "You should go first."
God, you barely knew the basics.
"So tell me about yourself." Charity speaks up.
You give her a quick rundown, which hopefully doesn't reveal any information that she could use to her advantage. "Interesting." She takes your bishop. "From what I've heard Daniel say, I expected the worst." 
Daniel narrows his eyes at her as a warning, though Charity doesn't see. Her eyes are glued to the board.
"I don't know why he'd leave me for you."
"Charity." Daniel warns her.
Charity holds her hands up in mock surrender. "I'm only speaking my mind. But I'll stop now."
She does stop for the remainder of the game, nevertheless there's no doubt in your mind that she has a lot more to say. She beats you quite easily, though she seemed disappointed when the reward was not getting to remarry your new fiancé. It's either that or you'd read her wrong.
"You have much to practice." Becky remarks, taking a sip of her champagne before continuing. "But, you'll get there." She smiles.
You smile back, standing up from your chair. Daniel does so too, almost protectively. He stares ahead towards Charity. The two seem to be having a glaring contest. You decide to ignore them, "I don't know about that."
"Oh, sure you will." Her eyes trail towards your hands when you intertwine them.
"I didn't see that there before. Claddagh ring, left ring finger pointing up." She continues to stare, a little disrespectfully. She notices this before it becomes moderately disrespectful. "You're engaged." Her smile widens.
Her words catch everyone's attention. Almost immediately, Emilie runs over with the brightest smile you'd ever seen.
"Congrats!" She exclaims, reaching out to hold your hand but stopping when she sees it connected to Daniel's. "I can't wait to have you in the family!"
"Thanks."
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"They're not normal." You remark as you sit next to Daniel on the bed. The family had insisted that you stay the night, and while that was quite sweet of them, you really wanted to get out of there. They were no longer creepy or ominous, but you want a break. You weren't feeling as social as you did when you came in.
"Can't judge what normal is when they're the only family I've met." Daniel brings the blanket over your legs. "Sorry, anyway."
You shrug, planting a kiss on his forehead. "It's alright. Though that proposal was a little spontaneous."
At the mention of the proposal, Daniel shifts his ring around on his finger. "I was drunk, still am. At least I got it out of my chest. Who knows how long I'd keep it in my pocket otherwise."
"Knowing you, it'd be months, maybe a year."
"Hey!" Daniel whines, nonetheless, it's followed up by a laugh.
You can't help but give him a kiss again, this time on his temple. Daniel moves closer afterwards, pulling you into a proper kiss on the lips.
"Did you like them?" He asks when you pull apart.
You shake your head side to side in a more or less motion. "Mostly. Charity is Charity, you know. Your dad seemed to only focus on the engagement, I think I saw Emilie snort something, I don't know what to feel. Well, your mom is nice, maybe a little too nice. She hopes that I make you behave like you, but I wouldn't know how that is."
"So that's what she was talking to you about." He bites his lip for a second. "Well, don't worry. I believe I behave the way 'I used to' around anybody that isn't them, apart from Alex and Grace."
"Reassuring." You say sarcastically, laying down.
"Seriously? Can't tell the difference?" He lays down, cupping your cheek and allowing you to wrap your arms around him.
"Honestly, yeah. It's a little concerning." You nuzzle into his hand.
"Well, don't be. We'll be back home in no time. After breakfast, though, they're going to insist on that." You groan at the thought. Daniel simply laughs in reply, turning off the lamp.
"Goodnight, sweet dreams. Love ya."
"Love you too."
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steve0discusses · 3 years
Text
Yugioh S5 Ep 18: A Series of Ecological Disasters
Booting up ye old Yugioh, booting up a new aesthetic playlist to type to. (today’s playlist is webcore, which would feel like such a damn fake aesthetic, if it weren’t that every single one of these -core aesthetics are pretty damn fake and everyone knows it.)
Anyway, it’s been so long that, I’ll be honest, I thought I booted up the wrong episode:
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I usually skip the anime intro, but I try to watch it once each arc, cuz the intros change, and this arc was like “screw it, here’s all the other villains, just pretend this arc isn’t happening.” They had Pegasus, they had Marik, they have Bakura (who is kind of in this shot as well, you can see him phasing in there.) And like...I guess they’re hiding the villain of this arc or something because that was it. Alexander the Great got just nixed from this villain list and that’s a shame.
Just a real weird choice, but since apparently this arc didn’t air in Japan they probably had to outsource this anime intro and whatever studio in charge of it just cobbled together stuff from every other season and then a couple of shots of capsule stuff.
Speaking of capsule stuff: get a load of how many freakin lines the animators have to deal with every time they draw Grandpa.
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Bro saw this and was like “oh yeah, this is a Shonen Jump” and yeah. The hair does give those vibes. We got a good look at what Vegeta would look like if he really let himself go.
(read more under the cut)
Sorry, my playlist started playing a song where every single line of the song is “Adrien Brody” and it took me like a few minutes to realize I was listening to “Brodyquest” completely seriously.
Damn it, webcore, don’t betray me like this.
Anyway, this arc does something super surprising: Yugi actually hugs somebody and doesn’t look like he’s going to pass out standing up.
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It is pretty fitting that the good Yugi hug would go to Grandpa.
And, as night falls, Joey Wheeler has gotten hungry, and there is nothing to eat but his new best friend and spirit animal, baby dragon. Unfortunately he shares life points with the dragon, and I think if you eat it that just instakills you.
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And directly underneath him--since this world is like 100 feet wide and things just conveniently happen--Tea has told everyone that they needed to stop worrying about Joey. Which is a lot coming from Tea, because her worrying about Yugi/Yami getting hurt is most of what occupies her headspace in this series.
But even Tea was like, screw Joey, I guess.
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Who kinda just falls directly into them upside down, and shows us what Joey’s hair looks like when it’s sticking straight up.
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For reals, admire how long Joey Wheeler’s hair is. If Tea were upside down, she would have the same length of hair.
Also speaking of Vegeta, I am low key concerned that Joey has what appears to be a significant amount of male pattern balding going on for a teenager.
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Apparently getting set on fire many, many times did have an effect on Joey, and this massive pompadour he wears is a combover. Poor baby.
Holy crap, if this is what card stress and getting killed multiple times did to Joey Wheeler, can you imagine what’s going on under Seto’s bangs? That’s probably why his bangs ride so low, Seto likely wears a freakin toupee.
Guys, Joey’s gonna lose his hair at 25 at this rate. Those locks just aren’t long for this world. Poor baby.
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After Joey rejoins the party, he immediately eats all of their food. Not sure why they can’t just have Baby Dragon eat like...whatever Baby Dragon naturally eats...and then transform that into shared Joey Wheeler life points, but it’s not clear exactly how much of a life-connection they have with their Yugioh monsters. Not like it matters because Joey Wheeler is default starving all the time anyway.
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Tristan has decided we should start laying blame, I guess because Duke Devlin isn’t here anymore to be the local kill joy. This doesn’t seem to be important at any point, and most of the characters are just ignoring Tristan because like...once you’re in the haunted game in a haunted tomb in a random part of India--it’s kind of moot to argue about who’s fault that is, youknow?
Joey reminds us that he found this quest item in a treasure chest under a secret waterfall. No one says “that was convenient that you landed there after getting chased through a ravine by man-eating birds after you got your dragon from when you got your crotch injury from getting spliced by that tree.”
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Which is when Tea says “Wait! We haven’t had a plot thing happen in like 4 seconds! Wait!”
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Hey what degree of “I don’t trust nature” do you have to be to assume that all the flowers are trying to eat you?
Like what level of anxiety is Tea where she not only is like “pretty sure the flowers are going to destroy us?” but also...she’s correct? Like she’s not wrong.
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They set the dog flowers on fire, but unlike the Jungle Book this doesn’t solve any problems (which apparently got taken off the Disney+ kid’s menu so...yet again, I make a Disney reference in these recaps that future generations will not understand because so much of the Disney library has been banned from the vault. It’s almost like Disney should let go of that copyright they held on for like a hundred years, because what they’re holding on to is only going to get more racist with time. But nah. Gotta hold on with their greedy mickey mouse gloves.)
So instead of using fire, Tristan used his monster to electrocute the air (?) and blind the dogs. Wisely, the animators quickly jumped to this other scene so we wouldn’t have to analyze why it’s suddenly daytime or why that plan would even work.
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Joey and Tristan do a lot of buddy buddy stuff this arc. Usually we see a lot of Joey and Yugi’s bottomless friendship, but we don’t get this much Tristan/Joey love. So shippers rejoice, these two seem to have several coordinated dances and songs...and I’d say that teens don’t typically do that, but I went to summer camp, there are situational places where teens will sing the entire vacation and make coordinated dances.
Weirdly, since Joey and Tristan share so much time together, this also means Tea and Yugi actually sit next to eachother for a lot of this arc, almost as if they were a couple. Mind you, they’re chaperoned closely by Grandpa, but youknow...that’s a different energy than I’m used to seeing.
That and like, they can’t have Tea dance with them because last time she did a dance, it was like a DDR fight and she elbowed some guy like it was a fisticuffs situation. Like there was some sort of dance war going on behind the scenes of Yugioh’s card war, and it came up once and I guess Tea resolved it and the dance fights haven’t come back since.
Overall, if they did a dance with Tea, they would get kneed in the face, so that’s probably why they insist on doing cancans as a duet and not a trio.
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After Joey and Tristan freak out over having no food, Tea decides to just start eating in front of them.
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and like...didn’t Joey eat that food yesterday? Like last night? The short term memory loss on all these fools.
Immediately after this we realize something weird in the water. That’s right, it’s a massive head.
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Yugi seems to have forgotten they lit this turtle on fire and electrocuted the entire sky the night before. Not that it mattered.
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There were like...nesting birds on those trees on that island. What the hell? They just killed so MANY of those man-eating dogs that are flowers.
Seriously are land turtles allowed to just...dive underwater for long periods of time? How does that ecosystem even work? It’s like...That’s wild to think about.
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Inside the temple, they have to fight a genie or something.
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In case you were wondering, the only reason Tea and Grandpa got iced is because they were the closest to the door. The two who were actually standing out of harms way were the closest to harm the whole time.
Bro tells me this is also what will happen to you if you are in the front or the back of the party while playing Cthulu D&D
Anyway, Pharaoh decides to disclose that his big problem of feeling guilty all the time and taking all the blame, which he did all of last season...is still a huge problem he will probably never tackle.
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Straight up, don’t be fooled by my caps, everyone else has completely forgotten about Alex, who is still running around that temple up there. They haven’t even asked Grandpa “hey is this your protege? Is this your mentee you never told us about?” Nah. They already forgot. 
How wild is it that Pharaoh thinks this is all his fault when he was the only one who was like “YUGI IT’S A TRAP DON’T GO IN THE- well...OK I guess we’re doing this, fine.” Is he upset he didn’t take control from Yugi and walk back to the plane? Because that’s the only way he could even be partially responsible, He was the only guy who was like “I see the end from the beginning on this y’all, and it’s the massive pyramid in India.”
Speaking of forgetting, they came across this language Pharaoh has decided to have nothing to do with.
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This was actually a riddle and it was like...it was a riddle, sure, I guess.
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And so Joey Wheeler does not hallucinate his dead wife from a previous incarnation and get on the back of his Baby Dragon to sail away into the sunset. Instead they’re just gonna walk.
Too bad Tea’s orb covered in wings only seems to hover a bit. Every single wing on that weird orb is absolutely useless.
And then Pharaoh’s pokemon is just a fire--which is hard to sit on--and Celtic Guardian...who would allow it, sure, but probably doesn’t fly (I think. He might fly)
And then Tristan’s Pokemon kinda seems like if you sit on it, you will get electrocuted. It can probably fly though. It’s very round. Seems like an anime thing that the more round your mascot character is, the more likely it can at least bounce a good distance.
So, next time, I’m just going to assume that we are going to do even more camping. And youknow, if you told me exactly HOW MUCH CAMPING was in this card game show with super future tech, I would not have believed you. But like...a lot of this series is set in the woods right? Like a lot a lot? I have grown to appreciate the woods.
Anyway, as always, if you just got here, this is a link to read these in chrono order:
https://steve0discusses.tumblr.com/tagged/yugioh/chrono
See you next time!
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scribblingfangirl · 3 years
Text
WRITTEN WORDS & WHISPERED WISHES | Julie and The Phantoms - Luke Patterson
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Author’s Note: I wrote this fic for an old fandom of mine and thought I could re-write/re-use it to finally get started on my JaTP bingo card (because my creativity and originality are nowhere to be found) - I hope you enjoy, yet I’m still sorry in advance? (song’s Poet by Bastille but slightly adapted by me)
word count: 1.9k
prompt: ‘Song Fic’ on my @jatpbingo​ bingo card
summary: It took several sleepless nights, days of throwing up and feeling bad and the pressure of cuddling with Luke to finally discover that you were pregnant. 
warnings: teen pregnancy, character death, a very hastly scribbeled down fic idea (this was not beta read (or read over in general) so typos, inconsistent grammar and other faboulous little annoyances (if anyone loves to read my fanfics and would like to volunteer as my beta reader I’ll kiss your feet))
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It had been a few weeks since you, well... since you had seen another room rather than your classrooms and your own four walls. You even missed your kitchen and living room. But especially, you missed the boys' studio. 
Today, however, has been a good day. You had managed to eat properly without feeling sick and were starting to catch up on some shortly due essays, papers and homework assignments, so you wouldn’t need to do them when feeling utterly sick again. 
Luke had come to visit you (or tried to) a few times, needing to use his charm at your door, as you told your parents that you didn’t want him to see you. Your hair was a mess and unkempt, it pained you to stand for a long period of time (so you reduced the times you washed it to a minimum), your eyes had dark circles under them and you were exhausted even if you didn’t do anything the whole day long.
“I brought you food. I know that your fridge only knows like three meals”, he had said once quietly, putting the tray with the steaming meal on your bed, gesturing for you to move a little, so he could sit beside you.
“You mean to say that I and/or my parents only know three meals”, you had coughed laughing and refused to move. You didn’t want him to get sick too. 
“No don’t,” you had muttered when he started to push you to the side, “I think I might have a bad bug and Sunset Curve can’t function without its lead vocalist and guitarist. And I can’t eat anyway.”
He had looked at you, confused and concerned. “Still? Alex told me you were able to keep your breakfast in, and I thought that meant you were on your way of improvement.”
“Some illnesses take longer to go away. I just didn’t want you to check on me because things like a normal cold or a little stomach bug can pass without unnecessary medications even if it takes longer.”
That had been two weeks ago. But today, when you were finally looking presentable again and were even able to open the door yourself, it wasn’t Luke that was visiting you.
“Oh… it’s you guys.”
“Geez, thanks Y/N. No need to kill us with all this kindness,” Reggie said laughing and sniffed, “Uh! Smells amazing. Pizza?” Without any hesitation or warning, he entered your house and vanished into the kitchen. 
“Pizza? Wow, you must really be feeling better. I remember you throwing up on me a week ago when I tried to feed you chicken soup,” Alex smiled, hands in his pockets and not moving until you invited him in. 
“Oh no,” hiding your face in your hands after you closed the door behind you both and groaned. “I’m so sorry about that. Again. Tell me how much the cleaning bill was and I-”
“Chill Y/N, relax. You’ve seen me at my worst and now I’ve seen you at your worst. Sure, I was still way more elegant and not as weak as you, but you just gave me a reason to finally get rid of those shoes.”
“No Alex! You loved those sneakers!” you said horrified.
“Just kidding. Give me 50 bucks and we’re even. Or, you know, better yet, come back to the studio and help us get rid of an overly clingy Luke. Now that you’re better, pleeeease, give him some cuddles!”
You giggled. “You know you have two perfectly fine arms to hug him with as well, right?”
“Yeah!” He said, raising his voice. “But not ALL the time. And I want to be appreciated for myself once too! Not just because I am the only one available to give hugs as an ‘emergency solution’!”
“You make it sound like you actually let us hug you dude, don’t lie,” Reggie muttered through a mouthful of Pizza, throwing himself on your couch.
Throwing Reggie a stink eye Alex turned to you again. “Anyway… You and I will go to the studio now. Yeah?”
“Well”, you stocked, not sure if you could talk to them about it. You had hoped for a few more days to think it over. “You know… It might actually not have been a bad bug, but rather a big bug that I caught.”  
At their confused faces, you sighed. “I’m a few days, or even weeks... late”, you mumbled the last part so quietly, you weren’t even sure if they had heard you (if they even knew what you meant).
You were definitely not expecting Reggie to be the one to answer. “Do you want me to drive you to the hospital or do you just want a pregnancy test first?”
-
You didn’t know who of them had told Luke, or when, but after a few minutes of waiting in the hospital’s waiting room he came barreling in, beanie askew on his head and guitar case on his back. His searching eyes found yours in a haze and you could basically hear the question in his gaze ‘Are you?’. Silently you shook your head, averting your eyes. 
Alex offered him his place beside you and Luke grabbed your hand while you waited. A few moments later your name was called and the nurse brought you and Luke to an empty room and told you to wait again. She came back a few minutes later and Luke moved to the side of the bed and held your hand again.
You didn’t feel the cold gel on your belly. Didn’t feel the way Luke was almost crushing your hand in his. Didn’t hear the words the nurse said. You only heard the faint heartbeat of your baby. You were pregnant. 
Luke was beaming, looking at the screen where you could see the ultrasound of your baby, but he also looked at you with a little bit of fear in his eyes. 
I can't say the words out loud So in a rhyme, I wrote you down Now you'll live through the ages I can feel your pulse in the pages
Even though you were only in your eighth week and not really showing yet, Luke wouldn’t allow you to wear anything else than his oversized hoodies, sweaters, pullovers and flannels (the ones that still had sleeves. And okay, fair enough, it might also have been because he absolutely loved to see you in his clothes.)
He was like an eagle watching over you, flying down as soon as you were doing or were going to do something he didn’t approve of. He even almost convinced his and your parents to move into your room so he could reach you faster in case of an emergency. (It was a clear no from both parents and he even got grounded for that idea - though later on, you learned from Alex that it was because he had said ‘Why not? It’s not like I can impregnate her again!’)
Of course, your parents weren’t happy about the situation, but they weren’t about to throw you out on the street. They both loved you and Luke (after all, they did fall for his charms one to many times), but they never really spoke the words out loud, never really talked about the fact that you two were going to be parents, a family at such a young age.
And Luke and you? While he was acting like an overprotective husband you both weren’t really talking about it either. You both were terrified about the fact that you were going to raise a child while Sunset Curve was trying to make it big, while you were still in High School and it still seemed more like a dream to you both, a dream from which neither of you wanted to wake up and face reality.
That’s why you started to write the letters. Or in Luke’s case - lyrics. Letters to future you’s, letters to your unborn child telling them about your adventures, your experiences and feelings. It was a way to tell yourself all the reasons why it was okay that you were going to be having sleepless nights filled with the cries of a baby, telling you that it was all going to be worth it.
And for the first time, while writing those letters and lyrics, it was as if both you could feel your baby.
Your body lies upon the sheets Of paper in words so sweet I can't say the words So I wrote you into my verse Now you'll live through the ages I can feel your pulse in the pages
Time went by fast. You remembered the first time you felt the little kick very well, as if it was yesterday, but at that time you still could somewhat see your feet and now you couldn’t even stand up anymore without somebody’s help.
School was weird, but you had the boys to help you through it.
You started to draw little babies beside your letters, trying to imagine the different looks it could have. Would it have your hair or Luke’s? His eyes and your nose? Your eyes and his smile? 
And then you started to write your letters and lyrics around the baby, making it look like it was cradled by your warm words, hoping that whenever you wouldn’t be able to hold your child, it would be able to read your letters and feel the love, because you surely did. 
How could you have known that in just a few weeks these lyrics would be the only words your child would ever ‘hear’ from their father?
I have read you with these eyes I've read you with these eyes I have held you in these hands
You had never seen your parents looking so fragile and broken like the night they came into your room to tell you the boys died. 
And then, the next thing you knew was that your son was born. The doctors and nurses said that it was the stress, the emotional overload of being told that your friends, your loves, the father of your child died that caused your water to break.
That’s why it was Bobby and not Luke that was by your side that night and held your hand. It was Bobby, the normally strong and grumpy teenager, that was smiling like a little kid that just got told it would get to eat as much candy as it wanted. 
His eyes were glistening with tears as the nurse handed him the little bundle of joy and he started to sway him - Luke - slowly back and forth, knowing that you were too tired to hold him at the moment. 
“He is beautiful”, you murmured as he took a seat beside you, his gaze still fixed on his nephew, because obviously, he would be Uncle Bobby (though not for a very long time), “Just like his father.”
You didn’t hear Bobby’s answer as you fell asleep and dreamed of Luke, tucking you in and kissing your forehead before he dedicated himself entirely to the new tiny human in his arms, singing a sweet lullaby. 
“We have written you down. Now you will live forever and all the world will hear you and you will live forever. In eyes not yet created, on tongues that are not born, in ears not yet listening. I have written you down, now you will live forever and Sunset Curve will sing about you.”
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awanderingdeal · 3 years
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Never too late - 8
An eternity later and it is here! Part 8 of 'Never too Late'. How much of this is me projecting? You'll never know.
CW: Food, alcohol, feelings of queer exclusion at prom, coming out, [very minor and it is shut down] compulsory sexuality.
Please message me if you feel I missed anything out.
Just a note, that due to the POV of this fic, there is a lot of linking between relationships and romance to prom. I just want to reiterate that prom absolutely does not have to be a romantic event if you do not want it to. The beef is more that queer kids do not always have the choice to go with their partners safely, and the stress of not knowing whether it would have been okay or not.
I hope that all of you that wanted to were able to have the prom you wanted and if you weren't able to, please know it is just ONE day. Throw your own if you want to. Don't if you don't want to. I know for myself, I have a lot of feelings about it, so please don't read this if it going to upset you.
Rating: T
Previous and future chapters can be found on my masterlist.
All credit for Sweater Weather and these characters go to @lumosinlove
8. Go to a dance. Kiss your first love. Well, at least you think they are anyway. But remember kids, consent always.
Leo was excited, to say the least. Sprawled on his bed, laptop in front of him and his cell to the right, he knew it was getting late, but he wanted to research a little longer. He had a venue and a catering team locked down; the latter he had done reluctantly, after yet another person had told him that he absolutely could not cater the event himself.
His phone buzzed insistently, and Leo grunted. Why would anybody call when you could just text? He grunted again when he read the caller id.
Regulus. What a traitor.
“Hello?” Leo answered, rolling onto his back. He felt a tightness in his lumbar region, and made a mental note to mention it to Hestia in the morning if the sensation was still there when he woke up.
“Go to sleep.”
“ I will soon,” Leo hummed. “Did you look at my text?”
“Leo. It’s 2am.”
“Yes, I worked very hard to learn to tell the time, thank you.” In truth, the last time Leo remembered checking the time, it had still been the previous day. Logan had a popped his head around the door to tell Leo that he and Finn were going to crash in one of the other rooms, and that Leo should get some sleep soon. Leo had nodded and assured Logan he wouldn’t be too long.
Regulus’ sigh on the other end of the phone interrupted his memory.
“And you’re getting cranky,” Regulus said. Leo could imagine the smooth raised eyebrow that accompanied the words. “If I tell you which theme I like, will you go to sleep?”
Leo shifted, pushing himself up against the stack of pillows. He nodded eagerly, before remembering Regulus couldn’t see him. “Yes. I promise.”
“I like both -”
“That is not helpful!”
“Wait a second. Merde. You should combine them.”
“That’s,” Leo wrinkled his nose, contemplating the idea. “That’s actually kind of genius.”
“You can thank me later,” Regulus offered smugly. “After you’ve got some sleep.”
***
“So Reg, who’s the lucky person who gets to be your date to this thing?” Finn asked, plucking a brownie from the plate in the middle of the table, before settling into the seat opposite Leo.
“It’s not a thing!” Leo protested.
“Sorry, babe. This prom,” Finn grinned.
Regulus worried his lip between his teeth, looking first at Leo and then turning his gaze back to Finn. “Do I have to go with someone?”
“Yes,” Finn said resolutely, at the same time as Leo shook his head, giving the opposite answer.
“No,” Leo repeated, narrowing his eyes at Finn. “People go to prom with friends all the time.”
“Okay, yeah, fine. You don’t have to,” Finn agreed, giving a placating smile. Leo hated that it worked. If he were being honest, they should probably utilise the O’Hara smile in diplomatic relations. “But don’t you want to have the quintessential prom kiss?”
“Finn -”
“I was actually thinking I could borrow Leo,” Regulus rolled his eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Apparently Finn didn't catch it though. His face contorted into a thousand different expressions in the space of a second. Conflicted. Contemplative. Accepting. “Well...I guess I’d be okay with it, if Leo is, but Lo-”
“That was a joke, Finn,” Regulus laughed.
“Oh, right,” Finn laughed as well, the tips of his cheeks tinged pink. “Well. Yeah. Prom kisses are nice. I had sex for the first time on my prom. Although, she did cheat on my two months later, so maybe I’m not the best example to follow,” he rambled.
“That was a lot to learn about somebody in a very short amount of time," Regulus commented, clutching his mug between his hands.
Finn shrugged, leaning forward to grab another brownie, seemingly uncaring about the wealth of information he had just offered.
***
“Hey, Le?”
Leo looked up from his phone, finding Regulus hovering next to him, shifting his weight from foot to foot. He cocked his head slightly in question.
“Can we talk?”
Leo frowned, setting his phone down on the coffee table and patted the seat next to him on the sofa. “You don’t usually ask,” he smirked.
Regulus’ smile back seemed strained, but Leo didn’t comment on it. “Earlier,” Regulus started as he took a seat, playing with the tips of his fingers before he stopped abruptly, placing them in his lap. “In the kitchen? What Finn said?”
Leo sighed gently, “Ignore him. Finn’s mouth and his feet are well acquainted. You know Finn. He just doesn't always think before he speaks. I’m sorry if he upset you.”
“You shouldn’t apologise for your boyfriend. If I wanted an apology I would have gone to him.” ” Regulus chided. His expression softened, his next intake of breath larger than usual. “Can you just listen?”
“Sorry,” Leo turned to look at Regulus properly. “You were saying?”
Regulus gave a small nod. “I don’t think I want that.”
Leo opened his mouth to speak, remembered Regulus’ request and snapped it shut again.
“Not the kisses. Not the sex. None of it. I think I’m asexual” The words came out in a single, hurried burst, but Regulus seemed to stumble over the last one, as if it was unfamiliar to him, unpractised. Leo could picture his friend frantically asking google questions, refining each search as he learned new information. He’d been there himself once.
A silence hung in the air, the two of them staring at one another, with an intensity that was making Leo feel uncomfortable, but he didn't want to be the first to break eye contact.
“Désolé," Regulus blinked. "Say something. Please."
Leo shuffled forward, his arms outstretched. “I’m going to hug you now.” He waited a beat to allow Regulus to protest, before pulling him close. Regulus sat stiffly, taking a moment to relax into the embrace and when he did, Leo squeezed him a little tighter. “Thank you for telling me.”
“I knew you’d be okay with it,” Regulus grumbled. Leo was sure he heard a hint of relief despite the attempt to appear ambivalent. He let Regulus go, putting some space between them again, knowing his friend had more personal space boundaries than Leo was used to dealing with.
“It’s still scary. Even if you’re almost certain it’s going to be alright. And just in case you need to hear it, I love you, you’re valid and even if you decide that’s not the right label for you that’s okay too.”
“What are you? Like, gay Yoda?” Regulus gave a small laugh, but he sniffed wetly. “Thanks.”
“A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defence, never for attack,” Leo made a fist, wrapped his other hand over the top and bowed his head.
“Nerd.”
“Wait, can I ask you a question?” Regulus’ consenting nod was slow and tentative. “Does this mean you’d prefer if I stop sending you half naked photos every other day?” Leo let the corner of his mouth curl into a smirk.
Regulus barked a very uncharacteristic laugh, deep and loud. “While I can appreciate the aesthetic appeal of Chris Evans, yes, I’ve seen enough of that man to last me many lifetimes .” He punched Leo lightly in the knee. Leo raised an eyebrow at the very frat - boy inspired action, and Regulus made a face that suggested he wasn’t quite sure where it had come from either. “I’m sure company is not an issue for you in this household, but don’t worry I’ll still watch The Avengers with you.”
“A real hero,” Leo drawled. “Hey.” He met Regulus’ eyes, his tone taking on a more serious note again. “You know you can tell Finn. And Logan, right? If that’s what you want. Whenever you’re ready. They’ll be cool.”
“Yeah,” Regulus breathed. “I don’t doubt it.”
“And if they’re not. I’ll personally kick them in the balls for you.”
***
Leo fussed with his bowtie in the mirror, tilting his head this way and that, trying to decide if it was straight.
“Stop. You look great. They’re going to die,” Regulus declared, making Leo jump slightly. He’d known the man was in the room, but his best friend had a habit of just appearing beside him unannounced.
Leo took another look in the mirror, running his fingers over the slightly raised texture of his initials monogrammed into the teal suspenders. “Yeah, I guess I’ll do,” he hummed, turning to face Regulus, scanning his eyes over him. Even Leo had been surprised by Regulus’ choice of attire, knowing now why he had kept the outfit such a secret. “Bold choice,” he remarked.
“Too much?”
“No,” Leo shook his head. Maybe it would have been on somebody else, but Regulus wore the mustard yellow three - piece effortlessly. He reached out to touch the blue sapphire that embellished the lapel, a gold chain linking it to the breast pocket. “Not at all. I’m just jealous.”
“Alright boys, are we ready?” Alex asked, clapping his hands together.
“Yeah.”
“As we’ll ever be.”
“Ready!” Kuny boomed, making a show of checking his pocket watch, the gold chain attaching it to his vest was somehow, even more ornate than Regulus’.
The four of them turned to glance at Remus, the only one in the room left to reply. Shrugging his jacket over his shoulders, Remus smiled. “I guess I can’t play with this tie any longer.”
“Alright then. I don’t know a lot about you guys, but I want to see my boyfriend,” Alex rocked on his feet, Leo chuckled, the man pretended he was so much more chill than his younger brother, but excitement seemed to bubble under his skin all the same. Leo didn’t blame Alex though, separating the partners into different rooms had seemed like a good idea earlier in the evening, but now he just wanted to see Finn and Logan, ideally before he exploded with anticipation. He couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for those of them that had to wait for their partners to arrive from the Potter’s house, where the ladies had opted to get ready.
“Yes. I want see Jackson,” Kuny nodded resolutely.
“Lord, help me,” Regulus whined. Leo just laughed, wrapping an arm around his friend’s shoulders.
***
“Cap! Stop undressing Loops with your eyes, he put a lot of effort into finding that suit.”
“Kuny. Put Nado down. There are people here.”
“Harzy. Are you crying?”
“You can close your mouth now, Leo.” Regulus tapped a finger lightly against Leo’s jaw. He would have tried to defend himself from the accusation, but he couldn’t deny the quiet clink of his teeth snapping back together.
“I’m just going to need a minute,” Leo mumbled, dragging his eyes over Finn and Logan’s bodies.
“Take your time,” Regulus chuckled. “Is-” Regulus leaned forward, squinting slightly. “Does Finn’s jacket match the invites.”
“I think they’re flowers.” Although, from afar, the swirls of blue and silver painted over the jacket did resemble the night sky artwork the two of them had settled on for the invites. Leo had insisted they needed them despite Regulus’ very valid point that saw all of the attendees at least once a week. “I’m going to go and check,” Leo waved a hand towards his boyfriends. He could see Logan’s lips moving, Finn’s grin widening with each word and Leo wanted in on that conversation.
“Sure,” Regulus hummed. “You go and do that.”
Leo stole a glance behind him as he crossed the short distance of their lounge, feeling a pang of guilt about leaving Regulus so easily on what was supposed to be his night. He needn't have worried though, he had barely taken a few paces before Regulus was swarmed by Thomas and James. Leo huffed a laugh at Regulus' disgruntled expression as they fawned at his suit.
***
“Leo. Regulus. Welcome! These must be your guests.” Estella, the only one of fifteen event planners that he and Regulus could agree on, smiled wide. “Is everybody here? I can always have somebody come and meet any stragglers?”
“No, this is all of us,” Leo confirmed. Corralling everybody into the two limos had been a task, but somehow they had all managed to make it to the museum without anybody being left behind.
“Alright then. Follow me. I think you’re going to love what we’ve settled on.” Estella turned on her heel, tight curls bouncing behind her as she led them up the grand staircase. Leo had been to The Natural History museum many times during the day, but the place had a strange sense of awe without the usual bustle of visitors, and he couldn’t wait to see what the events hall had been transformed into.
Estella pushed the ornate double doors open, blocking the entrance with her body. She must have noticed how Leo’s feet itched with anticipation because she gave a small smirk as she stepped aside. “Enjoy your evening, gentlemen. I’ll be around should you need anything."
Leo looked back at the group behind him; his team, his friends, his family, and felt the pool of anxiety that had been bubbling in his stomach all day, churn again. This evening had started off as being for Regulus, but it had quickly grown beyond that. While prom wasn’t inherently romantic, the traditions that came alongside it were embroiled with ideas that had marginalised so many of them, even if they hadn’t realised it at the time. A part of him hated that a high school event that was truly insignificant in the grand scheme of things could hold so much weight. He wanted to rebel, to not let it be important at all. Another just wanted to be able to give them all the night they had wished for back then.
“What’s the delay?” Natalie’s voice shook Leo from his head, and he glanced to his left at Regulus before moving into the room.
Estella and her team had really come through. They had weaved Leo and Regulus’ ideas on decoration into something spectacular. He had to force himself not to pause again, waiting until he was less of an obstruction to the rest of them, to stop and look up at the ceiling. There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of tiny lights strung to look exactly like the night sky. Right in the centre, Leo recognised the pattern to be that of his namesake, one light slightly brighter than all the rest.
“Hey,” Sirius clapped a hand on Regulus’s shoulder. “How come you get to be up there and I don’t.”
“Can’t stand not to be the centre of attention can you, big brother?” Regulus shot back and Sirius just shook his head with a laugh, hurrying after Remus.
***
“This one is for all you loved up folk out there,” the DJ’s voice rang through the room, the music slowly fading from a thuddy beat into the tender piano notes of the next song.
Leo winced as Marlene squealed, tugging Dorcas from her chair, the latter almost tripping over her train in the rush, although she regained her composure quickly. She moved just as swiftly in her heels as Marlene did in her black and white oxfords. He watched the two of them leave, Dorcas’ emerald green dress almost sparkling as it caught the light.
“Go on,” Regulus nudged Leo, tilting his head in the direction of where Finn and Logan had already procured a spot on the dance floor. “Go dance with your boys.”
Leo glanced at Regulus, before turning his gaze to meet his boyfriend’s eyes. He contorted his features into a series of faces that to anybody else probably seemed nonsensical, but they caught on perfectly, answering his silent question with simultaneous nods of their heads.
“Or,” Leo placed his hand, palm upright, on the table. “You could do me the honour?”
“I’m not,” Regulus wrinkled his nose. “You don’t need to -”
“Indulge me, Reggie.”
“Only if you stop calling me that,” Regulus sighed, grasping Leo’s hand. “I’m leading.”
Regulus, it turned out, could dance. Leo was passable. He let himself be led around the floor, laughing with his friend at all the couples that weren’t quite as accomplished, his boyfriend’s included.
The music flowed seamlessly from the deep tones of John Legend into the lighter ones of Taylor Swift.
“Yes! My girl, Tay Tay. Now we’re talking.”
Regulus rolled his eyes playfully, “Calm down, Le. I think your gay is showing.”
“Okay, Karen.”
“I am wounded,” Regulus clutched his hand to chest, placing it back on Leo’s hip without missing a beat. He looked up, smiling at Leo softly. “You should go and dance with them now. I think they could do with your help.”
“Non!” Logan argued, stumbling over Finn’s feet once again. “I know how to dance. It is Finn who is a liability,” he added, as they came to a halt beside Leo and Regulus.
***
Reg! Did you see Kam sent the link for the photos?
I did. You want to look at them together, non?
Oui, Oui! Come over now?
Leo waited to receive the confirmation text, before he hurried into the kitchen to compile a selection of snacks, as well as a jug of lemon water for Finn. On his final trip, he added the ever-present jug of sweet tea from the fridge to the tray, setting it all up on the table in front of the TV in the lounge.
“Baby Black is coming over then?” Logan teased, sprawling onto the sofa next to Leo.
“Sssh,” Leo whined, pressing a finger to Logan’s lips. “Otherwise no doughnuts for you.”
Logan gasped, launching himself at Leo, his hands finding the spot below Leo’s ribs where he was most ticklish. “How dare you threaten me with such things?”
“Stop it,” Leo spluttered between laughs, squirming away from the assault. Thankfully the doorbell rang just as Leo thought he was going to have to tap out, Logan letting him up to go and answer it.
It took a few minutes to get all four of them settled on the couch and the photos casting from his cell to the TV, but eventually they managed it.
Kam, and their assistant, had done a great job of capturing the entire night, from everybody getting ready to a very drunk James and Evgeni snoring softly against the giant moon structure. James was swamped by Evgeni’s checked suit jacket and James’ pinstripe one hung from Evgeni’s arm.
“Did you three plan this?” Regulus laughed as a photo of Sirius, Logan and Pascal appeared on the screen. The three of them had chosen to go with a classic tuxedo, albeit with slight variations.
“We did not. We just all have impeccable taste,” Logan retorted.
“Oh my God!” Finn sat forward, squinting at the screen. “They definitely planned that though.” He waved at the image of Alex and Kasey, their suits the same but in reverse; Alex’s jacket a navy blue with a checked grey vest and Kasey the opposite.
“Finn babe,” Leo frowned, sliding Finn’s glasses onto his face. “How did you go the entire night without noticing that. Aren’t you supposed to be the fashion connoisseur, here?”
“I was distracted!” Finn protested. “By…” he beamed as a photo of him, Leo and Logan replaced the previous image. “That.”
Regulus faked a gag, swiping at the phone to get a new photo. Any argument that was about to ensue was abruptly ended as they all burst into laughter. On the screen, a sheepish looking Pascal was being berated by Estella, her finger pointing to the sign to the left of the vine covered swing that Pascal was sitting on that read, ‘For decorative purposes only’.
They went through hundreds of photos. Some of them were sweet; Natalie with her arms wrapped around Regulus’s waist pressing a kiss to his cheek. Some of them were silly; everybody sat in rows on the dancefloor, their arms out to side. Some of them staged; Regulus and Leo sat on the big arm chairs beneath the origami stars. All of them captured tiny moments that none of them wanted to forget.
Leo tucked his head against Regulus' shoulder, trying to stifle his tears. He wasn't upset, not at all. It was just a lot. Seeing it all again. And then he remembered that all the decorations had been donated. Most of the woodland pieces, including the huge faux tree that had stood in the middle of one of the tables had gone to a local young theatre troupe that were struggling to finance their show, and the starry night pieces had gone to a group that were organising a Queer prom for the region's high schoolers that maybe didn't feel accepted at their own. For Leo, knowing that young kids like himself could take their prom photos with whomever they wanted, could truly decide whether they wanted to go with friends or their partners without fear, was the best part of all. Regulus wrapped his arm around Leo, pulling him closer.
"Thank you, I had the best prom ever."
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windsweptlassie · 3 years
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On Love
So as you know I made this uquiz with an open-ended question at the end, tell me something about love, and I’ve gotten the most wonderful responses! They range from descriptions of wonderful partners: 
Lauren: oh, how long I went without being myself until I met him and he showed me who I truly was and that my worth was higher than I ever thought was possible
Levi: I love who we are with each other. I love who I am with you. In your company I am me. In your company I am the best of me. The best with the best, I've told you. I wouldn't give you up for anything
Daniel: i fell in love for the first time when i was 17... at the time, i didn’t realize it was the first time, i thought i’d been in love before, a couple times actually, but falling in love at 17 was such a fulfilling experience, it felt so forceful yet so right. it’s when i first truly understood what love was. never before had i felt so understood and so cared for as i did when i was in love with her, and she was in love with me. it’s been nearly 4 years since then, and nearly 3 years since we broke up and stopped talking, and still, i think about her almost every day. i’ve never known anyone like her; to me, she was love itself.
El: oh i’m in love with everyone that i know op!!! especially my girlfriend, of course ,but also my friends and my family and random people on the street and uh
Grace: i’ve met my soulmate and we plan on getting an apartment and marrying after college
A: I’m going to ask the woman I love to marry me and I just wanted to tell someone because I am so excited
Jeremy: you ever have that feeling where basically after years of denying that someone couldnt understand you in a way or love you and then the next thing you know you happen to find that person and its just great from then on out? idk how to explain it anyways I love my boyfriend so much he means the world to me
Lucy: i am so happy i have found the one i love
to descriptions of best friends and favorite people:
Nightbyrd: Love is a hug from an alzheimer's patient who hasn't the foggiest idea who you are, but they know you're worth hugging.
H: I have been doing so much yoga with my roommate recently!! It's a great way to center my mind for an hour
Riv: [platonic] i’ve literally never met anyone who understands me in the way that my best friends do. they’re literally the best people in the whole world and i genuinely don’t know what i’d do without them. i love them with my whole heart
Cillian: when i talk about how much i love my best friend i get so teary eyed because i cant believe that such a genuinely wonderful person wants to speak to me every day - i care for her more than anyone else on this planet
O: my two besties are my sources of happiness and they’re so pretty i would die for them :D
to beautiful quotes:
Kai: "you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." DARCYYYY PLS MY HEART CANT HANDLW THIS PAIN
Dorian: When the plane went down in San Francisco, I thought of my friend M. He’s obsessed with plane crashes. He memorizes the wrecked metal details, ____the clear cool skies cut by black scars of smoke. Once, while driving, he told me about all the crashes: The one in blue Kentucky, in yellow Iowa. How people go on, and how people don’t. It was almost a year before I learned that his brother was a pilot. I can’t help it, I love the way men love. (accident report in the tall, tall weeds- ada limon, bright dead things)
Adam: every day I think about lemony snicket I will love you if I never see you again I will love you if I see you every Tuesday or however it goes. and it KILLS ME. love only fits in small things
Hero: “Your heart beats in my ribs and mine in yours, and both in God’s… The divine magnet is in you, and my magnet responds.” - Herman Melville to Nathaniel Hawthorne
Mary: "Love is watching someone die."
Alex: "meet me at blue diner, i'll take coffee and talk about nothing baby"
Sparrow: "How dare you love me like you've never known fear?" and "For you, the world," and "Darling, I was born to press my head between your shoulder blades," and "Will you start where I end?"
V: " You want to die for love. You always have. " and "someone will remember us, I say, even in another time" are living rent free in my mind 24/7 and I'm shaking. When will I finally be not the only one falling ?
Sahar K: To love another person is to see the face of god!!!
Miriam: all the love in the world is useless when there is total lack of understanding- kafka
Juls: Don’t you think they are maybe the same? Love and attention
to practices of love:
Leo; i love feeling happy bc somebody that i love is happy and comfortable....like its not about me i just love seeing you smile. we are safe together...idk i just feel it bro
A: I like to think love is leaning on each other during the light or dark days. Its a personal mission of mine to find out who I am and what I want. Yet I never seem to find my place in this world and as I look and look , I realise the only place I can be myself even with or without the efforts to find myself was done on that day or not, I am always tired so shall I lean on you? And you can lean on me as well. I shall be your fig tree and you shall be my favourite willow tree.
L: It's too late at night to be soul searching, but it's a journey we all seem to find ourselves on these days.
Anthi: feeling safe and at home, I guess (also I love frogs)
Julia: ive found that loving someone is like becoming your own thesaurus. you have to find or come up with infinite ways to say, you’re beautiful, or, i love you. it’s a gift
Galexies: ive been writing letters to the person i'd love one day since i was 14. i write them in a little journal usually, but i've been digitizing them into emails and sending them to one account that i'll give to them someday. i'd like to put pictures, but i haven't been outside much recently so theres that. i wonder if they'd like the sunsets i have on file, or if they'd find my cat cute in a bowtie.
Caeles: Love is sharing fruit slices and making someone tea at random
Dundy: Love is sending your friends cursed shit and watching them react in horror
to crushes and potential loves: 
Jess: I have a crush on my roommate. It sucks, but it's also wonderful. I get to be around him all the time when we're at school. we share a life together; it's rather domestic. I think a lot about marrying him and being domestic with him forever. It won't happen, and I'll move on eventually, but I'll be happy with him for as long as I can. I hope you feel loved tonight, because you are. Sleep well.
Aki: I so desperately want to believe that love is fake because I’ve seen what happens when loved ones leave but whenever I start to convince myself that I’ll never love anyone my best friend messages me telling me she loves me. She’s the only person I’ve ever pictured having a future with but love scares me and I don’t really know what to do but I think as long as she’s with me in some way, I’ll be fine
Hi: her her i keep thinking abt her.... gonna see her in 8 days or so i really miss her. its ok if shes never gonna love me like i want her to really being her friend spending time with her makes me the happiest girl on earth.... outsold antidepressants
Kit: this guy i have a crush on has hypnotically dark brown eyes and he's wonderful and shows me kindness like no one else
Juno: my crush has all the stars in his eyes
Mads: When I have the courage to meet my eyes with hers, the world stands still
Be Nice To Me: Look bro I never do these but I am yearning to hold them SO badly right now and someone needs to know it besides me
to the trials of love: 
Pppppp: I just wanna love like from the movies and what I read about.. but everyone tells me that that’s fictional and rare to find in the real world and it sucks bc it seems like all the guys I’ve met are terrible and the norms of society are all about not respecting women and uthdjdjdk
Manny: I have been in love before and I will be again but I’m not now and I miss it
Ok: I don't think I've ever been in love, though I love many people. I am waiting for the day I look at someone and can say, YES. IT'S YOU.
Chloe: idk rn i'm like okay with my love and i'm happy so we'll see i'm just a little cautious rn bc my last partner told me i didn't know how to love
L: love is so fucking complicated I don't even know where to start
Corrin: He’s not real and it worried me that I will never allow myself to live or be loved because I will always be waiting for him
Sean: Good luck it dont exist
Serena: i want 2 b in love :(( </3
13: I don’t know anymore
M: I just really don’t like dealing with it lol
to beloved characters: 
Janaya: I’m madly in love with my comfort and kin character and I hope maybe in the afterlife I can relive a life with him in some sort of dimension
Jhgjdf: when i was a kid i had a crush on ash ketchum from pokemon and id always daydream about being a female pkmn trainer and meeting him and we fall in love
to advice and prose: 
Mikolai: Love is earth, gentle and soft at first flight but upon being broken, drowns you in the dry choking wastes of its consequences...
Thex: Your hands will not go cold without someone to hold them. I am here. I will be here.
Kat: it is the nearest proof to god that i find myself surrounded by people who love in a way that complements so wonderfully the way i love
H: believe in love out of spite believe in love to prove everyone wrong believe in love because you were told not to and we will not do what we’re told anymore believe in love because it’s the strongest act of teenage rebellion we have left believe in love because it’s easier not to and when is easy worth doing? believe in love because everything says otherwise but you are untouchable, you are your own, you are not made by their design believe in love because, perhaps, you are love
Ali: I used to want a kind of love that feels like coming home and now I want nothing more than to be away from home on many different adventures
Em: you dont need to love yourself to accept it from others
to the small, the simple, and the sweet:
Ireal: Poems
O: Flowers
Fay: ah im sorry that i’m feeling unmotivated but you are very kind.
Ad: we love LOVE
A: <3
Isak: small things
H: intense
Hey: Listening to a clock ticking away
S: her
E: <3
Hania: Amorous, I adore that word ^^
Catboy: wholesome
J: i love love so much it hurts
Emmy: hi i love the song darkest of discos!! try and give it a listen!! <3
Nora: Love is painful, but most of the time love is great
Ariel: i like the comfort it can bring
M: i love love
to food!
Cool Whip: Matzoh ball soup!!
Woop: I love sausages.... I hope that's ok with you?
and animals too <3
Nee: hmm i have pet geckos and i love them very much!
96: raccoons ????
DJ Big Penis: cats
:3: I Love frogs,,, love is stored in the frog,,,
I hope that this serves as a sweet compilation of what love means! Love to all of you, it warms my heart so much to hear about your people and your geckos and your characters and soup and all the songs and quotes you love. <3 Strength to all of you who are figuring out to do about your feelings for your crush, and congratulations to you who are proposing or moving in with your person! Your words are a source of light to me, truly.
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nicknellie · 3 years
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Blame this post. I wrote this purely because I wanted to and I think it turned out really cute. (Requested fics are on their way, they just typically take longer to write because I want them to be as good as possible for you!) Also I didn’t proof-read.
Can You Really Say No To This Face?
“I’m just not sure it’s a good idea...”
“Look at this face. Can you really say no to this face?”
Alex looked at Willie, who with his pleading puppy-dog eyes and pout could have easily been referring to his own face rather than that of the kitten he was holding up. Either way, the answer to his question was—
“No,” Alex relented with a sigh. Willie beamed (and yes, there really was no way Alex could say no to him) and held the kitten out to Alex, who took it gently. It mewed weakly the moment it left Willie’s hands. “I think it’s already grown attached to you anyway.”
Willie grinned, tickling the kitten under the chin. It immediately started purring, vibrating loudly in Alex’s arms. “She loves me,” he cooed. “Don’t you? Yes you do. Yes you do!”
Alex studied the kitten for a moment. Its black fur didn’t seem matted or unkempt, it didn’t look as if it were malnourished or sick in any way, and if good health was determined by loud meowing then it was certainly very well. He frowned.
“What if it already has a home?” he asked Willie.
Willie took the kitten back, holding it in his arms protectively. “If she had a home she wouldn’t be out in the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold! Look at her, she’s shivering.”
It was true. Alex had felt the little cat shivering when he’d been holding her. Willie had her clutched close to his chest, his hands cupped tightly around her, gently stroking her head and face. It was an adorable sight to see, Alex had to admit.
“She’s all alone, Alex,” Willie said. “I can give her a home!”
“What will Caleb say when you bring a random kitten back to the Hollywood Ghost Club?” he said, a desperate last-ditch attempt to get Willie to consider that maybe this wasn’t the best idea in the world. “In the past month you’ve brought back an injured bird, a mouse, and that cool snail you found. I don’t think he wants the club turning into a zoo.”
“Caleb won’t find out, he never has done in the past,” Willie returned off-handedly, waving a dismissive hand. “Well, that’s not strictly true. He did find out about my goldfish, but I wasn’t that attached to it anyway.”
Alex knew that was a lie. When Caleb had found out about Fluffy (yes, that had been the name of Willie’s pet goldfish) he had scolded Willie for not asking him first and then flushed it down the toilet. Willie had cried for three days and then made Alex and all their friends attend a funeral.
“I just don’t want you to get attached and then be upset if it doesn’t work out,” Alex said gently.
Willie’s smile softened. “Thank you, hotdog. I appreciate that you’re concerned. But I can’t leave her out here by herself!”
Alex sighed haggardly. Fine. It was fine. If Willie wanted to keep the kitten then Alex didn’t think he had any power to stop him at all. He stepped closer to Willie and stroked the kitten’s head with one finger; she purred delightedly.
“Alright,” he said. It was almost worth it to see the way Willie’s face lit up. “If you’re sure.”
“You’ll be my co-parent, right?” Willie asked.
Alex huffed a laugh. “Sure. What are you going to name her?”
“Hmm... I think I’ll call her Dog.”
“No,” Alex said, shaking his head and taking a step back. “As co-owner of this kitten I absolutely refuse to let you name her Dog. That’s a ridiculous name for a cat.”
Willie laughed brightly. “Fine, fine. What about Hotdog?”
“That’s me!” Alex protested.
“And you really don’t like that nickname,” Willie countered.
“But you still call me it. You can’t have two hotdogs, that’s greedy.”
“What do you suggest then?” Willie asked, smiling both fondly and exasperatedly.
Alex thought for a moment. The kitten was very vocal, very sweet, very soft. His natural inclination was to call her Julie, but he’d just said he wouldn’t name it after himself and he couldn’t be hypocritical by naming it after somebody else they knew. So he thought a little harder, mentally ran through a list of classic cat names and suggested one to Willie at random.
“Luna?” he offered.
At the name, the kitten meowed. Willie kissed the top of her head and then beamed at Alex.
“I think she likes it,” he said. “And I think it’s perfect. Little Luna it is.”
The two of them, Luna still cupped in Willie’s hands, finally began walking again. Alex hadn’t expected the romantic evening stroll he’d planned to turn into a rescue mission after Willie had heard mewing coming from up a tree, but it had still been a lovely evening. Besides, Alex had got to see both Willie scaling a tree with agility and speed (which was incredibly attractive) and Willie cradling a kitten like it was all he cared about (which was also incredibly attractive).
Alex dropped Willie off at the Hollywood Ghost Club. He kissed him goodbye, and gave Luna a pat on the head. Both his boyfriend and his cat seemed very pleased with the goodbyes they received. Willie poofed himself and Luna into the Hollywood Ghost Club and Alex poofed himself back to the studio.
*
As a ghost, Alex didn’t really need sleep, but he enjoyed pretending. Maybe it wasn’t really necessary, but closing his eyes and lying still for eight hours underneath a weighted blanket let him switch off for a bit, release some stress and relax somewhat.
That night, it appeared somebody else had other plans.
Willie poofed into the loft of the studio (where Alex had claimed his bedroom) and shook Alex.
“Bro,” he was whispering. “You’ve gotta come see this.”
Alex groaned. “What is it?”
“Just come with me, it’s great, I promise!”
Despite the fact that all Alex wanted to do was get some not-really-sleep, he still couldn’t say no to Willie, so he held tightly to his boyfriend’s hand and let him poof the both of them out of the studio.
They arrived in a room which took Alex far too long to realise was Willie’s room at the Hollywood Ghost Club, partially because it wasn’t safe for Alex (or any of the guys) to be there so he didn’t visit too often, and partly because it had been absolutely transformed.
“You’ve been busy,” Alex said, glancing around the room and then to his boyfriend.
Willie shrugged, grinning with both pride and mischief in his eyes. “She deserves the best.”
The room had practically been turned into a cat sanctuary. There were multiple cat trees and climbing frames of different sizes and colours, tunnels spanning the entirety of the floor for Luna to run through, what seemed like thousands of balls and bells and toy mice, three food bowls, a litter tray, and an enormous cat bed. In the centre of the bed, snoozing soundly, was little Luna.
“Did you pay for any of this stuff?” Alex asked.
“I left a few hundred dollars in the register.”
“You spent a few hundred dollars on this stuff?!”
Willie beamed. “Yep. Come on, I’ll show you what I brought you here for.”
As they stepped over the maze of tunnels Willie had set up, hand in hand, Alex muttered, “I can’t believe you don’t think Caleb is going to find out about this.”
Willie just laughed and squeezed Alex’s hand.
They came up beside the giant bed and Luna napping on it. Upon closer inspection, the bed was made of crimson velvet and if Alex wasn’t mistaken it was also memory foam. Luna was purring as she slept, her tiny body moving up and down as she breathed gently.
“What am I meant to be looking at?” Alex whispered, not wanting to wake the kitten.
Willie pointed at Luna, smiling. “Look how cute she is.”
Alex looked at her. Yes, she was adorable.
“She is,” he said. “Is that all you brought me here for? To look at your cat?”
“Our cat,” Willie corrected. “And yes.”
Alex huffed a fond, exasperated, tired laugh and pulled Willie into a hug. He felt Willie’s smile against his neck and held on that little bit tighter.
“You’re mad,” Alex whispered. “And I love you.”
He felt Willie’s whole body move as he giggled. “I love you too, hotdog. And our daughter.”
“Please don’t start calling her our daughter.”
“But she is!”
“She’s not.”
Despite the fact that he really should not have been in the Hollywood Ghost Club, Alex stayed there in Willie’s room for another three hours, talking and laughing and kissing while Luna was asleep, and playing with her once she woke up. And if Alex did end up calling her his ‘little girl’ once or twice, Willie didn’t say anything.
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michelangelinden · 3 years
Text
Anyone who asks (Everyone, really)
My guys!!! I finished the sequel to ‘Rambo the Hamster (don’t give Reggie a cat)’ and it’s pure Willex fluff. You can read it here or on AO3, please let me know what you think, I’m so excited!!
***
  Alex kicked open the door to the garage.
  “Somebody hand me a cat right now. I need to hold something or I’ll fucking break!”, he exclaimed as he marched into the studio. Luke, Reggie and Julie all turned to him looking shocked. He knew he was making a very dramatic entrance but he felt like he needed it, like he deserved it.
  “You can hold my hand!”, Reggie said, raising it into the air. “Both of them”, he added, raising his other hand too.
  “Thanks, man, but I’d rather squish a kitten than you.”
  Julie made a horrified face but Reggie jumped up immediately, picked James the cat off her lap and pushed it into Alex’ grabby hands. Alex accepted him, dropped himself onto the sofa between Julie and Luke and started petting the cat aggressively.
  “Are –“, Julie started, “are you okay?” She looked back and forth between Alex’ worried face and the cat comfortably squished between his hands. The question hung in the air for a minute and while Alex continued to pet James the cat at a rapid tempo and felt the concerned looks of his friends on his face, he calmed down a little.
  “Yes”, he answered eventually. “Or no. I don’t know yet.”
  “Can we, I dunno, help you? Or something?”, Reggie asked hopefully but also a little confused.
  “Where were you, by the way?” Luke gently put a hand on Alex’ knee but Alex flinched in surprise and he pulled back again.
  “Sorry”, Alex muttered and took a deep breath. He carefully loosened his grip on James the cat, who curled up on his leg and fell asleep immediately (Alex just had that effect on him). He continued to stroke him but much slower and more carefully.
  “I was down at the pier, with Willie.”
  “Oh. Is he okay? Did- did something happen?” Julie sounded worried.
  “What? No. No, he’s fine, just –“, Alex swallowed, “can I have a hug? Like not a I’m-sad-and-need-affection-hug but an I-can’t-believe-this-is-real-hug?”
  Both Julie and Luke nodded enthusiastically. Julie pushed one arm behind his back and hugged his stomach, her head on his chest, and Luke threw an arm around his shoulder and pulled him closer. Reggie, who had sad down on the floor in front of them, hugged his left leg.
  “Okay”, Alex started, “so we met on Sunset Boulevard, you know, like we always do.” Julie nodded against his chest. “And we walked for a bit and then he –“, he felt himself blush a little, “and then he took my hand and we poofed to the pier. And I thought like ‘okay, he took my hand so that I don’t get lost when we poof’ but then he– he didn’t let go? And I was a little confused by then.”
  “Nah, man, he likes you!” Luke punched him softly and chuckled.
  “Wait, wait, I’m getting there.”
  “Yeah, Luke, shut up”, Julie said and poked Luke in the side. He yelped and went to poke her back but Reggie cleared his throat and the two settled down again.
  “Yeah, so we just, you know, walk along the beach, as one does, he continues to hold my hand, ‘what the hell is up with that?’, I think and then we find a spot a little off from all the other people, not that they can see us, I mean, but it feels a little more private if there’s less people around, even though they can’t even see us …”
  “Yeah, yeah, we know, please continue”, Reggie interrupted him, patting his knee impatiently, and Alex took another deep breath.
  “Anyways. We sit down on the sand and he lets go of my hand, which, like, makes sense, because we’re not moving anymore. But then, as we’re sitting, and we both have our legs pulled up, he kind of pushes his knee against mine?” Julie gasped and lifted her head to look at him.
  “He didn’t!”
  “He did!” Alex nodded at her. “And we’re both wearing shorts so it’s – it’s weirdly intimate.” Julie shrieked a little and squeezed him.
  “Alex, that’s so exciting!”
  “Wait, wait, I’m not done.”
  “There’s more?”
  “Shush!” Both Julie and Reggie silenced Luke. Alex swallowed.
  “So we’re still talking, I don’t even remember what it was about, and then he takes my hand again, and I kind of start to freak out a bit, and then –“, he paused.
  “And then what?” Julie squeezed him again.
  “And then he kisses me.”
  A beat.
  Then yelling.
  Julie squealed again and hugged him even harder, Luke punched his side excitedly and Reggie jumped up to drum on his knee. James the cat woke up, hissed a little and fled off his lap but Alex couldn’t blame him.
  “Dude, that’s amazing!”, Luke yelled and Alex was sure he’d get a bruise on his shoulder.
  “What was it like?”, Reggie asked and Julie kicked him.
  “I don’t know.” Alex frowned. “Short. But, um, but sweet.” He paused and blushed again. “His, uh, his lips are really soft”, he all but whispered but Reggie still heard him and made gagging noises.
  “Hey, you asked”, Julie said and kicked Reggie again.
  Then Alex remembered the other thing.
  “I said ‘yowza’ afterwards”, he mumbled, barely audible.
  “What?”
  He cringed and cleared his throat.
  “I said ‘yowza’ afterwards.” He wasn’t proud of it.
  A beat and then Luke and Reggie started laughing loudly. Julie just looked at him with an incredulous grin.
  “Oh my god.” She laughed. “I can’t believe you.”
  “Yeah, he said so too.” He groaned. “But then he kissed me again, so I think I’m good.”
  The other two boys were still laughing, Luke had slipped dangerously close to the edge of the sofa and held his stomach.
  “Of course, you’re good! You kissed!” Julie shook him. “Alex, that’s so exciting. I’m so happy for you!”
  “I’m happy too”, Alex admitted, blushing. Julie grinned at him.
  Reggie and Luke began to calm down, they were both sitting on the floor, holding each other’s shoulders.
  “And?”
  “And what?” He frowned.
  “Did you talk about it? The kiss?”
  “Uh, no?” He thought back to what happened after they kissed the second time. “We just kinda stared at each other for a second and then we were talking again. And then I realized I was late for band practice so I came here. End of story.”
  “You didn’t even tell him you like him?” Reggie asked, a little shocked. Alex was surprised he was still following the conversation on the sofa.
  “Sorry, I was a little in shock, after, you know, being kissed by Willie.” He shrugged and they all laughed.
  “Sorry, you’re right.”
  “Besides, I don’t even know if he likes me back, so it probably would have been really awkward if I told him”, he shrunk back into Julie’s arms, now very much in doubt of the whole scene.
  In front of him, Luke and Reggie said “Dude” and “What the hell?” at the same time and Julie pulled her arms back from his body to put her hands on either side of his face, squishing his cheeks a little and making him look at her.
  “Oh Alex, sweet, sweet Alex. I don’t know if you know this, but when you kiss someone that means that you really like them, okay?” He nodded slowly, but he didn’t know if he did it himself or if Julie’s grip on his face made him. “There is absolutely no possibility that Willie doesn’t like you.” She let go of him and he looked down at where he had his hands clasped together in his lap.
  “You really think so? You haven’t even met him.”
  “We know so”, Luke said, “we’ve met him.” Alex looked up and saw that both him and Reggie were smiling at him. He looked over at Julie and she was smiling too.
  Yeah, maybe Willie did like him. He kissed Alex, after all. That had to mean something.
 ***
   It had been almost two weeks since Willie had kissed Alex for the first time. He had been so, so nervous, like close-to-throwing-up-nervous, but Willie had wanted to do that for so long that just kind of did it, when the opportunity arose. He still had no idea how he’d gotten the confidence to do it, but he’d done it and he didn’t regret it for one second.
  It had been short, not more than just pressing his lips onto Alex’, and he’d probably almost missed his mouth, and Alex had said “yowza” afterwards which was the reaction Willie had least expected from him, but they’d laughed and then they had kissed again and every time Willie thought back to that moment he had butterflies ice-dancing in his stomach.
  Since then, they had met twice. When they had met at the park by Julie’s house Willie had been afraid at first, that it would get awkward, they hadn’t really talked about the kiss. But it hadn’t been, really, they’d just talked and laughed, like they always did. And after they had chased each other around the lawns (which they hadn’t been allowed to step on, but no one tells ghosts what they can’t do), Alex had pulled Willie close and kissed him, long and slow, and then he’d run off again and Willie’d felt like he would combust at any second.
  They hadn’t kissed when they had met down at the pier again – or not really, at least. But Willie didn’t mind, they’d walked along the shore for what felt like hours, holding hands the entire time. And when it had been time for Alex to go home – he was always worried about being punctual – he had stroked Willie’s cheek softly and had pressed a gentle kiss on the corner of Willie’s mouth and when he had poofed away, Willie had to lay down in the sand to process it.
  Every time he thought about any of these situations, he felt his heart flutter and his chest bloom warmly, his hands itching to hold Alex’ and his lips yearning to be pressed against his. He missed him and an uncomfortable amount too, and he needed to put a stop to the uncertainty hovering around them every time they met.
  He was on his way to Alex right now, the wheels of his skateboard flying over the concrete, bringing him closer to the Molina’s house with every passing second and he felt the nervousness spread from his stomach all the way into his fingertips. He hadn’t known he was still capable of feelings like these up until he met Alex, but he was glad he could still feel all the exciting emotions that came with being giddy about a crush.
  He stopped his board in front of the driveway, taking a breath to calm his nerves. He hoped Alex was home, because if he wasn’t, the afternoon he had spent worrying about what to say when he saw him, had been for nothing.
  He could see the tips of the setting sun glowing behind the roof of the garage, basking it in soft, orange light.
  He took another breath before walking further, rounding the corner to walk down the steps. He stopped only for a second before phasing through the wooden doors of the studio, not allowing himself to think too much about it.
  He was greeted by an unexpected sight. The studio was empty apart from Alex laying on the couch, as asleep as he could be. There were three furry creatures curled up on his chest and only when Willie squinted could he identify them as- kittens?
  “What the-“, he started and Alex startled awake, his eyes flying open and meeting Willie’s in surprise. The three kittens rose up immediately, tumbling off Alex’ chest onto the couch and then onto the floor, meowing loudly (screaming, to be honest) as they made their way over to Willie as fast as they could.
  He lowered his board onto the ground and crouched down to greet them. They let him stroke their heads and only the black one tried to bite him, which he took with a laugh. They were cute and soft and Willie was momentarily distracting from his mind, which he greatly appreciated. His eyes crinkled in adoration as the grey one started purring under his hand, flopping to the side to let him tickle its stomach.
  “Hi, Willie”, he heard Alex say from the sofa, and Willie looked up to smile at him.
  “Why did you hide them from me? I would’ve come over much earlier if I knew that they were here.”
  Alex chuckled in response, finally sitting up on the edge of the couch.
  “Sorry”, he said, fiddling with a bracelet on his wrist.
  The black cat took another try at biting Willie's finger off.
  “That’s Andy, he’s a little rude sometimes”, Alex explained and Willie laughed at that.
  “Yeah, I noticed.” He turned to the black cat. “Please leave me my fingers, little guy, I need them.”
  When he looked back up at Alex he was watching them with a soft smile on his face.
  “What are the others called?”, he asked, turning back to pet the grey one, still purring on its side on the ground in front of him.
  “The spotty one is Michelle and the grey one is, uh-“, Alex paused, causing Willie to look back up at him, “that’s James the cat.”
  Willie squinted at him in amusement.
  “Why those names?”
  “Please don’t make me say it.”
  Willie just tilted his head a little and Alex sighed.
  “They’re our middle names. Andrew is Luke’s, Michael is Reggie’s and James-“, he sighed again, “is mine.”
  Willie smiled brightly at the new information about Alex and got up, careful not to scare the cats.
  “You didn’t pick them”, he said and it wasn’t a question, he already knew the answer. Alex shook his head.
  “Julie forced them out of us. She wanted to name them after us because we’re so similar.”
  Willie looked down at the grey cat, that has gotten up from the floor and was now tiptoeing around his legs, still purring.
  “Let me see”, he started, kneeling down again, to scratch it behind its ears. “Always seeking physical contact, very soft hair”, his gaze flicked up and met Alex’, “very cute. It fits.”
  Willie watched with a smile as Alex’ cheeks darkened in a blush and he looked down at his hands in his lap.
  “You can’t just say stuff like that”, he said quietly.
  Willie got up again, slowly walking over to the couch.
  “Why not?”
  He was standing in front of him now and leaned forward carefully, settling his hands on Alex’ knees. Alex looked up at him, the red on his cheeks deepening.
  “It makes me blush”, he almost whispered. He unfolded his hands and gently set them on top of Willie’s.
  “That’s the point”, Willie answered, squeezing Alex’ knees and leaning a little further into his space. “It’s cute”, he added.
  Alex hands slid a little further up Willie’s, his fingers slipping past the cuffs of Willie’s sweater, closing around wrists. Willie watched as Alex’ gaze flicked down to his lips, just for a second, before meeting Willie’s again.
  “Can I kiss you?”, Willie whispered and the warmth in his chest bloomed when Alex nodded.
  He closed his eyes and dipped his head a little lower to catch Alex lips with his own. He smiled against them when Alex grip on his wrists tightened. His lips were soft on his, the kiss sweet and gentle and Willie felt like he could get lost in it, if he wasn’t careful. He tilted his head a little, allowing Alex to push closer, his thumb stroking Willie’s forearm.
  They separated and he chased Alex’ lips with his, a quiet laugh escaping Alex and they were still so close that Willie felt it on his face.
  “What?”, Willie asked quietly and smiled. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that Alex' were still closed.
  “Nothing”, Alex whispered and leaned his forehead against Willie's. He slowly breathed in through his nose, taking in the warm feeling surrounding them.
  Willie took in a sharp breath and Alex pulled back immediately, his eyes flying open and looking at Willie in concern.
  Willie looked down his legs to see the black cat hanging onto his sock, its tiny claws piercing through it into his skin, and huffed a laugh.
  “Ow”, he said, more out of reflex than as a genuine reaction, because it didn’t hurt bad enough for him to be in actual pain.
  He pulled his hands away from Alex knees, Alex fingers sliding off his wrists and he missed the contact immediately, but plucking the cat from his leg was more important right now. He gently gripped its small body and tried to remove it, but its claws were so caught in his sock, that he had to crouch down to separate them one paw at a time. When he held the kitten in his hand, he raised it in front of his face, shaking his head at it, as if it was a small person.
  “I need my legs too”, he told it and carefully placed it back onto the floor. It didn’t plan to stay there, rushing forward again to climb onto his shoe. He chuckled and picked it up again, standing up with it and putting it down next to its sibling in hope that it got too distracted to jump at him again. It attacked the spotty one instead and the two started to scuffle around the floor.
  Willie turned around to see Alex watching him and smiled, walking over and lowering himself onto the couch next to him. Their shoulders were inches away from each other and Alex bumped their knees together.
  “Hi”, Willie said, only just remembering, that he never greeted him.
  “Hey”, Alex answered and for a minute the two fell into comfortable silence, just being in each other’s presence.
  Willie couldn’t help but think, that this was it, this had to be the moment, and the nervousness started to spread through his body again. His fingers tingled and he started to fiddle with the hem of his black shorts.
  Alex must have noticed, because he gently pulled Willie's hand away from his leg and intertwined their fingers. He squeezed Willie's hand and stroked his knuckles with his thumb.
  Yeah, that was it.
  “Hey Alex”, he said before he could stop himself and Alex' gaze lifted from their hands to Willie's face. They looked eyes for a second before it got too intense for Willie and he had to look down again.
  “What’s up?”, Alex asked and shuffled a little closer.
  “I-“, he started, “I was wondering-“, he broke off again, sighing. “We, uh, we’ve been spending a lot of time together, the past few weeks and, uh-“, he swallowed, “I really like it. This.” He squeezed Alex hand to stress his point. “And now I, uh, I was wondering if”, he had to pause again, gaining confidence for the next words, “if I could call you my boyfriend.” He was almost whispering.
  Alex seemed to have caught the words anyways.
  “Who would you tell?”, he asked quietly, matching Willie's voice. He lifted his free hand to tuck a strand of hair behind Willie's ear. Willie looked up, daring to hold his gaze.
  “Anyone who asks”, he answered. “Everyone, really”, he added, because that was probably closer to the truth.
  “I would like that”, Alex said, placing his hand on Willie's cheek and stroking his cheekbone with his thumb. Willie leaned into the touch.
  “Really?”
  “Yeah.” Alex paused and Willie's eyes flicked over his face for any indication that he was lying. “I think I would like it if you called me your boyfriend”, Alex continued, as if he knew of Willie's worry.
  Willie lowered his eyes to Alex' lips, slightly parted and pulled into a soft smile.
  “Can I-“, he started but he felt Alex lips on his before he could finish his question, pushing into Willie and he pushed back just as eagerly.
  He pulled his hand out of Alex grasp to place it on the back of his head, pulling him closer, while he settled the other on his cheek. This kiss was different than the ones before, less gentle, because they were both starting to grin, but it still sent Willie's heart flying. Alex' hand, that was not still holding his face, slid down to the small of his back. His thumb slipped past Willie's sweater and graced his skin accidentally and Willie gasped at the sudden sensation of Alex cold thumb against his skin, pulling back a little. It didn’t take long for him to start laughing quietly and Alex joined him, removing his hand from underneath the sweater and looping his arm around his waist instead. Willie connected their foreheads, keeping his eyes closed.
  They stayed like that for a moment, but then Alex huffed a small laugh.
  “Can we please pretend, that I am the confident one in this situation?”, he asked, causing Willie to open his eyes and look at him, “because I’m totally freaking out on the inside.”
  A loud laugh burst from Willie and he had to lower his head onto Alex' shoulder to not accidentally spit on him.
  “No, please stop laughing”, Alex tried but Willie couldn’t help himself.
  It took another minute for him to calm down before Alex gently lifted Willie's head with his hand.
  “Please”, he said again, looking at him with soft eyes and Willie smiled.
  “Sorry”, he whispered and kissed him again, just because he could.
  He felt Alex smile against his lips, parting them slightly, to-
  A poofing-sound drove them apart, their hands staying where they are but their heads turning towards the source of the noise.
  Reggie appeared out of air, his back towards them, looking around.
  “Hey Alex, have you seen the cats?”
  Alex didn’t say anything, just kept looking at him.
  Reggie spotted them on his own, because they all stumbled towards him, yelling excitedly.
  “Oh, there they are, hi there!”, he exclaimed happily, crouching down and picking up the spotted one. Then he finally turned towards them. “Oh, hi Willie”, he said, looking down at the cats again, unbothered by the position he found Willie and Alex in.
  Until-
  Reggie’s face snapped back up at them.
  “Willie!” He looked back and forth between the two. “You- and Alex- I interrupted something, didn’t I?”
  “Yes!”, Alex said pointedly, while Willie said “yeah, kind of”, a little softer, and Reggie gasped loudly.
  “Oh god, I’m so sorry!” He jumped up immediately. “Just- please give me a second, I-“, he carefully picked up the cats one by one, before shooting one last look at them. “Sorry!”, he said again and with another poof he was gone as quickly as he came.
  They stared at the spot where Reggie just stood, blinking in confusion.
  Alex groaned loudly, turning his head and pushing it into Willie's shoulder, his hand slipping from his cheek down his chest around his back. Willie laughed but slid his hands off his head and his arms around his shoulders, hugging him close.
  “I am so, so sorry about him”, Alex said, muffled against the fabric of Willie's sweater. Willie chuckled.
  “Don’t apologize.” He pressed a kiss into Alex' hair. “I am more than happy right now”, he whispered and felt Alex squeeze him.
  “Me too.”
  He squeezed him back.
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Riding On
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Ch 17-Let Me Take An Elfie…
Summary: Christmas arrives in the Adler household and its full of laughter, giggles, and one huge gift that money simply can’t buy…
Warnings:  Bad Language words, Smut (NSFW, 18+)
Pairing: Frank Adler x Fliss Gallagher
A/N:  So, like, I’m over 2020 and wish it was Christmas already. This chapter brings Riding On Part 1 to a close and I’ll be likely taking a little break from writing this to concentrate on some stuff I have going on Stark Spangled for the Birthday Party! I hope you enjoy!
This one is dedicated to The Evangers…you know who you are!
Chapter Song:  I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by Wizard (because who doesn’t?) 
Series Masterlist //  WIYPT Masterlist
When the Snowman brings the snow, well he just might like to know, he’s put a great big smile on somebody’s face. If you jump into your bed, quickly cover up your head. Don’t you lock the doors, you know that sweet Santa Clause is on the way.
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 Monday morning rolled round and for the first time in ages Frank woke well rested. After their plan had worked, he and Fliss had played the recording back to Greg who had been torn between calling them a pair of reckless dumbasses, and being elated with what it meant. Whilst he was unsure the court would permit it as evidence, he was going to have “some damned fun filing it anyway” and then set about giving them the final coaching for the Child Welfare Department interviews on Monday.
To Frank and Fliss, this was the final thing they could do. The last chance they had to get their feelings across and make a good impression before it was then over to the courts. And whilst Fliss was still hopeful that Polland would sign the papers as soon as he realised they had him on tape, Frank wasn’t quite as optimistic. So it was for that reason that over breakfast on the Monday he found himself rehearsing his speech to the Social Worker, just had he had done 2 years or so prior.
He needn’t have bothered though because, as Greg had predicted, the Social Workers discussion with him mainly centred on practical things such as Frank’s new job and his role, what Fliss did for a living, their new home and a little bit of digging into her background which was done sensitively and compassionately. It was the same Social Worker from 2 years back, a dark haired lady called Sarah Kellet, which Frnak was glad about, and she’d smiled when she’d run through things, checking all the facts that Greg had provided her before simply stating that was all she needed.
“What, no soul-searching questions?” Frank asked, arching an eyebrow. She chuckled and shook her head.
“Not this time.” she smiled “It’s a little different Mr Adler. You already have formal Guardianship over Mary so this isn’t about whether you’re suitable or not. This is really just a fact gathering exercise about whether or not formally providing you with Parental Status would be in her best interests.”
Frank swallowed and Fliss gently tangled her fingers in his as Sarah looked at them and smiled.
“Don’t worry.” She beamed. “When I spoke to Mary before it’s clear she’s exceptionally settled, and she adores her new brother as she refers to him as. You’ve created a very stable and loving environment for her, you’re financially credible, not that that’ the be all and end all, and you have a home, family support…all of this will be evidenced in my report.”
“So, do you make recommendations to the court?” Fliss asked and Sarah shook her head.
“Not as such, I’m merely here to pull together a factual, comprehensive report on how Mary is.” She tapped her pen slightly “And it’s always a little easier in cases like this when the minor has been in the care of the applicant prior to it. But, I will be making it quite clear in my conclusions that from the CWD point of view it would be in Mary’s best interests for the court to allow the adoption to go ahead, regardless of Mary’s father raising his objections. Basically if comes down to it, we’ll be fighting your corner.”
Fliss turned to Frank who let out the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding and she smiled at him.
“So, that’s it.” Sarah shrugged. “I’ll send a copy of everything through to the courts and your attorney Mr Adler. All that’s left is for me to wish you both a Merry Christmas and I’ll see you at the hearing whenever that is.” They both rose, shaking her hand and then Frank held the door to the room open for Fliss. She stepped out in front of him, and turned to him smiling.
“That’s it.” She shrugged “We did everything we could.” “Yeah, yeah I know.” He nodded “I’m just relieved it’s all over. Well, for now anyway.”
“Yup, so let’s get on with enjoying Christmas.” Fliss beamed as they walked down the corridor to the little area at the bottom where Mary was waiting. She was sat, reading a book being supervised by another one of the social workers and looked up, smiling as they entered. The woman who’d be supervising left them alone after bidding them goodbye and the three of them walked out to the truck.
“Think your mom and dad will be ok with Alex for a little longer?” Frank asked as Mary bounced ahead of them slightly.
“Sure, why?”
“I thought we could take her for a pizza and bowling, just the 3 of us before we pick Evelyn up from the airport.” Frank said “Been a while since we went.” “Yeah, sounds good.” Fliss beamed “I’ll call mum and let her know.”
Of course Verity and Bill were only too happy to keep Alex. Sian and the twins had arrived earlier that morning and Verity told Fliss that Sian was enjoying Auntie cuddles whilst batting her eyes at Steve asking him if he fancied another. Steve’s response had been to choke on his coffee. They headed to the bowling alley, where Fliss and Mary found to their delight that the skittles were all painted like elves for the festive period. They had 3 games and as usual they whooped Frank’s ass, leaving him in a fake mood declaring Christmas was cancelled. No sooner had the words left his mouth, Mary had vaulted onto his back causing him to laugh and attempt to pull her off. Eventually he succeeded and dangled her upside down by her ankles, the girl shrieking as he swung her round before setting her down.
“She’s getting a bit big to do that with now!” he looked at Fliss, letting out a huff as Mary righted her sweater and climbed into the truck.
“Well, she is 10 in a couple of months.” Fliss smiled and Frank shook his head.
“Don’t remind me.”
Fliss chuckled as she climbed into the passenger seat and the 3 of them headed off to the airport to collect Evelyn. They stood in the arrival lounge, Frank’s arm tossed over Fliss’ shoulders and Fliss could tell he was a little apprehensive. This was the first time he’d seen Evelyn since she had admitted outright she’d bribed Polland to give evidence. He’d told Fliss he wasn’t sure how he was going to react, that he didn’t want to be angry, but he couldn’t help it. Fliss had simply told him that they’d deal with whatever happened when it came.
As Evelyn walked through the glass double doors, pulling a huge case behind her, Mary shot forwards to greet her and the woman bent down, giving her a cuddle. Once more it struck Frank just how different it all was to the first meeting they’d had just over 2 years ago and as he watched his mother gently smooth Mary’s hair back any anger he was feeling simply dissipated. He knew only too well after the events of the last few years, he couldn’t change the past but he could make sure history never repeated itself. He watched as Mary and his mother made their way over to him and he took a deep breath as Evelyn glanced up at him, her face wrought with worried anticipation. She opened her mouth to say something, and Frank knew full well it was going to be an apology so he shook his head.
“It’s done.” He said simply “And I don’t wanna waste a single second more thinking about it, ok mom?”
Evelyn nodded, tears filling her eyes, and then in a sudden display of affection she moved to embrace him. It was a little stiff but Frank didn’t shy away, wrapping his arms around his mother in a gentle hug before he pulled away and took her bag off her.
When they reached Bill and Verity’s neither Frank nor Fliss was surprised to find that Verity had laid a spread on. She loved entertaining and so had taken it upon herself to pull together a buffet consisting of a selection of cold meats, breads, crudités, dips and savoury snacks along with a huge plate of her infamous brownies. No sooner had Frank walked into the kitchen he had a beer thrust into his hand by Steve who winked at him and he turned to Fliss a little sheepishly with a shrug.
“I’ll drive home.” She rolled her eyes playfully as she gently turned Alex so that he was against her chest, head raised slightly as he looked around.
“Oh fuck that.” Evelyn said, taking the red wine that Bill handed her as Frank gave a snort at his mother’s language, not that it surprised him, she’d always been quite colourful that way despite her proper appearance and professional demeanour “We’ll get a cab. It’s Christmas.” “See, she gets it!” Steve nodded to Evelyn who simply shrugged and took a sip of her wine before she set it down on the kitchen counter.
“May I?” she asked Fliss, gesturing to Alex and Fliss smiled.
“Of course, here…” she passed him over and Evelyn looked at the baby who broke into a gummy smile.
“He gets more like you ever time I see him.” Evelyn whispered, looking at Frank who smiled.
“Yeah, so I’m told” he shrugged, attempting an air of nonchalance but as Fliss looked at him smirking he knew he had failed. He fucking loved the fact his boy looked like him, it massaged his ego and he didn’t care one iota about how smug it made him appear.
After Mary, Charlie and Joel had eaten, the three of them headed upstairs to the movie room, arms laden with snacks as Bill put The Santa Clause on the large screen and the adults all settled in the living room. Evelyn asked if she could feed Alex and Frank obliged, handing her the baby and the bottle. There was a little more chat before Verity cleared her throat and addressed the huge elephant in the room.
“So, how did it go with the social worker kids?”
Fliss and Frank exchanged a glance before Frank smiled “Good, really good. In fact, she said in her conclusion they’ll recommend the adoption is processed regardless of any objections but, we’ll see. For now we’ve done everything we can so it’s down to the court in the New Year.”
“Oh, that’s…that’s great, that’s really….great.” Bill said, nodding as his eyes misted over and Verity stood up, moving to give Fliss a cuddle as her eyes had filled at the sight of her father’s emotions. Frank could feel the tears stabbing at his eyes too so, under the guise of nipping to the bathroom he took a moment and headed through the kitchen and out of the bi-folding doors, stepping onto the veranda which overlooked the landscaped garden and pool area.
Lost in his own thoughts, he hadn’t been out there that long when he heard someone behind him. A tumbler of scotch was pushed into his hand and he looked up as Steve clapped a hand on his shoulder.
“Thought you might need that.” He said, as he set the bottle and his own glass down on the table, fishing in his pocket for his cigarettes. As he sparked it up he took a drag, blowing it out to the side taking care to remain hidden.
“Fucking 38 and still hiding the fact I smoke from my mum.” Steve snorted and Frank shook his head.
“Hate to break it to you Steeb but she knows.” He chuckled at the look on Steve’s face “She was complaining to Fliss about it the other day.” “No shit.” Steve muttered, “Oh, well, fuck it…”
Frank laughed again and took a sip of his drink before he asked Steve about the house he was purchasing just out east of Tampa. Steve explained the sale was going through now and they should be ready to move in towards the middle of January.
“Good.” Frank nodded “If you need a hand, moving and stuff, just holler. Lord knows you did enough for us, I’d be glad to help.” “Don’t worry you will be.” Steve smirked and Frank snorted.
“How’s Sian taking to the move? Fliss said she was a little apprehensive.” “Yeah, she was.” Steve shrugged “But she’s also excited. I mean of course she’s nervous to leave her family behind but she knows it’s too good an opportunity to pass up on, and it won’t be forever. Probably about 5 years or so and we’ll head back home.” “I wouldn’t bet on it.” Frank said, knocking back his scotch.
“Why’s that?” Steve asked, his voice coming out as a slight mumble as he held his cigarette between his lips so he could top Frank’s glass up again.
“Well-cheers-“ Frank nodded, taking the tumbler off him “-it’s like Fliss said, once this place gets it’s claws into you, you kinda grow to love it.”
Steve chuckled and dropped his now done dab end onto the floor under his foot before he bent down and retrieved it, slipping it into his pocket to dispose of later.
“So, Fliss told you that we got family coming out this New Year?” Steve asked.
“She mentioned one of her cousins…” Frank paused “Tabs was it?”
“Babs.” Steve corrected “We got 4, there’s Eva who’s married to a Police Officer called Ari, Jen who’s married to a lawyer called Andy and Amber who is married to Curtis…” “He the train mechanic?” Frank racked his memory and Steve nodded.
“Yeah, they all still live in Liverpool but Babs, the one that’s coming…she’s something else.” Steve snorted. “She lives in Australia with a photographer called Hugh. Well, I say photographer, he’s kind of a trust fund rich boy that plays at it, you know? Nice enough guy though, always happy to shout you on a night out.”
“So they making a special trip over or…” “They’re taking some kind of sabbatical, if you can take a sabbatical from doing fuck all.” Steve shrugged “6 month tour of the US starting here. She’s fucking great fun though. Her and Fliss are the same age and were thick as thieves growing up, used to get into all sorts of mischief.” He shook his head. “They once set fire to a bin on a park. By accident mind. They were pretending to smoke these hollow twig things stuffed with dried grass and when one set on fire Babs panicked and tossed it into the bin.” Frank snorted as Steve continued.
“The whole thing went up.” Steve chuckled “So they legged it and got followed home by an off duty copper. Dad and Uncle Ted went ballistic…
“Wait…you dad’s brother is called Ted?” Frank asked.
“Yeah, Bill and Ted.” Steve grinned. Frank looked at him, before the pair of them burst out laughing, and couldn’t stop. It wasn’t that funny, it really wasn’t, but the more Steve laughed, the more Frank did, and the more Frank laughed, the more Steve died. By the time Frank managed to control himself he had tears of pure mirth in his eyes and he wiped them as his laughter subsided and he managed to take a breath, clutching at his side.
“What you two laughing at?” Fliss asked, stepping outside.
“Your face.” Steve shot back.
“Twat.” Fliss narrowed her eyes at him and she turned to Frank who was still chuckling “And I don’t know what you find so funny…”
“Nothing at all baby.” He smirked, dropping a kiss to her head, “Nothing at all.” ******
There were sore heads in the Adler household the next day. They’d stayed at Bill and Verity’s till well past midnight, and had left Mary there as she’d passed out asleep with the twins in the movie room. After they’d managed to herd all the kids to bed, the adults had continued drinking and eventually called it a night when Bill had fallen asleep in his arm chair, dropping his glass of brandy all over the floor.
Fliss had stable duties that morning, and took off early even though she felt she was still half drunk and when she returned a few hours later Frank and Evelyn were sat at the breakfast bar, each nursing cups of coffee and looking half dead. Eventually they all managed to muster enough about themselves to shower, dress and head over to pick Mary up. Frank was low-key pleased to see Steve looked worse than he felt and after a quick coffee they set off into the little town to have a walk round the Christmas Stalls that had been set up before they grabbed a bite to eat and Evelyn started telling Fliss a few stories about Frank and Diane when they had been children at Christmas.
“I think my personal favourite will be the carol service when you were 6.” Evelyn looked at Frank and he groaned taking a sip of his soda as he leaned back in his chair “He has a lovely voice you know and that year he was selected to do a solo.” “We don’t need to hear this…” Frank started to protest but Fliss cut him off.
“Yes we do, go on Evelyn.”
“So his particular hymn was Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. And the line ‘God and sinners reconciled’ was proving a little tricky for him as he rehearsed.”
“I was 6.” Frank deadpanned.
“I’m well aware, it still doesn’t stop it being funny.” Evelyn grinned “So up he gets, sings out the song note and word perfect until he gets to this line and belts out ‘God and sinners dressed in style’”
Fliss snorted and Mary let out a howl of laughter.
“You’re such a loser” she looked at him
“Quit it or you’ll be getting no presents tomorrow morning.”
“Whatever”
“Hey, do you remember that year grandpa sent us nothing?” Frank suddenly had a recollection and he looked at Evelyn who let out a loud laugh.
“God yes, you and Diane were disgusted!”
“Oh, the last year before he died-“ Frank started to explain as Fliss looked at him blankly “-well, he was clearly feeling his age and found that shopping for Christmas gifts had become too difficult. So he decided to send checks to everyone instead. In each card he wrote, ‘Buy your own present!’ and mailed them early. Only when we opened them, there was no check…he’d forgotten to enclose them with the cards.”
“So you all literally got a card with ‘buy your own present’ written inside?” Fliss laughed and Frank chuckled
“Yeah, which to be fair dad thought was hilarious but…poor Grandpa was devastated. He tried to blame Santa, of course, but it didn’t wash.”
“That’s because Santa isn’t real.” Mary looked at him.
“Yes he is.” Fliss sighed “I’m not having this debate with you again.” “You said yourself the other day that Frank was incapable of organising anything because he was a man so how could one dude organise gifts for the entire world?” Mary looked at her and Frank turned his head slowly to Fliss.
“Oh, you did, did you?”
Fliss hesitated, before she sighed “Come on, your organisational skills at home are ridiculous.”
“Do our bills get paid on time?”
“Yes, but-“
“Have either of the kids died yet?”
“No…” Fliss laughed.
“Then we’re good!” Frank shrugged, his hand gently dropping to his son’s tummy as he lay asleep in the stroller parked next to him “I find your lack of faith disturbing. And if we’re being sexist, I know Santa is a man as a woman wouldn’t be able to hack driving a sleigh around for a night, not to mention the complete mess she’d make trying to park it…”
“Wow!” Fliss looked at him as he laughed, “Ok, buddy, I bed I can think of 5 reasons why I would jump at the chance to be Santa.”
“Go on.” He teased and Fliss held up her hand, counting on her fingers as she spoke.
“One, I could grow to the size of Hawaii knowing it’s simply all part of the job. Two, I’d simply be able to buy one big, black belt, and brass buckle, and be accessorized for life. Three there would be no reason to have my hair colour done. Four, everyone would be extremely nice to me, regardless of my behaviour and five, if people commented that my belly jiggled when I laughed I could hit them with my purse.”
“Six…” Evelyn picked up as Frank laughed “You would always work in sensible footwear”
Frank shook his head “She always is anyway, not like you wear high heels to ride horses in and muck out stalls…”
“Those boots hurt when they’re not worn in.” Mary jabbed back “I know.”
With a snort Frank leaned back and looked down at Alex “Buddy, you better hurry up and start talking, I need someone here to even out the numbers.”
After another hour or so, when it was dark, they headed home and Evelyn bid them all a good night, heading to her guest suite above the garage to read and relax, declining their offer to join them for a drink stating she’d had quite enough the night before.
Mary wasn’t far behind, the excitement of the last few days having wiped her out, plus as she reminded Frank and Fliss, the sooner she went to bed the sooner it would be present time. She headed off for a bath before she settled down with her book upstairs and an hour or so later Frank went up to took her in, finding her fast asleep with Fred curled around her head.
It wasn’t even 8:30 pm and Fliss and Frank were all set for the evening. Presents wrapped, kids settled, and Frank had just moved to grab them a beer each when his phone sounded in his pocket.  He glanced at the shitty Nokia he was being forced to use after smashing his Samsung against the wall and frowned.
“It’s Greg.” He said before he answered. “Hey man.”
“S’up, listen, you guys free if I pop in for 5? I got a Christmas card for you and I forgot to drop it off earlier.”
“Yeah, sure.” Frank chuckled. “Just come on round the back, gate and the door are open.”
“No worries pal, see you in 15.”
“He coming over?” Fliss asked as Frank tossed the phone down on the side.
“Yeah, just for 5 minutes. Says he has a card for us.”
“A card?”
“Yeah, you know what he’s like. He’s probably had it for weeks and forgotten about it.” Frank shrugged, passing Fliss an open beer as they both crossed to the sofa. They settled down to watch the Christmas special of Brooklyn 99 and true to his word, Greg walked in 15 minutes or so later.
“Hey Greg, you want a beer?” Frank stood up, gesturing to the kitchen area.
“No I can’t stay, I just wanted to give you this before tomorrow.”
Frank paused and took the envelope off him. “This isn’t a card?” he frowned.
“No, it’s a little better than that.” Greg beamed as Fliss rose to her feet, crossing to where Frank was stood. With a frown, Frank turned the envelope over, opened it and as his eyes scanned the piece of paper he felt his mouth grow dry and his heart suddenly pounded so hard he felt it was going to thump right out of his chest.
“He signed the papers…” Frank whispered, swallowing as he looked at the document in his hands. “Lissy, Polland…he signed the adoption papers.”
“What?” Fliss breathed out as she took it from him, her eyes roving the wording before she looked at Frank, then Greg. “I- when?”
“I had a call earlier this afternoon saying they were dropping the objection.” Greg smiled. “Seems he suddenly had a change of heart when his Attorney told him he was on tape confessing to taking a bung and attempting to blackmail Fliss. I won’t tell you what he called him, it was a 4 letter word and ended in t…pretty sure you can fill in the gaps.” He nodded to the paper in Fliss hand “I asked him to hurry that through and it arrived about half an hour before I called. I wanted to give it to you in person.”
“So…we don’t need to go to court?” Frank breathed out, his eyes brimming with tears.
Greg shook his head “There’ll be a finalisation hearing in January but coupled with that and the CWD report it’s gonna simply be a formality. It’s as good as done.” “So, we’re…” Fliss took a deep breath “We’re gonna be her parents?”
Greg nodded. “Yup.”
Frank was struggling for words as he looked at his best friend before he pulled him into a huge bro hug. He stepped back, wiping his eyes as Fliss moved forward to hug Greg too, before they both walked him to his car.
“I owe you, big time.” Frank croaked and Greg waved him away as he opened the door to his Merc.
“I told you it would work out.” He shrugged, smiling broadly. “Merry Christmas guys.”
The two of them waved him off before Fliss turned to Frank, her tears falling down her cheeks “I can’t believe it…” “Me neither.” Frank spluttered and Fliss leaped into his arms, the pair of them laughing in sheer joy. Even thought they’d thrown themselves into the holiday spirit, neither of them had been able to shake that little feeling that a small, dark cloud was still following them. And now that was gone.
It was over. All over. They’d won.
Fliss and Frank headed back inside, both resisting the urge to wake Mary to tell her, deciding they’d leave it for the morning, but they absolutely did decide to crack a bottle of champagne open.
But Frank had an even better idea, one that came to him on a whim as they walked back through their garden. Silently he disappeared into the little laundry room at the side of the kitchen and when he emerged, Fliss had her back to him so she didn’t see him deposit the 2 pool towels on the breakfast bar. He moved to where she reaching for two champagne flutes, and as she stood on her tiptoes, he wrapped his arms around her from behind causing her to jump a little.
“I can’t believe it.” Fliss whispered “I mean I hoped he’d back down but…”
“I know” Frank kissed her neck tenderly “Another huge Christmas Eve huh? Second one in a row?”
Yeah.” She sighed happily, her hands falling on top of his arms, rubbing gently. “You know last year I was so nervous when I found out I was pregnant.”
“So was I, and that was before you told me that bit of news.” He smiled, his chin resting on her shoulder. “I’d been trying to propose for ages. I was shitting my pants it was gonna go wrong or you’d turn me down.”
“Not a chance Sailor.” She turned her head to look at him. “You’re stuck with me.” He pressed a kiss to her lips and the pair of them stood in silence in their kitchen, lost in their own thoughts, simply looking out of the window over their garden which was illuminated softly by the lighting round the pool area. Eventually Frank remembered his original plan and he smiled to himself.
“So all the presents are wrapped, everyone’s in bed waiting for the big guy with the sack to arrive…” Frank muttered, his lips grazing her neck “The pool heaters have been on all day…what about a Christmas Eve dip?”
Fliss turned in his arms, arching an eyebrow “Would you merely be trying to get me naked Francis?”
“Yes.” He nodded and she giggled.
“Skinny dipping? On Christmas Eve?”
“You lost your sense of adventure Cowgirl?” he teased.
Fliss peered round him to where Alex was sleeping in the basinet and with a grin pulled back and whipped off her T-shirt. “Does that answer your question?”
Frank laughed and caught the top as she threw it at him, tossing it to the side as he grabbed the towels. By the time he caught up with her outside Fliss was on the edge of the pool in nothing but her baby-blue cotton panties and his eyes scanned up her legs and the rest of her body until they locked onto hers. She bit her lip as she stepped out of her underwear and Frank felt his cock twitch as she turned and coyly shot him a look over her shoulder before she descended down the mosaic tiled steps at the shallow end of the pool.  
Not wanting to waste a second more he threw the towels down on one of the sun loungers and reached over his head, grabbing a fistful of his grey t-shirt. He pulled it off before be quickly undid his belt and in one swoop yanked down his loose jeans and boxers.
Fliss dropped off the bottom step, her shoulders dipping under the warm water as she turned to watch Frank following her in, her eyes trailing up from his knees over his thighs, semi-erect cock which stood beneath that happy trail that led down his slim, flat yet ever so slightly soft stomach and up to his broad shoulders and strong arms. Her eyes moved to his handsome face, the stubble on his jaw line always gave him a more rugged look and his short hair was spiked up messily as it usually was at the end of the day.
Fuck, he was beautiful. 
And not just on the outside. Even before the events of the last few weeks Fliss knew her man was the most caring, wonderful and doting father and lover on the planet but since the issue with Polland had raised its head she'd seen a side to him that she had only ever caught glimpses of before. A softer, vulnerable side and it filled her heart with even more love for him for reasons she couldn't explain other than it just did. He wasn't afraid to show weakness to her, he wasn't ashamed to tell her his fears. Because they were a true partnership. And as she watched him crouch down so his body was submerged in the water, his eyes sparkling in the lights, she felt an unnerving spike of desire that was so strong it surged right from her toes up her body, leaving her slightly fuzzy headed, like she was drunk on love. 
Frank cocked his head playfully to the side as Fliss gracefully pushed off the ball of her foot and swam towards him before she twisted in the water slightly and brought her legs out in front of her. She wrapped them round his waist, settling herself on his lap as his large hands gently splayed on her back. Fliss nuzzled her nose against his chin, nudging his head back so she could chain soft kisses across his jaw line, her lips skating the bristles on his face as she gently nipped at his skin. Frank let out a soft sigh, his hands pulling her closer as she moved her affections down his neck, over his Adam’s apple before she gently sucked at the junction of his shoulder and neck, grinding down on him, her bare core slicking over his cock.
"Fuck, Liss..." he stuttered, pulling back to look at her, the water sloshing around them "what's got into you, pretty girl?"
"Nothing yet." She purred back.
Frank looked at her, but before he could make a smart reply she’d dropped her hand from his shoulder into the pool and wrapped her palm around him making him choke on his words slightly as she stroked him with a few quick flicks of her wrist.
“Jesus baby…” he managed to croak as her eyes locked onto his and a smirk curled on her lips. She leaned forwards, her teeth nipping at his ear and he gave a soft groan, his head falling back slightly as she continued to work him, her hand pumping up and down his now rock hard dick. And then she stopped, and he felt her mouth curve open and her breath was hot on his skin as she whispered 3 words that sent red hot fire coursing through his entire body.
“Fuck me, Sailor.”
He didn’t need asking twice. 
Fliss moved herself, guiding him to where she wanted and she sank down onto his length, his hands grabbing her hips as she took him in completely, a low, drawn out gasp escaping her lips as Frank hissed slightly as her walls clamped around him. He gave himself a moment, enjoying the feel of her before he thrust upwards, his fingers curling around her soft flesh as he drew back slowly, before pushing back into her deeply, rotating his hips. Fliss’ hands curled around his shoulders, her head tipping back, eyes closed in pleasure, the action causing her breasts to rise out of the water. Keeping his rhythm slow and deep he dipped his head, his tongue tracing a stripe down her cleavage, the salty tang of the pool water hitting his taste buds as he directed his attention to her nipple, flicking and sucking softly, all the time listening and feeling her reactions as she pushed down further against him, desperate for more. For whatever reason, Fliss was in a downright filthy mood and Frank had a feeling that slow and steady wasn’t going to be enough. He moved his mouth, nipping up her neck before his lips pressed onto hers, the kiss filthy as his tongue fucked her mouth and he pulled back as he began to back himself up to the side of the pool.
With a quick movement he turned so Fliss’s back was against the tiled edge, and he looked at her as she stared at him, her deep brown eyes wide with lust as he dipped his head to kiss her again.
“Turn around.” He instructed, his voice low and Fliss complied, moving off him and spinning in the water. One large hand slid up her spine to her neck and his fingers gently curled around her nape as he pushed her forwards slightly, before he slid both his hands up her arms and directed her hands to grip at the lip of the pool.
Fliss’ body was tingling with anticipation. Her palms gripped round the rough surface of the pool edge as she surrendered to Frank’s control, his chest pressing against her back, lips sucking at her neck.
“If this is too much, tell me…” he whispered against her skin. Fliss tilted her face round to look at him, seeing those ocean blues she loved shining with love and what looked like a slight glimmer of concern. And she knew why. Whilst their sex was hot, passionate, loving, it was very rarely rough because he didn’t want to push her too far knowing her past. But she wanted this, she needed it. She smiled at him, pressing her lips to his.
“I trust you.” She promised him gently and Frank kissed her again before he pulled away. His hands gripped her hips, lifting her ass up so her feet planted on the floor of the pool as he rose to his, the water lapping around his thighs as he buried himself into her with one swift movement. He pulled out slowly before he thrust back into her, grinding against her as she gasped, her head tilting backwards as he continued rocking his hips back and forth, slowly at first, his movements gathering pace until he built up into a fast, relentless rhythm, every drive into her jolting her forwards slightly as she braced herself against the edge with her arms, elbows locked to absorb the shock. Pants, whimpers, soft cries and the debauched sound of sloshing and skin slapping skin filled the otherwise silent night air of the garden and Frank dropped his eyes to the point where he was pounding in and out of his girl, the sight of where they were joined was hot as fuck and he let out a groan as he watched for a second, before his eyes flicked back up to Fliss. Her head was dropped between her arms, slightly twisted to the right and he could see her eyes were closed, jaw slack, full lips open in a silent cry.
As he continued his powerful, fast thrusts, his cock brushed occasionally against that spot inside and Fliss felt the coil in her belly beginning to tighten slowly, each time he hit it. Frank adjusted his stance and bent over, his right hand falling over hers as he too braced himself against the edge of the pool, giving a dirty grind and Fliss cried out loudly at the sensation.
“Fuck, right there…” she encouraged and Frank repeated the movement again, his bottom lip caught between his teeth as he was fighting the urge he was feeling to come.
“Liss, shit…” he gasped, his left hand dropping between her legs, coaxing her clit and after a few strong strokes Fliss arched her back, her head following as she let out a cry of his name as the world tilted on its axis, her orgasm rocking her to her very core. The feeling was too much for Frank and with a loud moan that rumbled from his chest he followed her right over the edge, his thrusts growing sloppy as he pumped through his own release before he stilled, his head bowing as he waited for the surge of ecstasy to dissipate.
Eventually the fog lifted enough so that he was able to bend his knees slightly, and with the arm that was curled around Fliss’ waist he turned them in the water. Fliss was near dead weight and went with him obligingly, his cock still buried in her as he pivoted and dropped down so that his back was against the wall of the pool and she sat on his lap, the water gently splashing around their shoulders.
Frank cradled her close, pressing a kiss to her neck as he gave a low hum of satisfaction, her head falling back against his shoulder, a smile flickering across her lips.
“You know…” Frank mumbled after a little moment of silence “Cowgirls will always be my favourite, even in reverse.”
Fliss gave a soft chuckle as she opened her eyes and titled her head to look at him. “I prefer sailors…” she smirked and he laughed, pressing his lips to hers.
“You ok?” he asked, as her hands fell over his arms, fingers softly skating up his wet skin and she gave a nod.
“Never better.” She affirmed.
“Good.” He kissed her temple. “You wanna get out or…”
“No, I’m good here for a while.” She purred and he smiled, his mouth dropping to her shoulder where he pressed another kiss to her skin.
Eventually Fliss reluctantly conceded that they probably should get out as Alex would want feeding again any time soon. But, not wanting the moment to end, Frank suggested that whilst she showered he could do the feed and light the fire-pit. Fliss agreed and after wrapping herself in a towel she kissed him again and headed upstairs. Frank dried himself off, located his T-shirt and shrugged it on, leaving the towel round his waist as he warmed a bottle for his now grumbling son. By the time Fliss came back down stairs in her plaid sleep pants and tank, Alex was just finishing up. Frank passed him over, and they both headed back outside. Once the fire was lit Frank scooted off for a quick shower and returned 10 minutes later to find Alex settled once more in the basinet, tucked snuggly under his Christmas blanket that was decorated with little Santa’s and trees, his eyes roaming the starry sky.  Fliss sat with her legs under a tartan fleece on the outside sofa, the bottle of champagne stood in the middle of the table in an ice bucket and either side of it rested two full flutes. With a satisfied sigh Frank sat next to her, reaching for his drink and resting his feet on the table as Fliss snuggled under his arm. The pair of them clinked their glasses together, shared another soft kiss and settled into a soft chatter.
It was cosy, domestic, loving, and everything Fliss had ever dreamed of having, but never in a million years thinking she’d experience, and as they sat talking and laughing, speculating about Mary’s reaction the news of her adoption being tomorrow, she felt herself suddenly choked with emotion and she sat up, looking at her man.
“I think she’s gonna...” Frank trailed off, frowning at the look on Fliss’ face “Hey, honey what’s wrong?” “Absolutely nothing.” She muttered, clambering onto his lap so she was straddling him, jolting the glass he was holding a little and sending some of the Moet spilling onto the patio.
“You sure?” he titled his head to look at her and she nodded, sniffing back her tears as she kissed him, her hands running through his messy hair.
“I’m just so happy Frank, I can’t stop thinking about how much I lucked out.” She whispered as she pulled away and Frank smiled against her mouth.
“I think I’m the one that lucked out.” He whispered, his spare hand reaching up to smooth her hair back slightly.
“Maybe we can agree we’re both lucky bastards” she grinned and he chuckled, his eyes locking onto hers.
“I can live with that.” He agreed.
******
For the second day in a row Frank and Fliss woke with hangovers, as post the champagne they hit the bourbon and didn’t go to bed until 2 am. Now it was half 6 and Frank wasn’t impressed that he was going to have to deal with a hyper 9 year old who was currently bouncing on his bed, a 16 week old and his mother with a headache and only 4 and a half hours sleep.
After they sat and opened the gifts in their stocking, Frank telling Fliss to leave the thin, flat box until she was alone, they headed downstairs. Frank grinned at Fliss as Mary bust into the family room and glanced at the presents which were arranged in a pile by the sofa. The three of them exchanged their gifts, Fliss being especially delighted with her Spa Day voucher from Mary and Alex, which Frank informed her Simon had also gotten one for Bonnie so they could go together. Frank had also bought her a few new pairs of riding breeches, signed her up for a year’s subscription to Kindle Unlimited, a few more items of clothing, a 3 Pandora charms in the shape of the letters, F, M and A meaning she had one for them all and a stunning silver and diamond necklace and earring set from Tiffany’s which Fliss gasped at when she opened. In contrast Fliss had bought Frank a new phone from Alex and Mary to replace the one he’d smashed against the wall, a few T-shirts and then cryptically told him the biggest gift from her was yet to come.
“You’re not pregnant again are you?” he leaned over and asked her semi-seriously.
“Fuck, no!” she spluttered and he let out the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. “It’s just a little big…you’ll see.”
Before he could press her any further, Mary gave a loud shriek as she unwrapped the hooded top that was decorated the same as her Gillet and grinned, jamming it on over her pyjama top. Frank laughed as she did a parade in front of them before she paused, looking at the door to the little room off the kitchen. Frank had covered over the door frame in wrapping paper as it held her big present and Mary looked at it, before she turned to Frank and Fliss, frowning.
“What’s that?”
“Dunno.” Frank teased “Why don’t you go through and see?”
Mary looked at the pair of them again before she ran over, her reindeer slippers padding over the floor and she tore through the paper, pushing the door open.
Frank curled his arm round Fliss, kissed the side of her head as they followed her into the room where Mary was stood, gaping around.
As a surprise they’d turned it into a little sitting room of sorts for her. Over the last 4 weeks they had meticulously emptied it of the crap that had been in there since they’d moved in and they’d completely re-decorated it. Frank had painted a pale yellow on 3 of the walls, the 4th at the back was papered with a huge picture of Monty in the pasture. Her show rosettes were hung on a trellis which Frank had screwed to the wall with plenty of space for more and on the shelving unit which housed a large, flat screen Tv, Blu-ray player and Android box were positioned a few photos of various family shots. To finish the room off, 2 huge bean bags were placed in the middle of the room which were big enough for Fliss and Frank to lie in (they'd had a lot of fun trying them out) and there was a small desk in the corner along with an office chair. But it was the electronic keyboard nestled in the corner of the wall that held the TV that caught Mary’s eye.
As Fred sauntered in and hopped up on a bean bag as if he owned the place, Mary walked over to the keyboard running her hands along it before she turned to look at the two adults, her mouth hanging open.
“We thought you might like a place to hang out or chillax or whatever it is you kids do now...” Frank smiled “You know, instead of always needing to go to your room when Rosie or whoever comes over. You can study in here too as well.”
“And trust me you'll want your own space once this monster starts crawling.” Fliss smiled, readjusting Alex in her arms slightly.
“I love it…” Mary gasped, looking around her eyes brimming “My own special living room…and a sort of piano.”
“Well, you keep up your lessons with Nanny V and we might, and I mean might, get you a real one” Frank smiled and Mary beamed at him before she shot over to the pair of them. Frank picked her up with a groan and kissed her cheek.
“Rosie is gonna be well jel.” She giggled and Frank laughed as Mary leaned over to kiss Fliss’ cheek.
“There’s something in the desk for you too.” Frank took a deep breath, setting Mary down on the floor. As she walked over the room, Frank moved, his arm hooking round Fliss’ waist as they watched her open the lid of the desk and take out the envelope. With a frown she pulled it open and her eyes widened as she looked at the detail.
“Is this…” she started breathing deeply, her gaze shooting up to Frank’s, her eyes filling with tears “He…”
Frank nodded, his own eyes pricking with tears “Yeah, he signed the papers Stack.”
“So, I’m…I’m adopted?” she stuttered.
“Not quite but…” Frank sniffed, “It’s about as good as done, yeah. Greg got those yesterday.”
As Mary looked back down at the paper in her hand, Frank spotted a tear fall from her face and then he frowned as he saw her legs starting to shake. In a flash he was by her side, catching her as she dropped to her knees. She wrapped her arms around his neck, the paper scrunching slightly in her hand as she buried her face into the crook of his neck and began to cry.
Frank pressed his face into her hair, trying desperately to keep his own tears from falling but failing miserably. Fliss was already gone, and she moved to walk towards them, dropping gently to her knees, Alex held safely in her arms.
“We’re gonna be a proper family.” Mary sobbed and Frank stuttered a laugh as he pulled back to look down at her.
“Mary, baby, we already were.” His voice cracked and she nodded against his neck, before she started to cry again. At that point Thor walked into the room and pushed his nose straight in between Mary and Frank, licking her face and letting out soft little whines.
Mary giggled and grabbed his fur gently “Thor, get off you doofus…”
“Is everything ok?” a voice made all of them look up to see Evelyn in the doorway, wrapped in a dressing gown and slippers. Frank, who had momentarily forgotten he’d text her to come join them, looked up through his tears and nodded. Fliss took the paper out of Mary’s hand and held it out to Evelyn. She gently gripped it, her eyebrows raised slightly, and then her hand flew to her mouth when she read the writing.
“Oh, that’s….that’s fantastic!” she sniffed, “Really…”
Mary, whose sobs had now subsided suddenly pulled back from Frank and looked at Fliss, “We need to give Frank his present!”
“Yup, we do!”
“Yeah, what…” Frank frowned “I’m kinda scared about this you know.” “Oh trust me, you’re gonna LOVE it!” Mary grinned, before she stood up straight.
“Why don’t you let me watch Alex whilst you head out?” Evelyn smiled and Fliss handed him over to his grandmother before the three of them headed to the hallway. Fliss fished the garage keys off the hooks by the door and tossed them to Frank who caught them in his right hand.
“You’re gonna need those” she smiled. Frank arched an eyebrow as he shoved on his sneakers but didn’t say anything as they headed out into the December sun, making their way over the drive.
“Is something gonna jump out at me?” he paused, the keys in the door.
“No.” Mary grinned. With one final, suspicious look at them he flung the up-and-over door open and stopped dead as he looked into the now full space of the double garage, his mouth hanging open.
In front of him was a fairly large boat. It had a covered lower deck area which housed the main engine and cockpit and a large, open flat stern area with benches. It was old, and in need of a fuck tonne of work but Frank was absolutely over the moon.
“Holy shit. You…you bought me a boat?” he turned to Fliss who grinned and nodded.
“I suppose technically I bought us a boat, but…” she shrugged as Frank moved over to examine it. He ran his hands over the hull, which was sound enough considering the state the rest of it was in and he turned to Fliss, his handsome face splitting into a huge smile.  
“It’s a wreck, I love it!” he beamed and Fliss grinned as he took her face in both hands and kissed her “Thank you baby.” “Well I thought about getting a newer one but I know you’ve always wanted to do your own up” she smiled as he pulled away “Plus, from a purely selfish point of view, I’m kinda looking forward to seeing you full of grease again.”
He grinned and arched an eyebrow before he kissed her again and Mary made a gagging noise. He turned to her, playfully swatting at her head and the 3 of them made their way back to the house, Frank casting a loving glance at his newest prized possession before he pulled the door down and locked it.
They exchanged gifts with Evelyn over breakfast, both Mary and Alex’s piles in the living room were significantly larger when they finished opening the bags full each and then following a breakfast of pancakes and bacon which was made whilst dancing around the kitchen to various Christmas songs, Fliss and Mary headed over to the yard to see to the horses and sneak a quick ride in before they needed to head over to Bill and Verity’s.
Fliss opted to shower first so she could get Alex ready and once she was alone she took her time to open the present Frank had told her to leave until later. As she pulled off the wrapping paper she smiled to herself as she saw the Victoria Secrets box and lifted the lid off, gently pulling back the pink tissue wrapping. Biting her lip she pulled out the sheer gold negligee, which was beautiful and rather classy as well, before she placed it back in the box and headed into the bathroom.
Just as she’d finished dressing Frank walked into their room, Alex in his arms and he smiled, pressing his lips to hers.
“I opened it…” Fliss smiled against his mouth.
“Yeah?”
“Mmmhmmm” she affirmed “I happen to think I suit gold.”
Frank smiled “I’m sure you do.”
She grinned and took Alex off him before she headed out of the room, Frank watching her go before he stripped off his clothing and headed into the bathroom.
20 minutes or so later, dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a red and blue flannel button down, he wandered into the family room and stopped dead as he caught sight of Alex’s outfit.
“Lissy, what the fuck is my boy wearing?” Frank stared at the baby who was sat on Mary’s knee on the sofa, dressed in a green elf onesie. It had a black strip round the middle with a little yellow belt buckle detail, and the collar was red and ruffled. The legs were red and white hooped, just like tights, and on his head sat a red and green hat. As Frank stared at him in disbelief, Alex gazed up at his dad and let out a loud excited noise and waved his hands and legs.
“He looks cute, Frank.” Mary grinned, herself dressed in a white little blouse detailed with christmas patterns. Fliss walked over from the kitchen where she had been boxing up the sugar cookies she had made and grinned as Frank glared at her, pointing to Alex.
“He’s a fucking elf.” He deadpanned. “In tights.”
“Language.” Fliss slapped his arm lightly before she shrugged and gestured to her own Christmas sweater which depicted Santa stuck upside down in a chimney “It’s Christmas.” Frank shook his head. “He looks ridiculous.”
“Don’t be a scrooge.” Mary grinned and Frank shot her a glare, before he glanced at his son again, shaking his head. Alex seemed absolutely nonplussed at the fact his Mother had dressed him in the utterly stupid get up and Frank turned, shaking his head as Fliss smirked at him.
“Everyone is gonna laugh at him.” He pouted and Fliss snorted
“No they’re not!”
Frank knew he wasn’t going to win the argument, Fliss was as big a child as anyone when it came to Christmas, but he was damned if he was going to let his boy be the subject of ridicule without a fight. But whatever protest he had left died in his throat as at that point Evelyn walked back into the room, a few more gift bags in her hands for Fliss’ family and Roberta and let out a little chuckle.
“Oh my God, doesn’t he look adorable.” She clapped her hands and walked towards her grandson.
Fliss bit her lip, her shoulders shaking with laughter at the utter indignation on Frank’s face as he rolled his eyes, letting out an exasperated growl as she slid her arms up round his neck. “Fine, just…whatever.” He sighed as she pulled his head down to hers, catching his lips in a soft peck. “Poor kid’s gonna grow up with a complex” he mumbled against her mouth “First the dinosaur outfit at Halloween, now this…”
“Well, so he doesn’t feel too bad, I got you a matching jumper.”
“Yeah Frank, you can put it on and then we can all take an elfie with your new phone, geddit?” Mary grinned and Fliss snorted. Frank pulled back and glared at Mary “Over my dead body.” “Can be arranged.” She retorted, and at that Fliss and Evelyn burst into laughter.
“Well that’s just mean.” Frank pouted and Fliss grinned, standing on her tiptoes.
“I’ll make it up to you later Sailor.” She whispered, her lips brushing his ear “I’ll let you decide if gold really is my colour for yourself…”
“Yeah?” he asked, arching an eyebrow, his hands dropping to her hips.
“If you wear the sweater…” “That’s…that’s blackmail.” He narrowed his eyes.
“I know.” She pulled back, turning to Mary and Evelyn. “Ok, shall we load the cars up? Mary you wanna ride with me or Frank?”
“Who’s goin’ to get Roberta?”
“Frank.” Fliss said “I’m taking Alex and Thor…and Fred.” She added as an after-thought. “Then I’ll go with him.” She nodded “That ok?”
“Sure.” Fliss smiled, her hand dropping to Mary’s head.
There was a sudden, excited bustle around the room as everyone moved to get their things together…and Frank went upstairs to change into his new elf sweater.
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pictureofsirgalahad · 4 years
Text
Shooting Stars and Satellites
I finished it! Thank you to @apsychicmoosewithflannelforfur​ for beta reading, and for everyone who liked the snippet I posted yesterday.
Summary: Jody’s house is full of damn good food, and damn good people. There’s nowhere better to spend thanksgiving.
Read on Ao3
“Dean! Will you please sit still!” 
Sam ran a hand down his exhausted face as his son once again jumped off his chair to go bother the dog, ruining the shirt that Sam had just finished tucking in.
“Why?” Dean asked, pulling on Miracle’s ear. Miracle, to his credit, was being very calm about the whole situation. 
“Because we’re going over to Auntie Jody’s house for Thanksgiving, remember? It’s a special day, so you should wear special clothes.” 
“Why?” Dean asked again. Honestly, the kid had a point. Sam sighed, giving Dean one more once over, before deciding that the shirt was a lost cause and leaving it be. 
“Good question, why don’t you ask Auntie Jody when we get there. Now come here so I can do your hair.” Sam grabbed a comb and got one pull through Dean’s mess of hair before the three year old shrieked and ran from the room. 
“Dean!” Sam chased the boy into the hallway to find him caught in Eileen’s arms, struggling to get free.
“What happened?” she asked, exasperated.
‘Didn’t want me to brush his hair,’ Sam signed back. Eileen grinned.
“Sounds like somebody else I know,” she replied, giving Sam a knowing look. He rolled his eyes. Eileen let Dean go, silencing him with a look. Their son hung his head and allowed his father to quickly brush through his hair, which turned out to be pointless anyway. At this point they were already running late, so there was a mad dash to get the Winchester Surprise out of the oven and strap Dean into his car seat. 
When they arrived, Patience met them in the front yard. She gave Dean a big hug then ushered him towards the house. He ran ahead while she helped Sam and Eileen carry some of their dishes in. 
“Sorry we’re late, things were a little chaotic,” Sam apologized hurriedly. Patience turned toward them. 
“Don’t worry about it! We haven’t gotten up to much yet, though Gertie and the boys have been so excited for Dean to get here.”
Sam chuckled fondly, remembering how ecstatic Dean had been when he had told him Sammy and Cas were going to be there. Garth’s twins were six, three years older than Dean, but they all played together like they were the same age, ever since Dean learned how to walk. Someone had once made a joke that it was meant to be, Team Free Will 3.0, but people stopped saying stuff like that after Eileen threatened to break their wrists. Gertie liked to play with them too, but she’d recently hit that awkward age where she’s torn between wanting to sit at the adults table, wanting to prove she can be a good babysitter, and wanting to just run around with her brothers. Luckily that meant she tried to hang out with everyone at family dinners, which all the guests always appreciated. 
Upon walking through the door they were greeted by Gertie and the twins running through the foyer, Claire following closely behind to make sure they didn’t break anything. Jody noticed them enter and straightened up, closing the oven door. 
“Sam! Eileen! Happy Thanksgiving!” She made her way over to the pair and gave each of them a tight hug. She grabbed Sam by the jaw and looked him in the eyes. “How are you doin’ Sam?” 
He gave her a somewhat forced smile. The five year anniversary of Dean’s death had been just a few days ago, and it had been rough on all of them. Jody sighed and patted his face, then turned around to head back into the kitchen. “Everyone’s in the living room, they’re excited to see y’all. I’ll catch up in a few minutes, I’ve just gotta finish checking this damn turkey.” 
Sam translated this information to Eileen, who was looking at him expectantly. Their friends tried their best, but it was difficult to lipread so many people, sometimes people forgot they had to be looking directly at her to be understood. 
They entered the living room and were greeted by a lot of women. And Garth. Bess and Donna were watching the game with rapt attention, while Garth and Kaia sat off to the side, drinking beer and chatting quietly. Patience and Alex were helping in the kitchen, and Sam hoped to God that wherever Claire and the kids were, she was keeping them out of trouble rather than enabling it, but he sincerely doubted it. 
Sam cleared his throat and everyone’s eyes turned to them. Then the room erupted in a cacophony of greetings. Donna got up and gave the both of them a bear hug, squeezing the air out of their lungs. Everyone was talking to them at once, and Sam couldn’t even think about trying to help Eileen, because he couldn’t figure out who to focus on. He just tried to say hey to everyone, and Eileen did the same. They all exchanged how are you’s, good to see you’s, it’s been a while’s. It was nice, seeing all of them, but it wasn’t long before he found himself putting a hand on Eileen’s shoulder to get her attention.
‘I’m going to help Jody and the girls. You stay and visit,’ he signed, getting up. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand, then turned back to the story Donna was telling about the nice young hunter she’d met recently, who had asked her to dinner and a movie, but don’t be goofball Eileen, he wasn’t interested in her! Sam huffed a laugh at Donna’s obliviousness. 
“Need a hand?” he asked as he entered the kitchen. Jody looked over at him as she washed a potato, nodding over at the cutting board that was currently occupied by Patience. 
“Sure! How about you take over for Patience over there, she’s been helping me all day long.” She moved out of the way of the sink to let him wash his hands, then went back to the potatoes. Patience gave him a grateful smile as she handed over the knife she was using to chop carrots. They worked in silence for a few minutes, the only conversation coming from Alex telling Sam to get the hell out of the way of the cutlery drawer, which he did hastily, worried about what she would do once she got the knife she wanted from it. After a while though, the overwhelmed feeling that he had been trying to escape before died down, and he felt up for some small talk.
“So, how have things been over here?” he asked, scooping up the celery pieces and throwing them in a bowl.
“Well, it’s been a little bit lonely around here with Patience in school and Claire and Kaia out of the nest. I’m just happy to have them home for the holidays.” Jody replied, and Sam nodded, drying his hands on a dish towel. The house had been so busy for so long, but now most of the girls had moved on. “At least I still have Alex, but she’s not home as much, because she got a new job.”
“Jody!” Alex squeaked, embarrassed. 
“What?! That’s amazing!” Sam cheered. She had been having trouble finding work after finishing school, and had been waiting for a job to come up for a few months. “Where are you working?” 
“I got hired as a nurse practitioner here at Sioux Falls General,” she replied nonchalantly, and Sam’s jaw dropped. 
“Alex! That’s incredible! I’m so proud of you.” 
“Thanks,” she said quietly, blushing at the praise. They quickly finished up the last of the work that needed to be done in the kitchen, and everything was in the oven. All they needed to do was wait. The three of them started to make their way back into the living room, but before they crossed the threshold, Sam caught Jody by the elbow.
“You did a really good job with them,” he told her. They both watched as Alex sat down on the couch next to Patience, stealing one of the crackers she was holding. 
“I barely did anything,” Jody replied, leaning against the doorframe.
“You know that’s not true,” Sam scolded, “They’re good kids, but you’re the one that led them down the right path. You gave them the love and acceptance they needed most. You’re a hero Jody. And a good mom.” 
“Well then,” Jody whispered, taking a sip of her beer. They both ignored the shine of tears in her eyes. “Thank you for bringing them to me.” 
They stood in silence for a few more moments before Jody cleared her throat. 
“Speaking of good parents, where’s your son?” Sam laughed out loud.
 “Hell if I know.” 
“Well, find him, and get washed up. We’re goin’ to eat soon.”
They went their separate ways, and Sam eventually found Dean in the backyard, covered in mud and showing a worm to Cas. Claire was nearby, trying to get Sammy to stop pulling on her hair. She looked so worn out that he almost felt bad for her, but instead he just laughed at her predicament and helped peel Sammy off of her. He gave her a beer as a form of thanks, which she took gratefully. 
“Cas, Sammy, it’s time for dinner.” At the mention of food, the twins perked up and immediately started running back inside. Dean made no move to get up from his spot in the dirt, tearing out handfuls of grass. “Dean, c’mon bud. Let's go get washed up.” When Dean didn’t answer, Sam crouched down to his level. “What’s wrong dude? You not hungry?” Dean crawled into Sam’s lap, and quietly started playing with the buttons on his dad’s shirt.
“Daddy?” he asked in a small voice.
“Yeah Dean?”
“There’s only one me.” Sam looked down at his son, confused.
“What do you mean bud? Of course there’s only one of you.”
“I heard Cousin Claire say I’m just like other Dean.” Sam froze. “What does that mean? There’s only on me, right?” Sam swallowed the lump in his throat and rubbed Dean’s back. 
“Yeah, there’s only one you. Don’t worry, I’m not hiding another one somewhere.” Sam told the boy, knowing that was what he was worried about. Dean nodded, and uncurled himself from Sam’s lap, now confident in his own uniqueness. 
“Then who’s other Dean?” he asked, going back to shredding up clumps of grass. Jody was going to kill them. Sam took a shaky breath. 
“Have I ever told you the story of how you got your name?” Sam asked, knowing he hadn’t. Dean shook his head. “Well, before you were born, I had a big brother.”
“Like my big brother?”
“Kind of, but it was more like how Sammy and Cas are brothers. His name was Dean, just like you,” Dean looked up at Sam, his dark eyes full of curiosity. He looked more like Eileen than he would ever look like Sam. “But he died. Just like how Mr. Water the fish died, remember?” Dean frowned at the mention of his dead goldfish, but looked like he understood. “So we named you after him, because he was really awesome, and we knew you were gonna be really awesome too.”
“Oh.” Dean said, then looked contemplative for a moment. “Am I just like other Dean?” Sam sighed.
“In some ways. Like how cool you are, and how much you love Miracle. But you’re different in a lot of ways too. And that’s a good thing. Because that means you are your own person, and we love that person so, so much. Do you hear me?” Sam took Dean by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes to make sure he understood. 
When it was clear he did, Sam decided the serious moment was over. “Come on, let’s get washed up.” he announced, trying to grab Dean by the midsection.
“No!! I don’t want to!” Dean giggled, trying to escape his father’s grasp. 
“I guess if you won’t listen to me, you’ll have to listen to… the tickle monster!” Dean squealed with breathless laughter as Sam attacked him, and was quickly begging him to stop. Sam did, and got up, reaching out a hand for Dean to take. 
Together they went inside and washed their hands for dinner. As they entered the dining room, Sam passed Dean onto Eileen, who watched with amused attention as her son excitedly started signing about the bugs he found outside. Garth and Donna finished setting the table, and everyone sat down. Sam started reaching for a roll, but Jody slapped his hand away from across the table. 
“Sam Winchester, I swear!” She scolded, with no real heat behind the words.
“Sorry Jody!” She shook her head at him, then stood up to address the group. 
“Since this is Thanksgiving, I wanted to be stereotypical for a second and tell all of you just how grateful I am that we have each other, and that everyone could make it up this year. And of course, we should remember that those who couldn’t be here, are here in spirit, and we miss them every day,” Everyone bowed their heads. It was a hunter gathering, after all. They had to acknowledge the ones they lost. 
“We’re all so lucky to be with each other and eat this food together, this food that we slaved over, so you better damn well enjoy it! Dig in.” Everyone cheered as Jody finished her speech and sat back down. 
All of them started loading their plates with delicious smelling food, and the whole room was full of laughter. Sam got Dean some strips of turkey breast, some mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli, which was the only part of the meal he ate. Eileen had to force him to eat two bites of turkey before he could have desert. There were three kinds of pie, and a dozen chocolate chip cookies that Jody had made specifically for Dean, because Dean didn’t like pie. He never had.  
The night started to die down after desert. Jody recruited Claire and Kaia to help with the dishes, as they hadn’t helped with cooking earlier. The Fitzgeralds headed out first, because the kids all had school tomorrow. The stragglers were all lounging in the living room, trying to recover from the meal. Sam had an arm around Eileen’s shoulder, Dean curled up in between them. Eileen exchanged hunting stories with Donna, but Sam could see her yawning, and he felt about the same. Dean looked like he was going to be out for good if they stayed any longer. He patted her on the back, and she looked at him. He removed his arm from her shoulder and straightened his posture. 
‘Ready to head home?’ he asked. She nodded, and they moved to get up. Sam scooped Dean into his arms, and they said their last goodbyes to Donna, Alex, and Patience. They made their way into the kitchen to let Jody and the girls know they were heading out. Kaia waved from her spot on the counter. Claire gave an enthusiastic goodbye to them, and gave Dean a high-five to send him off. 
They grabbed the dishes they had brought along, and their coats to protect against the November chill. Jody followed them out to the front porch. 
“Bye Jody! Thank you so much for dinner.” Eileen said, and Jody gave her a hug. 
“Have a nice night Eileen,” she said once they had broken the embrace. Eileen nodded, and turned to Sam.
‘I’ll wait in the car,’ she signed, and put a hand on his shoulder as a way to tell him to take as long as he needed. Sam nodded, and turned back to say one last goodbye to Jody. Dean was half-asleep in his arms, his head rolling around on Sam’s shoulder. 
The warm light and far-off clatter of dishes inside poured through the still-open door, fading softly into the quiet night air as calming background noise. 
“Thanks for havin’ us today Jody,” Sam said quietly, hoisting his son higher up in his arms.
“Of course Sam. You know you’re welcome anytime.” She gave Sam a tight one-armed hug and kissed Dean on the top of his head. “You take care of yourself, okay Sam?” Sam smiled.
“Always do,” he replied. Jody chuckled.
“Uh huh. Dean?” Dean lifted his head to look at Jody, his tiny hand letting go of Sam’s neck to rub at his bleary eyes, “Take care of your daddy for me, will you?” 
“Kay Auntie Jody,” Dean mumbled. Sam grip on him tightened minutely. He sounded like Dean.  
“Good boy.” Jody whispered, and ruffled his hair. Dean batted her hand away, grumbling. Jody laughed and switched to ruining Sam’s hair, and he made a very indignant noise, which made Dean giggle. They all took a deep breath, inhaling in the scent of the damp grass that surrounded them. “Good night Sam,” 
He nodded, and Jody gave them one last look before turning around and heading back into the house, closing the door behind her. They were left in a gentle silence.
“Did you have fun?” Sam asked as they made their way towards the car. Dean nodded against his chest, his thumb in his mouth. They were trying to break him out of that habit, worried about the long term effect on his jaw, but Sam decided to let him be tonight. They leaned against the car door for a moment. 
“Let’s say goodnight to your brother.” 
Dean looked up at the moon, then raised his hand to give a small wave.
“Night Jack,”
A breeze came through the trees, the stars seemed to shine a little brighter, and Sam felt every blade of grass reach out to them in recognition. He sighed.
Goodnight.
41 notes · View notes
yootaesowlwrites · 4 years
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Requested by: anon
Request: hello and good day to you! just saw someone request a pierre imagine from you about the reader being a part of their team and both reader and pierre falling in love, and i loved that scenario! i was just wondering if i could request for a similar one with alex and one with george? they are my favorite drivers 🥺🥺 only if it’s alright with you of course! love your writing sm! i enjoy reading your work so much ❤️
A/N: I HAD TO REWRITE IT AFTER THE TUSCAN GP, I Think it turned out better than it was, anyway, I wanted to publish this on the 20th, but ALEX WAS ON THE PODIUM... let’s celebrate.
Warnings: Love at first sight?
Word Count: 1.5K
【 • Primary Masterlist •  Alex Albon Masterlist •  】
【 • Characters & Drivers I Write For • Rules & Request • 】
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(Y/n) recently finished university and RedBull racing quickly approached her when one of their physiotherapists had to leave for a family emergency, they didn’t have enough time to find somebody more experienced during the Tuscan Grand Prix and decided to give her a try, to say she was over the moon about their contract was an understatement, she was tested before being allowed to enter Italy late Wednesday night, the next morning she met the team and walked through the paddock to meet the driver she would be helping for the remainder of the season.
“We realize that this was short notice, but we’re grateful that you agreed, especially with everything currently happening in the world,” Christian says as they approached the driver's rooms in the paddock. “I’ll introduce you and then I must be on my way for a meeting.” She nods her head as she continued following, they approach Alex’s room and Christian knocks on the door, the door cracks open to reveal Alex himself.
“Hey, Christian.” Alex greets him, his eyes fall on (Y/n) and his eyes quickly soften once he sees her. “Hi.”
“Alex, this is (Y/n), she’ll be assisting you for the reminded of the season,” Christian says, Alex nods his head. “I’ll see you both later.” Christian turned around and left for his meeting, Alex stepped aside as he pulled the door open wider.
“Uh, would you like to come in?” Alex asks, she nods her head and steps into his room, she looks around the small room noticing a desktop, a couch and a massage table.
“I see you already have one set up.” (Y/n) says as she points to the table, Alex nods his head as he closes the door.
“Uh, yeah, they kind of set up when we get here,” Alex explains, he admired her as she looked around his room. “Uh, I’m Alex.” He suddenly says, (Y/n) quickly turns to look at him and softly smiles at him.
“Oh, I’m (Y/n).” (Y/n) says, she extends her arm out towards him. “And I promise not to hurt you too much.” Alex begins laughs as he saw a playful smile on her lips. “But I might just torture you.”
“Haha, that’s funny,” Alex says. “Uh, so you just graduated?”
“Actually, I graduated ten months ago.” (Y/n) says. “It’s just been really hard finding work.” Alex nods his head, it was never easy finding a job. “So, I’m really thankful when this opportunity popped up.”
“Do you uh, wanna sit?” Alex suddenly asks and gestures to the couch, she moves closer to the couch.
“Thank you.” (Y/n) says before taking a seat, Alex strides towards his desk chair and sits down. “So, uh, I need to know if you have any problem areas that I should know about?” Alex thought for a moment as he placed his hands on his knees, leaning forward.
“None that I can think of right now,” Alex says, she nods her head.
“I have a couple more question, I hope you don’t mine, I just want to get to know you, or I’d like to get to know your body a little more, so I don’t end up hurting you.” (Y/n) says, she could see Alex look down at his hands resting on his knees, she quickly realized how her wording sounded. “Oh, no, no not in that kind of way!” She could feel her cheeks heating up from embarrassment. “Oh, gosh.” She brought her hands up to her face to cover herself, Alex quickly stood from his chair and moved to the couch.

“No, I know what you meant, I just, sorry.” Alex quickly says, his mind had wandered and had imagined her hands on his body as she inspected him and as she did her work, he could already feel her soft hands touching and massaging each muscle. “I uh, sure, you can ask me anything.” He gently wrapped his hands around her wrists, and carefully pulled her hands away from her face. “Don’t hide your face, please.” She slightly turns her head to look at him. “I didn’t mean to make you feel embarrassed.” She nods her head, his musky scent invaded her lungs making her want to close her eyes at the amazing smell.
“It’s okay, I uh should’ve worded it better.” (Y/n) says, his hands felt warm around her wrists, her eyes fell to his hands around her wrists. “I uh… I’m sorry, uh, your uh smell.” Alex tilts his head in confusion, before releasing her wrists and moving away from her. “No, no, you smell really good, it’s kinda distracting my thoughts right.” Alex softly chuckles before moving closer to her again.
“Then I’m not the only one being distracted by someone that smells good,” Alex says, her perfume had invaded his lungs the second she stepped into his room. “I’m not sure what it reminds me off, but it’s good.” She softly smiles at him. “So the questions?”
“Right, uh, right, yes, the questions.”
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(Y/n) nervously tugged at her mask as it kept slipping down her face, the race had lasted longer than it was planned to and had two red flags, the last one Alex had made his way to his room, hoping to find her there after his neck started hurting, she quickly massaged his neck before sending him back on his way for the remainder of the race, he was running third and Daniel had slowly started falling back, but Alex was so close to getting a second place as well, the laps quickly ran out and the flag fell with Lewis getting rise place and Valtteri getting second, but (Y/n) wasn’t cheering for them, she jumped from the couch in Alex’s room as he crosses the line third.
“WOOO!” (Y/n) screams throwing her hands into the air, she quickly exits the room and made her way to the RedBull garage where the mechanics were celebrating Alex’s first podium, Max caught sight of her and quickly made his way towards her, they had briefly met over the weekend, but Max quickly learned that Alex liked her.
“Hey, come on, come,” Max says. “We’re going to the podium, I’m sure he wants to see you.” Max took hold of her hand and dragged her through the garage and towards the podium, people had already gathered underneath it and were celebrating, Max releases her hand and nudged her towards the gates where Alex was just entering, he spots her and a wider smile formed on his lips.
“Congratulations!” (Y/n) yelled, but was drowned out by everyone cheering, Alex walked toward her and the RedBull team.
“Thank you, this was all because of your magic touch.” Alex jokingly says as he wraps his arms around her, his helmet brushing against her bottom as he does, she wraps her arms around him.

“No, this was all you.” (Y/n) says. “You’re so freaking talented, Alex, you deserve this!” They pull away from the hug as the team begins surrounding them and congratulating Alex. “I’ll see you after the podium celebration.” Alex nods his head as she slowly moved out of the way to avoid getting hurt.
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(Y/n) was busy packing up all her things in Alex’s driver's room when the door opened and Alex stepped inside, he had taken a shower and was now wearing a RedBull shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans, she glanced up from her bag and softly smiles at him.
“Hey, how’d the champagne taste?” (Y/n) asks before looking back down at her bag.
“It was good, I brought some back if you want to have a taste?” Alex asks as he lifted the bottle he was holding, she lifts her head and noticed the bottle in his hand, she stood from the ground and made her way towards him.
“Oh, you did, I didn’t even notice it.” (Y/n) says as she carefully took the bottle from his hand, she examines the bottle. “Oh, expensive.” She looks up at him. “Did it taste good?”
“Taste it, I can’t tell you if it was good or not,” Alex says. “We might not have the same taste.” (Y/n) softly giggles before bringing the bottle to her lips, it might not be the smartest thing for her to do during the pandemic, but she was curious about the taste. “Mhm, tastes good.” She walks towards his desk and placed the bottle down. “What a race?” She turns to face him, only to almost bump into him. “Oh, wow, you scared me.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that,” Alex says, she nods her head shaking it off. “I might be moving too fast and I might have gotten the wrong impression from you, but it’s only been a weekend and I would really like to take you out sometime, on a date.” (Y/n)’s eyes widen in shock at his statement. “If you would let me.”
“Are you sure?” (Y/n) softly asks, Alex nods his head.
“I’m more than sure,” Alex says. “So, what do you say?”
“Yes.”
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facelessfrey · 4 years
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Roswell New Mexico Season 2, Episode 13
- I’m sure that wasn’t supposed to be comedy but I literally laughed through most of that and I’m still laughing at the last scene. I can’t. I just...I can’t. I mean what the fuck even was half of that?!?!?
- I mean that episode was WILD. I don’t even know where to begin. This is going to get long...you are forewarned. 
- Let’s start with the EXTREMELY RAPID conclusion of last week’s mortal peril. Yep....let’s just do some CPR...not even have to break out the alien defibrillator powers and oh look Max is just fine. I mean...thank god cause I could not go through a repeat of last season although...considering the last scene...that might be preferable. (I’m still laughing...like full on cracking up and my roommates probably think I’m nuts). Then we’ve got Liz dumping the contents of some top secret recipe giant ketchup bottles on the alien console and oh...yep....melted. Glad that crisis was averted. Then we have some random shots of people going to the hospital and oh look...everyone’s alive and fine except...Jesse Manes. I mean...don’t get me wrong...he’s a monster and I’m not sorry he’s dead by my god what a pitiful end to a character that should have been a really good villain but instead was a guy who limped around in the background most of the season until suddenly in one episode it turns out he had been putting together a dastardly plan to show the aliens as the monsters they are and then murder them....sure. Why not?!?! Well...I guess it’s nice that that barely three episode arc of Gregory Manes wanting to stand up for Alex got some closure. I just...it’s so dumb!!!!
- Oh wait...I forgot...not shocking cause it was literally two seconds, but hey...Helena randomly went back and saved Charlie and proceeded to yell at her for getting chained up and not leaving while she freed her. Cool. 
- Right...so that’s all wrapped up in the opening five minutes...let’s just move on...we’ve got a lot of other insane junk we have to throw into the next 35 minutes. Yep...still laughing. 
- Let’s just kick things off with Michael and Maria...and now I’m laughing again. I did ask the show to prove me wrong earlier today and well...I mean....they half did?!?!?!! Except it was literally insane so I don’t even know what to say. So...Maria’s just fine cause you know she was only half alien so that’s cool and great and then oh wait...she just happens to have a magic plot box dropped off by Mimi. Thanks Mimi...you still have no real purpose in this story except to occasionally move the plot forward but thanks for the box. But Michael doesn’t trust Mimi’s plot hints so he doesn’t want to open the box. Instead....he goes to hang with Alex and they destroy the shed together, which admittedly was a very nice scene and totally gave me Stendan in Dublin vibes and I quite liked it. 
- But it was also all so they could find a literal skeleton under the floorboards. Gotta get those callbacks in eh? Hahaha. And of course it’s Tripp! Who else would it be? And of course...he’s got the magical key so it turns out Mimi really is tuned into the plot and read ahead in the script and knew that box would be important! So back to Maria he goes after having this super cathartic scene with Alex that tied into their emotional past together. I mean...par for the course...and I was fully ready for the whiplash that was going to make me crazy and you know...I was not disappointed because they started out being all “hey I love you” and I was like “eye roll knew that was coming” but then! She just up and breaks up with him because that’s what you do after a mutual I love you that’s based on zero relationship development over the past twelve and a half episodes. And once again...I am laughing. 
- I mean...I’ll say this...I’m glad it was her that broke up with him and in part because she totally knows he’s in love with Alex and we have been saying that literally all season so like I’m glad she noticed. But I literally died when she was all “I’ve learned so much from this relationship”. What?! What did you learn? Did you get motivation in your script direction that we weren’t privy to because I still have literally no idea what either of you were supposed to be getting out of that relationship but hey...who cares cause it’s over now and Maria just decided that so it’s all fine. No heartbreak there. And you know...Michael seems totally cool with it. Barely even put up a fight. Hahahahaha. Again...I can’t. 
- So then we go back to Alex and Michael and Isobel who is all of a sudden team Malex this episode when previously she was inventing emojis for Michael’s Maria hearteyes so yeah...all of this is just really confusing. But hey! The box has Tripp’s journal in it and descriptions that make Michael squirm but also....Tripp and Nora’s love was...wait for....COSMIC! Hahaha. Oh this show. It’s drunk on it’s own absurdity. So anyway...we’re filled in on the rest of Tripp and Nora’s story...well...sort of. We know she tried ice cream and liked it and there was talk of the mystery bad man that wasn’t Noah but uh...more on that later. Haha. Well...I guess we know Harlan killed Tripp and we unfortunately saw Nora die so that’s a wrap on the 1947 flashbacks I guess?!?! Sure. 
- Oh god and the song...since we’re on Malex anyway. I mean...I liked the song and yeah....he got all the references in there. I never look away...cosmic...sure. And I knew once Forrest was there that kiss was going to happen but my god...are we really setting up season three where now Alex is the one in a random relationship and Michael is trying to be happy for him and we repeat season two’s nonsense?! Are we going to have another threesome just for funzies because you know...that was still LITERALLY the dumbest and most pointless plot point of the season. But anyway, I’m happy Alex felt comfortable enough to sing a song about a guy and kiss a guy in front of a crowded bar but there was literally NO REASON it could not have been Michael. He and Forrest literally had like four scenes together this season compared to Malex who had this whole emotional arc but no...gotta make it complicated. 
- Props to them for managing to have one last break up without actually even having a conversation this time. TALENT. LEGENDS ONLY. 
- I guess at least now that there’s just a minor character in the way and they probably can’t actually kiss again due to coronavirus restrictions, there’s probably some hope for Malex next season?!?! Maybe they’ll find a vaccine by the time there’s a Malex reunion. Maybe good things come to those who suffer. Hahaha.
- Right...let’s move on to Max and Liz. So uhh...Max spends the whole episode seeming like he was hopped up on drugs again or desperate for a fix. What is in that antidote?! Once again we gloss over the “darkness” in Max because like who needs real follow up to the first five episodes of the season. Not this show!
- The whole “Max destroys Liz’s lab” plot was nuts. Just the sheer speed of it from Diego magically appearing at the diner with the Generyx woman to Jenna’s super spy disguise to Max just blowing up the lab as Diego and co drive up and then they just exit stage left super fast except for the fact that Liz is still seemingly going to California but like...why? Did Generyx woman still agree to give her a grant based on her exploding lab?! Did she just feel bad that she didn’t have a lab anymore?! 
- Sidebar to Steph...fucking Steph...whose apparent entire purpose this season was to be sick enough to inspire Liz to do science and break up her and Max over it and then survive after Liz randomly finds time to give her some kind of half baked medicine from her lab BEFORE it exploded??!?! Or does she just carry that shit around with her? And for the love of god SOMEBODY SAVE KYLE from this EXCRUCIATINGLY BORING story!!!!!! Please don’t subject him to more of this next season. Let them break up during the pandemic and give Kyle a clean slate and allow him to reenter the narrative in a way that allows him actual screen time and scenes with the group. Sigh...at least he got to hug Liz and have a brief scene with Alex where Alex told him he was proof of redemption. Look at that character arc that was literally told in two scenes this season! Yeah...see they can be concise when they want to!
- Anyway...back to Max. OH MY GOD WHAT WAS THAT FINAL SCENE?!?!?!??! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA?!!? I don’t even know what I was expecting but it WAS NOT THAT! What even?!?! WHY AM I BEING SUBJECTED TO TWO MAXES?!?! ONE WAS ENOUGH...sometimes MORE THAN ENOUGH. This is just really mean and so was forcing me to look at that HIDEOUS beard! I just....I really can’t handle it. HAHAHA! What drugs were they on when they wrote this?! Also...NONE OF THIS ANSWERS ANY QUESTION AT ALL!!!!!!!!!
- Let’s see...what else...
- I’m glad Jenna and Charlie FINALLY had a scene together because when Jenna first said that Charlie had disappeared again, I got so mad because it was just inexplicably dumb. So I’m glad they got to see each other. 
- I’m glad Rosa is going back to rehab and that she both got to tell her mother that she loved her and tell her to stay the fuck away. 
- I’m just laughing at the fact that for like one episode Helena was suddenly the big bad or at least a main antagonist or at least some kind of main player for the season and then just as quickly was COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT and is probably just going to leave now?!??! WHY?!?!?!? 
- Can Isobel please get something legit to do next season that doesn’t just involve her going into people’s heads without asking and maybe involves her getting a love interest of her own? Please?! I mean...I’m glad she got learn about her mother this season but also I feel like she didn’t do much and I think she deserves more than that. 
- I guess I’m glad Maria is embracing her alien side and trying to be true to herself or whatever but also....she was literally just in this episode to “not be dead”, to give Michael a plot box and to break up with him so she’s no longer a shipping obstacle. And then we never saw her again the rest of the episode. I really sincerely hope they do more with her next season in a way that actually serves her as a character because this season did not do her many favors. I’m glad she finally knows about the aliens and they delved into her own alien identity but I hope she really gets to do something with that next season and not just exist to save everyone else at the end with no thanks for it. I mean literally no one was on screen visiting her except Michael just so she could give him a box and break up with him. Liz and Max were literally at the hospital. But no...Liz had to see irrelevant Steph so she could save her for some unknown reason. Sigh....Not even her cool aunt Isobel came to see her. 
- I don’t even know what else to say. I’m still laughing. I still feel like I know LITERALLY NOTHING about what was going on this season. I had hopes for this season at the end of season one but honestly I have zero hopes for season three because I’m sure it will be a clusterfuck but an even weirder clusterfuck than normal cause everyone will be standing eight feet apart. Maybe that will make them tell a tighter story and not try and shove 75 different plots into 13 episodes??? Probably not. I’m sure it’ll still be batshit crazy and make no sense at all. I’m gonna treat the show as a comedy from now on. 
- Well...it’s been fun all. Thanks to anyone who made it through this whole nonsense post. You deserve a prize. Maybe a plot box or a skeleton under a floorboard or a journal telling you your relatives’ love was cosmic too. 
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thatnerdwolfnell · 3 years
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I'm calling the apprentice here MJ which stands for Main Jcharacter. I wanted to give them something of a proper name and my autocorrect hates MC anyway. They aren't my apprentice they're just supposed to be a generic MC for people to insert their apprentice in for. They are entirely androgynous and completely non descript. I just got sick of typing MC and I refuse to put y/n into shit I write because it looks stupid and keeps fucking with my dyslexic ass.
**trigger warning: suicide**
Lies
For @wilddarkchocolate
Asra was different before he left. Nobody acts like themselves these days. Well, that's not really true. I just didn't know them well enough, I guess. Asra's a caring person, I know he is, he can just act so damn heartless sometimes. When the plague hit everything light and airy about just became streamlined and sharp, calculated. It triggered the part of him that was still living on the streets, that taught him to prioritize. to be kind and generous and give everything you have everytime you can but be ready to cut your losses, and grab what you can and get the hell out. When things go to shit he picks his battles, prioritizes his objectives, protects what he can and damn the rest if he can get his people out alive. I didn't think he'd leave me too though. There's nothing more important to him than the people he cares about. I thought there was nobody on earth more loyal than Asra, that there was no bridge he wouldn't cross and we'd fight everything together. Die together if we had to. Apparently I was wrong. I guess it was selfish to assume that of someone.
"This thing destroyed several villages in the south, we saw it leave Nopal in shambles, and now it's happening here!" He had said. "Remember when we saw them hauling cartfulls of bodies away in Nopal? People rotting away in the streets? In their homes? Remember when I said if that happens here we're getting out? It's been happening here for weeks now! We've done what we can but there's nothing we can do!"
I sighed. "Just stay a little longer, Julian's close to finding a cure and—"
"NO HE'S NOT!" he shouted. "HES COMPLETELY LOST! HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE'S DEALING WITH!"
He flung a jar of sage off the counter letting it shatter on the ground like he was brushing away a mosquito. Like he didn't care.
"ASRA!" He just shook his head and leaned against the wall. Resigned. His face was red. He was crying. "What the hell are you talking about? You've been working on this for months you know that's not true!"
"No. I haven't. Because I can't. All I know is that it's something of magical origin and that it's way out my league. It's more powerful than anything I've ever seen in my life –or even heard of, and Julian's barking up the completely wrong tree."
I had known it had some kind of dark magic attached to it, but so does death. So does lots of things. With the amount of tragedy this plague had caused it wasn't shocking that it had a dark energy around it. But what Asra had said...
"What is it like a curse or something?"
He shook his head again. "No. I don't know. When I was little my parents used to talk about God." He wouldn't look at me. "Then they disappeared. And on the docks... I don't know, I stopped taking it seriously." He shuddered "But this? If it's not the wrath of God I don't what else it could be. It's like somebody knocked a cosmic balance into shit and now its just... spilling."
My hands grew cold. "Is there any way we can balance it?"
He scoffed "Not unless you're a fucking arcana. Or ten."
"Why didn't you say any of this before?"
He slumped down against the wall and sighed. "Well what good would it have done, MJ? I can't just tell them 'hey nobody can do anything to save your children have fun dying!' now can I?"
"You could have at least told Julian! He's been killing himself trying to find a cure! He'll blame himself for-"
"He'd blame himself for the damn RAIN if he could, MJ. I already told him and he said all that meant was there no magical cure, but SCIENCE still had the answer."
I paused. "He's crazy."
Asra wiped his face on his sleeve. "I know." He stood up pulling his bag back over his shoulder. "That's why we need to leave. Now."
"Asra..."
That was all I said. Just his name. How could go with him when people were dying? For all he knew Julian could be right. And there was still something I wanted... I NEEDED to do. I just didn't have the heart to tell him.
That was almost a year ago. We fought more of course, but we didn't really say anything after that. If I'm honest I don't even remember. Just the anger and the magic sparking from the raw emotion in the room.
I am so fucking sick of this dungeon.
Julian's already here of course. I doubt he even left, I don't think he ever does. He's muttering, reading some paper he wrote.
"Samples?" I say as I pass his desk.
He shakes his head. Which means I need to collect them myself. That's not really an inconvenience, especially since I'm going down to the cells anyway.
I haven't felt anything in months, but when I see those people in cages like animals slamming their faces against the bars shrieking at their hallucinations I can at least remember one part of me that's still human. The part that knows that this is fundamentally wrong. And I thought maybe it could be worth it if we found a cure, but now... Now there's nothing left to justify this.
Believe it or not, these are vesuvia's richest, the "lucky" ones if you will. The ones who's families could afford access to "experimental treatments" rather than simply dying surrounded by living corpses in the lazaret. I know I'm going to die here. It's only a matter of time before I catch it and maybe if I can do this, my life will have been worth something. Today's the day I get the plague. I should feel something about that. I don't. Like I said, I haven't felt anything in a long time. Still it took forever to get the guts to do this though.
I take the syringe and walk up to the first cell. I barely even hear the screaming.
"Hi, Miss Walker?" The woman in the cell freezes. Guilt twinges in my gut. It's been a while since anybody has used her name –or even addressed her directly. I actually had to look up her name in the file just now. "I have to take a blood sample, is that okay?" It doesn't actually matter if it's okay or not I have to take it anyway.
"NOOOO!" she wails. "ALEX YOUR FACE! YOUR FACE THEY'RE ON YOUR FACE!" Her cries fade into fitful muttering that I can't make out.
"Okay ma'am, I'm coming in now."
She's huddled in a ball in the back corner of her cell. I grab her arm in the standard method that keeps her from moving away, but she doesn't even react. Which means she'll probably be dead by tonight. I tuck the sample vial in my bag and take off my mask. This part is not standard procedure.
"Hey, you're okay." I try to use the most soothing voice I can. I'm definitely not the ideal choice for comforting people, but nobody else will do it, and I can't watch another person die like this. Scared and alone. I pull off my gloves and gently rub her back. She flinches. Maybe this was a bad idea but it's definitely too late to go back. I'm probably already infected. "You're okay. Where does it hurt?"
"My Alex!" Her hand swats weakly at my face. It was probably supposed to be a loving gesture if she still had her strength.
"Sure. Fine. It's me, Alex" I have no clue who Alex is, I'm just trying to make dying a little nicer.
"You're all grown up, why are you grown? They were eating your face..." She breaks down into sobs.
"Hey, hey don't cry it's okay. Alex is fine, I'm fine." She throws herself into my arms sobbing and blubbering. I pull her close into a hug and I feel her start to calm down. "Yeah I'm fine, we're all fine. it's okay."
"I-I love you –I miss you so much i-" she shudders.
I hesitate. This is what I came here for. There's not much left of her and she needs comfort. "Um...I love you too... Here." I do a quick spell that should take away her pain for a while. She sighs and closes her eyes. "Alright
You get some rest now okay?" She doesn't respond she's already asleep.
I continue down the row of cells in much the same way. Blood sample. Mask off. Lie. "You're okay", "See? No more pain.", "I love you."
I drop off the samples before heading over to the lazaret to do the same there. I'm probably just being selfish. Just trying to feel like a good person. Like this MEANS anything. Maybe staying here at all was selfish. Maybe Asra was right and this was all a naive ego trip to make me feel better about myself. Maybe this is the only way I can justify killing myself. Or the only way I have the courage to do It. I'm being selfish.
I feel nausea twist in my gut as I land at the lazaret.
Looks like I'm not leaving.
It's for the best.
"Hi, I'm MJ.", "Its alright, you're okay.", "You want to see something cool?" "Go to sleep now." "I love you." "Yes your mommy is right here." , "I won't leave you.", "You're not going to die.", "You're safe.", "I love you."
The last thing I remember is a toddler, or maybe a corpse curled up in my lap. Humming softly. I'm holding a tiny hand. I don't quite have the strength to do the spell that will make it hurt less. Not that I deserve it. God it hurts. Where's Asra? What happened to him? The small hand drops. And everything fades to red.
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