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invisibleraven · 1 year

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Friday prompts!! 31 for willie & anyone?

Willie takes in a deep breath of cold crisp air as he makes his way towards the lift. He doesn't thank Caleb for much, but a work retreat to a ski resort might just garner him some sincere thank yous. He waves at Dante and Fuego as they head off to the snowboarding slopes. Spies Delilah and Darcy in their matching cross country skis. Caleb is nowhere to be seen as he was nursing a brandy in front of the fire with the silver fox photographer he had met here.

Willie is happy enough to go downhill skiing, and makes his way towards the lift, a guy in a colourful suit standing next to him with a nod, the understanding being that they ride up together. Willie does let out a whoop as the chair scoops them up, the guy next to him letting out his own chortle and gives Willie a toothy grin as they start their ascent.

They're half way up the hill when Willie hears the screech, the chair shudders, and the whole lift stops. "Fuck," he swears, looking down at the expanse of white around them.

"It happens all the time here, give 'em like ten minutes and they'll have it fixed," the guy says, then offers a hand. "Luke."

"Willie. You've been stuck here before?"

"Yeah. My band and I play here every winter, they let us ski and whatnot for free. A couple years ago I got stuck here with two of my bandmates, and we ended up getting together afterwards."

"That's adorable," Willie stated. "Where are they now?"

"They bowed out on skiing this year, wanted to go try out the new ice rink, and I'm no good with skates," Luke said with a shrug. "You should come check out our show in the ballroom tonight. Julie and the Phantoms is our name."

"Oh man, I've heard of you! I was at your show at the Satellite back in October! You guys rock!" Willie exclaimed.

Luke offered him a fist bump at that. "Man that was a wicked show, glad you got to see it. You should definitely come by tonight then, we can hook you up with some signed merch."

"I totes will," Willie replied, then bit his lip. "C-can I ask which two of your bandmates you're seeing or is it hush hush?"

"Nah man, it's cool," Luke said. "The label backs us up, we're out and everything. I'm dating Julie, our lead singer, and the bassist, Reggie." Luke gave a dopey grin at the mention of his partners names. "They're the best."

"So... is your cute drummer single and potentially queer then?" Willie asked, because hey, when else was he gonna have this kind of shot?

Luke laughed loudly at that, the noise echoing over the hills. "Oh man, yes to both, and I am so gonna see how flustered Alex gets when you show up tonight, because I am so telling him he missed out by staying behind to nap today."

Willie giggled, then gripped the bar when the chair lurched and the lift started moving again. Luke grinned, as if to say 'told you it wouldn't take long', the both of them chatting idly as the lift kept going, and they spent the afternoon racing each other down the hill. Willie had an amazing time, and Luke ensured he was coming to the show before they parted, Willie towards the chalet, and Luke towards a very attractive couple holding skates.

The show that night was amazing, but Willie's favourite part was seeing how pink Alex got when Luke introduced them. But he walked away with a new boyfriend out of it by the end of his work retreat, so no one was complaining.

Not even Caleb when Willie gave him a bear hug in thanks for making him come.

#filled prompts #ficlet #luke & willie #hints of peterpatterlina #hints of willex #julie and the phantoms

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legolasghosty · 11 months

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Flower prompt! How about blue salvia for willex? 💙

...ignore the fact that this was sent in like 4 months ago...

"I figured out what it is!" Alex exclaimed, dropping down onto the park bench beside Willie, a shy smile pulling at his lips. "You're pebbling!"

Willie stared at him for a second. What? Also, who gave this guy the right to look that cute in a hoodie and basketball shorts? Seriously. His hair is all damp and messy from band practice and the tan lines on his ankles look ridiculous. And somehow, he's still the prettiest person Willie has ever seen.

And he also definitely said something... whoops.

"Sorry, what did you just say?" Willie asked sheepishly.

Thankfully, Alex's smile didn't dim. "All the little gifts and stuff," he said. "It's called pebbling, it's a kinda love language thing."

Willie tilted their head. "Um, what? Gifts?" Willie wasn't much of a gift person in general. Christmas was a pain in the neck, trying to figure out what everyone wanted.

"Like the other day, with the snare keychain you found after work?" Alex responded, mimicking Willie's confused motion. "Or the pink sea glass last week? All the little stuff you give me. It's called pebbling."

"I do that with everyone though," Willie said slowly, trying to think. "It reminds me of you guys. It's not really... on purpose."

Oh gosh, now that Alex pointed it out, Willie kind of did give all their friends a lot of random stuff. Some of it was cool, but most of it was probably junk. He just liked sharing it with them. But... they didn't want to be annoying to their friends...

"Gosh, sorry, I didn't mean to overstep," Alex burst out, startling Willie. "I just saw something online about it so I was doing some research and I guess I just wanted to tell you. But I'm so sorry, we can drop it-"

Willie covered Alex's mouth with his hand before he could say anything else. "No it's okay," they promised, pushing away their own thoughts. "I just didn't really, um, realize I was doing it. I don't want to bug anyone."

Alex wrapped his fingers loosely around Willie's wrist and moved their hand from his mouth to his cheek. "It doesn't bug me," he promised. "It's actually really sweet. I was looking into it cause I wanted to learn how to... I don't know, do it back I guess? Cause I love it when you share stuff with me and I wanted to give that back to you."

"You wanted to-" Willie began, but then gave up. Words were way too complicated.

They slid their hand around to the back of Alex's neck and kissed him. Because, really, what else could he do? What words could show Alex just how much he meant to them? How he was always on their mind, drumming and dancing and laughing and holding them? How little things like this just pulled Willie deeper into the ocean of love he felt for his partner, and how Willie never wanted to resurface. The English language didn't really have the right words for that. So instead, Willie kissed him.

When they separated, one of Alex's arms was around Willie's waist. His other hand was tangled in their hair. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes sparkled. In books, there tended to be lines about how one character could see a million things in another's eyes. That wasn't really the case here though. All Willie could see in Alex's eyes is "I love you" repeated over and over and over again. He hoped Alex could see that message shining right back at him as they breathed in tandem.

"You're amazing," Willie murmured, resting his forehead against Alex's.

"Learned it from you," Alex answered, his faint chuckle tickling Willie's skin.

"So it's called pebbling?" Willie clarified.

"Yup," Alex confirmed. "Apparently penguins do it too."

"Well at least I got somewhere to go with my fancy tuxes," Willie joked. "I beat penguins."

Alex laughed and pulled them back in for another kiss. And a couple of days later, when Willie showed him a little collection of pebbles, worn smooth by the Pacific Ocean, he kissed him again before he could get out the words, "These made me think of you."

#legolas tag #willex #julie and the phantoms #jatp fanfic #jatp #alex mercer #willie jatp #also this probably goes without saying #but Alex keeps all the little stuff Willie gives him #After the third time Willie gave him some kind of little rock type thing #he went to Julie and got a fun mason jar to keep them in #They live on his bedside table #and he's always adding new ones as Willie gives them to him #the snare thing mentioned here goes on his keys #along with a little rainbow heart made of Legos #it's just very soft #and there's little hints of Willie hidden all over Alex's space and person #Alex also definitely starts getting Willie penguin stuff for a bunch of holidays #socks and stuffies and a pillowcase(long story it was cute)#and Willie absolutely loves it #they're just soft and sweet and in love and I love them so frigging much #I have a problem it's fine

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michelangelinden · 2 years

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Caress my cheek and leave traces of glitter (and hold me like I'm something precious)

Chapter 5/7 - It's some sort of relationship

I absolutely did not forget to make this post no no. Anyways. New chapter!!

Thanks to @legolasghosty for beta reading, @lyxchen for making beautiful art and @julieandthephantomsbb for organising the event!

AO3 link and taglist in the reblog <3

Rated T (for swearing). Warning for mention of vomiting and being hungover (detail in the notes). Chapter 5 - 7.2k words.

“About last night,” Willie begins, and thus confirms Alex’s suspicion. Alex involuntarily lets out a little groan. “No, we are going to talk about this,” Willie says determinedly. “I know you probably feel like shit right now, like, physically, but this has been going on for too long and I wanna know what’s up.” They huff and cross their arms in front of their chest. A frown is settling on his face and they avoid meeting Alex’s eyes. “Why did you kiss me?” He pauses. “No, why do you seem interested one moment, and then—then just—run off.” Alex knows Willie is trying to be stern, to get Alex to talk, but he can still hear the hurt in their voice.

#julie and the phantoms #willex #alex mercer #willie jatp #hints of #boggie #linden writes stuff #julie and the phantoms big bang 2022 #jatp fanfic #caress my cheek and leave traces of glitter

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jmrothwell · 7 months

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Happy early birthday! How about bed sharing prompt #8 for willex?

(Thanks Anon!! Part of why it took a while to post this was to get it closer to my actual birthday 😅)

Also for:

@floating-in-the-blue: Can I request 8 (Whispering "Oh you are going to be very embarrassed when you wake up.") for willex please? @onlygenxhere : Bed sharing list. Oh it IS a good list. How about #8. Whispering "Oh you are going to be very embarrassed when you wake up." Maybe for Willex Wednesday if you're inspired that quickly?

Willie knew Alex was going to be late, he had a gig tonight. One Willie was unable to make due to a conflicting shift at the club. It’s why he wasn’t initially worried when he returned to an empty house.

No, the worry came later after a few hours of mindless binging, with no sign of Alex. No message or call. No note of any kind.

After thoroughly checking the fridge and kitchen counters (the usual best bets for notes to be left) and checking his phone several times over still with no luck, Willie decided he needed to go out and look for him.

He’d barely gotten his shoes back on when there was knocking at his door. He was ready to tell off whoever it was on his own way out except, he heard the tell tale sign of a key sliding into the lock. Closely followed by the door being practically thrown open, some loud shushing noises and Alex giggling.

“Alex?” Willie cried out as he dashed toward the front door, greeted by the sight of Alex shushing their front door between giggles as Luke helped support his weight. It didn’t take long to see why, the brand new cast encasing Alex’s leg. “Dude, what happened?”

“Wheels!” Alex threw himself at Willie, who just barely managed to catch him. Thankfully, Luke also still had a pretty good grip on him. Even if Alex seemed to have entirely forgotten Luke’s presence with the way he was pressing his face into Willie’s neck. “I missed you.”

“Sorry, he’s never been good with pain meds. ‘Specially not the good stuff.” Luke said through an apologetic smile. Willie had heard all of them say that about Alex before but this was his first time actually seeing it. And truth be told, if Alex stayed this cuddly he didn’t really mind.

“You still haven’t said what happened.”

Luke bit at his bottom lip, his eyes suddenly danced with a guilt tinged mirth, as if he wanted to burst out laughing but didn’t think he should. “It was after we finished getting all the instruments back in the studio. Reggie and I were rough housing and he said…something smart assy about us hurting ourselves.”

Luke furrowed his brow like he was trying to remember but Willie would bet good money he hadn’t been paying any attention to begin with to hear it in the first place. Though he still hadn’t said how exactly Alex had hurt himself, Willie cleared his throat, and Luke refocused.

“Anyway, He got fed up and said he was going to wait out in the van and totally wiped out on his way.”

“Really?”

“Yep.” Luke said, that guilty tinged jovial look making a lot more sense now, as Willie could feel it reflecting on his own face.

“All right then,” Willie said with a shake of his head, fully taking Alex from Luke and thanking him for his help.

When Willie finally got the two of them settled in for bed he was finally able to sit and process everything Luke had said about how Alex had hurt himself. Certain throughout the evening, with all the dancing he was bound to have done, there had been other more obvious times he could have broken his leg. And yet, he’d managed it with a single snark-filled misstep.

“Oh, you are going to be very embarrassed when you wake up,” Willie spoke into Alex’s hair, as his breathing slowly evened out, with the slightest hint of a snore.

#willex #willex wednesday #julie and the phantoms

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bananakarenina · 6 months

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20 questions writer meme!

Tagged by the wonderful @breakaway71! A little Friday night break to help me jumpstart some writing, hopefully?

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 26

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 219,077

3. What fandoms do you write for? Julie and the Phantoms, though I have a CW Nancy Drew fic percolating!

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

our hearts can speak ourselves unseen (first collab with @where-you-go, peterpatterlina + modern cyrano de bergerac)

complications you could do without (remix of crescent moon, peterpatterlina)

for love's sake only (the fake marriage historical/regency au, rulie)

want your midnights (the OG! new year's eve 1994, hint of peterpatter)

heaven above and closer (the other collab with @where-you-go, the 90s road trip coming of age au, julie x luke x reggie x bobby, willex)

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not? Oh gosh. i try, for real, y'all. i often put it off because i want to get a good grade in commenting/responding, which is something real you can achieve, and then i end up not doing it at all. but i love each and every one i receive! i'm just so inconsistent about actually replying.

6. What is a fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? hmmmmm. excellent question; even if i write angst i tend to veer toward a happy or at least hopeful ending (example: leave the light on)

actually you know what, heart like a wheel is probably the angstiest if you think about it. it's just that the main character doesn't know it, lol.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? oh gosh. i love a happy ending, so pick one. they're mostly all varying degrees of happy, lol

8. Do you get hate on fics? i have been very lucky so far in that i don't get outright hate, no.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? it's not the thrust (heh) of what i write, generally, but i have: for love's sake only and its sequel, to love's self alone, are both in the vein of a paperbook romance and are written as such. i do have a carrie x reggie smutfic in the queue though...

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written? i can't say that i have! i might nod to another fandom but full crossovers seem so ambitious to me--two different worlds to track, two styles of story. i love reading them, though!

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? if i have i'm not aware of it...

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? i have not!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? @where-you-go are now on our third collab (she, through some sorcery and witchcraft, got me to round robin on a luke x bobby fake dating story one week on here, and we're expanding it to a full fic, hopefully out before the end of the year!) and @daintyduck99 and i have put on that old song, aka the "i can't believe you married a rodeo cowboy" au, also hopefully coming soon! also maybe i'll poke @breakaway71 again about some dialogue i sent her ;)

14. What's your all-time favorite ship? i am a proud multi-shipper and you can't make me choose lololol

15. What's a wip you want to finish, but doubt you ever will? lol is "all of them" a valid answer? kidding. i have been struggling with getting over the finish line with WIPs this year so.

16. What are your writing strengths? dialogue, def. that's my theatre training/playwright classes coming through. i can always tell when i'm tired because my drafts devolve into dialogue only, haha.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Oh gosh. endings! i can never seem to wrap things up in a snappy way! also lately stakes. like figuring out what the characters have at stake to lose in terms of the story.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic? i'll do it sparingly but i generally avoid whole conversations. my grammar in spanish is terrible and that's the only other language i'd feel comfortable writing any dialogue at all in. maybe i'd ask family about tagalog.

19. First fandom you wrote for? oh man. hahahahahahahaha the real answer might be "self-insert o-town fanfic in which my friends and i fell in love with the band members"? but i think it might be gilmore girls. i do want to archive all my ff.net and livejournal (well, the stuff i can find :( ) things so you may see them on an ao3 near you

20. Favorite fic you've written? oh gosh. i love them all because they're mine! maybe for love's sake only because it really feels like i finished a full novella with that one. or heart like a wheel because i love tertiary character explorations. or want your midnights because it started this whole thing. see, i can't choose. don't make me

Tagging @innytoes, @jmrothwell, @daintyduck99, @invisibleraven, and anyone else who sees this and wants to participate in the fun!

#writing games #tag games #myfic #ourfic

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floating-in-the-blue · 9 months

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I don't have any new Toast Saga instalments to share but I don't want to ignore Willex Wednesday now it's sort of running so how about a random Willex snippet from my Alex Adoption Fic (my unpublished wip) :D

(Spoiler) Warning: tragic backstory reveal for Willie

“I still can’t believe that they just let us in here,” Alex marvelled, gazing around the empty museum while Willie was steadily filling out his drawing on Alex’s cast with the coloured pens he had brought.

Willie shrugged and plopped a grape into his mouth before switching his green pen with a blue one.

“My uncle knows a ton of people.”

“People with access to museums?”

Another shrug. “And nightclubs. But it’s nicer to scream in museums.”

“Okay.”

Alex’s eyes landed on Willie’s bowed head again and he was almost sure he’d fracture another rib or two with the way his heart kept swelling with emotions.

He reached for one of the little crackers and munched happily on that as he watched Willie transform the blue and white drawing into a fully coloured picture.

“So what does your uncle do that he knows all these people?” Alex asked around a mouthful of his next cracker with cheese.

Willie looked up and grinned. “He runs a dining club, among other things. One of those fancy song and dance things with musical entertainment. Rich folk love it.”

“Oh, wow.” The glittery showbiz world was not exactly something Alex was very familiar with. Sunset Curve had just started out playing in some of the less shady and rundown places when his accident threw a wrench into their path to superstardom.

“And your parents?” Alex reached for a grape, careful to keep his upper body straight and to not unsettle his ribs any further.

Willie had returned his attention back to the drawing so Alex didn’t see much more than the hint of a nose and some forehead peeking out from behind long dark hair but he thought he noticed Willie flinch for just an instant.

“They died years ago so it’s just me and my uncle.” He shrugged and glanced quickly over at Alex, who sat frozen in shock, before resuming to colour in some trees.

“I’m so sorry, Willie.” Alex had finally wrangled his various screaming thoughts down, reminding himself that he couldn’t have known and that Willie would surely not hate him for bringing it up. He wanted to ask how they had died but he didn’t want to bug Willie about it if he didn’t want to talk about it.

Willie finally freed him from his indecisiveness by straightening up, swiping some strands of hair out his face and smiling sadly at Alex.

“They died in a car crash when I was five. I’ve been living with Uncle Caleb ever since.”

“Oh shit.” Alex rolled his grape between two fingers and swallowed around the sudden lump in his throat. “Then my accident … that must have been even harder on you. I’m so sorry, Willy.”

The corner of Willie’s mouth dipped into a grin. “It’s not like you planned to get run over by a car right in front of me, pancake.”

“No, of course not, but …”

Willie sighed and lightly nudged Alex’s hand. “Come on, eat your grape and stop feeling guilty for things you can’t control.” He retrieved his hand and combed his hair back with another sigh, scratching his head. “Was it fun to watch you bleed out on the road? No, of course not and I’m working with my therapist on it but at least I got to help you, right? At least this time it turned out alright.” He smiled softly at Alex and then selected a yellow pen to begin putting in some highlights on the trees.

After a moment or two, Alex finally ate his grape, chewing carefully so he wouldn’t choke on it with how tight his throat still was. He wondered if Willie was only spending time with him to assure himself that Alex was healing. That this time, as he had said, everything would turn out all right. But then he decided that it would be unfair to Willie to assume anything like that. He surely wouldn’t want to spend so much time with him if he disliked him.

#willex #willex wednesday #jatp fanfic #alex adoption fic #yeo writes #my writing

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bodyofbone-heartofmoss · 3 months

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THE COMPASS KINGDOMS (a jatp fantasy fanfiction):

the ships: Juke, Flarrie, Willex and a hint of Nickinald

the theme: fantasy, adventure, royal runaways

main characters: Julie Molina, Luke Patterson, Alex Mercer, Reggie Peters, Flynn Taylor, Carrie Wilson, Willie (?Covington?)

lmk if you want to hear more!

#julie and the phantoms #jatp fanfic #jatp #julie and the himbos #julie and the fat ones #fanfic #fantasy #adventure #jatp netflix #fanfiction #julie molina #luke patterson #alex mercer #reggie peters #flynn taylor #carrie wilson #willie jatp

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1mnobodywhoareyou · 6 months

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I Know What's Right For Me

I actually have a Willex Wednesday contribution this week!!!

*Technically* I think that this can be read as a standalone but I don't honestly know for sure 🙈 somebody lmk! It's part of Underneath the Undertow but it's JUST Willex with the setting of and passing references to the bigger story. It features Alex's homophobic parents, an accidental outing, Alex finding his confidence, and a whole bunch of flustered gay boy. (If you're reading the core fic, read chapter 13 first)

Opening scene (honestly the heaviest scene of the fic) below the cut:

Willie and Alex spent the day walking the coastline together. If you asked him, Alex would claim that it was entirely coincidence that they wound up partnered today. Willie would shrug their shoulders with a sly grin. They spent the entire time in easy conversation or with Willie in a one-person competition against themselves to see how much they could make Alex blush (they were absolutely winning).

At some point over the course of the day, their hands had found each other and with very few exceptions, their fingers were interlaced as they walked.

Unfortunately it had also become so familiar and comfortable that they forgot to pay attention to who might see them at any given moment.

“ALEXANDER JOSEPH MERCER!”

They both whip their heads toward the voice and Alex quickly pulls his hand back from Willie’s grasp with wide eyes.

“Mom!”

She stalks toward the couple, rage in her eyes.

“What, and I cannot stress this enough, the hell, is wrong with you?” she hisses at him once she’s close enough. “Anybody could have seen you! Have you no sense of decency?”

“Mom!” he repeats imploringly.

“So what? First it’s those boys - people talk you know - and now THIS?” she’s managing to keep her voice low enough that she’s not causing a bigger scene but he can sense the rage that’s simmering just below the surface. “What? Are you… gay? I knew those boys were a bad influence. Always hanging off of you and each other...”

“Mom!” Alex manages to interrupt her, his face bright red as he’s simultaneously embarrassed that Willie has to see this and also battling the deep shame at being caught. “This has nothing to do with them.”

She scoffs at him.

“Honest, they don’t even know either.”

“Know what? That you’re gay?”

He chokes slightly before finding his words. “Well, no. They know that…”

“So you are gay?” she asks incredulously.

He ducks his head for a moment before raising it to meet her eyes. “Yeah, I am. What of it?”

She sputters in disbelief before recovering. “No son of mine…” she mutters under her breath.

“No son of yours what, Mom?”

“What’s your Dad going to say?” she asks, vehemently, almost with a hint of warning and completely ignoring his question.

“Why does it matter what Dad says? This is who I AM, Mom. It’s not a choice I’m making. The choice has been hiding who I am because I’m scared that you’ll reject me but I guess it’s out now so surprise!”

“I can’t deal with this right now. The Peterses need us and I will not have you derailing everything that they’re going through by making it about you,” she says sharply before turning on her heel to walk away. “We’ll talk about this later.”

He manages to wait until she’s out of sight before collapsing onto the sand and breaking down. Willie quickly settles down beside him and wraps him into their arms, offering what comfort they can as he cries.

Continue reading on ao3

#nobodys fics #underneath the undertow #willex wednesday #homophobia #homophobic parents #alex mercer #willie nolastname #willie jatp

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merihn · 2 years

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How about a prompt not from a list? I’d love a first group beach trip with willex in which either (or both) of them haven’t thought about the sweaty and shirtless part of going to the beach until it happens, causing flustered blue screen over hot boyfriend, and all that ensues

Thank you so much for this! Somehow it turned into over 2k of fic, so I hope you enjoy. There is also background Bobby/Luke/Julie/Reggie; sorry if it's not to your taste, I can't help myself.

☀️

Alex wipes his sweaty hands on his shorts, his scalp prickling with the same nervous heat as he mechanically packs a bag with everything he can think of for a day at the beach.

He shouldn’t even be nervous. But his brain keeps ticking over the day, examining all the ways things can go wrong, up to and including him somehow losing his shorts in the surf and the full-body embarrassment burns as his mind plays it over and over.

It’s going to be fine. It’s not as if Willie doesn’t already know his friends—isn’t already friends with them himself. In fact, it was Reggie who started talking to Willie in the first place; Alex had noticed him hanging around at their busking sessions a couple of times, and in the crowd at a few of the shows they’ve been able to secure for themselves, but he’d never been able to gather the courage to speak to the gorgeous man with the long, silken hair and laughing eyes.

Still, Alex can’t stop the dread rising, the fear of embarrassing himself in front of his new boyfriend. He just likes Willie so much. It’s not fair how quickly he got under Alex’s skin, activated Alex’s extreme need to please, and the anxiety of failure.

“Alex! Hurry up!” Reggie pounds on his front door, and Alex sweeps one last look around his room before shouldering his bag and heading out. Reggie stumbles as Alex opens the door, his fist raised to knock again.

Reggie’s wearing one of Luke’s cut off shirts, and Alex idly eyes his muscular arms as he lowers his fist and grins sheepishly. Another burst of anxiety zips through him, but he forces himself to relax and smile back at his friend. He doesn’t have any reason to feel insecure around Reggie, since his chosen way to deal with his anxiety this summer has been to work out every time his brain starts to overheat. He knows, distantly, that he looks good, his shoulders broad, his muscles strong. For a moment he wishes he also had one of Luke’s ridiculous shirts, wonders what Willie would think of it.

“Come on then, the others are waiting in the car.”

Bobby rolls down the window as they approach and lets out a piercing wolf whistle when Alex and Reggie appear.

“Looking good, Alex,” he smirks, and Alex blushes.

“Shut up, dick.”

“No, no,” Luke leans over Bobby, and Bobby grunts as Luke probably shoves his hand somewhere vulnerable in his attempt to hang out the window. “He’s right. One of these days I’m getting you into one of my shirts. Or out of it.” He winks at Alex lasciviously and Alex wonders for a moment if his face might burst into flames.

There’s the sound of a palm hitting flesh, and Luke disappears, replaced by Julie’s sweet face.

“Ignore him, he’s an idiot,” Julie says, the affection clear in her voice, contrasting the scowl she directs back at Luke before returning to Alex. Alex lets out a breath and drops his shoulders. “Are you ready to spend the day with your boyfriend at the beach?”

“Jules, I thought you were on my side,” he whines, and she cackles evilly, which quickly turns to breathless giggles as Luke drags her back into the car and out of sight.

Alex tunes them all out as he slips into the passenger seat and straps himself in, and Reggie starts the car and turns towards the beach. The air coming through the window must be coming from that direction, salty and fresh, hints of fried food and the tang of sunblock mingled in.

He blinks, and Reggie is parking, so he gathers himself to hop out. Everything’s going to be fine. Best case scenario, worst case scenario, and what will most likely actually happen. Alex repeats this as a mantra in his head as he grabs his bag and stands.

“Willie says he’s been held up a little, but he won’t be long. Let’s find a good spot.” Reggie says, peering down at his phone, his thumbs moving quickly as he replies.

Julie jumps onto Luke’s back, and he automatically catches her, not even stumbling, and she presses her cheek to his as she considers Alex over his shoulder.

“It’s all going to be fine, Alex,” she says, and he smiles weakly in return.

“So you’re not going to help at all?” Bobby asks Julie, rolling his eyes.

“I’m sure you and Reggie and the iron man over there can handle it,” Julie says primly, hitching herself a little higher on Luke’s back. He accommodates her easily.

“Iron man?” Alex raises his eyebrows.

“Mmm,” Julie hums. “Gotta get you out of your shirt asap so you’re ready when Willie arrives. Do you think we can make him trip over before he reaches us?”

Reggie giggles. “Oh, definitely. I nearly chipped my tooth falling over my own feet when I caught Alex lifting weights last week.”

“Guys,” Alex whines, then bites down on his tongue.

“We’re just trying to boost your confidence,” Luke pipes up, then hastily adds, “not that you don’t look hot as hell.”

Alex lets it go, since he knows they’re not going to stop unless he does, and opens the boot of Reggie’s car to start unpacking it.

“Jeez, did you bring enough stuff? The kitchen sink, maybe?”

“I like to be prepared,” Bobby sniffs, joining him. “You know what they’re like.” He jerks his head in the direction of the other three, who are giggling as Julie pokes at Reggie with her feet as Luke dances back from Reggie’s retaliation.

“True.”

They distribute the bags and supplies between the three of them, and Luke leads the way onto the sand as Julie kicks him with her heels and urges him on.

“Forward, mighty steed!”

Luke neighs obligingly, then murmurs something that makes Julie burst out laughing, then she smacks him on the shoulder.

“Luke! Not in public!”

“Please, I don’t want to know,” Alex grimaces, and Reggie laughs and pats his shoulder. Before Willie, being the odd one out with the rest of his band in some kind of weird polycule was isolating and depressing, but as long as he ignores the more raunchy stuff they get up to, or speak about in his presence, he’s mostly fine with the arrangement. They’re all happy, as far as he can tell, and he doesn’t want any more details than that.

They find a decent spot, and Julie hops down to help them set up. They force a large umbrella into the sand and arrange their towels under its shade, the rest of their belongings piled safely around the pole.

True to her word, Julie strips off Alex’s shirt before he can protest, and starts covering him in sunblock.

“It won’t do for you to get burnt on your first beach trip with your boyfriend,” she teases, and Alex is so relaxed under her capable hands that he just smiles back and works the cream into his face.

They chat idly as they let the sunblock soak in and wait for Willie to arrive. Alex finds himself relaxing more as the day heats up, and the chatter of other beachgoers surrounds them.

“Jeez, Reg, why didn’t you secure that for us?” Luke says suddenly.

The sound of the resultant smack fades into the background as Alex turns to see what they’re looking at, and vaguely feels his jaw drop as he catches sight of Willie as he steps onto the sand, flipping his long, loose hair over his shoulder as the wind picks up several strands and flutters them across his face.

Alex can’t hear anything over the pounding of his heart, the blood rushing in his ears as he stares and stares.

Willie’s in a peach crop top and indecently tiny turquoise board shorts—are they girl’s shorts?—and the weight of his own beach bag on his shoulder drags the neck of his shirt aside, revealing his prominent collarbones and a generous swath of golden skin. The cropped hem of his shirt shifts, revealing and hiding the definition of his abs as he walks towards them, his shorts sliding low on his hips.

“Alex, man, you’re starting to drool.” Bobby’s voice penetrates the haze in Alex’s head, and he snaps his mouth closed and swallows, wiping his wrist across his lips. He flushes as he realizes Bobby is right.

“Who could blame him,” Julie says, her voice reverent.

“Hey, eyes to yourself and your three boyfriends, who are sitting right here,” Alex hisses.

“No, no, she’s right,” Luke breathes, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head as he stares at Alex’s boyfriend.

“Stop it! He’s mine.”

“Ooh,” Reggie sings, then growls a little. “Someone’s a little possessive.” He meows like a cat and hisses, and Luke and Julie giggle.

“I definitely don’t blame him,” Bobby says, and shrugs when Alex turns towards him. “I may be demi, but I’m not blind.”

“Okay all of you, keep it in your pants. You will not screw this up for me.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Julie says, “he’s only got eyes for you.”

Alex turns back to Willie, and he’s staring right back at Alex, his eyes wide and dark. And then, as if in slow motion, his eyes widen further as his foot catches on something unseen, and he sprawls face first into the sand.

Alex jumps to his feet and races over to him, dropping to his knees. “Oh my god, are you okay?” His hands flap uselessly over Willie's back as he resists touching him.

Willie groans and rolls over, lifting a hand to dust sand off his face.

“Can we just pretend that didn’t happen?” He peeks up at Alex through his fingers, then closes his eyes for a moment. “Christ, hotdog, are you trying to kill me?”

“Huh?” Alex reaches out and tugs Willie’s bag from where it’s half buried under him, slinging it over his shoulder before standing and reaching down to offer Willie a hand up.

Willie looks at him for a long moment before he takes it and lets Alex pull him to his feet.

“All right there, Willie?” Luke asks as soon as they're in earshot. He’s wearing a shit eating grin, not even attempting to hide it.

“Shut up, Patterson,” Willie grumbles, and Luke and Julie descend into giggles again. Alex scowls at both of them until they calm themselves, and they settle back into the shade for a little longer before Luke starts whining about going for a swim.

“No one’s stopping you,” Bobby says reasonably, and Luke pouts.

“But who’s coming with me? You’re not going to leave me all alone out there, are you, Bobbers?”

Bobby sighs and rolls his eyes, but Alex can see the smile tugging at his lips as he hauls himself to his feet and drags Luke up with him.

“God, you’re annoying. You’re so lucky you’re pretty.” Bobby smacks his ass, making Luke yelp, and they wrestle for a moment before heading for the water.

“I’m so comfortable here, but the water looks so good,” Julie says, staring after Luke and Bobby.

“Yeah, the water,” Alex says dryly, and Julie winks at him.

“Come on then,” Reggie says, kneeling beside her and tucking his arms under her shoulders and knees. She squeals as he hefts her up into his arms and stands, and then Alex is left alone with Willie.

“So—”

“I—”

They both laugh, and Alex feels the rest of the tension drain from him.

“Do you want to go swim, too?” he asks, and Willie grins.

“Trying to get me out of my shirt, hotdog?” He raises his eyebrows and Alex flushes.

“Not that there’s much of it,” he says boldly, and is gratified when Willie flushes too. “I like it, it’s cute.” He reaches out and fingers the hem, the skin of his knuckles brushing Willie’s stomach for an electrifying moment. Willie shivers.

“Thanks,” he breathes, then tugs the scrap of material over his head.

It’s already all too much for Alex, and he doesn’t know how he’s going to function when Willie’s looking like that and wet, but he shakes the thought away and climbs to his feet. Willie grabs his hand when they’re both upright and tugs him to the water.

The day passes in flashes and dreamy heat, Alex’s head clouded by everything Willie. He barely notices the sun edging to meet the horizon until Julie mentions dinner and he realizes he’s starving. The snacks they’d brought weren’t nearly enough to sate him for a whole day.

He wonders if he could ask Willie back to his apartment after dinner, and barely participates as his friends choose a venue and they pack up and pile into Reggie’s car.

“What are you thinking about?” Willie asks, perched illegally on Alex’s lap in the backseat, Julie having taken the passenger seat for the trip back.

“Taking you home,” Alex blurts, then flushes so hard he feels a little lightheaded.

The car fills with whistles and catcalls, and Luke slaps his back hard enough to wind him.

“Oh my god. I’m sorry,” he says, but Willie cups his face in one soft palm and kisses him. He tastes of sunblock and salt, and a little sweet from the chocolate cookies he ate not long before they left.

“It’s fine,” Willie says, pressing their foreheads together. “I’d like that.”

This time the hooting and hollering fades into nothing as Willie kisses him again, and Alex smiles into his mouth.

#julie and the phantoms #dinner turns into take out and the other four teasing them mercilessly as they drop alex and willie off at alex's apartment #but alex doesn't care because Willie's hand is warm in his and he presses alex against his front door the moment they're inside #and kisses the breath from his lungs #jatp #my fic #prompts #willex #bobby x luke x julie x reggie

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the-sunshine-queen-writes · 2 years

Text

smoke and blossoms by @caswellseyes

This is the first piece of art for Michelle’s gifts fic for @julieandthephantomsbb, which you can read here! Which, uh, you should absolutely do…duh. It has all the ships; little bit of Juke, little bit of Willex, a splash of Boggie and a hint of Flarrie so that should be motivation enough but they also all have magical powers. Who doesn’t enjoy a good magical abilities fic with a bit of romance and a nice helping of deceit 😈

If you wanna know what power belongs to who, well, again…you’re just gonna have to go and read the fic I guess 🤗😉

#GO READ IT #LIKE RIGHT NOW #if you can’t do it now then bookmark it or add it to your reading list #jatp fic #julie and the phantoms #jatp big bang 2022 #willex #juke #boggie #flarrie

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innytoes · 2 years

Note

the Trope Mash-Up: 14 + 48 + Willex please? <3

Bodyguard AU + Fake Dating

Willie's been an expert at slipping away from his private security since he was twelve. It was just that they never let him do anything fun, and most of them were sticks in the mud about following his dad's rules. Which was boring. He didn't want to schmooze with rich investors or their stuck up kids. He didn't want to 'sneak off' and do cocaine in the bathroom while a bored security guard stood outside the door and pretended not to know what was happening. He wanted to raid the kitchen for desserts and then slip away to go skating.

He knew his dad had enemies, just as he was vaguely aware that not everything he did was on the right side of the law. But he never really paid it any mind. It was all just boring contracts and schmoozing and meeting shady people in his home office while Willie tried to annoy his latest security guard into going away by playing Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing On Rainbows on a loop while he painted.

Which had worked. Only when he snuck out of the house to go skate, a bag was put over his head and he'd been taken away. Everything after that was just a confusing blur of images he tried not to think about too much.

He'd woken up in the hospital to a face and a torso full of bruises, and a missing pinkie finger. He'd woken up to the sound of Caleb Covington’s ice cold fury as he told whoever was on the other side of the line that if the people responsible weren't mysteriously found dead by the end of the night, then maybe their daughter would be.

Willie didn't slip away from his security after that. Not even after his eighteenth birthday a week after he came home from the hospital, when technically he could refuse having them at all. Hell, he didn’t even leave the house for a couple of months, until dad forced him into therapy.

Eventually, he started to feel better. He was able to leave the house without a panic attack. He’d gotten used to holding a paintbrush with a finger less. He’d even started to annoy his bodyguards again. Dad was a lot quicker in firing and replacing them if they showed even the slightest hint of leaving him alone just because of his taste in music (five hours of uninterrupted Nyancat) or just if Willie said they gave him the creeps (that one muscle dude who made incredibly intense eye contact and muttered under his breath every time Willie ate something sugary).

Which was how Willie had ended up with Alex. Alex, who was only a few years older than him. Alex, who didn’t wear a suit and tie and those ‘try me, punk’ sunglasses, but a pink hoodie and a fanny pack instead. Alex, who hummed ‘Pink Fluffy Unicorns’ under his breath when Willie went to go get lunch after painting for two hours with it on in the background.

Alex, who had casually taken out what turned out to be a paintball gun from his waistband and had sniped a photographer’s camera when he’d snuck onto the property to try and catch pictures of Willie, before chasing him down and handing him off to his dad’s security detail.

Willie kind of adored Alex.

Out in public, Alex didn’t act like a body guard. They’d had a long talk about it, about how Willie (and Caleb, but Alex had spent the entire conversation looking at Willie, not his dad) wanted to handle it. They’d discussed the press, who had had a field day when the news leaked that Willie Covington had been kidnapped, and had tried to both vilify him (he was a troublemaker who deserved it) or tried to make him a Precious Little UwU Bean (while also sensationalizing what had happened to him).

Having visible security would only serve as a reminder of what happened to him. It might even paint a target on his back, both for his father’s enemies who would take it as a challenge, and for paparazzi to run more stories about how poor Willie Covington was too much of a baby to go anywhere alone anymore.

So when they were in public, Alex acted like he was his boyfriend. His slightly anxious boyfriend who always checked all the exits, and who sometimes leaned in to whisper things (status updates, including warnings about the press being nearby and any cute dogs in the surrounding area) into his ear because he was a bit shy. They held hands and got ice cream where the press could see them, and when Alex offered Willie a taste of his, and then laughed and gently brushed away the whipped cream from his nose, well, Willex was soon a trending topic on certain corners of the internet.

For the first time since the kidnapping, Willie felt safe. Not only safe, but happy. He and Alex could talk for hours and still find new things to talk about. If he started to get anxious or triggered when out of the house, Alex took him somewhere quiet, and safe, and knew exactly what to say or do to keep him in the present. Turned out his little fanny pack not only had a miniature med kit and a scary looking knife, he also had some grounding items, like a citrus lip balm and a fidget toy.

So Alex went with him on trips to the art store, to museums, to the beach. One time, to Knott’s Berry Farm, because Alex confessed he’d never been and Willie just couldn’t let that stand. He hung onto Alex’ arm at galas and events his dad had told him he didn’t have to go to, while also implying it would be pretty beneficial if he did. When Willie finally felt ready, he asked Alex if there was a way he could go skateboarding again. And honestly, between Alex in his tiny running shorts jogging next to him, and the wind in his hair as he sailed through the streets again, it was the best day he’d had in a long, long time.

When they got home, Willie felt exhilarated. He was pleasantly sore, slightly out of breath, and he felt so free. So when he leaned over and kissed Alex, it felt natural. It felt right.

Until Alex gently pushed him away, face flushed. “I need to talk to your dad,” he said, and Willie’s world came crashing down.

“Shit, Alex, I’m sorry,” he said, even as Alex pulled away. “That wasn’t cool, you didn’t- you’re working and... I’m sorry, please don’t tell my dad, I won’t do it again, I promise, I’m so sorry.” If Alex told his dad, surely he’d get fired and sent away, and then Willie would get some other goon security guard and he’d be miserable again. He could tamp down on his crush on Alex, if it meant not losing him.

“Willie,” Alex said gently, cupping his cheek. “I need to resign.” He ran a soothing thumb over Willie’s cheekbone, wiping away a tear. “Because I can’t kiss you while you’re still a client.”

Oh.

Willie never did get a new bodyguard, but he did move in with his boyfriend Alex a few weeks later.

#julie and the phantoms #willex #fanfic #AUs are awesome #alex mercer #willie throckmorton #will I ever get tired of the 'Caleb is Willie's slightly shady foster/adoptive dad' trope? no #in my brain Alex worked as a bodyguard for kids before Willie so he was part nanny part bodyguard #he's just glad it was pink fluffy unicorns and not let it go #also just imagine all of sunset curve as bodyguards #luke is very impressive with the Muscles #Bobby has the Scary Don't Fuck With My Client stare down #Reggie's best job to this day was the six months he spent 'guarding' someone's prized poodle

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amazinggrace00 · 2 years

Text

another name goes up in lights, you wonder if you’ll make it out alive

Chapter 6: I had some emotional baggage but I cut it off starting with you and everything you said to me

Part of @julieandthephantomsbb

Rating: T

Relationships: Julie Molina/Luke Patterson, Background Willex, Background Kayla/Reggie

Tags: Past Julie/Nick, Alternate Universe, no ghosts, Well kinda but they aren't real, Everyone Is Alive, TV Show, Hollywood, Cussing, Hollywood sucks, All the guys parents suck, Bobby is okay, hollywood is sexist, Sexism, Song references galore, JATP Big Bang 2022, Carrie isn't a good person, Nick isn't a good person

Chapter 6 Posted: 8/12/2022

Summary:

Phantoms, the new Network TV show, recently got picked up for its second season and filming is already underway. The show follows a special government unit tasked with dealing with the supernatural. The series will return Marci Harrison who portrays the lead detective in charge of a group of junior detectives (Reggie Peters, Alex Mercer, Kayla Caro), forensic scientists (Luke Patterson and Julie Molina), and a rookie detective (Flynn Rider).

Julie Molina is enjoying her time on Phantoms, the supernatural detective show. It had been her saving grace after being blacklisted from basically everywhere following her media feud with former Disney Channel costar Carrie Wilson that tanked her music career before it even started.

But with rumors that the show isn’t going to get a third season, Julie is worried about her career completely ending with no jobs or recording contracts in sight.

Add in the fact that even if they get a third season, Julie’s costar might leave the show and go off to pursue his music career.

And Julie is trying to understand why said costar potentially leaving is making her so upset.

Chapter 6 Summary: (Love Island Voice) a surprise new character has entered the villa

Collection: JATP Big Band 2022

Read on AO3

Keep Reading for an excerpt

Once the cast came back from Wondercon, they were pushed right into filming episode fourteen out of twenty-two. They had to get a bit ahead, with episode ten being the midseason finale and only four weeks until eleven started airing.

The previous week, Willie had joined the cast, as a double agent, helping out the Phantoms team. There wasn’t a huge hint at the romance between Alex’s character, Allan, and Willie’s character, Warner, yet, but it was shown slightly in the end credit scene where Warner helped Allan with something and when they both left and went in different directions, they both looked down and gave a little smile.

And the teasing was relentless. They were nice to Alex, only doing it when Willie wasn’t there, but Alex was so smitten that they just had to give him a hard time. Especially Luke, who decided that Alex needed payback for all of the comments and teasing he had done to him about Julie. Alex couldn’t even be mad. Honestly, he respected that.

“What are those two doing?” Willie asked, taking his seat at the table for the table read, next to Bobby. There was an empty seat between Bobby and Julie, where Luke usually sat, and then Alex was sitting next to Julie.

“Flynn and Kayla are teaching Reggie and Luke a TikTok dance,” Julie explained, shaking her head at the whole scene taking place.

“Oh jeez, I might download the app just to see that,” Willie laughed, taking one more peek and then facing forward so that he was looking at his castmates.

“You don’t have TikTok?” Alex asked.

“Naw, I just don’t have time for it. I heard it sucks you in for hours.”

Alex nodded but didn’t say anything and instead, discreetly texted on his phone while Bobby said something to Willie.

Alex to Julie

Alex: He doesn’t have TikTok Julie! What would we even have to talk about!

Julie: Oh my God Alex, I’m sure you will still have plenty to talk about.

Alex: Like what?!?!?!?

Julie ignored his text and turned to actually talk to him in person. “I’m surprised you aren’t over there learning the dance?”

“I, of course, know it, Jules, how dare you even insinuate that I don’t,” Alex pretended to be offended and she rolled her eyes.

“Yeah Julie!” Bobby added in, and Julie did her best to not be annoyed. They weren’t friends like that, that joke didn’t work.

“I’m surprised you aren’t teaching them. I’m sure you would be a great teacher,” Willie smiled.

“Oh uh, yeah, uh, absolutely not,” Alex managed to stutter out. “I tried to teach those two a dance once and it was like trying to teach toddlers calculus.”

“I can see that,” Willie smiled again and Alex turned his face to cover how red he was getting.

Alex ended up being saved by the two inspiring dancers as Luke and Reggie came over to their seats at the table, with Kayla and Flynn staying back to talk to a crew member.

“Whose that?” Luke pointed at an older lady, probably in her late fifties or early sixties.

“She’s one of the guest stars for this episode. I think she is playing the villain,” Julie answered.

“Sweet! I’m going to go say hi,” Luke replied, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Alright, but maybe chill for a few seconds first, we don’t want you to scare her,” Julie placed her hand on his arm to help lower his energy. Instead of listening to her, Luke stuck his tongue out and then wandered over.

“I think he could power this whole set with his energy,” Willie pointed out, taking in the exaggerated hand movements Luke was making as he talked.

“I bet his mom had fun trying to put him to sleep as a child,” Bobby added. Both Julie and Alex froze for a moment at the mention of Emily but then moved on as if nothing happened.

“Alright, why don’t we get started,” Caleb called for everyone’s attention. Everyone who wasn’t already in their seats headed to their places. Once everyone was settled, they noticed an empty chair next to the older lady that Luke had just been talking to.

The placeholder only had the character's name, as some of the guest stars got casted very last minute, sometimes even hours before.

“I think our Nathaniel for the week is running just a little late. He just got the call a couple of hours ago,” Caleb explained. “Why don’t we just start now? His scenes aren’t even in the first ten minutes of the show anyways.”

#julie and the phantoms #luke patterson #juke #julie molina #jatp #juke fic #jatp juke #alex mercer #reggie peters #carrie wilson #nick jatp #flynn jatp #bobby wilson #jatp big bang 2022

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legolasghosty · 5 months

Note

kiss out of spite for willex plz and thank you (if this isn't too late I'm so behind lol)

You are absolutely not too late!!! I'm just very behind, lol! Hope you enjoy!

"Hey Hotdog," Willie says as he slides onto the bench beside his boyfriend, his board under his arm.

"Hi," Alex responds, that familiar smile crossing his face as he leans in to peck them gently on the mouth in greeting. "How was the ride over?"

"Great, all the dogs are out!" Willie answers. One of the things that makes this cafe one of his and Alex's date spots is that it's not too far to walk (or skate) to from either of their apartments. And the warm, spring weather makes it an easy place to meet up.

Alex laughs. "Oh I know, Reggie hasn't stopped texting the guys and I pictures all day."

Willie claps a hand to his chest in mock offense. "And he hasn't sent any to me?! I thought we were friends."

"Nope, you've been spared the spam of puppy pictures, he definitely likes you more than me," Alex argues lightly.

"What, you don't appreciate him sharing the cuteness of his day with you?" Willie teases.

The barista calls out Alex's name before the drummer can reply. Alex holds up a finger, as if to say Hold that thought, then rises and heads for the counter. Willie glances towards the menu board. Right, cafe, he should probably get something. They wonder if that new chocolate thing comes in decaf.

"Okay, I got one of the berry lemonades and one of this dutch chocolate mocha," Alex says, placing a tall glass and a large mug on the table. "Which do you want?"

Willie feels their face warming as they realize that Alex ordered drinks for both of them. "Um, I'm good with either," he says, trying to translate the way his heart skips a beat into a smile Alex can read. "Thank you."

Alex groans playfully. "Look, we both know I can't make decisions, so pick a drink, Covington." He sits down on the bench beside Willie and nudges both drinks in their direction.

Willie hesitates, glancing back and forth between the cups. "This is decaf, right?" he asks after a second, tapping the rim of the mug.

"Yep, can't have you going hyper or me throwing up," Alex confirms.

"I'll try that one then," Willie decides, wrapping both hands around the hot ceramic and lifting it.

"Perfect," Alex declares, taking a sip of the lemonade. "You'll have to tell me if it's good though, looked interesting."

"Will do." Willie takes a sip of the beverage, recoiling slightly when it burns their tongue. "Thank you," they repeat.

"Of course," Alex says, though the pink in his cheeks betrays his casual tone. "Gotta keep my partner well hydr-" He cuts himself off, probably realizing that drinking coffee is the opposite of hydrating. "Happy to," he finishes after a second.

Willie lets it go, since Alex already seems embarrassed. "So about all those dog pictures Reggie sent you," they hint instead, raising an eyebrow.

Alex chuckles, seeming glad for the change of topic. "What, you want to see them that bad?" he questions, incredulous. "There's a lot of them."

"Gimme!" Willie declares, reaching for the pocket of Alex's pink hoodie, where his phone usually resides.

"Okay okay okay," Alex giggles, holding up one hand in surrender while grabbing the device with the other.

He unlocks it and leans closer so Willie can see the screen. Feeling brave, Willie wraps an arm around his waist to guide him even closer. Alex's ears are turning pink, but he carefully slips his own arm around Willie's shoulders.

"So..." Alex hums, scrolling back through the Sunset Curve group chat on his phone, past dozens of pictures and messages. "Yeah all of this is from today," he continues, still scrolling. "But here's the first one I think."

Willie coos at the blurry picture of a couple of golden labs wrestling near a playground. Next is a spaniel on a walk with their human. Then a dog walker being nearly dragged across the sidewalk by four dogs of various sizes. Willie laughs at that one.

Alex scrolls down to the next one, but someone loudly clearing their throat pulls both of their attention away from the screen. On the other side of their table stands a tall, white man in jeans and a flannel shirt. He also has a very deep frown on his face.

"Hey, what's up?" Willie asks cautiously. He feels Alex's arm tense around his shoulders.

"What's 'up'," the guy snaps, putting air quotes around the second word, "is that you two are being all rowdy over here and bothering my family."

The guy has a slight southern accent, but the look on his face is anything but hospitable. Willie glances across the cafe to see a woman and three kids, probably all under the age of 10, a few tables away. The kids are making more noise than he and Alex were though.

"Sorry," Alex says quickly. "We weren't trying to, we'll be quieter."

The guy doesn't seem satisfied by that, which doesn't surprise Willie. They're pretty sure they know what this is actually about.

"You'd better get real quiet," the man says, taking a step closer. "I don't need you people exposing my kids to all your unnatural tenancies."

Willie feels Alex shrinking into their side and resists the urge to punch this guy in the face. Sure, they're both well aware that jerk homophobes are everywhere. But right now? Really? Alex is barely back from having to spend a weekend with his homophobic parents for a family reunion. Can't this jerk just mind his own business?

"With all due respect," Willie responds, his tone icy, "I think your kids aren't going to be eternally traumatized by me and my boyfriend being on a date while they're drinking hot chocolate in the same cafe. Please leave us alone."

"You people got some nerve," the man growls, one fist clenching.

Willie slides the hand that isn't on Alex's waist into his pocket, reaching for his pepper spray.

"Sure, we have guts," Alex cuts in, startling both the man and Willie. "But not because we're doing anything wrong. We're brave for still being out here when people like you are here too. People who want us dead just because we're queer."

Willie feels a rush of pride for his boyfriend in his chest. They know just how much Alex has had to fight against the homophobia drilled into him from an early age. They know all about how much pain it causes him when his parents continue to pretend that he isn't gay. They know how terrifying these situations are for the both of them. And Alex is standing up for them anyways.

"Yeah, and we're not going anywhere," Willie adds, feeling Alex's trembling. "It's not like being gay is anything new. It's just a part of humanity, whether you like it or not. So you might as well give up and leave us alone, because your big man act is just pathetic." He channels every bit of his dad into that last sentence. "Now either leave us be or we'll call the cops."

The guy splutters for a minute, then storms off. Alex just stares after him for a long moment, then turns to Willie with a nervous smile.

"You okay?" the drummer asks, brushing a strand of hair away from their face.

"Yeah, you?" Willie responds, catching Alex's hand with their own.

Alex nods. "I think so. I just wasn't really expecting that I guess."

"Me either," Willie says, taking in a deep breath.

He glances back over at the man's table to see him snapping at his kids to finish their drinks so they can leave. They can't help the smirk that pulls at their lips. The two of them did that. They stood up to that jerk and drove him off. Together.

"You did great," he tells Alex, squeezing his hand.

"Right back at you," Alex chuckles, his smile growing a bit. The drummer steals a look over at the other table as well. "Geez, sucks to be that guy's kids," he comments.

"Yeah," Willie agrees sadly. "Maybe he'll get better?"

Alex just shakes his head. Willie wonders if he reminded the drummer of his dad at all. But now isn't for thinking about jerks, they tell themself. Today is for having fun and being back together.

"Hey, you wanna tick that dude off a bit more?" Willie asks, raising an eyebrow and grinning.

Alex huffs a laugh. "Depends, what did you have in mind?"

Instead of verbally answering, Willie moves his arm from Alex's waist to cup the back of his neck. They move in closer, pausing a few inches away from his face to wait for an answer. Alex smirks and closes the distance between them in a warm, solid kiss.

Willie lets go of Alex's hand to cup his jaw as the drummer's fingers slide into their hair. It's firm and steady and it's not long before they're both smiling too much to keep kissing. The glare the homophobe shoots them as he herds his family out the door just makes them laugh.

"I missed you," Alex breathes into the space between them. "I know I wasn't actually gone for that long, but..."

"I get it," Willie responds softly. "I missed you too."

They separate fully after another minute. Willie's coffee is getting cold, but they don't really mind. "So my place after this?" he suggests. "We can get takeout for dinner and watch some cheesy gay romcom or something?"

"Sounds perfect," Alex agrees.

The End

#legolas tag #julie and the phantoms #legolas ask #jatp #jatp fanfic #alex mercer #willex #willie jatp #tw homophobia #but the homophobe gets told off #win for the gays!#hope y'all like it!!!#took me wayyyy too long to write but that's fine

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