#larry is still together going strong

[lil-tachyon]

For the last couple weeks I've been drawing logos / designs for local-ish (mostly NJ, some PA and NY) bands as warmups in the morning. Here's what I've come up with! Massive post below the break explaining each logo + where to find each band and listen to their music.

Teenage Halloween- a staple of New Jersey basements for probably about a decade now and finally getting wider recognition in the last couple years. Pop punk / power pop with a killer horn section. First time I saw them was in New Brunswick playing with Walter Etc. and Blowout. They played a killer cover "Build Me Up Buttercup" and my wife got a black eye in the pit. Recommended tracks: "Brain Song," "666," "Clarity." Their first EP is on a separate bandcamp page btw, check it out here it's great.

Sweet Pill - They will call themselves a Philly band but in my heart they'll always be from Glassboro. Definitely one of the more recognizable names on this list. Emo revival - early stuff is more twinkly, more recent stuff is heavier. All of it's great. Recommended tracks "Nephew," "High Hopes."

Shark Club - Central Jersey's finest. I'm very biased because I actually know these dudes and they did the music for my wedding. Some of the best pop punk you'll hear and the nicest people you'll meet. Recommended tracks: "Game Theory," "Bill Murray," "Heavens to Betsy."

Rest Ashore - My favorite band for the last (oh God I'm old now) eight years. From gut-wrenching emo ballads to virtuoso math-rock instrumentals they do it all. One time I got to sing vocals on "Lucy's Theme" at a house show- thank you Erica! Recommended tracks: "Hjarta," "Chinese Opera," "Devotion," "Soyuz Sweetheart." Too many bangers to name honestly, just deep dive their discography.

Morus Alba - First band I ever went to see at a house show and still one of my absolute favorites. Their music feels like the bridge between the best pitchfork, /mu/ alt rock bands and high energy basement emo. I mean that as a compliment and I hope it comes off as one lol. I should note that since 2019 Morus Alba has morphed from a band into an experimental hip-hop project so later releases sound radically different and basically disconnected from the earlier stuff. Also my favorite release from them, Live at Isabelle's, has been scrubbed from the internet but if you'd like the files just email me. Recommended tracks: "Skyscraper," "Human Resources," "The Goodnight Waltz."

Have a Good Season - another Jersey mainstay that's still going strong. Emo revival in their earlier releases, now with more 70s power pop influences in their newer stuff. See them live, they put on a fantastic show and usually play some great covers in addition to their original music. HaGS guys if you're reading this, please put your version of "Since You've Been Gone" online, I'm begging you. Recommended tracks: "Joseph / Shel Silverstein," (you have to listen to them together for the drop, so good) , "Gum, "Gleaux / Scab." Also, frontman Nic Palermo interviewed me once.

Elephant Jake - If you see any of these bands live make it EJ, they put on such a damn good show. Electrifying indie punk from the Empire State. Recommended tracks: "F.D.C." "Sarah Moyer," "Goodness to Honest," and of course you gotta learn "Sebastien Bauer" for the singalongs.

Blind Lion - Sadly one of the greats that we lost along the way. Defunct since about 2017. I only got to see them once but it was a great performance. Alongside their own stuff they played some killer covers of "Bad Moon Rising" and "Moonage Daydream." I had trouble doing a logo design for them because I actually really like the composition, if not the "Ed Hardy-ness," of their existing logo so what you see here are two separate attempts, neither of which feels entirely satisfying to me. Frontperson Larry Flately currently plays in Nematode and also handled production of Bradley Gardens joke hiphop group The Breakfast Boiz under the moniker "DJ Ova EZ." Recommended tracks: "Brumous," "Dinner."

Fighting Seasons - A band that I sadly found out about too late (via a sticker under the bridge in my town which has since been painted over). 2010s pop punk that packs a helluva punch, especially considering that I'm pretty sure the members were high schoolers for most of the band's existence. I think some members may have gone on to form Sawce (FFO Chon, Polyphia, that type of music) but I can't remember where I read/heard that so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Recommended tracks: "Fighting Seasons," "Oil on Canvas"

Milkmen- Another fallen giant, officially disbanded in 2019. Like Morus Alba, they played the very first house show I attended and their few releases remain on constant rotation in my home. Used to put on a great show and were one of the bands I always thought would make it big until suddenly they weren't around anymore. Frontman Ben Thieberger contributed guitar and vocals to Covid quarantine project Kin if you're looking for a bit of an extra fix but beyond that I don't know what these guys are up to these days, sadly. Recommended tracks: "Ramus," "Johnny Dangerously," "how sieves catch breeze," "K.O.T.H."

Stand and Wave - New York (now Philly) pop punkers delivering instant dopamine hits with every track. Another great live act, see them with EJ if you can! They often play shows together. Recommended tracks: "Convos," "Mrs. Dash," "Splashton Kutcher," "Michael Collins."

My Chemical Romance - You know who they are. While I was drawing all these other logos I ran a poll on Patreon to decide which famous New Jersey band should also be graced with a drawing from me. MCR won the poll by a hefty margin so unfortunately you won't get to see me do an illegible black metal take on Hoboken's Yo La Tengo. I ended up doing two versions: the one with the halo is the first, the one with the bats was the second. I tried to do something kind of thin and elegant with the first one and I don't think it's terrible but I also wasn't quite satisfied with it. For the 2nd attempt I tried to lean into the kind of pulpy, almost horror punk aesthetic of early MCR and I think that one looks better even if it's less original.

Anyway if you took the time to read through all this, thank you very much! And please support these bands! Also If any of the links aren't working please let me know.

-Logan

#emo #pop punk #new jersey #band logo #logo design #punk #my chemical romance #mcr #emo revival

[misguidedasgardian]

Dragon's Mistress FINALE

MASTERLIST

Summary: Everything is coming to an end 

Warnings: cursing, mentions of war, mentions of death, humiliation, use of the word bastard and traitor, incest, childbirth, sickness, deaths of multiple characters, might miss some warnings

+18, MINORS DNI

Wordcount:  3 k

Notes: THIS IS IT PEOPLE! I’m wrapping this up, thank you all for being in this wild ride, it has been the most controversial piece I’ve ever written! jaja I fear that whatever I write next is not going to wake the same amount of sentiments jeje anyways, enjoy!

I really hope I can make it all justice jeje

Aemond often looked over at Blackwater bay, in the direction of Dragonstone and wondered how you were, what you were doing, if you were content.

He wanted to believe you weren’t, but deep inside of him he knew you were happy and content without him.

He also wanted to feel the baby moving within you

You only let him touch you when you were sleepy in his arms, and the dragonling restless in your belly, moving so much he was able to actually see him

It was a boy, he was certain, it was his heir

And he couldn’t wait to see him, for him to be born, he was going to dispose of Floris, send her away, he was going to keep his child.

He couldn't wait to sit the throne with his baby on his arms, to show the entire realm, his power and legacy

And he wanted to see his beautiful wife, be there by her side when she gave birth

But affairs of the realm kept him, from fulfilling his desire

Even if he had been acting as Prince Regent for years, now that he was actually King, things were incredibly different, now he was bothered with small and big affairs alike, the Kingdoms was settling after years and years of war

After losing half the treasury

People was growing restless, smallfolk who still support her half-sister the usurper, denied the increase in taxes and were not taking well to his own reign, even though he had reigned with a a hard for forgiving hand

But the way to hell was made with good intentions

And he meant well

Days after you left turned to weeks, and then to a coupe of months, and one day, he knew it, the day felt different from the others, an strange calmness to it, the birds had stopped singing and the sea was calm like a cup of wine

He only smiled faintly, looking out his balcony, he then retrieved himself to return to his Kingly duties for the day

A day after he received the raven

His Queen gave birth…

To a healthy baby girl

He frown upon hearing the news, dismissing the maester to keep with his duties of the day 

He wanted to see you, be there by your side

And when he was finally ready, he received other news

There has been a big fire in Harrenhal, ending the life of Lords loyal to his reign, and the one of Alys Rivers herself

Alys was dead 

In a rage, he called his master of whispers, the same one who had caused the fire that ended the life of his own father and brother

He didn’t want to believe what Corlys had insinuated, that Floris and Larrys were on it together to get rid of you, but now this?

He knew perfectly well that a palace like Harrenhal, with nothing to burn itself, only burned for the whims of men and not of those of ghosts

And when Larys Strong refused him an answer, that he didn’t know

Aemond didn’t believe him

The second most powerful men after him was against him, so he needed to get rid of him, the power Larys held with whispers and spies, it was too much to have against him 

But everything that he wanted to do, it was clouded by you

By his need to see you, but everytime he decided to go climb on hagar and travel to you

Something held him back

Something kept him away from you

Corlys front he shadows no doubt, not that he noticed 

Floris was held prisoner in her own room, still getting royal treatment because of the babe within her, but she was forbidden to interact with anyone…

And perhaps that is what spared her

When he decided to take to the skies in VHagar to go and see you… there had been a almost seamless interruption, within the chambers of the small council

The maester of laws started coughing

“I’m sorry your grace, I don’t feel well”, the maester took the liberty of placing his boney hand in the man’s forehead

“He is burning”, he whined, concerned

And chaos ensued all over the keep

The envoy from the North had come and with him, he brought the Winter fever

Aemond had never experienced fear like he did in those couple of months

He, as the King, had to remain secluded, fire everywhere around him to keep away the disease that infected the air. 

Seeing you was out of the question, he only received the ravens with tales of how Dragonstone was not accepting anyone from the exterior, and how they had remained spared from the wrath of the gods 

And Floris went into labor, just in time to receive the prince

And Aemond’s commands to the wetnurses were clear

Save the princeling

They shared concerned looks as they received a small, red, dark haired prince into the world 

Floris had a son, and so did Aemond

He held his newborn while sitting on the Iron throne, with a shy smile on his face, pedestals with fires lit up all over the room.

It was a small quiet boy, Aemond noticed, falling asleep immediately in his arms, against his chest

This is not what he expected

But fatherhood knocked on his door and he gladly answered

“The Gods are punishing us”, he raised his head to look at his mother

He had commanded her to stay in the tower of the hand for her own protection, and so far, the Queen had been safe from the fever, until now

Her face was red with temperature, he could see the sweat drops from here

“Mother”

“This is because of you, for marrying two Queens”, she whined, she took shaky steps towards her 

“Stay back”, he whined, having his son in his arms

“I want to see him”, she begged him, she was delusional, he could tell

“You have catched it”, he warned, standing up, ready to ran away from his own mother if needed be 

“The gods are angry with me”, she muttered, that twisted scowl on her face , “I failed them, I try to uphold the traditions, the faith the family, and i failed”

“You didn't”, he tried, to calm her, “You look unwell, I will fetch the maester”

“I don't need the maesters”, she said, and again, tried to come near him

“Don’t!”

“I just want to see him!”, she cried, “my grandson, the only one I have”

He had to call the guards to remove her from his space, he had to

He couldn’t risk himself of his son

Queen Alicent lasted seven days with the Winter fever before she perished, having thrown out all her green dresses, crying for her lost children

The fever also took half his small council, and Queen Floris.

The death of the later is still unknown, some say it was because of the childbed fever, others from the winter fever, and other that it was from neglect 

The last remnants of his past life were gone, he was now more alone than he ever was in his life, the court had been decimated, and he didn’t even knew who to trust

Corlys had fled, because of the scare of the fever, and he was faring well and everyone was on Driftmark and Dragonstone 

He stood alone

His only consolation is that you and his daughter were doing well, and not dying painfully of fever

. . .

You cradled your newborn daughter against your chest as she fed hungrily from you.

You had been so scared, and alone, but everything had gone perfectly, and after hard hours of labor, you heard a loud cry fill the room, besides yours anyways

A little silver haired girl

You shrieked of relief and happiness when the wet nurse placed a rosy-cheeked baby in your chest

She was so small and perfect, and as days passed you learned that she was so quiet, not at all fuzzy, she was a perfect baby, like she already knew she was a little princess

A girl

You giggled to yourself, fuck Aemond, but at the same time you felt fearful, but then you remembered you had Viserys, and Corlys, and the remains of your family to protect you, and you felt even better, everything was going to be alright

At least for your small family core 

You’d learn, by ravens and letters, that the Winter Fever has struck the capital

Civilians were dying by the hundreds, and it had struck the inside of the Keep as well, you received a personal letter from Aemond, expressing his concern for you and your daughter 

But you couldn’t be more relieved

Dragonstone was filled with life, the lords of the crownlands managed to send members of their families to make court in the castle, to be with you, you were getting to know them, and had dinners and interacted with all the ladies and lords, it was life fulfilling, you had never been able to do that before

And you found yourself happy one day

While the capital was submerged in chaos, you were dining in celebration of your beautifully perfect daughter, a princess to the Kingdoms, with your cousins, your grandfather, and all the lords 

You were happy

Or as much as you could

You didn’t even care that Aemond never took the time to visit you, perhaps he was sad you had given birth to a daughter and not a son, perhaps that is why he was keeping his distance.

The you received news

That Floris was dead after giving birth to a son

A Baratheon prince

Despite Corlys’ concern, you had none, you had your brother, your daughter, your dragon who had laid an egg for your child that hatched into a curiously looking pink little dragon

And then one day

Aemond was in Dragonstone

You could feel the court change, as the servants changed the banners of the red dragon for a green one.

The first thing Aemond did was held court and receive his subjects int he throne room, with you by his side, and then, after a long day, he dare to enter your chambers, while you were starting to feed your daughter

“Queens don’t do that, specially for a girl”, he whispered entering the room

“Is my child, and I will feed her from my chest if I chose to”, you said dismissively, he said nothing else, perhaps relieved you were actually responding to him

“Are you healed?”, he asked, you looked at him in wonder

“My King?”, you asked 

“Are you healed from giving birth?”, he asked, and you only looked at him sadly

You had the maids take your daughter away.

He served you wine, to relax you, and you had already surrender, you bathed him, as you offered him, like you used to do, but he grabbed you gently and dragged you inside the tub with you

“I’m so sorry for your losses My King”, you whispered as you massaged him, , straddling him, he only hummed

“I have children now, and nieces”, you can tell he was hurting, but didn’t want to show it, so you let it go. He looked at you with desire in his eye, as he took the sponge from your hand and he then cleaned you, specially in your breasts

“You look so beautiful”, he said huskily, you leaned in and kissed him, wanting to get it over with 

He took you in the tub, making you ride him sensually, it didn’t hurt, in fact, it was actually pleasurable.

“You are coming home with me”, he whispered in your ear, with him still inside, but after your both reached your peak

“I don’t think that is such a good idea”, you whispered, he sighed loudly, “the fever is still out there”

And that is how you convinced him to let you stay, you could tell he was hurting, you could tell that he was lonely, now more than ever, but he heard you, and left you in Dragonstone, after an entire month, he left alone

And for the first time, you felt him defeated, even though he was the king of the seven Kingdoms 

And that is how, weeks turns to months, turned to years

12 years later 

When you looked at your little brother Viserys you often wondered if he was also a son to Harwin Breakbones Strong

Your brother, at his eighteen years old he had the stature and built of the strongest Knight of the seven Kingdoms

You saw him practicing with his sword against Steffon, he was truly a great teacher, and Aerion was also a great student, quick on his feet despite his height, and strong in his movements. 

Your daughter giggled by your side as you walked together by the beach. and walked toward the Dragonmount for her dragon riding lessons, even though she and her dragon were connected in levels you were yet to understand yourself

“When is papa coming back?”, she asked, and you just shook your head

“I’m not sure my love”

Aemond visited often, he found reprieve in Dragonstone, in your arms and his daughter’s care, he took you like a vacation, and you saw him happy, but he soon left, he was the King he had duties, and even though he had refused to say something or share about his thoughts, 

Despite his very efforts, and yours, you had not been able to conceive another child, you couldn’t pass the first trimester before bleeding, and that was alright with you, but not with him, he was concerned. But you found reprieve in Dragonstone, and even though Corlys was getting very old, and he walked with a cane now, you still felt contented

Rhaena and Baela had married, one within her family, and the other with a Hightower from Oldtown, to your surprise, you were certain Daemon was twisting and turning in his grave 

But they were happy 

You found meaning, raising your daughter, and caring front he people in the Crownlands

Corlys had sent your way many Lords of the great families through the years, and you knew them all, and that was very strange

You could feel it

The air was changing

You could sense it 

And it all came to be, when Aemond drew his last breath 

He had been battling with an unknown disease for months, shortness of breath, coughs, spitting spots of blood 

He died, slowly and painfully, the servant found him in the morning, with blood dripping off his mouth.

He knew it was coming, the stranger was looming over him and he spent his last weeks weak, not being able to leave his bed, and there, he pondered, about how he was going to leave this life, with nobody by his side.

His son was scared of him, barely looked at him in the eyes, and his Queen was in Dragonstone, with no intention of coming to his side, shunned and threatened, his daughter, the apple of his eye, was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, but so gentle and kind. he couldn’t force her to come to court, she was still to young and innocent

He laid alone, on his deathbed

A single tear escaped his eye, as tumultuous thoughts invaded his mind

The time he made Vhagar rip Lucerys front he skies, the time he defended Aegon and burned Rhaenys to a crisp, when he slayed all the Strongs he could get his hands on, when he burn to the ground all the castles and cities in the Riverlands…

 The first time he took you against your will, whe he humiliated you and made you kneel

Your tears

Your cries

Everything, installed on his chest like a knife, twisting and turning until he could no longer breathe

He died, coughing blood

Whispering how sorry he was, when Floris, his mother, Helaena, and Aegon came to collect him

 The day Corlys had been preparing for for years

As soon as his spies let him know of the dark news, he sent the ravens to all corners of the seven Kingdoms

From the Wall to Sunspear and Oldtown, all the great families but one, the Baratheons, started a long journey, but not to the Capital, but instead

To Dragonstone

As you, and our daughter mourned, dressed in black, you consoled your child, who only had known Aemond’s good side, she glung to your side as you kissed her head

“I’m sorry my love”, you whispered, as you were in the balcony, looking out at the seas

From one day to the other, ships with banners from all over the continent came to the island, to your amusement

Rickon Stark, now a young man, came to you, as did Edmund Tyrell, Robert Tully, Alyssa Arryn, Even the princes of Dorne came, not to surrender but to support

Corlys introduced them all, to the new King of the seven Kingdoms

Viserys Targaryen

They all bend the knee to him

And proclaimed him King with the crown of Jaehaerys 

“I love you, always”, you whispered to him, as you took his cheeks and made him lean in so you could kiss his forehead, he held you back, kissing your temple in turn

“My lovely sister, you kept me safe, you protected me, cared for me, now is time I do the same for you”, he whispered, “I will protect you now, you will be safe”

Happy tears rolled down your eyes, you knew it was going to be hard, and that your brother was going to be unsafe, but it was what it was 

It was his destiny

So you traveled with all the great families to King’s Landing, Corlys barely made the journey, but he did, and that is what he had been expecting for all his life.

But when you entered the Throne Room, you found a skimpy kid sitting in the Throne, his Baratheon family by his side, who paled when they saw the greatest commitive the world had ever seen. 

Viserys calmly walk up the stairs leading to the throne, the King’s guards did nothing to stop him, he only looked down at the boy and smirked

“You are in my seat”

The reign of King Visrys was long and fruitful, called Jahaerys come again, he married your daughter on her seventeenth name day, and together they had two princes and two princesses

You remarried, a man from a great house, you didn’t bare more children, but you were so happy, and contended, and lived in Dragonstone for the rest of your life

Corlys passed weeks after he put Viserys on the Throne, his life work was completed, thanks to him, the seven Kingdoms were now united under one rightful King, continuing your mother’s legacy, like it was supposed to be

THE END

#misguidedmistress #aemond the kinslayer #house of the dragon #targaryen!reader #house targaryen #aemond targaryen #hbo house of the dragon #aemond one eye #aemond x reader #hotd aemond #aemond fanfiction #dark!aemond x reader

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hi! I know the requests are closed, but for when you can take requests again, I would like if you could write as a kind of part two for "A second chance" Lucien's reaction when he meets his new little sister. I think it would be a very nice story. Thank you!

Couldn't hold myself back... This can be read as a standalone but the first part is here. 🥺✨

A second chance II

It ate at Helion for so long because he wanted to tell Lucien himself. Son or not. Father or not. The girl growing within you was his sister and Helion wasn't going to pretend that she was the only child. So he tried to invite Lucien over more than once, just the male had come up with every possible excuse to not come. So as the weeks went on Helion had just accepted that for now, this would have to be the way that it was and you tried to comfort your lover the best that you could but a thread of sadness lingered.

Your pregnancy stayed a secret for a couple of months. Helion was rather paranoid that someone might turn against him still. Especially with the new laws intertwining day and night courts. So it's a long way down the line when he's raising a glass at one of his big gatherings, hosting multiple courts. His speech is strong and captivating as always as he cheers to every high lord willing to create strong alliances. Until he's turning your way, a bright smile on his face, "And to my wife", he says, "Who's been carrying my babe for the past couple of months". You flash him a smile just a bright, hand instantly moving to rest on your tummy. Oh, how good if feel to need need to hold yourself back from running your fingers against your growing tummy. Loud applauses ring out and Helion's closest friends are there clapping his shoulders, laughter fills the room and it all finally starts to feel even more real. It's just the fact that Lucien's chair is now empty that makes your own heart sting a little.

And it's a couple of days later when the servant knocks gently on your office doors, pulling you away from some of the paperwork you agreed to cover for Helion. "My lady, you have a guest", your eyebrows knit together because you weren't waiting for anyone. Had your baby brain made you miss something? "What guests, Larry?", you say, scattering your meeting book, "Lucien Vanserra, my lady". Your body freezes. He never visits unless it was court-ordered.

Jumping right up you move out in the lower greeting hall that you assumed he would be waiting. And he is there. His deep red hair is such a contrast to the light interior. "Lucien", you call out softly and the male turns around quickly, nearly knocking the vase he was looking at over. He takes a steps forward and the guards instantly leap from their positions. But you lift your hand, "Out all of you", they all linger but the glare you send them is enough to make them think twice.

"My apologies", you say once again turning to Lucien, "Everyone's kind of protective", you chuckle slightly, watching Lucien's eyes fall onto your now round stomach. "Helion is a way for a couple more hours. If you'd like...", but Lucien is shaking his head. It was clear that whatever that's going on in his head had been clawing at him for some time. "Is it a boy...", he speaks up finally and you quickly shake your head, "No, a baby girl". Your hands caress the swell of your stomach and you can see the gleam that runs through Lucien's eyes.

"Are you safe? Is he not harming you?", the question feels so raw and you know those fears had been engraved there by no other than Beron. "Your father is excited to have a girl", you reassure him, "Should have seen him covered in pink paint yesterday". You chuckle under your breath slightly as the images of last night's nursery paint testing flowed into your head. You step closer to Lucien, reaching your hand out towards him, "You know Helion wanted to tell you in person but...", and he nods quickly, well aware that he was the one dismissing Helion's requests.

"I would love for her to have a brother", you mutter quietly, trying to keep your own emotions at bay, "or at least to tell her about you because you are family to us". Lucien sucks in a sharp breath. You can't imagine how hard it all must feel to him. Finding out that the monster torturing you had never even been your father.

The silence falls upon you both and you suddenly feel like you might have overstepped the boundaries. Until Lucien mutters quietly, "I would love to", he startles, "Love to be her brother". Your eyes softens, picking up with tears ever so slightly. You drew your hand closer to cup the younger male's face, his almost desperate eyes looking back at you.

"Give me your hand", you mumble, reaching out to Lucien till he slides his hand into yours. You quickly pressed his warm palm to the side of your stomach where you felt the light kick last. "That's your brother, stardust. The one Dad and I've been telling you about", Lucien lets out a surprised gasp when a tiny hand pushes against your skin. "She can recognize voices now so", Lucien is nodding desperately before saying, "Hey, little one. Sorry that I've been away but I'm here now... I'll protect you", that's enough to set the stream of tears flowing down your cheeks as you watch the two siblings interact. Once again feeling more than honored that you can bring a piece of true family into Lucien's life. "Stay for some tea", you ask the fireling softly and Lucien nods without a second thought.

And the surprise on Helion's face when he steps into the dining room. Fully prepared to bring a plate up for you to your chambers but instead he finds you and Lucien deeply lost in a conversation. And now he understands where all that extra love and happiness was coming from the bond. Lucien quickly stands up at the sight of Helion standing there but the high lord shakes his head, "There's no need for you to stand up, my boy". He catches your gleaming eyes, and his own heart leaps. "Lucien is staying for dinner", you say happily, to which Lucien throws you a genuine smile. Helion's heart nearly bursts because is this a step forward? Does it mean his son is willing to give him a chance? To give his family a chance? "Oh, and he doesn't agree with the guard placement", you mutter, making Lucien roll his eyes, "As eager as you to turn my home into a prison", you cross your arms over your chest playfully. Protective. Already so protective. "I'm more than happy to listen to his thoughts", Helion says and his eyes meet Lucien's. For the first time trying meets his son's gaze.

#second chance universe #helion x reader #helion imagine #helion x you #lucien x helion #lucien vanserra imagine #lucien x platonic!reader #acotar imagine #acotar x reader #acotar x you

[leggerefiore]

Can I request jealous nanu and larry hcs? they're so aloof it would be so cute to see them uncharacteristically clingy/frustrated

cw: jealousy, fluff,

characters: Larry, Nanu

💼Larry🏢

🍙 Truth be told, Larry could get jealous quite easily. He simply just suppressed the emotion, as he did with most things. It got in the way. The salaryman had long accepted it was best to just forget things that got in the way of his everyday. Many things, like finding a spouse and settling down, maybe starting a family, truly caring about his work. Unfortunately, one person in his life proved themselves quite an obstacle to that simply existence of suppression and endless masking. You.

🍙 He becomes a bit passive aggressive when he is truly jealous, acting strangely out of his usual motions and doing things that might seem harsh and cold. In the end, he will feel embarrassed by his actions. He will likely apologise or may even just try to pretend it did not happen depending on what it was. Larry does not like when he feels strong emotions like that. It is a rare and unpleasant change in him that he immensely dislikes.

🍙 Thankfully he is entirely easy to comfort and reassured. In fact, it can usually be ignored or go unaddressed, and it will still pass. Though, telling him that there is no reason to feel jealous as you really are into him may make any small lingering resentment fade. Larry does genuinely feel relieved at your words and even more embarrassed by his actions in the end.

This was yet another situation in which you utterly obliterated his facade with little prior thought or intention. You had joined him out to eat. Granted, Larry and you were in a relationship and this was part of your usual routine. It was less joining and more schedule. At first, it had been ordinary. You sat beside him at the counter and made light conversation with him. Yet, when he had stepped away only once to use the bathroom, he returned to find a change. A younger man now sat at your side, clearly flirting away. He seemed quite unaware of your solely polite behaviour as he kept on.

Larry felt a strange feeling pang in his chest. This fellow was clearly barely in his late twenties at the oldest and had a well-trained physique. Clearly someone who took care of themselves. His skin had a healthy colour, clearly reflective of the time he spent outside. He could easily win you over. It must have been easy for a guy like him. Yet… Larry felt strangely possessive over you. Nothing inside him dared wanted to lose you. His gaze was masked by his usual facade, but intense feelings burned inside him.

Your talking to him was interrupted by Larry sitting back down. His arm suddenly came around your shoulders. The guy seemed a bit startled by the by sudden movement, as did you. Your attention went to him, while his face was unreadable. A brow cocked up on your face, but Larry did not say a word. You noticed the strangeness in his behaviour. His second order of a beef bowl had gone ignored. “Is your food fine, dear?” Larry asked, clearly trying to pretend that he was not acting strangely. You blinked. Oh, was he jealous?

Politely, you managed to dismiss the flirty stranger easily with Larry now skulking around. The meal was seemingly finished as Larry paid, and you two headed out together. It was a mostly quiet walk home, but the man kept an arm around you still. His gaze had become distant, too. A sign that he was off in his own head. By the time you two stood outside the door of your shared abode, you pulled away from him to look him in the eyes. “… Were you jealous?” You tilted your head. Larry froze. Was there a correct response to that outside of the truth? He pondered it for a moment.

His head nodded. You wanted to laugh. Oh, poor Larr-bear. No wonder his behaviour had truly become so strange. “Larry, do you really think that I would suddenly want to leave you so flagrantly?” you asked him, leaning closer to the middle-aged man. He swallowed. No, he did not. Your feelings were more than apparent with how you worked to break down his carefully set-up walls. His jealousy felt ridiculous now, but before he could do anything, you quickly embraced him. A kiss was pressed to his cheek as he let out a sigh. “It was kind of cute,” you teased him, “… Should I remind you more of how much I love you?” Larry swallowed.

Work tomorrow would see an exhausted everyman show up.

🐈‍⬛️Nanu❤️‍🩹

🌑 Nanu really did not think he had a jealous streak at all. It simply felt like a waste of energy, and he did not wish to spend his time thinking about others. He figured the best way to live after leaving the International Police was quietly and peacefully. Sure, the Tapu might have deigned him worthy to be the Kahuna and he could not dare reject such a sacred title to his home, but he was not the sort to run around and inject himself into anything. Now, that had come to a change when you entered his life. Unfortunately, you liked to drag him along to do things even more than Acerola. And it was harder to tell you no since you lived together.

🌑 In the off chance he does, he becomes like a spited cat. Glaring and almost waiting to pounce. A harsh gave and an auea to just "leave" seems emanate from him. He will also likely become possessive over you in a rare show of PDA from him as he tries to almost prove himself. It feels so silly and odd to him in retrospect, but he really cannot control it. A frustrating thing for him. Strong emotions are a bother. He does not even want to acknowledge it afterward despite knowing that he likely will.

🌑 Nanu likely reassures himself almost. Though, having a few gestures of affection and loving words definitely speeds along the process. Of course, he trusts and knows his partner loves him and would not ever betray him, but he feels upset it even crossed his mind. In the end, he likely will try to make it up to you in a strange, Nanu-way. It works as both an apology and reassurance.

You had brought him out excitedly to Malie Garden for a date. Any complaints that he could have had were lost as you two simply enjoyed a quiet lunch together in the beauty of curated nature. He supposed he should have felt some pride, seeing as all this growth was with put a doubt thanks to Tapu Bulu, but he unfortunately had a call from a certain somebody and needed to step away from you to take it. It had lasted longer than he expected as the caller seemed to enjoy the sound of their own voice too much, but he managed to get away in the end and return. Which left him bewildered. A familiar black and grey haired man say across from you chatting away.

Nanu felt odd when he watched your face twist into a grin at whatever the white kimono wearing man's words. Certainly, he knew that man had an enchanting beauty to him. Especially here in Alola with his complexion rivaling even that of those Ultra Recon whatever had. The Kahuna felt annoyed that he even felt upset in the first place. Had he not tried to chase you off in the first place? Maybe letting you go off with the gambler turned was a better option. Nanu closed his eyes. No. He realised that he simply had become too attached to you.

Nanu sat down beside you and let his arm come around your shoulders to press you into his side. The strange man cocked up a brow at the Kahuna when their gazes met. Words did not need to be spoken. Intentions and meanings were simply understood with little verbal acknowledgement. A chuckle came from the white-wearing man. “So you're still lingering here, Grimsley?” Nanu asked, unsurprised, truly. To an outsider, it might have looked like two felines in a discourse.

Grimsley gave a nod and seemed to find reason to excuse himself. You could only wonder what just happened. Nanu also appeared ready to head out of the garden, since you had already finished lunch. His hand seemed to tightly hold on to your wrist as he led you through Malie and back towards the Po town police station. A few Skull grunts were clearly intrigued by the actions you two shared. Nanu's actions were utterly baffling to you. He had never acted like that before, as you tried to figure out what that was. Eventually, you could only settle on something after remembering the sight of two Meowths fighting over your lap. “Nanu?” you stopped him before he led you inside, “Were you… jealous of him?”

Nanu blinked a few times. Why, yes. Yes, he certainly was. He nodded. You almost had to fight back laughter. Really, you clearly thought, him getting jealous? “Grimsley seemed fun, but I don't think he's the type you can get a line on,” you told the Kahuna as you suddenly embraced him, “Besides, I like you. I don't want anybody else.” You moved in to kiss him, which he reciprocated despite a few eyes on you both. Something snapped in him, though. You had still complimented Grimsley. The door was opened as he pulled you inside and locked the door. He was still a man, after all.

Guzma preferred not to think about the sounds he heard walking home that night.

#pokemon x reader #nanu x reader #larry x reader #pokemon larry x reader #pokemon/reader #nanu/reader #larry/reader #pokemon nanu x reader

[theydopissmeoffavocados]

I’m new here. Would you mind sharing why people think Larry is still together? I’ve seen a lot of old clips but clueless why people think Larry is still going strong in 2023. Thank you!

Hi :)

This is an unreleased louis song

Lou and hazz communicating through lyrics

Uhm uhm

There are a lot you can google it

:)

#louis tomlinson #one direction #1d #harry styles #1direction #louis tomilson #larry stylinson #larry #louis 1d #louis and harry #louis #louies #louis tomlinson lyrics #harry and louis #harry 1d #solo harry #baby boyfriends #fetus larry #larry shippers #larries #larrystylinson #larry is real #larry is life #larry is literally real #larry is love #💙💚 #as it was #as it was music video #biiger than me #larry proof

[hlficlibrary]

✤ Coming Out Fics ✤

A series of posts with the top five fics of each category by kudos plus five more hidden gems from that category! Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find the library's other recs here.

- Top 5 H/L Fics -

1️⃣ And Then a Bit by @infinitelymint (E, 158k)

“We’d like to give the fans what they want.” Magee states, placing his hand on the table in front of him and leaning forward. “We want to give them Larry Stylinson.”

Or, take a parallel universe where Louis and Harry were never together, mix in a two year hiatus and an impending comeback, pour in a dash of lost fans, two tablespoons of strong friendship and a Modest! employee with a good idea. Add a squeeze of pretending to be a couple, lots of kisses and a tattoo or two. Stir. Serve: the mother of all publicity stunts.

(aka Harry and Louis fake a relationship for publicity. Eventually it becomes a lot less fake and a lot more real.)

2️⃣ led by your beating heart by @missandrogyny (E, 33k)

Nick leans over. "Oh," he says, his voice smug. "Who is that?"

Harry just blinks at his phone. "Um," he manages to stammer out.

"Who's that, Harry?" Nick asks again, but this time he raises his eyebrows and smirks. Harry knows Nick is just teasing, and that he's not really looking for new Harry Styles gossip, but, um. He might have found something. Accidentally.

Harry opens his mouth to speak, but all that comes out is another 'um'. He really needs to work on translating his thoughts into words. But then it probably wouldn't be any help right now, would it? His mind is as blank as a newly erased etch-a-sketch.

"Oh," Nick says again, this time gleefully, seemingly having picked up on Harry's distress. "Looks like we've got a story here! Are you going to call or delete her number?"

Her number. So Nick thinks it's a girl. Well, Harry can't blame him: 'Lou' is kind of an androgynous nickname. His stylist's name is Lou.

But this Lou, well, Louis, he's kind of, really, really not a girl. He's really pretty though, which, is something.

(Or: AU where Harry's in One Direction, Louis isn't, and they reconnect over a game of 'Call or Delete'.)

3️⃣ California Sold by @isthatyoularry (M, 123k)

Notoriously closeted boyband member Harry Styles is famous on a global scale, meanwhile Louis, as his best friend, is back home in Manchester, living the typical life of a 24 year old. When Harry needs Louis with him in LA, a publicity stunt gone wrong changes their friendship forever.

A fake-relationship AU between two lifelong best friends.

4️⃣ Shake Me Down by @agreatperhaps12 (NR, 208k)

Harry's new to college, fresh out of Catholic school and conversion therapy camp, and Louis runs the campus LGBTQIA organization.

5️⃣ Time Bomb by ThisSentimentalHeart (M, 291k)

“Why exactly are you here?” Louis asked, feigning annoyance and failing pathetically at it. “My publicist told me I can't go anywhere near you.” Harry said, eyes still smudged with last night's eye liner. “That makes you my favorite person in the world.”

Or the one where Louis has everything: a lead role in a giant Hollywood franchise, a glittering new house with an entertaining Irish neighbor, and a steady, normal boyfriend who he probably loves. Louis never expected to become a household name among young Hollywood overnight. He also never expected to find something endearing about the enigmatic rockstar who keeps showing up on his back porch.

HIDDEN GEMS:

💎 Caught In Your Gravity by @lululawrence (NR, 62k)

It felt like the blood froze in Harry’s veins even as he got a bit lightheaded. He hadn’t even made it two practices, only one of which he was remotely in charge of, without giving it all away and now he and Liam were both absolutely fucked.

“Shit,” Harry breathed out. “Who all have you told? Does everyone know? I thought I covered it better than that…”

“No, no,” Louis said quickly. "They’ll figure it out soon enough, though, because they’ll get used to you changing things up, but you’re only going to trip over your so called Americanisms for so long before they realize it’s because you don’t actually know fuck all about football.”

Harry sighed. “Yeah. I figured. I just need to bullshit for long enough to allow Liam to get the situation figured out from his end.”

“Right, which brings me to my entire point. I think we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement with all of this.” Louis leaned forward. “You need to learn the ins and outs of the sport incredibly fast. I can help you with that.”

“What do you want in exchange?”

Or, an AU inspired by a 30 second trailer of Ted Lasso that doesn't actually have much in common with the show at all.

💎 That Smile and That Midnight Laugh by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright (T, 50k)

Harry’s never noticed how lovely Louis really is. Maybe it’s just that she’s usually so guarded – a little tense, a little irritated, a little put out. At least when she’s at school, and also usually when she’s around Nick, which are the only times Harry has really seen her. Until tonight. Tonight Harry’s seen her with her guard completely down. Too busy laughing and enjoying herself to remember to be prickly, maybe. She seems different.

It feels different.

A Ferris Bueller's Day Off AU that picks up right where the movie leaves off, and imagines what might happen if Ferris' girlfriend and sister become friends. And maybe something more, too.

💎 some evening in springtime by delsicle / @eeveedel (M, 20k)

Fresh out of veterinary school, Louis moves to a sleepy small town in Texas to take over the local animal clinic. But his new life is quickly interrupted by a middle aged rancher with a bad leg and a mysterious past, who really needs Louis's yoga skills.

💎 still feel the same around you by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry (E, 13k)

Twenty-five years is a long time to fall in love with someone, to learn all the ways a person can fit into one's heart. It’s also an awful long time to lie to one of the most important people in your life.

The Act My Age Girl Direction AU.

💎 Glass Heart by @musketrois (G, 7k)

“26-year-old West Ham footballer Louis Tomlinson was seen getting acquainted with 24-year-old pop sensation Harry Styles and others. Although it is not unordinary for these two professions to be social, we can’t wait to see what this budding relationship will bring to London’s social scene.”

-Celebrity Blurb 25 March, 2017

#hljournal #hltracks #hlcreators #trackinghappily #1dficvillage #trackinghome #hlsource #musektrois #momentofclarity #delsicle #yeahalright #lululawrence #agreatperhaps12 #isthatyoularry #infinitelymint #missandrogyny #thissentimentalheart #comingout #ficrec

[a-random-pillow]

Ace Attorney, Steel Samuri AU

This is a re-telling of the AA story but with SI-FI elements based off Steel Samuri.

Since there isn't much Steel Samuri lore in AA, I'm going to have to make some up!

---

Long ago there was an old race of aliens, they don't really matter to the story but what does matter is the fact that they made the Samurai Suits. The Samurai Suits were left on earth for reasons and now new aliens are coming to feed of the power of the suits and earth by proxy. So, The Samuri have to rise to face these new threats, face hardships and accidently become celebrities.

Poor Greggy, he gets zero hours of sleep and managed to acquire a little baby who is probably a little alien. Becoming one of the few people capable of defending earth was a terrible choice for his health. The Steel Samuri is world famous and so Gregory has to also deal with hiding his identity, Clark Kent but with 1000x more walking disaster energy.

---

Fast Forward to Mile’s middle school days, guess which kid finds a Samuri Suit? Well, he isn't the only one who finds a Suit! Meet the Five Signal Samuri!

Red, The Brains (Miles Edgeworth)

Orange, The Jokester (Larry Butz)

Blue, The Second in Command (Phoenix Wright)

Pink, The Heart (Maya Fay)

Purple, The Leader (Mia Fay)

They have no clue about each other identities, even the sisters but they are all very close friends! They go on wacky adventures together and learn valuable lessons with occasional help for the older Samurai.

Oh dear, don't forget the Karma Samurai, he hates it when people don't give him attention. Can you guess who it is? (Manfred, we all know it’s Manfred)

Things go wrong when the Steel Samurai realizes that the Karma Samurai is faking monster attacks for fame. The Karma Samurai doesn’t want his secret told to the others so he attacks the Steel Samurai and loses, badly. The Steel Samurai thinks he killed the Karma Samurai and leaves, but shock Manfred is not dead. Karma heads back to Germany and licks his wounds and focuses on his lawyer career and child. Then Manfred meets Gregory, the defense attorney and feels a odd sense of DeJa'Vu.

Note, The Steel Samurai dose not tell the others what happened with the Karma Samurai because they are already traumatized enough and some of them really looked up to Karma.

Back in court Manfred gets the plenty commits DL-6.

While later he realizes that Gregory was the steel Samurai because of very specific scars listed in his autopsy report. Soon after Miles moves in with the Von Karmas he realizes Miles is the red signal Samurai because of the boys mannerisms and the fact that the red just showed up in Germany.

Miles isn't having a good time, Manfred revels himself to be the Karma Samuri and lies that the Steel Samurai attacked him because he was too popular (Miles doesn't know his dad is/was the Steel Samurai). Also Manfred says he was crippled by the Steel Samurai, which he why he doesn't fight any more (Actually because of the DL-6 Bullet) So now Miles is being trained as a Samurai and Prosecutor. Franziska is also being trained to take up the Karma Samurai mantel one day, they go flying togther a lot.

Nothing much changes in the Daliah/Early Ace Attorney area expect Mia is even more stressed because she still has to manage the Signal Samurai, minus the only other one with common sense. Oh and the Signal Samurai are now Earth's main protection since Karma and Steel disappeared.

Unfortunately Mia would still die since she didn't have her suit, but her chase would be much easier to solve since she knocked out most of Red White's teeth, and nearly broke his jaw form a single punch. Red White had surprise and a weapon is the main argument for why he could win but there is a strong argument that Mia should have survived.

At the end of Turnabout Goodbyes, after Manfred has all is lies exposed, he dawns his Karma Samurai suit on last time to try and tries to destroy the courthouse and probably the city. Unfortunately for him he transformed in front of ALL OF THE SIGNAL SAMURAI! Manfred doesn't stand a chance, especially with their teamwork being on point for the trial. After Manfred is dealt with the Signal Samurai have a moment to process all the identity reveals that just happened.

They are all upset, excited and shocked to find out the truth but resolve to make themselves a proper team again, even without Mia. Of course, after taking that picture, Mia reminds them that she is really gone.

That's all I got for now, feel free to ask me anything if you have questions. <3

#Ace Attorney Steel Samurai Au #ace attorney #franziska von karma #miles edgeworth #mia fey #maya fey #phoenix wright #larry butz #manfred von karma #gregory edgeworth #ace attorney au

[thewolvesof1998]

get to know your fic writer + WIP Snippet

Tagged by @jesuisici33 @hippolotamus @your-catfish-friend 

When did you post your first ever fanfic?

God, I definitely posted 1D fics on Wattpad back in the day, probably in 2013 but I started posting again only in June of this year. 

First character(s) you wrote for:

It was probably something 1D related either Larry or an OC/Harry Styles

Main character(s) you’re currently writing for:

Buck and Eddie of course. 

Character(s) you haven’t written about before but plan on writing about soon:

Hmmm I don’t have anything planned, I’m just following the hyperfixation but probably someone from the 911 world, maybe Ravi or May?

Fandom(s) you’re currently writing for:

9-1-1

Platonic pairing(s) you currently write for:

Buck and Chris- you can't really avoid Buck as Chris's other parent when writing Buddie. Bobby and Buck- another father-and-son relationship. Eddie and Sophia- the Diaz siblings. The entire firefam I suppose.

Romantic pairing(s) you currently write for:

Buck/Eddie

Your top 3 tags on AO3 (if you post your works on AO3):

Not Beta Read, One Shot and Pre-Relationship Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz 

Your current platform where you post your works:

AO3

Snippet of the wip you’re currently working on:

I haven't written in weeks but the inspiration hit tonight so here a bit from a new wip- something for Halloween:

Eddie could hear the creak of the tree outside as the wind tumbled through its branches, someone calling for their dog a few doors down and a motorcycle roaring down the street adjacent to his. He could also hear Buck’s heartbeat, its usual slow and steady thump, thump, thump. Normally he would hear Christopher's soft breaths and fluttering heartbeat from the room down the hall but the house is empty tonight.  He can still taste the tequila from the shots they’d decided were a good idea after finishing their usual six pack. The alcohol warming his stomach, making his limbs feel like they belonged to someone else. Without thinking about it, they place themselves on Buck’s broad chest, his skin a contrast to the dark blue button-up Buck decided to wear tonight. Eddie can feel the sharp intake of breath beneath them and his eyes drag themselves up to Buck’s face. His usually pale skin is flushed ever so slightly, confusion dragging his eyebrows together in a look that would be comical if Eddie wasn’t so damn in love with him.  “Eds?” Buck whispers, so quiet that if it weren’t for his enhanced hearing he wouldn’t have heard it. Eddie doesn’t respond, not verbally at least, he just steps in closer, placing his forehead on Buck’s shoulder, face tucked into his neck. Buck’s hands automatically come up to rest on his arms and Eddie thinks just for a moment that he’s going to push him away but instead, Buck’s fingers curl around his biceps, holding him tightly.  Eddie breathes in, taking in Buck’s scent, citrus, honeycomb and sunshine on snow, it’s just as intoxicating as the alcohol. He’s nuzzling into Buck’s neck chasing that scent before he can stop himself. Buck shudders but doesn’t pull away instead, he bares his neck and tries to relax despite the vulnerable position. Buck has to know he’s not going to hurt him, Eddie could never hurt him.  He opens his mouth and sucks in a breath, “Buck…” his name is as sweet as the taste of him on Eddie’s tongue. It so distracting that he forgets what he is going to say and instead, his hands slide up and one around Buck’s neck and into his hair, using the grip to tilt his head so Eddie has better access. Buck gasps, his fingers digging in painfully before relaxing again but Eddie barely registers it, drowning in Buck’s scent until it was just Buck and only him.  Eddie’s teeth and claws lengthen as the primal need takes control, he manages to loosen his grip enough to avoid piercing Buck, the need to protect is just as strong as the need to mark and claim. 

Tagging:

@wikiangela​ @wildlife4life ​ @eddiebabygirldiaz ​ @disasterbuckdiaz @spotsandsocks @try-set-me-on-fire @bekkachaos @buddierights @forthewolves @911-on-abc @shitouttabuck @911onabc @exhuastedpigeon @eddiediaztho @loserdiaz @ladydorian05 @watchyourbuck @king-buckley @chaoticgremlinwholikescheese @fortheloveofbuddie @sammy-souffle @steadfastsaturnsrings @mangacat201 @theotherbuckley @hoodie-buck @eowon @rainbow-nerdss @nmcggg @pirrusstuff

#tag games #fanfic writers #ao3 #thewolvesof1998 writes #buddie

[your-divine-ribs]

Red Part 5

Words: 2.6k

No warnings for this part but maybe Red Van should come with his own warning ❤️

I’m excited to bring back the Halloween party again, loved writing the next few chapters xxx

Red Masterlist Main Masterlist

"I don't know what I did to deserve you Y/N. Must have been something pretty special."

"Oh, I don't know about that..."

You're applying a slick of glossy pink to your lips, appraising your reflection in the mirror whilst your boyfriend watches on from his position stretched out on the bed. His words reach you, causing your gut to clench, an involuntary reaction to his praise. You force a smile, aware that he can see your reflection but you don't turn around. Not even when he rises up from the bed and comes to stand behind you, his hands resting gently on your hips and his chin hovering over your shoulder. You just carry on looking at your joint reflection, the caring, devoted boyfriend and the conniving, sneaky girlfriend, the image wracking you through with guilt, so much so that you can't stand it, twisting out of his embrace and stepping to the side, mumbling that you have lots of things to do before the party guests arrive.

Larry lets you go.

If he's noticed the change in your behaviour the past few weeks then he hasn't said anything, he just goes about his daily life the way he always handles things, with a spring in his step and a smile on his lips, the eternal optimist who never lets things get him down. But then, why would he fret that he has anything to worry about with regards to your relationship? As far as he's concerned you're as much in love as you have been all these years, and why should he think any different? Why should he suspect that his sweet, loving girlfriend and his loyal childhood best friend would be playing such a dangerous game? And you do still love him, you really do, but, as you're beginning to realise, your moral compass is severely impaired, the thoughts of a clandestine, sleazy hook up with Van consuming your every waking moment, the temptation too strong to turn away from. But you have to try...

The downstairs of the house is decorated just right. Creepy cobwebs and tacky Halloween props adorn every available surface, the lighting dim and subdued, provided by the eerie flicker of the fake candles that you've purchased. You look around, satisfied with your handiwork, untwisting a bottle of vodka and pouring a large measure into the cauldron themed punch-bowl.

The guests are due to start arriving in around ten minutes and you're all set so you take the opportunity to pour yourself a glass of wine, taking a large gulp and leaning back against the kitchen counter. Your reflection in the glass door of the microwave looks back at you, the sparkling halo that's nestled in the soft waves piled up on your head glittering in the dim light. You're an angel, dressed in virginal white although not entirely purely in a figure-hugging dress which compliments your figure, the bodice shaped perfectly to show off your enviable curves and the skirt long and flowing but cut daringly right up to the thigh.

It was weeks before that you'd put together your outfit and it was probably more fitting back then. Now the notion that you could be anything close to angelic just seems absurd. But you could be. You can put things right. You've not gone far enough that you can’t backtrack and turn this whole situation around, put an end to this treacherous flirtation with Van and ask him to stay far away from you. No... not ask him. Tell him to stay away. In no uncertain terms.

You wonder what he'll come dressed as tonight. He's kept pretty tight-lipped about his outfit, but knowing him he'll make minimal effort for the occasion.

"How long d'ya reckon that halo's gonna stay intact for tonight then, Y/N?"

The presence in the doorway wrenches you out of your thoughts and you whip your head up just in time to see Van entering the kitchen and your eyes widen and your jaw drops agape.

You've got to be fucking kidding me...

You're right about the minimal effort, but that's just the thing with Van. He doesn't have to try very hard and yet he still somehow manages to shine. He's dressed in his signature skinny black jeans and a deep burgundy shirt which is unbuttoned down to mid-chest, his gold pendant catching the light. You wouldn't know he was attending a Halloween soirée if it wasn't for the set of shiny red devil's horns perched on top of his head, but they compliment his wicked smile perfectly, a sinful sparkle in his eye as he lets his gaze rake slowly down over your body and back up, taking his time, leaving you in no doubt of his unholy intentions.

You try to maintain a neutral expression, raising an eyebrow like you're not at all impressed even though the mere sight of him is enough to set your pulse racing.

"Well look who it is... the devil himself."

Van doesn't get chance to answer before Bondy pushes past him into the kitchen. In typical Bondy fashion he's really gone to town, skin daubed a ghastly green, ridiculous wig on his head, he's even painted his fingernails for the occasion you notice as he reaches into the fridge to retrieve a bottle of beer.

"Alright guys and ghouls!" He grins, looking between you and Van and then back to you again, shooting you a cheeky wink. "Looking good Y/N. I must say that halo really suits you. I never had you pegged as the angelic type!"

"Thanks John," you smile back, ignoring Van who's nearly spat a mouthful of beer across the kitchen trying to hide a snigger as a cough. "So what have you come as then?"

"Johnny Ramone... on loan from the pet cemetery... for one night only!"

"You look great... really good. And it's so good to see that some people have made an effort anyway. Not like Van's shit attempt!"

You look past Bondy, giving Van a pointed look and he shrugs.

"Think I look pretty good actually," he counters which earns him a sarcastic huff from you.

"Not very original though is it? In fact it's actually pretty crap. Zero imagination!"

"And what makes you think I give a shit about what you think huh?"

His tone is cold now as he scowls at you from across the top of his beer bottle and a warm glow of satisfaction sparks in you. He's so used to getting his ego massaged that he can't stand criticism.

"For fucks sake you two, I thought Larry said you'd made up?"

You've almost forgotten that Bondy's there even though he's standing right next to you. You're too busy glaring at Van, holding his steely gaze, trying to turn as much of the self-loathing that you currently feel for desiring him into hatred. But try as you might, you just can't ignore the fact that as much as he infuriates you, you still want to launch yourself at him and tear at his clothes.

"It's not like I'm not trying mate, but you see what I have to put up with, it's bloody constant!" Van complains, like he's the innocent party in all of this and that just grates on you even more.

"Fucking dickhead," you mumble under your breath, watching Bondy backing away, shaking his head in puzzlement at where your sudden scathing attack has come from.

"I'm outta here guys..."

You decide that it's probably a good time to retreat yourself, satisfied that you've wound Van up enough, your pulse quickening as you see the flash of anger in his eyes.

"What was that?"

He advances on you so you whirl around quickly, turning for the doorway that Bondy's just walked through but you stumble on your heels, sending you lurching over to the side. As first you think he's reaching for you to steady you, but it soon becomes clear that he's not. He uses the momentum you've picked up to drive you back against the wall, hard, your back crashing against it with enough force to make you gasp.

"What did you fucking say?"

He's looming over you now, eyes blazing whilst he stares you down, but you don't feel intimidated. Not in the slightest. You just feel hugely fucking turned on. It doesn't matter that you're in the kitchen of the house he shares with your boyfriend which is rapidly filling with party guests who could walk in at any moment. You just want to push him even further. You want to see what happens when you push him to breaking point. Tempt him to pin you up against the wall in anger and take his frustrations out on you whilst he rails you into oblivion.

"You heard me. I said... you're a… fucking… dickhead."

You draw out your words, finishing your statement with a smirk, intended to provoke and it works. Van's lips curl into a smile too, but there's no warmth in it, just anger with a large dose of smugness at his perceived upper hand. He quickly raises a hand to catch your chin just under the jaw, pressing your head back against the wall. The sexual tension radiating off him is almost palpable and you can feel it too, a steady throb pulsing between your thighs as he brings his face close to yours.

"You'd better watch that dirty mouth of yours angel, or it's gonna get you into trouble."

Fuck... you want so badly to grasp at his hips and push your body up against his. You can hear voices in the hallway, the sound of greetings being exchanged as guests start to arrive. You need to stop this now, but you just can't help yourself.

"Oh, really? What you gonna do huh? If you want me to shut up you're gonna have to make me!"

"Oh I fucking will..."

"Van mate! Where are ya? Sophie's just turned up!"

Larry's voice rings out and you realise that he's close, he's literally on the other side of the door, and you suck in a breath as Van releases you in a flash, stepping away and shooting you a warning glare before he reaches for the door handle, his angry demeanour instantly dissipating as if it was never there at all.

And then your ardour is cooled in the blink of an eye as Van draws open the door to reveal Sophie standing there looking pristine and perfect, her glossy brunette mane cascading from under a wide brimmed witches hat, her soft curves accentuated perfectly by the slinky black dress that she's barely wearing. Van's eyes nearly pop out of his head and you feel a sharp stab of jealously piercing your heart in a way which is totally unexpected. It leaves you stunned for a moment as you watch her reaching for him and pulling him into a hug, leaning back a moment later to reveal a cherry-red puckered lip-print on his cheek.

"Oops I've got lippy all over you!" She giggles, raising a hand up to wipe it off but Van catches her wrist to stop her, beaming at her in a way which just twists the dagger in your heart.

"Nah, leave it love, I reckon it just adds to my outfit." Then he turns to you, brazenly smug smile turned up to full wattage. "What d'ya reckon Y/N? Is it an improvement?" Then back to Sophie. "She said I looked shit!"

You bite back a savage remark and force your lips into a sweet smile with just a hint of bitterness that only Van will notice, practically gritting your teeth as you notice Sophie's arm curl around Van's waist as she nestles into his side.

"Really?" Her eyes are wide with disbelief as she looks between you and Van, her eyes lingering appreciatively on him. "Well I think you look great... as always. You always look gorgeous!"

You reach for your wine glass, swallowing the contents down with yet another snide remark which is desperate to burst forth, letting out a dramatic sigh instead. "Gods sake, don't inflate his ego, he won't be able to fit through the door at this rate!"

Sophie laughs loudly. "Well he might look good, but look at you! I absolutely love your dress! You look amazing... doesn't she Van?"

Van opens his mouth to speak but Sophie doesn't give him chance, she's gushing in a way which makes you think she's probably already indulged in a few drinks before the party's even started.

"In fact I need to get a photo... of the two of you. The angel and the devil. It's perfect! Come on... come on guys!"

She unwraps her arm from around Van as she speaks, pushing him towards you, waving her phone around in her other hand, conducting you both into place. You just stand there, furtively glancing at Van, cringing inside as Sophie babbles on excitedly about how good you both look together and how she wishes she'd chosen a similar outfit to yours.

She snaps a few shots of you both standing stiffly, shoulder to shoulder, glancing at her phone screen with a little frown on her face, before she's holding it up again. "Come on, it's a party! At least look like you're having fun! Come on, get a bit closer!" She waves a hand to demonstrate. "Put your arm around her Van. Smile Y/N!"

She's drunk... definitely drunk. In fact she seems plastered. She wobbles slightly in her heels, giggling again.

"Don't look so worried Y/N. He's got gonna corrupt a sweet little angel like you!"

You force out a giggle of your own at her comment, cringing as you feel Van's arm snake around your waist, fingers splayed wide as he holds you firmly, pulling you to him in a tight embrace.

"Ah shit!"

Sophie's squeal is loud and piercing as her phone slips from her fingers, clattering on to the kitchen tiles. You watch, amused, as she lurches forward to grab for it, miscalculating and managing to kick it even further across the floor with the toe of her stiletto.

"Oops!"

"Christ! How many you had?" Van exclaims.

He doesn't make a move to help her though, sighing deeply instead, muttering something unintelligible under his breath. You suppose you should really assist her, stumbling drunk as she is, but you don't. Instead you feel a wicked sense of glee at Van's obvious disapproval, enjoying the fact that his arm's still locked around you whilst his date is left helplessly floundering.

"Are ya pissed already love?"

Larry's entered the kitchen now with an empty beer bottle in hand, searching for a refill. More chivalrous than Van, he instantly stoops down to help Sophie retrieve her phone, their heads clashing as they both move forward in unison. Laughter erupts from both of them as they stagger backwards, completely distracted now from you and Van.

And you should be moving away, you really should. You've spent far too long lingering in the kitchen, stoking the fires of this dangerous attraction when you should be avoiding Van altogether. But there's something that excites you about the way he's holding you firmly, his fingers gently kneading at your hip. It's a subtle gesture but it's sending flurries of exhilaration through you. Maybe it's the fact that Sophie and Larry are right in front of you and completely oblivious, caught up in laughing at their silly mishap. Unmindful of the fact that Van's tilted his head to the side to whisper softly into your ear, his breath ticking your skin in a way that makes you shiver.

"Tonight Y/N. I gotta have you."

#red #catfish and the bottlemen #van mccann #van mccann x reader #fanfic #vanfic

[finexbright]

Soni, I was having a larry breakdown and I just need to ask something. I feel like louis and harry love each other extremely much and would do/give up anything to save their relationship/ marriage. I feel like they love each other much more than 'normal' couples, do you agree? Because i feel like I might be putting them on a pedestal or something. But I mean that they were so young and decided to get full body tattoos for each other (a life long bond, louis said that), they have written countless of love songs for each other, they had to actually fight for each other, they found home in each other and they have a bond they understand. Not to mention the fact that Harry literally said in an interview that he loves love and he loves the fact that after falling in love you are a team (he loves it more than the actual falling in love process). Then the protecting each other’s solitude quote and is you're best friend 'just do it" (get married). Like??? Normal couples don't have THIS deep type of love right? So am i exaggerating here or not?

If i'm exaggerating it's probably because I have indian parents and they never show each other love🥲

the way i see it, they met when they were teenagers, when you feel too much of everything and amidst the chaos of the band and the fame, they felt safety and comfort within each other and clung onto it. it's like in a world of screaming colours and sounds, they became each other's quiet solitude and felt calm. nothing about their relationship is "normal" given the fame aspect of it but they navigate through it using the only way know : through songs. and as i said, there's always an exaggeration and hyperbolic hint to it.

i do think that sometimes we put their love story on a pedestal because it does seem a bit cosmical, but at the end of the day, it's just two boys who met when they were very young and fell in love and never looked back.

above everything else, we need to always remember that whatever they do - tattoos, songs and the quotes - they're doing it for themselves and not for us. it's their way of expressing love for each other and we're all just bystanders. it's as simple as going to a farmer's market and you glance around your surroundings and see that the world is filled with love. and harry and louis happen to be two simple people in love. i think it's very important to remember that it's their life and we're just witnessing it and that all of the things they do aren't necessarily for us, we're just lucky enough to be along for the ride.

as for normal couple and love, i think everyone has their own idea of expressing love and navigating through a relationship. my friend's boyfriend brings her flowers every single time he comes by, and now that they live together, he still makes sure that the flower vase is never empty. we don't normally get gajra (jasmine) in delhi so everytime my dad goes to south india, he makes sure to go to shops right before leaving for the airport to get fresh gajra for my mum. my friend's girlfriend loved orange lays and so everytime he went to see her, he'd get a packet for her. i think what i'm trying to say is, while some people give flowers, others write songs and it's still love and it's still just as deep and it's still strong.

#non non #i went off tangent but oh well 🫣

[causesciencethatswhy]

https://www.tumblr.com/causesciencethatswhy/742925680934862848/nothing-more-annoying-than-supposed-neutral-fans

this might be a bit late but it’s just so perplexing and interesting to me how tkers a) have an absurd level of influence on the entire fandom and b) are legitimately much more insane than most delusional shippers even larries

as someone who was a tween when shipping really started to become a thing on the internet its fascinating (and disturbing) to see how it has gone from a casual and harmless “wow they look good together and have chemistry i want to see more of that” to “here is an entire dissertation’s worth of bogus theory about a same-sex pairing despite me being ragingly homophobic and probably mysoginistic.”

how it went from an admiration of chemistry and attraction to actual clinical delusion in a matter of years needs to be studied.

anyhow, i was thinking about all of the discourse surrounding jimin, jk, and the buddy system and am shocked by a couple of things. first, the complete undermining of their friendship despite them being ridiculously close for years. whether you like their dynamic or not it’s literally impossible to deny that jk and jimin have been thick as thieves for (at least) the past 5 or 6 years. I became an army in 2019 so it has always been obvious to me that they are extremely close. sure, you can make the argument that they didn’t “hang out” as much during 2023 but there’s still a considerable amount of interactions between them, much more than most of the other members who no army second guesses how close they are (the biggest example being jimin and taehyung who we literally only saw interact towards the end of the year).

second is how people literally pretend taennie never happened. hell, i think more people believe the blurry jk apartment video than they believe th and jn we’re in a real relationship for almost 2 years. there’s actual pictures of him on her BED with her kitty (a literal one) and you’ll still see majority of armys act like it never happened. yes, their privacy was horribly invaded but everyone knows damn well that is not the reason why most armys choose to ignore that relationship and then go and gush about him and IU.

though these two things might seem unrelated, i think both of these narratives that have always been pushed by tkers and have successfully crossed over to supposedly non-shipper armys and demonstrate just how influential tker theory is on the fandom.

this is exactly why i won’t really sweat over whatever a tkker says. if taehyung was in a long-term relationship for years that is confirmed by DOZENS of personal pictures through different dates, months, and locations but they still want to deny it… there’s simply nothing to reason with there. its just a waste of time and space. there’s a chance jikook have not been or are not more than close friends but there’s no chance th was with anyone other than jennie for the past 2 years in what is looked like the most serious relationship he’s ever had.

i feel bad for him too even if i feel he sometimes stokes the flames of shippers. imagine breaking up w your most serious partner ever, grieving that relationship AND your normal life since you’ll soon be part of the military for 2 years and all the while your “fans” are picking apart and making up insane theories about you and your friend.

I agree with most of what you say anon.

Of course we can't know for sure what the nature of jkks relationship last year was but I'm way more inclined to believe that their bond is still going as strong as it was before not just because of the buddy system news but purely because the ease and doting nature of the interactions we saw last year has remained the same.

And you're right, nothing will ever convince tkkrs to really just see the truth for what it is. There's always an alternative explanation, an alternative enemy to set your eyes on, an alternative ploy by the company to break the tkkr spirit. It's quite ridiculous. I think the worst thing with the taennie situation was that the whole 'It's an edit!! It's an impersonator!! It's a PR move by Jen/nie!!" Was that it wasn't just tkkrs buying into this. It was a majority of armys. The general fandom now looks back on taennie as 'a conspiracy to defame tae (except armys and blinks were the only ones who thought that these two adult humans possibly dating would be defamatory to either of them).

I legit had a very close irl army friend, whose not a shipper but still a pretty dedicated fan get into an argument with me because I told her that ppls reaction to tae dating was ridiculous. She word to word reiterated all the bs tkkr theories I had seen floating around and was unwilling to consider the possibility of them being made up conspiracies. I was genuinely surprised because she is generally very chill about these discourses but I guess the need to believe he wasn't dating a BP member took precedent over what the reality really was ??

Either way, it'll be interesting to see how they behave post 2025. I doubt they're going to calm down anytime soon with the jikook travel show on it's way. It's going to feed their theories as much as it's going to entertain the rest of us I'm afraid.

#jikook

[womanexile]

https://twitter.com/harrikarma/status/1707489865070264789?t=E2lMxded83pngF-P6x64Yg&s=19

https://twitter.com/RegielynS13/status/1707603590544855438?t=vMWD4moXnr4lCYqDigrXOA&s=19

Larries are going to cry

HAPPY 28TH! they're still together and still going strong. they have the most beautiful relationship and they always let us know how much they love each other in one way or another, and we'll always be here supporting them, no matter what. T & H🩷💙

[alwida10]

have you seen the new loki spoilers? I don't know if you want to be spoiled (let me know and I'll link you) but according to them they're doubling down on everything we disliked in season 1. More Sylvie, more Larry pining, more romance. Sighs

I don’t think I have seen the spoilers, but I would love a link! It’s very considerate of you asking for consent before sending the link. Thank you.

I’m including a cut since I’ll mention some older spoilers for season 2 underneath.

That said, after I finally made myself watch the trailer I got exactly the same feeling. For me it looked very much like this season is focused on Sylvie’s character arc, which by itself isn’t a bad thing. (I just wished they would leave Loki out of it, so I could skip it without second thought.) Despite me not being interested in Sylvie, from a story-telling perspective I agree that she deserves more screen time to get a fulfilling character arc. I just dislike the message that anyone, be it women or men, would need a relationship to become better or whole. Amatonormativity is fucked up, especially for a character so many othered people identify with because he doesn’t adhere to the traditional Christian values. Values that teach you aren’t successful if you don’t have a job, a house a wife and children. Loki should be chaotic. Hell, Sylvie should be chaotic. Arguing they both need anyone to be complete is a disservice for all those who struggle to keep a deeper relationship for whatever reasons. That doesn’t make one lesser.

I think one of the earliest spoilers I heard were about an older version of Sylvie who allegedly led the TVA, implying she went dark side. This trope is often used to give a younger hero (or in this case variant) the chance to “do better”. In the trailer, Loki and Sylvie cast this massive green wave of magic while holding hands. This is most likely about them being strong together and incapable alone. (subtitle, isn’t it?) so, yeah, I expect this season to hammer down the message that their relationship is the only thing that could save the multiverse, while the lack of it would make them both die or become irredeemable villains with a sledgehammer.

Sadly, I can both see and understand all that and still am unable to let go of my Loki-obsession for good. Perhaps I should write a fan letter to Dante, proposing this concept for another circle of hell. Given the fact the divine comedy is basically a self-insert fanfic where he imagines meeting all the people who admires I think it should meet the premises. 😩

Ok, this got long for a simple “yes please”. 🙈 sorry!! So, yes please! Give me all the discouraging spoilers! Kill my hope! I beg you!! 😭

#loki series negativity #loki series critical #loki series critcism #Loki season 2 #sigh #sorry for the rambling #this show is killing me (and not in the good way)

[allwaswell16]

Hi! I might have a weird rec request? Is there any larry fic in which Harry or Louis fake dates someone else to end up together? On the idea of “not even the gods above” (lovely fic)? Thanks!!

Hi, anon! I honestly didn't think there would be as many of these as there are so I was just going to find what I could, but then I ended up with ten of them. Whoops! (Also, I looked at all the fics with titles of Not Even the Gods Above and I couldn't find one where there's fake dating? So now I'm super curious which fic you mean...) Happy reading!

-Fake Dating Someone Else Fics-

When The Stars Come Out by BriaMaria / @briannamarguerite

Louis was about to reassure Harry further when Gemma bounded back over to him, slipping a hand around Louis' waist. Harry’s eyes followed the movement. And then that lip gnaw again. Christ. How was he supposed to survive this weekend?

He turned his attention to Gemma as her palm came to rest right above his heart. Laying it on a bit thick, dear. Or at least that’s what he hoped he’d conveyed with the simple tilt of an eyebrow.

In response, she went up on tiptoes and laid a noisy kiss on the hollow beneath his cheekbone. Louis didn’t take his eyes off Harry, who watched the scene play out with a blank expression. Once Gemma dropped back to the ground, Harry shifted away from them, his gaze dropping to his feet.

[Or the one where Louis pretends to be Gemma's boyfriend for her horrid cousin's wedding but fate is a nasty jerk and throws Harry in his way.]

Back From The Edge by sincewewereeighteen

“Guess my eyes are very blue.” “They are.” Harry agrees easily. “You’ve got beautiful eyes.” “You’re drunker than you think.” Louis snorts. “Why’s that?” “We’ve just met and you said I have beautiful eyes. Only people who are in love say that.” He points. “Maybe I am in love with you.” Harry points back, feeling very smart. Yep. Maybe he is drunker than he thought.

Or: the one in which Harry is a closeted actor who needs to do a PR stunt during his break, only he wasn't counting on falling for his beard's best friend. It gets messy.

Take Me Back to Where We Started by amory

Harry and Louis haven't spoken since they broke up four years ago. As boarding school sweethearts they once spent every waking moment together, but now they can hardly stand to be in the same room. When their five year class reunion comes around, both boys decide against their better judgement to return and (hopefully) have a good time.

The only problem is, they're both still hopelessly in love.

Starring Harry as the petty ex, Louis as the new James Bond, Niall as a boy genius and fake boyfriend extraordinaire, and Liam and Zayn as two friends just trying to make it out of this weekend alive.

Let Our Hearts Collide by crinkle-eyed-boo  / @crinkle-eyed-boo

“Liam is in a coma.” “Yeah, we can see that,” the father says, throwing his hands in the air. “God, this is the most depressing Christmas ever,” the blonde sister mutters. “His vital signs are strong,” Dr. Higgins assures them. “Brain waves are good–” “Brain waves?” the mother wails, taking Liam’s hand in hers. “Oh my God!” “How did this happen?” the father demands. “Um, he was pushed from the platform at the subway station,” Harry pipes up. The entire family turns to look at him, confused. Harry shrinks back, wishing he could have just kept his big mouth shut. “Who’s this?” the father asks, pointing at him. “Um, I’m Harry–” he starts. “He’s Liam’s fiancé!” Jade adds helpfully from where she stands by the door. Every jaw in the room drops, including Harry’s. Oh, shit. Shit shit shit. What?

When Harry, a lonely transit worker, saves the life of the handsome commuter he's been secretly pining for, an innocent mistake results in Liam Payne's family believing that Harry is engaged to their son. In the Paynes, Harry finds the big family he's always longed for...and a love he never saw coming.

A While You Were Sleeping AU

All Hearts Come Home For Christmas by PinkSeelie 

“Gemma, who the fuck is that?” Louis hisses as he watches her wave back with a big smile.

Her brows furrow for a second as she looks at Louis. “What? That’s my brother, you dork. Told you he’d pick us up, didn’t I?”

Well fuck. Apparently, Mr. Handsome over there is Gemma’s brother. And Louis is spending a week with him. Pretending to be his sister’s boyfriend. Shit.

(Basically: Gemma brings ‘her boyfriend’, Louis, home for Christmas and her brother is really hot.)

Harry, Did You Know (that your baby boy, is married to his best friend?) by tempolarriefics / @tempolarriefix

10 years ago, Louis and Zayn made a pact that if they weren't married by 30, they'd marry each other. So they do, as best mates do. Enter Harry Styles, who's new to town. He and Louis are immediately drawn to one another. Louis doesn't tell Harry about Zayn, because they're just friends (who are married.) Harry finds out on Christmas Day, Louis/Zayn's "anniversary".

aka a marriage pact AU with a twist

Feeling Hazy (In the Ballroom of my Mind) by dimpled_halo / @comebackassholes

The doors to the ballroom open and violin music fills Harry’s ears, his skin prickling as he tightens his hold on Liam’s arm. All eyes fall on him as he makes his grand entrance next to Lord Payne, Earl of Wolverhampton. According to the media, they’re the couple of the century, but little do they know they’re not really dating. Harry tugs on his collar, the tightness around his neck almost too much. He’ll never get used to being Prince of Cheshire. Not only are wearing his royal garments a pain in the arse, he also hates all of the attention it garners.

There’s only one person’s attention Harry really wants.

Being of the Jealous Kind by zita17 / @louisandtheaquarian

A-list actor Louis Tomlinson and his partner fashion photographer Harry Styles weather the storm that is Louis’ fake relationship with his costar in the lead up to this year’s Academy Awards.

Featuring a fluffy teenage meet-cute, an angsty wine drunk Harry melting down over pap pics, Louis habitually overusing the word “baby,” and cameos by a vintage Umbro sweatshirt, the peace ring, and one hell of a Larry hug.

Or the justice for To Be So Lonely fic. Based on the lyrics to TBSL and a prompt where “Louis has to fake date some celebrity, while his boyfriend Harry sits at home.”

candle wax and polaroids by orphan_account

"I could think of much worse ways, Harry. I look forward to meeting you when you aren't half naked," Louis teased, and Harry swore Louis glanced down at his bare chest.

Harry blushed, watching Louis shut the bathroom door behind him.

And that's how he met his sister's boyfriend.

or, gemma brings her "boyfriend," louis, home for thanksgiving.

Just To See That Smile by homosociallyyours / @homosociallyyours

It's Coming Out Week at university, and Harry's taken on a lot of responsibilities to make everything run smoothly. Finding his roommate's boyfriend attractive is making that a bit difficult, unfortunately. It might help if he realized that said boyfriend (Louis) is really just there to help said roommate (Liam) figure out if Liam's crush (Zayn) likes him back.

But that would make things too easy.

A fic where a hastily faked relationship and a lot of miscommunication almost ruins a perfectly good dance.

#ficrec #fakedating #fake dating someone else #ask #anon #ficask

[virgo-mess]

Silver Thread Chapter 8 part 2

Finally finished this part for you guys! I was ridiculously hung up on the Gala for some reason, and I think it's because the events of the Gala aren't super important, but the context is. So, there is some vague small talk surrounding it and some cute fluffy build-up, but ultimately, this chapter is very dark. So please read with discretion or skip this chapter all together if you have to. That being said, this part is over 16,000 words so I'm sorry if you're reading this super late. I hope that those of you are able to get through this and like it for what it is... and I'm sorry.

BIG TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic Violence, Abduction, Date rape drugging, Graphic attempted rape, and Graphic sexual assault, I left it kind of vague, but you can interpret that one part with the...however you'd like. There's a new character Pov in this part and Veda, Terry, Margaret, and Larry all have some cute moments in here.

PS: As usual some creative liberties were taken the pictures of the Majestic Downtown in downtown LA, but I've moved the location to Hollywood just because I can, jk it's just because I overthink everything and thought it was necessary for the plot. So, the "Majestic Hollywood" isn't a real place but is a real place all at the same time. Just ignore my rambling here.

Veda’s Pov

Sunday rolled around much quicker than Veda would’ve liked but it wasn’t because she was still nervous about going to the annual charity Gala at the Majestic Hollywood venue with Terry. She was still kind of nervous about the gala but the weekend she spent getting to know some of the kind of people in Terry’s world defiantly helped diminish a lot of her nerves. Now she was more excited about it than anything, but she still found herself not wanting their trip at the ranch to end. It was mostly because they made so many lasting memories in such a short period of time, they took enough pictures to fill two photo albums already and now she felt even closer to Terry on an emotional level.

Terry was able to open up to her a bit more about the time he spent in Vietnam after his emotional undoing during the fourth of July and as always Veda listened empathetically, planting comforting kisses on his temple as she stroked his hair. They spent most of Saturday cuddled up on the terrace or in their private whirlpool just enjoying each other’s company before taking their serene walk up to the waterfalls. They laughed, snapped pictures, and playfully splashed each other for what felt like hours in their perfect little bubble loving and taking care of each other like it was the only thing they lived for. So, when Sunday did finally come, and Veda had to watch the beautiful lavender and grand olive trees swaying in the summer wind like they were bidding her a farewell she couldn’t help but feel sad, a single tear rolled down her rosy cheek as the pulled out of the winding driveway.  

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Terry asked softly, as he pulled the car out of the winding driveway and onto the main road and gave her hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. Veda smiled at him adoringly, loving how he never seemed to miss a thing and knew her so well now.

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s not a big deal. I just really loved staying at the ranch with you and I’d definitely love to come back to it one day” she said sweetly, Terry’s eyes softened as he looked over at her in the glow of the summer sunshine.

“Oh, baby girl, we can go back every year if you want to, it can be our annual weekend getaway” he beamed, bringing her hand up to his lips to pepper it with adoring kisses. Veda giggled; her heart always fluttered at him making so many future plans for them always gently reassuring her that they were very much a sure thing.

“I’d love that, my love” Veda cooed, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek before resting her cheek on his strong with a content smile on her face. They spent the rest of the drive back to the Ennis house in one of their serene silences giving each other tender kisses as they got stuck in some of LA’s notoriously bad traffic. They didn’t mind of course, there was very few people either of them would enjoy being couped up in car with for a few hours with and Veda was glad Terry was one of hers and that she was one of his. She imagined she could quite happily live her life practically anywhere as long as Terry was by her side and that was something she never wanted to change. She loved and craved Terry with every fiber of her being.

They made it home around noon and spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled up by the pool reading and making small talk while they shared a sweet lunch. Just trying to fill in some time before they had to go get ready for the gala, Margaret and Veda agreed to help each other with their hair and make up which Veda was very excited about. Veda and Lucielle hadn’t had much time to do any mother and daughter bonding these days even though her mom wanted to drop her job in Fresno after hearing what happened at the pier. Veda of course refused to let her do that no matter how much she missed seeing and spending time with her on a daily basis. Margaret was very keen to help her fill that little void; she had no shame in admitting to Terry that Veda was the only reason she even agreed to attend the gala with them tonight.

“Alright, Mr. Silver, I’m stealing this darling away from you now and there’s nothing you can do about it” Maragret quipped, stepping out onto the pool patio with a dress bag in her hands. Veda giggled watching a playful scowl cross Terry’s face as he narrowed his eyes at her from the chair they were currently cuddled up on.

“Watch it Margaret, if you keep stealing my girlfriend from me, I might have to let you go with a very good severance package of course” Terry said jokingly, playfully pouting at Veda with big blue puppy eyes when she wiggled out of his grasp. Veda rolled her eyes and quickly peppered his face with kisses before bouncing over to Margaret excitedly.

“Doing that won’t stop me from stealing her from you, sir. So, you’d just be without a girlfriend and a million dollars” Margaret said, flashing Terry a coy smile before tugging Veda into the house gently. Veda could hear Terry chuckling softly as they entered the house and made their way down the loggia to the master bedroom.

“What kind of dress did you get Margaret” Veda asked excitedly as she pointed to the dress bag she was still holding. Veda had gone dress shopping with Terry not too long before they left for their trip, Terry as usual was very eager to have her try on a ton of very pricey dresses. At some point she could just tell he was having a lot of fun dressing and undressing her in the dressing room, they did get a little handsy in there and she knew the snobby store attendant knew based on the nasty look she shot her when they were leaving.

“Take a look darling” Maragret said giving her a fond smile as she unzipped the bag, revealing a tea length navy blue dress with quarter length sheer sleeves that was covered in a pretty silver floral pattern. Veda gasped with big grin on her face as she eyed the dress.

“Oh, wow, Margaret it’s beautiful. You’re going to look amazing” Veda said sweetly, Margaret chuckled stroking one of Veda’s cheeks affectionately.

“You’re such a darling, what dress did you and Mr. Silver end up picking?” Margaret asked with a warm maternal smile as she moved toward the vanity to pull out a curling wand and make up. Veda giggled with a slightly impish grin on her face as she urged Margaret to sit on the vanity chair.

“You’ll just have to wait and see. I’m determined to get you all dolled up for tonight, who knows you might even go home with a handsome stranger tonight” Veda chirped, plugging in the curling wand, and getting right to work on Margaret’s makeup. Margaret chuckled with an amused smile on her face as Veda eagerly started doing her eyeshadow and liner.

“Darling, I haven’t met a handsome stranger since my late Mr. Spencer the only one leaving with a handsome man tonight is you. I do have to warn you that tons of desperate girls fawn over Mr. Silver at these events, and I don’t want you to feel discouraged. Mr. Silver only has eyes for you and if any of those women are anything less than polite to you, I’ll handle them.” Margaret said seriously, Veda smiled bashfully as she applied a little concealer and a soft pink blush to Margaret’s fair cheeks and started curling her light blonde hair.

“I know you will Margaret, you all take such good care of me and I’m not too worried about any of those desperate girls. Terry hardly even looks at them unless they’re being rude to me, and I know how to kill them with kindness. Here take a look” Veda said, finishing up with her hair Margaret flashed her another warm maternal smile before taking a look at herself in the mirror.

“Thank you, darling, I like it very much” Margaret said sincerely, stroking one of Veda’s cheeks affectionately for a long moment Veda gave her a sweet smile and placed her hand on top of hers gently.

“Are you okay?” Veda asked softly, Margaret nodded seeming to snap out whatever daydream she was in and rose up from the vanity seat to wrap Veda in a warm embrace. Veda didn’t hesitate to hug her back sensing that she really needed it after whatever distant memory plagued her mind.

“Yes, darling I’m fine, you just remind of someone I used to know is all. Here, have a seat and we’ll get started on you now” Maragaret said, gently urging her to sit down on the vanity seat, Veda sat and wondered who she could possibly remind her of, but she could sense that it might be a touchy subject and didn’t want to pry. So, Veda left the topic alone and shifted their conversation into something more lighthearted while Margaret got to work on her hair and makeup. Margaret was always so sweet to her but never really delved into the more personal aspects of her life. All Veda really knew was that her late husband had passed away in a car accident about fifteen years ago, Margaret never remarried after that, and she never mentioned ever having any children. Veda had always assumed she didn’t, but she never considered the possibility that maybe something had happened to any children they did have either.  

Veda and Margaret laughed and gossiped in a way that was very similar to the way Veda and Lucille often did, dancing on that sweet spot between having a strong mother- daughter bond and being the best of friends. While Margaret applied her makeup in a warm smokey look with shades of gold and deep burgundy, a thin layer of eyeliner and mascara, and then a very soft pink blush. Veda liked that it was a lot softer than some of the more shocking looks they usually published in the high fashion magazines, and it would go perfectly with the short burgundy cocktail dress she and Terry had picked out. Margaret then styled her black wavy hair into a more uniform curled half updo with pretty face framing strands just the way Veda liked it.

“Thank you, Margaret, this will go perfectly with my outfit tonight” Veda said happily, pulling her in for another warm hug with a beaming smile on her face. Margaret chuckled softly, smiling back affectionately when she let her go.

“You’re very welcome, darling, I’d love to see your outfit, why don’t you go get dressed while I tell Mr. Silver we’ll be ready shortly so he can come get dressed too. I’ll just use the guest bath, alight” Margaret said warmly, Veda nodded giving her one last quick hug and a kiss on the cheek before skipping towards the closet to pull out her short, form fitted burgundy off the shoulder cocktail dress, sheer black tights, and closed toed Jimmy Choo black suede platforms. Veda thought the ankle strap and thicker heel might help her walk in them a little better even though she knew Terry had no problem carrying her around if she asked him to. By the time Veda had dressed and stepped out of the close, Terry was already tying his tie in front of the full-length mirror.

“Need any help with that, my love?” Veda asked coyly, as she leaned against the closet doorway causally, Terry’s blue eyes lit up when he looked at her just like she knew they would.

“Yes, please. You’re so gorgeous” he breathed out, eagerly walking towards her with a bashful smile on his face, Veda smiled back at him with rosy cheeks she gave him a sweet kiss on the lips before reaching up to tie his black tie. Terry beamed down at her, stoking her cheek softly with a finger.

“And you’re very handsome.” she cooed, gently smoothing out his tie before giving him another sweet kiss on the lips. “May I ask you something” Veda said, looking up at Terry with curious eyes as she moved to grab the blazer he was planning to wear tonight.

“Of course, you may, baby girl, you can always ask me anything. Are you still a little nervous about tonight” Terry said softly, still stroking her cheek as he gazed into her brown eyes lovingly. Veda gave him a reassuring smile as she shook her head, gently urging him to turn around for her.

“No, I’m really excited about tonight actually. My question was in regard to Margaret, she doesn’t really talk about Mr. Spencer or her life back in England too much. Was Mr. Spencer the only family she had?” Veda asked curiously, helping Terry into his burgundy blazer which he matched to her dress perfectly Veda’s heart fluttered when he said it was so everyone knew they were an item, she loved that he loved being as exclusive with her as she was with him. Terry turned around to meet her gaze once she was done, there was a bit of a somber dancing in his blue eyes and Veda immediately regretted her nosy line of questioning.

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I was just wondering because she said that I remind her of someone is all.” Veda said softly, reaching out to hold both of his hands gently, Terry flashed her a reassuring smile as be brought her small hands up to his lips and placed comforting kisses on the backs of them.

“No need to apologize, sweetheart. Margaret is very reserved when it comes to personal matters, if she told you that much that means she really adores you and I’m sure she doesn’t mind me telling you. It’s just a tough subject to talk about because she does have other family, but she hasn’t talked to them in years there’s a whole Spencer family feud going on from my knowledge. She was probably referring to her daughter, Rebecca, they’ve had a very difficult relationship since Mr. Spencer passed but I know Margaret really misses her, and she wishes they were closer.” Terry said softly, Veda nodded feeling a bit relieved but still concerned, that wasn’t the answer she was expecting but it was much better than her first assumption.

“Aw, that’s so sad, I understand why that wouldn’t be something she would want to talk about. Have they not tried to reconcile?” Veda asked, still looking up at him with curious eyes while Terry rubbed soothing circles on her hands.

“I know Margaret has tried to reach out but I’m not sure if she ever got a response, I’m not too sure what exactly happened between them, but I hope Rebecca comes around though I can understand what it might be like on her side of things too.” Terry said sincerely, Veda nodded knowing exactly what he meant since moving in she noticed Terry avoided a lot of his parents calls. She didn’t know what it was like not to have supportive parents even when her dad was around, he always encouraged her to find her own path, she wasn’t sure why Rebecca wasn’t reaching back out to Margaret, but she hoped Rebecca could put whatever it was aside for Margaret’s sake. She couldn’t imagine abandoning her own Mom in a foreign country no matter how upset she was at her.

“Yeah, I hope so too for Margaret’s sake, shall we get going I know the traffic up towards Hollywood can be rough at this time and Larry deserves to eat at a decent hour” Veda said shifting their conversation out of the somber dive it had taken with a bright smile. Terry chuckled nodding in acknowledgement.

“That we shall but first off, I got you something” Terry said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, Veda rolled her eyes though she was still smiling at him with loving brown eyes. She wished he would stop spending so much money on gifts for her she hadn’t exactly planned on going anywhere anytime soon, the transfer request felt like some weird far-off dream to her now.

“You have to stop showering me with gifts, Romeo, believe it or not we’re running out of space in here” she said jokingly, Terry shrugged giving her a kiss on the tip of her nose before pulling out a large black velvet box and revealing a beautiful diamond necklace with a tear drop ruby hanging in the middle of the chain. Veda gasped looking at the expensive necklace with wide doe eyes.

“We’ll just have to buy a bigger house then” Terry said nonchalantly, pulling the necklace out and clasping it around her neck gently. “See, it goes with your dress perfectly. You look amazing, baby girl” he said giving her another sweet kiss on the cheek with an adoring smile on his face. Veda blushed getting slightly teary eyed at the fact he looked so serious about them buying a bigger house together.

“We can’t buy a house until I can pay for half of it Mr. Silver, but thank you for the beautiful necklace, my love. I love it and I love you so much” Veda cooed, wrapping her arms around his torso in the form of a hug, Terry didn’t hesitate to hug her back as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“I love you more, sweetheart, your wish is always my command you know that. Now let’s go show you off, huh” Terry said, giving her another tender kiss on the forehead he offered her his arm in true gentleman fashion and led her out of the bedroom and down the center loggia. The traffic over to Hollywood was as heavy as Veda predicted it would be, she and Terry took the opportunity to express just how good they thought the other looked while Veda sat in Terry’s lap in the backseat of the Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. Margaret had insisted on sitting up front by Larry as soon as she saw the slightly hungry look, they were giving each other by the time they ventured into the living room.

“If you mess her hair up Mr. Silver, I swear I won’t be saving you from the loquacious Walter Getty’s incessant bragging this evening” Maragaret quipped, pulling them out of their ardent kissing session with a pointed look on her face just as Larry was pulling in front of the Majestic Hollywood’s grand arched windows and marble columns. Veda blushed shifting in Terry’s lap with a bashful smile paying on her face.

“That’s not fair, Margaret, she threw herself at me what’s a man to do” Terry said teasingly, Veda pouted up at him and gave him a playful swat on the arm.

“That’s not true Margaret, he pounced on me you saw him” Veda said jokingly, Terry gave her a look of mock offense as he gripped one of her ass cheeks teasingly and trailed a few open mouth kisses down the length of her neck and shoulder. Veda bit back a moan as she felt a love bite forming on her shoulder, she crossed her legs to ease some of the throbbing she currently had radiating through her heat at the moment. She was mildly regretting wearing tights this evening. She should’ve known it was going to be virtually impossible for them to keep their hands off each other, now she was doomed to cross her fabric covered legs all night just to get a little friction. Larry chuckled softly under his breath as he parked the car in front of the venues main entrance.

“My innocent darling would never do such a thing; Mr. Silver and you know it. I’m going to go check us all in, you two are free to take as much time as you need to get whatever’s in your system out of it. We have foster children to raise money for” Margaret said firmly as Larry got out of the car to open her door for her while Terry and Veda giggled in the backseat.

“I can’t believe you threw me under the bus and told Margaret a little white lie, baby girl. You’re the one that pounced on me, and you know it” Terry chided, playfully narrowing his amused blue eyes at her Veda giggled with a mad blush on her cheeks. She had in fact been the one to pounce on him, those invisible walls she had built up were tumbling down quickly and they were taking her discomfort towards intimacy with them, and it was all because of Terry. Veda gazed up at him with shy eyes, playing with the ends of his black curls gently so she wouldn’t mess up his perfect ponytail.

“I know I did, Terry it’s just that I feel so close to you on an emotional and mental level and now I think I’m ready to feel that way with you on a physical level too…” she trailed shyly, Terry’s blue eyes softened as they gazed deeply into her brown ones for a long moment. They sat in silence for a moment, just staring at each other and Veda began to worry that the confession had brought forth some of her initial fears surrounding the nature of their relationship. Veda dropped her hand from his hair sharply and moved to pull away from him, suddenly feeling very self-conscious and a little discourage by his lack of response.

Her moving seemed to snap Terry out of whatever place his mind had wandered off to, he wrapped his arms around her tightly and gave her a soft reassuring smile before he pulled her in for a very passionate kiss. Veda melted into him almost immediately, every ounce of discouragement seemed to melt away and all she felt was his endless love and devotion radiating off of him. It filled her entire being, all consuming in the most beautiful way possible.

“I’m sorry, Veda, I didn’t mean to space out on you like that, you just surprised me that’s all. I’m so happy and honored that you’re considering being intimate with me. I just want to make sure that you’re saying it because you really want to and not because you think I want to.” Terry said softly, reaching up to cradle her face in his hands and gently stroke her cheeks with his thumbs, still gazing deeply into her eyes. Veda nodded her head eagerly with a coy smile playing on her lips as she gazed back at him.

“Yes, Terry I really want to, we don’t have to do it tonight of course. You just told me to let you know when I was ready and I am, my love” she said sincerely, Terry let out a content sigh as he peppered her face with more adoring kisses than Veda could count. She let out a content sigh of her own, feeling her heart swell with a joy that she only ever felt when she was with Terry.

“You make me so happy, sweetheart. I love you so much, I really wished you had told me about this back at the house. I would’ve skipped the gala and flew us out to France in a heartbeat, we can still do that tomorrow.” Terry said happily, Veda giggled shaking her head at him with a beaming smile on her face.

“We can’t just fly to France, silly, we just got back from a trip this morning. We really should be getting to Margaret though” she said teasingly, giving him a playful kiss on the tip of his nose. Terry chuckled, gently setting her down on the seat so he could open up the door and escort her to the gala.

“Don’t be silly, there’s no rule against taking two trips in a row. I’m sure your boss doesn’t mind you skipping work one bit” he said, stepping out of the car and offering her his hand. Veda giggled, rolling her eyes at him playfully.

Terry helped Veda out of the car, and they ventured under the venue’s large archway, Veda gawked at the imposing columns and the gorgeous large glass window she could hear Terry chuckling softly beside her as he gazed at her adoringly.

“Just you wait, baby girl” he cooed, placing a quick kiss on her cheek just as a worker opened the large, gilded door for them. Veda beamed up at him with rosy cheeks, Terry smiled back her adoringly as he led her into the lively lobby, her ears picked up some smooth jazz music echoing through the majestic room and the happy chatter of other gala attendees dressed in relaxed suits and classy cocktail dresses, Veda felt her excitement pick up as she gazed up at the 30-foot-high Italian ceilings, marble columns, and marble floor. Terry gently guided her further into the lobby and down a grand marble staircase.

“This is so beautiful, Terry” Veda said dreamily, as they walked into the main ballroom to see gorgeous chandeliers and a plethora of tables adorned in luscious clothes and awe-inspiring center pieces. Terry beamed at her adoringly before placing a tender kiss on her cheek, they found Margaret patiently waiting for them as she glanced at some of the things up for auction on a large table. Veda noticed a lot of nosy parties gaping at her and Terry while they had some hushed conversations, Veda leaned further into Terry’s side having felt a little uncomfortable under their scrutinizing eyes. The most intense gaze was coming from very leggy blonde woman with catlike green eyes, she was dressed in a revealing gold cocktail dress with a high slit up on thigh. Veda wrapped her arms around Terry’s torso possessively, she had a feeling the woman’s intense gaze had everything to do with the fact she was glued to Terry’s arm.

“I’m glad you like it, sweetheart. Don’t worry about them, you’re the most beautiful woman here by far” he cooed into her ear as he gave her another tender kiss on the cheek, Veda gave him a sweet smile with a mildly bashful blush gracing her cheeks. He could read her like a book now.

“Thank you, my love. So, what’s on the agenda?” she asked, Terry chuckled he always found her eagerness adorable.

“First, we mingle over cocktails I’ve got some people I really would like you to meet tonight, the dean of admissions from USC is here. I know you’re still thinking about USC, this is absolutely a no pressure meeting, baby girl. I just thought you’d like to hear about some other scholarship options, and she can answer all your questions. After cocktail hour we have dinner then there will be a lot of speeches and after that the real party begins. There are auctions as you know but there will also be dancing….” Terry trailed teasingly; Veda giggled because he knew the promise of dancing sold her on any deal, her heart fluttered at him tracking down the USC dean of admissions for her.

“You didn’t tell me there would be dancing, Mr. Silver, we haven’t gotten to dance since my birthday ball. Thank you for tracking down the dean of admissions for me, I really appreciate it and you, my love” she cooed lovingly, Terry gave her a sweet peck on the lips and a beaming smile.

“You’re very welcome, baby girl, should we go have a chat with her now?” Terry asked, Veda noticed the hopeful note in his tone, and she let her eyes soften as she gazed up at him.

“Of course I do, Romeo, lets go”

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Tommy’s Pov

Tommy sighed, anxiously tapping his fingers on his steering wheel of his dad’s Cadilac Fleetwood watching men clad in classic suits and women dressed in modish cocktail dresses of various lengths wander in and out of the Majestic Hollywood’s lobby. If people were wandering around that meant dinner was over and the auctions, live music, and dancing had started. Sneaking into the hotel’s annual charity gala shouldn’t be that hard, he’s been to a few of them himself, but Tommy didn’t want to be at this one, not tonight, not with Dutch, not Chad. Not now that he knew what they were gearing up to do. Right now, Tommy was just waiting for an opening to rush in and warn Veda and her fiancé what Dutch and Chad were planning, he knew her fiancé was the one that smashed his mom’s China and keyed his new Corvette. Tommy didn’t really care though; he couldn’t deny he deserved some sort of punishment after what he said and what he let Chad do to her. For now, he was just glad his spot at Berkley wasn’t being threatened at the present moment.

  Tommy could vaguely hear Dutch and Chad engaging in a hushed conversation from where they stood outside the car surveying the patrons lingering in the cobblestone garden. They’d been increasingly hostile towards him since he asked them a pointed question about what they were up to tonight when they passed Hollywood Blvd but really their growing contempt for him started weeks prior. Tommy felt extremely guilty about what he let Chad do to Veda at the pier and about threatening her like that, he had only said most of what he said out of jealousy. Tommy had developed a crush on her shortly after she moved to Pasadena, but the guys thought it’d be a good idea to have one of them mess with her as a way to get back at Daniel.

Tommy hated the idea, obviously, but he didn’t have the guts to stand up to his friends back then, he knew they’d chew him out for wanting to be with some poor girl from Jersey no matter how beautiful she was. Veda was right nothing that happened with Cobra Kai was her fault and yet she was the one who suffered most, and this really struck a chord in Tommy. So, he never ended up telling Dutch about running into her or her new fiancé and he made Chad swear not to say anything either given his own criminal actions at the pier that day. Tommy should’ve known Chad wouldn’t stay true to his word, if there was one thing Chad couldn’t do it was keep a secret. He let everything spill long before he even got the restraining order she filed against him, and he made sure to leave his little misdeed out of the retelling of course. After he and Dutch got into a violent confrontation about the whole thing, Tommy stopped hanging out with him and Chad all together. He’d been spending the last few weeks with Bobby and Johnny going to Golf N’ Stuff and the movies.

So needless to say, Tommy was shocked when they showed up at his front door tonight asking for a ride because not only did Chad have a horrible new haircut and two broken arms, but his parents confiscated his Camero and kicked him out of the house. Tommy blindly agreed but only because Chad looked like he’d been through the ringer even though he was dressed in a nice suit. If he had known what they were planning to do before he pulled up to the hotel, he would’ve turned back, and they knew it. They kept him in the dark up until Dutch swung his passenger door open and revealed his plan to violate Veda LaRusso for having the nerve to dump him and find a man he could never compete with. Tommy could empathize with him on not being picked at least, first he lost Ali to Johnny and then he lost Veda to Dutch, he was sure Veda didn’t know he liked her that way but that didn’t stop his ego from being bruised. But Tommy couldn’t condone what Dutch was about to do to her in retaliation just like he couldn’t condone what he and Chad did to her at the pier.  Tommy wished he had spoken up in the dojo that day he heard Dutch and Johnny were cooking up another way to mess with Daniel LaRusso. Veda wasn’t the first girl Dutch emotionally and physically abused; she was just the first one that had someone to defend her. Now his silence had Dutch thinking he was untouchable, invincible even. Tommy knew he couldn’t change the past, but he was hoping he could change the future.

 Tommy glared at them from the driver’s seat, watching Dutch hastily adjust his tie and help fix Chad’s mess of a haircut. Tommy had to stifle a laugh when he swung open his front door to see Chad looking like his golden boy locks were in a losing battle with a weedwhacker.

“This is ridiculous guys, seriously how is Chad even going to help with two fucked up arms and a restraining order, huh, he’s not even supposed to be within 100 yards of Veda. You’re violating that right now Chaddy. Let’s just go see that new movie Back to the Future it’s got that kid from Teen Wolf and Family Ties and Christoper Lloyd, Bobby and Jimmy said it was pretty good.” Tommy said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible, he supposed he could just leave them here it would at least slow them down if they didn’t have a getaway driver, but he knew if he could get to Veda’s giant of a fiancé first Dutch and Chad didn’t stand a chance. He really couldn’t believe they were even considering this an option after Chad was in the ER for a day and in the hospital for three.  Dutch bent down to glare at him through the open passenger door with intimidating, hollow brown eyes and a wicked looking smirk plastered on his face as he raked a rough hand through his peroxide strands.

“Well, no shit, Tommy, that’s why you’re going to help me and Chaddy here is only handling this” he said lowly, holding up a vile filled with clear liquid in his hand. Tommy’s eyes widened in disbelief, as if planning to rape and beat his ex-girlfriend to death wasn’t bad enough. Dutch was also in violation of his probation and was willing to throw his entire life away at this point, he didn’t have the luxury of being 17 anymore and Tommy doubted he could handle being tried as an adult. Tommy felt nauseated as he jolted himself out of the car, charging at Dutch with a speed he didn’t know he was capable of.

“What the hell is wrong with you, you can’t give her that shit! You’re not even supposed to have that shit with your probation what are you, fucking stupid?! Give me that!” Tommy sneered, attempting to pry the vile out of Dutch’s iron grip erratically. Dutch chuckled darkly, amusement dancing in his darkened eyes as he held the vile just out of reach. Chad eye’s darted between them, their commotion was starting to attract curious on lookers.

“Dutch, people are watching” Chad said in a hushed tone, Dutch rolled his eyes stuffing the vile in one of his suit pockets and landing a rough punch to Tommy’s gut. Tommy gasped, struggling for breath as he doubled over clutching his stomach, Dutch chuckled again placing a mock comforting hand on Tommy’s shoulder as he leaned down to speak to him with menacing black eyes.

“Fine Tommy, I won’t use this but only if you agree to help me get her out of there as quickly and quietly as possible. Otherwise Chaddy will be slipping this into her champagne glass, you see I’m going to get what I want from that little slut either way and I don’t really care how I get there. I guess the little lesson I taught her back in November when she tried wiggle out of my grasp the first time didn’t sink in. Now she and the rich giant she whored herself out for are going to pay the price for what they’ve both done. Look at all the stuff they’ve done to poor Chaddy here, look what they did to your new Corvette and do you really think your mom’s China just magically shattered all by itself, Tommy.” Dutch said disingenuously, he already knew Veda didn’t have a hand in any of those calculated attacks. She was smart but way too pure for any of that save for maybe some pointless China. Tommy glared at him, finally catching his breath he straightened up and took a threatening step towards him.

“I’m not helping you throw your life away, Dutch Howard. What do you think you’re gaining by doing this, huh. You just turned 18 three weeks ago, you have a vile of illegal GHB in your pocket, and you’re with a guy that’s not allowed to be within 100 yards of the girl you’re planning to use it on. A guy that’s already fucked up his life, Chad, you’re homeless right now, you don’t have a car, you don’t have a job, you don’t a have spot at Berkley. What you do have right now is two broken arms and restraining order that you’re in violation of right now. Is this really what you guys want to do? If it is then I won’t have any other choice but to stop you, I’ll get her fiancé and I’ll call the cops and tell them everything about you violating your probation and all the premeditating you’ve clearly done, Dutch, and you violating your restraining order Chad and being an accessory. I’ll forget everything if you guys get back in the car right now and let me take you home.” Tommy pleaded, Dutch clenched his jaw and for once appeared conflicted as he pondered over the ultimatum. Chad shifted uncomfortably looking down at his dress shoes with an abashed expression on his face.

“You don’t understand, Tommy. Veda abandoned me and I can’t allow her to think that’s okay, if she’s not going to be happy with me then she’s not going to be happy with anyone. So, you’re either with me or against me, Tommy, Chad, what’s it gonna be” Dutch said in an eerily calm voice, Tommy shook his head as he took a fighting stance ready to fight because Veda’s life depended on it. Chad glanced between them as he shakily made a move towards the still open passenger door.

“Dutch, you said we were just going to scare her, you didn’t say…I can’t go to prison” Chad stuttered looking a ghostly shade of white as he sat down on the passenger seat. Dutch let out a deeply disappointed sounding sigh before lunging at Tommy with enough force to tackle him onto the concrete. Tommy gasped, craning his head so it wouldn’t crack against the pavement, he didn’t have time to react, feeling slightly dazed as he felt two cool metal prongs embed themselves into the side of his neck.

“Dutch, stop” Chad yelled, cowering in the passenger seat with wide horrified green eyes. Dutch flashed him a sinister glare.

“You’re going to follow me inside and slip this in that pretty little bitch’s drink. Understand” he snarled, pulling the trigger on the stun gun more times than was legally necessary. Tommy soundlessly convulsed beneath Dutch feeling never ending torturous shocks radiate trough his body.

“Okay, okay, I’ll do it man. Just stop doing that, you’ll kill him” Chad pleaded frantically, a satisfied devilish smirk crossed Dutch’s face as he pulled the trigger one final excruciating time. Dutch snatched the Cadillac keys out of his pocket before, rising slowly to his feet leering down at Tommy with black eyes as he lay convulsing involuntarily, still having no control over his muscles.

“I’m sorry, Tommy, if it’s any consolation this is probably the last time, you’ll ever have to see me because if I’m not happy with her then I won’t be happy with anyone either. You just rest now, hmm, you’ll be just fine.” Dutch said with an eerie note of sincerity as he beckoned a cowering Chad towards him.

Tommy gasped sharply watching Dutch leave his line of sight and Chad stopping momentarily, glancing down at him with concern swirling in his still frightened green eyes.

“Find tall man, go, go, be there soon” Tommy managed to gasp out hoarsely, Chad nodded with teary eyes before trailing after Dutch. Tommy laid on the ground for what felt like forever, starring up at the starry LA sky with a heavy heart as he thought of Veda innocently gulping a lethal glass of champagne. The thought was enough to motivate him to roll over on concrete, weakly rising to his knees and then his feet with a newfound determination. Dutch may be beyond saving at this point, but Veda wasn’t she deserved to be happy after all the things Dutch had done to her while they sat idly by. Tommy shakily made his way up to the Majestic Hollywood, ignoring the incredulous looks he was getting from snobby patrons for being underdressed as he trudged into the lobby and shoved past the brooding security guard sitting at the front desk to pick up the phone.

“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to leave” the guard said, roughly trying to pry the telephone out of his fingers.

“Can’t, sorry, I’m calling the police and you’re going to go do your job, okay. There’s a crazy looking kid with bleach blonde hair roaming around right now that you have to find, you hear me. He’s violent and if you don’t want any of these folks getting hurt you better move, now!” Tommy exclaimed as he finished dialing the three-digit number into the keypad with shaky fingers and wild blue eyes.

“911, what’s your emergency.”

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Veda’s Pov

The gala began with a lively cocktail hour and a very delicious dinner, Veda’s chat with the dean of admissions went perfectly, she told her all about the gifted program the university was planning to implement next fall. She also said that if Veda ended her freshman year at CalTech with academic excellence there was a possibility of Veda receiving a special grant so she could attend USC almost tuition free save for housing and school supplies. With this newfound information, Veda thought the odds of her starting her sophomore year at USC were very likely and she had her Romeo to thank for it. By the time dinner rolled around Terry had been unwittingly sucked into a very stale conversation with Walter Getty, a slightly self-centered business tycoon who was planning on opening two art museums in the next few years. Veda politely conversed with him about the future art museums he was planning to open but Walter only seemed interested in wooing her away from Terry. Veda thought it was funny Walter thought that was a possibility as if she and Terry weren’t basically on top of each other. Terry could tell Walter’s advances were making her uncomfortable and “suggested” she and Margaret go look at all the auction items for a while. So, Veda and Margaret happily sipped on tons champagne while they gossiped, made small talk with some other gala goers, and looked at auction items. All the champagne they were drinking seemed to go right through them and before they knew it, they were searching for a bathroom.

Veda went back to the table to tell Terry where they were going, Terry pouted at her with big blue puppy eyes because Walter Getty was still talking his ear off about something pointless.

“I’m sorry, my love, by the time I get back it should be time for dancing at least” Veda cooed, Terry chuckled softly and pointedly pulled her in for a very fiery kiss just to rub it in Walter’s face. It did serve to put a stop to Walter’s incessant babbling for a moment at least but the leer he was giving Veda made her skin crawl.

“Alright, baby girl but I’m going to hold you to that” Terry said teasingly, Veda giggled giving him another sweet kiss on the cheek before skipping off with Margaret. After a waiting in line for a while, Veda and Margaret decided to go look for a bathroom that didn’t have an insane line wrapped around the corner. They made their usual small talk as they wandered out of the ballroom to take the elevator up to the second-floor balcony. Veda took a little extra time gawking at some of the gorgeous architecture she hadn’t had a chance to peek at on the way in.

“So, that blonde girl, Julia, what’s her deal?” Veda asked nonchalantly, even though she was silently seething over the sheer audacity Julia had to brazenly flirt with Terry like she wasn’t even there as soon as they sat down at their table. Margaret chuckled softly, giving Veda a maternal pat on the shoulder and an affectionate light pinch on her cheek. Veda giggled rolling her eyes playfully, looping an arm with Margaret as they continued walking past a few stray party goers. She could faintly hear the music below them grow a bit louder indicating the auctions were taking their final bids and would soon be ending. Veda picked up their pace a bit because after the winners were announced the real dancing of the evening would commence and she wasn’t about to let Julia Vanderbilt snag her first gala dance out from under her nose.

“She has no deal, darling. She’s just a spoiled rich girl who can’t stand it when she doesn’t get her way. Julia’s been throwing herself at Mr. Silver for years, mostly all on Mr. Silver Sr.’s wishes to combine their family’s businesses and wealth. Obviously, our Mr. Silver couldn’t care less about his father’s dream, he still enlisted and begrudgingly agreed to take over Dynatox and that’s where the older Mr. Silver’s dream dies. Julia is so not his type anyway darling; you have nothing to worry about on that front, trust me” Maragret said with a reassuring smile on her face, Veda smiled back at her nodding in acknowledgment. Though she wished she didn’t have to care so much about making a good impression on these people for appearances sake. If she didn’t have to, she would have turned on the Jersey girl mystic before Julia even placed a perfectly manicured finger on Terry’s arm.

Veda and Margaret settled on the ladies’ room just off the main staircase, it was more secluded and virtually empty seen as how mostly everyone was trying to see if they won anything at the auction. Veda shuffled into a stall being mindful not to make a run in her sheer tights, they provided a nice barrier because the suede platform heels, she was wearing weren’t as comfortable as she had been hoping though they were notably easier to walk in. Veda knew Terry would probably be carrying her back to the Rolls Royce tonight anyway especially after their little moment in the car earlier.

“I’ll be just out here in the hall, darling” Maragaret called out by the bathroom door, having already finished freshening herself up for the evening. Veda nodded, giggling softly at herself for acting like Margaret could see her behind the door perhaps she should let up on the champagne for a while.

“Okay, Margaret” Veda chirped, hearing the click of Maragret’s heels become softer as she exited the bathroom. Veda finished up not to long after, but she took a little extra time in front of the bathroom mirror after washing her hands to smooth out her dress, adjusting the way the burgundy frill fell off her tanned shoulders. Veda hummed softly to herself as she pulled some lip gloss and some concealer out of her black and gold clutch, she quickly applied concealer over the little love bite Terry left on her shoulder in the car, she had forgotten all about it in her child like wonder fixation upon entering. Veda found the fact Julia and Walter were still blazingly trying to steal her and Terry from each other with this display on her shoulder incredibly odd. Veda applied her gloss over her plump lips in a thin even coat, and furrowed her brows as she vaguely heard a bit of a ruckus just outside the bathroom door. She gave herself one last look over, fixing one of her stray curls before tossing her things back into her bag and swinging the bathroom door open.

“Alright, Margaret, ready to see if you won that all-inclusive package to Hawaii, you know Terry will probably give you one if you’d just ask” Veda giggled, stepping out into the hallway to find it empty.

“Margaret” Veda called, wandering further down the secluded hallway to find it completely empty. Veda furrowed her brows again because it wasn’t like Margaret to just say she was going to be somewhere and not be there, Veda considered that Margaret may have meant the larger hallway by the balcony overlooking the gala. They did down a lot of champagne during their little gossip session near the auction and raffle table when Terry got tied up with Walter Getty. Veda ventured past the elevators and into the larger hallway near the balcony, letting her eyes sweep through the empty hall before craning her head to look over the banister. She sighed; she couldn’t really see anything going on down on the gala floor from where she was, but she could hear the faint buzz of excited chatter, lively jazz piano music, and the small ding of one of the elevators behind her.

“Maybe she went back to Terry” Veda mumbled under her breath to herself, she could find her way back to the ballroom easily, but she was still worried about where Margaret disappeared to. Veda continued looking over the banister, beginning her short journey back towards the ballroom in short strides still trying to catch a glimpse of Margaret’s blue and silver adorned dress skirt. Veda walked slowly down the empty hallway; she was looking up at some of the intricate paintings on the ceiling when a muffled cry caught her attention. Veda stopped for a moment listening to the sound intently from where she stood, she could pinpoint that it was coming from the hall leading to the bathroom and she felt her chest twinge with both concern and curiosity.

“Margaret, is that you?” Veda called out, turning on her heel she rushed back towards the elevators to find the hall still as empty as it was when she left it. Veda felt some of her curiosity shift into a realm of confusion and fear, she felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck as she cautiously backed up towards the elevators with wide, doe like brown eyes. She felt her adrenaline pick up as goosebumps started to rise all over her tan skin, her ears drowned out the party chatter and live music long enough for her to hear one of the elevator doors ding and slide open next to her. Veda stopped in her tracks when she caught a glimpse of Margaret’s blue and silvery tulle skirt in the elevator out of the corner of her eye. Veda let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding as she turned to face the elevator fully, taking in Margaret’s sprawled out form face down on the elevator floor. Veda gasped rushing to kneel beside her still, unmoving form frantically.

“Oh, Margaret!” Veda cried running her hand up her back, she too afraid to shift her if she was hurt badly. Margaret gave her a muffled reply turning her head to face Veda groggily, there was a gag on her mouth and a crimson stream gliding down her forehead. Veda gasped again, feeling unbearably sickened at the state Margaret was currently in as she gingerly untied the gag around her mouth before inspecting the gash hidden in her light blonde hairline.

“Maragret what happened, who did this to you” Veda asked softly, as she brushed some of her light hair off her forehead gently, she was relieved to see Margaret perk up slightly, but her blue eyes were filled with panic and concern as she gazed up into her brown ones. Margaret gripped Veda’s left hand firmly.

“You need to go to Mr. Silver, Veda, now” Margaret said firmly, but Veda caught the twinge of fear in her steely tone. Veda shook her head using her right hand to wipe off a bit of the blood trailing down her pale cheek with the gag she just removed from her mouth.

“No, I can’t leave you in here like this Margaret, let’s get you down to the lobby first come on” Veda said, ignoring the way the elevator doors persistently kept attempting to shut around her outstretched legs. Margaret shook her head frantically tightening the iron grip she had on Veda’s left hand with serious blue eyes.

“No, Veda, you have to go now! Dutch is here looking for you, I told him you went down to see the new Reserve bar downstairs before you headed back to the party. It’s not going to take him long to figure out I lied, so go, I’ll be fine darling. I’ve been through a lot worse believe me, now go!” Margaret pleaded, gently trying to shove her out of the elevator. Veda inhaled sharply feeling her blood run cold as she sat trying to process all the newfound information. The punishment for daring to be happy without Dutch Howard was finally catching up to her, she had hoped having Terry in the driver’s seat would at least give her a head start but it would appear Dutch had outwitted both of them. He showed up on the one-night Terry was too engrossed with keeping up social appearances to keep her glued to his side every second, she and Margaret had left him there almost twenty minutes ago now, Veda knew Terry was definitely getting anxious by now but since she’d left with Margaret, he’d be less compelled to come looking for her immediately. Veda didn’t have time to wonder how Dutch had even gotten into the gala or how he knew Margaret worked for Terry, let alone how he even knew any of them would even be here tonight.

Veda nodded letting out a shaky breath as she reached up to hit the button for the lobby, she was sure Dutch wouldn’t try to hurt Margaret further if she was in a room full of people. He liked to keep his more brutal assaults quiet and tonight he had no dojo or tournament rules to abide by. Veda let out another shaky breath as she stared back at Margaret with lifeless brown eyes.

“Okay, Margaret, I’ll see you later, be safe” Veda said shakily crawling out of the elevator not having the strength to rise to her feet at the moment. She forced herself to flash Margaret a reassuring smile though she was really doubting there was a possibility that she’d ever actually be seeing her, Terry, her mom, Daniel, Larry, Rob and Zoe, or Milos ever again. At least the other’s last memories of her would be happy, the last time she saw her brother she slammed the door in his face and told him she was disappointed in him. Veda sat on the ground unmoving as she watched Margaret struggling to sit up just as the elevator doors glided shut, seemingly in slow motion.

Veda struggled to her feet, listening once again to the lively music and happy chatter floating up through the marble floors and filling the stock-still empty hallways in a way that made her feel like they were sending her off. Veda was having trouble seeing past her present dire circumstances to consider all her other options. She could run to the staircase or toTerry screaming at the top of her lungs, part of her knew Dutch would still find her there but if she was going to die tonight, she would at least want to see Terry one last time. Veda forced herself to move her feet as quickly as she could in the devilish black heels currently trying to stymie her journey back to the ballroom. Their frantic clicks echoed through the empty hall, melding with the distant sounds of happy commotion and soft music in an eerily perfect harmony. The anxious clicks seemed to swell with the jazzy piano solo lulling up the staircase in an unpropitious crescendo. That was soon followed by a gloomy, dragging, direful diminuendo.

Veda’s plan to scream bloody murder were impeded by the cruel clammy hand that flew over her mouth and pinched her nose shut. She let out a muffled whimper thrashing in the cruel arm snaked firmly around her waist in a leachy vice. The only sounds filling her ears now were the screeching sound her heels made against the hard tiled floors and Dutch’s labored breathing.

“I’m assuming you never made it to the Reserve bar downstairs did ya, doll face. Don’t worry, you can have a drink in the car” Dutch snarled, planting a nasty kiss on her cheek that made her stomach churn as she struggled to breathe. Dutch tightened the hold around her waist as he violently yanked her into the elevator.

“I can tell by all your thrashing Chaddy didn’t hold up his end of the deal, but that’s alright I’ve got more in my pocket for you right here, honey and I’ll be dealing with Chaddy later.  When these doors open, you’re going act normal and not draw any attention to us if you do, you’re dead before we get out of the lobby, understand?” Dutch said, painfully yanking on her chin to make her look at him, Dutch removed the arm he had wrapped around her waist to dig in one of his suit pockets. Veda whimpered as the iridescent abalone hilt of Dutch’s nefarious nine-inch Italian stiletto switchblade came into view.

“You remember Lilith don’t you, doll face. I picked her because she reminded me of you, you know, beautiful, sexy, and impish. I named her after Adam’s first wife, you know the one who was banished from Eden for disobeying the rules Adam laid out for her. That’s also why I used her during our first little lesson back in November, honey. I wanted you to learn what would happen if you disobeyed me, but I guess the lesson didn’t take, huh. I’m willing to not use her tonight if you can show me that my teaching didn’t fall on deaf ears after all. Can you do that doll face?” Dutch taunted with a wicked smirk and wild brown eyes, Veda nodded franticly, feeling lightheaded from the lack of oxygen as a few hot tears rolled down her cheek. Dutch flashed her a nauseating smile finally removing his rough hand from her mouth and nose so she could breathe.

“Good, now push the button and we can save these for later” Dutch taunted, vilely licking the stray tears sliding down the length of her flushed cheek as he clasped a rotten hand around her throat firmly. Veda shuddered pushing the button to the lobby with one trembling finger, she tried to ignore the way Dutch trailed his other hand up to roughly fondle her breasts. She found herself wishing he’d just kill her if tonight meant she’d be losing her virginity to anyone other than Terry.

“They’re so big now, doll face, I should’ve been the first and only one to ever touch or look at these, Veda. Now you have to pay for being a little fucking slut” he hissed, the elevator doors slid open to reveal the lively lobby and Dutch took the opportunity to shove her as hard as he could without letting her actually hit the ground. He gripped her upper arm wrenching her through the lobby like a cop hauls away a monstrous criminal, ripping her away from Terry like a tornado rips up trees. She couldn’t help the tears that welled in eyes at the prospect of never being in Terry’s gentle arms again, of never seeing him again, of never loving him again if she couldn’t do any of that again she might as well be in a prison because being without him felt like that already. Veda’s terrified eyes were silently pleading to everyone, they passed to save her. Nobody really paid them any mind; they didn’t stick out amongst all the other patrons dressed up in suits and cocktail dresses. Veda caught sight of Larry shouting at one of the security guards while Margaret was being tended to by a paramedic. For a second Veda felt a small glimmer of hope, if she could find a way to catch their attention, she might live to see her Romeo again.

 Without giving it much thought Veda unclipped the clasp on the clutch she managed to hang on to in their scuffle upstairs and let the contents topple out onto the floor she made it a point to slip on the tube of concealer. Dutch flashed her a sinister look as she slid out of his hold and onto the floor with a painful thud, Veda winced as her head collided with the hard marble floor but the sea of concerned patrons rushing to her aid was worth it, getting to be in Terry’s arms again was worth everything. Not even the sinister look Dutch was giving her right now could convince her otherwise.

 Veda whimpered attempting to crawl away from him and into the sea of people stomping their way. Dutch let out a deep animalistic growl looking between her and the stampede with wild dark brown eyes. Veda felt her heart plummet into the pits of her still nauseated stomach when Dutch lunged at her with a speed, she didn’t think was possible. She didn’t have time to move out of the path of his ferocious hands before they tangled in her perfect black curls and ruthlessly yanked and dragged her across the white tiled floor. Veda didn’t hesitate to let out a blood curdling scream that echoed through the lobby, she was sure they could hear her all the way upstairs in the ballroom by now. Veda reached up to dig her nails into his vicious hands, scratching at them like a disgruntled kitten aggressively. Dutch only tightened his hold as he dragged her thrashing body towards the front entrance, dodging all the patrons making rescue attempts.

“You little bitch!” Dutch growled kicking all the items from her purse across the lobby with the same amount of force you’d use to kick down a door. Veda didn’t cease her Banshi like howling even when Dutch yanked her to her feet, and she felt him press Lilith’s cold baleful blade into the side of her neck. A buzz of hundreds of concerned, frantic protests flooded through the lobby as Dutch let them see what he had pressed against a very vulnerable part of her body. Veda only halted her screeching because she needed a moment to catch her breath, she could make out some of the voices calling out towards them now.

“That’s him right there!” Margaret cried, pointing to where Dutch was still standing frozen in the doorway. The security guard was advancing on them, speaking into his walkie talkie with his gun drawn.

“Sir, the police are already on their way, don’t make this worse for yourself by doing something stupid. Let the young lady go, now” the guard said, trying to get a clear shot at Dutch who simply positioned Veda further in front of him like a shield. Veda fought back tears as the small glimmer of hope in her heart started to extinguish.

“Oh, you’ve really done it this time, doll face. In case you haven’t noticed there’s no version of this where you will be getting away from me alive. If you’re not happy with me, you won’t be happy be with anyone and there’s nothing your rich pretty boy fiancé can do about it” Dutch whispered menacingly in her ear, Veda shuddered swallowing thickly as she felt Dutch backing them outside, she could see Larry cautiously approaching them out of the corner of her eye. The intense glare he was giving Dutch caught her by surprise because she had never seen Larry look anything less than warm and fatherly before. Now he looked so brooding, so incredibly formidable as he stalked towards Dutch like a lion stalks prey, he let his grey, fatherly eyes soften for a moment as they settled on her trembling form. Veda relaxed a bit under his protective gaze, for a moment she thought she might live to see another day.

“It’s okay little one, Mr. Silver will be here any second now” Larry said with a warm reassuring smile, Veda stared back at him with big teary brown eyes reaching out to him with trembling arms like a child reaches out to a parent when they want to be held. Larry reached an arm out to her but let it fall limp at his side when Veda let out a pained yelp as she felt Dutch yank her roughly by the hair again. The action stood in stark contrast to the gentle soothing passes Terry’s tender fingers always made through her thick hair. Veda inhaled sharply as she felt Lilith’s blade dig into her pregnable neck leaving a small crimson stream in her wake.

Larry’s grey eyes hardened settling on Dutch in the form of a menacing steely eyed glare that had Veda questioning everything, she thought she knew about him. She knew he sometimes helped Terry with violent matters, she naturally assumed he was merely the getaway driver and didn’t actually partake in any of the fighting. Veda caught a glimpse of a tattoo on Larry’s flexed forearm when he finished rolling up his sleeves like some big bad mob boss, she couldn’t help but stare at him in awe as he closed in on them. Unlike Dutch his steely grey eyes weren’t wild and ferocious instead they were controlled, wise, and calculated as they glowered at Dutch in the bright lobby lighting.

“If you don’t get that knife away from that little girl’s neck right now son, so help me I will pop you one and you won’t live to tell the tale about it” Larry said coolly, taking another intimidating step towards them. Veda felt Dutch tense a bit behind her, the last time she had seen him tense up in such a way was when Mr. Miyagi sought him out after picking her up from the hospital. It was the first time she ever saw Dutch look genuinely afraid and she found herself fighting the urge to crane her neck to relish in seeing it a second time.

“Take a shot at me, mustache, I dare you. I’ll slit her pretty little neck before you even take one more elderly step this way” Dutch said in a way that made Veda realize he was trying to sound more confident than he actually was. Larry’s threat was enough to make Dutch remove Lilith’s minatory blade from her neck, but he settled for clamping one of his rough clammy hands around her throat again firmly. Veda whimpered as Dutch planted another sickening kiss on Lilith’s fresh nick before slowly back walking her out of the building. Larry took several steps forward but stopped when Dutch tightened his hand around her neck hard enough to have Veda struggling to breath as she feebly tried to pry his wicked hand off her. If she got out of the way at least the security guard could get a clear shot at him, Dutch snarled in her ear gradually tightening his grasp around her throat as she flayed in his hold.

“Stop moving now or the old man gets it and we both know he’s no Mr. Miyagi don’t we doll face. You’re really forcing my hand here, my promise to not let Lilith have her way with you will now only be off the table if you lay down and take this cock the way you were made to. I may not have been the first to enter you, honey, but I’ll definitely be the last. Say your goodbyes to mustache here” Dutch taunted, only letting up on his hold on her throat when her face started to turn purple. Veda wheezed trying to get some air back in her burning lungs, she could vaguely feel Dutch roughly groping one of her breasts with his free hand as he dragged her away from the building.

“One step old man that’s all it’ll take. Tell your boss to come say his final goodbyes, huh.” Dutch cackled.

Veda felt the blood drain from her face as she gazed back at Larry with wide fearful eyes, any reaming fight she had left in her seemed to evaporate into thin air and she felt herself detach from her body for a moment. Everything there after felt like being stuck in one of her nightmares, unable to run or utter a single sound while Dutch is dragging her somewhere to rape and kill her for daring to not want him. None of the steps Dutch took down the long winding sidewalk felt real. Veda felt like she was looking down at herself from above as Dutch forced her into the Cadillac and took a moment to run his leachy hands all over her body. She knew he was being rough as he tried to feel her heat through her sheer tights, but Veda couldn’t quite feel what he was doing to her at the moment.

“Some one still doesn’t know how to obey I see” Dutch snarled, back handing her across her recently healed left cheek with enough force to make her head crash against the glove box. Veda snapped out of her episode with a wail, clutching her cheek in both pain and despair as Dutch slammed the Cadillac door shut and rounded to the driver’s side to start up the car. Veda watched a now blurry, group of people flood out of the Majestic Hollywood’s doors with multiple cries of her name the loudest cry emitting from a very frantic Terry Silver flying towards the car.  Veda sobbed staring at Terry longingly through the window as Dutch purposely revved the engine and let Terry approach the car with a sinister smirk plastered across his face.

“Take a good look, honey because this is the last time, you’ll ever see that rich pretty boy face of his. I can’t believe you let that giant inside that tight little pussy of yours, how loose are you now, huh” Dutch sneered, eyeing Terry’s strong build jealously as he pounded on the car window. Veda ignored him staring up at Terry with hopeful brown eyes, she could tell Terry heard what Dutch had said based on the intensity of his bangs on the window.

“Terry, help me” Veda sobbed, desperately trying to unlock her car door but had no success and settled for pounding her small fists against the glass that was keeping her from launching herself into Terry’s comforting arms. Veda ignored all of Dutch’s amused cackles from behind her as she pushed her face up against the glass sobbing uncontrollably. Terry’s eyes softened as the sound of police sirens added to the building tension.

“Hold on, baby girl. I don’t want to hurt you with the glass” Terry said, running his finger down the passenger window the same way he usually ran it down her cheek maintaining her gaze as Larry wordlessly smashed in the driver’s side window.

“I warned you son” Larry barked, smashing Dutch’s head against the steering wheel with a shocking amount of force. Dutch snarled throwing the car into drive and stepping on the accelerator, Veda yelped falling back into Dutch’s glass covered lap with a thud. Veda wailed as she heard Terry’s panicked screams and cries dying down with the sirens in the distance. Veda continued to sob with repeated panicked cries of Terry’s name pouring out of her mouth like rain falls from the sky during a summer thunderstorm.

“You really thought your fiancé was going to be your knight in shining armor didn’t you, why don’t you put that pretty little mouth to work while you’re down there, huh. Seen as how fucking you is going to feel like walking into a cave now” Dutch snarled, fisting her hair, and shoving her face into his glass riddled lap, she hissed in between sobs as she felt a shard of glass slice through her forehead. Dutch cackled darkly finally shoving her back into the passenger’s seat with a wicked smile on his face.

“Still not following directions I see. That’s alright, doll face, that’ll change real soon” Dutch said darkly, Veda glowered at him with a tear-stained face and a thick river of crimson streaming down her freshly re-bruised cheek. She bore into him with calculating eyes as he turned down too many streets and alleys for her to keep track of where they were or where they were going. Dutch met her gaze, chuckling darkly at the challenging eyebrow, she raised at him in the soft glow of the rapidly passing streetlamps.  Veda, but she didn’t let up on her harsh gaze because she could tell Dutch was getting uncomfortable, she watched him shift in his seat and focus his black eyes back on the road.

“Shit” Dutch hissed, shaking the glass from broken window off the arm of his nice little Gorgio Armani suit blazer, Veda couldn’t help the scowl that crossed her face at him having the audacity to wear a suit Terry could only wear, she wished she could rip it off his body. Veda really wished she could chew him out, but she knew that wouldn’t be a good idea with the present circumstances. She could still see Lilith’s iridescent handle peeking out of his right pocket, Veda wondered if she could swipe it without him noticing but to do that she’d have to get close to him and the thought of getting any closer to him than she was right now was absolutely revolting.

“Staring at me with those big brown puppy eyes won’t change what’s happening tonight, doll face. I’m taking what I’m owed even if your pussy is all used up now you’ve got another little hole I can use. Now drink this” Dutch taunted, holding up an already opened bottle of orange soda with a sinister smirk still plastered on his face. Veda gulped as he shoved the promised laced bottle of soda towards her with a wicked smirk plastered across his vile face, drinking this would definitely screw up any prospect of an escape plan. Veda shook her head scooting as far away from him and the debilitating concoction as she could. Dutch leered at her with dark eyes and the same wicked smirk spread across his face.

“You’re either going to drink some of it willingly or I’ll force the whole thing down your throat take your pick, honey. But the second option definitely ends with your pretty little body dead in a ditch” he said flatly, Veda held back tears as she reluctantly took the bottle from him with trembling hands, she brought it up to her lips but couldn’t bring herself to drink it. If she drank it Dutch could quite easily keep her drugged up and submissive to him for the rest of her life. That seemed to be what he was really aiming for he’d rather sentence her to a life of eternal suffering without Terry, than give her the mercy of being free from him whether it be dead or alive. If he by chance did let her get away the odds of remembering what he did to her tonight would be slim but he’d of still had his way with her by then and Veda couldn’t decide which one was worse.

“Should we see what Lilith thinks you should do” he barked, Veda whimpered taking a large gulp of the slightly salty soda with fresh tears streaming down her face. Dutch reached over to pet her hair with depraved hands in some mock attempt to soothe her as he urged her to take another gulp of the noxious drink before taking it calmly out of her trembling grasp. Veda glowered at him in the dim glow of the passing streetlamps. Lilith appeared to be her only hope of escape right now, it would be oddly poetic if she subdued him with the blade he bought in her honor.

“There you go, doll face, that wasn’t so bad was it. You’ll feel nice and relaxed in no time but there’s no reason I can’t have a little fun while we’re waiting, huh. I’ve got to see how much damage you’ve done to my little toy here before I can pick a fitting punishment” Dutch sneered, pawing at Veda’s sheer tights as he turned the car down a secluded park trail. Veda felt her stomach churn as Dutch put the car in park and killed the engine, his wild eyes glinted in the eerie glow of the lone streetlamp in front of the car, they observed the vacant park with a sickening hint of sinister glee. Veda could make out Dutch’s maroon Chevy Monte Carlo a little further down the trial, he had clearly been meticulously planning this out for quite a while. At least the car change presented Veda with a better opportunity to make a break for it if she did manage to slip Lilith from his wicked clutches, but she didn’t know how she was going to stomach what Dutch had planned to do to her until then. Once whatever poison he gave her finally kicked in, she was sure making her way by foot through the streets of Downtown Los Angeles was going to be difficult but any prospect of getting back to her sweet Terry was worth the hardship. Dutch’s wild eyes settled back on her in the form of a pervy, lecherous gaze that made her skin crawl. Dutch smirked, slowly pulling Lilith’s shimmery hilt out of his pocket and pushed her sliver button gently. Veda whimpered watching her long gleaming silver blade spring out with a soft click, spearing any hope Veda had of swiping her as she twirled in Dutch’s dark hands.

“Alright, honey, it’s time to assess the damage done to my property. Now, you can either lay on the back seat willingly or Lilith and I will give you a little push, what’s it gonna be, doll face.” Dutch purred fisting her black hair in one of his rough hands so he could bury his rotten nose in it, inhaling the scent like a depraved animal.

 “I’m still a virgin” Veda whimpered, hoping the confession would deter some of Dutch’s unadulterated wishes to ravish and destroy her for a moment but she instantly regretted it as Dutch’s lewd eyes roamed over her body with a newfound sickening desire to deflower her. Dutch loosened his hold on her black locks and run his hand down her bloody bruised cheek and shoulder petting her with a lascivious glint in his almost black eyes.

“Are you lying to me, doll face” Dutch purred in her ear, running a rough hand over her breasts with wild lecherous eyes that gleamed at her in the glow of the streetlamp the same way an animals eyes glint in the darkness. Veda shook her head still feeling incredibly nauseated as she forced herself to stare at him with innocent brown eyes.

“No” she said meekly, wishing she could pry his filthy hands off of her, but he was still clutching Lilith’s iridescent hilt in his left hand, and she already knew he wouldn’t hesitate to slice her with her sinister blade because he had done it before.

“I want to believe you, doll face, you know I don’t like hurting you. Let’s get you back there so I can inspect you and judge for myself, hmm” Dutch coaxed eerily, shrugging his blazer off his shoulders he laid it on the backseat, still playacting the role of the gentleman. Veda shuddered as he placed an imitation of a sweet kiss on her bruised cheek before clambering to the backseat. Dutch leered at her with dark eyes, beckoning her with Lilith’s glinting blade wordlessly gripping her soft flesh with rough hand. Veda had to hold back a sob as the harsh reality of the situation finally solidified in her mind it wouldn’t be long until the drugs finally sunk their teeth in her and she knew he wouldn’t be transferring her to his car unless she let him do this to her. So, Veda threw a shaky leg over the arm rest once again feeling herself detach from her body as Dutch forced her sit on the seat neck to him and planted another filthy sham of a tender kiss on her cheek with hungry brown eyes.

Veda sat unmoving as Dutch roughly captured her in a kiss when his odious chapped lips touched hers, she swore she felt a part of her die. Veda kept her eyes wide open and didn’t move her head as he assaulted her mouth because if she didn’t move it didn’t feel like kissing him back. Silent tears poured from her eyes as she thought of Terry and all the soft tender kisses, he gave her. He would never kiss her this aggressively, he would never touch her like this, he would never treat her like this. Dutch broke the vile kiss with a devilish smile on his face, he trailed a sham of a tender finger down her bloody and bruised cheek like he hadn’t been the one who put them there.

“Alright, time for me to see if lied to me, doll face. Ready?” Dutch purred, forcing her to lay on top of his blazer he eagerly slid a rough hand up the length of her legs and under her dress with Lilith’s blade still glinting at her menacingly. Veda let a sob escape her trembling lips, squirming uncomfortably her stomach churned as his predatory hand savagely shoved her cocktail dress up to her waist.

“No, please stop” Veda cried, her fight response seemed to finally kick in as she clawed the hand roaming over her stomach, aggressively. Dutch chortled darkly, watching her claw and kick at him with amused dark eyes before swopping in to hit her savagely across the face again. Veda hissed feeling blood start to flow from her right nostril and trail down the length of her cheek, she brought her knees up to her chest in an attempt to shield herself from his devious fingers. Dutch leered at her coiled form with dark sinister eyes as he tangled a rough hand in her black hair once more.

“This is a losing battle, honey. Straighten out now” Dutch hissed, forcefully prying her legs open with a sinister smile on his face. Veda sobbed still flailing her legs around in a desperate attempt to hinder his mission to deflower her in the backseat of Tommy’s dad’s Cadillac.

“Hold still now, or she’ll leave another stream on your pretty little thigh” Dutch taunted, pressing the glinting blade into the thin fabric of her sheer tights slashing through them in one sweep before giving her lacy panties the same vicious treatment. The only sounds filling the car were Veda’s desperate sobs, whimpers and protests as Dutch leered at the folds she had only reserved for Terry’s loving eyes.  Dutch looked up at her with a wolfish grin, pressing the blade into the delicate flesh of her toned stomach as a sinister reminder not to fight. He ignored her sobs and squirms, ravishing and violating her heat with rough tugs, pulls, stretches, and repeated painful dips into her taut dry nonconsenting entrance. Veda whimpered, struggling against him with hot tears rolling down her cheeks and soft cries of pain escaping her lips, her obvious discontentment with his rough molestation only seemed to spur him on.

“You didn’t lie to me, doll face and for that I’m going to give you a little reward before we really get started” Dutch said, roughly using a finger to toy with her puckered anus before trailing his filthy tongue from her clit to her still taut entrance. Veda trembled, still sobbing uncontrollably as Dutch let out a depraved moan and he forced three aggressive fingers inside of her nonconsenting entrance. Veda let out an agonized wail as he painfully pumped his burning fingers inside of her, it never hurt like this when Terry touched her. Veda feebly tried lurching away from him, but Dutch dug the blade into the flesh of her stomach in warning.

“Please, stop, you’re hurting me” Veda pleaded between dry heaves as she desperately tried to clamp her thighs together. Dutch rolled his dark eyes at her in his true crude form.

“Relax, doll face, just relax. You’re fine” he said indifferently, placing his filthy tongue back on her clit once more. Veda sobbed softly as he repeatedly pumped his harsh fingers inside of her, painfully stretching her out in a way Terry would never. Veda wasn’t sure what came over her, but she found the strength to tangle her fingers in Dutch’s grotesque bleach blonde hair and grip Lilith’s conniving blade in her other hand. She didn’t care that she could have severed a finger as she tore the wicked blade from his retched hand and ripped a golf ball sized chunk of hair from his vile head. The same way he came raging into her perfect little world like a tornado to rip her apart, to rip her away from Terry, to uproot her life. Dutch snarled, lurching away from her and toppling onto the carpeted car floor with a soft thud as he silently seethed at her.

“Stay back” Veda cried, her body still trembling as she held the long blade in front of her ready to strike if she had to. Dutch let out an annoyed sigh as he bore into her with blackened brown eyes clutching his head with a slightly pained expression.

“Let me out, now” Veda said firmly, Dutch chuckled darkly surveying her with deeply amused eyes in the soft glow of the streetlamp. He looked deeply satisfied to see her crimson stream stain the hilt of the blade he brought here just for her.

“Not until you give me what I want, doll face. I see you want to do this the hard way, so, let’s do it the hard way” Dutch taunted, pouncing on her like a deranged hyena he tried to wrestle the blade out her hand as he fisted her dark hair. Veda screeched, fighting back against him with everything she had, flailing around on the backseat, slashing at him with the blade, and kicking at him like her depended on it.

“Give me that” he growled, twisting her arm behind her back he pried the iridescent hilt from her bloody fingers with a sicken smile. Veda hissed in pain with her bruised cheek pressed up against the leather seat, Dutch gave her arm another painful twist just for fun.

 “Look at what you did to your pretty little fingers now, honey” he taunted darkly, Dutch chuckled as he yanked her up by the hair boring into her with sinister eyes as he ran his tongue across the fresh cuts with a depraved moan. Veda felt her stomach churn disgust, trying to free herself from his vice as she felt his hard cock prod the small of her back. Dutch cocked his head at her with an amused glint in his eyes.

“Is that it now, doll. That GHB should be kicking in any second now and I still need to use one of these little holes of yours. After this ridiculous outburst of yours, you, and I both know which one it’s going to be now don’t we” he snarled, shoving her head back down against the car seat roughly. Veda felt the color drain from her face as Dutch roughly spread her legs apart and toyed with her taut anus once more, he dug a boney elbow into her back to keep her from lurching forward. Veda felt a long string of his disgusting spit drip onto her hole, but she couldn’t bring herself to do anything but cry hysterically, completely petrified as his tip pushed against her puckered hole.

“Shit” Dutch hissed, suddenly lifting his weight off of her as he clambered back up to the front seat. Veda let out a relieved sigh, but sobs still racked thorough her shaky body as she sat back up to see what had made him stop his assault so suddenly. Not that she wasn’t grateful to or for whatever it was that helped her hold onto her purity for a little longer. Veda could see the glow of red and blue flashing lights flood through the windows of the Cadillac and she felt her heart leap with a newfound hope. As she watched Dutch frantically gather everything from the front seat and dump the orange carbonated poison out the broken window like that was really going to make a difference if the cops found her beaten in his backseat. Veda repressed a scoff as she pulled her cocktail dress over her mangled tights and sore heat gingerly before looking for her devilish, yet very expensive black heels on the carpeted car floor. She found them awkwardly shoved under the passengers along with a sleek jet-black stun gun, Veda silently thanked a bazillion people before picking the gun up gingerly and shoving it in one of her heels discreetly.

“Don’t get too excited there, honey. We’re just moving to the other car” Dutch said cooly, but Veda could see a wild hint of panic in his crazed eyes before he unlocked the door.

“Do I need to repeat my directions from the elevator, or do you think you can actually manage this time” Dutch taunted, glaring down at her from the driver’s seat with seething eyes as if this whole situation was all her fault somehow. Veda resisted the urge to snap at him just yet as she innocently nodded her head and batted her eyelashes at him, she could playact the role of the innocent maiden better than he could playact the role of a gentleman. Dutch gazed at her suspiciously for a moment.

“If you try to run, you’re dead, understand. You come out this door and you wait for me to get out first” he said roughly, pointing to the back passenger’s door on the driver’s side with wild eyes. Veda nodded again gripping the handle, she at least tried not to look too eager as she saw all the patrols going up and down the main street slowly. Dutch threw his door open and quickly scrambled out onto the park trail, his wild eyes were still glued on the patrol.

“Come on, hurry up” Dutch hissed impatiently, looking around the park anxiously. Veda pointedly took her sweet time opening up the door and she had to repress a smirk as she finally stepped out onto the slightly wet pavement because seeing him be the one suffering for once was deeply gratifying. Veda closed the car door gently, feeling the water on the ground seep through the soles of her tattered tights as she stood observing their surroundings for a moment. She was relieved to see they were somewhere in Downtown LA; she settled her eyes on Dutch’s still unmoving form as one of the patrol cars came to a halt across the street.

“Let’s go, now” Dutch said, giving her a harsh shove towards his Chevy Monte Carlo with a crazed look in his eyes as the patrol car turned on its harsh spotlight. Veda gripped the stun gun in her bloody hand but let Dutch pull her along for a bit, patiently waiting for the right time to strike. Veda slowed her steps a bit as they neared the Chevy, trying to pinpoint what the best exit route would be she doubted Dutch would follow her towards the patrols, but she knew he'd do whatever it took to keep her from getting there. Dutch unlocked the car door, frantically throwing the stuff in his hand on the backseat. Veda decided she really had nothing else to lose, she took advantage of his mild distraction and hurriedly veered off towards the park still gripping the gun and her heels in her small hands firmly as she neared the concrete steps. Veda jumped, feeling her adrenaline surge through her veins in anticipation when Dutch slammed the car door shut behind her with an ominous thud.

“Hey!” Dutch barked; she could hear him flying after her with a shocking amount of speed, his heavy footsteps reverberated off the cool concrete in eerie thumps like a baleful melody. Veda bounded down the first flight of concrete stairs as fast as her aching legs would carry, she was hoping to at least make it to the clearing so at least one of the patrol cars would see them if she wasn’t able to successfully subdue him. Veda’s frantic pitter-patters on the cool concrete were suspended when she felt Dutch seize her upper arm with a vicious hand, impelling her back into his barbarous clutches with a deranged snarl.

“You little bitch, what the hell did I just say” Dutch seethed clasping her throat with deranged wild eyes until she was gasping for air. Veda could tell by the determined look in his dark eyes he had every intention to strangle her and leave her for dead right under the cop’s noses and she wasn’t about to let it happen. Veda threw her expensive heels to the ground and aggressively imbedded the stun guns cobra like prongs into the flesh of Dutch’s strangling arm, pushing the button more times than necessary. Dutch let out a pained growl, recoiling his murderous hand from her neck immediately, stumbling back on to the cool pavement with a thud. Veda wished she could take a minute to relish in his just karma but knew Dutch wouldn’t take long to recover from the blow so, she bolted towards the second flight of steps in determination. She wasn’t going to die tonight and certainly not at Dutch’s hand, she was going to get out of here, she was going to get back to Terry because she had to.

“Where do you think you’re going, huh. I told you, if you’re not going to be happy with me, you’re not going to be happy with anyone.” Dutch snarled after his quick recovery, he flew towards Veda like a rabid animal, resolving to give her a violent shove down the second flight of concrete stairs. Veda yelped in both surprise and fear, she instinctively stuck out her left arm to brace herself as she went flying and landed on the cool harsh pavement with a loud thud, a sickening crack, and a loud pop. Veda let out her second Banshee shriek of the night coiling into herself on the damp ground as an excruciating, searing pain radiated through her entire arm.

“Aw, honey did you hurt yourself again?” Dutch taunted, strutting down the flight of stairs nonchalantly so he could watch her thrashing on the ground in agony up close. Veda clutched her mangled left arm with fresh tears streaming down her battered face for the hundredth time tonight. She glared up at Dutch still shrieking like a wounded animal, Dutch leered down at her with a sinister smile reaching out to pet her hair with a mock look of pity in his dark eyes. Veda lurched away from him angrily, momentarily letting go of her mangled arm to snatch up the sleek stun gun that slid out of her grasp during her violent fall. She pounced on him viciously, Dutch laid under her dumbfounded as she hammered the guns cobra-like prongs into as many parts of his vile flesh as she could.

“You and Lilith might want to turn yourselves in before my fiancé finds you” Veda said breathlessly, she watched Dutch thrash around on the cool pavement for a moment with emotionless brown eyes. Veda thought she’d at least feel happy watching him suffer like this but now she just found herself longing to be with Terry. Veda shakily crawled off a still angry thrashing Dutch, cradling her throbbing mangled arm in her bloody hand she hobbled down the remaining concrete steps, phlegmatic and dazed. Veda could tell the GHB laced orange soda he gave her was finally starting to sink its poisonous teeth into her and she didn’t want to be anywhere near Dutch when it finally got her. Veda ignored all of Dutch’s raging profanities and insults, staggering through the lush green clearing too focused on getting back to Terry to acknowledge the police sirens and the arrest being made behind her.

“Dutch Howard, put your hands where I can see them, where’s Veda LaRusso, what did you do to her.”

Veda clutched her arm wandering into the LA night in a haze of confusion, paranoia, and hopeless longing.  In a maze of dancing buildings, dodging concerned good Samaritans and lecherous pervs she called out Terry’s name at everything she passed. Hoping he would magically appear before her and rescue her, she didn’t know where she was, but she knew she wanted him right now, she knew needed him right now. Veda cried out his name repeatedly as she threw a rock at a window and hobbled through its jagged frame, hoping who she was looking for was on the other side.

#terry silver #terry silver smut #thomas ian griffith #terry silver x oc #enemies to lovers #eventual smut #karate kid

[cantquitu]

Why do you think Harry ended up being closer to Ed than Louis did? I'm thinking about James Corden too. He started as Louis's friend and he introduced Harry. I think there were others too

Well, why do any two people become closer friends? There are countless reasons and we can't possibly know them all. But from what we do know from their interviews etc it seems clear to me that Harry was far more present and invested in building friendships in London than Louis was. Meanwhile, Louis was invested in his new relationship with Eleanor (and her new friends), and maintaining his friends group from Doncaster.

And this is not specifically directed at you, Anon, but let me go off on a tangential thread about how conspiracy theorising in this fandom skews discussion of things like Louis' and Harry's friendships. Because the Larrie conspiracy theory colours everything.

You have the tinhat hate bloggers saying dumb shit like, "Harry targeted rich and influential people from the very beginning because he is ruthlessly ambitious and only cares about money and fame blah blah blah", and the just plain nasty hate bloggers saying, "Nobody successful wants to be friends with Louis because he's a dull chav who's of no interest or benefit to them blah blah...". And then you have the OG-style Larries saying, "Well actually, Ed and James and Adele ARE friends with both Louis and Harry because they're a couple, they're just very discreet about it because Reasons"

Meanwhile, the truth is probably way more mundane than any of that. And it almost certainly conforms more to the (limited) info that we fans have been privy to.

I would guess that Harry and Louis' friendships were shaped by personality, age, priorities, personal circumstances etc....same as it is for Normals.

Harry's friendships with people like Ed, James, Grimmy, Ben etc all started forming in 2011 when he was 17 and living in London, away from his family and childhood friends (who were still at school! Because they were 17!!) I don't think it's a coincidence that these new friendships really took off when Louis started dating Eleanor in September 2011. But of course all the conspiracy theorists can't accept that Louis was actually besotted by Eleanor, so this is dismissed as a key factor.

Until then, Harry and Louis had a super intense new friendship. They were touring with the X Factor tour, going to Sweden to record their album, they'd moved into their shared flat, they were going to gigs and music festivals and meeting new people together etc.

Louis met Eleanor at exactly the same time as 1D launched. From then on, all the 1D boys were constantly travelling and working. They had hardly any time off at all, and it's clear that Louis prioritised spending as much of that free time as possible with Eleanor. He went to visit her at Manchester Uni or they were hanging out in London.

Harry was single, wasn't an adult yet, and totally unmoored from his old life. All his old friends were living at home with their parents and going to school every day. He spent about 90% of his life, 24/7, with the four other 1D members and their team. When they weren't working, what was Harry going to do - sit on his ass? Zayn and Liam had their best friends living with them. Niall's mum was living with him. Louis had Eleanor and his mates back home who were all at uni or starting work.

Harry was on his own! It's not exactly like he could call one of his mates from Holmes Chapel and say, "Come down to London and we'll go out on the piss!" They were probably doing homework!

Louis' friends were in a totally different stage in their lives. All age 19 or 20, they had the freedom and autonomy that a schoolkid doesn't have. Although their lives were completely different to Louis', they could at least join in on some of the madness. Louis' first years in 1D coincided with his friends' uni years, and I think that really contributed to them maintaining the strong bond which is so important to Louis. Harry's schoolfriends' lives were unimaginably different to his. Like, for H&L's New Year's party in 2011, Louis got a bus-load of mates down from Doncaster. Harry had some childhood friends there too, but think about it - they would would have had to ask their mums for permission to go :)

So it's no surprise that Harry built a friendship group around him in London. Many artists who become successful young do not manage to do this and have spoken about how isolated and alone they were when away from the screaming and the stage. It seems to me that Harry is lucky to have the type of personality that enabled him to build friendships easily. It appears he was extremely proactive in doing so. Ed has said Harry would text him and ask did he want to hang out, Grimmy said the same, Dermot O'Leary did too. It's clear that Harry was invested in those relationships, that he put time and effort into them, and that's how those friendships grow. Louis had other priorities - he was in a brand new relationship with his girlfriend whom he adored. It's the most basic story in the book, but it's one that tinhats don't like to think about.

#ok where did THAT come from!! lol that was an essay sorry #louis tomlinson #harry styles #1D friendships