#ok I’m fully distracted I gotta go bye

[cerealmonster15]

listen people can have their differing opinions that’s cool I just Personally Feel Like it’s just so mean to be yelling that feedback such as likes on posts and a kudos on fics are “useless”. What do u mean. Why. are ppl not expressing their feelings in a way that makes them comfortable ? ?

Like I Understand i guess in the sense of you don’t get to hear peoples opinions. I also feel kinda lonely and stuff when it’s quiet feedback but calling anything useless sounds so WEIRD to me ??? What is the goal. And also yea they do something still I’m pretty sure????

Take ao3. Isn’t sort by kudos an option on there? If your goal is to be seen more or whatever then if people are looking for high kudos fics, then people giving ur fic a kudos isn’t useless yeah??

And then tumblr. People keep saying “likes do nothing here there’s no algorithm” or whatever but that’s not really fully true. On your standard dashboard, sure, likes “don’t do anything” to move a post around on there. BUT that’s not the only place people find posts. If u are looking in the tags for posts, im p sure the default is to sort by popular posts. That’s, as far as I understand, a TOTAL NOTES count. Likes are included. Likes help ur posts her higher in that “popular” zone. I have several posts that have ended up in there in some small ship tags BECAUSE of all the likes, which does still have people seeing those posts now and then when they’re in the tag.

AND I’m pretty sure it’s a similar mechanic for the for you page. I’m sure we think people don’t use that feature but I’m pretty sure people do/ maybe new users. This is more of a theory on my part lol buttttt. I’ve noticed a few rare times where I’ve made an addition to a reblog on someone else’s post, there will be a stretch of time sometimes where random people that Do Not Follow Me keep liking/reblogging the post via my addition. WAY more times for it to just be a stray person wanting it from my addition without comments under (and I don’t think people do that when they’re only liking the post lol). And the few times I’ve accidentally had my for you tab on, I believe it does show via other people’s reblogs lol. So that’s just my way of saying total note count INCLUDING LIKES probably does put posts in peoples eyes on the for you tab / my experience tells me people do use that feature so it’s not just sitting there dusty lol.

Anyway I like mostly understand why people want reblogs and comments, like I do prefer them too bc I like when people tell me what they r thinking (however sometimes people do not add their thoughts in the tags either and that is just how it is!). And I also understand some people maybe just don’t know that others like that kind of feedback and need to hear it first to feel encouraged. I think I just personally do not like the tone that a lot of posts have when they talk about it. When ur calling likes useless bc idk it’s not the right kind of feedback u wanted so it’s inferior ?? 😭😭😭 I also feel like that intense vibe like, idk if this makes sense or if other people felt it too, but it negatively shifted my own perception too? Like. I thought likes were fine. But now with how intense people are about them and not meant if likes bc they just don’t count in ur eyes, now when people like instead of reblogging, I just think of all those posts and I’m like “hmm ok is my post bad did I make a bad post bc everyone says the likes aren’t good so if I’m getting likes I made A Bad Post. It’s Pity Feedback” <- which is SO unhealthy and also tbh has a lot more to do with my own issues that are just getting influenced here so it’s not all on those posts lol. I just Also Have Extra Issues 🫡

Ok jeeze I don’t wanna sound soap boxy tho so I’m NOT letting people rb this aJsndjfcjfjfjcjfj and ppl can absolutely have different feelings and opinions about the situation it’s fine. this is just. how I feel ✌️

#I don’t wanna invalidate how ppl feel about it #and I hope ppl won’t invalidate how I feel either lol … #it just makes me SAAAAAAD it bums me out #I dont wanna feel like it’s all a numbers game #I just wanna share sillies :( #IT JUST FEELS HARSH!!!!! #sometimes I like a post so I can reblog later with tags #but I don’t always remember to do it #and then I’ll see a post that’s like #YOU HAVE TO REBLOG DONT LIKE AND RUN #and then I’m like well. I was gonna like and come back #but o don’t want u to get mad at me #but I don’t have time to add tags rn #so I guess I will just not interact at all ???? #it’s way too stressful. why are there RULES 😭😭😭😭 #and this is all coming from someone who reblogs and comments like mad. I go crazy #I am not a likes and kudos only person lol #but. it is in defense of them. don’t we all share our love differently #is that a crime 😭😭😭😭 #ok I’m fully distracted I gotta go bye

[wiypt-writes]

Riding High

Ch21: The Truth ‘Bill’ Out…

Chapter Summary: Fliss and Frank both struggle to deal with the aftermath of their break up.

 Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words.

 Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

 A/N: Ok, I’m sorry I upset you with the last chapter… 

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding High Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 20

Take a shot in the rain, one for the pain, and listen up

Frank woke the next morning fully clothed on the sofa. Squinting, he groaned at the pain in his head, scrambling to find his phone. As he swiped it to cancel his alarm, his thumb paused as he glanced at the photo of Fliss and Mary on the screen. Swallowing he turned the screen off, tossed his phone onto the table and pushed himself up, trudging to the shower. 

He had spent most of the night drinking the expensive scotch his mother had bought him, trying to understand what had happened. He had tried to call Fliss, messaged her but her response had been a single text telling him she was sorry and requesting that he respect her decision. The worst thing had been trying to explain to Mary. Frank didn't believe in lying to her, certainly not if he could help it, but he had completely chickened out and told her that Fliss had some paperwork to do and would be staying at the annex for the night. Mart had accepted this, and it had bought him enough time to figure out what the fuck he was going to say. 

He stumbled into the shower and then decided that the state his head was in he wasn't going to function in work. So once he was dried and had awoken Mary, he called his supervisor and said he had a migraine so wouldn't be in. He then made Mary a sandwich and then once she was packed off on the bus he turned and headed back home. 

Once in the living room he looked around. It was littered with reminders of her. Photos, a hoody draped over the back of the chair, those fucking scatter cushions on the sofa. It was screaming at Frank to get rid if it all, but he couldn't. Not yet. He was still clinging to something desperate hope that she would come back, explaining what had happened and they'd work through it. 

And then there was a knock at the door. He paused for a moment, before it opened and a familiar voice called his name.

"Frank? Son?"

He turned to face Bill as he walked through the door.

"She sent you for her stuff?" Frank asked and Bill eyed him for a moment before he shook his head.

"No. She hasn't. And, well even if she asked me to come get it I wouldn't...this is her mess, not mine."

Frank looked at him for a moment before he shrugged and headed into the kitchen grabbing the coffee from the cupboard.

"So what are you here for, Bill?"

"Honestly?" Bill raised his eyebrows, "to see how you were..."

"Fucking marvellous." Frank said, slamming the cupboard shut. "M’girlfriend's left me, giving me no reason, I'm hungover to shit and at some point today I gotta figure out what I tell Mary."

 He leaned back against the kitchen counter and pinched his nose before he scrubbed his hand down his face.

"How is she?" Frank looked at Bill. Bill sighed and shook his head.

"Hardly said a word since she came home yesterday evening." Bill shrugged. "Other than to tell she had ended things with you, that it was her decision and she wasn't going into it."

"She didn’t go into it with me either so..." Frank snorted, shaking his head. "So if you've come to find out what’s going on I can't help you because I don’t know."

"No, honestly Frank...I meant it when I said I came to see how you were. V and I were worried..."

Frank was about to shoot some sarcastic response back but when he saw Bill's face was arranged with genuine concern he simply shrugged and looked down, shaking his head.

"I love her, Bill...and I thought things were going great. I just don't understand."

With a sigh Bill stepped forward and gripped Frank's shoulder.

"I'm really mad at her Frank." Bill sighed. "But I know she’s hurting too...don't give up on her. Not just yet."

Frank scratched at his head as Bill released his grip on his shoulder. "She made it quite clear she doesn’t want to see me or talk to me.”

"She doesn’t know what she wants" Bill shook his head. "All am asking is that you at least try to talk to her."

"I need time too, Bill." Frank sighed. "I'm angry and upset myself. I can't face her yet. It’s gonna be bad enough taking Mary up to see Monty..."

"I know." Bill nodded. “And if you ever want me to take Mary instead so you don’t have to, certainly for the time being, I'm happy to do so."

Frank nodded. “Thanks Bill."

"Well you know where to find me." Bill shrugged as he took a deep breath. “Look, you know me and Verity love you and Mary, we really do. Verity’s besides herself at the possibility you’re not gonna be in our lives again, and-“

He trailed off and Frank saw a flicker of worry flash across the older man's face.

"Bill..." Frank shook his head gently. "I'll not stop you and Verity seeing Mary. As long as you're happy to do so. I just, well I just don’t want it to be awkward for you and Fliss, meaning there's to be a point later where you leave her life too. She’s had enough turmoil over the last twelve months to last a lifetime ..."

"No I get that." Bill nodded. “And thanks Frank. You're a good man."

Frank nodded and Bill gave him another small smile before he turned and headed out.

 ***** Mary didn’t take the news brilliantly, as Frank had anticipated. She’d teared up and asked Frank why Fliss wanted to leave them, to which Frank had answered as honestly as he could, that he simply didn’t know but that it was nothing to do with her. And then she’d surprised him by saying, for the first time ever that she didn’t want to go to Roberta’s that night, but she wanted to stay with him. They ordered pizza and watched a film, huddled together on the sofa. She didn’t mention Fliss again other than to say she didn’t want to go for her riding lesson either the next day, instead saying she would go during the week. Out of courtesy more than anything Frank messaged Fliss to let her know. After an hour or so she replied simply to tell him that it was fine and she would make sure he was looked after.

Monday morning rolled around and Frank was glad of the distraction if he was honest, burying himself into his work. And during the day he was ok because his mind was busy but in the evening, after Mary had gone to bed and he himself was getting ready to hit the sack, he found himself simply staring at Fliss’s toothbrush and toiletries. Unable to look at them anymore he grabbed the various bottles of stuff belonging to her and placed them all in one of the wicker boxes held under the sink in the unit.

Tuesday evening he spent with Simon and Greg. Simon had heard from Bonnie what had happened when she had called Fliss. Simon informed Frank that Fliss had refused to talk to Bonnie about it and just asked the woman to leave it alone. They had a few beers, talked, it was a good distraction for a while but again once they left, Frank was alone with his thoughts and an aching in his chest.

And it wasn’t just his thoughts. It was the physical reminders. As well as the photos and cushions, there was the dog basket in the bedroom that belonged to Thor, when he decided to sleep on it and not Mary’s bed that is. Fliss’ favourite mug, the blue and gold shimmering wine glasses they’d bought at IKEA, her clothes in the fucking closet. Frank had no idea what he was supposed to do. Did he pack it up and take it to her, or wait for her to come and claim it?

Wednesday morning Mary told him she wanted to go and see Mary so Frank nodded. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. On the one hand he was happy he’d at least get to see Fliss, maybe they could have a reasonable conversation but on the other he knew seeing her was going to tear him in two. He also was a little worried how Mary was going to react. He called Fliss, and unsurprisingly she didn’t pick up. But she did call him back a little after lunch.

“Hi.” he said, a little nervously as he answered.

“HI.” she replied quietly “I err, I had a call so…”

“Oh, yeah, erm, Mary wants to come up and see Monty so I wanted to make sure it was ok.” “Of course its ok.” she said gently, “Frank, I’d never stop her coming up to see her pony.”

 “No I know that, I just…” Frank took a deep breath, “It doesn’t matter, we’ll see you later.” “Ok, erm, bye.” “Yeah, bye.”

He cut the call, his throat was dry and he felt like his heart was about to pound out through his chest. And that had been simply at the sound of her voice. It had been a week since he’d heard it and now it had knocked him for six. And suddenly he wasn’t looking forward to seeing her at all.

****** Fliss tossed her phone down and ran her hands over her face. She was tired. Since moving back into the annex she hadn’t been sleeping properly, having nightmares for the first time in almost a year. She wasn’t eating either and she was continually snapping at her parents too as they were crowding her she felt. Almost as much as when she had left Boston. She knew they were simply concerned, as was Bonnie but she just simply wanted to be left alone. She was hurting too, leaving Frank had killed her, it was the worst thing she had ever been through, worse than any beating John had inflicted on her.

She also knew at some point she was going to have to face him, go round and collect her stuff. Her mum and dad had made it quite clear they weren’t going to bail her out on that one, which was understandable she guessed. They were upset too, her dad especially as he was very close to Frank, and they both loved Mary as if she was their own grandchild.

It wasn’t just her own life or Frank’s she’d thrown into chaos, it was theirs too.

She wiped at her eyes, stood up and headed out into the late October sun, striding over to the paddock as she rolled her shoulder which was sore from the tumble out of bed she’d taken in the middle of the night. It was her dodgy shoulder, the one John had dislocated as part of one of his beatings, so she knew that was going to be troubling her for a good week or so now she’d jarred it again. But in some sick, twisted way she relished the pain. A physical manifesto of the agony she was feeling inside.

She had three clients that afternoon, so the time whizzed by and before she knew it it was half four and Mary would be arriving any second. She turned and headed into her office, trying to calm herself down, feeling her anxiety spiking. Thor, having sensed it, gently nuzzled his nose onto her lap as he always did and she sat for a quiet fifteen minutes simply breathing and stroking his soft head and ears, glad he was giving her something of a grounding. And then his ears pricked up as he caught the familiar sound of Frank’s truck and giving a low whine of excitement he shot off across the yard.

Taking a deep breath Fliss stood up and walked out of her office and saw Frank walking onto the main courtyard, Mary’s hand in his.

“HI…” Fliss greeted him a little tentatively, and he gave her a small smile, his eyes hidden behind his aviators.

“Hi.” he said gently.

“HI Mary.” Fliss looked at her and Mary glanced up, before she looked away.

“Hi.” she replied a little stiffly. Fliss swallowed and then took a deep breath.

“Do you want to ride today or…” “No.” Mary shook her head “Not with you.” “Mary.” Frank looked down at her “Remember what I said in the truck…”

Mary took a deep breath and looked down at her feet, her boots kicking at the slate gravel which covered the yard before she looked up at Fliss “I just want to do my jobs and brush him today.” “Okay, well, he’s in the pasture. Do you want me to come-“ “I’ll ask Joanna.” Mary said, as she let go of Frank’s hand.

“She’s in the back barn, tell her I sent you.” Mary didn’t reply, she simply headed off.

“She’s upset.” Frank explained as he watched her go. He turned to Fliss and shrugged “She’ll come round.”

Fliss gave him a small smile. “Do you want a drink or anything?”

“No, I’m good, thanks.” he shook his head “Think I’m gonna go with Stack, actually.” “Sure.” Fliss nodded, “I’ll be in the office. If she needs me or changes her mind about riding, just…” Frank gave her a tight smile again before he headed off.

Fliss watched him leave, claiming her hand over her mouth tightly before she pinched the bridge of her nose, screwing up her eyes to try and stem the tears which were threatening to come. Composing herself she turned and headed back into her office and started to busy herself with some lesson plans.

It was about forty minutes later when there was a knock at the door and Frank poked his head in.

“We’re gonna get off.” he said, “Do you want Monty back out or…”

“No, it’s fine.” she stood up “I’ll do it later once he’s been fed.” At that he nodded, turning to go.

“Is Mary ok?” Fliss asked and Frank stopped. He took a deep breath and turned to face her.

“What do you think?” Frank’s voice was a little harsher than it had been before and Fliss hung her head.

“Sorry. Can I talk to her.” “Be my guest.” he shrugged, turning once more to leave “Not sure it will do you much good.”

Fliss rose from her chair, her hands shaking a little as she headed out after him. Mary was packing her brushes back in the little box kept by Monty’s stable.

“Hey.” Fliss greeted her “Was he a good boy?” “He’s always a good boy.” Mary shrugged, standing up and stroking his nose.

“That’s true.” Fliss said, her hands slipping into the pockets of her breeches. “So, do you want to ride at weekend? We can try that jumping…”

"Why don't you love me or Frank anymore?" Mary cut her off, spinning to face her. Fliss felt her heart break even further as she looked at the little girl who was staring at her, her large eyes wide and wet with tears. "No, no Mary..." she crouched down and looked at the girl. "I do. I do love you, I love you so much, I just..." "You just don't love Frank anymore?" Fliss took a deep breath, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I'll always love Frank." "Then why did you leave our home?" Mary began to sob. "What did he do?" "Mary." Fliss shook her head "I just had to. I wish I could explain it better but I can't. You're too young to..." "Stop saying that!" Mary yelled and she spun round, pointing at Frank who had up until that point had been stood at the door to the barn, deliberately looking the other way. Hearing her outburst he turned in time to see Mary raise her hand towards him. "He keeps telling me that too, but I'm not stupid! Why do you both keep treating me like I am?" "Mary..." Frank said softly as he strode towards her. "Come on..." "I hate you.” Mary glared at Fliss who looked as though she has been physically slapped. Her head dropped and she looked down at the floor taking a deep breath. "Mary." Frank shook his head "Don’t say that." "I do." Mary's face was full of rage "She made you cry, she made me cry! She promised she would always be there and now she's not and..." "Okay." He said gently, crouching down in front of her, a meter or so away from Fliss. "I get that you're angry but be kind huh?” "Why should I?" Mary shook her head. "Because I'm asking ya to." Frank said softly. "I told you before on the way here that this..." he gestured with his hand between himself and Fliss, his eyes flicking to the woman's face as she wiped a tear from her cheek, “us breaking up...it doesn’t mean that Fliss doesn't care about you." "If she did she wouldn't be leaving me!" Mary blazed and at that point Frank shook his head. "It’s me she's leaving Stack, not you."

 Fliss took a deep breath and stood up, turning away, her hand covering her mouth. Frank glanced up at her before he turned to Mary.

"Go wait in the truck." He said to her gently "I won’t be be long"

Mary shot one last look at Fliss before she did as Frank had said and headed off out of the barn and disappeared out of sight.

"Sorry." Frank looked at Fliss as she turned to face him "She shouldn't have said that."

"It doesn't matter..." Fliss shook her head avoiding his gaze. "She’s every right to be angry. I have let her down."

"I think it might be best, certainly for the foreseeable if you take care of Monty." Frank kept his voice even and Fliss looked up at him, a mix of sadness and surprise on her face.

"But he is her pony..."

"Oh come on Fliss." He snorted and shook his head. “Surely you can't be that naive as to think that thinks could just carry on..."

"No but..."

"How can I bring her here if every time she comes she’s gonna react like that?" Frank ran his hand through his hair. “It's me that has to deal with the fall out and I'm struggling to deal with my own feelings at the moment"

 “Okay, if that’s what you want…” “No, I don’t want!” Frank shook his head. “I don’t want any of this, but you’ve made it perfectly clear you do and I’ll respect that. I just wish you respected me enough to tell me why.” “Frank, please…” “You left, with no explanation, other than it wasn’t working, but there’s more to it, I can see it written on your face.” his voice was level but his jaw was twitching “Don’t you think I have a right to know?” Fliss tipped her head back and looked up at the sky, blinking back her tears as he continued.

“How would you feel if I had walked out on you, with nothing more than some shitty explanation about it not working and needing space, when a month before we’d been planning for a future together? Fliss, I wanted to marry you, spend my forever with you and…” He trailed off, shaking his head looking around “I’ve spent the last week in a daze, I lay awake at night trying to understand and I just can’t…and that’s the worst bit.” Fliss looked down at her feet and shook her head softly.

“And that’s all you can do or say?” Frank snorted “Absolutely fucking nothing?”

“I’m sorry.” she looked at him, her eyes full of tears “I really am.”

“Yeah, well, so am I.” he said simply, “let me know when you want to collect your stuff from the apartment, I’ll make sure it’s ready.” and with that he turned and left.

*****

“I think it’s the fuel line…” Bill walked back into the office where Fliss and Verity were sat having a coffee whilst he had been taking a look at Fliss’ wagon. It was early Friday evening and she’d wanted nothing more than to load Heidi up and take her for a blast down the beach to clear her mind, but when she had gone to start the wagon to move it out so she could load up her tack it had refused to start. “But I can’t be certain. Not something I can sort really…you’ll need a mechanic.” he turned to look at her “If only you knew one…” “Don’t start Dad.” Fliss shook her head. “Just…”

“Bill…” Verity gave him a warning glare, and Bill simply took a deep breath, shaking his head.

“I’ll speak to Alan, see if he knows a decent one that can come look at it.”

“Thanks.” Fliss said, standing up “I’m gonna go check the fields. Can you just throw the keys back in the drawer?”

“Sure, see you at home yeah?”

She nodded, called Thor to her and headed out.

Bill shook his head and moved to open the drawer to the desk. He tossed the keys inside, and then frowned as he saw the manila envelope that was stuffed inside.

“What is it?” Verity asked.

“That…that’s a Boston post mark….” he mumbled, lifting it out. With a frown, knowing full well there was only one person really from Boston that would be sending Fliss stuff, he turned it over and pulled out the printed photograph. His eyes scanned it and he let out an angry noise and strode out into the courtyard.

“Fliss!” he bellowed “Fliss, get back here right now…” “What’s going on?” Verity asked, and he thrust the photo at her by means of an explanation.

Fliss, having heard her dad shouting stopped dead and turned back to look at the office. She glanced down at Thor before she turned back and headed towards him.

“What’s…” she stopped dead as she saw the envelope on the desk and the photo in her mother’s hand.

“Care to explain this?” Bill said, snatching the paper out of Verity’s fingers and slamming it down on the desk."

"You had no right to go looking through my stuff." she looked at him, angrily.

 "Oh cut the crap, Liss." Bill shook his head “When did you get that?”

“Last Wednesday.” she said softly.

“Last Wednesday?” Verity frowned, “that was the day you finished with Frank…” she trailed off as the dots connected in her head as Fliss looked down at the floor. “Oh please tell me I’m wrong…” 

Fliss didn’t respond.

“I cannot believe you.” Bill looked at her “This? This is why you ended it? Over some pathetic threat without even telling him?"

"It isn’t pathetic!" Fliss looked up at her dad, her eyes blazing. "I know what he is capable of..."

"Well in that case don't you think Frank has the right to know?" Bill glared at her. "If you believe Mary is in danger then you should have told Frank and gone to the police..."

Fliss swallowed and looked down, shaking her head "I know John. This is about having control over me. If he thinks he’s won he will leave them alone…”

"You’re so fucking stupid." Bill sighed.

“Bill…” Verity spoke gently, trying to calm him down but he was too far gone to listen.

"You've let him win Liss, after everything you went through….”

"This isn’t about him winning!" Fliss practically screamed "This about keeping Mary and Frank safe...not only from him but…well, can you imagine what Frank would have done if he’d seen that?"

“So have you rung John and told him you've done what he wants?"

“Of course I fucking haven't"

"No fault whatsoever in your logic there, huh Titch..." Bill snorted, sarcastically "Tell me, how exactly do you expect him to know it’s over?"

 Fliss looked at her dad for a moment, floundering for a response. But she didn’t have one.

"Frank has a right to know about that photo, and more so he deserves to understand why you walked out on him." Bill shook his head, as Verity gently placed a hand on his arm. 

“"If you wanna discuss rights then I don’t have the right to put a target on his or Mary’s back.” Fliss screamed back before she took a deep breath, shaking her head “Now I’m going for a walk. See you at home.”

Bill watched as she left the office, an angry noise escaping from his throat.

“You were a bit hard on her there Billy.” Verity said, looking at him.

“She needed it.” Bill sighed. He placed both his hands on the desk and hung his head slightly “I can’t believe she’s been so stupid.” “She’s scared.” Verity said gently “She’s not thinking straight…” “You can say that again.” he looked at the photo for a second before he reached out and grabbed it, shoving it back in the envelope. He paused for a second, holding it in his hand before he turned to Verity “And I’m not standing for it…come one” “Where are we going?” Verity called after him as they made their way towards his car.

“To find Frank.” “Bill, we can’t…” Verity shook her head “If we go behind her back…” “Then you can wait in the car Verity.” he looked at her. “I don’t care what she says anymore, I’m not standing back and watching her throw anymore of her life away over that ass hole. And that aside, Frank has a right to know. So seeing as she’s too fucking stubborn to do it herself, then I’m gonna do it for her.”

***** “Thought I might find you here.”

Frank turned to look at Bill as he slid into the seat at the opposite side of the table to him in Ferg’s.

“Yeah well, not like I got much else to do.” Frank shrugged, taking a drink from his bottle.

“How many have you had?” Bill asked

“What are you my dad?” Frank shot back, turning to glare at him. Bill merely raised his eyebrows in response and Frank sighed, shaking his head.

“Sorry…” he took a deep breath “This is my first. Not been here long”

“Good. You're still sober enough to think straight.” “Think straight about what?” Frank frowned. After a second or so pause Bill reached into his pocket and slid an envelope across the surface of the table.

“What’s this?” Frank frowned.

“An explanation.” Bill sighed, “Well, of sorts anyway.” Frank looked at him, frowning before he placed his bottle down and picked the envelope up. He pulled out the paper from inside and glanced down at it. As soon as he saw the message typed out he felt the heat rise up his neck and into his face, anger flooding his system.

“Fuck.” Frank said loudly, shaking his head “He sent this?” Bill nodded.

“And this...this is why she broke it off?” “She thought if she finished it, gave John what he wanted as in to make her life a fucking misery, that he’d back off and it would mean you and Mary were safe.” Frank ran his hand through his hair “Why the fuck didn't she tell me?” “Because she was scared. Scared of what he would do and scared of your reaction” “My reaction?”

“Tell me you’re not thinking about hunting the fucker down and killing him yourself.” Bill looked at him and Frank looked away.

“If it wasn’t for Mary I’d have done that months ago.” he shook his head.

“Exactly. She was worried that this might have been that step that pushed you over the edge.” Bill shrugged. “Look, I’m not saying she’s right... in fact I’ve told her the opposite but, well, I just thought you had a right to know.”

“Can I keep this?” Frank asked after a moment’s pause “Regardless of what Fliss says, I’m taking this to the police this time.” “By all means.” Bill said. “But they’ll want to speak to Fliss so…”

“Tough.” Frank shrugged. “Now he’s pulled Mary into it I’m not fucking about anymore Bill.”

Bill nodded and stood up, clapping him on the shoulder. “Don’t think too badly of her Frank. I know she’s fucked up but she did think she was doing the right thing. We do stupid things to protect the people we love, as you know only too well.” Frank looked up at him and then back down to the photo. Bill turned to leave before he stopped and looked back over his shoulder.

“By the way, she’ll be at the yard.” He said, locking eyes with Frank. “Probably for another hour or so if the last week has been anything to go by. Just in case you wanted a more detailed explanation straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak.”

And with that he left Frank at the bar. Frank once more glanced down at the photo, before he rubbed at his beard. Now he had his explanation, his head was a mess of thoughts. He was angry, so angry that she’d done this, that she’d kept this from him but despite all of that, despite the fury and resentment he was feeling he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of sympathy for her, that she’d tried to deal with all this on her own to keep him and Mary from having to.

“You fucking idiot, Lissy…” he mumbled, before he shoved the photo back in the envelope and stood up, heading out to his truck.

**** Fliss was hanging Heidi’s bridle up in the tack room after a spontaneous ride around the fields when Thor gave a quick bark and shot out. Frowning, she headed to the door of the office, her eyes growing wide as she saw Frank striding purposely towards her, the setting sun illuminating his tall figure and the familiar envelope clutched in his hand.

Fuck…

“Care to explain this?” he waved it in the air as he reached the office threshold

“How did you…” “Your Dad.” he said, thrusting it at her “He came to find me. Thought I had a right to know, and you know what…I’m kinda inclined to agree with him.”

“Frank…” “Were you ever gonna tell me?” he asked, tossing the envelope onto the desk “That he had made a threat towards Mary?” “I dealt with it.” she shook her head “There was no need to worry you.”

“You dealt with it?” His voice was disbelieving “How? By ending things?” “Yes.” She nodded “Breaking it off with you…it was the best way of keeping you both safe.” “You are fucking unbelievable.” he shook his head “You ripped our lives from underneath us…”

“This hasn’t been easy on me either Frank!” she cut him off, angrily “Fuck, leaving you…it broke me. Like nothing I’ve ever felt before. You know, I’d rather take thousand beatings from John over that because…” she trailed off as Frank looked at her, her words sinking in as she shook her head and looked away, tears falling down her face “…because at least the physical pain would die down…”

“Don’t.” Frank shook his head, his voice cracking “Don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth. I had to keep you safe.” she turned her head to face him, “Both of you…”

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” he pressed.

Fliss looked at him, her mouth opening before she shut it again and shook her head, her eyes dropping to the floor “I had to keep you safe…” “Keep us safe…that’s not answering my question.” She shook her head again. “Damnit Lissy, look at me.”

She raised her face to his, obediently.

“Why?” he pressed.

“I was frightened it might tip you over the edge…make you do something stupid.”

“Stupid? Like what?” “Like go and hunt him down.” she swallowed.

“Seriously?”

“Yes!” she nodded. “You moved Mary over a thousand miles to keep her away from your own mother...”

“That is NOT the same…” Frank blazed at her

“And I was scared that if you saw this…you’d do something bad and then both of us would end up without you and…” “Fuck!”  Frank exploded, slamming his open palm down on the desk with a loud bang. Fliss immediately jumped back, her eyes wide with fright and Frank took a deep breath, as he realised he’d scared her. Besides him Thor gave a low rumble of a growl, and the large dog moved towards Fliss, turning his eyes on Frank. Fliss laid a hand on his head.

“Thor, shh…” she said softly, and he immediately stopped, but never once averted his gaze from Frank.

“Sorry, I…” Frank swallowed, concentrating on his breathing as he looked at her. “Why didn’t you just talk to me?” “I don’t know…I’m sorry.” she sniffed, wiping her face. “I just…”

“Have I ever given you reason to be scared of what I’d do or say or…” “No, of course not…” “So what the fuck makes you think I wouldn’t understand how upset and scared you were over this?”

“I don’t know.” she shrugged “I wasn’t thinking straight…” “You weren’t thinking at all…” Frank shook his head “I can’t believe you’ve been so goddamned stupid.”

“I’m sorry…” she looked at him, looking down “I know…I was an idiot and you’ve every right to be angry and hate me…” “I don’t hate you Liss.” Frank sighed softly “I fucking love you, more than I can even begin to explain.” At that Fliss let out a loud sniff and wiped at her nose with her hand. 

“And you know what the worst thing about all this is?” He spoke again and she looked at him, waiting for him to finish. “Is that I know I’ll never be able to stop loving you.”

The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. It was the truth, he couldn't ever see a point in his life where he would be able to switch those feelings off. Fliss' drew in a ragged breath and as he looked at her he saw something on her face which he recognised instantly, it was the same look she had worn when she told him she had found out John had been released, utter broken helplessness. She shook her head sadly and he could do nothing but watch, his own chest rising and falling deeply as she slid down to the floor, her knees buckling beneath her. Thor pushed his face into hers, gently nuzzling at her as she tangled her hands into his fur.

"I don’t deserve to be loved..." she shook her head as her silent tears continued to flow freely "not at that cost..."

Her words hit Frank like a tonne of bricks and he took a deep breath and shook his head.

“Don’t…” he stumbled over his words slightly as he took a step towards her “Don’t say that! Ever again you hear me?” he knelt in front of her as she hugged her knees tightly to her chest. Thor, eyeing Frank again, moved back a little, clearly deciding the man posed no threat. Frank reached out and scratched his ear slightly before he gently placed his hands on Fliss’, prising them from around her knees gently, moving her arms so that her body opened up slightly to him “Fliss you are worthy of all the love in the world...why don’t you see it? Why are you pushing me away?” “I’m sorry… I’m… I…” She fell into him, sobs wracking her small frame as she pressed her face into his chest, her hands moving from her knees, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt. "Hey...sshhh..." he hushed her, one hand on the back of her head as he cradled her to him "it's okay…” He sat with her on the tiled floor of the office, no longer even bothering to fight his own tears as he pressed his face into her hair and kissed the top of her head as he rocked her gently whilst she cried. Eventually her sobs began to die down into soft cries, her body finally stopped shaking as the cries then subsided into sniffles but still she clung to him as if her life depended on it, simply concentrating on calming herself, allowing his familiar touch and smell to wash over her, ground her. Frank made to pull back slightly, but the moment caused Fliss to panic slightly and she made a grab for him. "No, please...don't go...don't..." "I'm not going anywhere." he promised her quietly as he cupped her cheeks with both his hands, turning her face up to look at him. "You're a fucking idiot you know that?" She gave a soft, watery splutter of a laugh as she nodded in agreement, his thumbs gently wiping her tears away. "But you're my idiot." "I don't deserve you..." she shook her head, averting her eyes from his "Frankie, I don't..." "Stop it." He said sternly, his grip on her face became a little stronger "Liss, look at me..." She swallowed and turned her big brown eyes to meet his, the hurt and pain evident on her pretty face. "I love you." He repeated his earlier statement and she took another deep, shaking breath. "I love you too." she sobbed, fresh tears rolling out of her eyes "Well then..." He looked at her, raising his eyebrows. "The question is, do you think that's enough to put this behind us?" "You want to?" She asked him, her voice almost a whisper, surprise still evident in her tone. "Of course I do." Frank sniffed and smiled at her. “I never wanted you to leave in the first place, Sweetheart." "What about Mary? She hates me..." Fliss shook her head. “And I don’t blame her." "No, she doesn't. She’s angry and lashing out. She tells me she hates me all the time, remember?" Frank smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind Fliss' ear "You might get the silent treatment for a day or so but well, some might call that a pleasant break." Fliss gave a snort of laughter before she finally let go of his shirt, reaching up with both hands to wipe at her face. "I bet I look a right state." She shook her head, looking down at her hands as the fingers on her left hand began to anxiously play with the ones on her right. "No more than usual." He quipped. "I still think you're beautiful." "Charmer." She said, her mouth curling up at one side into a glimmer of a smile, eyes still cast downwards. Frank reached out and gently took her chin between his finger and thumb, tilting her head upwards. She looked at him for a moment before he leaned down and gently pressed a kiss to her lips. A soft, lingering one, that was loaded with meaning as his hand once more rest against her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, her left hand coming up lay over his, her fingers sliding into the spaces between his own. He gently, pressed his forehead to hers, his own eyes closing as he slid his nose up against hers. "Take me home." She whispered to him and he could tell from her tone it was a question not a demand. He opened his eyes to see her looking at him with a hopeful expression that matched the tone of her voice "please." He smiled at her and nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before he pushed himself up off the floor and offered her his hand. She took it, allowing him to pull her up on the floor and lacing his fingers between hers, he gently led them both towards the door. Once outside he paused to let her lock it before he gently slid his arm round her shoulders and she leaned into him as they walked towards his truck, Thor happily trotting behind them.

**** Chapter 22

#riding high #frank adler #frank adler x ofc #frank adler x original female character #gifted #gifted fan fic #chris evans #chris evans characters

[ssa-daddyhotchner]

Undercover - Chapter 20

Chapter Selection

I woke with Aarons wrapped around my waist. I let out an exhale and he held on tighter. I put my hand on his and turned to face him. He was pretending to sleep, running my hand through his hair he fluttered his eyes open. 

"Morning beautiful", he smiled at me and pulled him closer. Grabbing my thighs and pulling me on top of him, "Ok you have energy this morning." I said chuckling, he brought me down to his lips and kissed me softly. 

I grinned into the kiss pulling away and looking around. "We got to sort through our stuff today, but before that what do we want for breakfast." He shrugged and held onto my hips moving them. I didn't notice the movement until I let out an involuntary moan. 

I smirked down at him, "Really." I raised my eyebrows. I moved off of him and got in between his legs. I pulled his boxers down to reveal his already hard cock. I placed my hand around the base and stroked him. 

Running my finger over the tip spreading the pre cum. "Y/n", he groaned as I licked up his shaft wrapping my mouth around his tip, hollowing my cheeks. 

I took my time pumping matching my movements to my mouth; His hands traveled from my cheek to gripping my hair. He was guiding me, not forcing. Aarons eyes stayed on me, he was trying to keep them open. 

I swirled my tongue around his tip, he gazed at me in admiration.  

I pulled my mouth off, "Baby, just enjoy it." He tossed his head into the pillow and closed his eyes. I picked up the pace pumping him. His hips bucked forward, forcing himself in deeper. He hit the back of my throat gagging around him.

"Y/n...", he pulled my hair into a ponytail and held my head still while he used me. Jerking his hips upwards he started doing to work. I could feel him pulsing with every stroke. He was letting me know he was close. 

I was bobbing my head, taking deep breaths. I closed my eyes, stopping the tears from spilling. I could feel him tensing up and I swallowed every drop. I let him ride out his high slowing down but not stopping all together. 

He cupped my face, bringing me to his lips, "Better?" I said giggling. He tried putting his hand into my waistband but I put my hand over his. He looked up at me, "Do you wanna stop." I nodded and he understood. 

I got off his lap and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Aaron followed me pecking my shoulder and resting his head. "Thank you for telling me." 

"You know I'd tell you", he places his hands on my hips. "I know just saying." We finished up and headed to the living room and we saw everything. All of my stuff huddled in a corner. They offered to help but I didn't wanna bother them. 

We needed to do this ourselves. I unlocked the door and stepped out to get the mail. I sorted through all of it and walked inside tossing it on the counter. I saw a little envelope; I opened it and took out a card. 

The front said congratulations It read: 

Bear, 

How's my baby, I called the doctors a few days ago. 

I called out for Aaron and he rushed into the kitchen. "What is it?", I handed him the letter. 

"He knew I was pregnant", he scanned the card. It was hand written and there was no address; it was hand delivered. I knew he wanted to get me pregnant, judging that I checked the mail yesterday there wasn't a note or card he doesn't know I got an abortion. 

He wasn't gonna take it lightly that I 'killed his kid'. Within those few seconds I was terrified; I didn't know what he was going to do. "Aaron", I choked out. He dropped the letter down and walked over to me. He held my head to his chest and whispered in my ear. 

The brimming tears never left my eyes, I refused to let them fall. "You got to get your mind off of it. Until we can do something about this lets just continue like normal", he mumbled. I held onto him not letting go. 

He finally pulled away and we started to go on with our day. Organizing which of our stuff is worth keeping to make room. We ended up splitting the furniture in half; keeping a bit of both. Jack was dropped off by Jessica. 

I put a nail in the wall about to hang one of my photos when Jack was underneath me tugging on my pants, "Y/n, can I help." 

"Sure buddy", I picked him and he hung the photo. As Aaron was in the bedroom organizing he heard banging a laughter, he grinned to himself. "Daddy!", he heard from down the hall. He dropped his stuff and walked out. 

He saw me holding Jack by one of the photos, "Look what I did."

 Aaron turned and saw my pictures, "Buddy you did so well." He showed a toothy grin. I set him down and he ran into his bedroom. He brought out some toys, "can you play with me." I nodded and he dumped it on the carpet of the living room. 

Aaron went into the kitchen and made some mac and cheese for Jack. When he finished it he brought it to the table and all of us started eating. Jack was happy, and I stuffed my face. I was finished with the food first and I put my bowl in the sink. I felt eyes staring at me, I glanced over and saw Aaron staring. 

"What", I was chuckling as I walked over to get the other dishes. He cracked a smile, "Nothing." I shook my head and started to do the dishes. Jack was feeling tired from the food and he went to his room to sleep.                                                                    

 Aaron made sure he was asleep before he walked up behind me putting his hands on my hips. I was scrubbing one of the pots; he was being distracting; he lined kisses up down my neck. I let out a quiet moan thinking he wouldn't have heard me. 

I was too focused on Aaron. I didn't realize the water was just running. "Don't let me distract you." I continue to work, "Now?" I felt him nod into my neck.

"There's not a better time, he's sleeping and we have work tomorrow. As much as I would love to bend your pretty little ass over my desk I don't think our coworkers will like that very much; hearing you scream my name. And of course I didn't get to pay you back for this morning." 

His hands slipped into my waistband; he trailed a finger over my pussy and laid a cold finger over my clit. He set a pace of slow circles, I leaned back into him trying to focus on the task at hand. His arms secured around me holding me up a bit. 

I finished on the pot and was washing the last few dishes. Aaron added more pressure and made quicker movements. I rested my head on my shoulder, "Aaron." 

"What do you want", his voice lowered. I reached out and turned off the water setting the bowl down. "I want to cum", he hummed and dipped his other hand in my pants ghost over. He teased me and slipped in two fingers into my pussy. 

I gained enough to dry off my hands and I reached back and held onto him. My moans were getting louder, "Shh shh, You got to be quiet baby." 

I was whimpering, Aaron pushed in a third finger and spread them out, stretching me. "I'm so close." He kissed my shoulder, collarbone, and up my jaw. "You can cum sweetheart." My stomach tightened and I finished on his fingers. 

As my breathing regulated I grabbed his hand and sucked on his fingers twirling my tongue around them. The sight in front of him made him let out a groan. He grabbed my waist and pulled me towards him. 

He set a needy kiss on my lips, "Love you." I grinned walking into the living room getting comfortable. "I know." 

________________________

The baby would've been two months today assuming Mark was the father. I was standing in the kitchen heating up some food I had made the night before and I felt hands on my hips. It was 2am I wasn't sure why he'd be up. 

I tensed under the man's touch and he realized so he stepped in front of me. "It's just me", Aaron's voice was low and raspy. He reached out and cupped my cheek; I subconsciously leaned into. I still hadn't said a word. 

"You okay?", he knew what day it was. I closed my eyes and sat on the counter. My eyes filled with tears that never fell. Aaron stood in between my legs; pulling him into a hug my head rested on his bare shoulder. 

He was whispering into my ear letting me know I wasn't alone and he was there for me. He pulled apart when my food was done in the microwave. I hopped off the counter and carried the hot dish to the living room. 

I settled on the couch turning on tv. I saw Aaron give me a weak smile as he was turning the corner to go back to bed. "Aaron, can you stay?", he started back towards the couch. 

"Of course princess", he sat in the corner pulling the blanket onto us. 

__________________________

I woke to my arm getting tugged; my eyes fluttered open and Jack was staring at me, trying to get me to wake up. "Fuck", I said quietly but my jolt woke Aaron that was asleep on the couch with me. "Y/n, you gotta get up. I have school." 

My eyes opened fully and I saw the clock. It was 8:30, Jack had school at 9:30. "Shit Aaron get up, come on buddy let's get you ready." I smacked Aarons arm and he sat up rubbing his eyes. I helped Jack get dressed and brush his teeth while Aaron gave him some food. 

Aaron got ready for work putting on his suit and I wasn't ready at all. We were already late, "I'm gonna head in, can you take Jack to school?" I nodded, I forgot the time and Jack came back from behind me. 

"Y/n, we gotta go. Bye daddy", he gave him a hug and a kiss and we were out the door. Luck was totally on my side; I had hit practically every light. Having to constantly stop. 

We got to the school 20 minutes late, they had already locked the doors. I had to buzz in, the door popped open and we went to the office. The woman at the desk gave me a smile and she looked at Jack. 

I say the late sheet and I started filling it out. Once it was done we were about to part ways but the women stopped me. Jack stopped also; he noticed I wasn't following. "Forgive me but how do you know Jack?" 

For some reason this was the awkward part, "I'm his dad's girlfriend. He said I'd be able to drop him off." She gave me a puzzled look.

"You can but I'm going to need to call Mr. Hotchner." I let out a sigh and bend down. I pulled him into a hug and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"Honey, you can go, I just need to sort something out." I smiled and walked to class. 

She got Aaron on the line, "Hotchner." 

"Hi sorry to bother you but I have a." She so I could tell her my name. "Y/n Y/l/n." 

"Y/n Y/l/n here, she dropped off Jack. I was curious if I should add her to the list." 

"Thank you for letting me know and yes please." The women at the desk hung up the phone and put me on the list for Jack so I could pick him up. I signed some papers and I headed home to get work. 

I was still tired, I threw on a white dress shirt and some black pants. I had to drive myself which was weird; I had been riding with Aaron for the past 11 months. I was an hour and thirty late for work. I walked into the elevator. 

Going into the bullpen I was getting eyes from the team, some small smiles and winks. I ignored them, I walked to my desk. I was pulled from my work again, "Y/n can I see you for a moment." I tossed my head back and sighed. 

"You two okay?", Morgan said from behind me. I nodded and walked up the stairs into Hotch's office. "What is it?" He gestured for me to sit. 

"The thing I'm about to tell you... I don't know how you're going to take it so uh I'm just gonna say it. I just got a call from the hospital in Hawaii. I was wondering why they didn't send the rape kit... it's because they don't have it." My heart fell into my stomach. I held it together on the outside but I was cracking on the inside. 

Without that kit the court can't do anything. The only 'evidence' he raped me was my word and that doesn't work for women. The kit would've changed everything, It was going to send him away. I was patiently waiting to just be told that my only chance on getting the son of a bitch was lost in another fucking state.  

He followed me, got me pregnant and stole the one thing that'd put him away. I knew he stole it, it wasn't hard; Mark was already following us all he had to do was 'come with us'. 

Hotch was now sitting in front of me, "Y/n." A single tear fell from my eye onto Aarons hand that was now on my cheek. "Thank you for telling me, I uh... have some work to do", I wiped my face and opened the door walking from his office to my desk. 

The team could see that something happened and I was upset. Hell anyone could tell, I was struggling to not let go; you didn't need to be a profiler to know I was having a bad day. The rest of the day was me burying myself in paperwork and files. 

There was a tap at my desk, "We need to work on some profiles, come on." Morgan waited for me to get up. He set a hand on my lower back and I caught him off guard pulling him in tight. He let out a gasp as the air left his lungs. 

He took soft breaths and wrapped his arms around my body. Morgan looked up at the round table room and saw the team looking back at us. Specifically Hotch was staring at him; he wasn't mad... Aaron was just hurt. 

Hurt that I felt this way, he knew there was nothing he could really do to help my case. No one was going to listen to what I had to say without the physical evidence. 

Derek held me for a few minutes speaking softly, "You wanna talk about it." I nodded and we walked into Aarons office. 

We sat on the couch, "The hospital in Hawaii called... Aaron had brought me after what happened and they did a rape kit. Well the one thing that was gonna help my case is now missing. The hospital has no idea where it went. So now I need to live knowing that fucker is gonna get away with it. You wanna know the worst part? I was- I was pregnant." 

Morgan sat there in front of me processing the information that I threw at him, "Was?"

 "Yeah", my voice was small. He reached a hand out and held mine. "Did you-." 

"Yeah"

"Baby", he gently pulled me towards him. My head rested on his shoulder. I closed my eyes and was calming down. I heard the door open and footsteps walk in, "You guys need us?" 

He tapped my back and I pulled away meeting Aaron. I grabbed his hand and we all walked to the round table. 

I sat down and they were going over the profile. Sometimes police stations only need our profile rather than having us fly all the way over there. The stations would send us every little detail about the case and we'd help them that was. 

Usually I hated it but at this moment I liked not having to leave the office. 

____________________

@mac99martin @appleblossoms-posts @donttellanyoneireadfanfiction @oreogutz @wanniiieeee @marie1115 

#aaron hotch fanfiction #aaron hotchner x reader #Aaron Hotch Hotchner #aaron #aaron hotchner #hotch #SSA HOTCHNER #Thomas Gibson #hotchner #aaron hotch x reader #writing #aaron hotchner fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #Criminal Minds

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Riding High Ch 21: The Truth ‘Bill’ Out

Chapter Summary: Fliss and Frank both struggle to deal with the aftermath of their break up so Bill decides to take things into his own hands...

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words.

Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: Ok, I’m sorry I upset you with the last chapter… and a shout out to my partner in crime @icanfeelastormbrewing​ for her input in this chapter.

Chapter Song:  Wait for Me by Kings of Leon

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist 

Take a shot in the rain, one for the pain, and listen up

Frank woke the next morning fully clothed on the sofa. Squinting he groaned at the pain in his head, scrambling to find his phone. As he swiped it cancel his alarm his thumb paused as he glanced at the photo of Fliss and Mary on the screen. Swallowing he turned the screen off, tossed his phone onto the table and pushed himself up, trudging to the shower.

He had spent most of the night drinking the expensive scotch his mother had bought him, trying to understand what had happened. He had tried to call Fliss, messaged her but her response had been a single text telling him she was sorry and requesting that he respect her decision. The worst thing had been trying to explain to Mary. Frank didn't believe in lying to her, certainly not if he could help it, but he had completely chickened out and told her that Fliss had some paperwork to do and would be staying at the annex for the night. Mart had accepted this, and it had bought him enough time to figure out what the fuck he was going to say.

He stumbled into the shower and then decided that the state his head was in he wasn't going to function in work. So once he was dried and had awoken Mary he called Paul and said they he had a migraine so wouldn't be in. He made Mary a sandwich and then once she was packed off on the bus he turned and headed back home.

Once in the living room he looked around. It was littered with reminders of her. Photos, a hoody draped over the dining table chair, those fucking scatter cushions. It was screaming at Frank to get rid if it all, but he couldn't. Not yet. He was still clinging to something desperate hope that she would come back, explaining what had happened and they'd work through it.

And then there was a knock at the door. He paused for a moment, before it opened and a familiar voice called his name.

"Frank? Son?"

He turned to face Bill as he walked through the door.

"She sent you for her stuff?" Frank asked and Bill eyed him for a moment before he shook his head.

"No. She hasn't. And, well even if she asked me to come get it I wouldn't...this is her mess, not mine."

Frank looked at him for a moment before he shrugged and headed into the kitchen grabbing the coffee from the cupboard.

"So what are you here for Bill?"

"Honestly?" Bill raised his eyebrows "to see how you were..."

"Fucking marvellous." Frank said, slamming the cupboard shut "girlfriend's left me, giving me no reason, I'm hungover to shit and at some point today I gotta figure out what I tell Mary."

He leaned back against the kitchen counter and pinched his nose before he scrubbed his hand down his face.

"How is she?" Frank looked at Bill. Bill sighed and shook his head.

"Hardly said a word since she came home yesterday evening." Bill shrugged "other than to tell she had ended things with you, that it was her decision and she wasn't going into it."

"She didn’t go into it with me either so..." Frank snorted, shaking his head. "So if you've come to find out what’s going on I can't help you Bill, because I don’t know."

"No, honestly Frank...I meant it when I said I came to see how you were. V and I were worried..."

Frank was about to shoot some sarcastic response back but when he saw Bill's face was arranged with genuine concern he simply shrugged and looked down, shaking his head.

"I love her Bill...and I thought things were going great. I just don't understand."

With a sigh Bill stepped forward and gripped Frank's shoulder.

"I'm really mad at her Frank." Bill sighed "but I know she’s hurting too...don't give up on her. Not just yet."

Frank sighed and scratched at his head as Bill released his grip on his shoulder. 

"She made it quite clear she doesn’t want to see me or talk to me Bill." Frank shrugged.

"She doesn’t know what she wants" Bill shook his head. "All am asking is that you at least try to talk to her."

"I need time, too Bill." He sighed "I'm angry and upset myself. I can't face her yet. It’s gonna be bad enough taking Mary up to see Monty..."

"I know." Bill said "and if you ever want me to take Mary instead so you don’t have to, certainly for the time being, I'm happy to do so."

Frank nodded "thanks."

"Ok, well you know where to find me." Bill shrugged “And I was hoping that, maybe when the dust settles a little, me and V can still take Mary out once a week, for a burger or something. You know we love that little girl, and nothing is gonna change that."

Frank looked at Bill and saw a flicker of worry flash across the older man's face.

"Bill..." Frank said gently "I'll never stop you and Verity seeing Mary. As long as you're happy to do so. I just...well I just don’t want it to be awkward for you and Fliss, meaning there's to be a point later where you leave her life too. Mary’s had enough turmoil over the last 12 months to last a lifetime."

"No I get that." Bill nodded "and thanks Frank. You're a good man."

Frank nodded and Bill gave him another small smile before he turned and headed out.

***** Mary didn’t take the news brilliantly, as Frank had anticipated. She’d teared up and asked Frank why Fliss wanted to leave them, to which Frank had answered as honestly as he could, that he simply didn’t know but that it was nothing to do with her. And then she’d surprised him by saying, for the first time ever that she didn’t want to go to Roberta’s that night, but she wanted to stay with him.  So they spent the Friday evening with a pizza, watched a film, both huddled together on the sofa. She didn’t mention Fliss again other than to say she didn’t want to go for her lesson either the next day, instead saying she would go during the week. Out of courtesy more than anything Frank messaged Fliss to let her know. After an hour or so she replied simply to tell him that it was fine and she would make sure Monty was looked after.

Monday morning rolled around and Frank was glad of the distraction if he was honest, burying himself into his work. And during the day he was ok because his mind was busy but in the evening after Mary had gone to bed and he himself was getting ready to hit the sack, he found himself simply staring at Fliss’s toothbrush and toiletries. Unable to look at them anymore he grabbed the various bottles of stuff belonging to her and placed them all in one of the wicker boxes held under the sink in the unit.

Tuesday evening he spent with Simon and Greg. Simon had heard from Bonnie what had happened when she had called Fliss. Simon informed Frank that Fliss had refused to talk to Bonnie about it and just asked the woman to leave it alone. They had a few beers and it was a good distraction for a while but again once they left, Frank was alone with his thoughts and an aching in his chest.

And it wasn’t just his thoughts. It was the physical reminders. As well as the photos and cushions, there was the dog basket in the bedroom that belonged to Thor, when he decided to sleep on it and not Mary’s bed that is, her favourite mug, the blue and gold shimmering wine glasses they’d bought, her clothes in the fucking closet. Frank had no idea what he was supposed to do. Did he pack it up and take it to her, or wait for her to come and claim it?

Wednesday morning Mary told him she wanted to go and see Monty so Frank nodded. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. On the one hand he was happy he’d at least get to see Fliss, maybe they could have a reasonable conversation but on the other he knew seeing her was going to tear him in two. He also was a little worried how Mary was going to react. He called Fliss, and unsurprisingly she didn’t pick up. But surprisingly she did call him back a little after lunch.

“Hi.” he said, a little nervously as he answered.

“HI.” she replied quietly “I err, I had a call so…”

“Oh, yeah, erm, Mary wants to come up and see Monty so I wanted to make sure it was ok.” “Of course its ok.” she said gently, “Frank, I’d never stop her coming up to see her pony.”

“No I know that, I just…” Frank took a deep breath, “It doesn’t matter, we’ll see you later.” “Ok, erm, bye.” “Yeah, bye.”

He cut the call, his throat was dry and he felt like his heart was about to pound out through his chest. And that had been simply at the sound of her voice. It had been a week since he’d heard it and now it had knocked him for 6. And suddenly he wasn’t looking forward to seeing her at all.

****** Fliss tossed her phone down and ran her hands over her face. She was tired. Since moving back into the annex she hadn’t been sleeping properly, having nightmares for the first time in almost a year. She wasn’t eating properly and she was continually snapping at her parents too as they were crowding her she felt. Almost as much as when she had left Boston. She knew they were simply concerned, as was Bonnie but she just simply wanted to be left alone. She was hurting too, leaving Frank had killed her, it was the worst thing she had ever been through, worse than any beating John had inflicted on her.

She also knew at some point she was going to have to face him, go round and collect her stuff. Her mum and dad had made it quite clear they weren’t going to bail her out on that one, which was understandable she guessed. They were upset too, her dad especially as he was very close to Frank, and they both loved Mary as if she was their own grandchild.

It wasn’t her own life or Frank’s she’d thrown into chaos, it was theirs too.

She wiped at her eyes, stood up and headed out into the late October sun, striding over to the paddock as she rolled her shoulder which was sore from the tumble out of bed she’d taken in the middle of the night. It was her dodgy shoulder, the one John had dislocated as part of one of his beatings, so she knew that was going to be troubling her for a good week or so now she’d jarred it again. But in some sick, twisted way she relished the pain. A physical manifesto of the agony she was feeling inside.

She had 3 clients that afternoon, so the time whizzed by and before she knew it it was half 4 and Mary would be arriving any second. She turned and headed into her office, trying to calm herself down, feeling her anxiety spiking. Thor, having sensed it, gently nuzzled his nose onto her lap as he always did and she sat for a quiet 15 minutes simply breathing and stroking his soft head and ears, glad he was giving her something of a grounding. And then his ears pricked up as he caught the familiar sound of Frank’s truck and giving a low whine of excitement he shot off across the yard.

Taking a deep breath Fliss stood up and walked out of her office and saw Frank walking onto the main courtyard, Mary’s hand in his.

“HI…” Fliss greeted him a little tentatively, and he gave her a small smile, his eyes hidden behind his aviators.

“Hi.” he said gently.

“HI Mary.” Fliss looked at her and Mary glanced up, before she looked away.

“Hi.” she said a little stiffly. Fliss swallowed and then took a deep breath.

“Do you want to ride today or…” “No.” Mary shook her head “Not with you.” “Mary.” Frank said, looking down at her “Remember what I said in the truck…”

Mary took a deep breath and looked down at her feet, her boots kicking at the slate gravel which covered the yard before she looked up at Fliss “I just want to brush him today.” “Ok, well, he’s in the pasture. Do you want me to come-“ “I’ll ask Joanna.” Mary said, as she let go of Frank’s hand.

“She’s in the back barn, tell her I sent you.” Mary didn’t reply, she simply headed off.

“She’s upset.” Frank said as he watched her go. He turned to Fliss and shrugged “She’ll come round.”

Fliss gave him a small smile. “Do you want a drink or anything?”

“No, I’m good, thanks.” he said, shaking his head “Think I’m gonna go with Mary…” “Sure.” Fliss nodded, “I’ll be in the office. If she needs me or changes her mind about riding, just…” Frank gave her a tight smile again before he headed off.

Fliss watched him leave, claiming her hand over her mouth tightly before she pinched the bridge of her nose, screwing up her eyes to try and stem the tears which were threatening to come. Composing herself she turned and headed back into her office and started to busy herself with some lesson plans.

It was about 40 minutes later when there was a knock at the door and Frank poked his head in.

“We’re gonna go.” he said, “Do you want Monty back out or…”

“No, it’s fine.” she stood up “I’ll do it later once he’s been fed.” “Ok…” he nodded, turning to go.

“Is Mary ok?” Fliss asked and Frank stopped. He took a deep breath and turned to face her.

“What do you think?” he said, his voice was a little harsher than it had been before and Fliss hung her head.

“Sorry.” she said softly. “Can I talk to her.” “Be my guest.” he said, turning once more to leave “Not sure it will do you much good.”

Fliss rose from her chair, her hands shaking a little as she headed out after him. Mary was packing her brushes back in the little box kept by Monty’s stable.

“Hey.” Fliss greeted her “Was he a good boy?” “He’s always a good boy.” Mary shrugged, standing up and stroking his nose.

“That’s true.” Fliss said, her hands slipping into the pockets of her breeches. “So, do you want to ride at weekend? We can try that jumping…”

"Why don't you love me or Frank anymore?" Mary cut her off, spinning to face her. Fliss felt her heart break even further as she looked at the little girl who was staring at her, her large eyes wide and wet with tears. "No, no Mary..." Fliss crouched down and looked at her "I do honey, I do love you, I love you so much, I just..." "You just don't love Frank anymore?" Fliss took a deep breath, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I'll always love Frank..." "Then why did you leave our home?" Mary began to sob "what did he do?" "Mary..." Fliss shook her head "I just had to. I wish I could explain it better but I can't. You're too young to..." "Stop saying that!" Mary yelled and she spun round, pointing at Frank who had up until that point had been stood at the door to the barn, deliberately looking the other way. Hearing her outburst he turned in time to see Mary raise her hand towards him. "He keeps telling me that too, but I'm not stupid! Why do you both keep treating me like I am?" "Mary..." Frank said softly as he strode towards her. "Come on..." "I hate you..." Mary glared at Fliss who looked as though she has been physically slapped. Her head dropped and she looked down at the floor taking a deep breath. "Mary..." Frank shook his head "Don’t say that..." "I do." Mary's face was full of rage "She made you cry...she made me cry...she promised she would always be there and now she's not and..." "Ok. Ok..." he said gently, he himself crouching down in front of her, a meter or so away from Fliss "I get that you're angry but be kind huh.” "Why should I?" Mary shook her head. "Because I'm asking ya to." Frank said softly. "I told you before on the way here that this..." he gestured with his hand between himself and Fliss, his eyes flicking to the woman's face as she wiped a tear from her cheek, “…us breaking up...it doesn’t mean that Fliss doesn't care about you." "If she did she wouldn't be leaving me!" Mary blazed and at that point Frank shook his head. "It’s me she's leaving Stack, not you."

Fliss took a deep breath and stood up, turning away, her hand covering her mouth. Frank glanced up at her before he turned to Mary.

"Go wait in the truck." He said to her gently "I won’t be be long"

Mary shot one last look at Fliss before she did as Frank had said and headed off out of the barn and disappeared out of sight.

"Sorry." Frank looked at Fliss as she turned to face him "She shouldn't have said that."

"It doesn't matter..." Fliss shook her head avoiding his gaze. "She’s every right to be angry. I have let her down."

"I think it might be best, certainly for the foreseeable if you take care of Monty." Frank said his voice even and Fliss looked up at him, a mix of sadness and surprise on her face.

"But he is her pony..."

"Oh come on Fliss..." he snorted and shook his head. “Surely you can't be that naive as to think that thinks could just carry on..."

"No but..."

"How can I bring her here if every time she comes she’s gonna react like that?" Frank ran his hand through his hair "it's me that has to deal with the fall out and I'm struggling to deal with my own feelings at the moment"

“Ok, if that’s what you want…” “No, I don’t want!” Frank shook his head “I don’t want any of this…but you’ve made it perfectly clear you do and I’ll respect that. I just wish you respected me enough to tell me why.” “Frank, please…” “You left, with no explanation, other than it wasn’t working…but there’s more to it, I can see it written on your face.” his voice was level but his jaw was twitching “Don’t you think I have a right to know?” Fliss tipped her head back and looked up at the sky, blinking back her tears as he continued.

“How would you feel if I had walked out on you, with nothing more than some shitty explanation about it not working and needing space, when a month before we’d been planning for a future together? Fliss, I wanted to marry you, spend my forever with you and…” He trailed off, shaking his head looking around “I’ve spent the last week in a daze, I lay awake at night trying to understand and I just can’t…and that’s the worst bit.” Fliss looked down at her feet and shook her head softly.

“And that’s all you can do or say?” Frank snorted “Absolutely fucking nothing?”

“I’m sorry.” she looked at him, her eyes full of tears “I really am.”

“Yeah, well, so am I.” he said simply, “let me know when you want to collect your stuff from the apartment, I’ll make sure it’s ready.” and with that he turned and left.

*****

“I think it’s the fuel line…” Bill said, walking back into the office, where Fliss and Verity were sat having a coffee whilst he had been taking a look at Fliss’ wagon. It was early Friday evening and she’d wanted nothing more than to load Heidi up and take her for a blast down the beach to clear her mind, but when she had gone to start the wagon to move it out so she could load up her tack it had refused to start. “But I can’t be certain. Not something I can sort really…you’ll need a mechanic.” he turned to look at her “If only you knew one…” “Don’t start Dad.” Fliss shook her head. “Just…”

“Bill…” Verity gave him a warning glare, and Bill simply took a deep breath, shaking his head.

“I’ll speak to Alan, see if he knows a decent one that can come look at it.”

“Thanks.” Fliss said, standing up “I’m gonna go check the fields. Can you just throw the keys back in the drawer?”

“Sure, see you at home yeah?”

She nodded, called Thor to her and headed out.

Bill shook his head and moved to open the drawer to the desk. He tossed the keys inside, and then frowned as he saw the manila envelope that was stuffed inside.

“What is it?” Verity asked.

“That…that’s a Boston post mark….” he said, lifting it out. With a frown,  knowing full well there was only one person really from Boston that would be sending Fliss stuff, he turned it over and pulled out the printed photograph. His eyes scanned it and he let out an angry noise and strode out into the courtyard.

“Fliss!” he bellowed “Felicity Rose Gallagher, get back here right now…” “What’s going on?” Verity asked, and he thrust the photo at her by means of an explanation.

Fliss, having heard her dad shouting stopped dead and turned back to look at the office. She glanced down at Thor before she turned back and headed towards him.

“What’s…” she stopped dead as she saw the envelope on the desk and the photo in her mother’s hand.

“Care to explain this?” Bill said, snatching the paper out of Verity’s fingers and slamming it down on the desk."

"You had no right to go looking through my stuff." she looked at him, angrily.

"Oh cut the crap Liss." Bill shook his head “When did you get that?”

“Last Wednesday.” she said softly.

“Last Wednesday?” Verity frowned, “that was the day you finished with Frank…” she trailed off as the dots connected in her head as Fliss looked down at the floor

“Oh please tell me I’m wrong…” Verity looked at her, shaking her head.

Fliss didn’t respond.

"Oh, I cannot believe you.” Bill looked at her “This? This is why you ended it? Over some pathetic threat without even telling him?"

"It isn’t pathetic!" Fliss looked up at her dad, her eyes blazing. "I know what he is capable of..."

"Well in that case don't you think Frank has the right to know?" Bill glared at her. "If you believe Mary is in danger then you should have told Frank and gone to the police..."

Fliss swallowed and looked down, shaking her head "I know John. This is about having control over me. If he thinks he’s won he will leave them alone…”

"You’re so fucking stupid." Bill sighed.

“Bill…” Verity said gently, trying to calm him down but he was too far gone to listen.

"You've let him win Liss, after everything you went through….”

"This isn’t about him winning!" Fliss practically screamed "This about keeping Mary and Frank safe...not only from him but…well, can you imagine what Frank would have done if he’d seen that?"

“So have you rung John and told him you've done what he wants?"

“Of course I fucking haven't"

"No fault whatsoever in your logic there, huh Titch..." Bill snorted, sarcastically "Tell me, how exactly do you expect him to know it’s over?"

Fliss looked at her dad for a moment, floundering for a response. But she didn’t have one.

"Frank has a right to know about that photo, and more so he deserves to understand why you walked out on him." Bill shook his head, as Verity gently placed a hand on his arm.

"If you wanna discuss rights then I don’t have the right to put a target on his or Mary’s back.” Fliss screamed back before she took a deep breath, shaking her head “Now I’m going for a walk. See you at home.”

Bill watched as she left the office, an angry noise escaping from his throat.

“You were a bit hard on her there Billy.” Verity said, looking at him.

“She needed it.” Bill sighed. He placed both his hands on the desk and hung his head slightly “I can’t believe she’s been so stupid.” “She’s scared.” Verity said gently “She’s not thinking straight…” “You can say that again.” he looked at the photo for a second before he reached out and grabbed it, shoving it back in the envelope. He paused for a second, holding it in his hand before he turned to Verity “And I’m not standing for it…come one” “Where are we going?” Verity called after him as they made their way towards his car.

“To find Frank.” “Bill, we can’t…” Verity shook her head “If we go behind her back…” “Then you can wait in the car Verity.” he looked at her. “I don’t care what she says anymore, I’m not standing back and watching her throw anymore of her life away over that ass hole. And that aside, Frank has a right to know. So seeing as she’s too fucking stubborn to do it herself, then I’m gonna do it for her.”

***** “Thought I might find you here.”

Frank turned to look at Bill as he slid into the seat at the opposite side of the table to him in Ferg’s.

“Yeah well, not like I got much else to do.” Frank shrugged, taking a drink from his bottle.

“How many have you had?” Bill asked

“What are you my dad?” Frank shot back, turning to glare at him. Bill merely raised his eyebrows in response and Frank sighed, shaking his head.

“Sorry…” he took a deep breath “This is my first. Not been here long”

“Good...then you're still sober enough to think straight…” “Think straight about what?” Frank frowned. After a second or so pause Bill reached into his pocket and slid an envelope across the surface of the table.

“What’s this?” Frank frowned.

“An explanation.” Bill sighed, “Well, of sorts anyway.” Frank looked at him, frowning before he placed his bottle down and picked it up. He pulled out the paper from inside and glanced down at it. As soon as he saw the message typed out he felt the heat rise up his neck and into his face, anger flooding his system.

“Fuck…” Frank said loudly, shaking his head “He sent this?” Bill nodded.

“And this...this is why she broke it off?” “She thought if she finished it, gave John what he wanted as in to make her life a fucking misery, that he’d back off and it would mean you and Mary were safe.” “Jesus ...” Frank ran his hand through his hair “Why the fuck didn't she tell me?” “Because she was scared.” Bill said “Scared of what he would do and scared of your reaction” “My reaction?”

“Tell me you’re not thinking about hunting the fucker down and killing him yourself.” Bill looked at him and Frank looked away.

“If it wasn’t for Mary I’d have done that months ago.” he shook his head.

“Exactly. She was worried that this might have been that step that pushed you over the edge.” Bill shrugged. “Look, I’m not saying she’s right... in fact I’ve told her the opposite but, well, I just thought you had a right to know.”

“Can I keep this?” Frank asked after a moment’s pause “Regardless of what Fliss says, I’m taking this to the police this time.” “By all means.” Bill said. “But they’ll want to speak to Fliss so…”

“Tough.” Frank shrugged. “Now he’s pulled Mary into it I’m not fucking about anymore Bill.”

Bill nodded and stood up, clapping him on the shoulder. “Don’t think too badly of her Frank. I know she’s fucked up but she did think she was doing the right thing. We do stupid things to protect the people we love, as you know only too well.” Frank looked up at him and then back down to the photo. Bill turned to leave before he stopped and looked back over his shoulder.

“By the way, she’ll be at the yard.” he said, locking eyes with Frank. “Probably for another hour or so if the last week has been anything to go by. Just in case you wanted a more detailed explanation straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak.”

And with that he left Frank at the bar. Frank once more glanced down at the photo, before he rubbed at his beard. Now he had his explanation, his head was a mess of thoughts. He was angry, so angry that she’d done this, that she’d kept this from him but despite all of that, despite the fury and resentment he was feeling he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of sympathy for her, that she’d tried to deal with all this on her own to keep him and Mary from having to.

“You fucking idiot Lissy…” he mumbled, before he shoved the photo back in the envelope and stood up, heading out to his truck.

**** Fliss was hanging Heidi’s bridle up in the tack room after a spontaneous ride around the fields when Thor gave a quick bark and shot out. Frowning, she headed to the door of the office, her eyes growing wide as she saw Frank striding purposely towards her, the setting sun illuminating his tall figure and the familiar envelope clutched in his hand.

Fuck…

“Care to explain this?” he waved it in the air as he reached the office threshold

“How did you…” “Your dad.” he said, thrusting it at her “He came to find me. Thought I had a right to know, and you know what…I’m kinda inclined to agree with him.”

“Frank…” “Were you ever gonna tell me?” he asked, tossing the envelope onto the desk “That he had made a threat towards Mary?” “I dealt with it.” she shook her head “There was no need to worry you.”

“You dealt with it?” he said, his voice was disbelieving “How? By ending things?” “Yes.” she nodded “Breaking it off with you…it was the best way of keeping you both safe.” “You are fucking unbelievable.” he shook his head “You ripped our lives from underneath us…”

“This hasn’t been easy on me either Frank!” she cut him off, angrily “Fuck, leaving you…it broke me. Like nothing I’ve ever felt before. You know, I’d rather take thousand beatings from John over that because…” she trailed off as Frank looked at her, her words sinking in as she shook her head and looked away “…because at least the physical pain would die down…”

“Don’t…” Frank shook his head, his voice cracking “Don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth. I had to keep you safe.” she turned her head to face him, “Both of you…”

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” he pressed.

Fliss looked at him, her mouth opening before she shut it again and shook her head, her eyes dropping to the floor “I had to keep you safe…” “Keep us safe…that’s not answering my question.” She shook her head again. “Damnit Lissy, look at me.”

She raised her face to his, obediently.

“Why?” he pressed.

“I was frightened it might tip you over the edge…make you do something stupid.” she said, quietly.

“Stupid? Like what?” “Like go and hunt him down.” she swallowed.

“Seriously?”

“Yes!” she nodded. “You moved Mary over a thousand miles to keep her away from your own mother...”

“That is NOT the same…” Frank blazed at her

“And I was scared that if you saw this…you’d do something bad and then both of us would end up without you and…” “Fuck!”  Frank exploded, slamming his open palm down on the desk with a loud bang. Fliss immediately jumped back, her eyes wide with fright and Frank took a deep breath, as he realised he’d scared her. Besides him Thor gave a low rumble of a growl, and the large dog moved towards Fliss, turning his eyes on Frank. Fliss laid a hand on his head.

“Thor, shh…” she said softly, and he immediately stopped, but never once averted his gaze from Frank.

“Sorry, I…” Frank swallowed, concentrating on his breathing as he looked at her. “Why didn’t you just talk to me?” “I don’t know…I’m sorry.” she said, the tears pouring down her face “I just…”

“Have I ever given you reason to be scared of what I’d do or say or…” “No, of course not…” “So what the fuck makes you think I wouldn’t understand how upset and scared you were over this?”

“I don’t know.” she shrugged “I wasn’t thinking straight…” “You weren’t thinking at all…” Frank shook his head “I can’t believe you’ve been so goddamned stupid.”

“I’m sorry…” she looked at him, looking down “I know…I was an idiot and you’ve every right to be angry and hate me…” “I don’t hate you Liss.” he said softly “I fucking love you, more than I can even begin to explain.” At that she let out a loud sniff and wiped at her nose with her hand.

“And you know what the worst thing about all this is?” He spoke again and she looked at him, waiting for him to finish “Is that I know I’ll never be able to stop loving you.”

The words were out or his mouth before he could stop them. It was the truth, he couldn't ever see a point in his life where he would be able to switch those feelings off. Fliss' drew in a ragged breath and as he looked at her he saw something on her face which he recognised instantly, it was the same look she had worn when she told him she had found out John had been released, utter broken helplessness. She shook her head sadly and he could do nothing but watch, his own chest rising and falling deeply as she slid down to the floor, her knees buckling beneath her. Thor pushed his face into hers, gently nuzzling at her as she tangled her hands into his fur.

"I don’t deserve to be loved..." she said, shaking her head as her silent tears began to flow freely "not at that cost..."

Her words hit Frank like a tonne of bricks and he took a deep breath and shook his head.

“Don’t…” he stumbled over his words slightly as he took a step towards her “Don’t say that! Ever again you hear me?” he knelt in front of her as she hugged her knees tightly to her chest. Thor, eyeing Frank again moved back a little, clearly deciding the man posed no threat. Frank reached out and scratched his ear slightly before he gently placed his hands on Fliss’, prising them from around her knees gently, moving her arms so that her body opened up slightly to him “Fliss you are worthy of all the love in the world...why don’t you see it? Why are you pushing me away?” “I’m sorry… I’m… I…”

She fell into him, sobs wracking her small frame as she pressed her face into his chest, her hands moving from her knees, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt. "Hey...sshhh..." he hushed her, one hand on the back of her head as he cradled her to him "it's ok…” He sat with her on the tiled floor of the office, no longer even bothering to fight his own tears as he pressed his face into her hair and kissed the top of her head as he rocked her gently whilst she cried. Eventually her sobs began to die down into soft cries, her body finally stopped shaking as the cries then subsided into sniffles but still she clung to him as if her life depended on it, simply concentrating on calming herself, allowing his familiar touch and smell to wash over her, ground her. Frank made to pull back slightly, but the moment caused Fliss to panic slightly and she made a grab for him. "No, please...don't go...don't..." "I'm not going anywhere..." he said quietly as he cupped her cheeks with both his hands, turning her face up to look at him. "You're a fucking idiot you know that?" She have a soft, watery splutter of a laugh as she nodded in agreement, his thumbs gently wiping her tears away. "But you're my idiot." He looked at her. "I don't deserve you..." she shook her head, averting her eyes from his "Frankie, I don't..." "Stop it." He said sternly, his grip on her face became a little stronger "Liss, look at me..." She swallowed and turned her big brown eyes to meet his, the hurt and pain evident on her pretty face. "I love you." He repeated his earlier statement and she took another deep, shaking breath. "I love you too..." she said, fresh tears rolling out of her eyes "Well then..." He looked at her, raising his eyebrows questioningly "the question is do you think that's enough to put this behind us?" "Do you want to?" She asked him, her voice almost a whisper. "Of course I do." Frank sniffed and smiled at her "I never wanted you to leave in the first place sweetheart." "What about Mary? She hates me..." Fliss shook her head "and I don’t blame her..." "No, she doesn't. She’s angry and lashing out. She tells me she hates me all the time, remember?" Frank smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind Fliss' ear "You might get the silent treatment for a day or so but well, some might call that a pleasant break." Fliss gave a snort of laughter before she finally let go of his shirt, reaching up with both hands to wipe at her face. "I bet I look a right state." She shook her head, looking down at her hands as the fingers on her left hand began to anxiously play with the ones on her right. "No more than usual." He quipped. "I still think you're beautiful." "Charmer." She said, her mouth curling up at one side into a glimmer of a smile, eyes still cast downwards. Frank reached out and gently took her chin between his finger and thumb, tilting her head upwards. She looked at him for a moment before he leaned down and gently pressed a kiss to her lips. A soft, lingering one, that was loaded with meaning as his hand once more rest against her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, her left hand coming up lay over his, her fingers sliding into the spaces between his own. He gently, pressed his forehead to hers, his own eyes closing as he slid his nose up against hers. "Take me home." she whispered to him and he could tell from her tone it was a question not a demand. He opened his eyes to see her looking at him with a hopeful expression that matched the tone of her voice "please." He smiled at her and nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before he pushed himself up off the floor and offered her his hand. She took it, allowing him to pull her up on the floor and lacing his fingers between hers, he gently led them both towards the door. Once outside he paused to let her lock it before he gently slid his arm round her shoulders and she leaned into him as they walked towards his truck, Thor happily trotting behind them.

#riding high #frank adler x ofc #frank adler #gifted #gifted fan fic

[jooheonspinky]

The Spirit Board

Character: Changkyun and Female Reader, ft Minhyuk

Word Count: 1.7K Genre: Halloween Thriller Synopsis: When Y/N finds an old spirit board while cleaning out her attic, will she still believe that spirits aren’t real?

Image Credit: @OfficialMonstaX

   “Come on,” she grabbed her best friend’s wrist yanking him forward before he had even fully stepped into the house. “I want to show you what I found!” She slammed the door, locking it before tugging her friend down the hall to her room.    “Can I get a minute to catch up?” he fussed. “You’re dragging me like some disobedient child!”    “Aish, Minhyuk, so dramatic!”    Releasing his hand, she rushed into the bedroom, plopping onto the bed. She tapped the tips of her fingers on her knees, waiting impatiently for him to finally join her.    “So, what is so urgent that you needed me here ASAP?” he asked as he dropped his messenger bag onto the computer chair. “This better be good.”    “Well, I was cleaning out the attic. My parents want to store some stuff up there so I needed to make space,” she started. “Anyway, I moved a box at the very end of the room and this board fell over.”    She pointed to the object on the bed. Both eyed the wooden board with its intricately carved details. There were celestial designs mimicking the moons and stars. The letters, numbers and symbols that had been shaped with such care had been filled in with an indigo ink. The planchette was also made out of wood and had a magnifying glass, surprisingly with only a few scratches.    “Oh hellll naw!” Minhyuk exclaimed as he jumped back eyes wide. “Y/N, do you even know what that is?”    “Yes, it’s a spirit board.”    “Exactly! A home-freaking-made Ouija board!” He shivered. “That is NOT a toy and we should NOT be touching it.”    “Oh, stop. It’s just a piece of wood with letters on it,” she brushed off his warnings. “Play with me. Let’s see what the hype is about. I’m sure it won’t move. This stuff isn’t real anyway.”    “I don’t…” Minhyuk’s eyes flicked from her, then the board, then her again. The skeptical look on his face that was laced with terror brought a laugh forth from Y/N.    “Come on, don’t be a baby,” she taunted.    “I swear to God, if ANYTHING comes out I’m sending that thing to haunt your ass!”    Minhyuk sat down, legs crisscrossed applesauce, at the opposite side of the board. Rubbing her hands together mischievously, Y/N straightened the board and placed the planchette in the middle.    “Ok, so we both have to put two fingers on this thing here and ask a question,” Y/N instructed. “Anything specific you want to know?”    “What spell did Y/N use to get me to do this?” he deadpanned.    “No, think of a serious question!” she whined.    Barely audible, Minhyuk murmured, “I was being serious.” Y/N rolled her eyes. “Fine. How about we start with who made the board ‘cause I can’t really think over the terror in my mind.”    Y/N scoffed, though she was not surprised at Minhyuk’s behavior. Placing their index fingers and middle fingers on the pointer, she closed her eyes. She could hear Minhyuk take a deep breath and let it out slowly as if he were trying to calm himself down.    “Hello, spirits,” Y/N began as she opened her eyes. “We come in peace.” She couldn’t help but snicker, earning her a glare from Minhyuk. Clearing her throat, she continued. “I found this board today and would like to know who created it.”    The two were silent as they peered down at their fingers and the planchette beneath. Just as Y/N was about to call bull, the pointer began to move, the movements jerky.    “Ar-are you moving it?” Minhyuk stammered.    Y/N shook her head watching Minhyuk’s Adam’s Apple bob furiously in his throat as he swallowed a few times.    “Stop screwing around. I know you’re trying to scare me,” Y/N laughed.    “I swear,” he whispered as the pointer continued to move.    “I…” they both read in unison. “M…”    The pointer slid down to the center.    “I M?” Y/N repeated allowed. “What does that even mean?”    “Initials maybe? For the creator of the board?”    The pointer shifted swiftly over the letters N-A-M-E then went back to the center.    “Oh, looks like that’s it’s actual name. Different,” Y/N mused. “Well, nice to meet you, I.M. My name is Y/N and this is-“    “Don’t you dare tell it my name!” Minhyuk whisper-shouted harshly. “Don’t you dare!”    “Oh come on, it’s friendly,” Y/N insisted.    Minhyuk refused to budge. “I said no. Once it knows your name it can have power over you. Haven’t you watched a scary movie lately?”    “Alright alright, sheesh. Don’t get your undies all in a twist!” Returning their attention to the board, she asked, “How old are you?”    The pointer moved down towards the numbers with no hesitation. Again, they read them allowed together.    “336,” Minhyuk’s eyes widened. “Wow.”    “Can you tell us how you died?” Y/N inquired.    Minhyuk whimpered, “Are you sure you should ask that?”    She ignored him, totally intrigued with the spirit communicating with them. She had never believed in spirits or much less that she could actually speak to one. This was turning out to be a pretty cool discovery.    The planchette began to glide smoothly over the letters and numbers again.    “S-H-O-T-4-M-R-D-R,” they repeated slowly.    “What does that…”    Minhyuk cut her off, “Oh shit! He said ‘Shot for murder’. He killed someone. He’s evil. We need to shut this down now!”    The pointer began creating figure eight’s faster and faster until they could not keep up with it. Y/N screamed, pulling her fingers away.    “What the hell!” she exclaimed as the planchette immediately stopped moving.    “What did you do?” Minhyuk jumped up frantically. “You can’t break away without closing the session. We didn’t say good-bye first. I gotta get outta here. I need to go.”    Minhyuk snatched up his bag and rushed towards the front door.    “Hey, wait!” Y/N called out behind him. “Where are you going?”    “I’m going home and I’m going to light some white candles and pray and hope that we didn’t just let an invisible murderer loose.”    “Minhyuk, it’s just a game,” Y/N insisted.    “Yeah,” he scoffed. “Right.”    He slammed the door behind him leaving a shocked Y/N standing in the foyer alone.

***

   It wasn’t until three nights later that she started to feel like she was being watched. She’d been sleeping and a sudden overwhelming feeling of dread over took her, waking Y/N from her slumber. Out of the corner of her eye she swore a black shadow stood near her closet watching her. The shadow was darker then the darkness in her room. Shifting to face her closet directly she no longer saw it and blamed Minhyuk for transferring his fears to her. He was definitely influencing her thoughts.    The next few nights noises could be heard throughout the house. Scraping sounds, like nails raking across her walls and doors opening and closing on their own. The lights would flicker on and off for no apparent reason.    Her parents were supposed to be arriving in a week and she was counting down the days to where she would not have to sleep alone. She was having a hard time sleeping. Minhyuk had refused to step foot in her home ever since using the spirit board and she couldn’t blame him. Not anymore.    When she began to hear a man’s voice she could no longer brush it off as any natural house noises. She knew then, that on the night she and Minhyuk had used the Ouiji board, they had released something into her house.    “Y/N…”    She was walking down the hallway when she heard her name. It was just the quietest of whispers, but even then she could hear the deep timber of a male’s voice.    “Who’s there?”    She couldn’t keep the tremor from her voice as she froze in place.    “Have you forgotten me so quickly?” the disembodied voice queried. “You break my heart, Y/N,” he tsked.    “I.M?” she wondered aloud as she looked up and down the hall.    “It is I,” he chuckled.    Trying to steady her fraying nerves, she took a deep breath before asking, “What are you doing here?”    There was a heavy sigh. “I’m so lonely. It’s so lonely here.”    She couldn’t help continuing the interaction though every cell in her body told her to run as far away from there as she could.    “Where are you?”    The space began to grow cooler. She felt a slick shiver of fear wrack her body as she peered down the hall towards her bedroom. There, where the light didn’t quite reach, she could see a silhouette that appeared to be drawing closer and closer.    “Purgatory.”    She gasped, “Purgatory?!”    “Yessss.”    He was nearer now. His voice so close and bringing with him a frigid air. No longer a shadow, she could now make out a young man. Quite handsome, though he exuded danger causing warning bells to tickle at her mind. She felt goosebumps prickle along her flesh as he smiled wickedly at her with glowing red eyes.    “What the hell are you?!” The fear crept back into her voice.    “I am what I am.”    She wasn’t aware of stepping back, trying to get away from him, until her back hit the wall. The terror that was beginning to consume her made it hard to speak.    “Wha-what do you want?”    She saw the board and the planchette clutter to the floor, momentarily distracting her.    “It’s quite simple dear,” he murmured. “I want you!”    His hand flew out, snatching her wrist before she could turn and flee. Though she knew no one would hear her, she screamed until only thick black darkness surrounded her.

***

   Minhyuk curls up in his bed, staring despairingly at a picture of himself and Y/N as the audio from the news channel his mother is listening to finds its way into his room.    “...no new information in the disappearance of Y/N Y/L/N who has been missing now for three weeks. The police have confirmed there was no sign of forced entry and are not ruling out the possibility that she may have run away. Her friend, Lee Minhyuk, stands by his statement. He alleges that Y/N had confessed that she suspected she was being followed and that the stalking began after they used a Ouiji board. He claims a demon was released that night and is the cause of her disappearance. He is currently seeking psychiatric help and is not a suspect. If you have any information on this case, you are asked to contact the local police at...”

Thank you so much for reading! Happy Halloween!

#Monsta X #Monsta X x Reader #Monsta X I.M #Monsta X Changkyun #Monsta X Halloween #Monsta X Thriller #Monsta X Spooky #Monsta X Minhyuk #I.M #Changkyun #minhyuk fanfic #Monsta X x Female Reader #Monbebe

[wearetakingthehobbitstogallifrey]

Full Metal Alchemist Netflix!!! (spoilers ahead)

okay so yeah I’m not sure how they are gonna condense FMA into a successful movie and while there are probably going to be a lot of missing people/plotlines I am so psyched I don’t even care that.  I’m just gonna enjoy the good stuff and shrug at the rest.  here goes nothing:

-me, during the opening scene:  *fully expecting the Hogwarts Express to appear any second, with a flying Ford Anglia in its wake*

-this is a very crisply colored film so far and I love it

-MY BBY BOYS!!! HUGGING THEIR MOM!!! *valiantly tries not to cry already*

-yeah no I’m crying already

-dark and gloomy funeral OMG Ed and Al are holding hands to support each other I CAN’T

-LIL ALCHEMISTS AT WORK!

-I’m happy to see that Edward Elric is just as outrageously fashionable as always, that red coat is on POINT

-Ed stop getting your butt kicked and do some alchemy

-oh yeah, Ed proceeds to perform alchemy without a circle and takes out...whatever those alchemy critters are AND THERE IS AL MY SON THE SOUL IN THE SUIT OF ARMOR

-lol Ed seems way more chill than he is in the manga/anime, I mean he hasn’t flipped out about being short yet.  Still he is v. Enthusiastic and Quite Cute

-ED YOU ABSOLUTE dORK

-I CAN’T WITH HIM AND NEITHER CAN POOR AL LOL

-WOOOOOHOOO ROY MUSTANG AND RIZA HAWKEYE IN THE HOUSE

-WHO ARE YOU CALLING PUNY ok there is the Ed we all know and love

-wow the Homunculi look pretty accurate, which means Gluttony is extra ugh

-ok but seriously my favorite thing is how people assume that Al is the full metal alchemist because he is...all metal.  And Al is like no really.  not me

-AWWW my brother may be small but he has a big heart

-So I’m not sure why Winry isn’t a blonde but she is still very cute

-ED IS SO PASSIONATE AND SAD WHEN HE TALKS ABOUT GETTING AL’S BODY BACK :( and when he says he would do anything for Al and the camera focuses on Riza who looks like she could very well be saying I understand I would do anything for Mustang

-MAES HUGHES!!!!  I AM SO HAPPY AND SAD RIGHT NOW.  BECAUSE ED IS SO HAPPY TO SEE HIM AND THEY SMILE AND HUGHES IS A GOOD FRIEND AND dAMN IT I’M GONNA HAVE TO WATCH HIM DIE ALL OVER AGAIN WHAT THE HECK

-Ed is really freaking cute

-Winry scolding Ed about taking care of his metal arm and Ed apologizing I’M EXPLODING WITH HAPPY FLUTTERBYS AND RAINBOWS--AND SO IS MAES HUGHES LOOK AT THE SHIPPER ON DECK GRINNING 

-wHERE IS BBY ELICIA AND WHY HASN’T HUGHES DRIVEN PEOPLE TO DISTRACTION WITH HIS PROUD PAPA ROUTINE??!

-oh she isn’t born yet... :/

-I have never been able to decide which is sadder, Al never being able to sleep and feeling alone or Ed having nightmares about what happened and feeling guilty

-that is a BEAUTIFUL dog and NINA IS SO CUTE AAHHH MY HEART IS GONNA BREAK LATER

-AL PLAYING WITH NINA OH MY HEART

-(tbh some of this plot is getting tangled up in my head, like is that how it went in the anime I don’t remember)

-*cries everytime Nina is onscreen*  AL AND WINRY PLAYING WITH HER *cries harder*

-there’s that Hogwart’s Express again

-Winry:  you were Nina’s favorite

Ed, proudly:  ah little kids like me

Winry:  yeah because you are tiny

THE BETRAYAL

-ED X WINRY OTP THEY ARE THE CUTEST

-I kind of adore the aesthetics of this movie.  I want Winry’s dress

-hey Dr. Marcoh.  Um bye Dr. Marcoh

-NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOO NINA!!!  WHYYY

-F*** YOU MR. TUCKER

-WHY ARE THERE BIRDS CHIRPING IN THE BACKGROUND THIS SCENE IS A TRAGEDY

-FURIOUS ED IS FURIOUS THERE IS MY HOT-TEMPERED GOOD-HEARTED SON

-AL:  SHUT UP OR I’LL BE THE ONE TO LOSE CONTROL

-play with me?  *cries forever and ever* my heart

-oh come on don’t show me Nina’s ball lying there alone never to be played with again

-tired mussy-haired Ed = the cutest

-MAES HUGHES YOU ARE TOO SWEET *CRIES FOREVER* 

-Oh hi Lieutenant Ross!  (I just realized there are a LOT of people who don’t appear to be in this)

-YOU AND I ARE FRIENDS AAHHH HUGHES AND ROSS WORKING TO HELP ED AND HUGHES WON’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER AND OH DRAT IT I CAN’T STAND TO SEE WHAT IS GONNA HAPPEN SOON

-ED IS ALL SAD AND UPSET TILL HE SEES THAT AL IS DEPRESSED AND THEN HE TRIES TO CHEER UP HIS LIL BRO, EXCEPT AL WORRIES ALL HIS MEMORIES ARE FALSE AND AND 

“TRUST ME”  

“hOW CAN I TRUST ANYTHING, I’M HOLLOW!!!”

BROTHER FEELS AND ANGST WAIT NO AL OF COURSE ED IS YOUR BROTHER STOP FIGHTING :(  

Al, when Ed is angrily punching him with his human fist: BROTHER USE YOUR RIGHT HAND YOU’LL INJURE YOUR LEFT HAND  *cries* HE STILL CARES ABOUT HIM

THEY LOVE EACH OTHER SO MUCH (THANKS WINRY)

-”BROTHER IT HURTS”  *SCREAMS INTO THE VOID*  *FLINGS SELF INTO THE SUN

-ED’S HEAD BUMP AGAINST AL’S ARMOR *FLINGS SELF INTO THE SUN aGAIN*

-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAES HUGHES NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I AM NOT READY FOR THIS NOOOOOO WHYYYYYYYY 

NOT THE PHONEBOOTH

NOT THE PHOTO

NOT--ROY???  (sidenote:  if they’re gonna make it look like Roy did it why even introduce Maria Ross earlier?)

IN CONCLUSION I HATE EVERYTHING

-lies I’m not done yet I can go on I can make it through the rest of the movie

-NVM I CAN’T ED LOOKS SO BROKEN

..................*SIGHS*

-okay not sure where they are going with the story from here on out given them blaming Mustang but I am here for Riza Hawkeye and Ed working together to escape 

-I AM CONFUSED

-ok is that real Roy or fake Roy ok this has to be fake Roy?  Because why would real Roy want it to look like he is killing loyal soldiers?  oh waiit wait WHAAAAAAATT

IT’S FAKE ROSS I GET IT THEY JUST SWITCHED A LOT OF THINGS AROUND

THERE IS A LOT MISSING FROM THE MOVIE

-CAN WE NOT KEEP SHOWING HUGHES’ DEATH OVER AND OVER I FREAKING CANNOT HANDLE THIS WHYYYY I’M CRYING 

-UMMMM GLUTTONY IS FRICKING WEIRD (lol if Emma does her sassy recap I can’t wait to see her reaction to him)

-OKAY BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW LUST SAYS ROY HAS A WEAK SPOT RIGHT AFTER HE STEPS IN FRONT OF RIZA TO PROTECT HER AND GETS INJURED AND WHILE SHE IS SAYING THIS RIZA IS SUPPORTING HIM IN HER ARMS OKAY THANKS

OTP RIGHT THERE MATES OTP

-OH okay Tucker has Al and Winry and I don’t even know what is happening anymore

-THERE IS LITERALLY SO MUCH MISSING FROM THIS.  I CAN’T BLAME THEM BECAUSE HOW DO YOU REALLY MOVIE AN ANIME BUT STILL

-what...what does Tucker want again?

-if Colonel Roy Mustang doesn’t get to destroy Lust like the badass he is then WHAT IS EVEN THE POINT

-*gets distracted from my mutterings because ROYAI*  

-I’m...still not exactly sure is going on like General Hakura what? but ROY IS LEANING ON RIZA FOR SUPPORT AND THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

-FIVE MINUTES LATER AND ROYAI STILL HANGING ON TO EACH OTHER

-OKAY THESE WEIRD GUMMY CREATURES ARE HIGHLY DISTURBING

-WHERE DID ENVY AND GLUTTONY GO?

-I AM V. CONFUSED

-goodbye Hakura you won’t be missed

-ah there is Envy

-actually Gluttony really didn’t need to show up again like ew

-RIZA NOT WANTING TO LEAVE ROY’S SIDE BUT FOLLOWING HIS ORDERS

-okay but why was Al all unconscious before and how did he wake up I missed that

-OH YEAH ALPHONSE PERFORMING ALCHEMY WITHOUT A TRANSMUTATION CIRCLE (look I realize it isn’t a good thing necessarily but it is very cool)

-wait Envy better not be dead just like that because um I really love how everything goes down in the anime

-BUT AT LEAST IT LOOKS LIKE MUSTANG’S GONNA DESTROY LUST

-*SHRIEKING* RIZA WAS GIVING OUT ORDERS LIKE A BADASS BUT HESITATES JUST A SECOND WHEN SHE SEES ROY’S BLOOD ON HER HAND AAAAAAAHHHH THEN SHE GETS BACK TO WORK AAAAAHHHH OTP OTP OTP

-OKAY THIS IS ALL A MESS STORY-WISE BUT I GOTTA FIND THE BRIGHT SPOTS SO ED SAVES ROY AND AL SAVES THEM BOTH AND ROY THROWING LUST’S WORDS BACK AT HER, PRETTY RAD

-AL PROTECTING THE OTHERS WITH HIS ARMOR BODY

-wait Gluttony is still alive...”Lust is dead” apparently he’s not too cut up about Envy though

-ALPHONSE!!!  MY HEART :(  POOR ED :(  AL YOU SWEETHEART “IF IT’S AT THE PRICE OF A LIFE, I’D RATHER STAY LIKE THIS”

-I’M SORRY I’M CRYING OVER HERE CRYING OVER ED TELLING AL HIS BODY HAS GROWN AND AL IS TALLER THAN ED AND LOOK THE BROTP IN THE ANIME IS MY FAVE THING EVER AND IT WAS NOT AS PRESENT IN THE MOVIE AS I WANTED BUT THE MOMENTS WHERE IT IS REALLY GET ME

-ROYAI ROYAI JUST HUG HIM GIRL OH GOSH THE LOOK BETWEEN THE TWO

-”get promoted and expose the truth behind the mystery” look is the Fuhrer a thing, like Greed never showed up, if they are doing a sequel they have stuff to work with but it so far off the original storyline at this point

-ED AND AL AND WINRY ARE THE CUTEST

-BYE BYE HOGWART’S EXPRESS

(BTW IF WE ARE DIVERTING FROM CANON WHY COULDN’T WE GET TO ACTUALLY SEE A ROYAI WEDDING?? ?)

#fma netflix #full metal alchemist #edward and alphonse elric #elric bros #royai #in conclusion it wasn't the greatest movie but I enjoyed it a good bit anyway #ed was very cute even if he wasn't as spazzy as he is in the anime #i really wanted to see more of alphonse and the brotp interactions #i cry every day over maes hughes #an enjoyable movie even if it was rather derailed by the end plot-wise #oh wait i just saw the stinger is envy alive still? #i am so confused #i am all about the royai though

[serpent-jugheadjones]

In The Name Of FP - Phone Calls - Part 4

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Pairing: Jughead Jones x Jellybean Jones / Implied Jughead Jones x Reader 

Description: Jughead’s only form of communication with his sister is through phone calls. 

Warnings: None I can think of.  

Word Count: 945

A/N: Introducing Y/N into the mix. Hope you like it. I dedicate this part to my twin @southsidejuggie  ❤️

Jughead is sitting at Pop’s counter, poetically filling the pages of his novel, drinking the strongest coffee made specially for him: black, no sugar. His phone buzzes next to him and he finishes his sentence before picking up, still looking at the laptop screen. 

“Yes...?”, he says distracted. 

“You could sound more excited when you answer your only sister’s call.”, the young girl laughs. 

“JB! Hey!” He completely forgets about what he’s doing to give her his full attention. “How are you?” 

“Ya know. Studying, listening to good music, eating tons of burgers and being forgotten by my brother...”, she answers sarcastically. 

“Wow, mom and dad really don’t talk, then...” He’s saddened. 

“What do you mean, Jug?” She sounds curious. 

 “I was arrested for...”, he starts telling her. 

“WHAT? You were arrested?”, she shouts and then whispers in case her mother is overhearing. 

“Calm down. I was actually taken in for questioning, but it felt like I was being arrested.” He can vividly remember being dragged by the police through the school halls. 

“Explain yourself, Forsythe.”, she demands. 

“We found a car with Jason’s stuff... And drugs. We told the Sheriff, but when he went to check it out, it was in flames.”, he explains. 

“So they took you in because of your record, right?”, she asks. 

“Yep. Pyro kid couldn’t be left out of the suspect list.”, he tells her angrily. Being accused of destroying evidence is one thing, but murder?  “Anyways, Mr. Andrews took care of it.” 

“You’re not a pyro, it was an accident. I’m sorry dad wasn’t there.” She wishes SHE was, in order to watch over her bother. 

“He showed up. Late, but still. Believe it or not, he’s working with Fred again. Dad’s cleaning himself up, JB.” He sounds hopeful that he’ll get his family back together. 

“No way! And the Serpents?”, she asks. 

“One step at a time.” Jughead knows how hard it is to right all wrongs. 

“Are you staying with him again?” Jellybean hopes her father is well enough to take care of Jug. 

“Not yet. But you’ll be glad to know I’ve left my 5-star hotel to live with Archie.” He’s fully aware that’s exactly what she wanted. 

“So the three musketeers are back together?” Excitement can be felt in her words. 

“The three musketeers?”, he asks puzzled. 

“Yeah. You, Archie and Y/N/N.” She makes it sound obvious. 

“Right. Y/N/N.” Jug prefers to see them more as Star Trek’s Kirk, Spock and Uhura. 

“Don’t tell me you too are fighting.”, she says, ready to lecture him about keeping his friends. 

“God, no.” He laughs. “We’re... dating.”, he admits shyly. 

“Dad owns me 10 bucks.”, she says proudly. 

“You had a bet on me, on us?” He fakes being offended. 

“It was a sure win, can’t blame me.” She’s truly happy for her bother. “Tell me about it.” 

“I showed up at her window...”, he tries to sound serious, but the memory of it makes him speak in a literary voice. 

“Very ‘Romeo and Juliet’ of you.” She interrupts him. 

“I was just going to ask if she wanted to go to Pop’s. She looked so beautiful and without thinking I just kissed her.”, he tells his sister with a smile on his face, remembering how perfect it felt. 

“What did she do?”, she asks curiously. 

“She looked as if she was gonna hit me, then she just asked, ‘What took you so long, Jones?’.” He laughs. 

“This is too cute, Juggie. You guys were meant for each other.” 

“What about you? Got any crushes?” They don’t really talk about that kind of stuff, but he wonders if he’ll have to show up to intimidate a kid into behaving, like big brothers do. 

“If dead musicians count, then yeah.”, she chuckles. “I got more important things to think about.” Unlike most kids her age. 

“Still hung up on Jim Morrison? Wouldn’t expect anything else from you, JB.” 

“He was a true artist.” , she defends herself. “Anyways, Mads and I are starting a band. She’ll play the drums and I’ll play the guitar.”, the girl says excited. 

“’White Stripes’ much?”, he asks. 

“Hopefully. Problem is, we don’t know how to play... yet.”, she answers. “Maybe you could write some songs for us?” 

“Archie’s the better fit for that. He can even teach you how to play when you come back.” He hopes she will. 

“No way he’s playing the guitar. Since when is Archibald poetic enough to write songs??” She laughs. 

“Weirdly, they’re pretty good. I can send you some if you want.” He almost regrets it, knowing the lyrics are quite depressive, but if she is able to survive Pink Floyd vinyls, maybe it’s OK. 

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” , JB accepts the offer with a sparkling voice. 

“I gotta go. Y/N is here.”, he says with a wide smile. “Let me know when you girls find a name for the band.” 

“Will do. Tell Y/N/N I said hi. Bye, Juggie.”

 He hangs up the phone to kiss his girlfriend. Perhaps things are finally changing for better. He’s dating the amazing girl he’s been in love with all his life. His sister has a cool friend she can make projects with. His father is trying to be clean. Maybe, just maybe, everything will be fine.  

#Jughead Jones #Jughead Jones x Jellybean Jones #jellybean jones #Forsythe Pendleton Jones III #forsythia pendleton jones #Riverdale #Riverdale Imagine #Thank you mom for proofreading #jughead jones imagine #Jughead Jones x Reader #Jughead x Reader #Riverdale Imagines #Jughead Jones Imagines #Juggie Jones #fanfic #imagine #Jughead Jones III

[episodes-ff]

1. And I Swear...

Ameera

“Mimi, wake your bright ass up or we gone be late!” Groaning, I rolled over and stretched before fully getting out of the bed. Starting on my shower, I stepped under the steamy water and let the heat relax me into waking up for the day. Washing my long tresses, I wrapped my hair in a t-shirt and finished the rest of my shower with my favorite body wash for the assist. Deciding on light makeup, I glossed my lips before applying my curling moose to my hair and blowing it out with a diffuser. Picking an outfit for school, I quickly put on my clothes and ran downstairs to eat.

Watching my dad plate me up some food, I quickly ate and kissed his and mom’s cheeks before running out to Anthony’s car. “About fucking time. Always holding me up.” He griped putting on chapstick as he checked himself out. “I don’t know why you care so much about your looks anyway, you bout ugly as hell.” “Shut up and drive, dummy.”

Pulling into the main student parking lot, I saw my baby waiting for me and I squeaked grabbing my bag. “Here you two go. I’m surprised dad even let yo ass have a boyfriend.” “Maybe it’s because he knows I’m responsible... unlike you and that walking STD you call a girlfriend.” “Aye, don’t be talking bout my girl.” “And don’t be talking bout my man.” I retorted. “Whatever. Anyway, you better be ready to go when the end bell rings, I’m not waiting on yo slow ass cause you wanna be all caked up.” “Ok, Dad! Damn! Always on my back.” I said getting out and walking over to Kobe. “See you after school. And you better not be caked up with that boy! I’ll beat both y’all asses!” He yelled out causing people to look at me and snicker. So annoying, I swear...

Airionna

Walking around the halls, I looked for my locker in my first day papers when I got distracted and bumped into someone. “Oh I’m so sorry!” I expressed anxiously as my papers flew around. Going to pick them up, I saw a foot stand on them and looked up to see a girl staring down at me.

“Watch where you’re going next time.” She scoffed before getting off and walking away making me want to hide. “Need some help?” Looking up again, I saw a really attractive boy standing with his hand out. “Umm, yea.” “Cool cool.” He bent down helping me gather my stuff so I wasn’t late. “Freshman?” “Yea.” “I feel ya. I was just as nervous. I’m Tray, by the way.” “Airi.” “That’s a really pretty name.” “Thank you.” Hearing the late bell dinging, I sighed as he helped me to my locker. “Well, I gotta get going, but I’ll see you around.” “Thank you again.” I smiled as he nodded before heading to his destination. Grabbing my books, I hurried up and got to class before I got in anymore trouble.

Anthony, Jr.

“But Daddy, I don’t want to ride the bus today.” My girlfriend, Kaila, pouted as we headed through the lunch line. “I know, but I told you, I gotta give my little sister a ride home today.” Frowning, she nodded as we sat down at our lunch table. Eating my pizza, I watched as the crew came and sat down at the table. Dapping up the guys and saying hey to the girls, I continued eating when I saw Ameera and Kobe come and sit down with us. “Why didn’t you tell me this school is so big, Ty? I almost got lost three times today!” “I told you last week that you was gone get lost. Not my fault you don’t be listening. Aye, Kobe, you trying out for the team this year?” “Yea. I been training all summer, and I’m determined to get it this time around.” Getting up from the table, Kaila scoffed and stormed off to the courtyard as we stared at her. Shrugging, I went back to eat when the twins came up.

“What’s up with ya little girlfriend, Anthony? She bumping into folks like she crazy.” Lita voiced in concern as they sat. “Yea, homegirl can chill before she get a beat down.” Jackie complained before eating her food. “Man, chill wit all that nonsense. You know you can’t fight.” “You wasn’t saying that when I was whooping that ass!” Waving her off, we continued the playful banter until it was time to go back to class. “How you talking about that girl when you got a whole bald patch in yo head?” I cracked at Jackie as she got her books out her locker. “Boy, bye! Who did you think you were when they were putting them crunchy little braids in your head. You are not Chris Brown!” “Guarantee I’ll fuck you back to sleep though.” I winked earning some laughs from her. “Such a liar, Anthony.” “I swear I’m telling the truth.” “We both know you wouldn’t know what to do with all of this.” She said tapping my chin before twisting down the hall to class as I bit my lip. We’ll see.

Running into class, my teacher looked up and shook her head. “Mr. Frederick, late as usual. I see some things didn’t change over the summer.” “Sorry.” “Mhmm, take your seat.” Sitting down, Kaila looked at me before crossing her arms and resuming to the board while I peeped Jackie smirk at us and return her attention as well. Finishing with the day, I waited by my car and watched Mimi and Kobe walk up holding hands. Giving him a face, he quickly let her hand go and she smacked her teeth before getting in the car. “Text me when you make it home, ok?” He said kissing her hand. “I will, bae.” “Aight, bye.” Blowing him a kiss, I gagged as she turned and looked at me. “Oh shut up! You just mad cause Kaila isn’t giving you any.” “Man, anyway! How was your first day?” “It was good. I didn’t have any trouble with anybody.” “You swear?” “I swear, Anthony. Dang!” “Aight, let’s go.”

#episodes-ff #fanfiction #Yasmeen Nicole #Hanna Lashay #Damiun Moore #Crowned #Trilogy

[suezycreamcheese]

The world just got a little luckier, today; a little brighter. My oldest daughter, Emily, graduated from Mount Royal University this morning; her beautiful face beaming with joy. With this degree, she adds one more First to her list; one of many. She was the First person in my life that I ever worried about. I was told she had Intrauterine Growth Retardation when I was just 16 weeks along in my pregnancy; she just stopped growing. My OB/GYN told me there were only 2 possible outcomes: she would survive and be a midget (no joke), or she would not survive; my placenta was only working at 50% capacity and she wasn’t getting the nutrients she needed. He told me that we could induce labor when I had reached my 23rd week, and hope to give her the care she needed to thrive; but I had to at least get my pregnancy past 23 weeks because the state of Texas would not allow medical intervention for preemies born before that mark. With that goal in mind, I was put on total bedrest so she could have the full attention of my body and all the oxygen and nutrients that I otherwise would have used if I were up and running around. We played music on my tummy, I wrote and painted in my journal while talking to her, we read her poems, and I read books to her that I checked out of the library by the shelfful; all murder mysteries (now thankful they had no effect on her). We watched every episode of Murder She Wrote and The Scarecrow and Mrs. King, from beginning to end. And I ate cheese; so much cheese. We can thank the Women, Infants, Children program (WIC) for all the blessed cheese, milk, and Life Cereal I could possibly eat. It worked. Every week, I had an ultrasound to check on her, and they gave me a sugary drink to get her to kick. I was told, if I could count 10 kicks in the span of one hour every day, she was doing ok. We had a C-section scheduled for the end of my 36th week, but days before the scheduled time, Emmy decided to jump out on her own; she was my First big surprise; she was my First child. When I looked into her eyes I realized that she was my First love as well. My doctor laughed when he reported her weighing in at 6lbs 14oz; he said it was good she was a preemie, because if she had gone full term, she would have been a 10lb baby…all that cheese! It turned out that Emily was his First baby patient to bounce back so perfectly from IUGR; one more for her brand new list of Firsts.

As Emmy grew, I followed the advice in all my baby books, preparing for every step. Well. Most babies start babbling “mama/dada” by 6 months and 2-3 word sentences between 18months and 2 years. They also typically begin walking around 9months. My baby? She started with the “mama/dada” and moved straight into full sentences. By her yearly exam, she hadn’t begun to walk, however, and I worried. The doctor looked me in the eye and reminded me, “Emily asks for anything she wants – she can clearly communicate to you…what motivation does she have to actually get up and walk to something she would like? She asks politely for the toy from her bedroom, and you run off to bring it to her. Stop. She won’t like it, but she will eventually learn that she needs to get what she wants by walking to what she wants. All will be well.”

She learned her First little lesson in life; sometimes you have to get what you want by rising to your feet and pursuing it on your own.

Then we moved to California and I needed to work, so poor Emily had to go to Daycare for the First time, crying all the way; crying every morning. We eventually fell into a routine and a morning ritual that would calm her down by the time we arrived at the Daycare Center. Every day we would drive from our tiny apartment in Seaside, to the Daycare Center at the Defense Language Institute. Along the way, to distract her from her sadness, we would say, “Look, Emmy! There is the big tree! And as we passed it, we said, “Hi tree! Bye-bye tree!” “Look Emily, there’s the ocean! Hi Ocean! Bye-bye Ocean!” And our favorite was, “LOOK! The Car Tunnel!” As we drove through it (the last thing before entering DLI), “Hi Tunnel! Bye-bye Tunnel!” She learned that those things would remain there while she was in Daycare, and we could do the reverse routine on our way home. To this day, I’m not sure whether Emily does this or not, but I still whisper under my breath when driving through any tunnel, “Hi Tunnel, Bye Tunnel.” Unfortunately, one of the worst Firsts she had to put on her list was that we worked such horrible hours in the hotel industry, and she was always the First to be dropped off at Daycare, and last to be picked up. Through it all, though, she managed to keep her sunny smile and we enjoyed our days off together.

I was a bit overprotective of Emily; I remember when we met my husband, Markus, for the First time; he was shocked that I wouldn’t even let her climb the slides at the park. He proceeded, over the years, to teach her how to climb trees, and how to ride a bicycle; she had her First adventures because he entered our lives. My girlie girl in the ruffled dresses suddenly became rough and tumble and trailed after him like a puppy. He became her First idol.

Eventually, after dating for a year, we flew to Markus’ hometown in Bavaria to meet his family. We were so nervous; the only advice he was given before going to America was, “Whatever you do, don’t fall in love with an American Woman!” They’d had bad impressions from another American Woman through a different member of their family, and wanted to make sure Markus didn’t make a similar mistake. Well whaddayaknow, not only did he fall in love with an American Woman, but she was a Divorced American Woman…with a Child from her Previous Marriage. Oh the scandal! Needless to say, I was incredibly stressed, ready to jump down anyone’s throat who dared to say anything unkind to my baby. I shouldn’t have worried so. Emily worked her First magic spell that day at the Munich airport. One look at her, and Markus’ mother fell to her knees and exclaimed, “Call me Oma!” Emmy celebrated her 3rd birthday during that enchanting visit, returning home having wrapped each family member around her little fingers.

Emily’s First time at a wedding was when we all got married. I say “we” to include her, because we recited our wedding vows to her, promising to love her and be a family together. I don’t know if she fully understood the solemnity of our promises; she spent most of the time swinging from our joined hands; about all that can be expected from a 3yr old. Oh, let me not forget to mention another first…On the morning of our wedding, I went to get my hair done and on the way home suddenly fell ill. I may or may not have pulled over into the parking lot of a 7Eleven and, being too embarrassed to get sick in a parking lot, barfed all over the inside of my car. I made it home, a smelly mess, shaky and feverish; Markus cleaned up the car, cleaned up his bride-to-be, and whisked us away to Monastery Beach, in Carmel, to be married by our good friend Colette. At the wedding dinner at Il Fornio (fancy for us), I sat, white as a sheet, while Emily and Markus tucked in and devoured their meals. All of a sudden, Emily sat up and picked up the barf baton; and she ran with it. Markus made it almost to bed time before he succumbed. I think we had only one day off before returning to work, and we spent it taking care of each other. I could say it was Emmy’s First family drama, but I passed it over for First Time Learning What Not to Say. That weekend, I brought my car to the car wash and asked them to detail it. I was in the middle of pointing out the gunk in the gaps between the gear shift and the seats, and little Emily pops her head in the door and squeals, “YAH! We gotta clean that UP! Mama barfed ALL over the place – it was SO GROSS!” I wish I could say that was the First and last time Emily has made me want to laugh (or cry!) and pretend she was someone else’s child because of “oversharing.” We’ll not reminisce about the “Painkiller” pitchers of potion we imbibed in the Caribbean, after snorkeling, and the cute young man that enchanted her…and how she thought she was whispering her admiration of him to us as we trailed behind him back to the ship, but she forgot to turn down the volume…ahhh, good times.

More relevantly, Emily’s First day of school was epic. Markus and she walked to the elementary school just a couple of blocks from our house, a few days before school started, just to get the lay of the land. She was hopping up and down from excitement. One of the classroom doors was open, with a teacher working inside, and Markus told Em, “This is a kindergarten classroom – this might even be YOUR classroom! Doesn’t it look fun?” Emily, jumping up and down, “oh yes! OH YES!” The teacher came to the door, smiled at Emily, and asked her, “What is your name?” And Emily, in classic Sound of Music style, marched one step forward, said, “Emily!” and marched one step back, grinning her front-teeth-missing goofy grin. The teacher, Ms. Wendy Tuffli, fell in love with our silly girl, and after they went home, she did her own marching into the school office and told them, “That girl? Emily something? I want her.” And she became Emily’s First teacher; you should have seen the glorious look on Emmy’s face on the first day of school, when she found out who her teacher was. Ms. Tuffli was Emily’s First inspiration; someone that Emily grew up wanting to be, and is now going to learn how to be.

Emily’s First time becoming a big sister happened while she was in kindergarten. She adored her baby sister, Hanna. Again, another unfortunate First came along. Emily caught the chicken pox and passed it on to 2 week old Hanna. Hanna only got one giant pox on her forehead; it made us giggle to see them together.

Emily met her First lifelong friend, Natalie, while we lived in California. They met at the swimming pool and it was friendship at First sight. We actually moved to Pacific Grove because of that little lady; they both went to Forest Grove Elementary School together. They also celebrated their First Communion together. Last year Emily flew out to Arizona to cheer her on as Natalie graduated from her university.

Before we moved to Pacific Grove, we also have to note that Emily had her First and only Around the Corner Friend. My friend, JJ, lived around the corner from our house, and her daughter Emma, and Emily played together. We called them Em&Em. They shared their First friendship sandwich together; a very cool thing. You take a giant loaf of French bread, like a baguette, cut it open and load on everything you could ever dream of in a sandwich. Then, the 2 friends chow down on their respective ends of the sandwich until they meet in the middle. It was a big hit in our house.

This might be the best First of all. From the time we married and I changed my name, Emily was the only one left in the house with the surname Pierce. For a time, her birth father permitted us to hyphenate her last name, when she became aware of things in Kindergarten. But things became harder for her. Hanna was born…Johanna Treppenhauer. Then Simon was born…Simon Treppenhauer. She grew sadder and sadder. Back in preschool, one of the teachers insisted that Emily refer to Markus as her “Stepdad” instead of Papa Markus. Emily argued; she said that she had 2 Papas: Papa Scott and Papa Markus, and what was a Stepdad anyway? After the complicated list of proper labels for families of divorce was explained to her, and being told that, according to her stupid stupid stupid preschool teacher, Papa Markus was not actually blood-related to her, she came home a sobbing mess. Why wasn’t she blood related to Papa? What WAS blood related, anyway?! Was Papa not her Papa because he was a Stepdad instead? That was her First heartbreak. I can’t say I reacted well. Much inner-cursing of the preschool teacher, much outer crying for the loss of happy innocence. We tried to tell her that labels were not needed in our family and Papa was Papa because of the love in our hearts; but she could not be consoled. Sudden I remembered my father, when I was little, swearing himself as Blood Brother with a close friend, and the ceremony involved, I jumped to my feet and cried, “QUICK! Peel your knee scab! Markus, peel that scab on your arm!” And I grabbed their limbs and squished them together, scab to scab. Gross, but effective. I now pronounce you Blood Related. And that alone could have been the best of all. But there is more. When Emmy was in kindergarten, things became very difficult and messy with her birth father. She began to have nightmares. We took legal action to protect her. In the end, her birth father gave us permission for Markus to adopt her. She was turning 10 at that time. She spoke to her birth father and thanked him for giving her the greatest birthday gift she could ever have asked for; to be able to share the same last name as her brother and sister, and to finally feel 100% part of the family. Her First day as a Treppenhauer was a great day.

Years passed, our family grew, and we moved to Hawaii. The Big Island was the First place we ever lived where Emily blended in – she had a wonderful 5 years there, living like an island girl, making friends and loving the sun. I think she may have left her heart back there. When she was halfway through 10th grade, we moved to Banff. Her First time in a foreign country; her First time learning the importance of being diplomatic (“Whaddaya mean I can’t loudly argue with my social studies class about America? We’re GREAT!”). And another not so great First. For the First time, Emily struggled with school. She struggled so hard that she started to hate it. It took just one teacher and the damage was so bad we worried she wouldn’t make it to university. Not surprisingly, Emily decided to take a gap year before going on to college. She felt so bad about school, though, and in hindsight, it was good for her to take that break. She worked in town and tried to save for college. Then, Markus was transferred to Jasper. All of a sudden, Emmy would have to live on her own for the First time. Broken-hearted, we urged her to stay where she was and see it as practice for living at university in the Fall. She was brave. She was braver than I have ever known her to be.

And she did it! All of a sudden, it was Fall and her First day of school all over again. I drove down from Jasper to help her move into her dorm. Car packed to the ceiling, we made that journey together. I thought I couldn’t be prouder.

I’ve never been more wrong. Today, I look back at her life and think, “she’s already accomplished so much! How can she top this?” But she already has. Through her shining example of perseverance in the pursuit of a higher education, I have been taking my prerequisite classes to attend nursing school. Markus is going to enroll in school to work towards his MBA. Hanna is finishing up her first year at the University of Washington. There is going to be a day or two over the next two years when all of our lives will align and every member of this family will be enrolled in a university at the same time. She is my First inspiration. I know this seems like a lot just to say, “Happy Graduation,” but there is so much more I didn’t even have time to include. One day, I want the opportunity and time to sit down and write out all the bright details of her wonderful life. From her giant gap toothed smile on the first day of kindergarten, to this, her beautiful, serene smile on her last day of school; what a transformation. Whenever that time comes, I just know there will be a mountain of new adventures to share with the world. Emily will be off to her Master’s program at the University of Calgary in the Fall. Another First day of school. Please join me in my cheering; BRAVO EMILY!!!

First to Fly The world just got a little luckier, today; a little brighter. My oldest daughter, Emily, graduated from Mount Royal University this morning; her beautiful face beaming with joy.