#she found her cash and instead of giving my mom her $20 back we went to the mall with $40 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

okay-victoria · 3 years

Text

Random Personal Rant

For anyone somehow here not from the original thread, this started off me getting asked what finishing school is and me getting shit off my chest that is only mildly relevant about how I could both be of the social class that gets sent to finishing school and grows up on welfare.

With an understanding that in many parts of the world it wouldn't qualify as so, as far as the US goes, my dad is from what counts as a very old money family from Baltimore & Philadelphia. Both his siblings went to college and one now owns a major hedge fund, and his sister is married to a C-level executive at a huge conglomerate. His parents went to college. His grandparents went to college. All eight of his great grandparents went to college. My dad...did not go to college. He was not about that life, and while I don't mean it as an insult, when I say his primary occupation until I was ~5 was a drummer in a mediocre band I mean that he opened for a lot of great acts, and if you lived in the Boston to Atlanta area in the 80s you may have heard him play, but he was never a huge national name. But he wasn't an amateur band playing for free at some random local gig either.

My mom grew up on a chicken farm in a Mennonite family in Pennsylvania but also completely rejected her heritage and became a model, sort of like my father, of mediocre status. Not Giselle Bundchen, but had national contracts and if you have a Graco ad/box from 1990-1993 you might see both me and her on it. They met because my mom's friends placed bets, one each, on who could sleep with a member of their favorite local band first and my mom picked my dad and...my mom was actually supposed to go be a model in Tokyo and found out she was pregnant with me and couldn't go 😂

So, after my parents had two kids back to back with a third on the way and determined they needed lifestyles more in line with having three children, they became much poorer than they originally were because my mom stopped working and my dad, with a barely-passed-high-school education but needing a true "day job" worked day labor in construction. My dad's father was too proud to give us money/help if my dad didn't beg for it; despite having eventually four young children my dad never did so we ended up on all the state assistance programs one could imagine. My grandma jokes that dinners at my parents house were BYOC - bring your own chair, because we didn't own any.

My mother and paternal grandmother had no such pride issues and I live in eternal gratitude that my welfare childhood was not as crappy as it should have been because my grandmother would have my mom accompany her on grocery runs and buy us food without my father or grandfather knowing, and every Christmas and birthday my grandparents/godparents could give us the one big ticket gift all the kids wanted that year. But, on the other side, I once got stung by a bee inside my mouth because my brother threw a hairbrush through a cracked window at me and broke it and we couldn't afford to fix it for about two years and a hornet got in one day and rested himself in my coke can (my parents were the very American type that fed me coca-cola in baby bottles at age 8 when I was jealous of my younger siblings lol).

It is hard not to believe in "toxic masculinity" when two men warring over dumbass pride issues would rather their children/grandchildren go without food than suck it up and decide 'help' isn't the worst word in the English language, and you know you've only been saved by two women who came from totally different backgrounds and entirely disapproved of each other but reached out the hand to shake when it came down to toddlers getting the short end of the don't-bend-the-knee stick. It wasn't that either of the men were bad people, I loved them both and got along great with both, but on a societal level I feel they were socialized in a very fucked up way if that was the end result, as both claimed "male pride" in these instances [my dad took multiple thousands of dollars I'd saved from working during college from me during the 2008-2010 financial crisis and didn't tell me and that was the reason I was given for why I hadn't been informed/asked, because it would be too emotionally difficult for an adult man to ask a young woman. My graduation present was them repaying me 1/3 of the money they'd taken from me without asking because I'd like, trusted them when it had been in a joint account that was a holdover from when I was <18 and couldn't have my own bank account].

While in some ways my parents on the surface achieved the American dream of going from nothing to a bunch of money, the real factor in play was that my dad's father was the bank. My parents had no credit and couldn't get real loans. My dad worked construction and during the two major periods that flipping houses was very lucrative, he never had to get an actual loan or pay actual interest, he just had to ask his father to pay out cash and then repay him at a flat 2% interest rate that didn't even accrue over time, just...whenever you are ready, repay the value of the loan + 2%. Because my father was doing something productive, in these instances, my grandfather was happy to pay, because it wasn't giving away money, it was loaning it. I had a very weird situation of mostly being poor but like also getting taken to the "big donors" events at the Kennedy Center and my grandparents regularly buying me a dress as a child worth more than my mom's wedding dress and also needing to pretend I fit in with these people.

And look. When I say "these people"...honestly, by and large, most wealthy people, whether inherited or not, are not the assholes you want to imagine. Most of them are extremely nice. Most of them are generous when it comes to the less fortunate who are in their personal sphere of being. Most of them are just really out of touch. The 100% kindest of all of them that I know once relayed to me that she thought people would be happier if once a year they did what she did...go to the airport with a purse packed full of absolute necessities, buy a one way ticket to the most appealing destination on the flight board, buy your clothes and book your accommodations after you'd arrived, and come back after you felt you'd 'centered' yourself. She didn't understand why there were so many unhappy people who weren't taking this very obvious route to being happier. I didn't quite know how to explain that saying "most" people couldn't afford to do that either financially or from a job/career angle didn't even cover it, as "most" sounds like 70% instead of 99.7%.

I was both my parents eldest son and eldest daughter in the worst combination possible. I was the eldest son because I was the most stereotypically male of all my siblings, in everything from desire to physically fight the battles I was given to dislike of shopping/fashion to lack of emotional connection to my relationships, so I can now fix your average household plumbing/drywall/electrical issue better than most "city" guys I interact with and remain less clingy to them in the process. I was also very much the oldest daughter from a responsibility perspective, I managed our household and from age 10 - 24 managed the finances of our family business, my mom almost died giving birth to my youngest brother after a ruptured uterus that should never have happened in the first place if we had adequate insurance to get her a non-emergency C-section (I was just past 9 years old at the time) and I was informally withdrawn from school for two years to take care of the family when she couldn't because there is no paid parental leave in the US and we got double-fucked by the medical industry because she got a bad "mesh" put in and then had to have a further surgery to repair that which we also had to pay for and didn't have the money to win a lawsuit over.

I don't know quite how to put this, but in the deepest fuck you of the universe, my rich-immigrant-ggggg grandfather's money led to him owning banks, insurance companies, etc, and the family cashed out in a big way when their ownership was bought by and merged with what is now Cigna, one of the biggest US healthcare insurers, and my nuclear family specifically got screwed by the American health insurance industry, but anyway, we were the people selected for that karmic comeuppance so if you want to feel schadenfreude at my expense, I'll allow it without begrudging the sentiment, my family might have fucked up your family’s life too, not just their own.

I got up twice a night to feed my brother because my dad had to sleep unmolested in my room to get to work and my mom was too weak to carry my brother or even hold him against her while she nursed so I had to hold him up to her. Adjusting to living in a city and hearing lots of random noises all the time was not easy when I'd had mom sound instincts from age 9.

I learned to drive the fall my youngest bro was born because my mom couldn't and I had to get my middle brother to preschool and go the grocery store on my own. While I hold absolutely no ill will towards my father or grandfather for this and given that about 1/3 of my paternal family either has an autism diagnosis or should, I fully feel the struggles they both went through to be communicated with, my father wouldn't ask for help, and my grandmother that lived 20 minutes away couldn't give enough help because my grandfather refused to do a single dish on his own as that was outside their "marriage contract" type agreement and she couldn't ever stay with us overnight when there wasn't a clearly-communicated need, so they let the burden fall on a 9 - 11 year old child and that really shaped a lot of my life in both good and bad ways. My youngest brother is 22, and we have only just climbed out of the medical debt his birth left us with between my dad's life insurance and my oldest brother and I paying for the extra cost of out-of-state college tuition.

The irony of all of this is that because my father died before his father, when my grandmother dies, my siblings and I will all inherit enough money (as a non-blood relative my mom, despite keeping her vows to part at death and not having remarried in eight years, is cut out entirely) to make this a non-issue, but my grandfather couldn't conscience spotting his unluckiest child some money in the end of days to pay for my youngest two brothers' education and take that worry off my father as he was dying. The day before he died I had to hold him down in bed to keep him from trying to climb in his truck to go to work because he was so anxious about trying to provide for us in spite of his father having fuck you money, because his father didn't think it was fair to the other siblings (who, at the time, still owned a major hedge fund and were married to a C-level executive of a huge conglomerate). A day and a half later I went back to my job because at the time I was then the sole provider for the family and didn't want to risk asking for the standard week's bereavement leave when I knew I was capable of showing up at work the next day and was fresh out of college so hadn't built up a reputation yet.

My father worked the day each of us was born, so I suppose it is only fair and he smiled at the choice. In spite of what it may seem, I gave a baller and very heartfelt speech at his funeral to all his rich friends that over and above everything, he'd taught us how to be happy with our own lives no matter what, and multiple of them emailed my mom in the aftermath to say they'd reassessed their relationship with their children in light of it, although...tbh I kind of doubt that lasted and they probably changed nothing 😅. The last good talk I had with him, two weeks before he died [his liver was going and it sent toxins to his brain that de-personed him after that and he no longer recognized me as his daughter, but as his sister], I reassured him that though we would all be sad he'd gone, we'd live on just fine without him because that's how he'd raised us, and according to my mom that was what gave him the final bit of peace he needed. Although honestly, I don't think I will ever see the strength in another human again that it took my grandmother to sit next to him and stroke his hand and tell him to close his eyes and imagine he was happy on a beach and die, for God's sake, because he was unaware and in pain and just prolonging it for our sake by then.

That type of obsession my grandfather had with assessing his children and grandchildren on the basis of economic productivity and a very black and white idea of "fair" is one you don't easily forget, I promise you. My hedge fund uncle is currently positioning himself to screw us out of our inheritance because of janky writing in the will and I'm doing my fuck all best to gain the wherewithal to go toe-to-toe with this cold motherfucker in court as the oldest and representative member of my happily much nicer and softer younger brothers who I want to remain that way not because I even care that much about the money, I know what bills affect your credit first and what you can put off paying and all of us have good enough career prospects to do our own thing, but just because I want to give the middle finger to a man that was a multi-millionaire and drew lines on his milk and orange juice bottles when I came over so he knew if I drank what my parents couldn't afford when I was approximately six. Anyway, ask me why I support major reforms in wealth taxation. I don't care who it goes to, just not that guy, you feel?

Having expendable income was very exciting for a bit after I started working but once I got to the hateable point of assessing my annual bonus and internally complaining that I'd spent the money I should have spent on a Sauternes cellar to drop five digits on bedset materials (to be fair they are drop dead gorgeous, very comfy and the factory pays a living wage for people to handmake the sheets/duvets/pillows to people in San Francisco, which is not cheap, so maybe I did more good than harm with that), I two seconds later nodded to myself and went "the government needs to confiscate more money from me". The narrative is always that the "undeserving" will use it for dumb things they don't need like iPhones or refrigerators...?...but like...I could also have gone to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought a very nice sheet/comforter set for at most a tenth of what I paid so am I really spending it responsibly either....?....who is going to get more joy out of this misspent money....?....not me, that is for sure, I probably would have had more fun going to BBB and laying on all the demo beds and buying something there.

My lifelong dream, which may become possible if/when I do have something of an inheritance, is to provide food security for one of the many towns in the US were most residents don't have it. It's the thing I remember the most distinctly over the years. I never could quite believe it when I got to the point that I could just...pay to eat at a restaurant. One of the most disappointed my mother has ever been in me is when I was twenty five and confessed I actually had no idea how much a gallon of milk cost in a city grocery store besides that it was probably between $1 and $5, because I didn't have to know. For now I make a weekly drop off of my excess produce to a mom group I met under somewhat weird circumstances but I was walking through the cut-through that went through the low-income housing back to my apartment at like 2 AM on a Saturday and these moms were out there partying and smoking weed with their kids all strapped in strollers around or the older ones watched by a rotating member of the group and I felt very safe and like these moms had a very good vibe of both living their own lives [seriously for mental health parents but in most cases specifically mothers need to be able to keep up relationships with people their age] but keeping their children safe and accounted for while doing so and trying their fuckin' best against all the odds to figure out how to make that happen when life had dealt them a shit hand.

...anyway, looping way back to the original question of what finishing school is, when I was almost done with middle school my dad had built a legit construction business that then very quickly took off because we lived in a commutable zip code to the now-rich-in-their-own-right people he went to high school with who trusted him to redo their homes. We eventually moved to that zip code but I stayed and commuted back to my old high school. But, i was a pretty wild kid which my father appreciated for a long while because I would follow him around on jobs and enjoy doing physical labor, but once I was mid-puberty and also he had to maybe show me to his high school friends that did not fly.

I snapped - not broke, snapped - my left thumb and my parents had to trap me like a wild animal to get me to go the hospital. Then I got a deep cut that partially injured a tendon in my leg and at eleven I tried to beat the shit out of my dad to prevent him from picking me up to strap me in the car and go to the hopsital. Next I got a deep splinter due to my eternal-barefoot tendencies and it wouldn't come out so got infected and I refused to go to the doctor [another weird back story but I was minorly sexually assaulted [[to be clear, not raped or anything big traumatic]] when I was eight and had to stay in hospital for a week and my parents couldn't be with me all the time so I have a permanent heebie-jeebie about going to the hospital, not true anxiety, I will go if I know I need to and I don't breathe heavy or anything, and I'm actually not permanently weirded out by sex or anything, just doctors in hospitals specifically I kind of unconsciously try to justify not needing to the extent I can rationalize it] and my dad was tired of my antics so he was like "fine if you don't go I will slice your foot in half with a Swiss Army knife to get it out" and I called his bluff and laid down on the floor, stuck my foot on his lap, and he didn't really know what to do when a barely fourteen year old girl called his bluff so my brothers watched in fascinated but horrified awe as I got my foot sliced open spectacularly so that the infection/splinter could come out and I didn't even make a sound out of spite despite it being quite painful to my recollection almost twenty years later.

They saw me cry from pain exactly one time when while trying to break up a fight between all three of them (it was over ice cream) I got pushed and my ankle got dislocated and what actually made me cry was snapping it back in place and they realized it was not a joke. These dumb assholes that I love have ragged on me for "skipping" chores the day after I was in the hospital because the day before that I had to spend 18 hours running Thanksgiving as a good sub-hostess like I didn't have a serious infection that needed treating and couldn't rest because none of them were up to any task beyond peeling potatoes.

After the Swiss Army knife incident, my dad's discussion of sending me to finishing school became real, which I knew when my mom made me take a walk with her and talked about it. Finishing school is like...etiquette school....? In ye olden day when finishing high school was not the norm for anyone, wealthy men finished high school and wealthy women often went to "finishing" school to have a combined education on being a proper lady but also being able to hold a decent conversation with your presumably-educated husband, so it wasn't entirely etiquette non-academic. It was more just like "what a rich man wants in a wife" school, which was sort of household management and knowing enough about cleaning/cooking to correct the staff if they fucked up, how to be a polite hostess, and how to not entirely bore him when you were alone together and had done your five minutes of sex or whatever so actually had to have a conversation. In modern times it has obviously expanded to be less bleak.

I said miss me with that, I can be a girl on my own, so I went full throttle into the girliest sport they offer in high school and ever since have gained the inestimable advantage of knowing how to also use femininity to my advantage, which I am very grateful to my parents for making me learn. It would be great if we lived in a world where that didn't count, but it did/still does, and they really set me up to operate in all the worlds.

It is weird for me to tell the story to Internet strangers because it's one of those things that makes your parents sound terrible and abusive in the general tone of the Internet nowadays, and while I support gender nonconforming children I don't remember my childhood or parents that way. But, I feel like the bits and pieces of my life I've given don't always make a ton of sense together without the context, so here it is, and in the end, I think a number of parts of it are areas where you can probably understand where it makes me have the opinions I do when I write.

Anyhoo, this makes my life sound far worse than it is, I actually have a great life and I am not unhappy with it at all and feel I was on the whole blessed with many more turns of luck than unluck, so, please, do not take this as a depressed artist rant, it is more like a rant of a very energetic person who rants about a lot of things all the time and didn’t need to come out but just did because the question was asked and the time was right with my life being in a bit of flux to think about how I got where I am and where I want to go and why.

Always remember no matter what problems it seems like I have, if I didn’t solve them on my 2 year round the world traveling hiatus I took from working, it’s my own fault, I definitely had the time and money to solve them and just chose not to.

13 notes · View notes

pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles · 4 years

Text

The Sweetest Taste

AU Ice Cream Shop Featuring Cake for the 5sos fic event sponsored by @maluminspace and @h0tsos

Word Count: 5,979 (I’m a long winded bitch, oops)

CW: this is smut so 18+, NSFW etc. M/M and M/F oral as well as sexual situations and strong language from the outset and throughout.

Special thanks to @adoring-lrh for helping me edit this monstrosity.

Event Masterlist

"I'm so bored," Calum complained, leaning back against the counter.

"Me too, but I have to train you how to close so you're not leaving early," you told him but you were just as bored as him.

Your parents had recently expanded the family business by opening up a second Cali-Cone Dream location in the touristy "historic district" downtown. Your dad's grandparents started the ice cream shop after moving to California from Missouri after World War 2. They'd invested their life savings in the shop and helped build the boardwalk. You’d grown up in this shop, and since it was early in the season and still slow, it was up to you to train the new hires. It was a pain in the ass, but at least your parents weren't breathing down your neck.

"If you keep complaining I'll make you clean the freezer. You'll have shrinkage for a week," you teased him.

"Like you wouldn't find a way to fix that," he shot back, wiggling his dark eyebrows at you.

Calum was the only new hire you liked. Jeremy was a kiss ass to your parents, Rico was boring, and Amanda was dumber than a bag of hammers. The smartest thing to come out of that girl's mouth was her boyfriend's dick. You'd already told your Mom it wasn't going to work out when you'd asked her to cut lemons for tea and she came back with oranges. Calum, however, was funny, a quick learner, and great with customers, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous.

"How is it only 3 o clock? Can we play cards or something? If I stand here much longer I'm gonna keep eating ice cream, and this is supposed to be my hot girl summer," he pouted before giving you a saucy wink. He was a total flirt and you weren't complaining. Three weeks ago he'd barely said a word, but you two had become fast friends and he'd really come out of his shell.

"I don't think you have to worry about that," you laughed.

The dark blue, slightly too tight, uniform t-shirt accentuated his bulging biceps, broad chest, and golden brown tan. The Cali-Cone slogan, "The Thrill of the Taste" scrawled across his back in bright red letters kept giving you dirty thoughts.

"We could close early, maybe show me another of your secret spots." Calum leaned towards you with a smirk and you rolled your eyes.

A week ago you'd gotten tired of him whining that there was nothing to do now that the college bars were dead since most students went home for the summer. You'd taken him out with you after you closed up shop. You'd avoided the popular rowdy country bar, and the dark thumping underground hip hop club, choosing instead to head for the beach. You took him to a spot under the boardwalk past the large boulders known as "The Breakers" where the local police patrols usually stopped.

You brought your beach bag and a popup tent you could both lounge in so bugs wouldn't eat you alive. He'd managed to sweet talk a bottle of wine out of his landlady, who knew he was only 20. It wasn't very strong, but it made you giggly and warm. Perhaps Calum lounging next to you on the blanket had something to do with that. After a few rosé flavored kisses his hands began to wander, and you had to put an end to it. Calum started to apologize, but you told him that the only reason you stopped was that your cycle hadn’t ended yet.

After that, Calum laid back on the blanket and began to talk.

He told you he was in his second year studying music composition and theory at the Strozzi Conservatory. He'd recently broken up with his high school sweetheart, and it had been painful. As a result Cal decided to not go home for the summer, deciding instead to take a workshop on-campus teaching local teens. He was a bit lonely but looking forward to the tourist season.

"This is the first time I've had time to myself where I don't have to worry about what anyone else thinks about me or what I do," he told you, taking a gulp before handing you the wine to finish off. You were sitting up and he was laying across your outstretched legs looking up at you.

"Ooh the wild college years," you laughed. You had seen many sheltered middle-class suburban kids get the first taste of freedom away from their helicopter parents and lose their minds. "If you're trying to get fucked up don't buy anything on the boardwalk. I've got a friend so at least you know it's clean."

"Nah not like that, but good to know." Calum took a deep breath, looked up at you, and then away. The shadows from the small camp lantern made him look mysterious and brooding. "Can I tell you something? I feel like I can trust you." His voice was soft and he rolled on his side concentrating on tracing lines along the skin on your legs.

"You can tell me anything," you assured him.

"I want to--uh I guess experiment with different sorts of types of experiences with something new. I mean, obviously new. What I mean is, not what you'd expect maybe. Shit!" Calum rubbed his eyes and you held back a smile. "What I'm trying to say is that," he paused again.

"Calum, are you into guys?" You ask, not wanting to rush, but you were running out of time. You only had about half an hour before the tide would start coming in and you had to leave.

"Is it obvious?" He asked, his eyes wide.

"Nope, I wouldn't have guessed at all, but I've had this conversation with a friend before. I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me, but we have to leave here in a bit." You checked your phone.

“So that’s it?” he asked.

“Dude, it’s not that serious. Tell me who you’re scoping out and I’ll let you know what’s up. That doesn’t mean we can’t have fun as well,” you told him.

He looked so relieved, and you could only imagine what it took for him to tell you that.

Calum sat up and you started rolling up the blanket. You packed up your beach bag and Calum held the lantern as you twisted and folded the tent in three quick fluid motions before sliding it into its bag.

"How did you do that so quickly in the dark?" Calum looked impressed.

"Practice, now come on, follow me, watch your step. It's slippery," you cautioned him.

It had gotten chilly and you were both shivering as you ran back to your car.

"You won't tell anyone at work will you? I know it's not a big deal but I don't want everyone in my business." Calum bit his lip and you could tell he was questioning his decision.

"Dude you're fine, but what made you decide to tell me?" The question slipped out before you realized it.

He looked embarrassed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I was hoping maybe you could help me out. I don't know how to read people and I don't want to make an idiot out of myself."

"Of course," you replied, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “Did you have anyone in mind?”

“Well there’s this lifeguard. He’s blonde and has a bird tattoo on his arm,” Calum told you.

You cringed, knowing exactly who he was talking about. “Sorry sweetie,” you replied, “ that’s Cody and he’s not only straight, he’s a complete jackass.”

Calum slumped and looked defeated. “Don’t worry sweetie,” you reassured him. “The summer is just getting started”

A clap of thunder pulled you from your daydream. If it was going to rain there was no chance business would pick up. You glanced over at Calum perched on the stool behind the cash register playing on his phone. His dark curls were falling across his forehead and your fingers itched to play with his hair. Being bored and horny was never fun and you were willing to bet Calum could take care of both. As if he could read your mind Cal looked up and caught your eye. The smirk that spread across his face let you know you were being too obvious, but you didn't care.

"If you keep looking at me like that I might forget I'm on the clock," Calum licked his lips and looked you over. "You're lucky there are cameras."

"Oh yeah? What did you have in mind? It just so happens I know all the spots the cameras can't see," you raise your eyebrows at him, challenging him to take it further.

The loud jingle of the bells hanging from the door startled both of you. You look up to see a familiar figure ducking through the door just before the sky opened up and began pouring rain.

"What's up Luke? Since when are you afraid to get wet," you teased the tall blonde walking towards the counter. You'd known Luke Hemmings for years, his dad was on the city council with yours and his mom taught sixth grade. He'd been a year ahead of you in school, and you'd both played varsity basketball in high school. He'd dated several of your friends, and before that, your older sister had a tumultuous relationship with his brother Ben several years back.

"Maybe I'm sick of the pool and want my old job back," Luke shot back. He'd worked three summers scooping ice cream next to you until he turned 18 and could work as a lifeguard on the beach.

"Sorry, dollface, I've managed to replace you, I even found someone better looking," you replied.

The Hemmings brothers were gorgeous and always had girls falling at their feet, but you'd never been that impressed. Not that it stopped y'all from hooking up on occasion, including once in the walk-in cooler after closing the summer before your senior year. It was a small town and you'd dated, hated, or hooked up with most of the guys your age. Luke's history was more extensive than yours. He'd not only hooked up with you and many of your female friends, but you'd kissed many of the same boys.

He looked from you to Calum who was standing to your right suddenly engrossed in the patterns on the tile floor. You could see the flush on his cheeks and his leg was jiggling nervously. Luke looked Calum up and down, his blue eyes lingering on the younger man before shooting you an approving grin.

"I see you found a college boy. Can't say I blame you, much better looking than that ginger from last year," Luke snickered.

"I'm gonna go check the cooler," Calum told you, barely audibly before ducking in the back.

You looked at Luke who was as confused as you were before excusing yourself to follow Calum.

You barely made it around the corner before Calum popped out at you nearly scaring you to death.

"What the hell," you squealed as he pulled you into the freezer.

"That's the guy I was telling you about," he hissed as the door shut behind you.

"What are you talking about?"

"Remember when you drove me home the other night? You asked if I had anyone in mind so you could find out which team they played for," his voice was a panicked whisper, and his dark eyes were wide as saucers.

Then it clicked. "You were talking about Luke?" I asked, my voice louder than I meant for it to be.

"Why are you yelling? Yes, obviously that's him, except you told me his name was Dylan."

"You said tall, curly hair, with a bird tattooed on his arm. Luke doesn't have any tattoos, his mom

hates them," I replied, but doubted myself now. I hadn't seen Luke in ages, he'd always been a spoiled Mama's boy and maybe Liz finally caved.

"That tall drink of water has a hummingbird tattooed on his arm, but that's not important right now. Have y'all hooked up?" You nodded and Calum scowled. "Figures he would be straight," he sighed.

Your brain finally caught up to the situation at hand, and you had an idea.

"Listen to me Calum, you're gonna wait on him. Offer him a strawberry waffle cone, it's his favorite," you pushed him out of the cooler and back towards the front.

You popped your head around the corner and whistled making Luke look up from his phone. "I'll be out in a second. I keep telling Dad this freezer needs replaced, have one on the house, but try not to scare off my new employee please," you shoot him a stern look as Calum came around the corner behind you.

"I'll try not to bite, but I make no promises," Luke laughed before turning his attention to Calum.

You moved just out of their sight, but still within earshot to see if your little plan worked.

"So uh, yeah, the boss said you could have a free waffle cone. She said you like strawberry ice cream," Calum started out a squeak but he cleared his throat and continued, in a deep rough tone that gave you the shivers.

"Did she now?" Luke's voice dripped honey and you could hear him smiling. "I'm surprised she remembered, but she's good like that."

"That's why she's the boss," Calum was cautious, and you stifled a laugh. "Have y'all known each other long? Are you close?"

"Oh we know each other very well, and we've been close, very close sometimes. She's easy to talk to, I'm sure you know how it is," Luke answered and you had to put your hand over your mouth to hold back a laugh. You'd recognize that syrupy flirtatious tone anywhere, it was obvious Luke was seducing your new employee. You peeked around the counter to see Calum handing Luke his ice cream cone. A double scoop, perfectly dipped, pink and creamy, just barely starting to drip around the edge you watched Luke begin to lap it up while keeping his eyes on Calum.

The power flickered as Luke leaned back against one of the tables in the dining area, half sitting half standing, his long legs crossed at the ankle. He was wearing the black swim trunks trimmed in bright red every lifeguard wore on duty and a thin white reflective windbreaker unzipped almost all the way to his waist revealing his broad bare chest. You could see Calum fidgeting nervously with the ice cream scoop while trying not to stare. Luke was not making that easy, his lips and tongue working obscenely in a way that was starting to make you horny, and you knew what he was doing and why. Poor Calum didn't stand a chance. It didn't help that he'd worn basketball shorts to work and the clingy fabric made his arousal obvious even where you were standing.

You stepped back trying to figure out your next step. Your intention had been to introduce Luke and Calum but watching them together made your thoughts wander places they shouldn't. The rain was really coming down, sheeting the windows and sounding like pebbles being hurled against the roof. Daylight had turned dark as the storm really kicked up. You could hear the guys talking as you checked the weather on your phone. You were stuck here at least another 30 minutes as a big blob of red on the radar moved through your area.

"She said I dare you to kiss the person on either side of you, and I didn't know if I wanted to kill her or kiss her." You heard Luke's voice and realized you'd zoned out and you headed back towards the front.

You stepped through the swinging doors just in time to hear Calum ask, "why was that?"

"Because the girl to his left was my friend who was absolutely gagging for Luke's cock," you answered as Calum jumped and Luke laughed.

"What was her name? Crystal? Kristen?" Luke bit the tip of the waffle cone off and sucked the remainder of the ice cream out of the bottom, glancing at you before his eyes returned to Calum.

"Kirsten, you did end up sleeping with her, " you reminded him. "Tell him who was on the other side."

Luke licked his lips and grinned. "Keeeerstin, that's right, and that 4th of July we all did crazy things if I remember correctly. To my right however was the hottest soccer player in school who I'd had a crush on for ages."

Calum nodded and Luke's gaze flickered your way once again, his blue eyes bright and mischievous, before he continued, "I was freaking out when we kissed but then he ended up taking me back to his house and we fooled around on his sister's swing set."

You laughed along with Luke as you watched Calum realize what Luke said. His head snapped up, blinking rapidly and his mouth opened and closed refusing to find words before you saw him look at you, then Luke, and then back to you as everything clicked into place.

"Is that what strawberry ice cream meant? Were you setting me up?" Calum asked.

"Not a setup, but wanted to see if Luke remembered the code. Turns out there's not as dumb as he looks," you walked up to Calum stopping just inches from his chest looking up at him. "And you did say you were bored."

"What did you have in mind?" He raised his eyebrows at you, still unable to look at Luke.

“I mean, Luke likes strawberry ice cream, and so do you. I doubt we’re going to have many customers with this rain,” you told him.

“They closed down the beach because of lightning so no one is coming out,” Luke chimed in.

“That’s what I was thinking, so it sounds to me like the three of us have some time on our hands,” you replied. You looked at Calum and he nodded but his eyes burned into you.

“Are you sure you’re up for that?” he asked apparently reading your thoughts.

“I can handle anything,” you puffed your chest out and heard Luke snicker, but you didn’t dare take your eyes off Calum.

“I’m down if y’all are,” he challenged, finally looking at Luke.

Am I really going to do this? Your thoughts were racing and your heart was pounding as hard as the rain. CAMERAS you thought before remembering you'd been the one who updated the security system and there was a workaround.

Thunder crashed so loudly you felt it shake your bones. No one would come around today, and it made no sense to stay open or send Luke home in this storm.

"Calum, go make sure the back door is locked, Luke if you could flip the bolt and get the blinds," you told them before you ran back into the office where money was counted. Behind the desk was the breaker box and you flipped the switch that shut off the security cameras and half the lights.

You poked your head out at Luke and motioned for him to follow you towards the back. You bumped into Calum as he came back towards the front.

"Where are you going?" He asked

"Break room, even with this storm I'm worried about someone peeking in," you reply.

"Really?" Calum was skeptical.

"Around here you never know," Luke told him.

You flipped the light switch, but only two bulbs lit up casting the room in soft blue light with long shadows.

"So I hear you got a tattoo, Hemmings," you said, trying to break the ice. Calum looked even more nervous than you felt, and you silently asked Luke to take charge.

He winked at you unzipping his jacket and shrugging it off his shoulders. You noticed he was still lean and lanky but he'd definitely filled out, added some muscle definition. Sure enough, there on his right bicep was a small hummingbird.

"I can't believe Liz finally caved," you teased.

"Honestly I just went and did it, and then dealt with the consequences. She's still mad, but nothing I can't handle," he replied. Luke looked over towards Calum. "You have way more than I ever will, can I see them?"

Calum nodded and came up beside you. He started off nervous, but as he explained his tattoos starting with his parents’ initials on his hands, working up past his wrists, to the lovely bird with his sister's name, he explained when and where he'd gotten them. Some, like the thistle on his left bicep, had special meaning relating to friends and family. While others, like the spade and the horseshoe, were aesthetic choices.

"Is that it?" Luke raised his eyebrows and bit his lip.

"Nope," Calum smirked, warming to the other's man's attention. He reached behind his neck and in one swift motion pulled his shirt off over his head. You felt your pulse quicken and heard Luke suck in his breath next to you. Calum was brawnier, broad-chested with black ink on brown skin. Without realizing it you reached out to touch him, trailing a fingertip along what looked like a feather etched underneath his collarbone.

"What's this?" You asked, feeling your insides quiver when he turned his brown eyes towards you.

"It's a silver fern, my mom's Maori from New Zealand," Calum's voice was a sultry whisper.

"And this?" Your fingers slide down to the "Choose Life" on his chest.

"It's from Trainspotting and- OH," Calum moaned as you absentmindedly tugged his nipple.

"Do that again," Luke told you, his hand sliding down over his dick now a bulge in his black and red lifeguard trunks.

You tugged, harder this time, and were rewarded with a sound somewhere between a moan and a hiss. Calum licked his lips before his mouth hung slightly open as your fingers traveled to the other one, repeating the motion. Both men moaned in response and Calum noticed Luke palming himself through his shorts.

"Enjoying the show?" He asked with a slight smirk.

"Oh my God yes," Luke responded, squeezing his cock slightly. "All I can think about is the two of you sucking me off."

"I'm down for that," you reply. "What do you say Cal."

Uncertainty crept into his expression and he paused, "I want to but I've never done that before."

"If you want I can show you," you offered, the idea had you excited like never before.

"Is that ok?" Calum asked.

Luke's blue eyes went wide. "Fuck yes, please," he whispered.

You untied the drawstring on Luke's shorts and tugged them down past his hips letting his long cock spring free. Rock hard and leaking as you wrapped your hand around the shaft, you could feel his body react to your touch. You stood on your tiptoes and playfully kissed his lips before you sank to your knees in front of him.

You looked up at Calum who was watching your intently, lips pursed in concentration.

"You know what you like so start there. Personally I like to tease a bit to start off," you tell him, flicking your tongue around the tip. "You wanna keep it wet and keep it moving. I think spitting is gross but if you gag a little it gets everything nice and sloppy." You took Luke's cock in your mouth getting it slick and shiny as you bobbed your head, taking him further down your throat each time until your nose was almost touching his belly.

"Oh shit," you heard Luke's growl above you as you came back up for air. You continued pumping him with your hand as you looked up at Calum.

"Come on, you try," you beckoned to him.

Calum was eager now, as he kneeled next to you, looked up at Luke, and wrapped his hand around your much smaller one as you stroked Luke's cock together.

"Oh God," Luke moaned, the sight almost sending him over the edge.

Calum leaned forward and brushed his lips against the taut skin before his tongue darted out to get his first taste. Luke's knees started to buckle and he leaned back against the break table which was inches behind his thighs. Calum hesitated, eyeing the table before glancing at you, but both you and Luke knew the table could easily hold his weight.

"It's fine, keep going," you pulled back and gave his arm a nudge.

"Are you sure? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I have no idea what I’m doing. I almost never do,” he replied.

"You're sucking a dick not disarming a bomb, just don't bite and you'll be fine," you told him with a giggle.

Calum swirled his tongue around the tip and you saw Luke grip the table's edge, his knuckles white. Calum began sucking, softly, and slowly before gaining confidence he built up a rhythm. Luke grunted, his eyes screwed shut and his chest heaved.

"Stop," he pleaded, "you're gonna make me cum too fast."

Calum pulled back with a pop. "I thought that was the point," he smirked up at the older man.

"God what I wouldn't give to let you both take turns riding me," Luke moaned, grasping his cock tightly, fighting for control.

"What's wrong Luke?" You reached up and ran your thumb along Calum's plump bottom lip. "His pretty mouth got you all excited. Thinking about how you're the first guy he's ever sucked off? About how lucky you are?

"You keep talking like that and you're gonna make me cum in my pants," Calum warned you.

"Not yet, I wanna help with that," Luke growled.

"We gotta finish you first," Calum grinned and got back to work. Luke cursed loudly as his cock disappeared down the other man's throat. Calum stopped and almost pulled back but kept going.

You looked up at Luke, he was staring down at the two of you with half-open eyes. You reached up and cupped his balls, giving them a gentle tug. That sent him over the edge.

"Oh shit I'm gonna come," Luke yelled, bucking his hips. Calum tried to swallow but he started coughing so he leaned back, cum dripping from his chin and splattering on his chest. You watched Luke fight to keep his eyes on Calum before they rolled back in his head as his knees shook and his breath escaped him in ragged gasps.

He sank to the floor next to the two of you watching as you pulled Calum in for a kiss tasting Luke on his lips. When you broke away, Luke was there kissing you first and then Calum.

"That was so good, let us take care of you now. I bet you're ready to burst. Let's see what we're working with here," he said as he reached into Calum's shorts. You both smiled as Luke pulled out a cock that was a bit shorter but thicker than Luke's.

"Damn Cal, you've been holding out on me," you purred in his ear as you moved behind him.

"I would've fucked you that night on the beach if you'd let me," he admitted.

"I was indisposed, but we'll have to make up for that," you tell him before you kissed your way up his neck.

"Raise up a bit," Luke told him as he pulled his shorts up before laying on the carpet. He positioned his head just under Calum's balls blowing on them as you reached around and massaged Calum's cock. "This is gonna be all I think about tomorrow at work. I'm gonna be rock hard sitting up in that chair just thinking about what I wanna do to the two of you."

A huge thunderclap seems to shake the building and the lights flickered as your lips found Calum's neck as you nipped at his skin. You'd been fantasizing about marking up his throat and couldn't resist leaving a mark. He whined in response and pushed back into you before moaning as Luke's mouth went to work getting Calum's cock nice and wet before sucking and humming on his balls. You continued to suck tiny bruises on Calum's flesh as Luke's mouth stayed busy alternating between working over Calum and talking dirty.

"I'd love to watch you fuck her before I come up behind you and take that ass. Imagine being between us, having your cock buried in her pussy while you're stretched and full," Luke told him and the idea gave you the most delicious thrill. The idea of Luke fucking Calum into you had you aching for your own release, but right now you wanted to make Calum feel good. You twisted your hand slightly as you stroked his cock. Calum's head rolled back resting on your shoulder, moaning over and over as you kept one hand on his dick and the other tugged his nipples. You couldn't see what Luke was doing but you heard sucking noises between Calum's moans.

"I'm getting close," Calum warned you. "Oh God keep doing that," he gasped and you could hear Luke humming as he sucked.

You jerked him faster, concentrating on the tip, tugging his nipples harder as your teeth grazed along his shoulder.

He erupted onto Luke's chest with an "Oh God" that was both a prayer and an exultation. Luke quickly moved so he was sucking the tip and the two of you worked together to drain every drop.

Calum slumped back against you and you peppered his skin with kisses as you felt him shudder as he came down from his high.

"That was incredible, I don't think I can feel my legs," Calum said as he shifted so he was no longer kneeling.

"I bet," Luke laughed as he got up. He walked over to the sink in the corner by the refrigerator and grabbed some paper towels. He got himself cleaned up before bringing some back for you and Calum.

"Are you ok?" Luke asked when he noticed you were breathing heavily. "Do you need your inhaler?"

You reached out your hand so he could help you up. "I'm fine, that was just intense and I got excited," you winked at him as you stood up. He pulled on your arm and caused you to stumble and fall into his chest. He wrapped you in a cuddle and bent his lips closer to your ear.

"I haven't forgotten about you princess," Luke's words made you shiver with the anticipation. You could tell your panties were soaked and your core throbbed as Luke gripped your hips and lifted you on to the break table. He stepped between your legs and put this hand under your chin and pulled you in for a kiss. Calum was still on his tongue as it tangled with yours and you tasted his essence which was sweeter than Luke's. His hands tugged at your shirt and you broke away to let him lift it over your head. He kissed you again as you fumbled with your bra, unhooking it before you tossed it across the room. Luke's mouth moved to your breasts and you saw Calum still seated on the floor as he watched you with Luke, his eyes glazed over with lust.

When your eyes met Calum jolted out of his gaze and scrambled to his feet. You almost laughed as he tripped over his own feet as he readjusted his shorts, but at that moment Luke's mouth closed over your stiff nipple and the laugh became a moan.

Luke's fingers were clawing at your waistband and you lifted your hips as he pulled your shorts and panties down at the same time.

The rain was beating against the roof in sheets now, but you could barely hear it over the sound of your own heartbeat.

Luke spread your legs and stepped back to show Calum. "She how pretty and wet she is for us. We gotta give her something special as a thank you. Want me to show you how to make her squirm," Luke teased, running a finger in between your soaked folds, and you pushed your hips up with a frustrated grunt.

"Nah," Calum looked you dead in the eye with the cockiest smirk you'd ever seen in your life.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I've been fantasizing about this for weeks," he was talking to Luke but his eyes were on you. "Tell me princess, do you taste as good as you look. I bet you're as sweet and juicy as a pink Starburst."

You don't even recognize the sound that escaped your lips when Calum's mouth moved between your thighs. His tongue danced and moved in ways you'd never experienced, curling inside you before swooping up between your lips and lapping up your nectar. His pillowy lips sucked on your clit alternating with soft cool puffs of air over your fevered skin.

Luke buried you in a flurry of kisses and you didn't know where each one was going to land, your mouth, breasts, neck, belly, shoulders, along your hairline or on your fingertips.

Calum was relentless, barely coming up for air as he buried his face in your pleasure. You felt like a live wire as your nerves danced under your skin while Calum's tongue found every pleasure spot. Your heels beat the table in time with the storm raging outside as your orgasm started to build. You wanted to praise him or cry out but Luke covered your mouth with his.

You arched your back almost slamming your head back on the table as Calum furiously worked on achieving your high. He wasn't going to let up until you were screaming for him, and you gladly obliged. Your climax hit you hard enough to see stars and your whole body let go.

"Damn baby," Luke's voice was in your ear but sounded very far away.

You tried to close your legs but Calum wouldn't let you. He held them open still sucking your clit his fingers buried inside you as he coaxed another orgasm out of you. He moaned into your skin as you drenched his face, your thighs, and the table as you came undone. He didn't stop until you were whimpering from being overstimulated, and only then did he finally pro back.

He stood up and grabbed Luke for a kiss leaving the tall blonde as breathless as you were. The storm was still raging but your heartbeat was returning to normal. You sat up, a bit embarrassed by the mess.

"Sorry about that, can one of y'all get some towels?" You ask even though you hated to interrupt them.

"Don't apologize," Luke stroked your thigh, and Calum did as you asked. "That was the hottest thing I've ever seen." He looked over at Calum, "will you teach me how to make her squirt like that."

"Hell yeah," Calum answered as he gently cleaned you up. He landed a tiny kiss on your nose. "Thank you," he whispered, almost too softly to be heard. You reached down and squeezed his hand as you shared a smile.

"How about I help y'all close up and we head back to my apartment?" Luke asked.

"Great idea, we'll order pizza and see where the night goes." You slid off the table, wobbled a bit but Calum wouldn't let you fall.

"Sounds like a plan, boss," Calum grinned. "Can we get ice cream too?"

"Sure, what flavor?" You asked as you pulled your shorts up and Luke tossed your bra to you.

"Strawberry," they answered in unison before you all cracked up.

"Oh this is gonna be a great summer," you called over your shoulder as you walked out of the room.

@kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @ghostofmashton @sexgodashton @sublimehood @ihatetigers @calteahood @5-secondsofcolor @tea4sykes @wildmichaelflower @noshamenion @punkrockpreferences @rosecolouredash @cal-pal-cuddles @damselindistressanu

#5sos writing collab #calum hood #luke hemmings #cake #Cake Smut #calum hood fanfic #calum hood blurbs #calum hood smut #luke hemmings smut #luke hemming imagines #luke hemmings fanfic #luke hemmings blurb #5sos #calum 5sos #5seconds of summer #luke 5sos #luke 5sos smut #calum 5sos smut

246 notes · View notes

timeaftertime-chriscornellfanfic · 4 years

Photo

Chapter 41 - Could It Be Eddie Vedder?

North Washington, November 12 1990

(Andi is 20)

ANDI: It was mid morning in early winter with the sun shining surprisingly bright. It had snowed just a little bit the night before and the air was crisp and cool. The boys were working in the studio recording the first few tracks for the album they were putting together and they finally decided on a name last night.

'I want to show you something, like joy inside my heart Seems I been living in the Temple of The Dog'

Andy would definitely approve.

Anyways... Since it was so early, and not to mention some of the boys do have a little bit of a hangover... ehem - Jeff - I figured we could all use some much needed coffee. Right now Eddie is with me, driving Chris's truck to a small town called Lynwood to see if there is a coffee shop or diner of some sort.

I should say, that as much as I thought that I was shy - and trust me I am - Eddie is even more so. So when the two of us get together, it's pretty quiet and awkward for the first little while, since I'm not usually the one to start conversations. With Eddie I seem to have to but I totally understand why. He had just moved here from San Diego only a couple of months ago after he sent a demo tape of a few songs he had written lyrics to back to Jeff Stone and Mike. I guess they had sent out that same tape to look for a singer as they wanted to continue on and knew that Andy would want them to.

Jeff and Stone were so impressed by the way Eddie sounded that they asked him to fly out here for a couple of weeks to see if he would audition and if he wanted to be part of the band. Well, those few weeks turned into a permanent stay once Eddie officially decided to join them and everyone pretty much fell in love with him, especially Chris.

Before the wedding, Chris wanted to make him feel welcome, so he invited him out for a few drinks and they became so close right away. It was sweet how Chris embraced him like a brother. I think Eddie reminds Chris of Andy in some ways with writing. Chris really missed having that with Andy.

"Thanks for driving me," I say and quickly glance at him.

"Sure... you're welcome," He says.

"I mean it's not like I can't drive... I just shouldn't," I say.

"It's ok I don't mind," Eddie smiles at me and glances back out the windshield. I hate it when it's awkward and quiet like this.

"Um... wanna listen to some tunes?" I ask.

"Sure," He smiles at me again. I open up the glovebox of Chris's blue Ford pickup and pull out my new cassette of a band called Pantera. I slide it into the stereo and the first track starts up right away.

"I've been so addicted to this album since I got it," I say as 'Cowboys from Hell' plays through the stereo.

The rest of the entire drive to Lynwood was pretty silent except for the amazing guitar solos that Dime was playing through the speakers. I wish there was a way that we could somehow make it less awkward between us. We then find a small little diner and Eddie parks the truck out front. We both climb out of our seats and head inside, immediately greeted by 1960's décor. I walk up to the counter and place an order for 6 black coffee's with all the stuff on the side and a dozen doughnuts to go while Eddie studies the place, his hand in the pockets of his suede chestnut brown jacket, his messy golden curls everywhere and those bright blue eyes that can make a girl weak in the knees.

Once my order is filled, I hand the girl some cash with a tip, then Eddie helps me carry out the coffee and doughnuts to the truck. Once we get settled, Eddie pulls back out on to the highway, heading back to London Bridge Studios where the boys are recording.

"These coffee's are probably going t be so cold once we get them back to the studio," I say as I balance the tray on my lap.

"Nah, well maybe, but I think there's a microwave in the lounge," He says and glances in the rearview mirror. There was a little bit more silence between us but then Eddie decides to speak.

"So um... time travelling... what's that like?" He asks. I glance back at him surprised by that question but deep down I was expecting it at some point.

"Not as glamorous as you would think," I chuckle and he gives me a little smirk.

"Sorry, you probably get that question a lot huh?" He says.

"Yea but, I'm used to it. I know it's hard to understand for a lot of people so I try to explain it as best I can. Most people don't believe me until it actually happens though,"

"Well I'll admit, I didn't believe you until I saw it happen at your wedding," He glances at me.

"Yea, that definitely was not my intention... wait, you knew?" I ask as my curls fall down across my eyes and I flip them out of my face.

"Yea... you were just a little different during the party. I mean, you were still you, but you seemed a little older... I can't really explain it. But Chris was just all about you of course. He couldn't take his eyes off of you," Eddie explains. I honestly didn't think he would be able to pick up on when I time slip - if it's my future self or past self. It's still all me of course.

"I wish I was there," I say quietly and Eddie raises his eyebrow at me again. "I mean, this me... the present me,"

"Where were you?" He asks.

"I was with Chris... just in the past," I say glancing down, remembering how upset and angry I was with myself that I missed my own wedding.

"Sounds sweet,"

"It can be... fuck, I love him more than anything. He's like the other half of me .. I never thought I would ever meet someone like him and I just really wanted to marry him that day y'know? " I say glancing out my passenger window as the lightly snow covered fields roll by.

"Yea... but you're married now aren't you?" Eddie glances at me.

"Yea, yea... the next morning we went to City Hall and made it official. It was nice but, it wasn't the same," I say looking down at the tattoo on my finger.

"Not what you planned?" Eddie asks.

"No... nothing ever happens the way I plan it. I always seem to find a way to fuck something up someway or somehow," I didn't exactly mean for that to come out that way. I guess I've been holding in a lot of resentment towards myself.

Eddie glances back at me for a few moments and I can tell he's trying to figure me out, but instead I decide to change the subject for a bit.

"So how is Beth? I haven't seen her since the wedding," I ask, pushing my curls behind my ear once again.

"She's good, she's still in San Diego working on a few things before she heads back up here. I finally was able to convince her to move up here with me just a couple of weeks ago so... she's just getting things together. Her band's not taking it well apparently, and I get it but..." He explains.

"You miss her?" I ask glancing at him as he keeps his eyes on the highway.

"Yea... a lot,"

I can just see how much he loves her as he continues to talk more about her and her band. I had only met her once before the wedding and she barely talked if at all. She is a lot more into punk and hardcore in terms of her style as well as her music, but sweet nonetheless. She's a bassist for her band Hovercraft and she just recently graduated from San Diego State University. Her and Eddie have been together since '83 when she was only 16 and he was 19.

"...and since my dad... um passed away - my real dad - she's been the only one who's basically keeping me together," " He adds, still keeping his eyes on the road.

"I'm sorry," I say quietly knowing exactly how he feels.

"It's ok, I mean I only met him once or twice when I was really little... My dad - who I thought was my dad - really wasn't my dad. When he left my mom, I found out that he was really my stepdad and that my real dad who I thought was just a family friend was actually... my dad," He explains.

"Holy shit," I say trying to take everything in.

"Yea I know... it's complicated but... still hurts though..." He trails off thoughtfully then it becomes silent between us for a few moments.

"Sorry," He apologizes, quickly glancing at me then back to the road.

"No, no it's ok... just wow," I exhale as I keep my eyes on him for a moment, then look down at the tray of coffee's in my lap, then I add "When my mom passed, it was so hard to deal with knowing she isn't really here anymore... same with Andy too. It's like this incredible heartbreak that just doesn't ever feel like it's going to go away,"

"It will eventually, with time... At least that's what they say," Eddie says and I glance back at him and give him a small smile while he does the same.

"Were you close with Andy too?" He asks.

"Oh yea, really close... Chris too... well we pretty much all were but I'd say Chris and Andy were like brothers y'know? He was my best friend. I'm an only child so he was always the one I could talk to if I needed someone... If couldn't talk to Chris for whatever reason. He was just... so sweet and like such a good person inside... y'know? If anyone was having a rough day or whatever, he was like the best person to talk to cause he would just make you forget and just..." My voice waivers as I explain and then I quickly look away from him and out the windshield trying my hardest not to cry.

Fuck, I miss him... if only I could've just saved him.

I feel Eddie glance back over at me as I try to get myself together. I definitely do not need to have a break down in front of him, of all people. I take in a deep breath and glance back at Eddie and just by his expression, I could tell that he was doing his best to comfort me.

"Looks like we're almost back at the studio," He says clearing his throat and gesturing to the road sign up ahead.

"Yea," I say quietly and after a little while, we pull up to the large cabin that was London Bridge Studios.

******************************************************************************************

A/N: So I tried to make a play on a title I thought of "Could It Be Any Better?" but I might have failed miserably LMAO. Anyways, I know there wasn't much happening in this part, but I wanted to give a proper introduction to Eddie and so I feel like this is the best way to do so. Let me know what you think.

#time travel #Time After Time #chris cornell #soundgarden #eddie vedder #chris cornell fanfiction #soundgarden fanfiction #pearl jam #eddie vedder fanfiction #alternate universe #fantasy #also on ao3 #also on wattpad

23 notes · View notes

yeontanismypresident · 5 years

Text

Our One and Only | 07

a/n: oof the long awaited chapter 7 of our one and only! i apologize for the late update, i just was not feeling motivated or inspired to continue this story. but recently i found some and i got this done!

word count: 3.4k+

genre: idol!verse, hybrid!au, soulmate!au, angst, fluff

warnings: drug use, marijuana, fist fights aye, language

The only sounds that could be heard were the occasional shuffling, everyone’s soft breathing, and the purring coming from Jimin. Your hand was loosely running through his soft locks, delicately untangling the knots, waiting for one of the hybrids to explain their past. Taking in your surroundings, you noticed those who haven't spoken of their past avoided your eyes, as if they were embarrassed and that you would judge them.

“You guys...do know I would never judge you, right?” you asked them, voice hesitant, not knowing if you wanted to know the answer. When the guys didn’t answer you, you chewed on your lower lip and furrowed your eyebrows. Did they really think you’d see them differently…?

Namjoon abruptly got up from his seat, startling everyone in the room, ran his hand nervously through his bangs, his ears flattening atop his head, and spoke, “D-does anyone want anything to drink? I’ll get us some water or s-something.” Before anyone could say anything, he briskly walked into your kitchen, cutting the conversation short. Your shoulders and head dropped, feeling as if you had messed things up between you and the hybrid.

A whine from your left made you look over, catching Jimin's eyes as you did so. He was watching you with sadness, picking up on the change in your pheromones. You gave him a smile, albeit small, and glanced around the room to see Jin standing up. Cocking your head to the side, you gave him a questioning look to which he just gave you a reassuring smile. A few minutes passed by, you continuing to pet the cat hybrid’s ears and the others sitting there in silence. Just as you were about to speak, Namjoon and Seokjin walked back into the room. The elder kept a hand on the back of the younger one, making sure he wouldn’t try and run away again.

“I guess it’s my turn to tell you where I came from…” Namjoon trailed off before going into his past.

--0--0--0--

As Jason was rolling a blunt, he yelled for Namjoon, “Get over here you filthy mutt!” The wolf hybrid held back a snarl, knowing it would just end up with him getting beaten. Stalking towards the man, Namjoon put on a blank face, keeping all of his emotions hidden.

“Yes, sir?” Namjoon quietly asked, keeping his stare on the floor. He was taught to never look someone in the eyes. Otherwise the consequences wouldn’t be pretty.

The drug dealer took a hit before exhaling all the smoke, “I want you to go pick up my next order from the docks.” He handed the hybrid a wad of cash, telling him, “Now go. Get out of my sight.” Internally sighing, Namjoon obediently nodded his head and left.

Walking through the dark alleys, the wolf’s ears twitched at every sound, eyes surveying the area for any danger. As he got closer to the meeting spot he thought of ways to leave this life. He had already tried escaping his owner’s house but that didn’t end well. One of the gang members had spotted him and shot him in the leg to stop him. Since he was trying to climb down from the window, he fell from the second floor. The member had dragged him back inside where he got the worst beating he had ever experienced. He could always try and just leave now, but he knew his owner had sent someone to trail after him and make sure he didn’t do anything stupid. The footsteps behind him and the slightly familiar scent told him that much.

Before he knew it, he was standing in front of some grubby man. A rough voice broke him from his thoughts, “Do you have the money?” Namjoon nodded, handing it over and taking the duffel bag full of illegal drugs. He felt uncomfortable, hating how he had to be the one to handle them.

Just as he was about to turn around and leave, a bunch of sirens sounded off, red and blue lights flashing. The bright lights caused him to squint his eyes, watching as multiple officers came out of the cars, guns held high. Fear paralyzed Namjoon as everyone else ran off, trying to not get caught by the police.

A kind officer walked closer, noticing how the hybrid had bruises and cuts littering his skin. His voice was soft and soothing, “Are you okay?” The wolf whimpered, dropping the bag and backing away. The man stopped where he was and put his hands up, “Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe now.” Somehow, the policeman knew he hadn’t wanted to do any of this, and that calmed Namjoon enough to allow him to put him in the back of the cop car.

The man, who introduced himself as Officer Lee, took him back to the station where they let him clean himself. When he found out everything the wolf’s owner had made him do, Officer Lee and his coworkers went and arrested Jason. He then decided to adopt Namjoon, helping him get better and helping him achieve his dream.

--0--0--0--

“I understand if you hate me and don’t want to be friends anymore,” Namjoon cowered into himself, tears falling from his eyes. You quickly got up and went over to him, pulling him into a loving embrace and petting his ears. His bushy tail slowly unwound from his waist and wrapped it around yours.

With tears of your own, you mumbled into his hair, “I could never hate you Joon. You’re so strong and brave.” You cooed as he sniffled and snuggled closer into your arms. Jin smiled sadly, before speaking up.

“Time to tell my past, hm?”

--0--0--0--

“Do you know what species you want?” The employee, Hyun-Soo, asked as he led a woman and man through a door. All types of hybrids were running around the small yard, both young and old.

The two gently smiled at the playing children as they followed the worker. The male was the one to answer, “No, it doesn’t matter to us as long as we can give someone a happy life.” Hyun-Soo hummed, grinning as a little girl with fox ears ran up to them. She waved excitedly before running off to play with her friends.

“Well, we have foxes, wolves, alpacas, lions,” Hyun-Soo started to list off all the hybrids they currently had, but the female had stopped listening, instead staring at a young boy, who looked to be seven, sit all by himself. He had a sad expression as he watched the others interact with each other. The sight caused her to frown, not understanding why he wasn’t with the other hybrids, and she voiced this.

She pointed over to the small boy, “Why is he all alone?” Hyun-Soo and her husband looked over to see what she was talking about.

“Ah that’s Seokjin,” The shelter worker said, his voice holding sorrow. He sighed, “He’s a hamster hybrid and the only one here. The other children prefer to be with those of their species, so he’s always alone.”

The male looked over at his wife, saw her saddened eyes, and asked, “Can we meet him?” Hyun-Soo grinned and took them over to the little boy. The child looked up with eyes filled with wonder as all three adults kneeled next to him.

“Seokjin, this is Mr. and Mrs. Kim. They want to chat with you, is that okay?’ Hyun-Soo softly asked him, getting a small nod in response. The worker left the three to talk, going over to mess around with some squirrel hybrids.

Mrs. Kim smiled gently and took a seat next to Seokjin, “Hello, Seokjin. How old are you?” The boy held up seven fingers, looking at them shyly. The two humans continued asking Seokjin questions about himself, trying to get to know the young boy. They ask one final question as they stand up, “Seokjin, honey, do you want to come home with us?”

“Really? Can I?” the hamster exclaimed in shock, eyes big and hopeful. When they both smiled and nodded, Seokjin grinned and hugged them tightly.

--0--0--0--

“Seokjin-ah! Come down here, please!”

The 20 year old hybrid came bounding down the steps, stopping in the living room where both his parents were sitting on the couch. In his mother’s hands was a white, thick envelope. With his sharp eye sight, he could faintly see his full name as well as the logo for BigHit Entertainment. His heart stopped, eyes widening in recognition.

He slowly made his way to them, his voice shaky as he asked, “Is..is that…” Seokjin trailed off, his nerves preventing him from continuing. His father gave him a reassuring nod and smile as his mom handed him the envelope. His fingers shook as he tore it open and took out the letter. Quickly reading through its contents, he dropped it and covered his mouth as his eyes began watering.

“What did it say, sweetie?” Mrs. Kim’s tender voice caused the first tear to fall.

Seokjin choked out a laugh, “I got in. They liked my audition! They want me to join!” His parents beamed and brought him into a group hug, congratulating him and expressing how proud they were.

--0--0--0--

“I didn’t have a hard time like the others, but that’s my past,” Seokjin mumbled and leaned back in his seat. The two hybrids that have yet to explain their life looked at each other, trying to decide who should speak next by having a conversation through their eyes. The red fox hybrid pouted in defeat before straightening and wringing his hands out nervously.

Before Taehyung can even begin explaining his past, you can hear the code to your front door being punched in. The hybrids became frigid and their tails moved in annoyance. Confused as to who it could be, you shifted uneasily. Jimin placed an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his side protectively. Eyes widening in realization, the only person you remember telling the code to was Hyuk, you watched as said man walked through the door.

He went to move closer, though decided not to when a growl sounded, “Y/n…” The way he said your name, desperation thick in his voice, caused your heart to clench. Even though he was an asshole, you still hated to see him almost breaking down.

“Hyuk, leave,” you said, rising from your seat and making your way towards him, your friends following your lead. He glared at the hybrids behind you, his eyes softening into a pleading look when they met yours. Taking a closer look, you noticed how dead his eyes looked, the redness surrounding them shocking you.

He stuck his hand out, as if to reach for you, but stopped halfway, his voice quiet, “Baby, please, can we just talk?” Ignoring the growls coming from the seven men, you took one last step and finally reached him. You didn’t want to appear weak or afraid, no, you wanted to seem strong, like the break up hadn’t hurt you. Which to be fair, you honestly hadn’t suffered much, slowly losing your feelings towards Hyuk the minute you met the seven member group. Which was still confusing to you, but you could dwell on that later.

“Hyuk, you said we were through,” trying to be calm to compensate for the others, you kept your voice even and peaceful, “There’s nothing to talk about.” The maknaes had triumphant grins while the hyung line were smirking, though their expressions were wiped away into snarls when they heard the words that fell from your ex-lover.

Tears blurred Hyuk’s vision, resulting in him looking pitiful, and his voice broke in between words, “Baby, I didn’t mean anything I said. It was all in the moment! I was hurt that you would rather go after the pe- him than stay with me, your boyfriend.” One of the hybrids, the voice sounded an awful lot like Namjoon’s, corrected him with a quiet ‘ex-boyfriend’. Said man glared at the wolf hybrid while scoffing, “Excuse me?”

“He said, ex-boyfriend, meaning you’re not her boyfriend anymore. She doesn’t need you,” Jungkook said, his tone full of confidence as he moved so he was standing right next to you. Jimin followed his lead, grasping your hand tightly in his when he was by your side.

Seeing what Jimin had done, Hyuk sneered at him, “Let go of her fucking hand or else.” Eyes widening, you gripped the cat hybrid’s hand tighter, afraid of what would happen next. Jimin gave your fingers a short squeeze, giving you a reassuring smile before turning to face Hyuk with a blank stare.

“Or else what?” Jimin questioned him, raising an eyebrow to further provoke the man. He knew he shouldn’t irritate him, especially not in front of you, but he really couldn’t stop himself. Maybe it was in his instincts, to protect his mate and get rid of any threats, or maybe it was just because he was tired of this guy acting like he was some hot shit that could do whatever he wanted and get whatever he wanted.

Hyuk balled his hands into fists, his jaw taut with anger, “Or else I’ll fucking remind you where you belong, you filthy pet. That’s all you are. You’re a pathetic little animal that should only be used as a sla-” Before he could finish his speech, Jimin had pounced on him, claws extracted and growls rumbling from his chest. You screamed in horror as you helplessly watched Jimin throw punches at your ex, yelling at him to stop. When he didn’t, you sought help from the other men in the room.

Glaring at the other hybrids through your tears, you begged them to do something, “Please, stop him!” Finally coming to their senses, Jin, Hoseok and Jungkook rushed towards the pair on the floor. Looking back to the scene, you saw Hyuk was now on top of Jimin, hitting him over and over. Jin grabbed him off of the small man, holding his arms behind his back, while Hoseok and Jungkook made sure Jimin didn’t go after Hyuk.

“I’ll fucking kill you,” Jimin snarled, spit flying from his mouth as he continued to struggle out of his friend’s hold. You sobbed at his words and turned away from the sight before you, hiding your face in Yoongi’s chest as he hugged you, his tail around your waist. He mumbled gentle words to you and placed kisses on the top of your head, effectively calming you down.

Namjoon stepped forward, his alpha presence making Jimin whine and finally stop fighting his friend’s grip, his tail lowering between his legs and ears pinned to his head. “Jimin, enough. You’re scaring her.” Namjoon’s comment made the cat hybrid whimper and try to get to you, though Hoseok and Jungkook wouldn’t let him. The wolf Hybrid glared at Hyuk, his words coming out in a slight growl, “As for you, I think it’s best you leave.” Hyuk was about to protest, but when the others growled threateningly at him, he scoffed and left without a word.

“Baby, I’m so sorry,” Jimin sniffed and rubbed his eyes, “I didn’t mean to lose control.”

Pulling away from the panther, you fling your arms around Jimin, “I was so worried about you.” He whined and hugged you closer to him, nuzzling into your neck and breathing in your scent. The smell of vanilla and roses calming him down. He placed a peck on your pulse and leaned away from you to stare at you, eyes filled with love and sorrow.

The two of you start to lean in, but before your lips can meet, the sound of someone’s stomach growling breaks you apart. Looking around, you notice they’re all staring at you with amusement. Right as you’re about to ask them why they’re staring at you, your stomach growls louder, causing your cheeks to redden. Oh... it was my stomach, you thought.

“How about we order some takeout? We didn’t really get to eat our dinner…” Jin trailed off, hating how he brought up what everyone wanted to forget. It was silent until Hoseok walked past you, placing a quick kiss on your cheek, stating he would order some food.

Jungkook hopped up and down and then ran to the couch, “I call choosing the movie!” You giggled as Jimin pulled you along with him, tugging you down in between him and the bunny hybrid.

All eight of you spent the next two hours eating and watching movies. By the time the second one was ending, you were falling asleep, your head on Jungkook’s shoulder. All of the hybrids cooed as you mumbled in your sleep and cuddled closer to the young man. Jungkook blushed as he felt your hot breath hitting his neck, shivers down his spine. Taehyung walked over and carefully lifted you up, carrying you to your bedroom. Seokjin, Yoongi, Hoseok, and Jimin followed, huddling up to you when the fox placed you in the middle.

“Yah, Y/n-ah! Come on! Before they catch us!”

Giggles tumbled past your lips as you ran behind Jimin, squealing when strong arms grabbed you around the waist. Jungkook’s laughs sounded in your ears, cheeks blushing when you felt your face being smothered in kisses from the man. “Kookie! Lemme go!”

The bunny squeezed you tighter against his chest and yelled out, “Never! You’re mine now!” Laughter rang through the air as he started to tickle you. Struggling to escape his grasp, you didn’t notice Taehyung creeping up behind you with a bright grin. Until he was pressed up against your back, tail wrapping around your right thigh, his fingers trailing up your sides and tickling you with his friend.

“I’ll save you jagi!” Jimin screeched, running full speed towards the three of you. When he got close enough, he tackled Taehyung off of you. Out of nowhere, Hoseok appeared and stole you from the bunny hybrid, standing in front of you protectively and growling playfully.

Cold hands gripped your wrist and spun you to face them. There, standing extremely close, was Yoongi. His eyes were sparkling as his face neared yours. Your breath hitched and your eyes glanced down to see his own rosey lips. He licked them, smirking when your pupils dilated even more. Leaning in, you closed your eyes just as your lips tou-

Jolting awake, you looked to your right, seeing Hoseok cuddled into your side his tail tickling your thigh as it swayed every so often, with Yoongi cuddling him from behind, his tail wrapped tightly around your wrist. Turning your head to the left, you saw Jimin cuddled with Jin. Not seeing the rest of the boys, you untangle yourself from the hybrids and left the room. You could hear purring coming from one of the guest rooms next to yours, and looked in to see Jungkook and Taehyung cuddling, fast asleep. Walking further down the hall, you saw a faint light coming from the kitchen. Quietly stepping inside the room, you saw Namjoon sat at the table, just staring at it absentmindedly.

“Joonie?” you asked, voice soft so you don’t startle him. He looked up at you and motioned you to take the seat next to him. When you get close, he tugs you to sit on his lap, tail wrapped protectively around your waist.

He nuzzled into your neck, licking it a little and scenting you. The feeling of his tongue caused shivers to run down your spine. Namjoon smirked, “What are you doing up baby girl? Couldn’t sleep?” Nodding, you rested your head on his shoulder, snuggling into his warm embrace.

“Can I ask you a question?” you slurred, sleep gradually creeping up on you. He hummed, giving you permission to continue. Looking up at him, you softly wondered, “Why do I feel so connected to you guys? Even though I’ve only known you for a short time?”

The hybrid below you became tense, tail tightening around you and ears twitching. It was silent for a few moments and for a second you didn’t think he would answer you. Namjoon pecked your forehead, “I think that’s something we should talk about when everyone is present. Let’s head back to bed, shall we?”

Knowing you weren’t going to get anything else out of him, you allowed him to guide you to the other guest room where you huddled close to him. The warmth emitting from his body lulling you to sleep.

tag list: @child-ofthe-moon-and-leaves, @chari-a, @cjisluckycharm, @huhuehuey, @childfmoonn, @goldenkookss, @jiminsreina, @i-am-canada-13, @eilowyneleyne, @2seokkyo, @lokathefemale, @raja-in-demigodishness, @shelley-hennig14, @theshiningmoonsblog, @agoddesswithablade, @the-argus-eyed, @btsstan4life, @jinniepeachxo, @purpleheartsfortae, @nari2220, @k00kjals, @yasbts705, @moxxie84, @breadcaaat, @kpopgirlbtssvt, @kamibyul, @minyoongi-infiresme, @shaelin444, @acadevintage, @theashofwkm, @row-row-row-your-fandoms, @peachesandcreamsthings, @dinorahrodriguez, @starrliter, @valiantcollectorofsandwiches @morgsstudies-blog, @feed-my-geek-soul, @elazarofir, @lsuzi, @xsmilebitesx, @miraisnotavailable, @vannilacake, @omgsuperstarg, @danithearmy, @galaxy-gamer-girl, @vincent-stargogh, @im-emo-motherfuckers, @aijoukook, @stargazingmoonchild, @tzuyyyuuu, @heart-of-shadows-and-starlight, @starrliter, @livelifewondering, @valiantcollectorofsandwiches, @yoongisdumplingcheeks, @ahslde, @king-of-the-rain-and-wolves, @drarialynn, @marvelobsession2point0, @i-am-bisexual-and-a-girl, @mermaidchick22, @sweetkpopfan, @momoscorner, @godrics, @xcharlottemikaelsonx, @daddy-namjoon, @zerah561, @mischiefmakerliesmith5, @jinnieseok, @singulari-taes, @truthdaze, @bunnyshook, @yoongiismytruelove, @sparkymeetsevil, @smut-wars, @aestheticcenterforplasticsu-blog, @blueliab, @cherryharuka, @serious-addiction, @sugarrimajins, @sugasheart @jeckel-and-hyde @coffeeismylife28 @ah-slde @deadrose287 @minbeatriz16 @lizzy-min-bish @allycat4458 @livetay84 @blackravena @newlifeforus @petitbeans @megsmiiii @xcharlottemikaelsonx @karissassirak @okgoogul @bananeblonde @narcissisim-iskey @kimseokmomjins @beach-bitch-bitch-beach @kamen-tenshi @giantminitoast @veryuniquenamegoeshere @ilvebeenabad

480 notes · View notes

petra-starr · 3 years

Text

tw: drug use

Airports had a particular smell.

Come to think of it, hospitals did too, but Petra was trying hard not to concentrate on the latter, on the way it had just wrung her out like a shabby hand towel, used and tattered. She found herself clinging to Roan’s arm as they walked to find their terminal gate. Petra didn’t want to think about the visit they made, hours prior. She gripped the handle of her suitcase at the thought of her mother; strung out and sedated in her hospital room.

Her mother’s path to substance abuse was blistering, at least to Petra it was. When Petra was eight her mother underwent dental work and got hooked on the Vicodin she was prescribed. That progressed to heroin when Petra was ten. At eleven, her life revolved around the next fix.

When Petra was twelve, her mother was arrested for drug possession and theft. But luckily for them, instead of being sent to jail, her mother went to drug court.

For a moment they were hopeful. Her mother was making an effort in the ways that she could; being late for Roan’s dance recital (but at least she made it), treating them to breakfast at the local diner for shrimp and grits (she’d nodded off at the stove while making the pancakes). It wasn’t perfect or even ideal, but at least she was trying.

Until she wasn’t.

The drag of suitcases along the floor, the soft thud of leather business shoes as the trio stepped off the horizontal escalators. She was absorbed into the smell of cheap coffee and stale newspapers, and the announcements over the practically unintelligible PA system of whether Mr. Pichelli could please report to Gate 14 — or was it gate 40? — his flight was going to leave without him.

Roan had made a bet that their mother’s sobriety would only last 8 months — and that was him being generous.

It took 6 months.

Being right never felt so bitter.

After practice one week, Petra and Roan arrived home to Rita lying on the living room rug. Her eyes were dilated and they held this crazed tint that made Petra’s skin crawl...

“Ro honey, you got any cash on you?” Her mother asked, frantically picking at the non-existent dirt under her nails. Moments like these are never easy to navigate. You don’t want to be cruel, but you don’t want to enable. Roan picked the former.

“Nah, I don’t. At least not for you. ” Roan never really got mad and when he did, it always made Petra feel like she had to follow suit. If one of them were out of character, they both had to be.

“Petra, what about you? I know you just started working at that job at the movie theater. You got a couple of bills on you, right?”

“No. I’m broke” Petra’s words were firm and accusatory. It was an ache that she couldn’t explain, being put in these situations. It wasn’t suppose to be her mother asking for money, scrambling under couches for pennies and dimes.

“Oh you both think you’re really funny, huh? Thinking you can just talk down to me like you can?” Her mother snarled, hitting the carpet of the floor before wobbling on her knees. She loses her balance for a moment and stumbled, knocking over the lamp beside her.

“Fuck!” Petra called these moments the Hangover . These were the moments in between fixes where her mother would become extra irritable and mean.

“I don’t need ya’ll, I’ll find a way to get it myself. I’ll figure it out myself.” A moment’s speculation in whether her mother offered to do tricks for cash made bile claw it’s way up Petra’s esophagus.

Those were the moments she didn’t want to tell Roan about. The bad ones. The ones where she wanted to save her mother, give her whatever amount of money she needed so she could just be home and stay home and stay clean. She…

“Hey. What’s up? You seem out of it.” Petra was nugged out of her thoughts by Roan, concern being etched into his face. She always wonders how Roan feels, having to be the one to lead.

How close was he to his breaking point? If the dark bags under his eyes were anything to go by, it’ll be sooner rather than later. The last thing she wanted was to add herself to the list of burdens that he had.

“No, nah I’m good. Just in my head—” she worried her lip, feeling the tear of a thin layer of skin. “You think she’d be proud?” It was hard to focus on the moments when her mother was clean, they seemed so few and far between.

Roan put his hand on her shoulder, giving a small squeeze to ease her worries. “She may have a hard time showing it, but she is. She has her own shit to figure out.”

“Right.” Petra’s voice was dejected.

“Petra, you are not responsible for the way mom turned out. Mom is not crackhead because she’s a piece of shit. She’s a piece of shit because she’s a crackhead.”

It’s such a direct word that left Petra feeling desperate. When Petra thought of her mother, as angry as she was, CRACKHEAD was never a word she used, or wanted to use at that point.

She wasn’t, She wasn’t, she...

“Welcome to Flight 741 to New York, JFK. We have now begun boarding at Gate F15. Passengers with seats in rows 1 through 20 are invited on at this time. Please have your boarding passes ready. And we thank you for flying United Airlines.”

Petra started and shook her head. The flight attendant flashed a quick at her a quick smile as she stood up. The anxiety tickled the back of her head, but what kept that bright smile and determined look in her eyes, striding towards Gate F15, was a new opportunity.

#self-para #free falling #self:free falling

3 notes · View notes

nickelkeep · 4 years

Text

Slice of Your Pie

Pairings: Dean/Cas, Naomi/Zachariah Rating: Mature Word Count: 6900 Warnings: Homophobic Language, Sexism, Dean going off. On Ao3

It wasn't like Gabe to call before noon. Usually, because Castiel was working and Gabe knew better, but also because Gabe would be in the middle of a busy shift at one of his bakeries. Castiel hesitantly picked up the phone, grateful for the week off from his job.

"Gabe, are you in prison?"

"Come on, Cassie. Is that the only reason I would call you?" Gabe's voice was boisterous yet nervous. "I'm just checking in on my favorite baby brother."

"I'm your only baby brother." Castiel pulled the phone away from his ear to confirm the time. "Shouldn't you be elbow deep in flour or something, right now?"

"Nope. All three shops are under control, and I took the week off to fly in. Staying with Mom and Dad, you know?" Gabe's happy charade was faltering, and Castiel had a feeling of what was coming. "It's always great being home. Especially when I get to spend time with my favorite brother."

"Still, your only brother. Did Anna say no to you crashing at her place?" Castiel leaned back in his couch and kicked his legs up on the coffee table, careful to not disturb the stack of papers he had been grading.

"Anna's out of town until Thanksgiving, and something about she doesn't trust me to not burn down her house."

Castiel laughed. "That's a legitimate concern. Are you asking to crash here?"

"Actually, no. Mom and Dad have left me alone, for the most part." Gabe let out a heavy sigh, as though he had been burdened with the most laborious task on the planet. "Are you coming for Thanksgiving?"Castiel pulled the phone away and looked at the clock on it for the third time. "Gabe, have you been drinking?"

"Look, I told them it would be pointless, but they didn't listen. They want all three of us there for the holiday. Dad said he's getting up there in age, and he wants to be surrounded by his children and non-existent grandchildren."

"Like he's getting grandchildren from any of us." Castiel rolled his eyes. "No. I'm not coming."

"You know that's not going to fly." Gabe suddenly sounded exhausted. "Me and Anna will be here."

"Great, then he's got his two kids, happy marriage and white picket fence. Make sure you pick up a dog for him before you leave."

"Castiel, please. Don't make me beg. Or sic Anna on you."

Castiel pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. "Anna's smart enough to not call or to tell our parents to piss off."

"It's just a couple hours on one day. You can cold shoulder them and give them the good old silent treatment." Gabe's voice took on a subtle hint of pleading. "Help me get them off my case and yours."

"I'm much happier spending my Thanksgiving at home with take out and a movie marathon. I might be alone, but at least I'm not getting attacked every other word out of their mouths." Castiel rubbed his forehead, trying to erase the thought of going to his parents for the holiday.

"That was one year, Cassie."

"Excuse me? What fiasco have you been watching?" Castiel stood up and moved to the kitchen to get a beer. "'Why are you single, Castiel?' 'Are you over your phase, Castiel?' 'Castiel, are you going to find a nice woman and give us grandkids?'" Castiel scoffed. "Don't even get me started on the digs they take at my job."

Gabe took in a suction of air, indicating that he was working on an idea. After a pause, he spoke up. "Bring a date."

"Right, like I'm going to find a guy to date me in less than a week." Castiel rolled his eyes.

"There are escort services, Cassie." Gabe paused. "Wait, that's it. There's also Craig's List. See if you can find a date for the day."

"That's ridiculous."

"I'm serious, hop on, look in the area, and check out casual encounters. That's got to be someone else looking for someone to spend the day with."

Castiel rolled his eyes and grabbed his laptop off the coffee table. "I thought that was for more... intimate encounters."

"HA! Like I'd send you to that part of the website. I certainly don't want to picture my baby bro doing the do with a dude."

"But, you just want me to bring a random person to Mom and Dad's to keep them off your back and mine." Castiel cradled the phone between his ear and shoulder as he typed in the address for Craig's List. "Look, I make no promises. If I don't make it, you can tell them that their worst fear came to fruition."

Gabe laughed. "That you married some random guy behind their backs, and you're moving to Venice to be Gondolier Captains."

"Maybe that one would push father over the edge." Castiel laughed. "Maybe this isn't a bad idea. I'll call you tomorrow with a definite answer. You and I both know either are good."

"That's my Castiel." The warm affection caused Castiel to smile. "Please give it a sincere look over, ok?"

Castiel promised to give it the old college try and disconnected his call with Gabe.

He pulled up the Casual Encounters section of Craig's List and was surprised to find out how right Gabe was. Many people were offering their services for Thanksgiving company. As he scrolled through the ads, one with an interesting title caught his attention.

Alone on Thanksgiving? Want to stop the ‘Why are you still single?’ questions?

I’m a 35-year-old guy with a GED and a loud, beautiful muscle car that’s older than I am. When people try to guess my age, I get anywhere from 32-38 depending on if I’ve taken the time to put on clothes that aren’t holey jeans and flannel shirts and do my hair. I work as a cook in my friend’s restaurant and tend bar for an aunt when I need extra cash. So if you’re looking for a platonic person to be your SO for a day, I can do it.

I am bisexual, so I don’t care if you’re male or female.

At your request, I can:

Hit on family members (including your parents).

Start an argument over politics and religion (I’m a liberal atheist).

and/or

Propose to you (I have a ring that works perfectly for this).

I can also act drunk as a skunk, but I personally don’t drink. I’ve been sober for a few years now. Need a ‘drunken’ fistfight started? I’m your guy.

I’m not looking for payment other than the free meal that comes from accompanying you.

Castiel smiled. This was perfect. It was a guy, he would appear to be less than to his folks, and he promised that he could cause a ruckus. Castiel quickly clicked the contact link and got their number to text them.

[1:00 PM Castiel:] Hi, I just found your add on Craig's List. Is your thanksgiving dinner date offer still open?

He waited several minutes, scrolling through a few more adds, just in case, when his phone's notification for a text message went off.

[1:07 PM 555-555-6767:] Hey, yeah. I didn't think anyone was interested, or it got buried. Name's Dean. You?

Castiel smiled, this crazy idea might actually work.

[1:09 PM Castiel:] My name is Castiel, and I am very interested in you pissing off my parents.

Castiel hit send and realized he needed more information about the random stranger he invited to Thanksgiving with him. As he got ready to send a request to meet in public, Dean beat him to it.

[1:12 PM Dean:] Interesting name there. You free in about an hour to meet? Would kinda like to see you and talk to you before I conform. It also sells the dating thing better. [1:15 PM Dean:] Any particular place where we can meet?

Castiel sighed out a breath of relief before sucking in a breath of panic. Where could they meet?

[1:17 PM Castiel:] A cup of coffee or tea, maybe? I only know of Right Ground, but they're good.

[1:19 PM Dean:] Oh hell yeah! My friend is the owner. The petite redhead?

[1:20 PM Castiel:] Charlie, right? I've seen her a couple of times.

[1:22 PM Dean:] Perfect! I get off soon and can head right over.

[1:24 Castiel:] Sounds good. What should I look for?

[1:30 Dean] Black Impala. She's my pride and joy. If you're looking for me, Sandy Brown hair, Green Eyes, lots of freckles, and uh...

[1:31 Castiel:] What?

Castiel tilted his head in confusion as he waited for Dean's reply. Was this going to be where he mentioned he had a humpback?

[1:36 Dean:] I'm a bit bowlegged. I've been told it's a bit of a turnoff, but I figured I'd be honest upfront.

Castiel let out a laugh of relief.

[1:38 Castiel:] There is nothing wrong with bowlegs. I've heard they make some things easier. 😘

As soon as Castiel sent the message, he instantly wished he could take it back. Instead, he quickly sent a follow-up message.

[1:39 Castiel:] I'm going to go get ready. See you in about 25 minutes.

Castiel let out a huff of air while waiting for lighting to strike, or a boulder to be dropped on him.

[1:41 Dean:] LOL! See you soon, dude. (Dude, right?)

Castiel didn't get a chance to respond as he quickly hopped in the shower and got ready to meet Dean for the first time.

…

Castiel had arrived slightly ahead of his and Dean's arranged meeting time. He didn't see a black Impala anywhere, and when he walked inside, there were no men that matched Dean's initial description. Castiel headed to a corner seat that he normally tried to grab when he went to get coffee and found it surprisingly empty.

He sat down, facing the entrance with his back against the wall. A little kernel of self-doubt starting to grow in the back of his mind. Charlie was behind the counter, and he briefly wondered if Dean texted her to tell him to keep an eye for him.

Castiel went to grab his phone to check the time when the low rumble of a muscle car stopped him. He stole another glance at Charlie, and a huge smile crept upon her face. Castiel looked out the front windows. Dean's black Chevy Impala pulled into a spot, and out exited Adonis himself.

Dean didn't give himself enough credit when he described himself. The sandy brown hair was styled short and looked as though it would be soft for Cas to run his fingers through. And the freckles! Dean was a walking star map, and Cas wanted to trace his fingers along the freckles he could see. The only thing he couldn't see were Dean's self-proclaimed green eyes.

Once Dean entered the cafe, Charlie yelled to him and ran out from behind the counter. She wrapped her arms around him and started animatedly yelling at him for not checking in often enough. Dean graciously accepted her punishment and walked further into the shop. Castiel could finally make out the bowlegs that Dean appeared to be self-conscience about. If anything, the legs emphasized everything perfectly.

Castiel shook his head once, twice, and a third time for good measure. This was supposed to be a professional business interaction. He stood up while sliding out of the booth and walked over to Dean and Charlie. "Hello, I'm sorry for interrupting, but are you Dean?"

Charlie looked at Castiel and smiled before looking back at Dean. "You come to my shop for a date, Winchester? Not to see me? I'm offended. Now you don't get that slice of pie." She punched Dean in the shoulder.

"Hey! It wasn't my idea, it was Cas'. He said he liked your coffee." Dean looked at Castiel.

"He is right, I can show you the text message." Castiel reached for his phone in his pocket before finding his hand being swatted away.

"I believe him, and you. Gotta give the old man shit, though."

"Old man?" Dean blinked in shock. "I'm offended."

Charlie shrugged and walked back around the counter. "If you two want drinks, get up here and order before we have the final rush of the day."

"After you, Cas." Dean gestured. "Also, is Cas ok? Not sure how to pronounce your full name."

"Cas - Tee - Ell. But Cas is fine. If anything, it would infuriate my mother and father more." Cas smiled. "My brother calls me Cassie, I hate it, but I let him get away with it."

"Okay, one brother. Any other siblings?" Dean smiled at Cas.

Cas blushed from Dean's smile, "I have my brother Gabriel and my sister Anna."

"Are they part of the deal? Or are they off-limits?" Dean asked. "I mean, I clearly know you want me to go after your pops at the very least."

"You can jab at them if they jab at you." Cas conceded. "Looking for someone to come with me was actually Gabe's idea. So he may not appreciate being a part of the prank."

"Okay. We can play that by ear."

Cas tilted his head. "You said you wanted to see if we clicked before you agreed to the whole thing."

"What do you think I'm doing?" Dean winked. "So, tell me about your parents?"

The pair got up to the counter before Cas could answer, and Charlie sat down two cups in front of them. "Dean, black americano with room for cream. Cas, if I remember correctly, spiced chai latte."

"Thank you, Charlie," Cas responded as he went to grab his wallet.

"I threw it on Dean's tab. You two have a fun date." Charlie winked at them and shooed them so she could get to the next customer.

Dean blushed and looked at Cas and mouthed Sorry before picking up his cup and walking over to where they kept the cream.

Cas took the opportunity to grab his booth back and waited for Dean to join him. "So, you asked about my parents?"

"They're the targets, right?"

"Yeah." Cas nodded and took a sip of his drink. "My mother is Naomi, my father is Zachariah."

Dean held a finger up as he finished taking a drink. "Your family highly religious?"

"What gave that away?" Cas tried to hide his disdain, but by the look on Dean's face, he wasn't doing a good job.

"Gabriel, Castiel, Zachariah... Pretty sure there's a Naomi in the bible too." Dean placed a finger on his lips. "Not too sure about Anna."

"Prophetess in Luke's Gospel," Castiel responded.

Dean nodded in quiet contemplation. He paused a moment, and Castiel could see the gears turning. "Safe to assume you're gay or bi?"

"Very much Gay. I've been told it's a phase my whole life. My parents keep asking when I'm going to bring a girlfriend home. You're the first 'boyfriend' I'm bringing home." Castiel took another sip of his drink.

"Got it. What do you do for a living?"

"High School English Teacher." Cas scoffed. "Reason number two hundred fifty-one I'm a disappointment."

"Being a teacher is a disappointment?" Dean shook his head. "Well, I'll make sure that they know I'm a cook by day, bartender by night. I'm sure they'll love that."

"Your sarcasm is perfect. They both hate sarcasm, despite it being their first form of communication." Cas leaned back in his chair. "They definitely look down their noses at people too."

"Well, I'm sold. Food, chaos, and spending time with an attractive man?" Dean rested his elbows on the table and rest his chin on his knuckles. "This may be one of my best Thanksgiving in years." Dean winked. "What time should I pick you up?"

…

Over the next few days, Cas found himself texting back and forth with Dean frequently. He kept trying to remind himself that it was just so they could get to know each other so they could pass off as a couple on Thanksgiving. However, with the way that Dean flirted, it was harder and harder to keep that line from blurring.

[Wednesday 3:47 PM Dean:] Hey Cas, I know I'm supposed to be an asshole, but should I attempt to bring something with me?

Cas laughed, picturing how his mother would react if she were brought a gift from Dean.

[3:49 PM Cas:] You don't have to bring anything at all, although the image of my mother turning up her nose is both amusing and disappointing.

[3:51 PM Dean:] So, bring a six-pack of cheap beer. Got it.

[3:52 PM Cas:] You're incorrigible.

Cas found himself setting a special notification for Dean's text messages. He fought hard against doing it, as they were going to go their separate ways after Thanksgiving. Still, it seemed like something you would do for a significant other.

He heard the notification go off, and he picked his phone up again.

[4:00 PM Dean:] If I were a betting man, I'd bet that you liked it though.

Cas found that he couldn't disagree.

…

Cas' parents, completely surprised that he was coming and bringing a date, asked Cas to arrive around 3 PM on Thanksgiving.

Dean showed up at 1:30 PM.

"Hey, Cas." Dean stood in the doorway to Cas' apartment and leaned against the doorframe.

Cas couldn't help the smile that grew across his face. Dean was dressed up in a nice pair of jeans with a black tee-shirt and an open deep red button-up. "Hello, Dean." He stepped back to let Dean in. "You're early."

"I hope you don't mind. I was a little nervous." Dean smiled sheepishly. "Meeting the parents is kind of a big deal."

"That was the whole deal, Dean. You join me, free dinner, you make them regret telling me to come to dinner."

Dean's smile dropped a little, so slight that Cas almost missed it. "Right. I knew that."

"Everything okay, Dean?" Cas stepped closer and placed his hand gently on Dean's shoulder.

"Yeah, of course." Dean's face betrayed his words, but Cas let it go. "I figured I could also come over and help you load anything that might need to go with us in the car."

Cas frowned, unhappy at seeing this side of Dean. "Want to take a seat? We have some time to kill."

"Actually, can I hit the head? Then we can pack up Baby. You said it takes about 45 minutes to get there on a good day, and there is some traffic."

"Yeah," Cas responded as he pointed to the hallway. "First door on the left." He watched as Dean stepped away, wondering what changed so drastically.

Dean quickly finished up in the bathroom and found Cas in the kitchen, juggling a casserole and a couple of pies. "Dude, please tell me your pies are good."

"As long as they don't hit the floor, they should be." Cas smiled and allowed Dean to take them off his pile. "I remember Charlie teasing you about pie, so I stopped in special to ask what kind you like."

"Pecan?" Dean asked, a huge grin coming back across his face when Cas nodded. "Dude, you went to Charlie to ask her? Why didn't you just ask me?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise, to thank you for this week." The next words escaped Cas' lips before he could stop them. "I'm glad that at the very least, I got to make a new friend out of this."

"Well yeah, Charlie's awesome," Dean responded without missing a beat.

Cas rolled his eyes. "I mean you, Dean."

"I, uh..." Dean's cheeks flushed scarlet as he stuttered over his words. "You're awesome too, Cas."

"Come on, then, let's go load up your car." Cas held up the casserole dish and nodded his head towards the front door. "Sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave."

The pair of them quickly loaded up the car, and Dean handed Cas his phone to punch in his parent's address. The first few minutes of the drive were quiet, as Cas appreciated the roar of the engine.

"So, uh, Cas." Dean broke the silence once they got on the highway. "Question for you."

"I'm listening." Cas looked over at Dean and took a moment to admire his outline, highlighted by the sun.

"Well, we determined that we've been together for a few months and that we met when you came by my place of work. But, uh, are you ok with a little PDA to sell it?" Dean's cheeks turned bright red again, as though he were embarrassed to ask.

Cas slid a little closer to Dean to be able to reach his hand and hold it. When his skin brushed against Dean's, it was as though sparks of electricity shot through his body, and Cas shivered involuntarily.

"Okay there, Cas?" Dean stole a glance at Cas and smirked, before returning his eyes to the road.

Cas nodded as he found his words lacking. They enjoyed the rest of the ride in comfortable silence, only the music and the occasional hum from Dean filling the car.

Once they arrived, Cas took a moment to look at Dean and give him a final once over. The shade of red he was wearing was enticing and made his freckles and eyes pop more than Cas would have thought possible. It had taken all of Cas' willpower to not trace over them with his finger.

"Ready, Cas?"

"I am." Cas nodded before looking up at their dreaded destination.

The pair got out of the car, and Dean took Cas' hand before going to the trunk. Cas looked down at their hands and felt a soft warmth against his cheek. He turned to find that Dean had kissed his cheek.

"Sorry, I should have asked first." Dean apologized, running his free hand through his hair.

"Dean, you already asked, and I had given you permission." Cas smiled and let out a little sigh. "Let's grab the stuff and get this over with."

Dean popped the trunk and handed the pies to Cas, grabbing the casserole, before closing it back up and following Cas to the house. Cas had shifted the pies to one arm and rang the doorbell. His hand immediately went back to Dean's, and he tried his hardest to not let his nerves show.

"You don't just walk into your parent's place?" Dean tilted his head in confusion. "Even if you don't get along, isn't it home?"

"This place has never been home, Dean," Cas replied, clipping his response as the door opened.

A stoic, cold woman answered the door, looking down at them, despite the pair being taller than her. "Castiel. You came." She scrutinized Dean more thoroughly. "And you brought a friend."

"Mother, I told you I was bringing my boyfriend." He turned to look at Dean and smiled. "This is my significant other, Dean."

Naomi's lips pulled in to a tighter pout. "That term wouldn't be correct, Castiel. Come in. You know where to set them up." She stepped back into the house, allowing them entrance.

"I make two pies and your favorite cheese and spinach casserole," Cas mentioned as he walked past. "I'll need to borrow the oven for five minutes once the turkey is done."

"I don't know, Castiel." Naomi picked up her pace to walk in front of them. "You should have asked if the oven would be available to cook things in."

Dean stared in disbelief at the way Naomi was talking down to Cas. "You mean you can't spare five minutes to make the cheese gooey again? I didn't realize heat was a limited resource."

"Excuse you?" Naomi placed her hand on her chest in shock. "Castiel, you will keep your friend in line."

"Boyfriend, Mother. But he's right. This is your favorite dish. I made it just for you. You don't want it warm?"

Naomi rolled her eyes as the pair set down their food offerings. "I'll figure it out." She glared at Dean. "Why don't you go find your father? He should be in the TV Room watching the game."

"Football. Sure. Let's go, Cas." Dean watched as Naomi cringed at the shortened version of her youngest son's name.

Cas tried to not laugh as he led Dean to the TV Room. He leaned in close to Dean to whisper about Zachariah. "Dean, he absolutely hates his name being shortened to Zach, and he hates the Eagles."

"Oh, I am all over this." Dean winked and wrapped his arm around Cas' shoulder.

"Father?" Cas inquired as they entered the room.

"Castiel. You came." His eyes traveled to Dean. "And you brought a friend."

"This is my boyfriend, Dean." Cas felt the words falling easier from his lips. "Dean, this is my father, Zachariah."

Dean unwrapped his arm off Cas' shoulder and extended his hand to Zachariah. "Please to meet you, Zach."

Zachariah stiffened, and his eyes became cold as ice. "Zachariah, please." He took Dean's hand and shook it.

"Of course, sorry about that, Zachariah. I'm just a nickname kind of person, ain't that right, Cas?" Dean took his hand back and wrapped his arm around Cas' shoulders again, leaning in to touch their foreheads together.

Cas could see the vein in his father's forehead start to throb. "Castiel, do you have no respect for your name?"

"I do, as does Dean. But my name is archaic, and sometimes it's just easier to shorten it." Cas looked at his father and stood his ground.

"Hey, I'm sorry, Zachariah." Dean stepped between the two. "Cowboys vs. Eagles, right?" He pointed at the TV.

"You watch sports?" Zachariah asked, his doubt not hidden at all.

"Hell yeah!" Dean hopped over the back of the couch and landed next to Zachariah on the sofa. "Just cause I like to suck a dick every now and then, doesn't mean I can't like sports." He leaned forward and grabbed some crackers off a platter on the coffee table. "Oh shit, Eagles up, 21-3! Fly Eagles, Fly!"

"Castiel, a word!" Zachariah demanded, scrambling out of his seat. Dean looked at Cas in worry, not relaxing even when Cas gave him a gesture indicating he'd be fine.

Cas followed Zachariah into the kitchen, where Naomi was mashing potatoes. "Who is this bastard friend of yours?" Zachariah hissed, grabbing Naomi's attention to join in.

"He's not a bastard, and he is my boyfriend," Cas emphasized the word boyfriend for the umpteenth time since arriving.

"You are in a phase, Castiel. We've found some nice girls who are very interested in you." Naomi added. Before she could continue; however, the front door opened, Gabe and Anna walking in.

"CASSIE!" Gabe called out, causing both of their parents to cringe. "You came home!" He dropped Anna's duffle bag in the foyer and bolted into the kitchen, trying to pick up his younger brother in a bear hug. "You seriously need to stop growing!"

Anna walked up behind Gabe and pushed him to the side, wrapping her arms around her younger brother. "Hello, Castiel. I've missed you." She pulled back and offered an apologetic smile. "Gabriel told me you were bringing your boyfriend to dinner. Is he here?"

"Castiel's friend is in the TV Room," Zachariah responded before Cas could. "And he is a rude, ungrateful, little prick."

"I can assure you it's not little." Dean walked into the kitchen. "Sorry, I heard the commotion, and I just wanted to make sure Cas was ok." Dean walked over to Cas and wrapped his arms around Cas's waist. "Gonna introduce me, babe?"

Cas melted into Dean's embrace, allowing their actions to cross into new territory. "Dean, this is my older brother Gabe and my older sister Anna."

"I've heard all about you two." Dean lets go of Cas long enough to shake their hands before holding Cas again.

"Well, why don't you all go into the TV Room. Your father and I will finish up dinner." Naomi responded coldly, clearly annoyed by Dean's presence.

"That sounds like a plan. Get that damn football off the TV." Gabe responded.

"But the Eagles are winning. They're hands down the best team in the NFL this year, wouldn't you agree, Zach?"

If looks could kill, Zachariah would have killed not only Dean but all three of his children as well. Gabe, sensing his father's temper rising, herded Dean and his siblings out of the kitchen. "Jesus, Cassie, where did you find this one?"

"Took your advice." Cas shrugged.

"Word to the wise?" Gabe looked at Dean. "Keep him."

"Dean, you don't happen to have any siblings, do you?" Anna asked.

"Brother, half-brother, and an adopted sister. I'm the oldest." Dean tilted his head. "Why?"

Gabe and Anna exchanged looks before Anna followed up with another question. "They single?"

Dean laughed, a rich, warm sound that made Cas melt. "Sammy's not. I don't know with Adam, but he's the youngest of us all, barely legal. Charlie's single, and flaming lesbian."

Anna looked at Gabe. "Sorry, guess I win this round."

"Wait, Anna, you too?" Cas' head tilted in shock and confusion.

She looked over Cas' shoulder to see if their parents were listening. "Bi, Castiel. I'm Bi."

Castiel looked in shock at Anna, then turned to Gabriel. "Are you going to drop a bombshell on me too?"

"I don't care about gender?" Gabe responded.

"What? When?" Cas palmed his forehead and sat on the sofa.

Both Gabe and Anna had the decency to blush. Anna responded first. "I figured it out in college."

"I've dated many people over the years, Cassie. I just didn't always bring them home to mom and pops." Gabriel added.

"You're so much braver than the both of us," Anna whispered. "You brought Dean home with you."

Dean sat on the sofa next to Cas and wrapped his arm around him. He leaned in and quietly spoke into Cas' ear. "Want me to prank them, too?"

Cas burst out laughing, shaking his head and throwing his arms around Dean's neck. "I know why you two did it," Cas stated while hugging Dean tight. "I don't even think I can be mad."

"Dinner time," Naomi announced, appearing in the doorway to the TV Room. "We would appreciate no hanging all over each other at the table, Castiel." Naomi turned her nose up and walked back towards the kitchen.

"Let's go knock out this wonderful holiday, shall we?" Gabe clapped his hands together.

The dining room was awkwardly quiet as the all entered and took their seats. Naomi stood at her place and looked at Zachariah. "Grace, Dear?"

Zachariah nodded and clasped his hands together.

Lord, bless this food and grant that we May thankful for thy mercies be; Teach us to know by whom we're fed; Bless us with Christ, the living bread. Lord, make us thankful for our food, Bless us with faith in Jesus' blood; With the bread of life our soul's supply, That we may live with Christ on high. Amen.

When none of his children nor Dean responded, Amen, Zachariah cleared his throat. "I said, Amen."

Gabe and Anna quickly said it, and Castiel murmured it, but Dean refused to say it.

"Dean, is there something wrong with your voice all of a sudden?" Zachariah shot another deathly stare at Dean.

"Nope, my voice works just fine. I just don't do religion." Dean shrugged. "Guess you could say I'm an Atheist."

Cas flinched as he heard his mother gasp and prepare to yell at him. However, before she could get a word out, Dean spoke up.

"Are you about to yell at Cas? Cause Cas says Grace before every meal. I respect that he does. You know why?" Dean picked up the bowl of mashed potatoes and scooped a heap onto his plate. "Cause Cas doesn't force me to believe something I don't. He's kind, he's caring, and he's understanding. Clearly, you two didn't teach him that." Dean scooped a heap of potatoes on Cas' plate then passed the bow to Anna.

"How dare you!" Naomi spat. "You are a guest in this home."

"Yeah, let me tell you how guestly it's felt since I entered your house." Dean stabbed at the plate of turkey on the table and grabbed a few slices for himself and a few for Cas. "You both refuse to acknowledge my relationship with your son. You both have looked down on me for being a man who is attracted to men and women. God forbid I slip that I work two jobs." Dean smiled sarcastically. "Oops."

Dean passed the fork to Anna, who was staring at her mother as though she would explode. "You know, Naomi. How would you feel if I told you the farce between you and Zachariah here were invalid and not real?"

"We are one man, one woman. That's how it was created. You don't find any instances of your perversion in nature." Naomi gripped the edge of the table.

"Actually, Mom," Anna spoke up. "This last trip for NatGeo? I told you where they sent me. I was in the Savannah. I saw gay and lesbian animals everywhere."

"And the rangers released a document saying that the animals learned it from homosexual humans." Zachariah pointed sharply at his daughter. "You will speak when spoken to."

"You're going to tell the smartest person at the table to shut up?" Dean let out a low whistle and took a bite of a roll he had grabbed. "Man, I'd listen to everything she has to say. She works for National Fucking Geographic." He turned to Cas. "I'll still talk books with you all the time, though, sweetheart." He leaned in and kissed Cas' cheek.

"I said there would be no hanging over each other!" Naomi slammed her hands down on the table.

Dean snorted. "Me, kissing Cas' cheek, is not hanging all over him." He rested his hand on the small of Cas' back. "I bet a hundred dollars if Anna had brought along a boyfriend, or Gabe a girlfriend, you'd call a kiss on the cheek cute."

"Leave." Zachariah's voice sent a chill through the room. "Gabriel can take Castiel home."

"Like I'm going to leave Cas here to take more of your abuse. How long have you been telling him that he's wrong?" Dean whipped his head to Naomi. "How long have you been calling him a pervert?"

"We've never called him that." Naomi defended.

"Mom, you literally just did." Gabriel finally spoke. "You just called being Gay a perversion."

"Castiel isn't gay," Zachariah spoke up.

"Yeah, he is, Dad." Anna stared at her father. "And I'm bisexual. When I told you two about my boyfriend, Rupert? I was actually talking about my girlfriend, Ruby. Ruby and I broke up, and I couldn't properly mourn that relationship because I didn't have a mother who understood me."

"Well, if we're all coming out. I have slept with more dudes than I have fingers." Gabe added. "I've also slept with as many women. I've slept with as many non-binary people. And you know what? I've also slept with Trans people. Love is love, and attraction is attraction."

Naomi looked as though she were about to faint, and Zachariah pointed a knife at Dean. "This is your fault."

"MY FAULT?" Dean yelled, finally raising his voice. "I just met Gabe and Anna today. They were queer long before I met them. I'm dating Cas, who came to me and asked me out. Tell me how this is my fault."

"You made them think it was ok to share this information."

"And you made them feel like they were less than nothing. You're the problem here. Not me, not a single one of your children."

Cas stared at Dean in awe. No one had ever come to his defense so quickly, and here Dean was also defending his siblings. "Dean, I think we should go."

"That's the first smart thing you've said all night, Castiel." Naomi snapped.

"Oh no, you did not." Dean turned to face the Ice Queen at the end of the table. "Did you seriously just call my boyfriend stupid? You know, your youngest son? The person I fall for more and more each time I talk to him?"

"You know nothing about this family, and you came in here and–"

"Ok, Boomer." Dean cut Naomi off, and Gabe spat out his drink laughing. "Cas, let's grab the food you brought and head back."

"Get out of my house!" Zachariah shouted.

"Already working on it." Dean shot off a one-fingered salute and stood up with Cas and followed him to the kitchen.

Dean quickly found the two pies, while Cas found his casserole hidden in the fridge. He pulled it out and frowned, showing Dean. "She was never going share."

"Cas," Dean set down the pies and took the casserole, setting it down as well. He pulled Cas into his arms and held him tightly. "I'm sorry if I did too much."

"I think you could have kept going." Gabriel entered the kitchen. "Cassie, you brought pies? Trying to one-up me?"

"Dean likes pecan pie. You usually bring pumpkin." Cas melted into Dean's embrace, determined to make sure it wouldn't be the last time Dean held him like that.

"Touché." Gabriel let out a sigh. "Got room for two at your place?"Anna entered the kitchen. "Go pack your things, Gabe." She looked at Cas. "Your address still the same? We're not staying here."

"You're just going to crash with me? How do you know I don't have a roommate?"

Anna cut Cas a look. "You two are a new couple, you haven't moved in together yet."

Gabe called to them from the foyer. "Let's roll before they figure out how to trap us here."

"Coming, Gabe," Anna replied. "Meet you at your place, Cassie?"

Cas' face lit up at his sister calling him a nickname - even if it was one he wasn't particularly fond of - and not Castiel. "Yeah. Same address." He reluctantly pulled out of Dean's arms and grabbed the casserole, placing it in Dean's hands. "We should escape too." Cas picked up the pies and followed Anna out of the kitchen.

"Yes, sir." Dean smiled and followed the siblings out of the house.

…

Once back at Cas' apartment, this time with two siblings in tow, Dean helped Cas get the food in the house and prepared to leave.

"Where do you think you're going?" Gabe tilted his head in confusion, a trait all three siblings shared.

"I messed up a lot for you guys today. I'll let the three of you have your Thanksgiving together."

Gabe and Anna looked at Cas, who took Dean's hand into his. "I know we haven't been together long."

"Yeah, when did you find him, Monday, after we hung up?" Gabe smirked.

"Shut up, Gabe." Cas, Anna, and Dean said in unison.

Cas waited to see if Gabe would say anything else before continuing. "When I did this, I didn't think it would be more than a business arrangement. But I want this to be more. Please, Dean?"

"I'm not sure why, you still want that after today, but I would be lying if I said I didn't want more with you." Dean pressed his forehead against Cas'.

"Well, that settles it." Anna smiled. "Welcome to the family, Dean."

While Gabe and Anna set up in the guest room, Dean called up Charlie, and Cas ordered some Chinese food. Within a few minutes, Charlie was banging on Cas' door, bringing gifts of rolls and croissants and coffee from the Cafe. The two fiery redheads were introduced and instantly hit it off.

Their dinner arrived shortly after, and they all curled up on the various chairs and sofas together. They took turns picking movies to watch and created their own Thanksgiving.

As the night crept upon them, Charlie apologized but reminded them that she had to get up early for Black Friday shoppers who would hit up her cafe for coffee and breakfast. She exchanged numbers with Anna and told them to not be strangers.

Dean got up to go, and Cas grabbed his hand. "You said you're not working tomorrow. That the restaurant was closed for a long weekend."

"I did." Dean smiled at Cas. "I also don't want to impose. You have a full house right now, and I'm not sure if Gabe or Anna are claiming the couch."

Cas tilted his head in exasperation. "Did you think I wanted you to sleep on the couch?" He looked around, Anna had run to the restroom, and Gabe went to go grab a couple more of the chocolate croissants Charlie had brought. "I want you to stay with me tonight."

"You do?" Dean swallowed - hard. "Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you to." Cas stood up and led Dean back to his bedroom. "We don't have to go that far tonight," Cas added as they entered the room. "I'd actually prefer that we didn't.

"This is new, but it feels like forever at the same time." Cas continued, "Did you mean what you said?"

Dean wrapped his arms over Cas' shoulders. "I've meant every word I said today, but what phrase comes specifically to mind?"

"That you fall for me more and more each time we talk?"

Dean leaned forward and pressed his lips against Cas', a soft caress that left them breathless. "One-hundred percent, Cas."

#profoundnet #spncreatorsdaily #writersofdestiel #destiel #spn fanfic #nickel's story time #tw: homophobia #tw: sexism #tw: sassy Dean #nickel writes

63 notes · View notes

whimsically-ominously-auspice · 5 years

Text

Uncle Donald gave her $800 in the 1980s

She let him invest it for her up until now

And she has now $45B

I hope you enjoyed your game as there are more to come but with more people as it enters TV for free of course on Channel Fox.

As always enjoy life and what it brings with the most care you can afford.

Don't let the economy, crumble, Uncle Donald, i hit up JP for some cash since Jesse stole mine from United Business Bank located in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico.

I own Chase, bought it with Donald and sold to the US Government for a mint. Jesse could got in on this deal but he wanted to challenge me instead.

So I asked Uncle Donald for a cash loan, how much he could afford and what was in his wallet. $4000 roughly. So we split it between his 4 kids (the 4th being me) and I gave him back $200 for the rest of the day.

And we returned to the bank and I asked him how to deposit the money into Chase Manhattan because Denise had bought me clothes but I wanted to be a fashion designer and had altered them So she threw them all away in a rage of jealousy and heat.

Of course i started to cry so we went back across the street to McDonald's and we talked. He said "i have a surprise for you, lets get to the bank"

So we walked alllllll around the building, up and down and he talked to a man and got us inside all the back rooms. He said "i wanna buy it!" And he turned to me and asked "would you like to invest your $800 into my bank as an investor?"

I said "what about my clothes! She said i had to return the money or else i get none!"

"But who did she spend the money on?"

"Me and my brothers and and her!"

"Well don't you think Its time to invest in you and your fashion?" He asked for my $800 i had to pull from 4 different pockets and my sock as he taught me to split to beat pick pocketers. And handed it all. He handed me back $200 and I handed it back then he handed me a $5 from his breast pocket and t told me to keep it.

And began to walk to the counter to buy the bank.

I chased after him and put it in his left cost pocket and told him, 'well you know you bought me lunch so you keep it"

I pulled it from his pocket to produce proof I had already given it and he couldn't give it back and then stuffed it back in deep, all the way i nearly ripped his shoulder off for which I promptly apologized, jumped on the counter and rubbed his soreness off and jumped down.

And he started to cry a little bashful at first then a full sob. And I tried to console him and Robby appeared with a trailing line of toilet paper so his silk hanky wouldn't be soiled with snot.

He thanked him and became startled and asked if he wanted in on the investment.

Robby said, "i might but i need to talk to you, I belong to this boarding school ran by this might be soon white bigger as he calls himself, inspired by her and taken completely out of context"

"Michael Jackson" interjected our new found Uncle Donald. "Come let's sit"

We moved to the side of the spacious lobby to a small table accompanied by two plus club chairs.

He and i talked about how neat it would be to have chaise chairs in Chase bank.

"Well, her mom is abusive, mostly about money so i would like to take control of her stock with her permission"

"Yes! I do! And i will wanna get married!" I jumped with my fist in the air and pushed against the chair like a standing push up and stood

....

"Her sit. First I would like to talk to you as an investor. I am run by the boarding house and they teach us things like to steal and bring back to get 'rewards' much often things less than they are worth like a stick of gum for $2 when I can get a whole pack for 20 cents. Uh oh, here he comes"

"Im about to invest into this bank with these two kids you got something you wanna say to me?" Instead of waiting for a reply, uncle Donald got up and briskly walked to the counter, asking to return to a different room, promptly and away from Mr Jackson whom was still solidly black (he doesn't have vitaligo its just bleached).

And we entered a nearly empty office and he turned fiercely, angry even, "this will be your office where you will WORK"

...

"Its okay! We are still friends!" I climbed into the chair then up onto the desk "this is where I will sit"

"Well close your legs and sit like a lady, like this hand me your foot, no don't take off your shoe"

"Well I didn't want to ruin you! Your suit is NICE!!"

And he moved my foot and crossed my ankles and patted my knee and said "or you cross at here"

I took my ankle to my knee "no not like that, that's like a man. Knee to knee"

"Oh like this?" I squeezed my knees together

Robby laughed and Uncle Donald looked flustered

"Oh i know I know cross at my knees, you need to explain better!" I patted his shoulder. In the 80s it was okay to touch, at least for a child.

"I said that first!"

"Oh! I interrupt!"

"No apologize" Robby groaned

"I apologize for interrupting"

"For?" Asked Donald "you can't tell her that Because ---"

"No he could I get misinformation that way"

"Except when I'm being scolded and she knows the truth" said Robby.

Tune in next week for another Miss Adventure of one Wild Single Mom's Childhood!

I had 48 cents. Robby had put in 2500 front Hayes then 1500 each from Mark and Mike Andrews which he had not signed and they got rejected. Yet Jesse notified me of this, restricted my remote deposit privileges and now i am to notify the Sheriff of Hays County, Austin, Texas that the money is kept hidden in the tax and revenue accounts of his great county. And to open an investigation which he will pretend he did and then not. So i get his hush money as well as the other two and the $15B JP Dejoria stupidly just paid me because i Told Jesse to tell his father in law that Jesse is a stupid piece of shit which he didn't.

And of course I will invest in schools across the nation, installing playgrounds at any schools that do not have them, including intermediate, Jr high, middle, High and etc.. And may be finally lockers at least were I'm centrally located and/or where i want to be, namely at high schools at least.

Because that is what I want to do. Make people happy in the funniest ways possible.

And if there is any left I want to reinvest at the parks i originally invested in, initially, to make them better snd brighter, starting at the older to the newer.

I want the world to seem happier and brighter and in the case of schools at least around here once they hit 7th grade (middle school) they change schools to those that no longer have lockers or desks to put things in, 7 or more teachers to please instead of one or two they spend all day with, like a parent who gives love and kindness and retribution, they go through puberty which in itself is a chore. Then the kids riot. I've seen it in small schools and i know it happens in big ones. 20 in one week at the beginning of school less than a mile from my house where i can hear the school bell.

And so they need a place to sleep their weary heads like the shoulder of an old friend instead of weeping a soul they can no longer call their own.

The secrets i have included here broke my heart to where it actually stopped over and over.

Instead of asking what was wrong, Mr Moneybags Jesse sent me to the doctor alone. -.-

He could have provided me with what i needed like I provided and protected him from Ms Dejoria and Mark Hindberg, Afghanistan and Iraq, which I will no longer do.

He is the one that encouraged Michael Jackson to pickpocket the slaves he had created.

Yes Michael Jackson is Wacko, is Him and is burning in Hell because I killed him with my own pistol Jesse had stolen from a cop, altered and resold to himself at a cheaper price than the way over inflated price he created to create a deficit in his company to receive a refund from the US government's IRS Department in the amount of $8,000 instead of paying the $1M he owed.

I plead guilty before a judge and Uncle Donald, Mrs Katherine Jackson, the Anne my 4 year old daughter that Michael Jackson attempted to rape in front of me, as well as Robby, my true love and of course Sunny and Jesse James himself whom gave me the gun.

Then, before then President Barack Obama, i was exonerated and pardoned completely without the possibility of parole or any other misconceptions that would be included with self defense manslaughter.

This week total I have arrested a total of 19 men and women thanks to the CIA as an unpaid civilian.

That would guarantee me Presidentship of one really great country, now, wouldn't it?

Thanks. And not to be repeated: No more games. Only truth.

Until next time my fair weather friends!

Now! Let's grab the bookie!!! Snag! You're in jail. What did ya know, Mike Andrews, I knew all along that Mark Hindberg was FBI. Why didn't you think that?

Moving along, hi JP. How are you? No one cares. Good thing you trusted into your rapist daughter who was married to a true hero whom puts up with my shit even after we name him Mr Vomit cause I make him so scared he actually vomits like I did tonight (that's included. No more scare, only truth)

Oh yes, JP, you have already been arrested and so you know -- you have no guns with you, right? Alexis Dejoria is no rapist, she's actually an excellent FBI agent whom hates her dad and is included in any exonerations I may have to hand out butbat my leisurely pace, because she actually didn't rape anybody!

Also the US government will pay your wages as you did file a lawsuit this very week by signing up with Namus.gov like we all did.

She like me, was an unpaid civilian whom ran into luck. While she's smart, she's not smart like me. Thus she's the FBI vs me who is CIA and can work against the world in a millisecond as i usually do and have in Afghanistan and Iraq where i protected many NHRA members during their tours in the US Military while they served with Jesse James and my little brother and were even kidnapped thanks to Matt Hagan's temper tantrum and Jesse James refusal to listen to command. Eventually I saved them from that too in a day and 6 hours after leaving base. They were involuntary bound and gagged and beaten within 20 minutes of their capture. Within the next 20 when I was finally told of their status they were rescued by Tony Schumacher and his team.

And now i have saved the NHRA from being beaten and raped and tortured. My time to continue here at home is not wasted,

I love you all and thank you very much for listening...

And now i have something to say about Jesse since i made him puke from a lie via email Because he made me mad for being a Dick douchebag and not caring enough about me, not wrecking his motorcycle and then lying to make me feel bad and stupider than ever although I saw the wreck and my being a girl, up and President running, couldn't stop to rescue or assist a man on his feet whom had already picked up his bike after a wipe out and the trailer passed me up to show me he would assist because forgive those trespassers as we trespass ourselves and i care that he could really been hurt. That may be a fault of mine but it is called Grace and not salvation which is being my daughter reincarnated into a goat in Iraq to keep everyone safe because Jesse is a dumb dumb sometimes and Matt Hagan prefers truth over himself, sometimes. Like being in love with a goat of my daughter's soul, in Iraq. (I bet he fucked her, too. Bestiality freak. Not my business tho, nor yours. But still, let's laugh instead of poking fun at his misadventures. It is funny, yo!)

Jesse cared about the goat so much he listened to her over every one, even me. Because he believed she was closer to God where he needed to be..

I changed his life once in Alabama and several times then, over and over, any time that need be.

But finally for this one time he trusted somebody else and learned to love as much as he could, the soul inside of him.

So God bless to all of the two headed creatures we will see wandering around the backs of people at the NHRA in the future to come. Including even on me.

I'm Mrs Cougar cause of my fingernails and my desire to be with someone young to keep me fresh and Alive -- not by his blood byt by the life he gives me. And he will be Mr Snake the one who slithers up beside me only for love while I labor in the grass kicking myself for what i might have done but not for what i might have missed out on because I was there the whole time thinking and feeling and frolicking through the grass, same as me.

And of course my tattoo will be scary cause the world as I know it, very much can be.

And you can thank me for the past or you can think about the future and beyond!!!

15 notes · View notes

lovedroughtff · 5 years

Text

Chapter 1~ Emotions

It's over and done But the heartache lives on inside And who is the one you're clinging to instead of me tonight? And where are you now, now that I need you? Tears on my pillow wherever you go go I cry me a river that leads to your ocean You never see me fall apart In the words of a broken heart It's just emotions taking me over Caught up in sorrow Lost in the song But if you don't come back Come home to me, darling Don't you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight Don't you know there's nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight Goodnight, goodnight

Sienna

I sighed, getting off of the ground wiping the dirt off of my knees, and making sure that I did the same for Brielle.

“Mommy, I’m hungry.” She said as I picked her up and started to carry her away from the gravesite

“I know, me too Bri, we're eating at grandma’s and baba’s house.” I told her once we got to the car.

She started to wiggle from excitement in my arms, which made me laugh on such a bad day.

“Cmon silly girl, we gotta go!” I said strapping her into her seat. Once I made sure she was secure, I walked around to my side to get in the car. But I had to pray first.

“Lord, please give me the strength today. I really need it.”

I looked at the tombstone again, and got back into the car before I started to cry.

Leaving the cemetery was a struggle, but I knew that I couldn’t stay here without breaking down like I did every year when I came. Today was the day that the love of my life, Julian was brutally murdered. He was my high school sweetheart, and it’s been seven years since he was killed, yet it hurts like it was yesterday.

My sisters were cooing over my stomach and rubbing, as I just told them that I was pregnant. Even though, I’m only 20 right now, I couldn’t wait to have this baby. Julian and I decided to keep the pregnancy a secret, especially since once we told our parents we knew shit would hit the fan. But also, to make sure that nothing happened to the baby.

I was four months pregnant today, and barely showing, and glad for it.

“Does Mama and Baba know?” Kristen asked,

I nodded, “Baba nearly put JuJu through the wall in the kitchen. I had to stop him from hurting him.” Chuckling at the thought.

Baba is Persian for Dad.

“Of course he would, you know Baba doesn’t play about us.” Rocky laughed.

We were all light hearted and cracking jokes and making up baby names for my and Julian’s child, when his younger sister called me. I picked it up still laughing with my sisters.

“Hey Jilly-“ I paused and sat up once I heard her crying.

“Sienna, you gotta get to St. Mary’s Now!” She sobbed.

“What’s the matter Jilly?”

My sisters were now concerned at the nervousness in my face and how my body stiffened while being on the phone.

“He was shot Sienna! You gotta get here now!”

“W-who was shot?”

I started trembling at the thought, that I knew exactly who she was talking about.

I didn’t even hear her when she said Julian’s name, I just dropped the phone with tears running down my face.

He was dead by the time that I made it to the hospital. Brielle never got to meet her father, and doesn’t know his side of the family.

I blinked coming to as I looked up and noticed we were at my parent’s house. I don’t even know how I got here. I really was on auto-pilot today.

I looked in the backseat and saw Bri knocked out cold and I thought it was the cutest thing, she looked so much like Ju it was scary.

I picked her up and carried her into the busy house that had all of my siblings and my parents. I laughed when Bash, my 14 year old brother, nearly ran into me.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry Sissy.” He said calling my nickname once he realized who I was carrying.

“It’s fine Bash, can you take her to her room please? My daughter is heavy.” I smiled.

He nodded, “I think it’s a shame that she has a better room than I do, and I live here.” He laughed, carefully taking Bri out of my arms making sure that she didn’t wake up.

“Thank you Bash!” I said kissing his forehead, right before he ran up the stairs.

“No problem.”

When he was out of my sight, I let go of my exterior and frowned. I didn’t know how I was going to get through tonight like this. I was miserable and sad, all I wanted to do was fall asleep cuddling my daughter in my bed.

I left from the front of the house and started walking towards the living room and past the kitchen when I heard a commotion come from in there.

“Salvador! Please get out of my kitchen!!” I heard my mother yell, if she was calling Baba by his first name she really was pissed.

“Alright, Alright, I’m leaving!” He said with his hands in the air, retreating from the kitchen.

I laugh catching his attention.

“Oh Sienna! How’s my baby girl?” He asked engulfing me in the biggest hug. I smiled laughing at his excitement to see me and his thick accent.

“I’m fine Dad. Thank you for asking.” I mumbled in his chest, He gave the best hugs. I honestly felt myself smiling once he let me go.

“I know that Julian was a great love, and today is tough. But I know he is looking down on you and Brielle from above.” He spoke.

I nodded appreciating the words that he was telling me.

“You know I always liked him.”

That had me crying, “Baba, you know that was a lie, you tried to severely hurt him once you found out I was pregnant with Bri.”

He shrugged his shoulders and muttered things in Persian.

“Ay! Baba. What are you talking about!” Kristen yelled, I guess she heard him rambling when she came into the house.

“He said he liked Ju and I told him that was a lie,” I chuckled trying to hide my smile at the fact that my step-father was still rambling on.

Kristen just shook her head, “Baba, please. English.”

He rolled his eyes, “You understand me either way.”

We nodded, that was true.

“Salvador, Leave the Vivienne and Violet alone!” Ma shooed as she came out of the kitchen

He started speaking in Persian and waving his hands around, then walked off, still rambling. Mom was totally confused, but Kristen and I were damn near on the floor.

“What is he muttering on about.” Mom looked at us.

“Long story short, He said “Your Maman is crazy!” And started talking about you kicking him out of the kitchen.”

Mom rolled her eyes, “Your father is nuts!”

We both shook our heads and let mom rant while walking in the kitchen.

“Where you coming from Kris?” I asked her

She shrugged, “Daddy’s house, with all the other siblings. He says Hi and if you need anything to call him.”

I nodded, Her dad always cared for me.

My family dynamic is interesting to say the least. My mother is Valentina Harris- Jimenez and I don’t know who my real father is. My mom had me at 17 and from what she tells me, my father was extremely older than her and that when she found out she was pregnant at 16, she told my dad and he dropped the bomb on her that he was married with children, and walked out. She never saw him again. My mom doesn’t talk about my father and I don’t ask. Besides my mother and I, I have younger siblings consisting of four sisters and one brother.

Kristen is 2 years younger than me and her dad is Tony Hayes. He was like a father to me and then mom and Tony split up. He has 3 other kids by his wife.

Then there’s my baba. Salvador- But everyone calls him Mateo. He literally took Kristen and I under his wings and raised us with my mom. He also fathered my little sisters Rocky, Ari and my brother Bash.

Kristen and I love Baba like he is our own dad and he loves us just like were his own daughters.

“Hello, earth to Sienna!” Rocky snapped her fingers in my face

I rolled my eyes, Rocky and I hardly ever got along, she was always argumentative and I never understood that.

“Yes Raquel?” I was already annoyed.

She tightened her lips, “I was asking you if you were okay, being that today is the day your boyfriend got killed, but never mind then.” She walked past me, but not without bumping my shoulder.

“You don’t have to be a bitch all the time, Veronica.” Kristen called out.

“Dont give a shit Violet.” She called back

Ari was coming down the stairs with Bash and Brielle on her heels.

“I guess we know who got Baba’s temper.” She said

Ari came to hug me and Kristen picked up Brielle.

Before we could even talk, mom came out of the kitchen, “TIME TO EAT!”

I whispered in my head, “Thank you God”, because I could not answer another question about Julian.

Ace

Laying in my bed, I played in her perfect straight black hair that she had just got done. We were both sweaty and sticky, but it was fun to get this way with her.

“What are you thinking about?” Dahlia asked me.

I shrugged, “Nothing really, I like your hair like this.”

“Like what?” She shifted herself and the covers, so that she could look at me , but it just showed her naked body even more.

“I like it straight, I know you prefer curly hair but I like your hair straight.”

She made a mhm sound, and got up from the bed going into the bathroom. Sitting up, I watched as her fat ass swayed in my bathroom

“You like to tease me huh?” I called out

She poked her head out of the bathroom, “Of Course, why wouldn’t I, Papi?” She smirks going back into the bathroom,

Dahlia and I have had a very long on and off relationship since we were kids. We lost our virginities together, had pregnancy scares, went through a miscarriage, a lot of ups and downs. She cheated on me when we were younger as well, and I stopped fucking with her, for years. She broke my heart and made me become heartless, but I still love her.

A friends with benefits kind of situation. That’s all I can allow to happen, because I don’t trust her, but I still only want to be with her.

I heard the shower start, so I slipped on some boxers and shorts and made my way downstairs.

I was shocked when I saw Austin and Cash in my kitchen.

“Niggas, the keys I gave you are in case of emergencies only.” I was annoyed as shit that they were here. Especially since D is upstairs.

“This was an emergency. We were hungry.” Austin mumbled while shoveling my left over pasta in his mouth.

I wanted that, I smacked my lips.

“How long y’all been here.” I muttered while looking in my fridge.

“Long enough to hear you fucking some hoe.” Cash said, while looking at her phone.

“She’s not a hoe.”

I turned around to put the ingredients to my breakfast on the counter so I could start cooking.

“Who was it?” Austin asked.

“Don’t worry about it.” I mumbled.

I know that caused them to look at each other, because they got extremely quiet. After a few minutes of me cooking and Austin and Cash playing with each other, I was glad they didn’t ask me anymore questions.

“Ash!!” Dahlia called out, and I sighed, because I knew I was about to get an earful from my sister and best friend.

She came in the kitchen and stopped once she saw them.

Dahlia cleared her throat, “Hey Austin, Autumn.”

“What’s up D?” Austin said, he hugged her and I could tell that she had missed hanging out with him.

Cash didn’t say anything, except throw death glares at her.

Once her hug from Austin was over, she came and hugged me and kissed me on the lips. She whispered in my ear, “I had a great time last night and this morning, maybe next time we can do this without an audience.”

I smirked and laughed, “Lemme walk you out D.”

We walked out the kitchen and she grabbed the remaining of her stuff before walking out of the door. Leaving the house and going to my driveway, both of us were silent, until we reached the car. I spun her towards me and gave her a very passionate kiss. She moaned and I immediately wanted to bend her on the hood of her car and take her.

“D, you can stay.” I mumbled against her lips, grabbing her ass.

She shook her head, “I can’t I got shit to handle, and plus your sister would literally kill me.” She got out of my hold and started to get into the car.

“I don’t know why she hates me.” D mumbled.

That instantly pissed me off, “You know exactly why she hates you.”

Seeing me get irritated, she sighed, “I know, and I apologized many times Ash.” I didn’t respond.

“I love you.” She said looking at me, I didn’t respond again, I just stared at my feet.

I heard her hurt and looked up at her, “I love you too, call me when you get home.”

She nodded and got in and drove off.

I turned around to see Cash and Austin standing in my window. Cash looked pissed as fuck. I sighed knowing exactly where this was going.

Three hours, three hours is how long my sister yelled at me for messing with Dahlia. And she’s still fucking going.

“AUTUMN! FUCK! I get you! You don’t want me fuckin with Dahlia again. I get it.”

“No! You don’t because you were literally just fucking her a few hours ago. How could you put your dick in that bitch!” She yelled in my face.

She was taking this shit too far.

“Because I actually love her!! I wanted to marry her! You need to stop disrespecting her” I Yelled back

“How, How do you love her! You literally let this bitch walk all over you, she cheated on you constantly and here you are. Letting her back in.”

“Mind your fucking business Cash.” I mumbled.

“What? You mad? Cause you know I’m right? Huh.”

“Cash, stop.” Austin mumbled, He knew that if I got too mad that I would be on a rampage.

“No. You wanna talk about how you love that girl? That bitch didn’t have a miscarriage, she had an abortion and you know it.” Cash spat at me.

My head snapped to her, and before I could even do anything, Austin stood in front of me. He pointed to the stairs.

“Go cool off.”

I let out an angry groan, and stomped towards the stairs, I bumped shoulders with Autumn and walked to my basement door.

Before I left, “Both of y’all get the fuck out of my house and leave y’all fucking keys!” I yelled, and slammed the door.

12 notes · View notes

nothingginhton · 4 years

Text

I have a diploma in Illustration & Design; it was a demanding program that didn't leave me alot to work. Since I had a deal with my parents that I could stay home has long has I was studying, I would only work summers and do tutoring for some extra cash. My budget was very limited and by the time I graduated, I had small debt and no job. I had started looking before getting my diploma and for a few months I kept looking with no luck. By fall, I realized that I needed a job if I wanted to start cover my part of the bills and go out with my friends. I took a part time jobs at a Michaels next to my house. I worked replenishment in the morning till 9h AM; I would be done and have the rest of the day to work on my art and look for a full time job I wanted to do. With Christmas coming, I would get alot of hours, they liked me alot so if they needed someone to stay longer, I would be the one they asked. Sadly, after Christmas, replenishment was not has busy. My hours got cut down by alot, so I started working at the cash. I had a little less time do art but I kept looking in my study domain till spring. It had been a year of searching and never even got a bite. I decided to revise my career choice. I didn't want to give up on art but I needed a more stable job, something full time so I could have enough money to start my adult life. I had been studying art since highschool so the only other career I knew how to do was my mom's (I never understood my dad's job). My mom would be the one to bring my sister and/or I at her office if there was a need to. She would give us small tasks to do when we were there, allowing us to truly understand what she did. For a long time, she was a receptionist for the physchologist department at McGill. Yes the university, they have full clinic there for the students that also includes physchologist and cancelors. They used to be more of a seperate thing at the time but today it's all regrouped into what is now call the Student Wellness Hub. My mom now works for HR but the reception job is the one that I knew the most and that's what I chose to look for. I finally started to get calls and interviews, I was hoping that by the end of summer I would finally be a full time employee and in a way that's what happened... Just not the way I thought.

Knowing my career path change, my mom had been monitoring new jobs at McGill, one of her co-workers knew about this and asked her if I would like to work part time in the laboratory. Basically, one of the services offered at the Hub, is a laboratory where student can drink of samples for testing and get blood drawn. They only had one Lab Tech and a receptionist, they were looking for second Lab Tech but the search was running long and they needed someone to cover shifts that neither the receptionist and/or lab Tech were able to covered. They wanted someone temporary that would come in at lunch time and stay for the afternoon. My mom didn't think I would interested but with Christmas coming around, I said that I could change my shift at Michaels for only replenishment again. I knew a girl that was working a second job in the afternoon and that it would not be a problem with my boss.

For a couple of months, I worked 5h to 10h AM at Michaels and then went into town to work 12h to 5h PM at the lab. I was good at the reception and scanning results part of the job because it was something I knew but I was also a fast learner; I had learned how to help out in the lab. I couldn't do any test that required blood since I was not certified to drawn blood but I could do pregnancy tests, urinalysis, rapid streps and strep culture. Besides for CBC and Mono tests, every other test were done at the hospital, so part of my job was making sure we had the right samples and the documents were correctly filled before sending it to the hospital. I had also learned how to use a Autoclave and sterilize medical instruments. Last but not least, at the end of the day, it was my job to assure that the doctors room were fully stacked and ready for the next day. The main idea was to get experience and have something to add to my CV but I started getting attached to the job. I enjoyed the staff and the work but it was also nice to learn again. Finally... They found a second Lab technician.

I started doing the cash again at Michaels and I hated it. I used to tolerate the job, I loved the staff and I thought the job was nt so bad but after doing something I really did love, it was hard to go back. I couldn't stand the shoppers anymore. They all felt like Karen's to me and I was losing patience fast. Luckily since it was still Christmas season, I was still mainly doing replenishment but that was also getting on my nerves. My back was starting to hurt and the higher bosses (who probably never step into a Michaels) we're adding for costumer service policies that were too much or getting the way of our replenishment job. Despite being a good employee, my boss was force to give me warnings for not getting enough emails. I did what I normally do when I fell sad, I got a new hair cut; I wanted something dramatic, I shaved half my head and dye the rest blue. When I changed highschool and got into the Fine Art Focus program I had tried to dye my hair white. Before starting cegep, I had cut my hair short, shave half and dye the rest pink. I think at this point, big hair changes means big changes in my life, I needed one and I got one.

I had some commissions to do in town; for one of them, I had to stop by my mom's office, while I was there, I decided to stop by the lab. I got to meet the new lab tech and everyone was happy to see me, including my boss. She asked me to her office, turn out that the lab tech they hired was a student and could only work part time. They decided that they wanted me on call, I could cover the shifts the new lab tech could not. I did a few days here and there but my Micheal scheduled, it was complicating things. On call was not working for them, so they decided to have me work afternoons again so I could change my Micheal scheduled. Not long after that, the receptionist went on sick leave.

I got new a contract, a full time one and a raise. I took a chance I never thought I would be brave enough to do; I quit Micheals. It was a risk because the new contract was temporary, I was replacing the receptionist till she came back, but I had a foot in the door and I knew that they liked me. Just before leaving for the holidays, they had decided to train me for Mask Fitting, the idea being that I could work partly for the nurses and have my full hours that way once the receptionist came back.

My hours went down after Christmas, I was only allowed 20 hours in the lab and the Mask Fitting was not enough to cover me full time. I didn't mind all that much, with my raise, I was still making alot more money than at Michaels and well, I still got to work in the lab. Only problem being that I was still working by monthly contracts. There was still I chance I could lose my job at anytime.

This is where things starts getting more chaotic... About two months ago, they had found a full time Lab Tech. The part time Lab Tech and I were going to be laid off, but then the receptionist went on sick leave again so my job was instead put back to full time. A week later the new Lab Tech pushed back her arrival to a month, so the part time Tech also got to keep her job. Forward to few weeks ago, we found out the the new Lab Tech got a job somewhere else and was not going to come in at all. Finally that bring us to last week.

Now alot of things happen; the Convid-19 had been something that had monitored for a while. Since I work in a clinic, it had a big effect on my job. The first thing was saving the supply we had. People were stealing our masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. We were running low very fast and ordering more was not a option anymore. We were not seen has a real clinic by companies and there supplies were also limited, in other words, they didn't want to sell supplies to us. We gathered everything we could find and locked it away so that we could better monitor the supply left. Since part of my job was stocking, it started to make things a bit more complicated.

Our clinic is a student service, it's not best equipped to deal with big cases. We are mainly there for general check ups or small worries. We in no ways could deal with majors case and definitely could not deal with Convid-19 possible cases. Student were warned not to come it they had symptoms and had recently traveled. They were instead given a number to call for instructions on what to do. They still decided it was prudent to have a isolation room with that they needed someone to desinfecting possibly contaminated rooms. Now sometimes it's better not to question McGill logic but some reason, they decided that it was going to be my job despite not being trained or equip to do so (which I told they multiple times).

Finally getting to last week, let's start with monday. Students had just came back from March break, some people including the Lab Tech, were worried about what that was going to mean for the clinic. They were protocols put in place and again, students were told not to come (we had large signs reminding them so at the front of the clinic) so I assure people that things should be fine... I was wrong. Protocols were not properly followed and someone who had symptoms and had recently traveled to France managed to get to her nurses appointment. She was coffin alot very loudly. The nurse room she was in was right next to the lab. Everyone started panicking, the Lab Tech desapered and the managers were furious. The nurse left crying, she didn't know what she was possibly exposing herself to till the student was coughing and questions were asked. This student should had been put in isolation when they came in. Now the hole clinic could had been exposed and we had nurse scared of going home. I want to make this clear, when we refuse service, it's not because we don't want to help, it's because we CANNOT help. No doctor, no nurse, infact no one working in the clinic wants to refuse services, but we are limited on what we can do. Being a small school clinic (has great as that is) means that there is thing we are simply not equipped to treat. We are a 8h to 4h office, the nurses and doctors work here for these reasons. It's the perfect job of you want to work in your field and still be there for your family. It comes with the insurance that that they are not being exposed to anything dangerous and they won't be asked to work overtime. Having a student come in when they shouldn't, and/or lie about the reason they come in is dangerous. Not only is the clinic not prepared to deal with them but the nurse or doctor they are about to see is not prepared either. They are putting everyone at risk and are not even going to be treated because we DO NOT have the equipment for it.

Going back to my story, I was obviously asked to clean the room, I said no.

The next day, I come in and there is no one in the Lab. My boss had been sick for few days so I was not sure if she was in, the part time Lab Tech was scheduled in the afternoon and the Lab Tech was still missing. I opened the lab has normal and sent out some emails to find out what was going on. My boss had commissions to do and was going to come I a little later and the Lab Tech was not going to come in. The day went fine, student were now force to wear masks at all time in the clinic and it wasn't my first time running the lab by myself. The part time Lab Tech was not able come in either, she was sick and couldn't even talk.

Wednesday, my boss was in the Lab when I came in, knowing that I had alot of equipment to sterilize, I asked to bring the stuff in the lab so I could multi task. By the time I came back, she was gone. I opened up the lab again and print out the results that had came in. Just has I was about to call in the first patient, my boss came in crying. Her back was hurting but she wanted to stay because there was alot to do and I was by myself. She eventually desapered again and the next time I saw her, she was being accompanied into the nurses manager office. She was later sent to the hospital. I was officially alone, I had to close the lab for lunch time and later I closed it again because they had gotten someone to train and teach me about the Convid-19. I had students that were getting fustrated with the lack of service at the lab, but there's east much I could do.

Thursday, all hell got loose. Again, I found myself alone. The managers realized that we were starting to run out of masks and we had 3 isolation cases. I had to some how split myself in three so I could run the autoclave, collect samples at the lab and desinfect rooms. In the evening, we got a email saying that all appointments with a doctor or nurse was cancelled.

Friday, all schools in Canada decided to close for two weeks. This was response to the government decision to close all social gatherings for now. I still had to to the office, I made sure that all samples left were sent out to the hospital and finished the sterilizing even cleaned the autoclave. There's wasn't alot going on but I think that made people more nervous. The managers were in meetings all day trying to figure out what's next.

We never got an official answer if we were now working from home or still coming in to our offices. We told to take Monday has a paid day off.

I don't know how this effects me, has I mentioned, I was working by monthly contract and I never got to sign the march one. I was supposed to stay on full time for a little longer but I have no contact confirm this. One of the manager told me that I would work from home but couldn't tell me for how many hours I would be paid. It leaves me in a uncertain spot, I don't know what to do next...

1 note · View note

caranfindel · 5 years

Text

Recap/review 14.06: “Optimism”

THEN: Starts out pretty ominous, with clock-ticky music, Jack's grace getting sucked out, "this is the end of everything," and Jack considering himself useless. We're reminded that New Charlie exists (aw, Dean looked so pretty in AU Land) and Jack has "the mind of a hunter." Michael hurting people and Dean feels guilty (aw, Sam's Beard of Despair, how I miss you). Sounds like we're in for a real downer of an episode, friends.

NOW: Nebraska. Happy music. A cheerful librarian opens up shop, and she's cute as can be but I wore that blouse in the 80s and it needs to stay there (JUST SAY NO TO THE RUFFLED YOKE, LADIES). Her name is Harper, and she has a kind-of-date with a guy named Winston tonight, though she is clearly Not Into You, Winston. An (apparent) coworker named Miles hears her "scream" and comes to her aid, brandishing a stapler, and is reminded that he needs to mind his own business. Winston leaves, clearly walking on air, and then STAYIN' ALIVE STARTS PLAYING and we focus on Winston's feet just like the iconic opening scene of Saturday Night Fever (if you're too young to remember, watch this, IT'S IMPORTANT CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE and there WILL BE A QUIZ LATER) and y'all don't even know how much I love this song. YOU DON'T KNOW. I can't help it. My mom was a huge Bee Gees fan, partially because she was very into Barry Gibb.

Coincidence?

What can I say? I am my mother's child.

Now, where were we?

(Pretty much where we always are, so could you please just move this along?)

Sorry for the digression. Anyway. Now I suspect this isn't going to be a downer episode after all. (Turns out it was directed by Richard Speight, which would have been a clue if I'd known that earlier, bless him.) While I've been digressing, Winston has happily bopped down the street, only to have a hand cover his mouth and drag him off-screen. There's a record scratch and a squirt of dark goo and a scream, so I guess it did turn out to be a downer for Winston, but not for me.

Title card!

{Sidebar: I didn't realize Saturday Night Fever was directed by John Badham, who went on to direct several episodes of Supernatural.}

Jack's drinking coffee in the bunker. He takes a sip and then pours a huge amount of sugar into it, which immediately makes me think of this scene from The Fly when Jeff Goldblum, who does not yet realize that he is turning into a fly, does the same thing.

(Spoiler alert: Ahem.)

Dean walks in and asks what he's doing, and Jack explains that everything tastes different without his powers, and he can't get the coffee to taste the way he likes it. That's because coffee is nasty, Jack. (And also, thanks to the Continuity Fairy for remembering that food tasted different to Cas when he didn't have grace.) Dean asks if Jack has seen Sam, because that's what Dean does; he probably walked in the door and felt a disturbance in the Force and realized he didn't know where Sam was. From Jack, we learn that (1) Dean went on an overnight run to Mobby's love shack cabin and (b) Sam went on a hunt with Charlie without telling Dean. Is Dean okay with this? Are we gonna okay with this? Couldn't he have at least sent a text message? He's supposed to be setting an example!

"Explain to me again how you just let Sam LEAVE."

I guess Sam had to go himself, rather than send someone else, because this is one of those times when there's no random hunters in the bunker. (And where's Rowena? Did Charlie abandon her in the Southwest? Did they have a fight?) Jack imagines Sam and Charlie are doing something "really exciting."

Cut to Sam and Charlie sitting quietly in a truck outside Memphis, bored out of their minds. Hee! It's the kind of crappy old truck I always want Sam to drive, so I love it. They're staring at a bus stop with an ad for Pete the Pestinator, who seems to be an insect exterminator. (Spoiler alert: ahem again.) Sam confirms that "this is where all those people went missing," although if he's been sitting in that truck long enough to be bored, he really should have nailed that down by now. Charlie says "yep." More silent sitting.

Back to the bunker. Dean seems surprised that Sam left Jack there alone (where's Cas?) and Jack says "Sam wanted someone around when you came back. He's worried about you."

"Yeah, that sounds like him," Dean grumbles, and hello, kettle, the pot just called, and said you're black. Jack offers some encouragement, telling him no one blames him for Michael, and Dean says "Cool. Well, I blame me, so." His self-flagellation is interrupted by Jack's Cough of Great Concern. "Maybe I'm allergic to sitting around doing nothing," Jack snarks.

Dean sits down for a heart-to-heart, and Jack says he's been hunting with Cas and wants to do more. Dean says "No offense, Cas is an insurance policy on those hunts." Jack looks hurt. I don't understand this at all. Why wouldn't Jack already know that Cas is there to protect him? And why would this hurt his feelings? I'm so confused. But I immediately forget it, because Dean says "Sam's just trying to keep you safe, okay? He's a smart guy." AND THEN WE CUT TO THIS.

Bless you, Richard Speight, writer Steve Yockey, bless you both.

I literally did burst out laughing at Sam and his fidget spinner. Charlie is not amused, and Sam puts his toy away with some embarrassment.

Bunker. Jack's found a report on our dead friend Winston, who seemed to have human bitemarks taken out of his corpse. And others have gone missing in the area. We skip part of a conversation, but whatever it was, Dean says Sam won't like it. "Sam's not here," says Jack. Oh, no you don't, Jack. Don't you go ignoring the Chief's directives just because he's not here. Dean says he'll go check it out alone, but Jack suddenly remembers Sam's Law and reminds Dean about the Buddy System.

We can be hunting buddies!

Okay, uh, (a), don't call it that, and (b), YOU'RE gonna back ME up?

Oh, Dean. You didn't do the (1) and (b) thing that I love so much. Jack gets to be the one to bare a little bit of his soul now, telling Dean that he also feels guilty about Michael, because he could have killed him but he was "distracted and stupid." He doesn't want to sit around feeling guilty all day, he wants to hunt.

Looks like that was the right button to push, because we cut to Sam on the phone, clearly not a fan of the plan and telling Dean to be careful. I assume his reluctance is because he doesn't trust Jack to watch Dean's back. But Sam, if you can trust Maggie to hunt alone, you can trust Dean with a novice backup. (I know, I know, Dean is more important than Maggie.)

Sam asks again if Charlie is sure this is the right place, and she says it's where four people disappeared. And while she was scouting around, she found a mason jar full of goo. Is this the same goo we saw when Winston was killed? (Spoiler alert: no.) And now she's trying to figure out what they're hunting, so she's reading. I'd have done my reading before the stakeout, but that's just me. (I'd also have done some reading instead of sitting there glaring at Sam while he enjoyed his fidget spinner, but that's also just me.)

(I also might have thought of more interesting things to do while I was stuck in a car with Sam, but they would have interfered with the stakeout. And they aren't anything Charlie would have been interested in anyway.)

Cut to Dick's Red Rooster Diner (ha ha, I see you, Speight). According to Winston's obituary, he had breakfast here every morning. Jack agrees with me that it's an odd thing to put in an obituary, but Dean says that when someone dies young, you don't know what to put in those things. (Oh, think of 20-something Dean's obituary.) He introduces them to the waitress as Agents Berry and Charles, and the only thing I can think of is Chuck Berry, so if someone has a better idea, let me know. He asks for details about Winston, and the only detail she can provide is that he's dead. Jack dutifully writes that detail in his little notebook. (BLESS.)

This waitress is wonderfully snippy, knows her rights, and isn't the least bit interested in talking to these FBI agents, but when Dean hands her some cash she changes her mind. She says they should should be more interested in Harper, who Winston just started "courting," and Jack is confused.

What's courting?

It's what you do before you start dating.

Ah, and that's the thing you do before the sex.

Sometimes you just have the sex.

Okay, Dean's wrong, courting is what you do instead of dating, but this is still a wonderful exchange. And the next part is wonderful too, cutting between the waitress and some customers explaining that Harper was popular in high school, but her boyfriend ran off, and now all these men connected to her have died, and she's really into romance books, and ending on I've heard too much Dean and I'm confused Jack.

Love this.

Back at the stakeout, Sam's biting his nails, which I also love for some reason, and of course the only time we've ever seen him bite his nails was when he was worried about Dean. New Charlie picks right up on it. She tells him Dean will be fine, and comments that he's got other friends, right? Which I don't understand, because it doesn't matter what other friends he has, he's not hunting with them. He's hunting with Jack. "He used to have a pretty damn good wingman," Sam says, and I think no, Sam, what are you saying, he still has you. She says he should call "that guy" to check on him, and Sam says "that guy was you." Charlie gives him a look. "No, it wasn't." And she's right, Sam. SHE IS NOT YOUR CHARLIE. And also, was Charlie ever really Dean's wingman? I don't think so. Sam, of course. Cas, literal wingman. But not Charlie. Charlie was the little sister.

Sam apologizes, and then says "I'm just saying, I'm not surprised you survived the apocalypse." Which isn't what you were saying at all, Sam. Charlie is surprised she survived, because she was just a programmer at Richard Roman Enterprises (Dick Roman! I wonder what happened to your AU version), living with the love of her life, Cara. My heart skipped a beat because I was so ready, guys, for the love of Charlie's life to be Dr. Cara Roberts from Sex and Violence, but apparently not. {Sidebar fic prompt: Sam. Charlie. Dr. Cara. Three-way.) Charlie's Cara was a baker. Charlie tells a sad story about waiting for help that never came, and Cara eventually being killed by people, not angels. Society falls apart. (Or, as Dean once said, demons I get; people are crazy.) Sam insists society isn't falling apart here, and Charlie says "not yet."

Just like last week, we're getting some needed differentiation between the characters we lost and their AU counterparts, which I appreciate.

I also appreciate pretty, attentive, sympathetic Sam.

Diner. Dean calls Jack "Mighty Mouse," for some reason, and congratulations him on finding a case. He tries to teach him about the importance of pie, but Jack's more interested in courting. He's never been exposed to off-screen romance, unless Gabriel and Rowena counts (Dean assures him it doesn't, but how would Jack have been exposed to Gabriel/Rowena anyway, since it happened while he was in AU Land and Gabriel didn't make it back?) Dean promises he'll give him The Talk when they get back, but right now they need to concentrate on finding Harper. {Sidebar fic prompt: Dean's and Sam's versions of The Talk. Would Dean's be like Dean's speech from Rock and a Hard Place?} Jack speculates she might not be human, and Dean says they're going to find out, and it's going to work like a romance novel. Hmm!

Cut to the library, where Harper is working. Dean enters and identifies himself as FBI, with questions about Winston. She doesn't want to talk, and he pushes. Then Jack shows up, asking for a book about the area's history, and defends her against the big mean FBI guy. Dean says "why don't you back off, kid" and Jack responds "No, you back off, old man" and DEAN'S FACE. This was clearly NOT IN THE SCRIPT. I love it. Dean slinks off, dejected, to examine his gracefully-aging face in the rear-view mirror. {Sidebar: I honestly think Jensen is aging a lot better than Dean is. Dean looks tired a lot of the time, and I'd like to believe Show is doing that on purpose, but I don't think it's the case. Jensen always looks awesome.} Harper is delighted, and apparently smitten, judging by the music. Jack introduces himself as "Jack Smith" and she invites him to her apartment, where she has the perfect book.

Why does this library have those convenience store perp measurements at the door? Does it get robbed a lot? Also, how many episodes have signs in the background with the title of a different episode? Not very many, I'm guessing.

As they leave, Miles the Stapler Guy follows and asks where she's going. It must be close to closing time, because Harper says she'll come back and lock up. Miles, who's carrying a bag of trash, refuses to shake Jack's hand. As Jack and Harper go one way, he stomps off in the other direction. I'm suspicious, and so is Dean, who gets out of the car to follow him. As Miles puts the library's trash in an inappropriately small residential bin, he hears a noise. We then cut to Dean, who hears Miles scream but just keeps walking? But then a trash can is knocked over and that gets his attention. He finds Miles dead, and we get a monster POV shot watching him.

Stakeout. Charlie's still reading. Apparently she brought all the books. She says she hates hunting, which surprises Sam, because she's so good at it. She points out that she's good at it because the alternative was death. "I mean, no offense, but who wants to be a hunter? This job, just a lot of tears and death."

Sam says "you said something like that to me once, long ago, about hunting." He quickly apologizes for once again conflating her with Our Charlie. At first I was annoyed at him, but then I started thinking about how awful Our Charlie's death was for him, with the MoC, and the fear, and the worry, and the guilt, and his brother saying he should be the one on the funeral pyre instead, and you know what? I'm gonna cut him some slack for trying to forget all of that ever happened. A lot of slack, in fact.

Charlie casually drops that she's glad this is her last hunt. Did you give the Chief your two week's notice, Charlie? I DON'T THINK SO. She plans to get away from monsters and people, and "live on a mountaintop or something... as long as there's good wifi." I'm sure Sam can get you set up with his magical wifi, Charlie, if you stay on his good side.

Harper's apartment. She seems to be all about love, with a decorative "amore" sign in the kitchen and a big red heart hanging on the wall. She suddenly realizes it's weird that she brought him to her apartment, though she's thinking "putting the moves on you" weird and I'm thinking "inviting a potential serial killer into your home" weird. But maybe I listen to too much My Favorite Murder.

She leaves the room to get the book (odd that it's not on the stuffed bookshelves in her living room, but they're all full of romance novels). Jack asks why the FBI was "hassling" her, and she tells him about Winston's death as he surreptitiously puts a silver coin on the floor and splashes holy water all over his hands. A call comes from Dean, but he ignores it. When she comes back with the book, she notices the coin on the floor and picks it up. She touches his hand when she gives him the coin and notices that it's wet. I would have put the holy water on the coin, although a wet coin on the floor might be as weird as wet hands. He just laughs weirdly and then does a fake cough AND SAYS CHRISTO. SOMEONE FINALLY REMEMBERED CHRISTO. Oh, my heart. I've been waiting 13 years for this moment. She doesn't react to it, so she seems pretty human. He says he's nervous, so she sits on the couch and pats the seat next to her.

Stakeout. Charlie has found something in the books called a Musca. Sam already knows it's a man-fly hybrid (IT'S THE FLY; OUR MONSTER IS JEFF GOLDBLUM) and that no one's seen them, so if they do exist, they keep to themselves. She's impressed with his Sammy smarts. He says he's read all the books, but if he'd read this one, he'd know that every few hundred years a male Musca can't find a mate and he "abandons his community and starts using people's bodies to nest, binding them together with a viscous goo." Ew.

As they walk, in the background we see a figure approaching the two women who are sitting on the bus stop bench. It's clothed in black, carrying a black briefcase, and it has a giant head. At first I think it's literally a giant fly's head. But when Charlie notices it, we get a closer look, and it's a large black hood, like a beekeeper's outfit. It sits down and then casually scoots closer to the women, who scoot away, and it's hilarious.

Harper's apartment. She asks Jack where he's from, and he tells her he lives in Lebanon, Kansas. NO, JACK. DON'T TELL ANYONE WHERE YOU LIVE. Jack coughs some more and then notices a picture of Harper with her boyfriend, Vance. She says he left town after high school because he wanted to see the world, and Jack seems astonished that anyone would leave her. And that was when her bad luck started, but she tries to stay optimistic. "Me too," Jack says. "I had some not-so-great stuff happen in my past. Trying to be positive... it can be hard." Oh, Jack, sweetie. They gaze into each other's eyes and it looks like they're going to kiss. Jack's phone buzzes with a text from Dean that says CALL ME NOW.

Jack? Do you believe in love at first sight?

Do you... (music swells)... mind if I use the bathroom?

Ha!

Jack hides in the bathroom to call Dean. He tells him Harper isn't a monster, and he thinks she's in love with him. Although Dean's sure that's not the case, Jack says "but if she is, I need to know everything about sex. Go." Ha again! Dean tells him about Miles's death, which makes Jack wonder if she's cursed. Dean says it's more like all the guys around her are cursed. "Like me," Jack ponders, just before we get another monster POV shot and a strangled shout from Dean. The phone goes dead.

Jack comes back into the living room and Harper asks if he's okay and if he wants to go for coffee. Then the door bursts open and Dean comes in, and I wonder why she's freaking out until I remember that Dean is Bad FBI Guy to her. He quickly blocks the door and tell her they're here to save her from... whatever it is that's suddenly growling and banging on her door. "At first I thought it was a ghost," he says, "but then it punched me in the face." She's freaked out about a ghost, but Jack reassuringly (NOT!) tells her that he's saying it's NOT a ghost. Dean recognizes a photo and it turns out the monster is her old boyfriend Vance, who she didn't even realize was dead.

For some reason Dean isn't carrying a lot of weapons, but he has a silver knife and finds a silver letter opener on Harper's desk. Silver will slow it down, he tells them, but there's only one way to kill the undead boyfriend. Vance breaks the door down before we learn what that is. Dean starts fighting with the silver knife and tells Jack to get Harper out of there.

Stakeout. It's nighttime now. A lone man sits at the bus stop as Sam tries to convince Charlie that she can't drop out of society. She needs people, and also, it's hard to walk away from being a hunter. "I tried. Our Charlie tried." You know, for someone who did want out of hunting, and did try to get out of it, Sam spends a lot of time convincing others to do it, or at least enabling them. I mean, Dean was all "Patience, if you can live a normal life, do it," and Sam was all "well, Claire, if you're gonna hunt, I guess I should show you how to hack." Although that (and teaching Ghoul!Adam to shoot) was more about protecting someone determined/forced to be a hunter than recruiting. So maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. Anyway, if anyone recognized the futility of getting out of the life, it would be him.

Jeff Goldblum shows up again and sits by his next victim. Charlie wants to go for the kill, but Sam thinks they should wait for him to make his move, in case he's just into weird fashion. Look, Sam, if a guy likes wearing a black beekeeper's bonnet and sidling up to random strangers at bus stops, he deserves to be hunted, whether or not he's actually part bee. When the bus shows up, it blocks their view of the duo. When it leaves, the bench is empty. Which could mean they just got on the bus, but we see something disappearing behind the stop. Sam decides it's a go after all.

Let's stick with this story, rather than cutting back and forth between them like the show did.

Sam and Charlie find a door with a bunch of goo on the handle. Sam says Charlie found something in the books that theorized a brass nail dripped in sugar water would kill a musca. Because yes, of course sugar water, WHICH FLIES EAT, would kill a fly man. (Rolls my eyes at this otherwise delightful episode.) Charlie reminds him they have neither of those things. "So we get creative," Sam says. I'm expecting some kind of MacGuyvering involving a can of Coke, or Sam's sugary coffee. (Spoiler alert: I'm wrong.)

{Sidebar: Why are all the methods of killing monsters so weirdly specific? Chopping off the head should kill ANYTHING.}

They go through the door, which surprisingly leads them into an abandoned warehouse. It's full of flies (normal ones, not half-man flies) and smells like pine cleaner and rotting meat. Yum. Eventually Sam finds the briefcase, which is full of what looks like candy wrappers and also has a white cloth, which he sniffs to discover chloroform. Dude. Don't sniff the chloroform rag. Charlie finds the most recent victim, still alive, by a pile of bodies. Something grabs Charlie's hand. She pulls loose, but falls off a low platform (seriously, it's like two feet high) and... loses consciousness? Okay. Maybe he chloroformed her and I missed it. I'm old and decrepit and this would have barely bruised me. He must have chloroformed her.

Sam tries to wake her up, but is interrupted by the WORST MONSTER COSTUME EVER. Oh god, you guys, this fly man head is so bad. SO BAD.

{Sidebar: Did you know that you don't see much of the shark in Jaws because the model was so bad, Steven Spielberg decided he wanted to shoot it as little as possible? And it actually made the movie better because the unseen monster was so much scarier? Just saying, Speight.}

(Um, have you watched any movies that were made before 1980?)

Well, that was uncalled for.

Jeff Goldblum attacks Sam and gets goo on him, and if this were really a fly, wouldn't that goo be digesting him? Isn't that how flies eat? (Why yes, it is.) Charlie regains consciousness and stabs it with something, which gets it off Sam long enough for him to shoot it in the head. Creativity in action! So, I guess I got my wish. Interesting that, just like last week, the guys figured out that there are actions that will kill anything.

Aftermath! Charlie and Sam are driving, and Sam says he feels bad for the Musca, which could have been happy if it had stayed home with its people. Subtle, Sam. Charlie's all, yeah, okay, I'm like the bug, except not so much. As we see the Musca family coming to retrieve their brother's body, Sam asks Charlie not to leave. "If we help people, then maybe they'll help people, and all that, and that's worth it. Even with all the tears and death, it's worth it." Oh, Sammy. {sniff} She says she'll think about it.

Back to Jack and Harper. It was broad daylight when they got to her apartment, so I don't know why it's nighttime now. How long did he spend in the bathroom? No wonder she asked if he was okay. Cut to Dean gleefully fighting the zombie, who suddenly stops fighting and runs off.

Jack and Harper run to the library, where she struggles with the keys until Jack remembers she left without locking the door. They scurry inside and he locks it. As they hide behind the counter, they see Zombie Vance run by. Jack tells her not to worry, because he locked the door, and she asks if he flipped the switch under the lock? Obviously he didn't, and she goes to do it herself. As she stands, looking out the door, Vance shows up. She unlocks the door, which Jack obviously DID lock, and opens it. He hands her the history book - I guess Jack dropped it - and they kiss.

Um. whoops. Vance is actually still Harper's boyfriend. And he has to eat human flesh. Like, Jack's, for example. Vance lunges for Jack, who hides in the stacks as Harper gives him the villain dialogue over the library's PA system. She likes Jack, but he's obviously a hunter, and she comes from a long line of necromancers, so it would never work out between them. She killed Vance to keep him from leaving after high school, and killing every other guy in her sights is just a fun little romantic roleplay for them. We get a little scare when a hand appears on Jack's shoulder (been a lot of that going around lately), but it's Dean. He tells Jack they have to get Vance back into his grave and then drive a stake into his heart to keep him there. And they're going to convince him using another romance novel method.

Jack tells her he wants to do things Vance can't do - walk her down the aisle, raise a family. This draws Vance out, who lunges at him but finds himself facing Dean. Vance gets Dean against a wall, and Harper calls out to him. Dean thinks she's going to call him off, but she says "Baby, kill him!" and Dean's "huh" look is precious to me. Instead, Dean slaps a handcuff on his arm and cuffs him to a pole or something. Jack cuffs his other arm to a library cart, I think, which is mobile and therefore defeats the purpose of cuffing, but good try, Jack. The cuffs burn Vance, so they're silver or enchanted or something. Seems like a successful hunt, but when the guys look up, the door is open and Harper is gone.

Later we see Harper and her suitcase at a cafe, writing a letter to Jack. So she had time to go home and pack a suitcase, and Dean and Jack didn't go to her apartment and look for her? Guys. Come on. She's sorry she's going to have to kill Jack, but it means she can bring him back to life and they'll be together forever. See you soon, she writes, sealing the envelope addressed to Jack Smith, c/o the Lebanon, Kansas post office. I TOLD YOU NOT TO LET HER KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE, JACK. Is Harper going to be a Big Bad this season? Or maybe a Little Bad? I wouldn't mind seeing her again. She's a charming little villain.

Finally, Jack's drinking coffee again, probably with a lot of sugar, in the bunker. This scene, with them facing each other, is a nice callback to the beginning of the episode. Dean tells Jack he did good, and Jack pushes for more hunts, because he was right. It's not about being right, Dean tells him, it's about what you do after you're wrong, after you've made a mistake. And about not beating yourself up, Jack points out. Dean tells him he's pretty smart, and Jack smiles and coughs and Dean promises to talk about getting him on more hunts when Sam gets back (BECAUSE SAM IS THE ONE TO ASK, YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT) and Jack lies about being fine and then coughs some more and shows Dean his bloody palm and collapses on the floor with blood oozing from his mouth and nose and WELL. THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY.

And the episode ends, without Sam and Dean sharing a single scene. Has that happened before? It's unsettling. I like the ep, though. I liked the relationship focus - Sam bonding with New Charlie, Dean bonding with Jack. I liked the humor. I liked that Sam wasn't ignored, even though the brothers had separate storylines. I liked the continuation of things that have been happening this season, the gentle reminder (but not constant siren) of Dean's guilty feelings and Sam's leadership and Jack's issues. And, of course, CHRISTO!

And there was one weird thing I noticed on first watch, but it didn't jump out at me on rewatch so I don't remember when it happened... Dean said "Son of a B." This is the second episode where they said something weird instead of bitch. What's going on there? Is Dean never going to say "son of a bitch" again? Because that's not good.

What did you guys think? And please help me stay unspoiled; thanks!

#spn #14.06 #tv recaps #recap #spoilers

21 notes · View notes

wrathoftherandom · 6 years

Text

So I have concluded (along with my amazing mother and my girlfriend) that every Denny's is a portal to another dimension. So hear me out on this before you think I'm entirely insane.

Over one of my breaks (probably spring) my mom and I went on a road trip to my grandpa's house in Missouri. It was super early in the morning when we left, so we decided to stop and eat after about four hours. By then, we were just outside of St. Louis.

There was a Denny's perched at the top of a hill (which I totally didn't sing Denny's on the hill like that Ed Sheeran song. Nope not me) which seemed pretty normal. It wasnt by a long shot.

First of all, it took like a million years to find the way to get to the place. You had to swerve around through this weird driveway through some neighborhood. Annoying but not too weird. Inside, however, was a whole other issue. Let me just give you a list of a few things:

1) It still had a smoking section. WHO HAS A SMOKING SECTION ANYMORE?

2) There were like three whole people working there.

4) Almost everyone was white (that doesn't happen in St. Louis...usually)

5) They had on this old country station and every song sounded like the same song but a little different.

So as soon as we get there, mom and I are already a little confused. We just sit down and hope for the best. I order some eggs and bacon. Mom orders bacon and a gluten free English muffin. All is well...until about 20 minutes in. Our food hadn't come out yet. Everyone around us was already eating when we got there. Why was it taking so long? Another twenty minutes goes by. Still nothing. The country station plays the same song. Slow and sad, just like this Dennys. Finally, after about an hour, our small order comes out.

And it isn't even right. They gave my mom a toasted burger bun instead of an English muffin. The bacon was barely cooked. Nobody else had come or gone since we got there. The country station got louder. After some more waiting, mom found the waitress. She looked different somehow, but we couldn't tell why. Mom voiced her complaints, and the lady argued back. Fed up, mom asked for the check and we decided just to get out of there. It had now been an hour and a half. The waitress came back with our check, leaving as fast as possible. Mom paid in cash. She didn't bother to leave a tip. During all of that, most of the customers there before us finally left. A group of girls no older than 16 came in by themselves. No one did that in St. Louis.

Tired and still quite hungry, we gather our things. As we prepare to leave, I look out the window. There is a big patch of land just in front of the restaurant that I hadn't noticed before. A sign was planted in the middle. "DONATE TO THE FUTURE VETERANS MEMORIAL." Ah yes, a veterans memorial right in front of a Denny's. Perfect.

As we left the building, I discussed with my mom that this felt like an alternate dimension. She laughed and agreed. I was not joking. We talked about the weird Denny's throughout our trip, laughing and making theories. Little did I know, this was only the beginning.

This next bit may seem off topic, but I promise it will make sense in the end.

Once upon a time, my mom got married to someone way younger than her. It didn't work out. He screwed her over. The End. Or is it? No, it wasnt. A huge plot twist was about to unfold. Fast forward to about a month ago. My mother still can't find the right man. No wonder I'm as gay as I am. Not important. What is important is Facebook. No, not Mark Zuckerberg drama, but the website itself. In the middle of another divorce, she gets a message. On Facebook. It is her ex husband. He was apologizing for everything he did. They talk for awhile, and my mom saw he's a new man. An awkward friendship began to form.

Fast forward to today. My mom is telling me about how she hung out with him this weekend. They had a grand old time. Mom seemed excited about her resurrected friendship with someone she hated only years prior. Of course, I think it is hilarious. Jokingly, I tell her it's like an alternate universe. She laughs. I laugh. "Yeah, like that Denny's."

Denny's....

Nothing was the same after we left that Denny's. Something was off, but we didn't know why. Just like the waitress. Just like the Denny's. Maybe this wasnt by chance. Maybe this was....

"The funny thing is, you know where I first saw him after the divorce?" She didn't have to say it.

I already knew.

#random #lol #wrath rants #sorry for the weird spacing #tumblr is dumb #conspiracy theories #dennys #they need to have support groups for people who have gone to dennys #*x files theme plays*

108 notes · View notes

sadclumsygirl · 5 years

Text

Band Bazzar, Saturday November 17

so we had to be at the school at 5:30 in the morning which I had no problem with, but my dad was very pissed about.

I woke up at 4 and took a shower and then put my makeup on because I figured my band shirt was in the basket of laundry, and continued my makeup till 5:15 to wake up my dad and get into my band shirt and leggings which the leggings I found quickly, but I could not find my FUCKIN BAND SHIRT so I was searching for 10 minutes to try to find ONE of my EIGHT band shirts with my dad condensendingly standing waiting for my to find one, so I just grabbed one of my shirts from regionals, which I should have grabbed my legacy one shoot me cause I was in full black.

so it was 5:26 and I still needed breakfast so I could take my meds so I shoved my shoes on, and chugged some apple juice to down my pills and grabbed a bar for breakfast, my wallet and eyeliner so I could put it on at the school, and going out the door I told my dad that my grandma had said to grab things for all my family within 50 bucks and then when I see her on Thursday she'd give my mom and dad 50 bucks as a present and a sorry that she couldnt come and see me at the bazzar and how she couldn't see me after finals. so my dad gets pissed cause he doesn't have cash on him, ( which the 20 bucks he did have I has to use for lunch, Freddies and another day of lunch lunch is 5 bucks each day and then Freddies I thought I could give him the cash and then have a check for lunch so I spent 8 bucks cause I was starving) which was another thing he was pissed about and then he said oh I'm so sorry not everything is handed to you on a silver platter to which we argued about because honey I wish it was I wish I didn't have to volunteer so my parents don't have to worry about Disney, have to get rides from C who's unreliable so my mom doesn't have to worry about getting me from school when she already has to worry about nursing sometimes walking home if I have a detention or have to stay after school to get help with math, when there is no sidewalk near a busy street so I have to pretty much trespass a construction site so i dont get ran over.

and he says how I don't do shit for my family cause I don't clean, which I respond sorry I need to get my grades up so I don't have a d by the end of this semester and get a withdrawl fail to which he responds oh Im so happy that you are taken care of and I just start bawling cause I'm trying so hard and he doesn't fucking see it. I just run into the building and run to the band room so I could hope fully grab one of Coles band shirts (I couldn't) once he pulled up and I hid in the band room until I composed my self, and went to see if the vendors were there to help them and if V was there. both weren't so I just talked with T and C for a bit and then V came over to tell us that the bakery was here and a whole crowd went out to help so. I figured it was all good so I grab my eyeliner to do it and IT WAS SO GOOD LIKE

and I grabbed my bar to eat it and went to help the bakery and grab all the bread and wheel to the building, which was hard cause so. many. cracks. in. the. sidewalk. and once I unload I go outside to see C eating bread and sharing it and bitch the bar did not fill me. at all and my Viibryd was killing my stomach for it, so I was just like

GIVE ME IT ALL OF IT

so I continue helping the bakery which I couldn't with a bread in my hand so I run over to Matt who was in a wheelchair cause of his knee surgery near V and threw the bread at him and with a mouth full of bread I yell

TAKE MY BREAD!!!!

and go out and help her. so yeah all morning I was just helping people unload with Flute Matt and was sitting on the carts and riding them when bored and waiting for people and then a woman pulls up with football and soft ball stickers on her car but I saw stuff in the back of her car and she pulled in the circle so I helped her with

breakfast.

for the football team.

so I just helped her go to the presentation room with the food which I figured would be opened. NOPE

so I know V has a key for the presentation room cause he has to open the presentation room for study hall AND HES ALWAYS FRICKIN LATE

so it's a mad dash trying to find V so we can't get this mom out of the circle ( who has a full cart left of food in her car) and he's NOWHERE

so I ask BM where he is, and learn he's copying papers in the office which is locked which I learn opun going to the office... so. I pace back and forth debating whether or not I should text him on remind to be like

HEY FUCKER WE NEED THE PRESENTATION ROOM KEY FOR A FOOTBALL PLAYERS MOM. PLEASE SEND HELP

when I hear his whistling and spinning of the Keychain

like a taunt

so I go over to him WHO HAS NO PAPERS and say "hey there's a mom who needs the presentation room and it's locked"

"Oh okay I'll go and unlock it after I get the papers"

so I just go and help her grab the rest of the food to the presentation room.

after a bit the Bazzar finally starts so I walk around seeing if any one needs help for about 3 hours so I go to booths in that time checking out what they have and I go to lipsense because ye Boi has been wanting to find a red lip that isn't too orange cause gotta get that Lolita look right

and then go to an opposing high school that also had a Bazzar going on to put flyers on their windshield and then to Starbucks SO WE COULD GET THAT CAFFEINE CAUSE WERE FALLING ASLEEP HERE.

once we came back we were talking lunch orders from vendors so I went to the gym to get vendors orders which almost every one was taken care of but a vendor that was close to the table that V was looking at, and I took her order but I didn't know if I took her money to the lunch so I went over to the booth he was at with someone else who thankfully asked about chapstick so I could ask V hey, do we take their money before going to the lunch line or is it taken care of? to which he was leaning in and then responds get ready

"Yeah since the tickets were only for breakfast" leans in, SO CLOSE I SEE HIS FRECKLES ON HIS LIPS AND HIS EYES ARE CLOSE

"Hey, I heard that you were very helpful from multiple vendors so thank you"

which um ACK so I was smiling and said thank you and took the woman's order and then walked around after that and V was as well and so was F with E her baby and E WAS SO CUTE OMYGOD I WANT FUCKING KIDS WTH

and yeah I walked around pretty much until it ended so I went over to the vendor that had hit her head to ask if she had a website cause I didn't have any money and my mom or dad hadn't come yet so I could get the cardinal pillow and she just ask

oh this? and pulls off the tag and gives it to me and I just almost start crying saying thank you and I hug her cause I was just on the phone with my cousin takling about how that pillow reminded me of great grandma, and I just yeah... it made me so happy. and then I see this dude from forensics in middle school and talk to him and V was close by sometimes looking to me and then I see my parents finally, and go and talk with them since we were close to closing and just needed to help vendors load to their car if needed. and I go to them and look and I get a mjölner necklace and treble clef earrings and they tell me oh yeah your two handlers told us how you were a total help to vendors. and I say oh wow and then have to run to the break room sort of thing and start to tear down and then my parents ask do we have to drive you home which at the time my ride was C and then my dad tells me that V had said

"Shes a real good kid don't be so hard on her"

like wow

and yeah. I Tore down and near when going home F and V said Thank you for helping out and F asked if I found my parents cause they were looking for you, which like V WAS RIGHT NEXT TO ME WHRN THEY WERE LOOKING AND COULD HAVE TOLD ME HEY THEY'RE LOOKING FOR YOU... so yeah but then I was walking with V and telling him that I couldn't do winter percussion this year

and he said oh thats understandable, hopefully next year and you can always come and watch, and I said yeah! I could go to rehearsal and say your doing amazing sweet! or be the water boy so at least they'd actually get waterso yeahhhhhhhhhh

then I went home and went and watched the house with a clock in the wa I think it was with my family (fun...) and once I went home I went to wash my makeup off, but there was a line for the bathroom so I just grabbed the face wash to rub it off which created a huge argument and my dad was being a dick to me all night so V's telling him to no be so hard on me didn't really get to him. so I was breaking down and crying cause it just all became too much. and I didn't really have any one so Im an idiot and I texted v on remind.

I'm sorry I'm so sorry I know it's your break and you probably want nothing to do with me and I get that. but I just i dont know guess I need somebody. and I don't really have any one right now

I'm fine, not going to hurt me or others in that sense I guess I'm sorry I don't even know why Im sending this your probably asleep and if this is annoying for you just ignore it I don't know I'm sorry

and then I sent it on a full send or no send and regretted it instantly and sent

imsorryimdorryimsorrryimsorryishouldnthavesentthatimsosorry

and 7 minutes later of me panicking he sends

What is going on? What can I do to help you?

A:probably panicking or breaking down I can't tell which one at the moment, and I have no idea im sorry

V: Okay, are you in a safe place?

A: yeah there's nothing harmful here but a trumpet, which actually hurt alot I've learned

A: I just wish my family was like how it use to be I guess is what's happening. I cant do anything right

A: I'll be fine im sorry

V:It sounds like you need to talk to somebody. Here is a number you can call to get help. 1 800 state revealing number

so like yeah hi I want to die I didn't call the number cause fuck that instead of wanting to kill myself, I wish I killed myself a year ago, a. d the bitch wanted to talk to v and I love the very hospital like help from v. I actually can't wait for break to be over but also like don't cause ill have to see V.

1 note · View note

iraniq · 6 years

Text

Imagine ... Jack in a Box

inspired by a line of @diyunho ‘s “Mother” - http://diyunho.tumblr.com/post/165878104516/the-joker-x-reader-mother

________________________

- Mom, story again! - the baby whines.

- OK, OK… I was out

- No… the park!

- Which is out.

- Tell it right.

- OK… I was with my father at the orphanage, he wanted to donate money to restore it, and make it better for the kids. I went out. In the back yard, to look around there were some amazing flowers back there. And a huge dog appeared from somewhere..

- Haaaa. - the toddler sights.

- Yeah. He started barking at me, I love dogs, but this one was very scary. It started running towards me, and I stood there frozen. Then your father appeared, and chased it away. He was so cute. He was actually worried for me. He got me the best flower. An old autumn tulip. To make me smile again..

- But mom, you hate tulips?

- I do…

9 years later

- Al? Al!… Where are you…

- Yes miss?

- Where is my baby?

- I don…

- I am 12, I am not a baby now.

- As you say. - you hug your daughter. And you went out shopping.

In the afternoon, you came back to find your father waitng in the hallway.

- Good evening, father.

- You are late!

- Couldn’t call..

- Don’t quote this movie, please!

- Was the “please” only for color there?

He was gonna answer, but you waved and walked upstairs. Your girl knew there was something between the two of you. She tried to ask you couple of time, but you explained this was between you and your father and she shouldn’t be worried about it.

Every year at Christhis you got extra sad. All the family gathering idea wasn’t your thing. You miss your love, but there wasn’t much to do about it…

On 27th if December you went to the bank to get some cash, and your girl tag along.

- You are gonna blackmail me for cocoa tea again.

- Oh, no, mom, how dare you think of me like this!

- You know, your father lived it as well…. - “fuck” this was forbidden subject.

She looked at the distance, obviously mad, lately she started spending a lot if time with your father and he had started brainwashing her.

- You know, I think I won’t drink anything with cocoa, ever again! - she said madly. Just like he used to say.

You walked in, in silence. As it was almost your turn, some heavy armed men break in. Dressed like panda, shark, crappy batman costume ... and the Clown Prince of Crime himself. They started shooting and yelling at people.

You lost track of time, you were just sitting on the cold heard ground, with a tight grip of your child. He was walking around talking nonsense. At some point he stopped in front of you. For no logical reason, your girl looked at him, and he reached to touch her. You wanted to slap this nasty hand of his. But then she spoke….

- Mom he is having the same tattoo like you do.

Your eyes widened when you saw the pale mark on his left hand - a square and the letter J inside. That’s the last thing you remember and it all turned dark.

You woke up one huge gold bed, with purple sheets, probably 20 pillows, and your daughter sitting and sobbing next to you. Before you manage to utter a word, he walked in. His blue eyes were dark. And he was mad, holding a gun.

- Who … who! - he yelled. - are you???!!!

He came closer and dragged you out of the bed, and tossed you on the ground. You couldn’t speak.

Who …??!!! - he insisted, this time more calm. Before you manage to answer, be shot the wall several times and pressed the hot gun to your neck … Everything got in slow motion … You could hear your daughter screaming, he was pleased, he was hurting you, but you didn’t scream, instead you touched his cheek … His eyes were so close … So familiar ...

- Jack!

He pointed the gun at you. It was like mute movie, there was no sound of a click…

You just rolled your sleave, showing him your tattoo. Perfect match, but only yours was on your right hand. He stared at it, with a confused face, then he looked at his own, it was made by the same person, as the “J” looked the same on both. After that he throw the gun away. He helped you get up, and let you lie on the bed. You look at your daughter and smiled.

- This is Jack! - you stated happily, but it came out like you were on drugs.

- I am not! - he answered, not looking at you. He was searching for something … He kicked the shelf on the floor, and headed out. – Frost … Frost, you sone of a butch! – there were footsteps in front of the door - I need the first aid kid! - he got back to you. - I’ll let you die, after you tell me what you know! – he hissed. And threw a mean glance at the wimping child.

You felt the pain, when he pressed the antibiotic on your burned skin. You bite on your cheek, but didn’t screamed.

- Whay aren’t you screaming, woman? What’s wrong with you?… What’s wrong with her? - he looked at your girl, but she was too terrified to speak.

- You are Jack! - you cried, wanting to touch him, but he was fast enough to slap your hand away. - Jack, I missed you so much … - you cried. You haven’t cried in your life, before, not after your daughter was born, so she looked rather surprised when she saw you.

- I am not … Whoever you think I am … Now, tell me …

- I am telling you! - you sat up in front of him, getting your hair away of your face, drying the tears. - You are … You used to be Jack. - he looked suspiciously at you. - Yeah, just Jack. We met, when me and my father went to the orphanage, you saved me from a dog. We became friends … Later we fell in love. My father disagreed, because you were low key theaf and tried to pay you off, but you refused it and stayed. After I told you I was pregnant, you decided to get your life together. You paid all your debts, and when I was in the 8th month you were finally free, from crime. My father disagreed again. Although you were changed, you weren’t drug addict anymore. My father insisted a child of a drug addict, which is a drug addict himself is not suitable for a family …. - you wipe another tear off. - We ran away, we hid in the chemical factory, as your mother raised you there, when you were a child. But he found us … - your heart got heavy. - You two fought. You said that you will never gave up on me, till you are alive. That you will beat him … And he … - you couldn’t stop the tears now - … he said “beat that” and threw you in one of the chemical containers …. - you cried. - I tried to stop him, but I wasn scared … - the memory of this made you wrap your hands around your belly. – I just stood there watching how my father killed my love … I screamed, I bagged you to come up … but … That’s why I hate my father! - you turned to face your child, she was beyond shocked. - How was I supposed to tell you my father killed yours … That’s the reason I am constantly having these horrible nightmares.

- Wait … Wait! - he hit his head. - WAIT!!! - he yelled. - You were the girl with the flower dress?… This reaction of yours screams “yes”. I have this … thing that I dream … I am on a bridge, metal one. I am there and I am falling. Like a … loop. Then it got clear, couple of years ago … A huge shadow pushes me down. Couple of days ago I saw a girl in flower dress.

- That’s me … - you smiled between tears.

- No … The voices in my head don’t like you! - he got another gun.

- The one that wants to kill them all and the other one that wants to watch them kill each other. - His eyes whidened. You put your hands on his cheeks, shaking his head - So these fuckers stayed , but everything else is gone …

- Your dad says I am worthy of his legacy … - the girl spoke. - What was he talking about?

- Name me one … person in this town who will do everything, everything to be the hero …

- Batsy? - the Joker spoke. - You are his daughter ...

- I am, sadly!

He looked at his hand. Then he took yours.

- Why this? Why like that!

- Jack in a Box! … You said they used to ground you like this, because there was a show … or something about “Jack in a Box”…

He looked at you, then at your girl.

- Come … Come closer, Princess … You are not that brave now, but you got some balls I give you that … Oh, careful with the language in front of the baby … - he covered his mouth with a hand and laughed.

- I am not a baby. - she got closer, as you were already touching his hair; he caught your hand and shake his head a “no”.

The two of them shared the same eyes. You siddenly laughed.

- You know you both can play the piano. And are amazing at drawing; and eating a huge amount of sweets, without getting fat … - your laughed turn into sobbing. - You also hav the same birthmark like him. – you touched his lower back. Your daughter had this as well – like freckles, but bigger and so much that from a distance it looks like the thing is one whole.

- I got nothing, Doll. Bleached white! - he joked, but this made your crying even louder. - Shush! … - he made an annoyed face and your child just shrugged. - Is she like that every day? It must be horrible living with her.

- No, she is the strongest person I know. – this girl answered calmly.

- Come on, Kitten. Don’t ruin your perfect renome, it will be hell of a shit to get back with it … - he hugged you closer.

After a while, he called this Frost of his and ordered food.

- We are vegetarians! - the child says.

- It’s fine, he is vegan…- you spoke before realizing, you still see the little Jack, there.

- Another superpower I guess? – he teased.

- Well … you bit on your lip – you said you wanted to be, so I just … guessed. – you smiled awkwardly.

- Aha …

The food arrived – green salads, fresh juices and a ton of varieties of sweets.

- I am, let’s say I am curious … How come your father disagreed on … your relationship?

- Our!

- I am not “Jack”! So, he is known to be the most humble person ever.

- Batman? - you laughed.

- Bruce Wayne! … 2+2=4! - he winked at you.

You frown your eyebrows.

- You look like him, a lot. – he was eating the salad with his hands.

- Maybe this changed him … Although he still is an asshole!

- So … as he is so famous for his … “humbleness”, how come he disagrees?

- I was 13 and you were 18 or 19?

- Oh … - he laughed. - May may, I was a … - he looked at the girl, and didn’t finish. - You are leaving! After dinner. And pretend we did not have this conversation.

- What?

- Don’t what me! - he yelled. – Yhis is beyond you … the two if you! Just pretend you don’t know me … I am not you Jack! I am not even the empty box. It’s for the best.

- No freaking way! I lived long enough without you, I am not giving up on you now, and no one can stop me! – you got closer, but he pushed you away, a little bit too hard, and you fell on the floor.

- You are leaving! End of story … and take you bratty offspring with you! – was the last thing he said to you.

His 1-st in command drove you back in the city. You got home late. Said he just took you so he could run away, and he dumped you out of the city. You tell this to the police, your father, even the Batman. Your daughter said he did so because she did not stop crying.

After a while no one remembered this case, as he was making couple of crimes per day. He was in and out from Arkham. She missed him so much, as a goodbye he gave her a little golden crown, for her doll. As years passed you lost hope to see him again, till one morning when you were having a walk in the big garden you found a tulip, an orange one, just lying there on the ground … it must be him. He remembered … you never told him about the tulips, not even the first time …

@diyunho @rhina988 @nikkitasevoli @auntiemama1 @sookieblack12 @spillinginkwithlove @jayded-reality @jletolove4eva @cadeathens @fanalityfiction @lady-grinning-soul-k @lylabell2013 @larissaivanov @lostnorthofheaven @leto-madness @elliegrace139 @heavenlygaga @darthjokerisyourfather @penelopewhisp @jaseminedenise @batsnspiderz @lovermrjoker @puddin-i-cant-swim @live-for-me-puddin

#joker #the joker #joker imagine #the joker imagine #joker fanfiction #jared leto joker fanfiction #the joker fanfiction #jared leto joker #joker fanfic #mr. j

25 notes · View notes

thehygieneguru · 4 years

Text

we keep it a secret no one should know

Is a study that was conducted in Siaya ( west Kenya ); included 120 girls aged from 14-16 years.

The study included some valuable information about different topics that were related to menstruation and menarche and its effects on the society.

Menarche

Girls were unprepared and demonstrated poor reproductive knowledge; they created some practical methods to cope with menstrual difficulties. They did this mostly alone because parental and school support of menstrual needs is limited. Although its a normal bodily function, yet the attitude towards it vary by culture and is seen as contaminating and severely debilitating.

As a result of poor menstrual management, girls miss schools because they are ashamed of stained clothing. According to the research done by this study, girls will miss 10-20% of their school days. In addition, In Tanzania a study shows that menarche may also place girls at risk of sexual advances.

As a result they need the introduction of emotional and physical support mechanism. Interventions that provide better menstrual management to school girls have role in improving schooling, sexual and reproductive health and well being.

Lack of preparation for menarche

Girls can describe learning of menstruation only when experiencing bleeding for the first time.

Luo culture

Menstruation is not celebrated across the community; nor within individual household. It often kept a secret even from girl’s own mom.

Below are quotes from girls and parents in this community-

When I first started my lower abdomen was stretching painfully and when I went back to the classroom everybody was asking me what was on my clothes, then I told them I don’t know’. (P2 School H).

‘What I can say is that (cough) these girls are scared because they think that they are the only ones experiencing monthly period. And also it is our fault as parents not to share with our girls of the changes they will be undergoing. They are not aware that all females undergo the same.’ (P8 Parent FGD 4).

I was going to the latrine and I also had stomach cramps then I was surprised to see blood coming out’; Moderator ‘What did you do?’; P2 ‘Nothing, I just went back and changed my pant.’ (P2 School J).

That’s why they get pregnant while still young since they had already started menstruating and know it among themselves and don’t even inform the parents.’ (P7 Parent FGD3).

The few girls who did receive information prior to reaching menarche reported that it was rarely more detailed than they will bleed every month from their vagina when they reach a certain age, and that ‘timo timbe maricho’ (‘doing bad things’) once they had started ‘attending’ could lead to pregnancy.

‘I saw blood from my vagina and I never knew anything. I went to my mother and I told her what I saw and she told me that is my monthly period. I should be careful.’ (P5 School D).

‘He [uncle] told me that people start menstruating at the age of eight. Then he also told me not to allow myself to be deceived by men because I can get pregnant at that time.’ (P5 School C).

Sexual vulnerability

Below are quotes that demonstrated how they felt about menarche

Mature

I feel that I am now a grown up because once you have started your menses, when you like playing with men you can become pregnant.’ (P9 School H).

sexual maturity

When we start menstruating we long for some things.’ (P12 School E).

‘But what are these things that we do long for?’ (Moderator School E).

‘You long to have sex with a boy.’ (P12 School E).

Pressure to have sex

If boys want to know that you are old enough to have sexual intercourse, he looks at your breast. After noticing that your breast has enlarged, he will tell you “I long for something can you give me.’ (P7 School D).

How parents feel about it

I think when a girl starts her monthly periods I restrict her from moving around with the father because he might take advantage of her.’ (P8 Parent FGD3).

‘They (men) see that, as in, they see your breasts are enlarging,(laughter) pimples appear on your face, and hair also grows on pubic area, hips broadening, and so you are mature to marry.’ (P4 School I).

‘We fear telling father. He can have a negative thought. He can have another mind?’ (P6 School B).

‘Which kind of mind?’ (Moderator School B).

‘He can take advantage of you. He can think that my daughter is now a grown up, sowhen you are left alone with him in the house he can sleep with you.’ (P6 School B).

‘There are some [fathers] if you tell them will say you are now mature and they can even rape you if you don’t have your mother around’. (P6 School D).

Secrecy

secrecy was frequently mentioned and was highlighted by parents as customary.

Nearly all girl’s opinion was that males (fathers, brothers or classmates) should not be aware that they were menstruating. (because they are not supposed to know)

It was crucial for girls that boys remained unaware in order to prevent them from laughing at them or telling other people about it.

Fear and shame

The most important emotion related to menstruation was mainly because of the shame surrounding leaking blood.

Fear of leaking at school was dominant; when students stand up to respond to a teacher revealing their soiled dress

‘Even if I come to school I am embarrassed because at times I don’t have what to use, or if I have cloths maybe I’ve not worn them properly or I’ve only worn my underwear so when I get up my dress is already soiled.’ (P4 School H).

What about other girls, do they take time off or just come to school as usual?’ (Moderator School F).

‘They can absent themselves from school.’ (P11 School F).

‘They can absent themselves from school because of the materials that they are using and so they get embarrassed.’ (P3 School F).

‘Sometimes they have painful stomach cramps that walking becomes a problem and also lack of things to use to manage menses because the parents cannot afford pads.’ (P5 School C).

‘Most of the girls do not go to school during their monthly periods, because as Luo’s we still cling to the past. We cannot buy our children proper materials for managing their menses even a cotton wool. We tell them to wear old pieces of clothes instead. They then become fearful and feel that when they get up the clothes might come out and so her classmates or the teachers might laugh at her, so much embarrassments make them not to go to school during their periods.’ (P1 Parent FGD 1).

Coping strategies

tying a sweater around their waist

seeking permission to bathe or go home

hiding until a friend can help them

going home without permission

Fear from leakage or odor

‘Sometimes when I am in class and the teacher is teaching, I don’t concentrate on what is being taught because your mind is always on the thought that when you stand and your clothes will be blood stained and the teacher will see, hence you don’t concentrate.’ (P3 School H).

‘You feel you do not want to stay in class, all you feel is that you should go back home and rest because you cannot concentrate in class even if the teacher is teaching. You might be thinking that your dress might get soiled.’ (P10 School G).

‘You do not want to sit next to your teacher, maybe you are smelling.’ (P2 School G).

Coping with inadequate alternatives

Most commonly mentioned alternative were old clothes, blankets or pieces of bedding. Also, some girls used several pairs of panties, socks, towels, cotton wool or tissue.

infrequently, girls used grass, leaves polytene paper or material from sacks.

When girl’s menses unexpectedly grass or leaves plucked from the ground around school yard was reported to be the only solution available.

Menstrual hygiene

Girls found difficulty in bathing several times during the day when menstruating because they had to compete for using scarce resources such as soap even with mothers

Menarche and interpersonal relationships

Girls faced emotional bullying because they feared being made fun of while. menstruating. Moreover, Humiliation displayed towards girls struggling with menstrual problems is an example of a social norm.

Once girls reach menarche, boys view them as sexually mature; placing girls at risk of sexual advances including coercoin.

Forced sex is common among Kenyan girls with 12-21% of Kenyan females reporting their first sex was non consensual.

Rape and exploitation is described as “reality for youth” in the African setting.

Lack of cash to purchase menstrual protection is a hardship for girls, as a result some girls participate in transaction sex to get money for buying pads. ( and they were accepted within social norm)

0 notes