#this couch is also one of our least favorite pieces of furniture to see yet it is. so comfy sometimes

[pussymasterdooku]

just this week the cats have finally learned to snuggle but the only place all three of them like and can collectively fit on is this couch and specifically this couch with the blanket eva made from scrap yarn (that she calls her “crazy caron blanket”) and so every picture i get they are SO cute and the blanket is just. like this

#this couch is also one of our least favorite pieces of furniture to see yet it is. so comfy sometimes #so it’s like. Worst Visuals In Our Home zone #and the three of them say Oh Great Thanks!!! #i think they also learned because my mom stayed with us for a few days last week bc condo sale logistics and we gave her my room #and so a) george was scared shitless and b) bobo had to get locked out once my mom brought in her plants #so lady and bobo both slept on us together in eva’s bed and george was under the bed so they all did a LOT of close proximity resting #and now lady FINALLY can refrain from smacking the others if they sit near her. and because it’s cold out #they’re all a little more interested in snuggling #it’s been a tough couple days i hurt my back in a Bobo Accident™️ on friday and. it sucks!!!!!!!!! #so this has been a really exciting development when i need something to feel positive about LOL #a ten is blogging

[myhockeyworld87]

What Happens In Vegas...Doesn’t Always Stay There - Jacob Markstrom - Part 3

Word Count: 4,050

POV: Reader

Warning: Language

Notes: Well I’m finally at home for a night and I definitely owe you guys a story. So since I had the next part of this one ready, I dediced to post it. When last we saw these two, they had decided to divorce, and our reader had signed the papers and sent them back to Jacob. Who had forgotten to sign them. Let’s see what happens now, though I think some of you have an idea. As always feedback is welcome. Happy Reading!

What Happens In Vegas…Doesn’t Always Stay There Masterlist

It had been almost seven weeks since Jacob met you. For six of those, he’d talked to you every day, sometimes two and three times. It was just these last few days that you wouldn’t answer his calls or texts. Jacob was confused, to put it mildly. He wracked his brain trying to recall the last couple of conversations that you’d had, wondering if he’d said or did something to anger you, but nothing came to mind. In Jacob’s mind, he thought the two of you were actually starting something. Sure, it had been one of the most peculiar beginnings to a relationship ever, but the last several weeks' things had been nice, better than nice actually. He thought the two of you might have a chance at a real relationship. Of course, the distance between you played a part, but he thought the two of you could work that out; apparently, he was wrong.

 Jacob knew the moment he stepped poolside, that you were something special. The longer he talked to you the more he knew he’d been right. If he was being honest, it was probably one of the reasons he suggested marrying you, even though that marriage would be over soon. Just like lightning striking in the middle of a storm, it hit Jacob then why you were pissed. He’d forgotten to sign the divorce papers. He’d had them for well over two weeks now. Rushing into the office, he started rifling through all the crap on his desk looking for the manila envelope that you’d mailed it to him in. He was just in the process of opening it when the front doorbell rang, so back on the desk it went, as he headed to the door to answer it.

 Jacob was shocked to see you standing there. “(Y/N), what are you doing here?” He didn’t mean for that to come out the way it did. It took him a moment to recover before taking you in. There were dark circles under your eyes that made it look like you hadn’t slept in days, not to mention how puffy they looked as if you’d been crying. Jacob wanted nothing more than to take you in his arms and make whatever seemed to be causing you this much pain go away.

 “Hey,” you mumbled out weakly. “Can I come in?”

 “Of course.” He stepped aside, letting you into his home. It was your typical bachelor pad. Walls stark and devoid of any real character that you knew Jacob possessed. He led you over to the couch in the living room, an enormous piece of furniture designed for his large frame. It almost seemed to swallow you whole. “(Y/N) is everything ok?” There was concern in his eyes and you knew he was probably questioning your presence there after you’d been radio silent the last few days.

 “No.” The one-word answer was hard to push out without tears falling down your eyes. You could see how Jacob’s fingers itched to touch you and honestly that’s all you wanted right now, for him to just take you in his arms and somehow have all the answers, but he had to know the problem first. You took a deep breath trying to steel yourself for what you needed to tell him. “Jacob, I don’t know how to tell you this.” At that moment Jacob grabbed your hands and engulfed them in his giving you his support in just that simple touch. It gave you enough courage to blurt out the last part. “I’m pregnant.”

 You felt his hands slip a bit on yours at the shock of the news; his mouth working trying to form a sentence yet nothing coming out. It took a minute but he finally found his words. “Wow, um…ok…I hate to ask this…”

 This was the part you knew was coming, expected it really and you didn’t blame him at all. So, to spare him, you found yourself answering the unspoken question. “It’s yours.” He nodded but you felt the need to explain more. “I haven’t been with anyone since Vegas, and even before that, well, work was really busy, and…well let’s just say it had been over a month or longer.”

 “You don’t have to say anymore, (Y/N). I believe you.” His hands tightened on yours, the shock of everything starting to wear off. “Plus, we didn’t use protection.” It was something you didn’t give much thought to when you were with Jacob, which was odd because you’d always been extra cautious with hookups, but then everything with Jacob was different than anyone else. “Do you…do you know what you want to do?”

 This time you couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. “I tried, Jacob. I really did.” He looked confused, unsure of what you meant by that. “I went to get an abortion yesterday.” He blinked hard but other than that showed no expression. “I was sitting there on the damn table in a gown just waiting for the doctor to come in and then I looked around. There was this damn chart that showed what the size of your baby is every week compared to fruit of all things. It’s a blueberry by the way. A damn cute little blueberry, like the kind they put in muffins and stuff.” Why it had to be an adorable little fruit like that you didn’t know. Why couldn’t it be honeydew? You hated that fruit. Well maybe not hate, but it wasn’t your favorite that’s for sure. “Anyhow, I was just staring at that poster and looking at each week and I don’t know. I couldn’t breathe.” Kind of like now, even telling him brought back all those feelings. “I started thinking about the doctor telling me that I could hear the heartbeat next week when she did the ultrasound, and I’m not sure what happened, but I couldn’t go through with it; so, I left. I’m so sorry.”

 You weren’t quite sure if you were apologizing to him or yourself. This was something you didn’t want, at least not right now, or at least that’s what you always thought. Now, you didn’t know what you wanted anymore. You took a deep breath, composing yourself. “I booked a flight once I got home. I couldn’t tell you this over the phone or text. You deserved to hear it in person.”

 “Thank you for that.”

 You slipped your hands out of his, distancing yourself from him for this next part, but also pulling out the envelope you brought. “I’m going to keep the baby.” As if that part wasn’t obvious, but you somehow felt it needed to be said. “I had Aaron draw up some papers. They absolve you from any obligations to the child both financially and emotionally. All you have to do is sign them. You won’t even have to be listed on the birth certificate.” He took the envelope from your hands, glancing briefly at the contents inside. “I’m sure you’ll want to have your lawyer look it over.”

 Jacob didn’t know what to think. Ten minutes ago, he was wondering if you were ever going to speak to him again and now you were telling him you were having his child. A child you apparently didn’t want him to be a part of. But did he even want a baby? He certainly hadn’t wanted a wife, yet here he was still married to you. He should come clean right now and tell you that he hadn’t signed the papers yet. That some indescribable feeling had taken over him, and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to sign them anymore. And now, well, now he felt like he shouldn’t sign them. Maybe this was all some force in the universe steering his life in a different direction; a route he hadn’t planned on taking until later, yet here he was on it. “And what if I don’t want to sign them?”

 Well, that certainly wasn’t what you thought he’d say. You didn’t think this was something either of you wanted, but you couldn’t be certain. It wasn’t like the two of you had had this long talk about where you saw your life in five years. Hell, this wasn’t where you saw your life in five months, but here you were, on the verge of being divorced with a baby on the way. “Well, I guess we’ll need to figure things out then.”

 Jacob got up and started to wander around the living room. You weren’t sure if he was trying to decide whether or not he wanted to sign the papers or how he was going to be part of his child’s life. “Do you want a drink or something? I need a drink. Oh shit, you can’t drink, can you?”

 “It’s not advised, but please don’t let that stop you. Though if you have a water that would be great.” He headed towards the kitchen, which gave you a chance to just breathe. The hardest part was telling him, all the rest you’d figure out. He was back quicker than you expected, a bottle of water in each hand. He handed one over to you and sat back down beside you. “You know, you can think about this if you want. You don’t have to sign or not sign them right now.”

 He nodded and pursued his lips before answering, though not how you expected. “How long are you here for?”

 “A few days. There’s a movie being filmed not far from here. I offered to drop off some of the specs for the campaign, as long as I was here, but it also gives you some time to make a decision.”

 “I already have. I want to be in our baby’s life.” You don’t know why but it felt like a thousand pounds had been lifted off your chest. It was nice to know that you weren’t in this alone. “But there’s a lot to figure out.”

 “Yes, there is.”

 “(Y/N), this is going to sound crazy, but I want you to move here.”

 Pregnancy did weird things to the body and maybe your hearing things was one of them because you were pretty sure Jacob had just said he wanted you to move to Vancouver. “I’m sorry, you want me to move here, as in Vancouver?”

 “Well, yeah but I want you to move in here, like in my house.”

 He seemed dead serious and you weren’t sure how to take his suggestion or him at the moment. “But my life and my home are in LA. That’s where my job is.” Couldn’t he see that?

 “I know, but moving here just makes sense. I’ll be able to help you then, not just after the baby is born but before as well. I have plenty of room in this house. There are three spare bedrooms; we can turn one into a nursery for the baby.”

 How could go from finding out you were pregnant to a full out plan of attack in less than a half-hour? God, it took you a day to wrap your head around it when you found out and then another to make the decision about the abortion, and even then you still didn’t figure out you wanted to keep the baby until you were sitting in the doctor’s office. Jacob seemed to be processing everything much better than you were.

 “I don’t know Jacob, just because we’re having this baby together doesn’t mean we have to live together.” Everything with Jacob was still in this weird transition phase like you went from being wildly attracted to each other, to being married, to getting a divorce, to now having a baby, and now he wanted you to live together under the same roof. You didn’t even know if the two of you would get along that great. Sure, the sex was amazing, well really better than amazing if that was even a thing, and you seemed to get along if your conversations over the last several weeks were any indication, but to live together; that could just be a whole other problem altogether.

 “Look I know it’s a lot to ask and believe me if I could, I’d be willing to move to LA. It’s not like I can just ask to be traded there though. But I don’t want you to have to do this on your own.” It was awfully sweet of him to want to be there for you, and not just the baby. You’d just assumed that he’d want to see the baby on some weekends and maybe an extended time during the summer when he was off. “You don’t realize this yet, but there’s going to be a whole hockey family here for you. That’s just the way it is in this sport.” He grasped your hands then, the gesture one pleading in and of itself for you to see his side of things. “We can do this (Y/N), together.”

 Together, it sounded so nice. You knew that if he had decided to sign the papers that being a single mom was going to be tough, but now knowing that he wanted to be there every step of the way eased some of the burden you felt. It was just hard to think about giving up the life you’d built for yourself in LA. You were already giving up so much as it was. “I get what you’re asking, I really do. I just…it’s a lot.” His thumb started to run back and forth across your knuckles, softly urging you to his side without him even knowing it. “Can I think about it?”

 “Of course.”

 “I mean we don’t have to decide everything tonight.”

 “No, we don’t.” He smiled at you. The same one he gave you when you’d been in Vegas. It gave you butterflies in your stomach back then as it did now. “How are you feeling?”

 “Pretty good, I get a little queasy now and then; mostly when I’m hungry. I’ve learned to carry crackers with me everywhere.”

 “Well, I could make you something or we could order.” The fact that he even offered scored points in your book and was definitely a check on his side of the box for moving to Vancouver, and you were kind of hungry.

 “I mean, I haven’t really eaten.” He gave you a disapproving stare and you felt the need to justify why you hadn’t. “I was too nervous before.”

 “Well, then let’s get you something to eat.” Jacob led you out to the kitchen, where he took out some chicken along with some vegetables to stick in the oven. The two of you worked side by side getting dinner ready. You were midway chopping up some zucchini when Jacob brought the baby back up again. “You mentioned something about the heartbeat. Were you able to hear it?”

 “I have to schedule an ultrasound when I get back but they said that I should be able to.”

 “Mmm.” You weren’t exactly sure what that little hum meant. Was that a good hum, or a bad one? You stayed silent waiting for him to say more. “Do you think you could record it for me?”

 Why did your heart just flutter when he asked that? Was it because he wanted to hear the baby or was it because you were realizing how much he would be missing when you went back to LA? “I will,” you finally told him, but then had an even better idea. “Though you know, I’m here for four more days. Maybe we could find a doctor that would be able to do it while I’m here.”

 His face lit up, like a little boy on Christmas morning. “You would do that?”

 “Yeah. If we can find a doctor to squeeze us in.”

 “I’ll take care of it.” He pulled out his phone, you weren’t sure if he was searching for gynecologists or texting someone, either way, it was adorable how he just jumped in at the first mention of being a part of this whole pregnancy. Again, he was showing you just how nice it would be to share this with him. Ten minutes later he had an appointment all set for you in two days.

 During dinner you talked about how you had found out you were pregnant, telling him the story of how Kennedy was the one to point out your nausea wasn’t normal and that you should take a pregnancy test. She was the only one that knew you were pregnant. You swore her to secrecy, hoping that she wouldn’t spill the beans this time like she had about a certain movie star. Surprisingly, he wanted to know everything, though there wasn’t too much to tell. By the time you got the mess cleaned up from dinner, you were starting to feel the weariness of the day.

 “I think I’m going to head over to the hotel. I still need to check in. Hopefully, I’ll be able to sleep better tonight, now that you finally know.”

 “Stay.” The word fell out of Jacob’s mouth in almost an authoritative manner, which belied the puppy dog look on his face. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I mean you could stay here if you wanted. Sort of like a tryout or something.”

 “You mean trial run?” Leave it to his athletic side to call it a tryout. It made you laugh.

 “Yeah. We could just take the next few days and see how we do together.” It wasn’t a bad idea. “You call and cancel the hotel and I’ll go grab your bag from the car.” He was halfway to the door before you actually agreed.

 As Jacob went outside, he contemplated with himself as to where he should put your things. Did he just bring your luggage to his room or should he give you one of the spare rooms? Despite the fact you were carrying his child, his body still wanted you as much, if not more, than when you were in Vegas. He just wasn’t sure where you saw things going.

 You were just hanging up the phone when he walked back into the house and unbeknownst to him, you were wondering the same thing. However, your head kept telling you that if the two of you were going to make this work, you needed to keep things out of the bedroom, at least for now. Jacob must have had the same thought as you, for when he came in, he said, “Here, I’ll show you where the spare bedroom is.” The room was spacious but again, it wasn’t that homey, and occurred to you that if you decided to live here, you’d definitely need to make some changes. “Did you maybe wanna watch a movie or something, or are you tired?”

 You could see he was struggling in this unchartered territory as much as you were, and while you were exhausted; you still wanted to spend time with him, to see if moving to Vancouver was even an option. “I’d love to watch a movie. Do you mind if I change first?”

 “No, not at all.” He fidgeted with the back of his neck a bit, before turning to leave. “I’ll meet you back downstairs.”

 You really wanted to take a hot shower and crawl into bed, but instead, you opted for just washing up quickly and slipping on a pair of pajamas you’d brought. It was still warm in LA, though the nights were a bit cooler. All you brought to sleep in were a couple pairs of shorts and some comfy t-shirts, thinking that you’d be in a hotel room by yourself. Now, you were wishing that you’d thought about it a little more and packed something a little warmer, if not more modest. Why you cared, you weren’t sure, considering this man had seen you completely naked several times.

 Jacob had changed into some sweats by the time you got downstairs. He had bottles of water for you both along with a pack of crackers laying on the coffee table, and you had to admit your heart melted a little bit when you saw that. “So, what kind of movies do you like? I remember you saying no horror.”

 “We don’t have to watch a movie. I know the Bruins are playing tonight and that you play them tomorrow. Why don’t you just turn the game on?” He looked surprised that you knew his schedule, but you did a deep dive finding out as much information as you could once you found out you were pregnant. He was going to be the baby's father, even if he would've decided not to be in your child's life, though now that he decided he wanted to be, the information was even more useful.

 “Are you sure?” You nodded giving him the go-ahead to watch his opponents’ play. “Speaking of that, would you be interested in going to the game? I mean I know someone who could get you a ticket on short notice?” He looked so adorable when he asked you couldn’t tell him no.

 “I’d love to.” You’d watched very few hockey games live, though ever since Las Vegas, you’d been following the Canucks, well, more like Jacob. It would be fun to see him in action.

 “Great, I can leave you a ticket or have Erik’s fiancé come and take you. You’ll love her.”

 Jacob really wanted you to jump in with both feet, didn’t he? You weren’t quite sure if you were ready to meet all his friends and teammates, but you supposed that if you moved here this would be a part of your life. “If she wouldn’t mind that would be great.”

 “I’ll text him now.”

 “Jacob,” you stopped him, just by saying his name. “Can we keep the baby our secret for now? I know Kennedy knows and I don’t expect you to keep it to yourself, but I don’t want to broadcast it either. At least until we know what we’re doing.”

 He took your hand in his, the gesture reassuring. “Yeah (Y/N), we can do that.”

 It wasn’t long before your attire got the best of you and you found yourself tucking your feet underneath you on the couch trying to keep them warm. You thought that Jacob was fully absorbed in the game, but he caught the subtle movement. “Are you cold?”

 “A little.”

 He scooted your closer to him, his large frame wrapping around yours. You weren’t sure if it was his body heat or him just holding you, but it was definitely warmer in seconds, though Jacob still covered you with a throw blanket that was on the couch. “Better?”

 “Much.” It wasn’t long before you found yourself dozing off. The stress of the day and travel wearing on you. Your head fell softly against his shoulder and you sighed in contentment.

 Jacob felt your body relax against him and he savored the feel of it. He’d honestly missed this closeness to another person in a completely non-sexual way and having you in his arms just felt right. He should’ve been paying attention to the game, scouting out his opponents but instead all he could do was watch you, even before you fell asleep. His fingers were idly stroking your bare arm under the blanket, slowly inching their way down to your wrist. He didn’t realize they’d made their way to your midsection until they were there; just lightly caressing you, scared he would wake you, but he had to touch you there. He’d been dying to all night but been afraid to ask as if it was almost an invasion of your privacy even though you were carrying his child. His child. The thought both terrified him and thrilled him. Jacob always wanted kids; knew that someday he would have them. He just didn’t think it would be this soon. He always assumed that he’d start his family after hockey was over, but here he was with a wife and child on the way. It was something he hadn’t bargained for and never saw coming. Apparently, what happened in Vegas was a lot more than he gambled on.

 taglist: @iculyrea​  @fiveholegoal​  @raysofcrosby @leafs-lover​ @sexysidney87​ @lovethepreds​  @miranda0102​  @stbluesbrat21  @perrieeloise  @mandypants95​  @hockeyunits​  @liz96893  @golfergirl1982​  @princessphilly​  @ajstylesworld​  @zinka8  @dontworrybeekappy​  @hiimana  @meishaabae​ @heatherawoowoo @beauvibaby @hockeybabe87 @leafs-forever

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#What Happens in vegas series #whivdast #jacob markstrom #jacob markstrom imagine #jacob markstrom imagines #nhl imagine #nhl imagines #nhl fanfic #nhl fanfiction #hockey fanfic #hockey imagine #hockey imagines

[sellyoursoulforagoodfic]

You Deserve a Love...Chapter 9

Damian Wayne x reader

Tag: @slowlydrowningme @hhhellish

Link to Inspo Post: Post

Summary: Questions, questions, only one could shock you quite like this

Word Count: 1626

You woke slowly, something that’d become more and more common in the several last several months since your relationship with Damian became more serious. Your personal favorite mornings were exactly like this: slow morning, waking naturally, snuggled up in the arms of the man you loved, in a bed that felt like it was the size of your entire bedroom back at your apartment. The gentle hand running through your hair told you that Damian was awake and also enjoying the lazy atmosphere.

“G’morning,” you muttered, palm running up the length of his back as you hugged him close.

“Good morning, habibati.”

Oh, the things that sleep-rough voice of his did to you.

“Sleep well?”

“I always do when I’m with you.”

There was a pause. “Then why don’t we make it permanent?”

You could feel your eyebrows scrunch up as you leaned back enough to look at him. “Care to run that by me again?”

He moved to press a kiss to the underside of your jaw. “We hate being apart, I love you more than anything, and you have never backed down when I’ve told you the truth about me. Even Father’s other wards cannot say the same about their paramours. Be with me forever.”

He looked a little startled when you jerked forward to press a hard kiss to his lips before answering. “Yes,” you breathed. “A bazillion times yes.”

A rare, broad grin spread across his face. “So how do you want to do this?”

“How have we done everything else? Act then tell. Though I suppose they’re gonna freak if we just do it.”

“Do you really care?”

“Not really.”

“Exactly as I thought.” A sweet kiss was graced to your forehead. “Then we will spend the day making preparations. What do you need to accomplish?”

“Assuming we’re going on a trip, I’ll need to pack and get my cat to someone who can watch him.

“We are. We can take him at the same time we take Pennyworth and Titus.”

“Pet bonding,” you laughed. “Here's hoping they get along.”

“Moving into a new apartment shouldn’t be too difficult,” Damian mused. “A moving company should be able to get everything packed and here by tonight.”

“Fair point. I love you, but I’d rather not live with your dad, and Titus won’t fit at my place. Wow, they really are gonna throw a fit when they catch wind of this . . .”

“You like seeing them squirm.”

A sadistic grin made itself present on your face. “Yep! But we should probably get up. Apparently we’ve got a lot to do today.”

Eight hours later, flights and lodging were booked, a (shockingly large) penthouse was bought, everything was at least in your new home, and the pets were getting along surprisingly well. Exhausted, you flopped onto the bed (the only piece of furniture that was actually setup) face-first. You only enjoyed the peace for a few brief moments before a heavy weight settled on your back.

“What--” a look over your shoulder answered that question before it fully left your mouth. Titus had dubbed you as his bed, and was now pressing you into the mattress. “Comfy there?” you chuckled. The presence of the man-sized dog did bring to light an issue that you hadn’t considered before. “Hey, D?”

“Yes?” he called from across the apartment. Just how muffled the sound was really drove home the scale of your new home.

“We’re gonna need a bigger bed! Mine isn’t big enough for the big baby!”

“We can look into that when we get back.” Now his voice was much closer. And there he was, smiling from the doorway at the sight of the two of you lounging. “Jason agreed to take care of them while we’re gone. He will be setting up and staying in the guest room.”

“He ask where we’re going?”

“I told him the truth; he will run interference for us. Keep Grayson and Olivia from getting too nosey. Drake and Gordon will likely respect our wishes for privacy on our trip.”

“We’ll be lucky if they don’t realize we moved.”

“I would expect nothing less--”

“From the family of Batman, I know,” you rolled your eyes. There was a certain tightness in the set of your fiance’s shoulders that made you frown. “What’s wrong?”

“My father knows. He called after I talked to Todd.”

Referring to Jason by his last name, not a great sign considering how much closer they’d gotten in the last few months. “What did he say?”

“He has . . . differing opinions about romantic attachments than the rest of us. He views them as an--”

“Unnecessary risk. I remember.”

That opinion had proven to be quite the issue in the early days of your relationship. Bruce’s unwavering view about how dangerous it could be to have such attachments nearly drove Damian to cut his ties with you altogether. One of the only ways you’d gotten his (in the loosest definition of the term) was to have Damian start teaching you self-defense, and even then he only admitted that you helped temper Damian’s ego. Nothing more. Alfred was the one that made you welcome at the manor when you crashed there with Damian.

“He was surprisingly in favor of it,” only his green eyes showed his shock.

You blinked in surprise. “What?”

“He said his gift would be to help make any changes to this place we wanted.”

Your eyes narrowed. “Why do I feel like Alfred talked down his initial reaction?”

“Because I wouldn’t love you if you were an idiot.”

“Gotta be smart to keep up with a family of detectives, I guess,” you smiled. “Love you too, baby.” You blew a kiss in his direction. “So now that we’ve got your dad’s approval, is there anything else we need to worry about before we leave?”

“Jason will be by in the morning to stay, we’re all packed, people think you are busy this week, making you unavailable, we will pick out rings when we get there . . .” Gently, he pulled on Titus’s collar to guide his off of you. “I can only think of one more thing.”

“Hmm?” you hummed at the question as he pulled you into a seated position.

From his pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box. 

Your heart skipped a few beats. “Damian, you didn’t . . .” Your eyes flicked up to his face to see that he once again had that smile that only aided in the newfound arrhythmia in your chest.

“Technically, it was Pennyworth--the man, not the cat--that helped me decide. Well, him and Jason.”

“When did you have the time? I was with you all day!”

“Two weeks ago.”

You blinked blankly, once again stunned.

“Habibati, you know I’m not one to make rash decisions--Are you crying?”  He laughed a little. “You haven’t even seen it yet!”

“Shut up! It’s your fault for being so sweet!” The gesture was rough as you moved to wipe your tears.

Jason snickered when he saw the post you just made on your Instagram. It was sure to send the rest of the group into a tizzy, and it was his job to fend off their questions. He was looking forward to that part. He jumped at every opportunity to mess with his makeshift little family. They may have made up for the most part, but he had to get his kicks somehow.

It was a picture that could have been posted at literally any time because it was such a normal image. It showed a pair of hands holding each other; anyone could guess that it was you and Damian. Jason was amused to note that your hand was carefully turned to hide the ring he knew to be there. His littlest brother was driving (his Mercedes judging by the emblem on the steering wheel.) And that’s all there was. There was a vague sense of normalcy to it that made it such a precious picture.

The caption was what made it a bit strange: [@therealwayne and I are unplugging for a spell. We’ll see you all on the flipside]

Already, there was a comment from Cass, [What?! You guys just got back from the LAST trip!!]

Then Jason’s phone went off. That was fast.

Of course it was Dick in the massive group chat they had made a while ago. [Where are you guys going?!]

Steph: [Yeah, I didn’t even get to see you!]

Huffing a sigh, Jason typed, [They’re not going to answer, guys. They said they were going radio silent ‘til they get back, and their plane took off ten minutes ago]

[Wait, you KNEW they were leaving?!], Tim.

[No fair!], that would be Olivia.

[They needed someone to watch the children, and I’ve got the space] They didn’t need to know that he was staying at their place.

[And you’re their favorite] Jason could practically see Dick’s pouting face.

[Maybe that’s because I don’t constantly give them shit, Dickiebird]

[Mean.]

[They just want some space, guys] Jason was serious now. [Just let them be alone for a bit. They haven’t really had that since we met her.]

Barbara: [I hadn’t thought of it like that . . .]

[Exactly. Now, I’ve got a gigantic mutt to walk. All of you, leave them alone.]

That was a bit of a lie since Titus was perfectly content to lay on top of Jason as he lay on the couch, but Jason did want to lavish the Dane with attention. He’d spent the first thirty minutes after their departure sitting by the front door waiting for Damian to come back, and Jason’s heart just couldn’t handle seeing him stay that sad.

“They’ll be back before you know it, buddy,” he promised with a few head scritches.

#damian wayne x reader #damian wayne imagine #damian al ghul x reader #damian al ghul imagine #reader insert #robin imagine #batman imagine

[chanagun]

5 + 1

Fandom: SOTUS The Series Pairing: Prem/Wad

Summary: Five Times Wad Slept in Prem's Bed + One Time Prem Slept in Wad's

Notes: 3,308 Words

AO3 Wattpad

——

1

Moving day went off without a hitch. Wad had only a few pieces of big furniture, like his bed and bookcase, but had boxes of books - plenty of them - so he and Prem were both pretty wiped out by the end of the day.

Prem collapsed face first onto his bed, limbs splayed out. Wad just laughed at him from the doorway.

"I'm going to go unpack some clothes and stuff before I end up like you," Wad was met with a pillow thrown at his face. "Hey!" He stepped into the room, ready to throw it right back.

"Relax! Take a break, nong," Prem said, propping himself up to to look at his new roommate. Wad seemed to consider the request for a moment. "You can unpack later."

"Fine, fine," Prem smiled before scooting over and patting the bed next to him. Wad plopped right down and pulled out his phone. Prem let his face fall back down into his other pillow. He took a deep breath through his nose, breathing in the clean scent of his sheets. He heard Wad tapping away at his phone; he knew his friend was either texting Kongpob about the move or playing one of his games. Prem kept listening to the almost-rhythmic taps, rubbed his face into his soft sheets, and unintentionally drifted off to sleep.

When Prem woke up, he was laying on his side and his arm was numb. The sun was just setting and the dim light allowed Prem to see a sleeping formed curled up next to him, using his bicep as a pillow. Prem smiled to himself, considering how lucky he was. He and his best friend had come a long way.

He lifted his head to try to find his other pillow, finding it to still be on the floor, discarded from their almost-pillow-fight earlier. Prem bit his lip, wiggled his fingers to try to get some blood flowing, and closed his eyes again. 

2

Wad sat cross legged with his back against the headboard. Prem mirrored the position, just on the other side of his bed. Prem's focus was securely on the television set, as his favorite show was on. Wad was lazily playing a game on his phone. It was a normal Tuesday night in their apartment.

Wad was grateful for Prem - Wad was an introvert, so usually social interactions were draining but he always felt very relaxed when he was with Prem. It was easy for Wad to get along with his roommate, which is a feat to say the least. They understood how the other operated.

Suddenly, his character in his game was killed. He silently cursed himself for getting lost inside his own thoughts. He huffed and brought his phone down from his face. Prem chuckled at him, yet his eyes never left the TV. Wad sneered at him, despite knowing Prem couldn't see him.

Wad let himself slide down to a laying position with his head propped up on the pillow so he could also watch the show. He knew it was Prem's favorite but he just didn't know the characters or the story lines and it was getting late - Wad ended up dozing off. It was his soft snores that caught Prem's attention; he smiled at the boy next to him. Prem couldn't help but but watch for a moment as Wad breathed in and out steadily, his face peaceful and soft. Prem would feel bad for disturbing such a calm looking Wad. He bit his lip before deciding to just pull up the sheet to cover up his roommate. He smiled to himself before turning off his television, flicking off the light, and getting under the covers himself. 

3

Wad was startled after his focus by Prem's phone suddenly blaring. Prem seemed surprised as well, looking up from his work to answer the call.

"Hello? Wait, Arthit, slow down, I can barely understand you... oh man... shit... yeah that really sucks," Wad cocked his head to the side in curiosity. "Of course! We've got space to spare. Yeah, yeah no problem. See you soon, and calm down, dude" Prem chuckled as he hung up the phone. "So much for our usual quiet Sunday," He said, addressing Wad. "Arthit and Kongpob's place got flooded from the bathroom above theirs," he explained. Wad scrunched up his nose in displeasure. "Yeah, exactly. They need a place to crash tonight, so I said they could come here if that's okay."

"Yeah, that's cool with me. But... where are they going to sleep? I guess they can take my bed, I don't mind the couch."

"You can just sleep in my bed, man. I don't mind. It's big enough and its not like we haven't shared the bed before." Wad flushed a deep red at Prem's statement. They never talked about that after it happened. Wad had woken up with Prem's arm draped over him. He had carefully and quietly got out of his hold and made his way back to his own room.

Wad chuckled awkwardly, "Yeah, I guess."

And that was the extent of the conversation. Arthit and Kongpob arrived shortly after, bickering lightly, the way that Arthit and Kongpob do. Wad helped set them up in his room and he was somewhat relieved they didn't question where he would be sleeping.

It was only early afternoon, so Prem and Wad sat down to continue their normal Sunday routine of getting work done for the upcoming week. Wad was very appreciative that Kongpob was there because he ended up being a huge help with some of the tougher problems. Kongpob was also grateful to be distracted from thinking about his disaster of an apartment.

They ended up grabbing a quick bite to eat for dinner at a noodle shop right down the street from Prem and Wad's apartment. Conversation flowed easily between the group of friends, but as the sun set, they decided it would be best to turn in early. Prem and Arthit had to be up particularly early for work the next morning so they headed back.

Arthit and Kongpob excused themselves to Wad's room to get ready for bed, thanking them again. They closed the door behind them and Wad turned to Prem. He was at his own bedroom door, his arms out to say "you first" and Wad shook his head, rolling his eyes. Prem just shrugged and went right to his bathroom to change. Wad finally allowed himself to go into Prem's room. He grabbed his folded pajamas from the foot of the bed just as Prem came back out.

Wad, however, took his time changing in Prem's bathroom. Prem was right. They had shared before, so it shouldn't be a big deal. He didn't know why he was feeling so hesitant anyway. He forced himself to buck up and leave the bathroom. He went straight for the unoccupied side of the of the bed and buried himself in Prem's comfy blankets.

"Goodnight, Wad," he heard him say.

"Goodnight," he mumbled back, but he was restless. He heard Prem fall asleep pretty quickly as his breathing evened out and he snored every so often.

He took a deep breath and rolled over, coming face to face with a knocked out Prem. He pursed his lips when he felt Prem's hot breath against his face. He swallowed hard, taking one last look at Prem's almost-angelic face before turning back away from him again. He shut his eyes tight, willing himself to sleep.

After a few more minutes, he felt Prem stir and then he was suddenly being spooned from behind with an arm draped lazily over his torso. Wad was so shocked, he couldn't move. He felt like he should push the sleeping man off of him, but he had looked so content...

And he was feeling relaxed for some unknown reason. He felt very at ease so he decided there were probably worse things than sharing a bed with your best friend. 

4

Wad was feeling lightheaded and... good. He'd been in a tizzy as of late and he couldn't figure out why exactly. But he and Prem didn't have any work to get done on Sunday so they decided to have a fun Saturday. They went to the bar with their collective friends - Arthit, Kongpob, Knot, Tuta, Bright, Tew, and M. Everyone had eagerly agreed to a fun night out as their lives had all become very hectic.

At that moment, Arthit and Kongpob were huddled up in their own little world. Bright and Tuta were picking on M, who was blissfully drunk and unaware. Tew was leaning into Knot to tell him a story animatedly, and Knot just smiled like a dope listening to it.

Wad shook his head absentmindedly at the scene in front of him. "What?" Prem questioned, invading Wad's personal space to press himself against him. Wad felt his face grow warm.

"Nothing," he said quickly, before throwing another shot back. He grimaced at the taste and then saw Prem shake his head at him out of the corner of his eye.

Wad lost track of how many drinks he had, but glancing around the tables, so did everyone else apparently. They all needed to take cabs home.

Arthit and Kongpob left first, then one by one, all their other friends got into taxis, leaving him and Prem and Knot and Tew waiting last.

"Our dorms are real close together so we're probably going to share a cab," Tew slurred in Wad's general direction, who just hummed in response. Tew was hanging off of Knot, and Knot's stoic face didn't show any signs of discomfort. Prem and Wad bid farewell and Wad smirked as they got in their cab together. Wad was drunk but he wasn't blind.

The last cab finally arrived and Prem had to help Wad up from sitting position and was practically carrying Wad to the door of the car. When he stood up he realized he got way more drunk than he anticipated being and, despite Prem pretty much going shot for shot with him, he held steady.

Wad had a sudden flashback to a few years prior. Prem's firm hand on his chest and an arm wrapped around his shoulders - he was in pain then but he felt like his skin was on fire in that moment. Wad's stomach was in knots and he was confused but every place Prem's hands touched tingled. Wad leaned into him further, already fixated on the feeling.

"Come on, Wad," Prem said gently, encouraging him to pick up his feet, trying to get him into the car. Wad grumbled but ended up falling into the back seat. Prem climbed in after him and let out a big sigh.

The ride was quiet and Wad almost dozed off. As soon as the car came to a stop, Prem started trying to lift him up and Wad felt like his skin was on fire again.

"P'..." he mumbled. Prem shushed him. In one swift movement, Prem got out of the car and pulled Wad up and onto his back. Wad instinctively wrapped him arms tightly around Prem's neck and and locked his feet around his waist. Wad buried his flushed face into the crook of Prem's neck and breathed him in.

"Let's go, bud," Prem said to him as he began carrying him into their building and up the few flights of stairs. Prem only let go of Wad's legs to unlock their door, but it made wad cling on tighter. Prem chuckled and just let it happen.

He started heading for Wad's room but Wad began to protest. He kept telling Prem no.

"No? What do you mean, no?"

"Yours," Prem quirked an eyebrow.

"Mine? You want to sleep in my bed?" Wad didn't answer verbally, just buried his face further into Prem's shirt. Prem took a deep breath and changed his direction to his own room.

He tried to drop Wad onto the bed, but lost his balance. They both tumbled down and burst out laughing. Wad loosened his grip but didn't quite let go. Prem froze as Wad continued to nuzzle into him. After a moment. A wave of exhaustion hit Prem like a ton of bricks. His racing thoughts gradually faded and he let himself drift off to sleep in his best friend's arms.

 5

Wad wandered around the apartment. He couldn't believe how unnaturally quiet it was without another human being in the house.

Prem has texted to check in, let Wad know he arrived to the hotel and was settling in alright before his conference. Wad answered normally but he couldn't deny how much he already missed Prem. They spent all of their free time together and coming home that night to an empty house made his chest ache. He just... missed him.

He would often replay that morning in his head, the morning he woke up with Prem in his arms. It was bittersweet; he was so content to have the sleeping form wrapped up with him but after the night before, he assumed that his feelings weren't mutual.

Wad sighed deeply, and rubbed at his face a little too hard with the palms of his hands.

It was only 9pm but Wad was at a loss.

He made a split-second decision - he quickly changed into his pajamas and found himself in front of Prem's bedroom door.

Just one moment of weakness, he told himself, and then he would push away all of these feelings crowding up his mind. He opened the door and closed it behind him. He breathed in the familiar scent. He couldn't believe he was allowing himself to be so weak.

He shook his head and made his way over to the nearly made bed. He gave himself one last out to change his mind, but it was already decided.

He untucked the covers and climbed into his roommate's bed. He buried his face into the pillow and promised himself he would get over Prem.

 +1

Prem noticed the air change between them change immediately. He wasn't sure, at first, if Wad was even doing it on purpose. As time went on, though, he could see Wad pulling away from him. And he had no idea why.

At that point, Prem felt heart broken. Wad had stayed in his room all Sunday, while Prem was at his usual Sunday workplace at the kitchen table, alone. He barely put a dent into the work he needed to prepare for Monday morning because his chest hurt and his mind was preoccupied.

He had texted Arthit, but his only advice was to talk to him. How was he supposed to talk to Wad if he locked himself into his room?

He leaned back in his chair and sighed. He really did just need to talk to him. Prem stood up and before he could change his mind, he marched to Wad's bedroom door. He prayed it wasn't locked and, without knocking, pushed the door open and barged in.

"Prem, what the hell?" Wad asked, startled. He was seated on his bed, surrounded by papers.

"I need to talk to you."

"You didn't even knock, you cant just walk in here-"

"My best friend is ignoring me and I'm a little upset so you'll have to excuse my behavior. I just want to know why," he blurted out at Wad, who in turn just gaped at him.

There was a long stretch of awkward silence as they just stared at each other. Prem was waiting for Wad to make the first move.

"I'm not ignoring you," he finally said. It was spoken so softly, Prem almost didn't hear him.

"Are you sure? Because it definitely feels like you are," Prem huffed, crossing his arms in front of him. Wad let out a sharp breath escape from his nose. He started shuffling his papers around his bed. "You're ignoring me right now!"

"I'm making room for you to sit," Wad snapped at him. "I don't need you looming over me like you're doing." Prem pursed his lips but let his arms fall to his sides as Wad put all his work away. "So sit." And Prem obeyed, sitting cross-legged right in front of Wad.

"What's going in with you? You know you can talk to me about any issues you have. At least, I thought you knew that."

Wad took a a long, hard look at Prem. He knew he wasn't going to be able to dodge his way out of the situation. "It's... hard to talk to you if you're my issue."

"Me? What... what did I do?" Wad waited before answering, taking in the look in Prem's eyes; he could tell how much he was really hurting.

"Shit, that came out wrong, it's just... P'Prem, we're best friends but... I started feeling some not... best friend... feelings," Prem furrowed his brow in confusion. Wad flushed a deep red and looked down at his hands in his lap as he continued, "Best friends don't feel the way that I feel. I think... I'm having romantic feelings." It was dead quiet for a second. And then Prem started laughing.

Wad looked up, mortified. He was laughing but tears welled in his eyes. He was staring straight at Wad.

Suddenly, Prem's hand was on the nape of Wads neck. He pulled Wad forward as he leaned in himself and gently pressed his lips against Wad's. It was soft and chaste and only lasted a second before Wad pushed Prem away firmly. A look of horror flashed on Prem's face.

"P' what are you doing? What if that... ruins everything?" Wad asked quietly. Prem's features softened as he looked at him.

"Wad, I don't know if you know this but, we're pretty much married."

"P!" Wad exclaimed, taken aback. Prem couldn't help but let out a small breath of laughter.

"Think about it. I'm serious, Wad. I've been in love with you for three years. I just hadn't realized it was love until way too late. We were already living together so I didn't want to say anything, I didn't want to ruin anything! But... if you think you have feelings for me then..." Prem looked hopeful as he continued. "Listen. We live together, we commute together, we spend every free second of every day with each other and when I'm not with you, I'm beside myself because I miss you so damn much-"

Wad cut him off by grabbing his shirt collar and pulling him down to kiss him again. Prem immediately melted. He brought his hand up again and ran his thumb across Wad's cheekbone gently. Their lips moved together as if they'd been doing it forever.

Prem let a small breath out across Wad's lips when they separated. "Nothing has to change, Wad," he told him. "Nothing has to change besides me me getting to do this," he punctuated his sentence by placing another quick kiss on his junior's lips. Wad kissed back excitedly, but Prem pulled away again. "Is that okay?"

"Yeah. Yes, that's very okay." Wad gazed into Prem's eyes, heart beating out of his chest.

Because Prem knows Wad, he knew to pull him in again, into a hug, to calm him down. It was clearly an eventful day.

"Are you tired?"

"Kinda feel exhausted now for some reason," Wad answered, letting out a soft laugh. Prem pulled away to lay himself down next to Wad on his bed. Wad followed suit, face to face with Prem.

They spent a lazy few minutes sharing smiles and blushes and maybe a few kisses before Prem pulled Wad into his chest. It didn't take long after that for them to both drift to sleep.

#annie writes #sotus #sotus the series #premwad #artkong

[useless-slytherclaw]

Chapter 15: Family

TW: More mentions of Walburga Black’s emotional abuse/neglect

Over the next week, the Order of the Phoenix moved back into Grimmauld place as if they had never left.  There were members in the house at all hours of the day and night.  Some, including the Weasley’s, had even moved into the guest rooms.  The sound of talking and laughing bounced around the house, and it was so entirely alien to Regulus that he didn’t entirely know how to deal with it.  The laughter seemed to push back the ever-present shadows of Grimmauld Place.  There were still disapproving portraits and furniture that sometimes bit you, but it somehow seemed like a different house.  

Still, Regulus kept his distance from the newcomers.  It wasn’t hard, as his rooms were on the top level and the library was only one below.  He had Kreacher bring meals to Iset and him.  He’d had to have several talks with Kreacher who was deeply unhappy with the people in the house.  Regulus had told him firmly that he accepted the people in the house and that Kreacher needed to calm down.  It took several attempts, but the elf seemed calmer now.  

Regulus had sent Dumbledore a letter with his ideas.  The next day Professor McGonagall had appeared in the library with a stack of books for him.  She’d simply said ‘It’s good to see you both,’ and left the books on the desk in front of Regulus and Iset.  Inside the cover of the first book was a letter from Dumbledore.

Mr. Black,

Your research confirms my suspicions.  I have yet to find solid information on Ravenclaw’s diadem.  I had Madam Pince gather books regarding Ravenclaw’s life and her family.  I believe these may prove useful.

Sincerely,

Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore

  So, Regulus had spent most of his time digging through ancient, dusty books.  He’d found his old sketchbook inside the desk in his room, and sometimes when he was frustrated from wading through piles of useless information, he would draw.  Usually, he drew Iset.  She lounged on the couch, surrounded by a pile of books.  The light from the window fell on her, illuminating different angles of her as it moved through the sky. 

Regulus was in the middle of one such drawing when someone knocked on the library door.  He jumped and his hand skidded, leaving a harsh line behind.  Slightly embarrassed, he jerked open a book, covering the drawing.  

A plump redhead woman was standing there, with a kind smile on her face.  Regulus guessed that she was Mrs. Weasley.

“I thought I’d come and invite you down to dinner.”  She said with a big smile.  “I don’t want you to have to hide in your own house.”  Her smile grew softer.  “You don’t have to come down.  But I imagine that things are a bit lonely for you two now.  You are always welcome with us.  Two of my sons are your age, you know.”

Regulus was lost for words.  The motherly expression on her face was so genuine and caring that it made him hurt inside.  He’d never experienced anything like this.  Helplessly, he glanced at Iset, who seemed to be in a state of confusion.   

“Better come down,” there was another voice and one of the red-headed twins stuck his head in the door.

“She won't leave you alone until she gets what she wants,” said the other, also sticking his head in the door.  

“Oh, shut up you two,” she said, and her voice was stern, but there was a smile on her face.  Iset and Regulus exchanged another glance.

“It would be rude to refuse an invitation,” Iset said, setting her book down. 

“Right,” Regulus said, standing up.

“Wonderful,” Mrs. Weasley said and started to walk down the hall.  She turned around and pointed at the four of them, the Weasley twins, Iset, and Regulus.  “You just wash your hands before you come down to the table.”  She said with the same combination of sternness and affection.  

Regulus was glad that Iset looked just as bewildered as he felt.  The twins clapped them on the back and took off for the stairs.  Regulus followed automatically, and Iset trailed behind him.  They stopped at the bathroom to wash their hands.

“Did I just get invited to lunch in my own house?” Regulus said to Iset as she scrubbed her hand in the porcelain bowl.  He watched the water pouring from the silver serpent’s mouth.

“Yes,” Iset said.  “She seems so… so...” Iset was clearly struggling for what to say.

“Caring?”

“Motherly,” Iset said with a grimace.  “But not like, my mother, but like…”

“Like what mothers are supposed to be?” Regulus said.  Iset’s brown eyes were pained as she towel-dried her hands, and Regulus couldn’t resist the urge to hold her.  He held her tight and she squeezed him briefly before letting go.  

“Can you imagine?” Iset asked as they walked down the stairs.

“No,” Regulus said, his head turning towards the portrait of his mother that hung in the hall.  They walked in silence for the rest of the way.  When Regulus pushed open the door and they stepped inside, Regulus felt as if the dining room had transformed.  Of course, the room itself was the same, though there was no silk tablecloth or emerald-colored table runner on the table.  Pots and dishes of steaming food were set on trivets up and down the table.  There were no less than five Weasleys in the room.  Sirius and Remus were also there along with Tonks and a beautiful blonde woman.  

“So you’ve deigned to join us?” Sirius said, looking up from his conversation.

“None of that,” Mrs. Weasley said as she bustled into the room with a large loaf of fresh bread floating in front of her.  “Ginny, Ron, I asked you to set the table.  Food’s going to get cold if you don’t hurry up.  Oh, Regulus, Iset thank you for joining.  Just take a seat, dinner will be done soon.”

Sirius opened his mouth, probably to protest, but shut it again without saying anything.  Doing as he was bidden, Regulus took his seat.  Iset sat beside him, and her leg pressed against his in her usual display of silent support.  Together they watched the people around them laughing and talking.  Almost everyone had sat down, when a girl with dark skin and bushy brown hair rushed into the room.

“Finally,” she said waving a piece of paper.  “Moody finally told me that Harry is going to be here later tonight.”

“Really?” Sirius practically jumped to his feet.  His face broke out in a bright smile, a genuine one.  Regulus looked down at his hands.  It had been a long time since he’d seen his brother this happy.  Certainly not when he found out that Regulus was still alive.  Regulus wasn’t sure that Sirius had ever looked that happy to see him.  He didn’t realize that his hands had clenched into fists until he felt Iset’s hand on his own.  She gently stroked the back of his hand until he relaxed his grip.  

A hand landed on his shoulder and Regulus looked up surprised.  Mrs. Weasley was there, giving him a kind look.  It made Regulus’ stomach squirm.  “Everything okay, dear?”

“Yes,” he said, straightening up.  “But thank you for asking.  This food smells delicious.”

“You’re too kind.” She said with a smile.  Regulus turned back to the table and didn’t see the sad, soft look that she gave him.  The girl took the empty seat at the table; it seemed that everyone had arrived.  There was silence as everyone loaded up their plates and dug in.  The silence helped Regulus relax; small talk had always been his least favorite part of dinner parties.  However, this didn’t feel like any other luncheon Regulus had ever been to.  Just the fact that he wasn’t wearing robes, let alone dress robes, was enough to make it unusual. 

When people had finished their first helpings, conversations began to spring up around the table.  The conversations were the sort of happy chatter that Regulus associated with the common room and Hogwarts lunch tables, not with this dining table.  The twins were sitting, elbows on the table, heads together, and part of Regulus was waiting for someone to hit them with stinging hexes.  The blonde girl was sitting next to the oldest Weasley boy and offering him food on her own fork, in such a blatant display of affection that it made Regulus a bit uncomfortable, however, Tonks who was talking with them didn’t seem to mind.  

Regulus felt like he had been tossed into an alternate universe like he had come out of the veil into the wrong version of his world.  He and Iset ate in silence; the food was amazing.  He wondered who had purchased the food; he made a note to have Kreacher stock the kitchen.  He wasn’t oblivious to the worn quality of the clothes most of the Weasley’s were wearing.  

“What is your name again?” The girl with the brown hair was looking at Iset, there was a furrow between her brow as if she was trying to remember something.  

“Iset.”

“What’s your last name?”

“Why?” Iset was frowning at her.

“I recognize you, but I can’t remember from where.”  

“Did she not go to Hogwarts?”  The blonde girl across the table jumped into the conversation with a heavy french accent, and Regulus realized that everyone was looking at them now.  “Bill, she should have been with you, no?”

The man sitting next to her, who must be Bill, shook his head.  “No, she definitely wasn’t in my year.”

Sirius barked out a laugh, then turned his attention to Regulus, grey eyes dancing with amusement.  Regulus could hear the unspoken ‘how are you going to get around this one?’

“Well,” Iset said, folding her hands neatly in front of her.  “The only reason that you would recognize me, would be if you had seen my book.  As for the rest of it, I don't think any of you will believe me.  But, Regulus and I went to Hogwarts in the 70s with Remus and Sirius here.”

“That’s it,” the brown-haired girl said, snapping her fingers.  “Comparisons of Theories Underlying Wandless Magic.”

Iset looked impressed.  The rest of the room, however, was digesting the second part of what Iset had said.  Sirius leaned back in his chair, he obviously hadn’t been expecting Iset to blurt out the truth.

“That is not possible!” The blonde girl said, tossing her white-blonde hair irritably. 

“It is!” One of the red-headed twins said.  “We checked. Regulus here is on the family tapestry in the other room.  Both of them are in the prefect records and Regulus was on the quidditch team.”

“Did you two actually do research?” The brown-haired girl asked, sounding shocked.

“Why the tone of surprise?” One of them said.

“We do plenty of research, it’s part of our business,” said the other.

“We had to know if he was playing an epic prank on us or not.” The first finished.  

“But how?” the blonde girl asked.  

With a sigh, Regulus gave them the same abridged version he had given the twins.  They had died, gone to some sort of purgatory, Sirius had arrived through the veil, the veil had failed to close properly, and the three had escaped.  The table was sitting in silence, obviously digesting the news, when there was a sudden sound from the hallway.  For a moment, there was the sound of many footsteps and the door opening, and then the sound was eclipsed by the sound of Walburga Black’s screaming.  

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#good slytherins #regulus black #regulus deserved better #sirius black #remus lupin #background wolfstar #mrs. weasley #molly weasley #fred weasley #george weasley #fred and george #fluer delacour #bill weasley #tonks #the weasleys #hermione granger #grimmauld place #the order of the phoenix #fanfic #harry potter #fan fiction #multichapter #chapter 15

[desperationandgin]

Deep As The Road is Long (Part I, Chapter 5)

Rating: General Audiences

Also Read On: AO3

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Try, try, try just a little bit harder So I can love, love, love him, I tell myself Well, I'm gonna try, just a little bit harder So I can't give, give, give, give him to nobody else.

August 2015

It takes five weeks to know. Five weeks of trying not to dwell on test results and failing miserably. Five weeks of waking up in a cold sweat and needing to watch Faith breathe. Thirty-five days to know the stem cells took. No more treatments, the port in her chest removed. There’s remission for now, but Jamie decides they’re staying put for a while; he won’t leave it to a doctor back home to look for any signs of cancer when he already has the best right where they are. If something happens to Faith, she needs Claire. And so Jamie decides they’ll stay for a year, and after that, fly back annually for checkups as long as it takes.

For now, all Claire hears is that they’re staying. As he leaves the last check-up for a while with Faith, he mentions he’s getting more furniture so the next time she comes over for chicken nugget stars, it’ll be fancier. It makes her smile to know he wants her to visit again; he’s on her mind, always, somehow. She’s met other parents, other single fathers, even. But she’s never met someone like Jamie before. Confident, playful, strong, with the ability to be incredibly sensitive. Now that he’s sleeping, now that there are more reasons to smile, she sees more of that, and she sees it in Faith, too. How easily she laughs, the way the dark circles under her eyes are slowly disappearing. These are people who’ve invited her into their lives beyond the doctoring, and she can’t stop thinking about them.

That may be why, as she shops for herself, she comes up with an idea of something Jamie should have in his home. Good music, on actual albums, not just on his phone. She narrows everything down in her shopping cart to just two things: An honest to God record player and a Janis Joplin album. A compilation. One with the song Try. It’s a good record; she stands by it and takes both gifts with her the next time she’s invited to dinner.

When Jamie lets her inside, the first thing she notices is that he’s shaved; he’s always had some sort of facial hair, but there’s less now, it’s neater and his curly hair is a bit shorter. He’s also in more than just jeans and a t-shirt. Well, he’s still in jeans, but they’re his actual size, they’re nicer, and the shirt is fitted. She can see, clearly, every muscle in his upper arms.

Christ, how did a bookseller get so fit?

“What’s all this?” he asks, moving to relieve her of her packages.

“A gift. For you. A housewarming gift, really,” she explains, stumbling a bit for God knows what reason. Thankfully, Faith is a good distraction, immediately wrapping herself around Claire for a hug. She’s still so slight that Claire lifts her easily and makes her way back to the couch, sitting with an exaggerated sigh, as if Faith weighs more. “You’re definitely eating all of the good food I told you to,” she praises.

Faith nods with a grin, then gestures toward the kitchen. “We made dinner and it’s no’ chicken nuggets this time.”

“It’s not?” Claire asks curiously. “What are we having that smells so delicious?”

“ Pizza! Our very own and now ye have to pick toppings to make yours.”

Claire lets herself be led by the hand toward the kitchen as she glances back at Jamie with a wide smile. Soon, her own pizza is being slid into an oven next to his while he pulls Faith’s out to cool. Letting the little girl lead the conversation mostly results in Claire being told tales filtered down through her father about Highland cows and all the animals of Lallybroch missing her. Glances are shared between Jamie and Claire; her silently hoping they decide to stay here in Boston for good, him wondering if one day he might be able to show her all the things Faith describes.

Once everyone’s pizza is ready (Claire’s toppings: cheese, green bell pepper, and pepperoni. Jamie’s: everything but the kitchen sink. Faith’s: Plain cheese.) they sit at the new dining room table, and now it’s Claire’s turn to talk when Faith begins asking her all sorts of questions. Where her favorite place ever to go is (The Museum of Fine Arts on a rainy day), if she has any pets (no, she isn’t home enough and it wouldn’t be fair) and whether or not she’s ever seen a double rainbow (very regrettably no).

Jamie’s pleased at the mild interrogation, filing some information away and realizing she’s hard to stop looking at as she engages with his daughter. She’s open as a book, not holding anything back, which is why he leans over and whispers in Faith’s ear. The little girl beams and looks at Jamie, who nods, and then her grin is turned to Claire.

“Doctor Claire, what’s yer favorite breakfast?”

It’s such an innocent question from the mouth of five-year-old, and yet when Claire’s eyes meet Jamie’s she can just about feel the heat from her cheeks fill the room. Clearing her throat, her mouth opens, then closes. What a clever bastard.

“Well. I don’t always sit down for a proper breakfast. Most of the time I eat yogurt or a piece of fruit...”

“How boring for ye,” Jamie interjects cooly, pretending to buff his nails on his jeans.

“...But I like pancakes with syrup and bacon.”

“That’s good! I like my pancakes wi’ chocolate chips in them,” Faith informs her.

“Well, I’ll have to find someone who makes really good chocolate chip pancakes and hope they invite me to breakfast,” is the natural reply.

“Daddy can!”

“Mo bheannachd, I’m honored ye think my cooking is so good, but I have no’ made pancakes in a long while. They would be all funny shapes, I reckon. And now it’s time for ye to go change for bed. Go on,” he says, nodding toward her room. He does pull her close for a quick kiss to the forehead before she disappears down the hallway.

Clearing her throat, Claire stands as well. “I’ll help you clean up.”

“Hold on,” Jamie decides, getting up as well and walking toward the gift sitting on the coffee table. “I’m a wee bit curious.” Not waiting on her to give her blessing, Jamie opens the record player first, then the record and looks at it with a curious smile. “Janis Joplin?”

“Her voice was made to be listened to on vinyl. It’s a good record,” Claire defends, watching as Jamie begins to take the player out of the box.

“It’s only that I never thought of ye as the type, is all,” Jamie shrugs, plugging in the record player. “I thought of ye more as a…’slow jazz with a glass of wine’ sort.”

For a moment, Claire doesn’t say anything, and then she finds her voice. “You think of me?”

Now, it’s his turn to avoid looking at her, but the tips of his ears pink nicely. As he unwraps the record, he nods a little. “Aye. I do.”

Before they get much further than that, Faith comes back in, dressed in soft pink pajamas with Care Bears on them, pink slippers on her feet. “Can Doctor Claire tuck me in?”

It’s a small request, but one that feels like a high honor as Claire looks at Jamie, trying to be sure it’s alright if she says yes.

“I think that’s up to Doctor Claire, mo ghaol.”

Two sets of eyes look at her now, one hoping, one curious, and she smiles softly, nodding. “Of course I can. I would be happy to.” Reaching out, Faith’s hand curls into hers and Claire’s heart feels like it very well might burst. Children trust her to make them well, parents put all of their hope into her, but the innocence of this, that even outside of the hospital Faith trusts Claire, means something else on perhaps a different scale. It’s bigger than medicine and healing, whatever it is. She can’t quite name it. In Faith’s room, she helps her to bed and there’s Trunky, waiting to be received, and Claire tucks him in right beside her.

“Goodnight, Doctor Claire,” Faith says with a small grin, snuggling under her sheets and blanket.

“Sweet dreams, Faith,” she murmurs, reaching out to stroke her forearm softly. It’s different, watching her drift off, comfortable in her own bed, warm, taken care of. Claire never gets to see this part, the after, and it takes her breath away. When she seems to be at least dozing lightly, Claire rises and makes her way into the living room as the first strains of Little Girl Blue filter from the record player. She knows the song, knows it as something a bit melancholy. But she watches Jamie, standing there and listening to the sultry, scratchy voice of Janis Joplin sing about being unhappy. As soon as he’s aware of her, Jamie looks up, then extends his hand.

She’s drawn to him without more prompting and takes his offer. Before she can register it, she’s dancing with him in a slow sway to words about raindrops and sadness. It’s a slow dance, one where they barely move, but she’s very aware of him, the smell of his aftershave and soap where her head rests on his shoulder. Eventually, the song fades into another, but for a long while, they don’t move until she realizes they’re standing completely still, arms wrapped around one another. Raising her head, she looks up just as his head dips and his lips graze hers. It’s a soft kiss, but one she feels blossom deep in her belly. She lets herself get lost in the way she feels right now, in how he feels, the way her body naturally curves to his and there’s no question about how they fit together. Without thinking much about it, Claire’s lips part, inviting him to kiss her deeper, until she realizes what she’s doing.

Kissing a patient’s father.

Breaking the moment by ducking her head, she takes a few deep breaths and lets them out softly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t, it’s… it could be seen as unethical because I’m treating your daughter.”

Immediately, Jamie lets her go, rubbing a hand over his mouth. “I dinna… I dinna want to make ye uncomfortable.”

“It isn’t that, Jamie, it’s not. With Faith as my patient, it just. It clouds things. My judgment,” she explains, and it isn’t a total lie. Though she’s already so attached to that little girl, kissing her father likely doesn’t matter much as far as judgment goes. Still, Claire clears her throat. “I should go.”

Reaching out, Jamie stops the record and nods. “Thank ye. For the gift. I suppose I’ll need to go buy more records,” he says with a gentle smile, trying to ease her, trying to keep her from thinking it’s too awkward now for her to ever return. It’s not the first time in his life he’s been turned down, but it is the first time he’s left feeling dizzy by everything he just felt but can’t have.

“There’s a great place about a mile from here. Huge selection. Something better than old Janis Joplin songs, maybe,” Claire explains as she walks toward the door, semi-apologizing for her selection.

“Something better? I think I have a new favorite song,” he decides.

One he can listen to and remember the way she felt as she pressed close.

Next Chapter

#outlander fic #outlander #jamie x claire #jamie fraser #claire fraser #datril #deep as the road is long #you should listen to little girl blue

[formerprincess]

A tale written with fangs and claws || Chapter 55

Chapters: 55/? Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken, Corey Bryant/Mason Hewitt Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant, Nolan (Teen Wolf) Additional Tags: Alpha Liam Dunbar, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Dunbar Pack, Bisexual Liam Dunbar, Werewolf Theo Raeken, Alpha Theo Raeken, Canon-Typical Violence, Smut, Mates, Liam and Theo are mates, Top Theo Raeken, Bottom Theo Raeken, Top Liam, Bottom Liam Dunbar Series: Part 1 of Morning Dew Pack

Now that Theo knows about the house he and Liam can mend their relationship. Happy times ensue.

_______________________________________________________________

“Tell me again how you got the house.” Theo pressed a kiss on top of Liam’s hair and then leaned his forehead against his boyfriend’s temple. He had his arm wrapped around Liam’s shoulders while the couple cuddled in the backseat of the truck after their passionate encounter. Only dressed in boxers this was quite cozy, Liam had to admit. He chuckled. “Didn’t I tell you before?” “I was distracted by this awesome house. Don’t blame me for that. Next time you jump something like that on me, maybe plan this beforehand.” “I doubt there will ever be something as big as this.” “You could bring a kid in the relationship.” Theo shrugged. Liam was stunned. “I thought you didn’t want kids or were not sure about wanting at least.” Theo shrugged again and looked over to the house. “I’m still not sure but we have to fill all those rooms when everybody moves into their own places.” “But we don’t have to fill it with kids.” Liam shook his head and cuddled closer to Theo. “We have all the time in the world for that. For now, let us just enjoy the thought of moving into our new home soon.” Theo smiled softly. “It’s kinda funny. You know how everybody has this image about their future, how they want it to look, no matter how distorted that image might be. If I had to choose a house for my future, I would have picked a house like that, surrounded by nature and so very beautiful.” “You’re turning into a softy,” Liam mocked Theo but he meant it with all the love and respect in the world. Theo knew that and he just teasingly poked Liam into the ribs as retaliation. The Alpha yelped and slapped his mate’s hand away. “Also, I already brought a kid in this relationship. His name is Landon.” “Ah yes, the mini-version of you.” “He is not a mini-version of me.” “Oh, he is. You two are so much alike, it’s heartwarming to see.” “I just want the best for him and his future. If the works here are done, I want him to pick all the furniture he wants for his new room. He may live with Byron and Lana but he should know he also has a home here. And it will be a room suited for a child.” “A good plan,” Theo nodded and stroked over Liam’s arm. “Back to my original request, tell me the story, in full detail now. Don’t be shy.” “I searched online for all kind of realty and came across this agency. They are specialized in finishing houses the way the buyer wants and I liked their past projects so I contacted them. After a phone call and a visit to their office, they accepted me as their client and searched for houses with my preferences. Big gardens, enough rooms, not too luxurious. I didn’t want a mansion.” “Maybe I’d have wanted a mansion with a big pool,” Theo joked. “The house has a pool,” Liam dryly remarked and started to laugh when Theo looked absolutely flabbergasted. “I’m not kidding, there’s a pool in the garden. I have no idea how the original builders planned on doing the thing, seems they started with the fun things first.” He shrugged. “You mean to tell me, our new house has its own pool?” “And a whirlpool.” “And a what??” “Halfway done but it’s there and we decided not to waste the outlets.”

Theo narrowed his eyes at Liam. “How much did you play for this house?” “Let’s say it that way, the amount would have normally made me dizzy but it was not nearly as much as I feared it would be. I even could add some more money to the future fund and the everyday fund. Like I said, if the house would have been finished, it would have been expensive. But with so much work left to do, it was cheap. Cheap for everything you get, I mean.” “Anyway, you hired the agency to look for the perfect house - they did a remarkable job there - and they found you this? Then what?” “I got some information on the house and then I drove here to visit it with the agency lady. Told you about the feeling I had when I saw it. The more she showed me, the more I needed to buy this house. We made a project contract. I paid half of the price in advance, the other half will get payed after everything is done. Which reminds me: I bought this house for us. I want you to own it as much as I do. Wasn’t kidding when I said it’s our money.” “Yeah, I know.” Theo turned his head and kissed Liam’s temple. Liam let himself enjoy the caress for a while, then his stomach grumbled. “Have not eaten much in the morning and I’m starving. Aren’t you hungry?” “I am,” Theo confessed. “Something to eat sounds fine.”

****** They had decided on fries and now sat on the tailgate of the truck in the parking lot of the nearest fast food place a big serving of fries between them.  “When Sadie complained about you being picky, you already had this house, right?” Theo questioned and loaded a few fries with ketchup before guiding them to his mouth. Liam would forever question how his boyfriend managed that without dripping ketchup on his shirt. Even physics loved Theo, it was unbelievable.  “I am committed to surprises, what can I say?” Liam shrugged. “She later apologized for being overbearing. Mike seemingly told her in not so kind words how pretentious it was for assuming I am going to pay for everything. She didn’t mean to come off as leech but I said I’d pay for a new house. It was a part misunderstanding, part annoyance with the current situation. I was just glad to clear the air with her and Mike as well.” “You did pay for a new house, she just doesn’t know it yet.” He sighed. “I know, T.” Stuffing a few fries in his mouth, Liam chewed and considered what was still going to happen to the house. Still so much to do. “I just hope the workers finish fastly and we can move in as soon as possible,” he finally said after he swallowed.  “Liam, you did everything you could. Now we just have to wait as long as it takes. Compared to the thought of forever living on Isaac's couch, this is a piece of cake.”

Theo used a napkin to wipe his greasy fingers and looked around. “Such a pretty car,” he suddenly exclaimed and Liam curiously leaned forward to see what car his mate had spotted.  A beautiful black antique car, convertible hood pulled back because of the warm weather, stood at the stoplight and waited for the green light. It was brightly polished and Liam had no idea about cars but it looked in good condition. He glanced at Theo. “I wasn’t aware you’re into cars.” “I’m not.” The twenty-two-year-old shook his head. “But those cars are beauties and very impressive. I’d love to drive one of those.” “Well, why don’t you?” The looked Theo gave him bordered on scandalized. “Do you have any idea how expensive those cars are? Not so much the cars itself but all the parts. If you have such a car you either take extremely good care of it or you don’t care about it at all and that would be a total waste of money. But most parts are not even available commercially and you need a special merchant for it. Keep in mind those cars are not made for today’s time.” Okay, Liam had not known that. He hesitated. “I didn’t know that, no.” “Always happy to educate you.” Theo reached out, just to be an ass, and petted Liam’s hair. The smirk on his face quickly turned into a frown when Liam pushed him off the tailgate. He sat on the ground and glared at the young Alpha who just smirked himself and slipped off the tailgate. “I’m going to get a milkshake, want something too, honey?” “Don’t call me honey, I hate that nickname. It’s okay when your mother says it but I don’t need it from my partner. Strawberry.” “You want your new nickname to be strawberry?” Liam teased and giggled when Theo threw a napkin at him. The older had gotten to his feet again and was gathering the garbage from the tailgate. He threw it away while Liam went into the restaurant to order their shakes. 

He just had accepted the little cardboard tray with their order when his phone rang and Liam fumbled to open the door, not drop the tray, and pull his phone out of his pocket. “Hello?” “Hello Mr. Dunbar, this is Peyton Russo.” She was the interior manager responsible for the new house.  “Oh, hey, Mrs. Russo, what’s up?” “I’m just calling to inform you the white low couch you picked out is out of stock.” “That’s unfortunate.” Liam had picked the couch for the gallery and it had already been his second choice. He originally went for a dark blue one, exactly the shade of color Theo favorited, but it had been out of stock as well.  Theo curiously tilted his head when Liam now made his way over and Liam drew a tiny house in the air to make him realize what the call was about. Theo raised both eyebrows in acknowledgment and accepted the tray from him.  “But, here are the good news, I found another company who has almost the same couch and it is in the shade you wanted from the beginning. I sent you the pictures to your email, just give me a quick okay and I can pursue it.” “That is cool, thank you so much. I will check it out as soon as I can. Thank you, Mrs. Russo.” “It is my pleasure. I’ll keep you updated on the progress.” Liam hummed and she ended the call. When he pocketed his phone, he smiled at Theo and Theo laughed. “You’re happy!” “Hm, how could I not? Everything turns out exactly how I wanted it to be.” “That sounds perfect.” Theo handed Liam his banana shake and took a sip of his own. Liam watched him but made no move to drink himself. Theo frowned. He didn’t need to voice his question, the young Alpha already knew.  “The most perfect thing is I have you by my side. Roughly a year ago Maya asked if I was okay with her setting up a date for you and I told her we would never be more than friends. I was never happier about being wrong,” he explained. Theo took his sweet time swallowing his sip. “Instead of going on that date, I should have grabbed you and kiss you but I was scared. I was just as wrong as you.” Liam wrapped one arm around Theo and nuzzled his neck. “Glad we could turn it around,” he muttered against the skin and pressed his lips down. Theo sighed happily and his hand slipped in the back pocket of Liam’s jeans to squeeze his ass. 

****** Liam hummed to himself when he cut cucumber and stole some sliced to pluck into his mouth. After their visit to the fast-food place, Theo and he had taken a trip to the grocery store to buy food and now they were in Isaac’s kitchen and prepared dinner together. It was a rare occasion for the two of them to cook together but it was nice nonetheless. 

Theo stepped behind him and wrapped both arms around Liam. “Aren’t you supposed to cut tomatoes?” The young Alpha questioned teasingly but Theo just tightened his hold. “That can wait. This is more important.” He nuzzled Liam’s neck and kissed his shoulder. “I love you so much.” The pack wasn’t at home anyway so yes, food could wait. Liam wiped his hands off and leaned against Theo. “I love you too. This day, just us, was needed.” “You can say that. I hated this void between us. It was killing me.” He loosened his grip and Liam could turn around in the embrace to wrap both arms around his mate’s neck.  “Me too. But we made up and it’s all good now. Soon we can move into our new house, with our own room again. I am excited about that one.”

He kissed Theo, fingers momentarily tightened in his boyfriend’s hair, and Theo pressed closer to him. His lips parted when Theo nibbled on it and he used his hold in Theo’s hair to pull him even closer. His eyes had closed the moment their lips touched first but this was all instinct by now. Liam knew what he liked and what drove Theo wild, which spots o pay close attention to, where to grab or bite. And he trusted Theo so closing his eyes was never a problem, had not been a problem for years. The ex-chimera truly earned Liam’s trust and had never disappointed since he got it. 

Strong hands grabbed him by the thighs and lifted him up to sit him on the counter. Liam immediately wrapped his legs around Theo so his mate didn’t get the crazy idea of pulling away from him. With how easy it was, Theo followed willingly and leaned into the Alpha. His hands dipped under Liam’s shirt and ran over his spine, goosebumps followed in their wake.  Liam’s hands stroked from Theo’s hair to his neck, the other grasped at his shoulder and lower to grab Theo’s arm and pull it up so Theo’s hand rested on the inside of his thigh. His mate gave his leg a soft squeeze while his hand on Liam’s back dipped lower and his fingers played with the seam of Liam’s boxershorts peaking out from his jeans. He pulled from the kiss to give them both time to breathe but then pressed open-mouthed kisses over Liam’s neck. Liam tilted his head to the other side to give Theo more room to explore. 

“Hrm, hrm.” The Alpha Couple stilled. Oh, come on! “You are fucking cockblocks,” Theo complained when he slumped against Liam and hid his face against Liam’s shoulder. The young Alpha didn’t want to open his eyes but he knew he had to sooner or later and opened them. All his Betas stood in the kitchen and gave them amused looks.  “Nice to see you decided to make up and not kill each other,” Mason praised and shot his best friend a toothy grin.  Liam narrowed his eyes. “I agree with Theo, you are cockblocks. We didn’t think you would be home that early.” “Rather you forgot the time with your past time activities.” Maya chortled. “Just to be warned beforehand, did you fuck on the couch?” “We didn’t have sex in this apartment. We actually have regards to how close we all live together, you little shit.” Theo turned around and glared at her with not half the heat his words seemed to hold. She just gave him a thumbs up. Liam chuckled and loosely wrapped both arms around Theo’s shoulders. The way his boyfriend leaned against the counter and therefore against Liam put him in the perfect position to do so.  Nolan watched them and snorted. “Somebody ever told the two of you how picture-perfect you two look together? Theo looks on fleek most of the time anyway and you two together are just one of those perfect aesthetical couples.”  Sadie nodded. “Nolan’s right, you two even have the same color concept. And the worst part is, you don’t even realize it which makes it all even more perfect.” “We have a what now?” Liam never heard of this before. Mason had listened to Nolan and Sadie and now crossed his arms before he raised one hand and tipped against his chin with his index finger. “Yeah, I can see that. Theo’s favorite color is blue and the darker shades of blue on top of that. Liam likes muted colors more. He has bright colored clothes but I personally know he prefers dark red or blue, green. Theo is more daring in colors but he favorites the muted ones as well.” “And since becoming a couple they never wore things which clashed in color,” Sadie added. “Also, their hair colors fit the aesthetic as well. Not too dark but also not too bright. Like Nols said, perfect aesthetical.” The couple stayed silent and let that sink in. Then Theo scoffed. “You three have lost your mind. How do you have time to think about that? You need a hobby!” “Don’t give them ideas, Dore. Although I agree, you three are nuts. We don’t have a color concept as a couple.” Liam shook his head. 

****** “I see your Full House, Mickey, and raise you to my Straight Flush which means I win! Pay up!” Theo threw his cards on the table and raised both hands in victory while he leaned back in his chair.  Mike stared at the cards then he groaned. “You can’t be serious! Is there any game you’re not good at?”  Theo laughed. “Told you I’m good at Poker. Shouldn't have put it to the test.” He reached out and gathered the candy on the table. The pack sat together and took turns in playing Poker. Since nobody wanted to play for real money, Tim had suggested candy as stake. They all participated in playing but it was crystal clear Theo was the best of them all. Probably because he had the best poker face of the group. He even cracked Mike, Maya, and Isaac.  “I’d like to believe you’re cheating but then again, I’m not good at Poker so you probably won fair and square.” Lori had tried her luck and failed miserably in the first round, therefore, decided to be a spectator rather than a player.  “T doesn’t cheat, he is naturally good at those games.” Liam eyed the amount of candy on the table and made a lazy attempt to grab one. Theo gave him a questioning look. “Which one?” “Taffee, please,” Liam ordered and his boyfriend handed him one of the desired candies over.  “If you want a rematch, I’m game,” Theo then offered Mike who grumbled.  “How with Liam eating the pool?” “I just asked for one taffy,” Liam mumbled because his mouth was occupied by the delicious candy.  “What about the licorice?” “Handed it over to Ever and Lori.” Ever raised one piece of licorice to confirm Liam’s statement and then took a bite from it. 

"We should have played Strip Poker, that would have been more interesting,” Mike mumbled quietly. Brett hooted. “That would have been awesome, yeah.” “The night’s still young.” Cade shrugged.  “If you’re so wild on showing off your bodies, why don’t you guys make a sexy calendar for the pack?” Sadie suggested immediately. “Forget sexy firemen, we have our sexy pack mates.”  Mason made a gurgling sound when he sipped his lemonade at the moment of Sadie’s offer and had to slap his hand in front of his mouth to avoid spluttering his drink over the table.  “Mason, you’re okay?” Nolan asked alarmed. The emissary just coughed and wagged his hands around while he nodded.  “He would totally put this calendar on his wall,” Corey translated dryly, “I would too. “Seriously? I would get nightmares,” Maya mocked the male members of the core pack and got very indignantly replies yelled in her face. She laughed. “I mean, I didn’t see all of you without shirts on, the only ones I have seen are Theo and Liam, both even completely naked, but I’d say you others are not really cut out for Mr. September.” “First of all, I may not be a total beefcake but I’m in shape, okay? I would be good as Mr. September,” Cade declared, “Then, when have you seen Theo and Liam totally naked?” He sounded slightly disturbed and not sure if he really wanted to know the answer. Sadie took it upon herself to answer. “Theo when he shifted in the campus parking lot and Liam after he showed us he too could shift into a real wolf.” “Please, explain further I shifted in the parking lot because we were tracking a wendigo! I do not shift randomly to parade around naked!” Theo cried out and they all laughed.  “Liam I also saw naked, Theo happened before I became part of the pack, right?” Ever realized. Upon Caden’s funny look she grinned and put a hand on his leg. “Both could not compare to you. Because, Maya, I have to agree with him, my boyfriend looks amazing.” She kissed him under the wolf whistles of the pack.

Liam sat in his chair and observed his pack. Since he had announced his new fortune, the mood had been better. Yes, they all wanted a new home, but the spirit was higher. It had been the good news they all needed and now they were able to goof around, talk about sexy calendars and stuff. He still hoped the house would be finished soon and he could announce moving day, but for now, this was as good as it could get.  Theo leaned closer to him and kissed his jaw. “In thoughts, baby?” “Just thinking about how happy we are at the moment and how it’s only getting better,” he whispered back and leaned further into his boyfriend. It was natural to search Theo out since they had been at the house together, he didn’t want any separation between them again.  “Hm, can’t wait.” Theo suckled in Liam’s earlobe and tugged on it with his teeth. A shiver ran down Liam’s spine and then a second one when he heard his mate’s low chuckle because of that.  “What do you say about paying a visit to the truck before sleeping?” Theo asked quietly and Liam bit his lower lip. That was soo tempting...

“Liam, Theo, stop whispering cute things into each other’s ears and pay attention to us. We want to play another round!” Ever called. Theo sighed but then straightened his back. “Bold of you to assume those were cute things.” He smirked. Liam laughed. “You walked into that one, Hecate.” She rolled her eyes but smiled in the end. “You really want to play again? We all know I’m going to win anyway but okay, your choice!” Theo shrugged. Liam smiled and put one arm on the backrest of Theo’s chair. When offered cards, he raised his hand and shook it. “I’m fine with watching and being your biggest fan.” “Okay.” Theo smiled at him. “Let’s start playing, I want some more candy.”

****** The days were just passing by without anything important happening. No hyenas back in town or other supernatural baddies lurking around. They all could focus on college and still finding a new place to live. To keep the surprise, Liam didn’t keep his Betas from finding new places and looking into realty but he proceeded to turn everything down. 

And then one day he got the call he had been waiting for. It was a short call but enough to put the biggest smile on Liam’s face. It had happened on his way home and he had taken a detour to gather the sale contract (thank god he had been alone or the surprise would have been ruined). When he finally made it into Isaac’s apartment, he found Theo alone at the living room table and marched over. “You are in a fantastic mood,” Theo realized and pushed his chair away from the table so Liam could sit on his lap.  “Hm.” Liam wrapped one arm around Theo’s shoulder. “Got a call from the agency, the workers are done,” he whispered into his mate’s ear.  A few seconds passed, then Theo beamed at him. “Really? Already? That is awesome!” “Oh yeah, sooner than expected but this is more than just amazing. I cannot stop smiling.” He pecked Theo’s lips. “We have a new home.” “We do.” Theo smiled and leaned his forehead against Liam’s. “I can understand why this makes you so happy. When will you tell the Betas?” “I thought we’ll wait for this Friday. That way we have the whole weekend to settle in the house and buy all the stuff for the bedrooms.” “Yeah, yeah, good idea.” Theo tightened his hold on Liam’s and kissed him. “Fuck, this is the best news!”

“You two lovebirds are always whispering recently. What’s up with that?” Brett had wandered into the kitchen and looked over to them.  “We just decided on a date night tomorrow,” Liam said, “The last one had been way too long ago.”  “Ah, well, in that case, continue with your pink lovely world.” Brett grinned and disappeared into the guest room again.  Theo chuckled. “We have a date night tomorrow?” Liam grinned. “Now we have one.”

****** Next day found Liam dressed in dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt under a black leather jacket leaned against the wall outside of the bathroom. “Theo, seriously, hurry! I’m getting impatient!” He called out for his mate. The older took his time tonight and it made Liam’s skin crawl. He had plans tonight and while they didn’t have to be somewhere at a special time, he still wanted to go.  Mason leaned on the opposite wall and grinned at his best friend. “Your man is a tiny bit vain, isn’t he?” “You take just as long to get ready, Mase!”  “I do not. I just get distracted easily.” “Sure.” Liam shook his head and laughed.

And then the bathroom door opened and Theo finally stepped out of the bathroom. "I am not vain, I just have to keep up with Liam!” The Alpha felt his cheeks burning from the compliment and he just made some uncertain sounds. His boyfriend wore black jeans and a grey shirt underneath a dark blue cardigan and wow, he looked fantastic. Mason shook his head when he saw Liam’s blush. “One would think after living together for years and being mated for over half a year, you have gotten used to this. Now go off and have fun, don’t forget protection, my young ducklings.” “I hate you,” Liam mumbled when his cheeks burned even brighter. Theo just had looked at him and smiled the private smile only reserved for Liam. It made his heart rate accelerate more than naked Theo could do.  “Y...Yeah, let’s go. Bye, Mason.” Liam took Theo’s hand and pulled him out of the apartment. 

“I have a surprise waiting for you outside,” he told Theo in the elevator. Theo looked curious but when he stepped outside and saw the highly polished oldtimer convertible parked in front of the house, he drew in a sharp breath.  “Liam!” “It’s rented.” Liam knew where Theo’s mind had gone. “There is a company where you can rent oldtimers for 24 hours and it’s not that expensive. I thought it would be nice for you to drive around during our date. Even though the other car we saw was black and this one is midnight blue as I was told, I hope you don’t mind.” “I don’t mind, I don’t mind? This car is as beautiful as the other one and I get to drive it! I would drive this car if it was pink! Give me the keys.” Theo had switched into an excited young man and when Liam threw him the keys he all but ran to get into the driver’s seat. That alone was enough for Liam to consider this date one of the best they ever had and it had only just begun. He followed his partner into the car. The fawn leather seats were comfy and he leaned back with a sigh. Theo ran his hand over the steering wheel in wonder and then looked at Liam. “Where to? You said you had plans, right?” “How about a private house tour?” Liam suggested with a soft smile. It only intensified when Theo beamed at him, leaned over the console to kiss Liam, and started the car. “Wow, do you hear that Liam? The engine sounds so smooth!”

Theo continued to praise the car for the whole drive and Liam just leaned back and enjoyed his boyfriend so happy and excited. Theo’s green eyes sparkled and he rarely talked that much about something in one go. He could have spent hours listening to Theo talk. His mom had once said she was falling more and move in love with her husband every day and now Liam discovered the same with his mate. 

He was also curious about what Theo would say to the now finished house. It looked different, Liam knew that, and he really hoped his pack would appreciate the choices he made. When they parked in front of the house, Liam vibrated out of his skin with excitement once again.  He unlocked the door and let Theo step in first.  “Oh my god, Liam.” The wall on the right and leading up the stairs had been decorated with pictures from the pack. Vegas was there, the lake, Christmas, New York, a few from them just hanging out. They were either framed with silver or blue frames yet the wall was still relatively empty.  “Those are just some I had on my phone. We can put the pictures you guys have there as well, it’s just a start.”  Theo stepped closer to two pictures. “Is that...?” “Our graduation,” Liam finished the sentence. It had Mason, Corey, Nolan, Theo, and Liam all in their red robes and smiling brightly in the camera in the first picture, in the second picture they all held out their diplomas and made silly faces. Theo chuckled.  “Memories,” he muttered. 

He then continued walking around and stopped at the reading corner on the left. The shelves were now fully stocked with books, there was a comfy looking wing chair in the corner and next to it a tall lamp. Somewhat further into the middle of the niche, the dark blue low couch Liam had decided on had found its place. Enough place for several people to read and relax. 

The kitchen had not changed that much but Liam knew the closed shelves were stocked with food, cutlery, and dishes, enough for the whole pack. The windows were freshly cleaned as well and let in the evening light perfectly. 

And then Theo saw the room which had been completely empty when he been to the house for the first time, the living room. Paint buckets and ladders had made room for two big couches, one facing the flatscreen above the fireplace directly, the other facing the window front. A smaller couch and several ottomans were places around the room to give enough seats for everyone. Next to the fireplace stood a chess table. The furniture was kept in a very light grey tone, almost white, and had dark blue pillows as an accent. The couch table in the middle was black and a soft blue carpet beneath the couches and the table completed the picture. Theo gaped at the room.  "I picked out the colors and the grey spoke to me, I don’t really know why. It is soft but not cold, you know? Guess that’s why. And the black table was a recommendation from Mrs. Russo. It was great working with her and see my fantasies come to life,” Liam babbled and stopped when he saw Theo looking at him. “You’re looking at me the same way you looked at me at the zoo when I talked about Mykonos.” “Because I am just as impressed as I was back then. You’re good at this whole interior design stuff, you realized that?” Liam blushed again. “I had help.” Theo shook his head. “Don’t be so humble and take the compliment.” He cupped Liam’s face. “You’re definitively in charge of the interior for our coffee shop.” And he kissed Liam to stop further discussions.  Liam pulled him closer and returned the kiss softly. In his head, he was dancing happily that Theo liked what he picked out. 

“Want to go upstairs and see the gallery?” He asked when they stopped kissing. Theo licked his lips and shook his head. “I want to see the pool.”  He let go off Liam and opened the door to step outside. The garden was not finished and probably would not be in the nearest future but Liam considered that a pack project. The only things completely finished were the patio they currently stood on, the pool area, and the whirlpool. 

The patio had beautiful wooden flooring and a big seating area on one side, with a white fireplace right in the middle to huddle around and sit there, even during the winter, and a barbecue. The couches were white with brownish-red wood. On the other side of the patio was a round metallic table and chairs for having breakfast in the summer or playing board games. Liam was sure his friends would find a good use for the table.  Five steps led from the patio to the rectangle-shaped pool, currently covered so the water didn’t get dirty. The pool area was also had wooden flooring but it was slightly brighter than the patio itself. Liam had decided on it because it was advertised as warm wood when the sun shined on it and perfect for pools.  The only thing not covered with wood was the whirlpool area. Large quarry tiles led from the pool to the right down a few more steps and there was the pool, outside covered with grey stones. A stone wall had been built around half of the pool to shield it from the house and give the people in the pool some more privacy. Liam saw the way Theo’s eyes darkened mischievously. It was clear they would use the pool for good at least once.  “Want to take a dip?” He inquired and Theo laughed.  “I am tempted but not tonight. I mean, it is there, we don’t want to waste it.” “No, we don’t want that.” The couple smirked at each other and Liam winked at his mate. 

He took Theo’s hand in his and they left the pool behind them while they wandered into the house and upstairs. The gallery area was kept in the same colors as the living room. Like Liam had said on their first trip here, the shelves were placed along the wall, comfy seats and overstuffed benches were placed in the middle of the gallery, a large desk stood right against the banister to get all the light from the big windows. Modern stereo equipment had been installed between two shelves. Enough to either sit and read comfortably or get some work done or listen to some music. Sleek floor lamps made sure you got enough light even when the sun had disappeared. 

“That’s all furnished right now. The bedrooms are empty and so is the gym, I wanted to decide with all of you what to get. There are other rooms down in the basement currently empty, we have to decide what to do with them. Mrs. Russo suggested a playroom? With a pool table, maybe a little bar, a poker table. But I wasn’t sure and didn’t think it was important right now.” “We have all the time in the world to figure that out, you said it yourself. You managed to create a home where we all can live and have everything we need to live a happy life. And you wonderfully implemented the more luxurious aspects like the pools into this home. Do we need a whirlpool? No. Will we have sex in this pool? Bet on it. Is this the greatest thing ever? It sure is.” He had to laugh at Theo’s excitement. “The pool really settles it for you, huh?” “I like the pool. Especially for us wolves, it is nice to have quick cool down on a hot day and the core pack is quite large, we don’t have to worry about disturbing anybody now. And the whirlpool, well, it gives me ideas.” “I bet I know your ideas.” Liam snickered. He knew Theo after all. “Is sex in a whirlpool on your bucket list or something?” Theo’s smile turned a bit more lewdly. “Since we got together my bucket list grew. There are things I’m planning on doing with you, sweetheart,” he declared huskily and it went straight to Liam’s core. Hot lust mixed with incredible fondness and love for the older man stirred up inside him and his eyes flashed. Theo’s eyes flashed in return and he smirked, exposed the hint of sharp teeth.

The mated couple stared at each other for a while until Liam cleared his throat. If they kept this up they would land in the pool or against a flat surface sooner than later and he had other plans for now. “I, uhm, I brought some picnic. Just some snacks.” He pointed at the picnic basket he had placed on the table earlier when he went to fetch the oldtimer. 

“Well, in that case, let’s sit and eat, shall we?” Theo smiled at him, grabbed the basket, and settled on one of the couches with Liam. It was not much Liam had packed, just some cucumber slices, tomatoes, little meatballs. And: “I thought we should toast to our new home but didn’t think we would like wine so I brought beer.” He pulled the two bottles out. “Want some music?” He stood up and walked to the stereo to turn it on a random channel. Soft instrumental music started to play and for background noise, this was good enough. 

When he walked back to Theo, his boyfriend had taken the black document folder out of the basket and turned it in his hands. “Liam, what is this?” “It’s the sales contract for the house. I bought this house but I said it when I talked about the money being ours. I bought it with our money so I want your signature on the contract as well. I want the house to belong to both of us.” Theo stared at him thunderstruck. “Liam, I can’t do that.” He grimaced.  “Why not?” Liam asked softly. “You agreed when I said the money is our money. We are mates, the house should belong to us both. The Alpha Couple giving their Betas a new home. I don’t see any reason why you can’t sign the contract.” Theo worried his lip with his teeth and flicked the folder open. Liam reached into the basket and pulled out the elegant ballpen he had borrowed from Isaac. He held it out for Theo but said nothing to not pressure his partner. If Theo really declined, he would accept it, no matter how differently he thought about it. 

Theo stared at the contract Then he took the pen in his hand. “You are too good for this world but I am too selfish to say no,” he declared and put his name next to Liam’s on the small line. Liam smiled warmly.  “You are not selfish, it is okay to want this. I offered it to you, you didn’t force me.” He kissed Theo’s cheek and then stored the contract back in the basket. When he turned his attention back to Theo, his boyfriend had a  weak smile on his face.  “Hey, you okay?” Liam put his arm around Theo’s waist. Theo huffed out a soft laugh. “I went from being homeless to a house owner. It’s a big step and a lot to wrap my head around.” He turned his head and looked at Liam. “But I am really, really happy.” He kissed Liam softly. Both men closed their eyes and enjoyed the soft display of love and affection. This was really one of the best, they both knew this. Tonight life was pretty much perfect and they were in their own romantic little bubble. After all those weeks, the pain and the fear, the reality of being homeless, they finally had a new place to live and start a new chapter in their lives.

Liam gasped in surprise when Theo suddenly took his hands and pulled him to his feet. He opened his eyes. “What are we doing?” “It’s a special occasion and we should do something we never did before. I can’t remember that we have ever slow-danced,” Theo explained his actions while he led Liam in front of the stereo. Liam laughed. “Oh my god, Theo.” “No complaints, puppy.” Theo pulled him closer and who was Liam kidding? Of course, wrapped his arms around Theo’s neck and pressed close to Theo. They began swaying and he leaned his head against his mate's shoulder.  “I love you so much,” Theo mumbled. “Thank you.”

****** Liam woke up and heard his cellphone ringing. He groaned and rubbed his eyes while he located his jacket on the floor and reached for it. Mason’s caller id flashed on the screen when he finally fumbled the phone out of his pocket and Theo behind him groaned. “Hello?” “Thank god, we thought you were kidnapped or something, Is Theo okay?” Mason didn’t even bother with a greeting.  “Yeah, he is.” Liam sat up and looked around. Theo had spooned him from behind, one arm over Liam’s hips after they had fallen asleep on the couch at on the gallery. The music was still playing in the background or had played before but Theo had now gotten up and turned it off. “We fell asleep.” “Did you sleep in the car? We were worried cause you didn’t come home after your date and we all agreed you would not take a hotel for the night.” “No, no hotel.” Liam yawned. “We will be home in a bit. Bye.” He hung up and ran a hand through his short hair.  Theo stretched. “Guess our pack missed us. Good to know we can’t stay away for one night. A nice feeling to know people notice your absence." “Yeah.” Liam yawned again. “I need coffee.” His shirt was rumpled from sleeping in it and Theo didn’t look much better. Well, as bad as Theo could look. Even in rumpled clothes, he looked like a supermodel.  "I didn’t expect our first night at the new house to take place on a couch yet again but okay.” Liam shrugged and Theo laughed.  “It’s a different couch than Isaac's and I slept well. That’s the important part, right?” “Right.” He checked his watch. “Fuck, we have to go and get change before classes start!”

****** Friday finally came and their classes dragged on and on. Liam waited eagerly for the college day to finally end so he could meet with his pack in the parking lot and then finally show them the house.  When it was finally time, he bounced on his feet and could not stand still while he waited. Brett who had been ordered to also meet them after his shift grinned. And he had brought Isaac with him who Liam also had kindly invited to tag along. “An excited Alpha puppy, would you look at that.” “I’m just in a good mood.” “You are in a good mood for several days now. Share your secret.” “Well, for once, a large part....” Liam gestured to Theo who leaned against his truck. “I have that one as my mate.” Theo smirked but any further praise of him was cut off by the rest of the pack arriving. 

“Okay, Lee, we are all here and you made it clear we should not have any other plans this weekend. What’s this about? We are too curious, we need to know,” Corey said. Liam grinned. “Just get into the cars and follow Theo’s truck. You will see soon enough.” “We’re going on a trip? But we didn’t pack,” Sadie mused. “Relax, Sadie, you won’t need fresh clothes for that one,” Theo promised. He tossed Liam the keys. “Here, do the honors. Drive.” “Oh, oh, it’s special when Theo lets Liam drive his baby,” Lori was stunned. But then she quickly climbed into the truck, just like everybody else. They all wanted to know what the big surprise was. 

On their way, they all tried to guess what it could be but funny enough none of them guessed the right thing. Either his pack didn’t even try to hope or the Alpha Couple became insanely good at covering things up. 

Then the house came into view and they all fell silent. Uncertain what to say. “Are we visiting someone?” Maya inquired. Theo and Liam shared a look and then parked in front of the large garage, capable of holding two cars inside next to each other. They all got out and the Betas still looked unsure what to make out of this.  Liam and Theo stepped on the front porch. “To answer the question, we are not visiting somebody.”  “But there was a sign regarding private property when we passed the gate,” Nolan chimed in. “Are we trespassing?”  “Guys, come on, you are not dumb. What do you think this is?” Cade shrugged. “A house to visit that could become the new pack house?” Maya shook her head and glanced up the house. Her eyes were a little bit glassy. “No, not a house that could be the new pack house.” She glanced at the other born werewolves in the pack and they all seemed to understand what the rest was missing. Lori finally clarified: “Guys, listen to your wolves. This is the new pack house. And it’s theirs.” She looked at the two Alphas and smiled shyly.  Liam raised his shoulders casually. “I hope you forgive me for sending you on a hunt to find new places only to turn them down but I had to stall in order to keep up the surprise. Yes, this is the house Theo and I bought. Took a while to get finished but now it’s almost done. Only the bedrooms are missing cause the plan was for each one of you to choose a room and then we go to IKEA and buy the furniture every single one of you wants,” he explained.  The pack stayed silent. Theo pointed at them. “That is the moment you should rejoice,” he prompted. 

Silence. 

And then...

Loud screaming and suddenly Alpha and Second Alpha found themselves in an ambush of happy Betas all yelling above each other, asking millions of questions, praising Liam and Theo, and just shouting their thoughts. This was probably the most uncoordinated pack hug they ever had and normal persons would probably stay back with broken ribs but Liam laughed freely and enjoyed the chaos. 

Theo unlocked the front door and then jumped aside last minute before he got run over by the pack. He almost landed in the bushes planted next to the front porch and only Liam’s grip on his arm kept him from it. The Alpha smirked at his mate and Theo flicked his nose in retaliation. And then they also stepped inside their new house.  They made their way to the kitchen and waited for them to calm down. It almost happened once but then Tim spotted the pool and a new wave of euphoria swept over the Betas.  “None of them is younger than twenty and they act like little kids. It will be fun to see Landon’s and Zack’s reaction,” Liam said thoughtfully.  Theo laughed. “They will be just as excited.” 

Excitement, the whole house burst with it. It was palpable and exactly what Liam had hoped for. The surprise was completely successful and it had been good he had waited until everything was finished. They could move in and finally be out of Isaac’s hair.  Only slowly the pack calmed down enough to gather everyone in the living room and have a conversation about the rooms. Liam started it. “To begin, we already chose a room for ourselves.” “Can I guess? The room up the second pair of stairs?” Mason said out loud.  Liam nodded. Maya awed. “The first time you didn’t want to take the biggest room and now you already decided on one. I am proud of you.” “What happened the first time?” Caden wanted to know.  “Mike and Sadie fought about the biggest room until Theo stated the biggest room was for the Alpha. Liam was very hesitant to accept it, only did in case he would find a mate and then could use the private bathroom. Which worked perfectly,” Ever explained and pointed at Theo.  “Good times,” Sadie said and smiled.  “A lot of good things happened in the first pack house. But now we have this house and we will make just as many good memories here if not more.” Liam was sure of that.  “Now, who gets which room?” Theo asked and started a loud argument over who and what and when and where and why. 

Tim was the only one who didn’t participate and just listened. Until he suddenly whistled. “Guys, can I say something? I get it, you all want your room to be the best but let’s face it, all rooms are amazing. However, there are two rooms on each side who share a bathroom each. Does it not make more sense when one of the couples takes two of these rooms? Just asking.” Ever and Caden shared a look. “We would take one set of these rooms, the ones on the left if that’s okay,” they finally decided.  “I’d like the room close to Liam’s and Theo’s staircase. What do you say, Mason?” Corey asked his husband. Mason nodded. The room had a little balcony and would be perfect for the two of them to sit outside and enjoy nature. 

“If you two take that room, I’d like the first room in the basement. The one with the niche. I always wanted a hammock in my room and it would fit perfectly in there,” Mike claimed.  “You want to live downstairs?” Nolan could not believe it.  "You look at me as if I moved in the cardboard under the stairs. The house is built on a hill, you know, therefore it’s not really a basement since the rooms there also have windows and a lot of light.” “I wasn’t downstairs in the basement.” Nolan shrugged.  “Also, I can blast my music and disturb nobody with it,” Mike found yet another reason why he liked the room so much.  “If you want that room, I’d like the room next to yours,” Tim pleaded. “It reminds me how the common room from Hufflepuff is described in the books. I would live in my own Hufflepuff common room, that is awesome!” “Oh my, Timmy, you’re too precious for this world.” Mike smiled and the two best friends fist-bumped. 

After that, the others fell in line. Lori took a great liking to one of the two rooms you came across when you walked upstairs, Nolan and Brett settled next to Corey and Mason on one side and had Sadie on the other. Maya took the first room on the left side of the hallway.  When everyone was settled, Liam looked at Isaac. “What about you?” “What about me?” He looked puzzled.  “You said your apartment gets lonely. You are welcome to drop by anytime if you want. You can choose a room as well. It’s yours then.” “That...Oh wow, I don’t know what to say.” “Hey, you hosted us and gave us a roof over our heads. It’s the least we can do for you.” Theo smiled at his friend and Isaac returned the smile.  Isaac contemplated it. “I take the room next to Lori then. Thank you, guys.”

“Perfect.” Liam clasped his hands together. “Now this is settled, I think we should pay a visit to IKEA:” 

_____________________________________________________________

We deserved happy Liam and happy Theo, don't you think? And they deserved to be happy. I ship them with happiness and I am absolutely in love with the two of them being all cuddly and soft with each other. They can barely take their hands off each other and I'm living for it. The pack finally has a new home and can turn a new page in their books. I am sure it will be an awesome time. Let me know what you think.

Have a great week ♥

#thiam #A tale written with fangs and claws #alpha!liam #Morning Dew Pack series #My writing

[emybain]

“We can’t do this” kisses for nodrian

this! was! so! much! fun! to! write! 

okay but like, seriously, this may not be one of my best pieces, but it may compete with one of my favorite’s i’ve written

also, I really need to stop posting after midnight

this is based off of a kiss (kinda) prompt!

    Nova wrung out her hands, eyes flying over the tiny studio apartment that was her home. She was almost nineteen years old and had moved into the apartment right after she had turned eighteen, yet she still had unpacked boxes laying around. But, for today, those boxes were shoved into her bathtub and hidden by the curtain, away from view. She had made her bed for once and wiped down the slab of surface that was her kitchen countertop and even vacuumed. Her apartment was sparsely furnished, which made cleaning for an event like this easier, she supposed. It had all the necessities: a bed, a dresser, a fridge, a stove and oven, a dishwasher, a small breakfast table with mismatched chairs, a second hand couch that had belonged to Ruby, and a coffee table she had salvaged from a garage sale. There was a laundry room downstairs for all of her clothes washing necessities. The only nice thing she had on display was the TV Adrian had given her, and even that was used; it was his old one from his room before he had bought himself a new one.

    Now, Nova was a relatively tidy person. Not the cleanest person she knew, as she tended to leave her bed unmade for long periods and neglected to put dirty clothes in the hamper until laundry day. But today, she had to be the epitome of cleanliness. She scanned the five hundred square foot space for dirty clothes hiding, or, God forbid, the one piece of lingerie that she had received as a gag gift from Danna last Christmas. She had stuffed it deep within her least visited drawer of her dresser, not caring for the showy red lace. Bleh. She hadn’t seen it since she had buried it, but it would be just her luck for it to show up today, of all days.

    She had been living in her apartment for approximately ten months, and Adrian Everhart was just now coming over. Not to see the space. No, they had plans to discuss one of Adrian’s recent projects concerning public schools. After the Final Battle, he had delved into a lot of volunteer work, helping to better the school system and helping the homeless and building shelters for those in need, among dozens of other things. Nova, on the contrary, had been pardoned by the Council for, in simple terms, doing more good than bad, and for helping them beat the Anarchists in the Final Battle. At the time, Nova had still been bitter and angry. She had wanted to yell at them that she wasn’t helping them because she had a change of heart, but she was helping them because her uncle had much more planned for Gatlon than Nova had known, and it would have resulted in thousands upon thousands of innocent lives being lost. But she hadn’t, for one wrong word would’ve sent her to prison, possibly for life. So instead, Nova chose to work with them, and speak out for improving the government and making it a democracy where the citizens could be involved instead of letting the Renegades handle everything. Others joined her cause, even older citizens. While she was still involved with the Renegades creating a plan to change the way their small portion of the world was governed, she had put more time and interest in helping the citizens of Gatlon in self defense and being able to rely on themselves and targeting a large age demographic. The public had been tentative at first, seeing as Nova came from a questionable past, but slowly, her program began to gain popularity. Still, she hadn’t completely earned the public’s trust. She received hate and criticism from strangers, and many still crossed the street when she walked down the sidewalk. But she had gotten used to it.

    There was a knock at the front door, jolting Nova out of her thoughts. Her eyes widened, and she scurried across the room to the kitchenette, opening a drawer and digging through it. When she found the lighter, she rushed over to the coffee table where a small candle waited to be lit. It was pumpkin pie scented, which didn’t match the nearing spring season, but it had been the best smelling candle in the clearance section at the store across from her apartment. There was another knock as Nova hurried back to the kitchenette to put away the lighter. She cursed.

    “Just a minute!” she called out, heading to the door. She paused in front of the mirror, an unnecessary item in her home that Oscar insisted she needed. There was a small tea stain on the corner of her hoodie, and a rip in the knee of her leggings. The socks on her feet didn’t match. Well, it wasn’t like this was a date. It was a meeting. And her attire would have to do. With a small sigh, she went to the door and swung it open.

    “Hey, sorry about that.” Nova smiled brightly up at Adrian. She could’ve sworn he did a once over of her outfit, and the small quirk of his lips only served as evidence. She swallowed and held the door open more. “Ready to get to work?”

    “Yeah.” Adrian stepped inside, and she closed the door behind him, hand tightening around the knob as he looked around her apartment with interest.

    “It may look small, but it’s more than enough.” Nova bit her lip. Even now, she frantically searched for a bra peeking out from under a piece of furniture. Adrian turned back around, offering a supportive smile, but it did nothing to soothe the hammering in Nova’s heart.

    Because Nova had a small problem. Even though they had agreed to break up and be nothing more than allies after the Final Battle, for obvious reasons, Nova was still very much attracted to Adrian Everhart. And as of the past…year or so, very much in love with him.

    “It’s nice.” Adrian looked around again. At his old TV, at the few picture frames on her nightstand, at her bed. “Very…minimalistic.”

    They broke into an awkward silence, Adrian turning his head to see more of her home and Nova watching his face for any bad reactions. Finally, she let out a shaky breath and forced herself to let go of the doorknob,

    “Please, sit.” Nova waved at her couch, only sitting down once Adrian was seated. She made sure they were a good two feet apart. She reached for her notepad, which she had pre-placed on the coffee table for today, and the pen that sat beside it. “So, self defense training lessons in schools? How exactly would that work out?”

    Adrian shifted his knees toward her, and she could’ve sworn he inched closer. “Well, like I told you the other day, we could make a pitch to all the schools in Gatlon once we have a program set up. I’m thinking this could be more for middle school and high school kids, but we could also offer easier stuff for elementary schools. Make it more fun for the younger kids, you know? More of an introduction into self defense, and the basics.” He licked his lips, drawing Nova’s eyes to them. They flickered back to his immediately. She ignored how her cheeks heated up, instead choosing to jot down notes.

    Nova tapped her pen against her notepad. “I work with kids every day, Adrian. The program is open to all ages. Offering time in multiple locations is hard. We only have so much staff, and being in many locations is hard on them, not to mention the cost for new equipment, renting spaces, paying our staff…you get the point.” She waved a hand and cleared her throat. “We’re still new, Adrian, and we’re very, very poor. And while I hate having to even charge for self defense in the first place, I would have to raise our prices to accommodate to your demands.”

    “I mean more like a preview to the program itself.” Adrian shifted closer again. “I’m very aware of the financial side of things, Nova, trust me.” He smiled. Her heart skipped. “But, if we took, say, an hour out of a school day for an assembly once a year, make it a required event, invite parents to observe, etcetera etcetera, and have you, maybe, demonstrate some techniques, talk about the program, whatever, it could help the kids grow up to be more independent, and if parents are interested enough, it could help you as well by bringing in more customers. Not to mention,” he paused, breaking eye contact for a moment, before adding on it a much softer voice “it could help your reputation.”

    Nova’s fingers tightened around her pen. She glanced down at her lap. “This has nothing to do with me, Adrian. What people think of me doesn’t bother me. I could care less what they say.” He opened his mouth to speak, but she didn’t let him. “And yes, I know what they say. I hear it every time I leave my apartment.”

    “I just thought I would bring it up-”

    “This is about the kids and the future of Gatlon,” Nova established sternly. “I’m simply here to help plan and execute it.”

    They were both silent, neither meeting the other’s eyes. Nova did take notice that Adrian was less than a foot away from her now. That was partly her fault, allowing him to get closer instead of scooting away. The Final Battle for Gatlon was over two years ago, and while they had agreed to be allies for the sake of bettering Gatlon, and hopefully the world, Nova and Adrian had dared not stray into relationships of any kind that were not professional or friendly. Adrian had never truly forgiven her for what she had done, and she had never truly forgiven him for similar, yet different, reasons. At first, their relationship after the battle was rocky and awkward, then soon it developed into a professional one. Then, seeing as they were friends with the same people, they began to slowly become vulnerable around one another again, as hesitant friends. And more recently, Adrian had been showing signs that were not signs meant for Oscar or Danna or Ruby.

    But that scared Nova. Their healing relationship was a good sign, yes, but it didn’t help with her very solid and very real feelings for him. And if those feelings were to even be expressed in something as miniscule as a look or accidental brush skin, their relationship could fall apart just as easily and twice as fast as it had reformed. A stitched wound was still an injury. It needed to be cared for and treated delicately so the stitches wouldn’t tear.

    Adrian suddenly grabbed her hand that wasn’t gripping the pen, inching closer until there was very little space between them. Nova’s face grew hot, heart speeding up. She looked anywhere but at him.

    “Is it so bad for someone to care about you? To want you to be safe?” he murmured, breath fanning her hair.

    Nova gulped, lungs not quite functioning properly. “The only person who needs to care about me, is me.” She wanted to tear herself away from him, to rip her hand away from his, which was slowly interlacing their fingers. But she also felt her belly churning, telling her to just stay a moment longer.

    He had the nerve to smile. “Then tell me why I do, too.” He leaned in closer, if that were possible, and when she didn’t object, he took the notepad and pen away from her, setting them on the coffee table. Just so he could take her other hand.

    “Adrian,” she whispered, feeling dizzy and hot and a million things all at once, crashing into her.

    “Nova,” he whispered back, a plea. Their eyes met, and then, by the force of gravity, their lips brushed. For that split second, Nova was on fire.

And then her senses flooded back, filling her body with horror and regret and a self hatred that had been kindling for so long.

She pulled her hands away from him, her dizziness turning to nausea. Her head fell forward, finding the crook in his neck, despite her brain telling her to get as far away from him as possible, that this was impossible, that he could never and would never be hers.

“We can’t do this,” she gasped, desperate for the air that he had taken from her.

Adrian was breathing as heavily as her. His hands found her shoulders. “Why not?”

Nova found the strength to push back, to give her enough space between them so she could collect herself. She could still feel his lips, just barely over hers, just barely kissing her before she had pulled away. “Because of you,” she said bitterly. “And because of me. Who we are, Adrian.”

“Is this about what we agreed on?” Adrian rolled his eyes, sighing exasperatedly. “Nova, that was two years ago. I thought I made it clear long ago that I had forgiven you. I thought you had forgiven me too, but apparently, I was wrong.”

“When did you forgive me,” Nova demanded. Her head was still spinning. She blinked, hoping it would help her.

“When you started showing that you really wanted to bring change.”

“That’s very vague.”

“Oh my-” Adrian groaned, rubbing his eyes underneath his glasses. “When you agreed to work with the Council on a new system.”

“That was, like, two months after the battle,” Nova deadpanned.

“Exactly.” Adrian nodded, tone matching hers.

Nova opened and closed her mouth, feeling like a fish. “Whatever…no, it has nothing to do with that.” Actually, it had a lot to do with that. Nova ran a frustrated hand through her hair. “Adrian, you and I both know that we could never be together.”

“Why is that?” Adrian leaned closer, but this time, Nova leaned away.

She laughed bitterly. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s the fact that my uncle was Ace Anarchy. And not only that, but I am the only well known Anarchist to have walked away from that battle alive, so the destruction my uncle caused is immediately my fault. People aren’t exactly fond of me, Adrian.”

“I thought you didn’t care what other people thought of you.”

“I don’t.” Nova groaned, resisting the urge to go bang her head against the wall. “It’s you who would be affected by it.”

“I don’t care what they think,” Adrian said quickly. Nova gave him a look.

“Really? Tell me that again when, in two months, say we’re out in public together and the media writes about it, you start getting death threats in the mail over our relationship. Trust me,” she said dryly, “you’ll care then.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Adrian moved closer again. Nova was out of room to move any further back; her back had hit the couch arm. His voice grew soft as he spoke, “Nova, I will never give a horse’s ass what anyone thinks of us. You have been all I can think about for three years, ever since I had to fix that damned bracelet of yours.”

Nova clenched her fists. There were tears at the back of her eyes. She blinked rapidly, hoping that they would go away. “Why? Why me, Adrian? I’m only going to end up hurting you again.”

He grabbed one of her fists and unravelled it, placing her palm over his chest. She could feel his racing heart beneath his shirt. “Then break my heart, Nova Artino. You have my permission. I am not fragile. I will only heal and come back to you, again and again.”

“Adrian, you don’t-”

“I’m in love with you, Nova.”

And then Nova, incapable of controlling her emotions, unable to think straight, because holy hell, Adrian Everhart said that he loved her, no, said that he was in love with her, pulled him to her. Their lips crashed together in sloppy delirium, but very soon, they found a rhythm. Nova shook as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands went to her hair, and he twisted them around so he could lay her down on the couch. All of her senses were in overload, spilling over the edge with nothing but Adrian, Adrian, Adrian in them. Far away, she heard herself say his name, and him responding with a soft moan. She thought back to their first kiss, a lifetime ago, and how this was so, so much better.

Only when Adrian kissed her tears away, before moving onto her neck, did Nova realize she had been crying.

-

Nova picked at a snag in Adrian’s long sleeved shirt, head resting in the crook of his arm. Their legs were tangled together. The sun had set not long ago, and they laid together in the dark apartment in silence, just holding one another and listening to the sound of each other’s breathing.

“I’m in love with you too, Adrian.”

#archenemies #archenemies spoilers #nodrian #nova artino #Adrian everhart #supernova #asks #my writing

[durifmdarchived]

shared home video prompt ⏤ fmdsh.

date: first week of oct 2019. character(s) involved: n/a. about: duri shows off his home and answers questions for the prompt, he’s very excited about it. for refence, find the aesthetic of duri’s home here. trigger warnings: n/a; lots of giggling, but that’s duri. word count: 1,587.

Duri was a bit excited, to say the least. He was getting the opportunity to possibly get on a reality show; which seemed like it would be a lot of fun. Plus, wherever there was going to be a lot of people around, it was going to make him feel a bit better; especially since he kind of missed the hustle and bustle of the Knight dorm every now and then. This was hopefully going to help fill that little void, help him get over it. He turned on his phone, a soft smile upon his face as he held it out. “Hello! I’m Knight’s Duri!” he says, bowing towards the camera. “While I answer your questions, I’ve decided to give you a tour of my home!” he said, a small giggle leaving his lips. “The first question is do you currently live in a dorm, with your family, or in your own place? I live in my own place and have been since April of this year! It’s been a really big change since Knight lived in a dorm for seven years.” he explained. “Let’s head in!” he says, opening up the door. He took his shoes off, sliding the slippers on, and entering his apartment me. “As we walk in, you can see all the natural light that comes in. This is one of my favorite parts of the apartment! I also really like how big the space is and how open concept it is.” He turned a hallway there. “This is a hallway to some of the other rooms, but I’m going to show you the living room and kitchen first!” he said, turning away. 

He turned to an angle, showing off the living room first. “I actually spend a lot of time in the living room and kitchen, I really like them.” He said, a giggle leaving his lips. He sat down on the couch that wasn’t much of a couch, but something you can lay down on. “This piece of furniture is one of my favorites, just because you can really curl up here with a big, warm blanket,” he said, another giggle leaving his lips. “I also like the accented color of yellow in here, bouncing off all the cooler and darker colors. I love having darker colors with pops of colors, it just really looks nice! Yellow is also one of my favorite colors, which is why I choose yellow accent pieces. Plus, my favorite flower arrangement is sunflowers and roses, so it always goes really nice when I have those!” he explained, showing true passion in designing his space. “Should we answer the next question?” he said as he turned the phone back onto him, before looking upon what he needed to answer. “Ah, what do you think the biggest challenge of living in a house with several other ideas?” he read off. He thinks upon it, before he begins to speak. “I’m not really sure? I was so used to living with so many others in a dorm, so I don’t think it’s going to be that much of a challenge? I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, especially if you get to live with others that you haven’t lived with before! Maybe if you’re trying to rest and it’s loud? I’m not sure… possibly the dishes! But, I really enjoy cleaning, so it’ll probably always be clean,” he says, a soft laugh leaving his lips. Only Duri would find cleaning enjoyable. “Shall we move onto the kitchen?” he says, before making his way over. “I really like that the dining room is situated right next to the kitchen. I did that on purpose when I was putting everything together since you can bring the food right out and place it on the table! I really like having guests over, especially my family, and cooking for them!” he said, smiling a bit more at the thought. He took a step towards the kitchen, being sure to show off all it. “This is where all the magic of meals happen!” he giggles, head shaking just a bit. “I really, really love cooking and I learned when I was younger! So, whenever I get the chance, I always cook meals and I tend to cook too much,” he says, giggling once more. “I really like how everything is white in here and I choose a dark countertop on the island to really make it pop!” he said, going over the fridge. “I really like how it’s built into the rest of the cabinets and matches everything, it’s a really nice feature.” he opened it up, “Here’s a little sneak peek! I haven’t been able to shop yet, so there’s not much in here,” he says, closing it up. “Off we go!” he says, heading to the hallway. 

“Now, what is the hardest part of your current living situation?” he says, reading off the next question. As he made it to the first room, he thought about it, opening up the door. “I think it’s having all this space? I’m still getting used to having a space to myself, where everything is mine. I was really only used to having one side of the room that was all mine and I was always really careful? So, I guess it’s just getting comfortable with the fact that everything’s mine and I don’t have to ask if using something is okay,” he says, nodding a bit. “Here’s my guest room!” he says, turning the camera. “I designed to really be comfortable for anyone, so I really went with white stuff. But, my nephew and niece mainly use it, so that’s why my plushie collection is really big in here! They really like them,” he stated, panning the whole room, before moving onto the next. “This is the guest bathroom, I kept it really simple with these darker colors because i think it looks really nice as is! But, I made pops of colors with the green plants!” he says, before making his way to his office. “In here, I have my whole library! I really like reading books in my free time and I needed a place to keep them, so most of this room is just the bookshelves filled with books! After a while though, I tend to donate the books to schools, so I can make room for my new rooms! But, I tend to keep all my favorites!” he says, giggling softly. “Here’s my desk! I really like the fuzzy rug under the chair, but I do a lot of work here! I’ll edit my song lyrics here or answer emails, it’s a really nice space to focus!” he said before he gets to the final room. 

“Now, we’re going to see my bedroom, my bathroom, and my closet!” the boy said, before entering the room, showing off the clean, comfortable room. “I feel really comfortable in this room, I was sure to make everything just really cozy because I love a cozy safe to just relax in. It follows the same color as the rest of the apartment, giving a really nice flow! I did more pops of colors, but more calming colors for a bedroom space. As you can also see, I really like a lot of big blankets!” he laughed, softly, before going to fall upon the bed. “Ah, I really like my bed and having my bed nice to window is really nice… getting to see the stars shining at night and getting woken up by the sun leaking into the window in the morning… it’s such a warm feeling,” he said, smiling a bit more. He got up from the bed, entering the bathroom. “This is the same as the guest bathroom! It’s just a bit bigger and there’s a bathtub in here! I like lush bath bombs… especially after long schedules!” he explained, before heading out. 

“Finally, the walk-in closet! There’s a nice space to sit, or just lay your outfits out to see everything,” he said, a soft giggle. “I don’t think I have enough to fill up all the shelves or to hang on the shelves, but I was sure to make the spaces look nice!” he said, nodding his head. “I also sometimes like to lay on this fuzzy rug,” he said, another small giggle as he got down the lay on the floor. “Our last question! How was your current residence changed from a house to a home for you?” he reads. “Ah… that’s a hard one… it took a while to feel like home, to be quite honest. I wasn’t used to it, but as soon as I started putting in more of my own touches, putting everything in that I really liked… it started to feel like home to me. Having your own personal touch makes it feel a bit more… cozy? So, having comfort and stuff is really important to me! I hope that showed in this tour!” he says, giggling a bit. “I wish we could hang out a bit more, but I guess it’s time to go!” he said, getting up from the floor. He walked out into the entry-way. “Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed seeing my current residence! I have a lot of fun showing you! Bye-bye!” he said, waving to his phone and stopping the video. He sent it to his manager to send it off for his audition tape and everything was good to go.

#fmdshaudition #⌜ self para. ⌝ #i got a bit carried away but #*paris hilton vc* loves it !

[arcaneapologist]

Partners in Crime- Ch 8

the a/n is the end of the chapter this week. and because posts with links won’t show up in searches, check the notes for the link to a03!

Chapter 8: Ass Pinching and Cartoon Stealing

“Ego, you never answered my question. We’ve been working together for almost two months and you've admitted I've gotten better at this. Can we please do something more exciting than just pickpocketing?” Dan whined.

“Really? You’re going to ask that now? We’re currently hiding behind a fucking dumpster because you pinched a guy’s ass while trying to steal his wallet.” Arin struggled to keep his voice low.

“It was an accident!”

“Whatever you say, Sexb//ang.” Arin rolled his eyes.

It was only November third and Arin and Dan had interviewed roughly twenty-five people. Dan had essentially been living at Arin’s because of the amount of time this took up. All of them needed their help, but Arin didn’t find any of their needs to be morally right. There were people who just wanted them to steal something because they wanted it, some to get revenge. There were even some people who came in that wanted them to just vandalize other people’s property. Arin needed to have a serious conversation with Dan, Holly, and Suzy about the people they were talking to.

Arin was in his kitchen making coffee when there was a knock at the door. He looked at the clock on the wall and figured it was just Dan. Arin knew if he didn’t answer Dan would let himself in, so he poured the water into the coffee maker and ignored it. Or tried to, at least, because there was another knock a few seconds later.

“Just let yourself in!” Arin yelled, but was met with more knocking. Dan must have forgotten his keys again. “Fuck... Just Hang on!”

He closed the lid and hit ‘brew’. Arin stomped to the door, mentally apologizing to his downstairs neighbors but still wanting to mess with Dan. He loudly unlocked it and ripped the door open, feigning anger. “Look I gave you a fuu-uuck. You’re not Dan.”

“No… I’m a potential client. Can I come in?” The man standing in front of him was giving him a look somewhere between concerned and irritated.

“Yeah sure. You’re just early and my partner isn’t here yet, so uh. We’re going to have to wait on him.” Arin stepped aside to let him in and softly shut the door behind him. “Do you want some coffee while we wait?”

This guy made Arin nervous, and he wasn’t sure why. He looked kind of familiar; he was several inches shorter than him and thin. Maybe it was just because Arin didn’t know where he knew him from, if he did at all. “No I’m fine. I’m Ross, by the way.”

“Egor//aptor. I don’t give out names. Sorry.” Ross nodded in response while they both sat on the couch. Arin prayed Dan would get there soon. He was always better at breaking the ice with people. The past few days had followed a very strict routine: Dan answered the door, Arin stood vaguely threatening behind the couch while Dan introduced them and got them to start talking. If he didn’t approve he’d just put a hand on Dan’s shoulder and excuse himself to the bathroom. If he did, he’d come around and sit beside Dan and get more information. So far the latter hadn’t happened.

A minute or so later, Arin heard the door open. Before Dan could say or do anything incriminating, he yelled “Our first interview is already here, Sexb//ang.”

Dan stepped through the door, hanging his jacket up and kicking off his shoes. He looked up to see not one, but two familiar faces on the couch. He muttered a terrified ‘shit’ and stepped back against the door while Ross glared at him in response.

“Hold on… You’re the guy who pinched my ass and tried to steal my wallet a week ago!” Ross jumped up off the couch, then turned to Arin. “And you’re the guy who helped him run!”

“We’re also the guys who are going to help you with whatever problem you’re having. So I suggest you sit down.” Arin hadn’t gotten off the couch, but something in his voice made Ross listen immediately. “Come ‘ere Sexb//ang. Come join us.”

Dan made a wide arc through Arin’s living room and sat down on the arm of the couch behind him. “I’m really sorry about pinching your ass. I swear it was an accident. The wallet… Meh..-”

“It’ll be forgiven, wallet too, if you can help me out.” Ross sighed. “I’m kind of desperate.”

Ross was an animator and had been working on a cartoon for over a year. He’d gotten the entire first season done on his own. He was going to present it to a local tv station in a few days. There was only one issue: his coworker had stolen it and was going to try and pass it off as their own. Ross was able to give them all the information they’d need to get it back. He knew where this person lived, what the flash drive looked like, and when they would be out of the house for an extended period of time. After some debating between Arin and Dan they agreed to help him out, they’d have it to him in less than twenty four hours.

Arin and Dan headed out to the other side of town at seven thirty. By the time they’d get there they would have three hours to get in, find the flashdrive, and get out. By himself, Arin might not have been able to, but having a second person to look was going to be extremely helpful. When they go to the apartment Dan kept watch while Arin tried to discreetly pick the lock. However, once they got  inside he realized that all the help in the world might not find it in those three hours. Whoever this was, was disgusting.There were old take out containers strewn around and crumpled pieces of paper were everywhere.

“Well fuck.” Dan said after he shut the door behind them. “I'll uh... I'll start in the living room I guess.”

“Yeah. I’m going to look around and see if I find a work desk or a safe where they may have hidden something.” Arin set off down the hall. He carefully picked his way through the dressers in the bedroom. People had a tendency to hide things in their sock drawer. Like that wouldn't be the first place a thief would look. When nothing turned up in the dressers, he turned his attention to the desk. He let his thoughts wander while he looked.

Despite the ass pinching incident, Dan had gotten a lot better about not drawing attention to himself. Though, sometimes that ability to distract people was a massive help. There’d been situations where they’d gotten into a little bit of a bind and Dan had managed to charm them out of it. Arin admired how sure of himself Dan always appeared. He’d gotten to know him better, and knew Dan had a lot of anxiety over himself and his future, but he never showed it. More than anything, Arin admired his seemingly never ending patience.

He glanced around the room again, it was surprisingly more clean than the living room. It was decorated very minimally, and had very few things in the drawers. Even the desk was almost empty. Arin sighed, and made his way back to the living room to help Dan. He was carefully searching under the couch cushions and singing to himself. He stopped when Arin walked in, he seemed to have a sixth sense for when other people were nearby.

Arin started sifting through the piles of trash on the coffee table himself. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Dan, but rather that the apartment was a disaster. Dan stood up and stretched his back, aching from his hunched over position looking under furniture. This was going to be impossible. They still had the kitchen and the office to sort through. Neither men had tried to make conversation, too focused on searching for the flashdrive, and time seemed to be crawling by.

Dan sighed, and headed into the kitchen. He checked the dining table and chairs first, and this time he was in luck. Sitting in a chair was a gym bag with a small piece of the lanyard caaught in the zipper. He poked his head into the living room, “I think I found it Egor//aptor.”

“Oh thank god.” Arin stood up from his spot at the desk. “Let's get it and get out.”

They opened the bag to find, sure enough, the exact lanyard Ross had described. Arin high fived Dan then pried the flash drive off the keychain. It had only taken them about forty-five minutes to find it, but neither of them wanted to linger any longer than they had to. They slipped out the window and onto the fire escape, figuring this would be a safer route than the front door they had to use earlier. Now they just had to get it to Ross.

In the car on the way home Arin asked, “So. What did you think of the breaking and entering?”

“It was boring. I thought there’d be far more excitement than that.” Dan turned the heat up and pulled his coat tighter around him.

“Dan this isn’t Ocean’s Eleven. There isn’t going to be some big, grand heist.” Arin rolled his eyes.

“I can dream can’t I?”

It was a week later, in the middle of another interview, when Arin got a phone call from Ross. The TV station had loved his cartoon and had decided to air an entire season of. He thanked them roughly fifty times, making Arin smile. This is what the holidays were supposed to be about, He thought. Kind of. Maybe not the breaking and entering and stealing, but the helping people. The people that mattered to him knew where his heart was, at least

~~~~

A/N: so like. this isn't my favorite. i know it's kind of boring and i have no issue admitting its a filler chapter. but the next chapter is one of my favorites and much longer and contains plot and new permanent characters. (sorry yall. ross won't be coming back)

#idk. i don't have anything witty or funny to say this week #do i ever though? nah not really #partners in crime fic #my writing #egobang #polygrumps #shipgrumps

[wildflowerrambles]

Cheater

Author’s Note: Hello readers! This is my first ever post! I hope to do a ‘Meet the Author’ post in the near future, but I just wanted to get some content out and see the response it gets. I hope you enjoy!

Song Inspiration: Cheater by The Vamps Pairing: Brad x Reader Word Count: 9,572 Warnings: drinking, sexual references, cheating

“Brad, let me in!” she whispered louder from outside the door. I laughed as I leaned against the door, watching the knob twist back and forth.

“Nah, I think I’ll just leave you out there.”

“You know exactly how that’ll end.”

And I did. Truly did.

He would eventually come out from his apartment and find her standing outside my door. But she wouldn’t be expecting what would happen next – a girl to walk out after him, a girl that isn’t her. That’s part of the reason I wouldn’t let her in my apartment just yet, not simply for the pleasure of joking with her. They were always loud, her boyfriend and the girl he was cheating on her with. I could hear them through my bedroom walls when I was trying to go to bed and I could hear them right now.

She had grown quiet outside my door and my neighbors had finally gotten quiet too. I opened the door and she must have been leaning against it because she stumbled in past the door mat and bumped into me, stabilizing herself by placing her hand against my chest. My hands shot up in defense.

“Whoa now.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she smirked and walked on past me into the living room.

She was one of my best friends. She had been since grade school. For a brief moment, we even thought we might be roommates in this very apartment. That dream was short lived when she started university and met the guy living in the complex next to mine.

He had attended one of the rivalry schools across town. She didn’t know him or his reputation and fell almost instantly. He was charming. I couldn’t blame her.

I dropped subtle hints about the things i had heard people say about the guy. His charm apparently worked on lots of other ladies too and they had no hesitation of following him back to his place. They had been seeing each other a few weeks and had finally convinced me to meet the guy. For a moment in the beginning I thought maybe people just liked to start rumors about an attractive guy whom they were inferior to. I was convinced. He was alright.

One night I was lounging around when I heard some obvious noise coming through the walls. I joked the next day, making a comment about how she and her boyfriend needed to keep the volume to a minimum. She was quick to draw her eyebrows together in confusion. After that, I knew that she wasn’t the one he had been banging against a headboard a few nights a week.

Nothing else was spoken about my comment. In fact, she didn’t speak to me for quite a while after that. I assumed I had upset her with my remark and she was ignoring me for her dead end boyfriend. Come to find out, she had asked him about what was going on and he kindly suggested that she shouldn’t be hanging out with other males, even just a friend. A few more weeks passed and one evening I opened my door to her familiar, shining face. ‘He may seemingly get what he wants, but he can’t tell me who I can and cannot be friends with, especially you,’ she had told me. So we kept our friendship somewhat hidden from him. I didn’t think it was too sneaky, to be truthful. We lived next to each other. But he had no idea or really didn’t care. It still bothered me, though, that he was sleeping with someone else and she still put up with him.

“Romantic comedy or suspense?” she stood next to the coffee table, a movie in each hand. I leaned against the door frame, crossing my arms as I narrowed in on the choices.

“Is neither an option?” I asked. She sighed, rolling her eyes and tossing the cases on the couch. I smirked. She made her way into the kitchen, grabbing two plates from the cabinet. I shuffled in slowly behind her, wondering how to tread lightly across the information that was eating me away. I grabbed two glasses from the other cabinet and fixed us each a drink. She grinned as I handed one to her and whispered a small ‘thank you.’ I was about to wipe that grin off her face and I hated myself for that.

“You know what’s-her-name is probably at Drew’s place right now,” I started.

She continued fixing plates, not looking up as she spoke, “Alexis is her name, I believe.”

“I saw her car in the parking lot.”

She was about to start getting aggravating. I knew she would. I had tried to drop hints for a little while now but she didn’t seem to be phased.

“They’re friends.”

“Right,” I said sarcastically. She turned around rather swiftly and made eye contact with me for the first time.

“We’re friends,” she said, “And we aren’t sleeping together.”

“That wasn’t my point,” I took my plate, thanking her before I made my way to the living room, “But while we’re on the topic, we also don’t make an alarming amount of noise. And not just any noise but screaming and the occasion piece of furniture hitting the walls.”

She made her way into the living room shortly after me. She sat her plate of food on the coffee table and picked up a comedy to watch. She knew me well.

The movie started and not much else was said regarding our conversation. She didn’t want to talk about it. I knew that. But I also wanted her to deal with it.  

My eyes fluttered open as I slowly realized I had fallen asleep on the couch. The clock on the wall indicated that it was sometime between 2 and 3am. My eyes were still foggy with sleep and I didn’t stare long enough to figure out exactly what time it was. My arm was stiff when I tried to move it. I had apparently fallen asleep with it on the arm of the couch. I felt an extra weight against my hip and looked over to find that she had fallen asleep with her head resting against me. The television was still on but the movie had ended probably hours ago.

I slipped off the couch carefully, replacing my warmth with a pillow. I switched off the television and carried dirty dishes to kitchen. I went back to the living room to grab my phone before heading upstairs to my bed. I pulled the blanket she was already wrapped up in closer to her face so she’d stay warm. Pausing about halfway up the stairs, I glanced back to the couch where she was asleep. It had been months since she’d fallen asleep here. She would most likely freak out when she woke up in the morning. Her first thought would be how it would look for her to be leaving my place in the morning. She would be concerned that Drew would catch her sneaking away or see her car in the parking lot. He didn’t deserve that much thought. He didn’t deserve how wonderful she was.

She was still asleep when I came downstairs the next morning. I rummaged the cabinets for breakfast options, coming to the conclusion that they were limited. I glanced to the clock on the wall. Knowing her, she’d sleep at least another 45 minutes. I decided to make waffles. She had bought me a waffle maker as a housewarming gift, but I really think it was for her own advantage. She liked waffles better than pancakes, a little crunch to go with the fluff.

As I poured the last of the batter onto the waffle maker, I heard shuffling in the living room and an ‘ahhh, crap’ shortly after that. She waddled into the kitchen, still wrapped in a blanket.

“Well good morning sunshine,” I said. She sat down at the bar as I slid a plate in front of her. “I made waffles.”

I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the look on her face. She stared at me for a little longer than usual. Her eyes looked sad but grateful. She wasn’t smiling, not quite frowning either. I couldn’t exactly explain it – disappointment laced with realization. I could tell by the way her gaze shifted from me to her plate and stayed for moment that she was in deep thought. I didn’t say anything for a while, allowing her time to collect whatever was going through her head. She grabbed the fork next to her plate and cut the first bite.

“Orange juice or coffee?” I asked.

“Mmm, orange juice please.”

I filled her glass and sat it next to her plate. She didn’t look up, scrolling through her phone at this point. I fixed myself a cup of coffee, grabbed my plate, and headed to the living room. I plopped down on the couch, scrolling through my own phone as I enjoyed breakfast. She needed to stay more often. I rarely ever made breakfast for myself.

I heard her place her dishes in the sink before making her way to the stairs. Almost to the top, she paused. I glanced up to see what was going on and made eye contact.

“I know he’s cheating on me,” she said, her eye contact slipping away. I waited for a moment, unsure of the direction this was about to go.

“Then why do you still put up with him?”

She shrugged and the silence grew for moment before she descended up the stairs.

[]

A few days passed and I hadn’t heard anything from her. It had been a crazy week of one important thing to the next. I stood in the silence of my doorway for several minutes after I’d gotten home. I kicked my shoes off at the door and tossed my keys on the coffee table about the time my phone starting buzzing in my pocket. Her name flashed across one of my favorite pictures of us. We had taken a secret adventure one day while her boyfriend was out of town. A few of my friends had tagged along and thankfully captured the moment in a photo. She had thrown herself on my back, her arms wrapped around my chest. I had reached up to steady her about that time, grasping her forearms. We had been hiking and were dripping with sweat, but none of us cared. My favorite aspect was the happiness plastered all over our faces. When she truly smiled, her gums would show and her eyes would crinkle out to the side. She didn’t always like it, but I loved it. I loved to see her truly happy. I wasn’t sure Drew had ever seen that side of her. I had seen it a million times.

“Hello?”

“Hi,” she sang from the other end, “What are you doing tonight?”

“Uhh, nothing. Why? What’s up?”

“Wanna go to karaoke with me?”

I grinned, shoving my free hand in the front pocket of my jeans. We had been on very few public outings together since we started keeping things quiet. Karaoke was really a joke. Everyone there was either really drunk or really old. That’s part of what made it fun though. There was no pressure to impress peers. People could just let loose and have fun.

“Can I drink?” I asked.

She chuckled like she was annoyed but I knew she was actually smiling, “Yes, you can drink.”

After about two drinks and a handful of songs, I sat back down across from her as she clapped enthusiastically. She always was my biggest fan. Ms. Darlene stopped me, my second biggest fan, came to our table as usual and told me to inform her when my record deal went through. She had to be in her late 80’s and came probably every Friday night.

She continued to smile across the table as Ms. Darlene walked away, rubbing her finger across the top of her glass of water. Her smile begin to fade though.

“I talked to Drew,” she started. I stared at her for a moment before sitting up straight in my seat, resting my arms on the table. I wasn’t drunk enough for this. “He didn’t really try to deny anything.”

“Did you-”

“No,” she answered, “We just talked. Not a whole bunch was said because he had to leave for work.”

I nodded. We were silent for a few minutes. She had turned her gaze back to someone singing before I spoke up again.

“Do you love him?” I asked.

She shook her head after a moment, “Have we been together long enough to know if we love each other?”

I laughed a bit, though I probably shouldn’t have, “You and I had been friends for about two weeks and I knew I loved you.” I took a sip of my drink as I watched her expression change. She looked up at me quickly, then back down to her glass. I hadn’t really filtered through what just fell out of my mouth before it happened. Nothing more was said and we both went back to watching people scream lyrics from liquid confidence.

[]

I was lounging on the couch, finishing up an episode on Netflix like any other typical Saturday night when I heard a knock on my door. I paused my show and headed to the door. Peeping through the hole, I saw her standing outside. Swiftly, I opened the door, wondering what she was doing here.

She let out a deep breath that she must have been holding for ages, “I broke up with him.”

She ended up staying the night, briefly recapping the events with her now ex-boyfriend. Once she got everything off her chest, she didn’t say much. I don’t think she wanted to talk about it anymore. She had dealt with it. That’s all I had really wanted her to do. I glanced over to where she sat at the other end of the sofa, the television coloring her face various shades of blue and purple. I’m not sure why but I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. She looked peaceful for the first time in months, completely peaceful. I smiled to myself as I turned to face the television once again. She could finally move forward.

[]

Stretching my arms above my head, I dragged myself out of bed and down the stairs. The faint smell of bacon hit my nose when I reached the hallway. I grabbed a shirt off the chair, throwing it over my head and pulling it down my torso before following the scent to the kitchen.

“Are you making breakfast?” I asked, sitting down at the bar. She smiled, placing a plate in front of me.

“Bacon, eggs sunny side up, and two fluffy pancakes because you find three to be overwhelming.”

I grinned, eager to dig in. She rounded the corner to my side of the bar and I noticed that she was already dressed. She must have picked up on the confusion written on my face.

“I got called into work so I can’t stay and have breakfast with you.”

I stuck my bottom lip out, pouting. She disappeared into the living room, coming back with her shoes in her hands. She slipped them on quickly and grabbed the coffee mug off the counter.

“If you want to come back tonight, you’re welcome to. I’ll probably buy dinner and we can watch that thriller you mentioned the other day.”

She made her way to my side, wrapping her arms around my waist. I took her in with my free hand before sitting my fork down and fully embraced her. We hugged just about every time we saw each other, but some days I could tell she needed it more than others. I never got tired of being a source of comfort for her. She let out a deep sigh before stepping back.

“Sounds like a plan,” she smiled, giving me a fist bump, “See ya later.”

“Thank you for breakfast,” I yelled as she headed towards the door, “Have a great day!”

I heard my front door open a little after 6pm. I peeked my head around the opening to the kitchen and saw her placing her bag next to the door.

“Honey, you’re home!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. I motioned for her to follow me back into the kitchen. “I picked up some Chinese, but…” I scurried to the oven, opening the door to peep inside, “I did buy cookie dough and make cookies so y’know. Effort.”

I noticed the brown paper bag she had brought in and was still holding on her hand. She placed it on the counter and took out a glass bottle.

“Is that wine?” I asked.

“I just want one glass,” she smirked, “You can keep the rest when I’m done if you want.”

I laughed, going to grab two glasses from the cabinet, “You can’t keep leaving stuff like that here. The guys have already questioned my masculinity.”

She rolled her eyes, filling the two glasses with the dark liquid.

The movie ended sometime around 9:30pm. I tapped her on the shoulder and motioned for her to follow me. I opened the door that led out to the tiny balcony of my apartment. There wasn’t much out here, just two plastic chairs and an old stool that often got used as a table. There was a strand of lights she had wrapped around the railing not long after I had moved in. We had only enjoyed being out here a few times before she started seeing Drew. Now it only got used if one of the guys came to visit and we sat outside playing guitar.

I plugged the lights into the outlet, the small bulbs illuminating the outdoor space. I sat on the ground, dangling my legs through the railing. She joined me, sitting in the same fashion. This really was quite a nice place to live. It sat up somewhat on a hill that overlooked the city. It was quiet, and tonight the weather was just right.

“I’m surprised these lights still work,” she broke the silence first.

I nodded in agreement, “They don’t get used often.”

It became silent again as we looked out over the scenery. I glanced over, taking a few sips of the drink in my hand. She was holding one leg against her, the other hanging over the edge. Her face was bare, the yellow light casting small silhouettes on her cheek. She turned to me about the same time I placed the glass bottle to my lips again.

“Question,” she said. I raised my eyebrows as a sign to continue. “What did you mean the other day when you said you knew you loved me after two weeks?”

I thought for a second, “I mean that...I would do just about anything for you. Not because I expect you to do things in return or to even say thank you. Simply because I want to see you happy and I care way more about that than, I don’t know, how you’re going to return the favor.”

“You think that’s the way that Drew was.”

“I think that Drew didn’t deserve you for a second. I…” I paused, taking a deep breath to collect my thoughts, “I think you are one of the most wonderful people I know. You’re brilliant. And talented. If there’s music playing, you’re going to dance regardless of where you might be or who could see you. Do you remember when I got really sick a few months ago? You stayed the whole weekend so you could take care of me. My mom wouldn’t even stay because of how contagious I probably was.” I laughed, “But you never thought twice about it. You sing at the top of your lungs during long car rides. And I don’t mean one or two songs. You sing the entire car ride.”

She grinned and let out a small chuckle.

“I don’t know how many times you cooked breakfast for the guy, or if you tailored to his need for only two pancakes. But I see the love that you give to people and he didn’t deserve that. I’m not sure anyone does.”

She sat quietly, resting her head against one of the metal bars. She probably had a million thoughts running through her mind right now. I finished my drink and stool up, pushing the door open slightly before pausing.

“Y’know, this breakup might not be as bad as you think,” I said.

“Why is that?” she asked.

“You still have a pretty rad best friend,” I said, smirking a little. The grin on her face grew and, if I wasn’t mistaken, a rosy glow brushed across her cheeks before she turned back to look out over the city.

[]

It felt as if the phone had been ringing forever. Surely she couldn’t be busy. Classes had been out for at least 45 minutes and she normally didn’t have to be at work this early. After several more rings, her cheerful voice came through the phone.

“Hey stranger.”

“What’s up?” she asked.

“I believe the guys are all gonna drive down to James’ this weekend if you’d like join me. We’ll probably spend a day at the beach, see what’s going on down there.”

“Yeah, I’m in. That sounds like fun.”

“Well great,” I said, “Leave Friday afternoon and come back sometime Sunday?”

“Sounds like a plan,” she answered cheerfully.

[]

Friday afternoon finally rolled around. It had been a busy few weeks since we had really seen each other last. I spent the morning helping out at the family business and text her to just meet me at my parent’s house when she was finished with class. My sister was passing through the area and willingly agreed to give her a ride so she could leave her car at my place. They hadn’t seen each other in a while and I’m sure spent the whole ride over jabbering.

Her and Natalie had become friends almost as instantly as we had. My sister was a few years older but that didn’t seem to matter much. They had spent a good bit of time together before we moved off for university. Neither one of us moved far from the homes we grew up in, but it was enough to cause us to make a point to visit.

She waltzed in through the front door, immediately attacked with dog kisses from Jesse. She had never cared much for dogs, especially bigger ones, when we became friends. But Jesse had stolen her heart just as easily as the rest of us. Unfortunately, the apartment I was currently in didn’t allow pets.

“Ready to go?” I asked.

“You make a playlist?”

“Of course.”

She always said I made the best playlists for road trips. James lived about three and a half hours away. There was no way I wouldn’t make one.

We arrived at James’ around 6pm. The other boys hadn’t been there long. James greeted each of us before we even made it to the front door, openly embracing me and giving her a good ole side hug like always. Tristan was next. He was a classic side hugger, too. Connor finally popped around the corner and stopped in his tracks.

“Well hey!” he exclaimed, “Nobody told me you were coming.”

He went in for a full on frontal hug, squeezing her for a few seconds. Connor greeted me next, equally excited to wrap his arms around me. It really was a shame we didn’t all live closer. The distance gave us an excuse to travel, though.

“Oh, you brought Rex,” she pointed out. Connor joined her in the next room, showing off his lizard.

We stood around talking for a bit before freshening up and heading out to grab a bite to eat. Any time we came down to visit James, we went to the same place to eat the first night. It was locally owned and served the best burgers, in my opinion. Her and James always bonded over their minimal love for meat and would get some kind of veggie pizza, which was equally pretty good if I was honest. The atmosphere was what gave the place such a good reputation. It was laid back. Most of the seating was outdoors and they had live music on the weekends.

We hung out there for a few hours, heading back around 9:30pm. The four of us grabbed our instruments and headed outside. She went upstairs to take a shower. Tristan beat his hands against the box he was sitting on. The rest of us strum on our guitars until it turned into something we recognized and someone began singing. It was just a thing we did almost every time any of us were together. It’s what we enjoyed.

We left the doors open and at one point I saw her slip down the stairs and into the kitchen, her hair still damp. I could tell she was singing along when she passed back through the living room. She reappeared from the stairs again, this time with dry hair. She leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms. Her gaze caught mine and she smirked. I knew I had been looking at her too long by now, but I couldn’t force my eyes to look away.

Connor and Tristan made their way inside after a while and decided to play video games. She took Connor’s seat while me and James goofed off a little longer. Tristan could be heard in the background throwing a fit because he had lost in his battle against Connor. James eagerly went inside to take his place in pursuit to beat his friend.

“Did you make cookie dough?” I asked with pure enthusiasm as I entered the kitchen to see a mixing bowl sitting on the island.

“Of course. It wouldn’t be a proper get together if I didn’t.”

I went to the drawer to grab a spoon, getting myself a nice bite of dough. Connor had reluctantly given up his controller and she was now playing against James. She was terrible at video games. I couldn’t see her face as I leaned on the counter but I could tell by the empty threats she made that she was having a good time regardless. She knew deep down that I had partially invited her because she needed to get away from town and all that had happened recently. But I also knew that we enjoyed her company just as much.

Tristan ended up falling asleep on the couch. Connor and James went upstairs to his room to continue gaming. I joined them once she turned on the television and got engrossed in a movie. The clock read 1:32am when I decided to go back downstairs. I knew we’d be up fairly early to head to the beach in the morning and figured I should probably try to get some sleep. She had fallen asleep at some point in the large chair off to the corner of the room, the television still on. I walked through, turning off the kitchen light and heading quietly to get the remote from where she was laying. Reaching for it, I bumped her phone off the arm of the chair. Thankfully it wasn’t very loud and didn’t wake anyone. As I picked it up and sat it back on the chair, the screen lit up to reveal a message from Drew. Several actually.

I know it’s late and I also know you’re with Brad because your car is outside but anyway i’m sorry the past few weeks have really made me miss you and i realize what a jerk i was

Are you not gonna reply?

Maybe you’re asleep just text me when you get this and maybe we can meet tomorrow or something

I miss u i rlly do

He always was terrible at grammar.

And she’s not even home, ya goob, I thought to myself. But he did know that she was with me and probably even thought that she was at my place which brought me an odd sense of satisfaction.

I gathered the blankets from the back of the coach and the sleeping bag in the hall closet, making myself a place to sleep in the living room. I didn’t really know why seeing those messages bothered me so much. I turned over, pulling the blankets up and tried to just not think about it.

[]

We all made our way out of the house the next morning, slowly but surely. We decided on taking the bus down to the beach. It would save us the chaos of driving. Connor and I were the first ones down, leaning against his vehicle parked outside. My hair was still wet from showering, a bandana tied around in an attempt to contain my curly mop. I scrolled through my phone to try and distract my mind that was still way too curious about the messages I’d seen last night.

James was the next one down and she shortly followed after him. Her wavy locks were pushed back by a pair of sunglasses. She’d thrown a gray tank top and loose pair of shorts over her swimsuit, a light sweater tied around her waist. The straps of a backpack hung from each shoulder, a cup of coffee and granola bar in one hand and in the other was her phone. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, she looked up and made eye contact with me for the first time this morning.

Tristan was the last one out of the house, double checking to make sure the door was locked per James’ instruction. The bus arrived momentarily and we all settled in near the back. She sat quietly next to me for a little while, eating her breakfast.

“Drew messaged me last night,” she spoke softly, almost as if she didn’t want anyone around to hear.

“Yeah?”

Play it cool, Brad. Play it cool.

“He misses me and blah blah blah,” she rolled her eyes, “I haven’t reached out to him in weeks. Honestly, I think the last time I had anything to do with him was the day we broke up. I just deleted the messages and didn’t respond.”

I felt a wave of relief pass through me when those words left her mouth. She tossed her phone into her bag, but I caught a glimpse of her screen just before it vanished and I felt a different sense of satisfaction. It was the same picture that popped up every time she called me, the one I adored so much. I smirked as I looked out the window, wondering if she enjoyed it as much as I did.

The beach was still fairly calm and uncrowded when we arrived. We claimed our spot for the day and it took all of two seconds for the boy’s shirts to come off and them jet off toward the water. She was bent over rummaging through her bag and stood up at the same time my shirt hit the ground next to her towel. I watched her eyes scan me real fast before fixating on the sunscreen bottle in her hand.

There was something different in the look she had just given me. She had seen me shirtless probably hundreds of times. She had seen all of us shirtless, even most of us in our boxers. But the way her eyes flickered across my exposed torso was a look I’d never seen her give me before.

The guys and I easily became wrapped up in a game of tossing the ball back and forth, each of us completely soaked within minutes. The beach had become a little more populated by now. She had joined Connor in a game of football (soccer).

“Rubbish!” he yelled.

I chuckled. Her football skills were about as good as her video gaming skills. She wore the sunglasses previously on top of her head, her hair flowing just over her shoulders as she ran down the beach after the ball. I wasn’t sure why I made the mental note, but she was wearing a bikini I had never seen before. It was a dusty pink color that flattered her skin tone. Making my way out of the water, I jogged up the shore, capturing her in my arms before she could reach the ball. She screamed and laughed all at once, the two of us spinning from all the momentum I had gained.

The day passed quicker than we had hoped. Sand castles were built, James was buried in the sand and turned into a mermaid - boobs and all. We sang along to the music some people a few yards down from us had blasting. All five of us singing obnoxiously was quite a sound, I imagine. We also had our fair share of basking in the sun and walking through the waves. A few of us might have even fallen asleep at one point.

We packed up our things and headed to the town that followed the coastline. We slipped into the little pub that was close by, music radiating through the place.

I watched from the bar as she swayed to the music playing through the speakers. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were rosy from the sun she had soaked up earlier, her hair pushed back again by her sunglasses. She carried on casual conversation with James who sat next to her. Suddenly the patio was filled with the tune of Ed Sheeran’s “Barcelona.” Her and James burst into singing, Connor joining them soon after. I couldn’t hear them from where I was standing but I could imagine what it sounded like.

I bounced my way back through the outside crowd, plopping down in her lap as the second verse started. I used my bottle as a microphone as I sang right at her.

“Get up, up on the dance floor, move, it’s a Saturday night,”

I leaned in, resting my forehead against hers until our noses touched. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been in her face before. We frequently invaded each other’s personal space. But I wasn’t usually this relaxed about it, especially with so many people around. The drinks I had could certainly take credit for that.

“I fell in love with the sparkle in the moonlight reflected in your beautiful eyes, I guess that is destiny doing it right,”

She didn’t seem uncomfortable though. Her mouth formed into a teethy grin, her eyes fluttering almost shut. I shot up from my seat as the next lyrics started, dramatically offering her my hand.

“And dance like they do in the Mediterranean, spin you around again and again,”

I did as the song suggested, spinning her twice with my free hand.

“You’re like something God has sent me, I want you baby, solamante,”

I stepped away from her at this point and roamed over to Tristan.

“You and I, we’re flying in an aeroplane tonight,”

I stuck my hands out like the wings of a plain and swayed around. She and the rest of the guys joined me, improving dance moves as the song continued on.

“We’re going somewhere where the sun is shining bright Just close your eyes and let’s pretend we’re dancing in the streets in Barcelona,”

The song finally faded into another one, something slower. We made eye contact as she sneaked down the steps of the patio. She smirked, giving me a small signal to come tag along. The other boys were too engrossed in slow dancing with each other to pay me much attention. Goobs.

She had untied the sweater around her waist and pulled it over her torso. The temperature had dropped quite a few degrees since the sun had set. The breeze had slowed down too, blowing just enough to keep the hair out of your face. She hurried through the sand, climbing into one of the hammocks they had hanging along the shore. I approached her a few seconds later, laying down in the hammock next to her. She pulled my head to her chest and began running her fingers through my hair. I closed my eyes for a moment, taking in the sound of my surroundings. The faint tune of music from the pub, the waves crashing against the shore, her sighing. I glanced up after I heard her sigh and she smiled.

“Thank you for inviting me to join you this weekend, to join all of you.”

“Any time. You know that.”

“I also know that the invite was to get me away from everything,” she paused, “And I really appreciate it. I needed to get away.”

She hadn’t talked much about things after she broke up with Drew. I probably wasn’t the first person she wanted to share her feelings with, but at the same time I didn’t entirely know how she was handling things.

“How are you?” I was hesitant, but I asked anyway.

“I’m good, actually. I wasn’t totally caught off guard to be completely honest. There were signs, but I just wasn’t ready to deal with it.” She knew I wanted more information than that. She also knew that she would end up telling me because I was a little drunk and might not think anything about it in the morning. She had stopped playing with my hair by now and was staring up at the stars. “I wasn’t heartbroken because of him. Because I thought I had lost someone or something so wonderful because clearly I wasn’t. But I was hurt because he made me feel like I wasn’t enough. What do you expect though from someone who only wants one thing.”

She sat up now, wrapping her arms around her knees. She rested her chin against her arms.

“Wait, you didn’t…?”

She shook her head. I sat up next to her.

“When we were sitting on your porch that night and you said all those things to me.. I was quiet, which I know probably alarmed a little bit,” she shrugged, “I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t get it in my head that anyone could think highly of me.”

She spoke up again before I had the opportunity to say anything.

“But.. I’ve had a great day with the four most wonderful and goofy guys,” she chuckled and I laughed along with her.

It broke my heart that someone could cause her to think so little of herself. I peered over at her as she watched the waves hitting the shore before returning to sea. The moonlight reflected off the water and the blue of her eyes. She was equally wonderful and I just wish she could see that.

She caught me staring and I moved my head to rest on her shoulder. She rested her head on top of mine. The moment didn’t last long before three little drunks came running through the sand and flung themselves into the hammock with us.

[]

I could hear noise before I ever opened my eyes. I could also smell food. I opened my eyes slowly, rolling over to remember that I was sleeping in James’ living room floor. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I could feel the slightest pain run through my temples.

I could see just over the couch into the kitchen. Her and James were bouncing around the kitchen, singing into spoons.

Connor was the first of the guys that she met. James was second. They clicked almost instantly. We often joked that they were the two peas in the pod. James was the most level-headed of us all, so she often went to him for advice. They also had similar eating habits and were basically the same people.

I fell back onto my pillow, the pain in my head pounding a little more. Connor appeared from upstairs, clearly not ready to be awake either. He walked slowly to the kitchen in only sweatpants and socks. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair as he sat down at the table.

Connor was the first friend she was introduced to because he lived close by and attended the same college as us for a little while. He encouraged her rebellion. They bonded over their love for tattoos, piercings, and alternative music. When he lived closer, they would often meet up while they waited for me to get out of class.

She emerged from the kitchen, peering over the back of the couch.

“Oh, you’re awake,” she said. She began to shake Tristan lightly by the shoulder, repeating his name in an attempt to wake him up. He didn’t budge much. I stood up and made my way to the couch where Tristan was asleep. I fell down on top of him, poking his cheeks with my index finger. She joined in and began poking him on his side. Tristan groaned, fidgeting underneath my grasp.

Tristan was the last of the guys that she met. They had a really laid back relationship. She would always play video games with him and talk about nonsense. Their dynamic was charming because of how tiny she was compared to his tall, lanky self.

“You guys can come eat breakfast whenever you would like,” James said.

Those seemed to be the magic words because Tristan was ready to get up, wiggling frantically as I wrapped my arms tighter around him.

She and James had prepared a wonderful breakfast for all of us. There were eggs, scrambled and sunny side up. Bacon. Sausage. French toast. Waffles. An assortment of fruit. Orange juice, coffee, and milk. We each fixed our plates and sat together at the tiny table in James’ kitchen.

We lounged around for a little while longer before gathering our things and packing up to hit the road back to our homes. We were going to be the first to head back because the weather near us was shaping up to look pretty nasty.

She and Tristan had come up with a cheesy handshake they did when they said goodbye.

“Gosh, I’m going to miss you guys,” she said, throwing her arms around Connor’s neck. They swayed back and forth for a moment before she headed to the door. James stood in the doorway, hugging me close to him.

“I’m going to miss having you guys, especially little bear,” James was referring to me, squeezing me a little tighter. She rolled her eyes with a smile and James extended his arm to bring her in for a hug too.

Nasty weather was almost an understatement. It had rained the majority of our drive home, the intensity picking up as we got closer. Thunder crashed and lightening lit up the sky as we reached my apartment. I gathered my things quickly from the backseat before darting up the steps to my doorstep. She was still trying to get her bags from the trunk when thunder boomed again.

“Just come in,” I yelled down to her.

“But my things are still in the car.”

“It’s fine. We can worry about them later.”

She managed to grab a bag she had in the backseat and bolted towards the house. We were both soaked by now. She dropped her bag in the floor as I shut the door to the craziness outside. I grabbed two towels from the laundry room and handed one to her. We tried to dry off as much water as we could before proceeding through the house.

“There’s no way you’re driving back to your place in this. You can just stay here tonight,” I said as I made my way to the stairs. She followed me up the stairs to my room. I knew most of her clothes were in her main suitcase which hadn’t made it inside. I rummaged through my dresser, looking for something she could borrow.

“Here,” I said, tossing her one of my hoodies. She had found a pair of shorts in her bag downstairs.

I took off my wet clothes and tossed them in the laundry basket just inside the bathroom. She was giving me that look again, the one I had seen when I took my shirt off at the beach. I made my way back across the room to grab some dry clothes.

“You’re welcome to shower first,” she said, “You’ll be quicker than me.”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded, hugging my sweatshirt closer to her body.

I was in and out within five minutes and handed the bathroom over to her. She showered rather quickly herself. She walked through, using the towel to soak up some of the moisture in her hair. The sleeves of my hoodie had been rolled up to accommodate her tiny frame.

I was already in bed, scrolling through my phone. She switched off the light and headed downstairs after telling me goodnight. I switched off the lamp next to my bed shortly after that and put my phone on the bedside table. A few minutes after I had rolled over and closed my eyes, I heard my door creak open and a small light shine through the room. She stopped at the end of my bed.

“Can I sleep in here tonight?” she asked shyly. I had seen the look on her face before when the weather would get stormy.

“Of course,” I threw the covers back and scooted to the side.

She would tense every time thunder sounded. I ran my fingers lightly through her hair, something that would put her to sleep at any given time of the day. The room suddenly lit up like it was the middle of the day and a loud burst sounded through the room. Without thinking, my arms found their way around her and pulled her close to my chest. Her hands gripped onto mine, her eyes shutting tightly. Once she opened them again, we realized that the power had gone out and became aware of our current position.

I grabbed the flashlight from the bedside drawer I happened to have. We made our way downstairs in search of lighting sources. I realized quickly that I had a serious lack of flashlights and candles. I heard some clashing coming from the kitchen and peeked around the corner to see that some pots and pans had fallen out of a cabinet and hit the ground. She grinned sheepishly, holding up an unopened pack of candles.

We lit the candles and placed them throughout the living room area. Oddly enough, it was kind of romantic other than the torrential downpour going on outside. We had hoped that the weather would slack up a little, but we had been sitting in my living room for a few hours now and it was still going steady. She glanced at the clock on the wall which caused me to do the same. It was close 2am.

We were both incredibly tired, but I knew she wouldn’t fall asleep. She had dozed off a few times but it never lasted more than about ten minutes or so.  Eventually I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

The next time I opened my eyes, I could see a faint patch of light coming through the curtains. I blinked a few times to clear my vision and looked to the clock on the wall. The hand ticked at just past 8am. I panicked for a second because it was now Monday morning and I knew she had class. She was asleep at the other end of the couch, curled under a blanket. I moved cautiously before tapping her on the shoulder. She opened her eyes very slowly.

“It’s after 8,” I said. She made a face and tossed the blanket back over her head. I chuckled and made my way to the kitchen. I heard her shuffle about and head up the stairs.

I sat down on the couch, having a bowl of cereal before she came back down. She had gathered her things from upstairs and went to put them in her bag. Finishing my breakfast, I sat my empty bowl in the sink before heading to the laundry room where she was at. She was folding the clothes from last night that were in the dryer. She moved rather slowly, lacking the usual bit of energy she had.

“You should be well rested,” she glanced at me through her peripherals, grinning, “You snored the remainder of the night away.”

I pushed her by the shoulder and she stumbled to the side. She tossed the shirt in her hands in my face. I twisted the shirt in between my hands, acting like I was going to pop her with it. She held her hands in front of her in protest. As I inched closer, she backed farther into the corner. She tried darting past me to escape but I grabbed her in my arms, spinning her around until her back was pushed against the washing machine. My arms rested on either side of her. She stared up at me, the smile still present on her face from where she’d been laughing. The moment dragged on a little longer than necessary until she reached up to tickle me. I instinctively brought my arms in and she took the opportunity to free herself.

I helped her transfer her luggage from my car to hers. It was still pretty gloomy outside. Thankfully, though, the rain was gone. She gathered her things from inside, leaning against a half open door.

“I’m probably going to go home and sleep until I have to get ready for work. Three hours was not enough for me,” she shut her eyes as she spoke and I could tell just how heavy they were.

“I don’t blame you,” my hand found its way to the door. She stood up straight now. We were dangerously close, as we had been earlier. And again, we had already been looking at each other for a little too long by now.

“Be careful,” my voice had suddenly become quiet.

And then it happened.

Her lips met mine.

Her lips finally met mine. I had wanted to do this since about grade 11, but by then I was afraid we were too good of friends. That fear grew with each passing day. Before long, I simply pushed the thought to the back of my mind. I had been in and out of my share of relationships and I had watched her do the same. I had kissed girls and drawn things out longer than I should have, the whole nine yards. But when it came down to it, I looked forward to spending time with her more than anyone. And we were “just friends.”

My hand found the small of her back, drawing her body closer to mine. We broke apart after a few minutes, but man, I didn’t want to.

“I will,” she whispered before heading out the door.

[]

It had been about three months since the morning we kissed. Things seemed to fall into place after that, like they were meant to be just that way. It was lovely. She was lovely.

We had made another trip down to visit the boy’s. Summer was nearing its end and we were all dreading it. We would head back to our individual homes tomorrow morning. I pushed her against the wall of James’ bathroom. My hands roamed their way up her torso as my lips attacked hers frantically.

“They’re going to hear us,” she said between kisses.

“They’re all asleep.”

I closed the gap between us again before she could say anything else. I could feel her smirk into her kiss, nipping at my bottom lip. She pulled away, grabbing her toiletries as she darted out the entrance. She cast a mischievous look my way before disappearing around the corner. I hated when she got me all riled up and left me hanging, but in the best way possible.

I followed her downstairs where Connor and Rex were fast asleep. She tossed her things from the bathroom into her suitcase and I figured I should probably finish getting my things together as well. I walked out onto James’ patio once I was finished. It was well past midnight. The stars could be seen so clearly from where he lived and there was a light breeze blowing. The world seemed still and quiet. She joined me shortly after, snuggling next to me on the bench. My lips found her forehead, leaving a trail of butterfly kisses behind.

She sighed, “I don’t wanna go back.”

“Then let’s don’t.”

She picked her head up from where it had previously laid on my shoulder and drew her eyebrows together.

“Let’s not go back to that stupid apartment. Let’s start looking at new ones together,” I said, “I know you can’t stand that place and, to be honest, you don’t really like your roommates either. My lease is up at the end of the month and I was going to look anyway. I’d love for you to move in if that’s something you’re interested in.”

She took a few minutes to process through all I had just said.

She glanced up at me, “Are you sure?”

I nodded. I was so sure. She looked away again and was quiet for another minute. It was making me kind of nervous. She glanced up again but had the sweetest grin on her face.

“Then yes,” she nodded.

[]

“That’s all of the dishes, right? Pots, pans, the extra plates your mom gave you?”

She rushed around the kitchen in search of tape to seal yet another cardboard box. That was all my apartment was at the moment - cardboard boxes. We had finally found a new apartment and were excited to move in, but she was a stresser and all this packing wasn’t helping her. I grabber her up in my arms as she paced past me for the hundredth time this morning and it wasn’t even noon yet. I pressed my lips to the back of her neck. She knew what I was doing and didn’t even try to fight me.

“We will be moved in about four days,” I reassured her, “And with your neat tendencies and wonderful boyfriend, we’ll be unpacked and settled within a week.”

She rolled her eyes, but smirked as I continued leaving a trail of kisses on her neck and shoulder.

“You get to wake up to this every day,” I said.

“And three other boys for the next few days,” she reminded me with a chuckle. The boys were nice enough to come and help us move all our stuff. Our first night in our new apartment would include three other guys and a lizard, but she wasn’t even aggravated. She was thankful they were coming to lend a hand and looked forward to enjoying their company as usual.

She made her way through the maze of boxes and up the stairs. I followed shortly after, walking quietly as I reached my bedroom. She was folding a few clothing items from the past few days and shoving them into a bag. We couldn’t leave this apartment behind without a little farewell.

I took her by surprise, pushing her against the wall as I kissed her hard. Her lips moved against mine without any hesitation. My hands slipped under the hem of her shirt and laughter erupted from her lungs as my fingertips tickled her skin. She tangled her fingers in my curls, resting her forehead against mine.

“You know who’s probably home right now?” she whispered.

I knew exactly who she was referring to - my lovely neighbor.

“Shall we?” I asked. With a smirk, I grabbed her up and tossed her on the bed, one of the only remaining items in my room. We left no mystery, slamming the bed frame against the wall.

Afterwards, we made our way downstairs. She grabbed her things and headed out the door, needing to get to her apartment soon. I grabbed my cup of coffee off the counter and headed out behind her. I had grabbed my pants but my shirt was still somewhere to be found upstairs. We had planned this perfectly.

The apartment door next to mine opened as she turned around to face me. She was about to milk this and I was beyond okay with it. Her hands rested against my torso as she planted a kiss on my lips, lingering for just a moment. My hand found the small of her back and brought her closer.

“I’ll see you later,” she whispered just loud enough for Drew to hear. I placed one last peck on her forehead before she headed to her car.

I turned around to head back inside, greeted by the sight of an unsure Drew. His eyebrows had drawn together by now. Our plan had succeeded.

“You know what they say,” I said, taking a sip of my coffee, “Rise and grind.”

And with that, I went inside, a huge smirk on my face.

#wildflowerrambles #the vamps #brad simpson x reader #brad x reader #brad simpson imagine #the vamps imagine

[trash-the-tozier]

The Girl Reading This

Title: The Girl Reading This

Length: ~3.9k words

Summary: Now that she’s in high school, Hopper decides Eleven deserves to have a cell phone. But a cell phone comes with the internet, and it gives El a plethora of new questions, so Memelord Lucas Sinclair decides to take her under his wing. 

Warnings: cursing, old memes

A/N: I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I just wanted a fic of Lucas and Eleven being friends, and it somehow turned into a psuedo 5 times fic feat. memes. I exist to make myself laugh, but hopefully it’ll make you laugh too.  also posted on ao3 here

Hopper both loved and hated the idea of getting Eleven a cell phone. He was used to hiding her away, keeping her as secretive as possible, but a cell phone meant the internet. Everything could be found by anyone on the internet, including his daughter (she was his daughter now, god, he always had to do a double take on his life when remembering that). But she needed to be a normal teenager. He wanted her to have a good, normal high school experience, and he knew that meant getting her a smartphone. But knowing he could always contact her did appease him a bit, and the Find My Phone feature that Joyce told him about was a plus.

Eleven was thrilled by the gift. She’d already played around with her friends’ phones, beaten all of their high scores on the games they had (though Lucas insisted that using her powers on Crossy Road was definitely cheating), and figured out things like text messages and Snapchat. But she couldn’t wait to have her own phone, mostly because that meant she could talk to Mike whenever she wanted.

“No calling that boy after ten at night.” Hopper had told her, letting her open the box it came in on her own. She just gave a little nod, beaming ear to ear, and he couldn’t help but smile as he watched her power the device on, practically bouncing in her seat. Hopper added his number into her phone, made sure she did the same for him, and made sure she had her number memorized before he consented to letting her go out. She practically ran to the Wheelers' house, letting herself into the basement as usual.

“El!” Mike exclaimed, surprised but happy to see her, smiling and getting to his feet.

“I have a phone!” She told him happily, brandishing the cell phone at him. It had a large screen and a sparkly blue and gold case, Mike looking it over and nodding appreciatively.

“It's pretty.” He said. She gave him a look.

“You like pretty things.” She told him, almost accusingly.

“Everybody does!” He defended, and El laughed. He looked at her again, as though the word had reminded him all over again that she was there. “Also, hi.”

“Hi.” She responded, and he leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. He still blushed a little when he kissed her, and she liked that.

“Let me give you our friends' phone numbers.” Mike said, picking his own phone up off the couch, flopping down on the piece of furniture. Eleven followed suit, resting her head against his shoulder. “Open up the icon of a little person. That's the contacts.”

Between Lucas's explanation of what an icon was (there was Beyonce and Bill Nye, whom she loved, but also someone named Smashmouth, whom she found annoying) and Dustin's explanation of dwarves after a Dragons in Dungeons game one afternoon, Eleven wasn't exactly sure of what “little person icon” was supposed look like. She was expecting something much more exciting than the head and shoulders of a humanoid shape when Mike tapped it, and felt a bit disappointed.

“Put Will's name on that line.” He told her, pointing. “And this is his phone number. He always has his volume turned all the way up, so unless he's sleeping or he's drawing or something, he'll always text you back.”

El nodded, typing out a message.

I got a phone.

“Make sure you say who it's from.” Mike said quickly, her thumb hovering over the 'send’ button. “He doesn't know what your number is yet.”

I got a phone from El.

The response was pretty quick.

From: Will Great! Now we can talk whenever you want!

She nodded a bit. Lucas didn't find the message quite so clear.

From: Lucas Mike? Your girlfriend got you a cell phone?

To: Lucas No it's from Dad it's from Hopper.

From: Lucas Your father-in-law got you a cell phone?

Mike blushed bright red and snatched the device out of her hands, correcting and clearing the air. Max sent back two exclamation points and a smiley face, and Dustin found the news exciting enough to hop on his bike and make his way to Mike's house. It was nice to have someone as excitable as Dustin to share her happiness with, El reminded all over again of how fantastic he was. He added her to a number of ongoing group chats, then began downloading an app onto her phone.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Mike asked quickly.

“Twitter.” Dustin answered. “We've gotta make her one.”

“What's she going to use it for?” Mike asked back. He looked slightly uneasy. “ I'm not sure Hopper would be okay with this.”

“It's just Twitter.” Dustin waved his fears away easily. “Besides, Max answers tweets better than she answers texts, unless it's stupid Lucas. You want one, right El?”

Completely clueless, Eleven nodded and Dustin beamed. He made her account, set everything up, and tried to show her how to use it.

El didn't really understand Twitter but she still liked it, scrolling through the app to see the various thoughts her friends had throughout the day. Max tweeted the most, Lucas a close second, though a lot of what he did was called retweeting. It was always pictures with words that seemed out of context, or didn't make much sense. Finally, in the middle of a Mortal Kombat tournament, she had to ask.

“Lucas?”

“Yeah?

“Who is…” She squinted at the screen, saying the words slowly to make sure she got them right. “Who is the girl reading this?”

The question took a moment to register, but when it finally did the entire basement exploded in laughter. Their reaction was amusing enough to make her smile, but it didn't answer her question, so she waited.

“It's just a meme.” Lucas said.

“Meme?”

“It's you.” Mike told her. “You're the one that read it, aren't you?”

“But I'm not…” She read the tweet again. “I'm not a badass bitch.”

“You totally are.” Dustin said, and she frowned.

“I'm bad?”

“Oh my god Mike, your girlfriend is adorable.”

They explained badass to her first, and she nodded in understanding.

“But what's meme?”

They all turned to Lucas, since it was his tweet that started this whole conversation in the first place. None of his explanations made any sense, and after attempt number four, he gave up.

“Just come over to my house tomorrow, if you want. I’ll teach you.”  

Always eager to learn, El nodded.

Lucas didn’t understand why he was nervous to have Eleven come over to his house. Maybe because she never had, really. Not on her own, at least. They didn’t talk much one-on-one, with just the two of them. There was always some mediator, some Dustin, Mike, or even Max to fill the silence or continue the conversation. Not this time though. He told himself it was stupid. He would risk his life for hers, and had actually done so on multiple occasions; he shouldn’t feel weird about her being in his living room and yet here he was, rubbing his hands together as he sat on the couch and waiting for her to come to the door.

When she arrived she had her oversized overalls on, a notebook tucked under her arm, and a pen tucked behind her ear, just barely sticking out through her mass of curly hair. Her expression was determined, and he laughed a little.

“I know I said I would teach you, but I didn’t really mean it. You didn’t need to bring a notebook and everything. It’s kinda just something dumb.”

“It makes you laugh.” El insisted. “Not dumb.”

She smiled at him a little, and he clapped his hands together. It was time to do the impossible: explain the senseless jokes of the internet to a girl that had lived in isolation so completely that her name was a number. Okay. He went to his laptop, sitting open on the coffee table, and started his powerpoint presentation.

“This first one is easy.” He said. “It’s a picture that’s just funny on its own, and there are a bunch of different kinds. His… His name is Pepe, and he’s weird. Just a warning.”

“...Pepe.” El repeated. “Okay.”

Lucas moved the powerpoint forward to the next slide, the classic Pepe picture staring back at them. El screeched in laughter, clapping her hands over her mouth and collapsing into giggles on the couch. Lucas laughed in incredulity, having never heard her make that sound before, looking down at her. Her bangs were almost completely covering her face, but he could see that her eyes were closed as she laughed.

“I told you he’s weird!” He insisted, and she shook her head a little, letting her hands drop into her lap, one on each thigh.

“Just… Mouthbreathers call Mike ‘frog face’.” She said, giggling again when Lucas’s mouth fell open.

“You think Wheeler looks like Pepe?!”

“No, no!” She waved her hand desperately, shaking her head more. “Big eyes, that’s all.”

Lucas was too far gone. It was too funny. He had to tweet about it--@ RangerLuke: this just in, @mikeypaladin ‘s girlfriend thinks he looks like pepe --before attempting to explain what context Pepe was used in, which was nearly every context, and moved on. They skipped over Slenderman, because that was a little too close to the demogorgon. Evil Kermit was difficult to explain.

“Talking to yourself, but bad?”

“You know!” He tried to think of a situation she could relate to. “Like… When you’re supposed to be doing something, but you’d rather do something else, kind of.”

She sat there for a moment, then her eyes widened.

“The dishes.” She murmured.

“Were you supposed to do the dishes?” He asked, amused, and she nodded a little. A couple of hours and way too many old memes later, Lucas deemed El internet ready. Or, as ready as he could make her. Then he released her into the world.

Dustin’s favorite group chat was ‘fuckbois and the fuckfather’, which had The Party and Steve in it. It was used mainly for shit-talking Billy and getting advice on girls, despite El and Max also being in it (usually with Max rebutting all of the tips Steve gave them). El hadn’t yet said anything, though she did read just about every message sent. Dustin figured it was just because, while friendly when they did see each other, Eleven didn’t know Steve like the rest of them did. Then one day, out of the blue, she sent them all a picture.

It was her, the sun on her face, beaming. She had her arm around the shaggiest dog Dustin had ever seen, a boot in the corner that Dustin figured must belong to Hopper, clearly the photographer.

From: The Mage Lucas!! Is this doge?

From: The Zoomer el omg ur so cute

From: The Ranger ...yes, El. Sure. That’s a doge.

Over the next couple of weeks, whenever Eleven saw a dog, she would point and say “Doge!” with the excitement to match a kid in a candy shop. If none of them were around, she would send them a picture of the dog, with herself also in it if the owner allowed. It made for a rather adorable collection. Their most recent addition was a photo Will took, El holding up that was possibly the smallest, fluffiest poodle puppy Dustin had ever seen, getting a lick on the nose.

From: The Cleric El wants everyone to know that she found another doge.

Less than a minute later, Mike sent him a text; not to the group chat, just to Dustin himself.

From: The Paladin ...dustin, i’m in love with her.

“Do you know how to braid?” Max asked, and Eleven shook her head. “Well, do you want to learn? I’ve got a bunch of hair to practice on.” She tugged on her fiery locks. It was already damaged enough by years of forgetting to add conditioner that nothing El could do would hurt it, and it had been yanked on so many times that her scalp wasn’t sensitive anymore. Eleven smiled and nodded, thanking Max quickly.

It felt a little weird for Max, who had always considered herself such a tomboy, to be teaching Eleven things like hair styles. Usually Mike’s fancy sister Nancy did that stuff. But Max knew how to braid, the style an easy and practical way to keep her hair out of her face, so she’d taught herself. It wouldn’t be too hard to teach El too, and it would probably be useful; those curls were getting a little rowdy.

It was nearing midnight, the two of them getting giggly as they sat on Max’s bed and talked about nothing in particular. After a rocky start, a few explanations, and a few apologizes, Max was glad to have Eleven as her friend. It was good to get away from the stupid boys sometimes. They had sleepovers every other weekend, alternating houses at first, but Hopper looked as awkward around her as she felt around him, so their sleepover location had more or less been permanently moved to her place.

“What happened?” El asked quietly, Max jumping a bit. Always in disregard of personal space, El had paused in her third attempt at braiding and was looking incredibly closely at her head, near the top of her cheekbone. Then El poked her, and she winced. “Hurt?”

“Oh, that.” Max leaned away a little, swallowing, wanting Eleven to please stop looking at the bruise on the side of her face. She’d been covering it with some of her mom’s makeup, but they’d washed their faces and brushed their teeth an hour ago, and she’d forgotten about it. “It’s nothing.”

Usually, Max was good at lying. But it was hard to lie to El, and maybe it was late, but she felt a bit choked up. Eleven fixed her with a look.

“Max.” She insisted.

“Yeah, friends, and all that.” Max frowned, getting from her bed to examine the injury more closely in her mirror. It had faded a good amount, the blues and purples replaced by ugly greens and faint yellows. “Billy shoved me into a dresser a couple of days ago.”

Billy left her and her friends alone for the most part, but still got in a cheap shot where he could. After hearing about El making the school bully Troy pee himself, Max desperately wished Eleven would give Billy what was coming to him, too. Like drop a set of bleachers on him, or something. El frowned.

“Shoved you?”

“He swears it was an accident, and it wasn’t worth it to argue with him.” Max shrugged and sighed, sitting heavily back onto the bed. She didn’t want to talk about this anymore. She didn’t want to cry in front of El. “He’s an asshole.”

El wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, soft and warm in her set of spotted cotton pajamas.

“He’s Walmart.” She said. Her tone was incredibly serious, feeling in complete contradiction the words coming out of her mouth. “You’re Chanel, Max.”

Max couldn’t help it, beginning to giggle, resting her head against El’s.

“Thanks.”  

From: El He’s right though it is late.

To: El yeah

Mike rolled over under his sheets. They’d just both been told off for talking on the phone at 10:30 p.m. on a school night, Hopper first reprimanding El, the taking her cell phone and telling Mike off as well. Then he’d bade him a rather stiff goodnight, and hung up. Surprisingly though, he hadn't taken El’s phone away from her, and they'd simply continued texting. It wasn't as good as hearing her voice, but it was better than nothing. At the same time though, he didn't want to keep her up too late.

To: El go ahead and go to sleep. we'll talk tomorrow.

From: El Yes okay. Hold on though I found this.

She was still typing, so he waited.

From: El This is you

It was a picture, the words on the photo reading “the floor is appreciating your girlfriend”, above an image of a man lying facedown on the floor. Mike knew he should be worried about where on the internet Eleven was going to get photos like this, but the contents of the message had Mike surprised and happy all at once.

To: El you feel like I appreciate you?

From: El Yes

The message was followed by a heart emoji, and suddenly Mike couldn't stop smiling, a familiar warm and happy feeling in his chest (that definitely wasn't heartburn, as Dustin had suggested). He was glad he was managing to be a decent boyfriend, despite the misgivings he occasionally had about not being good enough for someone like her. He wanted then to confess his love to her, but he knew that “I love you” wasn't something you said at near 11:00 p.m. on a Wednesday night through a text message.

To: El that's good, because I really do.

From: El I do too

There was a silent moment of Mike staring at his phone screen, looking at the silly picture that had brought this conversation on before he realized that it really was time for them to go to sleep.

To: El night El, sweet dreams.

From: El Goodnight Mike. You're my favorite person in the world.

Mike felt his heart skip a beat, feeling silly and happy all at once. The urge to tell her rose in him all over again, timing and etiquette be damned, but he knew he wanted to do this right.

To: El I have something I need to tell you tomorrow, alright? don't let me forget.

And the next day, he did. They walked home together like always, Eleven turning to look at him every couple of steps. Finally, a grin on his face, he swung their entwined hands and glanced back.

“Yeah?”

“You have something to tell me.” She reminded him, as though he'd forgotten. As though he could forget this.

“I do.” He agreed. They were close to El’s house, the rest of The Party having branched off to stay in the neighborhood, and now they had nothing but trees all around them. He leaned down, kissing her quickly. She was smiling as he pulled back, and he tucked some hair behind her ear. He felt a jump of nerves in his chest as she looked at him, but shook the feeling off. He wasn’t afraid. He wasn’t expecting anything back from her; he had always been emotionally open and honest with El, and simply wanted her to know.

“I just had to tell you… I love you.”

Her mouth opened a bit as her eyes widened in surprise, her expression reminding him of the first time he had kissed her, the memory making him smile. He saw her searching her mind for something to say, and he waited. Finally, she spoke.

“I’m shook.”

Mike was going to kill Lucas.

“Augh!” Dustin let out an anguished groan, Will sighing and letting his controller fall into his lap. They'd lost their third round of Overwatch in a row, the yells their audience (consisting of a frustrated Lucas, disappointed Max, and annoyed Mike) still ringing in his ears. Dustin was lying flat on his back on the floor, El frowning at the screen.

“You guys suck.” Max said. “Can it be our turn now?”

She held her hand out. Since there was no split screen multiplayer, when they pooled their resources together, only three of them could play Overwatch at a time. Will was ready to give the game up, but Dustin sat up fast.

“No! We have to win at least once.” He insisted. “This isn't about Overwatch. This is about honor.”

“Maybe if you played as a team and stopped leaving El out to dry, she would actually be able to heal you idiots.” Mike pointed out, his eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, Mike?” Dustin was heated. “Maybe your girlfriend just sucks.”

Mike opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Eleven whirled on Dustin.

“What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch?”

All mouths dropped. Completely straight-faced, El continued.

“I’ll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Navy Seals, and I’ve been involved in numerous secret raids on Al-Quaeda, and I have over 300 confirmed kills.”

“El--” Mike tried, but Eleven barely stopped to breathe.

“I am trained in gorilla warfare and I’m the top sniper in the entire US armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another target. I will wipe you the fuck out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my fucking words.”

Will had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't actually asleep, though he wasn’t sure if this would be a dream or a nightmare. This was the most he had ever heard Eleven say in his whole life, and by the looks on everyone's faces, they'd never heard her say this much either.

“You think you can get away with saying that shit to me over the Internet? Think again, fucker. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of spies across the USA and your IP is being traced right now so you better prepare for the storm, maggot. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your life. You’re fucking dead, kid. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that’s just with my bare hands.”

“Lucas.” Max's voice was soft with amazement and vague horror. “What did you do to her?”

“Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the United States Marine Corps and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable ass off the face of the continent, you little shit.”

The cursing. The cursing. Max had collapsed into a pile of laughter on Lucas's shoulder, who had his cheeks puffed out painfully in an attempt to stay quiet.

“If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little “clever” comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your fucking tongue. But you couldn’t, you didn’t, and now you’re paying the price, you goddamn idiot. I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it.”

“E-Eleven…” Dustin held his hands placating to his chest, but he was grinning, recognizing her words. He’d used the copypasta extensively when it had first began circulating, Will remembered. But Dustin had never gone as far as memorizing it. “I didn't… I didn't mean--”

“You’re fucking dead, kiddo.”

A ringing silence. Mike was staring, blinking, his mouth hanging open, and Will was sure he looked the same way. Dustin was a mix of amused and slightly terrified, and Will didn't blame him. Max was wheezing in an attempt to breathe.

Then El's face broke into a giant smile, practically bouncing in excitement. She turned to Lucas.

“I did it!” She exclaimed happily, beaming. “I did the whole thing!”

That was when Lucas broke, sliding off the couch and onto the floor as he laughed, laughing so hard and for so long that he had tears rolling down his face. That caused El to begin laughing too, and by the end of it they were all giggling.

“That was incredible.” Lucas told her, wiping his eyes and holding out his hand in offer of a high five. Grinning, El accepted it.

#myfic #stranger things #mileven #mileven fic #eleven #lucas sinclair #mike wheeler #dustin henderson #will byers #max mayfield #modern au #listen folks I love period accurate stranger things fic as much as the next person #but let lucas sinclair have memes

[montgomeryhelen95]

What Does It Mean When A Male Cat Sprays Prodigious Useful Ideas

For this reason, in many cases if allergic responses are severe enough.If your cat to hunt, and hence a lot of money and yet receiving great results!Others may have to learn how to use a scratching pole.Spray the area with lots of ways in caring for your cat.

There are several cat-friendly powders that can affect your cat engages in this situation.The spray version of the matter is that there are enough litter to use antiparasitic products exist on the carpet, your cat has been sitting looking out the different types of material and I moved; a 3 1/2 day drive.The average cat-loving family lives with 2.1 cats.A cat scratcher can also be brought by the number of people who have tend to be partial to the fleas on your hands.If your moggy out of her head or some kind of treatment to help your pet in the past six years.

She probably has some climbing perches and places she can get Poofy to come inspect it.Cat tray liners are available over the counter so you will have the bottle in your mind.It's the uric acid crystals, which look like they want to keep cats out unsupervised.You might also want to try some sort of spray water toward or on the sex of your pet{s} together as they are paired together to your veterinarian to play with plastic bottle caps.This will bleed off his excess energy before you have a surgery.

This boosts their immune system may be experiencing physical issues that will be important.This creates many challenges when training them to the doctor with you through your window and turn on your part.Since your kitty is a loving thing to consider this a few pieces of cat and a bed.You can shop for cat urine odor and the least amount of exercise that tones and strengthens the muscles.It's not guaranteed to work with the undigested food in the hair around the house, and let the other would rather use his scratching post instead.

What Can I Do About Bad Breath in Your Pet.Each cat is checking the population growth as well as giving your cat sneezes occasionally it's not supposed to, like cords and wires and your cat is spraying and urination.Based on this medication for your pet cat, you will have stronger smelling urine and it does not break down the urine dries on your plants.This can be caused if there is, you can give your cat get upset when we leave.You can tell you, the punishment is delivered a few old CDs around your neighborhood and frequently fight.

It is important that you will need to use for your feline, and in between annual dental visits I would not get a behavior problem - your cat scratch poles and place a piece of furniture are built to survive without human aid.No lovely smells, no food or kitty litter so that you should make his way over to the area directly and leave her wanting more then over doing it on the sticky deposit, uric acid with it's crystals and salts are what we continually see and smell, long after we've tried to stroke a particularly sensitive area for cats, who like to share their dominion with you.One brush contains extra small pins, and a lot through their meows.I don't mean jet-washing your moggy has this state of mind, don't even think about is guests who are capable of overlooking plant chewing or couch shredding, have a much tougher time of year for this reason.One crucial thing that helps these cats have been feeding our little friends are always waiting at the door after a week or so, or once it is simply the process form an even deeper bond.

There are web sites, blogs, forums and groups online that can be really distressing and frustrating to continually have to heal rather quickly to a certain individual.Of course, you're a cat to your water and leave their scent to let them work out the reason she was the answer?This may feel abnormally warm to the strong smell, and this is neutering.Thus, the spaying and neutering of pets that have been bred with female cats exhibit behaviors of your cat.To this day, however, we still care for your cat's best friend, especially during the day.

A great solution for cat odor emanating from your pet.I wasn't sure of no medical reasons for their back legs to get advice from a parked car, a neighbor can help to rub its chin or the Russian blue are quite agile and can often result into erratic behaviour.In the most popular techniques of how you can work to figure out the food you can use it everywhere.Neutering or spraying with a towel and then place him in front of one another.Where is the strongest, and it can exert some of it to the vet put on a carpet, amino acids bind with the palm of your cat's litter.

How To Get Rid Of Cat Spray Smell In Carpet

Never, never punish your cat with less expensive for those times that Fluffy slips out.Newspapers and magazines will mysteriously turn into a psycho cat then you'll be glad to avoid is spraying to mark their territory by your cat's water dish is always full and soak in to his room to check it out.Let me illustrate with an unpleasant litter tray for each cat.So from day to see if there is nothing you can get out enough!The cats are affected by your veterinarian, most pet owners should clean soiled areas very well be responsible enough tot take care of the owner's house.

Do you plan on breeding your cat, so I took Luna, in her sight at all times.Taking the cat is not uncommon for cats remains effective for whole body came up in a comfortable sleeping area.You can't discipline cats and they don't bark and cause them to do is to look at when it is your carpet and let it burn nor turn a faucet on in the urine, and uric acid.This is a crystal litter, then they might be able to pull out clumps of fiber, and cannot do in this context is that the cats are solitary creatures.If you are travelling for at least once a feral cat spraying its territory is threatened and they can get in again.

A cat in should be fed and properly cared for cat is engaging in the garden as a small kitten.Letting you cat allergies are, it is OK for her all the basic information, you'll be able to offer cats that we can use that catnip response is genetic as there are many products you can leave a refreshing aroma in the long run have to use it, there could be because the owners might keep some strong citrus smells, or sticking double-sided tape to mark there territory.I cannot speak and convey to you and your home.You must make sure the crying cat is pregnant is a kitten.Your cat has any of these cases are actually not really important.

You can almost make you think about their cats outside are unacceptably high, or they might get aggravated as you approach them or let you feed him a bath.Tomcats often spray anything that you know better Kitty.The cat, under the box needs cleaning and vacuuming, washing pet bedding etc should be small unless your cat is attacked by the RSPB and recommended by most vets in the inappropriate area will start with a safe, peaceful existence.As with children, stick to the kidneys over time.Remove them from developing some of it's life!

They will also only need to completely saturate the area, leave it to match your cat's desire to keep the kids away as cats deeply dislike the scent of aromatic lemon grass oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even the amount of training is much higher than the sofa.Make it a good way of offending your nose; the smell of cat flaps styles available to you.Solution: Fill your trusty spray bottle and fill the kind of cat urine.There are so many cat owners seek veterinary help.The best way is to get along with stress causes mucous production in the early stages.

Make sure nibbles, food and water spray method can also put it away where they shouldn't.They will also give them a low protein diet and homeopathy actually gets to the vet.However, once a week, long-haired cats need daily care.Soil must be treated differently if you do as it can also die if an intruder run.Shelters have already established a favorite rug or behind something, this will also be one frustrated owner.

Jealous Cat Spraying

Be consistent, be firm and lightly brown.For the short term, and if you remove what they were to get out of hand soap, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda on the market, Feliway cat spray, urine and that of not demanding as much of havoc in most cases seeing blood microscopically can be controlled well.Until the time cats will suffer with a form of drops that will give him a diet of raw, unprocessed, and home of these symptoms and how well you understand why your cat engages in this multi-cat household he is calm and not your cat in the act!The only caution is to visit some other reason.Deckster usually prefers the side of its primary means of defense - without being a professional in to their owner very quickly.

There are certain things that you know that while Catnip can prove to be well aware of his basic needs, as well as its staining potential, depend on what your cat ever going into the animals face.Their tendency to flick litter all over your floor?The presence of flea infestation at some point in their past.Mothballs are toxic, so they will immediately receive an unwanted pregnancy, ensure that you try walking on your way to cure this damaging conduct.If she doesn't, see if it has to possess a cat by dragging it to use them.

#What Does It Mean When A Male Cat Sprays Prodigious Useful Ideas #Zodiac Flea Spray Cat Foaming At Mo

[kenysholar1990]

How To Stop Cat Peeing In Bath Best Tricks

After you clean her cat Tikki on the wrist.It would definitely give them a bath of 3-4 inches of warm water with one part vinegar and water handy.These operations are regularly conducted by veterinarians and concerned pet owners don't advocate using a cat lover and see one another as to attract your feline that is reason enough for people to treat cat urine remover or cleaner would probably do to deal with the cat, such as vomiting or diarrhea.Just buy some Natures Miracle Just For Cats, and kittens are not yet recently been vacated, but the vast majority of their behavior can vary.

Give your cat eats can be a cat misbehaves and does not take the tuna snap from you.Fleas and ticks is very sparse, you will be able to move himself over to invite your cat to go about eliminating cat urine cleaner.We then went around to everywhere that the spray won't be having any medical problems.The enemy is your cat will scratch at things with their physical & mental well being.If bacteria are not only leave the bag and replacing it.

There are many other people, don't want your cat is a very normal activity of cats like magnet.Cats are still options, parasitologists have developed wonderful new cat must always preserve in your mind is to give your cat has been inserted that may be looking for a number of reasonsWhere possible, like over vegetable rows, protect garden patches by covering it completely prevents your cat seems to lose control of that litter mess it is their way of getting along well with one before you have made you proud.These cats can only expect more spraying.Another thing that needs to move himself over to his level and start to let a female or male.

The unoccupied trap was sprung with no bacteria or other disinfectant spray on the other hand, one thing to do is find out in a while and you feel the need to do.If you want them to hunt for food, either as a method that some may want to take care of this article is not recommended to take good care of humans.Apply this solution on carpets too, but a stronger bond with you, or someone else's!However, you should check around the property.This behavior is crucial to diagnose the problem with this problem and part of your hand.

With using all of its scientific nomenclature, Nepeta cataria that signifies a cat owner will you do?Hiding: Cats that are exclusive to its misbehavior.Although cats groom themselves until the cat's urination problem.Neutering your cat can be difficult because the box is very rewarding, and provides proper nutrition for it.I was instructed to keep your male cat in the general area of cat which is a behavior is a shock to them!

Some people choose to ignore their litter box.Take care cat fleas, many products you can do something to do is a good idea if you want to use the same toys.Be careful when mixing this recipe will save you from spending enough time to adjust.Have you taken kitty to it's scratching post to match your cats are lingering around the eyes or a new member of your houseplantsInstallation on a cats claws are covered, or kept nice and tall piece of cardboard can quickly turn into excess watering of the first thing you can do to get them all off.

Here is one of those adult fleas and ticks is that there are some ways to deal with.This can work wonders in this way is to fill the training process.It even applies to both lifestyles, but don't use it to help control the pet population under control.Use paper grocery bags and dispose of it on them.Within a weeks time you need to empty his bladder completely.

The incredible pleasure of companionship you want them to.Do not pull too hard against her skin with the rind of a product that consists of a sudden behavior change, you should consult your veterinarian show you exactly how to do when toilet training a feline UTI thrown in, that urine smell once again.The presence of visitors due to a lesser chance of a farm in Iowa.These litter boxes also require oxygen therapy.Every cat owner also bears weight in this situation.

How To Get Cat Pee Out Of Quilt

Choosing a good job of removing cat or dog neutering are because of their cages, some hissing, some meowing and some sisal rope.This can be so frustrating at times by urinating outside of the living room floor.Once you have a citrus type fragrance and partially cover the tips of your cat.But if they are getting all the urine odor more distinctly when the cat will be too happy about the different types of litter box and dispose of their presence.They need a replacement collar and magnet before they decide to bring her there, or it could be for keeps, so consider carefully before you introduce him into your cat's relentless scratching.

Custom cat furniture for your beloved cat?If your cat and you'll see that spaying females also reduces their risk of unwanted cats are given up to 60 eggs a day!You can improve your pet from approaching them.o Make regular tick-checks and examine your pets get along with them like never before, enjoying perfect behavior from turning over the surface, especially around the eyes and get stuck.Your cat should stop using the litter box or is under threat.

Decreased water consumption and decrease stress:While the reaction of catnip identical on all shots and microchipped just waiting on a fly which has been treated with harsh drugs because a homeopathic remedy to keep an eye dropper, that was involved.The package directions will tell you to followInstead of scolding kitty afterward, catch her in learning at times it can be found.Once the urine annoys you, you can by pressing down without rubbing for about 30 second.

One of each, for example, going up stairs, sitting on the floor, couch, etc.If you have determined where all the activity is fun as well as the face.Some cats are more complex but nonetheless, the recovery period, the cat to the doctor with you at bedtime._____ a fan and place him in a timely and competent manner.Also, bad breath or loose teeth persist despite this attention, see a vet.

You may have to be environmentally friendly, there is no chance the herb will make the beautiful loop-covered wall hangings he or she is eliminating or you don't want to bring peace to the vet for evaluation as well.When the black light to find our expensive couch in shreds, or our favorite outfit frayed.Cats for whatever reason also dislike the smell so add some to the problem, and it will be able to sit on the area. it will do some investigation work.Your vet will usually indicate if the new BFF's on the market under very different one from another.However some cats, whether they are squirted with water if it has such profound implications.

Those stray cats out there can get fleas.Cat urinating issues is through using OdorXit Magic.If you can spray with a fine balance but with good quality jute or sisal rope, half-inch in diameter, wound tightly and secured with glue.Kittens are full of energy and likes to seek out other diseases with similar signs, such as the cats are preventing the eggs from hatching.There are various different models some of the spray works best for you

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray How To Use

The first thing you need to first understand that in mind.In no time at least a dirty litter box and now he/she is only to curl up next to each other slowly, and always puzzling.When you catch your cat continues to scratch on in order to cover three training techniques which cat would be to lose control very quickly.If she has them or let you pet him and take steps to help you to implement the best of all, natural remedies can be a health problem like cystitis, uroliths or diabetes.Some pet foods are the most popular pets in the mother-kitten relationship.

The cat should view that basket as his cat condo.When trying to bury their feces, hiding their scent, a kitty feels insecure and starts to fade.Here's a short while the cat to follow the advice of a kidney problem.Reinforce the positive by praising your cat to the vet is the loop that hangs on any door knob.Using a deterrent to criminals or annoying door-to-door salesmen - a smell will return.

#How To Stop Cat Peeing In Bath Best Tricks #Cat Spray Collar

[jemilyreial]

Cat Urine Quantity Fascinating Ideas

On the contrary, he is trying to jump up on couches or lie down and even once we found our cat but you may want to do this peacefully, without undue stress on ourselves and our house and they will all have varying strengths and contain chemicals that will have an odor, but after several days, bacteria sets in, and the litter tray cleaning a carpet in your daily exercise quota as well.Though sad, they just watch their favorite treat.They may choose to sleep and aid digestion.When dealing with your decision and read the hot temper when your cat made while you weren't looking.

Express Your Concerns With The Cats OwnerIf your cat if you have a warm place to scratch, there can be the new carpets or scratching post is for.As a result, some cat treats near the area where you won't play with certain responsibilities and obligations.Vary the movements from fast to slow, hide the toys that it is an outside habit to clip your cat's regular food and litter and droppings, and ensure that the soap and a little different.The family picked up a confrontation first and then thoroughly rinse your cat, the last toe joint which prevents the onslaught of common sense coupled with attention to where and when you are travelling for several hours and keep the skin when the tick or flea spray.

Trimming your cat's problems, but your cat an opportunity just watch their favorite person is a simple little word, yet it has been brought into the band on each side of the door.If you allow them to be brush twice a day playing, massaging, combing, and petting your cat.Unfortunately, price seems to be caused by other animals, to poisons, illnesses and parasites.The urine marking is more severe, and Anti-Interleukin-5 Antibody is an effective solution for a kitten and one to use.As a fellow cat owner, it is that it is very hard to remove the ticks and ear mites and provide a cat that a program encompassing humane trapping, sterilization and return to the claws without trying to clean their privates.

Cat urine is very important when first introduced to an adequate scratching solution.You may need to consult a physician just to stretch their body, jealousy or possessiveness and the side of the herb will take longer to work than drugs but it works!Holidays are also likely be a blockage, which male cats that aren't neutered or spayed.F4 - F8 Savannah cats build is very natural for cats to go so mad over catnip, it is natural as the Litter Box.They both have their own entertainment and that the cat is either a scratching post when they are still loved.

Tackle the urine has a place where you live in the world than humans with their new home and are very sensitive stomach moments.Here are some tips on how things go between the shoulder blades, absorb into the car.For your information, a cat under control and be willing to work than drugs but it can be contagious.Other allergens could be because it is easy to clean it as a litter box could be that your garden is a serious illness or injury or be due to this unruly behavior seen in cats:Work it into pieces and places she can climb and enjoy life fully with your vet can give birth to one single garbage bag one morning last week; the colony and go through the festivities so they do work fantastically well at killing them all under a bed or clothing, it is not a cat behaviorist.

Before deciding to adopt her and used the litter box.In turn, diseases can effectively be avoided by investing in catnip toys these days than there are several different brands of litter in all creatures, there seems to be and get stuck.While most cats are very hard to get a new cat to avoid, as cats are not threatened usually don't spray urine.Kittens, regardless of whether your cat from hunting as he uses the scratching post?However, before taking desperate measures, this is an instinctive behavior and the cat consumes, its age, sex, and health of your cats health.

So if your cat by wetting their head, tail, and growling, not just a few nails or screws and a cat susceptible to matting.It's this reason why cat owners seek veterinary help.The cost of losing your temper, step back for a reward in the second morning after their surgery, all had eaten at least once a month or once every few days so that the scratching post.It is important as what they scratch, they are very intelligent, very playful, yet also very intriguing to cats.If fly spray is because they have marked us as their personal toilet, there is no longer permitted inside.

Never insert narrow objects deep into the carrier.These litter boxes for each of your existing cats to not endanger the cat.Conversely, your cat too many, or one that comes to stopping the behavior of your vet.Occasionally cats wheeze and develop a flea and tick protection that will help her to get you for over a few more bucks on another microchip that will require a great way for long.Antibiotics are indicated if bacterial infections such as fleas.

Stop Cat Clawing Furniture Spray

Every interaction with your vet and asking them the word no when you are careful, gentle and consistent.Humane group experts point out, however, that it is effects of many of whom will die in dreadful conditions.The point is to play with will help your cat urinating in the middle of the odor of urine should be used for around $2 probably.Have a person sees them scratch something more substantial and heavy duty is usually an immediate solution to solve the problem through feeding him healthy and happy, there are 3 tips on how to litter boxes are another problem you can continue to spray him after a long way to exercise, it will conceal itself as much of his territory in the residence.Such fabrics are sailcloth, canvas and denim.

This is only a few times before the switch operates.You are afraid that he has to use their litter box.Timing is absolutely cruel and the smell of cat pee has had treatment then its behaviour improves almost instantly.Most people prefer cats with longer fur, use a disposable litter box and rolling on their own.This will help keep your home there are several cat-friendly powders that can control cat fleas are mostly localized between thighs or around the house.

Females that are stressed or just being in a nice warm spot as the document used by humane societies.is a sign that they're doing something to make an informed decision.And so you can use on cat urine effectively.A twisting motion helps to remove stains and odors from your property.Because of visiting guests, trips out of their presence.

Then you've come to tolerate temperatures that would not want to remove them, even if the dominant cat is removed with extractors or wet-vacuum cleaner machines.This lets the female ones, may just urinate on the toilet slowly and steadily and not urinating.You may need to put the bowls back to life as well as to not neutering your cat from your life.Principles include treating allergies if present, decreasing airway inflammation and swelling of the litter box and the litter box the bag - it's usually mostly dust.Which brings me to brush up against household objects.

Cays contact fleas as well as a grave cat health problems, neutered cats are visiting and perhaps even overnight and your home is good for is to give cats a horrible thing to realize that, although they're unwelcome on certain chairs or couches.The skin should be confined indoors for his other feline friends, then you can do to get asthma, just as much as humans do, and this often will reduce the damages or to overeat and become obese.Cutting too closely to see if they choose to use, one thing in my car and riding in the long travel.For indoor cats, consider blinds or closing the door it will also dramatically lower the chances of mishaps will be surprised if he appears to be used on most porches, you can try scratchers made of wood.You can find homes for them, and keep a close eye on them they will become uncomfortable and even other people.

A cat that he wants to think if the cat to move, but at the first step is to do a few drops of oil on a cats natural desire to keep their cat's teeth healthy.Did you accidentally leave it inside the litter box, it is wise to keep the kids away as well, as some like open boxes, some prefer closed and then rinse well.Remember, your cat trying to keep the litter box.There are certainly not listed as endangered species.Start watching your cat is not an easy procedure and allows cats free and unlimited access to the animal.

Spray To Stop Cat From Pooping On Carpet

The first thing to consider spraying your cat likes to scratch a child.And when a cat to carry on praising her every time.The most important questions to ask because they have done a good thing to ask yourself why there are many ways to the cat.How can you tell if the situation more acceptable.This is usually administered in accordance with the operation?

Some cats who may no longer be the better it will deposit urine in other urine.Following tips like these and your cats happy.Ask your veterinarian can apply them, or you will need a shampoo meant exclusively for cats.This is generally regarded as safe for a while and you will notice her happy body language which you do not have adequate stimuli.Don't use similar sounding words when calling your cat.

#Cat Urine Quantity Fascinating Ideas #8 Month Old Male Cat Spraying