#And hopefully 3/3 mini morning crew but that's reaching | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

marvelmadam08 · 2 years

Text

Baby Blues 18/?

Summary: After a quick visit to see Chris on set and the park, and Chris begin to feel a little paranoid.

Warnings: None.

A/N: So sorry for the wait you guys, that mini hiatus was not planned whatsoever (they never are) but this morning I woke up with a need to write something. So hopefully I can get a new chapter out for y’all soon. Thank you so much for being so patient with me, I love y’all so much.

And to the readers who sent me the requests, I see you and will be writing something for you soon!

~~~~~~

13 Weeks (and 3 Days) Old

“Guess what we’re gonna do to day.” Alex grinned at Ace while securing his carrier in the backseat of her car. He giggled and squealed, and Alex’s heart just melted as if it were the first time she heard it. She and Chris loved hearing Ace laugh and seeing his many little facial expressions. “We’re gonna go surprise Daddy at work and then we’re going to the park.”

Ace stuck one of his mitten covered hands in his mouth, no longer impressed by Alex’s baby talk. She angled the baby mirror for what felt like the fifth time, before getting into the driver’s seat, then doubled-checked her mirror to make sure she could see Ace’s mirror, and the road, clearly.

Alex would be the first one to to admit that after the squirrel incident, she hovered over Ace a little more now. She never strayed too far away from him unless Chris was in the room, and she started putting him in the bassinet for naps so she could roll him into different rooms with her. She examined the fading scars every hour upon the hour, and making sure he never went without the mittens for longer than thirty seconds. Chris made a joke about dressing Ace up as Freddy Kruger for Halloween. That did not go over well with Alex, and they ended up spending Halloween night, sullenly, handing out candy to the neighborhood kids and exchanging short responses.

Alex was both surprised and grateful that Ace stayed quiet while slipping past a few crew members and Chris, and all the way to the food tent they had set up not too far away. She could still see and hear them filming from where she was, watching Chris and his co-star go back and forth with each other until the director called cut. Seeing Chris’ stern demeanor quickly fade to his usual soft grin reminded Alex of when they first met.

He was doing press for Civil War and she was in the middle of a book tour and they crossed paths while backstage of a talk show. Chris was in ‘serious’ mode (as serious as he could be while being around Mackie and Seb that is) but his whole stance changed once he saw Alex walking by; bright smile, skin glowing and when her eyes locked with Chris’ it was hypnotizing enough to make him bump into both his co-stars.

That same smile greeted Alex and Ace “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“We thought we’d surprise you.” Alex shifted Ace in her arms so he could see Chris “Say hi Daddy.”

“Hey kid.” Chris pulled Ace from Alex’s arms “I missed you today.” he smiled at Alex “And I missed you too.”

She giggled “You were at home like seven hours ago.”

“Seven long hours, and I’m still not done yet.” Chris spoke while making faces at Ace “Gotta do a few reshoots, so I probably won’t be home until after midnight- if I’m lucky.”

Alex simply nodded “A lot of late nights.”

Chris finally looked at her “Hey, it’s just two more weeks. Then I’m all yours, I promise.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that Evans.” Alex gave him a peck on the cheek “Also, my mom called and she wants to know where we’re spending Thanksgiving and Christmas. Specifically, when will she get to see her grandson again?”

“Yeah, my mom was wondering the same thing, she’s bribing us with Scott’s room for Ace if we wanted to stay longer.” Chris reached for the burp cloth before he continued to bounce Ace. Spit up, he quickly learned, was not easy to get out and the wardrobe department would have his head. “Is that what you want? You wanna take Uncle Scott’s room for Christmas?”

“We could do a coin toss- wait no- if we stay here for Thanksgiving, then we have to spend Christmas with my aunt, the one who always brings her cats. Dodger tried to sit on one of them last time.” Alex paused “But going on a plane with a newborn in general- the germs alone. And then the crying and tiny bathrooms.”

“Al, you’re rambling.”

“But these are perfectly good reasons to not take a newborn baby on an airplane. And Thanksgiving isn’t that far away, this is basically last minute once you think about it-”

Chris smiled at his rambling wife, and her growing list of cons “Al- Al listen, we don’t have to go anywhere. We don’t have to go to Florida and we don’t have to go to my mom’s either. We could just stay home.”

“What do you mean?”

“We have the ultimate bargaining chip.” Chris gestured to Ace, lazily resting on his shoulder

Alex cocked her head to the side “Christopher Evans, are you insinuating that we use our own son to bribe our families into coming to us for the holidays if they wanna see him?” she stood on her toes to plant a kiss on his lips “You’re brilliant, and I love you for it.”

“Chris, you’re needed back on set!” someone called out

“Of course they do.” he groaned. Ace fussed, being disturbed from his comfy spot again and placed down in the stroller. Alex gently pushed him back and forth to sooth him before he truly started crying.

“It’s almost like you’re the main character on the show or something. If you need us, we’ll be at the park around the block.”

“Two places in one day, who are you?” Chris teased then gave Alex another kiss “Be safe, please, I love you.”

“Love you too.” Alex smiled down at Ace while steering him away from the set “Are you gonna help us bribe your grandmas? Yes you are, yes you are. And then Mama gets to sleep in her own bed, and not have to worry about you catching icky airplane germs.”

“Alex!” a voice called out. Glancing around Alex spotted the familiar face strolling in her direction. “Alex Evans, I’m not sure if you remember me-”

“Malik Bates, the man with fifteen kids, how could I forget. What are the odds running into you again.”

“Believe me I’m just as surprised.” Malik grinned. A pair of fast approaching footsteps drew his attention, a little girl with multicolor hair ties and berets grabbed onto his arm and started to pull

“C’mon Uncle Malik, we’re gonna be late for the park.”

“We can’t have have now can we?” he chuckled “This is my niece, Jessie.”

Alex waved “Hi sweetie.”

“Hi.” she let go of his hand and started pulling on his pants “Please, before all the swings are gone.”

“Care to join us? Before she pants me in public.”

“Sure, I was just heading that way.”

>>>>

Chris felt like a stalker, following Alex to the park after seeing her walk off with some random guy he heard shouting out her name. But there he was, watching some guy, push his wife, who was holding their son, on a swing.

Some primal side of him wanted to march over there and pull them away from the stranger. Alex is his wife and Ace was his son, and if anyone was going to push them on a swing, it was gonna be him. However, his more reasonable side of his brain took over. Alex was allowed to have friends, and this guy- who he didn’t even know- wasn’t trying to hit on his wife or kidnap his son.

Didn’t make that tight feeling in his stomach go away though.

Chris thought of multiple ways to bring up the guy at the park for when he got home later that evening. Who was the guy? Why hadn’t Alex mentioned him before? He knew all of Alex’s friends, why didn’t he know this friend? It was simple question, no need to stress.

Alex on the other hand was completely stressed when Chris walked through the front door. Telling their families to come to them for the holidays sounded like a good idea at the time, until Alex told her mother. Now she was on the phone, listening to her mother list everything to be done before they flew up for Christmas.

“I’m gonna have to talk with Lisa, and coordinate the menu with her. I’ll talk to your brother and Dee about the sleeping arrangements, I love your brother and my grandkids, but that guest room is mine.” Renee declared “Plus having two small children in the same house as a newborn is stressful.”

“I don’t wanna single them out and have them stay somewhere else. There’s plenty of room here.” Alex assured

Chris came up behind Alex, sneaking a kiss on her cheek “And it could be good practice for us in the future.”

Alex hesitated “Ma, I gotta go- I gotta feed Ace.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. We still need to go over a few things. Kiss my grandson for me, love you!”

“Love you too Ma.” Alex quickly hung up and laid back against couch

Chris looked over to Ace, sleeping soundly in the bassinet, Dodger lounging right next to it. “Did you just lie to your mother?”

“I plead the fifth.” She lifted her legs only to lay them in Chris’s lap once her sat next to her “I thought you wouldn’t be home until later?”

“Are you not happy to see me?”

“Of course I am baby.” Alex sat up a little more, reaching over to rake her nails across the back of Chris’s neck. He visibly relaxed into her touch, she quickly picked up on the worry in his eyes “You okay?”

“I need to ask you something.”

“Yeah sure.”

“You walked off with some guy earlier today, when you went to the park. Who was that I didn’t recognize him?”

“Malik? Oh, he just a friendly face I met at the store one day. Ran into him and his adorable niece, on their way to the park.”

Chris mentally kicked himself in the ass for thinking of the absolute worse, then took Alex’s hand and kissed it.

“Was that it?”

“Yeah, I guess I got a little paranoid.”

“Paranoid? What for?”

He shrugged “I thought he was gonna try to kidnap you and Ace.”

“Aw baby.” Alex giggled. She snuggled up to him, kissing his cheek “I love you, and you have nothing to worry about, Malik is not trying to kidnap me. Okay?”

“Okay.” Chris gave her a quick kiss before getting to his feet “I’m gonna heat up some leftovers. Have you eaten yet?”

“I did actually, Malik and I went to this sub place after the park and I’m still kinda full from that.”

That twisting feeling in Chris’s stomach came back, but he shook it off then went off to the kitchen. The feeling came back later on that night. He was bottle feeding Ace, Alex on the other end of the couch typing and laughing away at her phone.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, I’m just texting Malik. He said he doesn’t wanna get beat up by Captain America for trying to kidnap his wife.” Alex showed Chris the text thread. He made note of how many times he saw ‘LOL’ and the amount of emojis in the conversation, along with the infamous log ripping GIF.

Chris half chuckled before giving his attention back to Ace.

That paranoid feeling came back full force, and brought along a little green monster with it.

Taglist: @madbaddic7ed @sweetie20 @kidkool90 @maleekabenjamin @sophiayoongi-hyung @lovelokiqueen @loki8484 @buckysforeverprincess @dezdechild @marantha @lydslikestyds @wakandabiitch2 @across-the-starss @hbh6064th @jaydeee86 @alexabrown7

#Chris Evans #chris x black reader #chris evans x reader #Black Writers #doctor strange #spiderman #avengers aou #moon knight #captain america #marvel fanfiction #poc reader

55 notes · View notes

alecmagnuslwb · 4 years

Text

Year After Year

Read on AO3

1 Twenty

Zatanna stretches out along the couch her feet propped up on the coffee table a large magical tome in her lap. It’s nearing midnight and soon enough her birthday will be over and done with.

The morning had been so busy filled with her attempting to convince Nick that going out to search for a missing page from an ancient book that’s likely sitting in a dragon’s den was too dangerous. It wasn’t until Nick had stormed out ignoring her pleas, John kissing her on the head and following him out to ensure he didn’t get himself killed that she had even realized the date.

She’s never been big on birthdays; they’d been her thing with her mother and after her death she just stopped putting any sort of effort into them. This year was no different, she’s fairly certain she’s never told John when her birthday is and even if in his frequently spiraling state Nick does recall the date he’s likely not to acknowledge it at all.

Which works just fine for her.

The door busts open Zatanna jumping up from the couch in defense mode immediately only to stand down upon seeing its only Nick. A single aged page in his hand, his jacket a little burnt around the edges.

“Got it,” he says roughly already heading for the stairs, likely to shut himself into his room conjuring and doing who the hell knows what until the wee hours of the morning. “Wasn’t dangerous, just like I said.”

“The fact you’ve been gone nearly 12 hours and look a little crispy says otherwise,” Zatanna shouts after him, Nick already halfway upstairs. “Where’s John?”

Nick waves a dismissive hand at the door he left wide open. “Stopped to run an errand.”

And then he’s disappearing around the corner his bedroom door slamming shut behind him. Zatanna flops down on the couch head in one hand and picking at her fishnets with the other. Her worry about John subsides while her worry about Nick increases. What a strange feeling it is to be falling in love while watching your closest friend/ex fall deeper into an obsessive magical hole that you can’t seem to stop him from falling into.

It’s another reason her birthday slipped her mind this year, she’s too busy losing Nick and holding onto John to focus on much else.

Zatanna runs a hand through her hair standing just as she hears footsteps nearing the brownstones door. John steps in a bouquet of flowers in his hands that he immediately attempts to hide behind his back when he spots her standing there.

“Hey, luv I wasn’t sure you’d still be up,” he says smile bright and feign confident, a classic John Constantine grin. She can’t help but smile back.

“You were gone nearly 12 hours after leaving to fight a dragon, of course I’m still up,” she says stepping closer and reaching up to run her fingers along the stubble on his jaw. “Are you hurt?”

“Nah,” he says shaking his head, a bit of ash falling from his hair. He reaches down tugging at his shirt. “Just a bit singed around the edges. Finding it took longer than fighting it.”

He sounds a little sad, the same sadness she carries about Nick’s behavior. They’ve talked about it before, what to do is still a question that hangs in the air and tonight it’s late, they’re both so tired and John is hiding a bouquet of flowers behind his back that she’s too curious about to broach the topic once again.

Zatanna places both hands on his chest, smoothing out his ruined shirt.

“So, what is that you’re hiding behind your back?” she asks tilting her head in a way she knows he finds adorable.

“Ah, that is a gift,” he says stepping back just enough so that her hands fall and the bouquet is held out between them. A gorgeous arrangement of lilacs and lavender, her favorites, just a little crushed at the top from where he’d briskly tucked them behind his back. “For you. Happy birthday luv,” he says urging her to take the flowers.

She does, smelling them and then cradling them in her arms.

“How did you know?”

John just shrugs a smirk tugging at the edge of his lips.

“I have my ways.”

Zatanna steps closer, bridging the small gap of space between them.

“Your ways, huh,” she says eyeing John suspiciously. “Your ways being you noticed my ID when I accidentally left it on your dresser the other night.”

John just chuckles reaching his hands out to pull her in by the hips, crushing the flowers between them.

“Maybe,” he says grin getting cheekier by the minute. “You look great in your photo by the way, clearly witchcraft considering your gorgeous but nobody looks that good on an ID.”

Zatanna snorts before whispering a quiet thank you.

“You don’t have to thank me, I just wanted you to have something, even if there is only about ten minutes left of the day and it’s not much. At the very least I’ll be making sure you get that much every year as long as you keep putting up with me. Promise.” he says rubbing circles into her hips with his thumbs. “Next year I’ll even bake you cake.”

2 Twenty-Three

“Thank you,” she says one last time bowing to the audience before her. She picks up a single rose at her feet smiling before heading back stage.

She passes by her crew a few high fives and congratulations on another successful show given as she goes. She hands the single rose to her favorite stagehand Mikey with a smile.

It’s another birthday in books, this one spent doing what she loves on the stage and hopefully ending in a warm bath with a large glass of wine.

“Ekat em emoh,” she whispers to herself once she’s closed the door to her dressing room and a swirling portal appears before her. She steps through already flinging her coat and top hat off as she enters the Zatara mansion.

She kicks off her clunky heels as she heads up the stairs passing by so many of her father’s left behind artifacts. She closes her eyes moving her neck back and forth to releases some tension, unlacing her corset as she steps into her bedroom.

“It’s your birthday and yet here I am the one getting a present,” a familiar sly voice startles her from the darkness.

“Jesus,” she says clutching a hand to her chest there’s only one person with the access to get past her wards but he surprises her all the same. She turns to see John leaned back in the chair by her vanity legs spread comfortably. A bouquet of lilacs and lavender rest in his lap, his grip on them loose.

“Well now I’m pretty sure that’d be taken as blasphemous if anyone upstairs heard you call me that,” John says that damn little smirk of his just visible in the moonlight.

“Sthgil,” she says waving a hand around the room. A swell of warm low-lit bulbs coming to life so she can see him more clearly. She goes back to unlacing her corset, it’s not like he hasn’t seen it all before. “You’re here.”

“Of course I’m here,” he says standing and getting a little closer as she slips on a Black Canary band t-shirt. “I haven’t missed your birthday yet, have I?”

He hasn’t, not since that first one. They’ve broken up since then, a mini reunion on her birthday last year mere weeks after he father’s death. John had shown up with a bouquet of flowers and a red velvet cake that tasted like beets and just held her all day. Blame and guilt flew out the window for that day, even if the cake tasted like shit.

They’ve been doing a lot of back and forth ever since then, but a few days ago Zatanna had heard whispers of John getting himself into some new spectacular shit and when he hadn’t called for help she assumed he’d be a no show today.

And yet here is, keeping his promise.

“Good point,” she says turning to face him. “Please tell me you didn’t bake a cake this year?”

John laughs, one of those big genuine laughs he so rarely does. All she can do is join along with him, the sound contagious.

“No, no cake,” he says handing her the flowers. “But just you wait I’ll be perfecting that one day, just need some more practice.”

She doesn’t think there’s a spell in this world that could make John Constantine a decent baker, but she appreciates the effort nonetheless. She sits the flowers down on the edge of her bed and folds her arms around his middle, he immediately holds her right back.

“How does a steaming hot bath and some wine sound to you?” she says voice slightly muffled from where she’s buried her face into his chest.

“Anything you want Zee,” he says rubbing his hands slowly up and down her back. “It’s your birthday.”

3 Twenty-Five

“Edolpxe!” she shouts pushing her hands out at the swath of demons before them. She regrets the choice immediately as a rain of demon guts and ichor spew back at her and her companions.

She shakes her hand out not that it does much good then attempts to wipe any goo from around her eyes and swallows once. And ugh, yup there’s some in her mouth. She spits out what she can in digust.

“Happy fucking birthday to me,” she grumbles under her breath.

“You okay Zatanna?” Andrew Bennet asks as he comes to stand beside her, covered head to toe in the same gunk she is. Boston, the lucky incorporeal bastard, floats up beside him a vision of cleanliness.

She nods, “Yeah, just in desperate need of seven or so showers and a giant bottle of mouthwash.”

Andrew huffs in agreement. Boston opens his mouth clearly about to say something that will no doubt drive Zatanna crazy about his clean state, but is cut off by a voice off to the side.

“So, I guess I’m late then?” John says, the purple bouquet of flowers she’s come to expect every year in one hand. “Or maybe judging from the look of you two, just in time.”

Zatanna rolls her eyes. They’ve been going strong for the last few months, had a dinner plan for her birthday tonight and everything. Just this once deciding to do a little more for the day outside of the walls of wherever she calls home, but of course he’d been running late for dinner and not answered his phone when a hoard of demons turned up in the alleyway behind the restaurant.

Luckily Boston and Andrew had answered her call.

“Naelc pu siht ssem,” she says the mess in front of and on them disappearing in a moment. Her mouth still feels gross, but she’s okay with that, kissing John with demon ichor mouth for not showing up on time seems like a good form of payback.

Andrew and Boston bid their goodbyes as she conjures up a portal for them then she walks over to where John stands leaning against the wall lighting a cigarette. He takes a long drag blowing the smoke out to the side before she gets within touching distance of him. She leans up immediately kissing him deeply.

“No offense luv, but you taste a bit like a demon’s asshole,” John says once she’s pulled back taking her birthday flowers from his arms. Well, she thinks, that’s what you get for being late.

She smiles sarcastically up at him. “And you taste like an ashtray,” she says plucking his cigarette from between his fingers and tossing it into a puddle by their feet stamping it out with the front of her tall steel toed heels for safe measure.

“You love it,” he says offendedly looking down at his lost cigarette.

“I love you,” she says pointedly, tangling their fingers together and tugging him along. “I tolerate that.” She flings her head back slightly to the puddle drenched cigarette. “Now come on let’s get dinner I need to get this taste out of my mouth.”

John chuckles as she pulls him along faster, “The ashtray flavor or the demon asshole taste?”

“Both.”

4 Twenty-Seven

“Got any big birthday plans?” Zachary asks as he packs up the last of his gear in a suitcase spelled to have no end.

Zatanna scoffs, “No, you know birthdays aren’t really my thing.”

“Except when Constantine’s here,” Zachary says, a hint of judgement in his voice. He’s not exactly John’s biggest fan, then again most people aren’t.

She ignores the remark patting Zachary on the shoulder as she passes by to grab something from the drink cart. Vegas is always a good time for shows, especially when she gets to see her cousin, but right about now she’s ready to grab a drink and then head home to San Francisco.

Just as she starts to pour whiskey into her glass a fiery portal comes to life next to the drink cart and Zachary jumps into defense mode, hands at the ready. Zatanna however just keeps pouring her drink. She recognizes that magic, feels the pull of it in the air and the scent of a specific brand of cigarettes lingering at the edges; this is no threat.

“Bollocks,” John says as he falls through the portal flat on his back, scrambling quickly to shut it. A decaying green and grey hand reaches out as he does, the portal severing it off as it closes. He falls back again spreading his legs so the hand doesn’t fall on him as it twitches on last time. He falls back to the floor in relief eyes shutting for a second before gazing up at Zatanna.

She takes a sip of her drink regarding him.

“John,” she says swirling the ice around in her glass.

He smiles up at her reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulling out a severely crushed bouquet of lilacs and lavender.

“Zee, these are for you,” he says reaching them up to her. She takes them, their fingers brushing, lingering for a few moments more than necessary.

They haven’t seen each other much over the past year since their last split not long after her twenty-sixth birthday. She stopped calling what they did breaking up, was it really a broken thing if eventually it always came back around whole? It’s to date the longest they’ve gone without being a couple officially or at least sleeping together at some point or another. Overall it’s been an odd year for them to say the least.

They’d saved the world from an apocalypse, but it had cost them a member of their so-called Justice League Dark. A loss that Constantine had taken full blame for, so much so that he went to hell to make it right without telling Zatanna he was even leaving.

She’d almost mourned him, but somewhere in her soul she just knew he wasn’t dead, could feel that he was still alive. Life still had to go on though and back to San Francisco she’d gone. She dated Hal, a nice enough entertainment agent for a bit, but then one day when he witnessed John literally crawling up out of the floor of her kitchen bloodied and more defeated than he had been when he’d left their relationship had effectively ended.

She healed John that night tending to his wounds and holding his hands as the burn of the hellfire still running through his veins subsided. She was still mad as hell at him for the leaving the way he had, but this was who they were, how they worked. They were always there for each other when they needed no matter their status.

He’d left after that, this time telling her where he was going. She dated Monica for a bit and then John turned up with a real bonafide boyfriend named Oliver, not the one you’re thinking. For a moment in time they’d both been happy with other people and for the first time since the day they met Zatanna thought maybe they’d actually well and truly reached their end. The cycle finally come to a close.

But then Monica had accused her of always relying on John and never on her when she was in trouble and even when she wasn’t; then shortly after Zatanna paid a visit to John for help his relationship with Oliver ended abruptly. They both acted like the breakups timing were simply coincidence.

John made a vague reasoning about fucking things up as he always did and Zatanna spouting something about wanting different things, but they both knew the truth. Whether the main reason or not, the fact they were still in love with each other despite all the anger and history was far too clear for their partners to deal with any longer.

Things had been almost awkward between them after that. For months it’d been like they were avoiding talking about anything at risk of admitting they still cared.

If there was ever a birthday she expected him to skip, it was this one.

“I know you aren’t the type to cheat, but the way you two are looking at each other I feel like I should remind you that you have a boyfriend,” Zachary says not so quietly, breaking their staring contest.

Right, she does have a boyfriend. Detective Dale Colton is sweet and caring and doesn’t have a clue it’s her birthday because she never felt the need to tell him. She’s never felt the need to tell him a lot of things. Which should probably be very telling for her, not that she has time right now to unpack all of that.

“No worries there Zachy,” John says shortening the name just to annoy Zachary as he hefts himself up from the ground. “I’m not here for that, just keeping a yearly promise.”

Zachary glares at Constantine before returning his attention to Zatanna. He opens his mouth no doubt about to invite himself to stay and have a few drinks, but she cuts him off.

“Don’t you have a date?”

Zachary holds her eyes for a moment before sighing grabbing his bag and tossing a wave and a birthday salutation over his shoulder before heading for the door.

“Drink?” Zatanna asks John already pouring a second glass, anticipating his answer. “You know,” she says looking at the flowers she’s sat on the drink cart. “These are by far your saddest looking bouquet yet.”

John laughs a small sad thing as he takes the offered drink from her hand fingertips brushing once again.

“Well that’s the kind of year it’s been hasn’t it,” he says tossing back the whole drink.

She frowns reaching out to tug on his sleeve to get his attention.

“Maybe it’s due time we change that,” she says turning away and grabbing the whole bottle of whiskey and heading for the balcony. It’s her birthday dammit and all she wants is to be on real speaking terms with the man she often begrudgingly admits is probably her favorite person in the world.

They settle out under the warm Vegas night talking, really talking for the first time since he left for hell. As the night wanes on their laughter becomes a little less sad and everything around them starts to feel a little like forgiveness, like getting back on track. Damn near almost like friendship.

Not that they’d ever be friends. As Papa Midnite had once put it so bluntly after they’d said as such while bargaining with him, “You’ll never be friends. You’ll be in love till it kills you both. You’ll fight and you’ll fuck and you’ll hate each other till you quiver, but you’ll never be friends.”

They’d ignored him that night, but both were well aware they were kidding themselves if they tried to act like he was wrong.

“Happy birthday by the way,” John says after a while, mere seconds left till midnight. “I’m still working on mastering that cake.”

5 Twenty-Eight

Dinah waves and Ollie salutes as she heads for her room at the Justice League headquarters as fast as she can. She knows that Batman has detailed files about every member right down to what they sleep in every night most likely so no doubt birthdates were included. While she didn’t expect Bruce to be sentimental enough to try and throw a party or something, Dinah and Ollie had both seen a glimpse of her file and expressed an interest in celebrating the day.

She was fairly certain she’d talked them out of it, but she still wanted to get out of there before they changed their minds just to be safe.

She turns the corner to her room now, almost in the clear.

“You lot better be saving the world, if the League’s keeping you out this late.”

Zatanna flips on the lights revealing John lying in the center of the bed on his side like a fully dressed Playgirl model. The expected bouquet of flowers on the pillow near his bent arm.

“Supervillains don’t really stick to a 9 to 5.”

“That,” John says shifting to sit on the edge of the bed, “is why I like my demons, evil wizards and hell beasts they’re a late-night crowd. Interrupt your sleep, but never your dinner.”

Zatanna laughs sitting down beside him and picking up the flowers from the pillow.

“So that’s why you turned me down then? Dinner plans and time management?” she asks looking up from the fresh flowers and into John’s eyes. She’s been on the official roster of the Justice League for six months; she’d ask John to come with her and he’d refused. Convinced that his style would never be okay in the eyes of the capes and tights crowd.

They’re still dating despite his turn down, sort of. It’s complicated. Not the most complicated they’ve ever been by far, but still complicated.

He doesn’t say anything just smiles at her softly.

“So, I know you can get past my wards because I have you keyed into them, but how the hell did you get in here?” she says changing the subject.

John’s smile transforms into a classic Constantine smirk, winking as he pulls a card from his pocket handing it to her. Batman’s Justice League backup ID card.

Zatanna cackles, full out cackles.

“He’s going to kill you if he ever finds out you have this,” she says through gasping laughter.

John reaches out brushing the long dark hair that’s fallen into her face away, “Worth it.”

+1 Thirty

Zatanna pulls her hair up into a high ponytail stretching her neck out. After another great show and a successful mugging prevention she’s ready for a quiet rest of the night in her San Francisco apartment.

She’d moved late last year, tired of living in the Zatara estate all alone. Opting to keep it up and running for when she needs anything and as safe haven shelter to fellow magics in trouble whenever they might need it.

She’s comfortable in black leggings and a Nightwing crop top Dick had sent her as a joke that she wears to spite him constantly. She sits down in front of her vanity about to take her makeup off when someone knocks on the door.

She heads over pulling it open and there he is just like every year except early for once.

“John,” she says but he stops her lifting his hand to quiet her, index finger hovering over her lips.

“Wait just, three,” he looks down at the dented watch on his wrist. “two, one.”

“Happy birthday, luv,” he says looking back up just as it hits midnight the usual bouquet of flowers appearing magically in his hand.

She smiles, loving the consistency of this little ritual of theirs.

“Tup meht ni a esav,” she says waving her hand at the offered flowers. A clear, glass vase appears on the table beside her door the flowers delicately placing themselves inside floating up from John’s hand.

She reaches out pulls him in by his tie, leans up and kisses him hard. He responds immediately hands instinctively reaching under her thighs and lifting her up tight to his body. She wraps her legs around him kicking the door shut before he starts moving, carrying her into the bedroom.

He lies her on the bed removing his trench coat running his hands along every inch of her as he kisses her just right and just so slow. He pulls back something akin to worship and a look in his eyes that seems like he’s just made up his mind about something important. She doesn’t have time to think about it though because soon enough he’s moving down her body and she’s not thinking at all.

It’s hours before they finally leave the bedroom, somewhere in the middle of the night migrating out to the living room lounging on the couch. Zee’s propped up on pillows dressed in only John’s shirt that stops mid thighs with John lying between her legs in an old pair of sweatpants that she can’t be certain who they belong to, his back pressed to her chest.

A cheesy old sci-fi movie plays on the tv as John runs his fingers along her arms that encircle him. She watches as his black tipped nails play shapes of magical runes and charms along her skin.

She recognizes some of them, symbols of affection and protection. She thinks he might be getting openly sentimental the older they get.

It’s peaceful, content, it almost feels permanent. Thirty seems to be making her sentimental too, thinking about the future and all that.

“Shit,” John says lifting up suddenly. “I forgot!”

“Forgot what?” she says watching as he lifts up onto his knees, turns and scoots forward keeping his space between her legs.

“I’ve got another gift for ya,” he says bringing his hands together. “Learned a new trick just for you.”

He smiles saying a few phrases in Latin under his breath his hands slowly coming apart. Bright red magic swirls around them and slowly bit by bit a cupcake appears. It’s lush red velvet with a light cream cheese frosting and top hat shaped candle on top.

“I’m 98% certain this one won’t taste like beets.”

“98%?” Zatanna questions skeptically remembering the horrendous cake he handmade from many years ago.

“I’ve been practicing just like I told ya I would. Now, if you don’t mind,” he says gesturing to the candle.

Zatanna smirks. “Erif,” she says a small flame lighting up the tip of her index finger. She tilts it lighting the candle before holding it up to her lips and blowing it out, holding John’s eyes the entire time knowing exactly what this little trick does to him.

Lighting his cigarettes this way driving him wild has been a favorite past time of hers for a decade.

“Menace,” he grumbles before holding the cupcake closer to her. “Make a wish.”

She appeases him, closing her eyes and making it seem like she’s thinking up a good one, when all she’s thinking about is how good right now feels, before blowing out the little flame.

He pulls the candle from it offering it up to her and she takes a hesitant bite.

“It actually tastes like red velvet,” she says truly stunned, not caring that she’s talking with her mouth full.

“Told ya I’ve been practicing,” he says before taking a big bite of his own and flopping back down into his previous position pressed up against her.

“Only took you ten years,” she teases snatching the cupcake from him and taking another bite. He pinches her thigh lightly in retaliation making her giggle. They settle back in finishing the cupcake and making comments about the terrible movie onscreen.

“I’m gonna stay,” John says after a while. Zatanna hums, she’s starting to doze off the late hour and John warm against her leaving her just too comfortable to stay awake.

“For my birthday? I know. You always do.” She sleepily runs a hand through his sandy blonde hair twisting it when she reaches the ends.

“Well yeah, but not just for your birthday,” he clarifies. “I was meaning stay for a while. Here or in the House of Mystery until someone tries to steal it from me or the old Zatara mansion, lady’s choice really. I miss you Zee.”

Zatanna leans down pressing her face into John’s hair for a moment. “You mean that?”

He nods. “I can’t make any promises, fuck knows I’m shit at keeping them, but I want to stay. I want to do better by us. I want us to stay us. We’ve been at this for over a decade and it’s been made clear to me by just about everyone who’s ever met me that I need to get my shit together in at least one area of my life and I want it to be this one.”

Suddenly she remembers that look in his eyes before he’d cleared her mind entirely in the bedroom. The look that said he’d made up his mind about something. It was this. It was the decision to say all this out loud, to say what he wants and stay, really stay.

Zatanna nudges him to sit up, he gets the hint turning as much as he can to face her.

“I want you stay. I always want you to stay,” she says hand reaching out to rest her hand on a familiar tattoo on his chest, thumb brushing a scar she only just became acquainted with but knows she’ll end up memorizing the shape of. “And as for promises you’re better at keeping them than you think you are.”

She thinks of how he’s always a call away no matter what, how he’s never missed her birthday and how he even finally learned how to make an edible damn cake. He’s better than and at a lot of things than he thinks is.

He leans in kissing her soft and slow.

“I love you, Zee,” he says when he pulls back. “I don’t say it enough.”

“I know,” she says brushing a hand through his hair. “I love you too.”

He smirks leaning in for another quick kiss, just a press of lips.

“Say it backwards?” he says cheekily.

She rolls her eyes but does it anyway.

“I evol ouy.”

She kisses him again a quick hard press of lips sealing it like magic then leans over for the remote flipping off the tv. She maneuvers till she stands, holding out a hand.

“Let’s go to bed.” He takes her hand following her to the bedroom and in the morning she wakes with him wrapped around her. He makes a traditional English breakfast, vegetarian style just for her though it goes against every fiber of his English being and he stays.

Maybe she hadn’t made a real wish when she blew out that candle the night before, but it feels like something they’ve both been trying to get right for a decade came true anyways.

#my fic #johnzee #magicblazer #john constantine #zatanna zatara #venturing into johnzee fic territory cause i love them and there's just not a lot out there

27 notes · View notes

fluffy-yoongi · 4 years

Text

“Well, what do you think?”

You’re mind was racing at the suggestion your boyfriend just made. Walk down the red carpet with him? At the Grammy’s? Sure, the two of you had been together for nearly 4 years, and been public for around half of the relationship, but you’d never been photographed or done an event with just him. All the guys were going, but Yoongi was on double duty being nominated not only for group with BTS, but for record of the year for a song he had produced on Halsey’s new album.

“I don’t even have anything to wear.” It wasn’t your first though, your first thought was hell no, I can’t handle that, but you also didn’t want to show your boyfriend how nervous you were.

Your boyfriend laughed as he leaned into kiss your cheek. “Babe, you’re not only dating THE Min Yoongi, but you’re walking down the carpet with me and BTS. If you have an outfit you want, talk to one of the stylist, they can get it. I know it seems terrifying, but you have me, and all the boys, right beside you. You can squeeze my hand until you break my fingers if you need to.”

You don’t know how you lucked out meeting one of the sweetest guys in the world, but you were so happy you did. You pressed a soft kiss onto his lips, then took a deep breath. “Okay.”

“Really?” His face broke into one of the biggest gummy smiles you’d ever seen him display. It was right up there with the smile he gave you after your first kiss, when you said i love you for the first time and when you first moved in together. You couldn’t help but smile and blush at the sight. “Plus, we have some time off before the show, so if you want, we can fly out a few days early. Maybe do some shopping, go to the beach, or just lay in a fancy hotel room and order carts of room service.”

“Hmmm, I like the sound of that. I mini vacation with just my boyfriend?” You wrapped your arms around his neck and left but an inch between your bodies. “Maybe we just stay in the room the whole time?” You let the words linger in his ear as a whisper and felt his jaw clench at your words.

“We can do that, until Sunday.” He’d been with you long enough to know that you were trying to get him to skip the show. “Now,” he placed a kiss on your forehead before breaking your hold, “I have to get to the studio. I’ll be home before dinner. Find a something you want to wear and send it to the stylists.” And with one final kiss, he threw on a coat and shoes, then headed off the studio.

You spent the rest of the morning looking at recent runways to see if there was anything you liked, but everything just seemed so bland. There were some vintage YSL dresses you’d always loved, but you didn’t know the reality of getting them for the carpet.

“He did say anything...” You thought out loud while Holly slept across your outstretched legs.

“Well, Holly, here goes nothing...” You gave him a few scratches as you set your phone down and reached for the remote to the tv. It was still about 6 weeks before the Grammy’s so hopefully you could get the dress.

The next few weeks seemed to somehow fly by, and before you knew it, you and Yoongi were taking off to LA for your mini vacation before the rest of the boys and crew came. You had a text message waiting for you as soon as you landed, and it was from the stylist.

The next few days flew by. You and Yoongi left the room once to go watch the sunrise, but it was so seldom you had more than 12 hours uninterrupted, to have 72 of them before everyone arrived on Friday felt like a dream. Plus, You knew Satuday he would be doing interviews all day, and Sunday You’d both be getting ready, so it was nice to just be together. You had been together long enough, that just laying in each other’s arms while watching reruns on cable just felt comfortable together. You didn’t need to talk or go out or anything like that to be content and happy, and you loved that about him.

Saturday arrived and while the boys were out doing interviews, you tried on the dress and went over what styling you wanted to do with the look. “I was thinking an old hollywood look with hair and makeup, just some earrings and having my body just glow?”

“We’re on the same page. I brought some reference photos for you, but Inthink the accessories and shoes I’ve pulled will be perfect.”

The dress fit like a glove, and for the first time you were getting excited, rather than nervous.

You changed back into your t-shirt and leggings while the stylist hid everything in her room so yoongi wouldn’t find it. “Hair ans Makeup will be here at 10, I’ll chase Yoongi out when they get here for you.”

You said thank you, then she left the room, and you settled back into the bed and turned on a movie so your boyfriend wouldn’t suspect anything when he arrived back. When he got back, he tried to press you for any information on what you were wearing, but you kept your lips sealed. The two of you snuggled in for a full nights sleep, and before you knew it, he was waking you up to let you know breakfast had arrived.

“Are you sure we can’t get ready together?” His eyes shifted up from the toast he was spreading jam on to you.

“Yes. I want to surprise you. You’ve never seen me fully glammed and dressed up. I see you in suits and tuxes all the time. Think of it as a late christmas gift.”

He let out a soft sigh, and small pout before finishing his breakfast and hopping in the shower. “You can join me if you want.” His little head poked out from behind the bathroom door.

“Fine, but then you have to go to the boys, so I can get ready.”

If he could have made the shower last 3 hours he would have, but you shut it down after about a half an hour because you didn’t want to get pruny. “Babeeee. Please, just five more minutes.” He planted soft kisses on your bare shoulder.

“Hair and makeup is going to be here in 15 minutes.” You’re body was getting cold from being wet, but still warm from the touch of your boyfriend.

“Fine.” He stuck his lips out in a pout before wrapping you up in a towel, followed by himself. You could help but laugh at his pout, leaning into a playful kiss. “I’ve just loved being here the last few days, like a real couple, why can’t we do this as a couple too?”

“We can for every other event until we’re old and wrinkled.” You slipped on the pullover your boyfriend had slept in as he grabbed some sweat pants from his luggage. “Now, go hang out with the boys and get ready. I promise it’ll be worth it.”

He left you with one last lingering kiss before he left making you feel almost like you were high. You had about 4 minutes to regain your composure before there was a knock on the door. Hair, makeup and your dress were all out there waiting.

You had three photos for the hair and makeup team to show them the kind of look you wanted. You also showed them the dress. The all agreed, soft makeup, swept back hair and glowing skin was the way to go with the dress. You didn’t realize it would take so long, but after nearly 3 hours, hair and makeup was done.

Next came getting dressed. You could feel the knot in your stomach knowing this was the last thing you need to do. You slipped on the dress, put in vintage earring yoongi had gotten you for your birthday, a pair of black YSL heels, and took one last breath before you went to walk out the door.

You grabbed your phone and saw a message from your boyfriend waiting for you.

You smiled, then headed down to the lobby. You saw the boys before they saw you. You slowly walked into the lobby, heels clicking on the title floor. Everyone began to complement you, but everything went silent when you saw your boyfriends face. He started studding you for a few seconds, then a smile completely engulfed his face and he had to look away. You’d seen him have this reaction to you before, but it was never when you were wearing something in public.

You walked up to him, and he stood up, taking you hand and having you spin. “I already knew you were the must beautiful woman in the world, but damn.”

He couldn’t stop scanning your body, and you felt a warmth grow inside. “So you like it? I look okay?” You asked, your nerves fading with each soft stroke of this thumb on the back of your hand.

“I couldn’t even have imagined something this beautiful.” He placed a soft kiss on your cheek slightly lingering with his nose on your face.

“Come on love birds, the cars are here. You can have you own.” Namjoon broke the two of you out of your trance, and Yoongi laced his fingers with yours as he lead you to the door.

You stopped him and leaded in for a kiss before you walked out the door. You brushed your lips against his as he was still lingering from the kiss and whispered. “By the way, this dress is so tight, I’m not wearing anything underneath it.”

And with that, your boyfriend turned the color of a tomato as you drug him to the car.

#yoongi #min yoongi #boyfriend yoongi #min yoongi imagine #min yoongi fluff #yoongi imagine #yoongi fluff #suga #suga bts #bts boyfriend #bts fluff #bts imagines #suga fluff #suga imagine

109 notes · View notes

killingmebtob · 6 years

Text

What Can I Do? ~Mini Series~ 3: I Don’t Know... Maybe // Lee Minhyuk

Author: @killingmebtob // Sara

Mini-series: What Can I Do?

Part 3: I Don’t Know... Maybe

Author’s Note: I am so terribly sorry for taking so long. I really tried my best huhu. Hopefully it will be okay for you. :)

Summary: Lee Minhyuk, the all-around and athletic idol, finally meets (Y/N), a female idol well-known in the industry, who doesn’t seem to swoon and fawn over him like most of the female idols he met before.

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 4 // Part 5

----

Your name: submit What is this?

----

“Uwa~,” (Y/N) almost squealed when she got to the school where they were set to shoot today. She didn’t know that the agency prepared food support for her. A small food truck was set up at the front of the school. It had a standee of her wearing her character’s uniform at the side. There were cookies and iced coffee was also being served. Everything had her face on it and it made her a bit shy.

The female idol checked her watch. She was still too early for her call time so she decided to stay by her food support for a while. The girl even managed to convince the person watching over to let her serve people while waiting for her call time. (Y/N) eagerly wore the apron with a drawing of her face on it.

Jiyoung could only shake her head at the idol’s wishes. She let her be as she went ahead to meet with the director.

“Hi~,” (Y/N) would warmly greet anyone who stopped by to grab some snacks and drinks. She even let them take photos with her. “Thank you~ Please do support our web drama~,” she’d say once they were done.

“Jiyoung-ssi told me I’d find you here,”

(Y/N) smiled at her newest customer. “Hi~ What would you want for today?”

Minhyuk shook his head but decided to play along. “A cookie, a cup of iced coffee, a photo with you, and maybe your number?”

“Oh my God…” She exasperatedly sighed as she jokingly rolled her eyes. “I can give you all that minus my number,”

“I thought my smooth moves would work,” he pouted causing the girl to laugh. She handed him the cookie and a cup of iced coffee.

“Boo hoo,” she teased. “At least you’ve got stuff with my cute face on it. You get a picture with me too so that’s a great deal in itself,”

“And you still think that I’m the one who’s so full of myself,” Minhyuk chuckled. “But I do believe it’s the other way around. You’re getting a photo with the one and only Lee Minhyuk,”

“Sorry to burst your bubble but there are tons of Lee Minhyuk’s walking around the land of Korea,”

Minhyuk cleared his throat as he corrected himself. “The only Lee Minhyuk in this project,”

(Y/N) laughed at him. “Don’t worry. You’re the only Lee Minhyuk I personally know anyway,”

The male idol bit his lip. He didn’t know why such simple words made him feel like a teenage boy. It was such a general statement yet he felt happy that he’s the only Lee Minhyuk she knew despite the numerous Lee Minhyuk’s in the industry.

‘Ah… Minhyuk. You silly man,’ he internally scolded himself.

“Anyway,” she laughed. “Let’s take a photo together,” she grinned as she motioned for him to join her inside the booth. Minhyuk asked the staff to take the photo for them. After a couple of shots, they moved to take a photo with (Y/N)’s standee.

“Oh, I want a solo photo with my standee please,” (Y/N) told Minhyuk when he took his phone from the staff. The girl tilted her head to the side towards the standee and made a peace sign as she smiled at Minhyuk.

“Got it,” he smiled.

“Thank you~ Please send it to me,”

“Your number?” Minhyuk smirked.

“Ah… You got me,” (Y/N) laughed. With no warning at all, she reached for Minhyuk’s phone and took it from his hands. Their fingers touched for a brief moment and Minhyuk felt a weird tingle run through his fingers. He wasn’t sure if (Y/N) felt it too because she didn’t seem to react.

“H-Hey,” Minhyuk finally realized what just happened. But (Y/N) was quick. She was able to save her number instantly to his contacts.

“There you go. It’s not like I didn’t want to give you my number. I was just playing with you,”

‘Like how you always manage to play with what I feel,’ he unconsciously thought but he shook his head in surprise. What was he thinking?

Minhyuk: Hey. Hey. What are you doing?

Similar messages have been appearing on (Y/N)’s messaging app along with cute stickers ever since she and Minhyuk exchanged numbers. It took the male idol a while to ask for her number and if the female were to be honest, it was cute. He was trying to act cool and casual about it but it was clear that he was nervous. She didn’t know why and she decided to play with him by saying no. The crestfallen look on the boy’s face made her heart hurt a bit but still she laughed and eventually gave him her number.

(Y/N): Replying to you.

Minhyuk: Ha ha… Funny. -_-“

(Y/N): I know. I’m the funniest out of everyone you know. ;)

“Ready?” Jiyong asked when she opened the door to (Y/N)’s dressing room. She was having her hair and make-up done for a magazine’s feature photoshoot and interview.

“Yeah,” (Y/N) smiled at her manager through the mirror. She quickly inserted her phone back into her bag and left the room trailing behind Jiyoung.

Her manager was raising her eyebrow at the female idol who was walking with a bounce on her step. “What’s got you in a good mood? You’re usually sleepy at this time of day,”

The female idol just shook her head. “Nothing, really. I just feel happy today,” she replied in a sing-song voice. “Maybe I woke up on the right side of the bed for once,” (Y/N) smiled at the older female.

A series of hello’s and good morning’s greeted the two when they entered the studio. The camera staff were going around fixing the lights while the stylists were by the rack making sure that they’re ready just in case a wardrobe malfunction happens. The writer for the feature article was stationed beside the photographer with her notes and recorder.

(Y/N) took her spot in front of the camera and bowed at the photographer and writer.

“Hey, hey. What are you doing?” Her co-star greeted her, causing her to laugh.

“About to do a photoshoot with a weirdo,” she teased.

“Ouch. You wound me,” Minhyuk pretended to feel hurt. He even placed his hand on his chest to emphasize how her words hurt his feelings. The girl widely grinned as she shook her head at the boy’s antics.

This has been a normal thing between the two idols. Even the production staff and their managers noticed how the two looked as if they’ve known each other for their whole lives. Jiyoung was happy for the girl because it’s been a while since she smiled as brightly. She’d always worry for the female idol who she’d sometimes find gazing out the window with a long face. It was refreshing to see her this way but Jiyoung fears the moment that the project ends and (Y/N) would start feeling as if she was alone again. Even if the female idol didn’t say it, her manager knew her well enough to know.

Jiyoung and Daegyeom shared a smile as they watched their idols do the photoshoot. Everyone in the studio could hear them having fun while following the directions given to them. Aside from the formal shots, the director was also asking them to take fun and candid photos.

Minhyuk had a huge, playful grin on his lips as he teased the girl who was rolling her eyes but she was still smiling. His arm was around her shoulder while she was trying to lean away. If they didn’t know any better, the crew would have thought that the two idols have known each other for a long time.

Once the photographer was happy, he motioned the crew to place the stools in the set. The writer and the two idols took their seats while the photographer was still stationed by his camera.

“Hi. My name is Park Eun Ha. Thanks for letting us interview you despite the tight schedule,” the writer introduced herself. “That’s my partner, So Ji Hun. I hope you don’t mind if we continue to take photos of the interview itself,”

“It’s not a problem. Thank you, too, for considering this webtoon for your feature,” (Y/N) smiled.

Eun Ha nodded and began her interview. Her first few questions were more focused on the web drama. The atmosphere was light as they discussed what they thought about ‘In Our Spring’.

“If you were to change one thing about your character, what would it be?”

The two idols thoughts about what to answer. There were so many things to consider when changing an aspect in their respective characters.

“None,” they both said at the same time. Minhyuk grinned whilst (Y/N) rolled her eyes before laughing.

“I think their current personalities make Se Jun and Jae Eun’s friendship. One is too fun-loving and resorts to teasing while the other is a little uptight. Even if it does give Se Jun a problem when trying to get his feeling across, I think that it also gives Se Jun the push he needed to somehow grow up,” Minhyuk explained.

“If he wasn’t written in that way, I think the web drama wouldn’t have been possible,” (Y/N) laughed. “It’s kind of like a coming of age story between two friends. If both of them were perfect and mature characters, then there’s barely any conflict,”

“Then we wouldn’t have gotten this project,” Minhyuk joked.

Eun Ha laughed along with (Y/N) as they shook their head. “This is the first time you’ve worked together, yes?” When the two nodded, she continued, “How is it like to work with each other?”

“Ah,” (Y/N) felt a little shy but she tried not to show it. “It’s been great so far. Minhyuk’s been really fun to work with. He’s very professional on set but when the camera’s not rolling, he’s really funny. He gets along well with the crew and he’s really respectful too. Personally, I think the director and the writer made a great choice casting him for Se Jun’s role,”

Minhyuk felt his heart soar at her words. It was the first time that he heard (Y/N) say those things about him. He didn’t know why but he felt warm inside.

“What about you Minhyuk?” Eun Ha asked the boy who had his head above the clouds. He quickly composed himself and smiled.

“Hm… (Y/N)…” He grinned teasingly. “I’ve learned a lot from (Y/N), especially when it comes to acting. She’s frank when it comes to criticism and she’s quick to let you know how you can improve what you just did when there’s a retake. But she also evaluates her own performance and adjusts herself accordingly. I think that’s what makes working with (Y/N) easy,”

“Oh yeah,” the female idol laughed. “There was this one time during the table reading when I frankly told him that he was bland and the look on his face was hilarious. It was a mixture of disbelief, annoyance, and surprise,”

“Sorry but you said it out of the blue so I was surprised,”

(Y/N) waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. My bad,” she grinned despite the sarcasm that was dripping in her tone.

“In the future, will you want to work on another project with each other?”

The two idols nodded earnestly.

“If the opportunity arises, then yes,” (Y/N) smiled.

“Ah… Really? I knew it,” Minhyuk teased her. “I’m flattered,”

“You are so full of yourself,” the female idol mused as she shook her head.

“I’ve heard that before,” the rapper playfully scoffed. “But I do agree with (Y/N). It’d be nice to work again together. Maybe a song or a music video,”

After a few more questions, Eun Ha wrapped up her interview with the two idols. The two bowed in gratitude to everyone who worked with them for the feature before heading to their dressing rooms.

“What’s on your schedule today?” Minhyuk asked as they walked.

“Don’t tell anyone but I’m preparing for a comeback,” she whispered, pretending that there were people listening in on their conversation. “It’s top secret,” (Y/N) winked.

“I’m honored to have been blessed with this information,” he formally responded causing the girl to laugh loudly. “I can’t wait to hear what you’re preparing,”

“Eh,” she shrugged. “Everything is still in the planning stages but I’m excited too. What about you?”

“We’ve got a music festival later tonight,” he said as they stopped in front of their respective dressing rooms, which were in front of each other’s. “If you’re free, do you want to… maybe… come and watch?”

(Y/N) cracked a small smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to one so I would love to go but,” she sighed. “You know how long preparations take. I’ll try to go if I finish early,”

“Okay,” he responded. Minhyuk didn’t let it show that he was slightly disappointed but he was still holding onto that little chance that she’d be able to. “Let me know,”

“Do you want me to be there that much?” She sighed. He wasn’t really doing a good job at hiding his disappointment. “I’ll do my best, okay? But not promises. See you when I see you,”

The male idol was left gaping at the space she occupied just a few seconds ago. Was his disappointment that obvious? Some actor, he shook his head at the thought. Minhyuk felt conflicted too. Did he really want her to be there that much? Why?

Minhyuk was being more silent than usual as they were in their dressing room preparing for the festival. The members noticed that he had been checking his phone a lot while his stylist fussed over him. They knew that there were times when Minhyuk was just silent as he thought over some things but they also knew that this was different.

“Hyung,” Sungjae sat beside the older male on the couch who was done with his hair and make-up. “You’ve been really quiet,”

“Ah,” he smiled at their maknae as he shook his head. “It’s nothing,”

“Are you waiting for a text or a call? Did you go to an audition or something? Are you waiting for a confirmation message that you got the role?” The maknae kept on asking as he hoped that his hyung would cheer up a bit.

“Ah… No,” he shyly said causing Sungjae to wonder. “Don’t worry about it, Sungjae. It’s really nothing,”

With that, Minhyuk handed his phone to Daegyeom who was watching him carefully. The manager had an inkling of what it was about but he chose not to say anything. Sungjae looked at Daegyeom questioningly but the manager just shrugged.

When the boys were done performing and were back in their dressing room, Daegyeom went to Minhyuk first. “Your phone has been vibrating non-stop a while ago,” those were the only words he said as he handed Minhyuk his phone.

The male idol was flustered and he was nervous as hell as he hastily opened his phone. His notifications were flooded but there were a couple that stood out a lot. He bit his lip as he opened the messaging app.

(Y/N): Minhyuk… Sorry! I don’t think I’ll be able to make it.

(Y/N): Ahhh… We just finished and I only have 10 minutes to spare until the start of the festival which is an hour away from me.

(Y/N): I found a livestream!

(Y/N): You all sound amazing??? I mean… I know you all do but… Oh man!! *blown away*

(Y/N): Good job tonight~ See you at the set!

Minhyuk’s smile was so bright. He didn’t even realize that he was smiling until the boys were teasing him about his smile.

“Ya~!” Eunkwang poked his friend as he grinned. “Who was that?”

“Was that why you were so sad a while ago? Huh, hyung?” Sungjae wiggled his eyebrows.

“Hyung! Are we getting a new song composed by you?” Ilhoon teased. “Is this about a girl?”

Minhyuk just shook his head as they kept on talking at the same time. “Hey,” he finally spoke up. “It’s nothing,”

“The smile on your face says the complete opposite,” Hyunsik smirked.

The rapper rolled his eyes as he pocketed his phone. He thought that if he didn’t respond, they’d drop it. Apparently not.

“Is it (Y/N)-ssi?” Peniel asked causing the male to freeze. Peniel has always been the perceptive one despite his usually quiet nature.

A series of OH’s and AH’s echoed in the room.

“Ya, ya, ya!!” Minhyuk huffed in frustration but his cheeks felt warm at the mention of her name.

“I think Minhyukkie hyung likes her,” Changsub chuckled. “His face is starting to get red,”

Minhyuk groaned as he plopped down on the couch. “I don’t,” he uttered but he wasn’t sure either. Sure, he likes her as a friend but as something more…? He didn’t know. He had no idea. All he knew was that he liked making her smile. He was way past the stage of wanting to know what makes her heart race or skip a beat. Every gesture he had been doing was more for her to be happy.

“I don’t know,” he spoke lowly. “Maybe,”

#btob imagines #minhyuk imagines #lee minhyuk imagines #btob scenarios #btob minhyuk imagines #btob #born to beat #lee minhyuk #minhyuk scenarios #born to beat imagines #born to beat scenarios #lee minhyuk x reader #minhyuk x reader #minhyuk fluff #btob fluff #kpop fluff #what can i do mini series

27 notes · View notes

yeoldontknow · 7 years

Text

It Was The Night: 1

Author’s Note: welcome to part 1! this is hopefully going to be a short mini series that remains uncomplicated (she says, writing 3 more parts and adding to them as she queues this omg) enjoy! Pairing: Chanyeol x Reader (oc; female) Genre: drama; historical au; romance; suspense Rating (this part): G Word Count: 2,046

In the summer of 1826, the very last of my relatives surrendered mind, body, and soul to the hands of consumption.

As any typical eight year old girl, the true meanings of anguish and despair were lost on me. Often I regret, in my old age, to admit that I did not mourn the loss of my Great Aunt Thérèse. Nor did I not, as many children do, grieve out of a twisted sense of fear for my lack of parentage or even for myself. Instead, I felt a small pang of longing whenever I craved the warm arms of reassurance, or perhaps, when I fancied myself a pirate and sought a crew for my ship. I coveted, at times, those large families, filled with siblings and wild imaginations, like the other children at my school.

Her absence, I found, had commenced long before the withering of her body or the slow decay of her lungs. I remember her now less as a person and more as pieces of an ideal, images woven together throughout time to construct a memory of love, the sensation of care, the fleeting notion of safety. She appears to me now as a shadow, something hollowed, a thing I yearned for but eventually moved beyond, carrying with me instead not the soft touch of her hands but the rigidness of the posture she ingrained within me.

In the end, Aunt Thérèse became a memory of authority, a rule I was meant to follow rather than a family member to love. Instead, my sense of protection and comfort had been projected onto a tattered stuffed elephant named Claude, a birthday gift from Aunt Thérèse to love once she had become too weak to spare a fragment of emotion. Or, rather, when she decided that loving me was too strenuous, my existence a burden of charge rather than a pleasure.

Without any sort of family to love me and no kind neighbors to take me in, even as an extra hand for work, I was taken, by the state, from the fields of Berentin to a monastery in Rouen for lost and disadvantaged children. They always used the word “disadvantaged,” as though “orphan” was somehow shameful, as though it was my fault I had been so abandoned.

I don’t believe I ever forgave dear France for dressing the term in false clothes, for attempting to force my young self into a sort of ignorance regarding the sad reality of my situation. Perhaps, even more, for attempting to gloss over the true position of my station in the new city I was meant to call home. Though in truth, I doubt I would have needed such language when there were older, more tormented children at St. Christie’s to remind me just how lost we all were.

Companions at the monastery were arduous to come by, my predilection for continued, silent observation ostracized me. My playfulness took shape in the form of imagined personas and universes, alternate worlds I felt lingered just beyond my small reach. The noise and gregarious loudness of pranks and teasing did not suit me, my version of gaming born out of compulsory solitude in golden fields. And so, suddenly surrounded by children my age, I found myself profoundly lonely rather than merely alone.

As part of our keep, it was mandatory we all sang in the choir for church mass. We were to learn music, the traditional hymns and prayers, and were given the opportunity to master a separate instrument to broaden our musical education with papacy approved contemporary pieces. With few friends and little to entertain me beyond my daily chores, I devoted myself to my studies, quickly finding that my skills in languages and biblical translation lent themselves to the language of sight reading. It was, as to be expected, not long before I was the most advanced child in the choir, as well as in the chamber orchestra with my selected instrument, the violin.

Words escape me now, dissipating at the memory of my first touch of the ebony and tiger wood instrument. In the days of my youth, I called it fate, the current of pleasure and excitement that flowed through me as my fingers grazed over the body. Nor can I describe the thrill of longing that pressed against my heart at the sound of the bow against the strings. Instantly, I felt bonded to it, as though its voice was my own. Between us an understanding had been birthed, the music my voice, the body of wood my body - firm, unyielding, desperate to be heard and loved.

And so, by the time I was ten, I had received more solos in place of the older, more experienced girls. This, of course, was a way for one to be noticed by both the church, the public, and by children with little control over their envy. In the wake of my solos, I found my already terribly lonely childhood to be impossibly lonesome. Children teased me, threatened to shatter my instrument out of envy and jealousy. Not long after this, I took to sleeping with my instrument, terrified to wake one morning and find it gone from me, warped and broken at the hands of someone else.

My talents placed me in a bitter spotlight but they also, for reasons beyond me, caused my skills to be noticed by one Monsieur Park. I shall never understand why he chose me, why he was so profoundly adamant in his opinions, but his presence at our mass resulted in my life being changed, irrevocably.

In all my years, I seem to be unable to forget the gleaming pattern of the buttons on his waistcoat the first, and only, time he stood before me. I had given a rather whole-hearted performance of Je Chanterai that left me with clenched fists and shaking hands, eyes wet with the words of Psalm 89:1 echoing in my mind behind the lyrics on my tongue. When mass completed with its usual major chord extravagance, I shuffled, with bowed head, toward the doors of the monastery quarters when a man with strong fingers and pure white hair stopped me and Father Ezekiel in our path.

Almost immediately I sensed the conversation was not for my engagement, that much was clear by the way the stranger spoke in clipped words to Father, so instead I busied myself with the gold of his buttons. I’d never seen a man dressed in such finery, not even on the modest men who did not wear the cloth of God, and certainly not in Berentin. Mine was a humble upbringing, featuring muslin dresses and shoes of thin leather. My wealth had been given to God the moment I entered the world. Yet here was a man, draped in silks, satin tights that glistened beneath the stained glass windows, and a posture so severe I imagined him grounded to the Earth where he stood.

And the buttons, sparkling under the watchful eye of Mary, remained at my eye level as though they were made solely for me and, for the first time, I felt the slow burn of desire.

That evening it was explained to me I would be departing the next day for Le Palais Comédie Français in Paris, by far the most distinguished theatre in the country with a legacy extending well beyond my comprehension of my own bloodline. I was to join their choir, earn a working wage as a member of staff, a wage I would not be given access to until I reached an age suitable for marriage, at which time I would be given the opportunity to audition for the Opera or take my earnings as a dowry should a suitor ask for my hand in marriage.

Having spent the last year expecting to be a child of the church, having spent the last ten years being passed from adult to adult, I adamantly protested the notion, instantly felt the crippling weight of an uncertainty that had never before gripped me. In my mind, I saw myself as a transient thing, something that neither belonged nor existed within France. Forced into a somewhat nomadic existence, I had no sense of self, no sense of home, no sense of safety, and all over again I was being forced to shift my understanding of the world to meet the expectations of men far older than I. My cries proved to be futile, and, the next day, I boarded a sleek, black coach with the most incisive looking horses I had ever seen, and left to start my new life as a choirgirl popular.

Monsieur Park did not let me bring my violin, stating I would not need it. The monastery did not let me take Claude, stating there would be a child in my place who would need it more.

I sniffled as we passed through village after village, though I did not regard Monsieur Park, not directly. Allowing his domineering, stoic frame into my field of vision felt painful, thrust upon me the responsibility of questions and conversation that felt heavy, imposing, far too important for the uneasy silence that had settled in the carriage, and so I chose to watch the world as it passed. Of the trees, I asked my questions, begged their roots for answers. In that moment I envied them, their stability, their strength, their stillness. How I wished my skin would be bark, my feet claws that could bury their talons into the Earth, and proudly declare that I shall be unmoved.

It was not long before the fields and woods between villages became narrow streets, the canopy of foliage traded for a skyline dotted with domes of cathedrals. Quickly, I learned Paris is a city of distractions, bewildering and loud. We passed through market centre, slowly and pressed between homes, people, stalls, and even in the carriage the intense aroma from the fishmonger permeated the finery of the small space. Monsieur Park buried his nose in his ascot, while I and the other girls pressed ourselves to the windows. My fingers idly clutched the velvet of the curtains, clinging to their softness and their tangibility as I struggled to process all I saw before me.

Mine had been a quiet life, one filled with the silence of prayer and the cadence of hymns, entertainment held only within our music lessons and the transcription of bible verses. Never before had I been confronted with such cacophonous activity, my skin swimming with the stimulation of voices just beyond the window. All at once, I was enamoured with it. The noise of the city was difficult, yet thrilling, my heart pulled suddenly towards the chaos of anonymity and the firmness of identity. All my life, i had been told that the city was a Godless place, wracked with sin and debauchery, and little else. But, to me, the city felt vibrant, thriving, so alive that its soul pressed against the carriage in desperation to be touched.

And, here, even the women seemed strong.

It was the gold of the Opera House I saw first, perhaps because the only time I had seen such a glimmer of wealth was on Monsieur Park’s waistcoat. This, I think, was the moment he became synonymous with the opera, draped in gold and firm, just as the building itself. But those small circles were eclipsed in proportion of the gold lining the top of the Opera, gleaming in the light of the sun. Beside me, a young girl who had been weeping feel silent, awed by the sheer beauty of the architecture. Extravagance had been limited in Rouen, even in the construction of its buildings, and all at once I felt myself a heretic.

I found I coveted this life, felt a surge of pride that this was to be my home, although looking back I fear it was not the life that thrust upon me the sensation of ardor. After many years of rumination on the subject, I imagine it was the prospect of being chosen for a life, for being offered freedom and choice and chance.

It was not the life that brought me joy, but the prospect of one altogether.

#chanyeol x reader #kpoptrashtag #kwriterskollection #noonanet #chanyeol au #chanyeol fanfic #chanyeol scenario #chanyeol fanfiction #exo scenario #exo au #exo fanfic #park chanyeol

60 notes · View notes

dyde21 · 6 years

Text

Cafe Half-Caff 3: The Incident

Thank you everyone who enjoyed my previous chapter! I’m really loving this AU, and though I’m extremely busy, I try to write when I can. I will get to the prompts you sent in this weekend hopefully now that this chapter is finally done! Please enjoy! One thing, I did a slight ret-con that I will edit chapter 1 soon. Percy still lives with his mom, his car being in the shop was the reason he was there early. Living with his mom is actually a pretty big detail with some new chapters I’m planning. WIthout further ado, enjoy!

XxXxXxXxX

Percy headed up to the cafe, pausing just outside the door. He could hear the noise before he turned the corner. It was busy. The line for the registers stopped just inside of the door. It was far worse than the rush yesterday on his first day. Any confidence he has built up for this shift, suddenly vanished like a gust of wind.

Quickly sliding in the door, he managed to shimmy his way around the last customer in the line and tried to make a b-line for the break room. Passing Annabeth, he saw her offer him a strange smile that was a cross between a welcome and an apology.

Nodding, Percy quickly found the break room empty. Ditching all his spare stuff, he pulled off his hoodie and stuck on his name tag. Checking his phone one last time, he saw a text from his mom wishing him luck, and that he had a minute left before his shift officially began.

He quickly tied his apron around his waist as he ran a hand through his hair trying to mess it up a bit. Glancing at the small mirror in the room, he frowned, before he tried to comb it back. That looked worse. He quickly tried to mess up the hair again before he let out a sigh and moved towards the door. His hair was a lost cause, he wasn't sure why he tried. Quickly entering the pin he was given, he punched in and stepped out the door. Immediately the chaotic sounds of the cafe stepped up a few notches.

Immediately Annabeth waved him over, never looking away from the customer she was in the middle of assisting. As she finished the order she was slowly stepping away from the register, leaning forward awkwardly. With a final click, she finished the order and stepped back. “Hi. Welcome back. Hop on this register please? I'll help Piper with the machines, and when the lines are tame again I'll have you running orders.

Piper perked up at her name, turning her head momentarily to offer Percy a dazzling smile before turning back to her customer. Jason just nudged Percy with his foot as he continued helping customers.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back to his line and saw a young college girl there who was luckily still deciding on her order.

He quickly logged onto the kiosk with his number, and prepared to take her order. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself as he glanced over the long line that was waiting in front of him. He could do this. Glancing over, he saw Annabeth shoot him another supportive smile and he felt a surge of confidence. Looking back at the customers, he did his best to keep up with their orders.

As the first hour of his shift passed, Percy was amazed by how much money he had handled. It was still a little nerve wracking, dealing with the pressure of keeping up with Piper and Jason, while also handling change. He wouldn't know till the end of the night when they counted the till for sure, but he was pretty sure he hadn't messed up yet.

Percy wouldn't admit it openly, but he had actually spent the few days before his first shift practicing with his mom. Over dinner he had mentioned he was nervous about handling money, as none of his other jobs had really required it before. It had mostly just been him rambling, he always found it hard to keep stuff from his mom, but she had gone above and beyond like usual. When he had come back from skateboarding the next day, he had found her waiting with a mini till made up, with enough cash to practice. She gave him orders, and had him practice handing out change. Honestly, it really had made a difference.

Percy was never the best when it came to quick mental math, but he had gotten pretty quick at breaking down change thanks to her help. He was utterly convinced that he had the best mom in the world. Then again, it wasn't like that was a new fact to him. For as long as he could remember, it had just been his mother and himself. At least until Gabe had entered their life. Luckily, he was out of their lives now. So for the past few years it had just been him and his mother. She was why he had found this job.

When he had returned home yesterday after his first shift, she greeted him with a warm hug and a proud smile. She always had a way of giving him encouragement and staying positive, no matter what trouble found its way to him. That's why Percy wasn't too worried, if it meant keeping his mom happy, he could endure any job they'd let him keep.

Luckily though, despite the utter chaos of a packed cafe, Percy found things going pretty smoothly. The rest of the crew worked like a well oiled machine, Percy was honestly impressed. He had only had the chance to peek in the kitchen once, but he saw Frank and Leo working side by side as they worked through their orders, and Hazel was chatting happily with another girl in the back as they produced an impressively steady flow to sweets to keep stocked what was sold. The one time Percy was about to apologize for being out of chocolate croissants, Hazel had walked out of the back with a tray and offered them one with a warm smile. Trays were flying from the kitchen window as one of the morning guys delivered them from table to table swiftly.

Eventually though, the rush had slowed down ever so slightly so Annabeth told Percy to help deliver dishes, as they now had more people waiting for food than ordering coffee. Honestly, Percy found it more relaxing delivering food than taking orders. Most customers were easier to deal with when you're delivering the food they were waiting on, you're like a messenger from God to them.

Only getting the wrong table one or two times, Percy was considering the morning a solid success. He had managed to survive a busy morning yesterday, and an absolutely packed afternoon today. Surely, this was a sign that things were looking up.

Eventually, long after Percy had lost track of time, Annabeth had grabbed his shoulder and stopped him from grabbing another order.

“Percy! Take a break.” She said, wearing an amused smile. “It's good to see that you're such a hard worker, but you're long overdue for your break.” She explained. She nodded once in approval to herself. “I was worried about you having to jump into this rush, but you handled yourself well.” She praised, before reaching into her pocket. “But you might want this back.” She said, pulling out his name-tag and handing it to him.

His eyes widened as they flew to his chest, finding it empty. “When...”

Just laughing, Annabeth shrugged. “About half an hour ago. I saw it fall off, but you were too busy so I held onto it.”

“Ah! Uh... sorry. I didn't notice.” He said, flushing red slightly. Right when he thought he had his stuff together today, of course he screwed up something like this.

Annabeth just smirked. “Don't worry. Happens to the best of us. Now get something to eat and drink.”

Percy nodded, turning to walk away. “By the way, you might want to put your tag on right side up.” She offered, clearly holding back a laugh.

Hesitantly looking down, Percy saw he had indeed pinned his name-tag upside down. Clenching his jaw, his gaze shifted towards the door. Surely he wouldn't get in too much trouble if he just walked out the store and never came back, right? Deciding he couldn't lose yet another job, he just chewed on his lip as he refastened his name-tag. “Thank you.” He muttered in a small voice.

This caused Annabeth to laugh unrestrained as she just waved him off, stepping back to finish up some more drinks while she saw a defeated looking Percy go around the counter to stand in Piper's line.

Looking at the menu again, Percy did his best to relax. He was fine. He could practically hear his mother's encouraging words in his ears.

Everyone makes mistakes.

You only learn by failing.

You care far more about your mistakes than others do. If they can forgive you, why can't you?

Running a hand through his hair, he glanced at Piper who was just patiently looking at him with an amused smirk. “Good work today, you kept up, and it's only your second day. I'm impressed.”

Returning the smile, Percy shrugged. “You guys did all the work. I just pushed a few buttons.”

Piper nodded. “True, I am pretty awesome.” She said, before winking at him, earning a laugh from Percy. Seemingly satisfied by his smile, Piper shifted her weight. “So what'll you have?”

“Just a hot chocolate. And a chocolate croissant.”

Nodding, Piper moved to start making the drink. Standing there a bit awkwardly with his wallet in his hand, Percy just stared at Piper. Wasn't she going to ring him up?

Piper returned a minute later with the drink and croissant, quirking an eyebrow. “Don't you know the rules? One free drink, and one pastry a shift.” She said, handing him the stuff.

Percy turned to Annabeth, looking for confirmation.

Shaking her head, Annabeth pouted slightly. “That's not true. Piper just likes repeating that rule because she thinks it'll be true.”

Laughing, Piper nudged Annabeth in the side. “Please. I asked Chiron last time he visited. He says it's perfectly fine. Went on about how we “all work hard, and deserve a treat on the house.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes, but didn't argue. “Just take the snack and drink Percy. You earned it, and annoyingly, and unfortunately, Piper is probably right this time. Chiron would say that.”

Piper just beamed triumphantly. “She acts all proper, but she's had just as much coffee from here as the rest of us. Heaven forbid you have to open with her during midterms or finals before she's had her coffee. Poor Hazel almost didn't survive last time.” Piper said, bowing her head.

Flushing red slightly, Annabeth slapped Piper's shoulder. “That's not true!” Turning her head, she pouted. “Go on your break! You have 10 minutes left.” Annabeth scolded, clearly trying to hide her embarrassment.

All Percy could do was laugh as he thanked them both before finding an empty table to relax at for a moment. Closing his eyes, he sipped his drink as he let himself drift from the world for a moment. It was a little cliché, but the sounds of a busy cafe was really an oddly soothing background sound.

There was enough noise to avoid the quiet white noise, but not loud enough to feel overwhelming. There was the near constant clink of cups being set down, spoons hitting the side of teacups, the hiss and bubbling of the coffee machines back behind the counter. Above all that was the was constant chatter. Both the sound of the registers taking orders, and the various conversations being held by the patrons. Too many to properly listen to any individual one, but still isolated enough to pick up bits and pieces of a sentence here and there, before your focus shifted to an entire different conversation. Now Percy usually didn't dwell on stuff like this, he didn't often sit still, but this was just nice.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

Percy jumped as his eyes shot open and he saw a sheepish looking Annabeth across the table. “Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you.” She said, meeting his gaze for a moment before hers flicked off to the side somewhere.

“S'okay.” Was all he said, finally returning his heartbeat to healthy levels. Though, he found whenever he talked to Annabeth it always seemed to beat just a little bit faster.

Coughing nervously, Annabeth fidgeted with her hands. “I didn't mean to interrupt. You just had an... interesting look on your face, so I got curious.” She paused. “Which I ruined by interrupting you.” She continued, bowing her head. “Sorry. I'll go now.” She muttered.

“Wait!” Percy said, leaning forward. “You don't need to.” He muttered, desperately fighting the blush creeping up his neck. “It's fine. I enjoy the company.”

Annabeth regarded him with an expression he couldn't understand, but he thought it looked a little warm.

“I take it you're found out the joys of cafe ambiance? I actually like studying here, it helps me focus.” Annabeth offered, hoping to leave the awkward tension behind.

Percy nodded. “I can see what you mean. I might have to try it sometime.” He said with a noncommittal shrug. “It's just all the chatter I think, it's like the ocean.” He said absent mindedly.

After a moment, he looked over to see Annabeth regarding him with a confused expression. Realizing what he had just said, he struggled to figure out how to explain. “I mean.. it's the conversations, you know? Like, with everyone talk you can't focus on any one conversation. Your attention is constantly pushed and pulled in all these different directions, kinda like the waves in the ocean. It's nice to just let it move you around and go with the flow. It let's you stop thinking and just relax.” He offered, trailing off at the end. There was no way that made any sense. Scratching the back of his neck nervously, he managed to glance up at Annabeth. Once again she was staring with an expression he couldn't quite figure out. It was almost like she was trying to solve a problem by looking at him.

“That... made a lot of sense.” She said after what felt like an eternity. “I never thought of it that way.” She offered, still studying him.

Shrinking back slightly, he found he couldn't meet her gaze. It was too intense to look at properly. “I haven't really either. It just kind of came to me. That's how I see it. At least, I think. Maybe I've just spent too much time in the ocean.” He back-peddled slightly.

Annabeth laughed. “Why am I not surprised that you've spent a lot of time in the ocean.”

The grin was impossible to suppress as Percy shrugged. “My mom always says it's because I always look like I want to go surfing. Apparently I got that from my dad. It's kinda true though.”

Laughing again, Annabeth nodded. “I can see that.”

Quirking an eyebrow, Percy saw her start to fidget with her hands. “I take it you're close to your mom?”

Once again felt that annoying blush creeping onto his face. “Uh, yeah. My dad left when I was young. So it's just been the two of us. At least aside from the time with Gabe.” He confessed, before he realized she had no idea who he was talking about thankfully. Coughing once, he tried to compose himself again. She didn't need, or probably want, to hear his life story. “Anyway, yeah I'm close with my mom. Still living with her.”

Annabeth was just resting her chin on her palm as she leaned forward, watching him and clearly listening with a lazy smirk. “That's actually really sweet. I'm a bit jealous.” He could practically see the curiosity she was hiding, he figured she had picked up on the name Gabe and was curious, but that would be a conversation for another day. He wasn't exactly one to air all his dirty laundry so easily.

“I'm sorry to hear about your dad. A similar thing happened with my mom. I only get a letter once or twice a year.” She said gently.

Percy's gaze shifted back to her as he studied her for a moment. He wasn't quite sure what he thought her home life had been like, but this wasn't it. Someone as smart and confident as she was? He would have guessed she had an easy upbringing, but it didn't sound like that.

Percy just nodded once, he knew that hollow words like “I'm sorry” and “That's awful” didn't mean much. Sure the sentiment was sweet, and appreciated, but they weren't kids. It was the hand they had been dealt in life, and it was their job to deal with it.

As the air between them became heavy, he noticed a familiar pair enter the shop. Both Ashe and Tyler paused to wave at Percy and Annabeth. Ashe then leaned over and said something Percy couldn't hear that made Tyler laugh and nudge her side, while she snickered and winked at Percy. Shaking his head with a small smile, Percy turned his attention back to the rest of the shop.

Looking around, he saw Jason and Piper sharing some remark as Piper made a drink next to him. Through the window in the back, Percy could see Leo dancing around the kitchen, and frank working on a stove while Hazel leaned against the wall next to him chatting happily. Looking back at Annabeth, he couldn't help the small grin that crept on his face. “It looks like you found a pretty big family here though. Everyone seems close.” Percy offered.

Looking at him for a moment, before looking at the rest of her staff, before she turned back to Percy. “We found a family, you mean.”

Percy was confused for a moment. Then Annabeth flashed him a smile that made his heart explode. “You're a part of this family now too. Don't forget that.”

Percy's jaw dropped for a moment, as he felt a warmth slowly spread throughout his body. Glancing over, he saw Piper give him a wink as Jason smirked. Slowly closing his mouth, Percy nodded, finding words failing him. “I'm glad.”

Annabeth downed the rest of her drink, finishing off the last bite of her doughnut before she just smirked. “So am I. Now come on, breaks over. Looks like things are picking up again.” She offered, before she tossed the remains of her snack and hopped behind the counter again.

Scrambling to clean up his own mess, he quickly hurried back to the counter. He felt refreshed and ready for another stretch of work.

For the most part, it was pretty enjoyable. Time flew quickly, he was getting the hang of orders, which table was where, and was better about paying attention to keep track who ordered what. Riding a bit of a high, he was pretty sure the rest of his shift would pass quickly. He wouldn't dare admit it, but he was actually starting to feel a bit confident in himself again. Maybe he would be able to manage actually do pretty well here.

At least, that was how he had been feeling until everything spiraled out of control.

Looking back on it, Percy probably should have been a little more nervous when he saw the girl motion towards him. Most customers hardly paid him any attention. They were polite when they had to interact, most left a tip, and a few just utterly ignored him. None had really gone out of their way to speak with him so far though.

Perhaps a bit naively, Percy had quickly made his way over to her. It was a young woman, must have been around her early twenties by his guess.

“How can I help you?” He asked politely, flashing her the best salesman smile he could muster.

“Did you make this?” Her voice was chillingly cold.

Immediately Percy felt his throat feel dry. It was abundantly clear that she was not happy. “I'm afraid I didn't. Is there something wrong with it?” He asked, attempting to keep his tone friendly and light-hearted.

“It tastes like SHIT. How could you serve me something like this?” She said, setting the cup down rather forcefully on the table.

Eyes widening, Percy tried to keep his smile on his face. “I'm very sorry for that. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to make you a replacement. May I ask what you had?” He said, racking his brain to try and remember the brief suggestions Reyna had given him on how to deal with angry customers.

The girl stood up, causing Percy to take a step back. “Judging by the taste of it, I ordered sugary toilet water. I want my money back, and a free drink.”

Percy's heart was racing now. Normally he was used to getting in trouble for something he caused. He was better about dealing with being scolded for stuff he deserved, but he was pretty sure he hadn't even taken her order. Jason had, and Piper had made it. He also seriously doubted that Piper would have served something that tasted like “sugary toilet water”. Everything that he had tried that she had made tasted absolutely wonderful. Percy also was vaguely aware of the chatter around them dying down as the girl seemed to get angrier and angrier.

“I'm not sure if we can refund you. Let me get my ma-”

“Excuse me!?” The woman butted in. “I said I want my money back. What kind of customer service is this?” She asked, her voice raising louder and louder as she silenced the rest of the cafe.

Practically dying on the inside, Percy once again tried to come up with something.

“If you let me know what you ordered I'll get a replacement started while we figure out the-” He was cut off as a scorching drink was splashed all over him.

“Why don't you try and figure it out yourself.”

Percy just stood there, the front of his shirt soaked as the drink dripped down his face and from his hair. He was utterly shocked, he couldn't process much other than the fact that it was really hot, but luckily didn't seem hot enough to actually burn him.

The entire cafe had turned dead silent, aside from a few shocked gasps. The sound of silverware clattered as Percy saw Ashe suddenly stand up across the cafe, only to have her arm caught by Tyler who kept her in place.

Raising a shaking hand, Percy wiped off some of the drink from his face. He felt his temper raising in him, but it was suppressed by a wave of shock and disbelief. “I'm afraid I need to ask you to le-”

*smack*

Percy's cheek was now burning red, as he just stared off to the side. Tears threatened the corner of his eyes as he stepped back. A whirlwind of humiliation, anger, frustration, and pain was swirling around him.

“What did you say to m-”

“Percy!” Annabeth's voice cut in as she stormed across the cafe. She was downright furious. She turned to the customer, fist clenched like she was about to throw out a blow much stronger than a slap. “You have 10 seconds to leave, and we might not call the cops.”

The girl was about to say something else, but Jason and Frank stormed up behind Annabeth. Jason stood tall, arms crossed and eyes furious, while Frank flanked the other side. The massive guy seemed to intimidate the girl enough and she just scoffed and stormed out of the cafe.

Meanwhile, Piper had pulled Percy aside and was dabbing at him with a clean cloth as she tried to get as much of the drink off him as she could, muttering repeated apologies. Percy just sat there quietly, trying to hold back the ever-so-annoying tears that threatened his eyes again. “I'm fine.” He muttered out in a shaky voice.

In the background, Percy saw Ashe break from from Tyler's grip and storm outside of the cafe, eyes blazing.

After a moment the cafe seemed to return to life as the sounds of conversation picked up as Percy was lead to the back break room. He just stared silently ahead of him as Piper went to look for a proper towel somewhere.

The adrenaline was starting to leave his body and he let out a shaky breath. Closing his eyes, he tried to figure out how he could possibly talk his way out of this.

“Percy!” Annabeth's voice snapped him from his thoughts as she entered the backroom, squatting down as she tried to examine him as he sat. “Are you okay? God, that drink must have been burning. We're lucky it wasn't hot enough to leave burns.” She fretted, hands hovering like she wanted to help in some way but couldn't find one.

“I'm okay.” He repeated, unsure of who he was talking to. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to reign in his emotions. Too many thoughts, emotions, feelings, and desires all flew around his head. He wasn't sure if he wanted to scream, cry, smash a wall, or quit.

A moment later the door opened and Piper walked to see Annabeth looking worried as Percy had his head in his hands. Offering her the towel, Piper just offered a sympathetic smile to Percy. “We'll keep the front running. Just... take your time.” She told both of them before patting Percy on the shoulder once before she vanished back to the front of the shop.

Grabbing the towel, Annabeth gently rested it over Percy's head before she began to towel it off, trying to get all the coffee out of his hair. Luckily it had mostly been his front that had been soaked, but she couldn't stop the bile she felt in her chest.

“I'm sorry Percy, I guess your warning about bad luck is true. We haven't had a customer like that since I've started working here.” She offered.

Feeling the towel around his head, Percy to admit it helped. The pseudo-massage helped ease the tension. “It's okay.” He repeated, still not able to properly form a sentence.

Percy was used to angry people, between Gabe and the scuffles he had a habit of getting into, or at least had gotten into, it wasn't new. He was even kind of used to being embarrassed because of his horrible luck. The event had just been so unexpected, it had caught him off guard. A tear or two might of escaped him, but he'd never admit it. Any trace of them had been toweled off by Annabeth's help.

Pulling back after a moment, he saw her apologetic look.

That's when it struck him. He knew what was coming. That smile was the same smile he had seen a bunch before. About five times this year actually. It was the smile of someone who was about to deliver bad news they didn't want to give. Nodding his head, Percy was pretty sure that was to be expected. With the way this day was going, it only made sense that he'd lose his job. He was pretty sure he probably royally screwed up trying to talk to the customer. Surely it was his fault that things had escalated so much.

“Percy...” Annabeth started, clearly struggling to find words of her own.

Honestly, Percy wished she would have kept her sort of blunt honesty he had come to expect from her. He just wanted to hear the words, so he could go home, tell his mom he screwed up again, and figure out how to move on from there.

Pausing, his mom's face flashed in his mind. Her gentle smile hiding the disappointment he knew she felt every time he had come home after being fired. Her endless positivity trying to mask her disappointment for his sake. Clenching his fists, he knew he couldn't give her that news again. He couldn't lose this job. He didn't want to lose this job. Out of all the jobs he had gotten, he was actually really excited for this one. Then he had gone and blown it with the first angry customer he dealt with.

“Percy, I'm really really sorry this happened but-”

“Annabeth.” He spoke up suddenly. He had to make his case. He'd do anything to keep this job. He looked up at her, seeing her worried expression. It was one he hadn't really seen on her before, and he realized he really didn't like seeing it on her. “Annabeth. I know I screwed up. I know I should have gotten you faster, or stepped away, or something. I don't know. I just know I really need this job. I can't disappoint my mom again. Please, give me another chance. I promise I'll learn! I'll do better. Anything. Just... don't make me go home with bad news again.” He finished his plea, carefully studying her expression.

It was just... confusion.

“Percy...” She started, pausing as if she was utterly baffled by something. “You're not quitting?”

Percy looked up shocked. “What?”

“What?” Annabeth echoed, equally shocked.

“No! Of course not! I... what?” Percy fumbled again.

Annabeth just let out a massive sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing like a massive weight had been lifted off of them. “You aren't quitting.” She repeated to herself, chuckling slightly. “I was trying to come up with some speech to keep you around. I figured after being yelled at, having hot coffee spilled on you, then being slapped on your second day you would surely quit. I might not have even blamed you.” She confessed. “Really though, that is not common here. Most of our customers are great.” Annabeth took out and fixed her ponytail nervously.

Percy let out a sigh of relief this time. “I'm not being fired.” He muttered, leaning back in the chair as once again a rush of adrenaline left his system. His job was safe.

Annabeth cocked a hip as she studied him. “You're weird. You were assaulted by a customer verbally, physically, and caffinically, and you think you're in trouble. Most people would have been tearing up the break room in anger. I know I would have been.” She confessed.

With a lop sided smile, Percy shrugged. “I was pretty angry. But... it was just a lot to process. I guess the surprise kinda overruled it.” He confessed, being a bit lame.

Annabeth just shrugged. “It's a good thing it did. You did everything right. If you had retaliated, then there would have been some trouble...” She offered.

There was a beat, before she hung her head. “I'm sorry though. It's my job to prevent situations like this, to deal with customers like that. By the time Piper had gotten me from the office, she had already hit you. I dropped the ball.” She muttered, looking uncharacteristically shy and nervous. Percy had a feeling she wasn't used to feeling like a failure.

“It's okay!” He said a little too quickly. “Neither of us did anything wrong I guess.”

Annabeth nodded. Regarding him for a moment, she frowned. “Would you like to go home? After all... that.” She said making a vague gesture with her hands. “I wouldn't blame you. I can explain it to Chiron.”

Standing up Percy shook his head. “I'll be fine.” He offered. It was true. Talking with Annabeth had helped more than he thought. His nerves were gone, and he felt back at peace.

Gray eyes studied him carefully, as if they were studying every possible detail about him. Percy was glad he wasn't lying, because he was pretty sure she would have just seen through it if he had been. “Well still, it's time for your lunch. Take thirty minutes.” She finally decided, before moving over to a locker. Fishing around inside of it for a moment, she pulled out a shirt and tossed it to him. “Here, your current shirt is soaked. Just keep it, it's always good to have a spare anyway.

Smiling gratefully, Percy held the shirt. “Thank you Annabeth.”

He wasn't sure, but he swore he saw her cheeks tint just the slightest bit pink. “Anytime.” Was her reply before she gave him once last once over before she went back to work.

Staring down at the shirt for a moment, Percy just took a deep breath. Everything would be okay.

Moving towards the bathroom, he quickly changed his shirt and tried to wash some of the coffee off his arms and face. Satisfied that he had done the best he can, he grabbed the lunch his mom had prepared him before he moved towards one of the tables in the cafe that was out of the way.

During his lunch, Percy had realized he really did like the crew here. All of them had taken the time to check in on him, which both flattered him and made him a little embarrassed. He was a young man, not a kid. He could move past a customer being rude to him. Piper had been first, taking a moment during her break to walk over. She checked him over for any signs of burns, before she chatted him up a bit, managing to have him laughing. Seemingly satisfied, she had gone back shortly before Jason had wandered over. Jason had asked how he was doing, then their conversation had switch to the upcoming sports events at their school. Jason didn't look at him like he was a fragile kid, which he appreciated. Jason understood. He had a rough day, he'd shrug it off and keep moving forward.

Frank and Hazel had been next. Hazel had brought him another treat, insisting she had made it for him and that it had nothing to do with the store. Percy wasn't convinced, but he appreciated the gesture and took the croissant with a smile. Frank had been a little quiet, but was glad to see Percy doing okay. He had also mentioned something about calling him if things got difficult. His job was also to partially keep the store safe as a kind of unofficial security. It only took someone one glance to figure out why. Frank was surprisingly built. A military brat, Percy still hadn't talk to Frank too much but he knew he was incredibly kind.

Leo had been the last of them to show up. He was drinking something from a coffee cup with no label on it. Leo was in the middle of drinking some strange concoction that reeked of caffeine. Their conversation had been a bit hard for Percy to follow, talking about a variety of topics, but it was true that Leo's smiles were infectious. Before long Percy was smiling and laughing along with him, at least until Annabeth had called Leo to get back work.

Some of the rest of the crew had also taken time to check on him.

Honestly feeling rather moved, by the time his lunch was over he was in high spirits again. Compared to the first half of his shift, the rest of his shift had been quiet. Almost painfully quiet. Ashe and Tyler had stopped him on her way out to offer their apologies, and mention that Ashe had scared the utter crap out of the lady after she had left, and that she wouldn't be a problem again.

As he was leaving Annabeth had stopped him. She leaned against the door to the break room with a soft smile. “Thank you for sticking around today. After such a difficult day for your second, sticking around and working as hard as you did really says something about your character.” She praised.

Nodding, Percy really couldn't find appropriate words to thank her with.

“We'll teach you closing in one of your next shifts. Now get some rest.” She said with a smile, a wink, and a small wave before she vanished to go back to the registers.

After saying his goodbyes, Percy had quickly made his way home. He had only made it a few steps before Sally had given him a big hug, then immediately realized something was wrong.

A bribe with a few blue cookies later, and Percy had recounted all that had happened for her. Sally's face had darkened when he explained the incident, but she had just pulled him into a tight hug, talking about how proud of him she was for him keeping his cool, and sticking out the shift.

Percy had just hugged her back, feeling the tears once again attacking his eyes. His mom was never shy about being supportive of him, but hearing her say she was proud made the whole day worth it.

Here they were now, both bundled up in their own blankets on the couch as they watched a Disney movie and split a bag of popcorn. Percy felt like a kid, but he couldn't be happier.

Of course his mom had steered their conversation towards this mysterious girl “Annabeth” a few times, but Percy thought he did a pretty good job at avoiding the question.

Percy certainly had a lot on his mind, but at the moment he was just happy to have the second day under his belt. There was certainly a lot he had left to learn about that place. He wasn't quite ready to admit to himself yet, but he was pretty sure a certain blonde there was at the top of the list to him.

XxXxXxXxX

Thank you for reading! There is A LOT left of this story planned in my head, and new chapters are always being added. Until next time!

#percabeth #pjo #percy jackson #annabeth chase #Cafe Half-Caff #I'm loving this AU #A LOT #I really hope you guys do too

45 notes · View notes

sian22redux · 7 years

Text

He followed me home, chap. 3

Title: Hew followed me home, For @theycallmebecca

Chapter 3 Beginnings:

Rating: Has gone up a bit. Oopsie., grin.

Summary Chris and Y/N adopt a puppy to keep Dodger company and can’t settle on a name.

Based on a prompt by @theycallmebecca because her Bosox took a series with my Indians. Ah well they are both out of contention now :( And because of that, to cheer her up, here’s a little of their backstory. And the fulfillment of every Bosox fangirl’s fantasy date.

You can find Chapter 1 He Followed Me Home, and 2 here: here. There will be one more after this. Unbeta’d this time cuz it’s so overdue. Will try to update and correct any glitches as I get the chance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You never planned on falling for Chris Evans.

Nope. Nuh-unh. You were not gonna go there.

You had just ended two years of heartbreak. Sworn off of dating another working actor because self-absorption is really not your thing and you have no interest in a man mobbed by eager skirts (the perils of that scene you’ve learned the hard and public way).

But then on a bright, hard blue Atlanta morning, like most things in your life, it just sort of happens accidentally.…..

Anthony Russo stands frowning down at his phone, thumbing his newest text away before sliding his glasses up on his head.

He’s frazzled and unusually irritated: already sweating even though it’s five am. The city is in heatwave and the production team are trying to get filming up and going before the sun makes the actors’ lives too miserable. In half an hour they are due to be on Infinity Wars’ sprawling set.

“Oh christ, not another one,” he mutters, shaking his ahead and pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly. It is too early. You are all wiped after months of location filming—coping with Murphy’s law and Mother Nature’s whim and as per usual every little thing that can go wrong has spiked the wheels.

“What’s up?” you ask, turning your attention from marking up a message board.

“Shiree’s got stomach flu.”

Ugh. Shiree, a bouncy and fresh-faced CalState undergrad, is the sixth person on the crew to go down with a bug. Not an auspicious sign. You’ll have to check in with catering. It might simply be the unrelenting heat or there might be a real problem with cross-contamination.

Either way, you are now unhelpfully another Runner down.

You swipe your ipad, pull up the day’s crew call. It’s a mess of strike-outs and red-lined arrows. Everyone is already replacing someone else.

“I’ll sub,” you offer quickly and Anthony looks up, grateful but hesitant. It’s not your job. Getaway Productions still needs you for continuity but after ten years in you are pretty sure you can multi-task.

Blindfolded and walking backwards.

“You sure?”

“Yup. Totally. I am a master at pouring brown bilge water into too thin paper cups.”

Anthony grins. Both of you have been there, way back in your resumes. It’s part of the biz. “Thanks, Y/N.”

This is how you wind up an hour later with hot coffee dripping off your hand, apologizing to the film’s tall bearded lead.

The actors for the morning’s scenes are gathered in an unusually bleary group. Quiet but intent, listening to Joe’s breakdown of the sequencing. You are just about to tap on “Steve Rogers’ shoulder and offer him a cup of joe when Dave Bautista, that mountain of a man seemingly wide as he is tall, shuffles in a little late.

He crosses too close behind you, bumps his massive bulk against your shoulder and you are knocked straight forward.

Into Chris Evan’s broad and muscled back.

“Fuck, what?” Chris exclaims, turning around, surprised and startled as half a cup of black no sugar (ugh why was the lid too loose?) seeps into the dark Nomad suit.

You stand there, appalled, shaking the liquid off your hand and trying to ignore the sting. The coffee was hot. Too hot. Fresh out of the canteen and hopefully hasn’t burned his skin. Oh god.

“Mr Evans, I am so, so sorry!” Your words are almost tripping over each other in your haste to apologize. “Are you ok?”

“Fine. I’m fine,” he says, craning his neck and rubbing at the dark wet patch that spreads from his lower back to his buttocks. “Just wet. Don’t worry about me. Are you …??” He looks up and his tawny brows tug together. “Sorry, I don’t know your name.”

You’re not surprised. There are literally dozens of people on the set and no reason for you to have met before. You spend your days mostly holed up inside the production trailer.

“Y/N,” you answer as Chris grabs the dripping cardboard tray and reaches for your wrist. It’s red. He’s frowning; holding it incredibly gently in fingers twice the size of yours. “You’re burned.”

“It’s nothing,” you reply automatically, although it really isn’t. The skin is bright red and stings a bitch; the sharp pain getting worse by the minute. You don’t have time for this. Your job is to keep filming rolling, not slow it down.

Gingerly, you wiggle your phone from your jeans back pocket, more worried for the moment that wardrobe needs a call. Chris has Nomad’s tan gloves tucked into his belt. God you hope that they aren’t trashed. It would ruin close-up shots. “I’ll get Lena to come down with a dryer, Mr. Evans. I hope the stain won’t show.”

“Fuck the stain,” Chris counters softly. He steps nearer to get a better look at you. The furrow on his brow gets deeper. This close he is even bigger than you thought, smells like coffee and wet leather and spice, anything but threatening. In the shade, his sapphire eyes look darker, mysteriously match the blue star stitched above his pec.

“You need this checked. It might blister. And get infected.” The litany of possible negative repercussions trails off mercifully but before you can protest he signals to another runner with a microphone. “Call the paramedics.”

Shit. That does it. The alert goes out and you both stand, waiting for the medical people to arrive when both Anthony and Joe muscle through the group. The speech is finished. You realize that around your little world, Falcon and Winter Soldier, Star Lord and Dax have melted away, back to the Milano mock-up.

Joe looks anxiously between you and Chris, at first uncertain who is the patient, but then he notices your hand cradled in Chris’s larger one. “Y/N are you ok? What happened?”

“Accident,” Chris says immediately and you flush, embarrassed to have caused a ruckus and acutely aware of how unprofessionally close you are. You pull back a little farther, but he doesn’t let you go.

“It’s nothing, Mr. Russo. I spilled coffee on Mr. Evans’ suit.”

“It’s not nothing. You’re hurt. And call me Chris, will you please?”

He smiles, lopsided and half-bashful, absently rubbing cool and soothing fingers next to your stinging skin and that’s all it takes. A few awkward, fleeting minutes before the cavalry arrives and your heart will be lost— tumble down between life’s cushions where you don’t think to look—but in the moment you stand mesmerized, vaguely aware that Anthony’s talking quickly into his mike, motioning for the goulishly curious to be kept at bay. Most oblige, except for a thin, fresh-faced and way too earnest guy in a Nasa hoodie and headset. He’s hovering, trying to get Chris’s attention, because Nomad’s needed on set in twenty, but Chris insists on waiting until the call comes to actually take his mark; stands watching patiently while a blue-gloved EMT pronounces it “only low second degree”.

“Second!” Chris looks ready to freak out but the gentle-voiced paramedic explains that there are only a few small, pinprick blisters coming up. Nothing that won’t heal quite quickly if you keep it clean and dry.

“Mr. Evans?”

“Mr. Evans?” Nasa guy looks so pained he might combust.

“Coming Matt.” The Russos, reassured it’s nothing serious, have already headed to the first scene set. Chris sighs and meets your gaze. “Sorry. Gotta go.”

“I’m fine. Thank you,” you nod but he’s gone--a retreating smudge of sable in a sea of purple minions.

It feels like the morning’s sunshine has been covered by bank of high, dark cloud.

Good grief Y/N. Get a grip.

After that you sit in a hastily retrieved folding chair (Ms Saldana it says on back) feeling a little bewildered and a whole lot rattled. The paramedic slathers on a blessedly cool antiseptic cream; covers the burn loosely and orders you to get it checked tomorrow if it swells or oozes overnight. You take some painkillers, rest for an hour or two on Russos’ orders but after lunch carry on again. certain that Chris has forgotten all about the morning’s mess, but then at 3 o’clock Matt finds you in the producer’s huddle.

He hands you a note handwritten on a concession napkin.

I don’t have your number. Are you ok? -C

Your eyes bug out. Yes that certainly seems to be a phone number on the back.

Omg.

You pull out your iphone and, weirdly nervous, have to type the number twice.

<I’m ok. And thanks!>

Of course there will be no immediate response. The actors’ phones stay mostly in their trailers when they are on set. You try not to check for a reply, keep mostly occupied with updating the afternoon scene list, when a telltale buzz fires at your hip.

You swipe the screen with your other hand.

D’s is Dene’s, the pub around the corner from the mini city of Getaway’s Atlanta hub. The cast and crew often hang there at the end of a long hot day, for the Sweetwater homebrews and the chicken biscuits. It’s tempting, though honestly you’d thought of nothing more than going home; lying down and just putting the day behind you.

But Chris. Has asked. himself. And it would be good to say thanks again: you weren’t sure he had heard you, having run off so fast. The call sheet might say you start at the usual ungodly hour but Anthony had ordered you to rest.

Come on, Y/N. What would it hurt?

You gather up your satchel, toss the gauze and polysporin the medic gave you into the zippered pocket and sling it over your shoulder, drive the two short blocks to Dene’s to make it easy heading home

Once in the high ceilinged, noisy space you pull up a seat at the bar and get a soda—you are driving and took pain meds--striking up a chat with Will, one of the best steadicam operators you’ve worked with. The two of you shoot the breeze a while before he downs the last of his bourbon, grabs his keys, mumbling something about his baby girl.

A minute later you feel someone looming just behind. It’s Chris. Freshly showered, in wet hair, grey shorts and t. A cascade of butterflies ripple through your stomach. You’ve hardly spoken to him before now, but being focus of that gaze—wow. It’s even better than the hype.

He leans on the polished wooden top, eyes worried and intent. “Hey Y/N,”

“Hey.”

“How’s the hand?” He reaches out and punctuates the question with a caress on your elbow. It gentle, easy, part of the casual way he touches everyone, and no big deal. Chris Evans, real life Captain America, is reputed to do this with everyone. Is handsy. Hugs as easily as breathing.

Shut up stupid butterflies. “Just stings,” you shrug. expecting him to make few minutes chat but somehow you both wind up deep in conversation. The state of the union and all things Trump are covered, work travel and mindfulness. He’s thoughtful. And articulate. Down to earth and inhumanly attractive. There’s something a little wicked behind the almost-bashful smile.

Your internal warning klaxons silently begin to blare.

He’s not for you. Chris is known to be the world’s nicest guy. Golden-hearted (as Jenny famously announced) and worried about everything and everyone.

“It’s fine. Really,” you insist when he offers to walk you to your car, fretting that you haven’t planned for the next day off. It is fine. You will take it a little easier. Show up at 7, instead of 4:45. but nothing puts him off.

Underneath a flickering streetlight, Chris opens your car door, sets a hand on your lower back to lean over and say goodnight and a warmth that has nothing to do with Atlanta’s humid swamp begins to pool low in your belly.

Oh oh.

Of course in the weeks to come Chris’s golden retriever level of enthusiasm wears you down.

First it’s “do you play charades?”; then it’s “we’re having a cast/crew baseball game…” All correctly platonic and entirely above board. No pressure. First a Condessa latte shows up on your desk. Then lunches with Mackie and Joe morph into casual dinner dates with just him. Standing plans to watch MLB at Dene’s pop up because, if anything, you are more obsessed than he with Boston’s fabled Sox. He’s a perfect gentlemen when he escorts you to a Pats game in the Falcon’s Nest.

His fanboying over Brady makes you grin from ear to ear.

As you get to know each other better so many things get shared. You open up about your crazy gypsy life as an air force brat, how hard it was to be constantly on the move; how you love spontaneity because your dad ran your home like a fighter wing. He talks about the pressure of being in the public eye; how hard it is to meet someone who understands that life but how much he craves some stability. How much he misses Dodger when he’s away.

The first hint it could be something different dawns when you find two ALDS passes and tickets for Logan airport clipped onto your white board.

Anthony raises an eyebrow and just grins as you stand in shock.

Oh.

My.

God.

(Boston is having an okay pennant run even with David Price on the DL list.)

You bolt from the set and arrive just in time to take your seat in the private box, smiling up at Chris as he hands you an icy Sleeper Street IPA.

The bottle is covered in condensation. It makes your fingers slide a little bit.

“Watch that beer,” he grins, ocean eyes twinkling as he leans over to cover your hand with his. He whispers “If you spill on me again this time I might have to take off my shirt.”

Oh Lord. He’s isn’t. He’s not…

He’s flirting, yes he is but you dismiss it. Doesn’t mean a thing. Chris Evans flirts with everyone. Constantly. You know this—it’s part of his innate charm. He’s single, playing the field, rumoured to be with everyone from Scarlet to a newly-available Ana Paris. And what would he, a star, want with you, second assistant producer and chief-fixer of whatever Anthony and Joe need done? No way. You’re just one of his many buds. Filling the gap during the long months away.

You both are thrilled to a see game. Chris Sale, Boston Cy Young contender, is not at his best but you don’t care. The food and drinks don’t stop. You have the best view of Fenway you’ve ever had and you laugh, and laugh; the two of you teasing each other from the 1st inning to the 9th.

On the red eye flight back that night you fall asleep with your head upon his shoulder.

The fall winds quickly on. Filming goes on hiatus, you both head west to home, say keep in touch but of course he’s just being nice. Somehow (Anthony?!) Chris gets your private private number. Friendly texts once a week give way to trash chats almost every day during L.A.’s World Series run. Boston’s out but that does not mean you will stoop so low as to root for the National League contender. He invites you over with fifty of his closest friends to watch the seventh game. It’s loud and raucous, and of course in the sea of people you hardly get a chance to talk.

You’re on your fourth whiskey sour, a little woozy and light-headed, stomach tied in knots because the Astros are down a run, when you feel the couch dip down.

It’s Chris. Big and warm, and little flushed, taking a ribbing from his pals. The two of you are quite possibly the only Houston fans in a sea of Dodger blue but neither of you care.

Josh Reddick is at the plate. 3-2, bottom of the ninth. Clayton Kershaw winding up.

You lean forward, eyes on the screen when he grips your hand for reassurance. Your heart is fluttering. It’s the thrill the game, nothing more-- he feels it too, because beside you his leg is vibrating at hundred miles an hour—like a greyhound in the gates.

(Afterward, you convince yourself his slightly fuzzy kiss is only because Reddick hits a walk-off home run.)

In the weeks to come you find yourself simply checking in; texting to ask how his family are; how Dodger’s coping with his schedule. It’s nice. Easy. No biggie because you’re just good friends.

Your schedules stay stubbornly mixed up—you’re in L.A., tied to the editing booth and he’s in Dubai, Milan, or Boston every chance he gets. Like the entire world you’re glued to his twitter feed: laughing at another video of ridiculously drunken enthusiasm when the Pats win again; fangirling every time another picture of Dodger shows up.

You both manage dinner once or twice but there’s no time to seriously hang. You miss it. Intensely. Somehow you’d become used to having him always there but there is nothing you can do.

Ridiculous, Y/N. You’re simply friends. You’ll catch up when there’s time.

The holiday season rolls around and it’s time for the annual Getaway crew party. You splurge on a kickass dress (red because it brings out the highlights in your hair) and Manolo Blahniks that make your legs go on forever, get your hair and makeup done just for no reason (honestly). After a quick hi to Anthony and Joe, you collect a flute of champagne and drift through the crowd, winding up after many hugs on the deck beside the pool.

The lights twinkling in the blooming fuschias cast a hazy blush in the air. It’s gorgeous and the perfect place to hide when you are trying to not too obviously peruse the crowd.

You hear Chris before you see him. His booming laugh echoes up from the lower terrace. He’s there-- tanned; neatly trimmed and striking in a silver shirt and dark black jeans--- with Pratt and Mackie. They’re out on the grass underneath the stars, surrounded by the bevy of blonds from accounting, joking and pounding tumblers of Chivas back.

He looks incredible. More than half-cut. And occupied.

You take a gulp of the exquisitely dry Cava and will your pulse to settle down. He hasn’t yet noticed that you’re there. Of course not. The daily texting dropped off weeks ago but your stubborn, stupid heart can’t help but wish that he’d come looking for you.

Sweep you up in those huge strong arms and say he’d missed you too.

Because that’s what good friends do.

Yeah right.

You’re just telling yourself what an idiot you are when he throws back his head and laughs, wraps an arm around Jeanine (petite, perfect and probably enhanced) and your stomach twists.

Oh god. You hadn’t realized your ‘problem’ had got this bad.

“Go on, Y/N. Go over.”

The words are whispered near your ear and you whirl, just barely keeping the bubbly in your glass.

Jeremy Renner is smiling, mouth quirked to one side, kind eyes glinting in the glow of Christmas lights. He’s not one of the cast you know that well so you stand, a little stunned while he waves his glass in the direction of the noise.

“I mean it. Go get him. Chris is crazy about you. I told the idiot he was wrong but he’s convinced that you aren’t interested.”

Aren’t interested? But that means that he….

You slowly shake your head, nervously tucking a stray strand of hair back behind your ear. Crazy about you? Sure he’s flirted. Kissed you once. Kept in close touch but that had fizzled lately. Jeremy can’t be right. You know they’re close, but he has have misunderstood something that he said.

What you and Chris have is not that kind of thing.

The sound of laughter carries across the water. You stare into your glass, hoping to find a little help but you know it won’t Your normally spontaneous and ebullient self has been body snatched by a timid mouse.

“It’s not my place. I’m not.. ” you mumble when you finally get your tongue to work.

The flush that stains your throat and neck tells otherwise.

“Really?” Jeremy chuckles. “Then why have your eyes been glued on him non-stop?” He frowns down at the group for a moment before looking back up to you. “Y/N, I’ve watched him dance around you now for months. He’s trying to take things slow. Not rush headlong for once into something new and keep it out of the press’s eye. I told him he’s being too discreet; that he’s so careful you can’t tell what’s in his busy head but he won’t listen.”

Your mouth is flapping open like a fish. Jeremy smiles wide and slow, nods when you can’t help yourself and look back down into the yard. What if he’s wrong? What if you make a fool of yourself? What if he’s ready to move on?

“I can’t…”

“Sometimes you just have to take a leap.”

The waiter drifts past again. Jeremy silently pulls your empty flute from your trembling fingers and hands back a fresh round of dutch courage. You raise it to your lips, swig the bubbly like water. The knot of people around Chris has changed again, condensed to the two Chrises, Anthony and Sheletta, his wife and childhood sweetheart. You’ve met her on set. She’s lovely. Not too scary.

Jeannine is nowhere to be seen. .

From beside you a piercing whistle makes you jump. “Evans!” Jeremy calls and oh fuck he’s done it—Jeremy has rolled the dice.

Chris looks up, finds Renner’s wave and then his eyes go wide. His handsome face flushes and he bites his lip. Shakes his head wonderingly and mouths ‘You look beautiful”.

To you. The girl he’s been crazy about all these months.

Oh god. OK. That’s it.

You walk down the terrace steps and into a new life.

----------------------------------------------

MLB is Major league baseball and ALDS is American League Division Series :)

tags. @sweet-empowerment @miss-cap21 @brooklyn-to-battlefields @inkwellsandmagicspells @maggieskeleton @imagine-cats96 @mewsiex @yourtropegirl @its-forevermore @dirajunara @s0eul @our-sharona @avaalons @lumelgy @mycapt-ohcapt @mypatronusismrpricklepants @3dsaunt @mrchristopherrobert @our-jasmine-universe @rayleyanns @s8sense @tinaferaldo @callamint @emilyevanston @interstateofmind @lilnerdy @666themarkofthebitch @thestarlighthotel @doloreschanel @pegasusdragontiger @zkkn ; @missfirstavenger

#he followed me home #sian22redux #writes #baseball #chris evans #reader

62 notes · View notes

bigbrothermonopoly · 4 years

Text

EPISODE 1:

HOH: CHRIS

EVICTED: REHDER 15-0

KORI:

My first Diary Room, I'm really loving the cast right now. Haven't talked to Dem, Chris, Andrew, Rheder, Silence, Madison or Kristine yet since they have yet to be on. Hoping this was more of a some people were kindof busy or just couldn't stay up for Cast Reveal and NOT a Oh we're all gonna be a bunch of inactive bitches. Emma talked about being UTR with our relationship and actually work together this ORG for the first time after 2 times failing to do so. Dunno if that's gonna work out, but hey third time's the charm maybe. Eve and Jess are icons as per usual I'm excited to finally be playing a game with them. Eve is suggesting a possible Jackbox Alliance, we'll see if that's like an actual thing I feel like that's the easy thing though and I don't know if that's what I actually want. I definitely plan to ride with that for a little while though. Gwen is sweetheart, she seems like a Discord noob, hoping that's not like a face personality to make her seem more endearing. I'm hoping to get good with Tawni and Mackenzie, meanwhile Brien, Austin, and Nicky I'm pretty medium with so far. I'm HOPING I can like develop good relationships with all of them. But like the female side of this cast is stacked, and the men kindof leave a lot to be desired so far. Hopefully when the other half wakes up I'll get a feel for them some more.

KORI:

So, it's been not even 5 hours, I'm now in 2 alliances, one which is like not even remotely serious because Nicky just put everyone in the VC in an alliance... which is wild. Chris and Kristine came on, Chris is... interesting, for some reason I don't get good vibes from him. Something about his tone or the way he talks. He isn't really saying anything wrong, but at least on VC I don't get good vibes at all. Kristine seems like a sweetie, she's from MI too so I feel like we COULD have tons to talk about. Who knows though. Maybe she's a fake betch, only time will tell. (But hopefully she's a real one.) Still waiting on those others to get online at some point though, I need to feel EVERYONE out and so far there's still too many people that I have like no fucking clue on.

NICKY:

i honestly don’t know anyone and i’m paranoid to not be on call cuz they probably talking shit about me

JESS:

Question of the day: Why are there so many straight white males here?!

AUSTIN:

I’m super excited to be in this season of board game big brother! I’m trying to have conversations with every houseguest and make a good first impression but it’s hard to keep 17 conversations going at the same time. Also the first head of household competition has begun! I don’t want to win the first HOH because I don’t want a target on my back this early.

REDHER:

**DIARY ROOM THINGAMAJIG**: I feel that I could definitely make my move. My experience with survivor definitely suits good here. Kori, Eve, and Andrew were quick to contact me and negotiate. I feel like I could definitely use my age as an advantage ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Only one I’m not liking rn is eve she just comes on too hard but nothing really too bad yet.

JESS:

So... hmmm.. this game is.. interesting? so far? I've already been attacked by the hosts and the majority of this cast. Don't @ me but... pineapple does NOT belong on pizza! In all seriousness... this is a WEIRD group of people. Some new faces, old faces, and a bunch of unknowns. My game plan in all honesty as of right now is to let Eve think she can control me. She is one of the few people I know in this game so I kind of have no choice but to work with her while I put in the ground work with others. I want her to think I'm one of her "minions" so she thinks I'm useful and I'll do whatever she wants for now... Big personalities are sinking ships in Big Brother so gotta come up with that plan B for when Eve (probably) falls. BUT i'm kind of just trying to take this a bit slow and trying to talk to everyone right now so no brain power required. PS: I refuse to touch that HOH with a 10 foot poll. Let's do a mini little trust list? 1. Jess 100. Everyone else I don't trust any of these hoes.

KRISTINE:

So happy that Chris got HOH we came into this game together hoping one of us would win HOH and that’s exactly what happened. I’m 100% confident that I’m not going to be nominated!!! We worked together and I gave him as much information as I could. We both did. It worked perfectly. And he made himself the bigger target anyways.

MACKENZIE:

I’m a LIIIIITLE mad i came close to winning and didn’t but it’s okay bc i Kinda didn’t want too idk hxjsjzjz does chris exist though? i swear i haven’t seen him online HHHH

CHRIS:

How did I win the HOH. Not only do I have power but I also have no idea what I am doing. I am a dog trying to mix chemicals or trying to use a computer while being blindfolded and having one arm tied to my leg. I am more than happy and excited to be the first HOH but I know that brings a gigantic target on my back when I have to nominate two people. I want to make a huge move and take out any big bodies there are earlyBut I have learned that that isn’t a good scenario to start with. Hopefully I’ll have a better idea of who I want to vote for tomorrow when I talk to my closest allies which is just me and myself so looks like I’m talking to myself everyone. Well I want to go figure this out now hope y’all have a good time

KORI:

Chris is apparently VERY lucky somehow snagging the first HoH despite seeming to not really talk with anyone. So I'm honestly kindof annoyed would've preferred a Mackenzie or Eve win but not much I can really do but shut my trap and suck up in a way that doesn't seem blatantly fake. He's currently talking to me about wanting to target big and talkative people. "Fuck the VL as it were." So RIP Eve probably. I won $20 in that little task which is fun. I'm HOPING telling the Jackbox Crew wasn't a mistake, I hope the $20 isn't going to be a major reason for anyone to want me to go, especially since it's like, such a minor amount of money I feel like especially when you look towards the long term. I want to trust that group for right now though. Overall this HoH situation kinda sucks since we're probably going to lose a personality, and even more likely it'll turn out to be someone I like. Guuuhhh.

NICKY:

omg it’s joshua bassett birthday!!! periodt!! me remaining unbothered in jail because my mentions are off heheheheh

AUSTIN:

So.... nominations are tonight. I’m feeling pretty good because I’ve been chatting with Chris and we seem to be getting along. We are going to try to get a group of seven people together so we have numbers for the following weeks, but anything can happen, after all this is big brother!

BRIEN:

youtube

WILLIAM:

So obviously I'm pissed that I am nominated.... Like wtf did I ever do you, but in a way it is my fault... I have been sick the last few days and have just been laying in bed. Also I love how out of everyone in the game Chris was the one person I did not talk to before the HoH.

NICKY:

literally these people are so fucking annoying- i’ll just hop online for like 5 seconds and say nothing and all of sudden half of the cast is my dms like hey hi good morning

EMMA:

youtube

GWEN:

Fuck Cheatham This is my first official DR. I am at my mom’s house and I left my computer at home, so this will probably be shorter than usual. Yay for phones. Looks like Rehder will be the evictee tonight. Unfortunately, he did not reach out to me until like a day after the veto comp. Can I put emojis here? If I could it would be rolling eyes emoji. The uuuuuuhhliance is...it exists. Will stay loyal until I can’t I guess. The Mandela Monocles is where it is at. I feel bad that Silence got roped in my Rehder and Will for another alliance...he didn’t ask for it. I hope it doesn’t come back and bite him. Me and Kori are Left Phalanges. We will win. K thanks byyyeee

TAWNI:

I’m sick. I have no energy. I probably should have done this earlier but I wasn’t planning on being sick. I honestly don’t even know who is nominated. Neither one has messaged me soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

REHDER:

I’m doing not too good. William and Silence are confirmed and they are branching out, everyone else I’ve talked too is going with the house and I’m currently trying to convince them that the house is with me but idk. Probably exiting after tonight. It was a good run but I guess I’m only good at survivors. Anyways, I hope I get to stay in

NICKY:

i’m concerned about a couple things 1. everyone telling me i’m safe 2. everyone acting like they are in an alliance with everyone and everyone knows the plan so even if i’m safe- it feels like everyone in some big alliance and that doesn’t work well with me

WILLIAM:

I've got 2 things to say!!! IM SO PUMPED THAT I HAVE WON VETO!!! WOOOOOO. I do trust alot of people in the house but I feel much better being able to save myself and be here another week.... Also I dont know what Rehder's strategy is but it ain't working 😂😂 Hes texting me all these people who's votes he has and doesnt and another list of those who I have to text for him! What!!!!! Also I dont know if he knows but half of his list he gave plan on voting him out tonight ☠

BRIEN:

youtube

KORI:

Well as it currently stands Rehder SHOULD be going home. Which is a shame in some ways he seemed like a nice kid... messy, but still nice. I've tried pulling back a bit since Kristine mentioned that someone views me as a social threat. Not sure that's totally accurate, but if someone is viewing me that way I need to carefully and meticulously figure out who that person is, and kick their ass to the curb. As it currently stands I think the 2 3 people I'm struggling with the most as far as conversation is Dem, Tawni, and Chris. Eve seems to think Chris is under their mist, which I mean go off, like its gonna be funny when Chris wins HoH 6 weeks from now and is ready for that #Chaos he wanted for this week. My #2 right now is probably Gwen. While I do love Eve and value their partnership, I can't help but feel like I'm replaceable for the whole Jackbox Crew. I'm still not looking to make a move any of the next couple of weeks, we'll have to see how the game progresses to know where exactly I'll go. It's also still just the first week, so my opinion on everything may very well change, the game is just starting and I'm raring to pop anyone who crosses me.

EVE:

youtube

ANDREW:

watching the cast videos now im going to give you my thoughts 1. i wanted to barf watching nickys 2. gwen is a bad bitch i hope she wins 3. omg i feel so dumb cuz i was talking to austin like we was 13 cuz i thought he was honestly .... and hes not.. hopefully i can recover. but idc. hes a little boring but sweet. 4. i hope mackenzie is nice to me. 5. fuck yeah jess lets chug a beer together 6. WILLIAM....Bowling With Buddies....Im going to nominate him if I win. 7. Kristine is the second prettiest here, next to me. Hope she wins too :heart: Shes adorbs :heart: 8. silence is cool i want to work with him 9. SHUT THE FUCK UP BRIEN actually nvm i kinda like him i wanna work with him I've talked to Chris a decent amount prior to him winning hoh so im feeling kind of good that i wont be nominated but i dont want to get comfortable because bitches are wild around here. My HoH performance.....FUcking embarrasing. Especially since people were asking me if i wanted to win and i was like yeah why not Austin proposed an alliance with me yesterday and i was just kinda like yeah i mean i’m open to anything that has safety involved and then today he told me he also talked to chris prior to hoh about creating an alliance with me and him called the gents, which is a fuckin hideous name i had no idea that he was going to ask ppl to join in on shit i thought it was kinda just gonna be a low-key u got my back i got urs but i mean chris is in a position of power so it’s definitely not the worst thing for my game, i just hope austin isn’t making himself look like a fool in the process of trying to make these connections because he is also saying my name to chris and i just don’t want to be openly associated with anybody yet if chris isn’t on the same page yknow But right now i’m just going to ride the waves i don’t really want to challenge anyone or anything just yet

0 notes

hannahindie · 7 years

Text

At the End of All Things: Chapter 3

Characters: Dean x Jo, Sam x Amelia, Bobby x Ellen, Kevin, Ash, Charlie (brief mention), Cas Word Count: 2,147 Warnings: None really, unless you count having to leave the Impala behind. A/N: This is an AU/Crossover between Supernatural and Walking Dead. I’ve brought some characters back from the dead since it is an AU, and it’s going to be chock full of ships. I’ve always wondered how the Winchesters would make it in a world full of walkers, and what Rick’s crew would think of them, so this is my take on it. If you would like to catch up on Chapter 1, you can do so here, and Chapter 2 is here!

My dear, sweet @trexrambling beta’d this for me: “Dean's reaction is my reaction.” (In case you were wondering, the reaction was confusion and speechlessness lol)

As always, tags are at the bottom, and if you would like to be added please let me know!

Dean gave one last long look at the Impala before sliding the garage door shut and locking it.

“You sure you want to leave Baby behind?” Dean turned to see Jo standing at the edge of the driveway, her hand resting gently on her stomach. He smiled at her, enthralled by the way the sun shone off of her hair.

“She’s too loud and heavy. If we had to off-road it, she’d never make it. It’s too dangerous.”

“For Baby or for us?” Jo asked, laughing.

Dean closed the space between them and pulled her into him as he kissed the top of her head, “Would you judge me if I said both?”

“Only a little. I won’t tell anyone.”

They turned and made their way towards the town center, their fingers laced loosely. Today was the day. The day they risked everything for the slim possibility of finding a cure. Dean had begun to have second thoughts, but when he had walked outside this morning and saw those that were leaving saying goodbye to those staying behind, their faces full of hope, he had realized it was for the best. It may have been a wild goose chase, but at least they were trying. None of them had survived this long to just not try. As Dean and Jo approached the makeshift town square, he saw Sam leaning over one of the tables as he studied a map.

“Sammy, everything ready to go?”

Sam nodded, “Yep. We’ve got the quietest cars gassed up and packed. Garth is checking a few last minute things so we can stay in touch with Kevin. I’m going to make one more perimeter sweep, make sure the fences are secure, and I think we’re pretty much ready to head out.”

Dean clapped Sam on the back, “Great, man, sounds good.” People were beginning to fill up the square, their voices low as they gathered to say their last minute goodbyes. Bobby and Ellen were slowly making their way towards them, and Dean watched as Bobby slung an arm around Ellen’s shoulder and pulled her closer. She laughed at whatever it was he whispered in her ear, and Dean wondered if they should stay behind. He would give anything to watch them live out their lives safe and sound, and this mission almost guaranteed that that wouldn’t happen. As they approached him, Bobby caught his eye and grinned. He’d never listen to Dean; the only man he’d ever known to be more hard headed than his real father was his adopted one.

“Well, son, it’s about time. You sure you wanna do this?”

Dean nodded, “Yea, I’m sure. You?”

Bobby shrugged, “About as sure as I’m gonna get.” He looked over the crowd that was gathering and grunted, “Wish they’d just let us sneak outta here, I ain’t good with goodbyes.”

Dean chuckled, “You and me both, old man. You and me both.”

Bobby narrowed his eyes at Dean, “Watch who you’re callin’ old, boy. I can still kick your damn ass.”

Dean threw his hands up as if surrendering, “I don’t doubt it.” He looked around and saw Sam off in the distance, checking the fences one last time. Amelia was alone off to the side, leaning against a tree. He caught her eye and she stared at him silently. He gave her a tight lipped smile, but instead of returning it, she pushed away from the tree and walked towards where Sam was looping back around. Dean looked at Ellen and she shrugged; none of them ever knew what Amelia was thinking, and though they all tried to include her, she did not make it easy.

“Heyo Deano, I got Kev all set up. That equipment is as tight as the mini skirt on a White Snake groupie.” Ash hopped up onto the picnic table, his feet on the bench, and leaned back as he looked at Dean.

Dean stared at Ash for a moment, unsure of how to respond, “Umm...thank you, Ash, for that colorful and...confusing description.”

“No problemo. I left some instructions for him in case something went wrong, but I don’t think he’ll have any problems. It’s on a backup battery in case the the power grid goes down, and I got ‘em set up with a generator that is just for emergencies, so, they ought to be square for awhile. Are we gettin’ this party started or what?”

“Yea, we’re just waiting on Sam to get back from his last perimeter sweep and it’ll be time to go, I think.” He watched Cas go down the line of women he was constantly surrounded by, giving each one of them a hug and a kiss, and Dean had to bite back a laugh. If anyone had told him that Castiel, Angel of the Lord, would be high as balls all the time and into...whatever it was you wanted to call what he was into, he would have laughed in their face. He sauntered over and stopped next to Dean, who raised his eyebrows at the former angel. “You good?”

“Oh, yea. I’m great.” He stretched, “I need a break, anyway. You know how tiring it is to make love to that many women every night?”

Jo glanced over at Dean, a smirk on her face, “Well, Dean? Do you?”

Dean shook his head, “This is a trap, isn’t it? It’s a trap. But no, Cas, I don’t know. I would guess that it’s probably a hard time.” Jo snorted at his perfectly timed pun, and Dean elbowed her gently in the arm. “Shut up. Sinner.”

The rest of their little community were making their way over to where the main group was as Sam and Amelia made their way back towards the picnic tables.

Bobby leaned in close to Dean and whispered, “They’re gonna expect a speech. Give ‘em what they want so we can get the hell out of here, huh?”

Dean inwardly groaned. He was not much of one to give a speech, but Bobby was right. As he looked out over the crowd, their eyes were all on him. He wasn’t sure if he could say they were filled with hope. He was sure that most of them realized this was probably a dead end endeavor, but what he saw was trust. It didn’t matter the outcome of this, in the end. What mattered was that they trusted him, they trusted in their family, and that was enough to fully convince Dean that what they were doing was right. Sam slowed to a stop at the back of the group, Amelia attached firmly to his side, and nodded. It was time.

Dean took a deep breath, looked at Jo, then back out to the crowd standing in front of him, and began.

“As you all know, we are heading out today to follow a lead that Garth and Ash received about a cure. Now, I’ll be the first to tell you that I think it’s a slim chance...the world that we knew has been gone for a long time, and for someone to still be working on a cure...well...it’s unlikely. But I think we all also know that Dick Roman is a tenacious bastard, so if anyone survived the hellscape out there and is working on a way to flip the switch, it would be him.” A quiet wave of laughter swept through the crowd, and Dean felt Jo squeeze his hand in encouragement.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen out there. It’s dangerous, and we’ve got a hell of a road to travel to get to Roman’s lab, nevermind getting inside. We may not even find anything. But I can’t sit by, knowing that there’s even a slim chance, and not even try. Some of you I have known for a long time. Some of you I’ve just met. But as far as I’m concerned, every single one of you are a part of my family, and I will do anything I can to keep you safe. We will do anything.”

A cheer rose, and Dean felt a faint flush creep across his cheeks. Sam smiled gently at him and gave him another nod, prompting him to keep going.

“Thanks to Ash, we have a way to keep in touch with all of you, and I know that you are going keep our homes safe. We are leaving you behind so that our little community can thrive. Remember to help those that you might find, and to use your best judgements. Hopefully we won’t be gone long, and we’ll be back before you know it. Now, I’m going to quit yapping so that we can get moving. Thanks for everything you do, and we’ll see you soon.”

Everyone cheered again, then moved in to give those that were leaving one last goodbye.

Dean reached out and grabbed Kevin’s arm as he was passing, “I need to talk to you.”

“Sure thing, man, what’s up?”

Dean stared at Kevin for a moment, surprised by how grown up he looked compared to when they first met, and smiled at him. Kevin’s brows knitted in confusion, “Are you okay?”

Dean nodded, “Yea, I’m fine. Uh, listen, thanks for staying behind, taking care of everything. I know you didn’t ask for that when you tagged along with us.”

Kevin shrugged, “I’m used to saving your asses, so this is nothing.”

“Yea, yea yea…” Dean paused as he slipped his hand into his pocket, “I need you to do one more thing for me.”

“Sure thing, Dean, anything.” Dean removed his hand and slipped a cool, metal ring into Kevin’s hand. Kevin looked down with wide eyes as he took in the smooth silver key, then looked back up at Dean. “Are you sure?” It came out as a whisper.

“Yea. I can’t take her with us. She’s not built for travel like this, and I don’t want to lose the keys. I locked up the garage this morning, she should be fine...just...keep an eye out, alright? I don’t know what’s going to happen out there...and I need to make sure someone knows where she is and will appreciate her. It might be the end of the world, but my baby deserves more than just sitting somewhere, rusting. So...keep her safe.”

Kevin looked back down at the keys, then carefully tucked them into his pocket, “I know the perfect place for them. You better come home, though. I don’t know enough about cars, and I need someone to teach me.”

Dean gripped Kevin’s shoulder tightly, “I..uh...I’m proud of you, Kevin. You’ve had a lot of shit thrown at you, and...well, you’re a lot different than when we met. What I’m trying to say is...just take care of yourself, okay?” Kevin nodded, unsure of what else to say, and Dean pulled him in for a quick hug before clearing his throat and straightening his jacket. “Alright, well, enough of that. We’ll be back soon. Baby better be in one piece when we get back.”

He stomped off and Kevin’s hand wandered back down to his pocket, his fingers tracing the outline of the key ring through the worn denim of his jeans. The moment Dean had handed him the keys, Kevin realized just how serious this was, and he was terrified this was the last time he’d see any of them. He slowly walked the rest of the way to the town center to join the crowd that were migrating towards the gates.

By the time Dean made it to the front gate, everyone had loaded up in their respective cars but him. He climbed in next to Jo and looked through his open window to the small crowd of people standing by the open gate. Charlie stood next to Kevin, her bright red hair shining beautifully in the sun. She waved at him, and Dean threw his hand up in return. And for a moment, he wondered if they should have brought her along. It was hard enough to leave everyone else, but Charlie…

He felt Jo’s hand slip over to his knee and squeeze gently, “You ready?”

Dean nodded, “Yea. Yea...let’s do this.” He started the car and rolled slowly through the gate. If all went as planned and they could drive most of the way, it should only take a couple of days to navigate the blocked roadways, then maybe a couple of days to locate the building and Dick Roman, and then a couple of days back. In all, the trip shouldn’t take more than seven days, ten if they were unlucky.

The creak of the gate closing behind them was almost deafening in the otherwise quiet neighborhood, and Dean took a deep breath.

There was no turning back now.

Read Chapter 4 HERE.

If you like what you see, check out my masterlist!

Forever Tags: @trexrambling @pinknerdpanda @wheresthekillswitch @emilywritesaboutdean @arryn-nyxx @emptywithout @escabell @charliebradbury1104 @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes @deanssweetheart23 @canadianjelly @super-not-naturall @aubreyreadsstuff @dean-winchesters-baby @melissaj616 @fandomismyspiritanimal @keepcalmandcarryondean @assbutt-still-in-hell @owllover123 @rosie-winchester @amionthetumbler @duubaduu @hiimaprofessionalfangirl @goldenolaf25 @authoressskr @nanie5 @mrssamfuckingwinchester @zincomms @kathaswings @crazynerdandproud @barbedwireandbubblegum @sandlee44 @boxywrites @justanotherdeangirl @smalltowndivaj @captainradicalpassion

At The End Of All Things: @jellersquad @babeonthebike

#supernatural fanfiction #dean x jo #bobby x ellen #sam x amelia #the walking dead #supernatural x walking dead cross over #spn x twd

40 notes · View notes

lotsofdogs · 6 years

Text

Things I’m Loving Friday #235

It’s Friiiday and it’s also Date Night in our house! WOOP!

I am really looking forward to this evening because our hot date is part of my birthday present from Ryan. He planned a special dinner for the two of us followed by a night of improv comedy and I cannot wait! We have a babysitter lined up and I’m ready for some one-on-one time with my husband. I know date nights will be a little more challenging for us to sneak in after our little one arrives next month, so we’re trying to take full advantage of some couple time whenever possible right now. And maybe we’ll finally get around to narrowing down some ideas for baby names? We are still coming up blank on names for a baby boy or a girl (other than “Thomas the Train” – thank you, Chase) so hopefully something will call to us soon!

As far as other plans for the weekend, we don’t have too much on the agenda. Mother’s Day is Sunday and the only thing I really want to do is spend time with my family which shouldn’t be too hard since we don’t have too much on the agenda. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Now onto your usual Things I’m Loving Friday shenanigans!!

Things I’m Loving Friday

Preschool Mother’s Day Surprises

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Chase’s preschool any more, they outdo themselves! When I picked him up on Wednesday, I was greeted with the sweetest assortment of Mother’s Day surprises including a flower that Chase planted, a potholder featuring his handprint and a card with a handful of questions he answered about me. It was all adorable but my favorite part was definitely the card because his answers cracked me up. I think it’s clear I hype carrots up a lot in our house since he thinks they’re my favorite food and if he wants to confuse me for a 20-year-old, I’ll take it!

The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth

If you’ve read and loved any of Liane Moriarty’s novels in the past (Big Little Lies, The Husband’s Secret, etc.), I think The Family Next Door should be the next book on your must read list! While I would categorize the book as a “beach read” at its finest – gossipy but thoroughly entertaining – and it hooked me right away. The Family Next Door takes place in a picture-perfect small town and dives into the lives of neighboring families who all, on the outside, seem perfect but each harbor their own secrets. When a new woman moves into the neighborhood who doesn’t fit the family-friendly mold – she’s single, renting her home and has a seemingly mysterious job – curiosity is piqued and it becomes increasingly clear that there is a very specific reason she chose to live in this idyllic neighborhood.

Limeade

With temperatures in the low 80s yesterday, I found myself craving something cold, sweet and refreshing to drink when Chase and I arrived home from the park. I ended up making a glass of limeade that was so ridiculously delicious. I’ve been all about citrus everything during this pregnancy so far so I probably shouldn’t have been surprised by how much this simple drink knocked my socks off but it was amazing!

I didn’t follow a recipe but simply combined fresh lime juice (I use this citrus juicer which makes it so simple to get lots of juice) with cold water, ice and a bit of sugar. I want to make it again soon with fresh mint added into the mix.

Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers

These crackers are a relatively new staple in our house! Chase loves them and I am a huge fan of the clean ingredient list. I’ve been using them to create mini snack plates with crackers, cheese and veggie or fruit slices and they’re always a hit.

Comfy Activewear Shorts That Don’t Dig Into My Sides

I’ve been on the struggle bus with pants of any kind this pregnancy (with the exception of lululemon’s align leggings and Fabletics’ high-waisted capris) so I am beyond thrilled for warmer weather that allows me to wear shorts, dresses and skirts. Bring on the comfort… and the excessive sweating! (Pros and cons, right!?)

I am so happy that a handful of my pre-pregnancy shorts are working well this far along in my third trimester and sit comfortably under my belly and don’t give me some serious love handles. My current favs: Nike Crew Shorts / New Balance Impact 3 Shorts / lululemon Tracker Shorts / lululemon Speed Up Shorts (I like the 4’’ version for some added length) Hooray for shorts that don’t dig into my sides!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box

My friends over at POPSUGAR recently sent their latest POPSUGAR Must Have Box my way and it was such a fun package to open! The Summer 2018 box is practically overflowing with goodies and I’ve already found some big-time favorites. The Eberjay wrap robe is made of the softest jersey knit and the lightweight material is perfect for spring. I’ve been throwing it on over my pajamas in the morning before and love the luxurious feel! One of the more innovative products in the box is the Sphynx portable razor which includes a water spray bottle, shea butter shave bar and two razor blades. It’s perfect for a post-workout shave or for throwing into your duffle bag whenever you travel. (I’m planning to throw mine into my hospital bag when baby #2 arrives!) If you’d like to receive your own POPSUGAR Must Have Box, the code PBF5 will save you $5 off your first box! Thank you for the fun delivery, POPSUGAR!

Mother’s Day Weekend Sales

Here’s a super short roundup of some Mother’s Day weekend sales that caught my eye:

Old Navy: Up to 50% off

American Eagle: 25-40% off all shorts (including my favorite TOMGIRL midi shorts – distressed denim shorts with a bit of a longer length that I love! You can see me wearing them here.)

LOFT: 30% off everything, plus an additional 10% off with code LOVEMOM

Anthropologie: 20% off everything

GAP: Up to 50% off everything plus an additional 20% off online with code YOUMAY (Time to get another pair of my beloved lightweight joggers!)

ASOS: Up to 50% off summer vacation staples (Trying not to buy these shorts since I know they won’t work with my belly but I LOVE them.)

Potty Training Q&As: Submit YOUR Questions!

As you know if you’ve stopped by the blog over the course of the past two weeks, we’re in the middle of potty training right now! When I shared a little bit of insight into our experience so far, Colleen, a behavior therapist, left a comment on my blog offering to answer any specific questions about potty training little ones. Her comment immediately piqued my interest and I reached out to her to see if she’d be willing to do a big potty training Q&A session featuring some of my questions and some questions from YOU!

I know potty training is a hot topic and something a bunch of us are going through right now or plan to go through with our children in the future so if you have any questions you’d like me to pass along for an expert to answer, please leave them in the comments section of this post!

Here’s a little background about Colleen: “I have my M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy and a post-master’s certificate in Behavioral Intervention in Autism. My educational training emphasizes the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when working with children. I currently work part-time as a child/adolescent therapist. I previously worked as a behavior consultant and co-facilitated intensive potty training clinics for children with special needs. We used the basic principles of ABA while potty training, but all methods used can be modified for typically developing kids.”

Friday Flashbacks

PB & J Overnight Oats (A gluten-free breakfast recipe that can easily be prepped ahead for a simple morning meal that tastes like a childhood favorite.)

Total Body Medicine Ball Workout (Your upper and lower body and your core will feel the burn during this workout that targets the whole body in a decreasing repetition format.)

Question of the Day

What is one thing you are loving this week?

[Read More ...] https://www.pbfingers.com/things-im-loving-friday-235/

#health #fitness

0 notes