#DOES WILLIE KNOW ALEX IS OKAY???? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

websterss · 17 days

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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄 — 𝐋𝐔𝐊𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: If there's one thing Caleb is scared of it's the color red and the devil.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒): angst, some fluff, implications of smut, some making out

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 3,604

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Luke Patterson x fem!Reader

𝐀/𝐍: I hope you enjoy it! This was one fic I lost when I made a new blog and was reposting my works. It's not exactly the same but I stuck to the same plot as best as I could.

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

You had caught Luke's eye as soon as he stepped out onto the floor. Many people flaunting and going amidst their night caught his attention. He felt that he and the guys were a little underdressed for the fancy club, but it had been your appearance alone that had you catching their eyes like flies. They were drawn to you in particular. Luke most of all, couldn't sway where his sights were directed towards.

"Hey boys, I'll be right back." He made to move past Reggie, his hand on his chest in passing but was stopped when Willie intersected him. Luke looked down at the hand that Willie pressed against his chest. He scoffed in amusement. "Where's the fire?"

"N-Nowhere, but there could be. I wouldn't recommend it. Not her. Y/n isn't someone you just go up and talk to." Willie's face fell with fear.

"Oh yeah, why's that? Is she important or something?" Luke laughed, but Willie wasn't finding Luke's advances towards you hilarious. "She off-bounds?"

"Yea- Yeah, she is in fact," Willie said nervously. After taking notice of Willie's shift in tone when he spoke of you, Luke's eyebrows furrowed with curiosity.

"What are you getting at, Willie? You seem protective." Luke questioned as he put two and two together. He was almost certain that Alex was Willie's crush, he didn't take him to swing both ways or had he simply misread him, that and the way he reacted just now…it seemed unprecedented. "I thought you liked Alex?" Luke crossed his arms.

"I do- It's not like that. Just- Just promise me you won't approach her. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you guys." Willie pleads.

Luke couldn't help but raise a brow, Willie was acting like she was some sort of monster. "A heartbreaker then, that's okay Willie. I've had my fair share of girls like her." He smiled boyishly. He reached up to slap Willie on his upper arm in reassurance. "Nothing's going to happen." Luke shrugged off Willie. Willie was being dramatic. The interest of doing something irrational intrigued him like a child who was told to not play with fire.

"Luke, I mean it. She's not even a regular. You won't see her that much. She's only ever here on business."

"Only ever here for business, huh?" Luke repeated curiously with an eyebrow up. "Then why can't I talk to her? What's gonna happen, Willie?" Luke wasn't one for following orders, that was not in his nature. He couldn't stand being told what not to do, it only made him crave what he wasn't meant to have or do even more. So, it was no mistake that Willie had made one just now. This little curiosity of Luke's was going to get the best of him. The way Willie made it sound like you did some kind of illicit activity intrigued him even more. "What, does she work for the mob or something?" He said half-jokingly with a brow lift. It was only natural to be enticed by a beautiful woman whom people were being tight-lipped about, it only made you seem more interesting and willing to know more about in his books.

"N-Nothing good." He muttered softly. "Why don't I show you guys to your table?"

"Yes, please!" Alex raised a finger, eager to move past Willie's sudden fear-stricken face.

"You guys go ahead. I'll be right back." Luke finally did move past Reggie and began making his way over to you.

"Luke, I wouldn't!" Willie exclaimed.

"I'm just gonna say hi." He turned to walk backwards as he faced him with a cheeky smile. Then turned as he approached the empty bar, beside you and the bartender giving you your drinks with shaky hands. That had him raising his brows with interest.

"Hi Marcus, long time no see." You flashed the man with a sweet smirk. Marcus's smile fell upon the realization you were sitting before the bar. He stopped cleaning the glass in his hands letting it fall to the ground with a smash. He winced at the sound of it breaking. He remained composed as your smile didn't let up. You were the mere image of innocence, you conjured up the identity of a teenage girl this time around. Last year you looked older, dressed up as a woman in a black dress, but this by far was his least favorite one on you, your childlike nature and appearance was scaring him shitless. Your soul was pure rotten, you by no means represented youth and innocence.

"Y/n." He dipped his head in greetings.

"I see Caleb still keeps you around." You tilted your head.

Because he knows I can keep you tranquil. He wanted to say but opted not to. "I'm the only one who can make a dirty cocktail." He lets out nervously.

"That you can, sweetie. Though I'm more in the mood for something sweet tonight, like you." You poke his sternum. Your sweet angelic laughter unsettles him, but he laughs along with you. Knowing Caleb would have his soul again if he made you angry.

"Perhaps a living soul?" He offered with a timid smile.

"Hell no, Lucifer knows I deal with too many of them back home as it is. Why on earth would I waste my time on one tonight? Though you do have a fair amount of them tonight..." You hum surveying the floor. You turned back to the bar. "How about a slushy, make it strong, and fruity." You order.

"So you're not here to collect a soul?"

"I have other matters to tend to Marcus. I've been getting screwed over you see. My bargain with your showman has not been followed down to the last letter, and I am not happy Marcus." You sigh. "I mean how stupid does Caleb peg me? Stealing souls from me." Your laughter darkens with every word that escapes you. "I am a woman of business, and I don't see my need to be tethered to one so insidious. You understand, Marcus?"

Marcus nods furiously. "Where's Willie? As of now, he's my new eyes and ears. Caleb still has his soul right? Of course, he does that's how he controls you all. If this gets out to Caleb sweetie, I'll be the one to devour that pure soul of yours." You raise a brow in question gesturing to his chest. Marcus nods and snaps his fingers. Your requested drink appearing before you. You raised the glass to your lips and let your shoulders drop. "This is why I love you, Marcus."

"Am I no longer your eyes and ears?"

"No." You could see Marcus's disappointment flash in his eyes. "You've been upgraded to my personal assistant."

Marcus felt honored. "Oh wow. Does this mean I don't have to be behind the bar anymore?"

"Only when we come to the club, but other than that..." You snap your fingers nonchalantly. Caleb's stupid stamp floated off of Marcus's wrist. The poor man looked as though he'd cry.

He did.

"Consider it a gift, sweetie. That's all you're gonna get...really." You shrug. You didn't like getting too sentimental with others. Marcus palmed his mouth. Covering it to muffle his cries. You looked around hopefully no one was watching the scene unfold before you. You shrink in your stool and take another sip of your drink. You took another gulp of your drink, enjoying the flavor it had, it was indeed what you had asked for.

"Marcus." You called his name softly when the tears finally stopped flowing. "Look at me." Marcus's head raised and eyes widened with fear once again. "Stop, please."

"S-Sorry. I'm good, I'm good." You nodded with him, your eyes widened with concern. "Thank you..." He muttered softly.

"Sure." You laughed out nervously wanting his hands off you. “Marcus.” You spoke sternly this time which brought him to pay attention and made him stop touching you. “How about another drink, yeah.” You shifted the mood, hoping to reassure him by taking his mind off of being freed by you. "Surprise me this time."

"Yes- Yes, right away." He composed himself as best he could and began to make your new drink.

Luke's gaze was fixated on the bartender's shaky hands, having caught the last of your conversation with him before he grew close. It was something that caught his attention to no end. A burning hole in his brain as he wondered why you had such an effect on people, good and bad. He wanted to know more about you. So he sat on the stool right beside you.

He turned towards you; his hands were resting on the counter, as he tapped along to the melody playing throughout the club. Luke's gaze met yours, raising a brow as he took notice that you were eyeing him. It made him a little self-conscious, but he hid that fact with an amused smirk.

"Nice shoes." His grin brightened. "I'm more of a vans guy myself but I think it's time I make a drastic brand change." Luke turned in the stool, next to the very pretty girl, who looked completely out of place. Your leather jacket and dark blue denim, not to mention your incredibly red shoes, didn't fit the club's dress code.

You peered over the glass in your hand. Your eyes narrowed curiously at the curly-haired stranger who unashamedly sat in the vacant seat next to yours. Surely he had to be pulling your hair. When you saw no falter in his charming smile, you played along. Hoping to amuse the poor lad unaware of the person you were, of your identity. Most would cower at the sight of you but his lack of knowledge told you all you needed to. He was clueless...and a pretty sight. You set your drink down and smirk, turning your full self towards him.

"Thanks. I had them dyed with the blood of the damned." You stuck your leg out, tilting your head in admiration of your shoes.

Your brows pinched closer together upon his laugh. You were confused by his reaction, what had been so funny? You were being your most sincere.

He snickered again, trying hard not to laugh, in fear of offending you. He let out another brief laugh, trying his best not to lose it. It was the way your words so casually rolled off your tongue that got him. He smirked. "Damned you say. Does that mean that you had to damn them yourself or were they already damned and you just decided to take advantage of the opportunity." He joked around, though curiosity filled his mind as he wondered what your answer would be. He sure wasn't expecting your sweet angelic tune that escaped you as a response. Your head fell back. Marcus stilled, looking at the new stranger who caused such a reaction from you and then at you. Was this a stroke you were having and he was completely unaware? He opted to join in, his fake laughs weren't noticed by you luckily.

He eyed Luke as though he put the moon in the sky. He got you to laugh. Completely unheard of.

Luke felt satisfied. His grin widened as he softly joined in on your bubbled display of joy. "I mean they do make killer shoes. I kind of want some now." He shrugged with half interest.

Marcus finally released a stifled laugh. The poor man was holding it in, not knowing where you two would take the conversation. "I can't say I've ever had the urge to wear shoes made of human blood," He spoke in an attempt to keep the energy at bay.

"Well," Luke started, "they're rather fashionable, right? I mean, I know leather clothing is still in style, you're perfectly on top of that trend already." He joked back casually. You felt something strange in your chest as he raked his eyes up and down your entirety. "All I'd be missing is the shoes..." He bit his lip.

"Yeah?" You looked back at him amused. "You want a pair?"

"Why not?" He entertained the idea.

"What is happening?" Marcus mouthed in shock.

What was happening indeed? Didn't he know who you were? His lack of fear was the most shocking part of this whole interaction. Surely he wasn't one of Caleb's newest edition of collected ghosts. Another soul he had taken, or made Willie lure him in to take it while he's blindsighted by the pretty picture Caleb paints for him. For once you wanted to lay your claim on a soul. To rub it in Caleb's face for stealing your portion of the bargain. You extended your hand out to him and asked him what any wise girl would do. You asked for his name.

"I'm Luke." He took your hand gently. Unaware of the marking you placed under his skin. Your bargains, your markings, were more subtle than Caleb's, where he wanted to show them off, you kept yours hidden behind a mere handshake. Along with the idea of never actually telling them you had done so.

"Pleasure." Your grip on his hand remained firm and tight as your eyes searched his own. You could already envision Caleb brewing with envy once he sees you and Luke engaging in a friendly, and dare you say romantic conversation. Luke didn't appear to know the full truth of what was going on. He appeared to be so blindly curious and unaware. So you went ahead and lit a spark to that curiosity as you pressed a finger to the back of his hand, caressing the length of it.

"Luke," you said slowly, testing it out. The name sounded nice; it rolled off your tongue perfectly. Luke, Luke, Luke. He would be your plaything for tonight, perhaps another time as well should you choose to extend that privilege. You felt a tinge of regret for marking a soul as pure as his, you could feel his warmth the second he sat down, but that was soon washed away with his charming grin; it made you want to make him break his moral barriers all the more. He seemed so different from the others, he was your next perfect leverage on Caleb. "I'm Y/n." You leaned forward, Luke's eyes falling in a daze at your sultry voice and doe eyes.

"Y/n..." He breathed out, mesmerized.

"Marcus I want a private space." You turned to the poor lad who was still stunned that this one guy alone was able to sweeten you down like honey. Get on your good side in the blink of an eye. "Now!"

Willie had paced back and forth, going over what he would say to Caleb as he waited for him at the bottom steps of his dressing room. When the man of the hour finally descended the steps Willied perked up.

"Oh hey um, Caleb." He smiled. "I brought those ghosts I met, um it's still cool they're here right?"

"Of course William! I even reserved a special table for them." Caleb shrugged him off nonchalantly.

"Woah! Uh alright, um thank you!" Willie reeled back, not expecting him to do something so nice.

"No, no, thank you!" Caleb sipped at his tea and watched as Willie made his way to leave but turned the wrong way.

"That way!" Willie laughed as he turned to go in the right direction this time.

"Hey William, while I have you here. Make sure to let me know when Y/n has arrived. I need a least half an hour to ready myself before her arrival."

"Oh, Y/n? She's already here." Willie shook his head confused, hadn't he known?

Certainly not, it appeared.

"What!" Caleb screeched, making Willie to flinch. The cup in his hands clattered onto the steps. Willie shrunk in on himself as Caleb berated him. "You useless monkey, why do I even keep you around? Oh my god, I'm not even dressed. Quick go make sure she gets everything she wants. Hopefully not my soul...Whatever she wants give it to her. A lifer's soul, it's hers. I don't care. I need to go look presentable. Go!" Willie straightened out as he walked away from Caleb's dressing room with haste. Caleb ordered staff to make sure you remained in a good mood. He was late, you had been earlier than expected and he was about to lose his shit.

When Caleb dispersed from the dancers and band, you had rolled your eyes as he made his entrance past the golden curtain.

He gulped nervously when his eyes danced back and forth between you sitting back on the sofa, and Luke kissing down your neck like a lovesick puppy. You hadn't stopped his attack on your skin. Caleb straightened out, clearly his throat to make his presence known.

"I don't like being kept waiting, Caleb, I have better things to do." Your voice broke in soft breaths as Luke found your sweet spot.

"Y/n, nice to have you back my sweet. We've missed your presence at the club and I-"

"Don't patronize me, ghost." You rolled your head back against the cushion.

"Ah, I see you've found our special guest of the night." He laughed nervously. "Have we bored you already, the night has only just begun." Caleb was thankful he didn't have to find you in a much more compromising situation. As he watched your hand run through Luke’s hair, a pang of emotion rose in him, jealousy? Anger? Regret? He felt his emotions bubble over as he watched Luke's lips meet your collarbones, his hands running down your back to your waist. Caleb bit his lip to keep an audible curse from escaping his lips.

You smirked, he was lucky that Luke wasn't getting too ahead of himself, but seeing how things were playing out at the moment it wouldn't take much for Luke to slip. Your attention turned back to him once Luke's lips had moved elsewhere on your body.

"Caleb, how stupid do you think I am?" Your question had caught him off guard.

He was speechless for a few moments before he regained his composure. He laughed a bit in your face. "Y/n, it's obvious," He took a deep, shaky breath before continuing. "He's a soul I promise to you in our deal. I got two more waiting on you out on the floor."

Luke's head dropped lower to your chest, his kisses stooping lower down your blouse. Caleb's eyes narrowed at the sight.

"Luke's already mine." You sigh in contentment. "I meant about the souls you’re taking for yourself, Caleb."

"What of them?" Caleb's face remained emotionless. He kept his arms crossed while your head was nuzzled into Luke's neck, you were barely holding on to the conversation while your chest had been preoccupied with Luke's hot breaths. His hands slide up and down your body.

"You can't even deny you've broken our bargain." You reminded him, your mind clouded with the sensation of his kisses. "You know what happens when people cross me, Caleb." You giggled as your breath hitched with every word spoken. You placed a hand over Luke's curls to stop him from continuing his kisses down your torso, his lips rested on your chest instead.

"Surely, we can work something out." He begins softly.

"I don't think so." You spoke plainly, your eyes finally focusing on Caleb. Your hands placed on the back of the sofa, you were feeling a bit confident and sassy, something Caleb hadn't seen for a good while, not with him at least. You sit up causing Luke to fall off you. You grip his chin gently and turn his face towards Caleb. You watch as the ghost shrinks back into the shell of the man that he is as Luke's gorgeous brown eyes flash red at him.

You staked your claim on him. "You touch the other two, and this all goes away." You gesture to the room, to the entirety of the club. "I’m going to need Willie's soul by the strike of midnight. Poor thing needs a break from you seeing as you can't do your job properly. He's mine until I say so. You understand, Caleb." You recline back into the cushion.

"Yes ma'am." He nods, feeling like a child being scolded.

"You can see yourself out now. It's like you said; the night is only getting started." Your angelic laugh is one for his nightmares. Not to mention your red eyes. You hold his gaze as you push down on Luke's curls, his body sinking to the carpet before you. "You might not want to stay around for this next part Caleb. Wouldn't want to traumatize you as it is." Caleb gasps and turns in place of the sound of your zipper being pulled.

Caleb's jaw went slack. His head tilted to the side. He tried hard to hide his surprise, but he wasn't sure what he should have said in this occurrence. "Right… I will be leaving. Enjoy yourselves." He uttered stiffly. Caleb retreated out of the room.

Luke's warm hands gripped your thighs, squeezing them slightly. His lips moved back up to your neck. His fingertips trailed lightly along your collarbone, his breath hot, you could feel his blood rushing. Once you were sure Caleb was out of earshot you pulled Luke up by the collar of his shirt.

"What's wrong?" Luke's dazed-out look had you feeling a smidge of guilt. "I thought we were having fun?" He breathed out a laugh as he tried to lean in to kiss you.

"It's not that kind of business, baby. Another time." You gripped his chin and sweetly placed a kiss on his lips.

#luke patterson #luke patterson imagine #luke patterson imagines #luke patterson x reader #luke patterson x fem!reader #jatp luke patterson imagine #jatp x reader #jatp imagines #my gif #writings by juls

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lea-andres · 21 days

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Okay, so, if I could mod, which I can't for multitude of reasons (mainly "my computer is dying" and "I has the dumb"... Also "I cannot art") I would make a horror mod SO FAST-

"Lea SDV is supposed to be cosy, not scary" first of all *points at all the yandere mods*, second of all SCARY IS COSY TO ME-

*coughs* Anyway-

So, the framework would be as follows: On a random night in Fall (ideally a rainy night but idk if that's doable), your spouse would have a nightmare. You would then become the hero of said nightmare and solve whatever horror scenario is happening. With it being just a nightmare it wouldn't permanently alter your game so I COULD KILL WHOEVER AND DESTROY WHATEVER I WANT YAY!

It would work like a festival I suppose? No time actually passes? IDK if that makes sense but it does to me.

You would probably get hearts from this assuming you're not at 14 Hearts with them already even though you technically didn't actually do anything lmao. ✌️

Okay, so, each bachelor and bachelorette nightmare would go something like this maybe (AND REMEMBER: THESE ARE NIGHTMARES THEY ARE HAVING! CANON BEHAVIOR DO NOT APPLY):

-Harvey: OOPS HE INSPIRED THIS WHOLE IDEA LMAO. You know how he's got an... Alarming amount of dialogue regarding losing patient worries? Yeah... His nightmare would essentially be Frankenstein... Except Harvey's Victor. Which would just go SO POORLY... Let's all revel for a bit in how beautifully poorly that would go... 💕

-Maru: Maru makes the Blob, Blob destroys half the town. Pretty cut and dry, honestly. Just... Blob. 💕

-Penny: The children are being replaced during the night by doppelgangers. Wrong, unsettling doppelgangers. You and Penny investigate why, taking you into the sewers (IT WON'T BE KROBUS BEHIND IT, I PROMISE, I WOULDN'T DO THAT TO KROBIE 😭)

-Shane: SO, things are being destroyed in the night, sometimes animals turn up dead, town's getting freaked out, you're tasked with investigating because sorry you're the main character lmao. Turns out Shane's therapist is hypnotizing Shane and he's getting programmed to go do these things during the night YAY! Poor guy.

-Sebastian: Here, have this, we all know you want it! *tosses vampire Sebastian at you*. (I'm not particularly fond of Sebastian, in all honesty, but I'm sure vampire Sebastian would make his fans V Happy lmao. Yes, you'd get to let him drink from you, you freaks. /aff)

-Leah: ...Kel's a slasher now? (Sorry, I don't particularly care for Leah either, but hey. I assume you guys enjoyed punching Kel. You'll probably enjoy killing Kel in a brutal battle of self defense right?)

-Elliott: Ya'll seen Creepshow? (*Everyone starts groaning because I haven't shut up about Creepshow since the green rain*) Okay, there's a story where Leslie Neilsen (Naked Gun, Airplane, THAT Leslie Neilsen) drowns a couple in the ocean and their corpses break into his home to get revenge. It's that except Elliott didn't kill them. Because nightmare, you and Elliott are back in his cabin on the beach, bodies are coming out of the water, and quickly becoming yours and Willy's problem. (No Willy didn't kill them either. Probably.)

-Alex: He's on a gridball team, Coach is having him take some experimental drug so he plays gridball better, something something Werewolf. Let him and Dusty run around together lmao. Except oh no he accidentally spooks the town! :(

-Abigail: LOOK. It's me, I have to reference Evil Dead somewhere. Abigail seems like she'd be the most irresponsible if handed the Necronomicon, so she's getting the Necronomicon.

AND I HAVE NO IDEAS FOR EMILY, HALEY, AND SAM NOOOO. I FAILED THEM 😭 Pretend I have great thought out ideas for them, they deserve them.

#lea's a dumbass #stardew valley #sdv #I'm not tagging everyone rip #lea's dream sdv horror mod

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interestinglittlerelationship · 2 months

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We Should Kiss Like Real People Do

It’s finally time! This was so much fun! @jatpfebfanfest

This is for @princessmuk

“Wait, wait, wait, explain this to me again?” Julie says, tilting her head at him in confusion.

“Aragagh,” Alex groans, “I’ve explained it twice already,” he tilts his head at her, “Shouldn’t you know all about this, already? Willie is basically your brother.”

Julie flings herself down next to him, “I know about the stupid family reunion thing, yeah, but why are you going?”

“Because Willie doesn’t want to go alone,” Alex supplies.

“Right, but…” and then she seems to stop herself, “You know what? Never mind. So, Willie asked you to be his fake boyfriend, and you said yes?”

Alex face plants into Julie’s pile of pillows, “Yes,” he mutters. This does nothing to block out the sound of Julie’s giggles, “I hate you,” he adds, rolling over and hugging a pillow to his chest.

After a moment he feels Julie’s arm press up against his side, “I’m sorry, Lexi,” she says seriously, “this is just a situation so ridiculous only you could have managed to end up in it.”

“Thanks, that just make me feel loads better.”

Julie sighs, “It’s really going to be okay, Alex.”

“You think? Because I think I’m gonna get my heart broken.”

“I’m fairly confident that’s not going to happen, besides you already said yes,” she points out.

“I know,” he whispers.

“So, what are you going to do?”

And that’s the thing, isn’t it? There’s nothing he can do. Willie is his best friend and he needs help. Alex has to do this even if it destroys him, “I’m going to be Willie’s fake boyfriend.”

The time of his demise is delayed slightly by the fact this “favor” Willie asked him for is actually a week away. For someone with a normally functioning brain that might be a good thing, but Alex is far too anxious, and simply comes up with ten new ways it could go horribly wrong with each passing day.

His friends are unsurprisingly the opposite of helpful. Bobby straight up laughs in his face when he finds out, pats him on the shoulder, and says, “Good luck with that.” Reggie gets really excited and insists that this is the start of Alex’s very own rom-com, and then goes on a long-winded tangent about movies where the two main characters start fake dating and end up falling in actual love. Luke, at least, seems properly sympathetic but offers exactly zero practical advice.

Willie, for his part seems remarkably unconcerned about the many possible ramifications of this deal of theirs. Then again, Willie seems remarkably unconcerned about most things. It’s part of the reason Alex likes him so much, Willie balances him out somehow. Calms the whirlwind in his brain.

Willie is holding his hand.

Honestly, he’s having a hard time focusing on anything other than that fact. And he knows it’s for show, that they’re walking up Willie’s uncle’s driveway and someone might see, but none of that matters because Willie is holding his hand.

“This is going to be easy. You already know everything about me and they know practically nothing. You probably won’t even have to lie that much,” Willie is saying and Alex is nodding like a bobble head even though he’s only half listening, “Besides,” Willie adds, “it’s only for the day anyway.”

And that snaps Alex right back to reality. Because tomorrow he’s going to have to go back to pretending like he isn’t in love with his best friend. And he’s going to have to pretend like that fact isn’t slowly killing him. And none of this is real and Alex sort of wants to cry.

Instead, he says, “Right, no big deal.”

Willie yanks them to a stop on the bottom step, tugging his lip between his teeth for a second, “Seriously, Lexi, thank you for doing this.” And then he does the most unbelievable thing and reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind Alex’s ear. It does absolutely nothing since his hair is not actually long enough to stay put, but Alex melts anyway.

“Hey,” he says, squeezing Willie’s hand, “anytime.”

Willie blushes, “Yeah,” he breathes, turning away, “um, ready to do this?”

Alex shrugs, “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

As Willie introduces him around, Alex starts to relax. Really, pretending to be Willie’s boyfriend is not nearly as hard as he thought it would be. They hold hands and when anyone asks how they met, they tell the truth, “We were friends first.” Willie calls him truly ridiculous pet names like, “Hotdog” and “Honeyboo” which make some of his aunts coo at them.

Willie had basically said that he didn’t want to go to this party alone because all his relatives were awful, but that he’d only be allowed to bring someone if they were dating.

And yeah, Willie’s aunts and uncles are all a little distant and awkward, but seems mostly unbothered by their snubs.

His cousins, on the other hand are admittedly sort of awful, the kind of spoiled rich kids who think their money entitles them to look down on everyone else, but they pretty much leave the two of them alone too.

Willie’s mom had been the black sheep of the family, a free-spirit artist, who had run off with Willie’s dad right out of high school. Willie had never seen his mom’s family growing up, but after she and his dad died in a car accident, his attendance at these yearly reunions had become mandatory out of some twisted sense of duty or something. The rest of the year, Willie lives with his dad’s best friend, Ray, who is apparently not allowed to attend either.

Alex isn’t quite sure how to help, but Willie never once lets go of his hand, so maybe just being there is enough.

It’s a long afternoon, but only slightly painful, and then suddenly they’re climbing back into the car.

It takes a few seconds for Alex to realize that Willie hasn’t actually put the key into the ignition, or for that matter, let go of Alex’s hand.

“Hey,” Alex murmurs, “you okay?”

Willie drops his head onto Alex’s shoulder, “It’s just so exhausting, you know?”

Alex hums, because he doesn’t really.

“They’re all so fake, being all polite, and acting like they want to know me, but they didn’t fucking want me.”

Alex realizes then that Willie is crying, and he tries to shift so he can pull him into a hug, but Willie won’t let go of his hand.

“And I love Ray, I do, and it’s not like I want to live with them, but they spent my whole childhood pretending I didn’t exist and then when they were forced to acknowledge me, they still didn’t want me. And I lied to you. Ray usually goes with me and they wouldn’t have cared if I’d brought a friend as long as they could put on their little ‘happy family show,’ but I wanted you, and I wanted to be able to hold your hand, and now I don’t want to let go because I love you so much, but you probably don’t want me either.”

And Alex is, well, Alex is trying to wrap his head around the fact that his whole entire world just got rewritten. Because even if that was a bunch of heartbreaking word salad, he’s pretty sure Willie just said he loved him.

And this is why he doesn’t respond nearly fast enough, giving Willie the time to realize what he just said and freak out about it. Honestly, it’s all very Alex of him.

He tries to pull away, but this time, it’s Alex who won’t let go.

“Hey,” he says softly, and when Willie just keeps fighting against him, he says it louder, “Hey!” Willie freezes, staring at him, wide-eyed, “I’m, like, stupid in love with you too.”

Willie blinks, and Alex has a feeling his whole world is rewriting itself too.

“Oh,” he says, “Well, that’s convenient.”

Alex smiles at him, “Yeah, it is, isn’t it?”

The sit there smiling at each other, and they’re both crying still too, but none of that matters because Willie loves him.

“So, um, I’m gonna kiss you now,” Willie whispers.

“Okay,” Alex whispers back.

#jatp 2024 feb fan fest #julie and the phantoms #willex for the soul #fake dating #love confessions #i hope you like it

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invisibleraven · 8 months

Note

Sorry your crotch is bleeding. for Julie and any of her himbos.

Willie pops into the Molina garage, expecting to find his boyfriends working on their latest song, or maybe just goofing off. Only they aren't there, which is odd. However since becoming visible and tangible, they have been venturing further out, and he did recall Reggie saying something about beating all the high scores at the arcade.

He's tempted to join them, but after leaving the club loud noises and flashing lights aren't exactly his friend. If he went with them it might be different, but not by himself. He idly wonders if Julie is around, it might be okay with her.

Ray has told all of them they are welcome to just come in the house, the raid the fridge (which they all appreciated even if none of them could eat), so he doesn't even bother to knock, just waltzes in. He knows Carlos has a game today, so the empty downstairs isn't surprising.

He takes the stairs cautiously, usually only going up here to grab something Julie needs from the bathroom or hang with Carlos who thinks he's super cool-though not as cool as Reggie, which is fair Willie supposes.

Julie's door is open, and the girl herself is a lump under a pile of blankets on her bed, a messy bun of curls the only indication she was there. He knocks softly, hoping she's not napping. "Julie?"

Her eyes peer over the blankets and she groans. "Hi Willie."

"You not feeling well?"

"Period," she says matter of factly. "Bad one."

"Oh, um... sorry your crotch is bleeding?" he say, then kicks himself. He's not used to girls okay? He didn't have any sisters and the group home he grew up in was all boys. Then by the time he interacted with women on the regular, he was pretty damn out and didn't think he'd be dealing with their monthlies.

"The bleeding is the least of the problems," Julie quips. "It's the cramps that are the killer."

"You need me to get you meds?" Willie offers. He figures there must be some Midol or something around.

She shakes her head. "Took some not that long ago, but if you could get me the hot water bottle from the linen closet I'd appreciate it."

Willie salutes and rushes off, filling the bottle, and snickers at the plush tiger cover that goes over the bottle, but hey, he also kind of wants one, so he can't say much.

"Here you go Julie bean," he says, handing over the tiger and she smiles, sighing when she rests it over her abdomen, siting up just a little.

"The guys are at the arcade," she said.

"Kinda figured. You boot 'em out?" Willie asks with a smirk.

"Yes," she groans. "Luke was freaking out like I was dying, Alex was kind of grossed out, and Reggie was overly helpful. Told them to come back not one minute before six. They mean well, but I just wanted some peace and quiet to suffer in peace."

"You want me to vamoose?' he offers, pointing his thumb towards the door.

"Nah, the heat is helping and the pills are finally kicking in," Julie replies. "You can hang with me as long as you don't mind me lounging here and watching chick flicks."

"I like me a good chick flick," Willie responded, sitting beside her on the bed, handing her the laptop from her coffee table and the large chocolate bar from her nightstand. "What's first?"

"Practical Magic or The Proposal, was in a Bullock mood."

"Can't go wrong with Sandy B," Willie comments. "Go Proposal, it has naked Ryan Reynolds and hilarious Betty White."

"Sounds perfect," Julie replies, choosing the movie and snuggles further back into her pillows, holding her heat source closer, handing Willie a little plush purple ghost that he knows Reggie won her at a fair a few weeks prior. "Shoes off my bed though."

Willie nods, kicks off his Chucks, and grabs the fuzzy quilt from the bottom of the bed, ready for an hour and a half of enemies to lovers goodness.

They spend the afternoon watching movies, with Willie fetching Julie anything she needs and letting her nap while he draws in her sketch book or does his nails-with her permission of course. Quietly admits why he doesn't go join the guys, and earns himself a hug.

He doesn't even realize when six o'clock hits until he sees a leather clad arm reach through the door to knock. "Hey Jules?" Reggie calls. "You feeling any better?"

Julie giggles, and whispers to Willie "He thinks it's classy." Then raises her voice to tell him to come in. "Hey cariño, good day?"

"The best, I still kick butt at Pac Man and Alex killed the Whack A Mole. Luke still sucks, unless it's Dragon's Quest," Reggie replies with a giggle. He offers her a large plastic ring with a fake red jewel on it. "Got you this though."

"Perfect, I love it," Julie replies, sliding it on her pinkie, holding it out to admire it. Then giggles when Reggie tells Willie that Alex has his, and Luke didn't get enough tokens for anything.

"Hey!" Luke says from the doorway. "I'm not that bad!" He leans in to kiss Julie and Willie hello. "You need to come with us next time though dude, you missed a killer afternoon."

Willie shares a glance with Julie who is softly petting Reggie's hair as he admires her manicure. "It's okay, I had a good afternoon."

"Same time next month?" Julie asks.

"I'm there," Willie promises.

And he does, delighting when Julie had an identical hot water tiger for him to snuggle-even if he doesn't need it. But he loves Anton, and happily hugs the plush creature as Julie queues up You've Got Mail, thinking the guys can keep the arcade, there's nowhere else he'd rather be right now.

#filled prompts #ficlet #willie & julie #set within the greater polyphantoms polycule universe #julie and the phantoms

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stardewremixed · 1 year

Text

Thanksgiving headcanon

Alex - the perfect day to toss the gridball around with all his cousins. Wrestling in the leaves. Grass stains. Turkey legs. Crisp fall air. Grandma's famous pumpkin pie.

Abigail - gets up at the crack of dawn to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade. Still is giddy over the floats. Loves the musical renditions. Wishes she could be there in person.

Elliott - a little unusual for Thanksgiving but cranberry sauce and stuffed lobster is his go-to dish. A walk on the beach contemplating what he is thankful for. Bringing apple cobbler to Leah. Don't worry. Willy made it.

Emily - knits socks for everyone she knows with little fall leaves. Makes everyone wear "I am Grateful" tee shirts. Rolls her own dough for apple pie.

Harvey- a hot meal, a day off, a good book, a cup of coffee, plaid house Slippers.

Haley - planning her route for Black Friday shopping. Renting a car so she doesn't have to take the bus. Eww. Leaving Thanksgiving night and staying at a hotel near her mall destination in Zuzu. Checking her list twice to make sure she doesn't forget gifts for anyone.

Claire - a day off from Joja. Sleeps till 1pm. Microwaves some turkey and stuffing. Plops down to watch the dog show.

Olivia - all about presentation. Cornocopia centerpiece. Fall mums on the porch. Perfect magazine masterpiece dinner made by private chef. Candles everywhere.

Magnus - what day is it? A little dazed from staying up late the night before reading ancient tomes. Thankful he isn't invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Marnie's.

Shane - turkey is okay. Chicken? Never! Spends the morning tossing chicken feed, playing tag with Jas, snuggling Charlie.

Leah - a healthy tofurky dinner, fresh cranberry salad, gluten-free rolls, cauliflower rice. Painting on the porch on the crisp autumn afternoon.

Maru - making leaf piles in the yard with sebastian, jumping in them and making a mess, reading a manual about how to operate the oven, taking a plate of hot foods over to Linus.

Lance - traveling again. Enjoys a turkey pot pie at the train station. Thankful for a healthy mind and body. Does a little weight training when he arrives home.

Sam - joins Maru in jumping in leaf piles, games online with Seb until bored, avoids all chores his mom asks him to do, challenging Vincent to a chubby bunny contest with marshmallows and annoys his mom, eats a second dinner at Abigail's because mushroom stuffing isn't his fave.

Penny - strolling JojaMart wondering if she has enough gold to buy ingredients. Wondering why Morris keeps trying to push the green bean special. Manages to make do with what she has on hand at the trailer. Hot turkey sandwiches, instant mashed potatoes, and canned cranberries. Pumpkin cookies were also on sale.

Sebastian - a day of online gaming with friends (getting annoyed at his sister's and Sam's leaf pile mess, laughing and joining the fun), and inevitably writing his Christmas wish list because his mom will be begging for it.

Victor - visiting his bio dad overseas. They don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Running through McD's for a pumpkin shake. Something to remind him of home. He's grateful for the time spent with his father.

Sophia - picking the perfect holiday wine. Making butternut squash soup and cranberry brioche. Spending too much time looking at catalogues, wishing she had more money for presents this year. Doing some house cleaning since she has the time.

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1mnobodywhoareyou · 2 months

Note

You bought him a cake that said 'nice ass, bro' for Reggie/Willie because I feel like either of them would

INNY WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?! (this is at most T rated and not spiralling out of control BUT STILL)

“Dude,” Alex laments, “stop moping. This is getting ridiculous.”

Reggie pouts, “He’s not picking up any of my hints! I don’t know what else to try.”

“You could try, I don’t know, talking to him? Directly.” Luke chimes in from the other side of the room where he’s fiddling with his guitar.

Reggie groans dramatically, throwing himself face down onto the couch.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mumbles into the cushion.

“You are being next level dramatic right now,” Alex says, unimpressed.

“You don’t get it.”

“I… *I* don’t get it?”

“He’s like. The world’s prettiest person.”

“Well aware, Reg. Are you living in an alternate universe where Willie only exists to you, or…?”

“Shut up,” Reggie says, again muffled by the cushion.

Alex pats Reggie’s head patronizingly. “Alright, well you have fun eating the furniture because you can’t figure out how to use your words. I’m going for ice cream. Bye!”

“If you see Willie tell him I love him!” Reggie calls from where he’s still lying. He’s turned his head to the side so that his voice will at least carry.

“Tell him your own fucking self.”

Alex grabs his keys and leaves, the door slamming behind him.

Reggie groans.

“Wow, not even ice cream can help. You must really be suffering,” Luke comments, setting his guitar down beside him.

“Ice cream doesn’t solve everything, Luke,” Reggie whines. He freezes and then jolts upright. “Wait!”

Reggie quickly throws on his shoes and runs after Alex. “Alex! Wait!” he calls desperately.

–

“I can’t believe you convinced them to write that,” Alex sighs as he starts the car.

“It’s amazing what a good tip will do,” Reggie beams. He starts giggling, “That’s what he said.”

“You are a child, I swear.”

“You’re just grumpy ‘cuz you’re boring.”

“I’m not boring and I’m not grumpy.”

“You’re always grumpy. Maybe you need a good tip too,” Reggie mutters.

Alex gapes at Reggie. “I get plenty laid, thank you very much.”

“Okay, well can we get me laid please? Go go go.”

“Jesus, next time I’m leaving you at home.”

“The cake is going to MELT, Alex.”

“I still don’t know why you needed fucking ice cream for this,” Alex mumbles.

They sit in relative silence for the drive, Reggie’s knee bouncing excessively and Alex trying not to lose it on him. When they finally pull into the parking lot, Reggie bolts out of the car.

“Reggie!” Alex calls, “You forgot your fucking cake.”

Reggie doubles back and scoops it out of the backseat where he’d buckled it for safety. He runs up to the building, jimmying the door open like he always does. Sure he could buzz up but where’s the fun in that?

He jogs up the stairs, all three flights of them, and stops in front of the familiar green door panting for breath.

Just as he’s about to knock, the door opens. Willie stands there stunned for a moment. “Reggie? What are you-”

“I brought you cake!” Reggie exclaims, shoving the plastic dome into Willie’s hands. The lid is frosted up from being out of the freezer for a while, obstructing the message on top.

“Cake? Why? It’s not… Reggie, why are you here?” Willie sighs.

“Just,” Reggie pushes Willie back into the apartment. He grabs the cake back and sets it on the counter, pulling the lid off and presenting it back to Willie.

“‘Nice ass, bro’?” Willie reads with amusement. “Bro?” he clarifies. “Is this you telling me-”

“That I think you have a very nice ass. Yes. And I would very much like your ass to be in my general vicinity much more regularly. The ‘bro’ might have been me freaking out. And… Ohmygod, kill me now.”

Willie chuckles and takes the cake from Reggie, setting it back down. “I’d also like my ass to be in your general vicinity much more regularly, Reg.”

“Yeah?” Reggie looks up at him sheepishly.

“Yeah.”

“As like… a friend thing, or?”

“No, not as a friend thing, you numpty. As a, ‘maybe even naked once in a while thing.’”

Reggie’s face feels unbearably hot and he imagines the colour matches. “Yeah, naked every once in a while sounds kind of great.”

“Okay, then.”

“Okay.”

“So are you gonna kiss me or are we skipping that part?”

“Oh. Oh, right. Yeah. Let’s do that. Please,” Reggie stammers.

Willie laughs and reaches out to pull Reggie closer. Reggie closes the distance, pressing their lips together.

Nobody really complains about the melted ice cream cake on the counter later.

#thank you!#i have no idea if this even makes sense but the idea hit me and now here we are #hope you like it #answered ask #prompt fill #nobody writes #nobodys fics #wiggie #jatp

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daintyduck99 · 5 months

Note

"sorry, that was my first kiss." "i could tell." "...." "i'm kidding!" for some reason this gives me Willex vibes

Alex prides himself on his motor skills.

They're what make him an excellent drummer, and an awesome surfer, to borrow Reggie’s words. He rarely ever sends a stick flying or has a wipe out.

So it's a little infuriating when he wipes out on the beach, all because some smarmy, laughing asshole wasn't paying attention.

Then they shake their hair out, apologizing all the while with sincerely smiling eyes, and offer Alex a hand up, and oh, oh.

They're strong, and beautiful, and maybe not such an asshole, after all.

It's still infuriating that Alex loses control of his motor skills again. His knees buckle.

The beautiful surfer just laughs, not unkindly, and grips his hand tighter.

“Whoa, dude. I really pancaked you, huh?”

“Uh.”

Alex swallows, grimacing internally. Apparently he's lost all ability to function.

He tries again.

“Yeah. I should…my board…”

They hum. Their fingers slide out of Alex's in a way that sends sparks down his spine, and he has to work to suppress a shiver.

Alex's board suddenly obscures his vision. He jumps, only for his lips to twitch reflexively into a smile as they huff a laugh.

“Easy, Adonis.” Their easy grin pops out from around the board. “I'm Willie.”

Alright, okay. Just say your name. Your heart's pounding but it's fine! Just. Say it.

“And I'm not a horse.”

Great! Awesome.

If God is real, maybe he'll take mercy and smite Alex now, or send a tsunami.

But Willie shrugs, seemingly undeterred.

“Well, if you were, you'd be a pretty horse.”

A laugh crawls out of Alex's throat. It's not cute, like Julie's nervous little giggle when she's flirting with someone. It's. Um.

It kind of sounds like he's choking on sand.

All he really knows is that he's doing everything wrong, but Willie must like a challenge, or maybe they have a soft spot for awkward introverts. They coax Alex's name out of him, and get him to join them in the water, where he slowly relaxes.

He's in his element again, and it's easier to laugh and smile and yell and grapple with Willie. It's almost like being with the guys.

Then they go under, and come up laughing and sputtering, grasping each other's elbows, and Willie's eyes flit to Alex's lips, and it's not like being with the guys at all.

Not with how warm he feels, or the way his heart flutters, or when a shaky breath spills from his lips as Willie slowly leans in.

Alex lets his eyes fall shut, breathing out shakily again as their noses bump. His hands are locked on Willie's elbows.

They laugh quietly, with the same warmth that was just shining in their eyes, and anchor Alex with a gentle hand on his jaw.

Their lips touch softly, almost…tenderly.

Alex sighs, melting into the warmth seeping between them in every point of contact, and Willie deepens the kiss.

It should freak him out, but he's floating.

Distantly, he just tries to copy what Willie does. Eventually, they have to stop for air.

Willie laughs breathlessly. “Damn, Adonis.”

“Sorry,” Alex mumbles, ducking his head as the freakout hits. “That was my first kiss.”

“I could tell.”

Alex's head snaps up. He scowls, stung.

It's one thing to hear it inside his head. His brain is a rude, anxious bitch. But this…

Maybe his first impression wasn't so off.

“Alex? Alex!”

A frantic hand is flying in front of his face.

“I was kidding!” Willie exclaims, and something loosens in Alex's chest as he searches Willie's eyes. Guilt and panic swirl there in equal measure. “I'm sorry.”

Alex huffs a laugh. “Okay, yeah. I can tell.”

Willie cocks his head. He mirrors Alex's smile.

“That phrase is gonna haunt me, huh?”

And it does, for the rest of their lives.

#first kiss prompts #willex #I'm not usually inspired to write for them but you are SO correct #ficlets with ash #julie and the phantoms

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frogger-irl · 2 years

Text

Stardew Valley Headcannons (List Format)

Shane had a security blanket as a very small child. He also had a difficult childhood, so he switched to a jacket around Kindergarten age and subconsciously has one to this day (y’all know the one lol)

Harvey had a family member, like an uncle, running the clinic before him, and he took over the practice fresh out of Med school.

Before the favoritism was obvious, there were a few good years where Sebastian and Maru had a great relationship, and they’d go stargazing pretty frequently. Sebastian is the older one, and it was his idea, and she absolutely fell in love with those stars, which lead to her golden child status.

Linus and Leah have a fairly good relationship compared to Linus and a lot of the others. They both Forage frequently, and share tips when they run into each other.

Willy never had kids, but had always wanted a son, so when Elliot moved in, he offered to teach him to fish, which he accepted pretty regularly. Elliot actually got better than Willy at setting up Crab Pots, mostly because Leah knows Linus’ wild bait recipe. Willy sees him as kind of the son he never had.

Sam and Alex definitely hang out occasionally. They used to be close when they were little, and they have an inside jokes regarding eggs.

Sam is on Shane’s list of people he doesn’t actively avoid (Jas, Marnie, Farmer, Emily, Penny, Gus, Sam, and sometimes Pam). As coworkers, they actually have built a weird almost Friendship.

On that note, when Shane sobers up, he starts actively hanging out with the trio. Sam and Him were already on okay terms, and he bonds with Abigail over JPK and eventually with Seb over that feeling of insignificance.

Emily texts like a 40+ woman, emojis and all. Haley tries to teach her how to not, but what Haley doesn’t know is that Emily does this on purpose, to annoy her.

Elliot did Slam Poetry contests in high school. He never won, much for the same reason I never did, the poems were so metaphorical that they bordered on nonsensical and confused the audience to hear aloud like that.

Evelyn was the town teacher before Penny, she taught for most of her life, but retired and passed it onto Penny the second she was old enough. Luckily Vincent was too little for school at the time, so she had awhile to prepare.

That’s it for now! Enjoy!

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legolasghosty · 1 year

Text

I'll Have What They're Having

Word Count - 1.1k Rating - T Relationships - Willex, background Boggie Content warnings - Alcohol

Okay, the description/explanation of this fic is basically @michelangelinden sent me this -

But with Willex and Boggie. And then I didn't want to do my homework and thought it would just be a few paragraphs, and then it got a bit longer than that... yeah, enjoy! Linden, this is your fault!

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

Alex slipped into the single-stall bathroom at the back of the bar to get a break. Someone had started up the karaoke in the main area and it was just loud. Usually he was happy to go out with his friends, content with water or a mocktail or something while his friends drank, glad to see them all happy and relaxed. And this time wasn't really that different, he told himself. Just cause it was just him and Reg and Bobby here instead of the whole gang.

He liked hanging out with his friends, of course he did. But he also had been around the combination of them and alcohol enough times to know that they both got pretty affectionate once they started to get tipsy. And that had only gotten more pronounced once the two of them finally stopped pining and got together.

He'd hoped that they'd each just have one drink or something so they could chill and hang out, but Bobby was already on his third and Reggie had given up on trying to stay balanced in his own seat, opting for Bobby's lap instead. Alex was happy for his friends of course, but he wasn't the biggest fan of third wheeling on what was supposed to be a friendly hangout, free from the stress of band practices and work and whatever Flynn and Carrie had found to argue about now.

Alex sighed, maybe he could get them home before they started swallowing each other tongues at least. He splashed some cold water on his face, then headed back out into the dim, crowded bar.

But when he spotted his friends, he knew he was a bit too late. Reggie was still in Bobby's lap, but turned around to face him now, his arms around his neck as they made out. Alex could see Bobby's fingers already pulling at Reggie's tucked-in shirt, creating a space so he could rest a hand on his skin.

He rolled his eyes affectionately. Those two were going to get into trouble on of these days. But he was happy for them. If any two people Alex knew had a chance at a happy ending, it was Reggie and Bobby.

He grabbed a bar stool a couple seats down from them and pulled out his phone. They'd all driven together so it was gonna be a while before he could get out of here. Might as well level up his Bloons towers.

"Hey, can I get you anything?"

Alex looked up, startled by the voice of the bartender. It was a different guy than they'd talked to earlier. He had long, dark hair pulled back into a bun and a cheerful grin. He was kinda cute. Alex wished he wasn't the designated driver and could actually order something.

The bartender raised his eyebrows, waiting, and Alex realized he still hadn't said anything.

"Um, I'm not drinking tonight," he started, glancing over at his friends, who were still making out, "but I'll have whatever they're having," he added, going for a joke. Maybe it could actually start a conversation and he wouldn't be bored for the next hour or two until he could wrangle those two out to the car.

The bartender turned to look at the pair, then shrugged, reached across the counter, and grabbed the strings of Alex's hoodie. Alex barely registered what was going on before the guy pulled him into a firm kiss.

His first thought was to get away from this random person, but his second... He shifted so he could cup the guy's face and kiss him back. He felt the bartender's smile against his lips, and then a brush of his tongue against his lower lip. In for a penny, in for a pound, he thought, parting his lips to let the guy in.

Dang, this guy was a seriously good kisser. Alex did his best, but he had to admit he was a little out of practice. It had been a couple of years since he'd kissed anyone at all, let alone made out. But something about the guy, his steady movements, the faint taste of lemon on his mouth, the soft skin of his lips, it made Alex relax a bit. Go with the flow. Let this guy kiss him however he wanted.

After what was probably only a minute but felt like an eternity, the guy leaned back, breathing hard. Alex wanted to pull him back in, but he should probably get some oxygen into his lungs first. He took a deep breath, willing his heart to stop racing. When he looked up, the bartender was grinning, his face flushed and his lips red. A few strands of hair had come loose(Had Alex done that?) and fell around his face, framing it.

Dang he's pretty, Alex thought. "Ummm, can I..." he started, not sure where he was going, but wanting to... kiss him again? Hang out? Go on a date? "Can I open a tab?" he finished lamely.

The guy laughed, which wasn't really helping Alex's quest to slow his pulse. "That can be arranged," the guy told him with a mischievous grin. Then he held out a hand across the counter. "Willie."

"Oh, Alex," he responded, shaking his hand. "So... what are you doing tomorrow?"

"There's a coffee shop right up the street from here," Willie said. Then he glanced over at Reggie and Bobby, who Alex was pretty sure were going to suffocate each other soon if they didn't come up for air. "They make a mean black coffee for getting over hangovers."

Alex chuckled and shook his head at his friends. "Well I think I know of some people who are gonna need that," he replied. "10 sound good?"

"10 sounds great," Willie nodded. Then he reached under the counter and pulled out a sharpie. "Here, let me give you my number, I'll text you the address."

Alex was expecting him to grab a napkin or something, but instead he reached for Alex's arm. He easily pushed up the sleeve of his hoodie and wrote some digits on the inside of his forearm.

"Harder to lose that way," he explained, leaning back.

"Can't argue with that," Alex admitted. Someone down the bar called to get Willie's attention and they both sighed.

"See you tomorrow?" Willie said, tucking the pen away.

"Definitely," Alex replied, grinning.

Once Willie was gone, Alex pulled out his phone and sent a quick text.

Hey, it's Alex. What kind of coffee do you like?

A few hours later, when Alex was finally about to crash in bed after shoving Reggie and Bobby into their bedroom to crash on their bed instead of the living room floor, he got a text back.

Anything iced and sweet ;) Like you

Alex laughed and sent a quick response. He was looking forward to tomorrow.

#julie and the phantoms #jatp #jatp fic #willex #boggie #tw alcohol #jatp fanfic #alex mercer #willie jatp #legolas tag #I wrote a thing #this is not proofread at all #any and all typos are my fault and mine alone #yeah I don't know why this exists either #it just does #cause I don't wanna do my homework #okay now I gotta go do the homework I was putting off by writing and posting this #have fun y'all!

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innytoes · 4 months

Note

missing Kidnapped by the fae moments (dunno if u still create for it) so here i am asking for some crumbs

Okay so you know the fae probably Went Hard on stuff like the summer and the winter solstice. Even though time moved differently over there.

So when the boys are back in the human realm, there's a bit of an adjustment. For one, LA doesn't have seasons the way the fairy realm did. And Reggie and Luke came from places in the US where winter was a thing, so they're kind of adjusting too. Though Luke is pretty fine with it, since he wears a beanie and no sleeves no matter what.

Willie and Reggie kind of miss the snow. I think Willie didn't care much for snow until Caleb stole Luke, who taught him the Joys Of Snowball Fights and Snow Men and Sledding.

Snowball fights were very much only a 'Caleb and the other fae are Out Hunting' thing after the first time a snowball went wide and hit one of the fae it was Not A Fun Time For Luke And Willie for several months.

So yeah, the boys are lamenting how they miss snow and sledding. Making sand-men on the beach is just not the same. Throwing sand at each other is Bad actually.

But, they get the bright idea, they could totally make a sled out of two skateboards and some cardboard, right?

Ray has a Very Bad Day after that. At least there were no broken bones this time but Reggie's on crutches for a week (it should have been more, but well, the boys aren't fully human yet) and Willie is Grounded from Skateboarding for just as long. Ray didn't even take his skateboard away, he just used the 'I'm not mad just disappointed' voice and explained it was unfair if Willie could skate when Reggie couldn't even walk

First time Reggie tried to walk through a wall with his crutches (what? his hands were full and doors are hard to open like that!) he went through fine... the crutches did not.

The boys do embrace other parts of the season, though.

Alex and Reggie really like baking. It's soothing, the steps are all laid out, everything smells nice, and there's food at the end. Julie and Ray and Carlos supervise the first few times just to make sure they understand the oven, but after that, they have free reign.

Reggie is the one who discovers the TikTok Baking Twink and starts trying more out there recipes. Some of which, Alex put his foot down to say no. He already lived through the horrific things that did with aspics and pineapple once, thank you. He has no need to relive it.

Luke of course is obsessed with modern Christmas music. Because he hasn't heard it seventeen billion times before, he really loves 'All I want For Christmas Is You' and he sings it to Julie once, really sincerely. Julie is utterly charmed.

He doesn't get why Flynn laughs at them.

When they try to explain Santa to Willie, he just nods sagely. Ah yes, he says, like the fae. You leave him offerings, he decides if you are a good person or a bad person, and rewards or punishes you as he sees fit. And he uses magic.

They are all very creeped out about Santa after that.

Willie does love the idea of gifts, though. Being raised by fairies, he has a very warped relationship with them, but when they explain that you get people you care about gifts for Christmas, he is all on board. Especially when Flynn introduces him to Sparkly Wrapping Paper.

(Yes, Ray has a conversation with Willie that if he wants things from stores, he must use money to buy them and not ask his crow friends to steal it.)

When Willie starts leaving them gifts, it's at random, in the weirdest places. But the right person always discovers them.

It starts normal enough, with some Fun Socks for Alex. Julie gets some sparkly glitter pens. Flynn gets some really weird soda she's never heard of before that has the same effect as seven sodas.

Luke and Reggie get rocks he found that look like a guitar pick and a dog, respectively. They are just as touched and excited as the others, though.

Carlos gets a videogame. It's a game that isn't supposed to be out until next year. Ray is starting to get a headache but Willie earnestly tells him it's not from a store.

Ray gets sweets he loves and misses from Puerto Rico. He has never mentioned these in front of Willie or any of the kids. He knows for certain they're not available in the states. He is scared to ask.

The gifts only get weirder but just as heartfelt from there. Food appears while Julie is studying that she didn't even realise she was craving. Sheet music for long-forgotten songs Luke only remembers snippets of.

Dogs appear whenever Reggie is sad, and once he's cheered up, they happily trot off to wherever they came from. Ray keeps checking the local facebook pages but nobody seems to notice their missing dogs.

Ray is almost relieved when Christmas comes around because hopefully it will stop the ever-increasingly-weird gifts.

He sits through the kids opening their stockings first. His new 'foster kids' are very easy to buy for, because there's so much they've never had and they appreciate just about everything. And yes maybe he did get them all little puzzles in the hopes of distracting them long enough that he can have a quiet afternoon.

Thankfully, the gifts on Christmas seem pretty normal. He maybe gets a little teary-eyed at the World's Best Dad mug the kids all got him together. And everything was bought in stores with money, just like Willie promised Ray.

Until the solid gold barbecue tongs.

#julie and the phantoms #kidnapped by the fae au #festive edition #fanfic #not!fic #I am not writing a thing #all ray wants for Christmas is not worrying one of his kids will get arrested #(willie it's willie)#let the man nap #he's been stress eating all week #anon there is always room for more kidnapped by the fae nonsense #it's one of those aus I may never actually write the full fic for but lives rent free in my house #like the quiet au and the dystopian space station au

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websterss · 2 years

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𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂 — 𝐋𝐔𝐊𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: Being a ghost was bad enough as it was, but being a ghost who couldn’t hear music, now that was the icing on the cake for the reader.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒): Angst, fluff, Caleb being a creep ghost

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 6,516

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Luke Patterson x fem!Reader

𝐀/𝐍: Hope you enjoy it! ♡

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

You knew it was a bad idea to tag along with the guys the minute you stepped into the Ghost Club. The place looked high-end, and you suddenly felt out of place and overdressed in your Converse.

“You guys seeing what I’m seeing?” Alex pointed out. Everyone dressed to the nines. “I think we’re a little overdressed.” Luke popped his jean jacket.

“A little…” You scoffed. You followed them down the stairs. Once you reached the bottom you all stood next to Willie watching the scenery in front of you. Just as you were about to comment a couple walked through Alex and Willie laughing about something. “Yeah okay, I’m wearing ripped jeans with fishnets, that woman is wearing jewels…and is that a designer dress?” You gasped as the woman who passed by you and the boys.

“Woah I thought these people were all going to be ghosts?” Reggie motioned to them.

“Yeah…hence the name ghost club?” You questioned.

“These are all lifers.” Willie smiled.

“Oh uh, lifers are actually-” Alex was cut off.

“-Alive people, I was listening.” Reggie smirked.

“But this is a very exclusive crowd. Everybody here has…paid a lot to get a sneak peek of the afterlife.” Willie smirked at you emphasizing on the last part.

“I always knew rich people did weird stuff like this.” Reggie whispered.

“Yeah no kidding.” You eyed a couple a few feet ahead of you.

“Gentlemen, Madame. I have a table for you, right this way.” A man in a white tailored suit popped out of nowhere suddenly guiding you over to your table. You didn’t find it comforting that they were expecting you.

You all sat at the table, the man pulling out your seat next to Luke’s, to which he stopped and eyed him. You politely thanked him and sat down. You looked over seeing Luke shake his head. “Be nice, he just pulled out my chair.” You nudge his side smiling at your boyfriend. He only nodded okay.

“William.”

“Oh yeah, thanks man!” Willie said as the man took the name card.

“So who’s gonna make us visible so we can confront our old bandmate?” Luke suddenly asked, wanting to get over with what he came for.

“Oh, no no, none of these lifer’s have the power to do that…Oh but here comes the ghost who does!” He exclaimed as the light began to dim.

“Ladies and gentlemen, back from the dead by popular demand. Please welcome…Caleb Covington!” Someone over the intercom announced. The party of guest cheering and hollering. Then like magic. A man poofed out of nowhere. Floating high above the stage. He certainly knew how to make an entrance. You were starting to feel uncomfortable.

Sitting at your table wasn’t the real reason you hated being there. It was the fact that you noticed a band set up on stage, which caused you to freeze up and stiffen up. Now you were really regretting coming with the guys.

“I um…I think I’m just gonna…you know, head to the school dance.” You stammered nervously as you tried getting out of your seat quickly.

Luke frowned as he grabbed a hold of your hand.

“We just got here. What’s the rush?” A smile made its way onto Luke’s face.

“I just uh-” You stammered as the guy began talking.

“Did you miss me?”

A series of ‘oh yeahs’ and ‘yes’s’ went about the room.

“I did too. Welcome to the party of your dreams.” Caleb spoke slowly, lowering down to the ground. “From the Egyptians to the Druids. To the person sitting next to you. We’ve all wondered where do we go…when that final light is snuffed out. Allow me to show you…” You noticed some people sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for some sort of anticipation.

“Let me introduce myself. We got some time to kill. Consider me the pearly gates to your new favourite thrills. We could go make history or you could rest in peace, but here there ain’t no misery…‘Cause on the other side we live like kings.” You shrunk down in your chair noticing many people were bobbing and moving their heads. He was singing, and you couldn’t even hear it.

“Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do? Let your body loose, let your body loose.” Out of the corner of your eye you watched as Luke began to tap his fist on the table. The boys also began to groove to whatever beat was playing. “Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do? Show you a thing or two…'Cause you ain’t seen nothing…”

“Life is good on the other side of Hollywood.” Caleb threw his cape back causing his dancers to suddenly appear out of nowhere. This excited the crowd. “Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. So welcome to the brotherhood. Where you won’t be misunderstood. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood.” The boys began laughing making you want to cry. They forgot that you couldn’t even hear, which made you feel left out.

“Everything has got a price but happiness is free. Just so happens, you’re in luck. We’ve got a vacancy.” Caleb’s servers danced around the table showing off the delicious deserts on the silver trays they were carrying. “We can set the night on fire and break out of the scene. Your soul print on the walk of fame. On the boulevard of your wildest dreams.” Willie had directed you and Alex’s attention back onto the center of the table.

“Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do boys? Let your body loose, let your body loose. Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do boys?” Caleb had pinched the table cloth and swirled it around until a girl in a pink two piece was suddenly dancing on it. Shaking her hips around catching the attention of the guys. Luke’s eyes lingered on her savvy and sexual moves. Your lips turned downward as you watched your boyfriend be engraved by this woman. You had no idea what was happening, and you weren’t appreciating her visible undergarments. She fell to her knees twirling her head in circles, then extended her leg out almost kicking Reggie in the face, but Caleb’s hand stopped her leg.

“It ain’t bragging if it’s true. Now you ain’t seen nothing. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. So welcome to the brotherhood. Where you won’t be misunderstood. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood.” The crowd seemed to be cheering to a pit of nothing. You could only hear the squeaks and clinks of heels and shoes stomping, but other than that. They were only dancing to you. No music following.

“The rain don’t blind the rising souls. They got too much to see. I got your glamour, got your gold. Got all you’ll ever need. Let me hear you now. Yeah…” Caleb put his hands together making everyone copy him. The boys clapped and bounced in their seats as you sat motionless and still.

“The rain don’t blind the rising souls. They got too much to see. I got your glamour, got your gold. Got all you’ll ever need.” The crowd and dancers echoed him.

“Yeah I said watch me make a move, watch me make a move, boys.”

Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do?

“I said watch me make a move, no, I don’t disappoint.”

Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do?

“Amen! Watch me make a move, I’m ya number one choice.” “Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do?”

“Watch me make a move. Come one and give me that noise. A tomb with a view. Ain’t it something?” Caleb gestured over to a girl dangling from a hoop attached to the ceiling. Reggie was so mesmerized he stood up but Luke pulled him back down into his chair. “Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. So welcome to the brotherhood. Where you won’t be misunderstood. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. So welcome to the brotherhood. Where you won’t be misunderstood. Life is good on the other side of Hollywood. Ain’t it the best? Long live the dead!”

“Ba Bye.” Caleb’s two dancers shimmied a black sheet in front of him then swiped it down and he was gone. The boys and everyone else stood up and clapped as the dancers and staff bowed and thanked the crowd. A pretty girl smiling at Reggie as she walked past him. You remained seated. The boys not noticing your glum state.

“This is so cool.” Reggie gaped at the people around him.

“Dude I knew I recognized him. He’s the guy that bumped into me outside of the Orpheum.” Alex told you.

“Wait isn’t he that magician dude that died a horrible death due to one of his tricks?”

“Yeah I wouldn’t really bring that up when we meet him.” Alex stuffed his hands into his jean pockets.

“Yeah but you guys should come back when he shows one of his movies. For Titanic he literally floods the entire place. I mean the guy has got skills.” Willie exclaimed.

“Does he now.” You rolled your eyes crossing your arms over your chest. “I bet the guests love that huh?”

“Alright b-but he can just wave his arms and make ghosts visible to lifers?” Luke sat on the table asking Willie. His stutter made an appearance.

“Told you, guy’s got skills.” Willie smirked.

“So where’d he go?” Reggie shrugged his shoulders looking back over to the stage. He turned around then flinched. “Oh wow, found him!” He nervously chuckled. Luke and Alex stood up straighter, but you remained seated as he stood behind you.

“Hello boys…and girl.” He smiled down at you as you looked up. “Caleb Covington. Welcome to the Hollywood Ghost Club. Enjoying the show?”

So this was the guy Willie was making a big deal about, you thought.

The dude was dressed in all purple adorned with black slacks and shoes, not too mention the added sequence material and colorful bead patterns to make his and his dancers outfits pop out. Something you couldn’t even imagine yourself being caught dead in, no pun intended. “You don’t...that was...I mean...did you...like what?” Luke stammered over his words. He was amazed and impressed by the show. You scoffed as you were amused by his boyish like nature.

“I know.” Caleb chuckled at Luke.

“Y/n, can you believe this?” Luke exclaimed.

“Yeah wow.” You deadpanned, feeling disinterested in the man standing before you and the guys.

“Uh this is Alex, Luke, Y/n, and Reggie.” Willie introduced you guys.

“It’s uh, really nice to meet you.” Alex spoke first.

“Sup.” Reggie threw the man a piece sign.

“The pleasure is mine. Nothing warms my heart more than sharing this magic with new friends.” Caleb smiled sweetly at you all. “Please sit, sit.”

“Thank you for the invite.” Alex thanked the man.

“Of course, or course. Now my friend Willie tells me that you boys have some magic of your own.” Caleb directly at Alex.

You bit back a laugh of your own as Alex’s mouth hung down in surprise.

“Well Willie and I…I mean I wouldn’t really call it magic…b-but I mean.” Alex blushed and giggled like a school girl.

“Oh no no, he means your ghost abilities.” Willie giggled at the blonde. “You know…like to be seen by everybody when you play with Julie.”

You, Luke, and Reggie, watching this whole thing unfold before you with mouths agape. “No totally. Right! No cause when you said it…I was like, is that what he said?” Alex’s voice went high in pitch. Caleb stuck his hand out to say it was all good.

“Wow dude.” You said out loud.

“Yeah, but we can’t really wave our arms, and do all this…magic stuff.” Luke butt into the conversation to save Alex from embarrassment.

“Well, I’ve had some practice. Our gifts are so rare and so special. It’s not often I come across other spirits who possessive similar talents. It’s no surprise we found each other.”

“Yeah…definitely.” Luke nodded his head.

“If you’ll forgive me fellas, I’ve got to go pay the bills, you know what I’m sayin,” Caleb smirked. “I’ll be back later to chat.”

You all watched as he got up and walked over to a woman in a beautiful red gown. “My darling where have you been, my god look at that dress.” You heard him exclaim to the woman.

“I love that dude!” Reggie pointed at him. “Please tell me this party is never going to end.”

“Please tell me it will.” You sighed slouching into your chair. Luke looked at you, biting his lower lip. He leaned over trapping you to the chair.

“What if I made it worth your while, would you stay then?” Luke pressed his head against yours. You looked into his eyes that seemed to look blue this time, and pushed him back into his own chair.

“Seriously. You’re thinking about sex right now.” You scoffed crossing your arms over your chest. “Could you be even more of a guy thinking only with his pants.”

“You okay?”

“I just need a minute. Alone please.” You looked up at him.

“Yeah okay, we can do that.” He sighed and hit Reggie on the arm. “Let’s go mingle.” Then they both got up leaving you with Willie and Alex. You threw them a weary smile and tried not to listen to their conversation.

“That was one crazy show! So I’m guessing all these lifer’s are like sworn to secrecy or something?”

“Or something…” Willie trailed off. “Yeah let’s just say Caleb offered everyone here with their membership. The opportunity to experience this,” Willie gestured to the whole club. “For eternity…and they’ve all happily accepted.”

“And all these ghosts they just wanna like, party forever and never cross over?”

“I mean yeah man, why would you want to cross over, when you can just…hang out and you know…do this.” Willie’s voice softened as he looked at Alex. “Forever.”

Both of them stared at each other with unreadable expressions, but the lingering stares were a dead giveaway. Luke had looked over his shoulder to catch the two guys shying and blushing at each other.

“There’s a lot to um…like here.” With that Willie got up and left the table. Luke smiled and rushed over. Startling you from zoning out for a bit.

“Oh, you got a crush on Willie.” He exclaimed. “What no, no, nah man no, we were just ya know-”

“Alex…I’m happy for you!”

“You guys are not going to believe this…but someone just told me they just added this character named Jar Jar, what’s a Jar Jar?”

“I take it you four are enjoying yourselves.” You all turned to Caleb who walked up to your table. “Yeah I mean, you’d have to be insane to have a bad time here.”

“Guess I’m insane!” You replied sarcastically.

“Well entertainment is our specialty. Now I understand that there is something I can help you with?”

“We hope so.” Reggie grew serious. ”There’s an old buddy of ours that ripped us off, big time, and we want to make things right.”

“Yeah we want to look at him in the eyes and make him admit what he did to us.” Luke followed. “Yeah so if you could make us visible that would be perfect.”

“Well sure I can do that, but we’re at a party. Why focus on those who have wronged us when we’re among friends. Now I understand that the three of you are talented musicians? I doubt your dream is to settle a score…”

“Four actually, but who’s keeping track of the girl who plays a tambourine. Julie was chosen as the singer…I sing too, but ya know…things happen, we all die at some point right!” You laughed bitterly. The boys all looked at you as if you lost your marbles.

Caleb looked at the boys. “No your dreams are bigger than that. In fact you’re like me. Born to perform your music in front of sold out crowds.” Caleb snapped his fingers and a chair was brought to him. “Please sit.”

The boys sat in their chairs again and listened up.

“What if I were to tell you that with a wave of my hand you could share the spotlight with me and join my house band?”

“W-We already have a band.” Luke laughed.

“Yes! Yes, but when you’re done performing you disappear. You cease to exist.” The boy’s smile went away. “No bows, no, no soaking up the applause. No real connection with the audience. Yet, here the audience knows what you are and more importantly they know how special you are.”

“Well…it could be cool to play here.” Luke smiled.

“Oh no it’s not just here. We party like this all over the world. Tonight Hollywood, tomorrow Paris.” Caleb gestured widely.

“Oh la la.” Reggie felt like he was in a trance of big hopes and dreams.

“It is all of your dreams come true, forever.”

“Forever seems to be like a big deal around here, huh?” You asked out of the blue. Caleb spared you a look, his smile faltering a bit which you caught on to.

All three of them remained quiet. It was a tempting offer you had to give him that.

“I’ll give you some time to think about it.” He got up from his chair. “Oh, by the way, make sure to try the sliders, they’re to die for.”

“We can eat?” Reggie questioned.

“Did he say food?” You furrowed your brows. After dying from eating those hotdogs you weren’t sure you wanted to eat again.

“Here you can!” Caleb snapped his fingers and walked away.

Servers gathered around and placed three plates topped with hamburgers, pizza and meatball subs. Along with smaller plates to serve yourselves with, but you had a feeling they weren’t going to be needed.

“Oh yeah…” Luke reached forward but Alex stopped him.

“Wait!” You thought he was going to warn them about getting food poisoning again but you were wrong. “I want the one without cheese.”

You watched as they began stuffing their faces like animals. Saying incoherent things you could barely understand.

“Mmmmm.”

“Ohhhhh.”

“Alittlebit.”

“Arethesegoodtoo?”

“Tryoneofthesetryone-”

“That’ssomegoodpizza.”

“This is a meatball sub…oh my god!”

“I’m surrounded by idiots...” You placed your chin in the palm of your hand.

You just wanted to get out of here already. You all had to be at Julie’s school to perform. “Guy’s Julie?”

“Inaminute.”

“Ilovethissooomuch!.”

You rolled your eyes as they continued to eat and eat and eat. Bite after bite. More plates being brought over my Caleb’s waiters. You were sure that their stomachs would explode from the amount of food they were intaking. Yet with their physiques food is all they needed to keep them going. At some point Willie joined the four of you, he too was amused by the boys’ eating habits, and proclamation of their undying love for the food in front of them.

“Oh pizza man I missed you!” Luke exclaimed as he bit into the pizza.

“Reggie are you kissing that meatball sub?” Alex stopped eating to watch his bandmate. You too gave him an odd look.

“It’s what you do with the things you love.” Reggie stated his claim and argued.

“Luke tends to be lacking in that department today.” You joked then looked up at the boy whose smile faltered as you said that. You quickly diverted your gaze away from your boyfriend.

“I take it you’re all enjoying the feast?” Caleb appeared on stage again. “So many delicious sites, so many tantalizing sounds, but your eyes still hunger for more. Something sweet.” He smiled. “Something savory. How many newcomers do we have in the club tonight.” You and the boys raised your hands along with some others in the room tonight. Fits of hoots and hollers went around the room. “Ladies let’s show our guests how we do desert. Uh one, two, three, four.”

Then the music began again. You watched as the dancers all got up and made their way to the center of the ballroom. You wanted to leave more than ever now.

“Watch me make a move, watch me make a move, yeah!” Watcha’ gonna do, watcha’ gonna do? I say watch me make a move, watch me make a move, oohh. Watcha’ gonna do, watcha’ gonna do?” Caleb’s voice rang out. “I-I think I’m gonna go.” You stood up this time.

“W-What?” Luke quickly swallowed his food, trying to find something to wipe his hands. A server quickly came out of nowhere to hand him a napkin. “Thank you.” He quickly said. “Y/n hold up.” Luke ran after you catching your arm. He smiled gently as you turned around.

“I’m sorry.” You frowned. Luke frowned as you removed his grip on your arm.

“What’s wrong.” He tilted his head to catch your eye.

“Why’d you let me come here, Luke?” You grew sad watching as other guests danced around. “I’m not even having fun.” You let your arms fall to your sides. You sighed in defeat.

“L-Look I know…I know that you don’t want to be here. I get it okay.” He smiled gently tilting his head.

“Do you?” You scoffed. “You don’t even know the half of it, Luke. You don’t know what it’s like to have music be ripped away from you. To not even be able to dance to it anymore…you don’t know. I can’t feel it, I can’t play it anymore…I can’t hear it, Luke!” You cried out your frustrations. You closed your eyes shut, shaking your head.

“Y/n please.” Luke whispered.

“No!” You cried. “I’m going to the dance like we promised Julie we would be, don’t wait up. Just don’t forget to show up. I’d hate to see her upset because you forgot.” You frowned. “Wouldn’t be the first time you forgot something important…” You spared him a glance.

“Really, you had to go there.” Luke scoffed. With that you walked away.

Luke averted his gaze and clenched his jaw. He watched you walk away to the stairs. His gaze on you lingered, not waiting to leave things like this but he slowly went back to his table. He knew you just needed time to cool off.

You stopped at the bottom of the stairs and shook your head. Gazing at everyone having a good time. Then turned back around only to almost run into Caleb, who came out of nowhere. “Leaving so soon?” He smirked. He noticed your somber expression. “Not having fun my dear?”

“Something like that.” You chuckled nervously rocking on your feet. “Look it was nice of you to invite us Mr. Covington, but I’m not much of a party person so…” You tried walking past him, but he gently caught your hand.

“What seems to be the trouble?” Caleb gave you a once-over. Noticing that not a single part of your body was moving to the band playing a soft melody. You had almost no reaction to it.

“You wouldn’t understand.” You shook your head.

“Indulge me.” He grew curious.

You looked at him, then back at Luke and the guys, then at the other guests sitting and dancing in their chairs. A look of hurt, and longing prominent on your face. You missed out on it all since you came back as a ghost.

“This wouldn’t happen to do with your lack of dancing my little dove?” Caleb brought your attention back onto him. “You’ve lost something, haven’t you? Something special to you.” You looked up at him with tears in your eyes now.

“How’d you-”

“I can recognize a broken wing from anywhere.” He smiled. “Now what is it my little dove. I’ll have it fixed right away. That is why you all came here today, am I correct.” You nodded. “Is it a broken heart?” You looked away and caught Luke in the corner of your eye. “Is it boy problems cause honey any man would be stupid not to notice you.” Caleb snapped his fingers making you laugh.

“No uh…” You laughed away your tears. “I-I can’t hear music. I think it might have something to do with how I died, but I can’t be sure.” You muttered. “Hence the lack of dancing.” You shrugged looking down at yourself.

“Oh well say no more my dove, I can fix that.” Caleb snapped his fingers and suddenly you felt something within you. A fifth sense coming back to you. You stumbled back once you heard the smooth drag of a saxophone. Your eyes widened as your ears perked up and focused on the sounds you were missing out on.

“How’d you-I can hear!” You gasped excitedly looking at everyone and understanding why they were moving. “I can hear!” You laughed crying tears of joy. You cupped your mouth laughing. Caleb smiled watching you react.

“Beautiful isn’t it…You’ll thank me later. Go on now. Live a little. Dance it is a party after all!” He exclaimed. Caleb snapped his fingers bringing on the attention of one of his dancers. A girl with an orange number showed up on your left and hooked her arm around yours guiding you to the center of the room where the group number was about to get into the chorus. Caleb smirked as he watched you walk away. His plan was set in motion.

You laughed feeling what everyone had been going crazy about. The beat was a stranger to your body. You smiled walking past the boys still seated at the reserved table. Luke’s eyes widening as you suddenly came back and began dancing to the music. A new form of glow taking over your once sad demeanor.

“I say watch me make a move, watch me make a move, yeahh. Watcha’ gonna do, watcha’ gonna do? Watch me make a move, best you ever knew! “Life is good on the other side of Hollywood.”

You began dancing alongside the girl who brought you to the center of the dance floor. Matching the moves of all those around you. It wasn’t long before Willie joined in and danced alongside with you. The boys were shocked seeing you suddenly have your energy back. It was like you were alive.

Caleb came around smiling and singing around the people. He ended up beside you at one point, touching your shoulder. Then you started busting out twirls and kicks you didn’t even know you could do. You were letting your body get loose. Your head twirling to the beat of the drums. The music taking over and allowing you to dance like you had never been able to before. A beautiful smile taking over your face. This was the first time in a long time that you felt free. The crowd broke out some dancing on their own and others with partners. You had been dancing alone, not giving a care in the world. Luke noticed from where he danced, and went to take a step towards you, but the girl who had danced on their table came around. Spinning around Luke, then swaying her hips in front of Reggie. His eyes now of her body movements. Caleb’s plan was working, keeping Luke occupied by pretty girls, and giving you the ability to hear music. A plan that was slowly working indeed.

Luke had tried again, but was stopped by one of the twins turning him around to face her. He smiled at her and danced as her partner. You remained entranced. Too caught up in the music to worry about the dance you missed. To worry about the boys missing the school dance to perform. In fact you weren’t thinking about any of that. Caleb deemed it unnecessary so he made you forget for the hours that seem to pass by in a blink of an eye.

You spun and waved your arms in the air. You felt like you were on cloud nine with the world. Your eyes glossed over by Caleb’s spell, a hint of purple taking over your irises. Caleb was this close to getting you to join. You surely couldn’t refuse his offer…he did after all give you your ability to hear music back.

Reggie and Luke laughed with joy as they continued being swept off their feet by the dancing twins. Upon hearing the clock chime. Luke looked up reading the time that had to be mistaken. The hand showed that it was now midnight, but that couldn’t be because he and the boys had to be at Julie’s dance by…

“Twelve!” Luke yelped. “H-How did that happen.” Luke stammered as one of the twins brought his attention back on to her. Yet he nervously laughed as he pushed her away. “I-I’m sorry.” He kept looking at the clock. Then patted Reggie’s shoulder. “Dude!” Reggie only then brushed him off focusing back on the girl in front of him. “Dude, dude, we lost track of time-”

“Not right now man!” Reggie exclaimed as he continued swaying with the other twin. Luke frowned then sighed.

“Reggie!” He wrapped his arms around Reggie’s waist and picked him up, and away from the girl. Much to Reggie’s protest, he did not want to be lifted by Luke.

“Okay what the-”

“We were supposed to be at Julie’s school at nine.”

“Oh shoot that’s right…uh maybe we can still make it. Where’s Alex?” Reggie finally realized just how late they really were. “Ale-”

“Up here!” Both of them looked up to see Alex dangling from the hoop that was hooked to the ceiling.

“We forgot-”

“-Julie I know. This place is…one sec.” Alex tried swiveling around to face the boys. “This place is some kind of time warp.”

“Move down here bro we gotta get going!” Luke hurried him. “We are so dead!” He ran a hand through his hair.

“Hey where’d Y/n go?” Reggie started looking around the club for you.

“Crap I was too busy dancing I lost track of where she went. Y/N!” He shouted into the crowd looking for you. Luke turned around frantically then caught sight of you once someone moved from being in front of you.

“There!” Reggie pointed out to Luke, who then took off in your direction.

Once he reached you it was like his voice was drowned out by the music taking over you. “Y/n, hey baby?” Luke looked at you with worry when you kept ignoring him. “Y/n!” He cupped your face rubbing the pads of his fingers across your skin. Once he stopped your head from bobbing to the music to have you look at him. His eyes widened in shock as he watched your y/e/c irises gloss over with a purple hue to them. They weren’t supposed to be that color. “Y/n…Reggie what’s happening to her?” He muttered trying to shake you from whatever was causing you to be like this.

“I don’t know.” Reggie brought his hands together and nervously fiddled with his hands as he watched you continue dancing to the music.

Almost like a pull. Your eyes turned back to their original color, suddenly blinking multiple times. You gasped as you stumbled forward. Luke right there to catch you. You looked around not understanding where you were. You were in the midst of talking to Caleb then everything was a blur afterwards. The music you were once hearing went away in an instant the minute you woke up from the spell.

Your eyes followed the arms that held you up, up to the hazel eyes you fell in love with.

“L-Luke?” You shook your head. Your eyes began shedding tears as you brought your palms up to your ears. “Why can’t I….I can’t hear Luke, why can’t I-”

“-Hey, hey, you’re okay, you’re okay now.” He smiled, you were fine before you all arrived, but being able to hear music all of a sudden was not a coincidence. He was sure but uncertain if Caleb had done something to you. He cupped your face again. “We can talk about it later okay, we have to go though. We missed the dance.”

You looked at him in shock. “What? Missed the dance? But we weren’t here that long…we just-” You cut yourself off as you glanced at the gigantic clock that read midnight. “Twelve!” You exclaimed. “Julie…oh god!” You frowned feeling guilty.

“Come on!” Luke tugged your hand leading you and the boys to the entrance only to be stopped by Caleb. You all halted to a stop in front of the man who appeared before you. Luke gripped your hand tighter hiding you behind him protectively.

“Guys what’s the rush, the party is just getting started, and you have an eternity after all.”

“You know that girl who can see us, we sort of bailed on her. See there’s this dance at her school tonight and she’s got this friend Flynn who’s a super cool Dj.” Reggie placed a hand on his ear, and then used his other to demonstrate Flynn spinning a record.

“I don’t think he has an eternity to hear this story.” Alex butt in.

“Basically we’re late for a gig.” Luke cleared everything up. You shied away from Caleb’s stare, only being able to look at you and Luke’s intertwined hands.

“But what about my offer?”

“It’s very cool of you Mr. Covington, but like I said we already have-”

“A band of your own, I understand.”

“Okay.” Luke smiled up at him.

All four of you took a step forward but were stopped by Caleb again.

“Oh boys…if you ever want to come back and fix that little problem with your friend. The Hollywood Ghost Club is always open.”

“Yeah man we’d love to come back.” Luke admitted. You only squeezed his hand tighter. “Ahh…music to my ears.” Caleb looked at you as he said that. He reached a hand out and shook hands with Luke who had to let go of your hand. A hissing sound could be heard. As he shook Alex and Reggie’s next. A purple stamp now on their wrist.

Why didn’t he shake your hand?

“Oh it’s just a little club stamp.” Caleb was quick to reassure.

“Cool!” Reggie smiled.

“Why don’t I get one…” You muttered under your breath, yet somehow Caleb caught your words.

“Until next time.”

“Piece.” Luke smiled then threw him a hang ten sign with his pinky and thumb.

“See you around.” Reggie mocked Caleb’s smile and chuckle which caused Alex to hit him.

“What? That’s what he just did.” Reggie complained as he walked off like Luke did.

Alex and you were left standing in front of him. Alex nervously smiled at the man. “Um uh if Willie asks, uh not that he would, but if he does will you let him know that I was looking for him?” Caleb glanced at the shy kid before him. His evil demeanor went away for Alex. He felt for the kid with a crush. He would be sure to tell Willie amongst other things too. You all didn’t need to know what he’d tell Willie though.

Alex smiled. “Thanks.” Then walked out after Reggie and Luke. Caleb watched him walk away. Caleb’s eyes then slowly turned to you who stood waiting expectantly with your wrist out. You smiled nervously.

“Can I have a stamp, or is it a guy thing?” You joked.

“I have something better for you my little dove.”

“Oh yeah, what’s that?” You quirked an eyebrow.

“Come closer.” He motioned with his index and middle finger. You took a step closer. “Closer…” You sighed and took another step closer. “Perfect.”

“What am I getting?”

“This.” He lifted your hand up and pressed his lips on top of your hand. His eyes not breaking contact with yours. Your eyes glossing over with his spell again. You were frozen to the touch of his lips on your hand. The spell ran through your left arm and found its place right on your soul. “Now we have an eternity together, right my little dove?” You nodded under the trance. “You can have anything you want. Money, fame…the ability to hear music.” You whimpered at the thought. “You want to hear music again right?” Caleb leaned in and whispered in your ear. “Well, you need to do as I say okay.” Then he leaned in and started whispering his plan to get the boys to join his club. Once he was done, he smiled caressing one side of your face. “Alright thank you my dear, you’re free to go.” He let go of your hand and watched as your eyes went back to their original color, yet the spell was still intact with your soul. He did however put a fake stamp on you just for show.

You smiled thinking he gave you one like the boys.

“Thanks for the stamp!” You waved goodbye then walked out the entrance where they waited for you. Luke pushed himself off the wall as you approached him.

“Where were you? We have to go!” He brought you closer to him by the waist. “He gave me a stamp.” You showed off your wrist.

“Cool, can we go before we’re late?” Luke pressed a kiss to your temple.

“We are late.” You pointed out.

“You know what I mean…let’s go.” Luke grabbed your hand and all four of you poofed to the school.

Back inside Willie approached Caleb with caution.

“Um…Caleb.” Caleb turned to the boy. “You never said you were gonna use your stamp, you know what that’ll do to them?”

“Of course I do William, but they’re too powerful. I need them working for me. Now they’ll have no option but to accept my invitation, especially after they find out what I did to their precious little dove.”

“Wait Y/n?” Willie furrowed his brows.

“Yes, she is the perfect type of leverage I need on the boys, especially Luke. He loves her too much, which is perfect for my plan. Plus she loves to dance, and I am more than capable of giving her all the music she wants to hear, but she loves Luke just as much…so I gave her something else to love.”

“You put a love spell on her.” Willie gasped.

“Oh don’t act so surprised William, I don’t prey on the young, she’s not my type.” Caleb scoffed at the accusation Willie thought. “Call it want you want…a love spell, it is sure, but it’s simply no more than a way to make her do as I say, which involves her getting the boys to agree to join the club.” Caleb smirk.

“But she’s with Luke.”

#luke patterson #luke patterson imagines #luke patterson imagine #luke patterson x reader #luke patterson x fem!reader #my gif #writings by juls

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illbeyourreasonwhy · 5 months

Text

when the time comes, baby don't run

It's over! It only took three years and months of absence, but I finally completed my post-S1 Willex fic!

Thanks to everyone who stuck around for this, and hey, if you're just now discovering it, feel free to check out this fic for Willex fluff (and a tiiiny bit of angst), friendship feels, and a Caleb takedown!

(Part 1 Part 2 Part 3)

Alex is starting to seriously resent this plan.

Not because he is in any danger. No, it’s actually the opposite.

He is starting to resent this plan because he was tasked with staying behind at the studio, and not knowing what is going on is killing him.

“Alex, stop pacing,” Julie says, doing a terrible job at soothing his worries since she is also wringing her hands with a vengeance.

“He pacing again?” Flynn asks. She’s the only one of them who seems a minimum composed, but Alex caught her biting her nails when she thought neither of them was looking. “Alex, you need to chill. It’s not like we can do anything right now.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m freaking out,” Alex mutters, even though she can’t hear him. “We have no idea what’s going on, Caleb could have already caught them for all we know…”

“Alex,” Julie says tightly. She is still attempting to sound reassuring and failing miserably. “Not helping.”

He looks at her, taking in the tension and worry in her expression, and realises it looks familiar. This isn’t the first time she had to stay behind while her friends went off on a side mission, after all. He suddenly feels a lot more understanding of her frantic barrage of questions after they returned from getting their names on the Orpheum setlist, all those weeks ago.

It’s for her sake that he forces himself to sit, resting his arm next to hers on the table. He isn’t tangible right now, but he hopes the closeness will help comfort her – and him.

She offers him a strained smile, like she can tell what he’s thinking, and he thinks maybe it works.

“It’s going to be okay,” Flynn says, quieter than usual.

“Then what’s taking so long?” Julie asks to no one in particular.

It had been decided that one of the ghosts would stay behind as a precautionary measure. Willie, currently speaking with Caleb – a thought that does nothing to soothe Alex’s already anxious mind – has been given Julie’s phone, so that he can send a text to Flynn the moment Caleb is done talking to him. Which is why Flynn and Julie are currently sitting in the studio, fully charged phone laying flat on the coffee table in front of them, ready to send Alex to retrieve Luke and Reggie from the club should they not be back by the time the text comes through.

It's a precautionary measure, he reminds himself. Luke and Reggie know they are on a tight schedule and have promised to be as quick as possible, while Willie is doing his best to keep Caleb occupied as long as he can. If all goes well, Caleb will never even know they were there.

But, still. Knowing that doesn’t make the wait any less anxiety inducing.

“It’s going to be okay,” Flynn repeats, like she can read his thoughts. She is probably just looking at Julie’s face.

As if summoned, Luke and Reggie appear in front of them with a brief white flash. Alex sags in relief, not getting the time to gauge their expressions before Julie jumps to her feet to engulf them in a hug with a squeal. Or, well, she tries; neither Luke or Reggie are tangible, either, and Julie slips through them, stumbling a little as Luke uselessly throws out a hand to steady her. She looks too relieved to see them to be bothered, eyes darting furiously between the two of them.

“How did it go?”

Reggie shrugs. “We didn’t really see anything we could use, but we did find this.”

He reaches inside his coat and pulls out something that he precariously sets on the coffee table.

The five of them crowd around it.

“What is that?” Flynn asks slowly, her eyes not leaving the strange object the boys brought back.

“No idea,” Luke answers, his voice hushed.

The object on the table – no, not on the table, Alex realizes, hovering over it – looks like a tiny purple ball, a glowing hue emanating from it and dusting the air with a faint light. Alex has never seen anything quite like it before, but he knows, just looking at it, that it is bursting with magic.

“It seemed important,” Reggie says, and Alex believes it.

Julie’s eyes flicker between the two of them, teeth gnawing at her lower lip.

“None of you actually knows what it is?” she reassesses. When she only gets shakes of heads as an answer, she nods and says, “Okay, then no one touch it.” She narrows her eyes at Reggie especially. “I’m serious. We don’t know what this is or what we’re dealing with, so we’re staying put and waiting for Willie to come back and explain.”

No one argues. They don’t have to wait long; twenty minutes later Willie sends a warning text that he is done with Caleb, and he walks through the doors of the studio another ten minutes later. The sight of him helps Alex breathe a little easier; he lifts himself off the couch and crosses the space between them to pull Willie into a tight hug. Willie’s arms loop around him easily, looking as relieved to see Alex as Alex is to see him.

“Hey, hot dog,” he whispers.

“You okay?” Alex asks as they move apart. He knows Willie is, or he wouldn’t be here, but he thinks he needs to hear him say it.

“I’m okay,” Willie answers. “I think Caleb bought it. It’s always hard to tell with him, but I’m pretty sure he believed me. You’re all okay too?”

“A-okay,” Reggie answers. “We were in and out, no one even saw us.”

Alex desperately hopes that’s true. He leads Willie back to the group; Willie follows easily, only to stop dead when he catches sight of the purple ball.

“Is that what I think it is?” he asks slowly.

“Ah. Well, see, we don’t actually know what it is, so…”

Willie stares at the ball, looking shaken.

“That’s the source of Caleb’s power,” he says. “When ghosts harness other ghosts’ powers like Caleb does, and they start having more power than one ghost should, they have to physically store the excess somewhere so that it doesn’t overwhelm them, and keep it close so that they can still access it. I think Caleb used this ball in his very first trick back when he was alive, so it has sentimental value to him or something. You guys found it?”

“It wasn’t that well hidden!” Reggie says, sounding like he feels he should defend himself. “It was just sitting there in a box inside of another box under a curtain in Caleb’s dressing room! We didn’t know what it was, we just assumed it was important!”

“Well clearly you were right!” Alex exclaims. He realizes he sounds panicky, but sue him, he is panicking. “What if Caleb can trace it back to here? Can he tell where it is?”

A soft touch to his shoulder; it’s Willie, and Alex feels his nerves simmer down. They’re not gone, though.

“I don’t think he can trace it,” Willie says. “If he did, he would be here already.”

That’s not exactly a reassuring thought. Alex doesn’t have time to say that, though, because then Julie steps forward.

“Time-out,” she says. “What’s going on?”

Right. She can’t see Willie or hear his explanations. Flynn is probably even more lost.

When they are done recapping, Flynn’s eyebrows are furrowed and Julie has a determined look in her eyes.

“So this thing is pretty important to Caleb, then?”

“It’s the most important thing in the world to him,” Willie confirms. Reggie repeats it. “Without it under his control, he could lose all his power, all his influence.”

An idea starts to prickle the back of Alex’s mind, but before it can fully form, Julie speaks up.

“Call Caleb here. Tell him we’re willing to trade this thing back to him for the release of Nick and Willie, and the promise that he will leave us alone from now on.”

They all turn to stare at her, stunned.

“Jules, you were the one who was afraid of blackmailing him in the first place,” Flynn reminds her.

“I know,” Julie says, and she does look a little shaken, but the determined look in her eyes doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere. “But things are different now. This –” she gestures to the purple ball, still hovering innocently over the coffee table, “- is one more thing that will draw Caleb’s attention to us. We need to act before he figures out that we have it.” She crosses her arms. “Right now, Caleb doesn’t know it’s missing yet. We need to use that to our advantage. If we confront him with it, catch him off-guard, it might be the first time we have the upper hand since this mess started.”

She looks at them all, as if waiting for an answer, but none of them have one at first. In truth, Alex suspects they all might be a little impressed.

“She’s got a point,” Luke says eventually. Unsurprisingly, too. He’ll always back Julie up.

Willie glances around the group and, upon seeing no argument, steels himself and nods. “Okay,” he says. “I’ll go get him.”

He prepares to leave, and it’s then, when Alex sees the back of his silhouette framed in the doorway, that the fear suddenly jumps to his throat.

“Wait!”

They all look at him, looking surprised at his outburst, but Alex barely sees them. What he does see is Willie about to walk away from him again, away from him and right back into the palm of Caleb’s hand, and Alex can’t handle it. It has always been hard, letting Willie go back to Caleb and wondering if this is the time he won’t come back, but with the added knowledge of what has been going on it has gone from hard to unbearable. How is Alex supposed to watch Willie throw himself back into the deathtrap that is setting up a meeting between Caleb and them and therefore revealing he has been in contact with them and working with them, less than an hour after feeding him what Caleb will inevitably realize are lies? How can they ask Willie to walk into what could very well be the moment Caleb decides he has grown tired of letting Willie get in his way and wipes him out of existence?

Alex is suddenly truly, utterly terrified of letting Willie out of his sight and at Caleb’s mercy, and maybe that’s why the seeds of an idea that were forming a few moments ago jump to the front of his mind, crystal-clear and complete now.

“What if there was another way?”

“Another way?” Reggie repeats.

“You said that without this, Caleb would lose all his power, all his influence,” Alex says haltingly, rushing to get his thoughts out.

Willie nods, looking confused as to where Alex is going with this. Alex goes on, his voice going breathless in his haste to get the words out.

“What if we don’t give it back? What if we keep it for ourselves?”

Reggie is the first to answer, voice hesitant and unsure. “But wouldn’t that just put a target on our backs? If it’s that important, Caleb won’t stop at anything to get it back.”

“But if we use it,” Alex insists, “if we figure out how to control it, we can take him down, for good.”

“I’m with Alex,” Luke says, and Alex feels a thrum of relief go through him amidst the frantic rush of his thoughts. If someone is backing him up, this can’t be that crazy an idea, right?

Julie doesn’t seem to agree. “Let me get this straight. You want to play with magic you don’t understand and try to control something we know is incredibly powerful with no prior knowledge on how do that?”

“I’m sorry, who wants to do what now?” Flynn pipes up, looking alarmed.

Julie glances at her and raises a hand as if to let her know she will translate everything to her in a moment, and Alex opens his mouth to defend himself, but then Willie speaks up.

“That’s way too dangerous, hot dog,” he says, eyes serious and almost scared. “That kind of power in the wrong hands, things could end really, really badly.”

“It’s already in the wrong hands with Caleb!” Alex points out.

“I’m not saying I disagree,” Willie says. “But the reason it’s working for Caleb is that he actually knows what he is doing with it. I mean, say we keep it with us, what’s your plan? We just hold onto it and hope for the best?”

“I – well, I figured I would leave that part to you,” Alex admits, trying to push down the embarrassment he can feel start to well up within him.

“I don’t know the first thing about wielding this kind of power!” Willie says. “It would be a disaster, I can’t even imagine how wrong things could go –”

“Julie,” Alex hears Flynn whisper urgently. “Julie, what’s happening? I can’t hear them, are they being dumb?”

“I just think we should think about it before handing back something this valuable, that’s all. I’m just thinking of an alternative,” Alex says, feeling like he needs to defend himself. He doesn’t like the way he feels like he has been backed into a corner. “Stop acting like I’m being stupid for that.”

“No one said you were being stupid,” Julie says immediately, placating, “but look, we had a plan –”

“We had the beginning of a plan,” Alex corrects, “you said that. The next step was figuring out how to use whatever we found – I’m just offering one option.”

“But we don’t know the first thing about using this thing, and in the time it takes for us to figure it out, Caleb could come looking for us, and –”

“But if we do figure it out, we could defend ourselves –”

“Alex, again, I don’t know how to use this,” Willie starts, and it’s looking like he is going to tell him to give up on this idea, and Alex’s heart seizes with fear –

“If you go back right now, Caleb will know you lied!”

There is a short silence following his outburst, and Alex wants to retreat back into himself. His heart is beating wildly as he eyes his friends’ reactions, feeling exposed as he watches their expressions soften with understanding.

“Hot dog,” Willie says, gently, “I’m going to be fine.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I know what I signed up for. Fact is, if we want Caleb to release me and Nick, we’re going to have to face him at some point.”

“I know, but…” Alex closes his eyes, tries to explain the way his thoughts are rattling inside his brain. “You just went to lie to his face. If you tell him we want to talk to him right now, he’ll know you’ve been in contact with us and that none of what you said was true. And then what will happen to you?”

Willie presses his lips together, looking worried – Alex is willing to bet Willie is more worried about Alex’s reaction than his actual words, though, and he knows it should settle his anxiety to know that Willie, who has more knowledge on all things related to Caleb, seems less afraid of what might happen than he does, but it’s hard to relax when he also knows that Willie has fully decided to commit to their safety over his own.

“He doesn’t have to know.”

Alex tears his eyes away from Willie to Luke, across the table, who looks back at him with half-raised eyebrows.

“What do you mean?”

“Caleb. He doesn’t have to know that Willie was working with us. Willie can just say that we contacted him on our own just now to set a meeting because he’s our closest link to him. That way he’s in the clear, and if the deal works then by the time he realizes Willie is lying it’ll be too late, we’ll be in the process of bargaining for his soul back.”

Alex feels his forehead crease as he takes it in. “You think he’ll buy that?”

“I think he wants us bad enough to be willing to take the meeting even if he suspects something,” Luke answers. “Whether or not he believes Willie, he’ll want to deal with him afterwards, so we just have to make sure he can’t.”

That… is a good point. But Alex isn’t sure he is willing to gamble Willie’s safety on that chance alone.

“Look, this is dangerous,” Julie says slowly. “Caleb already almost took you guys away once, and I’m just worried that if we’re not careful, he might – he might –”

She breaks off, and Alex’s heart breaks, because she’s scared, she’s really scared, and he’s scared too, and if even Willie can’t be sure of what they’re dealing with then what chance do they have, and –

“Okay, timeout, please.”

They all whirl around to look at Flynn, who in turn is switching between looking at Julie and glancing around the room, trying to figure out where they all are, worry in her eyes. She smiles when she sees Julie looking back at her, but it looks strained.

“Hi. Lifer friend here,” she says, raising a hand. “Uh, what’s going on?”

Oh. Alex sees Julie’s face fall guiltily, feels that same guilt curl in his stomach. They’re usually better at keeping her in the loop when the ghosts aren’t visible, but Alex got so caught up in worry for Willie and desperation to get the others to consider his alternative that it slipped his mind this time.

“Sorry,” he says. “Julie, can you tell her I’m sorry?”

She does, and in the time it takes for her to fill Flynn in, Alex can feel his nerves start to settle – and sees it reflected in his friends’ stances. By the time Flynn is caught up, he thinks they’re all thinking about this with a little clearer state of mind.

“Huh,” Flynn says, nodding pensively. “That’s actually not as stupid as I was expecting.”

“Hey!” Alex protests.

“And before your ghost gets offended, keep in mind that I could only hear part of that conversation.”

Alex can’t help but smile at that. He loves Flynn, loves that she knows them well enough to be able to anticipate what they will say even when she can’t hear them.

“So you agree with him then?” Julie asks. “You think we should keep that thing for ourselves?”

Flynn presses her lips together. “I think,” she says eventually, “it should be up to Willie.”

Willie blinks, looking at her in surprise. Alex feels a sharp shard of emotion go through his chest – a little bit of that same surprise, because that hadn’t been what he expected Flynn to say; guilt, feeling inadequate as Willie’s… something, that he wasn’t the one to put Willie’s feelings on this whole thing first; and more significantly, something almost like heartbreak at how stunned Willie looks at the simple prospect of being the one to make the final call on this decision. He wonders how long it has been since Willie has heard someone say the choice should be up to him.

Alex tries to swallow around all these feelings and the way they’re catching in his throat. “Yeah,” he manages, his voice rough. “She’s right. It should be your call.”

He hates this, hates this, because he knows that Willie isn’t going to take into account how badly this could go for him if he thinks it will benefit the group. But he also knows that despite that, this should be Willie’s decision; he is the one more at risk, he is the one who has been living in this world the longest and knows its rules the most, and he is the one who knows Caleb best.

Willie wraps his arms around himself, his thumb circling the inside of his wrist soothingly. Alex resists the urge to grab his hand and do it himself.

“The plan was always to find leverage to free me and Nick,” he says finally. “Not to take on Caleb ourselves.” He glances down at the purple ball. “And this is more than enough leverage.”

He turns his gaze to Alex, apologetic, and Alex forces himself not to look away; he doesn’t want Willie to interpret it the wrong way, to think Alex is angry with him for not going with his plan when really he feels like his heart is shattering at the thought of the danger Willie is about to walk into. So he keeps looking, tries to smile, hopes that the utter devastation he is feeling isn’t reflected in his eyes.

“If we had more time,” Willie continues, “if we could learn how to use this against him, it would be different, but – he’s going to notice it’s missing really quickly, and when he does he’ll come straight here. We need to use the element of surprise while we still can. It’s the best chance we’ve got.”

Alex lets out a slow breath.

“He might not figure out we have it right away,” he tries, a last-ditch effort. “I don’t know, I’m willing to believe he’s pissed off more people than just us.”

Luke makes a considering noise, but Alex doesn’t dwell on it. He knows he’s lost. Willie smiles at him sadly, shaking his head.

“It’s not worth the risk. The plan was always to use what we found as a bargaining chip. I think that’s the plan we should stick with. It’s the safer play for all of us.”

“Including you?” Alex checks.

“Including me. It’s like Luke said. I think there is a pretty big chance that even if Caleb suspects something, he’ll want to see how this plays out before he does anything about it.”

“What if he does find out that you lied to him?”

“If this goes well, by the end of the day he won’t be able to do anything about it.”

Willie’s confidence seems to be enough for the others, but Alex doesn’t trust it – Willie can be very self-sacrificial when it comes to this group.

Willie notices.

“Alex,” he says, “I’ll be fine.”

“You keep saying that,” Alex says, hating the way his voice breaks.

Willie smiles, heartbreakingly sincere. “And I keep coming back, don’t I?”

He does. And every time, Alex is left wondering if this was the last. If Willie’s luck is finally about to run out, if this is when Caleb runs out of patience. But if he is right, if this goes well, after today, he won’t have to worry ever again.

(He will probably worry anyway.)

Alex lets out a breath. It’s the most difficult thing in the world, but he manages to force himself to nod, the movement jerky.

“Okay.” He meets Willie’s gaze, sees the surprise reflected in his eyes at his relenting, and huffs out something that sounds almost like a laugh. “You better go. Before I change my mind.”

Willie smiles, small and nervous but bright as ever, and Alex loves him. The feeling sits in his chest, familiar and warm and just a little heartbreaking. Willie smiles, and Alex loves him.

Alex follows him out of the garage, trying to keep him in his sights as long as possible, and Willie smiles at him again when they make it outside. It’s softer now, less uncertain, and it makes Alex’s heart twinge inside his chest.

“I’ll be right back,” he promises.

He starts to turn, starts to leave, and Alex’s hand shoots out, snagging Willie’s.

“Wait,” he breathes.

He pulls Willie closer with a tug of the hand, then reaches out, cradling his face in both hands. Willie looks at him, his eyes staring into Alex’s, and Alex rests his forehead against his.

His thumb caresses Willie’s cheek, softly. Willie leans into it, and Alex breathes.

“You’re coming back,” he says.

It’s a fact, not a request, but Willie nods anyway, his forehead brushing against Alex’s, and brings his hands to cup the back of Alex’s neck. For a moment, it’s like they are the only two people in the world, holding each other, a breath from each other.

Alex kisses him.

He’s never actually kissed anyone before, so he’s not entirely sure what to expect, but Willie gasps softly into it, and kisses him back, slowly, and Alex’s eyes slip closed of their own accord. He feels one of Willie’s hands move to his hair, the other still resting on the back of his neck, thumb gently smoothing a spot behind his ear, and it’s kind of the best thing Alex has ever felt.

Alex frames Willie’s face in his hands and kisses him, kisses him, kisses him.

They remain close after they pull away, foreheads rested together. Alex breathes out, cupping Willie’s cheek, and opens his eyes. Willie’s open a moment later, and for a moment they just look at each other. Willie smiles. Alex smiles back.

He lets go after a moment, moves back, because he thinks if he keeps holding Willie for much longer he might never be able to let him go.

“Catch you later, skater boy.”

Willie smiles, vulnerable and so, so bright, and Alex loves him.

He brings one of Alex’s hands to his lips, drops a quick kiss there, and lets go.

“Catch you later,” he echoes.

And then he’s gone.

Alex lets out a slow breath, the full weight of what just happened making him stumble as he moves to go back inside the studio. He sits on the couch and Julie joins him a moment later, her hand hovering over his in an attempt to give him some comfort when they can’t touch.

“You okay?”

“I kissed Willie.”

Three heads whip around to look at him. “What?”

“I kissed Willie,” Alex repeats, and then it’s like it hits him for the first time. “Oh my god. I kissed Willie.”

He kissed Willie. And Willie kissed him back. Willie told him he was coming back. To him. Willie kissed his hand –

Alex feels his cheeks heat up, and even after all this time he can still be annoyed by the fact that this shouldn’t be possible, especially when Reggie notices and grins.

“Oh my god, you’re blushing! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush.”

“Shut up,” Alex mutters.

“Hey, I’m just happy for you, man,” Reggie says, clapping him on the back. “It’s about time.”

“What he said,” Luke grins. “Congrats on finally making it happen.”

Julie just smiles, shaking her head lightly. “Only you, Alex. Only you could manage to convince yourself that the guy you’ve been practically dating for weeks actually isn’t into you, only to make a move and kiss him just as we’re about to face off with a super-powerful ghost who wants to end us all.”

Alex huffs out a laugh. “Thanks.”

“Alex and Willie kissed?” Flynn yelps. “Finally!”

“That’s what I’m saying!” Reggie exclaims, grinning at her.

Alex ignores them, glancing back at the entrance where he last saw Willie and resisting the urge to touch his lips. He does not want to deal with his friends’ reactions if they were to see him do that.

Julie meets his gaze and smiles, small and soft. “I’m really happy for you, Alex,” she says. “You and Willie, you deserve everything you want.”

Alex lets out a slow breath. Because that’s just it, isn’t it? He wants so much with Willie. He wants to kiss him again. He wants to take him out on dates. He wants to hug him in front of all their friends and listen to them tease them relentlessly. He wants to tell him he loves him. He wants Willie, with him, by his side, safe and sound.

All of that is so close, almost within reach. If they are able to deal with Caleb and all goes well, after today Willie won’t have to worry about him ever again. Alex wants that so desperately he is terrified. Being hopeful – being allowed to be hopeful, being given hope – he realizes, might be the scariest thing of all.

He is so scared. He has so much to lose.

They are so close to being rid of Caleb for good. He doesn’t think he will be able to take it if this goes wrong.

He knows the others feel it too. Flynn and Reggie have reconvened to a corner to talk in hushed voices, too quiet for him to hear, but Luke isn’t moving, only twisting the rings on his fingers with an intensity he probably isn’t aware of, jaw set and gaze stuck to the floor. And Julie – Julie is next to him still, her small smile still in place despite the worry clouding her eyes.

“Yeah,” he says, voice rough and a beat too late. “Thanks.”

She nods, lips pressing together, and bumps their shoulders together softly. Actually bumps them, not slipping through him, and Alex feels some of his nerves relax just a fraction. Facing Caleb seems just the little bit more surmountable with the knowledge that Julie truly is by his side.

“Alright,” Julie says after a minute, her voice ringing clearly in the heavy silence. “Band circle.”

Her words seem to rouse them from the tense atmosphere and they all get to their feet, meeting next to the coffee table where Caleb’s sphere is still hovering. Flynn hangs back, hesitating, but Reggie gestures for her to follow and she does.

“Okay,” Julie says, looking between all of them. “We got this.”

She extends her hands; Alex, standing to her left, takes one immediately, seeing Flynn do the same on her other side. They all follow through, the five of them joining hands – Flynn rests her right hand palm down over Luke’s left, palm up – and for a moment they just breathe.

“We got this,” Luke repeats.

There isn’t much else to say. They all know the plan, risky and hastily made as it may be, and Willie left a few minutes ago already so Caleb should be here any moment. Alex feels nervous; he wants to ask if they are nervous too, but he thinks that probably won’t help.

“We’re going to be okay,” Luke adds, so maybe Alex didn’t need to say it after all. “We’re all going to be okay.”

“Including Willie,” Julie says, catching Alex’s eye.

“Yeah,” Reggie says. “We’re not giving up until we’re all safe.”

Alex nods, takes a deep breath. There still isn’t much to say. There isn’t anything left to say, really, except: “I love you guys.”

Reggie’s hand tightens around his. Julie offers him a taut smile. The anticipation hangs heavily in the air around them, like a weight over Alex’s chest, and he takes a deep breath. There is nothing else to do but wait, and he thinks to himself, as he releases his breath, that he is glad these are the people he’s facing this with.

With a final squeeze, Julie lets go of their hands, and everyone follows suit again.

“Flynn,” Luke says then, “if you want to go, you should go now. Caleb won’t be long.”

Flynn’s eyes shoot over to him. She looks stunned.

“Why would I go?”

“You’re the only one Caleb doesn’t know about,” Luke explains, which, shit, he’s right, Alex hadn’t even thought of that. “If you want to keep it that way, if you want to stay safe –”

“I’m staying here,” Flynn interrupts. “With you guys. We’re a team, right?”

Luke smiles, almost despite himself. “We’re a team.”

And then there is a whooshing sound behind them, and when Alex turns around Nick is standing there, in their studio, his gaze cold as he takes in the scene before him.

Alex’s eyes seek out Willie immediately, and to his relief he finds him there, standing behind Nick looking berated; he still manages a strained smile when their eyes meet, though, and Alex feels something like courage thrum through his veins.

The relief doesn’t last long, however, when he turns his gaze back to the primary threat in the room.

Nick stands in the middle of the room, smiling pleasantly at them, but the expression marring his face doesn’t look like his own – because it’s not, obviously. Now that Alex knows the truth, it’s easy to recognize Caleb’s coldness in his eyes as they rove over the group, and the edge of his mouth curls unpleasantly when they land on Julie.

On instinct, Alex moves to stand in front of her, feeling more than seeing Luke and Reggie do the same. Julie lays a placating hand on his arm, though, and raises her head to meet Nick’s gaze head on.

“Hi, Caleb,” she says, her voice only wavering a little.

Caleb’s smile deepens, splitting Nick’s face even more unnaturally than before.

“Hello, Julie. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Alex sees Luke’s grip on Julie’s hand tighten.

“So,” Caleb continues after a moment, and Alex has to stop himself from flinching at that single word, “William here tells me you have something for me.”

With a start Alex’s eyes dart to the coffee table, where the purple orb would be in plain sight, only to find it missing. He has time to panic for a split-second that Caleb somehow found a way to get his hands on it already and that they’re doomed, before Flynn catches his eye and subtly taps her jacket pocket. Alex exhales shakily, the wave of relief he feels almost knocking him a step back.

Once again, though, it’s short-lived.

“Well?” Caleb asks.

Alex watches as Julie swallows, visibly steeling herself before she takes a step forward.

“We’d like to make a deal.”

One of Caleb-Nick’s eyebrows arches up slightly, and he takes a step forward of his own. Watching him get closer to Julie makes Alex want to run for the hills will all his friends in tow, and based on the look on her face Julie feels the same way, but she stands her ground.

“Is that so?”

Julie shoots a glance at Flynn, who nods and puts a hand in her pocket, drawing it back slowly with her fingers curled around the purple little ball. Reggie takes a minute step closer to her, while Caleb-Nick’s expression goes slack, his eyes widening. He starts towards Flynn, but Alex, Luke and Julie move as if one, stepping in front of her and blocking his way, Julie throwing her arms out protectively.

All of this takes place in the space of a second, and Caleb recovers quickly, smoothing Nick’s expression into a blank canvas at odds with the cold fury in his eyes. But that second was enough – it was enough for Caleb’s countenance to falter, for him to give away that this innocuous little purple ball meant something to him, and that with it they just might have enough bargaining power to make it through this unscathed.

“So,” Luke says haltingly, sounding for all accounts and purposes like he is completely sure of himself if not for the flicker of a tremor in his voice, “this is important to you, then.”

“How did you kids get your hands on this?”

Caleb starts to turn to Willie, but Luke speaks up again before he gets around to fully looking at him.

“You know, if you want to keep your things hidden you might want to not leave them out in the open for a couple of ghosts to stumble upon when they’re snooping through your dressing room,” he says, still all bravado, and Julie shoots him a look as if to tell him to thread more carefully.

“Do you kids have any idea what you are holding onto there?”

“We know it’s the source of your power,” Alex says, surprising even himself when he hears the sound of his own voice speaking up. Willie materializes next to Alex, and his hand finds his, latching onto it and holding on for dear life. Caleb’s eyes linger on their hands and his lip curls menacingly, but Willie doesn’t let go. Alex doesn’t either. “We know that all your magic is concentrated in it, and that the longer we hold on to it the weaker you will become. We know that if we were to destroy it, you would lose everything.” They don’t actually know how to destroy it, but Caleb doesn’t need to know that.

Caleb’s expression is unwavering, and he looks almost bored. But he has also gone very, very still, and it occurs to Alex suddenly that a Caleb with something to lose might be a deadlier Caleb than they’ve ever known.

“Listen, now –” he starts.

“We’re not actually planning on doing that,” Alex interrupts.

“We don’t want to fight you,” Julie continues. “We’re not interested in using it in a power play against you. We’re willing to hand it over to you right here, right now.”

Alex knows she is scared – they are all scared – but there is no trace of it right now as she speaks. She sounds certain, grounded. And Caleb is listening. She was right, then, Alex realizes – for the first time since this mess started, they have the upper hand. They have something Caleb wants, and he is willing to hear them out if there is a chance he can get it without a fight.

“All we ask for in return is that you release Nick and that you leave us alone, forever. That includes the five of us here, and Willie.”

Caleb’s eyes settle onto Willie, cold and utterly furious, and Alex tightens his hold on Willie’s hand.

Caleb’s voice is all but pleasant, though, when he speaks, factual and almost unconcerned.

“Well, unfortunately there might be an issue with William’s case. With our current arrangement, ‘leaving him alone’ is quite literally impossible. He signed his soul off to me. Simply put, I own him.”

“So release him,” Flynn says fiercely. It’s the first time she has spoken in Caleb’s presence, and his eyes flash dangerously as they whip to her, his mask of calm slipping when they land on the girl holding the source of his power. Her stares icily at her, and she shudders, but she doesn’t back down. “Give him his soul back. Set him free.”

Caleb shakes his head, a condescending smile on his lips. “It is not that simple. The soul business is tricky. His is currently bound to me, and unbinding it will take effort.”

“Figure it out,” Alex snaps. Willie’s hand tightens around his briefly, like a spasm, and Alex strokes his thumb across the back of his knuckles soothingly.

“No Willie, no strange purple ball for you,” Reggie chimes in.

For a beat, no one says anything, and Alex waits with bated breath for someone to break. The moment feels suspended in time; he doesn’t think anyone is even moving. All he can do is keep a hold on Willie’s hand, eyes on Caleb as he waits for his next move.

“You release Nick,” Julie reiterates after a long pause. “You release Willie. And you stop going after everyone standing in this room, for good.”

“That includes possessing people to get close to us,” Luke adds, and oh, Alex hadn’t even thought of that. “We’re talking friends, families, classmates. They’re all off-limits.”

“You swear to leave all of us alone,” Julie says. “And we hand your strange purple ball back to you right now.”

Alex has his eyes on Caleb’s face, terrified that if he looks away Caleb will choose that moment to strike. But Caleb doesn’t move, his face impassive as he keeps looking at Julie. Alex feels Willie’s fingers tighten around his.

Then Caleb’s stance relaxes, and he smiles.

“You drive a hard bargain, miss Molina.”

“Not that hard,” Julie says haltingly. “You get your power, and in exchange you leave seven people out of your reign of terror.”

A beat, then:

“We have a deal.”

Julie stumbles. “We – we do?”

Caleb’s eyes glint dangerously, and Alex holds no illusions that he is happy with this outcome. But he tips his head forward, a gesture that looks far too formal on Nick’s teenage body, and takes a step back.

“We do.”

Alex feels himself exhale a shaky breath, hit with a wave of relief so strong he feels lightheaded.

It worked. It actually worked.

“Wait,” Willie starts, letting go of Alex’s hand, “aren’t you supposed to –”

Whatever he was going to say, it is lost in the sudden commotion that follows; Caleb-Nick takes a step back, arms ahead of him as if to brace himself, opens his mouth, and with a shudder, seems to exhale some kind of purple smoke. Alex feels himself take a step back. The smoke thickens, obscuring Nick from view, and when it clears, Nick is on the ground, his eyes closed, and Caleb – real-Caleb, the Caleb Alex met at the Hollywood Ghost Club – stands above him, looking so menacing Alex flinches back.

“Nick!” Julie yelps.

She moves as if to go to him, only to be held back by Luke bracing a hand on her shoulder. He jerks his head in Caleb’s direction, and she follows his gaze, her eyes widening and her posture stiffening as she meets the ghost’s gaze head on. Right, Julie and Flynn can see Caleb, then. That’s good. That’ll make things easier, considering Alex’s nerves are already so fried he doesn’t think he would be able to handle helping them navigate this situation blindly on top of everything else.

“What happened to him?” Julie asks, her voice wavering.

“He was possessed,” Caleb says with a dismissive wave of the hand. “It takes a toll on the body. He will be fine.” Julie looks like she wants to argue, but Caleb’s gaze shifts away from her and onto Flynn. “Now, about our exchange.”

“Wait,” Julie says, “how do we know Nick is going to be okay?”

Caleb’s face twists in annoyance, and Alex wants to tell her to be careful, but before he can get a word out Caleb lunges.

He makes a grab for Flynn, who shrieks and backs away, her grip loosening on the ball in her fright. Reggie makes to push her behind him, but his arm goes right through her, and all he does is put himself in Caleb’s path. Alex feels his heart jump to his throat as he jerks towards Reggie, and then it’s chaos.

It all happens fast; one second the room was standing in stilted shock as Caleb made his move, the next everyone is yelling and scrambling for each other. Alex’s mind goes blank with white-hot terror as he tumbles toward Reggie and Flynn, unable to focus on anything beyond getting to them before Caleb does. Someone is yelling his name – he thinks it might be Willie – and he trips over his own feet and everyone is running and his eyes land on Julie, Julie who – his heart drops.

In the midst of the commotion, Julie somehow finds herself right in front of Caleb. She’s all alone, backed into the piano, and Alex distantly feels himself freeze, his body catching up to his terror-addled mind and unable to do anything but process the scene in front of him. Julie stumbles backwards; Flynn is screaming and Luke is running to her and Julie’s face is twisted in fear as her back hits the piano. Caleb looms closer and Luke isn’t going to get to her in time and Alex is just remembering how to unlock his limbs and jerk forwards when Caleb draws an arm out, reaching for her -

-and then, suddenly, falters.

Caleb takes a step back, an uncomfortable look on his face. Luke appears at Julie’s side, looking ready to strike Caleb himself, and Alex barely has time to feel extra terrified for what will happen to both his friends on top of the general terror he already feels for all of them when he feels something grip his arm. It’s Willie, one hand clenching his arm urgently as he bursts out:

“The flowers! Julie, you – the flowers, use the flowers!”

“What are you – what are you talking about?” Alex says, his words jumbled.

“The flowers!” Julie is still staring at Caleb in terror and confusion, and Willie seems to realize she isn’t reacting to his words when his grip on Alex turns painful in its desperation. “Tell her to use the flowers!”

“Julie, use the flowers!” Alex yells, too spurred on by the urgency in Willie’s voice to properly think through his words. “Use the flowers!”

“What?”

“The flowers behind you!” Reggie yelps, pointing to the piano she is crowded against.

Looking bewildered, Julie turns and grabs the bouquet of dahlias sitting innocuously atop the piano. “Now what?” she asks, staring warily at Caleb over Luke’s shoulder, Luke having stepped in front of her when she had her back turned.

Caleb advances on her then, too fast for Luke to react, and Alex can only watch with Flynn’s scream ringing in his ears as he shoves the boy to the side. Julie shrieks as Caleb gets closer to her and she flings the dahlias in his direction. It’s more of a knee-jerk reaction than a thought-out plan, Alex can tell, and predictably the bouquet flies straight through Caleb – but then Caleb falters again, stepping back, and Alex watches in dazed awe as he almost seems to flicker.

Everyone stands frozen, unsure what just happened or how to react, except for Willie who springs into action. One moment he is holding onto Alex, the next he has poofed to pick up the flowers, flashing over to Julie and shoving them back in her hands before anyone has a chance to recover. She takes them, looking dumbfounded.

“Willie?” she calls. “What is this?”

Caleb regains his composure then, standing up straighter and looking thunderous, although he doesn’t attempt to get closer. Julie straightens up herself, brandishing the bouquet of dahlias in his direction in a way Alex might find absurd if not for the wariness in Caleb’s face as he eyes her.

“What is this?” Julie repeats, addressing Caleb this time. “Why is this affecting you?”

Caleb regards her, and for a beat the moment stretches out, all the previous agitation gone into a tension that hangs heavily in the air.

Then Caleb’s entire stance relaxes. Alex and everyone else in the room is very much aware that it’s all for show, but outwardly at least, Caleb leans back, eyeing Julie and her dahlias appraisingly, and nods.

“Very well,” he says. “What were the terms of the deal? I release the Danforth-Evans boy and William here, and in exchange you hand me my power back?”

Julie shifts uncertainly, thrown by the sudden turn of events; Alex moves to stand at her side, and adds: “And you leave us alone from here on out. Those are the terms.”

Caleb glowers at him, but his smile stays in place. “Fine. You have yourselves a deal.”

Luke scoffs, and Julie raises a skeptical eyebrow, not looking impressed. “Do we?” she asks. “Because you just tried to attack us not a minute ago.”

Caleb waves her away impatiently. “The deal hasn’t been set. You can’t blame me for attempting to take back what is mine when I saw a chance.”

Alex thinks that they actually very much can blame him for that, but he doesn’t get the chance to say so. Firstly because he is still very much terrified of Caleb and what would happen if he did, and secondly because Julie gets stuck on another part of what Caleb said.

“What do you mean, the deal hasn’t been set? We agreed on the terms, what else do you need?”

“You’re supposed to shake on it,” Willie calls out, his voice ragged. “That’s what seals the deal.”

Caleb sends him a withering look, and Alex really, really hope Willie will be out of the ghost’s reach by the end of this.

“William is right,” is all Caleb says. “We need to shake hands for the deal to be set.”

Set in what? Alex wonders. But it doesn’t seem to matter, because Caleb approaches Julie – differently than he did before, with a sort of wariness to him; maybe even a hint of respect.

Whatever it is, it seems to be pushing him to take this deal – to take them – seriously, so Alex decides not to question it just yet. He’ll wait for them to be in the clear for it.

Julie seems to be of the same mind, because she steps forward as well, albeit slower. She still doesn’t trust that Caleb isn’t about to pull one over them, which, fair. Alex isn’t convinced of it either.

But she extends a hand nonetheless, and Alex watches, holding his breath, as Caleb reaches out, his hand very much solid as it clasps Julie’s and shakes it slowly.

“It’s a deal,” Caleb says. “You and your friends in this room are free from my reach.”

Julie swallows. “Good.”

She pulls her hand away and steps back, briefly looking around the room as if to check that all of them are still there, still safe. Alex is struck by the weight of this moment. After everything, after all the pain and the terror, the nightmare is over. They’re free.

“Now,” Caleb says, and Julie refocuses on him. “Our exchange?”

Julie glances back at Flynn, who has moved to stand behind her; a nod, and Flynn reaches inside her pocket and retrieves the purple ball, placing it carefully in Julie’s hand. Julie’s fingers claps it tightly and she turns back to Caleb, who extends a hand expectantly.

Julie hesitates.

Caleb clicks his tongue. “We have a deal, miss Molina.”

“How are we supposed to trust that you’re not going to try and break the terms of our deal again the first chance you get?” she points out, her voice wavering.

Alex expects a furious response, but all Caleb does is wave a hand – the hand that isn’t still extended towards Julie – impatiently.

Nothing happens for a beat, then –

Willie gasps.

“Willie?” Alex is by his side in an instant, hands gripping his shoulders anxiously. “Willie, what is it?”

But Willie isn’t looking at him. Instead his hand clutches at his chest, an expression of wonder across his face.

“My – my soul,” he whispers. “It’s mine. It’s mine.”

Alex’s heart skips a beat when his words register. Willie meets his gaze, tears in his eyes, and something settles in Alex’s chest, something heavy and solid that has him clutching onto Willie more tightly than he thinks he ever has. Right now, nothing matters expect for the look on Willie’s face.

“Alex?” It’s Flynn, sounding fearful. “Alex, what’s wrong with Willie?”

“He’s… he’s…” The words get caught in his throat, and Alex can’t speak. He can barely breathe, staring at Willie in wonder. His hand comes to stroke his face, awed. He’s free. Willie is free. After all this time, he is out of Caleb’s grip.

He whips back towards Caleb. “Is this for good? Or is it temporary?”

“It’s for good,” Caleb answers, not looking entirely pleased about it. “William’s soul is no longer tied to the Hollywood Ghost Club.”

All they have is his word, but right now, seeing the look of pure joy in Willie’s eyes, Alex is inclined to believe it. He grips Willie’s hand, and Willie squeezes back just as hard, smiling tearfully at him.

“Willie’s free?” Flynn asks, her voice trembling a little.

“He is,” Caleb confirms. Alex feels so overwhelmed he could collapse, but Caleb’s presence still has him too keyed up to truly give in to the feeling. “Now, miss Molina,” Caleb adds, a sharp edge to his voice.

Julie nods, still a little shaky, but she makes herself stand tall, meeting Caleb’s gaze, and slowly lowers the purple ball in his open palm.

“You leave us alone from now on,” she reiterates.

“Those are the terms,” Caleb agrees.

Julie nods, and lets go.

Immediately Caleb stashes it into an inner pocket of his coat, out of their reach. Alex feels the tension in the room hike up more than a few notches – either the deal will hold now, or, with nothing to lose, Caleb will strike.

Caleb slowly draws his hand out of his jacket.

“I may have underestimated you, miss Molina,” he says levelly.

Julie looks away from him for a moment, taking in the other people in the room. Luke at her side, Flynn and Reggie just a step behind her, Alex and Willie to her left still holding onto each other.

“It was a team effort,” she says.

Caleb nods, looking deep in thought. Then, with a parting tip of his hat, he disappears in a bright flash of light, and he’s gone.

It’s like Caleb’s departure took all the stress and tension with it. At once the six of them collapse, the wave of relief hitting them so hard it doesn’t seem real. Alex feels light-headed with it; he never let go of Willie, and he takes the opportunity to pull him in a bone-crushing hug.

“It’s over,” he whispers. “It’s over, you’re free –”

“Alex,” Willie chokes out. He is crying, hands coming up to frame his face. He is the most beautiful person Alex has ever seen.

Alex presses a bruising kiss to his temple. Willie just hugs him tighter.

It takes him a second to be able to look beyond the bubble of him and Willie, and when he does, it’s to find his friends in a similar state.

“Willie,” Flynn says. “Is Willie okay?”

“I’m okay.”

“He’s okay,” Reggie repeats, and Flynn sags in relief, her hold on Julie tightening to the point Alex sees the other girl wince. She doesn’t tell her to let go though, just brings her free hand to clutch at her best friend’s arm and holds on. Her other she keeps in Luke’s, her thumb smoothing the back of his knuckles like she needs to feel him to ground herself.

Alex is much of the same; he holds onto Willie with all that he’s got, his gaze roaming over the room, over his friends.

I love you all, he thinks feverishly. I love you, I love you, I’m so glad you’re all okay, we’re okay, I love you.

None of them moves for a long time, long enough for Julie’s grip to slip through Luke’s hand and for Flynn’s gaze to become unfocused when she searches for them. It’s a low moan that eventually gets them to rise, one coming from outside their little group.

“Julie? Flynn?” Nick groans from across the room, painfully pulling himself up into a sitting position. “… Julie’s band?”

There is a short, stunned silence as they all look at each other, taking in what this means.

“Oh, shit,” Luke finally says, and yeah, that about covers it.

“So, I have some questions about what happened earlier,” Julie says that evening.

Flynn snorts. “Just some?”

It’s been an exhausting day. Just the showdown with Caleb would have been enough to knock Alex out for a week – several weeks – but they’ve spent the last couple of hours bringing Nick up to speed, and dredging up their history with Caleb has been draining. And now there is the whole of the possession’s side-effects to wade through. Nick has been a surprisingly good sport about it all, but even Willie isn’t sure whether his seeing of ghosts is permanent or not, and Nick is very visibly shaken about the whole thing.

Nick has just left, though, eager to go back to the familiarity of his home and to see his dads – although Alex will be very surprised if he makes it through the night without taking Julie or Flynn up on their promise to only be one call away should he ever need to talk through this more, whether that be more explanations on ghosts or demons from his ordeal. It’s probably going to take him a long time to recover from this. Alex feels for him.

Now that he is gone, though, they can focus on everything else that happened today.

“What happened, exactly?” Julie asks. “With the flowers? How did you know that would work?”

Willie shifts, only minutely, but he’s so close Alex still feels it. That’s another thing that is taking a toll: what with, well, everything, Alex and Willie haven’t gotten a minute alone to talk yet, and it is slowly but surely chipping away at Alex’s sanity. Willie’s arm tightly pressed against his on the couch right now is helping, though.

“I didn’t know for sure,” Willie says. “I just hoped it would.” He pauses, leans against Alex a little more. Alex does his best to focus on his words and not just the timbre of his voice. “There have been some cases where, in the right hands, specific flowers can act as protection against vengeful spirits.”

“The right hands?”

“You know. People who can wield magic.”

Julie stares, dumbfounded, when she hears. “But I don’t have magic.”

Flynn laughs outright at that. “Uh, hello? Ghost band that becomes visible when you play with them? That you summoned back to you from Caleb’s club?”

Julie shakes her head, still looking floored. “But that wasn’t me. That was the music.”

“The music we were playing with you,” Reggie points out.

“We weren’t playing music when you saved us from the jolts,” Luke adds, meaningfully.

Julie looks between all of them, and it’s then, when he sees the disbelief in her eyes, that it dawns on Alex that she doesn’t know what has become clear to all of them.

“You’re the reason Caleb wasn’t able to hold onto us that night, Julie,” he says softly. “Flynn is right. It was you who pulled us out of the club. You’re the one who saved us.”

Alex watches as the realization sinks in, as Julie’s eyes go misty and she brings a hand to rest heavily against her heart.

“And dahlias – dahlias are some of these flowers that can offer protection?” she asks, her voice rough.

She’s looking at Alex, and it’s with a start that Alex realizes she is asking Willie.

Willie just nods, like he can feel the weight of what this moment means for Julie – Julie, whose lower lip trembles when Alex nods in answer to her question.

“Dahlias were my mom’s favorite.”

Her voice is quiet, hushed, when she says it, and it almost sounds like a question. Alex wishes he had the answer for her, wishes that he knew what the connection is between them and her and her mom, wishes that he were solid right now so that he could give her a hug.

Flynn, thankfully, covers that part, and Julie’s eyes close as she holds onto her tightly.

“Maybe this was meant to be,” she says, still rubbing circles into Julie’s back. “Remember when we found that Sunset Curve t-shirt with your mother’s things? Maybe she’s the one who’s been saving you all along. First by sending you these guys –” she swings her head vaguely around the room then, looking fond, “– then by giving you the tools to fight evil ghosts. You know, should the need ever arise.”

“She must have been quite the visionary, to see this coming,” Julie says, her voice only shaking a little, and Alex sees Flynn hold onto her just that little bit tighter.

There is a lot to unpack there, but Luke seems to have caught another part of Flynn’s statement.

“Wait,” he says, grinning like this is the best news he has heard all week, “your mom had a Sunset Curve t-shirt?”

“Your mom was a fan?” Reggie adds excitedly. “Do you think she came to our shows? Do you think we met her?

Julie pulls away from the hug, her eyes still a little red even as she rolls them playfully at the both of them.

“Ugh, what now?” Flynn says, smiling. “Did they say something dumb again?”

“I resent that,” Reggie grins, and Alex watches them, his chest swelling with affection.

It took dying for them to get here, for him to find this family, and the thing is, overall he would say it was worth it. It still feels unfair in moments like these though, when Flynn can’t hear them and therefore doesn’t get the chance to shoot a comeback he’s sure she would find up her sleeve, and he’s forcibly reminded of how different their situations are. Namely, that she is alive and he is not.

But it really is worth it, though. Because as he looks around the room and sees them, the five people he loves the most in the world, he knows down to the core of himself that this was meant to be. He was meant to know these people, to love them, just like they were meant to know and love him. They were separated by decades, and still not time, distance or even death could stop them from meeting.

So, yeah. Flynn might be onto something.

They do try to get back on track sometime after that and figure out the ins and outs of what happened today, but the thing is, they’ve known from the start that they are dealing with a lot of unknowns.

“I don’t completely know what to make of it,” Willie admits, when they get back to dahlias and flowers and Julie’s potential powers. “I haven’t heard much about it, and Caleb was my go-to person for magic before all this, but…”

“That’s okay,” Alex hastens to say. “There’s no rush to figure this out. We’ve got time, now. That’s what matters.”

He watches as his words blanket the room, all of them reacting as it hits them. Willie reaches over and takes his hand, smiling delicately. They’ve got time.

Later, Alex finds Willie sitting atop the studio’s roof.

“Hey,” he says, appearing next to him.

Willie smiles brightly. “Hey,” he answers.

Alex shuffles to make himself comfortable, folding a leg under himself and letting the other dangle loosely over the edge of the roof. Next to him, Willie is swinging his legs absently, eyes lost in the distance. Alex nudges him softly, and he turns his head to look at him, face immediately breaking into a smile again.

“What are you thinking about?”

Willie covers his hand with his, lacing their fingers together, and doesn’t answer right away.

“Everything that happened today, I guess,” he says eventually. He looks at Alex, eyes crinkling slightly. “Hell of a day, hot dog.”

“Hell of a day,” Alex agrees. He squeezes Willie’s hand. “But we’re okay.”

Willie’s smile turns smaller, softer. “We’re okay.”

He looks like he is working himself up to say something, and Alex lets him, running his thumb over the back of Willie’s knuckles as he does. It’s kind of thrilling, being able to touch him like this, to hold his hand and know it means as much to Willie as it does to him, but it’s also just kind of nice. It’s nice to be able to have this after everything they went through to get there.

Finally Willie squeezes his hand back, and, eyes trained on the horizon again, says: “I know I’ve said it already, but I’m really sorry. For everything.”

“And I’ve said, you have nothing to apologize for.”

“I’ve caused you so much trouble.”

“Willie, look at me.” He does, and Alex meets his gaze, does his best to impart just how much he means his next words. “None of that was your fault, okay? None of it. Besides, it’s all in the past. It’s over now, and we’re okay. We’re all okay.”

Willie nods, and his smile is lopsided when he says, “I’m still sorry.”

“And there is still no need to be. We’re okay. You’re okay.” He smiles, bringing his free hand up to brush Willie’s cheek. “That’s all that matters.”

Willie smiles back and he says, softer, “I’m really glad we’re okay.”

Alex grins. “Me too.”

He lets his hand fall away from Willie’s face and leans back, basking in the setting sun and Willie’s presence at his side and the feeling of surviving another day. Willie does the same, and Alex sneaks a look at him. He looks happy, content in a way Alex hasn’t seen on him before. Free. It’s a good look on him.

“So,” Alex says after a few moments, his voice light. “Any great plans for what’s to come now that you have your soul back?”

Willie laughs, loud and inhibited. Alex loves it. He loves him.

“Honestly?” Willie says. “I’m just happy to be here with you.”

Alex’s cheeks flame up, and he groans. “That was so cheesy.” He can’t quite stop himself from smiling, though.

“It’s the truth,” Willie grins. “I feel… I feel like I could do anything. And I can. I don’t remember the last time I felt like this.”

And, well, how is Alex supposed to not grin back at that?

“And yet you’re happy to just sit here with me?” he teases.

“Well, yeah,” Willie says as if it is obvious, and damn it, Alex is blushing even harder now.

“Oh,” he says, quieter than he means to. Willie squeezes his hand.

“I’m not really used to having options,” he says after a moment. “But I think I want to stick around here for a bit.” He tilts his head to look at Alex, smiles. “You want to help me figure the next part out?”

And Alex can only smile back, fond. “Of course I do.”

And with that he leans in, cups Willie’s cheek, and kisses him. They’re both smiling into it, so much so that he isn’t sure it’s that much of a kiss at all, but it’s good nonetheless, because Willie brings a hand to hold his waist, and Willie holds onto their joined hands like they’re anchoring him to this moment, and Willie kisses him slow and soft and steady like they have all the time in the world, and they do, and Alex loves him.

“I love you,” he says – breathes, really – when they break apart.

Willie grins. “And I thought I was the cheesy one.”

“You are,” Alex says. “But I still love you.”

Willie leans in, drops another kiss onto his lips, beams brighter than Alex has ever seen when he pulls away. “I love you too.”

Alex nods, his heart beating wildly inside his chest. “That’s good,” he says, his voice jumping half an octave; he is pretty sure his face is beet red right now.

Willie laughs, fond and so, so in love, and wraps an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into his side. Alex sinks into him easily. “Yeah,” he agrees, his voice light. “It really is.”

#jatp fic #jatp #julie and the phantoms #willex #willex fic #when the time comes baby don't run #my writing #*#lou completed a fic everyone cheered!

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