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anonymousewrites · 4 months

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Logos and Pathos (Book 3) Chapter Seventeen

TOS! Spock x Empath! Reader

Chapter Seventeen: Violent Clouds

Summary: A Disrupter attempts to kill Kirk, and the group makes a few discoveries about Stratos.

“Spock! (L/N)!” shouted Kirk.

(Y/N) and Spock woke abruptly at the call and sat up. They were on their feet in an instance and ran across the hall to Kirk’s room. Droxine appeared right after them. they found Kirk standing across from a woman in a long blue dress in the same style as Droxine. However, (Y/N) recognized her as the same woman they had encountered before on the surface of Ardana—the disruptor.

“Vanna!” cried Droxine, recognizing the woman.

“Droxine,” replied Vanna coldly, irritation flaring in her emotions.

“Why have you come here?” questioned Droxine.

“To welcome our honored guest as I was taught to do when I served in your father’s household,” said Vanna.

“Has she injured you, Captain?” asked Droxine.

“No, not at all,” said Kirk. “In fact, her visit was quite enlightening.”

“Oh?” Droxine furrowed her brow.

“Yes, it seems the Troglytes are under the impression that the Enterprise is here to intimidate them,” said Kirk.

“Intimidate them?” repeated (Y/N), surprised.

Droxine whirled and pressed a communications button. “Send a sentinel to the rest chamber immediately. We have a Troglyte who has committed a crime and must be questioned.”

“It is not an impression,” said Vanna stubbornly.

“It’s the truth,” said (Y/N) calmly, their usual peacefulness and level-headedness coming through. “We’re here for the zenite consignment. That’s it.”

“Starships do not transport cargo,” said Vanna.

“In times of emergency, they do anything,” said Kirk. “And believe me, this botanical plague is an emergency.”

“Lies will not keep the Troglytes in the caverns, and neither will your starship,” snapped Vanna angrily.

“You talk like a Disruptor, Vanna!” cried Droxine.

(Y/N) cocked their head. It seemed Droxine didn’t recognize Vanna. Of course, Droxine obviously never saw Troglytes down below or even been off Stratos, so it made sense.

“I speak for my people,” said Vanna evenly. “They have as much right to the clouds as the Stratos dwellers.”

Droxine seemed surprised at the suggestion. “Stratos is for Advisors and Studiers. What would Troglytes do here?”

“Live…in the sunlight and warmth as everyone should,” said Vanna, and her emotions surged with defiance and an aching pain for what she didn’t have.

(Y/N)’s eyes softened as they felt everything Vanna wanted.

“The caverns are warm,” said Droxine. “And your eyes are not accustomed to the light. Just as your minds are not accustomed to logic.”

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow. They exchanged a look with Spock. This inequality was clearly entrenched in the system of Ardana, to the point where those with privilege couldn’t even realize there was something wrong since it felt normal to them. The discrimination felt natural to them. Neither (Y/N) nor Spock were impressed or pleased with Stratos living on such ideals.

Vanna’s anger flared, but before she could respond, a sentinel walked into the room and pulled Vanna out of the room.

“Unaccustomed to light and warmth?” questioned Kirk, turning on Droxine. He frowned. “That’s necessary to all humanoids. Surely you don’t deny it to the Troglytes?”

“The Trogyltes are workers,” said Droxine with a light laugh as if it was silly to suggest otherwise. “Oh, surely you must be aware of that. They mine zenite for shipment, till the zoil. Those things cannot be done here.”

“In other words, they perform all the physical toil necessary to maintain Stratos,” said Spock. From his even stare, (Y/N) could tell that he disapproved.

“That is their function in our society,” said Droxine.

“But they get no share of the rewards,” said (Y/N).

“How can they share what they do not understand?” asked Droxine.

“They clearly see that they want more,” said (Y/N). “The Disruptors existing proves they know understand. And in a society that prides itself in enlightenment, surely that is clear. And anything you believe they lack can easily be taught.”

“The complete separation of leisure and toil has given Ardana this perfectly balanced social system,” said Droxine. “Why should we change it?”

“The surface of the planet is almost unendurable,” said Spock. “To restrict a segment of the population to such hardship is unthinkable in an evolved culture.”

“The surface is marred by violence, like the Troglytes,” said Droxine, incredulous the Starfleet officers thought their way of life unsupportable. “Here in Stratos, we have completely eliminated violence.” She smiled before turning and leaving the room.

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Fascinating. They have been separated from the surface for so long that they are unable to see issues in their separation.”

“They even think it should be this way,” murmured (Y/N), frowning.

“I can’t believe it. It’s just so wrong,” said Kirk.

“It is even in their words. Troglyte is an abbreviation of a common word from ancient times,” said Spock. “Its technical translation is ‘cave dweller.’ ”

“Yes, I should have realized,” said Kirk.

A scream pierced the air, and the group’s head shot towards the door. A second later, fear and agony rushed over (Y/N) and pricked at their arms. Their eyes widened, and they ran out of the room with Spock and Kirk.

They ran into a hall and found Droxine and Plasus staring at where Vanna was strapped to a rock and rays of energy were hitting her. (Y/N) winced as they felt her pain, and Spock glanced at them to watch for any further issues.

“Mr. Advisor!” cried Kirk.

The rays turned off, and Vanna’s head dropped down in exhaustion. Droxine looked away shamefully.

“You said you were going to question Vanna, not torture her,” said Kirk.

“She’s stubborn,” said Plasus as if that was an acceptable response. “And as you yourself pointed out, Captain, the search for your zenite consignment must be short.”

“Torture should not even be considered,” said (Y/N).

“Physical discomfort is extremely persuasive,” said Plasus.

“We won’t stand by while someone is tortured,” said Kirk firmly, narrowing his eyes.

“Is it preferable to spare Vanna and allow an entire planet to be destroyed?” questioned Plasus.

“Violence in reality is quite different from theory,” said Spock.

“But what else can they understand, Mr. Spock?” asked Droxine in confusion.

Spock raised an eyebrow in a display of incredulity. “All the little things you and I understand and expect from life, such as equality, kindness, justice.”

“Troglytes are not like Stratos dwellers, Mr. Spock,” said Plasus. “They’re a conglomerate of inferior species. The abstract concepts of an intellectual society are beyond their comprehension.”

“Loyalty and leadership are clear to Vanna. I see no reason they aren’t clear to anyone else on the surface of Ardana,” said (Y/N).

“A few Troglytes are brought here as retainers. Vanna was one of them, as are the sentinels. They receive more training than the others,” said Plasus as if that set them apart from the rest.

“But obviously no more consideration,” said Kirk pointedly.

“I fail to see the purpose of this continued criticism,” said Plasus in exasperation, and (Y/N) narrowed their eyes as they felt how irritated he was with them as if he wasn’t discriminating against a whole group of people for no reason.

“The only way you’ll use that device again is on one of us,” snapped Kirk.

“An imposing display of primitive gallantry,” said Plasus. “You realize, of course, that the sentinels could remove you.”

“Of course,” said (Y/N), folding their arms. “But Starfleet Command won’t take kindly to having rays or physical force used against its officers by a member of the Federation, Mr. Advisor.”

“Why are you so concerned with the Disruptor’s wellbeing?” questioned Plasus, glancing at Vanna.

“Beyond plain humanitarianism, my orders are to get that zenite,” said Kirk, frustrated.

“Then stop interfering, and I’ll get it for you,” snapped Plasus.

“You won’t get it through torture,” said Kirk firmly.

“We will get it for you and in our own way!” shouted Plasus. He looked at the sentinels. “Remove the prisoner to confinement quarters.” They took down Vanna and took her away.

(Y/N) narrowed their eyes. So, they not only did have violence on Stratos, they had prisons, too. It appeared most of the claimed culture and peace there was a front.

Plasus turned on the Starfleet officers. “You will return to your ship at once, or I shall contact your Starfleet Command myself and report your interference with this planet’s government.”

The trio exchanged looks. They didn’t have an option. Kirk gritted his teeth and pulled out his communicator.

“Kirk to Enterprise,” he said sourly.

“Enterprise, Captain,” said Scotty.

“We’re ready to beam up, Scotty,” said Kirk.

“Aye, sir,” said Scotty, and Kirk switched off the communicator.

Kirk, Spock, and (Y/N) stared evenly at Plasus as they dematerialized. He stared back with narrowed eyes and an angry aura.

Kirk sat sullenly in his chair as the Enterprise orbited Ardana without any news from Stratos or the surface. (Y/N) and Spock went about their work, but they too were subdued (though Spock was as efficient as ever, (Y/N) could see his eyes going to the viewing screen as frequently as theirs did). The zenite consignment had been missing for eight hours, and the botanical plague was spreading on Merak II. They needed to make their delivery in twelve hours to stop all life from being annihilated.

“Lieutenant (L/N), report to Starfleet Command that the zenite has not been delivered,” said Kirk. “In my opinion, Plasus’s method of accomplishing delivery will not succeed. If the zenite is not delivered shortly, I shall have to violate Plasus’s order of noninterference and win the confidence of the Troglyte leader with the use of reason.”

(Y/N) sent the message, and they and Spock turned around to look at Kirk as he made his decision.

“That may not be easy, Jim,” said Bones.

Kirk shrugged. “The Stratos dwellers claim they are mentally inferior, but the Troglytes have accepted personal sacrifice, common cause. Mentally inferior beings are incapable of that.”

“The data all comes from the Stratos dwellers, as well. Anything about their intelligence comes from not getting the schooling of a Stratos dweller,” said (Y/N), nodding.

“Additionally, they are all the same species. Those who reside on Stratos and those who live below both originated on the planet,” added Spock. “Their physical and mental evolution must be similar. That is basic biological law.”

“Even if the mines change some aspects, the life and changes are still be forced upon them,” said (Y/N).

“Well, I know some changes that occurred,” said Bones.

“Really? What?” asked Kirk.

“Natural growths.” Bones held up a cannister. “I had a zenite sample sent up from the surface. Now, unsealed, it would have detrimental effects on everybody here.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “So the Troglytes are being harmed by being confined to the mines and the surface of Ardana. Incredible. Zenite is shipped all over the galaxy wherever there is danger of plant bacteria. No side effects have ever been reported. And yet the doctor’s findings are likely true.”

“Likely?” muttered Bones. He huffed. “The side effects go away once the zenite is refined, anyway. That’s why all of my findings are completely correct. In its raw state, it emits an odorless, invisible gas that harms the intellectual functioning of the mind and heightens the emotion. Therefore, it releases a violent reaction.”

“And the mines are full of that gas,” said Kirk.

“That’s right, and the Troglytes are constantly exposed to it,” said Bones.

“The Disruptors, Vanna,” said Kirk. “It seems impossible. They’ve outwitted a highly organized, scientific culture for months.”

“Vanna was part of the staff on Stratos,” said (Y/N). “That means she was removed from exposure.” They cocked their head. “It seems that would solve any issues of the Troglytes—if they weren’t around the gases, they wouldn’t face any adverse effects.”

Bones nodded. “And the other Disruptors were probably removed from exposure, too.”

“Does the brain return to normal?” asked Kirk.

“According to findings, it should,” said Bones.

“Can you neutralize the gas?” questioned Kirk.

“No. But a filter mask should remove the exposure,” said Bones.

“Find one. Meet us in the Transporter Room,” said Kirk, standing.

Kirk held up the mask to the viewing screen of the Transporter Room. Plasus’s face stared out, stone-cold as he looked back at them.

“This mask automatically eliminates all substances injurious to humanoid life, chemical as well as bacterial,” explained Kirk. “We’ve used these filter masks frequently on—”

“And do you really expect me to believe that that mask can achieve intellectual equality for the Troglytes?” questioned Plasus.

“There’s every indication that the effect of the gas is temporary, so there is no real inequality even after repeated exposure,” reported Bones.

“How can a mere filter accomplish what centuries of evolution have failed to do?” scoffed Plasus.

“Dr. McCoy has analyzed the zenite thoroughly. We’ve checked his findings through the computer, and they’re absolutely valid,” said Kirk.

“And do your computers show how my ancestors, who also dwelled in caverns, evolved sufficiently to erect Stratos while the Troglytes did not?” said Plasus, the sarcasm clear.

“Unequal evolution did not begin until after your ancestors removed yourselves from constant exposure to the gas, Mr. Advisor,” said Spock.

“Ah, preposterous,” scoffed Plasus.

“The findings cannot be argued, Mr. Advisor,” said (Y/N). “We simply propose to tell Vanna and the Troglytes about them.”

“I doubt whether even Vanna will believe such nonsense,” said Plasus.

(Y/N) furrowed their brow. It felt like Plasus didn’t want the Troglytes to know there was a way for them to not be harmed and to have a different type of life—something they clearly wanted when removed from exposure and able to think clearly.

“This ‘nonsense’ might mean a lot to the Troglytes,” said (Y/N). “We would like to offer them a supply of these filter masks in exchange for the zenite consignment. Then, you and your Council can discuss with them the next steps for a better quality of life and protection from the gas.”

Plasus shook his head fiercely. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant. Such an offer can only cause more unrest among them. I cannot allow it until our scientists have checked the findings. But that could take days.”

Kirk took a deep breath, and (Y/N) felt his irritation. Uh oh, they thought.

Kirk spoke and said exactly what he thought, diplomacy be damned. “Are you afraid the filter masks will work? Is that why you don’t want the Troglytes to try them?”

Plasus’s gaze hardened, and (Y/N) didn’t need to be in his presence to know his emotions were full of anger. “You are here to complete an emergency mission, not conduct tests, Captain.”

“I’m here to get that zenite,” said Kirk. He held up the masks. “If these will help me get them, then I’ll use them.”

“And I forbid it,” said Plasus. “Your Federation does not entitle you to defy local governments. This communication has ended.” The screen switched off.

“My diplomacy is somewhat inadequate,” said Kirk, sighing. “I should leave it to (L/N).”

“Most likely,” said Spock, nodding.

“You said what I wanted to say,” said (Y/N) encouragingly.

“Well, it’s pretty hard to overcome prejudice,” said Bones.

“Doesn’t give us much choice, does it?” said Kirk.

“Nor much time,” remarked Spock. “We have ten hours and forty minutes to deliver that consignment to Merak II.”

“Beam me down to Vanna’s confinement quarters,” said Kirk decidedly.

“You mean you’re going back to Stratos against government orders?” Bones’s eyes widened.

“If Vanna doesn’t have something to gain for her people, she’ll die rather than turn over that zenite consignment,” said Kirk. “This is the only thing that might convince her.”

“Captain, if you are apprehended deliberately violating the High Advisor’s orders, he will be within his rights to have you executed if he chooses,” said Spock.

“Another piece of violence on the violence-less Stratos,” murmured (Y/N). “It is quite a risk, Captain.”

“Spock, (L/N), if you’re about to suggest that one of you contact Vanna, the answer is negative,” said Kirk. “That goes for you, too, Bones.” He spoke before Bones could say anything, and the doctor scowled.

“Allow me to point out that a first officer is more expendable than either a doctor or a captain,” said Spock.

“Yes, and a lieutenant is even more so, but you’re not suggesting this because of efficiency,” said Kirk wryly.

Spock looked away pointedly. He wasn’t going to admit that Kirk was right and he just didn’t want (Y/N) or anyone else he cared for to be harmed.

“And anyways, that would be official chain of command, and this mission is strictly unofficial,” said Kirk, stepping onto the transport pad. “Nobody’s to have any part of it or any responsibility for it but myself. That’s an order. Spock, you have the conn. Stand by until I contact you.”

The transporter whirred to life, and Kirk dematerialized.

(Y/N) sighed. “Let me know if Plasus calls us again. I’ll stall if there are issues.”

Spock and Bones nodded. They knew (Y/N) was the right person to deal with problems and angry people.

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galexystern · 10 months

Text

island of love - part one

a steve harrington/reader love island au

word count; 17k

read on ao3 / series masterlist / part two / my masterlist

You step out of the car into literal paradise. Walking down the driveway to the massive, beautiful villa, you marvel at the lush greenery, clear blue skies, and perfect temperature with just a light breeze. You can hear birds chirping in the trees and—

And a voice screaming, "Oh my god, hi!"

You look down and see a gorgeous girl waving wildly at you. You speed up to reach her sooner rather than later. When you do, she throws her arms around you and gives you an unexpected hug. You return it, only somewhat awkwardly.

"This is so exciting!" She gushes when she leans back.

"I know!" You don't want to come off as too eager, but this girl's excitement is infectious.

"I'm Chrissy!"

You introduce yourself and ask, "Are you the first girl here?"

"Yeah!" You think her every sentence is going to have an exclamation point at the end of it. "But we can't go in until the final girl is here!"

You're about to respond when there's a revving of an engine. You turn around just in time to see another car stop and the door open. A beautiful girl emerges and flips her hair before strutting down to you and Chrissy. She doesn't close the car door. She also doesn't move any faster than a model walk, so you two are stuck just watching her.

"Hi, girls," she calls out.

"Hi!" Chrissy shouts back enthusiastically.

The girl takes another minute to reach you and strikes a catwalk pose, which is completely unnecessary. You hold back a snicker.

"I'm Emma," she purrs. Yes, purrs.

Chrissy introduces herself and you. You give Emma a smile and wave, but she only fake-smiles back while eyeing you up and down critically. It's lucky you don't know where all the cameras are hidden, because you would've looked directly into one, turning this reality show into a mockumentary.

Suddenly something dings. Chrissy looks down at her designated phone. "We can go in now!" She gasps.

Emma holds out a hand imperiously. "Lead the way."

You fight an eye roll as you follow Chrissy into the villa with Emma on your heels. Chrissy explains that you three can explore the villa for a few minutes but must make your way to the backyard for the first coupling. You buzz in excitement.

You and Chrissy look around the villa with gasps and exclamations while Emma just moves through like she's better than it. She makes it to the door to the backyard before you do, and seems annoyed at having to wait.

You'd like to make a comment but Chrissy just bursts out the door and you and Emma have to hurry to catch up with her. She leads all of you back outside, to the start of a trellis, where she stops abruptly. "We have to wait here," she whispers. "They'll let us know to come out."

Right on cue, your phone chirps. "You're up first! Please head out to meet host Naomi now."

Chrissy gives you an excited thumbs-up and Emma looks at you coolly. Shaking your head, you breathe deeply as you walk through the trellis and into the sunshine. Holding up a hand so you can actually see, you spot Naomi and three boys watching you. As you make your way to them, you take the chance to check them out. They're all very attractive, but one catches your eye: a tall, muscular guy with the most perfect floppy brown hair and a smile that makes you wanna giggle. He doesn't take his gaze off you and you have to look away to watch where you're going so you don't trip and fall at the attention.

"Alright, love?" Naomi calls out. "Come join me." You take the last few steps and stand beside her. She's stunning obviously—it is her job. She gives you a very white smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Excited," you reply. "A little nervous."

She gives a little TV laugh. "Totally understandable! How do you like these boys?" She holds out a hand like she's Vanna White.

You give them the proper once-over for the cameras but you're still drawn to the boy with the amazing hair. He's looking at you with that grin, and you smile just for him before turning back to Naomi. "Well, they're all gorgeous, that's for sure."

"That they are!" Naomi and Chrissy would be best friends, you think. "Anyone you like in particular yet?"

You resist looking at the brunette. "Maybe," you answer coyly.

"Ooh, we've got a mysterious one here, boys! Now it's your turn. Please step forward if you're feeling this lovely lady," Naomi directs.

Two of the three boys step forward, including your boy, you're happy to note. "Hi," you call out. They each give you a wave.

"Love this result for you!" Naomi chirps. You can't help your eyes from widening in awkwardness and you hear a snicker from the boys. The other boys are watching Naomi. You risk a glance and see your boy still looking at you, mouth twisted like he's holding in a laugh, and your stomach suddenly has butterflies. Naomi continues, "Steve, Ryan, tell us why you stepped forward."

The other boy, Ryan, jumps in first. "Well, obviously she's beautiful." He gives you a fuckboy nod and you have to stop yourself from scoffing and smile at him instead.

Then your boy—Steve—speaks. "I agree, you are gorgeous." You thrill at how he's talking directly to you. "But I also like your vibe. I feel like we'd get along." You let yourself linger in the eye contact, which doesn't break until Naomi starts talking again.

"Those are some tempting answers," she says. What a script. "But unfortunately, you will not be able to pick who you'd like to couple up with. The public have been voting and have decided who your first partner should be." You're disappointed but unsurprised. They do it this way every time. "So," she continues, speaking your name dramatically, "the boy you will be coupling up with is..." You hold your breath and cross your fingers. "Blake!"

Guess that trick doesn't work.

You look at the third boy. He's great-looking but he hadn't stepped forward for you, and you would prefer to be in a couple with someone who like, finds you attractive. As you walk over to him, he gives you a half-smile.

"Hey," he says. "Welcome."

"Thanks," you reply as you stand next to him.

Naomi beams at you. "How are you two feeling!" She asks it with an exclamation point. "Our first couple!"

You shrug. "Happy enough."

"I'm chilling," Blake answers.

You can tell Naomi was hoping for more and now has to pivot. "Well, let's bring out our second girl! Everyone, please welcome Emma!"

Predictably, Emma takes her sweet time walking to you all, still strutting her stuff at the only speed she seems to know. When she reaches Naomi, she winks and blows a kiss to all the boys. You hear Blake swallow next to you. Awesome.

Naomi asks Emma how she is. "Great," she replies with a sharp smile. "Raring to go."

"Excellent!" Naomi looks at the boys again. "Boys, please step forward if you like Emma."

As suspected, Blake steps forward, as does Ryan. You take a peek down the line and see Steve has not moved forward. You let yourself smile a little.

"Hm, I like what I see." Emma clearly steals Naomi's thunder, and the host's smile goes a little strained.

"Blake, Ryan," she says loudly to take back control, "tell us what you like about Emma."

Again, Ryan speaks first. Good to know he's that type of guy. "Wow, she's stunning. I love the energy."

Emma gives him an unimpressed look and moves her attention to Blake, who says, "She is beautiful. But she's clearly got the attitude. She needs someone to dish it back." You can tell she liked that answer, because her eyes go dark and her smile goes wicked.

"Intriguing," Naomi says. "Wish we could let you pick. But! The public has voted for your couple. So the boy you will be coupling up with is..." Emma doesn't take her eyes off Blake. "Steve!"

Not only does your stomach drop, but Emma's face falls for a split-second before she regains composure. She eyes Steve, who gives her a tight-lipped smile. She stalks over to him and they stand next to each other with an inch of space between them. Blake and Ryan step back, Blake with drooped shoulders. He's already in a couple with you, why is he disappointed? This is shaping up to be great for your self-esteem.

"Steve and Emma!" Naomi claps her hands. "What do you think?"

Emma is very clearly trying to keep her attitude in check for the cameras. "Can't be mad about it, can I? He's gorgeous."

"Yeah, it's alright," Steve replies vaguely. He turns his head and catches your eye, and you see the start of a grin before you turn back to Naomi.

"Great!" You really hope Chrissy gives Naomi what she wants. "Let's bring out our third and final girl. Boys, this is Chrissy!" Chrissy comes practically running from the trellis, waving madly. You smile at her excitement while Naomi looks relieved by her energy. Chrissy joins Naomi and gives her an eager expression, shoulders scrunching up. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm so excited!" Chrissy almost seems like she'll levitate from all this joy. "Can't believe I'm here!"

"We're excited to have you!" Naomi turns to the rest of you with a triumphant beam. "Let's see how the boys are feeling about you. Boys, please step forward if you want to get to know this beauty here."

Ryan steps forward of course, but he looks more excited this time. Neither Steve nor Blake join him. You feel a little sad for Chrissy but she doesn't seem sad for herself. She and Ryan are looking at each other like they're the only two people in the whole villa.

"Ryan, tell us why you stepped forward."

"Oh, man," he says, "she's beautiful, fun, adorable, the whole package!"

Chrissy blushes. "Oh, stop," she says, waving half-heartedly.

Naomi is eating this up. "Great answer, Ryan. I agree with all those descriptors." Big word. "And since you're our last single boy, that means that you and Chrissy are now coupled up per our public vote!" Chrissy gives a little clap and rushes over to Ryan, who looks stunned and delighted. Okay, maybe he's not a fuckboy, maybe he's just a himbo. Naomi goes on, "Well, that's all for me. I'll let you couples get to know each other, and I will see you soon." You all dutifully watch her walk away.

Chrissy breaks the moment by squealing. "Finally!"

"Let's drink!" Emma calls out and everyone cheers. You all make your way to the island holding the champagne and glasses. Blake takes the bottle and opens it with a flourish, mostly for Emma's sake. You just wait for a full glass and Blake to come grab you for a chat, as is natural.

Except it never comes. Well, you get the champagne. But Blake doesn't join you, instead walking over and whisking Emma away to talk. You sigh.

"Guess we know who the bitch couple of the villa will be," someone says behind you, and you turn to see Steve smirking. You take in his words and laugh. His smirk turns to a smile and he walks around the counter to lean on it. You mirror his pose.

"Very high school king and queen bee," you agree.

"Exactly." He nods. "I'm Steve."

"I know," you tease, but give your name too.

"Pretty."

"Me or the name?"

"Both."

You blush. "Thanks." Your voice is quiet and you clear your throat. "So, Steve, what brings you here?"

"An SUV," he responds, deadpan, and you laugh again. "Oh, you meant the villa?" He asks exaggeratedly. "The usual: love."

"I guess that is a basic question," you concede. "It is called Island of Love."

"Not everyone comes for love," Steve protests. "But I doubt they'd tell you that."

You narrow your eyes. "Then you could be lying."

"Nah, I'm as honest as they come." It's obviously something a liar would say, but there's something in his eyes that makes you believe him. Maybe it's the hope. Maybe it's the excitement. Maybe it's the way he's looking at you. One of those. "And I'm honest when I say I like you." Maybe it's that.

"We'll see," you reply lightly, trying to keep him on his toes. "You'll have to prove it."

"Prove it," he echoes and you nod. "I can do that, beautiful."

You blush, but you're prevented from responding by Chrissy running up and grabbing your arm. "It's time to go get ready for tonight! Come on!" You let her pull you away, giving Steve a helpless smile and he grins in response.

;

Chrissy takes you to the dressing room and you help each other pick out what you'll wear for the evening. You ask Emma if she wants to join in, but she looks like she'd rather die, so you leave her alone. You let Chrissy babble as the three of you put on makeup and style your hair. She talks nonstop about the villa, Ryan, the other boys, Ryan, the closets full of clothes, Ryan, the tons of makeup supplies, Ryan.

"I'm guessing you like Ryan?" You tease good-naturedly.

Chrissy goes pink. "Maybe I am being a little obvious," she says, giggling nervously.

"A little?" Emma comments under her breath and you shoot her a look.

"I think it's cute," you say pointedly. "That is the whole point." Chrissy gives you a thankful smile.

Once you're ready to go, you walk through the villa and outside, where the boys are already waiting. Steve looks delicious in a simple white t-shirt with jeans and sneakers, hair perfectly styled. He keeps his eyes on you as the three of you walk towards them, smiling. He meets you in a few paces and hands you a champagne glass. "Here you go," he says.

"Thanks," you reply. You glance around while taking a sip and find exactly what you'd expected: Blake presenting Emma with a glass. You roll your eyes. Taking another look, you see Chrissy bouncing next to Ryan, talking excitedly. He looks like he can't believe his luck. It makes you smile.

"Should we cheers?" Steve asks, bringing your attention back to him.

You lift up your cup. "To what?"

"To...fresh starts. Chances for love."

You click your glass against his, butterflies going again in your stomach. "To love," you echo, paraphrasing.

He inclines his head in acknowledgement and you both take a sip.

"Steve!" Emma calls and you both turn to her. "Can I pull you for a chat?"

A flash of disappointment crosses his face before he smiles, nodding amiably. "Sure. See you later?" He asks you.

"Not really anywhere for me to go," you reply and he laughs. "But yes."

"Good." He takes one last look at you and joins Emma, who leads him to the seating area next to the trellis.

"Yo," Blake says from behind you. "Chat?"

You nod and he lumbers off. You walk after him, preparing yourself for whatever this will be. He slumps onto a beanbag and you descend carefully so you're not flashing any cameras. Strike one: not helping you sit in your dress. Once you're finally down, he exhales heavily. "So..." he trails off.

"So," you echo and try to make this as enjoyable as possible. "what do you do?"

"I'm in marketing."

"Cool. What do you market?"

"Finance."

What the fuck does that even mean? This is like pulling teeth. Strike two. He does not ask you the same question, but you answer like he did. "Well, I'm a musician. I specialize in violin."

"Nice." He yawns. He's not even looking at you.

You try one more time. "What do you like to do?" He just looks at you. "You know. For fun."

"Drink. Basketball. Video games. Fast cars."

"I see." You give him the space to ask you but he just takes a sip of his drink. Strike three. You settle into the silence, trying not to watch Steve and Emma's conversation. She seems to be going overboard, laughing loudly and slapping him like he's being naughty. He's just watching her in amusement. You can tell he is not remotely saying the things Emma is implying. But it's working: Blake tenses beside you and when you glance at him, he's glaring daggers at them across the yard. You hide a smirk.

Eventually it becomes too much and Blake huffs and stands, stalking over to the kitchen. You watch him go, seeing Emma notice and quickly leave her chat with Steve, who also studies the interaction between them. Then he's turning to you, and you wave. He stands and ambles over to you.

"I feel like a scientist," he says when close enough. "I'm just watching this experiment play out."

You laugh. "Well, I think maybe the government might've found the perfect torture method."

Steve sits on Blake's empty beanbag. "That bad?"

"Almost worse."

"Sorry." He actually seems apologetic too.

"Seems like you two were having a good time." It's a tease.

"Absolutely," he replies sarcastically. "I was having the time of my life." You laugh again. "Seriously, I think she might've bruised me with all those slaps. She's got hidden strength."

"Maybe keep some distance away at all times," you suggest. "That way she can't reach you."

He chuckles. "Can you imagine? I could serve her a very small restraining order right here. Can't come within a foot of me or she'll be forced to run a lap."

You snort. "I'm not even sure she can run. I think she only has one speed."

"I've noticed." You two grin at each other.

You clear your throat. "So, Steve, what do you do?"

"I'm a teacher."

"Aw." You melt. "What grade?"

"Sixth."

"Aren't kids like, at their meanest then?"

"That's seventh grade. I get the kids right before they become little angsty monsters."

"Oh, right. Obviously."

Steve smirks at your sarcasm. "What about you?" He asks.

"I'm a musician. I specialize in violin."

"Cool!" He seems like he really means it. "Does that mean you're like, in an orchestra?"

"I'd like to be. But I'm just giving lessons right now."

"This place doesn't really seem like your scene then."

"Maybe not. But $25,000 would be really nice. Keep me afloat while I audition."

"Isn't the prize $50,000?"

"Yeah, but obviously I would split it in my couple. Anyone who wouldn't is an asshole."

Steve fakes outrage. "You're calling me an asshole?" You laugh, which makes him break and join in. "Seriously," he continues, "I would split it too."

"Good to know." You know there's a sparkle in your eye as you gaze at each other. It matches the one in his. "So what do you do for fun?"

He hums, thinking. "I like basketball. I coach the middle school team. I used to play in high school." You take a sip while he muses. "I read all the new comic books.”

“Favorite superhero?” You interrupt.

“Superman.” He shrugs. “Boring, I know.”

“No, it’s a classic. Timeless.”

He smiles in thanks. “You?”

“My favorite superhero is Captain Marvel.”

He laughs. “I meant what you do for fun, but good choice.”

“Thanks.” You knew what he meant, you just wanted to hear his laugh again. “I like to read, bake, garden, and roller-skate.”

“That’s it?” He teases and you blush.

“Among others.”

“Well, I used to swim in high school. I’m a bit rusty but I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.”

“Is there anything you didn’t do in high school?” You ask, amused.

“Yeah, study.” He grins at your laugh. “But roller-skating. That’s fun.”

“I’m not very good at it, but I try.”

“It’s easier with two people, you know.”

“Are you implying you wanna go roller-skating with me?”

“Actually, I was thinking Emma would be perfect.” He’s deadpan again, making you giggle. He continues, “But I’d love to go roller-skating with you.”

“Can you roller-skate?”

“I did do it in high school—“ You cut him off with a weak slap and he chuckles. “No, I didn’t, and I can’t. But I bet you’re a really great teacher.” You’re blushing but then he goes on, “I’d be your pupil any day.”

You roll your eyes at the obvious innuendo, making him laugh. Then you’re yawning, and he goes soft. “Been a long day. Let’s get you to bed.” He stands and holds out his hands to help you up. You let him and he easily hauls you upright. Home run.

Everyone is also making their way to the villa. Chrissy joins you and gushes about her conversations with Ryan. You give Steve one last smile before disappearing into the dressing room. You shower and get ready for bed, slipping into comfortable but cute pajamas. You go to the bedroom and discover your bed is next to Steve’s, who is already laying down. He’s wearing glasses and looks utterly adorable.

He lights up when he sees you. “Guess we’re neighbors.”

You slide onto the side of the bed closest to him. “What a nice surprise.”

“The best.”

The rest of the islanders trickle in. The lights go out and you settle in, turning to face Steve. You can see him looking back at you in the darkness.

“I had fun today,” he whispers.

“Me too.”

“I can’t wait to get to know you more,” he says with a yawn and you go all melty.

“Me too,” you repeat. He gives you one last smile before you two fall asleep, still facing each other.

;

The next morning, it would be perfect to say you wake up looking into Steve's eyes. But when the lights come on, you just squeeze your eyes closed tighter and pull the covers over your face. You stay dozing as you feel Blake sitting up beside you and the islanders say their good mornings. Someone calls your name. "Yoo-hoo! Good morning!"

It's Emma. If your eyes were open you would roll them. But you just groan grumpily.

Steve laughs near you. It makes you relax into your pillow.

Then the bed dips and a minute later, someone jumps onto it, making it bounce. "Come on, sleepyhead!" Chrissy prods you gently. "Let's go get some coffee and talk shop!"

You take another second to soak in the dark before throwing the comforter off. Everyone cheers as you sit up. "Oh, fuck off," you mutter, making them laugh as you trudge after Chrissy. Steve holds out a pair of sunglasses and you take them gratefully, giving him a smile as you slip them on and step outside. The glasses are a godsend. It's bright as hell out here.

You meet Chrissy in the kitchen. She's brewing the coffee, so you grab mugs, milk, and sugar. As it drips into the pot, the rest of the islanders trickle in. Emma and Steve join you in waiting for the coffee, while Blake goes for tea and Ryan just gets some ice water. When it's ready, Chrissy pours into four mugs and you each take one.

"How do you take it?" Steve asks, while sipping his black.

"Two sugars," you start, dropping in the right amount of sugar cubes, "and just a dash of milk." You demonstrate by putting in less than a teaspoon of milk. Tasting it, you nod. "I don't trust anybody else to do it. It has to be just right."

"Hope you're okay with some trial and error." Steve gives you a wink. You smile into your cup at the idea of Steve making you coffee in the morning.

"I might be," you reply vaguely. He grins.

"I'll take it."

Then Chrissy is taking your hand and pulling you over to the fire pit. Emma eventually follows, and the three of you sit together and start talking. Chrissy immediately launches into an excited retelling of her night with Ryan, which included them spooning. "He was very gentlemanly," she reassures. "No funny business."

Emma yawns. "Boring."

You shoot her a look but Chrissy says back pointedly, "Well, how was your night?"

"Fine," she replies like she's bored. "Steve wanted to make something happen but I turned him down."

You snort and she glares at you. "What about you?" She spits your name with venom.

Shrugging, you take a sip. "I slept great," you finally answer. "These beds are so nice."

Emma smirks. Chrissy asks, "So nothing with Blake?"

"He's not really my type." You smile at her to let her know you don't care.

"How could he not be?" Emma scoffs. "He's freaking gorgeous."

"Well, I like to have intelligent conversation with my partner," you retort.

Chrissy nods in agreement eagerly, but Emma waves a hand. "Overrated," she says. You and Chrissy exchange a look with wide eyes and raised brows.

"Are you feeling anyone else?" She asks nervously.

You don't want to lie but want to make sure she knows you're not into Ryan. Or at least you wouldn't do that to her. "Possibly, but I'm not out to steal anyone's man." She smiles in relief.

"That's the whole point of this show," Emma interjects.

"If a guy wants to couple up with me, he's not stolen. He wants to get taken," you explain. "And I'll be honest about it every step of the way." At Emma's eye roll, you look at Chrissy. "Come on, let's go get dressed." She nods, and you two leave Emma at the fire pit alone.

Chrissy and you walk inside, discussing what you should do today. You help each other pick out swimsuits and give opinions on hairstyles. Eventually Emma comes in but you two are pretty much done, so you just head back outside together. The boys are all in various spots: Ryan in the gym, Blake chilling on the sundeck, and Steve swimming laps in the pool.

You don't even decide to go over there, your feet just bring you like they're drawn to him. You sit and dangle your feet in the water, admiring the lines of Steve's back in the sun and the way his arms break the water with his strides. Even his hair is behaving.

Finally he reaches the edge and comes up for air. You have to hold in an exhale as you watch him slick his hair back and tense his abdomen muscles. He spots you looking and gives you a smirk, making you blush and look away. He glides over and rests his arms next to you.

"Finally awake?" He asks.

"I have had my coffee, so yes, I am awake," you answer primly, making him grin. It makes you grin back. "I thought you were rusty at swimming."

"Well, I don't have a pool at home," he explains. "But it is like riding a bike."

"I wouldn't know. I can't swim."

He looks at you in shock. "What? You can't swim?"

You shrug. "I'm from a land-locked state. Never got around to it."

"We're gonna have to fix that," he says resolutely.

"You gonna teach me?" You tease.

"Obviously," he replies with a smile. "Emma and Blake would let you drown because they'd be too busy looking at each other. And Ryan wouldn't save you for fear of touching you in an inappropriate manner."

"What about Chrissy?"

He thinks. "Maybe. But I also think she wouldn't know you were drowning until too late. She'd be too busy cheering you on."

You look at him exasperatedly. "Such a happy topic for the morning."

"Sorry." He goes sheepish. "I'm sure any one of them would be good teachers."

"I'd rather have you teach me," you reply softly.

He lights up and you blush again. "I promise I wouldn't let you drown." You laugh. "So where are you from, Miss Land-Locked?"

"Not your best." He rolls his eyes and you giggle. "I'm from Colorado," you finally answer. "Denver."

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, it's fine. Doesn't exactly have a world-renowned orchestra however."

"That's fair. It's pretty important. Where do you want to go? Or should I ask, which orchestra do you want to join?"

"Of course, it'd be a dream come true to go to Vienna or London. But in the US, I'd like to go to Chicago or New York. Maybe Cleveland." He looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "They're part of the Big Five!" At his confusion, you explain, "They're stated to be the best ones in the US. It's New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. Any would be amazing to be part of."

"If you say so," he says skeptically.

With an eye roll, you continue, "What about you? Where are you from?"

"I'm from Indiana. I teach in Indianapolis."

"I don't know why you were disparaging Cleveland. You live next door."

"Yeah, but I don't wanna stay there forever."

"Where do you wanna go?"

"Honestly, some of the best schools are in Illinois. It wouldn't be hard to move there. Plus, it's got Chicago."

You smile. "You are correct. Chicago is in Illinois."

He laughs but doesn't say anything else. You know what he meant. It makes the butterflies come back.

Suddenly a phone dings. "I got a text!" Blake yells. "Islanders, please make your way to the fire pit to play a round of Never Have I Ever!" He reads out.

Before you can even stand, Steve hops out of the pool and reaches out a hand. He pulls you up and you end up really close to him. His eyes are like honey in the sunshine and you could melt in them. His hand is lingering on yours and it's whipping the butterflies into a frenzy.

Finally, he gives you a smile and steps back, letting you walk first. You give him a shaky thanks and focus on your breathing as you join the other islanders at the fire pit. You sit next to Chrissy, and Steve sits beside you.

"Who wants to go first?" Ryan asks.

"Me!" Chrissy squeals, predictably. "Never have I ever...stolen something!"

Both you and Emma take a sip. She explains first. "I really wanted this top that my mom wouldn't let me get. I never got caught."

Then it's your turn. "I stole a candy bar from CVS. My dad realized and made me go back and apologize." At everyone's faces you snicker. "I was three. He only found out because the chocolate was all over my face in the car." They laugh and you join in.

"My turn," Blake says. "Never have I ever...hooked up on the first date."

"What are we defining as hooking up?" Steve asks.

"All the way," Blake clarifies.

Emma and Steve both drink. You want to ask Steve about it but notice Emma has gone red. "But we don't slut-shame here," you say loudly. "Right, everyone?" Steve and Chrissy nod immediately. You glare until Blake and Ryan do too. Emma gives you a small grateful look and you smile.

To distract, Emma clears her throat and says, "My turn. Never have I ever...eaten an orange." She snickers while everyone rolls their eyes and grumbles while drinking. "Allergic."

"I'll go," Steve says. "Never have I ever...had sex in a public place."

You, Emma, and Chrissy all drink.

"We've got some adventurous girls!" Ryan shouts. "Give us all the dirty deets."

Everyone looks at Emma. "In a pool," she explains. Then Chrissy. "In the gym shower."

Then you. "You know those Tunnel of Love rides they have at carnivals?" Everybody nods and then understands. They all "ooh" teasingly.

"Aren't those rides like, really short?" Chrissy asks.

"I was friends with the operator. They stopped the ride for us, faking maintenance problems." You smile fondly. "It was on my partner's bucket list."

"In public or specifically there?" Steve asks.

"Specifically the Tunnel of Love. We had to drive two hours to that carnival." You laugh. "The boat was really tight and rocky. But we had fun."

"Bold," Blake muses admiringly.

Steve leans over. "Congrats, you've been approved by the king," he whispers. You shove him lightly and he chuckles.

"Me next," you say. "Never have I ever...been to Paris." Emma, Blake, and Ryan drink. "That's on my bucket list," you add.

"They should make a show like this one but set in Paris," Chrissy says wistfully. "They could even call it City of Love."

"I would watch that," you reply. "There would be a challenge where the contestants have to order at a café without letting the barista know they're not French. They get a kiss if they pass."

"What's the punishment if they don't?"

"The disdain and contempt of the barista," you answer and Steve laughs.

"Worse than anything the producers could come up with," he adds.

"Exactly!" You look at him and know there are matching smiles between you two.

"Last but not least," Ryan says, and you turn to face him, blushing furiously. "Never have I ever...played an instrument."

"Feels targeted," you mutter while you drink, but Chrissy and Blake drink too. You all look at them.

"I played trumpet for like one year in middle school," Blake answers. "Not my thing."

"I play drums!" Chrissy exclaims. "My friends and I have a band."

Emma says what you're thinking: "I never would've expected that."

Chrissy smiles. "I like to surprise."

"What's your band called?" Steve interjects.

"The Cheerleaders. All of us look like preppy bitches, so we lean into it. We wear custom uniforms and everything."

"That's so cute," you gush. "You get to play gigs?"

"Some," she replies, going pink. "We like to play at a bar nearby. They don't pay us much but the customers are nice."

"I hope I get to go to one," you say earnestly and Chrissy smiles.

"You will," she replies firmly. "You'll be a VIP guest. All of you will be." Everyone chimes in with "Nice!"'s or "Cool!"'s. Chrissy ducks her head, clearly proud but also embarrassed. "I think it's time to get changed," she says hurriedly and rushes from the area. You watch her go in amusement before following, Emma behind you.

You two find her in the dressing room. "I can't believe you're in a band," you say in amazement. "I've always wanted to play drums."

"I could teach you!" Chrissy gets excited again.

You laugh. "I probably can't afford you. But I can give you violin lessons in return."

"Deal." She holds out a hand and you shake it. She grins at you. "It's cool you get to do it professionally. Mine's more of a side thing."

"It has its pros and cons." You go to the dresser and peek through the clothes, holding up options. "Like any other career."

"That one," Emma says quietly, pointing at the dress you're holding in one hand. You look at her and she gives a nervous nod. You smile and go with her advice. She continues, "Maybe I can join in on that deal?" You and Chrissy look at her. "I can't play an instrument, but I do know how to box."

"Boxing?" Chrissy asks in awe. "That's so cool! I'm down."

"Me too," you add. "My fatal flaw is thinking I can box when I have no idea how to. The movies just make it look so easy."

Emma genuinely laughs—the first time you've heard it. "It's not that hard. But you need a lot of core strength. Most of my training is lifting weights and learning control."

You three continue to talk about your respective interests as you get ready and all go down together. The boys are lounging in the bedroom, but stand when you enter. Chrissy bounces over to Ryan while Blake walks up to Emma. Steve falls in step with you. "You look amazing," he says softly.

"Thanks." You appraise him. He's wearing a striped tee that shows off his arms, dark jeans that show off his ass, and sneakers that show off nothing, but look good. "You too." He preens and you roll your eyes fondly.

Outside, all six of you cheers with champagne and then split into couples. There's no pretense this time, Blake and Emma going off together right away. Chrissy tells you and Steve to join her and Ryan on the daybeds and you all settle together. You talk, letting the conversation flow and lull as natural. You sit perpendicular on the bed, eventually leaning back so you're resting on Steve's legs. You glance at him to make sure it's okay and he smiles and nods in encouragement. As the four of you keep the conversation going, you can feel his fingers brushing the ends of your hair, almost unconsciously. It keeps a smile on your face.

At some point, Emma and Blake meander over and join in, Emma sitting next to you while Blake relaxes at Chrissy and Ryan's feet. You think it might derail the discussion, but the two are surprisingly good at opening up and crack jokes to keep it light. Someone grabs the champagne bottle and brings it back, topping you all up to finish it. Then Chrissy yawns, setting off a chain reaction.

Blake helps Emma stand, while Ryan and Chrissy lean on each other as they walk back tiredly. You think about getting up, but just burrow further against Steve.

"Not gonna move?" He asks with a smile.

You hum a no. "Too comfy," you explain.

"Love to hear that, beautiful, but unfortunately, my legs are numb."

Groaning, you sit up petulantly. Steve gets up from the bed and does some crazy moves to get feeling back in his legs, making you giggle uncontrollably. He eventually holds out a hand and you take it. You expect him to pull you upright and let go, but instead he drapes your arm around his neck and leans down to lift you, carrying you bridal-style. You squeal at the surprise. He laughs and starts walking back, holding you like you weigh nothing. You hum and rest your head on his shoulder.

"Not a morning or night person, huh?" He murmurs.

"Nope. I'm a middle-of-the-day person."

He chuckles. "That's a new one."

"I'm a new one."

"Tell me about it." He looks down at you with soft eyes. You can't look away for anything. It's only when you arrive at the door that you have to break the eye contact so you can pull it open for him. He enters the bedroom and sets you down gently.

"Thanks," you whisper.

"Anytime," he whispers back.

Your legs are shaky as you go shower.

;

The next few days are much of the same. You watch Steve do laps while Chrissy watches Ryan work out and Emma watches Blake cook, all three of you on the beach chairs. He's a surprisingly good cook, having made dinner one night to rave reviews. He seems to have appointed himself the designated chef, which is fine for the rest of you. If he wants to, and keeps making good food, you'll let him.

Steve and you continue talking, discussing more about dreams, desires, wants, needs, and more. The time flies by and Chrissy has to shout multiple times before you two register she's saying it's time to get ready for the evening.

You, Chrissy, and Emma fill the dressing room with chatter, giving opinions on clothing, makeup, and hairstyles while also talking about the boys and your lives. All the boys give you compliments when you enter the bedroom, making you all blush. Outside, someone gives a toast and you all cheers.

But before you can break into couples, someone's phone chimes.

"I got a text!" Emma says. "Islanders, please go to the fire pit immediately."

You look at each other in nervous anticipation and do as asked. You and Blake have to sit together, but Steve makes sure to be on your other side. He gives you a reassuring smile when you look at him in wariness. Then your phone dings.

"Islanders, there will now be a recoupling. The boys will pick who they would like to couple up with. Girls, please stand in front of the fire pit." You read.

You, Emma, and Chrissy all make your way to the edge of the deck platform. Steve's phone chirps, and he checks it before standing. His gaze is on you.

"I'd like to couple up with this girl because she's beautiful, funny, sarcastic, and intelligent. She keeps me on my toes and makes me work hard to keep up with her. I've had a great time getting to know her and all I've learned just makes me want to know more. And I'm excited to share a bed. Cuddling purposes only." Everyone laughs. "She makes me wanna be better. So the girl I'd like to couple up with is..."

His eyes are shining as he finishes with your name. You smile as everyone claps and you walk over to him. He greets you with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and you two sit down together.

Someone else's phone sounds, but you're too focused on the feel of Steve's arm around you and hand holding yours to pay attention. His skin is soft and warm, and you squeeze his hand in some variation on a pinch to make sure this is real. It is when he squeezes back.

"How was that?" He mutters out of the side of his mouth. "Did you like it?"

"I loved it," you whisper, unable to stop smiling.

You two clap as Emma walks over to Blake, sitting next to him. Another phone goes off—must be Ryan's. You try to pay attention to his speech for Chrissy, but Steve is distracting you by continuously brushing his thumb across the back of your hand. It gives you goosebumps.

Finally, Emma and Blake clap so you and Steve follow suit. Chrissy has bounded over to Ryan and kisses him on the cheek. They both sit looking like they've won the lottery. Chrissy looks at you and you give her an excited smile, which she returns.

Then she and Ryan, and Emma and Blake, meander away from the fire pit. Steve turns to you.

"Nice to finally be coupled up," you say.

"Means I can finally do this." He leans in.

You stop him. "It's only the first week. Are you sure?"

He looks at you with those honey eyes. "Never been more sure in my life." Then he kisses you. It's sweet and perfect, and he cups your face as his lips brush against yours. It doesn't go further than that, but it doesn't need to. It makes your heart race all the same.

There's cheering from the other side of the villa, and you and Steve part in embarrassed laughter. You both look at the other islanders, who are whooping and calling out encouragement. You wave at them to stop and they just get louder, making Steve laugh harder. "Oh my god," you moan. "Can you believe we just had our first kiss on live television?"

"That is the whole reason we're here," he teases.

You roll your eyes. "Let's go to bed." He nods eagerly.

You both stand and walk to the villa, holding hands. Chrissy joins you and drags you away so you can talk to her about the kiss, which you describe while you're in the shower and she's standing outside in the bathroom. She keeps aw-ing and generally looking like the heart-eyed emoji, which you try to ignore.

When she finally gets enough info, you walk into the bedroom. Steve is standing and staring at yours and Blake's bed and his and Emma's.

"So who moves?" He asks.

"I guess the producers don't decide that," you note. "Well, if we get to choose, you come to mine. It's farther from the door and the light that shines in."

He shrugs. "Works for me." He slides his monogrammed dresser and nightstand to your bed as you slip in. Once they're situated, he joins you. He settles back against the headboard and lifts an arm. You slide under it, snuggling close and resting your head on his chest. He wraps his arm around you and holds tight.

"I wish I had a book," you mutter, stuck watching the other islanders walk through the room.

"I could tell you a story." You look at Steve. "It's a little scary, though. That okay?" You nod and he takes a breath. "Alright. Once upon a time, a boy disappears. He was ordinary, liked playing D&D with his friends, idolized his older brother. His mom is worried sick and she and the police chief organize a group of volunteers to look for him..."

He continues on, telling the story of a girl named Eleven with psychic powers escaping from a government facility and crossing paths with friends of the missing boy, Will. You're engrossed, and it's a shock when the lights turn off.

"And that's when they find out about the Upside Down," Steve whispers and doesn't keep going.

"What's the Upside Down?" You ask, but Steve shakes his head.

"Tomorrow, beautiful. Want you to get your beauty sleep." You pout. "I know you're pouting right now, but I can't see it. So you'll have to save it."

You roll your eyes. "Party pooper."

He laughs quietly, scooting down the bed so you're both fully horizontal. "Don't worry, promise I'll finish it." You grumble but tuck in closer to him, getting comfortable. He presses a quick kiss to the crown of your head. "Goodnight."

You yawn. "G'night."

You sleep wonderfully.

;

A few mornings later, when the lights come on, Steve lifts the covers over your heads when you scrunch against him. He lets you doze for a while longer before asking if you want coffee. Weighing the options, you finally nod and get up. He smiles at your grumpy expression and kisses your cheek before leaving the bed.

You go through the dressing room to the terrace, where you find Chrissy and Emma. They ask you about your night, but you keep the bedtime story to yourself—it's just for you right now. Instead, you talk about the cuddling and great sleep. Chrissy also excitedly talks about her own cuddle with Ryan. Emma says she doesn't cuddle while sleeping, but does mention she and Blake held hands through the night. She blushes when you and Chrissy "ooh".

You all get ready and go downstairs. Steve hands you a cup and watches nervously as you sip it. You gently tell him there's too much milk and he frowns, but also that it's still good and thank him. He smiles and as he goes to the pool, you wander over to the daybeds, laying down in the shade. Before you know it, you're asleep.

However long later, someone yells, "I got a text!" You wake up with a start, finding Steve sitting next to you, fully dry. Guess you were out for a while. You stand and stretch, taking Steve's offered hand and walking with him to the kitchen. Ryan had gotten the text and he waits until all of you are there to read it. "Girls, who's ready prove themselves in a battle with the elements? It's time for A Girl For All Seasons!"

You all get ready in the according swimsuits as directed. They're all element-themed: boys wear either blue or green trunks, for water and earth, while girls wear red or white, for fire and air. Then you're off, running to the challenge area.

Another text reveals that each girl must go through the course literally battling the elements. She has to climb down the constructed rock wall from the starting point, run over (fake) fire, stand in front of a giant fan for ten seconds, and then run through a designated column, where the boys will be spraying her with water guns. Once she gets through, there will be origami birds waiting to be picked up, filled with fun facts about the boys. She must read it aloud and kiss the boy she thinks it connects to.

Chrissy volunteers to go first. She excellently scales the wall and runs over the fire. She has a little trouble with the fan, which is at like supersonic speed, and then the boys really go at it with the water—she's drenched when she makes it to the birds. She dries her hands before picking one up and reading the clue on the wing.

She reads, "This boy once hid from security and stayed overnight at his local history museum." Obviously, you're all playing for the kisses, not to be right, so she kisses Ryan. The rest of you holler as they go at it.

When they break apart, she unfolds it and reveals Ryan's name. "I wanted to see what the dinosaurs looked like at night," he explains with a shrug. "Spoiler alert, they look like bones."

Then Emma goes. She has more difficulty with the wall—she clarifies heights are not her strong suit—but really excels at the fan bit. After going through the water barrage, she is also soaked. Drying her hands, she picks up another bird and says, "This boy was king of his high school—literally. Duh, we know who this is." She goes over and kisses Blake full-on. Again, you all cheer as they plaster themselves to each other. It's about to become too long when they part, panting.

She unfolds the bird and her jaw drops. "It's Steve?"

You all look at him, and he goes sheepish. "Yeah, I was called King Steve in high school."

Emma turns back to Blake. "How was it not you?"

"Well, I was more of a loser in high school. I had a better time in college." He's pink.

Emma almost melts and walks back to the girls. "That's kind of sweet," she admits to you and Chrissy. She might feel good about her man's past, but you're not as happy. You too were a loser in high school, tormented by the popular boys and girls. It's hard to reconcile the Steve you know with the boys who used to make fun of you and your achievements in violin, which the administration just had to announce to the whole school, even though you'd asked them not to every time.

You head to the start of the course, still distracted. You make it down the wall and over the fire without harm, and stand in front of the fan like an immovable object. It's harder to make yourself run through the water, and you're coughing by the end, having been hit in the face a few times. "Sorry!" Ryan calls out, sounding relatively genuine. You wave it away as you dry your hands. You pick up the last bird and read, "This boy once street raced but got caught by the cops." You know it's Blake—besides being the last one, he'd mentioned fast cars the one time you'd talked to him—but you definitely don't want to kiss him.

You go up to Steve, who smiles. But you only give him a quick kiss before stepping away and unfolding the bird and saying flatly, "Blake."

The rest of the islanders start asking him questions but Steve touches your arm. "You okay?" He asks quietly.

You shrug, unable to look at him. You walk back to the girls and pretend to be interested in Blake's story, which you aren't following. When you all leave for the villa, you trail behind, deep in thought. Arriving back, you go to the pool and dip your feet in.

Another pair join yours and you look to see Steve sitting next to you. "What's up?" He asks. It's gentle.

"King Steve?"

He sighs. "Yeah, not my finest time in life."

You don't look at him. "Boys like you made my life a living hell in high school."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could go back and kick their asses."

You don't let yourself smile. "How do I know you're not still like that somewhere underneath?"

He takes your hand. "Can you look at me?" It takes a few seconds, but he waits patiently, and you eventually meet his gaze. His expression is soft and understanding. "That's a really valid question, and I wish I could prove it to you in an incontrovertible way. But all I can tell you is that there was a girl, a lot like you actually, who changed me for the better. She opened my eyes to all the consequences of my actions and I did my best to make them right and never do them again."

"Where's she then?"

He shrugs. "Chicago, maybe. Or Springfield. I don't know, we lost touch after high school. But what she taught me has always stayed with me. I don't let myself forget it." He gives you a small smile, which you return. "There's that beautiful smile. Missed it."

Your smile grows until it's full. "I'm sorry," you say. "That was a stupid thing to be upset about."

"No, it's not. Everything you feel matters. And how you feel matters to me." You lean against him. "You wanna tell me about it?"

"My feelings?"

"I was thinking high school, but that works too."

You exhale a small laugh. "Okay." So you do. You tell him all the good things and the bad things and the bittersweet things and the things you wish you could do over and the things you wouldn't change for a million dollars and the things you felt about all those things. All he does is listen.

Eventually, the sun sinks down and Chrissy interrupts to grab you and get ready. You give Steve a tight hug, thank him for listening, and walk away with her, leaving him to digest it all at the pool.

Chrissy gets you back into a good mood, and in the dressing room, you, her, and Emma bounce off each other to hype everyone up. You all help organize your looks and go to the bedroom. Steve walks up to you and kisses you on the cheek, murmuring that you look stunning. Your heart flip-flops as he escorts you outside.

For the evening, everyone hangs together again, this time on the sundeck. You lounge against Steve, who keeps his arm tight around you, and only participate sporadically, drained from talking so much earlier. Steve can tell and talks an extra amount so you don't have to. You rub your hand across his back in thanks, letting your fingers stray into his hair. He hums happily whenever you do.

The nightly yawning commences and everyone heads for bed. You almost fall asleep in the shower and drop into bed exhausted. Steve tucks you in close and asks if you still want the bedtime story. You nod, eyes closed, and listen to his quiet voice as he explains the Upside Down and how Eleven has joined the search for the Will but is also being hunted by government agents.

He's describing the sensory-deprivation tank Eleven uses to visit the Upside Down and find Will alive, when the lights go out. You're disappointed but know you'll get more of the story tomorrow.

You give Steve a soft kiss and thank him for the day. He just holds you closer, protecting you as you fall asleep.

;

A week later, after getting to know Steve better and him you, after more challenges and games and frighteningly little drama, it all changes.

It's the middle of the day. You and Steve are lounging around, talking infrequently, just making random comments here and there to pass the time. You like to ask each other bizarre questions, like if all you're food tasted like one thing for the rest of your life, what would that thing be? (You choose garlic while Steve chooses chocolate.) Or if you're a dishes or laundry person? (You're laundry and Steve's dishes. You do note the compatibility there.)

Then there's the sound of heels clicking down the trellis and a hesitant "hello!" A new girl emerges: short, brunette, petite features. Steve tenses beside you and you look at him.

"Oh my god," he mutters.

"What?"

"That's my ex."

"What?" You repeat in shock, but he's already striding across the backyard to the new girl. You follow quickly.

"Nancy?" At his voice, the girl turns to him and beams.

"Steve!" She shouts and throws her arms around him. He hesitates before putting his arms around her awkwardly and hugging her back.

"What are you doing here?" He asks when she pulls back. You've caught up to them, along with everyone else.

"Finding love, silly!" She titters, but it doesn't match her vibe. It feels fake. "Actually, finding you."

Your vision pinholes. You must falter on your feet because then Steve is next to you, holding your hand. "Me?"

She laughs, high-pitched. It really doesn't suit her. "Yes, you! You were always the one that got away."

"What?" Steve's baffled. "I am?"

"Mhm!" She turns to everyone. "Anyways, I'm Nancy!"

The other islanders crowd in and make their introductions. You lean over to Steve. "Is that the girl from high school? Who opened your eyes and all that?" He nods and you exhale heavily.

The producers sure got their drama.

Chrissy and Emma motion to you so you'll join them in the dressing room. You hold up a finger and turn to Steve. "You okay?" You ask soothingly.

He doesn't really look it, but he replies, "Yeah, yeah. Go ahead."

"Steve," you say sternly. He finally meets your gaze. "Honest?"

His face goes soft and he smiles. "Yeah. Just hurry back."

"Promise." You give him a quick kiss before rushing after the girls.

You catch up to them in the dressing room and stay quiet as you get ready. Chrissy and Emma pepper Nancy with questions, excited to have another person in the villa. They ask about Steve, and Nancy explains how she'd helped him change his ways. She tries to sound wistful while saying they lost touch after high school, but the whole thing feels forced. You're only listening to her as you do your makeup, and you know it's all bullshit of some sort. The only thing you can't figure out is why she's here and why she wants Steve back.

You meet the boys in the bedroom as usual. You walk right up to Steve and take his hand, asking silently if he's okay. He shrugs but gives you a small smile, which relieves you for right now. He leads you out of the villa with everyone else. Tonight's cheers is welcoming Nancy and wishing her luck on her Island of Love journey.

As expected, she asks Steve for a chat. You squeeze his hand to let him know he's got your support. He squeezes back before letting go and following Nancy to the sundeck. You join Chrissy and Ryan on the beanbags and try not to stare. You succeed in that, but it means you keep glancing over every few seconds to see how it's going.

Nancy is talking animatedly, using her hands and touching Steve a lot. Steve looks a bit uncomfortable and doesn't reciprocate, but he's listening intently. Chrissy and Ryan try to draw you into conversation but you're a lousy addition so they taper off their attempts.

Eventually, they stand. Nancy gives Steve a hug, which he returns half-heartedly. Then he's speed-walking to you. You stand up to meet him. "You okay?" You ask.

He doesn't answer, just pulls you into a hug. "I'll tell you later," he whispers in your ear and you nod. Holding him tight, you see Nancy eyeing you from the kitchen, blank expression on her face. You can't tell if she's paying attention to your hug or lost in thought.

Steve leans back and asks if you'd sit on the daybed with him. You agree and he leads you there. He has you sit first, which you do against the headboard, he lays next to you with his head in your lap. You stroke his hair and he doesn't talk and you don't make him. You just sit in silence together, listening to the other islanders chatter and the wind blow through the trees.

You notice Steve yawning and poke him into sitting up. This time, you stand and haul him up, making him smile. You two walk back to the villa and get ready for bed. When you get into bed and snuggle up to Steve, he continues his story. He's telling you about the Upside Down creature Dustin had found and brought home, which Will identifies, when the lights go out. Steve has you slide down with him, then pulls the covers up over you both.

"How was your conversation with Nancy?" You ask in a whisper.

"Weird," he replies. "She's so...different from high school."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Not necessarily. But she worked hard as editor of the school newspaper and last I knew, she wanted to become a real reporter. Now she's told me she hated being in journalism while in Chicago and kept thinking about me. She knew I was going on the show and applied to be the bombshell."

"I'm assuming the producers picked her because she's your ex."

"Must be. This is not her scene. I really don't know what happened, but something must have. Our whole conversation felt so forced. It was like I could tell she didn't really believe what she was saying, but was determined to say it anyways." He makes a frustrated noise.

"What did she say?"

"She said she wanted to find me and try a relationship again. She knows I've changed and wants to see if we could work out this time. She kept saying I was 'the one that got away'. I don't even think that's true."

You hum, nervously chewing on your cheek.

"Hey," he says softly, turning your head so you look at him. "I don't want to be with Nancy. I want to be with you."

"What if you change your mind?" You fret.

"I did love Nancy in high school. But this Nancy is not that one, and this one is no match for you. Neither of them are. And I got over her a long time ago. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be on here."

You're only half-convinced. "I don't know."

Instead of speaking, he leans forward and kisses you sweetly. Pressing his forehead against yours, he reassures, "I'm yours."

You finally smile and nod against him. He sighs in relief and removes the covers. You cuddle with him, and he uses both arms to hold you close, resting his cheek against the crown of your head. "It's fucking hot under there," he mutters.

You laugh.

;

The next morning, after Steve lets you sleep in and makes you coffee—just the tiniest bit too much milk, but you tell him it's perfect—you two are in the pool. He's been teaching you to swim all week, and he's a good teacher, but you're distracted by Nancy, who has pulled both Ryan and Blake for individual chats. Chrissy looks nervous while Emma just looks peeved.

You jolt when Steve says your name. "You wanna try?"

"I guess so." You take a breath and go under, letting your body rise to the surface and starting a basic stroke. You've got the arm movements, and you're going forward, but you keep forgetting to breathe. When you burst from the water to inhale desperately for the third time, Steve joins you.

"Maybe we can try something a little easier," he suggests, and demonstrates a backstroke. You're a little nervous about being on your back so Steve has you float for a bit, holding you up at first before letting go. It feels nice, the water covering your ears, knowing Steve is a step away, watching the clouds move. It's the first moment of peace you've had since Nancy got here.

"Okay," you hear Steve say, muffled by the water, and you stand. "Your floating is an a-plus. Let's do a backstroke."

You gently lean back into the water and move your arms and legs as Steve showed you. It takes a minute, but you eventually feel yourself moving backwards. When you go far enough to know you're near the wall, you stand up and lift your hands triumphantly.

"You did it!" Steve yells in excitement.

"I did it!" You echo him as he swims to you, lifting you up by your waist when he reaches you. You laugh happily as he spins you in the water, loving the joy and pride he has for you. When he brings you back down, you kiss him. This time, you push it further, swiping your tongue across his bottom lip. He opens for you and as your tongues dance around each other, Steve moves backwards until he's touching the side of the pool and you can wrap your legs around him.

"Hello!"

You and Steve startle back, turning your heads and looking up at Nancy standing about a foot away from you two. She's smiling, but it looks more like a grimace. "Steve, can I steal her away?"

"Me?" You ask in surprise. She nods and you reluctantly untangle from Steve and get out of the pool. He rests his head on the side and looks sad. "I'll come back soon," you say before joining Nancy, who leads you to the kitchen.

"Fruit?" She asks innocently.

"Sure." You sound as suspicious as you feel. "What did you want to talk about?"

She hands you a bunch of grapes and eats a few before answering. "Just wanted to see where your head is at with Steve."

"Well, I like him, and we're coupled up."

"And he likes you?"

"Yeah," you say confidently but warily, more so about Nancy's intentions.

"We'll see," she replies lightly and before you can respond, she continues. "He's changed so much since high school."

"I know. He told me about that."

"He said what I did?" She says it with expectation, not pleasant surprise. You nod. "Good. We were really close. I was so sad when we didn't stay connected."

"Steve said you went to school to become a reporter?"

She waves a hand dismissively. "Yeah, but I didn't really like it. Didn't know what else to do, so saw Steve was gonna be here and decided to follow."

She's definitely lying, but you can't figure out why. There's something in her eyes, beneath the fake cheer, something akin to fear or desperation. Maybe she's running from something, not running to Steve. Maybe she's scared of going forwards so she's going backwards.

"That's cool," you eventually say, keeping it simple. "What else do you do?"

"Oh, I like to read, work out. My girl—" She cuts off abruptly. "My friend and I used to watch horror movies together. She adored them but I hated all the jump scares. Comedies are much more my speed."

You can see through that changed word choice but don't pry. "I like horror and comedy. But mysteries are where it's really at."

"Too complicated for me." She almost sounds pained as she says it. You don't believe her one bit.

Thankfully you're saved from continuing the conversation by Chrissy and Emma, who are taking you to the dressing room. You stand and scan for Steve. When you catch his gaze, you give him an apologetic look. He waves it away and smiles, motioning for you to go with the girls. You do so and get ready with them. You keep watching Nancy for more slips, but she's back to her fully fake self, chattering on to the rest of you about absolutely nothing.

You lead Steve directly to the daybed when he walks you outside. "That was such a weird conversation," you say after you've settled. "She had this slip-up that I think I understand but I'm not sure. One word change does not a queer person make."

He looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "Queer?" You nod. "That's new."

"Guess it's a new thing. But I think she's afraid of coming out of the closet."

Before Steve can reply, a phone chimes. "I got a text!" Nancy yells. "Islanders, please go to the fire pit immediately."

You and Steve look at each other warily before standing and joining everyone else at the fire pit. Once you're all sitting, Nancy gets another text. "Nancy, you must now choose the boy you would like to couple up with." She stands and moves in front of the fire pit.

"I would like to couple up with this boy because he is the reason I came here." Your stomach goes into free fall. "He's smart, handsome, funny, and I'm so glad we were able to reconnect. I've wanted to try this again for a long time." She's lying through her teeth. "So the boy I would like to couple up with is...Steve."

Everyone claps awkwardly. You look at Steve, who seems to be as sad as you feel. He gives you a kiss on the cheek and whispers, "I'll be back, beautiful. Promise."

You watch him stand and walk over to Nancy, who hugs him. He hugs her back, uncomfortable, before stepping back. He keeps his eyes on you but you can't stand the sight of them as a couple so you look away. Then your phone dings. "You are now single and vulnerable. Good luck."

Unnecessary.

Nancy drags Steve away as Chrissy and Emma comfort you. You don't cry, but you're definitely upset. You don't talk much, and they eventually trail off. When they leave, you walk to the villa with your head held high and don't look at Nancy and Steve. You shower and get into bed before everyone else. You close your eyes and pretend to be asleep so no one will talk to you.

You don't let the tears fall until after lights out. You miss Steve beside you, his arms around you, his heart beating steadily against your cheek. You miss his voice in your ear, telling his bedtime story, most of all.

;

There's something buzzing in your bed. You grope around until you find the vibrating object—your phone—and squint through the brightness. You received a text: Please gather all the girls in the dressing room. Stay quiet!

You breathe deep before sneaking out from under the covers and tip-toeing over to Chrissy's bed. You gently jostle her awake, shushing her as soon as she opens her eyes. "The girls have to go to the dressing room," you whisper. "Can you grab Nancy? I'll get Emma."

She nods and stealthily moves to Nancy and Steve's bed while you go to Emma and Blake's. You have to keep her quiet as well and motion for her to join you in the dressing room.

When you're all there, blinking and confused in the darkness, you get another text. You read it out softly: "Girls, you are now headed to Casa Amor! Please gather only necessary items and meet your cars outside. Shh! Don't wake the boys."

You all squeal silently and rush around for the things you absolutely need in Casa. You slip back into the bedroom to get your water bottle. Steve moves in his bed, catching your eye. He looks so peaceful, so innocent, while asleep. You want nothing more than to lean over and kiss him awake.

But you can't. So you grab the bottle and scramble back to the dressing room, packing a few other things before meeting the girls downstairs. You all get out of the villa and into the waiting SUVs quickly and quietly, only screaming in excitement when the doors have closed. You and Nancy seem to be less enthusiastic about the news. You're sure she wanted to strike up with Steve again. You're just glad you don't have to seem them parade around as a couple now, though you do wish you could've spoken to him about last night.

Regardless, you're on the way now. Steve is coupled up with Nancy and Casa Amor wasn't going to give you the opportunity to take him back. Plus, you're single and as the text said, vulnerable, so you do have to up your game. So you decide to leave thoughts of Steve at the villa and start fresh at Casa. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a better guy than Steve.

As impossible as that seems.

All four of you marvel at the new space—it's a lot similar to the villa, but you also haven't been outside of the villa in about two weeks, so anything new is a change. When you walk outside into the backyard, four guys greet you.

You all scream hello's and they introduce themselves. There's Max, a blonde surfer from California (talk about a cliché); Carson, a preppy boy from New York City; Lee, a good ol' Southern boy from Louisiana; and Eddie, a metalhead from Chicago. You're drawn to Eddie immediately—he has gorgeous wavy black hair that goes past his shoulders, tattoos covering his arms and chest, and black-painted nails to go with the black swim trunks. He could come off as scary, but his warm smile and kind eyes completely counteract the dark aesthetic.

He seems to notice your gaze and walks over to you with a smirk. "Like what you see, princess?"

Ah, a boy who uses pet names. You like it. "Maybe," you say vaguely. "As first impressions go."

"Well, I like what I see." He smiles cheekily. "You're stunning."

You blush. "Thanks." You give your name.

"Oh, I've been watching you." There's a glint in his eye. "Care for a chat?" You nod, and he leads you to the sundeck that's almost identical to the villa's, just opposite. He sits easily and pats the space next to him, and you join him, staying sitting up as he lounges back.

"So what do you already know about me?" You ask.

"Lemme see. You're a musician from Colorado, a violinist. Want to be in an orchestra someday. Learning how to swim. Likes roller-skating. Coupled up with Steve."

"All correct, except for the last one."

He looks at you in surprise. "You two were solid though."

"Yeah," you sigh, "until Nancy stole him last night. She had to choose who she wanted to couple up with."

"Guess that wasn't a shock."

"Actually, I was blindsided," you say sarcastically. "I never would've thought she'd pick the guy she kept saying she came on the show for."

Eddie laughs but there's still sympathy in his gaze. "I'm sorry, angel. That sucks."

You look away, not wanting to be caught up about Steve. "Thanks. But tell me who you are, Eddie."

"I'm from Chicago. I'm also a musician; I play guitar in a band kind of known around the dive bars of the city. I'm a certified metalhead and love rock music. I also love high fantasy shit and DM D&D campaigns for my friends." He doesn't have one ounce of shame.

"That's cool!" You exclaim genuinely. "I may play primarily classical music but I also love rock and pop. Who's your favorite classic rock band?"

He muses. "That's a tough question. Dio, maybe? Or Metallica. Or Motley Crüe." He goes pink when you laugh. "There's a lot of good options," he argues.

"I agree," you reply. "It's hard to pick just one."

"What's yours?"

"Probably Aerosmith or Journey. I also like AC/DC."

"Solid choices," he says, impressed. "Pop-wise?"

This is when you blush. "I'm a Taylor Swift lover if we're going modern. But classic it's gotta be Madonna or Stevie Nicks."

He just smiles. "I don't judge. I'm not a Swiftie myself but she can write a song. And I love Fleetwood Mac."

"They're so good!" You smile back at him. "I've never played D&D, though."

"Not many people have," he responds amiably. "It's really for the nerds out there who love to act that shit out."

You laugh. "I'm usually good just reading it. I've been known to champion some high fantasy series." At his raised eyebrow, you clarify, "Lord of the Rings mostly. Never was a Game of Thrones fan."

"I like both, but LotR definitely tops GoT." You giggle as he uses the letters instead of the words for the titles. "Movies are where it's at too."

"Agreed. But those Hobbit movies didn't match up."

"We don't really talk about those," Eddie says gravely and you laugh again.

Then Emma interrupts you. "Just gonna hoard him all day?" She teases you. You roll your eyes fondly as Eddie laughs. "Come on, we're all around the fire pit."

You and Eddie follow her and join the group for a lively discussion. It's not really centered around anything in particular, just speaking when you can about the current topic. Eddie learns Chrissy plays drums in her own rock band and you giggle at his starstruck look. The new boys learn Emma has traveled the world, and Carson seems to take an interest. You learn that Max has won surfing championships and Lee's family owns a stable of horses that specialize in working on movie sets.

You also note the girls' varying interests in getting to know the boys. Unsurprisingly, Nancy is completely closed off, still participating but not inviting more conversation. Chrissy is also mostly closed off, clearly loyal to Ryan, though you think she and Eddie would hit it off if she was open to it. Emma is going for it, obviously not thinking about Blake too much. And you're somewhere in the middle, wanting to be open but unable to stop thinking about Steve. Even though he is not your partner.

At some point, Nancy stands and stiltedly says it's time for y'all to get ready. You, Chrissy, and Emma follow her into the house, and she seems to let out a huge sigh of relief when in the dressing room. You keep an eye on her as you all get ready, and she seems much more at ease when surrounded by the girls, not talking a lot but not being too fake anymore. Maybe she spent all her energy in the villa and doesn't have anymore for Casa? Maybe she thinks she's in the clear with Steve and so doesn't want to even try here? Whatever it is, you resolve to make sure she's not uncomfortable while here in Casa—girls support girls, even if they have stolen your couple.

You get back outside and cheers drinks to Casa Amor. Everyone splits off and it turns into a kind of speed-dating: the boys rotate around the girls to get to know all of you. It's an odd setup but not a terrible one. For one thing, you find out you're not into Max—the not knowing how to swim thing kind of puts a damper on his favorite subject of surfing.

For another, it's a good thing Carson is not your type, because he spends the whole time with you talking about his conversation with Emma and listing things he admires about her. It's rather sweet.

For the last, you're ambivalent about Lee, who is certainly a gentleman but also hasn't done a fucking thing in his life except work at his family's stable and become quite a good equestrian. But you also like horses and would ask him more about film sets since you love movies.

After talking to the three of them, you take a breather and sit at the pool, dipping your feet in. You're lost in thought about Steve swimming laps, Steve teaching you how to swim, Steve kissing you in the water, Steve, Steve, Steve—

"Penny for your thoughts?" Eddie says, startling you. He sits beside you, setting aside his shoes and socks and rolling up his pant legs to also put his feet in the water.

You shrug. "Don't need a penny," you reply lightly.

He looks out at the horizon. "You miss him?"

Tears rush to your eyes but you will them away. Choked up, you just nod.

Eddie smiles kindly. "I get it."

You breathe and clear your throat. "So," you say, changing the subject, "how are you feeling about the girls?"

"Well," he draws out. "Nancy was nice but didn't seem interested in talking much. Emma's cool but kept talking about Carson."

You snort. "Carson kept talking about her to me."

"See, that's cute," Eddie says with a grin. "I like Chrissy but she's also pretty closed to getting to know people."

"And me?" You ask, with feigned lightness.

"Who?" He smirks and then laughs when you shove him. "I like you."

"I like you too," you admit softly. But...

"There’s some big shoes to fill," he replies.

You half-smile and he knocks his shoulder into yours. You knock him back. Then you yawn and Eddie helps you up, joining you on the way back to the house. The other islanders trail after you and you all get ready for bed.

You think in the shower. You do like Eddie, he makes you laugh and you have similar interests, but you don't have that physical attraction you have with Steve. You wish Chrissy was more open, because she and Eddie would really get along, and maybe you'd have a better connection with Lee? By the time you're done, you've decided to flirt more with Lee and Eddie, and see if that physical connection will spark tomorrow.

You, Chrissy, and Nancy all sleep alone, while Carson and Emma share a bed. There's giggling from it for a while, but no moaning or bed shaking, so it seems innocent for now. You sleep fitfully, the new bed weird to be sleeping in and missing Steve's comforting presence.

In the morning, you don't even try to sleep in; you just get up and go make your coffee, knowing you're gonna need it. You sit with the girls and discuss the night before. Emma goes red when she talks about sharing a bed with Carson, and you say you want to get to know Eddie and Lee more. Nancy and Chrissy both confirm they're sticking to their couples and won't be swayed.

After breakfast, you pull Lee for a chat and see if you can work some magic. However, it doesn't help; it's a super dull conversation, even as he tells stories from film sets he's worked on with his horses. He doesn't seem interested in making those anecdotes entertaining, and becomes much more animated when he talks about riding competitions. Which you won't judge him for, but it doesn't really match up with what you want from the conversation. Thankfully, you're interrupted by Emma yelling that she got a text.

"Islanders, please gather together in an open space. It's time for the Raunchy Races, the Villa vs. Casa Amor battle!" She reads. You all come together in the grassy area and sit on benches, tense and ready.

Chrissy's phone dings. She reads quickly, "The tallest islander must kiss the shortest. That's Nancy!"

"And Lee!" Emma calls out, and Lee rushes over to Nancy, kissing her. She stops it almost immediately, her smile looking more like a grimace. Chrissy gets another text, "The Villa were the fastest!”

You all groan. "Who's the tallest over there?" Someone asks.

"Blake," Emma answers, nonplussed.

Your phone goes off. You read, "The blonde islanders must kiss each other."

Chrissy and Carson rush to each other and kiss hastily. It's also short and when Chrissy goes back to her seat, she looks worried. "That's Ryan," she explains.

You get the result text. "The Villa were the fastest," You say glumly. Chrissy becomes even more despondent.

Another text chimes and Eddie reads, "The two oldest male and female islanders must demonstrate reverse cowgirl!"

Emma and Carson both stand up and run to the open area, getting into position so quickly it's impressive.

Eddie gets the next text and says excitedly, "Casa were the fastest!" Everyone cheers and Emma and Carson high-five.

Another phone goes off. Nancy holds hers up and says, "The male islanders with a birthday in the second half of the year and the female islanders with a birthday in the first half of the year must do the Cupid Shuffle. What the hell is that?"

You laugh and stand up. "I know it. Let's go!" Chrissy, Max, and Lee all join you. You call out the moves and demonstrate them, having the others follow. Soon enough, all four of you are doing the Cupid Shuffle easily and singing the words to the song. The rest of the islanders are clapping along. Once you've done the sequence about three times, you stop and double over in laughter, and the others join you.

Nancy gets another text and says, "Casa were the fastest!" You all scream in excitement. Chrissy gives you a hug and all the boys high-five you. You bow for your dance knowledge and everyone cheers loudly, making you laugh as you sit back down.

Lee gets a text. "The girl with the highest body count has to kiss the chest of the boy with the lowest ten times."

You motion the girls to huddle quickly. You recount numbers in hushed and determine it's Emma. You break apart and the boys point at Max, who's gone red. Emma rushes up to him and kisses his chest the ten times, smearing lipgloss across it. She eventually leans back and admires her handiwork. She gives Max a wink and he reddens even further. She flits back to her seat next to Carson, who gives Max a stink eye. Max sits back down warily and you snicker at all the forces working against him for that one.

Lee then reads the result, "The Villa were the fastest."

Everyone grumbles. "Who even was that about over there?" Emma asks sourly.

"I don't know," you reply. "Maybe Blake?"

"Nah," Emma says, waving it away. "Gotta be Ryan."

Chrissy harrumphs.

Max gets the next text. "The most musical islanders must kiss each other for ten seconds."

"That's you!" Chrissy points at you. "And Eddie!"

You both stand up and meet in the middle. You kiss, drawing it out for the ten seconds to see if you can strike that missing spark. While Eddie's lips are soft and warm, and he's good at using them, unfortunately it doesn't do anything for you. It's just flat.

When the other islanders reach ten in their counting, you and Eddie lean back. You both look at each other in vague disappointment. Sitting back down, Max gets the result, "Casa were the fastest!"

Emma gets the next text and reads, "The boy with the best hair must kiss the girl of his choice. Obviously that's Eddie!" Eddie then gets up and rushes over to Chrissy, who seems surprised by the pick. He kisses her and she kisses him back, almost like she can't help it. When they break apart, they're both panting and Chrissy is pink in the cheeks. Eddie has a smirk when he turns around and walks back to his seat.

If you thought that wasn't enough to seal the lack of attraction, all you could think about during it was that Steve was the one picking the girl and doing the kissing in the villa. Your heart squeezes in despair, dramatically. Then Emma reads the result, "The Villa were the fastest," and you sink into the blues farther. You chance a peek at Nancy, who seems tense but not very upset by the notion of Steve winning.

Carson receives the last text, "The girl with the best smile must kiss the boy of their choice."

Everyone looks at you. "What?" You ask.

"That's you, babe!" Chrissy says. You're shocked but still want to win so stand up. With Eddie, Carson, and Max all out, you run up to Lee. He welcomes your kiss but it's terrible—he has no control over his tongue and it's gross-sloppy. Plus, you feel nothing. You lean back just as quickly and speed-walk back to your seat.

There's a final ding. Everyone holds their breath. Carson says, "Casa were the fastest! With the most points, they have won an 80s-themed party for tonight!"

You all burst into excited cheers. You, Chrissy, and Emma all hug tightly and the boys all high-five. There's a chant of "Casa! Casa! Casa!" as you all run back to the house and get ready for the party.

The girls dress in throwback outfits and put on neon makeup, teasing your hair to be big and wild. Chrissy wears all black lace, à la Madonna. Emma chooses a tight and ruffled prom-esque dress. Nancy goes for the day-to-night vibe and wears a blazer over a pencil skirt, complete with shoulder pads. And you go with shiny black leggings and an oversized leather jacket covering a black corset top.

You take a ton of photos together before meeting the boys outside. They all look kind of boring, except for Eddie, who's appropriately wearing a Metallica tee under a leather jacket under a denim vest, with skinny jeans and a studded black belt.

"Great outfit," you compliment when you reach him.

"Thanks!" He responds happily. "You look good too. Went all out."

"Why not?" You shrug with a smile. "We love a theme. Seen Chrissy yet?" He shakes his head and then scans the backyard. You know he's finally spotted her when his jaw drops. "Yes, she is Madonna," you tease.

"Wow." It's all he can seem to say. Then he's looking back at you sheepishly. "Hey, about the challenge—"

"Oh my god," you interrupt, "no worries. Thinking you didn't feel anything during our kiss either?"

"No." His mouth turns down.

"But you did with Chrissy?" He blushes and just nods. You laugh. "As I expected. I'm glad. I thought you two would be a good couple."

"She still doesn't wanna really open up, though," he replies sadly.

You think for a minute, watching him watch her. "Let's strike a deal," you say quietly. The mics will pick up the conversation but hopefully no other islanders can hear. Eddie looks at you in interest. "I can't go back to the villa without a partner, I was left single. Carson's taken, I don't like Max, and Lee has turned out to not be my type. We may not have any chemistry—" you point between you and him, "—but I'd rather bring a friend back with me than someone else. I'll bring you back to the villa and give you more time to crack on with Chrissy."

"Yes!" Eddie answers in a rush. "Deal."

"But," you continue sternly, “you leave her alone if she’s happy with Ryan. And if you do get the chance to be with Chrissy, you've gotta be the most gentlemanly gentleman to ever exist."

"Promise," he replies. "Cross my heart."

"Good." You hold out a hand and he shakes it. "It's a deal then." You both nod at each other before letting go.

Then a speaker blares Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and everyone moves to the constructed dance floor. You all groove to the playlist, which is surprisingly good for being made by reality show producers. You, Chrissy, and Emma all dance together a lot, when Emma isn't dancing with Carson. You even pull Nancy in and she actually starts to move with the beat. Eddie is a terrible dancer but he's funny about it, and it makes you feel lighter than you have since having Steve stolen.

After the dancing ends, you conspire with Emma and Nancy to pull Max, Carson, and Lee into chats so Chrissy will be left to talk with Eddie. Even thought you have to endure more horse stories from Lee—he was absolutely the horse girl of his high school—you see Chrissy and Eddie having a great time. He seems to keep making her laugh and she's blushing the whole time but talking animatedly too. Your matchmaking skills are, well, unmatched.

You still miss Steve.

;

The next day, it's easy sailing. Chrissy and Eddie end up talking more and you join them occasionally. Emma and Carson are wrapped up in each other, being sickeningly sweet. Max and Lee spend most of the day working out while Nancy sits alone, staring out at the view.

At some point, you go over and sit beside her. You don't say anything at first and neither does she, just enjoying the silence together.

"I'm sorry about taking Steve," she eventually says quietly.

You don't look at her but reply, "It's okay. It's Island of Love not Island of Friends." She cracks a small smile. "Besides, it's not like you weren't upfront about it. You did spend the whole time saying that's what you came on the show to do."

She moves her head back and forth in a so-so motion. "Yeah, I guess." She sighs. "I'm just not sure what I'm doing here."

"What any of us are doing: finding love," you say. "Going back to something that made you happy to see if it still does is a hard thing to do."

"That's just it. I don't know if it does anymore."

Your stomach jumps at the confession but try not to show it. "You owed it to yourself to try, and that's good enough for me." She gives you a grateful look. You pat her shoulder gently before leaving and seeking out Chrissy and Eddie.

Eventually it's time to get ready and so you go inside. But then there's a text to Nancy: "Islanders, please gather your items and go outside to the waiting cars. You're going back to the Villa tonight." You and Chrissy are both excited, while Emma is ambivalent and Nancy doesn't seem to notice at all. She's been lost in thought since your conversation with her.

You all change quickly and grab your stuff and get to the cars. The boys are already gone, back to the villa before you. When you arrive, a text to you directs all the girls to go to the fire pit immediately. Once you're seated, the Casa Amor boys file out of the house and line up in front of the fire pit.

Host Naomi makes a reappearance. "Hello!" She calls out. "How was your time at Casa Amor, lovelies?" You all chorus back "good". "Well, it's time to decide whether you are going to recouple or stay loyal to your Villa partner. Our resident singleton gets to go first." She points at you.

You stand and take a breath. "Since I'm single," you say, "there is no boy to be loyal to. So I am going to recouple. I want to couple up with this boy because he's handsome, smart, and has a rocking personality." You smirk when Eddie rolls his eyes. "He has the best hair and kept me in stitches the whole time at Casa. So the boy I will be coupling up with is...Eddie."

He beams and moves over to you, giving you a kiss on the cheek and sitting down with you. You glance at Chrissy and see a flash of disappointment cross over her face before it's gone. Interesting.

Naomi points to Emma next. "Emma, please choose what you would like to do."

"This was a hard decision, but I've chosen to recouple." Carson looks relieved after the first sentence. "I liked who I was coupled up with but I like this boy more. He's funny and entertaining and absolutely gorgeous. We have so much in common and want to get to know each other more still. I'm really excited about seeing where this goes." She's blushing. "So the boy I would like to couple up with is...Carson."

Carson has the biggest smile known to man as he walks over to Emma and gives her a hug. They sit down, holding hands.

Naomi asks both Chrissy and Nancy what they'd like to do and they both choose to stay loyal. You all call out goodbyes to Max and Lee, and they wave as they leave.

"Now let's see what the boys have chosen to do," Naomi says dramatically. "Up first is Blake."

You all turn to the trellis as steps coming walking down it—two pairs. Blake appears with a new girl on his arm. You look at Emma, who catches your glance and shrugs. The new couple makes their way to the fire pit and stands next to Naomi.

"Blake, you have decided to recouple," Naomi points out. "Why?"

"I had a really good connection with Maggie and wanted to keep exploring it. I felt bad for possibly hurting Emma, but it looks like she found new happiness as well." You're impressed by the diplomatic answer. Naomi is not.

"Emma," she says, clearly trying to create drama, "how do you feel?"

"Honestly?" She replies. "I feel relieved. I was worried about hurting Blake too but couldn't give up the chance to try things with Carson. I'm glad he found Maggie." She smiles at Maggie, who smiles back.

"Alright." Naomi's definitely frustrated. You snicker and Eddie bumps his shoulder against yours to agree. She continues, "Let's see how Ryan chose."

Chrissy sits up straight. When you hear two pairs of shoes, you don't turn to watch the trellis entrance like everyone else—you watch her. You see the moment she sees Ryan and then the moment she sees the girl with him and then the moment she realizes what that means. Your heart constricts and Eddie grabs your hand and holds on tight. He's also looking at Chrissy, face reflecting her utter despair.

You leave him to watch her and finally check out just who Ryan has brought back from Casa Amor. She's another blonde, tall and skinny, who walks like a model. She's beautiful but there's very little behind her eyes.

You know you, Eddie, Emma, and probably also Nancy are giving him the evil eye. He notices and winces under the stare but still walks down with his head held high. Naomi is over the moon. "Ryan, it looks like you've recoupled with Sam. Why?"

"Well, we had a really good time in Casa together and I wanted to keep that going," he offers. It's weak and he knows it, so he tries to add, "I think we have a lot in common and I really like her."

"You notice that Chrissy has chosen to stay loyal to you. How do you feel about that?"

"I feel bad, of course, but she also had the chance to find someone new, so it's not my fault if she didn't. Shouldn't she be happy I found someone with a better connection?"

You and Eddie hold each other's hands in a death grip. Emma hisses in seething anger. If looks could kill, Ryan would've been obliterated a long time ago.

Naomi turns to Chrissy with a fake sympathetic expression. "Chrissy, how do you feel about this recoupling?"

"Um," her voice is wobbly, and you have to hold Eddie back from going to her, "not great. It kinda really sucks actually."

Naomi nods solemnly. "Ryan and Sam, please sit down." They do, next to Nancy, who scoots as far away as she can. Everyone is still staring at them with daggers until Naomi says, "Last but not least, let's see what Steve has decided to do."

That gets your attention and you whip your head to the trellis. There's a weird buzzing in your ears as you anticipate his appearance. When he finally emerges, you suck in a breath. He looks as good as ever and his hair is perfect and there's a girl on his arm—

There's a girl on his arm.

She's pretty with an awkward gait, crazy brown hair in a bob and freckles across her nose. She's tall and thin and has a really nice smile, even if it is pretty tense-looking. The buzzing in your ears dies away as they make their way to the fire pit. Something grabs your attention.

Nancy has gasped super loudly. But she's not looking at Steve.

Steve and the new girl finally get to where Naomi is. "Steve," she says, "we see you have recoupled. Why that choice?"

Steve doesn't reply for a minute. You tear your eyes away from the girl to look at him, finding in surprise that he's looking at you. His face is sad and his shoulders have drooped and he keeps moving his gaze between you and Eddie, like he's trying to understand.

The new girl eventually bumps him and he clears his throat, looking over your head. "Robin and I really got along in Casa Amor and I wanted to keep exploring it. I am sorry to Nancy, but we weren't even coupled up for a day when the girls left for Casa."

You look at Nancy, who still has her eyes on Robin. Robin is looking back at her with oddly apologetic eyes.

"Nancy," Naomi says, making Nancy snap her gaze to the host. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure," she stutters out. "This is...a lot."

"Absolutely," Naomi replies gravely. "And this is it for me. I will leave you to it and see you later."

Everyone half-heartedly says goodbye and you all deal with the fallout from Casa Amor.

part two

#steve harrington x reader #mine #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things fic #love island fic

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writtenfromhawkins · 2 years

Note

Can you please do you got me flowers? with Robin?

hi, friend! i sure can. hope you like it.

ship: robin buckley x fem!reader

summary: you surprise your girlfriend at work with flowers.

word count: 0.6k

warnings: none! this is just short, sweet fluff.

i once believed love would be burning red but it's golden.

When you step inside Family Video, fluorescent lighting engulfing you and one hand hidden behind your back, you’re giddy, practically bouncing from foot to foot as you stand in the doorway, scanning the store. No customers, just a very familiar mop of hair standing behind the cash register.

You approach, grinning with hurried steps, doing your best to conceal the sound of crinkling cellophane. “Hey, Steve,” you greet the man.

“Hi!” He looks up from his task, fully distracted now, as he studies you. You’re excited, obviously, and that can only mean one thing. “I’m guessing you’re not here to see me.”

“Nope,” you confirm cheerfully. “Where is she?”

He spins around, stalking off towards the manager’s office. He swung the door open, poking his head in, “Buckley, you’ve got a visitor.”

Stepping back, he allows Robin to slip past him before entering the room, taking her place and giving you two some privacy.

When she sees you, Robin lights up. “Baby!” She hadn’t been expecting to see you until after her shift and you sure were a sight for sore eyes.

Stopping at the counter, she leans forward, hips pressing into hard wood, hoping for a smooch. You pull back.

“I have a surprise for you,” you announce, bright and happy. A good surprise.

“Uh oh,” she teases, eyeing you with faux suspicion as her heartbeat picks up.

Her first girlfriend, first relationship, first love—you always had that effect on her. But now, seeing your smile, your genuine enthusiasm, the fact that she was on your mind while you were out and about was different, made it worse... Or maybe better. She may not always be good with feelings but, man, she had a lot of them for you. “What are you up to, silly girl?”

With the kind of flourish that would make Vanna White proud, you pull the bouquet around from where you’d been hiding it and hand it to her. It was beautiful: six big sunflowers interspersed with baby’s breath and red roses. It caught your eye while at Bradley’s—unique, pretty, these flowers just belonged in Robin’s room on her nightstand.

Her eyes widen and her mouth drops. "You got me flowers?"

You nod. “I know you probably don’t have water or anything to put them in here,” you acknowledge, almost a little embarrassed now that the deed was done and the reveal was over. “I was just so excited to show you. I can take them back home and give them to you when I pick you up.”

At that, she snatches the flowers from your grasp and clutches them to her chest dramatically. “Are you crazy? You’ll do no such thing, these are going nowhere,” she tells you assuredly, eyes narrowing before breaking out into a full smile.

It’s bright and warm, like the sun, you practically bloom under it. “You like ‘em then?”

“More like love,” she corrects easily, voice full of affection.

Gingerly, the bouquet is laid down on the counter—you don’t think you’ve ever seen her so careful before—and she walks around it so she is face to face with you. Robin reaches out, pulling you into an embrace. “Thank you for thinking of me.”

It’s genuine gratitude, you know that, but it’s silly, a little misplaced because you’re simply always thinking of her. You don’t tell her that, though. You just say, “I’d really like that kiss I dodged now, please.”

You don’t have to tell her twice. Her lips find yours quickly, tasting like the strawberries she snacked on that morning and mint lip balm, and you think you’d be okay buying her flowers every single day so long as this was the end result.

#robin buckley #robin buckley x reader #robin buckley x you #robin buckley x y/n #stranger things #stranger things x you #stranger things x reader #robin buckley imagine #answered: request

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lunaryrs · 9 months

Note

👯‍♀️ the walker girls (your pick which set)

shout out to ryan and meredith's daughters but when you said walker and told me to pick which my immediate inclination was literally like oh some combination of landon and paige's and whichever two i chose to expand on was the "set" like omgggggg sorrryyyyyy cousins but there is indeed an elite trio.... just gonna try to like bullet point some things that are like known facts in my mind and see what sticks. might even return to this at a later date

alexis is very obviously hbic but i truly don't believe there's any like power imbalance she's just the oldest so she paves the way for the rest and like fortunately they have a hot mom who is self-assured so what we've got on our hands is a bunch of insanely pretty girls who are at least superficially self-confident and definitely girls' girls and a hot bitch that's leading the pack

they're insanely close, particularly alexis and vanna, and i don't see too much conflict between them besides like the occasional bad sister moment like give me my fucking top back you'll stretch it out and its literally bc they're a single cup size bigger but like only while wearing the most insanely padded push up bra

about alexis and vanna in particular, very just like comfortable and uninhibited with each other and themselves and their sexuality like always naked and chilling, won't shy away from being like fully nude and asking for a second opinion like i have cute nipples right? is my pubic hair long enough to nair? is my labia weird? and their social media posts do make people scratch their heads like tell me why these girls are all bare tanned limbs intertwined and kissing on the mouth and the answer is like they got alexis's employee pass for tanning beds and pecking isn't weird unless you make it bitch!!!!!!!!!

i sense some sort of like significant age gap with brooklyn its just my truth. even if its just like 8 yrs or whatever idk time is fake in rp but they call her baby b and even though she's like very clearly the black sheep they totally embrace her and her eccentricities and try to incorporate her into their entire dynamic it's just not her jam and they'll only lightly poke fun at her for changing behind a door or whatever

piggy backing on the above i don't know if i'm projecting or misinterpreting but i feel like vanna in particular has a soft spot for brooklyn and will engage with her more at her own speed like gossip about crushes or try to teach her how to kiss or whatever while alexis is more like omg eye rolling and shrill strippers vc you've got the ass and titties you call the shots like idk maybe brooklyn just texts vanna the things she's a little too shy to tell the sisters (+ paige?) gc

all of the above said, i think olive is their favorite cousin. they love them all (because again i really just think they're girls' girls and respect whatever a girlie has going on but olive fits in the most obviously). i think vanna and olive are very much the same in spirit so i think brooklyn connects with olive the most for that reason, but also thinks margot is the coolest and while ALL of the walker girls are going on the blunt walk on thanksgiving, brooklyn and margot are the only ones to stick around once the conversation gets weird. alexis and gideon don't have much in common beyond being the eldest in their respective families but i feel that they both recognize that they're the OGs and get along rly well for that reason

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garbagevanfleet · 3 years

Text

Brightest Blue (series)

PART ONE

Pairing: Josh & female!Reader Warnings: None yet. Summary: Things are changing. New state. New school. New roommate. You just pray things are going to click into place. Notes: Here we are everyone. This fic has been a long time in the making, but I’m pretty dang happy with it so far! I made Josh extra lovable and squishy for you all. I hope you enjoy! This fic is edited by the amazing and gorgeous, @lantern-inthenight. And big thanks as always to @myownparadise96. I literally could not have found the motivation to do this fic without you.

MASTERPOST

taglist: @myownparadise96 @n1-party-anthem @valleyd0ll @bigblack-catattack @guitarfingers @thebohemianpenguin @oblvions @hansonobsessed @satingrass-maidensfair

The scenery in Michigan was vastly different than back home. You were used to and comfortable with the nearly unforgiving heat of the American South West, but the farther away you got from home, the more foreign everything seemed. The scrubland slowly started being replaced by emerald green grass and dense forests of towering pines. Once you hit Illinois, little farmsteads were scattered along every road you took, boasting fields thick with corn and beans.

It was a bit over a full day’s worth of driving. You had originally thought you could just drive right through - after all, you were young and you had plenty of caffeine at the ready. In reality, you wound up digesting the trip over two days.

You were a fortunate enough person that you had a reliable car, which made up for the fact that it wasn’t very pretty to look at. It didn’t exactly sip gas, but that had never even been a concern before this - it wasn’t very often that you left home, let alone make a trip across the country. But you were able to breathe a sigh of relief when you started seeing the exit signs for Ann Arbor.

Your parents had been a bit judgemental about you picking a school so far away - they were even worse homebodies than you, and they knew that you being across the country meant they wouldn’t be seeing you until the school year was over - but there was no way you could turn down an opportunity like this one. You had worked your ass off to qualify for a scholarship, knowing full well that there was no way you could afford higher education otherwise. MU hadn’t been your very first choice but with one of the better programs in the country for your desired field, you just couldn’t turn it down.

You had to pull over into a McDonald’s parking lot to pull up the address you were looking for and program it into your phone’s GPS before continuing further into the city. Your mother had been particularly wary about your living situation. See, she was a woman that adamantly liked to have a plan and then stick to it - she didn’t see any value in just letting things happen. “Go with the flow” wasn’t in her vocabulary, but you’d always romanticised the idea. Which was why, when you pulled up to the apartment that you were going to be living in for the next year, it was the first time you’d ever seen it.

You had found the listing on the Facebook marketplace for the area, looked at a couple of pictures, and signed the lease agreement online - all without knowing what you were really in for. You’d been informed that you’d have a roommate when you’d contacted the landlord, but she hadn’t mentioned a thing about the person other than that. All she really said was “no pets, no smoking, and one month’s rent for the security deposit. You had told yourself that it didn’t really matter what the situation was as long as the other person wasn’t outwardly malicious and the place wasn’t infested with pests or anything, even though you knew it mattered a little.

An audible sigh of relief left your lips when you pulled into the apartment parking lot and found that your new home looked well kept. The building had old, slide-up windows, but the brick siding was clean, and the shrubs that lined the property were trimmed and neat. You and your back seat stuffed to max capacity with house plants had made it - and with only a bit of sleep deprivation and caffeine jitters for damages.

After you got out of the car, you grabbed your very favorite potted cactus and found your way into the building, meandering down the dim hall until you came upon the door marked 6. You hadn’t been given a key yet, so you knocked with your free hand and waited until you heard someone shuffling around inside.

You would be lying if you said you weren’t nervous - obviously, you were - but more than anything you were excited. Anxious, maybe? That seemed like the right word.

The door opened to reveal a boy, around your age, hair a mess of curls on the top and shorn tighter to the sides of his head. You were immediately taken aback by the depth in his eyes, chocolatey and warm.

“What’s up?” he asked casually, leaning against the door frame, a pair of old-school headphones dangling from his hand.

You frowned at him slightly, suddenly terrified you’d gotten the wrong apartment number. You weren’t sure how you’d live with that embarrassment, especially if you had to live next door to him - you’d just be that stupid girl that didn’t even know where she lived. “Oh, I think I’m your new roommate? This is number six, right?” You peered around the other side of the open door, just to confirm.

A beaming grin spread over his soft face, showing you his blindingly white teeth and the deepest pair of dimples you’d ever seen. “Oh, cool, yeah. Come on in.”

He stepped aside, giving a dramatically flourished bow as a gesture for you to enter. You obliged, and even though this was your new house too, you paused and waited as he shut the door behind you.

“Sorry, I was expecting you yesterday, so.” He trailed off with a sheepish smile and then extended his free hand to you. “Anyway, I’m Josh.”

You shifted your cactus to one arm so you could shake his hand. “Y/N. Yeah, sorry, it took me longer than I expected to get here. Which is why my stuff apparently showed up before I did.”

You eyed around the apartment, spotting boxes of your things in piles. The original plan your parents had come up with was to have you rent a U-Haul, but since you’d never driven anything bigger than your Camry, you had quickly shot that idea down. After some expert negotiating, they had agreed to hire a moving company. You hadn’t had the balls to ask what a service like that had set them back - decided instead that it was better if you didn’t know.

“Oh yeah,” he replied, rubbing at the back of his neck. “It all showed up yesterday at like noon. One of the boxes was open a little, and I saw records so I looked through them to make sure you weren’t some kind of freak.”

It was more of a statement than a warning, and the smile he gave you showed not even a shred of an apology so you just smiled back. “Find anything you like?”

He turned on his heel and headed into the kitchen - connected to the living room by a huge square archway. “Your music taste is,” He paused, opening a cupboard and pulling down two mismatched glasses. “Eclectic.”

You laughed at him, bending to gently set your plant down on a side table. “That’s true.”

“But I found plenty I could listen to, so I guess you’re okay. You want some juice?” he asked as he held up a paper carton of store brand orange juice

“That would be lovely,” you agreed, standing stick straight the way you did when in the presence of new company. “My dad used to take me to a lot of thrift stores and we’d go home with a minimum of two records per trip.”

“I love thrifting,” he said simply, giving you an alarmingly serious look. “There are three here, I think. Every once in a while you can find something really worth keeping. I have kind of a ‘catch and release’ policy where if I don’t instantly know what I’m going to do with an item, I leave it there, but I think - like - a third of my wardrobe is from thrift stores.”

You listened, feeling oddly entranced by the way he was handing you thoughts as they came to him. There was something truly honest about it - a quality people back home didn’t seem to have. It was charming.

He brought your glass of juice to you and then motioned to the rest of the apartment. “You want the grand tour of Casa De Joshua-” He gave you a pointed look and a cheesy grin. “And Y/N?”

You breathed a laugh at him, nodding as you sipped. “Please.”

“Okay, try not to get lost - this is obviously the living room. I do most of my living here as the name would suggest. I found this couch on the side of the road - actually almost all of my furniture is adopted.” As he explained, he was gesturing to items like Vanna White.

The couch looked. Well-loved. You could tell just at a glance that it was probably past it’s prime when Josh had stumbled upon it, but it did look comfortable, and it wasn’t like you had a couch to offer, so you were happy with it.

“I have this TV but it’s really only for movies and stuff because I’m twenty-two and I’d rather die than pay for cable. But there are literally hundreds of DVDs in the TV stand that you are welcome to peruse at your leisure,” he informed, his hands gesturing almost arbitrarily as he talked.

You followed as he moved on through the archway. “This is the kitchen. All of the food lives here. There’s lots of stuff, but I try to just make two bigger meals per day. I don’t have a real ice tray so I’ve been using a chocolate mold- Well anyway, our ice will be in the shape of wiener dogs.”

You were shocked at the laugh that escaped you, genuine and uncontrolled. He grinned over at you, clearly also surprised - but pleased with himself for getting the reaction he was aiming for.

“I think I can live with that.”

“Good,” he agreed simply, giving you a new kind of smile - something sweeter. After a beat, he motioned down the hall with his eyes, letting you lead. “The bathroom is this way. The water takes like three or four minutes to get hot. I realized that I have a lot of products for some reason, but I condensed them all into this one area in the corner just in case my new roommate was a girl, and you are so that’s great. I’ll probably get a shelf.”

There was a proud quality to his voice like he felt gentlemanly for letting you have all the space you needed. For some reason, that made you feel warm and fuzzy.

“And what if your new roommate had been a boy?” you inquired with a smirk.

He put a finger on his chin, taking on a contemplative look for you. “Hmm. Then I guess I slowly would have moved my stuff back to the cabinet - probably just one thing per day so he wouldn’t notice. Unless he had a lot of makeup or something, then I’d just let him have it.”

He grinned as you teasingly shook your head.

“This way is the sleeping quarters. My room is there on the right and yours to the left.”

You stepped into your new room and let a sigh of relief. Two huge windows took up a lot of the far wall, framed underneath by large sills. The space was bright and roomier than you’d pictured. Your bed was set up in the very middle of the room, but you already knew exactly where you wanted it to go. For some reason, you had been concerned that you wouldn’t like the space, but it was kind of perfect.

“This is great,” you breathed, turning to him and giving him a sly grin. “Wanna give me a hand moving my furniture around?”

He pretended to consider for a moment until you spoke again.

“My mom sent money for pizza while I get stuff unpacked,” you said coyly. “If you needed any convincing.”

He laughed, showing you his teeth. “You drive a hard bargain. Okay, I’ll help as long as I get to look through your stuff while we move it.”

You gave him a questioning look, earning a one-shouldered shrug in return. He looked benign enough standing there, propped against the door frame with a goofy upturn to his lips, so you relented.

“Deal,” you agreed.

You were positive you would not have been able to move stuff without his help. For being a slender boy, he seemed to easily be able to get things where they needed to be. He dutifully helped you shove your furniture into place - your bed against the window wall, your desk and vanity on the wall with your closet door. Then, bless his little heart, he helped you move it all again when you decided you didn’t like the arrangement (but not without some light griping).

One by one, you brought in your boxes from the living room and you allowed him to poke through them, perched on your bed. He flipped through your books, thumbing pages of ones that piqued his interest - you could only imagine that he was already planning on borrowing some of them. He reacted similarly to your framed photos, as he unwrapped them from their packing paper.

When you got your record player set up, he put on a vinyl and started to hang your art prints on the wall where you instructed him to. The look of concentration on his face was rather endearing as he held a few nails between his teeth and hammered them into the wall, one by one. There was a time or two you were convinced that he was going to mutilate his thumb, but he didn’t, and when the last picture was hung, you breathed a sigh of relief.

You called in a pizza, adorned with his requested toppings as you hung your clothes into your closet, your phone tucked against your ear and shoulder for maximum efficiency.

Plants collected on your bed until there was no more room for them - after that, he started setting them on the floor as he brought them in from your car. He didn’t seem to be judging the sheer amount of them, even though he had every right to.

“It’s going to look like a jungle in here,” he stated finally as he took a bite out of a slice of pizza that he was holding like a taco, his eyes raking over all of the foliage scattered around your room. Rather than sounding like he was teasing, his tone seemed excited.

You grinned at him, starting to arrange them on the window sill and your bookshelf that had only ever served you as a plant shelf since you’d bought it. “Plants are my passion. Botany major,” you explained as you fluffed up your Monstera’s huge leaves.

“Ooh.” He raised his eyebrows at you, pulling one of his legs up underneath him on your bed - now fitted with sheets. “I think that’s going to be nice. Give it some life in here.”

You grabbed another slice from the pizza box on your nightstand and tried to think of the right tone of voice to use to ask the next question. “How long have you lived here by yourself?”

He hummed, eyes flicking around distantly as he thought. “Well, I’ve lived here just over a year, and my first roommate dropped out and moved back home about...six months ago?”

“Have you been lonely? You seem like a social guy.” You gave him an empathetic look but he just shrugged at you. You hadn’t known him long enough to know for sure, but you suspected he was more affected than he was letting on.

“I mean, a little lonely. But I got used to it for the most part.” He paused for a good couple of seconds before a smile spread across his lips. “And Penny’s kept me company.”

“Oh, does your girlfriend stay here too?” you prompted, trying to remember if you’d seen any feminine looking items lying around that weren’t yours.

“What? No,” he said under a chuckle and stood, gesturing for you to follow him across the hall.

The second you walked through the doorway, you were met with the smell of incense sticks and linen. His room was dimmer than yours and kind of cramped with all of his mismatching furniture, but he had a huge bed - you thought it could easily fit three people in it. There were some clothes strewn about around a laundry hamper by the door and you tried to not be jealous that his closet seemed to be about twice the size of yours.

He crossed the room to crouch in front of a coffee table that he seemed to be using as a catch-all. The varnish was worn off the top of it in rings because sitting on the coffee table was a globe of water and a calico colored goldfish swimming around aimlessly inside of it.

“Ah, so this is Penny,” you giggled as you bent over next to him. When the fish spotted him, it rose to the surface of the water, opening its mouth in demand for food.

He grinned down at it. “Light of my life. We’re not allowed to have pets but I figured that a fish didn’t count.”

You hummed, admittedly a bit charmed by the whole situation. “But don’t goldfish require a lot of space?”

The smile fell from his face, adopting a level of concern you hadn’t yet seen from him as he peered over at you. “Do they?”

Immediately, you felt guilty for putting that look on his features. Your brain kick-started - trying to think of a way to make it right again. “I think so? Maybe we can find her a small tank? Put a few little plants in there for her?”

Josh nodded at you, stroking his fingers over the glass with a frown. “I’m a bad dad.”

“No, no!” you assured, putting your hand on his head but then removing it instantly when you realized that you didn’t really know him, he’d just already made you feel like you did. Either way, you figured it would be inappropriate to touch him. “You’re great. She looks really happy.”

“She’s great at begging for food, so don’t get tricked,” Josh instructed after a moment, seemingly able to put his concerns aside to jest you.

You nodded in agreement. “I’ll be ever vigilant,” you promised, making him smile again.

He stood back up, so you did as well.

“Well, I’ll give you some time to get comfortable in your room,” Josh said, sitting back on his bed. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

“I promise I will,” you assured, tapping your hand on the doorframe on your way out.

By the time the sun was set, your room was shockingly well put together. The emotional rollercoaster that was the album Rumors helped you keep on task, losing yourself in the music so it didn’t feel like work at all. You hadn’t been expecting it to come along so quickly, but you guessed that was because you hadn’t anticipated such a friendly roommate. The nesting had always been your favorite part, so you took your time to enjoy placing out all your knick-knacks and photos.

You took a break to shower when you decided you were done for the day, reveling in the feeling of the water after such a long time in your car - He was absolutely right about how long it took to warm up from ice cold. When you got out and changed into your pajamas, Josh was sitting in the living room with a laptop across his legs.

“You wanna chill?” he asked when he heard you padding down the hall, shutting the lid of it and setting it on a side table. “Or if you’re too tired, that’s okay too.”

“No, no. I’d love to talk.” You sat next to him, leaving a comfortable amount of room between you as you pulled your knees up to your chin. “Tell me more about yourself,” you requested, tugging a blanket from a beat-up wicker basket on the floor and wrapping it around your body.

“Hmm, okay,” he started. You wondered how long it had been since he had to introduce himself to someone new. “I’m from a tiny little town here in Michigan. I’m the oldest of four - two brothers and a sister. My brother, Jake, also attends MU and lives just off campus.”

You frowned at him. “Wait, why wouldn’t he live with you?” you asked through a disbelieving laugh.

“He lived with me long enough,” Josh explained in a humored tone. “There are only so many people where I’m from and well - we wanted to meet new people, you know?”

“I guess I should be grateful for that.”

“Yeah, probably,” he teased and then paused to think. “I’m in performing arts - I’m actually putting on a production around Christmas with some elementary school kids.”

You suppressed the aww that was threatening to pass your lips. “You like kids?”

He beamed you a smile, shaking his head. “Love them. I want to have like ten of them someday.”

The thought of him surrounded by kids made you soften. You were genuinely shocked about how easy he was to talk to - how easy he was to like. You had never thought in a million years you’d get along with your roommate so well, let alone the first day meeting them.

“I hope you get to,” you said as genuinely as you could muster, prompting him to give you a grateful smile.

A yawn escaped you before you could hide it, and you quickly breathed an apology, but he just waved you off.

“You must be exhausted from that drive,” he said, his voice soft. “You should get some sleep.”

You nodded in agreement and gave him a thankful smile. “Is it okay if I sleep out here?”

The look on his face was quizzical, forcing a laugh from you. “Why would you do that?”

“I have this tradition where whenever I’m in a new place, I always sleep in the living room on the first night. It’s good luck.”

“Whatever you say.” His lips pulled back into an unconvinced smirk. “Well, yeah, you live here now too, so you can sleep wherever you’d like.”

He disappeared into his room for only a moment before popping his head back out, fingers wrapped around the door frame.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

You tried not to look too taken aback by the question, but you could feel your cheeks flushing warm. You raked your eyes along the couch, entirely positive that there wasn’t enough space for the two of you to lay out on it together fully - at least, not without being pressed flush against one another. However, his face looked innocent and soft - not a single tint of mischief colored across his features.

“Yeah, that-. I guess that’s okay,” you agreed sheepishly with a shrug. “But I’m not sure we’ll both fit if I’m being honest.”

He frowned questioningly at you, his brows lacing together until he realized what you thought he meant. His face instantly turned a light shade of pink to match yours. “No, no,” he quickly assured in between a breathy laugh. “I’m not going to sleep with you - I’ll take the recliner.”

“Oh, right.” You gave a nervous laugh of your own, cursing yourself out in your head for being so dull.

You were still well embarrassed as you made a nest of blankets on the couch and he brought out a pillow for you when you realized yours were still tucked deep in your bag of bedding. When each of you was situated on your respective pieces of furniture, he flicked the light off with a comfortable sigh.

It was silent for a moment before he spoke again, his voice taking on a tone that was far too smug for your liking. “You were awfully quick to agree to sleep next to me. You don’t have a crush on me, do you?”

You knew he was teasing, but your heart rate still managed to pick up under the pressure. You had never been particularly good with awkward social situations; you rolled your eyes in the dark, thankful he couldn’t see how red you were. “No, Josh. I do not have a crush on you.”

“Okay,” he said through a melodic laugh, and you got the feeling that he’d gotten the reaction he was aiming for from you. “Should we be best friends though?”

You snorted a laugh of your own, wanting to be annoyed at how likable he was, but falling short. “You are the most peculiar person I’ve ever met, I think.” You curled up, clutching your blanket tight to your body. “But yes. We can be friends.”

“Okay, cool - I’ll order matching t-shirts for us.” You could hear the pleased grin he was wearing, making you feel warm and cozy. You pulled the worn blanket up to your chin.

“See to it that you do.”

Author’s Note: okay, I hope you guys like it! please let me know if you want to be added to the tag list or removed from it. I’m using the same taglist from my Jake!fic, so no hard feelings if you don’t want to be tagged!

#josh fic #josh kiszka fic #josh x reader #joshxreader #greta van fleet fic #gvf fic #brightest blue fic

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wayhavenots · 3 years

Text

Flower Language

Inspired by @adam-du-mortains‘s Daisies and the implication by Jo that Gray is well-versed in flower symbolism. (I’m, uh, not.)

Synopsis: Daphne gets Gray some flowers. (Button x Gray)

Rating: G

Taglist: @homeformyheart @crackerdumortain

Nick knocks on Gray’s office door, pops his head in, and says, “Lunch?” He’s been dying to check out the new Chinese place down the street (and to trade recipes with the chef).

But before Gray can respond, Nick sees the arrangement of white and yellow flowers on the corner of his desk. He clicks his tongue. "My fan club didn't get me flowers.”

He flashes a grin so that Gray knows he's not as bitter as he sounds, while Gray tries and fails to smile back.

“What’s wrong?” asks Nick.

"They're not from a fan,” he admits, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

Nick strides inside and picks up the basket, where a card is attached by a pink ribbon. "Button sent these?" he exclaims with a grin as he reads the card, a simple To: Grayson Wacker Black, From: Daphne Wiseman. "Aww, they’re from your number one fan.”

"She's just being polite," says Gray, rubbing the back of his neck as the tips of his ears turn red. "I brought her flowers to welcome her to her new office, so this is her...returning the favor.”

Nick has to cover his mouth to keep from squealing. Finally. It's been four years since Operation Hemera, and while Button and his best friend have made some strides towards each other, there's still roughly nine inches of distance between them on average.

What if the Zero thing is too much for him? he hears at least once every two weeks. What if that's why he hasn't made a move?

(The truth is that they’ve both made moves---usually two steps forward and three steps back.)

But this? Flowers to welcome her to the office? That's a move forward. And undeniable, unlike the time Gray offered Button a hand to hold and she misinterpreted it as a high-five (setting them back at least a year in terms of progress).

"And she sent you flowers back?" asks Nick, trying to keep his voice level. It's not hard to do when he looks at the disappointment on the other man’s face, though. "Wait, why aren't you excited about this?"

Gray sighs. "She sent me candytufts and yellow carnations, Nick."

"They're beautiful," he defends, though that might be a stretch. It’s certainly not a dozen red roses, but if he knows his sister, she gave this a lot of thought (and quite deliberately out of his brainrange). “What’s wrong with them?”

"Candytufts, symbolizing indifference,” says Gray, pointing to the white flowers, “and yellow carnations, symbolizing rejection." He points dejectedly to the yellow flowers. “It’s a clear message. Daphne doesn’t...” He seems to remember who he’s talking to and clears his throat, as if Nick hasn’t given him his blessing a dozen times. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll respect her wishes. Lunch?”

“Gray, I’m sure that’s not what she meant.”

Gray shakes his head. "It’s flower language. Subtle communication. I got her red camellias, and she...basically told me to back off, in a nice way, because she’s a nice person. I was obviously being too pushy. I should have expected this. We're better as friends. I value being her friend. I shouldn't have..."

He's spiralling, and he's spiralling because Button sent him a middle finger of a flower arrangement without realizing.

Nick sends a telepathic message to Button, and six minutes later (Gray just wrapping up his rambling about how expected this is and how it really doesn’t hurt), she's walking through the door with a Tupperware tucked under her arm, dressed in her MIV uniform.

(Side note: Baby Button, an official MIV. His heart swells with pride.)

"I was told there was a Gray emergency," she says, looking between the two of them with a bright smile. “I brought...drumroll please...”

Nick obliges, tapping out a drumroll against Gray’s desk, and even Gray’s forced smile softens into something real as she displays the container like Vanna White.

“Mind. Over. Batters,” she finishes dramatically.

Nick didn't even tell her to bring cookies. She apparently has emergency cookies stored somewhere in her office, and she grabbed them for Gray.

"Really, Daphne,” says Gray, “you don't need to---"

"You're rejecting cookies?" she exclaims. "This is an emergency indeed."

She walks the container to Gray's desk, and her grin widens when she sees the flowers. "You got them! You got the flowers. I didn’t know if you’d get the flowers. The place said they could be delivered tom-yarrow.”

It’s one of thirty rapid-fire flower puns she is tossing back and forth in her mind. (I was going to poppy my head in and see if they a-rose, they came aster than I expected, I hope you lilac them as much as I lilac you...) And when she runs out of puns, she is thinking what if he hates them what if he hates them what if iris(ked) too much.

Before Gray can stumble through an obvious lie about how much he loves them, shatter poor Button’s heart, and set them back even further, Nick asks aloud, "Button, do you know the names of these flowers?"

She looks like she almost forgot that Nick was there, but he can hear her thinking the answer. "Candytufts and carnations," she answers aloud, to Gray, pointing them out.

Gray’s forced smile falters---and Nick doesn’t have to be a mind reader to know that he had hoped, as Nick did, that she just thought they looked pretty together---and Button looks at him with wide eyes. Oh no, he hates them. Or he hates me.

"And why did you get Gray candytufts and carnations?" he prods.

Nick hears her answer and has to cover his mouth to hide his smile.

"Candytufts,” she says, cheeks turning pink, “because he's, um, his sweet tooth. And carnations because they were on the van when he drove me home from the hospital. What in carnation.” She turns to address Gray. “Remember?” Her cheeks turn pinker. “They're not that pretty together, are they? I just looked at the names on the order form. And they reminded me of you."

She’s fudging the truth, a little: The candytufts were because Gray is sweet, according to her thoughts.

But Gray is smiling anyway, a real smile. "No, they're lovely, Daphne. I appreciate them. Truly.”

"I appreciate you," she blurts. "Your flowers, I mean!” And then, a little bolder, she corrects, “And you. So..." She gives a nervous laugh as she wiggles her fingers---jazz hands. (Jasmine hands.) “Flowers! I hope you like them.”

Gray chuckles. “I really do.”

"But the camellias are prettier," she admits softly. “Maybe I’ll stick to cookies.”

“These may be my favorite flowers,” says Gray firmly, and his words don’t fall over each other the way they do when he lies. He means it. “Especially to know that they reminded you of me. And when delivered with cookies.”

Daphne grins and opens the Tupperware container to offer him one. “Are you feeling better, then?”

“Much better. Did you bake these?”

As they continue talking---he doesn’t think either of them remembers that he is there---Nick does a quick search on his phone to see what camellias are supposed to mean in this flower language that Gray is apparently fluent in.

He again has to stifle a squeal: love, devotion, you are the flame in my heart.

He leaves the oblivious lovebirds to go get lunch, and when he returns, they are still talking and munching on cookies.

#mind blind #grayson black #gray black #gray x button #daphne wiseman

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empty-movement · 1 year

Text

Utena's next official release should include this critical visual update

#Utena #Anthy #Akio #Utena meme #Look the joke is that for decades the Hubble Space Telescope has primed us to depict four pointed stars.#The James Webb however utilizes its mirrors in such a way that we get six points. This will change what we depict in art over time!#I have whatever you can website writers block hard okay just take the meme and go #Oh obviously this is Vanna

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pidayforpi · 3 years

Text

“Flickering Flames”

Two waterfowls stood in front of a castle. A duck and a goose, to be exact.

Though it was already spring, the highlands of Scotland beckoned cold wind from all directions.

The green duck stood unfazed, but his yellow goose companion was shaking from the chilly wind, despite the goose wearing twice the amount of clothing of the duck.

Seeing his friend trembling in the cold, the duck reached out for the goose’s tiny palm. Although, their hands were equally cold.

He might not be able to warm his body, but he could at least warm his heart.

——————————————————————

Duckula put down the heavy bag of golf equipments, and knocked on the castle gate. He tapped his feet impatiently, hoping to quickly get this chore done. He believed Heinrich would like the same, as he was visibly very, very cold.

How Duckula wished he could understand his feeling right now. Vampires were permanently cold. No matter it was in the scalding summer, or the snowy winter, Duckula could only feel...nothing at all.

Perhaps there really was a difference. Duckula had been trying to be empathetic, but there were still a lot to learn.

Through the air current, he could hear grunting, wheezing, mumbles and footsteps. The resident was awake. Or, woken up. At least he knew he didn’t have to knock again. The least he wanted was to annoy the already grumpy old duck inside.

The huffing and puffing got closer and closer to the entrance, while the footsteps got louder and louder. Eventually, the wooden gate creaked open, and the master of the castle inquired after a cough.

“Where are ye frae? Where are ye fr- Oh, it’s ye lads...” Rory spoke from behind the door of his home, with only his crimson eyes visible to both guests outside.

Heinrich slightly tightened his grasp on Duckula’s hand in the presence of another vampire, while the older duck greeted his relative playfully.

“Good mornin’ Unca Rory! We are here to return these golf-“

“Get in!” Rory shouted from inside the building, interrupting his nephew.

“Huh?” Duckula was a bit confused, but continued nonetheless. “We will be dropping these golf equipments you-“

“Get in and we’ll talk!”

“R-really! We are just going to return these thingies you lent us for preparing the Highland Games. Won’t take you a min-“

“GET IN THE BLOODY CASTLE! YE TRYIN’ TO KILL ME, LAD?!”

Rory screamed at the top of his lungs, jumping up and down the stone floor grumpily. The shouting caused him to cough afterwards, and the two younger birds to stand still in shock.

Duckula felt wronged. He was just trying to give his uncle back his golf tools, and now he was overreacting hysterically, as if Duckula had placed a bomb in the bag. He believed none of the people present would want to prolong this meeting: Duckula was bored, Heinrich was freezing, and Uncle Rory was...well, stingy, even with time. He just wanted to say hi, drop the bag, and go home. How was this killing his uncle?

Just when Duckula was still processing and feeling bad for himself, Heinrich tugged his sleeves to gain his attention. The shorter gosling pointed up, signalling the green duck to look up. He did so, shielding his eyes from the morning sunlight-

Oh. Sunlight.

Duckula suddenly remembered not all vampires were immune to sunlight.

In fact, he’s the only one.

Duckula sheepishly grinned, sticking the tip of his tongue out. “S-sorry, Unca Rory...” Heinrich, despite innocent, also bowed his head in apology.

Rory grumbled lowly, controlling his temper with a deep breath. “It’s alright, nephew. And don’t call me that.”

——————————————————————

The two youngsters followed Rory into the castle. He lit the candles on the dining table, the torches on the wall, and the fireplace opposite of the gate.

“Take a seat.” Rory signalled his two guests to sit down at the long dinning table situated in the living room, even pulling out two chairs himself. The two felt a bit uneasy, but sat down with a nod of gratitude nevertheless.

After they had settled, Rory proceeded to what they assumed to be the kitchen or the pantry. Duckula and Heinrich looked at each other in confusion as sounds of running water, clanking utensils and liquid boiling echoed from wherever the host was. Their questions were soon answered, however, when Rory returned to the living room with a tea pot and three cups on a tray. The smell of camomile tea filled the area, giving the spacious room a homely feeling.

Both the mallard duck and the gosling were surprised. They were just here to return some stuff, and now they were treated like old friends from afar.

“W-woah! Unca...I mean, Uncle Rory, that’s...very kind of you...!” Duckula exclaimed. Even his butler wouldn’t serve him (pure) tea without him asking in the first place. Not to mention Rory was his senior.

“I have to live up me name as the ‘Scourge of the Glens’!” Rory proudly said as he put down the tray. He poured some tea into two of the three cups, and put them on top of two circular plates, before serving them to the two guests.

“S-s-so...y-you are g-going to p-p-poison us...?” Heinrich whispered, looking at the yellowish-green liquid suspiciously.

Seeing his good intentions were not well-received, Rory again hopped up and down, throwing his hands, along with his wooden cane, in the air.

“Then don’t drink it, I dare ye!”

And the two guests really did not touch the two cups for half a minute.

Not wanting his freshly brewed tea to go to waste, Rory eventually gave in.

“It’s not poisoned, I promise.”

Seeing that both cups were filled from the same tea pot, Duckula took the initiative and drank his cup first. Hopefully whatever poison (if present) worked for both vampires and mortals, so that he could be a viable test for toxin.

Of course it wasn’t toxic.

After witnessing his friend drinking his cup without appearing sick afterwards, Heinrich slowly picked up his and took a sip. Still hot. Perfect for his freezing body.

“S-sorry for doubting y-you, Mister McDuckula...” Heinrich looked at Rory shyly, regretful for mistaking his hospitality for hostility.

Rory’s expression softened when he heard the gosling’s apology. “It...it’s fine, laddie.”

“Heh. You should have seen Heinrich’s reaction when I handed him a Bockwurst sandwich!” Duckula beamed, recalling his first encounter with his little goose friend.

Heinrich blushed with embarrassment. “D-D-D-Duckula! I h-haff s-said I vas s-s-sorry!”

“Oh? What was it about, nephew?” Rory leant onto the table with a curious grin.

“Same as what happened just now, only it took him waaaaaaaay longer to get used to.”

Rory chuckled, crooking his already crooked back. Duckula scooted closer to his friend. “Sorry, Heinrich. It just reminded me of that day.”

Heinrich was still pouting a bit, but his cheek had returned from pink to yellow.

“Don’t blame yerself, kiddo. Ye’re a vampire hunter, after all. It is a foolish act to accept food or drink from a vampire. Ye never know if that meal will be yer last, before ye become one yerself!” Rory reassured Heinrich with a pat on his head, who smiled nervously in response.

“So, err, what are ye two here for today?” Rory finally questioned his two uninvited guests about their intentions, while pouring himself a cup of home-brewed tea.

Duckula remembered why they were here, and quickly put down his cup. “Oh! We are here to return these.”

Duckula picked up the heavy bag from the floor, jogging to the other side of the table, while Heinrich followed.

“Thank you for lending us your precious golf equipments! We won’t disappoint you in the coming Highland Games!” Duckula handed the bag with a smile.

“Lemme see...Three flags, five golf clubs, seven golf balls...Yes. Exact amount. Learnt yer lesson from the last time, hm?” Rory glared at Duckula, who let out an anxious chuckle.

He then turned his focus onto Heinrich, before smirking mischievously.

“Say, nephew. Ye do know how to please an elderly. So nice of ye to bring me...breakfast.” Rory stared at the gosling straight in his eyes, causing the latter to cling closer to his friend.

Duckula understood his uncle’s “joke”, and sighed. “He’s not your breakfast, lunch, dinner or midnight snack.”

“Then why are ye bringing him to me lair? Ye do realise...I am...a vampire!” Rory hid his face behind his cloak mysteriously, before revealing himself, showing his sharp, white fangs with an evil smile. Heinrich gasped, rushing to hide behind Duckula.

On the other hand, Duckula was visibly unamused. “So am I, uncle. He’s just accompanying me. And his name is Heinrich. You know that.”

Rory laughed to himself, before questioning his nephew again. “I think he is with the doctor?”

Duckula rubbed his forehead. “That’s a long story. Goosewing got to attend an inventors’ conference today, and Vanna also got lessons at the university. So I am taking care of Heinrich for the day.”

“And before you ask, no. I won’t leave him behind at the castle. I can’t guarantee I can return his assistant alive to Goosewing. He would definitely be killed, intentionally by Igor, unintentionally by Nanny.”

“Then why didn’t ye send yer dear butler Igor to do the chore? Ye’re a count, for heaven’s sake!”

“This is a small task. I can handle it myself.”

Rory raised an eyebrow at Duckula’s response, obviously not buying his explanation. Duckula saw the suspicion in his uncle’s red eyes, and let out a big sigh.

“Okay, you got me. Igor is on strike.” Duckula confessed.

“For?”

“For...him.” The count moved to the side, gesturing the young vampire hunter behind him.

“Even for a year, he still can’t accept Heinrich and his family. That stubborn old vulture...How can I possibly entrust Heinrich to him? I can’t even let Heinrich out of my sight at the castle! Might as well take him with me...”

“...Even someone else’s castle is safer than mine...”

Duckula sulked, looking down at his webbed feet. Heinrich also lowered his head with a frown, feeling sorry for Duckula, and even more guilty for worsening the relationship between the count and the butler.

After ten seconds of hanging his head down, Duckula snapped out of his thought. He realised the awkward situation he had made. He just vented out his family conflict all of a sudden, making Heinrich extremely guilty and Rory rather uncomfortable.

“I...I am sorry...” Duckula’s eyes darted between his friend and uncle, desperately trying to reverse the situation. But he didn’t know what to say other than apologies. “I am sorry...I am sorry...”

Rory took a deep breath, and sighed quietly. He also didn’t expect the just-warmed-up room to freeze again in a mere minute. But if the atmosphere had turned serious, he might as well go along.

“C’mere, kids.”

He placed all the tea utensils onto the large rectangular tray, and picked it up. He turned around, inviting the two to join him.

The elderly walked towards the fireplace, while the two youngsters followed in silence. He placed the tray onto the coffee table next to the fire pit, and sat down on one of the two sofa chairs facing the fire. He gestured his hand to the other chair, asking the duo to sit.

“Y’know, ye aren’t the first Duckula-Von Goosewing friend duo I know.” Rory looked at the cracking flames, seeing memories of the past emerging from the burning firewood.

“I may be a hermit, but news comes and goes. And this bag o’ feathers has been around for who knows how long.”

“I have even met one pair in person - more than one pair, actually. Usually, the drake count would be introducing his new gander friend to this relative of his, perhaps a symbol of genuine friendship.”

“Sometimes the goose would be angry. Sometimes he would be scared. Sometimes he would be rather easy-going. Whatever their first impression, we would always have fun while we could. I always served them camomile tea on their first visit. They say camomile tea can calm ones’ nerves, whether it is fear or agitation.”

“They might visit once, thrice, five times, ten times...”

The old vampire stared at the flickering flames: Sometimes roaring, sometimes dying. His pleasant smile changed to a melancholy frown, his pupils dilating from sorrowful reminiscence.

“But they all stopped coming, eventually.”

“Perhaps they were tired of me, or they never intended to visit me regularly. But no. They stopped visiting anyone. Not together. Not anymore.”

“And before long, I would hear from the newspapers, that a member of the Von Goosewing family managed to vanquish another reincarnation of the foul Count Duckula, granting peace to the people of Transylvania for a century.”

“Or maybe, during family reunions, I would hear from the current Count Duckula himself, that he managed to trick a Von Goosewing into having his neck bitten, making a meal out of him and a humiliation out of his family.”

Rory turned his face away from the two and towards the fireplace. He sniffed gently as he looked into the flames of destiny. Life really was as fickle as fire, wasn’t it?

“And then a pair of duck and goose would visit me again. And another, and another, and another...”

“I would always welcome them with a smile and a pot of camomile tea. But I knew: There could only be two endings, both of which were tragedies.”

“I should had warned them. I should had told them the cautionary tales of their ancestors. But I was such a coward. But I was such a selfish person. Who am I to intervene with the relationships between Counts of Duckula and the Von Goosewing?”

“I didn’t want trouble. I didn’t want responsibility. I kept me beak shut. I witnessed tragedies after tragedies. I faced this punishment again and again.”

Rory took off his red tam o’ shanter, holding it in front of his chest. He closed his eyes, praying quietly.

Duckula and Heinrich looked at the elderly in awe. Surprised that they weren’t the first, sad that they weren’t the first as well. They could only imagine what tales of woe had happened in the past, and the feelings of regret the old vampire had been experiencing.

After a minute of silence, Rory put his cap back on, turning to face the two friends.

“Pray, I beg of ye. Pray don’t let this relationship end with a stake through the heart. Don’t let this friendship end with a bitten neck. Let it end with a genuine smile. No...”

Rory leant closer to the two, his crimson eyes filled with sorrow, his hands held tightly together.

“Pray, never let this friendship end...”

He freed his right hand, extending its pinkie.

“Promise me...Promise me...”

Rory looked at Duckula and Heinrich with utmost sincerity. It must be a request like no other, when the “Scourge of the Glens” practically begged and resorted to such childish promise-keeping ritual. Neither the mallard duck nor the young goose would understand how Rory felt, but they knew it must had been truly devastating for him.

This time, Heinrich took the lead, and stretched out his pinkie to hold onto the old duck’s. Duckula was a bit surprised at his normally cowardly friend’s initiative, but he understood once he saw the empathy in the gosling’s yellow eyes.

Duckula looked at his uncle with determination, and extended his pinkie.

A pinkie promise, but a promise stronger than any other.

“Thank you, lads...”

Rory hugged the duck and the gosling, tears flowing out of his crimson eyes.

For once, the flames in the fireplace did not die out.

——————————————————————

“Sorry, boys. Must had been embarrassing seeing this old duck weep.”

Rory settled back in his seat, wiping away traces of tears with his sleeves.

“It’s o-okay, Mister McDuckula. I c-cry all ze time.” Heinrich beamed, his smile spreading onto Rory’s face.

“Ye really are a kind child, Heinrich. The doctor is blessed to have ye as his assistant.”

“T-t-thank you so much, Mister McDuckula!”

“And ye too, nephew.” Rory smiled at Duckula. “A thoughtful and responsible young man. I am honoured to have ye as me guest at ‘Glen Sparrows Hotel’.”

Duckula blushed at his uncle’s compliment. “Aw, shucks...”

With another deep breath, Rory got up from his seat.

“Thank you for hearing this geezer’s mumbling. Shall I see ye out?”

Duckula exchanged gazes with Heinrich, who affirmed with a nod.

“Actually, if you don’t mind...” Duckula stood up, holding the tray in his hands and a smile on his face. “We would like another cup of camomile tea.”

Rory blinked a few times, feeling his heart getting sour again. He held back his tears, forcing a grin.

“Then ye better have some interesting stories up yer sleeves! This tea ain’t free! And I have told ye so much, ye better have something equivalent!” Rory took the tray to the kitchen, teasing his nephew and his friend.

“You bet I do, Uncle Rory!”

And so, a blood-sucking vampire, a vegetarian vampire and a vampire hunter’s assistant spent a day at the castle on the highlands of Scotland.

Windy the mountains might be, the stone wall kept the castle a homely abode. Quiet the wilderness might be, the laughter of its occupants kept the castle a joyful place.

The flames in the fireplace were still burning, forever sincere and pure.

(28-12-2020 ~ 31-12-2020)

———————————————————————

- The “Bockwurst Sandwich” incident is a part of Duckula’s first encounter with Heinrich (and vice versa). This will be included in my coming long story detailing the start of their friendship. Bockwurst sandwich is the favourite food of (my) Heinrich, by the way.

- I had thought for some time about where to end this story. I usually end my stories with a conversation, so I was thinking with the “We would like another cup of camomile tea” or “You bet I do” sentences. Eventually, I decided to end this with the fireplace, with “fire” symbolising “friendship”, and also use it as the story title.

#count duckula #duckula #rory mcduckula #heinrich #story #storyteller #short story

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j-elaine-hyde · 4 years

Text

The Townie

Part Three

Chris Evans / Reader / Henry Cavill

This writing is my original work. It is not posted or to be posted on any other platform. K Thanx Bye! Enjoy!

You watched as Chris walked to the stage. He lowered his head, blushed and waved to the crowd before shoving his hands in his pockets. He locked eyes with you and winked.

“Let’s just go ahead and save some time.... I think it’s safe to say we can go ahead and start the bidding at $1,000.” Paula tried pulling the microphone out of the mic stand on the podium, but failed. She gestured her arms out like Vanna White towards Chris.

An eager woman, losing all decorum, yelled out, “One thousand dollars!” She giggled as her husband tried pulling her to sit down.

Chris had his deep blues locked on you. He smiled and laughed to himself as the woman placed her bid.

“Two!” You casually announced from your seat holding up your paddle.

Paula narrowed her eyes at you. “Do I hear 3?”

Women continued bidding, raising it to $15,000 when a very overzealous gentleman in a very loud, stylish suit held up a paddle. “Twenty thousand!”

Chris smiled and pointed at the guy and started applauding. Again he winked at you before shaking his head no just once, letting you know to let the gentleman win the auction.

“Look at that! What a bid! Twenty thousand dollars going once.... going twice.... SOLD!” She pounded the gavel on the podium and pointed at the gentleman in the back.

Chris shrugged and raised his hands applauding as he walked off the stage, before he could even make it to the table, the winning bidder rushed him to shake his hand and pose for a photograph. Chris graciously talked to him for a few minutes, slowly making his way to the table before shaking his hand and sitting down.

“Did you hear that Henry? Twenty thousand... that’s twice what you went for...” he joked with his friend.

Henry laughed and rolled his eyes waving off Chris as he leaned back in closer to Marki.

“Looks like ol Reba has her work cut out for her. He seems pretty into your friend over there...” he brushed your hair behind your shoulder.

You smiled and in a low voice replied, “It does indeed.”

“Well you don’t have anything to worry about. Jonathan was very nice, but he’s not exactly my type...”

You winked at him, “I’m not worried.”

The night was finally coming to an end, Chris was in line checking to see if he had won the bids he’d placed in the silent auction as you, Marki, and Henry chatted nearby. Every few minutes someone would come up and ask to take a selfie with Henry. Marki offered to take the pictures for the first few women, but most of them politely declined.

Chris walked back over holding a couple folders in his hands. “Looks like we’re going to the hamptons and we’ll be expert chefs/dancers/painters and massagers in no time!”

“You won both of those, didn’t you?” You laughed.

“Yup! I mean if you don’t want to, I’m sure Jonathan would be more than happy...”

You quickly interrupted, “oh no, I’m in.”

He kissed the side of your head and whispered ‘good’ as he squeezed you close. “Oh hey, this is for you and Marki.”

He handed you a brochure for the day spa you had bid on.

“Chris you didn’t pay for this did you?”

“I did. I was there, and I thought I’d treat you ladies to a relaxing day, it can’t be easy being glared at by every woman in the place all night. My treat.”

“Thank you... you didn’t have to do that.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Chris watched as yet another woman came up asking for pictures. “Let’s get out of here before we both get stuck doing this until dawn. Cavill, we have to go.”

The four of you snuck out an emergency exit into the parking lot.

“So can we interest you ladies in a night cap? Chris here has an obscenely large home about 20 minutes from here.”

Marki’s eyes got wide as she stared at you, making it obvious she wanted to take Henry up on his offer.

“If that’s alright with Chris...” you said quietly.

Chris wrapped his hands around your waist and pulled you towards him. “Do you even have to ask?” He smiled at you, placing his hand on the side of your face, pulling you in for a kiss.

His hand around your waist pulled you closer still, pushing his body against yours, his soft lips dancing with yours, his tongue slowly exploring your mouth. You went weak in the knees, but his firm grip on your waist held you up. He kissed you quickly before smiling, “come on Rebel... let’s go.”

The ride to his house was quiet, aside from the giggles coming from the backseat as Marki and Henry made out. Chris held your hand as he drove and would raise it to his lips at every stoplight to kiss it. Finally you made it to the gates of his house, slowly making your way up the driveway into the garage.

“I’ll get your door.” He smiled as he hopped out of the car, coming around to open your door.

Inside, the four of you stood in the kitchen toasting drinks to the fun night and new friends.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I wanna get out of this tux. I’m sure I’ve got some sweats and tee shirts you ladies can borrow if you want to get out of those gowns....” Chris offered.

“Omg that’d be amazing!” Marki exclaimed.

“I’ll be right back!” Chris said as he ran to his room to change and retrieve clothes.

The three of you continued talking and laughing when Chris walked back into the kitchen in grey sweats and a Red Sox tee shirt. He had a small stack of clothes that he offered to you, letting you know there was a guest room on the second floor, first door on the left if you wanted to change.

You and Marki thanked him and went upstairs. This was the first time this evening the two of you had been alone to discuss the happy change in tonight’s plan. As soon as the door shut, Marki turned to you and silently screamed.

“Oh. My. God. Y/n. Holy shit. If I’m dreaming don’t you dare wake me up. Girl I was just making out with Henry Cavill in the backseat of Chris Evans’s SUV. Please tell me this is actually happening. Oh my god have you seen how gorgeous he is?! Holy shit!”

She was trying to whisper, but her excitement was getting the better of her. She helped you unzip your dress before turning around so you could do the same.

“How do you know Chris?! Are you guys a thing? Why didn’t you tell me?? How did I not know?!”

You laughed as you pulled on one of Chris’s tee shirts. “He came into the bar the other night and we talked a little... he asked me if I had plans for tonight, and obviously I did, but before I could say anything else he bolted. I closed down the bar and he was waiting for me outside. Not like a creeper, but like to make sure I was safe. That’s it.”

She spun around and narrowed her eyes at you, “Really? Because the way you guys were acting it’s like you’ve been a couple forever. You guys are perfect together. He really really likes you. I can tell by the way he looks at you.”

You were pulling on a pair of sweats as you thought about it. Rolling them at the waist, you checked yourself out in the mirror. You gathered the baggy shirt around your waist, pulling it behind you to tie it in a knot.

“Well...you and Henry certainly hit it off!”

“Oh my gosh, right?! He’s amazing. And such a good kisser... ugh... he’s so hot.”

There was a knock on the door.

“There’s empty hangers in the closet if you want to hang up your dresses!” Chris yelled through the door.

“Thank you! We’ll be right out!” You hollered back.

Once the dresses were hung, and you both checked yourself out one more time, fixing your makeup. You opened the door to find Chris waiting patiently, leaning against the opposite wall.

“Those clothes have never looked that good on me...” he stood up and reached out for you, stepping forward to wrap his hands around your waist. The warmth of his hands on your exposed skin sent a lightning bolt through your body, he must have felt it too because he paused and swallowed hard.

“Let’s go guys!” Marki squeezed passed you as she skipped down the stairs.

“How is it that you look almost as amazing in my sweats as you did in that gown? You’re so beautiful.”

He leaned in for another kiss, pressing his body against yours. You could feel his growing excitement through the thin fabric of his sweats. His hand slid down from your waist, grabbing your ass, pulling you even closer.

The heat and connection between you two was undeniable. Your body craved his, it relaxed and melted into his. You were about to move your hand below his waistband but hesitated. Your hesitation didn’t go unnoticed.

Chris pulled his lips away from yours and slid his hand back to your waist. “I’m sorry. I mean, I’m not... but I am. You’re amazing... and I absolutely want to ravage you.... But I don’t want you to think that’s all I want.”

You lowered your face, trying to hide the smile his words put there. You were torn. You wanted your lips and hands on every inch of body, you wanted to feel him fill you. But you wanted so much more.

“Is that ok?” He lifted your chin, his incredible eyes burning into yours. They were filled with want and emotion.

“Yes! Of course. I feel the same way....”

He leaned down and gave you another kiss. “Let’s go downstairs and hangout before Marki and Henry have sex on my couch.” He laughed and gently smacked you on the ass as the two of you headed downstairs.

To be continued....

#romance #fanfic #chris evans #henry cavill #fiction

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kadavernagh · 4 years

Text

I Drive the Hearse || Regan & Erin

Coffee with Regan sounded more and more pleasant the more Erin thought about it. Regan was, thankfully, one of the most reasonable people she’d met in town in some time. It didn’t hurt that she could nerd out about as much death or corpse related things as she wanted, or that she was easy on the eyes. And she wanted to hang out in the hearse? If there was anything she could do to alleviate some of Regan’s stress, she was all for it. Tapping the wheel as she pulled up to the set of apartments Erin had first met her in, she waited just a few moments, maybe a little more nervous than she was letting on. But she parked, then honked the horn, signalling her arrival. Hopped out of the car, smiling, ready to greet her as she exited. “Your chariot awaits,” she laughed, standing in front of the hearse like she was Vanna White.

After the maelstrom of emotions that Blanche had inadvertently launched her into, Regan wanted to see Erin more than ever. Logical, rational, down-to-Earth, death-soaked, hearse-driving Erin. She could already feel her stomach twisting and clenching at the thought of seeing her again, especially after the spectacle she’d made of herself last night. At least Erin didn’t seem to be judging her for it… too much. When she heard the honk, the flipping inside of her gut insensified. Regan pulled on her jacket and hurried down to meet Erin, who looked so cool standing there in front of the hearse. Regan’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates, and she hesitated a moment, staring. Everything was so much right now, and Erin and Nadia were the closest things she had to friends. To emotional anchors. To people she could count on to be reasonable. She wasn’t sure if Erin was the touchy feely type -- she wasn’t always in that category herself -- but some things, some feelings just called for it at times. Regan slid her arms around Erin and brought her in for a brief hug. “Thank you, Erin, this is -- I mean I’m obviously thrilled to be riding in a hearse, but thank you for being here, too.” She laughed, quick, nervous, and self-deprecating. “Either that, or you just really want coffee.” With all the care she’d use to handle a cadaver, Regan pulled open the shiny hearse door and hopped inside, eyes full of wonder as they took in every surface. “How long have you had this beauty?”

Erin definitely didn’t expect the hug, Regan didn’t seem like a hugger, but she steadied her footing before Regan’s arms wrapped around her anyway. Her heart warmed and her smile softened, returning the hug with a gentle pat on her back. “Hey, no problem,” she smiled at her. Quirked a brow as she pulled away, shoving her hands into her front pockets when she didn’t know what else to do with them. “You seemed like you were having a rough time so, you know--if this makes you happy, then hey, I’m all for it.” She watched her, an excited grin growing on her face as Regan’s eyes explored the inside like she’d just stepped into Disneyworld. “Just last winter. Sometimes you can still get a whiff of that new-car smell, though, for as many miles as we’ve put on her already.” Oh, right, they were going somewhere in it. Erin closed Regan’s door, then hopped around to the other side, settling in. Grinning, like she was going on a new adventure. “Actually, I think you’re the first person outside of the funeral home who’s gotten to sit in it. The only one live, anyway.”

Regan was still soaking in the slick interior of the car. It was polished and spacious and when she took a big breath of air, she swore she really could get a hint of new-car smell. She angled her head so she could see the back of the interior, where the coffins would normally be kept for transportation. It was empty now, but there was room for two. Her body hummed with excitement at the thought. And -- was that true? “Really?” Regan turned to Erin, now behind the wheel, her eyes big and bright. “Well, I’m honored. This is already the best coffee outing I’ve ever had, and we haven’t even had coffee yet.” It really was just what she needed over the past couple of days, and she’d have to find some way to repay Erin for being there when it mattered. As they started driving toward Coffee Plus, Regan figured she should make some conversation… right? They were two people who had a lot in common and Erin didn’t seem like the type to judge her for just about anything she could possibly say. “I, uh, had an especially engaging autopsy the other day. It was just deep vein thrombosis, but the decedent had a mitral valve anomaly she’d managed to live with for 68 years.” She looked over to Erin, checking to see if she actually found this interesting. “Of course, she was covered in tiny white hairs when I pulled her out of the freezer.” She felt her blood starting to boil at the thought, despite the calming subject matter of death. “I -- Erin, I need Dr. Ricker’s damn beard to be shaved off.”

Erin couldn’t get over how nice it was to be around someone who wasn’t even just mildly weirded out by this stuff. Even some of her closer friends over the years could only take so much, or couldn’t hide their general unease when the subject of her work came up. But Regan? She was delighted. Erin was positive her eyes were brighter than they were before they’d gotten inside. She even wanted to talk about the decedents. “Yeah?” Erin smiled over at her. It wasn’t necessary for her to be as heavily medically trained, but she knew enough to follow. “I always think it’s fascinating how some people can live with things their entire life that could kill another person with almost no trouble.” She’d seen it a hundred times over, at least. It was a little difficult to hold back the laugh bubbling in her throat at the annoyance in her voice at tiny white hairs. But a strong sense of clarity washed over her, and as she pulled up to Coffee Plus, Erin stopped, turned to Regan, and nodded again. “You got it. They’re as good as gone,” she said simply, then stepped out of the vehicle. If that’s what Regan needed, well--that’s what she’d do. As she pondered the best way to go about it, she held the door to the coffee shop open. “Do you think he’d have an allergic reaction to Nair? Or would wax be better?”

The deadly seriousness in Erin’s eyes as she’d turned to her to say you got it, made Regan sit stock straight in her seat, eyes wide with alarm. Erin wasn’t taking this lightly, and Regan half expected her to break the silence with a boisterous laugh and a just kidding. But that didn’t arrive. Still… she was joking, right? Regan broke into an uneasy laugh and exited the hearse, giving it a fond look back over her shoulder. It wouldn’t be the last time… they were going to have to leave in it. But it still felt like they were parting too soon. Regan froze in front of the door at Erin’s follow-up questions, eyeing her suspiciously. She was really, incredibly, impressively good at deadpan humor, wasn’t she? “That’s very funny, Erin. I’d, uh… probably just take a shaving razor to his face, personally.” Another uneasy laugh. Although, she couldn’t say she’d never thought about it herself -- sneaking into his house at night and waxing the damn thing off. Regan was pretty sure she’d just find another annoying thing about him to fixate on, though. He was the problem. As they waited in line, Regan gave Erin a gentle jab with her elbow. “Hey, um, I’d like to buy your coffee. If that’s okay, I mean. I appreciate you taking me out and, you know, being here for me. And being smart and really cool and -- can I buy your coffee?”

It was kind of funny, wasn’t it? It wasn’t going to deter Erin from her future mission, but she could appreciate the fact that it was a ridiculous thing she was planning on doing. “I mean, I don’t want to stab the guy with the razor. Could you imagine?” She laughed harder now, sidling up to Regan in line. “If I’m ever going to get arrested for something, it’s going to be for a way cooler reason than that.” Erin didn’t let her mind drift too hard on what she probably would get arrested for one day. She was about to ask her thoughts on his moisturizing habits when she felt the jab. A softer smile slipped onto her lips, and she felt her cheeks grow warmer--even more so when she realized that they were probably red. “Yeah,” Erin nodded, clearing her throat. “That’s fine. You know I don’t mind it. We’re friends.” She nodded, giving her an elbow jab back. “That’s what friends do.” She glanced around, noticing a couple exiting a booth near the back. “Oh, hey--I’ll go grab us a seat,” she placed a hand on her arm as she moved around her. “Just a coffee with cream is great.” Paused, tilting her head as she started towards it before it could get snatched up. “Thanks, Regan,” she said, and ran off to secure their spot.

The thought of doing this one thing for Erin -- however small -- made it hard for Regan to contain a smile. Then she looked at Erin, and -- her cheeks were -- “You have some, uh --” Craniofacial erythema. Wait, was Erin embarrassed? Maybe it was best not to point that out. Her own cheeks felt pretty warm too, after that gentle nudge. Besides, Erin already found a table. Regan ordered the two coffees, plus a large chocolate chip cookie to share, and met her over there. “I hope you like cookies. I mean, I figure you do, since you baked a bunch. These ones aren’t skeletones, but they still look pretty good.” She set it in the middle of the table, and handed Erin her coffee, before taking a seat. For some reason, she was extra conscientious about how she was sitting in the share, and shifted positions about three times before settling into crossing her legs. Why was she so squirmy? Probably a reflection of her stomach also feeling that way. She tore a small piece of cookie off and popped it in her mouth, letting the chocolate melt on her tongue. Oh, that was good. “Please, have some. It’s so much better than -- well, I should start at the beginning. There’s this officer named, uh, Zoubisoubo David, and she keeps trying to give me baked goods, but they’re inedible. I need her to stop doing that; it’s getting to be… a lot.” Regan laughed. “But I suppose it’s better than being gifted unwanted beard hairs, so there’s that.”

Erin tapped her fingers nervously against the table as she waited for Regan to return. There was something about her that unsettled Erin, which was hard to do on a regular basis. But Regan had done it. She popped back up with a smile, graciously taking the coffee. “Oh, wow, thank you. You spoil,” she smirked, reaching for the cookie to snap off a small chunk. “You okay there?” She had to laugh, letting the anxious energy out the best way she knew how, very aware how close Regan was to her now. Oh, she was talking again. Her attention span felt no better than a gnat’s right then. Erin listened attentively as she chewed when she felt it--that lurch in her stomach again--the one that demanded to be listened to. “Then she’s gotta stop,” Erin nodded, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. But she laughed when Regan laughed again, shaking her head. “Zoubisoubo David, you said?” Erin whipped out her phone, smirking, already satisfied with what she was about to do. “Can’t have her poisoning you, right?” She said, looking her up.

Regan jolted up in her seat when Erin grabbed her phone from her pocket, holding it out in front of her with some… well, some intent. She wasn’t sure just what that intent was. “Wait, Erin -- what are you about to do? I’ve already run her food through the GC-MS to check for poisons, and there aren’t any. Her baking just isn’t edible because she’s bad at it, not because it’ll kill me. I think.” Plenty of people died by choking every year in the US -- especially in the US -- and that seemed like an even greater likelihood with David’s food. She sighed, leaning back against her seat. Erin seemed… weirdly uptight. And primed for action. Though she was warm and willing to offer help the first time they’d met, this was a little bit different. The sharp and vigilant expression on her face was certainly new. Regan wondered if she acted this way with the next of kin, the mourners. They probably appreciated her attention. Regan kind of appreciated it herself, honestly, though it made her want to crumple into nothingness in equal measure. “Um, maybe we should… forget about that. Have you seen any interesting funerals lately? Any stories?”

“I’m going to tell her to stop sending you baked goods,” Erin shrugged. Found her. She typed up a message, short but clear, then shoved her phone back into her pocket like nothing had just happened. Her smile returned, warm—until it dawned on her what she’d just done. “I’m… sorry,” she started, her smile fading into a grimace, though a large portion of her wasn’t sorry at all. She was just doing what needed to be done. What Regan needed done. Didn’t matter if it was wholly unlike herself. But it was weird, right? She took a long sip of her coffee, desperate to soothe her very dry throat. “I—uh, yeah. Oh!” Her voice perked up as the temporary fog seemed to lift. “So there’s this new thing called ‘extreme embalming’ right now. Basically we use this special fluid to make them completely rigid so the decedents are poseable. This rich older woman wanted to ‘attend’ her own funeral, taxidermied cat in her lap and all,” Erin broke off into laughter, “so she could, and I quote ‘watch her family’s reaction when they find out they get nothing.’”

Regan could feel the blood drain from her face when Erin declared what she was doing. But it was too late; the message was sent and -- “You -- why would you do that!?” Regan wasn’t about to yell at Erin, and especially given the apology, but this was going to be a mess to clean up. She sighed and took a long sip of coffee; the warmth was at least a little bit soothing. And Erin was just trying to help, right? Erin seemed to have the same idea, and they were certainly both eager for the change in subject. Despite the message sent to David, she felt a smell playing at her lips. “Extreme embalming, huh? Do you use a different hardening fluid?” She couldn’t imagine what kind of person would want their loved one posed Weekend at Bernie’s style at a wake, but she understood better than almost anyone that people grieved in different ways. Regan cracked another smile at the mention of the older woman. “You must really see all types. I don’t normally have to concern myself too much with the family, outside of confirming identity and the occasional phone call.” Which was often still more human interaction than she wanted during her working hours. “But you… isn’t that hard? Being with the family during such an emotional time?”

Erin didn’t have an answer for Regan. She just shrugged her shoulders, an apologetic smile on her face. “You said you needed it,” she answered. Wasn’t that obvious? She reached for another piece of the cookie, popping it into her mouth. “This is delicious, by the way.” Despite the little blip with the message she’d sent to Regan’s coworker, this was turning out to be a pretty pleasant afternoon. “Yeah, it’s the special kind they have now. It makes a person look almost like a wax figure. But, they don’t move,” she shrugged. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to handle that side of things. I’m just way better at handling the other side of it, you know?” She paused, wondering how Regan would take it. “This probably sounds pretty cold, but when you’re doing this for so many years, you kind of build a script in your head. After you get used to people sobbing in your arms--which, should be part of the training as far as I’m concerned--it gets a lot easier.” She smiled despite the subject matter. “I do mean what I say though. I’m not just a robot dishing out condolences.” Taking a long sip of her drink, she watched Regan carefully, hoping she hadn’t turned her off too much with the David thing. “No offense, but I couldn’t imagine you consoling families,” she teased, trying to keep things light.

“I’ll have to do some research. That’s… that’s really neat. Genuinely.” Regan said, listening to Erin with interest. She had little exposure to what happened to her decedents once they were stitched back up and sent over to the funeral home, and the glimpse she was getting from Erin piqued her interest. It certainly helped that Erin also piqued her interest. Just as she was pretty sure her own cheeks were starting to turn red at the thought, Erin saved her the embarrassment by talking about grieving. “No, no… that doesn’t sound cold, Erin. I understand.” And she did. How many people had she personally called, introducing herself as the medical examiner, only to hear sobbing on the other end of the line? How many families had she needed to remove from the viewing room because they physically couldn’t handle confirming identity? The script was always about the same. She wasn’t great at talking to people, and it bolstered her confidence having something to refer to. Erin was probably the same way, though Regan didn’t flag her for lacking in confidence. “I do understand. That must be so hard to deal with, though. People collapsing on you day in and day out.” She paused, pondering. “It’s so much easier when they’re… dead. And you’re right, I’m not great at it. I’m always honest when asked if someone suffered, and I’d prefer to get next of kin in and out quickly, and only when absolutely necessary. Though that’s partially for their sake. It’s… not easy seeing a deceased loved one in the state I often get them in. Before you make them pretty.” She said, looking at Erin with clear admiration.

Erin couldn’t explain the way she felt when Regan watched her talk about all things death. She felt understood, she did know that. And from the sparkle in Regan’s eye, she could tell she felt the same way. Erin could only hope, anyway. “I’m sure you do understand,” Erin smiled softly at her. “God, that must be rough too. Like, even rougher than what I go through. People see me when the body’s all gussied up, or packed away in a neat little urn, but you,” she raised a brow, shaking her head. “Just laying there on a cold slab in whatever form you got them in? I can’t even imagine. The raw emotion of seeing your loved one, laid out like that.” She could, actually. Two dead parents meant two trips to the morgue. Each time was just as brutal. She felt eyes falling on them. Didn’t realize how heated or involved the conversation had gotten until she realized they had eavesdroppers in the small cafe. She cleared her throat. “Morty was there,” she said after a long moment. “When I went to see my dad. He’s…” Erin paused, thinking about Nair briefly again. That’d probably work the best, actually. “He’s kind of a doofus, but he’s good with people. So maybe there is something you could learn from him,” she smiled behind her coffee as she took another sip.

Okay, yeah, the stainless steel autopsy table was pretty cold, befitting for Regan’s demeanor. “I try to have them view photographs, when possible, but it’s often no substitute for seeing the cadaver.” She twisted her lips in thought. “Unfortunately, post-mortem changes can make someone look quite… unlike themselves during life. So even identification from next of kin isn’t ironclad.” It really was a wonder what Erin was able to do to hide even the worst marbling. There was a shift in Erin’s expression, the brightness in her eyes fading, as she was about to bring up something weighty. Oh… Regan had figured Erin’s parents were both deceased, given her inheritance of the family business, but it wasn’t something she wanted to pry into. “I’m sorry, Erin. That you had to do that.” Probably twice. “No.” Regan blurted. “No, I -- I’m not going to learn anything from that man. He’s so demeaning! He doesn’t treat people well, he treats them like they’re teenagers only aspiring to be doctors and they need to be shown what a freaking rib spreader does!” She felt her blood sizzling and when she looked past Erin’s shoulder, there were multiple people staring. How long had they been doing that? Was it her outburst, or the perhaps overly-loud discussion of death and pathology? “I, um -- sorry…” Regan offered a sympathetic smile at Erin. “I can appreciate that he was there in the capacity you needed, when you needed him. And I really am, you know, sorry to hear that you did need him.” She cleared her throat. “He… did you know I once saw him mistake this huge, bulbous --” “Excuse me!” One of the women sitting at a nearby table, hovering over a child of about five, sliced into Regan’s story. Her bob haircut swished angrily as she rose to her feet. “You need to go somewhere else if you’re going to continue this discussion.”

Erin should’ve known by now not to bring up the M-word in front of Regan. Well, she did know, but there was a part of her that couldn’t help herself. It was a welcome topic jump from the dead parent thing she accidentally slid into. It was probably something she needed to talk about. Some therapist somewhere would probably have a field day with her unresolved daddy issues. It took everything in her to hold back the chuckle in her voice when Regan started on Morty. “No, no, I’m sorry! My fault for bringing him up,” she held a hand up in surrender. She really didn’t know how to take a joke, huh? “It’s fine. I appreciate that, though.” Erin perked up at the word bulbous and the utter enthusiasm that came with the beginning of that sentence. Jumped a bit, already engrossed when the woman barked at them. Shit. Were they really being that loud? “Sorry, sorry! We’re done!” She turned to the woman, laughing openly now despite the embarrassed flush in her face. The whole cafe was looking at them. Yikes. Nudging Regan gently with her foot, she nodded towards the door, starting to stand. “Hey--uh,” she made a point to lower her voice, leaning in a bit. “I really want to hear this story. If you’re not doing anything for a bit, why don’t you come back to my place? I have a--” she glanced back at the woman at the table, who was still glaring daggers right at her. She leaned in closer, hushing her voice even more. “I have a car accident I need to clean up. If you know what I mean.”

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oskea93 · 5 years

Text

Think of You: Seven (Part two)

Warnings: Sexual situations, language

A/N: ENJOY! (PS: please excuse the grammar issues.)

“Make sure to stay in a single file while walking down the hallway.”

I watched as my second graders made their way towards the cafeteria. Today was a new day. I was back in teacher mode and my escapades from the weekend were behind me. Granted, it was close to 80 degrees and I had to wear a long sleeve dress. I’m not the type of girl to show off the presents that a guy had left. “Okay-“ I spoke again. “Since Lilly’s the line leader, she’s going to hold the door for everyone.” I watched as the little girl stepped out of line, grabbing hold of the door, allowing her classmates to go in one-by-one.

“Ms. Daniels?” I heard my name being called. I looked down and saw Teddy, a student of mine, standing close to me. He motioned for me to come down to his level, waving his little hand in a downward motion. I bent down to face him more directly, “Yes, Teddy?” I asked. I placed my hand on his arm, seeing as he looked somewhat worried. I watched as his bright blue eyes danced from mine to something behind me. “There’s a weird man behind you.” He whispered. I was confused at first, slowly turning my head to see who it was. Looking as out of place as he could, Nikki stood feet away from me. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as I turned back toward little Teddy. I assured him that everything was fine, taking his hand and walking into the cafeteria. I couldn’t believe he would show up here of all places. This was my place of employment, and his kind was not welcomed around here. The people that worked here were some of the snootiest people I’ve ever met. Plus, they were very religious and did not take kindly to the new wave of music that was taking over the world. I would hear certain teachers talking about how their students were more interested in the bands on MTV than their studies. Even the principle was trying his hardest to keep his school pure, innocent, and out of the hands of guys like Nikki Sixx.

Once I made sure my students were all set with their lunches, I quickly made my way back out to the hallway. I didn’t bother saying anything to him, simply grabbing his hand, and marching us back to my classroom. “You in a hurry to tear my clothes off again?” He started to laugh. I didn’t answer. Once inside the classroom, I locked the door behind us, turning to look at him. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “And how did you know where I wor-“

“Why did you leave?” He cut me off. I looked at him confused. “The other morning, why did you leave?” He seriously came all the way to my job to ask why I left him alone yesterday? He couldn’t have just called and asked me this question? “Carol-“

“You can’t just come to my work and start asking all these questions, Nikki.” I explained. “I left because it should have never happened. What happened between us was just a one-time thing and should never happen again.” Everything that Mac and I spoke about last night had flown at the window. I admitted to her that I had feelings, strong feelings for Nikki. My heart wanted to be with him, but my brain, as usual, was taking over and messing everything us.

A smirk found its way onto his face, “It was more than just one time, darling.” I wanted to slap that sexy smirk off his face. “You may think that I’m just using you because that’s the kind of person I am, but-”He stopped mid-sentence. “I really and truthfully care about you, Caroline. Hell, I may even love you.” My heart began to race as he expressed his feelings. “Yeah, I’m in a band and there’s girls throwing themselves at me, but you’re honestly the only girl I think about. Ever since the first night I met you, all I do is think about you. I can’t fucking shake you. I don’t want to shake you.”

“Nikki-“ I sighed.

“No-”He cut in again. “Let me finish.” He stepped closer to me, blocking me between him and the bookshelf. “When I woke up and you weren’t there, that fucking hurt, Caroline.” His voice sounding more serious, a bit emotional. “I didn’t think what happened between us was just a causal fuck.” I grimaced at the word. “Sorry, casual sex. I honestly had a meaningful time with you. You’re the first girl I ever had slow, meaningful sex with. If that doesn’t tell you anything then I don’t know what will.” I looked down at my shoes, taking in everything that he had said.

I let out a sigh, “Can we just talk about this some other time? Maybe we cou-“

His lips smashed into mine, taking me by surprise. Involuntarily, my hands entwined in his raven hair, grabbing a fist-full so I could be as close as possible. I was still pinned against the bookshelf as Nikki’s hands traveled to the hem of my dress. “I’ve always wanted to fuck a teacher.” He muttered against my lips as his hand moved further up my leg. I was back in Veronica mode. Caroline, sweet and innocent Caroline, had left the building and Veronica was in control. I couldn’t help but start moaning as his lips moved to my neck, nipping at the already tender spots from before. The whole notion of being at work, especially in a Christian Elementary had left my mind, only focusing on Nikki and his skillful hands and mouth. Without warning, Nikki’s fingers slipped past my underwear, finding the most sensitive part of my body. I let out a whimper, well it was more a moan, a very long moan. This was also a first for me as well. I guess you could say I had a pretty boring sex life up until now. My body reacted as he slowly pumped his fingers into me, going extremely slow to garner a better response. I couldn’t help but bite down on his neck, causing him to let out a hissing noise, as his fingers worked their amazing magic. My whimpers and moans filled the classroom.  

“I want you out of this fucking dress.” Nikki whispered against my lips. I finally made eye contact with him, seeing his green eyes turning darker with lust. Like I said before, Veronica was in charge, causing me to nod my head. It was as if I was watching myself from above. Nikki’s hand was up my dress and his lips were on my lips and all over my neck. I was in a state of lust and if I didn’t stop, things were going to escalate to a whole other level.

“Nikki-“ I gasped. His fingers accelerated to a faster pace, causing my breath to hitch in my throat. “Oh god.” I whispered. I could feel myself start coming unhinged. My legs were getting weak and starting to hurt. My heart was racing a mile a minute and my breathing was becoming more raged. With one last stroke, I finally broke lose. It was as if I was a damn and I had finally broke free from the barrier. That sounds kind of gross now that I think about it. “Oh my gosh.” I exhaled. My head remained buried in Nikki’s neck as his left arm held my body in place. “Pretty good, huh?” He laughed. I slowly lifted my head and placed it against the bookshelf, looking straight at him again. I watched as he slowly licked clean his fingers that were inside of me clean. I thought it was incredibly gross but I was also incredibly turned on at the same time.

“Now-“ He began to smile. “Let’s get you out of that fucking dress.” I remained frozen as he started working on the buttons of my dress. His lips once again found my neck, as my hands held onto his shoulders. Before he could get the last button undone, the bell rang, snapping me out of the lustful trance.

‘Shit!” I exclaimed, roughly pushing Nikki away from me. “Shit, shit shit!” I continued to yell as I hastily re-buttoned my dress. “What’s the problem?” Nikki asked confused. I ignored him as I ran to the mirror that I kept in my classroom. I looked like a woman who just had sex. My hair was sort of matted to my forehead, which was covered in sweat. My dress was wrinkled where it had been pulled up, and I had a small wet spot near the bottom. “Caroline?”

My eyes cut to where Nikki was standing, still unsure what was happening. “You need to leave, like right now!” I raised my voice. He tried to speak but I started pushing his body toward the classroom door. “What the hell, Caroline.” He barked back. I roughly opened the door, pushing him out into the hallway. I was in a panic haze that it didn’t occur to me that the other teachers were also out in the hall.

“Ms. Daniels?” I turned from Nikki, seeing Mrs. Brady, the Librarian looking between Nikki and I. “Is everything okay?” She asked. Most of the teachers at this school talked about each other like they were back in grade school. I’ve learned that they’d be nice to your face but tear you to shreds behind your back.

I must have looked like a deer in the headlights, “Uh-“ I stuttered out. “Eve-everything’s fine, Mrs. Brady.” She gave me a disapproving look before making her way down the hallway. Everyone that passed by us were staring, some even whispering to one another at the scene Nikki and I had caused. My eyes moved back to Nikki, who was staring right at me. “Care to explain?” He smirked.

I didn’t bother answering his question. I needed to get my students from the cafeteria and he needed to get out of here before the principle showed up. “Just, please leave.” I stated firmly. I didn’t bother showing him to the door, he obviously knew where it was. I made my way to the cafeteria, trying my best to keep calm and professional.

“Who’s your friend, Ms. Daniels?” Vanna, a fellow second grade teacher, asked. She had been one of the many that walked by as I was pushing Nikki out of my classroom. I nervously moved a strand of hair behind me ear, “He’s um-” What was I to say? He’s the guy I’ve been having sex with? He’s a rock star and I’m his groupie? “He’s nobody.”

Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Caroline!

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

“Who are you and what have you done with the real Caroline Vanessa Daniels?”

I rolled my eyes as I took a sip of my milkshake. I had called Mac from the office phone once school was over, asking her if she could meet me right away. Ever since my encounter with Nikki, my mind had been in panic mode. During my math lesson today, I forgot how to do the problem, causing my students to get even more confused. I had to skip over the whole chapter, telling the kids that we would go over it tomorrow.

“He just shows up like he owns the place, telling me how he feels, ex-“

Mac began to wave her arms around, “Woah, woah!” She exclaimed. “He told you how he felt?” I nodded my head. “You didn’t think to tell me that part first? Don’t get me wrong, I love hearing about your sex life, which is now a hell of a lot better than mine, but him expressing his feelings is more important!” I looked down at the table. “Tell me exactly what he said to you.” Mac’s body was now leaning right against the counter, getting as close as she could to hear what I was about to say.

I took another drink of my shake, “He, he-“ I stuttered. “He, uh, He to-  “Spit it out already, woman!” Mac yelled, causing those around to look at us. My face instantly turned red with embarrassment. Maybe telling Mac this in public was a bad idea. “He told me that he thinks he loves me.” I rambled. “He told me that I wasn’t like any other girls he’s been with and that he loves me.” I could feel tears well up in my eyes. “He told me he loves me and I don’t know what to do.” I was over analyzing again. I was breaking down for the second day in a row due to one man.

“Oh my God.” Mac muttered, moving herself back against the booth.

“What?” I asked confused. I used my sleeve to wipe away the tears that were falling from my eyes. “What’s the matter?”

The smile that formed on her face grew larger, “You don’t just like him, you love him.”

“No, no, no.” I shook my head. “I am not in love with him. I can’t be in love with someone I barely even know. He could be a secret serial killer or something. I can’t be in love with a guy like Nikki Sixx. I mean, who the heck names their kid Nikki Sixx? I bet that’s not even his real name, so I can’t be in love with him even more now. He’s to-“

“Caroline!” Mac exclaimed. The people across from us were now sending dirty looks our way. I’m pretty sure the whole restaurant was at this point. “You’re looking for any excuse you can find, and the excuses you are using suck.”

I looked down at my melted milkshake. Yesterday, I only had small feelings for this guy. You know, the kind of feelings that someone with a crush has. Nikki was sort of a crush to me but I meant more to him. Maybe he meant more to me as well. “You need to fucking tell him how you feel before some other bitch comes along and steals him.” Mac said pointedly. “Tom Zutaut is having a party tonight and you’re gonna tell Nikki exactly how you fucking feel.”

“But-“ I tried to speak.

Mac held her hand in face, “No buts, Caroline. You are going to that party and if I have to lock you and Nikki in a room so you can admit how you feel, I will find the darkest, tiniest room, and lock you two in there. Do you understand me?”I slowly nodded my head like a child who just got scolded by their parents.

“Fabulous.” She shifted in her seat. “I’ll see you at eight!”

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“If you’re gonna tell someone you love them, you can’t wear what you’re wearing!” Mac exclaimed as she rummaged through my closet. “You’re not purposing your love to the Pope, Caroline. You’re telling a fucking rock star, a fucking hot rock star, that you’re in love with him. You have to look the part!” I watched as dresses, shirts, and pants flew out of my closet. “I know I say this all the time, but you are a fucking prude!”

“Enough with the F word, Mackenzie.” I groaned. I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was down and my makeup was light, as usual. I looked at the dress I was wearing. It was the same material as the dress that I wore to work today but it was green. It had long sleeves and reached to my knees. I decided to wear stockings with it, along with a pair of boots. I thought I looked pretty good but Mac’s always the judge of that. “Aha!”

Mac removed herself from my closet, a white romper in her hands. “Put this on.” She threw the garment in my direction. I had forgotten that I owned this, probably only wearing it back in Georgia. I did as I was told and made my way to the bathroom. I removed my dress and stockings, placing the romper on in its place.

“I can’t wear this.” I muttered to myself. My reflection stared back at me, as did the many hickeys that still lined my neck and collarbone. “Mackenzie!” I cried out. Mac showed up seconds later, worry written all over her face. “I can’t wear this!” I told her. “I can’t go out in public looking like this.” I pointed towards my neck, her eyes going wide as she took in the evidence.

“He did a number on you didn’t he.” She chuckled as she began to look through my makeup bag. “Of course.” She muttered. She jetted out of the bathroom, back into the bedroom. I heard her rustling in her purse before she came back to the bathroom. “This should help.” She held a bottle of liquid foundation. “Your skin tone doesn’t match mine.” I wined. She ignored my comment, placing the liquid on a cotton ball. I felt her dab on the makeup, making sure to cover as much as she could.

“Ta da!” She smiled. I looked at myself in the mirror. The spots were still visible but not as bad as they had been. “No one will notice.”

“I hope you’re right.” I muttered. I gave myself a glace over, making sure I did in fact look okay. “You look fine!” I heard Mac yell from the other room. I let out a sigh, closing the light and making my way to the front room. I grabbed my purse and made my way out the door, ready to face whatever was gonna happen tonight….

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Even though I barely knew Tom, he didn’t seem like the type that would have parties at his house. Maybe a get together with a couple of friends but not a party with drugs, alcohol, or rock stars. When Mac and I arrived, the place was so crowded that it took me 20 minutes to find a place to park. I had to park my car halfway down the block and walk back up the hill to where his house was. I had asked Mac in the car how she even got an invite to Tom’s party. She explained that it was more of an Elektra Record party for the Motley guys. It was being thrown at Tom’s house since he signed the guys and worked with them. For a guy that just got promoted, I never expected him to have a big house. Maybe a regular size house in the valley somewhere? To say I was surprised when I saw the size of his house would be an understatement. His house was huge! It was mansion size and even had a pool in the backyard.

“Let’s party!” Mac screamed. I stayed close behind her as we entered the house. People were everywhere. It was as if we were back at the party from the other night. Music was blaring from the speaker, allowing people to dance freely in the living room. From where I was standing, Vince was talking with some girl and Mick was sitting on the couch next to Tom. I didn’t see any sign of Nikki, relief coursing through my veins. “I’m gonna go find Tommy.” Mac shouted. I nodded my head, watching her get lost in the crowd. I stood in the archway awkwardly for a couple more seconds before going over to the couch where Tom and Mick were sitting.  

“You mind if I sit here?” I asked. Tom’s head snapped up, a smile forming across his face.

I watched as he scooted over, giving me more room to be comfortable, “Sure thing.” I took a seat next to him, pulling down the shorts of my romper in the process. “Caroline, right?” I nodded my head. From what I remember of our first meeting, he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. He was a little nerdy, looking like he should be crunching numbers instead of working in the music industry. “How have you been?” He asked.

“Fine.” I smiled. “How about you?” I was probably the worst person to make a conversation with. I was awkward and never knew what to talk about, especially with a new person. “Just living the Motley life.” His smile turned bigger. “I heard you and Nikki are really hitting it off.” My eyes widened. Did everyone know what Nikki and I had done? “What do you mean?” I asked. He looked at me a bit confused, “You guys are together.”

Before I could reply, I felt a hand on my bare shoulder. My head whipped around as my eyes connected with Nikki’s. “We need to talk.” He stated. His eyes were dark, making him look even more pissed off. I wanted to tell him that I was talking to Tom and would find him later but I just nodded my head, biding farewell to Tom in the process. In order not to get lost on the way, Nikki grabbed my hand and led me through the crowd to an empty room. I looked around, seeing it was the laundry room of all places. My heart started to race as Nikki closed the door behind him, taking a deep breath before turning to face me. I couldn’t help but stare at him once he did turn around. His hair was wild and his leather pants were tighter than ever. He looked really, really good.

“What’s going on?” He blurted out.

I looked up at him confused, “What are you talking about?” He rolled his eyes as his hand ran through his raven locks.

“I need to know what the fuck is going on with you and I? One minute you’re tearing my clothes off and then you’re pushing me away. I need to know what this is, Caroline.” He pointed between him and I. “I need to know if you feel the same way as I do.” He seemed so vulnerable. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone except you. You make me feel things that I thought I would never feel for someone.” He was pouring his heart out to me, making my own heart swell.

I let out a sigh, “Nikki-“ I began.

“No-“ He raised his hand to stop me from talking. “I came from a life where the word love was foreign. My mom never said it, I never said it, nobody said it. From the time I was 10 years old, I never thought I would be able to say that word to someone, especially if I really meant it. I never thought I would have feelings toward a person that were genuine. I’ve been with a lot of girls, but they were just bed warmers. I never felt a single emotion for them. When I met you, without even talking to you, I knew were the one.” I could feel tears forming in my eyes as he spoke. He was pouring his heart out to me. “I know how cliché that sounds but there was something about you that had me hooked. You aren’t like any of the girls that flock to our concerts or try to get with us at parties. You are your own person and I fucking love you for that. I fucking love that you’re shy and reserved. I love that you have your own personality, even if it’s boring.” We both chuckled. “You are nothing like I’ve ever seen and I love you for that. I fucking love you, Caroline.”

I wiped away the tears that had fallen during his speech. My heart was beating a mile a minute, my emotions going into overdrive. “Everything about you scares me.” I started. “I’m scared of the lifestyle you lead. I’m scared of the things you do. Most importantly, I’m terrified that I’m falling so hard for you and there’s nothing I can do about it. You are the last person on the earth that I thought I would ever fall in love with, but I’m in love with you and that scares me to death.” I explained through tears. Nikki instantly pulled me into his body, his arms wrapping around my waist as mine wrapped around his neck.

“I promise I’ll never scare you again.” He whispered.

@triplehaitches @fandomshit6000 @sighsophiia @divaanya @primal-screamer @theabductionofpersephone @ithinkimhardcore @lauravic @jonesie32 @queen-introvert

IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED TO THE TAG LIST, JUST LET ME KNOW!!

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nether--prince · 6 years

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kevin!!! 11-19 :3c here's lookin at you kid

📘🗡Oh boy, okay. Well, here goes nothin', I suppose..?11: I have good hair, a nice smile, and a likeable personality! People like me about as much as I like them, usually.12: I wish... I wish I was braver. And smarter. 13: Being struck by lightning sucked. A lot. It still hurts, so it wins.14: ...I don't like this game so much anymore. Killing someone for the first time. That or realizing I'm gay.15: Well, Xelaria, obviously. Carmen, when it comes to mischief. Rhys, by rank. Vanna by patronage. The Empress.16: My father. People who are cruel to each other for no good reason. My father, again.17: Liking men, and leaving behing my family's god.18: Loving men, and leaving behind my family's religion. And protecting the prince.19: Evil is... evil is cutting yourself away from love. Not romance, just... love for animals. Love for life, humanity- elfmanity? Love for the masses of people, even if only in a wide way. Sure, you can't love everyone, but... it takes an evil heart to hate everyone.fun fact you cant make asks colorful on mobile. eat my shorts tumblr

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askdawnandvern · 6 years

Text

A Lamb Among Wolves

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Girls Night: The Art of Romance

"When did you know?" She asked.

"Hmm?" Dawn replied.

"When did you know you loved him?" The diminutive fox added. "That he was the one?"

A warm smile crept across Dawn's muzzle as she thought back to early days when she first met Vernon. Despite all the terror, and danger that the "Zootopia's Last Night" case sent rippling through her already troubled life, it had all been worth it to have been lucky enough to reconnect with the wolf. And even now, looking back on those early days in their relationship filled the ewe with renewed warmth and love for her soulmate.

"Well, I would be lying If I said it was the moment we met." Dawn said with a chuckle. " Despite having shelves filled with books filled with all sorts of tawdry romances, with couples knowing as soon as they laid eyes on one another that they belonged together, I don't believe it works like that in real life." The ewe shook her head dismissively. " Well at least, not in my case."

Dawn shifted up Vanna's bed slightly, the large tigress moving over a bit to allow the lamb to lean her back against the head of the bed. The ewe leaned back slightly, placing her hooves on her chest as she continued to recall the day Vernon and she had first reunited.

"I should mention first, that Vernon and I did know each other briefly as kids." Dawn said.

"Really?" Qali chirped.

"Aw...puppyhood love huh?" Malcolm cooed.

Dawn giggled. "Unfortunately no, although I certainly wish things had gone that way." The ewe flashed a warm smile. "Perhaps if we had actually had the time, maybe something like that could have happened. But we didn't get to know each other long enough."

Qali frowned sharply, the little fox's ears flattening out in dismay. "Why?" The vixen asked, concern in her voice.

Dawn frowned as she remembered the miserable day when her Father had ended her friendship with Vernon. The drunken ram nearly tearing her arm off in an effort to rip away the 'offending' friendship bracelet she had made while berating her in the process. The day that had left her with a dislocated shoulder, a blackened eye, and the death of the only friendship she ever had.

"M-my Father put an end to things." Dawn sighed sadly. " He was..." Dawn closed her eyes, the memories of that day causing a dull ache to ripple through the areas her Father had hurt all those years ago. "A very cruel mammal."

Ada let out a low growl, and as Dawn turned her attention to the large canid she could see her expression was a mixture of disgust and ire.

"I get ya." Ada growled. Clearly the hyeness had picked up on Dawn's subtle implications. "He's dead now right? Because a dat Night Howla ting?"

Dawn nodded affirmatively, her response seeming to ease Ada's attitude as a smug grin returned to her face.

"Good ting." Ada snorted. "Oddawise I'd love to pay him a visit and teach him how it feels to be at anuddah mammal's mercy."

Dawn felt a paw on her shoulder and turned to find Vanna now looking down at her with sympathetic eyes.

"I'm sorry Dawn." Vanna said sadly. "No mammal should have to go through that kind of thing."

Dawn placed her hoof on Vanna's paw, rubbing it affectionately as she offered the cat a small smile. " Thank you..." The ewe turned her smile to the rest of the girls. "All of you, but I'm okay now." Dawn rolled her eyes slightly. "Well, mostly okay. But there's little left to be said about my Father, and I'd rather not dwell on it any more than I have to." Dawn gingerly removed Vanna's paw from her shoulder, smiling widely at the rest of the Hunter girls. "This story is about love, not my lousy childhood."

Slowly but surely, Dawn's smile seemed to infect the others, pulling the atmosphere back to the previous warmth it had held before.

"When I first met Vernon..." Dawn chuckled, shaking her head. "I mean again. I didn't know how to feel." The ewe adjusted her glasses. "We didn't recognize each at first, it was only after working together for a while that we sort of rediscovered our friendship." Dawn placed her hooves on her hips, tilting her head toward Vanna slightly as she eyed the looming tigress. "So imagine me, this little runt of a ewe who just got out of jail. Predator enemy number one. And my new boss introduces me to the biggest wolf I've ever seen and tells me we'll be working together!" Dawn laughed. "I was terrified!"

"I hear that." Qali said with a smirk. "The first time I met Trenny was a real trip. A six foot four wall of ice that made the primal part of my brain scream 'run away'!" The diminutive fox giggled. "But the rational part of my brain was like, 'Hello handsome.'!"

Ada chuckled. "Yeah, and you didn't even have dat whole anti-pred criminal past to add to it." Ada quirked an eyebrow at the ewe. "I can't even begin to imagine what was runnin' through your head dere Fluff Butt."

Dawn shook her head as she chuckled. " Pretty much everything you could expect. Fears of being eaten, or being made an example of, or the gods know what." Dawn sighed. "I mean it was silly, but the place I was in at the time, any terrible thing seemed possible."

Dawn smirked. "But Vernon, he was a gentlemam' through and through. If he held anything against me at the time, he certainly didn't show it."

"That sounds like a Hunter for ya." Malcolm interjected.

"Except for maybe Dori." Qali huffed.

Dawn winced at the mention of the large white wolf, but did her best to keep the memories of her conversation buried by pressing on through her story.

"He even went so far as to help me to get some semblance of a life together. When the bank, or the grocer had refused to deal with me, Vernon stepped in and made sure they stopped discriminating against me." Dawn let out an affectionate sigh. "And this was before we even found out we were friends growing up. He just did it out of the goodness of his heart. Because he was willing to give me a chance."

"Which is more than the city sounds like it was willing to offer." Vanna added, earning a nod from Dawn.

"I don't fault the mammals in Zootopia for feeling the way they did, but how could I even start to try to turn over a new leaf if no one was willing to give me the opportunity?" Dawn asked.

"So what happened when you two figured out who you guys were!?" Qali jumped in, the fox now laying across the bed with her head on her paws. Qali was trained on Dawn, her eyes focus on her own as she eyed the ewe expectantly.

Dawn offered a wide grin in response to the eager fox. "Oh, we were ecstatic, especially Vernon." The ewe flicked a hoof lazily. "He was keen on making up for lost time, and making our shifts as fun as possible." Dawn sighed dreamily, her eyelids fluttering softly as she recalled the warm memories of the silly fun the pair had on their many night shifts at the Bug Burga. "And it was during that time I started to feel...things..."

"Tings huh?" Ada cooed, quirking her eyebrows playfully at the ewe.

"I wouldn't say it was love just yet." Dawn held up a hoof to the snarky hyena. " After all, the lamb in me couldn't conceive attraction to a predator, especially a wolf." Dawn chuckled, shaking her head dismissively. "I mean, I had never even dated outside my species. I had only ever been in relationships with rams, and anything beyond that was alien to me."

"I can sort of understand that." Vanna said, scratching the back of her head idly. " It was strange for me to....figure out I was attracted to Zach." Vanna paused, rolling her eyes slightly as she chewed on her lip. "I mean, accepting that I was."

Dawn nodded. "I think I was really able to start to grasp it when Vernon and I were forced to move in together."

"Wait, you two moved in togeddah?" Ada asked. "Why?"

"Well, my apartment burned down." Dawn said somberly.

Each of the Hunter girls flashed the ewe a puzzled and concerned look, but Dawn simply rolled her eyes, dismissively flicking a hoof. "It's a long story, but with nowhere else to stay, Vernon was dead set on me living with him."

"And then the sparks started flyin'?" Malcolm asked, a warm and silly smile crawling up his muzzle.

Dawn giggled, shifting back against her pillow as she found herself recalling some of the things that had happened during their 'friendly co-habitation', most notably Vernon helping her shear, and accidentally walking in on her in the bathroom.

"You could say that." Dawn said, with a knowing grin. "But honestly, by then I was struggling with my growing feelings for Vernon. I couldn't tell if it was just because he had been kind to me and I latched on to him, or if it was something about his smell, or because I hadn't lived so close to a male in years." Dawn chuckled. "I was looking for any way to rationalize it, to chase it away as silly infatuation."

"But obviously it wasn't." Vanna said with a knowing grin of her own.

Dawn let out an amorous sigh. "It took my therapist to kind of drive it home for me, but it was true. I had fallen head over hooves for a wolf."

"Aww..." Qali cooed. "That so sweet!"

"So whendya tellum?" Ada grinned.

Dawn grimaced slightly. Realizing she was in love with the wolf hadn't been as wonderful as it should have been at the outset. She struggled with the complex problems and emotions that such a love could carry with it, especially considering her place in Zootopia at the time. In that way, her love for the wolf was an agony the ewe simply couldn't endure living under, for the safety of each of them.

"I...didn't..." Dawn muttered sadly.

"What!" Qali yelped, frowning sharply. The fox pressed her paws against the mattress, leaning her body closer to the ewe. "Why!?"

Dawn shook her head. "I just..." Dawn placed a hoof to her head. "With who I was, and what Vernon wanted to be, I couldn't take a chance at ruining his life like that." Dawn sighed. "I didn't want to hurt him because I selfishly expected him to love me."

Dawn leaned back, staring up at the ceiling as she rested her hooves on her chest.

"I gave serious consideration to moving out." Dawn murmured.

The room remained quiet for a moment, the Hunter girls falling deaf at how heavy the ewe's story had grown. It was clear the girls were unsure of what to say, at least at first. But eventually, Ada broke the deafening silence.

"Butcha didn't, did ya?" Ada asked.

Dawn sat back up, propping up the pillow before leaning against it again.

"Before I could, things went kind of crazy..." Dawn said. "I trust most of you heard about that story. About the wine bottling plant, and my Father's attempt to destroy the city. And then after that...well..." Dawn winced, recalling her stay in the hospital, her brush with death at the hooves of the night howler toxin. It would have been a fitting end for someone like her. At least that's what she had thought at the time. "I was out of it for a while."

"I remember reading about it." Vanna added, scratching her head awkwardly. " You were the only survivor out of the mammals that were exposed."

Dawn nodded slightly. "Myself and Doug, not that it mattered."

"So what happened next?" Qali asked, now using her paws to sort of bounce in place.

Dawn smiled warmly as she recalled the moment Vernon had first told her how he felt. At a time where the wolf was unsure if she could even hear him. Somewhere through the dreamlike haze of the coma and lingering night howler effects, the wolf's words had managed to reach her, and spurred her back to the waking world.

"A lot of what happened was...fuzzy." Dawn said. "I'm not well versed in about how a coma will affect a mammal in most cases. But for me...I was vaguely aware Vernon was near me." Dawn sighed. "I could hear him sometimes, and I always sort of felt him."

A wide, warm grin crawled across Dawn's muzzle as she readied to tell the girls what she had heard. "And somewhere through the fog hanging over my brain, I heard Vernon tell me he loved me. That he always had."

That managed to earn a collective 'aww' from the Hunter girls, Ada excluded. Qali was practically in awe, the fox beaming in response to Vernon's declaration.

"That's soo adorable!" Qali squeed. "He loved you just as much the whole time!"

Dawn giggled at the enthusiastic fox.

"Y-yes well, keep in mind he didn't know I heard him." Dawn said, regaining some of her composure. "So when I actually woke up, Vernon didn't exactly repeat himself."

"Pft...ain't dat like a guy." Ada scoffed. "What is it about tellin' a goil ya love 'em dat scares 'em to death?"

Dawn giggled, raising a hoof to Ada again. "Well don't worry, I didn't plan on letting it go." Dawn grinned widely. "I just needed to wait for the right moment."

"So when was the right moment?" Vanna asked.

Dawn adjusted her glasses slightly. "When we got home of course. When it was just the two of us." Dawn smirked. "I told him that I heard what he said, and I needed to hear it again." Dawn let out an amorous sigh, holding her hoof against her heart as a heat welled deep inside her chest. "And that's when he told me how much he truly loved me, and that I was the one."

Another series of 'awws' rippled through the group, with Ada even contributing this time. Malcolm dabbed the corner of his eye as he began to waft a paw toward his face.

"Shoot, I'm wellin' up here..." The chubby wolf sniffled.

Dawn was smiling broadly now, but more at the thought of Vernon than the story. Of that moment in her life, and how it felt. The fire inside her chest practically stung with love for the large wolf, and in that instant she wished he had been in the room, just so the ewe could plant a kiss on his muzzle. Vernon would never know how much his love had truly saved her life in so many ways, but when it came to moments like this it only strengthened the ewe's resolve to do her best to show him every day.

"And I finally got to tell him the same." Dawn sighed.

"And then you kissed right!?" Qali added with a gleeful grin.

"Dey probably did more den dat." Ada chuckled, flashing the ewe a grin.

Dawn placed her hooves over her muzzle as a harsh blush began to form. The heat that had been in her chest was now flushing to her face in full force.

"Y-you aren't wrong..." Dawn trailed off.

With that, the other girls, as well as Malcolm, burst into giggling, Dawn joining just moments later. The girls seemed to spend a good while giggling before they managed to compose themselves, Dawn being one of the first to manage to catch her breath despite herself. Turning her attention to Ada, the ewe arched an eyebrow curiously at the hyeness.

"What about you Ada?" Dawn asked. "I'm kind of curious as to your relationship with Yuri."

"Yeah, it's a curious one all right." Qali said through giggles as the fox tried to regain her composure.

"Oh yeah?" Ada snickered. "What's so curious about it?"

Dawn winced slightly, biting her lip as she tried to figure out exactly how to phrase her response without accidentally offending the hyena. After a few moments with no success, the ewe found herself looking up to Vanna with pleading eyes. The large tigress briefly quirked an eyebrow before seeming to get the ewe's message.

"I think she wants to know what you see in Yuri." Vanna said bluntly.

"Yeah." Malcolm added. "I mean that boy sure is...a erm..." The wolf mumbled, playing with his paws nervously. "I mean he's a pill."

"I was just wondering..." Dawn said, continuing to wince. "When did you figure out you loved him?"

"Do you even love that jerk?" Qali added, the fox had returned to leaning on her paws as her attention now fixed on the large canid.

Dawn grimaced sharply in response to Qali's bluntness, worrying for a moment that Ada would take to arming pillows like Vanna had before. But the hyeness simply cackled in the trademark fashion of her species before trailing off into a wistful sigh.

Ada turned her attention to the group, her expression surprisingly gentle and warm in spite of her usual personality.

"I know Yuri's a jerk." Ada said with a chuckle. "But he can be a sweet fella when it comes down to it."

"On what planet?" Malcolm laughed.

Ada closed her eyes, shaking her head as another laugh escaped her throat. "He's just really insecure, and more worried about what everyone tinks of him den he wants to admit." Ada smiled. "I guess I'm de only one who really gets to see dat dough."

"I'd say so..." Vanna replied.

With that, Ada leaned back onto her pillow, placing her paws behind her head as she stared at the ceiling above.

"Me and Yuri, we both got pretty demandin' jobs." Ada said, raising a paw. "Yuri's runnin' detective woik, on call almost twenty-four seven. And me, I'm a noise at da hospital workin' night shifts."

"You're a nurse?" Dawn asked.

Ada chuckled. "I work mostly in da morgue, figurin' out what killed mammals. Sometimes I woik Emergency, but I prefer da morgue." The hyena turned her head to Dawn, flashing the ewe a playful grin. "Dey don't complain' about my jokes."

Dawn placed her hooves over her muzzle as she let out a giggle, to which Ada replied with a wide, over dramatic open mouth smile as if inviting the other girls to laugh at her joke. Sadly, there were no other takers, and with that the canid continued her tale.

"Yuri and I had been togedduh for..." Ada tapped a claw to her muzzle as she tried to pin down a date. With a nod, the hyena continued. "It was about a year, yeah, one year exactly actually."

Ada smirked. "I remember because it was our anniversary, or raddah, it was supposed'ta be."

Dawn frowned. "Oh, what happened?" Consider Yuri's general demeanor, the ewe found herself already assuming that the wolf and hyena had gotten into a fight.

"What happened?" Ada repeated, arching an eyebrow at the ewe briefly before turning her attention back to the ceiling. Ada let out a long, tired sigh. "Woik happened."

Ada dragged a paw over her face, allowing it to rest on her chin before she continued.

"Lotta crimes at da time. O course dat meant Yuri's phone was ringin' off da hook at all howers of da day." Ada placed her arms behind her head. "And as fa me? Well da hospital was going trew a really bad period, where we was horribly undastaffed." Ada rolled her eyes. "So dat meant old 'good goil' Ada was runnin' extra howers and back to back shifts."

"Oh." Dawn said, frowning.

"I just remembah bein' so tiyad..." Ada groaned. "I swear sometimes I just wanted ta crawl up onto one of da body slabs and have someone roll it inta da wall so I could get some real shuteye." Ada smirked." I don't tink da neighbors wouldda complained, but my boss sure would have." Ada grinned, winking at the ewe and earning another giggle.

"And Yuri was busy too?" Qali asked.

"And grumpy" Ada chuckled. "Da both of us was. We was too tired to even argue!" Ada leaned up, facing the rest of the girls. "We'd just get home, say hi, and go ta bed, if we was that lucky."

"Ugh, that sounds rough." Malcolm winced, the wolf seemingly disgusted at the prospect of being pushed that hard. It was something Dawn was at least familiar with, having spent many late nights prepping work that Lionheart would always take credit for. Sufficed to say it was not something she missed, and she could certainly relate to Ada's predicament.

"We was supposed tah do a dinner ting." Ada raised her paw. "Fancy restaurant in Seaodder, evening at da top of da Space Needle havin' drinks. Da woiks." Ada shook her head. "We had reservations."

"And I take it you had to cancel?" Dawn asked sadly.

Ada sighed. "We sat down, had a talk about it." Ada raised an arm before letting it flop back to her side. "Wit our howers bein' what dey were, we knew it wasn't happenin'. So we decided to move it a few months. Till our schedules cleared up." The hyeness placed her paws on her chest. "It was sad, but we accepted it."

The room was quiet for a moment, the awkward somber silence from before returning to once again hang over the room. Dawn wanted to say something, but found herself unsure exactly what to say. Much like her own story, Ada's had taken a disappointing dip, and the mood in the room had shifted to reflect it.

"Geeze, I thought this was supposed to be a romantic story." Qali muttered with a yawn. "You're starting to bum me out Chuckles."

Ada let out a hyena cackle, leaning her head on her paw as she turned toward the group.

"I'm gettin' dere squit. Stop gettin' ahead of everybody!" Ada laughed.

Qali winced, her ears flattening as she looked around at the others in embarrassment.

"Sorry..." She whined, returning to her prone position on the bed. Ada simply rolled her eyes before continuing.

"So, as I was sayin'. We agreed to put off da anniversary for a while." Ada sighed. "And I was fine wit dat." Ada raised her paws. "After all, it's justa day."

Ada turned around, laying on her stomach as she stretched out across the center of her bed, allowing her to now fully face the others.

"So fast foward to da night right? Yuri's out on a case, and I'm at da hospital." Ada wiped her eyes with her paw. "I was on the bad end of a back to back twelve hower shift, wit only about two howers total snooze time, and I was feelin' it bad."

Ada shook her head sharply. "I felt like my guys on da gurneys did, only at least dey got to lay down." Ada cackled, drawing a few stray giggles from the other girls. "And I needed a cawfee bad."

The hyeness' normally jovial expression shifted to a scowl as she rested her head on both of her paws. "Unfortunately da hospital cawfee tastes like a weasel piss, and is about as eneagetic as a sloth."

Vanna arched an eyebrow curiously. "How do you know what weasel piss tastes like?" The tigress asked.

Ada shook her head. "Kit Kat, I woik at a hospital. At one point or anuddah a tiyud noise or doctor is gonna accidentally take a sip of a specimin." The hyeness grinned widely. "Sadly I didn't notice I was drinkin' Mr. Weasletto's sample till dere was only a toid of it left. I really tought it was da cawfee!"

Dawn found herself chuckling slightly despite her disgust. She hoped that the hyena was simply making another lousy joke, if not for her sake then for Ada's own.

"Anyway, so I'm practically fallin' asleep in da Emergency Room when finally, by da grace of da gods, I get my break." Ada sighed. "toity minutes of not doin' anyting neva sounded so sweet, I tells ya." The hyeness grinned widely. "So I skulk off to da morgue to just sit in silence and try to keep myself up with some dumb phone games."

"Anything good?" Qali asked?

Ada shrugged. "Day're phone game, of course not!" Ada chuckled. "Mostly crosswoids and dose numbah puzzles. Da stuff you don't have to keep payin' to play."

"You do crosswords?" Dawn asked, flashing the hyeness a surprised glance. The ewe couldn't help herself. Despite not wanting to make assumptions about Ada, the canid didn't seem the type that was particularly wordy.

Ada shook her head slightly, her grin widening as she regarded the ewe. "Hey, just because I'm a street goil don't mean I don't enjoy eduactin' myself!" Ada raised her paw, flicking it outward as she rolled her eyes. "I'll have you know I didn't get to bein' a noise by sittin' on my paws all day. I hustled!" Ada let out a barking laugh.

"Or the standards for medically trained mammals in the Seaodder area are really, really low?" Vanna said with a smirk.

"Shh!" The sudden exclamation had come from Qali. The little fox was now standing on her tippy toes, reaching a paw to Vanna's lips as she stared at her with a deadly serious stare. "I want to know what happened!" Qali said, raising her eyebrows as she gazed into the tigress' eyes. Vanna stared back at the diminutive fox in surprise.

Ada let out another barking laugh. "Geeze Snowball, youse I really into dis stuff huh?" Ada shook her head dismissively, rolling her eyes as she leaned back against her pillow. The hyeness placed her paws behind her head again, her gaze lazily returning to the ceiling.

"I'm nearly asleep sittin' up, when someone knocks at da morge door." Ada said, arching an eyebrow in the groups direction. "Obviously dats not sometin' that usually happens in da hospital, so naturally my curiosity is peaked."

The hyeness slowly rose up before shifting into a prone position, a smirk on her face as she struck a stalking pose on her bed.

"So I creep over to da double doors, and who do I find?"

"Yuri? Was it Yuri?" Qali chirped. "It was him right?"

Ada rolled her eyes as she slipped back into a seated position, crossing her legs on the mattress.

"A 'course it was Yuri frost fa brains!" Ada chuckled. "Uddarwise why would I be tellin' dis story!?"

Dawn watched as Vanna gave the tiny fox a soft but playful nudge, pressing her head down slightly with one of her massive paws. Qali was quick to pull away, swatting at the cat as she giggled.

"So dere's my favorite little mook, standin' in the hall with two extra large pipin' hot cawfees from Snarlbucks. One of dem brewed to da nines wit all my favorite mix-ins." Ada's eyes took on a dreamlike glimmer as she stared off. "Dat night, it smelled like heaven itself." The hyena let out an amorous sigh as she clasped her paws together. "Toins out, my little mookie lined up his break wit mine so he could spend it wit me, and he brought me my favorite cawfee cause he knew I needed it."

Ada leaned back on the bed, allowing her head to lean on her shoulder as she flashed Dawn a warm grin. "He drove halfway across town just to spend like ten minutes wit me, and make sure I had da energy to keep goin'." Ada sighed. "I can still remember just sittin' dere, and Yuri's got his arm around me. We was just talkin' and drinkin' our cawffees, and makin' sure we was both alright."

Ada turned to face the group, laying horizontal across her bed as she rested her head on her paws.

"It was sumtin' so small, so paltry ya know?" Ada chuckled. "And it was probably da least romantic place in da world." The hyeness let out a warm, contented sigh. "But damn it, It made my day. Heck it made my year." The hyena offered a wide, toothy grin. "And dat's when I knew, I loved dat mook."

"Wow." Malcolm said, the heavyset wolf matching Ada's pose with a dreamy look of his own crawling across his muzzle. "I gotta say, I'm really surprised."

"That Yuri showed he cared for someone other than himself?" Vanna smirked.

Malcolm let out a hearty laugh, nodding slowly through the chuckling as he placed a paw to his muzzle.

"Aw c'mon, I'm openin' up here!" Ada barked, wafting a paw at the pair dismissively. "Whatddya tink I made it up to make him look good!? I ain't dat nice!" Ada chuckled. "If he's bein' an ass, I ain't gonna cover for him!"

Qali rolled her eyes, a bemused smirk plastered on her muzzle. "Uh-huh." The fox cooed sarcastically.

"Look, you want confirmation? You ask Yuri's partnuh!" Ada snickered. "Dat poor stag had to wait in da car while Yuri took his break wit me. Let alone da fact dat dey had to drive twenty minutes outta duh way to get to duh hospital, which dat prissy buck was none to happy about." Ada grinned. "He always brings it up every time I see him!"

"Oh that's convenient." Qali grinned, lolling her head back and forth on her paws as she continued to tease Ada. " We're never even going to meet that guy, so how are we supposed to confirm it?"

Ada scoffed. "Jeeze, what's wit da toid degree!?"

Qali began giggling, rolling slightly in her seat in amusement.

"I-I'm just teasin'" Qali stuttered through her giggling. "It's very romantic, honest!"

"Well, I thought it was lovely Ada." Dawn added, trying to sound as sincere as possible. As much as she believed Ada, the ewe still found it hard to picture the wolf doing such a thoughtful, albeit simple gesture. Then again, she really didn't know much about the wolf to begin with other than what Vernon and the others had said about him, and her limited interaction with him at breakfast. Ada certainly was in a unique position to see a side of the dark furred wolf that no one else could, much in the way Dawn was when it came to Vernon. But picturing the seemingly cold wolf being anything close to affectionate was practically as mind-bending as catching him kiss the hyeness on the muzzle earlier that day.

Ada lowered her eyebrows, letting out an irritable grumble. "Alright den Squoit, why dontchu tell us your story so I can poke holes in dat!"

Qali jumped up almost instantly, standing on Vanna's bed as she clasped her paws together. Her eyes shone with a glee and enthusiasm that was almost scary to Dawn, as if the fox were ready to simply burst through the ceiling at the prospect of being invited to tell her tale.

"Gladly!" Qali chirped happily, grinning widely as she quickly laid back down on Vanna's bed. The fox once again leaned herself on Vanna's leg, laying her head on her arms as her eyes flicked from mammal to mammal. Qali brought a paw to her muzzle, chewing on her claws idly as she began.

"So, I should mention first that my sisters and I, well we help our parents run a Yule tree farm." Qali raised an eyebrow in Dawn's direction. "Did I mention that before?"

Dawn gave a slight nod. "I've heard you mention it a few times." Dawn tapped her chin with a hoof. "Well, at least about climbing trees anyway."

Qali nodded briskly. "Well, that's what my sisters and I do, more or less." Qali's tail idly flipped from side to side as she continued to speak. "We plant 'em, trim 'em, and sell them just in time for the Yule Season. And we do a pretty good job!" Qali leaned up on Vanna's leg, placing a paw to her chest as she puffed it out proudly. "Mammals come from all over The Burrows to Fox's Glen to get their holiday trees from Pelagere Farms!"

Qali raised and lowered her eyebrows playfully. "And not to brag, but when it comes to tree trimming, I'm the best out of my sisters!" Qali leaned forward, placing a paw by her muzzle as she leaned toward Dawn and Vanna. "And don't let them tell you otherwise, they know it's the truth." Qali whispered before letting out another giggle.

Vanna and Dawn traded glances for a moment before the large tigress simply rolled her eyes, causing Dawn to let out a giggle of her own as Qali settled back into her position on Vanna's leg. Qali let out a soft sigh as she leaned her head on a free paw.

"Anyway, So I first met Trenny around the time of the Carrot Days Festival." The diminutive fox rolled her eyes slightly, waving a paw idly. "It's sort of like the Harvest Festival around the burrows. More of a rabbit thing I think."

Dawn nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I've heard of it." The ewe found herself thinking of her dear friend Judy, the rabbit now on her own holiday vacation with similar goals of introducing her family to Nick as her new mate. The only difference being was that the family already knew Nick fairly well. The fox had long since earned a place among the Hopps as the mammal who kept Judy's dream afloat, and was there to save her life. Dawn frowned slightly as she imagined the announcement of Judy and Nick being an item would probably go over with significantly less friction than Vernon and herself.

"A friend of mine is actually out there right now with her mate enjoying the festival." Dawn scratched her chin as she realized she hadn't heard back from Judy since the train terminal two days earlier, making a mental note to check in on her later in the evening. "I really should see how they're doing. I hope it's going better than things are here." Dawn said with a dull chuckle.

"Aw c'mon, don't be like dat sis." Ada reached over, giving Dawn's arm a playful poke with a claw. "Rememba da old sayin', it could always be woise!" Ada offered a reassuring smirk.

"Besides, you have us on your side." Vanna placed a paw on Dawn's shoulder, squeezing slightly.

"Although your friend bein' a rabbit probably mean she's got way more sisters." Malcolm said with a laugh, drawing a giggle out of Dawn.

"Over one hundred actually." Dawn shook her head dismissively. "I've heard family weddings are a real mess."

"Hey!" Qali chirped, drawing the groups attention back to her. The tiny fox was pouting slightly as she glared back at the group. "I'm trying to tell a story."

Ada chuckled loudly. "Alright Pipsqueak, sorry." The large hyeness waved a paw in the fox's direction. "Go on, go on, dere was a fair and den...?"

Qali let out a soft huff before flopping back down on Vanna's leg, drawing a grumble from the tigress. Qali leaned a paw against her cheek as she took a slow, deep breath.

"Well, see..." Qali trailed off, rolling her eyes as she seemed to be recalling the memory from the depths of what Dawn could only assume was an extremely active and scatterbrained mind. "We had been having a problem with someone stealing trees from the property at night." The fox quickly drawing a paw horizontally in front of her, making a 'chop' motion. "Loppin' them down and sneaking them out without so much as a footprint left behind." Qali raised a paw and shrugged.

"So my Pop called the Troopers out to investigate, because he was pretty sure the culprit wasn't a local." Qali said.

"Why did he tink dat?" Ada asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Our family is the only ones out in Fox's Glen who are experts when it comes to cutting trees, and whoever was stealin' them was a pro cutter." Qali held out her paws. "It turned out it was these two Lion Brothers from Tsavo farms a few towns over, one of our competitors." Qali rolled her eyes lazily. "But that's not the point of the story, the point is that when the trooper came out, that's when I first met Trenny."

Dawn scrunched her muzzle up in confusion. "Wait, I thought Trenton didn't become a Trooper until very recently." The ewe scratched her chin. "At least that's what Vernon had told me."

Qali gave a brisk nod. "Yeah, he was still studying at the time." The fox raised a paw. "But while he was in school, he participated in a few ride-alongs." Qali wiggled her paw back and forth. "You know, where a friend or officer in training can ride with a cop to see what it is like to be on duty?"

Dawn nodded, she had heard of Nick and Judy participating in a few during their years in the precinct. Most of the ride-alongs she had heard about featured Judy's siblings, most of them very young and eager to see how 'cool' being a cop was only to be disappointed by a series of very slow afternoons. Although she had heard that Nick had taken his own Mother on one. Apparently, the older vixen wouldn't take no for an answer when the opportunity arose to see her son in action on his first legitimate job.

"Anywho, that's where we met." Qali mused, letting out an affectionate sigh as she rested her head in her paws. "I can still remember when I first laid eyes on that tall drink of water." Qali's eyes seemed to shimmer. "His gleaming white fur shining in the sun as he stepped out of the car, and those piercing baby blue eyes of his. Mhh-Mhh!" The fox clasped her paws together, letting out a squee as she fawned over the mental image of her mate. "I knew I had to get to know him right away, I needed that wolf in my life!"

Dawn raised an eyebrow curiously. "So, you fell in love the moment you first saw him?"

Qali giggled, shaking her head with a terse no. "Oh no, no, no." Qali grinned mischievously. "I just wanted to take a bite out of his tight little butt at that point."

Dawn felt a harsh blush creep onto her muzzle, and she quickly clasped her hooves over her face to cover it up. Glancing up at Vanna, the tigress seemed to be holding together better than she was. Her face remained mostly expressionless, however, the ewe could see the hint of red just below the surface of her fur.

Qali's giggling trailed off into another soft, pleasant sigh as she eased her head back into her paws. "No, that was around Yule when I figured out we were going to be more than just a 'fling'."

Qali cocked her ears, raising her head off her paw and allowing it to bob lightly as she kept her attention on the other girls.

"You see, my sister Matsa was overseas at the time. She was staying with our Grandmother while taking classes over at the 'PranchSchool of Fine Arts' or whatever..." Qali rolled her eyes, waving her paw more dismissively than before. "So we were a little understaffed." Qali rested her head back against her paw, raising her eyebrows before flicking her fingers with her other paw. "Not that that was a problem between me, Pop and Auniq, we could tackle the field easy."

Qali rolled her eyes slightly as she winced. "We would have been cutting it close to the season, but we could have just made it."

"Could?" Dawn asked, picking up on the arctic fox's uncertainty in her phrasing. Qali grimaced sharply, her ears sagging flat against her head as she let out a sigh.

"We had about a week left to finish the last of the trees in the field..." The fox trailed off as her frown deepened. "When Dad threw his back out."

The group let out a collective hiss of mock pain, Dawn gritting her teeth as she tried to imagine just what such a condition might feel like. Vanna had already begun to rub her own back as if she were afflicted with memories of a back injury of her own.

"Poor Dad." Qali sighed. "He could barely even get out of bed, he was practically crippled from the strain."

"Youch." Ada said, the hyeness bearing a tight grimace of her own. "What didja do?"

"Well, Dad couldn't help us anymore at that point." Qali raised a paw. "The local doc said he was going to be recovering for at least a month and a half." Qali leaned her head back into her paws as she idly kicked her legs. "So needless to say he wasn't going to be helping us trim or sell trees for the rest of the season. And without him, there was no way we were going to have the field prepared in time."

"And I take it that's where Trenton came in?" Malcolm asked. The chubby wolf was now laying on his stomach, his attention fixed on the small white fox as she gave a brisk and enthusiastic nod.

"Once Trenny heard we needed help, he was eager to volunteer himself to fill in for Pa." Qali flashed the girls a wide grin. " His school was close by, so it wasn't a long trip for him to make when it came to helping out. It was just a matter of finding time around his classes to help with the trimming." Qali placed a paw over her muzzle as she began to giggle. "He was so hard to train, especially with how little time we had." Qali rolled over, leaning her head back as she stared at the group from upside down. "The first tree I set him up to work on unsupervised, he ended up chopping it down to a stump!" Qali kicked her legs as another giggle fit came on. The little fox rolling slightly from side to side as she clasped her paws over her muzzle.

"How da heck did he manage dat?" Ada raised an eyebrow as she leaned on her side, eyeing the fox curiously.

"H-he just kept t-taking too much off one side, and then t-tried to even it out on the other only to do it again." Qali stuttered between giggling.

"Just kept makin' it worse huh?" Malcolm chuckled.

"He was so upset with himself over it." Qali's giggling trailed off into a soft, relieved sigh "It was the cutest thing. Poor guy was trying his hardest out there."

"So I take it he eventually improved?" Dawn asked.

"Eder dat, or he ended up payin' for da ruined trees." Ada said with a chuckle.

"He eventually got the hang of it." Qali smirked as she returned to her position lounging on Vanna's thigh. The fox now leaning her face against her paw. "Before I knew it he was trimming trees like a pro. He was almost as good as me by the end of it." Qali raised her eyebrows playfully. " Well, almost."

"Alright, alright we get it." Ada chuckled. "Youse are super good at cuttin' trees. Now can you get to da point?" The hyena crossed her arms.

Qali let out another giggle, raising a paw up toward the hyena defensively. "Okay, okay. Calm down Chuckles." Qali shook her head dismissively. "You were the one who asked in the first place."

Ada sneered slightly at the diminutive fox. "Only because you were-!" Ada shook her head, letting out a derisive snort. "Just get on wit it already!"

Qali placed her other paw on the side of her face, now leaning on both of her paws as she faced the group. "Alright, so it was the last day before the farm was supposed to open right?"

Dawn nodded for the fox to continue. Out of the corner of her eye, she could she Vanna had more or less done the same.

"Between Trenny, my sis, and me we had been working to the point of passing out." Qali said, taking a moment to blow the drooping coif of fur out of her eye. "But we were cutting it so close we really had to hit it hard. We still had one field to go and it was about two hours until sundown."

"You couldn't cut them after sunset?" Dawn asked.

Qali decisively shook her head no. "Despite a fox's keen sense of night vision, the change in lighting tends to lead to us making more mistakes." Qali shrugged. "And on top of that we were all exhausted by that point. Even I could have ended up trimming a stump like Trenny under those conditions." The fox said with a giggle.

"So I'm practically fallin' asleep standing up by the time were half-way through the field." The vixens head dipped slightly as she began to pantomime just how exhausted she had been. "The last thing I remembered was Trenny askin' me if I was feeling okay, and then pomf!" The vixen slapped a balled paw into the other.

"Pomf?" Dawn asked, slightly confused by what the diminutive fox was implying with her strange turn of phrase.

"I must have konked out." Qali shook her head. "I was so tired I just passed out in the field."

Ada let out a hyena-like cackle. "Whadda youse a narcoleptic? You got some of dat goat gene in yas?"

Qali let out another giggle. "No, no, I'm no fainting goat!" The fox replied, covering her muzzle with a paw. "I was just so tired I couldn't help it. Heck, we all were."

"So you passed out? What happened next?" Dawn asked, leaning in slightly as her interest peaked.

"Next thing I knew, I woke up back in the house." Qali shrugged. "I was on the living room couch, wrapped up tightly in a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa sitting on the coffee table in front of me." Qali brushed her hair free of her eye, only for it to slip right back into place. "It was night by then."

"Wait so, how did ya'll get back?" Malcolm asked.

"And where did the cocoa come from?" Dawn added, quirking an eyebrow curiously.

"Well..."Qali trailed off slightly, a warm smile crawling across her muzzle. "That's when I heard my sis let out a laugh." Qali's head lolled lazily on the balls of her paws. "She was sittin' on the armchair across from me, wrapped up in a blanket of her own. She thought I was never gonna wake up with how out of it I was." Qali gestured a paw lazily toward the other girls. "So the first thing I asked her is 'what happened?'"

"And what did happen?" Vanna asked.

Qali chuckled. "She pointed a paw next to me, and when I looked up I saw Trenny." Qali let out a warm and pleasant sigh as she leaned more onto her paws. "The poor lug was passed out, his muzzle pointed up to the ceiling as he was just snorin' away, and one of his arms was draped around me and I hadn't even noticed." Qali smiled widely. "Turns out, when I passed out Trenny hoisted me over his shoulder and finished my trees before taking me back to the house." Qali's arms slipped out from beneath her head, bringing her face against Vanna's leg as she let out another, more romantic sigh. "He took the time to wrap me up in my favorite blanket, and make me some nice hot cocoa before finally passing out himself."

The diminutive fox stretched her arms out, her tail lazily flopping from side to side as she let out a pleased grunt. "Looking up at his big goofy muzzle as I sipped the cocoa he made for me, I just knew." Qali sighed warmly. "Even if we had only been together for about two months, I knew I was in love with the big guy." Qali chuckled. "I was ensnared by that handsome Snowdrift, and I knew I was going to be in it for the long haul, even if he wasn't sure of it yet."

"Aww..." That had come from Malcolm. The chubby wolf had clasped his paws together, leaning them against his was as he cooed warmly. "Ain't that just the sweetest thang."

"Yes, that was a lovely story." Dawn added as she adjusted her glasses. "It's also nice to know I'm not the only one here who fell in love with their mate so quickly."

Qali practically beamed at Dawn's words, giving the ewe a playful swat on the arm as she giggled. "Clearly we know good fellas when we see them, eh Puffy?"

"Ugh, Puffy?" Ada scoffed. "That sounds like da symptom of an illness, we can't use dat one."

Qali frowned, her ears sagging as she eyed Dawn apologetically. "Oh geez, you're right. I wasn't thinking." Qali sighed.

Dawn chuckled, giving the vixen a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It's all right Qali. No offense taken."

"Y'know..." That had come from Malcolm. The large, chubby red wolf rose to his feet, making his way toward Vanna's bed. With a brief waiving of his paws, he gestured for Qali to move before joining the rest of the group on Vanna's bed. Leaning on his stomach, the russet wolf leaned a paw against his cheek. "Your story kinda reminds of my own." Malcolm smirked. "The day I realized I loved my lil' Xavey somethin' fierce."

Qali let out another giggle, before sweeping a broad paw toward the rest of the group in a grand gesture. "Well then, by all means." Qali smirked. "The floor is open."

Malcolm let out a comfortable sigh, smacking his lips together appreciatively before drifting lazily into his own tale.

"Welp, ya'll probably know I run a diner out in San Francisgoat." Malcolm said with a nod. "Ain't the fanciest place in the world, but it's popular enough."

"I remember you mentioned a diner." Dawn said, tapping a hoof to her chin.

Malcolm flashed the ewe a smug smirk. "You might also remember how I told ya'll that Xavey can't cook worth a damn." The russet wolf chuckled heartily. "In fact, that's more or less how we met."

Malcolm let out a pleasant hum as he rolled to his side, idly scratching his stomach with a free paw as he leaned his head against the other. "Not bein' able to cook meant Xavey was forced to dine out every day, from breakfast to dinner." Malcolm smiled warmly. "And one day he finally stumbled on my humble little establishment, and welp...he never left!" Malcolm said with a laugh.

Malcolm gave Qali a playful nudge with his elbow." He came fer the food, and stayed fer the 'excellent service'" The wolf bobbed his eyebrows suggestively, drawing a fit of giggling from the tiny fox.

"But in all honesty, once he started coming to my place, he never ate anywhere else." Malcolm rolled his eyes slightly, letting out a dreamy sigh as he tapped his fingers against his muzzle. "And seein' that handsome hunk every day just made me pine fer him more and more."

"Did you ask him out?" Dawn asked.

"Eventually." Malcolm winced, drawing a paw behind his head as he looked away from the ewe. "It took me a while to sorta...muster the courage to ask him if he was interested." The red wolf bobbed his head back and forth slightly. "I mean, I wasn't even sure he...played fer my team so to speak."

"Really?" Ada grinned smugly. "You couldn't figure out dat prissy wolf was inta boys?" The hyeness let out a laugh. "Rut me, he's da only mammal I know who puts a napkin on his lap before a meal!"

"Polite and sophisticated fellas do that too." Malcolm chided, waving a finger lamely at the hyeness. "'Sides, San Fran is fulla business mammals with cleanliness issues Darlin', they ain't all gay."

"Dat's not what I hoid." Ada retorted, her grin widening as she eyed the wolf. At that point, Malcolm let out a scoff.

"Anywho..." The wolf rolled his eyes as he tried to change the subject. "Eventually I did ask him out, and he said yes much to my delight!" Malcolm's lids hung low, a grin crawling across his muzzle. "As long as I was cookin' that is." The wolf sniggered.

"Sounds like he was already in love with you by then." Dawn said with a giggle. "Or at the very least, your food."

Malcolm nodded, joining the ewe with a hearty chuckle of his own. "Ain't a clean win, but I was happy to take it just to get into that handsome hunk of wolf's life." The red wolf said with a wink. "And once I had my in, he fell just as much in love with me as he did with my culinary skill!"

"But that begs the question..." Vanna asked, drawing the attention to the large tigress. Her eyebrow raised slightly as she eyed the chubby wolf inquisitively. "When did you fall in love with him?"

Malcolm let out a warm sigh as he rolled back onto his stomach, resting his head on his paws as he returned his gaze to the group at large.

"I'd say it was about..." The wolf trailed off, tapping a claw to his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe eight months in?" The wolf nodded briskly. "Yep, about eight months. We were still livin' separately then, that's how I know." The wolf continued to nod.

"I had gotten sick with a terrible flu." The wolf furrowed his brow, letting out a slightly annoyed huff." Sneezin', hackin' and coughin', the whole messy thang." Malcolm waved a paw dismissively as he prattled off the symptoms. "It knocked me right off my feet, ran me through the damn wringer."

"Oh my." Dawn uttered, placing a hoof to her muzzle. "That sounds awful."

"Darn right." Macolm replied, balling a paw into a fist and swinging it slightly in emphasis. "Worst two weeks of my life I'd reckon."

"That must have really hurt your business." Dawn added. "Not being able to work for two weeks."

Malcolm shook his head softly. "Thankfully the diner is big enough that I got more than enough staff around to cover fer me." The wolf shrugged. "O'course when customers see the head chef ain't workin', it certainly doesn't do all that well for sales." Malcolm rolled his eyes slightly, offering a playful smirk to the group. "Let's just say 'Malcolm's Eats' ain't nothin' without Malcolm." The wolf chuckled as he pointed a thumb at himself.

"Alright, enough boastin' Buddabuns." Ada snickered. "Dere was a point to dis story, rememba?"

Malcolm smirked, shaking his head in amusement." Fine, fine..." The red wolf chuckled quietly.

" So the point bein' I was real, real sick." The husky canine continued. "And Xavey, well, naturally he was frettin' somethin' feirce." Malcolm grinned widely. "When I told him about how lousy I was feelin' over the phone he rushed over right after work with two suitcases full of his clothes and a buncha cold remedies from the pharmacy." Malcolm leaned his chin on a paw as his smile grew deeper, and the wolf let out a warm sigh. "He was tellin' me how he wasn't leavin' until I was fit as a fiddle again. And until then he'd be waitin' on me paw and foot." Malcolm began to laugh heartily. "He was going to be 'Mr. Super Boyfriend'!" The wolf puffed his chest up proudly as he aped Xavier's general posture. "I won't stand to let you want for anything while I'm taking care of you!'" The wolf laughed as he slipped back into his natural drawling tone. " That's what my Fluffybuns said."

"Aww..." Qali cooed, the fox now facing Malcolm. The arctic fox was sitting upright, her legs folded neatly as she pressed her paws against her muscle.

"And he was true to his word." Malcolm paused, biting his lip as his muzzle began to twist into a wince. "Well, that was until he tried to make me some old-fashioned chicken soup."

"Chicken huh?" Ada raised an eyebrow curiously. " I thought Francisgoat was too...progressive to let ya cook wit what most prey see as pets?"

Malcolm leaned a paw against his hip, furrowing his brow. "It ain't illegal, just frowned upon among city folk." The wolf grinned. " And my restaurant is one of the few places that offer fresh fowl, so there ain't no shortage of stock at the Hackett house."

Dawn suppressed the slight feeling of nausea at the sheer notion of chickens being used as a source of meat. Like Ada had noted, most prey had come to see them as pets, as well as a steady supply for eggs when it came to the basic building blocks of most recipes. And despite the fact that most urban predators had long since worked fowl out of their diet aside from the eggs they laid, rural preds still commonly ate chicken and various other types of birds. From what Vernon had told her during their time together, his family rarely used chickens other than as a source of eggs for his Mother's pies. But occasionally they prepared a chicken or turkey for a family get together or holiday, and the wolf would seek out a restaurant that served chicken to get a fix from time to time. Although the wolf never brought any back to their shared apartment. It was something Dawn had come to accept when it came to the cultural gap between their respective species, but no matter how much time had past her repulsion at the thought of chicken being consumed never seemed to grow any weaker. It was much the same as how Vernon would often recoil when the ewe offered him a bite of one of her Turf Tart breakfast pastries.

"So he wouldn't cook for you then?" Dawn asked, trying to move away from her internal cultural distaste.

Malcolm let out a loud chuckle, giving his knee a slap. "Wouldn't?" Malcolm shook his head sharply. "The problem was he wouldn't stop cookin'!"

Dawn muzzle twisted in confusion, but only for a moment as she recalled something Malcolm had mentioned earlier. The playful yet disparaging nickname the red wolf had dubbed his mate in response to his pitiful attempts at cooking.

"The Anti-crust?" Dawn murmured softly.

Malcolm let out a hearty laugh as he gave the ewe an affirmative nod. "The Anti-crust struck again and again as pot after pot of soup was burned off, er' boiled to tastelessness, or just burstin' into flame!" Malcolm placed a paw over his muzzle as he tried to stifle his laughter.

Vanna quirked an eyebrow curiously. "Soup doesn't burst into flame."

Malcolm gave another hearty chuckle. "It does when someone mistakes a bottle of my wine with cooking oil." The russet wolf snickered.

"O-one batch he, he even forgot to pluck the feathers outta the damn bird!" The wolf sputtered. "I-It looked like someone was given' a moltin' bird a hot bath by the end of it!"

By now Ada was cackling along with the wolf, seemingly tickled pink over Xavier's terrible cooking disasters. Her hyena laugh nearly drowning out Malcolm's own.

"H-Hell..." Malcolm continued to laugh. "The f-first batch Xavey put the noodles in after he was done cookin'!" Malcolm's muzzle had grown red as the wolf continued to wheeze out his story. "Th-thought they were supposed to just soften as soon as they hit broth!"

By now the other girls had joined in laughing with the hysterical wolf, all of them aside from Dawn who's own laughter was weak and timid by comparison. She was merely trying to laugh along, despite not being able to share in something she assumed was more of a predator problem when it came to cooking.

"By the gods, when I crunched down on the first spoonful I nearly threw up on the spot!" The wolf shuddered slightly as his laughter began to trail off.

"Ahhh...." Malcolm sighed, wiping a stray tear from the corner of his eye as the other girl's laughter began to fade. "It was the saddest thing ya'll could ever see. Not a single batch was fit to eat."

"Musta been a lot of wasted boid." Ada said with a chuckle.

Malcolm gave a soft, affirming nod. "I can't tell ya'll how much he had to dump down the drain." The red wolf gave a mournful sigh. " And each failed batch just broke Xavey up more and more."

"He was upset huh?" Vanna asked.

Malcolm shook his head. "He was tryin' to hide it, but I could tell every mess up was eatin' at him somethin' awful." The wolf frowned. "I tried to get him to stop, to try to calm him down and tell him it wasn't that important. But with him flyin' in and out of the room constantly, and me bein' bedridden and all, my pleas were fallen on deaf ears." Malcolm shook his head sadly.

"So what did you do?" Qali asked, her tail swishing idly as she listened to the wolf intently.

"At some point I lost track of all the batches he made, what with bein' in and out of sleepin and all." Malcolm scratched his chin idly. "But I remember the last batch he made was real slimy and luke-warm. And when I couldn't bring myself to eat any of it poor Xavey just completely broke down." Malcolm's sullen frown seemed to deepen as he recalled the memory.

"He just slumped down against the bed, graspin' on one of my paws and cryin' up a storm." The red wolf continued. "Sayin' he 'was the worst boyfriend ever' and how 'what kind of mammal can't take care of their mate when they're sick' and all." Malcolm sighed. "He was a blubberin' mess, so unlike his usually composed and stoic self. All because he couldn't cook me a dang meal. He was that upset over it."

At that point a warm smile crawled across Malcolm's muzzle, the russet wolf's eyes twinkling slightly with the gleam of burgeoning tears.

"He wanted nuthin' more than to just take care of me. And not bein' able to cook was like he was failin' at that." The wolf let out an amorous sigh. " And it was something he just wasn't willin' to accept. He had to do right by me in his mind, even if he burned down the kitchen in the process."

"And that's when you knew?" Vanna asked, raising an eyebrow.

The wolf gave an affirmative nod.

"I grabbed my Fluffybuns by the collar, and gave him a smooch on the cheek." Malcolm said, leaning his head on his paw with a goofy grin on his face. "And then I looked him right in the eyes and said, 'Darlin' you ain't me, and I ain't askin' you to be!' " The wolf chuckled. "'I like you fer bein' you, and just havin' you here is helpin' me feel better Xavey.'" Malcolm continued. "So sit yer butt down, curl up and watch some movies with me, and we can just order in some damn soup!" Malcolm laughed.

Dawn smiled as the other girls laughed along with the husky wolf. Despite the smattering of humor in the wolf's retelling, the story really tugged at Dawn's heartstrings. The ewe found herself slightly envious in that moment, only because the last time she had been seriously ill was during her time in prison. Even though she had Polaraski to help her through it, and a cell all to herself, it was still a nightmare to suffer so in a place like that with no mate of her own to truly care for her. She wished she had been with Vernon back then. Of course, she also wished she hadn't been in prison either. But even so, it was all in the past now. And now that her devoted Puppy was by her side, she imagined she'd never have to suffer through another flu without him to dote over her as Xavier had with Malcolm.

A sudden, light nudge drew the ewe from her quiet self-reflection. And the ewe looked up to find Vanna smirking down at her. It was clear the tigress had noted the ewe's lack of laughter, and was playfully checking to see if she was alright. The ewe responded with a giggle as she nudged the large tigress back. It didn't do much to move the stone wall that was the massive tigress, but it was enough to draw a wider grin from the feline.

"That was a lovely story Malcolm." Dawn said, adjusting her glasses slightly as she returned her focus to the chubby wolf. "I trust Xavier listened to you?"

Malcolm smirked. "He smiled, then sat his butt right down and snuggled up to me. And that's how we spent pretty much the rest of my recovery." The wolf shrugged. "I mean, he did have to go to work o'course, but he always came home with a heapin' bag of soup from the local Pandese place and some new movie rentals." Malcolm let out a pleasant sigh. "Despite feelin' like death, it was probably the most fun I've ever had in mah life."

"At least he listened." Vanna chuckled. "With Zach, getting him to sit down and actually hear me can be a chore sometimes." Vanna rolled her eyes. "Especially when we were first partnered up."

"Doesn't help dat you ain't big on talkin' in da foist place Kit Kat!" Ada said with a laugh.

Vanna furrowed her brow at the hyeness, shaking her head dismissively. Dawn however, was immediately drawn in, tugging slightly at the tigress' pajama shirt to get her attention.

"Speaking of..." Dawn trailed off slightly. "You are the only one who hasn't shared their story." Dawn rolled her eyes slightly, trying to hide her excitement at the prospect of learning more about the enigmatic tigress' love life. "I have to admit, I'm dying to know exactly when you figured out that you loved Zach."

Vanna chuckled quietly, glancing around briefly at the rest of the group. Out of the corner of Dawn's eye, she could see the others leaning in expectantly, clearly as eager as she was to hear the tale. Even Ada seemed rather curious, her usual smug expression now one of heightened interest.

Vanna crossed her arms, leaning back against her pillow as she appraised the group around her. The large tigress smirked.

"Our relationship was more of a slow burn to be honest." Vanna glanced at Dawn, giving the ewe a slight nod. " Sort of like with you and Vernon Dawn, I said as much earlier."

"I remember." Dawn affirmed with a nod, still eagerly focused on the tigress as she began her tale.

"I had never thought about dating outside of my species before." Vanna continued. "And when I got brought on to the North Meadowland's Police Department, my first impression of Zach certainly didn't do anything to feed into that sort of mindset."

"It was bad den?" Ada asked.

Vanna sighed, shaking her head dismissively. "I had transferred to the Meadowlands seeking a more quiet life, something to help me soften up and develop less of a..." Vanna winced slightly, her voice growing quiet. "Intimidating personality."

"Woiked like a charm." Ada said snarkily, earning a giggle from Qali and a soft huff from the large tigress.

"So when I found out I was essentially going to be playing babysitter to what I assumed was a dumb wolf who's Father had gotten him his position at the station, I was...less than ecstatic." Vanna frowned. "And needless to say, Zach was far from pleased with the arrangement himself." Vanna chuckled. "And he was certainly more vocal about it than I was."

Dawn was quiet as the term 'babysitter' left Vanna's lips, the tigress inadvertently touching on what Dorian had mentioned earlier in his screed aimed at the ewe. Zach's near-death experience, and Vanna's subsequent forced partnership caused by the painful echo of the ewe's actions. She wondered for a moment if the feline knew exactly what had happened before she arrived. Surely by now she and Zach had discussed it, and yet Vanna hadn't brought it up in her earlier talks with Dawn about what drove her away from Zootopia. Perhaps she didn't see the connection to Dawn like Zach hadn't before Dorian had talked to him. Or perhaps she had made her decision on it already when she had chosen to embrace the ewe as her sister. Even so, Dawn knew she couldn't bring it up now lest she be forced to reveal her private talk with Dorian, and his hate-filled words. Dawn could feel her stomach turn slightly, and the ewe did her best to shake the thoughts away.

"Don't tell me he was chewin' you out?" Malcolm asked.

Vanna bobbed her head slightly. "Mostly snarky comments, I imagine most of his complaints were saved for the privacy of the Hunter Ranch post shift." Vanna winced slightly. "I had heard as much from Dorian after the fact."

"So youse two hated each udder's guts den?" Ada chuckled. "Not da best way to start a relationship."

Vanna chuckled a deep, thrumming laugh. "I wouldn't say we hated each other, but we certainly weren't friends." Vanna rolled her eyes. "Zach saw me as what I thought I was, a babysitter who would only get in the way of his police work. And I saw him as a spoiled, nepotistic hire who told terrible jokes and made stupid calls."

"Ouch." Qali said with a pout. "That's blunt."

"Dat's Vanna." Ada said with a grin.

"Naturally it took us a while of working together to grow to understand each other. For me to see the good cop in Zach, to see in him what had earned him his place on the force regardless of Papa Hunter's position." Vanna scratched the back of her head awkwardly. " And for Zach to start chipping away at my inflexible attitude and cold personality."

"You sure he really did?" Ada asked with a grin. "Cause I can't reall-"

Vanna held up a paw in the hyeness' direction to stop her.

"Do you want me to open up or not?" Vanna scoffed. "Because you aren't helping."

Dawn glanced at Ada just in time to see a small pillow slap against her head, causing her to flinch.

"SHHH!" Qali hissed, scowling slightly at the dazed hyena. "I want to hear this!"

Ada sneered, grabbing the small pillow that struck her and hucking it back toward the diminutive fox missing her by inches.

"Alright, geez Snowball!" Ada growled. "Chill out!"

"Are you done?" Vanna asked, sweeping her gaze across the group. Dawn watched as the other Hunter girls gave a meek affirmative nod before joining in with her own.

"By about six months in we were friends more or less..." Vanna said, a warm smirk crossing her muzzle. "And coming up on a year I was starting to...well...feel things." Vanna raised a paw to her mouth, biting down gently on a finger as she looked away from the group. "Confusing, romantic feelings."

Dawn smiled knowingly, remembering her own burgeoning feelings for Vernon and the struggle to make sense of them. It seemed more than any of the other sisters, that Vanna and she had more or less been through the same experience when it came to confronting their feelings.

"Of course, I had no idea if Zach felt anything like that for me." Vanna sighed. " I mean, we were officers of the law, supposed to be married to the job above all else. Wanting that sort of relationship would have been highly unprofessional."

Vanna chuckled, shaking her head softly. "And I was supposed to be the professional one." The tigress mumbled.

"I don't tink dere's any rule about datin' your co-woikers and bein a cop." Ada shrugged. "Least dats how it is at Yuri's precinct."

"Well there was in Zootopia." Vanna sighed, placing a paw to her head. "And aside from that, I was an entirely different species. I wasn't some petite she-wolf that could bury herself in his chest and snuggle. I was nearly two feet taller than he was."

"Wait..." Dawn paused. "O-officers can't date each other in Zootopia?"

Vanna simply shook her head 'no'.

Dawn bit her lip slightly as she thought back to Judy and Nick, worrying for a moment if they were aware such a rule was in place.

"So how did you find out he felt the same?" Qali piped up, pulling Dawn away from her thoughts. "Did you have to drag it out of him?" The fox bounced on her paws slightly as she awaited Vanna's response. The large tigress simply chuckled, looking away from the group as she let out a wistful sigh.

"When I was growing up, some of my favorite memories of life back in San Furnando was spending lazy Summer evening catching fireflies in the park." Vanna smiled, a nostalgic twinkle shining behind her eyes as she stared off and away. It was as if the tigress was looking at a scene the others could't see, a warm memory playing before her eyes as she continued. "I would catch them in jars, and watch them flicker in the dark of my bedroom until I drifted off to sleep."

Vanna let out a pleasant chuffing. "Come the morning, I would release them just to catch a fresh bunch the next night. I found them so fascinating and wonderful." The tigress cooed. Unlike her usual flat and stoic tone, Vanna's voice had become filled with warmth. It had a soothing sweetness to it that dawn had yet to hear the tigress speak in, and until now, wasn't sure she could even produce.

"My room was filled with firefly related trinkets and pictures during most of my teenage years. They were in essence, my favorite insect in the whole world, and they still are."

"Well that sounds lovely." Malcolm said. "But if you'll beg my pardon, what does that have to do with knowin' Zach loved you back?"

Vanna smiled warmly, letting out an affectionate sigh.

"At some point I had mentioned as much to Zach during one of our patrols." Vanna said, placing a paw to her lip. "It was just idle conversation, something I said and forgot about for the longest time. I didn't even remember mentioning it to him when..." Vanna trailed off.

"When what?" Dawn asked eagerly, her focus now unflinchingly trained on the wistful tigress.

"It was the end of our shift." Vanna spoke, her voice remaining as smooth as velvet. "We were supposed to head back to the station and clock out for the day, it was our usual routine." Vanna shrugged. "It was usually boring, uneventful, and practically second nature to us by then."

Vanna's eyes developed that familiar nostalgic twinkle again as she stared off toward the bedroom ceiling.

"But that warm August night, Zach said he had to make a pit stop before we clocked out." Vanna sighed. "It was unusual, yes. But it didn't strike me as something to be suspicious about."

"So what was the pit stop for?" Qali asked, her ears perking up as she leaned closer to the tigress.

Vanna's chuffing returned as the tigress ran a paw over her throat.

"I-I started to get curious when he seemed to be taking us out to the middle of nowhere." Vanna raised an eyebrow. "I mean, the both of us knew the roads around the Meadowlands by this point, so at a certain point I became acutely aware that we were on a dead-end road that lead nowhere."

"Ah, I see!" Ada piped up. "Takin' you somewhere secluded so he could put the moves on ya!" The hyeness cackled. "What a nautty boy!"

"Please, Vanna could break that boy in half if he tried to pull anythin' uncouth." Malcolm chuckled. "Unless she was hopin' he would." Malcolm raised an eyebrow suggestively at the tigress, causing Vanna to develop a fierce blush in response.

"H-he was a gentlemam'!" Vanna stuttered slightly as she clasped her paws to her muzzle in an effort to hide her blush. "Just like you'd expect from a Hunter."

"So then, what did he do?" Dawn asked curiously.

The thrum of Vanna's unusual chuffing grew louder as the tigress' smile widened. "We had pulled up to this wide, empty meadow when Zach stopped the car and turned off the ignition." Vanna said. " I was going to finally ask him what this was all about when he shut the headlights down and I finally saw them."

"Saw what!?" Qali chirped, the fox now standing on the bed, clasping her paws at Vanna's shirt excitedly.

"Fireflies..." Vanna said wistfully. "Thousands and thousands of them."

Qali squee'd in delight, rolling back onto the bed as she released her grip on Vanna's PJ's. "No!" Qali barked.

Vanna nodded softly." The meadow was full of them." Vanna sighed. " And not only that, but they were floating in the air all around the car." The tigress placed a paw over her muzzle, seemingly trying to hide her ever-widening grin from the rest of the girls. "It was as if were surrounded by a sea of flickering candles, dancing in the evening sky."

The large tigress glanced down at the rest of the girls, flashing them a sheepish grin. "He remembered everything, every little detail of the stories I had told him about my childhood, about the fireflies I had become so enamored with growing up." Vanna cooed. "It was why he had went out of his way to pick that meadow as his backdrop when he finally confessed his feelings for me. Because he wanted me to know how much I had come to mean to him, and that he wanted to see if I shared his feelings." Vanna smiled. "If I had grown to feel the same way about him, if I could love a wolf."

"Aww...." Qali cooed sweetly. The fox had returned to laying on her stomach, leaning her head on her paws as she stared up at Vanna in admiration.

"How did you react?" Malcolm asked, his invested interest causing him to lean closer. "How's ya'll tell him?"

Vanna placed her paws on her muzzle, blushing bashfully as she looked away from the sea of focused eyes now fixated on her.

"I-I..." Vanna murmured. "I wrapped my arms around him, and pulled him into a really hard kiss."

Vanna covered her eyes despite her widening smile as the collective laughter and giggling of the Hunter girls filled the room. Even Dawn found herself giddy with laughter at just how adorable Vanna's silent confession had been. No matter how many times Dawn's mind repeated the words the tigress had said, the ewe still found it hard to picture the large feline being so passionate and emotional. Yet watching her now, seemingly starting to swoon as she recalled her treasured romantic memories, it was almost as if the ewe was staring at an entirely different mammal. One she had just barely caught a glimpse of the night before during their karaoke session. A strangely soft, mushy big cat with the heart of a smitten young girl. A tigress without claws, without teeth, her defenses drawn back by thoughts of the one she loved. The one mammal who saw her for who she truly was, just as Vernon had seen the ewe.

"I take it he liked that..." Malcolm wheezed between laughs.

Vanna nodded briskly. "He certainly was eager to return my kiss with equal fervor."

"And did you guys...?" Qali trailed off, her eyebrows bouncing up and down suggestively.

Crimson returned to Vanna's muzzle as her paw returned to her lips in a poor attempt at covering her nervous smile.

"N-No!" Vanna protested. "I-It took us a while to work up to that." The tigress bit at her claws slightly. "W-we wanted to take it slow, to make sure we knew it was right."

"But you already knew it was, didn't you?" Dawn asked, a knowing grin crossing her muzzle. Vanna kept her paw over her mouth, and simply extended her left paw out to the ewe. As the open face of her pad came into Dawn's line of sight, the ewe immediately noticed the crimson contrast of the strange half moon marking against the pinkish flesh. It was one the lamb recognized from her studies in regards to Norwulves, and their history regarding tithing rights. The modern seal of the sacred mating contract, one half of the whole, the other she was certain Zach carried on his opposite paw.

"In that moment, that kiss, I knew he was the one." Vanna sighed pleasantly. "Waiting was more of...a formality I guess. To feel out how Ma and Pa felt about us, to try not to scare them."

By now Qali, Ada, and Malcolm had all leaned in around Dawn, all of them staring at the tigress' exposed palm in awe. Qali was quick to grasp at her large paw, clutching it tightly as she stared up at the feline.

"I-Is this?" Qali asked, seemingly too awe-stricken to finish her sentence.

Vanna nodded softly in response, her wide smile practically beaming.

"The ceremony was in August, in the same meadow that Zach and I had confessed to one another how we felt. Surrounded by the fireflies that had sealed our fates just years before." Vanna let out a nostalgic and wistful breath. "I will always remember that evening as one of the happiest of my entire life."

"I rememba." Ada chuckled softly. "You was shakin' like a leaf when they had to do dat tattoo." The hyeness grinned. " I remember bein' shocked such a big kitty was so afraid of a little needle."

Vanna scoffed. "I'd never gotten a tattoo of any kind before. It's not exactly something those of us with fur tend to do."

"You looked great dough." Ada offered a warm smile. "You was glowin' sis."

Vanna's blush returned, the tigress placing her free paw over her muzzle.

"T-thanks." Vanna sputtered, clearly embarrassed at the surprise compliment.

"Make me wish Yuri would Alpha up and ask me already." Ada said with a sigh. "He's kept me waitin' long enough."

That earned a deep chuckle from Malcolm. "Good luck Darlin'."

"I hope he does." Vanna said softly, her eyes shimmering as she turned her attention to the hyeness. "I may not be a fan of my Brother-in-law, but I want you to be as happy as I was when I got this mark."

With that, Vanna turned her attention back to the group at large. "And that goes for all of my sisters." The large feline offered the group a warm smile.

Dawn felt another nudge, looking up from Vanna's palm to find her staring back down at her. Vanna flashed her teeth. " Especially you Dawn."

"Hey, why her?" Qali pouted.

"Because she's my favorite." Vanna asserted bluntly.

"Woah, woah now we ain't supposta' have favorites!" Ada chuckled.

"That's when it comes to your own kits!" Malcolm laughed. "It don't extend to general family members.

"I thought you was suppos'ta be Miss Professional!" Ada whined. "You can't just drop a bombshell on us like dat!"

"Well I did, so deal with it." Vanna retorted, the large tigress sticking her tongue out in the direction of the hyeness playfully.

As the other girls devolved into bickering Dawn turned her attention back to the mark on Vanna's paw. Despite the sweet sentiment behind the tigress' words, Dawn could feel the knot in her stomach begin twisting as she continued to stare into the crimson mark on Vanna's palm. She didn't know, she couldn't. That despite the tigress' hope and well wishes, Dorian had firmly established himself as the blockade between the ewe and a legitimate mark of her own. That as long as he drew breath, the ewe would never be able to proudly wear such a symbol that represented her place in the Hunter pack. Because simply, she had no place among them. Despite Vernon's love for her, and vice versa, Dorian would see to it that the family would be fractured for her past transgressions. Dawn could feel tears begin to well behind her glasses as Dorian's painful tirade began to replay in her mind.

'No, I can't.' Dawn thought, forcing a fake smile to her muzzle as she fought the tears away. She had to keep up the facade, she had to hold out. It was just two more days, and then she would cross that bridge with Vernon in the privacy of their own home. She was not about to cause an all-out war among the Hunters over Dorian's declaration.

"T-thank you." Dawn managed to stammer out, her voice only wavering slightly as the others around her and Vanna continued to argue around them.

The tigress offered a warm smile, placing the marked paw on the ewe's shoulder.

"No need to thank me, we're sisters." Vanna said.

Despite the overwhelming pain now burning inside, Dawn smiled through it.

#Zootopia #Assistant Mayor Bellwether #dawn bellwether #fanfiction #fan character #furry #wasted time #Drama #romance #comedy

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