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panickinganakin · 4 years

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seven vs two

A/N: Here is chapter two! This is just reader learning more about the force and about what she’ll be doing. You can read chapter one here I think we are gonna call this fic Restoring Balance. I’ve also decided to upload to Wattpad. Yikes. Star Wars is taking over my life. Blah blah, I know I’ll shut up now.

warnings: Nothing extreme, just a bit of harsh language, reader passes out as well. angst and anger. internal violence nothing absolutely awful.

word count: 1692

chapter one

Your eyes fluttered opened, anxiety spiking when the white walls surrounding you replaced your blurry vision. You gripped the black sheets you were laying on, remembering where you were and what was happening.

The previous night was your first with Kylo. He taught the basic idea of the force; what it does, what it is and how to control the first steps. “Training will not be easy, it will be stressful and there will be many sleepless nights,” he told you the night before.

You rubbed your eyes, raising up. Kylo had been kind enough to prepare your own bed in a room close to his, still not trusting you, you deducted.

Your life was more than confusing now. Normally, at this time you would be sweeping living quarters and fluffing pillows. Now, you were on your way to becoming a Sith, as Kylo titled it.

“Change, and come to the outer room. We have even more to do today than yesterday.” His voice boomed, how did he know you were awake already?

“Yes, Commander,” you called not skipping a beat to his orders. After much consideration you thought have a semi-powerful position would be better than scrubbing a shitter.

When you made your way into the open area where you had spent many hours the previous night, he was already sitting in the floor, his legs crossed. It was strange, seeing the commander without his mask, but it was nice, you thought. Regretting it immediately, it was hard to remember the commander could read your thoughts.

“Master Ren,” he corrected. Shit, he did read your thoughts.

“W-what?” Your voice held the confusion that clouded your brain.

“You will call me Master Ren, because I’m training you in the force. Others call me commander.”

You nodded, sitting down in front of the man. All of it still felt like a fever dream. You found him to be a lot nicer than you remembered. Maybe it was because you could be an asset, not because he was nice.

“Don’t think me nice? I’m not. I’m a murderer. And you will be too. Now, shut your mind down or you won’t learn anything. We have to show Snoke that you have potential. I’m giving you an opportunity to advance above your station, if you prove me foolish I— will— terminate you.” His voice seemed confident and steady, you decided then that maybe he wasn’t nice.

Shut up, you told yourself.

“Now, to continue where we left off previously... You will feel pulls, the dark, the light, the balance.. Jedis only care about the light. They feel nothing, no love, anger, any emotions. They train you to be droids basically. The rebellion is childish and the resistance will be ended. You agree, Y/N?” His face was like stone, no emotion whatsoever was being given off.

“Of course, it’s all I’ve ever been taught.” You answered honestly. From a young age you’ve always had ‘Rebel Scum’ drilled into your skull.

“No, it’s not about what you learn. I learned to be a Jedi, I decided to do what was right- to leave. You will be faced with choices, your instinct will be to go with your heart. Always feel the anger within you.”

“Comman— Sorry, Master Ren, I don’t feel any anger.” You felt truthful saying this, you had nothing to be angry for. Your life was just that- the way it was.

“Don’t lie to me,” his jaw was clenched and he was becoming angry himself. “The First Order kidnapped you when you were a youngling, they killed your mother right before your eyes. You were placed on a ship, given absolutely no option to leave! You fold sheets for fucks sake and you aren’t angry? You’re foolish if you think you can sit here and lie to me!” He was up now, pacing around you.

You felt a wave emotions engulf you. You were angry, you had just suppressed it for so many years. You were also scared. Scared of the red blade that was crackling beside you as Kylo stabbed it into the ground.

You were on your feet, scrambling for the door. The control panel wasn’t showing any sign of life as you clawed at it. No one in and no one out his voice from yesterday’s altercation in the medic room pounced in your head. It was useless, you couldn’t get out and no one was coming to help you.

You turned around, fists clenched, “Don’t treat me like that!” You weren’t sure what had come over you, a hand flew to your mouth the moment you said it, instant regret.

“Then stop acting like everything you’ve had to live through doesn’t rage you to your deepest core!” He was shouting, why was he doing this? He was making you angry! It hit you, this was the point, he was pulling the rage out of you.

You would label yourself a calm person, normally, but as you stood here with this man screaming at you, your blood began to boil. You closed your eyes, seeing your mother’s soft blonde hair and blue eyes. You seen your life in the sand, when it was good, before they ruined it.

Your fists were tightened, the table in the center was shaking, you could hear it. “Yes! Focus!”

You were scared to open your eyes, but you wanted to see what happened. You looked over, the table was floating in the air, after a few seconds it dropped. Not long after you felt body tighten as if it were a rubber band being wound, then as if someone let the band go, you fell to the ground.

You felt as if you were floating, no, you were floating. The stars were surrounding you, images of passing TIE fighters and various other spacecrafts. As you laid there, floating in the galaxy, you seen a man. He had long wavy hair, it was a blond dishwater color. A scar trailing down his face. “Fight back, don’t give in!” He shouted.

You gasped, raising up quickly. Kylo’s hand pushing your head back down to his leg. He had you propped up on his thigh, holding a towel to your head. “That will get easier, controlling it. You won’t pass out anymore.”

You shoved his arm away you and scuttled to the side, “Why did you do that?” You pulled you legs to your chest, fearing the sob that was threatening your throat. “Why would say those things? What did I do?”

“I told you, you have to feel your anger. You lied and said you felt nothing, I simply aided you. This isn’t a pity party, it’s the First Order. Get up, and try again.” Kylo ordered.

You looked up at him, his mouth was twitching, he looked irritated. You felt bad for shoving him away, he was after all, being kind of enough to soothe her. “I-I’m Sorry, thank you- for helping.”

“Stop. Get up, the last emotion you should be reaching for is peace. You won’t find companionship here,” he was on his feet, straightening up the table.

He left the room, coming back immediately holding stones. He placed them evenly on the table, “Try again, up.” He ordered once more.

You stood, rubbing your forearm. “Yes, Master Ren.”

Many hours passed by with you floating rocks and tables, Kylo yelling and you passing out once more. Your body felt drained, you had never been this tired before. You were changing into a dress robe for sleeping that was placed here the night before. “Dinner,” Kylo said entering the room.

You jumped back, clutching your chest. “Don’t sneak up on me.”

A grin crept on Kylo’s face but left as quickly as it came. “Join me? In the main quarters?”

You nodded and watched as he left. You finished pulling on the dress and sighed. 48 hours ago you were in the cafeteria, eating with other maids and now— Kylo Ren had requested you for dinner. Things were, very odd.

“Eat,” he ordered pointing at one of the plates on the table. The meals looked fine enough, regular cafeteria food. Rolls, meats and veggies.

“Yes, Master Ren,” you sat in front of the table, reaching for the utensils.

“What are you feeling?” He asked, stuffing food into his mouth.

“Can’t you read my thoughts?” You laughed lightly then looked down, deciding he was more than likely not the joking type. “I feel- uh- weird? It still feels like most of this is fake. I passed out in a medic room, woke up in our Commanders personal quarts and now I’m moving rocks with my mind. Not to mention in two days I leave to meet the Supreme Leader, me, a First Order shit bowl scrubber.”

He chuckled, a real laugh this time, “I thought you folded bed sheets?”

You suddenly felt at ease, as if maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. “Don’t you know, Master Ren? I’m a master myself, of many things. I can fold sheets, dress pillows, sweep the floors, scrub the toilets and, I even clean the showers. What do you do again? Fly ships and weild a light saber? Looks like I have five skills compared to your two? Oh, six if I count the floating rocks.” You laughed taking a sip of the water at the table.

“Seven if you count passing out,” he added, his expression flat again.

You coughed awkwardly, feeling as if you pushed your limits to soon. “Forgive me, Master Ren.”

“You’re funny, that’s eight, I won’t allow you to have more skills than that, your training ends now. You’re dismissed.” You looked at his stone face in terror, was he serious? The thoughts of sweeping living quarters again made you feel sick. “Nine, you lack the ability to see a lie- a joke.” He grinned again.

“Touché. But, I think that technically revokes my eighth skill of being funny.”

He tilted his head, pondering your words. “Seven skills it is.”

The rest of the meal was silent, but not the uncomfortable silence that had been there before. You stood up, taking your plate to a trash bin. “Goodnight, Master Ren,” you called turning for your new bed.

He nodded you away but stopped you before you reached the door, “Master Ren is a lot to say, we need to save on time. Just call me Kylo, unless we are in front of Snoke,” he added at the end.

You nodded, suppressing a smile, finally leaving the room.

You found sleep quickly, dreaming of the blonde man who approached you when you lost consciousness. “Fight back, don’t give in!”

chapter three

#kylo ren #kylo #kylo x reader #kylo fanfic #Star Wars au #kylo au #star wars #Star Wars fic #writing

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fredsweaslies · 3 years

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the gardens that grow between us | chapter six

● word count: 1707

● new fic index

AS THE PAIR OF GIRLS BEGAN TO GET COMFORTABLE WITH THEIR NEW LIFE AT SCHOOL, the first Hogsmeade weekend quickly approached. Just before the term started, Paloma and Dolores could barely contain their excitement when their parents signed the permission slips to allow the girls to leave school grounds. That morning, the girls couldn't wait to wear something other than their robes and busted out their best casual attire. They headed out with Draco, shivering at the sight of the dementors that stood guard in front of the castle.

"Where do you want to go first?" Dolores asked Draco, "I am not going around Hogsmede with you two." He said disgustingly.

"Scared we'll embarrass you, Malfoy?" Paloma said in a British accent, mocking him.

"I would rather be skinned alive than find out what you two find fun in Hogsmede." He scoffed, the two girls putting on a fake expression of shock.

"That is no way to talk to your future wife!" Dolores joked, gasping and clutching her heart.

When they entered the crowded village, they couldn't keep their eyes off of the cute novelty shops that never seemed to end. In this, Draco disappeared. The girls decided to start their trip off with an ice cream shop near the entrance of the village.

As they stood in line at the kitsch ice cream parlor, they bantered about all the different flavors on the menu.

"Do you think it's any different from ice cream in America?" Dolores asked, their eyes still glued at the menu. "For these prices, I sure hope so." The two giggled. Just then, the boy in front of them turned around. It was Oliver Wood. Paloma straightened up.

"I thought I recognized that voice." He cooed, flashing Paloma a smile.

"Hey, Oliver." As confident as Paloma was in every other aspect of her life when it came to boys she became as shy as any other girl.

"I recommend the strawberry and peanut flavor, it's what I always get." He recommended kindly. Paloma couldn't stop herself from meeting his gaze.

"Sounds great." She said meekly. As he placed his order, Dolores quietly teased Paloma by fluttering her eyelashes and mouthing "Oh Oliver!"

When he reached the register, he told the cashier that he would be paying for Paloma and Dolores' orders as well.

"Oh - Oliver you don't have to." Paloma intercepted, but he was already handing over his coins to the cashier.

"No, I insist." He said confidently, "Thanks, Oliver." Dolores commented sweetly, "I like him." She mouthed.

"Hey - Paloma..." Oliver called, who was now in the middle of the shop, stopping as he was about to leave. Paloma started attentively.

"I was wondering, if you're not busy next weekend, would you like to go on a date?"

Paloma swore she was going to faint.

"Of - of course. Yes, I would love to." She nodded eagerly and clutched her ice cream cup tightly.

"Perfect, I'll see you then." He smiled before heading out the door and meeting his friends that were waiting outside the shop.

"No fucking way." Dolores exclaimed. Paloma sighed and couldn't stop smiling.

The two sat down at the table that was right in front of the shop window.

"I can't believe that you already have a date with one of the hottest guys at Hogwarts," Dolores said amazedly, "A guy can't even look my way in the halls."

"Are you kidding? What's that red-heads name again? The one who's friends with Hermione?" Paloma pondered, shoveling a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.

"Ron? What about him?" Dolores started to turn pink.

"Oh, you know what, he's totally in puppy-love with you."

"I haven't even spoken a word to him."

"Yeah, but guys are dumb, that won't stop them from having a crush on you. I see the way he stares at you," Paloma continued, "The other day when we were at breakfast and when we walked past their table he spilled his pumpkin juice all over his sweater when he saw you."

"You're crazy."

"Hey, just some food for thought. Not my fault you're oblivious," with ice cream still in her mouth, she added "don't you think he's cute?"

Dolores stayed quiet, "I knew it." Paloma laughed.

"I'm too nervous to talk to him, and from the looks of it he is too."

"Aren't you study buddies with Hermione now? Just ask her to set you guys up."

"No, she's not like that. I'm better off starting things off organically."

"Up to you," Paloma continued, "does he have any brothers?"

"Yeah, Hermione mentioned that he has these twin brothers on the Quidditch team, and I think another one who's a prefect for Gryffindor, why?"

"While at practice the other day there were these cute red-head twins on Gryffindor, I just figured."

"No way, you're trying to get with the entire Gryffindor Quidditch team." Dolores laughed.

"Hey, we just got here, a girl can't have options?" The two snickered and finished their ice cream. When they opened the door of the parlor to leave, Paloma bumped harshly into Pansy Perkins.

"Watch it." Pansy taunted. Behind her were two Slytherin girls who towered over Paloma and Dolores.

"What is your deal?" Dolores demanded, crossing her arms, "Jealous because of Draco?"

This sent Pansy to grow bright red from anger, "You better pipe down, Lola." The two Slytherin girls behind her laughed at her remark.

"Move." Paloma demanded. Pansy and her cronies were blocking the girls from leaving.

"Make me."

"Don't say I didn't warn you." Paloma sniggered, pulling out her wand and throwing it up against Pansy's throat. Pansy retreated into the arms of her friends behind her.

"Excuse me!" Interrupted a voice, Professor McGonagall marched up to the group of girls.

"Detention, Miss Martinez," Paloma's face turned pink as Pansy and her friends giggled quietly behind McGonagall. "Off to the castle, all of you." She ordered, all the girls groaned and were sent on the walk of shame back to Hogwarts.

★

Even with the excitement during their first Halloween feast, that was no match to Paloma's disappointment in herself over her first detention. She stopped every step of the way that night after leaving her things in their room. She was sent to the great hall and dreaded finding out what she would have to do as a punishment.

When she entered the hall, only one person was sitting at a table in the empty space. One of the red-headed twins from Gryffindor. His head whipped up at her, his stunned expression greeting her. She smiled shyly and sat across from him at what would be the Gryffindor table.

"Hi." She greeted.

"Hello." He was still shocked to see her. Before Paloma could say anything else, she heard incoming footsteps.

"You two," Sprang Professor McGonagall, who was dressed in what seemed to be a black nightgown, "Your task tonight is to clean the silverware from today's meals, without magic." They both groaned as she waved her wand and sent the silverware from a nearby table to the table they were sat at.

"I will be back in an hour." She alerted. She quietly walked away and shut the huge wooden doors behind her.

The red-headed boy let out a sigh and began to pick up the silverware and scrubber.

"So, I take you're Paloma?" He said, she was shocked he knew her name.

"Yeah, how do you know?" She asked.

"You American students are all anyone has been talking about." He laughed, scrubbing a spoon, "I'm Fred." Paloma nodded.

"You have a twin? Or am I going insane?" This made him chuckle, "Yeah, that's George." Paloma nodded again and started to focus on wiping the cups with a damp towel.

"What brings you here?" He asked.

"Put a wand up to Pansy Parkinson's throat." Fred roared with laughter and slammed his palm down on the table, causing the silverware to rattle. "What about you?" She asked.

"Put firecrackers in the Ravenclaw toilets, a poor first year is officially scarred for life." The two tried to stifle laughs from the horrible prank, "You know, you're not as cruel and demeaning as others in your house."

"So I've heard." She giggled, passing a fork to him to scrub.

"I hear you've gotten mighty cozy to Wood." He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Oh god." She laughed.

"How do I know you're not just interested in him so you can gain all our secrets?" Fred prodded.

"Don't worry, I'll still go hard on him during our matches." She shot a smile up at Fred who was staring attentively up at her.

The two spent the hour laughing and giggling as Fred recounted his many pranks with George, and Paloma told him all about the embarrassing things she had caught Draco doing during their youth. Whenever there was a lull in the conversation from their focus on scrubbing and polishing the utensils, Paloma would look up and Fred and catch him staring at her. He would immediately shoot his eyes down to the cup he was cleaning to avoid being noticed. But Paloma surely took notice and simpered to herself while she wiped down the silverware. Suddenly, Professor McGonagall burst through the doors.

"Weasley, Martinez." She called, sounding slightly frantic. The two students looked up at her concerned, "There's been an incident up in the Gryffindor common room. You two can stop for now, we're sending students to sleep in here tonight."

Paloma got chills as she stood up from the table, standing arm to arm with Fred who towered over her.

"What do you think happened?" Paloma asked innocently, watching students from all four houses pile into the great hall. Everyone was still in their nightgowns and pajamas. Fred shrugged. As the Slytherins made their way in, Dolores hurried over to Paloma.

"Sirius Black tore up the painting in front of Gryffindor's common room!" Dolores exclaimed, panicked. "What?" Paloma and Fred said at the same time.

"I'll catch you later, Paloma." Fred said, rushing over to his brothers George and Ron as soon as they made it inside.

The two girls found Draco, who was chuckling to himself over the frenzy that was happening in the great hall.

◀︎ chapter five ☆ chapter seven ▶︎

#harry potter #harry potter fanfic #harry potter fanfiction #oliver wood x oc #draco malfoy x oc #fred weasley x oc #ron weasley x oc #draco malfoy fanfic #fred weasley fanfic #*myfics

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reidandwrite · 5 years

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Italian Food and Rom-Coms (Spencer Reid)

Overview - In which Spencer comes to the reader for advice on his love life (or, perhaps, lack thereof).

A/N: Thank you for all the positive feedback on my first story, I hope this quick little one-shot can follow! Requests are always open (unfortunately I don’t do smut, though). Enjoy :-)

“Hey, (Y/N)! Wait up,” I hear someone call out behind me as I’m making my way out of the BAU and towards the elevator. I put my phone in my back pocket and turn around to see our resident genius, Spencer Reid, briskly walking my way. His short, yet shaggy, brown hair is a beautiful mess on top of his head and the sleeves of his dark blue button up are rolled up to his elbows. His bag is hanging off of his left shoulder and a book is held in his right hand. His dark brown eyes are wide and a smile appears on his face as we lock eyes.

“Oh, well hello Doctor, what’s up?” I reply with a smirk and face him completely.

“So, I was thinking about asking this girl out with me sometime but I have absolutely no idea how to approach it.” He rubs the back of his neck and looks at me with a hint of embarrassment plastered over his face.

Him mentioning that he wants to ask a girl on a date hits me like a bus and it takes everything in me to control my micro-expressions from the profiler standing before me. Of course the guy I’ve been in love with for the past 3 years is interested in another girl. Ha, my life in a nutshell.

“Um, Spencer, don’t take this the wrong way but... why are you asking me? I’m sure Derek could help you out a lot more than I ever could,” I joke in an attempt to hide how badly my heart is hurting right now.

“I actually did ask him but, you know Morgan. His advice was to tell her I think that she is, and I quote, the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid my pretty little eyes on and she’s stolen my heart so the only way to repay me is to let me take her out for a little somethin’ somethin’.” He retorts his face in a way that I’ve only seen from him a few times and I can hear a trace of confusion in his voice. I giggle a bit and picture Derek saying those exact words to Spencer followed by Spencer replying with a quick thank you drowned in disgust and puzzlement. “(Y/N), please help me. I really really like this girl; I may even be in love with her and I don’t want to blow it.”

“Haha, oh god, please don’t say that to any girl. Ever.” I give a slight laugh as I imagine Spencer trying to use that line. “Okay... uh, just strike up a conversation with her. Start simple. Keep it casual. Then, before you move onto the next subject of the conversation, slip in that maybe you’d like to take her out sometime.” As much pain as I feel in my chest just thinking about Spencer with other woman, I give him the best advice I can think of. I love him and want him to be happy- even if it’s not with me.

“Okay, okay, got it,” he nods and looks up as his tries to remember everything I just told him. For someone with an eidetic memory, he’s trying awful hard to remember the few sentences of advice I’d given him. “And then what? Like where do I take her?”

“I... uh, I don’t know, Spence, I don’t know the girl. What does she like? What kind of things is she into? Take her to a place that can relate to those things.”

“Well, where would you want a guy to take you on a first date?” He inquires and I can tell just by looking in his eyes that he’s really serious about this girl. I have no clue who she is but, damn, she does not realize how lucky she is.

“Um, I guess you can never go wrong taking her to a nice restaurant. It doesn’t have to be too fancy, but somewhere nice and kind of quiet so the guy and I could talk and just get to know each other. Maybe Indian food. Or Italian food. Oh, no, yeah, scratch that, definitely Italian food! And then maybe a movie; any rom-com would be great. And then we could walk to a dessert or coffee shop nearby after to talk and laugh about the movie,” I say, gazing his way. I silently kick myself for staring at him so lovingly while describing a date that I’ve been fantasizing about with HIM. “But, yeah, Italian food and a romantic comedy sounds like a good idea.”

“Wow, you really thought about that hard didn’t you?” He raises an eyebrow at me and chuckles.

“Shut up,” I laugh back, struggling to hide my repulsion for the idea of him on a date with a girl. “It’s just been a while since I’ve been on a date with a really nice guy and I was just imagining what it would be like to do it again. You, out of all people, know how hard it is to find time to date people.” He shrugs and nods in agreement.

“Okay, Italian food and a romantic comedy. Got it. Thank you, (Y/N). I can’t explain how much your advice and this girl mean to me,” he murmurs and offers a grateful smile. Ouch. I attempt to shoot a quick smile back.

“Going down?” I gesture to the elevator as I try to finally change the subject. He nods, still smiling, and I turn around to press the elevator button. A few seconds go by and the big doors in front of us open. I take a step inside with him following right after. The doors shut and the small space is filled with an enormous awkward silence. Ding. Ding. Ding. The elevator chimes as we pass each floor, getting closer and closer to the first floor. There are numbers above the door that start from 1 and end with 20, with the 4 lighting up, indicating that we’re almost to the bottom.

“So,” Spencer clears his throat and his voice fills the awkward silence. I glance at him shortly and notice him ruffling his long, slim fingers through his hair. “what are your plans for this weekend?”

“Oh, I have this glamorous date tomorrow night cleaning my bathroom. I bought a toilet scrubber and a brand new pair of sweat pants for this fabulous occasion.” I joke and giggle. He shares a laugh with me and shakes his head.

“Sounds... fun?” He laughs even more and I nod, still giggling. “But, if you’re able to reschedule this exciting night filled with a toilet scrubber and some bleach, we should hang out.” He offers.

“My toilet scrubber is going to be very disappointed, but I’m sure he’ll get over it,” I grin and continue the running joke.

“Perfect.” He beams and flashes me his pearly whites. I notice him blink slowly and take a big breath. “So... do you happen to like Italian food and romantic comedies?”

[masterlist]

#spencer reid #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid fic #spencer x reader #spencer reid one shot #criminal minds #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds fic #criminal minds one shot #spencer reid x reader #dr. spencer reid

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safty · 6 years

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To the Rescue (Part II) Chapter 29: View From Below

New chapter is here, still no updates on this Ao3 scandal but I’m holding off on reposting the whole thing because it’s so much damn work.

Seth contemplates his new job and meets with Cesaro. What’s going on under the radar?

Striding fast out of P-pool and getting halfway to the front lobby was all the time if took for Seth to stop for a moment, thinking hard on what had just happened. To stall for time, he aimlessly turned left, walking toward the adult men's locker rooms and keeping his gaze forward.

Hunter and Stephanie had offered him a more permanent position. Salaried. But Seth didn't have the details yet. As of right now, nothing was certain. Though he was sure he wasn't going to pack up and move within the week or probably even over April, but it was difficult to say how much time he'd spend in Orlando is his grandfather's estate was finalized and Roman and Dean miraculously agreed to leave. Would it be a terrible thing to do? To be promoted and leave his bosses high and dry?

Pushing the door open to the men's locker room and walking to one of the bathroom stalls, Seth thought immediately to the massive amount of money that made up his inheritance. He didn't want to assume anything at that point, but still, he was pretty sure his resume wouldn't be nearly as important if he had that money. It was tempting to let his mind wander wildly to a much more relaxed state of being, but he reeled himself back in, biting his lip.

For now, Seth had to be smart. His heart was still beating fast from the excitement of the meeting but he took a deep breath and plopped down to sit on a toilet, just to steady himself. It was a good thing his boss wanted to promote him, he could use more money. At the end of the day, he probably would take the job. It was just another thing Seth didn't want to talk about yet, not until he knew what was happening. He sighed hard as the person in the stall next to him flushed the toilet and walked away, sure that he didn't want to hide everything that was happening in his life from his boyfriends, but he didn't want to feel stupid for taking a job and then completely dumping it if he was going to be moving.

It was too much to consider and automatically, Seth whipped out his phone and found Cesaro's contact info. It had been ages since the men had talked, but it was at least worth a shot. Sure that he didn't want to have a phone conversation in a toilet stall, Seth got back up again and quickly texted his friend before he made his way to the sink for the sake of habit.

Hey man are u busy this weekend? Its been a bit he typed out, quickly pressing send and feeling marginally better. Cesaro was a neutral party, and it helped that he wasn't currently at work, present for all the other dramatic minutiae of such a large facility.

"Eyes forward! Coming through!" Miz bellowed as Seth nearly walked into him. He started, quickly side stepping out of the way as his annoying coworker strutted past him, rolling a huge container of floatables down the hallway at a questionable speed. Seth's knee twinged slightly and he put his phone in his pocket, resigned to finish his power scrubbing duties before the late afternoon rush came and swim lessons got hectic. Perhaps it was the strangeness of the day's events of the sheer absurdity of it, but when Seth went down to the basement mop sink and found Dean crouching by it, he probably sounded more curt than he meant.

"What are you doing?" Seth scoffed, watching his boyfriend sit on the dirty lip of the mop sink and fidget mindlessly with one of the peeling stickers on the front of the power scrubber. Cool as ever, Dean barely reacted, toes wiggling in his flip flops and eyebrows invisible under his hair.

"You weren't outside earlier, it's hot anyways," he mumbled. "Kev said you were doin' this or somethin'."

"I was… about to start," Seth muttered, looking around to see if anyone was watching them. At least for the moment, they were alone in the stuffy, partially lit room. "I was in the bathroom…"

"Mmm," Dean said, standing up and moving aside so Seth could access the machine. It was totally weird, but if Dean wasn't smoking anymore, there really wasn't any reason for him to wander around outside in the heat of the sun. Taking his time to grab the cleaning solution and measure out a cup as Kevin had showed him, Seth wondered if Dean might have had something on his mind. His head was still buzzing about his job, but Seth was still sure that he didn't want to discuss it at the moment. Among other things.

"I might have to guard in the park in the evenings," Dean said, pouting a little and picking up a mop handle that was hanging from the wall. "Randy said they needed another hand… Unless they hire someone else after the fundraiser or somethin'."

Seth hummed, setting down the bottle of solution and analyzing the water level on the machine. "Suppose we'll have to take two cars?" He proposed. "Uce's been kinda going out of his way anyways. To pick us up I mean."

"Yeah," Dean said, facing the wall and kicking a small rock that was on the floor. Seth rolled up his sleeves and wiped his brow. He didn't really want to be in the basement, but he couldn't really take five in the breakroom with the work he still had to finish. Dean paused as well, as though he wasn't really sure what to say or how to say it. The conversation was pretty meaningless, but there was something hanging in the air, out of their reach.

"You notice anything about Uce lately?" Dean asked, clearing his throat a little mid sentence like it was dry. Seth paused, pushing back a length of frizzy hair that couldn't quite fit in his bun.

"Like what?" He asked, thinking hard and feeling anxious. "Did something happen over Easter?"

"Just… been drinking and stuff," Dean said, not facing Seth. "Don't wanna be a cop about it… just. I dunno if I'm supposed to worry or say somethin'."

Seth thought for a moment, thinking back to when he'd come across his boyfriends in January, after his last trip to Iowa. Back then, both of his boyfriend's had been in a much more difficult headspace, but Roman's drinking had been the most frustrating. Of the three, Roman probably drank the most on a regular basis. Where Dean could probably out drink him with beers on a single night, Roman was much more inclined to drink habitually. It was something they'd discussed before, but with everything going on in his life at the moment, Seth had barely processed it. He'd also made a fool of himself with alcohol on the houseboat anyway, so he didn't feel like he had much ground to stand on and preach.

"I don't care," Dean said quickly, shrugging and turning to put the mop handle back on the hook. "It's not a big deal."

"It's not like, healthy." Seth said, crossing his arms and looking at Dean. It was perplexing to see his boyfriend engaged where he might have usually been disconnected, but Seth didn't want to discourage it. "Did he drink a lot over Easter?"

"We kinda all did, I dunno," Dean said, looking at the ground. "Forget I mentioned it, it's fine."

"Nah, I mean..." Seth sighed, really wishing they could get out of the basement and back into air conditioning. The air was thick and the light kept flickering. "Let's just… keep an eye on it. He doesn't seem stressed out or anything, does he?"

"I don't think so," Dean said, shrugging again. He blinked and licked his lips, as though trying some sort of script. "How are you doing?"

"Me? I'm fine," Seth said, unable to stop himself from chuckling. "How're you?"

"'M fine," Dean said, blinking. He grinned a little and Seth came closer, sure that he'd hear any footsteps from a distance. The light flickered again and Dean wet his lips like he was anticipating something.

"Wish I didn't learn my lesson," Seth muttered darkly, squeezing Dean's thigh and planting a kiss on his matted forehead. His work shirt was sticking to him strangely with sweat, but Dean looked soft and happy. "Get outta here and let me do my job, Ambrose."

"Okay Rollins," Dean said, snarking his name and bouncing onto the balls of his feet again. In his pocket, Seth felt his phone buzz and he pawed it through his pants, sure it was just a text. Dean made a kissing noise as he hopped away at a light jog and Seth took a moment to let him go, sure that he didn't want Kevin or Hunter, or worse AJ, seeing them leaving secluded areas together.

How about tonight? Cesaro texted him back. I'm busy the next few days with PT and Sara :)

Seth smirked, wiping sweat from his forehead and listening as the water heater turned on, humming loud from the boiler room. It was too easy to imagine Cesaro's ridiculously sweet expression, thinking of his new girlfriend. It had been ages since they'd seen each other and Seth really wanted to go out with his friend. But in a hurry, he recalled the discussion that Seth had had with Dean and Roman the night before about possibly going to a gym. Nobody had mentioned it that morning… but Dean had definitely seemed alert enough to workout after their shift.

In the service elevator to the top floor, Seth's phone buzzed again and he looked down, feeling his heart rate ratchet up again with a text from his mother. The elevator dinged and he sighed hard, pushing the scrubber through the doors and flush with the wall so he could examine his phone.

Did you get the executor notices? Let me know ASAP! Love mom

Yes Seth texted back quickly, feeling enormously guilty for leaving his mother out of the loop, and yet unable to properly explain his reasoning. Back in Iowa, his mother was probably waiting for him to get his shit together, unable to proceed without his own consent for the operation. However, his paranoia dug at him again and he thought morbidly to the idea of his family trying to take his money in the fine print of the will. But as soon as he considered it, Seth blinked hard, trying to assess his fears honestly. He'd never imagined a time in his life where he couldn't trust his mother, but with so much money on the line, Seth wasn't sure if he could trust anyone.

I think I want to get a lawyer or something, just so I know what I'm looking at Seth messaged back. Or I want to call that lawyer we talked to, Is his number on all those documents?

It was a rather stupid question as Seth could just check his email, but he was at work anyway and obviously neglecting his duties by dividing his attention. Down the hall he could hear a group of very small children singing songs and yelling, their voices echoing off the hallways. There was still lots to do, and he pocketed his phone fast and dug in. As he walked fast behind the power scrubber, leaning into the machine and doing his best not to slip in the slight trail of moisture, Seth considered the holes in his knowledge and his mental state since he'd returned. Of all the things he wanted to do that night, a meeting with Cesaro sounded best. Seth desperately needed to hash this out and tell someone about what was happening.

Yes it is His mother replied to his text, after he checked it about twenty minutes later. Call him as soon as you can.

Okay thanks mom Seth responded, immediately returning to his conversation with Cesaro and looking around tentatively. Yeah lets make tonight work.

Seth felt a little guilty for flaking out on his boyfriends, but the more he texted Cesaro in the lead up to their meeting, the more he was sure of his decision. During the time he dumped the water from the power scrubber and changed out of his work uniform, the two men messaged each other back and forth over the phone. Apparently, Cesaro was trying to be frugal in between hanging out with Sara, but had a turkey loaf he was interested in sharing if Seth wanted to stay for dinner.

Re-tying his bun and making his way to the front, Seth pursed his lips as he saw Dean perk up from where he was sitting in the lobby. Sunglasses already fixed to his face, he shuffled to his feet, swinging his bag over his shoulder.

"I bet Uce's gym'll be all busy since it's big," he began without any hesitation. "My place'll be good if you want. I just wanna grab a bite quick."

"Yeah, about that," Seth said, hastening through the door his boyfriend was holding open. The day was unbearably hot and as soon as they were outside, it was a race to get to the Jeep. "I uh… I was texting Cesaro and the only time we could hang out would be tonight… so I think I'm gunna take a raincheck."

"What?" Dean raised an eyebrow. "Man, I was getting all jacked to lift..."

"You can still go," Seth snorted, eagerly tossing his bag into the hatchback and tossing his body inside. "I just… I haven't seen him in forever."

"What's up?" Roman asked from the front seat, snacking from a bag of pumpkin seeds that was sitting in his lap. Dean mumbled something inaudible and Seth tilted the backseat fan grid toward his face, feeling shivers down his spine. If his boyfriends were going to be mad at him, Seth wasn't going to hear about it. They only saw each other constantly.

"I'm gunna go see Cesaro tonight for dinner," Seth explained. "I know we like… talked about doing something, but the only time we can meet this week is tonight… so. What with his doctor shit and the fundraiser on friday."

"Mmmmm," Roman hummed, looking behind him in order to make sure they weren't about to be clipped by a passing vehicle. "Suit yourself."

"I prolly will go workout… do something," Dean said quietly, looking through the window. The rest of the car ride was a little awkward and no one talked much as they idled in traffic for a few minutes.

Im home now, come over whenever you'd like Cesaro texted him. Seth stared out of his own window, trying to think of the best way to get to his friends house and if he had any gas in the tank of the Cadillac.

A quick shower and a change, and Seth deliberately tried to keep out of his boyfriend's way, skirting around the area of the living room where Dean plopped down, and not making eye contact with Roman in the kitchen as the man was staring into the fridge, pensively. Tossing on a snapback and sliding his phone and wallet in the back pocket of a pair of cargo shorts, Seth thought he could hear his boyfriend's talking from the other room. But instead, he focused on his dog, who seemed confused about the lack of affection he was receiving now that Seth was home.

"Need to buy chicken feed this weekend," Roman was saying to Dean as Seth walked past. "You think you could get some at the farmers market?"

"Mmyeah, just remind me or somethin'." Dean mumbled, watching Seth's progress to the shoes. He hated how awkward it felt. Couldn't he leave the house without feeling like he was in trouble?

"Have fun," Roman mumbled, gesturing to Seth with his beer and striding over to send him off. Kevin jingled around the entryway as though he was going for a walk and Seth nodded quickly, letting Roman kiss him on the cheek.

"I won't be long," Seth said, waving to Dean. "See you guys."

It wasn't enough to put him in a bad mood, but Seth hated feeling like he was in the wrong. Dean's face as he left hadn't been particularly mopey or annoyed, and Seth was sure that the man's evening would be just fine without acting on whatever lose plans they'd discussed. Of the three, Seth felt safe in assuming that he was having it the hardest at the moment and when he finally got around to explaining the situation, the other two would surely understand.

"Too fuckin' hot," he griped to himself, wiping his forehead and hating how obscenely warm his vehicle was, cooking in the sun all day. As Seth drove toward the highway in the direction of Cesaro's condo, he thought more and more about how nice it would be to live in the Midwest again, seeing the trees change and wearing light sweaters.

Nearly there he texted at a red light, almost taking a wrong turn as he forgot the pattern of the strange labyrinth that was Cesaro's neighborhood. Just as he was rolling up to the visitor parking area, Seth swore out loud, remembering that he'd had a gift for his friend from his vacation. The bag of coffee was still sitting in his bedroom, tossed onto the dresser after he'd hurriedly unpacked.

However, It didn't matter as he saw his friend, eagerly awaiting his arrival by the front door to the condominium. Seth didn't have a lot of friends in his life, and he had even less that seemed wholly unperturbed to go so long without contact without a shred of awkwardness. Cesaro was the exception, totally cool to pick up wherever they had left off.

"What's up?" Seth called, locking his car and watching Cesaro shuffle his weight between his two feet awkwardly. His friend was wearing a pair of mesh workout shorts and a tank top with his arm in a sling, smiling as wide as ever.

"Oh not much," Cesaro said, quickly opening the front door and letting Seth inside. "Trying my best not to melt."

"It's abysmal," Seth agreed, relieved to feel the air conditioning inside. It was the same neat, tidy and minimal space Seth had always seen it. Zoe the cat was laying on her back in front of an oscillating fan and the house smelled like the promised turkey loaf.

"It has been a very lazy day," Cesaro said, shutting the door and shuffling to the living room. "I will read a book until I get stir crazy from sitting, then I think of taking a walk, but then it is so disgusting out... " he sighed, looking to Seth with honest adoration. "Thank you for coming, how have you been?"

"Okay, it's no problem!" Seth nodded, sitting down as Cesaro went to presumably grab him a drink. He talked louder so he could be heard. "It's been forever, plus… I mean, I nearly went crazy when I was stuck at home with my knee. I get it."

"But how was the trip?" Cesaro called, returning in a moment with a glass of ice water. Gratefully, Seth took it, thinking hard. He hadn't told his friend anything yet. "When did you get back?"

"We were done in the Keys last week," Seth said, blinking hard and trying to remember. He threaded his fingers through his beard, thinking of the best way to explain all of it. "But… literally right as I was getting off the boat, I got this crazy text from my mom about how my grandpa died…" Cesaro's eyes widened and Seth heaved a breath, nodding. "Yeah… so I literally came back here, flew to Iowa and went to the funeral over Easter and then I was back on Tuesday."

"That's terrible," Cesaro said, fixing Seth with a look of concern. "I was a little puzzled that you did not text me… but I have been preoccupied as well."

"Yeah, no, obviously nothing personal," Seth said, clearing his throat. "I'm still just like… reeling from all of this, it's so crazy."

"How close were you with your grandfather?" his friend asked. Seth drank from his water and tried to relax a little. He felt more anxious than anything, but was sure he needed to go through this conversation with someone.

"Not as much as I would have liked recently," Seth admitted, setting down his glass and picking his fingernails. "When I was really little he was like another parent, but I think I might have told you about his memory problems… once I moved away and his wife died, he sort of spiraled I guess."

"That's a shame," Cesaro said, sympathetic. "I had to really make sure to see my grandparents when I went back home. They are getting very old now so I am always worried something similar will happen where I am far away and they pass away."

"It sucked," Seth concluded, "I loved him a lot, but now we're dealing with his estate and it's a huge, complicated fucking mess."

Just saying a summarization of the matter felt relieving and Seth sighed hard as Cesaro nodded, patting the sofa and trying to encourage Zoe to join him on the furniture. The cat just stared, unable to comprehend the request.

"You have a large family all vying for his things?" Cesaro asked, looking to him seriously. Seth shook his head.

"No… uh… it turns out my grandpa had a small fortune and basically left it all to me if I take over his property." Seth said, nodding hard as Cesaro's eyes widened. "Yeah, right?"

"Well, that is maybe a good problem?" Cesaro laughed. "No one in your family is mad about that?"

"I don't know, but it's definitely freaked me out." Seth said hurriedly, slumping back in his chair. Cesaro often made him feel like he was at a doctor's office. "I have no idea when I have to leave here and move in, and I really don't want to leave Roman and Dean." He pushed his hat back, running his hands through his still damp hair and closing his eyes. "I feel like… they'd freak out if I told them or maybe… I don't know…" Seth wet his lips. "Money is the worst."

"You have not told them?" Cesaro asked, eyes widening further. Seth just shook his head again, feeling stupid.

"How the fuck would you tell someone that?" Seth asked, gesturing to the air. "Okay, what if you like, won the lottery and a house. What do you think would happen if you told your girlfriend?"

"Well," Cesaro laughed hard, turning pink. "It would change things, yes."

"Yeah, and like, Roman's just starting school again and Dean's doing this knitting thing on the weekends now. Oh-" Seth pointed at his friend, smiling anxiously. "And fuckin' Hunter wants to promote me. Offered me a job today."

"Do you want it?" Cesaro asked, incredulous. Seth's just raised his arms in the air wildly.

"I don't know! Nothing makes any sense! I think I could maybe deal with this stuff over the course of a year maybe, but like, what the fuck am I supposed to do when it happens all at once?" He laughed nervously again, watching as Cesaro sighed, drinking from his water, deep in thought. "Like, no matter what I do, I'm pretty sure it's all going to fall to shit. They don't wanna leave here… Roman's family is all… weird… I don't know."

"You have a lot on your plate," Cesaro agreed. The alarm for the oven dinged loudly and his friend eased himself onto his tall legs again. "There certainly is not a guarantee of anything, but I think it is obvious that this is very difficult. You do not think your boys will be understanding?"

"Roman'll probably lose his mind," Seth said flippantly, following his friend into the kitchen. "I dunno about Dean. Lately he's been a lot more talkative and stuff, but he's still… like…"

"Volatile?" Cesaro laughed. Seth just shrugged, helping his friend grab plates from the cupboard. On the counter, a salad had already been prepared and by the salt shakers, Seth could see a little polaroid photo of Sara and Cesaro, grinning in a photo booth, looking adorable.

"How's your love life though?" Seth asked, sure that he shouldn't monopolize the conversation, even if he wanted to. "How's the gal?"

"I love her." Cesaro said, deadly serious and turning to Seth with a sort of childlike excitement. "I am serious. She… she has made me very happy and I think I have made her happy too. After my shoulder… well… I don't feel nearly as… incapable at the moment. I am enjoying my time."

"Well that's good," Seth smiled, happy for his friend's fortune. "I'm glad you guys got to link up."

"Oh yes, it's been wonderful," Cesaro agreed, dumping food onto their plates one-handed. He allowed Seth to help him carry his drink back into the living room and then put on a record for some background noise. Distantly, Seth wondered if Dean had made it to the gym or if Roman was cleaning or gardening around the house. As they ate, he checked his phone periodically, but didn't see any texts. Trying not to be terribly rude, he pocketed the device, listening to Cesaro happily prattle on about his girlfriend.

"We were talking about maybe going to a yoga retreat in August in the Keys," Cesaro explained, "Taking some kind of trip. It is hard because it will be so hot here during the summer, so everywhere is sort of sweaty, but neither of us want to fly or do anything too expensive." He took a bite of his food and chewed neatly, thinking. "But, we have gone to a few restaurants and we go to each other's places maybe once a week. She does not want to go out too much or do anything too crazy, but I would like to surprise her with something fun."

"I bet it's hard though, with your shoulder and all." Seth said, licking his fork clean, the food was quite good. "I'm sure she's not expecting anything too wild."

"Yes, but I want to travel and go places myself!" Cesaro laughed. "I just never felt as though I would want to do it alone. Having a companion is best."

"Well, I'm down to do some double date nonsense now if you'd want." Seth said, "You guys seem like you're getting pretty comfortable. I still need to schedule an appointment with her…" he rolled his eyes. "Just one more thing on the list."

"I can text her if you know what time," Cesaro offered. Seth shook his head.

"Don't bother, I'll figure it out after the fundraiser," he sighed, "Putting everything off till after that…"

"What do you think…" Cesaro asked, setting his half finished plate down and looking to Seth seriously. "What is the worst thing that will happen if you tell Roman and Dean about the estate things?"

"They break up with me," Seth said flatly. "They don't want to move or deal with it."

"And you are dead set on leaving?" Cesaro asked. Seth nodded.

"It's… It's where I'm supposed to be, I feel at least," he said, remembering back to all of his grandfather's photographs. The legacy of his family. "I don't want to sell that house and I do want to figure something out with the property where maybe I could turn a profit with it. I don't know." He stroked his chin, toying with his beard fuzz carefully. "Maybe I don't even do that, maybe I just fuckin' lifeguard some tiny pool in Buffalo. I just feel like I need to be with my family, especially after what my mom had to deal with, being by herself and sorting through all of that stuff."

"I think that makes sense," Cesaro said, eyes narrowing and looking to Seth with a sort of quiet curiosity. "Why do you not think you can tell your boyfriends what you just told me?"

Seth opened his mouth for a moment, thinking. The mellow guitar music coming out of the record player filled the silence, and out of respect, Cesaro sat patiently. All of the emotions and stress behind the actual inheritance had eclipsed a lot of Seth's thinking and he sat for a moment, trying to frame his mind around what he really, truly wanted. Free from any regard for money or outside interference.

"We've been dating for only a few months," Seth said quietly, shrugging. "It's not like we've talked at all about what he want with that. Getting… really serious I mean."

"Do you want to start a family?" Cesaro asked.

"I have no idea," Seth rubbed his eyes. "But I definitely could if I had that house. It's huge. I think at some point I might want to."

"Well, if they do not want that…" Cesaro bit his lip, trying to think of his own way to frame his thinking. "I… I think sometimes you sell yourself short or your boyfriends short… maybe I am wrong but they seem to be very kind and nice to you. If you are already living together, they probably would like to be with you for some time."

"That's true… they… have been…" Seth mumbled. Without fail, almost any time he'd been emotionally shaken or physically incapable of doing something, both Roman and Dean had swooped in to do anything they could. If Seth asked for anything, he knew his boyfriend's could be counted on to help. It wasn't a question anymore and Seth was long past being tentative and afraid of Roman and Dean getting closer than he was with either of them.

But there was also the text conversations that he really didn't want to explain to Cesaro. Those sideways complaints he'd read between Roman and his sister regarding his behaviors. Dean's moments of moodiness and seclusion. Roman's wishy washy attitude and poorly adjusted family and drinking and all their stupid fights about laundry and refrigerators.

Could they replicate any modicum of happiness away from the house? Was it all just some stupid immature dream to be a trio instead of a pair?

"You will never know until you talk to them about it," Cesaro said, bringing Seth back to earth and wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin. "But I think that they may surprise you. Maybe they will offer something that you did not expect."

"Like what?" Seth asked, narrowing his eyebrows.

"Some solution you did not think of?" Cesaro tried, half-shrugging. "Who is to say?"

Cesaro gave him a lot to think about, but it was still too much for Seth to imagine a good way to spring the important conversation on his boyfriends. The rest of the visit, Seth talked about the Keys, explaining the amazing houseboat and their stops along the way. Cesaro listened politely and asked questions about specific places he'd heard of, watching Seth with a sort of buzzed expression. Clearly he was very happy to see his friend, and Seth felt a lot better to catch up and have a few things off his chest.

"The sun is down, but it is still hot." Cesaro sighed miserably, looking at his phone as Seth checked the time. "Do you work tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, lots of last minute prep for the event." Seth sighed, stifling a yawn. It was about 9:30, a lot later than he was usually out. Since he'd moved into Roman's house, he felt like he was in bed by 10 PM like clockwork each night. Cesaro took their plates and proceeded to rinse them off in the sink. The record had long since stopped and Seth looked around at the little space, feeling peaceful.

"You should come by the fundraiser if you're not stuck at the doctor's all day," Seth encouraged, getting up and stretching where he stood. "Bring your girl by."

"Maybe, I think it is supposed to rain this weekend." Cesaro re-entered the room and looked at Seth kindly. "Text me next week? Let me know how things are going for sure."

"Yeah yeah, thanks a lot man." Seth leaned in, actually going for a full hug before he realized what he was doing. Cesaro didn't seem to mind though, shuffling closer so his arm was not jostled.

"I appreciate it," Seth said, stepping back. "Sorta just… taking everything a few minutes at a time."

"Yes, do not explode." Cesaro laughed, seeing him to the door. "Have a good night, Seth."

Substantially less stressed out, his mind wandered idly as he drove home. Throughout his body, Seth felt loose and carefree, less likely to snap at any moment. As much as he wanted to believe Cesaro, and the evidence that was right under his nose, he just didn't feel comfortable showing his cards yet. With each passing day, he was probably losing credibility from hiding the information, but he needed to plan. Planning meant actually looking at the forms his mother sent and getting a timetable sorted out. After the fundraiser, Seth would call the estate lawyer and then maybe he'd have a better idea.

We'll sit down, he thought, imagining himself laying out charts and graphs for Dean and Roman to see. They could go out to dinner and Seth would pop the information on them to ponder in a public space where they'd be more likely to listen and not escape. Seth still didn't know what he thought his boyfriend's might say, but he wasn't sure when it was appropriate in a relationship to ask his lovers to roll the dice and uproot their lives for him.

Pulling back onto Grant Street and parking his car by the large willow tree, Seth got out and pushed his sweaty hairs back behind his ears. The lights in the house were on and the Jeep was in the driveway, but the garage door was open, which was a little strange. As he came inside and heard Kevin's little anxious bark, Seth saw the TV was on, but Roman was asleep on the couch, snoring up a storm.

His heart sank a little as he saw beer cans and video game controllers on the coffee table. Roman looked completely out, deaf to Kevin's noise with his hair strewn wildly across one of Dean's hoodie's that he'd crumpled up into a pillow. Dean himself was nowhere to be found and Seth toed out of his shoes, feeling deflated.

If Roman was drinking because he was stressed out about something, he was also hiding something. Without any thought, Seth glanced around suspiciously, looking for his boyfriend's phone around the perimeter of the living room. The man had actually fallen asleep in his jeans and as Seth's eyes grazed down his body, he could see the lump of the device in his boyfriend's pocket. Seth sighed hard, sure that they'd have to have some sort of conversation about this. If Dean of all people had brought it up, it was a problem.

Walking into the kitchen and surveying the heap of dirty dishes in the sink, Seth noticed a note on the table and the contents of his pocket, including his phone. Seth's heart raced, seeing the note Went out biking with gum wrappers and a pair of headphones heaped on the countertop. Swallowing hard, Seth looked around. Roman was snoring and there wasn't any reason to think that he'd be interrupted. There wasn't any reason to look at Dean's device, but Seth felt vulnerable after such an intimate conversation with Cesaro.

Why couldn't he just trust them?

Opening Dean's phone in a hurry, Seth didn't see any missed texts or calls. From what he'd already gathered by peeking at their phones before, he wasn't really shocked. The most immediate application on his boyfriend's device seemed to be an internet page, difficult to discern through the cracked screen.

Seth blinked, tilting forward and narrowing his eyes to read. It looked to be some sort of list and Seth scrolled to the top. He hadn't known Dean to read much or use the internet, but it had appeared to have used it for something.

10 Simple ways to reduce stress!

Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people. In fact, 70% of adults in the US say they feel stress or anxiety daily. Here are some simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety….

It seemed almost laughable that Dean had gone so far as to Google ways to relax, but Seth's heart hurt to see it. At the top of the list, exercising and biking were options that the article was promoting, shortly followed by candles and meditation. It was possible that Dean had wanted to talk to Seth while they were working out, perhaps plan some intervention to talk to Roman about what they were witnessing. Seth locked the phone slowly and set it down, treading carefully into the living room where his boyfriend was still fast asleep. Kevin followed in his shadow and Seth turned off the television, feeling vacant and hollow.

He didn't want to confront his boyfriend or wake him up, he'd done that before, but it hadn't changed anything. Perhaps Roman had meant to wait up for him and had simply passed out where he'd been sitting. But Seth didn't really think that was true.

This can't be happening if we're going to move Seth thought angrily, walking to the bathroom and getting ready to brush his teeth. It was getting late now and he hoped Dean was biking back, but since he didn't have his phone, Seth could only hope for the best.

It wasn't often that he laid in bed alone, and as he sunk into the sheets, shucking off his day clothes, it occurred to him how vast the mattress was when there was only one person on it. He stretched his limbs out in all directions for a few minutes, trying to stay calm and breathe before curling into his usual middle spot.

The moon shone full through the window and with every silent second, he felt worse.

#ttr #fic #to the rescue

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boomie-mudokon · 7 years

Note

💢 - A frustrating moment

Another day, means another time for misery and unrewarded work…why do I even bother?

The Aussie mudokon was still lying on the rotten bed, surprisingly pessimistic about his day, -and his room almost looked like jail, or even a dirty toilet that hasn’t been cleaned up for over a hundred years-, but he can’t be blamed for his pessimistic thoughts about his day, nothing seemed so bright for him, he never got his work right, his boss, and co-workers tried to kill him or dispose him many times, but somehow he always survives, but then they play pranks on him for fun, technically at this point he’s a laughing stock to them, and he even thought to run away from the company at some point, since nobody wanted to him around, then again that would give them a reason to place a bounty on him and get more moolahs, one of his friends have and he got killed for it, Boomie (as he haven’t earned that name yet) shivers from the very thought of it, and forces himself to get up, only for his spine to crack and the pain struck him so much to flinch and grown, -why do I feel so pained right now in fact, what happened yesterday?- his mind flashed the memories of yesterday’s event, when he was pranked by his coworkers to stick a note behind him, on his back labeled “punch me I’m stupid =P “ , and because of that, he received a painful punch on his back that send him against a wall from a big bro slig, the employees and everyone witnessed it, it was hilarious to watch that everyone laughed at him, while Boomie tried to recover, the sound of laughter was noisy enough for him to hear it, that he casts it aside just to retain his focus, followed then by a shouting demand coming from the loud approaching glukk, it was his boss giving him another job to do.

“YOU!! clean up the toilets and stop foolin around!!”

“Y-yes sir! I mean mate..I-I mean..”

the glukkon was snarling and glaring at him at this point, it sent shivers down to Boomie spine, he immediately stood and ran.

cleaning the bathroom all day with a worn out cloth that doesn’t clean anything, just made his job harder, he had to squint all day long to scrub the floor further more, it wasn’t a pleasant day for him at all..

upon remembering all of this, he got up from his bed as he hears the bell and the siren ringing, it makes his insides feels unsettling, with butterflies in his stomach, he had to move fast and take his position, even if it means some good performance could come in the last hour and be accounted in his evaluation, maybe he’ll get paid just for a bit if he did good today, he’s already penalized enough from his salary because of his poor performance and punctuation, but today he’s grasping it, he can only hope it’ll be good, so he already went and washed his face with a muddy water, and grabbed his scrubber hat, and went out of his room to start working.

This time he had to work at a sector where Vykkers room are located, and they were inspected by a glukkon,- every.single.hour - he was watching, he was monitoring them restlessly, that puts Boomie in a tight knot, he had to make sure not to screw up, he had to do things right, he had to pay attention -focus! oh wait! I didn’t wash my sponge- just as he’s about to go to the washroom, his boss calls him, and lectures him not to mess up this time, “OR ELSE!!”

Boomie’s throat felt like it gripped itself that he had to clear his throat and swallow it in despair “yessir!” two mudokons were paying attention as they continued to scrub, they looked at each other scheming for something..

“I WANT THIS PLACE SPOTLESS!! BY THE END OF THE DAY!! NOW MOVE! GET TO WORK!!”

The pacing of the mudokons while working has become faster with fears multiplying, but when Boomie returns, somehow he trips to spill all the water from the bucket, he whined in complain “nuts!” the glukkon immediately turned to him like an angry krakken rising his shadowy scary figure and confronted with glowing eyes as he approaches the Aussie mud freezing in his place “Ya incompetent filthy maggot…get out of my face! and get to WOORK!” the glukkon shouted at him as the Aussie mud screamed in panic attempting to refill the bucket again, the glukkon parting from this area mumbling with an angry tune, leaving only the workers to do their bidding.

“get-a-loada this freak!”

“what?”

“he didn’t pay me back, he just walks away with my moolah..what a schmuck”

“should we do something about him? I mean he ate my last piece of pie!”

“I say let’s teach him a lesson not to be a bumhead!”

they grin as they fill the bucket with ink, so when Boomie came back on his way, one of them stretched their leg as he walks only to make him trip again and spill all the water from the bucket again, and what’s worse, it had happen when the glukkon was coming back again to witness him and his moment of failure, how embarrassing..

Quickly the Aussie scrub got up to search for another bucket, only the other same two approached and pat on his back to say “no worries bud! we got you covered” they give him the bucket…and he couldn’t be any happier to finally get to work and show that today he can actually do his job “thanks maties!”

Without hesitation he grabbed the bucket and sat down, finally dunking his sponge to scrub on the floor, repeatedly he does happily, until he opens his eyes and realize…this isn’t right, why is it thick? why is it Black?!

He panicked and he wanted to do something to get rid of the ink on the floor and have a different sponge, or a towel! he’s really screwed and he has to hurry, he’s coming back again, but another bucket was slid to his direction that he only assumes maybe his coworkers want to help him after all, so he hastily dank his sponge on the transparent liquid and splatter it on the floor, only to feel like it’s so slippery…-What’s going on?!- The Vykker was walking by to complain to the manager with his nasally pretentious voice “say boss!! how come you don’t-!” the Vykker slipped all the way down, he was on the top floor only that he fell from the edge and forced to be down on the ground floor, certainly he doesn’t seem to be okay, an unpleasant accident, glukkon was astounded (barely from his expression) to witness such thing, as soon as he heard the victim fell with crashing sounds, the glukkon turned immediately to the whimpering shivering scrub, certainly that didn’t go well..

“it’s detention for you! maggot!”

The following day, he came back from the detention session, they only told him that he’ll receive zero this month, on his was back, his frustration and anger fuels even more when he hears the other workers receiving their salary of the month and how they’re going to spend it, he avoided eye contact from everyone, as soon as he was escorted to his room, and the slig shut the door behind him, the Aussie mud couldn’t help but to fall apart on his knees, as he breaks into tears, the day only ended with his crying session going on almost endlessly, until his tears have dried, and he peeked from his window, the only thing he could glimpse with hope was the mudokon moon shining with its moonlight outside the window, and he stretches his hand and loosen his paw, thinking to himself -someday…someday I’ll be free, There’s a place for me out there..I’m sure”

#yeah it is long #but frustrating plot #because it's what I experience everyday and it's suitable for Boomie to go through #regardless I hope you enjoy my torture B)#ask Boomie #dribble #drabble meme #drabble #oddtumblr

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