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smok3r7 · 5 days

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One Door Closes & Another One Opens

Joel x OFC!Divorce Lawyer

Explicit, 18+

The Duality Of Life

Main MasterList & Series Masterlist - My AO3

Summary: She’s a divorce attorney and he’s a husband looking for help to save his daughter, and himself, from his gambling addict wife. Renae Russo is a woman who fights for her clients and wins. She’s satisfied with her life and what she does - but she wishes she could have a little more. What happens when Joel Miller becomes her client and an old flame of Renae’s reignites in the same breath?

Chapter Summary: The reality starts to really set in for each of them, but for different reasons.

Word count: 2.1k

—

It’s been two weeks since Renae first met Joel and about twelve hours since their last consultation, all about Annie getting served divorce papers on a day that just so happens to be today.

She just knows shit is going to hit the fan. In other words, Annie’s going to throw one big, giant fit.

Joel told Renae the first time he and Sarah left to stay at Tommy and Maria’s place that Annie would nonstop call and text him - along with his brother and his sister in law - about how “unfair” he’s being. She even tried to break into his brother's home, multiple times. The woman has some screws loose, to put it politely, and Joel has told Renae more than she needs to know, but he wants to make sure she knows every detail of what’s going on - not just for the court.

Rather, because there’s not a day that goes by without her or Joel texting and calling one another. They can’t leave each other alone and the lines have been blurred many times already, by both sides.

Even at the gym, where Renae is currently working out with her cousin, Ally, who’s only a year younger than her. She’ll send him sweaty pump pictures in the locker room mirrors, clearly trying to show her ass and thicker hourglass figure, though with a bit of class. She’s not afraid to admit that she does feel something for Joel, but she knows how careful she must be - in the eyes of the law, the man is still married and Renae is not, and she will never be a homewrecker. But as long as he proceeds with this divorce - which she knows he will - then there’s no issue. Right?

You’re dangerous, you know that?

Renae reads Joel’s message again and again. She couldn’t hide the way her heart flutters or the heat that radiates from her cheeks, even if she wanted to. It’s a natural reaction after continuous texts and conversations that dwell into the deeper parts of one another. Things that Renae wants to learn about, not for her job, but for her to grow closer with him and be able to understand Joel as an individual. Not a married man.

Her thumbs playfully do a little dance above her keyboard while she thinks of a slick response to toy with him even more than she is.

Who me?? Neverrr ;)

“What are you over there cheesin’ about?” Ally questions as she unlocks her locker and starts grabbing her things. Renae and her have grown increasingly close since Gia left for New York, not a replacement by any means but definitely another sister-like relationship.

Joel. She one words Ally as she sets her phone down to pull her large graphic tee over her sticky, sweaty body. Renae’s brought up Joel to Ally before, only briefly - his name and that they met at the diner - but word gets around fast here. Even though she trusts Ally with her life, there are some things that she keeps to herself.

“What’s goin’ on with that by the way?”

The question lingers in the locker room for what seems like thirty seconds, while Renae tries to figure out how far she wants to divulge. On one hand she wants to tell somebody what’s going on because she has all these questions and feelings clouding her conscience. But on the other, she doesn’t want this to blow up in her face later on - with her job or her life - because something like this could mess with her reputation.

She does not want to be known as the sleazy attorney that sleeps with her clients. It would ruin her completely. So Renae decides to keep this to herself.

“Just havin’ some fun, is all.”

—

“JOEL!”

His eyes shoot open and his heart sinks, this can’t be good. He raises his right hand above his eyes like a visor so he can see the human figure that stands in the doorway. The raging sun beats down on him and Sarah who’s floating on pool toys in the water to cool off from the yard work they finished an hour ago.

Suddenly Joel’s eyes adjust from the brightness and he sees Tommy waving his hand, motioning Joel to come inside. Serving Annie must’ve not gone as smoothly as he prayed for. But in reality, he knew she was going to make it harder for him and Sarah because there’s nothing simple about Annie.

Small things such as asking her to do a simple load of laundry or dishes turns into a huge debacle in itself, so he can’t even begin to imagine how this went.

“Stay in the shallow end, please,” he reminds Sarah, who’s now swimming back and forth with her bright pink goggles on her eyes, as he pulls his white shirt over his head and wraps his large beach towel around his waist covering his bathing suit. Okay, dad, rings through the backyard creating this little song with the birds that hang out in the trees above her, causing Joel’s cheeks to glow.

Gliding his fingers through the curls that hang in front of his face so they slick back and stick to his drenched head, he builds up the courage to face Maria, who offered to serve the papers. Maria and Annie have gotten into it at least a dozen times before because of the way Annie has tried to create this havoc in Maria’s life, unnecessarily.

Annie’s lost every time.

“How bad?”

Tommy does nothing but spin around and stomp through the four-season porch, then push the screen door open that leads into the kitchen, leaving it open for Joel to follow. But his feet are almost melted to the boiling cement, he can’t move, or at least his mind won’t allow him to. It’s like the wires that connect from his brain to his muscles are malfunctioning, Tommy only acts like this when something goes haywire.

Maybe this divorce wasn’t a good idea…maybe I shoulda’ stuck it out just a little bit longer…I mean, was my life really that bad? I coulda’ faked it longer…but could Sarah? Joel only turns his head to take one more look at his daughter who’s now playing mermaid with her Barbie’s, nothing but a bundle of joy and cuteness. Her brown hair clings to her shoulders and face when she breaks the barrier of the water but quickly disappears when she dives again. No… I’m doing the right thing.

Finally grounding himself, he steps out of the warm comfort of the sun and enters the chilly house. Sliding the screen door shut behind him, he shouts into the empty kitchen asking where they are. “Bedroom,” Tommy responds. Joel inhales deeply through his nose and as he exhales he mumbles, the biggest steps are the hardest but that means you’re movin’ on. Words from Renae that have stuck with Joel and help him get through days like today, days that impact him more than people would think.

Without really preparing himself for whatever fresh hell he’s about to see, he strides to Tommy and Maria’s room where he sees Maria laying down with Tommy next to her. Her nose bloody, right eye swollen, and knuckles a mix of blood and bruises - fuck.

“I’m okay.” Maria reassures him instantly, then turns to her husband, “Tommy! You gotta calm down!” Joel rushes to her side of the bed and kneels on the floor, carefully folding his hands around her hand that lays on the comforter. Apology after apology flies out of his mouth, he never wants this to happen. It's not good for anyone, even if Annie gets put in her place - or an ass beating - because his life is now affecting his little brothers.

“Joel, stop. I offered to do it,” Maria tells him and she continues to reassure him that he has nothing to be sorry about. She’s actually really proud of him for taking this big leap in his life and it all being about Sarah, she finds it’s very admirable that he fights hard for his daughter.

“Thank you,” he mutters, standing up to leave them for the evening knowing that everything’s fine and is going to be. Halfway through the kitchen he stops, partially losing his balance he leans his right hand on the large wooden table to stable himself. His lungs grow and shrink in a slow rhythm, he finally feels relieved.

The biggest steps are the hardest but that means you’re movin’ on.

—

“Wait…so you’re tellin’ me he cheated on you?”

“Twice. I can’t believe I was that naive, but what can ya do? Just the way the world works I guess.”

Joel’s chuckle feels warm in her ear, like he’s laying next to her in bed letting her head rest on his chest, playing with her fiery hair while her arm wraps around his belly and she squeezes him. But he’s really on the other end of the phone, in his own home, his own room, his own bed. When all she wants is nothing more than to smell his musk and run her acrylics through his salt and pepper curls that lay on the nape of his neck.

Renae rolls onto her stomach, placing her phone between her elbows as she watches “Joel<3” scroll at the top of her screen with an hour and forty-nine minutes underneath. The longest phone call they’ve had yet and somehow, the most memorable. Renae’s finally opening up to him after three weeks, feeling that she can truly trust this man with things she rarely has told anyone.

For once she feels vulnerable and safe at the same time, which she hasn’t felt with anyone in years. It’s like the world is finally rooting for you instead of against, she feels she can maybe relax some more. Just knowing this man is here for her whenever she needs; to simply chat about nonsense or when something is bothering her to the point of irritation, helps heal parts of her she didn’t even know were still bleeding.

“Well, the bastards missed out on the fun one.” Renae can hear the hoarseness in his voice, getting more and more tired as the seconds pass. “The gals like you are the resilient ones. The ones who can make it through anythin’ ‘n may come out with some bruises, but you dust off the dirt ‘n grow from it.”

Her face flush from the genuine words and affirmations from Joel, her stomach bounces around that she rolls onto her back and covers her eyes with both her forearms. She tries to control her breathing from the adrenaline that pumps through her veins, which slows down a tiny bit - but not much.

“You gotta stop doin’ that thing!” She can’t help the giggle that follows her words, like a teenager on her first date.

Doin’ what, Rae? The lowness of Joel’s voice vibrates her phone on her mattress, one of her favorite things he does over the phone. She’s not sure how he does it or if he even knows he’s doing it, all she knows is that she loves it. The nickname started last week, all on Joel’s own and she hasn’t loved the way anyone has called her pet names, since Dominic - Mia Sole, My Sun.

“That right there!” She laughs, “You’re gonna get me in trouble old man.”

“Old man, huh?”

Mhmm, she smiles into her bedroom as she pets Frankie who’s just hopped up next to her. She can’t help herself from toying with him, especially since he bites back or at least he usually does, unless he just lets Renae have her fun taking shots at him. Like tonight, the man had a hard day at work today, he’s pretty sure he tweaked his back a bit - hence why he sounds exhausted.

“Well, young lady…this old man’s tired ‘n your sweet southern charm is rockin me to sleep ‘n I don’t wanna fall asleep while you’re tryna chat-“

“I don’t mind.”

She’s not sure why she blurts that out, it just did. This happens far too frequently for her to not know why her body naturally reacts to him like this, it’s almost like her body is set on matching them together. But nonetheless, she stands ten toes down on her feelings, Renae wants this man to herself.

She’s gonna get him one way or another.

#joel miller #pedro pascal #joel miller smut #joel miller fanfic #joel miller series #joel x oc #joel and sarah #joel the last of us #joel tlou #daddy joel #tlou joel #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller x ofc #joel miller x original character #joel miller x oc

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fizzigigsimmer · 1 year

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Dragon!Shifter AU

I wrote a little in the tags on the OG post but I am still thinking about this so...

The way Billy arrived at the academy, swooping over the castle and roaring loud enough to shake the walls before he flew up towards the Grandmaster’s tower and disappeared into the clouds, there’s no way for anyone not to know who he is and what he is.

Steve’s very used to the way the student body can latch onto a person and OBSESS. You’d think, with their powers and their lineages that the students wouldn’t be effected by things like fan mania, but no, they’re just as impressed by pretty faces and showboating as ordinary humans are. Steve can’t go anywhere without his classmates stuffing the poems and ballads they’ve composed - praising his pale elfin good looks and comparing him to snowdrops, stars, and moonlight - under his pillow or in his satchel when he isn’t looking. And at least once a week someone actually gets up the courage to stand in the courtyard and sing. He’s been crowned King of Midsummer every year that he’s been old enough to attend the end of term festival reserved for the higher level students.

But from the minute Billy Hargrove saunters out of the Grandmaster’s quarters he’s all anyone can talk about. It’s so fucking annoying. His golden skin and sun streaked hair, his glittering blue eyes and the flames that (apparently) dance in them when he’s wielding magic (Steve wouldn’t know because he can’t stand the prick and the less time spent in his company the better) and the inked markings that decorate his back and shoulders that glow gold just before he shifts his shape.

Steve knows Billy’s markings intimately because he sees them three times a week during Champions practice, usually right after Hargrove strips naked and dives from the banks of Emerald Lake, changing shape in a burst of golden magic just so he can knock Steve and the rest of his teammates off their feet with a ten foot wave. And Billy does that shit on purpose, because he doesn’t have to be big as a house when he shifts.

Billy has a demi form, effectively no bigger than a kitten. Steve can hold most of his bendy lizard like body in the palm of his hand while Billy’s long serpentine tail coils around his wrist, warm despite the cool scales that line his body. No one knew dragons could go small like this. Well, correction, Steve supposes it makes a lot of sense now why humans call so many lizards dragons. Wingless, one scaly lizard thing scuttling around looks like another, and it turns out Dragons have been coming to the human world far more often than people think.

Steve discovers that Billy can go small after Flight Studies one day, which he’s endlessly thankful is not one of the classes he has to share with Hargrove. While some elves have strong enough magic and a sturdy enough connection to the fae realm that they can achieve winged flight, Steve remains as grounded and talentless in this area as they come. It’s enough of a sore spot as it is because his dad and all of his cousins fly. The last thing he wants to put up with is Hargrove giving him shit about it.

Steve comes back from class still wingless, but sweaty from all that straining to connect with Gia, and immediately heads to the room he shares with Tommy in the Blue Hall to change before supper. He doesn’t expect to find anything but shirts and tunics in his drawer, so he nearly shrieks the house down when he opens it to find a big lizard thing coiled up in a nest of his shirts.

Patrick, one of the selkies who shares the room next door, comes running in to see what the commotion is about just as the scaly creature raises its long neck, blue green scales glinting in the late afternoon sunlight and yellow eyes fixed on Steve as it opens its mouth and hisses. It has a small row of very sharp looking teeth and a very pink tongue.

Steve slams the drawer shut.

“Whoa! What was that?!“ Patrick demands, drawing closer, only to scurry back along with Steve as the drawer with the creature inside rattles violently.

“I have no idea. Probably another one of Munson’s freaky little pets.” Steve seethes, speaking of the boy from Black Hall who is infamous for his love of dark magical creatures, the more dangerous the better. The drawer rattles hard before suddenly popping open, and one very pissed lizard crawls its way out onto the top of the dresser. it twists its upper body until its head faces the two gaping boys. For a moment Steve admires the elegance of its long body and the dramatic spiny fins that raise from its back as it elongates itself, thinking that the strangely human expression of absolute grump that it wears on a decidedly lizard like face is unexpectedly funny... and then the creature opens its mouth and Steve and Patrick bolt with a yelp, scrambling for the door as a stream of electric blue flame erupts from the creature’s mouth.

The House Head thinks they are pulling a prank when they bring him back to deal with the beast, only to find the room completely creature free and no sign of anything burning. But Steve knows what he saw, and Patrick isn’t known for being a prankster so the Head promises to go over to Black Hall and have a talk with Munson. He advises the boys to keep their windows shut going forward, so nothing has an opportunity to crawl in.

It doesn’t work, because Steve doesn’t know it but the creature was actually a dragon shifter who also happens to live in Blue Hall, just one floor below. Steve doesn’t notice either that first time that one of his shirts is missing.

Long before Billy was ready to admit he liked Steve as a person, he liked the smell of his soap and his magic. Dragons are creatures of indulgence, so the things they like they take to horde. Steve never gets that shirt back or any of the other things Billy ends up claiming from Steve’s room. Not until Steve starts sleeping in his bed. But anything he brings back with him from Billy’s room, Billy just replaces with something else.

It’s expensive dating a dragon, is what he’s saying. The only solution is to cohabbitate.

The First Part

#harringrove #billy x steve #Billy Hargrove #Steve Harrington #elf!steve #dragon!billy #the difference between elves and fairys is tolkien and santa clause so for this I'm keeping the two blended #poor wingless little elf #poor smol dragon being woken from his nap like that

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jovenshires · 4 months

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requested ONLY by @agnewbones, here is the full iwks cast as imagined by me <3 ill put all the ones i already talked ab up top and all the new ones under the cut just so they're all in one place !!

spencer: ethan cutkosky

tommy: dale whibley

shayne: owen joyner

damien: leo howard

alex: naleye junior dolmans

keith: aubrey joseph

chanse: jay lycurgou

jeremy: lucas hedges

patrick: owen teague

ify: khalid

brennan: ryan potter

tim: ty simpkins

amanda: for this current age and era of amanda (prequel notwithstanding - mayhaps ill do a different casting of that later on whos to say), i'll say bianca comparato. i'd believe she was a tired soccer coach mother of eleven who's gay for her opposing coach.

angela: not that she's had a big part in the fic (YET.......) but im gonna say gia mantegna. another actress who needs a comeback!! yes i watched unaccompanied minors. anyway she has those angela eyes.

rock: this was a close second for ify, but i just think he has a more youthful fun energy that's much closer to rock's specific vibe than ify's. he also gives the 'keeping ify in line' energy that rock most certainly needs. anyway rj cyler!!

marcus: xolo maridueña has been popping off recently and rightfully so. marcus is only a bit part but i think he can be everybody's baby the way god intended. he doesn't have The Eyebrows but we can get them there i know it

ian: this one is more about vibes than look and also it made me laugh. because who gives that sad, washed-up older brother vibe QUITE LIKE skyler gisondo. this casting is everything to me i think it's so funny.

aguilar: do you think we can get away with rico rodriguez in a serious-ish role. i mean it's a comedy role in a serious-ish show. i just think he has the range.

luke: as a fun little nod to the series that was the partial inspiration for iwks, a little bit part for mister kit connor.

peter: wyatt oleff has that swagless mess energy about him

duran: im gonna go diego josef who is also from 'somewhere inside your house'. literally cried over his character watching this terrible movie bc his acting was incredible. (he was also just the best character imo.) i also cry over duran regularly so this all makes sense to me !

josh: this one's so tough but i think im going one of my other spencer options which was griffin gluck. he just has that :) face josh has

andre: how long has it been since YOU'VE seen mighty med. devon leos. we're giving people comebacks bestie

greg: jack mulhern my beloved. now its just katies dream actors coming to hang out man

garrett: whos getting the honor.... THE PRESTIGE. wouldn't it be fucking funny if i said like jacob elordi or something. anyway cameron gellman looks appropriately sad

josh (mythical): HMMMM.... there's so many people who i think look like him but are JUST too old for this. i almost used him a couple different times in the original cast but im gonna go with rudy pankow. he's josh-shaped !

trevor: it's giving austin abrams. he just has that trevor silly lil guy vibe. it's just a bit part (for now :)) BUT i think he'd eat

zach: adrian greensmith is THE perfect vibe and you cannot change my mind

#iwks #fic #personal #once again. SO much fun thank you for asking <3333

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dankhausen · 1 year

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Impact Wrestling Review: January 19th, 2023

Another excellent episode of Impact Wrestling aired tonight, and WOW did it seem to end in a hurry! Tonight was an excellent mix of comedy, drama and brutality; everything a wrestling show should be!

Here's my thoughts:

Nice to see the tribute to Jay Briscoe at the start, I could be wrong but I think they have a fair bit of history in Impact.

Loved the Hard To Kill recap package at the beginning of the show, Impact does video packages well.

Mickie James opened with the start of a promo at the actual start, and then things got crazy in that segment. First Bully comes out and Mickie cuts him down, then Tasha comes out and tries to take out Mickie, then a save by Kazarian and Jordynne and finally an appearance by both Ernest "The Cat" Miller and Santino Marella! All to set up a six person tag... this company runs on chaos in the best possible way!

Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans & Bully Ray vs. Mickie James, Jordynne Grace & Frankie Kazarian was a fun and fast paced opening match, the highlight of which was JORDYNNE DEADLIFTING BULLY RAY, HOLY SHIT.

Ernest and Santino backstage cracked me up, and Maclin vs. Dango sounds pretty badass.

Deonna Purrazzo vs. Ashley D'Amboise was a quick but great match; I loved Deonna's painful submission hold, her going full biker Undertaker with the "nah nah, goin' school" pin and her great finisher in the Queen's Gambit.

Gia Miller terrified while looking for PCO… can't say I blame her.

Trey Miguel casually being a dick to Ashley and Mike Jackson was funny.

Taylor Wilde vs. Killer Kelly was a good match, nice pace and an out of nowhere finish. Both women hit some STIFF forearms and Taylor hit a WICKED double stomp on the apron.

I like the recap of BTI and backstage Design segment, Deaner is really going in on bullying Callihan and it's legit heartbreaking. I can't believe I'm feeling sorry for the Death Machine, well done Impact.

Dirty Dango vs. Steve Maclin was a quick but fun match, I want to see more from both guys. Also, I love the Dirtbag Shuffle as a move- that should be Dango's finisher.

Interesting backstage segment with the Major Players and Moose

Great promo with Tommy Dreamer, I could get hyped for Bully vs. Dreamer.

Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Kenny King: Pit Fight was a slow but hard hitting match, good stuff. Highlights included Bailey booting King out of the ring and Bailey diving off the turnbuckle RING. The finish was great too, it seems like King got what he wanted when Bailey snapped!

A great main event, and a great show overall- highly recommended.

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maybanksslut · 3 years

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Amelia's 400 followers mutual appreciation

okay what??? There's 400 of you?? I cannot believe it 🤯🤯 I'm so thankful for everyone that is following me and enjoys my content <3 I'm seriously so lucky to have all of you! For this milestone, I decided to make a post where I appreciate my lovely mutuals, because THEY ARE MY FAMILY AND I LOVE THEM <3 sooo enjoy lovelies mwah mwah

@amrtxntias - Heather, you're so sweet and beautiful, I love you! You always support me and your name is BEAUTIFUL <3 Your writing is gorgeous (just like you) and you seriously remind me of Lily Evans so much !

@amourtentiaa - Liane, words cannot describe how much I love and appreciate you ! You're a funny, inspiring and supportive person, and I'm so glad we're friends <3 Even though you put noses on your smileys. I love talking to you babe :-)

@anchoeritic - Kells, istg I would be bored on this site without you. The amount of humour and bullshit you put on my dash is ASTOUNDING. I seriously love seeing you on my dash and the asks you send me are ✨amazing✨

@coffee--writes - Bri, you're a tease and you're mean as well. Still, I love you and your writing gives me GOOSEBUMPS <3 I hope we never stop interacting because I'm in love with you and I don't know what I'd do without you !

@destourtereaux - Rosie, bestie, lovely human I absolutely adore you! You are so amazing, your vibes are ✨immaculate✨ and you are literally the nicest person ever <3 I hope you enjoy my company as much as I enjoy yours ! Ilyy

@fangirlings-things - Bia !!! You're so full of happiness and sunshine, I love your positivity <3 you're one of the first people I ever interacted with on this site, and I'm so glad we became friends !! I still ship u with John B have i mentioned ur smile is heartstopping??

@musicallisto - Clara, you are an aesthetic istg. Your love for history and fashion is so inspiring <3 I know we haven't interacted SUPER much but I love talking to you ! (Have I ever mentioned that you share both your name AND ethnicity (Spanish and French, right?) With one of my closest friends irl?)

@phuvioqhile - Naves, you are the sweetest person ever. You're so nice end supportive and I love you with all my heart. Being your mutual was seriously the best choice I ever made <3 I hope you appreciate our friendship, because J sure as hell do.

@rorysreallyrandom - Rory, you are the loml and I will SIRIUSLY always love you. Your vibe is just 💘🥺💘🥺💘🥺 like bitch marry me <3 we both simp for Tommy and Aaron and honestly, i wouldn't trade this friendship for anything !

@siriusmydeer - Gia WIFEYYY you are amazing and I hope we're friends forever <3 I sometimes feel like I'm super annoying to you, becaus som very clingy, but it's just cause I love u ! Also, we NEED to interact more bubs we haven't talked too much lately :(

@thescarrletwitch - Lizzie you absolute hoe, I love you so much <3 I'm so glad we're friends, even tho you dont like Ben Barnes and ins tarting to think you have issues. You radiate really badass vibes and I'm proud to say we're besties (because we ARE you have no say in the matter). ily bitch

@voidmalfoy - Danae, you are so nice and living and I absolutely adore you <3 I love being you mutual and sending you asks, you've got this thing about you that makes me feel like I can tell you anything. I trust you with my life (but not with my candy cause you'd eat it) lots of love!

@accioweaslcy - rose, your taste in men is EVERYTHING <3 you are such a vibe and I'm honestly proud of being your mutual. I hope we can interact even more in the future (and talk about Ben Barnes and how we'd eat him if we could)

@reguluscore - sorin babe we are married and I love you <3 you write so good angst (you're sadistic, I said what I said) and even tho it hurts to read, I'll let you break my heart because it's yours to break. Ily bestie can't wait to get to know you better <3

Other mutuals I absolutely adore and love because they're amazing and deserving of all the love: @adoresobs @always-imagine-a-dream @acosmis-t @awritingtree @the-gazette-of-tea @bohemianpages @captainshazamerica @cheriechalamet @drewstarkeysbitchh @darthwheezely @hannaswritingblog @imaginesbymk @jorjawrites @lxncelot @littlemissjaffa @maggiescarborough @myriadimagines @m4r13l3y @pansydaisy @daltonacademia @regulusslut @swanimagines @tomfreakinghollandneedsaoscar @thereagles @vanilla-sun @weasleyyy @whizboyhalo @amortensie @canibeoneofthepogues @moonvicake @eunoniaa @lunalovecroft @chokemepansy @pad-foots @pens-and-roses @lunamooney2406 + anyone I've forgotten I've forgotten <3

#mutual appreciation #i love all of you

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satoshi-mochida · 2 years

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Some thoughts on my last Gamefly rental, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid(Switch base version).

I’ve liked Power Rangers since way back when, though I’ve only played the SNES game and kind of dropped off watching it partway through MMPR, but have been keeping up seeing with the new series are like from some YT videos about the series.

The Story Mode seems to be a heavily abridged version of the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: Shattered Grid comic arc, which I’ve heard of but never read myself, but after playing this and reading up on it, I kind of want to. The story cutscenes are voice acted, and look kind of like comic drawings, with a small bit of animation in them, and look good, imo.

I mistakenly thought it’s Story Mode to be easy on the default Normal difficulty,, but boy I was mistaken; the CPU can be pretty merciless, with me getting combo’d hard when they got the chance to. The Mastodon Sentries feel a bit cheap too, since they can shoot you from afar, and a few battles have you fighting more than one, and once up to 3 of them, on a team. While I did get better eventually, I decided to just switch to Easy Mode after a while.

Fights are similar to the Marvel Vs. Capcom series in that you have up to three characters on your team, being able to call them in for assist attacks or tagging out(hitting the assist button once or twice, respectively). I think some people from those games actually worked on this.

You can also select a Megazord, or Goldar, to help you in battles. During fights, as you take damage, a meter fills up for them, and can be activated as either a counter or an extra set of attacks from them when filled up. You can even pick Goldar even when playing as him(which happens a few times in Story Mode, too).

Since I got the base version, not the ‘Super Edition’, there were quite a few characters behind a lock on the character select screen in Arcade/Training Mode. I’m a bit disappointed in that, since a few I wanted to play as, like Adam Park and Anubis ‘Doggy’ Kruger. If you do plan on getting this game, and have a Switch, make to to get the ‘Super Edition’.

There’s also an Arcade Mode, which is has a small unique ending for each character after 7/8 battles. Characters that still need to be bought are fought in this mode, too(probably since the fights would be much less varied otherwise).

Here’s everyone available after updating the game and without DLC:

MMPR

Jason Lee Scott(Red Ranger)

Kimberly Hart(Pink Ranger)

Tommy Oliver(Green Ranger, with White Ranger costume/moves as DLC)

Goldar

Lord Zedd

Power Rangers Zeo

Trey of Triforia(Gold Zeo Ranger)

PR Lost Galaxy

Mike Corbett(Magna Defender)

PR Time Force

Jen Scotts(Pink Time Force Ranger)

PR S.P.D.

Kat Manx(S.P.D. Kat Ranger)

PR Mystic Force

Udonna(White Mystic Force Ranger)

PR Super Megaforce

Gia Moran(Yellow Super Megaforce Ranger)

Power Rangers (2017 Movie)

Cenozoic Blue Ranger

Boom! Studios Comics

Trini Kwan(Yellow Ranger in Dragon Armor)

Ranger Slayer

Mastodon Sentry

Lord Drakkon

Some of the characters are voiced by their actors from the show, though a few aren't, some for more obvious reasons(namely Trini and Lord Zedd, since their actor and VA respectively have passed away). It’s nice to hear those that returned playing their characters again.

It took me a bit to really get decent at the game, though I played the worst as those with long range skills, like Kimberly, Ranger Slayer and the Mastodon Sentry, but the Magna Defender can be a real fun beast to play as. I definitely recommend Training Mode before just jumping into the game.

Despite having so many characters annoying locked as DLC in this version, it was pretty fun, and nice to see a fairly wide variety of characters from the series to play as. Wish less fighters as of late would stop having so many characters end up being DLC until a more complete version releases, though.

Next game being sent is: ConnecTank.

#Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid #Power Rangers #Thoughts on my rentals

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dc41896 · 3 years

Text

Always Be Mine

Happy early Valentine’s Day❣️Whether you’re in a relationship or single, I hope you guys have a great day and remember to show love to yourself☺️. This is one of two ideas I have that’s gonna be Valentine’s themed but the other will be a bit late (at least I got one out on the day lol). Hope you guys like it!

Pairing: Chris EvansxBlack Reader

⚠️: something short and full of fluff💕

“Be my Valentine?,” Chris asks kneeling in front of his six year old daughter with red, heart shaped balloons in one hand and a small gift bag filled with her favorite candies in the other.

“...But I already have a valentines daddy.”

The imaginary violins and piano playing in his head as he expected his baby girl to run into his arms with an ecstatic “yes!”, squeezing her tiny arms around his neck, as per usual the past few Valentine’s Days, quickly came to a halt while his smile fell.

“Aww how sweet,” you smile entering the living room with your eight month old son on your hip. “You like what daddy got you Gia?”

“Yes, but I have a valentine mommy.”

“Ohh...”

“W-Who asked you first?,” he asks trying to hide how hurt he actually was. Not only because he was technically rejected by his own daughter, but the fact that she was really growing up right before his eyes much quicker than he’d like.

“Tommy,” she smiles, softly giggling to herself. “He gave me a heart card.”

“Well the other kids in your class gave you those too right? Because then sweetie that wasn’t him asking to be your Valentine per se, he was just passing out his cards.”

Although it looked like you were simply kissing your baby’s chubby cheek, you were actually trying to hide your laughter at your husbands denial that his little girl had her first crush and Valentine that wasn’t him.

“No daddy, he gave me a ring see?,” she states holding out her hand that held a pink ring pop on her index finger already smaller in size from being in her mouth the entire car ride from school.

If he didn’t think his heart could sink any further today, he was truly mistaken.

“...and you were the only one that got a ring from him?”

“Yep! Ohh I forgot my other baggie,” she announces before running down the hall to her room. Now looking up at you with sad eyes, you can’t help but laugh.

“Babe it’s not funny. She basically just got proposed to.”

“Yea and with a ring bigger than mine,” you add holding your hand out to help him stand as he jokingly glares at you before breaking into a chuckle himself.

“Tommy though? The kid with the snotty nose?”

“Be nice,” you laugh strapping your son into his high chair to eat. “He can’t help it that he has allergies.”

“To what?! Everything and everyone? I honestly don’t think there’s ever been a time I’ve seen him with a clean nose babe,” he replies leaning against the counter across from you. Sliding to stand between his legs, your hands find the back of his neck, softly grazing the small hairs at his nape, before kissing his partially pouted lips.

“Well if it’s any consolation, I’ll be your Valentine,” you sweetly smile batting your lashes and making him chuckle as his lips touch yours again.

“Thank you.”

“And, just to be sure, you know I love my ring.”

“Oh I know. Proof of that is Gia was with us on our honeymoon,” he smirks leaning down to peck your neck. Mouth open and ready with your comeback, Lucas’ hands impatiently banging against the table in front of him bring both your attentions back to your currently hungry boy.

“I’m sorry, I’m coming,” you laugh seeing his gummy smile as you open the small container of brownish orange baby food. “And just so we’re clear, I’m always your Valentine no matter who you may meet okay?”

His short giggle as food dribbles from his mouth is all the understanding you need before shaking his tiny hand, and Chris laughs beside you.

“Okay this is all my candies,” Gia smiles carefully climbing the barstool to sit down and dump the contents of her bag onto the wooden counter. “And this is Tommy’s card.”

“Gia, honey, it’s perfectly fine to have more than one Valentine.”

“Really?”

“Mhmm, like with the three of us. We’ll always be daddy’s Valentine’s. And he can still be one of yours even though Tommy asked you first.”

“That’s good! I made you one too daddy, but the girls at my table said I could only have one which made me a little sad.” Handing him the folded heart cutout covered with glitter, stickers, and most importantly ‘Happy Valentine’s Day Daddy! I love you!’ scribbled across, he visibly beams walking over to hug his little girl.

“I love it Gigi, thank you! Don’t listen to those girls okay? Like mommy said, you’ll always be my Valentine just like I’ll always be yours.”

“Even when I’m a mommy?”

“Yes even when you’re a mommy with your own family,” he smiles kissing the top of her head. “At 75.”

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicanawrites @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @literaturefeen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson

If anybody wants to be tagged, has asked to be tagged and don’t see your name, only want to be tagged for certain people I write for (can be found in masterlist), or no longer wish to be tagged just let me know🤓!

#chris evans #chrisxblackreader #chrisxwoc #chrisxreader

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lgbtmyq · 4 years

Text

Name Ideas ; List One (A-J + Double First Names)

FIRST, A Note: I’ve realized that these names can also help with writing; example, you’re making character (or in my case, using character from a fandom but need to name their kid), but don’t have a name? Here’s some help!

In short, the name ideas are going to be reposted on either my main or fic-rec blogs...or both. Not that it has anything to do with posting name help...

NEXT, A Guide: So these are male, female, gender neutral, basically just names. I’ve included “multi-first names”, example; in one of my fics, I named a child “William Claud / Will Claud”. Boom, double first namer.

Okay, uh, To the names I guess?!

Two first names, not alphabetized ;

Jonathan James (JJ)

Jamie Daniel (JD)

Devon Jack (DJ)

Spencer Lane

old name choice of mine, I’m excited but tbh it has nothing to do with your choice... continue 😅

Tyla Jane (TJ)

Tyler/Taylor Jayden (TJ)

Kaleb Dexter (KD)

Jacob Thomas (JT)

Kieran Drew (KD)

Parker Gray

Oliver Jay (O-Jay/OJ...lol)

Alex Emerson

Jack William (Jack Will)

Spencer Thomas

Tommi/Tommy Joel

Avery Jones (AJ)

Bree Anne/Ann

Or / Really any two names you think sound good together. AND while I added things like “AJ” and “JT” at the end for abbreviations or whatever, the nickname / shortened name doesn’t have to be two letters. Example, Spencer Lane and Jack Will!

Single First-Names

Avery / Avary / Avry

Alexander/Alexandria

Ashton

Asher

Axel / Axl

Atticus

Allie / Alli / Ally

Amy

Ava

Athalia / Athelia / Aethalia / Athaliah

Aaron / Aron (or, previously -in my other list- Arin)

Adamaris

Adam

Ann / Anne

Alvin

Avon

Beck

Becah / Beckah / Bekah

Becky

Beverly

Bree / Brea

Bianca

Bryan

Brayden

Bryn

Birdie / Birdy

Ben

Benjamin

Bryce

Bryson

Bowe

Bowie

Calix

Cay

Cayson

Cam

Cami

Cameron

Cora / Coran

Cassidy

Cassandra

Cleo

Calli

Coraline / Caroline

Catie / Cady ...

Caidence / Caydence

Danny / Danni

Daniel

Danielle

Darin / Daren

Dally

Dolly

Dexter

Deacon

Dee

Diane

Dori / Dory

Dorian

Daya

Delanie

Deb

Debby / Debbie

Debora / Debra / Deborah

Dia

Dwayne

Dwight

Dune

Dorthy / Dorthey

Emmy

Emma

Everette

Evan

Eddie / Eddy

Edward

Ellie

Everly

Eve

Eva

Elle / El

Ella

Farkus / Farkes / Farkas

either take me seriously, or don’t

I meant it as a joke, but who knows*

Faith

Florence

Fredrick

Fred

Freddy / Freddie

Fern gully

Freya / Fraya (?)

Faya

Farkle*

Fiona

Fibi / Febe

Forest

Grayson / Greyson

Gibi

Gia

Gen

Gibson

Gibby

Greg

George

Georgie

Gem

Glimmer

Gemma

Genna

Grace

Gracie

Gwen

Helen

Helena

Harry

Henry

Henrietta

Hally

Holly

Hazel

Harriet

Hope

Ian

Ilia

Iliana / Iliana

Italia

Ira

Ila

Ita

Iwan

Jamie

Jones

Jonesie

Jack

Jackson

John

Johnathan / Jonathan

Jill

Jessabelle / Jezabelle

Joseph

Jordan

Jaiden / Jayden

Julia

Jules

Jade

Jimmy

Jim

Jamerson

Jane

Jayson / Jason

Joy

Joyce

Jennie / Jenny

Jen

Jennifer

Julian

Jemma

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lucas-koh · 4 years

Text

Stitches - Bryce Lahela x MC VII

Parts 1-6 are linked in my bio!

Doesn’t exactly follow canon, but elements of canon. FWB.

Song: Try A Little Tenderness - Otis Redding

Rating: M; implied sex, sexual language, swearing

Word Count: 4273

Taglist: @lahellacute @lahamseiroshoe @anotherbeingsworld @fuseboxmusebox @choicesficwriterscreations @bubblelaureno @bratzlahela @eleanorbloom @bryceslahela || please let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from this list

Chapter Seven: A Simple Favour

Suki stood in the corridor, glass of water in hand, utterly confused. Where the hell did Bryce go? She walked the length of the hall to be sure she wasn’t just being dim, but he was no where to be seen. Had he been really that annoyed that she wouldn’t kiss him despite their rules? Or, maybe Suki was being too self-centred. The likelihood was that Bryce had to run off for some work thing – it was the middle of the day after all.

She continued on with her work day, but her mind kept flicking back to her strange morning. Especially when she’d seen Bryce only hours before back at his place and he’d been completely normal. They’d had a great time as usual, and there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. He’d even told her to leave early because he wanted a good sleep for his surgery. Of course she knew why he was different, but it was still strange to see. He’d been so psyched for the surgery to the point he’d even told his fuck buddy about it. Particularly when the story didn’t seem to add up and he was keeping pretty shtum about it all.

Suki just couldn’t help it – she was nosy.

—-

It wasn’t until about a week and a half later that Suki finally saw Bryce, or interacted at all with him. He’d texted a rather blunt ‘👃’ to which she’d read off and headed over to his apartment.

Almost as soon as Bryce opened the door to her his lips were on hers, not even giving her time for a greeting. He seemed on a mission. It was forceful, intentioned. Bryce heaved her up so that her legs wrapped around his waist with ease. Suki was surprised, but didn’t let on.

Pleasantries abandoned, they stumbled to the bedroom as one, continuing to kiss and touch their way out of most of their clothes – which were now strewn in a trail from the front door to Bryce’s bed.

He threw her down on to the mattress as though she was a pillow. Once Bryce had Suki’s hands pinned either side of her on the bed and was giving all his attention to her neck; she decided to ask him. It did seem to have affected how he was that night, after all.

“How are you feeling? You know about the surgery?”

“Fine,” he muttered through a tirade of kisses to Suki’s neck, much more focused on that than the conversation.

“So, like, the other day… where did you disappear to?”

He sighed and removed his lips from her neck, not lifting his face to meet hers, but muttered into the crook of her neck:

“It doesn’t matter right now.” He smoothed his hands down her bare stomach.

“Okay…” she threaded her fingers through his hair as he started moving again. But she couldn’t just drop it. He’d been so weird and then left without a word? He was being weird then. Her curiosity was getting the better of her.

“Have you spoken to Dr. Emery since?”

Bryce let out what sounded like a half-grunt, half-sigh, and rolled away from her, staring at the ceiling.

“Can we just- not talk about it? Please?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.” He laid there for a few seconds, seeming to compose himself. Then he turned so that he was on his side, “come here.”

So, it didn’t seem Suki was getting a confession out of him any time soon. He wasn’t his usual cocky, playful self that day, but rather blunt and straightforward, and really focused.

And sure, Suki was only there for sex – it wasn’t like she was his therapist or anything – but she was still a little peeved off that her attempts to help him had been brushed off to the point where he just left her. But, she supposed it wasn’t her business, and she should stop being so nosy.

She relented and leaned into him, letting his kisses absolve her of thought.

Which – although unknown to Suki – was exactly what Bryce was doing, too.

—-

But the next time she saw him – in a group setting at their apartment – he was back to his usual self. He was absolutely giving her whiplash, and Suki wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

They all lounged around in the living area, TV playing in the background. It was their first day off in what felt like far too long. Bryce was bickering with Jackie over something trivial while Suki lay beside him with her head on Aurora’s shoulder, the weeks’ work catching up with her. Elijah and Sienna were watching funny videos on Sienna’s phone.

“Nope. Absolutely not,” Jackie said. “Tomato Ketchup belongs in the cupboard.”

“You have to be crazy! It goes in the fridge, it even says so on the bottle!”

“But why would you want cold ketchup with hot fries?”

“Because of the temperature sensation!”

Suki sighed, zoning out of the ridiculous bickering, but smiling to herself all the same. Aurora was breathing quietly, relaxing Suki’s heartbeat.

After a little while, the conversation seemed to have changed to Donohue’s the other week.

“Oh come on, you brought your own shades!”

“I know, it’s because I’m just that cool.”

“Pfft,” Jackie snorted.

“I wish someone had caught that on film, we were epic,” Bryce grinned.

“Oh, of course I filmed it!” Sienna interrupted, her attention pulled away from the video she was showing Elijah.

“Really?”

“Here-“ Sienna handed him the phone, and Suki could hear the muffled recording of her and Bryce at karaoke.

Truthfully, she’d already watched it a fair few times. Just to check she didn’t do anything embarrassing. But she had found herself picking at every little thing she’d done. And marvelling over how effortless and comfortable Bryce had looked. Watching the way he moved and grinned as he sang, looking silly but like you’re laughing with him, not at him. The way they’d bounced off each other up there.

She could hear the laughed ‘you’re the one that I want’, and lifted her head from Aurora’s shoulder to look over for Bryce’s reaction. He seemed a lot closer now that her head was straight. Bryce was smiling, corners of his eyes crinkled and the ghost of a dimple on his right cheek. The song came to an end and Suki could hear Sienna’s screaming in the phone at quite the volume.

“Send me this, Si?” He asked.

“Yeah! I’ll airdrop it right now,” she grinned, taking back her phone and getting to it.

“Why would you want video evidence of you looking and sounding like that?” Teased Jackie.

“I obviously want it so I can admire Suki’s amazing karaoke.”

“You heard me right? I can’t sing for the life of me,” Suki scoffed.

Bryce just winked, pulling out his own phone to save the video.

“I actually love when people film me doing random shit,” she smiled, “it’s like I get to take a peek at myself through someone else’s eyes. Who I am when I’m not performing for the mirror or my own camera, you know?” She said it more to herself than anyone else.

“Yeah. I know completely,” Bryce smiled back, his shoulder almost grazing hers. There was a moment they just looked at each other in complete understanding.

“Ugh. I hate when people film me,” Jackie groaned, breaking their reverie.

Bryce broke his gaze with Suki and laughed at Jackie, setting off another silly bickering fest between them.

Suki felt so insanely comfortable with everyone there at that point that she couldn’t believe she’d ever felt awkward about it.

—-

“Yeah, so, I’ll see you guys later.” Bryce smiled on his way out. Everyone was getting ready for bed.

“Yep! See you dumbass,” said Jackie affectionally as she patted him on the back.

Everyone said their goodbyes, and Bryce slipped out of the door. One by one they all retreated to their own rooms, saying goodnight to one another. Once she was sure they were all gone, Suki snuck back over to the door, and opened it up to a grinning Bryce leaning on the wall.

She put her finger to his lips, earning a humoured nod. Bryce stepped inside and Suki shut the door as quietly as she could and the two tip-toed over to her bedroom. He’d given her the signal earlier, and she’d texted this plan. After all, they really didn’t need everyone on their backs about it. She didn’t ask about the surgery again.

—-

Towards the end of November, Suki was just returning from picking up a few bits from the convenience store and moving back from the chill air into the warm hall of their apartment building. She was prepped with chips and candy for her first day off in ages.

As she climbed the flights of stairs (she wanted to keep fit so avoided the elevator), she could hear voices coming from her floor. An exhausted looking mother who Suki recognised as Gia, the woman across the hall from them, was holding her son’s hand and seemed restless on the phone. She smiled warmly as she saw Suki, although they hadn’t interacted much they’d become friendly.

“No, like right now,” she said into the phone. She scrunched up her face at whatever the receiving end said to her. The little boy, Tommy, pulled on her sleeve.

Suki came closer and placed her bag down. Then she crouched and placed a finger to her lips, beckoning Tommy over to her.

“Hi!” She whispered when Tommy approached. He was about 3, so his conversation wasn’t that wide yet. He just smiled at her, deep dimples and curls on his head. So cute!

They messed around a little before Gia hung up, and looked even more stressed than she had before.

“You okay?” Suki asked.

Gia appeared to think for a moment on whether she’d share with Suki.

“No. Work needs me and honestly, I need the hours. I can’t take him to work, he’s too young and he’ll just run around the store and I can’t keep an eye on him. But Tommy’s dad is busy and I can’t find a sitter…” she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“I’ll watch him. If you’re okay with that, of course, I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Really? You honestly wouldn’t mind?”

“Hey, I’m happy to look after him a little while.”

“Oh Suki! You’re a lifesaver.”

Gia scrambled out many more thanks’, told Suki she’d be gone for about four hours (are you sure it’s okay? Really, no pressure) rushed out her number to Suki so she could check up on them once Suki assured her for the umpteenth time that she didn’t mind, and hurried down the stairs.

For the first hour or so, Suki and Tommy were having a great time. They played peek-a-boo, Suki drew some animals for him to colour in, and even made a little fort on the sofa.

Eventually, Suki needed the bathroom. She was a little apprehensive to leave Tommy even for only two minutes, but it had to be done. So she went as quick as she could and then they continued on with their play. Suki even supplied a snack of banana and peanut butter toast.

What must have been a half hour after Suki went to the toilet, the doorbell rang.

“Ding dong!” Imitated Tommy.

“Yes! Now you sit on the couch while I check who it is.”

Tommy jumped on the sofa and crossed his legs exaggeratedly, wanting to impress her. She gave him an encouraging thumbs up.

As Suki put her hand to the doorknob she was struck with a little confusion, had someone forgotten something they needed for work?

Opening the door however, revealed otherwise. Bryce was stood in the doorway once more, leaning casually on the frame.

“Hey hot stuff.”

“Bryce! What the f- uhh heck are you doing?”

Bryce looked confused when Suki seemed to not expect him, or go in for a kiss. And he was more confused when she opened the door wider to reveal Tommy behind her.

“Um… you… you sent me the nose,” he whispered behind a hand.

“I- what?” She asked, shocked. Her eyes fell on the shape on the sofa. “Sh- It must’ve been the kid.”

“Ah.” Bryce pulled his lips into his mouth like he was about to laugh. Suki beckoned Bryce in and shut the door so that Tommy couldn’t escape. She crossed over to the sofa and picked up her phone. Sure enough, her last sent texts were way too many nose emojis.

Santa Fe: 👃👃👃👃👃

Scalpel Jockey: i’ll be at yours ASAP?

Santa Fe: 👃👃👃👃👃👃👃👃👃(£&&£?

Scalpel Jockey: lol hold ur horses

He must’ve struck when she’d gone to the bathroom, and she had forgotten to lock her phone. She wondered how Tommy had gotten ahold of her text messages and the nose emoji in particular, but of course…

“God it’s- it’s in my recents,” she blushed.

Bryce gave her a shit-eating grin. “Yeah it is.”

She wanted to hit him, but it probably wouldn’t be good manners in front of a child so she just gave him a death glare.

“Who’s this?” Tommy asked, still sitting nicely on the sofa.

“This is my… this is Bryce!”

“Hey little guy.” Bryce crouched down in front of him and shook his hand gently. Tommy seemed very pleased at this.

“So… what’s the deal?” Bryce asked Suki in a hushed tone as he settled in next to Tommy on the couch. She told him the story.

“Everyone’s at work,” she finished, “my plans were originally chips, candy and Netflix but, I think they changed for the better, right, Tommy?” She grinned at the little guy, earning a giggle from him.

“Uh so you had the day off and the place to yourself and you weren’t even going to invite me over?” Bryce mocked offence.

“Yep. My life doesn’t revolve around your d- uhh nose.”

Bryce howled a laugh, enough to make Tommy join in.

It took him a while to recover, at which point he just tapped the side of his nose like they’d shared a secret, but of course, the secret was his no- uhh dick.

“So, uh, sorry you came all the way here but, as you can see, I’m a little busy.”

Bryce nodded, still grinning from the laughing. “Eh, whatever. I had a nice walk over here. And I think that nose quip made it worth it.”

And then, in yet another divine intervention, just as she was about to usher Bryce out Suki’s pager beeped.

“Can this day get any more hectic...” she muttered, more to herself than to Bryce as she stood from the sofa and patted herself down to find her pager. She began rushing around to grab her coat. “I’m going to have to take him with me or- or… or something.” She was bustling around the apartment at speed, frantically collecting her things.

Bryce cleared his throat, causing Suki to look at him as though she’d momentarily forgotten he was there.

“I’ll watch him.”

“What?”

“The kid, I’ll watch him while you’re at work.”

“Bryce he’s not even mine, I don’t know if Gia would be comfortable with this. I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Obviously he’s not yours, I think I would’ve known by now. I’ve met Gia, she loves me. Right, Tommy? Your mommy thinks I’m so cool.”

“When?! Actually, don’t answer that,” Suki said, realising he must’ve met her from one of the many times he’d been round. “Call her for me.” Suki threw her phone at Bryce, who caught it expertly, before she rushed to her bedroom to freshen up a little.

She splashed water on her face and made sure she had everything she needed before hurrying back to the living area.

“She’s okay with it. Something about Doctors being trustworthy,” Bryce smirked form the sofa, where he had Tommy on his knees and was swaying him from side to side as though playing aeroplane.

Suki raised an eyebrow, some Doctors were trustworthy. “Are you sure? I don’t know how long I’ll be.”

“I’m sure, now go.”

He gave her a confident smile as she closed the door behind her.

—-

The page was because one of Suki’s patients was becoming critical, and all hands on deck were needed. There wasn’t a lot she could do once she was there except help to stabilise him, make him comfortable, and wait to see if he improved. It was physically and emotionally taxing but soon enough she was headed back home, and was honestly looking forward to seeing that sweet little kid and Bryce being an idiot as usual.

When Suki snuck into the apartment, there was no noise. She looked over to see Bryce asleep on the sofa, a snoring Tommy in his arms. He looked so at peace, so gentle, his eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks and his lips slightly parted. Given most situations she’d been looking at his lips, this was an odd contrast. But it suited him. God, she hadn’t forgotten, but it was certainly a reminder of just how pretty he was. His strong arms looked delicate as they lay protectively around Tommy’s small figure. Tommy was curled into his chest like a little koala.

Seeing that, all her anxieties were quelled for a moment. It was like a ‘hey, there’s still good in the world’ nudge. Odd that that good was from Bryce but, also not so odd. He had managed to talk her down after she’d had that difficult day, after all.

Suki moved over to the sofa quietly and perched on the coffee table. She just sat, looking, for a moment. Finally Bryce wasn’t running his mouth off about something. His quiet breaths were masked by Tommy’s purr-like snores, but she could just about hear them, like a live, ASMR metronome. She found herself breathing in sync with him.

Eventually she reached out a hand to gently shake Bryce’s shoulder.

“Hey,” she said softly.

Bryce’s eyes blinked open slowly, confusion shifting to a bemusing sort of tenderness as soon as they spotted Suki. Suddenly he didn’t seem worried about where he was.

“Hey,” he whispered, voice slightly croaky. Careful not to move too much for Tommy’s sake, Bryce brought a hand up to clear the sleep from his eyes. He watched Suki, noticing she looked significantly more worn than she had before she’d left.

They sat like that for a while, mostly silence to let Tommy continue resting, but it felt okay. Suki ‘life embarrasses me’ Moore felt completely fine sitting in silence, somehow. Maybe it was the fact that she herself was getting sleepy and her eyes kept closing until she remembered she was sat on a coffee table and couldn’t sleep there. Maybe it was left over sensitivity from today’s chapter of Existentialism: Doctor’s Edition. Maybe she just wasn’t worried about what other people thought because the only other people were a sleeping toddler and someone who she was simply sleeping with. Maybe.

Not so long after Suki returned there was a knock at the door, revealing Gia.

“Hi! I’m so sorry I took so long, I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you both for looking after him. Hey, little guy!” She greeted Tommy as scooped him up in her arms as he waddled over to her.

“It’s okay. It was all Bryce, really.”

“He’s a pleasure. You had him a while before I popped in though - I can’t take all the credit,” Bryce grinned, all charm.

“Well, both of you. Be sure to cash in a favour whenever you need one.”

And with that Gia and Tommy left, all thankful smiles.

“So…” Bryce turned to Suki, eyebrows raised in humour. Then he flicked a thumb in the direction of her bedroom. She pulled up one side of her mouth in a smile, reached down to grab one of his hands and pulled him into her bedroom.

—-

After the fact, and way later than either of them expected, the duo were beginning to get a little sleepy. The clock on Suki’s bedside table read 01:14am. Bryce sat up in the bed, rubbing his eyes and looking for his clothes. He noticed Suki looking a little distant.

“Was I that bad?”

She laughed gently, no real humour behind it. “I would’ve kicked you out if you were bad.”

“What’s wrong?” The concern laced in his voice brought Suki back to that time he’d found her in the supply closet, and she knew at that moment she could tell him.

“My patient, the one I was paged for, he’s not doing so well. It’s part of the job and all but, it still hurts every time.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. You’ll do your best, I know you will.”

“Thanks.”

There was a moment where Bryce hesitated, considering giving her a comforting pat but decided against it. He continued looking around for his clothes, but was clearly very tired and moving slow where he sat up in the bed. Suki sighed. I’m so going to regret this. Oh well.

“It’s late, stay. Just make sure you’re gone by the time I wake up.”

“What about your roommates?”

“You’ll just have to be more careful this time.”

“If you’re sure.”

Suki just nodded. She turned away to face the wall, shutting her eyes and waiting for sleep.

“Thank you,” she heard Bryce mutter behind her. Really it was him she should be thanking, for looking after Tommy, but she was afraid to breach the silence again.

Moreover, she was doing it for herself more than for his sake. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be alone as she entered unconsciousness that night.

Soon enough Suki drifted off into a peaceful and primarily uninterrupted sleep.

Because she definitely hadn’t awoken when she felt Bryce stir beside her. He seemed to sit up and stay there a while. But not wanting to give herself away, Suki stayed stock still. And then it felt like his lips brushed her shoulder, and his hand brushed her hair, but the next thing she knew she was falling back into unconsciousness, so maybe it was a dream…

—-

When Suki awoke Bryce was gone, as he said he would be. The spot on the bed beside her was cold. Stretching out her muscles, Suki realised she’d slept much sounder than she’d anticipated after the rush into the hospital. She didn’t want to attribute that to Bryce’s presence, but perhaps just knowing someone was there was all she needed.

Feeling energised for the day Suki slipped out of bed and began to bustle about her morning routine: a quick shower, minimal face care, a large mug of coffee with oat milk (it added a nice sweetness without the need for sugar), brushing her teeth, picking something warm and cosy to wear in, and then rushing out to hop on the T.

When she finally reached Edenbrook Suki was in high spirits, bouncing along to the changing rooms. She actually felt hopeful about her patient, too. Perhaps a good nights sleep was all she needed to treat him properly, and all he needed to recover.

Getting a little ahead of herself, it wasn’t until a few moments passed that Suki realised she was standing outside of the changing rooms, hand hovering over the doorknob. She could hear voices.

“Nah, I’m just feeling good is all,” ther first voice said. Of course, the voice was very familiar to Suki as it was Bryce’s voice.

“Oh yeah? Got some cool medical stuff going on?” The second voice joked.

“Pfft. Not after the surgery disaster.” Hm. Okay. Suki couldn’t help but feel a little miffed that Bryce was talking about the surgery with whoever this was, but that he hadn’t shared with her. Again, she felt bad for feeling that way since she wasn’t in a position to earn the information, but all the same – it felt a bit shitty.

She realised then that she’d subconsciously decided to eavesdrop on this conversation, but she wasn’t quite sure why. It wasn’t like they would stop if she walked in.

The second voice laughed, and there was a clang of a locker. “Okay, so you’re just in a good mood for no particular reason?”

“That’s right.”

Then there was a scuffle and a couple of grunts, like someone had rushed the other.

“Oooh! You’re sleeping with someone!” The second voice exclaimed, obviously having found some information.

It was at this point Suki knew she shouldn’t have kept listening. But, she did.

“Give it back.”

“You are, right?”

“Maybe,” he said. Although Suki couldn’t see him, she could hear his bragging smile. There was a pause, and Suki wished she could see the expressions on their faces to gauge what was going on. Or even see what on earth the second voice had found.

“You like her.”

There was a poignant pause.

“I like her body.”

Oh.

Suki stepped away abruptly, she didn’t need to hear anymore. For some reason hearing that brought on a stabbing pain in her chest and a flip in her stomach. Perhaps it was that the last couple of weeks had been so easy and comfortable between them had made Suki forget that he wasn’t obliged to be her friend. Or even was her friend. Obviously the only thing he was interested in was her body, and she was stupid to think otherwise. She should’ve never let herself feel safe when their arrangement had been so clear: keep it casual.

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alias-b · 4 years

Text

sins of my youth. 020

Billy Hargrove x OC! Evie Fenny~ Also posted to my AO3

Summary: It was common knowledge that Billy Hargrove hated Hawkins. Hated Cherry Lane. Even loathed the strange girl next door. Evie Fenny wasn’t too fond of the chaotic Cali transfer either. An awful high school tradition sparks a chain of events that changes everything, ultimately bringing two frayed souls together.

A/N: Hello everyone. Thanks for clicking in to read. Billy and Evie continue to explore their new relationship together. Max's fourteenth birthday party marks a change for the teens, reminding them that danger isn't too far off. TW: Neil being Neil. Mentions of abuse. Something close to an almost assault/abduction off screen near the end. Light mentions of Pica & fatphobia. Sexual themes

***My tag list is wide open, just shoot me a msg to join it! Chat with me about the chapter if you have the time! Enjoy! xoxo

Chapter 20: Rose Tint My World

“Hold still, I’ll poke your eye again.”

“I can’t breathe, you’re killing me.” Came a sniffled whine.

“Such a baby. You asked.”

“I said I was curious after you put the gunk on my nails!”

“That gunk was a great color on you. You whine just like your big brother.” Carol had Max’s face clamped in her grip as she applied mascara. “Don’t blink, you'll smear it.”

“Evie, she’s killing me,” Max lamented aloud. “This is not worth it.” Evie just laughed, setting a bowl of pretzels aside. Carol flicked a mirror up to let Max see her handiwork. “Whoa...It’s not terrible.” She gruffed in a mumble, tilting her head to see each angle. "Kinda like Madonna."

“I’ll take it.” Carol stole some M&Ms from another dish as they shared a spot on Heather’s fuzzy carpet. A movie rolled on in the corner TV.

Max about howled when Heather came in from the bathroom, face covered in green.

“Monster!”

“It’s a face-mask!” Heather planted her hands on her hips, prompting more laughter. “You’ll be more into them once your body really changes.”

“Girls are way scarier than boys.” Max poked at her blushed cheek which had Carol smacking her hand away. Evie was draped across the bottom of the bed in her robe and nightie, half-watching the TV. “Can you do a zombie make-up?”

Carol gave a snort.

“I can do anything. kid.”

“Eves, you want another piece of pizza?” Heather crossed with the box.

“I’m so full.” Evie shook her head.

“You had like one piece.”

“I ate a big lunch. And lots of pretzels.” Evie snatched the pretzel bowl again for good measure. Truthfully, her appetite had been up and down lately. Mostly down. What with the pangs in her stomach that always passed and… “You sound like my mother.”

“She was...extra peppy at the salon today. My mom and I got our monthly trim.”

“Probably some guy she’s seeing, it’ll pass and another will come. Men are like Kleenex to her. Soft, strong, and disposable.” Evie shrugged to pluck up a magazine.

“Hey,” Max began as Carol fussed over her, “so I didn’t want to make a thing of it, but my mom keeps insisting. My birthday party is coming. She and Neil saved so I could have it just at the roller rink and...they said I could invite whoever I wanted. But, I can’t ask the guys to come. So I figured I’d ask El. She’s really cool. But, maybe if you guys wanted to come? You can bring boys and pretend you’re not even at my party if it’s not your thing. I just-”

“Max, we’d love to come.” Heather piped up first. “Evie and I rule the rink too.”

“I look very cute in skates,” Carol agreed with a twitching smirk. “I'm in. I’ll bring Tommy, he sucks and he’ll fall down a bunch. We'll pretend we ran into each other so your stepdad can get the stick out of his ass.”

“Billy has to go too cause Neil says it’s a family event.” Max turned to Evie. “I think he’d be happier with you there.”

“I think Billy and I both are fine being there for you. I had my fourteenth at the rink too. It’ll be fun.” Evie beamed, legs up to sway idly. “Plus we haven’t met the Chief’s kid. She’s home-schooled, right?”

“Yeah, she might be joining us in school next year.” Max stayed still for Carol’s brush. “Depends. She was uh...adopted under weird circumstances. You’ll like her. I taught her how to do that felting thing because of you and she made this funny one of her dad.”

“I’ll bet Hopper loved that.” Evie winked.

“He’s kind of a babe in like a scruffy, rugged way,” Carol remarked. "Strong mountain man type."

“Ew. He’s so old.” Max reeled back to laugh.

“I’m just saying! I like a man in uniform. He rocks the khaki.”

“The moms in town do eat him up.” Heather shrugged, joining Evie on the bed with a handful of candy. “We all have our strange crushes. I like high cheek-bones. Guys with a little Bowie. Evie? You got one?”

“Gia Carangi even if she isn’t modeling any more, I love her face.” Evie was flicking pages without looking. Howls from the TV went ignored through the chatter.

“I called that. Fenny being into ladies. Try Iman.” Carol winked which earned her a look as if she hadn’t planted a kiss on Evie in a fit of rage.

“People say Billy’s pretty like a girl.” Max had added which got the other girls giggling.

“I like this one, we’re so keeping her.” Carol got up to root for a bag of chips, popping them open. “Like the zombie face better?”

“I still look too pretty.” Max appeared more goth than zombie.

“You are pretty. Deal with it. We redheads stick together.” Carol stole Evie’s magazine. “Let us know when the party is, we’ll be there.”

Max looked at the three older girls squished together on Heather’s bed. Chattering and supporting. Happy to have her around.

A bright smile touched her face for the first time since Neil Hargrove walked into her home.

** ** **

Most days, all it felt like was floating. Floating through her house. Through Hawkins. Up and down streets. Through school. A stunning illusion she pulled like wool over her dark eyes.

A woman in rippling silks walking endless halls toward a great, cherry red door at the end, but the door gets farther away and she's thrilled to continue on even still. Feather wings glittering to unfold from her back because heaven's light is beyond the door. Crystalline eyes with their hold. Waiting for her. The sky awaits her with caressing clouds. Opulent gold sun rays and twinkling stars when the world lies down.

Evie knew she was too big for her wings most days. Too heavy to leave the Earth.

Knew in her beating heart of hearts that was the first thing people think when they see her. This magnificent soul with drive and neon and talent reduced to a single shrewd glance. And they don't think twice until she's something vaguely sexual. Something marketable you can package and process and sell to the last drop.

Easier to stomach something uncomely if you can slide into it ruthlessly to rut. They always come like animals, wailing as a banshee would to get off better than they ever will in their small lives. They eat it up. Cover it in sweat and regret and blame.

These things that hang as little weights on her heartstrings swinging back and forth. They make her not want to attempt extending those wings to fly. Fear of heads shaking in judgement. Fear of looking uglier. More foolish for even trying. Poor thing.

All because of one glance that couldn't be bothered to see worth in another human life. Sometimes Evie wanted to be skinny not because of beauty, but because she'd get a privilege pass to exist in this world.

They think she shouldn't dress the way she does. She's probably lazy and self loathing because of added pounds. She has no real aspirations or means to achieve them. Those eyes that watch her eat. That shift away before they decide on another seat because the one open next to her just isn't right. They glare because of the extra room she might take up. Even sharing a few cordial words with fat girls seemed to be a task.

Evie always notices and does the polite thing pretending she doesn't. She knows what her body looks like, no need to point out the obvious.

Strange, how these snap judgements, these eyes that don't look twice; can villainize a body utterly. A body. Flesh, bone, and muscle. We're all made in heaven's image. All destined for paths we seek to control. Superiority should have been an illusion. But no, too much or too little, your worth dips low. Fetishes and internalized hatred for things that were shaped and colored differently. Blame.

But, some days, when the wind soars just right...just strong enough...Evie can spread and illuminate. See the births and deaths of a million stars. Drop the little weights to feel the winds between her fingers. In her curls. In her wings. Feel her feet leave the floor for just a few fleeting seconds.

The fleeting seconds of soaring always seem so worth it against a world of unsightly aches. Against snap judgements she can toss back to live in a flower petal haze.

Evie tried hard to live in those moments when they flashed into her. Spotlights. Butterflies delicately landing on her flesh to open and close their stained glass wings for kisses. Evie felt crushed utterly in the most decadent way.

Billy's soft lips on her neck to get lost in the pulse. Deft fingers that would push up her clothing as he moved in her. Eyes that wanted to see her. All of her. The prayers he could whisper against heating skin.

A lot could be said about him. But, Billy was always happy to see her and that alone was air spinning into gold. His eyes would light up. Lips twitching. She could hear the single beat that his heart skipped. Even if they didn't speak, they felt this awareness for each other in the vicinity. Truly magic.

Those eyes. That love of a face. Always staring pointedly to read her up and down. Always plucking the weights from her heart by listening. Always unafraid to touch her. Evie hoped she returned that. She really did.

Fleeting seconds began to linger between them. Seeping slow and saccharine as fresh pouring honey.

Sneaking away on walks while he let her hold his hand. Flirtation against school lockers that ended in several 'just one more' kisses. Double dates to the movies with Tommy and Carol. Sitting separately to make out.

Driving up near Lover’s Lake to kiss in a parked Camaro while the sun laid itself down to sleep. Fumbling playfully to undress and explore. Watching the construction of a coming mall with Slurpees from the gas station. Tongues and lips colored all artificial cherry and strawberry.

Evie would stretch her wings completely. Let Billy admire them until the world was all satin rose-tinted. She could forget her urges and worries and insecurities. All together. This was fine.

She was fine. More then fine.

He so liked to admire her wings. Pleasure crushed in as she moaned. Let his fingers explore contours and notches untouched before. Billy would take those prayers on his lips and drape them over her body. Spell them between fleshy thighs. Pulling more fleeting seconds for himself too.

They could roll around under sheets and not worry about anything else. Have conversations that always felt silly and wonderful and weighted because they both mattered to someone so ardently. That alone was an ocean both could sink into.

Something beautiful to behold. The real vision behind the great red door. Your soul mattering.

Evie was in a bubble with Billy Hargrove. A stupid, dopey look on her face when Mona settled dinner down one evening. Steam rising from a huge pot.

“Going out later?” Evie began to create sound or she'd be lost. "You colored your hair brown again."

“Needed another change. Ah, I'm going out just with Karen and Claudia. Dessert and wine night. I asked Susan but that poor thing keeps standing me up. Did you finish Max’s gift for her party?” Mona scooped up huge portions in a bowl that Evie would only be prodding at.

“Yeah, it’s set. Turned out perfect. She’s not much for jewelry but I think a personalized tie dye shirt will be fun. Might look cool while skateboarding. I also have that goody bag of sweets for her to fill up on we made.” Evie reminded herself to pick up her spoon. Took a few bites.

“You’re not scarfing it down like usual, you love my crawfish soup.”

“It’s delicious, I just had a big lunch.” A lie. Evie pressed herself to eat quicker, tearing a piece of fresh bread to chew. Thing was, she wanted to eat. She wanted to eat so badly despite the sickness welling inside her. The heavy ache made it a task. Mona eyed her daughter there. “My stomach's in knots a lot, just school stuff.”

“Well, you are a senior.” Mona pushed her own soup around. “I haven’t been around as much as I’d like to be. Just the salon and I met-”

“I get it.” Evie’s lips spread in a flash, not wanting her mother to finish that sentence. “I’m with friends a lot and I keep busy with my music and the cat. I even wrote a new song.”

“That’s two this week, you. Strumming along blissfully.” Mona gushed. “Whatever has you all creative and dewy, chase it.” Silverware clicked around and Evie stared at her dish. A broader smile crossed.

"I will."

“What’s it called?”

“Ocean Eyes.”

Evie could be pretty transparent in the early stages of a relationship.

These short weeks in with Billy. Lyrics flooded free. Sometimes he liked to watch her write and strum when they hung out. Trips to the lounge where she worked other nights got him a full show, but not of her original stuff. Songs marched forth.

“Ocean Eyes.”

“Cupid and Psyche.”

“Honey Stardust.”

“Neon-Tinted Hearts.”

Rock. Pop. Lush and obscene with her glowing heartstrings. She wrote them for Fredrick too when they got together.

“Doll Joints.”

“Lollipop Lolita.”

“Prince Charming.”

After dinner, Evie stole a notebook filled with her every sinful lyrical confession of her time with Fredrick Bowers. Burnt it in an empty pot out back until Billy wandered out the back steps of his place. Asking her if she was trying to set the neighborhood on fire.

“How can I help?” He’d snarked while the sky went all pretty peach fuzz. Evie just laughed and never explained what she’d burnt or why it felt this cathartic to watch the smoke rise toward a falling sun. She figured maybe this was the day she'd stop eating foreign and sharp objects. She could do it. She was happier. Lighter. It had to stop.

It had to. She couldn't think about this haze shattering, it hurt too deep.

Billy used the flame to light his cigarette comically and kissed her before inhaling the smoke.

“Can we take a drive? Or walk if you’re low on gas?”

“Let’s walk, I got some cash doing my odd jobs for the damn neighbors, but I need it to last a bit longer with Max’s birthday. Got her this new board she was too chickenshit to beg our parents for.”

“Aren’t you a darling big brother?” Evie crossed her arms to follow him when the flame dwindled low. They went around the house to the front, started down the street. “Iris has some hours for me that next Saturday night.”

“You going to tell your mom about the secret job thing?” Billy inhaled and let smoke billow up into the afternoon light. They walked along Cherry Lane. Not touching. Counting steps while their shadows cast and the streetlights came up. A brisk night loomed, spring begging to creep through the month of March.

“I figured I could this summer. Around graduation. Just say I got something bigger since I’m eighteen and Iris can get me steadier hours. Gigs day or night. Maybe I’ll get to host a couple more drag shows. I miss those damn girls, the funniest performers know. I'll just let my mom down easy about the receptionist thing, hopefully she’s fine with it. Make it sound like I took initiative cause I'm a big girl.”

“And your grand singer plans?” He liked to ask about her and hang upon the syllables.

“Still up in the air. I’m taking the year off to work and write. Try for a talent agent or manager. I can record maybe...try to get airtime. There’s this contest thing, they do it every year and the winners always do well. But, I’m honestly too afraid to ask my mom about it just yet. I’m saving though here and there.” Evie beamed. “You? Summer and on.”

She was clearly asking if he was sticking around for summer.

“Odd lawn, house, and car jobs are getting me by. This whole street is a mess and the moms in town like to watch me work."

"Yikes."

"It means better pay and tips. I’m taking Heather up on her lifeguard offer this summer. I'll save up, Dad's already going to be asking for rent when I graduate."

"Shit."

"Yeah. Don’t wanna bank on that mall they’re opening with all the other little shits trying to get jobs first.” Billy leaned back to let the cooler air kiss his face, sighing before he tossed his smoke out.

Evie came to the end of the street near the forest, swayed around a streetlamp like she was in an old Hollywood flick. Dreaming long and endless. Sometimes she worried so often that she wasn't living. Just dreaming it all away. Maybe a center line was possible.

Maybe she'd be able to soar over it all.

Billy waited for her to swing back around it before he pressed into her for a slow, lingering kiss. Even better, maybe they both were sharing a dream. Making it of something stronger.

“So, how am I doing?” He joked lighter. Evie gripped the lamp to stay level, head tilting. “Two weeks in, almost three. This whole situation.”

“Situation.” Evie mused, slyly hiding half her face behind the lamp to hum. The shadowy starlet of a femme fatale she loved to watch on television with her mother. Glinting. Dangerous. "This whole situation?" She lingered to sigh it even slower.

"You and me." He'd sounded out, drawing nearer. "Us..." Evangeline, always the playful nymph, flitted off playfully. Spinning the other way to walk along so Billy came to her side easily.

“I think you’re doing fine." She tapped her chin. "What about me? Evaluate my performance.”

“Ah. In a sea of slithery tadpoles, you’re a goddamn firecracker.” He’d laughed and Evie followed, covering her lips with one hand.

“I don’t know how any of that correlates or makes sense, but I’ll take it.”

“Neither do I. Just made it up to see you do that. The scrunchy thing you do when you’re too happy or upset with me.” Billy’s nose crinkled as he grinned there. Evie came up to peck his freckles.

“You’re a total sap, Hargrove.” Evie continued, hands clasped behind her back before she inhaled the air. “Let’s hit that mini mart nearby. I’m craving a Dr. Pepper. Buy you a soda. It’s my turn.”

“No, it isn’t. You’re just being too nice again,” Billy remarked, feet shifting slower as they crossed the street. “I can’t take you fancy places.”

“I don’t need to go to fancy places, I just like hanging out with you wherever.” Evie turned her head to see him. “We’re both poor, we make due. Summer will be better. We can just work and...figure this out. I like it right now though, so don’t worry because I know how you shiver in those boots.”

She pondered it.

“Do you like it?” Evie offered quieter, earning Billy’s eyes searching her expression. Lip twitching, he tossed his arm around her. Brought Evie taut into his frame with an easier grin so they could keep walking toward the whirling, illuminated sign in the distance.

“Yeah, I like it.” He decided. “I like you plenty. What's not to like, Evangeline?” His free hand gestured out and Evie beamed to point at that darling face. Her Eros. Encouraging her wings to unfold without pressure.

"Wow, you're getting better and better at that." A beat. "Making me blush without rolling my eyes."

"Please, Angel, your knees quiver every time I hit you with this smile. You might as well toss off the panties for me." For good measure, he flashed it and Evie hid from his absolute burning charm. Cheeks felt that fire bloom and billow.

A car hurried past them. Sweeping budding flowers and loose leaves about. Delicate, they danced. Trees wobbled back and forth to the wind picking up. Evie stayed looking away to smile that time. Knew this wind would carry her easily.

"Did you have a best friend back in California?" She moved her arm around his back as they went.

"I don't know. Guess I had a few in orbit."

"Am I your best friend here?" She piped back up and Billy slowed to glance, chuckling.

"I thought you and I were avoiding labels."

"It's different." Came the protest.

"No, it isn't." He paused. "Heather's your best friend."

"Yeah, but I figured I could have more than one. Perfectly carved places for each." Evie shifted in front of him, hands smoothing up Billy's shoulders to clasp fingers round his neck. Blue eyes glittered to search.

"You trying to push some admission outta me, Fenny?"

Lashes batted with all the innocence they could hold.

"Just admit it, Hargrove," she pulled him down for a lip lock, pecking his jaw and cheeks until he broke to laugh and hold her at bay. One brow lifted. "It'll be our dirty little secret."

"Fine. Only cause you twisted my arm about it and it gets you hot. You are my very," he palmed her bottom to make her gasp in one motion, "very best friend. Happy?" Billy stole a kiss when she was still dumbfounded, molding their frames together.

"Maybe I am." Evie sighed, sounding too raw and honest about it. She came out to see his eyes there. Tried to read them. Billy blinked to say something else.

“So, you're already thinking about graduation and summer, huh? Moving quick.”

“I’m optimistic is all. It’s a rare thing with me so I'm just enjoying it. I’m not used to happy and good.” Evie got cheeky to hide anything else, winking over her shoulder before she went inside the tiny store.

Fluorescent lights washed out too many colorful packages. They picked cold cans of soda and bright yellow packs of Jujyfruit candies to curb a sweet craving. Billy gripped the paper bag in one fist and Evie snatched his free hand when they got outside.

“C’mon!” She picked up the pace. “Let’s catch the bus to the other side of town.”

“Billy Hargrove doesn’t take the bus. It’s all full.” He’d complained, still rushing after her to the stop.

“Try something new.” Evie was giggling, tugging at him to get on.

With the bus full of residents leaving work, they took some standing room with a group up front. Fingers curled into the handles above, swaying closer together due to the rocking and crowding. A hard turn sent Evie into Billy’s chest, her hand sprang out over his shoulder to catch the bar just above his head.

“Trying to jump my bones in public, little Miss Fenny?” He feigned a look of awe, brows lifting playfully. His free arm slipped around the small of Evie’s back, bracing her there into his marble frame. “You know how much easier it is if you just ask, Angel?”

Evie wanted to scoff. Wanted to scrunch that annoyed look she was known for. Wanted to send him to the floor and kiss him for miles and miles. But, she just stood there in the dim, flickering bus lights. Watched his expression relax. Not really breathing until she reminded herself.

Billy seemed to remember as well. At the back and forth shifting of the vehicle, they squished together. Forcing looks away to see the path again. Billy pushed his thigh further between her legs. Both of them idly rubbing together now. Evie felt the heat crawl up her cheeks, lungs tremoring. Billy’s fist holding the bag shifting a little lower on her back, firm and scalding hot.

She peered up at his jawline. Looked away. Felt Billy’s eyes wander back after before he flickered elsewhere. Denim pushed against denim. Billy hitched this breath as if he might whimper. Swallowed it down. Hips swaying back and forth and back again. A thumb pushed deftly into her back. Evie shifting in, lips parting. Trembling as Billy turned his head to see her centimeters from him.

“This is our stop.” She’d said in his ear. Leaning flush into him to pull the cord down. Billy inhaled the amber. Brushed his nose into her own while she came back out.

“Don’t wanna stop.” His freckles looked especially glowy outlined in a rare blush. The bus skidded and Evie veered back with some amusement. Brown eyes casting Billy up and down before she skipped off in a hurry, leaving him to chase her because he’d always chase her. Bag still wrinkled around Billy’s fist, he caught up with her. Under the streetlamps surrounded by dancing moths.

“We near Lover’s Lake?”

“Yeah, the park nearby. Figured some loitering would do us good.” Evie stepped across the grass and sand. Listened to the dark structures creak. “C’mon. I love the swings.”

She plopped back into one, legs kicking some before Billy joined her. He cracked one can of soda to offer it, feet shifting over the sand to sway closer together. Chains creaking.

They clicked drinks and guzzled fizz before Evie snagged the candy out. Stealing a few chewy pieces. The bright box got passed back and forth during a comfortable silence. Billy watched Evie as she observed the moon there.

“Do you know any constellations?” She’d asked quieter, forcing him out of the daze. Curls caught the illumination with stars dotting her dark eyes.

“Not really.” He took the candy back as she swallowed a piece.

“You see that crooked line? Those four little guys, they call that...Salem’s Lot. And...” Evie touched her lips, pointing again. “Those two bright boys there. Called Shawshank. Oh, and that one-”

“These are Stephen King references.” He pushed her.

“No, I’m very smart and they’re real-life constellations. Listen and learn, Billy boy.”

“So, are you gonna call that grouping, The Shining or The Overlook?” He pointed to a cluster and Evie snickered.

“Obviously that’s Carrietta White’s Constellation. Duh. Cause it looks like a rain of blood.” Evie snorted and Billy joined her, heads pressing together as they giggled like school children.

“You know she wears a crushed red velvet dress in the book? Not pink as seen in the movie.” Billy stretched out, finishing his soda.

“You know she’s fat in the book, too?” Evie winked at him, eyed the trash, and tried to toss her can at it. Missing badly, it smacked the rim and fell in the sand with a clatter. “Damn it!” Billy laughed at her louder.

“Don’t try for a career on the court, Evie.” He watched her pout as she plucked it up to throw it away properly. “Now, watch the master work.” He aimed as she sat down. One deft hand reeled back and launched it only to have Evie’s palm smack it easily the other direction. Almost falling out of her seat cackling, she got the candy pushed into her arm before he gawked and went to get it.

“Oh,” she kept up without air, “I thought you were the master? You should have seen your face!”

“Yeah, yeah.” He grumbled, dunking it in the can with an echoing clank. For some cheery consolation, she offered the rest of the box to him. Tiny candy pieces fell into his palm before he pushed them all into his mouth at once, eyes lifting to the sky again. Billy made a face and turned to go to push her swing. “Gimme another constellation.”

“Hmm.” Evie held the chains, began to swing properly at his coaxing. Felt like they were in a secret garden together. Water rippling against the air distantly. Cold chill not bothering either of them. “Those two stars. The little one and the big guy. See?”

Billy gripped the chains, keeping her swing up against him to follow the gaze

“That’s Neverland. Second star to the right and straight on till morning.” She snickered again as Billy pushed her forward. “Bet I can beat you there. I’ll jump from the swing.”

“You’re on.” Billy stole the seat next to her, both of them pumping higher. Curls fluttering. Laughing. Happy because they were together and that mattered.

“I’m going to overthrow Pan and Hook. Become the most fantastic Lost Girl with a siren song to command the island and you’ll write your stories.”

“Think so?” Billy pushed himself higher. Actually thought he might fly with Evie there.

“Yes! You’ll tell the greatest stories ever heard through the land and they’ll echo back down here to be loved too.” She proclaimed that. Not having heard Billy’s stories, but believing what was in his heart.

Time slowed. Wild laughter crackled toward the sky. Utter sparks as they jumped together and collided to roll around the sand. Evie was still alight with joy under him, hair splayed everywhere as Billy snapped up to check her over, hovering. Evie’s giggling tapered off against the night air. She stared up at him. Framed in twinkling stars. He said something she didn’t catch.

“You have beautiful eyes,” Evie sounded out slower, lost in the endless crystalline blue. “Did you mean it?”

“Mean, what?”

“What you said when we were lying in bed together. You said I was the best thing about this place. People never say things like that. Not to girls like me. I believed it when you said it though and it was easy too.” Evie skimmed her fingers over his jacket. Watched Billy’s eyes flicker to recall that moment and the clouds he floated upon like lily-pads in a pond.

Billy swept down. Planted a hot kiss that was all lips. Swelled her mouth when he pulled out. He left Evie fluttered and came to her ear.

“That was a yes.” He pushed up, eyes too sly. “By the way.” Evie took a hand when he offered one and got pulled to her feet, bodies stumbling together. They tried to brush the sand off fabric.

“Do you think about that night? The dance, I mean. Not...the sex. Well, I guess it’s okay to think about the sex actually.” She blushed there when Billy’s lip quirked. His fingers still wrapped around her wrist. “Before all that went down with Brock. It was-”

“Not terrible.” He finished.

“Not at all. The first part of the night, sometimes I wish we could go back and-”

“Rewrite it.” Billy looked around, giving Evie a tug. He pulled her up on the metal roundabout, painted red and blue that was chipping away. “Hold on.” Another smile had curled as he braced to get it spinning.

“Billy!” Evie jerked to hold tight to the bars. Hair flying up. Curls coiled out. Fire billowing gracefully. “What are you doing!”

“Turning back the clock,” he charged and jumped on with her, wobbling to hold something, "to redo it.” Evie grabbed for his coat. Fisting the fabric when they locked eyes. Wind rushed in a thrill with memories tumbling together and apart.

Her wings sprang forth.

Billy made Evie the still point to his turning world. For just a moment. Knew, if anything, that meeting her was something truly important. An unseen force that would twist his heart forever.

Spinning round and round. He recalled the metallic confetti dancing and the way the music pulsed. The carousel began to slow, both teens holding the bars and each other to say level.

Slower, Evie pecked a kiss upon his lips to mirror the first. Unable to come out far, Billy was already closing the distance for the second. Trying to pay her back with a thousand sweet kisses.

Cheers rang and fireworks burst. She remembered it all too. How dizzy and still the world seemed to be. How it hushed for her too sweetly. Billy’s hands on her face, cradling delicately to angle the second kiss a little deeper. They felt the metal clink to stillness under them and inched back out.

“I want to go home with you,” Evie said the words she wished she had that night. Huge dark eyes glittering. She found his lips again. Not worried about air or what the future held for them. Lost on a rosy haze and perfectly fine for these stolen fleeting seconds. “Can we go?” Billy searched her, thumb sweeping a circle into her jaw. He smiled fully.

“Only if we can take the bus again.”

** ** ** **

“Happy Birthday!” Evie gushed, offering a gift to a small pile. Max had her arms around her before she’d gotten a chance to turn. One hand shifted to the shorter girl’s back. Music whirled with a campy light show, made the horribly patterned carpets glow. “Carol and Heather are on their way in. Tommy’s around but he won’t hang near the table.”

“Neil’s going to be late. Work stuff.” This explained why Max’s smile was so bright. Evie nudged her chin, head cocking. “You brought your own skates.”

“I know it’s dorky, but they’re my babies.” Evie gestured to the red skates swung over one shoulder. “Evie Fenny doesn’t rent her skates.”

“That’s El, come meet her,” Max pulled Evie off after she got one wave at Susan behind the table setting up. “Billy’s grabbing stuff from the car. He drove us.”

El Hopper was a tiny thing. Almost like a little bird compared to Hopper’s hulking frame behind her. She peered around and seemed at instant ease upon seeing Max.

“El, this is my neighbor, Evie," Max introduced them, "she’s cool.”

El made this gesture like she had a needle and poked at her hand.

“Yes!” Max got it, tugging Evie’s arm. “She taught me the felting thing.”

“Hope the sharp objects weren’t a bother in your house, Chief Hopper.” Evie perked up at Jim with a sheepish expression. “I should have asked you, I know it might seem a little dangerous.”

He actually laughed at that. If only she knew the danger these kids had gotten into prior.

“Believe me, crafts are a welcomed change.”

“El, nice to meet you. I’m Evie. Max talks about you all the time.” Evie held out her hand and the young girl looked shocked. “Good things.”

A slower smile crossed. She took Evie’s hand to shake it. Awkward about her navigation but trying to take everything in. Clearly never been to a party like this one. Kids of various ages circled the floor on skates. Laughing. Holding hands.

“Max...talks about you too. I like your hair.” El mirrored. Peered to Hopper with a pleased expression he matched. She offered Max a wrapped gift. Evie grinned and touched her curls, pulled up into two high, rounded buns.

“C’mon, let me show you the table they’re setting up.” Max took El’s wrist to usher her off.

“Are you...staying to skate?” Evie turned to the Chief.

“El’s, ah, not used to crowds. She came from some unfortunate circumstances. I’d like to stay close. First party. Maybe I’m hovering.” He pushed his hands into his pockets. Not in uniform. Evie beamed a little.

“She’s young, you’re worried. It’s sweet, actually. You’re just being a good dad.” The smile seemed to dither in her eyes. Even when Jack was married to Mona, he wasn't always around. Work and trips kept him busy, but he stayed to close to Evie the moment he arrived home with his little gifts and endless stories. “Don’t come running over if she falls, we got her.”

“Yeah, uh, if you could keep an eye on El when you see her around. That would mean a lot to me. I know you babysat the Henderson kid. El doesn’t need a babysitter, she’s just… This is new for her.” Jim gestured. Digging for a smoke he couldn’t have in the immediate area.

“Heather, Carol, and I will keep an eye out.”

“Carol?” He chuckled. “Perkins?”

“Oh, yeah, we made up. Funny thing.”

“Almost as funny as you hanging out with the Hargrove boy through winter.” He quirked his brow.

“What can I say, Chief...” Evie shrugged. “I’m...branching out.”

As if on cue, Billy paced in a side door. Bag clutched under one arm. He caught Evie’s glance instantly. Both of them locked in and back out on cue. Blue eyes shifted up and down because she was wearing his denim jacket over a little lacy, floral top tucked into her jeans.

Neil would arrive and they had an act to keep up. Ignoring each other.

“I’ll sit far." Jim offered. "Pretend I’m not here.”

She about cackled, lost in thought still.

“I’ll just pretend you’re my real dad,” Evie winced at herself, saw him pause with some subtle awe, “oof, I’m not sure where that came from. Ouch. Okay. Walking away now. Sorry, Chief.”

“Evie.” He eased a gentle hand toward her. “What I said. If there’s...anything going on. You can talk to me. On or off the record.”

“Yeap. Right. I’m okay. I’m...I’m gonna...skate. Yeah. Sorry. Oh, my…” Evie whirled to hurry off, cringing all the way to the table. “I think I just had a mental break.”

“What?” Heather had chuckled.

“Nothing. Time to skate?” Came Evie’s begging. Agreement followed.

Hopper made himself scarce with a cigarette and plate of cheese fries in the corner. Billy plopped himself into a chair behind the decorated table, looking disinterested. Not catching Evie’s eyes while she sat with the girls to put her skates on. Just watched Susan set out plates for pizza and cake.

Evie went out with Heather first for a lap, both of them giggling and pulling little stunts to show off for Tommy who was on the ground as Carol pulled at him. Max jumped over his leg, cackling before she tried to get El to come out with them.

“Kinda reminds me of us. They’re too cute.” Heather quipped, whirling to skate backward. They joined the younger girls, hoping to get El relaxed and away from the wall she seemed to cling to. Every turn, Evie shot Billy a look. Got his lips quirking before he ruefully was peering away.

“Do you want to skate, Billy?” Susan had asked after a beat, weary of the music already. Bit of a glittery disco mess. That same dreamy rose haze in the air.

“About as much as I want to give my old man a sponge bath, Susan.” Billy frowned for effect and dropped it when she actually laughed at him. It was an easier thing for them to talk without Neil’s shadow.

“Well, the offer is open if you want to.” Susan thought to tell him Evie looked beautiful today when she caught him staring at her for the third time but decided not to be obvious. Not yet.

“You’re supposed to tell me I’m being inappropriate and I’m going to send your only daughter down with me.” He recited easily.

“I was your age once, Billy, I know how to laugh still.” Susan seemed surprised at the revelation herself. Slowly, she took a seat next to him. Not leaving another chair as a buffer like she usually did. “It might not be so bad. Her following you, you know, after this. When she’s older. She still looks up to you.”

It became clear what Susan was asking him. Max would resent her one day down the line. For the choices she made. The things she couldn’t stop no matter how hard she tried. Maybe Billy and Max didn’t always get along, but he’d be a safer place for her than whatever was leftover in that house. Susan would always be under Neil Hargrove, but she could ensure her daughter would not be. One day.

Billy leaned forward on his elbows, palms rubbing. He felt for his ring and remembered it was hidden under Evie’s dipping sweetheart neckline. He didn’t say anything, but met Susan’s eyes.

“Evie’s been a good friend to her.” Susan crossed her legs and sat back to watch the girls laugh. Slowly easing into the conversation. El wobbled, holding hands with Max and Evie to gain some speed. Heather was trying to help Carol steady poor Tommy. “Don’t you think so?”

“I haven’t noticed.” Billy turned his head aside.

“She’s very pretty. Kind. That’s all I’m saying. She and her mother, they’re nice neighbors to have on Cherry.”

“Jesus, Susan, why don’t you date them both?” Billy shot up to go to the snack counter. Susan ghosted this smile after him, hands clasping. “Cheese fries. Jalapenos...Extra jalapenos.” He got his plate and turned to see Chief Hopper’s cigarette glow red. “You got any more of those? My pack is out and they don't have a machine in this joint.”

Jim just eyed him.

“I’m legal.” Billy puffed before a stick flicked across the table. “Camels. Unfiltered. Disgusting. Are you a flannel hobo of some kind with those?”

The Chief gawked at him.

“Don’t you smoke Reds? Baby’s first cigarette.”

Billy matched him. Offended.

“I’m smoking with the big boys, Hop. You should try it.”

“You in a place to complain, kid?” Jim reached to take it back before Billy swiped, lighting up to puff.

“No, sir.” His lighter snapped shut. “You unable to cut the cord or is dressing like a lumberjack to hang out at a 70s roller disco a hobby?”

“Haven’t seen you down at the station in a while. Few months, in fact. Turning over a new leaf this year?” Jim remarked instead, leaning forward on his elbows.

“Aw. You miss me or something? Your boys finally get tired of chasing me down? Or trying to.” Billy gave this comedic pout, head turning to eye Evie again. Graceful swan that she was out there. His jacket hanging off her shoulders, exposing that neck. Little wisps of curls swayed about from her space buns decorated with matching glittery star barrettes, loose hair framing her face. Brown eyes flicked up and he snatched his gaze away. “Guess I found something else to get into that isn’t trouble. You guys bore me down there, I like to be amused.”

“The real crime-stopper, boredom. Color me impressed and shocked.” Jim seemed to like that, eyes rolling. Billy puffed and swept a piece of tobacco from his mouth. “I guess whatever you’re doing, keep it up.” He watched Billy crunch on some salty jalapenos, plucking five gooey fries at once to swallow them down. Almost starved.

“I intend to.” Billy flicked his greasy fingers to his brow. “Chief.”

“William.”

Billy mumbled as he went off, finishing the smoke to flick it out a back door. Eyes shifting to watch the girls plus poor Tommy. El was already better than him.

“Man, I’m dying out here. Help me. I’ll tag you in.” Tommy scrambled up the sidewall and clung, out of breath. Freckles all dewy.

“You wanted to be a good boyfriend,” Billy cackled for good measure, "that'll teach you."

“Feed me a fry,” Tommy begged over the barrier.

“Fuck out of here, they’re mine. My dad will show soon so you can disappear to a corner and get your own damn fries.” To make it a point, Billy stood there and fed himself.

Behind Tommy, Max skidded and fell with Evie barely catching her. Both girls had gone down in a fit of giggling.

“We’re fine, go on!” Max waved to Heather and El ahead of them. Carol came to steal Tommy back as Billy craned to see his step-sister.

“You alright?” Evie was picking her up when Max’s shirt slipped closer to her pale shoulder, flashing a burst of purple there the size of a softball. “Oh, my god.” It slipped out before she could stop it.

“That’s-!” Max cut herself off and fixed her shirt. Spring was creeping and all she donned was long-sleeved and frumpy. Dressing almost like Susan. “I fell, you know, on my board.” Evie tried to give her the dignity of a look that said she believed it. Must have cracked. “Evie, it’s nothing. Don’t worry. Please.”

Dressing like Susan. Sounding like Billy.

“Max, my house is-”

“I know, but don’t… Don’t say anything. Not to Billy or my mom, ah… Neil’s here.” Max put her head down and skated around Evie to go away.

There was something particularly helpless about watching a young girl flee obediently to her monster. Evie wondered if this was what she looked like to Billy headed to Fredrick's place.

Small. Scared. Lost.

Neil Hargrove started with words. Lots of horrible words that whittled Max down to a hard pit. Then pushing. Then some grabbing. Then shoving. Into walls mostly.

The hit didn’t bruise Max. It was more of a swipe to make her go to her room for talking back. Whatever that meant to Neil. But, he was drunk and he caught her jaw with an open palm. That stayed red for the day until she snuck a pack of frozen peas, not wanting Susan or Billy to know.

But, the swipe sent her into the dining room table. Left the violet petals bursting under her skin. Evie lost the urge to skate and came out. Saw Billy’s eyes again and paused to help Heather usher El out for food.

“You’re a natural.” Evie complimented which earned a full smile. El opened her mouth to speak before Billy appeared in front of them.

“They’re making us sing.” He cocked his head, peering at El. “You’re the one with the funny name, aren’t you?”

“Jane. But,” she seemed to have trouble staring at him for more than three extended seconds and pointed to her chest, “El.” Red crept across her cheeks. Billy towered over her, cocking a wider grin to play up the fact that she was all blushy for a pretty older boy.

“El?” He raised one brow. “What’s the L stand for?”

“Ignore him.” Heather pulled the younger girl around Billy as he chuckled, pausing to see Evie. Her colorless expression.

“You okay?” He said it hard with a furrowed brow.

“Fine.” She tried to make it sound cold but it came out near silent. Head turned down as she flitted around him to join the party.

Neil, stiff and stoic, pressing his lips like he was at the damn DMV. Susan plastered a broader grin to dote on him after his long day, lingering close to his side as they set out pizza and readied the cake.

It was all so routine. Like getting your shots.

Pizza. Sing. Candles. Wish. Cake. Gifts. Thank you.

Billy and Evie took the farthest seats from each other. Played a game of glance and ignore that they’d made up on the spot. They both were either losing or winning.

“Strange,” Neil remarked as he pulled Max aside for another slice. “You and the high school girls.”

“Oh, I invited El too, she’s my age. I didn’t want to leave Evie out and the girls...they’re nice to me.”

“They don’t dress like nice girls.”

Heather and Carol both donned perfectly normal tees and jeans. Nothing would suffice for Neil Hargrove. Max shifted her cake around. No longer hungry for it.

“Maybe we’ll talk about the type of girl you should hang around at a later time. The Fenny girl is nice enough, even if her shirt is a little too...low. Dresses kinda tight. Bit of an odd one. She’s different. Her friends, well...I’m just not sure, Maxine.”

“Yes, sir.” She looked at her birthday cake like it was infested with worms. Carefully forced a bite and set it aside.

Max hung around. Smiled and thanked everyone after each birthday present. Even hugged Neil only cause he opened his arms at her. She said bye to El then Heather. Carol seemed to be turning in as well so Tommy went out back to get the car.

As the party went on and dwindled, Evie caught Billy’s eyes gesturing to the rental counter. He slipped around the corner into the many shelves and Evie turned back to see Max and Susan at the table. Neil seated in a chair not helping them clean up, eyes elsewhere. Casually, she skated around and got her arm snatched. A gasp snuffed against a pair of lips. Kisses hidden away from the world.

“Paid the kid a few coins and a threat to leave for ten minutes."

Music vibrated the shelves. Evie put her arms around Billy.

“I still have skates on.”

“Even better. I might have a thing for girls in red skates.” Billy was all hands, holding Evie steady. Pulling one leg around his hip. Pushing denim into denim. Hot friction might have done her in any other day.

“We are not hooking up with all the smelly rental skates.” Evie laughed into his lips, still pecking back and peering over her shoulder. She paused to see his eyes. Wanted to blurt what she’d seen on Max’s body. Even to Billy now, it felt wrong. So, she said something else.

“Hey, we should…keep an eye on your sister, you know. It’s her birthday. She’s...She needs her big brother.”

Billy huffed into her neck.

“Fine, fine, but you’ll regret not taking the adventure on here.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Evie shifted. “My feet hurt and we can make-out in my bed later.” She kissed his neck. “I’ll do that thing you like if you promise you went easy on the product down there.”

“Only dotted the gold crown. Scout’s honor.” Billy winked and she rolled her eyes. He peered out first. “Give it a second then follow.”

“Wait.” Evie thumbed her red lipstick from his mouth. “Now, shoo.” Billy licked his lips and snuck out. She waited a moment. Let the happy butterflies land in her stomach then followed. Pausing, her skates came off for more comfortable tennis shoes.

“Evangeline, do you need a ride home with us later?” Neil had asked.

“No, thank you, I was getting a ride with Carol now.” She smiled and looked for red hair to say her goodbyes. “Where’d Max go?” Evie collected her coat and Susan paused to peer around.

“She was here a second ago. Neil?” Hands dropped a stack of plates into the trash.

“Probably went to the bathroom.” He shrugged, squinting at all the moving lights that were making his head pound. “Billy, go find your sister.”

Billy seemed to notice the look on Evie’s face and feel the same chill before he hurried off without fighting. Susan looked through the sea of kids and teens meandering as Evie passed her to check the ajar side door.

"Max!" The one flickering light at the exit made her skin crawl. A cry echoed distantly followed by a dull crash in the dark. Like a bag of trash hitting the dumpster.

Evie dropped her skates to follow the hollowed-out sound. Exhaust swept up her nose and tires gave a harsh wail, horns sounding while a faraway car disappeared around a row of trees to get to the main street with the rest.

“Max!” Evie charged out. Heart painfully thudding within her ribs.

“Evie?” Carol heard her and footsteps echoed around the building.

“Max!” Evie was near tears now. A shift in some fallen trash bags made her pause when two sneakers appeared around the side of the dumpster. This odd scratching sound left her lips. Evie threw herself over the tiny body there, turned Max’s limp frame over.

Her shirt collar was ripped open where someone grabbed her. Or tried to. Dragging then dropping her when she put up a fight. Bleeding scrapes and dirt scuffed all over her pale freckled skin from the rough tumble. Carol got to them first and pulled off her sweater to cover Max’s torso while Evie gathered her up.

“Help!” Carol called because Evie couldn’t. More bodies arrived. Tommy. Susan. Billy. Neil.

“Neil, she won’t wake up.” Susan pulled her daughter out of Evie’s arms, shaking her. Moans filtered out, but nothing else. “What happened?”

“I don’t know. I saw...a car. It was too dark. I just found her here on the ground. Someone tried to...” Evie wheezed out and never finished, gesturing aimlessly.

“Susan, give Maxine to Billy. She needs a hospital.” Neil swept down as Billy urged his sister’s tiny body away. This hard. flamed expression on his face as if he wasn't really here.

Max looked broken. Not real. A doll left under the bed for too long without love or cherished stories to comfort it. Evie felt the knees of her jeans soak through from the wet pavement. Too many words hit the air and Evie’s eyes dropped to where that harsh car had gone to.

Evangeline wondered what kind of monster would grab up a little girl and throw her out into the trash.

And why the world bore so many of that same design.

~~~~~

Mad Max :( Her story line is gonna start to push toward the front here and there with Evie's in pieces. Thanks again for following the fic, I really appreciate it! Please please leave some words if you enjoy the fic. XOXO Taglist open

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