Blue Royalty | Miscellaneous Thread

benitz786 · 13 June 2021 04:33

Shorts Series: Not a happy daughter - 2035

Shay waited patiently and quietly, her backpack around her shoulders as she stood outside with a few of her classmates and her teacher as their parents slowly came to pick their kids up after a loonggggg day of school. Okay… mostly patiently. And… fineeeee not at all quietly. She liked to talk - what could she say? She was talking to her friend Ashely about how she was having a birthday party next weekend and she wanted Shay to come. “Ohhhhh yessss.” Shay gleefully exclaimed. Though after a few moments, she saw her friend looking over her shoulder. “I think Miss. Robins likes your dad,” the girl mentioned - pointing towards where Shay’s father had come out of his car and was talking to her teacher. Shay watched as Miss. Robins twirled her hair and put her hand on her dad’s shoulder. The two looked like they were laughing, and shay frowned. “No… my daddy is with my mommy,” Shay muttered sadly though the girl in small excitement - not truly understanding the consequences of her actions - started singing "Miss Robinsss and Shay’sss dad sitting in a tree…

Shay was clearly upset by the implication that her teacher could… like her dad and found herself moving towards her father immediately. Looking up at him, she pulled his pant leg. "Can we goooo dad? Mommy promised me ice cream while I showed her my drawing. As she mentioned her mom, she looked at her teacher before pulling her dad’s arm towards his car - to which he told Miss. Robbin “bye” and helped her into her car seat.

It seemed that was only the start. The next day, all of her friends started teasing her about Miss Robins being her mom soon - the ‘sitting in the tree’ song being sung by everyone when Miss Robins wasn’t around. But she didn’t want a new mom… she loved her mom and the idea only made her more upset. It happened again. Her father picked her up and Miss. Robbins started twirling her hair and touching her dad and Shay immediately pulled him away. Perhaps he knew she was upset because in the car after the third day of doing the same thing he asked her what was wrong and she refused to talk. Instead, the minute they got home, Shay ran inside, wrapping her little arms around her mom immediately with the words “I love you, mommy,”

That night, Shay had a bad dream. She had woken up in the morning and made her way downstairs to a delicious smell of pancakes. Rubbing her tired eyes, Shay saw a woman by the stove. Naturally, Shay muttered “Good morning mommy” but as the women turned, it wasn’t her mom. Her heart started racing as she saw Miss Robins turning towards her with a smile. “Good Morning honey. Do you want chocolate chip or blueberry?” Shay started walking away backward in shock, scared. Where was her mom? Her breathing increased as she felt her little body trip over someone’s feet. Immediately, she saw her dad bending down looking worried asking if she was okay. “Where…where’s mommy?” Shay asked in a small voice and her dad looked confused. "What do you mean sweetheart? She’s making breakfast. With that, Shay couldn’t hold back her tears - especially as Miss Robins came towards her with a plate of food.

Abruptly, Shay awoke from her dream - crying as she had in her dream. With her tears, Shay made her way towards her parent’s room, opening the door and crying as she went inside towards her mom’s side. Her mom immediately woke up, looking confused but immediately pulling her daughter up and into her arms. Shay wrapped her arms around her mom as she cried more, the feeling of her mom hugging her tightly helping her calm down but the memory of her dream worrying her. It was strange… every time Shay had a bad dream she couldn’t forget it. It was like it was in the back of her mind. Every time she thought of it, the feelings returned as intently as they had the first time. Her mom once told her that it was the way her special mind worked but Shay didn’t like it. She didn’t fall back asleep that night until her mother started singing a song, and slowly, she was lulled back to sleep in her mom’s arms. She heard whispered talking between her mom and dad but she was… too tired to stay awake.

Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to kick her teacher and tell her that she didn’t like her? Well… SHE DIDN’T. Maybe it was even a worse idea to do this in front of everyone. And now… Shay was sitting alone in Miss Robins’s office as she waited for her mom to come and talk to her. Or…at least… it was supposed to be her mom. There was a frown on her face with her arms crossed over her chest - Miss Robins looking disapprovingly at her as she lectured her on lady-like student behavior. Haring the door open, a smile met her facing thinking it would be her mom but instead, her dad came through her door and her frown deepened. “My mommy was supposed to be here…” she mumbled sadly as her dad took a seat on the chair next to her and talked to her teacher who moved out of her seat to stand near her dad. She listened as her dad turned towards her, trying to meet her eyes as he asked why she did that - and once again, Shay could feel her eyes brimming with tears. “Be…because I do…don’t wan…want… Miss. Robins…to…to be my mom…mommy,” Shay cried, holding her little legs to her chest as she cried more. “I wan… I want my mommy” she continued.

@astxrism

benitz786 · 13 June 2021 04:43

Seeing Jezebel cry… was… breaking him inside. Jordan had been hurt many times but he never… NEVER… wanted that to ever happen to Jezebel. He never wanted Jezebel to be hurt because of his actions and he just… he didn’t know what to do but hug her. He shook his head at her apology, “Don’t ever be sorry because of that… I just… I don’t even know how to tell you how much I appreciated your kindness and you don’t… you did more than I could ever thank you for Jez. I’m just… I’m sorry about you getting into trouble. I’ll tell your mom anything to make this better I just…” He started, though she cut him off with her next sentiment about being fine. In any case, he still felt awful. Awful that she was crying… that it was his fault and he didn’t know what to do to help her… and he wanted to…help her that is.

When he told her he would leave - he meant it. He didn’t want her to get in trouble for anything else… he had hurt her so much already and… he never wanted that. But he stilled as she asked him to stay longer. “No I just… I couldn’t ask for more than you’ve already done Jez…” Though the words left his mouth, he could see the instant that her face fell at his words. "I should… probably find a place to sleep… but don’t…please don’t blame yourself Jez… I just… don’t want to get you in more trouble. He felt awful, and with those words he pulled her in once again. "No matter what your mom says… you are the strongest person I know and no matter what happens, I know your future is bright, he whispered, giving her a soft peck on her cheek that instantly brought a blush to his cheek though he ignored it. After all… she thought… she would forever think of him as a friend.

@Littlefeets

benitz786 · 13 June 2021 05:15

Play Chicken Tendies - Clinton Kane

Could a person ever stop loving a person they loved… so damn much? Jordan could answer that question. Hard no. Jordan would always love Sadie Monroe… it was inevitable. Every time he saw her, his mind flashed towards their happiness. The way she laughed - every laugh being genuine and lighting up any room, the way she wore her heart on her sleeve, the way she was once his everything. Maybe in a way, she always would be that for him and Jordan would simply have to live with the regret that he messed it up. As his hands brushed against hers, Jordan’s eyes fluttered close - taking a deep breath as he opened them again. Love didn’t just vanish in a day… or a month… or a year… or multiple years. And that’s the thing - he did love Sadie. He never lied to her about that, he never lied to her about his promise that he would love her forevermore if she stayed with him after his mistake. He did, however, understand her choice… her need to leave him. And for a long time - that broke him. The memories of the tears, the way he wouldn’t leave his apartment for months, the way it broke him to hear her being with someone else also rushed back.

But now… years later… it seemed they were both in a better place. Yes those feelings remained and maybe, over the years, it had just become easier to ignore them. Or maybe to move past them. As she asked about the wine he shrugged, “It just… it was something I needed to do. I don’t… know how to explain it…” he let out, rubbing the back of his neck slightly with a shy smile. It was the truth - he bought the remaining wines but it was as if there was a need to do so. As if it only felt right if the wine was in his arms… or in Sadie’s. Perhaps the distraction of the movie was good… because in all honesty, he didn’t know what to say after that… he was simply lost in the way Sadie looked taking that first drink… the memories rushing to her features. Whether those were good memories… or tainted ones he didn’t know and perhaps he never would.

Play I don’t want to watch the world end with someone else - Clinton Kane

Watching the movie… he didn’t think it was going to be this hard. He hadn’t actually seen the movie since the premiere so many years ago. After their break up… it was too hard. He could still remember the day his kids had come over for the week and he found them in the theatre watching this very movie and he couldn’t… he couldn’t stay. Now he was here again - sitting next to her watching it. Watching a movie where the on screen romance reflected the real one that was happening at the time. The love that was seen on screen was completely real. The way they danced, the way their movements just… fell into each other. It looked natural on screen because it was natural for them. The hardest scenes to film were actually the ones where he was acting as if he didn’t care about what she wanted. The way her character needed his help and he simply gave her an incredulous look and basically said no. They had to refilm those scenes multiple times because the chemistry was too strong for a first meeting. And mayybeee Jordan kept messing up the kissing scene later on purpose so he could keep kissing his wife.

At a few particular moments, Jordan discreetly looked towards Sadie… god how he wished he could read her mind. Perhaps if his gaze stayed, he would have noticed her doing the same thing. But he didn’t. Because in his mind - he was sure she had moved on. If her public relationships were any indication, the simple fact was that Jordan had messed up one of the best things that had ever happened to him. He knew that… their kids knew that.

At his sentiment to the girl, he smiled as she said that it wasn’t far from reality. “Hey no lies. That girl on the screen is… amazing. Directing can do a lot - but that… that’s talent,” Jordan whispered as the others watched the movie. The dance scene between their characters in a random location started and an idea popped in Jordan’s mind. Standing up, Jordan put his hand out. “Trust me for a second?” Jordan asked, and after a few moments of confusion - Sadie took it and he walked her towards the front of the room where the dance had already started with the music. And immediately, Jordan begin recreating the dance - or at least, what he could remember which meant a few mistakes. He could see a few phones out from the castmates, and wouldn’t be surprised if someone was live streaming. He only stopped at the end when their characters were on-screen kissing, and instead - he looked in her eyes, taking a deep breath before looking towards their castmates and bowing jokingly. “Guess we still got it huh?” Jordan asked as he led Sadie back through the cheers of the cast. They watched the movie a little longer… the air between them… more strange? Maybe. In any case, he found her turning towards him thanking him for what he said and simply shook his head. “No I just… I said the truth Sadie. I honestly just wanted the world to know that no matter what happened - I respect you and am so proud of you because you are absolutely amazing. No matter what people say… I don’t want you to think otherwise Sadie… and also… thank you too.” he whispered. He found his phone buzzing in his pocket, and after a few seconds - looked at it to see a news story about them recreating the dance. Seemed as if someone did live stream it - though Jordan couldn’t be annoyed at it. He just hoped it wouldn’t give rise to more false hope for their fans… it was something Jordan had fallen under many times. False hope. But the thing was - Sadie would forever do better without him and she knew that. And if he was being honest, she was and he always knew that.

@novella

benitz786 · 13 June 2021 05:54

Shorts Series: Alternate Universe - Kai and Jess Dinner with the fam-a-lam: 2020

Timeline: In a world where Jess left with Kai during his wedding

Late they were. Jess getting cleaned up as did Kai before making their way to a… huge (and listen, when Jess says huge - she means absolutely humongous and un-necessarily so) mansion. It was honestly larger than her own parents and even most of her family members but all she could feel was that the home felt… lonely. Jess hated big houses for just this reason… there was no way you could make a home when every family member were so damn far away from one another. Like… honestly? For fcks sake.

As the butler opened the door - Jess took her jacket off, handing the man her coat before putting her hand in Kai’s as he lead her towards the dining room. She had honestly been expecting Kai’s sisters to be there. It was… really the only thing that had pushed her to come in the first place. A buffer… she needed that because she knew that his parents hated her. After all… she was the one to run away with their son during his wedding… to a princess. But what she found was that it was just them… her… kai… and his parents. Bloody great…

Taking a seat, the room had immediately set into an awkward silence as she attempted to exchange pleasantries with his parents which really went nowhere. Kai’s mother was the one speaking to her, and his father just stayed… quiet - to both her and Kai. As the food came out, Jess was glad she could stuff her mouth full of something to avoid talking. She felt Kai’s hand on her leg as he spoke about something or another, bringing her slight solace in the situation but not enough to ease her worry. Honestly, Jess was so much in her own head that she didn’t even know where the conversation was going. Kai’s father hadn’t spoken a word… an awkward silence had fallen among the room… so yeah Jessica did what she usually did. She spoke… fast… and about nonsense.

“So… my parents were in attendance at Kai’s wedding… you know the one we kind of escaped from so I didn’t really get to see much of the reception area but we heard you two handled it really well. My parents loved the cake… told me it was absolutely delicious wish I could have tried it. I love cake - do you two love cake? Well I love cake. Where did you two buy it from? Oh… never mind I know how these things work. You two probably didn’t directly buy it it was probably a caterer right? I mean I’d love to know the name of this caterer if you remember. Annnyywayyyyss how much did that wedding cost by the way. It was really… really absolutely beautiful. Oh… I’m sorry… money talk is not really dinner talk I don’t know why I brought it up maybe I’m just out of my head since I found out I’m pregnant but I guess It could just be that I really like cake and weddings. On the other hand - I heard that the Princess of Listeria was said to be getting remarried which is interesting - I mean the finding of a new guy that quickly but hey… when it’s love, it’s love right?”

In a speed that could barely be comprehended, Jess spoke… probably about a topic she should have avoided but this was Jess. And then she found herself talking about something she had just learned a few days prior after taking a test and hadn’t even told Kai about but she couldn’t help herself. She just… needed to say something… anything to fill the silence.

She felt Kai’s grip on her leg harden and turned towards him before saying anything else, him giving her a I love you but please shut up look and she obliged - though it seemed it took him a few seconds to register exactly what she had said. “Wait did you say you’re…”

Kai didn’t get to finish his sentiment before his father stood up with a slam against the table. “This is unacceptable Malachi.” The man screamed with a thunderous voice and his mother simply looked pale. “What are we going to do about this? Should I call that Richard man… he helped cover up the Abbot’s son’s issue with the stripper… god knows we’ll need him here,”

Jess looked towards Kai and after a second, stood up and excused herself - walking towards the other room. She felt slight worry as her hand moved towards her stomach… Kai’s father’s notion about doing something meeting her mind and she found herself pacing - hearing muffled screams from the other room. She didn’t… god she didn’t know what to do. Part of her mind told her to run… perhaps it was instinctual but the other part told her to stay. Though she didn’t really have a choice in the manner when she saw Kai coming out and walking towards her, soon wrapping his arms around her. “Kai I don’t… look I don’t know what happened in there or who this Richard man is but… I’m not…” though she didn’t have a chance to finish that sentiment as she found his lips on hers - calming all nerves immedialty.

@Littlefeets - You can respond if you want to, or not. Up to you I would like to see his reaction and also what his father and him were yelling about but it do be up to you.

Littlefeets · 13 June 2021 07:12

Jezebel Mallory Sloane

If Jezebel knew of a way to make it where Jordan could continue to stay there, she would do her best to make it happen, but there wasn’t a way. She couldn’t have gone without helping him at first when she knew she could, but now it didn’t matter how much she wanted to help, her hands were tied on the matter. What could Jezebel have really expected at her request of him not to leave? He didn’t need to ask her for more than what she had already done. She wanted to do more, she just didn’t know how. All she knew, was at that moment, she didn’t want to see Jordan leave. With the mess that the day had been, standing there with Jordan made her feel better. He made her feel better. Even after the shower debacle, he was still comforting. Jezebel nodded slightly as he pulled her close again, acknowledging the fact that he probably did need to go to make arrangements for somewhere to sleep. “I… I know… don’t worry about me…” Then came words from Jordan that meant more to her than it would to most anyone else, saying that she was strong and had a bright future. “Thank you” she quietly responded, but she didn’t have much of a chance to add anything else as he then softly kissed her cheek. She didn’t even look to the blushing of his cheeks, not that it changed anything with the increasing pink tint of blush to her own. Though she may not have realized it in that moment, it was then that Jordan Williams started to become more than a friend in Jezebel’s mind.

@benitz786 - date now?

astxrism · 13 June 2021 22:54

Dorian DeLoughrey
{ Shay gets lost at a ball, sigh | 2032 }

Will there ever be a time when going to a ball with basically royalty wouldn’t feel weird to Dorian? No, probably not, but that didn’t mean he’d say no to that opportunity and let Jessica go alone. To not be there for their daughters first fairytale like experience - that’s what he was really there for. Dorian has never seen Shay as excited as she was in the car on their way to the ball. From the day they told her where they were going, how she’s going to see so many princesses and princes, she couldn’t stop talking about it. That’s why both him and Jessica let her go to dance the moment they arrived, telling her to stay close. And she did… or that’s what Dorian thought. There was a moment of him not paying attention to Shay, focusing on Jessica and little Zoe in her arms that allowed Shay to get lost with so many people around them. And when he turned to look at her that’s when he noticed she was gone.

What do you do in that situation? Start panicking? Maybe… but not in front of Jessica. Just start looking for Shay, she has to be somewhere around, and if she isn’t… then that’s not good. ”I’ll go join Shay for a bit, okay?" Dorian tried to calmly say, gently kissing Jess before walking away and looking for their daughter. But it was more stressful than he thought - Shay was little, there was no way for him to spot her in this crowd. The best thing he could do is ask around to see if anyone has seen a little girl but luckily he didn’t have to worry about her for too long. With a sigh of relief and a soft smile on his lips, Dorian turned towards the direction of her soft voice calling out for her dad until… he saw who she was with. Who was holding his daughter. The smile he had quickly faltered as he looked away from the man back to his little girl that started running towards him. ”There you are," Dorian tried to hide his annoyance, putting on a smile for his daughter as he picked her up and kissed the top of her head, almost ignoring what she was saying. Taking the attention away from Kai. ”Hey… Go to mommy…" turning toward the direction he came from, in the distance seeing Jess, he continued, whispering. ”And I’ll be right behind you. But buuut but…" Dorian smiled at her, tickling her side to further distract her from what happened, who she was with just second ago, before putting her down. ”Don’t tell mommy anything, okay? Can it be our little secret?"

With that he watched her run back to Jessica, making sure she doesn’t end up getting lost again before finally looking back at a man he was hoping he would never have to face again. Malachi. ”I would really appreciate it if you…" Was it wrong of Dorian to be mad at him, after he basically helped his daughter? Perhaps it was. Yes. But there was this strong dislike he felt for the guy for so many years now. Starting that day Jessica came to him, hurt. ”Stayed away from my family. Okay? Great." Another forced but sarcastic smile on his lips as he took a few steps towards Kai. ”And spare me your explanation. I unfortunately don’t care about it."

@Littlefeets
@benitz786

Littlefeets · 14 June 2021 06:15

What If? - Kai And After Skye

As I’ve said previously, there are countless worlds in which the life of Malachi Azure turned out differently. Now, let me present to you a world in which Kai’s life had followed the same path as his reality for nearly 10 years beyond his time at Cerulean High.

This is a world in which he did marry princess Evangeline, and nearly left everything to be with Jess more than once, but what choice brought the chances to this life you ask? This time, it was not a choice made by Kai himself. It was a choice made by a younger girl who was looking to travel and see more of the world, Skye. She didn’t know it, but she would become someone extremely important to Kai, and when she chose to change her flight to visit Listaria first, she unknowingly brought herself into his life much sooner.

Note: This Alternate post begins where the year 9 portion of Kai’s reunion post began, but with a mention of Skye and Kai having met prior to that time, instead of after the reunion as in the real timeline.
Warning: This alternate also does contain mentions of death, as well as references to depressed and suicidal thoughts.

Alternate - A Simple Change In Timing

One. Two. Three. Three heartbeats. The royal babies that the world heard all about. Well, they heard that there wasn’t just a royal baby, but royal babies. The princess hadn’t just been pregnant with a single baby, not even twins like herself and Kai both were, but triplets. Triplets can be tricky, born premature with heightened risks to mother and children. Odds were high that something could go wrong, something made all the more clear with the birth.

One. Two. Two heartbeats. Of three born, there were two that survived. The two girls, identical twin girls, would go on to be princesses while their triplet half brother was to never grow up. Of the three infants, there were two fathers, one of Eva’s affairs, and Kai. Eva hadn’t lied. She was pregnant with Kai’s second born son… The media would hear about the birth of the royal twin girls, but the boy would merely cease to exist in the minds of the few that knew, except for Kai. Kai would always remember and think about who he had lost. Once again, he wasn’t getting to be a father. Be with a girl he loved, have a family, that was all he wanted, but every time it was ripped away from him. The reason Kai stayed with his wife, in Listaria, was gone, not even because of a lie, but because his life just never seemed to work out in a way where he could be happy.

Kai hated what his life had become, how it seemed he would never be able to be himself, always having to play a part. His life was nothing that he wanted, in fact it was everything he didn’t want, but that didn’t change a thing. How he felt didn’t matter. He didn’t care at that point, he was just hurting. There wasn’t much use in trying to be anything different than someone hiding behind a mask. Keep his walls up, close off, because nobody else would care enough to look past the facade to really see the person with so much pain inside.

However, it seemed there was one person willing to check on the man that she could tell was breaking. The girl knocked on the door before slowly stepping inside Kai’s room. “Kai…?” The pair hadn’t known each other for very long, just a few months, but the times they had spoken were enough for them to have developed a positive relationship with each other, with her calling him Kai instead of Malachi. Kai looked up from the empty glass in his hand to meet her gaze. “Skye.”
“Is there anything I can do for you…?” He looked back down for a moment, simply picking up the nearly empty bottle nearby, then back to Skye. “Any chance you can get your hands on another bottle?” Kai said before taking a sip of alcohol straight from the bottle in his hand.

With that, Skye went and found more alcohol, because if there was ever a time someone needed it, it was then. She couldn’t deny Kai wanting to numb the pain he felt for a while. He would feel it all later, but there was nothing wrong with burying it for the night. When she returned, she made the choice to stick with him, even after he said she didn’t have to stay, choosing to drink with him as well. “You need a friend. I’m not leaving you alone.” Before long, she certainly wasn’t thinking clearly, but that was enough to lead to a kiss between the two, then more.

“Kai.” Kai stopped and turned to look at Skye, her tone telling him that something was up. “What?” When he looked towards her, she walked over to him, letting him see the object in her hand. “This.”
“You’re…”
“Pregnant.” Skye said, not even letting Kai finish his sentence. “Yeah… Apparently when we were drinking… this happened.”

Of all the ways everything could have happened, that was the way the cards fell. Kai had gone from his wife being pregnant, to his son being born and having that hope for the future ripped away by his son not surviving. Yet, in his grief, his desire to shut his mind off with the alcohol, had brought a new life. Losing a child had somehow opened a new door. Kai had barely been holding himself together, he was shutting off from everyone and everything in a way beyond what he ever had before, but there was a reason to keep Kai from putting up every wall he had. Skye, and their baby. Unexpected only began to describe it. In no way was Kai in a good place for it, but when in Kai’s life had reality ever fit his plan, or taken his mental or emotional states into consideration.

Skye, a girl who was helping pull Kai back from the edge and to be more of himself, the mother of his daughter, someone who had really become his best friend. Though Kai would never have expected it in the beginning, Skye had become someone extremely important to him, not just because of the baby. However, it seemed the world was not in Kai’s favor. After months of growing closer to Skye, any dreams he had of the future were once again ripped away in the cruelest fashion imaginable, and Kai was once again feeling the crushing weight of loss. Though, Kai was not the only one to suffer, as his newborn daughter would never get the chance to know her mother.

It seemed that Kai’s life was filled with moments where every hope he had for his life to be something better was ripped away. He had been through so much, felt too much pain, and what even was the point. What life didn’t take from him, he still would find a way to screw it up. Malachi Azure, heir to the hidden Blue Royalty empire, the upper one percent of the top one percent, had everything one could want, even before marrying a princess and becoming royalty. What he never had was freedom, he could never make his life more his own. His life wasn’t his, and he didn’t know how to keep up the mask that the world saw. He couldn’t continue with the life he hated living, he didn’t have it in him to keep the confident charm expected of the prince, he could barely look himself in a mirror. He couldn’t be himself, but even if he could be, Kai didn’t even know who that would be. He was lost, and the only thing that kept him going was his daughter. Kai was all that Scarlet had, which was the only thing keeping the darkness inside from winning.

What gave Kai the idea, he didn’t know, but for some reason he knew it was the best choice. Wedding ring left on the dresser, Kai found himself leaving Listaria for what was intended to be the last time, one way or another. That’s how he found himself walking up to a door, questioning what he should do. Even at a glance, he wasn’t the same Kai he once was, he wasn’t the prince the world seemed to care about, he was a broken shell of a man who just wanted to do the right thing, who wanted to do something good for the tiny infant in the carrier he set down on the ground. Though, Kai couldn’t deny that other thoughts crossed his mind of what to do. Thoughts, which would’ve hurt everyone he did care about, even if it felt like it would have been for the best. Scarlet could be taken care of, it could be arranged for her to be safe with someone who was worth it, she could have a happy life. A life without Kai. He knew she deserved a better parent than him, and if he wasn’t there he couldn’t bring her pain. If he was gone, he wouldn’t have to keep hurting the people he cared about, for those who deserved better than him, and he wouldn’t have to feel the pain he had anymore. In that moment, the thought of just walking away was strong, but he chose to stay, to be there and keep on living each day trying to do right by Scarlet, and wait for the door to open.

There was a part of him, well… most of him, that expected the door to be shut in his face immediately. After all, with everything he had done, he knew he deserved it, but he was there because he knew he had to try. He needed to be able to say he at least tried, both for himself and for Scarlet one day. He had to try to apologize and admit how awful of a person he had been and how much pain he caused, and even in a way, do what he knew he should have done before. Though he felt like he didn’t deserve forgiveness, he needed to know he tried. Ease his conscience, and make it just a little easier to get up each morning. However, despite his expectations, the door didn’t shut right away, and he found himself face to face with someone who would always have a piece of his heart. “Hey Jess…”

@benitz786 - Jess….

novella · 14 June 2021 17:14

𝄞 This Town - Niall Horan

There was a feeling that only Jordan Williams could give her. A feeling, a smile, a laugh that only came around him and it had always been that way, maybe in the time apart she had forgotten the feeling but now she was around him again… there it was. An undeniable love that would never leave. It was different from the last time they had been together, because Sadie wasn’t the same person. She wasn’t the person with a fragile self-esteem, that was so easily shattered by one kiss. It took five years, but she knows she’ll never be back in the place she had been. Maybe, unexpectedly, that’s why she saw something different when she looked at him to what she did five years ago. What was it… hope? Maybe just for an actual friendship with him again, not one that didn’t talk to each other for years. Whatever it was, that was what she saw.

Sadie watched him try to find reasoning for the wine and she smiled, looking down. “I’m… uh, I’m really glad that… you kept- got it,” She said, quietly. Was that too forward? Sadie didn’t know. Did that look like she was assuming it was about her? She also… didn’t know. Maybe it was something for him, and it didn’t mean anything, and she was just looking into it too much. But, regardless of what his reason was for it, him keeping it meant a lot to her. Maybe a bit more than a lot.

𝄞 them butterflies, they come around when I’m next to you

From the moment their hands brushed when walking into the theatre room, sending a wave of chills over her, Sadie knew it was going to be difficult to watch the movie. Watching the younger version of them on the screen… she had the continuous feeling of… longing. Longing for what they had during and between the scenes, the rush of happiness and excitement he gave her every time he was around. Now they were sat next to each other, there was so much Sadie wanted to tell him, and even more what she wanted to ask him - not necessarily about feelings - but about any and everything, she’d missed five years of anecdotes that would make her day. When her eyes continuously drifted to him, Sadie wondered what it would be like if it hadn’t happened. What they would be talking about, what he’d be saying, with no filter.

Until she soon didn’t have to imagine him talking to her, because suddenly neither of them were watching the movie and instead continuing their interrupted conversation. “No… that’s not-” She started as he disagreed with her, but before she could finish, Jordan was standing up asking her to trust him. Though confused, her trusting him wasn’t even a question, Sadie stood with him as the familiar music started to play and Jordan’s actions answered her unasked question on what he was doing. Though she thought she had gotten good at doing so, Sadie completely failed to hide her emotions. To hide the complete admiration as she watched him do his part of their dance, feeling as though she was back where she was when they first did it. There was no hesitation in her when it came to Sadie’s part to join in. She didn’t hold back as if they were five years divorced, and as if they were being filmed for the millions of people to theorise. Sadie let herself be in the moment with him, still effortlessly being in sync after all this time.

𝄞 If the whole world was watching, I’d still dance with you

At the moment they would have kissed, Jordan broke character looking at their castmates who’s attention had immediately moved away from the screen. Sadie made a conscious effort to move her eyes away from where they continuously fell to, a smile falling to place when she saw the subtle eyebrow raise from Liza amongst their castmates. Walking back to their seats, Jordan turned to respond to her thanking him, turning it onto her to say the same. “It’s okay, really… I honestly wasn’t sure how I was going to respond to most questions… but I think that one came the easiest. Because it was all true, Jordan,” She told him, trying to adjust to saying his name, out loud and to him. The close proximity to each other they had naturally gone to had generated a sort of tension. Maybe it was just one-sided, but there was something about the space between them making her wanting it to disappear. For a second, she thought perhaps it was going to… but then the sound of Jordan’s phone caused his eyes to fall down to his screen, making her lean back in her seat, looking back at the movie. “Has it already been-?” But she stopped as Jordan already knew what she was asking.

@.benitz786 Jordan Williams

benitz786 · 14 June 2021 19:07

Shorts Series: Alternate Universe - Kai’s What If - 2037/2038

"Oh boll0cks, don’t bullsht me, McAllister. I wrote your character perfectly well in the book. I don’t need you complaining that I didn’t mention your eyes were the blue-est things on the planet, Jess laughed, looking at the man on facetime who was reading a part of the book where she described the character based on the man himself. "Okkaaayyyy fineeee. For the next book, I promise to mention that you’re a rock and roll king with eyes blue-er than the ocean. Are we good now? Jess asked, smiling as she received a nod from him in approval.

Hearing a knock on the door, she sighed giving the man one last cheeky look. “Although I love your company, Nug, that knock on the door would be the Chinese food I ordered and as of right now, food > you,” she finished, saying her goodbye’s to the man who lived thousands of miles from her. Honestly - it didn’t matter how far away the two lived from one another - they’d always be each other’s person. It was the same with Dorian - no matter what had happened to him, the two still talked on a weekly if not daily basis.

Currently, Jessica Pierce resided in her London condominium - always having a preference for London over any other place in the world. Plus living here gave her the opportunity to be near her siblings… especially little Paige who likely felt so alone as all her siblings were older than her. Oftentimes, Jess opened her door to the little girl and she stayed with her - however, this weekend, Paige was out on a gymnastics competition that occurred in a few days. Jess would arrive the day of the competition to cheer the girl on but for now, it was just arriving at the place with her teammates and practices.

As she put the phone down, Jess grabbed her wallet and made her way towards the door - making sure all her money was ready for the eventual payment of the food and the look she’d get when the delivery person realized she was the only person in her residence ordering food from about 20 people.

Though opening the door, Jess started mumbling something about her being starved… until of course, she looked up to find that the person standing outside her door was not a Chinese food delivery person. No… the individual standing before her was probably the furthest thing from being that. Malachi Azure.

The hurt that flashed in her eyes was almost instantaneous as she looked at him - her heart dropping as she realized who stood in front of her. Part of her just wanted to shut the door on his face and go on with her night but the thing was - she couldn’t move. Her body felt as heavy as a statue cemented into place as she stood stoic in front of him, her eyes not wavering from his. She heard his voice, but honestly, she had no idea how to respond… or even if she could. Jessica Pierce didn’t know how long she was standing there before she heard the coo of a baby, her eyes navigating from his to the floor where she saw a young child in a carrier. She wanted to scream at him but she knew she couldn’t… not with the woken child right next to him - a child she could only assume was his own. “I don’t… what do you want from me Kai? For fcks sake - I thought we went through this before…” she muttered, keeping her voice calm for the baby. “I’m not… fcking doing this again Kai…I…” she stopped for a second.

The man who stood in front of her was Kai… but a Kai she had never seen before. He looked… tired. Broken even and it killed her inside to look at him like that. Jessica didn’t know how he found her or even why but she knew that he didn’t look like he had a place to go. A sigh left her lips as she looked at him once again, "Do you even have a place to sleep? With the time of night it was - she wasn’t sure how to navigate this… but she did know that she wasn’t going to leave a man and his child out in the cold… no matter who that man and child were. “Just…” she sighed opening the door wider, letting him in and closing the door behind him as he took the child and carrier with him. Jess stayed silent as she followed him in, helping the baby out of it’s stroller and smiling at the child. She brought the baby to her guest bedroom, swaddling the kid before placing her on a makeshift crib on the bed with some pillows so she’d be safe. Waiting until the baby was asleep, Jess walked back to her living room with frustration present in her form.

“What the bloody hell do you want Kai? Because I want you out of here first thing in the morning. Do you need a phone? Want to call your sister? Or… I don’t know, your wife?”

Though she was angry and although the baby was fast asleep, Jessica’s voice didn’t raise. Rather - perhaps it was eerie to hear the calmness in her voice contrasted with the words leaving them.

@Littlefeets
@CerealKiller mentioned

benitz786 · 17 June 2021 15:38

Shorts Series: Hello Shay- 2031

Jess sighed, laying against the couch on her back attempting to find a comfortable position - which NO one told her would be this hard with a six and a half pound baby in her belly. Jess felt her little girl kick and scrunched her nose as she looked at her stomach “That was cute the first time, now it’s just rude kid,” Jess stated, poking her stomach back. Hey - if the kid could kick her stomach from the inside out, Jess could poke back. Maybe Jess would be nice if she inherited her kick - but Jess swore her baby had gotten Dori’s and that just wasn’t fair with him being a professional soccer player.

One and a half weeks - that’s how long it was until her due date and Jess had become used to the constant schedule of waking up, trying to get comfortable for a majority of the day until she got hungry and had to get up from the spot that she would never really find again, and eating the worst of food that she knew Dori didn’t approve of but hey - the more he disagreed the more she ate which made him shush really quickly. Overall it had been almost nine months and Jess wasn’t that big - which scared her a little but the doctor had explained it was proportionate to her size and that the baby was okay.

Currently, she had found herself in the kitchen - once again looking for something. She didn’t know what that something was but hey, last time she was in there she ended up cooking candy pasta and that wasn’t half bad. A soft smile met her lips as Dori came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her - apparently coming back from the gym. She moved her head so she could kiss him before turning around to face him. She watched as he looked down at her stomach, his hand navigating to it before muttering “Hey kid - she feeding you junk again huh?” Jess playfully punched Dori on the shoulder “Hey she’s eating good okay - I only wish my parents fed me half the stuff I have fed littleee… Andi?” Jess asked - the two trying out different names. And Andy would love if she named the kid after him… and Dan would hate it. Two birds with one stone or whatever right? Dori shook his head and Jess sighed. “We’re really going to have no name for her huh?” Jess asked with a soft frown though before he could say anything, Jess knew what she wanted to eat. “OO okay do we have any hot Cheetos?” Jess questioned - moving back towards the pantry but frowning when she didn’t see it. “Doooori do you mind going to buy hot Cheetos… and cheese… and a corn dog…and a slushie… OHH AND SOME NUGGETS?”

She saw the frown on Dori’s face but after a second, he kissed her - nodded, grabbed his keys, and went to get her oh-so-good food. Which would have been worth waiting for except after about 20 minutes of waiting, Jess felt a contraction - or something she could only guess would be a contraction because it hurt so bloody much. Look… she knew she should call Dori… but damn did she want those Cheetos. So instead… well… she called an Uber to the hospital. Grabbing the “go bag” that she and Dori made - let’s just say… it was an interesting ride in the Uber with her groaning in the back every few minutes or so. What? LOOK SHE TIPPED WELL OKAY.

It was about 10 minutes until they reached the hospital - the driver likely sweating and gunning it as much as he could. With a calmness that only Jess could have, she walked up to the receptionist with a smile. “Hello love, I…” she put her finger up, closing her eyes as another painful contraction hit and opened her eyes. “Long story short - since I doubt you want to hear about the drunken night where this happened - I think this child inside of me wants to come out now,”

It took a few seconds for someone to bring a wheelchair. and soon she was getting wheeled off to a private room. During this time, Jess saw her phone ringing - the caller ID showing that it was Dori. Picking up, Jess heard the worried voice of Dorian asking where she was. “Wait more important question - did you get what I asked you?” Jess asked immediately and when he told her he had, she smiled. “Okay… do me a big favor. Grab that stuff, go to your car, drive to the hospital, and meet me here since this child you put in me wants to come out today okay?”

“Wait wai… so your…” Thought Jess didn’t hear the last of what he had said as her phone died. Damn. Oh well. Getting to the room, Jess got the nurse’s help in getting settled in, asking the man to plug her phone in and get her a damn EPIDURAL. Which he kindly did. Yes, drugs. All the damn drugs. Thank you. Jess stated as another nurse came in to help her get changed and give her an epidural - thank god.

It was about 20 minutes since she came in and currently, she had 2 contractions, 4 nurses in and out of her room, 1 doctor checking and telling her she still had some time. She heard her phone beep to life and noticed about 32 missed calls from Dorian, 4 missed calls from Dan who probably noticed her name go into the hospital records the moment they did, 2 missed calls from Val and Andy, and 1 missed call from Jezebel. Not to mention apparently E-News had already posted a story about her getting to the hospital and giving birth to her first child. For fcks sake. After a few seconds of scrolling, Jess clicked Dori’s name to call him back but hearing ringing outside her door, Jess found a wide-eyed Dori as he walked to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “For fcks sake Jess, why didn’t you call me?”

She wrapped her arm around her fiancée’s neck, kissing his forehead. “because you were getting my food and that’s more important… wait… where’s my food Dori?” Something clearly obvious was that there was no food in Dori’s hand. The audacity.

It took three hours. Jess had apparently come early enough that she had some time but soon enough, Jess found herself holding Dori’s hand tightly as she pushed, and without missing a beat - Jess had a perfect little baby girl in her hands. There was something different in the way that Dori looked as he held their little girl… or little potato as he later called the girl. “What about Shay?” Dori asked and the moment he did, the girl coo’ed as if that was her name. “Welcome home Shay.”

@astxrism

And a few others mentioned like @Littlefeets and @CerealKiller

benitz786 · 17 June 2021 16:00

Life could change in an instant. In one instant, Jordan was Sadie’s everything and she was his as well. And the next… she looked at him like a stranger. Nevertheless, for Jordan, she was still his everything. Perhaps she always would be - after all, the two had lived a life together. For a long time, she remained his person. So sue Jordan if It was hard to watch a movie where he saw this past life where they were… different. Where there was so much love between the two that had since dissipated… at least for Sadie. Perhaps for Jordan, it never truly would. For him, that wasn’t how life worked. One was always told they had to move on. To go past the old, into a new life. A new… normal. Jordan tried but why did that mean a new normal wasn’t inclusive of Sadie. At least… the memories of her. Did that mean the dance didn’t confuse Jordan? No, that it did. Though Jordan’s features showed his usual smile, remiss of what had just occurred. His mind… and heart were racing. The way their bodies moved was automatic - filled with a broken history.

Lost in his own thoughts, Jordan barely comprehended what Sadie had murmured - a notion about their interview. Though it seemed he was saved by the bell… or rather, perhaps he couldn’t consider it saved to have that video of them dancing everywhere. A sigh left his lips in slight frustration as he watched the dance from another angle. It was different - doing it and watching it. But the chemistry was still clearly there and he knew what fans were about to say. Hearing her voice again, Jordan nodded at her question - turning the phone over towards her so she could see the dance. He opened twitter up, and found that the video was almost instantaneously going viral, showing that to her as well. “We should… try to get ahead of this and… I don’t know… maybe do a live to reassure fans that we’re just friends and it was just a fun little dance while the movie played? Nothing more?” Jordan asked Sadie, with his eyebrow raised. Though it hurt to mutter nothing more he knew, in her mind at least, that is exactly what it was. Nothing more than a dance to commemorate a reunion. With that said, Jordan nodded towards the exit - walking out of the theatre attempting not to distract the other cast members - soon followed by Sadie. “You ready?” Jordan asked. The real worry was always that when fans got these ideas of them getting back together - both of them were always hounded and he didn’t want… well he didn’t want their kids to get the wrong idea and lose hope.

Waiting but a second for her nod, Jordan smiled as he turned on Instagram live. “Phew - Hey everyone. How are you all doing today?” Jordan asked as his numbers attending the live instantaneously skyrocketed with most people online asking about the dance. “I’m with Sadieee hereee and I’m sure you all just saw the little dance we put on for our reunion. I hope everyone enjoyed it but I just wanted to tell you, with Sadie, that it was just a little bit of fun. Me and Sadie are still really good friends and love to mess around when we can,” Jordan said casually with a soft practiced smile. “So Sadie, how are you liking our reunion party so far?” Jordan asked, walking towards her so they could both be on the camera together.

@novella

astxrism · 17 June 2021 21:43

Dorian DeLoughrey
{ Set of thoughts }

{ 1 | Meeting Amelia and Phoebe, 2021 }

Nervous - one word that could completely describe how Dorian was feeling on his way to see his sister and nieces, when he was there and while he was holding them. Ah, holding babies… Is it weird that Dorian has never held babies before? Never really played with babies or just… been close to them? So besides the obvious happiness he was feeling and this new responsibility, he was freaking out. One of the first things that crossed his mind was, how would I know which one is Phoebe and which one is Amelia? They are the same. Identical. But… aren’t all the babies the same? I swear they all do look the same. There was also a moment when he got a little bit scared for Elodie and Riker - what if they mix them up? Okay… that’d be funny, it’s not something he wouldn’t mind seeing but… How do parents do that? How do they know their little twins? A thought that in that moment made him wish he’d never have to go through that - having identical twins.

But actually seeing them, holding them… all those funny thoughts he had and worry he felt quickly disappeared, replaced with happiness and calmness. You’re so tiny, a smile on his face looking down at a sleepy girl… Phoebe? No… Who did Elodie say that was?

{ 2 | a night that changed everything for good, 2030 }

How should one feel about ending up in bed with an ex? Depends on way too many things, right? Maybe it would be easier to answer this: How should one feel about ending up in bed, a little bit tipsy, with an ex they never completely got over and still had a little hope of things working out in the end after letting everything that was on their mind for so many years out in the open? Great, huh? Amazing. That’s what Dorian would’ve told you if he wasn’t so lost in his thoughts. Or he would’ve told you it was scary because, well, he was scared. Scared of messing it up again. Scared of letting her do what she wanted and possibly simply letting her go again without fighting. That was mostly on his mind as he was there next to her, his arms wrapped around her. A mix of fear and bliss. Endless thoughts of it ending bad, being hurt all over again but also endless thoughts… a decision to make it work. Her explanation repeating in his head. His own words and this big secret he was holding all to himself… A big mess.

But her every little movement would bring him back to reality. Reality in which he was holding her again in a way he hasn’t for a long time, thinking this is all I really want. Thinking I’m not letting you be stupid again and do what you think is best for me, because this time it was finally his turn to act and fight.

{ 3 | first doctor’s visit, 2030 }

How can she tell anything by looking at a… blob on the screen? Did Dorian just refer to his baby as a blob on the screen. Yes, but was he wrong? Not in calling her that but figuring out how this whole ultrasound thing works? No… The doctor was still setting up everything but he was confused and super, super nervous so don’t judge. Tightly holding Jess’s hand he carefully listened to everything her doctor was saying since this was the first time they were there… Checking if everything was alright. And this was a rare time when he was completely silent. His heart skipping a beat hearing the doctor saying they are all ready. It’s fine. Everything is perfectly fine. He tried to convince himself but he didn’t need to because they soon found out that everything, in fact, was perfectly fine.

That was the moment when he fully understood what was happening. Holly sht, we’re having a baby… We ARE having a baby. But once again he only stayed silent not knowing how to react to it - he just looked up at Jess, bringing her hand he was so tightly holding to his lips.

{ 4 | Decorating the nursery, 2030 }

She looks so funny with a belly. Would she kill me if I said that? Yes? Sitting on the ground, Dorian was watching Jessica putting some things to the side after they finished painting one wall of their baby’s nursery. It’s not that it was funny… she’s just a tiny girl and he was still getting used to it - this new life, having her with him every day again… Her being pregnant. How much bigger would it get? How… how can women deal with that? His eyes glued to her, he was lost in his thoughts, very important questions going through his mind. How… no. No. Not thinking about that now.

Shaking those thoughts, there would always be a smile on his lips knowing how much things were gonna change, sitting in that room making it more real. Little girl. And his smile only growing the moment he’d meet Jessica’s eyes again as she turned to show him,

{ 5 | Holding Shay for the first time, 2031 }

There was an euphoric feeling throughout the whole birth - from coming to the hospital alone to Shay being born and seeing her for the first time, but it couldn’t compare to the moment he held his little girl for the first time. A little wrapped up potato, he thought right before taking her into his arms. Just a moment before he completely fell in love with her - couple of minutes of silence as he looked down at her little face, holding her so tightly against him. There were quiet ”hi”s here and there but what was he thinking about? That was hard to tell, even he didn’t know… a million of different things - from imagination taking her home to look at your little nose and lips aaand cheeks, you’re so perfect and I love you. A lot of I love yous that quickly turned into whispers, placing the softest kisses on top of her little head.

Littlefeets · 18 June 2021 06:15

Malachi Azure

As Kai looked at Jess, he knew showing up there wouldn’t have been easy for her. Especially after the last time they saw each other, when he unknowingly stumbled across her being undercover, and it was clear that there wouldn’t be anything more between them. Seconds, minutes, it didn’t matter, they stood there until the silence was broken by Scarlet. He didn’t know what to say to Jess. Even though he made the decision to show up at her door, he had no idea what he was going to say to her. He looked to Scarlet then back to Jess when she asked if he had somewhere to sleep. He gave a slight shake of his head. “Not yet…” Though, he never would have expected that she would let him come in for the night. She let him in, and made sure Scarlet was safe and sound, snuggled in asleep. “Thank you.” For the first time, in Kai didn’t even know how long, he was able to simply let out a breath, knowing that his daughter was safe and nothing would happen to her.

It had been rough for Kai for a while. Guilt and self hate had built up so much over the years to a point that he couldn’t bury it any longer, which only added to the losses he had experienced that year, and now exhaustion was the icing on the cake. He didn’t have it in him to plan ahead for anything, even for a place to try and sleep. Not that he would’ve even slept much anyway. Between taking care of a newborn, and the way he couldn’t distract himself from his pain whenever he did manage to catch more than a couple minutes of sleep, he was running on fumes. He was exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. He didn’t have it in him to fight, especially not when Jess had every right to be mad at him. “I’m sorry Jess, I know I shouldn’t have come. And no, I don’t need to call anyone, especially not Evangeline. I don’t want her to have any idea where I am, and Akielah knew I would come here…” Kai let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair, which would have left it visible that there was now only one ring left on that hand, the ring Jess had given him on his wedding day. He never expected he would have a chance of anything with her again, but that ring was a reminder of a different time, a better time. It was a reminder to himself of who he wished he could be, and what he should have done. “I… I don’t even know why I thought coming here was a good idea… I just… I wanted to see you. But I… I wasn’t thinking…”

@benitz786

benitz786 · 18 June 2021 06:21

10 minute date - Short - 2014

Crush. Yep. That’s what Jordan Williams had. A BIG fat crush on Jezebel Sloane. Not that she had ever noticed, however. Or maybe she had… oh god how embarrassing. For over a year, Jordan used to stumble over his words… or even physically stumble when he was in her presence. Yeah… let’s just say that time he tripped over his own feet on the bleachers during that soccer game wasn’t… a great look. Especially as it brought laughter from most of the student body and just a slight look of pity from Jezebel Sloane. God the embarrassment within Jordan couldn’t be fathomed that day.

But those days were over… the days where he used to eat coconut desserts knowing he was allergic just to have a moment… a split second where he could talk to Jezebel. No… now they were friends. Real friends. Though the circumstances of their friendship were… probably one better kept in the safety of his own head - the way she let him hide in her house still bringing a soft smile to his lips. Not to mention that… well… incident in the bathroom that perhaps was better left forgotten. Though the fact that Jezebel’s mother had a strong dislike for him still presented some issues. Either way, with more than a little encouragement from his best friend, Elodie DeLoughrey, Jordan was finally going to do it. He was finally going to ask Jezebel Sloane out.

Well… let’s just say that didn’t turn out like he hoped - as seen by the way he was sadly slumped against the wall thinking about how Jezebel gave him a sad look and told him how… she just didn’t have the time to date… words soon followed by her schedule as she explained she barely had 15 minutes to spare nowadays as her mother basically packed her schedule with extracurriculars and a curfew of when she had to be home by.

Perhaps in another life - Jordan Williams would have given up that day. Though, saddened in that hallway - Jordan was soon graced with the company of his best friend who seemed to be checking up on him and how it went. It went terrible. Which is what Jordan had told Elodie - though she simply retorted that technically, Jezebel hadn’t said no. Which… okay fine, Elo was right. Jez hadn’t said no but she also hadn’t said yes.

What formulated the idea that cultivated over the next week was, without a doubt, Elodie’s doing. Because over that next week, Jordan watched Jezebel - attempting to figure out when her longest break was and found that it was during her walk home - a departure which took exactly 10 minutes and 43 seconds (give or take). And the second he knew that - he set his plan into motion.

On a fateful Friday afternoon, the minute the class bell rang for his Algebra class - Jordan was off, walking next to his friend Jezebel with a soft smile and a twinkle in his eyes. “Let me take you on a date Jezebel, please.” Jordan asked, a single rose in his hand which he found brought a soft smile on her lips. He could see Jezebel start to argue, though he stopped her in her tracks. “Just… trust me okay. Give me the next 10 minutes of your time while you walk home,” Jordan asked. Perhaps it was the whimsical nature of Jordan’s question… or maybe something else… but thankfully she… agreed. The moment he did, Jordan took her hand and he was off, walking her towards the streets she usually took home - but instead of walking straight there - Jordan had prepared various stops along the way.

The first of these stops was a small little family-owned restaurant who, with Jordan’s boyish begging, had agreed to his outrageous request of placing a small curb-side table for their date. Pulling Jezebel’s chair, he ushered her to sit down before taking the seat across from her smiling as she tried to tell him she really only had 10 minutes. “I know” he said with a small grin. The moment they sat down, a survey immediately came with a cobb salad for both of them. "So debate team tournament next week right? How are you feeling? Jordan asked as the server came to take away their plates after Jezebel had no more than one bite and Jordan hadn’t taken any. Within another second, another server came with their next plates - telling the two it was chicken parmesan. Jordan grinned at his date as she told him about the upcoming tournament, though pausing with the appearance of the server to ask the man “Do you mind if we have the check? We have a movie we’re trying to catch in…” Jordan started, checking his watch “23 seconds” . The waiter said of course, with a knowing smile, and Jordan took the check “So you had the cobb salad and the main course and I really just had water so do you have this” he asked jokingly before pulling his wallet out as he placed the money inside “I’'m joking Jez,” he added as Jezebel laughed and took a few last bites of her food.

Standing up, he thanked the waiters as he took Jez’ hand and walked forward - calling for a taxi that happened to be near them and opening the door for her as he ran to the other side. Jordan ran to the other side telling the driver 876th Ballen street which was a few feet from where they stood - leaving them in front of a technology store with TVs in glass cases and two chairs sitting outside of it with popcorns on the seats. As the two sat down, the trailer for Mean Girls started playing. The instant it did, Jordan started giving commentary on the movie, TINA FEY she’s from MICHIGAN," he laughed, raising his eyebrows at the cafeteria set up which kind of reminded him of their own school. “I think I have ESPN or something, Jez”. he added, quoting the movie. As the trailer came to an end, Jordan joked about never having seen the actual movie before calling for the taxi again - having them drive back towards the restaurant they had been at a second earlier, however, now there was dessert set out for the two of them - Jordan, once again, opening Jezebel’s door so they could sit down and eat for approximately 10 seconds before the waiters came out with two doggie bags for both of them. Finally, Jordan lead Jezebel back to the taxi as the driver took them a few feet from Jezebel’s house. This time, however, once the two were out - Jordan looked at his watch with a soft smile muttering “And that’s… our date… had to cut out some time for dessert so I had to drop the first kiss from the itinerary,” Jordan joked as he walked her closer to her door, though after a second with Jez explaining she could be maybe… a little late, Jordan leaned in softly and kissed the girl he had a crush on for more years than he could fathom. And honestly, the kiss they shared that day didn’t dissipate those feelings… if anything, his feelings felt stronger. Feelings that stayed with him for the next few years as the two became a couple and even after Jordan left. The honest truth about all of it being that Jezebel Sloane truly did have Jordan’s heart and perhaps she always had.

@Littlefeets

benitz786 · 19 June 2021 03:08

Shorts Series: Alternate Universe - Kai’s What If - 2037/2038

He looked… different. Jessica had seen Kai various times throughout the years and he never… looked like that. Looked so… broken. But broken or not, Jessica Pierce was p!ssed at the man in front of her. More frustrated than she could ever truly explain. The thing was… it didn’t matter how many years passed between them. Malachi Azure had destroyed her more times than she could ever truly explain. Though… she was trying to keep it together for the child sleeping in the other room. Listening to his words, she sighed. It wasn’t an excuse and honestly… his “sorry’s” meant nothing at this point. A little too late… and a little too much pain. Perhaps there was even a slight frustration that someone she considered her friend, Akielah, had told Kai where she was. However… that did bring to question why. After all, Akielah wouldn’t have just given him her location without reason. Though… with his next statement - Jess didn’t really have a chance to respond as she heard a knock on her door. Giving Kai one last look of utter frustration, Jess walked over to open it and her frown was still apparent when she saw the Chinese food delivery guy with her food. Telling the man to give her a second, Jess got her money and paid for it - bringing the food inside and putting it on her kitchen island. “I don’t… honestly Kai I don’t even care anymore. You’re right - you clearly weren’t thinking coming here because sorry doesn’t fix you screwing me over again and again.” Jess sighed, trying to ease a growing headache.

“Feel free to eat the food, take a shower, change, whatever… I don’t care… I’m going to sleep.” she whispered - making her way to the bedroom without another word and closing her door behind her. The minute it was closed - she felt her body lean against it - all the way to the floor where she sat with her head in her hands. She was tired… and honestly, she didn’t know if she could take it again. For years - Kai had taken what was left of her heart and slowly crushed it bit by bit. And… well… if she was being honest, there was truly nothing left of her to crush. She already felt hollow for so many years… after losing her own kids… nothing ever felt okay. She just… felt empty.

Jess didn’t know when she finally pulled herself up and onto the bed but she did know she had fallen asleep - exhaustion creeping in. Though, crying woke her up at 3:34 AM. Her eyes opened as the crying got louder and she heard someone trying to calm a baby in the other room. It seemed it wasn’t a dream… he wasn’t a dream. It wouldn’t be surprising if he was… it wasn’t the first time. In any case, after about five minutes - jess found herself standing up and walking outside and towards the other bedroom. Jess stood there for a few seconds - outside of his door listening to the crying. She didn’t know if Kai knew what he was doing… but either way, she found herself gently knocking and entering the room where the man was cradling the little girl looking… more exhausted than before. "Do you need help? " Jess asked, her eyes pointed towards the child.

@Littlefeets - not my best but I’m so tired rn

novella · 19 June 2021 21:04

After looking at it through Jordan’s phone, Sadie’s eyes then fell down to her own, onto the usually avoided app, Twitter. And there it was, the first three rows on trending occupied by ‘Work It’, ‘Work It Dance’… and ‘Sadie and Jordan’. It had been a while since their names were together on the trending page, the last real time perhaps even being their divorce, and then occasionally cropping back up during what would have been their anniversary. But now, Sadie was here again, scrolling through the thousands of tweets commenting on their chemistry, the way they were looking at each other, and the fact they should ‘get back together immediately’. Did this strengthen the hope that had began to arise? Sadie couldn’t deny that it had, and maybe a part of her hoped this would… trigger some sort of long-awaited conversation, since she knew Jordan was looking at the same thing.

Though Sadie soon realised she may needed to accept what the reality was when Jordan’s first thought was to tell the fans that they were just friends and “Nothing more,” She couldn’t help repeating, feeling the gravity of the words by hearing them from both of their voices. If that was how he felt, then that was what it was. There was a small, easily missed moment of hesitation, knowing that his suggestion may be shutting down more than just fan assumptions. But if that was what he wanted… well, no, that clearly was what he wanted, and she shouldn’t have been as surprised as she was. “Yeah, yes we should, definitely, yeah. We know how far they can go with stuff that didn’t mean…” Sadie trailed off as she realised where the sentence had taken her. “Yeah we should probably… probably shut down any… assumptions or rumours or something, right.” Though the last word fell out almost as a question.

Just as she stopped talking, he got up from his seat. Oh, right now? They were doing it right now, already? Jordan was wasting no time to clear up any rumours. Which was fine because that was completely what she wanted too. Sadie stood moments after, following Jordan out of the theatre until they were alone. Jordan’s phone screen switched from the suspecting tweets to a ready-to-start live to shut them down. She gave a the small nod he was waiting for to hit the button to make the current moment visible to the public eye. While off camera, Sadie allowed herself to look at him, to watch the same effortless ease he had in the Work It interview. Thankfully, Jordan interrupted any visible reaction Sadie could have had to the ‘really good friends’ phrase by switching the camera to her, unintentionally revealing to her the live stream of comments that her eyes couldn’t help flicking down to.

jordie.love sadie and jordan on a live together omg omg omg

abbielane jordan’s acting skills excelling here

katiebell they are so in love it’s too obvious

“Yeah, it’s going amazing, and it’s been great to have a chance for us all to see each other again, dancing and joking around just like old times!” Sadie exclaimed with her own rehearsed smile, remembering to also look at the camera, which then brought her attention to the questions section of the comments, so that the conversation can divert from Sadie’s tiptoeing over eggshells. “Madison21.Wright asks you, Jordan, how it is seeing Liza and Keiynan again?” Sadie read out, then turning back to him, carefully selecting one of the only questions that hadn’t been asking… the obvious.

@.benitz786 Jordan Williams

astxrism · 22 June 2021 00:17

Dorian DeLoughrey
{ Not a happy daughter | 2035 }

It would be a lie to say Dorian wouldn’t believe you if you told him he’d have troubles with his daughter’s teacher because in the eyes of his daughter and other kids at school she was “coming onto him”. He would believe in that, he was Dorian DeLoughrey after all, but he would also hope that would never happen. But oh was he wrong because there was this one teacher making it all unnecessarily uncomfortable for him… Miss. Robins.

Getting out of his car that was parked in front of Shay’s school and taking a few steps, his gaze traveled around the school grounds looking for his little girl until he heard a voice greeting him from the side and something about being the one who picked up Shay for two weeks straight now? A friendly smile met his lips, being face to face with a teacher he’s been seeing every time he’d come. “Yes, just…making it easier for my wife,” Dorian was quick to reply, shoving his hands into his pockets and keeping his distance, making sure to put a little emphasis on the wife part. Yes, he has been the one picking up Shay every day for two weeks now and he has noticed a friendlier behaviour from her teacher. He has noticed hair twirls and subtle touches, longing stares and if he wasn’t married he would enjoy that, but he was… so he didn’t enjoy it nor did he think it was professional. But the last thing he needed or wanted to deal with was having bad relations with the woman just because of Shay, not himself, he wouldn’t care about that. “Causing trouble? Shay?” He tried to change the subject and avoid talking about himself with a teacher, once again looking around until he felt a hand on his shoulder, making him look down immediately. Another forced smile, even a laugh when miss Robins decided to joke about it and end it with something along the lines of “oh, she is incredible but there are some things we could talk about, I could arrange a meeting if you’d like that”. “I’ll talk to my wife about it, I’m sure she’d be interested,” being his first response and from what he could see, not the one she was expecting… but there goes Shay, saving the day. “There you areee,” a genuine smile this time, seeing his little girl running up to him and acting, just a bit, weird? He didn’t think much about it thought, instead he simply said bye to the teacher and let Shay drag him back to the car. Helping her into her car seat and as any other father who noticed something strange, asked if everything was alright to what he got a simple nod.

What do you think went through Dorian’s mind when he got a call from Shay’s school… or Jessica telling him to go there because Shay has kicked her teacher? You’d think he was mad? Well, he was, yes, but he was also highly entertained by it. Of course he knew nothing about it, he had no idea what really happened or why she did it but knowing that little girl it was a good kick and for a good reason. Something young Dorian would probably find himself doing but that didn’t mean he would show that in front of Shay, no. “I’m so sorry,” Dorian’s first words as he entered the office, giving miss Robins an apologetic look. His gaze landed on Shay frowning, her little arms crossed as he took a seat next to her but quickly shifted his attention back to her teacher. “I got a call from my wife and I don’t… What happened? I’m sure there has been a misunderstanding?” Dorian started, watching as Robins stood up and walked closer to his side, leaning against her desk. Again starting on a positive note and praising his daughter with a sweet smile before explaining what actually happened. “It would be best if Shay waits outside…”
“Wha- no…” At this point getting slightly frustrated with the teacher, he turned away from her to face his daughter, calming down for her and softly starting with, “Shay… why did you do that?”

Gently taking his little hand in hers as he waited for her answer and tried to meet her eyes, he noticed tears slowly rolling down her cheeks before she started speaking. And when she did that frustration he was feeling completely disappeared, his heart breaking connecting this with the way she has been acting recently and everything else he noticed… not just with her. “Shay…” whispering, Dorian quickly got up and picked up his daughter, tightly holding her against his chest and only with “I think we’re done here, thank you,” left the office. Finding himself in an empty hallway, he sat down on a bench with Shay on his lap and frowned before kissing the top of her head, starting with - “Baby, hey… look at me.” Lifting up her chin, he tried to give her a sweet smile and wipe away the tears on her cheeks. "Do you know who daddy loves more than anything on this whole world? Hm? You… and your little sister… and your mommy. I love you three the most and nothing can ever change that. " Once again pulling her back to him, he tightly wrapped his arms around her. “I don’t know why you are thinking about that but you have the best mom and no one can ever replace her.”

@benitz786 don’t be sad Shy

Littlefeets · 22 June 2021 05:55

Jezebel Mallory Parker

2020 - Around the time Laurel first went home

How can such a tiny being cause so much fear? It didn’t matter that the doctors had given the ok. There Jezebel was bringing Laurel home from the hospital. Of course, Jezebel wasn’t alone, and she would always have her family to count on, but that didn’t change the fact that from that day forward, she was the one responsible for everything. Even with people she had to support her, there was a part of her that was still on her own. While Laurel was in the hospital, unless there was something she had going on, or Daniel pulled her away, she was there with her. Each day, it would be her taking care of her daughter. Mikel… he wasn’t there like Jezebel was. Jezebel knew what it was like growing up without a relationship with her father, so Jezebel wanted Laurel to have that, but it was Mikel’s life. She couldn’t force him to be around. If he wanted to see Laurel or not, it was on him, he could be as involved as he wanted. He would always be her father, but he wouldn’t be the one raising her. Jezebel would be there for Laurel for everything. As the summer came to an end and everyone seemed to have left for school, or traveling in Mikel’s case, it was just Jezebel and Laurel. On their own, just the two of them, Jezebel couldn’t deny that she was scared out of her mind. Something could happen and Laurel could get hurt, Jezebel could do any number of things wrong for her, and did she even have it in her to be a good mother? It’s not like Jezebel grew up with a good example, if anything she grew up seeing what not to do. However, even with her fears, she could hold her little girl, looking at her sweet face and feel like, at least for a little while, that she could do it. She would do anything to make sure Laurel grew up happy and healthy. Jezebel may have been 19 years old, but even if Laurel had been an accident, she would never be a mistake.

@benitz786 - Dan mentioned
@Madilfill - Mikel mentioned

astxrism · 22 June 2021 14:30

Dorian DeLoughrey
{ Alone with kids and… Emily | 2036 }

”Heeeyyy… are you free to fly over?” With little Aidan crying in his arms, Dorian called the other person he knew could help him after his own mother didn’t pick up his calls in this urgent situation. His sister. And what was so urgent? Well, Dorian has been all alone with three kids for a week now since Jessica left to work on a story and things were… not as easy as he thought they would be… not even after raising two girls. But to be fair Jessica was always there before so this was the first time he had to do it all alone and he had no idea what he was doing wrong. Yes, he knew how to take care of a baby by now but not how to make that baby stop crying after everything he’d tried. Moral of this whole story - don’t let your wife leave you alone with a baby. Not when you’re like Dorian.

Davina was usually often around to help with all of their kids but not this time - Dorian claimed he didn’t need any help and he just wanted to spend his time alone with kids, knowing Jessica won’t be gone for too long. But oh was he wrong. It was hell taking them all out to do something together, taking them out for ice cream, to go to the playground, shopping. With one hyperactive daughter and other that wanted to do everything her sister did, it was hard to follow their every move while taking care of a baby. Or loading up the trunk of his car with groceries. ”Come here,” Dorian turned to the shopping cart filled with bags and two little girls inside and picked up Zoe, right after placing baby Aidan in his car seat. “Dadddd, can I help you?” Referring to the groceries and bags she was playing with, Shay asked with a grin on her face making her sister do the same thing. “I want… to help…”
”You’ll help next time, okay? ” Dorian started with a soft smile, already helping Zoe with her own seat. Knowing exactly how that was going to end - in tears and… more tears. But that would only slow them down and he wanted to get home as soon as possible. ”Hey, hey, no crying. You’ll help me next time I promise, we just have to get home quickly, ” giving her a kiss, he closed the door with a sigh, still hearing her quiet sobs. ”Okay… let’s go,” looking at Shay, Dori whispered before pushing the cart to the back of his car, letting her help him - placing bags in the trunk as she struggled to pick them up and hand them to him. ”Dorian?” A voice he heard from behind making him stop for a second, taking a wild guess of who that might be… he knew that voice pretty well but he was, maybe, hoping his guess was wrong.

”I can’t believe it’s you! What a small world,” but he was right and he was standing right in front of Emily Dalton. Was she even still Dalton? He had no idea and honestly, he did not care. But he tried to be nice to her over the years when she was trying to stay in touch with him… small world, huh? The girl moved to Miami right after him so he did not believe in small worlds. ”Hi… Yes. Uhm… How have you been?” Dorian started following her gaze and noticing that almost forced smile as she was looking at Shay. But she quickly looked back at him and stepped forward to give him a friendly hug, resting her hands on his shoulders. ”Wonderful, and you?" Pulling back and turning to close the trunk, he looked at his daughter who seemed visibly uncomfortable and not very happy… just like him. ”Fine-” "So that’s your daughter? What a little cutie you are,” interrupting him as she noticed he was looking at his little girl in the cart, she walked over to her, gently placing her hand on her little cheek and sweetly smiling at her, making Shay slightly pull back and look at her dad, speaking up, “Can we gooo dad?”
”And your… wife?” But Emily was quick to continue, looking back at Dorian as well and keeping the smile on. Her gaze shifting to the car as she heard another child crying… maybe giving her a wrong idea. She couldn’t see Jessica and it seemed like all of his kids were there so… where was she? Why wasn’t she with them? Wouldn’t she help? ”Working. Thanks for asking but we have to go,” Dorian mumbled, picking up Shay and turning to face Emily again, pushing a cart towards her. ”Can you please help me with this and put it back? I’m in a rush, thank you. Nice seeing you,” he quickly added, without another word and put Shay in her seat before going to his side and leaving Emily standing there alone.

What was harder, getting home and bringing everything inside or what he did with Shay earlier? Well, both were quite hard. First he had to bring the kids inside and trust Shay with looking after Aidan as he went back to the car and picked up all their groceries and then come back inside to… Aidan crying. ”What’s wrong, buddy?” A slight frown met his lips as he placed the bags on the table and walked over to his son as little Zoe immediately ran up to the table to find a lolly her dad bought her. He was… hungry? Yes, that was Dorian’s guess so he went to the kitchen, holding his son as he started heating up… almond milk. Dorian tried to do this a long time ago - while he was getting all the groceries he got almond milk for the baby since he only drinks almond milk. What he didn’t know is that babies can’t drink that, there was this… thing… Dorian didn’t pay much attention to when Jessica tried to explain how it works… well Dorian thought it was just Jessica being a little health hater and blocked that whole conversation out of his mind. Wrong move, because now he found himself struggling with Aidan once again as he wouldn’t stop crying, no matter what Dorian was doing and no matter how hard he was trying - why he was on the phone with his sister, finally admitting he did need help.

@benitz786

astxrism · 22 June 2021 16:30

Elodie May Taylor-DeLoughrey
{ Month two of Elodie being away | August, 2039 }

Elodie’s phone stopped ringing, basically all the time, a while ago. It’s been more than a month since she stopped constantly getting calls and texts she was so effortlessly ignoring. Effortlessly… no. It’s been two moths of hell, staring at her phone as watched the calls end, her phone light up and then go black again… just not knowing what to do. A whole month and a half of her hiding at her parents’ home and avoiding everyone, even her mother who had no idea what was happening, just that she wasn’t supposed to tell anyone her daughter was there. Not even her own family. And what was going through Elodie’s mind? A lot. Same old things that were bothering her before she left, things she had no idea why they were bothering her. Why she was feeling so down all the time plus feeling so guilty about just leaving but… she didn’t know what do to. She still doesn’t know what to do.

And it’s already been two months of that but she was back to work, she has been working for two weeks now, mostly from home since she could do that but there were days when she’d leave the house and just drive herself to that big building. Waste her time staring at papers, wishing she was back home… but what home? What was home at this point? It felt like she didn’t have one, felt like she couldn’t go back to her real home, where her husband and kids were. On top of everything she was felling that was only making her more scared. ”If it isn’t Elodie DeLoughrey,” a familiar voice making her turn around as she was walking across a parking lot, towards her car. Familiar British accent and familiar face… taking her a second to figure out who was the man standing in front of her but when she did a sweet smile appeared on her lips. ”Mark! I can’t believe it,” saying through a chuckle, she watched him walk closer to her and very quickly pull her in for a hug. An old college friend. It’s been a while since she’d seen someone she used to see almost every day so many years ago and if she didn’t have so much on her plate she’d enjoy this little reunion. But now all she wanted to do was just get in her car and leave. Which she tried to do, ”I’m so happy to see you again, wow… But I’m kind of in a rush-” ”Do you… want to grab a coffee?” Tried to do and failed, Mark cutting her off with a cheeky smile and pointing towards a cafe across the street. And if you know Elodie, you know she doesn’t know how to say no even if she really doesn’t want to do something. Sure she’d start with, ”I would love to but I have to-” ”Half an hour? Come on, I was hoping to see this famous Elodie DeLoughrey everyone here keeps talking about and now she wants to say no?” Ending it with a simple ”Sure.”

”It sure sounds like a dream job,” Mark replied, a big smile stuck on his face from the moment they sat down and got their coffee. Mainly talking about work and what they’ve both accomplished, why Mark was in Beryl in the first place. A business trip, what else would it be? ”Mhm, it really is,” Elodie sweetly replied, lightly nodding her head as the conversation shifted to her and her father’s business. And for once in two months she actually felt… relaxed. Minutes of forgetting about everything wrong in her life simply because she was with someone who wasn’t involved in it at all. ”What else could I expect from you, DeLoughrey. Always so set on it,” a little change of attitude making her instantly uncomfortable, noticing the look he was giving her. ”Taylor-Deloughrey,” she quickly corrected him, shifting her gaze to the side as she brought the cup up to her lips. But did that change anything? Not really. The man straightened up and rested his elbows on the table, ever so slightly leaning forward. ”Oh, I apologize. I didn’t know you were still with…” ”Riker, yes. Still married, still have kids,” She continue what he started, forcing a smile as she put the cup down. A conversation that reminded her of what was happening, making it start hurting all over again. ”Twins, right?” ”Four kids now, actually,” she whispered, avoiding meeting his eyes which could… give a wrong impression. Maybe he’d think she wasn’t happy with that life or her marriage, why else would she be so uncomfortable all of a sudden? ”Four, really? And you look better than ever,” probably what he was thinking considering what he said last. ”Yes. Twins, son and a little baby. She is… She is perfect. Her name is Lexie and she is… 4 months old now. They are all perfect. And my husband, he is wonderful…” A more genuine smile appearing on her lips, talking about her family after such a long time… but talking about that once again made her sad. A reason why she looked at the time and quickly took out her wallet, leaving some money on the table, ”I’m sorry, I really have to go. Here… coffee is on me, I’ll see you around,” with that she calmly walked out of the cafe and as soon as she was far away, she rushed to her car and slammed the door, letting the tears start falling.