brewingimaginations

[brewingimaginations]

Grinning at Laurel, Conrad felt her hand on his cheek. To him, it felt like his mom. She always did that, and it was just comforting. "I got it, Laurel. It's just like Jere and Steven's." The look Laurel was giving him, Conrad knew Laurel meant that there was something more behind it. Maybe she was right? Maybe there was something more, but he wasn't planning on finding that out today.

Taking a step from Laurel, eyes moved to Belly, taking everything in. Taking her in. His heart ached, but this day was about Belly. Not them. Thumb wiped across his lips, as he nodded at her question. His lips turned up into a half tilted smile. Maybe the car ride over would be a good opportunity to give her the letter? As everyone started to move towards their cars, Conrad caught up to Belly. "Would you want to ride with me? I kind of have something to give you," he said, voice trailing off slightly. Hope was in his eyes. Hope that she would say yes. Hope that they would have that alone time together. Feet continued to move towards the cars, as Conrad looked down. "You can say no. It's alright. I can give it to you later."

Belly knew that today was just a stepping stone and she still had more left to do. But the accomplishment felt great and getting through all the work felt amazing. Brutal at times, but worth it all the same. So as people dispersed from the picture she soon caught herself in an embrace with her dad and brother. Her and Steven didn't always do the nice sibling stuff, but hearing that he was proud of her felt good to hear. She thanked him, letting her brother know she was proud of him too and that she appreciated his support.

As she turned to scan the crowd she caught a glimpse of the interaction between Conrad and her mom. She wasn't sure what was going on, but perhaps later she'd find out. For now Belly hugged some of her friends, especially her old roommate Anika. Then she turned back towards the others, "So, everyone. Is it time to head out and get some good food in our stomachs?" Belly laughed, tucking her grad under one of her arms and standing next to her dad.

[brewingimaginations]

-- open starter --

Boots were heavy as he walked off the mat. Evander had been challenged almost every week by another cadet since first year, so it was almost routine for him. Was it because he was a marked one? Possibly, but no one would ever really know. Cadets, especially the first years this year, have mixed feelings about the rebellion relic along his left arm. Using the back of his hand, Evander wiped at his lip, blood appearing across his skin. "Dammit," he muttered, with a shake of his head. Taking a breath, he grabbed his shirt from the bench, clenching it in his hands. Eyes scanned the sparring gym as challenges resumed around him. Catching Imogen's eyes on him, he lifted his head in her direction, acknowledging her before bringing his shirt to his lip, trying to stop the bleeding.

[brewingimaginations]

Using his free hand, Jake reached up, using his fingers to brush some hair away from Marley's face. She was a breath of fresh air to him. He felt like he could breathe around her. A small smile played at the corners of his lips before he leaned forward slightly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "What did I do to deserve you?" Voice was a whisper as he pressed his forehead to hers, eyes drifting closed.

Marley may not have had any real friends before she went to McKinley High and joined New Directions, but her time there had been well spent. They looked past her background and saw her talent and friendship as a plus. Then there was Jake and he made her feel seen, pretty, and that she deserved to be loved too. "I believe you, Jake," her voice soft as she gently squeezed his hand, hoping to give him extra assurance. "I won't expect perfection, just as long as we both try our best. That will be enough for me." Marley didn't need a lot, just hoped he wouldn't do anything too terrible that would break her heart. That's all she could ask for.

[brewingimaginations]

Feeling her arm around him, Conrad's breath hitched in his throat. They hadn't been this close to each other in...well, a while, to say the least. Once she held her diploma up, he couldn't help the smile on his face, and he looked at Belly. Hearing the shutter on the camera, he turned to look just in time to hear the camera click again. Arms fell from the people beside him before he watched her, a chuckle escaping him. "No, no," Conrad said simply, smile still on his face. "That was really cute." He cleared his throat before taking a couple of steps away, flexing his fingers outward.

Was this awkward? Absolutely. Would he ever miss this? Absolutely not. Turning, he started talking to Laurel, letting everyone else do their thing. He nodded at something she said, shoving his hands into his pockets. Conrad felt her hand on his face, and he gave her a smile. There was a letter in the pocket of the inside of his jacket, and Laurel knew it. It was for Belly. From his mom. They had debated on when he was to give it to her, but they didn't really know when. Maybe once the day settled a bit, and Belly could find a place to read it.

being in the middle wasn't too bad, but the tension she felt just from the closeness with conrad definitely made her go a little crazy. she pushed the thoughts away before wrapping one arm around conrad and holding her diploma up with the other. she had her dad to thank for holding onto it before the picture. she focused on the camera before flashing a grin. this was a moment to be proud of. "thanks, mom," she spoke as her arms relaxed at her side, the picture having been taken. thank god she had only taken two and not several more, she thought to herself.

belly handed the diploma back over to her dad, thanking him for keeping it for her. she's certain it might end up in her mom's hands later before the night is over. "here's to the future," she chanted before taking her graduation cap off and tossing it slightly in the air. perhaps a silly thing to do, but once she caught it she let out a quick chuckle. "i can't believe i just did that."

[brewingimaginations]

Conrad felt good, surprisingly. He couldn't put his finger on why, exactly. Not that he didn't want life to be good. Maybe it was the therapy? He had been working on himself for years, wanting to make himself better. Better for himself. Better for her. For Belly. God, she looked beautiful. He couldn't help but to stare at her as she spoke.

A smile played at his lips, nodding slightly. "I get that," Conrad spoke, fingers running along his jaw at the slight stubble that had taken residence there. "I know we're all proud of you." Using the same hand, he gestured to everyone who was around them. With that, he heard Laurel say something about taking a picture and motioning for all of the kids to move closer together. Conrad moved over by Belly before wrapping his arm around Stephen's shoulders. Inhaling a deep breath, he could smell her shampoo, and smile played at his lips. His heart lept in his chest, afraid that she would be able to hear how hard it was beating.

All those letters had come at the right moments. Sure everything could've been written over texts or calls, but the letters had felt so personal. He doesn't know it yet, but Belly has kept all the letters he sent, stored in a little box back in her room. Perhaps she'll mention that at one point, but her mind soon went elsewhere when he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. She gladly returned the action and nodded when he whispered in her ear.

Once he pulled away and asked his other question, her smile widened. "It feels great and that it was all worth it," she breathed a sigh of relief. All the tests, essays, and the stressful finals had all been worth it to make it to this point. "I'm ready to start the next part of life and narrow down what I want to do." She has a few ideas, but hadn't quite figured it out. Thankfully there was enough time for that at least.

[brewingimaginations]

Growing up with a mom who would work all the time, Jake became acquainted with being on his own. But with being on his own, it made him afraid that if he wasn't alone, he'd screw things up, especially in a relationship. This was new territory for Jake, and it scared the shit out of him. "Yeah? You think so?" Swallowing hard, he let out a breath. "Relationships are new to me," he said, moving to look at Marley. "I'm not gonna be perfect by a long shot, but I'm gonna do my best to take care of that heart of yours. I want you to know that."

For a while it had just been her mom as the most important person in her life. But her relationship with Jake taught her so much more. A different kind of love. Not quite perfect, but nothing really ever was. She still knew that she was in love with him though. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me too," she pressed her forehead against his.

[brewingimaginations]

I'm not going anywhere. I wouldn't bail.

[brewingimaginations]

Proud would be an understatement for Conrad's current feelings. He would have given anything to be at Belly's college graduation. She was going to do great things in this world, and he knew it. Once she started writing him back, he knew where he stood in life. He loves her, and he always will. He could thank Agnes for helping him figure that out. Wearing the gray suit that his mother had picked out for him, it felt as if she was there with him.

Stepping forward through Laurel and Stephen, a smile appeared across his features. "Hi," he said simply before reaching up to run his fingers through the tassel. In that moment, he decided to hug her. Wrapping his arms around Belly, Conrad held her close to him. "I wouldn't have dared to miss it, Bells." Voice was low and whispering in her ear. Reluctantly, he pulled away, stepping away from her. "How does it feel to be a college graduate now?"

@brewingimaginations // for conrad & belly

the day had finally arrived. isabel conklin, college graduate. if anybody had asked her if she'd make it this far even she hadn't been totally sure. especially knowing she had almost passed up on her study abroad program. but being single and discovering adult life on her own had been an eye opening experience for her. the first month had been slow, but then the letters arrived from conrad. the two of them became pen pals and had grown closer through that. so when she turned around and saw him standing there, she smiled.

she hadn't expected him to show, but deep down she had hoped he would. so she took a few steps closer towards him, closing the distance. "hi," she beamed while the tassel on her graduation cap swayed in the wind. "i'm glad you're here, conrad."

[brewingimaginations]

Was it just him, or was his heart trying to beat out of his chest? Taking a shaky breath as she grabbed his hand, his left hand brought hers up to his chest, letting Marley feel how hard his heart was beating. He wasn't used to being vulnerable, and it scared him. Lips turned up into a smile. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, you know," Jake stated matter-of-factly.

@brewingimaginations // continued from --- > HERE

it had taken time and lots of courage for her to say it out loud. but marley had known how she'd felt about jake for a little while now. maybe it had been nerves that held her back or she was scared. he meant a lot to her, he was special. but to hear him say he was in love with her too felt like a weight had lifted off her back. she melted into the forehead touch while also grabbing his hands, squeezing them gently.

[brewingimaginations]

Conrad & Belly Book-to-Screen Series: Belly Spots Conrad at the Garden Ceremony

[brewingimaginations]

❛  you want to know something true? something real? i love you. i'm in love with you.  ❜ (marley to jake??)

🐝  *  ―  𝑰𝑹𝑶𝑵 𝑭𝑳𝑨𝑴𝑬 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺.

Jake took a deep breath, letting Marley's words sink in. Finger fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, trying to form words. Hell, even thoughts. Did he deserve her love? Probably not. He's done some awful things in his life. But did her love her? Was he in love with her? Bringing a hand up to the side of her face, he pressed his lips gently to hers. Pulling away, forehead stayed pressed to hers. "I'm in love with you too, Marley."

[brewingimaginations]

"I see the way he looks at you."

[brewingimaginations]

Conrad Fisher in S03E02 Last Christmas

[brewingimaginations]

🐝  *  ―  𝑰𝑹𝑶𝑵 𝑭𝑳𝑨𝑴𝑬 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺.

❛  i will already know, as i am continuously with you. forced to bear witness to the awkwardness that is twenty-one-year-old humans.  ❜ ❛  you do not have the right to burn what is mine.  ❜ ❛  [name], remember it's only the body that's fragile. you are unbreakable.  ❜ ❛  i'm still not making it easy. but you and i are not easy people.  ❜ ❛  the hardest battles aren't fought with weapons but with the heart.  ❜ ❛  strength of courage is more important than physical strength.  ❜ ❛  you're my gravity. nothing in my world works without you.  ❜ ❛  you're capable of hurting me in ways i'm not sure you've even begun to fathom, [name]. i might be skilled enough to land a death blow, but you alone have the power to fucking destroy me.  ❜ ❛  i'm a fucking fool for saying this, but when haven't i been a fool when it comes to you?  ❜ ❛  as complicated as our connection is, it's also undeniably simple. he's the horizon, and nothing exists beyond for me.  ❜ ❛  i'm sorry if you expect me to do the noble thing. i warned you. i'm not sweet or soft or kind, and you fell anyway. this is what you get, [name] - me. the good, the bad, the unforgivable. all of it. i am yours.  ❜ ❛  i think i liked you better before you decided that feelings were something we need to discuss.  ❜ ❛  how long do you think it takes for someone to fall out of love?  ❜ ❛  love doesn't even have the decency to die. it just transforms into abject misery.  ❜ ❛  i love you. the world does not exists for me beyond you.  ❜ ❛  i chose you not as my next, but as my last, and should you fall, then i will follow.  ❜ ❛  i would have done the same thing you did because i'm just as reckless for you as you are for me.  ❜ ❛  don't offer me your body unless you're offering me everything. i want you more than i want to fuck you. i want those three little words back.  ❜ ❛  that trick you mentioned? you know, with the fingers? thanks.  ❜ ❛  me? argue with you about books? i only pick fights i can win.  ❜ ❛  the four of us stick together. that's the deal. we make it to graduation, no matter what.  ❜ ❛  yeah, well, it cost me you.  ❜ ❛  i need to know you'll be there. that no matter what happens, you'll come back so we can talk it out or fight it out.  ❜ ❛  i know who you really are, [name]. even when you keep things from me, i know you.  ❜ ❛  all this time, you've been convincing everyone you're the hero, and now you'll be the villain ... especially in her story.  ❜ ❛  that question insults me.  ❜ ❛  whatever is going through that beautiful mind, i'm here for it.  ❜ ❛  i want you more than my next breath, but i can't fuck you into looking at me like you used to. i refuse to use sex as a tool to get you back.  ❜ ❛  shit. what is this? jealousy? anxiety? insecurity?  ❜ ❛  are you trying to bring me to my knees? or win the argument?  ❜ ❛  just remember who trained me.  ❜ ❛  you never let me have any fun.  ❜ ❛  you want to know something true? something real? i love you. i'm in love with you.  ❜ ❛  less than a minute. that's how long it took for you to fall out of love with me.  ❜ ❛  i'd rather you scream at me than pretend everything is all right with silence.  ❜ ❛  so scared i'm pretty sure either my heart's going to give out or i'm about to shit myself.  ❜ ❛  you want full disclosure when it comes to me, right?  ❜ ❛  you aren't where i left you, [name].  ❜ ❛  stories can change depending on who tells them.  ❜ ❛  i don't miss the woman i was, the one who didn't know her strength.  ❜

[brewingimaginations]

I've been so busy with a sporadic work schedule, my classwork for culinary school, and family time that I haven't been able to be around much. I hoping that that with change soon!

Please don't hesitate to message me for plotting or just tag me in a random starter! Or even like this for a starter! :)

[brewingimaginations]

Nicholas Galitzine | On to the next one... | July 04, 2025 | 📷 IG

[brewingimaginations]

'You're never gonna make it -- You're not good enough'

Empyrean Series Original Character Penned by Cory