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purplereina11 · 4 months ago

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You're a highly successful basketball player who has just been transferred to Barcelona's women's team. The number 11 holds deep personal significance for you. Among the spectators is none other than football superstar Alexia Putellas, synonymous with the number 11 in Barça history, watching from the sidelines. What starts as mutual admiration quickly turns into something more, fuelled by weeks of playful yet intense online flirting. The chemistry between you and Alexia becomes undeniable.

So when you woke up the next morning, stretched, and instinctively reached for your phone she had already made her next move.

Alexia had posted on Instagram. Not a story. Not just a casual like. A full post. And the second you saw it, your stomach dropped. It was a photo from your game. Taken from court-side. A clean, professional shot of you mid-air, finishing a layup. And her caption?

Didn’t see me there, huh? 😏

You froze. Because holy shit. She really did that. You scrolled to the comments. Of course, people were losing their minds.

Comment: OH SHE’S CALLING YOU OUTTTT LMAOOOO

Comment: Alexia woke up and chose violence. Comment: You really thought you could ignore HER? Rookie mistake. Maya: Burying yourself deeper and deeper, I love this for you. Liv: You gotta respond. There’s no way you let her get away with this.

Your pulse pounded. You could ignore a lot of things. But this? No chance. You weren’t going to let her have the last word. So you went straight to your own Instagram story. And posted a response. A different angle of the same shot Alexia had posted, this time, taken from behind, where your jersey number 11 was clearly visible.

Enjoying the view?

No tags. No direct mention of her name. But everyone knew exactly who it was for. The second you posted it, your phone exploded.

Maya: OH MY GOD. Liv: Noooo you’re actually insane for this.

Your coach: Why is half the media room talking about this? Should I be concerned?

And then a new notification popped up.

Alexia: Very much so.

Your stomach flipped.

Tonight was a vibrant celebration of the remarkable beginning to the season for Barcelona women's basketball. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of clinking glasses and hearty laughter echoing through the venue. Well-dressed guests, a mix of influential figures and renowned personalities from Barcelona, mingled gracefully, their conversations weaving a tapestry of excitement and admiration. The air was charged with a sense of triumph and camaraderie, as the city's elite gathered to honor the team's outstanding achievements.

Maya nudged you gently, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Uh… we’ve got company," she murmured, barely containing her disbelief. You turned to look, and there she was—Alexia Putellas. She stood confidently on the other side of the expansive function room, her arms crossed casually over her chest, watching you with a knowing smirk that seemed to hold a thousand secrets. Her presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity. She wasn't alone, either. A few of her Barcelona teammates flanked her, their posture relaxed yet exuding the unmistakable aura of elite athletes. You should have anticipated their attendance; it was only natural they’d be invited and feel obliged to make an appearance at such an event.

Liv took your hand oblivious, “I need the toilet, come with me” Your eyes widened ever so slightly that would take you directly past Alexia, you looked over your shoulder to your team mates all amused and none stepping forward to offer any help. You’d fought fire with fire many times with Alexia, now you were coming face to face and you were on your own. The confidence you had behind your phone screen dissipating the nearer you got with every step.

As if guided by some strange destiny, your shoulder unexpectedly collided with Alexia's. She turned to face you, and the reassuring squeeze Liv gave your hand propelled you into that realm of sassy confidence you usually only felt online. “My bad,” you said, pausing momentarily, “didn’t see you there.”

Alexia’s lips curled into a playful grin. “Thought I’d make it a bit more challenging for you to overlook me this time.”

You were not going to give her the satisfaction. Not after all this. Not after the social media games, the press conference questions, the showing up at your game like she owned the place. No. You were going to act completely unbothered. Like her presence meant nothing. Like her smirk didn’t make your skin heat. Like you didn’t feel her watching you every time you moved.

And at first? It worked. You stayed locked in, making polite small talk, laughing at unfunny jokes, ignoring the way your teammates kept giggling like this was the most entertaining thing they’d ever witnessed. But Alexia? Alexia Putellas? She wasn’t going to let you win that easily.

She Gets Bold. It started small. Little things. A comment here. A lingering look there. You moved by. “Nice outfit” Alexia called from her position on a stool surrounded by her teammates, just loud enough for everyone to hear. You ignored it.Because that was the game. She pushed. You didn’t react. She wanted to see how far she could go before you cracked and damn it, you weren’t going to give her that. But then she went for the kill.

You were leaning on the polished wooden bar, waiting patiently for your turn to be served. The murmur of conversations and clinking glasses surrounded you, but it was her voice that pierced through your solitude. “Do you always play that hard when someone’s watching?” she asked, her tone playful and teasing, referring to the impressive performance you had delivered at the game she attended.

You swallowed hard, a mixture of surprise and amusement swirling within you, yet you kept your eyes forward, steadfastly refusing to turn toward her. "I always play that hard," you replied, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance.

"Mhm." Her voice dripped with a teasing smirk that you could almost see. "Good to know."

And that’s when it happened. That’s when you finally let the walls crumble. You turned your gaze slowly to meet hers, and there she was, closer than you had anticipated. Her arms were crossed confidently over her chest, that infuriating yet captivating smirk still etched on her lips, as if she had all the time in the world to wait for your reaction.

Pushing yourself up from the bar, you turned fully to face her. She remained rooted to the spot, unfazed by your scrutiny.

"Why are you here, Alexia?" you asked, your voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and exasperation.

"Told you," she replied with a casual shrug. "Didn’t want you to miss me again."

You exhaled sharply, a frustrated puff of air escaping your lips. "You’re impossible."

"And you like it." Her words hung in the air, thick and charged with an electric tension. Around you, your teammates were watching with keen interest, while your coach let out a resigned sigh, knowing that your focus should have been on charming the bigwigs, not engaging with Barcelona’s leading female football star. Yet Alexia, as always, was winning this unspoken game. Again.

You took a breath, you smiled. Not the tight, forced kind. Not the annoyed, I’m trying to keep my cool kind. No. A slow, deliberate, challenging kind. And that? That made Alexia’s smirk falter. Just for a second.

You stepped closer, just enough to make her feel the heat of the moment. "You think I want this?" you asked, tilting your head.

Alexia’s confidence flickered, just barely. "I think—" she started, but you cut her off.

"I think you came over here because you wanted to see how far you could push me."

A small, amused scoff left her lips. "And?"

"And now you’re realising you might not be ready for what happens when I start pushing back."

Her jaw tensed. You saw it, the shift, the way she wasn’t in control anymore.

You leaned in slightly, lowering your voice. "So tell me, Alexia… are you?" She swallowed. And for the first time since this entire game started, she had no response. You could feel it. The shift. The way Alexia’s confidence flickered just enough for you to see the crack. She wasn’t expecting this. Wasn’t expecting you to push back. And that? That was your in. "Tell me, Alexia… are you?"

Her jaw tensed. A brief hesitation. It was subtle—so subtle that anyone else might’ve missed it. But you didn’t. You knew the signs. She was thinking. Calculating. Trying to decide her next move.

So you made it for her. "No Comeback?" you murmured, tilting your head. "I was expecting more from you." you succeeded in using her own written words against her and it felt good

Her lips parted slightly, as if she had something to say but you stepped back. Cool. Collected. In control.

You turned "See you around, Alexia." And walked away. You didn’t look back. You refused to. But you could feel her watching you. Your teammates definitely did.

"Holy shit," Maya whispered. "You just flipped the entire game on her."

"That was so unfair," someone else muttered, grinning.

"She came here to mess with you, and now she’s the one caught off guard."

You just smirked. Because they were right. You’d flipped the script. And now? Now it was her turn to react. You felt her eyes on you as you made your way across the room, each step measured and unhurried. The thrill of having finally unsettled Alexia Putellas—Barcelona's golden girl, La Reina herself—coursed through your veins like liquid fire. You'd finally managed to crack that infuriating composure of hers, and the victory felt sweeter than any buzzer-beater. Your teammates clustered around you like excited birds, their whispers a flurry of amazement and speculation.

"Did you see her face?" Claudia hissed, barely containing her glee. "I've never seen Alexia Putellas speechless. Ever."

"You literally walked away from her mid-conversation," Jordan added, shaking her head in disbelief. "Nobody does that."

You maintained your composure, though inside, your heart raced with a strange cocktail of triumph and anticipation. "It's just a game," you said with a casual shrug that belied the electricity still coursing through your veins.

"A game you're winning," Marta observed, glancing over your shoulder. "And one she's not used to losing."

"You realize she's not going to let this go, right? You just challenged the most competitive woman in Barcelona."

"Good," you replied, your voice low and steady. "I'm counting on it." You downed your drink, holding it in your mouth before swallowing, you sure needed it.

You refused to look back, refused to give her the satisfaction. Instead, you accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and took a deliberate sip, letting the bubbles dance on your tongue. The party continued around you—executives laughing too loudly at each other's jokes, photographers circling like sharks, capturing Barcelona's elite in their natural habitat.

For twenty minutes, you maintained your distance, engaging in conversation with sponsors and club officials, smiling for photos, being the perfect representative of Barcelona basketball. But always, always, you felt her presence like a magnetic field, disrupting your focus just enough to keep you aware.

Your phone vibrated in your clutch.

A text message from

Alexia: Running away so soon?

Your lips curved into a small smile. So predictable. You slipped your phone back into your bag without responding. Let her wait.

Another ten minutes passed before you felt a presence at your elbow. You turned, expecting another teammate, but instead found yourself face to face with one of Alexia's football teammates and good friend—Mapi Leon, the defender with eyes that missed nothing.

"She sent you to do her dirty work?" you asked, not bothering to hide your amusement.

Mapi laughed, the sound genuine and warm. "Actually, I came to collect you at request. The president wants a photo with both Barcelona teams number 11's. PR opportunity." She gestured toward where the club president stood chatting with photographers and Alexia.

"Of course he does," you murmured, but followed Mapi across the room.

Alexia's eyes found yours immediately, that familiar half-smirk playing at her lips, though something had shifted. There was a new awareness there, a respect that hadn't been present before. As you approached, she straightened slightly from where she'd been leaning against a high table.

"There she is," the president beamed, gesturing for you to join the group. "Our basketball star! Come, come—we want a photo of our number elevens together."

Of course they did.

You moved to stand beside Alexia, the space between you charged with unspoken tension as photographers positioned themselves, their cameras poised to capture what was quickly becoming Barcelona's most compelling narrative. Standing beside Alexia, you could feel the subtle shift in her energy—she wasn't completely recovered from your earlier departure, but her composure had returned, wrapped around her like armor.

"You surprised me," she murmured, her voice pitched low enough that only you could hear it over the ambient noise of the party. Her gaze remained fixed forward, her smile perfectly calibrated for the cameras.

"That was the point," you replied just as quietly, your own media smile firmly in place.

The club president beamed, oblivious to the undercurrent between you. "Our number elevens! The faces of Barcelona excellence!" he proclaimed, gesturing expansively. "Closer together, please—show the unity of our club! Barcelona's queens of eleven," he announced proudly, gesturing to the photographer. "Two sports, one number, one club. Perfect symbolism!"

"Quite the narrative they're building," Alexia murmured, her voice just low enough for only you to hear. Her perfume drifted toward you something expensive and subtle, with notes of sandalwood and vanilla.

"Good for publicity," you responded coolly, lips barely moving as you maintained your smile for the camera.

The photographer directed you to move closer together. "Shoulders touching, please. Show the unity!"

With deliberate slowness, Alexia shifted toward you, her arm brushing against your back her hand finding a resting place on the exposed skin of the small of your back. The contact sent an electric current rippling across your skin. You refused to react, keeping your expression neutral despite the way your pulse quickened.

"Smile!" the photographer called.

You did, brilliantly and professionally. Alexia did the same, though you caught the slight tension in her jaw.

"Wonderful!" the president exclaimed. "Now, perhaps a toast to our champions?"

Champagne flutes appeared, and the moment stretched into minutes of carefully choreographed PR. Through it all, Alexia remained close, her presence a constant challenge to your composure. When the official photos were complete and the group began to disperse, she leaned in once more.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Alexia finally said, turning slightly to face you.

You met her gaze steadily. "I've survived worse."

The corner of her mouth twitched. "Like walking away from conversations?"

"Like having my personal space invaded by football players who can't handle being ignored," you countered, keeping your voice light despite the challenge in your words.

Alexia tilted her head, studying you with newfound interest. "You're different than I expected."

"How so?"

"More..." She paused, searching for the right word. "Defiant."

You couldn't help the small smile that formed. "Disappointed?"

"Intrigued," she corrected, her eyes never leaving yours. "Most people don't push back."

"I'm not most people."

"Clearly." She took a deliberate sip of her champagne, her eyes still fixed on you

"You think walking away from me changes anything?" she spoke, her breath warm against your ear.

You turned slightly to meet her gaze directly, close enough to notice the flecks of gold in her brown eyes. "I think it changed everything," you replied. "Your move, La Reina."

Before she could respond, your coach called you over to meet an important sponsor. You stepped away, but not before catching the flash of something in Alexia's eyes—determination, perhaps, or frustration. Or something else entirely.

The evening continued its elegant march toward conclusion. You circulated dutifully, charm on full display as you discussed the season's prospects with investors and posed for selfies with admirers. All the while, you remained acutely aware of Alexia's movements around the room, tracking her without seeming to.

As the party began to wind down, you slipped away to the balcony for a moment of quiet. The Barcelona night spread before you, the city lights twinkling like fallen stars against the darkness. The cool evening air was a welcome relief after the heated atmosphere inside.

"Hiding?” The voice startled you, though you'd half-expected it. Alexia stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the warm light from inside. She stepped forward, the soft glow of the outdoor lighting revealing her features—sharp, intelligent eyes and that ever-present hint of a smile playing at her lips.

You didn't turn fully, just angled your head slightly in acknowledgment, maintaining your position at the balcony's edge. The city lights of Barcelona stretched before you like a constellation of earthbound stars.

"Getting some air," you corrected, your voice steady despite the quickening of your pulse. "There's only so much small talk one can endure."

Alexia moved beside you, her forearms resting on the railing, mirroring your stance. The space between you felt charged, alive with possibility. "And yet you excel at it," she observed. "I watched you charm every sponsor in that room."

You allowed yourself a small smile.

"Part of the job i usually despise”

"Is that what this is?" you asked, gesturing vaguely between you. "Part of the job?"

The question hung in the air, weighted with meaning. She took her time answering, letting the night sounds of Barcelona fill the silence—distant traffic, music from a nearby restaurant, the gentle rustle of wind through potted palms.

"This?" she finally said, turning to face her fully. "No. This is something else entirely."

Your eyes met hers, searching. "And what exactly is 'this'?"

"I don't know yet," she admitted, surprising herself with her honesty. "But I'm curious to find out." A slow smile spread across Alexia's face not the practiced, media-ready smile she wore for cameras, but something more genuine, almost vulnerable.

"So am I."

The confession shifted the air between you, transforming the playful antagonism into something deeper, more complex. For a moment, neither of you spoke, content to exist in this new understanding.

"You know," Alexia finally said, breaking the silence, "when I first saw you play, I was impressed. Not just by your skill, though that was evident, but by your confidence. The way you owned that court like you'd been playing on it your whole life."

"I've never lacked confidence," you replied.

"No," she agreed, her voice softening. "It's one of the things we have in common."

You turned slightly, studying her profile against the backdrop of the night sky. "What else do we have in common, Alexia?"

She considered this, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the balcony railing. "We both understand what it means to carry a number with history. To wear it not just as a jersey designation, but as an identity."

You nodded, recognizing the truth in her words. Number 11 wasn't just digits on fabric—it was a legacy, a promise, a statement of intent.

"And we both," she continued, her voice dropping lower, "enjoy a challenge."

The air between you seemed to thicken with unspoken possibilities. You were acutely aware of her proximity, of the subtle scent of her perfume mingling with the night air.

"Is that what I am to you?" you asked, your voice steadier than you felt. "A challenge?"

Alexia turned fully toward you, the city lights casting half her face in shadow, the other half illuminated in a soft glow that accentuated every perfect angle. Her eyes held yours with an intensity that made your breath catch. "At first," she admitted, the honesty in her voice disarming. "When I saw how quickly everyone took to you—the new star, Barcelona's basketball sensation... I was curious. Then our little social media game started, and yes, it became a challenge." She paused, her fingers drumming lightly against the railing. "But now..."

"Now?" you prompted when she didn't continue.

"Now I'm not sure what this is," she confessed, gesturing between you. "Except that I find myself thinking about you more than I should. And that..." She hesitated, vulnerability flashing across her features. "That hasn't happened to me in a long time."

The admission hung in the air between you, weightier than all the playful banter that had preceded it. Your heart stuttered in your chest, thrown by this glimpse of the woman beneath the legend. "I thought La Reina never showed her cards," you said softly, a gentle tease to mask how deeply her words had affected you.

Alexia's laugh was quiet, almost self-deprecating. "Perhaps that's another thing we have in common, we both know when to change the game."

The moment stretched between you, taut with possibility. The sounds of the party inside seemed distant, muffled by the intensity of this shared moment. You were aware of everything the slight breeze ruffling her hair, the way her chest rose and fell with each breath, the warmth of her hand now covering yours.

"You know everyone's watching us," you murmured, nodding slightly toward the glass doors where curious eyes occasionally flicked in your direction.

"Let them," Alexia replied, echoing her earlier message with a confidence that made your pulse race. "I'm more interested in what happens next."

Before you could respond, the balcony door opened, flooding the space with light and sound. Your team captain appeared, her expression apologetic.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said, not looking sorry at all, "but the coach is gathering everyone for a picture before we leave."

You nodded, reluctantly shifting away from Alexia, the spell broken but not forgotten. As you moved toward the door, Alexia caught your wrist, her touch gentle but insistent "I'd like to see you again," she said, her voice low and certain. "Away from all this." She gestured vaguely toward the party inside.

The warmth of her fingers against your skin sent a current of electricity up your arm. You met her gaze steadily, allowing yourself a small smile. "Are you asking me on a date, Alexia Putellas?"

Her answering smile was slow and deliberate, confidence returning to replace the brief vulnerability she'd shown. "Yes. I am."

"Bold of you to assume I'd say yes," you replied, though the teasing lilt in your voice betrayed your interest.

Alexia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You haven't said no."

Your captain cleared her throat pointedly from the doorway. "Coach is waiting," she reminded you, though her expression suggested she was enjoying the scene unfolding before her.

"We'll continue this conversation," Alexia said, releasing your wrist with a gentle squeeze.

"Will we?" you asked, unable to resist one final challenge.

"Definitely," she replied with such certainty that your breath caught. "After all, I need to show you that Barcelona has more to offer than just basketball courts."

With that promise hanging between you, you followed your captain back inside, feeling Alexia's gaze on you like a physical touch. The final toast passed in a blur of raised glasses and enthusiastic cheers, your mind still on the balcony, still caught in the gravity of Alexia's confession.

Your captain cleared her throat pointedly from the doorway.You turned back to her, aware of your captain's curious gaze still lingering at the doorway. "The team is waiting," you spoke in acknowledgment, though you made no move to pull away from Alexia's gaze.

As you followed your captain back inside, you could feel Alexia's gaze on your back, burning like a physical touch. The air around you seemed charged with electricity, alive with possibility.

"So," your captain whispered once you were out of earshot, "care to explain what that was about?"

You shrugged, affecting nonchalance despite the way your heart continued to race. "Just getting to know a fellow Barcelona athlete."

Your captain snorted. "Right. And I'm just casually friends with Lionel Messi."

You couldn't help but laugh at that, the tension of the moment dissipating slightly. "It's complicated."

"Clearly," she replied dryly. "Just... be careful. Alexia Putellas isn't just anyone. When she steps onto a field, or apparently, onto a balcony with you the whole world watches."

You nodded, knowing she was right. This wasn't just about two athletes flirting anymore. This was about two number 11s from Barcelona's premier teams, two women whose every move was scrutinized by fans and media alike. Whatever was happening between you and Alexia had implications that extended far beyond personal interest.

And yet, as you rejoined your team for the final toast of the evening, your eyes inevitably sought her out across the room. She stood with her teammates, glass raised, but her attention was fixed on you. When your gazes locked, she offered the smallest of smiles, private, genuine, a promise of what was to come.

Part 5

#alexia x reader #alexia putellas x reader #alexia putellas fanfic #woso fanfics #alexia putellas #woso #barca femeni #barcelona femeni #alexia putellas imagine #woso imagine #alexia putellas x y/n #alexia putellas one shot #fcb femeni

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r1nstaaa · 1 year ago

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bangchan x fem!reader

blond chan is my roman empire.

MDNI!!!!

masterlist

warnings: smut, chan has a breeding kink lol (he def does), tysm maya for the prompt ily and uh yes. enjoy.

you were sitting on the bed, peacefully scrolling on your phone. recently, your fyp has been filled with videos of the cutest babies ever and its literally torture. they’re so cute, so tiny that it makes you want one of your own. god, the baby fever has been hitting hard.

you looked to the side at your husband, who was also sitting on the bed, right beside you. his right hand was resting on your thigh, thumb rubbing soothing circles on the plush skin. “channie” you called out. “mm, what is it love?” he questioned, not looking up from his phone. ugh, the nickname. it still made you weak in the knees, even after 3 years of marriage. “channieeee” you called out again, demanding his full attention. “yes baby, i’m listening.” he looked up, not breaking eye contact this time.

you stared at his lips. he knew what you were getting at. “you were gonna say something, baby?” the reminder made you snap your eyes back to his.

“i want a baby.” you deadpanned.

you hadn’t planned on blurting it out this way, it just happened. it had been in the back of your mind since the past few days, but you hadn’t really given it much thought. but chan? its safe to say he’s been dying to fill you with his seed ever since he saw you playing with your nephew during christmas last year. seeing the way you handle kids had him fully convinced you were gonna be an amazing mom and nothing could make him think otherwise.

with chan, all you had to do was ask. your wish was his command. and so, here you were, getting every last one of your wishes fulfilled.

his face was buried in your cunt, licking up every single drop you had to offer. he did not plan on letting anything go to waste. you had lost count of how many times he’d made you cum in the past hour, and if he had any intentions of stopping sometime soon, he was really good at hiding it. your fingers gripped at his hair, the curly strands wrapped around your fingers as you tugged at them lightly, making him groan against your sensitive cunt. the vibrations made you arch your back, the friction from his nose feeling sinfully delicious. “‘m gonna cum channie… fuck” you moaned out as he slipped his middle finger into your aching hole, pushing you closer to the edge. “c’mon baby, i know you can give me one more. that’s my girl.” he said, as he placed kisses on your tummy when you came down from your high.

he placed kisses all the way up to your collarbones, taking his time to fondle with your tits midway. he sucked and bit at your neck, leaving hickies all over the visible parts of your skin. he loved making it difficult for you to hide the remnants of your shared desire for each other.

“what’d you say darlin’? said you wanted a baby?” he questioned, his hands working skilfully to rub and pinch your nipples. “y-yes.. fuck chan. need you to give me a baby.. please.” you mewled, back arching due to the pleasure.

“since you asked so nicely…” he grunted as he slapped your clit with his cock, gathering your wetness near your entrance. “who am i to deny, baby?” he said as he pushed his cock inside with one full thrust, making you choke out a broken sob at the sudden stretch. the pain mixed with the pleasure made your brain go all mushy. all you could think about was the way his cock filled you up and the way his hands gripped your waist as he tried his best to not start thrusting into you already. “chan.. fuck me, please.” was all he needed to hear before he started rutting into you, building a rhythm and trying his best to not break it and absolutely ruin you right there. “fuck, you’re taking me so well, pretty girl. gonna fuck a baby into you.” his hands reached out for yours, holding onto them and interlocking his fingers with yours.

his pace was starting to get a bit rougher, hitting that spot inside you with each thrust. “so fuckin gorgeous. all mine, aren’t you?” he whispered against your neck, placing hot, wet kisses on your sensitive skin.

“shit, stop clenching ‘round my cock like that baby, gonna make me cum.” his thrusts started getting sloppier as you were both about to reach your highs, him reaching down to press on your clit and rub on it using his thumb. he spat on it and pinched it, finally making you come undone around his cock. your pussy squeezed him in even more, getting impossibly tighter. shit, you were driving him insane.

“fuck baby, m’close. so close.” he grunted. “you wan’ it inside? wan’ me to fill up that pretty little cunt of yours?” you nod mindlessly, completely fucked out. “words, pretty girl.”

“y-yes channie. fill me up, please.” you said, as your cunt squeezed around him one last before he released his load deep inside you, your walls fluttering around his cock.

he collapsed onto you, rightfully breathless. he reached down to push his dripping cum into your cunt with two of his fingers, giving you a sweet kiss and pecking your cheek after.

“might wanna do this again just to be safe, you know?”

#bangchan #bangchan skz #bangchan x reader #bangchan x reader smut #bangchan smut #bangchan skz smut #skz x reader #straykids #skz scenarios #skz imagines

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etherealstar-writes · 1 year ago

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I WANNA BE YOURS | LIONESSES X READER | PT 7

pairings: lionesses x reader

summary: in which you're accidentally added to a random group chat, not knowing they're all actually famous footballers, and obliviously end up having many of them competing for your love and attention.

part: seven

part one here

✦ ——— ✦ ——— ✦

THE NATIONAL DIVING TEAM

the REAL karate kid

good afternoon losers

and y/n <3

the imposter

hey

willybum

good afternoon you dumbass

and hello to you too y/n

the REAL karate kid

rude

how are you y/n?

the imposter

eh i'm doing fine i guess

stairway

is everything alright

the imposter

i got fired from work today 😔

lotte

what happened?

if you don't mind me asking

the imposter

so i told ya what i do for work yeah?

well i've worked for this company for the past

whole year as their main solo media manager

and then my boss found out that his good old

friend's son was looking for a job and he's also

a photographer and social media manager so he

decided to fire me and hire him instead to

keep his relationship strong with his old friend

the REAL karate kid

that really sucks

your boss sounds like a terrible person

the imposter

yeah he was a really difficult person

i am kinda glad tho ngl

i don't have to see his annoying face ever again

but back to job hunting again 😔

neev

if it makes you feel better

leah got head-shotted in the head

by lessi during training

the imposter

i really hope someone got proof of it

stairway

i gotcha

maya

HELP

lotte

got K.O-ed lol

willybum

this isn't funny

i got a full on concussion

i'll get you back russo

the REAL karate kid

not my fault you're a terrible defender 🤷‍♀️

willybum

EXCUSE ME?!

the imposter

dam

them calves 😮‍💨

has anyone ever asked you

to step on them?

neev

um y/n is there something you'd

like to share with the group ...

willybum

weirdly enough yeah

i have been asked that

elton

it was actually just y/n asking

on a secret account

the imposter

don't expose me like that 😩

meado

every time i open this group chat

i get deeply concerned for you all again

i don't even know who y/n is and i feel like

i should be concerned about her as well

the imposter

woah

meado

i thought we were getting along well 😔

stairway

well if meado is concerned then

i guess she's offering to pay for

our therapy so let's go gang

the imposter

also

why do guys always train and

play football together?

elton

oh you know

we just like to play football together at times

stairway

yeah

it's fun

the imposter

okay ....

who am i to judge

✦ ——— ✦ ——— ✦

THE LION KING SQUAD

russo

so guys

i have done something

toone

oh no

that is never a good sign

le tissier

okay i'm intrigued

this is gonna be bad

wubben-moy

the fact that she's using the group chat

without y/n is not a good sign

stanway

is she about to introduce her new wife

to us or something? did you like run away

and get married in vegas or something?

charles

we literally saw her yesterday georgia

so if she had then that would be

insanely impressive

toone

is that why you weren't at training today?

greenwood

ella looked very lost today

it was worrying

russo

yeah

i ran away with y/n and we got married

toone

HUH

stanway

WHAT

charles

EXCUSE ME

russo

OF COURSE NOT YOU IDIOTS

not yet anyway 😏

but back to the point

leah was also in on this

bright

oh like that's any better

williamson

excuse me??

wubben-moy

here we go

russo

okay

you know how y/n's looking for a job yeah?

well leah and i thought we'd put in a

good word for her in our media admin so

that you know .... maybe she can get

offered a job here and you know we can

actually meet her and get to know her irl ....

stanway

that is actually ....

the most decent idea i've heard from ya

charles

yeah fr

hemp

oh my god y'all are such simps

stanway

shut up

toone

i do wonder when y/n will find out about

who we are or if she ever will

charles

nah she's got to find out soon with

the euros starting next week?

williamson

i reckon we tell her after the euros

wubben-moy

well that shall be eventful

part eight here

#lionesses x reader #woso x reader #engwnt x reader #lionesses #engwnt #leah williamson x reader #alessia russo x reader #ella toone x reader #georgia stanway x reader #niamh charles x reader #lotte wubben moy x reader #beth mead x reader #maya le tissier x reader #woso imagine #woso #woso fanfics #womens football

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levissslutt · 4 months ago

Text

𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕗𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕠𝕣 | 𝕋. 𝔽𝕦𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕘𝕦𝕣𝕠

Maya is the daughter and the only child of the infamous gang leader and hitman Suguru Geto. She had started her second semester as a third year college student, but for the past year, shed been dreaming of this mystery man, tall, daunting, and dangerous. Every morning shed wake to an uneasy feeling, as if the dreams meant so much more. Walking into class, she sees him, and does shit take a wild turn.

𝔹𝕦𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕤

It is now late afternoon. You and Ashanti talked for hours in the dining hall, until they closed for dinner, about nothing in particular. You were tempted to tell her about whats going on, but considering the age difference and the fact that he's a professor, and well some more obvious reasons, like he's apart of a fucking gang, you decided against it.

Gathering the trash you cleaned up the table and headed back to your dorm rooms.

"I'll see you later Shanti, text me ok?."

"I will" she yelled back.

As you got back in your room you immediately stripped and hopped in the shower.

After doing your shower routine and daily TED talk you got out. You checked your phone seeing you had a text from Toji. "Meet me outside when you see this pretty girl :)."

"He's 40 years old and text like that, oh boy."

30 minutes later, you finally walked out to his car. "Goddamn it took you long enough." You smiled at him, "but don't I look cute?". His eyes flickered to your bare legs and back to your eyes. He smirked. "Don't be weird, I was talking about my shoes."

"Yea whatever." He chuckled, driving off.

"I ordered take out, so we can take it back to my place, is that ok?". You nodded, "I didn't have a preference anyways". You noticed his different attire, not realizing he had so many tattoos. As he drove you studied him, his broad shoulders, his stern expression, his light green eyes, his jawline, my god he's so fine.

"You checking me out?"

You forgot people know you're looking at them, oh god that's embarrassing. "Maybe" you mumbled, turning to look out the window.

He found that quite amusing. Truth be told he didn't mind one bit.

Fifteen minutes later yall arrived at the restaurant. "I'll be right back", he says.

Sitting in the passenger seat you notice how nice his car is. "I know for a fact he did not buy this car on his college professor salary." You were getting antsy so you decided to look in the glove compartment. Rule of thumb, you'll find out a lot about a person by whats in their glove compartment.

Your dad taught you that. You opened that shit and sitting neatly in there was a pistol, very much worn out . "The hell..." Toji opened the door to find you holding it. You turned and pointed it at him. "Pew pew."

"Kid what the hell are you doing?". "I found your pistol, why do you have this?". "Better question is why do you have it?", he asked getting in the car. "Even better question, why do you know what kind of gun that is?". You smiled, "Lucky guess". He could tell he knew you were familiar with the deadly item from the way you were holding it."I know you're lying" he said, "but I guess there are some things we are both lying about."

You tilted your head, smiling at him. "You're right, for starters, I know you didn't buy this car on a college professor salary". He lets out a snort as he pulls out of the parking lot. He knew your dad probably taught you any and everything there is to know about weapons and hand to hand combat.

He was one of those paranoid people who took precautions on everything, like picking your school...and teaching his only child combat that you would never actually need.

The thought of him just so happening to work at this school didn't seem like such a coincidence anymore. You knew nothing was wrong or anything or that you weren't in any danger, but you have dreams about this mystery man who plays with guns with your dad, and now he just so happens to work at this unknown ass school in the middle of buttfuck? Uh uh.

You looked at him. "Hmm?" he hums. " My dad sent you here?"

"Sharp as hell aren't you?" You called that shit, sneaky bastard. "Well it wasn't that hard to put two and two together." However there was absolutely no way in hell you were telling him about those dreams, fuck no.

Y'all arrived at his house, it was fucking huge. "Just you?." He trailed behind you to the front door. "Uh yea, why?"

"People who have huge houses, and it's only them living there, either are sex addicts or kill people for a living."

He scoffed at you, not saying anything. He then gave you his key to unlock the door, so he wouldn't drop the food. You stepped inside and looked around. To the right was the kitchen and past that the dining room. To your left was the living room and directly in front of you was a huge double sided stair case. It was cute however nothing matched. "Your decor is god awful."

"Look here little girl you don't have to comment on every little thing."

Ignoring the maniac in front of you you stepped around him in disbelief. "Your couch is in the middle of the floor, are you ok?" He set the food down and made himself comfortable. "I cannot believe I'm being insulted by a mf half my age." You laughed, "I wasn't all that serious it isn't that bad."

It actually was, but he seemed a little embarrassed so you dropped it, it wasn't exactly empty just nothing matched and everything was in odd places.

Shaking your head at the mans layout you made your way over to where he was in his kitchen. The kitchen however was kind of cute, it had a marble gray backsplash behind the stove with matching dish clothes, and decor. You smiled at yourself in the vast improvement but spared him another sly remark.

He made our plates as you sat across from him at the dining table. "Why did he send you here." You waisted no time.

"Straight to it huh?". You nodded, you were curious to know how the hell we got here, considering you didn't even know he existed 48 hours ago.

Well you had heard the name before, but nonetheless the man in front of you was otherwise a stranger to you. Besides those dreams of course.

"I don't work for him if that's what you're thinking, more like I work with him."

"Is that not the same thing?", you asked through a mouthful of food. "No, see he isn't my boss. I am my own boss, with my own men." You were utterly confused. "But you all are apart of the same gang, so how do you not work for him?"

"Like I said Im my own boss with my own men." He said this slowly looking at you through unreadable eyes.

You leaned back in your chair a bit. "Wait I remember now, I forget about that sometimes." The Black Panthers are the gang they are all in. More widely known as The Tags. Your dad is the leader, he's the founder and runs pretty much everything, You didn't know how you forgot, but besides your dad there are other founding members Gojo, Nanami, Nico, Worick, and of course Toji. Including your dad thats six men and they all run their own regiments.

He kept you completely separate from that life, like completely. Growing up he didn't even keep weapons in the house. The only one of them you'd met was of course your uncle Gojo who damn near raised you with your dad, however Toji was a name that had many stories behind it, hence why you'd heard the name but never met the man, as if they had time to anyways.

The tags are just that damn big. Well over ten thousand men in each group. You've never met Nico, Nanami, or Worick. You grew up around Gojo, and obviously you never met Toji until today. There's a reason you never really met them. Toji watches you closely as you eat and analyze everything slowly.

"I see your gears moving." Toji said. "I just don't get why he has you working at the uni, aren't you all too busy for that."

"You're sharp, but not that bright."

"Fuck you ." He got up and walked over to me. Leaning his weight on both hands on the side of the table. "Im one of the founding members of your dads gang and you think Im here at your school for no reason? You said it yourself earlier."

" Well yea I was just thinking you wouldn't be here unless something was wrong-"

And then it clicked. Something was wrong so very very wrong. Even though earlier you had ruled that out, you ere very wrong.

His eyes shifted to the floor, his facade fading.

" Geto is missing."

Your breathe caught in your throat. Your words came out in a whisper eyes flickering to the tall man. " What do you mean he's missing."

"I didn't mean to stall like this or drop it on you like that because we have reasons to believe he's fine, we just haven't been able to get in contact with him, and in the case this was ever to happen I was to look after you."

He looked sincere when he spoke I know they wouldn't lie about his wellbeing, but he might still be holding something back. As soon as that thought crossed your mind "did Gojo know" you blurted out.

He looked conflicted, again like he was holding something back.

"That's not my place to s-"

You cut him off no longer in the mood to eat.

" Did he know Toji?" You asked again raising your voice.

His shoulders dropped " yea."

Why the fuck would he not tell you something like that.

The two of you talked for bout an hour after that conversation. He felt really bad about the whole situation considering you didn't know anything and were kept out of the loop. After drilling him for more answers you calmed a bit realizing Gojo couldn't say anything.

"Do you want to watch a movie?", he asked. Trying to ease the tension. "Answer one more question and then I will watch a movie with you", "hit me" he says as he leans back in his chair.

"Can you go back over your lecture from earlier?" You questioned with a smile.

He returned the same toothy grin " Sure pretty girl, but next time you ought to pay attention and not stare off into space."

He briefly explained some important points from earlier and ended with " But don't worry well be talking about this subject for a few weeks you'll have plenty of time to grasp it, and Im not giving you exceptions you better do your damn work."

" Well yes sir" You half heartedly saluted at him.

The entire time you'd been with him he thought you didn't notice, but just as you were checking him out in the car ride he was doing the same to you, a lot more subtly, though. He loved the way your hair fell to your mid back, you had locs and the ones in the front where a bit shorter causing you to constantly tuck them behind your ears, or even when a few locs fell into your eyes and you'd shift them away was mesmerizing to him for some reason.

You had piercings taking up each side of your ear damn near leaving no room, as well as a brow piercing with a few more jewelry pieces in your face. He wondered where else you had piercings.

To Toji you looked nothing like your father, but every bit of your late mother was there in the flesh. He'd never in 100 million years and then some, admit this, but way way back in the day when him and your dad first met, he had actually hit it off with your mom, but she picked Geto in the end. He'd never let it all the way go and even at his big age had never been in a serious relationship.

The thoughts where lingering in the back of his head as he moved into the living room watching your every move.

You decided to watch Twilight, your favorite movie. It was the scene were Bella was playing baseball with Edwards family. You were sitting next to him on the miss-placed couch when your phones buzzed. You looked at the notification, "oh fuck yea" you said, "the hell?" Toji muttered. Classes had been cancelled until further notice. "Thats some shady shit", the man next to you said."

"Welp that means we are having a sleepover." You announced.

"You can't just invite yourself to stay the night at other peoples houses." Toji says as he leans back into the couch resting his arm on the back, manspread.

"Why not, it isn't like you're going to say no".

He chuckled and pulled you closer, "true".

The action made you freeze, but he didn't shift any further than that so you eventually relaxed into his side.

The movie finished, but it was only 9 pm. "Hey where's your bathroom I want to take a shower", "hold on i'll show you and I'll get you some clothes". He walked you to his bathroom and then left to find something comfortable you could wear. You folded your clothes up on the counter and stepped in the steaming shower after letting it run for a few seconds. He came back in the bathroom shortly after holding some clothes for you.

"I realized I'm like 3 times your size, so I brought you a t-shirt and some fuzzy socks that I can't fit." You laughed softly at the thought of this scary looking man having fuzzy socks, then again you can never go wrong with some fuzzy socks, "I appreciate it."

It did not go unnoticed all he gave you was a shirt and some dam socks.

You were shocked to see the kind of products he bathes with. Usually men bathe with all purpose cleaner. You can use that shit to clean a truck engine. But he had mostly dove products. And that aromatherapy body wash from bath and body works. He had a lip scrub too, thats so cute.

You washed and stepped out, greeted with a fluffy blue towel and the clothes Toji put on the counter for you. The other clothes from earlier were gone. He left a travel size lotion and deodorant you could use. You finished your business and stepped out to find Toji sprawled out on his bed.

It was a king, but his big ass took up the entire bed. "You done brat?"

"Yea I thought you fell asleep on me." He rolled over on his back "I may be old, but I can hang." He motioned for you to come closer. You got up on the bed and sat on his lap facing him.

He froze much like how you did on the couch earlier. His eyes flickered something dark that made you shift. " Bold of you sweetheart."

You weren't about to back down now. " Seeing how far you'll let me go." He was staring right through you. Not saying a word. Most people in this situation would be uncomfortable, but his eyes, those damn eyes gave you butterflies. He leans in, pressing his lips to yours.

That lip scrub does its job cause his lips are so damn soft. You kiss him back scooting closer to him, wanting to feel all of his warmth. His hands slide down to your hips, not breaking the kiss. You cup his cheeks and deepen the kiss as he slides his hand under your shirt, hands resting on your bare skin. His touch sent chills down your spine. You wanted more, but before you got what you wanted he broke the kiss, leaning back a bit. Giving you that same look from earlier only with more lust. His eyes flickered with passion.

"Marry me."

#anime #toji x reader #toji smut #toji x you #toji fushiguro #toji zenin #jjk toji #jujutsu kaisen toji #smut #black oc #gojo satoru #jjk gojo #tags

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mossyscavern · 1 year ago

Text

Love… what a strange thing...

__________________

Miles knows a little thing or two about strange… but love?

You’ve completely lost him. He has watched many telenovelas with his mami to know what it does, but he doesn’t really know about the subject itself…

He has daydreamed about it though, he actually asked his mama how her and his dad met. It was surprisingly romantic on his dad’s part.

Yet he’s still unsure about how love is more strange the it is, he’s sure that Pavitr would help since he’s with gayatri and has undoubtedly loved her…

But recently he got invited to their dates. And now he’s with Pavitr and gayatri on their lunch date he’s invited to.

Miles thought that they invited him to take notes, given how he’s invited often. He’d live with that, if Pav hadn’t told miles not to worry about the notes.

He felt he’s sort of… third wheeling, though they helped with his art project, went shopping, had some chai t-.. chai with them… he still felt like a third wheel… he just feels bad for hanging around while they’re dating.

Which was one of the reasons why he suggested a picnic. A simple Picnic with homemade foods. So when he asks, he opens a portal and leave them be.

“Ok, I’ve brought my dad’s Tandoori Chicken, what about you guys?” She asked, looking at the two. “I’ve got maya auntie’s famous samosas and some chamomile chai!” Pav proudly says, revealing the pyramid pastry and drink.

“It all looks so good.” Miles says, his mouth watering at the sight of two dishes each beside him. “Tastes good too, what’d you bring?”

Gayatri asked, placing her dish on the checkered picnic blanket while Pav did the same. “Only mi mami’s famous asopao de pollo, wanna try?” He asked, watching the two nod enthusiastically and in sync.

After each Indian took a spoon full their eyes lit up with huge smiles. “It tastes amazing!” Pav says swallowing the food and smiling the widest he can. “Your mom rocks!” Gayatri told him after she swallowed hers.

He smiled sheepishly at the compliment. “Thanks… can I ask you two something?” Miles asked, putting the lid back on and placing the food down. “Is something wrong?” Pav asked, looking worried about miles.

“If it’s too much we can do something else-.” “No! No, no this is all great, just… why me?” Miles asked, pausing a bit to reflect the past dates.

Both Indian’s made sure he’s is included, it made him feel more... whole. “Sorry? I don’t-” before Pav could say a thing miles held up a hand and said.

“I-I just… don’t want to ruin more of your dates by third wheeling..” He says, turning away from them. “I-i... I don’t-.” He stopped, looking down at the blanket his fists curled against each of his pant leg.

... he felt really hurt that he had to say all of that.

Thinking about it now? He didn’t want it all to end, it was the most fun he had ever since he became spider-man, but he didn’t want to intrude on any of Pav and gayatri’s future dates… even if he didn’t have anything else to do.

“… I thought we made it clear.” Gayatri says all of a sudden. “Guess not.” Pavitr says too. That made miles look up between them in confusion as the two sat next to him on either side.

“Miles, there’s a big reason why we invited you.” Pavitr starts, biting his lip softly in nervousness as the Afro-latino turned to look towards gayatri. “We thought you’d finally get it after our 9th… but guess not.”

She says, shrugging her shoulders and sighing. “Point is… it’s yours too.” She told him. Miles eyes widened and turned to Pav, who in turn nodded. “Each date, is your date.”

He says softly. Miles blinked, looked down, shook his head. “Uh-… aren’t I your friend tho-.” He was about to say before getting cut of by Pav kissing his lips.

The action made him squeak, then melt at the affection. When Pavitr and him parted he’s awestruck when he spoke. “… entiendo ahora.” He said goofily.

Making Pav chuckle. “My turn!” Gayatri says, kissing miles on the lips as well, making miles tumble backwards. “Gaya! Save some for me.” Pavitr joked, making the two laugh and later Pav joined in.

When things calmed down and both gayatri and Pavitr had their kisses each from miles the three sighed. “Thanks for clearing this up and opening my eyes.”

Miles paused, making both gayatri and Pav’s eyes land on him and smile at his acceptance. “Our picnic is getting cold tho.” He reminded, grabbing his mami’s asopao de pollo and served them each of their portions.

Gayatri and Pavitr did the same with their share. “How many samosas do you both want?” Pavitr asked, “how many is there?” Gayatri counter asked.

“There’s 12, so I’ll serve us four each.” Pav answered. Putting each on one plate.

Nothing is more perfect than having a picnic with your loved ones while watching the sun set all over mumbatten…

__________________

Ok, this is a little more longer than my usual stories…

Damn, well… this is another chaiflower thing with gayatri, probably gonna also tag is as chaimodelflower… maybe I-i dunno. It’s uh.. something for @vulnonapixs-marvel-corner but I… only did the top bit of their thing they posted on the 3rd of march… I should’ve asked first…

It’s a bit rushed and uh, hope it’s not confusing to anyone who reads it…

… anyway I gottagobye!

#spider verse #spiderman atsv #atsv #spider side of the cavern #chaiflower #chaimodelflower #goldenflower #<- should I tag this ship like this too??#should I??#… I genuinely haven’t tagged it as goldenflower that before #… I have so many regrets do da. do da…#is posting this one of them? oh de do da day

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murkystarlight · 7 months ago

Note

Hiiiii😋

Simple is back with some more shipssss~

Also abt Maya X Aiden, I usually ship those too in PolyOcelots or PolyBlazeRods.

Yeah.. Simple just.. love polyamoryous ships... You should know this by now.

Anyway!

Aiden X Gill, Romeo X Stella, Petra X Axel, Petra X Olivia, Lukas X Axel, Xara X Ellegaard, Ellegaard X Harper, Harper X Mevia, Nell X Jason.

I think I have the most chaotic ship chart? At least right now. And we're making yours chaotic as well. Sweet.

Welcome back~~

Yeah.. all ship chart will end up chaotic😈😈 okay. Sooo let's get on with it?

Aiden x Gill

If it was the past... I would probably would have said I like Aiden x Maya more. But now... i would probably lean a bit more towards Aiden x Gill. But I don't really favor these ship all that much so imma put them in 'Like!'.

Romeo x Stella

Okay. So- I always thought this one was interesting! They both want to use each other for their own purpose and eventually falls in love? Even if they don't have the trait they first fell for? The only reason i put this in 'Like!' would be because... destroying someone's entire city?? Uh.... sounds like a crime too big. Yeah.. so if we go that route.... there's no going back.

Petra x Axel

I've considered this as a ship so many times! I just feel like Axel really had a thing for her at the beginning. But it only lasted so long... and my attention for this ship did too- so I give this one a 'Like!'. If the ships are about the new order... I did a little list talking about these so... won't go in too much detail for the ones I already talked a lot about.

Petra x Olivia

...yeah. yeah why not! I think I like yuri. A new discovery. Couldve been a 'Like!' Buuttt.... Well they make a good match. A very calm and chill relationship. I put this one in 'Love!' because... I think I like this one more than the previous one. Also, I saw a few posts about these two and oh- god. That was so freaking adorable!! (Yes. I get influenced easily. But I'm also very stubborn. So... use that to your own will).

Lukas x Axel

In my opinon? They're like a non-toxic version of Aiden x Lukas(my auto correct keeps changing Aidkas to Adidas💀). Taljed about these two as well. They're cute. But I don't think I'd ship them super har- no never mind. I probably would ship them pretty hard. Give them a 'Love!'!!

Xara x Ellegaard

'Like!' I really liked the ship when I first heard of it. But I don't really feel anything other than when I see the work someone made for these two. So- I'll just go with a simple 'Like!' Really do like this one though

Ellegaard x Harper

Similar to the one above... but I feel less when I look at this ship. So I'll give this one a 'Ok'

Harper x Mevia

Ooh interesting... but I can't really think of it as a good ship. I'll give this one a 'Dislike'. Don't think it's a bad ship though

Nell x Jason(m!jesse)

Can really only see them as bros. Nell showed too much friendliness. She is our best bro. Nothing else. I don't make the rules-(I do make the rules here at least)

It doesn't feel like much cause they're all coming together a little at a time but- oh wow.. that's quite a lot now

Also. I just woke up so these may be a bit lazy

#mcsm #minecraft story mode #mcsm ships #aiden x gill #romeo x stella #petra x axel #petra x olivia #lukas x axel #xara x ellegaard #ellegaard x harper #harper x mevia #nell x m!jesse

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twilightknight17 · 1 year ago

Text

The Promised Day – Part 1

This time on P3R, I went on vacation and ran my way all the way to the ending. I’ve definitely got some thoughts, but one thing at a time.

First of all, spent a lot of time in Tartarus and managed to get a lot of significant high-level personas. Including Helel, Messiah, and my dearest husband. XD

I will say, I think it’s a little more impactful the way the movie handles Messiah. Fusing him in the moment at the top of the tower to go after Nyx is better from a story perspective? Like how you summon Satanael against Yaldabaoth.

I genuinely thought Messiah was a NG+ persona, but no. You can just fuse him. At least it’s still Orpheus and Thanatos.

I guess Orpheus Telos is NG+.

Anyway, time is moving, I’m trying to finish as many social links as I can even if I won’t get them all, and Mitsuru is doing her best to sabotage that by dragging me away from them. She has something important to tell me, because I am the leader and I need to know things?

Oh. She’s finally telling me that Chidori is alive.

She also has no idea how to tell Junpei the truth.

Good thing Junpei just overhears and runs off for the hospital, saving both of us from having to explain. XDDD

Because Chidori has gone through significant trauma and also “given up” her persona abilities to Junpei (which I guess is similar to what Yukino does in P2), she no longer remembers the Dark Hour. But her memories have a chance to come back, because she’s been dreaming about Junpei.

The explanation they give for why she was able to heal is that she had put a lot of her healing powers into the flowers Junpei brought her, so when the doctor placed all those flowers around her body, the healing power… returned to her, and brought her back to life?

It’s wobbly, but I’ll accept it. And I suppose that means that the deciding factor is whether you buy the flowers from Rafflesia and give them to Junpei. Otherwise this whole bit doesn’t happen.

This bit needs to happen.

I finished Maya’s link, and that was cute. I’m very curious, though, because you can’t actually be in a relationship with Maya. That was interesting, since I’m pretty sure you can date all the other girls. I know Maya’s situation is different, but like, there could have been a way to do it.

I also finished Keisuke and Mamoru’s links, which were nice. And Akinari’s, which, uh… First of all, depressing as hell. Second of all, I think his ghost was the one I was talking to. Like. How.

Off to Tartarus, and there’s another cat up here. HOW did you get to floor 250-something, kitty?

No wonder you’re sad! You’re so high up!

Also this area is wild. I like it a lot.

Liz gave me a quest to kill the Reaper, so I camped out on a floor and waited for him to show up, and it turned into a whole thing. Po was on vacation with me and was baking a cake, so midway through the fight, I took over beating egg whites by hand (because who knows what happened to the mixer?), and Po took the controller and was following orders.

I ran out of homunculi, so Junpei and Akihiko eventually started dying EVERY time the Reaper used Mamudoon. So I just left them down and relied on Koromaru, who is immune. Until Koromaru got hit with a fear ailment and ran away instead of using the healing item.

Po’s reaction was funny, though. Just a confused, “Is he coming back?”

So then it was Minato alone, cycling through Megidolaon, Diarahan, and Debilitate. And I swear, we were like three hits from killing it when it got a lucky critical with brave blade, knocked Mina down, and killed him.

At least in that time, the egg whites were appropriately stiff peaks. X’’D

So I went downstairs, went to the Velvet Room, fused Lucifer, went back upstairs, and hit the Reaper in the face with Armageddon.

Po’s reaction to that was fun, too. Yes, surprise, you can kill anything but Liz in one hit. With no consequences. Unless you happen to run into Phil and he can murder you dead with Armageddon R. XDDDD

And then, it was time for the end. SEES has realized that if they defeat Nyx, they might forget everything, just like if they’d killed Ryoji. But they’re not worried.

We will meet the day of graduation on the roof of the school.

Let’s rock.

There are a few floors between us and the top, and Jin is waiting partway up, while Takaya has gone ahead.

Heights like 3 floors up?

Jin is tricky, but not bad. I did have to go downstairs and get Liz to heal me after his fight. He did some damage, for sure.

We’re not killing you, god damn it.

The defeated Jin has some more details that SEES didn’t know.

Mitsuru is horrified, but considering Ikutsuki, I’m really not surprised. He seems like the sort to do human experiments on children. But I do have to wonder if the antique store lady knew what was going on. Yukari’s dad? I’m assuming this was before the bridge, mostly.

Also, if they were yoinking orphans, why didn’t they grab the kid who literally had Death sealed in him? There’s a fic concept there. I just need to refine it.

Anyway, SEES refuses to kill Jin, shadows start spawning in, and Jin won’t come with them, either.

He blows himself up before they can kill him.

On floor 263, we find the last room before the roof, and it’s cool.

Takaya is here, and he’s fully in apocalypse prophet mode.

He’s also extremely dismissive of Mitsuru. Which… I get being pissed at the people who hurt you, but Mitsuru had nothing to do with any of that. She was like… eight.

Whatever, dude. We’re still not going to let the world end. Let’s go.

Takaya and Jin are both not good to use Armageddon on because they have forced dialogue. So you can’t womp them in one go. The dialogue is good stuff, though.

Takaya and Mina are great foils. The false messiah and the real one, standing against each other embodying the will to live and the desire to die.

Also Takaya has a move that steals all your MP, and his own theurgy. It’s awesome.

But eventually, he goes down, and he stays down.

Don’t worry, he’s just unconscious. He’ll be fine.

Assuming we don’t die.

One staircase left.

#Li plays P3Re

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girl4music · 1 year ago

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ANDY: “You’re calling me a slut?”

PRUITT: “I am just asking you why you can’t stop crapping where you eat.”

ANDY: “You’re calling me a slut.”

PRUITT: “Every time you make the decision to sleep with a firefighter-“

ANDY: “-I didn’t sleep with him, and if I had,-“

PRUITT: “-in your own station-“

ANDY: “-it’s none of your business.”

PRUITT: “-…you set back female firefighters a few years!”

ANDY: “Dad, you need to stop talking now.”

PRUITT: “I don’t care how many men you sleep with, Andy.”

ANDY: “Stop talking.”

PRUITT: “But your CAPTAIN!”

ANDY: “I DIDN’T SLEEP WITH HIM, AND IF I HAD, IT’S STILL NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!”

PRUITT: “IT DAMN WELL IS MY BUSINESS! YOU ARE MY CHILD! Your decisions reflect on me, on MY legacy.”

ANDY:

*quietly but sternly*

“Get out.”

PRUITT: “Andrea, I am your father. You may not have any respect for rules, for tradition, for authority, but you will respect your father.”

ANDY:

*voice hoarse*

“Got it, Dad. Then I’ll get out.”

*leaves*

PRUITT: “Andrea.

*raises voice*

Andrea!”

*Maya opens the door to her room and stares him down with a look so threatening that it would frighten the Olympian gods. He leaves Andy alone*

MAYA: “Captain Herrera, it’s late.”

PRUITT: “Uh… sorry to wake you.”

I do not think I have the words to explain my thoughts and feelings about this scene. I expected Pruitt to be upset for Andy and to have it out with Sullivan on her behalf even if she didn’t need him to act and speak for her. I did not expect him to get at Andy for it AT ALL because I would have thought he’d know better. That he’d know it wouldn’t be his place to tell Andy where hers is because who she sleeps with isn’t his business.

I… wow. Clearly he hasn’t caught up with the times that’s all but made this kind of behaviour a criminal offence to women. That was unbelievably sexist and extremely disrespectful to Andy. His own daughter. He really did just call her a slut. Not only that but he also implied that she’s not capable of understanding her own actions and choices when it comes to the consequences of her losing her job as lieutenant and ruining the chances for any women that apply for that job. As if it has anything to do with who they sleep with why they are even in that job in the first place.

Just the sheer audacity for Pruitt’s mind to go there was absolutely fucking disgusting. He does NOT get to decide or even comment on where Andy, or any woman for that matter, opens their legs and to whom because they’re firefighters and he once captain’d them. Never mind about his fucking “legacy”. You just don’t do that because a women’s right to do whatever or/and whomever they want is no man’s fucking business no matter what they are in relation to them.

I mean I wasn’t the greatest fan of Pruitt before but this scene has ruined his character in my eyes now. I have absolutely no respect for him whatsoever from this point onwards because there’s no coming back from discrimination to women, to Andy, with me ever. I get that Andy may have to forgive him, but as a woman on behalf of all women, I won’t. And I’m very sure neither will Maya because she was also livid. And she should be because men do not get to have any say over what women do or don’t do no matter what the relationship they have to us is. With this one scene, Pruitt has made it quite clear how he thinks of women because there is no way he would have spoken to his daughter like that if that wasn’t already his mindset.

That was the mindset of a misogynist, not a father. He can play the father card all he likes and pretend that he is just trying to protect Andy as his daughter. Nah, no way that excuse is going to fly because if it was about being a father, his first instinct would to be to act and speak on his daughter’s behalf to Sullivan, not immediately verbally attack her for assuming that she’d slept with him. It doesn’t matter who it is he’s assumed she’d slept with. It’s not his place as a father to ever comment on it to her because Andy is a fully grown consenting adult woman. He isn’t commenting on it to her because she is his daughter. He is really commenting on it to her because she’s a female firefighter and believes she is still under his command.

You see, because the thing is, if Sullivan got in trouble for sleeping with Andy as her Captain, it wouldn’t negatively reflect on every man that makes it as a Captain, or a firefighter in general who also did. Just Sullivan. But what Pruitt is telling Andy and why he is commenting on it to her over Sullivan, is that every time she sleeps with a firefighter in her team, her Captain at that, she is ruining the chances for more women being firefighters and making it to Captain status. He is basically saying to Andy that because she can’t keep her legs shut in her own place of work, that she doesn’t deserve the respect as a firefighter AND that neither does any woman who chooses to do the same as her AND that if they continue to behave as they do, they do not deserve to make it as Captain.

It’s absolutely fucking HORRID what he said to Andy not just as his daughter, but also as a woman in the job of being a lieutenant firefighter. He has just told her that her choice to sleep with her Captain will reflect negatively on and weigh heavily against hers and any other woman’s chances of becoming Captain NOT because it’s against the rules for both her and Sullivan to have sexual relations, but because she must earn her keep as a female fightfighter (of all female fightfighters by leading as a good example) on the way to becoming Captain by keeping her legs shut.

How fucking discriminatory to women is that? It is the definition of misogyny in context of employment and promotion to state that sexual abstinence and/or purity in the workplace is the requirement for a woman to achieving the same employment and promotion that a man would have regardless of where he put his dick or of who he put it into. Yeah, Sullivan would get in trouble just as much as Andy would because of them having a sexual relationship with each other but it wouldn’t be because of his gender identity or sexuality why he would get in trouble for it. Whereas with Andy, it would be because women have to work so much harder for respect in employment predominantly and traditionally made for men to be as deserving of the same job and to have any chance of promotion compared to men at all. So for a man to come up to a woman and say that the requirement for being worthy of employment and promotion in a male-dominated department of work is to not have sex with anybody on and within the job… it is beyond the pale.

And for Pruitt to say to Andy, knowing how damn hard she’s worked all her life to be worthy of his validation, that her decision to have a sexual relationship with Sullivan or any firefighter reflects negatively on his legacy because he has no understanding of a woman’s right to sleep with whomever she wants to whenever and wherever she wants to, even when he is no longer her Captain or has any authority over her whatsoever as she is a fully grown consenting adult woman now… I don’t even have the words to explain how awful that is.

That was A SCENE. It was only a short scene but it provided incredibly significant and necessary female representation. The acting was STELLAR! I really felt Andy and Maya’s anger and shock at what Pruitt was saying to Andy. Fantastic performances all around! Especially Jaina. My god girl, that was phenomenal!

#station 19 #I know this bar #andy herrera #jaina lee ortiz #pruitt herrera #miguel sandoval #maya bishop #danielle savre #misogny #sexism #descrimination #sexuality #gender identity #female representation

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spookfished · 9 months ago

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media roundup march-jul

this is my review backlog from when i was like getting ground into the ground working at a summercamp lol. ..if my thoughts are really short i probably just wrote it

NOTE FROM WHEN I STARTED THIS IN LIKE JULY: hey guys whats up! i was like "during spring break im going to read so much!" then i had to 'apply' for 'jobs' :( also i was playing so many games (not umineko though. sorry rokkenjima-ers). then like 5 months passed! woops. now i am a college graduate and unemployed 👍so now i have plenty of time to do things like this lol. making a post for these and then for everything in august. skipping the music section also bc i dont feel like it. some things really worth spotlighting were small victories, wrath goddess sing, and honk for jesus.

books:

what feasts at night by t kingfisher: horror novella (?) about a scary house and an ex-soldier. i liked reading ursula vernons reading as always, but this was a bit too short for me to really get a feeling for anything… it also didnt have the same visceral horror as their previous book (what moves the dead) so i was a bit disappointed :(

cathay by ezra pound: a book of tang dynasty poetry translated by notable contemporary poet (and infamous fascist) ezra pound. ts eliot once said that cathay "invented" chinese poetry in the mind of the western reader, which is weird bc he didnt speak a lick of chinese at the time. umm tldr i didnt like this book but i did write 750 words of review including a translation of my own (NOTE FROM TODAY IN OCTOBER: I WROTE THIS LONG ENOUGH AGO FOR CLASS THAT ITS ACTUALLY KINDA EMARRASSING NOW SO PLS BE NICE) if youre interested in that kind of thing lol

wrath goddess sing by maya deane: retelling of achilles where she is a trans woman. dathomira's review of this book can speak more for it than i ever could (and also its been a couple months..) but i really really enjoyed this book. go check it out!

a clear and muddy loss of love by please don't laugh: f/f webnovel. qiyan agula, female prince of the grass plains, has sworn her revenge on the nangong emperor after his reign killed her family and annexed her country. she ends up engaged to the emperor's daughter, nangong jingnu--but their bond makes it harder and harder for qiyan to enact her promised vengance. vibes wise, its kinda like baru cormorant but tilted way farther towards romance than political intrigue. i really loved this!! the way their relationship grows together…. qiyans gender fuckery…. the length of a webnovel really lets you sink into jingnus character development--its such a turnaround that i think it would be hard to do somewhere else. yay i love baihe

year of rice and salt by kim stanley robinson: what if instead of 30% of europe dying from the black plague, 99% of europe died? how would that shape the centuries to come? also, buddhism is here. this book is really well done and really well researched. the audiobook is reaaally good to listen to while travelling--the narrator, uh, doesnt pronounce everything the best but has this really velvety voice that i loved. i had a good time listening to this while driving cross-country (i only did a little of the driving lol) but fell off a little bit after that. also, if anyone knows any books that are more just like the first part let me know!

videogames:

ultrakill: YEAHHH ULTRAKILL HELL IS FULL BLOOD IS FUEL ETC. ok if youre involved in like the trans indie gaming community at all, youve probably? at least heard a teeny bit about ultrakill, which is a fast-paced mega-violent retro FPS about being a robot descending throug hell and KILLING!! i was really unsure about if id like this personally (jumpy, didnt like ovewatch or most fps ive played) but like. dude. ive sunk so many hours into ultrakill this month. im literally on the last layer rn (the game is currently in early access, but theres plenty to do). people call this game overwhelming, but i guess ive felt that since its a single player game its way Less overwhelming than something like um, ovewatch again lol. ultrakill's blood-to-heal mechanic encourages the player to get close and dirty, and there are tons of mechanics that sound as cool as they feel--punching bullets back at the enemy, ricocheting coins into weak points, etc. also gabriel is here!!! i like him a lot :3 theres a free demo here if it seems like its up your alley

yakuza 0: a brawler game set in glitzy 80's japan, following kazuma kiryus rise to power within the yakuza--at least i think thats whats going on? after all, hes the protagonist of like 5 other games also called "yakuza." this game glories in violence and materialism (you use money instead of xp to upgrade your abilities) and it has a gritty story full of sad-eyed men smoking, backstabbing, and losing everything. yakuzas one of those series that kinda hangs around in the background with a couple people Absolutely Obsessed with it, so its nice to see it live up to the hype. im only on chapter 3 (out of 16?) so far, but im really enjoying it :3 of course, yakuza is famous for having lots of minigames but ive only sampled a couple of them so i dont feel like i can really comment on that yet. some of the cutscenes are kinda long but the voice acting is really good…. i usually do stuff like make my bed or fold laundry while im watching lol. id recommend it so far :3

neon white: scratches the ultrakill speedrunning itch but if the only part of ultrakill was speedrunning and the gritty visual element was replaced by like, smooth apple-style celestial gloss (theres no ground pound even!). in ultrakill you get a beautiful array of tools (guns) to solve the same problem (killing a guy) in multiple ways but with neon white theres essentially one perfectly bite sized (most missions are 30 seconds or less) solution and you just have to get as close to it as you can. brought down of course by the extremely corny writing and voice acting, which at least has the decency to be sincere--it grew on me, but not by much. having cutscenes interrupt the mission sets was also deeply frustrating. IT FUCKS THE FLOW, MAN. anyways still a really really good game with an amazing soundtrack that i would recommend for any first person platform likers or speedrunners

rabbit and steel: just a really fun mmo-type (GCD-based) game! for like, wow/ffxiv raiders who wish those games had fewer cutscenes to sit through haha or potential raiders who dont want to put together a static…

ghost trick: afaik, shu takumi's only standalone mystery game. a ghost detective investigates the mystery behind his death by possessing objects and tricking on them, ghost style. um the ghost trick fandom is very strident about playing spoilerless, and i do think that was definitely good! some of the twists here are pretty crazy. but, like, i think that insistence made me think that ghost trick was going to be "lifechangingly good" instead of just "very good" -- which it is! the puzzles are very clever and fun and the writing is, of course, really funny, charming, and heartfelt. but i couldnt help but be just a little bit disappointed? still a good game though.

balatro: poker game where all the rules are malleable--for the right price. dude balatro made it so much harder for me to pass my finals. really good game if u are a numbers type of person (or maybe really bad) i think i would have sunk a LOT more time into this if pikmin hadnt come around

tv/movies:

dear ex (rewatch): i already talked about this on one of my [other posts] but rewatching it was good :3 i cried again

brave bang bravern: bravern is like… a pastiche of the mecha genre? that mixes like, gritty war mecha shows with fluffy sentai-like shows that ultimately ends up having a lot of heart and sincerity. and also gay people?? idk i really liked it but i think u kinda have to be mecha-pilled at least a little bit already for sure

shogun: woops i forgot to finish watching this. well its a drama about this british sailor who shipwrecks on japan in the middle of a power grab (by tokugawa) really fun! unfortunately i frequently do not have the attention span for hour long episodes unless someone makes me do it

honk for jesus: drama? about the wife of a megachurch pastor who is trying to stage his big return. about what she gets from staying with him, what she endures and what she inflicts on others as a result. (also, image!) really interesting to watch as someone who knows very little about megachurches, with some fantastic acting

life is short girl walk on: sort of an anti-romcom? about one girls wild night out. soo so so pretty it really captures when youre like out really late with your more adventurous friends and youre like wow literally anything could happen rn. definitely worth a watch 👍

challengers: bro all the filmheads saw challengers its the tennis threesome movie. its really good enough said

i saw the tv glow: i watched this movie on a shitty tv interrupted by gambling ads like three times and it still ripped my dick off. man. not a lot to say about this one bc i already talked about it a bunch with other people but i think everyone should watch it

marcel the shell with shoes on: slice of life movie about, well, a living shell. with shoes on. actually really really good?? i was so surprised (the trailer is like accurate but at the same time makes it seem kinda hallmark twee) and like it is a little bit cutesy but not in a way that diminishes the movie itself or its messaging.. i think it being pretty offbeat and also the internet elements (?) also helped balance this. has the pikmin element of "wow being small really helps you to marvel at the world's beauty in a new way" while also being about connection and grief.

the bad guys: animal heist movie. its pretty good even if i don't like akwafina very much at all. fun and soothingly predictable with nice art

podcasts:

small victories: small victories is a slice of life/drama podcast about marisol, a recovering drug addict trying to put her life back together--and it's really going to happen this time, for sure! marisol has such a clear and engaging voice (and her voice actor is so great!) that you can't help but root for her no matter what, even when she messes up horrendously. it made me go like this o_o 🫢 alone in my room like i was eavesdropping on a breaking up couple at a party

thanks for reading if you did! or even if you didnt? anyways this has been stewing in my notes for multiple months. be free

#txt #media post

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ambitionsource · 2 years ago

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AMBITION “Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death” [ 4.10 ]♮PART 2, half 1

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - NIGHT

Farkle and Isa have returned to one of their tried and true pastimes, watching a movie together. Also true to their word, it’s impressive how swiftly they’ve fallen back into certain levels of comfort -- they’re sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the couch and sharing a blanket, Isa half-resting on Farkle’s upper arm like a bony pillow. They exchange light commentary as the film goes on, because it would be against their nature not to.

In a new form of nature, Isa can’t seem to stop losing focus on the movie. They can follow it enough to keep up the conversation, but they find their gaze keeps drifting elsewhere… right now, it’s landed on Farkle’s hand, resting on his thigh right there in front of them.

They could take it. There’s nothing stopping them from pulling their hand out from under the blanket and putting it in Farkle’s, linking their fingers together. It’s a surreal thought, having this much access so suddenly again, when they’ve spent so many months thousands of miles apart. The only thing stopping them is themselves.

And is it, really?

Before Isa can go down that rabbit hole, they’re spared with a different distraction. Their phone buzzes with a text. They pick it up and grow uncertain when they see Zachary’s name, then compulsively open the thread to read what he had to say.

Farkle picks up on their shift in demeanor. He pauses the movie, sitting upright.

Farkle: Everything okay? Isa: Huh? Oh, uh -- yeah. It’s just Zachary. Farkle: What did he say? Isa: They figured out who leaked it. Our connection. It was someone from Milo’s school. Farkle: Oh. Well, now that you say it, I guess that makes sense. Schools are big and leaky places. It’s honestly remarkable more shit didn’t get around Adams -- and that’s including the fact that we had a stupid Confessions page for a year. Isa: He’s wondering if I’d be willing to come back and talk things through. Now that they know.

Well, that’s good. Isn’t it? Farkle figures that’s a great sign. Isa seems less convinced, and their silence speaks for them.

Farkle: You’re not sure? You don’t want to go back? Isa: No. No, I mean, I do. I want things to work out, but --

But won’t this just happen again? Inevitably? Isa has a knack for ruining things. It’s basically in their blood. How many more times can they get their hopes up, thinking that this time will be different, only to ruin it all over again?

Farkle: Isa, this wasn’t your fault. It had nothing to do with you. Isa: No, actually, it does. Everyone keeps saying that, but they’re wrong. What is the common denominator here? Me. It’s me at the center of the scandal; it’s me who can’t socialize right or defuse any situation. Farkle: You’re not responsible for how people choose to perceive you. Especially when it’s willfully -- Isa: It’s me that the tabloids will eat up any bait about, including from petty exes, because I’m the easy target. It basically writes itself. I don’t want to put anyone else through that again. Not the MacNamaras. Not Zachary. I don’t need to add any more victims to my knack for destruction.

Besides, these last couple days have been fun. Nice. Comfortable. They want to keep enjoying that while it lasts. Farkle starts to argue, but Isa shuts down the conversation. They claim they’re tired and going to head to bed, but they thank Farkle for the movie and the company.

Reluctantly, Farkle lets them go. No sense in debate if they’re not willing to listen. Not now. Farkle says goodnight and watches them head back to his room, leaving him alone in the glow of the TV. He hates that Isa feels that way. That they’ve internalized so much unnecessary shame. It’s all unfair, and there’s nothing he can do about it.

Well, maybe not quite. Struck with an idea, Farkle picks up his phone and steps into Maya’s room for a bit of privacy, shutting the door.

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - MAYA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Farkle dials a number he swore he wouldn’t be calling again, pacing the floor while he waits for it to go through. At least this time, he has a good reason. He doesn’t let himself chicken out, steeling his resolve.

INT. NELSON ESTATE - JORDAN’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

JORDAN NELSON looks at his buzzing phone, unable to hold back a smug smirk when he sees who it is. He knew he couldn’t hold out on him. He figured his display at the festival would be a fluke.

After letting it ring just to draw it out a bit, Jordan picks up.

Jordan: Well, Minkus, have to say. I didn’t expect you to last that long, but this is quicker than even I anticipated.

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - MAYA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Ugh. Now that the lovesick spell has worn off, Farkle can’t help but be turned off by the obvious arrogance in Jordan’s tone. Only days ago he wouldn’t have noticed… infatuation is a funny thing.

Right now, he doesn’t want to hear it. He cuts right to the chase.

Farkle: I’m not calling for you. Don’t flatter yourself. Jordan: [ with amusement ] Then why else would you be -- Farkle: You have a good time talking to the tabloids? I’m sure they just hung on your every word while you fed them garbage.

Jordan’s amusement is gone in a flash. And he hesitates a second too long, betraying his guilt, which is all Farkle needs. He wasn’t expecting to be caught. His denial is uncharacteristically meek.

Jordan: I don’t know what -- Farkle: Nelson, save us both the time. You know I’m the better actor. I’m not gonna buy your bullshit.

So why the hell did he call? Before Jordan can find a way to turn the tables, Farkle powers through, channeling the feral edge he hasn’t harnessed in months.

Farkle: If you want to be petty and take your anger out on me, fine. Do that. Feed the press as many smear stories about me as you want -- only no one will care, because like you said, no one gives a shit about me. I’m a nothing. But leave Isa alone. They’re not your personal cash grab vendetta. Drop one more word about them, I mean even a whisper, and you’ll regret it. Jordan: Oh yeah? Now you’re all feisty. Or what, Minkus? What are you gonna do about it? Farkle: For starters, lawyer up. You think the Hollywood firms are sharks? You haven’t met my family’s team. And believe me, they’d just love to dig their teeth into a defamation suit. It’s been a while since someone thought it wise to try and slander my family.

And if that doesn’t work, isn’t enough of a threat, he should rest assured -- Farkle will find something. His family has resources, and Farkle is nothing if not single-minded.

Farkle: Given how you treated me, I have no doubt I’m far from the first person you crossed. Or used. Or paid off. If you keep harassing Isa, trust me, I will find them. And I will not rest until you’re just as exposed.

He may not fight for himself so fiercely, but coming for his people is the biggest mistake you can make. He worked hard to earn them, and he will do anything to protect them.

Jordan isn’t impressed, but he has been pretty thoroughly dissuaded from messing around any further. After a certain point, it’s just not worth the extra stress.

But he does insist on getting the last word.

Jordan: Just tell me this, Minkus. You’re really gonna grill me this hard over your shitty friend, two days after our breakup, and still act like there was never anything there? That I wasn’t dead on for being suspicious?

That what he had with Isa wasn’t exactly platonic? Farkle grits his teeth, fuming over Jordan thinking he has any right to criticize him…

But he can’t deny it. Not convincingly. Instead, he closes the chapter without an answer.

Farkle: Goodbye, Jordan.

Then he hangs up, ending it for good.

INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Riley makes her way through the halls in a rush, rehearsal bag slung over her shoulder. With her hair and makeup still done, it’s clear she must’ve come straight from NYU as soon as the curtain closed.

It doesn’t take her long to find Lucas.

It must not be a high-traffic hallway they’re in, because he and Asher haven’t moved. They’re exactly where they collapsed before, only having adjusted so that Asher is sitting against the wall next to him. Lucas has worn himself out, slouched with his head resting against Asher’s shoulder.

Riley slows to halt at the sight, Asher glancing up when he sees her approach. He offers her a weak, bittersweet smile.

Asher: He’s resting. That’s something.

What a dull silver lining. But you take what you can get in times like these. Riley huffs out a thin laugh even though nothing is remotely funny.

Quietly, they change the guard, Riley kneeling down while Asher gently scoots out from under Lucas. Naturally, this causes him to stir, but Riley swoops in to take Asher’s place before they can disturb him too deeply. Asher holds his breath.

Lucas: Riley? Riley: Hi. Yeah, it’s me. Go back to sleep.

She guides him close again, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Lucas doesn’t put up much resistance, melting into the embrace and dropping his head against her chest.

She gives Asher a silent thumbs up, indicating she’s got it and he’s good to go. He nods in agreement, reaching for his bag and slinging it back over his shoulder as he gets to his feet. Riley mouths a thank you at him and he waves it off -- they all know why they’re here. No thank yous necessary. Each of them would do it in a heartbeat.

They can only hope Lucas realizes that.

As Asher quietly makes his exit, Riley shifts her attention back to Lucas, effortlessly settling back into the trenches. She encourages him to rest more fully against her, supporting his weight, softly stroking his hair and placing a kiss onto the top of his head.

EXT. MOTOR BOAT - DAY

Heather is seated with her things on a sleek, silver motor boat, looking drained and hollow. A couple other girls from the retreat have joined her, apparently having decided this opportunity isn’t worth the hoops or harsh reality.

The camera eases back as the motor boat takes off, headed away from the girl group yacht to shore. On the deck of the yacht, the crowd of remaining girls watches them go…

EXT. YACHT - UPPER DECK - DAY

Yindra amongst them. So much for a guaranteed ally in the madness.

Kimmy: This is so sad. I liked them. Tabitha: Are you kidding? Three less competitors. Who else wants to jump overboard? Sloane: It’s tempting, but I’m thinking more of a push… Madysin: How much do you think one of those boats costs? I would love to be able to jet off into the sea whenever I want. It’s on my wishlist once those first checks start rolling in.

The range on this yacht is astronomical… the girls start to head back inside. Yindra is one of the last to go, steeling herself for a rough remaining handful of hours as she walks back to the doors on her own.

Maya, pre-lap: What do you mean you’re leaving?

INT. MALIBU LAKE HOUSE - DAY

Melissa is waiting for her Uber to arrive, all of her weekend luggage gathered by the door. Maya and Justin are both in the entryway with her, the former more concerned about her sudden departure than the latter.

Maya: We just got rolling with those new tracks. You can’t go now. Melissa: I’m so sorry, babe, but it’s a family emergency. Believe me, if it were any other thing, I’d put it aside for this. Justin: She means it, too. One time, we were doing so well on a songwriting session, Melissa skipped out on her brother’s wedding to finish the track. Bro was not happy about that one. Melissa: But Justin is gonna be here, and besides, you hardly need us anyway. You’ll make it slamming, you always do.

Justin agrees, promising Maya they’ll walk away from this retreat with something big. He throws an arm around her shoulders.

Justin: I’ve got you. I’ll take good care of you, on my honor.

Well, suppose that’ll have to do. Melissa’s car arrives. She tells them she can’t wait to hear what they come up with -- and they better come to her office first thing to share.

Maya: Will do.

Maya does her best to hide her disappointment, like she’s not losing half her validation as Melissa heads out the door.

INT. HOSPITAL - WAITING AREA - DAY

That afternoon, it’s not Jack, but SHAWN HUNTER who swings by to visit. Before Lucas can question what he’s doing there, Shawn raises a preemptive hand.

Shawn: No questions. No “aw, shucks” surprise or telling me I don’t need to be here. I’ve heard it all before, because I was you first. Let’s skip over that part.

Hurts to be so predictable. Shawn says he’s starving, and that Lucas better be too. Because they’re grabbing lunch, right now.

Lucas: Cafeteria sucks. Just so you know. Shawn: Oh, we’re not eating in this dump. [ to the desk attendant ] No offense.

No, Shawn has other plans. They’re getting out of here for a minute. They’re going away, getting Lucas some much needed space and out of this cold, septic building.

INT. YACHT - MAIN FLOOR - DAY

Equally thrilling developments await the girls on the retreat, as they start the morning by being informed that they’ll be left alone for this final day of the trip. That’s right -- no producers, no executives, no more consultants.

Ronica: Thank fuck.

Instead, they’re letting them make their own decisions for the day… mostly. There’s still the cameras around, of course, and they do have an assignment they’ll be working on for the final presentation tomorrow. As the producers explain, they’ll be self-sorting into two smaller groups, where they’re to collaborate on a performance routine entirely on their own. Music, harmonies, choreography, all of it -- that’s up to them, and all in their hands. A way to flex their group muscles, explore how they best fit into the big picture, discover their own strengths… and see who has natural leadership.

Once they create their presentations, they’ll come back together as a full group to perform the routines for one another and give each other constructive feedback -- a crucial part of any group chemistry. Then, tomorrow morning before the retreat ends, each group will perform them as their final audition. So it’s a chance to organically bond, in theory, while still being competitive and chock full of opportunities to make an impression -- for better or for worse.

Yindra isn’t sure, as the adults in the room head out, whether she’s glad they’re leaving or not.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY

To Shawn’s credit, he was absolutely right about going outside. Just being in the fresh air, walking through Central Park, seems to bring some color back to Lucas’s cheeks. It’s a bit easier to breathe. He has more of an appetite too, actually eating the food Shawn got him as they walk through the park.

Shawn: Look, I get it. Like I said, I’ve been in your shoes. I mean, mine were cheaper because I didn’t have the guts to steal ‘em at eighteen, but you get what I mean.

He’s gone through this whole thing himself -- sitting around waiting for his shitty pops to kick the bucket. It’s not a fun time. All he wanted to do the entire time was run away.

Lucas: Jack said he tries not to dwell on it. Be negative, and shit. That it was complicated, but he tries to… give grace, or whatever. Shawn: Ha! Of course he does. That’s Jack for you. Why do you think he’s the dignified principal-turned-school-board-member, and I’m the dropout who had to borrow a job from him?

Suffice to say, Jack has always been better about compartmentalizing his feelings about things. But it’s not always that easy. Not everyone is Jack Hunter. He means well, with his sage advice, but that doesn’t mean it’s as simple as following it.

Shawn: Besides, it was easier for him. That’s not to discount his experience or anything, but he didn’t live with our dad the way I did. He left him and his mom when he was still in middle school -- I got a lot more of his bullshittery, a lot more of the time.

No, he wasn’t as bad as Kenneth, since he never physically laid a finger on him. But he was still a piece of shit, and that still left wounds. Some he’s still healing from to this day.

Lucas: So what, exactly? Jack’s full of shit? Shawn: No. The “so what” is that I’m trying to tell you, it’s okay that this sucks. That it fucking sucks, and there’s no “good grace” to give it. That’s real. It sucks, and he sucks, and just because he’s dying doesn’t mean you have to set all that aside or pretend it didn’t happen. That it’s not complicated or fucked up. People do this thing when people die, where it’s like history gets rewritten. And suddenly, we’re only supposed to remember the good things, because confronting the truth is too… hard. Too bitter. But that’s bullshit.

So Lucas doesn’t have to feel bad for Kenneth. He doesn’t have to feel anything, just because it feels like he should. All Shawn wants to do is make sure that Lucas gets that it’s okay for it to all feel turned upside down.

Shawn: And you’ll grow through it. I swear to God, you will. Not immediately, and not all at once. But you will. [ patting his shoulder ] Get through the right now. Then worry about the rest.

A different perspective than what he’s heard so far, but not unwelcome. And yeah, it’s nice to hear someone say he’s allowed to have his ugly feelings along with the complex ones, even if he’s not sure which ones are the true root of how he feels.

Grief, universal as it may be, is about as varied an emotion as they come.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

That’s a sentiment Isa is all too familiar with, that they’re feeling a bit of themselves as they walk along the sand. They’ve returned to the same beach they visited in 213, the small hideaway of a strip that was one of Valerie’s favorites.

Just like last time, Farkle is with them, trailing along behind as they pace along the water’s edge. It’s peaceful, neither of them feeling as though they need to fill the silence. Given how hectic the last week or so has been in Isa’s world, the sense of privacy and peace is more than welcome.

Isa: For all her faults, can’t say my mom didn’t know how to find a sacred spot. Ironic for someone who was so addicted to the spotlight. Farkle: The woman was an island unto herself.

Hear, hear. Isa approaches the water and crouches down, letting the sea foam soak their hand. Farkle comes to join, kneeling down in the sand.

Isa: Do you think she’s still out there? How long would it have taken for the ocean to send her ashes away? Maybe she’s like, all the way in… Vietnam, by now. Or New Zealand. Farkle, theatrically: She’s always out there, as the ones who love us never really leave us -- Isa: Ugh. Wah, wah. I get it, Dead Poets Society, thanks for the therapy truism.

Farkle grins. After a moment, he states he should take advantage of the water while he has it, scooping up some and scrubbing at his face.

Isa: What are you doing? Farkle: When you gave me that little Eurotrash birth mark yesterday, you must’ve used a fucking Sharpie. I’ve been scrubbing at it all morning and it still won’t come off. Maybe the salt water will corrode it away. Isa: Either that, or you’re just rubbing my dead mom’s ashes all over your face.

Okay, really pleasant! Thanks, Isa! Farkle gags lightly, causing them to burst out laughing. Then they feign support, telling him to turn towards them so they can get a look for themselves. Farkle does so, letting Isa take his face in their hands and caress his cheek as they gently tilt his head to get a good look.

The view is quite nice so up close like this, but honestly, Isa has already forgotten what they were supposed to be looking for. What were they talking about? How the hell does this keep happening?

At the risk of losing absolutely all their brain power, Isa creates a different diversion -- they sweep their arm down and splash a big amount of salt water onto Farkle’s face when the next wave crests the shore, causing him to gasp and sputter as he falls out of their grasp onto the sand.

Isa: There. Think I got it.

Farkle coughs up a bit of salt water, then shoots Isa a glare.

Farkle: You’re so dead.

Hey, no dead jokes on dead mom beach! But too late. Isa scrambles to their feet and takes off at a run just as Farkle launches up after them, chasing them down the beach.

Neither of them are athletes, and running on sand is hard as it is, but it was inevitable Farkle was going to catch them. His legs are about twice the length of Isa’s.

Isa: How are you running this fast?! You failed fitness week -- !

Farkle ignores the taunt and rams into Isa, colliding with them and sending both of them down onto the sand. Isa cackles, catching their breath as Farkle collapses half on top of them and falls into a fit of giggles of his own. He sits up on his elbow, doing Isa the favor of brushing some hair and stray sand out of their face.

And there they go again. Somehow, they keep ending up this close. Like cosmic interference. Or maybe defiance, since every logical bone in Isa’s body is telling them not to play into their own delusions.

They’re just friends. Farkle’s newly single. They’re reading too much into everything. It’s dangerous to read into it, not to mention stupid.

And yet, how can Farkle manage to look at them like that, the way he is now, and not have it be worth spending the rest of their life reading?

For a fleeting moment, Isa thinks about breaking convention. They think about acting without thinking, of choosing the dumb move, and acting on the feelings they’ve been pushing down since last year. Farkle’s right there, with his electric blue eyes and face so close to theirs -- truly, what’s stopping them? Why the hell not?

In this case, reality. After a moment, Farkle clears his throat and sits up, giving Isa back their space as he plops down onto the sand next to them. Abruptly ending the moment, whatever it is -- if it was anything at all.

It’s for the best. Isa is losing their mind, seriously.

At least with some separation, it’s easier to breathe again. Isa sits up as well and brushes the sand off their legs, flicking some onto Farkle next to them for good measure. It’s his fault they ended up on the ground after all. For a minute, they soak up the peace again, watching the waves ebb and flow into shore and listening to their melodic crash.

Farkle: Do you think she ever brought Zachary here?

Isa is startled by the question at first. But once the initial shock wears off, and the ocean soothes their nerves, they shrug.

Isa: No idea. If she did, she never told me. Farkle: Seems like the kind of place he’d like. Secluded, private. Kind of antithetical to everything else about her. Isa: I guess. Maybe that’s why she found it -- so she could prove to him she was capable of holding peace.

Look how well that turned out… and now it’s Isa sitting on the beach with someone they love, hiding from everything and everyone else.

Farkle: I was just thinking, with Zachary… Isa: I could tell. You’re not very subtle at segues. Farkle: I think you should talk to him. Give him a chance to talk things through.

Isa sighs, propping their elbows on their knees and hiding their head in their hands.

Isa: And you’re the expert on communication now? Farkle: No, I’m not. Far from it. But that’s kind of exactly why I think so. Being here, you know -- [ looking out to the water ] Last time you brought me here, it was right after my attempt. And I’ve grown from that, obviously, but I still remember how that time felt. Vividly. I don’t know that I’ll ever really forget it, or that it can ever go away. I’m always going to carry it with me. And one of the biggest things that stuck out to me, that I still think about, is what it would’ve been like to leave so many things unsaid. To cut all these relationships I had short so unceremoniously. No possible resolution; no closure. When I think about it, and all the people I would’ve left on the other side… I feel like that’s the worst thing I could’ve ever done.

Maya is an obvious example, given how they were before his attempt. But it goes for everyone. He thinks about that a lot more now, about the way he leaves conversations with people.

Isa: Is there something you’re trying to tell me? Farkle: I’m not on the knife’s edge again, no. But my point is, I wouldn’t want to leave all the important stuff left unsaid. I try not to take that for granted anymore. The fact is, by choice or not, we don’t know when you might lose your chance to find your closure. None of us know when time’s up -- Valerie sure didn’t.

Isa closes their eyes, letting that one sink in.

Farkle: I’m not going to tell you what to do. And you know that no matter what, I’ve got your back on this. I’m just saying, like… is this how you’d want your last conversation with Zachary to have gone? When you finally got him in your life at all? Think you and I both know better than anyone else how much worse it can be to avoid communication.

True enough… maybe even now. Isa takes his point, contemplating it as they open their eyes and gaze out towards the ocean again. As the waves roll in and crash into the shore…

INT. YACHT - MAIN FLOOR - DAY

Out on the actual sea, the girls have begun their big project. They’ve finally been left alone and are now self-selecting, dividing up into their two groups.

Naturally, Tabitha has taken control of one group, loudly dictating what she thinks they should do for their number and eagerly -- but bossily -- throwing out ideas. Madysin has joined her as her right-hand man, both of them running roughshod over anyone else who has elected to join their grouping with bubbly enthusiasm.

Yindra seems reluctant to throw her lot in there… but on the flip side, Ronica has taken up residence in the other group, with Aleena and a couple others. While she may be more agreeable to work with, she’s the closest in vocal competition to Yindra. They’re basically occupying the same potential role in the group -- she can’t deny that. If she works with that group, she’ll avoid the teenage drama queens, but she might be risking being redundant.

Like Nigel said, she needs to seize her chance to stand out. It might be the only one she has left.

So Yindra bites the bullet and sidles over to join Tabitha, self-assigning herself to their group. They welcome her happily, Tabitha claiming she’ll easily boost their vocal score.

Tabitha: Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to build you in a solo somewhere. I want us to pull out every stop possible.

Well, that’s nice. Diva looks out for diva, suppose… Kimmy, also having joined this group, offers Yindra a friendly smile as they get down to business.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - ZAY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

The calendar shows there’s no more countdown. No more waiting.

The Turner audition is here.

Zay is just about ready, sizing himself up in the mirror on the inside of his closet door. He’s dressed plainly as per the audition guidelines, just a muscle tank and a pair of dark dance tights. He finishes securing his hair into a short ponytail, out of his face and ready for action.

This is it. Time to bring it. He releases a deep breath, closing his closet door.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - NIGHT

Zay descends the steps and grabs his coat off the rack by the front door, Omar and DONNA BABINEAUX in the living room waiting for him. The latter gets up and comes to give him a hug, both wishing him luck. Although the glamor and fanfare is less in-your-face, the moment feels quite reminiscent of the Kossal audition all those years ago.

Donna takes his shoulders and reminds him that whatever happens, wherever he goes after this, they’re proud of him. Endlessly proud. Zay nods, then glances over her shoulder towards his dad. He tacitly echoes the sentiment again, offering a light smile.

With that, Donna gives him one more kiss on the cheek and then lets him go, sending him off to face the music.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

Vanessa is already there, backstage in the wings as the auditionee before her finishes his oral interview post-routine. She’s also dressed plainly as required, wearing a maroon hued leotard and tights with a sheer ballet skirt over top. Her hair is similarly pulled back, in her case into a tight, curly bun on the back of her head. She’s also got her pointe shoes on, so you know she’s about to bring it.

That is, provided she can survive the walk onto the stage. As the interview before her is winding down, she’s starting to feel a bit light-headed. Her limbs are tingling, and the lights out there feel especially bright. Any second now…

She gets a surprise when someone comes to join her in the wings, jostling her shoulders from behind. She jumps and spins around, breaking into a smile when she finds Summer there. The two of them exchange a hug, Summer wishing her luck. She’s got this.

Summer: Show ‘em exactly who Vanessa Johnson is. Don’t take no for an answer.

Vanessa manages a smile, then a nod. And just in the nick of time, as the microphone invites her onto the stage from somewhere the audience.

Game time. Vanessa turns around, takes a deep breath, then marches onto the stage.

At the same moment, Charlie arrives with excellent timing. He pokes his head into the doors to the house and sees Vanessa entering through the wings, slipping inside the theater and quietly making his way to a seat in the back of the center section. He settles in just as Vanessa makes it front and center, squinting out through the lights towards the panel of three Turner faculty in the middle row.

Rosario Gao right at dead center. She leans forward towards the microphone.

Rosario: Are you ready, Miss Johnson? Vanessa: Yes.

If she says so. Gao nods to the colleague on her right, who turns and signals to the technicians in the booth to go.

Vanessa spins and faces away from them, taking her starting position. She closes her eyes as the lights dim and focus in around her. She inhales another deep breath…

INT. IMAGINATION SPACE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Little Bird” as performed by Jasmine Cephas-Jones || Performed by Vanessa Johnson

And exhales it on the imaginary stage, opening her eyes. She’s now front and center on this stage as well, the rest of the ensemble (sans the usual two empty blocks) standing in place on their marks behind her and cast in shadow once again. In this venue, she’s allowed to be far more fashionable, and she is -- her look is evocative of starlets and singers of decades past, shimmery even in a deep shade of black with billowy bell sleeves and a slit down the leg. Her hair is untamed, free and curly down her back SZA style.

The performance is split between the Turner audition stage and this one, emphasizing dance and singing respectively. While Vanessa executes the new routine she crafted to this track in just a few days, she vocalizes the sentiments in her own voice, thus acting as the backing track for herself in our version of the rendition. It doesn’t take long to recognize why she chose the song if she was digging for something more emotionally resonant -- some of the lyrics speak for themselves. Loudly.

Wish I could could tell ya Who breaks your heart Or the grass is greener when you don't wanna a boy no, no See life, will bring you down But your fire is blazing out

The song is about discovering your own worth, spreading your wings and letting yourself take flight -- without letting your insecurities and uncertainties cage you in. Accepting yourself as you are, and allowing that to be your greatest strength.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

And even more than her imaginary vocals, her performance conveys just that. Somehow, she’s managed to translate that struggle into choreography, and she delivers it as if every move could be her last.

Would be a nice sentiment for her parents to hear too… which is why it’s a great blessing that one of them decides to show up. Alexis steps through the house doors as silently as possible, better late than never, and scrambles to take a seat in the back. She’s immediately captivated by Vanessa’s performance.

It’s no wonder why. Vanessa is giving it her all, and it shows. The movements are sharp, precise, but also allowed to be imperfect. The imperfection is part of the journey, a reflection of those ways life bends and breaks you in ways you don’t expect. The parts she’s trying to learn to embrace, where you can’t always be exactly perfect.

Little bird, it's time Wings spread open wide Daddy said, walk on the wild side

That being said, her routine leaves no room for doubt as to her talent. It’s riddled with opportunities to show off -- spread her wings, so to speak -- particularly on the instrumental break. She executes a few difficult ballet leaps, stretches in and out of a split, falls onto her back before jumping back up with a flourish and launching into a spin.

Just like Zay said, she’s leaving it all on the stage.

Her imaginary self does the same with the vocals, absolutely nailing the last rendition of the chorus. The ensemble echoes her with harmonies from behind.

By the time the song winds down around 4 minutes in, Vanessa makes it to the conclusion, slipping into a set of fouetté turns. She lets the spins dwindle out seemingly like it’s natural, taking a more sweeping full-body rotation to drop back down to her knees on the stage. She tilts her head back and looks up towards the ceiling, letting her eyes flutter shut.

INT. IMAGINATION SPACE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

Vanessa exhales the last breathy “fly,” the lights dimming around her and casting her in shadow.

Then the lights go down, concluding the number.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

Considering how breathtaking the performance was, it’s strange not to hear it met with resounding applause. This is something both Charlie and Alexis stumble over, both having to fight their natural instinct to clap as the lights come up and Vanessa gets back to her feet.

Instead, it’s quiet. She walks to the edge of the stage and waits to be addressed, catching her breath and skin shining with sweat. After what feels like an eternity of silence, Gao’s voice comes on over the microphone.

Rosario: Thank you, Miss Johnson. Well done.

Vanessa is going to do her damnedest not to read into that rare praise. She nods, maintaining her composure, while the panel begins to ask her questions. They prattle through the usual generic stuff, like what she’s hoping to gain from admission and how her time in the transfer program has prepared her.

Gao, naturally, saves the hard-hitting question for last. In all fairness, though, she did prepare her for it… in a way.

Rosario: The Turner program is an elite, top-rated dance academy that boasts a cohort of highly dedicated, unique individuals. How will you set yourself apart in the class, should you be admitted, and what will you bring to the cohort?

In short -- who are you, Vanessa? Now is the time to say it. Vanessa thinks on it for a beat… then she opens her arms and shrugs.

Vanessa: To tell the truth, I don’t know.

She wasn’t going to figure it all out in a week. It’s doubtful Gao expected her to. But she confronts the question candidly, not running away from it like she did the week before.

Vanessa: I’ve spent a long time trying to reach the standards of others. To follow the path laid out for me, even if I didn’t choose it or understand what that meant for me. How it reflected -- or didn’t reflect -- my own dreams and ambitions. To say it created a hazy sense of self would be an understatement.

Gao listens silently, not betraying anything. In the audience, Charlie is somewhat surprised by how relatable the speech is. He would’ve never guessed, based on her usual confident persona.

And Alexis frowns, disappointed to hear it. Knowing she had a hand in it, wishing that she didn’t.

Vanessa: So the truth is, I’m still figuring out what makes me… me. How I contribute as an individual, how I… make sense in the world. But the one thing I do know is that dance is a part of it. Indisputably. It used to be the biggest part, but I’ve spent the last year realizing that maybe I’m supposed to be more than that. That the joy and passion of the art can only shine brighter when it’s a piece of the portrait, not the whole picture. I think that being a part of Turner Academy is the next step in discovering myself -- a place where I can learn who I’m supposed to be and how I contribute. So… if you can grant me the patience of learning as I go, I promise, I will prove myself worthwhile. I will commit, with everything I’ve got, and show the cohort what I can do.

She’s asking for a bit of grace, and room to grow. In return, she will bring it, full heart, every single day.

It’s a compelling pitch -- but just one of many. Gao finishes jotting down some notes and then thanks Vanessa one last time, dismissing her.

Just like that, it’s done. Nothing left to do. Vanessa gives a small bow and forces her feet to move, walking off into the wings. In the house, Alexis gets up and makes a swift exit, not wanting to incidentally step on Vanessa’s moment or cause her extra stress.

Gao calls the next person up, moving things right along. Charlie takes the transition time to get up as well, quietly taking the side door out.

INT. HOSPITAL - WAITING AREA - NIGHT

Lucas is slouched in one of the seats, head tilted back against the wall and staring towards the ceiling. He’s alone now, everyone else otherwise committed. He told them all not to bother, so he’s glad they’re not missing anything important… but the silence of sitting there alone is deafening.

He checks his phone when it buzzes with a text, Grace giving him an update from beyond the double doors.

“Ken resting now. Has been in and out of sleep most of the evening. Docs say typical for this stage”

He’s fading, in other words. Who knows how much longer it’ll be now. Lucas isn’t sure how to feel about that.

He gets a distraction when a familiar face makes his way through the doors, getting the attention of the attendant working the desk. JOE is there with a carry-out bag, gruffly informing the attendant he won’t be hanging around long. He’s just stopping by for a drop-off.

Lucas straightens up when he recognizes him, completely shocked to see him outside the diner. Once Joe makes his way over, he finds his words, brow furrowed in confusion.

Lucas: Why are you -- ? Joe: Heard through the grapevine what was up. Thought y’all might want some food that isn’t made in a hospital cafeteria.

He hands Lucas the bag, filled with diner delights made by his coworkers. There’s a few condolences and warm wishes written on receipt scraps, as well as a slice of Grace’s favorite slice of pie set aside especially for her.

Lucas doesn’t know how to react. He can feel his throat starting to hurt, so he swallows hard.

Lucas: You didn’t have to do all this. Joe: Like hell I didn’t. I only do shit because I want to. And what I wanna do is look out for my crew.

Which, of course, includes Lucas. He’s been an employee of his for almost two years -- that’s as good as family in his book. And he takes care of family.

Lucas doesn’t have words. Joe doesn’t expect any. They’re birds of a feather in that way. He simply settles for a bracing pat on Lucas’s shoulder instead, waiting for him to meet his eyes.

Joe: Hold on, kid. Tomorrow’s still on the menu.

No matter what happens, time will move forward. Grief will ebb; life will go on. And when he’s ready, the diner will still be there waiting for him. Whenever he wants to come back.

With that, Joe leaves him be, giving a curt nod to the attendant as he saunters out. Lucas looks down at the bag at his feet, letting those words of advice give him a modicum of comfort.

INT. YACHT - MAIN FLOOR - DAY

As the sun sets beyond the nautical horizon, the groups have reconvened to perform and get their feedback from each other. It seems Yindra’s group has already gone, as she’s seated on the couch between Kimmy and Tabitha while they watch the other girls wrap up their routine.

And to be fair, they’re serving. While you can say what you want about their personalities, there’s no doubt that the girls who have made it this far have for a reason. Aleena helped spearhead a strong routine in the alternate group, and her footwork makes up for the occasional moments where she’s flat in this run-through. Ronica outshines her vocally regardless anyway, shooting off some spectacular runs that make Yindra squirm a bit in her seat. While Sloane takes a back seat singing wise here, and her expression remains intense and focused rather than bubbly and endearing, her dancing is at peak form.

Once they finish their run-through, out of breath, silence falls over the room. Competition is being brought, there’s no doubt about that. It hangs heavy over their heads that only five of them are going to make it in the end -- there’s simply not enough room for all of them and their grand ambitions.

Sloane: Well? Thoughts?

It’s a challenge more than an invitation. For a long moment, the silence remains… then Tabitha shrugs, doing her best to come off nonchalant in an effort to hide her insecurity.

Tabitha: It was fine. Kind of pitchy, but --

Oh, that’s really all she has to say? With all the strong female energy in the room -- and the prevailing sense of cutthroat competition breathing down their necks -- it was only a matter of time before a spark caught fire. Sloane snorts, claiming Tabitha is full of shit, which sets off a chain reaction of input and snark from everyone else. It starts along group lines, but quickly devolves into taking shots wherever possible.

If the producers were worried about missing the drama, surely it was a needless concern. There’s plenty of catfight being caught on camera right now, and their presence being removed only enables people to be even more bold. It feels like straight out of Bravo, reality TV grade fodder. Yindra stares back and forth between all the yelling, for once more bowled over by diva behavior than from when she was at Adams.

Yindra: Oh my God, it’s like Zay and Maya on crack.

Kimmy is equally overwhelmed, uncomfortable with all the harsh words being thrown around and standing awkwardly above it all with her height. She clasps her hands together, somewhat hiding behind them, but also weakly tries to keep the peace.

Kimmy: Stop, y’all. We’re women supporting women…

Yeah, all that stuff goes out the window in this industry. It seems like the theatrics and petty fighting may never end, all the big personalities in the room just fueling one another like gasoline. Either that, or it’ll escalate, as it seems like Madysin and a couple of the other girls might just launch at each other.

Sloane has other ideas. She steps away from the madness as it’s unfolding and makes her way to the kitchen. She scans the cabinets looking for what she needs, then finds a suitable choice, picking up a bottle of sparkling cider from the wine rack.

Then she turns back towards the rest of them, keeping her unimpressed, sharp expression on her face as she takes the bottle and smashes it against the countertop.

That’s an effective way to get attention. All the girls jump, a few of them shrieking on instinct at the sound, as the bottle shatters and cider spews all over the kitchen. Sloane stares at all of them, holding out the neck of the bottle and dropping it onto the hardwood. She pointedly steps on it and crunches it under her combat boot, not breaking eye contact.

Yindra stares over Kimmy’s upper arm, basically indirectly using her as a human shield. The look on her face says it all though, wide eyes and jaw dropped open.

These bitches are crazy. Female ambition has a dark side, and she’s seeing it up close and personal. Adams Academy has nothing on this.

And she’s trapped with all of them in the middle of the Pacific, no way to escape but going overboard herself.

Sloane: This is fucking circus. Y’all can have my ticket -- I’m getting off the bandwagon.

She’s over it. She exits the main floor, a few other girls taking her lead and dismissing themselves. Yindra stays where she is, not sure whether she has the power to move her limbs back yet. They certainly created a spectacle, there’s no doubt about that.

And honestly, that’s probably exactly what the label wanted.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

Zay is pacing impatiently, shaking out his arms and trying to stay loose before his turn. It’s coming up any minute now, and he’s using all the willpower he has not to get in his head about it. From prior experience, he knows that only leads to trouble.

Lucky him, he’s gifted a panacea just in time. He glances towards the door behind him in the reflection of the mirror, watching as it opens and a welcome face steps inside the room. Zay whips around, releasing a sigh of relief.

Zay: Charlie.

Indeed. He’s there, just like he said he would be, and he managed to sneak his way backstage to prove it before he went on. He smiles and steps further into the dressing room, meeting Zay in the middle.

Without thinking, Zay reaches out and takes his arms with shaky hands, jostling them playfully just as he’s using them for balance. Excitement, nerves, all that jazz.

Charlie: Hey. Zay: You’re here. Charlie: I said I would be, didn’t I? I’m getting better about holding my word, I swear. How are you doing? Zay: Good. Fine. Completely calm. Not feeling like I’m about to die or that my heart is gonna fall out of my ass. I’m so chill, it’s uncanny.

Charlie can’t help but laugh, shaking his head. He slips from Zay’s grasp simply to return the favor, touching his arms and then bracing his shoulders instead. He holds his gaze.

Charlie: You’re gonna be fine. Not even that -- you’re gonna be better than fine. You know you will be. Zay: Yeah. Yeah. Charlie: The only reason it didn’t happen last time is because you couldn’t show up. Not the way you usually do. This time, there’s nothing getting in your way. So there’s nothing that’ll stop them from seeing just how incredible you are. I know it. I have nothing but faith. Zay: Yeah. You’re right. [ taking a deep breath ] Thanks for coming. I’m really glad that you’re here. Charlie: [ with a soft smile ] Any time. It’s my privilege. But you would’ve been okay even if I couldn’t make it. You always are. You don’t need me. Zay: Well, I want you.

Here, that is. Didn’t quite come out that way, but…

Charlie feels it in his chest, like Zay just casually decided to drop a bomb on him. So normal and everything. He chalks it up to the nerves, to pre-audition jitters. No one really has control over their words right before a big audition.

Even so, Charlie delicately removes his hands from Zay and takes a step back, just so he doesn’t do anything he might regret. He isn’t about to audition, but Zay-jitters are an affliction he’s never quite figured out how to cure.

It hardly matters anyway, as a helper pokes her head in and lets Zay know it’s time for him to go backstage. He nods, thanking them, then exchanges one more anxious smile with Charlie.

Charlie: I’ll be right out there. You got this. Zay: Yeah. Charlie: Break a leg. [ a beat ] Just not your tendon. Zay: Fuck you.

It’s said with laughter, though, which is exactly what Charlie was going for. He mirrors his breathless grin and gives him one more nudge on the arm, then he leaves him to it, disappearing back through the doors. Zay takes the moment of quiet to himself to get centered, bottling up all the nerves he would never let anyone else see and burying it down.

Now, it’s just about the dance.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - ATRIUM - NIGHT

As Charlie is making his way back to the auditorium, who should he run into but Vanessa. She’s got her duffle bag over her shoulder and is on her way out, but she does a double take when she sees him heading back towards the side door.

Vanessa: Charlie?

He whips around, thinking he’s been caught trespassing, but he smiles when he sees it’s just her. He greets her and pauses to chat, commenting on the theater. Pretty nice venue, isn’t it?

Charlie: I honestly always wonder why they make us go all the way to some random other location for stuff like this -- Adams did this sometimes too -- but I guess it’s mainly for the aesthetic. It probably wouldn’t be as glamorous to do the auditions in the Turner theater or whatever. Vanessa: Right. Probably. [ a beat ] So, um… what are you doing here?

Charlie blinks, then laughs when he realizes it wasn’t obvious. He already forgot he’s kind of there on the down-low.

Charlie: Zay asked me to come.

Oh. Vanessa absorbs that, maintaining an impressively blank expression.

Vanessa: He did. Charlie: Yeah. You know, as a favor. Have some friend support in the audience.

True… although, look around. Don’t see Riley or Nigel hanging about, do we… Vanessa manages a weak smile, doing her best not to show how much this rattles her. How much she wishes it didn’t, that it didn’t create a sting of jealousy and a pang of hurt in her chest. It’s totally fine for Zay to want support for an audition. It’s natural, even. It shouldn’t mean anything that he asked a friend to show up for him.

But it’s not just a friend. It’s Charlie. He went to Charlie -- and didn’t even think to break the ice and ask her.

Vanessa: Right. For sure. Charlie: Luckily, I got here early enough to catch your audition too. You were awesome. I do not envy the admissions panel, I would not want the job of having to choose amongst you all. Though if it were my choice, you and Zay, easy. Vanessa: [ with a chuckle ] Thanks. From your lips to God’s ears… Charlie: I do have a direct line with him, so I’ll let him know. No need to thank me.

Okay, nerd… Charlie claims he better go back in there, because he doesn’t want to miss anything.

How could he, when Zay personally asked him to be there?

Vanessa nods, letting him go. He tells her one more time that she was fantastic, then books it over to slip back into the auditorium. She watches him go, a million thoughts creating chaos in her mind… then she turns and continues her walk out of the venue. Not letting herself look back.

INT. CHEY APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Nigel is facing his own daunting task, trying to find the courage to bring up his transfer idea to his parents. The family is gathered around the small dinner table, like any other normal night, ERNESTO CHEY trying to engage LEONA CHEY in chatter while she’d rather be scrolling TikTok on her phone; REYNA CHEY discussing the days events with LIEZEL CHEY in a mix of Tagalog and occasional English. Nigel could keep his head down, stay quiet like normal, and nothing would change.

But he can’t. He knows he needs to do this. His parents support him -- if he can just get the words out, they’ll understand.

Nigel: I’ve been thinking about school.

He’s got their attention. It doesn’t take much, since he rarely demands it. Ernesto asks him to go on, all of them giving him polite, good-natured smiles -- except for Leona, who is scrolling through Instagram under the table instead.

She won’t be ignoring him for long. Once he stumbles a bit through how the last year at NYU has gone, and how he feels about the program (addressing all the pros as well as the cons in classic peacemaker fashion), he arrives at the point.

Nigel: I don’t think it’s quite the right fit for me. I think I’d like to transfer. Liezel: Oh, I’m sorry, Nigel. We thought you were enjoying the program. Ernesto: Surely we can find something better though. Whatever we can do to help --

This is good. This is exactly what Nigel wanted to hear. He smiles.

Nigel: Actually, that part I’ve already figured out. I do really love acting, and I think I’ve got more of an interest in playwriting, too. I don’t want to give that part up, I’m just not sure that New York is the right place to do it. For me. I’ve been talking to one of my friends from Adams, and she… well, I’ve done some research. And I think -- [ with a grin ] I really want to transfer to the UK.

For all his palpable excitement, that little nugget is met with silence. Liezel’s eyes widen, trying to process that. Ernesto isn’t sure he heard right. Leona’s mouth drops open.

Ernesto: The UK? Like, London? Nigel: Yes. Yes, there’s so many great options for theater there that have excellent credentials and alumni. Guildhall, LAMDA, ArtsEd. I’ve been looking into the programs, and I think with my grades, I could be eligible for a scholarship. So -- Liezel: Are you crazy? You cannot do this.

Oh. That’s not what you want to hear. Reyna watches the conversation silently, but her eyes follow it like a tennis match. Nigel hesitates, unprepared for his mom’s blunt response.

Nigel: I know it’s a big change. But like I said, I’ve done the research. It’s -- Liezel: You cannot go all the way across the ocean. For some… silly school. You have so many options here. Nigel: … I don’t see how me wanting to go to one of these schools is any different than NYU? Which you were in support of. It’s just a little farther -- Liezel: A little farther! Ha! Ernesto: A whole other country would be quite a big jump, Nigel. Nigel: Yeah, but I can handle it. You guys are always saying how mature I am. And this could be exactly what I need for my career. Liezel: Your career? That’s your big reason? Oh my --

Liezel is clearly overwhelmed, and it’s coming out as incredulity. Nigel frowns, growing frustrated.

Nigel: I don’t get how this is different than where I am right now. You were all for NYU. Why is that different -- Liezel: NYU is our backyard. It’s right here. You can stay here, you save money. You know the city and you have friends. It’s one thing to follow a dream like that when you have that safety net. Going all the way to another country with no guarantee… no. No, that is bad. That is not okay, Nigel. Nigel: This is so ridiculous! You always told me you supported my acting. You sent me to Shakespeare camp. You never discouraged me. Ernesto: That’s another discussion -- Nigel: You’ve always talked about how awesome it is, that I do what I do. That I went to Adams; that all my friends have such big talent and high hopes. You thought it was amazing when Jade went to L.A. Or when Yindra went there with no school and no plan. Hell, when I talked about Zay going out for all these touring auditions and stuff, you said it was cool. You said you hoped it worked out for him. Why is it great when he does it, but when I want to try for something more it’s -- Liezel, frazzled: You are not Zay Babineaux!

The room goes dead silent. You could hear a pin drop. Even Leona is mute, staring between her mother and her brother with her mouth ajar.

Nigel is equally frozen, looking at his mother as though she’s a complete stranger. She really told him straight to his face that he’s no Zay -- that he isn’t cut out for this. That she doesn’t believe he has what it takes; that she could never support his change of plans, because it’s so damn silly of him to think he could.

They don’t believe in him. They never did.

Liezel’s cheeks are flushed, and she doesn’t look proud of what slipped out of her mouth. Even so, she doesn’t take it back.

Nigel gets up from the table without a word, throat thick and eyes glossing over.

Ernesto: Nige --

He doesn’t stop, disappearing to his room and slamming the door. A moment later, Liezel gets up and escapes as well, equally overcome with emotion. Ernesto sighs, pressing his hands together and closing his eyes to center himself.

Reyna looks after where both Liezel and Nigel left, a somber expression etched into her features.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

We follow Zay as he emerges from the wings and out onto the stage, aglow under the spotlights. Once he makes it front and center, focus shifts back to Gao and the panel. She asks him the same question as to whether or not he’s ready to begin.

Zay stares straight ahead, expression determined. Grounded. You’d never believe that just minutes ago, he was shaky and full of nerves in the dressing room.

Zay: Born ready.

Let’s see if that talk can be supported by his walk… he moves to the same starting point as the lighting adjusts, preparing for the audition to begin. Zay drops his head down, closing his eyes and taking a deep, centering breath.

Then he lifts his head as the instrumental track begins, eyes bright with conviction.

INT. IMAGINATION SPACE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Wait For It” as performed by Hamilton Original Broadway Cast || Performed by Zay Babineaux

Zay’s performance follows the same pattern as Vanessa’s, divided between choreography in reality and a vocal showing on the other stage. The ensemble is behind him, same as always, covering the back-up vocals and harmonies. Zay’s solo style is truer to his sensibilities, a velvet black jersey shirt half buttoned and tucked loosely into his well-fitted sleek dark pants.

In both realms, Zay delivers. To say this number has been a long time coming from him is a massive understatement. This is a performance that Zay understands intrinsically -- the perpetual Burr to Farkle’s Hamilton, the ever-striving try-hard, the accursed lover seemingly fated to wait -- that he feels in the marrow of his bones. It speaks for him in a way an interview never could, tells a story about him with so many layers, not necessarily all things he wants the world to see.

And that’s exactly why it succeeds. Because it’s raw; because it’s real. They wanted to see the true Zay Babineaux, to learn something from his routine, and this is about as far as he can take that assignment. The emotion bleeds through every movement, each complex combination or advanced ballet jump.

Not to mention the vocals they can’t hear, the ones he’s belting out straight from the soul.

I am the one thing in life I can control! I am inimitable, I am an original

Just like Vanessa, Zay leaves it all on the stage. All of his desire, his passion, his endless ambition. He rarely gives a weak performance, but this by far goes down as one of his best.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

It’s such a captivating performance, it’s actually a disappointment when it ends. The song is shorter than it feels for how epic it is, so when Zay finishes out the number and hits his final pose, shoulders back and chin held high, it feels far too soon.

Also like his competition, the silence that follows is jarring considering the thunderous applause that should be there. Charlie practically has to sit on his hands to resist the instinct, keeping his eyes on the panel a few rows ahead of him.

Gao: Thank you, Mister Babineaux. That was quite the performance.

Zay doesn’t waste time reading into her words. He simply nods, coming to stand at the lip of the stage and clasping his hands behind his back. Waiting for their barrage of questions, professional and patient. He answers all of the standard queries without missing a step, keeping his delivery even and calm. Passionate, yet refined. They got enough of his soul just now when he bared it all over the stage -- he doesn’t need to spill out any more.

It comes to the final question, which of course, Gao delivers. She has a different one for him than she did Vanessa, indicating that these last questions might be geared towards the specific applicant.

Gao: You’re obviously a competent dancer. That doesn’t come from nothing. In your opinion, what do you believe is essential to mastering the craft?

Huh. Not the kind of juggernaut he was anticipating… but at the same time, it’s a good one. Because he doesn’t have a perfect answer polished and ready to go -- he has to contemplate it, search his brain for the right one. The truth, if there is one.

And he finds it. He finds it out there in the audience, sitting a few rows behind the panel. Looking back at him, a beacon even through the shine of the stage lights, there to cheer him on.

Zay: Support.

Gao was probably expecting something different -- more arrogant, or literal. She seems a bit surprised.

Gao: Do you care to elaborate?

To be fair, Zay seems surprised by his answer too. It just slipped out, the moment he spotted Charlie. But he felt it, so he decides to run with it -- particularly when Charlie gives him an encouraging nod.

Trust yourself. You’ve got this. Zay nods.

Zay: Yes. If I’ve learned anything in all my years dancing, it’s that you cannot do any of it without the right support. Literally, mentally, emotionally. There’s the physical sense of it -- you have to have the right form, the right equipment, or you’re going to screw it all up. I learned that the hard way, pushing myself too hard and not letting my body get the proper rest. That’s why I’m standing here right now, grasping for a second chance, since I never got the opportunity to properly follow through on my first one. [ a beat ] But it’s actually the rest that I think is more crucial. The external support. I mean that in a literal sense, like trusting your fellow dancers to lift you up and catch you when the choreography requires it. But it matters just as much off the stage, if not more. I know I have talent, and I have what it takes, but I never would’ve gotten here without all of the people who lifted me up along the way. My parents, who let me follow my insane dreams and paid for dance classes and carted me back and forth to an arts school in Manhattan from Queens every day until I learned how to drive. My classmates at said school, who not only became my friends, but also challenged me and pushed me to be better. My teachers who saw my potential, guided me towards the right opportunities, and didn’t let me squander my talent. Who…

Zay trails off when he looks at Charlie again. The one who showed up just because he asked him to -- who would show up regardless, because that’s what they do for each other. Who always rallies him to go for it and follow through, who believes in his capabilities even when he’s lost the drive himself. Who rekindles that fire in his soul without thinking twice, who believed so passionately in his purpose to be something in this world that he sacrificed his own wants to set him free to do it.

The one he loves. The one he still loves, even for all the effort and denial he’s committed to convincing himself otherwise. It hits Zay like a wrecking ball, right there in the middle of his Turner audition, the all-consuming truth he can’t run from no matter how hard he tries.

He loves him. He’s still in love with Charlie Gardner.

But right now, he can’t think about that. He has to finish this fucking audition. He takes a deep breath, trying to keep his heart from pounding and his head from spinning out of control.

Zay: None of it would be possible without support. I’m extremely, extremely lucky to have an incredible support system, one that I will never, ever take for granted. And I see a version of reality where Turner Academy becomes an integral part of that system… along with getting the chance to become one for my peers in the cohort.

That’s the best thing they got out of Adams, after all. A family, a team, even with all its quirks and imperfections. Charlie smiles, in total understanding.

It’s the best answer Zay could’ve given. It captures him in all his nuances, demonstrates that under the talent and bravado there is a compassionate, community-oriented man desperate to share his love of dance with people who will appreciate it. Who wants to share it with the world, once his journey takes him there. It’s the most human he’s ever let himself appear in the Turner ecosystem, let alone in front of Gao.

And seemingly, it’s all she needs. She confirms that’s all and that he’s dismissed, reminding him that the three finalists will be announced at the gala next month. Zay nods, giving a bow and thanking the panel for their time.

Charlie checks his watch. He looks reluctant to dip, but he’s out of time. He gets out of his seat and makes for the door through the darkness as Zay exits the stage.

Nothing left to do now but wait for the universe to make its decision.

INT. TURNER AUDITION VENUE - ATRIUM - NIGHT

But suddenly, the prospects of his transfer are far from Zay’s mind at the moment -- he has basically zero thoughts as he rushes out into the lobby with his duffle bag, scanning the room with his heart caught in his throat. Not sure what he’s anticipating or what he thinks he’s going to say.

Just certain that after what he experienced on stage, he needs to see Charlie.

No such luck. The atrium is empty, and Charlie is long gone. He finds this out moments later when he checks his phone, discovering a text from him.

“Sorry, had to dash because of my other plans. I’m so glad I was able to see your audition though because you were AMAZING as always. Seriously one of your best performances ever. They’re insane if they don’t accept you after that.”

“I’m very grateful I got to experience it. Thank you for inviting me. We’ll debrief soon, promise”

Zay stares at the texts, feeling bizarrely stuck. Overwhelmed by what they say, but also what they don’t say. He suddenly feels unwell, a little crazed in the head, like he used to in the fabled days of junior year. Light-headed, airy feeling in his chest, mouth uncharacteristically dry. He starts to type a response, feebly attempting to capture any of this feeling into words that he needs him to know -- but he stops himself before he can send anything.

What the hell is he thinking? He’s not thinking. Charlie is busy; he can’t text him like this. Not to mention, what the fuck would he even say? He doesn’t think he could articulate the chaos whirring in his mind no matter how hard he tried.

He has a girlfriend. One that he likes, that he should’ve thought about on that stage. One that he should probably reach out to, now that the auditions are done and there’s no reason to continue their embargo. No tangible reason, at least…

Ultimately, Zay does none of the above. He pockets his phone and texts no one, numbly heading for the doors.

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#410

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fish-eat-fish · 2 years ago

Text

⋆ pavitr x gn!reader (meeting his aunt!) ⋆

request: @blublubluu Can you do one with pavitr where the reader meets his aunt pls? ♡

a/n: thank you so much for requesting this, im actually so grateful i've gotten so many requests for pavitr. how did everyone know he was my favorite?? anyways this was whipped up when i was tired so i apologize for any mispellings or grammar mistakes. still trying to understand how things are formatted on here!

✰✰✰

You and Pavitr had been dating for a few months now. Being seated next to each other, it was natural that the two of you would become somewhat close throughout the school year. It was definitely unexpected as he would’ve never imagined entering a relationship, having to balance being Mumbattan’s Spiderman with his usual life. You were a much-needed normality in his life though, always mellowing him out and keeping him grounded.

Pavitr loved talking about you, constantly rambling about how he thought you were incredible. And how loved to spend his every waking moment with you as much as possible. Word certainly got out thanks to him, and now he was to face the final stage of his long-term relationship. His Auntie’s approval. Pavitr was nervous, to say the least. She was a gentle yet stern woman. And she only wanted the best for Pavitr. Pavitr had no doubts when it came to you, but still, bringing his first partner to meet his Auntie was incredibly nerve-wracking.

Pavitr got ready for school that day and began eating his breakfast when all of a sudden Auntie Maya sat down in front of him. “Pavitr, I’d like to meet that wonderful partner of yours.” She stated. He choked on his bite of aloo ke paranthe, hitting his chest to cough up his food. Auntie Maya stared in curiosity. Quickly downing his glass of water, Pavitr cleared his throat.

“That sounds like a great idea Auntie. I’ll invite them over soon.”

✰✰✰

After the school day, you waited for your bus home. Pavitr, living relatively close to the school, always chose to wait with you. He wanted to spend his time with you as much as he could. So the two of you sat together, sipping on iced drinks bought from the vending machine. After a lot of bravery and courage on Pavitr’s part, he brought up his Auntie’s invitation.

“Really? She wants to meet me?”

“Yes. Uh, I was thinking maybe tonight…? Is that okay with you?” He asked, tilting his head.

“Pav, I’d love to.” You said, smiling at the thought of Auntie Maya. You’d heard only good things about her. Pavitr grasped your hand, giving it a firm squeeze. You ran your thumb over his hand, reassuring him.

He sighed nervously, “Thank you for doing this, really.”

You chuckled at his nervousness, pushing back a strand of hair that had fallen into his face.

“I’ll make a good first impression, I promise.”

Pavitr smiled at this, mumbling words of endearment into your hand as he give it a quick kiss.

“I know you will.”

His heart was racing at your touch despite the two of you being together for a little while now. He’d never get over being with the coolest person in Mumbattan. Letting go of your hand, he pulled you closer to him by grabbing your waist. You leaned your head onto his shoulder, basking in the sun and his affection.

The two of you hung out a little longer, talking about school and his latest fight as Spiderman. Pavitr knew you didn’t like him putting himself in danger, but you were willing to put it aside to comfort him after a particularly tough fight. He was often stressed. But being physically close to you was like a fresh breath of air for Pavitr. And you were happy to help him in any way you could.

Before long, your bus arrived. The two of you had already worked out the details.

“See you at six o’clock then?” He asked, standing up to send you off on your way.

“See you at six, Pav.” You replied. He leaned towards down, the two of you sharing a quick and gentle kiss as Pav carefully held onto your waist. You gave him one last reassuring look, before heading onto the bus. Pavitr waved goodbye to you outside with a warm smile. You waved back as the bus shuddered.

Sitting down now, you leaned against the bus window. You already had a game plan for this situation, as you did not want to disappoint Pavitr or his Auntie. So first, you were dropping by the market to purchase a fresh bouquet of flowers for Auntie Maya, and then you were going to whip up some baked goods to bring over. She was the woman who raised Pavitr after all, your wonderful boyfriend.

✰✰✰

As soon as you arrived home, you got to work. Putting on an apron, you rummaged through your pantry to grab the needed ingredients. The cookbook on your counter was already bookmarked and opened, a simple recipe for homemade sweet biscuits, nankhatai. Your phone rang as you began kneading the dough. You picked up seeing it was Pav.

“Hey, Pav. What’s up?” You held the phone between your ear and your shoulder as you worked the dough. Your boyfriend sighed over the phone, his voice was a little raspy.

“I’m just doing some homework. Wanted to hear your voice.”

You smiled wide, “Is that so?”

“What? What’s wrong with that?” He complained, scribbling on his paper as he spoke.

“Nothing. But you know I am seeing you in like an hour right?” You teased.

“I don’t care. I want to talk to you.” He shot back, grumbling.

You lightly laughed over the line. Pavitr put his pencil down, fully focusing on the sound of your voice now. Your laugh reverberated through his head. He smiled and leaned back in his chair as you continued speaking.

“Well, I just have to do something real quick, and then I’ll take the bus over to yours right away.”

“Can’t wait to see you. My Auntie seems to be pretty excited too. She’s prepping a lot of food for you coming over.”

You gasped, “No way! Ugh, Pav I can’t wait. She has the best cooking.” You remembered sharing lunch with Pavitr, his food always being mouthwatering and delicious. Pavitr chuckled at this. You rolled the dough into individual pieces on the pan. Quickly looking over at the clock, you wiped your hands on the apron and grabbed the phone with your hand.

“I better get going, sorry.” You felt bad for cutting the conversation short. Pavitr made some noises of disapproval over the call, “…Okay.” You smiled at him.

You held the phone up to your mouth. “Bye Pav.”

“See you.”

The phone call ended.

Pavitr put his phone down and huffed out. It was time to get back to his homework. It was a little hard to focus as he pondered over all of the things that could go wrong with you and Auntie Maya. Regardless, he tried to push the possibilities out of his head.

There was a careful knock on his door. Pavitr swung around in his chair to Auntie Maya smiling and holding a cup of chai. She set the cup down carefully on his desk. Pavitr beamed at this, “Thank you, Auntie.”

Auntie Maya nodded and gave Pavitr’s cheek a little pinch, smiling as she left and closed the door behind her. Pavitr picked up the teacup and brought it up to his mouth, carefully blowing on it and taking a small sip. He hummed at the taste of the drink, feeling grateful. Getting back to work, he mindlessly scribbled on his homework assignment, having much ease solving the math equations. One of his greatest joys was being able to help his fellow classmates, and you, with homework. He always wanted to help you in any way he could. To repay you for how much comfort and happiness your presence brought him.

Time had passed painfully slowly as he finished up his remaining assignments. Just in time, you shot Pav a text, I’m here! He quickly shot up out of his chair, scrambling to greet you at the door. He quickly stopped by the mirror and fixed his messy hair first of course, combing it through his fingers. A few gentle knocks on the door could be heard. Pavitr practically sprinted over, opening the door with tense shoulders.

You stood tall with a warm smile, a basket held in your hands. “Hey. I brought you guys some biscuits. Oh! And flowers for your Auntie.” You spoke proudly. Pavitr stared at you in surprise and honest admiration. Handing him the basket momentarily, you quickly took your shoes off and set them down neatly.

Pavitr looked down at the basket full of warm baked biscuits. The aroma filled his senses and his mouth watered. “You didn’t have to (Name)…! When did you even have the time to..?” You gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. Shooting him a reassuring look.

“Ay, hello dear.” Spoke a soft voice from behind Pavitr. You peeked over, a smile beaming on your face as you saw the kind woman.

“Auntie! It’s so very nice to meet you.” You pushed past Pavitr as he let you in nervously. He watched awkwardly as the two of you spoke to each other. You showed her the basket and set it down on the dinner table. Grabbing the bouquet with gentle care, you handed it to her.

“I hope you like peonies, ma’am.”

Her face grew soft as she sniffed the flowers, “Oh how lovely! Such a sweet gift, dear.”

You observed Pavitr’s house, taking a moment to observe the furniture and the decor. Sun shone in through the curtains, illuminating the picture frames hung above the mantel. You approached the pictures, gasping at the photos of little Pavitr. He lingered beside you, unsure of what to do with you in his space and his home. Auntie Maya approached you and chuckled, “Wasn’t he such a cute kid? Oh, I remember him on his eighth birthday, he was so excited for his party he practically shoveled himself into that cake!” She laughed. You laughed along with her.

“Okay okay, guys! No need to stare at my past self any longer. How about we eat? Auntie made delicious food, let’s go before it gets cold.” Pavitr rambled, trying to distract you from his embarrassing baby photos. Auntie Maya chuckled to herself and went into the kitchen, grabbing dishes.

Turning to Pavitr and pointing to the photo on the wall, you mouthed the words cute and you. Pavitr was flushed with embarrassment, ignoring you and dragging you by the hand to the dinner table. He felt his heart race, showing you a part of his personal life to you like this. This was where he had grown up, and this is where he was raised by his Auntie Maya. And to see you be so comfortable and welcomed into this space, it made his stomach flutter, and his heart fill with warmth. Pavitr cleared his throat.

You looked over at him and gave his warm hand a squeeze, smiling at him. He glanced back at you with adoration. Dishes were set down at the wooden table as Auntie Maya brought in steaming food. The aromas of the spices and sauces filled the room and heightened your hunger. Your mouth watered at the sight of the food. “This looks delicious ma’am.” You smiled at her.

“Thank you, Auntie,” Pavitr mumbled, before serving himself his food and digging in. Auntie Maya chuckled at him as he scarfed the meal down. She ate slowly and looked up at you through warm eyes, “So (Name), Pavi speaks very highly of you.”

You finished chewing your bite and looked up, smiling. “Really?” You turned towards Pav who was hiding behind his cup of chai. You shot him a teasing look.

Pavitr grumbled, “Auntie…”

You chuckled as she continued, “He’s such a sweet boy, he’ll never mistreat you.” You hummed at this, feeling only adoration at your seat. You felt so welcomed in this house and in this family. Pavitr just fully hid his face in his hands now.

“You know, he use to always talk about wanting a family.”

“Whoa! Okay, Auntie! I think that’s enough chat, let’s finish our food!” Pavitr shook his hands defensively, looking away from your eyes as he was flustered. You sat in your seat silenced at this, feeling your face flush. Auntie Maya laughed heartedly at the two of you, scooting away from each other. She gave you a warm smile, “I’m just teasing dear. But I think he chose a wonderful person, and I’d be more than happy to have you in our home again.”

“That means a lot, thank you miss.”

✰✰✰

The three of you ate the rest of dinner. You were absolutely groveling in your seat as you’d never tasted food so good before. Tears practically formed in your eyes at the spice, but damn did it taste good. Comfortable silence was disrupted with light chat and questions. Somehow the conversation always leaned towards embarrassing stories about Pavitr, to which he denied passionately. It was getting late, and your parents were expecting you at home soon.

“Dinner was amazing ma’am. I’ve never had better food…” You said honestly. Auntie Maya let out a light-hearted laugh as she came over to you and gave you a gentle hug. You embraced her back.

“Come over again honey, you’re always welcome to visit.” You nodded.

Pavitr waited as you slipped on your shoes, leaning against the wall. He held the bag of wrapped leftovers for you to take. Auntie Maya had cooked a large amount of food, just for you to take. You cried internally over this as you’d be eating well for the next week. Auntie Maya gently waved to you as she bid you goodbye. You waved back, “Bye Auntie.”

Pavitr walked you out of his house, holding your bag of food for you as the two of you headed towards the bus stop. You let out a sigh, “I’m seriously stuffed. Your Aunt makes magical food, Pav.” He laughed, nodding in agreement. He took your hand in his, interlocking your fingers together as the two of you walked in comfortable silence. You glanced at him from the corner of your eye, speaking up. “So. That went well I think.” He turned towards you.

“It did huh? I don’t know what I was so worried about.” He mumbled. You smiled at him as you caressed his hand with your thumb.

“You’re seriously amazing.” He stated.

The two of you approached the bus stop. Pavitr was pretty silent until he pulled halted and dragged you into an embrace. A very tight embrace. You hugged back twice as tight obviously. He nestled his head into the crook of your neck, his breath tickling your skin as he huffed out. Rubbing small circles into his back, you spoke into his shoulder, “What’s up Pav?” You were confused about his burst of affection.

He softly mumbled something into your skin. To which you let out a confused, hm?

“I said… I said I love you.”

You were silent, not expecting that from him. You didn’t have to think about it too long or gather up the courage to respond back.

“I love you too Pav.”

He shot back up from the hug, grasping onto your shoulders and staring at you in shock.

“Really!?”

“Pavitr.” You questioned him and his thought process. He looked at you, his face flushed with a deep red. You tucked back a piece of his messed-up hair. The bus approached, and you had to go. Grabbing your stuff, you turned to him. “Well, I better go.”

He nodded, “Right.”

There was electricity between the two of you again, and Pavitr felt his hair stand up as a cold gust of wind flew through. He hadn’t grabbed a jacket when walking you. He carefully approached you, standing closer as he hovered his hands over your waist, almost asking for permission. Smiling, you let him grasp you, placing his hands on you, as you placed your free hand on his cheek. His skin always being warm to the touch. The kiss was deep yet gentle. He always was careful, never wanting to overstep your boundaries.

Pulling back, Pavitr’s heart raced, blood rushing into his ears. He beamed, letting out a nervous chuckle. You stepped onto the bus, turning back to wave goodbye to him. He waved back, feeling his stomach turn at the sight of you, the most beautiful person he’d ever known. It always felt like an eternity when the two of you were separated. But of course, Pav would call you as soon as you arrived home. And maybe fall asleep during said call.

Pavitr full-heartedly loved you, he’d learned that tonight. And he was not against the idea of you being by his side forever.

#spiderverse fanfic #spiderverse x reader #across the spiderverse #pavitr x reader #pavitr my beloved #pavitr prabhakar #atsv

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applejuicefruit · 2 years ago

Note

Hey there, I wanted to request for a Kylian mbappe domestic maybe after a game with the kids

Hii thank you for requesting! I had so much fun writing this! I changed it a bit and instead of him having a good time with his nephews I made it with his own kids❤️ I hope you like it!✨

Home sweet home

You missed going to Kylian’s matches. It became hardly impossible to go after you got your twins two years ago.

The pregnancy was unexpected. It shocked the both of you but you were sure you wanted this. It didn’t matter you were both young, you knew you wanted this family. You’ll never forget the face Kylian made when he found out you were expecting twins. His face was a mix of shock, excitement, happiness and fear.

But your twins were the greatest joy of your life, Maya and Theo. Maya was Kylian’s twin.

Of course she was a daddy’s girl.

She was smart and beautiful. Like her dad.

Theo looked like you. He had your eyes. He was definitely a mommy’s boy. He loved when you read to him before sleeping while Maya wanted to play football with her dad before going to sleep. It was your little perfect family and you couldn’t be happier.

Tonight you were staying home watching Kylian’s play with PSG while also taking care of your babies.

Maya was small but she still enjoyed football, so did Theo. They didn’t understand what was going on, of course but they just enjoyed watching their dad on TV.

Maya tried to recreate his movements so many times you’ve lost count.

The game has started and PSG was winning.

Like always.

You were so happy and proud of Kylian.

Everytime the camera showed Kylian, Maya would scream of happiness while Theo was calmer and more observing. You simply loved how they were the exact copy of Kylian and you.

A couple of hours later the game was over and PSG won. Kylian scored twice and he was celebrating with his teammates when he texted you that on his way home he would stop to buy food.

Sushi. Of course.

Because you love it.

And because you craved it for the whole 9 months of pregnancy so now you had to make up for the lost time.

You were lost in your thoughts you didn’t even heard the front door opening.

It was your daughter’s voice waking you from your dream.

“Dada!” she screamed running into her dad. He picked her up while he dropped the bag full of food on the kitchen counter.

“Hii mon chère” he said wrapping his arms around her tiny body.

“You won!” she said exactingly.

Kylian couldn’t help but laught at his daughter’s innocence.

She was definitely a daddy’s girl.

“How’s my champion?” he said coming towards me and Theo. He was laying on my chest and he was falling asleep.

“Tired…” he whispered.

“Why don’t we go to bed uh?” you asked picking him up.

“Can daddy do it this time?” he asked in all of his innocence and Kylian swore his heart missed a bit.

You were always the one to take him to bed so this question left you both surprised.

“Of course sweetie” you said to him and let Kylian take him in his arms.

In the meantime you set the table ready. Maya helping you. And by helping you, you meant playing with her wooden small kitchen pretending to cook.

“He fell asleep” Kylian said coming out from Theo’s bedroom “I didn’t know it was so easy to take him to bed, he fell asleep in just 10 minutes” he said surprised.

“Maya takes an eternity to fall asleep…” he whispered to me so Maya couldn’t hear but I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Dada, mama can we play?” she asked us coming towards us with her Disney ball. Of course she wanted to play football.

I smiled a bit and so did Kylian.

“Yes but first we gotta eat” I said as Kylian helped her to sit right.

We enjoyed eating together as Kylian told us about the match.

After dinner he stood up and cleaned everything telling me to go and play a bit with Maya. Just a couple of minutes Kylian came into the living room and stared playing with Maya.

Eventually she got tired and we both got her to bed. We both checked on Theo too and he was still sleeping meaning he would be awake at 6 in the morning the next day.

We then got into our bedroom and changed into something more comfortable. I couldn’t help but admire my naked body through the mirror. It changed so much after the pregnancy. I had more stretch marks now, my stomach wasn’t flat and my breast wasn’t round as it was before and sometimes I couldn’t help but feel self conscious.

“It made our babies” Kylian said the first time I doubted about my body “I love you just the way you are” he then proceeded to kissed me.

I smiled remembering that night and made my way into bed after changing my clothes.

Kylian wrapped me around his arms and kissed my head.

“You know what I was thinking…” he said.

“Mh?”

“We should make another one…or two” he started kissing me behind my neck.

“Kylian…”

“What?” he said laughing.

I started laughing too.

Maybe after all it wasn’t a bad idea.

Our home sweet home would have been filled up with joy and laughters for the rest of our lives.

#kylian mbappe angst #kylian mbappe fluff #kylian mbappe imagines #kylian mbappe imgagine #kylian mbappe x reader #kylianmbappe x reader #kylian x reader #kylian mbappe #psg #paris saint germain

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finallydelight · 2 years ago

Note

Hi will you do a chapitre about how Jungkook asked Maya out and what they talked about before the morning of when namjoon and hoseok come to his apartment to take him to the studio

Thank u🙂

The Blind Date | Maya Chapter

author’s note: here it is, my darling ! I had fun writing this one, Maya has all the confidence I wish I had, so I enjoy writing her make everyone around her flustered 🫢 I hope you enjoy this chapitre ☺️ and let me know what you think of it, I would love to hear it ❣️

December, 2020

“I’m not doing that, Yugyeom.”

Out of all the ideas she had heard from Yugyeom throughout the years, this was the most ridiculous one so far.

The Got7 member sighed. ''It's just one blind date!'' He was adamant on getting her to agree to this blind date that he had set up for her.

''Did you think about the fact that I'm an idol and that I'll receive a massive amount of hate and death threats for even just being caught on a date?'' Her own members had been caught up in a dating scandal and although the response wasn't too bad, there were many other examples of idols who got literally vilified for simply being in a relationship.

''You dated Seungyoun-hyung and no one found out!'' Yugyeom pointed out, taking another swig from his beer. Maya rolled her eyes at him. ''Oh, yeah! That's just the perfect reason to go, cause that relationship worked out perfectly, didn't it?'' She told him, sarcastically.

The start of her previous relationship went exactly like this. A friend talking her into going on a blind date with someone and Jieun wasn't having it.

''I think you should give it a chance! It's a really nice guy and I think you'll get along great.'' The truth was that Yugyeom had seen how her breakup with Seungyoun had affected her and he thought it was finally the right time for her to start dating again.

Jieun contemplated. ''Tell me something about this guy.'' She asked him, it had been a while since she hung out with someone other than her members or close friends.

''Ji, I don't know if you have ever heard of a blind date, but that's not really how it works.'' His sarcastic comment earned him a slap on the arm. ''You're not expecting me to actually meet up with a total stranger?''

Yugyeom tilted his head. ''Uh, I am, that's the purpose of a blind date.'' He put an emphasis on the 'blind'.

''Oh, come on! If you tell me one thing, I'll actually consider going.'' He shook his head. ''I'll say one thing about him if you promise you'll go.'' Yugyeom raised his eyebrow, awaiting her answer.

Maybe the whole blind date idea wasn't such a bad idea. Yugyeom seemed very sure that this dude was good for her and as much as Yugyeom liked to annoy her, he would never do something if it wasn't in her good interest.

''Alright, I'll go.''

Yugyeom clapped his hands and a big smile appeared on his face. ''Ha! Yes! I'll text him right now!'' He pulled out his phone and typed away, letting this mystery man know that she had agreed to go.

''Oh, so one thing about him…'' Yugyeom thought about something, ''he's the same age as us.'' He figured he had to make this man as vague as possible, not wanting her to know beforehand.

Maya was not impressed. ''That's it? No, I want something useful.''

''That is useful, now you know it's not some old man that you're meeting.''

''You're sure he's not some serial killer, right?'' Maya still had her doubts as she and Yugyeom went up in the elevator, on their way to her blind date's apartment.

Yugyeom chuckled. ''I promise you, he's a good guy.''

''Does he know he's meeting me?'' The closer she got to this mystery man, the more curious she got about his identity. ''He does, he has uh, liked you for a long time.'' The grin on his face didn't escape her.

''Dude, it's not some creepy guy, right? I'm not planning on giving my autograph or anything.'' She truly hoped whoever this person is, doesn't end up being some obsessive fan who would try something she wasn't comfortable with.

Her worries only seemed to amuse her friend. ''Trust me, Ji,'' they arrived at the right floor and stepped out of the elevator, ''he's not gonna ask your autograph.''

They stopped in front of a door and Yugyeom turned to her. ''You ready?'' He asked her, unsubtly trying to hide his smirk.

''I guess.'' Jieun didn't sound too sure, but Yugyeom knocked on the door anyway, immediately walking away. ''Have fun, Ji!''

Before she could say anything back, the door in front of her opened. As soon as she locked eyes with the man in front of her, her mind tells her she should have known it would be him.

''Hi..'' Jeongguk seemed very nervous, his eyes not meeting hers. She smiled at him, finding it quite endearing. ''Hi, I'm Jieun.''

He opened the door a bit wider, inviting her in. ''I kno- uh, I mean- I'm.. I'm Jeongguk.'' He stumbled over his words introducing himself, even though he didn't need to.

''I know.'' She copied his answer, wanting to ease his nerves.

It seemed to work as he finally cracked a soft smile and the tension in his shoulders visibly left. ''You want some slippers or something for your feet?'' Jieun had taken off her heels and was left bare feet.

She looked down at them and gave him a sheepish smile. Jeongguk pulled out a pair of home slippers and put them down in front of her. ''They're my mom's, so they should fit.'' He told her.

''Thank you.'' Jieun took off her heels and put her feet into the slippers, fitting perfectly.

''Uh, thank you for coming, I, uh, really appreciate it.'' Jeongguk thanked her, avoiding eye-contact with her.

Jieun gave him a smile, brushing it off. ''Oh, you don't need to thank me. You should thank Yugyeom, he really talked you up.'' She chuckled, reminding herself she needed to send the guy some flowers later for setting her up on this date.

''What did he tell you?'' Jeongguk motioned for her to follow him through the hallway into his beautiful living room that had an overview of the city.

She answered him as she inspected his home. ''He told me you were the same age as us, you have liked me for a long time and that you definitely wouldn't ask for my autograph.''

At the mention of him having liked her for a long time, Jeongguk's cheeks and ears heated up. He desperately looked around, seemingly trying to find something to which he could change the subject to. ''Oh, well, that's- that's very nice of him.''

''Oh my- let me take your coat.'' It's like he had a list of things to do in his head and he had accidentally skipped that step. Jeongguk moved behind her while she unbuttoned the long coat, he removed it from her and it revealed her black silk dress that she was wearing.

''Wow…''

Jieun turned around upon his words. ''Pardon?''

His mouth fell open a little, having become speechless as he stared into her eyes for the first time that evening. ''You, uh, you look, uh,'' Jeongguk stuttered, ''you look really pretty.'' He managed to get the words out.

''Thank you,'' she glanced down at her dress, ''you don't look too bad yourself.'' Jieun looked him up and down, totally aware he could see her checking him out. Jeongguk was wearing a grey turtleneck that accentuated his broad shoulders and biceps, paired with a simple pair of black trousers.

The blush reappeared on his cheeks and he looked down at his own clothes, remembering Yugyeom begging him to wear something ''that doesn't look like he only wears oversized shit''.

''Uhm, please follow me to the dining room.'' Jieun couldn't help but chuckle as he completely ignored her compliment and moved to the next room.

Jieun was pleasantly stunned when being met by Jeongguk's dining room. He had lit the place up with candles and a fresh bouquet of flowers stood in the centre of the table. ''This is really nice, Jeongguk. Do you always have dinner like this?'' She remarked, making the man laugh and shake his head.

His hand moved to her lower back, guiding her to her seat. Jeongguk pulled out her chair and helped her sit down properly, after which he took the seat across from her. ''Would you like a glass of red wine?''

She nodded at his offer. ''Yes, please.'' At her words, he opened the wine bottle that he had placed on the table before her arrival and opened it, pouring some in her glass and afterwards in his glass.

Jieun raised her glass. ''Cheers.'' Jeongguk seemed surprised, but quickly picked up his glass and they clinked their glasses together. ''Yes, cheers.''

''So…''

''Yeah, so…''

''You've liked me for 5 years?''

Jeongguk choked on his wine as the question left her mouth, causing Jieun to chuckle at his reaction. ''Uhm, well,'' his nervous behaviour returned and he couldn't look her in the eye anymore, ''has it been 5 years already?''

''I must have made a very great first impression on you, I mean that's quite a long time.'' Jieun continued, liking how flustered she was making him.

The flustered man in question looked down at his feet, a shy smile gracing his face. ''I, uh, I guess you did.''

''Were you too scared to ask me out or something?'' She couldn't help but ask him the question, confused as to why it took them this long to go on a date.

A faint blush appeared on his cheeks and ears, her straightforwardness catching him off guard each time. ''Scared might not be the right word, but… you're just very- you know, uh, I guess I was just afraid you would reject me, maybe.'' He admitted, looking away from her again.

''Who says I would have rejected you?''

''Literally everyone I asked for advice told me you would reject me.'' He laughed, taking a sip from his wine. ''I wanted to ask you out last year when our promotions overlapped, but BamBam told me to not even try.'' He confessed, slowly glancing at her reaction.

''Well, most of the time he doesn't know what he's talking about. You're a charming guy.'' Jeongguk sat up straight hearing her words. ''So, if I had asked you out then, you wouldn't have declined to go on a date with me?''

''No, I wouldn't have said yes.'' She told him, shaking her head.

The man in front of her furrowed his eyebrows. ''But- but you just said-''

''I had a boyfriend back then, Jeongguk. I would have rejected anyone.'' Jieun confessed, stifling her laughter at his clueless expression.

He defeatedly put his arm down, accepting her words. ''I guess that's fair.'' Jeongguk interchanged from looking at the table to her. ''I didn't know you were dating someone at the time.''

''Yeah, that's kinda the point of a secret relationship.'' She laughed, playing with the rim of her glass.

''Were you two together for a long time?'' Jeongguk hesitantly asked, not knowing if he was overstepping any boundaries by asking about her past relationship.

Jieun sighed before answering. ''For about a year,'' she thought of something, ''you know, the way he and I met is actually quite similar to this.'' She gestured between her and Jeongguk with her finger.

''Yeah? How so?''

''It was also a blind date set up by a mutual friend, and it was also with a guy who apparently had liked me for a long time. Oh, and just like in this case, I didn't know who I was meeting but they did know they were meeting me.'' The similarities between her blind date with Seungyoun and Jeongguk were hard to ignore.

The only reason why she was so adamant on not going on the date was because of how things ended between her and her former boyfriend. She never doubted his love for her once, yet he still decided to break up with her. Yes, it was because of his mental health at the time, but that didn't make it hurt any less.

''Was it also Yugyeom who introduced you?'' Jeongguk asked, becoming quite curious.

Jieun shook her head. ''No, it was someone else, but Yugyeom is also friend with him, so I guess that counts as well.'' She chuckled.

''Are you hungry? I can get the food if you're ready.'' Jeongguk suggested, already getting out of his chair. ''Yes, that would be nice.''

He send her one bright smile before disappearing into his kitchen. Jieun grabbed her phone from her bag, deciding to send Yugyueom a quick text.

Kim JiJi: you're a genius, Kim Yugyeom

KYUM: you never say that about me

KYUM: you must be enjoying yourself then 😏

Kim JiJi: I am, actually

KYUM: good

KYUM: you should kiss him

KYUM: wait no

KYUM: don't kiss him

KYUM: i think he'll pass out if you do that

Kim JiJi: okay loser

A loud sound of glass breaking made Jieun flinch and she almost dropped her phone in the process. ''Everything okay?'' She yelled out to him, hoping he hadn't hurt himself. ''I'm okay, I just dropped a plate, don't worry!'' Jeongguk yelled back, assuring her that everything was fine. She chuckled to herself, and put her phone away.

''Apparently you really like samgyeopsal.'' Her date walked back in the dining room holding two trays with pork and several different side dishes. He put them down on the table and spread them out, so she could easily reach for all of them with her chopsticks. The grill had already been placed in-between them and Jeongguk turned it on, placing several pieces of the pork belly on it.

She was impressed as Jeongguk sat down again, flattered by the fact that he had most likely asked Yugyeom what she liked to eat. ''This looks great, thank you so much.'' Jieun picked up her chopsticks and put several side dishes on her plate.

''My pleasure.''

As they started eating, Jieun quickly realised Jeongguk and Jihyo had a similar reaction to good food, the angry look on his face after taking a bite from the grilled pork belly bringing her much joy. After many glasses of wine later and finishing their food, the pair had moved to the living room, where Jeongguk had put on a movie that was quickly discarded as their focus was on each other.

''No way! Boa trained you?'' Jeongguk exclaimed, looking at her wide-eyed.

Jieun shook her head. ''No, she didn't train me. Lee Sooman just got her to teach me a few classes and she gave me some feedback, that's all.'' She clarified for him.

''No wonder you're so good.'' The last few hours, Jieun had gotten to meet the real Jeongguk. He had dropped the nerves and actually started flirting back with her. It was probably because of all the wine they had, but still, it was nice.

''I just love performing, you know? Looking into a crowd, seeing people happy and jumping up and down… it's amazing.'' She told him, a smile creeping on her face while talking about her passion.

Jeongguk unconsciously mirrors her smile. ''I feel the same way. I don't care how sick I am or whatever it may be, standing on the stage is a feeling like nothing else.''

''I miss it so much… fucking covid.'' Jieun mumbled, picking up her glass of wine. He chuckled, not used to hearing her curse. ''I know, this was supposed to be a good year.''

''So much has changed… and not just this year.'' Jeongguk said as he finished his wine and poured some more in his glass.

Jieun gave him a confused expression. ''What do you mean?''

''You know, you have all these new and younger groups now- and I just feel like everything has become so toxic and competitive. I know it has been like that for years now, but people can't look each other in the eye now or people make it a problem, making up rumours and all.''

She could tell by the way he was speaking that it had been bothering him for a while and she agreed with him. The amount of rumours that were created, because of meaningless interactions are ridiculous.

''I agree, like me and Baekhyun- you know Baekhyun?'' She quickly asked him and proceeded when he nodded, ''We accidentally touched hands at a music show and SM actually had to make a statement because of all the articles claiming we were dating.''

Jeongguk sighed. ''That's what I mean, it's becoming unbearable. You can't even say something to your friends anymore.'' He was sick of the toxicity of the industry that was created by fans who liked to make up stuff to fit their agenda of hate.

''Exactly!'' Jieun exclaimed, ''I think 2 years ago, Jennie-unnie won on a music show and our promotions overlapped so we were on the stage as well, and I went up to her and gave her a hug, and somehow people were critical of that? No matter what you do, people will make it a problem.'' She rolled her eyes, thinking back about all the times her and Jennie received hate as a result of their friendship.

''It's crazy, isn't it? It's the same for me and my friends, like Yugyeom and Mingyu.'' Jeongguk could relate to her about the distaste that critics expressed over their friendships.

A silence fell upon them, the both of them taking a few seconds to calm themselves down after talking about all that.

Jieun was the first one to start speaking again. ''I'm happy I get to talk to you about this.'' She spoke with such genuineness that had him almost speechless.

Jeongguk moved himself closer to her, to the point where there was no more space left between them. ''Me too, I'm happy I just get to talk to you.''

''What a charmer you.'' She laughed, putting her hand on his thigh. Her move must have sobered him up straight away as he made a weird sound.

Jeongguk scratched his voice before talking. ''Hey, I have a question.''

''Shoot''

''Before Yugyeom ratted me out, did you know that I've had a crush on you?''

Jieun lets the question sink in, her mind going back in the past. She thought about all the times the guy unsubtly stared at her from across the room or how he would look at the ground when greeting her and her members.

She patted his thigh a few times. ''You know, honey, you've never been a very subtle man,'' she started off, seeing him get shy again when the term of endearment left her lips, ''I wouldn't say that I knew you had a crush on me, I just thought you got easily flustered around women and that you just didn't really knew how to talk to us.''

''But I should've known when Jin kept talking about how talented and great you were, when he and I hosted that year-end show together.'' Jieun finished off, suddenly remembering how the oldest BTS member would butter the youngest one up to her.

Jeongguk covered his face with both of his hands, completely embarrassed. ''Oh, no.'' He dramatically exclaimed, making Jieun burst out laughing in return.

''I swear I didn't ask him to do that!'' He defended himself, putting his hands up.

''Yeah, sure, I believe you.'' Jieun did not believe him.

A comfortable silence fell upon them. Jeongguk stared at Jieun's hand that rested on his thigh, while her eyes were focused on him.

''Do you remember the first time we met?'' She hadn't fully heard the question, Jeongguk's face being quite the distraction.

Jieun snapped out of her trance. ''Sorry, what did you say?''

He smiled at her daydreaming. ''The first time we met- do you remember it?''

''I do remember it,'' she nodded, ''how can I forget the blushing guy who could barely get a word out?'' Jieun replied, an amused grin making its way on her face.

He pushed his shoulder against hers, hoping that distracted her from his red face. ''Come on, now.''

''I was- I was just very struck by you, and I didn't want to embarrass myself, but I guess I did that anyway,'' Jeongguk chuckled, ''and you were very sweet to us, and treated us with respect which not a lot of people did at the time, and I just wanted to thank you.''

Jieun was speechless by his words, not expecting him to say something like that. ''I mean, it's the bare minimum really, treating people with respect.''

''Yet, I haven't forgotten it after 5 years.''

She must have been staring at him for not even 10 seconds, but it felt like an eternity had passed before Jieun broke the silence.

''Can I kiss you?''

It was Jeongguk's turn to be speechless, his mouth slightly agape. ''You, uh, what? What?'' He blurted out, not believing his ears.

Her hand that was laid on his thigh moved to his chin, bringing his face closer to hers while she moved forward. ''I asked if I could kiss you.'' Jieun repeated herself, taking notice of him shivering as her breath fanned his face.

Jeongguk timidly nodded his head, not trusting his mouth to convey the right words. With his consent, she closed the distance between them and softly pressed her lips against his.

As he slowly started kissing her back, something clicked inside of him. It was as if he was an unfinished puzzle and she was the last piece that he had been looking for all this time. Kissing her felt like something that he was meant to be doing, it felt self-evident and he didn't want it to stop.

Meanwhile, Jieun wanted to hit herself in the head for not noticing his crush on her way sooner. She could have been enjoying this for years, but no she just thought that he reacted to everyone like that.

Jeongguk didn't know where it came from, but a sudden wave of confidence flew over him. He took a grip of her waist and sat her down on his thighs, so she was straddling him. Despite the desperation he put into the kiss, his hold on her waist was caring and tender.

They both pulled away, coming up for air. Jieun opened her eyes and was met with Jeongguk's eyes that were filled with adoration, she could almost feel it.

''Jieun…'' He choked out, completely out of breath. ''Do you, uh, do you want to stay over? It's quite late and it can be dangerous, you know.''

She cupped his cheeks with both her hands, a soft smile gracing her face. ''Well, if it's too dangerous outside, I'll better stay here then.''

Taglist: @stopeatread @sakuurra @seongwhaffels @cosmicwintr @smh-anon @cixrosie @allthings-fandoms

#maya.twice #kpop oc #kpop au #kpop addition #twice 10th member au #twice au #twice extra member #twice addition #twice oc #twice 10th member #10th member of twice #oc twice #twice added member #jungkook x oc

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writingbyshiloh · 3 years ago

Text

A One-Time Thing

Marty Byrde x Reader

AN: first time writing for Marty!! This took me ages, I rewrote the story 3 times until I liked it. Tag list at the bottom

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: Brief mentions of reader working at Lickety Splitz, drinking. no beta reader lol

--------

Your preferred working space is on the top deck of the Missouri Belle. Unless a fundraiser or fancy event was planned people rarely came by. Ruth would accompany you sometimes, especially if she argued with Frank Jr before.

Climbing up the steps, you realize that you would not be working alone. You squinted trying o determine who was sitting at the bar. The frame was too big to be Ruth or Maya.

As the steps creaked under your weight, the figure turned to face you. It was Marty, your boss. You met when he was trying to buy Lickety Splitz as an angel investor. You saw right through that. You danced there while trying to pay off student loans, laundering money and doing paperwork for Bobby Dean - in exchange for all of your tips and a small raise.

After Ruth took over the club, you helped her launder money still in the strip club and now in the casino. A fast friendship developed between you both. She didn’t care that you were a dancer, and you didn’t care that she was a Langmore. During one of the many nights you both spent in front of a fire in her yard, you confined with her about the growing crush you had on Marty. You would never act on it - he was a married man and he was your boss - but you allowed yourself some fantasies

“Hey” you called across the room, raising your arm in a greeting as you crossed the floor.

“Hey” Marty greeted you back. “Want a drink?” he gestured to the opposite area of the bar. You shook your head. Maya was still inspecting the casino and the last thing you needed was to be drunk in front of her.

Sitting down, you left a seat between Marty and yourself. Glancing over at him you noticed the glass with brown liquid in it. Noticing your eyes on his glass, he lifted it in the air, almost into a cheer.

“It’s whiskey,” he said, bringing the glass to his lips. You dipped your head into a nod. It s4;30, why was he having a drink now? He often stayed late and hardly drank, let alone around the FBI while working.

You took papers out of your bag, trying to finish some work, to show Maya that you do work in the Casino. Trying to focus on the words on the page in front of you, your mind started slipping to how close Marty was.

Waves of irritation and anger were flowing off of him, as he took large sips of his drink. Finishing the first one, and pouring another drink from the open bottle behind the bar.

“Marty” your voice breaks the silence “are you okay?”

You shift in your seat turning to look at him.

“Wendy kicked me out so I am just doing fantastic (y/n)” He replied, voice dripping with sarcasm eyes looking between you and his drink.

“Yikes,” you said, trying to fill the silence. Your mind raced with thoughts. Is this going to lead to divorce? Did Wendy kick him out or did he choose to leave? What was the boiling point?

“ - At the Cider Lodge” his voice broke through your thoughts. You blinked trying to focus on the man in front of you.

“Sorry, what? I’m still trying to process this and what it means for the uh work you guys do” You said, scrambling to cover the fact that you zoned out.

“I’m staying at the Cider Lodge for a bit. Same place as Maya.” Marty repeated.

“That sounds” you paused, trying to carefully pick your words “interesting”. Marty responded with a nod and another gulp of his drink.

A silence surrounded you again, allowing you to get some work done.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Marty reach into his pants pocket and pull out his key ring.

“Thanks for the company. Have a good evening” he said, words slightly slurring.

“Where are you going?” you ask, knowing it was a dumb question.

“I’m going to suite” he paused to pull a hotel key card from his pocket “214, Cider lodge”.

You rubbed your forehead, wondering if he was okay to drive.

“I’ll drive you, I’m pretty much done here anyway,” you said waving your arm over the papers spread out in front of you.

“I’m fine,” he said, voice firm and eyes determined.

“I’m sure you are. But the last thing you need is to be pulled over for drunk driving. The Feds will love that.” You snap, words coming out harsher than they needed to be. Biting your lip you realize that the man is still your boss.

Marty nodded, putting his keys and hotel key back into his pocket. His shoulders had a slight slump but you pretend not to notice while leading him to your car.

-------

You twisted the steering wheel, trying to back into a spot at Cider Lodge. The town was small and if someone saw you and Marty together in a hotel, the rumours would spread like wildfire.

“Thank you for this” Marty spoke as he grabbed a duffle back of his belongings from the back seat of your car.

“It’s fine. This isn’t too far out of my way home” you replied, picking up his laptop case and a bag of food from the grocery store you stopped at on the way over.

Clicking the lock button on your car keys you followed him up the stairs to his suite, absently mindedly wondering which room Maya was in.

Marty swiped the key card and used his elbow to hold the door open for you. Moving past the doorway you glanced around at the place he would be calling home for the indefinite future.

To your right, you saw Marty taking plastic hotel cups out of the wrapper and placing two on the table in front of him. Your heartbeat quickened. You were trying to be professional for the whole encounter but this was starting to be too much. The two of you were alone, in a hotel room, about to share a drink.

You placed the bags you were carried down in an attempt to look busy while handing the cheap bottle of wine to Marty without being asked. He seemed to pick up on your hint and twisted the top of the bottle open, pouring the wine into the two plastic cups.

Reaching out, you took one from the table and tapped it against his cup before taking a sip.

You drank your cup slower than Marty, who seemed to want to forget about the fight with Wendy. As he downed him, he started to fill you in on the details of their relationship as he kept refilling the glasses. You had to sit close to hear because he kept his voice low, not knowing who would be on the other side of the doors and who they work for.

---

“That's fucked up” you murmur as his rant started to die down. The bottle of wine you two split was long empty and you know it was late evening.

You stood, head feeling fuzzy from the half bottle you drank.

“You shouldn’t drive home” Marty slightly slurred, standing up to place an arm around to keep you from falling. You knew you were only tipsy not drunk and didn't need help with your balance. Still, you felt nerves in your stomach and leaned into his touch.

Turning to face him, your argument for your keys died in your throat. His pupils were blown wide with lust, just a faint bit of blue around them. Swallowing hard you placed your hand on his arm, trying to think about what you are doing the alcohol slowing your thoughts.

Marty gently bent down and pressed his lips against yours. Immdeafly your body responded, pressing into his, a small gasp slipping through your lips as he started to kiss your neck.

Your brain was telling you this was wrong. The only reason he was kissing you was that he was drunk and decided that you would be a rebound for his ex-wife. He was also your boss.

Maybe it was the heat or the wine but you listen to your body, not your brain and kissed back, hoping it would not bite later on. Half of you hopes that this would be a standard thing, the other hoped it would be a one-time thing. Not that you would regret it.

-----------------------

Marty tag list: @flowercrowns-goodvibes

#marty byrde x reader #marty byrde #ozark fan fiction #Ozark x reader

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sergeantsporks · 3 years ago

Text

Gilded Family

@maya-custodios-dionach

Rating: Teen and Up, Gen

Ch 3/?: Something New to Guard

Ch 1, Ch 2

In which none of the previous golden guards or wittebro died, actually, they're all fine and living happily together as one big dysfunctional family

Ao3

“You ready?”

Hunter fidgeted as Jason’s ‘mom’ plucked at the edges of the bandages. “Sure. Yes. You’ve taken them off before.”

“Yes, to check on the healing, but this is it, they’re coming off, you’re done. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready.”

Still, he tensed as she unwrapped the bandages, exposing the skin to the air. The areas were a reddish brownish color, puckered. He could trace lines from the bolts of artificial magic that had done this to him. His hand drifted to his face, puckered and scarred.

She drew a circle in the air, and a mirror appeared. “I did my best, but… uh, do you want to look?”

He caught a glimpse of a half-singed off eyebrow, and quickly turned the mirror over. “Not just yet.” Hunter ran a hand over the scars on his arm. “Not my finest features!” he joked, but his voice shook, and he ran a hand through his hair. “Titan.”

“Permission to touch?”

Hunter nodded, and Mrs. Wittebane wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. “You’ve been so brave about this,” she murmured, “and I am so proud of you. I’ve cared for so many of you kids after Phillip hurt you, and I just…”

Hunter’s shoulder became damp as tears dripped from her eyes, and he slowly put his own arms around her. She needed the hug the more than he did, he thought. “I’m not a kid,” he reminded her gently, patting her back. “I’m twenty-seven.”

She pulled back, wiping at her eyes. “Oh, I know, I know.” She sniffed, giving him a wobbly smile. “Sorry. I’m just…” she sighed. “I wish there was something else we could do, that isn’t just waiting for people to get hurt, is all. But it’s… it is what it is, I guess.” One more swipe at her eyes, and then she got up, straightening her skirt. “Sorry about that, I just… Never mind. If you need any help about the…” she waved her hand vaguely around her face. “…just let me know.”

She swept out, and Hunter poked his head out after, watching Jason peel himself off of the wall outside his room, chasing her down and grabbing her in a hug. She wrapped one arm around him and they disappeared out the door.

“Yeah, he’s kind of a mama’s boy.”

Hunter jumped, dropping down and swinging his leg out in an arc to knock over the intruder. He hopped neatly over the leg, and Hunter recognized him as another Grimwalker, with thick, short scars covering his arms. And his torso, he realized as he caught sight of another one on his collarbone.

“Startled you?”

“A little,” Hunter admitted. He didn’t like that the Grimwalker had managed to approach unnoticed, but he supposed that if anyone could, it would be another golden guard. “Which one are…?”

“Horus. Congrats on getting the bandages off, have you been able to face yourself in a mirror yet?”

“No,” Hunter grumbled.

How common of an occurrence is that?

Common enough that Horus’ nose wrinkled in amusement, apparently. “Oh, you know what? I know a great way to blow off some steam, shake some of the angst out. Come on.”

Hunter followed him outdoors, squinting at the house from the outside. “Horus? Do you know what that’s for?” He pointed to a small part of the house he’d never been in, a bit that stuck out, but looked older, like it was part of the original building and other extra rooms had been built on the opposite side of the house.

A shadow crossed Horus’ face, but just for a second. “Yeah, no one goes in there. Don’t worry about it, let’s go.” He pulled a notepad and pencil out of his pocket, handing them to Hunter. “You’ll want these.”

Not cryptic at all.

What’s in that room?

A group of three others waved to Horus, each holding their own notepad and pencil, and Horus jogged over. “Hey, so, he’s going to join us this go round, k? Hunter, these are Meleager, Venari, and Hamlet.”

They each raised a hand as Horus called out their names. None of them were particularly scarred—at least, not the way he and Horus were, just the usual kind of scarring that came from the golden guard job.

Hunter absentmindedly twirled his pencil between his fingers. “What… exactly is it that we’re doing?”

Meleager grinned. He looked the oldest, and had two notches in each ear, as well as a silver-white scar going across one cheekbone. “Are you any good at hunting, Hunter?”

“’course he is,” Venari piped up with a chuckle. Their hair was tied back in a braid, and they had three long scars, like clawmarks, that came right down the middle of their face. “he’s one of us!”

The four grimwalkers laughed, like this was some kind of hilarious inside joke.

I suppose we did do a lot of hunting. Demons. Wild witches.

Hunter waved the notepad and pencil. “What’re these for?”

Meleager shook his head. “Didn’t you read anything about wild magic?”

“No.”

“He did,” Hamlet offered. This grimwalker had a scar going over one eye, and his nose was a different shape than Hunter’s, a little closer to Uncle Belos’ shape. “A little too much. Belos squashed him for it. Literally, he got stuck between two metal plates, and Belos added weight until—”

Meleager elbowed him. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, we all know his weird obsession with horrific human realm punishments, we don’t need to hear how he tried to kill me again, ANYWAY, jock, lemme show you possibly the coolest thing on the planet—” He scrawled an odd circle on a piece of paper and tapped it. A ball of light rose up, and any lingering ‘what?!’ thoughts Hunter had from the ‘obsession with human realm punishments’ comment was immediately replaced with an even BIGGER brain blank.

“That’s magic.”

“You should have done an ice one,” Venari complained, “then it would have actually been the coolest thing on the planet.”

Hunter waved a hand at the light. “That. Is. Magic! How did you do that?!”

If I’d known about this sooner…

I don’t know, I just feel like things would have been different, somehow.

Meleager shook his head sadly. “Today’s youth just don’t read,” he sighed dramatically, “Too busy with their Penstagram scrolls, and their crystal ball dramas.”

“They’re called glyphs,” Horus filled in, “lines inside of circles, they draw on the isles to make magic. If you want a real lesson, go to Sam, if you can find him, but for now, here are the basic ones.”

Meleager scoffed offendedly while Horus doodled more, showing the page to Hunter and pointing to each in turn. “Light. Fire. Ice. Plant. You can combine them for different things, but we mostly use the plant and ice ones for hunting. Ready to go? We’ll start with just checking our traps. We try not to hunt too much because, well, we don’t want to overhunt, there would be nowhere to go afterward. But the traps catch most of what we eat.”

The four of them pulled hoods up, tossing an extra cowl to Hunter and hopping over the fence that separated the neat garden and orchard of the Wittebanes from the wild forest beyond. Hunter pulled up his own hood, jumping after them.

“Stress relief, huh?”

“It’s important to keep bigger, predatory demons away,” Hamlet explained, “The safer the area seems, the more game comes this way. Chasing a big ‘ol demon with an ice spear while yelling ferociously is incredibly therapeutic, you wouldn’t believe.”

Venari drew and activated a glyph, and an ice spear of their own appeared in their hand. “Plus…”

They bolted forward, to a trap where a ratworm writhed, hissing angrily. One clean thrust of the spear through its head almost immediately stopped the wiggling. Venari sighed.

“It’s kinda nice to picture that it’s Uncle there.”

Hunter shuddered at the thought of driving a spear through Belos’ skull. It didn’t sit right, despite everything. “I mean, I know he hurt us, I know he needs to go, but you guys think you would… actually be able to do it?”

“Without a doubt,” Meleager said immediately.

“Titan, Hamlet already tried,” Horus offered.

Hunter twisted to look back at the grimwalker. His magenta eyes almost seemed to glow as a crooked smile dragged across his face. “Yeah. I tried to poison him when I found out about what happened to our family.”

“What happened?” Hunter breathed.

“Oh, he swapped my food with his without me realizing. He knew, he always knew, he was just waiting for me to make a move. But I could have done it. I would have.”

Venari held their arm up. Their coven seal had scars going through it, like someone had attacked it with a knife. “I tried to get mine off. He chained me to a rock and tossed me in a lake. If it weren’t for Dad, I… yeah, anyway, if I ever saw our uncle again, I wouldn’t hesitate.”

Horus chuckled. “As if any of us would actually be a match for him.”

“Did you try to kill him?” Hunter asked quietly.

Horus shrugged. “I tried to defend myself. Caught mixing magics, you know how it is. Fought back and got knifed for it. Just like Dad. Like to return the favor one day, but let’s be real. If Belos found us, he’d do the same thing again. And this time, there wouldn’t be a miracle to save us.”

“I’d get him,” Venari growled, summoning another spear, “I’d…” their ears twitched. “Did you hear that?”

Hunter strained his ears, and then he heard it. A small cry for help. “Do you think someone got caught in one of your traps?”

The other grimwalkers summoned ice spears of their own. “Probably setting a trap of their own,” Meleager growled, “No one comes out this far—why would they be out there? A mimic demon, maybe?”

“I’ll check it out while you guys fan out to look for traps or hidden enemies?” Hunter suggested.

They glanced at each other, then nodded. Hunter ran towards the call. As he got closer, he could hear creaking and thrashing. Something was caught in a trap, and as he came closer, he caught sight of a white cloak flipped over a head, and a grey mask lying on the ground.

“Patrol the outer forest,” the scout grumbled, firing a spell at the rope around his ankle and missing, “It’ll be easy! Nothing but a few beast type demons! But nooooo where there are demons, there are bounty hunters, and… HELLO? HELP? ANYONE?”

Hunter saw Venari creeping around with his spear, and he waved. “It’s alright,” he called to the circling grimwalkers, “Just a lost scout!”

He jogged towards the trapped scout, but the other Grimwalkers surrounded him first.

“What are you doing out here?” Meleager demanded.

“I’m just on patrol, if you could let me out—”

Horus jabbed at him with his spear, making him yelp. “Liar. No one patrols out here.”

“Hey!” Hunter protested, “They probably just started a new patrol route, let him—”

“Go?” Venari asked, “No way. He’s up to something.”

“I’m really not!”

Venari gave the scout a poke with their spear. “Shut up! Why did Belos send you out here?!”

“Bel—I mean, it’s just a new patrol route, my captain assigned it, I guess the emperor could have asked we patrol more thoroughly, but I—”

The next jab from Meleager drew blood. “Quit hiding the truth.”

Hunter knocked the spear from his hands. “That’s enough! He’s just a scout on patrol, he’s not up to anything sinister, and you don’t need to hurt him!”

Hamlet snorted in disbelief, pointing his spear at the scout. “Why not? He’s probably hurt people! He deserves it, he works for Belos!”

Hunter grabbed his spear. “That doesn’t make him evil. He’s just a scout. Let him go.”

Venari jabbed at the scout again. “They stood aside,” he snarled, “They let Belos do awful things, they HELPED him do awful things, and they never once questioned!”

“Neither did we! I said, that’s enough.” Hunter wrenched the spear away from Hamlet and used it to knock away the other spears, spinning it in his hands.

The other golden guards were fast, they’d all been trained the same way he had, but he had the benefit of having been a guard only a week or two ago, while they’d been living here for months or even years, their battle-trained muscles and instincts softening under the Wittebane’s care. He disarmed them quickly, throwing the spears to the side. They glared at him mutinously, but didn’t try to make another.

Hunter gently bopped the top of their heads. “You can’t just go around hurting anyone and everyone because you’re angry at Belos! We’re going back to the house.”

Hamlet glanced at the scout. “But what about—”

“We’re going. Back. To the house. You can pick the ratworm up on the way.”

He herded them back towards the neat fence, in through the gate this time, and into the griffin coop where the original was feeding the creatures.

“Hey, boys, have a good hunting trip?”

Hunter crossed his arms, pushing the four grimwalkers in front of him. “Tell him what you did.”

“Caught a scout,” Venari grumbled.

“Tried to get information out of him,” Hamlet continued with a sigh.

Hunter nudged Horus after a moment of silence. “Ugh, fine, we maybe poked him with our spears a bit.”

Wittebane’s mouth opened and closed, and then he heaved a sigh. “Thank you, Hunter. Can you show our resident expert witch where the scout is, please?”

Hunter nodded and left the coop, lurking outside the door. A small part of him felt guilty for turning them in—would they be punished?

“We’ve been over this, boys,” Wittebane said with a sigh, “You can’t just… hunting is supposed to be a semi-constructive outlet, but if you’re going to hurt people, it’s going to stop.”

“They’re scouts,” Meleager burst out, “They work for Belos. We can’t just let them…”

“Let them what? Were they hurting you?”

“No,” Meleager grumbled, “But if they get too close-!”

“Then your mother will wipe their memories. There is no need to attack them, and you know that. We don’t hurt people. We’re not like that, okay?”

“They work for Belos,” Venari reiterated, “They’re—they’re—”

“They’re not Belos,” Wittebane said gently, “Hurting them doesn’t hurt him. You know that he doesn’t care about the lives of the scouts.”

“We were just trying to protect the house!” Hamlet responded defensively, “Even if the scout WASN’T up to something, what if he saw us and brought Belos back?”

“Would you even protect us?” Horus asked, “Would you hurt Belos if he showed up to kill us again? Would you kill him to protect us?”

Hunter winced. Ouch.

There was a heavy pause. “If my brother showed up, my first priority would be to protect all of you,” Wittebane said in a grief-stricken voice, “I would make sure all of you got to safety first.”

“But if it were just you, and Belos, in a room, and all of us were safe?” Horus pressed, “If it were just the two of you, and you had the chance to make sure he couldn’t hurt any of us ever again, would you do it? Or would you let him live?”

The last words were loaded with so much venom Hunter was surprised that the original didn’t collapse on the spot. He slipped off to find Mrs. Wittebane without waiting for the answer. Jason and Mole were with her in the garden picking vegetables and putting them in a floating basket. The two of them waved, turning her attention to him.

“Hello, Hunter. How’re you feeling?”

“There’s a scout in the woods that got stuck in a trap,” he explained.

The basket dropped. “Show me.”

She kept up with him well—he hadn’t expected her to be able to and had started at a slow pace, but now he sped up, and she followed suit, vaulting over tree logs and ducking under branches with ease. She looked like she belonged here in the forest, her hair whipping out behind her.

Maybe that’s why they’re called wild witches.

He skidded to a halt. The scout had managed to get down by himself, but his ankle was rubbed raw, and he was leaning glumly against a tree. He started to scramble away when he saw them.

“Stay back!”

“Sleep,” Mrs. Wittebane commanded, drawing a spell circle. The scout collapsed, and she took out a pair of tweezers, pulling out a photograph memory of the grimwalkers surrounding him and burning it. She held glowing hands over him, and his wounds started to heal over.

“Man, this is NOTHING compared to what she had to deal with for us,” Jason’s voice said at Hunter’s elbow. He jumped.

“Don’t startle me like that!”

“Sorry.”

Mole scrambled up the tree to dismantle the rest of the trap, cutting it down with a pocketknife. Jason shook his head.

“Man, they did it again, huh?”

“Again?!”

Jason shifted. “Some of us have… trouble adjusting. All of us went through an angry phase, I think, when we had time to process what had happened to us. Scouts are pretty easy targets. Dad can usually talk us down. But some of us stayed angry. I guess I get it.” He shrugged. “Maybe more of us should have stayed angry. But it’s kinda nice to let that go, you know? It’s not like we have to see him again. We’re safe here. Mom and Dad will protect us.” His nose wrinkled. “Not that any of us are exactly helpless. I think I’d be able to fight off anything that came our way.” He bumped Hunter with his shoulder. “You know. In case you were scared of him coming to get us.”

Hunter bumped him back, lost in thought.

Would you hurt Belos if he showed up to kill them again?

Mole hopped down from the tree, the trap dismantled in his hands. Mrs. Wittebane ruffled his hair, and shepherded the three of them back towards the house. Mrs. Wittebane broke off to go into the griffin coop, where Hunter caught a glimpse of the original sitting alone with his head in his hands.

I think I could do it.

If I had to.

“I’d protect you from him,” he said out loud to Jason, “If he ever found us. You too, Mole.”

Jason jumped. “Oh! Aw, thanks. That’s nice of you.”

Hunter’s hand drifted to the scar on his face, the one he hadn’t seen yet, but he could feel stretching across his skin.

I wouldn’t let him hurt any of them again.

#toh #the owl house #toh fanfiction #the golden guard #my writing #wittebro #gilded family au

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